Wordley

15 May Organization|a terrorist organization formed in 1979 by a faction of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine but disbanded in the 1980s when key members left to join a faction of al-Fatah
18-karat gold|an alloy that contains 75 per cent gold
1900s|the decade from 1900 to 1909
22-karat gold|an alloy that contains 87 per cent gold
24/7|uptime is 24 hours a day 7 days a week
24-karat gold|100 per cent gold
401-k plan|a retirement savings plan that is funded by employee contributions and (often) matching contributions from the employer;contributions are made from your salary before taxes and the funds grow tax-free until they are withdrawn, at which point they can be converted into an IRA;funds can be transferred if you change employers and you can (to some extent) manage the investments yourself
9/11|the day in 2001 when Arab suicide bombers hijacked United States airliners and used them as bombs
A|the 1st letter of the Roman alphabet;the blood group whose red cells carry the A antigen
A battery|the battery used to heat the filaments of a vacuum tube
a cappella singing|singing without instrumental accompaniment
a Kempis|German ecclesiastic (1380-1471)
a la carte|a menu having individual dishes listed with separate prices
A level|the advanced level of a subject taken in school (usually two years after O level)
aa|a dry form of lava resembling clinkers
Aachen|a city in western Germany near the Dutch and Belgian borders;formerly it was Charlemagne's northern capital
Aalborg|a city and port in northern Jutland
aalii|a small Hawaiian tree with hard dark wood
Aalst|a town in central Belgium
Aalto|Finnish architect and designer of furniture (1898-1976)
aardvark|nocturnal burrowing mammal of the grasslands of Africa that feeds on termites;sole extant representative of the order Tubulidentata
aardwolf|striped hyena of southeast Africa that feeds chiefly on insects
Aare|a river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine
Aaron|(Old Testament) elder brother of Moses and first high priest of the Israelites;created the golden calf;United States professional baseball player who hit more home runs than Babe Ruth (born in 1934)
AB|the blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens;the eleventh month of the civil year;the fifth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in July and August)
aba|a fabric woven from goat hair and camel hair;a loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth;worn by Arabs
abaca|Philippine banana tree having leafstalks that yield Manila hemp used for rope and paper etc
abacus|a calculator that performs arithmetic functions by manually sliding counters on rods or in grooves;a tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave
Abadan|a port city in southwestern Iran
abalone|any of various large edible marine gastropods of the genus Haliotis having an ear-shaped shell with pearly interior
abampere|a unit of current equal to 10 amperes
abandon|the trait of lacking restraint or control;reckless freedom from inhibition or worry - "she danced with abandon"
abandoned person|someone for whom hope has been abandoned
abandoned ship|a ship abandoned on the high seas
abandonment|the act of giving something up;the voluntary surrender of property (or a right to property) without attempting to reclaim it or give it away
abarticulation|dislocation of a joint
abasement|a low or downcast state - "each confession brought her into an attitude of abasement"- H.L.Menchken
abashment|feeling embarrassed due to modesty
abasia|inability to walk
abasia trepidans|abasia due to trembling of the legs
abatable nuisance|a nuisance that can remedied (suppressed or extinguished or rendered harmless) - "the continued existence of an abatable nuisance is not authorized under the law"
abatement|the act of abating - "laws enforcing noise abatement"
abatement of a nuisance|(law) the removal or termination or destruction of something that has been found to be a nuisance
abator|a person who abates a nuisance
abattis|a line of defense consisting of a barrier of felled or live trees with branches (sharpened or with barbed wire entwined) pointed toward the enemy
abattoir|a building where animals are butchered
abaya|(Arabic) a loose black robe from head to toe;traditionally worn by Muslim women
abbacy|the jurisdiction or office of an abbot
abbe|a French abbot
Abbe condenser|a condenser having 2 or 3 lenses with wide aperture for use in microscopes
abbess|the superior of a group of nuns
abbey|a church associated with a monastery or convent;a convent ruled by an abbess;a monastery ruled by an abbot
abbot|the superior of an abbey of monks
abbreviation|a shortened form of a word or phrase;shortening something by omitting parts of it
abcoulomb|a unit of electrical charge equal to 10 coulombs
abdication|a formal resignation and renunciation of powers;the act of abdicating
abdicator|one who formally relinquishes an office or responsibility
abdomen|the region of the body of a vertebrate between the thorax and the pelvis
abdominal|the muscles of the abdomen
abdominal actinomycosis|a serious form of actinomycosis that affects the abdomen
abdominal aorta|a branch of the descending aorta
abdominal aortic aneurysm|an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
abdominal breathing|breathing in which most of the respiratory effort is done by the abdominal muscles - "abdominal breathing is practiced by singers"
abdominal cavity|the cavity containing the major viscera;in mammals it is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm
abdominal pregnancy|ectopic pregnancy in the abdominal cavity
abdominal wall|a wall of the abdomen
abdominocentesis|centesis of the belly to remove fluid for diagnosis
abdominoplasty|cosmetic surgery of the abdomen to remove wrinkles and tighten the skin over the stomach
abdominousness|the bodily property of a protruding belly
abducens muscle|the ocular muscle whose contraction turns the eyeball outward
abducent|a small motor nerve supplying the lateral rectus muscle of the eye
abduction|(physiology) moving of a body part away from the central axis of the body;the criminal act of capturing and carrying away by force a family member;if a man's wife is abducted it is a crime against the family relationship and against the wife
abductor|a muscle that draws a body part away from the median line
Abecedarian|a 16th century sect of Anabaptists centered in Germany who had an absolute disdain for human knowledge;a novice learning the rudiments of some subject
abecedarius|a poem having lines beginning with letters of the alphabet in regular order
Abel|(Old Testament) Cain and Abel were the first children of Adam and Eve born after the Fall of Man;Abel was killed by Cain;Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829)
Abelard|French philosopher and theologian;lover of Heloise (1079-1142)
abelia|any of various deciduous or evergreen ornamental shrubs of the genus Abelia having opposite simple leaves and cymes of small white or pink or purplish flowers;Asia and Mexico
Abelian group|a group that satisfies the commutative law
Abelmoschus|genus of tropical coarse herbs having large lobed leaves and often yellow flowers
abelmosk|bushy herb of tropical Asia grown for its yellow or pink to scarlet blooms that resemble the hibiscus
Aberdare|a mining town in southern Wales
Aberdeen|a city in northeastern Scotland on the North Sea;a town in northeastern Maryland;a town in northeastern South Dakota;a town in western Washington
Aberdeen Angus|black hornless breed from Scotland
aberrance|a state or condition markedly different from the norm
aberrant|one whose behavior departs substantially from the norm of a group
aberration|a disorder in one's mental state;an optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image
abetalipoproteinemia|a rare inherited disorder of fat metabolism;characterized by severe deficiency of beta-lipoproteins and abnormal red blood cells (acanthocytes) and abnormally low cholesterol levels
abetment|the verbal act of urging on
abettor|one who helps or encourages or incites another
abeyance|temporary cessation or suspension
abfarad|a capacitance unit equal to one billion farads
abhenry|a unit of inductance equal to one billionth of a henry
abhorrence|hate coupled with disgust
abhorrer|a signer of a 1679 address to Charles II in which those who petitioned for the reconvening of parliament were condemned and abhorred
abidance|the act of abiding (enduring without yielding)
Abidjan|city recognized by the United States as the capital of the Ivory Coast;largest city of the Ivory Coast
abience|(psychology) an urge to withdraw or avoid a situation or an object
Abies|true firs
Abilene|a city in central Texas;a town in central Kansas to the west of Topeka;home of Dwight D. Eisenhower
ability|possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done;the quality of being able to perform;a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
abiogenesis|a hypothetical organic phenomenon by which living organisms are created from nonliving matter
abiogenist|a believer in abiogenesis
abiotrophy|a loss of vitality and a degeneration of cells and tissues not due to any apparent injury
abjurer|a person who abjures
Abkhaz|a member of the Circassian people who live to the east of the Black Sea;an autonomous province of Georgia on the Black Sea;a strong independence movement has resulted in much instability;Circassian people living east of the Black Sea
Abkhazian|a Circassian language spoken by the Abkhaz
ablactation|the cessation of lactation
ablation|surgical removal of a body part or tissue;the erosive process that reduces the size of glaciers
ablative|the case indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument or manner or place of the action described by the verb
ablative absolute|a constituent in Latin grammar;a noun and its modifier can function as a sentence modifier
ablaut|a vowel whose quality or length is changed to indicate linguistic distinctions (such as sing sang sung song)
able seaman|a seaman in the merchant marine;trained in special skills
ableism|discrimination in favor of the able-bodied
ablepharia|a congenital absence of eyelids (partial or complete)
ablution|the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels
Abnaki|a member of the Algonquian people of Maine and southern Quebec;the Algonquian language spoken by the Abnaki and Penobscot
abnegation|renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others;the denial and rejection of a doctrine or belief - "abnegation of the Holy Trinity"
abnegator|one who gives up or relinquishes or renounces something
Abney level|a surveying instrument consisting of a spirit level and a sighting tube;used to measure the angle of inclination of a line from the observer to the target
abnormal psychology|the branch of psychology concerned with abnormal behavior
abnormality|an abnormal physical condition resulting from defective genes or developmental deficiencies;behavior that breaches the rule or etiquette or custom or morality;marked strangeness as a consequence of being abnormal;retardation sufficient to fall outside the normal range of intelligence
ABO antibodies|blood type antibodies
ABO blood group system|a classification system for the antigens of human blood;used in blood transfusion therapy;four groups are A and B and AB and O
abocclusion|the condition in which the upper teeth do not touch the lower teeth when biting
abohm|a unit of resistance equal to a billionth of an ohm
abolition|the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery) - "the abolition of capital punishment"
abolitionism|the doctrine that calls for the abolition of slavery
abolitionist|a reformer who favors abolishing slavery
abomasum|the fourth compartment of the stomach of a ruminant;the one where digestion takes place
abominable snowman|a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the Himalayas
abomination|a person who is loathsome or disgusting;an action that is vicious or vile;an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence - "his treatment of the children is an abomination"
abominator|one who hates or loathes
Aborigine|a dark-skinned member of a race of people living in Australia when Europeans arrived
abort|the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed - "I wasted a year of my life working on an abort" - "he sent a short message requesting an abort due to extreme winds in the area"
aborticide|the act of destroying a fetus
abortifacient|a drug (or other chemical agent) that causes abortion
abortion|termination of pregnancy
abortion pill|an abortion-inducing drug (trade name RU 486) developed in France;when taken during the first five weeks of pregnancy it blocks the action of progesterone so that the uterus sloughs off the embryo
abortionist|a person (who should be a doctor) who terminates pregnancies
abortus|a human fetus whose weight is less than 0.5 kilogram when removed or expelled from the mother's body
about-face|a major change in attitude or principle or point of view - "an about-face on foreign policy";act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation
above|an earlier section of a written text - "for instructions refer to the above"
abracadabra|gibberish and nonsense
abrachia|the condition of having no arms
abrader|a tool or machine used for wearing down or smoothing or polishing
abrading stone|a primitive stone artifact (usually made of sandstone) used as an abrader
Abraham|the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and the father of Isaac;according to Genesis, God promised to give Abraham's family (the Hebrews) the land of Canaan (the Promised Land);God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son - "Judaism, Christianity, and Islam each has a special claim on Abraham"
Abraham's bosom|the place where the just enjoy the peace of heaven after death
Abramis|European fishes
abrasion|an abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off;erosion by friction
abrasive|a substance that abrades or wears down
abrasiveness|the quality of being sharply disagreeable
abridger|one who shortens or abridges or condenses a written work
Abrocoma|abrocomes
abrocome|ratlike rodent with soft fur and large ears of the Andes
abrogation|the act of abrogating;an official or legal cancellation
abrogator|an authority or official empowered to abolish or annul or repeal
Abronia|genus of western North American herbs having showy flowers
abruptio placentae|a disorder of pregnancy in which the placenta prematurely separates from the wall of the uterus
abruptness|an abrupt discourteous manner;the property possessed by a slope that is very steep;the quality of happening with headlong haste or without warning
Abruzzi|a mountainous region of central Italy on the Adriatic
abscess|symptom consisting of a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue
abscessed tooth|an abscess of a common kind in the tissue around a tooth
abscissa|the value of a coordinate on the horizontal axis
abscission|shedding of flowers and leaves and fruit following formation of scar tissue in a plant;the act of cutting something off
absconder|a fugitive who runs away and hides to avoid arrest or prosecution
abscondment|the act of running away secretly (as to avoid arrest)
abseiler|a person who descends down a nearly vertical face by using a doubled rope that is wrapped around the body and attached to some high point
absence|failure to be present;the occurrence of an abrupt, transient loss or impairment of consciousness (which is not subsequently remembered), sometimes with light twitching, fluttering eyelids, etc.;common in petit mal epilepsy;the state of being absent - "he was surprised by the absence of any explanation";the time interval during which something or somebody is away - "he visited during my absence"
absence without leave|unauthorized military absence
absentee|one that is absent or not in residence
absentee ballot|(election) a ballot that is cast while absent (usually mailed in prior to election day)
absentee rate|the percentage of workers who do not report to work
absenteeism|habitual absence from work
absentmindedness|preoccupation so great that the ordinary demands on attention are ignored
absinth|strong green liqueur flavored with wormwood and anise
absolute|something that is conceived or that exists independently and not in relation to other things;something that does not depend on anything else and is beyond human control;something that is not relative - "no mortal being can influence the absolute"
absolute alcohol|pure ethyl alcohol (containing no more than 1% water)
absolute ceiling|the maximum altitude at which an airplane can maintain horizontal flight
absolute magnitude|(astronomy) the magnitude that a star would have if it were viewed from a distance of 10 parsecs (32.62 light years) from the earth
absolute pitch|the ability to identify the pitch of a tone
absolute space|physical space independent of what occupies it
absolute temperature|temperature measured on the absolute scale
absolute threshold|the lowest level of stimulation that a person can detect
absolute value|a real number regardless of its sign
absolute zero|(cryogenics) the lowest temperature theoretically attainable (at which the kinetic energy of atoms and molecules is minimal);0 Kelvin or -273.15 centigrade or -459.67 Fahrenheit
absoluteness|the quality of being absolute - "the absoluteness of the pope's decree could not be challenged"
absolution|the act of absolving or remitting;formal redemption as pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance;the condition of being formally forgiven by a priest in the sacrament of penance
absolutism|dominance through threat of punishment and violence;the doctrine of an absolute being;the principle of complete and unrestricted power in government
absolutist|one who advocates absolutism
absolver|someone who grants absolution
absorbate|a material that has been or is capable of being absorbed
absorbency|the property of being absorbent
absorbent cotton|cotton made absorbent by removal of the natural wax
absorbent material|a material having capacity or tendency to absorb another substance
absorber|(physics) material in a nuclear reactor that absorbs radiation
absorption|(chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another;a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid;(physics) the process in which incident radiated energy is retained without reflection or transmission on passing through a medium - "the absorption of photons by atoms or molecules"
absorption band|a dark band in the spectrum of white light that has been transmitted through a substance that exhibits absorption at selective wavelengths
absorption coefficient|a measure of the rate of decrease in the intensity of electromagnetic radiation (as light) as it passes through a given substance;the fraction of incident radiant energy absorbed per unit mass or thickness of an absorber
absorption indicator|an indicator used in reactions that involve precipitation
absorption spectrum|the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation that has passed through a medium that absorbed radiation of certain wavelengths
absorption unit|a unit for measuring absorption
absorptivity|(physics) the property of a body that determines the fraction of the incident radiation or sound flux absorbed or absorbable by the body
abstainer|a person who refrains from drinking intoxicating beverages;someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
abstemiousness|moderation in eating and drinking;restricted to bare necessities
abstinence|act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite;the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)
Abstract Expressionism|a New York school of painting characterized by freely created abstractions;the first important school of American painting to develop independently of European styles
abstractedness|preoccupation with something to the exclusion of all else
abstraction|a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance;a general concept formed by extracting common features from specific examples;an abstract painting;the act of withdrawing or removing something;the process of formulating general concepts by abstracting common properties of instances
abstractionism|a representation having no reference to concrete objects or specific examples;an abstract genre of art;artistic content depends on internal form rather than pictorial representation
abstractionist|a painter of abstract pictures
abstractness|the quality of being considered apart from a specific instance or object
abstractor|one who makes abstracts or summarizes information
absurd|a situation in which life seems irrational and meaningless - "The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth"--Albert Camus
absurdity|a ludicrous folly - "the crowd laughed at the absurdity of the clown's behavior";a message whose content is at variance with reason
Abu Dhabi|a sheikhdom of eastern Arabia and capital of the United Arab Emirates
Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades|a terrorist group that has worked with Al Qaeda;claimed responsibility for attacks in Iraq and Turkey
Abu Sayyaf|a small gang of terrorist thugs claiming to seek a separate Islamic state for the Muslim minority in the Philippines;uses bombing and assassination and extortion and kidnapping - "In 2001 Abu Sayyaf kidnapped twenty people and beheaded one of the American captives"
Abudefduf|damsel fishes
Abuja|capital of Nigeria in the center of the country
Abukir|a bay on the Mediterranean Sea in northern Egypt
abulia|a loss of will power
abundance|(chemistry) the ratio of the total mass of an element in the earth's crust to the total mass of the earth's crust;expressed as a percentage or in parts per million;(physics) the ratio of the number of atoms of a specific isotope of an element to the total number of isotopes present;the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply - "an age of abundance"
abuse|a rude expression intended to offend or hurt - "when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse"
abuser|someone who abuses
Abutilon|herbs or shrubs or small trees;flowering maple;Indian mallow
abutment|a masonry support that touches and directly receives thrust or pressure of an arch or bridge;point of contact between two objects or parts
abutment arch|an arch supported by an abutment
abutter|the owner of contiguous property
abvolt|a unit of potential equal to one-hundred-millionth of a volt
abwatt|a power unit equal to the power dissipated when 1 abampere flows across a potential difference of 1 abvolt (one ten-thousandth of a milliwatt)
Abydos|an ancient Greek colony on the Asiatic side of the Dardanelles;scene of the legend of Hero and Leander
abyss|a bottomless gulf or pit;any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
abyssal zone|the deep sea (2000 meters or more) where there is no light
Abyssinian|a small slender short-haired breed of African origin having brownish fur with a reddish undercoat
Abyssinian banana|large evergreen arborescent herb having huge paddle-shaped leaves and bearing inedible fruit that resemble bananas but edible young flower shoots;sometimes placed in genus Musa
acacia|any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Acacia
academia|the academic world
academic administrator|an administrator in a college or university
academic costume|a costume worn on formal occasions by the faculty or students of a university or college
academic degree|an award conferred by a college or university signifying that the recipient has satisfactorily completed a course of study
academic department|a division of a school that is responsible for a given subject
academic freedom|the freedom of teachers and students to express their ideas in school without religious or political or institutional restrictions
academic gown|a gown worn by academics or judges
academic program|(education) a program of education in liberal arts and sciences (usually in preparation for higher education)
academic relation|a professional relation between instructors and those they instruct
academic requirement|a requirement for admission to or completion of an academic program
academician|a scholar who is skilled in academic disputation;an educator who works at a college or university;someone elected to honorary membership in an academy
academicianship|the position of member of an honorary academy
academy|a learned establishment for the advancement of knowledge;a school for special training;a secondary school (usually private);an institution for the advancement of art or science or literature
Academy Award|an annual award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievements in motion picture production and performance
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|an academy that gives annual awards for achievements in motion picture production and performance
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences|an academy that gives annual awards for outstanding achievements in television
Acadia|the French-speaking part of the Canadian Maritime Provinces
Acadia National Park|a national park in Maine showing marine erosion and glaciation;includes seashore and also the highest point on the Atlantic coast
Acadian|an early French settler in the Maritimes
Acalypha|a genus of herbs and shrubs belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae
Acanthaceae|widely distributed herbs and shrubs and trees;sometimes placed in the order Scrophulariales
acanthion|the craniometric point at the anterior extremity of the intermaxillary suture
Acanthisitta|a genus of Xenicidae
Acanthocephala|phylum or class of elongated wormlike parasites that live in the intestines of vertebrates;spiny-headed worms
acanthocephalan|any of various worms living parasitically in intestines of vertebrates having a retractile proboscis covered with many hooked spines
Acanthocereus|mostly trailing cacti having nocturnal white flowers;tropical America and Caribbean region
Acanthocybium|wahoos
acanthocyte|an abnormal red blood cell that has thorny projections of protoplasm
acanthocytosis|the presence of acanthocytes in the blood stream (as in abetalipoproteinemia)
acantholysis|a breakdown of a cell layer in the epidermis (as in pemphigus)
acanthoma|a neoplasm originating in the epidermis
Acanthophis|Australian elapid snakes
Acanthopterygii|teleost fishes having fins with sharp bony rays
Acanthoscelides|a genus of Bruchidae
acanthosis|an abnormal but benign thickening of the prickle-cell layer of the skin (as in psoriasis)
acanthosis nigricans|a skin disease characterized by dark wartlike patches in the body folds;can be benign or malignant
Acanthuridae|surgeonfishes
Acanthurus|type genus of the Acanthuridae;doctorfishes
acanthus|any plant of the genus Acanthus having large spiny leaves and spikes or white or purplish flowers;native to Mediterranean region but widely cultivated
Acapulco|a port and fashionable resort city on the Pacific coast of southern Mexico;known for beaches and water sports (including cliff diving)
Acapulco gold|a particularly potent variety of marijuana
acardia|congenital absence of the heart (as in the development of some monsters)
acariasis|infestation with itch mites
acaricide|a chemical agent used to kill mites
acarid|very small free-living arachnid that is parasitic on animals or plants;related to ticks
Acaridae|mites
Acarina|mites and ticks
acarine|mite or tick
acaroid resin|an alcohol-soluble resin from Australian trees;used in varnishes and in manufacturing paper
acarophobia|a morbid fear of small insects and mites and worms
acarus|any of several mites of the order Acarina
acatalectic|(prosody) a line of verse that has the full number of syllables
acataphasia|a disorder in which a lesion to the central nervous system leaves you unable to formulate a statement or to express yourself in an organized manner
acathexia|an inability to retain bodily secretions
acathexis|(psychoanalysis) a lack of cathexis;a condition in which significant objects or memories arouse no emotion in an individual
accelerando|a gradually increasing tempo of music - "my ear will not accept such violent accelerandos"
acceleration|(physics) a rate of increase of velocity;an increase in rate of change - "modern science caused an acceleration of cultural change";the act of accelerating;increasing the speed
acceleration unit|a unit for measuring acceleration
accelerator|a pedal that controls the throttle valve;a scientific instrument that increases the kinetic energy of charged particles;a valve that regulates the supply of fuel to the engine
accelerometer|an instrument for measuring the acceleration of aircraft or rockets
accent|a diacritical mark used to indicate stress or placed above a vowel to indicate a special pronunciation;distinctive manner of oral expression - "he couldn't suppress his contemptuous accent"
accentor|small sparrow-like songbird of mountainous regions of Eurasia
accentual system|the system of accentuation used in a particular language
accentuation|the use or application of an accent;the relative prominence of syllables in a phrase or utterance
acceptability|satisfactoriness by virtue of conforming to approved standards
acceptance|(contract law) words signifying consent to the terms of an offer (thereby creating a contract);banking;a time draft drawn on and accepted by a bank;the act of taking something that is offered - "her acceptance of the gift encouraged him" - "he anticipated their acceptance of his offer";the state of being acceptable and accepted - "torn jeans received no acceptance at the country club"
acceptance sampling|a statistical procedure for accepting or rejecting a batch of merchandise or documents;involves determining the maximum number of defects discovered in a sample before the entire batch is rejected
acceptation|acceptance as true or valid
acceptor|(chemistry) in the formation of a coordinate bond it is the compound to which electrons are donated;the person (or institution) who accepts a check or draft and becomes responsible for paying the party named in the draft when it matures
access|(computer science) the operation of reading or writing stored information;a code (a series of characters or digits) that must be entered in some way (typed or dialed or spoken) to get the use of something (a telephone line or a computer or a local area network etc.);a way of entering or leaving - "he took a wrong turn on the access to the bridge";the act of approaching or entering - "he gained access to the building";the right to obtain or make use of or take advantage of something (as services or membership)
access road|a short road giving access to an expressway - "in Britain they call an access road a slip road"
access time|(computer science) the interval between the time data is requested by the system and the time the data is provided by the drive - "access time is the sum of seek time and rotational latency and command processing overhead"
accession|(civil law) the right to all of that which your property produces whether by growth or improvement;a process of increasing by addition (as to a collection or group) - "the art collection grew through accession";agreeing with or consenting to (often unwillingly) - "accession to such demands would set a dangerous precedent";something added to what you already have - "the librarian shelved the new accessions";the act of attaining or gaining access to a new office or right or position (especially the throne) - "Elizabeth's accession in 1558"
accessory|a supplementary component that improves capability;clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing;someone who helps another person commit a crime
accessory after the fact|a person who gives assistance or comfort to someone known to be a felon or known to be sought in connection with the commission of a felony
accessory before the fact|a person who procures or advises or commands the commission of a felony but who is not present at its perpetration
accessory cephalic vein|a vein that passes along the radial edge of the forearm and joins the cephalic vein near the elbow
accessory during the fact|a person who witnesses a crime but does not try to prevent it
accessory fruit|fruit containing much fleshy tissue besides that of the ripened ovary;as apple or strawberry
accessory hemiazygos vein|a vein formed by the union of the 4th to 7th posterior intercostal veins;empties into the azygos vein
accessory nerve|arises from two sets of roots (cranial and spinal) that unite to form the nerve
accessory vertebral vein|a vein that accompanies the vertebral vein but passes through the foramen of the transverse process of the 7th cervical vertebra and empties into the brachiocephalic vein
accident|an unfortunate mishap;especially one causing damage or injury;anything that happens suddenly or by chance without an apparent cause - "winning the lottery was a happy accident" - "it was due to an accident or fortuity"
accidental|a musical notation that makes a note sharp or flat or natural although that is not part of the key signature
Accipiter|type genus of the family Accipitridae
Accipitridae|hawks;Old World vultures;kites;harriers;eagles
Accipitriformes|in some classifications an alternative name for the Falconiformes
acclaim|enthusiastic approval - "the book met with modest acclaim"
acclimatization|adaptation to a new climate (a new temperature or altitude or environment)
accommodating lens implant|a lens implant containing a hinge that allows for both near and far vision (thus mimicking the natural lens of a young person)
accommodation|(physiology) the automatic adjustment in focal length of the natural lens of the eye;a settlement of differences - "they reached an accommodation with Japan";in the theories of Jean Piaget;the modification of internal representations in order to accommodate a changing knowledge of reality;living quarters provided for public convenience - "overnight accommodations are available";the act of providing something (lodging or seat or food) to meet a need
accommodation endorser|a person who endorses a promissory note without compensation or benefit but simply as a favor to the borrower
accommodation ladder|(nautical) a portable ladder hung over the side of a vessel to give access to small boats alongside
accommodation reflex|reflex changes in the eyes that enable an object to be focused on the retina
accompaniment|a musical part (vocal or instrumental) that supports or provides background for other musical parts;an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another
accompanist|a person who provides musical accompaniment (usually on a piano)
accompanying vein|a vein accompanying another structure;a vein may accompany an artery in such a way that the arterial pulses aid venous return
accomplice|a person who joins with another in carrying out some plan (especially an unethical or illegal plan)
accomplishment|the action of accomplishing something
accord|concurrence of opinion - "we are in accord with your proposal";sympathetic compatibility
accord and satisfaction|the settlement of a debt by paying less than the amount demanded in exchange for extinguishing the debt
accordance|the act of granting rights - "the accordance to Canada of rights of access"
accordion|a portable box-shaped free-reed instrument;the reeds are made to vibrate by air from the bellows controlled by the player
accordionist|a musician who plays the accordion
account|a formal contractual relationship established to provide for regular banking or brokerage or business services - "he asked to see the executive who handled his account";a statement of recent transactions and the resulting balance - "they send me an accounting every month";importance or value - "a person of considerable account" - "he predicted that although it is of small account now it will rapidly increase in importance";the quality of taking advantage - "she turned her writing skills to good account"
account executive|someone in charge of a client's account for an advertising agency or brokerage or other service business
account payable|a liability account showing how much is owed for goods and services purchased on credit
accountability|responsibility to someone or for some activity
accountancy|the occupation of maintaining and auditing records and preparing financial reports for a business
accountant|someone who maintains and audits business accounts
accountantship|the position of accountant
accounting|a bookkeeper's chronological list of related debits and credits of a business;forms part of a ledger of accounts;a convincing explanation that reveals basic causes - "he was unable to give a clear accounting for his actions";a system that provides quantitative information about finances
accounting data|all the data (ledgers and journals and spreadsheets) that support a financial statement;can be hard copy or machine readable
accounting firm|a firm of accountants who provide accounting and auditing services for a fee
accounting principle|a principle that governs current accounting practice and that is used as a reference to determine the appropriate treatment of complex transactions
accounts payable|a debtor's accounts of money he owes;normally arise from the purchase of products or services
accounts receivable|a creditor's accounts of money owed to him;normally arise from the sale of products or services
Accra|the capital and largest city of Ghana with a deep-water port
accreditation|the act of granting credit or recognition (especially with respect to educational institution that maintains suitable standards) - "a commission is responsible for the accreditation of medical schools"
accretion|(astronomy) the formation of a celestial object by the effect of gravity pulling together surrounding objects and gases;(biology) growth by addition as by the adhesion of parts or particles;(geology) an increase in land resulting from alluvial deposits or waterborne sediment;(law) an increase in a beneficiary's share in an estate (as when a co-beneficiary dies or fails to meet some condition or rejects the inheritance);an increase by natural growth or addition;something contributing to growth or increase - "he scraped away the accretions of paint" - "the central city surrounded by recent accretions"
accrual basis|a method of accounting in which each item is entered as it is earned or incurred regardless of when actual payments are received or made
acculturation|all the knowledge and values shared by a society;the process of assimilating new ideas into an existing cognitive structure
accumulation|(finance) profits that are not paid out as dividends but are added to the capital base of the corporation;the act of accumulating
accumulator|(computer science) a register that has a built-in adder that adds an input number to the contents of the register
accuracy|(mathematics) the number of significant figures given in a number - "the atomic clock enabled scientists to measure time with much greater accuracy";the quality of being near to the true value - "he was beginning to doubt the accuracy of his compass"
accusation|a formal charge of wrongdoing brought against a person;the act of imputing blame or guilt;an assertion that someone is guilty of a fault or offence
accusative|the case of nouns serving as the direct object of a verb
accused|a defendant in a criminal proceeding
accuser|someone who imputes guilt or blame
ace|a serve that the receiver is unable to reach;one of four playing cards in a deck having a single pip on its face;someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
ACE inhibitor|an antihypertensive drug that blocks the formation of angiotensin II in the kidney, leading to relaxation of the arteries;promotes the excretion of salt and water by inhibiting the activity of the angiotensin converting enzyme;also used to treat congestive heart failure
ace of clubs|the ace in the club suit
ace of diamonds|the ace in the diamond suit
ace of hearts|the ace in the heart suit
ace of spades|the ace in the spade suit;sometimes taken as a portent of death
acebutolol|an oral beta blocker (trade name Sectral) used in treating hypertension
acentric chromosome|a chromosome lacking a centromere
acephalia|absence of the head (as in the development of some monsters)
Acer|type genus of the Aceraceae;trees or shrubs having winged fruit
Aceraceae|a family of trees and shrubs of order Sapindales including the maples
acerate leaf|the leaf of a conifer
acerbity|a sharp bitterness;a sharp sour taste
acerola|acid red or yellow cherry-like fruit of a tropical American shrub very rich in vitamin C
acervulus|small asexual fruiting body resembling a cushion or blister consisting of a mat of hyphae that is produced on a host by some fungi
acetabulum|the cup-shaped hollow in the hipbone into which the head of the femur fits to form a ball-and-socket joint
acetal|any organic compound formed by adding alcohol molecules to aldehyde molecules
acetaldehyde|a colorless volatile water-soluble liquid aldehyde used chiefly in the manufacture of acetic acid and perfumes and drugs
acetaldol|unsaturated aldol
acetamide|a colorless solid amide of acetic acid used as a solvent and in the synthesis of organic compounds
acetaminophen|an analgesic for mild pain but not for inflammation;also used as an antipyretic;(Datril, Tylenol, Panadol, Phenaphen, Tempra, and Anacin III are trademarks of brands of acetaminophen tablets)
acetanilide|a white crystalline compound used as an analgesic and also as an antipyretic
acetate|a salt or ester of acetic acid
acetate disk|a disk coated with cellulose acetate
acetate rayon|a fabric made from fibers of cellulose acetate
acetic acid|a colorless pungent liquid widely used in manufacturing plastics and pharmaceuticals
acetic anhydride|a compound that is needed in order to refine opium into heroin
acetin|any of three liquid acetates that are formed when acetic acid and glycerin are heated together
acetoacetic acid|unstable acid found in abnormal amounts in the blood and urine in some cases of impaired metabolism (as diabetes mellitus or starvation)
acetone|the simplest ketone;a highly inflammable liquid widely used as an organic solvent and as material for making plastics
acetophenetidin|a white crystalline compound used as an analgesic and also as an antipyretic
acetum|a dilute solution of acetic acid that is used as a solvent (e.g. for a drug)
acetyl|the organic group of acetic acid (CH3CO-)
acetyl chloride|colorless liquid acyl chloride (CH3COCl) that has a pungent odor
acetylation|the process of introducing an acetyl group into a compound - "the acetylation of cyclooxygenase-2 by aspirin"
acetylcholine|a neurotransmitter that is a derivative of choline;released at the ends of nerve fibers in the somatic and parasympathetic nervous systems
acetylene|a colorless flammable gas used chiefly in welding and in organic synthesis
Achaea|a region of ancient Greece on the north coast of the Peloponnese
Achaean|a member of one of four linguistic divisions of the prehistoric Greeks;the ancient Greek inhabitants of Achaea
ache|a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
achene|small dry indehiscent fruit with the seed distinct from the fruit wall
Acheron|(Greek mythology) a river in Hades across which the souls of the dead were carried by Charon
Acherontia|death's-head moth
Acheson|United States statesman who promoted the Marshall Plan and helped establish NATO (1893-1971)
Acheson process|an industrial process for making graphite by heating a mixture of coke and clay
Acheta|common house and field crickets
achievability|the state of being achievable
achiever|a person with a record of successes - "his son would never be the achiever that his father was"
achillea|any of several plants of the genus Achillea native to Europe and having small white flowers in flat-topped flower heads
Achilles|a mythical Greek hero of the Iliad;a foremost Greek warrior at the siege of Troy;when he was a baby his mother tried to make him immortal by bathing him in a magical river but the heel by which she held him remained vulnerable--his 'Achilles' heel'
Achilles' heel|a seemingly small but actual mortal weakness
Achilles tendon|a large tendon that runs from the heel to the calf
achimenes|any plant of the genus Achimenes having showy bell-shaped flowers that resemble gloxinias
achira|canna grown especially for its edible rootstock from which arrowroot starch is obtained
achlorhydria|an abnormal deficiency or absence of free hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice;often associated with severe anemias and cancer of the stomach
Achoerodus|a genus of Labridae
acholia|a condition in which little or no bile is secreted or the flow of bile into the digestive tract is obstructed
Achomawi|a community of Native Americans who speak a Hokan language and live in northeastern California;a member of the Achomawi community of northeastern California;the Shastan language spoken by the Achomawi
achondrite|a stony meteor lacking chondrules
achondroplasia|an inherited skeletal disorder beginning before birth;cartilage is converted to bone resulting in dwarfism
Achras|tropical trees having papery leaves and large fruit
achromatic color|a color lacking hue;white or grey or black
achromatic lens|a compound lens system that forms an image free from chromatic aberration
achromatic vision|vision using the rods
achromatin|the part of a cell nucleus that is relatively uncolored by stains or dyes
achromia|an absence of normal pigmentation especially in the skin (as in albinism) or in red blood cells
achylia|absence of gastric juices (partial or complete)
acicula|a needlelike part or structure of a plant or animal or crystal;as a spine or bristle or crystal
acid|any of various water-soluble compounds having a sour taste and capable of turning litmus red and reacting with a base to form a salt;street name for lysergic acid diethylamide
acid dye|dye in which the chromophore is part of a negative ion
acid head|someone who takes LSD
acid rain|rain containing acids that form in the atmosphere when industrial gas emissions (especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) combine with water
acid test|a rigorous or crucial appraisal
acid value|(chemistry) the amount of free acid present in fat as measured by the milligrams of potassium hydroxide needed to neutralize it - "as the glycerides in fat slowly decompose the acid value increases"
acid-base equilibrium|(physiology) the normal equilibrium between acids and alkalis in the body
acid-base indicator|an indicator that changes color on going from acidic to basic solutions
acidemia|a blood disorder characterized by an increased concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood (which falls below 7 on the pH scale)
acidic hydrogen|a hydrogen atom in an acid that forms a positive ion when the acid dissociates
acidification|the process of becoming acid or being converted into an acid
acidimetry|volumetric analysis using standard solutions of acids to measure the amount of a base present
acidity|pH values below 7;the taste experience when something acidic is taken into the mouth
acidophil|an organism that thrives in a relatively acid environment
acidophilus|a bacterium that is used to make yogurt and to supplement probiotics
acidophilus milk|milk fermented by bacteria;used to treat gastrointestinal disorders
acidosis|abnormally high acidity (excess hydrogen-ion concentration) of the blood and other body tissues
Acinonyx|cheetahs
Acinos|plants closely allied to the genera Satureja and Calamintha
acinus|one of the small drupes making up an aggregate or multiple fruit like a blackberry;one of the small sacs or saclike dilations in a compound gland
Acipenser|type genus of the Acipenseridae;sturgeons
Acipenseridae|sturgeons
ackee|red pear-shaped tropical fruit with poisonous seeds;flesh is poisonous when unripe or overripe
acknowledgment|a statement acknowledging something or someone - "she must have seen him but she gave no sign of acknowledgment" - "the preface contained an acknowledgment of those who had helped her"
aclinic line|an imaginary line paralleling the equator where a magnetic needle has no dip
acme|the highest level or degree attainable;the highest stage of development - "his landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty" - "the artist's gifts are at their acme"
acne|an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin;characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
acne rosacea|a skin disease of adults (more often women) in which blood vessels of the face enlarge resulting in a flushed appearance
acne vulgaris|the most common form of acne;usually affects people from puberty to young adulthood
Acnidosporidia|a subclass of Sporozoa
Acocanthera|small genus of trees and shrubs containing strongly toxic cardiac glycosides;Arabia to Africa
acolyte|someone who assists a priest or minister in a liturgical service;a cleric ordained in the highest of the minor orders in the Roman Catholic Church but not in the Anglican Church or the Eastern Orthodox Churches
Aconcagua|the highest mountain in the western hemisphere;located in the Andes in western Argentina (22,834 feet high)
aconite|any of various usually poisonous plants of the genus Aconitum having tuberous roots and palmately lobed leaves and blue or white flowers
Aconitum|genus of poisonous plants of temperate regions of northern hemisphere with a vaulted and enlarged petal
Acoraceae|used in some classifications for the genus Acorus which is usually assigned to Araceae
acorea|absence of the pupil in an eye
acorn|fruit of the oak tree;a smooth thin-walled nut in a woody cup-shaped base
acorn barnacle|barnacle that attaches to rocks especially in intertidal zones
acorn squash|small dark green or yellow ribbed squash with yellow to orange flesh;squash plant bearing small acorn-shaped fruits having yellow flesh and dark green or yellow rind with longitudinal ridges
acorn tube|a small vacuum tube;used at high frequencies
Acorus|sweet flags;sometimes placed in subfamily Acoraceae
acoustic|a remedy for hearing loss or deafness
acoustic buoy|a buoy that can be heard (at night)
acoustic delay line|a delay line based on the time of propagation of sound waves
acoustic device|a device for amplifying or transmitting sound
acoustic guitar|sound is not amplified by electrical means
acoustic modem|a modem that converts electrical signals to telephone tones and back again
acoustic nerve|a composite sensory nerve supplying the hair cells of the vestibular organ and the hair cells of the cochlea
acoustic phenomenon|a physical phenomenon associated with the production or transmission of sound
acoustic power|the physical intensity of sound
acoustic radiation pressure|(acoustics) the pressure exerted on a surface normal to the direction of propagation of a sound wave
acoustic resistance|opposition to the flow of sound through a surface;acoustic resistance is the real component of acoustic impedance and acoustic reactance is the imaginary component
acoustic storage|a storage device consisting of acoustic delay lines
acoustician|a physicist who specializes in acoustics
acoustics|the study of the physical properties of sound
acquaintance|a person with whom you are acquainted - "I have trouble remembering the names of all my acquaintances";a relationship less intimate than friendship;personal knowledge or information about someone or something
acquiescence|acceptance without protest
acquired hemochromatosis|hemochromatosis resulting from repeated transfusions or from excessive intake of foods containing iron
acquired immunity|immunity to a particular disease that is not innate but has been acquired during life;immunity can be acquired by the development of antibodies after an attack of an infectious disease or by a pregnant mother passing antibodies through the placenta to a fetus or by vaccination
acquired taste|a preference that is only acquired after considerable experience - "martinis are an acquired taste"
acquirer|a corporation gaining financial control over another corporation or financial institution through a payment in cash or an exchange of stock;a person who acquires something (usually permanently);the financial institution that dispenses cash in automated teller machines and collects a fee from the bank that issued the credit card
acquiring|the act of acquiring something - "I envied his talent for acquiring"
acquisition|something acquired - "a recent acquisition by the museum";the act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something - "the acquisition of wealth" - "the acquisition of one company by another"
acquisitiveness|strong desire to acquire and possess
acquittal|a judgment of not guilty
acquittance|a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation
Acrasiomycetes|cellular slime molds;in some classifications placed in kingdom Protoctista
Acre|a territory of western Brazil bordering on Bolivia and Peru;a town and port in northwestern Israel in the eastern Mediterranean;a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in English-speaking countries
acre inch|one twelfth of an acre-foot
acreage|an area of ground used for some particular purpose (such as building or farming) - "he wanted some acreage to build on"
acre-foot|the volume of water that would cover 1 acre to a depth of 1 foot;43,560 cubic feet or 1233.5 cubic meters
Acrididae|short-horned grasshoppers;true locusts
acridity|extreme bitterness - "the acridity of alkali";having an acrid smell;the quality of being sharply disagreeable in language or tone
Acridotheres|mynas
Acris|cricket frogs
acroanesthesia|loss of sensation in the extremities
acrobat|an athlete who performs acts requiring skill and agility and coordination
Acrobates|a genus of Phalangeridae
acrobatic stunt|a stunt performed by an acrobat
acrobatics|the gymnastic moves of an acrobat;the performance of stunts while in flight in an aircraft
acrocarp|a moss in which the main axis is terminated by the archegonium (and hence the capsule)
Acrocarpus|small genus of trees of Indonesia and Malaysia
acrocentric chromosome|a chromosome with the centromere near one end so that one chromosomal arm is short and one is long
Acrocephalus|a genus of Sylviidae
Acroclinium|genus of herbs and shrubs of Australia and South Africa;everlasting flower;most species usually placed in genus Helipterum
Acrocomia|Central and South American feather palms
acrocyanosis|cyanosis of the extremities;can occur when a spasm of the blood vessels is caused by exposure to cold or by strong emotion
acrodont|an animal having teeth consolidated with the summit of the alveolar ridge without sockets
acrogen|any flowerless plant such as a fern (pteridophyte) or moss (bryophyte) in which growth occurs only at the tip of the main stem
acromegaly|enlargement of bones of hands and feet and face;often accompanied by headache and muscle pain and emotional disturbances;caused by overproduction of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland (due to a tumor)
acromicria|abnormally small extremities (underdeveloped fingers and toes)
acromion|the outermost point of the spine of the shoulder blade
acromphalus|abnormal protrusion of the navel;sometimes the start of umbilical hernia
acromyotonia|myotonia of the extremities only;causes spastic deformity of the hand or foot
acronym|a word formed from the initial letters of the several words in the name
acrophobia|a morbid fear of great heights
acrophony|naming a letter of the alphabet by using a word whose initial sound is the sound represented by that letter
acropolis|the citadel in ancient Greek towns
Acropora|coelenterate genus of order Madreporaria, including staghorn corals
acrosome|a process at the anterior end of a sperm cell that produces enzymes to facilitate penetration of the egg
acrostic|verse in which certain letters such as the first in each line form a word or message
Acrostichum|in some classification systems placed in family Polypodiaceae
acrylamide|a white crystalline amide of propenoic acid can damage the nervous system and is carcinogenic in laboratory animals - "they claimed that acrylamide is produced when certain carbohydrates are baked or fried at high temperatures"
acrylic|a glassy thermoplastic;can be cast and molded or used in coatings and adhesives;a synthetic fabric;used especially by artists
acrylic fiber|polymerized from acrylonitrile
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene|any of a class of composite plastics used to make car bodies and cases for computers and other appliances
act|a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body;a manifestation of insincerity - "he put on quite an act for her benefit";a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program - "he did his act three times every evening";a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet;something that people do or cause to happen
act of God|a natural and unavoidable catastrophe that interrupts the expected course of events
Actaea|baneberry
Actias|luna moths
Actifed|trade name for a drug containing an antihistamine and a decongestant;used to treat upper respiratory conditions and minor allergies
actin|one of the proteins into which actomyosin can be split;can exist in either a globular or a fibrous form
acting|the performance of a part or role in a drama
acting out|(psychiatry) the display of previously inhibited emotions (often in actions rather than words);considered to be healthy and therapeutic;a (usually irritating) impulsive and uncontrollable outburst by a problem child or a neurotic adult
Actinia|a genus of sea anemone common in rock pools;any sea anemone or related animal
Actiniaria|sea anemones
actinic dermatitis|dermatitis caused exposure to sunlight
actinic keratosis|an overgrowth of skin layers resulting from extended exposure to the sun
actinic radiation|electromagnetic radiation that can produce photochemical reactions
actinide series|(chemistry) a series of 15 radioactive elements with increasing atomic numbers from actinium to lawrencium
Actinidia|small Asiatic woody vine bearing many-seeded fruit
Actinidiaceae|tropical trees or shrubs or woody vines
Actiniopteris|terrestrial ferns of tropical Asia and Africa
actinism|the property of radiation that enables it to produce photochemical effects
actinium|a radioactive element of the actinide series;found in uranium ores
actinoid|any of a series of radioactive elements with atomic numbers 89 through 103
actinolite|a green mineral of the amphibole group;calcium magnesium iron silicate
Actinomeris|used in some classification systems for plants now included in genus Verbesina
actinometer|an instrument for measuring the intensity of electromagnetic radiation (usually by the photochemical effect)
actinometry|measuring the intensity of electromagnetic radiation (especially of the sun's rays)
actinomyces|soil-inhabiting saprophytes and disease-producing plant and animal parasites
Actinomycetaceae|filamentous anaerobic bacteria
Actinomycetales|filamentous or rod-shaped bacteria
actinomycete|any bacteria (some of which are pathogenic for humans and animals) belonging to the order Actinomycetales
actinomycin|any of various red antibiotics isolated from soil bacteria
actinomycosis|disease of cattle that can be transmitted to humans;results from infection with actinomycetes;characterized by hard swellings that exude pus through long sinuses
Actinomyxidia|parasites of worms
actinomyxidian|parasites of worms
actinopod|protozoa having stiff rodlike radiating pseudopods
Actinopoda|heliozoans;radiolarians
action|an act by a government body or supranational organization - "recent federal action undermined the segregationist position" - "the United Nations must have the power to propose and organize action without being hobbled by irrelevant issues" - "the Union action of emancipating Southern slaves";something done (usually as opposed to something said) - "there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions";the most important or interesting work or activity in a specific area or field - "the action is no longer in technology stocks but in municipal bonds" - "gawkers always try to get as close to the action as possible";the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism - "the piano had a very stiff action";the series of events that form a plot - "his novels always have a lot of action";the state of being active - "he is out of action";the trait of being active and energetic and forceful - "a man of action"
action officer|the case officer designated to perform an act during a clandestine operation (especially in a hostile area)
action potential|the local voltage change across the cell wall as a nerve impulse is transmitted
action spectrum|the efficiency with which electromagnetic radiation produces a photochemical reaction plotted as a function of the wavelength of the radiation
Actitis|a genus of Scolopacidae
Actium|an ancient town on a promontory in western Greece;the naval battle in which Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian's fleet under Agrippa in 31 BC
activated carbon|powdered or granular carbon used for purifying by adsorption;given orally (as a slurry) it is an antidote for some kinds of poisons
activating agent|(mineral extraction) a surface-active chemical used in flotation process to increase the attraction to a specific mineral
activation|making active and effective (as a bomb);stimulation of activity in an organism or chemical
activation energy|the energy that an atomic system must acquire before a process (such as an emission or reaction) can occur
activator|(biology) any agency bringing about activation;a molecule that increases the activity of an enzyme or a protein that increases the production of a gene product in DNA transcription
active|a person who is a participating member of an organization - "the club issues a list of members, both the actives and the retirees"
active agent|chemical agent capable of activity
active air defense|air defense by the use aircraft or missiles or artillery or electronic countermeasures
active application|an application that is currently running and in the foreground
active birth|childbirth during which the mother is encouraged to be an active participant
active citizen|a citizen who takes an active role in the community (as in crime prevention and neighborhood watch)
active immunity|a form of acquired immunity in which the body produces its own antibodies against disease-causing antigens
active matrix screen|a type of LCD screen used for some portable computers;there is a separate circuit for each pixel
active placebo|a placebo used in experimental tests of a drug that has noticeable side effects - "an active placebo mimics the side effects of the experimental drug"
active site|the part of an enzyme or antibody where the chemical reaction occurs
active transport|transport of a substance (as a protein or drug) across a cell membrane against the concentration gradient;requires an expenditure of energy
active trust|a trust in which the trustee must perform certain duties
active voice|the voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is performing the action or causing the happening denoted by the verb - "'The boy threw the ball' uses the active voice"
activeness|the trait of being active;moving or acting rapidly and energetically
activism|a policy of taking direct and militant action to achieve a political or social goal
activity|(chemistry) the capacity of a substance to take part in a chemical reaction - "catalytic activity";any specific behavior - "they avoided all recreational activity"
actomyosin|a protein complex in muscle fibers;composed of myosin and actin;shortens when stimulated and causes muscle contractions
actor|a person who acts and gets things done - "he's a principal actor in this affair";a theatrical performer
actor's agent|a business agent for an actor
actor's line|words making up the dialogue of a play
actress|a female actor
Acts of the Apostles|a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
actual damages|(law) compensation for losses that can readily be proven to have occurred and for which the injured party has the right to be compensated
actual eviction|the physical ouster of a tenant from the leased premises;the tenant is relieved of any further duty to pay rent
actual possession|(law) immediate and direct physical control over property
actual sin|a sin committed of your own free will (as contrasted with original sin)
actuality|the state of actually existing objectively - "a hope that progressed from possibility to actuality"
actuarial table|a table of statistical data
actuator|a mechanism that puts something into automatic action
acuity|sharpness of vision;the visual ability to resolve fine detail (usually measured by a Snellen chart)
aculea|small spiny outgrowth on the wings of certain insects
aculeus|a sharp-pointed process especially a sting of a hymenopterous insect;a stiff sharp-pointed plant process
acumen|a tapering point
acuminate leaf|a leaf narrowing to a slender point
acupressure|treatment of symptoms by applying pressure with the fingers to specific pressure points on the body
acupuncture|treatment of pain or disease by inserting the tips of needles at specific points on the skin
acute accent|a mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation
acute angle|an angle less than 90 degrees but more than 0 degrees
acute brain disorder|any disorder (as sudden confusion or disorientation) in an otherwise normal person that is due to reversible (temporary) impairment of brain tissues (as by head injuries or drugs or infection)
acute gastritis|gastritis caused by ingesting an irritant (as too much aspirin)
acute glaucoma|glaucoma in which the iris blocks the outflow of aqueous humor
acute glossitis|glossitis resulting from injury or infection and characterized by swelling and pain
acute hemorrhagic encephalitis|encephalitis that resembles apoplexy due to blood extravasation
acute leukemia|rapidly progressing leukemia
acute lymphocytic leukemia|acute leukemia characterized by proliferation of immature lymphoblast-like cells in bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and blood;most common in children
acute myelocytic leukemia|acute leukemia characterized by proliferation of granular leukocytes;most common in adolescents and young adults
acute pyelonephritis|pyelonephritis resulting from the spread of a bladder infection
acute renal failure|renal failure associated with burns or other trauma or with acute infection or obstruction of the urinary tract
acute schizophrenic episode|schizophrenia of abrupt onset and relatively short duration (a few weeks or months)
acute triangle|a triangle whose interior angles are all acute
acuteness|a quick and penetrating intelligence - "he argued with great acuteness";a sensitivity that is keen and highly developed - "dogs have a remarkable acuteness of smell";the quality of having a sharp edge or point
acyclovir|an oral antiviral drug (trade name Zovirax) used to treat genital herpes;does not cure the disease but relieves the symptoms
acyl|any group or radical of the form RCO- where R is an organic group - "an example of the acyl group is the acetyl group"
acyl anhydrides|organic compounds that react with water to form an acid
acyl halide|organic compounds containing the group -COX where X is a halogen atom
acylation|the process of introducing an acyl group into a compound
ad|a public promotion of some product or service
adactylia|congenital absence of fingers and/or toes
Adad|Babylonian god of storms and wind
adagio|(music) a composition played in adagio tempo (slowly and gracefully) - "they played the adagio too quickly";a slow section of a pas de deux requiring great skill and strength by the dancers
Adalia|genus of ladybugs
Adam|(Old Testament) in Judeo-Christian mythology;the first man and the husband of Eve and the progenitor of the human race;Scottish architect who designed many public buildings in England and Scotland (1728-1792);street names for methylenedioxymethamphetamine
adamance|resoluteness by virtue of being unyielding and inflexible
Adams|2nd President of the United States (1735-1826);6th President of the United States;son of John Adams (1767-1848);a mountain peak in southwestern Washington in the Cascade Range (12,307 feet high);American Revolutionary leader and patriot;an organizer of the Boston Tea Party and signer of the Declaration of Independence (1722-1803)
Adam's needle|yucca with long stiff leaves having filamentlike appendages
Adam's Peak|a mountain peak in south central Sri Lanka (7,360 feet high)
Adana|a city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River
Adansonia|baobab;cream-of-tartar tree
Adapa|a Babylonian demigod or first man (sometimes identified with Adam)
Adapid|extinct small mostly diurnal lower primates that fed on leaves and fruit;abundant in North America and Europe 30 to 50 million years ago;their descendents probably include the lemurs;some authorities consider them ancestral to anthropoids but others consider them only cousins
adaptability|the ability to change (or be changed) to fit changed circumstances
adaptation|(physiology) the responsive adjustment of a sense organ (as the eye) to varying conditions (as of light);a written work (as a novel) that has been recast in a new form - "the play is an adaptation of a short novel";the process of adapting to something (such as environmental conditions)
adapter|device that enables something to be used in a way different from that for which it was intended or makes different pieces of apparatus compatible
adaptive radiation|the development of many different forms from an originally homogeneous group of organisms as they fill different ecological niches
Adar|the sixth month of the civil year;the twelfth month of the ecclesiastic year in the Jewish calendar (in February and March)
ADA-SCID|SCID resulting from mutation of a gene that codes for adenosine deaminase
addax|large antelope with lightly spiraled horns of desert regions of northern Africa
addend|a number that is added to another number (the augend)
addendum|textual matter that is added onto a publication;usually at the end
adder|a machine that adds numbers;a person who adds numbers;small terrestrial viper common in northern Eurasia
adder's tongue|ferns with fertile spikes shaped like a snake's tongue
addict|someone who is physiologically dependent on a substance;abrupt deprivation of the substance produces withdrawal symptoms;someone who is so ardently devoted to something that it resembles an addiction - "a golf addict"
addiction|(Roman law) a formal award by a magistrate of a thing or person to another person (as the award of a debtor to his creditor);a surrender to a master - "under Roman law addiction was the justification for slavery";an abnormally strong craving;being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)
adding machine|a calculator that performs simple arithmetic functions
Addis Ababa|the capital of Ethiopia and the country's largest city;located in central Ethiopia
Addison's disease|a glandular disorder caused by failure of function of the cortex of the adrenal gland and marked by anemia and prostration with brownish skin
addition|a component that is added to something to improve it - "the addition of a bathroom was a major improvement" - "the addition of cinnamon improved the flavor";a quantity that is added - "there was an addition to property taxes this year";a suburban area laid out in streets and lots for a future residential area;the act of adding one thing to another - "the addition of flowers created a pleasing effect" - "the addition of a leap day every four years"
addition reaction|a chemical reaction in which one molecule is added to another
Additions to Esther|an Apocryphal book consisting of text added to the Book of Esther
additive|something added to enhance food or gasoline or paint or medicine
additive inverse|(mathematics) one of a pair of numbers whose sum is zero;the additive inverse of -5 is +5
addle-head|a person with confused ideas;incapable of serious thought
address|(computer science) the code that identifies where a piece of information is stored;a sign in front of a house or business carrying the conventional form by which its location is described;the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience - "he listened to an address on minor Roman poets";the manner of speaking to another individual - "he failed in his manner of address to the captain";the place where a person or organization can be found or communicated with;the stance assumed by a golfer in preparation for hitting a golf ball;written directions for finding some location;written on letters or packages that are to be delivered to that location
addressee|one to whom something is addressed
addressing machine|a printer that automatically prints addresses on letters for mailing
adducer|a discussant who offers an example or a reason or a proof
adducing|citing as evidence or proof
adduct|a compound formed by an addition reaction
adduction|(physiology) moving of a body part toward the central axis of the body
adductor|a muscle that draws a body part toward the median line
Adelaide|the state capital of South Australia
Adelges|type genus of the Adelgidae;plant lice
adelgid|any of various insects that feed and form galls on conifers
Adelgidae|plant lice
Adelie|medium-sized penguins occurring in large colonies on the Adelie Coast of Antarctica
Adelie Land|a costal region of Antarctica to the south of Australia;noted for its large colonies of penguins
Aden|an important port of Yemen;located on the Gulf of Aden;its strategic location has made it a major trading center of southern Arabia since ancient times
Adenanthera|small genus of trees of tropical Asia and Pacific areas
Adenauer|German statesman;chancellor of West Germany (1876-1967)
adenine|(biochemistry) purine base found in DNA and RNA;pairs with thymine in DNA and with uracil in RNA
adenitis|inflammation of a gland or lymph node
Adenium|one species;succulent shrub or tree of tropical Africa and Arabia
adenocarcinoma|malignant tumor originating in glandular epithelium
adenoidectomy|surgical removal of the adenoids;commonly performed along with tonsillectomy
adenoma|a benign epithelial tumor of glandular origin
adenomatous polyp|a polyp that consists of benign neoplastic tissue derived from glandular epithelium - "adenomatous polyps are visible protrusions that can develop on the mucosal surface of the colon or rectum"
adenomegaly|gland enlargement
adenopathy|a glandular disease or enlargement of glandular tissue (especially of the lymph glands)
adenosine|(biochemistry) a nucleoside that is a structural component of nucleic acids;it is present in all living cells in a combined form as a constituent of DNA and RNA and ADP and ATP and AMP
adenosine deaminase|an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
adenosine diphosphate|an ester of adenosine that is converted to ATP for energy storage
adenosine monophosphate|a nucleotide found in muscle cells and important in metabolism;reversibly convertible to ADP and ATP
adenosine triphosphate|a nucleotide derived from adenosine that occurs in muscle tissue;the major source of energy for cellular reactions
Adenota|African antelopes;puku
adenovirus|any of a group of viruses including those that in humans cause upper respiratory infections or infectious pinkeye
adeptness|skillful performance or ability without difficulty - "his quick adeptness was a product of good design"
adequacy|the quality of being able to meet a need satisfactorily - "he questioned the adequacy of the usual sentimental interpretation of the Golden Rule"
ader wax|a waxy mineral that is a mixture of hydrocarbons and occurs in association with petroleum;some varieties are used in making ceresin and candles
adesite|dark greyish extrusive rock
adhesion|a fibrous band of scar tissue that binds together normally separate anatomical structures;abnormal union of bodily tissues;most common in the abdomen
adhesion contract|a contract that heavily restricts one party while leaving the other free (as some standard form printed contracts);implies inequality in bargaining power
adhesive bandage|bandage consisting of a medical dressing of plain absorbent gauze held in place by a plastic or fabric tape coated with adhesive
adhesive material|a substance that unites or bonds surfaces together
adhesive tape|tape coated with adhesive
adhesiveness|the property of sticking together (as of glue and wood) or the joining of surfaces of different composition - "the mutual adhesiveness of cells"
adhocracy|an organization with little or no structure - "the choice between bureaucracy and adhocracy represents a common dilemma" - "the need for informational flexibility can lead to adhocracy"
Adi Granth|the principal sacred text of Sikhism contains hymns and poetry as well as the teachings of the first five gurus
adiabatic process|(thermodynamics) any process that occurs without gain or loss of heat
Adiantaceae|used in some classification systems for some genera of the family Polypodiaceae (or Pteridaceae)
Adiantum|cosmopolitan genus of ferns;maidenhair ferns;in some classification systems placed in family Polypodiaceae or Adiantaceae
adience|(psychology) an urge to accept or approach a situation or an object
adieu|a farewell remark
Adige|a river in northern Italy that flows southeast into the Adriatic Sea - "Verona is on the Adige"
adipose tissue|a kind of body tissue containing stored fat that serves as a source of energy;it also cushions and insulates vital organs
adiposity|having the property of containing fat - "he recommended exercise to reduce my adiposity"
Adirondacks|a mountain range in northeastern New York State;a popular resort area
adit|a nearly horizontal passage from the surface into a mine
Aditi|a Hindu goddess who releases from sin or disease;mother of the Adityas
Aditya|one of 7 to 12 sons of Aditi;Hindu gods of celestial light
adjacency|the attribute of being so near as to be touching
adjective|a word that expresses an attribute of something;the word class that qualifies nouns
adjoining room|a hotel room that shares a wall with another hotel room
adjournment|the act of postponing to another time or place;the termination of a meeting
adjudication|the final judgment in a legal proceeding;the act of pronouncing judgment based on the evidence presented
adjudicator|a person who studies and settles conflicts and disputes
adjunct|a construction that can be used to extend the meaning of a word or phrase but is not one of the main constituents of a sentence;a person who is an assistant or subordinate to another;something added to another thing but not an essential part of it
adjuration|a solemn and earnest appeal to someone to do something
adjustable wrench|can be changed to different settings
adjuster|one who investigates insurance claims or claims for damages and recommends an effective settlement
adjusting entry|an accounting entry made at the end of an accounting period to allocate items between accounting periods
adjustment|making or becoming suitable;adjusting to circumstances;the act of adjusting something to match a standard
adjutant|an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer
adjutant bird|large Indian stork with a military gait
adjutant general|a general's adjutant;chief administrative officer
adjuvant|an additive that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment
ad-lib|remark made spontaneously without prior preparation - "his ad-libs got him in trouble with the politicians"
Adlumia|one species;climbing fumitory
admass|the segment of the public that is easily influenced by mass media (chiefly British)
administration|a method of tending to or managing the affairs of a some group of people (especially the group's business affairs);the act of administering medication;the act of meting out justice according to the law;the persons (or committees or departments etc.) who make up a body for the purpose of administering something - "he claims that the present administration is corrupt"
administrative data processing|data processing in accounting or business management
administrative district|a district defined for administrative purposes
administrative hearing|a hearing that takes place outside the judicial process before hearing examiners who have been granted judicial authority specifically for the purpose of conducting such hearings
administrative law|the body of rules and regulations and orders and decisions created by administrative agencies of government
administrative unit|a unit with administrative responsibilities
administrator|someone who administers a business;someone who manages a government agency or department;the party appointed by a probate court to distribute the estate of someone who dies without a will or without naming an executor
administrivia|the tiresome but essential details that must be taken care of and tasks that must be performed in running an organization - "he sets policy and leaves all the administrivia to his assistant"
admirability|admirable excellence
admiral|any of several brightly colored butterflies;the supreme commander of a fleet;ranks above a vice admiral and below a fleet admiral
admiralty|the department in charge of the navy (as in Great Britain);the office of admiral
Admiralty Island|an Alaskan island in the Alexander Archipelago near Juneau
Admiralty Islands|a group of islands in the Bismarck Archipelago
Admiralty Range|mountains in Antarctica to the north of Victoria Land
admiration|a favorable judgment - "a small token in admiration of your works";a feeling of delighted approval and liking
admirer|a person who admires;someone who esteems or respects or approves;someone who admires a young woman - "she had many admirers"
admissibility|acceptability by virtue of being admissible
admission|an acknowledgment of the truth of something;the act of admitting someone to enter - "the surgery was performed on his second admission to the clinic"
Admission Day|in some states of the United States;a legal holiday commemorating the day the state was admitted to the Union
admixture|an additional ingredient that is added by mixing with the base - "the growing medium should be equal parts of sand and loam with an admixture of peat moss and cow manure";the state of impairing the quality or reducing the value of something
admonisher|someone who gives a warning so that a mistake can be avoided
admonition|a firm rebuke;cautionary advice about something imminent (especially imminent danger or other unpleasantness) - "a letter of admonition about the dangers of immorality"
adnexa|accessory or adjoining anatomical parts or appendages to an organ (especially of the embryo) - "Fallopian tubes and ovaries are adnexa of the uterus"
adnoun|an adjective used as a noun - "'meek' in 'blessed are the meek' is an adnoun"
adobe|sun-dried brick;used in hot dry climates;the clay from which adobe bricks are made
adobe lily|California herb with pinkish purple flowers
adobo|a dish of marinated vegetables and meat or fish;served with rice
adolescence|in the state that someone is in between puberty and adulthood;the time period between the beginning of puberty and adulthood
adolescent|a juvenile between the onset of puberty and maturity
Adonic|a verse line with a dactyl followed by a spondee or trochee;supposedly used in laments by Adonis
Adonis|(Greek mythology) a handsome youth loved by both Aphrodite and Persephone - "when Adonis died Zeus decreed that he should spend winters in the underworld with Persephone and spend summers with Aphrodite";annual or perennial herbs;any handsome young man
adoptee|someone (such as a child) who has been adopted
adoption|a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood;the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents (including the right to inherit);the act of accepting with approval;favorable reception - "its adoption by society"
adoptive parent|a person who adopts a child of other parents as his or her own child
adorability|extreme attractiveness
adoration|the act of admiring strongly;the worship given to God alone
adornment|a decoration of color or interest that is added to relieve plainness;the action of decorating yourself with something colorful and interesting
adoxography|fine writing in praise of trivial or base subjects - "Elizabethan schoolboys were taught adoxography, the art of eruditely praising worthless things" - "adoxography is particularly useful to lawyers"
adrenal cortex|the cortex of the adrenal gland;secretes corticosterone and sex hormones
adrenal gland|either of a pair of complex endocrine glands situated near the kidney
adrenal medulla|the medulla of the adrenal gland;secretes epinephrine
adrenalectomy|surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands
adrenarche|the increase in activity of the adrenal glands just before puberty
adrenergic|drug that has the effects of epinephrine
adrenergic agonist eyedrop|a treatment for glaucoma;the eyedrops reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humor and increasing its drainage through the uveoscleral pathway
adrenocorticotropic hormone|a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex
adrenosterone|a steroid having androgenic activity;obtained from the cortex of the adrenal gland
Adrian|English physiologist who conducted research into the function of neurons;1st baron of Cambridge (1889-1997)
Adriatic|an arm of the Mediterranean between Slovenia and Croatia and Montenegro and Albania on the east and Italy on the west
adsorbate|a material that has been or is capable of being adsorbed
adsorbent|a material having capacity or tendency to adsorb another substance
adsorption|the accumulation of molecules of a gas to form a thin film on the surface of a solid
adulation|servile flattery;exaggerated and hypocritical praise
adult|a fully developed person from maturity onward;any mature animal
adult body|the body of an adult human being
adult education|a course (via lectures or correspondence) for adults who are not otherwise engaged in formal study
adult female body|the body of an adult woman
adult intelligence|the average IQ of the adults in a given population
adult male body|the body of an adult man
adult respiratory distress syndrome|acute lung injury characterized by coughing and rales;inflammation of the lungs which become stiff and fibrous and cannot exchange oxygen;occurs among persons exposed to irritants such as corrosive chemical vapors or ammonia or chlorine etc.
adulterant|any substance that lessens the purity or effectiveness of a substance - "it is necessary to remove the adulterants before use"
adulteration|being mixed with extraneous material;the product of adulterating;the act of adulterating (especially the illicit substitution of one substance for another)
adulterator|a changer who lessens the purity or effectiveness of a substance
adulterer|someone who commits adultery or fornication
adulteress|a woman adulterer
adultery|extramarital sex that willfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations - "adultery is often cited as grounds for divorce"
adulthood|the period of time in your life after your physical growth has stopped and you are fully developed;the state (and responsibilities) of a person who has attained maturity
adumbration|a sketchy or imperfect or faint representation
advance|an amount paid before it is earned;increase in price or value - "the news caused a general advance on the stock market"
advance death benefit|a percentage of death benefits paid directly to policy holders having a short life expectancy (usually 6 months)
Advanced Research and Development Activity|an agency of the Intelligence Community that conducts advanced research and development related to information technology
advancement|gradual improvement or growth or development - "advancement of knowledge"
advancer|someone who advances
advantage|(tennis) first point scored after deuce;benefit resulting from some event or action - "it turned out to my advantage";the quality of having a superior or more favorable position - "the experience gave him the advantage over me"
advection|(meteorology) the horizontal transfer of heat or other atmospheric properties
advent|arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous) - "the advent of the computer";the season including the four Sundays preceding Christmas
Advent Sunday|the first of the four Sundays during Advent
Adventism|any Christian religion that believes the second coming of Christ is imminent
Adventist|a member of Christian denomination that expects the imminent advent of Christ
adventitious root|root growing in an unusual location e.g. from a stem
adventure|a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)
adventure story|a story of an adventure
adventurer|a person who enjoys taking risks
adventuress|a woman adventurer
adventurism|recklessness in politics or foreign affairs
adventurousness|the trait of being adventurous
adverb|a word that modifies something other than a noun;the word class that qualifies verbs or clauses
adverbial|a word or group of words function as an adverb
adversary|someone who offers opposition
adversative conjunction|the conjunctive relation of units that expresses the opposition of their meanings
adverse opinion|an opinion concerning financial statements (usually based on an audit by a CPA) that the statements as a whole do not present results fairly or are not in conformity with the generally accepted accounting practices of the United States
adverse witness|a witness whose relationship to the opposing party is such that his or her testimony may be prejudiced against the opposing party
adversity|a state of misfortune or affliction - "debt-ridden farmers struggling with adversity";a stroke of ill fortune;a calamitous event
advertence|the process of being heedful
advertiser|someone whose business is advertising
advertising|the business of drawing public attention to goods and services
advertising agency|an agency that designs advertisement to call public attention to its clients
advertising campaign|an organized program of advertisements
advertising department|the division of a business that is responsible for advertising
advertorial|an advertisement that is written and presented in the style of an editorial or journalistic report
advice|a proposal for an appropriate course of action
advice and consent|a legal expression in the United States Constitution that allows the Senate to constrain the President's powers of appointment and treaty-making
advisability|the quality of being advisable - "they questioned the advisability of our policy"
advisee|someone who receives advice
adviser|an expert who gives advice - "an adviser helped students select their courses"
advisory|an announcement that usually advises or warns the public of some threat - "a frost advisory"
advisory board|a board appointed to advise the chief administrator
advisory service|a consulting service in which a CPA develops findings and conclusions and recommendations that are presented to the client for consideration and decision making
advocacy|active support of an idea or cause etc.;especially the act of pleading or arguing for something
advocate|a lawyer who pleads cases in court;a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
advowson|the right in English law of presenting a nominee to a vacant ecclesiastical benefice
adynamia|lack of strength or vigor (especially from illness)
adz|an edge tool used to cut and shape wood
Adzhar|an autonomous province of Georgia on the Black Sea
adzuki bean|bushy annual widely grown in China and Japan for the flour made from its seeds
aeciospore|spore of a rust fungus formed in an aecium
aecium|fruiting body of some rust fungi bearing chains of aeciospores
Aedes|yellow-fever mosquitos
Aegates Isles|islands west of Sicily (now known as the Egadi Islands) where the Romans won a naval victory over the Carthaginians that ended the first Punic War in 241 BC
Aegean|an arm of the Mediterranean between Greece and Turkey;a main trade route for the ancient civilizations of Crete and Greece and Rome and Persia
Aegean civilization|the prehistoric civilization on the islands in the Aegean sea and the surrounding countries
Aegean island|an island in the Aegean Sea
Aegiceras|a genus of herbs of the family Verbenaceae
Aegilops|goat grass
Aegina|an island in the Aegean Sea in the Saronic Gulf;small medusa
Aegisthus|(Greek mythology) the seducer of Clytemnestra and murderer of Agamemnon who usurped the throne of Mycenae until Agamemnon's son Orestes returned home and killed him
Aegospotami|a creek emptying into the Hellespont in present-day Turkey;at its mouth in 405 BC the Spartan fleet under Lysander defeated the Athenians and ended the Peloponnesian War;a river in ancient Thrace (now Turkey);in the mouth of this river the Spartan fleet under Lysander destroyed the Athenian fleet in the final battle of the Peloponnesian War (404 BC)
Aegypiidae|in some classifications considered the family comprising the Old World vultures which are more often included in the family Accipitridae
Aegypius|a genus of Accipitridae
Aegyptopithecus|extinct primate of about 38 million years ago;fossils found in Egypt
Aeneas|a mythical Greek warrior who was a leader on the Trojan side of the Trojan War;hero of the Aeneid
Aeneid|an epic in Latin by Virgil;tells the adventures of Aeneas after the Trojan War;provides an illustrious historical background for the Roman Empire
Aeolian|a member of one of four linguistic divisions of the prehistoric Greeks;the ancient Greek inhabitants of Aeolia
aeolian harp|a harp having strings tuned in unison;they sound when wind passes over them
Aeolic|the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken in Thessaly and Boeotia and Aeolis
Aeolis|an ancient coastal region of northwestern Asia Minor (including Lesbos) where the Aeolians founded several cities around 1100 BC
Aeolus|god of the winds in ancient mythology
Aeonium|a genus of plants of the family Crassulaceae
Aepyceros|African antelopes;impalas
Aepyornidae|coextensive with the order Aepyorniformes
Aepyorniformes|huge extinct flightless birds;elephant birds
aeration|the act of charging a liquid with a gas making it effervescent;the process of exposing to air (so as to purify) - "the aeration of the soil"
aerator|an apparatus for exposing something to the air (as sewage)
aerial ladder|mechanically extendible ladder;used on a fire truck
aerial torpedo|a torpedo designed to be launched from an airplane
aerialist|an acrobat who performs in the air (as on a rope or trapeze)
aerides|any orchid of the genus Aerides
aerie|any habitation at a high altitude;the lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)
Aerobacter|aerobic bacteria widely distributed in nature
Aerobacter aerogenes|a species of Gram-negative aerobic bacteria that produce gas and acid from sugars and are sometimes involved in the souring of milk
aerobe|an organism (especially a bacterium) that requires air or free oxygen for life
aerobics|exercise that increases the need for oxygen
aerobiosis|life sustained in the presence of air or oxygen
aerodontalgia|pain in the teeth that results from a change in air pressure (as in flying or mountain climbing)
aerodynamic force|forces acting on airfoils in motion relative to the air (or other gaseous fluids)
aerodynamic lift|the component of the aerodynamic forces acting on an airfoil that opposes gravity
aerolite|a stony meteorite consisting of silicate minerals
aerology|meteorology of the total extent of the atmosphere;especially the upper layers
aeromechanics|the branch of mechanics that deals with the motion of gases (especially air) and their effects on bodies in the flow
aeromedicine|the study and treatment of disorders associated with flight (especially with space flight)
aeronautical engineer|an engineer concerned with the design and construction of aircraft
aeronautical engineering|the activity of designing and constructing aircraft;the branch of engineering science concerned with the design and construction of aircraft
aeronautics|the theory and practice of navigation through air or space
aerophagia|swallowing air (usually followed by belching and discomfort and flatulence)
aerophilately|the collection and study of airmail stamps
aerophile|a lover of aviation
aerosol|a cloud of solid or liquid particles in a gas;a dispenser that holds a substance under pressure and that can release it as a fine spray (usually by means of a propellant gas)
aerospace|the atmosphere and outer space considered as a whole
aerospace engineer|an engineer of aircraft and space vehicles
Aertex|a trademark for a loosely woven cotton fabric that is used to make shirts and underwear
Aeschylus|Greek tragedian;the father of Greek tragic drama (525-456 BC)
aeschynanthus|a plant of the genus Aeschynanthus having somewhat red or orange flowers and seeds having distinctive hairs at base and apex
Aesculapius|son of Apollo;a hero and the Roman god of medicine and healing;his daughters were Hygeia and Panacea
Aesculus|deciduous trees or some shrubs of North America;southeastern Europe;eastern Asia
Aesir|(Norse mythology) the chief race of gods living at Asgard
Aesop|Greek author of fables (circa 620-560 BC)
Aesop's fables|a collection of fables believed to have been written by the Greek storyteller Aesop
aesthetic|(philosophy) a philosophical theory as to what is beautiful
aesthetics|(art) the branch of philosophy dealing with beauty and taste (emphasizing the evaluative criteria that are applied to art) - "traditional aesthetics assumed the existence of universal and timeless criteria of artistic value"
Aether|personification of the sky or upper air breathed by the Olympians;son of Erebus and night or of Chaos and darkness
Aethionema|Old World genus of the family Cruciferae
Aethusa|fool's parsley
Aetobatus|a genus of Myliobatidae
affability|a disposition to be friendly and approachable (easy to talk to)
affair|a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship;a vaguely specified social event - "the party was quite an affair"
affairs|transactions of professional or public interest - "news of current affairs" - "great affairs of state"
affect|the conscious subjective aspect of feeling or emotion
affectation|a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
affected role|the semantic role of an entity that is not the agent but is directly involved in or affected by the happening denoted by the verb in the clause
affectedness|the quality of being false or artificial (as to impress others)
affection|a positive feeling of liking - "he had trouble expressing the affection he felt"
affectionateness|a quality proceeding from feelings of affection or love
affective disorder|any mental disorder not caused by detectable organic abnormalities of the brain and in which a major disturbance of emotions is predominant
affenpinscher|European breed of small dog resembling a terrier with dark wiry hair and a tufted muzzle
affiant|a person who makes an affidavit
affidavit|written declaration made under oath;a written statement sworn to be true before someone legally authorized to administer an oath
affiliate|a subordinate or subsidiary associate;a person who is affiliated with another or with an organization;a subsidiary or subordinate organization that is affiliated with another organization - "network affiliates"
affiliation|a social or business relationship - "a valuable financial affiliation";the act of becoming formally connected or joined - "welcomed the affiliation of the research center with the university"
affine|(anthropology) kin by marriage
affine geometry|the geometry of affine transformations
affine transformation|(mathematics) a transformation that is a combination of single transformations such as translation or rotation or reflection on an axis
affinity|(anthropology) kinship by marriage or adoption;not a blood relationship;(biology) state of relationship between organisms or groups of organisms resulting in resemblance in structure or structural parts - "in anatomical structure prehistoric man shows close affinity with modern humans";(immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody;a close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character - "found a natural affinity with the immigrants";a natural attraction or feeling of kinship - "an affinity for politics" - "the mysterious affinity between them" - "James's affinity with Sam";inherent resemblance between persons or things;the force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule - "basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk"
affirmation|(religion) a solemn declaration that serves the same purpose as an oath (if an oath is objectionable to the person on religious or ethical grounds);a judgment by a higher court that the judgment of a lower court was correct and should stand;the act of affirming or asserting or stating something
affirmative|a reply of affirmation - "he answered in the affirmative"
affirmative action|a policy designed to redress past discrimination against women and minority groups through measures to improve their economic and educational opportunities - "affirmative action has been extremely controversial and was challenged in 1978 in the Bakke decision"
affirmative pleading|any defensive pleading that affirms facts rather than merely denying the facts alleged by the plaintiff
affirmativeness|the agreeable quality of one who assents
Affirmed|thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1978
affix|a linguistic element added to a word to produce an inflected or derived form
affixation|formation of a word by means of an affix;the result of adding an affix to a root word
afflatus|a strong creative impulse;divine inspiration - "divine afflatus"
affliction|a cause of great suffering and distress;a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health;a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
affluence|abundant wealth
affluent|an affluent person;a person who is financially well off - "the so-called emerging affluents"
afforestation|the conversion of bare or cultivated land into forest (originally for the purpose of hunting)
affray|a noisy fight;noisy quarrel
affricate|a composite speech sound consisting of a stop and a fricative articulated at the same point (as 'ch' in 'chair' and 'j' in 'joy')
affrication|the conversion of a simple stop consonant into an affricate
affusion|the act of baptizing someone by pouring water on their head
afghan|a blanket knitted or crocheted in strips or squares;sometimes used as a shawl;a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan
Afghan hound|tall graceful breed of hound with a long silky coat;native to the Near East
Afghan monetary unit|monetary unit in the Islamic State of Afghanistan
afghani|the basic unit of money in Afghanistan
Afghanistan|a mountainous landlocked country in central Asia;bordered by Iran to the west and Russia to the north and Pakistan to the east and south - "Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan in 1979"
afibrinogenemia|the absence of fibrinogen in the plasma leading to prolonged bleeding
aficionado|a fan of bull fighting;a serious devotee of some particular music genre or musical performer
aflatoxin|a potent carcinogen from the fungus Aspergillus;can be produced and stored for use as a bioweapon
Aframomum|an African genus of plants of the family Zingiberaceae
Africa|the second largest continent;located to the south of Europe and bordered to the west by the South Atlantic and to the east by the Indian Ocean
African|a native or inhabitant of Africa
African American Vernacular English|a nonstandard form of American English characteristically spoken by African Americans in the United States
African bowstring hemp|bowstring hemp of South Africa
African chameleon|a chameleon found in Africa
African clawed frog|a tongueless frog native to Africa;established in the United States as result of release of laboratory and aquarium animals
African coral snake|small widely distributed arboreal snake of southern Africa banded in black and orange
African country|any one of the countries occupying the African continent
African crocodile|a dangerous crocodile widely distributed in Africa
African daisy|African or Asiatic herbs with daisylike flowers;any of several plants of the genus Arctotis having daisylike flowers;shrub of southwestern Mediterranean region having yellow daisylike flowers
African elephant|an elephant native to Africa having enormous flapping ears and ivory tusks
African grey|commonly domesticated grey parrot with red-and-black tail and white face;native to equatorial Africa
African hemp|large shrub of South Africa having many conspicuously hairy branches with large hairy leaves and clusters of conspicuous white flowers
African holly|woolly-stemmed biennial arborescent shrub of tropical Africa and southern Asia having silvery-white prickly branches, clusters of blue or white flowers, and bright red berries resembling holly berries
African hunting dog|a powerful doglike mammal of southern and eastern Africa that hunts in large packs;now rare in settled area
African lily|African plant with bright green evergreen leaves and umbels of many usually deep violet-blue flowers
African mahogany|African tree having hard heavy odorless wood
African marigold|a stout branching annual with large yellow to orange flower heads;Mexico and Central America
African monitor|destroys crocodile eggs
African oil palm|oil palm of Africa
African scented mahogany|African tree having rather lightweight cedar-scented wood varying in color from pink to reddish brown
African violet|tropical African plant cultivated as a houseplant for its violet or white or pink flowers
African walnut|tropical African timber tree with wood that resembles mahogany
African wild ass|a wild ass of Africa
African-American|an American whose ancestors were born in Africa
Africander|tall large-horned humped cattle of South Africa;used for meat or draft
Africanized bee|a strain of bees that originated in Brazil in the 1950s as a cross between an aggressive African bee and a honeybee;retains most of the traits of the African bee;now spread as far north as Texas
Afrikaans|an official language of the Republic of South Africa;closely related to Dutch and Flemish
Afrikaner|a white native of Cape Province who is a descendant of Dutch settlers and who speaks Afrikaans
Afro|a rounded thickly curled hairdo
Afroasiatic|a large family of related languages spoken both in Asia and Africa
Afrocarpus|dioecious evergreen trees or shrubs;equatorial to southern and southeastern Africa;yellowwood;similar to trees or genus Podocarpus
afropavo|both sexes are brightly colored
Afro-wig|a wig that gives the appearance of an Afro hairdo
afterbirth|the placenta and fetal membranes that are expelled from the uterus after the baby is born
afterburner|a device injects fuel into a hot exhaust for extra thrust
aftercare|care and treatment of a convalescent patient
afterdamp|a toxic mixture of gases (including carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and nitrogen) after an explosion of firedamp in a mine
afterdeck|a deck abaft of midships
aftereffect|a delayed effect of a drug or therapy - "the drug had unexpected aftereffects";any result that follows its cause after an interval
afterglow|a glow sometimes seen in the sky after sunset;the pleasure of remembering some pleasant event - "he basked in the afterglow of his victory"
afterimage|an image (usually a negative image) that persists after stimulation has ceased
afterlife|life after death
aftermath|the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event) - "the aftermath of war"
afternoon|the part of the day between noon and evening - "he spent a quiet afternoon in the park"
afterpains|pains felt by a woman after her baby is born;associated with contractions of the uterus
afterpiece|a brief dramatic piece (usually comic) presented after a play
aftershaft|a supplementary feather (usually small) on the underside of the base of the shaft of some feathers in some birds
after-shave|a fragrant lotion for a man's face after shaving
aftershock|a tremor (or one of a series of tremors) occurring after the main shock of an earthquake
aftertaste|an afterimage of a taste
afterthought|an addition that was not included in the original plan - "the garage was an afterthought"
afterworld|the place where you are after you die
Aga|title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey)
agal|a cord (usually of goat's hair) that Arabs (especially Bedouins) wind around their heads to hold down the kaffiyeh
agalactia|a condition in which milk is not secreted in the mother's breasts after her child has been delivered
Agalinis|semiparasitic herb with purple or white or pink flowers;grows in the United States and West Indies
agama|small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World
Agamemnon|(Greek mythology) the king who lead the Greeks against Troy in the Trojan War
agamete|an asexual reproductive cell
agamid|a lizard of the family Agamidae
Agamidae|an Old World reptile family of Sauria
agammaglobulinemia|a rare immunological disorder characterized by the virtual absence of gamma globulin in the blood and consequent susceptibility to infection
agapanthus|any of various plants of the genus Agapanthus having umbels of showy blue to purple flowers
agape|(Christian theology) the love of God or Christ for mankind;a religious meal shared as a sign of love and fellowship;selfless love of one person for another without sexual implications (especially love that is spiritual in nature)
Agapornis|a genus of Psittacidae
agar|a colloidal extract of algae;used especially in culture media and as a gelling agent in foods;any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent
agaric|a saprophytic fungus of the order Agaricales having an umbrellalike cap with gills on the underside;fungus used in the preparation of punk for fuses
Agaricaceae|large family including many familiar mushrooms
Agaricales|typical gilled mushrooms belonging to the subdivision Basidiomycota
Agaricus|type genus of Agaricaceae;gill fungi having brown spores and including several edible species
Agassiz|United States naturalist (born in Switzerland) who studied fossil fish;recognized geological evidence that ice ages had occurred in North America (1807-1873)
Agastache|giant hyssop;Mexican hyssop
agate|an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony;used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles
agate line|space for one line of print (one column wide and 1/14 inch deep) used to measure advertising
agateware|pottery that is veined and mottled to resemble agate
Agathis|kauri pine
Agavaceae|chiefly tropical and xerophytic plants;includes Dracenaceae (Dracaenaceae);comprises plants that in some classifications are divided between the Amaryllidaceae and the Liliaceae
agave|tropical American plants with basal rosettes of fibrous sword-shaped leaves and flowers in tall spikes;some cultivated for ornament or for fiber
Agave tequilana|Mexican plant used especially for making tequila
Agdestis|a genus with one species that is a rapidly growing climbing vine with tuberous roots;grown in hot climates
Agdistis|Asiatic epithet for Rhea or Cybele
age|a time of life (usually defined in years) at which some particular qualification or power arises - "she was now of school age";how long something has existed - "it was replaced because of its age"
age class|people in the same age range
age group|a group of people having approximately the same age
age limit|regulation establishing the maximum age for doing something or holding some position
age norm|the average age at which particular performances are expected to appear
age of consent|the minimum age for marrying without parental consent or the minimum age for consensual sexual relations;intercourse at an earlier age can result in a charge of assault or statutory rape;the age differs in different states of the Union
aged|people who are old collectively - "special arrangements were available for the aged"
agedness|the property characteristic of old age
Agee|United States novelist (1909-1955)
ageism|discrimination against middle-aged and elderly people
Agelaius|red-winged blackbirds
agelessness|the quality of being timeless and eternal
agency|a business that serves other businesses;an administrative unit of government;the state of being in action or exerting power - "the agency of providence" - "she has free agency"
agenda|a list of matters to be taken up (as at a meeting);a temporally organized plan for matters to be attended to
agenda item|one of the items to be considered
agenesis|imperfect development;nondevelopment of a part
agent|a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission;a representative who acts on behalf of other persons or organizations;a substance that exerts some force or effect;an active and efficient cause;capable of producing a certain effect - "their research uncovered new disease agents";any agent or representative of a federal agency or bureau
agent bank|a bank that acts as an agent for a foreign bank
Agent Orange|a herbicide used in the Vietnam War to defoliate forest areas
agent provocateur|a secret agent who incites suspected persons to commit illegal acts
agent-in-place|an operative serving as a penetration into an intelligence target
agentive role|the semantic role of the animate entity that instigates or causes the happening denoted by the verb in the clause
agerasia|youthful appearance in an old person
Ageratina|annual to perennial herbs or shrubs of eastern United States and Central and South America
ageratum|any plant of the genus Ageratum having opposite leaves and small heads of blue or white flowers
age-related macular degeneration|macular degeneration that is age-related
agglomerate|volcanic rock consisting of large fragments fused together
agglomeration|a jumbled collection or mass;the act of collecting in a mass;the act of agglomerating
agglomerator|a device that causes material to gather into rounded balls - "a sonic agglomerator"
agglutination|a clumping of bacteria or red cells when held together by antibodies (agglutinins);the building of words from component morphemes that retain their form and meaning in the process of combining;the coalescing of small particles that are suspended in solution;these larger masses are then (usually) precipitated
agglutination test|a blood test used to identify unknown antigens;blood with the unknown antigen is mixed with a known antibody and whether or not agglutination occurs helps to identify the antigen;used in tissue matching and blood grouping and diagnosis of infections
agglutinin|an antibody that causes agglutination of a specific antigen
agglutinogen|any substance that acts as an antigen to cause agglutinin production
aggrandizement|the act of increasing the wealth or prestige or power or scope of something - "the aggrandizement of the king"
aggravated assault|a reckless attack with intent to injure seriously (as with a deadly weapon)
aggravation|action that makes a problem or a disease (or its symptoms) worse - "the aggravation of her condition resulted from lack of care";an exasperated feeling of annoyance;unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment
aggravator|an unpleasant person who is annoying or exasperating
aggregate|a sum total of many heterogenous things taken together;material such as sand or gravel used with cement and water to make concrete, mortar, or plaster
aggregate fruit|fruit consisting of many individual small fruits or drupes derived from separate ovaries within a common receptacle;e.g. blackberry;raspberry;pineapple
aggression|a disposition to behave aggressively;a feeling of hostility that arouses thoughts of attack;deliberately unfriendly behavior;the act of initiating hostilities;violent action that is hostile and usually unprovoked
aggressiveness|a natural disposition to be hostile;the quality of being bold and enterprising
aggressor|a confident assertive person who acts as instigator
aggro|(informal British usage) aggravation or aggression - "I skipped it because it was too much aggro"
Aghan|the ninth month of the Hindu calendar
agility|the gracefulness of a person or animal that is quick and nimble
Agincourt|a battle in northern France in which English longbowmen under Henry V decisively defeated a much larger French army in 1415
aging|the organic process of growing older and showing the effects of increasing age
agio|a fee charged for exchanging currencies
agitated depression|a state of clinical depression in which the person exhibits irritability and restlessness
agitation|a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance;a state of agitation or turbulent change or development;disturbance usually in protest;the act of agitating something;causing it to move around (usually vigorously);the feeling of being agitated;not calm
agitator|one who agitates;a political troublemaker
agitprop|political propaganda (especially communist propaganda) communicated via art and literature and cinema
Agkistrodon|copperheads
Aglaia|(Greek mythology) one of the three Graces
Aglaomorpha|epiphytic ferns of tropical Asia
Aglaonema|climbing herbs of southeastern Asia having thick fleshy oblong leaves and naked unisexual flowers;Chinese evergreen
aglet|metal or plastic sheath over the end of a shoelace or ribbon;ornamental tagged cord or braid on the shoulder of a uniform
agnate|one related on the father's side
Agnatha|superclass of eel-shaped chordates lacking jaws and pelvic fins;lampreys;hagfishes;some extinct forms
Agni|(Sanskrit) Hindu god of fire in ancient and traditional India;one of the three chief deities of the Vedas
agnomen|an additional name or an epithet appended to a name (as in 'Ferdinand the Great')
agnosia|inability to recognize objects by use of the senses
agnostic|a person who claims that they cannot have true knowledge about the existence of God (but does not deny that God might exist);someone who is doubtful or noncommittal about something
agnosticism|a religious orientation of doubt;a denial of ultimate knowledge of the existence of God - "agnosticism holds that you can neither prove nor disprove God's existence";the disbelief in any claims of ultimate knowledge
Agnus Dei|a liturgical prayer beginning with these Latin words;figure of a lamb;emblematic of Christ
agon|a festivity in ancient Greece at which competitors contended for prizes
agonic line|an imaginary line connecting points on the Earth's surface where the magnetic declination is zero
Agonidae|poachers
agonist|(biochemistry) a drug that can combine with a receptor on a cell to produce a physiological reaction;a muscle that contracts while another relaxes - "when bending the elbow the biceps are the agonist";someone involved in a contest or battle (as in an agon)
Agonus|type genus of the Agonidae
agony|a state of acute pain;intense feelings of suffering;acute mental or physical pain - "an agony of doubt"
agony aunt|a newspaper columnist who answers questions and offers advice on personal problems to people who write in
agony column|a newspaper column devoted to personal problems
agora|100 agorot equal 1 shekel in Israel;a place of assembly for the people in ancient Greece;the marketplace in ancient Greece
agoraphobia|a morbid fear of open spaces (as fear of being caught alone in some public place)
agouti|agile long-legged rabbit-sized rodent of Central America and South America and the West Indies;valued as food
Agra|a city in northern India;former capital of the Mogul empire;site of the Taj Mahal
agranulocytosis|an acute blood disorder (often caused by radiation or drug therapy) characterized by severe reduction in granulocytes
agrapha|sayings of Jesus not recorded in the canonical Gospels
agraphia|a loss of the ability to write or to express thoughts in writing because of a brain lesion
agreeableness|a temperamental disposition to be agreeable;pleasantness resulting from agreeable conditions - "a well trained staff saw to the agreeableness of our accommodations"
agreement|compatibility of observations - "there was no agreement between theory and measurement";harmony of people's opinions or actions or characters - "the two parties were in agreement";the determination of grammatical inflection on the basis of word relations;the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises - "they had an agreement that they would not interfere in each other's business";the thing arranged or agreed to;the verbal act of agreeing
agribusiness|a large-scale farming enterprise
Agricola|Roman general who was governor of Britain and extended Roman rule north to the Firth of Forth (37-93)
agricultural laborer|a person who tills the soil for a living
agriculture|the class of people engaged in growing food
agriculturist|someone concerned with the science or art or business of cultivating the soil
Agrigento|a town in Italy in southwestern Sicily near the coast;the site of six Greek temples
agrimonia|a plant of the genus Agrimonia having spikelike clusters of small yellow flowers
Agriocharis|a genus of birds of the family Meleagrididae including the ocellated turkey
Agrippa|Roman general who commanded the fleet that defeated the forces of Antony and Cleopatra at Actium (63-12 BC)
Agrippina|granddaughter of Augustus and mother of Caligula and Agrippina the Younger (14 BC - AD 33);wife who poisoned Claudius after her son Nero was declared heir and who was then put to death by Nero
Agrobacterium|small motile bacterial rods that can reduce nitrates and cause galls on plant stems
Agrobacterium tumefaciens|the bacteria that produce crown gall disease in plants
agrobiology|the study of plant nutrition and growth especially as a way to increase crop yield
agrology|science of soils in relation to crops
agromania|an intense desire to be alone or out in the open
agronomist|an expert in soil management and field-crop production
agronomy|the application of soil and plant sciences to land management and crop production
Agropyron|perennial grasses of temperate and cool regions;wheatgrass;dog grass
Agrostemma|a caryophylloid dicot genus including corn cockles
Agrostis|annual or perennial grasses cosmopolitan in northern hemisphere;bent grass (so named from 'bent' meaning an area of unfenced grassland)
agrypnia|a vigil before certain feasts (as e.g. Easter)
agua|largest known toad species;native to Central America;valuable destroyer of insect pests
ague|a fit of shivering or shaking;successive stages of chills and fever that is a symptom of malaria
ague root|colicroot having a scurfy or granuliferous perianth and white flowers;southeastern United States
agueweed|gentian of eastern North America having clusters of bristly blue flowers
Ahab|according to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC)
ahimsa|a Buddhist and Hindu and especially Jainist doctrine holding that all forms of life are sacred and urging the avoidance of violence
A-horizon|the top layer of a soil profile;usually contains humus
Ahriman|the spirit of evil in Zoroastrianism;arch rival of Ormazd
Ahuehuete|Mexico's most famous tree;a giant specimen of Montezuma cypress more than 2,000 years old with a girth of 165 feet at Santa Maria del Tule
Ahura|(Zoroastrianism) title for benevolent deities
aid|a resource - "visual aids in teaching";money to support a worthy person or cause;the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose - "rescue party went to their aid"
aide|someone who acts as assistant
aide-memoire|a memorandum summarizing the items of an agreement (used especially in diplomatic communications)
AIDS|a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles
aigrette|a long plume (especially one of egret feathers) worn on a hat or a piece of jewelry in the shape of a plume
Aiken|United States writer (1889-1973)
aikido|a Japanese martial art employing principles similar to judo
ailanthus|any of several deciduous Asian trees of the genus Ailanthus
ailanthus silkworm|large green silkworm of the cynthia moth
aileron|an airfoil that controls lateral motion
Ailey|United States choreographer noted for his use of African elements (born in 1931)
ailment|an often persistent bodily disorder or disease;a cause for complaining
ailurophobia|a morbid fear of cats
Ailuropoda|only the giant panda;in some classifications considered a genus of the separate family Ailuropodidae
Ailuropodidae|in some classifications considered the family comprising the giant pandas
Ailurus|lesser pandas
aim|the action of directing something at an object - "he took aim and fired";the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
aioli|garlic mayonnaise
air|a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing - "an air of mystery" - "the house had a neglected air";a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing;the stuff that the wind consists of - "air pollution" - "a smell of chemicals in the air" - "open a window and let in some air" - "I need some fresh air";medium for radio and television broadcasting - "the program was on the air from 9 til midnight" - "the president used the airwaves to take his message to the people";once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles);the region above the ground - "her hand stopped in mid air" - "he threw the ball into the air"
air alert|the condition in which combat aircraft are airborne and ready for an operation - "aircraft in the Mideast are on air alert";the time period during which military and civilian agencies are prepared for an enemy air attack;the warning signal that begins a period of preparation for an enemy air attack
air attache|a military attache who is a commissioned or warrant officer in an air force
air bag|a safety restraint in an automobile;the bag inflates on collision and prevents the driver or passenger from being thrown forward
air base|a base for military aircraft
air bladder|an air-filled sac near the spinal column in many fishes that helps maintain buoyancy
air bubble|a bubble of air
Air Combat Command|a command that is the primary provider of air combat weapon systems to the United States Air Force;operates fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, battle-management, and rescue aircraft
air compressor|a compressor that takes in air at atmospheric pressure and delivers it at a higher pressure
air conditioner|a system that keeps air cool and dry
Air Corps|formerly the airborne division of the United States Army
air cover|the use of military aircraft to provide protection against attack by enemy aircraft during ground or naval operations
air cushion|a cushion usually made of rubber or plastic that can be inflated;a mechanical device using confined air to absorb the shock of motion;the trapped air that supports a hovercraft a short distance above the water or ground
air defense|defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles or to nullify their effectiveness
air embolism|obstruction of the circulatory system caused by an air bubble as, e.g., accidentally during surgery or hypodermic injection or as a complication from scuba diving
air filter|a filter that removes dust from the air that passes through it
air force|the airborne branch of a country's armed forces
air force academy|an academy for training air force officers
Air Force Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance|an agency focused on ensuring that the United States military attains information superiority;operates worldwide ground sites and an array of airborne reconnaissance and surveillance platforms
air force officer|an officer in the airforce
Air Force Research Laboratory|a United States Air Force defense laboratory responsible for discovering and developing and integrating fighting technologies for aerospace forces
Air Force Space Command|a command of the United States Air Force that is responsible for defending the United States through its space and intercontinental ballistic missile operations
air group|a unit of the United States Air Force larger than a squadron and smaller than a wing
air gun|a gun that propels a projectile by compressed air
air hammer|a hammer driven by compressed air
air hole|a hole that allows the passage of air
air horn|a pneumatic horn;air intake of a carburetor
air lane|a designated route followed by airplanes in flying from one airport to another
air mail|mail that is sent by air transport
air marshal|a person trained by the government in hijacking and terrorist tactics who (for security reasons) is a passenger aboard an airline flight
air mass|a large body of air with uniform characteristics horizontally
air mattress|a mattress that can be stored flat and inflated for use
Air Medal|a United States Air Force decoration for meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight
Air National Guard|a civilian reserve component of the United States Air Force that provides prompt mobilization during war and assistance during national emergencies
air passage|a duct that provides ventilation (as in mines)
air plant|plant that derives moisture and nutrients from the air and rain;usually grows on another plant but not parasitic on it
air pocket|a local region of low pressure or descending air that causes a plane to lose height suddenly
air pollution|pollution of the atmosphere - "air pollution reduced the visibility"
air potato|yam of tropical Africa and Asia cultivated for it large tubers
air pump|a pump that moves air in or out of something
air raid|an attack by armed planes on a surface target
air reconnaissance|reconnaissance either by visual observation from the air or through the use of airborne sensors
air sac|any of the membranous air-filled extensions of the lungs of birds;any of the thin-walled extensions of the tracheae of insects
air search radar|a shipboard radar that searches for aircraft
air shaft|a shaft for ventilation
air terminal|a terminal that serves air travelers or air freight
air traffic|traffic created by the movement of aircraft
air transportation|transportation by air
air transportation system|a transportation system for moving passengers or goods by air
air travel|travel via aircraft - "air travel involves too much waiting in airports"
air traveler|someone who travels by airplane
air unit|a military unit that is part of the airforce
air wave|a sound wave that is transmitted via air
airborne patrol|a patrol provided by aircraft
airborne transmission|a transmission mechanism in the which the infectious agent is spread as an aerosol and usually enters a person through the respiratory tract
airbrake|a small parachute or articulated flap to reduce the speed of an aircraft;a vehicular brake that operates by compressed air;especially for heavy vehicles
airbrush|an atomizer to spray paint by means of compressed air
airburst|an explosion in the atmosphere
airbus|a subsonic jet airliner operated over short distances
aircraft|a vehicle that can fly
aircraft carrier|a large warship that carries planes and has a long flat deck for takeoffs and landings
aircraft engine|the engine that powers and aircraft
aircraft landing|landing an aircraft
aircraftsman|a noncommissioned officer in the British Royal Air Force
aircrew|the crew of an aircraft
aircrewman|a member of an aircrew
airdock|a large structure at an airport where aircraft can be stored and maintained
airdrop|delivery of supplies or equipment or personnel by dropping them by parachute from an aircraft - "until then, front line troops will be supplied by airdrop"
Aire|a river in northern England that flows southeast through West Yorkshire
Airedale|breed of large wiry-coated terrier bred in Yorkshire
airfare|the fare charged for traveling by airplane
airfield|a place where planes take off and land
airflow|the flow of air - "she adjusted the fan so that the airflow was directed right at her"
airfoil|a device that provides reactive force when in motion relative to the surrounding air;can lift or control a plane in flight
airframe|the framework and covering of an airplane or rocket (excluding the engines)
airhead|a bridgehead seized by airborne troops;a flighty scatterbrained simpleton - "she's a total airhead" - "every airhead on a big salary rushed out to buy one"
airiness|lightness in movement or manner;the property of something spacious and abounding in fresh air;the property of something weightless and insubstantial
airing|a short excursion (a walk or ride) in the open air - "he took the dogs for an airing"
airing cupboard|a warm cupboard where you put newly washed clothes until they are completely dry
air-intake|a duct that admits air to be mixed with fuel
airlift|transportation of people or goods by air (especially when other means of access are unavailable)
airline|a commercial enterprise that provides scheduled flights for passengers;a hose that carries air under pressure
airliner|a commercial airplane that carries passengers
airlock|a chamber that provides access to space where air is under pressure
airmail|a system of conveying mail by aircraft;letters and packages that are transported by aircraft
airmail letter|a letter sent by air mail
airmailer|a mailer for airmail
airplane|an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets - "the flight was delayed due to trouble with the airplane"
airplane mechanics|the craft of building and repairing airplanes
airplane propeller|a propeller that rotates to push against air
airport|an airfield equipped with control tower and hangars as well as accommodations for passengers and cargo
airs|affected manners intended to impress others - "don't put on airs with me"
airship|a steerable self-propelled aircraft
airsickness|motion sickness experienced while traveling by air (especially during turbulence)
airspace|the atmosphere above a nation that is deemed to be under its jurisdiction - "the plane was refused permission to enter Chinese airspace";the space in the atmosphere immediately above the earth
airspeed|the speed of an aircraft relative to the air in which it is flying
airstream|a relatively well-defined prevailing wind
airstrip|an airfield without normal airport facilities
air-to-air missile|a missile designed to be launched from one airplane at another
air-to-ground missile|a missile designed to be launched from an airplane at a target on the ground
airworthiness|fitness to fly - "the plane received a certificate of airworthiness"
aisle|a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods);part of a church divided laterally from the nave proper by rows of pillars or columns;passageway between seating areas as in an auditorium or passenger vehicle or between areas of shelves of goods as in stores
aitchbone|a cut of beef including the H-shaped rump bone
Aix|wood duck and mandarin duck
Aizoaceae|succulent herbs or small shrubs mostly of South Africa but also New Zealand and North America;carpetweeds;fig marigolds
Ajaia|a genus of Platalea
Ajax|a mythical Greek hero;a warrior who fought against Troy in the Iliad
Ajuga|bugle
Akan|a Kwa language spoken in Ghana and the Ivory Coast
akaryocyte|a cell without a nucleus (as an erythrocyte)
akee|widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its fragrant flowers and colorful fruits;introduced in Jamaica by William Bligh
Akeridae|bubble shells
Akhbari|a religious movement by Arab Shiite Muslims in 17th century Iraq that is opposed to the Usuli - "Akhbari Shiism has never promoted political control"
Akhenaton|early ruler of Egypt who rejected the old gods and replaced them with sun worship (died in 1358 BC)
akinesis|motionlessness attributable to a temporary paralysis
akinetic epilepsy|epilepsy characterized by akinesia
Akkadian|an ancient branch of the Semitic languages
Akron|a city in northeastern Ohio;the heart of the United States rubber industry
Aksa Martyrs Brigades|a militant offshoot of al-Fatah that is the newest and strongest and best equipped faction active in the West Bank;responsible for many deadly attacks in Israel in 2002
Akwa'ala|a community of Native Americans who speak a Hokan language and live in Baja California;a member of the Akwa'ala community in Baja California;the Yuman language spoken by the Akwa'ala
Al Aqabah|Jordan's port;located in southwestern Jordan on the Gulf of Aqaba
al Itihaad al Islamiya|a fundamentalist Islamic group in Somalia who initially did fundraising for al-Qaeda;responsible for ambushing United States Army Rangers and for terrorist bombings in Ethiopia;believed to have branches in several countries
Al Ladhiqiyah|a seaport on the western coast of Syria
Al Nathir|a Palestinian terrorist organization formed in 2002 and linked to Fatah movement of Yasser Arafat
al Sunna Wal Jamma|a resurgent Islamic fundamentalist organization based in Nigeria that is thought to be planning terrorist attacks
ala|a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism - "the alae of the nose" - "the alae of a maple seed" - "the flat petals of a pea blossom are alae";a wing of an insect
Alabama|a member of the Muskhogean people formerly living in what is now the state of Alabama - "the Alabamas were members of the Creek Confederacy";a river in Alabama formed by the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers near Montgomery;flows southwestward to become a tributary of the Mobile River;a state in the southeastern United States on the Gulf of Mexico;one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War;the Muskhogean language of the Alabama
Alabaman|a native or resident of Alabama
alabaster|a compact fine-textured, usually white gypsum used for carving;a hard compact kind of calcite;a very light white
alacrity|liveliness and eagerness - "he accepted with alacrity"
Aladdin|in the Arabian Nights a boy who acquires a magic lamp from which he can summon a genie
Aladdin's lamp|(Arabian Nights) a magical lamp from which Aladdin summoned a genie
alalia|paralysis of the vocal cords resulting in an inability to speak
Alamo|a siege and massacre at a mission in San Antonio in 1836;Mexican forces under Santa Anna besieged and massacred American rebels who were fighting to make Texas independent of Mexico
Aland islands|an archipelago of some 6,000 islands in the Gulf of Bothnia under Finnish control
alanine|a crystalline amino acid that occurs in many proteins
Alar|a chemical sprayed on fruit trees to regulate their growth so the entire crop can be harvested at one time
Alaric|king of the Visigoths who captured Rome in 410 (370-410)
alarm|a device that signals the occurrence of some undesirable event;an automatic signal (usually a sound) warning of danger;fear resulting from the awareness of danger
alarm clock|a clock that wakes a sleeper at some preset time
alarmism|needless warnings
alarmist|a person who alarms others needlessly
Alaska|a state in northwestern North America;the 49th state admitted to the union - "Alaska is the largest state in the United States"
Alaska fur seal|of Pacific coast from Alaska southward to California
Alaska king crab|meat of large cold-water crab;mainly leg meat
Alaska Native|a member or descendant of any of the aboriginal peoples of Alaska
Alaska Peninsula|a peninsula of southwestern Alaska (a continuation of the Aleutian Islands)
Alaska Range|a mountain range in south central Alaska;contains Mount McKinley
Alaska rein orchid|similar to coastal rein orchid but with smaller flowers;Alaska to Baja California and east to the Dakotas and Colorado
Alaska Standard Time|standard time in the 9th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 135th meridian west;used in Hawaii and most of Alaska
Alaskan|a native or resident of Alaska
Alaskan brown bear|brown bear of coastal Alaska and British Columbia
Alaskan pipeline|an oil pipeline that runs 800 miles from wells at Prudhoe Bay to the port of Valdez
alastrim|a mild form of smallpox caused by a less virulent form of the virus
Alauda|type genus of the Alaudidae;skylarks
Alaudidae|larks
alb|a white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves;worn by priests
albacore|large pelagic tuna the source of most canned tuna;reaches 93 pounds and has long pectoral fins;found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters;relatively small tuna with choice white flesh;major source of canned tuna
Albania|a republic in southeastern Europe on the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula
Albanian|a native or inhabitant of Albania;the Indo-European language spoken by the people of Albania
Albanian monetary unit|monetary unit in Albania
Albany|a town in southwest Georgia;processing center for peanuts and pecans;state capital of New York;located in eastern New York State on the west bank of the Hudson river
Albatrellus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Polyporaceae
Albatrellus dispansus|a rare fungus having a large (up to 14 inches wide) yellow fruiting body with multiple individual caps and a broad central stalk and a fragrant odor
Albatrellus ovinus|a fungus with a whitish often circular cap and a white pore surface and small pores and a white central stalk;found under conifers;edible but not popular
albatross|(figurative) something that hinders or handicaps - "she was an albatross around his neck";large web-footed birds of the southern hemisphere having long narrow wings;noted for powerful gliding flight
albedo|the ratio of reflected to incident light
Albee|United States dramatist (1928-)
Albers|United States painter born in Germany;works characterized by simple geometrical patterns in various colors (1888-1976)
Albert|prince consort of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1861)
Alberta|one of the three prairie provinces in western Canada;rich in oil and natural gas and minerals
Alberti|Italian architect and painter;pioneering theoretician of Renaissance architecture (1404-1472)
Albigenses|a Christian religious sect in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries;believers in Albigensianism
Albigensianism|a Christian movement considered to be a medieval descendant of Manichaeism in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries;characterized by dualism (asserted the coexistence of two mutually opposed principles, one good and one evil);was exterminated for heresy during the Inquisition
albinism|the congenital absence of pigmentation in the eyes and skin and hair
albino|a person with congenital albinism;white hair and milky skin;eyes are usually pink
Albion|archaic name for England or Great Britain;used poetically
albite|a widely distributed feldspar that forms rocks
albizzia|any of numerous trees of the genus Albizia
Albright's disease|fibrous dysplasia of bone affecting multiple bones
albuca|any of various plants of the genus Albuca having large clusters of pale yellow flowers;South Africa
Albuginaceae|fungi that produce white sori resembling blisters on certain flowering plants
albuginea|whitish tunic
Albugo|type genus of the Albuginaceae;fungi causing white rusts
Albula|type and sole genus of the family Albulidae
Albulidae|bonefish
album|a book of blank pages with pockets or envelopes;for organizing photographs or stamp collections etc;one or more recordings issued together;originally released on 12-inch phonograph records (usually with attractive record covers) and later on cassette audiotape and compact disc
albumin|a simple water-soluble protein found in many animal tissues and liquids
albuminuria|the presence of excessive protein (chiefly albumin but also globulin) in the urine;usually a symptom of kidney disorder
Albuquerque|the largest city in New Mexico;located in central New Mexico on the Rio Grande river
albuterol|a bronchodilator (trade names Ventolin or Proventil) used for asthma and emphysema and other lung conditions;available in oral or inhalant forms;side effects are tachycardia and shakiness
Alca|type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill
Alcaeus|Greek lyric poet of Lesbos;reputed inventor of Alcaic verse (611-580 BC)
Alcaic|verse in the meter used in Greek and Latin poetry consisting of strophes of 4 tetrametric lines;reputedly invented by Alcaeus
alcalde|a mayor or chief magistrate of a Spanish town
alcazar|any of various Spanish fortresses or palaces built by the Moors
Alcea|genus of erect herbs of the Middle East having showy flowers;hollyhocks;in some classification systems synonymous with genus Althaea
Alcedinidae|kingfishers
Alcedo|type genus of the Alcedinidae
Alcelaphus|African antelopes;hartebeests
Alces|elk or moose
alchemist|one who was versed in the practice of alchemy and who sought an elixir of life and a panacea and an alkahest and the philosopher's stone
alchemy|a pseudoscientific forerunner of chemistry in medieval times
Alcibiades|ancient Athenian statesman and general in the Peloponnesian War (circa 450-404 BC)
Alcidae|web-footed diving seabirds of northern seas;auks;puffins;guillemots;murres;etc.
alcohol|a liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent - "alcohol (or drink) ruined him";any of a series of volatile hydroxyl compounds that are made from hydrocarbons by distillation
alcohol abuse|excessive use of alcohol and alcoholic drinks
alcohol group|the chemical group -OH
alcohol thermometer|thermometer consisting of a glass capillary tube marked with degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit and containing alcohol which rises or falls as it expands or contracts with changes in temperature
alcoholic|a person who drinks alcohol to excess habitually
alcoholic dementia|dementia observed during the last stages of severe chronic alcoholism;involves loss of memory for recent events although long term memory is intact
Alcoholics Anonymous|an international organization that provides a support group for persons trying to overcome alcoholism
alcoholism|habitual intoxication;prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms
Alcott|United States novelist noted for children's books (1832-1888)
alcove|a small recess opening off a larger room
Alcyonacea|comprising the soft corals
Alcyonaria|corals and sea anemones having eight branches
Alcyone|(Greek mythology) a woman who was turned into a kingfisher
Aldebaran|the brightest star in Taurus
aldehyde|any of a class of highly reactive chemical compounds;used in making resins and dyes and organic acids
aldehyde group|the chemical group -CHO
alder|north temperate shrubs or trees having toothed leaves and conelike fruit;bark is used in tanning and dyeing and the wood is rot-resistant;wood of any of various alder trees;resistant to underwater rot;used for bridges etc
alder blight|a disease of alders caused by the woolly alder aphid (a plant louse)
alder buckthorn|small tree common in Europe
alderfly|dark-colored insect having predaceous aquatic larvae
alderleaf Juneberry|shrub or small tree of northwestern North America having fragrant creamy white flowers and small waxy purple-red fruits
alderman|a member of a municipal legislative body (as a city council)
aldohexose|a monosaccharide sugar having six carbon atoms and an aldehyde group
aldol|an oily colorless liquid obtained by the condensation of two molecules of acetaldehyde;contains an alcohol group (-OH) and an aldehyde group (-CHO)
aldol reaction|a reaction of aldehydes resulting in an aldol
aldose|a monosaccharide sugar that contains the aldehyde group or is hemiacetal
aldosterone|a corticosteroid hormone that is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland;regulates salt (sodium and potassium) and water balance
aldosteronism|a condition caused by overproduction of aldosterone
Aldrovanda|one species;waterwheel plant
ale|a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast;in some of the United States an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
aleatory contract|a contract whose performance by one party depends on the occurrence of an uncertain contingent event (but if it is contingent on the outcome of a wager it is not enforceable)
Alectis|a genus of Carangidae
Alecto|one of the three Furies
Alectoria|lichens having dark brown erect or pendulous much-branched cylindrical thallus
Alectoris|a genus of Perdicidae
Alectura|brush turkeys
alehouse|a tavern where ale is sold
alembic|an obsolete kind of container used for distillation;two retorts connected by a tube
alendronate|a tablet (trade name Fosamax) prescribed to prevent or treat osteoporosis in women after menopause
aleph|the 1st letter of the Hebrew alphabet
aleph-null|the smallest infinite integer
Alepisaurus|slender scaleless predaceous tropical deep-sea fishes
alert|a warning serves to make you more alert to danger;condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action - "bombers were put on alert during the crisis"
alertness|a state of readiness to respond;lively attentiveness
alethic logic|the modal logic of necessity and possibility and contingency
Aletris|small genus of bitter-rooted herbs of eastern North America and Asia;sometimes placed in family Melanthiaceae
Aleuria aurantia|a discomycete with bright orange cup-shaped or saucer-shaped fruiting bodies and pale orange exteriors
Aleurites|candlenut
aleurone|granular protein in outermost layer of endosperm of many seeds or cereal grains
Aleut|a community of Native Americans who speak an Eskimo-Aleut language and inhabit the Aleutian Islands and southwestern Alaska - "the Aleut and the Eskimo are related culturally and linguistically";a member of the people inhabiting the Aleutian Islands and southwestern Alaska;the language spoken by the Aleut
Aleutian Islands|an archipelago in the North Pacific extending southwest from Alaska
alewife|flesh of shad-like fish abundant along the Atlantic coast or in coastal streams;shad-like food fish that runs rivers to spawn;often salted or smoked;sometimes placed in genus Pomolobus
Alex Boncayao Brigade|an urban hit squad and guerrilla group of the Communist Party in the Philippines;formed in the 1980s
Alexander|European herb somewhat resembling celery widely naturalized in Britain coastal regions and often cultivated as a potherb;king of Macedon;conqueror of Greece and Egypt and Persia;founder of Alexandria (356-323 BC)
Alexander Archipelago|a group of islands off southeastern Alaska
Alexander I|the czar of Russia whose plans to liberalize the government of Russia were unrealized because of the wars with Napoleon (1777-1825)
Alexander II|the son of Nicholas I who, as czar of Russia, introduced reforms that included limited emancipation of the serfs (1818-1881)
Alexander III|son of Alexander II who was czar of Russia (1845-1894)
Alexander VI|Pope and father of Cesare Borgia and Lucrezia Borgia (1431-1503)
Alexandria|a town in Louisiana on the Red River;the chief port of Egypt;located on the western edge of the Nile delta on the Mediterranean Sea;founded by Alexander the Great;the capital of ancient Egypt
Alexandria senna|erect shrub having racemes of tawny yellow flowers;the dried leaves are used medicinally as a cathartic;sometimes placed in genus Cassia
Alexandrian|a resident or native of Alexandria (especially Alexandria in Egypt)
Alexandrian laurel|East Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers;coastal areas southern India to Malaysia
Alexandrine|(prosody) a line of verse that has six iambic feet
alexandrite|a green variety of chrysoberyl used as a gemstone
alexic|a person with alexia
Aleyrodes|type genus of the Aleyrodidae
Aleyrodidae|whiteflies
alfalfa|important European leguminous forage plant with trifoliate leaves and blue-violet flowers grown widely as a pasture and hay crop;leguminous plant grown for hay or forage
alfalfa sprout|sprouted alfalfa seeds
al-Fatah|a Palestinian political and military organization founded by Yasser Arafat in 1958 to work toward the creation of a Palestinian state;during the 1960s and 1970s trained terrorist and insurgent groups - "al-Fatah carried out numerous acts of international terrorism in western Europe and the Middle East in the 1970s"
Alfred|king of Wessex;defeated the Vikings and encouraged writing in English (849-899)
alga|primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves
al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya|a terrorist organization of militant Islamists organized into tiny cells of extreme fundamentalists;emerged during the 1970s mainly in Egyptian jails - "al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya uses force to push Egyptian society toward Islamic rule"
algarroba|mesquite of Gulf Coast and Caribbean Islands from Mexico to Venezuela;mesquite pod used in tanning and dyeing
algebra|the mathematics of generalized arithmetical operations
algebraic language|an algorithmic language having statements that resemble algebraic expressions
algebraic number|root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients
algebraist|a mathematician whose specialty is algebra
Alger|United States author of inspirational adventure stories for boys;virtue and hard work overcome poverty (1832-1899)
Algeria|a republic in northwestern Africa on the Mediterranean Sea with a population that is predominantly Sunni Muslim;colonized by France in the 19th century but gained autonomy in the early 1960s
Algerian|a native or inhabitant of Algeria
Algerian centime|100 centimes equal 1 dinar in Algeria
Algerian dinar|the basic unit of money in Algeria
Algerian monetary unit|monetary unit in Algeria
Algeripithecus|an extinct genus of Hominoidea
Algeripithecus minutus|tiny (150 to 300 grams) extinct primate of 46 to 50 million years ago;fossils found in Algeria;considered by some authorities the leading candidate for the first anthropoid
algidity|prostration characterized by cold and clammy skin and low blood pressure
Algiers|an ancient port on the Mediterranean;the capital and largest city of Algeria
algin|a gum used especially as a thickener or emulsifier
ALGOL|(from a combination of ALGOrithmic and Language);a programming language used to express computer programs as algorithms;the second brightest star in Perseus;the first known eclipsing binary
algolagnia|sexual pleasure derived from inflicting or experiencing pain
algometer|device for measuring pain caused by pressure
algometry|measuring sensitivity to pain or pressure
Algonkian|a member of a North American Indian people in the Ottawa river valley of Ontario and Quebec;the Algonquian language spoken by the Algonkian
Algonquian|a member of any of the North American Indian groups speaking an Algonquian language and originally living in the subarctic regions of eastern Canada;many Algonquian tribes migrated south into the woodlands from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic coast;family of North American Indian languages spoken from Labrador to South Carolina and west to the Great Plains
algophobia|a morbid fear of pain
algorism|computation with Arabic figures;the Arabic (or decimal) system of numeration
algorithm|a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem
algorithm error|error resulting from the choice of the wrong algorithm or method for achieving the intended result
algorithmic language|an artificial language designed to express algorithms
Algren|United States writer (1909-1981)
Al-hakim|an Ismaili caliph of Egypt who declared himself an incarnation of God and founded the Druze religious sect (985-1021)
Alhambra|a fortified Moorish palace built near Granada by Muslim kings in the Middle Ages
Alhazen|an Egyptian polymath (born in Iraq) whose research in geometry and optics was influential into the 17th century;established experiments as the norm of proof in physics (died in 1040)
Ali|the fourth caliph of Islam who is considered to be the first caliph by Shiites;he was a cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad;after his assassination Islam was divided into Shiite and Sunnite sects;United States prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
Ali Baba|the fictional woodcutter who discovered that 'open sesame' opened a cave in the Arabian Nights' Entertainment
alias|a name that has been assumed temporarily
alibi|(law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
alicyclic compound|an aliphatic compound that contains a ring of atoms
alidade|surveying instrument consisting of the upper movable part of a theodolite including the telescope and its attachments;surveying instrument used with a plane table for drawing lines of sight on a distant object and for measuring angles
alien absconder|a fugitive remaining in the United States after an immigration judge has ordered them deported - "the government has categorized more than 320,000 foreigners as alien absconders"
alienage|the quality of being alien
alienation|(law) the voluntary and absolute transfer of title and possession of real property from one person to another - "the power of alienation is an essential ingredient of ownership";separation resulting from hostility;the action of alienating;the action of causing to become unfriendly;the feeling of being alienated from other people
alienation of affection|a tort based on willful and malicious interference with the marriage relation by a third party without justification or excuse
alienator|an unpleasant person who causes friendly people to become indifferent or unfriendly or hostile
alienee|someone to whom the title of property is transferred
alienism|an obsolete term for the study and treatment of mental illness
alienist|a psychiatrist and specialist in the legal aspects of mental illness
alienor|someone from whom the title of property is transferred
alignment|the act of adjusting or aligning the parts of a device in relation to each other;the spatial property possessed by an arrangement or position of things in a straight line or in parallel lines
alimentary canal|tubular passage of mucous membrane and muscle extending about 8.3 meters from mouth to anus;functions in digestion and elimination
alimentary tract smear|any of several cytologic smears obtained from different parts of the alimentary tract;obtained by specialized lavage techniques and used mainly to diagnose cancer in those parts
alimony|court-ordered support paid by one spouse to another after they are separated
A-line|women's clothing that has a fitted top and a flared skirt that is widest at the hemline - "it is called the A-line because the effect resembles the capital letter A"
aliphatic compound|organic compound that is an alkane or alkene or alkyne or their derivative
aliquant|an integer that is not an exact divisor of some quantity - "5 is an aliquant part of 12"
aliquot|an integer that is an exact divisor of some quantity - "4 is an aliquot part of 12"
Alisma|small genus of aquatic or semiaquatic plants
Alismataceae|perennial or annual aquatic or marsh plants
Alismatidae|one of four subclasses or superorders of Monocotyledones;comprises about 500 species in 14 families of aquatic and semiaquatic herbs
A-list|a list of names of specially favored people - "the boss gave me his A-list of people we should try to recruit"
aliterate|a person who can read but is disinclined to derive information from literary sources
aliyah|(Judaism) immigration of Jews to Israel - "students making aliyah";(Judaism) the honor of being called up to the reading desk in the synagogue to read from the Torah - "he was called on for an aliyah"
alizarin|an orange-red crystalline compound used in making red pigments and in dyeing
alizarin carmine|any of various acid dyes;used for dyeing wool scarlet red
alizarin yellow|any of various yellow dyes;not related chemically to alizarin but applied in the same manner
al-Jihad|an Islamic extremist group active since the late 1970s;seeks to overthrow the Egyptian government and replace it with an Islamic state;works in small underground cells
alkahest|hypothetical universal solvent once sought by alchemists
alkalemia|a blood disorder characterized by a lower concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood (which rises above 7.45 on the pH scale)
alkali|a mixture of soluble salts found in arid soils and some bodies of water;detrimental to agriculture
alkali grass|plant of western North America having grasslike leaves and greenish-white flowers
alkali metal|any of the monovalent metals of group I of the periodic table (lithium or sodium or potassium or rubidium or cesium or francium) - "the hydroxides of the alkali metals are strongly alkaline"
alkali poisoning|poisoning resulting from the ingestion of an alkali compound (as lye or ammonia)
alkalimetry|volumetric analysis using standard solutions of alkali to measure the amount of acid present
alkaline earth|any of the bivalent metals of group II of the periodic table (calcium or strontium or barium or magnesium or beryllium)
alkalinity|pH values above 7
alkalinuria|a condition in which the urine (which is normally slightly acidic) is alkaline
alkaloid|natural bases containing nitrogen found in plants
alkalosis|abnormally high alkalinity (low hydrogen-ion concentration) of the blood and other body tissues
alkapton|an acid formed as an intermediate product of the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine
alkaptonuria|a rare recessive metabolic anomaly marked by ochronosis and the presence of alkapton in the urine
Alka-seltzer|a commercial antacid that contains aspirin;tablets dissolve in water to give an effervescent solution
alkene|any unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon
alkyd|a durable synthetic resin widely used in adhesives and paints
alkyl|any of a series of univalent groups of the general formula CnH2n+1 derived from aliphatic hydrocarbons
alkyl halide|organic compound in which halogen atoms have been substituted for hydrogen atoms in an alkane
alkylating agent|an antineoplastic drug used to treat some forms of cancer
alkylbenzene|organic compound that has an alkyl group bound to a benzene ring
alkylbenzenesulfonate|sulfonate of alkyl benzene
all clear|a signal (usually a siren) that danger is over;permission to proceed because obstacles have been removed
all fours|card games in which points are won for taking the high or low or jack or game
All Saints' Day|a Christian feast day honoring all the saints;first observed in 835
All Souls' Day|a day of supplication for all the souls in purgatory
alla breve|a musical time signature indicating two or four half notes to a measure
Allah|Muslim name for the one and only God
allamanda|a plant of the genus Allamanda having large showy funnel-shaped flowers in terminal cymes
allantois|the vascular fetal membrane that lies below the chorion and develops from the hindgut in many embryonic higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds and mammals)
allegation|(law) a formal accusation against somebody (often in a court of law) - "an allegation of malpractice";statements affirming or denying certain matters of fact that you are prepared to prove
Alleghenies|the western part of the Appalachian Mountains;extending from northern Pennsylvania to southwestern Virginia
Allegheny|a river that rises in Pennsylvania and flows north into New York and then back south through Pennsylvania again to join the Monongahela River at Pittsburgh which is the beginning of the Ohio River
Allegheny chinkapin|shrubby chestnut tree of southeastern United States having small edible nuts
Allegheny plum|wild plum of northeastern United States having dark purple fruits with yellow flesh
Allegheny spurge|low semi-evergreen perennial herb having small spikes of white or pinkish flowers;native to southern United States but grown elsewhere
allegiance|the loyalty that citizens owe to their country (or subjects to their sovereign)
allegorizer|someone who communicates in allegories
allegory|an expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances;an extended metaphor
allegretto|a musical composition or musical passage to be performed at a somewhat quicker tempo than andante but not as fast as allegro;a quicker tempo than andante but not as fast as allegro
allegro|a brisk and lively tempo;a musical composition or musical passage to be performed quickly in a brisk lively manner
allegro con spirito|lively with spirit
allele|(genetics) either of a pair (or series) of alternative forms of a gene that can occupy the same locus on a particular chromosome and that control the same character - "some alleles are dominant over others"
allemande|egg-thickened veloute
Allen|a soldier of the American Revolution whose troops helped capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British (1738-1789);United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964);United States filmmaker and comic actor (1935-)
Allen screw|a screw with a hexagonal hole in the head
Allen wrench|a wrench for Allen screws
Allentown|a city in eastern Pennsylvania;an industrial and commercial center
allergen|any substance that can cause an allergy
allergic eczema|eczema caused by an allergic reaction
allergic rhinitis|rhinitis caused by an allergic reaction
allergist|a physician skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies
allergology|the branch of medical science that studies the causes and treatment of allergies
allergy|hypersensitivity reaction to a particular allergen;symptoms can vary greatly in intensity
allergy diet|a diet designed to avoid the foods that you are allergic to
alleviator|a therapist who makes suffering more endurable
alley|a narrow street with walls on both sides
alley cat|a homeless cat
Allhallowtide|the season of All Saints' Day
Alliaceae|one of many families or subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted;includes especially genus Allium
alliaceous plant|bulbous plants having a characteristic pungent onion odor
alliance|a connection based on kinship or marriage or common interest - "the shifting alliances within a large family";a formal agreement establishing an association or alliance between nations or other groups to achieve a particular aim;an organization of people (or countries) involved in a pact or treaty;the state of being allied or confederated
Alliaria|a genus of herbs of the family Cruciferae;have broad leaves and white flowers and long siliques
allice shad|European shad
Allied Command Atlantic|a major strategic headquarters of NATO located in the United States;is under the authority of the North Atlantic Council
Allied Command Europe|a major strategic headquarters of NATO;safeguards an area extending from Norway to Turkey
allies|an alliance of nations joining together to fight a common enemy;in World War I the alliance of Great Britain and France and Russia and all the other nations that became allied with them in opposing the Central Powers;the alliance of nations that fought the Axis in World War II and which (with subsequent additions) signed the charter of the United Nations in 1945
alligator|either of two amphibious reptiles related to crocodiles but with shorter broader snouts;leather made from alligator's hide
alligator lizard|slim short-limbed lizard having a distinctive fold on each side that permits expansion;of western North America
alligator snapping turtle|large species having three ridges on its back;found in southeastern United States
alligator weed|prolific South American aquatic weed having grasslike leaves and short spikes of white flowers;clogs waterways with dense floating masses
alligator wrench|a wrench with a v-shaped jaw and serrations on one side (resembles the open jaws of an alligator)
alligatorfish|small very elongate sea poachers
Alligatoridae|alligators;caimans
Allionia|small genus of chiefly American herbs
alliteration|use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse
alliterator|a speaker or writer who makes use of alliteration
Allium|large genus of perennial and biennial pungent bulbous plants;garlic;leek;onion;chive;sometimes placed in family Alliaceae as the type genus
allocation|(computer science) the assignment of particular areas of a magnetic disk to particular data or instructions
allocation unit|a group of sectors on a magnetic disk that can be reserved for the use of a particular file
allocator|a person with authority to allot or deal out or apportion
allocution|(rhetoric) a formal or authoritative address that advises or exhorts
allogamy|cross-fertilization in plants
allograph|a signature written by one person for another;a variant form of a grapheme, as 'm' or 'M' or a handwritten version of that grapheme
allomerism|(chemistry) variability in chemical composition without variation in crystalline form
allometry|the study of the relative growth of a part of an organism in relation to the growth of the whole
allomorph|a variant phonological representation of a morpheme - "the final sounds of 'bets' and 'beds' and 'horses' and 'oxen' are allomorphs of the English plural morpheme";any of several different crystalline forms of the same chemical compound - "calcium carbonate occurs in the allomorphs calcite and aragonite"
allopathy|the usual method of treating disease with remedies that produce effects differing from those produced by the disease itself
allopatry|the occurrence of related organisms in separate geographical areas with no overlap
allophone|(linguistics) any of various acoustically different forms of the same phoneme
allopurinol|a drug (trade name Zyloprim) used to treat gout and other conditions in which there is an excessive buildup of uric acid
all-or-none law|(neurophysiology) a nerve impulse resulting from a weak stimulus is just as strong as a nerve impulse resulting from a strong stimulus
allosaur|late Jurassic carnivorous dinosaur;similar to but somewhat smaller than tyrannosaurus
allotment|a share set aside for a specific purpose;the act of distributing by allotting or apportioning;distribution according to a plan
allotrope|a structurally different form of an element - "graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon"
allotropy|the phenomenon of an element existing in two or more physical forms
allowance|a permissible difference;allowing some freedom to move within limits;a sum granted as reimbursement for expenses;an amount added or deducted on the basis of qualifying circumstances - "an allowance for profit";an amount allowed or granted (as during a given period) - "travel allowance" - "my weekly allowance of two eggs" - "a child's allowance should not be too generous";the act of allowing - "He objected to the allowance of smoking in the dining room"
alloy|a mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten - "brass is an alloy of zinc and copper"
alloy iron|cast iron containing alloying elements (usually nickel or chromium or copper or molybdenum) to increase the strength or facilitate heat treatment
alloy steel|steel who characteristics are determined by the addition of other elements in addition to carbon
all-rounder|a versatile person who is expert at many things - "she's the best all-rounder they've seen in years"
allspice|aromatic West Indian tree that produces allspice berries;deciduous shrubs having aromatic bark;eastern China;southwestern and eastern United States;ground dried berrylike fruit of a West Indian allspice tree;suggesting combined flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg and cloves
allspice tree|tropical American tree having small white flowers and aromatic berries
allure|the power to entice or attract through personal charm
allurement|attractiveness - "its allurement was its remoteness"
allusion|passing reference or indirect mention
allusiveness|a quality characterized by indirect reference
alluvial fan|a fan-shaped deposit where a fast flowing stream flattens out
alluvial flat|a flat resulting from repeated deposits of alluvial material by running water
alluvial sediment|clay or silt or gravel carried by rushing streams and deposited where the stream slows down
alluvial soil|a fine-grained fertile soil deposited by water flowing over flood plains or in river beds
alluvion|gradual formation of new land, by recession of the sea or deposit of sediment
ally|a friendly nation;an associate who provides cooperation or assistance - "he's a good ally in fight"
allyl|the univalent unsaturated organic radical C3H5;derived from propylene
allyl alcohol|an unsaturated primary alcohol present in wood spirit;use to make resins and plasticizers and pharmaceuticals
allyl resin|a resin derived from allyl alcohol that hardens when cured;used as an adhesive
alma mater|your alma mater is a school you graduated from
almanac|an annual publication containing tabular information in a particular field or fields arranged according to the calendar of a given year;an annual publication including weather forecasts and other miscellaneous information arranged according to the calendar of a given year
almandine|a purple variety of the ruby spinel
almandite|a deep red garnet consisting of iron aluminum silicate
Almaty|the largest city in Kazakhstan and the capital until 1998
al-Ma'unah|a radical insurgent Islamist group consisting of disaffected middle-class professionals in Malaysia who want to overthrow the government by violent means and set up an Islamic state
almond|oval-shaped edible seed of the almond tree;small bushy deciduous tree native to Asia and North Africa having pretty pink blossoms and highly prized edible nuts enclosed in a hard green hull;cultivated in southern Australia and California
almond cookie|very rich cookie containing ground almonds;usually crescent-shaped
almond extract|flavoring made from almonds macerated in alcohol
almond moth|a moth whose larvae feed on and mat together with webbing various stored products of vegetable origin
almond oil|pale yellow fatty oil expressed from sweet or bitter almonds
almond tree|any of several small bushy trees having pink or white blossoms and usually bearing nuts
almond willow|Old World willow with light green leaves cultivated for use in basketry
almoner|an official in a British hospital who looks after the social and material needs of the patients
Almoravid|a member of a Muslim dynasty of Berber warriors that flourished from 1049 to 1145 and that established political dominance over northwestern Africa and Spain
alms|money or goods contributed to the poor
alms dish|a tray for collecting the offering from a congregation
almsgiver|a person who gives alms
alms-giving|making voluntary contributions to aid the poor
al-Muhajiroun|a hard-line extremist Islamic group in Great Britain who support bin Laden and other terrorist groups
Alnico|trade name for an alloy used to make high-energy permanent magnets;contains aluminum and iron and nickel plus cobalt or copper or titanium
Alnus|alders
alocasia|any plant of the genus Alocasia having large showy basal leaves and boat-shaped spathe and reddish berries
aloe|succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers;found chiefly in Africa
Aloeaceae|one of many families or subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted
aloes|a purgative made from the leaves of aloe
aloha|an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is Hawaiian and ciao is Italian)
aloneness|a disposition toward being alone
Alonso|Cuban dancer and choreographer (born in 1921)
aloofness|a disposition to be distant and unsympathetic in manner
alopecia|loss of hair (especially on the head) or loss of wool or feathers;in humans it can result from heredity or hormonal imbalance or certain diseases or drugs and treatments (chemotherapy for cancer)
alopecia areata|patchy baldness
Alopecurus|annual or perennial grasses including decorative and meadow species as well as notorious agricultural weeds
Alopex|arctic foxes
Alopiidae|thresher sharks
Alopius|type genus of the family Alopiidae;in some classifications considered a genus of the family Lamnidae
Alosa|shad
Alouatta|howler monkeys
alp|any high mountain
alpaca|a thin glossy fabric made of the wool of the Lama pacos, or made of a rayon or cotton imitation of that wool;domesticated llama with long silky fleece;believed to be a domesticated variety of the guanaco;wool of the alpaca
Alpena|a town in northern Michigan on an arm of Lake Huron
alpenstock|a stout staff with a metal point;used by mountain climbers
alpha|the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet;the beginning of a series or sequence - "the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end"--Revelations
alpha and omega|the basic meaning of something;the crucial part;the first and last;signifies God's eternity
alpha blocker|any of various drugs that block alpha-adrenergic receptors;used in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia;relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder
alpha brass|an alloy of brass and zinc;used mainly for cold working
alpha bronze|an alloy of copper and tin that can be worked
Alpha Centauri|brightest star in Centaurus;second nearest star to the sun
Alpha Crucis|the brightest star in the Southern Cross
alpha decay|radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of an alpha particle
alpha fetoprotein|an abnormally large amount of this fetoprotein in the fetus can signal an abnormality of the neural tube (as spina bifida or anencephaly)
alpha globulin|a globulin in blood plasma or serum that is alkaline and has great electrophoretic mobility
alpha iron|a magnetic allotrope of iron;stable below 906 degrees centigrade
alpha particle|a positively charged particle that is the nucleus of the helium atom;emitted from natural or radioactive isotopes
alpha privative|the negative prefix a- or un-
alpha radiation|the radiation of alpha particles during radioactive decay
alpha receptor|receptors postulated to exist on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system in order to explain the specificity of certain agents that affect only some sympathetic activities (such as vasoconstriction and relaxation of intestinal muscles and contraction of smooth muscles)
alpha rhythm|the normal brainwave in the electroencephalogram of a person who is awake but relaxed;occurs with a frequency of 8-12 hertz
alpha software|a first release of a software product that is usually tested only by the developers
alpha test|(computer science) a first test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by the developer
alphabet|a character set that includes letters and is used to write a language
alphabet soup|a confusing assortment - "Roosevelt created an alphabet soup of federal agencies";soup that contains small noodles in the shape of letters of the alphabet
alpha-beta brass|a brass that has more zinc and is stronger than alpha brass;used in making castings and hot-worked products
alphabetic writing|a writing system based on alphabetic characters
alphabetization|the act of putting in alphabetical order
alphabetizer|a literate person who can arrange items in alphabetical order
alpha-interferon|a form of interferon that is produced endogenously and commercially for its pharmacological effects (including regulation of the immune system and antiviral and antineoplastic effects)
alpha-linolenic acid|a polyunsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms;the only omega-3 fatty acid found in vegetable products;it is most abundant in canola oil;a fatty acid essential for nutrition
alpha-naphthol|an isomer of naphthol used in dyes
alpha-naphthol test|biochemical indicator of the presence of carbohydrates in a solution;if carbohydrates are present a violet ring is formed by reaction with alpha-naphthol in the presence of sulfuric acid
alphanumerics|a character set that includes letters and digits and punctuation
alpha-tocopheral|a potent form of vitamin E obtained from germ oils or by synthesis
alphavirus|an arbovirus of the family Togaviridae that can cause a variety of encephalitis in horses
Alpine anemone|silky-foliaged herb of the Rocky Mountains with bluish-white flowers
alpine ash|tall timber tree with hard heavy pinkish or light brown wood
alpine azalea|creeping mat-forming evergreen shrub of high mountain regions of northern hemisphere grown for its rose-pink flowers
alpine bearberry|deciduous creeping shrub bright red in autumn having black or blue-black berries;alpine and circumpolar
Alpine besseya|small pale plant with dense spikes of pale bluish-violet flowers;of high cold meadows from Wyoming and Utah to New Mexico
Alpine celery pine|small shrubby celery pine of New Zealand
alpine clover|European mountain clover with fragrant usually pink flowers
alpine clubmoss|a variety of club moss
alpine coltsfoot|rhizomatous herb with purple-red flowers suitable for groundcover;sometimes placed in genus Tussilago
Alpine enchanter's nightshade|an Alpine variety of enchanter's nightshade
Alpine fir|medium-tall timber tree of the Rocky Mountains having a narrowly conic to columnar crown
Alpine glacier|a glacier that moves down from a high valley
alpine gold|low tufted plant having hairy stems each topped by a flower head with short narrow yellow rays;northwestern United States
alpine goldenrod|goldenrod similar to narrow goldenrod but having bristly hairs on edges of leaf stalks;mountainous regions of western America
Alpine lady fern|a lady fern with deeply cut leaf segments;found in the Rocky Mountains
alpine milk vetch|perennial of mountainous areas of Eurasia and North America
Alpine mouse-ear|widespread in the Arctic and on mountains in Europe
alpine salamander|ovoviviparous amphibian of the Alps
alpine totara|low wide-spreading coniferous shrub of New Zealand mountains
Alpine woodsia|slender fern of northern North America with shining chestnut-colored stipes and bipinnate fronds with usually distinct marginal sori
Alpinia|perennial rhizomatous herbs of Asia and Australia and Polynesia having ginger-scented rhizomes
Alpinism|mountain climbing (not restricted to the Alps)
alpinist|a mountain climber who specializes in difficult climbs
alprazolam|an antianxiety agent (trade name Xanax) of the benzodiazepine class
Alps|a large mountain system in south-central Europe;scenic beauty and winter sports make them a popular tourist attraction
al-Qaeda|a terrorist network intensely opposed to the United States that dispenses money and logistical support and training to a wide variety of radical Islamic terrorist groups;has cells in more than 50 countries
al-Rashid Trust|a terrorist group organized in 1996 after the Taliban took over Afghanistan and part of Osama bin Laden's international system;provides financial support for the Taliban and al-Qaeda and Jaish-i-Mohammed and assists Muslim militants around the world;established a network of madrasas and mosques in Afghanistan
Alsace|a region of northeastern France famous for its wines
Alsatian|a native or inhabitant of Alsace
Alsobia|tropical American herbs sometimes included in genus Episcia
Alsophila|geometrid moths
Alsophila pometaria|North American moth with grey-winged males and wingless females;larvae are fall cankerworms
Alstonia|genus of evergreen trees or shrubs with white funnel-shaped flowers and milky sap;tropical Africa to southeastern Asia and Polynesia
alstroemeria|any of various South American plants of the genus Alstroemeria valued for their handsome umbels of beautiful flowers
Alstroemeriaceae|one of many families or subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted;sometimes included in subfamily Amaryllidaceae
Altai Mountains|a mountain range in central Asia that extends a thousand miles from Kazakhstan eastward into western Mongolia and northern China
Altaic|a group of related languages spoken in Asia and southeastern Europe;any member of the peoples speaking a language in the Altaic language group
Altair|double star 15.7 light years from Earth;the brightest star in the Aquila constellation
altar|a raised structure on which gifts or sacrifices to a god are made;the table in Christian churches where communion is given
altar boy|a boy serving as an acolyte
altar wine|used in a communion service
altarpiece|a painted or carved screen placed above and behind an altar or communion table
al-Tawhid|an Islamic terrorist cell that originated in Jordan but operates in Germany;goal is to attack Europe and Russia with chemical weapons
altazimuth|an instrument that measures the altitude and azimuth of celestial bodies;used in navigation
alter ego|a very close and trusted friend who seems almost a part of yourself
alterability|the quality of being alterable
alteration|the act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment)
Alternanthera|genus of low herbs of tropical America and Australia;includes genus Telanthera
alternating current|an electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally
alternation|successive change from one thing or state to another and back again - "a trill is a rapid alternation between the two notes"
alternation of generations|the alternation of two or more different forms in the life cycle of a plant or animal
alternative birth|a method of childbirth that avoids intrusive high-tech medicine in favor of more natural and homely settings
alternative energy|energy derived from sources that do not use up natural resources or harm the environment
alternative medicine|the practice of medicine without the use of drugs;may involve herbal medicines or self-awareness or biofeedback or acupuncture
alternative pleading|a pleading that alleges facts so separate that it is difficult to determine which facts the person intends to rely on
alternator|an old term for an electric generator that produces alternating current (especially in automobiles)
althea|any of various plants of the genus Althaea;similar to but having smaller flowers than genus Alcea
altimeter|an instrument that measures the height above ground;used in navigation
altitude|elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface - "the altitude gave her a headache";the perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure to the opposite vertex (or side if parallel)
altitude sickness|effects (as nosebleed or nausea) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues at high altitudes
alto|(of a musical instrument) the second highest instrument in a family of musical instruments;a singer whose voice lies in the alto clef;the pitch range of the lowest female voice
alto clef|a clef that puts middle C on the third line of a staff
alto relievo|a sculptural relief in which forms extend out from the background to at least half their depth
alto saxophonist|a musician who plays the alto saxophone
altocumulus|a cumulus cloud at an intermediate altitude of 2 or 3 miles
Altoona|a town in central Pennsylvania
altostratus|a stratus cloud at an intermediate altitude of 2 or 3 miles
altruism|the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others
alula|scalelike structure between the base of the wing and the halter of a two-winged fly
alum|a double sulphate of aluminum and potassium that is used as an astringent (among other things);a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum;the ammonium double sulfate of aluminum;a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum;the potassium double sulfate of aluminum
alumina|any of various forms of aluminum oxide occurring naturally as corundum
aluminate|a compound of alumina and a metallic oxide
aluminum|a silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite
aluminum bronze|an alloy of copper and aluminum with high tensile strength and resistance to corrosion
aluminum business|manufacturers of aluminum considered as a group
aluminum chloride|a chloride used as a wood preservative or catalyst
aluminum foil|foil made of aluminum
aluminum hydroxide|white crystalline compound that occurs naturally as the mineral gibbsite
al-Ummah|a terrorist group formed in India in 1992;is believed to be responsible for bombings in southern India in 1998
alumnus|a person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university)
alumroot|any of several herbs of the genus Heuchera
alundum|a substance made of fused alumina
alveolar arch|the part of the upper or lower jawbones in which the teeth are set
alveolar artery|a branch of the maxillary artery that supplies the alveolar process
alveolar bed|lung tissue densely packed with alveoli
alveolar consonant|a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge
alveolar ectasia|abnormal enlargement of the air sacs in the lungs
alveolar resorption|wasting of the bony socket
alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma|form of rhabdomyosarcoma occurring mainly in adolescents and young adults
alveolar ridge|a ridge that forms the borders of the upper and lower jaws and contains the sockets of the teeth
alveolitis|inflammation in the socket of a tooth;sometimes occurs after a tooth is extracted and a blood clot fails to form;inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs caused by inhaling dust;with repeated exposure the condition may become chronic
alveolus|a tiny sac for holding air in the lungs;formed by the terminal dilation of tiny air passageways
Alyssum|a genus of the family Cruciferae;any garden plant of the genus Alyssum having clusters of small yellow or white flowers
Alytes|midwife toads
Alzheimer's disease|a progressive form of presenile dementia that is similar to senile dementia except that it usually starts in the 40s or 50s;first symptoms are impaired memory which is followed by impaired thought and speech and finally complete helplessness
amabilis fir|medium to tall fir of western North America having a conic crown and branches in tiers;leaves smell of orange when crushed
Amaethon|the farmer god;ancient god of agriculture
amalgam|a combination or blend of diverse things - "his theory is an amalgam of earlier ideas";an alloy of mercury with another metal (usually silver) used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth;except for iron and platinum all metals dissolve in mercury and chemists refer to the resulting mercury mixtures as amalgams
amalgamation|the combination of two or more commercial companies
amalgamator|a businessman who arranges an amalgamation of two or more commercial companies
A'man|the Israeli military intelligence which produces comprehensive national intelligence briefings for the prime minister and the cabinet
Amanita|genus of widely distributed agarics that have white spores and are poisonous with few exceptions
amaranth|any of various plants of the genus Amaranthus having dense plumes of green or red flowers;often cultivated for food;seed of amaranth plants used as a native cereal in Central and South America
Amaranthaceae|cosmopolitan family of herbs and shrubs
Amaranthus|large widely distributed genus of chiefly coarse annual herbs
amarelle|any of several cultivated sour cherry trees bearing pale red fruit with colorless juice;pale red sour cherry with colorless or nearly colorless juice
amaretto|an Italian almond liqueur
Amarillo|a city in the northern panhandle of Texas
Amaryllidaceae|snowdrop;narcissus;daffodil;in some classification systems considered a subfamily of the Liliaceae
amaryllis|bulbous plant having showy white to reddish flowers
amastia|absence of the mammary glands (either through surgery or developmental defect)
Amaterasu|central deity of Shinto;goddess personifying the sun and ancestress of the rulers of Japan
amateur|an athlete who does not play for pay;someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
amateurishness|something that demonstrates a lack of professional competency
amateurism|the conviction that people should participate in sports as a hobby (for the fun of it) rather than for money
Amati|a violin made by Nicolo Amati or a member of his family;Italian violin maker in Cremona;taught the craft to Guarneri and Stradivari (1596-1684)
Amauropelta|epiphytic or terrestrial ferns of America and Africa and Polynesia
amaurosis|partial or total loss of sight without pathology of the eye;caused by disease of optic nerve or retina or brain
Amazon|(Greek mythology) one of a nation of women warriors of Scythia (who burned off the right breast in order to use a bow and arrow more effectively);a major South American river;arises in the Andes and flows eastward into the South Atlantic;the world's 2nd longest river (4000 miles);a large strong and aggressive woman;mainly green tropical American parrots
Amazon ant|small reddish slave-making ant species
Amazona|a genus of Psittacidae
ambages|(archaic) roundabout or mysterious ways of action
ambassador|a diplomat of the highest rank;accredited as representative from one country to another;an informal representative - "an ambassador of good will"
ambassadorship|the post of ambassador
ambassadress|a woman ambassador
amber|a deep yellow color - "an amber light illuminated the room";a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin;used for jewelry
amber lily|plant having basal grasslike leaves and a narrow open cluster of starlike yellowish-orange flowers atop a leafless stalk;southwestern United States;only species of Anthericum growing in North America
Amberboa|herbs of Mediterranean to central Asia cultivated for their flowers
ambergris|waxy substance secreted by the sperm whale and found floating at sea or washed ashore;used in perfume
amberjack|any of several amber to coppery fork-tailed warm-water carangid fishes
ambiance|the atmosphere of an environment
ambidexterity|the property of being equally skillful with each hand
ambiguity|an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context;unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning
ambition|a cherished desire - "his ambition is to own his own business";a strong drive for success
ambivalence|mixed feelings or emotions
ambiversion|(psychology) a balanced disposition intermediate between extroversion and introversion
amble|a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
Ambloplites|a genus of Centrarchidae
amblygonite|a white or grey mineral consisting of lithium aluminum phosphate;a source of lithium
amblyopia|visual impairment without apparent organic pathology
Amblyrhynchus|marine iguanas
amboina pine|native to the Moluccas and Philippines;a source of dammar resin
amboyna|mottled curly-grained wood of Pterocarpus indicus
Ambrose|(Roman Catholic Church) Roman priest who became bishop of Milan;the first Church Father born and raised in the Christian faith;composer of hymns;imposed orthodoxy on the early Christian church and built up its secular power;a saint and Doctor of the Church (340?-397)
ambrosia|(classical mythology) the food and drink of the gods;mortals who ate it became immortal;fruit dessert made of oranges and bananas with shredded coconut
Ambrosiaceae|in some classifications considered a separate family comprising a subgroup of the Compositae including the ragweeds
ambulacrum|one of the five areas on the undersurface of an echinoderm on which the tube feet are located
ambulance|a vehicle that takes people to and from hospitals
ambulance chaser|an unethical lawyer who incites accident victims to sue
ambulant plague|a mild form of bubonic plague
ambulation|walking about - "the hospital encouraged early ambulation"
ambulatory|a covered walkway (as in a cloister) - "it has an ambulatory and seven chapels"
ambush|the act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise
ambusher|an attacker who waits in a concealed position to launch a surprise attack
Ambystoma|type genus of the Ambystomatidae
Ambystomatidae|New World salamanders
ambystomid|small to moderate-sized terrestrial or semiaquatic New World salamander
ameba|naked freshwater or marine or parasitic protozoa that form temporary pseudopods for feeding and locomotion
amebiasis|infection by a disease-causing ameba
amebic dysentery|inflammation of the intestines caused by Endamoeba histolytica;usually acquired by ingesting food or water contaminated with feces;characterized by severe diarrhea
Ameiuridae|North American catfishes
Ameiurus|type genus of the Ameiuridae;bullhead catfishes
Amelanchier|North American deciduous trees or shrubs
amelia|congenital absence of an arm or leg
amelioration|the act of relieving ills and changing for the better
ameloblast|a cell from which tooth enamel develops
amelogenesis|the developmental process of forming tooth enamel
Amen|a primeval Egyptian personification of air and breath;worshipped especially at Thebes
amen corner|area reserved for persons leading the responsive 'amens'
amenability|the trait of being cooperative
amended return|a tax return that corrects the information in an earlier return
amendment|a statement that is added to or revises or improves a proposal or document (a bill or constitution etc.);the act of amending or correcting
amenorrhea|absence or suppression of normal menstrual flow
Amen-Ra|Egyptian sun god;supreme god of the universe in whom Amen and Ra were merged;principal deity during Theban supremacy
Amentiferae|used in some classification systems for plants that bear catkins
America|North America and South America and Central America
American|a native or inhabitant of a North American or Central American or South American country;a native or inhabitant of the United States
American agave|widely cultivated American monocarpic plant with greenish-white flowers on a tall stalk;blooms only after ten to twenty years and then dies
American alligator|large alligator of the southeastern United States
American angelica tree|small deciduous clump-forming tree or shrub of eastern United States
American arborvitae|small evergreen of eastern North America having tiny scalelike leaves on flattened branchlets
American badger|a variety of badger native to America
American Baptist Convention|an association of Northern Baptists
American barberry|deciduous shrub of eastern North America whose leaves turn scarlet in autumn and having racemes of yellow flowers followed by ellipsoid glossy red berries
American basswood|large American shade tree with large dark green leaves and rounded crown
American beech|North American forest tree with light green leaves and edible nuts
American bison|large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains
American bittern|a kind of bittern
American black bear|brown to black North American bear;smaller and less ferocious than the brown bear
American bog asphodel|of the eastern United States;New Jersey to South Carolina
American bugbane|bugbane of the eastern United States having erect racemes of white flowers
American chameleon|small arboreal tropical American insectivorous lizards with the ability to change skin color
American chestnut|large tree found from Maine to Alabama
American Civil War|civil war in the United States between the North and the South;1861-1865
American cockroach|large reddish brown free-flying cockroach originally from southern United States but now widely distributed
American coot|a coot found in North America
American copper|common copper butterfly of central and eastern North America
American crab apple|medium-sized tree of the eastern United States having pink blossoms and small yellow fruit
American cranberry|trailing red-fruited plant
American crayfish|common large crayfishes of eastern North America
American crow|common crow of North America
American dewberry|North American dewberry
American dog violet|violet of eastern North America having pale violet to white flowers
American Dream|the widespread aspiration of Americans to live better than their parents did
American egret|a common egret of the genus Egretta found in America;it is a variety of the Old World white egret Casmerodius albus
American elder|common elder of central and eastern North America bearing purple-black berries;fruit used in wines and jellies
American elm|large ornamental tree with graceful gradually spreading branches common in eastern North America
American English|the English language as used in the United States
American Falls|a part of Niagara Falls in western New York (north of Buffalo)
American Federation of Labor|a federation of North American labor unions that merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations|the largest federation of North American labor unions;formed in 1955
American feverfew|stout perennial herb of the eastern United States with whitish flowers;leaves traditionally used by Catawba Indians to treat burns
American flag|the national flag of the United States of America
American fly honeysuckle|erect deciduous North American shrub with yellow-white flowers
American flying squirrel|New World flying squirrels
American football|a game played by two teams of 11 players on a rectangular field 100 yards long;teams try to get possession of the ball and advance it across the opponents goal line in a series of (running or passing) plays
American foxhound|an American breed of foxhounds used for hunting both in packs and individually
American frogbit|American plant with roundish heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves;usually rooted in muddy bottoms of ponds and ditches
American gallinule|American purple gallinule
American germander|subshrub with serrate leaves and cream-colored to pink or purple flowers in spikelike racemes;North America
American ginseng|North American woodland herb similar to and used as substitute for the Chinese ginseng
American green toad|small green or yellow-green toad with small black bars and stripes
American hackberry|large deciduous shade tree of southern United States with small deep purple berries
American harvest mouse|any of several small greyish New World mice inhabiting e.g. grain fields
American hazel|nut-bearing shrub of eastern North America
American holly|an evergreen tree
American hop|native American plant sometimes confused with the European hop
American hornbeam|tree or large shrub with grey bark and blue-green leaves that turn red-orange in autumn
American Indian Day|US;the 4th Friday in September
American Labor Party|a former political party in the United States;formed in 1936 in New York when labor and liberals bolted the Democratic Party
American lady crab|brightly spotted crab of sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast of the United States
American larch|medium-sized larch of Canada and northern United States including Alaska having a broad conic crown and rust-brown scaly bark
American Legion|the largest organization of United States war veterans
American lobster|flesh of cold-water lobsters having large tender claws;caught from Maine to the Carolinas;lobster of Atlantic coast of America
American magpie|a magpie of Rocky Mountains in North America
American maidenhair fern|hardy palmately branched North American fern with divergent recurved branches borne on lustrous dark reddish stipes
American marten|valued for its fur
American mastodon|mastodon of North America;in some classifications considered a mammoth rather than a mastodon
American merganser|common North American diving duck considered a variety of the European goosander
American mink|usually rich dark brown
American mistletoe|small herb with scalelike leaves on reddish-brown stems and berrylike fruits;parasitic on spruce and larch trees;the traditional mistletoe of Christmas in America;grows on deciduous trees and can severely weaken the host plant
American mountain ash|a variety of mountain ash
American oil palm|palm of Central and South America
American organ|a free-reed instrument in which air is drawn in through reeds by suction bellows
American parasol|an agaric with a pallid cap and a stalk that is enlarged near the base
American Party|a former political party in the United States;active in the 1850s to keep power out of the hands of immigrants and Roman Catholics
American pasqueflower|short hairy perennial with early spring blue-violet or lilac flowers;North America and Siberia
American persimmon|medium-sized tree of dry woodlands in the southern and eastern United States bearing yellow or orange very astringent fruit that is edible when fully ripe
American plaice|large American food fish
American plan|a hotel plan that includes three meals daily
American quaking aspen|slender aspen native to North America
American raspberry|red raspberry of North America
American rattlebox|tropical American annual herb having an inflated pod in which the ripe seeds rattle
American red elder|common North American shrub or small tree
American red plum|wild plum trees of eastern and central North America having red-orange fruit with yellow flesh
American red squirrel|of northern United States and Canada
American redstart|flycatching warbler of eastern North America the male having bright orange on sides and wings and tail
American Revolution|the revolution of the American Colonies against Great Britain;1775-1783
American Revolutionary leader|a nationalist leader in the American Revolution and in the creation of the United States
American rock brake|rock-inhabiting fern of northern North America growing in massive tufts and having fronds resembling parsley
American saddle horse|a high-stepping horse originating in Kentucky
American Samoa|a United States territory on the eastern part of the island of Samoa
American shrew mole|greyish-black shrew mole of the United States and Canada
American smelt|common smelt of eastern North America and Alaska
American smokewood|shrubby tree of southern United States having large plumes of feathery flowers resembling puffs of smoke
American smooth dogfish|found along the Atlantic coast of the Americas
American spikenard|unarmed woody rhizomatous perennial plant distinguished from wild sarsaparilla by more aromatic roots and panicled umbels;southeastern North America to Mexico
American Staffordshire terrier|American breed of muscular terriers with a short close-lying stiff coat
American Standard Code for Information Interchange|(computer science) a code for information exchange between computers made by different companies;a string of 7 binary digits represents each character;used in most microcomputers
American Standard Version|a revised version of the King James Version
American star grass|perennial star grass of North America
American state|one of the 50 states of the United States
American Stock Exchange|a stock exchange in New York
American sycamore|very large spreading plane tree of eastern and central North America to Mexico
American toad|common toad of America
American turkey oak|small slow-growing deciduous shrubby tree of dry sandy barrens of southeastern United States having leaves with bristle-tipped lobes resembling turkey's toes
American twinflower|similar to the twinflower of northern Europe and Asia
American water ouzel|a water ouzel of western North America
American water shrew|water shrew of North America
American water spaniel|breed of medium-sized spaniels originating in America having chocolate or liver-colored curly coat
American watercress|mat-forming perennial found in cold springs of the eastern United States
American white birch|small American birch with peeling white bark often worked into e.g. baskets or toy canoes
American white oak|large slow-growing deciduous tree of the eastern United States having stout spreading branches and leaves with usually 7 rounded lobes;yields strong and durable hard wood
American white pine|tall-growing pine of eastern North America;bark is brown with longitudinal fissures when mature;valued as a timber tree
American widgeon|a widgeon the male of which has a white crown
American wistaria|an eastern United States native resembling the cultivated Japanese wisteria having pale purple-lilac flowers
American woodcock|small long-billed woodcock;prized as a game bird
American wormseed|rank-smelling tropical American pigweed
Americana|any artifact (such as books or furniture or art) that is distinctive of America
Americanism|a custom that is peculiar to the United States or its citizens;an expression that is characteristic of English as spoken by Americans;loyalty to the United States and its institutions
Americanization|assimilation into American culture
americium|a radioactive transuranic metallic element;discovered by bombarding uranium with helium atoms
Amerind|any of the languages spoken by Amerindians
Amerindian|any member of the peoples living in North or South America before the Europeans arrived
amethyst|a transparent purple variety of quartz;used as a gemstone
amethystine python|a python having the color of amethyst
ametria|congenital absence of the uterus
ametropia|(ophthalmology) faulty refraction of light rays in the eye as in astigmatism or myopia
Amhara|a member of the Semitic speaking people of northern Ethiopia
Amharic|the dominant and official language of Ethiopia;a Semitic language much influenced by the Cushitic language with which Amhara have been in close contact
Amia|type genus of the Amiidae
Amianthum|one species;fly poison;sometimes placed in family Melanthiaceae
amicability|a disinclination to quarrel;having a disposition characterized by warmth and friendliness
amicus curiae|an adviser to the court on some matter of law who is not a party to the case;usually someone who wants to influence the outcome of a lawsuit involving matters of wide public interest
amicus curiae brief|a brief presented by someone interested in influencing the outcome of a lawsuit but who is not a party to it
amide|any organic compound containing the group -CONH2
amigo|a friend or comrade
Amiidae|only the bowfins
amine|a compound derived from ammonia by replacing hydrogen atoms by univalent hydrocarbon radicals
amino|the radical -NH2
amino acid|organic compounds containing an amino group and a carboxylic acid group - "proteins are composed of various proportions of about 20 common amino acids"
amino plastic|a plastic (synthetic resin) made from amino compounds;used as an adhesive and as a coating for paper and textiles
aminoaciduria|abnormal presence of amino acids in the urine;usually a symptom of metabolic defects
aminobenzoic acid|a derivative of benzoic acid
aminomethane|a methyl with the hydrogen atom replaced by an amino radical
aminophylline|a theophylline derivative that is used as a bronchodilator in the treatment of bronchial asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis
aminopyrine|a white crystalline substance used as an analgesic and antipyretic
amiodarone|an antiarrhythmic drug (trade name Cordarone) that has potentially fatal side effects and is used to control serious heart rhythm problems only when safer agents have been ineffective
Amish|an American follower of the Mennonite religion
Amish sect|an orthodox Anabaptist sect separated from the Mennonites in late 17th century;settled chiefly in southeastern Pennsylvania
amitosis|the direct method of cell division characterized by simple division of the nucleus without formation of chromosomes
amitriptyline|a tricyclic antidepressant drug (trade name Elavil) with serious side effects;interacts with many other medications
amity|a cordial disposition;a state of friendship and cordiality
amlodipine besylate|a vasodilator (trade name Norvasc) taken in tablet form;prescribed for hypertension and angina pectoris
Amman|the capital and largest city of Jordan
ammeter|a meter that measures the flow of electrical current in amperes
ammine|a complex inorganic compound that contains ammonia molecules
ammobium|any plant of the genus Ammobium having yellow flowers and silvery foliage
Ammodytes|type genus of the Ammodytidae
Ammodytidae|sand lances
ammonia|a pungent gas compounded of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3)
ammonia clock|an atomic clock based on vibrational frequency of the nitrogen atom in the ammonia molecule
ammonia water|a water solution of ammonia
ammoniac|the aromatic gum of the ammoniac plant
ammonification|impregnation with ammonia or a compound of ammonia
ammonite|one of the coiled chambered fossil shells of extinct mollusks
ammonium|the ion NH4 derived from ammonia;behaves in many respects like an alkali metal ion
ammonium carbamate|a salt of carbamic acid that is used as a nitrogen fertilizer
ammonium carbonate|a carbonate of ammonium;used in the manufacture of smelling salts and baking powder and ammonium compounds
ammonium chloride|a white salt used in dry cells
ammonium nitrate|used as an explosive and fertilizer and rocket propellant
ammoniuria|excessive ammonia in the urine
Ammotragus|genus of wild sheep
ammunition|any nuclear or chemical or biological material that can be used as a weapon of mass destruction;information that can be used to attack or defend a claim or argument or viewpoint - "his admission provided ammunition for his critics";projectiles to be fired from a gun
amnesia|partial or total loss of memory
amnesic|a person suffering from amnesia
amnesty|a period during which offenders are exempt from punishment;the formal act of liberating someone
amniocentesis|(pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities
amnion|thin innermost membranous sac enclosing the developing embryo of higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds and mammals)
Amniota|higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds and mammals) possessing an amnion during development
amniote|any member of the Amniota
amniotic cavity|the fluid-filled cavity that surrounds the developing embryo
amniotic fluid|the serous fluid in which the embryo is suspended inside the amnion
amobarbital|a barbiturate with sedative and hypnotic effects;used to relieve insomnia and as an anticonvulsant
amobarbital sodium|the sodium salt of amobarbital that is used as a barbiturate;used as a sedative and a hypnotic
Amoebida|the animal order including amoebas
Amontillado|pale medium-dry sherry from Spain
amora|one of a group of rabbis (active AD 250-500) who discussed the Mishnaic law in the law schools of Palestine and Mesopotamia where they explained and applied earlier teachings and whose discussions are recorded in the Talmud;they emphasized the study of Torah and the importance of personal action and the fulfillment of the commandments
amoralism|the doctrine that moral distinctions are invalid
amoralist|someone who adheres to the doctrine that ordinary moral distinctions are invalid
amorality|the quality of being amoral
amorist|one dedicated to love and lovemaking especially one who writes about love
amorousness|a feeling of love or fondness;the arousal of feelings of sexual desire
amorpha|any plant of the genus Amorpha having odd-pinnate leaves and purplish spicate flowers
amorphophallus|any plant of the genus Amorphophallus
amorphous shape|an ill-defined or arbitrary shape
amortization|payment of an obligation in a series of installments or transfers;the reduction of the value of an asset by prorating its cost over a period of years
Amos|a Hebrew shepherd and minor prophet;an Old Testament book telling Amos's prophecies
amount|the relative magnitude of something with reference to a criterion - "an adequate amount of food for four people"
amour propre|feelings of excessive pride
amoxicillin|an antibiotic;a semisynthetic oral penicillin (trade names Amoxil and Larotid and Polymox and Trimox and Augmentin) used to treat bacterial infections
amperage|the strength of an electrical current measured in amperes
ampere|a former unit of electric current (slightly smaller than the SI ampere);the basic unit of electric current adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
ampere-hour|a unit of charge equal to 3600 coulombs
ampere-minute|a unit of charge equal to 60 coulombs
ampere-turn|a unit of magnetomotive force equal to the magnetomotive force produced by the passage of 1 ampere through 1 complete turn of a coil;equal to 1.257 gilberts
ampersand|a punctuation mark (&) used to represent conjunction (and)
amphetamine|a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite;used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression
amphetamine sulfate|a sulfate derivative of amphetamine that is used as a stimulant for the central nervous system
amphibia|the class of vertebrates that live on land but breed in water;frogs;toads;newts;salamanders;caecilians
amphibian|a flat-bottomed motor vehicle that can travel on land or water;an airplane designed to take off and land on water;cold-blooded vertebrate typically living on land but breeding in water;aquatic larvae undergo metamorphosis into adult form
amphibian family|any family of amphibians
amphibian genus|any genus of amphibians
amphibious assault|an amphibious operation attacking a land base that is carried out by troops that are landed by naval ships
amphibious demonstration|an amphibious operation conducted for the purpose of deceiving the enemy and leading him into a course of action unfavorable to him
amphibious landing|a military action of coordinated land, sea, and air forces organized for an invasion - "MacArthur staged a massive amphibious landing behind enemy lines"
amphibious operation|a military operation by both land and sea forces
amphibole|a mineral or mineral variety belonging to the amphibole group
amphibole group|a group of minerals with similar crystal structures containing a silicate chain and combinations of chiefly sodium and calcium and magnesium and iron and aluminum
Amphibolips|cynipid gall wasps, especially causing oak-apple galls
amphibolite|a metamorphic rock composed chiefly of amphibole and plagioclase
amphibology|an ambiguous grammatical construction;e.g., 'they are flying planes' can mean either that someone is flying planes or that something is flying planes
amphibrach|a metrical unit with unstressed-stressed-unstressed syllables (e.g., 'remember')
Amphicarpaea|very small genus of twining vines of North America and Asia;hog peanut
amphictyony|an association of neighboring states or tribes in ancient Greece;established originally to defend a common religious center
amphidiploid|(genetics) an organism or cell having a diploid set of chromosomes from each parent
amphidiploidy|the condition of being amphidiploid
amphigory|nonsensical writing (usually verse)
amphimixis|union of sperm and egg in sexual reproduction
Amphineura|a class of Gastropoda
Amphioxidae|lancelets
amphipod|a kind of malacostracan crustacean
Amphipoda|small flat-bodied semiterrestrial crustaceans;whale lice;sand-hoppers;skeleton shrimp
Amphiprion|damsel fishes
amphisbaena|(classical mythology) a serpent with a head at each end of its body;type genus of the Amphisbaenidae
Amphisbaenidae|worm lizards
amphitheater|a sloping gallery with seats for spectators (as in an operating room or theater);an oval large stadium with tiers of seats;an arena in which contests and spectacles are held
amphitropous ovule|a partly inverted ovule turned back 90 degrees on its stalk
amphiuma|aquatic eel-shaped salamander having two pairs of very small feet;of still muddy waters in the southern United States
Amphiumidae|congo snakes
amphora|an ancient jar with two handles and a narrow neck;used to hold oil or wine
amphotericin|an antibiotic and antifungal agent
ampicillin|semisynthetic penicillin (trade names Principen and Polycillin and SK-Ampicillin)
ampleness|the property of being more than sufficient;comfortable sufficiency - "the ampleness of her servings more than satisfied his hunger";the property of impressive largeness in size - "he admired the ampleness of its proportions"
amplexicaul leaf|a leaf with its base clasping the stem
amplification|(electronics) the act of increasing voltage or power or current;addition of extra material or illustration or clarifying detail - "a few remarks added in amplification and defense";the amount of increase in signal power or voltage or current expressed as the ratio of output to input
amplifier|electronic equipment that increases strength of signals passing through it
amplitude|(physics) the maximum displacement of a periodic wave;greatness of magnitude;the property of copious abundance
amplitude level|the level on a scale of amplitude
amplitude modulation|modulation of the amplitude of the (radio) carrier wave
ampulla|a flask that has two handles;used by Romans for wines or oils;the dilated portion of a canal or duct especially of the semicircular canals of the ear
amputation|a condition of disability resulting from the loss of one or more limbs;a surgical removal of all or part of a limb
amputator|a surgeon who removes part or all of a limb
amputee|someone who has had a limb removed by amputation
amrinone|a drug (trade name Inocor) used intravenously in heart failure;increases strength of contraction of myocardium
Amsinckia|rough annual herbs of Europe and the Americas;fiddlenecks
Amsler grid|a pattern of small boxes that is used for self-monitoring by patients who have age-related macular degeneration
Amsonia|genus of herbs and subshrubs with milky juice and showy bluish flowers;Europe to Asia Minor to Japan and North America
Amsterdam|an industrial center and the nominal capital of the Netherlands;center of the diamond-cutting industry;seat of an important stock exchange;known for its canals and art museum
amulet|a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease
Amundsen|Norwegian explorer who was the first to traverse the Northwest Passage and in 1911 the first to reach the South Pole (1872-1928)
Amur|an Asian river between China and Russia;flows into the Sea of Okhotsk
Amur privet|eastern Asian shrub cultivated especially for its persistent foliage
amusement|a feeling of delight at being entertained
amusement arcade|an arcade featuring coin-operated game machines
amusement park|a commercially operated park with stalls and shows for amusement
amygdala|an almond-shaped neural structure in the anterior part of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum;intimately connected with the hypothalamus and the hippocampus and the cingulate gyrus;as part of the limbic system it plays an important role in motivation and emotional behavior
Amygdalaceae|used in former classifications for plum and peach and almond trees which are now usually classified as members of the genus Prunus
amygdalin|a bitter cyanogenic glucoside extracted from the seeds of apricots and plums and bitter almonds
amygdaloid|volcanic rock in which rounded cavities formed by expanding gas have subsequently become filled with mineral deposits
amygdalotomy|psychosurgery in which amygdaloid fibers that mediate limbic system activity are severed (in cases of extreme uncontrollable violence)
Amygdalus|used in former classifications for peach and almond trees which are now included in genus Prunus
amyl|a hydrocarbon radical that occurs in many organic compounds
amyl alcohol|a mixture of 2 or more isomeric alcohols;used as a solvent and in organic synthesis
amyl nitrate|a vasodilator that is sometimes used to treat angina pectoris
amylase|any of a group of proteins found in saliva and pancreatic juice and parts of plants;help convert starch to sugar
amyloid|(pathology) a waxy translucent complex protein resembling starch that results from degeneration of tissue;a non-nitrogenous food substance consisting chiefly of starch;any substance resembling starch
amyloid plaque|a plaque consisting of tangles of amyloid protein in nervous tissue (a pathological mark of Alzheimer's disease)
amyloidosis|a disorder characterized by deposit of amyloid in organs or tissues;often secondary to chronic rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculosis or multiple myeloma
amylolysis|conversion of starch to sugar
amyotrophia|progressive wasting of muscle tissues
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis|thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord;results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs
amyxia|a condition in which no mucus in produced
ana|a collection of anecdotes about a person or place;mother of the ancient Irish gods;sometimes identified with Danu
Anabantidae|small freshwater spiny-finned fishes of Africa and southern Asia
Anabaptism|a Protestant movement in the 16th century that believed in the primacy of the Bible, baptised only believers, not infants, and believed in complete separation of church and state
Anabaptist|adherent of Anabaptism
Anabaptist denomination|a Protestant sect denying infant baptism and baptising only believers
Anabas|the type genus of the family Anabantidae;small fish that resemble perch
anabiosis|suspended animation in organisms during periods of extreme drought from which they revive when moisture returns
anabolic steroid|any of a group of synthetic steroid hormones used to stimulate muscle and bone growth;more than 100 have been developed and each requires a prescription to be used legally in the United States;sometimes used illicitly by athletes to increase their strength
anabolism|the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances (e.g., living tissue) from simpler ones together with the storage of energy
Anabrus|a genus of Tettigoniidae
Anacanthini|at least partially equivalent to the order Gadiformes in some classifications
Anacardiaceae|the cashew family;trees and shrubs and vines having resinous (sometimes poisonous) juice;includes cashew and mango and pistachio and poison ivy and sumac
Anacardium|type genus of the Anacardiaceae;cashew
anachronism|a person who seems to be displaced in time;who belongs to another age;an artifact that belongs to another time;something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
anaclisis|(psychoanalysis) relationship marked by strong dependence on others;especially a libidinal attachment to e.g. a parental figure
anaclitic depression|severe and progressive depression in infants who lose their mother and do not get a suitable substitute
anacoluthia|an abrupt change within a sentence from one syntactic structure to another
anaconda|large arboreal boa of tropical South America
Anacyclus|a Spanish pellitory
anadama bread|a yeast-raised bread made of white flour and cornmeal and molasses
Anadenanthera|2 species of tropical American shrubs or trees
Anadenanthera colubrina|Brazilian shrub having twice-pinnate leaves and small spicate flowers followed by flat or irregularly torulose pods;sometimes placed in genus Piptadenia
anadiplosis|repetition of the final words of a sentence or line at the beginning of the next
anaerobe|an organism (especially a bacterium) that does not require air or free oxygen to live
Anagallis|chiefly Old World herbs
Anagasta|moth whose larvae are flour moths
anaglyph|anything carved in low relief;moving or still pictures in contrasting colors that appear three-dimensional when superimposed
anaglyphy|the process of producing pictures in contrasting colors that appear three-dimensional when superimposed and viewed through spectacles with one red and one green lens
anagnost|a cleric in the minor orders of the Eastern Orthodox Church who reads the lessons aloud in the liturgy (analogous to the lector in the Roman Catholic Church)
anagoge|a mystical or allegorical interpretation (especially of Scripture)
anagram|a word or phrase spelled by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase
anagrams|a game whose object is to form words from a group of randomly chosen letters
Anagyris|very small genus of shrubs of southern Europe having backward curving seed pods
Anaheim|a city in southern California (southeast of Los Angeles);site of Disneyland
anal personality|(psychoanalysis) a personality characterized by meticulous neatness and suspicion and reserve;said to be formed in early childhood by fixation during the anal stage of development (usually as a consequence of toilet training)
anal sphincter|the sphincter muscle of the anus
anal stage|(psychoanalysis) the second sexual and social stage of a child's development during which bowel control is learned
analbuminemia|an abnormally low level of albumin in the blood serum
analects|a collection of excerpts from a literary work
analeptic|a medication used as a stimulant to the central nervous system
analgesia|absence of the sense of pain without loss of consciousness
analgesic|a medicine used to relieve pain
analog clock|a clock that displays the time of day by the position of hands on a dial
analog computer|a computer that represents information by variable quantities (e.g., positions or voltages)
analog watch|a watch that represents time by the position of hands on a dial
analogist|someone who looks for analogies or who reasons by analogy
analogue|something having the property of being analogous to something else
analogy|an inference that if things agree in some respects they probably agree in others;drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect - "the operation of a computer presents and interesting analogy to the working of the brain" - "the models show by analogy how matter is built up"
analphabet|an illiterate person who does not know the alphabet
analysand|a person undergoing psychoanalysis
analysis|a branch of mathematics involving calculus and the theory of limits;sequences and series and integration and differentiation;a form of literary criticism in which the structure of a piece of writing is analyzed;an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole;the abstract separation of a whole into its constituent parts in order to study the parts and their relations;the use of closed-class words instead of inflections;e.g., 'the father of the bride' instead of 'the bride's father'
analysis of variance|a statistical method for making simultaneous comparisons between two or more means;a statistical method that yields values that can be tested to determine whether a significant relation exists between variables
analyst|a licensed practitioner of psychoanalysis;an expert who studies financial data (on credit or securities or sales or financial patterns etc.) and recommends appropriate business actions;someone who is skilled at analyzing data
analytic geometry|the use of algebra to study geometric properties;operates on symbols defined in a coordinate system
analytical balance|a beam balance of great precision used in quantitative chemical analysis
analytical cubism|the early phase of cubism
analytical review|an auditing procedure based on ratios among accounts and tries to identify significant changes
analyticity|the property of being analytic
analyzer|an instrument that performs analyses
anamnestic response|renewed rapid production of an antibody on the second (or subsequent) encounter with the same antigen
anamorphism|metamorphism that occurs deep under the earth's surface;changes simple minerals into complex minerals
anamorphosis|a distorted projection or perspective;especially an image distorted in such a way that it becomes visible only when viewed in a special manner;the evolution of one type of organism from another by a long series of gradual changes
Ananas|a genus of tropical American plants have sword-shaped leaves and a fleshy compound fruits composed of the fruits of several flowers (such as pineapples)
Ananias|a habitual liar (after a New Testament character who was struck dead for lying)
anapest|a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed-stressed syllables
Anaphalis|a genus of herbs of north temperate regions having hoary leaves;pearly everlasting
anaphase|the stage of meiosis or mitosis when chromosomes move toward opposite ends of the nuclear spindle
anaphor|a word (such as a pronoun) used to avoid repetition;the referent of an anaphor is determined by its antecedent
anaphora|using a pronoun or similar word instead of repeating a word used earlier
anaphoric pronoun|a pronoun that refers to an antecedent
anaphoric relation|the relation between an anaphor and its antecedent
anaphrodisia|decline or absence of sexual desire
anaphylactic shock|a severe and rapid and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reaction to a substance (especially a vaccine or penicillin or shellfish or insect venom) to which the organism has become sensitized by previous exposure
anaphylaxis|hypersensitivity reaction to the ingestion or injection of a substance (a protein or drug) resulting from prior contact with a substance
anaplasia|loss of structural differentiation within a cell or group of cells often with increased capacity for multiplication, as in a malignant tumor
anaplasmosis|a disease of cattle that is transmitted by cattle ticks;similar to Texas fever
anapsid|primitive reptile having no opening in the temporal region of the skull;all extinct except turtles
Anapsida|oldest known reptiles;turtles and extinct Permian forms
anarchism|a political theory favoring the abolition of governments
anarchist|an advocate of anarchism
anarchy|a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government)
Anarhichadidae|wolffishes
Anarhichas|type genus of the Anarhichadidae
anarthria|partial or total loss of articulate speech resulting from lesions of the central nervous system
Anas|type genus of the Anatidae;freshwater ducks
Anasa|squash bugs
anasarca|generalized edema with accumulation of serum in subcutaneous connective tissue
Anasazi|a Native American who lived in what is now southern Colorado and Utah and northern Arizona and New Mexico and who built cliff dwellings
anaspid|extinct small freshwater jawless fish usually having a heterocercal tail and an armored head;of the Silurian and Devonian
Anaspida|extinct order of jawless vertebrates
anastalsis|muscular action of the alimentary tract in a direction opposite to peristalsis
Anastatica|one species;rose of Jericho;resurrection plant
anastigmat|compound lens or lens system designed to be free of astigmatism and able to form approximately point images
anastigmatic lens|a lens designed to correct astigmatism
anastomosis|a natural or surgical joining of parts or branches of tubular structures so as to make or become continuous
anastomotic vein|either of two communicating veins serving the brain
Anastomus|openbills
anastrophe|the reversal of the normal order of words
anastylosis|the archeological reassembly of ruined monuments from fallen or decayed fragments (incorporating new materials when necessary)
anathema|a detested person - "he is an anathema to me";a formal ecclesiastical curse accompanied by excommunication
anathematization|the formal act of pronouncing (someone or something) accursed
Anatidae|swimming birds having heavy short-legged bodies and bills with a horny tip;swans;geese;ducks
Anatolian|an extinct branch of the Indo-European family of languages known from inscriptions and important in the reconstruction of Proto-Indo European
anatomical reference|an expression that relates to anatomy
anatomist|an expert in anatomy
anatomy|a detailed analysis - "he studied the anatomy of crimes";the branch of morphology that deals with the structure of animals
anatotitan|one of the largest and most famous duck-billed dinosaurs
anatoxin|a bacterial toxin that has been weakened until it is no longer toxic but is strong enough to induce the formation of antibodies and immunity to the specific disease caused by the toxin
anatropous ovule|a completely inverted ovule turned back 180 degrees on its stalk
Anaxagoras|a presocratic Athenian philosopher who maintained that everything is composed of very small particles that were arranged by some eternal intelligence (500-428 BC)
Anaximander|a presocratic Greek philosopher and student of Thales who believed the universal substance to be infinity rather than something resembling ordinary objects (611-547 BC)
Anaximenes|a presocratic Greek philosopher and associate of Anaximander who believed that all things are made of air in different degrees of density (6th century BC)
ancestor|someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
ancestor worship|worship of ancestors
ancestress|a woman ancestor
ancestry|inherited properties shared with others of your bloodline
anchor|a central cohesive source of support and stability - "faith is his anchor";a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving;a television reporter who coordinates a broadcast to which several correspondents contribute
anchor chain|the chain or rope that attaches an anchor to a vessel
anchor light|a light in the rigging of a ship that is riding at anchor
Anchorage|a city in south central Alaska - "Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska";a fee for anchoring;place for vessels to anchor;the act of anchoring;the condition of being secured to a base
anchorite|one retired from society for religious reasons
anchovy|small herring-like plankton-eating fishes often canned whole or as paste;abundant in tropical waters worldwide;tiny fishes usually canned or salted;used for hors d'oeuvres or as seasoning in sauces
anchovy butter|butter blended with mashed anchovies
anchovy dressing|vinaigrette and mashed anchovies
anchovy paste|paste made primarily of anchovies;used in sauces and spreads
anchovy pear|West Indian fruit resembling the mango;often pickled;West Indian tree bearing edible fruit resembling mango
anchovy pizza|tomato and cheese pizza with anchovies
anchovy sauce|made of white sauce and mashed anchovies
anchusa|any of various Old World herbs of the genus Anchusa having one-sided clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers
ancien regime|a political and social system that no longer governs (especially the system that existed in France before the French Revolution)
ancient|a person who lived in ancient times;a very old person
Ancient Greek|the Greek language prior to the Roman Empire
ancient history|a history of the ancient world;knowledge of some recent fact or event that has become so commonly known that it has lost its original pertinence
ancient pine|small slow-growing pine of western United States similar to the bristlecone pine;chocolate brown bark in plates and short needles in bunches of 5;crown conic but becoming rough and twisted;oldest plant in the world growing to 5000 years in cold semidesert mountain tops
ancientness|extreme oldness
ancients|people who lived in times long past (especially during the historical period before the fall of the Roman Empire in western Europe)
Ancohuma|a mountain peak in the Andes in Bolivia (20,960 feet high)
anconeous muscle|the muscle that extends the forearm and abducts the ulna in pronation of the wrist
Ancylidae|freshwater gastropod
Ancylostomatidae|hookworms
Ancylus|type genus of the family Ancylidae;river limpet
AND circuit|a circuit in a computer that fires only when all of its inputs fire
Andalusia|a region in southern Spain on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean;formerly a center of Moorish civilization
Andaman Sea|part of the Bay of Bengal to the west of the Malay Peninsula
andante|a moderately slow tempo (a walking pace);a musical composition or musical passage to be performed moderately slow
Andean condor|large vulture of the high Andes having black plumage and white neck ruff
Andersen|a Danish author remembered for his fairy stories (1805-1875)
Anderson|United States author whose works were frequently autobiographical (1876-1941);United States contralto noted for her performance of spirituals (1902-1993);United States dramatist (1888-1959);United States physicist who discovered antimatter in the form of an antielectron that is called the positron (1905-1991);United States physicist who studied the electronic structure of magnetic and disordered systems (1923-)
Andes|a mountain range in South America running 5000 miles along the Pacific coast
andesite|a dark grey volcanic rock
Andhra Pradesh|a state of southeastern India on the Bay of Bengal
Andira|small genus of evergreen trees of tropical America and western Africa
andiron|metal supports for logs in a fireplace - "the andirons were too hot to touch"
Andorra|a small republic in the eastern Pyrenees between Spain and France
Andorran|a native or inhabitant of Andorra
andradite|a garnet consisting of calcium iron silicate and having any color ranging from yellow and green to brown and black;used as gemstone
Andreaea|brown or blackish Alpine mosses having a dehiscent capsule with 4 longitudinal slits
Andreaeales|comprises a single genus;Andreaea
andrena|a bee that is a member of the genus Andrena
Andrenidae|a large family of solitary short-tongued bees most of which burrow in the ground
Andrew|(New Testament) disciple of Jesus;brother of Peter;patron saint of Scotland
Andrews|United States naturalist who contributed to paleontology and geology (1884-1960)
Andricus|cynipid gall wasps, chiefly affecting oaks
androecium|a male gametoecium
androgen|male sex hormone that is produced in the testes and responsible for typical male sexual characteristics
androgenesis|male parthenogenesis in which the embryo contains only paternal chromosomes due to the failure of the egg nucleus to participate in fertilization
androglossia|a woman's voice with male qualities
androgyny|showing characteristics of both sexes
android|an automaton that resembles a human being
Andromeda|(Greek mythology) an Ethiopian princess and daughter of Cassiopeia;she was fastened to a rock and exposed to a sea monster that was sent by Poseidon, but she was rescued by Perseus and became his wife;a constellation in the northern hemisphere between Cassiopeia and Pegasus;contains the Andromeda galaxy;any of several shrubs of the genus Andromeda having leathery leaves and clusters of small flowers;broad-leaved evergreen Asiatic shrub with glossy leaves and drooping clusters of white flowers
Andromeda galaxy|a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda that is visible to the naked eye
androphobia|a morbid fear of men
Andropogon|tall annual or perennial grasses with spikelike racemes;warm regions
androsterone|an androgenic hormone that is less active than testosterone
andryala|any plant of the genus Andryala having milky sap and heads of bright yellow flowers
Andvari|(Norse mythology) a dwarf who possessed a treasure that was stolen by Loki
anecdote|short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)
anecdotist|a person skilled in telling anecdotes
anechoic chamber|a chamber having very little reverberation
Aneides|climbing salamanders
anemia|a deficiency of red blood cells;a lack of vitality;genus of terrestrial or lithophytic ferns having pinnatifid fronds;chiefly of tropical America
anemic anoxia|anoxia resulting from a decreased concentration of hemoglobin
anemic hypoxia|hypoxia resulting from a decreased concentration of hemoglobin
anemography|recording anemometrical measurements
anemometer|a gauge for recording the speed and direction of wind
anemometry|measuring wind speed and direction
anemone|any woodland plant of the genus Anemone grown for its beautiful flowers and whorls of dissected leaves
anemone fish|live associated with sea anemones
Anemonella|one species;rue anemone
Anemopsis|one species;yerba mansa
anencephaly|a defect in brain development resulting in small or missing brain hemispheres
anergy|inactivity and lack of energy;reduction or lack of an immune response to a specific antigen
aneroid barometer|a barometer that measures pressure without using fluids
anesthesia|loss of bodily sensation with or without loss of consciousness
anesthesiologist|a specialist who administers an anesthetic to a patient before he is treated
anesthesiology|the branch of medical science that studies and applies anesthetics
anesthetic|a drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensations
anesthyl|a mixture of methyl and ethyl chloride;sprayed on as a local anesthetic
anestrus|applies to nonhuman mammals;a state or interval of sexual inactivity between two periods of estrus
Anethum|dill
aneuploidy|an abnormality involving a chromosome number that is not an exact multiple of the haploid number (one chromosome set is incomplete)
aneurysm|a cardiovascular disease characterized by a saclike widening of an artery resulting from weakening of the artery wall
Angara|a river in southeastern Siberia that flows northwest from Lake Baikal to become a tributary of the Yenisei River
Angas|a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria and closely related to Hausa
angel|invests in a theatrical production;spiritual being attendant upon God;the highest waterfall;has more than one leap;flow varies seasonally
angel cake|a light sponge cake made without egg yolks
angel shark|sharks with broad flat bodies and winglike pectoral fins but that swim the way sharks do
angelfish|a butterfly fish of the genus Pomacanthus
angelica|any of various tall and stout herbs of the genus Angelica having pinnately compound leaves and small white or greenish flowers in compound umbels;aromatic stems or leaves or roots of Angelica Archangelica;candied stalks of the angelica plant
angelim|any of several tropical American trees of the genus Andira
angelology|the branch of theology that is concerned with angels
angel's trumpet|a South American plant that is cultivated for its large fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers;South American plant cultivated for its very large nocturnally fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers
Angelus|a prayer said 3 times a day by Roman Catholics in memory of the Annunciation
angelus bell|the sound of a bell rung in Roman Catholic churches to announce the time when the Angelus should be recited
angel-wing begonia|South American fibrous-rooted begonias having prominent basal leaf lobes suggesting angels' wings and racemes of coral-red flowers
anger|a strong emotion;a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance;the state of being angry
Angevin|a resident of Anjou
angiitis|inflammation of a blood vessel or lymph duct
angina|any disease of the throat or fauces marked by spasmodic attacks of intense suffocative pain
angina pectoris|a heart condition marked by paroxysms of chest pain due to reduced oxygen to the heart
angiocardiogram|a series of X rays representing the action of the heart and its blood vessels after the injection of a radiopaque substance
angiocarp|tree bearing fruit enclosed in a shell or involucre or husk
angioedema|recurrent large circumscribed areas of subcutaneous edema;onset is sudden and it disappears within 24 hours;seen mainly in young women, often as an allergic reaction to food or drugs
angiogenesis|the formation of new blood vessels
angiogenesis inhibitor|a drug that is designed to prevent the growth of blood vessels that nourish tumors
angiogram|an X-ray representation of blood vessels made after the injection of a radiopaque substance - "angiograms are produced by angiography"
angiography|roentgenographic examination of blood vessels after injection of a radiopaque contrast medium;produces an angiogram
angiologist|a physician who specializes in angiology
angiology|the branch of medical science that studies the blood and lymph vessels and their disorders
angioma|a tumor consisting of a mass of blood or lymphatic vessels
angiopathy|any disease of the blood vessels or lymph ducts
angioplasty|an operation to repair a damaged blood vessel or unblock a coronary artery
angiopteris|highly variable species of very large primitive ferns of the Pacific tropical areas with high rainfall
angiosarcoma|a rare malignant neoplasm arising from vascular tissue;usually occurs in the breast and skin and is believed to originate from the endothelial cells of blood vessels
angioscope|a modified microscope used to study capillary vessels
angiosperm|plants having seeds in a closed ovary
Angiospermae|comprising flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in an ovary;in some systems considered a class (Angiospermae) and in others a division (Magnoliophyta or Anthophyta)
angiospermous tree|any tree having seeds and ovules contained in the ovary
angiospermous yellowwood|any of various angiospermous trees having yellow wood
angiotelectasia|dilation and enlargement of arterioles
angiotensin|any of several vasoconstrictor substances (trade name Hypertensin) that cause narrowing of blood vessels
angiotensin converting enzyme|proteolytic enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II
angiotensin I|a physiologically inactive form of angiotensin that is the precursor to angiotensin II
angiotensin II|a potent vasopressor agent formed from angiotensin I
angiotensin II inhibitor|an agent that retards or restrains the action of angiotensin II
Angle|a member of a Germanic people who conquered England and merged with the Saxons and Jutes to become Anglo-Saxons;the space between two lines or planes that intersect;the inclination of one line to another;measured in degrees or radians
angle bracket|an L-shaped metal bracket
angle of attack|the acute angle between the direction of the undisturbed relative wind and the chord of an airfoil
angle of extinction|the angle from its axis that a crystal must be rotated before appearing maximally dark when viewed in polarized light
angle of incidence|the angle that a line makes with a line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence
angle of reflection|the angle between a reflected ray and a line perpendicular to the reflecting surface at the point of incidence
angle of refraction|the angle between a refracted ray and a line perpendicular to the surface between the two media at the point of refraction
angled loofah|loofah of Pakistan;widely cultivated throughout tropics
angledozer|a bulldozer with an angled moldboard to push earth to one side
angler|a fisherman who uses a hook and line;a scheming person;someone who schemes to gain an advantage
Anglesey|an island to the northwest of Wales
anglewing|nymphalid butterfly having angular notches on the outer edges of the forewings
Anglia|the Latin name for England
Anglian|one of the major dialects of Old English
Anglican|a Protestant who is a follower of Anglicanism
Anglican Catholic|a member of the Anglican Church who emphasizes its Catholic character
Anglican Church|the national church of England (and all other churches in other countries that share its beliefs);has its see in Canterbury and the sovereign as its temporal head
Anglicanism|the faith and doctrine and practice of the Anglican Church
Anglicism|a custom that is peculiar to England or its citizens;an expression that is used in Great Britain (especially as contrasted with American English)
Anglicization|the act of anglicizing;making English in appearance
angling|fishing with a hook and line (and usually a pole)
Anglo-American|an American who was born in Britain or one whose ancestors were British
Anglo-Catholicism|a doctrine and practice within the Church of England emphasizing the Catholic tradition
Anglo-French|the French (Norman) language used in medieval England
Anglo-Indian|a person of English citizenship born or living in India
Anglomania|an excessive enthusiasm for all things English
anglophile|an admirer of England and things English
Anglophilia|admiration for Britain and British customs
anglophobe|a person who hates England and everything English
Anglophobia|dislike (or fear) of Britain and British customs
Anglo-Saxon|a native or inhabitant of England prior to the Norman Conquest;a person of Anglo-Saxon (especially British) descent whose native tongue is English and whose culture is strongly influenced by English culture as in WASP for 'White Anglo-Saxon Protestant' - "in the ninth century the Vikings began raiding the Anglo-Saxons in Britain" - "his ancestors were not just British, they were Anglo-Saxons"
Anglo-Saxon deity|(Anglo-Saxon mythology) a deity worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons
Angola|a republic in southwestern Africa on the Atlantic Ocean;achieved independence from Portugal in 1975 and was the scene of civil war until 1990
Angolan|a native or inhabitant of Angola
Angolan monetary unit|monetary unit in Angola
Angolese|a member of the Bantu tribes resident in Angola
Angora|a domestic breed of goat raised for its long silky hair which is the true mohair;a long-haired breed of cat similar to the Persian cat;domestic breed of rabbit with long white silky hair
angostura bark|the bitter bark of a South American tree;used in medicines and liqueurs and bitters
Angostura Bridge|a suspension bridge across the Orinoco River at Ciudad Bolivar
angoumois moth|small moth whose larvae feed on kernels of stored grains
angrecum|any of various spectacular orchids of the genus Angraecum having dark green leathery leaves and usually nocturnally scented white or ivory flowers
angst|an acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety;usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or about personal freedom
angstrom|a metric unit of length equal to one ten billionth of a meter (or 0.0001 micron);used to specify wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation
anguid lizard|any of a small family of lizards widely distributed in warm areas;all are harmless and useful as destroyers of e.g. slugs and insects
Anguidae|alligator lizards
Anguilla|a British colony in the West Indies;type genus of the Anguillidae;eels
Anguillan|a native or inhabitant of the island of Anguilla in the West Indies
Anguillidae|eels that live in fresh water as adults but return to the sea to spawn
Anguilliformes|elongate fishes with pelvic fins and girdle absent or reduced
Anguillula|a genus of Cephalobidae
Anguis|type genus of the Anguidae;blindworms
anguish|extreme distress of body or mind;extreme mental distress
angular acceleration|(physics) the rate of change of the angular velocity of a rotating body
angular artery|the terminal branch of the facial artery
angular distance|the angular separation between two objects as perceived by an observer - "he recorded angular distances between the stars"
angular momentum|the product of the momentum of a rotating body and its distance from the axis of rotation - "any rotating body has an angular momentum about its center of mass" - "angular momentum makes the world go round"
angular position|relation by which any position with respect to any other position is established
angular shape|a shape having one or more sharp angles
angular unit|a unit of measurement for angles
angular vein|a short vein formed by the supraorbital vein and the supratrochlear vein and continuing as the facial vein
angular velocity|(physics) the rate of change of the angular position of a rotating body;usually expressed in radians per second or radians per minute
angularity|the property possessed by a shape that has angles
angulation|the act of making angulate (having corners);the precise measurement of angles
Angus Og|Celtic god of love and beauty;patron deity of young men and women
angwantibo|a kind of lemur
anhedonia|an inability to experience pleasure
anhidrosis|failure of the sweat glands
Anhima|type genus of the Anhimidae;horned screamers
Anhimidae|screamers
Anhingidae|snakebirds
anhydride|a compound formed from one or more other compounds in a reaction resulting in removal of water
ani|black tropical American cuckoo
Anigozanthus|genus of monocotyledonous plants with curious woolly flowers on sturdy stems above a fan of sword-shaped leaves;includes kangaroo's paw and Australian sword lily;sometimes placed in family Amaryllidaceae
anil|a blue dye obtained from plants or made synthetically;shrub of West Indies and South America that is a source of indigo dye
aniline|oily poisonous liquid amine obtained from nitrobenzene and used to make dyes and plastics and medicines
aniline dye|any of many dyes made from aniline
anima|(Jungian psychology) the inner self (not the external persona) that is in touch with the unconscious
animal|a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
animal communication|communication between animals (of the same species)
animal disease|a disease that typically does not affect human beings
animal fancier|a person who breeds animals
animal fat|any fat obtained from animals - "animal fat is high in saturated fatty acids"
animal fiber|fiber derived from animals
animal foot|the pedal extremity of vertebrates other than human beings
animal glue|a protein gelatin obtained by boiling e.g. skins and hoofs of cattle and horses
animal group|a group of animals
animal husbandry|breeding and caring for farm animals
animal leg|the leg of an animal
animal material|material derived from animals
animal oil|any oil obtained from animal substances
animal order|the order of animals
animal pigment|pigment occurring in animals
animal product|a product made from animal material
animal skin|the outer covering of an animal
animal tissue|the tissue in the bodies of animals
animal toxin|a toxin resembling bacterial toxins in its antigenic properties that is found in the fluids of certain animals
animal trainer|one who trains or exhibits animals
animal virus|an animal pathogen that is a virus
animalcule|microscopic organism such as an amoeba or paramecium
Animalia|taxonomic kingdom comprising all living or extinct animals
animalism|preoccupation with satisfaction of physical drives and appetites;the doctrine that human beings are purely animal in nature and lacking a spiritual nature
animality|the physical (or animal) side of a person as opposed to the spirit or intellect
animalization|a depiction in the form of an animal
animateness|the property of being animated;having animal life as distinguished from plant life
animation|quality of being active or spirited or alive and vigorous;the condition of living or the state of being alive;the making of animated cartoons;the property of being able to survive and grow
animatism|the attribution of consciousness and personality to natural phenomena such as thunderstorms and earthquakes and to objects such as plants and stones
animator|the technician who produces animated cartoons
animatronics|the construction of robots to look like animals (developed for Disneyland)
anime|any of various resins or oleoresins
animism|the doctrine that all natural objects and the universe itself have souls - "animism is common among primitive peoples"
animist|one who accepts the doctrine of animism
animosity|a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
anion|a negatively charged ion
anionic compound|a compound characterized by an active anion
anionic detergent|a class of synthetic detergents in which the molecules do not ionize in aqueous solutions
anise|liquorice-flavored seeds, used medicinally and in cooking and liquors;native to Egypt but cultivated widely for its aromatic seeds and the oil from them used medicinally and as a flavoring in cookery
anise cookie|cookie made without butter and flavored with anise seed
anise hyssop|much-branched North American herb with an odor like fennel
anise tree|any of several evergreen shrubs and small trees of the genus Illicium
aniseikonia|visual defect in which the shape and size of an ocular image differ in the two eyes
anisette|liquorice-flavored usually colorless sweet liqueur made from aniseed
anisogamete|either of a pair of unlike gametes especially those unlike in size
anisogamy|(biology) reproduction by the union or fusion of two differing gametes (especially differing in size)
anisometropia|difference in the refractive power of the two eyes
Anisoptera|dragonflies
Anisotremus|a genus of Haemulidae
anisotropy|the property of being anisotropic;having a different value when measured in different directions
Anjou|a former province of western France in the Loire valley;a pear with firm flesh and a green skin
Ankara|the capital of Turkey;located in west-central Turkey;it was formerly known as Angora and is the home of Angora goats
ankle|a gliding joint between the distal ends of the tibia and fibula and the proximal end of the talus
ankle brace|a brace worn to strengthen the ankle
anklebone|the bone in the ankle that articulates with the leg bones to form the ankle joint
anklet|a shoe for a child or woman that has a strap around the ankle;a sock that reaches just above the ankle;an ornament worn around the ankle
ankus|an elephant goad with a sharp spike and a hook
ankylosaur|having the back covered with thick bony plates;thought to have walked with a sprawling gait resembling a lizard's
ankylosing spondylitis|a chronic form of spondylitis primarily in males and marked by impaired mobility of the spine;sometimes leads to ankylosis
ankylosis|abnormal adhesion and rigidity of the bones of a joint
Ann Arbor|a city in southern Michigan near Detroit;site of the University of Michigan
anna|a former copper coin of Pakistan and India
Annaba|a port city of northeastern Algeria near the Tunisian border
annalist|a historian who writes annals
annals|a chronological account of events in successive years;reports of the work of a society or learned body etc
Annapolis|state capital of Maryland;site of the United States Naval Academy
Annapurna|a mountain in the Himalayas in Nepal (26,500 feet high)
Anne|Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland;daughter if James II and the last of the Stuart monarchs;in 1707 she was the last English ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
annealing|hardening something by heat treatment
annelid|worms with cylindrical bodies segmented both internally and externally
Annelida|segmented worms;earthworms;lugworms;leeches
annex|an addition that extends a main building
annexation|incorporation by joining or uniting;the formal act of acquiring something (especially territory) by conquest or occupation - "the French annexation of Madagascar as a colony in 1896" - "a protectorate has frequently been a first step to annexation"
Anniellidae|legless lizards
annihilation|destruction by annihilating something;total destruction - "bomb tests resulted in the annihilation of the atoll"
annihilator|a total destroyer
anniversary|the date on which an event occurred in some previous year (or the celebration of it)
Annona|type genus of the Annonaceae;tropical American trees or shrubs
Annonaceae|chiefly tropical trees or shrubs
annotation|the act of adding notes
annotator|a commentator who writes notes to a text
announcement|a formal public statement - "the government made an announcement about changes in the drug war";a public statement containing information about an event that has happened or is going to happen - "the announcement appeared in the local newspaper"
announcer|reads news, commercials on radio or television;someone who proclaims a message publicly
annoyance|anger produced by some annoying irritation;something or someone that causes trouble;a source of unhappiness;the act of troubling or annoying someone
annual|(botany) a plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year;a reference book that is published regularly once every year
annual fern|small short-lived fern of Central and South America
annual ring|an annual formation of wood in plants as they grow
annual salt-marsh aster|a variety of aster
annuitant|the recipient of an annuity
annuity|income from capital investment paid in a series of regular payments - "his retirement fund was set up to be paid as an annuity"
annuity in advance|an annuity paid in a series of more or less equal payments at the beginning of equally spaced periods - "rent payable in advance constitutes an annuity in advance for the landlord"
annular eclipse|only a thin outer disk of the sun can be seen
annular scotoma|a circular scotoma surrounding the center of the field of vision
annulet|(heraldry) a charge in the shape of a circle;a small ring;molding in the form of a ring;at top of a column
annulment|(law) a formal termination (of a relationship or a judicial proceeding etc)
annulus|(Fungi) a remnant of the partial veil that in mature mushrooms surrounds the stem like a collar
annum|(Latin) year - "per annum"
Annunciation|(Christianity) the announcement to the Virgin Mary by the angel Gabriel of the incarnation of Christ;a festival commemorating the announcement of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary;a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland
annunciator|an indicator that announces which electrical circuit has been active (as on a telephone switchboard)
Annwfn|(Welsh mythology) the other world;land of fairies
anoa|small buffalo of the Celebes having small straight horns
Anobiidae|deathwatch beetles
anode|a positively charged electrode by which electrons leave an electrical device;the negatively charged terminal of a voltaic cell or storage battery that supplies current
Anodonta|thin-shelled freshwater mussels
Anoectochilus|genus of delicate Asiatic orchids
Anogramma|a genus of ferns belonging to the family Pteridaceae
anointer|one who anoints as a religious ceremony
anointing|the act of applying oil or an oily liquid
anointing of the sick|a Catholic sacrament;a priest anoints a dying person with oil and prays for salvation
Anolis|New World chameleons
Anomala|genus of beetles whose grubs feed mainly on roots of plants;includes several pests of cultivated grasses
anomalist|someone who has a special interest in exceptional cases
anomalistic month|period between successive perigees;approximately 27.5546 days
anomalistic year|time of the earth's revolution from perihelion to perihelion again;365 days and 6 hr and 13 min and 53.1 sec
Anomalopidae|a family of fish including;flashlight fishes
anomalops|fish having a luminous organ beneath eye;of warm waters of the western Pacific and Puerto Rico
anomalopteryx|the smallest moa;slender moa about the size of a large turkey
anomaly|(astronomy) position of a planet as defined by its angular distance from its perihelion (as observed from the sun);a person who is unusual;deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule
Anomia|type genus of the family Anomiidae;saddle oysters
anomie|lack of moral standards in a society;personal state of isolation and anxiety resulting from a lack of social control and regulation
Anomiidae|saddle oysters
anonymity|the state of being anonymous
anonymous ftp|a common way to make software available;users are allowed to log in as 'guest' without a password and copy whatever has been made available
Anopheles|malaria mosquitoes;distinguished by the adult's head-downward stance and absence of breathing tubes in the larvae
anopheline|any mosquito of the genus Anopheles
anopia|sightlessness (especially because of a structural defect in or the absence of an eye)
Anoplura|sucking lice
anorchism|absence of one of both testes
anorexia|a prolonged disorder of eating due to loss of appetite
anorexia nervosa|(psychiatry) a psychological disorder characterized by somatic delusions that you are too fat despite being emaciated
anorexic|a person suffering from anorexia nervosa
anorgasmia|absence of an orgasm in sexual relations
anorthite|rare plagioclastic feldspar occurring in many igneous rocks
anorthopia|distorted vision in which straight lines appear curved
anosmia|absence of the sense of smell (as by damage to olfactory nasal tissue or the olfactory nerve or by obstruction of the nasal passages)
Anostraca|small aquatic crustaceans lacking a carapace;fairy shrimps;brine shrimps
Anouilh|French dramatist noted for his reinterpretations of Greek myths (1910-1987)
anovulation|the absence of ovulation due to immaturity or post-maturity or pregnancy or oral contraceptive pills or dysfunction of the ovary
anoxemia|abnormally low oxygen content in arterial blood
anoxia|severe hypoxia;absence of oxygen in inspired gases or in arterial blood or in the tissues
anoxic anoxia|anoxia resulting from defective oxygenation of the blood in the lungs
Ansar al Islam|a radical Islamic group of terrorists in the Iraqi part of Kurdistan who oppose an independent secular nation as advocated by the United States;some members fought with the Taliban and al-Qaeda forces in Afghanistan;said to receive financial support from Saddam Hussein
Anselm|an Italian who was a Benedictine monk;was archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 to 1109;one of the founders of scholasticism;best known for his proof of the existence of God
Anser|typical geese
Anseres|used in some especially older classifications;coextensive with the family Anatidae
anseriform bird|chiefly web-footed swimming birds
Anseriformes|ducks;geese;swans;screamers
Anserinae|used in some classifications for the swans
Anshar|the Babylonian father of the gods;identified with Assyrian Ashur;in Sumerian the name signifies 'the totality of the upper world'
answer|a nonverbal reaction - "his answer to any problem was to get drunk" - "their answer was to sue me";a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation - "I waited several days for his answer";the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint;in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of 'guilty' or 'not guilty' (or nolo contendere);in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims;the speech act of replying to a question
answering machine|an electronic device that answers the telephone and records messages
ant|social insect living in organized colonies;characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season;wingless sterile females are the workers
ant bear|large shaggy-haired toothless anteater with long tongue and powerful claws;of South America
ant cow|excretes a honeylike substance eaten by ants
ant lion|winged insect resembling a dragonfly;the larvae (doodlebugs) dig conical pits where they wait to catch e.g. ants
ant shrike|antbirds superficially resembling shrikes
ant thrush|a kind of antbird
antacid|an agent that counteracts or neutralizes acidity (especially in the stomach)
antagonism|(biochemistry) interference in or inhibition of the physiological action of a chemical substance by another having a similar structure;an actively expressed feeling of dislike and hostility;the relation between opposing principles or forces or factors - "the inherent antagonism of capitalism and socialism"
antagonist|a drug that neutralizes or counteracts the effects of another drug;a muscle that relaxes while another contracts - "when bending the elbow the triceps are the antagonist"
antagonistic muscle|(physiology) a muscle that opposes the action of another - "the biceps and triceps are antagonistic muscles"
Antalya|a port city in southwestern Turkey on the Gulf of Antalya
Antananarivo|the capital and largest city of Madagascar
antapex|the point opposite in direction from the solar apex;the point the solar system is moving away from
Antarctic|the region around the south pole;Antarctica and surrounding waters
Antarctic Circle|a line of latitude north of the south pole
Antarctic Ocean|the southern waters surrounding Antarctica
Antarctic Peninsula|a large peninsula of Antarctica that extends some 1200 miles north toward South America;separates the Weddell Sea from the South Pacific
Antarctica|an extremely cold continent at the south pole almost entirely below the Antarctic Circle;covered by an ice cap up to 13,000 feet deep - "Antarctica is twice the size of Australia"
Antares|the brightest star in Scorpius
antbird|any of various dull-colored South American birds that feeding on ants some following army ant swarms
ante|(poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
anteater|any of several tropical American mammals of the family Myrmecophagidae which lack teeth and feed on ants and termites
antecedent|a preceding occurrence or cause or event;anything that precedes something similar in time - "phrenology was an antecedent of modern neuroscience";the referent of an anaphor;a phrase or clause that is referred to by an anaphoric pronoun
antediluvian|any of the early patriarchs who lived prior to the Noachian deluge
Antedon|a genus of echinoderms of the family Antedonidae
Antedonidae|feather stars
antefix|carved ornament at the eaves of a tile roof concealing the joints between tiles
antelope|graceful Old World ruminant with long legs and horns directed upward and backward;includes gazelles;springboks;impalas;addax;gerenuks;blackbucks;dik-diks
antelope squirrel|small ground squirrel of western United States
antenna|an electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signals;one of a pair of mobile appendages on the head of e.g. insects and crustaceans;typically sensitive to touch and taste;sensitivity similar to that of a receptor organ - "he had a special antenna for public relations"
Antennaria|small woolly perennial herbs having small whitish discoid flowers surrounded by a ring of club-shaped bristles
Antennariidae|frogfishes;tropical spiny-finned marine fishes having large nearly vertical mouths;related to toadfishes and anglers
antepenult|the 3rd syllable of a word counting back from the end
anterior cardinal vein|a major drainage channel from the cephalic part of the body
anterior cerebral artery|one of two branches of the internal carotid artery;divides into two branches that serve (1) the thalamus and (2) parts of the frontal and parietal cortex
anterior cerebral vein|accompanies the anterior cerebral artery and empties into the basal vein
anterior facial vein|a continuation of the angular vein;unites with the retromandibular vein before emptying into the internal jugular vein
anterior fontanelle|corresponds to the bregma when bones have ossified
anterior jugular vein|arises below the chin from veins draining the lower face;joins the external jugular vein
anterior meningeal artery|branch of the anterior ethmoidal artery that supplies meninges in the anterior cranial fossa
anterior pituitary|the anterior lobe of the pituitary body;primarily glandular in nature
anterior serratus muscle|muscles that rotate the scapula and elevate the rib cage
anterior synechia|adhesion between the iris and the cornea
anterior temporal artery|temporal artery that goes to the anterior part of the cerebral cortex of the temporal lobe
anterior vertebral vein|a vein that accompanies the ascending cervical artery and opens into the vertebral vein
anteriority|the quality of being in front or (in lower animals) toward the head
anterograde amnesia|loss of memory for events immediately following a trauma;sometimes in effect for events during and for a long time following the trauma
anteroom|a large entrance or reception room or area
anthem|a song of devotion or loyalty (as to a nation or school)
Anthemis|dog fennel
anther|the part of the stamen that contains pollen;usually borne on a stalk
Antheraea|large moths whose larvae produce silk of high quality
Anthericum|genus of Old World (mainly African) perennial herbs;sometimes placed in family Asphodelaceae
antheridiophore|gametophore bearing antheridia as in certain mosses and liverworts
antheridium|the male sex organ of spore-producing plants;produces antherozoids;equivalent to the anther in flowers
Antheropeas|small genus of North American herbs often included in genus Eriophyllum
antherozoid|a motile male gamete of a plant such as an alga or fern or gymnosperm
Anthidium|potter bees
anthill|a mound of earth made by ants as they dig their nest
Anthoceropsida|hornworts;in some classification systems included in the class Hepaticopsida
Anthoceros|hornworts
Anthocerotaceae|hornworts
Anthocerotales|hornworts;liverworts having a thalloid gametophyte;in some classification systems included in the class Hepaticopsida
anthologist|an editor who makes selections for an anthology
anthology|a collection of selected literary passages
Anthonomus|weevils destructive of cultivated plants
Anthony|United States suffragist (1820-1906)
anthophyllite|a dark brown mineral of the amphibole group;magnesium iron silicate
Anthozoa|a large class of sedentary marine coelenterates that includes sea anemones and corals;the medusoid phase is entirely suppressed
anthozoan|sessile marine coelenterates including solitary and colonial polyps;the medusoid phase is entirely suppressed
anthracite|a hard natural coal that burns slowly and gives intense heat
anthracosis|lung disease caused by inhaling coal dust
anthrax|a disease of humans that is not communicable;caused by infection with Bacillus anthracis followed by septicemia;a highly infectious animal disease (especially cattle and sheep);it can be transmitted to people
Anthriscus|chervil;of Europe, North Africa and Asia
anthropocentrism|an inclination to evaluate reality exclusively in terms of human values
anthropogenesis|the evolution or genesis of the human race
anthropoid|any member of the suborder Anthropoidea including monkeys and apes and hominids;person who resembles a nonhuman primate
anthropoid ape|any tailless ape of the families Pongidae and Hylobatidae
Anthropoidea|monkeys;apes;hominids
anthropolatry|the worship of human beings
anthropologist|a social scientist who specializes in anthropology
anthropology|the social science that studies the origins and social relationships of human beings
anthropology department|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in anthropology
anthropometry|measurement and study of the human body and its parts and capacities
anthropomorphism|the representation of objects (especially a god) as having human form or traits
anthropophagy|human cannibalism;the eating of human flesh
anthroposophy|a system of beliefs and practices based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner;it claims to integrate the practical and psychological in child-centered education
anthurium|any of various tropical American plants cultivated for their showy foliage and flowers
Anthus|pipits
Anthyllis|genus of Mediterranean herbs and shrubs
anti|a person who is opposed (to an action or policy or practice etc.) - "the antis smelled victory after a long battle"
antiaircraft|artillery designed to shoot upward at airplanes
antiaircraft fire|firing at enemy aircraft
antialiasing|(computer graphics) a technique that is used to smooth jagged distortions in curves and diagonal lines so they appear smoother
anti-American|a person who is opposed to the United States and its policies
antiarrhythmic|a drug used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm
antibacterial|any drug that destroys bacteria or inhibits their growth
antiballistic missile|a defensive missile designed to shoot down incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles
antibaryon|the antiparticle of a baryon;a hadron with a baryon number of -1
antibiosis|an association between organisms that is harmful to one of them or between organisms and a metabolic product of another
antibiotic|a chemical substance derivable from a mold or bacterium that can kill microorganisms and cure bacterial infections - "when antibiotics were first discovered they were called wonder drugs"
antibody|any of a large variety of proteins normally present in the body or produced in response to an antigen which it neutralizes, thus producing an immune response
antic|a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
anticatalyst|(chemistry) a substance that retards a chemical reaction or diminishes the activity of a catalyst
anti-Catholicism|a religious orientation opposed to Catholicism
anticholinergic|a substance that opposes or blocks the action of acetylcholine
anticholinesterase|a medicine that inhibits cholinesterase by combining with it and so has a cholinergic effect
Antichrist|(Christianity) the adversary of Christ (or Christianity) mentioned in the New Testament;the Antichrist will rule the world until overthrown by the Second Coming of Christ
anticipation|an expectation;anticipating with confidence of fulfillment;something expected (as on the basis of a norm) - "each of them had their own anticipations"
anticipator|one who anticipates
anticipatory breach|a breach of contract committed prior to the time of required performance
anticlimax|a change from a serious subject to a disappointing one;a disappointing decline after a previous rise - "the anticlimax of a brilliant career"
anticoagulant|medicine that prevents or retards the clotting of blood
anticoagulation|the administration of an anticoagulant drug to retard coagulation of the blood
anticonvulsant|a drug used to treat or prevent convulsions (as in epilepsy)
anticyclone|(meteorology) winds spiraling outward from a high pressure center;circling clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern
antidepressant|any of a class of drugs used to treat depression;often have undesirable side effects
antidiabetic|a drug used to treat diabetes mellitus
antidiarrheal|a drug used to control or stop diarrhea
antidiuretic|a drug that limits the formation of urine
Antido|an artificial language related to Ido
Antidorcas|springboks
antidote|a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
anti-drug law|a law forbidding the sale or use of narcotic drugs
anti-dumping duty|a tariff imposed to prevent dumping
antiemetic|a drug that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting
antiestablishmentarianism|the doctrine of opposition to the social and political establishment
antifeminist|someone who does not believe in the social or economic or political equality of men and women
antiferromagnetism|magnetic field creates parallel but opposing spins;varies with temperature
antiflatulent|any agent that reduces intestinal gas
antifouling paint|a paint used to protect against the accumulation of barnacles etc. on underwater surfaces
antifreeze|a liquid added to the water in a cooling system to lower its freezing point
antifungal|any agent that destroys or prevents the growth of fungi
anti-G suit|worn by fliers and astronauts to counteract the forces of gravity and acceleration
antigen|any substance (as a toxin or enzyme) that stimulates an immune response in the body (especially the production of antibodies)
antigenic determinant|the site on the surface of an antigen molecule to which an antibody attaches itself
Antigone|(Greek mythology) the daughter of King Oedipus who disobeyed her father and was condemned to death
Antigonia|a genus of fish in the family Caproidae
Antigonus|a general of Alexander the Great and king of Macedonia;lost one eye;killed in a battle at Ipsus (382-301 BC)
antigram|an anagram that means the opposite of the original word or phrase - "'restful' is the antigram of 'fluster'"
Antigua|the largest of the islands comprising Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda|a country in the northern Leeward Islands
Antiguan|a native or inhabitant of Antigua
antihemophilic factor|a coagulation factor (trade name Hemofil) whose absence is associated with hemophilia A
antihero|a protagonist who lacks the characteristics that would make him a hero (or her a heroine)
antihistamine|a medicine used to treat allergies and hypersensitive reactions and colds;works by counteracting the effects of histamine on a receptor site
antihypertensive|a drug that reduces high blood pressure
anti-inflammatory|a medicine intended to reduce inflammation
antiknock|any of various compounds that are added to gasoline to reduce engine knocking
antilepton|the antiparticle of a lepton
Antilles|a group of islands in the West Indies
Antilocapra|type and sole genus of the Antilocapridae comprising one species
Antilocapridae|comprising only the pronghorns
antilogarithm|the number of which a given number is the logarithm
Antilope|blackbucks
antimacassar|a piece of ornamented cloth that protects the back of a chair from hair oils
antimalarial|a medicinal drug used to prevent or treat malaria
Anti-Masonic Party|a former political party in the United States;founded in 1825 in opposition to Freemasonry in public affairs
antimatter|matter consisting of elementary particles that are the antiparticles of those making up normal substances
antimeson|the antiparticle of a meson
antimetabolite|an antineoplastic drug that inhibits the utilization of a metabolite
antimony|a metallic element having four allotropic forms;used in a wide variety of alloys;found in stibnite
antimuon|the antiparticle of a muon;decays to positron and neutrino and antineutrino
antimycin|a crystalline antibiotic active against various fungi
antineoplastic|any of several drugs that control or kill neoplastic cells;used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells;all have unpleasant side effects that may include nausea and vomiting and hair loss and suppression of bone marrow function
antineoplastic antibiotic|an antibiotic drug used as an antineoplastic in chemotherapy
antineutrino|the antiparticle of a neutrino
antineutron|the antiparticle of a neutron
antinode|(physics) the point of maximum displacement in a periodic system
antinomasia|substitution of a title for a name
antinomian|a follower of the doctrine of antinomianism
antinomianism|the theological doctrine that by faith and God's grace a Christian is freed from all laws (including the moral standards of the culture)
antinomy|a contradiction between two statements that seem equally reasonable
Antioch|a town in southern Turkey;ancient commercial center and capital of Syria;an early center of Christianity
antioxidant|substance that inhibits oxidation or inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen or peroxides
antiparticle|a particle that has the same mass as another particle but has opposite values for its other properties;interaction of a particle and its antiparticle results in annihilation and the production of radiant energy
antipasto|a course of appetizers in an Italian meal
antipathy|a feeling of intense dislike;the object of a feeling of intense aversion;something to be avoided - "cats were his greatest antipathy"
antiperspirant|an astringent substance applied to the skin to reduce perspiration
antiphon|a verse or song to be chanted or sung in response
antiphonary|bound collection of antiphons
antiphony|alternate (responsive) singing by a choir in two parts
antiphrasis|the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal sense (especially in irony)
antipodal|the relation of opposition along a diameter
antipode|direct opposite - "quiet;an antipode to focused busyness"
antipodes|any two places or regions on diametrically opposite sides of the Earth - "the North Pole and the South Pole are antipodes"
antipope|someone who is elected pope in opposition to another person who is held to be canonically elected - "the antipopes resided in Avignon during the Great Schism"
antiproton|an unstable negatively charged proton;the antiparticle of a proton
antiprotozoal|a medicinal drug used to fight diseases (like malaria) that are caused by protozoa
antipruritic|a substance that relieves or prevents itching
antipyresis|medication with antipyretics to treat a fever
antipyretic|any medicine that lowers body temperature to prevent or alleviate fever
antiquark|the antiparticle of a quark
antiquary|an expert or collector of antiquities
antique|any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity
antiquity|an artifact surviving from the past;the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe
anti-racketeering law|law intended to eradicate organized crime by establishing strong sanctions and forfeiture provisions
antiredeposition|the process of preventing redeposition
Antirrhinum|a genus of herbs of the family Scrophulariaceae with brightly colored irregular flowers
anti-Semite|someone who hates and would persecute Jews
anti-Semitism|the intense dislike for and prejudice against Jewish people
antisepsis|the process of inhibiting the growth and multiplication of microorganisms
antiseptic|a substance that destroys micro-organisms that carry disease without harming body tissues
antiserum|blood serum containing antibodies against specific antigens;provides immunity to a disease
antisocial personality disorder|a personality disorder characterized by amorality and lack of affect;capable of violent acts without guilt feelings ('psychopathic personality' was once widely used but was superseded by 'sociopathic personality' to indicate the social aspects of the disorder, but now 'antisocial personality disorder' is the preferred term)
antispasmodic|a drug used to relieve or prevent spasms (especially of the smooth muscles)
antistrophe|the section of a choral ode answering a previous strophe in classical Greek drama;the second of two metrically corresponding sections in a poem
anti-submarine rocket|a shipboard system to fire rockets at submarines
antisyphilitic|a drug (or other chemical agent) that is effective against syphilis
anti-takeover defense|resistance to or defense against a hostile takeover
antitauon|an antilepton of very great mass
antithesis|exact opposite - "his theory is the antithesis of mine";the juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling of balance
anti-TNF compound|a class of drugs that block the action of tumor necrosis factor (TNF);used in cases of rheumatoid arthritis because TNF instigates inflammation of the joints
antitoxin|an antibody that can neutralize a specific toxin
antitrade wind|winds blowing from west to east and lying above the trade winds in the tropics
antitrades|wind in the upper atmosphere blowing above but in the opposite direction from the trade winds
antitrust case|a legal action brought against parties who are charged with limiting free competition in the market place
antitrust legislation|law intended to promote free competition in the market place by outlawing monopolies
antitussive|any medicine used to suppress or relieve coughing
antitype|a person or thing represented or foreshadowed by a type or symbol;especially a figure in the Old Testament having a counterpart in the New Testament;an opposite or contrasting type
antivenin|an antitoxin that counteracts the effects of venom from the bite of a snake or insect or other animal
antiviral|any drug that destroys viruses
anti-virus program|a computer program that checks a computer for viruses and prevents their spread
anti-war movement|a campaign against entering or continuing a war
antler|deciduous horn of a member of the deer family
antler moth|European moth with white antler-like markings on the forewings;the larvae damage pastures and grasslands
Antlia|a faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near Hydra and Vela
Antofagasta|a port city on the Pacific in northern Chile
Antonine Wall|a fortification 37 miles long across the narrowest part of southern Scotland (between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde);built in 140 to mark the frontier of the Roman province of Britain
Antoninus|Emperor of Rome;nephew and son-in-law and adoptive son of Antonius Pius;Stoic philosopher;the decline of the Roman Empire began under Marcus Aurelius (121-180)
Antonius Pius|Emperor of Rome;adoptive son of Hadrian (86-161)
Antony|Roman general under Julius Caesar in the Gallic wars;repudiated his wife for the Egyptian queen Cleopatra;they were defeated by Octavian at Actium (83-30 BC)
antonym|a word that expresses a meaning opposed to the meaning of another word, in which case the two words are antonyms of each other - "to him the antonym of 'gay' was 'depressed'"
antonymy|the semantic relation that holds between two words that can (in a given context) express opposite meanings
Antrozous|a genus of Vespertilionidae
antrum|a natural cavity or hollow in a bone
Antum|Babylonian consort of Anu
Antwerpen|a busy port and financial center in northern Belgium on the Scheldt river;it has long been a center for the diamond industry and the first stock exchange was opened there in 1460
Anu|Babylonian god of the sky;one of the supreme triad including Bel and Ea
Anubis|Egyptian god of tombs and ruler of the underworld;usually depicted as a man with the head of a jackal
Anunnaki|any of a group of powerful Babylonian earth spirits or genii;servitors of the gods
anuresis|inability to urinate
anus|the excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal
anvil|a heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are shaped by hammering
anxiety|(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic;a vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill-defined) misfortune
anxiety attack|a sudden acute episode of intense anxiety and feelings of panic
anxiety disorder|a cover term for a variety of mental disorders in which severe anxiety is a salient symptom
anxiety hysteria|a form of hysteria having features of both conversion disorder and anxiety neurosis
anxiety neurosis|characterized by diffuse anxiety and often somatic manifestations of fear
anxiousness|a feeling of mild anxiety about possible developments
any-and-all bid|a takeover bid where the acquirer offers to buy any and all shares outstanding
Anzac|a soldier in the Australian and New Zealand army corps during World War I
Anzio|a town of central Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea;the Allies established a beachhead at Anzio in World War II
ao dai|the traditional dress of Vietnamese women consisting of a tunic with long sleeves and panels front and back;the tunic is worn over trousers
aorist|a verb tense in some languages (classical Greek and Sanskrit) expressing action (especially past action) without indicating its completion or continuation
aorta|the large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries
aortic aneurysm|an aneurysm of the aorta
aortic arch|the part of the aorta that arches and turns downward
aortic orifice|the orifice from the lower left chamber of the heart to the aorta
aortic plexus|a plexus of lymph nodes in the lower portion of the abdominal aorta
aortic stenosis|abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve
aortic valve|a semilunar valve between the left ventricle and the aorta;prevents blood from flowing from the aorta back into the heart
aortitis|inflammation of the aorta
Aotus|douroucoulis
aoudad|wild sheep of northern Africa
apache|a Parisian gangster;any member of Athapaskan tribes that migrated to the southwestern desert (from Arizona to Texas and south into Mexico);fought a losing battle from 1861 to 1886 with the United States and were resettled in Oklahoma;the language of the Apache
apache dance|a violent fast dance in French vaudeville (an apache is a member of the French underworld)
apache devil dance|a ritual dance of the Apache
apadana|the great hall in ancient Persian palaces
Apalachicola|a river in northwestern Florida formed by the confluence of the Chattahoochee River and the Flint River at the Florida border
Apalachicola rosemary|small shrub of Apalachicola River area in southeastern United States having highly aromatic pinkish flowers;a threatened species
apar|South American armadillo with three bands of bony plates
apartheid|a social policy or racial segregation involving political and economic and legal discrimination against people who are not Whites;the former official policy in South Africa
apartment|a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
apartment building|a building that is divided into apartments
apatetic coloration|coloring serving as natural camouflage
apathy|an absence of emotion or enthusiasm;the trait of lacking enthusiasm for or interest in things generally
apatite|a common complex mineral consisting of calcium fluoride phosphate or calcium chloride phosphate;a source of phosphorus
apatosaur|huge quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur common in North America in the late Jurassic
Apatura|large Old World butterflies
APC|a drug combination found in some over-the-counter headache remedies (aspirin and phenacetin and caffeine)
ape|any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
Apeldoorn|a city of east central Netherlands;a popular tourist center and site of the summer residence of the Dutch royal family
ape-man|a person assumed to have been raised by apes
Apennines|a mountain range extending the length of the Italian peninsula
apercu|a short synopsis
aperea|South American cavy;possibly ancestral to the domestic guinea pig
aperitif|alcoholic beverage taken before a meal as an appetizer
aperture|a device that controls amount of light admitted;a natural opening in something;an man-made opening;usually small
apery|the act of mimicking;imitative behavior
apetalous flower|flower having no petals
apex|the point on the celestial sphere toward which the sun and solar system appear to be moving relative to the fixed stars
Apgar score|an assessment of the physical condition of a newborn infant;involves heart rate and muscle tone and respiratory effort and color and reflex responsiveness
aphaeresis|(linguistics) omission at the beginning of a word as in 'coon' for 'raccoon' or 'till' for 'until'
aphagia|loss of the ability to swallow
aphakia|absence of the natural lens of the eye (usually resulting from the removal of cataracts)
aphakic|someone afflicted by aphakia;someone lacking the natural lenses of the eyes
aphanite|fine-grained homogeneous rock (such as basalt) containing minerals undetectable by the naked eye
aphasia|inability to use or understand language (spoken or written) because of a brain lesion
aphasic|someone affected by aphasia or inability to use or understand language
Aphasmidia|one of two subgroups of Nematoda used in some classification systems
aphelion|apoapsis in solar orbit;the point in the orbit of a planet or comet that is at the greatest distance from the sun
apheresis|a procedure in which blood is drawn and separated into its components by dialysis;some are retained and the rest are returned to the donor by transfusion
aphesis|the gradual disappearance of an initial (usually unstressed) vowel or syllable as in 'squire' for 'esquire'
aphid|any of various small plant-sucking insects
aphid lion|carnivorous larva of lacewing flies
Aphididae|small soft-bodied plant lice
Aphidoidea|plant lice
Aphis|type genus of the Aphididae;injurious to fruit trees and vegetables
aphonia|a disorder of the vocal organs that results in the loss of voice
aphorism|a short pithy instructive saying
aphorist|someone who formulates aphorisms or who repeats aphorisms
Aphriza|a genus of Scolopacidae
aphrodisia|a desire for heterosexual intimacy
aphrodisiac|a drug or other agent that stimulates sexual desire
Aphrodite|goddess of love and beauty and daughter of Zeus in ancient mythology;identified with Roman Venus
Aphrophora|a genus of Cercopidae
aphthous ulcer|a blister on the mucous membranes of the lips or mouth or gastrointestinal tract
Aphyllanthaceae|one of many families or subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted;includes genus Aphyllanthes
Aphyllanthes|one species;small fibrous-rooted perennial with rushlike foliage and deep blue flowers;sometimes placed in its own family Aphyllanthaceae
Aphyllophorales|includes chiefly saprophytic fungi typically with shelflike bodies;sometimes placed in class Hymenomycetes or included in Agaricales
Apia|the capital of Western Samoa
apiary|a shed containing a number of beehives
apical placentation|where one or few ovules develop at the top of a simple or compound ovary
Apidae|honeybees;carpenter bees;bumblebees
Apios|twining perennial North American plants
Apis|type genus of the Apidae;honeybees
apishamore|a saddle blanket made of buffalo hide
Apium|celery
aplasia|failure of some tissue or organ to develop
aplastic anemia|anemia characterized by pancytopenia resulting from failure of the bone marrow;can be caused by neoplasm or by toxic exposure
Aplectrum|a monocotyledonous genus of the family Orchidaceae
aplite|light-colored and fine-grained granitic rock consisting chiefly of quartz and feldspars
Aplodontia|type genus of the Aplodontiidae;comprising the mountain beavers
Aplodontiidae|mountain beavers
aplomb|great coolness and composure under strain
Aplysia|type genus of the family Aplysiidae
Aplysiidae|sea hares
apnea|transient cessation of respiration
apoapsis|(astronomy) the point in an orbit farthest from the body being orbited
apocalypse|a cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil
apocope|abbreviation of a word by omitting the final sound or sounds - "the British get 'pud' from 'pudding' by apocope"
apocrine gland|a large sweat gland that produces both a fluid and an apocrine secretion;in human beings located in hairy regions of the body
Apocrypha|14 books of the Old Testament included in the Vulgate (except for II Esdras) but omitted in Jewish and Protestant versions of the Bible;eastern Christian churches (except the Coptic Church) accept all these books as canonical;the Russian Orthodox Church accepts these texts as divinely inspired but does not grant them the same status
Apocynaceae|chiefly tropical trees or shrubs or herbs having milky juice and often showy flowers;many are sources of drugs
Apocynum|perennial herbs with small pink or white flowers
apodeme|ridge-like ingrowth of the exoskeleton of an arthropod that supports internal organs and provides attachment points for muscles
Apodemus|Old World field mice
Apodidae|swifts;in former classifications included in the order Coraciiformes
apodiform bird|nonpasserine bird having long wings and weak feet;spends much of its time in flight
Apodiformes|swifts;hummingbirds
apoenzyme|a protein that combines with a coenzyme to form an active enzyme
apogamy|(botany) development of an embryo without fertilization;especially the development in some ferns of a sporophyte from the gametophyte without fertilization
apogee|a final climactic stage;apoapsis in Earth orbit;the point in its orbit where a satellite is at the greatest distance from the Earth
Apogon|type genus of the Apogonidae
Apogonidae|bright-colored marine fishes that incubate eggs in the mouth
Apoidea|bees
apojove|apoapsis in orbit around Jupiter
apolemia|large siphonophore of up to 50 ft long
Apollinaire|French poet;precursor of surrealism (1880-1918)
Apollo|(Greek mythology) Greek god of light;god of prophecy and poetry and music and healing;son of Zeus and Leto;twin brother of Artemis
Apollo asteroid|an asteroid whose orbit crosses the Earth's orbit
Apollo program|a program of space flights undertaken by US to land a man on the Moon - "the first lunar landing was achieved by the Apollo program on July 20, 1969"
apologetics|the branch of theology that is concerned with the defense of Christian doctrines
apologist|a person who argues to defend or justify some policy or institution - "an apologist for capital punishment"
apology|a formal written defense of something you believe in strongly;a poor example - "it was an apology for a meal";an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone - "he wrote a letter of apology to the hostess"
apomict|a plant that reproduces or is reproduced by apomixis
apomixis|any of several kinds of reproduction without fertilization
apomorphine|a morphine derivative that is not as strong as morphine;used as an emetic and in small doses as a sedative
aponeurosis|any of the deeper and thicker fascia that attach muscles to bones;resemble flattened tendons
apophasis|mentioning something by saying it will not be mentioned
apophatism|the religious belief that God cannot be known but is completely 'other' and must be described in negative terms (in terms of what God is not)
apophysis|(anatomy) a natural outgrowth or projection on an organ or body part such as the process of a vertebra;(botany) a natural swelling or enlargement;at the base of the stalk or seta in certain mosses or on the cone scale of certain conifers
apoptosis|a type of cell death in which the cell uses specialized cellular machinery to kill itself;a cell suicide mechanism that enables metazoans to control cell number and eliminate cells that threaten the animal's survival
Aporocactus|small genus of epiphytic cacti of Mexico
aposelene|apoapsis in orbit around the moon
aposematic coloration|conspicuous coloration or markings of an animal serving to warn off predators - "a skunk's aposematic coloration"
aposiopesis|breaking off in the middle of a sentence (as by writers of realistic conversations)
apostasy|the act of abandoning a party for cause;the state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes)
Apostle|(New Testament) one of the original 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel;any important early teacher of Christianity or a Christian missionary to a people;an ardent early supporter of a cause or reform
apostleship|the position of apostle
apostolic delegate|(Roman Catholic Church) a representative of the Holy See in a country that has no formal diplomatic relations with it
apostrophe|address to an absent or imaginary person;the mark (') used to indicate the omission of one or more letters from a printed word
apothecaries' unit|any weight unit used in pharmacy;an ounce is equal to 480 grains and a pound is equal to 12 ounces
apothecium|a cuplike ascocarp in many lichens and ascomycetous fungi
Appalachia|an impoverished coal mining area in the Appalachian Mountains (from Pennsylvania to North Carolina)
Appalachian|a native or inhabitant of Appalachia
Appalachians|a mountain range in the eastern United States extending from Quebec to the Gulf of Mexico;a historic barrier to early westward expansion of the United States
appalling|an experience that appalls - "is it better to view the appalling or merely hear of it?"
Appaloosa|a hardy breed of saddle horse developed in western North America and characteristically having a spotted rump
appanage|a grant (by a sovereign or a legislative body) of resources to maintain a dependent member of a ruling family - "bishoprics were received as appanages for the younger sons of great families";any customary and rightful perquisite appropriate to your station in life - "for thousands of years the chair was an appanage of state and dignity rather than an article of ordinary use"
apparatchik|a communist who was a member of the administrative system of a communist party;a humorous but derogatory term for an official of a large organization (especially a political organization) - "Democratic apparatchiks"
apparatus|(anatomy) a group of body parts that work together to perform a given function - "the breathing apparatus";equipment designed to serve a specific function
apparel|clothing in general - "she was refined in her choice of apparel"
apparel chain|a chain of clothing stores
apparel industry|makers and sellers of fashionable clothing
apparent motion|an optical illusion of motion produced by viewing a rapid succession of still pictures of a moving object - "the cinema relies on apparent motion"
apparentness|the property of being apparent
apparition|a ghostly appearing figure - "we were unprepared for the apparition that confronted us";an act of appearing or becoming visible unexpectedly - "natives were amazed at the apparition of this white stranger";something existing in perception only - "a ghostly apparition at midnight";the appearance of a ghostlike figure - "I was recalled to the present by the apparition of a frightening specter"
appeal|(law) a legal proceeding in which the appellant resorts to a higher court for the purpose of obtaining a review of a lower court decision and a reversal of the lower court's judgment or the granting of a new trial - "their appeal was denied in the superior court";attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates - "his smile was part of his appeal to her"
appeal board|a board of officials that are not judicial but are appointed to hear appeals
appearance|a mental representation - "I tried to describe his appearance to the police";formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action;outward or visible aspect of a person or thing;pretending that something is the case in order to make a good impression - "they try to keep up appearances";the act of appearing in public view - "the rookie made a brief appearance in the first period" - "it was Bernhardt's last appearance in America";the event of coming into sight
appeasement|the act of appeasing (as by acceding to the demands of)
appeaser|someone who tries to bring peace by acceding to demands - "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile--hoping it will eat him last"--Winston Churchill
appellant|the party who appeals a decision of a lower court
appellate court|a court whose jurisdiction is to review decisions of lower courts or agencies
appellation|identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others
appendage|a part that is joined to something larger
appendectomy|surgical removal of the vermiform appendix
appendicitis|inflammation of the vermiform appendix
appendicle|a small appendage
appendicular artery|the branch of the ileocolic artery that supplies the vermiform appendix
appendicular skeleton|the part of the skeleton that includes the pectoral girdle and the pelvic girdle and the upper and lower limbs
appendicular vein|a vein that accompanies the appendicular artery and empties into the ileocolic vein
appendicularia|free-swimming tadpole-shaped pelagic tunicate resembling larvae of other tunicates
appendix|a vestigial process that extends from the lower end of the cecum and that resembles a small pouch;supplementary material that is collected and appended at the back of a book
Appenzeller|a smaller of the four Swiss breeds
apperception|the process whereby perceived qualities of an object are related to past experience
appetite|a feeling of craving something - "an appetite for life" - "the object of life is to satisfy as many appetencies as possible"- Granville Hicks
appetizer|food or drink to stimulate the appetite (usually served before a meal or as the first course)
appetizingness|the property of stimulating the appetite
Appian Way|an ancient Roman road in Italy extending south from Rome to Brindisi;begun in 312 BC
applause|a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together
apple|fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh;native Eurasian tree widely cultivated in many varieties for its firm rounded edible fruits
apple aphid|bright green aphid;feeds on and causes curling of apple leaves
apple blight|a disease of apple trees
apple butter|thick dark spicy puree of apples
apple dumpling|apples wrapped in pastry and baked
apple fritter|fritter containing sliced apple
apple geranium|geranium with round fragrant leaves and small white flowers
apple jelly|jelly made from apple juice
apple juice|the juice of apples
apple maggot|larvae bore into and feed on apples
apple mint|mint with apple-scented stems of southern and western Europe;naturalized in United States
apple of discord|(classical mythology) a golden apple thrown into a banquet of the gods by Eris (goddess of discord--who had not been invited);the apple had 'for the fairest' written on it and Hera and Athena and Aphrodite all claimed it;when Paris (prince of Troy) awarded it to Aphrodite it began a chain of events that led to the Trojan War
apple of Peru|coarse South American herb grown for its blue-and-white flowers followed by a bladderlike fruit enclosing a dry berry
apple orchard|a grove of apple trees
apple pie|pie (with a top crust) containing sliced apples and sugar
apple polisher|someone who humbles himself as a sign of respect;who behaves as if he had no self-respect
apple rust|rust fungus causing rust spots on apples and pears etc
apple tart|a small open pie filled with sliced apples and sugar;a tart filled with sliced apples and sugar
apple tree|any tree of the genus Malus especially those bearing firm rounded edible fruits
apple turnover|turnover with an apple filling
applecart|a handcart from which apples and other fruit are sold in the street;the planning that is disrupted when someone 'upsets the applecart'
applejack|distilled from hard cider
applesauce|puree of stewed apples usually sweetened and spiced
applesauce cake|moist spicy cake containing applesauce
applet|a Java application;an application program that uses the client's web browser to provide a user interface
Appleton|a town in eastern Wisconsin;English physicist remembered for his studies of the ionosphere (1892-1966)
Appleton layer|the highest region of the ionosphere (from 90 to 600 miles up) which contains the highest concentration of free electrons and is most useful for long-range radio transmission
applewood|wood of any of various apple trees of the genus Malus
appliance|a device or control that is very useful for a particular job;durable goods for home or office use
applicability|relevance by virtue of being applicable to the matter at hand
applicant|a person who requests or seeks something such as assistance or employment or admission
application|a diligent effort - "it is a job requiring serious application";a program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task - "he has tried several different word processing applications";a verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school - "December 31 is the deadline for applications";the act of bringing something to bear;using it for a particular purpose - "he advocated the application of statistics to the problem" - "a novel application of electronics to medical diagnosis";the action of putting something into operation - "the application of maximum thrust" - "massage has far-reaching medical applications" - "the application of indexes to tables of data";the work of applying something - "the doctor prescribed a topical application of iodine" - "a complete bleach requires several applications"
application form|a form to use when making an application
application-oriented language|a language whose statements resemble terminology of the user
applicator|a device for applying a substance
applied mathematics|the branches of mathematics that are involved in the study of the physical or biological or sociological world
applied psychology|any of several branches of psychology that seek to apply psychological principles to practical problems of education or industry or marketing etc.
applique|a decorative design made of one material sewn over another
appointee|a person who is appointed to a job or position;an official who is appointed
appointment|(law) the act of disposing of property by virtue of the power of appointment - "she allocated part of the trust to her church by appointment";(usually plural) furnishings and equipment (especially for a ship or hotel);the act of putting a person into a non-elective position - "the appointment had to be approved by the whole committee";the job to which you are (or hope to be) appointed - "he applied for an appointment in the treasury"
appointment book|a book containing a calendar and space to keep a record of appointments
apposition|(biology) growth in the thickness of a cell wall by the deposit of successive layers of material;a grammatical relation between a word and a noun phrase that follows - "'Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer' is an example of apposition"
appraisal|a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation);an expert estimation of the quality, quantity, and other characteristics of someone or something;the classification of someone or something with respect to its worth
appraiser|one who determines authenticity (as of works of art) or who guarantees validity;one who estimates officially the worth or value or quality of things
appreciation|an expression of gratitude - "he expressed his appreciation in a short note";an increase in price or value - "an appreciation of 30% in the value of real estate";understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
appreciator|a person who is fully aware of something and understands it - "he is not an appreciator of our dilemma"
apprehender|a person who seizes or arrests (especially a person who seizes or arrests in the name of justice)
apprehension|fearful expectation or anticipation - "the student looked around the examination room with apprehension";painful expectation;the act of apprehending (especially apprehending a criminal)
apprentice|works for an expert to learn a trade
apprenticeship|the position of apprentice
appro|an informal British abbreviation of approval - "he accepted it on appro"
approach|a close approximation - "the nearest approach to genius";a relatively short golf shot intended to put the ball onto the putting green - "he lost the hole when his approach rolled over the green";ideas or actions intended to deal with a problem or situation - "his approach to every problem is to draw up a list of pros and cons";the act of drawing spatially closer to something - "the hunter's approach scattered the geese";the event of one object coming closer to another;the temporal property of becoming nearer in time - "the approach of winter"
approach path|the final path followed by an aircraft as it is landing
approach trench|a trench that provides protected passage between the rear and front lines of a defensive position
approachability|the attribute of being easy to meet or deal with
approbation|official approval;official recognition or approval
appropriateness|appropriate conduct;doing the right thing;the quality of being specially suitable
appropriation|a deliberate act of acquisition of something, often without the permission of the owner - "the necessary funds were obtained by the government's appropriation of the company's operating unit" - "a person's appropriation of property belonging to another is dishonest";money set aside (as by a legislature) for a specific purpose
appropriation bill|a legislative act proposing to authorize the expenditure of public funds for a specified purpose
appropriator|someone who takes for his or her own use (especially without permission)
approval|a feeling of liking something or someone good - "although she fussed at them, she secretly viewed all her children with approval";a message expressing a favorable opinion - "words of approval seldom passed his lips";acceptance as satisfactory - "he bought it on approval"
approver|an authority with power to approve
approximate range|near to the scope or range of something
approximation|an imprecise or incomplete account - "newspapers gave only an approximation of the actual events";the act of bringing near or bringing together especially the cut edges of tissue;the quality of coming near to identity (especially close in quantity)
apraxia|inability to make purposeful movements
apricot|Asian tree having clusters of usually white blossoms and edible fruit resembling the peach;downy yellow to rosy-colored fruit resembling a small peach
apricot bar|fruit bar containing apricot jam
apricot sauce|for Chinese dishes;apricot preserves and chutney
April|the month following March and preceding May
April fool|a practical joke or trick played on the first day of April;the butt of a prank played on April 1st
April Fools'|the first day of April which is celebrated by playing practical jokes
apron|(golf) the part of the fairway leading onto the green;a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing;a paved surface where aircraft stand while not being used
apron string|(usually used in the plural) a cord used to tie an apron at the waist
apse|a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church;usually contains the altar
Apsu|father of the gods and consort of Tiamat
Aptenodytes|large penguins
Apterygidae|coextensive with the order Apterygiformes
Apterygiformes|a ratite bird order;flightless ground birds having vestigial wings and long bills and small eyes;kiwis
aptitude|inherent ability
aptness|a disposition to behave in a certain way - "the aptness of iron to rust";appropriateness for the occasion - "the phrase had considerable aptness"
Apus|a constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere near Octans;type genus
aqua regia|a yellow fuming corrosive mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid that dissolves metals (including gold)
aqua vitae|strong distilled liquor or brandy
aquaculture|rearing aquatic animals or cultivating aquatic plants for food
aqualung|a device (trade name Aqua-Lung) that lets divers breathe under water;scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus
aquamarine|a transparent variety of beryl that is blue green in color
aquanaut|a skilled worker who can live in underwater installations and participate in scientific research
aquaphobia|a morbid fear of drowning
aquaplane|a board that is pulled by a speedboat as a person stands on it and skims over the top of the water
aquarium|a tank or pool or bowl filled with water for keeping live fish and underwater animals
Aquarius|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Aquarius;a zodiacal constellation in the southern hemisphere;between Capricornus and Pisces;the eleventh sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about January 20 to February 18
aquatic|a plant that lives in or on water
aquatic bird|wading and swimming and diving birds of either fresh or salt water
aquatic fern|ferns that grow in water
aquatic mammal|whales and dolphins;manatees and dugongs;walruses;seals
aquatic plant|a plant that grows partly or wholly in water whether rooted in the mud, as a lotus, or floating without anchorage, as the water hyacinth
aquatic vertebrate|animal living wholly or chiefly in or on water
aquatint|a method of etching that imitates the broad washes of a water color;an etching made by a process that makes it resemble a water color
aquavit|Scandinavian liquor usually flavored with caraway seeds
aqueduct|a conduit that resembles a bridge but carries water over a valley
aqueous humor|the limpid fluid within the eyeball between the cornea and the lens
aqueous solution|a solution in water
aquifer|underground bed or layer yielding ground water for wells and springs etc
Aquifoliaceae|widely distributed shrubs and trees
Aquila|a constellation in the Milky Way near Cygnus;contains the star Altair;a genus of Accipitridae;the provincial capital of the Abruzzi region in central Italy
Aquinas|(Roman Catholic Church) Italian theologian and Doctor of the Church who is remembered for his attempt to reconcile faith and reason in a comprehensive theology;presented philosophical proofs of the existence of God (1225-1274)
Aquitaine|a region of southwestern France between Bordeaux and the Pyrenees
Ara|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma;macaws
Arab|a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa
Arab League|an international organization of independent Arab states formed in 1945 to promote cultural and economic and military and political and social cooperation
arabesque|an ornament that interlaces simulated foliage in an intricate design;position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose
Arabian|a spirited graceful and intelligent riding horse native to Arabia
Arabian camel|one-humped camel of the hot deserts of northern Africa and southwestern Asia
Arabian coffee|shrubby tree of northeastern tropical Africa widely cultivated in tropical or near tropical regions for its seed which form most of the commercial coffee
Arabian Desert|a desert in Egypt between the Nile River and the Red Sea;a desert on the Arabian Peninsula in southwestern Asia
Arabian jasmine|East Indian evergreen vine cultivated for its profuse fragrant white flowers
Arabian Nights' Entertainment|a collection of folktales in Arabic dating from the 10th century
Arabian Peninsula|a peninsula between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf;strategically important for its oil resources
Arabian Sea|a northwestern arm of the Indian Ocean between India and Arabia
Arabic|the Semitic language of the Arabs;spoken in a variety of dialects
Arabic alphabet|the alphabet of 28 characters derived from Aramaic and used for writing Arabic languages (and borrowed for writing Urdu)
Arabic numeral|one of the symbols 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0
Arabidopsis|a genus of the mustard family having white or yellow or purplish flowers;closely related to genus Arabis
Arabidopsis lyrata|a small noninvasive cross-pollinating plant with white flowers;closely related to Arabidopsis thaliana
Arabidopsis thaliana|a small invasive self-pollinating weed with small white flowers;much studied by plant geneticists;the first higher plant whose complete genome sequence was described
arability|the quality of land that is appropriate for cultivation
Arabis|annual to perennial woody herbs of temperate North America, Europe and Asia;rockcress
Arab-Israeli War|Egypt and Syria attacked Israel in October 1973 (on Yom Kippur);Israel counterattacked and drove the Syrians back and crossed the Suez Canal into Egypt;tension between Arabs and Israeli erupted into a brief war in June 1967;Israel emerged as a major power in the Middle East
Arabist|a scholar who specializes in Arab languages and culture
Araceae|anthurium;calla lily;jack-in-the-pulpit;philodendron
Arachis|a genus of plants with pods that ripen underground (see peanut)
arachnid|air-breathing arthropods characterized by simple eyes and four pairs of legs
Arachnida|a large class of arthropods including spiders and ticks and scorpions and daddy longlegs;have four pairs of walking legs and no wings
arachnoid|the middle of the 3 meninges
arachnophobia|a morbid fear of spiders
Arafat|Palestinian statesman who was chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (1929-2004)
Arafura Sea|a part of the western Pacific Ocean to the north of Australia and to the south of New Guinea and the eastern islands of Indonesia
Aragon|a region of northeastern Spain;a former kingdom that united with Castile in 1479 to form Spain (after the marriage of Ferdinand V and Isabella I);French writer who generalized surrealism to literature (1897-1982)
aragonite|a mineral form of crystalline calcium carbonate;dimorphic with calcite
Araguaia|a river in central Brazil that flows generally northward (with many falls) to join the Tocantins River
Arales|Araceae;Lemnaceae
aralia|any of various plants of the genus Aralia;often aromatic plants having compound leaves and small umbellate flowers
Araliaceae|mostly tropical trees and shrubs and lianas;genera Panax and Hedera
Aram|the biblical name for ancient Syria
Aramaic|a Semitic language originally of the ancient Arameans but still spoken by other people in southwestern Asia;an alphabetical (or perhaps syllabic) script used since the 9th century BC to write the Aramaic language;many other scripts were subsequently derived from it
arame|an edible seaweed with a mild flavor
Aramean|a member of one of a group of Semitic peoples inhabiting Aram and parts of Mesopotamia from the 11th to the 8th century BC
Aramus|genus of large brown long-billed wading birds found in warm swampy regions of the western hemisphere;courlan;limpkin
Aran Islands|three small islands belonging to Ireland at the entrance to Galway Bay
Aranea|a genus of orb-weaving spiders including common garden spiders and barn spiders
Araneae|spiders
Aranyaka|a treatise resembling a Brahmana but to be read or expounded by anchorites in the quiet of the forest
Arapaho|a member of a tribe of Plains Indians formerly inhabiting eastern Colorado and Wyoming (now living in Oklahoma and Wyoming);the Algonquian language spoken by the Arapaho
Ararat|the mountain peak that Noah's ark landed on as the waters of the great flood receded
arariba|Brazilian tree with handsomely marked wood
araroba|a bitter yellow powder used to treat skin diseases
Aras|a river that rises in northeastern Turkey (near the source of the Euphrates) and flows generally eastward through Armenia to the Caspian Sea;ancient name was Araxes
Arauca|a river that rises in northern Colombia and flows generally eastward to the Orinoco in central Venezuela
araucaria|any of several tall South American or Australian trees with large cones and edible seeds
Araucariaceae|tall evergreen cone-bearing trees of South America and Australia with broad leathery leaves;in some classifications included in the Pinaceae
Araujia|small genus of South American evergreen vines
Arawak|a family of South American Indian languages spoken in northeastern South America;a member of a widespread group of Amerindians living in northeastern South America
Arawn|Celtic deity who was the lord of Annwfn (the other world or the land of fairies)
arbiter|someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue - "the critic was considered to be an arbiter of modern literature";someone with the power to settle matters at will - "she was the final arbiter on all matters of fashion"
arbitrage|a kind of hedged investment meant to capture slight differences in price;when there is a difference in the price of something on two different markets the arbitrageur simultaneously buys at the lower price and sells at the higher price
arbitrageur|someone who engages in arbitrage (who purchases securities in one market for immediate resale in another in the hope of profiting from the price differential)
arbitration|(law) the hearing and determination of a dispute by an impartial referee agreed to by both parties (often used to settle disputes between labor and management);the act of deciding as an arbiter;giving authoritative judgment - "they submitted their disagreement to arbitration"
arbitration clause|a clause in a contract providing for arbitration of disputes arising under the contract
arbor|a framework that supports climbing plants - "the arbor provided a shady resting place in the park";tree (as opposed to shrub)
Arbor Day|a day designated for planting trees
arboreal salamander|yellow-spotted brown salamander of California woodlands
arborescent plant|having the shape or characteristics of a tree
arboretum|a facility where trees and shrubs are cultivated for exhibition
arboriculture|the cultivation of tree for the production of timber
arborolatry|the worship of trees
arborvitae|any of several Asian and North American conifers of the genera Thuja and Thujopsis
arbovirus|a large heterogeneous group of RNA viruses divisible into groups on the basis of the virions;they have been recovered from arthropods, bats, and rodents;most are borne by arthropods;they are linked by the epidemiologic concept of transmission between vertebrate hosts by arthropod vectors (mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, midges, etc.) that feed on blood;they can cause mild fevers, hepatitis, hemorrhagic fever, and encephalitis
arbutus|any of several evergreen shrubs of the genus Arbutus of temperate Europe and America
arc|a continuous portion of a circle
arc cosecant|the angle that has a cosecant equal to a given number
arc cosine|the inverse function of the cosine;the angle that has a cosine equal to a given number
arc cotangent|the inverse function of the cotangent;the angle that has a cotangent equal to a given number
arc lamp|a lamp that produces light when electric current flows across the gap between two electrodes
arc secant|the inverse function of the secant;the angle that has a secant equal to a given number
arc sine|the inverse function of the sine;the angle that has a sine equal to a given number
arc tangent|the inverse function of the tangent;the angle that has a tangent equal to a given number
Arca|type genus of the family Arcidae;ark shells and blood clams
arcade|a covered passageway with shops and stalls on either side;a structure composed of a series of arches supported by columns
Arcadia|a department of Greece in the central Peloponnese
Arcadian|an inhabitant of Arcadia
Arcadic|the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken by Arcadians
arcella|an amoeba-like protozoan with a chitinous shell resembling an umbrella
Arcellidae|soil and freshwater protozoa;cosmopolitan in distribution
Arceuthobium|genus of chiefly American plants parasitic on conifers
arch|(architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it;a curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially the inner sides of the feet);a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening;a passageway under a curved masonry construction - "they built a triumphal arch to memorialize their victory"
arch support|a support for the arch of the foot
archaebacteria|considered ancient life forms that evolved separately from bacteria and blue-green algae
archaeopteryx|extinct primitive toothed bird of the Jurassic period having a long feathered tail and hollow bones;usually considered the most primitive of all birds
archaeornis|extinct primitive toothed bird with a long feathered tail and three free clawed digits on each wing
Archaeornithes|primitive reptile-like fossil birds of the Jurassic or early Cretaceous
archaism|the use of an archaic expression
archaist|a person who archaizes
archangel|an angel ranked above the highest rank in the celestial hierarchy
archbishop|a bishop of highest rank
archbishopric|the territorial jurisdiction of an archbishop
archdeacon|(Anglican Church) an ecclesiastical dignitary usually ranking just below a bishop
archdeaconry|the territorial jurisdiction of an archdeacon
archdiocese|the diocese of an archbishop
archduchess|a wife or widow of an archduke or a princess of the former ruling house of Austria
archduchy|the domain controlled by an archduke or archduchess
archduke|a sovereign prince of the former ruling house of Austria
Archean|the time from 3,800 million years to 2,500 million years ago;earth's crust formed;unicellular organisms are earliest forms of life
archegonium|a female sex organ occurring in mosses, ferns, and most gymnosperms
archenteron|central cavity of the gastrula;becomes the intestinal or digestive cavity
archeological remains|a relic that has been excavated from the soil
archeologist|an anthropologist who studies prehistoric people and their culture
archeology|the branch of anthropology that studies prehistoric people and their cultures
archer|a person who is expert in the use of a bow and arrow
archerfish|any of several small freshwater fishes that catch insects by squirting water at them and knocking them into the water;found in Indonesia and Australia
archery|the sport of shooting arrows with a bow
Arches National Park|a national park in Utah including mountains and the Colorado River gorge and huge rock formations caused by erosion
archespore|primitive cell or group of cells from which a mother cell develops
archiannelid|small primitive marine worm lacking external segmentation and resembling polychaete larvae
Archiannelida|a class of Annelida
archidiaconate|office or position of an archdeacon
Archidiskidon|a genus of Elephantidae
archil|any of various lecanoras that yield the dye archil
Archilochus|a genus of Trochilidae
Archilochus colubris|a kind of hummingbird
Archimedes|Greek mathematician and physicist noted for his work in hydrostatics and mechanics and geometry (287-212 BC)
Archimedes' principle|(hydrostatics) the apparent loss in weight of a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid
archine|a Russian unit of length (71 cm)
archipallium|the olfactory cortex of the cerebrum
archipelago|a group of many islands in a large body of water
architect|someone who creates plans to be used in making something (such as buildings)
architectonics|the science of architecture
architectural engineering|the branch of engineering that deals with the construction of buildings (as distinguished from architecture as a design art)
architectural ornament|(architecture) something added to a building to improve its appearance
architectural style|architecture as a kind of art form
architecture|an architectural product or work;the discipline dealing with the principles of design and construction and ornamentation of fine buildings - "architecture and eloquence are mixed arts whose end is sometimes beauty and sometimes use";the profession of designing buildings and environments with consideration for their esthetic effect
architeuthis|largest mollusk known about but never seen (to 60 feet long)
architrave|the lowest part of an entablature;rests immediately on the capitals of the columns;the molding around a door or window
archive|a depository containing historical records and documents
archives|collection of records especially about an institution
archivist|a person in charge of collecting and cataloguing archives
Archosargus|a genus of Sparidae
archosaur|extinct reptiles including;dinosaurs;plesiosaurs;pterosaurs;ichthyosaurs;thecodonts
Archosauria|a large subclass of diapsid reptiles including;crocodiles;alligators;dinosaurs;pterosaurs;plesiosaurs;ichthyosaurs;thecodonts
archpriest|a senior clergyman and dignitary
Arcidae|ark shells
arctic|a waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow;the regions to the north of the Arctic Circle centered on the North Pole
Arctic Archipelago|all the islands that lie to the north of mainland Canada and the Arctic Circle
Arctic char|small trout of northern waters;landlocked populations in Quebec and northern New England
Arctic Circle|a line of latitude near but to the south of the north pole;it marks the northernmost point at which the sun is visible on the northern winter solstice and the southernmost point at which the midnight sun can be seen on the northern summer solstice
Arctic fox|thickly-furred fox of Arctic regions;brownish in summer and white in winter
Arctic ground squirrel|large ground squirrel of the North American far north
Arctic Ocean|ice covered waters surrounding the North Pole;mostly covered with solid ice or with ice floes and icebergs
arctic willow|low creeping shrub of Arctic Europe and America
Arctictis|binturongs
arctiid|stout-bodied broad-winged moth with conspicuously striped or spotted wings;larvae are hairy caterpillars
Arctiidae|tiger moths
Arctium|burdock
Arctocebus|a genus of Lorisidae
Arctocephalus|fur seals
Arctonyx|a genus of Mustelidae
Arctostaphylos|bearberry;manzanita
Arctotis|herbs and subshrubs;African daisy
Arcturus|the 4th brightest star and the brightest star in the constellation Bootes;36 light-years from Earth
arcuate artery|curved artery in the foot
arcuate artery of the kidney|curved arteries of the kidney
arcuate vein of the kidney|veins that receive blood from interlobular veins of kidney and rectal venules
arcus|a whitish deposit in the shape of an arc that is sometimes seen in the cornea
Ardea|type genus of the Ardeidae;large New and Old World herons
ardeb|a unit of dry measure used in Egypt
Ardeidae|herons;egrets;night herons;bitterns
Ardennes|a wooded plateau in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France;the site of intense fighting in World War I and World War II
Ardisia|tropical evergreen subshrubs (some climbers) to trees of Asia and Australasia to Americas
ardor|a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause) - "they were imbued with a revolutionary ardor";feelings of great warmth and intensity - "he spoke with great ardor";intense feeling of love
arduousness|extreme effortfulness
are|a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
area|a part of a structure having some specific characteristic or function - "the spacious cooking area provided plenty of room for servants";a part of an animal that has a special function or is supplied by a given artery or nerve;a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography) - "it was a mountainous area";a subject of study - "it was his area of specialization" - "areas of interest include...";the extent of a 2-dimensional surface enclosed within a boundary - "the area of a rectangle" - "it was about 500 square feet in area"
area code|a number usually of 3 digits assigned to a telephone area as in the United States and Canada
area of cardiac dullness|a triangular area of the front of the chest (determined by percussion);corresponds to the part of the heart not covered by the lungs
area unit|a system of units used to measure areas
areaway|a passageway between buildings or giving access to a basement
areca|any of several tall tropical palms native to southeastern Asia having egg-shaped nuts
Arecidae|one of four subclasses or superorder of Monocotyledones;comprises about 6400 species in 5 families of trees and shrubs and terrestrial herbs and a few free-floating aquatics including;Palmae;Araceae;Pandanaceae and Lemnaceae
areflexia|absence of a reflex;a sign of possible nerve damage
arena|a playing field where sports events take place;the central area of an ancient Roman amphitheater where contests and spectacles were held;especially an area that was strewn with sand
arena theater|a theater arranged with seats around at least three sides of the stage
arenaceous rock|a sedimentary rock composed of sand
Arenaria|sandworts;turnstones
Arenaviridae|a family of arborviruses carried by arthropods
arenavirus|animal viruses belonging to the family Arenaviridae
Arendt|United States historian and political philosopher (born in Germany) (1906-1975)
Arenga|a genus of tropical Asian and Malaysian palm trees
areola|small circular area such as that around the human nipple or an inflamed area around a pimple or insect bite;small space in a tissue or body part such as the area between veins on a leaf or an insect's wing
areolar tissue|fibrous connective tissue with the fibers arranged in a mesh or net
Areopagite|a member of the council of the Areopagus
Areopagus|a hill to the to the west of the Athenian acropolis where met the highest governmental council of ancient Athens and later a judicial court;the highest governmental assembly in ancient Athens (later a judicial court)
Arequipa|a city in southern Peru founded in 1540 on the site of an ancient Inca city
Ares|(Greek mythology) Greek god of war;son of Zeus and Hera;identified with Roman Mars
arete|a sharp narrow ridge found in rugged mountains
arethusa|any of several bog orchids of the genus Arethusa having 1 or 2 showy flowers
argali|wild sheep of semidesert regions in central Asia
Argasidae|soft ticks
argent|a metal tincture used in heraldry to give a silvery appearance
Argentina|a republic in southern South America;second largest country in South America;type genus of the Argentinidae;argentines
argentine|any of various small silver-scaled salmon-like marine fishes
Argentine hemorrhagic fever|hemorrhagic fever with neurological signs;caused by the Junin virus
Argentine monetary unit|monetary unit in Argentina
Argentinian|a native or inhabitant of Argentina
Argentinidae|small marine soft-finned fishes with long silvery bodies;related to salmons and trouts
argentinosaur|huge herbivorous dinosaur of Cretaceous found in Argentina
argentite|a valuable silver ore consisting of silver sulfide (Ag2S)
argil|a white clay (especially a white clay used by potters)
argillaceous rock|a sedimentary rock formed from clay deposits
argillite|a sedimentary rock differing from shale in being bound by silica and from slate in having no slate cleavages
arginine|a bitter tasting amino acid found in proteins and necessary for nutrition;its absence from the diet leads to a reduced production of spermatozoa
Argiope|the type genus of Argiopidae;small genus of orb-weaving spiders
Argiopidae|spiders that spin orb webs;cosmopolitan in distribution
Argive|a native or inhabitant of the city of Argos
Argo|formerly a large constellation in the southern hemisphere between Canis Major and the Southern Cross;now divided into Carina and Pyxis and Puppis and Vela
argon|a colorless and odorless inert gas;one of the six inert gases;comprises approximately 1% of the earth's atmosphere
Argonaut|(Greek mythology) one of the heroes who sailed with Jason in search of the Golden Fleece;someone engaged in a dangerous but potentially rewarding adventure
Argonauta|type genus of the family Argonautidae;paper nautilus
Argonautidae|represented solely by the genus Argonauta
Argos|an ancient city in southeastern Greece;dominated the Peloponnese in the 7th century BC
argosy|one or more large merchant ships
argument|(computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program;a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal - "the argument over foreign aid goes on and on";a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true - "it was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true";a summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie - "the editor added the argument to the poem";a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable;if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
argumentation|a course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating a truth or falsehood;the methodical process of logical reasoning
Argun|a river in eastern Asia that arises in China and flows northeast along the border between China and Russia to become a tributary of the Amur River
Argus|(Greek mythology) a giant with 100 eyes;was guardian of the heifer Io and was slain by Hermes;large brilliantly patterned East Indian pheasant
Argusianus|argus pheasants
argy-bargy|a verbal dispute;a wrangling argument
argyle|a design consisting of a pattern of varicolored diamonds on a solid background (originally for knitted articles);patterned after the tartan of a clan in western Scotland;a sock knitted or woven with an argyle design (usually used in the plural)
argyll|a covered gravy holder of silver or other metal containing a detachable central vessel for hot water to keep the gravy warm
Argynnis|fritillaries
Argyranthemum|comprises plants often included in the genus Chrysanthemum
Argyreia|woody climbers of tropical Asia to Australia
argyrodite|a rare steel-grey mineral consisting of silver and germanium and sulfur
Argyrotaenia|orange tortrix
Argyroxiphium|small genus of Hawaiian spreading and rosette-forming shrubs
Arhat|a Buddhist who has attained nirvana
Arhus|port city of Denmark in eastern Jutland
aria|an elaborate song for solo voice
Ariadne|beautiful daughter of Minos and Pasiphae;she fell in love with Theseus and gave him the thread with which he found his way out of the Minotaur's labyrinth
Ariana|city in Tunisia
Arianism|heretical doctrine taught by Arius that asserted the radical primacy of the Father over the Son
arianist|an adherent of Arianism (the belief that Jesus Christ was not truly God)
Arianrhod|Celtic goddess famous for her beauty;mother of Dylan
aridity|a deficiency of moisture (especially when resulting from a permanent absence of rainfall)
Aries|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Aries;a small zodiacal constellation in the northern hemisphere;between Pisces and Taurus;the first sign of the zodiac which the sun enters at the vernal equinox;the sun is in this sign from about March 21 to April 19
arietta|a short aria
Ariidae|sea catfishes
Arikara|a member of the Caddo people who formerly lived in the Dakotas west of the Missouri river;the Caddoan language spoken by the Arikara
aril|fleshy and usually brightly colored cover of some seeds that develops from the ovule stalk and partially or entirely envelopes the seed
Arilus|a genus of Reduviidae
Ariocarpus|slow-growing geophytic cacti;northern and eastern Mexico;southern Texas
Ariomma|a genus of Stromateidae
arioso|(music) a short recitative that is melodic but is not an aria
Arisaema|tuberous or rhizomatous herbaceous perennials
Arisarum|tuberous or rhizomatous perennial herbs;mainly Mediterranean area
arista|bristlelike process near the tip of the antenna of certain flies
Aristarchus|a bright crater on the Moon;an ancient Greek grammarian remembered for his commentary on the Iliad and Odyssey (circa 217-145 BC)
Aristarchus of Samos|an ancient Greek astronomer who was one of the first to propose a heliocentric theory of the universe (circa 270 BC)
aristocrat|a member of the aristocracy
Aristolochia|birthworts;Dutchman's-pipe
Aristolochiaceae|family of birthworts (including wild ginger)
Aristolochiales|order of plants distinguished by tubular petaloid perianth and inferior ovary
Aristophanes|an ancient Greek dramatist remembered for his comedies (448-380 BC)
Aristotelia|small genus of shrubs or small trees of Australia and New Zealand and western South America
Aristotelian|a follower of Aristotle or an adherent of Aristotelianism
Aristotelian logic|the syllogistic logic of Aristotle as developed by Boethius in the Middle Ages
Aristotelianism|(philosophy) the philosophy of Aristotle that deals with logic and metaphysics and ethics and poetics and politics and natural science - "Aristotelianism profoundly influenced Western thought"
Aristotle|one of the greatest of the ancient Athenian philosophers;pupil of Plato;teacher of Alexander the Great (384-322 BC)
arithmancy|divination by means of numbers
arithmetic|the branch of pure mathematics dealing with the theory of numerical calculations
arithmetic mean|the sum of the values of a random variable divided by the number of values
arithmetic operation|a mathematical operation involving numbers
arithmetic progression|(mathematics) a progression in which a constant is added to each term in order to obtain the next term - "1-4-7-10-13- is the start of an arithmetic progression"
arithmetician|someone who specializes in arithmetic
arity|the number of arguments that a function can take
Arius|a Greek who was a Christian theologian active in Alexandria and who was declared a heretic for his doctrines about God (which came to be known as Arianism) (256?-336);type genus of the Ariidae;sea catfishes
Arizona|a state in southwestern United States;site of the Grand Canyon;glossy snake
Arizona ash|small shrubby ash of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
Arizona cypress|Arizona timber tree with bluish silvery foliage
Arizona sycamore|medium-sized tree of Arizona and adjacent regions having deeply lobed leaves and collective fruits in groups of 3 to 5
Arizona white oak|semi-evergreen shrub or small tree of Arizona and New Mexico having acorns with hemispherical cups
Arizonan|a native or resident of Arizona
Arjuna|(Hindu mythology) the warrior prince in the Bhagavad-Gita to whom Krishna explains the nature of being and of God and how humans can come to know God
Ark|(Judaism) sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments;a boat built by Noah to save his family and animals from the flood
ark shell|marine bivalve mollusk having a heavy toothed shell with a deep boat-like inner surface
Arkansan|a native or resident of Arkansas
Arkansas|a river that rises in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and flows southeast through Kansas and Oklahoma and through Arkansas to become a tributary of the Mississippi River;a state in south central United States;one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War
Arkansas kingbird|a kingbird seen in western United States;head and back are pale grey and the breast is yellowish and the tail is black
Arlington|a city in northern Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth
arm|a human limb;technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb;any projection that is thought to resemble a human arm - "the arm of the record player" - "an arm of the sea";the part of an armchair or sofa that supports the elbow and forearm of a seated person
arm bone|a bone in the arm
arm exercise|exercise designed to strengthen the arm muscles
arm guard|a pad worn by football players and hockey goalkeepers
armada|a large fleet
Armadillidiidae|pill bugs
Armadillidium|type genus of the Armadillidiidae
armadillo|burrowing chiefly nocturnal mammal with body covered with strong horny plates
Armageddon|(New Testament) the scene of the final battle between the kings of the Earth at the end of the world;any catastrophically destructive battle - "they called the first World War an Armageddon"
Armagnac|dry brandy distilled in the Armagnac district of France
armament|weaponry used by military or naval force
armamentarium|the collection of equipment and methods used in the practice of medicine
Armata Corsa|a terrorist organization founded in 1999 to oppose the link between nationalists and the Corsican mafia - "the attacks of Armata Corsa are aimed at symbolic targets of colonialism in Corsica"
armature|coil in which voltage is induced by motion through a magnetic field
armband|a band worn around the upper arm;worn around arm as identification or to indicate mourning
armchair|chair with a support on each side for arms
armchair liberal|a person of liberal ideals who takes no action to realize them
armed forces censorship|military censorship of personal communications to or from persons in the armed forces
Armed Forces Day|the 3rd Saturday in May
Armed Islamic Group|a terrorist organization of Islamic extremists whose violent activities began in 1992;aims to overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state
armed robbery|robbery at gunpoint
Armenia|a landlocked republic in southwestern Asia;formerly an Asian soviet;modern Armenia is but a fragment of ancient Armenia which was one of the world's oldest civilizations;throughout 2500 years the Armenian people have been invaded and oppressed by their neighbors
Armenian|a native or inhabitant of Armenia;a writing system having an alphabet of 38 letters in which the Armenian language is written;the Indo-European language spoken predominantly in Armenia, but also in Azerbaijan
Armenian Church|an independent Christian church established in Armenia since 300;was influenced by both Roman and Byzantine traditions
Armenian monetary unit|monetary unit in Armenia
Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia|a militant Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization formed in 1975 to force Turkey to acknowledge killing more than a million Armenians and forcibly removing them from border areas in 1915;wants Turkey to pay reparations and cede territory to Armenia
Armeria|shrubby or herbaceous low-growing evergreen perennials
armet|a medieval helmet with a visor and a neck guard
armful|the quantity that can be contained in the arms
armhole|a hole through which you put your arm and where a sleeve can be attached
armiger|a nobleman entitled to bear heraldic arms;a squire carrying the armor of a knight
armilla|(archeology) a bracelet worn around the wrist or arm
Armillaria|genus of edible mushrooms having white spores an annulus and blue juice;some are edible;some cause root rot
Armillaria caligata|fungus with a brown cap and white gills and a membranous ring halfway up the stalk
Armillaria ponderosa|a large white mushroom that develops brown stains as it ages;gills are white;odor is spicy and aromatic;collected commercially for oriental cooking the Pacific Northwest
Armillaria zelleri|a large fungus with viscid cap that dries and turns brown with age;gills are off-white
Armillariella|a honey-colored diminutive form of genus Armillaria;grows in clusters;edible (when cooked) but most attention has been on how to get rid of it
armillary sphere|a celestial globe consisting of metal hoops;used by early astronomers to determine the positions of stars
arming|the act of equiping with weapons in preparation for war
Arminian|adherent of Arminianism
Arminian Baptist|group of Baptist congregations believing the teachings of the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius (who opposed the doctrine of strict predestination of the Calvinists)
Arminian Church|the Protestant denomination adhering to the views of Jacobus Arminius
Arminianism|17th century theology (named after its founder Jacobus Arminius) that opposes the absolute predestinarianism of John Calvin and holds that human free will is compatible with God's sovereignty
Arminius|Dutch Protestant theologian who founded Arminianism which opposed the absolute predestinarianism of John Calvin (1559-1609);German hero;leader at the battle of Teutoburger Wald in AD 9 (circa 18 BC - AD 19)
armistice|a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
armlet|a band worn around the arm for decoration
armoire|a large wardrobe or cabinet;originally used for storing weapons
armor|a military unit consisting of armored fighting vehicles;protective covering made of metal and used in combat;tough more-or-less rigid protective covering of an animal or plant
armor plate|specially hardened steel plate used to protect fortifications or vehicles from enemy fire
Armoracia|horseradish
armored car|a military combat vehicle on wheels with light armor (and usually a machine gun);an armor-plated truck with strong doors and locks used to transport money or valuables - "the paintings were delivered to the museum in an air-conditioned armored car"
armored catfish|South American catfish having the body covered with bony plates
armored dinosaur|dinosaurs having bony armour
armored personnel carrier|(military) an armored vehicle (usually equipped with caterpillar treads) that is used to transport infantry
armored scale|insect having a firm covering of wax especially in the female
armored searobin|sea robins having bony scutes on the body and barbels on the chin;found mostly on the continental slope
armored vehicle|a vehicle that is protected by armor plate
armorer|a manufacturer of firearms;a worker skilled in making armor or arms - "a sword made by a famous English armorer";an enlisted man responsible for the upkeep of small arms and machine guns etc.
armory|a collection of resources - "he dipped into his intellectual armory to find an answer";a place where arms are manufactured
armpit|the hollow under the arm where it is joined to the shoulder - "they were up to their armpits in water"
armrest|a support for the arm
arms control|a limitation on the size and armament of the armed forces of a country
arms deal|a deal to provide military arms
arm's length|a distance sufficient to exclude intimacy
arms manufacturer|someone who manufactures arms and munitions
arms race|a competition between nations to have the most powerful armaments
Armstrong|United States astronaut;the first man to set foot on the Moon (July 20, 1969) (1930-);United States pioneering jazz trumpeter and bandleader (1900-1971)
arm-twisting|persuasion by the use of direct personal pressure - "some gentle arm-twisting produced the desired result" - "no amount of arm-twisting will get me to agree"
army|a large number of people united for some specific purpose;a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
army ant|tropical nomadic ant that preys mainly on other insects
army attache|a military attache who is a commissioned or warrant officer in an army
army base|a large base of operations for an army
army brat|the child of a career officer of the United States Army
army cutworm|larvae (of a noctuid moth) that travel in large groups and destroy grains and alfalfa in the midwestern states
army engineer|a member of the military who is trained in engineering and construction work
Army for the Liberation of Rwanda|a terrorist organization that seeks to overthrow the government dominated by Tutsi and to institute Hutu control again
Army High Performance Computing Research Center|a United States defense laboratory to conduct research in high-performance computing for defense technology applications;a partnership of government and university and industry
Army Intelligence|an agency of the United States Army responsible for providing timely and relevant and accurate and synchronized intelligence to tactical and operational and strategic level commanders
Army National Guard|a civilian reserve component of the United States Army comprised of guardsmen who serve during overseas peacekeeping missions and during local emergencies
army officer|an officer in the armed forces - "he's a retired army officer"
army unit|a military unit that is part of an army
armyworm|larva of fungus gnat that feed on cereals and other grains;they march in large companies in regular order when the food is exhausted;moth whose destructive larvae travel in multitudes;noctuid moth larvae that travel in multitudes destroying especially grass and grain
Arnhem|a city in the central Netherlands on the lower Rhine River;site of a battle in 1944 during World War II
arnica|an ointment used in treating bruises;any of various rhizomatous usually perennial plants of the genus Arnica;used especially in treating bruises
Arnica montana|herb of pasture and open woodland throughout most of Europe and western Asia having orange-yellow daisylike flower heads that when dried are used as a stimulant and to treat bruises and swellings
Arno|a river in central Italy rising in the Apennines and flowing through Florence and Pisa to the Ligurian Sea
Arnold|English poet and literary critic (1822-1888);United States general and traitor in the American Revolution;in 1780 his plan to surrender West Point to the British was foiled (1741-1801)
Arnold of Brescia|Italian theologian who censured the worldly possessions of monks and the temporal power of bishops and was condemned for dogmatic errors by the Second Lateran Council (early 12th century)
Arnold-Chiari deformity|deformity in which part of the brain protrudes through the skull
Arnoseris|lamb succory
aroeira blanca|small resinous tree or shrub of Brazil
aroma|a distinctive odor that is pleasant
aromatherapy|the therapeutic use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils in baths or massage
aromatic aster|a variety of aster
aromatic compound|a hydrocarbon containing one or more benzene rings that are characteristic of the benzene series of compounds
aromatic hydrocarbon|a hydrocarbon that contains one or more benzene rings that are characteristic of the benzene series of organic compounds
arousal|a state of heightened physiological activity;awakening from sleep;the act of arousing - "the purpose of art is the arousal of emotions"
Arp|Alsatian artist and poet who was cofounder of dadaism in Zurich;noted for abstract organic sculptures (1887-1966)
arpeggio|a chord whose notes are played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously
arpent|a former French unit of area;equal approximately to an acre
arquebus|an obsolete firearm with a long barrel
arrack|any of various strong liquors distilled from the fermented sap of toddy palms or from fermented molasses
arraignment|a legal document calling someone to court to answer an indictment
arrangement|an orderly grouping (of things or persons) considered as a unit;the result of arranging - "a flower arrangement";an organized structure for arranging or classifying - "he changed the arrangement of the topics";the act of arranging and adapting a piece of music
arranger|a musician who adapts a composition for particular voices or instruments or for another style of performance
array|an arrangement of aerials spaced to give desired directional characteristics;an impressive display - "it was a bewildering array of books" - "his tools were in an orderly array on the basement wall";an orderly arrangement - "an array of troops in battle order";especially fine or decorative clothing
arrears|an unpaid overdue debt;the state of being behind in payments - "an account in arrears"
arrest|the state of inactivity following an interruption - "the negotiations were in arrest"
arrested development|an abnormal state in which development has stopped prematurely
arrester|a restraint that slows airplanes as they land on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier
Arrhenatherum|oat grass
Arrhenius|Swedish chemist and physicist noted for his theory of chemical dissociation (1859-1927)
arrival|accomplishment of an objective;someone who arrives (or has arrived);the act of arriving at a certain place - "they awaited her arrival"
arrival gate|gate where passengers disembark
arrival time|the time at which a public conveyance is scheduled to arrive at a given destination
arroba|a liquid measure (with different values) used in some Spanish speaking countries;a unit of weight used in some Spanish speaking countries
arrogance|overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors
arrogator|a person who through conceit makes pretentious claims to rights or advantages that he or she is not entitled to or to qualities that he or she does not possess
arrow|a mark to indicate a direction or relation;a projectile with a straight thin shaft and an arrowhead on one end and stabilizing vanes on the other;intended to be shot from a bow
arrow arum|an aquatic plant of the genus Peltandra;North America
arrow grass|tufted perennial found in shallow water or marshland;sometimes poisons livestock
arrow leaved aster|a variety of aster
arrow wood|closely related to southern arrow wood;grows in the eastern United States from Maine to Ohio and Georgia;deciduous shrub of eastern North America having blue-black berries and tough pliant wood formerly used to make arrows
arrowhead|the pointed head or striking tip of an arrow
arrowleaf groundsel|perennial with sharply toothed triangular leaves on leafy stems bearing a cluster of yellow flower heads;moist places in mountains of western North America
arrowroot|a nutritive starch obtained from the root of the arrowroot plant;white-flowered West Indian plant whose root yields arrowroot starch
arrowsmith|a maker of arrows
arrowworm|any worm of the Chaetognatha;transparent marine worm with horizontal lateral and caudal fins and a row of movable curved spines at each side of the mouth
arroyo|a stream or brook
arroyo willow|shrubby willow of the western United States
arroz con pollo|rice and chicken cooked together Spanish style;highly seasoned especially with saffron
arse|vulgar slang for anus
arsenal|a military structure where arms and ammunition and other military equipment are stored and training is given in the use of arms;all the weapons and equipment that a country has
arsenate|a salt or ester of arsenic acid
arsenic|a very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms;arsenic and arsenic compounds are used as herbicides and insecticides and various alloys;found in arsenopyrite and orpiment and realgar;a white powdered poisonous trioxide of arsenic;used in manufacturing glass and as a pesticide (rat poison) and weed killer
arsenic acid|an acid formed from arsenic pentoxide
arsenical|a pesticide or drug containing arsenic
arsenide|a compound of arsenic with a more positive element
arsenopyrite|a silver-white or grey ore of arsenic
arsine|a poisonous colorless flammable gas used in organic synthesis and to dope transistors and as a poison gas in warfare
arson|malicious burning to destroy property - "the British term for arson is fire-raising"
arsonist|a criminal who illegally sets fire to property
art|a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation - "the art of conversation" - "it's quite an art";the creation of beautiful or significant things - "art does not need to be innovative to be good" - "I was never any good at art" - "he said that architecture is the art of wasting space beautifully";the products of human creativity;works of art collectively - "an art exhibition" - "a fine collection of art"
art class|a class in which you learn to draw or paint
art collection|a collection of art works
art critic|a critic of paintings
art dealer|a dealer in works of art requiring esthetic evaluation
art department|the academic department responsible for teaching art and art appreciation
art director|the director in charge of the artistic features of a theatrical production (costumes and scenery and lighting)
art editor|an editor who is responsible for illustrations and layouts in printed matter
art exhibition|an exhibition of art objects (paintings or statues)
art form|(architecture) a form of artistic expression (such as writing or painting or architecture)
art historian|a historian of art
art history|the academic discipline that studies the development of painting and sculpture
art nouveau|a French school of art and architecture popular in the 1890s;characterized by stylized natural forms and sinuous outlines of such objects as leaves and vines and flowers
art paper|a high-quality paper (usually having a filler of china clay)
art school|a school specializing in art
art student|someone studying to be an artist
art teacher|someone who teaches art
Artamidae|wood swallows
Artamus|type genus of the Artamidae
Artaxerxes I|king of Persia who sanctioned the practice of Judaism in Jerusalem (?-424 BC)
Artaxerxes II|king of Persia who subdued numerous revolutions and made peace with Sparta (?-359 BC)
Artemia|fairy shrimp;brine shrimp
Artemis|(Greek mythology) the virgin goddess of the hunt and the Moon;daughter of Leto and twin sister of Apollo;identified with Roman Diana
artemisia|any of various composite shrubs or herbs of the genus Artemisia having aromatic green or greyish foliage
Artemision at Ephesus|the large temple of the Greek goddess Artemis which was begun at Ephesus in 541 BC and completed 220 years later;the temple was destroyed by the Goths in 262
arterial blood|blood found in arteries - "except for the pulmonary artery the arterial blood is rich in oxygen"
arterial blood gases|measurement of the pH level and the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in arterial blood;important in diagnosis of many respiratory diseases
arterial plaque|a fatty deposit inside an arterial wall;characteristic of atherosclerosis
arterial pressure|the pressure of the circulating blood on the arteries - "arterial pressure is the product of cardiac output and vascular resistance"
arterial road|a major or main route
arteriectasis|an abnormal distension of an artery
arteriogram|an X ray of an artery filled with a contrast medium
arteriography|roentgenographic examination of arteries
arteriole|one of the small thin-walled arteries that end in capillaries
arteriolosclerosis|sclerosis of the arterioles
arteriosclerosis|sclerosis of the arterial walls
arteriosclerosis obliterans|a stage of arteriosclerosis involving closure of blood vessels
arteritis|inflammation of an artery
artery|a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body;a major thoroughfare that bears important traffic
artery of the penis bulb|a branch of the internal pudendal artery of males that supplies the bulb of the penis
artery of the vestibule bulb|a branch of the internal pudendal artery in females that supplies the bulb of the vestibule
artesian well|a well drilled through impermeable strata into strata that receive water from a higher altitude so there is pressure to force the water to flow upward
artfulness|the quality of being adroit in taking unfair advantage
arthralgia|pain in a joint or joints
arthritic|a person afflicted with arthritis - "the hands of an elderly arthritic"
arthritis|inflammation of a joint or joints
arthrocentesis|removal of fluid from a joint by centesis
arthrodesis|the surgical fixation of a joint which is intended to result in bone fusion
arthrogram|an X ray of a joint after the injection of a contrast medium
arthrography|roentgenographic examination of a joint after injection of radiopaque contrast medium;produces an arthrogram
arthromere|any of the segments in the body of a jointed animal like an arthropod
arthropathy|a pathology or abnormality of a joint
arthroplasty|surgical reconstruction or replacement of a malformed or degenerated joint
arthropod|invertebrate having jointed limbs and a segmented body with an exoskeleton made of chitin
arthropod family|any of the arthropods
arthropod genus|a genus of arthropods
Arthropoda|jointed-foot invertebrates;arachnids;crustaceans;insects;millipedes;centipedes
Arthropteris|tropical and subtropical Old World epiphytic or lithophytic ferns
arthroscope|a type of endoscope that is inserted into a joint for visual examination
arthroscopy|a minimally invasive operation to repair a damaged joint;the surgeon examines the joint with an arthroscope while making repairs through a small incision
arthrospore|a body that resembles a spore but is not an endospore;produced by some bacteria;one of a string of thick walled vegetative resting cells formed by some algae and fungi
Arthur|a legendary king of the Britons (possibly based on a historical figure in the 6th century but the story has been retold too many times to be sure);said to have led the Knights of the Round Table at Camelot;elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
Arthurian legend|the legend of King Arthur and his court at Camelot
artichoke|a thistlelike flower head with edible fleshy leaves and heart;Mediterranean thistlelike plant widely cultivated for its large edible flower head
artichoke heart|the tender fleshy center of the immature artichoke flower
article|(grammar) a determiner that may indicate the specificity of reference of a noun phrase;a separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will);nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication;one of a class of artifacts - "an article of clothing"
article of commerce|an article that is offered for sale
article of faith|(Christianity) any of the sections into which a creed or other statement of doctrine is divided
articles of agreement|a contract between crew and captain of a ship
Articles of Confederation|a written agreement ratified in 1781 by the thirteen original states;it provided a legal symbol of their union by giving the central government no coercive power over the states or their citizens
articles of incorporation|a legal document that creates a corporation;it is filed with a state by the founders of a corporation and is governed by the laws of the state
articular muscle|a muscle that inserts directly onto the capsule of a joint
articulated ladder|a ladder consisting of segments (usually four) that are held together by joints that can lock in place
articulation|expressing in coherent verbal form - "the articulation of my feelings";the act of joining things in such a way that motion is possible;the aspect of pronunciation that involves bringing articulatory organs together so as to shape the sounds of speech;the shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made
articulator|a movable speech organ;someone who pronounces words
articulatory system|the system of joints in the body
artifact|a man-made object taken as a whole
artificial blood|a liquid that can carry large amounts of oxygen and can serve as a temporary substitute for blood
artificial flower|a handmade imitation of a blossom
artificial heart|a pump that replaces the natural heart
artificial horizon|a navigational instrument based on a gyroscope;it artificially provides a simulated horizon for the pilot
artificial insemination|the introduction of semen into the oviduct or uterus by some means other than sexual intercourse
artificial intelligence|the branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively
artificial joint|a metal or plastic part that is surgically implanted to replace a natural joint (possibly elbow or wrist but usually hip or knee)
artificial kidney|a machine that uses dialysis to remove impurities and waste products from the bloodstream before returning the blood to the patient's body
artificial language|a language that is deliberately created for a specific purpose
artificial respiration|an emergency procedure whereby breathing is maintained artificially
artificial skin|a synthetic covering with two layers used experimentally to treat burn victims
artificiality|the quality of being produced by people and not occurring naturally
artillery|an army unit that uses big guns;large but transportable armament
artillery fire|fire delivered by artillery
artillery plant|tropical American stingless nettle that discharges its pollen explosively
artillery shell|a shell fired by artillery
artilleryman|a serviceman in the artillery
Artiodactyla|an order of hooved mammals of the subclass Eutheria (including pigs and peccaries and hippopotami and members of the suborder Ruminantia) having an even number of functional toes
artisan's lien|lien permitting an artisan to retain possession of a piece of work until has been paid for
artist|a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination
artiste|a public performer (a dancer or singer)
artistic movement|a group of artists who agree on general principles
artistic style|the style of a particular artist or school or movement
artist's loft|a factory loft that has been converted into an artist's workroom and living area
artist's model|a person who poses for a painter or sculptor
artist's workroom|a studio especially for an artist or designer
artlessness|ingenuousness by virtue of being free from artful deceit;the quality of innocent naivete
Artocarpus|evergreen Asiatic trees now grown through the tropics;breadfruit;jackfruit
Artois|a former province of northern France near the English Channel (between Picardy and Flanders)
arts and crafts|the arts of decorative design and handicraft - "they sponsored arts and crafts in order to encourage craftsmanship in an age of mass production"
artwork|photographs or other visual representations in a printed publication - "the publisher was responsible for all the artwork in the book"
Aruba|a popular island resort in the Netherlands Antilles
Arulo|an artificial language intended for international use as an auxiliary language
arum|any plant of the family Araceae;have small flowers massed on a spadix surrounded by a large spathe;starch resembling sago that is obtained from cuckoopint root
Arundinaria|North American bamboo
Arundo|any of several coarse tall perennial grasses of most warm areas;reeds
Aruru|mother and earth goddess in Gilgamish epic;identified with Sumerian Ki and Ninkhursag
Arvicola|in some classifications considered synonymous with Microtus
Aryan|(according to Nazi doctrine) a Caucasian person of Nordic descent (and not a Jew);a member of the prehistoric people who spoke Proto-Indo European
arytenoid|either of two small cartilages at the back of the larynx to which the vocal folds are attached
asafetida|the brownish gum resin of various plants;has strong taste and odor;formerly used as an antispasmodic
Asahikawa|a city on western Hokkaido that is the center of a fertile agricultural area
Asama|a volcano in central Honshu near Nagano;one of the largest volcanoes in Japan (8,340 feet)
asana|(Hinduism) a posture or manner of sitting (as in the practice of yoga)
Asanga|Indian religious leader and founder of the Yogacara school of Buddhism in India (4th century)
asarabacca|thick creeping evergreen herb of western Europe
Asarh|the fourth month of the Hindu calendar
Asarum|wild ginger
Asbat al-Ansar|an extremist Palestinian Sunni group active in Lebanon in the early 1990s that advocates Salafism;responsible for murders and bombings;seeks to overthrow the Lebanese government and control Palestinian refugee camps;funded by al-Qaeda
asbestos|a fibrous amphibole;used for making fireproof articles;inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer
asbestos abatement|the removal of asbestos from a public building
asbestosis|lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos particles
A-scan ultrasonography|the use of ultrasonography to measure the length of the eyeball
Ascaphidae|family of one species of frog;tailed frog
Ascaphus|type genus of the Ascaphidae;in some classifications included in the family Leiopelmatidae
ascariasis|infestation of the human intestine with Ascaris roundworms
Ascaridae|large roundworms parasitic in intestines of vertebrates
Ascaridia|roundworm having a preanal sucker
Ascaris|type genus of the family Ascaridae;roundworms with a three-lipped mouth
ascendant|position or state of being dominant or in control - "that idea was in the ascendant"
ascender|(printing) the part of tall lowercase letters that extends above the other lowercase letters;a lowercase letter that has a part extending above other lowercase letters;someone who ascends
ascending aorta|the ascending part of the aorta as it emerges from the left ventricle
ascending artery|the branch of the ileocolic artery that supplies the ascending colon
ascending colon|the part of the large intestine that ascends from the cecum to the transverse colon
ascending node|the point at which an orbit crosses the ecliptic plane going north
ascension|(astronomy) the rising of a star above the horizon;(Christianity) celebration of the Ascension of Christ into heaven;observed on the 40th day after Easter;(New Testament) the rising of the body of Jesus into heaven on the 40th day after his Resurrection
ascent|an upward slope or grade (as in a road)
asceticism|rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint;the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state
Asch|United States writer (born in Poland) who wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957)
Ascidiaceae|sometimes classified as an order;sea squirts
ascidian|minute sedentary marine invertebrate having a saclike body with siphons through which water enters and leaves
ascidian tadpole|free-swimming larva of ascidians;they have a tail like a tadpole that contains the notochord
ASCII character|any member of the standard code for representing characters by binary numbers
ASCII character set|(computer science) 128 characters that make up the ASCII coding scheme - "the ASCII character set is the most universal character coding set"
ASCII text file|a text file that contains only ASCII characters without special formatting
ascites|accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity
asclepiad|any plant of the family Asclepiadaceae
Asclepiadaceae|widely distributed family of herbs and shrubs of the order Gentianales;most with milky juice
Asclepias|genus of chiefly North American perennial herbs;silkweed;milkweed
ascocarp|mature fruiting body of an ascomycetous fungus
ascolichen|a lichen in which the fungus component is an ascomycete
ascoma|an ascocarp having the spore-bearing layer of cells (the hymenium) on a broad disklike receptacle
ascomycete|any fungus of the class Ascomycetes (or subdivision Ascomycota) in which the spores are formed inside an ascus
Ascomycetes|large class of higher fungi coextensive with division Ascomycota;sac fungi
Ascomycota|a large subdivision of Eumycota including Hemiascomycetes and Plectomycetes and Pyrenomycetes and Discomycetes;sac fungi;in some classification systems considered a division of the kingdom Fungi
Ascophyllum|brown algae distinguished by compressed or inflated branchlets along the axis
ascospore|sexually produced fungal spore formed within an ascus
ascot|a cravat with wide square ends;secured with an ornamental pin
ascus|saclike structure in which ascospores are formed through sexual reproduction of ascomycetes
asepsis|(of non-living objects) the state of being free of pathogenic organisms
asexual reproduction|reproduction without the fusion of gametes
asexuality|having no evident sex or sex organs
Asgard|(Norse mythology) the heavenly dwelling of the Norse gods (the Aesir) and slain war heroes
ash|any of various deciduous pinnate-leaved ornamental or timber trees of the genus Fraxinus;strong elastic wood of any of various ash trees;used for furniture and tool handles and sporting goods such as baseball bats;the residue that remains when something is burned
Ash Can|early 20th-century United States painting;portrays realistic and sordid scenes of city life
ash grey|a light shade of grey
Ash Wednesday|the 7th Wednesday before Easter;the first day of Lent;the day following Mardi Gras ('Fat Tuesday');a day of fasting and repentance
ashcake|corn bread wrapped in cabbage leaves and baked in hot ashes (southern)
ashcan|a bin that holds rubbish until it is collected
Ashcan School|a group of United States painters founded in 1907 and noted for their realistic depictions of sordid aspects of city life
Ashe|United States tennis player who was the first Black to win United States and English singles championships (1943-1993)
Asheville|a town in western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west of Charlotte
Ashkenazi|a Jew of eastern European or German descent
ash-key|winged seed of the ash tree
Ashkhabad|the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan
ashlar|a rectangular block of hewn stone used for building purposes
ash-pan|a receptacle fitted beneath the grate in which ashes collect and are removed
ashram|(India) a place of religious retreat for Hindus;a place of religious retreat modeled after the Indian ashram
Ashton|British choreographer (1906-1988)
ashtray|a receptacle for the ash from smokers' cigars or cigarettes
Ashur|chief god of the Assyrians;god of military prowess and empire;identified with Babylonian Anshar
Ashurbanipal|king of Assyria who built a magnificent palace and library at Nineveh (668-627 BC)
Asia|the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population;it is joined to Europe on the west to form Eurasia;it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations;the nations of the Asian continent collectively
Asia Minor|a peninsula in southwestern Asia that forms the Asian part of Turkey
Asian|a native or inhabitant of Asia
Asian American|an American who is of Asian descent
Asian black grouse|a black grouse of western Asia
Asian coral snake|of India
Asian country|any one of the nations occupying the Asian continent
Asian crocodile|estuarine crocodile of eastern Asia and Pacific islands
Asian horseshoe crab|horseshoe crab of the coast of eastern Asia
Asian influenza|influenza caused by the Asian virus that was first isolated in 1957
Asian longhorned beetle|a beetle from China that has been found in the United States and is a threat to hardwood trees;lives inside the tree;no natural predators in the United States
Asian Russia|the Russia that is part of Asia
Asian tiger mosquito|striped native of Japan thriving in southwestern and midwestern United States and spreading to the Caribbean;potential carrier of serious diseases
Asian wild ox|genus of Asiatic wild oxen
Asiatic black bear|bear with a black coat living in central and eastern Asia
Asiatic flying squirrel|nocturnal rodent of Asia having furry folds of skin between forelegs and hind legs enabling it to move by gliding leaps
Asiatic shrew mole|shrew mole of eastern Asia
Asiatic sweetleaf|deciduous shrub of eastern Asia bearing decorative bright blue fruit
aside|a line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
Asilidae|robber flies
Asimina|pawpaw
Asimov|United States writer (born in Russia) noted for his science fiction (1920-1992)
Asin|the seventh month of the Hindu calendar
asininity|the quality of being asinine;stupidity combined with stubbornness
Asio|a genus of European owls
Ask Jeeves|a widely used search engine accepting plain English questions or phrases or terms
asking price|the price at which something is offered for sale
ASL|the sign language used in the United States
Asmara|the capital of Eritrea
asp|cobra used by the Pharaohs as a symbol of their power over life and death;of southern Europe;similar to but smaller than the adder
Aspalathus|genus of South African heathlike shrubs
Asparagaceae|one of many families or subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae;includes genera Asparagus and sometimes Ruscus
asparaginase|antineoplastic drug (trade name Elspar) sometimes used to treat lymphoblastic leukemia
asparagine|a crystalline amino acid found in proteins and in many plants (e.g., asparagus)
asparagus|edible young shoots of the asparagus plant;plant whose succulent young shoots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable
asparagus bean|South American bean having very long succulent pods
asparagus bed|a bed in which asparagus is growing
asparagus fern|a fernlike plant native to South Africa
aspartame|an artificial sweetener made from aspartic acid;used as a calorie-free sweetener
aspartic acid|a crystalline amino acid found in proteins and occurring naturally in sugar beets and sugar cane
aspect|a characteristic to be considered;a distinct feature or element in a problem;the beginning or duration or completion or repetition of the action of a verb
aspect ratio|the ratio of the width to the height of a tv picture
aspen|any of several trees of the genus Populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
asper|20 aspers equal 1 kurus in Turkey
Asperger's syndrome|a psychiatric disorder usually noted during early school years;characterized by impaired social relations and by repetitive patterns of behavior
aspergill|a short-handled device with a globe containing a sponge;used for sprinkling holy water
Aspergillaceae|family of fungi including some common molds
aspergillosis|an opportunistic infection by a fungus of the genus Aspergillus;characterized by inflammation and lesions of the ear and other organs;disease especially in agricultural workers caused by inhalation of Aspergillus spores causing lumps in skin and ears and respiratory organs;severe respiratory disease of birds that takes the form of an acute rapidly fatal pneumonia in young chickens and turkeys
Aspergillus|genus of common molds causing food spoilage and some pathogenic to plants and animals
Aspergillus fumigatus|a mold causing aspergillosis in birds and man
asperity|harshness of manner;something hard to endure - "the asperity of northern winters"
aspersion|a disparaging remark - "in the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion";an abusive attack on a person's character or good name;the act of sprinkling water in baptism (rare)
aspersorium|the basin or other vessel that holds holy water in Roman Catholic Churches
Asperula|woodruff
asphalt|a dark bituminous substance found in natural beds and as residue from petroleum distillation;consists mainly of hydrocarbons;mixed asphalt and crushed gravel or sand;used especially for paving but also for roofing
asphodel|any of various chiefly Mediterranean plants of the genera Asphodeline and Asphodelus having linear leaves and racemes of white or pink or yellow flowers
Asphodelaceae|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae
Asphodeline|genus of rhizomatous perennial or biennial herbs with numerous sometimes fragrant flowers in long cylindrical racemes;Mediterranean region to Caucasus;sometimes placed in family Asphodelaceae
Asphodelus|small genus of tall striking annuals or perennials with grasslike foliage and flowers in dense racemes or panicles;Mediterranean to Himalayas;sometimes placed in family Asphodelaceae
asphyxia|a condition in which insufficient or no oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged on a ventilatory basis;caused by choking or drowning or electric shock or poison gas
aspic|savory jelly based on fish or meat stock used as a mold for meats or vegetables
Aspidelaps|African coral snakes
Aspidiotus|a genus of Diaspididae
aspidistra|evergreen perennial with large handsome basal leaves;grown primarily as a foliage houseplant
Aspidophoroides|alligatorfishes
aspirant|an ambitious and aspiring young person - "a lofty aspirant"
aspirate|a consonant pronounced with aspiration
aspiration|a manner of articulation involving an audible release of breath;a will to succeed
aspiration pneumonia|inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling or choking on vomitus;may occur during unconsciousness (anesthesia or drunkenness or seizure or cardiac arrest)
aspirator|a pump that draws air or another gas through a liquid
aspirin|the acetylated derivative of salicylic acid;used as an analgesic anti-inflammatory drug (trade names Bayer, Empirin, and St. Joseph) usually taken in tablet form;used as an antipyretic;slows clotting of the blood by poisoning platelets
aspirin powder|a powdered form of aspirin
Aspleniaceae|one of a number of families into which Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems;includes genera Asplenium, Pleurosorus, Schaffneria
Asplenium|in some classification systems placed in family Polypodiaceae
ass|a pompous fool;hardy and sure-footed animal smaller and with longer ears than the horse
assailability|vulnerability to forceful attack
Assam|state in northeastern India
Assamese|native or inhabitant of the state of Assam in northeastern India;the Magadhan language spoken by the Assamese people;closely related to Bengali
assassin|a member of a secret order of Muslims (founded in the 12th century) who terrorized and killed Christian Crusaders;a murderer (especially one who kills a prominent political figure) who kills by a surprise attack and often is hired to do the deed - "his assassins were hunted down like animals" - "assassinators of kings and emperors"
assassin bug|a true bug;long-legged predacious bug living mostly on other insects;a few suck blood of mammals
assassination|murder of a public figure by surprise attack
assault|a threatened or attempted physical attack by someone who appears to be able to cause bodily harm if not stopped;close fighting during the culmination of a military attack;thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1946
assault gun|an armored vehicle with the chassis of a tank (but no turret) and a large gun;used as an antitank weapon and to support infantry
assault rifle|any of the automatic rifles or semiautomatic rifles with large magazines designed for military use
assay|a quantitative or qualitative test of a substance (especially an ore or a drug) to determine its components;frequently used to test for the presence or concentration of infectious agents or antibodies etc.;a substance that is undergoing an analysis of its components;a written report of the results of an analysis of the composition of some substance;an appraisal of the state of affairs - "they made an assay of the contents"
assayer|an analyst who assays (performs chemical tests on) metals
assegai|the slender spear of the Bantu-speaking people of Africa
assembler|a program to convert assembly language into machine language
Assemblies of God|a charismatic Protestant denomination in the United States
assembly|a group of machine parts that fit together to form a self-contained unit;a group of persons who are gathered together for a common purpose;a unit consisting of components that have been fitted together;the social act of assembling - "they demanded the right of assembly"
assembly hall|a hall where many people can congregate
assembly language|a low-level programing language;close approximation to machine language
assembly plant|a factory where manufactured parts are assembled into a finished product
assemblyman|someone who is a member of a legislative assembly
assemblywoman|a woman assemblyman
assent|agreement with a statement or proposal to do something - "he gave his assent eagerly"
assenter|a person who assents
asserter|someone who claims to speak the truth - "a bold asserter"
assertion|a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary)
assertiveness|aggressive self-assurance;given to making bold assertions
assertiveness training|a method of psychotherapy that reinforces you for stating negative and positive feelings directly
assessee|a person (or property) that is assessed
assessment|an amount determined as payable - "the assessment for repairs outraged the club's membership";the market value set on assets
asset|a useful or valuable quality
assets|anything of material value or usefulness that is owned by a person or company
asshole|insulting terms of address for people who are stupid or irritating or ridiculous
assibilation|the development of a consonant phoneme into a sibilant
assiduity|great and constant diligence and attention
assignation|a secret rendezvous (especially between lovers)
assignee|(law) the party to whom something is assigned (e.g., someone to whom a right or property is legally transferred)
assignment|a duty that you are assigned to perform (especially in the armed forces);an undertaking that you have been assigned to do (as by an instructor);the act of distributing something to designated places or persons - "the first task is the assignment of an address to each datum";the instrument by which a claim or right or interest or property is transferred from one person to another
assignor|(law) the party who makes an assignment
assimilation|a linguistic process by which a sound becomes similar to an adjacent sound;in the theories of Jean Piaget;the application of a general schema to a particular instance;the process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion;the social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another;the state of being assimilated;people of different backgrounds come to see themselves as part of a larger national family
assist|(sports) the act of enabling another player to make a good play
assistant|a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose - "my invaluable assistant"
assistant professor|a teacher or lower rank than an associate professor
assisted suicide|suicide of a terminally ill person that involves an assistant who serves to make dying as painless and dignified as possible
assize|an ancient writ issued by a court of assize to the sheriff for the recovery of property;the regulation of weights and measures of articles offered for sale
assizes|the county courts of England (replaced in 1971 by Crown courts)
associability|the capability of being easily associated or joined or connected in thought
associate|a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor - "he had to consult his associate before continuing";a person with subordinate membership in a society, institution, or commercial enterprise - "associates in the law firm bill at a lower rate than do partners";any event that usually accompanies or is closely connected with another - "first was the lightning and then its thunderous associate"
associate degree|a degree granted by a two-year college on successful completion of the undergraduates course of studies
Associate in Applied Science|an associate degree in applied science
Associate in Arts|an associate degree in arts
Associate in Nursing|an associate degree in nursing
associate professor|a teacher lower in rank than a full professor but higher than an assistant professor
associateship|the position of associate (as in an office or academy)
association|(chemistry) any process of combination (especially in solution) that depends on relatively weak chemical bonding;(ecology) a group of organisms (plants and animals) that live together in a certain geographical region and constitute a community with a few dominant species;a formal organization of people or groups of people;a relation resulting from interaction or dependence - "flints were found in association with the prehistoric remains of the bear" - "the host is not always injured by association with a parasite";the act of consorting with or joining with others - "you cannot be convicted of criminal guilt by association";the process of bringing ideas or events together in memory or imagination - "conditioning is a form of learning by association";the state of being connected together as in memory or imagination - "his association of his father with being beaten was too strong to break"
association area|cortical areas that are neither motor or sensory but are thought to be involved in higher processing of information
Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons|an association of people to promote the welfare of senior citizens
Association of Southeast Asian Nations|an association of nations dedicated to economic and political cooperation in southeastern Asia and who joined with the United States to fight against global terrorism
associationism|(psychology) a theory that association is the basic principle of mental activity
assonance|the repetition of similar vowels in the stressed syllables of successive words
assortative mating|mating of individuals having more traits in common than likely in random mating
assortment|a collection containing a variety of sorts of things - "a great assortment of cars was on display"
assumed name|(law) a name under which a corporation conducts business that is not the legal name of the corporation as shown in its articles of incorporation
Assumption|(Christianity) the taking up of the body and soul of the Virgin Mary when her earthly life had ended;celebration in the Roman Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary's being taken up into heaven when her earthly life ended;corresponds to the Dormition in the Eastern Orthodox Church;a hypothesis that is taken for granted;the act of assuming or taking for granted;the act of taking possession of or power over something
Assur|an ancient Assyrian city on the Tigris and traditional capital of Assyria;just to the south of the modern city of Mosul in Iraq
assurance|a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something - "an assurance of help when needed";a British term for some kinds of insurance;a statement intended to inspire confidence - "the President's assurances were not respected";freedom from doubt;belief in yourself and your abilities - "his assurance in his superiority did not make him popular"
Assyria|an ancient kingdom in northern Mesopotamia which is in present-day Iraq
Assyrian|an inhabitant of ancient Assyria
Assyrian Akkadian|an extinct language of the Assyrians in ancient Mesopotamia
Assyrian Neo-Aramaic|the language of modern Iraq
Assyriology|archeology of the ancient Assyrians
Astacidae|crayfish
Astacus|type genus of the family Astacidae;Old World crayfish
Astaire|United States dancer and cinema actor noted for his original and graceful tap dancing (1899-1987)
Astana|remote city of Kazakhstan that (ostensibly for security reasons) was made the capital in 1998
Astarte|an ancient Phoenician goddess of love and fertility;the Phoenician counterpart to Ishtar
astasia|inability to stand due to muscular incoordination
astatic coils|an arrangement of coils used in sensitive electrical instruments;the coils are arranged to give zero resultant external magnetic field when a current passes through them and to have zero electromotive force induced in them by an external magnetic field
astatic galvanometer|has a moving magnet and astatic coils arranged to cancel the effect of the Earth's magnetic field
astatine|a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series);a decay product of uranium and thorium
aster|any of various chiefly fall-blooming herbs of the genus Aster with showy daisylike flowers;star-shaped structure formed in the cytoplasm of a cell having fibers like rays that surround the centrosome during mitosis
astereognosis|a loss of the ability to recognize objects by handling them
asterid dicot family|family of more or less advanced dicotyledonous herbs and some trees and shrubs
asterid dicot genus|genus of more or less advanced dicotyledonous herbs and some trees and shrubs
Asteridae|a group of mostly sympetalous herbs and some trees and shrubs mostly with 2 fused carpels;contains 43 families including Campanulales;Solanaceae;Scrophulariaceae;Labiatae;Verbenaceae;Rubiaceae;Compositae;sometimes classified as a superorder
asterion|the craniometric point at the junction of the lamboid suture and the occipitomastoid suture and the parietomastoid suture
asterisk|a star-shaped character * used in printing
asterism|(astronomy) a cluster of stars (or a small constellation);(mineralogy) a star-shaped figure with six rays that is seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted light
asteroid|any of numerous small celestial bodies composed of rock and metal that move around the sun (mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter)
asteroid belt|the region of interplanetary space between Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids are found
Asteroidea|sea stars
asthenia|an abnormal loss of strength
asthenic type|slender, weak, and lightweight
asthenosphere|the lower layer of the crust
asthma|respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing;usually of allergic origin
asthmatic|a person suffering from asthma - "she is a chronic asthmatic" - "the painful gasps of a dying asthmatic"
astigmatism|(ophthalmology) impaired eyesight resulting usually from irregular conformation of the cornea;common in nearsighted people;(optics) defect in an optical system in which light rays from a single point fail to converge in a single focal point
astilbe|any plant of the genus Astilbe having compound leaves and showy panicles of tiny colorful flowers
astonishment|the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising - "he looked at me in astonishment"
Astor|British politician (born in the United States) who was the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons (1879-1964);United States capitalist (born in Germany) who made a fortune in fur trading (1763-1848)
Astragalus|large genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs of north temperate regions;largest genus in the family Leguminosae
Astrakhan|a city in southwestern Russia on the delta of the Volga River;the fur of young lambs
astrantia|any plant of the genus Astrantia
astraphobia|a morbid fear of thunder and lightning
Astreus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Geastraceae
Astreus hygrometricus|a common species of earthstar widely distributed in sandy soil;the gleba is a pale tan
Astreus pteridis|the largest earthstar;the fruiting body can measure 15 cm across when the rays are expanded
astringency|a sharp astringent taste;the taste experience when a substance causes the mouth to pucker;the ability to contract or draw together soft body tissues to check blood flow or restrict secretion of fluids
astringent|a drug that causes contraction of body tissues and canals
astrocyte|comparatively large neuroglial cell
astrodome|a transparent dome on top of an airplane where the navigator can make celestial observations
astrodynamics|the branch of astronomy that studies the motion of natural and artificial bodies in space
astrogator|the navigator of a spacecraft
astroglia|tissue consisting of large stellate neuroglial cells
astrolabe|an early form of sextant
astrolatry|the worship of planets or stars
astrologer|someone who predicts the future by the positions of the planets and sun and Moon
astrology|a pseudoscience claiming divination by the positions of the planets and sun and moon
Astroloma|evergreen shrubs of Australia and Tasmania
astrometry|the branch of astronomy that deals with the measurement of the position and motion of celestial bodies
astronaut|a person trained to travel in a spacecraft - "the Russians called their astronauts cosmonauts"
Astronium|a genus of dicotyledonous plants of the family Anacardiaceae
astronomer|a physicist who studies astronomy
astronomical telescope|any telescope designed to collect and record electromagnetic radiation from cosmic sources
Astronomical Unit|a unit of length used for distances within the solar system;equal to the mean distance between the Earth and the Sun (approximately 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers)
astronomy|the branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a whole
astronomy satellite|a satellite equipped with a telescope to observe infrared radiation
astronomy unit|a linear unit used for astronomical distances
astrophysicist|an astronomer who studies the physical properties of celestial bodies
astrophysics|the branch of astronomy concerned with the physical and chemical properties of celestial bodies
Astrophyton|includes many of the basket stars
Astrophyton muricatum|a variety of basket star
Astropogon|a genus of fish of the family Apogonidae
astuteness|the intellectual ability to penetrate deeply into ideas
Asuncion|the capital and chief port of Paraguay
Asura|earlier a god;later a demon;counterpart of Zoroastrian Ahura
Asvins|(literally 'possessing horses' in Sanskrit) in Hinduism the twin chariot warriors conveying Surya
Aswan|an ancient city on the Nile in Egypt;two dams across the Nile have been built nearby
Aswan High Dam|one of the world's largest dams on the Nile River in southern Egypt
asymmetry|(mathematics) a lack of symmetry
asymptote|a straight line that is the limiting value of a curve;can be considered as tangent at infinity - "the asymptote of the curve"
asynchronism|the relation that exists when things occur at unrelated times
asynchronous operation|operations that occur without a regular or predictable time relation to other events
asynchronous transfer mode|a means of digital communications that is capable of very high speeds;suitable for transmission of images or voice or video as well as data
asynclitism|the presentation during labor of the head of the fetus at an abnormal angle
asyndeton|the omission of conjunctions where they would normally be used
asynergy|absence of coordination of organs or body parts that usually work together harmoniously
asystole|absence of systole;failure of the ventricles of the heart to contract (usually caused by ventricular fibrillation) with consequent absence of the heart beat leading to oxygen lack and eventually to death
at|100 at equal 1 kip in Laos
at home|a reception held in your own home
Atacama Desert|a desert in northern Chile rich in nitrate and copper deposits
Atacama Trench|a depression in the floor of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile
atactic abasia|abasia due to ataxia of the legs
Atakapa|a language spoken by the Atakapa of the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas;a member of an Indian people formerly living along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas
ataraxia|peace of mind
Ataturk|Turkish statesman who abolished the caliphate and founded Turkey as a modern secular state (1881-1938)
atavism|a reappearance of an earlier characteristic
atavist|an organism that has the characteristics of a more primitive type of that organism
ataxia|inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements;unsteady movements and staggering gait
Ate|goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
A-team|a group of elite soldiers or a leadership group of advisors or workers in an organization
atelectasis|collapse of an expanded lung (especially in infants);also failure of pulmonary alveoli to expand at birth
ateleiosis|a form of infantilism characterized by physical underdevelopment but normal intelligence
Ateles|spider monkeys
Aten|the sun (or solar disc) which was the deity of a monotheistic cult under the Pharaoh Akhenaten
atenolol|an oral beta blocker (trade name Tenormin) used in treating hypertension and angina;has adverse side effects (depression and exacerbation of congestive heart failure etc.)
Athanasian Creed|a Christian profession of faith
Athanasianism|the theological doctrine taught by Athanasius that Christ the Son is of the same substance as God the Father
Athanasius|(Roman Catholic Church) Greek patriarch of Alexandria who championed Christian orthodoxy against Arianism;a church father, saint, and Doctor of the Church (293-373)
athanor|a furnace that feeds itself so as to maintain a uniform temperature;used by alchemists
Athapaskan|a group of Amerindian languages (the name coined by an American anthropologist, Edward Sapir);a member of any of the North American Indian groups speaking an Athapaskan language and living in the subarctic regions of western Canada and central Alaska
Atharva-Veda|a collection of mantras and formulas
atheism|a lack of belief in the existence of God or gods;the doctrine or belief that there is no God
atheist|someone who denies the existence of god
Athelstan|the first Saxon ruler who extended his kingdom to include nearly all of England (895-939)
Athena|(Greek mythology) goddess of wisdom and useful arts and prudent warfare;guardian of Athens;identified with Roman Minerva
athenaeum|a literary or scientific association for the promotion of learning;a place where reading materials are available
Athene|a genus of Strigidae
Athenian|a resident of Athens
Athens|a town in southeast Ohio;a university town in northeast Georgia;the capital and largest city of Greece;named after Athena (its patron goddess) - "in the 5th century BC ancient Athens was the world's most powerful and civilized city"
Atherinidae|small spiny-finned fishes of both salt and fresh water
Atherinopsis|a genus of Atherinidae
atherogenesis|the formation of atheromas on the walls of the arteries as in atherosclerosis
atheroma|a fatty deposit in the intima (inner lining) of an artery;can obstruct blood flow
atherosclerosis|a stage of arteriosclerosis involving fatty deposits (atheromas) inside the arterial walls, thus narrowing the arteries
Atherurus|a genus of Hystricidae
athetosis|a continuous succession of slow, writhing, involuntary movements of the hands and feet and other body parts
Athiorhodaceae|small motile sulphur bacteria
athlete|a person trained to compete in sports
athlete's heart|enlarged heart commonly found among athletes trained for endurance
athletic contest|a contest between athletes
athletic facility|a facility for athletic events
athletic game|a game involving athletic activity
athletic sock|a sock worn for athletic events
athletic supporter|a support for the genitals worn by men engaging in strenuous exercise
athletic training|the course of practice and exercise and diet undertaken by an athlete
athletic type|muscular and big-boned
athleticism|intense energy - "his music is characterized by a happy athleticism"
athletics|participation in sports events as an extracurricular activity
Athos|an autonomous area in northeastern Greece that is the site of several Greek Orthodox monasteries founded in the tenth century
Athrotaxis|a genus of gymnosperm
Athyrium|temperate and tropical lady ferns;in some classifications placed in family Polypodiaceae or in the genus Asplenium
Atlanta|a siege in which Federal troops under Sherman cut off the railroads supplying the city and then burned it;1864;state capital and largest city of Georgia;chief commercial center of the southeastern United States;was plundered and burned by Sherman's army during the American Civil War
Atlantic|the 2nd largest ocean;separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east
Atlantic bottlenose dolphin|the most common dolphin of northern Atlantic and Mediterranean;often kept captive and trained to perform
Atlantic City|a city on the Atlantic shore in southeastern New Jersey;a resort and gambling center
Atlantic Coast|a coast of the Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic cod|one of the world's most important commercial fishes
Atlantic croaker|a silvery-bodied croaker with dark markings and tiny barbels
Atlantic halibut|largest United States flatfish
Atlantic herring|important food fish;found in enormous shoals in the northern Atlantic
Atlantic manta|largest manta (to 22 feet across wings);found worldwide but common in Gulf of Mexico and along southern coasts of United States;primarily oceanic
Atlantic puffin|common puffin of the northern Atlantic
Atlantic ridley|grey sea turtle of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of North America
Atlantic sailfish|a kind of sailfish
Atlantic salmon|fatty pink flesh of fish from northern coastal Atlantic;usually marketed fresh;found in northern coastal Atlantic waters or tributaries;adults do not die after spawning
Atlantic sea bream|sea bream of warm Atlantic waters
Atlantic spiny dogfish|destructive dogfish of the Atlantic coastal waters of America and Europe;widely used in anatomy classes
Atlantic Time|standard time in the 4th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 60th meridian;used in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and Bermuda and the Canadian Maritime Provinces
Atlantic tripletail|tripletail found from Cape Cod to northern South America
Atlantic walrus|a walrus of northern Atlantic and Arctic waters
Atlantis|according to legend, an island in the Atlantic Ocean that Plato said was swallowed by an earthquake
Atlas|(Greek mythology) a Titan who was forced by Zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders;a collection of maps in book form;a figure of a man used as a supporting column;the 1st cervical vertebra
Atlas cedar|tall Algerian evergreen of Atlas mountains with blue-green leaves;widely planted as an ornamental
atlas moth|giant saturniid moth widespread in Asia;sometimes cultured for silk
Atlas Mountains|a mountain range in northern Africa between the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert;extends from southwestern Morocco to northern Tunisia
atmometer|an instrument that measures rate of evaporation of water
atmosphere|a particular environment or surrounding influence - "there was an atmosphere of excitement";the envelope of gases surrounding any celestial body;the mass of air surrounding the Earth - "there was great heat as the comet entered the atmosphere";the weather or climate at some place - "the atmosphere was thick with fog"
atmospheric electricity|electrical discharges in the atmosphere
atmospheric phenomenon|a physical phenomenon associated with the atmosphere
atmospheric pressure|the pressure exerted by the atmosphere
atole|eaten as mush or as a thin gruel
atoll|an island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon
atom|(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything;(physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
atom bomb|a nuclear weapon in which enormous energy is released by nuclear fission (splitting the nuclei of a heavy element like uranium 235 or plutonium 239)
atomic clock|a timepiece that derives its time scale from the vibration of atoms or molecules
atomic cocktail|an oral dose of radioactive substance used in treatment and diagnosis of cancer
atomic energy|the energy released by a nuclear reaction
Atomic Energy Commission|a former executive agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States
atomic mass|(chemistry) the mass of an atom of a chemical element expressed in atomic mass units
atomic mass unit|unit of mass for expressing masses of atoms or molecules
atomic number|the order of an element in Mendeleyev's table of the elements;equal to the number of protons in the nucleus or electrons in the neutral state of an atom of an element
atomic pile|a nuclear reactor that uses controlled nuclear fission to generate energy
atomic power|nuclear energy regarded as a source of electricity for the power grid (for civilian use)
atomic spectrum|(physics) a spectrum of radiation caused by electron transitions within an atom;the series of spectrum lines is characteristic of the element
atomic theory|a theory of the structure of the atom
atomic warhead|the warhead of a missile designed to deliver an atom bomb
atomism|(chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles;(psychology) a theory that reduces all mental phenomena to simple elements (sensations and feelings) that form complex ideas by association
atomization|annihilation by reducing something to atoms;separating something into fine particles
atomizer|a dispenser that turns a liquid (such as perfume) into a fine mist
atonality|the absence of a key;alternative to the diatonic system
atonement|compensation for a wrong
atonicity|lack of normal muscular tension or tonus
atopic dermatitis|a severe form of dermatitis characterized by atopy
atopognosia|absence or loss of topognosia;inability to locate correctly a point of touch
atorvastatin|an oral drug (trade name Lipitor) that is effective in lowering triglycerides;potent in reducing LDL cholesterol because higher doses can be given
atrazine|a synthetic compound derived from triazine that is widely used as an agricultural herbicide - "atrazine is thought to cause cancer and is banned in some European countries"
atresia|an abnormal condition in which a normal opening or tube in the body (as the urethra) is closed or absent
Atreus|(Greek mythology) the king of Mycenae and father of Agamemnon and of Menelaus
atrial artery|the branch of the coronary artery that supplies the muscles of the atria
atrial fibrillation|fibrillation of the muscles of the atria of the heart
atrial septal defect|an abnormal opening between the left and right atria of the heart
Atrichornis|type genus of the Atrichornithidae
Atrichornithidae|scrubbirds
atrioventricular bundle|a bundle of modified heart muscle that transmits the cardiac impulse from the atrioventricular node to the ventricles causing them to contract
atrioventricular nodal rhythm|the normal cardiac rhythm when the heart is controlled by the atrioventricular node
atrioventricular node|a node of specialized heart muscle located in the septal wall of the right atrium;receives impulses from the sinoatrial node and transmits them to atrioventricular bundle
atrioventricular valve|either of two heart valves through which blood flows from the atria to the ventricles;prevents return of blood to the atrium
Atriplex|orach;saltbush
atrium|any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart);the central area in a building;open to the sky
atrium cordis|the upper chamber of each half of the heart
atrocity|an act of atrocious cruelty;the quality of being shockingly cruel and inhumane
Atropa|belladonna
atrophy|a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse;any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use)
Atropidae|booklice
atropine|a poisonous crystalline alkaloid extracted from the nightshade family;used as an antispasmodic and to dilate the eye pupil;also administered in large amounts as an antidote for organophosphate nerve agents or organophosphate insecticides
Atropos|the Greek goddess of fate who cuts the thread of life
Atsugewi|a member of a North American Indian people of northern California;the Shastan language spoken by the Atsugewi
attache|a specialist assigned to the staff of a diplomatic mission
attache case|a shallow and rectangular briefcase
attachment|a connection that fastens things together;a feeling of affection for a person or an institution;a supplementary part or accessory;a writ authorizing the seizure of property that may be needed for the payment of a judgment in a judicial proceeding;faithful support for a cause or political party or religion - "attachment to a formal agenda";the act of attaching or affixing something
attack|(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons) - "the attack began at dawn";a decisive manner of beginning a musical tone or phrase;a sudden occurrence of an uncontrollable condition - "an attack of diarrhea";an offensive move in a sport or game - "they won the game with a 10-hit attack in the 9th inning";strong criticism - "he published an unexpected attack on my work";the act of attacking - "attacks on women increased last year";the onset of a corrosive or destructive process (as by a chemical agent) - "the film was sensitive to attack by acids" - "open to attack by the elements"
attack dog|a watchdog trained to attack on command
attack submarine|a military submarine designed and armed to attack enemy shipping
attacker|someone who attacks
attainder|cancellation of civil rights
attainment|arrival at a new stage - "his attainment of puberty was delayed by malnutrition";the act of achieving an aim - "the attainment of independence"
Attalea|unarmed feather palms of central and northern South America
attar|essential oil or perfume obtained from flowers
attar of roses|a volatile fragrant oil obtained from fresh roses by steam distillation
attempt|earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
attendance|the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.);the frequency with which a person is present - "a student's attendance is an important factor in her grade";the number of people that are present - "attendance was up by 50 per cent"
attendance check|a call of students' names in a classroom
attendant|a person who is present and participates in a meeting;someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
attention|a courteous act indicating affection - "she tried to win his heart with her many attentions";a general interest that leads people to want to know more - "She was the center of attention";a motionless erect stance with arms at the sides and feet together;assumed by military personnel during drill or review - "the troops stood at attention";the faculty or power of mental concentration - "keeping track of all the details requires your complete attention";the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
attention deficit disorder|a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
attention span|the length of time you can concentrate on some idea or activity
attentiveness|paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people) - "his attentiveness to her wishes";the trait of being considerate and thoughtful of others;the trait of being observant and paying attention
attenuation|the property of something that has been weakened or reduced in thickness or density;weakening in force or intensity - "attenuation in the volume of the sound"
attenuator|an electrical device for attenuating the strength of an electrical signal
attestation|the action of bearing witness;the evidence by which something is attested
attestation service|a consulting service in which a CPA expresses a conclusion about the reliability of a written statement that is the responsibility of someone else
attester|someone who affirms or vouches for the correctness or truth or genuineness of something
attic|(architecture) a low wall at the top of the entablature;hides the roof;informal terms for a human head;the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Attica and Athens and Ionia
attic fan|a fan that blows heated air out of the attic of a building
Attica|the territory of Athens in ancient Greece where the Ionic dialect was spoken
Atticus|atlas moth
Attila|king of the Huns;the most successful barbarian invader of the Roman Empire (406-453)
attire|clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion - "formal attire"
attitude|a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways - "he had the attitude that work was fun";a theatrical pose created for effect - "the actor struck just the right attitude";position of aircraft or spacecraft relative to a frame of reference (the horizon or direction of motion)
Attlee|British statesman and leader of the Labour Party who instituted the welfare state in Britain (1883-1967)
attorney general|the chief law officer of a country or state;the person who holds the position of secretary of the Justice Department;the position of the head of the Justice Department and the chief law enforcement officer of the United States
attorney-client privilege|the right of a lawyer to refuse to divulge confidential information from his client
attorneyship|the position of attorney
attosecond|one quintillionth (10^-18) of a second;one thousandth of a femtosecond
attraction|a characteristic that provides pleasure and attracts;an entertainment that is offered to the public;the force by which one object attracts another;the quality of arousing interest;being attractive or something that attracts - "her personality held a strange attraction for him"
attractive nuisance|anything on your premises that might attract children into danger or harm - "their swimming pool is an attractive nuisance;they should fence it in"
attractiveness|sexual allure
attractor|(physics) a point in the ideal multidimensional phase space that is used to describe a system toward which the system tends to evolve regardless of the starting conditions of the system
attribute|an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity
attribution|assigning some quality or character to a person or thing - "the attribution of language to birds";assigning to a cause or source - "the attribution of lighting to an expression of God's wrath" - "he questioned the attribution of the painting to Picasso"
attributive genitive|a word in the genitive case that is used as an attributive adjective
attrition|a wearing down to weaken or destroy - "a war of attrition";sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation;the act of rubbing together;wearing something down by friction
attrition rate|the rate of shrinkage in size or number
atypical pneumonia|an acute respiratory disease marked by high fever and coughing;caused by mycoplasma;primarily affecting children and young adults
atypicality|any state that is not typical
au pair|a young foreigner who lives with a family in return for doing light housework
au pair girl|a foreign girl serving as an au pair
Auchincloss|United States writer (born in 1917)
Auckland|the largest city and principal port of New Zealand
auction|a variety of bridge in which tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game;now generally superseded by contract bridge;the public sale of something to the highest bidder
auction block|a platform from which an auctioneer sells
auction house|a firm that conducts auctions
auctioneer|an agent who conducts an auction
Aucuba|hardy evergreen dioecious shrubs and small trees from Japan
audacity|aggressive boldness or unmitigated effrontery - "he had the audacity to question my decision";fearless daring
Auden|United States poet (born in England) (1907-1973)
audibility|quality or fact or degree of being audible or perceptible by the ear
audible|a football play is changed orally after both teams have assumed their positions at the line of scrimmage
audience|a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance - "the audience applauded" - "someone in the audience began to cough";the part of the general public interested in a source of information or entertainment - "every artist needs an audience" - "the broadcast reached an audience of millions"
audile|one whose mental imagery is auditory rather than visual or motor
audio|an audible acoustic wave frequency;the audible part of a transmitted signal - "they always raise the audio for commercials";the sound elements of television
audio amplifier|an amplifier that increases the amplitude of reproduced sound
audio CD|compact discs used to reproduce sound (voice and music)
audio lingual acquisition|system of language acquisition focusing intensively on listening and speaking
audio system|a system of electronic equipment for recording or reproducing sound
audiocassette|a cassette for audiotape
audiogram|a graphical representation of a person's auditory sensitivity to sound
audiology|the measurement of hearing
audiometer|an instrument used to measure the sensitivity of hearing
audiometry|measuring sensitivity of hearing
audiotape|a tape recording of sound;magnetic tape for use in recording sound
audiovisual|materials using sight or sound to present information - "language tapes and videocassettes and other audiovisuals"
audit|a methodical examination or review of a condition or situation - "he made an audit of all the plants on his property" - "an energy efficiency audit" - "an email log audit"
audit program|a listing of audit procedures to be performed in completing an audit
audited account|an inspection of the accounting procedures and records by a trained accountant or CPA
audition|a test of the suitability of a performer
auditor|a qualified accountant who inspects the accounting records and practices of a business or other organization;a student who attends a course but does not take it for credit
auditorium|the area of a theater or concert hall where the audience sits
auditory agnosia|inability to recognize or understand the meaning of spoken words
auditory aphasia|an impairment in understanding spoken language that is not attributable to hearing loss
auditory apparatus|all of the components of the organ of hearing including the outer and middle and inner ears
auditory area|the cortical area that receives auditory information from the medial geniculate body
auditory center|the part of the brain (in a fold of the cerebral cortex of the temporal lobe on both sides of the brain) that receives impulses from the ear by way of the auditory nerve
auditory communication|communication that relies on hearing
auditory hallucination|illusory auditory perception of strange nonverbal sounds
auditory image|a mental image that is similar to an auditory perception
auditory meatus|either of the passages in the outer ear from the auricle to the tympanic membrane
auditory ossicle|ossicles of the middle ear that transmit acoustic vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear
auditory perception|the perception of sound as a meaningful phenomenon
auditory system|the sensory system for hearing
Audubon|United States ornithologist and artist (born in Haiti) noted for his paintings of birds of America (1785-1851)
Audubon's caracara|widespread from southern United States to Central America;rusty black with black-and-white breast and tail
Audubon's warbler|common warbler of western North America
Augean stables|(Greek mythology) the extremely dirty stables that were finally cleaned by Hercules who diverted two rivers through them
Augeas|(Greek mythology) the mythical Greek king who for 30 years did not clean his stables which contained his vast herd of cattle
augend|a number to which another number (the addend) is added
auger|hand tool for boring holes
augite|dark-green to black glassy mineral of the pyroxene group containing large amounts of aluminum and iron and magnesium
augmentation|the act of augmenting;the amount by which something increases;the statement of a theme in notes of greater duration (usually twice the length of the original)
Augsburg Confession|the document drawn up in 1555 to defend the catholicity of Lutheran doctrine and to justify innovations in Lutheran practice;is still in effect today
augur|(ancient Rome) a religious official who interpreted omens to guide public policy
augury|an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come - "he hoped it was an augury"
August|the month following July and preceding September
Augusta|a city in eastern Georgia north-northwest of Savannah;noted for golf tournaments;the capital of the state of Maine
Augustine|(Roman Catholic Church) one of the great Fathers of the early Christian church;after a dramatic conversion to Christianity he became bishop of Hippo Regius in North Africa;St. Augustine emphasized man's need for grace (354-430)
Augustinian|a Roman Catholic friar or monk belonging to one of the Augustinian monastic orders
Augustinian Canons|an Augustinian monastic order
Augustinian Hermits|a monastic order of friars established in 1256 by the Pope
Augustinian order|any of several monastic orders observing a rule derived from the writings of St. Augustine
Augustus|Roman statesman who established the Roman Empire and became emperor in 27 BC;defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC at Actium (63 BC - AD 14)
auk|black-and-white short-necked web-footed diving bird of northern seas
auklet|any of several small auks of the northern Pacific coasts
Aulacorhyncus|a genus of Ramphastidae
auld langsyne|past times remembered with nostalgia
Aulostomidae|trumpetfishes
Aulostomus|type genus of the Aulostomidae
Aum Shinrikyo|a terrorist organization whose goal is to take over Japan and then the world;based on a religion founded in 1987 that combines elements of Buddhism with Christianity
aunt|the sister of your father or mother;the wife of your uncle
aura|a sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure;an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint
Aureolaria|small genus of North American herbs often root-parasitic and bearing golden-yellow flowers;sometimes placed in genus Gerardia
aureole|the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere;visible as a white halo during a solar eclipse
auricle|a small conical pouch projecting from the upper anterior part of each atrium of the heart;the externally visible cartilaginous structure of the external ear
auricula|a pouch projecting from the top front of each atrium of the heart;yellow-flowered primrose native to Alps;commonly cultivated
auricular artery|artery that supplies blood to the ear
auricular vein|one of two veins serving the ear region
auriculare|the craniometric point at the center of the opening of the external acoustic meatus
Auricularia|type genus of the Auriculariaceae
Auriculariaceae|fungi having gelatinous sporophores
Auriculariales|coextensive with the family Auriculariaceae;sometimes included in the order Tremellales
Auriga|a conspicuous constellation in the northern hemisphere;between Great Bear and Orion at edge of Milky Way
Auriparus|a genus of Paridae
aurochs|large recently extinct long-horned European wild ox;considered one of the ancestors of domestic cattle
Aurora|(Roman mythology) goddess of the dawn;counterpart of Greek Eos;an atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands of light caused by charged solar particles following the earth's magnetic lines of force
aurora australis|the aurora of the southern hemisphere
aurora borealis|the aurora of the northern hemisphere
Auschwitz|a Nazi concentration camp for Jews in southwestern Poland during World War II
auscultation|listening to sounds within the body (usually with a stethoscope)
auspice|a favorable omen
auspices|kindly endorsement and guidance - "the tournament was held under the auspices of the city council"
auspiciousness|the favorable quality of strongly indicating a successful result
Austen|English novelist noted for her insightful portrayals of middle-class families (1775-1817)
austenite|a solid solution of ferric carbide or carbon in iron;cools to form pearlite or martensite
austenitic steel|steel that has enough nickel and chromium or manganese to retain austenite at atmospheric temperatures
austereness|extreme plainness
austerity|the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)
Austerlitz|a decisive battle during the Napoleonic campaigns (1805);the French under Napoleon defeated the Russian armies of Czar Alexander I and the Austrian armies of Emperor Francis II;a town in Czech Republic;site of the battle of Austerlitz in 1805
Austin|state capital of Texas on the Colorado River;site of the University of Texas
Austin Friar|one of the Roman Catholic hermits of Saint Augustine
Austin Friars|an Augustinian monastic order
austral|the basic unit of money in Argentina;equal to 100 centavos
Australasia|Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring islands in the South Pacific
Australia|a nation occupying the whole of the Australian continent;Aboriginal tribes are thought to have migrated from southeastern Asia 20,000 years ago;first Europeans were British convicts sent there as a penal colony;the smallest continent;between the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean
Australian|a native or inhabitant of Australia;the Austronesian languages spoken by Australian aborigines
Australian Alps|a range of mountains in Australia that forms the southern end of the Great Dividing Range
Australian arowana|a species of large fish found in Australian rivers
Australian blacksnake|large semiaquatic snake of Australia;black above with red belly
Australian bonytongue|a species of large fish found in Australian rivers
Australian cockroach|widely distributed in warm countries
Australian coral snake|small venomous but harmless snake marked with black-and-white on red
Australian Desert|general name given to all desert areas in Australia
Australian dollar|the basic unit of money in Australia and Nauru
Australian grass tree|stout Australian shrub with narrow leaves crowded at ends of branches and terminal clusters of white or pink flowers
Australian hare's foot|a hare's-foot fern of the genus Davallia
Australian heath|any heathlike plant of the family Epacridaceae;most are of the Australian region
Australian Labor Party|the oldest political party in Australia, founded in 1891;the party is moderately liberal
Australian lungfish|an endangered species of lungfish found in rivers in Queensland
Australian magpie|black-and-white oscine birds that resemble magpies
Australian nettle|any of several tall Australian trees of the genus Laportea
Australian pea|South African evergreen partly woody vine grown for its clusters of rosy purple flowers followed by edible pods like snap beans;also grown as green manure;sometimes placed in genus Dolichos
Australian pine|common Australian tree widely grown as an ornamental in tropical regions;yields heavy hard red wood
Australian pitcher plant|a carnivorous perennial herb having a green pitcher and hinged lid both with red edges;western Australia
Australian reed grass|tall Australian reedlike grass sometimes used for hay
Australian sea lion|a variety of sea lion found in Australia
Australian state|one of the several states constituting Australia
Australian sumac|evergreen of Australia yielding a dark yellow wood
Australian terrier|small greyish wire-haired breed of terrier from Australia similar to the cairn
Australian turtledove|small Australian dove
australopithecine|any of several extinct humanlike bipedal primates with relatively small brains of the genus Australopithecus;from 1 to 4 million years ago
Australopithecus afarensis|fossils found in Ethiopia;from 3.5 to 4 million years ago
Australopithecus africanus|gracile hominid of southern Africa;from about 3 million years ago
Australopithecus boisei|large-toothed hominid of eastern Africa;from 1 to 2 million years ago
Australopithecus robustus|large-toothed hominid of southern Africa;from 1.5 to 2 million years ago;formerly Paranthropus
Austria|a mountainous republic in central Europe;under the Habsburgs (1278-1918) Austria maintained control of the Holy Roman Empire and was a leader in European politics until the 19th century
Austria-Hungary|a geographical area in central and eastern Europe;broken into separate countries at the end of World War I
Austrian|a native or inhabitant of Austria
Austrian monetary unit|monetary unit in Austria
Austro-Asiatic|a family of languages spoken in southern and southeastern Asia
Austrocedrus|one species;formerly included in genus Libocedrus
Austronesia|islands of central and South Pacific (Indonesia and Melanesia and Micronesia and Polynesia)
Austronesian|a native or inhabitant of Austronesia;the family of languages spoken in Australia and Formosa and Malaysia and Polynesia
Austrotaxus|a gymnosperm genus having one species;New Caledonian yew
autacoid|any physiologically active internal secretion especially one of uncertain classification
autarky|economic independence as a national policy
auteur|a filmmaker who has a personal style and keeps creative control over his or her works
authentication|a mark on an article of trade to indicate its origin and authenticity;validating the authenticity of something or someone
authenticity|undisputed credibility
authoress|a woman author
authoring language|software that can be used to develop interactive computer programs without the technically demanding task of computer programming
authoritarian|a person who behaves in a tyrannical manner
authoritarian state|a government that concentrates political power in an authority not responsible to the people
authority|(usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others;an authoritative written work - "this book is the final authority on the life of Milton";an expert whose views are taken as definitive - "he is an authority on corporate law";official permission or approval - "authority for the program was renewed several times";the power or right to give orders or make decisions - "he has the authority to issue warrants"
authority figure|someone who is regarded as an authority by someone else
authorization|the act of conferring legality or sanction or formal warrant
authorized shares|the maximum number of shares authorized under the terms of a corporation's articles of incorporation
Authorized Version|an English translation of the Bible published in 1611
authorizer|an authority who authorizes (people or actions) - "the agents report back to their authorizers"
authorship|the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing - "the authorship of the theory is disputed"
autism|(psychiatry) an abnormal absorption with the self;marked by communication disorders and short attention span and inability to treat others as people
auto accessory|an accessory for an automobile
auto limitation|social control achieved as a manifestation of self-will or general consent
auto mechanics|the craft of building and repairing automobiles
auto part|a component of an automobile - "his business is auto parts"
auto racing|the sport of racing automobiles
autoantibody|an antibody acting against tissues of the organism that produces it
autobahn|an expressway in a German-speaking country
autobiographer|someone who writes their own biography
autobiography|a biography of yourself
autocatalysis|catalysis in which the catalyst is one of the products of the reaction
autochthon|the earliest known inhabitants of a region
autoclave|a device for heating substances above their boiling point;used to manufacture chemicals or to sterilize surgical instruments
autocracy|a political system governed by a single individual;a political theory favoring unlimited authority by a single individual
auto-da-fe|the burning to death of heretics (as during the Spanish Inquisition)
autodidact|a person who has taught himself
autoeroticism|using you own body as a sexual object
autofluorescence|self-induced fluorescence
autofocus|an optical device for focussing a camera or other instrument automatically
autogamy|self-fertilization in plants
autogenic therapy|training patients in self-induced relaxation
autogiro|an aircraft that is supported in flight by unpowered rotating horizontal wings (or blades);forward propulsion is provided by a conventional propeller
autograft|tissue that is taken from one site and grafted to another site on the same person
autograph|a person's own signature;something written by one's own hand
autograph album|an album for autographs
autoimmune disease|any of a large group of diseases characterized by abnormal functioning of the immune system that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against your own tissues
autoimmunity|production of antibodies against the tissues of your own body;produces autoimmune disease or hypersensitivity reactions
autoinjector|a hypodermic syringe to use in injecting yourself with a liquid - "United States troops now carry atropine and autoinjectors in their first-aid kits to use in case of organophosphate nerve agent poisoning"
autoloader|a firearm that reloads itself
autolysis|lysis of plant or animal tissue by an internal process
automat|a cafeteria where food is served from machines;a vending machine from which you can get food
automatic choke|a choke that automatically controls the flow of air to the carburetor
automatic data processing|data processing by a computer
automatic firearm|a firearm that reloads itself and keeps firing until the trigger is released
automatic pilot|a cognitive state in which you act without self-awareness - "she went about her chores on automatic pilot" - "too much of the writing seems to have been done on automatic pilot"
automatic pistol|a pistol that will keep firing until the ammunition is gone or the trigger is released
automatic rifle|light machine gun
automatic transmission|a transmission that automatically changes the gears according to the speed of the car
automation|equipment used to achieve automatic control or operation - "this factory floor is a showcase for automation and robotic equipment";the act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology;usually involving electronic hardware - "automation replaces human workers by machines";the condition of being automatically operated or controlled - "automation increases productivity"
automatism|any reaction that occurs automatically without conscious thought or reflection (especially the undirected behavior seen in psychomotor epilepsy)
automaton|a mechanism that can move automatically;someone who acts or responds in a mechanical or apathetic way - "only an automaton wouldn't have noticed"
Automeris|io moth
automobile engine|the engine that propels an automobile
automobile factory|a factory where automobiles are manufactured
automobile horn|a device on an automobile for making a warning noise
automobile industry|the manufacturers of automobiles considered collectively
automobile insurance|insurance against loss due to theft or traffic accidents
automobile loan|a personal loan to purchase an automobile
automobile mechanic|someone whose occupation is repairing and maintaining automobiles
automobile race|a race between (usually high-performance) automobiles
automobile traffic|cars coming and going
automotive engineer|an engineer concerned with the design and construction of automobiles
automotive technology|the activity of designing and constructing automobiles
automysophobia|a morbid fear of being dirty
autonomic ganglion|any of the ganglia of the autonomic system whose unmyelinated fibers innervate the internal organs
autonomic nervous system|the part of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands
autonomic plexus|a plexus of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers
autonomy|immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority;political independence;personal independence
autophyte|plant capable of synthesizing its own food from simple organic substances
autopilot|a navigational device that automatically keeps ships or planes or spacecraft on a steady course
autoplasty|surgical repair by using tissue from another part of the patient's own body
autopsy|an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
autoradiograph|a radiogram produced by radiation emitted by the specimen being photographed
autoradiography|producing a radiograph by means of the radiation emitted from the specimen being photographed
autoregulation|(physiology) processes that maintain a generally constant physiological state in a cell or organism
autosexing|(especially of domestic fowl) breeding to reveal differential sex characteristics at hatching
autosomal dominant disease|a disease caused by a dominant mutant gene on an autosome
autosomal recessive disease|a disease caused by the presence of two recessive mutant genes on an autosome
autosome|any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome;appear in pairs in body cells but as single chromosomes in spermatozoa
autostrada|an expressway in an Italian-speaking country
autosuggestion|a system for self-improvement developed by Emile Coue which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s
autotelism|belief that a work of art is an end in itself or its own justification
autotomy|spontaneous removal or casting off of a body part (as the tail of a lizard or claw of a lobster) especially when the organism is injured or under attack
autotype|process for producing permanent prints in a carbon pigment
autumn crocus|bulbous autumn-flowering herb with white, purple or lavender-and-white flowers;native to western and central Europe
autumn sneezeweed|North American perennial with bright yellow late summer flowers
autumnal equinox|(astronomy) the equinoctial point that lies in the constellation of Virgo;September 22
Auvergne|a region in central France
auxesis|growth from increase in cell size without cell division
auxiliary airfield|an airfield that functions in a subsidiary capacity
auxiliary boiler|(nautical) an extra boiler (as a ship's boiler that is used while the ship is in port)
auxiliary cell|a terrorist cell responsible for logistics;usually large and less compartmentalized than other terrorist cells
auxiliary engine|(nautical) a small engine (as one used on board ships to operate a windlass)
auxiliary operation|a operation performed by off-line equipment not under the control of the central processing unit
auxiliary pump|a supplementary pump available if needed
auxiliary research submarine|a submarine for research purposes
auxiliary storage|a data storage device that is not the main memory of a computer
auxiliary verb|a verb that combines with another verb in a verb phrase to help form tense, mood, voice, or condition of the verb it combines with
auxin|a plant hormone that promotes root formation and bud growth
avadavat|red Asian weaverbirds often kept as cage birds
Avahi|a genus of Indriidae
avail|a means of serving - "of no avail"
avalanche|a slide of large masses of snow and ice and mud down a mountain;a sudden appearance of an overwhelming number of things - "the program brought an avalanche of mail"
avalanche lily|perennial herb having large white flowers marked with orange;found near the snow line in the northwestern United States
Avalokitesvara|a male Bodhisattva;widely associated with various gods and people
avant-garde|any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
avaram|evergreen Indian shrub with vivid yellow flowers whose bark is used in tanning;sometimes placed in genus Cassia
avarice|extreme greed for material wealth;reprehensible acquisitiveness;insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
avatar|the manifestation of a Hindu deity (especially Vishnu) in human or superhuman or animal form - "the Buddha is considered an avatar of the god Vishnu"
Ave Maria|a salutation to the Virgin Mary now used in prayers to her
Avena|oats
avenger|someone who takes vengeance
avens|any of various perennials of the genus Geum having usually pinnate basal leaves and variously colored flowers
avenue|a line of approach - "they explored every avenue they could think of" - "it promises to open new avenues to understanding";a wide street or thoroughfare
average|(sports) the ratio of successful performances to opportunities;a statistic describing the location of a distribution;an intermediate scale value regarded as normal or usual - "he is about average in height" - "the snowfall this month is below average"
average cost|total cost for all units bought (or produced) divided by the number of units
averageness|ordinariness as a consequence of being average and not outstanding;the state of being that is average;indicates normality but with connotations of mediocrity
Averrhoa|trees native to East Indies having pinnate leaves;carambolas
Averroes|Arabian philosopher born in Spain;wrote detailed commentaries on Aristotle that were admired by the Schoolmen (1126-1198)
aversion|the act of turning yourself (or your gaze) away
aversion therapy|any technique of behavior modification that uses unpleasant stimuli in a controlled fashion to alter behavior in a therapeutic way;primarily used for alcoholism or drug abuse (but with little success)
aversive conditioning|conditioning to avoid an aversive stimulus
aversive stimulus|any negative stimulus to which an organism will learn to make a response that avoids it
averting|the act of preventing something from occurring - "averting danger was his responsibility"
Aves|(ornithology) the class of birds
Avesta|a collection of Zoroastrian texts gathered during the 4th or 6th centuries
Avestan|an ancient Iranian language;the script in which the ancient Persian language of the Avesta is written
aviary|a building where birds are kept
aviation|the aggregation of a country's military aircraft;the art of operating aircraft;the operation of aircraft to provide transportation
aviator|someone who operates an aircraft
aviatrix|a woman aviator
Avicenna|Arabian physician and influential Islamic philosopher;his interpretation of Aristotle influenced St. Thomas Aquinas;writings on medicine were important for almost 500 years (980-1037)
Avicennia|small genus of tropical shrubs or trees
Avicenniaceae|used in some classifications;coextensive with the genus Avicennia
avifauna|the birds of a particular region or period
Avignon|a town in southeastern France on the Rhone River;the seat of the papacy from 1309 to 1378 and the residence of antipopes during the Great Schism
avionics|science and technology of electronic systems and devices for aeronautics and astronautics - "avionics has become even more important with the development of the space program"
avitaminosis|any of several diseases caused by deficiency of one or more vitamins
avo|100 avos equal 1 pataca in Macao
avocado|a pear-shaped tropical fruit with green or blackish skin and rich yellowish pulp enclosing a single large seed;tropical American tree bearing large pulpy green fruits
avocation|an auxiliary activity
avocet|long-legged web-footed black-and-white shorebird with slender upward-curving bill
Avogadro|Italian physicist noted for his work on gases;proposed what has come to be called Avogadro's law (1776-1856)
Avogadro's law|the principle that equal volumes of all gases (given the same temperature and pressure) contain equal numbers of molecules
Avogadro's number|the number of molecules in a mole of a substance (approximately 602,250,000,000,000,000,000,000)
avoidance|deliberately avoiding;keeping away from or preventing from happening
avoirdupois|a system of weights based on the 16-ounce pound (or 7,000 grains)
avoirdupois unit|any of the units of the avoirdupois system of weights
Avon|a county in southwestern England;a river in central England that flows through Stratford-on-Avon and empties into the Severn;a river in southwestern England rising in Gloucestershire and flowing through Bristol to empty into the estuary of the Severn
avowal|a statement asserting the existence or the truth of something
avower|someone who admits or acknowledges openly and boldly
avulsion|a forcible tearing or surgical separation of one body part from another;an abrupt change in the course of a stream that forms the boundary between two parcels of land resulting in the loss of part of the land of one landowner and a consequent increase in the land of another
awakening|the act of waking - "it was an early awakening"
award|a grant made by a law court - "he criticized the awarding of compensation by the court";a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction - "an award for bravery"
awareness|having knowledge of - "he had no awareness of his mistakes";state of elementary or undifferentiated consciousness - "the crash intruded on his awareness"
away game|a game played away from home
awayness|the state of being elsewhere than in particular place
awe|an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration - "he stared over the edge with a feeling of awe"
awfulness|a quality of extreme unpleasantness
awkwardness|the carriage of someone whose movements and posture are ungainly or inelegant;the inelegance of someone stiff and unrelaxed (as by embarrassment);the quality of an embarrassing situation - "he sensed the awkwardness of his proposal";trouble in carrying or managing caused by bulk or shape;unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training
awl|a pointed tool for marking surfaces or for punching small holes
awlwort|small aquatic plant having tufted awl-shaped leaves in a basal rosette and minute white flowers;circumboreal
awn|slender bristlelike appendage found on the bracts of grasses
awning|a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun
awnless bromegrass|drought-resistant perennial with awns lacking or very short and long creeping rhizomes;Europe and temperate Asia
AWOL|one who is away or absent without leave
ax|an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
ax handle|the handle of an ax
ax head|the cutting head of an ax
axial muscle|a skeletal muscle of the trunk or head
axial rotation|rotary motion of an object around its own axis - "wheels in axial rotation"
axial skeleton|the part of the skeleton that includes the skull and spinal column and sternum and ribs
axil|the upper angle between an axis and an offshoot such as a branch or leafstalk
axile placentation|ovules are borne at or around the center of a compound ovary on an axis formed from joined septa
axillary artery|the part of the main artery of the arm that lies in the armpit and is continuous with the subclavian artery above and the brachial artery below
axillary node|any of the lymph glands of the armpit;fights infections in the neck and chest and arm regions
axillary vein|a continuation of the basilic vein and brachial vein that becomes the subclavian vein
axiology|the study of values and value judgments
axiom|(logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof;its truth is assumed to be self-evident
axis|a straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions;the 2nd cervical vertebra;serves as a pivot for turning the head;the center around which something rotates;the main stem or central part about which plant organs or plant parts such as branches are arranged;in World War II the alliance of Germany and Italy in 1936 which later included Japan and other nations
axle|a shaft on which a wheel rotates
axle bar|an iron bar that serves as an axletree
axle grease|a thick heavy grease used to lubricate axles
axletree|a dead axle on a carriage or wagon that has terminal spindles on which the wheels revolve
axolemma|outer membrane covering an axon
axolotl|larval salamander of mountain lakes of Mexico that usually lives without metamorphosing
axon|long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron
axseed|European herb resembling vetch;naturalized in the eastern United States;having umbels of pink-and-white flowers and sharp-angled pods
ayah|(in India) a native nursemaid who looks after children
ayapana|low spreading tropical American shrub with long slender leaves used to make a mildly stimulating drink resembling tea;sometimes placed in genus Eupatorium
ayatollah|a high-ranking Shiite religious leader who is regarded as an authority on religious law and its interpretation and who has political power as well
aye-aye|nocturnal lemur with long bony fingers and rodent-like incisor teeth closely related to the lemurs
ayin|the 16th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Ayr|a port in southwestern Scotland
Ayrshire|hardy breed of dairy cattle from Ayr, Scotland
Aythya|canvasback;redhead;pochard;etc.
Ayurveda|(Sanskrit) an ancient medical treatise summarizing the Hindu art of healing and prolonging life;sometimes regarded as a 5th Veda
Az Zarqa|city in northwestern Jordan
Azadirachta|genus of large important East Indian trees;neem trees
azadirachtin|insecticide
azalea|any of numerous ornamental shrubs grown for their showy flowers of various colors
azathioprine|an immunosuppressive drug (trade name Imuran) used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ
Azerbaijan|a landlocked republic in southwestern Asia;formerly an Asian soviet
Azerbaijani|a native or inhabitant of Azerbaijan;the Turkic language spoken by the Azerbaijani
Azerbaijani monetary unit|monetary unit in Azerbaijan
Azeri|an ethnic group living in Azerbaijan
azide|a chemical compound containing the azido group combined with an element or radical
azido group|the univalent group N3- derived from hydrazoic acid
azimuth|the azimuth of a celestial body is the angle between the vertical plane containing it and the plane of the meridian
azithromycin|a systemic antibacterial medicine (trade name Zithromax) that is prescribed to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body
azo dye|any dye containing one or more azo groups
azo group|the bivalent group -N=N- united to two hydrocarbon groups
Azolla|a genus of fern sometimes placed in its own family Azollaceae
Azollaceae|used in some classifications for the genus Azolla
Azores|islands in the Atlantic Ocean belonging to Portugal - "the Azores are strategically located on transatlantic air and shipping routes"
azote|an obsolete name for nitrogen
azoturia|excess of urea in the urine
Aztec|a member of the Nahuatl people who established an empire in Mexico that was overthrown by Cortes in 1519
Aztecan|the Uto-Aztecan language spoken by the Aztec
aztreonam|an antibiotic (trade name Azactam) used against severe infections;has minimal side effects
azure|a light shade of blue
azure aster|a variety of aster
azurite|blue carbonate of copper;blue malachite
azygos vein|one of a system of veins that drain the thoracic and abdominal walls;arises as a continuation of the right ascending lumbar vein and terminates in the superior vena cava
azymia|absence of an enzyme
B|the 2nd letter of the Roman alphabet;the blood group whose red cells carry the B antigen
B battery|battery for supplying a constant positive voltage to the plate of a vacuum tube
B cell|a lymphocyte derived from bone marrow that provides humoral immunity;it recognizes free antigen molecules in solution and matures into plasma cells that secrete immunoglobulin (antibodies) that inactivate the antigens
B-52|United States military aircraft;B- stands for bomber
baa|the cry made by sheep
Baader Meinhof Gang|a radical left-wing revolutionary terrorist group active in Germany from 1968 until 1977
Baal|any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples;the Hebrews considered Baal a false god
baa-lamb|child's word for a sheep or lamb
baas|South African term for 'boss'
baba|a small cake leavened with yeast
baba au rhum|a baba soaked in rum
Babar|an imaginary elephant that appears in a series of French books for children
babassu|tall feather palm of northern Brazil with hard-shelled nuts yielding valuable oil and a kind of vegetable ivory
babassu nut|hard-shelled nut of the babassu palm
babassu oil|fatty oil from kernels of babassu nuts similar to coconut oil
Babbitt metal|an alloy of tin with some copper and antimony;a lining for bearings that reduces friction
babbitting|lining a surface or bearing with Babbitt metal
babble|gibberish resembling the sounds of a baby
babbler|any of various insectivorous Old World birds with a loud incessant song;in some classifications considered members of the family Muscicapidae
babel|a confusion of voices and other sounds
Babesiidae|piroplasms and cattle pathogens
Babinski|extension upward of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front;normal in infants under the age of two years but a sign of brain or spinal cord injury in older persons
babirusa|Indonesian wild pig with enormous curved canine teeth
babka|a coffee cake flavored with orange rind and raisins and almonds
baboon|large terrestrial monkeys having doglike muzzles
babu|used as a Hindi courtesy title;equivalent to English 'Mr'
babushka|a woman's headscarf folded into a triangle and tied under the chin;worn by Russian peasant women
baby|(slang) sometimes used as a term of address for attractive young women;a project of personal concern to someone - "this project is his baby";a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk - "the baby began to cry again" - "she held the baby in her arms" - "it sounds simple, but when you have your own baby it is all so different";a very young mammal - "baby rabbits";an unborn child;a human fetus - "I felt healthy and very feminine carrying the baby" - "it was great to feel my baby moving about inside";the youngest member of a group (not necessarily young) - "the baby of the family" - "the baby of the Supreme Court"
baby bed|a small bed for babies;enclosed by sides to prevent the baby from falling
baby blue-eyes|delicate California annual having blue flowers marked with dark spots
baby boom|the larger than expected generation in United States born shortly after World War II
baby boomer|a member of the baby boom generation in the 1950s - "they expanded the schools for a generation of baby boomers"
baby buggy|a small vehicle with four wheels in which a baby or child is pushed around
baby buster|a person born in the generation following the baby boom when the birth rate fell dramatically
baby doctor|a specialist in the care of babies
baby farmer|someone who runs an establishment that houses and cares for babies for a fee
baby grand|a small grand piano
baby oil|an ointment for babies
baby powder|powder used to prevent a baby's diaper from chafing
baby shoe|a shoe designed to be worn by infants
baby talk|an adult's imitation of the speech of a young child;the developing speech of a young child
Babylon|the chief city of ancient Mesopotamia and capital of the ancient kingdom of Babylonia
Babylonia|an ancient kingdom in southern Mesopotamia;Babylonia conquered Israel in the 6th century BC and exiled the Jews to Babylon (where Daniel became a counselor to the king)
Babylonian|an inhabitant of ancient Babylon;the ideographic and syllabic writing system in which the ancient Babylonian language was written
Babylonian Captivity|the deportation of the Jews to Babylonia by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC
babyminder|a person who looks after babies (usually in the person's own home) while the babys' parents are working
Babyrousa|a genus of Suidae
baby's breath|tall plant with small lance-shaped leaves and numerous tiny white or pink flowers
baby's tears|prostrate or creeping Corsican herb with moss-like small round short-stemmed leaves
babysitter|a person engaged to care for children when the parents are not home
babysitting|the work of a baby sitter;caring for children when their parents are not home
baccalaureate|a farewell sermon to a graduating class at their commencement ceremonies
baccarat|a card game played in casinos in which two or more punters gamble against the banker;the player wins who holds 2 or 3 cards that total closest to nine
bacchant|(classical mythology) a priest or votary of Bacchus;a drunken reveller;a devotee of Bacchus
bacchante|(classical mythology) a priestess or votary of Bacchus
Baccharis|shrubs of western hemisphere often having honey-scented flowers followed by silky thistlelike heads of tiny fruits;often used for erosion control
Bacchus|(classical mythology) god of wine;equivalent of Dionysus
Bach|German baroque organist and contrapuntist;composed mostly keyboard music;one of the greatest creators of western music (1685-1750);the music of Bach - "he played Bach on the organ"
bachelor|a man who has never been married
bachelor girl|a young unmarried woman who lives alone
Bachelor of Arts|a bachelor's degree in arts and sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Library Science|a bachelor's degree in library science
Bachelor of Arts in Nursing|a bachelor's degree in nursing
Bachelor of Divinity|a bachelor's degree in religion
Bachelor of Laws|a three-year law degree
Bachelor of Literature|a bachelor's degree in literature
Bachelor of Medicine|(a British degree) a bachelor's degree in medicine
Bachelor of Music|a bachelor's degree in music
Bachelor of Naval Science|a bachelor's degree in naval science
Bachelor of Science|a bachelor's degree in science
Bachelor of Science in Architecture|a bachelor's degree in architecture
Bachelor of Science in Engineering|a bachelor's degree in engineering
Bachelor of Theology|a bachelor's degree in theology
bachelor party|stag party held for a bachelor (usually on the night before he is married)
bachelorhood|the state of being an unmarried man;the time of a man's life prior to marriage
bachelor's degree|an academic degree conferred on someone who has successfully completed undergraduate studies
Bacillaceae|typically rod-shaped usually Gram-positive bacteria that produce endospores
Bacillariophyceae|marine and freshwater eukaryotic algae;diatoms
bacillus|aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium;often occurring in chainlike formations;found primarily in soil
Bacillus anthracis|a species of bacillus that causes anthrax in humans and in animals (cattle and swine and sheep and rabbits and mice and guinea pigs);can be used a bioweapon
Bacillus subtilis|a species of bacillus found in soil and decomposing organic matter;some strains produce antibiotics
bacitracin|a polypeptide antibiotic of known chemical structure effective against several types of Gram-positive organisms;usually applied locally
back|(American football) the position of a player on a football team who is stationed behind the line of scrimmage;(football) a person who plays in the backfield;a support that you can lean against while sitting - "the back of the dental chair was adjustable";the part of a garment that covers the back of your body - "they pinned a 'kick me' sign on his back";the part of something that is furthest from the normal viewer - "he stood at the back of the stage";the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine - "his back was nicely tanned"
back brace|a brace worn to support the back
back burner|reduced priority - "dozens of cases were put on the back burner"
back channel|an alternative to the regular channels of communication that is used when agreements must be made secretly (especially in diplomacy or government) - "they negotiated via a back channel"
back circle|a feat in which an acrobat arches the back from a prone position and bends the knees until the toes touch the head
back door|a secret or underhand means of access (to a place or a position) - "he got his job through the back door";an entrance at the rear of a building;an undocumented way to get access to a computer system or the data it contains
back exercise|exercise designed to strengthen the back muscles
back judge|a football official
back matter|written matter following the main text of a book
back of beyond|a very remote and inaccessible place - "you'd have to go to the back of beyond to find one of those"
back porch|a porch for the back door
back room|a room located in the rear of an establishment;usually accessible only to privileged groups
back tooth|a tooth situated at the back of the mouth
backache|an ache localized in the back
backband|a broad band that passes over the back of a horse and supports the shafts of a vehicle
backbeat|a loud steady beat
backbench|any of the seats occupied by backbenchers in the House of Commons
backbencher|a member of the House of Commons who is not a party leader
backbend|an acrobatic feat in which the trunk is bent backward from a standing position until the hands touch the floor
backblast|backfire from a recoilless weapon
backboard|a board used to support the back of someone or something;a raised vertical board with basket attached;used to play basketball - "he banked the shot off the backboard"
backbone|fortitude and determination;the part of a network that connects other networks together - "the backbone is the part of a communication network that carries the heaviest traffic"
backdrop|scenery hung at back of stage
backfield|the offensive football players who line up behind the linemen
backfire|a fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path;a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine;a miscalculation that recoils on its maker
backflow|a flow that returns toward its source
back-formation|a word invented (usually unwittingly by subtracting an affix) on the assumption that a familiar word derives from it
backgammon|a board game for two players;pieces move according to throws of the dice
backgammon board|the board on which backgammon is played
background|(computer science) the area of the screen in graphical user interfaces against which icons and windows appear;a person's social heritage;previous experience or training - "he is a lawyer with a sports background";extraneous signals that can be confused with the phenomenon to be observed or measured - "they got a bad connection and could hardly hear one another over the background signals";information that is essential to understanding a situation or problem - "the embassy filled him in on the background of the incident";relatively unimportant or inconspicuous accompanying situation - "when the rain came he could hear the sound of thunder in the background";the part of a scene (or picture) that lies behind objects in the foreground - "he posed her against a background of rolling hills"
background noise|extraneous noise contaminating sound measurements that cannot be separated from the desired signal
background processing|the execution of low priority programs while higher priority programs are not using the processing system
background radiation|radiation coming from sources other than those being observed
backgrounder|a press conference or interview in which a government official explains to reporters the background of an action or policy - "the secretary gave us a backgrounder on public health issues"
backhand|a return made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke
backhand drive|a hard straight return made on the backhand side
backhander|a backhanded blow
backhoe|an excavator whose shovel bucket is attached to a hinged boom and is drawn backward to move earth
backing|something forming a back that is added for strengthening;the act of providing approval and support - "his vigorous backing of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives"
backlash|an adverse reaction to some political or social occurrence - "there was a backlash of intolerance"
backlighting|lighting from behind
backlog|an accumulation of jobs not done or materials not processed that are yet to be dealt with (especially unfilled customer orders for products or services);the large log at the back of a hearth fire
backpack|a bag carried by a strap on your back or shoulder
backpacker|a hiker who wears a backpack
backpacking tent|a tent that can be carried in a backpack
backplate|plate armor protecting the back;worn as part of a cuirass
backroom|the meeting place of a group of leaders who make their decisions via private negotiations
backroom boy|an expert adviser involved in making important decisions but usually lacking official status
backsaw|a handsaw that is stiffened by metal reinforcement along the upper edge
backscratcher|a long-handled scratcher for scratching your back;someone who is willing to trade favors or services for mutual advantage
backseat|a seat at the back of a vehicle (especially the seat at the back of an automobile);a secondary or inferior position or status - "tennis has had to take a backseat while his work is so demanding"
backseat driver|a meddler who insists on giving unwanted advice
backslapper|someone who demonstrates enthusiastic or excessive cordiality
backsliding|a failure to maintain a higher state
backspace character|a control character that indicates moving a space to the left
backspace key|the typewriter key used for back spacing
backspin|spin (usually of a moving ball) that retards or reverses the forward motion
backstairs|a second staircase at the rear of a building
backstay|a stay that supports the back of something
backstitch|an overlapping stitch made by starting the next stitch at the middle of the preceding one
backstop|(baseball) a fence or screen (as behind home plate) to prevent the ball from traveling out of the playing field;a precaution in case of an emergency - "he acted as a backstop in case anything went wrong"
backstroke|a swimming stroke that resembles the crawl except the swimmer lies on his or her back
backstroker|someone who swims the backstroke
backswimmer|predaceous aquatic insect that swims on its back and may inflict painful bites
backsword|a sword with only one cutting edge
backup|(computer science) a copy of a file or directory on a separate storage device - "he made a backup in case the original was accidentally damaged or erased";an accumulation caused by clogging or a stoppage - "a traffic backup on the main street" - "he discovered a backup in the toilet"
backup file|(computer science) a computer file dedicated to storing and updating computer backups
backup system|a computer system for making backups
backwater|a body of water that was created by a flood or tide or by being held or forced back by a dam - "the bayous and backwaters are breeding grounds for mosquitos";a place or condition in which no development or progress is occurring - "the country is an economic backwater"
backwoods|a remote and undeveloped area
backyard|the grounds in back of a house
bacon|back and sides of a hog salted and dried or smoked;usually sliced thin and fried;English scientist and Franciscan monk who stressed the importance of experimentation;first showed that air is required for combustion and first used lenses to correct vision (1220-1292);English statesman and philosopher;precursor of British empiricism;advocated inductive reasoning (1561-1626)
bacon and eggs|eggs (fried or scrambled) served with bacon
bacon rind|the rind of bacon
bacon strip|a slice of bacon
bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich|sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce
bacteremia|transient presence of bacteria (or other microorganisms) in the blood
bacteria|(microbiology) single-celled or noncellular spherical or spiral or rod-shaped organisms lacking chlorophyll that reproduce by fission;important as pathogens and for biochemical properties;taxonomy is difficult;often considered to be plants
bacteria bed|layer of sand or gravel used to expose sewage effluent to air and the action of microorganisms
bacteria family|a family of bacteria
bacteria genus|a genus of bacteria
bacteria order|an order of bacteria
bacteria species|a species of bacteria
bacterial toxin|any endotoxin or exotoxin formed in or elaborated by bacterial cells
bactericide|any chemical agent that destroys bacteria
bacteriochlorophyll|a substance in photosensitive bacteria that is related to but different from chlorophyll of higher plants
bacteriologist|a biologist who studies bacteria
bacteriology|the branch of medical science that studies bacteria in relation to disease
bacteriolysis|dissolution or destruction of bacteria
bacteriophage|a virus that is parasitic (reproduces itself) in bacteria
bacteriostasis|inhibition of the growth of bacteria
bacteriostat|a chemical or biological material that inhibits bacterial growth
bacteroid|a rodlike bacterium (especially any of the rod-shaped or branched bacteria in the root nodules of nitrogen-fixing plants)
Bacteroidaceae|family of bacteria living usually in the alimentary canal or on mucous surfaces of warm-blooded animals;sometimes associated with acute infective processes
Bacteroides|type genus of Bacteroidaceae;genus of Gram-negative rodlike anaerobic bacteria producing no endospores and no pigment and living in the gut of man and animals
Bactrian camel|two-humped camel of the cold deserts of central Asia
bad|that which is below standard or expectations as of ethics or decency - "take the bad with the good"
bad block|(computer science) a block (usually one sector) that cannot reliably hold data
bad check|a check that is dishonored on presentation because of insufficient funds - "issuing a bad check is a form of larceny"
bad debt|a debt that is unlikely to be repaid
bad egg|(old-fashioned slang) a bad person
bad fairy|a fairy that tends to cause harm
bad guy|any person who is not on your side
Bad Lands|an eroded and barren region in southwestern South Dakota and northwestern Nebraska
bad luck|an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate - "if I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all"
bad manners|impoliteness resulting from ignorance
bad person|a person who does harm to others
bad temper|a persisting angry mood
bad weather|weather unsuitable for outdoor activities
Badaga|a member of an agricultural people of southern India;the dialect of Kannada that is spoken by the Badaga
baddeleyite|a mineral consisting of zirconium oxide
Bade|a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria
badge|an emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.) - "they checked everyone's badge before letting them in";any feature that is regarded as a sign of status (a particular power or quality or rank) - "wearing a tie was regarded as a badge of respectability"
badger|sturdy carnivorous burrowing mammal with strong claws;widely distributed in the northern hemisphere
badgering|the act of harassing someone
badinage|frivolous banter
badlands|deeply eroded barren land
Badlands National Park|a national park in South Dakota having multicolored peaks and spires resulting from erosion;fossil sites
badminton|a game played on a court with light long-handled rackets used to volley a shuttlecock over a net
badminton court|the court on which badminton is played
badminton equipment|equipment for playing the game of badminton
badminton racket|a light long-handled racket used by badminton players
badness|used of the degree of something undesirable e.g. pain or weather
baedeker|any of a series of travel guidebooks published by the German firm founded by Karl Baedeker;German publisher of a series of travel guidebooks (1801-1859)
Baffin Bay|a body of water between Greenland and northeastern Canada;connected with the Arctic Ocean to the north and with the Atlantic Ocean (via the Labrador Sea) to the south;icebound in winter
Baffin Island|the 5th largest island and the largest island of Arctic Canada;lies between Greenland and Hudson Bay
baffle|a flat plate that controls or directs the flow of fluid or energy
baffled|people who are frustrated and perplexed - "the children's faces clearly expressed the frustration of the baffled"
bag|a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women) - "she reached into her bag and found a comb";a flexible container with a single opening - "he stuffed his laundry into a large bag";a portable rectangular container for carrying clothes - "he carried his small bag onto the plane with him";an ugly or ill-tempered woman - "he was romancing the old bag for her money";the quantity of game taken in a particular period (usually by one person) - "his bag included two deer";the quantity that a bag will hold - "he ate a large bag of popcorn"
bag lady|a homeless woman who carries all her possessions with her in shopping bags
bag of tricks|a supply of ways of accomplishing something - "every good mechanic has a large bag of tricks"
bagasse|the dry dusty pulp that remains after juice is extracted from sugar cane or similar plants
bagassosis|alveolitis caused by inhaling bagasse (sugarcane dust)
bagatelle|a light piece of music for piano;a table game in which short cues are used to knock balls into holes that are guarded by wooden pegs;penalties are incurred if the pegs are knocked over;something of little value or significance
bagel|(Yiddish) glazed yeast-raised doughnut-shaped roll with hard crust
baggage|a worthless or immoral woman;cases used to carry belongings when traveling;the portable equipment and supplies of an army
baggage car|a railway car where passengers' bags are carried
baggage claim|an area in an airport where arriving passengers can collect the luggage that has been carried in the hold of the aircraft
baggageman|an attendant who takes care of baggage
bagger|a machine for putting objects or substances into bags
Baghdad|capital and largest city of Iraq;located on the Tigris River - "Baghdad is one of the great cities of the Muslim world"
bagman|a racketeer assigned to collect or distribute payoff money
bagpipe|a tubular wind instrument;the player blows air into a bag and squeezes it out through the drone
baguet|narrow French stick loaf
Bahai|a teacher of or believer in Bahaism
Bahaism|a religion founded in Iran in 1863;emphasizes the spiritual unity of all humankind;incorporates Christian and Islamic tenets;many adherents live in the United States - "Bahaism has no public rituals or sacraments and praying is done in private"
Bahamas|island country in the Atlantic to the east of Florida and Cuba;a popular winter resort
Bahamian|a native or inhabitant of the Bahamas
Bahamian dollar|the basic unit of money in the Bahamas
Bahia Blanca|a port city in eastern Argentina to the southwest of Buenos Aires on an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean
Bahia grass|perennial tropical American grass used as pasture grass in arid areas of the Gulf States
Bahrain|an island country in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia;oil revenues funded progressive programs until reserves were exhausted in 1970s;an island in the Persian Gulf
Bahrain dinar|the basic unit of money in Bahrain;equal to 1,000 fils
Bahraini|a native or inhabitant of Bahrain
Bahrainian monetary unit|monetary unit in Bahrain
baht|the basic unit of money in Thailand
Bai|the Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Dali region of Yunnan
Baikal|the largest freshwater lake in Asia or Europe and the deepest lake in the world
bail|(criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial - "the judge set bail at $10,000";the legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial) - "he is out on bail"
bailee|the agent to whom property involved in a bailment is delivered
Bailey|English lexicographer who was the first to treat etymology consistently;his work was used as a reference by Samuel Johnson (died in 1742);United States singer (1918-1990);the outer courtyard of a castle;the outer defensive wall that surrounds the outer courtyard of a castle
Bailey bridge|a temporary bridge designed for rapid construction
bailiff|an officer of the court who is employed to execute writs and processes and make arrests etc.
bailiffship|the office of bailiff
bailiwick|the area over which a bailiff has jurisdiction
bailment|the delivery of personal property in trust by the bailor to the bailee
bailor|the person who delivers personal property (goods or money) in trust to the bailee in a bailment
bain-marie|a large pan that is filled with hot water;smaller pans containing food can be set in the larger pan to keep food warm or to cook food slowly
Baiomys|pygmy mice
Bairava|epithet of Siva - "the terrible Bairava"
Bairdiella|drumfish
bairn|a child;son or daughter
Baisakh|the second month of the Hindu calendar
bait|anything that serves as an enticement;something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed
bait and switch|a deceptive way of selling that involves advertising a product at a very low price in order to attract customers who are then persuaded to switch to a more expensive product
bait casting|the single-handed rod casting of a relatively heavy (artificial) bait
baiting|harassment especially of a tethered animal
baiza|1,000 baiza equal 1 riyal-omani in Oman
baize|a bright green fabric napped to resemble felt;used to cover gaming tables
baked Alaska|cake covered with ice cream and meringue browned quickly in an oven
baked goods|foods (like breads and cakes and pastries) that are cooked in an oven
baked potato|potato that has been cooked by baking it in an oven
Bakelite|a thermosetting plastic used as electric insulators and for making plastic ware and telephone receivers etc.
baker|someone who bakes bread or cake;someone who bakes commercially
baker's eczema|allergic eczema caused by flour or other ingredients handled by bakers
baker's yeast|used as a leaven in baking and brewing
Bakersfield|a city in south central California at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley
bakery|a workplace where baked goods (breads and cakes and pastries) are produced or sold
baking|cooking by dry heat in an oven;making bread or cake or pastry etc.
baking powder|any of various powdered mixtures used in baking as a substitute for yeast
baking-powder biscuit|leavened with baking powder
Bakke decision|a ruling by the Supreme Court on affirmative action;the Court ruled in 1978 that medical schools are entitled to consider race as a factor in their admission policy
baklava|rich Middle Eastern cake made of thin layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and honey
Baku|a port city on the Caspian Sea that is the capital of Azerbaijan and an important center for oil production
Bakunin|Russian anarchist;ally and later opponent of Karl Marx (1814-1876)
balaclava|a cap that is close-fitting and woolen and covers all of the head but the face
Balaena|type genus of the Balaenidae;Greenland whales
Balaeniceps|type genus of the Balaenicipitidae;shoebills
Balaenicipitidae|shoebills
Balaenidae|right whales
Balaenoptera|type genus of the Balaenopteridae
Balaenopteridae|rorquals;blue whales
balagan|a word for chaos or fiasco borrowed from modern Hebrew (where it is a loan word from Russian) - "it was utter and complete balagan!"
balalaika|a stringed instrument that has a triangular body and three strings
balance|a scale for weighing;depends on pull of gravity;a state of equilibrium;equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account;equality of distribution;the difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
balance beam|a gymnastic apparatus used by women gymnasts
balance of payments|a system of recording all of a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world over a period of one year - "a favorable balance of payments exists when more payments are coming in than going out"
balance of power|an equilibrium of power between nations
balance of trade|the difference in value over a period of time of a country's imports and exports of merchandise - "a nation's balance of trade is favorable when its exports exceed its imports"
balance sheet|a record of the financial situation of an institution on a particular date by listing its assets and the claims against those assets
balance wheel|a wheel that regulates the rate of movement in a machine;especially a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece to regulate its beat
balanced budget|a budget is balanced when current expenditures are equal to receipts
balanced diet|a diet that contains adequate amounts of all the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth and activity
balance-of-payments problem|an economic problem caused by payments for imports being greater than receipts for exports
balancer|an acrobat who balances himself in difficult positions
Balanchine|United States dancer and choreographer (born in Russia) noted for his abstract and formal works (1904-1983)
Balanidae|stalkless barnacles
balanitis|inflammation of the head of the penis
balanoposthitis|inflammation of both the head of the penis and the foreskin
Balanus|type genus of the family Balanidae
Balarama|elder brother of Krishna;an incarnation of Vishnu
balas|a pale rose-colored variety of the ruby spinel
balata|a tropical hardwood tree yielding balata gum and heavy red timber;when dried yields a hard substance used e.g. in golf balls
Balaton|a large shallow lake in western Hungary
Balboa|Spanish explorer who in 1513 crossed the Isthmus of Darien and became the first European to see the eastern shores of the Pacific Ocean (1475-1519);the basic unit of money in Panama;equal to 100 centesimos
balbriggan|a cotton knit fabric used for underwear
balcony|a platform projecting from the wall of a building and surrounded by a balustrade or railing or parapet;an upper floor projecting from the rear over the main floor in an auditorium
bald cypress|common cypress of southeastern United States having trunk expanded at base;found in coastal swamps and flooding river bottoms
bald eagle|a large eagle of North America that has a white head and dark wings and body
baldachin|ornamented canopy supported by columns or suspended from a roof or projected from a wall (as over an altar)
Balder|(Norse mythology) god of light and peace and noted for his beauty and sweet nature;son of Odin and Frigg and husband of Nanna;killed by Hoth
balderdash|trivial nonsense
bald-faced hornet|North American hornet
baldhead|a person whose head is bald
baldness|the condition of having no hair on the top of the head
baldric|a wide (ornamented) belt worn over the right shoulder to support a sword or bugle by the left hip
Baldwin|an American eating apple with red or yellow and red skin;English statesman;member of the Conservative Party (1867-1947);United States author who was an outspoken critic of racism (1924-1987)
bale|a large bundle bound for storage or transport
Balearic Islands|an archipelago in the western Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain
baleen whale|whale with plates of whalebone along the upper jaw for filtering plankton from the water
Balenciaga|Spanish fashion designer known for his stark elegant designs (1895-1972)
Balfour|English statesman;member of the Conservative Party (1848-1930)
Bali|an island in Indonesia to the east of Java;striking volcanic scenery;culture is known for elaborate dances and rituals and for handicrafts
Balinese|the Indonesian language of the people of Bali
baling wire|wire used to make bales
Balistes|type genus of the Balistidae
Balistidae|triggerfishes
balk|an illegal pitching motion while runners are on base;the area on a billiard table behind the balkline - "a player with ball in hand must play from the balk"
Balkan|an inhabitant of the Balkan Peninsula
Balkan country|any one of the countries on the Balkan Peninsula
Balkan Peninsula|a large peninsula in southeastern Europe containing the Balkan Mountain Range
Balkan Wars|two wars (1912-1913) that were fought over the last of the European territories of the Ottoman Empire and that left the area around Constantinople (now Istanbul) as the only Ottoman territory in Europe
Balkans|the Balkan countries collectively;the major mountain range of Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula
balker|a person who refuses to comply
balkiness|likely to stop abruptly and unexpectedly
balkline|line across a billiard table behind which the cue balls are placed at the start of a game
ball|a compact mass - "a ball of mud caught him on the shoulder";a lavish dance requiring formal attire;a more or less rounded anatomical body or mass - "the ball at the base of the thumb" - "he stood on the balls of his feet";a pitch that is not in the strike zone - "he threw nine straight balls before the manager yanked him";a spherical object used as a plaything - "he played with his rubber ball in the bathtub";an object with a spherical shape - "a ball of fire";round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games - "the ball travelled 90 mph on his serve" - "the mayor threw out the first ball" - "the ball rolled into the corner pocket";the game of baseball;the people assembled at a lavish formal dance - "the ball was already emptying out before the fire alarm sounded";United States comedienne best known as the star of a popular television program (1911-1989)
ball and chain|heavy iron ball attached to a prisoner by a chain
ball bearing|bearings containing small metal balls
ball boy|a boy who retrieves balls for tennis players
ball carrier|(football) the player who is carrying (and trying to advance) the ball on an offensive play
ball cartridge|a general purpose cartridge having a primer and a ball and a full charge of powder
ball field|the baseball playing field
ball game|a field game played with a ball (especially baseball)
ball gown|the most formal gown;worn to a ball
ball hawk|a team athlete who is skilled at stealing or catching the ball
ball hawking|a skillful maneuver in catching balls or in stealing the ball from the opposing team
ball valve|any valve that checks flow by the seating of a ball
ballad|a narrative poem of popular origin;a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
ballade|a poem consisting of 3 stanzas and an envoy
ball-and-socket joint|a freely moving joint in which a sphere on the head of one bone fits into a rounded cavity in the other bone;a joint that can rotate within a socket
ballast|an attribute that tends to give stability in character and morals;something that steadies the mind or feelings;an electrical device for starting and regulating fluorescent and discharge lamps;any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship;coarse gravel laid to form a bed for streets and railroads
ballast resistor|a resistor inserted into a circuit to compensate for changes (as those arising from temperature fluctuations)
ball-buster|a demanding woman who destroys men's confidence;a job or situation that is demanding and arduous and punishing
ballcock|floating ball that controls level in a water tank
balldress|a suit or dress for formal occasions
ballerina|a female ballet dancer
ballet|a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers;music written for a ballet
ballet company|a company that produces ballets
ballet dancer|a trained dancer who is a member of a ballet company
ballet master|a man who directs and teaches and rehearses dancers for a ballet company
ballet mistress|a woman who directs and teaches and rehearses dancers for a ballet company
ballet position|classical position of the body and especially the feet in ballet
ballet skirt|very short skirt worn by ballerinas
balletomane|a ballet enthusiast
balletomania|extraordinary enthusiasm for ballets
ballgame|a particular situation that is radically different from the preceding situation - "HDTV looks the same but it's really a whole new ballgame"
ballistic galvanometer|a moving-coil galvanometer that measures electric charge
ballistic identification|identification of the gun that fired a bullet from an analysis of the unique marks that every gun makes on the bullet it fires and on the shell ejected from it
ballistic missile|a missile that is guided in the first part of its flight but falls freely as it approaches target
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization|an agency in the Department of Defense that is responsible for making ballistic missile defense a reality
ballistic pendulum|a physical pendulum consisting of a large mass suspended from a rod;when it is struck by a projectile its displacement is used to measure the projectile's velocity
ballistics|the science of flight dynamics;the trajectory of an object in free flight
ballistocardiogram|a graphical recording made by a ballistocardiograph
ballistocardiograph|a medical instrument that measures the mechanical force of cardiac contractions and the amount of blood passing through the heart during a specified period by measuring the recoil of the body as blood is pumped from the ventricles
balloon|large tough nonrigid bag filled with gas or heated air;small thin inflatable rubber bag with narrow neck
balloon bomb|a bomb carried by a balloon - "In World War II the Japanese launched balloon bombs against North America"
balloon flower|fragrant puffed-up white to reddish-pink flowers in long narrow clusters on erect stems;Arizona to New Mexico and Utah
balloon sail|any light loose sail
balloon vine|woody perennial climbing plant with large ornamental seed pods that resemble balloons;tropical India and Africa and America
balloonfish|similar to but smaller than porcupinefish
ballooning|flying in a balloon
balloonist|someone who flies a balloon
ballot|a document listing the alternatives that is used in voting
ballot box|a box where voters deposit their ballots
Ballota|perennial herbs or subshrubs of especially Mediterranean area;black horehound
ballottement|a palpatory technique for feeling a floating object in the body (especially for determining the position of a fetus by feeling the rebound of the fetus after a quick digital tap on the wall of the uterus)
ballpark|a facility in which ball games are played (especially baseball games) - "take me out to the ballpark"
ball-peen hammer|a hammer with one round and one flat end;used in working metal
ballplayer|an athlete who plays baseball
ballpoint|a pen that has a small metal ball as the point of transfer of ink to paper
ballroom|large room used mainly for dancing
ballroom dancing|any of a variety of social dances performed by couples in a ballroom
ballup|something badly botched or muddled
ballyhoo|blatant or sensational promotion
balm|any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing
balm of Gilead|a fragrant oleoresin;small evergreen tree of Africa and Asia;leaves have a strong aromatic odor when bruised
balminess|the quality of weather that is deliciously mild and soothing - "the day's heat faded into balminess"
Balmoral|a brimless dark blue Scottish cap with a flat top and a plume on one side;a sturdy laced walking shoe
Balmoral Castle|a castle in northeastern Scotland that is a private residence of the British sovereign
Balochi|an Iranian language spoken in Pakistan and Iran and Afghanistan and Russia and the Persian gulf
baloney|pretentious or silly talk or writing
balsa|forest tree of lowland Central America having a strong very light wood;used for making floats and rafts and in crafts;strong lightweight wood of the balsa tree used especially for floats
balsa raft|a light raft made of balsa
balsam|an ointment containing a fragrant resin;any of various fragrant oleoresins used in medicines and perfumes;any seed plant yielding balsam
balsam apple|a tropical Old World flowering vine with red or orange warty fruit
balsam fir|medium-sized fir of northeastern North America;leaves smell of balsam when crushed;much used for pulpwood and Christmas trees
balsam of Peru|dark brown syrupy balsam from the Peruvian balsam tree used especially in dressing wounds and treating certain skin diseases
balsam pear|tropical Old World vine with yellow-orange fruit
balsam poplar|poplar of northeastern North America with broad heart-shaped leaves
balsam willow|small shrubby tree of eastern North America having leaves exuding an odor of balsam when crushed
balsam woolly aphid|a variety of adelgid
Balsaminaceae|distinguished from the family Geraniaceae by the irregular flowers
Balsamorhiza|genus of coarse western American herbs with large roots containing an aromatic balsam
balsamroot|a plant of the genus Balsamorhiza having downy leaves in a basal rosette and yellow flowers and long balsam-scented taproots
Balthazar|(New Testament) one of the three sages from the east who came bearing gifts for the infant Jesus
Baltic|a branch of the Indo-European family of languages related to the Slavonic languages;Baltic languages have preserved many archaic features that are believed to have existed in Proto-Indo European;a sea in northern Europe;stronghold of the Russian navy
Baltic State|European countries bordering the Baltic Sea
Baltic-Finnic|a group of Finnic languages including Finnish and Estonian
Baltimore|the largest city in Maryland;a major seaport and industrial center
Baltimore oriole|eastern subspecies of northern oriole
Balto-Slavic|a family of Indo-European languages including the Slavic and Baltic languages
baluster|one of a number of closely spaced supports for a railing
Balzac|French novelist;he portrays the complexity of 19th century French society (1799-1850)
Bam|an ancient city in southeastern Iran;destroyed by an earthquake in 2003
Bamako|the capital of Mali;located in the south on the Niger
bamboo|the hard woody stems of bamboo plants;used in construction and crafts and fishing poles;woody tropical grass having hollow woody stems;mature canes used for construction and furniture
bamboo curtain|an ideological barrier around communist China especially in the 1950s and 1960s
bamboo fern|fast-growing sturdy Japanese fern;cultivated for their attractive broad dark-green pinnate fronds
bamboo palm|a palm of the genus Raffia
bamboo shoot|edible young shoots of bamboo
Bambusa|tall tender clumping bamboos
Bambuseae|bamboos
ban|100 bani equal 1 leu in Moldova;100 bani equal 1 leu in Romania;an official prohibition or edict against something
banana|any of several tropical and subtropical treelike herbs of the genus Musa having a terminal crown of large entire leaves and usually bearing hanging clusters of elongated fruits;elongated crescent-shaped yellow fruit with soft sweet flesh
banana boat|a ship designed to transport bananas
banana bread|moist bread containing banana pulp
banana oil|a liquid ester derived from amyl alcohol;has the odor of bananas
banana passion fruit|cultivated for fruit
banana peel|the skin of a banana (especially when it is stripped off and discarded)
banana quit|any of several honeycreepers
banana republic|a small country (especially in Central America) that is politically unstable and whose economy is dominated by foreign companies and depends on one export (such as bananas)
banana split|a banana split lengthwise and topped with scoops of ice cream and sauces and nuts and whipped cream
band|a driving belt in machinery;a range of frequencies between two limits;a restraint put around something to hold it together;a strip of material attached to the leg of a bird to identify it (as in studies of bird migration);a stripe or stripes of contrasting color - "chromosomes exhibit characteristic bands" - "the black and yellow banding of bees and wasps";a thin flat strip of flexible material that is worn around the body or one of the limbs (especially to decorate the body);a thin flat strip or loop of flexible material that goes around or over something else, typically to hold it together or as a decoration;an adornment consisting of a strip of a contrasting color or material;instrumentalists not including string players
band aid|hurried repair;trade name for an adhesive bandage to cover small cuts or blisters
bandage|a piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body
bandanna|large and brightly colored handkerchief;often used as a neckerchief
bandbox|a light cylindrical box for holding light articles of attire (especially hats)
banded gecko|any of several geckos with dark bands across the body and differing from typical geckos in having movable eyelids;of United States southwest and Florida Gulf Coast
banded krait|sluggish krait banded with black and yellow
banded palm civet|an East Indian civet
banded purple|North American butterfly with blue-black wings crossed by a broad white band
banded sand snake|a sand snake of southwestern United States;lives in fine to coarse sand or loamy soil in which it 'swims';banding resembles that of coral snakes
banded stilt|web-footed Australian stilt with reddish-brown pectoral markings
banderilla|a decorated dart that is implanted in the neck or shoulders of the bull during a bull fight
banderillero|the bullfighter who implants decorated darts (banderillas) into the neck or shoulders of the bull during a bull fight
bandicoot|any of various agile ratlike terrestrial marsupials of Australia and adjacent islands;insectivorous and herbivorous
bandicoot rat|burrowing scaly-tailed rat of India and Ceylon
bandit|an armed thief who is (usually) a member of a band
banditry|the practice of plundering in gangs
bandleader|the leader of a dance band
bandmaster|the conductor of a band
bandoleer|a broad cartridge belt worn over the shoulder by soldiers
bandoneon|a type of concertina popular in South America
bandsaw|an endless saw consisting of a toothed metal band that is driven around two wheels
bandsman|a player in a band (especially a military band)
bandstand|a platform where a (brass) band can play in the open air
band-tailed pigeon|wild pigeon of western North America;often mistaken for the now extinct passenger pigeon
Bandung|a city in Indonesia;located on western Java (southeast of Jakarta);a resort known for its climate
bandwagon|a large ornate wagon for carrying a musical band - "the gaudy bandwagon led the circus parade";a popular trend that attracts growing support - "when they saw how things were going everybody jumped on the bandwagon"
bandwagon effect|the phenomenon of a popular trend attracting even greater popularity - "in periods of high merger activity there is a bandwagon effect with more and more firms seeking to engage in takeover activity" - "polls are accused of creating a bandwagon effect to benefit their candidate"
bandwidth|a data transmission rate;the maximum amount of information (bits/second) that can be transmitted along a channel
bane|something causing misery or death - "the bane of my life"
baneberry|a plant of the genus Actaea having acrid poisonous berries;a poisonous berry of a plant of the genus Actaea
Banff|a popular vacation spot in the Canadian Rockies
bang|a border of hair that is cut short and hangs across the forehead;a sudden very loud noise;the swift release of a store of affective force - "they got a great bang out of it"
Bangalore|an industrial city in south central India (west of Chennai)
bangalore torpedo|a metal pipe filled with explosive, used to detonate land mines or to clear a path through barbed wire
banger|(British informal) pork sausage
Bangiaceae|a family of protoctist
banging|a continuing very loud noise
Bangkok|the capital and largest city and chief port of Thailand;a leading city in southeastern Asia;noted for Buddhist architecture
Bangladesh|a Muslim republic in southern Asia bordered by India to the north and west and east and the Bay of Bengal to the south;formerly part of India and then part of Pakistan;it achieved independence in 1971
Bangladeshi|a native or inhabitant of Bangladesh
Bangladeshi monetary unit|monetary unit in Bangladesh
bangle|cheap showy jewelry or ornament on clothing
Bangor|a town in east central Maine on the Penobscot River;a town in southeastern Northern Ireland;a university town in northwestern Wales on the Menai Strait
Bangui|the capital and largest city of the Central African Republic
banishment|rejection by means of an act of banishing or proscribing someone;the state of being banished or ostracized (excluded from society by general consent)
banjo|a stringed instrument of the guitar family that has long neck and circular body
Banjul|a port city and capital of Gambia
bank|a building in which the business of banking transacted - "the bank is on the corner of Nassau and Witherspoon";a flight maneuver;aircraft tips laterally about its longitudinal axis (especially in turning) - "the plane went into a steep bank";a long ridge or pile - "a huge bank of earth";a slope in the turn of a road or track;the outside is higher than the inside in order to reduce the effects of centrifugal force;a supply or stock held in reserve for future use (especially in emergencies);an arrangement of similar objects in a row or in tiers - "he operated a bank of switches";sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water) - "they pulled the canoe up on the bank" - "he sat on the bank of the river and watched the currents";the funds held by a gambling house or the dealer in some gambling games - "he tried to break the bank at Monte Carlo"
bank account|a fund that a customer has entrusted to a bank and from which the customer can make withdrawals - "he moved his bank account to a new bank"
bank card|a credit card issued by a bank
bank charter|a charter authorizing the operation of a bank
bank closing|act of closing down a bank because of a fiscal emergency or failure
bank commissioner|a commissioner appointed to supervise banks;a state superintendent of banks
bank draft|a draft drawn by a bank against funds deposited in another bank
bank examination|an examination of the affairs and records of a bank by a state or federal bank examiner
bank examiner|an examiner appointed to audit the accounts of banks in a given jurisdiction
bank failure|the inability of a bank to meet its credit obligations
bank gravel|gravel as found in natural deposits
bank guard|a security guard at a bank
bank holding company|a holding company owning or controlling one or more banks
bank holiday|any of several weekdays when banks are closed;a legal holiday in Britain
bank identification number|an identification number consisting of a two-part code assigned to banks and savings associations;the first part shows the location and the second identifies the bank itself
bank loan|a loan made by a bank;to be repaid with interest on or before a fixed date
bank manager|manager of a branch office of a bank
bank martin|swallow of the northern hemisphere that nests in tunnels dug in clay or sand banks
Bank of England|the central bank of England and Wales
Bank of Japan|the central bank of Japan
bank rate|the discount rate fixed by a central bank
bank robber|a robber of banks
bank run|the concerted action of depositors who try to withdraw their money from a bank because they think it will fail
bank shot|a basketball shot that bounces off of the backboard before passing through the hoop
bank statement|a periodic statement prepared by a bank for each client - "I wish my bank statement arrived earlier in the month"
bank withdrawal|the withdrawal of money from your account at a bank
bankbook|a record of deposits and withdrawals and interest held by depositors at certain banks
bank-depositor relation|the responsibility of a bank to act in the best interests of the depositors
banker|a financier who owns or is an executive in a bank;the person in charge of the bank in a gambling game
Bankhead|uninhibited United States actress (1903-1968)
Bankia|giant shipworms
banking|engaging in the business of keeping money for savings and checking accounts or for exchange or for issuing loans and credit etc.;transacting business with a bank;depositing or withdrawing funds or requesting a loan etc.
banking game|any gambling game in which bets are laid against the gambling house or the dealer
banking industry|banks collectively
bankroll|a roll of currency notes (often taken as the resources of a person or business etc.)
bankrupt|someone who has insufficient assets to cover their debts
bankruptcy|a legal process intended to insure equality among the creditors of a corporation declared to be insolvent;a state of complete lack of some abstract property - "spiritual bankruptcy" - "moral bankruptcy" - "intellectual bankruptcy";inability to discharge all your debts as they come due - "the company had to declare bankruptcy"
Banks|English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)
banksia|any shrub or tree of the genus Banksia having alternate leathery leaves apetalous yellow flowers often in showy heads and conelike fruit with winged seeds
banksia rose|Chinese evergreen climbing rose with yellow or white single flowers
banner|long strip of cloth or paper used for decoration or advertising
banning-order|an order that bans something
bannister|a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling;English runner who in 1954 became the first person to run a mile in less than four minutes (born in 1929)
bannock|a flat bread made of oat or barley flour;common in New England and Scotland
Bannockburn|a battle in which the Scots under Robert the Bruce defeated the English and assured the independence of Scotland
banns|a public announcement of a proposed marriage
banquet|a ceremonial dinner party for many people;a meal that is well prepared and greatly enjoyed - "a banquet for the graduating seniors"
banquette|an upholstered bench
banshee|(Irish folklore) a female spirit who wails to warn of impending death
bantam|any of various small breeds of fowl
bantamweight|an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 119 pounds;weighs 115-126 pounds
banteng|wild ox of the Malay Archipelago
banter|light teasing repartee
Banting|Canadian physiologist who discovered insulin with C. H. Best and who used it to treat diabetes(1891-1941)
Banti's disease|a disease characterized by congestion and enlargement of the spleen;accompanied by anemia or cirrhosis
Bantu|a family of languages widely spoken in the southern half of the African continent;a member of any of a large number of linguistically related peoples of Central and South Africa
banyan|a loose fitting jacket;originally worn in India;East Indian tree that puts out aerial shoots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks
banzai|a Japanese cheer of enthusiasm or triumph
banzai attack|a mass attack of troops without concern for casualties;originated by Japanese who accompanied it with yells of 'banzai'
baobab|African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread
bap|a small loaf or roll of soft bread
Baphia|small genus of shrubs and lianas and trees of Africa and Madagascar
Baptisia|genus of North American plants with showy flowers and an inflated pod
baptism|a Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth - "most churches baptize infants but some insist on adult baptism"
baptismal font|bowl for baptismal water
Baptist|follower of Baptistic doctrines
Baptist Church|any of various evangelical Protestant churches that believe in the baptism of voluntary believers
Baptist denomination|group of Baptist congregations
Baptistic doctrine|any of various doctrines closely related to Anabaptism
bar|(law) a railing that encloses the part of the courtroom where the judges and lawyers sit and the case is tried - "spectators were not allowed past the bar";(meteorology) a unit of pressure equal to a million dynes per square centimeter - "unfortunately some writers have used bar for one dyne per square centimeter";a counter where you can obtain food or drink - "he bought a hot dog and a coke at the bar";a heating element in an electric fire - "an electric fire with three bars";a horizontal rod that serves as a support for gymnasts as they perform exercises;a rigid piece of metal or wood;usually used as a fastening or obstruction or weapon - "there were bars in the windows to prevent escape";a submerged (or partly submerged) ridge in a river or along a shore - "the boat ran aground on a submerged bar in the river";an obstruction (usually metal) placed at the top of a goal - "it was an excellent kick but the ball hit the bar"
bar bit|a bit for horses that is a solid bar of metal
bar chart|a chart with bars whose lengths are proportional to quantities
bar code|code consisting of a series of vertical bars of variable width that are scanned by a laser;printed on consumer product packages to identify the item for a computer that provides the price and registers inventory information
bar examination|an examination conducted at regular intervals to determine whether a candidate is qualified to practice law in a given jurisdiction - "applicants may qualify to take the New York bar examination by graduating from an approved law school"
bar fly|a drinker who frequents bars
bar line|a vertical line before the accented beat marking the boundary between musical bars
bar magnet|a magnet in the form of a bar with magnetic poles at each end
bar mask|a catcher's mask with bars
bar mitzvah|(Judaism) an initiation ceremony marking the 13th birthday of a Jewish boy and signifying the beginning of religious responsibility - "a bar mitzvah is an important social event"
bar printer|an impact printer that uses a bar to carry the type slugs
bar sinister|a mark of bastardy;lines from top right to bottom left
bar soap|soap in the form of a bar
Baraka|United States writer of poems and plays about racial conflict (born in 1934)
Barany|Austrian physician who developed a rotational method for testing the middle ear (1876-1936)
barb|a subsidiary point facing opposite from the main point that makes an arrowhead or spear hard to remove;one of the parallel filaments projecting from the main shaft of a feather;the pointed part of barbed wire
Barbadian|a native or inhabitant of Barbados
Barbados|a parliamentary democracy on the island of Barbados;former British colony;a popular resort area;easternmost of the West Indies about 300 miles to the north of Venezuela
barbados cherry|tropical American shrub bearing edible acid red fruit resembling cherries
Barbados dollar|the basic unit of money in Barbados
Barbados gooseberry|small yellow to orange fruit of the Barbados gooseberry cactus used in desserts and preserves and jellies;West Indian woody climber with spiny stems and numerous fragrant white flowers in panicles followed by small yellow to orange fruits
Barbarea|biennial or perennial herbs of north temperate regions;winter cress
barbarization|an act that makes people primitive and uncivilized
Barbarossa|Barbary pirate (died in 1546)
Barbary|a region of northern Africa on the Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Gibraltar;was used as a base for pirates from the 16th to 19th centuries
Barbary ape|tailless macaque of rocky cliffs and forests of northwestern Africa and Gibraltar
Barbary Coast|a part of a city that is notorious for gambling dens and brothels and saloons and riotous night life (especially the waterfront of San Francisco after the gold rush of 1849) - "we'll tolerate no Barbary Coast in this city!";the Mediterranean coast of northern Africa that was famous for its Moorish pirates
barbasco|West Indian shrub or small tree having leathery saponaceous leaves and extremely hard wood
barbecue|a cookout in which food is cooked over an open fire;especially a whole animal carcass roasted on a spit;a rack to hold meat for cooking over hot charcoal usually out of doors;meat that has been barbecued or grilled in a highly seasoned sauce
barbecue pit|a pit where wood or charcoal is burned to make a bed of hot coals suitable for barbecuing meat
barbecue sauce|spicy sweet and sour sauce usually based on catsup or chili sauce
barbecued spareribs|baked or roasted with a spicy sauce
barbecued wing|chicken wings cooked in barbecue sauce
barbecuing|roasting a large piece of meat on a revolving spit out of doors over an open fire
barbed wire|strong wire with barbs at regular intervals used to prevent passage
barbel|slender tactile process on the jaws of a fish
barbell|a bar to which heavy discs are attached at each end;used in weightlifting
barber|a hairdresser who cuts hair and shaves beards as a trade;United States composer (1910-1981)
barber chair|a large fixed adjustable chair in which barbers seat their customers
barberry|any of numerous plants of the genus Berberis having prickly stems and yellow flowers followed by small red berries
barber's pole|striped pole outside a barbershop
barbershop|a shop where men can get their hair cut
barbershop quartet|an unaccompanied quartet of (usually male) voices singing sentimental songs in four-part harmony
Barberton daisy|widely cultivated South African perennial having flower heads with orange to flame-colored rays
barbet|small brightly colored stout-billed tropical bird having short weak wings
barbette|(formerly) a mound of earth inside a fort from which heavy gun can be fired over the parapet
barbette carriage|a gun carriage elevated so that the gun can be fired over the parapet
barbican|a tower that is part of a defensive structure (such as a castle)
barbital|a barbiturate used as a hypnotic
barbiturate|organic compound having powerful soporific effect;overdose can be fatal
barbituric acid|a white crystalline acid derived from pyrimidine;used in preparing barbiturate drugs
barbu|found along western Atlantic coast
Barbuda|an island in Antigua and Barbuda
barcarole|a boating song sung by Venetian gondoliers
Barcelona|a city in northeastern Spain on the Mediterranean;2nd largest Spanish city and the largest port and commercial center;has been a center for radical political beliefs
bard|a lyric poet;an ornamental caparison for a horse
Bardeen|United States physicist who won the Nobel prize for physics twice (1908-1991)
bardolatry|the idolization of William Shakespeare
bare bone|bone stripped of flesh
bare bones|(plural) the most basic facts or elements - "he told us only the bare bones of the story"
bareboat|a vessel (such as a yacht) that can be chartered without a captain or crew or provisions
bareboating|boating by chartering a bareboat and providing your own crew and provisions - "we saved money by bareboating"
bareness|an extreme lack of furnishings or ornamentation;the state of being unclothed and exposed (especially of a part of the body)
Barents Sea|the part of the Arctic Ocean to the north of Norway and Russia
bargain|an advantageous purchase - "she got a bargain at the auction";an agreement between parties (usually arrived at after discussion) fixing obligations of each - "he made a bargain with the devil"
bargain hunter|a shopper who hunts for bargains
bargain rate|a price below the standard price
bargainer|negotiator of the terms of a transaction - "he is a hard bargainer"
bargaining|the negotiation of the terms of a transaction or agreement
bargaining chip|leverage in the form of an inducement or a concession useful in successful negotiations
barge|a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
barge pole|a long pole used to propel or guide a barge - "I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole"
bargello|needlepoint embroidery stitch that produces zigzag lines
Bari|capital city of the Apulia region on the Adriatic coast
barilla|Algerian plant formerly burned to obtain calcium carbonate
baritone|a male singer;the second lowest adult male singing voice;the second lowest brass wind instrument
barium|a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group;found in barite
barium dioxide|a white toxic powder obtained by heating barium oxide in air
barium enema|enema in which a contrast medium (usually barium sulfate) is injected into the rectum and X-rays are taken to search for lesions
barium hydroxide|white poisonous crystals;made by dissolving barium oxide in water
barium monoxide|an oxide of barium;a whitish toxic powder
barium sulphate|a white insoluble radiopaque powder used as a pigment
bark|a noise resembling the bark of a dog;a sailing ship with 3 (or more) masts;the sound made by a dog;tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants
bark beetle|small beetle that bores tunnels in the bark and wood of trees;related to weevils
barker|someone who stands in front of a show (as at a carnival) and gives a loud colorful sales talk to potential customers
barking frog|of southwest United States and Mexico;call is like a dog's bark
Barkley|United States politician and lawyer;vice president of the United States (1877-1956)
bark-louse|any of several insects living on the bark of plants
barley|a grain of barley;cultivated since prehistoric times;grown for forage and grain
barley grass|European annual grass often found as a weed in waste ground especially along roadsides and hedgerows
barley water|used to feed infants
barleycorn|a grain of barley
barley-sugar|a brittle transparent candy made by melting and cooling cane sugar
barmaid|a female bartender
barmbrack|a rich currant cake or bun
barn|(physics) a unit of nuclear cross section;the effective circular area that one particle presents to another as a target for an encounter;an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
barn dance|a dance party featuring country dancing
barn door|the large sliding door of a barn
barn owl|mottled buff and white owl often inhabiting barns and other structures;important in rodent control
barn spider|an orange and tan spider with darkly banded legs that spins an orb web daily - "the barn spider was made famous in E. B. White's book 'Charlotte's Web'"
barn swallow|common swallow of North America and Europe that nests in barns etc.
Barnaby's thistle|European weed having a winged stem and hairy leaves;adventive in the eastern United States
barnacle|marine crustaceans with feathery food-catching appendages;free-swimming as larvae;as adults form a hard shell and live attached to submerged surfaces
barnacle goose|European goose smaller than the brant;breeds in the far north
barnburner|an impressively successful event - "the rock concert was a real barnburner";someone who burns down a barn
barndoor|an opaque adjustable flap on a lamp fixture;used in photography to cut off light from particular areas
barndoor skate|one of the largest skates (to 5 feet);an active skate easy to hook
barnful|the quantity that a barn will hold
barnstormer|a pilot who travels around the country giving exhibits of stunt flying and parachuting;an actor who travels around the country presenting plays
Barnum|United States showman who popularized the circus (1810-1891)
barnyard|a yard adjoining a barn
barnyard grass|a coarse annual panic grass;a cosmopolitan weed;occasionally used for hay or grazing
barograph|a recording barometer;automatically records on paper the variations in atmospheric pressure
barometer|an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
barometric pressure|atmospheric pressure as indicated by a barometer
baron|a British peer of the lowest rank;a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank;a very wealthy or powerful businessman - "an oil baron"
baronduki|terrestrial Siberian squirrel
baroness|a noblewoman who holds the rank of baron or who is the wife or widow of a baron
baronet|a member of the British order of honor;ranks below a baron but above a knight - "since he was a baronet he had to be addressed as Sir Henry Jones, Bart."
baronetage|the collective body of baronets;the state of a baronet
baronetcy|the rank or dignity or position of a baronet or baroness;the title of a baron
barong|a knife resembling a cleaver;used in the Philippines
barony|the domain of a baron;the estate of a baron
baroque|elaborate and extensive ornamentation in decorative art and architecture that flourished in Europe in the 17th century;the historic period from about 1600 until 1750 when the baroque style of art, architecture, and music flourished in Europe
baroreceptor|a sensory receptor that responds to pressure
barosaur|a dinosaur that could grow to be as tall as a building five stories tall
barouche|a horse-drawn carriage having four wheels;has an outside seat for the driver and facing inside seats for two couples and a folding top
barrack|a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel
barracouta|a large marine food fish common on the coasts of Australia, New Zealand, and southern Africa
barracuda|any voracious marine fish of the genus Sphyraena having an elongated cylindrical body and large mouth with projecting lower jaw and long strong teeth
barrage|the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target - "they laid down a barrage in front of the advancing troops";the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written) - "a barrage of questions"
barrage balloon|an elongated tethered balloon or blimp with cables or net suspended from it to deter enemy planes that are flying low
barrage jamming|electronic jamming over a wide range of frequencies simultaneously
barramundi|a species of large perch noted for its sporting and eating qualities;lives in marine, estuary, and freshwater habitats
Barranquilla|a port city of northern Colombia near the Caribbean on the Magdalena River
barrator|someone guilty of barratry
barratry|(maritime law) a fraudulent breach of duty by the master of a ship that injures the owner of the ship or its cargo;includes every breach of trust such as stealing or sinking or deserting the ship or embezzling the cargo;the crime of a judge whose judgment is influenced by bribery;the offense of vexatiously persisting in inciting lawsuits and quarrels
barred owl|large owl of eastern North America having its breast and abdomen streaked with brown
barrel|a bulging cylindrical shape;hollow with flat ends;a cylindrical container that holds liquids;a tube through which a bullet travels when a gun is fired;any of various units of capacity - "a barrel of beer is 31 gallons and a barrel of oil is 42 gallons";the quantity that a barrel (of any size) will hold
barrel cactus|a cactus of the genus Ferocactus;unbranched barrel-shaped cactus having deep ribs with numerous spines and usually large funnel-shaped flowers followed by dry fruits
barrel knot|a knot used for tying fishing leaders together;the ends of the two leaders are wrapped around each other two or three times
barrel organ|a musical instrument that makes music by rotation of a cylinder studded with pegs
barrel roll|a roll in which the plane follows a spiral course
barrel vault|the simplest form of vault;a single continuous arch
barrelfish|blackish fish of New England waters
barrelhouse|a cheap drinking and dancing establishment
barrels|the amount that many barrels might hold
barren|an uninhabited wilderness that is worthless for cultivation - "the barrens of central Africa"
barren ground caribou|of tundra of northern Canada;in some classifications included in the species Rangifer tarandus
barrenness|the state (usually of a woman) of having no children or being unable to have children
barrenwort|slow-growing creeping plant with semi-evergreen leaves on erect wiry stems;used as ground cover
barrette|a pin for holding women's hair in place
barricade|a barrier (usually thrown up hastily) to impede the advance of an enemy - "they stormed the barricade"
Barrie|Scottish dramatist and novelist;created Peter Pan (1860-1937)
barrier|a structure or object that impedes free movement;any condition that makes it difficult to make progress or to achieve an objective - "intolerance is a barrier to understanding";anything serving to maintain separation by obstructing vision or access
barrier island|a long narrow sandy island (wider than a reef) running parallel to the shore
barrier reef|a long coral reef near and parallel to the shore
barring|the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto
barrio|a Spanish-speaking quarter in a town or city (especially in the United States);an urban area in a Spanish-speaking country
barrister|a British or Canadian lawyer who speaks in the higher courts of law on behalf of either the defense or prosecution
barroom|a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
barrow|a cart for carrying small loads;has handles and one or more wheels;the quantity that a barrow will hold
Barrow's goldeneye|North American goldeneye diving duck
Barrymore|United States actor;husband of Georgiana Emma Barrymore and father of Ethel Barrymore and John Barrymore and Lionel Barrymore (1847-1905);United States actor;son of Maurice Barrymore and Georgiana Barrymore (1878-1954);United States actor;son of Maurice Barrymore and Georgiana Barrymore (1882-1942);United States actress;daughter of John Drew and wife of Maurice Barrymore;mother of Ethel Barrymore and John Barrymore and Lionel Barrymore (1854-1893);United States actress;daughter of Maurice Barrymore and Georgiana Barrymore (1879-1959)
Barstow|a town in southeastern California
bartender|an employee who mixes and serves alcoholic drinks at a bar
barter|an equal exchange - "we had no money so we had to live by barter"
barterer|a trader who exchanges goods and not money
Barth|Swiss Protestant theologian (1886-1968);United States novelist (born in 1930)
Barthelme|United States author of sometimes surrealistic stories (1931-1989)
Bartholdi|French sculptor best known for creating the Statue of Liberty now in New York harbor
Bartholin|Danish physician who discovered Bartholin's gland (1585-1629)
Bartholin's gland|either of the two posterior vestibular glands that secrete a lubricating mucus;homologous to Cowper's gland in the male
Bartle Frere|a living fossil or so-called 'green dinosaur';genus or subfamily of primitive nut-bearing trees thought to have died out 50 million years ago;a single specimen found in 1994 on Mount Bartle Frere in eastern Australia;not yet officially named
Bartlesville|a town in northeastern Oklahoma
bartlett|juicy yellow pear;United States explorer who accompanied Peary's expedition to the North Pole and who led many other Arctic trips (1875-1946);United States publisher and editor who compiled a book of familiar quotations (1820-1905)
Bartok|Hungarian composer and pianist who collected Hungarian folk music;in 1940 he moved to the United States (1881-1945)
bartonia|annual grown especially for its fragrant golden nocturnal flowers
Bartram Juneberry|open-growing shrub of eastern North America having pure white flowers and small waxy almost black fruits
Bartramia|a genus of Scolopacidae
Baruch|a disciple of and secretary for the prophet Jeremiah;an Apocryphal book ascribed to Baruch;economic advisor to United States Presidents (1870-1965)
barycenter|(astronomy) the common center of mass around which two or more bodies revolve
barye|the absolute unit of pressure equal to one dyne per square centimeter
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
baryon number|a number equal to the difference between the number of baryons and the number of antibaryons in any subatomic structure;it is conserved in all types of particle interactions
Baryshnikov|Russian dancer and choreographer who migrated to the United States (born in 1948)
baryta|any of several compounds of barium
bas relief|a sculptural relief in which forms extend only slightly from the background;no figures are undercut
basal body temperature|body temperature in the morning before rising or moving about or eating anything
basal body temperature method of family planning|natural family planning in which the fertile period of the woman's menstrual cycle is inferred by noting the rise in basal body temperature that typically occurs with ovulation
basal ganglion|any of several masses of subcortical grey matter at the base of each cerebral hemisphere that seem to be involved in the regulation of voluntary movement
basal metabolic rate|the rate at which heat is produced by an individual in a resting state
basal metabolism|the amount of energy required to maintain the body of an individual in a resting state
basal placentation|where one or few ovules develop at the base of a simple or compound ovary
basal vein|a large vein passing along the medial surface of the temporal lobe and emptying into the great cerebral vein
basalt|the commonest type of solidified lava;a dense dark grey fine-grained igneous rock that is composed chiefly of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene
bascule|a structure or device in which one end is counterbalanced by the other (on the principle of the seesaw)
base|(anatomy) the part of an organ nearest its point of attachment - "the base of the skull";(electronics) the part of a transistor that separates the emitter from the collector;(numeration system) the positive integer that is equivalent to one in the next higher counting place;a flat bottom on which something is intended to sit - "a tub should sit on its own base";a place that the runner must touch before scoring;a support or foundation - "the base of the lamp";any of various water-soluble compounds capable of turning litmus blue and reacting with an acid to form a salt and water - "bases include oxides and hydroxides of metals and ammonia";installation from which a military force initiates operations - "the attack wiped out our forward bases";the bottom or lowest part - "the base of the mountain";the bottom side of a geometric figure from which the altitude can be constructed - "the base of the triangle";the place where you are stationed and from which missions start and end;the principal ingredient of a mixture - "glycerinated gelatin is used as a base for many ointments" - "he told the painter that he wanted a yellow base with just a hint of green" - "everything she cooked seemed to have rice as the base"
base hit|(baseball) the successful act of striking a baseball in such a way that the batter reaches base safely
base metal|a metal that is common and not considered precious - "lead, iron, copper, tin, and zinc are base metals"
base on balls|(baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls - "he worked the pitcher for a base on balls"
base pair|one of the pairs of chemical bases joined by hydrogen bonds that connect the complementary strands of a DNA molecule or of an RNA molecule that has two strands;the base pairs are adenine with thymine and guanine with cytosine in DNA and adenine with uracil and guanine with cytosine in RNA
base rate|the interest rate set by the Bank of England for lending to other banks
base runner|a baseball player on the team at bat who is on base (or attempting to reach a base)
baseball|a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players;teams take turns at bat trying to score runs - "he played baseball in high school" - "there was a baseball game on every empty lot";a ball used in playing baseball
baseball bat|an implement used in baseball by the batter
baseball cap|a cap with a bill
baseball card|a trading card with a picture of a baseball player and information about his playing record
baseball clinic|a meeting at which baseball players receive special evaluation and instruction - "a summer baseball clinic for promising young players"
baseball club|a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
baseball coach|a coach of baseball players
baseball diamond|the area of a baseball field that is enclosed by 3 bases and home plate
baseball equipment|equipment used in playing baseball
baseball glove|the handwear used by fielders in playing baseball
baseball league|a league of baseball teams
baseball play|(baseball) a play executed by a baseball team
baseball score|the score of a baseball game
baseball season|the season when baseball is played
baseball swing|in baseball;a batter's attempt to hit a pitched ball
baseball team|a team that plays baseball
baseboard|a molding covering the joint formed by a wall and the floor
Basel|a city in northwestern Switzerland
baseline|an imaginary line or standard by which things are measured or compared - "the established a baseline for the budget";the lines a baseball player must follow while running the bases
basement|the ground floor facade or interior in Renaissance architecture;the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level;often used for storage
baseness|unworthiness by virtue of lacking higher values
basenji|small smooth-haired breed of African origin having a tightly curled tail and the inability to bark
bash|an uproarious party
basic|(usually plural) a necessary commodity for which demand is constant;a popular programming language that is relatively easy to learn;an acronym for beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code;no longer in general use
basic assumption|an assumption that is basic to an argument
basic cognitive process|cognitive processes involved in obtaining and storing knowledge
basic dye|a dye that is considered to be a base because the chromophore is part of a positive ion
Basic English|a simplified form of English proposed for use as an auxiliary language for international communication;devised by C. K. Ogden and I. A. Richards
basic iron|pig iron containing a high percentage of phosphorus;used in making steel by a process that removes the phosphorus
basic point defense missile system|a shipboard missile system
basic slag|slag produced in making steel;low in silica but having large amounts of calcium phosphate;useful as fertilizer
basic training|the initial period of training for new military personnel;involves intense physical activity and behavioral discipline
basics|a statement of fundamental facts or principles
basidiocarp|the fruiting body of a basidiomycete which bears its spores on special cells
basidiolichen|a lichen in which the fungus component is a basidiomycete
basidiomycete|any of various fungi of the subdivision Basidiomycota
Basidiomycetes|large class of higher fungi coextensive with subdivision Basidiomycota
Basidiomycota|comprises fungi bearing the spores on a basidium;includes Gasteromycetes (puffballs) and Tiliomycetes comprising the orders Ustilaginales (smuts) and Uredinales (rusts) and Hymenomycetes (mushrooms, toadstools, agarics and bracket fungi);in some classification systems considered a division of kingdom Fungi
basidiospore|a sexually produced fungal spore borne on a basidium
basidium|a small club-shaped structure typically bearing four basidiospores at the ends of minute projections;unique to basidiomycetes
Basil|(Roman Catholic Church) the bishop of Caesarea who defended the Roman Catholic Church against the heresies of the 4th century;a saint and Doctor of the Church (329-379);any of several Old World tropical aromatic annual or perennial herbs of the genus Ocimum;leaves of the common basil;used fresh or dried
basil balm|perennial herb of North America (New York to Illinois and mountains of Alaska) having aromatic leaves and clusters of yellowish-pink balls
basil mint|perennial herb of the eastern United States having inconspicuous greenish flowers and narrow leaves that are very aromatic when bruised
basil thyme|fragrant European mint having clusters of small violet-and-white flowers;naturalized especially in eastern North America
basilar artery|an unpaired artery;supplies the pons and cerebellum and the back part of the cerebrum and the inner ear
basilar membrane|a membrane in the cochlea that supports the organ of Corti
basileus|a ruler of the eastern Roman Empire
basilic vein|a vein that drains the back of the hand and forearm and empties into the axillary vein
basilica|a Roman building used for public administration;an early Christian church designed like a Roman basilica;or a Roman Catholic church or cathedral accorded certain privileges - "the church was raised to the rank of basilica"
Basilicata|a region of southern Italy (forming the instep of the Italian 'boot')
Basiliscus|a reptile genus of Iguanidae
basilisk|(classical mythology) a serpent (or lizard or dragon) able to kill with its breath or glance;ancient brass cannon;small crested arboreal lizard able to run on its hind legs;of tropical America
basin|a bowl-shaped vessel;usually used for holding food or liquids - "she mixed the dough in a large basin";a natural depression in the surface of the land often with a lake at the bottom of it - "the basin of the Great Salt Lake";the quantity that a basin will hold - "a basinful of water"
basinet|a medieval steel helmet
basis|the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained - "the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture";the most important or necessary part of something - "the basis of this drink is orange juice"
basivertebral vein|one of a number of veins draining the spongy substance of the vertebrae and emptying into the anterior internal vertebral venous plexus
basket|a container that is usually woven and has handles;a score in basketball made by throwing the ball through the hoop;horizontal circular metal hoop supporting a net through which players try to throw the basketball;the quantity contained in a basket
basket fern|giant epiphytic or lithophytic fern;Asia to Polynesia and Australia;tropical American fern cultivated for its finely divided greyish-green foliage;West Indies and southern Mexico to Peru and Brazil
basket flower|annual of southwestern United States cultivated for its purple flower heads and its bracts that resemble small baskets
basket hilt|a hilt with a basket-shaped guard for the hand
Basket Maker|early Amerindians related to the Pueblo;known for skill in making baskets
basket oak|medium to large deciduous tree of the eastern United States;its durable wood is used as timber or split and woven into baskets or chair seats
basket star|any starfish-like animal of the genera Euryale or Astrophyton or Gorgonocephalus having slender complexly branched interlacing arms radiating from a central disc
basket weave|a cloth woven of two or more threads interlaced to suggest the weave of a basket
basketball|a game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players;points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal hoop;an inflated ball used in playing basketball
basketball clinic|a meeting at which basketball players receive special evaluation and instruction
basketball coach|a coach of basketball players
basketball court|the court on which basketball is played
basketball equipment|sports equipment used in playing basketball
basketball league|a league of basketball teams
basketball play|a play executed by a basketball team
basketball player|an athlete who plays basketball
basketball score|the score in a basketball game
basketball season|the season when basketball is played
basketball shot|throwing the basketball toward the hoop
basketball team|a team that plays basketball
basketry|the craft of basket making
basketweaver|someone skilled in weaving baskets
basking shark|large harmless plankton-eating northern shark;often swims slowly or floats at the sea surface
basophil|a leukocyte with basophilic granules easily stained by basic stains
basophilia|the tendency of cells to stain with basic dyes - "cytoplasmic basophilia"
Basotho|a member of a subgroup of people who inhabit Lesotho
Basque|a member of a people of unknown origin living in the western Pyrenees in France and Spain;the language of the Basque people;of no known relation to any other language
Basque Homeland and Freedom|a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional Basque party;want to create an independent homeland in Spain's western Pyrenees
Basra|the second largest city in Iraq;an oil port in southern Iraq
bass|an adult male singer with the lowest voice;nontechnical name for any of numerous edible marine and freshwater spiny-finned fishes;the lowest adult male singing voice;the lowest part in polyphonic music;the lowest part of the musical range;the member with the lowest range of a family of musical instruments
bass clarinet|a large clarinet whose range is an octave below the B-flat clarinet
bass clef|a clef that puts the F below middle C on the fourth line of a staff
bass drum|a large drum with two heads;makes a sound of indefinite but very low pitch
bass fiddle|largest and lowest member of the violin family
bass guitar|the guitar with six strings that has the lowest pitch
bass horn|the lowest brass wind instrument
Bassariscidae|in some classifications considered a separate family
Bassariscus|cacomistles
bassarisk|raccoon-like omnivorous mammal of Mexico and the southwestern United States having a long bushy tail with black and white rings
Basse-Normandie|a division of Normandy
basset|smooth-haired breed of hound with short legs and long ears
basset horn|a tenor clarinet;pitched in the key of F below the B-flat clarinet
Basseterre|the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis on the island of Saint Christopher
Bassia|summer cypress
bassine|coarse leaf fiber from palmyra palms used in making brushes and brooms
bassinet|a basket (usually hooded) used as a baby's bed;a perambulator that resembles a bassinet
bassist|a musician who play the bass viol
basso profundo|a very deep bass voice
bassoon|a double-reed instrument;the tenor of the oboe family
bassoonist|a musician who plays the bassoon
basswood|soft light-colored wood of any of various linden trees;used in making crates and boxes and in carving and millwork
Bast|cat- or lion-headed Egyptian goddess;represents life-giving power of the sun;strong woody fibers obtained especially from the phloem of from various plants
bastard|derogatory term for a variation that is not genuine;something irregular or inferior or of dubious origin - "the architecture was a kind of bastard suggesting Gothic but not true Gothic";the illegitimate offspring of unmarried parents
bastard feverfew|tropical American annual weed with small radiate heads of white flowers;adventive in southern United States
bastard indigo|East Indian shrub
bastard lignum vitae|small evergreen tree of the southern United States and West Indies a source of lignum vitae wood
bastard pennyroyal|aromatic plant of the eastern United States
bastard toadflax|woody creeping parasite of western North America having numerous thick powdery leaves and panicles of small dull-white flowers
bastard wing|tuft of small stiff feathers on the first digit of a bird's wing
bastardization|an act that debases or corrupts;declaring or rendering bastard - "the annulment of their marriage resulted in the bastardization of their children"
bastardy|the status of being born to parents who were not married
baste|a loose temporary sewing stitch to hold layers of fabric together
baster|a cook who bastes roasting meat with melted fat or gravy;a sewer who fastens a garment with long loose stitches;a tube with a rubber bulb used to take up and release melted fat or gravy in order to moisten roasting meat
Bastille|a fortress built in Paris in the 14th century and used as a prison in the 17th and 18th centuries;it was destroyed July 14, 1789 at the start of the French Revolution;a jail or prison (especially one that is run in a tyrannical manner)
Bastille Day|a legal holiday in France celebrating the storming of the Paris bastille in 1789
bastinado|a cudgel used to give someone a beating on the soles of the feet;a form of torture in which the soles of the feet are beaten with whips or cudgels
basting|moistening a roast as it is cooking
bastion|a group that defends a principle - "a bastion against corruption" - "the last bastion of communism";a stronghold into which people could go for shelter during a battle;projecting part of a rampart or other fortification
bastnasite|a yellow-to-brown mineral that is a source of rare earth elements
basuco|low-grade cocaine mixed with coca paste and cannabis
bat|(baseball) a turn trying to get a hit - "he was at bat when it happened" - "he got four hits in four at-bats";a club used for hitting a ball in various games;nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate
bat boy|(baseball) a boy who takes care of bats and other baseball equipment
bat mitzvah|(Judaism) an initiation ceremony marking the 12th birthday of a Jewish girl and signifying the beginning of religious responsibility
Bata|a Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad
Bataan|the peninsula and island in the Philippines where Japanese forces besieged American forces in World War II;United States forces surrendered in 1942 and recaptured the area in 1945
batch|(often followed by 'of') a large number or amount or extent - "a batch of letters";a collection of things or persons to be handled together;all the loaves of bread baked at the same time
batch processing|the serial execution of computer programs
batfish|bottom-dweller of warm western Atlantic coastal waters having a flattened scaleless body that crawls about on fleshy pectoral and pelvic fins
Bath|a town in southwestern England on the River Avon;famous for its hot springs and Roman remains;a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it);an ancient Hebrew liquid measure equal to about 10 gallons;you soak and wash your body in a bathtub
bath asparagus|Old World star of Bethlehem having edible young shoots
bath chair|a wheelchair usually pushed by an attendant, as at a spa
bath linen|linens for use in the bathroom
bath mat|a heavy towel or mat to stand on while drying yourself after a bath
bath oil|a scented oil added to your bath water
bath salts|a preparation that softens or scents a bath
bath towel|a large towel;to dry yourself after a bath
bath water|water used for a bath
bathe|the act of swimming - "the Englishman said he had a good bathe"
bather|a person who takes a bath
bathhouse|a building containing dressing rooms for bathers;a building containing public baths
bathing|immersing the body in water or sunshine
bathing cap|a tight-fitting cap that keeps hair dry while swimming
batholith|large mass of intrusive igneous rock believed to have solidified deep within the earth
bathos|triteness or triviality of style
bathrobe|a loose-fitting robe of towelling;worn after a bath or swim
bathroom|a room (as in a residence) containing a bathtub or shower and usually a washbasin and toilet
bathroom cleaner|a preparation for cleaning bathrooms
bathroom fixture|any fixture in a bathroom
Bathsheba|(Old Testament) the wife of Uriah and later the wife of king David;Solomon was her son by David (circa 10th century BC)
bathtub|a relatively large open container that you fill with water and use to wash the body
bathtub gin|homemade gin especially that made illegally
Bathyergidae|mole rats;sand rats
Bathyergus|mole rats
bathymeter|an instrument that measures the depth of water
bathymetry|measuring the depths of the oceans
bathyscaphe|navigable deep diving vessel for underwater exploration
bathysphere|spherical deep diving apparatus (lowered by a cable) for underwater exploration
Batidaceae|family coextensive with genus Batis;saltworts
batik|a dyed fabric;a removable wax is used where the dye is not wanted
Batis|small genus of plants constituting the family Batidaceae;low straggling dioecious shrubs
batiste|a thin plain-weave cotton or linen fabric;used for shirts or dresses
batman|an orderly assigned to serve a British military officer
Batna|a town in north central Algeria
baton|a hollow cylinder passed from runner to runner in a relay race;a hollow metal rod that is wielded or twirled by a drum major or drum majorette;a short staff carried by some officials to symbolize an office or an authority;a thin tapered rod used by a conductor to lead an orchestra or choir
Baton Rouge|capital of Louisiana
Baton Rouge Bridge|a cantilever bridge across the Mississippi at Baton Rouge
baton twirler|someone who twirls a baton
Batrachoididae|toadfishes;related to anglers and batfishes
batrachomyomachia|a silly altercation
Batrachoseps|slender salamanders
battalion|a large indefinite number - "a battalion of ants";an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies
batten|a strip fixed to something to hold it firm
batter|(baseball) a ballplayer who is batting;a liquid or semiliquid mixture, as of flour, eggs, and milk, used in cooking
battering|the act of subjecting to strong attack
battering ram|a ram used to break down doors of fortified buildings
batter's box|an area on a baseball diamond (on either side of home plate) marked by lines within which the batter must stand when at bat
battery|a collection of related things intended for use together - "took a battery of achievement tests";a device that produces electricity;may have several primary or secondary cells arranged in parallel or series;a series of stamps operated in one mortar for crushing ores;a unit composed of the pitcher and catcher;an assault in which the assailant makes physical contact;group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place
battery acid|dilute sulfuric acid used in storage batteries
batting|(baseball) the batter's attempt to get on base;stuffing made of rolls or sheets of cotton wool or synthetic fiber
batting average|(an extension of the baseball term) the proportion of times some effort succeeds - "the salesman's batting average was 7 out of 12";(baseball) a measure of a batter's performance;the number of base hits divided by the number of official times at bat - "Ted Williams once had a batting average above .400"
batting cage|a movable screen placed behind home base to catch balls during batting practice
batting coach|(baseball) someone who teaches batters how to bat better
batting glove|a glove worn by batters in baseball to give a firmer grip on the bat
batting helmet|a helmet worn by the batter in baseball
batting order|(baseball) a list of batters in the order in which they will bat
battle|a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war - "Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of Chickamauga"
battle cruiser|a cruiser of maximum speed and firepower
battle damage|loss of military equipment in battle
battle dress|a military uniform designed for field service
battle fatigue|a mental disorder caused by stress of active warfare
battle flag|a flag that leads troops into battle
battle fleet|a fleet of warships prepared for battle
battle group|an army unit usually consisting of five companies
battle line|the line along which warring troops meet
Battle of Britain|the prolonged bombardment of British cities by the German Luftwaffe during World War II and the aerial combat that accompanied it
Battle of Kerbala|a battle in 680 in which the grandson of Mohammed and his followers were killed - "the Battle of Kerbala is the basis for the Ta'ziyehs that are performed annually"
Battle of Puebla|a battle in which Mexican forces defeated the French in 1862
Battle of the Ardennes Bulge|a battle during World War II;in December 1944 von Rundstedt launched a powerful counteroffensive in the forest at Ardennes and caught the Allies by surprise
Battle of the Marne|a World War I battle in northwestern France where the Allies defeated the Germans in 1918
Battle of the Spanish Armada|in the English Channel a small fleet of British ships successfully defeated the large armada sent from Spain by Philip II to invade England
Battle of Wake|in December 1941 the island was captured by the Japanese after a gallant last-ditch stand by a few hundred United States marines
battle of wits|a contest in which intelligence rather than violence is used
battle plan|plan for conducting a battle
battle sight|an arrangement of sights that makes possible the rapid aiming of a firearm at short ranges
battle-ax|a broadax used as a weapon;a sharp-tongued domineering wife
battledore|an ancient racket game
battlefield|a region where a battle is being (or has been) fought - "they made a tour of Civil War battlefields"
battlefront|the line along which opposing armies face each other
battlement|a rampart built around the top of a castle with regular gaps for firing arrows or guns
battleship|large and heavily armoured warship
battue|a hunt in which beaters force the game to flee in the direction of the hunter
batwing|one of a pair of swinging doors (as at the entrance to a western saloon)
bauble|a mock scepter carried by a court jester
baud|(computer science) a data transmission rate (bits/second) for modems
Baudelaire|a French poet noted for macabre imagery and evocative language (1821-1867)
Bauhaus|a German style of architecture begun by Walter Gropius in 1918
Bauhinia|mountain ebony, orchid tree
Baum|United States writer of children's books (1856-1919)
bauxite|a clay-like mineral;the chief ore of aluminum;composed of aluminum oxides and aluminum hydroxides;used as an abrasive and catalyst
Bavaria|a state in southern Germany famous for its beer;site of an automobile factory
Bavarian|a native or an inhabitant of Bavaria
Bavarian blue|blue cheese of Bavaria
Bavarian cream|a rich custard set with gelatin
bawbee|an old Scottish coin of little value
bawdry|lewd or obscene talk or writing - "it was smoking-room bawdry"
bawler|a loud weeper - "their new baby is a real bawler"
bay|a compartment in an aircraft used for some specific purpose - "he opened the bomb bay";a compartment on a ship between decks;often used as a hospital - "they put him in the sick bay";a horse of a moderate reddish-brown color;an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf;the sound of a hound on the scent
bay leaf|dried leaf of the bay laurel
bay myrtle|evergreen aromatic shrubby tree of southeastern United States having small hard berries thickly coated with white wax used for candles
Bay of Bengal|an arm of the Indian Ocean to the east of India
Bay of Biscay|an arm of the Atlantic Ocean in western Europe;bordered by the west coast of France and the north coast of Spain
Bay of Fundy|a bay of the North Atlantic between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia;noted for rapid tides as great as 70 feet
Bay of Naples|an arm of the Tyrrhenian Sea at Naples
bay rum|an aromatic liquid originally obtained by distilling the leaves of the bayberry tree with rum
bay scallop|a small scallop inhabiting shallow waters and mud flats of the Atlantic coast of North America;muscle of small choice shallow-water scallops
Bay Stater|a native or resident of Massachusetts
bay willow|European willow tree with shining leathery leaves;widely naturalized in the eastern United States
bay window|a window that sticks out from the outside wall of a house
baya|common Indian weaverbird
Bayard|French soldier said to be fearless and chivalrous (1473-1524)
bayat|an oath of allegiance to an emir
bayberry|deciduous aromatic shrub of eastern North America with grey-green wax-coated berries;West Indian tree;source of bay rum
bayberry wax|a fragrant green wax obtained from the wax myrtle and used in making candles
Bayes|English mathematician for whom Bayes' theorem is named (1702-1761)
Bayes' postulate|(statistics) the difficulty of applying Bayes' theorem is that the probabilities of the different causes are seldom known, in which case it may be postulated that they are all equal (sometimes known as postulating the equidistribution of ignorance)
Bayes' theorem|(statistics) a theorem describing how the conditional probability of a set of possible causes for a given observed event can be computed from knowledge of the probability of each cause and the conditional probability of the outcome of each cause
bayonet|a knife that can be fixed to the end of a rifle and used as a weapon
Bayonne|a city in northeastern New Jersey
Bayonne Bridge|a steel arch bridge connecting New Jersey and Staten Island at Bayonne, New Jersey
bayou|a swampy arm or slow-moving outlet of a lake (term used mainly in Mississippi and Louisiana)
Bayrut|capital and largest city of Lebanon;located in western Lebanon on the Mediterranean
bazaar|a sale of miscellany;often for charity - "the church bazaar";a shop where a variety of goods are sold;a street of small shops (especially in Orient)
bazooka|a portable rocket launcher used by infantrymen as an antitank weapon
BB|a small pellet fired from an air rifle or BB gun
BB gun|an air gun in which BBs are propelled by compressed air
B-complex vitamin|originally thought to be a single vitamin but now separated into several B vitamins
bdellium|aromatic gum resin;similar to myrrh
beach|an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
beach ball|large and light ball;for play at the seaside
beach erosion|the erosion of beaches
beach flea|small amphipod crustaceans that hop like fleas;common on ocean beaches
beach grass|tough grasses with strong roots that can grow on exposed sandy shores
beach heather|small heathlike plant covered with white down growing on beaches in northeastern North America
beach house|a house built on or near a beach
beach pancake|plant having hemispherical heads of wine-red flowers;found in coastal dunes from California to Mexico
beach pea|wild pea of seashores of north temperate zone having tough roots and purple flowers and useful as a sand binder
beach plum|seacoast shrub of northeastern North America having showy white blossoms and edible purple fruit;small dark purple fruit used especially in jams and pies
beach sand verbena|prostrate herb having heads of deep pink to white flowers;found in coastal dunes from British Columbia to Baja California
beach strawberry|wild strawberry of western United States and South America;source of many varieties of cultivated strawberries
beach towel|very large towel to dry yourself after swimming
beach wagon|a car that has a long body and rear door with space behind rear seat
beachcomber|a vagrant living on a beach
beachfront|a strip of land running along a beach
beachhead|a bridgehead on the enemy's shoreline seized by an amphibious operation - "the Germans were desperately trying to contain the Anzio beachhead";an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments - "the town became a beachhead in the campaign to ban smoking outdoors"
beachwear|clothing to be worn at a beach
beacon|a fire (usually on a hill or tower) that can be seen from a distance;a tower with a light that gives warning of shoals to passing ships
Beacon Hill|a fashionable section of Boston;site of the Massachusetts capital building
bead|a small ball with a hole through the middle
bead tree|small tree of West Indies and northeastern Venezuela having large oblong pointed leaflets and panicles of purple flowers;seeds are black or scarlet with black spots
beaded lizard|lizard with black and yellowish beadlike scales;of western Mexico
beading|a beaded molding for edging or decorating furniture;ornamentation with beads
beading plane|a plane with a concave blade for making moulding with beadwork
beadle|a minor parish official who serves a ceremonial function;United States biologist who discovered how hereditary characteristics are transmitted by genes (1903-1989)
beads|several beads threaded together on a string
beadsman|a person who is paid to pray for the soul of another
beagle|a small short-legged smooth-coated breed of hound
beagling|hunting rabbits with beagles
beak|a beaklike, tapering tip on certain plant structures;beaklike mouth of animals other than birds (e.g., turtles);horny projecting mouth of a bird;informal terms for the nose
beaked hazelnut|hazel of western United States with conspicuous beaklike involucres on the nuts
beaked salmon|fish of sandy areas of western Pacific and Indian oceans having an angular snout for burrowing into sand
beaked whale|any of several whales inhabiting all oceans and having beaklike jaws with vestigial teeth in the upper jaw
beaker|a cup (usually without a handle);a flatbottomed jar made of glass or plastic;used for chemistry
be-all and end-all|the essential factor;the all-important element;the supreme aim - "profit is the be-all and end-all of business"
beam|(nautical) breadth amidships;a column of light (as from a beacon);a group of nearly parallel lines of electromagnetic radiation;long thick piece of wood or metal or concrete, etc., used in construction;the broad side of a ship - "they sighted land on the port beam"
beam balance|a balance consisting of a lever with two equal arms and a pan suspended from each arm
beam-ends|(nautical) at the ends of the transverse deck beams of a vessel - "on her beam-ends" means heeled over on the side so that the deck is almost vertical
bean|any of various edible seeds of plants of the family Leguminosae used for food;any of various leguminous plants grown for their edible seeds and pods;any of various seeds or fruits that are beans or resemble beans
bean caper|perennial shrub of the eastern Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia having flowers whose buds are used as capers
bean counter|an accountant or bureaucrat who is believed to place undue emphasis on the control of expenditures
bean curd|cheeselike food made of curdled soybean milk
bean dip|a dip made of cooked beans
bean sprout|any of various sprouted beans;especially mung beans or lentils or edible soybeans
bean tostada|a flat tortilla topped with refried beans
bean tree|any of several trees having seedpods as fruits
bean trefoil|shrub with trifoliate leaves and yellow flowers followed by backward curving seed pods;leaves foetid when crushed
bean weevil|larvae live in and feed on growing or stored beans
beanbag|a small cloth bag filled with dried beans;thrown in games
beanball|a baseball deliberately thrown at the batter's head
beanfeast|an annual dinner party given by an employer for the employees
beanie|a small skullcap;formerly worn by schoolboys and college freshmen
beanstalk|stem of a bean plant
bear|an investor with a pessimistic market outlook;an investor who expects prices to fall and so sells now in order to buy later at a lower price;massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
bear claw|almond-flavored yeast-raised pastry shaped in an irregular semicircle resembling a bear's claw;an incised design resembling the claw of a bear;used in Native American pottery;claw of a bear;often used in jewelry
bear cub|a young bear
bear grass|stemless plant with tufts of grasslike leaves and erect panicle of minute creamy white flowers;southwestern United States and Mexico;yucca of southern United States having a clump of basal grasslike leaves and a central stalk with a terminal raceme of small whitish flowers;yucca of west central United States having a clump of basal grasslike leaves and a central stalk with a terminal raceme of small whitish flowers
bear hug|a takeover bid so attractive that the directors of the target company must approve it or risk shareholder protest;a wrestling hold with arms locked tightly around the opponent
bear market|a market characterized by falling prices for securities
bear oak|shrubby oak of southeastern United States usually forming dense thickets
bearberry|chiefly evergreen subshrubs of northern to Arctic areas;deciduous shrub of southeastern and central United States
bearberry willow|dwarf prostrate mat-forming shrub of Arctic and alpine regions of North America and Greenland having deep green elliptic leaves that taper toward the base
beard|a person who diverts suspicion from someone (especially a woman who accompanies a male homosexual in order to conceal his homosexuality);a tuft or growth of hairs or bristles on certain plants such as iris or grasses;hairy growth on or near the face of certain mammals;the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
beard lichen|greenish grey pendulous lichen growing on trees
beard worm|slender animal with tentacles and a tubelike outer covering;lives on the deep ocean bottom
bearded iris|any of numerous wild or cultivated irises with hairlike structures on the falls (the drooping sepals)
bearded seal|medium-sized greyish to yellow seal with bristles each side of muzzle;of the Arctic Ocean
bearded vulture|the largest Eurasian bird of prey;having black feathers hanging around the bill
bearded wheatgrass|a wheatgrass with straight terminal awns on the flowering glumes
beardless iris|any of numerous wild or cultivated irises having no hairs on the drooping sepals (the falls)
bearer|a messenger who bears or presents - "a bearer of good tidings"
bearing|a rotating support placed between moving parts to allow them to move easily;dignified manner or conduct;relevant relation or interconnection - "those issues have no bearing on our situation";the direction or path along which something moves or along which it lies
bearing brass|a brass bushing or a lining for a bearing
bearing rein|a rein designed to keep the horse's head in the desired position
bearing wall|any wall supporting a floor or the roof of a building
bearnaise|a sauce like hollandaise but made with white wine and tarragon and shallots instead of lemon juice
bear's breech|widely cultivated southern European acanthus with whitish purple-veined flowers
bearskin|tall hat;worn by some British soldiers on ceremonial occasions;the pelt of a bear (sometimes used as a rug)
bear's-paw fern|epiphytic fern with large fronds;Taiwan and Philippines
beast|a cruelly rapacious person
beast of burden|an animal such as a donkey or ox or elephant used for transporting loads or doing other heavy work
beastliness|the quality of being deliberately mean;unpleasant nastiness;used especially of nasty weather
beat|a regular rate of repetition - "the cox raised the beat";a regular route for a sentry or policeman - "in the old days a policeman walked a beat and knew all his people by name";a single pulsation of an oscillation produced by adding two waves of different frequencies;has a frequency equal to the difference between the two oscillations;a stroke or blow - "the signal was two beats on the steam pipe";the act of beating to windward;sailing as close as possible to the direction from which the wind is blowing;the sound of stroke or blow - "he heard the beat of a drum"
beat generation|a United States youth subculture of the 1950s;rejected possessions or regular work or traditional dress;for communal living and psychedelic drugs and anarchism;favored modern forms of jazz (e.g., bebop)
beater|a worker who rouses wild game from under cover for a hunter;an implement for beating
beatification|(Roman Catholic Church) an act of the Pope who declares that a deceased person lived a holy life and is worthy of public veneration;a first step toward canonization;the action of rendering supremely blessed and extremely happy
beating|the act of inflicting corporal punishment with repeated blows;the act of overcoming or outdoing
beating-reed instrument|a musical instrument that sounds by means of a vibrating reed
Beatitude|one of the eight sayings of Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount;in Latin each saying begins with 'beatus' (blessed) - "her favorite Beatitude is 'Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth'"
Beatles|a rock group from Liverpool who between 1962 and 1970 produced a variety of hit songs and albums (most of them written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon)
beatnik|a member of the beat generation;a nonconformist in dress and behavior
Beatrice|the woman who guided Dante through Paradise in the Divine Comedy
beats per minute|the pace of music measured by the number of beats occurring in 60 seconds
beau geste|a gracious (but usually meaningless) gesture
Beaufort scale|a scale from 0 to 12 for the force of the wind;an international scale of wind force from 0 (calm air) to 12 (hurricane)
Beaufort Sea|part of the Arctic Ocean to the northeast of Alaska
beaugregory|a blue and yellow damselfish of Bermuda and Florida and the West Indies
Beaujolais|dry fruity light red wine drunk within a few months after it is made;from the Beaujolais district in southeastern France
Beaumont|a city of southeastern Texas near Houston;English dramatist who collaborated with John Fletcher (1584-1616);United States surgeon remembered for his studies of digestion (1785-1853)
Beaumontia|small genus of evergreen woody vines in the East Indies and Asia
beautician|someone who works in a beauty parlor
beautification|the act of making something more beautiful
beauty|an outstanding example of its kind;the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
beauty bush|Chinese deciduous shrub with yellow-throated pinkish flowers and bristly fruit;often cultivated as an ornamental
beauty consultant|someone who gives you advice about your personal appearance
beauty sleep|sleep before midnight
beauty spot|a spot that is worn on a lady's face for adornment
beauty treatment|enhancement of someone's personal beauty
Beauvoir|French feminist and existentialist and novelist (1908-1986)
beaver|a full beard;a hat made with the fur of a beaver (or similar material);a movable piece of armor on a medieval helmet used to protect the lower face;large semiaquatic rodent with webbed hind feet and a broad flat tail;construct complex dams and underwater lodges;the soft brown fur of the beaver
beaver board|a light wallboard made of compressed wood pulp
beaver rat|amphibious rat of Australia and New Guinea
Beaverbrook|British newspaper publisher and politician (born in Canada);confidant of Winston Churchill (1879-1964)
Bechtel crab|derived from the Iowa crab and cultivated for its large double pink blossoms
beck|a beckoning gesture
Becker muscular dystrophy|a form of muscular dystrophy that sets in in adolescence or adulthood and progresses slowly but will affect all voluntary muscles;characterized by generalized weakness and muscle wasting that affects limb and trunk muscles first;similar to Duchenne's muscular dystrophy but less severe;inheritance is X-linked recessive (carried by females but affecting only males)
becket|(nautical) a short line with an eye at one end and a knot at the other;used to secure loose items on a ship;(Roman Catholic Church) archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 to 1170;murdered following his opposition to Henry II's attempts to control the clergy (1118-1170)
Beckett|a playwright and novelist (born in Ireland) who lived in France;wrote plays for the theater of the absurd (1906-1989)
Beckley|a city in southern West Virginia
Beckman thermometer|a mercury thermometer that measures small differences or changes in temperature
becomingness|the quality of being becoming
Becquerel|French physicist who discovered that rays emitted by uranium salts affect photographic plates (1852-1908)
bed|(geology) a stratum of rock (especially sedimentary rock) - "they found a bed of sandstone";a depression forming the ground under a body of water - "he searched for treasure on the ocean bed";a foundation of earth or rock supporting a road or railroad track - "the track bed had washed away";a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep - "he sat on the edge of the bed" - "the room had only a bed and chair";a plot of ground in which plants are growing - "the gardener planted a bed of roses";the flat surface of a printing press on which the type form is laid in the last stage of producing a newspaper or magazine or book etc.
bed and breakfast|an overnight boardinghouse with breakfast
bed check|a check that everyone is in bed by the time they should be
bed ground|an area on which a drove of cattle or sheep can sleep for a night
bed jacket|a lightweight jacket worn over bedclothes (as when sitting in bed)
bed linen|linen or cotton articles for a bed (as sheets and pillowcases)
bed pillow|a soft pillow for use on a bed
bedbug|bug of temperate regions that infests especially beds and feeds on human blood
bedclothes|coverings that are used on a bed
bedder|an ornamental plant suitable for planting in a flowerbed
bedding material|material used to provide a bed for animals
Bede|(Roman Catholic Church) English monk and scholar (672-735)
bedfellow|a person with whom you share a bed;a temporary associate - "politics makes strange bedfellows"
Bedford cord|a heavy corded fabric similar to corduroy;used for clothing
Bedlam|pejorative terms for an insane asylum
bedlamite|an archaic term for a lunatic
Bedlington terrier|a light terrier groomed to resemble a lamb
Bedouin|a member of a nomadic tribe of Arabs
bedpan|a shallow vessel used by a bedridden patient for defecation and urination
bedpost|any of 4 vertical supports at the corners of a bedstead
bedrest|confinement to bed continuously (as in the case of some sick or injured persons)
bedrock|solid unweathered rock lying beneath surface deposits of soil
bedroll|bedding rolled up for carrying
bedroom|a room used primarily for sleeping
bedroom community|a community where many commuters live
bedroom furniture|furniture intended for use in a bedroom
bedroom suite|a suite of furniture for the bedroom
bedside|space by the side of a bed (especially the bed of a sick or dying person) - "the doctor stood at her bedside"
bedside manner|manner or conduct of a physician in the presence of a patient
bedsitting room|a furnished sitting room with sleeping accommodations (and some plumbing)
bedsore|a chronic ulcer of the skin caused by prolonged pressure on it (as in bedridden patients)
bedspread|decorative cover for a bed
bedspring|(usually plural) one of the springs holding up the mattress of a bed
bedstead|the framework of a bed
bedstraw|any of several plants of the genus Galium
bedtime|the time you go to bed
bedwetter|someone suffering from enuresis;someone who urinates while asleep in bed
bed-wetting|enuresis during sleep;especially common in children (who usually outgrow it)
bee|a social gathering to carry out some communal task or to hold competitions;any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
bee balm|perennial aromatic herb of eastern North America having variously colored tubular flowers in dense showy heads;perennial herb of North America
bee beetle|European beetle;infests beehives
bee eater|colorful chiefly tropical Old World bird having a strong graceful flight;feeds on especially bees
bee fly|hairy nectar-eating fly that resembles a bee;larvae are parasitic on larvae of bees and related insects
bee moth|moth whose larvae live in and feed on bee honeycombs
bee orchid|European orchid whose flowers resemble bumble bees in shape and color
bee sting|a sting inflicted by a bee
beebread|a mixture of nectar and pollen prepared by worker bees and fed to larvae
beech|any of several large deciduous trees with rounded spreading crowns and smooth grey bark and small sweet edible triangular nuts enclosed in burs;north temperate regions;wood of any of various beech trees;used for flooring and containers and plywood and tool handles
beech fern|any fern of the genus Phegopteris having deeply cut triangular fronds
Beecher|United States clergyman who was a leader for the abolition of slavery (1813-1887)
beechnut|small sweet triangular nut of any of various beech trees
beef|cattle that are reared for their meat;meat from an adult domestic bovine
beef Bourguignonne|beef and mushrooms and onions stewed in red wine and seasonings
beef broth|a stock made with beef
beef burrito|a burrito with a beef filling
beef fondue|cubes of beef cooked in hot oil and then dipped in various tasty sauces
beef goulash|meat is browned before stewing
beef jerky|strips of dried beef
beef loin|cut of meat from a loin of beef
beef neck|a cut of beef from the neck of the animal
beef roast|cut of beef suitable for roasting
beef stew|a stew made with beef
beef Stroganoff|sauteed strips of beef and mushrooms in sour cream sauce served with noodles
beef tallow|tallow obtained from a bovine animal
beef tea|an extract of beef (given to people who are ill)
beef tenderloin|beef loin muscle
beef tongue|the tongue of a cow eaten as meat
beef Wellington|rare-roasted beef tenderloin coated with mushroom paste in puff pastry
beefcake|a photograph of a muscular man in minimal attire
beefsteak|a beef steak usually cooked by broiling
beefsteak begonia|rhizomatous begonia with roundish fleshy leaves reddish colored beneath
beefsteak fungus|a popular edible fungus with a cap the color of liver or raw meat;abundant in southeastern United States
beefsteak plant|plant grown for its ornamental red or purple foliage;South American plant having green to purple or red branches with green to purple ornamental foliage and spikes of insignificant woolly flowers with dry membranous bracts
beefsteak tomato|any of several large tomatoes with thick flesh
beefwood|any of several Australian trees of the genus Casuarina yielding heavy hard red wood used in cabinetwork;any of several heavy hard reddish chiefly tropical woods of the families Casuarinaceae and Proteaceae;some used for cabinetwork;tree yielding hard heavy reddish wood
beehive|a hairdo resembling a beehive;a man-made receptacle that houses a swarm of bees;a structure that provides a natural habitation for bees;as in a hollow tree;any workplace where people are very busy
beekeeper|a farmer who keeps bees for their honey
beekeeping|the cultivation of bees on a commercial scale for the production of honey
beeline|the most direct route - "he made a beeline for the bathroom"
beep|a short high tone produced as a signal or warning
beeper|an electronic device that generates a series of beeps when the person carrying it is being paged
beer|a general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops
beer barrel|a barrel that holds beer
beer bottle|a bottle that holds beer
beer can|a can that holds beer
beer drinker|someone whose favorite drink is beer or ale
beer garden|tavern with an outdoor area (usually resembling a garden) where beer and other alcoholic drinks are served
beer glass|a relatively large glass for serving beer
beer hall|a hall or barroom featuring beer and (usually) entertainment
beer mat|a drip mat placed under a glass of beer
beer mug|a mug intended for serving beer
Beerbohm|English writer and caricaturist (1872-1956)
beeswax|a yellow to brown wax secreted by honeybees to build honeycombs
beet|biennial Eurasian plant usually having a swollen edible root;widely cultivated as a food crop;round red root vegetable
beet armyworm|moth larva that eats foliage of beets and other vegetables
beet blight|a disease of beet plants
beet green|young leaves of the beetroot
beet sugar|sugar from sugar beets used as sweetening agent;sugar made from sugar beets
Beethoven|German composer of instrumental music (especially symphonic and chamber music);continued to compose after he lost his hearing (1770-1827);the music of Beethoven - "he enjoyed Beethoven most of all"
beetle|insect having biting mouthparts and front wings modified to form horny covers overlying the membranous rear wings
beetroot|beet having a massively swollen red root;widely grown for human consumption
befoulment|the state of being polluted
beggar|a pauper who lives by begging
beggarman|a man who is a beggar
beggar-my-neighbor|a card game for two players in which the object is to win all of the other player's cards
beggar-my-neighbor policy|a policy of promoting oneself at the expense of others;used especially of national policy - "the United States has pursued a beggar-my-neighbor policy"
beggar's lice|Eurasian and North American plants having small prickly nutlets that stick to clothing
beggarweed|West Indian forage plant cultivated in southern United States as forage and to improve soil
beggarwoman|a woman who is a beggar
beggary|a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person);the state of being a beggar or mendicant
Begin|Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)
beginning|the act of starting something - "he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations";the event consisting of the start of something - "the beginning of the war";the first part or section of something - "'It was a dark and stormy night' is a hackneyed beginning for a story";the place where something begins, where it springs into being - "the Italian beginning of the Renaissance";the time at which something is supposed to begin
begonia|any of numerous plants of the genus Begonia grown for their attractive glossy asymmetrical leaves and colorful flowers in usually terminal cymes or racemes
Begoniaceae|monoecious succulent herbs or shrubs of tropical and warm regions especially America
beguilement|an entertainment that provokes pleased interest and distracts you from worries and vexations
Beguine|(Roman Catholic Church) a member of a lay sisterhood (one of several founded in the Netherlands in the 12th and 13th centuries);though not taking religious vows the sisters followed an austere life;a ballroom dance that originated in the French West Indies;similar to the rumba;music written in the bolero rhythm of the beguine dance
begum|a Muslim woman of high rank in India or Pakistan
behalf|as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as "on behalf of" rather than "in behalf of") - "the guardian signed the contract on behalf of the minor child" - "this letter is written on behalf of my client";for someone's benefit (usually expressed as 'in behalf' rather than 'on behalf' and usually with a possessive) - "in your behalf" - "campaigning in his own behalf" - "spoke a good word in his friend's behalf"
behavior|(psychology) the aggregate of the responses or reactions or movements made by an organism in any situation;manner of acting or controlling yourself;the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances - "the behavior of small particles can be studied in experiments"
behavior therapy|psychotherapy that seeks to extinguish or inhibit abnormal or maladaptive behavior by reinforcing desired behavior and extinguishing undesired behavior
behaviorism|an approach to psychology that emphasizes observable measurable behavior
behaviorist|a psychologist who subscribes to behaviorism
behest|an authoritative command or request
Behrens|German architect known for his simple utilitarian factory buildings (1868-1940)
beige|a very light brown
Beijing|capital of the People's Republic of China in the Hebei province in northeastern China;2nd largest Chinese city
being|the state or fact of existing - "a point of view gradually coming into being"
Beira|a port city in eastern Mozambique on the Mozambique Channel
Bel|a logarithmic unit of sound intensity equal to 10 decibels;Babylonian god of the earth;one of the supreme triad including Anu and Ea;earlier identified with En-lil
Bel and the Dragon|an Apocryphal book consisting of text added to the Book of Daniel
bel canto|a style of operatic singing
bel esprit|a witty or clever person with a fine mind
Belamcanda|a monocotyledonous genus of the family Iridaceae
Belarus|a landlocked republic in eastern Europe;formerly a European soviet
Belarusian|the Slavic language spoken in Belarus
Belarusian monetary unit|monetary unit in Belarus
belay|something to which a mountain climber's rope can be secured
belaying pin|a wood or metal bar to which a rope can be secured (as on a ship or in mountain climbing)
belch|a reflex that expels gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth
belching|the forceful expulsion of something from inside - "the belching of smoke from factory chimneys"
beldam|a woman of advanced age
Belem|port city in northern Brazil in the Amazon delta;main port and commercial center for the Amazon River basin
belemnite|a conical calcareous fossil tapering to a point at one end and with a conical cavity at the other end containing (when unbroken) a small chambered phragmocone from the shell of any of numerous extinct cephalopods of the family Belemnitidae
Belemnitidae|family of extinct Mesozoic cephalopods
Belemnoidea|order of extinct dibranchiate cephalopods related to the surviving spirulas
Belfast|capital and largest city of Northern Ireland;the center of Protestantism in Northern Ireland
belfry|a room (often at the top of a tower) where bells are hung
Belgian|a native or inhabitant of Belgium
Belgian endive|young broad-leaved endive plant deprived of light to form a narrow whitish head
Belgian franc|formerly the basic unit of money in Belgium
Belgian hare|red breed of domestic rabbits;hybrid between Old World rabbit and hare
Belgian sheepdog|hardy working dog developed in Belgium for herding sheep
Belgian waffle|thick sweet waffle often eaten with ice cream or fruit sauce
Belgium|a monarchy in northwestern Europe;headquarters for the European Union and for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Belgrade|capital and largest city of Serbia and Montenegro;situated on the Danube
belief|any cognitive content held as true
believer|a person who has religious faith;a supporter who accepts something as true
believing|the cognitive process that leads to convictions - "seeing is believing"
Belisarius|Byzantine general under Justinian I;he recovered former Roman territories in northern Africa and fought against the Persians
belittling|the act of belittling
Belize|a country on the northeastern coast of Central America on the Caribbean;formerly under British control
Belize dollar|the basic unit of money in Belize
bell|(nautical) each of the eight half-hour units of nautical time signaled by strokes of a ship's bell;eight bells signals 4;00, 8;00, or 12;00 o'clock, either a.m. or p.m.;a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck;the flared opening of a tubular device;the shape of a bell;the sound of a bell being struck - "saved by the bell" - "she heard the distant toll of church bells";a phonetician and father of Alexander Graham Bell (1819-1905);English painter;sister of Virginia Woolf;prominent member of the Bloomsbury Group (1879-1961);United States inventor (born in Scotland) of the telephone (1847-1922)
bell apple|the edible yellow fruit of the Jamaica honeysuckle
bell arch|a round arch resting on corbels
bell book|a logbook in which all orders concerning the main engines of a ship are recorded
bell buoy|a buoy with a bell on it
bell captain|the supervisor of bellboys in a hotel
bell cote|a small shelter for bells;has a gable or shed roof
bell deck|a floor under the bells of an open belfry
bell founder|a person who casts metal bells
bell foundry|a foundry where bells are cast
bell gable|an extension of a gable that serves as a bell cote
bell heather|common low European shrub with purple-red flowers
bell jar|a bell-shaped glass cover used to protect and display delicate objects or to cover scientific apparatus or to contain gases
bell metal|bronze with 3 or 4 parts copper to 1 part tin;used in making bells
bell pepper|large bell-shaped sweet pepper in green or red or yellow or orange or black varieties
bell push|a button that is pushed to ring a bell
bell ringer|someone who plays musical handbells;something that exactly succeeds in achieving its goal - "the new advertising campaign was a bell ringer"
bell ringing|playing a set of bells that are (usually) hung in a tower;the sound of someone playing a set of bells
bell seat|a seat that has a bell shape (on some 18th century chairs)
bell tent|a bell-shaped tent
bell tower|a tower that supports or shelters a bell
belladonna|an alkaloidal extract or tincture of the poisonous belladonna plant that is used medicinally;perennial Eurasian herb with reddish bell-shaped flowers and shining black berries;extensively grown in United States;roots and leaves yield atropine
belladonna lily|amaryllis of South Africa often cultivated for its fragrant white or rose flowers
bellarmine|a stoneware drinking jug with a long neck;decorated with a caricature of Cardinal Bellarmine (17th century);Italian cardinal and theologian (1542-1621)
bellbird|any of several tropical American birds of the genus Procnias having a bell-like call
bellbottom trousers|trousers with legs that flare;worn by sailors;absurdly wide hems were fashionable in the 1960s
bellboy|someone employed as an errand boy and luggage carrier around hotels
belle|a young woman who is the most charming and beautiful of several rivals - "she was the belle of the ball"
Belle Isle cress|of southwestern Europe;cultivated in Florida
Bellerophon|(Greek mythology) a mythical hero of Corinth who performed miracles on the winged horse Pegasus (especially killing the monster Chimera)
belles-lettres|creative writing valued for esthetic content
bellicosity|a natural disposition to fight
belligerence|hostile or warlike attitude or nature
Bellingham|a town in northwestern Washington on a bay near the Canadian border
Bellini|Italian composer of operas (1801-1835)
Bellis|daisy
bell-like call|a birdcall that resembles the tone of a bell
Belloc|English author (born in France) remembered especially for his verse for children (1870-1953)
bellow|a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal) - "his bellow filled the hallway";United States author (born in Canada) whose novels influenced American literature after World War II (1915-2005)
bellows|a mechanical device that blows a strong current of air;used to make a fire burn more fiercely or to sound a musical instrument
bellpull|a handle or cord that is pulled to ring a doorbell or a servant's bell etc.
bellwether|sheep that leads the herd often wearing a bell;someone who assumes leadership of a movement or activity
bellwort|any of various plants of the genus Uvularia having yellowish drooping bell-shaped flowers
belly|a part that bulges deeply - "the belly of a sail";a protruding abdomen;the hollow inside of something - "in the belly of the ship";the underpart of the body of certain vertebrates such as snakes or fish
belly dance|a Middle Eastern dance in which the dancer makes sensuous movements of the hips and abdomen
belly dancer|a woman who performs a solo belly dance
belly flop|a dive in which the abdomen bears the main force of impact with the water
belly laugh|a joke that seems extremely funny
bellyband|a cloth band that is worn around the waist (as on infants until the navel has healed);a strap around the belly of a draft animal holding the shafts of a wagon
bellyful|an undesirable overabundance - "a bellyful of your complaints"
Belmont Park|a racetrack for thoroughbred racing in Elmont on Long Island;site of the Belmont Stakes
Belmont Stakes|an annual race for three-year-old horses;held on Long Island at Elmont, New York
Belo Horizonte|city in southeastern Brazil to the north of Rio de Janeiro;the first of Brazil's planned communities
belonging|happiness felt in a secure relationship - "with his classmates he felt a sense of belonging"
Belonidae|ferocious fishes of warm regions resembling but unrelated to the freshwater gars
Belostomatidae|water bugs
beloved|a beloved person;used as terms of endearment
Belsen|a Nazi concentration camp for Jews created in northwestern Germany during World War II
Belshazzar|(Old Testament) Babylonian general and son of Nebuchadnezzar II;according to the Old Testament he was warned of his doom by divine handwriting on the wall that was interpreted by Daniel (6th century BC)
belt|a band to tie or buckle around the body (usually at the waist);ammunition (usually of small caliber) loaded in flexible linked strips for use in a machine gun;an elongated region where a specific condition or characteristic is found - "a belt of high pressure";endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
belt buckle|the buckle used to fasten a belt
belt maker|a maker of belts
belted kingfisher|greyish-blue North American kingfisher with a chestnut band on its chest
belted sandfish|found in warm shallow waters of western Atlantic
belting|the material of which belts are made
beltway|a highway that encircles an urban area so that traffic does not have to pass through the center
beluga|valuable source of caviar and isinglass;found in Black and Caspian seas
beluga caviar|roe of beluga sturgeon usually from Russia;highly valued
belvedere|a gazebo sited to command a fine view
Bemidji|a town in northern Minnesota
Bemisia|sweet-potato whitefly
ben|a mountain or tall hill - "they were climbing the ben"
Ben Gurion|Israeli statesman (born in Poland) and active Zionist who organized resistance against the British after World War II;prime minister of Israel (1886-1973)
Ben Sira|an Apocryphal book mainly of maxims (resembling Proverbs in that respect)
bench|(law) the seat for judges in a courtroom;a long seat for more than one person;the reserve players on a team - "our team has a strong bench";the magistrate or judge or judges sitting in court in judicial capacity to compose the court collectively
bench clamp|a clamp used to hold work in place on a workbench
bench hook|any of various stops on a workbench against which work can be pushed (as while chiseling or planing)
bench lathe|lathe mounted on a workbench
bench press|a small punch press mounted on a workbench;a weightlift in which you lie on your back on a bench and press weights upward
bench warmer|(sports) a substitute who seldom plays
bench warrant|a warrant authorizing law enforcement officials to apprehend an offender and bring that person to court
Benchley|United States humorist (1889-1945)
benchmark|a standard by which something can be measured or judged - "his painting sets the benchmark of quality";a surveyor's mark on a permanent object of predetermined position and elevation used as a reference point
bend|a circular segment of a curve - "a bend in the road";curved segment (of a road or river or railroad track etc.);diagonal line traversing a shield from the upper right corner to the lower left;a town in central Oregon at the eastern foot of the Cascade Range
bendability|the property of being easily bent without breaking
Benday process|a photoengraving technique for adding shading or texture or tone to a printed image
bender|a tool for bending - "he used pliers as a bender"
bending|movement that causes the formation of a curve;the act of bending something
benedick|a newly married man (especially one who has long been a bachelor)
Benedict|Italian monk who founded the Benedictine order about 540 (480-547);United States anthropologist (1887-1948)
Benedict XIV|pope who was a patron of the arts and who denounced the cruelty to the indigenous peoples of South America (1675-1758)
Benedict XV|pope who founded the Vatican service for prisoners of war during World War I (1854-1922)
benedictine|a French liqueur originally made by Benedictine monks;a monk or nun belonging to the order founded by Saint Benedict
Benedictine order|a Roman Catholic monastic order founded in the 6th century;noted for liturgical worship and for scholarly activities
benediction|a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
benefaction|a contribution of money or assistance
benefactive role|the semantic role of the intended recipient who benefits from the happening denoted by the verb in the clause
benefactor|a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help)
benefactress|a woman benefactor
benefice|an endowed church office giving income to its holder
beneficence|doing good;feeling beneficent;the quality of being kind or helpful or generous
beneficiary|the recipient of funds or other benefits
benefit|a performance to raise money for a charitable cause;financial assistance in time of need;something that aids or promotes well-being - "for the benefit of all"
benefit concert|a concert given for the benefit of some charitable cause
benefit of clergy|sanction by a religious rite - "they are living together without benefit of clergy"
Benelux|a customs union comprising Belgium and Netherlands and Luxembourg
Benet|United States poet;brother of William Rose Benet (1898-1943);United States writer;brother of Stephen Vincent Benet (1886-1950)
benevolence|an act intending or showing kindness and good will;an inclination to do kind or charitable acts;disposition to do good
Benford's law|a law used by auditors to identify fictitious populations of numbers;applies to any population of numbers derived from other numbers - "Benford's law holds that 30% of the time the first non-zero digit of a derived number will be 1 and it will be 9 only 4.6% of the time"
Bengal|a region whose eastern part is now Bangladesh and whose western part is included in India
Bengal light|a steady bright blue light;formerly used as a signal but now a firework
Bengal tiger|southern short-haired tiger
Bengali|(Hinduism) a member of a people living in Bangladesh and West Bengal (mainly Hindus);a Magadhan language spoken by the Bengali people;the official language of Bangladesh and Bengal;an ethnic group speaking Bengali and living in Bangladesh and eastern India
Benghazi|port in northern Libya on the Gulf of Sidra;formerly a joint capital of Libya with Tripoli
benign prostatic hyperplasia|enlarged prostate;appears to be part of the natural aging process
benign tumor|a tumor that is not cancerous
benignity|the quality of being kind and gentle
Benin|a country on western coast of Africa;formerly under French control
Benin franc|the basic unit of money in Benin
Beninese|a native or inhabitant of Benin
benison|a spoken blessing
Benjamin|(Old Testament) the youngest and best-loved son of Jacob and Rachel and one of the twelve forebears of the tribes of Israel
Benjamin Franklin Bridge|a suspension bridge across the Delaware River
bennet|avens of Virginia having pale or greenish yellow flowers;North American white-flowered avens
Bennett|United States aviator who (with Richard E. Byrd) piloted the first flight over the North Pole (1890-1928)
Bennettitaceae|a family of fossil gymnospermous plants of the Carboniferous
Bennettitales|fossil gymnospermous plants of the Carboniferous
Bennettitis|type of the Bennettitales
Bennington|a town in southwestern Vermont
Benny|United States comedian known for his timeing and delivery and self-effacing humor (1894-1974)
bent|a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way;a special way of doing something - "he had a bent for it";an area of grassland unbounded by fences or hedges;grass for pastures and lawns especially bowling and putting greens
bent hang|a hang performed with the elbows bent
Bentham|English philosopher and jurist;founder of utilitarianism (1748-1831)
benthos|a region including the bottom of the sea and the littoral zones;organisms (plants and animals) that live at or near the bottom of a sea
Benton|United States artist whose paintings portrayed life in the Midwest and South (1889-1975);United States legislator who opposed the use of paper currency (1782-1858)
bentonite|an absorbent aluminum silicate clay formed from volcanic ash
bentwood|wood that is steamed until it becomes pliable and then is shaped for use in making furniture - "bentwood chairs"
Benzedrine|a form of amphetamine
benzene|a colorless liquid hydrocarbon;highly inflammable;carcinogenic;the simplest of the aromatic compounds
benzene formula|a closed chain of 6 carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached
benzoate|any salt or ester of benzoic acid
benzoate of soda|a white crystalline salt used as a food preservative and antiseptic
benzocaine|a white crystalline ester used as a local anesthetic
benzodiazepine|any of several similar lipophilic amines used as tranquilizers or sedatives or hypnotics or muscle relaxants;chronic use can lead to dependency
benzofuran|a colorless oily compound extracted from coal tar and used in manufacturing synthetic resins
benzoic acid|a white crystalline solid occurring in many resins
benzoin|gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation;used in some classifications for the American spicebush and certain other plants often included in the genus Lindera
benzoyl group|the univalent radical derived from benzoic acid
benzoyl peroxide|a white crystalline peroxide used in bleaching (flour or oils or fats) and as a catalyst for free radical reactions
benzyl|the univalent radical derived from toluene
Beowulf|the legendary hero of an anonymous Old English epic poem composed in the early 8th century;he slays a monster and becomes king but dies fighting a dragon
bequest|(law) a gift of personal property by will
berating|a severe rebuke - "he deserved the berating that the coach gave him"
Berber|a cluster of related dialects that were once the major language of northern Africa west of Egypt;now spoken mostly in Morocco;a member of an indigenous people of northern Africa
Berberidaceae|shrubs or herbs
Berberis|large genus of shrubs of temperate zones of New and Old Worlds
Berbers|an ethnic minority descended from Berbers and Arabs and living in northern Africa
Bercy|butter creamed with white wine and shallots and parsley
bereaved|a person who has suffered the death of someone they loved - "the bereaved do not always need to be taken care of"
beret|a cap with no brim or bill;made of soft cloth
Berg|Austrian composer in Schoenberg's twelve-tone music system (1885-1935)
bergamot|small tree with pear-shaped fruit whose oil is used in perfumery;Italy
bergamot mint|mint with leaves having perfume like that of the bergamot orange
Bergen|a port city in southwestern Norway
bergenia|any plant of the genus Bergenia;valued as an evergreen ground cover and for the spring blossoms
Bergman|Swedish film actress (1915-1982);Swedish film director who used heavy symbolism and explored the psychology of the characters (born 1918)
Bergson|French philosopher who proposed elan vital as the cause of evolution and development (1859-1941)
Beria|Soviet chief of secret police under Joseph Stalin;was executed by his associates in the power struggle following Stalin's death (1899-1953)
beriberi|avitaminosis caused by lack of thiamine (vitamin B1)
Bering|Danish explorer who explored the northern Pacific Ocean for the Russians and discovered the Bering Strait (1681-1741)
Bering Sea|part of the North Pacific between Alaska and Siberia;connected to the Arctic Ocean by the Bering Strait
Bering Strait|a strait connecting the Bering Sea to the Arctic Ocean
Bering Time|standard time in the 11th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 165th meridian west;used in the Midway Islands
Berith|the Jewish rite of circumcision performed on a male child on the eighth day of his life
berk|a stupid person who is easy to take advantage of
Berkeley|a city in California on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay;site of the University of California at Berkeley;Irish philosopher and Anglican bishop who opposed the materialism of Thomas Hobbes (1685-1753)
berkelium|a radioactive transuranic element;discovered by bombarding americium with helium
Berkshire|a county in southern England
Berkshires|a low mountain range in western Massachusetts;a resort area
Berlage|Dutch architect and town planner (1856-1934)
Berlin|a limousine with a glass partition between the front and back seats;capital of Germany located in eastern Germany;United States songwriter (born in Russia) who wrote more than 1500 songs and several musical comedies (1888-1989)
Berlin airlift|airlift in 1948 that supplied food and fuel to citizens of west Berlin when the Russians closed off land access to Berlin
Berlin doughnut|a raised doughnut filled with jelly or jam
Berliner|an inhabitant of Berlin
Berlioz|French composer of romantic works (1803-1869)
berm|a narrow ledge or shelf typically at the top or bottom of a slope
Bermuda|a group of islands in the Atlantic off the Carolina coast;British colony;a popular resort
Bermuda buttercup|South African bulbous wood sorrel with showy yellow flowers
Bermuda cedar|ornamental densely pyramidal juniper of Bermuda;fairly large for a juniper
Bermuda chub|food and game fish around Bermuda and Florida;often follow ships
Bermuda dollar|the basic unit of money in Bermuda
Bermuda grass|trailing grass native to Europe now cosmopolitan in warm regions;used for lawns and pastures especially in southern United States and India
Bermuda maidenhair|delicate endemic Bermudian fern with creeping rootstock
Bermuda onion|mild flat onion grown in warm areas
Bermuda plan|a hotel plan that provides a full breakfast daily
Bermuda rig|a rig of triangular sails for a yacht
Bermuda shorts|short pants that end at the knee
Bermuda Triangle|an area in the western Atlantic Ocean where many ships and planes are supposed to have been mysteriously lost
Bermudan|a native or inhabitant of Bermuda
Bern|the capital of Switzerland;located in western Switzerland
Bernard|French physiologist noted for research on secretions of the alimentary canal and the glycogenic function of the liver (1813-1878)
Bernese mountain dog|large powerful long-haired black-coated Swiss dog with deep tan or russet markings on legs and white blaze and feet and chest marking;formerly used for draft
Bernhardt|French actress (1844-1923)
Bernini|Italian sculptor and architect of the baroque period in Italy;designed many churches and chapels and tombs and fountains (1598-1680)
Bernoulli|Swiss mathematician (1654-1705);Swiss mathematician (1667-1748);Swiss physicist who contributed to hydrodynamics and mathematical physics (1700-1782)
Bernoulli's law|(statistics) law stating that a large number of items taken at random from a population will (on the average) have the population statistics
Bernstein|United States conductor and composer (1918-1990)
beroe|delicately iridescent thimble-shaped ctenophores
Berra|United States baseball player (born 1925)
berry|a small fruit having any of various structures, e.g., simple (grape or blueberry) or aggregate (blackberry or raspberry);any of numerous small and pulpy edible fruits;used as desserts or in making jams and jellies and preserves;United States rock singer (born in 1931)
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
Berteroa|hoary alyssum
berth|a bed on a ship or train;usually in tiers
Bertholletia|brazil nut
Bertillon|French criminologist (1853-1914)
Bertillon system|a system or procedure for identifying persons
Bertolucci|Italian filmmaker (born in 1940)
Berycomorphi|an order of spiny-finned fish in the superorder Acanthopterygii
beryl|the chief source of beryllium;colored transparent varieties are valued as gems
beryllium|a light strong brittle grey toxic bivalent metallic element
beryllium bronze|a copper-base alloy containing beryllium
Berzelius|Swedish chemist who discovered three new elements and determined the atomic weights of many others (1779-1848)
besieger|an enemy who lays siege to your position;an energetic petitioner
besom|a broom made of twigs tied together on a long handle
Bessel|German mathematician and astronomer who made accurate measurements of stellar distances and who predicted the existence on an 8th planet (1784-1846)
Bessemer|British inventor and metallurgist who developed the Bessemer process (1813-1898)
Bessemer converter|a refractory-lined furnace used to convert pig iron into steel by the Bessemer process
Bessemer process|an industrial process for making steel using a Bessemer converter to blast air through molten iron and thus burning the excess carbon and impurities;the first successful method of making steel in quantity at low cost
Bessera|small genus of cormous perennials of Mexico;sometimes placed in family Alliaceae
Besseya|genus of North American spring wildflowers
Best|Canadian physiologist (born in the United States) who assisted F. G. Banting in research leading to the discovery of insulin (1899-1978);the person who is most outstanding or excellent;someone who tops all others;the supreme effort one can make
best evidence rule|a rule of evidence requiring that to prove the content of a writing or recording or photograph the original is required
best friend|the one friend who is closest to you
best man|the principal groomsman at a wedding
best seller|a book that has had a large and rapid sale
bestiality|sexual activity between a person and an animal;the stupid brutal quality of a beast
bestiary|a medieval book (usually illustrated) with allegorical and amusing descriptions of real and fabled animals
bestowal|a gift that is bestowed or conferred;the act of conferring an honor or presenting a gift
bet|the act of gambling - "he did it on a bet"
Beta|beets;the 2nd letter of the Greek alphabet
beta blocker|any of various drugs used in treating hypertension or arrhythmia;decreases force and rate of heart contractions by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors of the autonomic nervous system
beta blocker eyedrop|a treatment for glaucoma;the eyedrops reduce intraocular pressure by reducing the production of aqueous humor
beta cell|a cell that produces insulin in the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas
Beta Centauri|the second brightest star in Centaurus
Beta Crucis|the second brightest star in the Southern Cross
beta decay|radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of a beta particle
beta endorphin|an endorphin produced by the pituitary gland that suppresses pain
beta iron|an allotrope of iron that is the same as alpha iron except that it is nonmagnetic;stable between 768 and 906 degrees centigrade
beta particle|a high-speed electron or positron emitted in the decay of a radioactive isotope
beta radiation|radiation of beta particles during radioactive decay
beta receptor|receptors postulated to exist on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system in order to explain the specificity of certain agents that affect only some sympathetic activities (such as vasodilation and increased heart beat)
beta rhythm|the normal brainwave in the encephalogram of a person who is awake and alert;occurs with a frequency between 12 and 30 hertz
beta software|software that has not yet been released but has received an alpha test and still has more bugs than a regular release - "beta software is usually available only to particular users who will test it"
beta test|(computer science) a second test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by an outside organization
beta-carotene|an isomer of carotene that is found in dark green and dark yellow fruits and vegetables
beta-hydroxybutyric acid|beta derivative of hydroxybutyric acid that is found in the blood and urine in some cases of impaired metabolism
betaine|a sweet tasting alkaloid that occurs in sugar beets
beta-interferon|a form of interferon that is produced by fibroblasts and have antiviral effects;used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis
beta-naphthol|an isomer of naphthol used in rubber as an antioxidant
betatron|accelerates a continuous beam of electrons to high speeds by means of the electric field produced by changing magnetic flux
betel|Asian pepper plant whose dried leaves are chewed with betel nut (seed of the betel palm) by southeast Asians
betel nut|seed of betel palm;chewed with leaves of the betel pepper and lime as a digestive stimulant and narcotic in southeastern Asia
betel palm|southeastern Asian palm bearing betel nuts (scarlet or orange single-seeded fruit with a fibrous husk)
Betelgeuse|the second brightest star in Orion
beth|the 2nd letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Bethe|United States physicist (born in Germany) noted for research in astrophysics and nuclear physics (1906-2005)
bethel|a house of worship (especially one for sailors)
Bethlehem|a small town near Jerusalem on the West Bank of the Jordan River;early home of David and regarded as the place where Jesus was born;a town in eastern Pennsylvania on the Lehigh River to the northwest of Philadelphia;an important center for steel production
Bethune|United States educator who worked to improve race relations and educational opportunities for Black Americans (1875-1955)
betrayal|the quality of aiding an enemy
betrothal|a mutual promise to marry;the act of becoming betrothed or engaged
betrothed|the person to whom you are engaged
better|a superior person having claim to precedence - "the common man has been kept in his place by his betters";something superior in quality or condition or effect - "a change for the better";the superior one of two alternatives - "chose the better of the two"
betterment|an improvement that adds to the value of a property or facility
betting shop|a licensed bookmaker's shop that is not at the race track
bettong|short-nosed rat kangaroo
Bettongia|jerboa kangaroo
bettor|someone who bets
Betula|a genus of trees of the family Betulaceae (such as birches)
Betulaceae|monoecious trees and shrubs (including the genera Betula and Alnus and Carpinus and Corylus and Ostrya and Ostryopsis)
bevatron|a cyclotron that accelerates protons up to several billion electron volts
bevel|a hand tool consisting of two rules that are hinged together so you can draw or measure angles of any size;two surfaces meeting at an angle different from 90 degrees
bevel gear|gears that mesh at an angle
beverage|any liquid suitable for drinking - "may I take your beverage order?"
Beveridge|British economist (born in India) whose report on social insurance provided the basis for most of the social legislation on which the welfare state in the United Kingdom is based (1879-1963)
Beverly Hills|a city in southwestern California surrounded by Los Angeles;home of many Hollywood actors
Bevin|British labor leader and statesman who played an important role in diplomacy after World War II (1884-1951)
bevy|a flock of birds (especially when gathered close together on the ground) - "we were visited at breakfast by a bevy of excited ducks";a large gathering of people of a particular type - "he was surrounded by a bevy of beauties in bathing attire" - "a bevy of young beach boys swarmed around him"
Bewick's swan|Eurasian subspecies of tundra swan;smaller than the whooper
bewilderment|confusion resulting from failure to understand
bewitchery|magnetic personal charm
bey|(formerly) a title of respect for a man in Turkey or Egypt;the governor of a district or province in the Ottoman Empire
bezant|a gold coin of the Byzantine Empire;widely circulated in Europe in the Middle Ages
bezel|a sloping edge on a cutting tool
bezoar goat|wild goat of Iran and adjacent regions
B-flat clarinet|the ordinary clarinet with a middle range
B-girl|a woman employed by a bar to act as a companion to men customers
Bhadon|the sixth month of the Hindu calendar
Bhaga|Hindu god of wealth and love
Bhagavad-Gita|(Hinduism) the sacred 'song of God' composed about 200 BC and incorporated into the Mahabharata (a Sanskrit epic);contains a discussion between Krishna and the Indian hero Arjuna on human nature and the purpose of life
bhakti|(Hinduism) loving devotion to a deity leading to salvation and nirvana;open to all persons independent of caste or sex
bhang|a preparation of the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant;much used in India
B-horizon|immediately below the A-horizon;contains deposits of organic matter leached from surface soils
Bhumi Devi|Hindu earth goddess;one of the two wives of Vishnu
Bhutan|a landlocked principality in the Himalayas to the northeast of India
Bhutanese|a native or inhabitant of Bhutan
Bhutanese monetary unit|monetary unit in Bhutan
bialy|flat crusty-bottomed onion roll
bias|a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
biauriculate heart|a heart (as of mammals and birds and reptiles) having two auricles
bib|a napkin tied under the chin of a child while eating;top part of an apron;covering the chest
bib-and-tucker|an attractive outfit - "she wore her best bib-and-tucker"
Bibb lettuce|lettuce with relatively crisp leaves
bible|a book regarded as authoritative in its field;the sacred writings of the Christian religions
Bible Belt|southern and midwestern United States where Protestant fundamentalism is dominant
Biblical Aramaic|the form of Aramaic that was spoken in Palestine in the time of the New Testament
bibliographer|someone trained in compiling bibliographies
bibliography|a list of writings with time and place of publication (such as the writings of a single author or the works referred to in preparing a document etc.)
bibliolatry|the worship of the Bible
bibliomania|preoccupation with the acquisition and possession of books
bibliophile|someone who loves (and usually collects) books
bibliopole|a dealer in secondhand books (especially rare or curious books)
bibliotheca|a collection of books
bibliotics|the scientific study of documents and handwriting etc. especially to determine authorship or authenticity
bibliotist|someone who engages in bibliotics
Bibos|wild ox
bicameral script|a script having two distinct cases
bicarbonate|a salt of carbonic acid (containing the anion HCO3) in which one hydrogen atom has been replaced;an acid carbonate
bicarbonate of soda|a white soluble compound (NaHCO3) used in effervescent drinks and in baking powders and as an antacid
bicentennial|the 200th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
biceps|any skeletal muscle having two origins (but especially the muscle that flexes the forearm)
biceps brachii|a muscle that flexes and supinates the forearm
bichromate|a salt of the hypothetical dichromic acid
bicker|a quarrel about petty points
bicolor lespediza|Asian shrub having conspicuous racemose rose-purple flowers widely used as an ornamental and in erosion control and as a source of feed for wild birds
bicorn|a cocked hat with the brim turned up to form two points
bicycle|a wheeled vehicle that has two wheels and is moved by foot pedals
bicycle chain|a chain that transmits the power from the pedals to the rear wheel of a bicycle
bicycle clip|a clip worn around a cyclist's ankles that keeps trousers from becoming caught in the bicycle chain
bicycle pump|a small pump that fills bicycle tires with air
bicycle race|a race between people riding bicycles
bicycle rack|a rack for parking bicycles
bicycle seat|a seat for the rider of a bicycle
bicycle traffic|bicycles coming and going
bicycle wheel|the wheel of a bicycle
bicycle-built-for-two|a bicycle with two sets of pedals and two seats
bicycling|riding a bicycle
bid|(bridge) the number of tricks a bridge player is willing to contract to make;a formal proposal to buy at a specified price;an attempt to get something - "he made a bid to gain attention"
bid price|(stock market) the price at which a broker is willing to buy a certain security
bidder|someone who makes a bid at cards;someone who makes an offer
bidding|a request to be present - "they came at his bidding"
bidding contest|a series of competing bids
Bidens|bur marigolds
bidet|a basin for washing genitals and anal area
biennial|(botany) a plant having a life cycle that normally takes two seasons from germination to death to complete;flowering biennials usually bloom and fruit in the second season
bier|a coffin along with its stand - "we followed the bier to the graveyard";a stand to support a corpse or a coffin prior to burial
Bierce|United States writer of caustic wit (1842-1914)
bifocals|eyeglasses having two focal lengths, one for near vision and the other for far vision
bi-fold door|an interior door
bifurcation|a bifurcating branch (one or both of them);the act of splitting into two branches;the place where something divides into two branches
big band|a large dance or jazz band usually featuring improvised solos by lead musicians
big bang|(cosmology) the cosmic explosion that is hypothesized to have marked the origin of the universe
Big Ben|clock in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, London
Big Bend|a triangular area in southwestern Texas on the Mexican border;formed by a bend in the Rio Grande
Big Bend National Park|a large national park in Texas featuring mountains and desert and canyons and wildlife
Big Blue|a reliable and deadly 15,000-pound fragmentation bomb that explodes just above ground with a large radius;the largest conventional bomb in existence;used in Afghanistan
big board|the large display board at the New York Stock Exchange that reports on stocks traded on the exchange
Big Brother|an authoritarian leader and invader of privacy;an older brother
big brown bat|rather large North American brown bat;widely distributed
big business|commercial enterprises organized and financed on a scale large enough to influence social and political policies - "big business is growing so powerful it is difficult to regulate it effectively"
big cat|any of several large cats typically able to roar and living in the wild
big deal|anything of great importance or consequence
Big Dipper|a group of seven bright stars in the constellation Ursa Major
big game|large animals that are hunted for sport
big H|street names for heroin
big sagebrush|aromatic shrub of arid regions of western North America having hoary leaves
big science|scientific research that requires massive capital investment but is expected to yield very significant results
big shellbark|hickory of the eastern United States resembling the shagbark but having a much larger nut
big shot|an important influential person - "he thinks he's a big shot"
Big Sioux River|a river that rises in northeastern South Dakota and flows southward to join the Missouri River at Sioux City, Iowa
big sister|an older sister
big spender|one who spends lavishly and ostentatiously on entertainment - "the last of the big spenders"
big stick|a display of force or power - "speak softly but carry a big stick"
Big Sur|a picturesque coastal region of California to the south of San Francisco
big time|the highest level of an occupation (especially in entertainment)
big toe|the first largest innermost toe
bigamist|someone who marries one person while already legally married to another
bigamy|having two spouses at the same time;the offense of marrying someone while you have a living spouse from whom no valid divorce has occurred
big-bang theory|(cosmology) the theory that the universe originated sometime between 10 billion and 20 billion years ago from the cataclysmic explosion of a small volume of matter at extremely high density and temperature
big-cone spruce|douglas fir of California having cones 4-8 inches long
big-eared bat|large carnivorous Old World bat with very large ears
bigeye|red fishes of American coastal tropical waters having very large eyes and rough scales
bigeye scad|of Atlantic coastal waters;commonly used for bait
Bigfoot|large hairy humanoid creature said to live in wilderness areas of the United States and Canada
biggin|a child's tight-fitting cap;often ties under the chin
bighead|any of various diseases of animals characterized by edema of the head and neck
bigheartedness|the quality of being kind and generous
Bighorn|a river that flows from central Wyoming to the Yellowstone River in southern Montana;wild sheep of mountainous regions of western North America having massive curled horns
bight|a bend or curve (especially in a coastline);a broad bay formed by an indentation in the shoreline;a loop in a rope;the middle part of a slack rope (as distinguished from its ends)
Bight of Benin|a broad indentation of the Gulf of Guinea in western Africa
Bignonia|one species;cross vine
Bignoniaceae|trees or shrubs or woody vines or herbs having fruit resembling gourds or capsules;sometimes placed in the order Scrophulariales
bignoniad|any woody plant of the family Bignoniaceae
bigos|a Polish stew of cabbage and meat
bigot|a prejudiced person who is intolerant of any opinions differing from his own
bigotry|the intolerance and prejudice of a bigot
bigram|a word that is written with two letters in an alphabetic writing system
big-tree plum|small tree of southwestern United States having purplish-red fruit sometimes cultivated as an ornamental for its large leaves
Bihar|a state of northeastern India
Bihari|the Indic language spoken in Bihar (and by some people in Pakistan and Bangladesh)
bijou|a small and delicately worked piece
bijugate leaf|a pinnate leaf having two pairs of leaflets
bikini|a woman's very brief bathing suit;an atoll in the Marshall Islands;formerly used by the United States as a site for testing nuclear weapons
bikini pants|small and tight-fitting underpants;worn by women
bilabial|a consonant that is articulated using both lips;/p/ or /b/ or /w/
bilateral contract|a contract involving mutual promises (each party is both promisor and promisee)
bilateral descent|line of descent traced through both the maternal and paternal sides of the family
bilaterality|the property of being symmetrical about a vertical plane
bilberry|blue-black berries similar to American blueberries;erect blueberry of western United States having solitary flowers and somewhat sour berries;erect European blueberry having solitary flowers and blue-black berries
bile|a digestive juice secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder;aids in the digestion of fats
bile acid|any of the steroid acids generated in the liver and stored with bile
bile salt|a salt of bile acid and a base;functions as an emulsifier of lipids and fatty acids
bilge|water accumulated in the bilge of a ship;where the sides of the vessel curve in to form the bottom
bilge keel|either of two lengthwise fins attached along the outside of a ship's bilge;reduces rolling
bilge pump|a pump to remove bilgewater
bilge well|(nautical) a well where seepage drains to be pumped away
bilges|in a vessel with two hulls, an enclosed area between the frames at each side
biliary ductule|excretory ducts of the liver;empty into the hepatic ducts
bilimbi|East Indian evergreen tree bearing very acid fruit
bilingual|a person who speaks two languages fluently
bilingual dictionary|a dictionary giving equivalent words in two languages
bilingualism|the ability to speak two languages colloquially
biliousness|gastric distress caused by a disorder of the liver or gall bladder
bilirubin|an orange-yellow pigment in the bile that forms as a product of hemoglobin;excess amounts in the blood produce the yellow appearance observed in jaundice
bill|a brim that projects to the front to shade the eyes - "he pulled down the bill of his cap and trudged ahead";a list of particulars (as a playbill or bill of fare);a long-handled saw with a curved blade - "he used a bill to prune branches off of the tree";a piece of paper money (especially one issued by a central bank);a statute in draft before it becomes law - "they held a public hearing on the bill";an itemized statement of money owed for goods shipped or services rendered - "he paid his bill and left";the entertainment offered at a public presentation
bill of attainder|a legislative act finding a person guilty of treason or felony without a trial
bill of entry|a list of goods received at a customhouse for export or import
bill of goods|a consignment of merchandise;communication (written or spoken) that persuades someone to accept something untrue or undesirable - "they tried to sell me a bill of goods about a secondhand car"
bill of health|a certificate saying that a departing ship's company is healthy (to be presented at the next port of arrival)
bill of lading|a receipt given by the carrier to the shipper acknowledging receipt of the goods being shipped and specifying the terms of delivery
bill of Particulars|the particular events to be dealt with in a criminal trial;advises the defendant and the court of the facts the defendant will be required to meet
bill of review|a proceeding brought to obtain an explanation or an alteration or a reversal of a decree by the court that rendered it
Bill of Rights|a statement of fundamental rights and privileges (especially the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution)
bill of sale|a deed transferring personal property
bill poster|someone who pastes up bills or placards on walls or billboards
billabong|a branch of a river made by water flowing from the main stream only when the water level is high;a stagnant pool of water in the bed of a stream that flows intermittently
billboard|large outdoor signboard
billet|lodging for military personnel (especially in a private home)
billfish|giant warm-water game fish having a prolonged and rounded toothless upper jaw
billiard ball|ball used in playing billiards
billiard marker|a device for keeping the score in a game of billiards
billiard player|someone who plays billiards
billiard room|a room in which billiards is played
billiards|any of several games played on rectangular cloth-covered table (with cushioned edges) in which long tapering cue sticks are used to propel ivory (or composition) balls
Billings|the largest city in Montana;located in southern Montana on the Yellowstone river
billion|the number that is represented as a one followed by 12 zeros;in the United Kingdom the usage followed in the United States is frequently seen;the number that is represented as a one followed by 9 zeros
billionaire|a very rich person whose material wealth is valued at more than a billion dollars
billionth|position 1,000,000,000 in a countable series of things
billow|a large sea wave
billy|male goat
billy buttons|any of various plants of the genus Craspedia grown for their downy foliage and globose heads of golden flowers;Australia and New Zealand
billyo|an unimaginably large amount - "British say 'it rained like billyo' where Americans say 'it rained like all get out'"
bilocation|the ability (said of certain Roman Catholic saints) to exist simultaneously in two locations
bilocular capsule|a capsule divided into two cells or compartments
Biloxi|a member of the Siouan people of southeastern Mississippi;an old town in southern Mississippi on the Gulf of Mexico;the Siouan language spoken by the Biloxi
biltong|meat that is salted and cut into strips and dried in the sun
bimbo|a young woman indulged by rich and powerful older men
bimester|a period of 2 months
bimetal|material made by bonding together sheets of two different metals
bimetallic strip|a strip consisting of two metals that bends with a rise in temperature
bimetallism|a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by stated amounts of two metals (usually gold and silver) with values set at a predetermined ratio
bimetallist|an advocate of bimetallism
bimillennium|a span of 2000 years;the 2000th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
bimonthly|a periodical that is published twice a month or every two months (either 24 or 6 issues per year)
bin|a container;usually has a lid;the quantity contained in a bin
bin Laden|Arab terrorist who established al-Qaeda (born in 1957)
bin liner|a plastic bag used to line a trash or garbage bin
binary|a pre-compiled, pre-linked program that is ready to run under a given operating system;a binary for one operating system will not run on a different operating system
binary code|code using a string of 8 binary digits to represent characters
binary compound|chemical compound composed of only two elements
binary digit|either 0 or 1 in binary notation
binary file|(computer science) a computer file containing machine-readable information that must be read by an application;characters use all 8 bits of each byte
binary notation|any notation that uses 2 characters (usually 0 and 1)
binary numeration system|a positional system of numeration that uses binary digits and a radix of two
binary star|a system of two stars that revolve around each other under their mutual gravitation
bind|something that hinders as if with bonds
binder|a machine that cuts grain and binds it in sheaves;holds loose papers or magazines;something used to bind separate particles together or facilitate adhesion to a surface;something used to tie or bind
binder's board|a cardboard used by bookbinders to make covers for books
bindery|a workshop where books are bound
binding|strip sewn over or along an edge for reinforcement or decoration;the capacity to attract and hold something;the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a book - "the book had a leather binding"
binding energy|the energy required to separate particles from a molecule or atom or nucleus;equals the mass defect
bindweed|any of several vines of the genera Convolvulus and Calystegia having a twining habit
Binet|French psychologist remembered for his studies of the intellectual development of children (1857-1911)
Binet-Simon Scale|the first intelligence test
bing cherry|dark red or blackish sweet cherry
Binghamton|a city in south central New York near the border with Pennsylvania
binnacle|a nonmagnetic housing for a ship's compass (usually in front of the helm)
binocular microscope|a light microscope adapted to the use of both eyes
binocular vision|vision involving the use of both eyes
binoculars|an optical instrument designed for simultaneous use by both eyes
binomial|(mathematics) a quantity expressed as a sum or difference of two terms;a polynomial with two terms
binomial distribution|a theoretical distribution of the number of successes in a finite set of independent trials with a constant probability of success
binomial theorem|a theorem giving the expansion of a binomial raised to a given power
binturong|arboreal civet of Asia having a long prehensile tail and shaggy black hair
bioassay|appraisal of the biological activity of a substance by testing its effect on an organism and comparing the result with some agreed standard
biocatalyst|a biochemical catalyst such as an enzyme
biochemical mechanism|a chemical mechanism involved in vital processes occurring in living organisms
biochemist|someone with special training in biochemistry
biochemistry|the organic chemistry of compounds and processes occurring in organisms;the effort to understand biology within the context of chemistry
biochip|a microchip that uses tiny strands of DNA to latch onto and quickly recognize thousands of genes at a time;intended for use in a biological environment
bioclimatology|the study of effects of climate on living organisms
biodegradable pollution|pollution that is rendered harmless by natural processes and so causes no permanent harm
biodiversity|the diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat (or in the world as a whole) - "a high level of biodiversity is desirable"
bioelectricity|electric phenomena in animals or plants
bioethics|the branch of ethics that studies moral values in the biomedical sciences
biofeedback|a training program in which a person is given information about physiological processes (heart rate or blood pressure) that is not normally available with the goal of gaining conscious control of them
biogenesis|the production of living organisms from other living organisms
biogeographical region|an area of the Earth determined by distribution of flora and fauna
biogeography|dealing with the geographical distribution of animals and plants
biographer|someone who writes an account of a person's life
biography|an account of the series of events making up a person's life
biohazard|hazard to humans or the environment resulting from biological agents or conditions
biohazard suit|a loose one-piece garment worn to protect the wearer against dangerous biological or chemical agents
Bioko|an island in the Gulf of Guinea that is part of Equatorial Guinea
biological agent|any bacterium or virus or toxin that could be used in biological warfare
biological clock|an innate mechanism in living organisms that controls the periodicity of many physiological functions
biological defense|procedures involved in taking defensive measures against attacks using biological agents
biological group|a group of plants or animals
biological research|scientific research conducted by biologists
biological time|the time of various biological processes
biological warfare|the use of bacteria or viruses or toxins to destroy men and animals or food
biological warfare defense|defense against biological warfare
biologism|use of biological principles in explaining human especially social behavior
biologist|(biology) a scientist who studies living organisms
biology|characteristic life processes and phenomena of living organisms - "the biology of viruses";the science that studies living organisms
biology department|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in biology
biology lab|a laboratory for biological research
bioluminescence|luminescence produced by physiological processes (as in the firefly)
biomass|plant materials and animal waste used as fuel;the total mass of living matter in a given unit area
biome|a major biotic community characterized by the dominant forms of plant life and the prevailing climate
biomedical science|the application of the principles of the natural sciences to medicine
biomedicine|the branch of medical science that applies biological and physiological principles to clinical practice;the branch of medical science that studies the ability of organisms to withstand environmental stress (as in space travel)
biometric identification|the automatic identification of living individuals by using their physiological and behavioral characteristics - "negative identification can only be accomplished through biometric identification" - "if a pin or password is lost or forgotten it can be changed and reissued but a biometric identification cannot"
biometrics|a branch of biology that studies biological phenomena and observations by means of statistical analysis
bionics|application of biological principles to the study and design of engineering systems (especially electronic systems)
biont|a discrete unit of living matter
biophysicist|a physicist who applies the methods of physics to biology
biophysics|physics as applied to biological problems
biopiracy|biological theft;illegal collection of indigenous plants by corporations who patent them for their own use
biopsy|examination of tissues or liquids from the living body to determine the existence or cause of a disease
bioremediation|the act of treating waste or pollutants by the use of microorganisms (as bacteria) that can break down the undesirable substances;the branch of biotechnology that uses biological process to overcome environmental problems
biosafety|safety from exposure to infectious agents
biosafety level|the level of safety from exposure to infectious agents;depends on work practices and safety equipment and facilities
biosafety level 1|exposure only to infectious agents that do not ordinarily cause human disease
biosafety level 2|exposure to infectious agents that can cause disease in humans but whose potential for transmission is limited
biosafety level 3|exposure to infectious agents that can be transmitted by the respiratory route and which can cause serious infection
biosafety level 4|exposure to exotic infectious agents that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease and can be transmitted as an aerosol and for which there is no vaccine or therapy
bioscope|a kind of early movie projector;a South African movie theater
biosphere|the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the Earth (or other planet) where living organisms exist
biosynthesis|production of a chemical compound by a living organism
biosystematics|use of data (e.g. cytogenetic or biochemical) to assess taxonomic relations especially within an evolutionary framework
biota|all the plant and animal life of a particular region
biotechnology|the branch of engineering science in which biological science is used to study the relation between workers and their environments;the branch of molecular biology that studies the use of microorganisms to perform specific industrial processes - "biotechnology produced genetically altered bacteria that solved the problem"
bioterrorism|terrorism using the weapons of biological warfare
biotin|a B vitamin that aids in body growth
biotite|dark brown to black mica found in igneous and metamorphic rock
biotype|organisms sharing a specified genotype or the genotype (or peculiarities) so shared
bioweapon|any weapon usable in biological warfare - "they feared use of the smallpox virus as a bioweapon"
biped|an animal with two feet
bipedalism|the bodily attribute of being bipedal;having two feet - "bipedalism made the human form of birth possible"
bipinnate leaf|a leaf having pinnate leaflets;as ferns
biplane|old fashioned airplane;has two wings one above the other
biplane flying fish|having both pectoral and pelvic fins enlarged
bipolar disorder|a mental disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression
biprism|an optical device for obtaining interference fringes
biquadrate|an algebraic equation of the fourth degree
biquadratic|a polynomial of the fourth degree
biquadratic equation|an equation of the fourth degree
birch|a switch consisting of a twig or a bundle of twigs from a birch tree;used to hit people as punishment - "my father never spared the birch";any betulaceous tree or shrub of the genus Betula having a thin peeling bark;hard close-grained wood of any of various birch trees;used especially in furniture and interior finishes and plywood
birch beer|carbonated drink containing an extract from bark of birch trees
birch leaf miner|small black sawfly native to Europe but established in eastern United States;larvae mine the leaves of birches causing serious defoliation
birchbark canoe|a canoe made with the bark of a birch tree
bird|the flesh of a bird or fowl (wild or domestic) used as food;warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
bird cherry|any of several small-fruited cherry trees frequented or fed on by birds
bird dog|a gun dog trained to locate or retrieve birds
bird family|a family of warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
bird fancier|a person with a strong interest in birds
bird feed|food given to birds;usually mixed seeds
bird feeder|an outdoor device that supplies food for wild birds
bird genus|a genus of birds
bird louse|wingless insect with mouth parts adapted for biting;mostly parasitic on birds
bird of paradise|a tropical flowering shrub having bright orange or red flowers;sometimes placed in genus Poinciana;any of numerous brilliantly colored plumed birds of the New Guinea area;ornamental plant of tropical South Africa and South America having stalks of orange and purplish-blue flowers resembling a bird
bird of passage|any bird that migrates seasonally
bird of prey|any of numerous carnivorous birds that hunt and kill other animals
bird pepper|plant bearing very small and very hot oblong red fruits;includes wild forms native to tropical America;thought to be ancestral to the sweet pepper and many hot peppers
bird shot|small lead shot for shotgun shells
bird watcher|a person who identifies and studies birds in their natural habitats
birdbath|an ornamental basin (usually in a garden) for birds to bathe in
birdcage|a cage in which a bird can be kept
birdcage mask|a catcher's mask with a strong wire face
birdcall|a device for imitating a birdcall;the characteristic sound produced by a bird
birdhouse|a shelter for birds
birdie|(golf) a score of one stroke under par on a hole
birdlime|a sticky adhesive that is smeared on small branches to capture small birds
birdnesting|hunting for birds' nests to get the eggs
bird's eye view|a situation or topic as if viewed from an altitude or distance
bird's foot|the foot of a bird
bird's foot trefoil|European forage plant having claw-shaped pods introduced in America;Old World herb related to fenugreek
bird's nest|nest where birds lay their eggs and hatch their young
bird's nest fern|tropical Old World or Australian epiphytic fern frequently forming tufts in tree crotches
bird's-eye bush|shrub with narrow-elliptic glossy evergreen leaves and yellow flowers with leathery petaloid sepals
bird's-eye maple|maple wood having a wavy grain with eyelike markings
bird's-foot fern|cliff brake of California and Baja California having purple-brown leafstalks
bird's-foot violet|common violet of the eastern United States with large pale blue or purple flowers resembling pansies
bird's-nest fungus|any of various fungi of the family Nidulariaceae having a cup-shaped body containing several egg-shaped structure enclosing the spores
biretta|a stiff cap with ridges across the crown;worn by Roman Catholic clergy
birling|rotating a log rapidly in the water (as a competitive sport)
Birmingham|a city in central England;2nd largest English city and an important industrial and transportation center;the largest city in Alabama;located in northeastern Alabama
birr|the basic unit of money in Ethiopia;equal to 100 cents
birth|a baby born;an offspring - "the overall rate of incidence of Down's syndrome is one in every 800 births";the event of being born - "they celebrated the birth of their first child";the time when something begins (especially life) - "they divorced after the birth of the child" - "his election signaled the birth of a new age"
birth canal|a passage in the uterus and vagina through which a fetus passes during vaginal birth
birth certificate|a copy of the official document giving details of a person's birth
birth control|limiting the number of children born
birth defect|a defect that is present at birth
birth pangs|a regularly recurrent spasm of pain that is characteristic of childbirth
birth trauma|emotional injury inflicted on an infant by events incident to birth that is alleged to appear in symbolic form in patients with mental illness;physical injury to an infant during the birth process
birth-control campaigner|a social reformer who advocates birth control and family planning
birthday|an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it);the date on which a person was born
birthday cake|decorated cake served at a birthday party
birthday card|a card expressing a birthday greeting
birthday party|a party held on the anniversary of someone's birth
birthday present|a present given in celebration of a person's birthday
birthmark|a blemish on the skin that is formed before birth
birthplace|the place where someone was born;where something originated or was nurtured in its early existence - "the birthplace of civilization"
birthrate|the ratio of live births in an area to the population of that area;expressed per 1000 population per year
birthright|a right or privilege that you are entitled to at birth - "free public education is the birthright of every American child";an inheritance coming by right of birth (especially by primogeniture);personal characteristics that are inherited at birth
birthwort|creeping plant having curving flowers thought to resemble fetuses;native to Europe;naturalized Great Britain and eastern North America
biryani|an Indian dish made with highly seasoned rice and meat or fish or vegetables
Biscayne Bay|a narrow bay formed by an inlet from the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern Florida
Biscayne National Park|a national park in Florida having underwater coral reefs and marine life
biscuit|small round bread leavened with baking-powder or soda
Biscutella|genus of Eurasian herbs and small shrubs;buckler mustard
bise|a dry cold north wind in southeastern France
bisection|dividing into two equal parts
biserial correlation coefficient|a correlation coefficient in which one variable is many-valued and the other is dichotomous
bisexual|a person who is sexually attracted to both sexes
bisexuality|sexual activity with both men and women
Bishkek|the capital of Kyrgyzstan (known as Frunze 1926-1991)
bishop|(chess) a piece that can be moved diagonally over unoccupied squares of the same color;a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority;appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers;considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ;port wine mulled with oranges and cloves
bishop pine|two-needled or three-needled pinon mostly of northwestern California coast
bishopry|the office and dignity of a bishop
Bismarck|capital of the state of North Dakota;located in south central North Dakota overlooking the Missouri river;German statesman under whose leadership Germany was united (1815-1898)
Bismarck Archipelago|a group of islands in the southwestern Pacific to the northeast of New Guinea;part of Papua New Guinea
Bismarck Sea|a naval battle in World War II;Allied land-based bombers destroyed a Japanese convoy in the Bismarck Sea in March 1943;an arm of the South Pacific to the southwest of the Bismarck Archipelago
bismuth|a heavy brittle diamagnetic trivalent metallic element (resembles arsenic and antimony chemically);usually recovered as a by-product from ores of other metals
bison|any of several large humped bovids having shaggy manes and large heads and short horns
bisque|a thick cream soup made from shellfish
Bissau|the capital of Guinea-Bissau
bister|a water-soluble brownish-yellow pigment made by boiling wood soot
bistro|a small informal restaurant;serves wine
bit|a small fragment of something broken off from the whole - "a bit of rock caught him in the eye";a unit of measurement of information (from binary + digit);the amount of information in a system having two equiprobable states - "there are 8 bits in a byte";piece of metal held in horse's mouth by reins and used to control the horse while riding - "the horse was not accustomed to a bit";the cutting part of a drill;usually pointed and threaded and is replaceable in a brace or bitstock or drill press - "he looked around for the right size bit";the part of a key that enters a lock and lifts the tumblers
bit field|a field containing only binary characters
bit part|a small role
bitartrate|an acid tartrate;a hydrogen tartrate
bitch|an unpleasant difficulty - "this problem is a real bitch";female of any member of the dog family
bitchery|aggressive remarks and behavior like that of a spiteful malicious woman
bite|(angling) an instance of a fish taking the bait - "after fishing for an hour he still had not had a bite";a light informal meal;a portion removed from the whole - "the government's weekly bite from my paycheck";a wound resulting from biting by an animal or a person;the act of gripping or chewing off with the teeth and jaws
bite plate|a removable dental appliance that is worn in the palate for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
biter|someone who bites
bitewing|a dental X-ray film that can be held in place by the teeth during radiography
Bithynia|an ancient country in northwestern Asia Minor in what is now Turkey;was absorbed into the Roman Empire by the end of the 1st century BC
Bitis|a genus of Viperidae
bitmap|an image represented as a two dimensional array of brightness values for pixels
bitok|a Russian dish made with patties of ground meat (mixed with onions and bread and milk) and served with a sauce of sour cream
bits per inch|a measure of how densely information is packed on a storage medium
bits per second|(computer science) the rate at which data is transferred (as by a modem)
bitt pin|a pin through the bitthead to keep the mooring lines from slipping off
Bittacidae|a family of predacious tropical insects of the order Mecoptera
bitter|English term for a dry sharp-tasting ale with strong flavor of hops (usually on draft);the taste experience when quinine or coffee is taken into the mouth
bitter almond|almond trees having white blossoms and poisonous nuts yielding an oil used for flavoring and for medicinal purposes
bitter almond oil|pale yellow essential oil obtained from bitter almonds by distillation from almond cake or meal
bitter betch|European perennial toxic vetch
bitter cassava|cassava with long tuberous edible roots and soft brittle stems;used especially to make cassiri (an intoxicating drink) and tapioca
bitter chocolate|pure unsweetened chocolate used in baking and icings and sauces and candy
bitter dock|European dock with broad obtuse leaves and bitter rootstock common as a weed in North America
bitter end|(nautical) the inboard end of a line or cable especially the end that is wound around a bitt;the final extremity (however unpleasant it may be) - "he was determined to fight to the bitter end"
bitter lemon|tart lemon-flavored carbonated drink
bitter orange|highly acidic orange used especially in marmalade
bitter pea|any of several spiny shrubs of the genus Daviesia having yellow flowers and triangular seeds;Australia
bitter principle|any one of several hundred compounds having a bitter taste;not admitting of chemical classification
bittercress|any of various herbs of the genus Cardamine, having usually pinnate leaves and racemes of white, pink or purple flowers;cosmopolitan except Antarctic
bittern|relatively small compact tawny-brown heron with nocturnal habits and a booming cry;found in marshes
bitterness|a rough and bitter manner;the property of having a harsh unpleasant taste
bitternut|hickory of the eastern United States having a leaves with 7 or 9 leaflets and thin-shelled very bitter nuts
bitterroot|showy succulent ground-hugging plant of Rocky Mountains regions having deep to pale pink flowers and fleshy farinaceous roots;the Montana state flower
bitters|alcoholic liquor flavored with bitter herbs and roots
bittersweet|poisonous perennial Old World vine having violet flowers and oval coral-red berries;widespread weed in North America;twining shrub of North America having yellow capsules enclosing scarlet seeds
bittersweet chocolate|chocolate liquor with cocoa butter and small amounts of sugar and vanilla;lecithin is usually added
bitterwood tree|any of various trees or shrubs of the family Simaroubaceae having wood and bark with a bitter taste
bitthead|the upper end of a bitt
bitumastic|a protective coating of asphalt and filter used on structural metals that are exposed to weathering
bitumen|any of various naturally occurring impure mixtures of hydrocarbons
bituminous coal|rich in tarry hydrocarbons;burns readily with a smoky yellow flame
Biu-Mandara|a group of Chadic languages spoken in the border area between Cameroon and Nigeria south of Lake Chad
bivalve|marine or freshwater mollusks having a soft body with platelike gills enclosed within two shells hinged together
Bivalvia|oysters;clams;scallops;mussels
biweekly|a periodical that is published twice a week or every two weeks (either 104 or 26 issues per year)
Bizet|French composer best known for his operas (1838-1875)
Blaberus|giant cockroaches
black|(board games) the darker pieces;black clothing (worn as a sign of mourning) - "the widow wore black";the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white);a person with dark skin who comes from Africa (or whose ancestors came from Africa);British chemist who identified carbon dioxide and who formulated the concepts of specific heat and latent heat (1728-1799);popular child actress of the 1930's (born in 1928)
Black African|an African who is Black
black and gold garden spider|a widely distributed North American garden spider
Black and Tan|an English recruit (who wore a uniform that was black and tan) serving in the Irish constabulary to suppress the Sinn Fein rebellion of 1919 to 1921
black and white|a black-and-white photograph or slide
black ash|vigorous spreading North American tree having dark brown heavy wood;leaves turn gold in autumn
black bamboo|small bamboo having thin green culms turning shining black
black bass|widely distributed and highly prized American freshwater game fishes (sunfish family)
black bean|black-seeded bean of South America;usually dried
black bee|dark-colored ill-tempered honeybee supposedly of German origin
black beech|New Zealand forest tree
black belt|a black sash worn to show expert standards in the martial arts (judo or karate);a person who attained the rank of expert in the martial arts (judo or karate)
black bile|a humor that was once believed to be secreted by the kidneys or spleen and to cause sadness and melancholy
black birch|birch of swamps and river bottoms throughout the eastern United States having reddish-brown bark
black body|a hypothetical object capable of absorbing all the electromagnetic radiation falling on it - "a black body maintained at a constant temperature is a full radiator at that temperature because the radiation reaching and leaving it must be in equilibrium"
black box|equipment that records information about the performance of an aircraft during flight
black bread|bread made of coarse rye flour
black bream|important dark-colored edible food and game fish of Australia
black bryony|common European twining vine with tuberous roots and cordate leaves and red berries
black buffalo|fish of the lower Mississippi
black calla|ornamental plant of Middle East cultivated for its dark purple spathe
black caraway|herb of the Mediterranean region having pungent seeds used like those of caraway
black carpet beetle|a carpet beetle that is solid black in color
black catechu|extract of the heartwood of Acacia catechu used for dyeing and tanning and preserving fishnets and sails;formerly used medicinally
black cherry|large North American wild cherry with round black sour edible fruit
black cohosh|North American bugbane found from Maine and Ontario to Wisconsin and south to Georgia
black comedy|comedy that uses black humor
black cottonwood|cottonwood of western North America with dark green leaves shining above and rusty or silvery beneath
black crappie|a crappie that is black
black currant|small black berries used in jams and jellies;widely cultivated current bearing edible black aromatic berries
black cypress pine|Australian tree with small flattened scales as leaves and numerous dark brown seed;valued for its timber and resin
Black Death|the epidemic form of bubonic plague experienced during the Middle Ages when it killed nearly half the people of western Europe
black disease|a disease of the liver (especially in sheep and cattle) caused by liver flukes and their by-products
black duck|a dusky duck of northeastern United States and Canada
black economy|a hidden sector of the economy where private cash transactions go unreported - "no one knows how large the black economy really is"
black eye|a bad reputation - "his behavior gave the whole family a black eye"
black felt cup|a common name for a variety of Sarcosomataceae
black flag|a flag usually bearing a white skull and crossbones on a black background;indicates a pirate ship
Black Forest|a hilly forest region in southwestern Germany
black fox|red fox in the color phase when its pelt is mostly black
black grama|a pasture grass (especially of western coastal regions of North America)
black grouse|grouse of which the male is bluish-black
black guillemot|northern Atlantic guillemot
Black Hand|a secret terrorist society in the United States early in the 20th century
black haw|upright deciduous shrub having frosted dark-blue fruit;east and east central North America
Black Hawk|Sauk leader who in 1832 led Fox and Sauk warriors against the United States (1767-1838)
Black Hills|mountains in southwestern South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming;sacred to the Sioux (whites settling in the Black Hills led to the Battle of Little Bighorn);site of Mount Rushmore;mountains in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming
black hole|a region of space resulting from the collapse of a star;extremely high gravitational field
Black Hole of Calcutta|a dungeon (20 feet square) in a fort in Calcutta where as many as 146 English prisoners were held overnight by Siraj-ud-daula;the next morning only 23 were still alive
black horehound|ill-smelling European herb with rugose leaves and whorls of dark purple flowers
black huckleberry|low shrub of the eastern United States bearing shiny black edible fruit;best known of the huckleberries
black humor|the juxtaposition of morbid and farcical elements (in writing or drama) to give a disturbing effect
black ice|a thin coating of ice (as from freezing mist) on a road or sidewalk;nearly invisible but very hazardous
black kite|dark Old World kite feeding chiefly on carrion
black knot|disease of plum and cherry trees characterized by black excrescences on the branches
black locust|large thorny tree of eastern and central United States having pinnately compound leaves and drooping racemes of white flowers;widely naturalized in many varieties in temperate regions;strong stiff wood of a black-locust tree;very resistant to decay
black maire|northern Zealand tree having dense hard light-brown wood
black mallee|a small mallee with rough dark-colored bark toward the butt;yields a red eucalyptus kino gum
black mamba|a highly venomous southern African mamba dreaded because of its quickness and readiness to bite
Black man|a man who is Black
black mangrove|a mangrove of the West Indies and the southern Florida coast;occurs in dense thickets and has numerous short roots that bend up from the ground;an Australian tree resembling the black mangrove of the West Indies and Florida
black market|an illegal market in which goods or currencies are bought and sold in violation of rationing or controls;people who engage in illicit trade
black marketeer|someone who engages illegally in trade in scarce or controlled commodities
black marlin|large game fish in the Pacific Ocean;may reach 1000 pounds
black medick|prostrate European herb with small yellow flowers and curved black pods;naturalized in North America
black morel|a morel whose pitted fertile body is attached to the stalk with little free skirt around it;the fertile body is grey when young and black in old age
black mulberry|European mulberry having dark foliage and fruit
black music|music created by African-American musicians;early forms were songs that had a melodic line and a strong rhythmic beat with repeated choruses
Black Muslim|an activist member of a largely American group of Blacks called the Nation of Islam
black mustard|widespread Eurasian annual plant cultivated for its pungent seeds;a principal source of table mustard
black nightshade|Eurasian herb naturalized in America having white flowers and poisonous hairy foliage and bearing black berries that are sometimes poisonous but sometimes edible
black oak|medium to large deciduous timber tree of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada having dark outer bark and yellow inner bark used for tanning;broad five-lobed leaves are bristle-tipped
black olive|olives picked ripe and cured in brine then dried or pickled or preserved canned or in oil
black opal|a dark colored opal with internal reflections of green or red
black operation|a covert operation not attributable to the organization carrying it out
Black Panther|a member of the Black Panthers political party
Black Panthers|a militant Black political party founded in 1965 to end political dominance by Whites
black pea|perennial of Europe and North Africa;foliage turns black in drying
black pepper|pepper that is ground from whole peppercorns with husks on
black pine|large two-needled timber pine of southeastern Europe
black poplar|large European poplar
Black race|a dark-skinned race
black raspberry|raspberry native to eastern North America having black thimble-shaped fruit
black rat|common household pest originally from Asia that has spread worldwide
black rat snake|large harmless shiny black North American snake
black rhinoceros|African rhino;in danger of extinction
Black Rock Desert|a desert in northwestern Nevada
black root rot fungus|fungus causing black root rot in apples
black rot|a fungous disease causing darkening and decay of the leaves of fruits and vegetables
black sage|an aromatic plant with wooly leaves found in southern California and Mexico
black salsify|perennial south European herb having narrow entire leaves and solitary yellow flower heads and long black edible roots shaped like carrots
Black Sea|a sea between Europe and Asia;a popular resort area of eastern Europeans
black sea bass|bluish black-striped sea bass of the Atlantic coast of the United States
Black September Movement|a former Palestinian terrorist organization (now merged with Fatah Revolutionary Council) that assassinated the Prime Minister of Jordan and during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich killed 11 Israeli athletes
black sheep|sheep with a black coat
black spleenwort|spleenwort of Europe and Africa and Asia having pinnate fronds and yielding an astringent
black spot|any of several fungous diseases of plants that produce small black spots on the plant
black spruce|small spruce of boggy areas of northeastern North America having spreading branches with dense foliage;inferior wood
black squirrel|fox squirrel or grey squirrel in the black color phase
black stork|Old World stork that is glossy black above and white below
black swan|large Australian swan having black plumage and a red bill
black tea|fermented tea leaves
black tie|a black bow tie worn with a dinner jacket
black turnstone|common turnstone of the Pacific coast of North America
black vulture|American vulture smaller than the turkey buzzard;of southern Eurasia and northern Africa
black walnut|American walnut having a very hard and thick woody shell;North American walnut tree with hard dark wood and edible nut
black wattle|Australian tree that yields tanning materials
black widow|venomous New World spider;the female is black with an hourglass-shaped red mark on the underside of the abdomen
Black woman|a woman who is Black
black-and-tan coonhound|American breed of large powerful hound dogs used for hunting raccoons and other game
black-backed gull|white gull having a black back and wings
blackberry|bramble with sweet edible black or dark purple berries that usually do not separate from the receptacle;large sweet black or very dark purple edible aggregate fruit of any of various bushes of the genus Rubus
blackberry-lily|garden plant whose capsule discloses when ripe a mass of seeds resembling a blackberry
black-billed cuckoo|North American cuckoo;builds a nest and rears its own young
blackbird|common black European thrush
blackboard|sheet of slate;for writing with chalk
blackboard eraser|an eraser that removes chalk marks from blackboard
black-body radiation|the electromagnetic radiation that would be radiated from an ideal black body;the distribution of energy in the radiated spectrum of a black body depends only on temperature and is determined by Planck's radiation law
blackbuck|common Indian antelope with a dark back and spiral horns
Blackburn|black-and-white North American wood warbler having an orange-and-black head and throat
blackcap|small brownish-grey warbler with a black crown
black-capped chickadee|chickadee having a dark crown
blackcock|male black grouse
black-crowned night heron|night heron of both Old and New Worlds
blackening|changing to a darker color
black-eyed pea|eaten fresh as shell beans or dried
black-eyed Susan|the state flower of Maryland;of central and southeastern United States;having daisylike flowers with dark centers and yellow to orange rays;tropical African climbing plant having yellow flowers with a dark purple center
blackface|the makeup (usually burnt cork) used by a performer in order to imitate a Negro
blackfish|female salmon that has recently spawned
blackfly|blackish aphid that infests e.g. beans and sugar beets;small blackish stout-bodied biting fly having aquatic larvae;sucks the blood of birds as well as humans and other mammals
Blackfoot|a member of a warlike group of Algonquians living in the northwestern plains;any of the Algonquian languages spoken by the Blackfoot
blackfoot daisy|bushy subshrub having flower heads that resemble asters with broad white rays;found in desert areas of Arizona east to Kansas and south to Mexico
black-footed albatross|a variety of albatross with black feet
black-footed ferret|musteline mammal of prairie regions of United States;nearly extinct
black-fronted bush shrike|a kind of bush shrike
blackhead|a black-tipped plug clogging a pore of the skin
black-headed snake|small secretive ground-living snake;found from central United States to Argentina
blackheart|any of various diseases in which the central tissues blacken;heart cherry with dark flesh and skin cherry
blackjack|a gambling game using cards;the object is to hold cards having a higher count than those dealt to the banker up to but not exceeding 21;a piece of metal covered by leather with a flexible handle;used for hitting people
blackjack oak|a common scrubby deciduous tree of central and southeastern United States having dark bark and broad three-lobed (club-shaped) leaves;tends to form dense thickets
blacklist|a list of people who are out of favor
blackmail|extortion of money by threats to divulge discrediting information
blackmailer|a criminal who extorts money from someone by threatening to expose embarrassing information about them
blackmouth bass|small marine fish with black mouth and gill cavity
black-necked cobra|aggressive cobra widely distributed in Africa;rarely bites but spits venom that may cause blindness
black-necked grebe|small grebe with yellow ear tufts and a black neck;found in Eurasia and southern Africa as well as western United States
black-necked stilt|stilt of southwestern United States to northern South America having black plumage extending from the head down the back of the neck
blackout|a momentary loss of consciousness;a suspension of radio or tv broadcasting;darkness resulting from the extinction of lights (as in a city invisible to enemy aircraft);the failure of electric power for a general region
blackpoll|North American warbler having a black-and-white head
Blackpool|a resort town in Lancashire in northwestern England on the Irish Sea;famous for its tower
Blacksburg|a university town in southwestern Virginia (west of Roanoke) in the Allegheny Mountains
Blackshirt|a member of the Italian fascist party before World War II
blacksmith|a smith who forges and shapes iron with a hammer and anvil
blacksnake|blackish racer of the eastern United States that grows to six feet
black-stem spleenwort|fern of tropical America;from southern United States to West Indies and Mexico to Brazil
blacktail jackrabbit|the common jackrabbit of grasslands and open areas of western United States;has large black-tipped ears and black streak on the tail
blacktail prairie dog|tail is black tipped
black-tailed deer|mule deer of western Rocky Mountains
blackthorn|a thorny Eurasian bush with plumlike fruits;erect and almost thornless American hawthorn with somewhat pear-shaped berries
blacktip shark|widely distributed shallow-water shark with fins seemingly dipped in ink
blacktop|a black bituminous material used for paving roads or other areas;usually spread over crushed rock
Blackwall hitch|a simple hitch used for temporarily attaching a line to a hook
blackwash|a mixture of calomel and limewater that is used on syphilitic sores;a wash that colors a surface black
blackwater|any of several human or animal diseases characterized by dark urine resulting from rapid breakdown of red blood cells
blackwater fever|severe and often fatal malaria characterized by kidney damage resulting in dark urine
black-winged stilt|stilt of Europe and Africa and Asia having mostly white plumage but with black wings
blackwood|any of several hardwood trees yielding very dark-colored wood;very dark wood of any of several blackwood trees
bladder|a bag that fills with air;a distensible membranous sac (usually containing liquid or gas)
bladder campion|perennial of Arctic Europe having large white flowers with inflated calyx
bladder disorder|a disorder of the urinary bladder
bladder fern|any fern of the genus Cystopteris characterized by a hooded indusium or bladderlike membrane covering the sori
bladder senna|yellow-flowered European shrub cultivated for its succession of yellow flowers and very inflated bladdery pods and as a source of wildlife food
bladder sphincter|the sphincter muscle of the urinary bladder;made up of a thickened muscular layer of bladder around the urethral opening
bladder stone|a calculus formed in the bladder
bladder worm|encysted saclike larva of the tapeworm
bladderpod|annual or perennial herbs with inflated seed pods;some placed in genus Lesquerella;any of several hairy North American herbs having yellow racemose flowers and inflated pods;any of several plants of the genus Physaria having racemose yellow flowers and inflated pods
bladderwort|any of numerous aquatic carnivorous plants of the genus Utricularia some of whose leaves are modified as small urn-shaped bladders that trap minute aquatic animals
bladderwrack|a common rockweed used in preparing kelp and as manure;similar to and found with black rockweed
blade|a broad flat body part (as of the shoulder or tongue);a cut of beef from the shoulder blade;a dashing young man - "gay young blades bragged of their amorous adventures";especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole;flat surface that rotates and pushes against air or water;something long and thin resembling a blade of grass - "a blade of lint on his suit";the flat part of a tool or weapon that (usually) has a cutting edge;the part of the skate that slides on the ice
blade roast|a roast cut from the blade
blahs|a general feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction
Blaia Zimondal|an artificial language
blain|an inflammatory swelling or sore
Blair|British statesman who became prime minister in 1997 (born in 1953)
Blake|visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)
blame|a reproach for some lapse or misdeed - "he took the blame for it"
blame game|accusations exchanged among people who refuse to accept sole responsibility for some undesirable event
blamelessness|a state of innocence
blameworthiness|a state of guilt
blanc|a white sauce of fat, broth, and vegetables (used especially with braised meat)
blancmange|sweet almond-flavored milk pudding thickened with gelatin or cornstarch;usually molded
bland diet|a diet of foods that are not irritating - "he ate a bland diet because of his colitis"
Blandfordia|small genus of tuberous Australian perennial herbs
blandishment|flattery intended to persuade;the act of urging by means of teasing or flattery
blandness|lacking any distinctive or interesting taste property;the trait of exhibiting no personal embarrassment or concern - "the blandness of his confession enraged the judge"
blank|a cartridge containing an explosive charge but no bullet;a piece of material ready to be made into something
blank check|a check that has been signed but with the amount payable left blank
blank endorsement|an endorsement on commercial paper naming no payee and so payable to the bearer
blank verse|unrhymed verse (usually in iambic pentameter)
blanket|a layer of lead surrounding the highly reactive core of a nuclear reactor;anything that covers - "there was a blanket of snow";bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
blanket flower|annual of central United States having showy long-stalked yellow flower heads marked with scarlet or purple in the center
blanket stitch|a strong reinforcing stitch for edges of blanket and other thick material;similar to buttonhole stitch
blankness|the state of being blank;void;emptiness
blanquillo|important marine food fishes
Blantyre|city in southern Malawi;largest city and commercial center of Malawi
blare|a loud harsh or strident noise
Blarina|shrews
blarney|flattery designed to gain favor
Blarney Stone|a stone in a castle in Ireland that is said to impart skill in flattery to anyone who kisses it
blasphemer|a person who speaks disrespectfully of sacred things
blasphemy|blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)
blast|a very long fly ball;an explosion (as of dynamite)
blast furnace|a furnace for smelting of iron from iron oxide ores;combustion is intensified by a blast of air
blast trauma|injury caused the explosion of a bomb (especially in enclosed spaces)
blastema|a mass of undifferentiated cells from which an organ or body part develops
blaster|a workman employed to blast with explosives
blasting cap|a small tube filled with detonating substances;used to detonate high explosives
blasting gelatin|mixture of guncotton with nitroglycerin
Blastocladia|a genus of fungi of the family Blastodiaceae
Blastocladiales|fungi that carry out asexual reproduction by thick-walled resting spores that produce zoospores upon germination;sometimes placed in class Oomycetes
blastocoel|the fluid-filled cavity inside a blastula
blastocyst|the blastula of a placental mammal in which some differentiation of cells has occurred
blastocyte|an undifferentiated embryonic cell
blastoderm|a layer of cells on the inside of the blastula
Blastodiaceae|a family of saprobic fungi of order Blastocladiales
blastoff|the launching of a missile or spacecraft to a specified destination
blastogenesis|asexual reproduction by budding;theory that inherited characteristics are transmitted by germ plasm
blastoma|a tumor composed of immature undifferentiated cells
blastomere|any cell resulting from cleavage of a fertilized egg
Blastomyces|genus of pathogenic yeastlike fungi
blastomycete|any of various yeastlike budding fungi of the genus Blastomyces;cause disease in humans and other animals
blastomycosis|any of several infections of the skin or mucous membrane caused by Blastomyces
blastopore|the opening into the archenteron
blastula|early stage of an embryo produced by cleavage of an ovum;a liquid-filled sphere whose wall is composed of a single layer of cells;during this stage (about eight days after fertilization) implantation in the wall of the uterus occurs
blatancy|the property of being both obvious and offensive - "the blatancy of his attempt to whitewash the crime was unforgivable"
blather|foolish gibberish
Blatta|type genus of the Blattidae;cockroaches infesting buildings worldwide
Blattella|small cockroaches
Blattidae|domestic cockroaches
Blattodea|cockroaches;in some classifications considered an order
blaxploitation|the exploitation of black people (especially with regard to stereotyped roles in movies)
blaze|a light-colored marking - "they chipped off bark to mark the trail with blazes" - "the horse had a blaze between its eyes";a strong flame that burns brightly - "the blaze spread rapidly"
blazer|lightweight single-breasted jacket;often striped in the colors of a club or school
blazing star|any of various North American plants of the genus Liatris having racemes or panicles of small discoid flower heads;biennial of southwestern United States having white stems and toothed leaves that is grown for its large pale yellow flowers that open in early morning
bleach|the act of whitening something by bleaching it (exposing it to sunlight or using a chemical bleaching agent);the whiteness that results from removing the color from something - "a complete bleach usually requires several applications"
bleach liquor|a solution containing bleaching agents that is used to bleach textiles or paper pulp
bleacher|a worker who bleaches (cloth or flour etc.)
bleachers|an outdoor grandstand without a roof;patrons are exposed to the sun as linens are when they are bleached
bleaching agent|an agent that makes things white or colorless
bleaching clay|an adsorbent clay that will remove coloring from oils
bleaching powder|a white powder comprised of calcium hydroxide and chloride and hypochlorite and used to bleach and/or disinfect
bleakness|a bleak and desolate atmosphere
bleat|the sound of sheep or goats (or any sound resembling this)
Blechnaceae|one of a number of families into which the family Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems;includes genera Blechnum, Doodia, Sadleria, Stenochlaena, and Woodwardia
Blechnum|in some classification systems placed in family Polypodiaceae;terrestrial ferns of cosmopolitan distribution mainly in southern hemisphere;hard ferns
bleeding|the flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel
bleeding heart|garden plant having deep-pink drooping heart-shaped flowers;someone who is excessively sympathetic toward those who claim to be exploited or underprivileged
bleeding tooth|gastropod having reddish toothlike projections around the shell opening;of the Caribbean area
blemish|a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something (especially on a person's body) - "a facial blemish"
blend|a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings - "'smog' is a blend of 'smoke' and 'fog'";an occurrence of thorough mixing;the act of blending components together thoroughly
blended whiskey|mixture of two or more whiskeys or of a whiskey and neutral spirits
blender|an electrically powered mixer with whirling blades that mix or chop or liquefy foods
Blenheim|the First Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy defeated the French in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession
Blenheim spaniel|red-and-white variety of English toy spaniel
Blenniidae|a family of fish including;combtooth blennies
blennioid fish|elongated mostly scaleless marine fishes with large pectoral fins and reduced pelvic fins
Blennioidea|blennies;butterfishes;gunnels
Blennius|type genus of the Blenniidae
blenny|small usually scaleless fishes with comb-like teeth living about rocky shores;are territorial and live in holes between rocks
blepharism|condition in which a person blinks continuously
blepharitis|inflammation of the eyelids characterized by redness and swelling and dried crusts
blepharospasm|spasm of the eyelid muscle resulting in closure of the eye
Blephilia|small genus of North American herbs;wood mints
Bleriot|French aviator who in 1909 made the first flight across the English Channel (1872-1936)
blessed event|the live birth of a child
blessed thistle|annual of Mediterranean to Portugal having hairy stems and minutely spiny-toothed leaves and large heads of yellow flowers
blessedness|a state of supreme happiness
blessing|a desirable state - "enjoy the blessings of peace";the act of praying for divine protection;the formal act of approving - "he gave the project his blessing"
bletia|any of various orchids of the genus Bletia having pseudobulbs and erect leafless racemes of large purple or pink flowers
Bletilla|small genus of chiefly east Asiatic hardy terrestrial orchids similar to genus Bletia
Bletilla striata|Japanese orchid with white-striped leaves and slender erect racemes of rose to magenta flowers;often cultivated;sometimes placed in genus Bletia
bleu|cheese containing a blue mold
bleu cheese dressing|creamy dressing containing crumbled blue cheese
blewits|edible agaric that is pale lilac when young;has a smooth moist cap
Blida|a city in northern Algeria at the foot of the Atlas Mountains to the southwest of Algiers
Bligh|British admiral;was captain of the H.M.S. Bounty in 1789 when part of the crew mutinied and set him afloat in an open boat;a few weeks later he arrived safely in Timor 4,000 miles away (1754-1817)
Blighia|small genus of western African evergreen trees and shrubs bearing fleshy capsular three-seeded fruits edible when neither unripe nor overripe
blight|a state or condition being blighted;any plant disease resulting in withering without rotting
blight canker|a phase of fire blight in which cankers appear
Blighty|a slang term for Great Britain used by British troops serving abroad
blighty wound|a wound that would cause an English soldier to be sent home from service abroad
blimp|a small nonrigid airship used for observation or as a barrage balloon
blind|a hiding place sometimes used by hunters (especially duck hunters) - "he waited impatiently in the blind";a protective covering that keeps things out or hinders sight - "they had just moved in and had not put up blinds yet";people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group - "he spent hours reading to the blind"
blind alley|(figurative) a course of action that is unproductive and offers no hope of improvement - "all the clues led the police into blind alleys" - "so far every road that we've been down has turned out to be a blind alley";a street with only one way in or out
blind corner|a street corner that you cannot see around as you are driving
blind curve|a curve or bend in the road that you cannot see around as you are driving
blind date|a date with a stranger - "she never goes on blind dates";a participant in a blind date (someone you meet for the first time when you have a date with them)
blind flying|using only instruments for flying an aircraft because you cannot see through clouds or mists etc.
blind person|a person with a severe visual impairment
blind side|the side on which your vision is limited or obstructed
blind snake|wormlike burrowing snake of warm regions having vestigial eyes
blind spot|a subject about which you are ignorant or prejudiced and fail to exercise good judgment - "golf is one of his blind spots and he's proud of it";the point where the optic nerve enters the retina;not sensitive to light
blind stitching|stitching that is not easily seen or noticed
blind trust|a trust that enables a person to avoid possible conflict of interest by transferring assets to a fiduciary;the person establishing the trust gives up the right to information about the assets
blindfold|a cloth used to cover the eyes
blindman's bluff|a children's game in which a blindfolded player tries to catch and identify other players
blindness|the state of being blind or lacking sight
blindworm|small burrowing legless European lizard with tiny eyes;popularly believed to be blind
bling|flashy, ostentatious jewelry - "the rapper was loaded with bling"
blini|Russian pancake of buckwheat flour and yeast;usually served with caviar and sour cream
blink|a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly
blink of an eye|a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
blinker|a blinking light on a motor vehicle that indicates the direction in which the vehicle is about to turn;a light that flashes on and off;used as a signal or to send messages
blinks|small Indian lettuce of northern regions
blintz|(Judaism) thin pancake folded around a filling and fried or baked
blip|a radar echo displayed so as to show the position of a reflecting surface;a sudden minor shock or meaningless interruption - "the market had one bad blip today" - "you can't react to the day-to-day blips" - "renewed jitters in the wake of a blip in retail sales"
bliss|a state of extreme happiness
Blissus|chinch bugs
blister|(botany) a swelling on a plant similar to that on the skin;(pathology) an elevation of the skin filled with serous fluid;a flaw on a surface resulting when an applied substance does not adhere (as an air bubble in a coat of paint)
blister beetle|beetle that produces a secretion that blisters the skin
blister blight|a disease of Scotch pines;a disease of tea plants
blister copper|an impure form of copper having a black blistered surface
blister pack|packaging in which a product is sealed between a cardboard backing and clear plastic cover
blister rust|any of several diseases of pines caused by rust fungi of the genus Cronartium and marked by destructive invasion of bark and sapwood and producing blisters externally;fungus causing white pine blister rust and having a complex life cycle requiring a plant of genus Ribes as alternate host
blitz|a swift and violent military offensive with intensive aerial bombardment
Blitzstein|United States pianist and composer of operas and musical plays (1905-1964)
blizzard|a storm with widespread snowfall accompanied by strong winds
bloat|swelling of the rumen or intestinal tract of domestic animals caused by excessive gas
bloater|large fatty herring lightly salted and briefly smoked
blob|an indistinct shapeless form
bloc|a group of countries in special alliance
Bloch|United States composer (born in Switzerland) who composed symphonies and chamber music and choral music and a piano sonata and an opera (1880-1959)
block|(computer science) a sector or group of sectors that function as the smallest data unit permitted - "since blocks are often defined as a single sector, the terms 'block' and 'sector' are sometimes used interchangeably";a number or quantity of related things dealt with as a unit - "he reserved a large block of seats" - "he held a large block of the company's stock";a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings - "he lives in the next block";a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides) - "the pyramids were built with large stone blocks";a three-dimensional shape with six square or rectangular sides;an inability to remember or think of something you normally can do;often caused by emotional tension - "I knew his name perfectly well but I had a temporary block";housing in a large building that is divided into separate units - "there is a block of classrooms in the west wing"
block and tackle|pulley blocks with associated rope or cable
block diagram|a diagram showing the interconnections between the components of system (especially an electronic system)
block grant|a grant of federal money to state and local governments to support social welfare programs - "block grants reduce federal responsibility for social welfare"
block letter|a plain hand-drawn letter
block plane|a small plane used on end grains of wood
block vote|a vote proportional in magnitude to the number of people that a delegate represents
blockade|a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy;prevents access or progress
blockade-runner|a ship that runs through or around a naval blockade
blockage|an obstruction in a pipe or tube - "we had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe";the act of blocking
blockbuster|a large bomb used to demolish extensive areas (as a city block);an unusually successful hit with widespread popularity and huge sales (especially a movie or play or recording or novel)
blocker|a class of drugs that inhibit (block) some biological process;a football player whose responsibility is to block players attempting to stop an offensive play
blockhouse|a stronghold that is reinforced for protection from enemy fire;with apertures for defensive fire
blocking|the act of obstructing or deflecting someone's movements
Bloemfontein|the seat of the supreme court
blogger|a person who keeps and updates a blog
Blok|Russian poet (1880-1921)
blolly|evergreen climbing shrub of southern Florida and West Indies grown for its racemes of fragrant white to creamy flowers followed by globose white succulent berries
blond|a light grayish yellow to near white;a person with fair skin and hair
blood|people viewed as members of a group - "we need more young blood in this organization";temperament or disposition - "a person of hot blood";the fluid (red in vertebrates) that is pumped through the body by the heart and contains plasma, blood cells, and platelets - "blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and carries away waste products" - "the ancients believed that blood was the seat of the emotions"
blood agar|a culture medium containing whole blood as the nutrient
blood bank|a place for storing whole blood or blood plasma - "the Red Cross created a blood bank for emergencies"
blood blister|blister containing blood or bloody serum usually caused by an injury
blood brother|a male sworn (usually by a ceremony involving the mingling of blood) to treat another as his brother
blood brotherhood|the friendship characteristic of blood brothers
blood cell|either of two types of cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes) and sometimes including platelets
blood clam|red-blooded clam
blood clot|a semisolid mass of coagulated red and white blood cells
blood coagulation|a process in which liquid blood is changed into a semisolid mass (a blood clot)
blood count|the act of estimating the number of red and white corpuscles in a blood sample;the number of red and white corpuscles in a blood sample
blood cup|a scarlet European fungus with cup-shaped ascocarp
blood disease|a disease or disorder of the blood
blood donor|someone who gives blood to be used for transfusions
blood dyscrasia|any abnormal condition of the blood
blood extravasation|the leakage of blood from a vessel into tissues surrounding it;can occur in injuries or burns or allergic reactions
blood flower|tropical herb having orange-red flowers followed by pods suggesting a swallow with outspread wings;a weed throughout the tropics
blood group|human blood cells (usually just the red blood cells) that have the same antigens
blood lily|any of various deciduous or evergreen herbs of the genus Haemanthus;South Africa and Namibia
blood meal|the dried and powdered blood of animals
blood money|a reward for information about a murderer;compensation paid to the family of a murdered person;paid to a hired murderer
blood poisoning|invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms from a focus of infection
blood pressure|the pressure of the circulating blood against the walls of the blood vessels;results from the systole of the left ventricle of the heart;sometimes measured for a quick evaluation of a person's health - "adult blood pressure is considered normal at 120/80 where the first number is the systolic pressure and the second is the diastolic pressure"
blood relation|one related by blood or origin;especially on sharing an ancestor with another
blood sausage|a black sausage containing pig's blood and other ingredients
blood spavin|spavin caused by distension of the veins
blood sport|sport that involves killing animals (especially hunting)
blood sugar|glucose in the bloodstream
blood test|a serologic analysis of a sample of blood
blood typing|determining a person's blood type by serological methods
blood vessel|a vessel in which blood circulates
bloodbath|indiscriminate slaughter - "a bloodbath took place when the leaders of the plot surrendered"
bloodberry|bushy houseplant having white to pale pink flowers followed by racemes of scarlet berries;tropical Americas
blood-brain barrier|a mechanism that creates a barrier between brain tissues and circulating blood;serves to protect the central nervous system - "the brain was protected from the large molecules of the virus by the blood-brain barrier"
bloodguilt|the state of being guilty of bloodshed and murder
bloodhound|a breed of large powerful hound of European origin having very acute smell and used in tracking
bloodiness|a disposition to shed blood;the state of being bloody
bloodleaf|any plant of the genus Iresine having colored foliage
bloodletting|formerly used as a treatment to reduce excess blood (one of the four humors of medieval medicine)
bloodlust|a desire for bloodshed
bloodmobile|a motor vehicle equipped to collect blood donations
blood-oxygenation level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging|functional magnetic resonance imaging that relies on intrinsic changes in hemoglobin oxygenation
bloodroot|perennial woodland native of North America having a red root and red sap and bearing a solitary lobed leaf and white flower in early spring and having acrid emetic properties;rootstock used as a stimulant and expectorant
bloodshed|the shedding of blood resulting in murder - "he avenged the bloodshed of his kinsmen"
bloodstain|a discoloration caused by blood
bloodstock|thoroughbred horses (collectively)
bloodstone|green chalcedony with red spots that resemble blood
bloodstream|the blood flowing through the circulatory system
bloodwood tree|deciduous South African tree having large odd-pinnate leaves and profuse fragrant orange-yellow flowers;yields a red juice and heavy strong durable wood
bloodworm|a segmented marine worm with bright red body;often used for bait
bloodwort|any of various plants of the family Haemodoraceae;roots contain a deep red coloring matter
Bloody Mary|a cocktail made with vodka and spicy tomato juice
bloom|a rosy color (especially in the cheeks) taken as a sign of good health;the best time of youth
bloomer|a flower that blooms in a particular way - "a night bloomer"
Bloomeria|small genus of bulbous perennial herbs of southwestern United States and Mexico;sometimes placed in family Alliaceae
bloomers|underpants worn by women - "she was afraid that her bloomers might have been showing"
Bloomfield|United States linguist who adopted a behavioristic approach to linguistics (1887-1949)
blooming|the organic process of bearing flowers
Bloomington|a university town in south central Indiana
Bloomsbury|a city district of central London laid out in garden squares
Bloomsbury Group|an inner circle of writers and artists and philosophers who lived in or around Bloomsbury early in the 20th century and were noted for their unconventional lifestyles
blossoming|the time and process of budding and unfolding of blossoms
blot|an act that brings discredit to the person who does it - "he made a huge blot on his copybook"
blotch|an irregularly shaped spot
blotter|the daily written record of events (as arrests) in a police station
blotting paper|absorbent paper used to dry ink
blouse|a top worn by women
blow|a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon - "a blow on the head";an impact (as from a collision);forceful exhalation through the nose or mouth - "he gave his nose a loud blow"
blow gas|the gas leaving a generator during a blow period
blowback|misinformation resulting from the recirculation into the source country of disinformation previously planted abroad by that country's intelligence service;the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired
blower|a device that produces a current of air
blowfish|delicacy that is highly dangerous because of a potent nerve poison in ovaries and liver
blowfly|large usually hairy metallic blue or green fly;lays eggs in carrion or dung or wounds
blowgun|a tube through which darts can be shot by blowing
blowhole|the spiracle of a cetacean located far back on the skull
blowing|processing that involves blowing a gas
blowout|a sudden malfunction of a part or apparatus - "the right front tire had a blowout" - "as a result of the blowout we lost all the lights"
blowtorch|a burner that mixes air and gas to produce a very hot flame
blowtube|a tube that directs air or gas into a flame to concentrate heat
blubber|an insulating layer of fat under the skin of whales and other large marine mammals;used as a source of oil
blubberer|someone who sniffles and weeps with loud sobs
blucher|a high shoe with laces over the tongue;Prussian general who is remembered for his leadership in the wars against Napoleon (1742-1819)
bludgeon|a club used as a weapon
bludgeoner|an assailant who uses a bludgeon
blue|any of numerous small butterflies of the family Lycaenidae;any organization or party whose uniforms or badges are blue - "the Union army was a vast blue";blue clothing - "she was wearing blue";blue color or pigment;resembling the color of the clear sky in the daytime - "he had eyes of bright blue"
blue ash|ash of central and southern United States with bluish-green foliage and hard brown wood
blue baby|an infant born with a bluish color;usually has a defective heart
blue book|a blue booklet used in universities for writing examinations;a register of persons who are socially prominent;a report published by the British government;bound in blue
blue catfish|a large catfish of the Mississippi valley
blue cheese dressing|vinaigrette containing crumbled Roquefort or blue cheese
blue chip|a blue poker chip with the highest value;a common stock of a nationally known company whose value and dividends are reliable;typically have high price and low yield - "blue chips are usually safe investments"
blue cohosh|tall herb of eastern North America and Asia having blue berrylike fruit and a thick knotty rootstock formerly used medicinally
blue columbine|columbine of the Rocky Mountains having long-spurred blue flowers
blue crab|Atlantic crab;most common source of fresh crabmeat;bluish edible crab of Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of North America
blue curls|any of several plants of the genus Trichostema having whorls of small blue flowers
blue daisy|hairy South African or Australian subshrub that has daisylike flowers with blue rays
blue elder|shrub or small tree of western United States having white flowers and blue berries;fruit used in wines and jellies
blue false indigo|wild indigo of the eastern United States having racemes of blue flowers
blue flag|a common iris of the eastern United States having blue or blue-violet flowers;root formerly used medicinally
blue fleabane|widespread weed with pale purple-blue flowers
blue fox|a variety of Arctic fox having a pale grey winter coat
blue goose|North American wild goose having dark plumage in summer but white in winter
blue grama|a pasture grass of western North America
blue gum|tall fast-growing timber tree with leaves containing a medicinal oil;young leaves are bluish
blue jasmine|climber of southern United States having bluish-purple flowers
blue jay|common jay of eastern North America;bright blue with grey breast
blue law|a statute regulating work on Sundays
blue lotus|blue Egyptian lotus;held sacred by the Egyptians;blue lotus of India and southeastern Asia
blue marlin|largest marlin;may reach 2000 pounds;found worldwide in warm seas
blue mockingbird|mockingbird of Mexico
blue mold fungus|fungus causing a serious disease in tobacco plants characterized by bluish-grey mildew on undersides of leaves
blue moon|a long time - "something that happens once in blue moon almost never happens"
Blue Mountain tea|goldenrod of eastern America having aromatic leaves from which a medicinal tea is made
blue murder|an extravagantly loud outcry - "she screamed blue murder"
Blue Nile|a headstream of the Nile;joins the White Nile at Khartoum to form the Nile
blue note|a flattened third or seventh
blue orchid|famous orchid of northern India having large pale to deep lilac-blue flowers
blue pea|vine of tropical Asia having pinnate leaves and bright blue flowers with yellow centers
blue peafowl|peafowl of India and Ceylon
blue peter|a blue flag with a white square in the center indicates that the vessel is ready to sail
blue pike|variety inhabiting the Great Lakes
blue pimpernel|an American mint that yields a resinous exudate used especially formerly as an antispasmodic
blue point Siamese|Siamese cat having a bluish cream-colored body and dark grey points
blue poppy|Chinese perennial having mauve-pink to bright sky blue flowers in drooping cymes
blue racer|bluish-green blacksnake found from Ohio to Texas
blue ribbon|an honor or award gained for excellence
blue ribbon commission|an independent and exclusive commission of nonpartisan statesmen and experts formed to investigate some important governmental issue
Blue Ridge Mountains|a range of the Appalachians extending from southern Pennsylvania to northern Georgia
blue sage|blue-flowered sage of dry prairies of the eastern United States;sage of western North America to Central America having violet-blue flowers;widespread in cultivation;Texas sage having intensely blue flowers
blue shark|slender cosmopolitan, pelagic shark;blue body shades to white belly;dangerous especially during maritime disasters
blue sky|the sky as viewed during daylight
blue sky law|a state law regulating the sale of securities in an attempt to control the sale of securities in fraudulent enterprises
blue star|subshrubs of southeastern United States forming slow-growing clumps and having blue flowers in short terminal cymes
blue succory|south European plant having dark-eyed flowers with flat blue rays
blue tit|widely distributed European titmouse with bright cobalt blue wings and tail and crown of the head
blue toadflax|North American plant having racemes of blue-violet flowers
blue vitriol|hydrated blue crystalline form of copper sulfate
blue wall of silence|the secrecy of police officers who lie or look the other way to protect other police officers
blue whale|largest mammal ever known;bluish-grey migratory whalebone whale mostly of southern hemisphere
Bluebeard|(fairytale) a monstrous villain who marries seven women;he kills the first six for disobedience
blueberry|any of numerous shrubs of the genus Vaccinium bearing blueberries;sweet edible dark-blue berries of either low-growing or high-growing blueberry plants
blueberry pie|pie containing blueberries and sugar
blueberry yogurt|yogurt with sweetened blueberries or blueberry jam
bluebird|blue North American songbird
bluebonnet|low-growing annual herb of southwestern United States (Texas) having silky foliage and blue flowers;a leading cause of livestock poisoning in the southwestern United States
bluebottle|blowfly with iridescent blue body;makes a loud buzzing noise in flight
bluecoat|a person dressed all in blue (as a soldier or sailor)
blue-eyed African daisy|bushy perennial of South Africa with white or violet flowers;in its native region often clothes entire valley sides in a sheet of color
blue-eyed grass|plant with grasslike foliage and delicate blue flowers
blue-eyed Mary|eastern United States plant with whorls of blue-and-white flowers
bluefin|flesh of very large tuna;largest tuna;to 1500 pounds;of mostly temperate seas;feed in polar regions but breed in tropics
bluefish|bluish warm-water marine food and game fish that follow schools of small fishes into shallow waters;fatty bluish flesh of bluefish
bluegill|important edible sunfish of eastern and central United States
bluegrass|a type of country music played at a rapid tempo on banjos and guitars;any of various grasses of the genus Poa;an area in central Kentucky noted for it bluegrass and thoroughbred horses
bluehead|small Atlantic wrasse the male of which has a brilliant blue head
blue-headed vireo|common vireo of northeastern North America with bluish slaty-grey head
bluejack oak|small semi-evergreen shrubby tree of southeastern United States having hairy young branchlets and leaves narrowing to a slender bristly point
bluejacket|a serviceman in the navy
bluepoint|oysters originally from Long Island Sound but now from anywhere along the northeastern seacoast;usually eaten raw;small edible oyster typically from the southern shore of Long Island
blueprint|photographic print of plans or technical drawings etc.;something intended as a guide for making something else - "a blueprint for a house"
blueprint paper|sensitized paper used to make blueprints
blues|a state of depression - "he had a bad case of the blues";a type of folksong that originated among Black Americans at the beginning of the 20th century;has a melancholy sound from repeated use of blue notes
bluestem|tall grass with smooth bluish leaf sheaths grown for hay in the United States
bluestocking|a woman having literary or intellectual interests
bluestone|bluish-grey sandstone used for paving and building
bluethroat|songbird of northern Europe and Asia
bluethroat pikeblenny|found from Florida to Cuba
bluetick|a very fast American hound;white mottled with bluish grey
bluetongue|a viral disease of sheep and cattle that is transmitted by biting midges
blueweed|a coarse prickly European weed with spikes of blue flowers;naturalized in United States
bluewing|American teal
bluff|a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion);pretense that your position is stronger than it really is - "his bluff succeeded in getting him accepted";the act of bluffing in poker;deception by a false show of confidence in the strength of your cards
bluffer|a person who tries to bluff other people
bluffness|good-natured frankness
bluing|a process that makes something blue (or bluish);used to whiten laundry or hair or give it a bluish tinge
bluish green|a blue-green color or pigment - "they painted it a light shade of bluish green"
blunder|an embarrassing mistake
blunderbuss|a short musket of wide bore with a flared muzzle
blunt file|a file with parallel edges
blunt trauma|injury incurred when the human body hits or is hit by a large outside object (as a car)
bluntness|the quality of being direct and outspoken - "the bluntness of a Yorkshireman"
blur|a hazy or indistinct representation - "it happened so fast it was just a blur"
blush|sudden reddening of the face (as from embarrassment or guilt or shame or modesty)
blush wine|pinkish table wine from red grapes whose skins were removed after fermentation began
blushing mushroom|yellowish edible agaric that usually turns red when touched
bluster|a violent gusty wind;noisy confusion and turbulence - "he was awakened by the bluster of their preparations"
b-meson|exceedingly short-lived meson
Bo Hai|an inlet of the Yellow Sea, on the coast of Eastern China
boa|any of several chiefly tropical constrictors with vestigial hind limbs
boa constrictor|very large boa of tropical America and West Indies
Boann|Celtic goddess;mother of Angus Og
boar|an uncastrated male hog
board|a committee having supervisory powers - "the board has seven members";a flat piece of material designed for a special purpose - "he nailed boards across the windows";a flat portable surface (usually rectangular) designed for board games - "he got out the board and set up the pieces";a stout length of sawn timber;made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes;food or meals in general - "room and board"
board foot|the volume of a piece of wood 1 foot square and 1 inch thick
board game|a game played on a specially designed board
board measure|a system of units for measuring lumber based on the board foot
board meeting|a meeting for administrative purposes
board member|a member of a governing board
board of regents|a committee of university officers who have general supervision over the welfare and conduct of students
board of selectmen|a board of officials elected to administer the public business of a New England town
board of trustees|a governing board elected or appointed to direct the policies of an educational institution
board rule|a measure used in computing board feet
boarder|a pupil who lives at school during term time;someone who forces their way aboard ship - "stand by to repel boarders"
boarding|a structure of boards;the act of passengers and crew getting aboard a ship or aircraft
boarding card|a pass that allows you to board a ship or plane
boarding house|a private house that provides accommodations and meals for paying guests
boarding school|a private school where students are lodged and fed as well as taught
boardroom|a room where a committee meets (such as the board of directors of a company)
boards|the boarding that surrounds an ice hockey rink;the stage of a theater - "most actors love to stride the boards"
boardwalk|a walkway made of wooden boards;usually at seaside
boarfish|fish with a projecting snout;fish with large eyes and long snouts
boarhound|large hound used in hunting wild boars
boast|speaking of yourself in superlatives
boastfulness|outspoken conceit
boat|a small vessel for travel on water
boat deck|the upper deck on which lifeboats are stored
boat hook|pole-handled hook used to pull or push boats
boat race|a race between people rowing or driving boats
boat racing|the sport of racing boats
boat train|a train taking passengers to or from a port
boat whistle|a whistle on a boat that is sounded as a warning
boatbill|tropical American heron related to night herons
boatbuilder|a person who builds boats
boater|a stiff hat made of straw with a flat crown
boathouse|a shed at the edge of a river or lake;used to store boats
boating|water travel for pleasure
boatload|the amount of cargo that can be held by a boat or ship or a freight car - "he imported wine by the boatload"
boatman|someone who drives or rides in a boat
boatmanship|skill in handling boats
boatswain|a petty officer on a merchant ship who controls the work of other seamen
boatswain's chair|a seat consisting of a board and a rope;used while working aloft or over the side of a ship
boatyard|a place where boats are built or maintained or stored
bob|a hair style for women and children;a short haircut all around;a hanging weight, especially a metal ball on a string;a short abrupt inclination (as of the head) - "he gave me a short bob of acknowledgement";a small float usually made of cork;attached to a fishing line
bobbin|a winder around which thread or tape or film or other flexible materials can be wound
bobble|the momentary juggling of a batted or thrown baseball - "the second baseman made a bobble but still had time to throw the runner out"
bobby|an informal term for a British policeman
bobby pin|a flat wire hairpin whose prongs press tightly together;used to hold bobbed hair in place - "in Britain they call a bobby pin a grip"
bobbysoxer|an adolescent girl wearing bobby socks (common in the 1940s)
bobcat|small lynx of North America
bobolink|migratory American songbird
bobsled|a long racing sled (for 2 or more people) with a steering mechanism;formerly two short sleds coupled together
bobsledding|riding on a bobsled
bobtail|a short or shortened tail of certain animals
bobwhite|a popular North American game bird;named for its call
Boccaccio|Italian poet (born in France) (1313-1375)
bocce|Italian bowling played on a long narrow dirt court
bocce ball|wooden ball that is bowled in the Italian game of bocce
bocconia|small Central American tree having loose racemes of purple-tinted green flowers
bock|a very strong lager traditionally brewed in the fall and aged through the winter for consumption in the spring
bodega|a small Hispanic shop selling wine and groceries
Bodhisattva|Buddhist worthy of nirvana who postpones it to help others
bodice|part of a dress above the waist
bodice ripper|a romantic novel containing scenes in which the heroine is sexually violated
bodily process|an organic process that takes place in the body
bodily property|an attribute of the body
bodkin|a blunt needle for threading ribbon through loops;a small sharp-pointed tool for punching holes in leather or fabric;formerly a long hairpin;usually with an ornamental head
Bodo-Garo|Kamarupan languages spoken in the state of Assam in northeastern India
Bodoni|Italian printer who designed the Bodoni font (1740-1813)
body|a collection of particulars considered as a system - "a body of law" - "a body of doctrine" - "a body of precedents";a group of persons associated by some common tie or occupation and regarded as an entity - "the whole body filed out of the auditorium" - "the student body" - "administrative body";a natural object consisting of a dead animal or person - "they found the body in the lake";an individual 3-dimensional object that has mass and that is distinguishable from other objects - "heavenly body";the central message of a communication - "the body of the message was short";the entire structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being) - "he felt as if his whole body were on fire";the external structure of a vehicle - "the body of the car was badly rusted";the main mass of a thing
body armor|armor that protects the wearer's whole body
body bag|a bag in which the body of a dead soldier is placed
body count|a count of troops killed in an operation or time period - "the daily body count increased as the war went on"
body covering|any covering for the body or a body part
body English|a motion of the body by a player as if to make an object already propelled go in the desired direction
body hair|short hair growing over a person's body
body language|communication via the movements or attitudes of the body
body length|the length of your body
body lotion|lotion applied to the body after bathing
body louse|a parasitic louse that infests the body of human beings
body mass index|a measure of someone's weight in relation to height;to calculate one's BMI, multiply one's weight in pounds and divide that by the square of one's height in inches;overweight is a BMI greater than 25;obese is a BMI greater than 30
body odor|malodorousness resulting from a failure to bathe
body of water|the part of the earth's surface covered with water (such as a river or lake or ocean)
body pad|a pad worn by hockey goalkeeper
body part|any part of an organism such as an organ or extremity
body plethysmograph|plethysmograph consisting of a chamber surrounding the entire body;used in studies of respiration
body servant|a valet or personal maid
body stocking|a one-piece tight-fitting undergarment for women that covers the torso (and may have sleeves and legs)
body substance|the substance of the body
body temperature|temperature of the body;normally 98.6 F or 37 C in humans;usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of a person's health
body type|a category of physique
body waste|waste matter (as urine or sweat but especially feces) discharged from the body
body weight|the weight of a person's body
bodybuilder|someone who does special exercises to develop a brawny musculature
bodybuilding|exercise that builds muscles through tension
bodyguard|a group of men who escort and protect some important person;someone who escorts and protects a prominent person
bodywork|the exterior body of a motor vehicle;the work of making or repairing vehicle bodies
Boehme|German mystic and theosophist who founded modern theosophy;influenced George Fox (1575-1624)
Boehmenism|the mystical theological doctrine of Jakob Boehme that influenced the Quakers
Boehmeria|false nettle
Boell|German novelist and writer of short stories (1917-1985)
Boeotia|a district of ancient Greece to the northwest of Athens
Boer War|either of two wars;the first when the Boers fought England in order to regain the independence they had given up to obtain British help against the Zulus (1880-1881);the second when the Orange Free State and Transvaal declared war on Britain (1899-1902)
Boethius|a Roman who was an early Christian philosopher and statesman who was executed for treason;Boethius had a decisive influence on medieval logic (circa 480-524)
boffin|(British slang) a scientist or technician engaged in military research
Bofors gun|an automatic double-barreled antiaircraft gun
bog|wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation;has poorer drainage than a swamp;soil is unfit for cultivation but can be cut and dried and used for fuel
bog asphodel|either of two herbaceous rushlike bog plants having small yellow flowers and grasslike leaves;north temperate regions
bog aster|a variety of aster
bog bilberry|an evergreen shrub with leathery leaves
bog pimpernel|small creeping European herb having delicate pink flowers
bog rein orchid|orchid with spikes of many fragrant white flowers on erect leafy stems;of wet or boggy ground through most of the West and northern North America
bog rose|a bog orchid with usually a solitary fragrant magenta pink blossom with a wide gaping corolla;Canada
bog rosemary|wiry evergreen shrub having pendent clusters of white or pink flowers;of wet acidic areas in Arctic and Canada to northeastern United States
bog soil|poorly drained soils on top of peat and under marsh or swamp vegetation
bog spavin|spavin caused by collection of fluids
bog star|plant having ovate leaves in a basal rosette and white starlike flowers netted with green
Bogart|United States film actor (1899-1957)
bogey|(golf) a score of one stroke over par on a hole;an evil spirit
bogeyman|an imaginary monster used to frighten children
Bogota|capital and largest city of Colombia;located in central Colombia on a high fertile plain
bogy|an unidentified (and possibly enemy) aircraft
bohemia|a group of artists and writers with real or pretended artistic or intellectual aspirations and usually an unconventional life style;a historical area and former kingdom in the Czech Republic
Bohemian|a native or inhabitant of Bohemia in the Czech Republic;a nonconformist writer or artist who lives an unconventional life
Bohemian waxwing|large waxwing of northern North America;similar to but larger than the cedar waxwing
bohemianism|conduct characteristic of a bohemian
Bohr|Danish physicist who studied atomic structure and radiations;the Bohr theory of the atom accounted for the spectrum of hydrogen (1885-1962)
Bohr theory|(physics) a theory of atomic structure that combined Rutherford's model with the quantum theory;electrons orbiting a nucleus can only be in certain stationary energy states and light is emitted when electrons jump from one energy state to another
bohrium|a transuranic element
Boidae|boas and pythons
boil|a painful sore with a hard core filled with pus
boil smut|a common smut attacking Indian corn causing greyish white swellings that rupture to expose a black spore mass
boiled dinner|corned beef simmered with onions and cabbage and usually other vegetables
boiled egg|egg cooked briefly in the shell in gently boiling water
boiler|sealed vessel where water is converted to steam
boilerplate|standard formulations uniformly found in certain types of legal documents or news stories;thick plate iron used in the production of boilers
boiling|cooking in a liquid that has been brought to a boil;the application of heat to change something from a liquid to a gas
boiling point|being highly angry or excited;ready to boil over - "after an hour of waiting I was at the boiling point";the temperature at which a liquid boils at sea level
boiling water reactor|a nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator;the water boils in the reactor core and the steam produced can drive a steam turbine
Boise|the capital and largest city of Idaho
boisterousness|a turbulent and stormy state of the sea;the property of being noisy and lively and unrestrained
bok choy|Asiatic plant grown for its cluster of edible white stalks with dark green leaves;elongated head of dark green leaves on thick white stalks
Bokmal|book language;one of two official languages of Norway;closely related to Danish
bola|a rope with weights attached to the ends;is thrown to entangle the legs of an animal;of South American origin
Bolbitis|terrestrial or less than normally scandent ferns of tropical regions of northern hemisphere
boldface|a typeface with thick heavy lines
boldness|impudent aggressiveness - "I couldn't believe her boldness";the quality of standing out strongly and distinctly;the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger - "the proposal required great boldness"
Bole|a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria and closely related to Hausa;a soft oily clay used as a pigment (especially a reddish brown pigment)
bolero|a short jacket;worn mostly by women;a Spanish dance in triple time accompanied by guitar and castanets;music written in the rhythm of the bolero dance
Boletaceae|family of fleshy fungi having the germ pores easily separating from the cup and often from each other
bolete|any fungus of the family Boletaceae
Boletellus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Boletaceae
Boletellus russellii|a fungus with a long coarsely shaggy reticulate stalk and a rimose areolate cap surface
Boletus|type genus of Boletaceae;genus of soft early-decaying pore fungi;some poisonous and some edible
Boletus chrysenteron|a fungus convex cap and a dingy yellow under surface and a dry stalk
Boletus edulis|an edible and choice fungus;has a convex cap that is slightly viscid when fresh and moist but soon dries and a thick bulbous tan stalk
Boletus luridus|a poisonous fungus with a dingy yellow cap and orange red undersurface and a cylindrical reticulate stalk
Boletus mirabilis|a fungus that is edible when young and fresh;has a dark brown convex cap with a yellow to greenish under surface and reddish stalk
Boletus pallidus|a fungus that has an off-white cap when it is young but later becomes dingy brown and a stalk of the same color;the under surface of the cap (the tubes) a pale greenish yellow
Boletus pulcherrimus|a beautiful but poisonous bolete;has a brown cap with a scarlet pore surface and a thick reticulate stalk
Boletus pulverulentus|an edible fungus with a broadly convex blackish brown cap and a pore surface that is yellow when young and darkens with age;stalk is thick and enlarges toward the base
Boletus roxanae|a fungus with a rusty red cap and a white pore surface that becomes yellow with age and a pale yellow stalk
Boletus subvelutipes|a fungus with a velvety stalk and usually a dingy brown cap;injured areas turn blue instantly
Boletus variipes|an edible (but not choice) fungus found on soil under hardwoods;has a dry convex cap with whitish under surface and a reticulate stalk
Boletus zelleri|an edible and choice fungus that has a brown cap with greenish yellow under surface and a stalk that become dull red with age
Boleyn|the second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I;was executed on a charge of adultery (1507-1536)
bolide|an especially luminous meteor (sometimes exploding)
bolivar|the basic unit of money in Venezuela;equal to 100 centimos;Venezuelan statesman who led the revolt of South American colonies against Spanish rule;founded Bolivia in 1825 (1783-1830)
bolivia|a form of canasta in which sequences can be melded;a landlocked republic in central South America;Simon Bolivar founded Bolivia in 1825 after winning independence from Spain
Bolivian|a native or inhabitant of Bolivia
Bolivian monetary unit|monetary unit in Bolivia
boliviano|the basic unit of money in Bolivia;equal to 100 centavos
boll|the rounded seed-bearing capsule of a cotton or flax plant
boll weevil|greyish weevil that lays its eggs in cotton bolls destroying the cotton
bollard|a strong post (as on a wharf or quay or ship for attaching mooring lines) - "the road was closed to vehicular traffic with bollards"
bollock|a pulley-block at the head of a topmast
bollworm|any of various moth caterpillars that destroy cotton bolls
Bollywood|the film industry of India
bolo|long heavy knife with a single edge;of Philippine origin
bolo tie|a cord fastened around the neck with an ornamental clasp and worn as a necktie
bologna|large smooth-textured smoked sausage of beef and veal and pork;the capital of Emilia-Romagna;located in northern Italy to the east of the Apennines
bolognese pasta sauce|sauce for pasta;contains mushrooms and ham and chopped vegetables and beef and tomato paste
bologram|record or recording made by a bolometer
bolometer|an instrument that measures heat radiation;extremely sensitive
Bolshevik|a Russian member of the left-wing majority group that followed Lenin and eventually became the Russian communist party;emotionally charged terms used to refer to extreme radicals or revolutionaries
Bolshevism|Soviet communism
bolster|a pillow that is often put across a bed underneath the regular pillows
bolt|a roll of cloth or wallpaper of a definite length;a screw that screws into a nut to form a fastener;a sliding bar in a breech-loading firearm that ejects an empty cartridge and replaces it and closes the breech;a sudden abandonment (as from a political party);the part of a lock that is engaged or withdrawn with a key
bolt cutter|an implement for cutting bolts
bolt-hole|a hole through which an animal may bolt when pursued into its burrow or den
bolti|important food fish of the Nile and other rivers of Africa and Asia Minor
Boltonia|genus of tall leafy perennial herbs of eastern America and eastern Asia having flowers that resemble asters
Boltzmann|Austrian physicist who contributed to the kinetic theory of gases (1844-1906)
Boltzmann's constant|constant used in the calculation of the ideal gas constant
bolus|a large pill;used especially in veterinary medicine;a small round soft mass (as of chewed food)
Bolzano|an Italian city in Trentino-Alto Adige near the Austrian border;noted as a resort and for its Alpine scenery
Bomarea|large genus of tropical American vines having showy often spotted umbellate flowers;sometimes placed in family Liliaceae especially subfamily Alstroemeriaceae
bomb|an explosive device fused to explode under specific conditions
bomb blast|the explosion of a bomb
bomb calorimeter|strong sealed vessel for measuring heat of combustion
bomb rack|a device on an aircraft for carrying bombs
bomb shelter|a chamber (often underground) reinforced against bombing and provided with food and living facilities;used during air raids
bomb site|an area in a town that has been devastated by bombs - "they opened a parking lot on the bomb site"
Bombacaceae|tropical trees with large dry or fleshy fruit containing usually woolly seeds
bombardier|a noncommissioned officer in the British artillery;the member of a bomber crew responsible for using the bombsight and releasing the bombs on the target
bombardier beetle|beetle that ejects audibly a pungent vapor when disturbed
bombardment|the act (or an instance) of subjecting a body or substance to the impact of high-energy particles (as electrons or alpha rays)
bombardon|a large shawm;the bass member of the shawm family
bombast|pompous or pretentious talk or writing
Bombax|trees of chiefly South America
bombazine|a twilled fabric used for dresses;the warp is silk and the weft is worsted - "black bombazine is frequently used for mourning garments"
bomber|a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments);different names are used in different sections of the United States;a military aircraft that drops bombs during flight;a person who plants bombs
bomber crew|the crew of a bomber
bomber jacket|a jacket gathered into a band at the waist
bombie|an unexploded bomblet - "unexploded bomblets known in Laos as 'bombies' caused farmers to fear cultivating their fields"
Bombina|fire-bellied toads
bombing|an attack by dropping bombs;the use of bombs for sabotage;a tactic frequently used by terrorists
bombing run|that part of the flight that begins with the approach to the target;includes target acquisition and ends with the release of the bombs
bomblet|one of the smaller bombs that are released from a cluster bomb
bombshell|a shocking surprise - "news of the attack came like a bombshell";an entertainer who has a sensational effect - "she was a blonde bombshell";an explosive bomb or artillery shell
bombsight|a sighting device in an aircraft for aiming bombs
Bombus|bumblebees
bombycid|moderate-sized Asiatic moth whose larvae feed on mulberry leaves and produce silk
Bombycidae|Chinese silkworm moth
Bombycilla|waxwings
Bombycillidae|a family of birds of the suborder Oscines
Bombyliidae|bee flies
Bombyx|type genus of the Bombycidae;Chinese silkworm moth
bon mot|a clever remark
bon voyage|an organized expression of goodwill at the start of a trip or new venture
Bonaire|a popular island resort in the Netherlands Antilles
bonanza|an especially rich vein of precious ore
Bonasa|ruffed grouse
bonbon|a candy that usually has a center of fondant or fruit or nuts coated in chocolate
bond|a certificate of debt (usually interest-bearing or discounted) that is issued by a government or corporation in order to raise money;the issuer is required to pay a fixed sum annually until maturity and then a fixed sum to repay the principal;a superior quality of strong durable white writing paper;originally made for printing documents;British secret operative 007 in novels by Ian Fleming;United States civil rights leader who was elected to the legislature in Georgia but was barred from taking his seat because he opposed the Vietnam War (born 1940)
bond issue|bonds sold by a corporation or government agency at a particular time and identifiable by date of maturity
bond rating|an evaluation by a rating company of the probability that a particular bond issue will default - "the bonds of highest quality are said to have bond ratings of AAA"
bond servant|someone bound to labor without wages
bond trading|trading in bonds (usually by a broker on the floor of an exchange)
bondage|sexual practice that involves physically restraining (by cords or handcuffs) one of the partners;the state of being under the control of a force or influence or abstract power - "he was in bondage to fear - "he sought release from his bondage to Satan" - "a self freed from the bondage of time";the state of being under the control of another person
bonded labor|a practice in which employers give high-interest loans to workers whose entire families then labor at low wages to pay off the debt;the practice is illegal in the United States
bondholder|a holder of bonds issued by a government or corporation
bonding|(dentistry) a technique for repairing a tooth;resinous material is applied to the surface of the tooth where it adheres to the tooth's enamel;a close personal relationship that forms between people (as between husband and wife or parent and child);fastening firmly together
bondman|a male bound to serve without wages;a male slave
bondsman|someone who signs a bond as surety for someone else
bonduc|tropical tree with large prickly pods of seeds that resemble beans and are used for jewelry and rosaries
bonduc nut|hard shiny grey seed of a bonduc tree;used for making e.g. jewelry
bondwoman|a female bound to serve without wages;a female slave
bone|a shade of white the color of bleached bones;rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates;the porous calcified substance from which bones are made
bone age|a person's age measured by matching their bone development (as shown by X rays) with bone development of an average person of known chronological age
bone ash|ash left when bones burn;high in calcium phosphate;used as fertilizer and in bone china
bone black|black substance containing char in the form of carbonized bone;used as a black pigment
bone cell|a cell that is part of a bone
bone china|fine porcelain that contains bone ash
bone fat|fatty matter in bones extracted with solvents or by boiling or steaming;used chiefly in candles and cheap soaps and in lubricating greases
bone of contention|the subject of a dispute - "the real bone of contention, as you know, is money"
bone oil|dark-colored ill-smelling oil obtained by carbonizing bone;used especially in sheep dips and in denaturing alcohol;the liquid portion of bone fat;used as a lubricant and in leather manufacture
bone spavin|spavin caused by a bony growth
bone-ash cup|a small porous bowl made of bone ash used in assaying to separate precious metals from e.g. lead
bonefish|slender silvery marine fish found in tropical mud flats and mangrove lagoons
bone-headed dinosaur|bipedal herbivorous dinosaurs with bony crowns
bonemeal|fertilizer made of ground bones
bones|a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance
boneset|perennial herb of southeastern United States having white-rayed flower heads;formerly used as in folk medicine
bonesetter|someone (not necessarily a licensed physician) who sets broken bones
boneshaker|any wheeled vehicle that is dilapidated and uncomfortable - "that old bike without rubber tires was a real boneshaker"
Bonete|a mountain in the Andes in Argentina (22,546 feet high)
bonfire|a large outdoor fire that is lighted as a signal or in celebration
Bonfire Night|effigies of Guy Fawkes are burned on this night
bong|a dull resonant sound as of a bell
bongo|a small drum;played with the hands;large forest antelope of central Africa having a reddish-brown coat with white stripes and spiral horns
bonheur|(French) happiness and good humor
Bonhoeffer|German Lutheran theologian and pastor whose works concern Christianity in the modern world;an active opponent of Nazism, he was arrested and sent to Buchenwald and later executed (1906-1945)
Boniface|(Roman Catholic Church) Anglo-Saxon missionary who was sent to Frisia and Germany to spread the Christian faith;was martyred in Frisia (680-754)
Boniface VIII|pope who declared that Catholic princes are subject to the pope in temporal as well as in theological matters (1235-1303)
bonito|any of various scombroid fishes intermediate in size and characteristics between mackerels and tunas;fish whose flesh is dried and flaked for Japanese cookery;may be same species as skipjack tuna;flesh of mostly Pacific food fishes of the genus Sarda of the family Scombridae;related to but smaller than tuna
bonito shark|common blue-grey shark of southwest Pacific;sport and food fish
Bonn|a city in western Germany on the Rhine River;was the capital of West Germany between 1949 and 1989
bonnet|a hat tied under the chin
bonnet macaque|Indian macaque with a bonnet-like tuft of hair
Bonney|United States outlaw who was said to have killed 21 men (1859-1881)
bonsai|a dwarfed ornamental tree or shrub grown in a tray or shallow pot
Bontemps|United States writer (1902-1973)
bonus|an additional payment (or other remuneration) to employees as a means of increasing output;anything that tends to arouse
bony fish|any fish of the class Osteichthyes
bony labyrinth|cavity in the petrous part of the temporal bone that contains the membranous labyrinth
bonyness|extreme leanness (usually caused by starvation or disease)
boo|a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt
booboisie|class consisting of all those who are considered boobs
booby|small tropical gannet having a bright bill or bright feet or both
booby prize|a prize given to one who finishes last in a contest
boodle|informal terms for money
booger|dried nasal mucus
boogie|an instrumental version of the blues (especially for piano)
boojum tree|candlewood of Mexico and southwestern California having tall columnar stems and bearing honey-scented creamy yellow flowers
book|a collection of playing cards satisfying the rules of a card game;a collection of rules or prescribed standards on the basis of which decisions are made - "they run things by the book around here";a major division of a long written composition - "the book of Isaiah";a number of sheets (ticket or stamps etc.) bound together on one edge - "he bought a book of stamps";a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together) - "I am reading a good book on economics";physical objects consisting of a number of pages bound together - "he used a large book as a doorstop"
book agent|a book salesman
book bag|a bag in which students carry their books
book fair|bazaar at which books are sold or auctioned off in order to raise funds for a worthy cause;fair organized by publishers or booksellers to promote the sale of books
book jacket|a paper jacket for a book;a jacket on which promotional information is usually printed
book lung|organ in many arachnids containing many thin folds of membrane resembling the leaves of a book
Book of Common Prayer|the Anglican service book of the Church of England;has had several revisions since the Reformation and is widely admired for the dignity and beauty of its language
book of knowledge|an elementary encyclopedia dealing with general knowledge
Book of Mormon|a sacred text revealed to Joseph Smith in 1830 by an ancient prophet Mormon;supposedly a record of ancient peoples of America translated by Joseph Smith
book review|a critical review of a book (usually a recently published book)
book scorpion|minute arachnid sometimes found in old papers
book token|a gift voucher that can be exchanged for books costing up to an amount given on the voucher
book value|the value at which an asset is carried on a balance sheet;equals cost minus accumulated depreciation
bookbinder|a worker whose trade is binding books
bookbindery|a bookbinder's workshop;a place for binding books
bookbinding|the craft of binding books
bookcase|a piece of furniture with shelves for storing books
bookclub|a club that people join in order to buy selected books at reduced prices
bookdealer|a dealer in books;a merchant who sells books
bookend|a support placed at the end of a row of books to keep them upright (on a shelf or table)
booker|someone who engages a person or company for performances
booking|the act of reserving (a place or passage) or engaging the services of (a person or group) - "wondered who had made the booking"
bookishness|exaggerated studiousness
bookkeeper|someone who records the transactions of a business
bookkeeping|the activity of recording business transactions
booklet|a small book usually having a paper cover
booklouse|minute wingless psocopterous insects injurious to books and papers
bookmaker|a gambler who accepts and pays off bets (especially on horse races);a maker of books;someone who edits or publishes or binds books
bookmark|a marker (a piece of paper or ribbon) placed between the pages of a book to mark the reader's place
bookmobile|a van with shelves of books;serves as a mobile library or bookstore
bookplate|a label identifying the owner of a book in which it is pasted
bookseller|the proprietor of a bookstore
bookshelf|a shelf on which to keep books
bookshop|a shop where books are sold
bookworm|someone who spends a great deal of time reading
Boole|English mathematician;creator of Boolean algebra (1815-1864)
Boolean logic|a system of symbolic logic devised by George Boole;used in computers
boolean operation|an operation that follows the rules of Boolean algebra;each operand and the result take one of two values
boom|a deep prolonged loud noise;a pole carrying an overhead microphone projected over a film or tv set;a state of economic prosperity;a sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money) - "the demand for testing has created a boom for those unregulated laboratories where boxes of specimen jars are processed like an assembly line";any of various more-or-less horizontal spars or poles used to extend the foot of a sail or for handling cargo or in mooring
boom town|a town enjoying sudden prosperity
boomerang|a curved piece of wood;when properly thrown will return to thrower
boondoggle|work of little or no value done merely to look busy
Boone|an American pioneer and guide and explorer (1734-1820)
boorishness|inelegance by virtue of being an uncouth boor;the manner of a rude or insensitive person
boost|the act of giving a push - "he gave her a boost over the fence";the act of giving hope or support to someone
booster|a thief who steals goods that are in a store;an additional dose that makes sure the first dose was effective;an amplifier for restoring the strength of a transmitted signal;the first stage of a multistage rocket
boot|a form of foot torture in which the feet are encased in iron and slowly crushed;an instrument of torture that is used to heat or crush the foot and leg;British term for the luggage compartment in a car;footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg;protective casing for something that resembles a leg
boot camp|camp for training military recruits
bootblack|a person who polishes shoes and boots
bootee|a slipper that is soft and wool (for babies)
Bootes|a constellation in the northern hemisphere near Ursa Major
booth|a small shop at a fair;for selling goods or entertainment;a table (in a restaurant or bar) surrounded by two high-backed benches;small area set off by walls for special use;United States actor and assassin of President Lincoln (1838-1865)
boothose|protective stockings worn with or in place of boots
bootjack|has V-shaped notch for pulling off boots
bootlace|a long lace for fastening boots
bootleg|the part of a boot above the instep
bootlegger|someone who makes or sells illegal liquor
bootlegging|the act of making or transporting alcoholic liquor for sale illegally - "the Prohibition amendment made bootlegging profitable";the act of selling illegally or without permission - "the bootlegging of videotapes is common in Asia"
bootmaker|a maker of boots
bootstrap|a strap that is looped and sewn to the top of a boot for pulling it on
Boott's goldenrod|a variety of goldenrod
bop|an early form of modern jazz (originating around 1940)
borage|an herb whose leaves are used to flavor sauces and punches;young leaves can be eaten in salads or cooked;hairy blue-flowered European annual herb long used in herbal medicine and eaten raw as salad greens or cooked like spinach
Boraginaceae|a widely distributed family of plants distinguished by circinate flowers and nutlike fruit
Borago|perennial herbs of the Mediterranean region
Borassus|palmyra
borate|a salt or ester of boric acid
borax|an ore of boron consisting of hydrated sodium borate;used as a flux or cleansing agent
Bordeaux|a port city in southwestern France;a major center of the wine trade;any of several red or white wines produced around Bordeaux, France or wines resembling them
Bordeaux mixture|antifungal agent consisting of a solution of copper sulphate and quicklime
bordelaise|brown sauce with beef marrow and red wine
border|a strip forming the outer edge of something - "the rug had a wide blue border"
Border collie|developed in the area between Scotland and England usually having a black coat with white on the head and tip of tail used for herding both sheep and cattle
border patrol|a group of officers who patrol the borders of a country
border patrolman|someone who patrols the borders of a country
Border terrier|small rough-coated terrier of British origin
borderer|an inhabitant of a border area (especially the border between Scotland and England)
borderland|district consisting of the area on either side of a border or boundary of a country or an area
borderline intelligence|the minimal IQ required for someone to function normally and independently in the world (without some form of institutional assistance)
borderline schizophrenia|schizophrenia characterized by mild symptoms or by some preexisting tendency to schizophrenia
bore|a hole or passage made by a drill;usually made for exploratory purposes;a person who evokes boredom;diameter of a tube or gun barrel
bore bit|a drill for penetrating rock
Boreas|(Greek mythology) the god who personified the north wind - "Boreas was pictured as bearded and powerful and winged and draped against the cold"
boredom|the feeling of being bored by something tedious
Borges|Argentinian writer remembered for his short stories (1899-1986)
Borgia|Italian cardinal and military leader;model for Machiavelli's prince (1475-1507);Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts (1480-1519)
boric acid|a white or colorless slightly acid solid that is soluble in water and ethanol;used in the manufacture of glass and paper and adhesives and in detergents and as a flux in welding;also used as an antiseptic and food preservative;any of various acids containing boron and oxygen
boring|the act of drilling a hole in the earth in the hope of producing petroleum
boringness|extreme dullness;lacking spirit or interest
Born|British nuclear physicist (born in Germany) honored for his contributions to quantum mechanics (1882-1970)
born-again Christian|a Christian who has experienced a dramatic conversion to faith in Jesus
Bornean|a native or inhabitant of Borneo
Borneo|3rd largest island in the world;in the western Pacific to the north of Java;largely covered by dense jungle and rain forest;part of the Malay Archipelago
bornite|a mineral consisting of sulfides of copper and iron that is found in copper deposits
Borodin|Russian composer (1833-1887)
Borodino|Napoleon defeated the Russians in 1812 in a pitched battle at a village in western Russia west of Moscow, but irreparably weakened his army
boron|a trivalent metalloid element;occurs both in a hard black crystal and in the form of a yellow or brown powder
boron chamber|an ionization chamber lined with boron or filled with boron trifluoride gas for counting low velocity neutrons
boron counter tube|a proportional counter tube for counting neutrons
boron trifluoride|a pungent colorless gas
borosilicate|a salt of boric and silicic acids
borough|an English town that forms the constituency of a member of parliament;one of the administrative divisions of a large city
borough English|a former English custom by which the youngest son inherited land to the exclusion of his older brothers
borrelia|cause of e.g. European and African relapsing fever
Borrelia burgdorferi|cause of Lyme disease;transmitted primarily by ticks of genus Ixodes
borrow pit|a pit created to provide earth that can be used as fill at another site
borrower|someone who receives something on the promise to return it or its equivalent
borrowing|obtaining funds from a lender;the appropriation (of ideas or words etc) from another source - "the borrowing of ancient motifs was very apparent"
borrowing cost|the cost of borrowing something
borsch|a Russian or Polish soup usually containing beet juice as a foundation
borscht circuit|(informal) a resort area in the Catskill Mountains of New York that was patronized primarily by Jewish guests - "many comedians learned their trade playing the borscht circuit"
borstal|formerly a British reform school for youths considered too young to send to prison
borzoi|tall fast-moving dog breed
Bos|wild and domestic cattle;in some classifications placed in the subfamily Bovinae or tribe Bovini
bosc|greenish-yellow pear
Bosch|Dutch painter (1450-1516)
Bose|Indian physicist who with Albert Einstein proposed statistical laws based on the indistinguishability of particles;led to the description of fundamental particles that later came to be known as bosons
Bose-Einstein statistics|(physics) statistical law obeyed by a system of particles whose wave function is not changed when two particles are interchanged (the Pauli exclusion principle does not apply)
Boselaphus|Indian antelopes;nilgais
bosk|a small wooded area
Boskop man|possible early Homo sapiens represented by a cranium found in the Transvaal;formerly considered a separate species
Bosnia|the northern part of Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina|a mountainous republic of south-central Europe;formerly part of the Ottoman Empire and then a part of Yugoslavia;voted for independence in 1992 but the mostly Serbian army of Yugoslavia refused to accept the vote and began ethnic cleansing in order to rid Bosnia of its Croats and Muslims
bosom|a person's breast or chest;cloth that covers the chest or breasts;the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept - "his bosom was bursting with the secret"
boson|any particle that obeys Bose-Einstein statistics but not the Pauli exclusion principle;all nuclei with an even mass number are bosons
Bosporus|a strait connecting the Mediterranean and the Black Sea;separates the European and Asian parts of Turkey;an important shipping route
Bosporus Bridge|a suspension bridge across the Bosporus at Istanbul
boss|a person responsible for hiring workers - "the boss hired three more men for the new job";a person who exercises control and makes decisions - "he is his own boss now"
bossism|domination of a political organization by a party boss
Boston|state capital and largest city of Massachusetts;a major center for banking and financial services
Boston baked beans|dried navy beans baked slowly with molasses and salt pork
Boston bull|small pug-faced American terrier breed having a smooth brindle or black coat with white markings
Boston cream pie|layer cake filled with custard
Boston fern|a sword fern with arching or drooping pinnate fronds;a popular houseplant
Boston Harbor|the seaport at Boston
Boston ivy|Asiatic vine with three-lobed leaves and purple berries
Boston lettuce|lettuce with relatively soft leaves
Boston rocker|a rocking chair that has a high spindle back and a decorative top panel
Boston Tea Party|demonstration (1773) by citizens of Boston who (disguised as Indians) raided three British ships in Boston harbor and dumped hundreds of chests of tea into the harbor;organized as a protest against taxes on tea
Bostonian|a native or resident of Boston
Boswell|a devoted admirer and recorder of another's words and deeds;Scottish author noted for his biography of Samuel Johnson (1740-1795)
Boswellia|genus of trees of North Africa and India that yield incense
Boswellia carteri|tree yielding an aromatic gum resin burned as incense
Bosworth Field|the battle that ended the Wars of the Roses (1485);Richard III was killed and Henry Tudor was crowned as Henry VII
bot|botfly larva;typically develops inside the body of a horse or sheep or human
bota|a wine bottle made of leather
botanical|a drug made from part of a plant (as the bark or root or leaves)
botanist|a biologist specializing in the study of plants
botany|the branch of biology that studies plants
Botaurus|bitterns
botfly|stout-bodied hairy dipterous fly whose larvae are parasites on humans and other mammals
Bothidae|a family of fish of the order Heterosomata
Bothrops|fer-de-lance
Botrychium|grape fern;moonwort
Botswana|a landlocked republic in south-central Africa that became independent from British control in the 1960s
Botswana monetary unit|monetary unit in Botswana
Botticelli|Italian painter of mythological and religious paintings (1444-1510)
bottle|a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids;typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped;a vessel fitted with a flexible teat and filled with milk or formula;used as a substitute for breast feeding infants and very young children;the quantity contained in a bottle
bottle bank|a place where bottles can be deposited for recycling
bottle bill|a statute that would require merchants to reclaim used bottles
bottle collection|a collection of bottles - "her bottle collection is arranged on glass shelves in the window";collecting bottles for reuse;the activity of collecting bottles - "bottle collection is a hobby of hers"
bottle gourd|Old World climbing plant with hard-shelled bottle-shaped gourds as fruits
bottle green|dark to moderate or greyish green
bottle opener|an opener for removing caps or corks from bottles
bottlebrush|a cylindrical brush on a thin shaft that is used to clean bottles
bottlecap|a cap that seals a bottle
bottled water|drinking water (often spring water) that is put into bottles and offered for sale
bottleneck|the narrow part of a bottle near the top
bottlenose dolphin|any of several dolphins with rounded forehead and well-developed beak;chiefly of northern Atlantic and Mediterranean
bottle-nosed whale|northern Atlantic beaked whale with a bulbous forehead
bottler|a manufacturer that makes and bottles beverages
bottle-tree|an Australian tree of the genus Brachychiton
bottling plant|a plant where beverages are put into bottles with caps
bottom|a cargo ship - "they did much of their overseas trade in foreign bottoms";the lower side of anything;the lowest part of anything - "they started at the bottom of the hill";the second half of an inning;while the home team is at bat
bottom dog|a person of low status
bottom feeder|an opportunist who profits from the misfortunes of others
bottom fermentation|a slow kind of alcoholic fermentation at a temperature low enough that the yeast cells can sink to the bottom of the fermenting liquid;used in the production of lager
bottom fermenting yeast|brewer's yeast used in bottom fermentation of lager
bottom line|the decisive point;the last line in an audit;the line that shows profit or loss
bottom lurkers|a fish that lurks on the bottom of a body of water
bottom quark|a quark with a charge of -1/3 and a mass about 10,000 times that of an electron
bottom rot|fungous disease of lettuce that first rots lower leaves and spreads upward
bottom rot fungus|fungus causing bottom rot in lettuce
bottom round|cut from the round;suitable for pot roast
bottom-feeder|a fish that lives and feeds on the bottom of a body of water;a scavenger that feeds low on the food chain
bottomland|low-lying alluvial land near a river
bottomlessness|the property of being very deep;without limit
botulin|potent bacterial toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that causes botulism;can be used as a bioweapon
botulinum toxin|any of several neurotoxins that are produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum;causes muscle paralysis
botulinum toxin A|a neurotoxin (trade name Botox) that is used clinically in small quantities to treat strabismus and facial spasms and other neurological disorders characterized by abnormal muscle contractions;is also used by cosmetic surgeons to smooth frown lines temporarily
botulinus|anaerobic bacterium producing botulin the toxin that causes botulism
botulism|food poisoning from ingesting botulin;not infectious;affects the CNS;can be fatal if not treated promptly
boucle|a fabric of uneven yarn that has an uneven knobby effect
boudoir|a lady's bedroom or private sitting room
bouffant|a woman's hairstyle in which the hair gives a puffy appearance
Bougainville|French explorer who circumnavigated the globe accompanied by scientists (1729-1811);the largest of the Solomon Islands;a province of Papua New Guinea
Bougainville Trench|a depression in the floor of the Pacific Ocean between New Guinea and the Solomon Islands
bougainvillea|any of several South American ornamental woody vines of the genus Bougainvillea having brilliant red or purple flower bracts;widely grown in warm regions
bough|any of the larger branches of a tree
bouillabaisse|highly seasoned Mediterranean soup or stew made of several kinds of fish and shellfish with tomatoes and onions or leeks and seasoned with saffron and garlic and herbs
bouillon|a clear seasoned broth
bouillon cube|a cube of evaporated seasoned meat extract
boulder|a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin;a town in north central Colorado;Rocky Mountains resort center and university town
boulevardier|a visitor of a city boulevard (especially in Paris)
Boulez|French composer of serial music (born in 1925)
boulle|an inlaid furniture decoration;tortoiseshell and yellow and white metal form scrolls in cabinetwork
bounce|rebounding from an impact (or series of impacts);the quality of a substance that is able to rebound
bouncer|a person whose duty is to throw troublemakers out of a bar or public meeting
bouncing betty|an antipersonnel land mine
bouncing putty|a soft elastic silicone polymer that increases in elasticity with the application of force;used in the center of golf balls and as shock-absorbent padding
bound morpheme|a morpheme that occurs only as part of a larger construction;eg an -s at the end of plural nouns
boundary|a line determining the limits of an area;the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something
boundary condition|(mathematics) a condition specified for the solution to a set of differential equations
boundary layer|the layer of slower flow of a fluid past a surface
boundary line|a line that indicates a boundary
bounder|someone who bounds or leaps (as in competition)
Bounty|a ship of the British navy;in 1789 part of the crew mutinied against their commander William Bligh and set him afloat in an open boat;generosity evidenced by a willingness to give freely;payment or reward (especially from a government) for acts such as catching criminals or killing predatory animals or enlisting in the military
bounty hunter|a hunter who kills predatory wild animals in order to collect a bounty;someone who pursues fugitives or criminals for whom a reward is offered
bouquet|a pleasingly sweet olfactory property;an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
Bourbon|a European royal line that ruled in France (from 1589-1793) and Spain and Naples and Sicily;a member of the European royal family that ruled France;a reactionary politician in the United States (usually from the South);whiskey distilled from a mash of corn and malt and rye and aged in charred oak barrels
bourgeois|a member of the middle class
Bourgogne|a former province of eastern France that is famous for its wines
bourguignon|reduced red wine with onions and parsley and thyme and butter
bourn|an archaic term for a boundary;an archaic term for a goal or destination
Bourse|the stock exchange in Paris
bourtree|a common shrub with black fruit or a small tree of Europe and Asia;fruit used for wines and jellies
boustrophedon|an ancient writing system;having alternate lines written in opposite directions;literally 'as the ox ploughs'
bout|a contest or fight (especially between boxers or wrestlers);a period of illness - "a bout of fever" - "a bout of depression"
Bouteloua|forage grasses
boutique|a shop that sells women's clothes and jewelry
boutonniere|a flower that is worn in a buttonhole
Bouvet Island|an island belonging to Norway in the South Atlantic near the Antarctic Circle
Bouvier des Flandres|rough-coated breed used originally in Belgium for herding and guarding cattle
Bouvines|in 1214 the French under Philip Augustus defeated a coalition formed against him in one of the greatest battles of the middle ages
Bouyei|a branch of the Tai languages
bovid|hollow-horned ruminants
Bovidae|true antelopes;cattle;oxen;sheep;goats
Bovinae|term not used technically;essentially coextensive with genus Bos;cattle;buffalo;and sometimes includes kudu
bovine|any of various members of the genus Bos
bovine spongiform encephalitis|a fatal disease of cattle that affects the central nervous system;causes staggering and agitation
Bovini|term not used technically;essentially coextensive with genus Bos
bow|a decorative interlacing of ribbons;a knot with two loops and loose ends;used to tie shoelaces;a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands;used in playing certain stringed instruments;a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments;a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow;an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience;bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting;front part of a vessel or aircraft - "he pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line";something curved in shape
bow and arrow|a weapon consisting of arrows and the bow to shoot them
bow leg|outward curvature of the legs
bow tie|a man's tie that ties in a bow
Bowditch|United States mathematician and astronomer noted for his works on navigation (1773-1838)
Bowdler|English editor who in 1818 published an expurgated edition of the works of Shakespeare (1754-1825)
Bowdlerism|censorship in the form of prudish expurgation
bowdlerization|the act of deleting or modifying all passages considered to be indecent;written material that has been bowdlerized
bowed stringed instrument|stringed instruments that are played with a bow
bowel movement|a euphemism for defecation - "he had a bowel movement"
bowels|the center of the Earth
bower actinidia|climbing Asiatic vine having long finely serrate leaves and racemes of white flowers followed by greenish-yellow edible fruit
bowerbird|any of various birds of the Australian region whose males build ornamented structures resembling bowers in order to attract females
Bowery|a street in Manhattan noted for cheap hotels frequented by homeless derelicts
bowfin|primitive long-bodied carnivorous freshwater fish with a very long dorsal fin;found in sluggish waters of North America
bowhead|large-mouthed Arctic whale
Bowie|United States pioneer and hero of the Texas revolt against Mexico;he shared command of the garrison that resisted the Mexican attack on the Alamo where he died (1796-1836)
Bowie knife|a stout hunting knife with a single edge
Bowiea|small genus of tropical African perennial bulbous herbs with deciduous twining stems;sometimes placed in family Hyacinthaceae
bowing|managing the bow in playing a stringed instrument - "the violinist's bowing was excellent"
bowl|a concave shape with an open top;a dish that is round and open at the top for serving foods;a round vessel that is open at the top;used chiefly for holding food or liquids;a small round container that is open at the top for holding tobacco;a wooden ball (with flattened sides so that it rolls on a curved course) used in the game of lawn bowling;the quantity contained in a bowl
bowleg|a leg bowed outward at the knee (or below the knee)
bowler|a cricketer who delivers the ball to the batsman in cricket;a player who rolls balls down an alley at pins
bowler hat|a felt hat that is round and hard with a narrow brim
bowline|a loop knot that neither slips nor jams
bowling|(cricket) the act of delivering a cricket ball to the batsman;a game in which balls are rolled at an object or group of objects with the aim of knocking them over or moving them;the playing of a game of tenpins or duckpins etc
bowling alley|a building that contains several alleys for bowling;a lane down which a bowling ball is rolled toward pins
bowling ball|a large ball with finger holes used in the sport of bowling
bowling equipment|equipment used in bowling
bowling green|a field of closely mowed turf for playing bowls;a town in southern Kentucky
bowling league|a league of bowling teams
bowling pin|a club-shaped wooden object used in bowling;set up in triangular groups of ten as the target
bowling score|the score in a bowling match
bowling shoe|a special shoe worn when bowling
Bowman's capsule|thin double membrane surrounding the glomerulus of a nephron
bowsprit|a spar projecting from the bow of a vessel
bowstring|the string of an archer's bow
bowstring hemp|hemp obtained from the sansevieria;strong fiber that resembles hemp;obtained from sansevieria and used for e.g. cordage
bow-wow|the bark of a dog
box|a (usually rectangular) container;may have a lid - "he rummaged through a box of spare parts";a blow with the hand (usually on the ear) - "I gave him a good box on the ear";a rectangular drawing - "the flowchart contained many boxes";any one of several designated areas on a ball field where the batter or catcher or coaches are positioned - "the umpire warned the batter to stay in the batter's box";evergreen shrubs or small trees;private area in a theater or grandstand where a small group can watch the performance - "the royal box was empty";separate partitioned area in a public place for a few people - "the sentry stayed in his box to avoid the cold";the driver's seat on a coach - "an armed guard sat in the box with the driver";the quantity contained in a box - "he gave her a box of chocolates"
box beam|a beam built up from boards;has a hollow rectangular cross section
box calf|black calfskin leather tanned with chromium salts
box camera|a simple camera shaped like a rectangular box
box coat|a short coat that hangs loosely from the shoulders
box elder|common shade tree of eastern and central United States
box huckleberry|creeping evergreen shrub of southeastern United States having small shiny boxlike leaves and flavorless berries
box kite|a kite shaped like a box open at both ends
box number|a mailing address to which answers to a newspaper ad can be sent
box office|the office where tickets of admission are sold;total admission receipts for an entertainment
box pleat|a flat double pleat made by folding under the fabric on either side of it
box seat|a special seat in a theater or grandstand box
box spring|a coiled bedspring in a frame that is covered with cloth
box turtle|chiefly terrestrial turtle of North America;shell can be closed tightly
box wrench|a wrench with a closed loop (a socket) that fits over a nut or bolt head
boxcar|a freight car with roof and sliding doors in the sides
boxcars|(usually plural) an expression used when two dice are thrown and both come up showing six spots
boxer|a breed of stocky medium-sized short-haired dog with a brindled coat and square-jawed muzzle developed in Germany;someone who fights with his fists for sport;a member of a nationalistic Chinese secret society that led an unsuccessful rebellion in 1900 against foreign interests in China
boxfish|any of numerous small tropical fishes having body and head encased in bony plates
boxing|fighting with the fists
Boxing Day|first weekday after Christmas
boxing equipment|equipment used in boxing
boxing glove|boxing equipment consisting of big and padded coverings for the fists of the fighters;worn for the sport of boxing
boxing match|a match between boxers;usually held in a boxing ring
boxing ring|a square ring where boxers fight
boxwood|very hard tough close-grained light yellow wood of the box (particularly the common box);used in delicate woodwork;musical instruments and inlays and engraving blocks
boy|(ethnic slur) offensive and disparaging term for Black man - "get out of my way, boy";a friendly informal reference to a grown man - "he likes to play golf with the boys"
Boy Scout|a boy who is a member of the Boy Scouts;a man who is considered naive
Boy Scouts|an international (but decentralized) movement started in 1908 in England with the goal of teaching good citizenship to boys
Boy Scouts of America|a corporation that operates through a national council that charters local councils all over the United States;the purpose is character building and citizenship training
boy wonder|an extremely talented young male person
boycott|a group's refusal to have commercial dealings with some organization in protest against its policies
boyfriend|a man who is the lover of a girl or young woman - "if I'd known he was her boyfriend I wouldn't have asked"
boyhood|the childhood of a boy
boyishness|being characteristic of a boy
Boykinia|genus of perennial rhizomatous herbs with flowers in panicles;North America;Japan
Boyle|Irish chemist who established that air has weight and whose definitions of chemical elements and chemical reactions helped to dissociate chemistry from alchemy (1627-1691);United States writer (1902-1992)
Boyle's law|the pressure of an ideal gas at constant temperature varies inversely with the volume
Boyne|a battle in the War of the Grand Alliance in Ireland in 1690;William III defeated the deposed James II and so ended the Catholicism that had been reintroduced in England by the Stuarts
boysenberry|cultivated hybrid bramble of California having large dark wine-red fruit with a flavor resembling raspberries;large raspberry-flavored fruit;cross between blackberries and raspberries
Bozeman|a town in southwestern Montana;gateway to Yellowstone National Park
Brabancon griffon|a variety of Brussels griffon having a short smooth coat
brace|a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring;a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it;a structural member used to stiffen a framework;a support that steadies or strengthens something else - "he wore a brace on his knee";an appliance that corrects dental irregularities;either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material;elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)
brace and bit|a drill consisting of a bit and a brace to hold and turn it
brace wrench|a wrench shaped like a brace (has a handle shaped like a crank) and a socket head
bracelet|jewelry worn around the wrist for decoration
bracelet wood|small West Indian shrub or tree with hard glossy seeds patterned yellow and brown that are used to make bracelets
bracer|a protective covering for the wrist or arm that is used in archery and fencing and other sports;a tonic or restorative (especially a drink of liquor)
bracero|a Mexican laborer who worked in the United States on farms and railroads in order to ease labor shortages during World War II
brachial artery|the main artery of the upper arm;a continuation of the axillary artery;bifurcates into the radial and ulnar arteries at the elbow
brachial plexus|a network of nerves formed by cervical and thoracic spinal nerves and supplying the arm and parts of the shoulder
brachial vein|two veins in either arm that accompany the brachial artery and empty into the axillary vein
brachiation|swinging by the arms from branch to branch
Brachinus|bombardier beetles
brachiocephalic vein|veins formed by the union of the internal jugular and subclavian veins
brachiopod|marine animal with bivalve shell having a pair of arms bearing tentacles for capturing food;found worldwide
Brachiopoda|marine invertebrates that resemble mollusks
brachium|(biology) a branching or armlike part of an animal
brachycephalic|an adult with a short broad head
brachycephaly|the quality of being brachycephalic
Brachychiton|Australian trees (usually with swollen trunks)
Brachycome|mostly Australian herbs having basal or alternate leaves and loosely corymbose flower heads
brachydactyly|abnormal shortness of fingers and toes
Brachystegia|small genus of tropical African timber trees having pale golden heartwood uniformly striped with dark brown or black
Brachyura|an order of crustaceans (including true crabs) having a reduced abdomen folded against the ventral surface
brachyuran|typical crabs
bracken|fern of southeastern Asia;not hardy in cold temperate regions;large coarse fern often several feet high;essentially weed ferns;cosmopolitan
bracket|a category falling within certain defined limits;a support projecting from a wall (as to hold a shelf);either of two punctuation marks ([ or ]) used to enclose textual material;either of two punctuation marks ('<' or '>') used in computer programming and sometimes used to enclose textual material
bracket creep|a movement into a higher tax bracket as taxable income increases
bracket fungus|a woody fungus that forms shelflike sporophores on tree trunks and wood structures
brackishness|the quality of being salty, as the saltiness of water
bract|a modified leaf or leaflike part just below and protecting an inflorescence
bracteole|a small bract
brad|a small nail
bradawl|an awl for making small holes for brads or small screws
Bradbury|United States writer of science fiction (born 1920)
Bradford|United States printer (born in England) whose press produced the first American prayer book and the New York City's first newspaper (1663-1752)
Bradley|United States general who played an important role in the Allied victory in World War II (1893-1981);United States politician who was elected the first black mayor of Los Angeles (1917-1998)
Bradley method of childbirth|a method that prepares a mother for natural childbirth by providing education and exercises and nutrition and techniques of breathing and relaxation (with the assistance of the father)
Bradley's spleenwort|a spleenwort of eastern to southern United States
Bradstreet|poet in colonial America (born in England) (1612-1672)
Brady|United States financier noted for his love of diamonds and his extravagant lifestyle (1856-1917);United States pioneer photographer famous for his portraits;was the official Union photographer for the American Civil War (1823-1896)
bradycardia|abnormally slow heartbeat
Bradypodidae|a family of edentates comprising the true sloths
Bradypus|type genus of the Bradypodidae;three-toed sloths
brae|a slope or hillside
brag|an instance of boastful talk - "his brag is worse than his fight"
Braga|an ancient city in northern Portugal
Bragg|Confederate general during the American Civil War who was defeated by Grant in the battle of Chattanooga (1817-1876)
braggadocio|vain and empty boasting
bragger|a very boastful and talkative person
Bragi|(Norse mythology) god of poetry and music;son of Odin
Brahe|Danish astronomer whose observations of the planets provided the basis for Kepler's laws of planetary motion (1546-1601)
Brahma|the Creator;one of the three major deities in the later Hindu pantheon
brahman|a member of a social and cultural elite (especially a descendant of an old New England family) - "a Boston brahman";a member of the highest of the four Hindu varnas - "originally all brahmans were priests";the highest of the four varnas;the priestly or sacerdotal category;any of several breeds of Indian cattle;especially a large American heat and tick resistant greyish humped breed evolved in the Gulf States by interbreeding Indian cattle and now used chiefly for crossbreeding
Brahmana|prose works attached to the Samhitas instructing the bahmins to perform the very elaborate sacrificial rituals
Brahmanism|the religious and social system of orthodox Hinduism;the religious beliefs of ancient India as prescribed in the sacred Vedas and Brahmanas and Upanishads
Brahmaputra|an Asian river;flows into the Bay of Bengal
Brahmi|a script (probably adapted from the Aramaic about the 7th century BC) from which later Indian scripts developed
Brahms|German composer who developed the romantic style of both lyrical and classical music (1833-1897);the music of Brahms - "Brahms was included in the program"
Brahui|a member of a Dravidian people living in Pakistan;an isolated Dravidian language spoken by the Brahui in Pakistan
braid|a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair;trimming used to decorate clothes or curtains
brail|a small net used to draw fish into a boat;a small rope (one of several) used to draw a sail in
braille|a point system of writing in which patterns of raised dots represent letters and numerals;French educator who lost his sight at the age of three and who invented a system of writing and printing for sightless people (1809-1852)
brain|mental ability - "he's got plenty of brains but no common sense";that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers;enclosed within the skull;continuous with the spinal cord;the brain of certain animals used as meat
brain cell|a nerve cell in the brain
brain coral|massive reef-building coral having a convoluted and furrowed surface
brain damage|injury to the brain that impairs its functions (especially permanently);can be caused by trauma to the head, infection, hemorrhage, inadequate oxygen, genetic abnormality, etc.
brain death|death when respiration and other reflexes are absent;consciousness is gone;organs can be removed for transplantation before the heartbeat stops
brain disorder|any disorder or disease of the brain
brain drain|depletion or loss of intellectual and technical personnel
brain science|the branch of neuroscience concerned with the brain
brain surgery|any surgical procedure involving the brain
brain tumor|a tumor in the brain
brainstem|the part of the brain continuous with the spinal cord and comprising the medulla oblongata and pons and midbrain and parts of the hypothalamus
brainstorming|a group problem-solving technique in which members spontaneously share ideas and solutions - "we had an intense brainstorming session today"
brainwashing|forcible indoctrination into a new set of attitudes and beliefs
brainwave|(neurophysiology) rapid fluctuations of voltage between parts of the cerebral cortex that are detectable with an electroencephalograph
brainworker|someone whose profession involves using his head to solve problems
braising|cooking slowly in fat in a closed pot with little moisture
brake|a restraint used to slow or stop a vehicle;an area thickly overgrown usually with one kind of plant;any of various ferns of the genus Pteris having pinnately compound leaves and including several popular houseplants;anything that slows or hinders a process - "she wan not ready to put the brakes on her life with a marriage" - "new legislation will put the brakes on spending"
brake band|a band that can be tightened around a shaft to stop its rotation
brake cylinder|a cylinder that contains brake fluid that is compressed by a piston
brake disk|a disk or plate that is fixed to the wheel;pressure is applied to it by the brake pads
brake drum|a hollow cast-iron cylinder attached to the wheel that forms part of the brakes
brake failure|brakes fail to stop a vehicle
brake lining|the lining on the brake shoes that comes in contact with the brake drum
brake pad|one of the pads that apply friction to both sides of the brake disk
brake pedal|foot pedal that moves a piston in the master brake cylinder
brake shoe|a restraint provided when the brake linings are moved hydraulically against the brake drum to retard the wheel's rotation
brake system|a braking device consisting of a combination of interacting parts that work to slow a motor vehicle
brakeman|a railroad employee responsible for a train's brakes
Brama|type genus of the Bramidae
Bramante|great Italian architect of the High Renaissance in Italy (1444-1514)
bramble|any of various rough thorny shrubs or vines
bramble bush|any prickly shrub of the genus Rubus bearing edible aggregate fruits
brambling|Eurasian finch
Bramidae|deep-bodied percoid fishes of the open seas
Bramley's Seedling|very large cooking apple
bran|broken husks of the seeds of cereal grains that are separated from the flour by sifting;food prepared from the husks of cereal grains
bran flake|wheat flake including the bran
bran muffin|muffin containing bran
branch|a division of a stem, or secondary stem arising from the main stem of a plant;a division of some larger or more complex organization - "a branch of Congress" - "botany is a branch of biology" - "the Germanic branch of Indo-European languages";a part of a forked or branching shape - "he broke off one of the branches";a stream or river connected to a larger one
branch line|a railway line connected to a trunk line
branch water|pure natural water from a stream or brook;often distinguished from soda water
branched chain|an open chain of atoms with one or more side chains attached to it
branching|the act of branching out or dividing into branches
Branchiobdella|type genus of the Branchiobdellidae;a small worm that lives on the gills or surface of a crayfish attached by a sucker
Branchiobdellidae|small annelid worms with the posterior end modified into an adhesive sucker;especially formerly regarded as modified leeches
branchiopod crustacean|aquatic crustaceans typically having a carapace and many pairs of leaflike appendages used for swimming as well as respiration and feeding
Branchiopoda|primitive aquatic mainly freshwater crustaceans;fairy shrimps;brine shrimps;tadpole shrimps;can shrimps;water fleas
Branchiostegidae|small family of marine fishes having covered gills
Branchiura|copepods with suctorial mouthparts;parasitic on fishes
branchlet|a small branch or division of a branch (especially a terminal division);usually applied to branches of the current or preceding year
Brancusi|Romanian sculptor noted for abstractions of animal forms (1876-1957)
brand|a piece of wood that has been burned or is burning;a recognizable kind - "there's a new brand of hero in the movies now";identification mark on skin, made by burning
Brandenburg|the territory of an Elector (of the Holy Roman Empire) that expanded to become the kingdom of Prussia in 1701
brand-name drug|a drug that has a trade name and is protected by a patent (can be produced and sold only by the company holding the patent)
brand-newness|the property of being very new
Brandt|German statesman who as chancellor of West Germany worked to reduce tensions with eastern Europe (1913-1992)
brandy|distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice
brandy sling|a sling made with brandy
brandyball|a British candy flavored with brandy
brandysnap|a gingersnap flavored with brandy
brant|small dark geese that breed in the north and migrate southward
Branta|wild geese
Braque|French painter who led the cubist movement (1882-1963)
Brasenia|alternatively, a member of the family Nymphaeaceae
brashness|the trait of being rash and hasty
Brasilia|the capital of Brazil;a city built on the central plateau and inaugurated in 1960
Brasov|a city in central Romania in the foothills of the Transylvanian Alps
brass|a memorial made of brass;a wind instrument that consists of a brass tube (usually of variable length) that is blown by means of a cup-shaped or funnel-shaped mouthpiece;an alloy of copper and zinc;an ornament or utensil made of brass
brass band|a group of musicians playing only brass and percussion instruments
brass buttons|South African herb with golden-yellow globose flower heads;naturalized in moist areas along coast of California;cultivated as an ornamental
brass family|(music) the family of brass instruments
brass hat|a high-ranking military officer
brass knucks|a small metal weapon;worn over the knuckles on the back of the hand
brass monkey|a metal stand that formerly held cannon balls on sailing ships
brass ring|a rich opportunity or a prize - "he missed the brass ring at the Miami convention"
brass section|the section of a band or orchestra that plays brass instruments
brassard|armor plate that protects the arm
brassavola|any of various tropical American orchids with usually solitary fleshy leaves and showy white to green nocturnally fragrant blossoms solitary or in racemes of up to 7
brasserie|a small restaurant serving beer and wine as well as food;usually cheap
Brassia|genus of tropical American epiphytic orchids having striking axillary racemes of yellow to green spiderlike flowers with long slender sepals and warty lips;spider orchids
Brassica|mustards;cabbages;cauliflowers;turnips;etc.
brassie|(formerly) a golfing wood with a face more elevated that a driver but less than a spoon
brassiere|an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
Bratislava|capital and largest city of Slovakia
brattice|a partition (often temporary) of planks or cloth that is used to control ventilation in a mine
Brattleboro|a town in southeastern Vermont on the Connecticut River
bratwurst|a small pork sausage
Braun|the German mistress of Adolf Hitler (1910-1945);United States rocket engineer (born in Germany where he designed a missile used against England);he led the United States Army team that put the first American satellite into space (1912-1977)
Braun's holly fern|North American fern whose more or less evergreen leathery fronds are covered with pale brown chafflike scales
Braunschweig|a city in central Germany
bravado|a swaggering show of courage
brave|a North American Indian warrior;people who are brave - "the home of the free and the brave"
bravo|a cry of approval as from an audience at the end of great performance
bravura|brilliant and showy technical skill - "in a final bravura the ballerina appeared to be floating in water" - "the music ends with a display of bravura"
brawl|a noisy fight in a crowd
brawler|a fighter (especially one who participates in brawls)
brawn|possessing muscular strength
Braxton-Hicks contraction|painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency
bray|the cry of an ass
brazier|large metal container in which coal or charcoal is burned;warms people who must stay outside for long times
Brazil|the largest Latin American country and the largest Portuguese speaking country in the world;located in the central and northeastern part of South America;world's leading coffee exporter
brazil nut|tall South American tree bearing brazil nuts;three-sided tropical American nut with white oily meat and hard brown shell
Brazilian|a native or inhabitant of Brazil
Brazilian guava|South American tree having fruit similar to the true guava
brazilian ironwood|thornless tree yielding heavy wood
Brazilian monetary unit|monetary unit in Brazil
Brazilian pepper tree|small Brazilian evergreen resinous tree or shrub having dark green leaflets and white flowers followed by bright red fruit;used as a street tree and lawn specimen
Brazilian rosewood|an important Brazilian timber tree yielding a heavy hard dark-colored wood streaked with black
Brazilian trumpeter|trumpeter of Brazil and Guiana;often kept to protect poultry in Brazil
brazilwood|heavy wood of various brazilwood trees;used for violin bows and as dyewoods;tropical tree with prickly trunk;its heavy red wood yields a red dye and is used for cabinetry
Brazos|a river that rises in Mexico and flows across Texas into the Gulf of Mexico
Brazzaville|the capital and largest city of the Republic of the Congo
breach|a failure to perform some promised act or obligation;an opening (especially a gap in a dike or fortification)
breach of contract|a breach of a legal duty;failure to do something that is required in a contract
breach of duty|a breach of due care
breach of promise|failure to keep a promise (of marriage)
breach of the covenant of warranty|a failure of the seller's guarantee of good title
breach of trust|violation (either through fraud or negligence) by a trustee of a duty that equity requires of him
breach of trust with fraudulent intent|larceny after trust rather than after unlawful taking
breach of warranty|a breach that occurs when an item is deficient according to the terms of a warranty
bread|food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
bread and butter pickle|thinly sliced sweet pickles
bread dough|any of various doughs for bread
bread knife|a knife used to cut bread
bread mold|a mold of the genus Rhizopus
bread sauce|creamy white sauce made with bread instead of flour and seasoned with cloves and onion
breadbasket|a basket for serving bread;a geographic region serving as the principal source of grain
bread-bin|a container used to keep bread or cake in
breadboard|a wooden or plastic board on which dough is kneaded or bread is sliced
breadcrumb|crumb of bread;used especially for coating or thickening
breadfruit|a large round seedless or seeded fruit with a texture like bread;eaten boiled or baked or roasted or ground into flour;the roasted seeds resemble chestnuts;native to Pacific islands and having edible fruit with a texture like bread
breadline|a queue of people waiting for free food
breadroot|densely hairy perennial of central North America having edible tuberous roots
breadstick|a crisp stick-shaped roll;often served with soup
breadstuff|flour or meal or grain used in baking bread
breadth|the capacity to understand a broad range of topics - "a teacher must have a breadth of knowledge of the subject"
breadwinner|one whose earnings are the primary source of support for their dependents
break|(tennis) a score consisting of winning a game when your opponent was serving - "he was up two breaks in the second set";a sudden dash - "he made a break for the open door";an abrupt change in the tone or register of the voice (as at puberty or due to emotion) - "then there was a break in her voice";an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity - "it was presented without commercial breaks";an escape from jail - "the breakout was carefully planned";an unexpected piece of good luck - "he finally got his big break";the occurrence of breaking - "the break in the dam threatened the valley";the opening shot that scatters the balls in billiards or pool
break dancing|a form of solo dancing that involves rapid acrobatic moves in which different parts of the body touch the ground;normally performed to the rhythm of rap music
break seal|a seal that must be broken when first used and cannot easily be resealed - "it was stored in a tube with a break seal"
breakable|an article that is fragile and easily broken - "pack the breakables separately"
breakableness|the consistency of something that breaks under pressure
breakage|reimbursement for goods damaged while in transit or in use;the act of breaking something - "the breakage was unavoidable";the quantity broken - "the total breakage was huge"
breakaway|the act of breaking away or withdrawing from - "there was a breakaway by the discontented members"
breakax|West Indian timber tree having very hard wood
breakdown|a cessation of normal operation - "there was a power breakdown";a mental or physical breakdown;an analysis into mutually exclusive categories
breaker|a quarry worker who splits off blocks of stone
breakfast|the first meal of the day (usually in the morning)
breakfast area|a place for light meals (usually near a kitchen)
breakfast food|any food (especially cereal) usually served for breakfast
breakfast table|a table where breakfast is eaten
breakfast time|the customary or habitual hour for eating breakfast
breaking away|departing hastily
breaking off|an instance of sudden interruption
breaking point|(psychology) stress at which a person breaks down or a situation becomes crucial;the degree of tension or stress at which something breaks
breakthrough|a penetration of a barrier such as an enemy's defense;making an important discovery
breakwater|a protective structure of stone or concrete;extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away
bream|flesh of any of various saltwater fishes of the family Sparidae or the family Bramidae;flesh of various freshwater fishes of North America or of Europe
breast|either of two soft fleshy milk-secreting glandular organs on the chest of a woman;meat carved from the breast of a fowl;the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen - "he beat his breast in anger";the part of an animal's body that corresponds to a person's chest
breast cancer|cancer of the breast;one of the most common malignancies in women in the US
breast drill|a portable drill with a plate that is pressed against the chest to force the drill point into the work
breast implant|an implant for cosmetic purposes to replace a breast that has been surgically removed
breast of lamb|a cut of lamb including the breastbone and attached muscles dressed as meat
breast of veal|usually stuffed and roasted
breast pocket|a pocket inside of a man's coat
breastplate|armor plate that protects the chest;the front part of a cuirass
breaststroke|a swimming stroke;the arms are extended together in front of the head and swept back on either side accompanied by a frog kick
breaststroker|someone who swims the breaststroke
breath|a short respite;a slight movement of the air - "there wasn't a breath of air in the room";the air that is inhaled and exhaled in respiration - "his sour breath offended her";the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing - "he took a deep breath and dived into the pool" - "he was fighting to his last breath"
breath of fresh air|a welcome relief - "the new management was like a breath of fresh air"
breathalyzer|a device that measures chemicals (especially the alcohol content) in a person's expired breath
breathing|the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation;the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
breathing device|a device that facilitates breathing in cases of respiratory failure
breathing room|sufficient room for easy breathing or movement - "moved to the country to find breathing room"
breccia|a rudaceous rock consisting of sharp fragments embedded in clay or sand
Brecht|German dramatist and poet who developed a style of epic theater (1898-1956)
breech|opening in the rear of the barrel of a gun where bullets can be loaded
breech delivery|delivery of an infant whose feet or buttocks appear first
breechblock|a metal block in breech-loading firearms that is withdrawn to insert a cartridge and replaced to close the breech before firing
breechcloth|a garment that provides covering for the loins
breeches|trousers ending above the knee
breeches buoy|a life buoy in the form of a ring with short breeches for support;used to transfer people from a ship
breechloader|a gun that is loaded at the breech
breed|a special type - "Google represents a new breed of entrepreneurs";a special variety of domesticated animals within a species - "he experimented on a particular breed of white rats"
breeder|a person who breeds animals
breeder reactor|a nuclear reactor that produces more fissile material than it burns
breeding|elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression;helping someone grow up to be an accepted member of the community;the production of animals or plants by inbreeding or hybridization
breeding ground|a place where animals breed
Breed's Hill|a hill in Charlestown that was the site of the battle of Bunker Hill in 1775
breeze|a slight wind (usually refreshing) - "the breeze was cooled by the lake"
breeziness|a breezy liveliness - "a delightful breeziness of manner";a mildly windy state of the air
bregma|the craniometric point at the junction of the sagittal and coronal sutures at the top of the cranium
Bremen|a city of northwestern Germany linked by the Weser River to the port of Bremerhaven and the North Sea;in the Middle Ages it was a leading member of the Hanseatic League
Bremerhaven|a port city in northwestern Germany at the mouth of the Weser River on the North Sea;has a deep natural harbor and is an important shipping center
Bren|a submachine gun operated by gas pressure;used by the British in World War II
Brenner Pass|an Alpine mountain pass connecting Innsbruck in Austria with Bolzano in Italy that has long been a route for trade and for invasions
Brer Rabbit|the fictional character of a rabbit who appeared in tales supposedly told by Uncle Remus and first published in 1880
Brescia|an ancient Italian city in central Lombardy
Brest|a port city in northwestern France (in Brittany);the chief naval station of France
Bretagne|a former province of northwestern France on a peninsula between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay
brethren|(plural) the lay members of a male religious order
Breton|a Celtic language of Brittany;a native or inhabitant of Brittany (especially one who speaks the Breton language)
Breuer|United States architect (born in Hungary) who was associated with the Bauhaus in the 1920's (1902-1981)
breve|a diacritical mark (U-shaped) placed over a vowel to indicate a short sound
brevet|a document entitling a commissioned officer to hold a higher rank temporarily (but without higher pay)
breviary|(Roman Catholic Church) a book of prayers to be recited daily certain priests and members of religious orders
brevity|the attribute of being brief or fleeting;the use of brief expressions
Brevoortia|menhaden
brew|drink made by steeping and boiling and fermenting rather than distilling
brewer|someone who brews beer or ale from malt and hops and water;the owner or manager of a brewery
brewer's mole|mole of eastern North America
brewer's yeast|yeast used in fermenting beer
brewery|a plant where beer is brewed by fermentation
brewing|the production of malt beverages (as beer or ale) from malt and hops by grinding and boiling them and fermenting the result with yeast
brewpub|a combination brewery and restaurant;beer is brewed for consumption on the premises and served along with food
Brezhnev|Soviet statesman who became president of the Soviet Union (1906-1982)
briar|a pipe made from the root (briarroot) of the tree heath
briard|old French breed of large strong usually black dogs having a long tail and long wavy and slightly stiff coat
briarroot|hard woody root of the briar Erica arborea
briarwood|wood from the hard woody root of the briar Erica arborea;used to make tobacco pipes
bribe|payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment
briber|someone who pays (or otherwise incites) you to commit a wrongful act
bribery|the practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage
bric-a-brac|miscellaneous curios
brick|a good fellow;helpful and trustworthy;rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln;used as a building or paving material
brick cheese|semisoft sweet American cheese from whole milk in a brick form
brick red|a bright reddish-brown color
brick trowel|a trowel used in masonry
brickbat|a fragment of brick used as a weapon;blunt criticism
Brickellia|genus of herbs of southwestern America having usually creamy florets followed by one-seeded fruits in a prominent bristly sheath
brickkiln|a kiln for making bricks
bricklayer|a craftsman skilled in building with bricks
bricklayer's hammer|a hammer used in laying bricks
bricklaying|the craft of laying bricks
bricks and mortar|building material consisting of bricks laid with mortar between them
brickwork|masonry done with bricks and mortar
brickyard|a place where bricks are made and sold
bridal|archaic terms for a wedding or wedding feast
bridal gown|a gown worn by the bride at a wedding
bridal wreath|Chilean evergreen shrub having delicate spikes of small white flowers;shrub having copious small white flowers in spring
bride|a woman participant in her own marriage ceremony;a woman who has recently been married
bride price|money or property given (in some societies) by the bridegroom to the family of his bride
bride-gift|a wedding present to the bride
bridesmaid|an unmarried woman who attends the bride at a wedding
bridge|a circuit consisting of two branches (4 arms arranged in a diamond configuration) across which a meter is connected;a denture anchored to teeth on either side of missing teeth;a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.;a wooden support that holds the strings up;an upper deck where a ship is steered and the captain stands;any of various card games based on whist for four players;something resembling a bridge in form or function - "his letters provided a bridge across the centuries";the hard ridge that forms the upper part of the nose - "her glasses left marks on the bridge of her nose";the link between two lenses;rests on the nose
bridge agent|an operative who acts as a courier or go-between from a case officer to a secret agent in a hostile area
bridge hand|the cards held in a game of bridge
bridge partner|one of a pair of bridge players who are on the same side of the game
bridge player|a card player in a game of bridge
bridge whist|the earliest form of bridge;the dealer could name the trump suit
bridged-T|a circuit consisting of a T-network with an additional shunt bridging the two series circuits
bridgehead|a defensive post at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy;an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies - "an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines"
Bridgeport|a port in southwestern Connecticut on Long Island Sound
Bridges|United States labor leader who organized the longshoremen (1901-1990)
Bridget|Irish abbess;a patron saint of Ireland (453-523)
Bridgetown|capital of Barbados;a port city on the southwestern coast of Barbados
bridle|headgear for a horse;includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control;the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess - "his common sense is a bridle to his quick temper"
bridle path|a path suitable for riding or leading horses (but not for cars)
bridoon|a bit resembling a snaffle bit;used with a separate curb
Brie|soft creamy white cheese;milder than Camembert
brief|a condensed written summary or abstract;a document stating the facts and points of law of a client's case
briefcase|a case with a handle;for carrying papers or files or books
briefcase bomb|a bomb consisting of an explosive and timer hidden inside a briefcase
briefcase computer|a portable computer housed in a box that resembles a briefcase
briefing|detailed instructions, as for a military operation
briefness|the temporal property of being very short
briefs|short tight-fitting underpants (trade name Jockey shorts)
brier|a thorny stem or twig;tangled mass of prickly plants
brig|a penal institution (especially on board a ship);two-masted sailing vessel square-rigged on both masts
brigade|army unit smaller than a division
brigadier|a general officer ranking below a major general
brigandine|a medieval coat of chain mail consisting of metal rings sewn onto leather or cloth
brigantine|two-masted sailing vessel square-rigged on the foremast and fore-and-aft rigged on the mainmast
brightness|intelligence as manifested in being quick and witty;the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white
brightness constancy|the tendency for a visual object to be perceived as having the same brightness under widely different conditions of illumination
Brighton|a city in East Sussex in southern England that is a popular resort;site of the University of Sussex
Brigit|Celtic goddess of fire and fertility and agriculture and household arts and wisdom;later associated with Saint Bridget
Brihaspati|personification of the power of ritual devotion
brill|European food fish
brilliance|unusual mental ability
brilliant pebble|a code name for a small computerized heat-seeking missile that was supposed to intercept and destroy enemy missiles
brilliantine|a pomade to make the hair manageable and lustrous
brim|a circular projection that sticks outward from the crown of a hat;the top edge of a vessel or other container
brimstone|an old name for sulfur
Brindisi|a port city in southeastern Apulia in Italy;a center for the Crusades in the Middle Ages
brine|a strong solution of salt and water used for pickling
brine shrimp|common to saline lakes
Brinell number|measure of the hardness of a material
brininess|the relative proportion of salt in a solution
brink|a region marking a boundary;the edge of a steep place
brinkmanship|the policy of pushing a dangerous situation to the brink of disaster (to the limits of safety)
Brinton|United States anthropologist who was the first to attempt a systematic classification of Native American languages (1837-1899)
brioche|a light roll rich with eggs and butter and somewhat sweet
Brioschi|an antacid
briquette|a block made from charcoal or coal dust and burned as fuel
brisance|the shattering or crushing effect of a sudden release of energy as in an explosion
Brisbane|capital and largest city of Queensland state;located in the southeastern corner of Queensland on the Pacific;settled by British as a penal colony;3rd largest city in Australia
brisket|a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest especially of beef
brisling|small herring processed like a sardine
bristle|a stiff fiber (coarse hair or filament);natural or synthetic;a stiff hair
bristle brush|a brush that is made with the short stiff hairs of an animal or plant
bristle fern|any fern of the genus Trichomanes having large pinnatifid often translucent fronds;most are epiphytic on tree branches and twigs or terrestrial on mossy banks
bristlecone pine|small slow-growing upland pine of western United States (Rocky Mountains) having dense branches with fissured rust-brown bark and short needles in bunches of 5 and thorn-tipped cone scales;among the oldest living things some over 4500 years old
bristlegrass|grasses of grasslands and woodlands having large gracefully arching spikes with long bristles beneath each spikelet
bristletail|small wingless insect with a long bristlelike tail
bristly locust|large shrub or small tree of the eastern United States having bristly stems and large clusters of pink flowers
bristly sarsaparilla|bristly herb of eastern and central North America having black fruit and medicinal bark
Bristol|an industrial city and port in southwestern England near the mouth of the River Avon
Bristol Channel|an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean between southern Wales and southwestern England
brit|minute crustaceans forming food for right whales;the young of a herring or sprat or similar fish
Britannia metal|an alloy similar to pewter
britches|informal term for breeches
British|the people of Great Britain
British Cabinet|the senior ministers of the British government
British capacity unit|a unit of measure for capacity officially adopted in the British Imperial System;British units are both dry and wet
British Columbia|a province in western Canada
British Commonwealth|an association of nations consisting of the United Kingdom and several former British colonies that are now sovereign states but still pay allegiance to the British Crown
British Crown|the symbol of the power of the British monarchy - "members of the British Commonwealth owe allegiance to the British Crown"
British East Africa|the former British territories of eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanganyika, Uganda, and Zanzibar
British Empire|a former empire consisting of Great Britain and all the territories under its control;reached its greatest extent at the end of World War I;it included the British Isles, British West Indies, Canada, British Guiana;British West Africa, British East Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand - "the sun never sets on the British Empire"
British empiricism|the predominant philosophical tradition in Great Britain since the 17th century
British Imperial System|a system of weights and measures based on the foot and pound and second and pint
British Isles|Great Britain and Ireland and adjacent islands in the north Atlantic
British Labour Party|a political party formed in Great Britain in 1900;characterized by the promotion of labor's interests and formerly the socialization of key industries
British monetary unit|monetary unit in Great Britain
British Parliament|the British legislative body
British pound|the basic unit of money in Great Britain and Northern Ireland;equal to 100 pence
British shilling|a former monetary unit in Great Britain
British thermal unit|a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at one atmosphere pressure;equivalent to 251.997 calories
British Virgin Islands|more than 40 northeastern Virgin Islands (15 inhabited);a dependent territory of the United Kingdom
British West Africa|the former British territories of western Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Gambia, Togo, Sierra Leone, and the Gold Coast
British West Indies|the islands in the West Indies that were formerly under British control, including the Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad
Britisher|a native or inhabitant of Great Britain
Briton|an inhabitant of southern Britain prior to the Anglo-Saxon invasions
Brittany spaniel|tall active short-tailed French breed of bird dog having a usually smooth orange- or liver-and-white coat
Britten|major English composer of the 20th century;noted for his operas (1913-1976)
brittle|caramelized sugar cooled in thin sheets
brittle bladder fern|delicate fern widely distributed in North America and European having thin pinnatifid fronds with brittle stems
brittle maidenhair|tropical American fern with broad pinnae;widely cultivated
brittle star|an animal resembling a starfish with fragile whiplike arms radiating from a small central disc
brittlebush|fragrant rounded shrub of southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico having brittle stems and small crowded blue-green leaves and yellow flowers;produces a resin used in incense and varnish and in folk medicine
brittleness|firm but easily broken
Brix scale|a system for measuring the concentration of sugar solutions
Brno|an industrial city in Moravia in Czech Republic to the southeast of Prague
broad|slang term for a woman - "a broad is a woman who can throw a mean punch"
broad arrow|a mark shaped like an arrowhead;used to mark convicts' clothing;an arrow with a wide barbed head;an arrowhead mark identifying British government property
broad bean|a bean plant cultivated for use animal fodder;Old World upright plant grown especially for its large flat edible seeds but also as fodder;seed of the broad-bean plant
broad beech fern|beech fern of North American woodlands having straw-colored stripes
broad buckler-fern|European shield fern
broad gauge|a railroad track (or its width) broader than the standard 56.5 inches
broad hatchet|a short-handled hatchet with a broad blade opposite a hammerhead
broad interpretation|an interpretation of the U.S. constitution holding that the spirit of the times and the needs of the nation can legitimately influence judicial decisions (particularly decisions of the Supreme Court)
broad jump|the act of jumping as far as possible from a running start
broad leaved centaury|a variety of centaury with broad leaves
broadax|a large ax with a broad cutting blade
broadbill|small birds of the Old World tropics having bright plumage and short wide bills
broadcast|a radio or television show;message that is transmitted by radio or television
broadcast area|the area over which a radio or tv transmission can be received
broadcast journalist|a journalist who broadcasts on radio or television
broadcast medium|a medium that disseminates via telecommunications
broadcaster|a mechanical device for scattering something (seed or fertilizer or sand etc.) in all directions;someone who broadcasts on radio or television
broadcasting|taking part in a radio or tv program
broadcasting company|a company that manages tv or radio stations
broadcasting station|a station equipped to broadcast radio or television programs
broadcasting studio|a studio where broadcasts originate
broadcloth|a closely woven silk or synthetic fabric with a narrow crosswise rib;a densely textured woolen fabric with a lustrous finish
broadening|the action of making broader - "the broadening of travel"
broad-leaved everlasting pea|perennial climber of central and southern Europe having purple or pink or white flowers;naturalized in North America
broad-leaved montia|succulent plant with mostly basal leaves;stem bears 1 pair of broadly ovate or heart-shaped leaves and a loose raceme of 3-10 white flowers;western North America
broad-leaved plantain|common European perennial naturalized worldwide;a troublesome weed
broad-leaved twayblade|small orchid with two elliptic leaves and a slender raceme of small green flowers;western North America
broadloom|a carpet woven on a wide loom to obviate the need for seams
broad-mindedness|an inclination to tolerate or overlook opposing or shocking opinions or behavior
broadside|all of the armament that is fired from one side of a warship;the simultaneous firing of all the armament on one side of a warship;the whole side of a vessel from stem to stern - "the ship was broadside to the dock"
broadsword|a sword with a broad blade and (usually) two cutting edges;used to cut rather than stab
broadtail|hardy coarse-haired sheep of central Asia;lambs are valued for their soft curly black fur;the fur of a very young karakul lamb
Broadway|a street in Manhattan that passes through Times Square;famous for its theaters
Brobdingnag|a land imagined by Jonathan Swift where everything was enormous
Broca|French anthropologist who studied the craniums and brains of different races of people;remembered for his discovery that articulate speech depends on an area of the brain now known as Broca's area (1824-1880)
brocade|thick heavy expensive material with a raised pattern
Broca's area|the motor speech center in the left hemisphere of the brain in most people
broccoli|branched green undeveloped flower heads;plant with dense clusters of tight green flower buds
broccoli raab|plant grown for its pungent edible leafy shoots
broccoli rabe|slightly bitter dark green leaves and clustered flower buds
brochette|a small spit or skewer
brocket|male red deer in its second year;small South American deer with unbranched antlers
Brockhouse|Canadian physicist who bounced neutron beams off of atomic nuclei to study the structure of matter (1918-2003)
brodiaea|any of several plants of the genus Brodiaea having basal grasslike leaves and globose flower heads on leafless stems resembling those of genus Allium
Brodmann's area|one of the cortical areas mapped out on the basis of its cytoarchitecture
brogan|a thick and heavy shoe
Broglie|French nuclear physicist who generalized the wave-particle duality by proposing that particles of matter exhibit wavelike properties (1892-1987)
broil|cooking by direct exposure to radiant heat (as over a fire or under a grill)
broiler|an oven or part of a stove used for broiling;flesh of a small young chicken not over 2 1/2 lb suitable for broiling
broken arch|an arch with a gap at the apex;the gap is usually filled with some decoration
broken heart|devastating sorrow and despair - "he is recovering from a broken heart" - "a broken heart languishes here"
broken home|a family in which the parents have separated or divorced
brokerage|a stock broker's business;charges a fee to act as intermediary between buyer and seller;the business of a broker;charges a fee to arrange a contract between two parties
brokerage account|a fund that a customer has entrusted to a securities brokerage - "you can't get a brokerage account unless you have $20,000"
brokerage house|place where a broker conducts his business
broker-dealer|a financial specialist who trades for his own account and so acts both as a broker and principal
brome|any of various woodland and meadow grasses of the genus Bromus;native to temperate regions
Bromelia|the type genus of the family Bromeliaceae which includes tropical American plants with deeply cleft calyx
Bromeliaceae|a family of tropical American plants of order Xyridales including several (as the pineapple) of economic importance
bromic acid|an unstable acid used as an oxidizing agent
bromide|any of the salts of hydrobromic acid;formerly used as a sedative but now generally replaced by safer drugs
bromine|a nonmetallic heavy volatile corrosive dark brown liquid element belonging to the halogens;found in sea water
bromoform|colorless liquid haloform CHBr3
bromophenol blue|a dye used as an acid-base indicator
Bromo-seltzer|an antacid
bromothymol blue|a dye used as an acid-base indicator
brompheniramine maleate|antihistamine (trade name Dimetane) used to treat hypersensitivity reactions (as rhinitis)
brompton stock|European plant with racemes of sweet-scented flowers;widely cultivated as an ornamental
Bromus|a genus of grasses of the family Gramineae
bronchial artery|arteries that accompany the bronchioles
bronchial vein|veins serving the bronchi;empty into the azygos vein
bronchiole|any of the smallest bronchial ducts;ending in alveoli
bronchiolitis|inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchioles
bronchitis|inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchial tubes
bronchodilator|a drug that relaxes and dilates the bronchial passageways and improves the passages of air into the lungs
bronchopneumonia|pneumonia characterized by acute inflammation of the walls of the bronchioles
bronchoscope|a slender tubular instrument used to examine the bronchial tubes
bronchospasm|a spasm of the bronchi that makes exhalation difficult and noisy;associated with asthma and bronchitis
bronchus|either of the two main branches of the trachea
bronco|an unbroken or imperfectly broken mustang
bronco busting|breaking a bronco to saddle
Bronte|English novelist;oldest of three Bronte sisters (1816-1855);English novelist;one of three Bronte sisters (1818-1848);English novelist;youngest of three Bronte sisters (1820-1849)
Bronte sisters|a 19th century family of three sisters who all wrote novels
Bronx|a borough of New York City
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge|a suspension bridge across the East River in New York City
bronze|a sculpture made of bronze;an alloy of copper and tin and sometimes other elements;also any copper-base alloy containing other elements in place of tin
Bronze Age|(archeology) a period between the Stone and Iron Ages, characterized by the manufacture and use of bronze tools and weapons;(classical mythology) the third age of the world, marked by war and violence
bronze medal|a trophy made of bronze (or having the appearance of bronze) that is usually awarded for winning third place in a competition
Bronze Star Medal|a United States military decoration awarded for meritorious service (except in aerial flight)
brooch|a decorative pin worn by women
brood|the young of an animal cared for at one time
brood bitch|a bitch used for breeding
brood hen|a domestic hen ready to brood
brooding|sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body
broodmare|a female horse used for breeding
brook|a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
brook thistle|of central and southwestern Europe
brook trout|a delicious freshwater food fish;North American freshwater trout;introduced in Europe
Brooke|English lyric poet (1887-1915)
brooklet|a small brook
brooklime|European plant having low-lying stems with blue flowers;sparsely naturalized in North America;plant of western North America and northeastern Asia having prostrate stems with dense racemes of pale violet to lilac flowers
Brooklyn|a borough of New York City
Brooklyn Bridge|a suspension bridge across the East River in New York City;opened in 1883
Brooks|United States literary critic and historian (1886-1963)
brookweed|American water pimpernel;water pimpernel of Europe to China
broom|a cleaning implement for sweeping;bundle of straws or twigs attached to a long handle;any of various shrubs of the genera Cytisus or Genista or Spartium having long slender branches and racemes of yellow flowers
broom beard grass|handsome hardy North American grass with foliage turning pale bronze in autumn
broom closet|a small room for storing brooms and other cleaning equipment
broom grass|any of several grasses of the genus Andropogon;used in broom making
broom sedge|tall tufted grass of southeastern United States
broom tree|prickly yellow-flowered shrub of the moors of New England and Europe
broomcorn|tall grasses grown for the elongated stiff-branched panicle used for brooms and brushes
broomcorn millet|extensively cultivated in Europe and Asia for its grain and in United States sometimes for forage
broomstick|the handle of a broom
broomweed|annual of southwestern United States having rigid woody branches with sticky foliage and yellow flowers
Brosmius|cusk
broth|a thin soup of meat or fish or vegetable stock;liquid in which meat and vegetables are simmered;used as a basis for e.g. soups or sauces
broth of a boy|an outstanding person;as if produced by boiling down a savory broth
Brother|(Roman Catholic Church) a title given to a monk and used as form of address - "a Benedictine Brother";a male person who is a fellow member (of a fraternity or religion or other group);a male with the same parents as someone else;used as a term of address for those male persons engaged in the same movement
brotherhood|people engaged in a particular occupation;the feeling that men should treat one another like brothers;the kinship relation between a male offspring and the siblings
brother-in-law|a brother by marriage
brotula|deep-sea fishes
Brotulidae|chiefly deep-sea fishes related to the Ophidiidae
brougham|a sedan that has no roof over the driver's seat;light carriage;pulled by a single horse
brouhaha|a confused disturbance far greater than its cause merits
Broussonetia|paper mulberry
brow|the part of the face above the eyes
brow ptosis|sagging eyebrows
Brown|abolitionist who was hanged after leading an unsuccessful raid at Harper's Ferry, Virginia (1800-1859);Scottish botanist who first observed the movement of small particles in fluids now known a Brownian motion (1773-1858);an orange of low brightness and saturation
brown algae|algae having the chlorophyll masked by brown and yellow pigments
brown bat|any of numerous medium to small insectivorous bats found worldwide in caves and trees and buildings
brown bear|large ferocious bear of Eurasia
brown bells|California herb with brownish-purple or greenish bell-shaped flowers
brown Betty|baked pudding of apples and breadcrumbs
brown bread|dark steamed bread made of cornmeal wheat and flour with molasses and soda and milk or water
brown bullhead|freshwater catfish of eastern United States
brown butter|clarified butter browned slowly and seasoned with vinegar or lemon juice and capers
brown creeper|a common creeper in North America with a down-curved bill
brown cup|a variety of sclerotinia
brown hyena|of southern Africa
brown lacewing|small dark-colored lacewing fly
brown lemming|of northwestern Canada and Alaska
brown pine|large Australian tree with straight-grained yellow wood that turns brown on exposure
brown rat|common domestic rat;serious pest worldwide
brown rice|unpolished rice retaining the yellowish-brown outer layer
brown root rot fungus|fungus causing brown root rot in plants of the pea and potato and cucumber families
brown rot|any of certain fungous diseases of plants characterized by browning and decay of tissues
brown rot gummosis|disease of citrus trees caused by the fungus Phytophthora citrophthora
brown sauce|bouillon or beef stock thickened with butter and flour roux and variously seasoned with herbs or Worcestershire etc.
brown snail|serious garden pest having a brown shell with paler zigzag markings;nearly cosmopolitan in distribution
brown soft scale|pest on citrus trees
brown study|a state of deep absorption or thoughtfulness
brown sugar|unrefined or only partly refined sugar
Brown Swiss|large hardy brown breed of dairy cattle from Switzerland
brown thrasher|common large songbird of eastern United States having reddish-brown plumage
brown trout|speckled trout of European rivers;introduced in North America
Brown University|a university in Rhode Island
Browne|English illustrator of several of Dickens' novels (1815-1882);United States writer of humorous tales of an itinerant showman (1834-1867)
Brownian movement|the random motion of small particles suspended in a gas or liquid
Brownie|a junior Girl Scout;square or bar of very rich chocolate cake usually with nuts
brownie mix|a commercial mix for making brownies
Browning|English poet and husband of Elizabeth Barrett Browning noted for his dramatic monologues (1812-1889);English poet best remembered for love sonnets written to her husband Robert Browning (1806-1861);United States inventor of firearms (especially automatic pistols and repeating rifles and a machine gun called the Peacemaker) (1855-1926)
Browning automatic rifle|a portable .30 caliber automatic rifle operated by gas pressure and fed by cartridges from a magazine;used by United States troops in World War I and in World War II and in the Korean War
Browning machine gun|a belt-fed machine gun capable of firing more than 500 rounds per minute;used by United States troops in World War II and the Korean War
brownish yellow|a yellow color of low lightness with a brownish tinge
Brownshirt|a member of the Nazi SA which wore brown uniforms
brownstone|a reddish brown sandstone;used in buildings;a row house built of brownstone;reddish brown in color
Brownsville|a city in southern Texas on the Rio Grande near its mouth into the Gulf of Mexico;has a channel that accommodates oceangoing ships
browntail|small brown and white European moth introduced into eastern United States;pest of various shade and fruit trees
browse|reading superficially or at random;the act of feeding by continual nibbling;vegetation (such as young shoots, twigs, and leaves) that is suitable for animals to eat - "a deer needs to eat twenty pounds of browse every day"
browser|a program used to view HTML documents;a viewer who looks around casually without seeking anything in particular
Bruce|Australian physician and bacteriologist who described the bacterium that causes undulant fever or brucellosis (1855-1931);king of Scotland from 1306 to 1329;defeated the English army under Edward II at Bannockburn and gained recognition of Scottish independence (1274-1329)
Brucella|an aerobic Gram-negative coccobacillus that causes brucellosis;can be used as a bioweapon
brucellosis|an infectious disease of domestic animals often resulting in spontaneous abortion;transmittable to human beings;infectious bacterial disease of human beings transmitted by contact with infected animals or infected meat or milk products;characterized by fever and headache
Bruch|German composer (1838-1920)
Bruchidae|seed beetles
Bruchus|type genus of the Bruchidae
brucine|a bitter alkaloid poison resembling strychnine and extracted from nux vomica
Bruckenthalia|a genus containing only one species;spike heath
Bruckner|Austrian organist and composer of romantic music (1824-1896)
Brueghel|Flemish painter of landscapes (1525-1569)
Bruges|a city in northwestern Belgium that is connected by canal to the North Sea;in the 13th century it was a leading member of the Hanseatic League;the old city (known as the City of Bridges) is a popular tourist attraction
Brugmansia|includes some plants often placed in the genus Datura;angel's trumpets
bruin|a conventional name for a bear used in tales following usage in the old epic 'Reynard the Fox'
bruise|an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration
Brule|a member of a group of Siouan people who constituted a division of the Teton Sioux
Brumaire|second month of the Revolutionary calendar (October and November);the month of mist
Brummell|English dandy who was a fashion leader during the Regency (1778-1840)
Brummie|a native or resident of Birmingham, England
Brunanburh|a battle in 937 when Athelstan defeated the Scots
brunch|combination breakfast and lunch;usually served in late morning
brunch coat|a woman's short housecoat or wrapper
Brunei|a sultanate in northwestern Borneo;became independent of Great Britain in 1984
Brunei dollar|the basic unit of money in Brunei
Bruneian|a native or inhabitant of Brunei
Brunelleschi|Florentine architect who was the first great architect of the Italian Renaissance (1377-1446)
brunet|a person with dark (brown) hair
Brunfelsia|genus of tropical American shrubs grown for their flowers followed by fleshy berrylike fruits
Brunhild|a Valkyrie or a queen in the Nibelungenlied who loved the hero Siegfried;when he deceived her she had him killed and then committed suicide
Bruno|(Roman Catholic Church) a French cleric (born in Germany) who founded the Carthusian order in 1084 (1032-1101);Italian philosopher who used Copernican principles to develop a pantheistic monistic philosophy;condemned for heresy by the Inquisition and burned at the stake (1548-1600)
Brunswick|a town in southeast Georgia near the Atlantic coast;a port of entry;a university town in southwestern Maine
Brunswick stew|spicy southern specialty;chicken (or small game) with corn and tomatoes and lima beans and okra and onions and potatoes
brunt|main force of a blow etc - "bore the brunt of the attack"
brush|a bushy tail or part of a bushy tail (especially of the fox);a dense growth of bushes;a minor short-term fight;an implement that has hairs or bristles firmly set into a handle;conducts current between rotating and stationary parts of a generator or motor;contact with something dangerous or undesirable - "I had a brush with danger on my way to work" - "he tried to avoid any brushes with the police";momentary contact;the act of brushing your hair - "he gave his hair a quick brush";the act of brushing your teeth - "the dentist recommended two brushes a day"
brush cut|a short haircut with hairs standing up like a brush
brush discharge|discharge between electrodes creating visible streamers of ionized particles
brush fire|an uncontrolled fire that consumes brush and shrubs and bushes
brush turkey|black megapode of wooded regions of Australia and New Guinea
brush-off|a curt or disdainful rejection
brush-tailed phalanger|bushy-tailed phalanger
brush-tailed porcupine|porcupine with a tuft of large beaded bristles on the tail
brushwood|the wood from bushes or small branches - "they built a fire of brushwood"
brushwork|an artist's distinctive technique of applying paint with a brush
Brussels carpet|a carpet with a strong linen warp and a heavy pile of colored woolen yarns drawn up in uncut loops to form a pattern
Brussels lace|fine lace with a raised or applique design
brussels sprout|plant grown for its stout stalks of edible small green heads resembling diminutive cabbages
brussels sprouts|the small edible cabbage-like buds growing along a stalk of the brussels sprout plant
brutality|a brutal barbarous savage act
brutalization|an act that makes people cruel or lacking normal human qualities;the activity of treating someone savagely or viciously;the condition of being treated in a cruel and savage manner
Brutus|statesman of ancient Rome who (with Cassius) led a conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar (85-42 BC)
Bruxelles|the capital and largest city of Belgium;seat of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
bruxism|involuntarily or unconsciously clenching or grinding the teeth, typically during sleep
Brya|genus of prickly shrubs and small trees of the Caribbean region;source of a durable hardwood
Bryaceae|a family of acrocarpous mosses
Bryales|category used in some classification systems for mosses having the spore case separated from the capsule wall by a hollow intercellular space
Bryan|a town of east central Texas;United States lawyer and politician who advocated free silver and prosecuted John Scopes (1925) for teaching evolution in a Tennessee high school (1860-1925)
bryanthus|procumbent Old World mat-forming evergreen shrub with racemes of pinkish-white flowers
Bryce Canyon National Park|a national park in Utah having multicolored rock erosions
bryony|a vine of the genus Bryonia having large leaves and small flowers and yielding acrid juice with emetic and purgative properties
Bryophyta|a division of nonflowering plants characterized by rhizoids rather than true roots and having little or no organized vascular tissue and showing alternation of generations between gamete-bearing forms and spore-bearing forms;comprises true mosses (Bryopsida) and liverworts (Hepaticopsida) and hornworts (Anthoceropsida)
bryophyte|any of numerous plants of the division Bryophyta
Bryopsida|true mosses;bryophytes having leafy rather than thalloid gametophytes;comprises orders Andreaeales;Bryales;Dicranales;Eubryales;Sphagnales
Bryozoa|marine or freshwater animals that form colonies of zooids
bryozoan|sessile aquatic animal forming mossy colonies of small polyps each having a curved or circular ridge bearing tentacles;attach to stones or seaweed and reproduce by budding
Brythonic|a southern group of Celtic languages
Bryum|type genus of the Bryaceae;mosses distinguished by mostly erect and tufted gametophytes and symmetrical short-necked capsules
B-scan ultrasonography|the use of ultrasonography to view structure in the back of the eye
Bubalus|in some classification systems included in genus Bos;water buffaloes
bubble|a dome-shaped covering made of transparent glass or plastic;a hollow globule of gas (e.g., air or carbon dioxide);an impracticable and illusory idea - "he didn't want to burst the newcomer's bubble"
bubble and squeak|leftover cabbage fried with cooked potatoes and sometimes meat
bubble bath|a bath in which you add something to foam and scent the bath water
bubble chamber|an instrument that records the tracks of ionizing particles
bubble dance|a solo dance similar to a fan dance except large balloons are used instead of fans
bubble gum|a kind of chewing gum that can be blown into bubbles
bubble gum dermatitis|an allergic contact dermatitis developed around the lips of children who chew bubble gum
bubble jet printer|a kind of ink-jet printer
bubble shell|marine gastropod mollusk having a very small thin shell
bubbler|any of various devices in which air or some other gas is bubbled through a liquid
bubbliness|the property of giving off bubbles
Buber|Israeli religious philosopher (born in Austria);as a Zionist he promoted understanding between Jews and Arabs;his writings affected Christian thinkers as well as Jews (1878-1965)
Bubo|a genus of Strigidae;a lymph node that is inflamed and swollen because of plague or gonorrhea or tuberculosis
bubonic plague|the most common form of the plague in humans;characterized by chills, prostration, delirium and the formation of buboes in the armpits and groin;does not spread from person to person
Bubulcus|small white egrets
buccal artery|a branch of the maxillary artery that supplies blood to the buccinator muscle and the cheek
buccal cavity|the cavity between the jaws and the cheeks
Buccinidae|whelks
Bucconidae|puffbirds
Bucephala|buffleheads and goldeneyes
Buceros|type genus of the family Bucerotidae
Bucerotidae|hornbills
Buchanan|15th President of the United States (1791-1868)
Bucharest|national capital and largest city of Romania in southeastern Romania
Buchenwald|a Nazi concentration camp for Jews in World War II that was located in central Germany
Buchloe|buffalo grass
Buchner|German organic chemist who studied alcoholic fermentation and discovered zymase (1860-1917)
buck|mature male of various mammals (especially deer or antelope);United States author whose novels drew on her experiences as a missionary in China (1892-1973)
buck fever|nervous excitement of an inexperienced hunter
buck sergeant|a sergeant of the lowest rank in the military
buck-and-wing|a solo tap dance emphasizing sharp taps
buckboard|an open horse-drawn carriage with four wheels;has a seat attached to a flexible board between the two axles
bucket|a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top;the quantity contained in a bucket
bucket seat|a low single seat as in cars or planes
bucket shop|(formerly) a cheap saloon selling liquor by the bucket;an unethical or overly aggressive brokerage firm
buckeye|the inedible nutlike seed of the horse chestnut
bucking bronco|a wild horse that is vicious and difficult or impossible to break in
Buckingham Palace|the London residence of the British sovereign
buckle|fastener that fastens together two ends of a belt or strap;often has loose prong
buckler mustard|plant of southeastern Europe having yellow flowers like those of mustard and pods with open valves resembling bucklers
buckleya|parasitic shrub of the eastern United States having opposite leaves and insignificant greenish flowers followed by oily dull green olivelike fruits
buckminsterfullerene|a spheroidal fullerene;the first known example of a fullerene
buckram|a coarse cotton fabric stiffened with glue;used in bookbinding and to stiffen clothing
bucksaw|a saw that is set in a frame in the shape of an H;used with both hands to cut wood that is held in a sawbuck
buckskin|a soft yellowish suede leather originally from deerskin but now usually from sheepskin;horse of a light yellowish dun color with dark mane and tail
buckskins|breeches made of buckskin
buckthorn|a shrub or shrubby tree of the genus Rhamnus;fruits are source of yellow dyes or pigments;any shrub or small tree of the genus Bumelia
buckthorn berry|fruit of various buckthorns yielding dyes or pigments
bucktooth|a large projecting front tooth
buckwheat|a member of the genus Fagopyrum;annual Asian plant with clusters of small pinkish white flowers and small edible triangular seeds which are used whole or ground into flour;grain ground into flour
buckwheat cake|a pancake made with buckwheat flour
bud|a partially opened flower;a swelling on a plant stem consisting of overlapping immature leaves or petals
bud brush|a perennial that is valuable as sheep forage in the United States
Budapest|capital and largest city of Hungary;located on the Danube River in north-central Hungary
Buddha|founder of Buddhism;worshipped as a god (c 563-483 BC);one who has achieved a state of perfect enlightenment
Buddhism|a religion represented by the many groups (especially in Asia) that profess various forms of the Buddhist doctrine and that venerate Buddha;the teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth
Buddhist|one who follows the teachings of Buddha
budding|reproduction of some unicellular organisms (such as yeasts) by growth and specialization followed by the separation by constriction of a part of the parent
buddy|a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
buddy system|a cooperative practice of pairing two or more people together for mutual assistance or safety (especially in recreational swimming)
Budge|United States tennis player who in 1938 was the first to win the Australian and French and English and United States singles championship in the same year (1915-2000)
budgerigar|small Australian parakeet usually light green with black and yellow markings in the wild but bred in many colors
budget|a sum of money allocated for a particular purpose - "the laboratory runs on a budget of a million a year";a summary of intended expenditures along with proposals for how to meet them - "the president submitted the annual budget to Congress"
budget cut|the act of reducing budgeted expenditures
budget deficit|an excess of expenditures over revenues
Budorcas|gnu goats
Buena Vista|a pitched battle in the Mexican War in 1847;United States forces under Zachary Taylor defeated the Mexican forces under Santa Anna at a locality in northern Mexico
Buenos Aires|capital and largest city of Argentina;located in eastern Argentina near Uruguay;Argentina's chief port and industrial and cultural center
buff|a soft thick undyed leather from the skins of e.g. buffalo or oxen;an implement consisting of soft material mounted on a block;used for polishing (as in manicuring);bare skin;naked - "swimming in the buff"
Buffalo|a city on Lake Erie in western New York (near Niagara Falls);meat from an American bison
buffalo bur|North American nightshade with prickly foliage and racemose yellow flowers
buffalo carpet beetle|a small black and red and white carpet beetle
buffalo clover|clover of western United States
buffalo fish|any of several large suckers of the Mississippi valley
buffalo grass|short grass growing on dry plains of central United States (where buffalo roam)
buffalo nut|oily drupaceous fruit of rabbitwood
buffalo wing|crisp spicy chicken wings
buffalofish|large carp-like North American fish
buffel grass|erect tussock-forming perennial bur grass used particularly in South Africa and Australia for pasture and forage
buffer|(chemistry) an ionic compound that resists changes in its pH;(computer science) a part of RAM used for temporary storage of data that is waiting to be sent to a device;used to compensate for differences in the rate of flow of data between components of a computer system;a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact;a power tool used to buff surfaces
buffer solution|a solution containing a buffer
buffer state|a small neutral state between two rival powers
buffer zone|a neutral zone between two rival powers that is created in order to diminish the danger of conflict
buffered aspirin|aspirin coated with a substance capable of neutralizing acid (trade name Bufferin)
buffet|a meal set out on a buffet at which guests help themselves;a piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room;has shelves and drawers
buffing wheel|a wheel that is covered with soft material
bufflehead|small North American diving duck;males have bushy head plumage
buffoonery|acting like a clown or buffoon
bufo|any toad of the genus Bufo
Bufonidae|true toads
bug|a fault or defect in a computer program, system, or machine;a small hidden microphone;for listening secretly;general term for any insect or similar creeping or crawling invertebrate
bugaboo|a source of concern - "the old bugaboo of inflation still bothers them"
Buganda|a state of Uganda and site of a former Bantu kingdom
bugbane|a plant of the genus Cimicifuga having flowers in long racemes or panicles reported to be distasteful to insects
bugbear|an object of dread or apprehension - "Germany was always a bugbear for France" - "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"--Ralph Waldo Emerson
bugger all|little or nothing at all
bugginess|the state of having bugs
buggy|a small lightweight carriage;drawn by a single horse
buggy whip|a horsewhip once used by a driver of a buggy - "since buggies have been replaced by cars the buggy whip has become a symbol for anything that is hopelessly outmoded"
bugle|a brass instrument without valves;used for military calls and fanfares;a tubular glass or plastic bead sewn onto clothing for decoration;any of various low-growing annual or perennial evergreen herbs native to Eurasia;used for ground cover
bugle call|a signal broadcast by the sound of a bugle
bugler|someone who plays a bugle
bugleweed|a mildly narcotic and astringent aromatic herb having small whitish flowers;eastern United States
bugloss|perennial or biennial herb cultivated for its delicate usually blue flowers
builder|a person who creates a business or who organizes and develops a country - "empire builder";a substance added to soaps or detergents to increase their cleansing action;someone who contracts for and supervises construction (as of a building)
building|a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place - "there was a three-story building on the corner";the occupants of a building - "the entire building complained about the noise"
building block|a block of material used in construction work
building code|set of standards established and enforced by local government for the structural safety of buildings
building complex|a whole structure (as a building) made up of interconnected or related structures
building material|material used for constructing buildings
building permit|a document authorizing the holder to construct a building of a particular kind on a particular lot
building society|British equivalent of United States savings and loan association
building supply store|a store where builders can purchase materials for building houses and related structures
buildup|highly favorable publicity and praise - "his letter of recommendation gave her a terrific buildup";the act of building up an accumulation - "I envied his rapid buildup of assets" - "a military buildup in preparation for the invasion";the result of the process of accumulation - "the buildup of leaves blocked the drain pipes"
built-in bed|a bed that is built in and fixed to a wall
Bujumbura|the capital and largest city of Burundi - "Usumbura was renamed Bujumbura when Burundi became independent in 1962"
Bukharin|Bolshevik leader in Russia who advocated gradual collectivism of the farms;was executed in a purge by Stalin (1888-1938)
Bulawayo|industrial city in southwestern Zimbabwe
bulb|a modified bud consisting of a thickened globular underground stem serving as a reproductive structure;a rounded dilation or expansion in a canal or vessel or organ;a rounded part of a cylindrical instrument (usually at one end) - "the bulb of a syringe";anything with a round shape resembling a teardrop
bulbar conjunctiva|the part of the conjunctiva covering the anterior face of the sclera and the surface epithelium of the cornea
bulbil|small bulb or bulb-shaped growth arising from the leaf axil or in the place of flowers
bulblet fern|North American fern often bearing bulbils on the leaflets
bulbous iris|any of various irises having a rootstock formed like a bulb
bulbous plant|plant growing from a bulb
bulbul|nightingale spoken of in Persian poetry
Bulgaria|a republic in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe
Bulgarian|a native or inhabitant of Bulgaria;a Slavic language spoken in Bulgaria
Bulgarian monetary unit|monetary unit in Bulgaria
bulge|something that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from its surroundings - "the gun in his pocket made an obvious bulge"
bulgur|parched crushed wheat
bulgur pilaf|pilaf made with bulgur wheat instead of rice and usually without meat
bulimarexia|a disorder of eating in which the person alternates between strong craving for food and aversion to food;characterized by excessive eating followed by periods of fasting or self-induced vomiting
bulimia|a disorder of eating seen among young women who go on eating binges and then feel guilt and depression and self-condemnation;pathologically insatiable hunger (especially when caused by brain lesions)
bulimic|a person suffering from bulimia
bulk|the property of something that is great in magnitude - "it is cheaper to buy it in bulk";the property possessed by a large mass
bulk mail|mail consisting of large numbers of identical items (circulars or advertisements) sent to individual addresses at less than 1st-class rates and paid for in one lot
bulk modulus|the ratio of the change in pressure acting on a volume to the fractional change in volume
bulkhead|a partition that divides a ship or plane into compartments
bulkiness|an unwieldy largeness
bull|a formal proclamation issued by the pope (usually written in antiquated characters and sealed with a leaden bulla);a large and strong and heavyset man - "he was a bull of a man";a serious and ludicrous blunder - "he made a bad bull of the assignment";an investor with an optimistic market outlook;an investor who expects prices to rise and so buys now for resale later;mature male of various mammals of which the female is called 'cow';e.g. whales or elephants or especially cattle;uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle;uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
bull market|a market characterized by rising prices for securities
bull mastiff|large powerful breed developed by crossing the bulldog and the mastiff
bull neck|a thick short powerful neck
bull nose|a disease of pigs resulting in swelling of the snout
Bull Run|a creek in northeastern Virginia where two battles were fought in the American Civil War;either of two battles during the American Civil War (1861 and 1862);Confederate forces defeated the Federal army in both battles
bull session|an informal discussion (usually among men)
bull shark|a most common shark in temperate and tropical coastal waters worldwide;heavy-bodied and dangerous
bull snake|any of several large harmless rodent-eating North American burrowing snakes
bull thistle|European thistle with rather large heads and prickly leaves;extensively naturalized as a weed in the United States
bull tongue|a heavy plow with a single wide blade;used chiefly in cotton fields
bulla|the round leaden seal affixed to a papal bull
bullace|small wild or half-domesticated Eurasian plum bearing small ovoid fruit in clusters
bullbrier|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
bulldog|a sturdy thickset short-haired breed with a large head and strong undershot lower jaw;developed originally in England for bull baiting
bulldog ant|any of the large fierce Australian ants of the genus Myrmecia
bulldog clip|a clip with a spring that closes the metal jaws
bulldog wrench|a wrench designed to provide a firm grip on something
bulldozer|large powerful tractor;a large blade in front flattens areas of ground
bullet|a projectile that is fired from a gun
bullet hole|a hole made by a bullet passing through it
bullet train|a high-speed passenger train
bullethead|a head shaped like a bullet
bulletin|a brief report (especially an official statement issued for immediate publication or broadcast)
bulletin board|a board that hangs on a wall;displays announcements
bulletin board system|a computer that is running software that allows users to leave messages and access information of general interest
bulletproof vest|a vest capable of resisting the impact of a bullet
bullfight|a Spanish or Portuguese or Latin American spectacle;a matador baits and (usually) kills a bull in an arena before many spectators
bullfighter|someone who fights bulls
bullfighting|the activity at a bullfight
bullfinch|common European finch mostly black and white with red throat and breast;United States architect who designed the Capitol Building in Washington which served as a model for state capitols throughout the United States (1763-1844)
bullfrog|largest North American frog;highly aquatic with a deep-pitched voice
bullhead|any of several common freshwater catfishes of the United States;freshwater sculpin with a large flattened bony-plated head with hornlike spines
bullhorn|a portable loudspeaker with built-in microphone and amplifier
bullion|a mass of precious metal;gold or silver in bars or ingots
bullnose|a small carpenter's plane with the cutting edge near the front
bullock|castrated bull;young bull
bullock's heart|large heart-shaped tropical fruit with soft acid pulp;small tropical American tree bearing a bristly heart-shaped acid tropical fruit
Bullock's oriole|western subspecies of northern oriole
bullpen|a large cell where prisoners (people awaiting trial or sentence or refugees or illegal immigrants) are confined together temporarily;a place on a baseball field where relief pitchers can warm up during a game
bullring|a stadium where bullfights take place
bull's eye|in target shooting;a score made by hitting the center of the target;the center of a target
bullshit|obscene words for unacceptable behavior - "I put up with a lot of bullshit from that jerk"
bullshot|a cocktail made with vodka and beef bouillon or consomme
bullterrier|a powerful short-haired terrier originated in England by crossing the bulldog with terriers
bully|a cruel and brutal fellow;a hired thug
bully beef|beef cured or pickled in brine
bully pulpit|a public office of sufficiently high rank that it provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to on any matter - "the American presidency is a bully pulpit"
bullyboy|a swaggering tough;usually one acting as an agent of a political faction
bullying|the act of intimidating a weaker person to make them do something
Bulnesia|palo santo
bulrush|tall rush with soft erect or arching stems found in Eurasia, Australia, New Zealand, and common in North America
Bultmann|a Lutheran theologian in Germany (1884-1976)
bulwark|a fencelike structure around a deck (usually plural)
bumblebee|robust hairy social bee of temperate regions
bumboat|a small boat that ferries supplies and commodities for sale to a larger ship at anchor
Bumelia|deciduous or evergreen American shrubs small trees having very hard wood and milky latex
bumf|reading materials (documents, written information) that you must read and deal with but that you think are extremely boring
bummer|a bad reaction to a hallucinogenic drug;an experience that is irritating or frustrating or disappointing - "having to stand in line so long was a real bummer"
bump|a lump on the body caused by a blow
bumper|a glass filled to the brim (especially as a toast) - "we quaffed a bumper of ale";a mechanical device consisting of bars at either end of a vehicle to absorb shock and prevent serious damage
bumper car|a small low-powered electrically powered vehicle driven on a special platform where there are many others to be dodged
bumper guard|vertical bars attached to a bumper to prevent locking bumpers with another vehicle
bumper jack|a jack for lifting a motor vehicle by the bumper
bumpiness|the texture of a surface that has many bumps
bumptiousness|offensive boldness and assertiveness
bun|small rounded bread either plain or sweet
buna|made by polymerizing butadiene
bunch|a grouping of a number of similar things - "a bunch of trees";any collection in its entirety
bunchberry|creeping perennial herb distinguished by red berries and clustered leaf whorls at the tips of shoots;Greenland to Alaska
Bunche|United States diplomat and United Nations official (1904-1971)
bunchgrass|any of various grasses of many genera that grow in tufts or clumps rather than forming a sod or mat;chiefly of western United States
bunco|a swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property
Bundesbank|the central bank of Germany
bundle|a package of several things tied together for carrying or storing
bundling|a onetime custom during courtship of unmarried couples occupying the same bed without undressing;the act of binding something into a bundle;the act of shoving hastily - "she complained about bundling the children off to school"
bunfight|(Briticism) a grand formal party on an important occasion
bung|a plug used to close a hole in a barrel or flask
bungalow|a small house with a single story
Bungarus|kraits
bungee|an elasticized rope
bunghole|a hole in a barrel or cask;used to fill or empty it
bungler|someone who makes mistakes because of incompetence
bunion|a painful swelling of the bursa of the first joint of the big toe
bunji-bunji|Australian timber tree whose bark yields a poison
bunk|a long trough for feeding cattle;a rough bed (as at a campsite);unacceptable behavior (especially ludicrously false statements)
bunk bed|beds built one above the other
bunker|a fortification of earth;mostly or entirely below ground;a hazard on a golf course;a large container for storing fuel - "the ship's bunkers were full of coal"
Bunker Buster|a 5,000 pound laser-guided bomb that can be programmed to penetrate to a given depth before exploding;used to penetrate hardened underground facilities
Bunker Hill|the first important battle of the American War of Independence (1775) which was fought at Breed's Hill;the British defeated the colonial forces
bunker mentality|defensiveness resulting from repeated attacks - "after so many suicide bombings the Israelis have to resist developing a bunker mentality"
bunkmate|someone who occupies the same sleeping quarters as yourself
bunny|(usually informal) especially a young rabbit;a young waitress in a nightclub whose costume includes the tail and ears of a rabbit
bunny hug|a syncopated ballroom dance formerly popular in the US
Bunsen|German chemist who with Kirchhoff pioneered spectrum analysis but is remembered mainly for his invention of the Bunsen burner (1811-1899)
bunsen burner|a gas burner used in laboratories;has an air valve to regulate the mixture of gas and air
bunt|(baseball) the act of hitting a baseball lightly without swinging the bat;disease of wheat characterized by replacement of the grains with greasy masses of smelly smut spores;fungus that destroys kernels of wheat by replacing them with greasy masses of smelly spores;similar to Tilletia caries
buntal|fine white Philippine fiber from stalks of unopened leaves of talipot palms;used in making hats
bunter|a batter who bunts
bunting|a loosely woven fabric used for flags, etc.;any of numerous seed-eating songbirds of Europe or North America
Bunuel|Spanish film director (1900-1983)
bunya bunya|Australian conifer bearing two-inch seeds tasting like roasted chestnuts;among the aborigines the tree is hereditary property protected by law;nut tasting like roasted chestnuts;a staple food of Australian aborigines
Bunyan|a legendary giant lumberjack of the north woods of the United States and Canada - "Paul Bunyan had a blue ox named Babe" - "the lakes of Minnesota began when Paul Bunyan and Babe's footprints filled with water";English preacher and author of an allegorical novel, Pilgrim's Progress (1628-1688)
Bunyaviridae|a large family of arboviruses that affect a wide range of hosts (mainly vertebrates and arthropods)
bunyavirus|an animal virus belonging to the family Bunyaviridae;can be used as a bioweapon
buoy|bright-colored;a float attached by rope to the seabed to mark channels in a harbor or underwater hazards
buoyancy|cheerfulness that bubbles to the surface;the tendency to float in water or other liquid
Buphthalmum|oxeye
bur|seed vessel having hooks or prickles;small bit used in dentistry or surgery
bur marigold|any of several plants of the genus Bidens having yellow flowers and prickly fruits that cling to fur and clothing
bur oak|medium to large deciduous oak of central and eastern North America with ovoid acorns deeply immersed in large fringed cups;yields tough close-grained wood
bur reed|marsh plant having elongated linear leaves and round prickly fruit
Bura|a Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad
Burbage|English actor who was the first to play the leading role in several of Shakespeare's tragedies (1567-1619)
Burbank|United States horticulturist who developed many new varieties of fruits and vegetables and flowers (1849-1926)
Burberry|a lightweight belted raincoat typically made of tan gabardine with a distinctive tartan lining;named for the original manufacturer
burbot|elongate freshwater cod of northern Europe and Asia and North America having barbels around its mouth
burden|an onerous or difficult concern - "the burden of responsibility";the central idea that is expanded in a document or discourse
burden of proof|the duty of proving a disputed charge
burdensomeness|unwelcome burdensome difficulty
burdock|any of several erect biennial herbs of temperate Eurasia having stout taproots and producing burs
bureau de change|(French) an establishment where you can exchange foreign money
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms|the law enforcement and tax collection agency of the Treasury Department that enforces federal laws concerning alcohol and tobacco products and firearms and explosives and arson
Bureau of Customs|the agency of the Treasury Department that enforces import tariffs
Bureau of Diplomatic Security|the bureau in the State Department that is responsible for the security of diplomats and embassies overseas
Bureau of Engraving and Printing|the agency of the Treasury Department that produces currency
Bureau of Intelligence and Research|an agency that is the primary source in the State Department for interpretive analyses of global developments and focal point for policy issues and activities of the Intelligence Community
Bureau of Justice Assistance|the bureau in the Department of Justice that assists local criminal justice systems to reduce or prevent crime and violence and drug abuse
Bureau of Justice Statistics|the agency in the Department of Justice that is the primary source of criminal justice statistics for federal and local policy makers
Bureau of the Census|the bureau of the Commerce Department responsible for taking the census;provides demographic information and analyses about the population of the United States
bureaucracy|a government that is administered primarily by bureaus that are staffed with nonelective officials;any organization in which action is obstructed by insistence on unnecessary procedures and red tape;nonelective government officials
bureaucrat|an official of a bureaucracy
bureaucratic procedure|needlessly time-consuming procedure
burette|measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube with a tap at the bottom;used for titration
burg|colloquial American term for a town - "I've lived in this burg all my life"
Burger|United States jurist appointed chief justice of the United States Supreme Court by Richard Nixon (1907-1995)
burgess|a citizen of an English borough;English writer of satirical novels (1917-1993)
burgh|a borough in Scotland
burglar|a thief who enters a building with intent to steal
burglar alarm|a loud warning signal produced by a burglar alarm - "they could hear the burglar alarm a mile away";a warning device that is tripped off by the occurrence of a burglary
burglary|entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property
burgomaster|a mayor of a municipality in Germany or Holland or Flanders or Austria
burgoo|a gathering at which burgoo stew is served;thick spicy stew of whatever meat and whatever vegetables are available;southern United States
Burgoyne|British general in the American Revolution who captured Fort Ticonderoga but lost the battle of Saratoga in 1777 (1722-1792)
burgrass|a grass of the genus Cenchrus
burgrave|a nobleman ruling a German castle and surrounding grounds by hereditary right;the military governor of a German town in the 12th and 13th centuries
burgundy|a dark purplish-red to blackish-red color;red table wine from the Burgundy region of France (or any similar wine made elsewhere)
Burhinidae|large wading birds resembling the plovers;stone curlews
Burhinus|type genus of the Burhinidae;stone curlews
burial|the ritual placing of a corpse in a grave
burial chamber|a chamber that is used as a grave
burial garment|cloth used to cover a corpse in preparation for burial
burial mound|(archeology) a heap of earth placed over prehistoric tombs
burin|a chisel of tempered steel with a sharp point;used for engraving
Burk|United States frontierswoman and legendary figure of the Wild West noted for her marksmanship (1852-1903)
Burke|British statesman famous for his oratory;pleaded the cause of the American colonists in British Parliament and defended the parliamentary system (1729-1797)
Burkina Faso|a desperately poor landlocked country in western Africa;was formerly Upper Volta under French rule but gained independence in 1960
Burkina Faso franc|the basic unit of money in Burkina Faso
burl|a large rounded outgrowth on the trunk or branch of a tree;the wood cut from a tree burl or outgrowth;often used decoratively in veneer
burlap|coarse jute fabric
burlesque|a theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor;consists of comic skits and short turns (and sometimes striptease)
Burlington|the largest city in Vermont;located in northwestern Vermont on Lake Champlain;site of the University of Vermont
Burma padauk|tree of India and Burma yielding a wood resembling mahogany
Burmannia|type genus of the Burmanniaceae;slender herbs of warm regions with leaves resembling scales and flowers with a three-angled or three-winged perianth
Burmanniaceae|family of chiefly tropical herbs with basal leaves like bracts and small flowers
Burmeisteria|a genus of Dasypodidae
Burmese|a native or inhabitant of Myanmar;the official language of Burma
Burmese cat|a short-haired breed with body similar to the Siamese cat but having a solid dark brown or grey coat
burn|a place or area that has been burned (especially on a person's body);an injury caused by exposure to heat or chemicals or radiation;damage inflicted by fire;pain that feels hot as if it were on fire
burn bag|a bag into which secret documents are placed before being burned
burn center|a center where patients with severe burns can be treated
burn plant|very short-stemmed plant with thick leaves with soothing mucilaginous juice;leaves develop spiny margins with maturity;native to Mediterranean region;grown widely in tropics and as houseplants
burner|an apparatus for burning fuel (or refuse) - "a diesel engine is an oil burner";the heating elements of a stove or range on which pots and pans are placed for cooking - "the electric range had one large burner and three smaller one"
Burnett|United States writer (born in England) remembered for her novels for children (1849-1924)
Burnham|United States architect who designed the first important skyscraper with a skeleton (1846-1912)
burning|a form of torture in which cigarettes or cigars or other hot implements are used to burn the victim's skin;execution by fire;the act of burning something - "the burning of leaves was prohibited by a town ordinance"
burning bush|(Old Testament) the bush that burned without being consumed and from which God spoke to Moses
burnous|a long hooded cloak woven of wool in one piece;worn by Arabs and Moors
Burns|celebrated Scottish poet (1759-1796);United States comedian and film actor (1896-1996)
Burnside|United States general in the American Civil War who was defeated by Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1824-1881)
burnt sienna|a reddish-brown pigment produced by roasting sienna
burnt umber|dark brown pigment obtained by heating umber
burnup|a high-speed motorcycle race on a public road;the amount of fuel used up (as in a nuclear reactor)
burp gun|a fully automatic pistol;a small submachine gun
burqa|a loose garment (usually with veiled holes for the eyes) worn by Muslim women especially in India and Pakistan - "the Taliban forced all women to wear the burqa"
burr|rotary file for smoothing rough edges left on a workpiece;rough projection left on a workpiece after drilling or cutting;United States politician who served as vice president under Jefferson;he mortally wounded his political rival Alexander Hamilton in a duel and fled south (1756-1836)
burrawong|large attractive palmlike evergreen cycad of New South Wales
burrfish|any of several fishes having rigid flattened spines
burrito|a flour tortilla folded around a filling
burro|small donkey used as a pack animal
Burroughs|United States inventor who patented the first practical adding machine (1855-1898);United States novelist and author of the Tarzan stories (1875-1950);United States writer noted for his works portraying the life of drug addicts (1914-1997)
burrow|a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter
Bursa|a city in northwestern Turkey;a small fluid-filled sac located between movable parts of the body especially at joints
bursa omentalis|an isolated part of the peritoneal cavity that is dorsal to the stomach
bursar|the treasurer at a college or university
bursary|the treasury of a public institution or religious order
Bursera|type genus of Burseraceae;tropical and subtropical American shrubs and trees some yielding timber and gum elemi
Burseraceae|resinous or aromatic chiefly tropical shrubs or trees
bursitis|inflammation of a bursa;frequently in the shoulder
burst|a sudden flurry of activity (often for no obvious reason) - "a burst of applause"
Burt|English psychologist whose studies of twins were later said to have used fabricated data (1883-1971)
burthen|a variant of 'burden'
Burton|a strong dark English ale;English explorer who with John Speke was the first European to explore Lake Tanganyika (1821-1890);Welsh film actor who often co-starred with Elizabeth Taylor (1925-1984)
Burundi|a landlocked republic in east central Africa on the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika
Burundi franc|the basic unit of money in Burundi
Burundian|a native or inhabitant of Burundi
burweed marsh elder|tall annual marsh elder common in moist rich soil in central North America that can cause contact dermatitis;produces much pollen that is a major cause of hay fever
burying|concealing something under the ground
bus|a car that is old and unreliable - "the fenders had fallen off that old bus";a vehicle carrying many passengers;used for public transport - "he always rode the bus to work"
bus company|a public utility providing local transportation
bus fare|the fare charged for riding a bus or streetcar
bus lane|a traffic lane intended for buses only
bus line|an organization responsible for operating a bus transportation system
bus route|the route regularly followed by a passenger bus
bus stop|a place on a bus route where buses stop to discharge and take on passengers
bus terminal|a terminal that serves bus passengers
bus ticket|a ticket good for a ride on a bus
bus topology|the topology of a network whose components are connected by a busbar
bus traffic|buses coming and going
busbar|an electrical conductor that makes a common connection between several circuits - "the busbar in this computer can transmit data either way between any two components of the system"
busboy|a restaurant attendant who sets tables and assists waiters and clears away dirty dishes
Bush|43rd President of the United States;son of George Herbert Walker Bush (born in 1946);United States electrical engineer who designed an early analogue computer and who led the scientific program of the United States during World War II (1890-1974);vice president under Reagan and 41st President of the United States (born in 1924);a large wilderness area
Bush administration|the executive under President George H. W. Bush;the executive under President George W. Bush
bush bean|a bean plant whose bushy growth needs no supports
bush clover|shrubby or herbaceous plants widely used for forage, soil improvement, and especially hay in southern United States
bush hibiscus|southern and western Australian shrub with unlobed or shallowly lobed toothed leaves and purple flowers;sometimes placed in genus Hibiscus
bush honeysuckle|a honeysuckle shrub of southern Russia to central Asia;bush honeysuckle of southeastern United States having large crowded clusters of sulfur-yellow flowers;spreading bush of northeastern United States having small clusters of fragrant green and yellow flowers
bush jacket|a loose fitting jacket;resembles a shirt with four patch pockets and a belt
bush nasturtium|annual with deep yellow flowers smaller than the common garden nasturtium
bush pea|any of various plants of the genus Thermopsis having trifoliate leaves and yellow or purple racemose flowers
bush poppy|evergreen shrub of southwestern United States and Mexico often cultivated for its fragrant golden yellow flowers
bush shrike|an African shrike
bush vetch|European purple-flowered with slender stems;occurs as a weed in hedges
bush violet|any of several herbs of the genus Browallia cultivated for their blue or violet or white flowers
bush willow|small deciduous tree of the Transvaal having spikes of yellow flowers;small South African tree having creamy yellow fragrant flowers usually growing on stream banks
bushbuck|antelope with white markings like a harness and twisted horns
bushel|a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 4 pecks;a United States dry measure equal to 4 pecks or 2152.42 cubic inches
bushel basket|a basket large enough to hold a bushel
Bushido|traditional code of the Japanese samurai which stressed courage and loyalty and self-discipline and simple living
bushing|a cylindrical metal lining used to reduce friction;an insulating liner in an opening through which conductors pass
bushman|a dweller in the Australian bush country;a member of the race of nomadic hunters and gatherers who live in southern Africa
bushman's poison|evergreen shrub or tree of South Africa
Bushnell|American inventor who in 1775 designed a man-propelled submarine that was ineffectual but subsequently earned him recognition as a submarine pioneer (1742-1824)
bushtit|active grey titmice of western North America
bushwhacker|a Confederate guerrilla during the American Civil War
bushy aster|stiff perennial of the eastern United States having small linear leaves and numerous tiny white flower heads
business|a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it - "he bought his brother's business" - "a small mom-and-pop business" - "a racially integrated business concern";a rightful concern or responsibility - "it's none of your business" - "mind your own business";an immediate objective - "gossip was the main business of the evening";business concerns collectively - "Government and business could not agree";incidental activity performed by an actor for dramatic effect - "his business with the cane was hilarious";the volume of commercial activity - "business is good today" - "show me where the business was today"
business activity|activity undertaken as part of a commercial enterprise
business address|the address at which a business is located
business agent|an agent who handles business affairs for another;especially one who deals with employers
business card|a card on which are printed the person's name and business affiliation
business college|a school for teaching the clerical aspects of business and commerce
business cycle|recurring fluctuations in economic activity consisting of recession and recovery and growth and decline
business deduction|tax write-off for expenses of doing business
business department|a division of a business firm
business district|the central area or commercial center of a town or city
business editor|the newspaper editor responsible for business news
business expense|ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in a taxpayer's business or trade
business index|a statistical compilation that provides a context for economic or financial conditions - "this business index is computed relative to the base year of 2005"
business interruption insurance|insurance that provides protection for the loss of profits and continuing fixed expenses resulting from a break in commercial activities due to the occurrence of a peril
business letter|a letter dealing with business
business life|a career in industrial or commercial or professional activities
business loan|a bank loan granted for the use of a business
business lunch|lunch (usually at a restaurant) where business is discussed and the cost is charged as a business expense
business news|news about businesses and investments
business people|people who transact business (especially business executives)
business relation|a relation between different business enterprises
business school|a graduate school offering study leading to a degree of Master in Business Administration
business suit|a suit of clothes traditionally worn by businessmen
business traveler|a traveler whose expenses are paid by the business he works for
businessman|a person engaged in commercial or industrial business (especially an owner or executive)
businessmen|the body of individuals who manage businesses
businessperson|a capitalist who engages in industrial commercial enterprise
businesswoman|a female businessperson
busker|a person who entertains people for money in public places (as by singing or dancing), usually while asking for money
buskin|a boot reaching halfway up to the knee
busload|the quantity of cargo or the number of passengers that a bus can carry
busman|someone who drives a bus
busman's holiday|a holiday where you do the same things you do at work
buspirone|a drug (trade name BuSpar) designed specifically for anxiety
bust|a sculpture of the head and shoulders of a person;an occasion for excessive eating or drinking - "they went on a bust that lasted three days"
bustard|large heavy-bodied chiefly terrestrial game bird capable of powerful swift flight;classified with wading birds but frequents grassy steppes
buster|a person (or thing) that breaks up or overpowers something - "dam buster" - "sanction buster" - "crime buster";a person who breaks horses;a robust child
bustier|a close-fitting and strapless top without sleeves that is worn by women either as lingerie or for evening dress
bustle|a framework worn at the back below the waist for giving fullness to a woman's skirt;a rapid active commotion
bust-up|a serious quarrel (especially one that ends a friendship)
bust-up takeover|a leveraged buyout in which the target company's assets are sold to repay the loan that financed the takeover
busybody|a person who meddles in the affairs of others
busyness|the state of being or appearing to be actively engaged in an activity - "they manifested all the busyness of a pack of beavers"
busywork|active work of little value - "while he was waiting he filled the days with busywork"
butacaine|a white crystalline ester that is applied to mucous membranes as a local anesthetic
butadiene|a gaseous hydrocarbon C4H6;used in making synthetic rubbers
butane|occurs in natural gas;used in the manufacture of rubber and fuels
butanone|colorless soluble flammable liquid ketone used as a solvent for resins and as a paint remover and in lacquers and cements and adhesives and cleaning fluids and celluloid
butch|(slang) offensive term for a lesbian who is noticeably masculine
butcher|a brutal indiscriminate murderer;a person who slaughters or dresses meat for market;a retailer of meat
butcher board|a thick wooden slab formed by bonding together thick laminated strips of unpainted hardwood
butcher knife|a large sharp knife for cutting or trimming meat
butcher paper|a strong wrapping paper that resists penetration by blood or meat fluids
butcher shop|a shop in which meat and poultry (and sometimes fish) are sold
butcherbird|large carnivorous Australian bird with the shrike-like habit of impaling prey on thorns;shrikes that impale their prey on thorns
butcher's broom|shrub with stiff flattened stems resembling leaves (cladophylls);used for making brooms
butchery|the business of a butcher
Butea|genus of East Indian trees or shrubs;dhak
Buteo|broad-winged soaring hawks
buteonine|any hawk of the genus Buteo
butler|a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table;English novelist who described a fictitious land he called Erewhon (1835-1902);English poet (1612-1680)
butt|a large cask (especially one holding a volume equivalent to 2 hogsheads or 126 gallons);a victim of ridicule or pranks;the part of a plant from which the roots spring or the part of a stalk or trunk nearest the roots;the small unused part of something (especially the end of a cigarette that is left after smoking);thick end of the handle
butt hinge|a hinge mortised flush into the edge of the door and jamb
butt joint|a joint made by fastening ends together without overlapping
butt shaft|a blunt arrow without a barb;an arrow used for target practice
butt weld|a butt joint that is welded
butt welding|creating a butt joint by welding
butte|a hill that rises abruptly from the surrounding region;has a flat top and sloping sides;a town in southwestern Montana;center for mining copper
butter|a fighter who strikes the opponent with his head;an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream;for cooking and table use
butter cookie|cookie containing much butter
butter dish|a small dish (often with a cover) for holding butter at the table
butter knife|a small knife with a dull blade;for cutting or spreading butter
butterbur|small Eurasian herb having broad leaves and lilac-pink rayless flowers;found in moist areas
buttercrunch|lettuce with delicate and relatively crunchy leaves
buttercup|any of various plants of the genus Ranunculus
buttercup squash|drum-shaped squash with dark green rind marked in silver or grey;plant bearing somewhat drum-shaped fruit having dark green rind with greyish markings
butterfat|the fatty substance of milk from which butter is made
Butterfield|English architect who designed many churches (1814-1900)
butterfingers|someone who drops things (especially one who cannot catch a ball)
butterfish|any of numerous small flat Atlantic food fish having smooth skin;small marine fish with a short compressed body and feeble spines
butterfly|a swimming stroke in which the arms are thrown forward together out of the water while the feet kick up and down;diurnal insect typically having a slender body with knobbed antennae and broad colorful wings
butterfly bush|tropical shrub having clusters of white or violet or yellow flowers
butterfly effect|the phenomenon whereby a small change at one place in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere, e.g., a butterfly flapping its wings in Rio de Janeiro might change the weather in Chicago
butterfly fish|small usually brilliantly colored tropical marine fishes having narrow deep bodies with large broad fins;found worldwide
butterfly flower|any plant of the genus Schizanthus having finely divided leaves and showy variegated flowers;shrub or small tree of Dutch Guiana having clusters of pink flowers streaked with purple
butterfly orchid|any orchid of the genus Psychopsis;spectacular large tiger-striped orchids;Mediterranean orchid having usually purple flowers with a fan-shaped spotted or striped rose-red lip;Mexican epiphytic orchid having pale green or yellow-green flowers with white purple-veined lip;orchid of Florida and the Bahamas having showy brightly colored flowers;sometimes placed in genus Epidendrum
butterfly pea|large-flowered weakly twining or prostrate vine of New Jersey to tropical eastern North America, sometimes cultivated for its purple and white flowers;large-flowered wild twining vine of southeastern and central United States having pale blue flowers
butterfly plant|orchid having large elliptic to obovate fleshy leaves and fragrant pink-and-white flowers dotted with red
butterfly ray|a stingray with a short tail and a broad fin
butterfly valve|a valve in a carburetor that consists of a disc that turns and acts as a throttle
butterfly weed|erect perennial of eastern and southern United States having showy orange flowers
butterhead lettuce|lettuce with relatively soft leaves in a loose head;easily broken or bruised
buttermilk|residue from making butter from sour raw milk;or pasteurized milk curdled by adding a culture
buttermilk biscuit|very tender biscuit partially leavened with buttermilk and soda
buttermilk pancake|a pancake made with buttermilk
butternut|North American walnut tree having light-brown wood and edible nuts;source of a light-brown dye;oily egg-shaped nut of an American tree of the walnut family
butternut squash|buff-colored squash with a long usually straight neck and sweet orange flesh;plant bearing buff-colored squash having somewhat bottle-shaped fruit with fine-textured edible flesh and a smooth thin rind
butterscotch|a hard brittle candy made with butter and brown sugar
butterweed|American ragwort with yellow flowers;any of several yellow-flowered plants of the genus Packera;often placed in genus Senecio
butterwort|any of numerous carnivorous bog plants of the genus Pinguicula having showy purple or yellow or white flowers and a rosette of basal leaves coated with a sticky secretion to trap small insects
buttery|a teashop where students in British universities can purchase light meals
buttinsky|a meddler who tends to butt in
buttock|either of the two large fleshy masses of muscular tissue that form the human rump
buttocks|the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
button|a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes;a round flat badge displaying information and suitable for pinning onto a garment - "they passed out campaign buttons for their candidate";any artifact that resembles a button;any of various plant parts that resemble buttons
button fern|fern of New Zealand and Australia having trailing fronds with dark green buttonlike leaflets;Jamaican fern having round buttonlike bulbils
button pink|much-branched pink with flowers in clusters;closely related to sweet William
button quail|small quail-like terrestrial bird of southern Eurasia and northern Africa that lacks a hind toe;classified with wading birds but inhabits grassy plains
button snakeroot|coarse prickly perennial eryngo with aromatic roots;southeastern United States;often confused with rattlesnake master
button tree|evergreen tree or shrub with fruit resembling buttons and yielding heavy hard compact wood
buttonhole|a hole through which buttons are pushed
buttonhole stitch|a reinforcing looped stitch for edges, as around a buttonhole
buttonhook|a hook for pulling a button through a buttonhole
buttress|a support usually of stone or brick;supports the wall of a building
butty|a sandwich - "a bacon butty"
butut|100 bututs equal 1 dalasi in Gambia
butyl|a hydrocarbon radical (C4H9)
butyl alcohol|a flammable alcohol derived from butanes and used for solvents
butyl nitrite|a colorless pungent liquid sometimes used as a stimulant drug by drug abusers
butyl rubber|synthetic rubber made by polymerizing isobutylene
butylene|any of three isomeric hydrocarbons C4H8;all used in making synthetic rubbers
butyric acid|an unpleasant smelling fatty acid found especially in butter
butyrin|any of three glycerides of butyric acid
Buxaceae|widely distributed evergreen shrubs and trees
buxomness|the bodily property of being attractively plump and vigorous and (of women) full-bosomed
Buxus|type genus of the Buxaceae
buy-and-bust operation|an undercover operation by narcotics detectives to catch unsuspecting drug dealers
buyer|a person who buys
buyer's market|a market in which more people want to sell than want to buy
buying|the act of buying - "buying and selling fill their days"
buyout|acquisition of a company by purchasing a controlling percentage of its stock
buyout bid|a bid to buy all of a person's holdings
buzz|a confusion of activity and gossip - "the buzz of excitement was so great that a formal denial was issued";sound of rapid vibration - "the buzz of a bumble bee"
buzz bomb|a small jet-propelled winged missile that carries a bomb
buzzard|a New World vulture that is common in South America and Central America and the southern United States;the common European short-winged hawk
Buzzards Bay|an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern Massachusetts
buzzer|a signaling device that makes a buzzing sound
buzzword|stock phrases that have become nonsense through endless repetition
BVD|trademark for men's underwear
by-and-by|an indefinite time in the future - "he'll get around to it in the sweet by-and-by"
Byblos|an ancient Mediterranean seaport that was a thriving city state in Phoenicia during the second millennium BC;was the chief port for the export of papyrus;located in Lebanon to the north of Beirut;now partially excavated
by-catch|unwanted marine creatures that are caught in the nets while fishing for another species - "thousands of dolphins and porpoises and whales are killed as part of the by-catch each year"
Bydgoszcz|an industrial city and river port in northern Poland
bye|you advance to the next round in a tournament without playing an opponent - "he had a bye in the first round"
by-election|a special election between regular elections
Byelorussian|a native or inhabitant of Byelorussia
bygone|past events to be put aside - "let bygones be bygones"
bylaw|a rule adopted by an organization in order to regulate its own affairs and the behavior of its members
by-line|a line giving the name of the writer of a story or article
bypass|a surgically created shunt (usually around a damaged part)
bypass condenser|a capacitor that provides low impedance over certain (high) frequencies
by-product|a product made during the manufacture of something else;a secondary and sometimes unexpected consequence
Byrd|English organist and composer of church music;master of 16th century polyphony;was granted a monopoly in music printing with Thomas Tallis (1543-1623);explorer and United States naval officer;led expeditions to explore Antarctica (1888-1957)
Byron|English romantic poet notorious for his rebellious and unconventional lifestyle (1788-1824)
byssus|tuft of strong filaments by which e.g. a mussel makes itself fast to a fixed surface
bystander|a nonparticipant spectator
byte|a sequence of 8 bits (enough to represent one character of alphanumeric data) processed as a single unit of information
byway|a side road little traveled (as in the countryside)
Byzantine|a native or inhabitant of Byzantium or of the Byzantine Empire
Byzantine architecture|the style of architecture developed in the Byzantine Empire developed after the 5th century;massive domes with square bases and round arches and spires and much use of mosaics
Byzantine Empire|a continuation of the Roman Empire in the Middle East after its division in 395
Byzantium|an ancient city on the Bosporus founded by the Greeks;site of modern Istanbul;in 330 Constantine I rebuilt the city and called it Constantinople and made it his capital
C|(music) the keynote of the scale of C major;a general-purpose programing language closely associated with the UNIX operating system;the 3rd letter of the Roman alphabet
C battery|battery used to maintain the grid potential in a vacuum tube
C clef|a movable clef that puts middle C on one of the lines of a staff
C compiler|a compiler for programs written in C
C major|(music) the major scale having no sharps or flats
C program|a program written in C
cab|a car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money;a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits;small two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage;with two seats and a folding hood
cab fare|the fare charged for riding in a taxicab
cabal|a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
cabala|an esoteric or occult matter resembling the Kabbalah that is traditionally secret
cabalist|a member of a cabal;an expert who is highly skilled in obscure or difficult or esoteric matters;a student of the Jewish Kabbalah
cabana|a small tent used as a dressing room beside the sea or a swimming pool
cabaret|a series of acts at a night club;a spot that is open late at night and that provides entertainment (as singers or dancers) as well as dancing and food and drink - "don't expect a good meal at a cabaret"
cabbage|any of various cultivars of the genus Brassica oleracea grown for their edible leaves or flowers;any of various types of cabbage
cabbage bark|tree with shaggy unpleasant-smelling toxic bark and yielding strong durable wood;bark and seeds used as a purgative and vermifuge and narcotic
cabbage butterfly|white butterfly whose larvae (cabbageworms) feed on cabbage
cabbage palm|Australian palm with leaf buds that are edible when young;Brazilian palm of genus Euterpe whose leaf buds are eaten like cabbage when young;West Indian palm with leaf buds that are edible when young
cabbage palmetto|low-growing fan-leaved palm of coastal southern United States having edible leaf buds
cabbage tree|elegant tree having either a single trunk or a branching trunk each with terminal clusters of long narrow leaves and large panicles of fragrant white, yellow or red flowers;New Zealand
cabbageworm|toxic green larva of a cabbage butterfly
Cabell|United States writer of satirical novels (1879-1958)
caber|a heavy wooden pole (such as the trunk of a young fir) that is tossed as a test of strength (in the Highlands of northern Scotland)
Cabernet|superior Bordeaux type of red wine
Cabernet Sauvignon grape|superior red wine grapes grown especially in the Bordeaux region of France and northern California
cabin|a small house built of wood;usually in a wooded area;small room on a ship or boat where people sleep;the enclosed compartment of an aircraft or spacecraft where passengers are carried
cabin boy|a young man acting as a servant on a ship
cabin car|a car on a freight train for use of the train crew;usually the last car on the train
cabin class|a class of accommodations on a ship or train or plane that are less expensive than first class accommodations
cabin cruiser|a large motorboat that has a cabin and plumbing and other conveniences necessary for living on board
cabin liner|a liner with cabins for passengers
cabinet|a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers;for storage or display;a storage compartment for clothes and valuables;usually it has a lock;housing for electronic instruments, as radio or television;persons appointed by a head of state to head executive departments of government and act as official advisers
cabinet minister|a person who is a member of the cabinet;the job of a senior minister who is a member of the cabinet
cabinet wood|moderately dense wood used for cabinetwork - "teak and other heavy cabinet wood"
cabinetmaker|a woodworker who specializes in making furniture
cabinetmaking|the craft of a joiner
cabinetwork|the craft of making furniture (especially furniture of high quality);woodwork finished by hand by a cabinetmaker
cable|a conductor for transmitting electrical or optical signals or electric power;a nautical unit of depth;a telegram sent abroad;a television system that transmits over cables;a very strong thick rope made of twisted hemp or steel wire
cable car|a conveyance for passengers or freight on a cable railway - "they took a cable car to the top of the mountain"
cable railway|a railway up the side of a mountain pulled by a moving cable and having counterbalancing ascending and descending cars
cable television|television that is transmitted over cable directly to the receiver
cabochon|a highly polished gem that is cut convexly but without facets
Cabomba|alternatively, a member of the family Nymphaeaceae;a small genus of American aquatic plants
Cabombaceae|in some classifications considered an independent family of water lilies;comprises the genera Cabomba and Brasenia
Cabot|Italian explorer who led the English expedition in 1497 that discovered the mainland of North America and explored the coast from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland (ca. 1450-1498);son of John Cabot who was born in Italy and who led an English expedition in search of the Northwest Passage and a Spanish expedition that explored the La Plata region of Brazil;in 1544 he published a map of the world (1476-1557)
cabotage|navigation in coastal waters;the exclusive right of a country to control the air traffic within its borders
cabstand|a place where taxis park while awaiting customers
Cacajao|uakaris
Cacalia|genus of tall smooth herbs of forested mountains of Europe and Asia minor;in some classifications includes many plants usually placed in genus Emilia
cacao|tropical American tree producing cacao beans
cacao bean|seed of the cacao tree;ground roasted beans are source of chocolate
cache|(computer science) RAM memory that is set aside as a specialized buffer storage that is continually updated;used to optimize data transfers between system elements with different characteristics;a hidden storage space (for money or provisions or weapons)
cachet|a seal on a letter;a warrant formerly issued by a French king who could warrant imprisonment or death in a signed letter under his seal;an indication of approved or superior status
cachexia|any general reduction in vitality and strength of body and mind resulting from a debilitating chronic disease
Cachi|a mountain in the Andes in Argentina (22,047 feet high)
cachinnation|loud convulsive laughter
cachou|a scented lozenge used to sweeten the breath (e.g. to conceal the odor of tobacco)
Cacicus|a genus of tropical American orioles
cacique|black-and-red or black-and-yellow orioles of the American tropics
cackle|a loud laugh suggestive of a hen's cackle;the sound made by a hen after laying an egg
cackler|a hen that has just laid an egg and emits a shrill squawk
cacodemon|an evil spirit
cacodyl|a poisonous oily liquid with a garlicky odor composed of 2 cacodyl groups;undergoes spontaneous combustion in dry air;the univalent group derived from arsine
cacogenesis|inability to produce hybrids that are both viable and fertile
cacophony|loud confusing disagreeable sounds
Cactaceae|constituting the order Opuntiales
cactus|any succulent plant of the family Cactaceae native chiefly to arid regions of the New World and usually having spines
cactus mouse|burrowing mouse of desert areas of southwestern United States
cactus wren|large harsh-voiced American wren of arid regions of the United States southwest and Mexico
cad|someone who is morally reprehensible
cadaster|a public register showing the details of ownership and value of land;made for the purpose of taxation
cadaver|the dead body of a human being - "the cadaver was intended for dissection"
cadaverine|a colorless toxic ptomaine with an unpleasant odor formed during the putrefaction of animal tissue
caddie|an attendant who carries the golf clubs for a player
caddis fly|small moth-like insect having two pairs of hairy membranous wings and aquatic larvae
caddisworm|larva of the caddis fly;constructs a case of silk covered with sand or plant debris
Caddo|a family of North American Indian languages spoken widely in the Midwest by the Caddo;a group of Plains Indians formerly living in what is now North and South Dakota and Nebraska and Kansas and Arkansas and Louisiana and Oklahoma and Texas
caddy|a can for storing tea
cadence|a recurrent rhythmical series;the close of a musical section
cadenza|a brilliant solo passage occurring near the end of a piece of music
cadet|a military trainee (as at a military academy)
cadetship|the position of cadet
Cadiz|an ancient port city in southwestern Spain
cadmium|a soft bluish-white ductile malleable toxic bivalent metallic element;occurs in association with zinc ores
cadmium orange|orange-hued cadmium yellow pigment
cadmium sulfide|a yellow sulfide used chiefly as a pigment
cadmium yellow|pigment of cadmium sulfide and barium sulfate varying in hue from lemon yellow to orange
cadmium yellow pale|pale-hued cadmium yellow pigment
Cadmus|(Greek mythology) the brother of Europa and traditional founder of Thebes in Boeotia
Cadra|a genus of Pyralidae
cadre|a nucleus of military personnel capable of expansion
caduceus|an insignia used by the medical profession;modeled after the staff of Hermes
caecilian|any of the small slender limbless burrowing wormlike amphibians of the order Gymnophiona;inhabit moist soil in tropical regions
Caeciliidae|coextensive with the order Gymnophiona;legless amphibians
Caelum|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Columba and Eridanus
Caenolestes|type genus of the family Caenolestidae
Caenolestidae|small marsupials of southern South America
Caesalpinia|small spiny tropical trees or shrubs;includes the small genus or subgenus Poinciana
Caesalpiniaceae|spiny trees, shrubs, or perennial herbs, including the genera Caesalpinia, Cassia, Ceratonia, Bauhinia;commonly included in the family Leguminosae
Caesalpinioideae|alternative name in some classification systems for the family Caesalpiniaceae
Caesar|conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy (100-44 BC);United States comedian who pioneered comedy television shows (born 1922)
Caesar salad|typically having fried croutons and dressing made with a raw egg
Caesarea|an ancient seaport in northwestern Israel;an important Roman city in ancient Palestine
caesium clock|an atomic clock based on the energy difference between two states of the caesium nucleus in a magnetic field
caesura|a break or pause (usually for sense) in the middle of a verse line;a pause or interruption (as in a conversation) - "after an ominous caesura the preacher continued"
cafe|a small restaurant where drinks and snacks are sold
cafe au lait|equal parts of coffee and hot milk
cafe noir|small cup of strong black coffee without milk or cream
cafe royale|black coffee with Cognac and lemon peel and sugar
cafeteria|a restaurant where you serve yourself and pay a cashier
cafeteria facility|(usually plural) facilities for providing food for employees or visitors
cafeteria tray|a tray for carrying your food in a cafeteria
caff|informal British term for a cafe
caffe latte|strong espresso coffee with a topping of frothed steamed milk
caffein addiction|an addiction to caffein
caffeine|a bitter alkaloid found in coffee and tea that is responsible for their stimulating effects
caffeine addict|someone addicted to caffeine
caffeinism|poisoning resulting from excessive intake of caffeine containing products
caftan|a (cotton or silk) cloak with full sleeves and sash reaching down to the ankles;worn by men in the Levant;a woman's dress style that imitates the caftan cloaks worn by men in the Near East
cage|an enclosure made or wire or metal bars in which birds or animals can be kept;something that restricts freedom as a cage restricts movement;the net that is the goal in ice hockey;United States composer of avant-garde music (1912-1992)
Cagliostro|Italian who was famous as a magician and alchemist (1743-1795)
Cagney|United States film actor known for his portrayals of tough characters (1899-1986)
cagoule|lightweight parka;waterproof
Cahita|a member of the Taracahitian people of central Mexico;the Uto-Aztecan language of the Cahita
cahoot|collusion - "in cahoots with"
caiman|a semiaquatic reptile of Central and South America that resembles an alligator but has a more heavily armored belly
caiman lizard|crocodile-like lizard of South America having powerful jaws for crushing snails and mussels
Cain|(Old Testament) Cain and Abel were the first children of Adam and Eve born after the Fall of Man;Cain killed Abel out of jealousy and was exiled by God
Cairene|a native or inhabitant of Cairo
Cairina|a genus of Anatidae
cairn|a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path;small rough-haired breed of terrier from Scotland
cairngorm|a smoky yellow or brown quartz
Cairo|a town at the southern tip of Illinois at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers;the capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa;a major port just to the south of the Nile delta;formerly the home of the Pharaohs
caisson|a chest to hold ammunition;a two-wheeled military vehicle carrying artillery ammunition;large watertight chamber used for construction under water
caitiff|a cowardly and despicable person
cajan pea|small highly nutritious seed of the tropical pigeon-pea plant
Cajanus|erect densely branched shrubby perennials of Old World tropics;naturalized in other warm regions
Cajun|a Louisianian descended from Acadian immigrants from Nova Scotia ('Cajun' comes from 'Acadian')
Cakchiquel|a member of the Mayan people living in south central Guatemala;the Mayan language spoken by the Cakchiquel
cake|a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax);baked goods made from or based on a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, and fat
cake mix|a commercial mix for making a cake
cakewalk|a strutting dance based on a march;was performed in minstrel shows;originated as a competition among Black dancers to win a cake;an easy accomplishment - "winning the tournament was a cakewalk for him" - "invading Iraq won't be a cakewalk"
Cakile|small genus of succulent annual herbs found on sandy shores of North America and Europe
calaba|West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice
calabar bean|dark brown highly poisonous seed of the calabar-bean vine;source of physostigmine and used in native witchcraft
calabar-bean vine|tropical African woody vine yielding calabar beans
calabash|a pipe for smoking;has a curved stem and a large bowl made from a calabash gourd;round gourd of the calabash tree;tropical American evergreen that produces large round gourds
Calabria|a region of southern Italy (forming the toe of the Italian 'boot')
caladenia|any of various orchids of the genus Caladenia
caladium|any plant of the genus Caladium cultivated for their ornamental foliage variously patterned in white or pink or red
Caladium bicolor|most popular caladium;cultivated in many varieties since the late 19th century
Calais|a town in northern France on the Strait of Dover that serves as a ferry port to England;in 1347 it was captured by the English king Edward III after a long siege and remained in English hands until it was recaptured by the French king Henry II in 1558
Calamagrostis|reed grass
calamine lotion|a lotion consisting of a liquid preparation containing calamine;used to treat itching or mild skin irritations
calamint|perennial aromatic herbs growing in hedgerows or scrub or open woodlands from western Europe to central Asia and in North America
Calamintha|calamint
calamity|an event resulting in great loss and misfortune - "the whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity"
Calamus|a genus of Sparidae;any tropical Asian palm of the genus Calamus;light tough stems are a source of rattan canes;the aromatic root of the sweet flag used medicinally
calamus oil|carcinogenic oil from calamus root used as a perfume
Calandrinia|large genus of low-growing herbs;widespread throughout tropical and warm temperate regions having usually basal leaves and panicles of purplish ephemeral flowers
calanthe|any of various showy orchids of the genus Calanthe having white or yellow or rose-colored flowers and broad leaves folded lengthwise
calash|a woman's large folded hooped hood;worn in the 18th century;the folding hood of a horse-drawn carriage
calcarine sulcus|a sulcus in the mesial surface of the occipital lobe of the cerebrum
calceolaria|any garden plant of the genus Calceolaria having flowers with large inflated slipper-shaped lower lip
calceus|a shoe covering the ankle;worn by ancient Romans
calcification|a process that impregnates something with calcium (or calcium salts);an inflexible and unchanging state - "the calcification of negotiations";tissue hardened by deposition of lime salts
calcimine|a water-base paint containing zinc oxide and glue and coloring;used as a wash for walls and ceilings
calcination|the conversion of metals into their oxides as a result of heating to a high temperature
calcite|a common mineral consisting of crystallized calcium carbonate;a major constituent of limestone
calcitonin|thyroid hormone that tends to lower the level of calcium in the blood plasma and inhibit resorption of bone
calcium|a white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light;the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust;an important component of most plants and animals
calcium bicarbonate|a bicarbonate that is a major cause of hard water
calcium blocker|any of a class of drugs that block the flow of the electrolyte calcium (either in nerve cell conduction or smooth muscle contraction of the heart);has been used in the treatment of angina or arrhythmia or hypertension or migraine
calcium carbide|a grey salt of calcium (CaC) used in making acetylene
calcium carbonate|a salt found in nature as chalk or calcite or aragonite or limestone
calcium chloride|a deliquescent salt;used in de-icing and as a drying agent
calcium hydride|a saltlike binary compound (CaH2) used as a reducing agent and source of hydrogen
calcium hydroxide|a caustic substance produced by heating limestone
calcium hypochlorite|any hypochlorite of calcium;used as a bleaching agent
calcium ion|ion of calcium;a factor in the clotting of blood
calcium lactate|a white crystalline salt made by the action of lactic acid on calcium carbonate;used in foods (as a baking powder) and given medically as a source of calcium
calcium nitrate|a deliquescent salt that is soluble in water;sometimes used as a source of nitrogen in fertilizers
calcium oxide|a white crystalline oxide used in the production of calcium hydroxide
calcium phosphate|a phosphate of calcium;a main constituent of animal bones
calcium stearate|an insoluble calcium salt of stearic acid and palmitic acid;it is formed when soap is mixed with water that contains calcium ions and is the scum produced in regions of hard water
calcium sulphate|a white salt (CaSO4)
calcium-cyanamide|a compound used as a fertilizer and as a source of nitrogen compounds
calculation|planning something carefully and intentionally;problem solving that involves numbers or quantities;the procedure of calculating;determining something by mathematical or logical methods
calculator|a small machine that is used for mathematical calculations;an expert at calculation (or at operating calculating machines)
calculus|a hard lump produced by the concretion of mineral salts;found in hollow organs or ducts of the body;the branch of mathematics that is concerned with limits and with the differentiation and integration of functions
calculus of variations|the calculus of maxima and minima of definite integrals
Calder|United States sculptor who first created mobiles and stabiles (1898-1976)
caldera|a large crater caused by the violent explosion of a volcano that collapses into a depression
Calderon|Spanish poet and dramatist considered one of the great Spanish writers (1600-1681)
caldron|a very large pot that is used for boiling
Caldwell|United States author remembered for novels about poverty and degeneration (1903-1987)
Caledonia|the geographical area (in Roman times) to the north of the Antonine Wall;now a poetic name for Scotland
Caledonian Canal|a canal in northern Scotland that links North Sea with the Atlantic Ocean;runs diagonally between Moray Firth at the northeastern end and Loch Linnhe at the southwestern end;now little used
calefaction|the property of being warming
calendar|a list or register of events (appointments or social events or court cases etc) - "I have you on my calendar for next Monday";a system of timekeeping that defines the beginning and length and divisions of the year;a tabular array of the days (usually for one year)
calendar day|a day reckoned from midnight to midnight
calendar month|one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
calendar year|the year (reckoned from January 1 to December 31) according to Gregorian calendar
calender|a machine that smooths or glazes paper or cloth by pressing it between plates or passing it through rollers
calendula|any of numerous chiefly annual herbs of the genus Calendula widely cultivated for their yellow or orange flowers;often used for medicinal and culinary purposes
calf|fine leather from the skin of a calf;the muscular back part of the shank;young of domestic cattle;young of various large placental mammals e.g. whale or giraffe or elephant or buffalo
calf roping|capturing a calf with a lasso and binding its feet
calf's brain|the brain of a calf eaten as meat
calf's tongue|the tongue of a calf eaten as meat
calf's-foot jelly|a savory jelly made with gelatin obtained by boiling calves' feet
Calgary|the largest city in southern Alberta;an oil and gas center and a technology center for Alberta and most of western Canada
Cali|city in southwestern Colombia in a rich agricultural area
Cali cartel|a drug cartel that seized control of cocaine production in Colombia in 1993;adopted techniques used by terrorist organizations (small cells and sophisticated communications equipment and close ties with politicians etc.)
calibration|the act of checking or adjusting (by comparison with a standard) the accuracy of a measuring instrument - "the thermometer needed calibration"
caliche|crust or layer of hard subsoil encrusted with calcium-carbonate occurring in arid or semiarid regions;nitrate-bearing rock or gravel of the sodium nitrate deposits of Chile and Peru
calico|coarse cloth with a bright print
Calidris|a genus of Scolopacidae
California|a state in the western United States on the Pacific;the 3rd largest state;known for earthquakes
California black oak|large deciduous tree of the Pacific coast having deeply parted bristle-tipped leaves
California black walnut|medium-sized tree with somewhat aromatic compound leaves and edible nuts
California bluebell|annual of southern California with intricately branched stems and lax cymes of aromatic deep blue bell-shaped flowers;desert plant of southern California with blue or violet tubular flowers in terminal racemes
California box elder|maple of the Pacific coast of the United States;fruits are white when mature
California condor|North American condor;chiefly dull black;almost extinct
California four o'clock|California four o'clock with purple-red flowers
California fuchsia|shrublet of southwestern United States to Mexico having brilliant scarlet flowers
California lady's slipper|often having many yellow-green orchids with white pouches growing along streams and seeps of southwestern Oregon and northern California
California laurel|Pacific coast tree having aromatic foliage and small umbellate flowers followed by olivelike fruit;yields a hard tough wood
California newt|newt that is similar to Taricha granulosa in characteristics and habitat
California nutmeg|California evergreen having a fruit resembling a nutmeg but with a strong turpentine flavor
California Personality Inventory|a self-report personality inventory originally derived from the MMPI;consists of several hundred yes-no questions and yields scores on a number of scales including dominance and self acceptance and self control and socialization and achievement etc.
California pitcher plant|marsh or bog herb having solitary pendulous yellow-green flowers and somewhat twisted pitchers with broad wings below
California poppy|of Pacific coast of North America;widely cultivated for its yellow to red flowers
California privet|semi-evergreen Japanese shrub having malodorous flowers;used extensively for hedges because more likely to stay green that common privet
California quail|plump chunky bird of coastal California and Oregon
California redwood|lofty evergreen of United States coastal foothills from Oregon to Big Sur;it flourishes in wet, rainy, foggy habitats
California sagebrush|low ashy-grey California shrub
California sea lion|often trained as a show animal
California single-leaf pinyon|very small tree similar to Rocky mountain pinon but having a single needle per fascicle;similar to Parry's pinyon in range
California sycamore|tall tree of Baja California having deciduous bark and large alternate palmately lobed leaves and ball-shaped clusters of flowers
California whipsnake|a whipsnake of scrublands and rocky hillsides
California white oak|tall graceful deciduous California oak having leathery leaves and slender pointed acorns
California wine|any of various wines produced in California
Californian|a native or resident of California
californium|a radioactive transuranic element;discovered by bombarding curium with alpha particles
Caligula|Roman Emperor who succeeded Tiberius and whose uncontrolled passions resulted in manifest insanity;noted for his cruelty and tyranny;was assassinated (12-41)
caliper|an instrument for measuring the distance between two points (often used in the plural)
caliph|the civil and religious leader of a Muslim state considered to be a representative of Allah on earth
Caliphate|the era of Islam's ascendancy from the death of Mohammed until the 13th century;some Moslems still maintain that the Moslem world must always have a calif as head of the community - "their goal was to reestablish the Caliphate";the office of a caliph;the territorial jurisdiction of a caliph
calisaya|Peruvian shrub or small tree having large glossy leaves and cymes of fragrant yellow to green or red flowers;cultivated for its medicinal bark
calisthenics|light exercises designed to promote general fitness - "several different calisthenics were illustrated in the video";the practice of calisthenic exercises - "calisthenics is recommended for general good health"
Calixtus II|pope who in 1122 forced the Holy Roman Emperor Henry V to sign a concordat that recognized the right of the church to choose its own leadership (died in 1124)
Calixtus III|Italian pope whose nepotism put the Borgia family in power in Italy (1378-1458)
calk|a metal cleat on the bottom front of a horseshoe to prevent slipping
call|(sports) the decision made by an umpire or referee - "he was ejected for protesting the call";a brief social visit - "senior professors' wives no longer make afternoon calls on newcomers" - "the characters in Henry James' novels are forever paying calls on each other, usually in the parlor of some residence";a demand especially in the phrase "the call of duty";a demand for a show of hands in a card game - "after two raises there was a call";a request - "many calls for Christmas stories" - "not many calls for buggywhips";a telephone connection - "she reported several anonymous calls" - "he placed a phone call to London" - "he heard the phone ringing but didn't want to take the call";a visit in an official or professional capacity - "the pastor's calls on his parishioners" - "the salesman's call on a customer";an instruction that interrupts the program being executed - "Pascal performs calls by simply giving the name of the routine to be executed";a special disposition (as if from a divine source) to pursue a particular course
call center|a center equipped to handle a large volume of telephone calls (especially for taking orders or serving customers)
call fire|fire delivered on a specific target in response to a request from the supported unit
call forwarding|lets you transfer your incoming calls to any telephone that you can dial direct
call girl|a female prostitute who can be hired by telephone
call loan|a loan that is repayable on demand
call mark|a mark consisting of characters written on a book;used to indicate shelf location
call option|an option to buy;the option to buy a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
call up|an order to report for military duty
call waiting|a way of letting you know that someone else is calling when you are using your telephone
Calla|water arum
calla lily|South African plant widely cultivated for its showy pure white spathe and yellow spadix
Callas|Greek coloratura soprano (born in the United States) known for her dramatic intensity in operatic roles (1923-1977)
call-back|a return call;the recall of an employee after a layoff
call-board|a bulletin board backstage in a theater
caller|a person who announces the changes of steps during a dance - "you need a fiddler and a caller for country dancing";a social or business visitor;an investor who buys a call option;someone who proclaims or summons in a loud voice - "the callers were mothers summoning their children home for dinner";the bettor in a card game who matches the bet and calls for a show of hands;the person initiating a telephone call - "there were so many callers that he finally disconnected the telephone";the person who convenes a meeting - "who is the caller of this meeting?"
caller ID|a small display that will show you the telephone number of the party calling you
calliandra|any of various shrubs and small trees valued for their fine foliage and attractive spreading habit and clustered white to deep pink or red flowers
Callicebus|titis
calligrapher|someone skilled in penmanship
calligraphy|beautiful handwriting
Callimorpha|cinnabar moths
call-in|a telephone call to a radio station or a television station in which the caller participates in the on-going program
Callinectes|New World blue crabs
calling card|a card that is used instead of cash to make telephone calls;a distinguishing characteristic or behavior - "bombs are a terrorist's calling cards";a printed or written greeting that is left to indicate that you have visited
calling into question|a challenge to defend what someone has said
Callionymidae|dragonets
Calliope|(Greek mythology) the Muse of epic poetry;a musical instrument consisting of a series of steam whistles played from a keyboard
Calliophis|Asian coral snakes
calliopsis|North American annual widely cultivated for its yellow flowers with purple-red to brownish centers;in some classifications placed in a subgenus Calliopsis
Calliphora|type genus of the Calliphoridae;blowflies
Calliphoridae|blowflies
Callirhoe|small genus of North American herbs having usually red or purple flowers
Callisaurus|zebra-tailed lizard
Callistephus|one species;erect Asiatic herb with large flowers
Callisto|the second largest of Jupiter's satellites
Callithricidae|marmosets
Callithrix|type genus of the Callithricidae;true marmosets
callithump|a noisy boisterous parade
Callitrichaceae|dicot aquatic herbs
Callitriche|water starworts
Callitris|evergreen monoecious coniferous trees or shrubs;cypress pines
Callorhinus|fur seals
callosity|an area of skin that is thick or hard from continual pressure or friction (as the sole of the foot)
callosotomy|severing the corpus callosum so that communication between the cerebral hemispheres is interrupted (in cases of severe intractable epilepsy)
call-out|a challenge to a fight or duel
callowness|lacking and evidencing lack of experience of life
Calluna|one species
callus|(botany) an isolated thickening of tissue, especially a stiff protuberance on the lip of an orchid;bony tissue formed during the healing of a fractured bone
calm air|wind moving at less than 1 knot;0 on the Beaufort scale
calmness|a feeling of calm;an absence of agitation or excitement;an absence of strong winds or rain
Calocarpum|a genus of tropical American trees of the family Sapotaceae
Calocedrus|tall evergreens of western North America and eastern Asia;formerly included in genus Libocedrus
Calochortus|large genus of western North American leafy-stemmed bulbous herbs
calomel|a tasteless colorless powder used medicinally as a cathartic
Caloocan|a suburb of Manila in southwestern Luzon
Caloosahatchee|a river in southern Florida that flows westerly to the Gulf of Mexico;forms the western end of the Cross-Florida Waterway
Caloosahatchee Canal|a canal that connects Lake Okeechobee with the Caloosahatchee River in southern Florida to form part of the Cross-Florida Waterway
Calophyllum|genus of tropical evergreen trees
Calopogon|terrestrial orchids of North America
Calorie|a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree at one atmosphere pressure;used by nutritionists to characterize the energy-producing potential in food;unit of heat defined as the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree centigrade at atmospheric pressure
calorie chart|a list of foods and information about their caloric content
calorimeter|a measuring instrument that determines quantities of heat
calorimetry|measurement of quantities of heat
Caloscypha fulgens|an early spring variety of discomycete with yellow to orange yellow lining of the cup
calosoma|any beetle of the genus Calosoma
Calostoma cinnabarina|a gasteromycete with a leathery stalk and a fruiting body this globose and has a red spore case
Calostoma lutescens|a gasteromycete with a leathery stalk and a fruiting body that is globose and has a pale yellow spore case
Calostoma ravenelii|a gasteromycete with a leathery stalk and a fruiting body with a thin gelatinous spore case and elliptical spores
Calostomataceae|a family of fungi belonging to the order Tulostomatales
calpac|a high-crowned black cap (usually made of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey and Iran and the Caucasus
calque|an expression introduced into one language by translating it from another language - "'superman' is a calque for the German 'Ubermensch'"
Caltha|a genus of Caltha
caltrop|tropical annual procumbent poisonous subshrub having fruit that splits into five spiny nutlets;serious pasture weed
calumet|a highly decorated ceremonial pipe of Amerindians;smoked on ceremonial occasions (especially as a token of peace)
Calvados|dry apple brandy made in Normandy
calvaria|the dome of the skull
Calvary|a hill near Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified;any experience that causes intense suffering
Calvary clover|an annual of the Mediterranean area having spiny seed pods and leaves with dark spots
Calvary cross|a Latin cross set on three steps
Calvatia|genus of puffballs having outer casings whose upper parts break at maturity into angular pieces to expose the spores
calves' feet|feet of calves used as food;usually jellied
calves' liver|liver of a calf used as meat
Calvin|Swiss theologian (born in France) whose tenets (predestination and the irresistibility of grace and justification by faith) defined Presbyterianism (1509-1564);United States chemist noted for discovering the series of chemical reactions in photosynthesis (1911-)
calving|giving birth to a calf
Calvinism|the theological system of John Calvin and his followers emphasizing omnipotence of God and salvation by grace alone
Calvinist|an adherent of the theological doctrines of John Calvin
Calvinistic Baptist|group of Baptist congregations believing the teachings of the French theologian John Calvin who believed in strict predetermination
Calvino|Italian writer of novels and short stories (born in Cuba) (1923-1987)
Calycanthaceae|shrubs or small trees having aromatic bark;the eastern United States and eastern Asia
Calycanthus|a magnoliid dicot genus of the family Calycanthaceae including;allspice
Calycophyllum|medium to large tropical American trees having shiny reddish-brown shredding bark
calyculus|a small cup-shaped structure (as a taste bud or optic cup or cavity of a coral containing a polyp)
Calymmatobacterium|a genus of bacterial rods containing only the one species that causes granuloma inguinale
Calymmatobacterium granulomatis|the species of bacteria that causes granuloma inguinale
Calypso|(Greek mythology) the sea nymph who detained Odysseus for seven years;rare north temperate bog orchid bearing a solitary white to pink flower marked with purple at the tip of an erect reddish stalk above 1 basal leaf
calyptra|the hood or cap covering the calyx of certain plants;e.g., the California poppy
Calystegia|climbing or scrambling herbs;bindweed
calyx|(botany) the whorl of sepals of a flower collectively forming the outer floral envelope or layer of the perianth enclosing and supporting the developing bud;usually green
Cam|a river in east central England that flows past Cambridge to join the Ouse River;a rotating disk shaped to convert circular into linear motion
camail|a medieval hood of mail suspended from a basinet to protect the head and neck
camas|any of several plants of the genus Camassia;North and South America
Camassia|genus of scapose herbs of North and South America having large edible bulbs
Cambarus|a genus of Astacidae
camber|a slight convexity (as of the surface of a road);the alignment of the wheels of a motor vehicle closer together at the bottom than at the top
camber arch|an arch with a straight horizontal extrados and a slightly arched intrados
cambium|a formative one-cell layer of tissue between xylem and phloem in most vascular plants that is responsible for secondary growth;the inner layer of the periosteum
Cambodia|a nation in southeastern Asia;was part of Indochina under French rule until 1946
Cambodian|a native or inhabitant of Cambodia
Cambodian monetary unit|monetary unit in Cambodia
Cambrian|from 544 million to about 500 million years ago;marine invertebrates
Cambrian Mountains|a rugged plateau that runs north to south through central Wales
cambric|a finely woven white linen
cambric tea|a beverage for children containing hot water and milk and sugar and a small amount of tea
Cambridge|a city in eastern England on the River Cam;site of Cambridge University;a city in Massachusetts just to the north of Boston;site of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge University|a university in England
camcorder|a portable television camera and videocassette recorder
Camden|a city in southwestern New Jersey on the Delaware River near Philadelphia
camel|cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions
camel racing|the sport of racing camels
Camelidae|camels and llamas and vicunas
Camelina|annual and biennial herbs of Mediterranean to central Asia
camellia|any of several shrubs or small evergreen trees having solitary white or pink or reddish flowers
Camelot|(Arthurian legend) the capital of King Arthur's kingdom;according to the legend, truth and goodness and beauty reigned there
camelpox|a viral disease of camels closely related to smallpox - "with a little genetic engineering camelpox could be used as a bioweapon"
camel's hair|a soft tan cloth made with the hair of a camel
Camelus|type genus of the Camelidae;camels
Camembert|rich soft creamy French cheese
cameo|engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)
camera|equipment for taking photographs (usually consisting of a lightproof box with a lens at one end and light-sensitive film at the other)
camera angle|the point of view of a camera
camera care|keeping a camera in good working order
camera lens|a lens that focuses the image in a camera
camera lucida|an optical device consisting of an attachment that enables an observer to view simultaneously the image and a drawing surface for sketching it
camera obscura|a darkened enclosure in which images of outside objects are projected through a small aperture or lens onto a facing surface
camera tripod|a tripod used to support a camera
cameraman|a photographer who operates a movie camera
Cameroon|a republic on the western coast of central Africa;was under French and British control until 1960;an inactive volcano in western Cameroon;highest peak on the West African coast
Cameroon franc|the basic unit of money in Cameroon
Cameroonian|a native or inhabitant of Cameroon
camise|a loose shirt or tunic;originally worn in the Middle Ages
camisole|a short negligee;a short sleeveless undergarment for women
Camlan|(Arthurian legend) the battlefield where King Arthur was mortally wounded
camlet|a fabric of Asian origin;originally made of silk and camel's hair;a garment made of camlet fabric
camomile tea|tea-like drink made from camomile leaves and flowers
Camorra|a secret society in Naples notorious for violence and blackmail
camouflage|device or stratagem for concealment or deceit;fabric dyed with splotches of green and brown and black and tan;intended to make the wearer of a garment made of this fabric hard to distinguish from the background
camp|a group of people living together in a camp - "the whole camp laughed at his mistake";a penal institution (often for forced labor) - "China has many camps for political prisoners";a site where care and activities are provided for children during the summer months - "city kids get to see the country at a summer camp";shelter for persons displaced by war or political oppression or for religious beliefs;something that is considered amusing not because of its originality but because of its unoriginality - "the living room was pure camp";temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers - "wherever he went in the camp the men were grumbling";temporary lodgings in the country for travelers or vacationers - "level ground is best for parking and camp areas"
camp chair|a light folding chair
Camp David|a retreat to the northwest of Washington that is used by the president of the United States
camp follower|a follower who is not a member of an ingroup;a prostitute who provides service to military personnel
camp meeting|religious (usually evangelistic) meeting held in a large tent or outdoors and lasting several days
campaign|a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end - "he supported populist campaigns";an overland journey by hunters (especially in Africa);several related operations aimed at achieving a particular goal (usually within geographical and temporal constraints)
campaign hat|a broad-brimmed felt hat with a high crown;formerly worn by the United States Army and Marine personnel
campaigner|a politician who is running for public office
campaigning|the campaign of a candidate to be elected
Campania|a region of southwestern Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea including the islands of Capri and Ischia
campanile|a bell tower;usually stands alone unattached to a building
campanula|any of various plants of the genus Campanula having blue or white bell-shaped flowers
Campanulaceae|family of plants of the order Campanulales;in some classifications includes Lobeliaceae
Campanulales|an order of plants of the subclass Asteridae including;Campanulaceae;Lobeliaceae;Cucurbitaceae;Goodeniaceae;Compositae
Campbell|United States mythologist (1904-1987)
Campeche|a Mexican city on the Bay of Campeche;a Mexican state on the eastern part of the Gulf of Campeche
Campephilus|a genus of Picidae
camper|a recreational vehicle equipped for camping out while traveling;someone living temporarily in a tent or lodge for recreation
camper trailer|a trailer equipped for occupancy (especially for holiday trips)
campfire|a small outdoor fire for warmth or cooking (as at a camp)
Campfire Girl|a girl who is a member of Campfire Girls;for girls age 7-18
camphor|a resin obtained from the camphor tree;used in making celluloid and liniment
camphor daisy|annual of southern United States and Mexico having bristly leaves and pale yellow flowers
camphor dune tansy|densely hairy plant with rayless flowers;San Francisco Bay area
camphor ice|a cerate made of camphor and wax and spermaceti and castor oil
camphor oil|oil distilled from camphor resin
camphor tree|large evergreen tree of warm regions whose aromatic wood yields camphor
camping|the act of encamping and living in tents in a camp
campmate|someone who lives in the same camp you do
Camponotus|carpenter ants
campsite|a site where people on holiday can pitch a tent
campstool|a folding stool
Camptosorus|classification used in some especially former systems for plants usually placed in genus Asplenium
campus|a field on which the buildings of a university are situated
Campyloneurum|epiphytic ferns of tropical America
Campylorhynchus|alternative classifications for the cactus wrens
campylotropous ovule|a curved ovule with the micropyle almost touching the funiculus
camshaft|has cams attached to it
Camus|French writer who portrayed the human condition as isolated in an absurd world (1913-1960)
camwood|small shrubby African tree with hard wood used as a dyewood yielding a red dye
can|a buoy with a round bottom and conical top;airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.;the quantity contained in a can
can of worms|a source of unpredictable trouble and complexity
can opener|a device for cutting cans open
Canaanite|a member of an ancient Semitic people who occupied Canaan before it was conquered by the Israelites;the extinct language of the Semitic people who occupied Canaan before the Israelite conquest
Canaanitic|a group of Semitic languages
Canachites|spruce grouse
Canada|a nation in northern North America;the French were the first Europeans to settle in mainland Canada - "the border between the United States and Canada is the longest unguarded border in the world"
Canada anemone|common summer-flowering woodland herb of Labrador to Colorado
Canada balsam|yellow transparent exudate of the balsam fir;used as a transparent cement in optical devices (especially in microscopy) and as a mounting medium
Canada garlic|North American bulbous plant
Canada ginger|deciduous low-growing perennial of Canada and eastern and central United States
Canada jay|a jay of northern North America with black-capped head and no crest;noted for boldness in thievery
Canada lily|common lily of the eastern United States having nodding yellow or reddish flowers spotted with brown
Canada lynx|of northern North America
Canada plum|small tree native to northeastern North America having oblong orange-red fruit
Canada porcupine|porcupine of northeastern North America with barbed spines concealed in the coarse fur;often gnaws buildings for salt and grease
Canada thistle|European thistle naturalized in United States and Canada where it is a pernicious weed
Canada violet|tall North American perennial with heart-shaped leaves and white flowers with purple streaks
Canada wild rye|North American wild rye
Canadian|a native or inhabitant of Canada;a river rising in northeastern New Mexico and flowing eastward across the Texas panhandle to become a tributary of the Arkansas River in Oklahoma
Canadian aspen|aspen with a narrow crown;eastern North America
Canadian bacon|from a boned strip of cured loin
Canadian dollar|the basic unit of money in Canada - "the Canadian dollar has the image of loon on one side of the coin"
Canadian Falls|a part of Niagara Falls in Ontario
Canadian French|the French language as spoken in Quebec, Canada
Canadian pondweed|North American waterweed;widely naturalized in Europe
Canadian province|Canada is divided into 12 provinces for administrative purposes
Canadian Security Intelligence Service|Canada's main foreign intelligence agency that gathers and analyzes information to provide security intelligence for the Canadian government
canal|(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels;they are now believed to be an optical illusion;long and narrow strip of water made for boats or for irrigation
canal boat|a long boat that carries freight and is narrow enough to be used in canals
canal of Schlemm|a circular canal in the eye that drains aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into the anterior ciliary veins
canaliculus|a small canal or duct as in some bones and parts of plants
canalization|the production of a canal or a conversion to canals
Canandaigua Lake|a glacial lake in central New York;one of the Finger Lakes
Cananga|a genus of Malayan tree
canape|an appetizer consisting usually of a thin slice of bread or toast spread with caviar or cheese or other savory food
canard|a deliberately misleading fabrication
canary|a female singer;any of several small Old World finches
canary grass|Canary Islands grass;seeds used as feed for caged birds
Canary Island hare's foot fern|fern of the Canary Islands and Madeira
Canary Islands|a group of mountainous islands in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa forming Spanish provinces
canary seed|a mixture of seeds used to feed caged birds
Canary wine|a sweet white wine from the Canary Islands
canary yellow|a moderate yellow with a greenish tinge
canarybird flower|a climber having flowers that are the color of canaries
canasta|a form of rummy using two decks of cards and four jokers;jokers and deuces are wild;the object is to form groups of the same rank
Canavalia|herbs or woody vines of mainly American tropics and subtropics
canavanine|an amino acid found in the jack bean
Canberra|the capital of Australia;located in southeastern Australia
cancan|a high-kicking dance of French origin performed by a female chorus line
cancellation|the act of cancelling;calling off some arrangement;the speech act of revoking or annulling or making void
Cancer|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Cancer;a small zodiacal constellation in the northern hemisphere;between Leo and Gemini;the fourth sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about June 21 to July 22;type genus of the family Cancridae;any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division;it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream
cancer cell|a cell that is part of a malignant tumor
cancer juice|a milky substance found in certain cancerous growths
cancerweed|sage of eastern United States
Cancridae|many of the best known edible crabs
cancroid|the most common form of skin cancer
Cancun|a popular island resort off the northeastern tip of the Yucatan peninsula
candelabrum|branched candlestick;ornamental;has several lights
candelilla|wax-coated Mexican shrub related to Euphorbia antisyphilitica;wax-coated shrub of northern Mexico and southwestern United States
candelilla wax|a hard brown wax that occurs as a coating on candelilla shrubs
candid camera|a miniature camera with a fast lens
candida|any of the yeastlike imperfect fungi of the genus Candida
Candida albicans|a parasitic fungus that can infect the mouth or the skin or the intestines or the vagina
candidate|someone who is considered for something (for an office or prize or honor etc.)
candidiasis|an infection caused by fungi of the genus Monilia or Candida (especially Candida albicans)
candied apple|an apple that is covered with a candy-like substance (usually caramelized sugar)
candied citrus peel|strips of citrus peel cooked in a sugar syrup
candied fruit|fruit cooked in sugar syrup and encrusted with a sugar crystals
candle|stick of wax with a wick in the middle;the basic unit of luminous intensity adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites;equal to 1/60 of the luminous intensity per square centimeter of a black body radiating at the temperature of 2,046 degrees Kelvin
candlelight|the light provided by a burning candle
candlemaker|a person who makes or sells candles
Candlemas|feast day commemorating the presentation of Christ in the temple;a quarter day in Scotland
candlenut|large tree native to southeastern Asia;the nuts yield oil used in varnishes;nut kernels strung together are used locally as candles;seed of candlenut tree;source of soil used in varnishes
candlepin|a bowling pin that is thin by comparison with a tenpin
candlepins|a bowling game using slender bowling pins
candlepower|luminous intensity measured in candelas
candlesnuffer|an implement with a small cup at the end of a handle;used to extinguish the flame of a candle
candlestick|a holder with sockets for candles
candlewick|loops of soft yarn are cut to give a tufted pattern;the wick of a candle
candlewood|any of several resinous trees or shrubs often burned for light
candor|the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
candy|a rich sweet made of flavored sugar and often combined with fruit or nuts
candy bar|a candy shaped as a bar
candy cane|a hard candy in the shape of a rod (usually with stripes)
candy corn|a small yellow and white candy shaped to resemble a kernel of corn
candy egg|egg-shaped candy
candy striper|a volunteer worker in a hospital
candy thermometer|a thermometer used to determine the temperature of candy syrups during cooking
candytuft|any of various flowering plants of the genus Iberis cultivated for their showy clusters of white to red or purple flowers;native to Mediterranean region
cane|a stick that people can lean on to help them walk;a stiff switch used to hit students as punishment;a strong slender often flexible stem as of bamboos, reeds, rattans, or sugar cane
cane blight|a disease affecting the canes of various bush fruits (e.g., raspberries or currants)
cane sugar|sucrose obtained from sugar cane;sugar from sugarcane used as sweetening agent
canebrake|a dense growth of cane (especially giant cane)
canebrake rattlesnake|southern variety
canella|highly aromatic inner bark of the Canella winterana used as a condiment and a tonic
Canellaceae|one genus;aromatic tropical trees of eastern Africa and Florida to West Indies
Canetti|English writer born in Germany (1905-1994)
canfield|a form of solitaire that involves gambling
cangue|an instrument of punishment formerly used in China for petty criminals;consists of a heavy wooden collar enclosing the neck and arms
canicola fever|an acute feverish disease in people and in dogs marked by gastroenteritis and mild jaundice
Canidae|dogs;wolves;jackals;foxes
canine|any of various fissiped mammals with nonretractile claws and typically long muzzles;one of the four pointed conical teeth (two in each jaw) located between the incisors and the premolars
canine chorea|chorea in dogs
canine distemper|a viral disease of young dogs characterized by high fever and respiratory inflammation
Canis|type genus of the Canidae;domestic and wild dogs;wolves;jackals
Canis Major|a constellation to the southeast of Orion;contains Sirius
Canis Minor|a constellation to the east of Orion;contains Procyon
canistel|ovoid orange-yellow mealy sweet fruit of Florida and West Indies;tropical tree of Florida and West Indies yielding edible fruit
canister|metal container for storing dry foods such as tea or flour
canker|a fungal disease of woody plants that causes localized damage to the bark;an ulceration (especially of the lips or lining of the mouth)
cankerworm|green caterpillar of a geometrid moth;pest of various fruit and shade trees
canna|any plant of the genus Canna having large sheathing leaves and clusters of large showy flowers
canna lily|plants grown for their large bright yellow to red flowers
Cannabidaceae|two genera of erect or twining herbs that are pollinated by the wind, including the genera Cannabis and Humulus;term not used in all classifications;in some the genus Cannabis is placed in the family Moraceae and the genus Humulus in the family Urticaceae
cannabin|a resin obtained from the hemp plant;thought to be the active narcotic agent in marijuana
cannabis|any plant of the genus Cannabis;a coarse bushy annual with palmate leaves and clusters of small green flowers;yields tough fibers and narcotic drugs;the most commonly used illicit drug;considered a soft drug, it consists of the dried leaves of the hemp plant;smoked or chewed for euphoric effect
Cannaceae|coextensive with the genus Canna
Cannae|ancient city is southeastern Italy where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 216 BC
canned food|food preserved by canning
canned hunt|a hunt for animals that have been raised on game ranches until they are mature enough to be killed for trophy collections
canned meat|meat preserved in a can or tin
cannel coal|a bituminous coal that burns with a luminous flame
cannelloni|tubular pasta filled with meat or cheese
cannery|a factory where food is canned
Cannes|a port and resort city on the French Riviera;site of an annual film festival
cannibal|a person who eats human flesh
cannibalism|the practice of eating the flesh of your own kind
cannikin|a small can;a wooden bucket
cannon|(Middle Ages) a cylindrical piece of armor plate to protect the arm;a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels;heavy automatic gun fired from an airplane;heavy gun fired from a tank;lower part of the leg extending from the hock to the fetlock in hoofed mammals
cannon bone|greatly developed metatarsal or metacarpal bone in the shank or cannon part of the leg in hoofed mammals
cannon cracker|a large firecracker
cannon fodder|soldiers who are regarded as expendable in the face of artillery fire
cannonade|intense and continuous artillery fire
cannonball|a solid projectile that in former times was fired from a cannon
cannula|a small flexible tube inserted into a body cavity for draining off fluid or introducing medication
cannulation|the insertion of a cannula or tube into a hollow body organ
canoe|small and light boat;pointed at both ends;propelled with a paddle
canoeist|someone paddling a canoe
canola oil|vegetable oil made from rapeseed;it is high in monounsaturated fatty acids
canon|a collection of books accepted as holy scripture especially the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired;a complete list of saints that have been recognized by the Roman Catholic Church;a contrapuntal piece of music in which a melody in one part is imitated exactly in other parts;a priest who is a member of a cathedral chapter;a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy - "the neoclassical canon" - "canons of polite society"
canon law|the body of codified laws governing the affairs of a Christian church
canonical hour|(Roman Catholic Church) one of seven specified times for prayer
canonist|a specialist in canon law
canonization|(Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church) the act of admitting a deceased person into the canon of saints
canopic jar|a jar used in ancient Egypt to contain entrails of an embalmed body
Canopus|supergiant star 650 light years from Earth;second brightest star in the sky
canopy|a covering (usually of cloth) that serves as a roof to shelter an area from the weather;the transparent covering of an aircraft cockpit;the umbrellalike part of a parachute that fills with air
cant|insincere talk about religion or morals
cant hook|a peavey having a hook instead of a spike;used for handling logs
Cantabrian Mountains|a range of mountains in northern Spain along the coast of the Bay of Biscay
Cantabrigian|a resident of Cambridge
cantala|hard fiber used in making coarse twine;from Philippine agave plants
cantaloup|the fruit of a cantaloup vine;small to medium-sized melon with yellowish flesh
cantaloupe|a variety of muskmelon vine having fruit with a tan rind and orange flesh
cantata|a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text
canteen|a flask for carrying water;used by soldiers or travelers;a recreation room in an institution;a restaurant outside;often for soldiers or policemen;restaurant in a factory;where workers can eat;sells food and personal items to personnel at an institution or school or camp etc.
canter|a smooth three-beat gait;between a trot and a gallop
Canterbury|a town in Kent in southeastern England;site of the cathedral where Thomas a Becket was martyred in 1170;seat of the archbishop and primate of the Anglican Church
Canterbury bell|European biennial widely cultivated for its blue or violet or white flowers;herb of Colombia to Peru having pale purple flowers
Canterbury Tales|an uncompleted series of tales written after 1387 by Geoffrey Chaucer
Cantharellus|a well-known genus of fungus;has funnel-shaped fruiting body;includes the chanterelles
canthus|either of the corners of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet
canticle|a hymn derived from the Bible
Canticle of Simeon|the prayer of Simeon (Luke 2;29-32)
cantilever|projecting horizontal beam fixed at one end only
cantilever bridge|bridge constructed of two cantilevers that meet in the middle
cantillation|liturgical chanting
cantle|the back of a saddle seat
canto|a major division of a long poem;the highest part (usually the melody) in a piece of choral music
canton|a small administrative division of a country
Canton crepe|a soft thick crinkled dress crepe;heavier than crepe de Chine
cantor|the official of a synagogue who conducts the liturgical part of the service and sings or chants the prayers intended to be performed as solos
cantus firmus|a melody used as the basis for a polyphonic composition
Canuck|informal term for Canadians in general and French Canadians in particular
Canute|king of Denmark and Norway who forced Edmund II to divide England with him;on the death of Edmund II, Canute became king of all England (994-1035)
canvas|a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents);an oil painting on canvas fabric;the mat that forms the floor of the ring in which boxers or professional wrestlers compete - "the boxer picked himself up off the canvas";the setting for a narrative or fictional or dramatic account - "the crowded canvas of history" - "the movie demanded a dramatic canvas of sound"
canvas tent|a tent made of canvas fabric
canvasback|North American wild duck valued for sport and food
canvasser|a person who takes or counts votes
canyon|a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall
canyon oak|medium-sized evergreen of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico with oblong leathery often spiny-edged leaves
canyon treefrog|a small chiefly ground dweller that stays within easy jumping distance of water;of United States southwest and northern Mexico
Canyonlands National Park|a national park in Utah having rock formations and ancient cliff dwellings;canyons of the Green River and the Colorado River
canyonside|the steeply sloping side of a canyon
cap|a fruiting structure resembling an umbrella or a cone that forms the top of a stalked fleshy fungus such as a mushroom;a tight-fitting headdress;a top (as for a bottle);something serving as a cover or protection
cap opener|a bottle opener to pry off caps
cap screw|a threaded screw for machine parts;screws into a tapped hole
capability|an aptitude that may be developed;the quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally - "he worked to the limits of his capability";the susceptibility of something to a particular treatment - "the capability of a metal to be fused"
capaciousness|intellectual breadth - "the very capaciousness of the idea meant that agreement on fundamentals was unnecessary";spatial largeness and extensiveness (especially inside a building) - "the capaciousness of Santa's bag astounded the child"
capacitance|an electrical phenomenon whereby an electric charge is stored
capacitance unit|a measure of the capacity of a circuit component to store charge
capacitor|an electrical device characterized by its capacity to store an electric charge
capacity|(computer science) the amount of information (in bytes) that can be stored on a disk drive - "the capacity of a hard disk drive is usually expressed in megabytes";a specified function - "he was employed in the capacity of director" - "he should be retained in his present capacity at a higher salary";capability to perform or produce - "among his gifts is his capacity for true altruism" - "limited runway capacity" - "a great capacity for growth";the amount that can be contained - "the gas tank has a capacity of 12 gallons";the maximum production possible - "the plant is working at 80 per cent capacity";the power to learn or retain knowledge;in law, the ability to understand the facts and significance of your behavior;tolerance for alcohol - "he had drunk beyond his capacity"
caparison|stable gear consisting of a decorated covering for a horse, especially (formerly) for a warhorse
cape|a sleeveless garment like a cloak but shorter;a strip of land projecting into a body of water
cape aloe|much-branched South African plant with reddish prickly succulent leaves
Cape Ann|a Massachusetts peninsula to the north of Boston extending into the Atlantic Ocean
Cape Breton Island|an island that forms the northeastern part of Nova Scotia
Cape buffalo|large often savage buffalo of southern Africa having upward-curving horns;mostly in game reserves
Cape Canaveral|a sandy promontory (formerly Cape Kennedy) extending into the Atlantic Ocean from a barrier island off the eastern coast of Florida;the site of a NASA center for spaceflight
Cape Cod|a Massachusetts peninsula to the south of Boston extending into the Atlantic;a popular resort area
Cape Cod Bay|the southern part of Massachusetts Bay
Cape Cod Canal|a canal connecting Cape Cod Bay with Buzzards Bay
Cape Fear|a cape in southeastern North Carolina extending into the Atlantic Ocean
Cape Fear River|a river in North Carolina that flows southeast to the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Fear
Cape Flattery|a cape of northwestern Washington
cape forget-me-not|anchusa of southern Africa having blue flowers with white throats;anchusa of southern Africa having blue to red-purple flowers
Cape Froward|a cape on the Strait of Magellan in southern Chile;the most southern point on the mainland of South America
Cape Girardeau|a town in southeast Missouri
cape gooseberry|annual of tropical South America having edible purple fruits
Cape Hatteras|a promontory on Hatteras Island off the Atlantic coast of North Carolina - "frequent storms drive ships to their destruction on Cape Hatteras"
Cape Horn|a rocky headland belonging to Chile at the southernmost tip of South America (south of Tierra del Fuego)
cape jasmine|evergreen shrub widely cultivated for its large fragrant waxlike white flowers and glossy leaves
Cape lobster|small lobster of southern Africa
cape marigold|any of several South African plants grown for the profusion of usually yellow daisylike flowers and mounds of aromatic foliage
Cape May|a cape of southeast New Jersey extending into the Atlantic Ocean
Cape May warbler|North American wood warbler;olive green and yellow striped with black
Cape of Good Hope|a point of land in southwestern South Africa (south of Cape Town);a province of western South Africa
Cape Passero|a cape that forms the southeastern corner of the island of Sicily
Cape primrose|any of various African plants of the genus Streptocarpus widely cultivated especially as houseplants for their showy blue or purple flowers
Cape Province|a former province of southern South Africa that was settled by the Dutch in 1652 and ceded to Great Britain in 1814;in 1994 it was split into three new provinces of South Africa
Cape Sable|a cape at the southwest tip of Florida;the southernmost part of the United States mainland;a promontory on the far southern part of Nova Scotia
Cape Town|port city in southwestern South Africa;the seat of the legislative branch of the government of South Africa
Cape Trafalgar|a small cape in southwestern Spain - "Nelson defeated the French and Spanish fleets off Cape Trafalgar in 1805"
Cape tulip|spectacular plant having large prostrate leaves barred in reddish-purple and flowers with a clump of long yellow stamens in a coral-red cup of fleshy bracts;South Africa
Cape Verde|an island country in the Atlantic off the coast of Senegal
Cape Verde escudo|the basic unit of money on Cape Verde;equal to 100 centavos
Cape Verde Islands|a group of islands in the Atlantic off of the coast of Senegal
Cape Verde monetary unit|monetary unit on Cape Verde
cape yellowwood|South African tree or shrub having a rounded crown
Cape York|the northern tip of Cape York Peninsula at the Torres Strait;the northernmost point of the Australian mainland
Cape York Peninsula|a peninsula in Queensland in northeastern Australia between the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Coral Sea
Capek|Czech writer who introduced the word 'robot' into the English language (1890-1938)
capelin|very small northern fish;forage for sea birds and marine mammals and other fishes
capeline bandage|bandage that covers the head or an amputation stump like a cap
Capella|the brightest star in Auriga
caper|a crime (especially a robbery);a playful leap or hop;any of numerous plants of the genus Capparis;pickled flower buds used as a pungent relish in various dishes and sauces
caper sauce|allemande sauce with capers
caper spurge|poisonous Old World spurge;adventive in America;seeds yield a purgative oil
caper tree|shrub of southern Florida to West Indies;shrub or small tree of southern Florida to Central and South America
capercaillie|large black Old World grouse
Capet|King of France elected in 987 and founding the Capetian dynasty (940-996)
Capetian|a member of the Capetian dynasty
Capetian dynasty|a Frankish dynasty founded by Hugh Capet that ruled from 987 to 1328
capful|the quantity that a cap will hold
capillarity|a phenomenon associated with surface tension and resulting in the elevation or depression of liquids in capillaries
capillary|a tube of small internal diameter;holds liquid by capillary action;any of the minute blood vessels connecting arterioles with venules
capillary bed|a layer of tissue densely packed with capillaries
capital|a center that is associated more than any other with some activity or product - "the crime capital of Italy" - "the drug capital of Columbia";a seat of government;assets available for use in the production of further assets;one of the large alphabetic characters used as the first letter in writing or printing proper names and sometimes for emphasis - "printers once kept the type for capitals and for small letters in separate cases;capitals were kept in the upper half of the type case and so became known as upper-case letters";the upper part of a column that supports the entablature;wealth in the form of money or property owned by a person or business and human resources of economic value;the federal government of the United States
capital account|(economics) that part of the balance of payments recording a nation's outflow and inflow of financial securities;(finance) an account of the net value of a business at a specified date
capital expenditure|the cost of long-term improvements
capital gain|the amount by which the selling price of an asset exceeds the purchase price;the gain is realized when the asset is sold
capital gains tax|a tax on capital gains - "he avoided the capital gains tax by short selling"
capital levy|a tax on capital or property
capital loss|the amount by which the purchase price of an asset exceeds the selling price;the loss is realized when the asset is sold
capital offense|a crime so serious that capital punishment is considered appropriate
capital ship|a warship of the first rank in size and armament
capital stock|the book value of the outstanding shares of a corporation
capitalism|an economic system based on private ownership of capital
capitalist|a conservative advocate of capitalism;a person who invests capital in a business (especially a large business)
capitalization|an estimation of the value of a business;the act of capitalizing on an opportunity;the sale of capital stock;writing in capital letters
capitate|the wrist bone with a rounded head shape that articulates with the 3rd metacarpus
capitation|a tax levied on the basis of a fixed amount per person
capitol|a building occupied by a state legislature;the government building in Washington where the United States Senate and the House of Representatives meet
Capitol Hill|a hill in Washington, D.C., where the Capitol Building sits and Congress meets - "they are debating the budget today on Capitol Hill"
Capitol Reef National Park|a national park in Utah having colorful rock formations and desert plants and wildlife
Capitonidae|barbets
capitulation|a document containing the terms of surrender;a summary that enumerates the main parts of a topic;the act of surrendering (usually under agreed conditions) - "they were protected until the capitulation of the fort"
capitulum|a dense cluster of flowers or foliage;an arrangement of leafy branches forming the top or head of a tree
capo|the head of a branch of an organized crime syndicate
capon|castrated male chicken;flesh of a castrated male chicken
Capone|United States gangster who terrorized Chicago during prohibition until arrested for tax evasion (1899-1947)
Caporetto|battle of World War I (1917);Italians were defeated by the Austrian and German forces
capote|a long cloak with a hood that can be pulled over the head;a long overcoat with a hood that can be pulled over the head
Cappadocia|an ancient country is eastern Asia Minor
Capparidaceae|a dilleniid dicot family of the order Rhoeadales that includes;genera Capparis, Cleome, Crateva, and Polanisia
Capparis|tropical or subtropical evergreen shrubs or small trees
cappuccino|equal parts of espresso and hot milk topped with cinnamon and nutmeg and usually whipped cream
Capra|goats;United States film maker (1897-1991)
Caprella|skeleton shrimp
Capreolus|roe deer
Capri|an island (part of Campania) in the Bay of Naples in southern Italy;a tourist attraction noted for beautiful scenery
capric acid|a fatty acid found in animal oils and fats;has an unpleasant smell resembling goats
capriccio|an instrumental composition that doesn't adhere to rules for any specific musical form and is played with improvisation
caprice|a sudden desire
capriciousness|the quality of being guided by sudden unpredictable impulses
Capricorn|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Capricorn;the tenth sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about December 22 to January 19
Capricornis|serows
Capricornus|a faint zodiacal constellation in the southern hemisphere;between Sagittarius and Aquarius
caprifig|wild variety of the common fig used to facilitate pollination of certain figs
Caprifoliaceae|shrubs and small trees and woody vines
Caprimulgidae|goatsuckers
caprimulgiform bird|long-winged nonpasserine birds
Caprimulgiformes|goatsuckers;frogmouths;oilbirds
Caprimulgus|type genus of the Caprimulgidae
capriole|(dressage) a vertical jump of a trained horse with a kick of the hind legs at the top of the jump
caproic acid|a fatty acid found in animal oils and fats or made synthetically;smells like goats
Caproidae|boarfishes
Capromyidae|coypus
Capros|a genus of fish in the family Caproidae
caprylic acid|a fatty acid having a rancid taste;found in butter and other fats and oils
capsaicin|colorless pungent crystalline compound derived from capsicum;source of the hotness of hot peppers of the genus Capsicum such as chili and cayenne and jalapeno
Capsella|shepherd's purse
capsicum|any of various tropical plants of the genus Capsicum bearing peppers
capsid|the outer covering of protein surrounding the nucleic acid of a virus
capsizing|(nautical) the event of a boat accidentally turning over in the water
capstan|a windlass rotated in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis;used on ships for weighing anchor or raising heavy sails
capstone|a stone that forms the top of wall or building
capsule|a dry dehiscent seed vessel or the spore-containing structure of e.g. mosses;a pill in the form of a small rounded gelatinous container with medicine inside;a small container;a structure that encloses a body part
captain|a dining-room attendant who is in charge of the waiters and the seating of customers;a policeman in charge of a precinct;an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant;the leader of a group of people - "a captain of industry";the naval officer in command of a military ship;the pilot in charge of an airship
captain's chair|a wooden armchair with a saddle seat and a low back that has vertical spindles
captainship|the post of captain
caption|brief description accompanying an illustration;taking exception;especially a quibble based on a captious argument - "a mere caption unworthy of a reply"
captivation|a feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual
captive|a person held in the grip of a strong emotion or passion;an animal that is confined
captive finance company|a finance company owned by a manufacturer to finance dealers' inventories or to make loans to consumers buying the company's products
captivity|the state of being imprisoned - "he was held in captivity until he died"
captopril|a drug (trade name Capoten) that blocks the formation of angiotensin in the kidneys resulting in vasodilation;used in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure
captor|a person who captures and holds people or animals
capture|a process whereby a star or planet holds an object in its gravitational field;any process in which an atomic or nuclear system acquires an additional particle;the act of forcibly dispossessing an owner of property;the act of taking of a person by force;the removal of an opponent's piece from the chess board
capuchin|a hooded cloak for women;monkey of Central America and South America having thick hair on the head that resembles a monk's cowl
capulin|Mexican black cherry;Mexican black cherry tree having edible fruit
caput|a headlike protuberance on an organ or structure - "the caput humeri is the head of the humerus which fits into a cavity in the scapula"
capybara|pig-sized tailless South American amphibious rodent with partly webbed feet;largest living rodent
car|a motor vehicle with four wheels;usually propelled by an internal combustion engine - "he needs a car to get to work";a wheeled vehicle adapted to the rails of railroad - "three cars had jumped the rails";the compartment that is suspended from an airship and that carries personnel and the cargo and the power plant;where passengers ride up and down - "the car was on the top floor"
car battery|a lead-acid storage battery in a motor vehicle;usually a 12-volt battery of six cells;the heart of the car's electrical system
car bomb|a bomb placed in a car and wired to explode when the ignition is started or by remote control or by a timing device
car boot sale|an outdoor sale at which people sell things from the trunk of their car
car care|keeping a car in good working order
car carrier|a trailer that can be loaded with new cars for delivery to sales agencies
car company|a company that makes and sells automobiles
car dealer|a firm that sells and buys cars
car door|the door of a car
car manufacturer|a business engaged in the manufacture of automobiles
car mirror|a mirror that the driver of a car can use
car pool|a small group of car drivers who arrange to take turns driving while the others are passengers
car rental|a rented car
car seat|a seat in a car
car sickness|motion sickness experienced while traveling in a car
car tire|a tire consisting of a rubber ring around the rim of an automobile wheel
car train|a train that transports passengers and their automobiles
car wheel|a wheel that has a tire and rim and hubcap;used to propel the car
car window|a window in a car
carabao|water buffalo of the Philippines
Carabidae|ground beetles
carabiner|an oblong metal ring with a spring clip;used in mountaineering to attach a rope to a piton or to connect two ropes
caracal|of deserts of northern Africa and southern Asia
caracara|any of various long-legged carrion-eating hawks of South America and Central America
Caracas|the capital and largest city of Venezuela
caracolito|large Costa Rican tree having light-colored wood suitable for cabinetry;similar to the African lepidobotrys in wood structure as well as in fruit and flowers and leaves and seeds;often classified in other families
carafe|a bottle with a stopper;for serving wine or water
carambola|deeply ridged yellow-brown tropical fruit;used raw as a vegetable or in salad or when fully ripe as a dessert;East Indian tree bearing deeply ridged yellow-brown fruit
caramel|burnt sugar;used to color and flavor food;firm chewy candy made from caramelized sugar and butter and milk
carancha|South American caracara
caranday|South American palm yielding a wax similar to carnauba wax
carangid fish|a percoid fish of the family Carangidae
Carangidae|large family of narrow-bodied marine food fishes with widely forked tails;chiefly of warm seas
Caranx|type genus of the Carangidae
carapace|hard outer covering or case of certain organisms such as arthropods and turtles
Carapidae|pearlfishes;related to the Brotulidae
Carassius|goldfish
carat|a unit of weight for precious stones = 200 mg
Caravaggio|Italian painter noted for his realistic depiction of religious subjects and his novel use of light (1573-1610)
caravan|a procession (of wagons or mules or camels) traveling together in single file - "we were part of a caravan of almost a thousand camels"
caravanning|the practice of taking holidays in a caravan
caravansary|an inn in some eastern countries with a large courtyard that provides accommodation for caravans
caraway|a Eurasian plant with small white flowers yielding caraway seed;leaves used sparingly in soups and stews
caraway seed|aromatic seeds of the caraway plant;used widely as seasoning
caraway seed bread|bread containing caraway seeds
carbamate|a salt (or ester) of carbamic acid
carbamic acid|an acid that is known only by virtue of its salts (as ammonium carbamate) or its esters (as urethane)
carbide|a binary compound of carbon with a more electropositive element
carbine|light automatic rifle
carbineer|a soldier (historically a mounted soldier) who is armed with a carbine
carbohydrate|an essential structural component of living cells and source of energy for animals;includes simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances;are classified according to the number of monosaccharide groups they contain
carbohydrate loading|a diet of foods high in starch that increases carbohydrate reserves in muscles
carbolic acid|a toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene;used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic;poisonous if taken internally
Carboloy|an alloy based on tungsten with cobalt or nickel as a binder;used in making metal-cutting tools
carbomycin|a colorless basic antibiotic that inhibits the growth of Gram-positive organisms
carbon|a copy made with carbon paper;an abundant nonmetallic tetravalent element occurring in three allotropic forms;amorphous carbon and graphite and diamond;occurs in all organic compounds
carbon arc lamp|has carbon electrodes
carbon atom|an atom of carbon
carbon black|a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
carbon cycle|a thermonuclear reaction in the interior of stars;the organic circulation of carbon from the atmosphere into organisms and back again
carbon dioxide|a heavy odorless colorless gas formed during respiration and by the decomposition of organic substances;absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis
carbon disulfide|a toxic colorless flammable liquid (CS2);used in the manufacture of rayon and cellophane and carbon tetrachloride and as a solvent for rubber
carbon monoxide|an odorless very poisonous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon
carbon monoxide poisoning|a toxic condition that results from inhaling and absorbing carbon monoxide gas
carbon nanotube|a fullerene molecule having a cylindrical or toroidal shape
carbon paper|a thin paper coated on one side with a dark waxy substance (often containing carbon);used to transfer characters from the original to an under sheet of paper
carbon process|a process of printing on paper coated with bichromated gelatin containing pigment
carbon steel|steel whose characteristics are determined by the amount of carbon it contains
carbon tetrachloride|a colorless nonflammable liquid used as a solvent for fats and oils;because of its toxicity its use as a cleaning fluid or fire extinguisher has declined
carbon tetrahalide|compounds composed of 1 carbon and 4 halogen molecules
carbonado|a piece of meat (or fish) that has been scored and broiled;an inferior dark diamond used in industry for drilling and polishing
carbonara|sauce for pasta;contains eggs and bacon or ham and grated cheese
carbonate|a salt or ester of carbonic acid (containing the anion CO3)
carbonation|saturation with carbon dioxide (as soda water)
Carbondale|a town in southern Illinois
carbonic acid|a weak acid known only in solution;formed when carbon dioxide combines with water
Carboniferous|from 345 million to 280 million years ago
carbonization|the destructive distillation of coal (as in coke ovens)
carbonnade flamande|beef stewed in beer seasoned with garlic and served with boiled potatoes
carbonyl|a compound containing metal combined with carbon monoxide
carbonyl group|the bivalent radical CO
carborundum|an abrasive composed of silicon carbide crystals
carboxyl|the univalent radical -COOH;present in and characteristic of organic acids
carboxylic acid|an organic acid characterized by one or more carboxyl groups
carboxymethyl cellulose|an acid derivative of cellulose
carboy|a large bottle for holding corrosive liquids;usually cushioned in a special container
carbuncle|an infection larger than a boil and with several openings for discharge of pus;deep-red cabochon garnet cut without facets
carburetor|mixes air with gasoline vapor prior to explosion
carcase|the dead body of an animal especially one slaughtered and dressed for food
Carcharhinidae|largest family of living sharks;found worldwide especially in tropical waters;dorsal fin lacks spines;requiem sharks including tiger sharks and soupfin sharks
Carcharhinus|type genus of the Carcharhinidae
Carcharias|type and sole genus of Carchariidae;sand sharks
Carchariidae|sand sharks;in some classifications coextensive with family Carcharhinidae
Carcharodon|man-eating sharks
carcinogen|any substance that produces cancer
carcinoid|a small tumor (benign or malignant) arising from the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract;usually associated with excessive secretion of serotonin
carcinoma|any malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue;one of the four major types of cancer
carcinoma in situ|a cluster of malignant cells that has not yet invaded the deeper epithelial tissue or spread to other parts of the body
carcinosarcoma|a malignant neoplasm composed of carcinoma and sarcoma extensively intermixed
card|(golf) a record of scores (as in golf) - "you have to turn in your card to get a handicap";a card certifying the identity of the bearer - "he had to show his card to get in";a rectangular piece of stiff paper used to send messages (may have printed greetings or pictures) - "they sent us a card from Miami";one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes - "he collected cards and traded them with the other boys";thin cardboard, usually rectangular
card catalog|a library catalog in which each publication is described on a separate file card
card game|a game played with playing cards
card index|an alphabetical listing of items (e.g., books in a library) with a separate card for each item
card player|someone who plays (or knows how to play) card games
card table|a small light table with folding legs;can be folded for storage;a table for playing cards (as in a casino)
card trick|a trick performed with playing cards
Cardamine|bittercress, bitter cress
cardamom|aromatic seeds used as seasoning like cinnamon and cloves especially in pickles and barbecue sauces;rhizomatous herb of India having aromatic seeds used as seasoning
cardboard|a stiff moderately thick paper
cardcase|a small case for carrying business cards
cardholder|a person who holds a credit card or debit card;a player who holds a card or cards in a card game
cardia|the opening into the stomach and that part of the stomach connected to the esophagus
cardiac arrhythmia|an abnormal rate of muscle contractions in the heart
cardiac cycle|the complete cycle of events in the heart from the beginning of one heart beat to the beginning of the next;an electrical impulse conducted through the heart muscle that constricts the atria which is followed by constriction of the ventricles - "the cardiac cycle can be shown on an electrocardiogram"
cardiac glycoside|obtained from a number of plants and used to stimulate the heart in cases of heart failure
cardiac massage|an emergency procedure that employs rhythmic compression of the heart (either through the chest wall or, during surgery, directly to the heart) in an attempt to maintain circulation during cardiac arrest
cardiac monitor|a piece of electronic equipment for continual observation of the function of the heart
cardiac muscle|the muscle tissue of the heart;adapted to continued rhythmic contraction
cardiac output|the amount of blood pumped out by the ventricles in a given period of time - "a resting adult has a cardiac output of about three quarts a minute"
cardiac plexus|a plexus of nerves supplying the heart and nearby structures
cardiac rhythm|the rhythm of a beating heart
cardiac sphincter|the valve between the distal end of the esophagus and the stomach;the physiological sphincter at the esophagogastric junction
cardiac tamponade|mechanical compression of the heart resulting from large amounts of fluid collecting in the pericardial space and limiting the heart's normal range of motion
Cardiff|the capital and largest city of Wales
cardigan|knitted jacket that is fastened up the front with buttons or a zipper;slightly bowlegged variety of corgi having rounded ears and a long tail
Cardiidae|somewhat heart-shaped sand-burrowing bivalve mollusks
cardinal|(Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes;a variable color averaging a vivid red;crested thick-billed North American finch having bright red plumage in the male
cardinal compass point|one of the four main compass points
cardinal flower|North American lobelia having brilliant red flowers
cardinal number|the number of elements in a mathematical set;denotes a quantity but not the order
cardinal tetra|small bright red and blue aquarium fish from streams in Brazil and Colombia
cardinal vein|any of the major venous channels in primitive adult vertebrates and in embryos of higher vertebrates
cardinal virtue|one of the seven preeminent virtues
cardinalate|cardinals collectively
cardinalfish|small red fishes of coral reefs and inshore tropical waters
cardinality|(mathematics) the number of elements in a set or group (considered as a property of that grouping)
cardinalship|the office of cardinal
cardiogenic shock|shock caused by cardiac arrest
cardiograph|medical instrument that records electric currents associated with contractions of the heart
cardiography|diagnostic procedure consisting of recording the activity of the heart electronically with a cardiograph (and producing a cardiogram)
cardioid|an epicycloid in which the rolling circle equals the fixed circle
cardioid microphone|a directional microphone with a cardioid pattern of sensitivity
cardiologist|a specialist in cardiology;a specialist in the structure and function and disorders of the heart
cardiology|the branch of medicine dealing with the heart and its diseases
cardiomegaly|an abnormal enlargement of the heart - "mild cardiomegaly is common in athletes"
cardiomyopathy|a disorder (usually of unknown origin) of the heart muscle (myocardium)
cardiopulmonary exercise|exercise intended to strengthen the circulatory system
cardiopulmonary resuscitation|an emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artificial respiration;the first treatment for a person who has collapsed and has no pulse and has stopped breathing;attempts to restore circulation of the blood and prevent death or brain damage due to lack of oxygen
cardiospasm|a spasm of the cardiac sphincter (between the esophagus and the stomach);if the cardiac sphincter does not relax during swallowing the passage of food into the stomach is obstructed
Cardiospermum|tendril-climbing herbs or shrubs whose seeds have a white heart-shaped spot
cardiovascular disease|a disease of the heart or blood vessels
carditis|inflammation of the heart
Cardium|type genus of the family Cardiidae;cockles
cardoon|only parts eaten are roots and especially stalks (blanched and used as celery);related to artichokes;southern European plant having spiny leaves and purple flowers cultivated for its edible leafstalks and roots
cardroom|a room for gambling on card games
cardsharp|a professional card player who makes a living by cheating at card games
Carducci|Italian poet considered the national poet of modern Italy (1835-1907)
Carduelinae|used in some classifications for a subgroup of finches
Carduelis|in some classifications considered the type genus of a subfamily Carduelinae of the family Fringillidae;goldfinches;siskins;redpolls;linnets
Carduus|genus of annual or perennial Old World prickly thistles
care|a cause for feeling concern - "his major care was the illness of his wife";activity involved in maintaining something in good working order - "he wrote the manual on car care";attention and management implying responsibility for safety - "he is in the care of a bodyguard";the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something - "no medical care was required"
career|the general progression of your working or professional life - "the general had had a distinguished career" - "he had a long career in the law";the particular occupation for which you are trained
career counseling|counseling on career opportunities
career girl|a woman who is a careerist
career man|a man who is a careerist
careerism|the practice of advancing your career at the expense of your personal integrity
careerist|a professional who is intent on furthering his or her career by any possible means and often at the expense of their own integrity
carefreeness|the cheerful feeling you have when nothing is troubling you;the trait of being without worry or responsibility
carefulness|the quality of being careful and painstaking - "I admired the carefulness of his work"
caregiver|a person who is responsible for attending to the needs of a child or dependent adult
carelessness|the quality of not being careful or taking pains
caress|a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it) - "he showered her with caresses" - "soft music was a fond caress" - "the caresses of the breeze played over his face"
caressing|affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
caret|a mark used by an author or editor to indicate where something is to be inserted into a text
caretaker|a custodian who is hired to take care of something (property or a person);an official who performs the duties of an office temporarily - "he acted as a caretaker until a new president could be elected"
Caretta|loggerhead turtles
Carew|Englishman and Cavalier poet whose lyric poetry was favored by Charles I (1595-1639)
Carex|large genus of plants found in damp woodlands and bogs and ditches or at water margins;sedges
car-ferry|a ferry that transports motor vehicles
carful|the quantity that a car will hold
cargo|goods carried by a large vehicle
cargo area|the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo
cargo container|a large container for freight
cargo cult|(Melanesia) the followers of one of several millenarian cults that believe salvation will come in the form of wealth ('cargo') brought by westerners;some ascribe divine attributes to westerners on first contact (especially to missionaries);a religious cult that anticipates a time of joy, serenity, and justice when salvation comes
cargo door|door used to load or unload cargo
cargo hatch|hatch opening into the cargo compartment
cargo helicopter|a helicopter that carries cargo
cargo liner|a liner that carries cargo
cargo ship|a ship designed to carry cargo
carhop|a waiter at a drive-in restaurant
Cariama|the type genus of the Cariamidae comprising only the crested cariama
Cariamidae|crane-like South American wading birds
Carib|a member of an American Indian peoples of northeastern South America and the Lesser Antilles;the family of languages spoken by the Carib
carib wood|small Dominican tree bearing masses of large crimson flowers before the fine pinnate foliage emerges
Caribbean|an arm of the Atlantic Ocean between North and South America;the origin of the Gulf stream;region including the Caribbean Islands
Caribbean Island|an island in the Caribbean Sea
caribou|Arctic deer with large antlers in both sexes;called 'reindeer' in Eurasia and 'caribou' in North America
Carica|type genus of the Caricaceae;tropical American trees;papayas
Caricaceae|trees native to tropical America and Africa with milky juice and large palmately lobed leaves
caricature|a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect
caricature plant|tropical Old World shrub having purple or red tubular flowers and leaf markings resembling the profile of a human face
caricaturist|someone who parodies in an exaggerated manner
carillon|set of bells hung in a bell tower
carillonneur|a musician who plays a carillon
Carina|a keel-shaped constellation in the southern hemisphere;contains the start Canopus;any of various keel-shaped structures or ridges such as that on the breastbone of a bird or that formed by the fused petals of a pea blossom
carina fornicis|ridge on the lower surface of the fornix of the brain
carinate|birds having keeled breastbones for attachment of flight muscles
carioca|a lively ballroom dance that resembles the samba;music composed for dancing the carioca;a native or inhabitant of Rio de Janeiro
carissa|a shrub of the genus Carissa having fragrant white flowers and plumlike red to purple-black fruits
carissa plum|edible scarlet plumlike fruit of a South African plant
carjacking|the violent theft of an occupied car
Carl XVI Gustav|king of Sweden since 1973 (born 1946)
Carlina|genus of Mediterranean thistles
carline thistle|a thistle of the genus Carlina
carload|a gathering of passengers sufficient to fill an automobile
Carlsbad|a town in southeastern New Mexico on the Pecos River near the Mexican border;potash deposits
Carlsbad Caverns|a group of caverns in southeastern New Mexico noted for their stalactites and stalagmites
Carlsbad Caverns National Park|a national park in New Mexico featuring what is probably the world's largest cavern with spectacular underground formations
Carlyle|Scottish historian who wrote about the French Revolution (1795-1881)
Carmelite|a Roman Catholic friar wearing the white cloak of the Carmelite order;mendicant preachers
Carmelite order|a Roman Catholic mendicant order founded in the 12th century
Carmichael|United States songwriter (1899-1981)
carminative|medication that prevents the formation of gas in the alimentary tract or eases its passing
carnal abuse|any lascivious contact by an adult with the sexual organs of a child (especially not involving sexual intercourse)
carnallite|a white or reddish mineral consisting of hydrous chlorides of potassium and magnesium;used as a fertilizer and as a source of potassium and magnesium
carnassial tooth|the last upper premolar and first lower molar teeth of a carnivore;having sharp edges for cutting flesh
carnation|a pink or reddish-pink color;Eurasian plant with pink to purple-red spice-scented usually double flowers;widely cultivated in many varieties and many colors
carnauba|Brazilian fan palm having an edible root;source of a useful leaf fiber and a brittle yellowish wax
carnauba wax|hard yellowish to brownish wax from leaves of the carnauba palm used especially in floor waxes and polishes
Carnegie|United States educator famous for writing a book about how to win friends and influence people (1888-1955);United States industrialist and philanthropist who endowed education and public libraries and research trusts (1835-1919)
Carnegie Mellon University|an engineering university in Pittsburgh
Carnegiea|caryophylloid dicot genus with only one species;saguaro
carnelian|a translucent red or orange variety of chalcedony
Carniolan bee|greyish highly productive European honeybee that has a quiet disposition
carnival|a festival marked by merrymaking and processions;a traveling show;having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.
Carnivora|cats;lions;tigers;panthers;dogs;wolves;jackals;bears;raccoons;skunks;and members of the suborder Pinnipedia
carnivore|a terrestrial or aquatic flesh-eating mammal - "terrestrial carnivores have four or five clawed digits on each limb";any animal that feeds on flesh - "Tyrannosaurus Rex was a large carnivore" - "insectivorous plants are considered carnivores"
carnivorous bat|typically having large ears and feeding primarily on insects;worldwide in distribution
carnivorous plant|plants adapted to attract and capture and digest primarily insects but also other small animals
carnosaur|large carnivorous bipedal dinosaur having huge claws
Carnosaura|largest carnivorous land animals ever known
Carnot|French physicist who founded thermodynamics (1796-1832)
Carnot cycle|a cycle (of expansion and compression) of an idealized reversible heat engine that does work without loss of heat
carnotite|a yellow radioactive mineral;an ore of uranium and radium and vanadium
carob|evergreen Mediterranean tree with edible pods;the biblical carob;long pod containing small beans and sweetish edible pulp;used as animal feed and source of a chocolate substitute;powder from the ground seeds and pods of the carob tree;used as a chocolate substitute
carob bar|a bar of candy made with carob powder
caroche|a luxurious carriage suitable for nobility in the 16th and 17th century
carol|a joyful song (usually celebrating the birth of Christ);joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ
caroler|a singer of carols
Carolina|the area of the states of North Carolina and South Carolina
Carolina allspice|hardy shrub of southeastern United States having clove-scented wood and fragrant red-brown flowers
Carolina buckthorn|deciduous shrub of eastern and central United States having black berrylike fruit;golden-yellow in autumn
Carolina chickadee|southern United States chickadee similar to the blackcap but smaller
Carolina hemlock|medium-sized evergreen of southeastern United States having spreading branches and widely diverging cone scales
Carolina lupine|eastern United States bush pea
Carolina moonseed|woody vine of southeastern United States resembling the common moonseed but having red fruits
Carolina parakeet|extinct parakeet whose range extended far into the United States
Carolina spring beauty|similar to Claytonia virginica but having usually pink flowers;eastern North America
Carolina wren|large United States wren with a musical call
Caroline Islands|a long archipelago of more than 500 islands in Micronesia to the east of the Philippines
caroling|singing joyful religious songs (especially at Christmas)
Carolingian|a member of the Carolingian dynasty
Carolingian dynasty|a Frankish dynasty founded by Charlemagne's father that ruled from 751 to 987
Carolinian|a native or resident of the Carolinas
carom|a shot in billiards in which the cue ball contacts one object ball and then the other
carotene|yellow or orange-red fat-soluble pigments in plants
carotenemia|excess carotene in the blood stream;can cause the skin to turn a pale yellow or red color
carotenoid|any of a class of highly unsaturated yellow to red pigments occurring in plants and animals
Carothers|United States chemist who developed nylon (1896-1937)
carotid artery|either of two major arteries of the neck and head;branches from the aorta
carotid body|a chemoreceptor located near the bifurcations of the carotid arteries;monitors oxygen content of the blood and helps control respiration
carotid plexus|a plexus of nerves surrounding the internal carotid artery
carouse|revelry in drinking;a merry drinking party
carousel|a conveyer belt that carries luggage to be claimed by air travelers;a large, rotating machine with seats for children to ride or amusement
carp|any of various freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae;the lean flesh of a fish that is often farmed;can be baked or braised
carpal bone|any of the eight small bones of the wrist of primates
carpal tunnel|a passageway in the wrist through which nerves and the flexor muscles of the hands pass
carpal tunnel syndrome|a painful disorder caused by compression of a nerve in the carpal tunnel;characterized by discomfort and weakness in the hands and fingers and by sensations of tingling, burning or numbness
Carpathians|a mountain range in central Europe that extends from Slovakia and southern Poland southeastward through western Ukraine to northeastern Romania;a popular resort area
carpel|a simple pistil or one element of a compound pistil
carpenter|a woodworker who makes or repairs wooden objects
carpenter ant|ant that nests in decaying wood in which it bores tunnels for depositing eggs
carpenter bee|large solitary bee that lays eggs in tunnels bored into wood or plant stems
carpenteria|California evergreen shrub having glossy opposite leaves and terminal clusters of a few fragrant white flowers
carpenter's hammer|a hammer with a cleft at one end for pulling nails
carpenter's kit|a set of carpenter's tools
carpenter's level|a straight bar of light metal with a spirit level in it
carpenter's mallet|a short-handled mallet with a wooden head used to strike a chisel or wedge
carpenter's rule|a rule used by a carpenter
carpenter's square|a steel square used by carpenters;larger than a try square
carpentry|the craft of a carpenter;making things out of wood
carper|someone who constantly criticizes in a petty way
carpet|a natural object that resembles or suggests a carpet - "a carpet of flowers" - "the larvae of some moths spin a web that resembles a carpet"
carpet beater|implement for beating dust out of carpets
carpet beetle|small beetle whose larvae are household pests feeding on woolen fabrics
carpet bombing|an extensive and systematic bombing intended to devastate a large target
carpet knight|a knight who spends his time in luxury and idleness (knighted on the carpet at court rather than on the field of battle)
carpet loom|a loom for weaving carpeting
carpet moth|larvae feed on carpets and other woolens
carpet pad|a pad placed under a carpet
carpet shark|shark of the western Pacific with flattened body and mottled skin
carpet snake|Australian python with a variegated pattern on its back
carpet sweeper|a cleaning implement with revolving brushes that pick up dirt as the implement is pushed over a carpet
carpet tack|used to nail down carpets
carpetbag|traveling bag made of carpet;widely used in 19th century
carpetbagger|an outsider who seeks power or success presumptuously - "after the Civil War the carpetbaggers from the north tried to take over the south"
carpetweed|annual prostrate mat-forming weed having whorled leaves and small greenish-white flowers;widespread throughout North America
Carphophis|thunder snake
Carpinaceae|used in some classification systems for the genera Carpinus, Ostryopsis, and Ostryopsis
Carpinus|mostly deciduous monoecious trees or shrubs;hornbeams;sometimes placed in subfamily Carpinaceae
Carpobrotus|a caryophyllaceous genus of Carpobrotus
Carpocapsa|codling moths
Carpodacus|house finches and purple finches
carpophore|a slender stalk that furnishes an axis for a carpel
carport|garage for one or two cars consisting of a flat roof supported on poles
carpospore|a nonmotile spore of red algae
carrack|a large galleon sailed in the Mediterranean as a merchantman
carrageenin|a colloidal extract from carrageen seaweed and other red algae
Carrel|French surgeon and biologist who developed a way to suture and graft blood vessels (1873-1944);small individual study area in a library
Carrere|United States architect who with his partner Thomas Hastings designed many important public buildings (1858-1911)
carriage|a machine part that carries something else;a vehicle with wheels drawn by one or more horses;characteristic way of bearing one's body
carriage bolt|a roundheaded bolt for timber;threaded along part of the shank;inserted into holes already drilled
carriage return|the operation that prepares for the next character to be printed or displayed as the first character on a line
carriage trade|trade from upper-class customers
carriage wrench|a wrench designed for use with carriage bolts
carriageway|one of the two sides of a motorway where traffic travels in one direction only usually in two or three lanes
carrick bend|a knot used to connect the ends of two large ropes or hawsers
carrick bitt|either of a pair of strong posts that support a windlass on a ship's deck
carrier|(genetics) an organism that possesses a recessive gene whose effect is masked by a dominant allele;the associated trait is not apparent but can be passed on to offspring;(medicine) a person (or animal) who has some pathogen to which he is immune but who can pass it on to others;a boy who delivers newspapers;a person or firm in the business of transporting people or goods or messages;a rack attached to a vehicle;for carrying luggage or skis or the like;a self-propelled wheeled vehicle designed specifically to carry something - "refrigerated carriers have revolutionized the grocery business";an inactive substance that is a vehicle for a radioactive tracer of the same substance and that assists in its recovery after some chemical reaction;someone whose employment involves carrying something - "the bonds were transmitted by carrier"
carrier pigeon|a homing pigeon used to carry messages
carrier wave|a radio wave that can be modulated in order to transmit a signal
carrion|the dead and rotting body of an animal;unfit for human food
Carroll|English author;Charles Dodgson was an Oxford don of mathematics who is remembered for the children's stories he wrote under the pen name Lewis Carroll (1832-1898)
carron oil|an ointment formerly used to treat burns
carrot|deep orange edible root of the cultivated carrot plant;orange root;important source of carotene;perennial plant widely cultivated as an annual in many varieties for its long conical orange edible roots;temperate and tropical regions;promise of reward as in "carrot and stick" - "used the carrot of subsidized housing for the workers to get their vote"
carrot juice|usually freshly squeezed juice of carrots
carrot pudding|pudding made with grated carrots
carrot stick|a stick of carrot eaten raw
carry|the act of carrying something
carryall|a capacious bag or basket
carrycot|box-shaped baby bed with handles (for a baby to sleep in while being carried)
carrying charge|charge made for carrying an account or for merchandise sold on an installment plan
carrying cost|the opportunity cost of unproductive assets;the expense incurred by ownership
carry-over|the accumulated and undivided profits of a corporation after provision has been made for dividends and reserves
Carson|United States biologist remembered for her opposition to the use of pesticides that were hazardous to wildlife (1907-1964);United States frontiersman who guided Fremont's expeditions in the 1840s and served as a Union general in the American Civil War (1809-1868)
Carson City|capital of the state of Nevada;located in western Nevada
cart|a heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal
cartage|the work of taking something away in a cart or truck and disposing of it
Cartagena|a port city in northwestern Colombia on the Caribbean;a port in southeastern Spain on the Mediterranean
Cartagena bark|Colombian tree;source of Cartagena bark (a cinchona bark)
carte blanche|complete freedom or authority to act
Carter|39th President of the United States (1924-);Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939);someone whose work is driving carts
Carter administration|the executive under President Carter
Cartesian|a follower of Cartesian thought
Cartesian coordinate|one of the coordinates in a system of coordinates that locates a point on a plane or in space by its distance from two lines or three planes respectively;the two lines or the intersections of the three planes are the coordinate axes
Cartesian coordinate system|a coordinate system for which the coordinates of a point are its distances from a set perpendicular lines that intersect at the origin of the system
Cartesian plane|a plane in which all points can be described in Cartesian coordinates
Carthage|an ancient city state on the north African coast near modern Tunis;founded by Phoenicians;destroyed and rebuilt by Romans;razed by Arabs in 697
Carthaginian|a native or inhabitant of ancient Carthage
Carthamus|safflower
carthorse|draft horse kept for pulling carts
Carthusian|a member of the Carthusian order
Carthusian order|an austere contemplative Roman Catholic order founded by St. Bruno in 1084
Cartier|French explorer who explored the St. Lawrence river and laid claim to the region for France (1491-1557)
cartilage|tough elastic tissue;mostly converted to bone in adults
cartilage bone|any bone that develops within cartilage rather than a fibrous tissue
cartilaginification|abnormal formation of cartilage from other tissues;observed in some Asians
cartilaginous fish|fishes in which the skeleton may be calcified but not ossified
cartilaginous structure|body structure given shape by cartilage
cartilaginous tube|a duct with cartilaginous walls
cartload|the quantity that a cart holds
cartographer|a person who makes maps
carton|a box made of cardboard;opens by flaps on top;the quantity contained in a carton
cartoon|a film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence;a humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine
cartoonist|a person who draws cartoons
cartouche|a cartridge (usually with paper casing)
cartridge|a module designed to be inserted into a larger piece of equipment - "he loaded a cartridge of fresh tape into the tape deck";ammunition consisting of a cylindrical casing containing an explosive charge and a bullet;fired from a rifle or handgun;an electro-acoustic transducer that is the part of the arm of a record player that holds the needle and that is removable
cartridge belt|a broad belt with loops or pockets for holding ammunition
cartridge brass|an alloy of copper and zinc (containing about 30% zinc) that is wrought into cartridges or tubing
cartridge ejector|a mechanism in a firearm that ejects the empty shell case after firing
cartridge extractor|a mechanism in a firearm that pulls an empty shell case out of the chamber and passes it to the ejector
cartridge fuse|a fuse cased in a tube
cartridge holder|a metal frame or container holding cartridges;can be inserted into an automatic gun
cartridge paper|paper for making cartridge cases;thick white paper for pencil and ink drawings
cartwheel|a wheel that has wooden spokes and a metal rim;acrobatic revolutions with the body turned sideways and the arms and legs outstretched like the spokes of a wheel
cartwright|a workman who makes and repairs carts and wagons;English clergyman who invented the power loom (1743-1823)
Carum|caraway
caruncle|an outgrowth on a plant or animal such as a fowl's wattle or a protuberance near the hilum of certain seeds
Caruso|outstanding Italian operatic tenor (1873-1921)
carvedilol|beta blocker that can reduce the progression of heart failure in individuals whose disease is not advanced
Carver|United States botanist and agricultural chemist who developed many uses for peanuts and soy beans and sweet potatoes (1864-1943)
carving|a sculpture created by removing material (as wood or ivory or stone) in order to create a desired shape;removing parts from hard material to create a desired pattern or shape
carving fork|a large fork used in carving cooked meat
carving knife|a large knife used to carve cooked meat
Carya|genus of large deciduous nut-bearing trees;United States and China
caryatid|a supporting column carved in the shape of a person
Caryocar|type genus of the Caryocaraceae;South American trees yielding strong fine-grained wood and edible nuts
Caryocaraceae|small genus of tropical South American trees
Caryophyllaceae|large family of herbs or subshrubs (usually with stems swollen at the nodes)
caryophyllaceous plant|a plant of the family Caryophyllaceae
Caryophyllales|corresponds approximately to the older group Centrospermae
Caryophyllidae|a group of families of mostly flowers having basal or central placentation and trinucleate pollen (binucleate pollen is commoner in flowering plants);contains 14 families including;Caryophyllaceae (carnations and pinks);Aizoaceae;Amaranthaceae;Batidaceae;Chenopodiaceae;Cactaceae (order Opuntiales);Nyctaginaceae;Phytolaccaceae;corresponds approximately to order Caryophyllales;sometimes classified as a superorder
caryophylloid dicot family|family of relatively early dicotyledonous plants including mostly flowers
caryophylloid dicot genus|genus of relatively early dicotyledonous plants including mostly flowers
Caryota|fishtail palms
casaba|melon having yellowish rind and whitish flesh
Casablanca|a port on the Atlantic and the largest city of Morocco
Casals|an outstanding Spanish cellist noted for his interpretation of Bach's cello suites (1876-1973)
Casanova|an Italian adventurer who wrote vivid accounts of his sexual encounters (1725-1798);any man noted for his amorous adventures
cascade|a small waterfall or series of small waterfalls;a succession of stages or operations or processes or units - "progressing in severity as though a cascade of genetic damage was occurring" - "separation of isotopes by a cascade of processes"
cascade everlasting|shrub with white woolly branches and woolly leaves having fragrant flowers forming long sprays;flowers suitable for drying;sometimes placed in genus Helichrysum
cascade liquefier|an apparatus used to liquefy air or oxygen etc.
cascade penstemon|whorls of deep blue to dark purple flowers at tips of erect leafy stems;moist places from British Columbia to Oregon
cascade transformer|a number of transformers in series;provides a high-voltage source
Cascades|a mountain range in the northwestern United States extending through Washington and Oregon and northern California;a part of the Coast Range
cascades frog|mountain frog found near water;of United States Northwest to California
cascara|dried bark of the cascara buckthorn used as a laxative
cascara buckthorn|shrubby tree of the Pacific coast of the United States;yields cascara sagrada
cascarilla|West Indian shrub with aromatic bark
cascarilla bark|aromatic bark of cascarilla;used as a tonic and for making incense
case|(printing) the receptacle in which a compositor has his type, which is divided into compartments for the different letters, spaces, or numbers - "for English, a compositor will ordinarily have two such cases, the upper case containing the capitals and the lower case containing the small letters";a glass container used to store and display items in a shop or museum or home;a person requiring professional services - "a typical case was the suburban housewife described by a marriage counselor";a portable container for carrying several objects - "the musicians left their instrument cases backstage";a problem requiring investigation - "Perry Mason solved the case of the missing heir";a specific state of mind that is temporary - "a case of the jitters";a statement of facts and reasons used to support an argument - "he stated his case clearly";an occurrence of something - "it was a case of bad judgment";bed linen consisting of a cover for a pillow - "the burglar carried his loot in a pillowcase";nouns or pronouns or adjectives (often marked by inflection) related in some way to other words in a sentence;the actual state of things - "that was not the case";the quantity contained in a case
case agreement|agreement in grammatical case between words in the same construction
case history|detailed record of the background of a person or group under study or treatment
case knife|a knife with a fixed blade that is carried in a sheath;a metal blade with a handle;used as cutlery
case law|(civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
case load|the number of cases handled in a given period of time (as by a court or agency)
case officer|an operative who also serves as an official staffer of an intelligence service
case shot|a metallic cylinder packed with shot and used as ammunition in a firearm
case study|a careful study of some social unit (as a corporation or division within a corporation) that attempts to determine what factors led to its success or failure;a detailed analysis of a person or group from a social or psychological or medical point of view
casebook|a book in which detailed written records of a case are kept and which are a source of information for subsequent work
case-fatality proportion|the number of cases of a disease ending in death divided by the number of cases of the disease;usually expressed as a percentage or as the number of deaths per 1000 cases
case-hardened steel|steel with a surface that is much harder than the interior metal
casein|a milk protein used in making e.g. plastics and adhesives
casein glue|made from casein;used for e.g. plywood and cabinetwork
casein paint|a water-base paint made with a protein precipitated from milk
casemaking clothes moth|the larvae live in tubes of its food material fastened with silk that it spins
casement|a window sash that is hinged (usually on one side)
casement window|a window with one or more casements
casern|military barracks in a garrison town
case-to-infection proportion|the number of cases of a disease divided by the number of infections with the agent that causes the disease
casework|close sociological study of a maladjusted person or family for diagnosis and treatment
caseworm|insect larva that constructs a protective case around its body
cash|money in the form of bills or coins - "there is a desperate shortage of hard cash";prompt payment for goods or services in currency or by check;United States country music singer and songwriter (1932-2003)
cash account|an account with a securities brokerage whose transactions are settled on a cash basis
cash bar|a counter at a large party where you can purchase drinks by the glass
cash basis|a method of accounting in which each item is entered as payments are received or made
cash card|a credit card that entitles the holder to receive cash
cash crop|a readily salable crop that is grown and gathered for the market (as vegetables or cotton or tobacco)
cash equivalent|a highly liquid debt instrument with maturities of less than three months
cash flow|the excess of cash revenues over cash outlays in a give period of time (not including non-cash expenses)
cash machine|an unattended machine (outside some banks) that dispenses money when a personal coded card is used
cash register|a cashbox with an adding machine to register transactions;used in shops to add up the bill
cash surrender value|the amount that the insurance company will pay on a given life insurance policy if the policy is cancelled prior to the death of the insured
cashbox|a strongbox for holding cash
cashew|kidney-shaped nut edible only when roasted;tropical American evergreen tree bearing kidney-shaped nuts that are edible only when roasted
cashier|a person responsible for receiving payments for goods and services (as in a shop or restaurant)
cashier's check|a check issued by the officer of a bank on the banks own account (not that of a private person) - "cashier's checks are as good as cash"
cashmere|a soft fabric made from the wool of the Cashmere goat;the wool of the Kashmir goat
Cashmere goat|Himalayan goat having a silky undercoat highly prized as cashmere wool
casing|the enclosing frame around a door or window opening - "the casings had rotted away and had to be replaced";the outermost covering of a pneumatic tire
casino|a card game in which cards face up on the table are taken with eligible cards in the hand;a public building for gambling and entertainment
cask|the quantity a cask will hold
casket|small and often ornate box for holding jewels or other valuables
Casmerodius|a white egrets
Caspar|(New Testament) one of the three sages from the east who came bearing gifts for the infant Jesus
caspase|any of a group of proteases that mediate apoptosis
Casper|a city of east central Wyoming on the North Platte river
Caspian|a large saltwater lake between Iran and Russia fed by the Volga River;the largest inland body of water in the world
casque|(15-16th century) any armor for the head;usually ornate without a visor
casquet|a light open casque without a visor or beaver
Cassandra|(Greek mythology) a prophetess in Troy during the Trojan War whose predictions were true but were never believed
cassareep|a flavoring made by boiling down the juice of the bitter cassava;used in West Indian cooking
cassava|a starch made by leaching and drying the root of the cassava plant;the source of tapioca;a staple food in the tropics;any of several plants of the genus Manihot having fleshy roots yielding a nutritious starch;cassava root eaten as a staple food after drying and leaching;source of tapioca
Cassegrainian telescope|a reflecting telescope that has a paraboloidal primary mirror and a hyperboloidal secondary mirror;light is brought to a focus through an aperture in the center of the primary mirror
casserole|food cooked and served in a casserole;large deep dish in which food can be cooked and served
cassette|a container that holds a magnetic tape used for recording or playing sound or video
cassette deck|a tape deck for playing and recording cassette tapes
cassette player|electronic equipment for playing cassettes
cassette recorder|a recorder for recording or playing cassettes
cassette tape|a cassette that contains magnetic tape
cassia|any of various trees or shrubs of the genus Cassia having pinnately compound leaves and usually yellow flowers followed by long seedpods;Chinese tree with aromatic bark;yields a less desirable cinnamon than Ceylon cinnamon
cassia bark|aromatic bark of the cassia-bark tree;less desirable as a spice than Ceylon cinnamon bark
Cassin's kingbird|a kingbird seen in the southwestern United States;largely grey with a yellow abdomen
Cassiope|low tufted evergreen shrubs of colder parts of north temperate regions having moss-like foliage and nodding white or pink flowers
Cassiopeia|(Greek mythology) the wife of Cepheus and mother of Andromeda;a W-shaped constellation in the northern hemisphere near Polaris
Cassirer|German philosopher concerned with concept formation in the human mind and with symbolic forms in human culture generally (1874-1945)
cassiri|a drink resembling beer;made from fermented cassava juice
cassiterite|a hard heavy dark mineral that is the chief source of tin
Cassius|prime mover in the conspiracy against Julius Caesar (died in 42 BC)
cassock|a black garment reaching down to the ankles;worn by priests or choristers
cassowary|large black flightless bird of Australia and New Guinea having a horny head crest
cast|bandage consisting of a firm covering (often made of plaster of Paris) that immobilizes broken bones while they heal;object formed by a mold;the act of throwing dice;the actors in a play;the distinctive form in which a thing is made - "pottery of this cast was found throughout the region"
cast iron|an alloy of iron containing so much carbon that it is brittle and so cannot be wrought but must be shaped by casting
Castanea|chestnuts;chinkapins
Castanopsis|evergreen trees and shrubs of warm regions valued for their foliage;southeastern United States and eastern Australia and northern New Zealand
Castanospermum|a rosid dicot genus of the subfamily Papilionoideae having one species;Moreton Bay chestnut
castaway|a shipwrecked person
caste|(Hinduism) a hereditary social class among Hindus;stratified according to ritual purity;a social class separated from others by distinctions of hereditary rank or profession or wealth;in some social insects (such as ants) a physically distinct individual or group of individuals specialized to perform certain functions in the colony;social status or position conferred by a system based on class - "lose caste by doing work beneath one's station"
caste system|a social structure in which classes are determined by heredity
caster|a pivoting roller attached to the bottom of furniture or trucks or portable machines to make them movable;a shaker with a perforated top for sprinkling powdered sugar;a worker who casts molten metal into finished products
castigation|a severe scolding;verbal punishment
Castile|a region of central Spain;a former kingdom that comprised most of modern Spain and united with Aragon to form Spain in 1479
castile soap|a good hard soap made from olive oil and sodium hydroxide
Castilian|the Spanish language as spoken in Castile
Castilleja|genus of western North and South American perennials often partially parasitic on roots of grasses
Castillian|a native or inhabitant of Castile
casting|the act of throwing a fishing line out over the water by means of a rod and reel;the choice of actors to play particular roles in a play or movie
casting lots|making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn
casting vote|the deciding vote cast by the presiding officer to resolve a tie
castle|(chess) the piece that can move any number of unoccupied squares in a direction parallel to the sides of the chessboard;a large building formerly occupied by a ruler and fortified against attack;interchanging the positions of the king and a rook
Castor|a multiple star with 6 components;second brightest in Gemini;close to Pollux;type genus of the Castoridae;beavers
castor bean|the toxic seed of the castor-oil plant;source of castor oil
castor oil|a purgative extracted from the seed of the castor-oil plant;used in paint and varnish as well as medically
castor sugar|very finely granulated sugar that was formerly sprinkled from a castor
Castoridae|beavers
Castoroides|extinct beavers of the Pleistocene;of eastern and southern United States
castor-oil plant|large shrub of tropical Africa and Asia having large palmate leaves and spiny capsules containing seeds that are the source of castor oil and ricin;widely naturalized throughout the tropics
castration|neutering a male animal by removing the testicles;surgical removal of the testes or ovaries (usually to inhibit hormone secretion in cases of breast cancer in women or prostate cancer in men) - "bilateral castration results in sterilization"
castration anxiety|(psychoanalysis) anxiety resulting from real or imagined threats to your sexual functions;originally applied only to men but can in principle apply to women
castrato|a male singer who was castrated before puberty and retains a soprano or alto voice
Castries|a port on the island of Saint Lucia;capital and largest city of Saint Lucia
Castro|Cuban socialist leader who overthrew a dictator in 1959 and established a Marxist socialist state in Cuba (born in 1927)
Castroism|a form of communism developed in Cuba by Fidel Castro
casualness|a casual manner
casualty|a decrease of military personnel or equipment;someone injured or killed in an accident;someone injured or killed or captured or missing in a military engagement
Casualty Care Research Center|an agency in the Department of Defense that is a national center for research on all aspects of injury control and casualty care
Casuaridae|a family of large ostrich-like birds including cassowaries
Casuariiformes|a ratite bird order;cassowaries and emus
casuarina|any of various trees and shrubs of the genus Casuarina having jointed stems and whorls of scalelike leaves;some yield heavy hardwood
Casuarinaceae|one genus;genus Casuarina
Casuarinales|order of chiefly Australian trees and shrubs comprising the casuarinas;1 family;Casuarinaceae
Casuarius|type and sole genus of the Casuaridae;cassowaries
casuist|someone whose reasoning is subtle and often specious
casuistry|argumentation that is specious or excessively subtle and intended to be misleading;moral philosophy based on the application of general ethical principles to resolve moral dilemmas
casus belli|an event used to justify starting a war
cat|a spiteful woman gossip - "what a cat she is!";feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar;domestic cats;wildcats
cat and mouse|a game for children in which the players form a circle and join hands;they raise their hands to let a player inside the circle or lower their hands to bar a second player who is chasing the first
cat box|a receptacle for cat excrement
cat fancier|a person who breeds and cares for cats
cat flea|flea that breeds chiefly on cats and dogs and rats
cat food|food prepared for cats
cat rig|rig of a catboat
cat scratch disease|a disease thought to be transmitted to humans by a scratch from a cat
cat shark|small bottom-dwelling sharks with cat-like eyes;found along continental slopes
cat thyme|Mediterranean germander having small hairy leaves and reddish purple flowers;attractive to cats
catabiosis|normal aging of cells
catabolism|breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy
Catacala|moths whose larvae are cutworms;underwings
catachresis|strained or paradoxical use of words either in error (as 'blatant' to mean 'flagrant') or deliberately (as in a mixed metaphor;'blind mouths')
catacomb|an underground tunnel with recesses where bodies were buried (as in ancient Rome)
catafalque|a decorated bier on which a coffin rests in state during a funeral
Catalan|a native or inhabitant of Catalonia;the Romance language spoken in Catalonia in eastern Spain (related to Spanish and Occitan)
catalase|enzyme found in most plant and animal cells that functions as an oxidative catalyst;decomposes hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water
catalectic|(prosody) a line of verse that lacks a syllable in the last metrical foot
catalepsy|a trancelike state with loss of voluntary motion and failure to react to stimuli
cataleptic|a person suffering from catalepsy
catalexis|the absence of a syllable in the last foot of a line or verse
Catalina cherry|evergreen shrub or small tree found on Catalina Island (California)
catalog|a book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things - "he found it in the Sears catalog";a complete list of things;usually arranged systematically - "it does not pretend to be a catalog of his achievements"
cataloged procedure|a set of control statements that have been placed in a library and can be retrieved by name
cataloger|a librarian who classifies publication according to a categorial system
Catalonia|a region of northeastern Spain
catalpa|tree of the genus Catalpa with large leaves and white flowers followed by long slender pods
Catalpa bignioides|catalpa tree of southern United States
Catalpa speciosa|catalpa tree of central United States
catalufa|brightly colored carnivorous fish of western Atlantic and West Indies waters
catalysis|acceleration of a chemical reaction induced the presence of material that is chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction - "of the top 50 commodity chemicals, 30 are created directly by catalysis and another 6 are made from raw materials that are catalytically produced"
catalyst|(chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected;something that causes an important event to happen - "the invasion acted as a catalyst to unite the country"
catalytic converter|a converter that uses a platinum-iridium catalyst to oxidize pollutants and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water;an antipollution device on an automotive exhaust system
catalytic cracker|a chemical reactor for converting oils with high boiling points into fuels with lower boiling points in the presence of a catalyst
catamaran|a sailboat with two parallel hulls held together by single deck
catamite|a boy who submits to a sexual relationship with a man
catananche|any of several plants of the genus Catananche having long-stalked heads of blue or yellow flowers
cataphasia|a speech disorder in which the same word is repeated several times in succession
cataphatism|the religious belief that God has given enough clues to be known to humans positively and affirmatively (e.g., God created Adam 'in his own image')
cataphyll|a reduced or scarcely developed leaf at the start of a plant's life (i.e., cotyledons) or in the early stages of leaf development
cataplasia|(biology) degenerative reversion of cells or tissue to a less differentiated or more primitive form
catapult|a device that launches aircraft from a warship;an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges;a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles
cataract|a large waterfall;violent rush of water over a precipice;an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye
Cataract Canyon|a tributary of the Grand Canyon
cataract surgery|eye surgery that involves removing all or part of the lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant
catarrh|inflammation of the nose and throat with increased production of mucus
catarrhal fever|any of several disease of livestock marked by fever and edema of the respiratory tract
Catasetum|genus of tropical American orchids having showy male and female flowers usually on separate inflorescences
catastrophe|a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune - "lack of funds has resulted in a catastrophe for our school system";a sudden violent change in the earth's surface
catastrophic illness|severe illness requiring prolonged hospitalization or recovery;usually involves high costs for hospitals and doctors and medicines
catatonia|extreme tonus;muscular rigidity;a common symptom in catatonic schizophrenia
catatonic schizophrenia|a form of schizophrenia characterized by a tendency to remain in a fixed stuporous state for long periods;the catatonia may give way to short periods of extreme excitement
Catawba|a member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Carolinas;slipskin grape;a reddish American table grape;the Siouan language spoken by the Catawba
catbird|North American songbird whose call resembles a cat's mewing
catboat|a sailboat with a single mast set far forward
catcall|a cry expressing disapproval
catch|a break or check in the voice (usually a sign of strong emotion);a cooperative game in which a ball is passed back and forth - "he played catch with his son in the backyard";a drawback or difficulty that is not readily evident - "it sounds good but what's the catch?";a fastener that fastens or locks a door or window;a person regarded as a good matrimonial prospect;a restraint that checks the motion of something;anything that is caught (especially if it is worth catching) - "he shared his catch with the others";the act of catching an object with the hands - "Mays made the catch with his back to the plate";the quantity that was caught - "the catch was only 10 fish"
catch crop|a crop that grows quickly (e.g. lettuce) and can be planted between two regular crops grown in successive seasons or between two rows of crops in the same season
catchall|an enclosure or receptacle for odds and ends
catcher|(baseball) the person who plays the position of catcher;the position on a baseball team of the player who is stationed behind home plate and who catches the balls that the pitcher throws - "a catcher needs a lot of protective equipment" - "a catcher plays behind the plate"
catcher's mask|a mask to protect the face of the catcher in baseball
catching|(baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball team;becoming infected - "catching cold is sometimes unavoidable"
catchment|a structure in which water is collected (especially a natural drainage area)
catchphrase|a phrase that has become a catchword
catechesis|oral religious instruction (as before baptism or confirmation)
catechetical instruction|teaching religious principles by questions and answers
catechin|a tannic acid that is extracted from black catechu as a white crystalline substance
catechism|a series of question put to an individual (such as a political candidate) to elicit their views;an elementary book summarizing the principles of a Christian religion;written as questions and answers
catechist|one who instructs catechumens in preparation for baptism (especially one using a catechism)
catecholamine|any of a group of chemicals including epinephrine and norepinephrine that are produced in the medulla of the adrenal gland
catechu|East Indian spiny tree having twice-pinnate leaves and yellow flowers followed by flat pods;source of black catechu
catechumen|a new convert being taught the principles of Christianity by a catechist
categorem|a categorematic expression;a term capable of standing alone as the subject or predicate of a logical proposition - "names are called categorems"
categorical imperative|the moral principle that behavior should be determined by duty
categorization|the act of distributing things into classes or categories of the same type
category|a general concept that marks divisions or coordinations in a conceptual scheme
catena|a chain of connected ideas or passages or objects so arranged that each member is closely related to the preceding and following members (especially a series of patristic comments elucidating Christian dogma)
catenary|the curve theoretically assumed by a perfectly flexible and inextensible cord of uniform density and cross section hanging freely from two fixed points
caterer|someone who provides food and service (as for a party)
catering|providing food and services
Caterpillar|a large tracked vehicle that is propelled by two endless metal belts;frequently used for moving earth in construction and farm work;a wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth
caterwaul|the yowling sound made by a cat in heat
catfish|any of numerous mostly freshwater bottom-living fishes of Eurasia and North America with barbels like whiskers around the mouth;flesh of scaleless food fish of the southern United States;often farmed
catgut|a strong cord made from the intestines of sheep and used in surgery;perennial subshrub of eastern North America having downy leaves yellowish and rose flowers and;source of rotenone
Catha|a genus of African evergreen shrubs characterized by thick leaves and white flowers
Catha edulis|a shrub that is cultivated by Arabs for its leaves which are chewed or used to make tea
Catharacta|skuas
Catharanthus|small genus of erect annual or perennial herbs native to Madagascar;widely naturalized in the tropics;formerly included in genus Vinca
catharsis|(psychoanalysis) purging of emotional tensions;purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels
Cathartes|type genus of the Cathartidae;turkey vultures
Cathartidae|condors;turkey buzzards;king vultures
Cathaya|Chinese evergreen conifer discovered in 1955;not yet cultivated elsewhere
cathedra|a throne that is the official chair of a bishop
cathedral|any large and important church;the principal Christian church building of a bishop's diocese
Cather|United States writer who wrote about frontier life (1873-1947)
Catherine de Medicis|queen of France as the wife of Henry II and regent during the minority of her son Charles IX (1519-1589)
Catherine I|empress of Russia who succeeded her husband Peter the Great (1684-1727)
Catherine II|empress of Russia who greatly increased the territory of the empire (1729-1796)
Catherine of Aragon|first wife of Henry VIII;Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)
catherine wheel|a circular firework that spins round and round emitting colored fire
catheter|a thin flexible tube inserted into the body to permit introduction or withdrawal of fluids or to keep the passageway open
catheterization|the operation of introducing a catheter into the body
cathexis|(psychoanalysis) the libidinal energy invested in some idea or person or object - "Freud thought of cathexis as a psychic analog of an electrical charge"
cathode|a negatively charged electrode that is the source of electrons entering an electrical device;the positively charged terminal of a voltaic cell or storage battery that supplies current
cathode ray|a beam of electrons emitted by the cathode of an electrical discharge tube
cathode-ray tube|a vacuum tube in which a hot cathode emits a beam of electrons that pass through a high voltage anode and are focused or deflected before hitting a phosphorescent screen
Catholic|a member of a Catholic church
Catholic Church|any of several churches claiming to have maintained historical continuity with the original Christian Church
Catholic school|a parochial school maintained by the Catholic Church
Catholicism|the beliefs and practices of a Catholic Church
Catholicos|the ecclesiastical title of the leaders of the Nestorian and Armenian churches
cation|a positively charged ion
cationic detergent|a class of synthetic detergents in which the surface-active part of the molecule is the cation
catkin|a cylindrical spikelike inflorescence
catling|a long double-edged knife used for amputations
catmint|hairy aromatic perennial herb having whorls of small white purple-spotted flowers in a terminal spike;used in the past as a domestic remedy;strongly attractive to cats
cat-o'-nine-tails|a whip with nine knotted cords
catoptrics|branch of optics dealing with formation of images by mirrors
Catoptrophorus|willet
catostomid|a cypriniform fish of the family Catostomidae
Catostomidae|suckers;closely related to the family Cyprinidae
Catostomus|type genus of the family Catostomidae
cat's cradle|a game played with string looped over the fingers
cat's eye|any of various gems (as chrysoberyl or chalcedony) that reflect light when cut in a rounded shape
cat's foot|low-growing perennial herb having leaves with whitish down and clusters of small white flowers
cat's-claw|erect shrub with small if any spines having racemes of white to yellow flowers followed by curved pointed pods and black shiny seeds;West Indies and Florida
cat's-ear|any of several plants of the genus Calochortus having flowers with petals shaped like cat's ears;European weed widely naturalized in North America having yellow flower heads and leaves resembling a cat's ears
Catskills|a range of the Appalachians to the west of the Hudson in southeastern New York;includes many popular resort areas
cat's-paw|a hitch in the middle of rope that has two eyes into which tackle can be hooked
cat's-tail|tall marsh plant with cylindrical seed heads that explode when mature shedding large quantities of down;its long flat leaves are used for making mats and chair seats;of North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa
catsup|thick spicy sauce made from tomatoes
catsup bottle|a bottle that holds catsup
cattail|tall erect herbs with sword-shaped leaves;cosmopolitan in fresh and salt marshes
cattalo|hardy breed of cattle resulting from crossing domestic cattle with the American buffalo;yields leaner beef than conventional breeds
Cattell|American psychologist (born in England) who developed a broad theory of human behavior based on multivariate research (1905-1998);American psychologist and editor (1860-1944)
cattiness|malevolence by virtue of being malicious or spiteful or nasty
cattle|domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age - "so many head of cattle" - "seven thin and ill-favored kine"- Bible
cattle breeding|breeding cattle
cattle cake|a concentrated feed for cattle;processed in the form of blocks or cakes
cattle car|a freight car for transporting cattle
cattle drive|driving a bovine herd (as cows or bulls or steers)
cattle egret|small white egret widely distributed in warm regions often found around grazing animals
cattle guard|a bridge over a ditch consisting of parallel metal bars that allow pedestrians and vehicles to pass, but not cattle
cattle trail|a trail over which cattle were driven to market
cattleman|a man who raises (or tends) cattle
cattleship|a cargo ship for the transport of livestock
cattley guava|small tropical shrubby tree bearing deep red oval fruit
cattleya|any orchid of the genus Cattleya characterized by a three-lobed lip enclosing the column;among the most popular and most extravagantly beautiful orchids known
catty|any of various units of weight used in southeastern Asia (especially a Chinese measure equal to 500 grams)
Catullus|Roman lyric poet remembered for his love poems to an aristocratic Roman woman (84-54 BC)
catwalk|narrow pathway high in the air (as above a stage or between parts of a building or along a bridge);narrow platform extending out into an auditorium - "models displayed clothes on a catwalk at the fashion show"
Caucasia|a large region between the Black and Caspian seas that contains the Caucasus Mountains;oil is its major resource
Caucasian|a number of languages spoken in the Caucasus that are unrelated to languages spoken elsewhere
Caucasian walnut|medium-sized Caucasian much-branched tree distinguished from other walnut trees by its winged fruit
Caucasus|the mountain range in Caucasia between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea that forms part of the traditional border between Europe and Asia
caucus|a closed political meeting
cauda|any taillike structure
caudal anesthesia|regional anesthesia resulting from injection of an anesthetic into the caudal end of the spinal canal;now largely replaced by epidural anesthesia
caudal appendage|tail especially of a mammal posterior to and above the anus
caudate nucleus|a tail-shaped basal ganglion located in a lateral ventricle of the brain
caudex|woody stem of palms and tree ferns
Caudine Forks|a battle in the Apennines in 321 BC in which the Samnites defeated the Romans
caul|the inner membrane of embryos in higher vertebrates (especially when covering the head at birth)
cauliflower|a plant having a large edible head of crowded white flower buds;compact head of white undeveloped flowers
cauliflower ear|an auricle deformed by injury;common among boxers
caulk|a waterproof filler and sealant that is used in building and repair to make watertight
Caulophyllum|blue cohosh
causal agent|any entity that produces an effect or is responsible for events or results
causalgia|a burning pain in a limb along the course of a peripheral nerve;usually associated with skin changes
causality|the relation between causes and effects
cause|a justification for something existing or happening - "he had no cause to complain";events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something - "they are trying to determine the cause of the crash"
cause celebre|an incident that attracts great public attention
cause of action|a claim sufficient to demand judicial attention;the facts that give rise to right of action
cause of death|the causal agent resulting in death
causeway|a road that is raised above water or marshland or sand
causing|the act of causing something to happen
caustic|any chemical substance that burns or destroys living tissue
cautery|an instrument or substance used to destroy tissue for medical reasons (eg removal of a wart) by burning it with a hot iron or an electric current or a caustic or by freezing it;the act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent or by freezing
caution|a warning against certain acts;judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger - "he exercised caution in opening the door";the trait of being cautious;being attentive to possible danger - "a man of caution"
cautious statement|a statement made with careful qualifications
cavalcade|a procession of people traveling on horseback
cavalier|a gallant or courtly gentleman;a royalist supporter of Charles I during the English Civil War
cavalier hat|a soft felt hat with a wide flexible brim
cavalry|a highly mobile army unit;troops trained to fight on horseback
cavalry horse|horse trained for battle
cavalry sword|a stout sword with a curved blade and thick back
cavalryman|a soldier in a motorized army unit;a soldier mounted on horseback - "a cavalryman always takes good care of his mount"
cave|a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
cave in|the sudden collapse of something into a hollow beneath it
cave myotis|small bat of southwest United States that lives in caves etc.
caveat|(law) a formal notice filed with a court or officer to suspend a proceeding until filer is given a hearing - "a caveat filed against the probate of a will"
caveat emptor|a commercial principle that without a warranty the buyer takes upon himself the risk of quality
Cavell|English nurse who remained in Brussels after the German occupation in order to help Allied prisoners escape;was caught and executed by the Germans (1865-1915)
caveman|someone who lives in a cave
Cavendish|British chemist and physicist who established that water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen and who calculated the density of the earth (1731-1810)
cavern|a large cave or a large chamber in a cave;any large dark enclosed space - "his eyes were dark caverns"
cavernous sinus|either of a pair of large venous sinuses in the cranial cavity
cavetto|a concave molding shaped like a quarter circle in cross section
Cavia|type genus of the Caviidae;guinea pigs
caviar|salted roe of sturgeon or other large fish;usually served as an hors d'oeuvre
Caviidae|a family of Hystricomorpha
cavity|(anatomy) a natural hollow or sinus within the body;soft decayed area in a tooth;progressive decay can lead to the death of a tooth;space that is surrounded by something
cavity wall|a wall formed of two thicknesses of masonry with a space between them
cavy|short-tailed rough-haired South American rodent
caw|the sound made by corvine birds
Caxton|English printer who in 1474 printed the first book in English (1422-1491)
cayenne|a long and often twisted hot red pepper;ground pods and seeds of pungent red peppers of the genus Capsicum;plant bearing very hot and finely tapering long peppers;usually red
Cayman Islands|a British colony in the Caribbean to the northwest of Jamaica;an international banking center
Cayman Islands dollar|the basic unit of money in the Cayman Islands
Cayuga|a member of an Iroquoian people formerly living around Cayuga Lake in New York State;the Iroquoian language spoken by the Cayuga
Cayuga Lake|a glacial lake in central New York;the longest of the Finger Lakes
cayuse|a small native range horse
C-clamp|a clamp in the shape of the letter C
CD drive|a drive that reads a compact disc and that is connected to an audio system
CD player|a stand-alone piece of electronic equipment that either has its own display or attaches to a television set
CD-R|a compact disc on which you can write only once and thereafter is read-only memory
CD-ROM|a compact disk that is used with a computer (rather than with an audio system);a large amount of digital information can be stored and accessed but it cannot be altered by the user
CD-ROM drive|a drive that is connected to a computer and on which a CD-ROM can be 'played'
cease|('cease' is a noun only in the phrase 'without cease') end
Cebidae|all the New World monkeys except marmosets and tamarins
Cebu|an important seaport on the island of Cebu in the Philippines;one of the Visayan islands of the central Philippines;important for its fine harbor
Cebuan|inhabitant of the island of Cebu;a member of the Visayan people of the Philippines;language of the people of Cebu in the Philippines;its lexicon contributes to the official language of the Philippines
Cebuella|pygmy marmosets
Cebus|type genus of the Cebidae
Cecidomyidae|gall midges
Cecropia|large genus of tropical American trees that yield a bast fiber used for cordage and bark used in tanning;milky juice yields caoutchouc;North American silkworm moth;larvae feed on the leaves of forest trees
Cecropiaceae|in some classifications included in family Moraceae
cecum|the cavity in which the large intestine begins and into which the ileum opens - "the appendix is an offshoot of the cecum"
cedar|any cedar of the genus Cedrus;any of numerous trees of the family Cupressaceae that resemble cedars;durable aromatic wood of any of numerous cedar trees;especially wood of the red cedar often used for cedar chests
cedar chest|a chest made of cedar
cedar elm|elm of southern United States and Mexico having spreading pendulous corky branches
cedar of Lebanon|cedar of Lebanon and northwestern Syria that attains great age and height
Cedar Rapids|a city in eastern Iowa
cedar waxwing|widely distributed over temperate North America
cedi|the basic unit of money in Ghana
cedilla|a diacritical mark (,) placed below the letter c to indicate that it is pronounced as an s
Cedrela|tropical American trees
Cedrus|true cedars
cefadroxil|a cephalosporin antibiotic (trade name Ultracef)
cefoperazone|a parenteral cephalosporin (trade name Cefobid) used for severe infections
cefotaxime|a parenteral cephalosporin (trade name Claforan) used for severe infections of the lungs or throat or ears or urinary tract
ceftazidime|a parenteral cephalosporin (trade names Fortaz and Tazicef) used to treat moderate infections
ceftriaxone|a parenteral cephalosporin (trade name Rocephin) used for severe infection of the lungs or throat or ears or urinary tract
cefuroxime|a cephalosporin that can be given parenterally (trade name Zinacef) or orally by tablets (trade name Ceftin);indicated for infections of the lungs or throat or ears or urinary tract or meninges
Ceiba|tropical American trees with palmately compound leaves and showy bell-shaped flowers
ceibo|small South American spiny tree with dark crimson and scarlet flowers solitary or clustered
ceilidh|an informal social gathering at which there is Scottish or Irish folk music and singing and folk dancing and story telling
ceiling|(meteorology) altitude of the lowest layer of clouds;an upper limit on what is allowed - "he put a ceiling on the number of women who worked for him";maximum altitude at which a plane can fly (under specified conditions);the overhead upper surface of a covered space - "he hated painting the ceiling"
celandine|perennial herb with branched woody stock and bright yellow flowers
celandine poppy|perennial herb native to woodland of the eastern United States having yellow flowers
Celastraceae|trees and shrubs and woody vines usually having bright-colored fruits
Celastrus|genus of woody vines and erect shrubs (type genus of the Celastraceae) that is native chiefly to Asia and Australia;includes bittersweet
Celebes|a mountainous island in eastern Indonesia
celebrant|a person who is celebrating;an officiating priest celebrating the Eucharist
celebration|a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event;any joyous diversion;the public performance of a sacrament or solemn ceremony with all appropriate ritual - "the celebration of marriage"
celebrity|a widely known person - "he was a baseball celebrity"
celecoxib|a Cox-2 inhibitor (trade name Celebrex) that relieves pain and inflammation without harming the digestive tract
celeriac|grown for its thickened edible aromatic root;thickened edible aromatic root of a variety of celery plant
celerity|a rate that is rapid
celery|stalks eaten raw or cooked or used as seasoning;widely cultivated herb with aromatic leaf stalks that are eaten raw or cooked
celery blight|a fungous leaf spot disease of the celery plant
celery pine|Australasian evergreen conifer having a graceful head of foliage resembling celery that is composed of phyllodes borne in the axils of scalelike leaves
celery salt|ground celery seed and salt
celery seed|seed of the celery plant used as seasoning
celery stick|celery stalks cut into small sticks
celery top pine|medium tall celery pine of Tasmania
celesta|a musical instrument consisting of graduated steel plates that are struck by hammers activated by a keyboard
celestial body|natural objects visible in the sky
Celestial City|phrases used to refer to Heaven - "the Celestial City was Christian's goal in Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress'"
celestial equator|the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles
celestial globe|a globe that is a spherical model of the heavens
celestial guidance|a method of controlling the flight of a missile or spacecraft by reference to the positions of celestial bodies
celestial hierarchy|the collective body of angels
celestial mechanics|the branch of astronomy concerned with the application of Newton's laws of motion to the motions of heavenly bodies
celestial navigation|navigating according to the positions of the stars
celestial point|a point in the heavens (on the celestial sphere)
celestial sphere|the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
celestite|a mineral consisting of strontium sulphate
celiac disease|a disorder in children and adults;inability to tolerate wheat protein (gluten);symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhea and emaciation;often accompanied by lactose intolerance
celiac trunk|an artery that originates from the abdominal aorta just below the diaphragm and branches into the left gastric artery and the common hepatic artery and the splenic artery
celibacy|an unmarried status
celibate|an unmarried person who has taken a religious vow of chastity
celiocentesis|removal of fluid from the abdomen by centesis
celioma|an abdominal tumor
celioscopy|endoscopic examination of the abdomen through the abdominal wall
cell|(biology) the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms;they may exist as independent units of life (as in monads) or may form colonies or tissues as in higher plants and animals;a device that delivers an electric current as the result of a chemical reaction;a room where a prisoner is kept;a small unit serving as part of or as the nucleus of a larger political movement;any small compartment - "the cells of a honeycomb";small room in which a monk or nun lives
cell division|the process in reproduction and growth by which a cell divides to form daughter cells
cell membrane|a thin membrane (a double layer of lipids) enclosing the cytoplasm of a cell;proteins in the membrane control passage of ions (like sodium or potassium or calcium) in and out of the cell - "all cells have a cell membrane"
cell theory|(biology) the theory that cells form the fundamental structural and functional units of all living organisms;proposed in 1838 by Matthias Schleiden and by Theodor Schwann
cell wall|a rigid layer of polysaccharides enclosing the membrane of plant and prokaryotic cells;maintains the shape of the cell and serves as a protective barrier
cellar|storage space where wines are stored
cellarage|a charge for storing goods in a cellar;a storage area in a cellar
cellblock|a division of a prison (usually consisting of several cells)
Cellini|Italian sculptor (1500-1571)
cellist|someone who plays a violoncello
cell-mediated immune response|an immune response (chiefly against viral or fungal invasions or transplanted tissue) that involves T cells
cello|a large stringed instrument;seated player holds it upright while playing
cellophane|a transparent paperlike product that is impervious to moisture and used to wrap candy or cigarettes etc.
cellular slime mold|differing from true slime molds in being cellular and nucleate throughout the life cycle
cellular telephone|a hand-held mobile radiotelephone for use in an area divided into small sections, each with its own short-range transmitter/receiver
cellularity|the state of having cells
cellulite|lumpy deposits of body fat especially on women's thighs etc.
cellulitis|an inflammation of body tissue (especially that below the skin) characterized by fever and swelling and redness and pain
celluloid|highly flammable substance made from cellulose nitrate and camphor;used in e.g. motion-picture and X-ray film;its use has decreased with the development of nonflammable thermoplastics
cellulose|a polysaccharide that is the chief constituent of all plant tissues and fibers
cellulose acetate|an ester of acetic acid;used in fibers and fabrics;photographic films and varnishes
cellulose ester|any ester of cellulose with an acid
cellulose nitrate|a nitric acid ester;used in lacquers and explosives
cellulose tape|transparent or semitransparent adhesive tape (trade names Scotch tape and Sellotape) used for sealing or attaching or mending
cellulose triacetate|cellulose acetate that is relatively slow to burn;used instead of celluloid for motion-picture film
cellulose xanthate|a cellulose ester obtained by treating cellulose with caustic soda
cellulosic|a plastic made from cellulose (or a derivative of cellulose)
celom|a cavity in the mesoderm of an embryo that gives rise in humans to the pleural cavity and pericardial cavity and peritoneal cavity
Celosia|annual or perennial herbs or vines of tropical and subtropical America and Asia and Africa
Celsius|Swedish astronomer who devised the centigrade thermometer (1701-1744)
Celsius scale|a temperature scale that defines the freezing point of water as 0 degrees and the boiling point of water as 100 degrees
Celt|a member of a European people who once occupied Britain and Spain and Gaul prior to Roman times
Celtic|a branch of the Indo-European languages that (judging from inscriptions and place names) was spread widely over Europe in the pre-Christian era
Celtic cross|a Latin cross with a ring surrounding the intersection
Celtic deity|a deity worshipped by the Celts
Celtis|large genus of trees and shrubs with berrylike fruit
celtuce|leaves having celery-like stems eaten raw or cooked;lettuce valued especially for its edible stems
cembra nut|the seed of the Swiss pine
cement|a building material that is a powder made of a mixture of calcined limestone and clay;used with water and sand or gravel to make concrete and mortar;any of various materials used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth;concrete pavement is sometimes referred to as cement - "they stood on the grey cement beside the pool";something that hardens to act as adhesive material
cementite|a chemical compound that is a constituent of steel and cast iron;very hard and brittle
cementum|a specialized bony substance covering the root of a tooth
cemetery|a tract of land used for burials
Cenchrus|a genus of grasses of the family Gramineae that have burs
cenobite|a member of a religious order living in common
cenogenesis|introduction during embryonic development of characters or structure not present in the earlier evolutionary history of the strain or species (such as the addition of the placenta in mammalian evolution)
cenotaph|a monument built to honor people whose remains are interred elsewhere or whose remains cannot be recovered
Cenozoic|approximately the last 63 million years
censer|a container for burning incense (especially one that is swung on a chain in a religious ritual)
censor|a person who is authorized to read publications or correspondence or to watch theatrical performances and suppress in whole or in part anything considered obscene or politically unacceptable;someone who censures or condemns
censoring|counterintelligence achieved by banning or deleting any information of value to the enemy;deleting parts of publications or correspondence or theatrical performances
censure|harsh criticism or disapproval
census|a periodic count of the population
census taker|someone who collects census data by visiting individual homes
cent|a fractional monetary unit of several countries
centas|100 centas equal 1 litas in Lithuania
centaur|(classical mythology) a mythical being that is half man and half horse
Centaurea|knapweed;star thistle
Centaurium|genus of low-growing herbs mostly of northern hemisphere having flowers with protruding spirally twisted anthers
Centaurus|a conspicuous constellation in the southern hemisphere near the Southern Cross
centaury|any of various plants of the genus Centaurium;any plant of the genus Centaurea
centavo|a fractional monetary unit of several countries;El Salvador and Sao Tome and Principe and Brazil and Argentina and Bolivia and Colombia and Cuba and the Dominican Republic and Ecuador and El Salvador and Guatemala and Honduras and Mexico and Nicaragua and Peru and the Philippines and Portugal
centenarian|someone who is at least 100 years old
centennial|the 100th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
center|(American football) the position of the player on the line of scrimmage who puts the ball in play - "it is a center's responsibility to get the football to the quarterback";(basketball) the person who plays center on a basketball team;(football) the person who plays center on the line of scrimmage and snaps the ball to the quarterback - "the center fumbled the handoff";(ice hockey) the person who plays center on a hockey team;a building dedicated to a particular activity - "they were raising money to build a new center for research";a cluster of nerve cells governing a specific bodily process - "in most people the speech center is in the left hemisphere";a place where some particular activity is concentrated - "they received messages from several centers";a point equidistant from the ends of a line or the extremities of a figure;a position on a basketball team of the player who participates in the jump that starts the game;an area that is approximately central within some larger region - "it is in the center of town";politically moderate persons;centrists;the middle of a military or naval formation - "they had to reinforce the center";the object upon which interest and attention focuses - "his stories made him the center of the party";the position on a hockey team of the player who participates in the face off at the beginning of the game;the sweet central portion of a piece of candy that is enclosed in chocolate or some other covering
center bit|a bit with a sharp center point for guidance and two side cutters
center field|the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the central third of the outfield;the piece of ground in the outfield directly ahead of the catcher
center fielder|the person who plays center field
Center for Disease Control and Prevention|a federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services;located in Atlanta;investigates and diagnoses and tries to control or prevent diseases (especially new and unusual diseases)
center of buoyancy|(physics) the center of mass of the immersed part of ship or other floating object
center of curvature|the center of the circle of curvature
center of flotation|the center of gravity of a floating object
center of gravity|the point within something at which gravity can be considered to act;in uniform gravity it is equal to the center of mass
center of mass|point representing the mean position of the matter in a body
center punch|a tool with a conical point that is used to make indentations in metal (especially to mark points for drilling)
center spread|the spread at the center of a magazine
center stage|a position of prominence or importance;the central area on a theater stage
centerboard|a retractable fin keel used on sailboats to prevent drifting to leeward
centerfold|a magazine center spread;especially a foldout of a large photograph or map or other feature
centering|(American football) putting the ball in play by passing it (between the legs) to a back
centerline|a line that bisects a plane figure
centerpiece|something placed at the center of something else (as on a table);the central or most important feature - "education was the centerpiece of the Democratic Party's political platform"
centesimo|a fractional monetary unit of several countries;Panama and Italy and Uruguay and Chile
centesis|(surgery) the act of puncturing a body cavity or organ with a hollow needle in order to draw out fluid
Centigrade thermometer|a thermometer calibrated in degrees centigrade
centiliter|a metric unit of volume equal to one hundredth of a liter
centime|a fractional monetary unit of several countries;France and Algeria and Belgium and Burkina Faso and Burundi and Cameroon and Chad and the Congo and Gabon and Haiti and the Ivory Coast and Luxembourg and Mali and Morocco and Niger and Rwanda and Senegal and Switzerland and Togo
centimeter|a metric unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter
centimo|a fractional monetary unit of Venezuela and Costa Rica and Equatorial Guinea and Paraguay and Spain
centipede|chiefly nocturnal predacious arthropod having a flattened body of 15 to 173 segments each with a pair of legs, the foremost pair being modified as prehensors
centner|in some European countries;a unit of weight equivalent to 50 kilograms
central|a workplace that serves as a telecommunications facility where lines from telephones can be connected together to permit communication
Central African Republic|a landlocked country in central Africa;formerly under French control;became independent in 1960
Central African Republic franc|the basic unit of money in the Central African Republic
Central America|the isthmus joining North America and South America;extends from the southern border of Mexico to the northern border of Colombia;the nations of Central America collectively
Central American|a native or inhabitant of Central America
Central American country|any one of the countries occupying Central America;these countries (except for Belize and Costa Rica) are characterized by low per capita income and unstable governments
Central American strap fern|fern with shorter and narrower leaves than Florida strap fern;Florida to West Indies and Mexico and south to Argentina
central artery of the retina|a branch of the ophthalmic artery;enters the eyeball with the optic nerve
central bank|a government monetary authority that issues currency and regulates the supply of credit and holds the reserves of other banks and sells new issues of securities for the government
central chimpanzee|black-faced chimpanzees of central Africa;closely related to eastern chimpanzees
Central Dravidian|a Dravidian language spoken primarily in central India
central gyrus|either of two gyri on either side of the central sulcus
central heating|a heating system in which air or water is heated at a central furnace and sent through the building via vents or pipes and radiators
Central Intelligence Agency|an independent agency of the United States government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest;headed by the Director of Central Intelligence under the supervision of the President and National Security Council
Central Intelligence Machinery|the United Kingdom's central unit for the tasking and coordination and funding of intelligence and security agencies
central nervous system|the portion of the vertebrate nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord
Central Park|a large park in Manhattan
Central Powers|in World War I the alliance of Germany and Austria-Hungary and other nations allied with them in opposing the Allies
central processing unit|(computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing
central scotoma|a scotoma that involves the fixation point
Central Time|standard time in the 6th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 90th meridian;used in the central United States
central vein of retina|vein formed by the union of the retinal veins;accompanies central arteries of the retina in the optic nerve
central vein of suprarenal gland|a single draining vein;on the right it empties into the inferior vena cava;on the left it empties into the left renal vein
central veins of liver|terminal branches of the hepatic veins that lie in the hepatic lobules and receive blood from the liver sinusoids
central vision|vision using the fovea and parafovea;the middle part of the visual field
centralism|the political policy of concentrating power in a central organization
centrality|the property of being central
centralization|gathering to a center;the act of consolidating power under a central control
Centranthus|genus of southern European herbs and subshrubs
Centrarchidae|sunfish family
Centre|a low-lying region in central France
centrex|(CENTRal EXchange) a kind of telephone exchange
centrifugal force|the outward force on a body moving in a curved path around another body
centrifugal pump|a pump that use centrifugal force to discharge fluid into a pipe
centrifugation|the process of separating substances of different densities by the use of a centrifuge
centrifuge|an apparatus that uses centrifugal force to separate particles from a suspension
centriole|one of a pair of small cylindrical cell organelles near the nucleus in animal cells;composed of nine triplet microtubules and form the asters during mitosis
centripetal acceleration|the acceleration toward the center that holds a satellite in elliptical orbit
centripetal force|the inward force on a body moving in a curved path around another body
Centriscidae|shrimpfishes
centrism|a political philosophy of avoiding the extremes of left and right by taking a moderate position or course of action
centrist|a person who takes a position in the political center
Centrocercus|sage grouse
centroid|the center of mass of an object of uniform density
Centrolobium|a genus of Centrolobium
centromere|a specialized condensed region of each chromosome that appears during mitosis where the chromatids are held together to form an X shape - "the centromere is difficult to sequence"
Centropomidae|a family of fish or the order Perciformes including robalos
Centropomus|type genus of the Centropomidae;snooks
Centropristis|sea basses
Centropus|a genus of Cuculidae
Centrosema|a genus of chiefly tropical American vines of the family Leguminosae having trifoliate leaves and large flowers
centrosome|small region of cytoplasm adjacent to the nucleus;contains the centrioles and serves to organize the microtubules
Centrospermae|used in former classification systems;approximately synonymous with order Caryophyllales
centrum|the main body of a vertebra
Centunculus|a dicotyledonous genus of the family Primulaceae
centurion|(ancient Rome) the leader of 100 soldiers
century|a period of 100 years
Cephalanthera|small genus of temperate Old World terrestrial orchids
cephalexin|an oral cephalosporin (trade names Keflex and Keflin and Keftab) commonly prescribe for mild to moderately severe infections of the skin or ears or throat or lungs or urinary tract
cephalhematoma|a collection of blood under the scalp of a newborn;caused by pressure during birth
cephalic index|ratio (in percent) of the maximum breadth to the maximum length of a skull
cephalic vein|a large vein of the arm that empties into the axillary vein
Cephalobidae|a family of Nematoda
Cephalochordata|lancelets
cephalochordate|fish-like animals having a notochord rather than a true spinal column
cephaloglycin|antibiotic related to cephalosporin but no longer in common use
cephalometry|measurement of human heads
cephalopod|marine mollusk characterized by well-developed head and eyes and sucker-bearing tentacles
Cephalopoda|octopuses;squids;cuttlefish;pearly nautilus
Cephalopterus|a genus of Cotingidae
cephaloridine|a broad spectrum semisynthetic antibiotic produced by modifying cephalosporin
cephalosporin|one of several broad spectrum antibiotic substances obtained from fungi and related to penicillin (trade names Mefoxin);addition of side chains has produced semisynthetic antibiotics with greater antibacterial activity
Cephalotaceae|a family of plants of order Rosales;coextensive with the genus Cephalotus
Cephalotaxaceae|a family of Cephalotaxaceae
Cephalotaxus|the genus of Cephalotaxus (see plum-yews)
cephalothin|a semisynthetic analogue of cephalosporin
Cephalotus|one species;Australian pitcher plant
Cepheus|(Greek mythology) king of Ethiopia and husband of Cassiopeia;a faint constellation in the northern hemisphere near Cassiopeia and the pole star
Cepphus|a genus of birds including;guillemots
Cerambycidae|long-horned beetles
ceramic|an artifact made of hard brittle material produced from nonmetallic minerals by firing at high temperatures
ceramic ware|utensils made from ceramic material
ceramics|the art of making and decorating pottery
Cerapteryx|antler moths
ceras|one of the often brightly colored and branching hornlike structures on the back of the nudibranch (and other related mollusks) that serve as gills
Cerastium|mouse-eared chickweed
cerate|a hard medicated paste made of lard or oil mixed with wax or resin
Ceratitis|Mediterranean fruit flies
Ceratodontidae|lungfishes having hornlike ridges on the teeth
ceratodus|extinct lungfish
Ceratonia|carobs
Ceratopetalum|a dicotyledonous genus of the family Cunoniaceae
Ceratophyllaceae|coextensive with the genus Ceratophyllum;hornworts
Ceratophyllum|constituting the family Ceratophyllaceae;hornworts
Ceratopogon|type genus of the Ceratopogonidae
Ceratopogonidae|biting midges;sand flies
Ceratopsia|horned dinosaurs
ceratopsian|any of several four-footed herbivorous dinosaurs with enormous beaked skulls;of the late Cretaceous in North America and Mongolia
Ceratopsidae|American ceratopsian dinosaurs
Ceratopteris|water ferns
ceratosaur|primitive medium-sized theropod;swift-running bipedal carnivorous dinosaur having grasping hands with sharp claws and a short horn between the nostrils;Jurassic in North America
Ceratostomataceae|fungi having carbonous perithecia with long necks
Ceratostomella|genus of fungi forming continuous hyaline spores
Ceratotherium|African genus
ceratozamia|a small cycad of the genus Ceratozamia having a short scaly woody trunk and fernlike foliage and woody cones;Mexico
Cerberus|(Greek mythology) the three-headed dog guarding the entrance to Hades;son of Typhon
cercaria|tadpole-shaped parasitic larva of a trematode worm;tail disappears in adult stage
Cercidiphyllaceae|one genus
Cercidiphyllum|one species;katsura tree
Cercidium|spiny shrubs or small trees sometimes placed in genus Parkinsonia;paloverde
Cercis|deciduous shrubs and trees of eastern Asia, southern Europe and the United States
Cercocebus|mangabeys
Cercopidae|froghoppers or spittlebugs
Cercopithecidae|Old World monkeys;guenon;baboon;colobus monkey;langur;macaque;mandrill;mangabey;patas;proboscis monkey
Cercopithecus|type genus of the Cercopithecidae;guenons
Cercospora|form genus of imperfect fungi that are leaf parasites with long slender spores
Cercosporella|form genus of imperfect fungi lacking pigment in the spores and conidiophores
cere|the fleshy, waxy covering at the base of the upper beak of some birds
cereal|a breakfast food prepared from grain;grass whose starchy grains are used as food;wheat;rice;rye;oats;maize;buckwheat;millet
cereal bowl|a bowl for holding breakfast cereal
cereal box|a paper box in which breakfast cereals are sold
cereal oat|widely cultivated in temperate regions for its edible grains
cerebellar artery|an artery that supplies the cerebellum
cerebellar hemisphere|either of two lateral lobes of the cerebellum
cerebellar vein|the veins draining the cerebellum
cerebellum|a major division of the vertebrate brain;situated above the medulla oblongata and beneath the cerebrum in humans
cerebral aneurysm|an aneurysm of the carotid artery
cerebral aqueduct|a canal connecting the third and fourth ventricles
cerebral artery|any of the arteries supplying blood to the cerebral cortex
cerebral cortex|the layer of unmyelinated neurons (the grey matter) forming the cortex of the cerebrum
cerebral edema|swelling of the brain due to the uptake of water in the neuropile and white matter
cerebral hemorrhage|bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain
cerebral palsy|a loss or deficiency of motor control with involuntary spasms caused by permanent brain damage present at birth
cerebral thrombosis|a blood clot in a cerebral artery or vein
cerebral vein|any of several veins serving the cerebral hemispheres of the brain
cerebrospinal meningitis|meningitis caused by bacteria and often fatal
cerebrum|anterior portion of the brain consisting of two hemispheres;dominant part of the brain in humans
cerecloth|a waterproof waxed cloth once used as a shroud
ceremoniousness|a ceremonial manner
ceremony|a formal event performed on a special occasion - "a ceremony commemorating Pearl Harbor";any activity that is performed in an especially solemn elaborate or formal way - "the ceremony of smelling the cork and tasting the wine" - "he makes a ceremony of addressing his golf ball" - "he disposed of it without ceremony";the proper or conventional behavior on some solemn occasion - "an inaugural ceremony"
Ceres|(Roman mythology) goddess of agriculture;counterpart of Greek Demeter;the largest asteroid and the first discovered
ceresin|a white wax extracted from ozokerite
Cereus|genus of much-branched treelike or shrubby cacti with pronounced ribs and rounded needlelike spines and nocturnal flowers usually white
ceriman|tropical American vine having roots that hang like cords and cylindrical fruit with a pineapple and banana flavor;tropical cylindrical fruit resembling a pinecone with pineapple-banana flavor
cerise|a red the color of ripe cherries
cerium|a ductile grey metallic element of the lanthanide series;used in lighter flints;the most abundant of the rare-earth group
cerivastatin|an oral drug (trade name Baycol) to reduce blood cholesterol levels
cero|large edible mackerel of temperate United States coastal Atlantic waters
cerotic acid|a white solid fatty acid found in waxes (such as beeswax)
Ceroxylon|wax palms
cert|an absolute certainty - "it's a dead cert"
certainty|something that is certain - "his victory is a certainty";the state of being certain - "his certainty reassured the others"
Certhia|type genus of the Certhiidae
Certhiidae|creepers
certificate|a document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts
certificate of deposit|a debt instrument issued by a bank;usually pays interest
certificate of incorporation|state approval of the articles of incorporation of a corporation
certification|the act of certifying or bestowing a franchise on
certified check|a check containing certification that the person who issued the check has sufficient funds on deposit to cover payment
certified milk|milk from dairies regulated by an authorized medical milk commission
certified public accountant|an accountant who has passed certain examinations and met all other statutory and licensing requirements of a United States state to be certified by that state
certiorari|a common law writ issued by a superior court to one of inferior jurisdiction demanding the record of a particular case
certitude|total certainty or greater certainty than circumstances warrant
cerulean blue|light greenish-blue pigment consisting essentially of oxides of cobalt and tin
cerumen|a soft yellow wax secreted by glands in the ear canal
cerussite|a mineral consisting of lead carbonate that is an important source of lead
Cervantes|Spanish writer best remembered for 'Don Quixote' which satirizes chivalry and influenced the development of the novel form (1547-1616)
cervical artery|an artery that supplies the muscles of the neck
cervical canal|a spindle-shaped canal extending from the uterus to the vagina
cervical cap|a contraceptive device consisting of a small thimble-shaped cup that is placed over the uterine cervix to prevent the entrance of spermatozoa
cervical disc syndrome|an abnormal condition resulting from compression of spinal nerve roots in the neck region;involves neck pains and muscular weakness and paresthesia
cervical glands|mucus-secreting glands in the mucosa of the uterine cervix
cervical nerve|any of eight pairs of spinal nerves emerging from the cervical section of the spinal cord
cervical plexus|a nerve plexus lying beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle
cervical smear|a sample of secretions and superficial cells of the uterine cervix and uterus;examined with a microscope to detect any abnormal cells
cervical vein|a vein that accompanies an artery of the same name
cervical vertebra|one of 7 vertebrae in the human spine located in the neck region
cervicitis|inflammation of the uterine cervix
cervicofacial actinomycosis|the commonest and least severe form of actinomycosis;affects the face and neck regions
Cervidae|deer;reindeer;moose or elks;muntjacs;roe deer
cervix|necklike opening to the uterus
Cervus|the type genus of the Cervidae
Ceryle|a genus of birds of the family Alcedinidae
cesarean delivery|the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that Julius Caesar was born that way)
cesium|a soft silver-white ductile metallic element (liquid at normal temperatures);the most electropositive and alkaline metal
cesium 137|a radioactive isotope of cesium used in radiation therapy
cessation|a stopping - "a cessation of the thunder"
cession|the act of ceding
cesspool|a covered cistern;waste water and sewage flow into it
Cestida|ctenophore having short tentacles;one family
Cestidae|coextensive with the order Cestida;ctenophores having a greatly flattened and elongated body
Cestoda|tapeworms
Cestrum|genus of fragrant tropical American shrubs
Cestum|Venus's girdle
Cetacea|an order of Eutheria
cetacean|large aquatic carnivorous mammal with fin-like forelimbs no hind limbs, including;whales;dolphins;porpoises;narwhals
Ceterach|small genus of Old World ferns;superseded in some classification systems which place plants of this genus in e.g. genera Asplenium and Pleurosorus
Cetonia|a genus of Cetoniidae
Cetoniidae|considered a separate family in some classification systems
Cetorhinidae|in some older classifications considered the family of the basking sharks
Cetorhinus|comprising only the basking sharks;in some classifications considered the type genus of a separate family Cetorhinidae
Cetraria|foliose lichens chiefly of northern latitudes
cetrimide|a cationic detergent that is a powerful disinfectant
Cetus|a large constellation on the equator near Pisces and Aquarius
Ceylon|an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India
Ceylon bowstring hemp|plant having thick fibrous leaves transversely banded in light and dark green
Ceylonite|a dark-colored spinel containing iron
Cezanne|French Post-impressionist painter who influenced modern art (especially cubism) by stressing the structural components latent in nature (1839-1906)
cgs|system of measurement based on centimeters and grams and seconds
Chabad|a form of Hasidism practiced by Lithuanian and Russian Jews under communist rule;the beliefs and practices of the Lubavitch movement
chabazite|a group of minerals of the zeolite family consisting of a hydrous silicate of calcium and aluminum
Chablis|a town in north central France noted for white Burgundy wines;dry white table wine of Chablis, France or a wine resembling it
cha-cha|a modern ballroom dance from Latin America;small steps and swaying movements of the hips
chachalaca|slender arboreal guan resembling a wild turkey;native to Central America and Mexico;highly regarded as game birds
chachka|(Yiddish) an attractive, unconventional woman;(Yiddish) an inexpensive showy trinket
chacma|greyish baboon of southern and eastern Africa
Chad|a family of Afroasiatic tonal languages (mostly two tones) spoken in the regions west and south of Lake Chad in north central Africa;a landlocked desert republic in north-central Africa;was under French control until 1960;a small piece of paper that is supposed to be removed when a hole is punched in a card or paper tape
Chadian|a native or inhabitant of Chad
Chadian franc|the basic unit of money in Chad
chador|a cloth used as a head covering (and veil and shawl) by Muslim and Hindu women
chaenactis|any of several United States plants having long stalks of funnel-shaped white or yellow flowers
Chaenomeles|flowering quince
Chaenopsis|a genus of fish of the family Clinidae including pikeblennies
Chaeronea|a battle in which Philip II of Macedon defeated the Athenians and Thebans (338 BC) and also Sulla defeated Mithridates (86 BC)
chaeta|a stiff chitinous seta or bristle especially of an annelid worm
Chaetodipterus|a genus of Ephippidae
chaetodon|any fish of the genus Chaetodon
Chaetodontidae|butterfly fishes
Chaetognatha|arrowworms;a group of small active transparent marine worms
chafe|soreness and warmth caused by friction - "he had a nasty chafe on his knee"
chafeweed|weedy perennial of north temperate regions having woolly foliage and dirty white flowers in a leafy spike
chaff|foil in thin strips;ejected into the air as a radar countermeasure;material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
chaffinch|small European finch with a cheerful song
chaffweed|weedy plant having short dry chafflike leaves
chafing|soreness or irritation of the skin caused by friction
chafing dish|a metal pan over a heater;used to cook or to keep things warm at the table
chafing gear|covering (usually rope or canvas) of a line or spar to protect it from friction
Chagall|French painter (born in Russia) noted for his imagery and brilliant colors (1887-1985)
Chagatai|a Turkic literary language of medieval central Asia (named for one of the sons of Genghis Khan)
chagrin|strong feelings of embarrassment
chain|(business) a number of similar establishments (stores or restaurants or banks or hotels or theaters) under one ownership;(chemistry) a series of linked atoms (generally in an organic molecule);a linked or connected series of objects - "a chain of daisies";a necklace made by a stringing objects together;a series of (usually metal) rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament;a series of things depending on each other as if linked together - "the chain of command";a unit of length;anything that acts as a restraint;British biochemist (born in Germany) who isolated and purified penicillin, which had been discovered in 1928 by Sir Alexander Fleming (1906-1979)
chain fern|a fern of the genus Woodwardia having the sori in chainlike rows
chain gang|a gang of convicts chained together
chain letter|a letter that is sent successively to several people
chain mail|(Middle Ages) flexible armor made of interlinked metal rings
chain pickerel|common in quiet waters of eastern United States
chain printer|an impact printer that carries the type slugs by links of a revolving chain
chain reaction|a self-sustaining nuclear reaction;a series of nuclear fissions in which neutrons released by splitting one atom leads to the splitting of others;a series of chemical reactions in which the product of one is a reactant in the next
chain saw|portable power saw;teeth linked to form an endless chain
chain stitch|a looped stitch resembling the links of a chain;used in embroidery and in sewing;the most basic of all crochet stitches made by pulling a loop of yarn through another loop
chain store|one of a chain of retail stores under the same management and selling the same merchandise
chain tongs|a pipe wrench used for turning large pipes;an adjustable chain circles the pipe with its ends connected to the head whose teeth engage the pipe
chain wrench|another name for chain tongs
chainlink fence|a fence of steel wires woven into a diamond pattern
chain-smoker|a heavy smoker (usually of cigarettes) who lights one off of another
chair|a particular seat in an orchestra - "he is second chair violin";a seat for one person, with a support for the back - "he put his coat over the back of the chair and sat down"
chair of state|a ceremonial chair for an exalted or powerful person
chairlift|a ski lift on which riders (skiers or sightseers) are seated and carried up or down a mountainside;seats are hung from an endless overhead cable
chairman of the board|the chairman of the board of directors of a corporation
chairmanship|the position of chairman
chaise|a carriage consisting of two wheels and a calash top;drawn by a single horse
chaise longue|a long chair;for reclining
Chait|the first Hindu calendar month (corresponding to March in the Gregorian calendar)
chaja|largest crested screamer;native to southern Brazil and Argentina
chalaza|basal part of a plant ovule opposite the micropyle;where integument and nucellus are joined;one of two spiral bands of tissue connecting the egg yolk to the enclosing membrane at either end of the shell
chalazion|a small sebaceous cyst of the eyelid resulting when a Meibomian gland is blocked
Chalcedon|a former town on the Bosporus (now part of Istanbul);site of the Council of Chalcedon;the fourth ecumenical council in 451 which defined the two natures (human and divine) of Christ
chalcedony|a milky or greyish translucent to transparent quartz
chalcid fly|any of various tiny insects whose larvae are parasites on eggs and larvae of other insects;many are beneficial in destroying injurious insects
Chalcididae|an arthropod family including;chalcidflies
Chalcis|type genus of the Chalcididae
chalcis fly|a variety of chalcid fly
chalcocite|a heavy grey mineral that is an ore of copper
chalcopyrite|a yellow copper ore (CuFeS2) made up of copper and iron sulfide
Chalcostigma|thornbills
Chaldea|an ancient region of Mesopotamia lying between the Euphrates delta and the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Desert;settled in 1000 BC and destroyed by the Persians in 539 BC;reached the height of its power under Nebuchadnezzar II
Chaldean|a wise man skilled in occult learning;an inhabitant of ancient Chaldea
chaldron|a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 36 bushels
chalet|a Swiss house with a sloping roof and wide eaves or a house built in this style
chalice|a bowl-shaped drinking vessel;especially the Eucharistic cup
chalice vine|Mexican evergreen climbing plant having large solitary funnel-shaped fragrant yellow flowers with purple-brown ridges in the throat
chalk|a piece of calcite or a similar substance, usually in the shape of a crayon, that is used to write or draw on blackboards or other flat surfaces;a pure flat white with little reflectance;a soft whitish calcite
chalk dust|dust resulting from writing with a piece of chalk - "chalk dust covered the teacher's hands"
chalk line|a chalked string used in the building trades to make a straight line on a vertical surface
chalk talk|a talk that uses a blackboard and chalk
chalkpit|a quarry for chalk
challah|(Judaism) a loaf of white bread containing eggs and leavened with yeast;often formed into braided loaves and glazed with eggs before baking
challenge|a call to engage in a contest or fight;a demand by a sentry for a password or identification;a demanding or stimulating situation - "they reacted irrationally to the challenge of Russian power";a formal objection to the selection of a particular person as a juror;questioning a statement and demanding an explanation - "his challenge of the assumption that Japan is still our enemy"
challis|a soft lightweight fabric (usually printed)
Chalons|the battle in which Attila the Hun was defeated by the Romans and Visigoths in 451
Chamaea|a genus of Paridae
Chamaecrista|genus of tropical herbs or subshrubs having sensitive leaves and suddenly dehiscing pods;some species placed in genus Cassia
Chamaecyparis|a genus of Chamaecyparis
Chamaecytisus|small late-flowering trees or subshrubs having yellow to red flowers and leathery or woody pods;often especially formerly included in genus Cytisus
Chamaedaphne|one species;leatherleaf
Chamaeleo|type genus of the Chamaeleontidae
Chamaeleon|a faint constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere near Apus and Mensa
Chamaeleontidae|Old World chameleons;in some classifications they are considered a superfamily of Sauria
Chamaemelum|small genus of plants sometimes included in genus Anthemis;chamomile
chamber|a deliberative or legislative or administrative or judicial assembly - "the upper chamber is the senate";a natural or artificial enclosed space;a room where a judge transacts business;an enclosed volume in the body - "the chambers of his heart were healthy"
chamber music|serious music performed by a small group of musicians
chamber of commerce|an association of businessmen to protect and promote business interests
chamber orchestra|small orchestra;usually plays classical music
chambered nautilus|cephalopod of the Indian and Pacific oceans having a spiral shell with pale pearly partitions
chamberlain|an officer who manages the household of a king or nobleman;the treasurer of a municipal corporation;British statesman who as Prime Minister pursued a policy of appeasement toward fascist Germany (1869-1940)
chambermaid|a maid who is employed to clean and care for bedrooms (now primarily in hotels)
chamberpot|a receptacle for urination or defecation in the bedroom
Chambers|English architect (1723-1796)
chambray|a lightweight fabric woven with white threads across a colored warp
chameleon|a changeable or inconstant person;lizard of Africa and Madagascar able to change skin color and having a projectile tongue
chameleon tree frog|a form of tree toad
chamfer bit|a bit that is used for beveling
chamfer plane|a plane that makes a beveled edge
chamois|a soft suede leather formerly from the skin of the chamois antelope but now from sheepskin;hoofed mammal of mountains of Eurasia having upright horns with backward-hooked tips
chamois cloth|a piece of chamois used for washing windows or cars
chamois cress|small tufted perennial herb of mountains of central and southern Europe having very small flowers of usually leafless stems;sometimes placed in genus Lepidium
chamomile|Eurasian plant with apple-scented foliage and white-rayed flowers and feathery leaves used medicinally;in some classification systems placed in genus Anthemis
chamosite|a greenish grey or black silicate of iron and aluminum
Champagne|a region of northeastern France;a white sparkling wine either produced in Champagne or resembling that produced there
champagne cup|a punch containing a sparkling wine
Champaign|a university town in east central Illinois adjoining Urbana
champerty|an unethical agreement between an attorney and client that the attorney would sue and pay the costs of the client's suit in return for a portion of the damages awarded - "soliciting personal injury cases may constitute champerty"
champion|someone who fights for a cause;someone who has won first place in a competition
championship|a competition at which a champion is chosen;the status of being a champion
Champlain|French explorer in Nova Scotia who established a settlement on the site of modern Quebec (1567-1635)
Champollion|Frenchman and Egyptologist who studied the Rosetta Stone and in 1821 became the first person to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics (1790-1832)
Champs Elysees|a major avenue in Paris famous for elegant shops and cafes
chanar|thorny shrub or small tree common in central Argentina having small orange or yellow flowers followed by edible berries
chance|a risk involving danger - "you take a chance when you let her drive"
chancel|area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir;often enclosed by a lattice or railing
chancellery|a government building housing the office of a chancellor
chancellor|the honorary or titular head of a university;the person who is head of state (in several countries)
Chancellor of the Exchequer|the British cabinet minister responsible for finance
chancellorship|the office of chancellor
Chancellorsville|a major battle in the American Civil War (1863);the Confederates under Robert E. Lee defeated the Union forces under Joseph Hooker;a village in northeastern Virginia
chance-medley|an unpremeditated killing of a human being in self defense
chancery|a court with jurisdiction in equity;an office of archives for public or ecclesiastic records;a court of public records
chancre|a small hard painless nodule at the site of entry of a pathogen (as syphilis)
chancroid|infectious venereal ulcer
chandelier|branched lighting fixture;often ornate;hangs from the ceiling
chandelle|a flight maneuver consisting of a steep climbing turn executed to gain altitude while changing direction
Chandi|malevolent aspect of Devi
chandler|a maker (and seller) of candles and soap and oils and paints;a retail dealer in provisions and supplies;United States writer of detective thrillers featuring the character of Philip Marlowe (1888-1959)
chandlery|a storeroom where candles are kept;candles and other commodities sold by a chandler
chanfron|medieval plate armor to protect a horse's head
Chang Jiang|the longest river of Asia;flows eastward from Tibet into the East China Sea near Shanghai
Chang Kuo|one of the 8 immortals of Taoism
change|a different or fresh set of clothes - "she brought a change in her overnight bag";a relational difference between states;especially between states before and after some event - "he attributed the change to their marriage";a thing that is different - "he inspected several changes before selecting one";an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another - "the change was intended to increase sales" - "this storm is certainly a change for the worse";coins of small denomination regarded collectively - "he had a pocketful of change";money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency - "he got change for a twenty and used it to pay the taxi driver";the action of changing something - "the change of government had no impact on the economy" - "his change on abortion cost him the election";the balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due - "I paid with a twenty and pocketed the change";the result of alteration or modification - "there were marked changes in the lining of the lungs" - "there had been no change in the mountains"
change of color|an act that changes the light that something reflects
change of course|a change in the direction that you are moving
change of direction|the act of changing the direction in which something is oriented
change of integrity|the act of changing the unity or wholeness of something
change of location|a movement through space that changes the location of something
change of magnitude|the act of changing the amount or size of something
change of shape|an action that changes the shape of something
change of state|the act of changing something into something different in essential characteristics
change ringing|ringing tuned bells in a fixed order that is continually changing
changeableness|the quality of being changeable;having a marked tendency to change - "the changeableness of the weather"
changelessness|the property of remaining unchanged;the quality of being unchangeable;having a marked tendency to remain unchanged
changeling|a child secretly exchanged for another in infancy
changer|a person who changes something - "an inveterate changer of the menu"
change-up|a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball
Changtzu|a mountain in the central Himalayas on the border of Tibet and Nepal (24,780 feet high)
channel|(often plural) a means of communication or access - "it must go through official channels";a deep and relatively narrow body of water (as in a river or a harbor or a strait linking two larger bodies) that allows the best passage for vessels - "the ship went aground in the channel";a passage for water (or other fluids) to flow through - "the fields were crossed with irrigation channels" - "gutters carried off the rainwater into a series of channels under the street";a path over which electrical signals can pass - "a channel is typically what you rent from a telephone company";a television station and its programs - "a satellite TV channel" - "surfing through the channels" - "they offer more than one hundred channels"
channel capacity|the maximum data rate that can be attained over a given channel
channel catfish|freshwater food fish common throughout central United States
Channel Island|any of a group of British islands in the English Channel off the northern coast of France
Channel Islands National Park|a national park in California featuring sea birds and marine life
channelization|management through specified channels of communication
channels|official routes of communication - "you have to go through channels"
Channidae|snakeheads
chanson de geste|Old French epic poems
chant|a repetitive song in which as many syllables as necessary are assigned to a single tone
chanter|reed pipe with finger holes on which the melody is played
chanterelle|widely distributed edible mushroom rich yellow in color with a smooth cap and a pleasant apricot aroma
chantey|a rhythmical work song originally sung by sailors
chantry|a chapel endowed for singing Masses for the soul of the donor;an endowment for the singing of Masses
Chao Phraya|a river in Thailand formed by the confluence of the Nan and Ping Rivers;flows southward past Bangkok and empties into the Gulf of Thailand
Chaos|(Greek mythology) the most ancient of gods;the personification of the infinity of space preceding creation of the universe;(physics) a dynamical system that is extremely sensitive to its initial conditions;a state of extreme confusion and disorder;the formless and disordered state of matter before the creation of the cosmos
chap|(usually in the plural) leather leggings without a seat;joined by a belt;often have flared outer flaps;worn over trousers by cowboys to protect their legs;a boy or man - "that chap is your host";a crack in a lip caused usually by cold
chaparral mallow|shrub of coastal ranges of California and Baja California having hairy branches and spikes of numerous mauve flowers;sometimes placed in genus Sphaeralcea
chaparral pea|spiny evergreen xerophytic shrub having showy rose and purple flowers and forming dense thickets;of dry rocky mountain slopes of California
chapatti|flat pancake-like bread cooked on a griddle
chapel|a place of worship that has its own altar
Chapel Hill|a town in central North Carolina;site of the University of North Carolina
chapel service|a service conducted in a place of worship that has its own altar
chaperon|one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people
chaplain|a clergyman ministering to some institution
chaplaincy|the position of chaplain
Chaplin|English comedian and film maker;portrayed a downtrodden little man in baggy pants and bowler hat (1889-1977)
chapman|archaic term for an itinerant peddler;United States pioneer who planted apple trees as he traveled (1774-1845)
chapter|a local branch of some fraternity or association - "he joined the Atlanta chapter";a series of related events forming an episode - "a chapter of disasters";a subdivision of a written work;usually numbered and titled - "he read a chapter every night before falling asleep";an ecclesiastical assembly of the monks in a monastery or even of the canons of a church;any distinct period in history or in a person's life - "the industrial revolution opened a new chapter in British history" - "the divorce was an ugly chapter in their relationship"
chapterhouse|a building attached to a monastery or cathedral;used as a meeting place for the chapter;a house used as a residence by a chapter of a fraternity
Chapultepec|a pitched battle in the Mexican War that resulted in a major victory for American forces over Mexican forces at a locality south of Mexico City (1847)
char|a charred substance;any of several small trout-like fish of the genus Salvelinus
Chara|green algae common in freshwater lakes of limestone districts
Characeae|green algae superficially resembling horsetail ferns;stoneworts
Characidae|tropical freshwater fishes of Africa and South America and Central America
characin|any freshwater fish of the family Characinidae
Characinidae|former name of the Characidae
character|(genetics) an attribute (structural or functional) that is determined by a gene or group of genes;a formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability - "requests for character references are all too often answered evasively";a person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities) - "a real character" - "a strange character";a written symbol that is used to represent speech - "the Greek alphabet has 24 characters";an actor's portrayal of someone in a play;good repute - "he is a man of character";the inherent complex of attributes that determines a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions - "education has for its object the formation of character"- Herbert Spencer
character actor|an actor who specializes in playing supporting roles
character assassination|an attack intended to ruin someone's reputation
character printer|a printer that prints a single character at a time
character set|an ordered list of characters that are used together in writing or printing
character witness|a witness who testifies under oath as to the good reputation of another person in the community where that person lives
characteristic|a distinguishing quality;any measurable property of a device measured under closely specified conditions;the integer part (positive or negative) of the representation of a logarithm;in the expression log 643 = 2.808 the characteristic is 2
characteristic curve|(electronics) graph showing how a particular characteristic of a device varies with other parameters
characterization|the act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features - "the media's characterization of Al Gore as a nerd"
charade|a word acted out in an episode of the game of charades
charades|player acts out a phrase for others to guess
Charadrii|shorebirds;plovers;sandpipers;avocets;phalaropes;coursers;stone curlews
Charadriidae|plover family
Charadriiformes|large diverse order of aquatic birds found along seacoasts and inland waters;shorebirds and coastal diving birds;most feed on anima life
Charadrius|type genus of the Charadriidae;plovers
Charales|small order of macroscopic fresh and brackish water algae with a distinct axis;stoneworts
charcoal|a carbonaceous material obtained by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air;a drawing made with a stick of black carbon material;a stick of black carbon material used for drawing;a very dark grey color
charcoal burner|a stove that burns charcoal as fuel;a worker whose job is to make charcoal
Charcot|French neurologist who tried to use hypnotism to cure hysteria (1825-1893)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease|a form of neuropathy that can begin between childhood and young adulthood;characterized by weakness and atrophy of the muscles of the hands and lower legs;progression is slow and individuals affected can have a normal life span;inheritance is X-linked recessive or X-linked dominant
charcuterie|a delicatessen that specializes in meats
chard|beet lacking swollen root;grown as a vegetable for its edible leaves and stalks;long succulent whitish stalks with large green leaves
Chardonnay|dry white table wine resembling Chablis but made from Chardonnay grapes;white wine grape
charge|(criminal law) a pleading describing some wrong or offense - "he was arrested on a charge of larceny";a person committed to your care - "the teacher led her charges across the street";a quantity of explosive to be set off at one time - "this cartridge has a powder charge of 50 grains";an impetuous rush toward someone or something - "the wrestler's charge carried him past his adversary" - "the battle began with a cavalry charge";financial liabilities (such as a tax) - "the charges against the estate";heraldry consisting of a design or image depicted on a shield;request for payment of a debt - "they submitted their charges at the end of each month";the price charged for some article or service - "the admission charge";the quantity of unbalanced electricity in a body (either positive or negative) and construed as an excess or deficiency of electrons - "the battery needed a fresh charge"
charge d'affaires|the official temporarily in charge of a diplomatic mission in the absence of the ambassador
charge of quarters|an enlisted man who handles his unit's administrative matters after hours
charge unit|a measure of the quantity of electricity (determined by the amount of an electric current and the time for which it flows)
charge-exchange accelerator|an accelerator in which high-energy ions escape from plasma following charge exchange
charger|a device for charging or recharging batteries;formerly a strong swift horse ridden into battle
Charina|boas of western North America
Chari-Nile|a group of Nilo-Saharan language spoken in parts of the Sudan and Zaire and Uganda and Tanzania
chariot|a light four-wheel horse-drawn ceremonial carriage;a two-wheeled horse-drawn battle vehicle;used in war and races in ancient Egypt and Greece and Rome
chariot race|a race between ancient chariots
charioteer|the driver of a chariot
charisma|a personal attractiveness or interestingness that enables you to influence others
charitable trust|a trust created for charitable or religious or educational or scientific purposes
charitableness|generosity as manifested by practicing charity (as for the poor or unfortunate)
charity|a foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals);a kindly and lenient attitude toward people;an activity or gift that benefits the public at large;an institution set up to provide help to the needy
charlatanism|the dishonesty of a charlatan
Charlemagne|king of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor;conqueror of the Lombards and Saxons (742-814)
Charleroi|city in southwestern Belgium;center of an industrial region
Charles|a river in eastern Massachusetts that empties into Boston Harbor and that separates Cambridge from Boston;as Charles II he was Holy Roman Emperor and as Charles I he was king of France (823-877);French physicist and author of Charles's law which anticipated Gay-Lussac's law (1746-1823);King of England and Scotland and Ireland during the Restoration (1630-1685);King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574);King of France who began his reign with most of northern France under English control;after the intervention of Jeanne d'Arc the French were able to defeat the English and end the Hundred Years' War (1403-1461);son of James I who was King of England and Scotland and Ireland;was deposed and executed by Oliver Cromwell (1600-1649);the eldest son of Elizabeth II and heir to the English throne (born in 1948)
Charleston|a port city in southeastern South Carolina;an American ballroom dance in syncopated rhythm;popular early in the 20th century;state capital of West Virginia in the central part of the state on the Kanawha river
Charlestown|a former town and present-day neighborhood of Boston;settled in 1629
Charlestown Navy Yard|the navy yard in Boston where the frigate 'Constitution' is anchored
charley horse|a muscular cramp (especially in the thigh or calf) following vigorous exercise
charlotte|a mold lined with cake or crumbs and filled with fruit or whipped cream or custard;the largest city in North Carolina;located in south central North Carolina
charlotte russe|lady fingers enclosing Bavarian cream
Charlottetown|the provincial capital and largest city of Prince Edward Island
charm|(physics) one of the six flavors of quark;something believed to bring good luck
charm campaign|a campaign of flattery and friendliness (by a company, politician, etc.) to become more popular and gain support
charm quark|a quark with an electric charge of +2/3 and a mass 2900 times that of an electron and a charm of +1
charmer|a person who charms others (usually by personal attractiveness)
charnel house|a vault or building where corpses or bones are deposited
Charolais|large white or cream-colored breed from France
Charon|(Greek mythology) the ferryman who brought the souls of the dead across the river Styx or the river Acheron to Hades
Charophyceae|in some classifications;contains only the order Charales
charred pancake cup|a common name for a variety of Sarcosomataceae
Charronia|a genus of Mustelidae
chart|a map designed to assist navigation by air or sea;a visual display of information
charter|a contract to hire or lease transportation;a document incorporating an institution and specifying its rights;includes the articles of incorporation and the certificate of incorporation
charter member|one of the original members when an organization was founded
charter school|an experimental public school for kindergarten through grade 12;created and organized by teachers and parents and community leaders;operates independently of other schools
chartered accountant|a British or Canadian accountant who is a member of a professional body that has a royal charter
charterhouse|a Carthusian monastery
Chartism|the principles of a body of 19th century English reformers who advocated better social and economic conditions for working people
Chartist|a 19th century English reformer who advocated better social and economic conditions for working people;a stock market analyst who tries to predict market trends from graphs of recent prices of securities
Chartres|a town in northern France that is noted for its Gothic Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral|a Gothic cathedral in northern France;built in 13th century
Chartreuse|aromatic green or yellow liqueur flavored with orange peel and hyssop and peppermint oils;made at monastery near Grenoble, France
charwoman|a human female employed to do housework
Charybdis|(Greek mythology) a ship-devouring whirlpool lying on the other side of a narrow strait from Scylla
chase|a rectangular metal frame used in letterpress printing to hold together the pages or columns of composed type that are printed at one time;United States politician and jurist who served as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1808-1873)
chaser|a drink to follow immediately after another drink
chasm|a deep opening in the earth's surface
chasse|(ballet) quick gliding steps with one foot always leading
chassis|a metal mounting for the circuit components of an electronic device;the skeleton of a motor vehicle consisting of a steel frame supported on springs that holds the body and motor
chasteness|lack of ornamentation
chastity|abstaining from sexual relations (as because of religious vows)
chasuble|a long sleeveless vestment worn by a priest when celebrating Mass
chat|an informal conversation
chat room|a site on the internet where a number of users can communicate in real time (typically one dedicated to a particular topic)
chateau|an impressive country house (or castle) in France
Chateaubriand|a very thick center cut of beef tenderloin;French statesman and writer;considered a precursor of the romantic movement in France (1768-1848)
chatelaine|a chain formerly worn at the waist by women;for carrying a purse or bunch of keys etc.;the mistress of a chateau or large country house
Chateura|a genus of Apodidae
Chattahoochee|a river rising in northern Georgia and flowing southwest and south to join the Flint River at the Florida border where they form the Apalachicola River
Chattanooga|a city in eastern Tennessee;in the American Civil War (1863) the Union armies of Hooker, Thomas, and Sherman under the command of Ulysses S. Grant won a decisive victory over the Confederate Army under Braxton Bragg
chattel|personal as opposed to real property;any tangible movable property (furniture or domestic animals or a car etc)
chattel mortgage|a loan to buy some personal item;the item (or chattel) is security for the loan
chatter|the high-pitched continuing noise made by animals (birds or monkeys);the rapid series of noises made by the parts of a machine
chatter mark|a mark made by a chattering tool on the surface of a workpiece;marks on a glaciated rock caused by the movement of a glacier
chatterer|an obnoxious and foolish and loquacious talker
Chaucer|English poet remembered as author of the Canterbury Tales (1340-1400)
chauffeur|a man paid to drive a privately owned car
chauffeuse|a woman chauffeur
chaulmoogra|East Indian tree with oily seeds yield chaulmoogra oil used to treat leprosy
chaulmoogra oil|an oil from chaulmoogra trees;used in treatment of skin diseases and leprosy
Chauna|crested screamers
chauvinism|fanatical patriotism
chauvinist|a person with a prejudiced belief in the superiority of his or her own kind;an extreme bellicose nationalist
Chavez|Mexican composer of nationalistic works using themes from Indian folk music (1899-1978);United States labor leader who organized farm workers (born 1927)
cheap money|credit available at low rates of interest
cheap shot|an illegal and unsportsmanlike act of unnecessary violence - "he called a penalty on them when the lineman took a cheap shot at the quarterback";an unnecessarily aggressive and unfair remark directed at a defenseless person
cheapjack|a peddler of inferior goods
cheapness|tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
cheapskate|a miserly person
cheat|a deception for profit to yourself
chebab|a Palestinian juvenile 10-15 years old who fights against the Israelis
Chechen|a native or inhabitant of Chechnya;a northern Caucasian language spoken by the Chechen
Chechnya|an autonomous republic in southwestern Russia in the northern Caucasus Mountains bordering on Georgia;declared independence from the USSR in 1991 but Russian troops invaded and continue to prosecute a relentless military campaign in the largely Muslim republic
check|(chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king;a mark left after a small piece has been chopped or broken off of something;a textile pattern of squares or crossed lines (resembling a checkerboard) - "she wore a skirt with checks";a written order directing a bank to pay money - "he paid all his bills by check";obstructing an opponent in ice hockey;the act of inspecting or verifying - "they made a check of their equipment" - "the pilot ran through the check-out procedure";the bill in a restaurant - "he asked the waiter for the check"
check character|a character that is added to the end of a block of transmitted data and used to check the accuracy of the transmission
check girl|a female checker
check mark|a mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc. - "as he called the role he put a check mark by each student's name"
check register|a register of checks issued (usually in numeric order)
checkbook|a book issued to holders of checking accounts
checker|an attendant who checks coats or baggage;one of the flat round pieces used in playing the game of checkers;one who checks the correctness of something
checkerbloom|perennial purple-flowered wild mallow of western North America that is also cultivated
checkerboard|a board having 64 squares of two alternating colors
checkered whiptail|markings are darker and more marked than in western whiptail;from southeastern Colorado to eastern Chihuahua
checkers|a checkerboard game for two players who each have 12 pieces;the object is to jump over and so capture the opponent's pieces
check-in|the act of reporting your presence (as at an airport or a hotel)
checking account|a bank account against which the depositor can draw checks that are payable on demand
checking program|a program that examines other computer programs for syntax errors
checklist|a list of items (names or tasks etc.) to be checked or consulted
checkmate|a chess move constituting an inescapable and indefensible attack on the opponent's king;complete victory
checkout|a counter in a supermarket where you pay for your purchases;the latest time for vacating a hotel room - "the checkout here is 12 noon"
checkout line|a queue of people waiting to pay for purchases
checkpoint|a place (as at a frontier) where travellers are stopped for inspection and clearance
checkroom|a room where baggage or parcels are checked
checksum|a digit representing the sum of the digits in an instance of digital data;used to check whether errors have occurred in transmission or storage
checkup|a thorough physical examination;includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person
Cheddar|a village in southwestern England where cheddar cheese was first made;hard smooth-textured cheese;originally made in Cheddar in southwestern England
cheddar pink|mat-forming perennial of central Europe with large fragrant pink or red flowers
cheek|either side of the face below the eyes
cheek muscle|a muscle that flattens the cheek and retracts the angle of the mouth
cheek pouch|a membranous pouch inside the mouth of many rodents (as a gopher)
cheekbone|the arch of bone beneath the eye that forms the prominence of the cheek
cheekpiece|either of two straps of a bridle that connect the bit to the headpiece
cheep|the short weak cry of a young bird
cheer|a cry or shout of approval
cheerer|a spectator who shouts encouragement
cheerfulness|a feeling of spontaneous good spirits - "his cheerfulness made everyone feel better";the quality of being cheerful and dispelling gloom - "flowers added a note of cheerfulness to the drab room"
cheering|encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators
cheerleader|an enthusiastic and vocal supporter - "he has become a cheerleader for therapeutic cloning";someone who leads the cheers by spectators at a sporting event
cheerlessness|a feeling of dreary or pessimistic sadness
cheese|a solid food prepared from the pressed curd of milk
cheese cutter|a kitchen utensil (board or handle) with a wire for cutting cheese
cheese dip|a dip made of cheeses
cheese fondue|fondue made of cheese melted in wine for dipping bread and sometimes fruits
cheese pizza|pizza with lots of cheese
cheese press|a press for shaping cheese curd
cheese rind|the rind of a cheese
cheese sauce|white sauce with grated cheese
cheese souffle|puffy dish of cheese and eggs (whites beaten separately) and white sauce
cheese spread|spread made of cheese mixed with butter or cream or cream cheese and seasonings
cheeseboard|tray on which cheeses are served
cheeseburger|a hamburger with melted cheese on it
cheesecake|a photograph of an attractive woman in minimal attire;made with sweetened cream cheese and eggs and cream baked in a crumb crust
cheesecloth|a coarse loosely woven cotton gauze;originally used to wrap cheeses
cheesemonger|someone who sells cheese
cheetah|long-legged spotted cat of Africa and southwestern Asia having nonretractile claws;the swiftest mammal;can be trained to run down game
Cheever|United States writer of novels and short stories (1912-1982)
chef|a professional cook
chef's salad|the combination salad prepared as a particular chef's specialty
Cheilanthes|small evergreen ferns;lipferns;in some classifications placed in family Polypodiaceae or Adiantaceae
cheilitis|inflammation and cracking of the skin of the lips
cheilosis|a disorder of the lips marked by scaling and fissures at the corners of the mouth;caused by a deficiency of riboflavin
Cheiranthus|Old World perennial plants grown for their showy flowers
Chekhov|Russian dramatist whose plays are concerned with the difficulty of communication between people (1860-1904)
chela|a Hindu disciple of a swami
chelate|a heterocyclic compound having a metal ion attached by coordinate bonds to at least two nonmetal ions
chelation|(medicine) the process of removing a heavy metal from the bloodstream by means of a chelate as in treating lead or mercury poisoning;the process of forming a ring by forming one or more hydrogen bonds
chelicera|either of the first pair of fang-like appendages near the mouth of an arachnid;often modified for grasping and piercing
Chelicerata|spiders;scorpions;horseshoe crabs
Chelidonium|one species;greater celandine
Chelifer|a genus of Chelonethida
Chelone|herbaceous perennials;shellflower
Chelonethida|false scorpions
Chelonia|green turtles;tortoises and turtles
chelonian|a reptile of the order Chelonia
Cheloniidae|green turtles;hawksbills
Chelyabinsk|a city in the Asian part of Russia
Chelydra|snapping turtles
Chelydridae|snapping turtles
Chemakuan|a group of Mosan languages spoken in Washington
Chemakum|a Chemakuan language spoken by the Chemakum
chemical|material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
chemical agent|an agent that produces chemical reactions
chemical analysis|the act of decomposing a substance into its constituent elements
chemical bomb|a bomb laden with chemical agents that are released when the bomb explodes
chemical bond|an electrical force linking atoms
chemical defense|procedures involved in taking defensive measures against attacks using chemical agents
chemical element|any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter
chemical energy|that part of the energy in a substance that can be released by a chemical reaction
chemical engineering|the activity of applying chemistry to the solution of practical problems;the branch of engineering that is concerned with the design and construction and operation of the plants and machinery used in industrial chemical processes
chemical equilibrium|a chemical reaction and its reverse proceed at equal rates
chemical industry|the manufacturers of chemicals considered collectively
chemical irritant|a substance producing irritation
chemical notation|a notation used by chemists to express technical facts in chemistry
chemical phenomenon|any natural phenomenon involving chemistry (as changes to atoms or molecules)
chemical plant|an industrial plant where chemicals are produced
chemical process|(chemistry) any process determined by the atomic and molecular composition and structure of the substances involved
chemical property|a property used to characterize materials in reactions that change their identity
chemical reaction|(chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others - "there was a chemical reaction of the lime with the ground water"
chemical reactor|an apparatus for holding substances that are undergoing a chemical reaction
chemical terrorism|terrorism using the chemical agents of chemical warfare;can undermine the personal security of citizens - "a good agent for chemical terrorism should be colorless and odorless and inexpensive and readily available and not detectable until symptoms are experienced"
chemical warfare|warfare using chemical agents to kill or injure or incapacitate the enemy
chemical weapon|chemical substances that can be delivered using munitions and dispersal devices to cause death or severe harm to people and animals and plants
Chemical Weapons Convention|a global treaty banning the production or acquisition or stockpiling or transfer or use of chemical weapons
chemiluminescence|luminescence resulting from a chemical reaction as the oxidation of luciferin in fireflies
chemise|a loose-fitting dress hanging straight from the shoulders without a waist;a woman's sleeveless undergarment
chemisorption|adsorption (especially when irreversible) by means of chemical instead of physical forces - "chemisorption of gaseous nitrogen on iron catalysts"
chemist|a scientist who specializes in chemistry
chemistry|the chemical composition and properties of a substance or object - "the chemistry of soil";the science of matter;the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions;the way two individuals relate to each other - "their chemistry was wrong from the beginning -- they hated each other"
chemistry department|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in chemistry
chemistry lab|a laboratory for research in chemistry
Chemnitz|a city in east central Germany;formerly called Karl-Marx-Stadt until 1990;noted for textile manufacturing
chemoreceptor|a sensory receptor that responds to chemical stimuli
chemosis|edema of the mucous membrane of the eyeball and eyelid lining
chemosurgery|use of chemical to destroy diseased or malignant tissue;used in treatment of skin cancer
chemosynthesis|synthesis of carbohydrate from carbon dioxide and water;limited to certain bacteria and fungi
chemotaxis|movement by a cell or organism in reaction to a chemical stimulus
chemotherapy|the use of chemical agents to treat or control disease (or mental illness)
Chen|wild goose having white adult plumage
chenille|a heavy fabric woven with chenille cord;used in rugs and bedspreads;a soft tufted cord used in embroidery
Chenin blanc|made in California and the Loire valley in France;white grape grown especially in California and the lower Loire valley of France
Chennai|a city in Tamil Nadu on the Bay of Bengal;formerly Madras
Chenopodiaceae|includes spinach and beets
Chenopodium|goosefoot;pigweed
cheoplastic metal|any alloy that fuses at low temperatures and can be used molding artificial teeth
Cheops|Egyptian Pharaoh of the 27th century BC who commissioned the Great Pyramid at Giza
Cherbourg|a port town in northwestern France on the English Channel;site of a naval base
Cheremis|a member of a rural Finnish people living in eastern Russia;the Finnic language spoken by the Cheremis
Cherepovets|a city of east central Russia to the north of Moscow
cherimoya|large tropical fruit with leathery skin and soft pulp;related to custard apples;small tropical American tree bearing round or oblong fruit
Chernobyl|a city in north central Ukraine;site of a major disaster at a nuclear power plant (26 April 1986)
chernozemic soil|a rich black loam of Russia
Cherokee|a member of an Iroquoian people formerly living in the Appalachian Mountains but now chiefly in Oklahoma;the Iroquoian language spoken by the Cherokee
Cherokee rose|Chinese climbing rose with fragrant white blossoms
cheroot|a cigar with both ends cut flat
cherry|a red fruit with a single hard stone;any of numerous trees and shrubs producing a small fleshy round fruit with a single hard stone;many also produce a valuable hardwood;wood of any of various cherry trees especially the black cherry
cherry bomb|a red ball-shaped firecracker with high explosive power
cherry laurel|frequently cultivated Eurasian evergreen shrub or small tree having showy clusters of white flowers and glossy foliage and yielding oil similar to bitter almond oil;small flowering evergreen tree of southern United States
cherry pepper|plant bearing small rounded usually pungent fruits
cherry plum|small Asiatic tree bearing edible red or yellow fruit
cherry stone|the stone seed of a cherry
cherry tomato|plant bearing small red to yellow fruit;small red to yellow tomatoes
cherrystone|a half-grown quahog;small quahog larger than a littleneck;eaten raw or cooked as in e.g. clams casino
cherry-tree gum|exudation from trees of the Prunus genus;resembles gum arabic
chert|variety of silica containing microcrystalline quartz
cherub|a sweet innocent baby;an angel of the second order whose gift is knowledge;usually portrayed as a winged child
Cherubini|Italian composer of church music and operas (1760-1842)
chervil|aromatic annual Old World herb cultivated for its finely divided and often curly leaves for use especially in soups and salads;fresh ferny parsley-like leaves used as a garnish with chicken and veal and omelets and green salads and spinach
Chesapeake Bay|a large inlet of the North Atlantic between Virginia and Maryland;fed by Susquehanna River
Chesapeake Bay retriever|American breed having a short thick oily coat ranging from brown to light tan
Cheshire cat|a fictional cat with a broad fixed smile on its face;created by Lewis Carroll
Cheshire cheese|a mild yellow English cheese with a crumbly texture
chess|a board game for two players who move their 16 pieces according to specific rules;the object is to checkmate the opponent's king;weedy annual native to Europe but widely distributed as a weed especially in wheat
chess club|a club of people to play chess
chess master|a chess player of great skill
chess match|a match between chess players
chess move|the act of moving a chess piece
chess player|someone who plays the game of chess
chess set|checkerboard and a set of 32 pieces used to play chess
chessboard|a checkerboard used to play chess
chessman|any of 16 white and 16 black pieces used in playing the game of chess
chest|box with a lid;used for storage;usually large and sturdy
chest cavity|the cavity in the vertebrate body enclosed by the ribs between the diaphragm and the neck and containing the lungs and heart
chest of drawers|furniture with drawers for keeping clothes
chest pain|pain in the chest
chest protector|protective garment consisting of a pad worn in baseball by catchers and by football players
chest register|the lower ranges of the voice in speaking or singing
Chester|a city of southeastern Pennsylvania on the Delaware river (an industrial suburb of Philadelphia)
chesterfield|a fitted overcoat with a velvet collar;an overstuffed davenport with upright armrests;suave and witty English statesman remembered mostly for letters to his son (1694-1773)
Chesterton|conservative English writer of the Roman Catholic persuasion;in addition to volumes of criticism and polemics he wrote detective novels featuring Father Brown (1874-1936)
chestnut|a dark golden-brown or reddish-brown horse;a small horny callus on the inner surface of a horse's leg;any of several attractive deciduous trees yellow-brown in autumn;yield a hard wood and edible nuts in a prickly bur;edible nut of any of various chestnut trees of the genus Castanea;the brown color of chestnuts;wood of any of various chestnut trees of the genus Castanea
chestnut blight|a disease of American chestnut trees
chestnut oak|an oak having leaves resembling those of chestnut trees
chetrum|100 chetrums equal 1 ngultrum in Bhutan
cheval glass|a full length mirror mounted in a frame in which it can be tilted
cheval-de-frise|defensive structure consisting of a movable obstacle composed of barbed wire or spikes attached to a wooden frame;used to obstruct cavalry
Chevalier|French actor and cabaret singer (1888-1972)
Cheviot|hardy hornless sheep of the Cheviot Hills noted for its short thick wool
Cheviots|a range of hills on the border between England and Scotland
chevron|an inverted V-shaped charge;V-shaped sleeve badge indicating military rank and service
chevrotain|very small hornless deer-like ruminant of tropical Asia and west Africa
chew|a wad of something chewable as tobacco;biting and grinding food in your mouth so it becomes soft enough to swallow
Chewa|a member of the Bantu-speaking people of Malawi and eastern Zambia and northern Zimbabwe
chewer|someone who chews (especially someone who chews tobacco)
chewing gum|a preparation (usually made of sweetened chicle) for chewing
chewink|common towhee of eastern North America
Cheyenne|a member of a North American Indian people living on the western plains (now living in Oklahoma and Montana);the Algonquian language spoken by the Cheyenne;the capital and largest city of Wyoming;located in the southeastern corner of the state
chi|the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet
Chiacoan peccary|a recently discovered large wild pig of Paraguay
Chian turpentine|a turpentine exuded by the terebinth
Chiang Kai-shek|Chinese military and political figure;in the Chinese civil war that followed World War II he was defeated by the Chinese communists and in 1949 was forced to withdraw to Taiwan where he served as president of Nationalist China until his death (1897-1975)
Chianti|dry red Italian table wine from the Chianti region of Tuscany
chiaroscuro|a monochrome picture made by using several different shades of the same color
chiasma|an intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X
chiasmus|inversion in the second of two parallel phrases
chic|elegance by virtue of being fashionable
Chicago|largest city in Illinois;a bustling Great Lakes port that extends 26 miles along the southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan
chicane|a bridge hand that is void of trumps;a movable barrier used in motor racing;sometimes placed before a dangerous corner to reduce speed as cars pass in single file
Chicano|a person of Mexican descent
Chichewa|the Bantu language of the Chewa of east central Africa
chichi|someone who dresses in a trendy fashionable way
chichipe|tall treelike Mexican cactus with edible red fruit
chick|young bird especially of domestic fowl
chickadee|any of various small grey-and-black songbirds of North America
Chickamauga|a Confederate victory in the American Civil War (1863);Confederate forces under Braxton Bragg defeated Union forces
Chickasaw|a member of the Muskhogean people formerly living in northern Mississippi;the Muskhogean language of the Chickasaw
chickasaw plum|small native American shrubby tree bearing small edible yellow to reddish fruit
chicken|a domestic fowl bred for flesh or eggs;believed to have been developed from the red jungle fowl;a foolhardy competition;a dangerous activity that is continued until one competitor becomes afraid and stops;the flesh of a chicken used for food
chicken and rice|rice and chicken cooked together with or without other ingredients and variously seasoned
chicken broth|a stock made with chicken
chicken cacciatore|chicken casserole prepared with tomatoes and mushrooms and herbs in the Italian style
chicken casserole|chicken cooked and served in a casserole
chicken coop|a farm building for housing poultry
chicken cordon bleu|thin slices of chicken stuffed with cheese and ham and then sauteed
chicken farm|farm where chickens are raised for sale
chicken feed|dry mash for poultry
chicken hawk|nontechnical term for any hawks said to prey on poultry
chicken Kiev|pounded chicken cutlets rolled around butter (that has been seasoned with herbs) and then covered with crumbs and fried
chicken leg|the lower joint of the leg of a chicken
Chicken Little|a fictional character who was hit on the head with an acorn and believed that the sky was falling
chicken liver|liver of a chicken used as meat
chicken louse|a louse parasitic on poultry
chicken manure|chicken excreta used as fertilizer
chicken Marengo|braised chicken with onions and mushrooms in a wine and tomato sauce
chicken mousse|mousse made with chicken
chicken paprika|chicken simmered in broth with onions and paprika then mixed with sour cream
chicken provencale|chicken cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil
chicken roundworm|intestinal parasite of domestic fowl
chicken salad|salad composed primarily of chopped chicken meat
chicken sandwich|a sandwich made with a filling of sliced chicken
chicken scratch|cramped or illegible handwriting
chicken snake|large North American snake
chicken soup|soup made from chicken broth
chicken stew|a stew made with chicken
chicken taco|a taco with a chicken filling
chicken Tetrazzini|chicken prepared in a cream sauce with mushrooms and served over pasta;usually topped with cheese
chicken wing|the wing of a chicken
chicken wire|a galvanized wire network with a hexagonal mesh;used to build fences
chicken yard|an enclosed yard for keeping poultry
chickenpox|an acute contagious disease caused by herpes varicella zoster virus;causes a rash of vesicles on the face and body
chickenshit|a false statement that is considered to indicate timidity or fear
chickeree|far western United States counterpart of the red squirrel
chickpea|Asiatic herb cultivated for its short pods with one or two edible seeds;large white roundish Asiatic legume;usually dried;the seed of the chickpea plant
chickweed|any of various plants of the genus Stellaria
chickweed phlox|low mat-forming herb of rocky places in United States
chicle|gum-like substance from the sapodilla
chicory|crisp spiky leaves with somewhat bitter taste;perennial Old World herb having rayed flower heads with blue florets cultivated for its root and its heads of crisp edible leaves used in salads;root of the chicory plant roasted and ground to substitute for or adulterate coffee;the dried root of the chicory plant;used as a coffee substitute
chicory escarole|variety of endive having leaves with irregular frilled edges
chiding|rebuking a person harshly
Chief Constable|the head of the police force in a county (or similar area)
chief executive officer|the corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm;reports to a board of directors;may appoint other managers (including a president)
chief financial officer|the corporate executive having financial authority to make appropriations and authorize expenditures for a firm
chief justice|the judge who presides over a supreme court
chief of staff|the senior officer of a service of the armed forces
chief petty officer|a person with the senior noncommissioned naval rank
Chief Secretary|a member of the British Cabinet
chieftaincy|the position of chieftain
chiffon|a sheer fabric of silk or rayon
chiffon cake|very light cake
chiffonier|a tall elegant chest of drawers
chigetai|Mongolian wild ass
chignon|a roll of hair worn at the nape of the neck
chigoe|small tropical flea;the fertile female burrows under the skin of the host including humans
Chihuahua|a city in northern Mexico in the state of Chihuahua;commercial center of northern Mexico;a state in northern Mexico;mostly high plateau;an old breed of tiny short-haired dog with protruding eyes from Mexico held to antedate Aztec civilization
Chihuahuan Desert|a desert in western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico
Chihuahuan spotted whiptail|having longitudinal stripes overlaid with light spots;upland lizard of United States southwest and Mexico
chilblain|inflammation of the hands and feet caused by exposure to cold and moisture
child|a human offspring (son or daughter) of any age - "they had three children";a member of a clan or tribe - "the children of Israel";a young person of either sex - "she writes books for children";an immature childish person - "he remained a child in practical matters as long as he lived"
child abuse|the physical or emotional or sexual mistreatment of children
child neglect|failure of caretakers to provide adequate emotional and physical care for a child
child pornography|the illegal use of children in pornographic pictures or films
child prodigy|a prodigy whose talents are recognized at an early age - "Mozart was a child prodigy"
child support|court-ordered support paid by one spouse to the other who has custody of the children after the parents are separated
child welfare agency|an administrative unit responsible for social work concerned with the welfare and vocational training of children
childbirth|the parturition process in human beings;having a baby;the process of giving birth to a child
childbirth-preparation class|a course that teaches pregnant women to use breathing and concentration and exercise techniques to use during labor
childcare|a service involving care for other people's children
childhood|the state of a child between infancy and adolescence;the time of person's life when they are a child
childishness|a property characteristic of a child
childlessness|the condition of being without offspring
child's body|the body of a human child
child's game|a game enjoyed by children
child's room|a bedroom for a child
Chile|a republic in southern South America on the western slopes of the Andes on the south Pacific coast
Chile bonito|common bonito of Pacific coast of the Americas;its dark oily flesh cans well
Chilean|a native or inhabitant of Chile
Chilean cedar|a small South American evergreen having coppery bark and pretty foliage
Chilean firebush|grown for outstanding display of brilliant usually scarlet-crimson flowers;Andes
Chilean jasmine|woody vine of Argentina grown as an ornamental for its glossy leaves and racemes of large fragrant funnel-shaped creamy-white flowers
Chilean monetary unit|monetary unit in Chile
Chilean nut|Chilean shrub bearing coral-red fruit with an edible seed resembling a hazelnut
Chilean peso|the basic unit of money in Chile;equal to 100 centesimos
Chilean rimu|about the hardiest Podocarpaceae species;prostrate spreading shrub similar to mountain rimu;mountains of southern Chile
chili|ground beef and chili peppers or chili powder often with tomatoes and kidney beans;very hot and finely tapering pepper of special pungency
chili dog|a hotdog with chili con carne on it
chili powder|powder made of ground chili peppers mixed with e.g. cumin and garlic and oregano
chili sauce|tomatoes and onions and peppers (sweet or hot) simmered with vinegar and sugar and various seasonings
chili vinegar|fiery vinegar flavored with chili peppers
chill|a sensation of cold that often marks the start of an infection and the development of a fever;a sudden numbing dread;coldness due to a cold environment
chilliness|the property of being moderately cold - "the chilliness of early morning"
Chiloe|the largest Chilean island and the only one to be settled;located off south-central Chile
Chilomastix|flagellates parasitic in intestines of vertebrates including humans
Chilomeniscus|sand snakes
Chilomycterus|burrfishes
Chilopoda|arthropods having the trunk composed of numerous somites each bearing one pair of legs;centipedes
Chilopsis|one species;desert willow
chimaera|a deep-sea fish with a tapering body, smooth skin, and long threadlike tail
Chimaeridae|a family of Holocephali
Chimakum|a member of the Salishan people living in northwestern Washington
Chimaphila|small genus of evergreen herbs with long creeping rootstocks and shining leaves;North America;Europe;east Asia
Chimariko|a member of an extinct North American Indian people formerly living in California;the Hokan language spoken by the Chimariko
Chimborazo|a mountain peak in the Andes in Ecuador (20,560 feet high)
chime|a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer;used as an orchestral instrument
Chimera|(Greek mythology) fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head and a goat's body and a serpent's tail;daughter of Typhon;a grotesque product of the imagination
chimney|a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building
chimney breast|walls that project out from the wall of a room and surround the chimney base
chimney corner|a corner by a fireplace
chimney plant|bellflower of southeastern Europe
chimney swift|American swift that nests in e.g. unused chimneys
chimneypot|a short earthenware pipe on the top of a chimney to increase the draft
chimneystack|the part of the chimney that is above the roof;usually has several flues
chimneysweeper|someone who cleans soot from chimneys
Chimonanthus|small genus of Asian deciduous or evergreen shrubs having fragrant flowers;winter sweet
chimpanzee|intelligent somewhat arboreal ape of equatorial African forests
ChiMwini|a Bantu language spoken in southern Somalia
chin|the protruding part of the lower jaw
chin rest|a rest on which a violinist can place the chin
chin strap|a strap attached to a hat;passes under the chin and holds the hat in place
China|a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia;the most populous country in the world;high quality porcelain originally made only in China
China aster|valued for their beautiful flowers in a wide range of clear bright colors;grown primarily for cutting
china cabinet|a cabinet (usually with glass doors) for storing and displaying china
china clay|a fine usually white clay formed by the weathering of aluminous minerals (as feldspar);used in ceramics and as an absorbent and as a filler (e.g., in paper)
china pink|Chinese pink with deeply toothed rose-lilac flowers with a purplish eye;usually raised as an annual
China rose|large showy Asiatic shrub or small tree having large single or double red to deep-red flowers;shrubby Chinese rose;ancestor of many cultivated garden roses
China tree|evergreen of tropical America having pulpy fruit containing saponin which was used as soap by Native Americans
chinaberry|tree of northern India and China having purple blossoms and small inedible yellow fruits;naturalized in the southern United States as a shade tree
Chinaman|a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman that spins from off to leg
chinaware|dishware made of high quality porcelain
chincapin|small nut of either of two small chestnut trees of the southern United States;resembles a hazelnut
chinch bug|small black-and-white insect that feeds on cereal grasses
chincherinchee|South African perennial with long-lasting spikes of white blossoms that are shipped in to Europe and America for use as winter cut flowers
chinchilla|a thick twilled fabric of wool and cotton;small rodent with soft pearly grey fur;native to the Andes but bred in captivity for fur;the expensive silvery grey fur of the chinchilla
Chinchillidae|small bushy-tailed South American burrowing rodents
chine|backbone of an animal;cut of meat or fish including at least part of the backbone
Chinese|a native or inhabitant of Communist China or of Nationalist China;any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China;regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
Chinese alligator|small alligator of the Yangtze valley of China having unwebbed digits
Chinese angelica|similar to American angelica tree but less prickly;China
Chinese anise|anise-scented star-shaped fruit or seed used in Asian cooking and medicine
Chinese brown sauce|a sauce based on soy sauce
Chinese cabbage|elongated head of crisp celery-like stalks and light green leaves;plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery;used as a vegetable in east Asia
Chinese checkers|a board game in which each player tries to move a set of marbles through a set of holes from one point of a six-pointed star to the opposite point
Chinese chestnut|a small tree with small sweet nuts;wild or naturalized in Korea and China
Chinese cork oak|medium to large deciduous tree of China, Japan, and Korea having thick corky bark
Chinese deity|a deity worshipped by the ancient Chinese
Chinese elm|small fast-growing tree native to Asia;widely grown as shelterbelts and hedges
Chinese evergreen|erect or partially climbing herb having large green or variegated leaves
Chinese forget-me-not|biennial east Asian herb grown for its usually bright blue flowers
Chinese goose|very large wild goose of northeast Asia;interbreeds freely with the greylag
Chinese gooseberry|climbing vine native to China;cultivated in New Zealand for its fuzzy edible fruit with green meat
Chinese holly|dense rounded evergreen shrub of China having spiny leaves;widely cultivated as an ornamental
Chinese lantern|a collapsible paper lantern in bright colors;used for decorative purposes
Chinese lantern plant|Old World perennial cultivated for its ornamental inflated papery orange-red calyx
Chinese monetary unit|the monetary unit in the People's Republic of China
chinese mustard|Asiatic mustard used as a potherb;very hot prepared mustard
Chinese paddlefish|fish of larger rivers of China similar to the Mississippi paddlefish
Chinese parasol tree|deciduous tree widely grown in southern United States as an ornamental for its handsome maplelike foliage and long racemes of yellow-green flowers followed by curious leaflike pods
Chinese pea tree|shrub with dark-green glossy foliage and solitary pale yellow flowers;northern China
Chinese primrose|cultivated Asiatic primrose
Chinese privet|erect evergreen treelike shrub of China and Korea and Japan having acuminate leaves and flowers in long erect panicles;resembles Japanese privet
Chinese puzzle|intricate or ingenious puzzle consisting of boxes within boxes
Chinese restaurant syndrome|headache and tingling or burning feelings and sweating caused by eating food that contains monosodium glutamate
Chinese Revolution|the republican revolution against the Manchu dynasty in China;1911-1912
Chinese rhubarb|long used for laxative properties
Chinese Wall|a fortification 1,500 miles long built across northern China in the 3rd century BC;it averages 6 meters in width
Chinese wistaria|having deep purple flowers
chink|(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Chinese descent;a narrow opening as e.g. between planks in a wall;a short light metallic sound
chinning bar|a horizontal bar on which you can chin yourself
chino|a coarse twilled cotton fabric frequently used for uniforms;trousers made with chino cloth
chinoiserie|a style in art reflecting Chinese influence;elaborately decorated and intricately patterned
Chino-Japanese War|a war between China and Japan (1894 and 1895) over the control of the Korean Peninsula;China was overwhelmingly defeated at Port Arthur
Chinook|a member of an important North American Indian people who controlled the mouth of the Columbia river;they were organized into settlements rather than tribes;a warm dry wind blowing down the eastern slopes of the Rockies;large Pacific salmon valued as food;adults die after spawning
Chinook Jargon|a pidgin incorporating Chinook and French and English words;formerly used as a lingua franca in northwestern North America
chinook salmon|pink or white flesh of large Pacific salmon
Chinookan|a Penutian language spoken by the Chinook
chinquapin oak|medium-sized deciduous tree of the eastern United States that yields a strong durable wood
chintz|a brightly printed and glazed cotton fabric
Chiococca|shrubs of tropical and subtropical New World
Chionanthus|deciduous trees or shrubs;fringe tree
Chios|an island in the Aegean Sea off the west coast of Turkey;belongs to Greece
chip|(golf) a low running approach shot;a piece of dried bovine dung;a small disk-shaped counter used to represent money when gambling;a thin crisp slice of potato fried in deep fat;a triangular wooden float attached to the end of a log line;electronic equipment consisting of a small crystal of a silicon semiconductor fabricated to carry out a number of electronic functions in an integrated circuit;the act of chipping something
chipboard|a cheap hard material made from wood chips that are pressed together and bound with synthetic resin
Chipewyan|a member of the Athapaskan people living in western Canada between Great Slave Lake and Hudson Bay;the language spoken by the Chipewyan
chipmunk|a burrowing ground squirrel of western America and Asia;has cheek pouches and a light and dark stripe running down the body
chipolata|a small thin sausage
chipotle|a ripe jalapeno that has been dried for use in cooking
Chippendale|a British cabinetmaker remembered for his graceful designs (especially of chairs) which influenced his contemporaries (1718-1779)
chipping sparrow|small North American finch common in urban areas
chiralgia|a pain in the hand that is not traumatic
Chiricahua Apache|an Apache language
Chirico|Italian painter (born in Greece) whose deep shadows and barren landscapes strongly influenced the surrealists (1888-1978)
Chiron|(Greek mythology) the learned centaur who tutored Achilles, Asclepius, Hercules, Jason, and other heroes;an asteroid discovered in 1977;it is unique in having an orbit lying mainly between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus
Chironomidae|midges
Chironomus|type genus of the Chironomidae
chiropodist|a specialist in care for the feet
chiropractic|a method of treatment that manipulates body structures (especially the spine) to relieve low back pain or even headache or high blood pressure
chiropractor|a therapist who practices chiropractic
Chiroptera|an old order dating to early Eocene;bats;suborder Megachiroptera (fruit bats);suborder Microchiroptera (insectivorous bats)
chirp|a sharp sound made by small birds or insects
chirpiness|cheerful and lively
chirrup|a series of chirps
chisel|an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge
chisel steel|steel used in making chisels
Chisholm Trail|a former cattle trail from San Antonio in Texas to Abilene in Kansas;not used after the 1880s
Chishona|a Bantu language that is one of the two major languages of Zimbabwe
chit|a dismissive term for a girl who is immature or who lacks respect - "she was incensed that this chit of a girl should dare to make a fool of her in front of the class" - "she's a saucy chit"
chitchat|light informal conversation for social occasions
chitin|a tough semitransparent horny substance;the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of certain fungi
chiton|a woolen tunic worn by men and women in ancient Greece;primitive elongated bilaterally symmetrical marine mollusk having a mantle covered with eight calcareous plates
Chittagong|a port city and industrial center in southeastern Bangladesh on the Bay of Bengal
chitterlings|small intestines of hogs prepared as food
chivalry|courtesy towards women;the medieval principles governing knighthood and knightly conduct
chives|cylindrical leaves used fresh as a mild onion-flavored seasoning;perennial having hollow cylindrical leaves used for seasoning
Chiwere|the Siouan language spoken by the Iowa and Oto and Missouri
Chlamydera|a genus of Ptilonorhynchidae
chlamydia|a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria of the genus Chlamydia;coccoid rickettsia infesting birds and mammals;cause infections of eyes and lungs and genitourinary tract
Chlamydia psittaci|bacteria responsible for the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia
Chlamydia trachomatis|bacteria responsible for the sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and lymphogranuloma venereum
Chlamydiaceae|Gram-negative parasites in warm-blooded vertebrates
Chlamydomonadaceae|green algae some of which are colored red by hematochrome
Chlamydomonas|type genus of the Chlamydomonadaceae;solitary doubly-flagellated plant-like algae common in fresh water and damp soil;multiply freely;often a pest around filtration plants
Chlamydosaurus|frilled lizards
chlamydospore|thick-walled asexual resting spore of certain fungi and algae
Chlamyphorus|pichiciago
chlamys|a short mantle or cape fastened at the shoulder;worn by men in ancient Greece
chloasma|a tan discoloration of a woman's face that is associated with pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives
chloral hydrate|a colorless crystalline drug used as a sedative;irritates the stomach and can be addictive
chlorambucil|an alkalating agent (trade name Leukeran) used to treat some kinds of cancer
chloramine|any of several compounds containing chlorine and nitrogen;used as an antiseptic in wounds
chloramphenicol|an oral antibiotic (trade name Chloromycetin) used to treat serious infections (especially typhoid fever)
Chloranthaceae|small family of tropical herbs and shrubs and trees
Chloranthus|type genus of the Chloranthaceae
chlorate|any salt of chloric acid
chlordiazepoxide|a tranquilizer (trade names Librium and Libritabs) used in the treatment of alcoholism
chlorella|any alga of the genus Chlorella
chlorenchyma|parenchyma whose cells contain chloroplasts
chlorhexidine|a long-lasting liquid antiseptic;used by surgeons to wash their hands before performing surgery
chloric acid|(HClO3) a strong unstable acid with an acrid odor found in chlorate salts
chloride|any compound containing a chlorine atom;any salt of hydrochloric acid (containing the chloride ion)
chlorination|disinfection of water by the addition of small amounts of chlorine or a chlorine compound;the addition or substitution of chlorine in organic compounds
chlorine|a common nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens;best known as a heavy yellow irritating toxic gas;used to purify water and as a bleaching agent and disinfectant;occurs naturally only as a salt (as in sea water)
chlorine dioxide|an explosive gas (ClO2) used chiefly in bleaching paper or starch or soap or flour and in water purification
chlorine water|an aqueous solution of chlorine used as a bleaching agent
chlorinity|a measure of the quantity of chlorine or other halides in water (especially seawater)
Chloris|tufted or perennial or annual grasses having runners;finger grass;windmill grass
chlorite|a generally green or black mineral;it occurs as a constituent of many rocks typically in the form of a flat crystal
chloroacetophenone|a tear gas that is weaker than CS gas but lasts longer
chlorobenzene|a colorless volatile flammable liquid with an almond odor that is made from chlorine and benzene;used as a solvent and in the production of phenol and DDT and other organic compounds
chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile|a tear gas that is stronger than CN gas but wears off faster;can be deployed by grenades or cluster bombs;can cause skin burns and fatal pulmonary edema
Chlorococcales|unicellular green algae that reproduce by spores
Chlorococcum|type genus of Chlorococcales;unicellular green algae occurring singly or in a layer on soil or damp rock
chlorofluorocarbon|a fluorocarbon with chlorine;formerly used as a refrigerant and as a propellant in aerosol cans
chloroform|a volatile liquid haloform (CHCl3);formerly used as an anesthetic - "chloroform was the first inhalation anesthetic"
Chlorophis|African green snakes
Chlorophoneus|a genus of Malaconotinae
Chlorophthalmidae|small family of soft-finned bottom-dwellers with large eyes;relatives of lizardfishes
Chlorophyceae|algae distinguished chiefly by having flagella and a clear green color, their chlorophyll being masked little if at all by other pigments
chlorophyll|any of a group of green pigments found in photosynthetic organisms;there are four naturally occurring forms
chlorophyll a|a blue-black plant pigment having a blue-green alcohol solution;found in all higher plants
chlorophyll b|a dark-green plant pigment having a brilliant green alcohol solution;generally characteristic of higher plants
chlorophyll c|the chlorophyll present in brown algae, diatoms, and flagellates
chlorophyll d|the chlorophyll found (together with chlorophyll a) in red algae
Chlorophyllum molybdites|a poisonous agaric with a fibrillose cap and brown scales on a white ground color;cap can reach a diameter of 30 cm;often forms 'fairy rings'
Chlorophyta|large division of chiefly freshwater eukaryotic algae that possess chlorophyll a and b, store food as starch, and cellulose cell walls;classes Chlorophyceae, Ulvophyceae, and Charophyceae;obviously ancestral to land plants
chloropicrin|a heavy colorless insoluble liquid compound that causes tears and vomiting;used as a pesticide and as tear gas
chloroplast|plastid containing chlorophyll and other pigments;in plants that carry out photosynthesis
chloroprene|derivative of butadiene used in making neoprene by polymerization
chloroquine|an antimalarial drug used to treat malaria and amebic dysentery and systemic lupus erythematosus
chlorosis|iron deficiency anemia in young women;characterized by weakness and menstrual disturbances and a green color to the skin
chlorothiazide|a diuretic drug (trade name Diuril) used in the treatment of edema and hypertension
chlorous acid|(HClO2) a strongly oxidizing acid;known only in solution
Chloroxylon|deciduous trees of India and Sri Lanka
chlorpheniramine maleate|an antihistamine (trade names Coricidin and Chlor-Trimeton)
chlorpromazine|a drug (trade name Thorazine) derived from phenothiazine that has antipsychotic effects and is used as a sedative and tranquilizer
chlorpyrifos|a common organophosphate insecticide
chlortetracycline|a yellow crystalline antibiotic (trade name Aureomycin) used to treat certain bacterial and rickettsial diseases
chlorthalidone|a diuretic (trade names Hygroton and Thalidone) used to control hypertension and conditions that cause edema;effective in lowering blood pressure to prevent heart attacks
Chlorura|towhees
choanocyte|any of the flagellated cells in sponges having a collar of cytoplasm around the flagellum;they maintain a flow of water through the body
choc|colloquial British abbreviation - "a box of chocs"
choc-ice|colloquial British abbreviation for chocolate ice cream
chock|a block of wood used to prevent the sliding or rolling of a heavy object
chocolate|a food made from roasted ground cacao beans;a medium brown to dark-brown color
chocolate bar|a bar of chocolate candy
chocolate cake|cake containing chocolate
chocolate candy|candy made with chocolate
chocolate chip cookie|cookies containing chocolate chips
chocolate eclair|eclair topped with chocolate
chocolate egg|egg-shaped chocolate candy
chocolate fondue|fondue made of chocolate melted with milk or cream for dipping fruits
chocolate fudge|fudge made with chocolate or cocoa
chocolate ice cream|ice cream flavored with chocolate
chocolate kiss|a kiss that consists of a conical bite-sized piece of chocolate
chocolate liquor|the liquid or paste that is produced when cocoa beans are roasted and ground;the basis of all chocolate
chocolate milk|milk flavored with chocolate syrup
chocolate mousse|dessert mousse made with chocolate
chocolate pudding|sweet chocolate flavored custard-like pudding usually thickened with flour rather than eggs
chocolate sauce|sauce made with unsweetened chocolate or cocoa and sugar and water
Choctaw|a member of the Muskhogean people formerly living in Alabama;the Muskhogean language of the Choctaw
Choeronycteris|a genus of Phyllostomatidae
choice|the act of choosing or selecting - "your choice of colors was unfortunate";the person or thing chosen or selected
choice morsel|a small tasty bit of food
choir|a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony;a family of similar musical instrument playing together;the area occupied by singers;the part of the chancel between sanctuary and nave
choir loft|a gallery in a church occupied by the choir
choir school|a school that is part of a cathedral or monastery where boys with singing ability can receive a general education
choirboy|a boy who sings in a choir
choirmaster|the musical director of a choir
choke|a coil of low resistance and high inductance used in electrical circuits to pass direct current and attenuate alternating current;a valve that controls the flow of air into the carburetor of a gasoline engine
chokecherry|a common wild cherry of eastern North America having small bitter black berries favored by birds;the fruit of the chokecherry tree
chokedamp|the atmosphere in a mine following an explosion;high in carbon dioxide and incapable of supporting life
chokehold|a restraining hold;someone loops the arm around the neck of another person in a tight grip, usually from behind - "he grabbed the woman in a chokehold, demanded her cash and jewelry, and then fled"
chokepoint|a point of congestion or blockage - "the bridge is always a chokepoint at rush hour"
choker|a high tight collar;an unfortunate person who is unable to perform effectively because of nervous tension or agitation - "he could win if he wasn't a choker";necklace that fits tightly around a woman's neck
chokey|British slang (dated) for a prison
choking|a condition caused by blocking the airways to the lungs (as with food or swelling of the larynx);the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe - "no evidence that the choking was done by the accused"
cholangiography|roentgenographic examination of the bile ducts after a contrast medium has been injected
cholangitis|inflammation of the bile ducts
cholecystectomy|surgical removal of the gall bladder (usually for relief of gallstone pain)
cholecystitis|inflammation of the gall bladder
cholecystokinin|a gastrointestinal hormone that stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and the contraction and emptying of the gall bladder;its release is stimulated by the presence of fatty acids and amino acids in the small intestine
cholelithiasis|the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder
cholelithotomy|removal of gallstone through an incision in the gallbladder
cholera|an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food
cholera infantum|often fatal form of gastroenteritis occurring in children;not true cholera but having similar symptoms
cholera morbus|severe gastroenteritis of unknown etiology;characterized by severe colic and vomiting and diarrhea
cholesterol|an animal sterol that is normally synthesized by the liver;the most abundant steroid in animal tissues
cholic acid|an insoluble crystalline acid present in bile
choline|a B-complex vitamin that is a constituent of lecithin;essential in the metabolism of fat
cholinesterase|an enzyme that hydrolyses acetylcholine (into choline and acetic acid)
cholla|arborescent cacti having very spiny cylindrical stem segments;southwestern United States and Mexico
Choloepus|a genus of Megalonychidae consisting of the two-toed sloth
chomping|the act of chewing noisily
Chomsky|United States linguist whose theory of generative grammar redefined the field of linguistics (born 1928)
chon|100 chon equal 1 won in North Korea;100 chon equal 1 won in South Korea
Chondrichthyes|cartilaginous fishes
chondrin|a substance that resembles gelatin and is obtained by boiling cartilage in water
chondrite|a rock of meteoric origin containing chondrules
chondroma|a common benign tumor of cartilage cells
chondrosarcoma|a malignant neoplasm of cartilage cells
chondrule|small granule (of e.g. chrysolite) found in some meteoric rocks
Chondrus|a genus of protoctist
Chongqing|a city in south-central China on the Chang Jiang;a commercial center for western China
choo-choo|a child's word for locomotive
chop|a grounder that bounces high in the air;a jaw - "I'll hit him on the chops";a small cut of meat including part of a rib;a tennis return made with a downward motion that puts backspin on the ball;the irregular motion of waves (usually caused by wind blowing in a direction opposite to the tide) - "the boat headed into the chop"
chop shop|a place where stolen cars are disassembled for their parts
chop suey|meat or fish stir-fried with vegetables (e.g., celery, onions, peppers or bean sprouts) seasoned with ginger and garlic and soy sauce;served with rice;created in the United States and frequently served in Chinese restaurants there
Chopin|French composer (born in Poland) and pianist of the romantic school (1810-1849);the music of Chopin - "he practiced Chopin day and night";United States writer who described Creole life in Louisiana (1851-1904)
chopine|a woman's shoe with a very high thick sole
chopped steak|a patty of ground cooked beef
chopper|informal terms for a human 'tooth'
choppiness|used of the sea during inclement or stormy weather
chopping block|a steady wooden block on which food can be cut or diced or wood can be split
chopping board|a wooden board where meats or vegetables can be cut
chopstick|one of a pair of slender sticks used as oriental tableware to eat food with
chop-suey greens|grown for its succulent edible leaves used in Asian cooking;succulent and aromatic young dark green leaves used in Chinese and Vietnamese and Japanese cooking
choragus|(ancient Greece) leader of a group or festival;leader of a chorus
choral ode|ode sung by the chorus in classical Greek drama
chorale|a stately Protestant (especially Lutheran) hymn tune
chorale prelude|a composition for organ using a chorale as a basis for variations
chord|a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together;a straight line connecting two points on a curve
chordamesoderm|the area of mesoderm that forms the notochord
Chordata|comprises true vertebrates and animals having a notochord
chordate|any animal of the phylum Chordata having a notochord or spinal column
chordate family|any family in the phylum Chordata
chordate genus|any genus in the phylum Chordata
Chordeiles|a genus of Caprimulgidae
chorditis|inflammation of the spermatic cord;inflammation of the vocal cords
chordophone|a stringed instrument of the group including harps, lutes, lyres, and zithers
Chordospartium|2 species of small New Zealand trees;weeping tree broom;endangered
chorea|any of several degenerative nervous disorders characterized by spasmodic movements of the body and limbs
choreic abasia|abasia related to abnormal movements of the legs
choreographer|someone who creates new dances
choreography|a notation used by choreographers;the representation of dancing by symbols as music is represented by notes
chorioallantois|the very vascular fetal membrane composed of the fused chorion and adjacent wall of the allantois
choriomeningitis|a cerebral meningitis with cellular infiltration of the meninges
chorion|the outermost membranous sac enclosing the embryo in higher vertebrates (reptiles, birds and mammals)
chorionic villus|one of the tiny villi that stick out of the fetal chorion and combine with the mother's uterine tissue to form the placenta
chorionic villus sampling|a prenatal test to detect birth defects at an early stage of pregnancy;tissue from the chorionic villi is assayed
chorioretinitis|inflammation of the choroid layer behind the retina
Choriotis|Australian bustard
chorister|a singer in a choir
Chorizagrotis|moths whose larvae are army cutworms
Chorizema|genus of Australian twining vines and small shrubs;flame peas
chorizo|a spicy Spanish pork sausage
C-horizon|beneath the B-horizon and above the bedrock;consisting of weathered rock
choroid|a highly vascular membrane in the eye between the retina and the sclera;a dark pigmentation minimizes the scattering of light inside the eye
choroid plexus|a vascular plexus of the cerebral ventricles that regulate intraventricular pressure
choroid vein|either of two veins serving the choroid coat of the eye
choroidal artery|an artery that supplies the choroid plexus
choropleth map|a map that uses graded differences in shading or color or the placing of symbols inside defined areas on the map in order to indicate the average values of some property or quantity in those areas
chortle|a soft partly suppressed laugh
chorus|a body of dancers or singers who perform together;a company of actors who comment (by speaking or singing in unison) on the action in a classical Greek play;a group of people assembled to sing together;any utterance produced simultaneously by a group - "a chorus of boos"
chorus frog|any of several small North American frogs having a loud call
chorus girl|a woman who dances in a chorus line
chosen|an exclusive group of people;one who is the object of choice;who is given preference - "she was Mama's chosen";the name for Korea as a Japanese province (1910-1945)
chosen people|any people believing themselves to be chosen by God
chough|a European corvine bird of small or medium size with red legs and glossy black plumage
chow|breed of medium-sized dogs with a thick coat and fluffy curled tails and distinctive blue-black tongues;believed to have originated in northern China;informal terms for a meal
chow line|a queue of people waiting for food to be served (especially at a military camp)
chow mein|chop suey served with fried noodles
chowchow|a Chinese preserve of mixed fruits and ginger;chopped pickles in mustard sauce
chowder|a thick soup or stew made with milk and bacon and onions and potatoes
chrestomathy|a selection of passages from different authors that is compiled as an aid in learning a language
chrism|a consecrated ointment consisting of a mixture of oil and balsam
Christchurch|industrial city at the center of a rich agricultural region
christella|any of several tropical ferns of the genus Christella having thin brittle fronds
Christendom|the collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia) - "for a thousand years the Roman Catholic Church was the principal church of Christendom"
christening|giving a Christian name at baptism
Christian|a religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination
Christian Church|a Protestant church that accepts the Bible as the only source of true Christian faith and practices baptism by immersion
Christian era|the time period beginning with the supposed year of Christ's birth
Christian holy day|a religious holiday for Christians
Christian liturgy|the Christian worship services
Christian name|the first name given to Christians at birth or christening
Christian Science|Protestant denomination founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866;religious system based on teachings of Mary Baker Eddy emphasizing spiritual healing
Christian Scientist|a member of the Protestant church founded in the United States by Mary Baker Eddy
Christian theology|the teachings of Christian churches
Christianity|a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
Christianization|conversion to Christianity
Christie|prolific English writer of detective stories (1890-1976)
Christmas|a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ;a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland;period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
Christmas begonia|hybrid winter-blooming begonia grown for its many large pink flowers
Christmas bells|any of several plants of the genus Blandfordia having large orange or crimson flowers
Christmas box|a present given at Christmas for services during the year
Christmas bush|Australian tree or shrub with red flowers;often used in Christmas decoration
Christmas cactus|epiphytic cactus of Brazilian ancestry widely cultivated as a houseplant having jointed flat segments and usually rose-purple flowers that bloom in winter
Christmas cake|a rich fruitcake (usually covered with icing and marzipan) and eaten at Christmas
Christmas card|a card expressing a Christmas greeting
Christmas Eve|the day before Christmas
Christmas factor|coagulation factor whose absence is associated with hemophilia B
Christmas fern|North American evergreen fern having pinnate leaves and dense clusters of lance-shaped fronds
Christmas present|a present given at Christmas time
Christmas rose|European evergreen plant with white or purplish rose-like winter-blooming flowers
Christmas stocking|a stocking that is filled with small Christmas presents
Christmas tree|an ornamented evergreen used as a Christmas decoration
Christmasberry|spiny evergreen shrub of southeastern United States having spreading branches usually blue or mauve flowers and red berries
Christology|a religious doctrine or theory based on Jesus or Jesus' teachings;the branch of theology concerned with the person and attributes and deeds of Christ
Christopher|Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)
Christ's-thorn|thorny Eurasian shrub with dry woody winged fruit
chromate|any salt or ester of chromic acid
chromatic aberration|an optical aberration in which the image has colored fringes
chromatic color|a color that has hue
chromatic scale|a 12-note scale including all the semitones of the octave
chromatid|one of two identical strands into which a chromosome splits during mitosis
chromatin|the readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus consisting of DNA and RNA and various proteins;during mitotic division it condenses into chromosomes
chromatism|abnormal pigmentation;hallucinatory perception of colored lights
chromatogram|the recording (column or paper strip) on which the constituents of a mixture are adsorbed in chromatography
chromatography|a process used for separating mixtures by virtue of differences in absorbency
chrome|another word for chromium when it is used in dyes or pigments
chrome alum|a violet-colored salt used in hide tanning and as a mordant in dyeing
chrome green|a brilliant green color;any of a class of green pigments consisting of chrome yellow and iron blue
chrome red|a red pigment used in paints;basic lead chromate
chrome yellow|any of several yellow pigments consisting of normal lead chromate and other lead compounds
chrome-nickel steel|Elinvar is a trademark for a kind of steel used for watch springs because its elasticity is constant over a wide range of temperatures
chromesthesia|a form of synesthesia in which nonvisual stimulation results in the experience of color sensations
chrome-tungsten steel|a steel alloy made with chromium and tungsten
chromic acid|an unstable acid known only in solution and as chromate salts
chromite|a brownish-black mineral;the major source of chromium
chromium|a hard brittle multivalent metallic element;resistant to corrosion and tarnishing
chromoblastomycosis|a fungal infection characterized by itchy warty nodules on the skin
chromogen|a compound that can be converted to a pigment
chromolithography|single- or multi-color lithography
chromophore|the chemical group that gives color to a molecule
chromoplast|plastid containing pigments other than chlorophyll usually yellow or orange carotenoids
chromosomal aberration|any change in the normal structure or number of chromosomes;often results in physical or mental abnormalities
chromosome|a threadlike strand of DNA in the cell nucleus that carries the genes in a linear order - "humans have 22 chromosome pairs plus two sex chromosomes"
chromosphere|a gaseous layer of the sun's atmosphere (extending from the photosphere to the corona) that is visible during a total eclipse of the sun
chronic bronchitis|a form of bronchitis characterized by excess production of sputum leading to a chronic cough and obstruction of air flow
chronic gastritis|persistent gastritis can be a symptom of a gastric ulcer or pernicious anemia or stomach cancer or other disorders
chronic glaucoma|glaucoma caused by blockage of the canal of Schlemm;produces gradual loss of peripheral vision
chronic glossitis|glossitis with atrophy of tongue tissue;sometimes accompanies pernicious anemia
chronic leukemia|slowly progressing leukemia
chronic lymphocytic leukemia|chronic leukemia characterized by lymphoblast-like cells;more common in older men
chronic myelocytic leukemia|chronic leukemia characterized by granular leukocytes;more common in older people
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|a nonreversible lung disease that is a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis;usually patients have been heavy cigarette smokers
chronic pyelonephritis|pyelonephritis that develops slowly and can lead to renal failure if untreated;often associated with a kidney stone or with narrowing of the urinary passageways
chronic renal failure|renal failure that can result from a variety of systemic disorders
chronic wasting disease|a wildlife disease (akin to bovine spongiform encephalitis) that affects deer and elk
chronicler|someone who writes chronicles
chronograph|an accurate timer for recording time
chronological age|age measured by the time (years and months) that something or someone has existed - "his chronological age was 71 years"
chronology|a record of events in the order of their occurrence;an arrangement of events in time;the determination of the actual temporal sequence of past events
chronometer|an accurate clock (especially used in navigation)
Chronoperates|a reptile genus of Therapsida
Chronoperates paradoxus|shrew-sized protomammal from the Alberta region of Canada;from about 55 million years ago (much more recent than other mammal-like reptiles)
chronoscope|an instrument for accurate measurements of small intervals of time
chrysalis|pupa of a moth or butterfly enclosed in a cocoon
chrysanthemum|any of numerous perennial Old World herbs having showy brightly colored flower heads of the genera Chrysanthemum, Argyranthemum, Dendranthema, Tanacetum;widely cultivated;the flower of a chrysanthemum plant
Chrysaora|a genus of Scyphozoa
Chrysaora quinquecirrha|a type of jellyfish
Chrysemys|painted turtles
Chrysobalanus|coco plums
chrysoberyl|a rare hard yellow green mineral consisting of beryllium aluminate in crystal form;used as a gemstone
Chrysochloridae|golden moles
Chrysochloris|type genus of the Chrysochloridae
Chrysolepis|two species;golden chinkapins
chrysolite|a brown or yellow-green olivine found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and used as a gemstone
Chrysolophus|golden pheasants
Chrysomelidae|leaf beetles
Chrysophrys|Australian snapper
Chrysophyceae|all the yellow-green algae having flagella of unequal length
Chrysophyllum|tropical American evergreen trees or shrubs
Chrysophyta|mostly freshwater eukaryotic algae having the chlorophyll masked by brown or yellow pigment;yellow-green and golden-brown algae and diatoms;Xanthophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Bacillariophyceae;some classification systems superseded or subsumed by Heterokontophyta
Chrysopidae|green lacewings
chrysoprase|a green variety of chalcedony valued as a gemstone
Chrysopsis|golden aster
Chrysosplenium|genus of widely distributed semiaquatic herbs with minute greenish-yellow apetalous flowers
Chrysothamnus|genus of low branching shrubs of western North America
chrysotherapy|the use of chemicals containing gold for treating diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
chrysotile|a grey or green fibrous mineral;an important source of commercial asbestos
Chuang-tzu|4th-century Chinese philosopher on whose teachings Lao-tse based Taoism
chub|European freshwater game fish with a thick spindle-shaped body
chub mackerel|small mackerel found nearly worldwide
chubbiness|the property of having a plump and round body
chuck|a holding device consisting of adjustable jaws that center a workpiece in a lathe or center a tool in a drill;the part of a forequarter from the neck to the ribs and including the shoulder blade
chuck short ribs|between the chuck and the brisket
chuck wagon|a wagon equipped with a cookstove and provisions (for cowboys)
chuckwalla|a herbivorous lizard that lives among rocks in the arid parts of southwestern United States and Mexico
chuck-will's-widow|large whippoorwill-like bird of the southern United States
chufa|European sedge having small edible nutlike tubers
chug|the dull explosive noise made by an engine
Chukaku-Ha|an ultra-leftist militant group founded in 1957 from the breakup of the Japanese Communist Party;includes a covert action wing - "Chukaku-Ha attacks tend to cause property damage rather than casualties"
Chukchi|a member of an indigenous people living on the Chukchi Peninsula;an indigenous and isolated language of unknown origin spoken by the Chukchi that is pronounced differently by men and women
Chukchi Peninsula|peninsula of northeastern Siberia across the Bering Strait from northwestern Alaska
Chukchi Sea|part of the Arctic Ocean just to the north of the Bering Strait
chukka|a shoe that comes up to the ankle and is laced through two or three pairs of eyelets;often made of suede
chukker|(polo) one of six divisions into which a polo match is divided
Chula Vista|an industrial city in southern California (south of San Diego) near the Mexican border
chum|bait consisting of chopped fish and fish oils that are dumped overboard to attract fish
chum salmon|a large Pacific salmon with small spots on its back;an important food fish
chumminess|the quality of affording easy familiarity and sociability
chump|a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
chunga|Argentinian Cariama
chunk|a substantial amount - "we won a chunk of money"
chunnel|the railroad tunnel between France and England under the English Channel
church|a place for public (especially Christian) worship - "the church was empty";one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship;the body of people who attend or belong to a particular local church - "our church is hosting a picnic next week"
church bell|a bell in a church tower (usually sounded to summon people to church) - "church bells were ringing all over town"
church calendar|a calendar of the Christian year indicating the dates of fasts and festivals
Church Father|(Christianity) any of about 70 theologians in the period from the 2nd to the 7th century whose writing established and confirmed official church doctrine;in the Roman Catholic Church some were later declared saints and became Doctor of the Church;the best known Latin Church Fathers are Ambrose, Augustine, Gregory the Great, and Jerome;those who wrote in Greek include Athanasius, Basil, Gregory Nazianzen, and John Chrysostom
church hat|a fanciful hat of the kind worn by Black women for Sunday worship
church key|can opener that has a triangular pointed end that pierces the tops of cans
church mouse|a fictional mouse created by Lewis Carroll
Church of Ireland|autonomous branch of the Church of England in Ireland
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints|church founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah
Church of the Brethren|a Baptist denomination founded in 1708 by Americans of German descent;opposed to military service and taking legal oaths;practiced trine immersion
church officer|a church official
church roll|a list of the members of church
church school|a private religious school run by a church or parish
church service|a service conducted in a house of worship
church tower|the tower of a church
church year|the year in the ecclesiastical calendar;especially feast days and special seasons
churchgoer|a religious person who goes to church regularly
Churchill|a Canadian town in northern Manitoba on Hudson Bay;important port for shipping grain;British statesman and leader during World War II;received Nobel prize for literature in 1953 (1874-1965);English general considered one of the greatest generals in history (1650-1722)
Churchill Downs|a racetrack for thoroughbred racing in Louisville;site of the Kentucky Derby
church-state|a state ruled by religious authority
churchwarden|an officer in the Episcopal church who helps a parish priest with secular matters
churchyard|the yard associated with a church
churidars|tight trousers worn by people from the Indian subcontinent (typically with a kameez or kurta)
churn|a vessel in which cream is agitated to separate butterfat from buttermilk
chute|sloping channel through which things can descend
chutney|a spicy condiment made of chopped fruits or vegetables cooked in vinegar and sugar with ginger and spices
chutzpa|(Yiddish) unbelievable gall;insolence;audacity
chutzpanik|(Yiddish) a person characterized by chutzpa
Chuvash|a member of a people of Turkic speech living in the Volga region in eastern Russia;the Turkic language spoken by the Chuvash
chyle|a milky fluid consisting of lymph and emulsified fats;formed in the small intestine during digestion of ingested fats
chylomicron|a microscopic particle of triglycerides produced in the intestines during digestion;in the bloodstream they release their fatty acids into the blood
chyme|a semiliquid mass of partially digested food that passes from the stomach through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum
Chytridiaceae|a family of aquatic fungi of order Chytridiales
Chytridiales|simple aquatic fungi mostly saprophytic but some parasitic on higher plants or animals or fresh water fungi;sometimes placed in class Oomycetes
Chytridiomycetes|a class of mostly aquatic fungi;saprophytic or parasitic on algae or fungi or plants
Ciardi|United States poet and critic (1916-1986)
Cibotium|in some classification systems placed in family Cyatheaceae;ornamental tree ferns with coarse gracefully drooping fronds
cicada|stout-bodied insect with large membranous wings;male has drum-like organs for producing a high-pitched drone
cicada killer|large black or rust-colored wasp that preys on cicadas
Cicadellidae|leafhoppers
Cicadidae|cicadas
Cicer|chickpea plant;Asiatic herbs
cicero|a linear unit of the size of type slightly larger than an em;a Roman statesman and orator remembered for his mastery of Latin prose (106-43 BC)
cicerone|a guide who conducts and informs sightseers
cichlid|freshwater fishes of tropical America and Africa and Asia similar to American sunfishes;some are food fishes;many small ones are popular in aquariums
Cichlidae|cichlids
Cichorium|chicory
Cicindelidae|tiger beetles
Ciconia|type genus of the Ciconiidae;European storks
Ciconiidae|storks
Ciconiiformes|order of chiefly tropical marsh-dwelling fish-eating wading birds with long legs and bills and (except for flamingos) unwebbed feet;herons;storks;spoonbills;flamingos;ibises
Cicuta|small genus of perennial herbs having deadly poisonous tuberous roots;water hemlock
cider|a beverage made from juice pressed from apples
cider gum|small to medium-sized tree of Tasmania
cider mill|mill that extracts juice from apples to make apple cider
cider vinegar|vinegar made from cider
ciderpress|a press that is used to extract the juice from apples
cigar|a roll of tobacco for smoking
cigar band|a narrow paper band around a cigar
cigar box|a box for holding cigars
cigar butt|small part of a cigar that is left after smoking
cigar cutter|an implement for cutting the tip off of a cigar
cigar lighter|a lighter for cigars or cigarettes
cigar smoker|a smoker of cigars
cigar-box cedar|fragrant wood much used for cigar boxes
cigarette|finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper;for smoking
cigarette burn|a burn mark left by a smoldering cigarette - "a cigarette burn on the edge of the table"
cigarette butt|small part of a cigarette that is left after smoking
cigarette case|a small flat case for holding cigarettes;can be carried in a purse or a pocket
cigarette holder|a tube that holds a cigarette while it is being smoked
cigarette paper|a strong tissue paper that burns evenly and is sufficiently porous to control the burning of the tobacco in a cigarette
cigarette smoker|a smoker of cigarettes
cigarillo|small cigar or cigarette wrapped in tobacco instead of paper
ciliary artery|one of several arteries supplying the choroid coat of the eye
ciliary body|the part of the tunic of the eye between the choroid coat and the iris - "the ciliary body produces aqueous humor"
ciliary veins|small veins coming from the ciliary body
Ciliata|class of protozoa having cilia or hairlike appendages on part or all of the surface during some part of the life cycle
ciliate|a protozoan with a microscopic appendage extending from the surface of the cell
cilium|a hairlike projection from the surface of a cell;provides locomotion in free-swimming unicellular organisms
Cimabue|painter of the Florentine school;anticipated the move from Byzantine to naturalistic art (1240-1302)
Cimarron|a river that rises in northeastern New Mexico and flows eastward into Oklahoma where it becomes a tributary of the Arkansas River
cimetidine|a drug (trade name Tagamet) used to treat peptic ulcers by decreasing the secretion of stomach acid
Cimex|type genus of the Cimicidae;bedbugs
Cimicidae|wingless flat-bodied bloodsucking insects
Cimicifuga|small genus of perennial herbs of north temperate regions;bugbane
cinch|a form of all fours in which the players bid for the privilege of naming trumps;any undertaking that is easy to do;stable gear consisting of a band around a horse's belly that holds the saddle in place
cinchona|any of several trees of the genus Cinchona;medicinal bark of cinchona trees;source of quinine and quinidine
cinchona tree|small tree of Ecuador and Peru having very large glossy leaves and large panicles of fragrant pink flowers;cultivated for its medicinal bark
cinchonine|an alkaloid derivative of the bark of cinchona trees that is used as an antimalarial drug
Cincinnati|a city in southern Ohio on the Ohio river
Cincinnatus|Roman statesman regarded as a model of simple virtue;he twice was called to assume dictatorship of Rome and each time retired to his farm (519-438 BC)
Cinclidae|water ouzels
Cinclus|type genus of the family Cinclidae
Cinco de Mayo|the fifth of May which is observed in Mexico and Mexican-American communities in the United States to commemorate the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862
cinder|a fragment of incombustible matter left after a wood or coal or charcoal fire
cinder block|a light concrete building block made with cinder aggregate - "cinder blocks are called breeze blocks in Britain"
cinder pig|pig iron containing a substantial proportion of slag
cinder track|a racetrack paved with fine cinders
Cinderella|a fictional young girl who is saved from her stepmother and stepsisters by her fairy godmother and a handsome prince;a woman whose merits were not been recognized but who then achieves sudden success and recognition
cinema|a theater where films are shown
cinema verite|a movie that shows ordinary people in actual activities without being controlled by a director
cineraria|herb of Canary Islands widely cultivated for its blue or purple or red or variegated daisylike flowers
cingulate gyrus|a long curved structure on the medial surface of the cerebral hemispheres;the cortical part of the limbic system
cingulum|(anatomy) an encircling structure (as the ridge around the base of a tooth)
cinnabar|a heavy reddish mineral consisting of mercuric sulfide;the chief source of mercury;large red-and-black European moth;larvae feed on leaves of ragwort;introduced into United States to control ragwort
cinnabar chanterelle|mushroom with a distinctive pink to vermillion fruiting body
Cinnamomum|Asiatic and Australian aromatic trees and shrubs
cinnamon|aromatic bark used as a spice;spice from the dried aromatic bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree;used as rolled strips or ground;tropical Asian tree with aromatic yellowish-brown bark;source of the spice cinnamon
cinnamon bark|aromatic bark of Saigon cinnamon used medicinally as a carminative
cinnamon bear|reddish-brown color phase of the American black bear
cinnamon bread|bread flavored with cinnamon often containing raisins
cinnamon fern|New World fern having woolly cinnamon-colored spore-bearing fronds in early spring later surrounded by green fronds;the early uncurling fronds are edible
cinnamon roll|rolled dough spread with cinnamon and sugar (and raisins) then sliced before baking
cinnamon stone|a garnet ranging in color from yellow to brown
cinnamon toast|buttered toast with sugar and cinnamon (and nutmeg and grated lemon peel)
cinnamon vine|hardy Chinese vine naturalized in United States and cultivated as an ornamental climber for its glossy heart-shaped cinnamon-scented leaves and in the tropics for its edible tubers
cinquefoil|an ornamental carving consisting of five arcs arranged in a circle;any of a numerous plants grown for their five-petaled flowers;abundant in temperate regions;alleged to have medicinal properties
cipher|a message written in a secret code;a person of no influence;a secret method of writing
ciprofloxacin|an oral antibiotic (trade name Cipro) used against serious bacterial infections of the skin or respiratory tract or urinary tract or bones or joints
circadian rhythm|a daily cycle of activity observed in many living organisms
Circaea|enchanter's nightshade
Circaea lutetiana|tall evening primrose with inconspicuous flowers
Circaetus|harrier eagles
Circassian|a member of the Sunni Muslim people living in northwestern Caucasia;a mostly Sunni Muslim community living in northwestern Caucasia;a northern Caucasian language spoken by the Circassian
Circe|(Greek mythology) a sorceress who detained Odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine
Circinus|a small faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near Musca and Triangulum Australe
circle|a curved section or tier of seats in a hall or theater or opera house;usually the first tier above the orchestra - "they had excellent seats in the dress circle";any circular or rotating mechanism - "the machine punched out metal circles";ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length;a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point - "he calculated the circumference of the circle";something approximating the shape of a circle - "the chairs were arranged in a circle"
circle of curvature|the circle that touches a curve (on the concave side) and whose radius is the radius of curvature
circle of Willis|a ring of arteries at the base of the brain
circlet|a small circle;decorated metal band worn around the head
circuit|(law) a judicial division of a state or the United States (so-called because originally judges traveled and held court in different locations);one of the twelve groups of states in the United States that is covered by a particular circuit court of appeals;an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow;an established itinerary of venues or events that a particular group of people travel to - "she's a familiar name on the club circuit" - "on the lecture circuit" - "the judge makes a circuit of the courts in his district" - "the international tennis circuit"
circuit board|a printed circuit that can be inserted into expansion slots in a computer to increase the computer's capabilities
circuit breaker|a device that trips like a switch and opens the circuit when overloaded
circuit court of appeals|one of the twelve federal United States courts of appeals that cover a group of states known as a 'circuit'
circuitry|electronic equipment consisting of a system of circuits
circular|an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution - "he mailed the circular to all subscribers"
circular measure|measurement of angles in radians
circular plane|a plane with a flexible face that can plane concave or convex surfaces
circular saw|a power saw that has a steel disk with cutting teeth on the periphery;rotates on a spindle
circularity|the roundness of a 2-dimensional figure
circularization|circulating printed notices as a means of advertising
circulating decimal|a decimal with a sequence of digits that repeats itself indefinitely
circulation|(library science) the count of books that are loaned by a library over a specified period;free movement or passage (as of cytoplasm within a cell or sap through a plant) - "ocean circulation is an important part of global climate" - "a fan aids air circulation";movement through a circuit;especially the movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels;number of copies of a newspaper or magazine that are sold - "by increasing its circulation the newspaper hoped to increase its advertising";the dissemination of copies of periodicals (as newspapers or magazines);the spread or transmission of something (as news or money) to a wider group or area
circulatory failure|failure of the cardiovascular system to supply adequate amounts of blood to body tissues
circulatory system|the organs and tissues involved in circulating blood and lymph through the body
Circumcision|(Roman Catholic Church and Anglican Church) feast day celebrating the circumcision of Jesus;celebrated on January 1st;the act of circumcising performed on males eight days after birth as a Jewish and Muslim religious rite;the act of circumcising;surgical removal of the foreskin of males
circumduction|a circular movement of a limb or eye
circumference|the boundary line encompassing an area or object - "he had walked the full circumference of his land" - "a danger to all races over the whole circumference of the globe";the length of the closed curve of a circle;the size of something as given by the distance around it
circumflex|a diacritical mark (^) placed above a vowel in some languages to indicate a special phonetic quality
circumflex artery|any of several paired curving arteries
circumflex artery of the thigh|an artery that supplies the hip joint and thigh muscles
circumflex femoral vein|either of two veins that accompany arteries of the same name serving the hip and thigh
circumflex humeral artery|an artery that supplies the shoulder joint and shoulder muscles
circumflex iliac artery|an artery that supplies the lower abdominal walls and skin and the sartorius muscle
circumflex iliac vein|accompanies the artery of the same name
circumflex scapular artery|an artery that serves the muscles of the shoulder and scapular area
circumflex vein|any of several curved parallel veins accompanying arteries of the same name
circumlocution|a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things;an indirect way of expressing something
circumnavigation|traveling around something (by ship or plane) - "Magellan's circumnavigation of the earth proved that it is a globe"
circumscription|the act of circumscribing
circumspection|the trait of being circumspect and prudent
circumstance|a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity;formal ceremony about important occasions - "pomp and circumstance";information that should be kept in mind when making a decision
circumstances|a person's financial situation (good or bad) - "he found himself in straitened circumstances"
circumstantial evidence|evidence providing only a basis for inference about the fact in dispute
circumvention|the act of evading by going around
circumvolution|the act of turning or winding or folding around a central axis
circus|(antiquity) an open-air stadium for chariot races and gladiatorial games;a frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment - "it was so funny it was a circus";a performance given by a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and trained animals - "the children always love to go to the circus";a travelling company of entertainers;including trained animals - "he ran away from home to join the circus";an arena consisting of an oval or circular area enclosed by tiers of seats and usually covered by a tent - "they used the elephants to help put up the circus";a genus of haws comprising the harriers
circus acrobat|an acrobat who performs acrobatic feats in a circus
circus tent|a canvas tent to house the audience at a circus performance - "he was afraid of a fire in the circus tent"
cirque|a steep-walled semicircular basin in a mountain;may contain a lake
cirrhosis|a chronic disease interfering with the normal functioning of the liver;the major cause is chronic alcoholism
Cirripedia|barnacles
cirrocumulus|a cloud at a high altitude consisting of a series of regularly arranged small clouds resembling ripples
cirrostratus|a thin uniform layer of hazy cloud at high altitude
cirrus|a slender flexible animal appendage as on barnacles or crinoids or many insects;often tactile;a wispy white cloud (usually of fine ice crystals) at a high altitude (4 to 8 miles);usually coiled
Cirsium|plume thistles
cisco|important food fish of cold deep lakes of North America
Cistaceae|shrubs or woody herbs of temperate regions especially Mediterranean
cistern|a tank that holds the water used to flush a toilet;an artificial reservoir for storing liquids;especially an underground tank for storing rainwater
cisterna|a sac or cavity containing fluid especially lymph or cerebrospinal fluid
Cistothorus|marsh wrens
Cistus|small to medium-sized evergreen shrubs of southern Europe and North Africa
citation|(law) the act of citing (as of spoken words or written passages or legal precedents etc.);a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage - "the student's essay failed to list several important citations";a summons that commands the appearance of a party at a proceeding;an official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement;thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1948
citation form|the form of a word that heads a lexical entry and is alphabetized in a dictionary
Citellus|typical ground squirrels
Citharichthys|a genus of Bothidae
citizen|a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
citizenry|the body of citizens of a state or country
citizenship|conduct as a citizen - "award for good citizenship";the status of a citizen with rights and duties
Citizenship Day|celebrated in the United States
Citlaltepetl|an extinct volcano in southern Mexico between Mexico City and Veracruz;the highest peak in Mexico (18,695 feet)
citrange|more aromatic and acid tasting than oranges;used in beverages and marmalade;more aromatic and acidic than oranges
citrate|a salt or ester of citric acid
citric acid|a weak water-soluble acid found in many fruits (especially citrus fruits);used as a flavoring agent
citrine|semiprecious yellow quartz resembling topaz
citron|large lemonlike fruit with thick aromatic rind;usually preserved;thorny evergreen small tree or shrub of India widely cultivated for its large lemonlike fruits that have thick warty rind
Citroncirus|a cross between Citrus sinensis and Poncirus trifoliata
citronwood|wood of a citron tree
citrophilous mealybug|destructive especially to citrus
citrulline|an amino acid that does not occur in proteins but is an intermediate in the conversion of ornithine to arginine
Citrullus|a dicot genus of the family Cucurbitaceae including watermelons
citrus|any of numerous fruits of the genus Citrus having thick rind and juicy pulp;grown in warm regions;any of numerous tropical usually thorny evergreen trees of the genus Citrus having leathery evergreen leaves and widely cultivated for their juicy edible fruits having leathery aromatic rinds
citrus mealybug|feeds on a wide variety of cultivated plants but especially destructive to citrus
citrus whitefly|whitefly that attacks citrus trees
cittern|a 16th century musical instrument resembling a guitar with a pear-shaped soundbox and wire strings
city|a large and densely populated urban area;may include several independent administrative districts - "Ancient Troy was a great city";an incorporated administrative district established by state charter - "the city raised the tax rate";people living in a large densely populated municipality - "the city voted for Republicans in 1994"
city center|the central part of a city
city council|a municipal body that can pass ordinances and appropriate funds etc.
city desk|the editorial department of a newspaper that edits the local news
city district|a district of a town or city
city editor|the newspaper editor in charge of editing local news
city father|an important municipal official
city hall|a building that houses administrative offices of a municipal government
city limit|the limits of the area occupied by a city or town
city line|the boundary of a city
city man|a financier who works in one of the banks in the City of London
City of London|the part of London situated within the ancient boundaries;the commercial and financial center of London
city planning|determining and drawing up plans for the future physical arrangement and condition of a community
city slicker|a city dweller with sophisticated manners and clothing
city state|a state consisting of a sovereign city
city university|an urban university in a large city
cityscape|a viewpoint toward a city or other heavily populated area - "the dominant character of the cityscape is it poverty";painting depicting a city or urban area
Ciudad Bolivar|a port in eastern Venezuela on the Orinoco river
Ciudad Juarez|a city in northern Mexico on the Rio Grande opposite El Paso
Ciudad Victoria|a city in east central Mexico
civet|cat-like mammal typically secreting musk used in perfumes
civic center|the center of a city
civic duty|the responsibilities of a citizen
civic leader|a leader in municipal affairs
civic pride|pride in your city
civics|the social science of municipal affairs
civies|civilian garb as opposed to a military uniform
civil action|legal action to protect a private civil right or to compel a civil remedy (as distinguished from criminal prosecution)
civil authority|a person who exercises authority over civilian affairs
civil censorship|military censorship of civilian communications (correspondence or printed matter of films) entering or leaving of circulating within territories controlled by armed forces
civil contempt|a failure to follow a court order that benefits someone else
civil death|the legal status of a person who is alive but who has been deprived of the rights and privileges of a citizen or a member of society;the legal status of one sentenced to life imprisonment
civil defense|activities organized by civilians for their own protection in time of war or disaster
civil disobedience|a group's refusal to obey a law because they believe the law is immoral (as in protest against discrimination) - "Thoreau wrote a famous essay justifying civil disobedience"
civil engineer|an engineer trained to design and construct and maintain public works (roads or bridges or harbors etc.)
civil engineering|the branch of engineering concerned with the design and construction of such public works as dams or bridges
civil law|the body of laws established by a state or nation for its own regulation
civil libertarian|a libertarian who is actively concerned with the protection of civil liberties
civil liberty|fundamental individual right protected by law and expressed as immunity from unwarranted governmental interference;one's freedom to exercise one's rights as guaranteed under the laws of the country
Civil List|a sum of money voted by British Parliament each year for the expenses of the British royal family
civil marriage|a marriage performed by a government official rather than by a clergyman
civil order|the form of government of a social organization
civil right|right or rights belonging to a person by reason of citizenship including especially the fundamental freedoms and privileges guaranteed by the 13th and 14th amendments and subsequent acts of Congress including the right to legal and social and economic equality
civil rights leader|a leader of the political movement dedicated to securing equal opportunity for members of minority groups
Civil Rights movement|movement in the United States beginning in the 1960s and led primarily by Blacks in an effort to establish the civil rights of individual Black citizens
civil servant|a public official who is a member of the civil service
civil service|government workers;usually hired on the basis of competitive examinations
civil suit|a lawsuit alleging violations of civil law by the defendant
civil time|the official time in a local region (adjusted for location around the Earth);established by law or custom
civil union|a voluntary union for life (or until divorce) of adult parties of the same sex - "parties to a civil union have all the same benefits, protections, and responsibilities under Vermont law as spouses in a marriage"
civil war|a war between factions in the same country
civilian|a nonmilitary citizen
civilian clothing|ordinary clothing as distinguished from uniforms, work clothes, clerical garb, etc.
civility|formal or perfunctory politeness
civilization|a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations) - "the people slowly progressed from barbarism to civilization";the social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization
clabber|raw milk that has soured and thickened
clack|a sharp abrupt noise as if two objects hit together;may be repeated
clack valve|a simple valve with a hinge on one side;allows fluid to flow in only one direction
clade|a group of biological taxa or species that share features inherited from a common ancestor
cladistics|a system of biological taxonomy based on the quantitative analysis of comparative data and used to reconstruct cladograms summarizing the (assumed) phylogenetic relations and evolutionary history of groups of organisms
cladode|a flattened stem resembling and functioning as a leaf
cladogram|a tree diagram used to illustrate phylogenetic relationships
Cladonia|type genus of Cladoniaceae;lichens characterized by a crustose thallus and capitate fruiting bodies borne on simple or branched podetia
Cladoniaceae|a family of lichens
Cladorhyncus|one of two genera of stilts;similar to avocets but with straight bills
Cladrastis|yellowwoods
claim|an assertion of a right (as to money or property) - "his claim asked for damages";an assertion that something is true or factual - "his claim that he was innocent" - "evidence contradicted the government's claims";an informal right to something - "his claim on her attentions";demand for something as rightful or due - "they struck in support of their claim for a shorter work day"
claim form|a form to use when filing a claim
claim jumper|one who illegally occupies property to which another has a legal claim
claimant|someone who claims a benefit or right or title - "claimants of unemployment compensation" - "he was a claimant to the throne"
claiming race|a horse race in which each owner declares before the race at what price his horse will be offered for sale after the race
clairvoyance|apparent power to perceive things that are not present to the senses
clairvoyant|someone who has the power of clairvoyance
clam|burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud;the shell closes with viselike firmness;flesh of either hard-shell or soft-shell clams
clam chowder|chowder containing clams
clam dip|a dip made of clams and soft cream cheese
Clamatores|used in some classification systems;a suborder or superfamily nearly coextensive with suborder Tyranni;Passeriformes having relatively simple vocal organs and little power of song;clamatorial birds
clambake|a cookout at the seashore where clams and fish and other foods are cooked--usually on heated stones covered with seaweed
clamber|an awkward climb - "reaching the crest was a real clamber"
clammy locust|small rough-barked locust of southeastern United States having racemes of pink flowers and glutinous branches and seeds
clammyweed|strong-scented herb common in southern United States covered with intermixed gland and hairs
clamor|loud and persistent outcry from many people - "he ignored the clamor of the crowd"
clamp|a device (generally used by carpenters) that holds things firmly together
clampdown|sudden restriction on an activity
clamshell|a dredging bucket with hinges like the shell of a clam;the shell of a clam
clandestine operation|an intelligence operation so planned and executed as to insure concealment
clang|a loud resonant repeating noise - "he could hear the clang of distant bells"
clanger|a conspicuous mistake whose effects seem to reverberate - "he dropped a clanger"
Clangula|a genus of ducks
clannishness|tendency to associate with only a select group
clansman|a member of a clan
clapboard|a long thin board with one edge thicker than the other;used as siding by lapping one board over the board below
clapper|metal striker that hangs inside a bell and makes a sound by hitting the side;someone who applauds
clapperboard|photographic equipment used to synchronize sound and motion picture;boards held in front of a movie camera are banged together
claque|a group of followers hired to applaud at a performance
clarence|a closed carriage with four wheels and seats for four passengers
claret|a dark purplish-red color;dry red Bordeaux or Bordeaux-like wine
claret cup|a punch made of claret and brandy with lemon juice and sugar and sometimes sherry or curacao and fresh fruit
clarification|an interpretation that removes obstacles to understanding - "the professor's clarification helped her to understand the textbook"
clarified butter|butter made clear by heating and removing the sediment of milk solids
clarinet|a single-reed instrument with a straight tube
clarinet section|the section of a band or orchestra that plays clarinets
clarinetist|a musician who plays the clarinet
clarion|a medieval brass instrument with a clear shrill tone
clarity|free from obscurity and easy to understand;the comprehensibility of clear expression
Clark|Canadian politician who served as prime minister (1939-);United States explorer who (with Meriwether Lewis) led an expedition from St. Louis to the mouth of the Columbia River;Clark was responsible for making maps of the area (1770-1838);United States general who was Allied commander in Africa and Italy in World War II and was commander of the United Nations forces in Korea (1896-1984);United States psychologist (born in Panama) whose research persuaded the Supreme Court that segregated schools were discriminatory (1914-2005)
Clark cell|a form of voltaic cell once used as a standard for electromotive force
Clark's nutcracker|nutcracker of the western United States
Clarksburg|a city in northern West Virginia
claro|a cigar made with light-colored tobacco
clary|aromatic herb of southern Europe;cultivated in Great Britain as a potherb and widely as an ornamental
clary sage|fresh leaves used in omelets and fritters and with lamb;stout Mediterranean sage with white or pink or violet flowers;yields oil used as a flavoring and in perfumery
clash|a state of conflict between colors - "her dress was a disturbing clash of colors";a state of conflict between persons
clasp|a fastener (as a buckle or hook) that is used to hold two things together;the act of grasping - "he released his clasp on my arm"
clasp knife|a large knife with one or more folding blades
class|(biology) a taxonomic group containing one or more orders;a body of students who are taught together - "early morning classes are always sleepy";a body of students who graduate together - "the class of '97";a collection of things sharing a common attribute - "there are two classes of detergents";a league ranked by quality - "he played baseball in class D for two years";elegance in dress or behavior - "she has a lot of class";people having the same social, economic, or educational status - "the working class" - "an emerging professional class"
class act|someone who shows impressive and stylish excellence
class action|a lawsuit brought by a representative member of a large group of people on behalf of all members of the group
class Cyanobacteria|photosynthetic bacteria found in fresh and salt water, having chlorophyll a and phycobilins;once thought to be algae;blue-green algae
class feeling|feelings of envy and resentment of one social or economic class for toward another
class list|a list issued by examiners that categorizes students according to the class of honours they achieved in their degree examinations
class structure|the organization of classes within a society
class struggle|conflict between social or economic classes (especially between the capitalist and proletariat classes)
classic|a creation of the highest excellence;an artist who has created classic works
classic hemochromatosis|inherited form of hemochromatosis
classical architecture|architecture influenced by the ancient Greeks or Romans
classical ballet|a style of ballet based on precise conventional steps performed with graceful and flowing movements
classical conditioning|conditioning that pairs a neutral stimulus with a stimulus that evokes a reflex;the stimulus that evokes the reflex is given whether or not the conditioned response occurs until eventually the neutral stimulus comes to evoke the reflex
classical Latin|the language of educated people in ancient Rome
classical mechanics|the branch of mechanics based on Newton's laws of motion
classical music|traditional genre of music conforming to an established form and appealing to critical interest and developed musical taste
classical mythology|the system of mythology of the Greeks and Romans together;much of Roman mythology (especially the gods) was borrowed from the Greeks
classical style|the artistic style of ancient Greek art with its emphasis on proportion and harmony
classicism|a movement in literature and art during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe that favored rationality and restraint and strict forms - "classicism often derived its models from the ancient Greeks and Romans"
classicist|a student of ancient Greek and Latin;an artistic person who adheres to classicism
classics|study of the literary works of ancient Greece and Rome
classification|a group of people or things arranged by class or category;restriction imposed by the government on documents or weapons that are available only to certain authorized people;the basic cognitive process of arranging into classes or categories
classification system|a system for classifying things
classified ad|a short ad in a newspaper or magazine (usually in small print) and appearing along with other ads of the same type
classified stock|common stock classified as A or B where A has certain advantages (e.g., voting power) that B does not
classifier|a person who creates classifications;a word or morpheme used in some languages in certain contexts (such as counting) to indicate the semantic class to which the counted item belongs
classroom|a room in a school where lessons take place
classroom project|a school task requiring considerable effort
classwork|the part of a student's work that is done in the classroom
clast|(geology) a constituent fragment of a clastic rock
clastic rock|(geology) a rock composed of broken pieces of older rocks
Clathraceae|family of fleshy fungi resembling stinkhorns
Clathrus|type genus of the Clathraceae
clatter|a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement) - "the shutters clattered against the house" - "the clatter of iron wheels on cobblestones"
Claudius|Roman Emperor after his nephew Caligula was murdered;consolidated the Roman Empire and conquered southern Britain;was poisoned by his fourth wife Agrippina after her son Nero was named as Claudius' heir (10 BC to AD 54)
clause|(grammar) an expression including a subject and predicate but not constituting a complete sentence
Clausewitz|Prussian general and military theorist who proposed a doctrine of total war and war as an extension of diplomacy (1780-1831)
claustrophobe|a person suffering from claustrophobia
claustrophobia|a morbid fear of being closed in a confined space
claustrum|a layer of grey matter in the brain adjacent to the lenticular nucleus
Clavariaceae|fleshy fungi;coral fungi
Claviceps|fungi parasitic upon the ovaries of various grasses
clavichord|an early stringed instrument like a piano but with more delicate sound
Clavicipitaceae|any of various mushrooms of the class Ascomycetes
clavicle|bone linking the scapula and sternum
clavier|a stringed instrument that has a keyboard
claw|a bird's foot;a grasping structure on the limb of a crustacean or other arthropods;sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles
claw hatchet|a hatchet that has a cleft for pulling nails
clawback|finding a way to take money back from people that they were given in another way - "the Treasury will find some clawback for the extra benefits members received"
clawfoot|a deformity of the foot characterized by an abnormally high arch and hyperextension of the toes which gives the foot the appearance of a claw
clay|a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired;United States general who commanded United States forces in Europe from 1945 to 1949 and who oversaw the Berlin airlift (1897-1978);United States politician responsible for the Missouri Compromise between free and slave states (1777-1852)
clay pigeon|target used in skeet or trapshooting
clay pipe|a pipe made of clay
clay-colored robin|robin of Mexico and Central America
claymore|a large double-edged broadsword;formerly used by Scottish Highlanders
claymore mine|an antipersonnel land mine whose blast is aimed at the oncoming enemy
claystone|fine-grained rock consisting of compacted clay particles
Claytonia|genus of mainly North American succulent herbs with white or pink flowers usually in terminal racemes
clean and jerk|a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead
clean bill of health|an assurance that someone is healthy or something is in good condition - "the doctor gave him a clean bill of health"
clean bomb|an atom bomb leaving little or no radioactive contamination
clean room|a room that is virtually free of dust or bacteria;used in laboratory work and in assembly or repair of precision equipment
cleaner|someone whose occupation is cleaning;the operator of dry-cleaning establishment
cleaners|shop where dry cleaning is done
cleaning|the act of making something clean - "he gave his shoes a good cleaning"
cleaning implement|any of a large class of implements used for cleaning
cleaning pad|a pad used as a cleaning implement
cleanliness|diligence in keeping clean;the habit of keeping free of superficial imperfections
cleanness|the state of being clean;without dirt or other impurities;without moral defects
cleansing agent|a preparation used in cleaning something
Cleanthes|ancient Greek philosopher who succeeded Zeno of Citium as the leader of the Stoic school (300-232 BC)
cleanup|(baseball) the fourth position in the batting order (usually filled by the best batter on the team)
clear|the state of being free of suspicion - "investigation showed that he was in the clear"
clear and present danger|a standard for judging when freedom of speech can be abridged - "no one has a right to shout 'fire' in a crowded theater when there is no fire because such an action would pose a clear and present danger to public safety"
clear liquid diet|a diet of fluids with minimal residues (fat-free broth or strained fruit juices or gelatin);cannot be used for more than one day postoperative
clear-air turbulence|strong turbulence in an otherwise cloudless region that subjects aircraft to violent updrafts or downdrafts
clearance|permission to proceed - "the plane was given clearance to land";the distance by which one thing clears another;the space between them
clearance sale|a sale to reduce inventory
clearing|a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area;the act of freeing from suspicion;the act of removing solid particles from a liquid
clearing house|a central collection place where banks exchange checks or drafts;participants maintain an account against which credits or debits are posted
clearness|the quality of clear water
clearway|a road on which you are not allowed to stop (unless you have a breakdown)
cleat|a fastener (usually with two projecting horns) around which a rope can be secured;a metal or leather projection (as from the sole of a shoe);prevents slipping;a strip of wood or metal used to strengthen the surface to which it is attached
cleats|shoes with leather or metal projections on the soles - "the football players all wore cleats"
cleavage|(embryology) the repeated division of a fertilised ovum;the act of cleaving or splitting;the breaking of a chemical bond in a molecule resulting in smaller molecules;the line formed by a groove between two parts (especially the separation between a woman's breasts);the state of being split or cleft - "there was a cleavage between the liberal and conservative members"
cleaver|a butcher's knife having a large square blade
cleavers|annual having the stem beset with curved prickles;North America and Europe and Asia
clef|a musical notation written on a staff indicating the pitch of the notes following it
cleft|a split or indentation in something (as the palate or chin)
cleft foot|a deformity in which the space between the third and fourth toes extends up into the foot
cleft lip|a congenital cleft in the middle of the upper lip
cleft palate|a congenital fissure of the hard palate
Cleistes|terrestrial orchids of North and South America having slender fibrous roots;allied to genus Pogonia
cleistogamy|the production of small nonopening self-pollinating flowers
cleistothecium|closed spore-bearing structure of some fungi (especially Aspergillaceae and Erysiphaceae) from which spores are released only by decay or disintegration
clematis|any of various ornamental climbing plants of the genus Clematis usually having showy flowers
Clemenceau|French statesman who played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles (1841-1929)
clemency|leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
Clemens|United States writer and humorist best known for his novels about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn (1835-1910)
Clement III|Italian antipope from 1080 to 1100 who was installed as pope by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV who consistently opposed efforts at papal reform (died in 1100)
Clement VII|Italian pope from 1523 to 1534 who broke with Henry VIII of England after Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon and married Anne Boleyn (1478-1534)
Clement XI|Italian pope from 1700 to 1721 who condemned Jansenist ideas on papal infallibility
Clement XIV|Italian pope from 1769 to 1774 who lost whatever support remained of Catholic Europe, causing the church to fall into the hands of secular princes (1705-1774)
clementine|a mandarin orange of a deep reddish orange color and few seeds;a variety of mandarin orange that is grown around the Mediterranean and in South Africa
Cleopatra|beautiful and charismatic queen of Egypt;mistress of Julius Caesar and later of Mark Antony;killed herself to avoid capture by Octavian (69-30 BC)
clerestory|part of an interior wall rising above the adjacent roof with windows admitting light
clergy|in Christianity, clergymen collectively (as distinguished from the laity)
clergyman|a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
cleric|a clergyman or other person in religious orders
clerical collar|a stiff white collar with no opening in the front;a distinctive symbol of the clergy
clericalism|a policy of supporting the influence and power of the clergy in secular or political matters
clericalist|one who advocates clericalism
clerid beetle|predacious on other insects;usually brightly colored or metallic
Cleridae|beetles that prey on other insects
clerihew|a witty satiric verse containing two rhymed couplets and mentioning a famous person - "'The president is George W. Bush, Who is happy to sit on his tush, While sending his armies to fight, For anything he thinks is right' is a clerihew"
clerk|an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
clerkship|the job of clerk
Clethra|type and sole genus of the Clethraceae;deciduous shrubs or small trees;white alder, summer-sweet
Clethraceae|coextensive with the genus Clethra
Clethrionomys|a genus of Cricetidae
Cleveland|22nd and 24th President of the United States (1837-1908);the largest city in Ohio;located in northeastern Ohio on Lake Erie;a major Great Lakes port
clever Dick|an intellectual who is ostentatiously and irritatingly knowledgeable
clevis|a coupler shaped like the letter U with holes through each end so a bolt or pin can pass through the holes to complete the coupling;used to attach a drawbar to a plow or wagon or trailer etc.
clew|a ball of yarn or cord or thread
clews|the cords used to suspend a hammock
Clichy|a northwestern suburb of Paris;the residence of the Merovingian royalty in the 7th century
click|depression of a button on a computer mouse - "a click on the right button for example"
click beetle|able to right itself when on its back by flipping into the air with a clicking sound
click-clack|a succession of clicks
clickety-clack|a fast and rhythmic click-clack - "the clickety-clack of the typewriters"
client|a person who seeks the advice of a lawyer
clientage|relation of a client to a patron
client-centered therapy|a method of psychotherapy developed by Carl Rogers in which the client determines the focus and pace of each session
clientele|customers collectively - "they have an upper class clientele"
cliff|a steep high face of rock - "he stood on a high cliff overlooking the town"
cliff brake|any of several small lithophytic ferns of tropical and warm temperate regions
cliff diving|diving into the water from a steep overhanging cliff
cliff dweller|a member of the Anasazi people living in the southwestern United States who built rock or adobe dwellings on ledges in the sides of caves
cliff dwelling|a rock and adobe dwelling built on sheltered ledges in the sides of a cliff - "the Anasazi built cliff dwellings in the southwestern United States"
cliff rose|tufted thrift of seacoasts and mountains of north temperate zone;occasionally grown as a ground cover
cliff swallow|North American swallow that lives in colonies and builds bottle-shaped mud nests on cliffs and walls
cliffhanger|a contest whose outcome is uncertain up to the very end;an episode that ends in suspense
Clifford trust|a trust established to shift the income to someone who is taxed at a lower rate than the grantor for a period of 10 years or more
Cliftonia|one species;titi
climacteric|a period in a man's life corresponding to menopause
climate|the prevailing psychological state - "the climate of opinion";the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time - "the dank climate of southern Wales"
climate change|a change in the world's climate
climatic zone|any of the geographical zones loosely divided according to prevailing climate and latitude
climatologist|someone who is expert in climatology
climatology|meteorology of climates and their phenomena
climax|arrangement of clauses in ascending order of forcefulness;the decisive moment in a novel or play - "the deathbed scene is the climax of the play";the highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding - "the climax of the artist's career";the most severe stage of a disease
climb|an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.);the act of climbing something - "it was a difficult climb to the top"
climber|a vine or climbing plant that readily grows up a support or over other plants;someone who climbs as a sport;especially someone who climbs mountains - "the lead climber looked strong still but his partner often slumped in his ropes"
climbing bird's nest fern|tropical Africa to Australasia and Polynesia
climbing corydalis|annual vine with decompound leaves and racemes of yellow and pink flowers
climbing fern|any of several ferns of the genus Lygodium that climb by twining
climbing frame|a framework of bars or logs for children to climb on
climbing fumitory|vine with feathery leaves and white or pinkish flowers;sometimes placed in genus Fumaria
climbing hempweed|herb of tropical America having vanilla-scented flowers;climbs up trees
climbing hydrangea|climbing shrub with adhesive aerial roots having opposite leaves and small white flowers in terminal cymes;Himalayas to Taiwan and Japan;deciduous climber with aerial roots having large flat flower heads;deciduous climber with aerial roots having white to creamy flowers in fairly flat heads
climbing maidenhair|tropical fern widespread in Old World;naturalized in Jamaica and Florida
climbing onion|much-branched leafless twining South African herb cultivated as an ornamental for its bright green stems growing from large aboveground bulbs
climbing perch|a small perch of India whose gills are modified to allow it to breathe air;has spiny pectoral fins that enable it to travel on land
climbing salamander|any of several North American salamanders adapted for climbing with well-developed limbs and long somewhat squared-off toes
clinch|(boxing) the act of one boxer holding onto the other to avoid being hit and to rest momentarily;a small slip noose made with seizing;the flattened part of a nail or bolt or rivet
Clinch River|a river that rises in southwestern Virginia and flows generally southwestward across eastern Tennessee to the Tennessee River
clincher|a point or fact or remark that settles something conclusively;a tool used to clinch nails or bolts or rivets;an argument that is conclusive
Cline|American geneticist who succeeded in transferring a functioning gene from one mouse to another (born in 1934)
cling|fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit
cling film|a thin plastic film made of saran (trade name Saran Wrap) that sticks to itself;used for wrapping food
clingfish|very small (to 3 inches) flattened marine fish with a sucking disc on the abdomen for clinging to rocks etc.
clinic|a healthcare facility for outpatient care;a medical establishment run by a group of medical specialists;meeting for diagnosis of problems and instruction or remedial work in a particular activity
clinical anatomy|the practical application of anatomical knowledge to diagnosis and treatment
clinical psychology|the branch of psychology concerned with the treatment of abnormal mentation and behavior
clinical thermometer|a mercury thermometer designed to measure the temperature of the human body;graduated to cover a range a few degrees on either side of the normal body temperature
clinical trial|a rigorously controlled test of a new drug or a new invasive medical device on human subjects;in the United States it is conducted under the direction of the FDA before being made available for general clinical use
clinician|a practitioner (of medicine or psychology) who does clinical work instead of laboratory experiments
clinid|mostly small blennioid fishes of coral reefs and seagrass beds
Clinidae|viviparous blennies of temperate and tropical seas
clinker|a hard brick used as a paving stone
clinocephaly|a congenital defect in which the top of the head is depressed (concave instead of convex)
clinodactyly|a congenital defect in which one or more toes or fingers are abnormally positioned
clinometer|an instrument used by surveyors in order to measure an angle of inclination or elevation
Clinopodium|wild basil
Clinton|42nd President of the United States (1946-);a town in east central Iowa;United States politician who as governor of New York supported the project to build the Erie Canal (1769-1828);wife of President Clinton and later a woman member of the United States Senate (1947-)
Clinton administration|the executive under President Clinton
clintonia|any temperate liliaceous plant of the genus Clintonia having broad basal leaves and white or yellowish or purplish flowers followed by blue or black berries
Clio|(Greek mythology) the Muse of history
clip|a sharp slanting blow - "he gave me a clip on the ear";an article of jewelry that can be clipped onto a hat or dress;any of various small fasteners used to hold loose articles together;the act of clipping or snipping
clip art|ready-made pieces of computerized graphic art that can be used to decorate a document
clip artist|a swindler who fleeces the victim
clip joint|a place of entertainment where high prices are charged for poor entertainment
clip lead|a short piece of wire with alligator clips on both ends
clipboard|a small writing board with a clip at the top for holding papers
clip-clop|the sound of a horse's hoofs hitting on a hard surface
clip-on|a device (as an earring, sunglasses, microphone etc.) that is attached by clips
clipper|a fast sailing ship used in former times;scissors for cutting hair or finger nails (often used in the plural);shears for cutting grass or shrubbery (often used in the plural)
clipping|an excerpt cut from a newspaper or magazine - "he searched through piles of letters and clippings"
clique|an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
Clitocybe|a genus of agarics with white to pale yellow spore deposits and fleshy stalks centrally attached to the cap and closely attached gills
Clitocybe clavipes|an agaric with a flat cap that is greyish or yellowish brown with pallid gills and a stalk that bulges toward the base
Clitocybe dealbata|a small poisonous agaric;has a dry white cap with crowded gills and a short stalk
Clitocybe inornata|a fungus with a cap that is creamy grey when young and turns brown with age and a whitish stalk that stains yellow when handled
Clitocybe irina|an edible agaric with large silky white caps and thick stalks
Clitocybe robusta|a large white agaric;edible but not palatable
Clitocybe subconnexa|an edible white agaric that fruits in dense clusters;the gills are narrow and crowded and the stalk is fleshy and unpolished
clitoral vein|veins that serve the clitoris
Clitoria|genus of tropical shrubs or vines having pinnate leaves and large axillary flowers
clitoridectomy|excision of the clitoris
clitoris|a female sexual organ homologous to the penis
Clive|British general and statesman whose victory at Plassey in 1757 strengthened British control of India (1725-1774)
cloaca|(zoology) the cavity (in birds, reptiles, amphibians, most fish, and monotremes but not mammals) at the end of the digestive tract into which the intestinal, genital, and urinary tracts open
cloak|a loose outer garment;anything that covers or conceals
cloakmaker|someone whose occupation is making or repairing fur garments
cloakroom|a private lounge off of a legislative chamber;a room where coats and other articles can be left temporarily
cloche|a low transparent cover put over young plants to protect them from cold;a woman's close-fitting hat that resembles a helmet
clock|a timepiece that shows the time of day
clock face|the face of a clock showing hours and minutes of the day
clock golf|a form of golf in which you putt from positions arranged on the circumference of a circle around the hole
clock pendulum|a physical pendulum used to regulate a clockwork mechanism
clock radio|a radio that includes a clock that can be set to turn it on automatically
clock time|a reading of a point in time as given by a clock
clock tower|a tower with a large clock visible high up on an outside face
clock watcher|a worker preoccupied with the arrival of quitting time
clocking|the time taken to traverse a measured course - "it was a world record clocking"
clocksmith|someone whose occupation is making or repairing clocks and watches
clock-watching|paying excessive attention to the clock (in anticipation of stopping work)
clockwork|any mechanism of geared wheels that is driven by a coiled spring;resembles the works of a mechanical clock
clockwork universe|the view that the universe resembles a clock built by God and ticking along according to Newtonian mechanics
clofibrate|a drug (trade name Atromid-S) that reduces lipids in the blood serum;used to treat some cardiovascular diseases
clog|any object that acts as a hindrance or obstruction;footwear usually with wooden soles
clog dance|a dance performed while wearing shoes with wooden soles;has heavy stamping steps
clog dancer|someone who does clog dancing
cloisonne|enamelware in which colored areas are separated by thin metal strips
cloister|a courtyard with covered walks (as in religious institutions)
clomiphene|a fertility drug (trade name Clomid) that is used to stimulate ovulation and that has been associated with multiple births
clomipramine|a tricyclic antidepressant drug
clone|a group of genetically identical cells or organisms derived from a single cell or individual by some kind of asexual reproduction
clonidine|an antihypertensive (trade name Catapres) that can be administered orally or via transdermal patches
cloning|a general term for the research activity that creates a copy of some biological entity (a gene or organism or cell)
clonus|convulsion characterized by alternating contractions and relaxations
clopidogrel bisulfate|a blood thinner (trade name Plavix) approved for the treatment of mild heart attacks;works by preventing blood platelets from sticking together to form clots that would restrict blood flow
Clorox|a commercial bleaching agent
close call|something achieved (or escaped) by a narrow margin
close order|a military formation for drill or marching
close quarters|a situation of being uncomfortably close to someone or something
close support|close-in firing by one unit against an enemy engaged by another unit
close supporting fire|fire on enemy troops or weapons or positions that are near the supported unit and are the most immediate and serious threat to it
closed chain|(chemistry) a chain of atoms in a molecule that forms a closed loop
closed circuit|a complete electrical circuit around which current flows or a signal circulates
closed corporation|a corporation owned by a few people;shares have no public market
closed couplet|a rhymed couplet that forms a complete syntactic unit
closed curve|a curve (such as a circle) having no endpoints
closed gentian|gentian of eastern North America having tubular blue or white flowers that open little if at all;similar to Gentiana andrewsii but with larger flowers
closed interval|an interval that includes its endpoints
closed loop|a control system with a feedback loop that is active
closed primary|a primary in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote
closed shop|a company that hires only union members
closed universe|(cosmology) a universe that is spatially closed and in which there is sufficient matter to halt the expansion that began with the big bang;the visible matter is only 10 percent of the matter required for closure but there may be large amounts of dark matter
closed-circuit television|a television system that is not used for broadcasting but is connected by cables to designated monitors (as in a factory or theater)
closed-end fund|a regulated investment company that issues a fixed number of shares which are listed on a stock market
closed-heart surgery|heart surgery in which a small incision is made (the chest cavity is not opened)
closely held corporation|stock is publicly traded but most is held by a few shareholders who have no plans to sell
closeness|a feeling of being intimate and belonging together - "their closeness grew as the night wore on";characterized by a lack of openness (especially about one's actions or purposes)
close-order drill|(military) military drill of troops in standard marching (shoulder-to-shoulder)
closeout|a sale intended to dispose of all remaining stock
close-quarter fighting|hand-to-hand fighting at close quarters
closer|(baseball) a relief pitcher who can protect a lead in the last inning or two of the game;a person who closes something - "whoever is the closer has to turn out the lights and lock up"
closet|a small private room for study or prayer
closet auger|a snake used to unblock toilets
closet drama|drama more suitable for reading that for performing
closet queen|a negative term for a homosexual man who chooses not to reveal his sexual orientation
closeup|a photograph taken at close range
closeup lens|a photographic lens with a short focal length used to take pictures at short ranges
closing|approaching a particular destination;a coming closer;a narrowing of a gap - "the ship's rapid rate of closing gave them little time to avoid a collision"
closing price|(stock market) the price of the last transaction completed during a day's trading session
closing time|the regular time of day when an establishment closes to the public
clostridium|spindle-shaped bacterial cell especially one swollen at the center by an endospore
clostridium perfringens|anaerobic Gram-positive rod bacterium that produces epsilon toxin;can be used as a bioweapon
closure|a Gestalt principle of organization holding that there is an innate tendency to perceive incomplete objects as complete and to close or fill gaps and to perceive asymmetric stimuli as symmetric;a rule for limiting or ending debate in a deliberative body;termination of operations - "they regretted the closure of the day care center"
closure by compartment|closure imposed on the debate of specific sections of a bill
clot|a lump of material formed from the content of a liquid
cloth cap|a flat woolen cap with a stiff peak
cloth covering|a covering made of cloth
clothes closet|a closet where clothes are stored
clothes dryer|a dryer that dries clothes wet from washing
clothes hamper|a hamper that holds dirty clothes to be washed or wet clothes to be dried
clothes moth|any of several small yellowish or buff-colored moths whose larvae eat organic matter e.g. woolens
clothes tree|an upright pole with pegs or hooks on which to hang clothing
clothesbrush|a brush used for cleaning clothing
clotheshorse|a framework on which to hang clothes (as for drying)
clothesline|a cord on which clothes are hung to dry
clothespin|wood or plastic fastener;for holding clothes on a clothesline
clothier|a merchant who sells men's clothing
clothing|a covering designed to be worn on a person's body
clothing store|a store where men's clothes are sold
Clotho|the Greek goddess of fate who spins the thread of life
clotted cream|thick cream made from scalded milk
clotting time|the time it takes for a sample of blood to clot;used to diagnose some clotting disorders
cloud|a cause of worry or gloom or trouble - "the only cloud on the horizon was the possibility of dissent by the French";a visible mass of water or ice particles suspended at a considerable altitude;any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible;out of touch with reality - "his head was in the clouds";suspicion affecting your reputation - "after that mistake he was under a cloud"
cloud bank|a layer of clouds seen from a distance
cloud chamber|apparatus that detects the path of high-energy particles passing through a supersaturated vapor;each particle ionizes molecules along its path and small droplets condense on them to produce a visible track
cloud grass|Spanish grass with light feathery panicles grown for dried bouquets
cloudberry|creeping raspberry of north temperate regions with yellow or orange berries
cloud-cuckoo-land|an imaginary place where you say people are when they seem optimistically out of touch with reality
cloudiness|gloomy semidarkness caused by cloud cover;the quality of being cloudy;the state of the sky when it is covered by clouds
clouding|the process whereby water particles become visible in the sky
cloudlessness|the lightness of a sunny day when there are no clouds in the sky
clout|a target used in archery
clout nail|a short nail with a flat head;used to attach sheet metal to wood
clove|aromatic flower bud of a clove tree;yields a spice;moderate sized very symmetrical red-flowered evergreen widely cultivated in the tropics for its flower buds which are source of cloves;one of the small bulblets that can be split off of the axis of a larger garlic bulb;spice from dried unopened flower bud of the clove tree;used whole or ground
clove hitch|a knot used to fasten a line temporarily to a post or spar
clove oil|essential oil obtained from cloves and used to flavor medicines
cloven foot|a hoof divided into two parts at its distal extremity (as of ruminants or swine)
cloven hoof|the mark of Satan
clover|a plant of the genus Trifolium
clover fern|any of several water ferns of the genus Marsilea having four leaflets
cloverleaf|an interchange that does not require left-hand turns
clover-leaf roll|yeast-raised dinner roll made by baking three small balls of dough in each cup of a muffin pan
Clovis|king of the Franks who unified Gaul and established his capital at Paris and founded the Frankish monarchy;his name was rendered as Gallic 'Louis' (466-511)
Clovis culture|the Paleo-American culture of Central America and North America;distinguished chiefly by sharp fluted projectile points made of obsidian or chalcedony
clowder|a group of cats
clown|a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior;a rude or vulgar fool
clown anemone fish|an anemone fish of the genus Amphiprion
clozapine|an antipsychotic drug (trade name Clozaril) used as a sedative and for treatment-resistant schizophrenia;know to have few side effects
cloze procedure|a test for diagnosing reading ability;words are deleted from a prose passage and the reader is required to fill in the blanks
club|a formal association of people with similar interests - "he joined a golf club";a playing card in the minor suit that has one or more black trefoils on it - "he led a small club" - "clubs were trumps";stout stick that is larger at one end - "he carried a club in self defense" - "he felt as if he had been hit with a club"
club car|railroad car having a bar and tables and lounge chairs
club drug|a controlled substance that is usually taken by young people at dance clubs and raves
club fungus|a club-shaped coral fungus
club member|someone who is a member of a club
club moss|primitive evergreen moss-like plant with spores in club-shaped strobiles
club sandwich|made with three slices of usually toasted bread
clubbing|a condition in which the ends of toes and fingers become wide and thick;a symptom of heart or lung disease
clubfoot|congenital deformity of the foot usually marked by a curled shape or twisted position of the ankle and heel and toes
clubhouse|a building that is occupied by a social club - "the clubhouse needed a new roof"
clubroom|a room used for the activities of a club
clubroot fungus|a fungus resembling slime mold that causes swellings or distortions of the roots of cabbages and related plants
cluck|the sound made by a hen (as in calling her chicks)
clue|evidence that helps to solve a problem
clumber|a thickset spaniel with longish silky hair
clumsy person|a person with poor motor coordination
clunch|hardened clay
Clupea|type genus of the Clupeidae;typical herrings
clupeid fish|any of numerous soft-finned schooling food fishes of shallow waters of northern seas
Clupeidae|herrings;shad;sardines;etc.
clusia|an aromatic tree of the genus Clusia having large white or yellow or pink flowers
cluster bomb|bomb consisting of a canister that is dropped from a plane and that opens to release a cluster of bomblets (usually fragmentation bombs) over a wide area - "cluster bombs cannot be targeted precisely"
cluster of differentiation 4|a glycoprotein that is found primarily on the surface of helper T cells
cluster of differentiation 8|a membrane glycoprotein that is found primarily on the surface of cytotoxic T cells
clustered bellflower|bellflower of Europe to temperate Asia having dense spikes of violet-blue to white flowers
clustered lady's slipper|clusters of several short stems each having 2 broad leaves and 2-4 drooping brownish to greenish flowers with pouches mottled with purple;British Columbia to central California and northern Colorado
clustered poppy mallow|densely hairy perennial having mostly triangular basal leaves and rose-purple flowers in panicled clusters
clutch|a coupling that connects or disconnects driving and driven parts of a driving mechanism - "this year's model has an improved clutch";a number of birds hatched at the same time;a pedal or lever that engages or disengages a rotating shaft and a driving mechanism - "he smoothely released the clutch with one foot and stepped on the gas with the other";a tense critical situation - "he is a good man in the clutch"
clutch bag|a woman's strapless purse that is carried in the hand
clutter|a confused multitude of things;unwanted echoes that interfere with the observation of signals on a radar screen
Clyde|a river in western Scotland that flows from the southern uplands into the Firth of Clyde;navigable by oceangoing vessels as far as Glasgow
Clydesdale|heavy feathered-legged breed of draft horse originally from Scotland
Clydesdale terrier|selectively bred small Skye terrier with erect ears and a long silky coat
clypeus|a shield-like plate on the front of an insect's head
Clytemnestra|(Greek mythology) wife of Agamemnon who had him murdered when he returned from the Trojan War
CN Tower|a tower in Toronto;1815 feet tall for broadcasting widely
Cnemidophorus|whiptails
Cnicus|one species;blessed thistle
Cnidaria|hydras;polyps;jellyfishes;sea anemones;corals
Cnidoscolus|a genus of perennial plant with bristles;belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae
Cnidosporidia|single-host parasites of lower vertebrates and invertebrates
coach|(sports) someone in charge of training an athlete or a team;a carriage pulled by four horses with one driver;a person who gives private instruction (as in singing, acting, etc.)
coach horse|strong draft horse for drawing coaches
coach house|a small building for housing coaches and carriages and other vehicles
coachbuilder|a craftsman who makes the bodies of motor vehicles
coaching|the job of a professional coach
coachman|a man who drives a coach (or carriage)
coachwhip|a whipsnake of southern United States and Mexico;tail resembles a braided whip
coadjutor|an assistant to a bishop
coagulant|an agent that produces coagulation
coagulase|an enzyme that induces coagulation
coagulation factor|any of the factors in the blood whose actions are essential for blood coagulation
Coahuila|a state in northern Mexico;mostly high plateau
coal|fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
coal black|a very dark black
coal car|freight car with fixed sides and no roof;for transporting coal
coal chute|a chute for coal
coal gas|gaseous mixture produced by distillation of bituminous coal and used for heating and lighting
coal house|a shed for storing coal
coal industry|the producers of coal considered collectively
coal mine|a mine where coal is dug from the ground
coal miner|someone who works in a coal mine
coal seam|a seam of coal
coal shovel|a hand shovel for shoveling coal
coal tar|a tar formed from distillation of bituminous coal;coal tar can be further distilled to give various aromatic compounds
coalbin|a bin for holding coal
coalescence|the union of diverse things into one body or form or group;the growing together of parts
coalface|the part of a coal seam that is being cut
coalfield|a region where there is coal underground
coaling station|a seaport where ships can take on supplies of coal
coalition|the state of being combined into one body
coalman|someone who delivers coal
coaming|a raised framework around a hatchway on a ship to keep water out
coarctation|(biology) a narrowing or constriction of a vessel or canal;especially a congenital narrowing of the aorta
coarseness|looseness or roughness in texture (as of cloth);the quality of being composed of relatively large particles;the quality of lacking taste and refinement
coast|a slope down which sleds may coast - "when it snowed they made a coast on the golf course";the area within view - "the coast is clear"
coast boykinia|plant with leaves mostly at the base and openly branched clusters of small white flowers;western North America
coast lily|orange-flowered lily of Pacific coast of United States
coast live oak|highly variable often shrubby evergreen oak of coastal zone of western North America having small thick usually spiny-toothed dark-green leaves
Coast Range|a string of mountain ranges along the Pacific coast of North America from southeastern Alaska to Lower California
coast rhododendron|medium-sized rhododendron of Pacific coast of North America having large rosy brown-spotted flowers
coastal diving bird|gull family;skimmer family;jaeger family;auk family
coastal plain|a plain adjacent to a coast
coastal rein orchid|stout orchid of central California to northern Washington having racemes of white fragrant bilaterally symmetrical flowers
coaster|a covering (plate or mat) that protects the surface of a table (i.e., from the condensation on a cold glass or bottle);a resident of a coastal area;someone who coasts
coaster brake|a brake on a bicycle that engages with reverse pressure on the pedals
coastguard|a military service responsible for the safety of maritime traffic in coastal waters
coastguardsman|a member of a coastguard
coastland|land in a coastal area
coastline|the outline of a coast
coat|an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down;worn outdoors;growth of hair or wool or fur covering the body of an animal
coat button|a button on a coat
coat closet|a closet for storing outerwear
coat hanger|a hanger that is shaped like a person's shoulders and used to hang garments on
coat of arms|the official symbols of a family, state, etc.
coat of paint|a layer of paint covering something else
coatdress|a dress that is tailored like a coat and buttons up the front
coatee|a short close-fitting coat
coati|omnivorous mammal of Central America and South America
coating|a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance);a heavy fabric suitable for coats;a thin layer covering something
coatrack|a rack with hooks for temporarily holding coats and hats
Coats Land|a region of western Antarctica along the southeastern shore of the Weddell Sea
coattail|the loose back flap of a coat that hangs below the waist
coattails effect|(politics) the consequence of one popular candidate in an election drawing votes for other members of the same political party - "he counted on the coattails effect to win him the election"
coauthor|a writer who collaborates with others in writing something
coaxial cable|a transmission line for high-frequency signals
cob|adult male swan;stocky short-legged harness horse
cobalt|a hard ferromagnetic silver-white bivalent or trivalent metallic element;a trace element in plant and animal nutrition
cobalt 60|a radioactive isotope of cobalt with mass number 60;a source of exceptionally intense gamma rays;used in radiation therapy
cobalt blue|greenish-blue pigment consisting essentially of cobalt oxide and alumina
cobaltite|a rare silvery-white mineral;important ore of cobalt
cobber|Australian term for a pal
cobble|rectangular paving stone with curved top;once used to make roads
cobbler|a person who makes or repairs shoes;tall sweetened iced drink of wine or liquor with fruit
cobblers|a man's testicles (from Cockney rhyming slang;cobbler's awl rhymes with ball);nonsense - "I think that is a load of cobblers"
co-beneficiary|one of two or more beneficiaries of the same benefit
cobia|large dark-striped tropical food and game fish related to remoras;found worldwide in coastal to open waters
Cobitidae|loaches
cobnut|small nut-bearing tree much grown in Europe
COBOL|common business-oriented language
cobra|venomous Asiatic and African elapid snakes that can expand the skin of the neck into a hood
cobweb|a dense elaborate spider web that is more efficient than the orb web;a fabric so delicate and transparent as to resemble a web of a spider;filaments from a web that was spun by a spider
coca|dried leaves of the coca plant (and related plants that also contain cocaine);chewed by Andean people for their stimulating effect;United States comedienne who starred in early television shows with Sid Caesar (1908-2001)
Coca Cola|Coca Cola is a trademarked cola
cocaine|a narcotic (alkaloid) extracted from coca leaves;used as a surface anesthetic or taken for pleasure;can become powerfully addictive
cocaine addict|a person addicted to cocaine
cocaine addiction|an addiction to cocaine
cocarboxylase|a coenzyme important in respiration in the Krebs cycle
coccid insect|scale insects and mealybugs
Coccidae|scale insects
Coccidia|an order in the subclass Telosporidia
coccidioidomycosis|an infection of the lungs and skin characterized by excessive sputum and nodules
coccidiosis|(veterinary medicine) infestation with coccidia
coccidium|parasitic on the digestive epithelium of vertebrates and higher invertebrates
Coccinellidae|the ladybugs
coccobacillus|a bacterial cell intermediate in morphology between a coccus and a bacillus;a very short bacillus
Coccoidea|scale insects and mealybugs
Coccothraustes|large finches
Cocculus|climbing plants or shrubs
coccus|any spherical or nearly spherical bacteria
coccygeal nerve|the lowest pair of spinal nerves
coccygeal plexus|a small plexus formed by the fifth sacral and coccygeal nerves
coccygeal vertebra|one of 4 vertebrae in the human coccyx
coccyx|the end of the vertebral column in humans and tailless apes
Coccyzus|a genus of Cuculidae
Cochimi|a member of a North American Indian people living in central Baja California;the Yuman language spoken by the Cochimi
cochin|Asian breed of large fowl with dense plumage and feathered legs
cochineal|a red dyestuff consisting of dried bodies of female cochineal insects
cochineal insect|Mexican red scale insect that feeds on cacti;the source of a red dye
Cochise|Apache leader of the resistance to United States troops in Arizona (1812-1874)
cochlea|the snail-shaped tube (in the inner ear coiled around the modiolus) where sound vibrations are converted into nerve impulses by the organ of Corti
Cochlearia|a genus of the family Cruciferae
Cochlearius|boatbills
cochon de lait|whole young pig suitable for roasting
Cochran|United States aviator who held several speed records and headed the women's Air Force pilots in World War II (1910-1980)
cock|adult male bird;adult male chicken;obscene terms for penis
cock of the rock|bird of the Andes similar to Rupicola rupicola;tropical bird of northern South America the male having brilliant red or orange plumage and an erectile disklike crest
cock sucking|slang for fellatio
cockade|an ornament (such as a knot of ribbon or a rosette) usually worn on the hat
cock-a-doodle-doo|an imitation of the crow of a cock
Cockaigne|(Middle Ages) an imaginary land of luxury and idleness
cock-a-leekie|soup made from chicken boiled with leeks
cockateel|small grey Australian parrot with a yellow crested head
cockatoo|white or light-colored crested parrot of the Australian region;often kept as cage birds
cockatrice|monster hatched by a reptile from a cock's egg;able to kill with a glance
cockchafer|any of various large European beetles destructive to vegetation as both larvae and adult
Cockcroft|British physicist who (with Ernest Walton in 1931) first split an atom (1897-1967)
Cockcroft and Walton accelerator|a high-voltage machine in which rectifiers charge capacitors that discharge and drive charged particles through an accelerating tube
cocked hat|hat with opposing brims turned up and caught together to form points
cocker spaniel|a small breed with wavy silky hair;originally developed in England
cockerel|a young domestic cock;not older than one year
cockfight|a match in a cockpit between two fighting cocks heeled with metal gaffs
cockfighting|participation in the sport of matching gamecocks in a cockfight
cockhorse|anything used as a toy horse (such as a rocking horse or one knee of an adult)
cockle|common edible European bivalve;common edible, burrowing European bivalve mollusk that has a strong, rounded shell with radiating ribs
cocklebur|any coarse weed of the genus Xanthium having spiny burrs
cockleshell|a small light flimsy boat
cockloft|a small loft or garret
Cockney|a native of the east end of London;the nonstandard dialect of natives of the east end of London
cockpit|a pit for cockfights;compartment where the pilot sits while flying the aircraft;seat where the driver sits while driving a racing car
cockroach|any of numerous chiefly nocturnal insects;some are domestic pests
cock's eggs|weedy vine of Argentina having solitary white flowers followed by egg-shaped white or yellow fruit
cockscomb|a cap worn by court jesters;adorned with a strip of red;garden annual with featherlike spikes of red or yellow flowers
cockspur|small spiny West Indian tree
cockspur thorn|eastern United States hawthorn with long straight thorns
cocksucker|a person who performs fellatio
cocktail|a short mixed drink;an appetizer served as a first course at a meal
cocktail dress|a dress suitable for formal occasions
cocktail lounge|a barroom in a hotel or restaurant where cocktails are served
cocktail party|an afternoon party at which cocktails are served
cocktail sauce|usually catsup with horseradish and lemon juice
cocktail shaker|a shaker for mixing cocktails
coco plum|small tropical American tree bearing edible plumlike fruit
cocoa|a beverage made from cocoa powder and milk and sugar;usually drunk hot;powder of ground roasted cacao beans with most of the fat removed
cocoa butter|a yellow-white fat from cocoa beans;the vegetable fat from the cacao that is extracted from chocolate liquor;the basis for white chocolate
cocoa plum|plum-shaped whitish to almost black fruit used for preserves;tropical American
cocoa powder|the powdery remains of chocolate liquor after cocoa butter is removed;used in baking and in low fat and low calorie recipes and as a flavoring for ice cream
cocobolo|a valuable timber tree of tropical South America
coconut|large hard-shelled oval nut with a fibrous husk containing thick white meat surrounding a central cavity filled (when fresh) with fluid or milk;tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits;widely planted throughout the tropics;the edible white meat of a coconut;often shredded for use in e.g. cakes and curries
coconut cake|cake containing shredded coconut in batter and frosting
coconut macaroon|macaroon containing coconut
coconut milk|clear to whitish fluid from within a fresh coconut;white liquid obtained from compressing fresh coconut meat
coconut oil|oil from coconuts
cocoon|silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs
cocooning|retreating to the seclusion of your home (as for privacy or escape)
Cocopa|a member of a North American Indian people living around the mouth of the Colorado River;the Yuman language spoken by the Cocopa
Cocos|coconut palms
cocotte|a small casserole in which individual portions can be cooked and served
cocozelle|squash plant having dark green fruit with skin mottled with light green or yellow;squash resembling zucchini
Cocteau|French writer and film maker who worked in many artistic media (1889-1963)
Cocus|(Greek mythology) one of the Titans
cocuswood|wood of the granadilla tree used for making musical instruments especially clarinets
Cocytus|(Greek mythology) a river in Hades that was said to be a tributary of the Acheron
cod|lean white flesh of important North Atlantic food fish;usually baked or poached;major food fish of Arctic and cold-temperate waters
cod oil|an inferior cod-liver oil that is used in leather manufacturing
Codariocalyx|used in some classifications for plants usually included in genus Desmodium
code|(computer science) the symbolic arrangement of data or instructions in a computer program or the set of such instructions;a coding system used for transmitting messages requiring brevity or secrecy;a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
code flag|one of an international code of flag signals used between ships
code of conduct|a set of conventional principles and expectations that are considered binding on any person who is a member of a particular group
codefendant|a defendant who has been joined together with one or more other defendants in a single action
codeine|derivative of opium;used as an antitussive (to relieve coughing) and an analgesic (to relieve pain)
codetalker|a secret agent who was one of the Navajos who devised and used a code based on their native language;the code was unbroken by the Japanese during World War II
codex|an official list of chemicals or medicines etc.;an unbound manuscript of some ancient classic (as distinguished from a scroll)
codfish ball|usually made of flaked salt cod and mashed potatoes
codger|used affectionately to refer to an eccentric but amusing old man
Codiaeum|evergreen tropical trees and shrubs with thick and colorful leathery leaves;Malaya and Pacific islands
codicil|a supplement to a will;a testamentary instrument intended to alter an already executed will
codification|the act of codifying;arranging in a systematic order
coding system|a system of signals used to represent letters or numbers in transmitting messages
co-discoverer|someone who is the first of two or more people to discover something
codling|young codfish
codling moth|a small grey moth whose larvae live in apples and English walnuts
cod-liver oil|an oil obtained from the livers of cod and similar fishes;taken orally as a source of vitamins A and D
codon|a specific sequence of three adjacent nucleotides on a strand of DNA or RNA that specifies the genetic code information for synthesizing a particular amino acid
codpiece|(15th-16th century) a flap for the crotch of men's tight-fitting breeches
Cody|United States showman famous for his Wild West Show (1846-1917)
co-ed|a female student at a coeducational college or university
coeducation|education of men and women in the same institutions
coefficient|a constant number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic
coefficient of concordance|a coefficient of agreement (concordance) between different sets of rank orderings of the same set of things
coefficient of elasticity|(physics) the ratio of the applied stress to the change in shape of an elastic body
coefficient of expansion|the fractional change in length or area or volume per unit change in temperature at a given constant pressure
coefficient of friction|the ratio of the weight of an object being moved along a surface and the force that maintains contact between the object and the surface
coefficient of mutual induction|a measure of the induction between two circuits;the ratio of the electromotive force in a circuit to the corresponding change of current in a neighboring circuit;usually measured in henries
coefficient of reflection|the fraction of radiant energy that is reflected from a surface
coefficient of self induction|the ratio of the electromotive force produced in a circuit by self-induction to the rate of change of current producing it, expressed in henries
coefficient of viscosity|a measure of the resistance to flow of a fluid under an applied force
coelacanth|fish thought to have been extinct since the Cretaceous period but found in 1938 off the coast of Africa
coelenterate|radially symmetrical animals having saclike bodies with only one opening and tentacles with stinging structures;they occur in polyp and medusa forms
coelenterate family|a family of coelenterates
coelenterate genus|a genus of coelenterates
coelenteron|the saclike body cavity of a coelenterate
Coeloglossum|terrestrial orchids of cooler parts of North America and Europe;satyr orchid
coelogyne|any of various orchids of the genus Coelogyne with;clusters of fragrant lacy snow-white flowers;salmon-pink solitary flowers;chainlike racemes of topaz and chocolate brown flowers;spikes of delicate white spice-scented flowers;emerald green flowers marked with blue-black
coelophysis|one of the oldest known dinosaurs;late Triassic;cannibalistic
coelostat|optical device used to follow the path of a celestial body and reflect its light into a telescope;has a movable and a fixed mirror
coenzyme|a small molecule (not a protein but sometimes a vitamin) essential for the activity of some enzymes
coenzyme A|a coenzyme present in all living cells;essential to metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and some amino acids
coercion|the act of compelling by force of authority
Coereba|type genus of the Coerebidae
Coerebidae|the honeycreepers
Coeur d'Alene|a member of an Amerindian people living in northern Idaho around Coeur d'Alene Lake;a town in the northern panhandle of Idaho;popular resort area
Coeur d'Alene Lake|a lake in northern Idaho
coevals|all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
coexistence|existing peacefully together
coextension|equality of extension or duration
cofactor|a substance (as a coenzyme) that must join with another to produce a given result
Coffea|coffee trees
coffee|a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans - "he ordered a cup of coffee";any of several small trees and shrubs native to the tropical Old World yielding coffee beans
coffee bean|a seed of the coffee tree;ground to make coffee
coffee blight|a blight affecting the coffee plant
coffee break|a snack taken during a break in the work day - "a ten-minute coffee break"
coffee can|a can for storing ground coffee
coffee cup|a cup from which coffee is drunk
coffee fern|evergreen fern of California and Baja California
coffee filter|filter (usually of paper) that passes the coffee and retains the coffee grounds
coffee fungus|fungus causing a disease in coffee and some other tropical plants
coffee grounds|the dregs remaining after brewing coffee
coffee liqueur|coffee-flavored liqueur
coffee maker|a kitchen appliance for brewing coffee automatically
coffee mill|a mill that grinds roasted coffee beans
coffee mug|a mug intended for serving coffee
coffee ring|ring-shaped coffeecake with fruits or nuts and often iced
coffee senna|very leafy malodorous tropical weedy shrub whose seeds have been used as an adulterant for coffee;sometimes classified in genus Cassia
coffee stall|a stand (usually movable) selling hot coffee and food (especially at night)
coffee substitute|a drink resembling coffee that is sometimes substituted for it
coffee table|low table where magazines can be placed and coffee or cocktails are served
coffee urn|an urn in which coffee is made and kept hot
coffeeberry|evergreen shrub of western United States bearing small red or black fruits
coffeecake|a cake or sweet bread usually served with coffee
coffeepot|tall pot in which coffee is brewed
coffee-table book|an elaborate oversize book suitable for displaying on a coffee table
coffer|a chest especially for storing valuables;an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome
Coffey still|a still consisting of an apparatus for the fractional distillation of ethanol from fermentation on an industrial scale
coffin|box in which a corpse is buried or cremated
cofounder|one of a group of founders
cog|a subordinate who performs an important but routine function - "he was a small cog in a large machine";tooth on the rim of gear wheel
cog railway|railway for steep mountains;a cogwheel on the locomotive engages cogs on a center rail to provide traction
cogency|persuasive relevance;the quality of being valid and rigorous
cogitation|a carefully considered thought about something - "his cogitations were dutifully recorded in his daybook";attentive consideration and meditation - "after much cogitation he rejected the offer"
Cognac|high quality grape brandy distilled in the Cognac district of France
cognate|a word is cognate with another if both derive from the same word in an ancestral language
cognition|the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
cognitive factor|something immaterial (as a circumstance or influence) that contributes to producing a result
cognitive neuroscience|the branch of neuroscience that studies the biological foundations of mental phenomena
cognitive neuroscientist|a cognitive scientist who studies the neurophysiological foundations of mental phenomena
cognitive psychology|an approach to psychology that emphasizes internal mental processes
cognitive science|the field of science concerned with cognition;includes parts of cognitive psychology and linguistics and computer science and cognitive neuroscience and philosophy of mind
cognitive scientist|a scientist who studies cognitive processes
cognitive semantics|the branch of semantics that studies the cognitive aspects of meaning
cognitive state|the state of a person's cognitive processes
cognizance|range of what one can know or understand;range or scope of what is perceived
cohabitation|the act of living together and having a sexual relationship (especially without being married)
Cohan|United States songwriter and playwright famous for his patriotic songs (1878-1942)
coherence|logical and orderly and consistent relation of parts;the state of cohering or sticking together
cohesion|(botany) the process in some plants of parts growing together that are usually separate (such as petals);(physics) the intermolecular force that holds together the molecules in a solid or liquid
cohesiveness|the property of being cohesive and sticky
Cohn|German botanist who is generally recognized as founding bacteriology when he recognized bacteria as plants
coho|small salmon of northern Pacific coasts and the Great Lakes
cohort|a band of warriors (originally a unit of a Roman Legion);a company of companions or supporters
cohune nut|nut of the cohune palm having hard white shells like those of ivory nuts
cohune palm|tropical American feather palm whose large nuts yield valuable oil and a kind of vegetable ivory
cohune-nut oil|semisolid fat from nuts of the cohune palm;used in cooking and soap making
coif|a skullcap worn by nuns under a veil or by soldiers under a hood of mail or formerly by British sergeants-at-law
coiffeur|a man hairdresser
coiffeuse|a woman hairdresser
Coigue|Chilean evergreen whose leafy boughs are used for thatching
coil|a contraceptive device placed inside a woman's womb;a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals);a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops - "a coil of rope";a transformer that supplies high voltage to spark plugs in a gasoline engine;reactor consisting of a spiral of insulated wire that introduces inductance into a circuit;tubing that is wound in a spiral
coil spring|a spring in the shape of a coil
coin|a flat metal piece (usually a disc) used as money
coin box|the part of a slot machine that serves as a receptacle for the coins
coin collection|a collection of coins
coin silver|a silver of the degree of purity established for making legal silver coins
coin slot|a slot through which coins can be inserted into a slot machine
coinage|coins collectively
coincidence|an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental;the quality of occupying the same position or area in space - "he waited for the coincidence of the target and the cross hairs"
coiner|a maker of counterfeit coins;a skilled worker who coins or stamps money;someone who is a source of new words or new expressions
coinsurance|insurance issued jointly by two or more underwriters
coir|stiff coarse fiber from the outer husk of a coconut
coitus interruptus|a method of birth control in which coitus is initiated but the penis is deliberately withdrawn before ejaculation
coke|carbon fuel produced by distillation of coal;street names for cocaine
col|a pass between mountain peaks
cola|carbonated drink flavored with extract from kola nuts ('dope' is a southernism in the United States);large genus of African trees bearing kola nuts
cola extract|a flavoring extracted from the kola nut
colander|bowl-shaped strainer;used to wash or drain foods
Colaptes|a genus of Picidae
Colbert|butter creamed with parsley and tarragon and beef extract
Colchicaceae|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted;genera Colchicum and Gloriosa
colchicine|an analgesic drug derived from the saffron plant and used to treat gout
Colchicum|chiefly fall-blooming perennial cormous herbs;sometimes placed in family Colchicaceae
Colchis|(Greek mythology) a region on the Black Sea to the south of the Caucasus that was the site of an ancient country where (according to Greek mythology) Jason sought the Golden Fleece
cold|a mild viral infection involving the nose and respiratory passages (but not the lungs) - "will they never find a cure for the common cold?";the sensation produced by low temperatures - "he shivered from the cold" - "the cold helped clear his head"
cold cathode|a cathode that is a source of electrons without being heated
cold cereal|a cereal that is not heated before serving
cold chisel|narrow chisel made of steel;used to cut stone or bricks
cold comfort|very limited consolation or empathy - "he told me that time heals all wounds but that was cold comfort to me"
cold cream|a cream used cosmetically (mostly by women) for softening and cleaning the skin
cold cuts|sliced assorted cold meats
cold duck|pink sparkling wine originally from Germany
cold feet|timidity that prevents the continuation of a course of action - "I was going to tell him but I got cold feet"
cold fish|an aloof unemotional person
cold frame|protective covering consisting of a wooden frame with a glass top in which small plants are protected from the cold
cold front|the front of an advancing mass of colder air
cold fusion|nuclear fusion at or near room temperatures;claims to have discovered it are generally considered to have been mistaken
cold medicine|medicine intended to relieve the symptoms of the common cold
cold rubber|a rubber made at low temperatures (5 degrees Centigrade) which is tougher than conventional rubber and is often used in car tires
cold spell|a spell of cold weather
cold storage|in a state of abeyance or postponement;refrigerated storage for preservation
cold sweat|the physical condition of concurrent perspiration and chill;associated with fear
cold turkey|a blunt expression of views - "I told him cold turkey";complete and abrupt withdrawal of all addictive drugs or anything else on which you have become dependent - "he quit smoking cold turkey" - "she quit her job cold turkey"
cold war|a state of political hostility between countries using means short of armed warfare;a state of political hostility that existed from 1945 until 1990 between countries led by the Soviet Union and countries led by the United States
cold water|disparagement of a plan or hope or expectation - "she poured cold water on the whole idea of going to Africa"
cold wave|a wave of unusually cold weather
cold weather|a period of unusually cold weather
coldness|a lack of affection or enthusiasm - "a distressing coldness of tone and manner";the absence of heat - "the coldness made our breath visible"
cold-water flat|an apartment without modern conveniences
Coleonyx|banded geckos
Coleoptera|beetles
Coleridge|English romantic poet (1772-1834)
coleslaw|basically shredded cabbage
Colette|French writer of novels about women (1873-1954)
coleus|any of various Old World tropical plants of the genus Coleus having multicolored decorative leaves and spikes of blue flowers
colic|acute abdominal pain (especially in infants)
colic artery|arteries that supply blood to the colon
colic vein|vein serving the large intestine
colicroot|any of several perennials of the genus Aletris having grasslike leaves and bitter roots reputed to cure colic
Colima|an active volcano in southwestern Mexico
Colinus|New World quail;the bobwhites
coliphage|a bacteriophage that infects the bacterium Escherichia coli
colitis|inflammation of the colon
collaboration|act of cooperating traitorously with an enemy that is occupying your country;act of working jointly - "they worked either in collaboration or independently"
collaborator|an associate in an activity or endeavor or sphere of common interest - "the musician and the librettist were collaborators";someone who collaborates with an enemy occupying force
collage|a paste-up made by sticking together pieces of paper or photographs to form an artistic image - "he used his computer to make a collage of pictures superimposed on a map";any collection of diverse things - "a collage of memories"
collage film|a movie that juxtaposes different kinds of footage
collagen|a fibrous scleroprotein in bone and cartilage and tendon and other connective tissue;yields gelatin on boiling
collagenase|any enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of collagen and gelatin
collapse|a natural event caused by something suddenly falling down or caving in - "the roof is in danger of collapse" - "the collapse of the old star under its own gravity";an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion
collar|(zoology) an encircling band or marking around the neck of any animal;a band of leather or rope that is placed around an animal's neck as a harness or to identify it;a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over;a figurative restraint - "asked for a collar on program trading in the stock market";a short ring fastened over a rod or shaft to limit, guide, or secure a machine part;anything worn or placed about the neck - "the thief was forced to wear a heavy wooden collar" - "a collar of flowers was placed about the neck of the winning horse";the stitching that forms the rim of a shoe or boot
collar blight|a disease affecting the trunks of pear and apple trees
collard|variety of kale having smooth leaves
collards|kale that has smooth leaves
collared lizard|any of several robust long-tailed lizards with collars of two dark bands;of central and western United States and northern Mexico
collared peccary|dark grey peccary with an indistinct white collar;of semi desert areas of Mexico and southwestern United States
collared pika|similar to little chief hare and may be same species
collateral|a security pledged for the repayment of a loan
collateral damage|(euphemism) inadvertent casualties and destruction inflicted on civilians in the course of military operations
collation|assembling in proper numerical or logical sequence;careful examination and comparison to note points of disagreement
colleague|a person who is member of one's class or profession - "the surgeon consulted his colleagues";an associate that one works with
collect|a short prayer generally preceding the lesson in the Church of Rome or the Church of England
collect call|a telephone call that the receiving party is asked to pay for
collectible|things considered to be worth collecting (not necessarily valuable or antique)
collection|a publication containing a variety of works;several things grouped together or considered as a whole;the act of gathering something together
collective|members of a cooperative enterprise
collective bargaining|negotiation between an employer and trade union
collective farm|a farm operated collectively
collective noun|a noun that is singular in form but refers to a group of people or things
collective security|a system for international peace
collectivism|a political theory that the people should own the means of production
collectivist|a person who belongs to the political left
collectivization|the organization of a nation or economy on the basis of collectivism
collector|a crater that has collected cosmic material hitting the earth;a person who collects things;a person who is employed to collect payments (as for rent or taxes);the electrode in a transistor through which a primary flow of carriers leaves the region between the electrodes
collector's item|the outstanding item (the prize piece or main exhibit) in a collection
colleen|an Irish girl
college|a complex of buildings in which an institution of higher education is housed;an institution of higher education created to educate and grant degrees;often a part of a university;the body of faculty and students of a college
college level|the level of education that college students are assumed to have attained
college student|a student enrolled in a college or university
collegian|a student (or former student) at a college or university
Collembola|minute wingless arthropods;springtails
collembolan|any of numerous minute wingless primitive insects possessing a special abdominal appendage that allows the characteristic nearly perpetual springing pattern;found in soil rich in organic debris or on the surface of snow or water
collet|a band or collar that holds an individual stone in a jewelry setting;a cone-shaped chuck used for holding cylindrical pieces in a lathe
collider|an accelerator in which two beams of particles are forced to collide head on
collie|a silky-coated sheepdog with a long ruff and long narrow head developed in Scotland
colliery|a workplace consisting of a coal mine plus all the buildings and equipment connected with it
colligation|the connection of isolated facts by a general hypothesis
collimation|the accurate adjustment of the line of sight of a telescope
collimator|a small telescope attached to a large telescope to use in setting the line of the larger one;optical device consisting of a tube containing a convex achromatic lens at one end and a slit at the other with the slit at the focus of the lens;light rays leave the slit as a parallel beam
Collins|English writer noted for early detective novels (1824-1889);tall iced drink of liquor (usually gin) with fruit juice
Collinsia|genus of hardy annual herbs of western United States
Collinsonia|small genus of perennial erect or spreading aromatic herbs;United States
collision|(physics) a brief event in which two or more bodies come together - "the collision of the particles resulted in an exchange of energy and a change of direction";a conflict of opposed ideas or attitudes or goals - "a collision of interests";an accident resulting from violent impact of a moving object - "three passengers were killed in the collision" - "the collision of the two ships resulted in a serious oil spill"
collision course|a course of a moving object that will lead to a collision if it continues unchanged;a course of action (following a given idea) that will lead to conflict if it continues unabated
Collocalia|a genus of Apodidae
collocation|a grouping of words in a sentence
collodion|a colorless syrupy solution of pyroxylin in ether and alcohol;used as a coating for wounds or photographic films
colloid|a mixture with properties between those of a solution and fine suspension
colloquialism|a colloquial expression;characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech
colloquium|an academic meeting or seminar usually led by a different lecturer and on a different topic at each meeting;an address to an academic meeting or seminar
colloquy|a conversation especially a formal one;formal conversation
collotype|a photomechanical printing process that uses a glass plate with a gelatin surface that carries the image to be reproduced;can be used with one or more colors
collusion|secret agreement
colobus|arboreal monkey of western and central Africa with long silky fur and reduced thumbs
Colocasia|small genus of perennial tuberous herbs of tropical Asia;taro
Cologne|a commercial center and river port in western Germany on the Rhine River;flourished during the 15th century as a member of the Hanseatic League;a perfumed liquid made of essential oils and alcohol
Colombia|a republic in northwestern South America with a coastline on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea;achieved independence from Spain in 1821 under the leadership of Simon Bolivar;Spanish is the official language
Colombian|a native or inhabitant of Colombia
Colombian monetary unit|monetary unit in Colombia
Colombian peso|the basic unit of money in Colombia;equal to 100 centavos
Colombo|the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka;has one of the largest harbors in the world;is located on the western coast of the island of Ceylon
Colon|a port city at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal;a punctuation mark (;) used after a word introducing a series or an example or an explanation (or after the salutation of a business letter);the basic unit of money in Costa Rica;equal to 100 centimos;the basic unit of money in El Salvador;equal to 100 centavos;the part of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum;it extracts moisture from food residues before they are excreted
colon cancer|a malignant tumor of the colon;early symptom is bloody stools
colonel|a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
Colonel Blimp|a pompous reactionary cartoon character created by Sir David Low;any elderly pompous reactionary ultranationalistic person (after the cartoon character created by Sir David Low)
colonial|a resident of a colony
colonialism|exploitation by a stronger country of weaker one;the use of the weaker country's resources to strengthen and enrich the stronger country
colonialist|a believer in colonialism
colonic irrigation|a water enema given to flush out the colon
colonization|the act of colonizing;the establishment of colonies - "the British colonization of America"
colonizer|someone who helps to found a colony
colonnade|structure consisting of a row of evenly spaced columns
colonoscope|an elongated fiberoptic endoscope for examining the entire colon from cecum to rectum
colonoscopy|visual examination of the colon (with a colonoscope) from the cecum to the rectum;requires sedation
colony|(microbiology) a group of organisms grown from a single parent cell;a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland;inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government - "the American colony in Paris";a geographical area politically controlled by a distant country;a group of organisms of the same type living or growing together;a place where a group of people with the same interest or occupation are concentrated - "a nudist colony" - "an artists' colony";one of the 13 British colonies that formed the original states of the United States
colophon|a publisher's emblem printed in a book (usually on the title page)
colophony|translucent brittle substance produced from pine oleoresin;used especially in varnishes and inks and on the bows of stringed instruments
color|(physics) the characteristic of quarks that determines their role in the strong interaction - "each flavor of quarks comes in three colors";a race with skin pigmentation different from the white race (especially Blacks);a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect - "a white color is made up of many different wavelengths of light";interest and variety and intensity - "the Puritan Period was lacking in color";the appearance of objects (or light sources) described in terms of a person's perception of their hue and lightness (or brightness) and saturation;the timbre of a musical sound - "the recording fails to capture the true color of the original music"
color bar|barrier preventing blacks from participating in various activities with whites
color bearer|the soldier who carries the standard of the unit in military parades or in battle
color blindness|genetic inability to distinguish differences in hue
color chart|a chart displaying colors
color circle|a chart in which complementary colors (or their names) are arranged on opposite sides of a circle
color code|system using colors to designate classifications
color constancy|the tendency for a color to look the same under widely different viewing conditions
color guard|a ceremonial escort for the (regimental) colors
color of law|a mere semblance of legal right;something done with the apparent authority of law but actually in contravention of law - "the plaintiff claimed that under color of law the officer had deprived him of his civil rights"
color property|an attribute of color
color scheme|a planned combination of colors - "the color scheme for this room was determined by an interior decorator"
color sergeant|a sergeant in a color guard who carries one of the colors
color television|a television that transmits images in color
color tube|a television tube that displays images in full color
color vision|the normal ability to see colors
color wash|a wash of whitewash or other water-base paint tinted with a colored pigment
Coloradan|a native or resident of Colorado
Colorado|a river in Texas;flows southeast into the Gulf of Mexico;a state in west central United States in the Rocky Mountains;an important river in the southwestern United States;rises in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado and flows southwest through Utah into Arizona (where it flows through the Grand Canyon) and then southward through the southern tip of Nevada, then forming the border between California and Arizona and finally into Mexico where it empties into the Gulf of California;the main source of water in the southwestern United States
Colorado Desert|an arid region of southeastern California
Colorado Plateau|a large plateau to the south and west of the Rocky Mountains;abuts mountains on the north and east and ends in an escarpment overlooking lowlands to the south and west;the Grand Canyon is carved out of the southwestern corner
Colorado potato beetle|black-and-yellow beetle that feeds in adult and larval stages on potato leaves;originally of eastern Rocky Mountains;now worldwide
Colorado River hemp|tall-growing annual of southwestern United States widely grown as green manure;yields a strong tough bast fiber formerly used by Indians for cordage
Colorado Springs|a city in east central Colorado on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains;popular tourist center and site of the United States Air Force Academy
Colorado spruce|tall spruce with blue-green needles and dense conic crown;older trees become columnar with lower branches sweeping downward
coloration|appearance with regard to color - "her healthy coloration";choice and use of colors (as by an artist)
coloratura|a lyric soprano who specializes in coloratura vocal music;singing with florid ornamentation
color-blind person|a person unable to distinguish differences in hue
colorcast|a television program that is broadcast in color
colored hearing|a form of chromesthesia in which experiences of color accompany auditory stimuli
colored person|a United States term for Blacks that is now considered offensive
colorimeter|a measuring instrument used in colorimetric analysis to determine the quantity of a substance from the color it yields with specific reagents
colorimetry|quantitative chemical analysis by color using a colorimeter
coloring|a digestible substance used to give color to food;the act or process of changing the color of something
coloring book|a picture book with line drawings intended to be colored with crayons by children
coloring material|any material used for its color
colorist|a painter able to achieve special effects with color
colorlessness|the visual property of being without chromatic color
colors|a distinguishing emblem - "his tie proclaimed his school colors";a flag that shows its nationality
Colossae|an ancient city in south western Phrygia in Asia Minor;site of an early Christian Church
Colosseum|a large amphitheater in Rome whose construction was begun by Vespasian about AD 75 or 80
Colossian|a native or inhabitant of the city of Colossae in ancient Phrygia
colossus|a person of exceptional importance and reputation
Colossus of Rhodes|a huge bronze statue of the sun god Helios that was built around 285 BC and that stood beside the harbor entrance on the island of Rhodes for about 50 years before it was toppled by an earthquake
colostomy|a surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body to function as an anus
colostrum|milky fluid secreted for the first day or two after parturition
colour supplement|(British) a magazine that is printed in color and circulated with a newspaper (especially on weekends)
colpitis|inflammation of the vagina
colpocele|hernia projecting into the vagina
colpocystitis|inflammation of the vagina and bladder
colpoxerosis|a condition in which the vagina is unusually dry
Colt|a kind of revolver;a young male horse under the age of four
colter|a sharp steel wedge that precedes the plow and cuts vertically through the soil
coltsfoot|perennial herb with large rounded leaves resembling a colt's foot and yellow flowers appearing before the leaves do;native to Europe but now nearly cosmopolitan;used medicinally especially formerly
Coluber|racers
colubrid snake|mostly harmless temperate-to-tropical terrestrial or arboreal or aquatic snakes
Colubridae|nonvenomous snakes;about two-thirds of all living species
Colubrina|mostly tropical American shrubs or small trees with small yellowish flowers and yellow or red fruits
Columba|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Puppis and Caelum;type genus of the Columbidae;typical pigeons
columbarium|a niche for a funeral urn containing the ashes of the cremated dead;a sepulchral vault or other structure having recesses in the walls to receive cinerary urns
Columbia|a North American river;rises in southwestern Canada and flows southward across Washington to form the border between Washington and Oregon before emptying into the Pacific;known for its salmon runs in the spring;a town in west central Tennessee;a university town in central Missouri;capital and largest city in South Carolina;located in central South Carolina
Columbia tiger lily|lily of western North America with showy orange-red purple-spotted flowers
Columbia University|a university in New York City
columbian mammoth|a variety of mammoth
Columbidae|doves and pigeons
columbiform bird|a cosmopolitan order of land birds having small heads and short legs with four unwebbed toes
Columbiformes|sand grouse;pigeons;doves;extinct dodos and solitaires
columbine|a plant of the genus Aquilegia having irregular showy spurred flowers;north temperate regions especially mountains
columbite-tantalite|a valuable black mineral combining niobite and tantalite;used in cell phones and computer chips
columbium|a former name for niobium
columbo|any of various tall perennial herbs constituting the genus Frasera;widely distributed in warm dry upland areas of California, Oregon, and Washington
Columbus|a city in western Georgia on the Chattahoochee River;industrial center;a town in eastern Mississippi near the border with Alabama;Italian navigator who discovered the New World in the service of Spain while looking for a route to China (1451-1506);the state capital of Ohio;located in the center of the state;site of Ohio State University
Columbus Day|a legal holiday commemorating the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus
columella|a small column (or structure resembling a column) that is a part of a plant or animal
column|(architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure;a line of units following one after another;a page or text that is vertically divided - "the newspaper devoted several columns to the subject" - "the bookkeeper used pages that were divided into columns";a vertical array of numbers or other information - "he added a column of numbers";a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument);a vertical glass tube used in column chromatography;a mixture is poured in the top and washed through a stationary substance where components of the mixture are adsorbed selectively to form colored bands;an article giving opinions or perspectives;any tubular or pillar-like supporting structure in the body;anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower - "the test tube held a column of white powder"
column chromatography|chromatography that uses selective adsorption by a column of powders
column inch|a unit of measurement for advertising space
columnar cell|an epithelial cell that is shaped like a column;some have cilia
columnea|tropical plant having thick hairy somewhat toothed leaves and solitary or clustered yellow to scarlet flowers;many cultivated for their flowers and ornamental foliage
columniation|(architecture) the arrangement of columns (especially freestanding columns) in a structure
columnist|a journalist who writes editorials
Colutea|small genus of Eurasian shrubs with yellow flowers and bladdery pods
coma|(astronomy) the luminous cloud of particles surrounding the frozen nucleus of a comet;forms as the comet approaches the sun and is warmed;(botany) a usually terminal tuft of bracts (as in the pineapple) or tuft of hairs (especially on certain seeds);a state of deep and often prolonged unconsciousness;usually the result of disease or injury
Coma Berenices|a constellation in the northern hemisphere between Ursa Major and Bootes;contains a cluster of some 10,000 galaxies
Comanche|a member of the Shoshonean people who formerly lived between Wyoming and the Mexican border but are now chiefly in Oklahoma;the Shoshonean language spoken by the Comanche
Comandra|small genus of chiefly North American parasitic plants
Comatula|former usage synonymous with Antedon
Comatulidae|former usage synonymous with Antedonidae
comb|a flat device with narrow pointed teeth on one edge;disentangles or arranges hair;any of several tools for straightening fibers;ciliated comb-like swimming plate of a ctenophore;the act of drawing a comb through hair - "his hair needed a comb";the fleshy red crest on the head of the domestic fowl and other gallinaceous birds
combat|an engagement fought between two military forces
combat ceiling|altitude above which a plane cannot climb faster than a given rate
combat mission|a mission to capture or defend something
combat pay|extra pay for soldiers engaged in active combat
combat pilot|airplane pilot who fights in an action between two military forces
combat zone|a city district known for its vice and high crime rate;a military area where combat forces operate
combatant|someone who fights (or is fighting)
combativeness|a militant aggressiveness
comber|a long curling sea wave;a machine that separates and straightens the fibers of cotton or wool;a person who separates and straightens the fibers of cotton or wool
comb-footed spider|spider having a comb-like row of bristles on each hind foot
combination|a collection of things that have been combined;an assemblage of separate parts or qualities;a coordinated sequence of chess moves;a group of people (often temporary) having a common purpose - "they were a winning combination";a sequence of numbers or letters that opens a combination lock - "he forgot the combination to the safe";an alliance of people or corporations or countries for a special purpose (formerly to achieve some antisocial end but now for general political or economic purposes);the act of arranging elements into specified groups without regard to order;the act of combining things to form a new whole
combination in restraint of trade|(law) any monopoly or contract or combination or conspiracy intended to restrain commerce (which are illegal according to antitrust laws of the United States)
combination lock|lock that can be opened only by turning dials in a special sequence
combination plane|a woodworking plane that has interchangeable cutters of various shapes
combination salad|containing meat or chicken or cheese in addition to greens and vegetables
combine|harvester that heads and threshes and cleans grain while moving across the field
Combined DNA Index System|the DNA file maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
combined operation|a military operation carried out cooperatively by two or more allied nations or a military operation carried out by coordination of sea, land, and air forces
combining|an occurrence that results in things being united
combining form|a bound form used only in compounds - "'hemato-' is a combining form in words like 'hematology'"
comb-out|the act of carefully weeding out unwanted things or people - "the department got a good comb-out";the act of removing tangles from you hair with a comb
Combretaceae|a family of tropical trees and shrubs of the order Myrtales
combretum|any of numerous shrubs or small trees of the genus Combretum having spikes of small flowers
combustibility|the quality of being capable of igniting and burning
combustible|a substance that can be burned to provide heat or power
combustion|a process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to give heat and light;a state of violent disturbance and excitement - "combustion grew until revolt was unavoidable"
comeback|return by a celebrity to some previously successful activity
comedian|a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts;an actor in a comedy
comedienne|a female actor in a comedy;a female comedian
comedown|decline to a lower status or level
comedy|light and humorous drama with a happy ending
comedy ballet|a ballet that stresses the drama with features of comedy
comeliness|the quality of being good looking and attractive
Comenius|Czech educational reformer (1592-1670)
comer|someone with a promising future
comestible|any substance that can be used as food
comet|(astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit
comfit|candy containing a fruit or nut
comfort|a feeling of freedom from worry or disappointment;a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain - "he is a man who enjoys his comfort" - "she longed for the comfortableness of her armchair";assistance, such as that provided to an enemy or to a known criminal - "it gave comfort to the enemy";satisfaction or physical well-being provided by a person or thing - "his friendship was a comfort" - "a padded chair was one of the room's few comforts"
comfort food|food that is simply prepared and gives a sense of wellbeing;typically food with a high sugar or carbohydrate content that is associated with childhood or with home cooking
comfort woman|a woman forced into prostitution for Japanese servicemen during World War II - "she wrote a book about her harsh experiences as a comfort woman"
comfort zone|the temperature range (between 28 and 30 degrees Centigrade) at which the naked human body is able to maintain a heat balance without shivering or sweating
comfortableness|a feeling of being at ease in a relationship
comforter|device used for an infant to suck or bite on
comforts|things that make you comfortable and at ease - "all the comforts of home"
comfrey|leaves make a popular tisane;young leaves used in salads or cooked;perennial herbs of Europe and Iran;make rapidly growing groundcover for shaded areas
comic book|a magazine devoted to comic strips
comic opera|opera with a happy ending and in which some of the text is spoken
comic strip|a sequence of drawings telling a story in a newspaper or comic book
comicality|the quality of being comical
coming attraction|a movie that is advertised to draw customers
comity|a state or atmosphere of harmony or mutual civility and respect
comity of nations|courteous respect by one nation for the laws and institutions of another
comma|a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate the separation of elements within the grammatical structure of a sentence;anglewing butterfly with a comma-shaped mark on the underside of each hind wing
comma bacillus|comma-shaped bacteria that cause Asiatic cholera
command|a military unit or region under the control of a single officer;a position of highest authority - "the corporation has just undergone a change in command";an authoritative direction or instruction to do something;availability for use - "the materials at the command of the potters grew";great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity - "a good command of French";the power or authority to command - "an admiral in command"
command guidance|a method of controlling the flight of a missile by commands originating from the ground or from another missile
command language|a source language consisting of procedural operators that invoke functions to be executed
command line|commands that a user types in order to run an application
command line interface|a user interface in which you type commands instead of choosing them from a menu or selecting an icon
command module|a space module in which astronauts can live and control the spacecraft and communicate with earth
command post|military headquarters from which a military commander controls and organizes the forces
command processing overhead time|(computer science) the processing time required by a device prior to the execution of a command
commander|a commissioned naval officer who ranks above a lieutenant commander and below a captain;someone in an official position of authority who can command or control others
commander in chief|the officer who holds the supreme command - "in the U.S. the president is the commander in chief"
commandership|the position or office of commander
commanding officer|an officer in command of a military unit
commandment|something that is commanded
commando|a member of a military unit trained as shock troops for hit-and-run raids;an amphibious military unit trained for raids into enemy territory
commedia dell'arte|Italian comedy of the 16th to 18th centuries improvised from standardized situations and stock characters
commelina|any plant of the genus Commelina
Commelinaceae|large widely distributed family of chiefly perennial herbs or climbers;spiderworts
Commelinidae|one of four subclasses or superorders of Monocotyledones;comprises about 19,000 species in 25 families of mostly terrestrial herbs especially of moist places including;Cyperaceae;Gramineae;Bromeliaceae;and Zingiberaceae
commemoration|a ceremony to honor the memory of someone or something
commemorative|an object (such as a coin or postage stamp) made to mark an event or honor a person
commencement|an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
commencement day|the day on which university degrees are conferred
commensal|either of two different animal or plant species living in close association but not interdependent
commensalism|the relation between two different kinds of organisms when one receives benefits from the other without damaging it
commensurateness|the relation of corresponding in degree or size or amount
comment|a written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material - "he wrote an extended comment on the proposal"
commentator|a writer who reports and analyzes events of the day
commerce|social exchange, especially of opinions, attitudes, etc.;transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)
commercial|a commercially sponsored ad on radio or television
commercial art|art used for commercial purposes (as in advertising)
commercial artist|an illustrator who is supported by advertising
commercial bank|a financial institution that accepts demand deposits and makes loans and provides other services for the public
commercial bribery|bribery of a purchasing agent in order to induce the agent to enter into a transaction
commercial credit|credit granted by a bank to a business concern for commercial purposes
commercial document|a document of or relating to commerce
commercial enterprise|an enterprise connected with commerce;the activity of providing goods and services involving financial and commercial and industrial aspects
commercial finance company|a finance company that makes loans to manufacturers and wholesalers
commercial letter of credit|a letter of credit given to a business concern for commercial purposes
commercial paper|an unsecured and unregistered short-term obligation issued by an institutional borrower to investors who have temporarily idle cash
commercial treaty|a treaty governing commerce between two or more nations
commercialization|the act of commercializing something;involving something in commerce - "my father considered the commercialization of Christmas to be a sacrilege" - "the government tried to accelerate the commercialization of this development" - "both companies will retain control over the commercialization of their own products"
commination|a threat of divine punishment or vengeance;prayers proclaiming God's anger against sinners;read in the Church of England on Ash Wednesday
comminuted fracture|fracture in which the bone is splintered or crushed
Commiphora|genus of East Indian and African trees yielding balsamic products
commiseration|a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
commissar|an official of the Communist Party who was assigned to teach party principles to a military unit
commissariat|a stock or supply of foods
commissary|a retail store that sells equipment and provisions (usually to military personnel);a snack bar in a film studio
commission|a fee for services rendered based on a percentage of an amount received or collected or agreed to be paid (as distinguished from a salary) - "he works on commission";a formal statement of a command or injunction to do something;an official document issued by a government and conferring on the recipient the rank of an officer in the armed forces;the act of granting authority to undertake certain functions;the state of being in good working order and ready for operation - "put the ships into commission" - "the motor was out of commission"
Commission on Human Rights|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with human rights
Commission on Narcotic Drugs|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with drug traffic
Commission on the Status of Women|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with the status of women in different societies
commission plan|a municipal government that combines legislative and executive authority in the members of a commission
commissionaire|a uniformed doorman
commissioned military officer|a commissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marine Corps
commissioned naval officer|a commissioned officer in the navy
commissioned officer|a military officer holding a commission
commissioner|a government administrator;a member of a commission
commissure|a bundle of nerve fibers passing from one side to the other of the brain or spinal cord
commitment|a message that makes a pledge;an engagement by contract involving financial obligation - "his business commitments took him to London";the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action - "his long commitment to public service";the official act of consigning a person to confinement (as in a prison or mental hospital)
committal service|service committing a body to the grave - "the committal service will be held next Monday"
committedness|the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose
committee|a self-constituted organization to promote something;a special group delegated to consider some matter - "a committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours" - Milton Berle
Committee for State Security|formerly the predominant security police organization of Soviet Russia
committee member|a member of a committee
committeeman|a man who is a member of committee
committeewoman|a woman who is a member of a committee
commodity|articles of commerce
commodity brokerage|a brokerage firm dealing in commodities
commodity exchange|an exchange for buying and selling commodities for future delivery
commodore|a commissioned naval officer who ranks above a captain and below a rear admiral;the lowest grade of admiral
Commodore John Barry Bridge|a cantilever bridge in Chester, Pennsylvania
common ageratum|small tender herb grown for its fluffy brushlike blue to lavender blooms
common alder|medium-sized tree with brown-black bark and woody fruiting catkins;leaves are hairy beneath
common allamanda|vigorous evergreen climbing plant of South America having glossy leathery foliage and golden yellow flowers
common American shad|shad of Atlantic coast of North America;naturalized to Pacific coast
common amsinckia|annual of western United States with coiled spikes of yellow-orange coiled flowers
common apricot|temperate zone tree bearing downy yellow to rosy fruits
common arrowhead|a weed
common ax|an ax with a long handle and a head that has one cutting edge and one blunt side
common bamboo|extremely vigorous bamboo having thin-walled culms striped green and yellow;so widely cultivated that native area is uncertain
common barberry|upright deciduous European shrub widely naturalized in United States having clusters of juicy berries
common barley|grass yielding grain used for breakfast food and animal feed and in malt beverages
common basil|annual or perennial of tropical Asia having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves;one of the most important culinary herbs;used in salads, casseroles, sauces and some liqueurs
common bean|any of numerous beans eaten either fresh or dried;the common annual twining or bushy bean plant grown for its edible seeds or pods
common bearberry|evergreen mat-forming shrub of North America and northern Eurasia having small white flowers and red berries;leaves turn red in autumn
common beech|large European beech with minutely-toothed leaves;widely planted as an ornamental in North America
common bile duct|a duct formed by the hepatic and cystic ducts;opens into the duodenum
common booklouse|a variety of booklouse
common box|large slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree with multiple stems;extensively used for hedges or borders and topiary figures
common brant goose|the best known variety of brant goose
common broom|deciduous erect spreading broom native to western Europe;widely cultivated for its rich yellow flowers
common burdock|a plant that is ubiquitous in all but very acid soil;found in most of Europe and North Africa
common buttercup|perennial Old World buttercup with golden to sulphur yellow flowers in late spring to early summer;naturalized in North America
common calamint|mint-scented perennial of central and southern Europe
common camas|plant having a large edible bulb and linear basal leaves and racemes of light to deep violet-blue star-shaped flowers on tall green scapes;western North America
common canary|native to the Canary Islands and Azores;popular usually yellow cage bird noted for its song
common caper|prostrate spiny shrub of the Mediterranean region cultivated for its greenish flower buds which are pickled
common cardinal vein|the major return channels to the heart;formed by anastomosis of the anterior and posterior cardinal veins
common carline thistle|Eurasian thistle growing in sand dunes and dry chalky soils
common carotid artery|runs upward in the neck and divides into the external and internal carotid arteries
common chickweed|a common low-growing annual garden weed with small white flowers;cosmopolitan;so-called because it is eaten by chickens
common chord|a three-note major or minor chord;a note and its third and fifth tones
common comfrey|European herb having small white, pink or purple flowers;naturalized as a weed in North America
common corn salad|widely cultivated as a salad crop and pot herb;often a weed
common cotton grass|having densely tufted white cottony or downlike glumes
common daisy|low-growing Eurasian plant with yellow central disc flowers and pinkish-white outer ray flowers
common dandelion|Eurasian plant widely naturalized as a weed in North America;used as salad greens and to make wine
common denominator|an attribute that is common to all members of a category;an integer that is a common multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions
common divisor|an integer that divides two (or more) other integers evenly
common dogbane|North American perennial having pinkish flowers in loose cymes;used in folk medicine for pain or inflammation in joints
common dolphin|black-and-white dolphin that leaps high out of the water
common duckweed|of temperate regions except eastern Asia and Australia
common eel|eels that live in fresh water as adults but return to sea to spawn;found in Europe and America;marketed both fresh and smoked
common eland|dark fawn-colored eland of southern and eastern Africa
common European dogwood|European deciduous shrub turning red in autumn having dull white flowers
common European earwig|sometimes destructive to cultivated bulbs
common European jay|fawn-colored jay with black-and-white crest and blue-and-black wings
common evening primrose|a coarse biennial of eastern North America with yellow flowers that open in the evening;naturalized in Europe
common facial vein|vein formed by union of facial vein and the retromandibular vein and emptying into the jugular vein
common fate|a Gestalt principle of organization holding that aspects of perceptual field that move or function in a similar manner will be perceived as a unit
common fennel|strongly aromatic with a smell of aniseed;leaves and seeds used for seasoning
common flat pea|low spreading evergreen shrub of southern Australia having triangular to somewhat heart-shaped foliage and orange-yellow flowers followed by flat winged pods
common four-o'clock|common garden plant of North America having fragrant red or purple or yellow or white flowers that open in late afternoon
common foxglove|tall leafy European biennial or perennial having spectacular clusters of large tubular pink-purple flowers;leaves yield drug digitalis and are poisonous to livestock
common fraction|the quotient of two integers
common front|a movement in which several individuals or groups with different interests join together - "the unions presented a common front at the bargaining table"
common garden cress|annual herb used as salad green and garnish
common garter snake|a garter snake that is widespread in North America
common ginger|tropical Asian plant widely cultivated for its pungent root;source of gingerroot and powdered ginger
common good|the good of a community
common grape hyacinth|prolific species having particularly beautiful dark blue flowers
common ground|a basis agreed to by all parties for reaching a mutual understanding
common gum cistus|shrub having white flowers and viscid stems and leaves yielding a fragrant oleoresin used in perfumes especially as a fixative
common heath|small erect shrub of Australia and Tasmania with fragrant ivory flowers;spindly upright shrub of southern Australia and Tasmania having white to rose or purple-red flowers
common hop|European twining plant whose flowers are used chiefly to flavor malt liquors;cultivated in America
common horehound|European aromatic herb with hairy leaves and numerous white flowers in axillary cymes;leaves yield a bitter extract use medicinally and as flavoring
common horsetail|of Eurasia and Greenland and North America
common hyacinth|widely grown for its fragrance and its white, pink, blue, or purplish flowers
common iguana|large herbivorous tropical American arboreal lizards with a spiny crest along the back;used as human food in Central America and South America
common iliac artery|terminal branches of the abdominal aorta
common iliac vein|formed by the internal and external iliac veins;unites with its fellow from the opposite side of the body to form the inferior vena cava
common jasmine|a climbing deciduous shrub with fragrant white or yellow or red flowers used in perfume and to flavor tea
common juniper|densely branching shrub or small tree having pungent blue berries used to flavor gin;widespread in northern hemisphere;only conifer on coasts of Iceland and Greenland
common kingsnake|widespread in United States except northern regions;black or brown with yellow bands
common knowledge|anything generally known to everyone
common laburnum|an ornamental shrub or tree of the genus Laburnum;often cultivated for Easter decorations
common lady's-slipper|pale pink wild orchid of northeastern America having an inflated pouchlike lip
common law|a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws - "common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States"
common lilac|large European lilac naturalized in North America having heart-shaped ovate leaves and large panicles of highly fragrant lilac or white flowers
common limpet|marine limpet
common logarithm|a logarithm to the base 10
common louse|head or body louse
common lynx|of northern Eurasia
common mackerel|important food fish of the northern Atlantic and Mediterranean;its body is greenish-blue with dark bars and small if any scales
common madia|California annual having red-brown spots near the base of its yellow flower rays
common maidenhair|delicate maidenhair fern with slender shining black leaf stalks;cosmopolitan
common mallow|annual Old World plant with clusters of pink or white flowers;naturalized in United States
common marigold|the common European annual marigold
common matrimony vine|deciduous erect or spreading shrub with spiny branches and violet-purple flowers followed by orange-red berries;southeastern Europe to China
common measure|the usual (iambic) meter of a ballad
common milkwort|small European perennial with numerous branches having racemes of blue, pink or white flowers;formerly reputed to promote human lactation
common moonseed|a woody vine of eastern North America having large oval leaves and small white flowers and purple to blue-black fruits
common morel|an edible and choice morel with a globular to elongate head with an irregular pattern of pits and ridges
common morning glory|annual or perennial climbing herb of Central America having sky-blue flowers;most commonly cultivated morning glory;pantropical annual climbing herb with funnel-shaped blue, purple, pink or white flowers
common mosquito|common house mosquito
common mugwort|European tufted aromatic perennial herb having hairy red or purple stems and dark green leaves downy white below and red-brown florets
common mullein|tall-stalked very woolly mullein with densely packed yellow flowers;ancient Greeks and Romans dipped the stalks in tallow for funeral torches
common multiple|an integer that is a multiple of two or more other integers
common murre|the most frequent variety of murre
common myrtle|European shrub with white or rosy flowers followed by black berries
common newt|small semiaquatic salamander
common noun|a noun that denotes any or all members of a class
common nutcracker|Old World nutcracker
common oak|medium to large deciduous European oak having smooth leaves with rounded lobes;yields hard strong light-colored wood
common opossum|omnivorous opossum of the eastern United States;noted for feigning death when in danger;esteemed as food in some areas;considered same species as the crab-eating opossum of South America
common osier|willow with long flexible twigs used in basketry
common pitcher plant|perennial bog herb having dark red flowers and decumbent broadly winged pitchers forming a rosette;of northeastern North America and naturalized in Europe especially Ireland
common plum|any of various widely distributed plums grown in the cooler temperate areas
common polypody|mat-forming lithophytic or terrestrial fern with creeping rootstocks and large pinnatifid fronds found throughout North America and Europe and Africa and east Asia
common pond-skater|a variety of water strider
common privet|deciduous semi-evergreen shrub used for hedges
common purslane|weedy trailing mat-forming herb with bright yellow flowers cultivated for its edible mildly acid leaves eaten raw or cooked especially in Indian and Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine;cosmopolitan
common raccoon|North American raccoon
common ragweed|annual weed with finely divided foliage and spikes of green flowers;common in North America;introduced elsewhere accidentally
common room|a sitting room (usually at school or university)
common roundworm|intestinal parasite of humans and pigs
common sage|shrubby plant with aromatic greyish-green leaves used as a cooking herb
common scoter|a variety of scoter
common sense|sound practical judgment
common shiner|the common North American shiner
common shrew|common American shrew
common sickle pine|small tropical rain forest tree of Indonesia and Malaysia
common snapping turtle|large-headed turtle with powerful hooked jaws found in or near water;prone to bite
common speedwell|common hairy European perennial with pale blue or lilac flowers in axillary racemes
common spindle tree|small erect deciduous shrub having tough white wood and cathartic bark and fruit
common spoonbill|pure white crested spoonbill of southern Eurasia and northeastern Africa
common spotted orchid|European orchid having lanceolate leaves spotted purple and pink to white or mauve flowers spotted or lined deep red or purple
common St John's wort|deciduous bushy Eurasian shrub with golden yellow flowers and reddish-purple fruits from which a soothing salve is made in Spain
common staghorn fern|commonly cultivated fern of Australia and southeastern Asia and Polynesia
common starling|gregarious bird having plumage with dark metallic gloss;builds nests around dwellings and other structures;naturalized worldwide
common stinkhorn|a common fungus formerly used in preparing a salve for rheumatism
common stock|stock other than preferred stock;entitles the owner to a share of the corporation's profits and a share of the voting power in shareholder elections - "over 40 million Americans invest in common stocks"
common stock equivalent|preferred stock or convertible bonds or warrants that can be converted into common stock
common sunflower|annual sunflower grown for silage and for its seeds which are a source of oil;common throughout United States and much of North America
common teasel|teasel with lilac flowers native to Old World but naturalized in North America;dried flower heads used to raise a nap on woolen cloth
common thyme|common aromatic garden perennial native to the western Mediterranean;used in seasonings and formerly as medicine
common time|a time signature indicating four beats to the bar
common tobacco|tall erect South American herb with large ovate leaves and terminal clusters of tubular white or pink flowers;cultivated for its leaves
common touch|the property of appealing to people in general (usually by appearing to have qualities in common with them)
common unicorn plant|annual of southern United States to Mexico having large whitish or yellowish flowers mottled with purple and a long curving beak
common valerian|tall rhizomatous plant having very fragrant flowers and rhizomes used medicinally
common vetchling|scrambling perennial Eurasian wild pea having yellowish flowers and compressed seed pods;cultivated for forage
common wallaby|a small wallaby having a height of 30 inches
common wart|a benign growth (often with a rough surface)
common wasp|a variety of vespid wasp
common water snake|in some classifications placed in the genus Nerodia;western United States snake that seldom ventures far from water
common watercress|perennial Eurasian cress growing chiefly in springs or running water having fleshy pungent leaves used in salads or as a potherb or garnish;introduced in North America and elsewhere
common wheat|widely cultivated in temperate regions in many varieties for its commercially important grain
common white dogwood|deciduous tree;celebrated for its large white or pink bracts and stunning autumn color that is followed by red berries
common winterberry holly|a holly shrub
common wolffia|smallest flowering plants known;of the Americas
common wood sorrel|Eurasian plant with heart-shaped trifoliate leaves and white purple-veined flowers
common wormwood|aromatic herb of temperate Eurasia and North Africa having a bitter taste used in making the liqueur absinthe
common year|a year that is not a leap year
common yellowthroat|an American warbler
common yellowwood|medium-sized tree of South Africa
common zebra|of the plains of central and eastern Africa
commonage|property held in common
commonality|sharing of common attributes
commonalty|a class composed of persons lacking clerical or noble rank
commoner|a person who holds no title
common-law marriage|a marriage relationship created by agreement and cohabitation rather than by ceremony
commonness|ordinariness as a consequence of being frequent and commonplace;the state of being that is commonly observed
commonplace book|a notebook in which you enter memorabilia
commons|a pasture subject to common use
commonwealth|a world organization of autonomous states that are united in allegiance to a central power but are not subordinate to it or to one another;the official name of some states in the United States (Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and Virginia and Kentucky) and associated territories (Puerto Rico)
commonwealth country|any of the countries in the British Commonwealth
Commonwealth Day|British, anniversary of Queen Victoria's birth
Commonwealth of Independent States|an alliance made up of states that had been Soviet Socialist Republics in the Soviet Union prior to its dissolution in Dec 1991
commotion|the act of making a noisy disturbance
communalism|loyalty and commitment to the interests of your own minority or ethnic group rather than to society as a whole;the practice of communal living and common ownership
commune|a body of people or families living together and sharing everything;the smallest administrative district of several European countries
communicable disease|a disease that can be communicated from one person to another
communicant|a person entitled to receive Communion
communicating artery|any of three arteries in the brain that make up the circle of Willis
communication|a connection allowing access between persons or places - "how many lines of communication can there be among four people?" - "a secret passageway provided communication between the two rooms";something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups;the activity of communicating;the activity of conveying information - "they could not act without official communication from Moscow"
communication system|a system for communicating;facility consisting of the physical plants and equipment for disseminating information
communications|the discipline that studies the principles of transmiting information and the methods by which it is delivered (as print or radio or television etc.) - "communications is his major field of study"
communications intelligence|technical and intelligence information derived from foreign communications by other than the intended recipients
communications satellite|an artificial satellite that relays signals back to earth;moves in a geostationary orbit
Communications Security Establishment|Canadian agency that gathers communications intelligence and assist law enforcement and security agencies
communications technology|the activity of designing and constructing and maintaining communication systems
communicativeness|the trait of being communicative
communicator|a person who communicates with others
communion|(Christianity) a group of Christians with a common religious faith who practice the same rites;sharing thoughts and feelings;the act of participating in the celebration of the Eucharist
communism|a form of socialism that abolishes private ownership;a political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society
Communism Peak|the highest mountain peak in the Pamir Mountains;near the Chinese border in northeastern Tajikistan (24,590 feet high)
Communist|a member of the communist party;a socialist who advocates communism
communist economy|the managed economy of a communist state
Communist Manifesto|a socialist manifesto written by Marx and Engels (1842) describing the history of the working-class movement according to their views
Communist Party|a political party that actively advocates a communist form of government;in Communist countries it is the sole political party of the state
community|(ecology) a group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other;a group of nations having common interests - "they hoped to join the NATO community";a group of people living in a particular local area - "the team is drawn from all parts of the community";agreement as to goals - "the preachers and the bootleggers found they had a community of interests";common ownership - "they shared a community of possessions"
community center|a center where the members of a community can gather for social or cultural activities
community chest|a charity supported by individual subscriptions;defrays the demands on a community for social welfare
community college|a nonresidential junior college offering a curriculum fitted to the needs of the community
community of scholars|the body of individuals holding advanced academic degrees
community property|property and income belonging jointly to a married couple
community service|a service that is performed for the benefit of the public or its institutions;an unpaid service for the benefit of the public that is performed by lawbreakers as part (or all) of their sentence
communization|a change from private property to public property owned by the community;the organization of a nation of the basis of communism
commutability|the quality of being commutable
commutation|(law) the reduction in severity of a punishment imposed by law;a warrant substituting a lesser punishment for a greater one;the travel of a commuter
commutation ticket|a ticket good for several trips or to attend a season of entertainments;sold at a reduced rate
commutator|switch for reversing the direction of an electric current
commute|a regular journey of some distance to and from your place of work - "there is standing room only on the high-speed commute"
commuter|a passenger train that is ridden primarily by passengers who travel regularly from one place to another;someone who travels regularly from home in a suburb to work in a city
commuter traffic|traffic created by people going to or returning from work
Comoro Islands|three main islands and numerous islets in the Indian Ocean between Mozambique and Madagascar
Comoros|a country on the Comoro Islands
compact|a small and economical car;a small cosmetics case with a mirror;to be carried in a woman's purse
compact disk|a digitally encoded recording on an optical disk that is smaller than a phonograph record;played back by a laser
compact-disk burner|recording equipment for making compact disks
compaction|an increase in the density of something
compactness|the consistency of a compact solid
companion|a friend who is frequently in the company of another - "drinking companions";a traveler who accompanies you;one paid to accompany or assist or live with another
companionability|suitability to be a companion
companionway|a stairway or ladder that leads from one deck to another on a ship
company|a social gathering of guests or companions - "the house was filled with company when I arrived";a unit of firefighters including their equipment - "a hook-and-ladder company";an institution created to conduct business - "he started the company in his garage";organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical) - "the traveling company all stayed at the same hotel";small military unit;usually two or three platoons;the state of being with someone - "he missed their company"
company man|an employee whose first loyalty is to the company rather than to fellow workers
company name|the name by which a corporation is identified
company operator|an operator who works for a company
company union|a union of workers for a single company;a union not affiliated with a larger union
comparative|the comparative form of an adjective or adverb - "'faster' is the comparative of the adjective 'fast'" - "'less famous' is the comparative degree of the adjective 'famous'" - "'more surely' is the comparative of the adverb 'surely'"
comparative anatomist|anatomist who compares the anatomy of different animals
comparative anatomy|the study of anatomical features of animals of different species
comparative literature|study of literary works from different cultures (often in translation)
comparative negligence|(law) negligence allocated between the plaintiff and the defendant with a corresponding reduction in damages paid to the plaintiff
comparative psychology|the branch of psychology concerned with the behavior of animals
comparison|qualities that are comparable - "no comparison between the two books";relation based on similarities and differences;the act of examining resemblances - "they made a comparison of noise levels" - "the fractions selected for comparison must require pupils to consider both numerator and denominator"
compartment|a partitioned section, chamber, or separate room within a larger enclosed area;a space into which an area is subdivided
compartment pressure|the air pressure maintained in an air-tight compartment (as in an aircraft)
compartmentalization|a mild state of dissociation
compass|drafting instrument used for drawing circles;navigational instrument for finding directions;the limit of capability - "within the compass of education"
compass card|compass in the form of a card that rotates so that 0 degrees or North points to magnetic north
compass plant|any of several plants having leaves so arranged on the axis as to indicate the cardinal points of the compass
compass point|any of 32 horizontal directions indicated on the card of a compass
compass saw|a handsaw with a narrow triangular blade for cutting curves
compassion|a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering;the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it
compassionate leave|(military) leave granted in an emergency such as family sickness or death
compatibility|a feeling of sympathetic understanding;capability of existing or performing in harmonious or congenial combination
compatible software|application software programs that share common conventions so they can be utilized together;software that can run on different computers without modification
compatriot|a person from your own country
compendium|a concise but comprehensive summary of a larger work
compensating balance|a minimum credit balance that a bank may require a borrower to keep on deposit as a condition for granting a loan;a common requirement for establishing a line of credit at a bank - "the compensating balance increases the effective interest rate to the bank since the net amount loaned is reduced but the interest paid is unchanged"
compensation|(psychiatry) a defense mechanism that conceals your undesirable shortcomings by exaggerating desirable behaviors;something (such as money) given or received as payment or reparation (as for a service or loss or injury)
compensatory time|time off that is granted to a worker as compensation for working overtime
compere|British term for someone who introduces television acts or cabarets etc
competence|the quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually
competence hearing|a hearing to determine legal capacity (to determine whether the defendant can understand the charges and cooperate with a lawyer in preparing a defense)
competition|a business relation in which two parties compete to gain customers - "business competition can be fiendish at times";the act of competing as for profit or a prize
competitiveness|an aggressive willingness to compete
compilation|something that is compiled (as into a single book or file);the act of compiling (as into a single book or file or list)
compiler|(computer science) a program that decodes instructions written in a higher order language and produces an assembly language program;a person who compiles information (as for reference purposes)
complacency|the feeling you have when you are satisfied with yourself - "his complacency was absolutely disgusting"
complaint|(civil law) the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim for relief is based;(formerly) a loud cry (or repeated cries) of pain or rage or sorrow;an expression of grievance or resentment
complaisance|a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
complement|a complete number or quantity - "a full complement";a word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction;either of two parts that mutually complete each other;number needed to make up a whole force - "a full complement of workers";one of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response;something added to complete or embellish or make perfect - "a fine wine is a perfect complement to the dinner"
complement fixation|an immune response in which an antigen-antibody combination inactivates a complement (so it is unavailable to participate in a second antigen-antibody combination)
complement fixation test|a blood test in which a sample of serum is exposed to a particular antigen and complement in order to determine whether or not antibodies to that particular antigen are present;used as a diagnostic test
complementarity|a relation between two opposite states or principles that together exhaust the possibilities;the interrelation of reciprocity whereby one thing supplements or depends on the other - "the complementarity of the sexes"
complementary angles|two angles whose sum is a right angle
complementary color|either one of two chromatic colors that when mixed together give white (in the case of lights) or grey (in the case of pigments)
complementary distribution|(linguistics) a distribution of related speech sounds or forms in such a way that they only appear in different contexts
complementary DNA|single-stranded DNA that is complementary to messenger RNA or DNA that has been synthesized from messenger RNA by reverse transcriptase
complementary medicine|the practice of medicine that combines traditional medicine with alternative medicine
complementation|the grammatical relation of a word or phrase to a predicate
complete blood count|counting the number of white and red blood cells and the number of platelets in 1 cubic millimeter of blood
complete fracture|break involving the entire width of the bone
completeness|(logic) an attribute of a logical system that is so constituted that a contradiction arises if any proposition is introduced that cannot be derived from the axioms of the system;the state of being complete and entire;having everything that is needed
completion|(American football) a successful forward pass in football;a concluding action
complex|(psychoanalysis) a combination of emotions and impulses that have been rejected from awareness but still influence a person's behavior;a compound described in terms of the central atom to which other atoms are bound or coordinated;a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts - "the complex of shopping malls, houses, and roads created a new town"
complex absence|an absence seizure accompanied by other abnormalities (atonia or automatisms or vasomotor changes)
complex conjugate|either of two complex numbers whose real parts are identical and whose imaginary parts differ only in sign
complex fraction|a fraction with fractions in the numerator or denominator
complex instruction set computing|(computer science) a kind of computer architecture that has a large number of instructions hard coded into the CPU chip
complex number|(mathematics) a number of the form a+bi where a and b are real numbers and i is the square root of -1
complex sentence|a sentence composed of at least one main clause and one subordinate clause
complexifier|someone makes things complex
complexion|(obsolete) a combination of elements (of dryness and warmth or of the four humors) that was once believed to determine a person's health and temperament;a combination that results from coupling or interlinking - "diphthongs are complexions of vowels";a point of view or general attitude or inclination - "he altered the complexion of his times" - "a liberal political complexion";texture and appearance of the skin of the face;the coloring of a person's face
complexity|the quality of being intricate and compounded - "he enjoyed the complexity of modern computers"
complicatedness|puzzling complexity
complication|a development that complicates a situation;a situation or condition that is complex or confused - "her coming was a serious complication";any disease or disorder that occurs during the course of (or because of) another disease - "bed sores are a common complication in cases of paralysis";the act or process of complicating
complicity|guilt as an accomplice in a crime or offense
compliment|a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration
compline|last of the seven canonical hours just before retiring
component|an abstract part of something - "jealousy was a component of his character" - "humor;an effective ingredient of a speech";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 - "spare components for cars" - "a component or constituent element of a system"
composer|someone who composes music as a profession
composing|musical creation
Compositae|plants with heads composed of many florets;aster;daisy;dandelion;goldenrod;marigold;lettuces;ragweed;sunflower;thistle;zinnia
composite|considered the most highly evolved dicotyledonous plants, characterized by florets arranged in dense heads that resemble single flowers
composite material|strong lightweight material developed in the laboratory;fibers of more than one kind are bonded together chemically
composite number|an integer that is divisible without remainder by at least one positive integer other than itself and one
Composite order|a Roman order that combines the Corinthian acanthus leaves with the spiral scrolls of the Ionic order
compositeness|the property of being a composite number
composition|a mixture of ingredients;an essay (especially one written as an assignment) - "he got an A on his composition";something that is created by arranging several things to form a unified whole - "he envied the composition of their faculty";the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole - "harmonious composition is essential in a serious work of art"
compositor|one who sets written material into type
compost|a mixture of decaying vegetation and manure;used as a fertilizer
compost heap|a heap of manure and vegetation and other organic residues that are decaying to become compost
composure|steadiness of mind under stress - "he accepted their problems with composure and she with equanimity"
compote|dessert of stewed or baked fruit
compound|(chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight;a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts;an enclosure of residences and other building (especially in the Orient)
compound eye|in insects and some crustaceans;composed of many light-sensitive elements each forming a portion of an image
compound fracture|bone fracture associated with lacerated soft tissue or an open wound
compound interest|interest calculated on both the principal and the accrued interest
compound leaf|a leaf composed of a number of leaflets on a common stalk
compound lens|a lens system consisting of two or more lenses on the same axis
compound lever|a pair of levers hinged at the fulcrum
compound microscope|light microscope that has two converging lens systems;the objective and the eyepiece
compound morphology|the part of grammar that deals with combinations of simple words into compound words
compound number|a quantity expressed in two different units
compound pistil|consists of two or more fused carpels
compound sentence|a sentence composed of at least two coordinate independent clauses
comprehensibility|the quality of comprehensible language or thought
comprehension|an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result) - "how you can do that is beyond my comprehension" - "he was famous for his comprehension of American literature"
comprehensive examination|an intensive examination testing a student's proficiency in some special field of knowledge
comprehensive school|a large British or Canadian secondary school for children of all abilities
comprehensiveness|completeness over a broad scope
compress|a cloth pad or dressing (with or without medication) applied firmly to some part of the body (to relieve discomfort or reduce fever)
compressed air|air at a pressure greater than that of the atmosphere - "compressed air is often used to power machines"
compressed gas|gas at a high pressure that can be used as a propellant
compressibility|the property of being able to occupy less space
compression|applying pressure;encoding information while reducing the bandwidth or bits required;the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
compression bandage|bandage that stops the flow of blood from an artery by applying pressure
compression fracture|fracture in which the bone collapses (especially in short bones such as vertebrae)
compressor|a mechanical device that compresses gasses
compromise|a middle way between two extremes;an accommodation in which both sides make concessions - "the newly elected congressmen rejected a compromise because they considered it 'business as usual'"
compromise verdict|a verdict resulting from improper compromises between jurors on material issues
compromiser|a negotiator willing to compromise
compsognathus|very small bipedal carnivorous dinosaur of the late Jurassic in Bavaria
Compton|United States physicist noted for research on x-rays and gamma rays and nuclear energy;his observation that X-rays behave like miniature bowling balls in their interactions with electrons provided evidence for the quantal nature of light (1892-1962)
Comptonia|one species;sweet fern
Comptroller General|a United States federal official who supervises expenditures and settles claims against the government
Comptroller of the Currency|a United States federal official who regulates the national banks;the agency of the Treasury Department responsible for controlling the currency
comptrollership|the position of comptroller
compulsion|an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will - "her compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly";an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid - "he felt a compulsion to babble on about the accident";using force to cause something to occur - "though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game"
compulsive|a person with a compulsive disposition;someone who feels compelled to do certain things
compulsiveness|the trait of acting compulsively
compulsory process|the right of a defendant to have a court use its subpoena power to compel the appearance of material witnesses before the court
compunction|a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
computational linguist|someone trained in computer science and linguistics who uses computers for natural language processing
computational linguistics|the use of computers for linguistic research and applications
computer|a machine for performing calculations automatically
computer accessory|an accessory for a computer
computer architecture|(computer science) the structure and organization of a computer's hardware or system software;the art of assembling logical elements into a computing device;the specification of the relation between parts of a computer system
computer business|a business that manufactures and sells computers
computer circuit|a circuit that is part of a computer
computer dealer|a firm that sells and buys computers
computer expert|an authority on computers and computing
computer file|(computer science) a file maintained in computer-readable form
computer game|a game played against a computer
computer graphics|the pictorial representation and manipulation of data by a computer
computer industry|the manufacturers of computers considered collectively
computer keyboard|a keyboard that is a data input device for computers;arrangement of keys is modelled after the typewriter keyboard
computer language|a programming language designed for use on a specific class of computers
computer memory unit|a unit for measuring computer memory
computer monitor|a device that displays signals on a computer screen
computer network|(computer science) a network of computers
computer operation|an elementary operation that a computer is designed and built to perform
computer paper|paper folded to permit continuous printing controlled by a computer
computer science|the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures
computer scientist|a scientist who specializes in the theory of computation and the design of computers
computer screen|a screen used to display the output of a computer to the user
computer store|a store that sells computers to the small businessperson or personal user
computer system|a system of one or more computers and associated software with common storage
computer technology|the activity of designing and constructing and programming computers
computer user|a person who uses computers for work or entertainment or communication or business
computer-aided design|software used in art and architecture and engineering and manufacturing to assist in precision drawing
computerization|the control of processes by computer
computerized axial tomography scanner|a tomograph that constructs a 3-D model of an object by combining parallel planes
computerized tomography|a method of examining body organs by scanning them with X rays and using a computer to construct a series of cross-sectional scans along a single axis
Comrade|a fellow member of the Communist Party
Comstock|United States reformer who led moral crusades against art and literature that he considered obscene (1844-1915)
Comstock mealybug|Asiatic insect introduced accidentally into United States;pest on citrus and apple trees
Comstockery|censorship because of perceived obscenity or immorality
Comte|French philosopher remembered as the founder of positivism;he also established sociology as a systematic field of study
Comtism|Auguste Comte's positivistic philosophy that metaphysics and theology should be replaced by a hierarchy of sciences from mathematics at the base to sociology at the top
con|an argument opposed to a proposal
conacaste|tropical South American tree having a wide-spreading crown of bipinnate leaves and coiled ear-shaped fruits;grown for shade and ornament as well as valuable timber
Conakry|a port and the capital of Guinea
Conan Doyle|British author who created Sherlock Holmes (1859-1930)
concatenation|the act of linking together as in a series or chain;the linking together of a consecutive series of symbols or events or ideas etc - "it was caused by an improbable concatenation of circumstances";the state of being linked together as in a chain;union in a linked series
concave polygon|a polygon such that there is a straight line that cuts it in four or more points
concave polyhedron|a polyhedron some of whose plane sections are concave polygons
concave shape|a shape that curves or bends inward
concavity|the property possessed by a concave shape
concealment|the activity of keeping something secret
conceit|a witty or ingenious turn of phrase - "he could always come up with some inspired off-the-wall conceit";an artistic device or effect - "the architect's brilliant conceit was to build the house around the tree";an elaborate poetic image or a far-fetched comparison of very dissimilar things;the trait of being unduly vain and conceited;false pride
conceivableness|the state of being conceivable
concentrate|a concentrated example of something - "the concentrate of contemporary despair";a concentrated form of a foodstuff;the bulk is reduced by removing water
concentrated fire|fire from two or more weapons directed at a single target or area (as fire by batteries of two or more warships)
concentration|bringing together military forces;complete attention;intense mental effort;increase in density;strengthening the concentration (as of a solute in a mixture) by removing diluting material;the spatial property of being crowded together;the strength of a solution;number of molecules of a substance in a given volume
concentration camp|a penal camp where political prisoners or prisoners of war are confined (usually under harsh conditions);a situation characterized by crowding and extremely harsh conditions
concentration gradient|a gradient in concentration of a solute as a function of distance through a solution - "the movement of a solute down its concentration gradient is called diffusion"
concentricity|the quality of having the same center (as circles inside one another)
Concepcion|an industrial city in Chile to the south of Santiago
concept|an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
concept album|an album whose recordings are unified by some theme (instrumental or lyrical or narrative or compositional)
conception|the act of becoming pregnant;fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon
conceptualism|the doctrine that the application of a general term to various objects indicates the existence of a mental entity that mediates the application
conceptualization|an elaborated concept;inventing or contriving an idea or explanation and formulating it mentally
concern|a feeling of sympathy for someone or something - "She felt strong concern for those less fortunate";an anxious feeling;something or someone that causes anxiety;a source of unhappiness - "New York traffic is a constant concern";something that interests you because it is important or affects you - "the safety of the ship is the captain's concern"
concert|a performance of music by players or singers not involving theatrical staging
concert band|a group of musicians playing brass and woodwind and percussion instruments
concert grand|a grand piano suitable for concert performances
concert hall|a hall where concerts are given
concert pitch|the pitch used to tune instruments for concert performances;usually assigns 440 Hz to the A above middle C
concert-goer|someone who attends concerts
concertina|coiled barbed wire used as an obstacle;free-reed instrument played like an accordion by pushing its ends together to force air through the reeds
concerto|a composition for orchestra and a soloist
concerto grosso|a baroque composition for orchestra and a group of solo instruments
concession|a contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business - "he got the beer concession at the ball park";a point conceded or yielded - "they won all the concessions they asked for";the act of conceding or yielding
concessionaire|someone who holds or operates a concession
conch|any of various edible tropical marine gastropods of the genus Strombus having a brightly-colored spiral shell with large outer lip
concha|(anatomy) a structure that resembles a shell in shape
conchfish|found in West Indies;lives in mantle cavity of a living conch
conchologist|a collector and student of mollusc shells
conchology|the collection and study of mollusc shells
concierge|a French caretaker of apartments or a hotel;lives on the premises and oversees people entering and leaving and handles mail and acts as janitor or porter
conciliation|any of various forms of mediation whereby disputes may be settled short of arbitration;the state of manifesting goodwill and cooperation after being reconciled - "there was a brief period of conciliation but the fighting soon resumed"
conciliator|someone who tries to bring peace
conciseness|terseness and economy in writing and speaking achieved by expressing a great deal in just a few words
conclave|a confidential or secret meeting
conclusion|a final settlement - "the conclusion of a business deal" - "the conclusion of the peace treaty";an intuitive assumption - "jump to a conclusion";the last section of a communication - "in conclusion I want to say...";the proposition arrived at by logical reasoning (such as the proposition that must follow from the major and minor premises of a syllogism)
concoction|an occurrence of an unusual mixture - "it suddenly spewed out a thick green concoction";any foodstuff made by combining different ingredients - "he volunteered to taste her latest concoction";the invention of a scheme or story to suit some purpose - "his testimony was a concoction" - "she has no peer in the concoction of mystery stories"
concomitance|occurrence or existence together or in connection with one another
Concord|capital of the state of New Hampshire;located in south central New Hampshire on the Merrimack river;town in eastern Massachusetts near Boston where the first battle of the American Revolution was fought
Concord grape|slipskin grape;a purple table grape of the northeastern United States
concordance|an index of all main words in a book along with their immediate contexts
concourse|a coming together of people;a wide hallway in a building where people can walk
concrete|a strong hard building material composed of sand and gravel and cement and water
concrete jungle|an area in a city with large modern buildings that is perceived as dangerous and unpleasant
concrete mixer|a machine with a large revolving drum in which cement is mixed with other materials to make concrete
concreteness|the quality of being concrete (not abstract)
concretion|the formation of stonelike objects within a body organ (e.g., the kidneys)
concretism|a representation of an abstract idea in concrete terms
concubinage|cohabitation without being legally married
concubine|a woman who cohabits with an important man
concurrence|a state of cooperation;acting together, as agents or circumstances or events;agreement of results or opinions;the temporal property of two things happening at the same time
concurrent negligence|(law) negligence of two of more persons acting independently;the plaintiff may sue both together or separately
concurrent operation|two or more operations performed at the same time (or within a give interval)
concurring opinion|an opinion that agrees with the court's disposition of the case but is written to express a particular judge's reasoning
concussion|any violent blow;injury to the brain caused by a blow;usually resulting in loss of consciousness
condemnation|(law) the act of condemning (as land forfeited for public use) or judging to be unfit for use (as a food product or an unsafe building);the condition of being strongly disapproved of - "he deserved nothing but condemnation"
condensate|a product of condensation
condensation|(psychoanalysis) an unconscious process whereby two ideas or images combine into a single symbol;especially in dreams;a shortened version of a written work;atmospheric moisture that has condensed because of cold;the process of changing from a gaseous to a liquid or solid state
condensation pump|vacuum pump used to obtain a high vacuum
condensed milk|sweetened evaporated milk
condenser|a hollow coil that condenses by abstracting heat;an apparatus that converts vapor into liquid;lens used to concentrate light on an object
condenser microphone|microphone consisting of a capacitor with one plate fixed and the other forming the diaphragm moved by sound waves
condensing|the act of increasing the density of something
condescension|a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient;affability to your inferiors and temporary disregard for differences of position or rank - "the queen's condescension was intended to make us feel comfortable";the trait of displaying arrogance by patronizing those considered inferior
condiment|a preparation (a sauce or relish or spice) to enhance flavor or enjoyment - "mustard and ketchup are condiments"
condition|(usually plural) a statement of what is required as part of an agreement - "the contract set out the conditions of the lease";a mode of being or form of existence of a person or thing - "the human condition";a state at a particular time - "a condition (or state) of disrepair";an assumption on which rests the validity or effect of something else;an illness, disease, or other medical problem - "a heart condition" - "a skin condition";the procedure that is varied in order to estimate a variable's effect by comparison with a control condition;the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases 'in condition' or 'in shape' or 'out of condition' or 'out of shape')
conditional contract|a contract whose performance depends on a fact or event that affects legal relations
conditional probability|the probability that an event will occur given that one or more other events have occurred
conditional reflex|an acquired response that is under the control of (conditional on the occurrence of) a stimulus
conditional sale|a sale in which the buyer receives title to the property only upon the performance of some condition (usually the full payment of the purchase price);a security interest taken by the seller in return for credit
conditionality|the state of being conditional
conditioned avoidance|a conditioned response that anticipates the occurrence of an aversive stimulus
conditioned emotional response|an emotional response that has been acquired by conditioning
conditioned stimulus|the stimulus that is the occasion for a conditioned response
conditioner|a substance used in washing (clothing or hair) to make things softer;a trainer of athletes;exercise that conditions the body - "farm work can be a good conditioner"
conditioning|a learning process in which an organism's behavior becomes dependent on the occurrence of a stimulus in its environment
conditions|the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process - "there were wide variations in the conditions of observation";the set of circumstances that affect someone's welfare - "hazardous working conditions" - "harsh living conditions"
condolence|an expression of sympathy with another's grief - "they sent their condolences"
condom|contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse
condominium|housing consisting of a complex of dwelling units (as an apartment house) in which each unit is individually owned;one of the dwelling units in a condominium
condonation|a pardon by treating the offender as if the offense had not occurred
condor|the largest flying birds in the western hemisphere
Condorcet|French mathematician and philosopher (1743-1794)
conductance|a material's capacity to conduct electricity;measured as the reciprocal of electrical resistance
conductance unit|a measure of a material's ability to conduct an electrical charge
conducting|the direction of an orchestra or choir - "he does not use a baton for conducting";the way of administering a business
conduction|the transmission of heat or electricity or sound
conduction anesthesia|anesthesia of an area supplied by a nerve;produced by an anesthetic agent applied to the nerve
conduction aphasia|aphasia in which the lesion is assumed to be in the association tracts connecting the various language centers in the brain;patient's have difficulty repeating a sentence just heard
conductive hearing loss|hearing loss due to problems with the bones of the middle ear
conductor|a device designed to transmit electricity, heat, etc.;a substance that readily conducts e.g. electricity and heat;the person who collects fares on a public conveyance;the person who leads a musical group
conductress|a woman conductor
conduit|a passage (a pipe or tunnel) through which water or electric wires can pass - "the computers were connected through a system of conduits"
condylar process|the condyle of the ramus of the mandible that articulates with the skull
condyle|a round bump on a bone where it forms a joint with another bone
condylion|the craniometric point at the tip of the mandibular condyle
Condylura|star-nosed moles
cone|a shape whose base is a circle and whose sides taper up to a point;a visual receptor cell in the retina that is sensitive to bright light and to color;any cone-shaped artifact;cone-shaped mass of ovule- or spore-bearing scales or bracts
cone clutch|a friction clutch in which the frictional surfaces are cone-shaped
cone pepper|plant bearing erect pungent conical red or yellow or purple fruits;sometimes grown as an ornamental
coneflower|a wildflower of the genus Ratibida;any of various perennials of the eastern United States having thick rough leaves and long-stalked showy flowers with drooping rays and a conelike center;any of various plants of the genus Rudbeckia cultivated for their large usually yellow daisies with prominent central cones
conenose|large bloodsucking bug
Conepatus|a genus of Mustelidae
coney|black-spotted usually dusky-colored fish with reddish fins
Coney Island|a section of Brooklyn on the Atlantic;known as an amusement center
confabulation|(psychiatry) a plausible but imagined memory that fills in gaps in what is remembered
confection|the act of creating something (a medicine or drink or soup etc.) by compounding or mixing a variety of components
confectioner|someone who makes candies and other sweets
confectionery|a confectioner's shop;candy and other sweets considered collectively - "the business decided to concentrate on confectionery and soft drinks";the occupation and skills of a confectioner
Confederacy|the southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861
Confederate|a supporter of the Confederate States of America;someone who assists in a plot
Confederate Army|the southern army during the American Civil War
Confederate soldier|a soldier in the Army of the Confederacy during the American Civil War
confederation|a union of political organizations;the act of forming an alliance or confederation
conferee|a member of a conference;a person on whom something is bestowed - "six honorary were conferred;the conferees were..."
conference|a discussion among participants who have an agreed (serious) topic;a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)
conference call|a telephone call in which more than two people participate
conference center|a center where conferences can be conducted
conference room|a room in which a conference can be held
conference table|the table that conferees sit around as they hold a meeting
conferrer|someone who converses or confers (as in a conference)
conferva|any of various algae of the genus Tribonema;algae with branching filaments that form scum in still or stagnant fresh water
confervoid algae|algae resembling confervae especially in having branching filaments
confession|(Roman Catholic Church) the act of a penitent disclosing his sinfulness before a priest in the sacrament of penance in the hope of absolution;a public declaration of your faith;a written document acknowledging an offense and signed by the guilty party;an admission of misdeeds or faults;the document that spells out the belief system of a given church (especially the Reformation churches of the 16th century)
confession of judgment|a judgment entered after a written confession by the debtor without the expense of ordinary legal proceedings
confessional|a booth where a priest sits to hear confessions
confessor|a priest who hears confession and gives absolution;someone who confesses (discloses information damaging to themselves)
confetti|small pieces or streamers of colored paper that are thrown around on festive occasions (as at a wedding)
confidant|someone to whom private matters are confided
confidante|a female confidant
confidence|a feeling of trust (in someone or something) - "I have confidence in our team" - "confidence is always borrowed, never owned";a secret that is confided or entrusted to another - "everyone trusted him with their confidences" - "the priest could not reveal her confidences";a state of confident hopefulness that events will be favorable - "public confidence in the economy";a trustful relationship - "he took me into his confidence"
confidence man|a swindler who exploits the confidence of his victim
confidential adviser-advisee relation|the responsibility of a confidential adviser to act in the best interest of the advisee
confidentiality|discretion in keeping secret information;the state of being secret - "you must respect the confidentiality of your client's communications"
configuration|an arrangement of parts or elements - "the outcome depends on the configuration of influences at the time"
confinement|the act of restraining of a person's liberty by confining them;the state of being confined - "he was held in confinement"
confines|a bounded scope - "he stayed within the confines of the city"
confirmation|a ceremony held in the synagogue (usually at Pentecost) to admit as adult members of the Jewish community young men and women who have successfully completed a course of study in Judaism;a sacrament admitting a baptized person to full participation in the church;additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct - "fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory";information that confirms or verifies
confirmation hearing|a hearing held by the US Senate to gather information on whether to approve or reject candidates for high federal office who are nominated by the president
confiscation|seizure by the government
confit|a piece of meat (especially a duck) cooked slowly in its own fat
confiture|preserved or candied fruit
conflagration|a very intense and uncontrolled fire
conflict|a state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests - "his conflict of interest made him ineligible for the post" - "a conflict of loyalties";an incompatibility of dates or events - "he noticed a conflict in the dates of the two meetings";an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals) - "the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph"--Thomas Paine;opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible feelings - "he was immobilized by conflict and indecision";opposition in a work of drama or fiction between characters or forces (especially an opposition that motivates the development of the plot) - "this form of conflict is essential to Mann's writing"
conflict of interest|a situation in which a public official's decisions are influenced by the official's personal interests
confluence|a flowing together;a place where things merge or flow together (especially rivers) - "Pittsburgh is located at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers"
conformal projection|a map projection in which a small area is rendered in its true shape
conformation|a symmetrical arrangement of the parts of a thing
conformational entropy|entropy calculated from the probability that a state could be reached by chance alone
conformist|someone who conforms to established standards of conduct (especially in religious matters)
conformity|acting according to certain accepted standards - "their financial statements are in conformity with generally accepted accounting practices";correspondence in form or appearance;orthodoxy in thoughts and belief
confrontation|a bold challenge;a focussed comparison;bringing together for a careful comparison;a hostile disagreement face-to-face;discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions;the act of hostile groups opposing each other - "the government was not ready for a confrontation with the unions"
Confucian|a believer in the teachings of Confucius
Confucianism|the teachings of Confucius emphasizing love for humanity;high value given to learning and to devotion to family (including ancestors);peace;justice;influenced the traditional culture of China
Confucius|Chinese philosopher whose ideas and sayings were collected after his death and became the basis of a philosophical doctrine known a Confucianism (circa 551-478 BC)
confusion|a feeling of embarrassment that leaves you confused;a mental state characterized by a lack of clear and orderly thought and behavior - "a confusion of impressions";a mistake that results from taking one thing to be another - "he changed his name in order to avoid confusion with the notorious outlaw";an act causing a disorderly combination of elements with identities lost and distinctions blended - "the confusion of tongues at the Tower of Babel";disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably - "the army retreated in confusion"
confutation|evidence that refutes conclusively;the speech act of refuting conclusively
conga|a Latin American dance of 3 steps and a kick by people in single file;music composed for dancing the conga
conga line|a line of people in single file performing the conga dance
conge|(architecture) a concave molding;an abrupt and unceremonious dismissal;formal permission to depart - "he gave me his conge"
congealment|the process of congealing;solidification by (or as if by) freezing
congee|a Chinese rice gruel eaten for breakfast
congener|a minor chemical constituent that gives a wine or liquor its distinctive character;a whole (a thing or person) of the same kind or category as another - "lard was also used, though its congener, butter, was more frequently employed" - "the American shopkeeper differs from his European congener"
congeniality|a congenial disposition
congenialness|compatibility between persons
congenital afibrinogenemia|a rare congenital disorder of blood coagulation in which no fibrinogen is found in the blood plasma
congenital heart defect|a birth defect involving the heart
conger|large dark-colored scaleless marine eel found in temperate and tropical coastal waters;some used for food
congestion|excessive accumulation of blood or other fluid in a body part;excessive crowding - "traffic congestion"
congestive heart failure|inability to pump enough blood to avoid congestion in the tissues
conglomerate|a group of diverse companies under common ownership and run as a single organization
conglomeration|a rounded spherical form;an occurrence combining miscellaneous things into a (more or less) rounded mass
Congo|a major African river (one of the world's longest);flows through Congo into the South Atlantic;a republic in central Africa;achieved independence from Belgium in 1960;a republic in west-central Africa;achieved independence from France in 1960
congo copal|copal found usually as a fossil
Congo franc|the basic unit of money in the Congo
congo red|a red-brown azo dye especially as a chemical pH indicator (congo red is red in basic and blue in acidic solutions)
Congolese|a native or inhabitant of the Republic of the Congo
congou|black tea grown in China
congratulation|(usually plural) an expression of pleasure at the success or good fortune of another - "I sent them my sincere congratulations on their marriage";the act of acknowledging that someone has an occasion for celebration
congregant|a member of a congregation (especially that of a church or synagogue)
congregation|a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church;an assemblage of people or animals or things collected together - "a congregation of children pleaded for his autograph" - "a great congregation of birds flew over";the act of congregating
Congregational Christian Church|merger of the Congregational Church and the Christian Church
Congregational Church|a Protestant denomination holding that each individual congregation should be self-governing
Congregationalism|system of beliefs and church government of a Protestant denomination in which each member church is self-governing
Congregationalist|a member of the Congregational Church
congress|a meeting of elected or appointed representatives;a national legislative assembly;the legislature of the United States government
congress boot|an ankle high shoe with elastic gussets in the sides
Congress of Industrial Organizations|a federation of North American industrial unions that merged with the American Federation of Labor in 1955
Congress of Racial Equality|an organization founded by James Leonard Farmer in 1942 to work for racial equality
congressional district|a territorial division of a state;entitled to elect one member to the United States House of Representatives
Congressional Record|a published written account of the speeches and debates and votes of the United States Congress
congressman|a member of the United States House of Representatives
Congreve|English playwright remembered for his comedies (1670-1729)
Congridae|marine eels
congruity|the quality of agreeing;being suitable and appropriate
conic projection|a map projection of the globe onto a cone with its point over one of the earth's poles
conic section|(geometry) a curve generated by the intersection of a plane and a circular cone
conical buoy|a buoy resembling a cone
conidiophore|a specialized fungal hypha that produces conidia
conidium|an asexually produced fungal spore formed on a conidiophore
conifer|any gymnospermous tree or shrub bearing cones
Coniferales|profusely branching and chiefly evergreen trees and some shrubs having narrow or needlelike leaves
Coniferopsida|cone-bearing gymnosperms dating from the Carboniferous period;most are substantial trees;includes the classes Pinopsida (subdivision Pinophytina) and Ginkgopsida (subdivision Ginkgophytina) and Taxopsida (subdivision Taxophytina) which in turn include the surviving orders Coniferales and Taxales (yews) and sometimes Ginkgoales as well as extinct orders such as Cordaitales (of the Carboniferous and Permian)
Conilurus|jerboa rats
conima|a gum resin from the poison hemlock, Conium maculatum
Coniogramme|terrestrial ferns of Pacific islands and Asia
Conium|small genus of highly toxic biennials;hemlock
conjecture|reasoning that involves the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence
conjugal right|the right of married persons to the enjoyment of association and sympathy and confidence and domestic happiness and the comfort of living together and eating meals at the same table and profiting from joint property right and the intimacies of domestic relations
conjugal visitation right|the legal right in a prison for the inmate and spouse to have sexual intercourse
conjugate solution|a mixture of two partially miscible liquids A and B produces two conjugate solutions;one of A in B and another of B in A
conjugated protein|a protein complex combining amino acids with other substances
conjugation|a class of verbs having the same inflectional forms;the complete set of inflected forms of a verb;the inflection of verbs
conjunction|(astronomy) apparent meeting or passing of two or more celestial bodies in the same degree of the zodiac;an uninflected function word that serves to conjoin words or phrases or clauses or sentences;the grammatical relation between linguistic units (words or phrases or clauses) that are connected by a conjunction
conjunctiva|a transparent lubricating mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and the under surface of the eyelid
conjunctival veins|veins draining the conjunctiva
conjunctivitis|inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye
conjuncture|a critical combination of events or circumstances
conjurer|a witch doctor who practices conjury
conjuring|calling up a spirit or devil
conk|informal term for the nose
Connaraceae|mostly tropical climbing shrubs or small trees;closely related to Leguminosae
Connarus|large genus of tropical trees and shrubs;type genus of the Connaraceae
Connarus guianensis|tropical American and east African tree with strikingly marked hardwood used in cabinetwork
Connecticut|a New England state;one of the original 13 colonies;a river in the northeastern United States;flows south from northern New Hampshire along the border between New Hampshire and Vermont and through Massachusetts and Connecticut where it empties into Long Island Sound;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
Connecticuter|a native or resident of Connecticut
connecting flight|a flight with an intermediate stop and a change of aircraft (possibly a change of airlines)
connecting rod|a rod that transmits motion (especially one that connects a rotating wheel to a reciprocating shaft)
connecting room|a hotel room that shares a wall with an adjoining room and is connected by a private door
connection|(usually plural) a person who is influential and to whom you are connected in some way (as by family or friendship) - "he has powerful connections";a connecting shape;a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it) - "there was a connection between eating that pickle and having that nightmare";a supplier (especially of narcotics);an instrumentality that connects - "he soldered the connection";shifting from one form of transportation to another - "the plane was late and he missed his connection in Atlanta";the state of being connected - "the connection between church and state is inescapable"
connective tissue|tissue of mesodermal origin consisting of e.g. collagen fibroblasts and fatty cells;supports organs and fills spaces between them and forms tendons and ligaments
connectivity|the property of being connected or the degree to which something has connections
Connemara heath|low straggling evergreen shrub of western Europe represented by several varieties with flowers from white to rose-purple
conning tower|a raised bridge on a submarine;often used for entering and exiting;an armored pilothouse on a warship
connivance|(law) tacit approval of someone's wrongdoing;agreement on a secret plot
Connochaetes|African antelopes;gnus
connoisseur|an expert able to appreciate a field;especially in the fine arts
Connolly|United States tennis player who was the first woman to win the United States, British, French, and Australian championships in the same year (1953) (1934-1969)
Connors|outstanding United States tennis player (born in 1952)
connotation|an idea that is implied or suggested
Conn's syndrome|disturbances in saltwater balance and symptoms of weakness and muscular cramps and twitching and convulsions and sometimes paralysis;usually caused by a benign tumor of the cortex of the adrenal gland that leads to excess secretion of aldosterone
Conocarpus|monotypic genus of tropical American trees;button tree
Conoclinium|mistflower
conodont|small (2 inches long) extinct eellike fish with a finned tail and a notochord and having cone-shaped teeth containing cellular bone;late Cambrian to late Triassic;possible predecessor of the cyclostomes;the tiny fossil cone-shaped tooth of a primitive vertebrate of order Conodonta
Conodonta|extinct order of primitive vertebrates;the precise taxonomy is not clear;in some classifications considered a separate phylum
Conopodium|a genus of dicotyledonous plants of the family Umbelliferae
Conospermum|Australian shrubs (some trees) with flowers in dense spikes;smoke bush
Conoy|a member of an Algonquian people formerly living in Maryland between Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac river;allies of the Nanticoke people
conqueror|someone who is victorious by force of arms
conquest|success in mastering something difficult - "the conquest of space";the act of conquering
conquistador|an adventurer (especially one who led the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century)
Conrad|English novelist (born in Poland) noted for sea stories and for his narrative technique (1857-1924)
Conradina|small genus of low aromatic shrubs of southeastern United States
consanguinity|(anthropology) related by blood
conscience|a feeling of shame when you do something immoral - "he has no conscience about his cruelty";conformity to one's own sense of right conduct - "a person of unflagging conscience";motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
conscience money|payment made voluntarily to reduce guilt over dishonest dealings
conscientious objector|one who refuses to serve in the armed forces on grounds of conscience
conscientiousness|the quality of being in accord with the dictates of conscience;the trait of being painstaking and careful
consciousness|an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation - "he lost consciousness"
conscription|compulsory military service
consecration|(religion) sanctification of something by setting it apart (usually with religious rites) as dedicated to God - "the Cardinal attended the consecration of the church";a solemn commitment of your life or your time to some cherished purpose (to a service or a goal) - "his consecration to study"
consensus|agreement in the judgment or opinion reached by a group as a whole - "the lack of consensus reflected differences in theoretical positions" - "those rights and obligations are based on an unstated consensus"
consent|permission to do something - "he indicated his consent"
consent decree|an agreement between two parties that is sanctioned by the court;for example, a company might agree to stop certain questionable practices without admitting guilt
consequence|a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon - "his decision had depressing consequences for business";having important effects or influence - "decisions of great consequence are made by the president himself" - "that result is of no consequence";the outcome of an event especially as relative to an individual
conservancy|a commission with jurisdiction over fisheries and navigation in a port or river;the official conservation of trees and soil and rivers etc.
conservation|(physics) the maintenance of a certain quantities unchanged during chemical reactions or physical transformations;an occurrence of improvement by virtue of preventing loss or injury or other change;the preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural resources
conservation of charge|the principle that the total electric charge of a system remains constant despite changes inside the system
conservation of energy|the fundamental principle of physics that the total energy of an isolated system is constant despite internal changes
conservation of mass|a fundamental principle of classical physics that matter cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system
conservation of momentum|the principle that the total linear momentum in a closed system is constant and is not affected by processes occurring inside the system
conservatism|a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes
Conservative|a member of a Conservative Party;a person who is reluctant to accept changes and new ideas
Conservative Jew|Jew who keeps some requirements of Mosaic law but adapts others to suit modern circumstances
Conservative Judaism|beliefs and practices of Conservative Jews;Jews who keep some of the requirements of the Mosaic law but allow for adaptation of other requirements (as some of the dietary laws) to fit modern circumstances
Conservative Party|a political party (especially in Great Britain or Australia) that believes in the importance of a capitalist economy with private ownership rather than state control
conservator|someone appointed by a court to assume responsibility for the interests of a minor or incompetent person
conservator-ward relation|the responsibility of a conservator to act in the best interests of the ward
conservatory|a greenhouse in which plants are arranged in a pleasing manner;a schoolhouse with special facilities for fine arts;the faculty and students of a school specializing in one of the fine arts
conserve|fruit preserved by cooking with sugar
consideration|a considerate and thoughtful act;a discussion of a topic (as in a meeting) - "consideration of the traffic problem took more than an hour";kind and considerate regard for others - "he showed no consideration for her feelings";the process of giving careful thought to something
consignee|the person to whom merchandise is delivered over
consigner|the person who delivers over or commits merchandise
consignment|the delivery of goods for sale or disposal
consistency|(logic) an attribute of a logical system that is so constituted that none of the propositions deducible from the axioms contradict one another;a harmonious uniformity or agreement among things or parts;logical coherence and accordance with the facts - "a rambling argument that lacked any consistency";the property of holding together and retaining its shape - "when the dough has enough consistency it is ready to bake"
consistory|a church tribunal or governing body
consolation|the act of consoling;giving relief in affliction - "his presence was a consolation to her";the comfort you feel when consoled in times of disappointment - "second place was no consolation to him"
console|a scientific instrument consisting of displays and an input device that an operator can use to monitor and control a system (especially a computer system);an ornamental scroll-shaped bracket (especially one used to support a wall fixture) - "the bust of Napoleon stood on a console"
console table|a small table fixed to a wall or designed to stand against a wall
Consolida|plants having flowers resembling the larkspur's but differing from larkspur's in the arrangement of petals;sometimes included in genus Delphinium
consolidation|combining into a solid mass;something that has consolidated into a compact mass - "he dropped the consolidation into the acid bath";the act of combining into an integral whole - "a consolidation of two corporations" - "after their consolidation the two bills were passed unanimously" - "the defendants asked for a consolidation of the actions against them"
consomme|clear soup usually of beef or veal or chicken
consonance|the property of sounding harmonious;the repetition of consonants (or consonant patterns) especially at the ends of words
consonant|a letter of the alphabet standing for a spoken consonant;a speech sound that is not a vowel
consonant system|the system of consonants used in a particular language
consort|the husband or wife of a reigning monarch
consortium|an association of companies for some definite purpose
conspecific|an organism belonging to the same species as another organism
conspectus|an overall summary
conspicuous consumption|buying expensive services and products in order to flaunt your wealth
conspicuousness|high visibility;the state of being conspicuous
conspiracy|a group of conspirators banded together to achieve some harmful or illegal purpose;a plot to carry out some harmful or illegal act (especially a political plot);a secret agreement between two or more people to perform an unlawful act
conspiracy of silence|a conspiracy not to talk about some situation or event - "there was a conspiracy of silence about police brutality"
conspirator|a member of a conspiracy
constable|a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff;a police officer of the lowest rank;English landscape painter (1776-1837)
Constance|a lake in southeastern Germany on the northern side of the Swiss Alps;forms part of the Rhine River;the council in 1414-1418 that succeeded in ending the Great Schism in the Roman Catholic Church
constancy|(psychology) the tendency for perceived objects to give rise to very similar perceptual experiences in spite of wide variations in the conditions of observation;faithfulness and dependability in personal attachments (especially sexual fidelity);the quality of being enduring and free from change or variation - "early mariners relied on the constancy of the trade winds"
constant|a number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context - "the velocity of light is a constant";a quantity that does not vary
constantan|an alloy of copper and nickel with high electrical resistance and a low temperature coefficient;used as resistance wire
Constantina|a Romanian resort city on the Black Sea
Constantine|a walled city in northeastern Algeria to the east of Algiers;was destroyed in warfare in the 4th century and rebuilt by Constantine I;Emperor of Rome who stopped the persecution of Christians and in 324 made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire;in 330 he moved his capital from Rome to Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople (280-337)
Constantinople|the council in 869 that condemned Photius who had become the patriarch of Constantinople without approval from the Vatican, thereby precipitating the schism between the eastern and western churches;the fifth ecumenical council in 553 which held Origen's writings to be heretic;the second ecumenical council in 381 which added wording about the Holy Spirit to the Nicene Creed;the sixth ecumenical council in 680-681 which condemned Monothelitism by defining two wills in Christ, divine and human
constellation|a configuration of stars as seen from the earth
constipation|irregular and infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels;can be a symptom of intestinal obstruction or diverticulitis
constituency|the body of voters who elect a representative for their area
constituent|(grammar) a word or phrase or clause forming part of a larger grammatical construction;a member of a constituency;a citizen who is represented in a government by officials for whom he or she votes - "needs continued support by constituents to be re-elected"
Constitution|a United States 44-gun frigate that was one of the first three naval ships built by the United States;it won brilliant victories over British frigates during the War of 1812 and is without doubt the most famous ship in the history of the United States Navy;it has been rebuilt and is anchored in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston;the act of forming or establishing something;the way in which someone or something is composed
constitutional|a regular walk taken as a form of exercise
Constitutional Convention|the convention of United States statesmen who drafted the United States Constitution in 1787
Constitutional Union Party|a former political party in the United States;formed in 1859 by former Whigs who hoped to preserve the Union
constitutionalism|a constitutional system of government (usually with a written constitution);advocacy of a system of government according to constitutional principles
constitutionalist|an advocate of constitutional government
constraint|the act of constraining;the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others;the state of being physically constrained
constriction|a narrowing that reduces the flow through a channel;a tight feeling in some part of the body - "he felt a constriction in her chest" - "emotion caused a constriction of his throat";the action or process of compressing;tight or narrow compression
constrictor|any of various large nonvenomous snakes that kill their prey by crushing it in its coils
construal|an interpretation of the meaning of something;the act of construing
construction|a group of words that form a constituent of a sentence and are considered as a single unit - "I concluded from his awkward constructions that he was a foreigner";an interpretation of a text or action - "they put an unsympathetic construction on his conduct";drawing a figure satisfying certain conditions as part of solving a problem or proving a theorem - "the assignment was to make a construction that could be used in proving the Pythagorean theorem";the act of constructing something - "during the construction we had to take a detour";the commercial activity involved in repairing old structures or constructing new ones - "their main business is home construction";the creation of a construct;the process of combining ideas into a congruous object of thought
construction industry|an industry that builds housing
construction paper|paper suitable for drawing and making cutouts
construction worker|a worker skilled in building offices or dwellings etc.
constructive fraud|comprises all acts or omissions or concealments involving breach of equitable or legal duty or trust or confidence
constructive possession|(law) having the power and intention to have and control property but without direct control or actual presence upon it
constructive trust|a trust created by a court (regardless of the intent of the parties) to benefit a party that has been wrongfully deprived of its rights
constructiveness|the quality of serving to build or improve
constructivism|an abstractionist artistic movement in Russia after World War I;industrial materials were used to construct nonrepresentational objects
constructivist|an artist of the school of constructivism
consubstantiation|the doctrine of the High Anglican Church that after the consecration of the Eucharist the substance of the body and blood of Christ coexists with the substance of the consecrated bread and wine
consuetude|a custom or usage that has acquired the force of law
consuetudinary|a manual describing the customs of a particular group (especially the ceremonial practices of a monastic order)
consul|a diplomat appointed by a government to protect its commercial interests and help its citizens in a foreign country
consulate|diplomatic building that serves as the residence or workplace of a consul
consulship|the post of consul
consultancy|the practice of giving expert advice within a particular field - "a business management consultancy"
consultation|a conference (usually with someone important) - "he had a consultation with the judge";a conference between two or more people to consider a particular question - "frequent consultations with his lawyer" - "a consultation of several medical specialists"
consulting firm|a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a fee
consulting service|service provided by a professional advisor (e.g., a lawyer or doctor or CPA etc.)
consumer|a person who uses goods or services
consumer credit|a line of credit extended for personal or household use
consumer finance company|a finance company that makes loans to people who have trouble getting a bank loan
consumer goods|goods (as food or clothing) intended for direct use or consumption
consumer price index|an index of the cost of all goods and services to a typical consumer
consumer research|marketing research that yields information about the motives and needs of different classes of consumers
consumerism|a movement advocating greater protection of the interests of consumers;the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically beneficial
consummation|the act of bringing to completion or fruition;the completion of marriage by sexual intercourse
consumption|(economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing - "the consumption of energy has increased steadily";the act of consuming something;the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating)
consumptive|a person with pulmonary tuberculosis
contact|(electronics) a junction where things (as two electrical conductors) touch or are in physical contact - "they forget to solder the contacts";a communicative interaction - "the pilot made contact with the base";a person who is in a position to give you special assistance - "he used his business contacts to get an introduction to the governor";a thin curved glass or plastic lens designed to fit over the cornea in order to correct vision or to deliver medication;close interaction - "they kept in daily contact" - "they claimed that they had been in contact with extraterrestrial beings";the act of touching physically - "her fingers came in contact with the light switch";the physical coming together of two or more things - "contact with the pier scraped paint from the hull";the state or condition of touching or of being in immediate proximity - "litmus paper turns red on contact with an acid"
contact dermatitis|a delayed type of allergic reaction of the skin resulting from skin contact with a specific allergen (such as poison ivy)
contact print|a print made by exposing a photosensitive surface to direct contact with a photographic negative
contact sport|a sport that necessarily involves body contact between opposing players
contadino|an Italian farmer
contagion|the communication of an attitude or emotional state among a number of people - "a contagion of mirth"
contagious disease|any disease easily transmitted by contact
container|any object that can be used to hold things (especially a large metal boxlike object of standardized dimensions that can be loaded from one form of transport to another)
container ship|a cargo ship designed to hold containerized cargoes - "the weight of the documentation of all the consignments on board a contemporary container ship can exceed 90 pounds"
containerful|the quantity that a container will hold
containment|(physics) a system designed to prevent the accidental release of radioactive material from a reactor;a policy of creating strategic alliances in order to check the expansion of a hostile power or ideology or to force it to negotiate peacefully - "containment of communist expansion was a central principle of United States' foreign policy from 1947 to the 1975";the act of containing;keeping something from spreading - "the containment of the AIDS epidemic" - "the containment of the rebellion"
contaminant|a substance that contaminates
contamination|the act of contaminating or polluting;including (either intentionally or accidentally) unwanted substances or factors;the state of being contaminated
contemplation|a calm, lengthy, intent consideration;a long and thoughtful observation
contemplative|a person devoted to the contemplative life
contemporaneity|the quality of belonging to the same period of time
contemporary|a person of nearly the same age as another
contempt|a manner that is generally disrespectful and contemptuous;a willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body;lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike - "he was held in contempt";open disrespect for a person or thing
contempt of Congress|deliberate obstruction of the operation of the federal legislative branch
contempt of court|disrespect for the rules of a court of law
contemptuousness|the manifestation of scorn and contempt - "every subordinate sensed his contemptuousness and hated him in return"
content|everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something - "he emptied the contents of his pockets" - "the two groups were similar in content";the proportion of a substance that is contained in a mixture or alloy etc.;the sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned
content word|a word to which an independent meaning can be assigned
contentedness|the state of being contented with your situation in life - "he relaxed in sleepy contentedness"
contention|a point asserted as part of an argument
contentment|happiness with one's situation in life
contents|a list of divisions (chapters or articles) and the pages on which they start
contest|a struggle between rivals;an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants
contestant|a person who participates in competitions
contestee|a winner (of a race or an election etc.) whose victory is contested
contester|someone who contests an outcome (of a race or an election etc.)
context|discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its interpretation;the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event - "the historical context"
contextual definition|a definition in which the term is used by embedding it in a larger expression containing its explanation - "a contextual definition of 'legal duty' might be 'X has a legal duty to do Y means that X is required to do Y by a contract relationship that would be upheld in a court of law'"
contextualism|any doctrine emphasizing the importance of the context in solving problems or establishing the meaning of terms
continence|the exercise of self constraint in sexual matters;voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge
continent|one of the large landmasses of the earth - "there are seven continents" - "pioneers had to cross the continent on foot";the European mainland
Continental Army|the American army during the American Revolution
continental breakfast|a breakfast that usually includes a roll and coffee or tea
Continental Congress|the legislative assembly composed of delegates from the rebel colonies who met during and after the American Revolution;they issued the Declaration of Independence and framed Articles of Confederation
continental divide|the watershed of a continent (especially the watershed of North America formed by a series of mountain ridges extending from Alaska to Mexico)
continental drift|the gradual movement and formation of continents (as described by plate tectonics)
continental glacier|a glacier that spreads out from a central mass of ice
continental shelf|the relatively shallow (up to 200 meters) seabed surrounding a continent
continental slope|the steep descent of the seabed from the continental shelf to the abyssal zone
contingency|the state of being contingent on something
contingency fee|a fee that is payable only if the outcome is successful (as for an attorney's services)
contingency procedure|an alternative to the normal procedure;triggered if an unusual but anticipated situation arises
contingent|a gathering of persons representative of some larger group - "each nation sent a contingent of athletes to the Olympics";a temporary military unit - "the peacekeeping force includes one British contingent"
continuance|the act of continuing an activity without interruption
continuant consonant|consonant articulated by constricting (but not closing) the vocal tract
continued fraction|a fraction whose numerator is an integer and whose denominator is an integer plus a fraction whose numerator is an integer and whose denominator is an integer plus a fraction and so on
continuing education|a program of instruction designed primarily for adult students who participate part-time
continuing trespass|trespass that is not transient or intermittent but continues as long as the offending object remains - "dumping his garbage on my land was a case of continuing trespass"
continuity|a detailed script used in making a film in order to avoid discontinuities from shot to shot;the property of a continuous and connected period of time;uninterrupted connection or union
Continuity Irish Republican Army|a terrorist organization formed in Ireland in 1994 as a clandestine armed wing of Sinn Fein
continuousness|the quality of something that continues without end or interruption
continuum|a continuous nonspatial whole or extent or succession in which no part or portion is distinct or distinguishable from adjacent parts
conto|1 conto equals 1,000 escudos in Portugal
Contopus|pewees
contortion|the act of twisting or deforming the shape of something (e.g., yourself)
contortionist|an acrobat able to twist into unusual positions
contour|a feature (or the order or arrangement of features) of anything having a complex structure - "the contours of the melody" - "it defines a major contour of this administration";a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
contour feather|feathers covering the body of an adult bird and determining its shape
contour language|a tone language that uses pitch changes
contour map|a map having contour lines through points of equal elevation
Contra|a member of the guerrilla force that opposed a left-wing government in Nicaragua
contraband|goods whose importation or exportation or possession is prohibited by law
contrabassoon|the bassoon that is the largest instrument in the oboe family
contraception|birth control by the use of devices (diaphragm or intrauterine device or condom) or drugs or surgery
contraceptive|an agent or device intended to prevent conception
contract|(contract bridge) the highest bid becomes the contract setting the number of tricks that the bidder must make;a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law;a variety of bridge in which the bidder receives points toward game only for the number of tricks he bid
contract killing|a murder carried out on agreement with a hired killer
contract law|that branch of jurisprudence that studies the rights and obligations of parties entering into contracts
contract offer|offer by an employer to contract to pay an employee at a given rate
contractile organ|a bodily organ that contracts
contractility|the capability or quality of shrinking or contracting, especially by muscle fibers and even some other forms of living matter
contraction|(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber);a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds - "'won't' is a contraction of 'will not'" - "'o'clock' is a contraction of 'of the clock'";the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
contractor|(law) a party to a contract;someone (a person or firm) who contracts to build things;the bridge player in contract bridge who wins the bidding and can declare which suit is to be trumps
contracture|an abnormal and usually permanent contraction of a muscle
contradiction|(logic) a statement that is necessarily false - "the statement 'he is brave and he is not brave' is a contradiction";opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas;the speech act of contradicting someone - "he spoke as if he thought his claims were immune to contradiction"
contradictoriness|the relation that exists when opposites cannot coexist
contradictory|two propositions are contradictories if both cannot be true (or both cannot be false) at the same time
contradistinction|a distinction drawn on the basis of contrast - "sculpture in contradistinction to painting"
contrail|an artificial cloud created by an aircraft;caused either by condensation due to the reduction in air pressure above the wing surface or by water vapor in the engine exhaust
contraindication|(medicine) a reason that makes it inadvisable to prescribe a particular drug or employ a particular procedure or treatment
contralto|a woman singer having a contralto voice;the lowest female singing voice
contrapuntist|a composer who specializes in counterpoint
contrarian|an investor who deliberately decides to go against the prevailing wisdom of other investors
contrariety|the relation between contraries
contrariness|deliberate and stubborn unruliness and resistance to guidance or discipline
contrary|a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false;exact opposition - "public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty"
Contras|a Nicaraguan counterrevolutionary guerrilla force from 1979 to 1990;it opposed a left-wing government, with support from the United States
contrast|the act of distinguishing by comparing differences;the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared - "in contrast to", "by contrast";the perceptual effect of the juxtaposition of very different colors;the range of optical density and tone on a photographic negative or print (or the extent to which adjacent areas on a television screen differ in brightness)
contrast medium|a substance that is opaque to x-rays;when administered it allows a radiologist to examine the organ or tissue it fills
contretemps|an awkward clash - "he tried to smooth over his contretemps with the policeman"
contribution|a voluntary gift (as of money or service or ideas) made to some worthwhile cause;a writing for publication especially one of a collection of writings as an article or story;act of giving in common with others for a common purpose especially to a charity;an amount of money contributed - "he expected his contribution to be repaid with interest";the part played by a person in bringing about a result - "I am proud of my contribution in advancing the project"
contributor|a writer whose work is published in a newspaper or magazine or as part of a book
contributory negligence|(law) behavior by the plaintiff that contributes to the harm resulting from the defendant's negligence - "in common law any degree of contributory negligence would bar the plaintiff from collecting damages"
contrivance|an artificial or unnatural or obviously contrived arrangement of details or parts etc. - "the plot contained too many improbable contrivances to be believable";an elaborate or deceitful scheme contrived to deceive or evade - "his testimony was just a contrivance to throw us off the track";the faculty of contriving;inventive skill - "his skillful contrivance of answers to every problem"
control|(physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc - "the timing and control of his movements were unimpaired" - "he had lost control of his sphincters";a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine - "the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly" - "I turned the controls over to her";a relation of constraint of one entity (thing or person or group) by another - "measures for the control of disease" - "they instituted controls over drinking on campus";a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance;power to direct or determine - "under control";the activity of managing or exerting control over something - "the control of the mob by the police was admirable";the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc. - "they wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls"
control account|an account that shows totals of amounts entered in a subsidiary ledger
control center|the operational center for a group of related activities - "the general in command never left the control center"
control character|ASCII characters to indicate carriage return or tab or backspace;typed by depressing a key and the control key at the same time
control circuit|a feedback circuit that subtracts from the input
control condition|a standard against which other conditions can be compared in a scientific experiment - "the control condition was inappropriate for the conclusions he wished to draw"
control experiment|an experiment designed to control for variables affecting the results of another experiment
control freak|someone with a compulsive desire to exert control over situations and people
control key|(computer science) the key on a computer keyboard that is used (in combination with some other key) to type control characters
control operation|an operation that controls the recording or processing or transmission of interpretation of data - "a control operation started the data processing"
control panel|electrical device consisting of a flat insulated surface that contains switches and dials and meters for controlling other electrical devices
control rod|a steel or aluminum rod that can be moved up or down to control the rate of the nuclear reaction
control room|a room housing control equipment (as in a recording studio)
control stock|shares owned by shareholders who have a controlling interest
control system|a system for controlling the operation of another system
control tower|a tower with an elevated workspace enclosed in glass for the visual observation of aircraft around an airport
controlled substance|a drug or chemical substance whose possession and use are controlled by law
controllership|the position of controller
controlling interest|ownership of more than 50% of a corporation's voting shares
controversy|a contentious speech act;a dispute where there is strong disagreement
contumacy|obstinate rebelliousness and insubordination;resistance to authority;willful refusal to appear before a court or comply with a court order;can result in a finding of contempt of court
contusion|the action of bruising - "the bruise resulted from a contusion"
conurbation|an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities
Conuropsis|a genus of Psittacidae
convalescence|gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury
convalescent|a person who is recovering from illness
Convallaria|sometimes placed in family Convallariaceae;lily of the valley
Convallariaceae|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted
convection|(meteorology) the vertical movement of heat or other properties by massive motion within the atmosphere;the transfer of heat through a fluid (liquid or gas) caused by molecular motion
convector|a space heater that transfers heat to the surrounding air by convection
convener|the member of a group whose duty it is to convene meetings
convenience|the quality of being useful and convenient - "they offered the convenience of an installment plan";the state of being suitable or opportune - "chairs arranged for his own convenience"
convenience food|any packaged dish or food that can be prepared quickly and easily as by thawing or heating
convenience store|a store selling a limited variety of food and pharmaceutical items;open long hours for the convenience of customers
convent|a community of people in a religious order (especially nuns) living together;a religious residence especially for nuns
conventicle|a building for religious assembly (especially Nonconformists, e.g., Quakers);a secret unauthorized meeting for religious worship
convention|(diplomacy) an international agreement;a large formal assembly - "political convention";something regarded as a normative example - "the convention of not naming the main character";the act of convening
conventionality|conformity with conventional thought and behavior;orthodoxy as a consequence of being conventional;unoriginality as a result of being too conventional
conventionalization|the act of conventionalizing;conforming to a conventional style
conventioneer|someone who attends a convention
convergence|the act of converging (coming closer);the approach of an infinite series to a finite limit;the occurrence of two or more things coming together
convergent thinking|thinking that brings together information focussed on solving a problem (especially solving problems that have a single correct solution)
converging lens|lens such that a beam of light passing through it is brought to a point or focus
conversation|the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
conversation piece|something interesting that stimulates conversation
conversation stopper|a remark to which there is no polite conversational reply
conversationalist|someone skilled at conversation
converse|a proposition obtained by conversion
conversion|(psychiatry) a defense mechanism represses emotional conflicts which are then converted into physical symptoms that have no organic basis;a change in the units or form of an expression - "conversion from Fahrenheit to Centigrade";a change of religion - "his conversion to the Catholic faith";a spiritual enlightenment causing a person to lead a new life;a successful free throw or try for point after a touchdown;act of exchanging one type of money or security for another;an event that results in a transformation;interchange of subject and predicate of a proposition;the act of changing from one use or function or purpose to another
conversion disorder|a mental disorder characterized by the conversion of mental conflict into somatic forms (into paralysis or anesthesia having no apparent cause)
conversion factor|factor by which a quantity that is expressed in one set of units must be multiplied in order to convert it into another set of units
Converso|(medieval Spain and Portugal) a Jew or Moor who professed to convert to Christianity in order to avoid persecution or expulsion
convert|a person who has been converted to another religious or political belief
converter|a device for changing one substance or form or state into another
convertibility|the quality of being exchangeable (especially the ability to convert a currency into gold or other currencies without restriction)
convertible|a car that has top that can be folded or removed;a corporate security (usually bonds or preferred stock) that can be exchanged for another form of security (usually common stock);a sofa that can be converted into a bed
convertible bond|a bond that can be converted to other securities under certain conditions
convex polygon|a polygon such that no side extended cuts any other side or vertex;it can be cut by a straight line in at most two points
convex polyhedron|a polyhedron any plane section of which is a convex polygon
convex shape|a shape that curves or bulges outward
convexity|the property possessed by a convex shape
conveyance|act of transferring property title from one person to another;document effecting a property transfer;something that serves as a means of transportation;the transmission of information
conveyancer|a lawyer who specializes in the business of conveying properties
conveyer|a person who conveys (carries or transmits) - "the conveyer of good tidings"
conveyer belt|a moving belt that transports objects (as in a factory)
convict|a person serving a sentence in a jail or prison;a person who has been convicted of a criminal offense
conviction|(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed - "the conviction came as no surprise";an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
convincingness|the power of argument or evidence to cause belief
conviviality|a jovial nature
convocation|a group gathered in response to a summons;the act of convoking
convolution|the action of coiling or twisting or winding together
Convolvulaceae|morning glory;bindweed;sweet potato;plants having trumpet-shaped flowers and a climbing or twining habit
convolvulus|any of numerous plants of the genus Convolvulus
convoy|a collection of merchant ships with an escort of warships;a procession of land vehicles traveling together;the act of escorting while in transit
convulsion|a physical disturbance such as an earthquake or upheaval;a violent disturbance - "the convulsions of the stock market";violent uncontrollable contractions of muscles
Conyza|common American weed or wildflower
coo|the sound made by a pigeon
Cook|English navigator who claimed the east coast of Australia for Britain and discovered several Pacific islands (1728-1779);someone who cooks food
Cook Strait|a narrow strait separating the North Island and South Island in New Zealand
cookbook|a book of recipes and cooking directions
Cooke|United States financier who marketed Union bonds to finance the American Civil War;the failure of his bank resulted in a financial panic in 1873 (1821-1905);United States journalist (born in England in 1908)
cooker|a utensil for cooking
cookfire|a fire for cooking
cookhouse|a detached or outdoor shelter for cooking - "the circus used a tent as their cookhouse"
cookie|a short line of text that a web site puts on your computer's hard drive when you access the web site;any of various small flat sweet cakes ('biscuit' is the British term);the cook on a ranch or at a camp
cookie cutter|a kitchen utensil used to cut a sheet of cookie dough into desired shapes before baking
cookie jar|a jar in which cookies are kept (and sometimes money is hidden)
cookie jar reserve|a hidden reserve that can be used to adjust quarterly earning reports
cookie sheet|a cooking utensil consisting of a flat rectangular metal sheet used for baking cookies or biscuits
cooking|the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat - "cooking can be a great art"
cooking apple|an apple used primarily in cooking for pies and applesauce etc
cooking oil|any of numerous vegetable oils used in cooking
cooking utensil|a kitchen utensil made of material that does not melt easily;used for cooking
cookout|an informal meal cooked and eaten outdoors
cookstove|a stove for cooking (especially a wood- or coal-burning kitchen stove)
cool|the quality of being at a refreshingly low temperature - "the cool of early morning"
cool jazz|jazz that is restrained and fluid and marked by intricate harmonic structures often lagging slightly behind the beat
coolant|a fluid agent (gas or liquid) that produces cooling;especially one used to cool a system by transferring heat away from one part to another - "he added more coolant to the car's radiator" - "the atomic reactor used a gas coolant" - "lathe operators use an emulsion of oil and water as a coolant for the cutting tool"
coolant system|a cooling system that uses a fluid to transfer heat from one place to another
cooler|a cell for violent prisoners;a refrigerator for cooling liquids;an iced drink especially white wine and fruit juice
Cooley's anemia|a fatal form of homozygous thalassemia (inherited from both parents) in which there is no hemoglobin;skeletal deformations;heart and spleen and liver enlarged
Coolidge|elected vice president and succeeded as 30th President of the United States when Harding died in 1923 (1872-1933)
coolie|(ethnic slur) an offensive name for an unskilled Asian laborer
cooling|the process of becoming cooler;a falling temperature
cooling system|a mechanism for keeping something cool;equipment in a motor vehicle that cools the engine
cooling tower|a cooling system used in industry to cool hot water (by partial evaporation) before reusing it as a coolant
coolness|calm and unruffled self-assurance - "he performed with all the coolness of a veteran";fearless self-possession in the face of danger
coon|an eccentric or undignified rustic - "I'll be a gone coon when the battle starts"
coondog|any dog trained to hunt raccoons
coonhound|any of several breeds of hound developed for hunting raccoons
coonskin cap|a raccoon cap with the tail hanging down the back
coontie|small tough woody zamia of Florida and West Indies and Cuba;roots and half-buried stems yield an arrowroot
cooper|a craftsman who makes or repairs wooden barrels or tubs;United States film actor noted for his portrayals of strong silent heroes (1901-1961);United States industrialist who built the first American locomotive;founded Cooper Union in New York City to offer free courses in the arts and sciences (1791-1883);United States novelist noted for his stories of American Indians and the frontier life (1789-1851)
Cooper Union|university founded in 1859 by Peter Cooper to offer free courses in the arts and sciences
cooperation|joint operation or action - "their cooperation with us was essential for the success of our mission";the practice of cooperating - "economic cooperation" - "they agreed on a policy of cooperation"
cooperative|a jointly owned commercial enterprise (usually organized by farmers or consumers) that produces and distributes goods and services and is run for the benefit of its owners;an association formed and operated for the benefit of those using it
Cooper's hawk|bluish-grey North American hawk having a darting flight
Cooperstown|a small town in east central New York;site of the National Baseball Hall of Fame
co-option|the act of appointing summarily (with or without the appointee's consent);the selection of a new member (usually by a vote of the existing membership)
coordinate|a number that identifies a position relative to an axis
coordinate axis|one of the fixed reference lines of a coordinate system
coordinate bond|a covalent bond in which both electrons are provided by one of the atoms
coordinate clause|a clause in a complex sentence that is grammatically equivalent to the main clause and that performs the same grammatical function
coordinate system|a system that uses coordinates to establish position
coordinated universal time|Greenwich Mean Time updated with leap seconds
coordinating conjunction|a conjunction (like 'and' or 'or') that connects two identically constructed grammatical constituents;the coordination by conjunction of linguistic units of the same status
coordination|being of coordinate importance, rank, or degree;the grammatical relation of two constituents having the same grammatical form;the regulation of diverse elements into an integrated and harmonious operation;the skillful and effective interaction of movements
coordinator|someone whose task is to see that work goes harmoniously
Coosa|river that rises in northwestern Georgia and flows southwest through eastern Alabama to join the Tallapoosa River near Montgomery and form the Alabama River
coot|slate-black slow-flying birds somewhat resembling ducks
cooter|large river turtle of the southern United States and northern Mexico
copaiba|an oleoresin used in varnishes and ointments
copal|a brittle aromatic resin used in varnishes
copalite|partly mineralized copal dug from the ground
copartner|a joint partner (as in a business enterprise)
copartnership|a partnership in which employees get a share of the profits in addition to their wages
cope|a long cloak;worn by a priest or bishop on ceremonial occasions
Copehan|a group of Penutian languages spoken to the west of the Sacramento river
Copenhagen|the capital and largest city of Denmark;located on the island of Zealand - "Copenhagen is sometimes called the Paris of the North"
copepod|minute marine or freshwater crustaceans usually having six pairs of limbs on the thorax;some abundant in plankton and others parasitic on fish
Copepoda|minute planktonic or parasitic crustaceans
Copernican system|(astronomy) Copernicus' astronomical model in which the Earth rotates around the sun
Copernicia|slow-growing tropical fan palms
Copernicus|a conspicuous crater on the Moon;Polish astronomer who produced a workable model of the solar system with the sun in the center (1473-1543)
copilot|a relief pilot on an airplane
coping saw|a handsaw with a taut thin blade;used for cutting small curves in wood
Copland|United States composer who developed a distinctly American music (1900-1990)
Copley|American painter who did portraits of Paul Revere and John Hancock before fleeing to England to avoid the American Revolution (1738-1815)
copolymer|a polymer consisting of two or more different monomers
copout|a failure to face some difficulty squarely
copper|a copper penny;a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element;occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses;used as an electrical and thermal conductor;a reddish-brown color resembling the color of polished copper;any of various small butterflies of the family Lycaenidae having coppery wings
copper beech|variety of European beech with shining purple or copper-colored leaves
copper mine|a mine where copper is dug from the ground
copper oxide|an oxide of copper
copper rockfish|a rockfish of the Pacific coastal waters of North America
copper sulfate|a copper salt made by the action of sulfuric acid on copper oxide
copper-base alloy|any alloy whose principal component is copper
copperhead|common coppery brown pit viper of upland eastern United States;venomous but sluggish reddish-brown snake of Australia
copperplate|a graceful style of handwriting based on the writing used on copperplate engravings;a print made from an engraved copperplate;an engraving consisting of a smooth plate of copper that has been etched or engraved
coppersmith|someone who makes articles from copper
copperware|utensils made with copper
Coppola|United States filmmaker (born in 1939)
copra|the dried meat of the coconut from which oil is extracted
Coprinaceae|used in some classifications for the genus Coprinus
Coprinus|genus of black-spotted agarics in which the cap breaks down at maturity into an inky fluid;sometimes placed in its own family Coprinaceae
coprolalia|an uncontrollable use of obscene language;often accompanied by mental disorders
coprolite|fossil excrement;petrified dung
coprolith|a hard mass of fecal matter
coprophagy|eating feces;in human a symptom of some kinds of insanity
Copt|a member of the Coptic Church;an Egyptian descended from the ancient Egyptians
Coptic|the liturgical language of the Coptic Church used in Egypt and Ethiopia;written in the Greek alphabet
Coptic Church|the ancient Christian church of Egypt
Coptis|small genus of low perennial herbs having yellow rhizomes and white or yellow flowers
copula|an equating verb (such as 'be' or 'become') that links the subject with the complement of a sentence
copulative conjunction|the conjunctive relation of units that expresses the addition of their meanings
copy|a thing made to be similar or identical to another thing - "she made a copy of the designer dress" - "the clone was a copy of its ancestor";material suitable for a journalistic account - "catastrophes make good copy";matter to be printed;exclusive of graphical materials
copy editing|putting something into a form suitable for a printer
copy editor|an editor who prepares text for publication
copybook|a book containing models of good penmanship;used in teaching penmanship
copycat|someone who copies the words or behavior of another
copyhold|a medieval form of land tenure in England;a copyhold was a parcel of land granted to a peasant by the lord of the manor in return for agricultural services
copyholder|mechanical device used in printing;holds the copy for the compositor
copying|an act of copying
copyist|someone employed to make written copies of documents and manuscripts
copyright|a document granting exclusive right to publish and sell literary or musical or artistic work
copyright infringement|a violation of the rights secured by a copyright
copywriter|a person employed to write advertising or publicity copy
coq au vin|chicken and onions and mushrooms braised in red wine and seasonings
coquette|a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men
coquilla nut|nut having a hard hazel-brown shell used like vegetable ivory
coquille|a dish in the form of a scallop shell;seafood served in a scallop shell
coquilles Saint-Jacques|scallops in white wine sauce served in scallop shells
cor pulmonale|enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart due to disease of the lungs or of the pulmonary blood vessels
Coracias|type genus of the Coraciidae
Coraciidae|rollers
coraciiform bird|chiefly short-legged arboreal nonpasserine birds that nest in holes
Coraciiformes|rollers;kingfishers;hornbills;hoopoes;motmots;bee eaters;todies
coracle|a small rounded boat made of hides stretched over a wicker frame;still used in some parts of Great Britain
Coragyps|a genus of Cathartidae
coral|a variable color averaging a deep pink;marine colonial polyp characterized by a calcareous skeleton;masses in a variety of shapes often forming reefs;the hard stony skeleton of a Mediterranean coral that has a delicate red or pink color and is used for jewelry;unfertilized lobster roe;reddens in cooking;used as garnish or to color sauces
coral bean tree|deciduous shrub having racemes of deep red flowers and black-spotted red seeds
coral bush|Australian shrub having simple obovate leaves and brilliant scarlet flowers
coral drops|half-hardy Mexican herb cultivated for its drooping terminal umbels of showy red-and-white flowers
coral fungus|any of numerous fungi of the family Clavariaceae often brightly colored that grow in often intricately branched clusters like coral
coral gem|low-growing much-branched perennial of Canary Islands having orange-red to scarlet or purple flowers;naturalized in United States
coral necklace|glabrous annual with slender taproot and clusters of white flowers;western Europe especially western Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal areas
coral pea|any of various Australian climbing plants of the genus Kennedia having scarlet flowers
coral reef|a reef consisting of coral consolidated into limestone
coral root|a wildflower of the genus Corallorhiza growing from a hard mass of rhizomes associated with a fungus that aids in absorbing nutrients from the forest floor
Coral Sea|a Japanese defeat in World War II (May 1942);the first naval battle fought entirely by planes based on aircraft carriers;an arm of the South Pacific to the northeast of Australia
coral snake|any of several venomous New World snakes brilliantly banded in red and black and either yellow or white;widely distributed in South America and Central America;any of various venomous elapid snakes of Asia and Africa and Australia
coral tree|any of various shrubs or shrubby trees of the genus Erythrina having trifoliate leaves and racemes of scarlet to coral red flowers and black seeds;cultivated as an ornamental
coral vine|prostrate or twining woody vine with small leathery leaves and umbels of red flowers;Australia and Tasmania
coralbells|perennial plant of the western United States having bright red flowers in feathery spikes;used as an ornamental
coralberry|North American deciduous shrub cultivated for it abundant clusters of coral-red berrylike fruits;shrub with coral-red berries;Japan to northern India
Corallorhiza|genus of leafless root-parasitic orchids having small purplish or yellowish racemose flowers with lobed lips;widely distributed in temperate regions
coral-root bittercress|European bittercress having a knotted white rootstock
coralwood|East Indian tree with racemes of yellow-white flowers;cultivated as an ornamental
corbel|(architecture) a triangular bracket of brick or stone (usually of slight extent)
corbel arch|(architecture) an arch constructed of masonry courses that are corbelled until they meet
corbel step|(architecture) a step on the top of a gable wall
Corbett|United States heavyweight boxing champion (1866-1933)
corbie gable|(architecture) a gable having corbie-steps or corbel steps
corbina|bluish-grey whiting of California coast
corchorus|any of various plants of the genus Corchorus having large leaves and cymose clusters of yellow flowers;a source of jute;widely distributed genus of tropical herbs or subshrubs;especially Asia
cord|a cut pile fabric with vertical ribs;usually made of cotton;a light insulated conductor for household use;a line made of twisted fibers or threads - "the bundle was tied with a cord";a unit of amount of wood cut for burning;128 cubic feet
cord blood|blood obtained from the umbilical cord at birth
cordage|the amount of wood in an area as measured in cords;the ropes in the rigging of a ship
Cordaitaceae|chiefly Paleozoic plants;Cordaites is the chief and typical genus
Cordaitales|extinct plants having tall arborescent trunks comparable to or more advanced than cycads;known from the Pennsylvanian period;probably extinct since the Mesozoic era
Cordaites|tall Paleozoic trees superficially resembling modern screw pines;structurally intermediate in some ways between cycads and conifers
cordate leaf|a heart-shaped leaf
Corday|French revolutionary heroine (a Girondist) who assassinated Marat (1768-1793)
cordgrass|any of several perennial grasses of the genus Spartina;some important as coastal soil binders
Cordia|tropical deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs of the family Boraginaceae
cordial reception|kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
cordierite|a blue mineral of magnesium and iron and aluminum and silicon and oxygen;often used as a gemstone
cordite|explosive powder (nitroglycerin and guncotton and petrolatum) dissolved in acetone and dried and extruded in brown cords
corditis|inflammation of the spermatic cord
Cordoba|a city in central Argentina;site of a university founded in 1613;a city in southern Spain;center of Moorish culture;Spanish explorer who discovered Yucatan (1475-1526);the basic unit of money in Nicaragua;equal to 100 centavos
cordon|a series of sentinels or of military posts enclosing or guarding some place or thing;adornment consisting of an ornamental ribbon or cord;cord or ribbon worn as an insignia of honor or rank
cordon bleu|a chef famous for his great skill
cordovan|a fine leather originally made in Cordoba, Spain
cords|cotton trousers made of corduroy cloth
corduroy|a road made of logs laid crosswise
cordwood|firewood cut and stacked in cords;wood sold by the cord
Cordylidae|small family of spiny ovoviviparous African lizards
Cordyline|Asiatic and Pacific trees or shrubs;fragments of the trunk will regrow to form whole plants
Cordylus|type genus of the Cordylidae;spiny lizards somewhat resembling tiny crocodiles
core|(computer science) a tiny ferrite toroid formerly used in a random access memory to store one bit of data;now superseded by semiconductor memories - "each core has three wires passing through it, providing the means to select and detect the contents of each bit";a bar of magnetic material (as soft iron) that passes through a coil and serves to increase the inductance of the coil;a cylindrical sample of soil or rock obtained with a hollow drill;a small group of indispensable persons or things - "five periodicals make up the core of their publishing program";the center of an object - "the ball has a titanium core";the central part of the Earth;the chamber of a nuclear reactor containing the fissile material where the reaction takes place
core bit|a hollow drilling bit that is the cutting part of a core drill;allows core samples to be taken
core drill|a drill that removes a cylindrical core from the drill hole
core dump|(computer science) dump of the contents of the chief registers in the CPU;usually used for debugging
coreference|the grammatical relation between two words that have a common referent
Coregonidae|soft-finned fishes comprising the freshwater whitefishes;formerly included in the family Salmonidae
Coregonus|type genus of the Coregonidae;whitefishes
coreid bug|a true bug
Coreidae|squash bugs and leaf-footed bugs
coreligionist|someone having the same religion as another person
Corelli|Italian violinist and composer of violin concertos (1653-1713)
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
corer|a device for removing the core from apples
corespondent|the codefendant charged with adultery with the estranged spouse in a divorce proceeding
corgi|either of two Welsh breeds of long-bodied short-legged dogs with erect ears and a fox-like head
coriander|dried coriander seeds used whole or ground;Old World herb with aromatic leaves and seed resembling parsley;parsley-like herb used as seasoning or garnish
Coriandrum|small genus of annual Mediterranean herbs
Corinth|the modern Greek port near the site of the ancient city that was second only to Athens
Corinthian|a resident of Corinth
Corinthian order|the last Greek order;similar to the Ionic order except the capital is decorated with carvings of acanthus leaves
Coriolis effect|(physics) an effect whereby a body moving in a rotating frame of reference experiences the Coriolis force acting perpendicular to the direction of motion and to the axis of rotation;on Earth the Coriolis effect deflects moving bodies to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere
Coriolis force|(physics) a force due to the earth's rotation;acts on a body in motion (airplane or projectile) in a rotating reference frame;in a rotating frame of reference Newton's second law of motion can be made to apply if in addition to the real forces acting on a body a Coriolis force and a centrifugal force are introduced
Corixa|type genus of the Corixidae;boat bugs
Corixidae|water bugs
Cork|a port city in southern Ireland;outer bark of the cork oak;used for stoppers for bottles etc.;the plug in the mouth of a bottle (especially a wine bottle)
cork oak|medium-sized evergreen oak of southern Europe and northern Africa having thick corky bark that is periodically stripped to yield commercial cork
cork tree|deciduous tree of China and Manchuria having a turpentine aroma and handsome compound leaves turning yellow in autumn and deeply fissured corky bark;prickly Australian coral tree having soft spongy wood
corkage|a charge added at a restaurant for every bottle of wine served that was not bought on the premises
corkboard|a heat-insulating building material consisting of cork granules that are made into sheets by compressing and baking
corker|(dated slang) a remarkable or excellent thing or person - "that story was a corker";a machine that is used to put corks in bottles
corkscrew|a bottle opener that pulls corks
corkwood|very small deciduous dioecious tree or shrub of damp habitats in southeastern United States having extremely light wood
corm|solid swollen underground bulb-shaped stem or stem base and serving as a reproductive structure
cormorant|large voracious dark-colored long-necked seabird with a distensible pouch for holding fish;used in Asia to catch fish
cormous plant|plant growing from a corm
corn|(Great Britain) any of various cereal plants (especially the dominant crop of the region--wheat in Great Britain or oats in Scotland and Ireland);a hard thickening of the skin (especially on the top or sides of the toes) caused by the pressure of ill-fitting shoes;ears of corn that can be prepared and served for human food;something sentimental or trite - "that movie was pure corn";tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears;widely cultivated in America in many varieties;the principal cereal in Mexico and Central and South America since pre-Columbian times;the dried grains or kernels or corn used as animal feed or ground for meal
Corn Belt|the midwestern states where corn is grown;Iowa and Illinois are excellent for raising corn and corn-fed livestock
corn borer|larva of the European corn borer moth;a serious pest of maize;native to Europe;in America the larvae bore into the stem and crown of corn and other plants
corn cake|baked in a pan or on a griddle (southern and midland)
corn chamomile|European white-flowered weed naturalized in North America
corn chip|thin piece of cornmeal dough fried
corn chowder|chowder containing corn
corn cockle|European annual having large trumpet-shaped reddish-purple flowers and poisonous seed;a common weed in grainfields and beside roadways;naturalized in America
corn dab|small oval cake of corn bread baked or fried (chiefly southern)
corn dance|a rain dance of Amerindians
corn earworm|larva of a noctuid moth;highly destructive to especially corn and cotton and tomato crops
corn exchange|an exchange where grains are bought and sold
corn flake|crisp flake made from corn
corn fritter|fritter containing corn or corn kernels
corn gluten|gluten prepared from corn
corn gluten feed|a feed consisting primarily of corn gluten
corn lily|any of several South African plants of the genus Ixia having grasslike leaves and clusters of showy variously colored lily-like flowers;widely cultivated
corn marigold|European herb with bright yellow flowers;a common weed in grain fields
corn mint|European mint naturalized in United States
corn muffin|cornbread muffin
corn oil|oil from the germs of corn grains
corn poppy|annual European poppy common in grain fields and often cultivated
corn pudding|pudding made of corn and cream and egg
corn salad|a plant of the genus Valerianella
corn snake|large harmless snake of southeastern United States;often on farms
corn snow|granular snow formed by alternate thawing and freezing
corn speedwell|erect or procumbent blue-flowered annual found in waste places of Europe and America
corn spurry|small European weed with whorled leaves and white flowers
corn sugar|dextrose made by hydrolysis of cornstarch;dextrose used as sweetening agent
corn syrup|syrup prepared from corn
corn whiskey|whiskey distilled from a mash of not less than 80 percent corn
Cornaceae|a rosid dicot family of the order Umbellales including;genera Aucuba, Cornus, Corokia, Curtisia, Griselinia, Helwingia
cornbread|bread made primarily of cornmeal
corncob|the hard cylindrical core that bears the kernels of an ear of corn
corncrake|common Eurasian rail that frequents grain fields
corncrib|a crib for storing and drying ears of corn
cornea|the transparent dome-shaped anterior portion of the outer covering of the eye;it covers the iris and pupil and is continuous with the sclera
corned beef hash|hash made with corned beef
Corneille|French tragic dramatist whose plays treat grand moral themes in elegant verse (1606-1684)
cornelian cherry|deciduous European shrub or small tree having bright red fruit
Cornell|United States actress noted for her performances in Broadway plays (1893-1974);United States businessman who unified the telegraph system in the United States and who in 1865 (with Andrew D. White) founded Cornell University (1807-1874)
Cornell University|a university in Ithaca, New York
corner|(architecture) solid exterior angle of a building;especially one formed by a cornerstone;a place off to the side of an area - "he tripled to the rightfield corner" - "the southeastern corner of the Mediterranean";a predicament from which a skillful or graceful escape is impossible - "his lying got him into a tight corner";a projecting part where two sides or edges meet - "he knocked off the corners";a remote area - "in many corners of the world they still practice slavery";a temporary monopoly on a kind of commercial trade - "a corner on the silver market";an interior angle formed by two meeting walls - "a piano was in one corner of the room";the intersection of two streets - "standing on the corner watching all the girls go by";the point where three areas or surfaces meet or intersect - "the corners of a cube";the point where two lines meet or intersect - "the corners of a rectangle"
corner kick|a free kick from the corner awarded to the other side when a player has sent the ball behind his own goal line
corner pocket|a pocket at the corner of a billiard table
corner post|a square post supporting a structural member at the corner of a building
cornerback|a defensive football player stationed outside the linebackers
cornerstone|a stone at the outer corner of two intersecting masonry walls;a stone in the exterior of a large and important building;usually carved with a date and laid with appropriate ceremonies
cornet|a brass musical instrument with a brilliant tone;has a narrow tube and a flared bell and is played by means of valves
cornetfish|slender tropical fish with a long tubular snout and bony plates instead of scales
cornfield|a field planted with corn
cornflower|an annual Eurasian plant cultivated in North America having showy heads of blue or purple or pink or white flowers
cornhusk|the husk of an ear of corn
cornhusker|a worker who husks corn
cornhusking|the act of removing the husks from ears of corn
cornice|a decorative framework to conceal curtain fixtures at the top of a window casing;a molding at the corner between the ceiling and the top of a wall;the topmost projecting part of an entablature
Cornish|a Celtic language spoken in Cornwall;English breed of compact domestic fowl;raised primarily to crossbreed to produce roasters
Cornish heath|bushy shrub having pink to white flowers;common on the moors of Cornwall and in southwestern Europe;cultivated elsewhere
Cornish pasty|meat pie with filling of meat and vegetables
Cornishman|a man who is a native or inhabitant of Cornwall
Cornishwoman|a woman who is a native or resident of Cornwall
cornmeal|coarsely ground corn
cornpone|cornbread often made without milk or eggs and baked or fried (southern)
cornsilk|each of the long filamentous styles that grow as a silky tuft at the tip of an ear of Indian corn
cornsmut|a smut fungus attacking Indian corn
cornstalk|the stalk of a corn plant
cornstarch|starch prepared from the grains of corn;used in cooking as a thickener
cornu|(anatomy) any structure that resembles a horn in shape
Cornus|a rosid dicot genus of the family Cornaceae including;dogwood;cornel;perennial chiefly deciduous shrubs or small trees of temperate regions of northern hemisphere
Cornwall|a hilly county in southwestern England
Cornwallis|commander of the British forces in the American War of Independence;was defeated by American and French troops at Yorktown (1738-1805)
Corokia|evergreen shrubs with intricately twisted wiry stems that in summer are smothered in small yellow flowers;grows in New Zealand
corolla|(botany) the whorl of petals of a flower that collectively form an inner floral envelope or layer of the perianth - "we cultivate the flower for its corolla"
corollary|(logic) an inference that follows directly from the proof of another proposition;a practical consequence that follows naturally - "blind jealousy is a frequent corollary of passionate love"
corona|(anatomy) any structure that resembles a crown in shape;(botany) the trumpet-shaped or cup-shaped outgrowth of the corolla of a daffodil or narcissus flower;a long cigar with blunt ends;one or more circles of light seen around a luminous object
Corona Borealis|a small constellation in the northern hemisphere between Bootes and Hercules
corona discharge|an electrical discharge accompanied by ionization of surrounding atmosphere
coronal suture|the suture between the parietal and frontal bones of the skull
coronary artery|the artery that branches from the aorta to supply blood to the heart
coronary bypass|open-heart surgery in which the rib cage is opened and a section of a blood vessel is grafted from the aorta to the coronary artery to bypass the blocked section of the coronary artery and improve the blood supply to the heart
coronary care unit|a hospital unit specially staffed and equipped to treat patients with serious cardiac problems
coronary heart disease|a heart disease due to an abnormality of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart
coronary insufficiency|inadequate blood flow to the heart muscles;can cause angina pectoris
coronary occlusion|occlusion of a coronary artery caused either by progressive atherosclerosis or by a blood clot
coronary sinus|a short sinus receiving most of the veins of the heart;empties into the right atrium
coronary thrombosis|obstruction of blood flow in a coronary artery by a blood clot (thrombus)
coronation|the ceremony of installing a new monarch
coroner|a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes
coronet|a small crown;usually indicates a high rank but below that of sovereign;margin between the skin of the pastern and the horn of the hoof
coronilla|any of various plants of the genus Coronilla having purple or pink or yellow flowers in long axillary heads or umbels
coronion|the craniometric point at the tip of the coronoid process of the mandible
coronoid process|a sharp triangular process projecting from a bone
coronoid process of the mandible|the coronoid process that provides an attachment for the temporal muscle
Coropuna|a mountain peak in the Andes in Peru (21,083 feet high)
Corot|French painter of Italian landscapes (1796-1875)
corozo|any of several tropical American palms bearing corozo nuts
corporal|a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines
corporal punishment|the infliction of physical injury on someone convicted of committing a crime
corporate bond|a bond issued by a corporation;carries no claim to ownership and pays no dividends but payments to bondholders have priority over payments to stockholders - "a corporate bond is a safer investment than common stock in the same company"
corporate executive|an executive in a business corporation
corporate finance|the financial activities of corporation
corporate investor|a company that invests in (acquires control of) other companies
corporation|a business firm whose articles of incorporation have been approved in some state
corporation law|that branch of jurisprudence that studies the laws governing corporations
corporatism|control of a state or organization by large interest groups - "individualism is in danger of being swamped by a kind of corporatism"
corporatist|a supporter of corporatism
corps|a body of people associated together - "diplomatic corps";an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support
corps de ballet|the chorus of a ballet company
corpulence|the property of excessive fatness
corpus|a collection of writings - "he edited the Hemingway corpus";the main part of an organ or other bodily structure
corpus callosum|a broad transverse nerve tract connecting the two cerebral hemispheres
Corpus Christi|a city in southern Texas on an arm of the Gulf of Mexico;Thursday after Trinity Sunday;first celebrated in 1246
corpus delicti|the body of evidence that constitute the offence;the objective proof that a crime has been committed (sometimes mistakenly thought to refer to the body of a homicide victim)
corpus luteum|yellow endocrine tissue that forms in a ruptured Graafian follicle following the release of an ovum;it degenerates after a few days unless pregnancy has begun
corpus striatum|a striped mass of white and grey matter located in front of the thalamus in each cerebral hemisphere;consists of the caudate nucleus and the lenticular nucleus
corpuscular radiation|a stream of atomic or subatomic particles that may be charged positively (e.g. alpha particles) or negatively (e.g. beta particles) or not at all (e.g. neutrons)
corpuscular theory|(physics) the theory that light is transmitted as a stream of particles
correction|a drop in stock market activity or stock prices following a period of increases - "market runups are invariably followed by a correction";a quantity that is added or subtracted in order to increase the accuracy of a scientific measure;a rebuke for making a mistake;something substituted for an error;the act of offering an improvement to replace a mistake;setting right;treatment of a specific defect - "the correction of his vision with eye glasses"
correctional institution|a penal institution maintained by the government
correctional rehabilitation|providing penal custody or probation or parole for convicted offenders
corrections|the department of local government that is responsible for managing the treatment of convicted offenders - "for a career in corrections turn to the web site of the New Jersey Department of Corrections";the social control of offenders through a system of imprisonment and rehabilitation and probation and parole
corrective|a device for treating injury or disease
correctness|the quality of conformity to social expectations;conformity to fact or truth
Correggio|Italian painter noted for his use of chiaroscuro and perspective (1494-1534)
correlate|either of two or more related or complementary variables
correlation|a reciprocal relation between two or more things;a statistical relation between two or more variables such that systematic changes in the value of one variable are accompanied by systematic changes in the other
correlation coefficient|a statistic representing how closely two variables co-vary;it can vary from -1 (perfect negative correlation) through 0 (no correlation) to +1 (perfect positive correlation)
correlation matrix|a matrix giving the correlations between all pairs of data sets
correlation table|a two-way tabulation of the relations between correlates;row headings are the scores on one variable and column headings are the scores on the second variables and a cell shows how many times the score on that row was associated with the score in that column
correlational analysis|the use of statistical correlation to evaluate the strength of the relations between variables
correspondence|communication by the exchange of letters
correspondence course|a course offered (by mail) by a correspondence school
correspondence school|a school that teaches nonresident students by mail
correspondent|a journalist employed to provide news stories for newspapers or broadcast media;someone who communicates by means of letters
corridor|an enclosed passageway;rooms usually open onto it
corrigenda|a list of printing errors in a book along with their corrections
corrigendum|a printer's error;to be corrected
corroborating evidence|additional evidence or evidence of different kind that supports a proof already offered in a proceeding
corrosion|a state of deterioration in metals caused by oxidation or chemical action;erosion by chemical action
corrosive|a substance having the tendency to cause corrosion (such a strong acids or alkali)
corrugated board|cardboard with corrugations (can be glued to flat cardboard on one or both sides)
corrugated fastener|a small strip of corrugated steel with sharp points on one side;hammered across wood joints in rough carpentry
corrugated iron|usually galvanized sheet iron or sheet steel shaped into straight parallel ridges and hollows
corrugation|a ridge on a corrugated surface;the act of shaping into parallel ridges and grooves
corruptibility|the capability of being corrupted
corruption|decay of matter (as by rot or oxidation);destroying someone's (or some group's) honesty or loyalty;undermining moral integrity - "corruption of a minor";inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by commiting a felony) - "he was held on charges of corruption and racketeering";moral perversion;impairment of virtue and moral principles - "the luxury and corruption among the upper classes"
corruptness|lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery);use of a position of trust for dishonest gain;the state of being corrupt
corsair|a pirate along the Barbary Coast;a swift pirate ship (often operating with official sanction)
Corse|a region of France on the island of Corsica;birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte;an island in the Mediterranean;with adjacent islets it constitutes a region of France
corselet|a piece of body armor for the trunk;usually consists of a breastplate and back piece
corset|a woman's close-fitting foundation garment
Cortaderia|tall ornamental grasses of South America and New Zealand and New Guinea;pampas grass
cortege|a funeral procession;the group following and attending to some important person
Cortes|Spanish conquistador who defeated the Aztecs and conquered Mexico (1485-1547)
cortex|the tissue forming the outer layer of an organ or structure in plant or animal
cortical area|any of various regions of the cerebral cortex
cortical cataract|a cataract that affects the lens cortex
cortical epilepsy|epilepsy in which the attacks begins with an isolated disturbance of cerebral function (as a twitching of a limb or an illusory sensation or a mental disturbance)
Corticium|genus of fungi having simple smooth sporophores;some are parasitic on wood or economic crops;some species formerly placed in form genus Rhizoctinia
corticosteroid|a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or synthesized;administered as drugs they reduce swelling and decrease the body's immune response
corticosterone|secreted by the adrenal cortex;involved in regulating water and electrolyte balance in the body
cortina|a cobwebby partial veil consisting of silky fibrils
Cortinariaceae|a family of fungi belonging to the order Agaricales
Cortinarius|the largest genus in the Agaricales;agarics having rusty spores and prominent cortinae (cobwebby partial veils)
Cortinarius armillatus|a fungus with large tawny caps and pale cinnamon gills and a red band of veil around the stalk;usually found near birch trees
Cortinarius atkinsonianus|an edible fungus with a slimy viscid cap that is initially yellow but turns olive and then tawny;flesh is lavender
Cortinarius corrugatus|a fungus with a viscid wrinkled tawny cap;the stalk has a basal bulb that diminishes as the stalk elongates;the gills are dark violet at first but soon turn brown
Cortinarius gentilis|a poisonous fungus with a bright yellow brown cap and a long cinnamon colored stalk
Cortinarius mutabilis|a fungus with a reddish purple cap having a smooth slimy surface;close violet gills;all parts stain dark purple when bruised
Cortinarius semisanguineus|a fungus with a dry brown cap and rusty red gills and a yellowish stalk
Cortinarius subfoetidus|a fungus with a sticky lavender cap and stalk that whitish above and covered with a silky lavender sheath
Cortinarius violaceus|a fungus that is violet overall with a squamulose cap
cortisone|a corticosteroid hormone (trade name Cortone Acetate) normally produced by the adrenal cortex;is converted to hydrocortisone
Cortland|large apple with a red skin
corundom|very hard mineral used as an abrasive
coruscation|a sudden or striking display of brilliance - "coruscations of great wit"
corvee|unpaid labor (as for the maintenance of roads) required by a lord of his vassals in lieu of taxes
corvette|a highly maneuverable escort warship;smaller than a destroyer
Corvidae|crow;raven;rook;jackdaw;chough;magpie;jay
corvine bird|birds of the crow family
Corvus|a small quadrilateral constellation in the southern hemisphere near Virgo;type genus of the Corvidae;crows and ravens
Coryanthes|small genus of tropical American epiphytic or lithophytic orchids
Corydalidae|dobsons
corydalis|a plant of the genus Corydalis with beautiful compound foliage and spurred tubular flowers;annual or perennial herbs of Himalayan China and South Africa
Corydalus|type genus of the Corydalidae
Corylaceae|used in some classification systems for the genus Corylus
Corylopsis|small genus of deciduous shrubs of temperate regions of Asia
Corylus|deciduous monoecious nut-bearing shrubs of small trees;hazel;sometimes placed in the subfamily or family Corylaceae
corymb|flat-topped or convex inflorescence in which the individual flower stalks grow upward from various points on the main stem to approximately the same height;outer flowers open first
Corynebacteriaceae|a large family of mostly Gram-positive and aerobic and nonmotile rod-shaped bacteria of the order Eubacteriales
corynebacterium|any species of the genus Corynebacterium
Corynebacterium diphtheriae|a species of bacterium that causes diphtheria
Corypha|large fan palms of tropical Asia to Australia
Coryphaena equisetis|a kind of dolphinfish
Coryphaena hippurus|the more common dolphinfish valued as food;about six feet long
Coryphaenidae|large active pelagic percoid fish
coryphantha|a cactus of the genus Coryphantha
corythosaur|duck-billed dinosaur with nasal passages that expand into a crest like a hollow helmet
cos|lettuce with long dark-green leaves in a loosely packed elongated head
cos lettuce|lettuce with long dark-green spoon-shaped leaves
coscoroba|large white South American bird intermediate in some respects between ducks and swans
cosecant|ratio of the hypotenuse to the opposite side of a right-angled triangle
cosigner|a signer in addition to the principal signer (to verify the authenticity of the principal signature or to provide surety);one of two or more signers of the same document (as a treaty or declaration)
Cosimo de Medici|Italian financier and statesman and friend of the papal court (1389-1464)
cosine|ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle
cosmetic|a toiletry designed to beautify the body
cosmetic dentistry|the branch of dentistry dealing with the appearance of the teeth
cosmetic surgeon|a surgeon who beautifies the body (especially the face)
cosmetician|someone who sells or applies cosmetics
cosmetologist|an expert in the use of cosmetics
cosmetology|the practice of beautifying the face and hair and skin
cosmic background radiation|(cosmology) the cooled remnant of the hot big bang that fills the entire universe and can be observed today with an average temperature of about 2.725 kelvin
cosmic dust|clouds of particles or gases occurring throughout interstellar space
cosmic radiation|radiation coming from outside the solar system
cosmic ray|highly penetrating ionizing radiation of extraterrestrial origin;consisting chiefly of protons and alpha particles;collision with atmospheric particles results in rays and particles of many kinds
cosmic time|the time covered by the physical formation and development of the universe
cosmid|(genetics) a large vector that is made from a bacteriophage and used to clone genes or gene fragments
Cosmocampus|a genus of fish in the family Syngnathidae
cosmographer|a scientist knowledgeable about cosmography
cosmography|a representation of the earth or the heavens - "the cosmography of Ptolemy";the science that maps the general features of the universe;describes both heaven and earth (but without encroaching on geography or astronomy)
cosmolatry|the worship of the cosmos
cosmological constant|an arbitrary constant in the equations of general relativity theory
cosmologist|an astronomer who studies the evolution and space-time relations of the universe
cosmology|the branch of astrophysics that studies the origin and evolution and structure of the universe;the metaphysical study of the origin and nature of the universe
cosmopolitan|a sophisticated person who has travelled in many countries
cosmos|any of various mostly Mexican herbs of the genus Cosmos having radiate heads of variously colored flowers and pinnate leaves;popular fall-blooming annuals
cosmotron|a large proton synchrotron;uses frequency modulation of an electric field to accelerate protons
Cossack|a member of a Slavic people living in southern European Russia and Ukraine and adjacent parts of Asia and noted for their horsemanship and military skill;they formed an elite cavalry corps in czarist Russia
cost|the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
cost accountant|a specialist in the systematic recording and analysis of the costs incident to production
cost accounting|keeping account of the costs of items in production
cost analysis|breaking down the costs of some operation and reporting on each factor separately
cost cutting|the act of cutting costs
cost ledger|ledger showing the accumulated costs classified in various ways
cost of capital|the opportunity cost of the funds employed as the result of an investment decision;the rate of return that a business could earn if it chose another investment with equivalent risk
cost of living|average cost of basic necessities of life (as food and shelter and clothing) - "a rise in the cost of living reflects the rate of inflation"
cost overrun|excess of cost over budget - "the cost overrun necessitated an additional allocation of funds in the budget"
costa|a riblike part of a plant or animal (such as a middle rib of a leaf or a thickened vein of an insect wing)
Costa Rica|a republic in Central America;one of the most politically stable countries in Latin America
Costa Rican|a native or inhabitant of Costa Rica
Costa Rican monetary unit|monetary unit in Costa Rica
costal cartilage|the cartilages that connect the sternum and the ends of the ribs;its elasticity allows the chest to move in respiration
costal groove|groove between the ribs where the nerves and blood vessels are
Costanoan|a member of a North American Indian people living in coastal California between Monterey and San Francisco Bay;a Penutian language spoken by the Costanoan
co-star|one of two actors who are given equal status as stars in a play or film
cost-benefit analysis|an analysis of the cost effectiveness of different alternatives in order to see whether the benefits outweigh the costs
costermonger|a hawker of fruit and vegetables from a barrow
costia|a flagellate that is the cause of the frequently fatal fish disease costiasis
costiasis|a fatal disease of freshwater fish caused by a flagellated protozoan invading the skin
costing|cost accounting
costliness|the quality possessed by something with a great price or value
costmary|leaves used sparingly (because of bitter overtones) in sauces and soups and stuffings;tansy-scented Eurasian perennial herb with buttonlike yellow flowers;used as potherb or salad green and sometimes for potpourri or tea or flavoring;sometimes placed in genus Chrysanthemum
costoaxillary vein|one of several veins connecting intercostal veins with the lateral thoracic vein or the thoracoepigastric vein
costochondritis|inflammation at the junction of a rib and its cartilage
cost-of-living allowance|an allowance for changes in the consumer price index
cost-of-living benefit|a benefit that goes to anyone whose money receipts increase automatically as prices rise
cost-plus contract|a contract in which the contractor is paid his total cost plus a stated percentage of profit
cost-pull inflation|inflation caused by an increase in the costs of production
costs|pecuniary reimbursement to the winning party for the expenses of litigation
costume|the attire characteristic of a country or a time or a social class - "he wore his national costume";the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball - "he won the prize for best costume";the prevalent fashion of dress (including accessories and hair style as well as garments);unusual or period attire not characteristic of or appropriate to the time and place - "in spite of the heat he insisted on his woolen costume"
costumier|someone who designs or supplies costumes (as for a play or masquerade)
costus oil|a yellow volatile essential oil obtained from costusroot;used in perfumes
costusroot|annual herb of the eastern Himalayas (Kashmir) having purple florets and a fragrant root that yields a volatile oil used in perfumery and for preserving furs
cosy|a padded cloth covering to keep a teapot warm
cot|a small bed that folds up for storage or transport
Cotacachi|an Andean volcano in northern Ecuador;last erupted in 1955
cotangent|ratio of the adjacent to the opposite side of a right-angled triangle
cote|a small shelter for domestic animals (as sheep or pigeons)
cotenant|one of two or more tenants holding title to the same property
Cotes de Provence|a wine from southeastern France on the Mediterranean coast
cotillion|a ball at which young ladies are presented to society;a lively dance originating in France in the 18th century
cotinga|passerine bird of New World tropics
Cotingidae|cotingas;umbrella birds
Cotinus|smoke trees
cotoneaster|any shrub of the genus Cotoneaster;erect or creeping shrubs having richly colored autumn foliage and many small white to pinkish flowers followed by tiny red or black fruits
Cotoneaster dammeri|climbing evergreen shrub with white flowers and red berries;often used as ground cover
Cotoneaster horizontalis|deciduous flat-growing shrub with a fanned herringbone pattern and having reddish flowers and orange-red berries;used as a ground cover
Cotonou|chief port of Benin on the Bight of Benin
Cotopaxi|the world's largest active volcano;located in the Andes in north central Ecuador
Cotswold|sheep with long wool originating in the Cotswold Hills
Cotswolds|a range of low hills in southwestern England
cottage cheese|mild white cheese made from curds of soured skim milk
cottage industry|small-scale industry that can be carried on at home by family members using their own equipment
cottage pie|a dish of minced meat topped with mashed potatoes
cottage pink|European pink cultivated for its very fragrant pink or rosy flowers
cottage tent|a tent providing shelter for a family
cottage tulip|any of several long-stemmed tulips that flower in May;have egg-shaped variously colored flowers
cottager|someone who lives in a cottage
cotter|a medieval English villein;a peasant farmer in the Scottish Highlands;fastener consisting of a wedge or pin inserted through a slot to hold two other pieces together
cotter pin|a cotter consisting of a split pin that is secured (after passing through a hole) by splitting the ends apart
Cottidae|sculpins
cotton|erect bushy mallow plant or small tree bearing bolls containing seeds with many long hairy fibers;fabric woven from cotton fibers;soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state;thread made of cotton fibers
cotton ball|a fungus disease of cranberries
cotton candy|a candy made by spinning sugar that has been boiled to a high temperature
cotton flannel|a stout cotton fabric with nap on only one side
cotton gin|a machine that separates the seeds from raw cotton fibers
cotton grass|any sedge of the genus Eriophorum;north temperate bog plants with tufted spikes
cotton mill|a textile mill for making cotton textiles
cotton mouse|large dark mouse of southeastern United States
cotton rat|destructive long-haired burrowing rat of southern North America and Central America
cotton rose|any plant of the genus Filago having capitate clusters of small woolly flower heads;Chinese shrub or small tree having white or pink flowers becoming deep red at night;widely cultivated;naturalized in southeastern United States
cotton stainer|a true bug;bug that damages and stains the lint of developing cotton
cotton strain|feeds primarily on cotton
cotton thistle|biennial Eurasian white hairy thistle having pale purple flowers;naturalized in North America
cottonseed|seed of cotton plants;source of cottonseed oil
cottonseed cake|the solid matter remaining after oil has been pressed from cottonseeds
cottonseed oil|edible oil pressed from cottonseeds
cottonweed|any of various plants of the genus Froelichia found in sandy soils and on rocky slopes in warmer regions of America;grown for their spikes of woolly white flowers
cottonwick|of warm Atlantic waters
cottonwood|any of several North American trees of the genus Populus having a tuft of cottony hairs on the seed
Cottus|type genus of the Cottidae;sculpins
Cotula|cosmopolitan herbs especially southern hemisphere;many used as ground covers
Coturnix|Old World quail
cotyledon|embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants
coucal|Old World ground-living cuckoo having a long dagger-like hind claw
couch|a flat coat of paint or varnish used by artists as a primer;a narrow bed on which a patient lies during psychiatric or psychoanalytic treatment
couch potato|an idler who spends much time on a couch (usually watching television)
couchette|a compartment on a European passenger train;contains 4 to 6 berths for sleeping
coude telescope|a reflecting telescope so constructed that the light is led to a plate holder or spectrograph
Coue|French psychotherapist who claimed that if one imagined one was getting better, one would get better (1857-1926)
cougar|large American feline resembling a lion
cough|a sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs that clears the air passages;a common symptom of upper respiratory infection or bronchitis or pneumonia or tuberculosis
cough drop|a medicated lozenge used to soothe the throat
coughing up|the act of expelling (food or phlegm) by coughing
coulisse|a flat situated in the wings;a timber member grooved to take a sliding panel
coulomb|a unit of electrical charge equal to the amount of charge transferred by a current of 1 ampere in 1 second;French physicist famous for his discoveries in the field of electricity and magnetism;formulated Coulomb's Law (1736-1806)
Coulomb's Law|a fundamental principle of electrostatics;the force of attraction or repulsion between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the distance between them;principle also holds for magnetic poles
coumarone-indene resin|a thermoplastic resin obtained by polymerization of indene and coumarone;used in coatings and paint and asphalt tile
Coumarouna|tropical American trees;tonka beans
council|(Christianity) an assembly of theologians and bishops and other representatives of different churches or dioceses that is convened to regulate matters of discipline or doctrine;a body serving in an administrative capacity - "student council";a meeting of people for consultation - "emergency council"
Council Bluffs|a town in southwest Iowa on the Missouri River across from Omaha
council member|a member of a council
Council of Basel-Ferrara-Florence|the council in 1431-1439 that concentrated on the elimination of heresies and on reforms within the Roman Catholic Church
Council of Economic Advisors|an executive agency responsible for providing economic advice to the President
Council of Trent|a council of the Roman Catholic Church convened in Trento in three sessions between 1545 and 1563 to examine and condemn the teachings of Martin Luther and other Protestant reformers;redefined the Roman Catholic doctrine and abolished various ecclesiastical abuses and strengthened the papacy
Council on Environmental Policy|the executive agency that advises the President on protecting the environment
council tax|a tax levied on households by local authorities;based on the estimated value of the property and the number of people living in it
councillorship|the position of council member
councilman|a man who is a council member
councilwoman|a woman who is a council member
Counsel to the Crown|a barrister selected to serve as counsel to the British ruler
counselor|someone who gives advice about problems;someone who has supervisory duties at a summer camp
counselorship|the position of counselor
count|a nobleman (in various countries) having rank equal to a British earl;the act of counting;reciting numbers in ascending order - "the counting continued for several hours";the total number counted - "a blood count"
Count Fleet|thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1943
count noun|a noun that forms plurals
count palatine|a count who exercised royal authority in his own domain
count per minute|frequency per minute
countdown|counting backward from an arbitrary number to indicate the time remaining before some event (such as launching a space vehicle)
countenance|the appearance conveyed by a person's face - "a pleasant countenance";the human face ('kisser' and 'smiler' and 'mug' are informal terms for 'face' and 'phiz' is British)
counter|(computer science) a register whose contents go through a regular series of states (usually states indicating consecutive integers);a calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens;a person who counts things;a piece of leather forming the back of a shoe or boot - "a counter may be used to stiffen the material around the heel and to give support to the foot";game equipment (as a piece of wood, plastic, or ivory) used for keeping a count or reserving a space in various card or board games;table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
counter check|a blank check provided by a bank for the convenience of customers who are making withdrawals
counter conditioning|conditioning in which a second incompatible response is conditioned to an already conditioned stimulus - "counter conditioning lies behind many of the procedures used in behavior therapy"
Counter Reformation|the reaction of the Roman Catholic Church to the Reformation reaffirming the veneration of saints and the authority of the Pope (to which Protestants objected);many leaders were Jesuits
counter tube|a measuring instrument for counting individual ionizing events
counterargument|an argument offered in opposition to another argument
counterattack|(chess) an attack that is intended to counter the opponent's advantage in another part of the board;an attack by a defending force against an attacking enemy force in order to regain lost ground or cut off enemy advance units etc.
counterattraction|a rival attraction
counterbalance|a compensating equivalent
counterbattery fire|fire delivered to neutralize or destroy indirect fire weapon systems
counterblast|a vigorous and unrestrained response - "her tirade provoked a counterblast from her husband"
counterblow|a return blow;a retaliatory blow
counterbombardment|bombardment intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons
counterbore|a bit for enlarging the upper part of a hole
countercharge|a charge brought by an accused person against the accuser;a retaliatory charge
countercheck|a check that restrains another check;something that checks the correctness of a previous check
counterclaim|a claim filed in opposition to another claim in a legal action
countercoup|a sudden and decisive overthrow of a government that gained power by a coup d'etat
counterculture|a culture with lifestyles and values opposed to those of the established culture
countercurrent|actions counter to the main group activity
counterdemonstration|a demonstration held in opposition to another demonstration - "supporters of the president organized a counterdemonstration in his support"
counterdemonstrator|someone who demonstrates in opposition to another demonstration
counterespionage|spying on the spies
counterexample|refutation by example
counterfactuality|the quality of being contrary to fact
counterfeit|a copy that is represented as the original
counterfire|fire intended to neutralize or destroy enemy weapons
counterglow|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
counterintelligence|intelligence activities concerned with identifying and counteracting the threat to security posed by hostile intelligence organizations or by individuals engaged in espionage or sabotage or subversion or terrorism
counterirritant|a medicine applied locally to produce superficial inflammation in order to reduce deeper inflammation
countermand|a contrary command cancelling or reversing a previous command
countermarch|(military) a march in the reverse direction or back along the same route
countermeasure|an action taken to offset another action
countermine|(military) a tunnel dug to defeat similar activities by the enemy
countermortar fire|mortar fire intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons
counteroffensive|a large scale offensive (more than a counterattack) undertaken by a defending force to seize the initiative from an attacking force
counteroffer|an offer made by someone who has rejected a prior offer
counterpart|a duplicate copy;a person or thing having the same function or characteristics as another
counterperson|someone who attends a counter (as in a diner)
counterplea|a plaintiff's reply to a defendant's plea
counterplot|a plot intended to subvert another plot
counterpoint|a musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or more melodies
counterpreparation fire|intensive prearranged fire delivered when the immanence of enemy attack is discovered
counterproposal|a proposal offered as an alternative to an earlier proposal
counterpunch|a return punch (especially by a boxer)
counterreformation|a reformation intended to counter the results of a prior reformation
counterrevolution|a revolution whose aim is to reverse the changes introduced by a previous revolution
counterrevolutionist|a revolutionary whose aim is to reverse the changes introduced by an earlier revolution
counter-sabotage|counterintelligence designed to detect and counteract sabotage
countershot|a return shot;a retaliatory shot
countersignature|a second confirming signature endorsing a document already signed
countersink|a hole (usually in wood) with the top part enlarged so that a screw or bolt will fit into it and lie below the surface
counterspy|a spy who works against enemy espionage
counterstain|a stain of contrasting color that is used when the principal stain does not show the structure clearly
countersubversion|the aspect of counterintelligence designed to detect and prevent subversive activities
countersuit|a suit brought against someone who has sued you
countertenor|a male singer with a voice above that of a tenor;the highest adult male singing voice
counterterrorism|a strategy intended to prevent or counter terrorism
counterterrorist|someone who attempts to prevent terrorism
Counterterrorist Center|an agency that helps the Director of Central Intelligence coordinate counterterrorist efforts in order to preempt and disrupt and defeat terrorist activities at the earliest possible stage
countertop|the top side of a counter
countertransference|the psychoanalyst's displacement of emotion onto the patient or more generally the psychoanalyst's emotional involvement in the therapeutic interaction
countervailing duty|a duty imposed to offset subsidies by foreign governments
counterweight|a weight that balances another weight
countess|female equivalent of a count or earl
countinghouse|office used by the accountants of a business
country|an area outside of cities and towns - "his poetry celebrated the slower pace of life in the country";the territory occupied by a nation
country borage|an aromatic fleshy herb of India and Ceylon to South Africa;sometimes placed in genus Plectranthus
country club|a suburban club for recreation and socializing
country doctor|a doctor who practices in the country (rather than in a city) usually remote from a modern hospital - "do country doctors still make house calls?"
country house|a house (usually large and impressive) on an estate in the country
country music|a simple style of folk music heard mostly in the southern United States;usually played on stringed instruments
country people|people living in the same country;compatriots;people raised in or living in a rural environment;rustics
country store|a retail store serving a sparsely populated region;usually stocked with a wide variety of merchandise
country-dance|a type of folk dance in which couples are arranged in sets or face one another in a line
countryman|a man from your own country;a man who lives in the country and has country ways
countryseat|an estate in the country
countryside|rural regions
countrywoman|a woman from your own country;a woman who lives in the country and has country ways
county|(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government - "the county has a population of 12,345 people";(United States) the largest administrative district within a state - "the county plans to build a new road"
county agent|an advisor employed by the government to assist people in rural areas with methods of farming and home economics
county council|the elected governing body of a county
county line|the boundary between two counties
county palatine|the territory of a count palatine
county seat|the town or city that is the seat of government for a county
county town|the town or city that is the seat of government for a shire
coup|a brilliant and notable success
coup de theatre|a dramatic surprise;a highly successful theatrical production;a sensational bit of stagecraft
coup d'etat|a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force
coupe|a car with two doors and front seats and a luggage compartment
Couperin|French composer of music for organ and a member of a family of distinguished organists (1668-1733)
couple|(physics) something joined by two equal and opposite forces that act along parallel lines;a pair of people who live together - "a married couple from Chicago";a pair who associate with one another - "the engaged couple";a small indefinite number - "he's coming for a couple of days";two items of the same kind
couplet|a stanza consisting of two successive lines of verse;usually rhymed
coupling|a mechanical device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent objects;the act of pairing a male and female for reproductive purposes - "the casual couplings of adolescents"
coupon|a negotiable certificate that can be detached and redeemed as needed;a test sample of some substance
coupon bond|a bond issued with detachable coupons that must be presented to the issuer for interest payments
courage|a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
courante|a court dance of the 16th century;consisted of short advances and retreats
courbaril|West Indian locust tree having pinnate leaves and panicles of large white or purplish flowers;yields very hard tough wood
courbaril copal|resin from the courbaril tree
Courbet|French painter noted for his realistic depiction of everyday scenes (1819-1877)
coureur de bois|a French Canadian trapper
courlan|wading bird of South America and Central America
course|(construction) a layer of masonry - "a course of bricks";a connected series of events or actions or developments - "the government took a firm course";a mode of action - "if you persist in that course you will surely fail" - "once a nation is embarked on a course of action it becomes extremely difficult for any retraction to take place";education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings - "he took a course in basket weaving";facility consisting of a circumscribed area of land or water laid out for a sport - "the course had only nine holes" - "the course was less than a mile";general line of orientation - "the river takes a southern course";part of a meal served at one time - "she prepared a three course meal"
course catalog|a catalog listing the courses offered by a college or university
course of lectures|a series of lectures dealing with a subject
course of study|an integrated course of academic studies
course session|a regularly scheduled session as part of a course of study
courser|a dog trained for coursing;a huntsman who hunts small animals with fast dogs that use sight rather than scent to follow their prey;swift-footed terrestrial plover-like bird of southern Asia and Africa;related to the pratincoles
coursework|work assigned to and done by a student during a course of study;usually it is evaluated as part of the student's grade in the course
coursing|hunting with dogs (usually greyhounds) that are trained to chase game (such as hares) by sight instead of by scent
court|a room in which a lawcourt sits - "television cameras were admitted in the courtroom";a specially marked horizontal area within which a game is played - "players had to reserve a court in advance";a tribunal that is presided over by a magistrate or by one or more judges who administer justice according to the laws;an area wholly or partly surrounded by walls or buildings - "the house was built around an inner court";an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business;respectful deference - "pay court to the emperor";the family and retinue of a sovereign or prince;the residence of a sovereign or nobleman - "the king will visit the duke's court";the sovereign and his advisers who are the governing power of a state;Australian woman tennis player who won many major championships (born in 1947)
court game|an athletic game played on a court
Court of Saint James's|the British royal court
court order|a writ issued by a court of law requiring a person to do something or to refrain from doing something
court plaster|a plaster composed of isinglass on silk;formerly used to dress superficial wounds
Courtelle|an acrylic fabric resembling wool
courtesy|a courteous manner;a courteous or respectful or considerate act;a courteous or respectful or considerate remark
courthouse|a building that houses judicial courts;a government building that houses the offices of a county government
courtier|an attendant at the court of a sovereign
courtliness|elegance suggestive of a royal court
courtly love|(Middle Ages) a highly conventionalized code of conduct for lovers
court-martial|a military court to try members of the armed services who are accused of serious breaches of martial law;a trial that is conducted by a military court
courtship|a man's courting of a woman;seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage) - "its was a brief and intense courtship"
couscous|a pasta made in northern Africa of crushed and steamed semolina;a spicy dish that originated in northern Africa;consists of pasta steamed with a meat and vegetable stew
cousin|the child of your aunt or uncle
Cousteau|French underwater explorer (born in 1910)
couture|high fashion designing and dressmaking
couturier|someone who designs clothing
couvade|a custom among some peoples whereby the husband of a pregnant wife is put to bed at the time of bearing the child
couverture|chocolate that contains at least 32 percent cocoa butter
covalence|valence characterized by the sharing of electrons in a chemical compound;the number of pairs of electrons an atom can share
covalent bond|a chemical bond that involves sharing a pair of electrons between atoms in a molecule
covariance|(statistics) the mean value of the product of the deviations of two variates from their respective means
covariation|(statistics) correlated variation
cove|a small inlet;small or narrow cave in the side of a cliff or mountain
coven|an assembly of witches;usually 13 witches
covenant|(Bible) an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return;a signed written agreement between two or more parties (nations) to perform some action
Coventry|an industrial city in central England;devastated by air raids during World War II;remembered as the home of Lady Godiva in the 11th century
cover|a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent) - "her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment";a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else - "they made a cover of a Beatles' song";fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations - "artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal";the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it - "the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft"
cover charge|a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink
cover crop|crop planted to prevent soil erosion and provide green manure
cover girl|a very pretty girl who works as a photographer's model
cover glass|a small and very thin piece of glass used to cover the specimen on a microscope slide
cover plate|covering consisting of a plate used to cover over or close in a chamber or receptacle
coverage|the extent to which something is covered - "the dictionary's coverage of standard English is excellent";the news as presented by reporters for newspapers or radio or television - "they accused the paper of biased coverage of race relations";the total amount and type of insurance carried
coverall|a loose-fitting protective garment that is worn over other clothing
covered bridge|a bridge whose passageway is protected by a roof and enclosing sides
covered couch|a litter with a cover for privacy
covered option|a put or call option backed by the shares underlying the option
covered smut|a smut fungus causing a smut disease of grains in which the spore masses are covered or held together by the grain membranes
covered wagon|a large wagon with broad wheels and an arched canvas top;used by the United States pioneers to cross the prairies in the 19th century
covering|a natural object that covers or envelops - "under a covering of dust";an artifact that covers something else (usually to protect or shelter or conceal it);the act of protecting something by covering it
covering letter|a letter sent along with other documents to provide additional information
covering material|a material used by builders to cover surfaces
coverlet|a decorative bedspread (usually quilted)
covert|a flock of coots
covert operation|an intelligence operation so planned as to permit plausible denial by the sponsor
cover-up|concealment that attempts to prevent something scandalous from becoming public
covetousness|an envious eagerness to possess something
covey|a small collection of people;a small flock of grouse or partridge
cow|a large unpleasant woman;female of domestic cattle - "'moo-cow' is a child's term";mature female of mammals of which the male is called 'bull'
cow manure|cow excreta used as fertilizer
cow parsley|coarse erect biennial Old World herb introduced as a weed in eastern North America
cow parsnip|tall coarse plant having thick stems and cluster of white to purple flowers
cow pasture|a pasture for cows
cow pen|a pen for cattle
cow pie|fecal matter of a cow
cow pony|a light saddle horse trained for herding cattle
cow shark|large primitive shark widely distributed in warm seas
cow town|a small town in a cattle-raising area of western North America
cowage|pods of the cowage plant or the stinging hairs covering them;used as a vermifuge when mixed with e.g. honey;the annual woody vine of Asia having long clusters of purplish flowers and densely hairy pods;cultivated in southern United States for green manure and grazing
coward|a person who shows fear or timidity;English dramatist and actor and composer noted for his witty and sophisticated comedies (1899-1973)
cowardice|the trait of lacking courage
cowbarn|a barn for cows
cowbell|a bell hung around the neck of cow so that the cow can be easily located
cowberry|low evergreen shrub of high north temperate regions of Europe and Asia and America bearing red edible berries
cowbird|North American blackbird that follows cattle and lays eggs in other birds' nests
cowboy|a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback;a performer who gives exhibitions of riding and roping and bulldogging;someone who is reckless or irresponsible (especially in driving vehicles)
cowboy boot|a boot with a high arch and fancy stitching;worn by American cowboys
cowboy hat|a hat with a wide brim and a soft crown;worn by American ranch hands
cowfish|trunkfish having hornlike spines over the eyes
cowgirl|a woman cowboy
cowherb|European annual with pale rose-colored flowers;cultivated flower or self-sown grainfield weed;introduced in North America;sometimes classified as a soapwort
cowhide|a heavy flexible whip braided from leather made from the hide of a cow;leather made from the hide of a cow;the hide of a cow
cowl|a loose hood or hooded robe (as worn by a monk)
cowlick|a tuft of hair that grows in a different direction from the rest of the hair and usually will not lie flat
cownose ray|large ray found along eastern coast of North America
cowpea|fruit or seed of the cowpea plant;sprawling Old World annual cultivated especially in southern United States for food and forage and green manure
cowpen daisy|coarse greyish-green annual yellow-flowered herb;southwestern United States to Mexico
Cowpens|battle in the American Revolution;Americans under Daniel Morgan defeated the British
Cowper|English poet who wrote hymns and poetry about nature (1731-1800);English surgeon who discovered Cowper's gland (1666-1709)
Cowper's gland|either of two glands that discharge a component of seminal fluid into the urethra;homologous to Bartholin's gland in the female
cowpox|a viral disease of cattle causing a mild skin disease affecting the udder;formerly used to inoculate humans against smallpox
cowrie|any of numerous tropical marine gastropods of the genus Cypraea having highly polished usually brightly marked shells
cows' milk|milk obtained from dairy cows
cowslip|early spring flower common in British isles having fragrant yellow or sometimes purple flowers
Cox-2 inhibitor|an anti-inflammatory drug that fights pain and blocks Cox-2 activity without impeding the activity of Cox-1;increases the risk of heart attacks - "Cox-2 inhibitors reduce the symptoms of arthritis without endangering the stomach and kidneys"
coxcomb|a conceited dandy who is overly impressed by his own accomplishments
Cox's Orange Pippin|a yellow Pippin with distinctive flavor
coxsackievirus|enterovirus causing a disease resembling poliomyelitis but without paralysis
coxswain|the helmsman of a ship's boat or a racing crew
coydog|offspring of a coyote and a dog
coyness|the affectation of being demure in a provocative way
coyol|tropical American palm having edible nuts and yielding a useful fiber
coyote|a forest fire fighter who is sent to battle remote and severe forest fires (often for days at a time);small wolf native to western North America;someone who smuggles illegal immigrants into the United States (usually across the Mexican border)
coyote brush|widely spreading evergreen shrub of southwestern United States with flower heads in a leafy panicle
coypu|aquatic South American rodent resembling a small beaver;bred for its fur
coziness|a state of warm snug comfort
CPU board|the main circuit board for a computer
crab|a quarrelsome grouch;a stroke of the oar that either misses the water or digs too deeply - "he caught a crab and lost the race";decapod having eyes on short stalks and a broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers;the edible flesh of any of various crabs
crab apple|any of numerous varieties of crab apples cultivated for their small acidic (usually bright red) fruit used for preserves or as ornamentals for their blossoms;small sour apple;suitable for preserving
crab cactus|South American jointed cactus with usually red flowers;often cultivated as a houseplant;sometimes classified as genus Schlumbergera
crab cocktail|a cocktail of cold cooked crabmeat and a sauce
crab legs|legs of especially Alaska king crabs
crab Louis|lettuce and crabmeat dressed with sauce Louis
crab louse|a louse that infests the pubic region of the human body
Crab Nebula|a remnant of a supernova detected first in 1054 AD
crabapple jelly|a tart apple jelly made from crab apples
crabbiness|a disposition to be ill-tempered
crabeater seal|silvery grey Antarctic seal subsisting on crustaceans
crab-eating dog|wild dog of northern South America
crab-eating macaque|monkey of southeast Asia, Borneo and the Philippines
crab-eating opossum|South American opossum
crab-eating raccoon|a South American raccoon
crabgrass|grasses with creeping stems that root freely;a pest in lawns
Cracidae|curassows;guans;chachalacas
crack|a blemish resulting from a break without complete separation of the parts - "there was a crack in the mirror";a long narrow opening;a purified and potent form of cocaine that is smoked rather than snorted;highly addictive;a sudden sharp noise - "the crack of a whip" - "he heard the cracking of the ice";a usually brief attempt - "he took a crack at it"
crack addict|someone addicted to crack cocaine
crack willow|large willow tree with stiff branches that are easily broken
crackdown|severely repressive actions
cracked wheat|grains of wheat that have been crushed into small pieces
cracked-wheat bread|bread made with cracked wheat that has been ground fine
cracker|a party favor consisting of a paper roll (usually containing candy or a small favor) that pops when pulled at both ends;a programmer who cracks (gains unauthorized access to) computers, typically to do malicious things - "crackers are often mistakenly called hackers";a thin crisp wafer made of flour and water with or without leavening and shortening;unsweetened or semisweet
cracker crumbs|crumbs of crackers used especially for coating or thickening
cracking|the process whereby heavy molecules of naphtha or petroleum are broken down into hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight (especially in the oil-refining process)
crackle|glazed china with a network of fine cracks on the surface;the sharp sound of snapping noises
cracklings|the crisp residue left after lard has been rendered
crackpot|a whimsically eccentric person
Cracow|an industrial city in southern Poland on the Vistula
Cracticidae|Australian birds formerly included in the family Laniidae
Cracticus|type genus of the Cracticidae;Australian butcherbirds
cradle|a baby bed with sides and rockers;birth of a person - "he was taught from the cradle never to cry"
cradle cap|a dermatitis of the scalp that is common in infants
craft|a vehicle designed for navigation in or on water or air or through outer space;people who perform a particular kind of skilled work - "he represented the craft of brewers";shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception;skill in an occupation or trade
craft fair|a fair at which objects made by craftsmen are offered for sale
craft union|a labor union whose membership is restricted to workers in a particular craft
craftiness|the quality of being crafty
craftsman|a creator of great skill in the manual arts;a professional whose work is consistently of high quality - "as an actor he was a consummate craftsman";a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
crag|a steep rugged rock or cliff
Craigie|English lexicographer who was a joint editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (1872-1966)
crake|any of several short-billed Old World rails
Crambe|annual or perennial herbs with large leaves that resemble the leaves of cabbages
crammer|a special school where students are crammed;a student who crams;a teacher who is paid to cram students for examinations;a textbook designed for cramming
cramp|a clamp for holding pieces of wood together while they are glued;a strip of metal with ends bent at right angles;used to hold masonry together
crampon|a hinged pair of curved iron bars;used to raise heavy objects;an iron spike attached to the shoe to prevent slipping on ice when walking or climbing
cran|a capacity unit used for measuring fresh herring
cranberry|any of numerous shrubs of genus Vaccinium bearing cranberries;very tart red berry used for sauce or juice
cranberry bush|deciduous North American shrub or small tree having three-lobed leaves and red berries
cranberry culture|the cultivation of cranberries
cranberry juice|the juice of cranberries (always diluted and sweetened)
cranberry sauce|sauce made of cranberries and sugar
crane|large long-necked wading bird of marshes and plains in many parts of the world;lifts and moves heavy objects;lifting tackle is suspended from a pivoted boom that rotates around a vertical axis;United States poet (1899-1932);United States writer (1871-1900)
crane fly|long-legged slender flies that resemble large mosquitoes but do not bite
cranesbill|any of numerous geraniums of the genus Geranium
Crangon|type genus of the family Crangonidae
Crangonidae|shrimps
cranial cavity|the cavity enclosed by the cranium
cranial nerve|any of the 12 paired nerves that originate in the brain stem
craniology|the scientific study of the skulls of various human races
craniometer|an instrument for measuring skull sizes
craniometric point|a landmark on the skull from which craniometric measurements can be taken
craniometry|the branch of physical anthropology dealing with the study and measurement of dry skulls after removal of its soft parts
craniotomy|a surgical opening through the skull
cranium|the part of the skull that encloses the brain
crank|a hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle
crank call|a hostile telephone call (from a crank)
crank handle|crank used to start an engine
crank letter|a hostile (usually anonymous) letter
crankcase|housing for a crankshaft
crankiness|a fussy and eccentric disposition
crankshaft|a rotating shaft driven by (or driving) a crank
cranny|a small opening or crevice (especially in a rock face or wall)
crap|obscene terms for feces
crap shooting|playing craps
crapaud|large toothed frog of South America and Central America resembling the bullfrog
crape|small very thin pancake
crape fern|New Zealand with pinnate fronds and a densely woolly stalks;sometimes included in genus Todea
crape jasmine|tropical shrub having glossy foliage and fragrant nocturnal flowers with crimped or wavy corollas;northern India to Thailand
crape myrtle|ornamental shrub from eastern India commonly planted in the southern United States
crappie|small sunfishes of central United States rivers;small sunfishes of the genus Pomoxis of central United States rivers
craps|a gambling game played with two dice;a first throw of 7 or 11 wins and a first throw of 2, 3, or 12 loses and a first throw of any other number must be repeated to win before a 7 is thrown, which loses the bet and the dice;expressions used when when two dice are thrown and both come up showing one spot
crapshoot|a risky and uncertain venture - "getting admitted to the college of your choice has become a crapshoot"
crapshooter|a gambler who plays the game of craps
crash|(computer science) an event that causes a computer system to become inoperative - "the crash occurred during a thunderstorm and the system has been down ever since";a serious accident (usually involving one or more vehicles) - "they are still investigating the crash of the TWA plane";a sudden large decline of business or the prices of stocks (especially one that causes additional failures);the act of colliding with something - "his crash through the window"
crash barrier|a strong protective barrier that is erected around a racetrack or in the middle of a dual-lane highway in order to reduce the likelihood of severe accidents
crash course|a rapid and intense course of training or research (usually undertaken in an emergency) - "he took a crash course in Italian on his way to Italy" - "his first job was a crash course in survival and in learning how to get along with people"
crash dive|a rapid descent by a submarine
crash helmet|a padded helmet worn by people riding bicycles or motorcycles;protects the head in case of accidents
crash landing|an emergency landing under circumstances where a normal landing is impossible (usually damaging the aircraft)
Craspedia|herbs of Australia and New Zealand
crassness|the quality of being crass--devoid of refinement
Crassostrea|Virginia oysters
Crassula|type genus of Crassulaceae;herbs and small shrubs having woody stems and succulent aerial parts
Crassulaceae|succulent shrubs and herbs
Crataegus|thorny shrubs and small trees;hawthorn;thorn;thorn apple
crate|a rugged box (usually made of wood);used for shipping;the quantity contained in a crate
crater|a bowl-shaped depression formed by the impact of a meteorite or bomb;a faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near Hydra and Corvus
Crater Lake National Park|a national park in Oregon having the deepest lake in the United States in the crater of an extinct volcano
Crateva|tropical genus of small trees or shrubs
C-ration|a canned field ration issued by the United States Army
craton|the part of a continent that is stable and forms the central mass of the continent;typically Precambrian
cravat|neckwear worn in a slipknot with long ends overlapping vertically in front
cravenness|meanspirited cowardice
craving|an intense desire for some particular thing
craw|a pouch in many birds and some lower animals that resembles a stomach for storage and preliminary maceration of food
Crawford|United States film actress (1908-1977);United States neoclassical sculptor (1814-1857)
crawl|a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body - "a crawl was all that the injured man could manage";a swimming stroke;arms are moved alternately overhead accompanied by a flutter kick;a very slow movement - "the traffic advanced at a crawl"
crawler|a person who crawls or creeps along the ground
crawlspace|low space beneath a floor of a building;gives workers access to wiring or plumbing
Crax|type genus of the Cracidae;curassows
crayfish|small freshwater decapod crustacean that resembles a lobster;tiny lobster-like crustaceans usually boiled briefly
crayon|writing implement consisting of a colored stick of composition wax used for writing and drawing
craze|a fine crack in a glaze or other surface;state of violent mental agitation
craziness|informal terms for insanity
crazy|someone deranged and possibly dangerous
Crazy Glue|a commercial brand of epoxy glue
Crazy Horse|a chief of the Sioux who resisted the invasion of the Black Hills and joined Sitting Bull in the defeat of General Custer at Little Bighorn (1849-1877)
crazy quilt|a patchwork quilt without a design
C-reactive protein|a byproduct of inflammation;a globulin that is found in the blood in some cases of acute inflammation
creak|a squeaking sound - "the creak of the floorboards gave him away"
cream|the best people or things in a group - "the cream of England's young men were killed in the Great War";the part of milk containing the butterfat;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
cream cheese|soft unripened cheese made of sweet milk and cream
cream of tartar|a salt used especially in baking powder
cream pitcher|a small pitcher for serving cream
cream puff|puff filled with cream or custard
cream sauce|white sauce made with cream
cream soda|sweet carbonated drink flavored with vanilla
cream-colored courser|courser of desert and semidesert regions of the Old World
creamcups|California plant with small pale yellow flowers
creamery|a workplace where dairy products (butter and cheese etc.) are produced or sold
creaminess|the property of having the thickness of heavy cream
cream-of-tartar tree|Australian tree having an agreeably acid fruit that resembles a gourd
creatine|an amino acid that does not occur in proteins but is found in the muscle tissue of vertebrates both in the free form and as phosphocreatine;supplies energy for muscle contraction
creating by mental acts|the act of creating something by thinking
creating by removal|the act of creating by removing something
creating from raw materials|the act of creating something that is different from the materials that went into it
Creation|(theology) God's act of bringing the universe into existence;an artifact that has been brought into existence by someone;the event that occurred at the beginning of something;the human act of creating
creation science|an effort to give scientific support for the truth of the account of Creation given in the Book of Genesis
creationism|the literal belief in the account of Creation given in the Book of Genesis - "creationism denies the theory of evolution of species"
creativity|the ability to create
creator|a person who grows or makes or invents things
creature|a human being;'wight' is an archaic term;a person who is controlled by others and is used to perform unpleasant or dishonest tasks for someone else
creche|a hospital where foundlings (infant children of unknown parents) are taken in and cared for;a representation of Christ's nativity in the stable at Bethlehem
Crecy|the first decisive battle of the Hundred Years' War;in 1346 the English under Edward III defeated the French under Philip of Valois
credence|the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true - "he gave credence to the gossip"
credenza|a kind of sideboard or buffet
credibility|the quality of being believable or trustworthy
credit|an accounting entry acknowledging income or capital items;an entry on a list of persons who contributed to a film or written work - "the credits were given at the end of the film";arrangement for deferred payment for goods and services;money available for a client to borrow;recognition by a college or university that a course of studies has been successfully completed;typically measured in semester hours;used in the phrase 'to your credit' in order to indicate an achievement deserving praise - "she already had several performances to her credit"
credit account|credit extended by a business to a customer
credit analyst|an analyst who studies the financial statements and financial history of applicants for credit in order to evaluate their creditworthiness
credit application|an application for a line of credit
credit bureau|a private firm that maintains consumer credit data files and provides credit information to authorized users for a fee
credit card|a card (usually plastic) that assures a seller that the person using it has a satisfactory credit rating and that the issuer will see to it that the seller receives payment for the merchandise delivered
credit crunch|a state in which there is a short supply of cash to lend to businesses and consumers and interest rates are high
credit line|the maximum credit that a customer is allowed
credit order|an order that is received without payment;requires billing at a later date
credit rating|an estimate, based on previous dealings, of a person's or an organization's ability to fulfill their financial commitments
credit side|account of payments received;usually the right side of a financial statement
credit system|a system for allowing people to purchase things on credit
credit union|a cooperative depository financial institution whose members can obtain loans from their combined savings
creditor|a person to whom money is owed by a debtor;someone to whom an obligation exists
credits|a list of acknowledgements of those who contributed to the creation of a film (usually run at the end of the film)
creditworthiness|trustworthiness with money as based on a person's credit history;a general qualification for borrowing
credulity|tendency to believe readily
credulousness|tendency to believe too readily and therefore to be easily deceived
Cree|a member of an Algonquian people living in central Canada;the Algonquian language spoken by the Cree
creed|any system of principles or beliefs
Creek|any member of the Creek Confederacy (especially the Muskogee) formerly living in Georgia and Alabama but now chiefly in Oklahoma
Creek Confederacy|a North American Indian confederacy organized by the Muskogee that dominated the southeastern part of the United States before being removed to Oklahoma
creel|a wicker basket used by anglers to hold fish
creep|a pen that is fenced so that young animals can enter but adults cannot;a slow longitudinal movement or deformation;someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric
creep feed|feed given to young animals isolated in a creep
creeper|any of various small insectivorous birds of the northern hemisphere that climb up a tree trunk supporting themselves on stiff tail feathers and their feet;any plant (as ivy or periwinkle) that grows by creeping
creepiness|an uneasy sensation as of insects creeping on your skin
creeping bellflower|erect European herb with creeping rootstocks and nodding spikelike racemes of blue to violet flowers
creeping bent|common pasture or lawn grass spread by long runners
creeping bugle|low rhizomatous European carpeting plant having spikes of blue flowers;naturalized in parts of United States
creeping buttercup|perennial European herb with long creeping stolons
creeping fern|delicate fern of the eastern United States having a twining stem and palmately-lobed sterile fronds and forked fertile fronds
creeping juniper|low to prostrate shrub of Canada and northern United States;bronzed purple in winter
creeping oxalis|creeping much-branched mat-forming weed;cosmopolitan
creeping snowberry|slow-growing procumbent evergreen shrublet of northern North America and Japan having white flowers and numerous white fleshy rough and hairy seeds
creeping soft grass|European perennial grass with soft velvety foliage
creeping spike rush|cylindrical-stemmed sedge
creeping St John's wort|creeping evergreen shrub with bright yellow star-shaped summer flowers;useful as ground cover
creeping willow|small trailing bush of Europe and Asia having straggling branches with silky green leaves of which several varieties are cultivated
creeping zinnia|low-branching leafy annual with flower heads resembling zinnias;found in southwestern United States and Mexico to Guatemala
creeps|a disease of cattle and sheep attributed to a dietary deficiency;characterized by anemia and softening of the bones and a slow stiff gait;a feeling of fear and revulsion - "he gives me the creeps"
creepy-crawlies|feelings of dislike and anxiety - "the cave gave me the creepy-crawlies"
creepy-crawly|an animal that creeps or crawls (such as worms or spiders or insects)
cremains|the remains of a dead body after cremation
cremation|the incineration of a dead body
crematory|a furnace where a corpse can be burned and reduced to ashes;a mortuary where corpses are cremated
creme anglais|custard sauce flavored with vanilla or a liqueur
creme brulee|custard sprinkled with sugar and broiled
creme caramel|baked custard topped with caramel
creme de cacao|sweet liqueur flavored with vanilla and cacao beans
creme de fraise|strawberry-flavored liqueur
creme de menthe|sweet green or white mint-flavored liqueur
Cremona|a city in Lombardy on the Po River;noted for the manufacture of fine violins from the 16th to the 18th centuries
crenate leaf|a leaf having a scalloped margin
crenel|a notch or open space between two merlons in a crenelated battlement
crenelation|the action of constructing ramparts with gaps for firing guns or arrows
creole|a mother tongue that originates from contact between two languages;a person descended from French ancestors in southern United States (especially Louisiana);a person of European descent born in the West Indies or Latin America
creole-fish|deep-sea fish of tropical Atlantic
Creon|(Greek mythology) the brother of Jocasta and uncle of Antigone who became king of Thebes after the fall of Oedipus
creosol|a colorless to yellow aromatic liquid that is a constituent of creosote
creosote|a colorless or yellowish oily liquid obtained by distillation of wood tar;used as an antiseptic;a dark oily liquid obtained by distillation of coal tar;used as a preservative for wood
creosote bush|desert shrub of southwestern United States and New Mexico having persistent resinous aromatic foliage and small yellow flowers
crepe|a soft thin light fabric with a crinkled surface;paper with a crinkled texture;usually colored and used for decorations
crepe de Chine|a very thin crepe of silk or silklike fabric
crepe fern|fern of rain forests of tropical Australia and New Zealand and South Africa
crepe rubber|crude natural rubber;used mainly for shoe soles
crepe Suzette|crepes flamed in a sweet orange-and-lemon flavored liqueur sauce
Crepis|hawk's-beard;cosmopolitan in northern hemisphere
crepitation rale|the crackling sound heard on auscultation when patients with respiratory diseases inhale;associated with tuberculosis and pneumonia and congestive heart failure
crescendo|(music) a gradual increase in loudness
crescent|any shape resembling the curved shape of the moon in its first or last quarters
crescent roll|very rich flaky crescent-shaped roll
crescent wrench|an adjustable wrench designed to fit hexagonal nuts with the adjusting screw built into the head of the wrench
Crescentia|a genus of tropical American trees of the family Bignoniaceae;has a short trunk and crooked limbs and drooping branches
cresol|any of three poisonous colorless isomeric phenols;derived from coal or wood tar;used as a disinfectant
cress|any of various plants of the family Cruciferae with edible leaves that have a pungent taste;pungent leaves of any of numerous cruciferous herbs
crest|(heraldry) in medieval times, an emblem used to decorate a helmet;a showy growth of e.g. feathers or skin on the head of a bird or other animal;the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave
crested cariama|Brazilian Cariama;sole representative of the genus Cariama
crested coral root|orchid with yellowish-brown flowers with dark veins;southeastern Arizona to the eastern United States
crested myna|dark brown crested bird of southeastern Asia
crested screamer|distinguished from the horned screamer by a feathery crest on the back of the head
crested wheatgrass|Eurasian grass grown in United States great plains area for forage and erosion control
Cretaceous|from 135 million to 63 million years ago;end of the age of reptiles;appearance of modern insects and flowering plants
Cretan|a native or inhabitant of Crete
Crete|the largest Greek island in the Mediterranean;site of the Minoan civilization that reached its peak in 1600 BC
cretinism|severe hypothyroidism resulting in physical and mental stunting
cretonne|an unglazed heavy fabric;brightly printed;used for slipcovers and draperies
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease|rare (usually fatal) brain disease (usually in middle age) caused by an unidentified slow virus;characterized by progressive dementia and gradual loss of muscle control
crevalle jack|fish of western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
crevasse|a deep fissure
crevice|a long narrow depression in a surface
crew|the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.);the team of men manning a racing shell
crew cut|a closely cropped haircut;usually for men
crew neck|a plain straight neckline opening from shoulder to shoulder of sweaters
crewelwork|embroidery done with loosely twisted worsted yarn
crewman|a member of a flight crew;a member of a work crew
Crex|corncrakes
crib|a bin or granary for storing grains;baby bed with high sides made of slats;the cards discarded by players at cribbage
cribbage|a card game (usually for two players) in which each player is dealt six cards and discards one or two
cribbage board|a board with pegs and regularly spaced holes for holding the pegs;used for keeping the score in a game of cribbage
Cricetidae|mostly small New World rodents including New World mice and lemmings and voles and hamsters
Cricetus|type genus of the Cricetidae;Old World hamsters
Crichton|Scottish man of letters and adventurer (1560-1582)
crick|a painful muscle spasm especially in the neck or back ('rick' and 'wrick' are British);English biochemist who (with Watson in 1953) helped discover the helical structure of DNA (1916-2004)
cricket|a game played with a ball and bat by two teams of 11 players;teams take turns trying to score runs;leaping insect;male makes chirping noises by rubbing the forewings together
cricket ball|the ball used in playing cricket
cricket bat|the club used in playing cricket - "a cricket bat has a narrow handle and a broad flat end for hitting"
cricket equipment|sports equipment used in playing cricket
cricket frog|either of two frogs with a clicking call
cricket match|a match between two cricket teams
cricket-bat willow|Eurasian willow tree having greyish leaves and ascending branches
cricketer|an athlete who plays cricket
crier|a peddler who shouts to advertise the goods he sells
crime|(criminal law) an act punishable by law;usually considered an evil act - "a long record of crimes";an evil act not necessarily punishable by law - "crimes of the heart"
crime rate|the ratio of crimes in an area to the population of that area;expressed per 1000 population per year
crime wave|a sudden rise in the crime rate
Crimea|a Ukrainian peninsula between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov
Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever|an infection common in Arab states caused by a bunyavirus;transmitted by a tick that thrives on sheep
Crimean War|a war in Crimea between Russia and a group of nations including England and France and Turkey and Sardinia;1853-1856
criminal|someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
criminal contempt|an act of disrespect that impedes the administration of justice
criminal court|a court having jurisdiction over criminal cases
Criminal Intelligence Services of Canada|an agency of the Canadian government that unifies the intelligence units of Canadian law enforcement agencies
Criminal Investigation Command|the United States Army's principal law enforcement agency responsible for the conduct of criminal investigations for all levels of the Army anywhere in the world
criminal law|the body of law dealing with crimes and their punishment
criminal negligence|(law) recklessly acting without reasonable caution and putting another person at risk of injury or death (or failing to do something with the same consequences)
criminal possession|(law) possession for which criminal sanctions are provided because the property may not lawfully be possessed or may not be possessed under certain circumstances
criminal record|a list of crimes for which an accused person has been previously convicted - "he ruled that the criminal record of the defendant could not be disclosed to the court"
criminal suit|a lawsuit alleging violations of criminal law by the defendant
criminalism|the state of being a criminal
criminalization|legislation that makes something illegal - "the criminalization of marijuana"
criminologist|a specialist in criminology
criminology|the scientific study of crime and criminal behavior and law enforcement
crimp|a lock of hair that has been artificially waved or curled;someone who tricks or coerces men into service as sailors or soldiers
crimson|a deep and vivid red color
crimson clover|southern European annual with spiky heads of crimson flower;extensively cultivated in United States for forage
cringle|fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
crinkleroot|North American herb with pungent scaly or toothed roots
crinoid|primitive echinoderms having five or more feathery arms radiating from a central disk
Crinoidea|sea lilies
crinoline|a full stiff petticoat made of crinoline fabric;a stiff coarse fabric used to stiffen hats or clothing
criollo|a Spanish American of pure European stock (usually Spanish) - "Mexico is a country of mestizos, criollos, and indigenes";cocoa of superior quality
cripple|someone who is unable to walk normally because of an injury or disability to the legs or back
crisis|a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something - "after the crisis the patient either dies or gets better";an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty - "they went bankrupt during the economic crisis"
crisis intervention|psychotherapy that focuses on acute critical situations (depressive episodes or attempted suicides or drug overdoses) with the aim of restoring the person to the level of functioning before the crisis
crisphead lettuce|lettuce with crisp tightly packed light-green leaves in a firm head
Crispin|patron saint of shoemakers;he and his brother were martyred for trying to spread Christianity (3rd century)
crispness|a pleasing firmness and freshness - "crispness of new dollar bills" - "crispness of fresh lettuce";an expressive style that is direct and to the point - "the crispness of his reply"
crisscross|a marking that consists of lines that cross each other
cristobalite|a white mineral consisting of silica;found in volcanic rocks
criterion|the ideal in terms of which something can be judged
crith|the weight of a liter of hydrogen (at 0 centigrade and 760 millimeters pressure)
critic|a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art;anyone who expresses a reasoned judgment of something;someone who frequently finds fault or makes harsh and unfair judgments
critical angle|the smallest angle of incidence for which light is totally reflected
critical appraisal|an appraisal based on careful analytical evaluation
critical mass|the minimum amount (of something) required to start or maintain a venture - "the battle for the computer market has now reached critical mass" - "there is now a critical mass of successful women to take the lead" - "they sold the business because it lacked critical mass";the minimum mass of fissionable material that can sustain a chain reaction
criticality|a critical state;especially the point at which a nuclear reaction is self-sustaining;a state of critical urgency
criticism|a serious examination and judgment of something - "constructive criticism is always appreciated";a written evaluation of a work of literature;disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings - "the senator received severe criticism from his opponent"
critter|a regional term for 'creature' (especially for domestic animals)
Crius|(Greek mythology) one of the Titans
croak|a harsh hoarse utterance (as of a frog)
croaker|any of several fishes that make a croaking noise;the lean flesh of a saltwater fish caught along Atlantic coast of southern U.S.
Croatia|a republic in the western Balkans in south-central Europe in the eastern Adriatic coastal area;formerly part of the Habsburg monarchy and Yugoslavia;became independent in 1991
Croatian|a member of the Slavic people living in Croatia
Crocethia|a genus of Scolopacidae
crochet|needlework done by interlocking looped stitches with a hooked needle
crochet needle|a needle with a hook on the end;used in crocheting
crochet stitch|any one of a number of stitches made by pulling a loop of yarn through another loop with a crochet needle
crocheting|creating a garment of needlework
crock|an earthen jar (made of baked clay);nonsense;foolish talk - "that's a crock"
Crock Pot|an electric cooker that maintains a relatively low temperature
crockery|tableware (eating and serving dishes) collectively
crocket|an architectural ornament of curved foliage used at the edge of a spire or gable
Crockett|United States frontiersman and Tennessee politician who died at the siege of the Alamo (1786-1836)
crocodile|large voracious aquatic reptile having a long snout with massive jaws and sharp teeth and a body covered with bony plates;of sluggish tropical waters
crocodile bird|African courser that feeds on insect parasites on crocodiles
crocodile tears|a hypocritical display of sorrow;false or insincere weeping - "the secretaries wept crocodile tears over the manager's dilemma" - "politicians shed crocodile tears over the plight of the unemployed"
crocodilian reptile|extant archosaurian reptile
Crocodylia|crocodiles;alligators;caimans;gavials
Crocodylidae|true crocodiles
Crocodylus|type genus of the Crocodylidae
crocolite|a rare lead chromite mineral that forms bright orange crystals
crocus|any of numerous low-growing plants of the genus Crocus having slender grasslike leaves and white or yellow or purple flowers;native chiefly to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated
Crocuta|a genus of Hyaenidae
Croesus|a very wealthy man;last king of Lydia (died in 546 BC)
croft|a small farm worked by a crofter
crofter|an owner or tenant of a small farm in Great Britain
Crohn|United States physician who specialized in diseases of the intestines;he was the first to describe regional ileitis which is now known as Crohn's disease (1884-1983)
Croix de Guerre|a French military decoration for gallantry
Cro-magnon|extinct human of Upper Paleolithic in Europe
Cromwell|English general and statesman who led the parliamentary army in the English Civil War (1599-1658)
Cronartium|rust fungi having aecia produced in raised or swollen sori and teliospores borne in waxy columns
Cronus|(Greek mythology) the supreme god until Zeus dethroned him;son of Uranus and Gaea in ancient Greek mythology;identified with Roman Saturn
cronyism|favoritism shown to friends and associates (as by appointing them to positions without regard for their qualifications)
Cronyn|Canadian actor who frequently played character parts with his wife Jessica Tandy (1911-2003)
crook|a long staff with one end being hook shaped
crookedness|having or distinguished by crooks or curves or bends or angles;the quality of being deceitful and underhanded
crooked-stemmed aster|a variety of aster
Crookes|English chemist and physicist;discovered thallium;invented the radiometer and studied cathode rays (1832-1919)
Crookes radiometer|electromagnetic radiometer consisting of a small paddlewheel that rotates when placed in daylight
Crookes tube|the original gas-discharge cathode-ray tube
crookneck|yellow squash with a thin curved neck and somewhat warty skin
crooner|a singer of popular ballads
crooning|singing in a soft low tone - "her crooning soon put the child to sleep";the act of singing popular songs in a sentimental manner
crop|a collection of people or things appearing together - "the annual crop of students brings a new crop of ideas";a cultivated plant that is grown commercially on a large scale;the output of something in a season - "the latest crop of fashions is about to hit the stores";the stock or handle of a whip;the yield from plants in a single growing season
crop failure|the failure of crops to produce a marketable surplus
crop-dusting|the dispersion of fungicides or insecticides or fertilizer on growing crops (often from a low-flying aircraft)
croquet|a game in which players hit a wooden ball through a series of hoops;the winner is the first to traverse all the hoops and hit a peg
croquet ball|a wooden ball used in playing croquet
croquet equipment|sports equipment used in playing croquet
croquet mallet|a mallet used to strike the ball in croquet
croquette|minced cooked meats (or vegetables) in thick white sauce;breaded and deep-fried
crore|the number that is represented as a one followed by 7 zeros;ten million
Crosby|United States singer and film actor (1904-1977)
crosier|a staff surmounted by a crook or cross carried by bishops as a symbol of pastoral office
Cross|a representation of the structure on which Jesus was crucified;used as an emblem of Christianity or in heraldry;a wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece;any affliction that causes great suffering
cross bit|a rock drill having cruciform cutting edges;used in mining
cross bun|moderately sweet raised roll containing spices and raisins and citron and decorated with a cross-shaped sugar glaze
cross country|a long race run over open country
cross hair|either of two fine mutually perpendicular lines that cross in the focus plane of an optical instrument and are use for sighting or calibration - "he had the target in his cross hairs"
cross section|(physics) the probability that a particular interaction (as capture or ionization) will take place between particles;measured in barns;a sample meant to be representative of a whole population;a section created by a plane cutting a solid perpendicular to its longest axis
cross street|a street intersecting a main street (usually at right angles) and continuing on both sides of it
cross vine|woody flowering vine of southern United States;stems show a cross in transverse section
crossbar|a horizontal bar that goes across something;game equipment consisting of a horizontal bar to be jumped or vaulted over;long thin horizontal crosspiece between two vertical posts
crossbench|any of the seats in the House of Commons used by members who do not vote regularly with either the government or the Opposition
crossbencher|a member of the House of Commons who does not vote regularly with either the government or the Opposition
crossbill|finch with a bill whose tips cross when closed
crossbones|two crossed bones (or a representation of two crossed bones) used as a symbol danger or death
crossbow|a bow fixed transversely on a wooden stock grooved to direct the arrow (quarrel)
crosscheck|an illegal check (chopping at an opponent's arms or stick);an instance of confirming something by considering information from several sources
cross-classification|classification according to more than one attribute at the same time - "the cross-classification of cases was done by age and sex"
cross-country riding|riding horses across country over obstructions to demonstrate horsemanship
cross-country skiing|the sport of skiing across the countryside (rather than downhill)
crosscut|a diagonal path
crosscut saw|handsaw that cuts at right angles to the grain (or major axis)
crosse|a long racket with a triangular frame;used in playing lacrosse
cross-examination|(law) close questioning of a hostile witness in a court of law to discredit or throw a new light on the testimony already provided in direct examination
cross-examiner|someone who questions a witness carefully (especially about testimony given earlier)
cross-eye|strabismus in which one or both eyes turn inward toward the nose
cross-fertilization|fertilization by the union of male and female gametes from different individual of the same species;interchange between different cultures or different ways of thinking that is mutually productive and beneficial - "the cross-fertilization of science and the creative arts"
crossfire|a lively or heated interchange of ideas and opinions;fire from two or more points so that the lines of fire cross
Cross-Florida Waterway|a waterway used by small boats to travel between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico through Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee Canal and the Caloosahatchee River
crosshairs|a center of interest - "the war on terrorism has put Saddam Hussein in the crosshairs"
crosshead|metal block that connects to a piston;it slides on parallel guides and moves a connecting rod back and forth
crossheading|a heading of a subsection printed within the body of the text
crossing|a path (often marked) where something (as a street or railroad) can be crossed to get from one side to the other;a point where two lines (paths or arcs etc.) intersect;a voyage across a body of water (usually across the Atlantic Ocean);traveling across
crossing guard|someone who helps people (especially children) at a traffic crossing
crossing over|the interchange of sections between pairing homologous chromosomes during the prophase of meiosis
crossjack|the lowermost sail on a mizzenmast
cross-leaved heath|dwarf European shrub with rose-colored flowers
cross-link|a side bond that links two adjacent chains of atoms in a complex molecule
crossopterygian|any fish of the order Crossopterygii;most known only in fossil form
Crossopterygii|fishes having paired fins resembling limbs and regarded as ancestral to amphibians
crossover|the appropriation of a new style (especially in popular music) by combining elements of different genres in order to appeal to a wider audience - "a jazz-classical crossover album"
crossover voter|a voter who is registered as a member of one political party but who votes in the primary of another party
crosspiece|a transverse brace
cross-pollination|fertilization by transfer of pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another;stimulating influence among diverse elements - "the cross-pollination of the arts"
cross-purpose|a contrary aim - "at cross-purposes"
cross-question|a question asked in cross-examination
cross-reference|a reference at one place in a work to information at another place in the same work
crossroads|a point where a choice must be made - "Freud's work stands at the crossroads between psychology and neurology"
cross-stitch|embroidery done with pairs of stitches that cross each other;two stitches forming a cross or X
crosstalk|the presence of an unwanted signal via an accidental coupling
crosswind|wind blowing across the path of a ship or aircraft
crossword puzzle|a puzzle in which words corresponding to numbered clues are to be found and written in to squares in the puzzle
crotalaria|any of various plants of the genus Crotalaria having inflated pods within which the seeds rattle;used for pasture and green-manure crops
Crotalidae|New World vipers;pit vipers
Crotalus|large rattlesnakes;seldom bite unless startled or pursuing prey
crotaphion|the tip of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone
Crotaphytus|collared lizards
crotch|the angle formed by the inner sides of the legs where they join the human trunk
crotchet|a small tool or hooklike implement
croton|grown in many varieties for their brightly colored foliage;widely cultivated as a houseplant;tropical Asiatic shrub;source of croton oil
croton oil|viscid acrid brownish-yellow oil from the seeds of Croton tiglium having a violent cathartic action
Crotophaga|ani
crottle|any of several lichens of the genus Parmelia from which reddish brown or purple dyes are made
crouch|the act of bending low with the limbs close to the body
croup|a disease of infants and young children;harsh coughing and hoarseness and fever and difficult breathing
croupier|someone who collects and pays bets at a gaming table
croupier's rake|a small rake used by a croupier to move chips around on the table
Crouse|United States playwright (1893-1966)
crouton|a small piece of toasted or fried bread;served in soup or salads
Crow|a member of the Siouan people formerly living in eastern Montana;a Siouan language spoken by the Crow;black birds having a raucous call;the cry of a cock (or an imitation of it)
crow garlic|pungent Old World wild onion
crow pheasant|common coucal of India and China
crowbait|an emaciated horse likely soon to become carrion and so attractive to crows
crowbar|a heavy iron lever with one end forged into a wedge
crowberry|a low evergreen shrub with small purple flowers and black berrylike fruit
crowd|a large number of things or people considered together - "a crowd of insects assembled around the flowers";an informal body of friends - "he still hangs out with the same crowd"
crowd control|activity of controlling a crowd
crowding|a situation in which people or things are crowded together - "he didn't like the crowding on the beach"
crown|(dentistry) dental appliance consisting of an artificial crown for a broken or decayed tooth - "tomorrow my dentist will fit me for a crown";a wreath or garland worn on the head to signify victory;an English coin worth 5 shillings;an ornamental jeweled headdress signifying sovereignty;the center of a cambered road;the part of a hat (the vertex) that covers the crown of the head;the part of a tooth above the gum that is covered with enamel;the upper branches and leaves of a tree or other plant;the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy
Crown Colony|a British colony controlled by the British Crown, represented by a governor
crown daisy|shrubby annual of the Mediterranean region with yellowish-white flowers
crown fire|a forest fire that advances with great speed jumping from crown to crown ahead of the ground fire
crown gall|a bacterial disease of plants (especially pome and stone fruits and grapes and roses) which forms excrescences on the stem near the ground
crown glass|a glass blown into a globe which is later flattened and spun to form a disk
crown imperial|Eurasian herb with a cluster of leaves and orange-red bell-shaped flowers at the top of the stem
crown jewel|a precious stone that is a valuable part of a sovereign's regalia;the most desirable assets of a corporation - "their crown jewels figured prominently in the takeover attempt"
crown jewels|regalia (jewelry and other paraphernalia) worn by a sovereign on state occasions
Crown land|land that belongs to the Crown
crown lens|a lens made of optical crown glass
crown of thorns|a mock crown made of thorn branches that Roman soldiers placed on Jesus before the Crucifixion;somewhat climbing bushy spurge of Madagascar having long woody spiny stems with few leaves and flowers with scarlet bracts
crown prince|a male heir apparent to a throne
crown princess|a female heir apparent to a throne;the wife of a crown prince
crown saw|a saw having teeth around the edge of a hollow cylinder
crown wart|a fungous disease of alfalfa which forms white excrescences at the base of the stem
crownbeard|any plant of the genus Verbesina having clustered white or yellow flower heads
crow's foot|a wrinkle in the skin at the outer corner of your eyes
crow's nest|platform for a lookout at or near the top of a mast
crucian carp|European carp closely resembling wild goldfish
crucible|a vessel made of material that does not melt easily;used for high temperature chemical reactions
crucible steel|steel made by the mixture of molten wrought iron, charcoal, and other substances in a crucible
crucifer|any of various plants of the family Cruciferae
Cruciferae|a large family of plants with four-petaled flowers;includes mustards, cabbages, broccoli, turnips, cresses, and their many relatives
cruciferous vegetable|a vegetable of the mustard family;especially mustard greens;various cabbages;broccoli;cauliflower;brussels sprouts
crucifix|a gymnastic exercise performed on the rings when the gymnast supports himself with both arms extended horizontally;representation of the cross on which Jesus died
crucifix fish|sea catfish of the Caribbean area
crucifixion|the act of executing by a method widespread in the ancient world;the victim's hands and feet are bound or nailed to a cross;the infliction of extremely painful punishment or suffering;the death of Jesus by crucifixion
crud|an ill-defined bodily ailment - "he said he had the crud and needed a doctor";heavy wet snow that is unsuitable for skiing
crudeness|a wild or unrefined state;an impolite manner that is vulgar and lacking tact or refinement - "the whole town was famous for its crudeness";an unpolished unrefined quality - "the crudeness of frontier dwellings depressed her"
crudites|raw vegetables cut into bite-sized strips and served with a dip
cruel and unusual punishment|punishment prohibited by the 8th amendment to the U.S. Constitution;includes torture or degradation or punishment too severe for the crime committed
cruel plant|robust twining shrub having racemes of fragrant white or pink flowers with flat spreading terminal petals that trap nocturnal moths and hold them until dawn
cruelty|a cruel act;a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering;feelings of extreme heartlessness;the quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance
cruet|bottle that holds wine or oil or vinegar for the table
cruet-stand|a stand for cruets containing various condiments
cruise|an ocean trip taken for pleasure
cruise control|control mechanism for keeping an automobile at a set speed
cruise missile|an unmanned aircraft that is a self-contained bomb
cruise ship|a passenger ship used commercially for pleasure cruises
cruiser|a car in which policemen cruise the streets;equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters;a large fast warship;smaller than a battleship and larger than a destroyer
cruller|small friedcake formed into twisted strips and fried;richer than doughnuts
crumb|a very small quantity of something - "he gave only a crumb of information about his plans" - "there were few crumbs of comfort in the report";small piece of e.g. bread or cake
crumb cake|cake or coffeecake topped with a mixture of sugar and butter and flour
crumbliness|excessive breakableness
crumpet|a thick soft cake with a porous texture;cooked on a griddle
crunch|a critical situation that arises because of a shortage (as a shortage of time or money or resources) - "an end-of-the year crunch" - "a financial crunch";the sound of something crunching - "he heard the crunch of footsteps on the gravel path"
crupper|a strap from the back of a saddle passing under the horse's tail;prevents saddle from slipping forward
crus|the leg from the knee to foot
Crusade|any of the more or less continuous military expeditions in the 11th to 13th centuries when Christian powers of Europe tried to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims
Crusader|a warrior who engages in a holy war - "the Crusaders tried to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims"
cruse|small jar;holds liquid (oil or water)
crush|a dense crowd of people;the act of crushing
crushed leather|leather that has had its grain pattern accentuated
crusher|a device that crushes something
crust|a hard outer layer that covers something;the outer layer of the Earth;the trait of being rude and impertinent;inclined to take liberties
Crustacea|class of mandibulate arthropods including;lobsters;crabs;shrimps;woodlice;barnacles;decapods;water fleas
crustacean|any mainly aquatic arthropod usually having a segmented body and chitinous exoskeleton
crustal movement|movement resulting from or causing deformation of the earth's crust
crustose thallus|thin crusty lichen thallus;adheres closely to or is embedded in the surface on which it grows
crutch|a wooden or metal staff that fits under the armpit and reaches to the ground;used by disabled person while walking;anything that serves as an expedient - "he uses drugs as a psychological crutch"
crux|the most important point
cry|a fit of weeping - "had a good cry";a loud utterance of emotion (especially when inarticulate) - "a cry of rage";a loud utterance;often in protest or opposition;the characteristic utterance of an animal
cryesthesia|hypersensitivity to cold
crying|the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds) - "I hate to hear the crying of a child"
cryoanesthesia|insensibility resulting from cold
cryobiology|the branch of biology that studies the effects of low temperatures on living tissues or organs or organisms
cryocautery|an instrument for destroying tissue by freezing it;application of a substance that destroys tissue by freezing it
cryogen|a liquid that boils at below -160 C and is used as a refrigerant
cryogenics|the branch of physics that studies the phenomena that occur at very low temperatures
cryolite|a white mineral consisting of fluorides of aluminum and sodium;a source of fluorine
cryometer|a thermometer designed to measure low temperatures
cryonics|the freezing of a seriously ill or recently deceased person to stop tissues from decomposing;the body is preserved until new medical cures are developed that might bring the person back to life - "cryonics is more science fiction than serious science"
cryophobia|a morbid fear of freezing
cryoscope|a measuring instrument for measuring freezing and melting points
cryostat|a thermostat that operates at very low temperatures
cryosurgery|the use of extreme cold (usually liquid nitrogen) to destroy unwanted tissue (warts or cataracts or skin cancers)
crypt|a cellar or vault or underground burial chamber (especially beneath a church)
Cryptacanthodes|a genus of Stichaeidae
cryptanalysis|the science of analyzing and deciphering codes and ciphers and cryptograms
cryptanalyst|decoder skilled in the analysis of codes and cryptograms
cryptic coloration|coloring that conceals or disguises an animal's shape
cryptobiosis|a state in which an animal's metabolic activities come to a reversible standstill
Cryptobranchidae|large aquatic salamanders;hellbenders;giant salamanders
Cryptobranchus|type genus of the Cryptobranchidae
Cryptocercidae|a family of Blattodea
Cryptocercus|cockroaches
cryptococcosis|a fungal infection characterized by nodular lesions--first in the lungs and spreading to the nervous system
cryptocoryne|any plant of the genus Cryptocoryne;evergreen perennials growing in fresh or brackish water;tropical Asia
cryptogam|formerly recognized taxonomic group including all flowerless and seedless plants that reproduce by means of spores;ferns, mosses, algae, fungi
Cryptogamia|in former classification systems;one of two major plant divisions, including all plants that do not bear seeds;ferns, mosses, algae, fungi
cryptogram|a piece of writing in code or cipher
Cryptogramma|sometimes placed in family Polypodiaceae or Cryptogrammataceae
Cryptogrammataceae|one of a number of families into which the family Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems
cryptograph|a device for deciphering codes and ciphers
cryptography|act of writing in code or cipher
Cryptomeria|Japanese cedar;sugi
cryptomonad|common in fresh and salt water appearing along the shore as algal blooms
Cryptophyceae|motile usually brownish-green protozoa-like algae
Cryptophyta|a phylum in the kingdom Protoctista
Cryptoprocta|large primitive cat-like carnivores inhabiting forests of Madagascar
cryptorchidy|failure of one or both testes to move into the scrotum as the male fetus develops
Cryptotermes|genus of dry wood termites;cosmopolitan in distribution;sometimes considered a subgenus of Kalotermes
Cryptotis|least shrews
crystal|a crystalline element used as a component in various electronic devices;a protective cover that protects the face of a watch;a rock formed by the solidification of a substance;has regularly repeating internal structure;external plane faces;a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure;glassware made of quartz
crystal ball|a glass or crystal globe used in crystal gazing by fortunetellers
crystal counter|a counter tube in which an ionizing event increases conductivity
crystal detector|a detector consisting of a fine wire in contact with a galena crystal;acts as a rectifier
crystal gazing|staring into a crystal ball to arouse visions of future or distant events
crystal microphone|a microphone in which sound waves vibrate a piezoelectric crystal that generates a varying voltage
crystal oscillator|an oscillator that produces electrical oscillations at a frequency determined by the physical characteristics of a piezoelectric quartz crystal
crystal pickup|a cartridge in which an output voltage is produced by the vibration of a piezoelectric crystal
crystal set|an early radio receiver using a crystal detector
crystallite|any of numerous minute rudimentary crystalline bodies of unknown composition found in glassy igneous rock
crystallization|a mental synthesis that becomes fixed or concrete by a process resembling crystal formation;the formation of crystals
crystallized ginger|strips of gingerroot cooked in sugar syrup and coated with sugar
crystallographer|a specialist in crystallography
crystallography|the branch of science that studies the formation and structure of crystals
ctene|a locomotor organ consisting of a row of strong cilia whose bases are fused
ctenidium|comb-like respiratory structure serving as the gill of certain mollusks
Ctenizidae|large burrowing spiders
Ctenocephalides|an arthropod genus of fleas
Ctenocephalus|a former usage synonymous with Ctenocephalides
Ctenophora|comb jellies;sea acorns;a small phylum formerly considered a class of Coelenterata
ctenophore|biradially symmetrical hermaphroditic solitary marine animals resembling jellyfishes having for locomotion eight rows of cilia arranged like teeth in a comb
ctenophore family|a family of ctenophores
ctenophore genus|a genus of ctenophores
cub|a male child (a familiar term of address to a boy);an awkward and inexperienced youth;the young of certain carnivorous mammals such as the bear or wolf or lion
Cub Scout|a junior Boy Scout
Cuba|a communist state in the Caribbean on the island of Cuba;the largest island in the West Indies
Cuban|a native or inhabitant of Cuba
Cuban bast|erect forest tree of Cuba and Jamaica having variably hairy leaves and orange-yellow or orange-red flowers;yields a moderately dense timber for cabinetwork and gunstocks
Cuban heel|a broad heel of medium height on women's shoes
Cuban monetary unit|monetary unit in Cuba
Cuban peso|the basic unit of money in Cuba;equal to 100 centavos
Cuban Revolution|the revolution led by Fidel Castro and a small band of guerrilla fighters against a corrupt dictatorship in Cuba;1956-1959
cubby|a small secluded room
cubbyhole|a small compartment
cube|a block in the (approximate) shape of a cube;a hexahedron with six equal squares as faces;any of several tropical American woody plants of the genus Lonchocarpus whose roots are used locally as a fish poison and commercially as a source of rotenone;the product of three equal terms
cube root|a number that when multiplied three times equals a given number
cubeb|a cigarette containing cubeb;spicy fruit of the cubeb vine;when dried and crushed is used medicinally or in perfumery and sometimes smoked in cigarettes;tropical southeast Asian shrubby vine bearing spicy berrylike fruits
cubic foot|the volume equal to a cube one foot on each side
cubic inch|the volume equal to a cube one inch on each side
cubic kilometer|a unit of capacity equal to the volume of a cube one kilometer on each edge
cubic millimeter|a metric measure of volume or capacity equal to a cube 1 millimeter on each edge
cubic yard|a unit of volume (as for sand or gravel)
cubicity|the property of resembling a cube
cubism|an artistic movement in France beginning in 1907 that featured surfaces of geometrical planes
cubist|an artist who adheres to the principles of cubism
cubit|an ancient unit of length based on the length of the forearm
cubitiere|body armor that protects the elbow
cubitus|the arm from the elbow to the fingertips
cuboid|a rectangular parallelepiped
cuboid bone|the cube shaped bone on the outer side of the tarsus
cuboidal cell|an epithelial cell that shaped like a cube
cucking stool|an instrument of punishment consisting of a chair in which offenders were ducked in water
cuckold|a man whose wife committed adultery
cuckoldom|the state of a husband whose wife has committed adultery
cuckoldry|the practice of making cuckolds;sexual conquests of married women
cuckoo|any of numerous European and North American birds having pointed wings and a long tail
cuckoo clock|clock that announces the hours with a sound like the call of the cuckoo
cuckoo-bumblebee|a bee that is parasitic in the nests of bumblebees
cuckoopint|common European arum with lanceolate spathe and short purple spadix;emerges in early spring;source of a starch called arum
Cuculidae|includes cuckoo;ani;roadrunner
cuculiform bird|birds having zygodactyl feet (except for the touracos)
Cuculiformes|cuckoos;touracos;etc.
Cuculus|type genus of the Cuculidae
cucumber|a melon vine of the genus Cucumis;cultivated from earliest times for its cylindrical green fruit;cylindrical green fruit with thin green rind and white flesh eaten as a vegetable;related to melons
cucumber tree|American deciduous magnolia having large leaves and fruit like a small cucumber
Cucumis|cucumbers;muskmelons
cucurbit|any plant of the family Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbita|type genus of the Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae|a family of herbaceous vines (such as cucumber or melon or squash or pumpkin)
cud|food of a ruminant regurgitated to be chewed again
cuddle|a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
cuddy|the galley or pantry of a small ship
cudgel|a club that is used as a weapon
cudweed|any of numerous plants of the genus Gnaphalium having flowers that can be dried without loss of form or color
cue|an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech;sports implement consisting of a tapering rod used to strike a cue ball in pool or billiards
cue ball|the ball that the billiard player or pool player strikes with his cue
cuff|the lap consisting of a turned-back hem encircling the end of the sleeve or leg
cufflink|jewelry consisting of one of a pair of linked buttons used to fasten the cuffs of a shirt
cuirass|medieval body armor that covers the chest and back
cuirassier|a cavalryman equipped with a cuirass
cuisine|the practice or manner of preparing food or the food so prepared
cuisse|armor plate that protects the thigh
cul|a passage with access only at one end
Culbertson|United States authority on contract bridge whose books helped to popularize the game (1891-1955)
Culcita|includes some plants usually placed in e.g. genus Dicksonia;terrestrial ferns resembling bracken;tropical America;Malaysia to Australia and Polynesia;southwestern Europe and Atlantic islands
culdoscope|a specialized endoscope for visually examining a woman's pelvic organs
culdoscopy|endoscopic examination of a woman's pelvic organs by the insertion of a culdoscope through the vagina
Culebra|a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico with miles of beautiful beaches
Culex|type genus of the Culicidae;widespread genus of mosquitoes distinguished by holding the body parallel to the resting surface
Culex quinquefasciatus|widespread tropical mosquito that transmits filarial worms
Culiacan|a city in northwestern Mexico
Culicidae|mosquitoes
cull|the person or thing that is rejected or set aside as inferior in quality
cullis|a gutter in a roof
culm|stem of plants of the Gramineae
culmination|(astronomy) a heavenly body's highest celestial point above an observer's horizon
culotte|a divided skirt
cult|a religion or sect that is generally considered to be unorthodox, extremist, or false - "it was a satanic cult";a system of religious beliefs and rituals - "devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin";followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices;followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader
cult of personality|intense devotion to a particular person
cultism|devotion to the doctrine or a cult or to the practices of a cult
cultist|a member of a religious cult;a member of an unorthodox cult who generally lives outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader
cultivar|a variety of a plant developed from a natural species and maintained under cultivation
cultivated land|arable land that is worked by plowing and sowing and raising crops
cultivated parsnip|European biennial having a long fusiform root that has been made palatable through cultivation
cultivated plant|plants that are grown for their produce
cultivated rice|yields the staple food of 50 percent of world's population
cultivation|(agriculture) production of food by preparing the land to grow crops (especially on a large scale);socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners - "her cultivation was remarkable";the act of raising or growing plants (especially on a large scale);the process of fostering the growth of something - "the cultivation of bees for honey"
cultivator|a farm implement used to break up the surface of the soil (for aeration and weed control and conservation of moisture)
cultural attache|an attache who is a specialist in cultural matters
cultural movement|a group of people working together to advance certain cultural goals
Cultural Revolution|a radical reform in China initiated by Mao Zedong in 1965 and carried out largely by the Red Guard;intended to eliminate counterrevolutionary elements in the government it resulted in purges of the intellectuals and socioeconomic chaos
culturati|people interested in culture and cultural activities
culture|(biology) the growing of microorganisms in a nutrient medium (such as gelatin or agar) - "the culture of cells in a Petri dish";a particular society at a particular time and place;the attitudes and behavior that are characteristic of a particular social group or organization - "the developing drug culture" - "the reason that the agency is doomed to inaction has something to do with the FBI culture";the raising of plants or animals - "the culture of oysters";the tastes in art and manners that are favored by a social group
culture medium|(bacteriology) a nutrient substance (solid or liquid) that is used to cultivate micro-organisms
culture shock|a condition of disorientation affecting someone who is suddenly exposed to an unfamiliar culture or way of life or set of attitudes
culverin|a heavy cannon with a long barrel used in the 16th and 17th centuries;a medieval musket
Culver's root|a tall perennial herb having spikes of small white or purple flowers;common in eastern North America
culvert|a transverse and totally enclosed drain under a road or railway
Cumana|a port city in northeastern Venezuela on the Caribbean Sea;founded in 1523, it is the oldest European settlement in South America
Cumberland|a river that rises in southeastern Kentucky and flows westward through northern Tennessee to become a tributary of the Ohio River in southwestern Kentucky;English general;son of George II;fought unsuccessfully in the battle of Fontenoy (1721-1765)
Cumberland Gap|a pass through the Cumberland Mountains between Virginia and Kentucky that early settlers used in order to move west
Cumberland Mountains|the southwestern part of the Appalachians
Cumbria|a county of northwestern England;a former Celtic kingdom in northwestern England;the name continued to be used for the hilly northwestern region of England including the Lake District and the northern Pennines
cumin|aromatic seeds of the cumin herb of the carrot family;dwarf Mediterranean annual long cultivated for its aromatic seeds
Cuminum|cumin
cummerbund|a broad pleated sash worn as formal dress with a tuxedo
cummings|United States writer noted for his typographically eccentric poetry (1894-1962)
cumulative preferred|preferred stock whose dividends if omitted accumulate until paid out
cumulative vote|an election in which each person has as many votes as there are positions to be filled and they can all be cast for one candidate or can be distributed in any manner
cumulonimbus|a dark cloud of great vertical extent charged with electricity;associated with thunderstorms
cumulus|a globular cloud
Cunaxa|battle in 401 BC when the Artaxerxes II defeated his younger brother who tried to usurp the throne
cuneate leaf|a wedge-shaped leaf having the acute angle at the base
cuneiform|an ancient wedge-shaped script used in Mesopotamia and Persia
Cuniculus|pacas
cunner|common in north Atlantic coastal waters of the United States
cunnilingus|oral stimulation of the vulva or clitoris
cunning|crafty artfulness (especially in deception)
Cunningham|United States dancer and choreographer (born in 1922)
Cunoniaceae|trees or shrubs or climbers;mostly southern hemisphere
cunt|a person (usually but not necessarily a woman) who is thoroughly disliked;obscene terms for female genitals
Cuon|Asiatic wild dog
cup|a large metal vessel with two handles that is awarded as a trophy to the winner of a competition - "the school kept the cups is a special glass case";a punch served in a pitcher instead of a punch bowl;a small open container usually used for drinking;usually has a handle - "he put the cup back in the saucer" - "the handle of the cup was missing";a United States liquid unit equal to 8 fluid ounces;any cup-shaped concavity - "bees filled the waxen cups with honey" - "he wore a jock strap with a metal cup" - "the cup of her bra";cup-shaped plant organ;the hole (or metal container in the hole) on a golf green - "he swore as the ball rimmed the cup and rolled away" - "put the flag back in the cup";the quantity a cup will hold - "he drank a cup of coffee" - "he borrowed a cup of sugar"
cup final|the final match of any cup competition (such as the annual final of the English soccer competition at Wembley)
cup hook|hook (usually on the underside of a shelf) for hanging cups
cup of tea|an activity that you like or at which you are superior - "chemistry is not my cup of tea"
cup tie|an eliminating game between teams in a cup competition
cupbearer|the attendant (usually an officer of a nobleman's household) whose duty is to fill and serve cups of wine
cupboard|a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
cupboard love|a show of affection motivated by selfishness
cupcake|small cake baked in a muffin tin
cupflower|any of various plants of the genus Nierembergia having upturned bell-shaped flowers
Cupid|(Roman mythology) god of love;counterpart of Greek Eros;a symbol for love in the form of a cherubic naked boy with wings and a bow and arrow
Cupid's bow|a curved bow with reversed curve ends;the double curve of the upper lip when considered to resemble Cupid's bow
cupola|a roof in the form of a dome;a vertical cylindrical furnace for melting iron for casting
cuppa|a cup of tea
cupping|a treatment in which evacuated cups are applied to the skin to draw blood through the surface
Cupressaceae|cypresses and junipers and many cedars
Cupressus|type genus of Cupressaceae
cuprite|a mineral consisting of cuprous oxide that is a source of copper
cupronickel|a 60/40 alloy of copper and nickel
cupule|a sucker on the feet of certain flies;cup-shaped structure of hardened bracts at the base of an acorn
Cuquenan|a famous waterfall in Venezuela
cur|a cowardly and despicable person;an inferior dog or one of mixed breed
curability|capability of being cured or healed
Curacao|a popular island resort in the Netherlands Antilles;flavored with sour orange peel
curacy|the position of a curate
curandera|a Mexican woman who practices healing techniques inherited from the Mayans
curandero|a Mexican man who practices healing techniques inherited from the Mayans
curassow|large crested arboreal game bird of warm parts of the Americas having long legs and tails;highly esteemed as game and food
curate|a person authorized to conduct religious worship
curate cycloid|a cycloid generated by a point inside the rolling circle
curator|the custodian of a collection (as a museum or library)
curatorship|the position of curator
curb|a horse's bit with an attached chain or strap to check the horse;an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
curb market|a stock market for trading in securities not listed on the New York Stock Exchange
curb roof|a roof with two or more slopes on each side of the ridge
curb service|service provided to customers who remain in their vehicles
curbside|the side of a sidewalk that is bordered by a curb - "policemen stood at intervals along the curbside"
curbstone|a paving stone forming part of a curb
Curculionidae|true weevils;snout beetles
Curcuma|tropical Asiatic perennial herbs
curd|a coagulated liquid resembling milk curd - "bean curd" - "lemon curd";coagulated milk;used to make cheese - "Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet eating some curds and whey"
curdling|the process of forming semisolid lumps in a liquid
curettage|surgery to remove tissue or growths from a bodily cavity (as the uterus) by scraping with a curette
curette|a surgical instrument shaped like a scoop to remove tissue from a bodily cavity
curfew|a signal (usually a bell) announcing the start of curfew restrictions;an order that after a specific time certain activities (as being outside on the streets) are prohibited;the time that the curfew signal is sounded
Curia|(Roman Catholic Church) the central administration governing the Roman Catholic Church
curie|a unit of radioactivity equal to the amount of a radioactive isotope that decays at the rate of 37,000,000,000 disintegrations per second;French chemist (born in Poland) who won two Nobel prizes;one (with her husband and Henri Becquerel) for research on radioactivity and another for her discovery of radium and polonium (1867-1934);French physicist;husband of Marie Curie (1859-1906)
Curie temperature|the temperature above which a ferromagnetic substance loses its ferromagnetism and becomes paramagnetic
curio|something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting
curiosa|books on strange or unusual subjects (especially erotica)
curiosity|a state in which you want to learn more about something
curiousness|a state of active curiosity
Curitiba|a city in southeastern Brazil
curium|a radioactive transuranic metallic element;produced by bombarding plutonium with helium nuclei
Curl|American chemist who with Richard Smalley and Harold Kroto discovered fullerenes and opened a new branch of chemistry (born in 1933)
curled leaf pondweed|European herb naturalized in the eastern United States and California
curler|a mechanical device consisting of a cylindrical tube around which the hair is wound to curl it - "a woman with her head full of curlers is not a pretty sight"
curlew|large migratory shorebirds of the sandpiper family;closely related to woodcocks but having a down-curved bill
curlew sandpiper|Old World sandpiper with a curved bill like a curlew
curliness|(of hair) a tendency to curl
curling|a game played on ice in which heavy stones with handles are slid toward a target
curling iron|a cylindrical metal home appliance that heats a lock of hair that has been curled around it
curly grass|rare small fern of northeastern North America having numerous slender spiraling fronds and forming dense tufts
curly-coated retriever|an English breed having a tightly curled black or liver-colored coat;retrieves game from land or water
curlycup gumweed|perennial gumweed of western and central North America
curly-heads|shrubby clematis of the eastern United States having curly foliage
curmudgeon|a crusty irascible cantankerous old person full of stubborn ideas
currant|any of several tart red or black berries used primarily for jellies and jams;any of various deciduous shrubs of the genus Ribes bearing currants;small dried seedless raisin grown in the Mediterranean region and California;used in cooking
currawong|bluish black fruit-eating bird with a bell-like call
currency|general acceptance or use - "the currency of ideas";the metal or paper medium of exchange that is presently used
current|a flow of electricity through a conductor - "the current was measured in amperes";a steady flow of a fluid (usually from natural causes) - "the raft floated downstream on the current"
current account|that part of the balance of payments recording a nation's exports and imports of goods and services and transfer payments
current intelligence|intelligence of all types and forms of immediate interest;usually disseminated without delays for evaluation or interpretation
current unit|a measure of the amount of electric charge flowing past a circuit point at a specific time
currentness|the property of belonging to the present time
curriculum vitae|a summary of your academic and work history
currier|a craftsman who curries leather for use;United States lithographer who (with his partner James Ives) produced thousands of prints signed 'Currier & Ives' (1813-1888)
curry|(East Indian cookery) a pungent dish of vegetables or meats flavored with curry powder and usually eaten with rice
curry powder|pungent blend of cumin and ground coriander seed and turmeric and other spices
curry sauce|allemande sauce with curry powder and coconut milk instead of stock
currycomb|a square comb with rows of small teeth;used to curry horses
curse|a severe affliction;profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
cursed crowfoot|annual herb growing in marshy places
cursor|(computer science) indicator consisting of a movable spot of light (an icon) on a visual display;moving it allows the user to point to commands or screen positions
Cursorius|coursers
curtailment|the temporal property of being cut short
curtain|any barrier to communication or vision - "a curtain of secrecy" - "a curtain of trees";hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
curtain lecture|a private lecture to a husband by his wife
curtain raiser|a short play presented before the main play;any preliminary activity
curtain ring|a circular ring for holding up a curtain
Curtis|English botanical writer and publisher (1746-1799)
Curtisia|a large evergreen tree of South Africa
Curtiss|United States industrialist and aviation pioneer (1878-1930)
curtsy|bending the knees;a gesture of respect made by women
curvaceousness|the quality of having a well-rounded body
curvature|(medicine) a curving or bending;often abnormal - "curvature of the spine";the property possessed by the curving of a line or surface;the rate of change (at a point) of the angle between a curve and a tangent to the curve
curve|a line on a graph representing data;a pitch of a baseball that is thrown with spin so that its path curves as it approaches the batter;the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
curvet|a light leap by a horse in which both hind legs leave the ground before the forelegs come down
curvilinear correlation|any correlation in which the rates of change of the variables is not constant
curvilinear regression|the relation between variables when the regression equation is nonlinear (quadratic or higher order)
cuscus|woolly-haired monkey-like arboreal marsupial of New Guinea and northern Australia
Cuscuta|genus of twining leafless parasitic herbs lacking chlorophyll;dodder
cushaw|globose or ovoid squash with striped grey and green warty rind;plant bearing squash having globose to ovoid fruit with variously striped grey and green and white warty rinds
cush-cush|tropical American yam with small yellow edible tubers
Cushing|United States neurologist noted for his study of the brain and pituitary gland and who identified Cushing's syndrome (1869-1939)
Cushing's disease|a glandular disorder caused by excessive ACTH resulting in greater than normal functioning of the adrenal gland;characterized by obesity
Cushing's syndrome|a glandular disorder caused by excessive cortisol
cushion|a soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc.;the layer of air that supports a hovercraft or similar vehicle
cushion flower|tall straggling shrub with large globose crimson-yellow flowers;western Australia
Cushitic|a group of languages spoken in Ethiopia and Somalia and northwestern Kenya and adjacent regions
cusk|large edible marine fish of northern coastal waters;related to cod;the lean flesh of a cod-like fish of North Atlantic waters
cusk-eel|elongate compressed somewhat eel-shaped fishes
cusp|a thin triangular flap of a heart valve;point formed by two intersecting arcs (as from the intrados of a Gothic arch);small elevation on the grinding surface of a tooth
cuspidation|a decoration using cusps
cussedness|meanspirited disagreeable contrariness
custard|sweetened mixture of milk and eggs baked or boiled or frozen
custard apple|any of several tropical American trees bearing fruit with soft edible pulp;the fruit of any of several tropical American trees of the genus Annona having soft edible pulp
custard pie|a prop consisting of an open pie filled with real or artificial custard;thrown in slapstick comedies
Custer|United States general who was killed along with all his command by the Sioux at the Battle of Little Bighorn (1839-1876)
custodial account|a brokerage firm account that parents have created for a minor
custodian|one having charge of buildings or grounds or animals
custodianship|the position of custodian
custody|holding by the police - "the suspect is in custody"
custody battle|litigation to settle custody of the children of a divorced couple
custody case|a legal action to determine custody (usually of children following a divorce)
custom|a specific practice of long standing;accepted or habitual practice;habitual patronage - "I have given this tailor my custom for many years"
customer|someone who pays for goods or services
customer agent|a foreign purchaser who buys goods outright for resale
customhouse|a government building where customs are collected and where ships are cleared to enter or leave the country
custom-made|an item made to the customer's specifications
customs|money collected under a tariff
customs union|an association of nations to promote free trade within the union and set common tariffs for nations that are not members
cut|(film) an immediate transition from one shot to the next - "the cut from the accident scene to the hospital seemed too abrupt";(sports) a stroke that puts reverse spin on the ball - "cuts do not bother a good tennis player";a canal made by erosion or excavation;a distinct selection of music from a recording or a compact disc - "he played the first cut on the cd";a piece of meat that has been cut from an animal carcass;a share of the profits - "everyone got a cut of the earnings";a step on some scale - "he is a cut above the rest";a trench resembling a furrow that was made by erosion or excavation;a wound made by cutting - "he put a bandage over the cut";an unexcused absence from class - "he was punished for taking too many cuts in his math class";the act of cutting something into parts - "his cuts were skillful" - "his cutting of the cake made a terrible mess";the act of penetrating or opening open with a sharp edge - "his cut in the lining revealed the hidden jewels";the act of reducing the amount or number - "the mayor proposed extensive cuts in the city budget";the act of shortening something by chopping off the ends - "the barber gave him a good cut";the division of a deck of cards before dealing - "he insisted that we give him the last cut before every deal" - "the cutting of the cards soon became a ritual";the style in which a garment is cut - "a dress of traditional cut"
cut glass|glass decorated by cutting or grinding facets
cut of beef|cut of meat from beef cattle
cut of lamb|cut of meat from a lamb
cut of mutton|cut of meat from a mature sheep
cut of pork|cut of meat from a hog or pig
cut of veal|cut of meat from a calf
cutaneous anthrax|a form of anthrax infection that begins as papule that becomes a vesicle and breaks with a discharge of toxins;symptoms of septicemia are severe with vomiting and high fever and profuse sweating;the infection is often fatal
cutaneous leishmaniasis|leishmaniasis of the skin;characterized by ulcerative skin lesions
cutaneous sensation|a sensation localized on the skin
cutaneous vein|one of a number of veins in the subcutaneous tissue that empty into deep veins
cutaway|a man's coat cut diagonally from the waist to the back of the knees;a representation (drawing or model) of something in which the outside is omitted to reveal the inner parts
cutback|a reduction in quantity or rate
cutch|tannin extract derived from any of several mangrove barks of Pacific areas
Cuterebra|type genus of the Cuterebridae
Cuterebridae|New World botflies
cuticle|the dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail
cuticula|the outer body wall of an insect
cutin|(biochemistry) a waxy transparent material that occurs in the cuticle of plants and consists of highly polymerized esters of fatty acids
cut-in|(broadcasting) a local announcement inserted into a network program;(film) a still picture that is introduced and that interrupts the action of a film
cutlas|a short heavy curved sword with one edge;formerly used by sailors
cutlassfish|long-bodied marine fishes having a long whiplike scaleless body and sharp teeth;closely related to snake mackerel
cutleaved coneflower|tall leafy plant with erect branches ending in large yellow flower heads with downward-arching rays;grow in Rocky Mountains south to Arizona and east to the Atlantic coast
cutler|a dealer in cutlery
cutlery|tableware implements for cutting and eating food
cutlet|thin slice of meat (especially veal) usually fried or broiled
cutoff|a designated limit beyond which something cannot function or must be terminated;a device that terminates the flow in a pipe
cutout|a part that is cut out or is intended to be cut out;a photograph from which the background has been cut away;a switch that interrupts an electric circuit in the event of an overload
cutter|a cutting implement;a tool for cutting;a sailing vessel with a single mast set further back than the mast of a sloop;someone who carves the meat;someone whose work is cutting (as e.g. cutting cloth for garments)
cutthroat|someone who murders by cutting the victim's throat
cutting|a part (sometimes a root or leaf or bud) removed from a plant to propagate a new plant through rooting or grafting;a piece cut off from the main part of something;the act of diluting something - "the cutting of whiskey with water"
cutting angle|the angle between the face of a cutting tool and the surface of the work
cutting implement|a tool used for cutting or slicing
cutting room|a room where films or tapes are edited (by cutting out unwanted parts)
cuttlefish|ten-armed oval-bodied cephalopod with narrow fins as long as the body and a large calcareous internal shell
cutty stool|a low stool;formerly in Scotland, a seat in a church where an offender was publicly rebuked
cutwork|embroidery in which the design is outlined in a buttonhole stitch and the intervening material is cut away
cutworm|North American moth whose larvae feed on young plant stems cutting them off at the ground
Cuvier|French naturalist known as the father of comparative anatomy (1769-1832)
Cuzco|a town in the Andes in southern Peru;formerly the capital of the Inca empire
cy pres|a rule that when literal compliance is impossible the intention of a donor or testator should be carried out as nearly as possible
Cyamopsis|small genus of annual usually hairy herbs of tropical Africa and Arabia
Cyamus|whale lice
cyan|a primary subtractive color for light;has a blue-green color
cyanamide|a weak soluble dibasic acid (the parent acid of cyanamide salts)
cyanic acid|a colorless poisonous volatile liquid acid that hydrolyzes readily to ammonia and carbon dioxide
cyanide|an extremely poisonous salt of hydrocyanic acid
cyanide poisoning|poisoning due to ingesting or inhaling cyanide;common in smoke from fires and in industrial chemicals
cyanide process|an industrial process for extracting gold and silver by treating ore with a sodium cyanide solution
cyanine dye|any of a class of dyes containing a -CH= group linking two heterocyclic rings containing nitrogen;used as sensitizers in photography
cyano group|the monovalent group -CN in a chemical compound
cyanobacteria|predominantly photosynthetic prokaryotic organisms containing a blue pigment in addition to chlorophyll;occur singly or in colonies in diverse habitats;important as phytoplankton
Cyanocitta|New World jays
cyanogen|a colorless toxic gas with a pungent almond odor;has been used in chemical warfare
cyanohydrin|any organic compound in which the cyano radical -CN and the hydroxyl radical -OH are attached to the same carbon atom
Cyanophyta|prokaryotic organisms sometimes considered a class or phylum or subkingdom;coextensive with the Cyanophyceae;cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
cyanosis|a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes;a sign that oxygen in the blood is dangerously diminished (as in carbon monoxide poisoning)
cyanuric acid|a trimer of cyanic acid
Cyathea|type genus of the Cyatheaceae;tree ferns of the tropical rain forest to temperate woodlands
Cyatheaceae|tropical tree ferns
Cybele|great nature goddess of ancient Phrygia in Asia Minor;counterpart of Greek Rhea and Roman Ops
cyberart|art that is produced with the help of computer hardware and software
cybercafe|a cafe whose customers sit at computer terminals and log on to the internet while they eat and drink
cybercrime|crime committed using a computer and the internet to steal a person's identity or sell contraband or stalk victims or disrupt operations with malevolent programs
cyberculture|the culture that emerges from the use of computers for communication and entertainment and business
cybernaut|a computer user who uses the internet;someone who explores cyberspace
cybernetics|(biology) the field of science concerned with processes of communication and control (especially the comparison of these processes in biological and artificial systems)
cyberphobia|irrational fear of computers or technology
cyberpunk|a genre of fast-paced science fiction involving oppressive futuristic computerized societies;a writer of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of an oppressive society dominated by computer technology
cybersex|sexual arousal involving communication on the internet
cyber-terrorism|an assault on electronic communication networks
cyborg|a human being whose body has been taken over in whole or in part by electromechanical devices - "a cyborg is a cybernetic organism"
cycad|any tropical gymnosperm of the order Cycadales;having unbranched stems with a crown of fernlike leaves
Cycadaceae|ancient palmlike plants closely related to ferns in that fertilization is by means of spermatozoids
Cycadales|primitive tropical gymnosperms abundant in the Mesozoic, now reduced to a few scattered tropical forms
Cycadofilicales|fossil gymnospermous trees or climbing plants from the Devonian;seed ferns
Cycadopsida|palmlike gymnosperms;includes the surviving order Cycadales and several extinct orders;possibly not a natural group;in some systems considered a class (Cycadopsida) and in others a subdivision (Cycadophytina or Cycadophyta)
Cycas|type genus of Cycadaceae;genus of widely distributed Old World evergreen tropical trees having pinnate leaves and columnar stems covered with persistent bases of old leaves
Cyclades|a group of over 200 islands in the southern Aegean
Cycladic civilization|the Bronze Age civilization on the Cyclades islands in the southern Aegean Sea that flourished 3000-1100 BC
cyclamen|Mediterranean plant widely cultivated as a houseplant for its showy dark green leaves splotched with silver and nodding white or pink to reddish flowers with reflexed petals
cycle|a periodically repeated sequence of events - "a cycle of reprisal and retaliation";a series of poems or songs on the same theme - "Schubert's song cycles";a single complete execution of a periodically repeated phenomenon - "a year constitutes a cycle of the seasons";an interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs - "the never-ending cycle of the seasons"
cycle of rebirth|(Hinduism) repeated rebirth in new forms
cyclic neutropenia|neutropenia that occurs periodically
cyclic redundancy check|an error correction code that is recorded in each sector of a magnetic disk and used to catch errors in the data
cyclicity|the quality of recurring at regular intervals
cycling|the sport of traveling on a bicycle or motorcycle
Cycliophora|tiny marine organisms each the size of a period found in great numbers on lobsters' lips;identified tentatively in 1995 as a new phylum or as possible link between Entoprocta and Ectoprocta
cyclist|a person who rides a bicycle
cyclobenzaprine|muscle relaxant (trade name Flexeril) used for muscle spasms or acute injury
cyclodestructive surgery|an eye operation that treats glaucoma by destroying the ciliary body with a laser
cyclohexanol|a colorless oily alcohol that smells like camphor
cyclohexanol phthalate|the cyclohexanol ester of phthalic acid
cycloid|a line generated by a point on a circle rolling along a straight line
Cycloloma|a caryophyllaceous genus of the family Chenopodiaceae
cyclone|(meteorology) rapid inward circulation of air masses about a low pressure center;circling counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern;a violent rotating windstorm
cyclooxygenase|either of two related enzymes that control the production of prostaglandins and are blocked by aspirin
cyclooxygenase-1|an enzyme that regulates prostaglandins that are important for the health of the stomach lining and kidneys
cyclooxygenase-2|an enzyme that makes prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain and fever
cyclopean masonry|a primitive style of masonry characterized by use of massive stones of irregular shape and size
Cyclopes|only the silky anteater
Cyclophorus|tropical Old World ferns having closely crowded circular sori and no indusia
cyclopia|a developmental abnormality in which there is only one eye
cyclopropane|a colorless flammable gas sometimes used as an inhalation anesthetic
Cyclops|(Greek mythology) one of a race of giants having a single eye in the middle of their forehead;minute free-swimming freshwater copepod having a large median eye and pear-shaped body and long antennae used in swimming;important in some food chains and as intermediate hosts of parasitic worms that affect man e.g. Guinea worms
Cyclopteridae|lumpfishes
Cyclopterus|type genus of the Cyclopteridae;lumpfishes
cycloserine|an antibiotic that is especially active against the tubercle bacillus
cyclosis|the circulation of cytoplasm within a cell
Cyclosorus|small genus of terrestrial ferns of tropical and subtropical southern hemisphere
Cyclosporeae|in more recent classifications superseded by the order Fucales
Cyclostomata|primitive jawless aquatic vertebrate;lampreys;hagfishes
cyclostome|primitive aquatic vertebrate
cyclostyle|a writing implement with a small toothed wheel that cuts small holes in a stencil
cyclothymia|a mild bipolar disorder that persists over a long time
cyclotron|an accelerator that imparts energies of several million electron-volts to rapidly moving particles
Cycnoches|genus of epiphytic or terrestrial tropical American orchids
Cydippida|ctenophores having two long pinnate tentacles
Cydonia|quince
cygnet|a young swan
Cygnus|a constellation in the northern hemisphere between Pegasus and Draco in the Milky Way;contains a black hole;a genus of Anatidae
cylinder|a chamber within which piston moves;a cylindrical container for oxygen or compressed air;a solid bounded by a cylindrical surface and two parallel planes (the bases);a surface generated by rotating a parallel line around a fixed line
cylinder head|a detachable plate that covers the closed end of a cylinder chamber in a reciprocating engine or pump
cylinder lock|a lock in which a cylinder rotates to move a bolt;tumblers are pins;inserting the key lifts and aligns the pins to free the cylinder to rotate
cylindricality|the roundness of a 3-dimensional cylinder
cyma|(architecture) a molding for a cornice;in profile it is shaped like an S (partly concave and partly convex)
cyma recta|a cyma in which the upper section is concave and the lower section is convex
Cymatiidae|tritons
cymbal|a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk;makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or when two are struck together
cymbalist|a performer on the cymbals
cymbid|any of various plants of the genus Cymbidium having narrow leaves and a long drooping cluster of numerous showy and variously colored boat-shaped flowers;extensively hybridized and cultivated as houseplants and important florists' flowers
cyme|more or less flat-topped cluster of flowers in which the central or terminal flower opens first
cymene|any of three isotopes of a colorless aromatic liquid hydrocarbon occurring in the volatile oil of cumin and thyme and used in the manufacture of synthetic resins
cymling|squash plant having flattened round fruit with a scalloped edge;usually greenish white
cymule|a small cyme, generally with few flowers
cynancum|any of various mostly giant tropical lianas of Africa and Madagascar having greenish or purple flowers and long smooth pods;roots formerly used as an emetic
Cynara|artichoke;cardoon
Cynewulf|Anglo-Saxon poet (circa 9th century)
Cynic|a member of a group of ancient Greek philosophers who advocated the doctrine that virtue is the only good and that the essence of virtue is self-control;someone who is critical of the motives of others
cynicism|a cynical feeling of distrust
Cynipidae|a family of Hymenoptera
Cynips|type genus of the Cynipidae;gall wasps
Cynocephalidae|a family of Dermoptera
Cynocephalus|type genus of the family Cynocephalidae
Cynocephalus variegatus|a variety of flying lemur
Cynodon|creeping perennial grasses of tropical and southern Africa
cynodont|small carnivorous reptiles
Cynodontia|a division of the order Therapsida from the Triassic period comprising small carnivorous tetrapod reptiles often with mammal-like teeth
Cynoglossidae|tonguefishes
Cynoglossum|a large genus of tall rough herbs belonging to the family Boraginaceae
Cynomys|prairie dogs
cynophobia|a morbid fear of dogs
Cynopterus|a genus of Megachiroptera
Cynopterus sphinx|a variety of fruit eating bat
Cynoscephalae|the battle that ended the second Macedonian War (197 BC);the Romans defeated Philip V who lost his control of Greece;the fields in Thessaly where in 197 BC the Romans defeated the Macedonians
Cynoscion|sea trout
cynosure|something that provides guidance (as Polaris guides mariners) - "let faith be your cynosure to walk by";something that strongly attracts attention and admiration - "if he was the cynosure of all eyes he didn't notice"
cynthia moth|large Asiatic moth introduced into the United States;larvae feed on the ailanthus
Cyperaceae|bulrush;chufa;cotton grass;papyrus;umbrella plant
Cyperus|type genus of Cyperaceae;grasslike rhizomatous herbs;cosmopolitan except very cold regions
Cyphomandra|tree tomato
Cypraea|type genus of the family Cypraeidae;the typical cowries
Cypraeidae|family of marine gastropods comprising the cowries
cypress|any of numerous evergreen conifers of the genus Cupressus of north temperate regions having dark scalelike leaves and rounded cones;wood of any of various cypress trees especially of the genus Cupressus
cypress pine|any of several evergreen trees or shrubs of Australia and northern New Caledonia
cypress sedge|tufted sedge of temperate regions;nearly cosmopolitan
cypress spurge|Old World perennial having foliage resembling cypress;naturalized as a weed in the United States
cypress vine|tropical American annual climber having red (sometimes white) flowers and finely dissected leaves;naturalized in United States and elsewhere
cyprinid|soft-finned mainly freshwater fishes typically having toothless jaws and cycloid scales
Cyprinidae|a family of fish including;carp;tench;roach;rudd;dace
cypriniform fish|a soft-finned fish of the order Cypriniformes
Cypriniformes|an order of animals including almost entirely freshwater fishes;characins;loaches;carp;suckers;sometimes classified as a suborder of Ostariophysi
cyprinodont|any member of the family Cyprinodontidae
Cyprinodontidae|large family of small soft-finned fishes;killifishes;flagfishes;swordtails;guppies
Cyprinus|type genus of the family Cyprinidae;carp
Cypriot|a native or inhabitant of Cyprus
Cypriot monetary unit|monetary unit in Cyprus
Cypriot pound|the basic unit of money in Cyprus;equal to 100 cents
cypripedia|a plant or flower of the genus Cypripedium
Cypripedium|genus of chiefly American perennial leafy-stemmed orchids;lady's slippers;sometimes includes species of genus Paphiopedilum
cyproheptadine|an antihistamine (trade name Periactin) used to treat some allergic reactions
Cyprus|a country on the island of Cyprus;80% of the people are of Greek origin and 20% or Turkish origin;an island in the eastern Mediterranean
Cyrano de Bergerac|a French soldier and dramatist remembered chiefly for fighting many duels (often over the size of his nose);was immortalized in 1897 in a play by Edmond Rostand (1619-1655)
Cyril|Greek missionary;the invention of the Cyrillic alphabet is attributed to him (826-869)
cyrilla|shrub or small tree of southeastern United States to West Indies and Brazil;grown for the slender racemes of white flowers and orange and crimson foliage
Cyrilliaceae|shrubs and trees with leathery leaves and small white flowers in racemes;genera Cyrilla and Cliftonia
Cyrillic alphabet|an alphabet derived from the Greek alphabet and used for writing Slavic languages (Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Ukrainian, and some other Slavic languages)
Cyrtomium|small genus of tropical Asiatic greenhouse ferns;in some classifications placed in Polypodiaceae
Cyrus|Persian prince who was defeated in battle by his brother Artaxerxes II (424-401 BC)
Cyrus II|king of Persia and founder of the Persian Empire (circa 600-529 BC)
cyst|a closed sac that develops abnormally in some body structure
cysteine|an amino acid containing sulfur that is found in most proteins;oxidizes on exposure to air to form cystine
cystic artery|a branch of the hepatic artery;supplies the gall bladder and the surface of the liver
cystic fibrosis|the most common congenital disease;the child's lungs and intestines and pancreas become clogged with thick mucus;caused by defect in a single gene;no cure is known
cystic fibrosis transport regulator|the gene that is mutated in cystic fibrosis
cystic vein|vein that drains the gallbladder
cystine|a crystalline amino acid found in proteins (especially keratin);discovered in bladder stones
cystitis|inflammation of the urinary bladder and ureters
cystocele|hernia in which the urinary bladder protrudes through the wall of the vagina;sometimes occurs after childbirth
cystoid macular edema|a specific pattern of swelling in the central retina
Cystophora|hooded seals
cystoplegia|paralysis of the urinary bladder
Cystopteris|chiefly small perennial rock ferns;bladder ferns;in some classifications placed in Polypodiaceae
Cytisus|large genus of stiff or spiny evergreen or deciduous Old World shrubs;broom
cytoarchitecture|the cellular composition of a bodily structure
cytochrome|(biochemistry) a class of hemoprotein whose principal biological function is electron transfer (especially in cellular respiration)
cytochrome c|the most abundant and stable cytochrome;involved in energy transfer
cytogenesis|the origin and development and variation of cells
cytogeneticist|a geneticist who specializes in the cellular components associated with heredity
cytogenetics|the branch of biology that studies the cellular aspects of heredity (especially the chromosomes)
cytokine|any of various protein molecules secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system
cytokinesis|organic process consisting of the division of the cytoplasm of a cell following karyokinesis bringing about the separation into two daughter cells
cytologic specimen|a specimen used for cytologic examination and diagnosis
cytologist|a biologist who studies the structure and function of cells
cytology|the branch of biology that studies the structure and function of cells
cytolysin|a substance that partly or completely destroys animal cells
cytolysis|pathological breakdown of cells by the destruction of their outer membrane
cytomegalovirus|any of a group of herpes viruses that enlarge epithelial cells and can cause birth defects;can affect humans with impaired immunological systems
cytopenia|a deficiency of some cellular element of the blood
cytophotometer|a photometer that can be used to locate and identify chemical compounds in a cell by measuring the intensity of the light that passes through stained sections of the cytoplasm
cytophotometry|the study of chemical compounds inside a cell by means of a cytophotometer
cytoplasm|the protoplasm of a cell excluding the nucleus;is full of proteins that control cell metabolism
cytoplast|the intact cytoplasmic content of a cell
cytosine|a base found in DNA and RNA and derived from pyrimidine;pairs with guanine
cytoskeleton|a microscopic network of actin filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm of many living cells that gives the cell shape and coherence
cytosol|the aqueous part of the cytoplasm within which various particles and organelles are suspended
cytostome|mouth of a protozoan
cytotoxic drug|any drug that has a toxic effect on cells;commonly used in chemotherapy to inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells
cytotoxicity|the degree to which something is toxic to living cells
cytotoxin|any substance that has a toxic effect on cells
czar|a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917);a person having great power
czarina|the wife or widow of a czar
Czech|a native of inhabitant of the Czech Republic;the Slavic language of Czechs
Czech monetary unit|monetary unit in Czech Republic
Czech Republic|a landlocked republic in central Europe;separated from Slovakia in 1993
Czechoslovakia|a former republic in central Europe;divided into Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993
Czechoslovakian|a native or inhabitant of the former republic of Czechoslovakia
Czerny|Austrian virtuoso pianist and composer of many works for the piano;studied with Beethoven and was a teacher of Liszt (1791-1857)
Czestochowa|a city of southern Poland whose church contains the statue of the black Madonna which attracts many pilgrims
D|the 4th letter of the Roman alphabet
da Gamma|Portuguese navigator who led an expedition around the Cape of Good Hope in 1497;he sighted and named Natal on Christmas Day before crossing the Indian Ocean (1469-1524)
dab|a small quantity of something moist or liquid - "a dab of paint"
Daba|a Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad
dabbler|an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge
dabbling duck|any of numerous shallow-water ducks that feed by upending and dabbling
dabchick|small European grebe
Daboecia|a dicotyledonous genus of the family Ericaceae
dace|small European freshwater fish with a slender bluish-green body
Dacelo|Australasian kingfishers
dacha|Russian country house
Dachau|a concentration camp for Jews created by the Nazis near Munich in southern Germany
dachshund|small long-bodied short-legged German breed of dog having a short sleek coat and long drooping ears;suited for following game into burrows
dacite|a grey volcanic rock containing plagioclase and quartz and other crystalline minerals
dacoit|a member of an armed gang of robbers
dacoity|robbery by a gang of armed dacoits
Dacron|a kind of polyester fabric
Dacrycarpus|evergreen coniferous shrubs or trees of New Zealand to Malaysia and Philippines
Dacrydium|Australasian evergreen trees or shrubs
Dacrymyces|type genus of the Dacrymycetaceae;fungi with a bifurcate basidium that lacks septa
Dacrymycetaceae|a family of basidiomycetous fungi belonging to the order Tremellales having a bifurcate basidium that lacks septa
dacryocystitis|inflammation of the lacrimal sac causing obstruction of the tube draining tears into the nose
dacryon|the craniometric point at the junction of the anterior border of the lacrimal bone with the frontal bone
dactyl|a metrical unit with stressed-unstressed-unstressed syllables
Dactylis|a monocotyledonous grass of the family Gramineae (has only one species)
Dactyloctenium|a monocotyledonous genus of the family Gramineae
dactylomegaly|abnormally large fingers or toes
Dactylopiidae|cochineal insects
Dactylopius|type genus of the Dactylopiidae
Dactylopteridae|flying gurnards
Dactylopterus|a genus of Dactylopteridae
Dactylorhiza|genus of terrestrial orchids of Europe and Asia and North Africa
Dactyloscopidae|sand stargazers
dad|an informal term for a father;probably derived from baby talk
dada|a nihilistic art movement (especially in painting) that flourished in Europe early in the 20th century;based on irrationality and negation of the accepted laws of beauty
dado|a rectangular groove cut into a board so that another piece can fit into it;the section of a pedestal between the base and the surbase
dado plane|a plane for making a dado groove
Daedalus|(Greek mythology) an Athenian inventor who built the labyrinth of Minos;to escape the labyrinth he fashioned wings for himself and his son Icarus
daemon|a person who is part mortal and part god
daffodil|any of numerous varieties of Narcissus plants having showy often yellow flowers with a trumpet-shaped central crown
daffodil garlic|European onion with white flowers
dagame|source of a tough elastic wood
Dagan|god of agriculture and earth;counterpart of Phoenician Dagon
Dagda|chief Celtic god of the Tuatha De Danann;father of Angus Og and Brigit
Dagestani|an ethnic minority living on the Caspian Sea in southwestern Russia and Azerbaijan
dagga|relatively nontoxic South African herb smoked like tobacco
dagger|a character used in printing to indicate a cross reference or footnote;a short knife with a pointed blade used for piercing or stabbing
daggerboard|a removable centerboard on a small sailboat that can be lowered into the water to serve as a keel
Dagon|god of agriculture and the earth;national god of Philistines
Daguerre|French inventor of the first practical photographic process, the daguerreotype (1789-1851)
daguerreotype|a photograph made by an early photographic process;the image was produced on a silver plate sensitized to iodine and developed in mercury vapor
dahlia|any of several plants of or developed from the species Dahlia pinnata having tuberous roots and showy rayed variously colored flower heads;native to the mountains of Mexico and Central America and Colombia
Dail Eireann|the lower house of the parliament of the Irish Republic
daily|a newspaper that is published every day
daily double|a single bet on two horse races in the same day
daily variation|fluctuations that occur between one day and the next
Daimler|German engineer and automobile manufacturer who produced the first high-speed internal combustion engine (1834-1900)
daintiness|the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance - "the daintiness of her touch"
dainty|something considered choice to eat
daiquiri|a cocktail made with rum and lime or lemon juice
dairy|a farm where dairy products are produced
dairy cattle|cattle that are reared for their milk
dairy product|milk and butter and cheese
dairying|the business of a dairy
dairymaid|a woman who works in a dairy
dairyman|a man who works in a dairy;the owner or manager of a dairy
dais|a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
daisy|any of numerous composite plants having flower heads with well-developed ray flowers usually arranged in a single whorl
daisy chain|(figurative) a series of associated things or people or experiences;flower chain consisting of a string of daisies linked by their stems;worn by students on class day at some schools
daisy cutter|a batted or served ball that skims along close to the ground
daisy fleabane|widely naturalized white-flowered North American herb
daisy print wheel|a wheel around which is a set of print characters that make a typing impression on paper
daisybush|any of various mostly Australian attractively shaped shrubs of the genus Olearia grown for their handsome and sometimes fragrant evergreen foliage and profusion of daisy flowers with white or purple or blue rays
daisyleaf grape fern|of North America and Eurasia
daisywheel printer|a printer that uses a daisy print wheel
Dakar|the capital and chief port and largest city of Senegal
Dakota|a member of the Siouan people of the northern Mississippi valley;commonly called the Sioux;the area of the states of North Dakota and South Dakota;the Siouan language spoken by the Dakota
Dalai Lama|chief lama and once ruler of Tibet
dalasi|the basic unit of money in Gambia
Dalbergia|large genus of tropical trees having pinnate leaves and paniculate flowers and cultivated commercially for their dramatically grained and colored timbers
dale|an open river valley (in a hilly area)
Dalea|indigo bush
dalesman|a person who lives in the dales of northern England
daleth|the 4th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Dali|surrealist Spanish painter (1904-1989)
Dalian|a port and shipbuilding center in northeastern China on the Liaodong Peninsula;now a part of Luda
Dall sheep|large white wild sheep of northwestern Canada and Alaska
Dallas|a large commercial and industrial city in northeastern Texas located in the heart of the northern Texas oil fields
dalliance|the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
dallier|someone who wastes time
dallisgrass|tall tufted perennial tropical American grass naturalized as pasture and forage grass in southern United States
Dalmatia|a historical region of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea;mountainous with many islands
dalmatian|a large breed having a smooth white coat with black or brown spots;originated in Dalmatia;a native or inhabitant of Dalmatia
Dalmatian iris|European iris having soft lilac-blue flowers
Dalmatian laburnum|erect shrub having large trifoliate leaves and dense clusters of yellow flowers followed by poisonous seeds;Yugoslavia;sometimes placed in genus Cytisus
Dalton|English chemist and physicist who formulated atomic theory and the law of partial pressures;gave the first description of red-green color blindness (1766-1844)
Dalton's law|(chemistry and physics) law stating that the pressure exerted by a mixture of gases equals the sum of the partial pressures of the gases in the mixture;the pressure of a gas in a mixture equals the pressure it would exert if it occupied the same volume alone at the same temperature
dam|a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea;female parent of an animal especially domestic livestock
Dama|fallow deer
damage|loss of military equipment;the act of damaging something or someone;the occurrence of a change for the worse
damage control|an effort to minimize or curtail damage or loss
damages|a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury
Damaliscus|African antelopes;sassabies
Damaraland mole rat|colonial mole rat of western Africa;similar to naked mole rat
damascene|a design produced by inlaying gold or silver into steel;a native or inhabitant of Damascus
Damascus steel|a hard resilient steel often decorated and used for sword blades
damask|a fabric of linen or cotton or silk or wool with a reversible pattern woven into it;a table linen made from linen with a damask pattern
damask rose|large hardy very fragrant pink rose;cultivated in Asia Minor as source of attar of roses;parent of many hybrids
damask violet|long cultivated herb having flowers whose scent is more pronounced in the evening;naturalized throughout Europe to Siberia and into North America
dame|a woman of refinement;informal terms for a (young) woman
Damkina|(Babylonian) earth goddess;consort of Ea and mother of Marduk
dammar|any of various hard resins from trees of the family Dipterocarpaceae and of the genus Agathis;especially the amboyna pine
damn|something of little value - "his promise is not worth a damn"
damnation|the act of damning;the state of being condemned to eternal punishment in Hell
damned|people who are condemned to eternal punishment - "he felt he had visited the realm of the damned"
Damocles|the Greek courtier to Dionysius the Elder who (according to legend) was condemned to sit under a naked sword that was suspended by a hair in order to demonstrate to him that being a king was not the happy state Damocles had said it was (4th century BC)
Damon|the friend of Phintias who pledged his life that Phintias would return (4th century BC)
Damon and Pythias|(Greek mythology) according to a Greek legend;when Pythias was sentenced to be executed Damon took his place to allow Pythias to get his affairs in order;when Pythias returned in time to save Damon the king was so impressed that he let them both live
damourite|a variety of muscovite
damp|a slight wetness
dampener|a device that dampens or moistens something - "he used a dampener to moisten the shirts before he ironed them"
damper|a depressing restraint - "rain put a damper on our picnic plans";a device that decreases the amplitude of electronic, mechanical, acoustical, or aerodynamic oscillations;a movable iron plate that regulates the draft in a stove or chimney or furnace
damper block|damper consisting of a small felted block that drops onto a piano string to stop its vibration
damping off|a plant disease caused by a fungus;diseased condition of seedlings in excessive moisture
damping off fungus|fungus causing damping off disease in seedlings
damp-proof course|a course of some impermeable material laid in the foundation walls of building near the ground to prevent dampness from rising into the building
damsel|a young unmarried woman
damselfish|small brilliantly colored tropical marine fishes of coral reefs
damselfly|slender non-stinging insect similar to but smaller than the dragonfly but having wings folded when at rest
damson|dark purple plum of the damson tree
damson plum|plum tree long cultivated for its edible fruit
Danaea|fairly small terrestrial ferns of tropical America
danaid|large tropical butterfly with degenerate forelegs and an unpleasant taste
Danaidae|small family of usually tropical butterflies;monarch butterflies
Danaus|type genus of the Danaidae;monarch butterflies
dance|a party for social dancing;a party of people assembled for dancing;an artistic form of nonverbal communication
dance band|a group of musicians playing popular music for dancing
dance floor|a bare floor polished for dancing
dance lesson|a lesson in dancing
dance music|a genre of popular music composed for ballroom dancing;music to dance to
dance school|a school where students are taught to dance
dance step|a sequence of foot movements that make up a particular dance
dancer|a performer who dances professionally;a person who participates in a social gathering arranged for dancing (as a ball)
dancing|taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
dancing partner|one of a pair of people who dance together
dancing school|a school in which students learn to dance
dancing-master|a professional teacher of dancing
dandelion|any of several herbs of the genus Taraxacum having long tap roots and deeply notched leaves and bright yellow flowers followed by fluffy seed balls
dandelion green|edible leaves of the common dandelion collected from the wild;used in salads and in making wine;the foliage of the dandelion plant
dander|a feeling of anger and animosity - "having one's hackles or dander up";small scales from animal skins or hair or bird feathers that can cause allergic reactions in some people
Dandie Dinmont|a breed of small terrier with long wiry coat and drooping ears
dandruff|a condition in which white scales of dead skin are shed by the scalp;loose scales shed from the scalp - "I could see the dandruff on her shoulders"
dandy|a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
Dane|a native or inhabitant of Denmark
danger|a cause of pain or injury or loss - "he feared the dangers of traveling by air";a dangerous place - "He moved out of danger";the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury - "you are in no danger" - "there was widespread danger of disease"
danger line|a line beyond which it is dangerous to go
danger zone|a dangerous area
dangerousness|the quality of not being safe
Dangla|a Chadic language spoken in Chad;uses seven vowels plus differences in vowel length
dangleberry|huckleberry of the eastern United States with pink flowers and sweet blue fruit
dangling modifier|a word or phrase apparently modifying an unintended word because of its placement in a sentence;e.g., 'when young' in 'when young, circuses appeal to all of us'
dangling participle|a participle (usually at the beginning of a sentence) apparently modifying a word other than the word intended;e.g., 'flying across the country' in 'flying across the country the Rockies came into view'
Daniel|(Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC);a wise and upright judge - "a Daniel come to judgment" -- Shakespeare;an Old Testament book that tells of the apocalyptic visions and the experiences of Daniel in the court of Nebuchadnezzar
Danish|a Scandinavian language that is the official language of Denmark;light sweet yeast-raised roll usually filled with fruits or cheese
Danish blue|blue cheese of Denmark
Danish krone|the basic unit of money in Denmark
Danish monetary unit|monetary unit in Denmark
dankness|unpleasant wetness
danse macabre|a medieval dance in which a skeleton representing death leads a procession of others to the grave
danseur|a male ballet dancer who is the partner of a ballerina
Dante|an Italian poet famous for writing the Divine Comedy that describes a journey through Hell and purgatory and paradise guided by Virgil and his idealized Beatrice (1265-1321)
Danton|French revolutionary leader who stormed the Paris bastille and who supported the execution of Louis XVI but was guillotined by Robespierre for his opposition to the Reign of Terror (1759-1794)
Danu|Celtic goddess who was the mother of the Tuatha De Danann;identified with the Welsh Don
Danube|the 2nd longest European river (after the Volga);flows from southwestern Germany to the Black Sea - "Vienna, Budapest, and Belgrade are on the banks of the Danube"
Daphne|(Greek mythology) a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape the amorous Apollo;any of several ornamental shrubs with shiny mostly evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers
daphnia|minute freshwater crustacean having a round body enclosed in a transparent shell;moves about like a flea by means of hairy branched antennae
dapple-grey|grey with a mottled pattern of darker grey markings
dapsone|antibacterial drug used to treat leprosy and some kinds of skin diseases
Dar al-harb|areas where Muslims are in the minority and are persecuted
Dar al-Islam|areas where Muslims are in the majority
Dar es Salaam|the capital and largest port city of Tanzania on the Indian Ocean
daraf|a unit of elastance equal to the reciprocal of a farad
Dard|any of a group of Indic languages spoken in Kashmir and eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan
Dardanelles|the strait between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara that separates European Turkey from Asian Turkey;the unsuccessful campaign in World War I (1915) by the English and French to open a passage for aid to Russia;defeated by the Turks
Dardanus|(Greek mythology) founder of Troy
dare|a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy - "he could never refuse a dare"
daredevil|a reckless impetuous irresponsible person
daredevilry|boldness as manifested in rash and daredevil behavior
Darfur|an impoverished region of western Sudan - "Darfur was a semi-independent sultanate until 1917 and is ethnically distinct from central Sudan"
Dari|an Iranian language spoken in Afghanistan
Darius I|king of Persia who expanded the Persian Empire and invaded Greece but was defeated at the battle of Marathon (550-486 BC)
Darius III|king of Persia who was defeated by Alexander the Great;his murder effectively ended the Persian Empire (died in 330 BC)
Darjeeling|a fine variety of black tea grown in northern India
dark|absence of light or illumination;an unenlightened state - "he was in the dark concerning their intentions" - "his lectures dispelled the darkness"
dark adaptation|the process of adjusting the eyes to low levels of illumination;cones adapt first;rods continue to adapt for up to four hours
dark blue|a dark shade of blue
dark bread|bread made with whole wheat flour
dark comedy|a comedy characterized by grim or satiric humor;a comedy having gloomy or disturbing elements
dark ground illumination|a form of microscopic examination of living material by scattered light;specimens appear luminous against a dark background
dark horse|a political candidate who is not well known but could win unexpectedly;a racehorse about which little is known
dark lantern|a lantern with a single opening and a sliding panel that can be closed to conceal the light
dark matter|(cosmology) a hypothetical form of matter that is believed to make up 90 percent of the universe;it is invisible (does not absorb or emit light) and does not collide with atomic particles but exerts gravitational force
dark meat|the flesh of the legs of fowl used as food
dark red|a red color that reflects little light
dark-eyed junco|common North American junco having grey plumage and eyes with dark brown irises
darkling beetle|sluggish hard-bodied black terrestrial weevil whose larvae feed on e.g. decaying plant material or grain
darkness|a swarthy complexion;an unilluminated area - "he moved off into the darkness";having a dark or somber color
darkroom|a room in which photographs are developed
darky|(ethnic slur) offensive term for Black people
darling|a special loved one;an Australian river;tributary of the Murray River
darling pea|either of two Australian plants of the genus Swainsona that are poisonous to sheep
Darlingtonia|one species;California pitcher plant
Darmera|one species
darmstadtium|a radioactive transuranic element
darnel|weedy annual grass often occurs in grainfields and other cultivated land;seeds sometimes considered poisonous
darner|a person who mends by darning
darning|the act of mending a hole in a garment with crossing threads
darning needle|a long needle with an eye large enough for heavy darning or embroidery thread
Darrow|United States lawyer famous for his defense of lost causes (1857-1938)
Darsana|(from the Sanskrit word for 'to see') one of six orthodox philosophical systems or viewpoints on the nature of reality and the release from bondage to karma
dart|a small narrow pointed missile that is thrown or shot;a tapered tuck made in dressmaking
dart player|someone who plays the game of darts
dartboard|a circular board of wood or cork used as the target in the game of darts
darter|a person or other animal that moves abruptly and rapidly - "squirrels are darters"
Dartmouth College|a college in New Hampshire
darts|a game in which small pointed missiles are thrown at a dartboard
Darwin|English natural scientist who formulated a theory of evolution by natural selection (1809-1882);provincial capital of the Northern Territory of Australia
Darwin tulip|any of several very tall, late blooming tulips bearing large squarish flowers on sturdy stems
Darwinian|an advocate of Darwinism
Darwinism|a theory of organic evolution claiming that new species arise and are perpetuated by natural selection
Das Kapital|a book written by Karl Marx (1867) describing his economic theories
dash|a footrace run at top speed - "he is preparing for the 100-yard dash";a quick run;distinctive and stylish elegance - "he wooed her with the confident dash of a cavalry officer";the act of moving with great haste - "he made a dash for the door";the longer of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code
dashboard|instrument panel on an automobile or airplane containing dials and controls
dashiki|a loose and brightly colored African shirt
dash-pot|a mechanical damper;the vibrating part is attached to a piston that moves in a chamber filled with liquid
Dasht-e-Kavir|a salt desert in north central Iran
Dasht-e-Lut|a desert in eastern Iran
dastard|a despicable coward
dastardliness|despicable cowardice
Dasyatidae|sting rays
Dasyatis|type genus of the Dasyatidae
dasymeter|densimeter consisting of a thin glass globe that is weighed in a gas to determine its density
Dasypodidae|armadillos
Dasyprocta|type genus of the Dasyproctidae;agoutis
Dasyproctidae|agoutis and pacas
Dasypus|type genus of the Dasypodidae
dasyure|any of several more or less arboreal marsupials somewhat resembling martens
dasyurid marsupial|small carnivorous nocturnal marsupials of Australia and Tasmania
Dasyuridae|dasyures;native cats;pouched mice;banded anteaters;Tasmanian devils
Dasyurus|type genus of the family Dasyuridae;native cats
data|a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn - "statistical data"
data conversion|conversion from one way of encoding data to another way
data converter|converter for changing information from one code to another
data encryption|(computer science) the encryption of data for security purposes
data hierarchy|an arrangement of data consisting of sets and subsets such that every subset of a set is of lower rank than the set
data input device|a device that can be used to insert data into a computer or other computational device
data mining|data processing using sophisticated data search capabilities and statistical algorithms to discover patterns and correlations in large preexisting databases;a way to discover new meaning in data
data multiplexer|a multiplexer that permits two or more data sources to share a common transmission medium
data processing|(computer science) a series of operations on data by a computer in order to retrieve or transform or classify information
data rate|the rate at which circuits or other devices operate when handling digital information
data structure|(computer science) the organization of data (and its storage allocations in a computer)
data system|system consisting of the network of all communication channels used within an organization
database|an organized body of related information
database management|creation and maintenance of a database
database management system|a software system that facilitates the creation and maintenance and use of an electronic database
date|a meeting arranged in advance - "she asked how to avoid kissing at the end of a date";a participant in a date - "his date never stopped talking";a particular but unspecified point in time - "they hoped to get together at an early date";a particular day specified as the time something happens - "the date of the election is set by law";sweet edible fruit of the date palm with a single long woody seed;the particular day, month, or year (usually according to the Gregorian calendar) that an event occurred - "he tried to memorizes all the dates for his history class";the present - "they are up to date" - "we haven't heard from them to date";the specified day of the month - "what is the date today?"
date bar|fruit bar containing chopped dates
date bread|bread containing chopped dates
date palm|tall tropical feather palm tree native to Syria bearing sweet edible fruit
date plum|an Asiatic persimmon tree cultivated for its small yellow or purplish-black edible fruit much valued by Afghan tribes
date rape|rape in which the rapist is known to the victim (as when they are on a date together)
dateline|a line at the beginning of a news article giving the date and place of origin of the news dispatch;an imaginary line on the surface of the earth following (approximately) the 180th meridian
date-nut bread|bread containing chopped dates and nuts
dating|use of chemical analysis to estimate the age of geological specimens
dative|the category of nouns serving as the indirect object of a verb
datum|an item of factual information derived from measurement or research
Datura|thorn apple
daub|an unskillful painting;material used to daub walls
Daubentonia|type genus;coextensive with the family Daubentoniidae
Daubentoniidae|comprising solely the aye-aye
dauber|an unskilled painter
Daucus|carrot
Daugavpils|a city of southeastern Latvia
daughter|a female human offspring - "her daughter cared for her in her old age"
daughter cell|a cell formed by the division or budding of another cell - "anthrax grows by dividing into two daughter cells that are generally identical"
daughter-in-law|the wife of your son
Daumier|French painter best known for his satirical lithographs of bourgeois society (1808-1879)
dauntlessness|resolute courageousness
dauphin|formerly, the eldest son of the King of France and direct heir to the throne
davallia|any fern of the genus Davallia;having scaly creeping rhizomes
Davalliaceae|one of a number of families into which Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems
Davenport|a city in eastern Iowa on the Mississippi River across from Moline and Rock Island;a large sofa usually convertible into a bed;a small decorative writing desk
David|(Old Testament) the 2nd king of the Israelites;as a young shepherd he fought Goliath (a giant Philistine warrior) and killed him by hitting him in the head with a stone flung from a sling;he united Israel with Jerusalem as its capital;many of the Psalms are attributed to David (circa 1000-962 BC);French neoclassical painter who actively supported the French Revolution (1748-1825);patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
Davidson's penstemon|mat-forming plant with blue and lavender flowers clustered on short erect stems;British Columbia to northern California
Daviesia|genus of Australasian shrubs and subshrubs having small yellow or purple flowers followed by short triangular pods
Davis|American statesman;president of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War (1808-1889);United States film actress (1908-1989);United States jazz musician;noted for his trumpet style (1926-1991);United States painter who developed an American version of cubism (1894-1964);United States tennis player who donated the Davis Cup for international team tennis competition (1879-1945)
Davis Cup|cup awarded for the annual international team tennis competition
davit|a crane-like device (usually one of a pair) for suspending or lowering equipment (as a lifeboat)
Davy|English chemist who was a pioneer in electrochemistry and who used it to isolate elements sodium and potassium and barium and boron and calcium and magnesium and chlorine (1778-1829)
Davys|English navigator who explored the Arctic while searching for the Northwest Passage (1550-1605)
da'wah|missionary work for Islam
dawdler|someone who takes more time than necessary;someone who lags behind
Dawes|American patriot who rode with Paul Revere to warn that the British were advancing on Lexington and Concord (1745-1799)
dawn|an opening time period - "it was the dawn of the Roman Empire";the earliest period - "the dawn of civilization";the first light of day - "we got up before dawn"
Dawson|a town in northwestern Canada in the Yukon on the Yukon River;a boom town around 1900 when gold was discovered in the Klondike
day|a day assigned to a particular purpose or observance;a period of opportunity - "he deserves his day in court" - "every dog has his day";an era of existence or influence - "in the day of the dinosaurs" - "in the days of the Roman Empire" - "in the days of sailing ships" - "he was a successful pianist in his day";some point or period in time - "it should arrive any day now" - "after that day she never trusted him again" - "those were the days" - "these days it is not unusual";the period of time taken by a particular planet (e.g. Mars) to make a complete rotation on its axis - "how long is a day on Jupiter?";the recurring hours when you are not sleeping (especially those when you are working) - "my day began early this morning" - "it was a busy day on the stock exchange" - "she called it a day and went to bed";the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside - "the dawn turned night into day" - "it is easier to make the repairs in the daytime";time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis - "two days later they left" - "they put on two performances every day" - "there are 30,000 passengers per day";United States writer best known for his autobiographical works (1874-1935)
day boarder|a schoolchild at a boarding school who has meals at school but sleeps at home
day camp|a camp providing care and activities for children during the daytime
day game|a game played in daylight
day jessamine|West Indian evergreen shrub having clusters of funnel-shaped white flowers that are fragrant by day
day laborer|a laborer who works by the day;for daily wages
day lily|any of numerous perennials having tuberous roots and long narrow bladelike leaves and usually yellow lily-like flowers that bloom for only a day
day nursery|a nursery for the supervision of preschool children while the parents work
day of the week|any one of the seven days in a week
day off|a day when you are not required to work - "Thursday is his day off"
day return|a return ticket (at reduced fare) for traveling both ways in the same day
day school|a private school taking day students only;a school building without boarding facilities;a school giving instruction during the daytime
day shift|the work shift during the day (as 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.);workers who work during the day (as 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Dayan|Israeli general and statesman (1915-1981)
daybed|an armless couch;a seat by day and a bed by night
daybook|a ledger in which transactions have been recorded as they occurred;an accounting journal as a physical object - "he bought a new daybook"
dayboy|a day boarder who is a boy
daycare|childcare during the day while parents work
daydreamer|someone who indulges in idle or absentminded daydreaming
daygirl|a day boarder who is a girl
daylight|light during the daytime
daylight vision|normal vision in daylight;vision with sufficient illumination that the cones are active and hue is perceived
daylight-saving time|time during which clocks are set one hour ahead of local standard time;widely adopted during summer to provide extra daylight in the evenings
days|the time during which someone's life continues - "the monarch's last days"
Dayton|a city in southwest Ohio;manufacturing center
Daytona Beach|a resort town in northeast Florida on the Atlantic coast;hard white beaches have been used for automobile speed trials
daze|confusion characterized by lack of clarity;the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally - "his mother's death left him in a daze"
dazzle|brightness enough to blind partially and temporarily
D-day|date of the Allied landing in France, World War II
De Bakey|United States heart surgeon who in 1966 implanted the first artificial heart in a human patient (born in 1908)
de facto segregation|segregation (especially in schools) that happens in fact although not required by law
De Forest|United States electrical engineer who in 1907 patented the first triode vacuum tube, which made it possible to detect and amplify radio waves (1873-1961)
de Gaulle|French general and statesman who became very popular during World War II as the leader of the Free French forces in exile (1890-1970)
de jure segregation|segregation that is imposed by law
de Kooning|United States painter (born in the Netherlands) who was a leading American exponent of abstract expressionism (1904-1997)
de la Mare|English poet remembered for his verse for children (1873-1956)
de Mille|United States dancer and choreographer who introduced formal dance to a wide audience (1905-1993)
De Niro|United States film actor who frequently plays tough characters (born 1943)
De Quincey|English writer who described the psychological effects of addiction to opium (1785-1859)
de Saussure|Swiss linguist and expert in historical linguistics whose lectures laid the foundations for synchronic linguistics (1857-1913)
De Sica|Italian film maker (1901-1974)
de Valera|Irish statesman (born in the United States);as president of the Irish Free State he was responsible for the new constitution of 1937 that created the state of Eire (1882-1975)
deacon|a cleric ranking just below a priest in Christian churches;one of the Holy Orders;a Protestant layman who assists the minister
deaconess|a woman deacon
deactivation|breaking up a military unit (by transfers or discharges);the act of deactivating or making ineffective (as a bomb)
dead|a time when coldness (or some other quality associated with death) is intense - "the dead of winter";people who are no longer living - "they buried the dead"
dead air|an inadvertent interruption in a broadcast during which there is no sound
dead axle|an axle that carries a wheel but without power to drive it
dead center|the position of a crank when it is in line with the connecting rod and not exerting torque
dead drop|a drop used for the clandestine exchange of intelligence information - "a dead drop avoids the need for an intelligence officer and a spy to be present at the same time"
dead duck|something doomed to failure - "he finally admitted that the legislation was a dead duck" - "the idea of another TV channel is now a dead duck" - "as theories go, that's a dead duck"
dead hand|the oppressive influence of past events or decisions
dead heat|a tie in a race
dead language|a language that is no longer learned as a native language
dead letter|mail that can neither be delivered nor returned;the state of something that has outlived its relevance
dead load|a constant load on a structure (e.g. a bridge) due to the weight of the supported structure itself
dead metaphor|a metaphor that has occurred so often that it has become a new meaning of the expression (e.g., 'he is a snake' may once have been a metaphor but after years of use it has died and become a new sense of the word 'snake')
dead nettle|any of various plants of the genus Lamium having clusters of small usually purplish flowers with two lips
dead person|someone who is no longer alive - "I wonder what the dead person would have done"
dead reckoning|navigation without the aid of celestial observations
Dead Sea|a saltwater lake on the border between Israel and Jordan;its surface in 1292 feet below sea level
Dead Sea scrolls|(Old Testament) a collection of written scrolls (containing nearly all of the Old Testament) found in a cave near the Dead Sea in the late 1940s
dead weight|a heavy motionless weight;an oppressive encumbrance
dead-air space|an unventilated area where no air circulates
deadbeat dad|a father who willfully defaults on his obligation to provide financial support for his offspring
deadeye|(nautical) a round hardwood disk with holes and a grooved perimeter used to tighten a shroud;a dead shot
deadhead|a nonenterprising person who is not paying his way - "the deadheads on the payroll should be eased out as fast as possible";a train or bus or taxi traveling empty
deadlight|a strong shutter over a ship's porthole that is closed in stormy weather
deadline|the point in time at which something must be completed
deadliness|the quality of being deadly
deadlock|a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
dead-man's float|a floating position with the face down and arms stretched forward
dead-man's-fingers|the fruiting bodies of the fungi of the genus Xylaria
deadness|the inanimate property of something that has died;the physical property of something that has lost its elasticity - "he objected to the deadness of the tennis balls"
deadwood|a branch or a part of a tree that is dead
deaf|people who have severe hearing impairments - "many of the deaf use sign language"
deaf person|a person with a severe auditory impairment
deaf-mutism|congenital deafness that results in inability to speak
deafness|partial or complete loss of hearing
deal|a particular instance of buying or selling - "it was a package deal" - "he's a master of the business deal";a plank of softwood (fir or pine board);the act of apportioning or distributing something - "the captain was entrusted with the deal of provisions";the act of distributing playing cards - "the deal was passed around the table clockwise";the type of treatment received (especially as the result of an agreement) - "he got a good deal on his car"
dealer|a firm engaged in trading;a seller of illicit goods - "a dealer in stolen goods";the person who distributes the playing cards in a card game
dealfish|deep-sea ribbonfish
dealignment|a process whereby voters are moved toward nonpartisanship thus weakening the structure of political parties
dealing|method or manner of conduct in relation to others - "honest dealing"
dealings|social or verbal interchange (usually followed by 'with')
deamination|removal of the amino radical from an amino acid or other amino compound
dean|(Roman Catholic Church) the head of the College of Cardinals;a man who is the senior member of a group - "he is the dean of foreign correspondents";an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college;United States film actor whose moody rebellious roles made him a cult figure (1931-1955)
deanery|the official residence of a dean
deanship|the position or office of a dean
dearth|an acute insufficiency;an insufficient quantity or number
death|the absence of life or state of being dead - "he seemed more content in death than he had ever been in life";the act of killing - "he had two deaths on his conscience";the event of dying or departure from life - "her death came as a terrible shock";the permanent end of all life functions in an organism or part of an organism - "the animal died a painful death";the time at which life ends;continuing until dead - "she stayed until his death";the time when something ends - "it was the death of all his plans";the personification of death
death adder|venomous Australian snake resembling an adder
death benefit|insurance or pension money payable to a beneficiary of a deceased
death camas|any of various plants of the genus Zigadenus having glaucous leaves and terminal racemes of mostly white flowers;all are poisonous
death camp|a concentration camp where prisoners are likely to die or be killed
death cap|extremely poisonous usually white fungus with a prominent cup-shaped base;differs from edible Agaricus only in its white gills
death house|the cellblock in a prison where those condemned to death await execution
death instinct|(psychoanalysis) an unconscious urge to die
death knell|a bell rung to announce a death;an omen of death or destruction
death mask|a cast taken from the face of a dead person
death seat|the car seat beside the driver of an automobile;believed to be the most dangerous place to sit in a car in case of an accident
death squad|a clandestine military or paramilitary team who murder political dissidents or petty criminals (usually with the government's tacit approval)
death toll|the number of deaths resulting from some particular cause such as an accident or a battle or a natural disaster
Death Valley|a desert area that is part of the Mojave Desert in eastern California and southwestern Nevada;contains the lowest point in North America
death warrant|a warrant to execute the death sentence
deathbed|the bed on which a person dies;the last few hours before death
deathblow|the blow that kills (usually mercifully)
deathrate|the ratio of deaths in an area to the population of that area;expressed per 1000 per year
death-roll|a list of persons killed in a war or other disaster
death's head|a human skull (or a representation of a human skull) used as a symbol of death
death's-head moth|European hawkmoth with markings on the back resembling a human skull
deathtrap|any structure that is very unsafe;where people are likely to be killed
deathwatch beetle|bores through wood making a ticking sound popularly thought to presage death
debacle|a sudden and violent collapse;flooding caused by a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river during the spring or summer
debarkation|the act of passengers and crew getting off of a ship or aircraft
debarment|the act of prevention by legal means - "they achieved his debarment from holding public office";the state of being debarred (excluded from enjoying certain possessions or rights or practices)
debaser|a person who lowers the quality or character or value (as by adding cheaper metal to coins)
debate|the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)
debater|someone who engages in debate
debenture|a certificate or voucher acknowledging a debt
debilitation|serious weakening and loss of energy
debit|an accounting entry acknowledging sums that are owing
debit card|a card (usually plastic) that enables the holder to withdraw money or to have the cost of purchases charged directly to the holder's bank account
debit side|account of payments owed;usually the left side of a financial statement
debridement|surgical removal of foreign material and dead tissue from a wound in order to prevent infection and promote healing
debriefing|report of a mission or task
debris|the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up
debris surge|the sudden spread of dust and debris from a collapsing building - "the destruction of the building produced an enormous debris surge"
Debs|United States labor organizer who ran for President as a socialist (1855-1926)
debt|an obligation to pay or do something;money or goods or services owed by one person to another;the state of owing something (especially money) - "he is badly in debt"
debt instrument|a written promise to repay a debt
debt limit|the maximum borrowing power of a governmental entity
debtor|a person who owes a creditor;someone who has the obligation of paying a debt
debugger|a program that helps in locating and correcting programming errors
Debussy|French composer who is said to have created Impressionism in music (1862-1918)
debut|the presentation of a debutante in society
debutante|a young woman making her debut into society
decade|a period of 10 years
decadent|a person who has fallen into a decadent state (morally or artistically)
decaffeinated coffee|coffee with the caffeine removed
decagon|a polygon with 10 sides and 10 angles
decahedron|any polyhedron having ten plane faces
decal|either a design that is fixed to some surface or a paper bearing the design which is to be transferred to the surface
decalcification|loss of calcium from bones or teeth
decalcomania|the art of transfering designs from specially prepared paper to a wood or glass or metal surface
decalescence|phenomenon that occurs when a metal is being heated and there is a sudden slowing in the rate of temperature increase;slowing is caused by a change in the internal crystal structure of the metal
Decalogue|the biblical commandments of Moses
decameter|a metric unit of length equal to ten meters
decampment|breaking camp
decantation|the act of gently pouring off a clear liquor (as from its original bottle) without disturbing the lees
decapitation|execution by cutting off the victim's head;killing by cutting off the head
decapod|cephalopods having eight short tentacles plus two long ones
decapod crustacean|crustaceans characteristically having five pairs of locomotor appendages each joined to a segment of the thorax
Decapoda|lobsters;crayfish;crabs;shrimps;prawns;squids and cuttlefishes
Decapterus|scads especially mackerel scad;cosmopolitan in distribution
decarboxylase|any of the enzymes that hydrolize the carboxyl group
decarboxylation|the process of removing a carboxyl group from a chemical compound (usually replacing it with hydrogen)
decasyllable|a verse line having ten syllables
decathlon|an athletic contest consisting of ten different events
Decatur|a city in central Illinois;Abraham Lincoln practiced law here;a town in northern Alabama on the Tennessee River;United States naval officer remembered for his heroic deeds (1779-1820)
decay|a gradual decrease;as of stored charge or current;an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying - "the corpse was in an advanced state of decay" - "the house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair";the organic phenomenon of rotting;the process of gradually becoming inferior;the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
deceiver|someone who leads you to believe something that is not true
deceleration|(physics) a rate of decrease in velocity;a decrease in rate of change - "the deceleration of the arms race";the act of decelerating;decreasing the speed - "he initiated deceleration by braking"
December|the last (12th) month of the year
decency|the quality of being polite and respectable;the quality of conforming to standards of propriety and morality
decentralization|the social process in which population and industry moves from urban centers to outlying districts;the spread of power away from the center to local branches or governments
deception|the act of deceiving
deceptiveness|the quality of being deceptive
decibel|a logarithmic unit of sound intensity;10 times the logarithm of the ratio of the sound intensity to some reference intensity
decidua|the epithelial tissue of the endometrium
deciduous holly|a holly tree
deciduous plant|a plant having foliage that is shed annually at the end of the growing season
decigram|1/10 gram
decile|(statistics) any of nine points that divided a distribution of ranked scores into equal intervals where each interval contains one-tenth of the scores
deciliter|a metric unit of volume equal to one tenth of a liter
decimal|a number in the decimal system
decimal digit|a digit from 0 to 9 in decimal notation
decimal fraction|a proper fraction whose denominator is a power of 10
decimal notation|any notation that uses 10 different characters (usually the digits 0 to 9)
decimal numeration system|a positional system of numeration that uses decimal digits and a base of ten
decimal point|the dot at the left of a decimal fraction
decimalization|the act of changing to a decimal system - "the decimalization of British currency"
decimation|destroying or killing a large part of the population (literally every tenth person as chosen by lot)
decimeter|a metric unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter
decipherer|a reader capable of reading and interpreting illegible or obscure text
decision|(boxing) a victory won on points when no knockout has occurred - "had little trouble in taking a unanimous decision over his opponent";a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration - "a decision unfavorable to the opposition";the act of making up your mind about something - "the burden of decision was his";the outcome of a game or contest - "the team dropped three decisions in a row"
decision making|the cognitive process of reaching a decision - "a good executive must be good at decision making"
decision table|a table of all contingencies and the actions to be taken for each
decisiveness|the trait of resoluteness as evidenced by firmness of character or purpose - "a man of unusual decisiveness"
Decius|Emperor of Rome who was proclaimed emperor against his will;his reign was notable for his severe persecution of Christians (201-251)
deck|a porch that resembles the deck on a ship;any of various platforms built into a vessel;street name for a packet of illegal drugs
deck chair|a folding chair for use outdoors;a wooden frame supports a length of canvas
deck tennis|game played mainly on board ocean liners;players toss a ring back and forth over a net that is stretched across a small court
decker|(often used in combinations) something constructed with multiple levels - "they rode in a double-decker bus"
deckhand|a member of a ship's crew who performs manual labor
deck-house|a superstructure on the upper deck of a ship
deckle|(paper making) a frame used to form paper pulp into sheets
deckle edge|rough edge left by a deckle on handmade paper or produced artificially on machine-made paper
declamation|recitation of a speech from memory with studied gestures and intonation as an exercise in elocution or rhetoric;vehement oratory
declaration|(law) unsworn statement that can be admitted in evidence in a legal transaction - "his declaration of innocence";a statement of taxable goods or of dutiable properties;a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)
declaration of estimated tax|return required of a taxpayer whose tax withheld from income does not meet the tax liability for the year
Declaration of Independence|the document recording the proclamation of the second Continental Congress (4 July 1776) asserting the independence of the Colonies from Great Britain
declarative sentence|a sentence (in the indicative mood) that makes a declaration
declassification|reduction or removal by the government of restrictions on a classified document or weapon
declension|a class of nouns or pronouns or adjectives in Indo-European languages having the same (or very similar) inflectional forms - "the first declension in Latin";the inflection of nouns and pronouns and adjectives in Indo-European languages
declination|(astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial body north or to the south of the celestial equator;expressed in degrees;used with right ascension to specify positions on the celestial sphere;a polite refusal of an invitation
decline|a condition inferior to an earlier condition;a gradual falling off from a better state;change toward something smaller or lower
declinometer|an instrument for measuring magnetic declination
deco|a style of design that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s;marked by stylized forms and geometric designs adapted to mass production
decoction|(pharmacology) the extraction of water-soluble drug substances by boiling
decoction process|(brewing) a process in which part of the mash is removed and boiled and then returned
decoder|a machine that converts a coded text into ordinary language;the kind of intellectual who converts messages from a code to plain text
decoding|the activity of making clear or converting from code into plain text
decolletage|a low-cut neckline on a woman's dress
decolonization|the action of changing from colonial to independent status
decomposition|(biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action;(chemistry) separation of a substance into two or more substances that may differ from each other and from the original substance;in a decomposed state;the analysis of a vector field
decompound leaf|a leaf having divisions that are themselves compound
decompression|relieving pressure (especially bringing a compressed person gradually back to atmospheric pressure);restoring compressed information to its normal form for use or display
decompression sickness|pain resulting from rapid change in pressure
decongestant|a drug that decreases pulmonary congestion
deconstruction|a philosophical theory of criticism (usually of literature or film) that seeks to expose deep-seated contradictions in a work by delving below its surface meaning
deconstructivism|a school of architecture based on the philosophical theory of deconstruction
decontamination|the removal of contaminants
decoration|an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event;something used to beautify;the act of decorating something (in the hope of making it more attractive)
decorativeness|an appearance that serves to decorate and make something more attractive
decorator|someone who decorates
decortication|removal of the outer covering of an organ or part
decorum|propriety in manners and conduct
decoupage|art produced by decorating a surface with cutouts and then coating it with several layers of varnish or lacquer;the art of decorating a surface with shapes or pictures and then coating it with vanish or lacquer
decoy|a beguiler who leads someone into danger (usually as part of a plot)
decrease|a change downward - "there was a decrease in his temperature as the fever subsided";a process of becoming smaller or shorter;the act of decreasing or reducing something;the amount by which something decreases
decree|a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
decree nisi|a decree issued on a first petition for divorce;becomes absolute at some later date
decrepitation|the crackling or breaking up of certain crystals when they are heated
decrepitude|a state of deterioration due to old age or long use
decrescendo|(music) a gradual decrease in loudness
decriminalization|legislation that makes something legal that was formerly illegal
decubitus|a reclining position (as in a bed)
Decumaria|small genus of woody climbers with adhesive aerial roots;sometimes placed in family Saxifragaceae
decumary|woody climber of southeastern United States having white flowers in compound terminal clusters
dedicated file server|(computer science) a file server that can be used only as a file server
dedication|a ceremony in which something (as a building) is dedicated to some goal or purpose;a short message (as in a book or musical work or on a photograph) dedicating it to someone or something;complete and wholehearted fidelity
dedifferentiation|the loss of specialization in form or function
deductible|(taxes) an amount that can be deducted (especially for the purposes of calculating income tax);a clause in an insurance policy that relieves the insurer of responsibility to pay the initial loss up to a stated amount
deduction|an amount or percentage deducted;reasoning from the general to the particular (or from cause to effect);something that is inferred (deduced or entailed or implied)
deed|a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it - "he signed the deed"
deed poll|a deed made and executed by only one party
deep|literary term for an ocean - "denizens of the deep";the central and most intense or profound part - "in the deep of night" - "in the deep of winter"
deep fording|fording at a deep place in the stream
deep freeze|temporary inactivity or suspension - "the legislation has now been revived after ten years in the deep freeze"
deep middle cerebral vein|accompanies the middle cerebral artery deep in the Sylvian fissure;empties into the basal vein
deep pocket|a source of substantial wealth (usually plural) - "a patron of the arts should have deep pockets"
Deep South|the southeastern region of the United States;South Carolina and Georgia and Alabama and Mississippi and Louisiana;prior to the American Civil War all these states produced cotton and permitted slavery
deep space|any region in space outside the solar system
deep supporting fire|fire on objectives not in the immediate vicinity of your forces but with the objective of destroying enemy reserves and weapons and interfering with the enemy command and supply and communications
deep temporal vein|temporal veins that empty into the pterygoid plexus
deep water|serious trouble
deep-dish pie|a pie made of fruit with rich biscuit dough usually only on top of the fruit
deepening|a process of becoming deeper and more profound
deep-freeze|electric refrigerator (trade name Deepfreeze) in which food is frozen and stored for long periods of time
deepness|a low pitch that is loud and voluminous;the quality of being physically deep
deep-sea diver|a diver in the deeper parts of the sea
deepwater pipefish|a fish 8 inches long;found from eastern Florida to western Caribbean
deepwater squirrelfish|a squirrelfish found from South Carolina to Bermuda and Gulf of Mexico
deer|distinguished from Bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers
deer fern|fern with erect fronds of Europe and western North America;often cultivated for deer browse
deer grass|any of several plants of the genus Rhexia usually having pink-purple to magenta flowers;eastern North America
deer hunter|hunter of deer
deer hunting|hunting deer
deer mouse|brownish New World mouse;most widely distributed member of the genus
deer mushroom|a small edible agaric with a slender stalk;usually found on rotting hardwoods
deer trail|a trail worn by the passage of deer
deerberry|small branching blueberry common in marshy areas of the eastern United States having greenish or yellowish unpalatable berries reputedly eaten by deer
Deere|United States industrialist who manufactured plows suitable for working the prairie soil (1804-1886)
deerskin|leather from the hide of a deer
deerstalker|a tight-fitting hat with visors front and back;formerly worn by hunters
deerstalking|stalking deer
de-escalation|(war) a reduction in intensity (of a crisis or a war)
defacement|the act of damaging the appearance or surface of something - "the defacement of an Italian mosaic during the Turkish invasion"
defalcation|the sum of money that is misappropriated
defamation|a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions
defamer|one who attacks the reputation of another by slander or libel
default|act of failing to meet a financial obligation;loss due to not showing up - "he lost the game by default"
default judgment|a judgment entered in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant defaults (fails to appear in court)
default option|an option that is selected automatically unless an alternative is specified
defaulter|a contestant who forfeits a match;someone who fails to make a required appearance in court;someone who fails to meet a financial obligation
defeat|an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest - "it was a narrow defeat" - "the army's only defeat"
defeated|people who are defeated - "the Romans had no pity for the defeated"
defeatism|acceptance of the inevitability of defeat
defeatist|someone who is resigned to defeat without offering positive suggestions
defecation|the elimination of fecal waste through the anus
defecation reflex|normal response to the presence of feces in the rectum
defecator|a person who defecates
defect|a failing or deficiency - "that interpretation is an unfortunate defect of our lack of information";an imperfection in a bodily system - "visual defects" - "this device permits detection of defects in the lungs";an imperfection in an object or machine - "if there are any defects you should send it back to the manufacturer"
defective pleading|any pleading that fails to conform in form or substance to minimum standards of accuracy or sufficiency
defectiveness|the state of being defective
defendant|a person or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law;the person being sued or accused
defender|a fighter who holds out against attack;a person who cares for persons or property
Defender of the Faith|a title that Leo X bestowed on Henry VIII and later withdrew;parliament restored the title and it has been used by English sovereigns ever since
defenestration|the act of throwing someone or something out of a window
defense|(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies - "they died in the defense of Stalingrad" - "they were developed for the defense program";(sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring - "his teams are always good on defense";a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him - "he gave evidence for the defense";an organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack - "he joined the defense against invasion";protection from harm - "sanitation is the best defense against disease";the act of defending someone or something against attack or injury - "a good boxer needs a good defense" - "defense against hurricanes is an urgent problem";the defendant and his legal advisors collectively - "the defense called for a mistrial";the justification for some act or belief - "he offered a persuasive defense of the theory"
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency|the central research and development organization for the United States Department of Defense;responsible for developing new surveillance technologies since 9/11
defense attorney|the lawyer representing the defendant
defense contractor|a contractor concerned with the development and manufacture of systems of defense
Defense Information Systems Agency|a combat support agency in the Department of Defense responsible for developing and operating and supporting information systems to serve the needs of the President and the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Defense Intelligence Agency|an intelligence agency of the United States in the Department of Defense;is responsible for providing intelligence in support of military planning and operations and weapons acquisition
defense laboratory|a laboratory devoted to research and development for national defense
Defense Logistics Agency|a logistics combat support agency in the Department of Defense;provides worldwide support for military missions
defense mechanism|(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
defense program|a program for defending a country against its enemies
Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service|the organization in the Defense Logistics Agency that inventories and evaluates and sells reusable United States government surplus
defense system|the weaponry available for the defense of a region
Defense Technical Information Center|the agency in the Department of Defense that provides scientific and technical information to federal agencies and their contractors
defenselessness|the property of being helpless in the face of attack
defensibility|capability of being defended - "they built their castles with an eye to their defensibility" - "client complaints create a felt need for the defensibility of individual actions"
defensive|an attitude of defensiveness (especially in the phrase 'on the defensive')
defensive structure|a structure used to defend against attack
defensiveness|excessive sensitivity to criticism - "his defensiveness was manifested in hurt silence" - "the fear of being sued for malpractice has magnified physicians' defensiveness"
deference|a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard - "his deference to her wishes was very flattering";courteous regard for people's feelings - "in deference to your wishes"
deferral|a state of abeyance or suspended business
defervescence|abatement of a fever as indicated by a reduction in body temperature
defiance|a defiant act;a hostile challenge;intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude
defibrillation|treatment by stopping fibrillation of heart muscles (usually by electric shock delivered by a defibrillator)
defibrillator|an electronic device that administers an electric shock of preset voltage to the heart through the chest wall in an attempt to restore the normal rhythm of the heart during ventricular fibrillation
deficiency disease|any disease caused by a lack of an essential nutrient (as a vitamin or mineral)
deficit|(sports) the score by which a team or individual is losing;a deficiency or failure in neurological or mental functioning - "the people concerned have a deficit in verbal memory" - "they have serious linguistic deficits";an excess of liabilities over assets (usually over a certain period) - "last year there was a serious budgetary deficit";the property of being an amount by which something is less than expected or required - "new blood vessels bud out from the already dilated vascular bed to make up the nutritional deficit"
deficit spending|spending money raised by borrowing;used by governments to stimulate their economy
defilade|the arrangement of defensive fortifications to protect against enemy fire
defile|a narrow pass (especially one between mountains)
definite article|a determiner (as 'the' in English) that indicates specificity of reference
definite integral|the integral of a function over a definite interval
definite quantity|a specific measure of amount
definition|a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol;clarity of outline - "exercise had given his muscles superior definition"
definitive host|the host in which the sexual reproduction of a parasite takes place
deflagration|combustion that propagates through a gas or along the surface of an explosive at a rapid rate driven by the transfer of heat
deflation|(geology) the erosion of soil as a consequence of sand and dust and loose rocks being removed by the wind - "a constant deflation of the desert landscape";a contraction of economic activity resulting in a decline of prices;the act of letting the air out of something
deflationary spiral|an episode of deflation in which prices and wages decrease at an increasing rate and currency gains in value
deflator|a statistical factor designed to remove the effect of inflation;inflation adjusted variables are in constant dollars
deflection|a twist or aberration;especially a perverse or abnormal way of judging or acting;the amount by which a propagating wave is bent;the movement of the pointer or pen of a measuring instrument from its zero position;the property of being bent or deflected
deflector|a device intended to turn aside the flow of something (water or air or smoke etc)
defloration|an act that despoils the innocence or beauty of something;the act of depriving a woman of her virginity (especially by rupturing the hymen through sexual intercourse)
Defoe|English writer remembered particularly for his novel about Robinson Crusoe (1660-1731)
defoliant|a chemical that is sprayed on plants and causes their leaves to fall off
defoliation|causing the leaves of trees and other plants to fall off (as by the use of chemicals);the loss of foliage
defoliator|an insect that strips the leaves from plants
deforestation|the removal of trees;the state of being clear of trees
deformation|alteration in the shape or dimensions of an object as a result of the application of stress to it
deformity|an affliction in which some part of the body is misshapen or malformed
defroster|heater that removes ice or frost (as from a windshield or a refrigerator or the wings of an airplane)
Degas|French impressionist painter (1834-1917)
degaussing|the process of making a (steel) ship's hull nonmagnetic by producing an opposing magnetic field
degeneracy|the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
degeneration|passing from a more complex to a simpler biological form;the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality
degenerative disorder|condition leading to progressive loss of function
degradation|changing to a lower state (a less respected state)
degree|a measure for arcs and angles - "there are 360 degrees in a circle";a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality - "it is all a matter of degree";a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process - "a remarkable degree of frankness";a unit of temperature on a specified scale - "the game was played in spite of the 40-degree temperature";the highest power of a term or variable;the seriousness of something (e.g., a burn or crime) - "murder in the second degree" - "a second degree burn"
degree centigrade|a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature
degree day|a unit used in estimating fuel requirements for heating a building
degree Fahrenheit|a degree on the Fahrenheit scale of temperature
degree of a polynomial|the degree of the term in the polynomial that has the highest degree
degree of a term|the sum of the exponents of the variables in the term
degree of freedom|(statistics) an unrestricted variable in a frequency distribution;one of the minimum number of parameters needed to describe the state of a physical system
degree program|a course of study leading to an academic degree
degressive tax|any tax in which the rate decreases as the amount subject to taxation increases
dehiscence|(biology) release of material by splitting open of an organ or tissue;the natural bursting open at maturity of a fruit or other reproductive body to release seeds or spores or the bursting open of a surgically closed wound
dehumanization|the act of degrading people with respect to their best qualities - "science has been blamed for the dehumanization of modern life"
dehydrated food|food preserved by dehydration
dehydration|depletion of bodily fluids;dryness resulting from the removal of water;the process of extracting moisture
deictic|a word specifying identity or spatial or temporal location from the perspective of a speaker or hearer in the context in which the communication occurs - "words that introduce particulars of the speaker's and hearer's shared cognitive field into the message"- R.Rommetveit
deification|an embodiment of the qualities of a god - "the capitalists' deification of capital";the condition of being treated like a god;the elevation of a person (as to the status of a god)
Deimos|the outer of two small satellites of Mars
deinocheirus|lightly built medium-sized theropod with long limbs and neck
deinonychus|swift agile wolf-sized bipedal dinosaur having a large curved claw on each hind foot;of the Cretaceous
de-iodinase|an enzyme that removes the iodine radical
de-iodination|the removal of iodine atoms from organic compounds
deipnosophist|someone skilled at informal chitchat
deism|the form of theological rationalism that believes in God on the basis of reason without reference to revelation
deist|a person who believes that God created the universe and then abandoned it
deity|any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force
deixis|the function of pointing or specifying from the perspective of a participant in an act of speech or writing;aspects of a communication whose interpretation depends on knowledge of the context in which the communication occurs
deja vu|the experience of thinking that a new situation had occurred before
dejection|a state of melancholy depression
dekagram|10 grams
dekaliter|a metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters
Dekker|English dramatist and pamphleteer (1572-1632)
dekko|British slang for a look
Del Rio|a town in southwest Texas on the Rio Grande to the west of San Antonio
Delacroix|French romantic painter (1798-1863)
Delairea|one species;German ivy
delavirdine|a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (trade name Rescriptor) used to treat AIDS and HIV
Delaware|a member of an Algonquian people formerly living in New Jersey and New York and parts of Delaware and Pennsylvania;a Mid-Atlantic state;one of the original 13 colonies;a river that rises in the Catskills in southeastern New York and flows southward along the border of Pennsylvania with New York and New Jersey to northern Delaware where it empties into Delaware Bay;one of the British colonies that formed the United States;the Algonquian language spoken by the Delaware
Delaware Bay|an inlet of the North Atlantic;fed by the Delaware River
Delaware Memorial Bridge|a suspension bridge across the Delaware River
Delawarean|a native or resident of Delaware
delay|the act of delaying;inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time;time during which some action is awaited - "instant replay caused too long a delay"
delay line|a circuit designed to introduce a calculated delay into the transmission of a signal
delayed action|a mechanism that automatically delays the release of a camera shutter for a fixed period of time so that the photographer can appear in the picture
delayed allergy|an allergic reaction that becomes apparent only hours after contact
delayer|a person who delays;to put off until later or cause to be late
Delbruck|United States biologist (born in Germany) who studied how viruses infect living cells (1906-1981)
delectability|extreme appetizingness
delegacy|the appointment of a delegate
delegate|a person appointed or elected to represent others
delegating|authorizing subordinates to make certain decisions
deletion|(genetics) the loss or absence of one or more nucleotides from a chromosome;the act of deleting something written or printed;the omission that is made when an editorial change shortens a written passage - "an editor's deletions frequently upset young authors"
delf|an excavation;usually a quarry or mine
delft|a style of glazed earthenware;usually white with blue decoration
Delhi|a city in north central India
deliberate defense|a defense organized before contact is made with the enemy and while time for organization is available;usually includes a fortified zone (with pillboxes) and communication systems
deliberation|(usually plural) discussion of all sides of a question - "the deliberations of the jury";careful consideration - "a little deliberation would have deterred them";the trait of thoughtfulness in action or decision - "he was a man of judicial deliberation"
deliberative assembly|an assembly of people for the purpose of unhurried consideration and discussion
Delibes|French composer of operas (1836-1891)
delicacy|refined taste;tact;smallness of stature;subtly skillful handling of a situation
delicatessen|a shop selling ready-to-eat food products;ready-to-eat food products
Delichon|a genus of Hirundinidae
Delicious|variety of sweet eating apples
delight|a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction - "his delight to see her was obvious to all"
Delilah|(Old Testament) the Philistine mistress of Samson who betrayed him by cutting off his hair and so deprived him of his strength
delineation|a drawing of the outlines of forms or objects
delinquency|a tendency to be negligent and uncaring - "he inherited his delinquency from his father";an antisocial misdeed in violation of the law by a minor;nonpayment of a debt when due
delinquent|a young offender
delirium|a usually brief state of excitement and mental confusion often accompanied by hallucinations
delirium tremens|acute delirium caused by alcohol poisoning
Delius|English composer of orchestral works (1862-1934)
deliverable|something that can be provided as the product of development - "under this contract the deliverables include both software and hardware"
deliverer|a person who gives up or transfers money or goods
delivery|the act of delivering a child;the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail) - "his reluctant delivery of bad news";the event of giving birth - "she had a difficult delivery";the voluntary transfer of something (title or possession) from one party to another
delivery truck|a van suitable for delivering goods or services to customers
deliveryman|someone employed to make deliveries
dell|a small wooded hollow
Delmonico steak|small steak from the front of the short loin of beef
Delonix|evergreen or deciduous trees of tropical Africa and India
Delorme|French royal architect who built the Tuileries Palace and Gardens in Paris for Catherine de Medicis (1515-1570)
Delphi|an ancient Greek city on the slopes of Mount Parnassus;site of the oracle of Delphi
Delphinapterus|white whale
Delphinidae|dolphins
delphinium|any plant of the genus Delphinium having palmately divided leaves and showy spikes of variously colored spurred flowers;some contain extremely poisonous substances
Delphinus|a constellation in the northern hemisphere near Pegasus and Aquila;type genus of the Delphinidae
delta|a low triangular area of alluvial deposits where a river divides before entering a larger body of water - "the Mississippi River delta" - "the Nile delta";an object shaped like an equilateral triangle;the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet
delta iron|an allotrope of iron that is stable between 1403 degrees centigrade and the melting point (= 1532 degrees)
delta ray|an electron ejected from matter by ionizing radiation
delta rhythm|the normal brainwave in the encephalogram of a person in deep dreamless sleep;occurs with high voltage and low frequency (1 to 4 hertz)
delta wing|an airplane with wings that give it the appearance of an isosceles triangle
deltoid|a large triangular muscle covering the shoulder joint and serving to abduct and flex and extend and rotate the arm
deltoid leaf|a simple leaf shaped like a capital delta
deltoid tuberosity|a bump on the outside of the humerus where the deltoid muscle attaches
delusion|(psychology) an erroneous belief that is held in the face of evidence to the contrary;a mistaken or unfounded opinion or idea - "he has delusions of competence";the act of deluding;deception by creating illusory ideas
delusional disorder|any mental disorder in which delusions play a significant role
delusions of grandeur|a delusion (common in paranoia) that you are much greater and more powerful and influential than you really are
delusions of persecution|a delusion (common in paranoia) that others are out to get you and frustrate and embarrass you or inflict suffering on you;a complicated conspiracy is frequently imagined
demagnetization|the process of removing magnetization
demagogue|a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices
demagoguery|impassioned appeals to the prejudices and emotions of the populace
demand|an urgent or peremptory request - "his demands for attention were unceasing";the ability and desire to purchase goods and services - "the automobile reduced the demand for buggywhips" - "the demand exceeded the supply";the act of demanding - "the kidnapper's exorbitant demands for money"
demand deposit|a bank deposit from which withdrawals can be made without notice
demand feeding|feeding a baby or animal whenever it shows a need
demand for identification|as by a sentry
demand note|a note payable on demand
demander|a person who makes demands
demand-pull inflation|inflation caused by an increase in demand or in the supply of money
demantoid|a green andradite used as a gemstone
demarche|a move or step or maneuver in political or diplomatic affairs
Dematiaceae|family of imperfect mushrooms having dark-colored hyphae or conidia
Demavend|an active volcano in northern Iran
demeanor|(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
demeclocycline hydrochloride|tetracycline antibacterial (trade name Declomycin) effective in the treatment of some bacterial and rickettsial and other infections
dementia|mental deterioration of organic or functional origin
Demerara|a former Dutch colony in South America;now a part of Guyana;a river in northern Guyana that flows northward into the Atlantic;a light brown raw cane sugar from Guyana;dark rum from Guyana;light brown cane sugar;originally from Guyana
demerit|a mark against a person for misconduct or failure;usually given in school or armed forces - "ten demerits and he loses his privileges";the quality of being inadequate or falling short of perfection - "they discussed the merits and demerits of her novel"
Demeter|(Greek mythology) goddess of fertility and protector of marriage in ancient mythology;counterpart of Roman Ceres
Demetrius|son of Antigonus Cyclops and king of Macedonia;he and his father were defeated at the battle of Ipsus (337-283 BC)
demiglace|sauce Espagnole with extra beef stock simmered down and seasoned with dry wine or sherry
demigod|a person with great powers and abilities
demijohn|large bottle with a short narrow neck;often has small handles at neck and is enclosed in wickerwork
demilitarized zone|a zone from which military forces or operations or installations are prohibited - "tensions exist on both sides of the demilitarized zone separating North Korea and South Korea"
DeMille|United States film maker remembered for his extravagant and spectacular epic productions (1881-1959)
demimondaine|a woman whose sexual promiscuity places her outside respectable society
demimonde|a class of woman not considered respectable because of indiscreet or promiscuous behavior
demineralization|abnormal loss of mineral salts (especially from bone);the removal of minerals and mineral salts from a liquid (especially from water)
demister|heater that removes mist from the windshield of a car
demitasse|small coffee cup;for serving black coffee
demiurge|a subordinate deity, in some philosophies the creator of the universe
demobilization|act of changing from a war basis to a peace basis including disbanding or discharging troops - "demobilization of factories" - "immediate demobilization of the reserves"
democracy|a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them;the political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their elected representatives
Democrat|a member of the Democratic Party;an advocate of democratic principles
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine|a Marxist-Leninist group that believes Palestinian goals can only be achieved by revolutionary change
Democratic Party|the older of two major political parties in the United States
Democratic-Republican Party|a former major political party in the United States in the early 19th century;opposed the old Federalist party;favored a strict interpretation of the constitution in order to limit the powers of the federal government
democratization|the action of making something democratic
Democritus|Greek philosopher who developed an atomistic theory of matter (460-370 BC)
demodulation|(electronics) the reception of a signal by extracting it from the carrier wave
Demogorgon|(Greek mythology) a mysterious and terrifying deity of the underworld
demographer|a scientist who studies the growth and density of populations and their vital statistics
demographic|a statistic characterizing human populations (or segments of human populations broken down by age or sex or income etc.)
demography|the branch of sociology that studies the characteristics of human populations
demolition|the act of demolishing
demon|someone extremely diligent or skillful - "he worked like a demon to finish the job on time" - "she's a demon at math"
demonetization|ending something (e.g. gold or silver) as no longer the legal tender of a country
demoniac|someone who acts as if possessed by a demon
demonization|to represent as diabolically evil - "the demonization of our enemies"
demonstrability|capability of being demonstrated or logically proved
demonstration|a public display of group feelings (usually of a political nature) - "there were violent demonstrations against the war";a show of military force or preparedness - "he confused the enemy with feints and demonstrations";a visual presentation showing how something works - "the lecture was accompanied by dramatic demonstrations" - "the lecturer shot off a pistol as a demonstration of the startle response";proof by a process of argument or a series of proposition proving an asserted conclusion
demonstrative pronoun|a pronoun that points out an intended referent
demonstrativeness|tending to express your feelings freely
demonstrator|a teacher or teacher's assistant who demonstrates the principles that are being taught;someone who demonstrates an article to a prospective buyer;someone who participates in a public display of group feeling
demoralization|a state of disorder and confusion - "his inconsistency resulted in the demoralization of his staff";depression resulting from an undermining of your morale;destroying the moral basis for a doctrine or policy
Demosthenes|Athenian statesman and orator (circa 385-322 BC)
Demotic|a simplified cursive form of the ancient hieratic script - "Demotic script was eventually replaced by Greek"
demotion|act of lowering in rank or position
Dempsey|United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion (1895-1983)
demulcent|a medication (in the form of an oil or salve etc.) that soothes inflamed or injured skin
Demulen|trade name for an oral contraceptive
demur|(law) a formal objection to an opponent's pleadings
demureness|the trait of behaving with reserve and decorum
demurrage|a charge required as compensation for the delay of a ship or freight car or other cargo beyond its scheduled time of departure;detention of a ship or freight car or other cargo beyond its scheduled time of departure
demurrer|(law) any pleading that attacks the legal sufficiency of the opponent's pleadings
demyelination|loss of the myelin covering of some nerve fibers resulting in their impaired function
demythologization|the restatement of a message (as a religious one) in rational terms
den|a room that is comfortable and secluded;a unit of 8 to 10 cub scouts
den mother|a woman who supervises a den of Cub Scouts;someone who plays the role of a den mother - "he serves as den mother to all the freshmen in this dormitory" - "she's the den mother to new secretaries"
Denali Fault|a major open geological fault in Alaska
Denali National Park|a large national park in Alaska having peaks of the Alaska Range (including Mount McKinley) and the huge Denali fault
denationalization|changing something from state to private ownership or control
denaturant|any substance that serves as a denaturing agent
denatured alcohol|ethyl alcohol that is unfit for drinking but is still useful for other purposes
denazification|social process of removing Nazis from official positions and giving up any allegiance to Nazism - "denazification was a slow process"
Dendranthema|comprises plants often included in the genus Chrysanthemum
dendrite|short fiber that conducts toward the cell body of the neuron
Dendroaspis|mambas
dendrobium|a plant of the genus Dendrobium having stems like cane and usually showy racemose flowers
Dendrocalamus|giant clump-forming bamboos
Dendrocolaptes|type genus of the Dendrocolaptidae
Dendrocolaptidae|woodhewers or woodcreepers
Dendroctonus|genus of small bark beetles destructive especially to mature conifers
Dendroica|a genus of Parulidae
Dendrolagus|tree wallabies
Dendromecon|one species;bush poppy
Deneb|the brightest star in Cygnus
Denebola|a star in Leo approximately 43 light years from Earth
Deng Xiaoping|Chinese communist statesman (1904-1997)
dengue|an infectious disease of the tropics transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by rash and aching head and joints
denial|(psychiatry) a defense mechanism that denies painful thoughts;the act of asserting that something alleged is not true;the act of refusing to comply (as with a request) - "it resulted in a complete denial of his privileges"
denier|a unit of measurement for the fineness of silk or nylon or rayon - "with an evening dress one wears 10 denier stockings";any of various former European coins of different denominations;one who denies
denigration|a belittling comment
denim|a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
Denisonia|copperheads
denizen|a plant or animal naturalized in a region - "denizens of field and forest" - "denizens of the deep"
Denmark|a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe;consists of the mainland of Jutland and many islands between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea
Dennstaedtia|chiefly terrestrial ferns;in some classification systems placed in family Polypodiaceae
Dennstaedtiaceae|one of a number of families into which Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems
denomination|a class of one kind of unit in a system of numbers or measures or weights or money - "he flashed a fistful of bills of large denominations";a group of religious congregations having its own organization and a distinctive faith
denominationalism|the tendency, in Protestantism, to separate into religious denominations or to advocate such separations
denominator|the divisor of a fraction
denotatum|an actual object referred to by a linguistic expression
denouement|the final resolution of the main complication of a literary or dramatic work;the outcome of a complex sequence of events
dense blazing star|perennial of southeastern and central United States having very dense spikes of purple flowers;often cultivated for cut flowers
dense-leaved elodea|aquatic plant with deep green foliage useful to oxygenate an aquarium;sometimes placed in genus Egeria
denseness|the quality of being mentally slow and limited
densimeter|a measuring instrument for determining density or specific gravity
densitometer|a measuring instrument for determining optical or photographic density
densitometry|measuring the optical density of a substance by shining light on it and measuring its transmission
density|the amount per unit size
dent|an appreciable consequence (especially a lessening) - "it made a dent in my bank account";an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
dent corn|corn whose kernels contain both hard and soft starch and become indented at maturity
dental anatomy|the branch of gross anatomy concerning with the morphology of teeth
dental appliance|a device to repair teeth or replace missing teeth
dental assistant|an assistant to a dentist
dental care|care for the teeth
dental floss|a soft thread for cleaning the spaces between the teeth
dental gold|an alloy of gold used in dentistry
dental hygienist|someone trained to provide preventive dental service (cleaning teeth or taking x-rays)
dental implant|an implant that replaces a natural tooth
dental plaque|a film of mucus and bacteria deposited on the teeth that encourages the development of dental caries
dental practice|the practice of dentistry
dental procedure|a procedure employed by a dentist
dental school|a graduate school offering study leading to degrees in dentistry
dental surgeon|a dentist qualified to perform surgical procedures
dental surgery|the branch of dentistry involving surgical procedures
dental technician|someone who makes dental appliances (bridges and dentures)
Dentaria|usually included in genus Cardamine;in some classifications considered a separate genus
dentate leaf|a leaf having a toothed margin
dentate nucleus|a large laminar nucleus of grey matter within the white matter of each cerebral hemisphere
denticle|small pointed ridge on the exoskeleton of an arthropod
denticulate leaf|a leaf having a finely toothed margin;minutely dentate
dentifrice|a substance for cleaning the teeth;applied with a toothbrush
dentine|a calcareous material harder and denser than bone that comprises the bulk of a tooth;bone (calcified tissue) surrounding the pulp cavity of a tooth
dentist|a person qualified to practice dentistry
dentistry|the branch of medicine dealing with the anatomy and development and diseases of the teeth
dentist's drill|a high speed drill that dentists use to cut into teeth
dentition|the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
denture|a dental appliance that artificially replaces missing teeth
denudation|the removal of covering
denunciation|a public act of denouncing
Denver|the state capital and largest city of Colorado;located in central Colorado on the South Platte river
deodar|tall East Indian cedar having spreading branches with nodding tips;highly valued for its appearance as well as its timber
deodorant|a toiletry applied to the skin in order to mask unpleasant odors
deontic logic|the modal logic of obligation and permissibility
deossification|the loss of the mineral content of bone tissue
deoxyadenosine|a nucleoside component of DNA;composed of adenosine and deoxyribose
deoxyadenosine monophosphate|one of the four nucleotides used in building DNA;all four nucleotides have a common phosphate group and a sugar (ribose)
deoxycytidine|a nucleoside component of DNA;composed of cytosine and deoxyribose
deoxycytidine monophosphate|one of the four nucleotides used in building DNA;all four nucleotides have a common phosphate group and a sugar (ribose)
deoxyguanosine|a nucleoside component of DNA;composed of guanine and deoxyribose
deoxyguanosine monophosphate|one of the four nucleotides used in building DNA;all four nucleotides have a common phosphate group and a sugar (ribose)
deoxyribonucleic acid|(biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix;associated with the transmission of genetic information
deoxyribose|a sugar that is a constituent of nucleic acids
deoxythymidine|a nucleoside component of DNA;composed of thymine and deoxyribose
deoxythymidine monophosphate|one of the four nucleotides used in building DNA;all four nucleotides have a common phosphate group and a sugar (ribose)
Depardieu|French film actor (born in 1948)
Deparia|classification used for 5 species of terrestrial ferns usually placed in other genera
departer|someone who leaves
department|a specialized division of a large organization - "you'll find it in the hardware department";a specialized sphere of knowledge - "baking is not my department" - "his work established a new department of literature";the territorial and administrative division of some countries (such as France)
department head|the head of a department
Department of Agriculture|the federal department that administers programs that provide services to farmers (including research and soil conservation and efforts to stabilize the farming economy);created in 1862
Department of Commerce|the United States federal department that promotes and administers domestic and foreign trade (including management of the census and the patent office);created in 1913
Department of Commerce and Labor|a former executive department of the United States government;created in 1903 and split into two departments in 1913
department of computer science|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in computer science
Department of Defense|the federal department responsible for safeguarding national security of the United States;created in 1947
Department of Defense Laboratory System|a defense laboratory that provides essential services in fundamental science for national security and environmental protection and provides technologies that contribute to industrial competitiveness
Department of Education|the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with education (including federal aid to educational institutions and students);created 1979
Department of Energy|the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the United States;created in 1977
Department of Energy Intelligence|an agency that collects political and economic and technical information about energy matters and makes the Department of Energy's technical and analytical expertise available to other members of the Intelligence Community
Department of Health and Human Services|the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with health and welfare;created in 1979
Department of Health Education and Welfare|a former executive department of the United States government;created in 1953 and divided in 1979
Department of Homeland Security|the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security
Department of Housing and Urban Development|the United States federal department that administers federal programs dealing with better housing and urban renewal;created in 1965
Department of Justice|the United States federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (including the enforcement of all civil rights legislation);created in 1870
Department of Justice Canada|an agency of the Canadian government that provides litigation and legal advice and opinions to the government
Department of Labor|the federal department responsible for promoting the working conditions of wage earners in the United States;created in 1913
Department of State|the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies - "the Department of State was created in 1789"
Department of the Interior|the United States federal department charged with conservation and the development of natural resources;created in 1849
Department of the Treasury|the federal department that collects revenue and administers federal finances;the Treasury Department was created in 1789
Department of Transportation|the United States federal department that institutes and coordinates national transportation programs;created in 1966
Department of Veterans Affairs|the United States federal department responsible for the interests of military veterans;created in 1989
department store|a large retail store organized into departments offering a variety of merchandise;commonly part of a retail chain
departure|the act of departing
departure gate|gate where passengers embark
departure lounge|lounge where passengers can await departure
departure tax|a tax that is levied when you are departing a country by land or sea or air
departure time|the time at which a public conveyance is scheduled to depart from a given point of origin
dependability|the quality of being dependable or reliable
dependant|a person who relies on another person for support (especially financial support)
dependence|the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
dependent variable|(statistics) a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value depends on the independent variable - "if f(x)=y, y is the dependent variable"
depersonalization|(existentialism) a loss of personal identity;a feeling of being an anonymous cog in an impersonal social machine;emotional dissociative disorder in which there is loss of contact with your own personal reality accompanied by feelings of unreality and strangeness;representing a human being as a physical thing deprived of personal qualities or individuality
depicting|a representation by picture or portraiture
depiction|representation by drawing or painting etc
depigmentation|absence or loss of pigmentation (or less than normal pigmentation) in the skin or hair
depilation|the act of removing hair (as from an animal skin)
depilatory|a chemical (usually a sulfide) used to remove hair or wool or bristles from hides;a cosmetic for temporary removal of undesired hair
depletion|the act of decreasing something markedly;the state of being depleted
deployment|the distribution of forces in preparation for battle or work
depolarization|a loss of polarity or polarization
depopulation|the condition of having reduced numbers of inhabitants (or no inhabitants at all)
deportation|the expulsion from a country of an undesirable alien
deposit|a payment given as a guarantee that an obligation will be met;money deposited in a bank or some similar institution;money given as security for an article acquired for temporary use - "his deposit was refunded when he returned the car";the act of putting something somewhere;the phenomenon of sediment or gravel accumulating
deposition|(law) a pretrial interrogation of a witness;usually conducted in a lawyer's office;the act of deposing someone;removing a powerful person from a position or office;the natural process of laying down a deposit of something
depositor|a person who has deposited money in a bank or similar institution
depository|a facility where things can be deposited for storage or safekeeping
depository financial institution|a financial institution that accepts deposits and channels the money into lending activities
depravity|a corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice
deprecation|a prayer to avert or remove some evil or disaster;the act of expressing disapproval (especially of yourself)
depreciation|a decrease in price or value - "depreciation of the dollar against the yen";decrease in value of an asset due to obsolescence or use
depreciation allowance|an allowance for loss due to depreciation
depreciation charge|an amount periodically charged to expense or against revenue in compensation for depreciation of property
depredation|an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding
depressed fracture|fracture of the skull where the bone is pushed in
depression|a concavity in a surface produced by pressing;a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment;a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity;angular distance below the horizon (especially of a celestial object);pushing down - "depression of the space bar on the typewriter";sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy;a period during the 1930s when there was a worldwide economic depression and mass unemployment
depressive|someone suffering psychological depression
depressive disorder|a state of depression and anhedonia so severe as to require clinical intervention
depressor|a device used by physician to press a part down or aside;any nerve whose activity tends to reduce the activity or tone of the body part it serves;any skeletal muscle that draws a body part down
depth|(usually plural) a low moral state - "he had sunk to the depths of addiction";(usually plural) the deepest and most remote part - "from the depths of darkest Africa" - "signals received from the depths of space";degree of psychological or intellectual profundity;the attribute or quality of being deep, strong, or intense - "the depth of his breathing" - "the depth of his sighs," "the depth of his emotion";the extent downward or backward or inward - "the depth of the water" - "depth of a shelf" - "depth of a closet"
depth charge|a bomb that explodes at a preset depth under water;antisubmarine device
depth finder|navigational instrument used to measure the depth of a body of water (as by ultrasound or radar)
depth gauge|a gauge for measuring the depth of grooves or holes or other concavities
deputation|a group of representatives or delegates
deputy|a member of the lower chamber of a legislative assembly (such as in France);a person appointed to represent or act on behalf of others;an assistant with power to act when his superior is absent;someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies
derailment|an accident in which a train runs off its track
Derain|French painter and exponent of fauvism (1880-1954)
derangement|a state of mental disturbance and disorientation
deregulation|the act of freeing from regulation (especially from governmental regulations)
derelict|a person without a home, job, or property
dereliction|willful negligence
derision|contemptuous laughter;the act of deriding or treating with contempt
derivation|(descriptive linguistics) the process whereby new words are formed from existing words or bases by affixation - "'singer' from 'sing' or 'undo' from 'do' are examples of derivations";a line of reasoning that shows how a conclusion follows logically from accepted propositions;drawing of fluid or inflammation away from a diseased part of the body;drawing off water from its main channel as for irrigation;the act of deriving something or obtaining something from a source or origin;the source or origin from which something derives (i.e. comes or issues) - "he prefers shoes of Italian derivation" - "music of Turkish derivation"
derivational morphology|the part of grammar that deals with the derivations of words
derivative|(linguistics) a word that is derived from another word - "'electricity' is a derivative of 'electric'";a compound obtained from, or regarded as derived from, another compound
derivative instrument|a financial instrument whose value is based on another security
derived function|the result of mathematical differentiation;the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another;df(x)/dx
deriving|(historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical origins of a word or phrase
dermabrasion|removal of scars or tattoos by anesthetizing the skin surface and then sanding or scraping off some of the outer skin layer
Dermacentor|vectors of important diseases of man and animals
Dermaptera|earwigs and a few related forms
dermatitis|inflammation of the skin;skin becomes itchy and may develop blisters
Dermatobia|larvae live under the skin of domestic mammals and humans
dermatoglyphic|the lines that form patterns on the skin (especially on the fingertips and the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet)
dermatoglyphics|the study of the whorls and loops and arches in the fingertips and on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet - "some criminologists specialize in dermatoglyphics"
dermatologist|a doctor who specializes in the physiology and pathology of the skin
dermatology|the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases
dermatome|a surgical instrument used to cut very thin slices of skin
dermatomycosis|fungal infection of the skin (especially of moist parts covered by clothing)
dermatomyositis|myositis characterized by weakness of limb and neck muscles and much muscle pain and swelling accompanied by skin rash affecting cheeks and eyelids and neck and chest and limbs;progression and severity vary among individuals
dermatosis|disorder involving lesions or eruptions of the skin (in which there is usually no inflammation)
Dermestidae|carpet beetles
dermis|the deep vascular inner layer of the skin
Dermochelyidae|sea turtles
Dermochelys|type genus of the Dermochelyidae;leatherback turtles
dermoid cyst|a cystic tumor (usually benign) with a wall lined with epithelium and a cavity containing other material
Dermoptera|flying lemurs
derogation|(law) the partial taking away of the effectiveness of a law;a partial repeal or abolition of a law - "any derogation of the common law is to be strictly construed"
derrick|a framework erected over an oil well to allow drill tubes to be raised and lowered;a simple crane having lifting tackle slung from a boom
Derrida|French philosopher and critic (born in Algeria);exponent of deconstructionism (1930-2004)
derring-do|brave and heroic feats
derringer|a pocket pistol of large caliber with a short barrel
derris|any of various usually woody vines of the genus Derris of tropical Asia whose roots yield the insecticide rotenone;several are sources of native fish and arrow poisons
derris root|woody vine having bright green leaves and racemes of rose-tinted white flowers;the swollen roots contain rotenone
derv|diesel oil used in cars and lorries with diesel engines;from d(iesel) e(ngine) r(oad) v(ehicle)
dervish|an ascetic Muslim monk;a member of an order noted for devotional exercises involving bodily movements
Des Moines|the capital and largest city in Iowa
desalination|the removal of salt (especially from sea water)
descant|a decorative musical accompaniment (often improvised) added above a basic melody
Descartes|French philosopher and mathematician;developed dualistic theory of mind and matter;introduced the use of coordinates to locate a point in two or three dimensions (1596-1650)
descendant|a person considered as descended from some ancestor or race
descendants|all of the offspring of a given progenitor
descender|(printing) the part of lowercase letters that extends below the other lowercase letters;a lowercase letter that has a part extending below other lowercase letters;someone who descends
descending aorta|the descending part of the aorta that branches into the thoracic and abdominal aortae
descending colon|the part of the large intestine that descends from the transverse colon to the sigmoid colon
descending node|the point at which an orbit crosses the ecliptic plane going south
descent|a downward slope or bend;a movement downward;the act of changing your location in a downward direction;the kinship relation between an individual and the individual's progenitors
description|a statement that represents something in words;sort or variety - "every description of book was there";the act of describing something
descriptive adjective|an adjective that ascribes to its noun the value of an attribute of that noun (e.g., 'a nervous person' or 'a musical speaking voice')
descriptive grammar|a grammar that is produced by descriptive linguistics
descriptive linguistics|a description (at a given point in time) of a language with respect to its phonology and morphology and syntax and semantics without value judgments
descriptivism|(ethics) a doctrine holding that moral statements have a truth value;(linguistics) a doctrine supporting or promoting descriptive linguistics
descriptor|a piece of stored information that is used to identify an item in an information storage and retrieval system
Descurainia|includes annual or biennial herbs of America and Europe very similar to and often included among those of genera Sisymbrium or Hugueninia;not recognized in some classification systems
desensitization|the process of reducing sensitivity
desensitization technique|a technique used in behavior therapy to treat phobias and other behavior problems involving anxiety;client is exposed to the threatening situation under relaxed conditions until the anxiety reaction is extinguished
desert|arid land with little or no vegetation
desert four o'clock|wildflower having vibrant deep pink tubular evening-blooming flowers;found in sandy and desert areas from southern California to southern Colorado and into Mexico
desert holly|handsome low saltbush of arid southwestern United States and Mexico having blue-green prickly-edged leaves often used for Christmas decoration
desert iguana|small long-tailed lizard of arid areas of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
desert mariposa tulip|mariposa with clusters of bell-shaped vermilion or orange or yellow flowers atop short stems;southern California to Arizona and Mexico
desert paintbrush|most common paintbrush of western United States dry lands;having erect stems ending in dense spikes of bright orange to red flowers
desert pea|sprawling shrubby perennial noted for its scarlet black-marked flowers;widely distributed in dry parts of Australia
desert plant|plant adapted for life with a limited supply of water;compare hydrophyte and mesophyte
desert plume|perennial of southwestern United States having leathery blue-green pinnatifid leaves and thick plumelike spikes of yellow flowers;sometimes placed in genus Cleome
desert sand verbena|soft-haired sticky plant with heads of bright pink trumpet-shaped flowers;found in sandy desert soil;after ample rains may carpet miles of desert with pink from the southwestern United States to northern Mexico
desert selaginella|prostrate spikemoss;California
desert soil|a type of soil that develops in arid climates
desert sunflower|slender hairy plant with few leaves and golden-yellow flower heads;sandy desert areas of southeastern California to southwestern Utah and western Arizona and northwestern Mexico
desert tortoise|burrowing tortoise of the arid western United States and northern Mexico;may be reclassified as a member of genus Xerobates
desert willow|evergreen shrubby tree resembling a willow of dry regions of southwestern North America having showy purplish flowers and long seed pods
deserter|a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.;a person who abandons their duty (as on a military post)
desertification|the gradual transformation of habitable land into desert;is usually caused by climate change or by destructive use of the land - "the dust storms in Korea are the result of rapid desertification in China"
desertion|withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility
deserts|an outcome (good or bad) that is well deserved
deservingness|the quality of being deserving (e.g., deserving assistance) - "there were many children whose deservingness he recognized and rewarded"
desiccant|a substance that promotes drying (e.g., calcium oxide absorbs water and is used to remove moisture)
desideratum|something desired as a necessity
design|a decorative or artistic work - "the coach had a design on the doors";a preliminary sketch indicating the plan for something - "the design of a building";an arrangement scheme - "the awkward design of the keyboard made operation difficult" - "it was an excellent design for living";the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan) - "he contributed to the design of a new instrument"
design criteria|criteria that designers should meet in designing some system or device - "the job specifications summarized the design criteria"
designated driver|the member of a party who is designated to refrain from alcohol and so is sober when it is time to drive home
designated hitter|a ballplayer who is designated to bat in place of the pitcher
designation|the act of designating or identifying something
designatum|something (whether existing or not) that is referred to by a linguistic expression
designer|a person who devises plots or intrigues - "he is believed to be the principal designer of the terrorist bombing attack"
designer drug|a psychoactive drug deliberately synthesized to avoid anti-drug laws;mimics the effects of a banned drug;law was revised in 1986 to ban designer drugs
desipramine|a tricyclic antidepressant drug that activates the psychomotor system
desirability|the quality of being worthy of desiring
desire|an inclination to want things - "a man of many desires";something that is desired;the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
desire to know|curiosity that motivates investigation and study
desk|a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
desk clerk|a hotel receptionist
desk dictionary|an abridged dictionary of a size convenient to hold in the hand
desk officer|a military officer who is not assigned to active duty
desk phone|a telephone set that sits on a desk or table
desk sergeant|the police sergeant on duty in a police station
desktop|the top of a desk
desktop computer|a personal computer small enough to fit conveniently in an individual workspace
desktop publishing|(computer science) the use of microcomputers with graphics capacity to produce printed materials
Desmanthus|genus of American herbs or shrubs with sensitive pinnate leaves and small whitish flowers
desmid|freshwater green algae
Desmidiaceae|unicellular algae
Desmidium|a genus of protoctist
Desmodium|beggarweed;tick trefoil
Desmodontidae|true vampire bats
Desmodus|type genus of the Desmodontidae;vampire bats
Desmodus rotundus|mouse-sized bat of tropical Central America and South America having sharp incisor and canine teeth;feeds on the blood of birds and mammals
Desmograthus|an amphibian genus of Plethodontidae
desorption|changing from an adsorbed state on a surface to a gaseous or liquid state
despair|a state in which all hope is lost or absent - "in the depths of despair" - "they were rescued from despair at the last minute";the feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well - "they moaned in despair and dismay" - "one harsh word would send her into the depths of despair"
desperado|a bold outlaw (especially on the American frontier)
desperate|a person who is frightened and in need of help - "they prey on the hopes of the desperate"
desperate measure|desperate actions taken as a means to an end - "he had to resort to desperate measures"
desperate straits|a state of extreme distress
desperation|desperate recklessness - "it was a policy of desperation"
despisal|a feeling of scornful hatred
despite|contemptuous disregard - "she wanted neither favor nor despite"
despondency|feeling downcast and disheartened and hopeless
desquamation|loss of bits of outer skin by peeling or shedding or coming off in scales
dessert|a dish served as the last course of a meal
dessert plate|a small plate on which dessert can be served
dessert spoon|a spoon larger than a teaspoon and smaller than a tablespoon
dessert wine|still sweet wine often served with dessert or after a meal
dessertspoon|as much as a dessert spoon will hold
dessiatine|a former Russian unit of area equal to 2.7 acres
destabilization|an event that causes a loss of equilibrium (as of a ship or aircraft);the action of destabilizing;making something less stable (especially of a government or country or economy)
destalinization|social process of neutralizing the influence of Joseph Stalin by revising his policies and removing monuments dedicated to him and renaming places named in his honor - "his statue was demolished as part of destalinization"
destination|the ultimate goal for which something is done
destiny|an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future;the ultimate agency regarded as predetermining the course of events (often personified as a woman) - "we are helpless in the face of destiny"
destitution|a state without friends or money or prospects
destroyer|a person who destroys or ruins or lays waste to - "a destroyer of the environment";a small fast lightly armored but heavily armed warship
destroyer escort|warship smaller than a destroyer;designed to escort fleets or convoys
destroying angel|fungus similar to Amanita phalloides
destructibility|vulnerability to destruction
destruction|an event (or the result of an event) that completely destroys something;the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
destruction fire|fire delivered for the sole purpose of destroying material objects
destructive distillation|heating a solid substance in a closed container and collecting the volatile products
destructiveness|the quality of causing destruction
desuetude|a state of inactivity or disuse
detached house|a house that stands alone
detachment|a small unit of troops of special composition;the act of releasing from an attachment or connection
detail|a crew of workers selected for a particular task - "a detail was sent to remove the fallen trees";a small part that can be considered separately from the whole - "it was perfect in all details";an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole - "several of the details are similar";extended treatment of particulars - "the essay contained too much detail"
details|true confidential information - "after the trial he gave us the real details"
detainee|some held in custody
detection|a police investigation to determine the perpetrator - "detection is hard on the feet";the act of detecting something;catching sight of something;the perception that something has occurred or some state exists - "early detection can often lead to a cure"
detective|a police officer who investigates crimes;an investigator engaged or employed in obtaining information not easily available to the public
detective agency|an agency that makes inquiries for its clients
detective novel|novel in which the reader is challenged to solve a puzzle before the detective explains it at the end
detective story|a narrative about someone who investigates crimes and obtains evidence leading to their resolution
detector|any device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive manner;electronic equipment that detects the presence of radio signals or radioactivity;rectifier that extracts modulation from a radio carrier wave
detente|the easing of tensions or strained relations (especially between nations)
detention|a punishment in which a student must stay at school after others have gone home - "the detention of tardy pupils";a state of being confined (usually for a short time) - "his detention was politically motivated"
detention basin|a storage site (such as a small reservoir) that delays the flow of water downstream
detention home|an institution where juvenile offenders can be held temporarily (usually under the supervision of a juvenile court)
detergency|detergent quality;the quality of having cleansing power
detergent|a cleansing agent that differs from soap but can also emulsify oils and hold dirt in suspension;a surface-active chemical widely used in industry and laundering
deterioration|a symptom of reduced quality or strength;process of changing to an inferior state
determent|a communication that makes you afraid to try something
determinant|a determining or causal element or factor - "education is an important determinant of one's outlook on life";a square matrix used to solve simultaneous equations
determinateness|the quality of being predictable with great confidence
determination|deciding or controlling something's outcome or nature - "the determination of grammatical inflections";the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation - "the determination of molecular structures";the quality of being determined to do or achieve something;firmness of purpose - "his determination showed in his every movement"
determiner|one of a limited class of noun modifiers that determine the referents of noun phrases
determinism|(philosophy) a philosophical theory holding that all events are inevitable consequences of antecedent sufficient causes;often understood as denying the possibility of free will
deterrence|the act or process of discouraging actions or preventing occurrences by instilling fear or doubt or anxiety
detonating fuse|a fuse containing an explosive
detonation|the act of detonating an explosive
detonator|a mechanical or electrical explosive device or a small amount of explosive;can be used to initiate the reaction of a disrupting explosive
detour|a roundabout road (especially one that is used temporarily while a main route is blocked)
detox|the hospital ward or clinic in which patients are detoxified
detoxification|a treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol intended to remove the physiological effects of the addictive substances;treatment for poisoning by neutralizing the toxic properties (normally a function of the liver)
detraction|a petty disparagement;the act of discrediting or detracting from someone's reputation (especially by slander) - "let it be no detraction from his merits to say he is plainspoken"
detractor|one who disparages or belittles the worth of something
detribalization|the act of causing tribal people to abandon their customs and adopt urban ways of living;the decline or termination of tribal organization
detriment|a damage or loss
detritus|loose material (stone fragments and silt etc) that is worn away from rocks
Detroit|the largest city in Michigan and a major Great Lakes port;center of the United States automobile industry;located in southeastern Michigan on the Detroit river across from Windsor
Detroit River|a short river flowing from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie along the border between the United States and Canada;one the busiest inland waterways in the world
detumescence|diminution of swelling;the subsidence of anything swollen
deuce|a tie in tennis or table tennis that requires winning two successive points to win the game;one of the four playing cards in a deck that have two spots
deus ex machina|any active agent who appears unexpectedly to solve an insoluble difficulty
deuteranopia|dichromacy characterized by a lowered sensitivity to green light resulting in an inability to distinguish green and purplish-red
deuterium|an isotope of hydrogen which has one neutron (as opposed to zero neutrons in hydrogen)
Deuteromycetes|form class;coextensive with subdivision Deuteromycota
Deuteromycota|large and heterogeneous form division of fungi comprising forms for which no sexually reproductive stage is known
deuteron|the nucleus of deuterium;consists of one proton and one neutron;used as a bombarding particle in accelerators
Deuteronomy|the fifth book of the Old Testament;contains a second statement of Mosaic law
deutzia|any of various shrubs of the genus Deutzia having usually toothed opposite leaves and shredding bark and white or pink flowers in loose terminal clusters
devaluation|an official lowering of a nation's currency;a decrease in the value of a country's currency relative to that of foreign countries;the reduction of something's value or worth
Devanagari|a syllabic script used in writing Sanskrit and Hindi
devastation|an event that results in total destruction;the feeling of being confounded or overwhelmed - "her departure left him in utter devastation";the state of being decayed or destroyed
developer|photographic equipment consisting of a chemical solution for developing film;someone who develops real estate (especially someone who prepares a site for residential or commercial use)
developing country|a country that is poor and whose citizens are mostly agricultural workers but that wants to become more advanced socially and economically
development|(music) the section of a composition or movement (especially in sonata form) where the major musical themes are developed and elaborated;a district that has been developed to serve some purpose - "such land is practical for small park developments";a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage) - "the development of his ideas took many years" - "the slow development of her skill as a writer";a recent event that has some relevance for the present situation - "recent developments in Iraq" - "what a revolting development!";a state in which things are improving;the result of developing (as in the early part of a game of chess) - "after he saw the latest development he changed his mind and became a supporter" - "in chess your should take care of your development before moving your queen";act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining - "he congratulated them on their development of a plan to meet the emergency" - "they funded research and development";processing a photosensitive material in order to make an image visible - "the development and printing of his pictures took only two hours"
developmental age|a measure of a child's development (in body size or motor skill or psychological function) expressed in terms of age norms
developmental anatomy|the branch of anatomy that studies structural changes of an individual from fertilization to maturity
developmental learning|learning that takes place as a normal part of cognitive development
developmental psychology|the branch of psychology that studies the social and mental development of children
Devi|Hindu mother goddess;supreme power in the universe;wife or embodiment of the female energy of Siva having both beneficent and malevolent forms or aspects
deviated nasal septum|abnormal shift in location of the nasal septum;a common condition causing obstruction of the nasal passages and difficulty in breathing and recurrent nosebleeds
deviated septum|abnormal displacement of any wall that separates two chambers (usually in the nasal cavity)
deviation|a variation that deviates from the standard or norm - "the deviation from the mean";deviate behavior;the difference between an observed value and the expected value of a variable or function;the error of a compass due to local magnetic disturbances
deviationism|ideological defection from the party line (especially from orthodox communism)
deviationist|an ideological defector from the party line (especially from orthodox communism)
device|an emblematic design (especially in heraldry) - "he was recognized by the device on his shield";an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose - "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist" - "a device intended to conserve water";any clever maneuver - "he would stoop to any device to win a point";any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery);something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect
devices|an inclination or desire;used in the plural in the phrase 'left to your own devices' - "eventually the family left the house to the devices of this malevolent force" - "the children were left to their own devices"
devil|a word used in exclamations of confusion - "what the devil";an evil supernatural being
devil ray|small manta (to 4 feet) that travels in schools
devil worshiper|someone who worships devils
deviled egg|halved hard-cooked egg with the yolk mashed with mayonnaise and seasonings and returned to the white
devil's advocate|someone who takes the worse side just for the sake of argument
devil's cigar|a common name for a variety of Sarcosomataceae
devil's food|very dark chocolate cake
devil's tongue|foul-smelling somewhat fleshy tropical plant of southeastern Asia cultivated for its edible corms or in the greenhouse for its large leaves and showy dark red spathe surrounding a large spadix
devil's urn|a common name for a variety of Sarcosomataceae
deviltry|wicked and cruel behavior
devilwood|small tree of southern United States having panicles of dull white flowers followed by dark purple fruits
deviousness|the quality of being oblique and rambling indirectly
devisal|the act of devising something
devise|(law) a gift of real property by will;a will disposing of real property
devisee|someone to whom property (especially realty) is devised by will
devising|the act that results in something coming to be - "the devising of plans"
devisor|someone who devises real property in a will
devitalization|the act of reducing the vitality of something
devoir|formal expression of respect
devolution|the delegation of authority (especially from a central to a regional government)
Devon|a county in southwestern England;red dual-purpose cattle of English origin
Devonian|from 405 million to 345 million years ago;preponderance of fishes and appearance of amphibians and ammonites
devotion|(usually plural) religious observance or prayers (usually spoken silently) - "he returned to his devotions";commitment to some purpose - "the devotion of his time and wealth to science";feelings of ardent love - "their devotion to each other was beautiful"
devotional|a short religious service
devourer|someone who eats greedily or voraciously
devoutness|piety by virtue of being devout
deVries|Dutch botanist who rediscovered Mendel's laws and developed the mutation theory of evolution (1848-1935)
dew|water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air - "in the morning the grass was wet with dew"
dew point|the temperature at which the water vapor in the air becomes saturated and condensation begins
Dewar|Scottish chemist and physicist noted for his work in cryogenics and his invention of the Dewar flask (1842-1923)
Dewar flask|vacuum flask that holds liquid air or helium for scientific experiments
dewberry|any of several trailing blackberry brambles especially of North America;blackberry-like fruits of any of several trailing blackberry bushes
dewdrop|a drop of dew
Dewey|a United States naval officer remembered for his victory at Manila Bay in the Spanish-American War;United States librarian who founded the decimal system of classification (1851-1931);United States pragmatic philosopher who advocated progressive education (1859-1952)
Dewey decimal classification|a system used by libraries to classify nonfictional publications into subject categories;the subject is indicated by a three-digit numeral and further specification is given by numerals following a decimal point;publications are shelved by number
dewlap|a hanging fold of loose skin on an elderly person's neck
dexamethasone|a corticosteroid drug (trade names Decadron or Dexamethasone Intensol or Dexone or Hexadrol or Oradexon) used to treat allergies or inflammation
dexterity|adroitness in using the hands
dextrin|any of various polysaccharides obtained by hydrolysis of starch;a tasteless and odorless gummy substance that is used as a thickening agent and in adhesives and in dietary supplements
dextroamphetamine sulphate|an isomer of amphetamine (trade name Dexedrine) used as a central nervous system stimulant
dextrocardia|abnormal condition where the heart is located toward the right side of the chest
dextrorotation|rotation to the right
dextrose|an isomer of glucose that is found in honey and sweet fruits
Dhahran|an oil town in eastern Saudi Arabia on an inlet from the Persian Gulf;in June 1996 terrorists bombed an apartment complex in Dhahran killing 19 United States soldiers and wounding more than 300 people
dhak|East Indian tree bearing a profusion of intense vermilion velvet-textured blooms and yielding a yellow dye
Dhaka|the capital and largest city of Bangladesh
Dharma|basic principles of the cosmos;also;an ancient sage in Hindu mythology worshipped as a god by some lower castes
Dhaulagiri|a mountain in the Himalayas in Nepal (26,820 feet high)
dhawa|an Indian tree of the family Combretaceae that is a source of timber and gum
Dhegiha|a branch of the Siouan languages;any member of a Siouan people speaking one of the Dhegiha languages
dhobi itch|fungal infection attacking moist parts of the body
dhole|fierce wild dog of the forests of central and southeast Asia that hunts in packs
dhoti|a long loincloth worn by Hindu men
dhow|a lateen-rigged sailing vessel used by Arabs
Dhu'l-Hijja|the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar and the season of the hajj;has one extra day in leap years
Dhu'l-Qa'dah|the eleventh month of the Islamic calendar
diabetes|a polygenic disease characterized by abnormally high glucose levels in the blood;any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive urination and persistent thirst
diabetes insipidus|a rare form of diabetes resulting from a deficiency of vasopressin (the pituitary hormone that regulates the kidneys);characterized by the chronic excretion of large amounts of pale dilute urine which results in dehydration and extreme thirst
diabetes mellitus|diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and characterized by polyuria - "when doctors say 'diabetes' they usually mean 'diabetes mellitus'"
diabetic|someone who has diabetes
diabetic coma|coma that can develop in inadequately treated cases of diabetes mellitus
diabetic diet|a diet designed to help control the symptoms of diabetes
diabetic retinopathy|retinopathy involving damage to the small blood vessels in the retina;results from chronically high blood glucose levels in people with poorly controlled diabetes
diabolatry|the acts or rites of worshiping devils
diabolism|a belief in and reverence for devils (especially Satan)
Diacalpa|one species;delicate fern of foothills of Himalayas
diacritical mark|a mark added to a letter to indicate a special pronunciation
Diadophis|a genus of reptiles of the family Colubridae including ringneck snakes
Diaghilev|Russian ballet impresario who founded the Russian ballet and later introduced it to the West (1872-1929)
diagnosis|identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon
diagnostic procedure|a procedure followed in making a medical diagnosis
diagnostic program|a program that recognizes and explains faults in the equipment or mistakes in a computer program
diagnostic test|an assay conducted for diagnostic purposes
diagnostician|a doctor who specializes in medical diagnosis
diagonal|(geometry) a straight line connecting any two vertices of a polygon that are not adjacent;(mathematics) a set of entries in a square matrix running diagonally either from the upper left to lower right entry or running from the upper right to lower left entry;a line or cut across a fabric that is not at right angles to a side of the fabric;an oblique line of squares of the same color on a checkerboard - "the bishop moves on the diagonals"
diagonal matrix|a square matrix with all elements not on the main diagonal equal to zero
diagonalization|changing a square matrix to diagonal form (with all non-zero elements on the principal diagonal) - "the diagonalization of a normal matrix by a unitary transformation"
diagram|a drawing intended to explain how something works;a drawing showing the relation between the parts
diakinesis|the final stage of the prophase of meiosis
dial|a disc on a telephone that is rotated a fixed distance for each number called;the circular graduated indicator on various measuring instruments;the control on a radio or television set that is used for tuning;the face of a timepiece;graduated to show the hours
dial telephone|a telephone with a dial for registering the number to be called
dialect|the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people - "the immigrants spoke an odd dialect of English" - "it has been said that a language is a dialect with an army and navy"
dialect atlas|an atlas showing the distribution of distinctive linguistic features
dialect geography|the study of the geographical distribution of linguistic features
dialectic|a contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction - "this situation created the inner dialectic of American history";any formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments
dialectical materialism|the materialistic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
dialectician|a logician skilled in dialectic
dialectics|a rationale for dialectical materialism based on change through the conflict of opposing forces
dialectology|the branch of philology that is devoted to the study of dialects
Dialeurodes|a genus of Aleyrodidae
dialog box|(computer science) a small temporary window in a graphical user interface that appears in order to request information from the user;after the information has been provided the user dismisses the box with 'okay' or 'cancel'
dialogue|a conversation between two persons;a literary composition in the form of a conversation between two people;the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction
dialysis|separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
dialyzer|a medical instrument for separating substances in solution by unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
diamagnet|a substance that exhibits diamagnetism
diamagnetism|phenomenon exhibited by materials like copper or bismuth that become magnetized in a magnetic field with a polarity opposite to the magnetic force;unlike iron they are slightly repelled by a magnet
diamante|fabric covered with glittering ornaments such as sequins or rhinestones
diameter|a straight line connecting the center of a circle with two points on its perimeter (or the center of a sphere with two points on its surface);the length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle and connecting two points on the circumference
diamine|any organic compound containing two amino groups
diamond|a playing card in the minor suit that has one or more red rhombuses on it - "he led a small diamond" - "diamonds were trumps";a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem;very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
diamond jubilee|an anniversary celebrating the passage of 60 years
diamond point|a very hard small point made from a diamond
diamond wedding anniversary|the 60th wedding anniversary
diamondback|large deadly rattlesnake with diamond-shaped markings
diamondback terrapin|of marshes along Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of United States
Diana|(Roman mythology) virgin goddess of the hunt and the Moon;counterpart of Greek Artemis;English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles;her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)
Diane de Poitiers|French noblewoman who was the mistress of Henry II;she had more influence over him than did his wife Catherine de Medicis (1499-1566)
Dianthus|carnations and pinks
diapason|either of the two main stops on a pipe organ
diapedesis|passage of blood cells (especially white blood cells) through intact capillary walls and into the surrounding tissue
diapensia|any boreal low-growing evergreen plant of the genus Diapensia
Diapensiaceae|north temperate low evergreen plants;in some classifications placed in its own order Diapensiales
Diapensiales|used in some classifications;coextensive with family Diapensiaceae
diaper|a fabric (usually cotton or linen) with a distinctive woven pattern of small repeated figures;garment consisting of a folded cloth drawn up between the legs and fastened at the waist;worn by infants to catch excrement
diaper rash|dermatitis of the thighs and buttocks of infants;supposedly caused by ammonia in the urine in the child's diapers
diapheromera|a variety of stick insect
diaphone|a foghorn that makes a signal consisting of two tones
diaphoretic|used to produce perspiration
diaphragm|(anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities;functions in respiration;a contraceptive device consisting of a flexible dome-shaped cup made of rubber or plastic;it is filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervix;a mechanical device in a camera that controls size of aperture of the lens - "the new cameras adjust the diaphragm automatically";electro-acoustic transducer that vibrates to receive or produce sound waves
diaphysis|the main (mid) section of a long bone
diapir|a domed rock formation where a core of rock has moved upward and pierced through the more brittle overlying strata
diapsid|reptile having a pair of openings in the skull behind each eye
Diapsida|used in former classifications to include all living reptiles except turtles;superseded by the two subclasses Lepidosauria and Archosauria
diarchy|a form of government having two joint rulers
diarist|someone who keeps a diary or journal
diarrhea|frequent and watery bowel movements;can be a symptom of infection or food poisoning or colitis or a gastrointestinal tumor
diary|a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations;a personal journal (as a physical object)
Dias|Portuguese explorer who in 1488 was the first European to get round the Cape of Good Hope (thus establishing a sea route from the Atlantic to Asia) (1450-1500)
Diaspididae|armored scales
diaspora|the body of Jews (or Jewish communities) outside Palestine or modern Israel;the dispersion or spreading of something that was originally localized (as a people or language or culture);the dispersion of the Jews outside Israel;from the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 587-86 BC when they were exiled to Babylonia up to the present time
diastasis|separation of an epiphysis from the long bone to which it is normally attached without fracture of the bone
diastema|a gap or vacant space between two teeth
diastole|the widening of the chambers of the heart between two contractions when the chambers fill with blood
diastolic pressure|the blood pressure (as measured by a sphygmomanometer) after the contraction of the heart while the chambers of the heart refill with blood
diastrophism|the process of deformation that produces continents and ocean basins in the earth's crust
diathermy|a method of physical therapy that involves generating local heat in body tissues by high-frequency electromagnetic currents
diathermy machine|a medical instrument for local heating of bodily tissues for medical purposes
diathesis|constitutional predisposition to a particular disease or abnormality
diatom|microscopic unicellular marine or freshwater colonial alga having cell walls impregnated with silica
diatomaceous earth|a light soil consisting of siliceous diatom remains and often used as a filtering material
diatonic scale|a scale with eight notes in an octave;all but two are separated by whole tones
diazepam|a tranquilizer (trade name Valium) used to relieve anxiety and relax muscles;acts by enhancing the inhibitory actions of the neurotransmitter GABA;can also be used as an anticonvulsant drug in cases of nerve agent poisoning
diazonium|the univalent cation R-N;N- (where R is an aromatic hydrocarbon);found in salts that are used in manufacturing azo dyes
diazoxide|vasodilator (trade name Hyperstat) used to treat severe hypertension
dibasic acid|an acid containing two replaceable hydrogen atoms per molecule
dibasic salt|a salt derived by replacing two hydrogen atoms per molecule
dibble|a wooden hand tool with a pointed end;used to make holes in the ground for planting seeds or bulbs
Dibranchiata|comprising all living cephalopods except the family Nautilidae;the orders Octopoda (octopuses) and Decapoda (squids and cuttlefish)
dibranchiate|cephalopods having two gills
dibs|a claim of rights - "I have dibs on that last slice of pizza"
dibucaine|a local anesthetic that is administered by injection
dicamptodon|salamanders found near cold streams throughout the year
Dicamptodontidae|large and small highly aquatic salamanders
dice cup|a small container (open at one end) in which dice are shaken by hand and from which they are thrown
Dicentra|North American and Asian herbs with divided leaves and irregular flowers
dicer|a mechanical device used for dicing food
Diceros|most common species in Africa
dichloride|a compound containing two chlorine atoms per molecule
dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane|an insecticide that is also toxic to animals and humans;banned in the United States since 1972
dichondra|a creeping perennial herb with hairy stems and orbicular to reniform leaves and small white to greenish flowers;used as a grass substitute in warm regions
dichotomization|the act of dividing into two sharply different categories
dichotomy|being twofold;a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses - "the dichotomy between eastern and western culture"
dichroism|pleochroism of a crystal so that it exhibits two different colors when viewed from two different directions
dichromacy|a deficiency of color vision in which the person can match any given hue by mixing only two other wavelengths of light (as opposed to the three wavelengths needed by people with normal color vision)
dichromat|a person with any of the various forms of dichromacy
dichromic acid|the hypothetical acid (H2Cr2O7) from which dichromates are derived;known only in solution and in the form of dichromate salts
dick|someone who is a detective
Dick test|a skin test to determine your susceptibility to scarlet fever
Dickens|English writer whose novels depicted and criticized social injustice (1812-1870)
dickey|a man's detachable insert (usually starched) to simulate the front of a shirt;a small third seat in the back of an old-fashioned two-seater
dickeybird|small bird;adults talking to children sometimes use these words to refer to small birds
Dickinson|United States poet noted for her mystical and unrhymed poems (1830-1886)
Dicksonia|tree ferns of temperate Australasia having bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid fronds and usually marginal sori;in some classification systems placed in family Cyatheaceae
Dicksoniaceae|tree ferns;genera Dicksonia, Cibotium, Culcita, and Thyrsopteris elegans
diclofenac potassium|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Cataflam)
diclofenac sodium|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Voltaren) that is administered only orally
dicloxacillin|antibacterial (trade name Dynapen) used to treat staphylococcal infections that are resistant to penicillin
dicot|flowering plant with two cotyledons;the stem grows by deposit on its outside
dicot family|family of flowering plants having two cotyledons (embryonic leaves) in the seed which usually appear at germination
dicot genus|genus of flowering plants having two cotyledons (embryonic leaves) in the seed which usually appear at germination
Dicotyledones|comprising seed plants that produce an embryo with paired cotyledons and net-veined leaves;divided into six (not always well distinguished) subclasses (or superorders);Magnoliidae and Hamamelidae (considered primitive);Caryophyllidae (an early and distinctive offshoot);and three more or less advanced groups;Dilleniidae;Rosidae;Asteridae
Dicranaceae|mosses having costate leaves and long-stalked capsules with cleft peristome
Dicranales|widely distributed order of mosses with erect gametophores and sporophytes at the tips of stems
Dicranopteris|terrestrial ferns of forest margin or open ground;pantropical
Dicranum|type genus of Dicranaceae
Dicrostonyx|pied lemmings
Dictamnus|a dicotyledonous genus of the family Rutaceae
Dictaphone|a tape recorder that records and reproduces dictation
dictate|a guiding principle - "the dictates of reason";an authoritative rule
dictation|matter that has been dictated and transcribed;a dictated passage - "he signed and mailed his dictation without bothering to read it";speech intended for reproduction in writing
dictator|a ruler who is unconstrained by law;a speaker who dictates to a secretary or a recording machine
dictatorship|a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
dictionary|a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
dictionary definition|a definition that reports the standard uses of a word or phrase or symbol
dictostylium|any slime mold of the genus Dictostylium
Dictyophera|closely related to genus Phallus distinguished by an indusium hanging like a skirt from below the pileus
Dictyoptera|in some classifications replaced by the orders (here suborders) Blattodea (cockroaches) and Manteodea (mantids);in former classifications often subsumed under a much broader order Orthoptera
dictyopterous insect|cockroaches and mantids
dicumarol|an anticoagulant drug that has now been largely replaced by warfarin
dicynodont|a kind of therapsid
Dicynodontia|a division of Therapsida
didacticism|communication that is suitable for or intended to be instructive - "the didacticism expected in books for the young" - "the didacticism of the 19th century gave birth to many great museums"
Didelphidae|opossums
Didelphis|type genus of the family Didelphidae
dideoxycytosine|an antiviral drug used to combat HIV infection
dideoxyinosine|an antiviral drug used to combat HIV infection
Diderot|French philosopher who was a leading figure of the Enlightenment in France;principal editor of an encyclopedia that disseminated the scientific and philosophical knowledge of the time (1713-1784)
Didion|United States writer (born in 1934)
Dido|(Roman mythology) a princess of Tyre who was the founder and queen of Carthage;Virgil tells of her suicide when she was abandoned by Aeneas
die|a cutting tool that is fitted into a diestock and used for cutting male (external) screw threads on screws or bolts or pipes or rods;a device used for shaping metal;a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces;used in gambling to generate random numbers
dieback|a disease of plants characterized by the gradual dying of the young shoots starting at the tips and progressing to the larger branches
Dieffenbachia|evergreen perennial herbs of tropical America with lush foliage and poisonous sap;often cultivated as houseplants
Diegueno|a member of a North American Indian people of southern California;the Yuman language spoken by the Diegueno
dielectric heating|heating of an insulator by a high-frequency electric field
diemaker|someone who makes dies
Dien Bien Phu|the French military base fell after a siege by Vietnam troops that lasted 56 days;ended the involvement of France in Indochina in 1954
diencephalon|the posterior division of the forebrain;connects the cerebral hemispheres with the mesencephalon
Diervilla|small genus of low deciduous shrubs;bush honeysuckles
Dies Irae|the first words of a medieval Latin hymn describing the Last Judgment (literally 'day of wrath')
diesel|an internal-combustion engine that burns heavy oil;German engineer (born in France) who invented the diesel engine (1858-1913)
diesel locomotive|a locomotive driven by a diesel engine
diesel oil|a heavy mineral oil used as fuel in diesel engines
diesel-electric locomotive|a locomotive driven by the electric current generated by a diesel engine
diesel-hydraulic locomotive|a locomotive driven by a hydraulic transmission system powered by a diesel engine
diestock|a device that holds the dies that cut external threads on metal cylinders
diestrus|(of animals having several estrous cycles in one breeding season) a state or interval of sexual inactivity or quiescence between periods of activity
diet|a legislative assembly in certain countries (e.g., Japan);a prescribed selection of foods;the act of restricting your food intake (or your intake of particular foods);the usual food and drink consumed by an organism (person or animal)
dietary|a regulated daily food allowance
dietary supplement|something added to complete a diet or to make up for a dietary deficiency
dieter|a person who diets
dietetics|the scientific study of food preparation and intake
diethylaminoethyl cellulose|used for chromatography
diethylstilbesterol|synthetic nonsteroid with the properties of estrogen;formerly used to treat menstrual problems but was found to be associated with vaginal cancers in the daughters of women so treated during pregnancy
diethylstilbestrol|a potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry
dietician|a specialist in the study of nutrition
Dietrich|United States film actress (born in Germany) who made many films with Josef von Sternberg and later was a successful cabaret star (1901-1992)
difference|a significant change - "the difference in her is amazing" - "his support made a real difference";the quality of being unlike or dissimilar - "there are many differences between jazz and rock"
difference threshold|the smallest change in stimulation that a person can detect
differentia|distinguishing characteristics (especially in different species of a genus)
differential|a quality that differentiates between similar things
differential analyzer|an analog computer designed to solve differential equations
differential blood count|counting the number of specific types of white blood cells found in 1 cubic millimeter of blood;may be included as part of a complete blood count
differential calculus|the part of calculus that deals with the variation of a function with respect to changes in the independent variable (or variables) by means of the concepts of derivative and differential
differential diagnosis|a systematic method of diagnosing a disorder (e.g., headache) that lacks unique symptoms or signs
differential equation|an equation containing differentials of a function
differential gear|a bevel gear that permits rotation of two shafts at different speeds;used on the rear axle of automobiles to allow wheels to rotate at different speeds on curves
differential psychology|the branch of psychology that studies measurable differences between individuals
differentiation|a discrimination between things as different and distinct;the mathematical process of obtaining the derivative of a function
differentiator|a person who (or that which) differentiates
difficulty|a condition or state of affairs almost beyond one's ability to deal with and requiring great effort to bear or overcome;a factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result;the quality of being difficult - "they agreed about the difficulty of the climb"
diffidence|lack of self-confidence
difflugia|a protozoan with an ovoid shell of cemented sand grains
diffraction|when light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands
diffraction grating|optical device consisting of a surface with many parallel grooves in it;disperses a beam of light (or other electromagnetic radiation) into its wavelengths to produce its spectrum
diffuse nebula|a cluster of stars within an intricate cloud of gas and dust
diffuseness|the spatial property of being spread out over a wide area or through a large volume
diffuser|baffle that distributes sound waves evenly;optical device that distributes the light of a lamp evenly
diffusion|(physics) the process in which there is movement of a substance from an area of high concentration of that substance to an area of lower concentration;the spread of social institutions (and myths and skills) from one society to another
diflunisal|nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (trade name Dolobid) used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
dig|a small gouge (as in the cover of a book) - "the book was in good condition except for a dig in the back cover";the act of touching someone suddenly with your finger or elbow - "she gave me a sharp dig in the ribs";the site of an archeological exploration - "they set up camp next to the dig"
digest|a periodical that summarizes the news
digester|autoclave consisting of a vessel in which plant or animal materials are digested
digestibility|the property of being easy to digest
digestion|learning and coming to understand ideas and information - "his appetite for facts was better than his digestion";the organic process by which food is converted into substances that can be absorbed into the body;the process of decomposing organic matter (as in sewage) by bacteria or by chemical action or heat
digestive|any substance that promotes digestion
digestive gland|any gland having ducts that pour secretions into the digestive tract
digestive juice|secretions that aid digestion
digestive system|the system that makes food absorbable into the body
digger|a laborer who digs
digger wasp|solitary wasp that digs nests in the soil and stocks them with paralyzed insects for the larvae
diggings|an excavation for ore or precious stones or for archaeology;temporary living quarters
digit|a finger or toe in human beings or corresponding body part in other vertebrates;one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration - "0 and 1 are digits"
digital arteries|arteries in the hand and foot that supply the fingers and toes
digital audiotape|a digital tape recording of sound
digital camera|a camera that encodes an image digitally and store it for later reproduction
digital clock|a clock that displays the time of day digitally
digital communication|electronic transmission of information that has been encoded digitally (as for storage and processing by computers)
digital communications technology|the design and construction of communications technology that transmits information in digital form
digital computer|a computer that represents information by numerical (binary) digits
digital display|a display that gives the information in the form of characters (numbers or letters)
digital photography|a photographic method that stores the image digitally for later reproduction
digital plethysmograph|plethysmograph applied to a digit of the hand or foot to measure skin blood flow
digital subscriber line|a generic name for digital lines that are provided by telephone companies to their local subscribers and that carry data at high speeds
digital vein|one of the veins serving the fingers or toes
digital voltmeter|an electronic voltmeter that gives readings in digits
digital watch|a watch with a digital display
digital-analog converter|device for converting digital signals into analogue signals
digitalis|a powerful cardiac stimulant obtained from foxglove
digitalization|the administration of digitalis for the treatment of certain heart disorders
Digitaria|crab grass;finger grass
digitigrade mammal|an animal that walks so that only the toes touch the ground as e.g. dogs and cats and horses
digitization|conversion of analog information into digital information
digitizer|device for converting analogue signals into digital signals
digitoxin|digitalis preparation used to treat congestive heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia
dignity|formality in bearing and appearance - "he behaved with great dignity";high office or rank or station - "he respected the dignity of the emissaries";the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect - "it was beneath his dignity to cheat" - "showed his true dignity when under pressure"
digoxin|digitalis preparation (trade name Lanoxin) used to treat congestive heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia;helps the heart beat more forcefully
digraph|two successive letters (especially two letters used to represent a single sound;'sh' in 'shoe')
digression|a message that departs from the main subject;wandering from the main path of a journey
dihybrid|a hybrid produced by parents that differ only at two gene loci that have two alleles each
dihybrid cross|hybridization using two traits with two alleles each
dihydrostreptomycin|antibiotic consisting of a hydrogenated form of streptomycin;used against tuberculosis and tularemia and Gram-negative organisms
di-iodotyrosine|tyrosine with two iodine atoms added
Dijon|an industrial city in eastern France to the north of Lyons
dika bread|somewhat astringent paste prepared by grinding and heating seeds of the African wild mango;a staple food of some African peoples
dika nut|edible oil-rich seed of wild mango
dik-dik|any of several small antelopes of eastern Africa of the genus Madoqua;the size of a large rabbit
dilapidation|the process of becoming dilapidated
dilatation|the state of being stretched beyond normal dimensions
dilation|a lengthy discussion (spoken or written) on a particular topic;the act of expanding an aperture - "the dilation of the pupil of the eye"
dilation and curettage|a surgical procedure usually performed under local anesthesia in which the cervix is dilated and the endometrial lining of the uterus is scraped with a curet;performed to obtain tissue samples or to stop prolonged bleeding or to remove small tumors or to remove fragments of placenta after childbirth or as a method of abortion
dilator|a drug that causes dilation;a muscle or nerve that dilates or widens a body part;a surgical instrument that is used to dilate or distend an opening or an organ
dilatoriness|slowness as a consequence of not getting around to it
dilatory plea|a plea that delays the action without settling the cause of action;it can challenge the jurisdiction or claim disability of the defendant etc. (such defenses are usually raised in the defendant's answer)
dildo|a vibrating device that substitutes for an erect penis to provide vaginal stimulation
dilemma|state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
diligence|conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task;giving the degree of care required in a given situation;persevering determination to perform a task - "his diligence won him quick promotions"
dill|aromatic Old World herb having aromatic threadlike foliage and seeds used as seasoning;aromatic threadlike foliage of the dill plant used as seasoning
dill pickle|pickle preserved in brine or vinegar flavored with dill seed
dill seed|seed of the dill plant used as seasoning
dillenia|any of several evergreen trees or shrubs of the genus Dillenia grown for their foliage and nodding flowers resembling magnolias which are followed by fruit that is used in curries and jellies and preserves
Dilleniaceae|chiefly tropical shrubs and trees and climbers having leathery leaves or flattened leaflike stems;genera Dillenia and Hibbertia
dilleniid dicot family|family of more or less advanced dicotyledonous trees and shrubs and herbs
dilleniid dicot genus|genus of more or less advanced dicotyledonous trees and shrubs and herbs
Dilleniidae|a group of families of more or less advanced trees and shrubs and herbs having either polypetalous or gamopetalous corollas and often with ovules attached to the walls of the ovary;contains 69 families including Ericaceae and Cruciferae and Malvaceae;sometimes classified as a superorder
diltiazem|a calcium blocker (trade name Cardizem) used in treating hypertension or angina or heart failure
dilutant|a diluting agent
dilution|a diluted solution;weakening (reducing the concentration) by the addition of water or a thinner
dim sum|traditional Chinese cuisine;a variety of foods (including several kinds of steamed or fried dumplings) are served successively in small portions
DiMaggio|United States professional baseball player noted for his batting ability (1914-1999)
Dimash|an ancient city (widely regarded as the world's oldest) and present capital and largest city of Syria;according to the New Testament, the Apostle Paul (then known as Saul) underwent a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus
dime|a United States coin worth one tenth of a dollar
dime bag|street name for a packet of illegal drugs that is sold for ten dollars
dime novel|a melodramatic paperback novel
dimenhydrinate|antihistamine and antiemetic (trade name Dramamine) used to treat motion sickness
dimension|one of three Cartesian coordinates that determine a position in space;the magnitude of something in a particular direction (especially length or width or height)
dimensionality|the spatial property of having dimensions - "all matter has dimensionality"
dimer|a compound whose molecules are composed of two identical monomers
Dimetapp|trade name for a drug containing an antihistamine and a decongestant;used to relieve nasal congestion and to treat rhinitis
dimethylglyoxime|a compound used in analysis as a precipitant for palladium or nickel
dimetrodon|carnivorous dinosaur of the Permian in North America having a crest or dorsal sail
diminution|the statement of a theme in notes of lesser duration (usually half the length of the original)
diminutive|a word that is formed with a suffix (such as -let or -kin) to indicate smallness
diminutiveness|the property of being very small in size
dimity|a strong cotton fabric with a raised pattern;used for bedcovers and curtains
dimmer|a rheostat that varies the current through an electric light in order to control the level of illumination
dimness|the property of lights or sounds that lack brilliance or are reduced in intensity;the quality of being dim or lacking contrast;the state of being poorly illuminated
Dimocarpus|longan
dimorphism|(biology) the existence of two forms of individual within the same animal species (independent of sex differences);(chemistry) the property of certain substances that enables them to exist in two distinct crystalline forms
Dimorphotheca|South African herbs or subshrubs with usually yellow flowers
dimple|a small natural hollow in the cheek or chin - "His dimple appeared whenever he smiled";any slight depression in a surface - "there are approximately 336 dimples on a golf ball"
dimpled chad|a chad that has been punched or dimpled but all four corners are still attached
dimwit|a stupid incompetent person
diner|a person eating a meal (especially in a restaurant);a restaurant that resembles a dining car
Dinesen|Danish writer who lived in Kenya for 19 years and is remembered for her writings about Africa (1885-1962)
dinette|a small area off of a kitchen that is used for dining
ding|a ringing sound
dingbat|a silly empty-headed person - "you would be a dingbat even to try it" - "yet here he was with an upper class dingbat who just happened to be married to his sister"
ding-dong|the noise made by a bell
dinghy|a small boat of shallow draft with cross thwarts for seats and rowlocks for oars with which it is propelled
dinginess|discoloration due to dirtiness
dingo|wolflike yellowish-brown wild dog of Australia
dining|the act of eating dinner
dining area|an area arranged for dining - "they put up tents for the dining area"
dining car|a passenger car where food is served in transit
dining room|a room used for dining
dining table|a table at which meals are served - "he helped her clear the dining table"
dining-hall|a large room at a college or university;used especially for dining
dining-room attendant|someone employed to provide service in a dining room
dining-room furniture|furniture intended for use in a dining room
diningroom suite|a suite of furniture for the dining room
dining-room table|dining-room furniture consisting of a table on which meals can be served
DINK|a couple who both have careers and no children (an acronym for dual income no kids)
Dinka|a Nilotic language
dinky|a small locomotive
dinner|a party of people assembled to have dinner together - "guests should never be late to a dinner party";the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday - "dinner will be at 8" - "on Sundays they had a large dinner when they returned from church"
dinner bell|a bell rung to announce that dinner has been served
dinner dress|a gown for evening wear
dinner jacket|semiformal evening dress for men
dinner napkin|a large napkin used when dinner is served
dinner pail|a pail in which a workman carries his lunch or dinner
dinner plate|a plate from which a diner eats during the main course of a meal
dinner service|a table service for serving dinner
dinner table|the dining table where dinner is served and eaten
dinner theater|a theater at which dinner is included in the price of admission
dinnertime|the customary or habitual hour for the evening meal
dinnerware|the tableware (plates and platters and serving bowls etc.) used in serving a meal
dinoceras|a variety of dinocerate
Dinocerata|small order of primitive ungulates of the Paleocene and Eocene
dinocerate|an extinct ungulate
Dinoflagellata|in some classifications considered a phylum of the kingdom Protista;in others included in the plant phylum Pyrrophyta
dinoflagellate|chiefly marine protozoa having two flagella;a chief constituent of plankton
Dinornis|type genus of the Dinornithidae;large moas
Dinornithidae|moas
Dinornithiformes|a ratite bird order;recently extinct flightless birds of New Zealand
dinosaur|any of numerous extinct terrestrial reptiles of the Mesozoic era
dint|interchangeable with 'means' in the expression 'by means of'
diocesan|a bishop having jurisdiction over a diocese
diocese|the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop
Diocletian|Roman Emperor who when faced with military problems decided in 286 to divide the Roman Empire between himself in the east and Maximian in the west;he initiated the last persecution of the Christians in 303 (245-313)
diode|a semiconductor that consists of a p-n junction;a thermionic tube having two electrodes;used as a rectifier
Diodon|type genus of the Diodontidae
Diodontidae|spiny puffers
Diogenes|an ancient Greek philosopher and Cynic who rejected social conventions (circa 400-325 BC)
diol|any of a class of alcohols having 2 hydroxyl groups in each molecule
Diomedeidae|albatrosses
Dionaea|a genus of the family Droseraceae
Dionysia|an orgiastic festival in ancient Greece in honor of Dionysus (= Bacchus)
Dionysius|the tyrant of Syracuse who fought the Carthaginians (430-367 BC)
Dionysus|(Greek mythology) god of wine and fertility and drama;the Greek name of Bacchus
dioon|any cycad of the genus Dioon;handsome palmlike cycads with robust crowns of leaves and rugged trunks
Diophantus|Greek mathematician who was the first to try to develop an algebraic notation (3rd century)
diopter|a unit of measurement of the refractive power of a lens which is equal to the reciprocal of the focal length measured in meters;used by oculists
Dior|French couturier whose first collection in 1947 created a style that became known as the New Look (1905-1957)
diorite|a granular crystalline intrusive rock
Dioscorea|yams
Dioscoreaceae|yams
Diospyros|a genus of trees or shrubs that have beautiful and valuable wood
dioxide|an oxide containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule
dioxin|any of several toxic or carcinogenic hydrocarbons that occur as impurities in herbicides
dip|(physics) the angle that a magnetic needle makes with the plane of the horizon;a brief immersion;a brief swim in water;a candle that is made by repeated dipping in a pool of wax or tallow;a depression in an otherwise level surface - "there was a dip in the road";a gymnastic exercise on the parallel bars in which the body is lowered and raised by bending and straightening the arms;tasty mixture or liquid into which bite-sized foods are dipped
DIP switch|(computer science) one of a set of small on-off switches mounted in computer hardware;used in place of jumpers to configure the machine for a user
diphenhydramine|antihistamine (trade name Benadryl) used to treat allergic reactions involving the nasal passages (hay fever) and also to treat motion sickness
diphenylbutyl piperidine|a group of antipsychotic drugs used mainly in the treatment of schizophrenia
diphenylhydantoin|an anticonvulsant drug (trade name Dilantin) used to treat epilepsy and that is not a sedative
diphtheria|acute contagious infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae;marked by the formation of a false membrane in the throat and other air passages causing difficulty in breathing
diphthong|a vowel sound that starts near the articulatory position for one vowel and moves toward the position for another
Diphylla|vampire bats
diplegia|paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body
diplococcus|Gram-positive bacteria usually occurring in pairs
diplodocus|a huge quadrupedal herbivore with long neck and tail;of late Jurassic in western North America
diploic vein|one of the veins serving the spongy part of the cranial bones
diploid|(genetics) an organism or cell having the normal amount of DNA per cell;i.e., two sets of chromosomes or twice the haploid number
diploidy|the condition of being diploid
diploma|a document certifying the successful completion of a course of study
diplomacy|negotiation between nations
diplomat|a person who deals tactfully with others;an official engaged in international negotiations
diplomate|medical specialist whose competence has been certified by a diploma granted by an appropriate professional group
diplomatic building|government building in which diplomats live or work
diplomatic immunity|exemption from taxation or normal processes of law that is offered to diplomatic personnel in a foreign country
diplomatic mission|a mission serving diplomatic ends
diplomatic pouch|a mail pouch that is sealed shut and that is used to carry communications between a legation and its home office
diplomatic service|the body of diplomatic personnel
diplopia|visual impairment in which an object is seen as two objects - "diplopia often disappears when one eye is covered"
Diplopoda|arthropods having the body composed of numerous double somites each with two pairs of legs;millipedes
Diplopterygium|scandent thicket-forming ferns of Asia to western Pacific
Diplotaxis|wall rocket
diplotene|the fourth stage of the prophase of meiosis
Dipnoi|bony fishes of the southern hemisphere that breathe by a modified air bladder as well as gills;sometimes classified as an order of Crossopterygii
Dipodidae|Old World jerboas
Dipodomys|kangaroo rats
Dipogon|one species;Australian pea
dipole|a pair of equal and opposite electric charges or magnetic poles separated by a small distance;an aerial half a wavelength long consisting of two rods connected to a transmission line at the center
dipole molecule|a molecule that is a permanent dipole
dipole moment|the moment of a dipole
dipper|a ladle that has a cup with a long handle
Dipsacaceae|chiefly southern European herbs with flowers usually in dense cymose heads
Dipsacus|type genus of the Dipsacaceae;teasel
dipsomania|an intense persistent desire to drink alcoholic beverages to excess
Dipsosaurus|desert iguanas
dipstick|a graduated rod dipped into a container to indicate the fluid level
Diptera|a large order of insects having a single pair of wings and sucking or piercing mouths;includes true flies and mosquitoes and gnats and crane flies
dipterocarp|tree of the family Dipterocarpaceae
Dipterocarpaceae|chiefly tropical Asian trees with two-winged fruits;yield valuable woods and aromatic oils and resins
Dipteronia|small genus of large deciduous shrubs having large clusters of winged seeds that turn red as they mature;central and southern China
dipterous insect|insects having usually a single pair of functional wings (anterior pair) with the posterior pair reduced to small knobbed structures and mouth parts adapted for sucking or lapping or piercing
diptych|a painting or carving (especially an altarpiece) on two panels (usually hinged like a book)
Dipus|type genus of the Dipodidae;typical jerboas having three toes on each hind foot
Dipylon gate|a gateway to the west of ancient Athens near which a distinctive style of pottery has been found
Dirac|English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984)
Dirca|deciduous shrub of North America;leatherwood
direct action|a protest action by labor or minority groups to obtain their demands
direct antonym|antonyms that are commonly associated (e.g., 'wet' and 'dry')
direct current|an electric current that flows in one direction steadily
direct discourse|a report of the exact words used in a discourse (e.g., "he said 'I am a fool'")
direct dye|dye with a high affinity for cellulose fibers (cotton or rayon etc.)
direct evidence|evidence (usually the testimony of a witness) directly related to the fact in dispute
direct examination|(law) the initial questioning of a witness by the party that called the witness
direct fire|fire delivered on a target that is visible to the person aiming it
direct flight|a flight with one or more intermediate stops but no change of aircraft
direct loan|a loan by a lender to a customer without the use of a third party;direct lending gives the lender greater discretion in making loans
direct mail|advertising sent directly to prospective customers via the mail
direct mailer|a distributor who uses direct mail to sell merchandise
direct marketing|marketing via a promotion delivered directly to the individual prospective customer
direct object|the object that receives the direct action of the verb
direct primary|a primary where voters directly select the candidates who will run for office
direct sum|a union of two disjoint sets in which every element is the sum of an element from each of the disjoint sets
direct support|a mission requiring one force to support another specific force and authorizing it to answer directly the supported force's request for assistance
direct supporting fire|fire delivered in support of part of a force (as opposed to general supporting fire delivered in support of the force as a whole)
direct tax|a tax paid directly by the person or organization on whom it is levied
direct tide|the occurrence of high tide on one side of the earth coinciding with high tide on the opposite side
direct transmission|a transmission mechanism in which the infectious agent is transferred directly into the body via touching or biting or kissing or sexual intercourse or by droplets entering the eye or nose or mouth
direct trust|a trust created by the free and deliberate act of the parties involved (usually on the basis of written documentation)
directed study|a course of study that is supervised and controlled by a specialist in the subject - "he registered for directed study" - "he got credit for directed study" - "he did directed study"
directed verdict|a verdict entered by the court in a jury trial without consideration by the jury - "there cannot be a directed verdict of guilty in a criminal trial"
direct-grant school|formerly a school that charged tuition fees and also received government grants in return for admitting certain non-paying students who were nominated by the local authorities
direction|a general course along which something has a tendency to develop - "I couldn't follow the direction of his thoughts" - "his ideals determined the direction of his career" - "they proposed a new direction for the firm";a line leading to a place or point - "he looked the other direction";a message describing how something is to be done - "he gave directions faster than she could follow them";the spatial relation between something and the course along which it points or moves - "he checked the direction and velocity of the wind"
direction finder|radio;determines the direction of incoming radio waves
directional antenna|an antenna that transmits or receives signals only in a narrow angle
directional microphone|a microphone that is designed to receive sound from a particular direction
directionality|the property of being directional or maintaining a direction - "the directionality of written English is from left to right"
directive|a pronouncement encouraging or banning some activity - "the boss loves to send us directives"
directivity|the property of a microphone or antenna of being more sensitive in one direction than in another - "the antenna received signals with no directivity";the quality of being directive
directness|trueness of course toward a goal - "rivaling a hawk in directness of aim"
director|member of a board of directors;someone who controls resources and expenditures;someone who supervises the actors and directs the action in the production of a show
Director of Central Intelligence|the head of the United States Intelligence Community and director of the Central Intelligence Agency
directorate|a group of persons chosen to govern the affairs of a corporation or other large institution
Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence|the Pakistan intelligence agency;a powerful and almost autonomous political and military force;has procured nuclear technology and delivery capabilities;has had strong ties with the Taliban and other militant Islamic groups
directorship|the position of a director of a business concern
director-stockholder relation|the responsibility of corporate directors to act in the best interests of stockholders
directory|(computer science) a listing of the files stored in memory (usually on a hard disk);an alphabetical list of names and addresses
dirge|a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
diriment impediment|(canon law) an impediment that invalidates a marriage (such as the existence of a prior marriage)
dirk|a relatively long dagger with a straight blade
dirndl|a dress with a tight bodice and full skirt;a full skirt with a gathered waistband
dirt|the state of being covered with unclean things
dirt track|a racetrack that is not paved
dirtiness|the state of being unsanitary;the state of containing dirty impurities
dirty bomb|an atom bomb that leaves considerable radioactive contamination
dirty joke|an indelicate joke
dirty linen|personal matters that could be embarrassing if made public
dirty old man|a middle-aged man with lecherous inclinations
dirty pool|conduct that is unfair or unethical or unsportsmanlike
dirty trick|an unkind or aggressive trick
dirty tricks|underhand commercial or political behavior designed to discredit an opponent
dirty war|an offensive conducted by secret police or the military of a regime against revolutionary and terrorist insurgents and marked by the use of kidnapping and torture and murder with civilians often being the victims - "thousands of people disappeared and were killed during Argentina's dirty war in the late 1970s"
dirty word|a word that is considered to be unmentionable - "'failure' is a dirty word to him"
Dis|god of the underworld;counterpart of Greek Pluto
disa|any orchid of the genus Disa;beautiful orchids with dark green leaves and usually hooded flowers;much prized as emblematic flowers in their native regions
disability|the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness - "reading disability"
disability benefit|insurance benefits paid in case of disability
disability check|a monthly payment made to someone who has become disabled and is unable to work
disability insurance|social insurance for the disabled
disability of walking|a disability that interferes with or prevents walking
disabled|people collectively who are crippled or otherwise physically handicapped - "technology to help the elderly and the disabled"
disaccharidase|an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of disaccharides into monosaccharides
disaccharide|any of a variety of carbohydrates that yield two monosaccharide molecules on complete hydrolysis
disadvantage|the quality of having an inferior or less favorable position
disaffection|disloyalty to the government or to established authority - "the widespread disaffection of the troops"
disagreeableness|an ill-tempered and offensive disposition;the quality of being disagreeable and unpleasant
disagreement|a conflict of people's opinions or actions or characters;the speech act of disagreeing or arguing or disputing
disambiguation|clarification that follows from the removal of ambiguity
disambiguator|(computer science) a natural language processing application that tries to determine the intended meaning of a word or phrase by examining the linguistic context in which it is used
disappearance|ceasing to exist - "he regretted the disappearance of Greek from school curricula" - "what was responsible for the disappearance of the rainforest?" - "the disappearance of resistance at very low temperatures";the act of leaving secretly or without explanation;the event of passing out of sight
disappointment|a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized - "his hopes were so high he was doomed to disappointment";an act (or failure to act) that disappoints someone
disapprobation|an expression of strong disapproval;pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable
disapproval|a feeling of disliking something or what someone is doing;the act of disapproving or condemning;the expression of disapproval
disarming|act of reducing or depriving of arms
disarray|untidiness (especially of clothing and appearance)
disassociation|the state of being unconnected in memory or imagination - "I could not think of him in disassociation from his wife"
disassortative mating|mating of individuals having traits more dissimilar than likely in random mating
disaster|an act that has disastrous consequences
disaster area|a region whose population is affected by a general disaster
disavowal|denial of any connection with or knowledge of
disbandment|the act of disbanding - "the orchestra faced the prospect of disbandment"
disbarment|the act of expelling a lawyer from the practice of law
disbeliever|someone who refuses to believe (as in a divinity)
discard|(cards) the act of throwing out a useless card or of failing to follow suit;anything that is cast aside or discarded;getting rid something that is regarded as useless or undesirable
discernability|distinctness that makes perception easy
discernment|perception of that which is obscure
discharge|a substance that is emitted or released;any of several bodily processes by which substances go out of the body - "the discharge of pus";electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field;the act of discharging a gun;the act of venting;the pouring forth of a fluid;the sudden giving off of energy
discharge lamp|a lamp that generates light by a discharge between two electrodes in a gas
discharge pipe|a pipe through which fluids can be discharged
discina|any fungus of the genus Discina
Discina macrospora|a discina with a flat or saucer-shaped fertile body that is brown on the upper surface;has a short stalk;not recommended for eating
Disciotis venosa|an edible morel with a cup-shaped or saucer-shaped fruiting body can be up to 20 cm wide;the fertile surface inside the cup has wrinkles radiating from the center;can be easily confused with inedible mushrooms
disciple|someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
discipleship|the position of disciple
discipline|a branch of knowledge - "in what discipline is his doctorate?";a system of rules of conduct or method of practice - "he quickly learned the discipline of prison routine" - "for such a plan to work requires discipline";the act of punishing - "the offenders deserved the harsh discipline they received";the trait of being well behaved - "he insisted on discipline among the troops";training to improve strength or self-control
disclaimer|(law) a voluntary repudiation of a person's legal claim to something
disclosure|the speech act of making something evident
disco|a public dance hall for dancing to recorded popular music;popular dance music (especially in the late 1970s);melodic with a regular bass beat;intended mainly for dancing at discotheques
Discocephali|small order of fishes comprising the remoras
Discoglossidae|family of Old World toads having a fixed disklike tongue
discography|a descriptive catalog of musical recordings
discoid lupus erythematosus|a chronic skin disease occurring primarily in women between the ages of 20 and 40;characterized by an eruption of red lesions over the cheeks and bridge of the nose
discoloration|the act of changing the natural color of something by making it duller or dingier or unnatural or faded
discomfiture|anxious embarrassment
discomfort|an uncomfortable feeling of mental painfulness or distress;the state of being tense and feeling pain
discomposure|a temperament that is perturbed and lacking in composure
discomycete|any fungus that is a member of the subclass Discomycetes
Discomycetes|a large and taxonomically difficult group of Ascomycetes in which the fleshy fruiting body is disklike or cup-shaped
disconnection|the act of breaking a connection
discontentment|a longing for something better than the present situation
discontinuance|the act of discontinuing or breaking off;an interruption (temporary or permanent)
discontinuity|lack of connection or continuity
discord|disagreement among those expected to cooperate;lack of agreement or harmony;strife resulting from a lack of agreement
discordance|a harsh mixture of sounds
discount|the act of reducing the selling price of merchandise
discount business|the business of selling merchandise at a discount
discount chain|a chain of discount stores
discount house|a sales outlet offering goods at a discounted price
discount rate|interest on an annual basis deducted in advance on a loan;the rate of interest set by the Federal Reserve that member banks are charged when they borrow money through the Federal Reserve System
discouragement|the act of discouraging - "the discouragement of petty theft";the expression of opposition and disapproval;the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
discourse|extended verbal expression in speech or writing
discourtesy|a lack of politeness;a failure to show regard for others;wounding the feelings or others;a manner that is rude and insulting
discovered check|a check on the opponent's king that is delivered by moving a piece out of the line of attack by a queen or rook or bishop
discovery|(law) compulsory pretrial disclosure of documents relevant to a case;enables one side in a litigation to elicit information from the other side concerning the facts in the case;a productive insight;something that is discovered;the act of discovering something
discrepancy|a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions;an event that departs from expectations
discreteness|the state of being several and distinct
discretion|freedom to act or judge on one's own;knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress - "the servants showed great tact and discretion";the trait of judging wisely and objectively
discretionary trust|a trust that gives the trustee discretion to pay the beneficiary as much of the trust income as the trustee believes appropriate
discrimination|the cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are distinguished;unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice
discriminative stimulus|a stimulus that provides information about what to do
discursiveness|the quality of being discursive
discus|a disk used in throwing competitions;an athletic competition in which a disk-shaped object is thrown as far as possible
discussant|a participant in a formal discussion
discussion|an exchange of views on some topic - "we had a good discussion";an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic - "the book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic"
disease|an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning
disease of the neuromuscular junction|a disease characterized by impairment of neuromuscular junctions
disembarrassment|something that extricates you from embarrassment
disembowelment|the act of removing the bowels or viscera;the act of cutting so as to cause the viscera to protrude
disenchantment|freeing from false belief or illusions
disenfranchisement|the act of withdrawing certification or terminating a franchise
disengagement|to break off a military action with an enemy
disentangler|a person who removes tangles;someone who takes something out of a tangled state
disequilibrium|loss of equilibrium attributable to an unstable situation in which some forces outweigh others
disestablishment|the act terminating an established state of affairs;especially ending a connection with the Church of England
disesteem|the state in which esteem has been lost
disfavor|an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group;the state of being out of favor - "he is in disfavor with the king"
disfigurement|an appearance that has been spoiled or is misshapen - "there were distinguishing disfigurements on the suspect's back"
disfluency|lack of skillfulness in speaking or writing
disfranchisement|the discontinuation of a franchise;especially the discontinuation of the right to vote
disgruntlement|a feeling of sulky discontent
disguise|an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something - "the theatrical notion of disguise is always associated with catastrophe in his stories";any attire that modifies the appearance in order to conceal the wearer's identity;the act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance - "he is a master of disguise"
disgust|strong feelings of dislike
disgustingness|extreme unpalatability to the mouth;the property of being extremely unacceptable to the mind
dish|a particular item of prepared food - "she prepared a special dish for dinner";a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food - "we gave them a set of dishes for a wedding present";directional antenna consisting of a parabolic reflector for microwave or radio frequency radiation;the quantity that a dish will hold - "they served me a dish of rice"
dish rack|a rack for holding dishes as dishwater drains off of them
dishabille|the state of being carelessly or partially dressed
disharmony|a lack of harmony
disheartenment|a communication that leaves you disheartened or daunted
dishonesty|lack of honesty;acts of lying or cheating or stealing;the quality of being dishonest
dishonor|a state of shame or disgrace - "he was resigned to a life of dishonor";lacking honor or integrity
dishonorable discharge|a discharge from the armed forces for a grave offense (as sabotage or espionage or cowardice or murder)
dishonorableness|the quality of not deserving honor or respect
dishpan|large pan for washing dishes
dishrag|a cloth for washing dishes
dishtowel|a towel for drying dishes
dishwasher|a machine for washing dishes;someone who washes dishes
dishwasher detergent|a low-sudsing detergent designed for use in dishwashers
dishwashing|the act of washing dishes
dishwater|water in which dishes and cooking utensils are washed
disincentive|a negative motivational influence
disinclination|that toward which you are inclined to feel dislike - "his disinclination for modesty is well known"
disinfectant|an agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease
disinfection|treatment to destroy harmful microorganisms
disinfestation|the activity of getting rid of vermin
disinflation|a reduction of prices intended to improve the balance of payments
disinformation|misinformation that is deliberately disseminated in order to influence or confuse rivals (foreign enemies or business competitors etc.)
disingenuousness|the quality of being disingenuous and lacking candor
disinheritance|the act by a donor that terminates the right of a person to inherit
disintegration|a loss (or serious disruption) of organization in some system - "a disintegration of personality"
disinterest|tolerance attributable to a lack of involvement
disinterestedness|freedom from bias or from selfish motives
disinvestment|the withdrawal of capital from a country or corporation
disjointedness|lacking order or coherence
disjunction|state of being disconnected
disjunctive conjunction|the conjunctive relation of units that expresses the disjunction of their meanings
disk|a flat circular plate;something with a round shape resembling a flat circular plate - "the moon's disk hung in a cloudless sky"
disk access|memory access to the computer disk on which information is stored
disk brake|hydraulic brake in which friction is applied to both sides of a spinning disk by the brake pads
disk cache|a cache that stores copies of frequently used disk sectors in random access memory (RAM) so they can be read without accessing the slower disk
disk clutch|a friction clutch in which the frictional surfaces are disks
disk controller|(computer science) a circuit or chip that translates commands into a form that can control a hard disk drive
disk drive|computer hardware that holds and spins a magnetic or optical disk and reads and writes information on it
disk error|error resulting from malfunction of a magnetic disk
disk file|(computer science) a computer file stored on a magnetic disk and identified by a unique label
disk harrow|a harrow with a series of disks set on edge at an angle
disk jockey|a person who announces and plays popular recorded music
disk overhead|(computer science) the disk space required for information that is not data but is used for location and timing
disk pack|(computer science) a portable pack of magnetic disks used in a disk storage device
disk space|(computer science) the space available on a magnetic disk
diskette|a small plastic magnetic disk enclosed in a stiff envelope with a radial slit;used to store data or programs for a microcomputer
dislike|a feeling of aversion or antipathy - "my dislike of him was instinctive"
dislocation|a displacement of a part (especially a bone) from its normal position (as in the shoulder or the vertebral column);an event that results in a displacement or discontinuity;the act of disrupting an established order so it fails to continue - "the social dislocations resulting from government policies"
dislodgment|forced removal from a position of advantage
disloyalty|the quality of being disloyal
dismantling|the act of taking something apart (as a piece of machinery) - "Russia and the United States discussed the dismantling of their nuclear weapons"
dismemberment|the removal of limbs;being cut to pieces
dismissal|official notice that you have been fired from your job;permission to go;the sending away of someone;the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)
dismount|the act of dismounting (a horse or bike etc.)
Disney|United States film maker who pioneered animated cartoons and created such characters as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck;founded Disneyland (1901-1966)
Disneyland|an amusement park in Anaheim created in 1955 by Walt Disney
disobedience|the failure to obey;the trait of being unwilling to obey
disorder|a disturbance of the peace or of public order;a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning - "the doctor prescribed some medicine for the disorder"
disorderliness|a condition in which things are not in their expected places
disorderly conduct|any act of molesting, interrupting, hindering, agitating, or arousing from a state of repose or otherwise depriving inhabitants of the peace and quiet to which they are entitled
disorganization|a condition in which an orderly system has been disrupted;the disturbance of a systematic arrangement causing disorder and confusion - "the disorganization of the enemy troops by a flank attack"
disorientation|a wild delusion (especially one induced by a hallucinogenic drug);confusion (usually transient) about where you are and how to proceed;uncertainty as to direction - "his disorientation was the result of inattention"
disownment|refusal to acknowledge as one's own
disparagement|a communication that belittles somebody or something;the act of speaking contemptuously of
disparateness|utter dissimilarity
disparity|inequality or difference in some respect
dispassion|objectivity and detachment - "her manner assumed a dispassion and dryness very unlike her usual tone"
dispatch|an official report (usually sent in haste);killing a person or animal;the act of sending off something;the property of being prompt and efficient - "it was done with dispatch"
dispatch case|case consisting of an oblong container (usually having a lock) for carrying dispatches or other valuables
dispatch rider|a messenger who carries military dispatches (usually on a motorcycle)
dispatcher|employee of a transportation company who controls the departures of vehicles according to weather conditions and in the interest of efficient service
dispensability|the quality possessed by something that you can get along without
dispensary|clinic where medicine and medical supplies are dispensed
dispensation|a share that has been dispensed or distributed;an exemption from some rule or obligation;the act of dispensing (giving out in portions)
dispenser|a container so designed that the contents can be used in prescribed amounts;a person who dispenses
dispersed phase|(of colloids) a substance in the colloidal state
dispersing phase|(of colloids) a substance in which another is colloidally dispersed
dispersion|spreading widely or driving off;the act of dispersing or diffusing something - "the dispersion of the troops"
displaced fracture|fracture in which the two ends of the broken bone are separated from one another
displaced person|a person forced to flee from home or country
displacement|(chemistry) a reaction in which an elementary substance displaces and sets free a constituent element from a compound;(psychiatry) a defense mechanism that transfers affect or reaction from the original object to some more acceptable one;act of removing from office or employment;to move something from its natural environment
display|a visual representation of something;an electronic device that represents information in visual form;behavior that makes your feelings public - "a display of emotion";exhibiting openly in public view - "a display of courage";something intended to communicate a particular impression - "made a display of strength";something shown to the public
display adapter|(computer science) an electronic device that converts information in memory to video output to a display
display panel|a vertical surface on which information can be displayed to public view
display window|a window of a store facing onto the street;used to display merchandise for sale in the store
displeasure|the feeling of being displeased or annoyed or dissatisfied with someone or something
disposable|an item that can be disposed of after it has been used
disposable income|income (after taxes) that is available to you for saving or spending
disposal|a kitchen appliance for disposing of garbage;the act or means of getting rid of something;the power to use something or someone - "used all the resources at his disposal"
disposition|a natural or acquired habit or characteristic tendency in a person or thing - "a swelling with a disposition to rupture";your usual mood - "he has a happy disposition"
disproof|any evidence that helps to establish the falsity of something
disproportion|lack of proportion;imbalance among the parts of something
disputant|a person who disputes;who is good at or enjoys controversy
dispute|a disagreement or argument about something important - "he had a dispute with his wife";coming into conflict with
disqualification|the act of preventing someone from participating by finding them unqualified;unfitness that bars you from participation
disquiet|the trait of seeming ill at ease
disquisition|an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion
Disraeli|British statesman who as Prime Minister bought controlling interest in the Suez Canal and made Queen Victoria the empress of India (1804-1881)
disregard|lack of attention and due care;willful lack of care and attention
disrepair|in need of repairs
disreputable person|someone lacking public esteem
disrepute|the state of being held in low esteem - "because of the scandal the school has fallen into disrepute"
disrespect|a disrespectful mental attitude;an expression of lack of respect
disrupting explosive|a high explosive that is used to damage the target that is under attack
disruption|the act of causing disorder
dissatisfaction|the feeling of being displeased and discontent - "he was never slow to express his dissatisfaction with the service he received"
dissection|a minute and critical analysis;cutting so as to separate into pieces;detailed critical analysis or examination one part at a time (as of a literary work)
dissemination|the opening of a subject to widespread discussion and debate;the property of being diffused or dispersed
dissent|(law) the difference of one judge's opinion from that of the majority - "he expressed his dissent in a contrary opinion";a difference of opinion
dissenter|a person who dissents from some established policy
dissenting opinion|an opinion that disagrees with the court's disposition of the case
dissertation|a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research;usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree
disservice|an act intended to help that turns out badly - "he did them a disservice"
dissidence|disagreement;especially disagreement with the government
dissilience|the emergence of seeds as seed pods burst open when they are ripe
dissimilarity|the quality of being dissimilar
dissimilation|a linguistic process by which one of two similar sounds in a word becomes less like the other - "the Old French MARBRE became the English MARBLE by dissimilation"
dissipation|breaking up and scattering by dispersion - "the dissipation of the mist"
dissociation|(chemistry) the temporary or reversible process in which a molecule or ion is broken down into smaller molecules or ions;a state in which some integrated part of a person's life becomes separated from the rest of the personality and functions independently;the act of removing from association
dissociation constant|the equilibrium constant for a reversible dissociation
dissociative disorder|dissociation so severe that the usually integrated functions of consciousness and perception of self break down
dissolubility|the property of being dissoluble - "he measure the dissolubility of sugar in water"
dissoluteness|indiscipline with regard to sensuous pleasures
dissolution|separation into component parts;the termination or disintegration of a relationship (between persons or nations)
dissolution of marriage|an annulment of a marriage
dissolve|(film) a gradual transition from one scene to the next;the next scene is gradually superimposed as the former scene fades out
dissolving|the process of going into solution - "the dissolving of salt in water"
dissonance|disagreeable sounds
dissuasion|a communication that dissuades you;persuading not to do or believe something;talking someone out of a belief or an intended course of action
distaff|the sphere of work by women;the staff on which wool or flax is wound before spinning
distal muscular dystrophy|a form of muscular dystrophy that sets in between 40 and 60 years of age and is characterized by weakness and wasting of the muscles of the hands and forearms and lower legs;inheritance is autosomal dominant
distance|a distant region - "I could see it in the distance";a remote point in time - "if that happens it will be at some distance in the future" - "at a distance of ten years he had forgotten many of the details";indifference by personal withdrawal - "emotional distance";size of the gap between two places - "the distance from New York to Chicago";the interval between two times - "the distance from birth to death";the property created by the space between two objects or points
distance vision|vision for objects that a 20 feet or more from the viewer
distemper|a method of painting in which the pigments are mixed with water and a binder;used for painting posters or murals or stage scenery;a painting created with paint that is made by mixing the pigments with water and a binder;any of various infectious viral diseases of animals;paint made by mixing the pigments with water and a binder
distention|the act of expanding by pressure from within
distillate|a purified liquid produced by condensation from a vapor during distilling;the product of distilling
distillation|the process of purifying a liquid by boiling it and condensing its vapors
distilled water|water that has been purified by distillation
distiller|someone who distills alcoholic liquors
distillery|a plant and works where alcoholic drinks are made by distillation
distinction|a distinguishing difference - "he learned the distinction between gold and lead";a distinguishing quality - "it has the distinction of being the cheapest restaurant in town"
distinctness|the quality of being sharp and clear
Distinguished Conduct Medal|a British military decoration for distinguished conduct in the field
Distinguished Flying Cross|a United States Air Force decoration for heroism while participating in an aerial flight
Distinguished Service Cross|a United States Army decoration for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy
Distinguished Service Medal|a United States military decoration for meritorious service in wartime duty of great responsibility
Distinguished Service Order|a British military decoration for special service in action
distorted shape|a shape resulting from distortion
distortion|a change (usually undesired) in the waveform of an acoustic or analog electrical signal;the difference between two measurements of a signal (as between the input and output signal) - "heavy metal guitar players use vacuum tube amplifiers to produce extreme distortion";a change for the worse;the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean;the mistake of misrepresenting the facts
distortionist|a painter who introduces distortions
distraction|an obstacle to attention;mental turmoil - "he drives me to distraction";the act of distracting;drawing someone's attention away from something
distress|a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need) - "a ship in distress" - "she was the classic maiden in distress";extreme physical pain - "the patient appeared to be in distress";psychological suffering - "the death of his wife caused him great distress";the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim - "Originally distress was a landlord's remedy against a tenant for unpaid rents or property damage but now the landlord is given a landlord's lien"
distress signal|an internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed
distributary|a branch of a river that flows away from the main stream and does not rejoin it
distributed data processing|data processing in which some of the functions are performed in different places and connected by transmission facilities
distributed fire|fire dispersed so as to engage effectively an area target
distribution|(statistics) an arrangement of values of a variable showing their observed or theoretical frequency of occurrence;the act of distributing or spreading or apportioning;the commercial activity of transporting and selling goods from a producer to a consumer;the spatial or geographic property of being scattered about over a range, area, or volume - "worldwide in distribution" - "the distribution of nerve fibers" - "in complementary distribution"
distribution agreement|a contract governing the marketing of an item of merchandise
distribution channel|a way of selling a company's product either directly or via distributors - "possible distribution channels are wholesalers or small retailers or retail chains or direct mailers or your own stores"
distribution cost|any cost incurred by a producer or wholesaler or retailer or distributor (as for advertising and shipping etc)
distribution law|(chemistry) the total energy in an assembly of molecules is not distributed equally but is distributed around an average value according to a statistical distribution
distribution list|list of names to whom a communication should be sent
distributive shock|shock caused by poor distribution of the blood flow
distributor|a company that markets merchandise - "his company is a large distributor of software products";electrical device that distributes voltage to the spark plugs of a gasoline engine in the order of the firing sequence;someone who markets merchandise
distributor cam|the cam inside the distributor that rotates to contact spark plug terminals in the correct order
distributor cap|the cap of the distributor that holds in place the wires from the distributor to the spark plugs
distributor housing|the housing that supports the distributor cam
distributor point|a contact in the distributor;as the rotor turns its projecting arm contacts them and current flows to the spark plugs
district|a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
district attorney|an official prosecutor for a judicial district
district line|the boundary between two districts
district manager|a manager who supervises the sales activity for a district
District of Columbia|the district occupied entirely by the city of Washington;chosen by George Washington as the site of the capital of the United States and created out of land ceded by Maryland and Virginia
distrust|the trait of not trusting others
disturbance|a disorderly outburst or tumult - "they were amazed by the furious disturbance they had caused";an unhappy and worried mental state - "there was too much anger and disturbance";the act of disturbing something or someone;setting something in motion
disturber|a troubler who interrupts or interferes with peace and quiet;someone who causes disorder and commotion
disulfiram|a drug (trade name Antabuse) used in the treatment of alcoholism;causes nausea and vomiting if alcohol is ingested
disunion|the termination or destruction of union
disunity|lack of unity (usually resulting from dissension)
disyllable|a word having two syllables
dita|evergreen tree of eastern Asia and Philippines having large leathery leaves and small green-white flowers in compact cymes;bark formerly used medicinally
ditch|a long narrow excavation in the earth;any small natural waterway
ditch digger|a laborer who digs ditches
ditch reed|tall North American reed having relative wide leaves and large plumelike panicles;widely distributed in moist areas;used for mats, screens and arrow shafts
ditch spade|a spade with a long handle for digging narrow ditches
dither|an excited state of agitation - "he was in a dither"
dithering|the process of representing intermediate colors by patterns of tiny colored dots that simulate the desired color
dithyramb|(ancient Greece) a passionate hymn (usually in honor of Dionysus);a wildly enthusiastic speech or piece of writing
dittany of crete|dwarf aromatic shrub of Crete
ditto mark|a mark used to indicate the word above it should be repeated
ditty|a short simple song (or the words of a poem intended to be sung)
ditty bag|kit used by sailors and soldiers
diuresis|increased secretion of urine;if not due to increased liquid intake or to the action of a diuretic drug it can be a symptom of diabetes mellitus
diuretic drug|any substance that tends to increase the flow of urine, which causes the body to get rid of excess water
diurnal variation|fluctuations that occur during each day
divan|a collection of Persian or Arabic poems (usually by one author);a long backless sofa (usually with pillows against a wall);a Muslim council chamber or law court;a Muslim council of state
divarication|branching at a wide angle
dive|a headlong plunge into water;a steep nose-down descent by an aircraft
dive bomber|a bomber that releases its bombs during a steep dive toward the target
dive-bombing|a bombing run in which the bomber releases the bomb while flying straight toward the target
diver|someone who dives (into water);someone who works underwater
divergence|an infinite series that has no limit;the act of moving away in different direction from a common point - "an angle is formed by the divergence of two straight lines"
divergent thinker|a thinker who moves away from the problem as stated and often has novel ideas and solutions
divergent thinking|thinking that moves away in diverging directions so as to involve a variety of aspects and which sometimes lead to novel ideas and solutions;associated with creativity
diverging lens|a lens such that a parallel beam of light passing through it is caused to diverge or spread out
diverseness|noticeable heterogeneity
diversification|the act of introducing variety (especially in investments or in the variety of goods and services offered) - "my broker recommended a greater diversification of my investments" - "he limited his losses by diversification of his product line";the condition of being varied - "that restaurant's menu lacks diversification;every day it is the same"
diversion|a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern) - "a diversion from the main highway";an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates - "scuba diving is provided as a diversion for tourists";an attack calculated to draw enemy defense away from the point of the principal attack
diversionary landing|an amphibious diversionary attack
diversity|the condition or result of being changeable
diverticulitis|inflammation of a diverticulum in the digestive tract (especially the colon);characterized by painful abdominal cramping and fever and constipation
diverticulosis|presence of multiple diverticula in the walls of the colon
diverticulum|a herniation through the muscular wall of a tubular organ (especially the colon)
divertimento|a musical composition in several movements;has no fixed form
divestiture|an order to an offending party to rid itself of property;it has the purpose of depriving the defendant of the gains of wrongful behavior - "the court found divestiture to be necessary in preventing a monopoly";the sale by a company of a product line or a subsidiary or a division
divide|a serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)
divided highway|a highway divided down the middle by a barrier that separates traffic going in different directions - "in Britain they call a divided highway a dual carriageway"
dividend|a bonus;something extra (especially a share of a surplus);a number to be divided by another number;that part of the earnings of a corporation that is distributed to its shareholders;usually paid quarterly
dividend warrant|an order of payment (such as a check payable to a shareholder) in which a dividend is paid
divider|a drafting instrument resembling a compass that is used for dividing lines into equal segments or for transferring measurements;a person who separates something into parts or groups
divi-divi|small thornless tree or shrub of tropical America whose seed pods are a source of tannin;twisted seed pods of the divi-divi tree;source of tannin
divination|successful conjecture by unusual insight or good luck;the art or gift of prophecy (or the pretense of prophecy) by supernatural means
Divine Comedy|a narrative epic poem written by Dante
divine guidance|(theology) a special influence of a divinity on the minds of human beings - "they believe that the books of Scripture were written under divine guidance"
divine law|a law that is believed to come directly from God
divine messenger|a messenger from God
Divine Office|canonical prayers recited daily by priests (e.g. the breviary of the Roman Catholic Church)
divine right|the doctrine that kings derive their right to rule directly from God and are not accountable to their subjects;rebellion is the worst of political crimes - "the doctrine of the divine right of kings was enunciated by the Stuarts in Britain in the 16th century"
diviner|someone who claims to discover hidden knowledge with the aid of supernatural powers
diving|an athletic competition that involves diving into water
diving bell|diving apparatus for underwater work;has an open bottom and is supplied with compressed air
diving board|a springboard from which swimmers can dive
diving duck|any of various ducks of especially bays and estuaries that dive for their food
diving petrel|any of several small diving birds of southern hemisphere seas;somewhat resemble auks
diving suit|a weighted and hermetically sealed garment supplied with air;worn by underwater divers
divining rod|forked stick that is said to dip down to indicate underground water or oil
divinity|the quality of being divine - "ancient Egyptians believed in the divinity of the Pharaohs";white creamy fudge made with egg whites
divisibility|the quality of being divisible;the capacity to be divided into parts or divided among a number of persons
division|(biology) a group of organisms forming a subdivision of a larger category;(botany) taxonomic unit of plants corresponding to a phylum;a group of ships of similar type;a unit of the United States Air Force usually comprising two or more wings;an administrative unit in government or business;an arithmetic operation that is the inverse of multiplication;the quotient of two numbers is computed;an army unit large enough to sustain combat - "two infantry divisions were held in reserve";discord that splits a group;the act of dividing or partitioning;separation by the creation of a boundary that divides or keeps apart;the act or process of dividing
division Archaebacteria|in some classifications considered a kingdom
division Eubacteria|one-celled monerans having simple cells with rigid walls and (in motile types) flagella
divisor|one of two or more integers that can be exactly divided into another integer;the number by which a dividend is divided
divorce|the legal dissolution of a marriage
divorce court|a court having jurisdiction over the termination of marriage contracts
divorce lawyer|a lawyer specializing in actions for divorce or annulment
divorcee|a divorced woman or a woman who is separated from her husband
divot|(golf) the cavity left when a piece of turf is cut from the ground by the club head in making a stroke - "it was a good drive but the ball ended up in a divot";a piece of turf dug out of a lawn or fairway (by an animals hooves or a golf club)
divulgence|the act of disclosing something that was secret or private
divvy|short for dividend;especially one paid by a cooperative society
Dix|United States social reformer who pioneered in the reform of prisons and in the treatment of the mentally ill;superintended women army nurses during the American Civil War (1802-1887)
dixie|a large metal pot (12 gallon camp kettle) for cooking;used in military camps
Dixie cup|a disposable cup made of paper;for holding drinks
dizziness|a reeling sensation;a feeling that you are about to fall
Djanet|a desert town in southeastern Algeria
Djibouti|a country in northeastern Africa on the Somali peninsula;formerly under French control but became independent in 1997;port city on the Gulf of Aden;the capital and largest city of Djibouti
Djibouti franc|the basic unit of money in Djibouti
Djiboutian|a native or inhabitant of Djibouti
D-layer|the lowest region of the ionosphere (35 to 50 miles up) that reflects low-frequency radio waves
DNA fingerprint|biometric identification obtained by examining a person's unique sequence of DNA base pairs;often used for evidence in criminal law cases
DNA polymerase|the enzyme responsible for DNA replication
Dneprodzerzhinsk|port city and industrial center in east central Ukraine on the Dnieper River
Dnieper|a river that rises in Russia near Smolensk and flowing south through Belarus and Ukraine to empty into the Black Sea
Dnipropetrovsk|city in east central Ukraine on the Dnieper River;center of metallurgical industry
do|the syllable naming the first (tonic) note of any major scale in solmization
Doberman|medium large breed of dog of German origin with a glossy black and tan coat;used as a watchdog
dobra|the basic unit of money on Sao Tome e Principe
Dobrich|a city in northeastern Bulgaria (north of Varna) that is the commercial center of an agricultural region
dobson|large soft-bodied insect having long slender mandibles in the male;aquatic larvae often used as bait
docent|a teacher at some universities
Docetism|the heretical doctrine (associated with the Gnostics) that Jesus had no human body and his sufferings and death on the cross were apparent rather than real
docility|the trait of being agreeably submissive and manageable
dock|a platform where trucks or trains can be loaded or unloaded;an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial;any of certain coarse weedy plants with long taproots, sometimes used as table greens or in folk medicine;landing in a harbor next to a pier where ships are loaded and unloaded or repaired;may have gates to let water in or out - "the ship arrived at the dock more than a day late";the solid bony part of the tail of an animal as distinguished from the hair
dockage|a fee charged for a vessel to use a dock
docket|(law) the calendar of a court;the list of cases to be tried or a summary of the court's activities
docking|the act of securing an arriving vessel with ropes
dockside|the region adjacent to a boat dock
dockyard|an establishment on the waterfront where vessels are built or fitted out or repaired
docosahexaenoic acid|an omega-3 fatty acid with 22 carbon atoms;found in fish (especially tuna and bluefish)
doctor|a licensed medical practitioner - "I felt so bad I went to see my doctor";a person who holds Ph.D. degree (or the equivalent) from an academic institution - "she is a doctor of philosophy in physics";children take the roles of physician or patient or nurse and pretend they are at the physician's office - "the children explored each other's bodies by playing the game of doctor"
Doctor of Arts|a doctor's degree with a special disciplinary focus;an honorary arts degree
Doctor of Dental Medicine|a doctor's degree in dental medicine
Doctor of Dental Surgery|a doctor's degree in dental surgery
Doctor of Divinity|a doctor's degree in religion
Doctor of Education|a doctor's degree in education
Doctor of Fine Arts|an honorary degree in fine arts
Doctor of Humane Letters|an honorary degree in letters
Doctor of Humanities|an honorary degree in the humanities
Doctor of Laws|an honorary law degree
Doctor of Medicine|a doctor's degree in medicine
Doctor of Music|a doctor's degree in music
Doctor of Musical Arts|a doctor's degree in musical arts
Doctor of Optometry|a doctor's degree in optometry
Doctor of Osteopathy|doctor's degree in osteopathy
Doctor of Philosophy|a doctorate awarded for original contributions to knowledge
Doctor of Public Health|a doctor's degree in preventive medicine
Doctor of Sacred Theology|a doctor's degree in theology
Doctor of Science|an honorary degree in science
Doctor of the Church|(Roman Catholic Church) a title conferred on 33 saints who distinguished themselves through the orthodoxy of their theological teaching
Doctor of Theology|a doctor's degree in theology
doctorfish|surgeon fish of the West Indies
Doctorow|United States novelist (born in 1931)
doctor-patient relation|the responsibility of a physician to act in the best interests of the patient
doctor's degree|one of the highest earned academic degrees conferred by a university
doctorspeak|medical jargon
doctrine|a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
doctrine of analogy|the religious belief that between creature and creator no similarity can be found so great but that the dissimilarity is always greater;any analogy between God and humans will always be inadequate
document|a written account of ownership or obligation;anything serving as a representation of a person's thinking by means of symbolic marks;writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
documentary|a film or TV program presenting the facts about a person or event
documentation|confirmation that some fact or statement is true through the use of documentary evidence;documentary validation - "his documentation of the results was excellent"
dodder|a leafless annual parasitic vine of the genus Cuscuta having whitish or yellow filamentous stems;obtain nourishment through haustoria
dodderer|one who dodders from old age and weakness
doddle|an easy task
dodecagon|a twelve-sided polygon
dodecahedron|any polyhedron having twelve plane faces
Dodecanese|a group of islands in the southeast Aegean Sea
dodge|a quick evasive movement;a statement that evades the question by cleverness or trickery
Dodge City|a town of southwestern Kansas on the Arkansas River;formerly a rowdy cow town
dodger|a shifty deceptive person
dodo|extinct heavy flightless bird of Mauritius related to pigeons;someone whose style is out of fashion
Dodoma|a city in the center of Tanzania that has been designated as the future capital
Dodonaea|a genus of tropical shrub or tree
doe|mature female of mammals of which the male is called 'buck'
doeskin|a fine smooth soft woolen fabric;soft leather from deerskin or lambskin
dog|a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times;occurs in many breeds - "the dog barked all night";informal term for a man - "you lucky dog"
dog biscuit|a hard biscuit for dogs
dog bite|a bite inflicted by a dog
dog breeding|breeding dogs
dog catcher|an employee of a municipal pound who is hired to round up stray dogs and cats
dog collar|a collar for a dog
dog days|the hot period between early July and early September;a period of inactivity
dog fennel|weedy plant of southeastern United States having divided leaves and long clusters of greenish flowers
dog flea|flea that attacks dogs and cats
dog food|food prepared for dogs
dog grass|European grass spreading rapidly by creeping rhizomes;naturalized in North America as a weed
dog in the manger|someone who prevents you from enjoying something that they themselves have no need for
dog laurel|fast-growing evergreen shrub of southeastern United States having arching interlaced branches and racemes of white flowers
dog paddle|an elementary swimming stroke imitating a swimming dog
dog racing|a race between dogs;usually an occasion for betting on the outcome
dog rose|prickly wild rose with delicate pink or white scentless flowers;native to Europe
dog shit|fecal droppings from a dog
dog show|a competitive exhibition of dogs
dog stinkhorn|a stinkhorn having a stalk without a cap;the slimy gleba is simply plastered on its surface near the apex where winged insects can find it
dog tag|metal plate on a dog collar bearing its registration number;military identification tag worn on a chain around the neck
dog violet|Old World leafy-stemmed blue-flowered violet
dog wrench|a wrench with a handle shaped like a crank
dogbane|any of several poisonous perennial plants of the genus Apocynum having acrid milky juice and bell-shaped white or pink flowers and a very bitter root
dogcart|a cart drawn by a dog
dog-day cicada|its distinctive song is heard during July and August
doge|formerly the chief magistrate in the republics of Venice and Genoa
dog-ear|a corner of a page turned down to mark your place
dogfight|a fiercely disputed contest - "their rancor dated from a political dogfight between them" - "a real dogfight for third place" - "a prolonged dogfight over their rival bids for the contract";a violent fight between dogs (sometimes organized illegally for entertainment and gambling);an aerial engagement between fighter planes
dogfighter|a fighter pilot who engages in an aerial dogfights
dogfish|any of several small sharks
doggedness|persistent determination
doggerel|a comic verse of irregular measure - "he had heard some silly doggerel that kept running through his mind"
doggie bag|a bag for food that a customer did not eat at a restaurant;the transparent pretense is that the food is taken home to feed the customer's dog
doghouse|an idiomatic term for being in disfavor - "in the doghouse"
dogie|motherless calf in a range herd of cattle
dogleg|a golf hole with a sharp angle in the fairway;angle that resembles the hind leg of a dog
dogma|a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative - "he believed all the Marxist dogma";a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
dogmatist|a stubborn person of arbitrary or arrogant opinions
dog's breakfast|a poor job;a mess - "they made a real dog's breakfast of that job"
dog's mercury|European perennial weedy plant with greenish flowers
dogsbody|a worker who has to do all the unpleasant or boring jobs that no one else wants to do
dogsled|a sled pulled by dogs
dogtooth|a carved pyramidal ornament;used in 13th century England
dogtooth violet|perennial woodland spring-flowering plant;widely cultivated
dogtrot|a steady trot like that of a dog
dogwatch|either of two short watches;from 4-6 pm or 6-8 pm
dogwood|a tree of shrub of the genus Cornus often having showy bracts resembling flowers;hard tough wood of any dogwood of the genus Cornus;resembles boxwood
Doha|the capital and chief port of Qatar
doily|a small round piece of linen placed under a dish or bowl
dol|a unit of pain intensity
Dolby|United States electrical engineer who devised the Dolby system used to reduce background noise in tape recording
dolce far niente|carefree idleness
doldrums|a belt of calms and light winds between the northern and southern trade winds of the Atlantic and Pacific
dole|a share of money or food or clothing that has been charitably given;money received from the state
dolefulness|sadness caused by grief or affliction
dolichocephalic|an adult with a long narrow head
dolichocephaly|the quality of being dolichocephalic
Dolichonyx|bobolinks
Dolichos|genus of chiefly tropical vines often placed in genera Dipogon or Lablab or Macrotyloma
Dolichotis|maras
Doliolidae|oceanic tunicates
doliolum|free-swimming oceanic tunicate with a barrel-shaped transparent body
doll|a small replica of a person;used as a toy
dollar|a piece of paper money worth one dollar;a symbol of commercialism or greed - "he worships the almighty dollar" - "the dollar sign means little to him";a United States coin worth one dollar - "the dollar coin has never been popular in the United States";the basic monetary unit in many countries;equal to 100 cents
dollar diplomacy|diplomacy influenced by economic considerations
dollar mark|a mark ($) written before a number to indicate that it stands for the number of dollars
dollar volume|the volume measured in dollars - "the store's dollar volume continues to rise"
dollarfish|small food fish of Atlantic coast
dollhouse|a house so small that it is likened to a child's plaything;a small model of a house used as a toy by children
dollop|a small measure (usually of food)
dolly|conveyance consisting of a wheeled platform for moving heavy objects;conveyance consisting of a wheeled support on which a camera can be mounted
dolman|a hussar's jacket worn over the shoulders;a woman's cloak with dolman sleeves
dolman sleeve|a sleeve with a large armhole and tight cuff
dolmas|well-seasoned rice (with nuts or currants or minced lamb) simmered or braised in stock
dolmen|a prehistoric megalithic tomb typically having two large upright stones and a capstone
dolomite|a kind of sedimentary rock resembling marble or limestone but rich in magnesium carbonate;a light colored mineral consisting of calcium magnesium carbonate;a source of magnesium;used as a ceramic and as fertilizer
Dolomite Alps|an eastern range of the Alps in northeastern Italy famous for their dolomitic limestone
dolor|(poetry) painful grief
dolphin|any of various small toothed whales with a beaklike snout;larger than porpoises
dolphin kick|a swimming kick;an up and down kick of the feet together
dolphin oil|an unsaturated fatty oil obtained from dolphins and used as a fine lubricant
dolphin striker|spar under the bowsprit of a sailboat
dolphinfish|large slender food and game fish widely distributed in warm seas (especially around Hawaii);the lean flesh of a saltwater fish found in warm waters (especially in Hawaii)
Dom Pedro|South African mixed drink made by mixing ice cream with whisky
domain|(mathematics) the set of values of the independent variable for which a function is defined;territory over which rule or control is exercised - "his domain extended into Europe"
domain name|strings of letters and numbers (separated by periods) that are used to name organizations and computers and addresses on the internet - "domain names are organized hierarchically with the more generic parts to the right"
domatium|a part of a plant (e.g., a leaf) that has been modified to provide protection for insects or mites or fungi
dombeya|any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Dombeya grown for their rounded clusters of exquisite often sweet-scented flowers usually hanging beneath the leaves
dome|a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward;a hemispherical roof;a stadium that has a roof
Domesday Book|record of a British census and land survey in 1085-1086 ordered by William the Conqueror
domestic|a servant who is paid to perform menial tasks around the household
domestic animal|any of various animals that have been tamed and made fit for a human environment
domestic ass|domestic beast of burden descended from the African wild ass;patient but stubborn
domestic carp|large Old World freshwater bottom-feeding fish introduced into Europe from Asia;inhabits ponds and sluggish streams and often raised for food;introduced into United States where it has become a pest
domestic cat|any domesticated member of the genus Felis
domestic flight|a flight that begins and ends in the same country
domestic fowl|a domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl
domestic goat|any of various breeds of goat raised for milk or meat or wool
domestic llama|used in the Andes as a beast of burden and source of wool;considered a domesticated variety of the guanaco
domestic partner|a person (not necessarily a spouse) with whom you cohabit and share a long-term sexual relationship
domestic pigeon|domesticated pigeon raised for sport or food
domestic prelate|(Roman Catholic Church) a priest who is an honorary member of the papal household
domestic sheep|any of various breeds raised for wool or edible meat or skin
domestic silkworm moth|stocky creamy-white Asiatic moth found almost entirely under human care;the source of most of the silk commerce
domestic terrorism|terrorism practiced in your own country against your own people - "the 1995 bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City was an instance of domestic terrorism"
domestic violence|violence or physical abuse directed toward your spouse or domestic partner;usually violence by men against women
domestication|accommodation to domestic life - "her explorer husband resisted all her attempts at domestication";adaptation to intimate association with human beings
domesticity|domestic activities or life - "making a hobby of domesticity";the quality of being domestic or domesticated - "a royal family living in unpretentious domesticity"
domicile|(law) the residence where you have your permanent home or principal establishment and to where, whenever you are absent, you intend to return;every person is compelled to have one and only one domicile at a time
dominance|the organic phenomenon in which one of a pair of alleles present in a genotype is expressed in the phenotype and the other allele of the pair is not;the state that exists when one person or group has power over another - "her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her"
dominant|(music) the fifth note of the diatonic scale
dominant allele|an allele that produces the same phenotype whether its paired allele is identical or different
dominant gene|gene that produces the same phenotype in the organism whether or not its allele identical - "the dominant gene for brown eyes"
domination|power to dominate or defeat;social control by dominating
dominatrix|a dominating woman (especially one who plays that role in a sadomasochistic sexual relationship)
Domingo|Spanish operatic tenor noted for performances in operas by Verdi and Puccini (born in 1941)
Dominic|(Roman Catholic Church) Spanish priest who founded an order whose members became known as Dominicans or Black Friars (circa 1170-1221)
Dominica|a country on the island of Dominica;a volcanic island in the Windward Islands that was once a stronghold of the Carib Indians
Dominican|a native or inhabitant of the Dominican Republic;a Roman Catholic friar wearing the black mantle of the Dominican order
Dominican dollar|the basic unit of money in Dominica
Dominican monetary unit|monetary unit in the Dominican Republic
Dominican order|a Roman Catholic order of mendicant preachers founded in the 13th century
Dominican peso|the basic unit of money in the Dominican Republic;equal to 100 centavos
Dominican Republic|a republic in the West Indies;located on the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola
dominion|dominance or power through legal authority - "France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa";one of the self-governing nations in the British Commonwealth
Dominion Day|a legal holiday in Canada commemorating receiving Dominion status in 1867
Dominique|American breed of chicken having barred grey plumage raised for meat and brown eggs
domino|a loose hooded cloak worn with a half mask as part of a masquerade costume;a mask covering the upper part of the face but with holes for the eyes;a small rectangular block used in playing the game of dominoes;the face of each block has two equal areas that can bear 0 to 6 dots;United States rhythm and blues pianist and singer and composer (born in 1928)
domino effect|the consequence of one event setting off a chain of similar events (like a falling domino causing a whole row of upended dominos to fall)
domino theory|the political theory that if one nation comes under communist control then neighboring nations will also come under communist control
dominoes|any of several games played with small rectangular blocks
dominus|a clergyman;especially a settled minister or parson
Domitian|Emperor of Rome;son of Vespasian who succeeded his brother Titus;instigated a reign of terror and was assassinated as a tyrant (51-96)
domoic acid|a neurotoxin that is deadly for humans;found in various marine algae
Don|a European river in southwestern Russia;flows into the Sea of Azov;a Spanish courtesy title or form of address for men that is prefixed to the forename - "Don Roberto";a Spanish gentleman or nobleman;Celtic goddess;mother of Gwydion and Arianrhod;corresponds to Irish Danu;the head of an organized crime family
Don Juan|a legendary Spanish nobleman and philanderer who became the hero of many poems and plays and operas;any successful womanizer (after the legendary profligate Spanish nobleman)
Don Quixote|any impractical idealist (after Cervantes' hero);the hero of a romance by Cervantes;chivalrous but impractical
Dona|a Spanish courtesy title or form of address for a woman - "Dona Marguerita"
Donald Duck|a fictional duck created in animated film strips by Walt Disney
Donar|the Teutonic god of thunder;counterpart of Norse Thor
Donatello|Florentine sculptor famous for his lifelike sculptures (1386-1466)
Donatism|a schismatic Christian religion in northern Africa from the 4th to the 7th century;held that only those who led a blameless life belonged in the church or could administer the sacraments
Donatist|an adherent of Donatism
Donatus|Roman grammarian whose textbook on Latin grammar was used throughout the Middle Ages (fourth century)
Donets Basin|an industrial region in the Ukraine
Donetsk|an industrial city in the Donets Basin
dong|the basic unit of money in Vietnam
dongle|(computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected software
Donizetti|Italian composer of operas (1797-1848)
donkey|the symbol of the Democratic Party;introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874
donkey jacket|a short thick jacket;often worn by workmen
Donkin|English engineer who developed a method of preserving food by sterilizing it with heat and sealing it inside a steel container--the first tin can (1768-1855)
donna|an Italian woman of rank
Donne|English clergyman and metaphysical poet celebrated as a preacher (1572-1631)
Donner Pass|a mountain pass in northeastern California near Lake Tahoe;site where in 1844 some members of an emigrant party survived by eating those who had died
donor|(medicine) someone who gives blood or tissue or an organ to be used in another person (the host);person who makes a gift of property
donor card|a card that you carry on your person and that authorizes the use of your organs for transplantation after your death
don't-know|a person who responds 'I don't know' in a public opinion poll - "70% in favor, 13% opposed and 17% don't-knows"
doodad|something unspecified whose name is either forgotten or not known - "she eased the ball-shaped doodad back into its socket"
doodia|any fern of the genus Doodia having pinnate fronds with sharply dentate pinnae
doodlebug|a small motor vehicle;the larva of any of several insects
Doolittle|United States Air Force officer who electrified the world in 1942 by leading a squadron of 16 bombers on a daylight raid over Tokyo (1896-1993)
doom|an unpleasant or disastrous destiny - "everyone was aware of the approaching doom but was helpless to avoid it"
doomed|people who are destined to die soon - "the agony of the doomed was in his voice"
door|a room that is entered via a door - "his office is the third door down the hall on the left";a structure where people live or work (usually ordered along a street or road) - "the office next door" - "they live two doors up the street from us";a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle - "he knocked on the door" - "he slammed the door as he left";anything providing a means of access (or escape) - "we closed the door to Haitian immigrants" - "education is the door to success"
door prize|tickets are passed out at the entrance to a dance or party or other social function and a prize is awarded to the holder of the winning ticket
doorbell|a push button at an outer door that gives a ringing or buzzing signal when pushed
doorframe|the frame that supports a door
doorjamb|a jamb for a door
doorkeeper|someone who guards an entrance;the lowest of the minor Holy Orders in the unreformed Western Church but now suppressed by the Roman Catholic Church
doorknob|a knob used to release the catch when opening a door (often called 'doorhandle' in Great Britain)
doorlock|a lock on an exterior door
doormat|a mat placed outside an exterior door for wiping the shoes before entering
doornail|a nail with a large head;formerly used to decorate doors
doorplate|a nameplate fastened to a door;indicates the person who works or lives there
doorsill|the sill of a door;a horizontal piece of wood or stone that forms the bottom of a doorway and offers support when passing through a doorway
doorstop|a stop that keeps open doors from moving
doorway|the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building;the space that a door can close - "he stuck his head in the doorway"
dooryard|a yard outside the front or rear door of a house
doo-wop|a genre (usually a cappella) of Black vocal-harmony music of the 1950s that evolved in New York City from gospel singing;characterized by close four-part harmonies;the name derived from some of the nonsense syllables sung by the backup
dopa|amino acid that is formed in the liver and converted into dopamine in the brain
dopamine|a monoamine neurotransmitter found in the brain and essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system;as a drug (trade names Dopastat and Intropin) it is used to treat shock and hypotension
dope|slang terms for inside information - "is that the straight dope?"
dope sheet|a racing publication giving information on horses and the outcomes of horse races
doppelganger|a ghostly double of a living person that haunts its living counterpart
Doppler|Austrian physicist famous for his discovery of the Doppler effect (1803-1853)
Doppler effect|change in the apparent frequency of a wave as observer and source move toward or away from each other
Doppler radar|radar that uses the Doppler shift to measure velocity
Dorado|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Reticulum and Pictor;contains most of the Large Magellanic Cloud
dorbeetle|Old World dung beetle that flies with a droning sound
Dorian|a member of one of four linguistic divisions of the prehistoric Greeks;the ancient Greek inhabitants of Doris who entered Greece from the north about 1100 BC
Doric|the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken in Doris
Doric order|the oldest and simplest of the Greek orders and the only one that normally has no base
Doris|(Greek mythology) wife of Nereus and mother of the Nereids;a small region of ancient Greece where the Doric dialect was spoken
Dorking|an English breed of large domestic fowl having five toes (the hind toe doubled)
dormancy|a state of quiet (but possibly temporary) inaction - "the volcano erupted after centuries of dormancy"
dormant account|a savings account showing no activity (other than posting interest) for some specified period - "the dormant account reverted to the state under escheat laws"
dormer|a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window
dormer window|the window in a gabled extension built to accommodate a window
Dormition|celebration in the Eastern Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary's being taken up into heaven when her earthly life ended;corresponds to the Assumption in the Roman Catholic Church and is also celebrated on August 15th
dormitory|a college or university building containing living quarters for students;a large sleeping room containing several beds
dormouse|small furry-tailed squirrel-like Old World rodent that becomes torpid in cold weather
Doronicum|genus of Eurasian perennial tuberous or rhizomatous herbs;leopard's bane
Dorotheanthus|a caryophyllaceous genus of Dorotheanthus
dorsal fin|unpaired median fin on the backs of fishes and some other aquatic vertebrates that help to maintain balance
dorsal root|one of the two roots of a spinal nerve that passes dorsally to the spinal cord and that consists of sensory fibers
dorsal scapular vein|vein that is a tributary of the subclavian vein or external jugular vein and accompanies the descending scapular artery
dorsiflexion|the act of bending backward (of the body or a body part)
dorsum|the back of the body of a vertebrate or any analogous surface (as the upper or outer surface of an organ or appendage or part) - "the dorsum of the foot"
Dortmund|an industrial city in northwestern Germany;flourished from the 13th to 17th century as a member of the Hanseatic League
dory|marine fishes widely distributed in mid-waters and deep slope waters
Dorylinae|army ants
Doryopteris|small to medium tropical tufted ferns;sometimes placed in family Adiantaceae
DOS|an operating system that is on a disk
Dos Passos|United States novelist remembered for his portrayal of life in the United States (1896-1970)
dose|a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time;the quantity of an active agent (substance or radiation) taken in or absorbed at any one time
dose rate|the quantity of radiation absorbed per unit time
dosemeter|a measuring instrument for measuring doses of ionizing radiation (X-rays or radioactivity)
do-si-do|a square-dance figure;two dancers approach each other and circle back to back before returning to their original places
dosimetry|measuring the dose of radiation emitted by a radioactive source
dossal|an ornamental hanging of rich fabric hung behind the altar of a church or at the sides of a chancel
dosser|someone who sleeps in any convenient place
dossier|a collection of papers containing detailed information about a particular person or subject (usually a person's record)
Dostoyevsky|Russian novelist who wrote of human suffering with humor and psychological insight (1821-1881)
dot|the shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code
dot matrix|a rectangular matrix of dots from which written characters can be formed
dot matrix printer|a printer that represents each character as a pattern of dots from a dot matrix
dotage|mental infirmity as a consequence of old age;sometimes shown by foolish infatuations
dotard|an oldster in his dotage;someone whose age has impaired his intellect
dot-com|a company that operates its business primarily on the internet using a URL that ends in '.com'
dotted gayfeather|herb with many stems bearing narrow slender wands of crowded rose-lavender flowers;central United States and Canada to Texas and northern Mexico
dotted line|a line made up of dots or dashes;often used to indicate where you are supposed to sign a contract - "just sign on the dotted line"
dotterel|rare plover of upland areas of Eurasia
dottle|the residue of partially burnt tobacco left caked in the bowl of a pipe after smoking
Douala|the largest city of Cameroon
Douay Bible|an English translation of the Vulgate by Roman Catholic scholars
double|a base hit on which the batter stops safely at second base - "he hit a double to deep centerfield";a quantity that is twice as great as another - "36 is the double of 18";a stand-in for movie stars to perform dangerous stunts - "his first job in Hollywood was as a double for Clark Gable";someone who closely resembles a famous person (especially an actor) - "he could be Gingrich's double"
double agent|a spy who works for two mutually antagonistic countries
double bar|notation marking the end of principal parts of a musical composition;two adjacent bar lines
double bed|a bed wide enough to accommodate two sleepers
double bind|(psychology) an unresolvable dilemma;situation in which a person receives contradictory messages from a person who is very powerful
double blind|a test procedure in which the identity of those receiving the intervention is concealed from both the administrators and the subjects until after the test is completed;designed to reduce or eliminate bias in the results
double boiler|two saucepans, one fitting inside the other
double bond|a covalent bond in which two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms
double chin|a fold of fatty tissue under the chin
double clinch|a clinch with two loops
double cream|fresh soft French cheese containing at least 60% fat
double creme|cream with a fat content of 48% or more
double crochet|a kind of crochet stitch
double cross|an act of betrayal - "he gave us the old double cross"
double dagger|a character used in printing to indicate a cross reference or footnote
double damages|twice the amount that a court would normally find the injured party entitled to
double date|a date in which two couples participate
double decomposition|a chemical reaction between two compounds in which parts of each are interchanged to form two new compounds (AB+CD=AD+CB)
double digit|a two-digit integer;from 10 to 99
double dipper|someone who draws two incomes from the government (usually by combining a salary and a pension)
double dipping|two incomes received from the same source (as by holding a government job and receiving a government pension)
double door|two vertical doors that meet in the middle of the door frame when closed
double dribble|an illegal dribble in basketball (the player uses both hands to dribble or the player starts to dribble a second time after coming to a stop)
double Dutch|an incomprehensible talk;the difficult version of jump rope in which players jump over two ropes that are swung in a crisscross manner by two turners
double eagle|(golf) a score of three strokes under par on a hole;a former gold coin in the United States worth 20 dollars
double entendre|an ambiguity with one interpretation that is indelicate
double entry|bookkeeper debits the transaction to one account and credits it to another
double fault|(tennis) two successive faults in serving resulting in the loss of the point
double first|a first-class honours degree in two subjects
double flat|a musical notation of two flats in front of a note indicating that it is to be lowered by two semitones
double glazing|a window with two panes of glass and a space between them;reduces heat and noise transmission through the window
double Gloucester|a smooth firm mild orange-red cheese
double helix|a pair of parallel helices intertwined about a common axis - "the shape of the DNA molecule is a double helix"
double indemnity|a clause in an insurance policy that provides for double the face value of the policy in the case of accidental death
double jeopardy|the prosecution of a defendant for a criminal offense for which he has already been tried;prohibited in the fifth amendment to the United States Constitution
double knit|a knit fabric similar to jersey that is made with two sets of needles producing a double thickness joined by interlocking stitches
double leg circle|a gymnastic exercise performed on the pommel horse when the gymnast (with legs together) swings his legs in a circle while alternating hands on the pommels
double negative|a grammatically substandard but emphatic negative;an affirmative constructed from two negatives
double play|the act of getting two players out on one play
double pneumonia|lobar pneumonia involving both lungs
double quotes|a pair of quotation marks
double reed|a pair of joined reeds that vibrate together to produce the sound in some woodwinds
double refraction|splitting a ray into two parallel rays polarized perpendicularly
double replacement reaction|a chemical reaction between two compounds where the positive ion of one compound is exchanged with the positive ion of another compound
double reverse|(American football) a running play in which a first reverse is followed by a second reverse
double rhyme|a two-syllable rhyme - "'ended' and 'blended' form a double rhyme"
double salt|a solution of two simple salts that forms a single substance on crystallization
double sharp|a musical notation of two sharps in front of a note indicating that it is to be raised by two semitones
double standard|an ethical or moral code that applies more strictly to one group than to another
double standard of sexual behavior|a code that permits greater sexual freedom for men than for women (associated with the subordination of women)
double stopping|stopping two strings and producing two notes at the same time
double take|a delayed reaction indicating surprise
double talk|deliberately unintelligible gibberish
double time|a doubled wage (for working overtime);a fast marching pace (180 steps/min) or slow jog
double-bitted ax|an ax that has cutting edges on both sides of the head
double-blind procedure|an experimental procedure in which neither the subjects of the experiment nor the persons administering the experiment know the critical aspects of the experiment - "a double-blind procedure is used to guard against both experimenter bias and placebo effects"
double-bogey|(golf) a score of two strokes over par for a hole
double-breasted jacket|a jacket having fronts that overlap enough for two separate rows of buttons
double-breasted suit|a suit with a double-breasted jacket
double-crosser|a person who says one thing and does another
double-hung window|a window having two sashes that slide up and down
double-prop|a propeller plane with an engine that drives two propellers in opposite directions (for stability)
doubler|an electronic device that doubles the voltage or the frequency of an input signal
double-reed instrument|a woodwind that has a pair of joined reeds that vibrate together
doubles|badminton played with two players on each side;tennis played with two players on each side
double-spacing|typing that leaves alternate lines blank
doublespeak|any language that pretends to communicate but actually does not
doublet|a man's close-fitting jacket;worn during the Renaissance
doublethink|believing two contradictory ideas at the same time
doubleton|(bridge) a pair of playing cards that are the only cards in their suit in the hand dealt to a player
doubletree|a crossbar on a wagon or carriage to which two whiffletrees are attached in order to harness two horses abreast
doubling|increase by a factor of two - "doubling with a computer took no time at all";raising the stakes in a card game by a factor of 2
doubloon|a former Spanish gold coin
doubly transitive verb|a transitive verb that takes both a direct and an indirect object
doubt|the state of being unsure of something;uncertainty about the truth or factuality or existence of something
doubting Thomas|someone who demands physical evidence in order to be convinced (especially when this demand is out of place)
douche|a small syringe with detachable nozzles;used for vaginal lavage and enemas;irrigation with a jet of water or medicated solution into or around a body part (especially the vagina) to treat infections or cleanse from odorous contents
dough|a flour mixture stiff enough to knead or roll
doughboy|a rounded lump of dough that is deep-fried and served as hot bread - "the doughboy was a predecessor of the doughnut";an American infantryman in World War I
doughnut|a small ring-shaped friedcake
Douglas|United States politician who proposed that individual territories be allowed to decide whether they would have slavery;he engaged in a famous series of debates with Abraham Lincoln (1813-1861)
douglas fir|strong durable timber of a douglas fir;tall evergreen timber tree of western North America having resinous wood and short needles
Douglass|United States abolitionist who escaped from slavery and became an influential writer and lecturer in the North (1817-1895)
douroucouli|nocturnal monkey of Central America and South America with large eyes and thick fur
dove|an emblem of peace;any of numerous small pigeons;someone who prefers negotiations to armed conflict in the conduct of foreign relations
dovecote|a birdhouse for pigeons
Dover|the capital of the state of Delaware
Dover's powder|a medicinal powder made essentially of ipecac and opium;formerly used to relieve pain and induce perspiration
dove's foot geranium|western geranium with small pink flowers;a common weed on lawns and in vacant lots
dovetail|a mortise joint formed by interlocking tenons and mortises
dovetail plane|a woodworking plane designed to make the grooves for dovetail joints
dovishness|any political orientation favoring compromise to avoid conflict
Dovyalis|small genus of sometimes spiny shrubs or small trees;Africa;India;Sri Lanka
Dow Jones|an indicator of stock market prices;based on the share values of 30 blue-chip stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange - "the Dow Jones Industrial Average is the most widely cited indicator of how the stock market is doing"
dowager|a widow holding property received from her deceased husband
dowager's hump|abnormal spinal curvature that results when osteoporosis causes the spine to collapse;seen most often in elderly women
dowdiness|having a drab or dowdy quality;lacking stylishness or elegance
Dowding|British marshal of the RAF who commanded the British air defense forces that defeated the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain (1882-1970)
dowdy|deep-dish apple dessert covered with a rich crust
dowel|a fastener that is inserted into holes in two adjacent pieces and holds them together
doweling|fastening by dowels
dower|a life estate to which a wife is entitled on the death of her husband
dowitcher|shorebird of the sandpiper family that resembles a snipe
Dowland|English lutenist and composer of songs for the lute (1563-1626)
down|(American football) a complete play to advance the football - "you have four downs to gain ten yards";(usually plural) a rolling treeless highland with little soil;fine soft dense hair (as the fine short hair of cattle or deer or the wool of sheep or the undercoat of certain dogs);soft fine feathers;English physician who first described Down's syndrome (1828-1896)
down payment|a partial payment made at the time of purchase;the balance to be paid later
down quark|a stable quark with an electric charge of -1/3 and a mass 607 times that of an electron
down-and-out|a person who is destitute - "he tried to help the down-and-out"
downbeat|the first beat of a musical measure (as the conductor's arm moves downward)
down-bow|a downward stroke from the heel to the tip of the bow
downcast|a ventilation shaft through which air enters a mine
downdraft|a strong downward air current
downfall|failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
downgrade|the property possessed by a slope or surface that descends
downheartedness|a feeling of low spirits
downhill|a ski race down a trail;the downward slope of a hill
downiness|a light softness
Downing|United States landscape architect who designed the grounds of the White House and the Capitol Building (1815-1852)
Downing Street|a street of Westminster in London - "the Prime Minister lives at No. 10 Downing Street";the British government
downpour|a heavy rain
downrightness|the quality of being direct and straightforward
downshift|a change from a financially rewarding but stressful career to a less well paid but more fulfilling one;a change to a lower gear in a car or bicycle
downside|a negative aspect of something that is generally positive - "there is a downside even to motherhood"
downspin|a swift and dangerous downturn
downstage|the front half of the stage (as seen from the audience)
downstroke|a stroke normally made in a downward direction
downswing|a swing downward of a golf club
downtick|a transaction in the stock market at a price below the price of the preceding transaction
downtime|a period of time when something (as a machine or factory) is not operating (especially as a result of malfunctions)
downturn|a worsening of business or economic activity - "the market took a downturn"
downy birch|European birch with dull white to pale brown bark and somewhat drooping hairy branches
downy brome|annual or winter annual grass with softly hairy leaves of the Mediterranean
downy ground cherry|decorative American annual having round fleshy yellow berries enclosed in a bladderlike husk
downy manzanita|erect openly branched California shrub whose twigs are woolly when young
downy mildew|any of various fungi of the family Peronosporaceae parasitic on e.g. grapes and potatoes and melons
downy wood mint|a variety of wood mint
downy woodpecker|small North American woodpecker with black and white plumage and a small bill
downy yellow violet|violet of eastern North America having softly pubescent leaves and stems and clear yellow flowers with brown-purple veins
dowry|money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage
dowse|searching for underground water or minerals by using a dowsing rod
doxastic logic|the modal logic of belief and disbelief
doxazosin|an antihypertensive drug (trade name Cardura) that works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily;it is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia
doxepin|a tricyclic antidepressant (trade names Adapin and Sinequan) with numerous side effects (dry mouth and sedation and gastrointestinal disturbances)
doxology|a hymn or verse in Christian liturgy glorifying God
doxorubicin|an antibiotic used as an anticancer drug
doxycycline|an antibiotic derived from tetracycline that is effective against many infections - "Vibramycin is the trade name of doxycycline"
doyenne|a woman who is the senior member of a group
D'Oyly Carte|English impresario who brought Gilbert and Sullivan together and produced many of their operettas in London (1844-1901)
doze|a light fitful sleep
DPhil|a British doctorate
DPT vaccine|abbreviation for combination vaccine against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus toxoids;usually given in a series of injections in early childhood
draba|any of numerous low-growing cushion-forming plants of the genus Draba having rosette-forming leaves and terminal racemes of small flowers with scapose or leafy stems;fruit is a dehiscent oblong or linear silique
dracaena|an agave that is often cultivated for its decorative foliage
Dracenaceae|one of two subfamilies to which some classification systems assign some members of the Agavaceae
drachma|formerly the basic unit of money in Greece
Draco|a faint constellation twisting around the north celestial pole and lying between Ursa Major and Cepheus;a reptile genus known as flying dragons or flying lizards;Athenian lawmaker whose code of laws prescribed death for almost every offense (circa 7th century BC)
Dracocephalum|genus of American herbs and dwarf shrubs of the mind family;dragonheads
dracontium|any plant of the genus Dracontium;strongly malodorous tropical American plants usually with gigantic leaves
Dracula|comprises tropical American species usually placed in genus Masdevallia;diminutive plants having bizarre and often sinister-looking flowers with pendulous scapes and motile lips;fictional vampire in a gothic horror novel by Bram Stoker
Dracunculidae|greatly elongated roundworm
Dracunculus|tuberous herbaceous perennials;dragon arum;type genus of the family Dracunculidae
draft|a current of air (usually coming into a chimney or room or vehicle);a document ordering the payment of money;drawn by one person or bank on another;a dose of liquid medicine - "he took a sleeping draft";a preliminary sketch of a design or picture;a regulator for controlling the flow of air in a fireplace;a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg - "they served beer on draft";any of the various versions in the development of a written work - "a preliminary draft" - "the final draft of the constitution";the act of moving a load by drawing or pulling;the depth of a vessel's keel below the surface (especially when loaded)
draft animal|an animal used for pulling heavy loads
draft beer|beer drawn from a keg
draft board|a board to select personnel for involuntary military service
draft dodger|someone who is drafted and illegally refuses to serve
draft horse|horse adapted for drawing heavy loads
draftee|someone who is drafted into military service
drafter|a writer of a draft
drafting|the craft of drawing blueprints;writing a first version to be filled out and polished later
drafting board|a smooth board on which paper is placed for making drawings
drafting instrument|an instrument used by a draftsman in making drawings
drafting table|a worktable with adjustable top
draftsman|a skilled worker who draws plans of buildings or machines;an artist skilled at drawing
drag|clothing that is conventionally worn by the opposite sex (especially women's clothing when worn by a man) - "he went to the party dressed in drag" - "the waitresses looked like missionaries in drag";something tedious and boring - "peeling potatoes is a drag";something that slows or delays progress - "taxation is a drag on the economy" - "too many laws are a drag on the use of new land";the act of dragging (pulling with force) - "the drag up the hill exhausted him";the phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid
drag coefficient|the ratio of the drag on a body moving through air to the product of the velocity and the surface area of the body
dragee|pill that is a sugar-coated medicated candy;silvery candy beads used for decorating cakes;sugar-coated nut or fruit piece
dragnet|a system of coordinated measures for apprehending (criminals or other individuals) - "caught in the police dragnet"
dragoman|an interpreter and guide in the Near East;in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries a translator of European languages for the Turkish and Arab authorities and most dragomans were Greek (many reached high positions in the government)
dragon|a creature of Teutonic mythology;usually represented as breathing fire and having a reptilian body and sometimes wings;a fiercely vigilant and unpleasant woman;any of several small tropical Asian lizards capable of gliding by spreading winglike membranes on each side of the body
dragon arum|European arum resembling the cuckoopint
dragon tree|tall tree of the Canary Islands;source of dragon's blood
dragonet|small often brightly colored scaleless marine bottom-dwellers;found in tropical and warm temperate waters of Europe and America
dragonfly|slender-bodied non-stinging insect having iridescent wings that are outspread at rest;adults and nymphs feed on mosquitoes etc.
dragonhead|American herb having sharply serrate lanceolate leaves and spikes of blue to violet flowers
dragon's blood|a dark red resinous substance derived from various trees and used in photoengraving
dragoon|a member of a European military unit formerly composed of heavily armed cavalrymen
Dragunov|a sniper rifle with a telescopic sight
drain|a gradual depletion of energy or resources - "a drain on resources" - "a drain of young talent by emigration";a pipe through which liquid is carried away;emptying something accomplished by allowing liquid to run out of it;tube inserted into a body cavity (as during surgery) to remove unwanted material
drain basket|a filter in a sink drain;traps debris but passes water
drainage ditch|a ditch for carrying off excess water or sewage
drainage system|a system of watercourses or drains for carrying off excess water
drainboard|a board beside a kitchen sink and inclined to drain into the sink
drainplug|a removable plug for holding water in a tub or basin
drake|adult male of a wild or domestic duck;English explorer and admiral who was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and who helped to defeat the Spanish Armada (1540-1596)
dram|1/16 ounce or 1.771 grams;a unit of apothecary weight equal to an eighth of an ounce or to 60 grains;the basic unit of money in Armenia
drama|an episode that is turbulent or highly emotional;the literary genre of works intended for the theater;the quality of being arresting or highly emotional
drama critic|a critic of theatrical performances
dramatic composition|a play for performance on the stage or television or in a movie etc.
dramatic irony|(theater) irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play
dramatic production|the act of performing a drama - "the group joined together in a dramatic production"
dramatics|participation in theatrical productions as an extracurricular activity
dramatist|someone who writes plays
dramatization|a dramatic representation;conversion into dramatic form - "the play was a dramatization of a short story"
dramaturgy|the art of writing and producing plays
Drambuie|a sweet Scotch whisky liqueur
drape|a sterile covering arranged over a patient's body during a medical examination or during surgery in order to reduce the possibility of contamination;the manner in which fabric hangs or falls - "she adjusted the drape of her skirt"
draper|a dealer in fabrics and sewing materials (and sometimes in clothing and drygoods)
drapery|cloth gracefully draped and arranged in loose folds
Dravidian|a large family of languages spoken in south and central India and Sri Lanka;a member of one of the aboriginal races of India (pushed south by Caucasians and now mixed with them)
draw|(American football) the quarterback moves back as if to pass and then hands the ball to the fullback who is running toward the line of scrimmage;a gully that is shallower than a ravine;a playing card or cards dealt or taken from the pack - "he got a pair of kings in the draw";anything (straws or pebbles etc.) taken or chosen at random - "the luck of the draw";poker in which a player can discard cards and receive substitutes from the dealer - "he played only draw and stud";the act of drawing or hauling something;the finish of a contest in which the score is tied and the winner is undecided - "the game ended in a draw"
drawback|the quality of being a hindrance - "he pointed out all the drawbacks to my plan"
drawbar|a strong metal bar bearing a hook to attach something to be pulled
drawbridge|a bridge that can be raised to block passage or to allow boats or ships to pass beneath it
drawee|the person (or bank) who is expected to pay a check or draft when it is presented for payment
drawer|a boxlike container in a piece of furniture;made so as to slide in and out;the person who writes a check or draft instructing the drawee to pay someone else
drawers|underpants worn by men
drawing|a representation of forms or objects on a surface by means of lines - "drawings of abstract forms" - "he did complicated pen-and-ink drawings like medieval miniatures";act of getting or draining something such as electricity or a liquid from a source - "the drawing of water from the well";an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper - "it is shown by the drawing in Fig. 7";the creation of artistic pictures or diagrams - "he learned drawing from his father"
drawing card|a featured article of merchandise sold at a loss in order to draw customers;an entertainer who attracts large audiences - "he was the biggest drawing card they had"
drawing chalk|colored chalks used by artists
drawing paper|paper that is specially prepared for use in drafting
drawing power|the capacity for attracting people (customers or supporters)
drawing room|a formal room where visitors can be received and entertained;a private compartment on a sleeping car with three bunks and a toilet
drawknife|a woodworker's knife to shave surfaces
drawl|a slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels
drawler|someone who speaks with a drawl
drawnwork|ornamental needlework done by drawing threads to form lacelike patterns
drawstring|a tie consisting of a cord that goes through a seam around an opening - "he pulled the drawstring and closed the bag"
drawstring bag|a bag that is closed at the top with a drawstring
dray|a low heavy horse cart without sides;used for haulage
dreadlock|one of many long thin braids of hair radiating from the scalp;popularized by Rastafarians
dreadnought|battleship that has big guns all of the same caliber
dream|a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep - "I had a dream about you last night";a state of mind characterized by abstraction and release from reality - "he went about his work as if in a dream";imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake - "he lives in a dream that has nothing to do with reality";someone or something wonderful - "this dessert is a dream"
dreamer|someone who is dreaming
dredge|a power shovel to remove material from a channel or riverbed
dredger|a barge (or a vessel resembling a barge) that is used for dredging
dredging bucket|a bucket for lifting material from a channel or riverbed
dreg|a small amount of residue
dregs|sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid
Dreiser|United States novelist (1871-1945)
Dreissena|zebra mussels
drenching|the act of making something completely wet - "he gave it a good drenching"
Drepanididae|Hawaiian honeycreepers
Drepanis|a genus of Drepanididae
Dresden|a city in southeastern Germany on the Elbe River;it was almost totally destroyed by British air raids in 1945
dress|a one-piece garment for a woman;has skirt and bodice
dress blues|a dress uniform for formal occasions
dress code|a set of rules specifying the correct manner of dress while on the premises of the institution (or specifying what manner of dress is prohibited)
dress hat|a man's hat with a tall crown;usually covered with silk or with beaver fur
dress rack|a rack used primarily to display dresses for sale in a store
dress rehearsal|a full uninterrupted rehearsal in costumes shortly before the first performance
dress shirt|a man's white shirt (with a starch front) for evening wear (usually with a tuxedo)
dress suit|formalwear consisting of full evening dress for men
dress uniform|a military uniform worn on formal occasions
dressage|maneuvers of a horse in response to body signals by the rider
dressed ore|the desired mineral that is left after impurities have been removed from mined ore
dresser|a cabinet with shelves;a person who dresses in a particular way - "she's an elegant dresser" - "he's a meticulous dresser";a wardrobe assistant for an actor
dressing|a cloth covering for a wound or sore;processes in the conversion of rough hides into leather;savory dressings for salads;basically of two kinds;either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type;the act of applying a bandage;the activity of getting dressed;putting on clothes
dressing case|a small piece of luggage for carrying brushes and bottles and toilet articles while traveling
dressing gown|a robe worn before dressing or while lounging
dressing room|a room in which you can change clothes
dressing sack|a woman's loose jacket;worn while dressing
dressing station|(military) a station located near a combat area for giving first aid to the wounded
dressing table|low table with mirror or mirrors where one sits while dressing or applying makeup
dressmaker|someone who makes or mends dresses
dressmaker's model|someone who models dresses
dressmaking|the craft of making dresses
Drew|United States actor (born in Ireland);father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
drey|the nest of a squirrel
Dreyfus|French army officer of Jewish descent whose false imprisonment for treason in 1894 raised issues of anti-Semitism that dominated French politics until his release in 1906 (1859-1935)
dribble|the propulsion of a ball by repeated taps or kicks
dribbler|a basketball player who is dribbling the ball to advance it;a person who dribbles - "that baby is a dribbler;he needs a bib"
dried apricot|apricots preserved by drying
dried fruit|fruit preserved by drying
drift|a force that moves something along;a general tendency to change (as of opinion);a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine - "they dug a drift parallel with the vein";a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents;a process of linguistic change over a period of time;the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane);the pervading meaning or tenor - "caught the general drift of the conversation"
drift ice|masses of ice floating in the open sea
drift net|a large fishnet supported by floats;it drifts with the current
driftage|the deviation (by a vessel or aircraft) from its intended course due to drifting
driftfish|larger butterfishes of the western Atlantic from the New York area to the northern Gulf of Mexico;small (6 inches) tropical butterfishes found worldwide
drifting|aimless wandering from place to place
driftwood|wood that is floating or that has been washed ashore
drill|(military) the training of soldiers to march (as in ceremonial parades) or to perform the manual of arms;a tool with a sharp point and cutting edges for making holes in hard materials (usually rotating rapidly or by repeated blows);similar to the mandrill but smaller and less brightly colored
drill master|a noncommissioned officer who instructs recruits in military marching and discipline
drill press|a machine tool with a separate, upright stand;an electric drill is pressed into the work automatically or with a hand lever
drill rig|rig used in drilling for oil or gas
drill site|workplace that is the site of a drill hole
drill steel|carbon steel used for rock drills and dowels
drilling|the act of drilling
drilling bit|a bit used in drilling for oil
drilling mud|a mixture of clays and chemicals and water;pumped down the drill pipe to lubricate and cool the drilling bit and to flush out the cuttings and to strengthen the sides of the hole
drilling pipe|a series of tubes (joined by screwed collars) that connect a drilling platform to the drilling bit;rotates the bit and supplies drilling mud
drilling platform|drilling rig consisting of an offshore platform (floating or fixed to the sea bed) from which many oil wells can be bored radially
Drimys|shrubs and trees of southern hemisphere having aromatic foliage
drink|a single serving of a beverage - "I asked for a hot drink" - "likes a drink before dinner";any large deep body of water - "he jumped into the drink and had to be rescued";the act of drinking alcoholic beverages to excess - "drink was his downfall"
drinker|a person who drinks alcoholic beverages (especially to excess);a person who drinks liquids
drinking|the act of consuming liquids
drinking age|the age at which is legal for a person to buy alcoholic beverages
drinking bout|a long period of drinking
drinking fountain|a public fountain to provide a jet of drinking water
drinking song|a song celebrating the joys of drinking;sung at drinking parties
drinking vessel|a vessel intended for drinking
drinking water|water suitable for drinking
drip|(architecture) a projection from a cornice or sill designed to protect the area below from rainwater (as over a window or doorway);flowing in drops;the formation and falling of drops of liquid - "there's a drip through the roof";the sound of a liquid falling drop by drop - "the constant sound of dripping irritated him"
drip coffee|coffee made by passing boiling water through a perforated container packed with finely ground coffee
drip culture|a hydroponic method of growing plants by allowing nutrient solutions to drip slowly onto an inert medium in which the plants are growing
drip feed|the administration of a solution (blood or saline or plasma etc.) one drop at a time
drip loop|a downward hanging loop in a line that runs to a building - "when it rained water would fall from the drip loop before it reached the building"
drip mat|a small mat placed under a glass to protect a surface from condensation
drip pan|pan under a refrigerator for collecting liquid waste
drip pot|a coffeepot for making drip coffee
drippiness|the physical property of being soft and drippy
dripping|a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)
dripping pan|pan for catching drippings under roasting meat
drippings|fat that exudes from meat and drips off while it is being roasted or fried
dripstone|a protective drip that is made of stone;the form of calcium carbonate found in stalactites and stalagmites
drive|(computer science) a device that writes data onto or reads data from a storage medium;(sports) a hard straight return (as in tennis or squash);a journey in a vehicle (usually an automobile) - "he took the family for a drive in his new car";a mechanism by which force or power is transmitted in a machine - "a variable speed drive permitted operation through a range of speeds";a physiological state corresponding to a strong need or desire;a wide scenic road planted with trees - "the riverside drive offers many exciting scenic views";hitting a golf ball off of a tee with a driver - "he sliced his drive out of bounds";the act of applying force to propel something - "after reaching the desired velocity the drive is cut off";the act of driving a herd of animals overland;the trait of being highly motivated - "his drive and energy exhausted his co-workers"
drive line|mechanism that transmits power from the engine to the driving wheels of a motor vehicle
drive-by killing|homicide committed by shooting from a moving automobile
drive-by shooting|shooting someone from a car as it is driven past the victim
drive-in|any installation designed to accommodate patrons in their automobiles
drivel|a worthless message
driveller|someone whose talk is trivial drivel
driven well|a well made by driving a tube into the earth to a stratum that bears water
driver|(computer science) a program that determines how a computer will communicate with a peripheral device;a golf club (a wood) with a near vertical face that is used for hitting long shots from the tee;a golfer who hits the golf ball with a driver;someone who drives animals that pull a vehicle;the operator of a motor vehicle
driver's license|a license authorizing the bearer to drive a motor vehicle
driveshaft|a rotating shaft that transmits power from the engine to the point of application
driveway|a road leading up to a private house - "they parked in the driveway"
driving|the act of controlling and steering the movement of a vehicle or animal
driving belt|a belt that carries motion from a motor to the machinery
driving iron|(golf) the long iron with the most nearly vertical face
driving school|a school where people are taught to drive automobiles
driving wheel|a wheel that drives a motor vehicle (transforms torque into a tractive force)
Drixoral|the trade name for a drug used to treat upper respiratory congestion;it contains an antihistamine and a bronchodilator and a vasoconstrictor
drizzle|very light rain;stronger than mist but less than a shower
Drogheda|in 1649 the place was captured by Oliver Cromwell, who massacred the Catholic inhabitants
drogue|a funnel-shaped device towed as a target by an airplane;a parachute used to decelerate an object that is moving rapidly
drogue parachute|a small parachute that pulls the main parachute from its storage pack
drollery|a comic incident or series of incidents;a quaint and amusing jest
dromaeosaur|a kind of maniraptor
Dromaeosauridae|swift-running bipedal dinosaurs
Dromaius|a genus of birds in the order Casuariiformes
dronabinol|psychoactive substance present in marijuana;used therapeutically to control nausea associated with cancer therapy
drone|a pipe of the bagpipe that is tuned to produce a single continuous tone;an aircraft without a pilot that is operated by remote control;stingless male bee in a colony of social bees (especially honeybees) whose sole function is to mate with the queen
drool|saliva spilling from the mouth
drop|a central depository where things can be left or picked up;a free and rapid descent by the force of gravity - "it was a miracle that he survived the drop from that height";a predetermined hiding place for the deposit and distribution of illicit goods (such as drugs or stolen property);a shape that is spherical and small - "he studied the shapes of low-viscosity drops";a small indefinite quantity (especially of a liquid) - "he had a drop too much to drink" - "a drop of each sample was analyzed" - "there is not a drop of pity in that man" - "years afterward, they would pay the blood-money, driblet by driblet"--Kipling;a sudden sharp decrease in some quantity - "a drop of 57 points on the Dow Jones index" - "there was a drop in pressure in the pulmonary artery";the act of dropping something - "they expected the drop would be successful"
drop arch|a blunt pointed arch drawn from two centers within the span
drop biscuit|biscuit made from dough with enough milk that it can be dropped from a spoon
drop cloth|a large piece of cloth laid over the floor or furniture while a room is being painted
drop curtain|a curtain that can be lowered and raised onto a stage from the flies;often used as background scenery
drop forge|device for making large forgings
drop scone|a scone made by dropping a spoonful of batter on a griddle
drop shot|a soft return so that the tennis ball drops abruptly after crossing the net
drop zone|an agreed area where military supplies are dropped to ground troops
drop-down menu|a menu of options that appears below the item when the computer user clicks on it
dropkick|(football) kicking (as for a field goal) in which the football is dropped and kicked as it touches the ground
dropkicker|a football kicker who drops the ball and kicks it just as it reaches the ground
drop-leaf|a hinged leaf on a table that can be raised and supported by a bracket
drop-leaf table|a table that has a drop-leaf to enlarge its surface
droplet|a tiny drop
dropline|a headline with the top line flush left and succeeding lines indented to the right
drop-off charge|a fee added for returning a rented car to a location different from the one where it was rented
dropout|someone who quits school before graduation;someone who withdraws from a social group or environment
dropper|pipet consisting of a small tube with a vacuum bulb at one end for drawing liquid in and releasing it a drop at a time - "she used an eye dropper to administer medication to the eyes"
droppings|fecal matter of animals
dropseed|a grass of the genus Sporobolus
Drosera|the type genus of Droseraceae including many low bog-inhabiting insectivorous plants
Droseraceae|a family of carnivorous herbs and shrubs
droshky|an open horse-drawn carriage with four wheels;formerly used in Poland and Russia
drosophila|small fruit fly used by Thomas Hunt Morgan in studying basic mechanisms of inheritance
Drosophilidae|fruit flies
Drosophyllum|one species
Drosophyllum lusitanicum|perennial of dry habitats whose leaves have glandular hairs that secrete adhesive and digestive fluid for capture and digestion of insects;Portugal, southern Spain and Morocco
drought|a prolonged shortage - "when England defeated Pakistan it ended a ten-year drought";a shortage of rainfall - "farmers most affected by the drought hope that there may yet be sufficient rain early in the growing season"
drove|a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together;a moving crowd;a stonemason's chisel with a broad edge for dressing stone
drudge|a laborer who is obliged to do menial work
drudgery|hard monotonous routine work
drug|a substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic
drug addict|a narcotics addict
drug addiction|an addiction to a drug (especially a narcotic drug)
drug baron|a person who controls an organization dealing in illegal drugs
drug bust|seizure of illegal drugs by the police
drug cartel|an illicit cartel formed to control the production and distribution of narcotic drugs - "drug cartels sometimes finance terrorist organizations"
drug cocktail|a combination of protease inhibitors taken with reverse transcriptase inhibitors;used in treating AIDS and HIV
drug company|a company that makes and sells pharmaceuticals
Drug Enforcement Administration|federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances;goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations
drug of abuse|a drug that is taken for nonmedicinal reasons (usually for mind-altering effects);drug abuse can lead to physical and mental damage and (with some substances) dependence and addiction
drug traffic|traffic in illegal drugs
drug user|a person who takes drugs
drug war|conflict between law enforcement and those who deal in illegal drugs
drugget|a rug made of a coarse fabric having a cotton warp and a wool filling
drugstore|a retail shop where medicine and other articles are sold
Druid|a pre-Christian priest among the Celts of ancient Gaul and Britain and Ireland
druidism|the system of religion and philosophy taught by the Druids and their rites and ceremonies
drum|a cylindrical metal container used for shipping or storage of liquids;a musical percussion instrument;usually consists of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched across each end;small to medium-sized bottom-dwelling food and game fishes of shallow coastal and fresh waters that make a drumming noise;the sound of a drum - "he could hear the drums before he heard the fifes"
drum brake|hydraulic brake in which friction is applied to the inside of a spinning drum by the brake shoe
drum major|the leader of a marching band or drum corps
drum majorette|a female baton twirler who accompanies a marching band;a female drum major
drum printer|a line printer in which the type is mounted on a rotating drum that contains a full character set for each printing position
drum sander|a power tool used for sanding wood;an endless loop of sandpaper is moved at high speed by an electric motor
drumbeat|(military) the beating of a drum as a signal for lowering the flag at sundown;a vehement and vociferous advocacy of a cause - "the warmongers kept up their drumbeat on Iraq"
drumhead|a membrane that is stretched taut over a drum
drumhead court-martial|a military court convened to hear urgent charges of offenses committed in action
drumlin|a mound of glacial drift
drummer|someone who plays a drum
drumming|the act of playing drums - "he practiced his drumming several hours every day"
drumstick|a stick used for playing a drum;the lower joint of the leg of a fowl
drunk|someone who is intoxicated
drunk-and-disorderly|someone arrested on the charge of being drunk and disorderly
drunkard|a chronic drinker
drunken reveler|someone who engages in drinking bouts
drunkenness|a temporary state resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol
drupe|fleshy indehiscent fruit with a single seed;e.g. almond;peach;plum;cherry;elderberry;olive;jujube
drupelet|a small part of an aggregate fruit that resembles a drupe
drusen|(plural) an eye disease resulting from small accumulations of hyaline bodies underneath the retina
Druze|an adherent of an esoteric monotheistic religious sect living in the relative security of the mountains of Syria and Lebanon who believes that Al-hakim was an incarnation of God - "a Druze is permitted to conform outwardly to the faith of the unbelievers among whom he lives"
dry|a reformer who opposes the use of intoxicating beverages
dry battery|a voltaic battery consisting of two or more dry cells
dry cell|a small Leclanche cell containing no free liquid;the electrolyte is a paste and the negative zinc pole forms the container of the cell;used in flashlights, portable radios, etc.
dry cleaning|the act of cleaning (fabrics) with a solvent other than water
dry dock|a large dock from which water can be pumped out;used for building ships or for repairing a ship below its waterline
dry fly|a fly (fisherman's lure) that skims the surface of the water
dry gangrene|(pathology) gangrene that develops in the presence of arterial obstruction and is characterized by dryness of the dead tissue and a dark brown color
dry ice|solidified carbon dioxide;dry ice sublimates at -78.5 C and is used mainly as a refrigerant
dry kiln|a kiln for drying and seasoning lumber
dry masonry|masonry without mortar
dry nurse|a nurse who cares for but does not suckle an infant
dry plate|a former photographic method that used a glass plate coated with a light-sensitive gelatinous emulsion
dry point|a print produced by dry point engraving;a steel needle for engraving without acid on a bare copper plate
dry rot|a crumbling and drying of timber or bulbs or potatoes or fruit caused by a fungus;a fungus causing dry rot
dry season|one of the two seasons in tropical climates
dry unit|a unit of capacity for dry commodities (as fruit or grain)
dry vermouth|dry pale amber variety
dry wall|a stone wall made with stones fitted together without mortar
dry walling|the activity of building stone walls without mortar
dryad|a deity or nymph of the woods
Dryadella|comprises tropical American species usually placed in genus Masdevallia;very dwarf plants having short tufted and usually unifoliate stems with usually solitary flowers
Dryas|mountain avens
dry-bulb thermometer|an ordinary thermometer with a dry bulb;used to measure the air temperature
Dryden|the outstanding poet and dramatist of the Restoration (1631-1700)
dryer|an appliance that removes moisture
drygoods|textiles or clothing and related merchandise
dry-gulching|the act of killing from ambush
drying oil|an oil that hardens in air due to oxidation and is often used as a paint or varnish base
dryland blueberry|low deciduous shrub of the eastern United States bearing dark blue sweet berries
Drymarchon|a genus of Colubridae
Drymoglossum|epiphytic ferns of Madagascar to tropical Asia and New Guinea
Drynaria|large robust epiphytic ferns of tropical forest and scrub;Africa and Asia and Australia
dryness|the condition of not containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water)
dryopithecine|considered a possible ancestor to both anthropoid apes and humans
Dryopithecus|genus of Old World hominoids;Miocene and Pliocene
Dryopteridaceae|alternative names for one of a number of families into which the family Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems
Dryopteris|large widespread genus of medium-sized terrestrial ferns;in some classification systems placed in Polypodiaceae
drypis|spiny-leaved perennial herb of southern Europe having terminal clusters of small flowers
dry-wood termite|any of various termites that live in and feed on dry wood that is not connected with the soil
dscDNA|double-stranded cDNA
Du Barry|courtier and influential mistress of Louis XV who was guillotined during the French Revolution (1743-1793)
Du Bois|United States civil rights leader and political activist who campaigned for equality for Black Americans (1868-1963)
du Maurier|English writer and illustrator;grandfather of Daphne du Maurier (1834-1896);English writer of melodramatic novels (1907-1989)
dual scan display|a type of passive matrix display in which the top and bottom half of the screen are refreshed simultaneously
dualism|the doctrine that reality consists of two basic opposing elements, often taken to be mind and matter (or mind and body), or good and evil
dualist|an adherent of dualism
duality|(geometry) the interchangeability of the roles of points and planes in the theorems of projective geometry;(physics) the property of matter and electromagnetic radiation that is characterized by the fact that some properties can be explained best by wave theory and others by particle theory
dub|the new sounds added by dubbing
Dubai|port city in the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf
dubbin|tallow mixed with oil;used to make leather soft and waterproof
dubbing|a new soundtrack that is added to a film
Dublin|capital and largest city and major port of the Irish Republic
Dubliner|a resident of Dublin
dubnium|a transuranic element
Dubonnet|(trademark) a sweet aromatic French wine (red or white) used chiefly as an aperitif
Dubrovnik|a port city in southwestern Croatia on the Adriatic;a popular tourist center
Dubuque|a town in eastern Iowa on the Mississippi River
ducat|formerly a gold coin of various European countries
duce|leader
Duchamp|French artist who immigrated to the United States;a leader in the dada movement in New York City;was first to exhibit commonplace objects as art (1887-1968)
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy|the most common form of muscular dystrophy;inheritance is X-linked recessive (carried by females but affecting only males)
duchess|the wife of a duke or a woman holding ducal title in her own right
duchy|the domain controlled by a duke or duchess
duck|(cricket) a score of nothing by a batsman;a heavy cotton fabric of plain weave;used for clothing and tents;flesh of a duck (domestic or wild);small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs
duck down|down of the duck
duck hunter|hunter of ducks
duck pate|a pate made from duck liver
duck sauce|a thick sweet and pungent Chinese condiment
duckboard|a boardwalk laid across muddy ground
ducking|hunting ducks
duckling|flesh of a young domestic duck;young duck
duckpin|a bowling pin that is short and squat by comparison with a tenpin
duckpins|a bowling game using a pin smaller than a tenpin but proportionately wider
ducks and drakes|a game in which a flat stone is bounced along the surface of calm water
duckweed|any small or minute aquatic plant of the family Lemnaceae that float on or near the surface of shallow ponds
duct|a bodily passage or tube lined with epithelial cells and conveying a secretion or other substance - "the tear duct was obstructed";a continuous tube formed by a row of elongated cells lacking intervening end walls;an enclosed conduit for a fluid
duct tape|a wide silvery adhesive tape intended to seal joints in sheet metal duct work but having many other uses - "duct tape holds the world together"
ductility|the malleability of something that can be drawn into threads or wires or hammered into thin sheets
ductule|a very small duct
ductus arteriosus|a blood vessel in a fetus that bypasses pulmonary circulation by connecting the pulmonary artery directly to the ascending aorta;normally closes at birth
dude ranch|a holiday resort offering ranch activities (riding and camping)
dudeen|a clay pipe with a short stem
dudgeon|a feeling of intense indignation (now used only in the phrase 'in high dudgeon')
due|a payment that is due (e.g., as the price of membership) - "the society dropped him for non-payment of dues";that which is deserved or owed - "give the devil his due"
due care|the care that a reasonable man would exercise under the circumstances;the standard for determining legal duty
due process|(law) the administration of justice according to established rules and principles;based on the principle that a person cannot be deprived of life or liberty or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards
duel|a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor;any struggle between two skillful opponents (individuals or groups)
dueler|a person who fights duels
duenna|a woman chaperon
duet|a musical composition for two performers;two performers or singers who perform together
duff|a stiff flour pudding steamed or boiled usually and containing e.g. currants and raisins and citron
duffel|a coarse heavy woolen fabric
duffel bag|a large cylindrical bag of heavy cloth;for carrying personal belongings
duffel coat|a warm coat made of duffel;usually has a hood and fastens with toggles
duffer|an incompetent or clumsy person - "as a golfer he was only a duffer"
Dufy|French painter noted for brightly colored scenes (1877-1953)
dug|an udder or breast or teat
dugong|sirenian tusked mammal found from eastern Africa to Australia;the flat tail is bilobate
Dugongidae|a family of mammals of order Sirenia including dugongs and Steller's sea cow
dugout|either of two low shelters on either side of a baseball diamond where the players and coaches sit during the game
dugout canoe|a canoe made by hollowing out and shaping a large log
Dukas|French composer (1865-1935)
duke|a British peer of the highest rank;a nobleman (in various countries) of high rank
Duke University|a university in Durham, North Carolina
dukedom|the dignity or rank or position of a duke
dulciana|the organ stop having a tone of soft sweet string quality
dulcimer|a stringed instrument used in American folk music;an elliptical body and a fretted fingerboard and three strings;a trapezoidal zither whose metal strings are struck with light hammers
Dulles|United States diplomat who (as Secretary of State) pursued a policy of opposition to the USSR by providing aid to American allies (1888-1959)
dullness|a lack of visual brightness - "the brightness of the orange sky was reflected in the dullness of the orange sea";lack of sensibility - "there was a dullness in his heart" - "without him the dullness of her life crept into her work no matter how she tried to compartmentalize it.";the quality of being slow to understand;the quality of lacking interestingness - "the stories were of a dullness to bring a buffalo to its knees";without sharpness or clearness of edge or point - "the dullness of the pencil made his writing illegible"
dulse|coarse edible red seaweed
Duluth|a city in northeast Minnesota on Lake Superior
Duma|a legislative body in the ruling assembly of Russia and of some other republics in the former USSR
Dumas|French writer remembered for his swashbuckling historical tales (1802-1870)
dumb bomb|a bomb that falls because of gravity and is not guided to a target
dumb cane|an evergreen plant with large showy dark green leaves;contains a poison that swells the tongue and throat hence the name
dumbbell|an exercising weight;two spheres connected by a short bar that serves as a handle;an ignorant or foolish person
dumbwaiter|a small elevator used to convey food (or other goods) from one floor of a building to another
dumdum|a soft-nosed small-arms bullet that expands when it hits a target and causes a gaping wound
Dumetella|catbirds
dummy|a figure representing the human form;a person who does not talk
dummy whist|a form of whist with three players;four hands are dealt with the hand opposite the dealer being face up
dump|(computer science) a copy of the contents of a computer storage device;sometimes used in debugging programs;a piece of land where waste materials are dumped;a place where supplies can be stored - "an ammunition dump"
dump routine|a routine that writes from an internal store to some external medium
dump truck|truck whose contents can be emptied without handling;the front end of the platform can be pneumatically raised so that the load is discharged by gravity
dumpcart|a cart that can be tilted to empty contents without handling
dumpiness|a short and stout physique
dumping|selling goods abroad at a price below that charged in the domestic market
dumpling|dessert made by baking fruit wrapped in pastry;small balls or strips of boiled or steamed dough
dumps|an informal expression for a mildly depressed state - "in the dumps"
Dumpster|a container designed to receive and transport and dump waste
Dumpy level|a surveyor's level having a short telescope fixed to a horizontally rotating table and a spirit level
Dumuzi|Sumerian and Babylonian god of pastures and vegetation;consort of Inanna
dun|a color or pigment varying around a light grey-brown color - "she wore dun";horse of a dull brownish grey color
Duncan|United States dancer and pioneer of modern dance (1878-1927)
dunce|a stupid person;these words are used to express a low opinion of someone's intelligence
dunce cap|a cone-shaped paper hat formerly placed on the head of slow or lazy pupils
dundathu pine|Australian timber tree resembling the kauri but having wood much lighter in weight and softer
dune|a ridge of sand created by the wind;found in deserts or near lakes and oceans
dune buggy|a recreational vehicle with large tires used on beaches or sand dunes
dune cycling|bicycling or motorcycling on sand dunes
dung beetle|any of numerous beetles that roll balls of dung on which they feed and in which they lay eggs
Dungeness crab|flesh of Cancer magister (Dungeness crab);small edible crab of Pacific coast of North America
dungeon|a dark cell (usually underground) where prisoners can be confined
dunghill|a foul or degraded condition;a heap of dung or refuse
dunk|a basketball shot in which the basketball is propelled downward into the basket
dunker|a basketball player who is able to make dunk shots;an eater who dips food into a liquid before eating it - "he was a dunker--he couldn't eat a doughnut without a cup of coffee to dunk it in";an adherent of Baptistic doctrines (who practice baptism by immersion)
Dunkirk|a crisis in which a desperate effort is the only alternative to defeat - "the Russians had to pull off a Dunkirk to get out of there";a seaport in northern France on the North Sea;scene of the evacuation of British forces in 1940 during World War II;an amphibious evacuation in World War II (1940) when 330,000 Allied troops had to be evacuated from the beaches in northern France in a desperate retreat under enemy fire
Duns Scotus|Scottish theologian who was very influential in the Middle Ages (1265-1308)
duodecimal digit|a digit from 0 to 11 in duodecimal notation
duodecimal notation|any notation that uses 12 different characters
duodecimal number system|a positional system of numeration that uses duodecimal digits and a radix of twelve
duodenal ulcer|a peptic ulcer of the duodenum
duodenum|the part of the small intestine between the stomach and the jejunum
duologue|a part of the script in which the speaking roles are limited to two actors
duple time|musical time with two beats in each bar
duplex apartment|an apartment having rooms on two floors that are connected by a staircase
duplex house|a house with two units sharing a common wall
duplicate|a copy that corresponds to an original exactly - "he made a duplicate for the files"
duplication|the act of copying or making a duplicate (or duplicates) of something - "this kind of duplication is wasteful"
duplicator|apparatus that makes copies of typed, written or drawn material
Duplicidentata|in former classifications considered a suborder of Rodentia coextensive with the order Lagomorpha;gnawing animals
duplicity|acting in bad faith;deception by pretending to entertain one set of intentions while acting under the influence of another
dura mater|the outermost (and toughest) of the 3 meninges
durables|consumer goods that are not destroyed by use
Duralumin|an aluminum-based alloy
durance|imprisonment (especially for a long time)
Durango|a city in north central Mexico;mining center
Durant|United States historian (1885-1981)
Durante|United States comedian remembered for his large nose and hoarse voice (1893-1980)
duration|continuance in time - "the ceremony was of short duration";the period of time during which something continues;the property of enduring or continuing in time
durative|the aspect of a verb that expresses its duration
Durban|a port city in eastern South Africa on the Indian Ocean;resort and industrial center
durbar|the room in the palace of a native prince of India in which audiences and receptions occur
Durer|a leading German painter and engraver of the Renaissance (1471-1528)
duress|compulsory force or threat - "confessed under duress"
Durga|Hindu goddess of war;a malevolent aspect of Devi - "the inaccessible Durga"
Durham|a city of north central North Carolina;site of Duke University;English breed of short-horned cattle
durian|huge fruit native to southeastern Asia 'smelling like Hell and tasting like Heaven';seeds are roasted and eaten like nuts;tree of southeastern Asia having edible oval fruit with a hard spiny rind
Durio|a genus of tall Asian trees of the family Bombacaceae
Durkheim|French sociologist and first professor of sociology at the Sorbonne (1858-1917)
durmast|deciduous European oak valued for its tough elastic wood
durra|sorghums of dry regions of Asia and North Africa
Durrell|English writer of Irish descent who spent much of his life in Mediterranean regions (1912-1990)
Durres|port city in western Albania on the Adriatic
durum|wheat with hard dark-colored kernels high in gluten and used for bread and pasta;grown especially in southern Russia, North Africa, and northern central North America
Duse|Italian actress best known for her performances in tragic roles (1858-1924)
Dushanbe|the capital of Tajikistan;formerly Stalinabad 1926-1991
Dusicyon|crab-eating dog
dusky salamander|common North American salamander mottled with dull brown or greyish-black
dusky shark|relatively slender blue-grey shark;nearly worldwide in tropical and temperate waters
dusky-footed wood rat|a wood rat with dusky feet
dusky-footed woodrat|host to Lyme disease tick (Ixodes pacificus) in northern California
Dusseldorf|an industrial city in western Germany on the Rhine
dust|fine powdery material such as dry earth or pollen that can be blown about in the air - "the furniture was covered with dust";free microscopic particles of solid material - "astronomers say that the empty space between planets actually contains measurable amounts of dust"
dust bag|a bag into which dirt is sucked by a vacuum cleaner
dust bowl|a region subject to dust storms;especially the central region of United States subject to dust storms in the 1930s
dust cloud|a cloud of dust suspended in the air
dust contamination|state of being contaminated with dust;the act of contaminating with dust particles
dust cover|a large piece of cloth used to cover furniture that is not in use for a long period;a removable plastic protective covering for a piece of equipment
dust devil|a miniature whirlwind strong enough to whip dust and leaves and litter into the air
dust storm|a windstorm that lifts up clouds of dust or sand
dustcloth|a piece of cloth used for dusting
duster|a loose coverall (coat or frock) reaching down to the ankles;a pitch thrown deliberately close to the batter
dustiness|the state of being covered with dust
dustmop|a dry swab for dusting floors
dustpan|a short-handled receptacle into which dust can be swept;the quantity that a dustpan will hold
dusty miller|a plant having leaves and stems covered with down that resembles dust;herb with greyish leaves found along the east coast of North America;used as an ornamental plant;shrubby perennial of the Canary Islands having white flowers and leaves and hairy stems covered with dustlike down;sometimes placed in genus Chrysanthemum;stiff much-branched perennial of the Mediterranean region having very white woolly stems and leaves
Dutch|the people of the Netherlands - "the Dutch are famous for their tulips";the West Germanic language of the Netherlands
dutch auction|a method of selling in which the price is reduced until a buyer is found
Dutch courage|courage resulting from intoxication
Dutch door|an exterior door divided in two horizontally;either half can be closed or open independently
Dutch elm|any of various hybrid ornamental European shade trees ranging from dwarf to tall
Dutch elm disease|disease of elms caused by a fungus
Dutch elm fungus|fungus causing Dutch elm disease
Dutch iris|bulbous Spanish iris having blue flowers;bulbous Spanish iris with red-violet flowers
Dutch monetary unit|monetary unit in the Netherlands
Dutch oven|an oven consisting of a metal box for cooking in front of a fire;iron or earthenware cooking pot;used for stews
Dutch treat|a dinner where each person pays for his own
Dutch uncle|a counselor who admonishes frankly and sternly
Dutch-elm beetle|a vector of the fungus causing Dutch elm disease
Dutchman's breeches|delicate spring-flowering plant of the eastern United States having white flowers with double spurs
Dutchman's-pipe|hardy deciduous vine having large leaves and flowers with the calyx tube curved like the bowl of a pipe
Dutch-processed cocoa|cocoa powder treated with a mild alkalizing agent (such as baking soda)
dutifulness|piety by virtue of devotion to duty
duty|a government tax on imports or exports;the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force - "we must instill a sense of duty in our children" - "every right implies a responsibility;every opportunity, an obligation;every possession, a duty"- John D.Rockefeller Jr;work that you are obliged to perform for moral or legal reasons
Duvalier|oppressive Haitian dictator (1907-1971);son and successor of Francois Duvalier as president of Haiti;he was overthrown by a mass uprising in 1986 (born in 1951)
Dvorak|Czech composer who combined folk elements with traditional forms (1841-1904)
dwarf|a person who is markedly small;a plant or animal that is atypically small
dwarf astilbe|mat-forming evergreen Asiatic plant with finely cut leaves and small pink to burgundy flowers;grown as ground cover
dwarf banana|low-growing Asian banana tree cultivated especially in the West Indies for its clusters of edible yellow fruit
dwarf bilberry|low-growing tufted deciduous shrub of northern and alpine North America having pink to coral-red flowers followed by sweet blue berries
dwarf buckeye|a spreading shrub with pink flowers;found in southeastern United States
dwarf chinkapin oak|deciduous shrubby tree of northeastern and central United States having a sweet edible nut and often forming dense thickets
dwarf dandelion|small yellow-flowered herb resembling dandelions of central and southeastern United States
dwarf elder|dwarf herbaceous elder of Europe having pink flowers and a nauseous odor
dwarf flowering almond|small Chinese shrub with smooth unfurrowed dark red fruit grown especially for its red or pink or white flowers
dwarf golden chinkapin|evergreen shrub similar to golden chinkapin;mountains of California
dwarf grey willow|willow shrub of dry places in the eastern United States having long narrow leaves canescent beneath
dwarf hulsea|similar to but smaller than alpine hulsea
dwarf iris|low-growing spring-flowering American iris with bright blue-lilac flowers;low-growing summer-flowering iris of northeastern United States
dwarf juniper|procumbent or spreading juniper
dwarf maple|small maple of northwestern North America
dwarf pipefish|small (4 inches) fish found off the Florida Gulf Coast
dwarf sperm whale|very small (to 8 feet) sperm whale of central coasts of Atlantic and Pacific
dwarf spurge|European erect or depressed annual weedy spurge adventive in northeastern United States
dwarf sumac|common nonpoisonous shrub of eastern North America with compound leaves and green paniculate flowers followed by red berries
dwarf tulip|small early blooming tulip
dwarf willow|widely distributed boreal shrubby willow with partially underground creeping stems and bright green glossy leaves
dwarfishness|smallness of stature
dwarfism|a genetic abnormality resulting in short stature
dwarf-white trillium|a low perennial white-flowered trillium found in the southeastern United States
dwelling|housing that someone is living in - "he built a modest dwelling near the pond"
dwindling|a becoming gradually less - "there is no greater sadness that the dwindling away of a family"
dyadic operation|an operation on exactly two operands
Dyaus|Hindu god of the sky
dybbuk|(Jewish folklore) a demon that enters the body of a living person and controls that body's behavior
dye|a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
dyeing|the use of dye to change the color of something permanently
dyer|someone whose job is to dye cloth
dyer's rocket|European mignonette cultivated as a source of yellow dye;naturalized in North America
dyer's weed|eastern North American herb whose yellow flowers are (or were) used in dyeing
dyer's woad|European biennial formerly grown for the blue coloring matter yielded by its leaves
dyer's woodruff|creeping European perennial having red or pinkish-white flowers and red roots sometimes used as a substitute for madder in dyeing
dyewood|any wood from which dye is obtained
dye-works|a workshop where dyeing is done
Dyirbal|a language of Australian aborigines
Dylan|Celtic god of the waves;son of Arianrhod;United States songwriter noted for his protest songs (born in 1941)
dynamic balance|(aeronautics) the state of equilibrium in which centrifugal forces due to a rotating mass (e.g., a propeller) do not produce force in the shaft and so vibration is reduced
dynamic electricity|a flow of electric charge
dynamical system|(physics) a phase space together with a transformation of that space
dynamics|the branch of mechanics concerned with the forces that cause motions of bodies
dynamism|any of the various theories or doctrines or philosophical systems that attempt to explain the phenomena of the universe in terms of some immanent force or energy;the activeness of an energetic personality
dynamite|an explosive containing nitrate sensitized with nitroglycerin absorbed on wood pulp
dynamiter|a person who uses dynamite in a revolutionary cause
dynamo|generator consisting of a coil (the armature) that rotates between the poles of an electromagnet (the field magnet) causing a current to flow in the armature
dynamometer|measuring instrument designed to measure power
dynast|a hereditary ruler
dynasty|a sequence of powerful leaders in the same family
dyne|a unit of force equal to the force that imparts an acceleration of 1 cm/sec/sec to a mass of 1 gram
dysaphia|a disorder in the sense of touch
dysarthria|impaired articulatory ability resulting from defects in the peripheral motor nerves or in the speech musculature
dyscalculia|impaired ability to learn grade-appropriate mathematics
dyschezia|difficulty in defecating (usually as a consequence of long continued voluntary suppression of the urge to defecate)
dyscrasia|an abnormal or physiologically unbalanced state of the body
Dysdercus|a genus of slender long-legged bugs that feed on the developing seeds of cotton and stain it
dysentery|an infection of the intestines marked by severe diarrhea
dysfunction|(medicine) any disturbance in the functioning of an organ or body part or a disturbance in the functioning of a social group - "erectile dysfunction" - "sexual relationship dysfunction"
dysgenesis|infertility between hybrids
dysgenics|the study of the operation of factors causing degeneration in the type of offspring produced
dysgraphia|impaired ability to learn to write
dyskinesia|abnormality in performing voluntary muscle movements
dyslectic|a person who has dyslexia
dyslexia|impaired ability to learn to read
dyslogia|impaired ability to express ideas verbally;usually resulting from difficulties of reasoning (as in feeblemindedness or certain psychoses)
dysmenorrhea|painful menstruation
dysomia|impairment of the sense of smell
dysosmia|a disorder in the sense of smell
dyspeptic|a person suffering from indigestion
dysphagia|condition in which swallowing is difficult or painful
dysphasia|an impairment of language (especially speech production) that is usually due to brain damage
dysphemism|an offensive or disparaging expression that is substituted for an inoffensive one - "his favorite dysphemism was to ask for axle grease when he wanted butter"
dysphonia|speech disorder attributable to a disorder of phonation
dysphoria|abnormal depression and discontent
dysplasia|abnormal development (of organs or cells) or an abnormal structure resulting from such growth
dyspnea|difficult or labored respiration
dysprosium|a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group;forms compounds that are highly magnetic
dysthymia|mild chronic depression - "I thought she had just been in a bad mood for thirty years, but the doctor called it dysthymia"
dystopia|a work of fiction describing an imaginary place where life is extremely bad because of deprivation or oppression or terror;state in which the conditions of life are extremely bad as from deprivation or oppression or terror
dystrophy|any degenerative disorder resulting from inadequate or faulty nutrition
dysuria|painful or difficult urination
Dytiscidae|water beetles
E|the 5th letter of the Roman alphabet;the base of the natural system of logarithms;approximately equal to 2.718282...
Ea|the Babylonian god of wisdom;son of Apsu and father of Marduk;counterpart of the Sumerian Enki;as one of the supreme triad including Anu and Bel he was assigned control of the watery element
Eacles|imperial moths
eager beaver|an alert and energetic person
eagerness|a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something
eagle|(golf) a score of two strokes under par on a hole;a former gold coin in the United States worth 10 dollars;an emblem representing power - "the Roman eagle";any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
eagle ray|powerful free-swimming tropical ray noted for 'soaring' by flapping winglike fins;usually harmless but has venomous tissue near base of the tail as in stingrays
Eagle Scout|a Boy Scout who has earned many merit badges
eaglet|a young eagle
Eames|United States designer noted for an innovative series of chairs (1907-1978)
Eames chair|a chair designed by Charles Eames;originally made of molded plywood;seat and back shaped to fit the human body
ear|attention to what is said - "he tried to get her ear";fruiting spike of a cereal plant especially corn;good hearing - "he had a keen ear" - "a good ear for pitch";the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
ear doctor|a physician who specializes in the ear and its diseases
ear hole|a hole (as in a helmet) for sound to reach the ears
earache|an ache localized in the middle or inner ear
eardrum|the membrane in the ear that vibrates to sound
eared seal|pinniped mammal having external ear flaps and hind limbs used for locomotion on land;valued for its soft underfur
earflap|one of two flaps attached to a cap to keep the ears warm
earful|an outpouring of gossip
Earhart|first woman aviator to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic (1928);while attempting to fly around the world she disappeared over the Pacific (1898-1937)
earl|a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
Earl Marshal|an officer of the English peerage who organizes royal processions and other ceremonies
earldom|the dignity or rank or position of an earl or countess;the domain controlled by an earl or count or countess
earleaved umbrella tree|small erect deciduous tree with large leaves in coiled formations at branch tips
earless lizard|any of several slender lizards without external ear openings;of plains of western United States and Mexico
earless seal|any of several seals lacking external ear flaps and having a stiff hairlike coat with hind limbs reduced to swimming flippers
earliness|quality of coming early or earlier in time
earlobe|the fleshy pendulous part of the external human ear
early bird|a person who arrives early before others do;a person who gets up very early in the morning
early coral root|plant having clumps of nearly leafless pale yellowish to greenish stems bearing similarly colored flowers with white lower lips;northern New Mexico north through South Dakota and Washington to Alaska
early spider orchid|spring-blooming spider orchid having a flower with yellow or green or pink sepals and a broad brown velvety lip
early warning radar|a radar that is part of an early warning system
early warning system|a network of radar installations designed to detect enemy missiles or aircraft while there is still time to intercept them
early-morning hour|an hour early in the morning
earmark|identification mark on the ear of a domestic animal
earmuff|either of a pair of ear coverings (usually connected by a headband) that are worn to keep the ears warm in cold weather
earned run|a run that was not scored as the result of an error by the other team
earned run average|(baseball) a measure of a pitcher's effectiveness;calculated as the average number of earned runs allowed by the pitcher for every nine innings pitched
earner|someone who earn wages in return for their labor
earnest|something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract
earnest money|money given by a buyer to a seller to bind a contract
earnestness|an earnest and sincere feeling
earning per share|the portion of a company's profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock
earphone|electro-acoustic transducer for converting electric signals into sounds;it is held over or inserted into the ear - "it was not the typing but the earphones that she disliked"
earplug|a plug of cotton, wax, or rubber that is fitted into the ear canal for protection against the entry of water or loud noise;an earphone that is inserted into the ear canal
earring|jewelry to ornament the ear;usually clipped to the earlobe or fastened through a hole in the lobe
earshot|the range within which a voice can be heard - "the children were told to stay within earshot"
earth|once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles);the loose soft material that makes up a large part of the land surface - "they dug into the earth outside the church";the 3rd planet from the sun;the planet we live on;the abode of mortals (as contrasted with Heaven or Hell) - "it was hell on earth"
earth color|a colored mineral used as a pigment
earth mother|the earth conceived of as the female principle of fertility
earth science|any of the sciences that deal with the earth or its parts
earthball|any of various fungi of the genus Scleroderma having hard-skinned subterranean fruiting bodies resembling truffles
earthenware|ceramic ware made of porous clay fired at low heat
earth-god|a god of fertility and vegetation
earth-goddess|a goddess of fertility and vegetation
earthnut|a common European plant having edible tubers with the flavor of roasted chestnuts
earthquake|a disturbance that is extremely disruptive - "selling the company caused an earthquake among the employees";shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane of from volcanic activity
Earth-received time|the coordinated universal time when an event is received on Earth
earthstar|any fungus of the family Geastraceae;in form suggesting a puffball whose outer peridium splits into the shape of a star
earthtongue|any club-shaped fungus of the genus Geoglossum
earthwork|an earthen rampart
earthworm|terrestrial worm that burrows into and helps aerate soil;often surfaces when the ground is cool or wet;used as bait by anglers
earwig|any of numerous insects of the order Dermaptera having elongate bodies and slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of large pincers at the rear of the abdomen
ease|a freedom from financial difficulty that promotes a comfortable state - "a life of luxury and ease";freedom from constraint or embarrassment - "I am never at ease with strangers";freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort - "he rose through the ranks with apparent ease" - "they put it into containers for ease of transportation"
easel|an upright tripod for displaying something (usually an artist's canvas)
easement|(law) the privilege of using something that is not your own (as using another's land as a right of way to your own land)
easiness|a feeling of refreshing tranquility and an absence of tension or worry - "the easiness we feel when sleeping";the quality of being easy in behavior or style - "there was an easiness between them" - "a natural easiness of manner"
easing|a change for the better;the act of reducing something unpleasant (as pain or annoyance)
east|a location in the eastern part of a country, region, or city;the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees;the direction corresponding to the eastward cardinal compass point;the countries of Asia;the region of the United States lying to the north of the Ohio River and to the east of the Mississippi River
East Africa|a geographical area in eastern Africa
east African cedar|tropical African timber tree with fragrant wood
East Anglia|a region of eastern England that was formerly a kingdom
east by north|the compass point that is one point north of due east
east by south|the compass point that is one point south of due east
East Chadic|a group of Chadic languages spoken in Chad
East China Sea|part of the Pacific Ocean near eastern Asia
East Coast|the eastern seaboard of the United States (especially the strip between Boston and Washington D.C.)
East German|a native or inhabitant of the former republic of East Germany
East Germanic|an extinct branch of the Germanic languages
East Germany|a republic in north central Europe on the Baltic;established by the Soviet Union in 1954;reunified with West Germany in 1990
East India Company|an English company formed in 1600 to develop trade with the new British colonies in India and southeastern Asia;in the 18th century it assumed administrative control of Bengal and held it until the British army took over in 1858 after the Indian Mutiny
East India kino|reddish or black juice or resin from certain trees of the genus Pterocarpus and used in medicine and tanning etc
East Indian|a native or inhabitant of the East Indies
East Malaysia|the part of Malaysia that is on the island of Borneo
East Midland|the dialect of Middle English that replaced West Saxon as the literary language and which developed into Modern English
east northeast|the compass point midway between northeast and east
East River|a tidal strait separating Manhattan and the Bronx from Queens and Brooklyn
East Saint Louis|a town in southwest Illinois on the Mississippi across from Saint Louis
east side|the side that is on the east
east southeast|the compass point midway between east and southeast
East Sussex|a county in southern England on the English Channel
East Timor|a former Portuguese colony that was annexed by Indonesia in 1976;voted for independence from Indonesia in 1999 and in May 2002 became an independent nation
East Turkistan Islamic Movement|a group of Uighur Muslims fighting Chinese control of Xinjiang;declared by China in 2001 to be terrorists although there is a long history of cycles of insurgency and repression
east wind|a wind from the east
Easter|a Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ;celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox
Easter bunny|a rabbit that delivers Easter eggs
Easter cactus|spring-blooming South American cactus with oblong joints and coral-red flowers;sometimes placed in genus Schlumbergera
Easter card|a card expressing an Easter greeting
Easter daisy|dwarf tufted nearly stemless herb having a rosette of woolly leaves and large white-rayed flower heads and bristly achenes;central Canada and United States west to Arizona
Easter egg|a colored hard-boiled egg used to celebrate Easter;an egg-shaped candy used to celebrate Easter
Easter lily|tall lily have large white trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring
Easter Sunday|the day (in March or April) on which the festival of Easter is celebrated
Eastern Catholicism|the beliefs and practices of any of the eastern Catholic Churches based in Constantinople or Antioch or Alexandria or Moscow or Jerusalem
eastern chimpanzee|long-haired chimpanzees of east-central Africa;closely related to the central chimpanzees
eastern chipmunk|small striped semiterrestrial eastern American squirrel with cheek pouches
Eastern Church|the Catholic Church as it existed in the Byzantine Empire
eastern coral snake|ranges from Central America to southeastern United States
eastern cottontail|widely distributed in United States except northwest and far west regions
Eastern cottonwood|a common poplar of eastern and central United States;cultivated in United States for its rapid growth and luxuriant foliage and in Europe for timber
eastern cricket frog|a cricket frog of eastern United States
eastern dasyure|a variety of dasyure
eastern fence lizard|small active lizard of United States and north to British Columbia
eastern grey squirrel|common medium-large squirrel of eastern North America;now introduced into England
eastern ground snake|in some classifications placed in genus Haldea;small reddish-grey snake of eastern North America
eastern hemisphere|the hemisphere that includes Eurasia and Africa and Australia
eastern hemlock|common forest tree of the eastern United States and Canada;used especially for pulpwood
Eastern hop hornbeam|medium-sized hop hornbeam of eastern North America
eastern indigo snake|a variety of indigo snake
eastern kingbird|a kingbird that breeds in North America and winters in tropical America;distinguished by a white band on the tip of the tail
eastern lowland gorilla|a kind of gorilla
eastern meadowlark|a meadowlark of eastern North America
eastern narrow-mouthed toad|small toad of southeastern United States
eastern pipistrel|one of the smallest bats of eastern North America
eastern poison oak|poisonous shrub of southeastern United States causing a rash on contact
eastern red cedar|small juniper found east of Rocky Mountains having a conic crown, brown bark that peels in shreds, and small sharp needles
eastern red-backed salamander|common salamander of eastern North America
Eastern silvery aster|a variety of aster
Eastern Time|standard time in the 5th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian;used in the eastern United States
eastern woodrat|large greyish-brown wood rat of the southeastern United States
easterner|an inhabitant of an eastern area;especially of the U.S.
Eastertide|the Easter season
Eastman|United States inventor of a dry-plate process of developing photographic film and of flexible film (his firm introduced roll film) and of the box camera and of a process for color photography (1854-1932)
East-sider|a resident of the east side of Manhattan in New York City
east-west direction|in a direction parallel with lines of latitude
easy chair|a comfortable upholstered armchair
easy money|income obtained with a minimum of effort;the economic condition in which credit is easy to secure
easy street|financial security
easygoingness|being without worry or concern
eatage|bulky food like grass or hay for browsing or grazing horses or cattle
eater|any green goods that are good to eat - "these apples are good eaters";someone who consumes food for nourishment
eating|the act of consuming food
eating apple|an apple used primarily for eating raw without cooking
eating disorder|a disorder of the normal eating routine
Eau Claire|a town in west central Wisconsin
eau de vie|strong coarse brandy
eaves|the overhang at the lower edge of a roof
eavesdropper|a secret listener to private conversations
ebb|a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number);the outward flow of the tide
ebbtide|the tide while water is flowing out
Ebenaceae|fruit and timber trees of tropical and warm regions including ebony and persimmon
Ebenales|trees or shrubs of the families Ebenaceae or Sapotaceae or Styracaceae or Symplocaceae
EBITDA|income before interest and taxes and depreciation and amortization have been subtracted;an indicator of a company's profitability that is watched by investors (especially in leveraged buyouts)
eblis|(Islam) the principal evil jinni in Islamic mythology
Ebola hemorrhagic fever|a severe and often fatal disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys and chimpanzees) caused by the Ebola virus;characterized by high fever and severe internal bleeding;can be spread from person to person;is largely limited to Africa
Ebola virus|a filovirus that causes Ebola hemorrhagic fever;carried by animals;can be used as a bioweapon
ebony|hard dark-colored heartwood of the ebony tree;used in cabinetwork and for piano keys;tropical tree of southern Asia having hard dark-colored heartwood used in cabinetwork
ebony spleenwort|common North American fern with polished black stripes
Ebro|a river in northeastern Spain;flows into the Mediterranean
eburnation|a change that occurs in degenerative joint disease in which bone is converted into a dense smooth substance resembling ivory
Eburophyton|a monocotyledonous genus of the family Orchidaceae
ecarte|a card game for 2 players;played with 32 cards and king high
Ecballium|exploding cucumber;squirting cucumber
ecce homo|a representation (a picture or sculpture) of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns
eccentric|a person with an unusual or odd personality
eccentricity|(geometry) a ratio describing the shape of a conic section;the ratio of the distance between the foci to the length of the major axis - "a circle is an ellipse with zero eccentricity";a circularity that has a different center or deviates from a circular path;strange and unconventional behavior
ecchymosis|the escape of blood from ruptured blood vessels into the surrounding tissue to form a purple or black-and-blue spot on the skin;the purple or black-and-blue area resulting from a bruise
Eccles|Australian physiologist noted for his research on the conduction of impulses by nerve cells (1903-1997)
Eccles cake|a flat round cake of sweetened pastry filled with dried fruit
Ecclesiastes|an Old Testament book consisting of reflections on the vanity of human life;is traditionally attributed to Solomon but probably was written about 250 BC
ecclesiastical attire|attire that is appropriate to wear in a church
ecclesiastical mode|any of a system of modes used in Gregorian chants up until 1600;derived historically from the Greek mode
ecclesiastical province|the district within the jurisdiction of an archbishop or a metropolitan or one of the territorial divisions of an ecclesiastical order
ecclesiasticism|excessive adherence to ecclesiastical forms and activities - "their ecclesiasticism overwhelmed their religion";religion appropriate to a church and to ecclesiastical principles and practices
ecclesiology|the branch of theology concerned with the nature and the constitution and the functions of a church
eccrine gland|a small sweat gland that produces only a fluid;restricted to the human skin
echelon|a body of troops arranged in a line;a diffraction grating consisting of a pile of plates of equal thickness arranged stepwise with a constant offset
Echeneididae|fishes having a sucking disk on the head for clinging to other fishes and to ships
Echeneis|type genus of the Echeneididae;typical remoras
echidna|a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites;native to Australia;a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites;native to New Guinea
Echidnophaga|a genus of Siphonaptera
Echinacea|small genus of North American coarse perennial herbs
echinocactus|any cactus of the genus Echinocactus;strongly ribbed and very spiny;southwestern United States to Brazil
Echinocereus|large genus of low-growing shrubby ribbed cacti of Mexico and southwestern United States
Echinochloa|annual or perennial succulent grasses of warm regions
echinococcosis|infestation with larval echinococci (tapeworms)
echinococcus|tapeworms whose larvae are parasitic in humans and domestic animals
echinoderm|marine invertebrates with tube feet and five-part radially symmetrical bodies
echinoderm family|a family of echinoderms
echinoderm genus|a genus of echinoderms
Echinodermata|radially symmetrical marine invertebrates including e.g. starfish and sea urchins and sea cucumbers
Echinoidea|sea urchins and sand dollars
Echinops|genus of Mediterranean and Eurasian herbs;globe thistles
echinus|ovolo molding between the shaft and the abacus of a Doric column
Echium|a genus of bristly herbs and shrubs of the family Boraginaceae
Echo|(Greek mythology) a nymph who was spurned by Narcissus and pined away until only her voice remained;a close parallel of a feeling, idea, style, etc.;a reflected television or radio or radar beam;a reply that repeats what has just been said;an imitation or repetition;the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
echo chamber|an enclosed space for producing reverberation of a sound
echocardiogram|a graphical image of the heart produced by an echocardiograph
echocardiograph|a sonograph that creates an image of the heart and its abnormalities
echocardiography|a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study to structure and motions of the heart
echoencephalogram|a graphical image of the brain produced by an echoencephalograph
echoencephalograph|a sonograph that creates an image of the brain and its abnormalities
echoencephalography|a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study the anatomy of the brain
echolalia|(psychiatry) mechanical and meaningless repetition of the words of another person (as in schizophrenia);an infant's repetition of sounds uttered by others
echolocation|determining the location of something by measuring the time it takes for an echo to return from it
echovirus|any of a group of viruses associated with various diseases including viral meningitis and mild respiratory disorders and diarrhea in newborn infants
Eck|a German Roman Catholic theologian who was an indefatigable opponent of Martin Luther (1486-1543)
Eckhart|German Roman Catholic theologian and mystic (1260-1327)
eclair|oblong cream puff
eclampsia|a toxic condition characterized by convulsions and possibly coma during or immediately after pregnancy
eclat|brilliant or conspicuous success or effect - "the eclat of a great achievement"
eclectic|someone who selects according to the eclectic method
eclecticism|making decisions on the basis of what seems best instead of following some single doctrine or style
eclipse|one celestial body obscures another
ecliptic|the great circle representing the apparent annual path of the sun;the plane of the Earth's orbit around the sun;makes an angle of about 23 degrees with the equator - "all of the planets rotate the sun in approximately the same ecliptic"
eclogue|a short poem descriptive of rural or pastoral life
ecobabble|using the technical language of ecology to make the user seem ecologically aware
ecologist|a biologist who studies the relation between organisms and their environment
ecology|the branch of biology concerned with the relations between organisms and their environment;the environment as it relates to living organisms - "it changed the ecology of the island"
e-commerce|commerce conducted electronically (as on the internet)
econometrician|an economist who uses statistical and mathematical methods
econometrics|the application of mathematics and statistics to the study of economic and financial data
Economic and Social Council|a permanent council of the United Nations;responsible for economic and social conditions
Economic and Social Council commission|a commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
Economic Commission for Africa|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with economic development of African nations
Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with economic development of countries in Asia and the Far East
Economic Commission for Europe|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with economic development in Europe
Economic Commission for Latin America|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with economic development in Latin America
economic condition|the condition of the economy
economic geography|the branch of geography concerned with the production and distribution of commodities
economic geology|the branch of geology that deals with economically valuable geological materials
economic growth|steady growth in the productive capacity of the economy (and so a growth of national income)
economic libertarian|a libertarian who advocates maximizing individual rights and minimizing the role of the state
economic mobilization|mobilization of the economy
economic policy|a government policy for maintaining economic growth and tax revenues
economic process|any process affecting the production and development and management of material wealth
economic rent|the return derived from cultivated land in excess of that derived from the poorest land cultivated under similar conditions
economic strangulation|punishment of a group by cutting off commercial dealings with them - "the economic strangulation of the Jews by the Nazi Party"
economic theory|(economics) a theory of commercial activities (such as the production and consumption of goods)
economics|the branch of social science that deals with the production and distribution and consumption of goods and services and their management
economics department|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in economics
economics profession|the body of professional economists
economist|an expert in the science of economics
economizer|a frugal person who limits spending and avoids waste
economy|an act of economizing;reduction in cost - "it was a small economy to walk to work every day";frugality in the expenditure of money or resources - "the Scots are famous for their economy";the efficient use of resources - "economy of effort";the system of production and distribution and consumption
economy of scale|the saving in cost of production that is due to mass production
ecosystem|a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment
ecoterrorism|violence carried out to further the political or social objectives of the environmentalists
ecotourism|tourism to exotic or threatened ecosystems to observe wildlife or to help preserve nature
ecphonesis|an exclamatory rhetorical device
ecstasy|a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion - "listening to sweet music in a perfect rapture"- Charles Dickens;a state of elated bliss
ectasia|dilatation or distension of a hollow organ
ectoderm|the outer germ layer that develops into skin and nervous tissue
ectomorph|a person with a thin body
ectoparasite|any external parasitic organism (as fleas)
ectopia|abnormal position of a part or organ (especially at the time of birth)
ectopic pregnancy|pregnancy resulting from gestation elsewhere than in the uterus
Ectopistes|a genus of Columbidae
ectoplasm|(spiritualism) a substance supposed to emanate from the body of the medium during a trance;the outer granule-free layer of cytoplasm
ectoproct|sessile mossy aquatic animal having the anus of the polyp outside the crown of tentacles
Ectoprocta|coextensive with or a subphylum of Bryozoa
ectrodactyly|congenital abnormality involving the absence of some fingers or toes
Ecuador|a republic in northwestern South America;became independent from Spain in 1822;the landscape is dominated by the Andes
Ecuadoran monetary unit|monetary unit in Ecuador
Ecuadorian|a native or inhabitant of Ecuador
ecumenical council|(early Christian church) one of seven gatherings of bishops from around the known world under the presidency of the Pope to regulate matters of faith and morals and discipline - "the first seven councils through 787 are considered to be ecumenical councils by both the Roman Catholic church and the Eastern Orthodox church but the next fourteen councils are considered ecumenical only by the Roman Catholic church"
ecumenical movement|a movement aimed to promote understanding and cooperation among Christian churches;aimed ultimately at universal Christian unity
ecumenism|(Christianity) the doctrine of the ecumenical movement that promotes cooperation and better understanding among different religious denominations;aimed at universal Christian unity;a movement promoting union between religions (especially between Christian churches)
eczema|generic term for inflammatory conditions of the skin;particularly with vesiculation in the acute stages
eczema herpeticum|eczema characterized by a feverish condition and widespread eruption of vesicles;most common in children
eczema vaccinatum|a now rare complication of vaccinia superimposed on atopic dermatitis with high fever and generalized vesicles and papulovesicles
edacity|excessive desire to eat;extreme gluttony
Edam|mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
Edaphosauridae|a family of reptiles of the order Pelycosauria
edaphosaurus|heavy-bodied reptile with a dorsal sail or crest;of the late Paleozoic
Edda|either of two distinct works in Old Icelandic dating from the late 13th century and consisting of 34 mythological and heroic ballads composed between 800 and 1200;the primary source for Scandinavian mythology
Eddington|English astronomer remembered for his popular elucidation of relativity theory (1882-1944)
eddy|a miniature whirlpool or whirlwind resulting when the current of a fluid doubles back on itself;founder of Christian Science in 1866 (1821-1910)
edelweiss|alpine perennial plant native to Europe having leaves covered with whitish down and small flower heads held in stars of glistening whitish bracts
edema|swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities
Eden|a beautiful garden where Adam and Eve were placed at the Creation;when they disobeyed and ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil they were driven from their paradise (the fall of man);any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
Edentata|order of mammals having few or no teeth including;New World anteaters;sloths;armadillos
edentate|primitive terrestrial mammal with few if any teeth;of tropical Central America and South America
Ederle|United States swimmer who in 1926 became the first woman to swim the English Channel (1906-2003)
Edgar|the younger brother of Edwy who became king of Northumbria when it renounced Edwy;on Edwy's death he succeeded to the throne of England (944-975)
edge|a sharp side formed by the intersection of two surfaces of an object - "he rounded the edges of the box";a slight competitive advantage - "he had an edge on the competition";the attribute of urgency in tone of voice - "his voice had an edge to it";the boundary of a surface;the outside limit of an object or area or surface;a place farthest away from the center of something - "the edge of the leaf is wavy" - "she sat on the edge of the bed" - "the water's edge"
edge tool|any cutting tool with a sharp cutting edge (as a chisel or knife or plane or gouge)
edger|a person who puts finishing edges on a garment;garden tool for cutting grass around the edges of a yard
edginess|feelings of anxiety that make you tense and irritable
edging|border consisting of anything placed on the edge to finish something (such as a fringe on clothing or on a rug)
edibility|the property of being fit to eat
edible banana|widely cultivated species of banana trees bearing compact hanging clusters of commercially important edible yellow fruit
edible cockle|common edible European cockle
edible fat|oily or greasy matter making up the bulk of fatty tissue in animals and in seeds and other plant tissue
edible fruit|edible reproductive body of a seed plant especially one having sweet flesh
edible mussel|a mussel with a dark shell that lives attached to rocks
edible nut|a hard-shelled seed consisting of an edible kernel or meat enclosed in a woody or leathery shell
edible sea urchin|a sea urchin that can be eaten
edible seed|many are used as seasoning
edible snail|one of the chief edible snails
edible-pod pea|a variety of pea plant producing peas having soft thick edible pods lacking the fibrous inner lining of the common pea
edict|a formal or authoritative proclamation
edification|uplifting enlightenment
Edinburgh|the capital of Scotland;located in the Lothian Region on the south side of the Firth of Forth
Edirne|a city in northwestern Turkey;a Thracian town that was rebuilt and renamed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian
Edison|United States inventor;inventions included the phonograph and incandescent electric light and the microphone and the Kinetoscope (1847-1931)
editing|putting something (as a literary work or a legislative bill) into acceptable form
edition|all of the identical copies of something offered to the public at the same time - "the first edition appeared in 1920" - "it was too late for the morning edition" - "they issued a limited edition of Bach recordings";an issue of a newspaper - "he read it in yesterday's edition of the Times";the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published
editor|a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication;the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)
editor program|(computer science) a program designed to perform such editorial functions as rearrangement or modification or deletion of data
editorial department|the department of a publishing business that edits material for publication
editorship|the position of editor
Edmonton|the capital of the province of Alberta
Edmontonia|heavily armored and highly spiked dinosaur with semi-upright posture
edmontosaurus|duck-billed dinosaur from Canada found as a fossilized mummy with skin
Edmund I|king of the English who succeeded Athelstan;he drove out the Danes and made peace with Scotland (921-946)
Edmund II|king of the English who led resistance to Canute but was defeated and forced to divide the kingdom with Canute (980-1016)
Edo|a member of a west African people living in the tropical forest region of southern Nigeria
education|knowledge acquired by learning and instruction - "it was clear that he had a very broad education";the activities of educating or instructing;activities that impart knowledge or skill - "he received no formal education";the gradual process of acquiring knowledge - "education is a preparation for life" - "a girl's education was less important than a boy's";the profession of teaching (especially at a school or college or university);the result of good upbringing (especially knowledge of correct social behavior)
educational institution|an institution dedicated to education
educational program|a program for providing education
educationist|a specialist in the theory of education
educator|someone who educates young people
edutainment|entertainment that is intended to be educational
Edward|King of England and Ireland from 1547 to 1553;son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour;died of tuberculosis (1537-1553);King of England and Ireland in 1936;his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972);King of England from 1272 to 1307;conquered Wales (1239-1307);King of England from 1307 to 1327 and son of Edward I;was defeated at Bannockburn by the Scots led by Robert the Bruce;was deposed and died in prison (1284-1327);King of England from 1461 to 1470 and from 1471 to 1483;was dethroned in 1470 but regained the throne in 1471 by his victory at the battle of Tewkesbury (1442-1483);King of England from 1901 to 1910;son of Victoria and Prince Albert;famous for his elegant sporting ways (1841-1910);King of England who was crowned at the age of 13 on the death of his father Edward IV but was immediately confined to the Tower of London where he and his younger brother were murdered (1470-1483);son of Edward II and King of England from 1327-1377;his claim to the French throne provoked the Hundred Years' War;his reign was marked by an epidemic of the Black Plague and by the emergence of the House of Commons as the powerful arm of British Parliament (1312-1377);son of Edward III who defeated the French at Crecy and Poitiers in the Hundred Years' War (1330-1376);third son of Elizabeth II (born in 1964)
Edward the Confessor|son of Ethelred the Unready;King of England from 1042 to 1066;he founded Westminster Abbey where he was eventually buried (1003-1066)
Edward the Elder|king of Wessex whose military success against the Danes made it possible for his son Athelstan to become the first king of all England (870-924)
Edward the Martyr|King of England who was a son of Edgar;he was challenged for the throne by supporters of his half-brother Ethelred II who eventually murdered him (963-978)
Edwardian|someone belonging to (or as if belonging to) the era of Edward VII
Edwards|American theologian whose sermons and writings stimulated a period of renewed interest in religion in America (1703-1758)
Edwin|king of Northumbria who was converted to Christianity (585-633)
Edwy|King of England who was renounced by Northumbria in favor of his brother Edgar (died in 959)
eel|the fatty flesh of eel;an elongate fish found in fresh water in Europe and America;large eels are usually smoked or pickled;voracious snakelike marine or freshwater fishes with smooth slimy usually scaleless skin and having a continuous vertical fin but no ventral fins
Eelam|the independent state that the Tamil Tigers have fought for
eelblenny|eellike fishes found in subarctic coastal waters
eelgrass|submerged marine plant with very long narrow leaves found in abundance along North Atlantic coasts
eelpout|marine eellike mostly bottom-dwelling fishes of northern seas
eelworm|any of various small free-living plant-parasitic roundworms
eeriness|strangeness by virtue of being mysterious and inspiring fear
effacement|shortening of the uterine cervix and thinning of its walls as it is dilated during labor;withdrawing into the background;making yourself inconspicuous
effect|(of a law) having legal validity - "the law is still in effect";a symptom caused by an illness or a drug - "the effects of sleep loss" - "the effect of the anesthetic";an impression (especially one that is artificial or contrived) - "he just did it for effect";the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
effecter|one who brings about a result or event;one who accomplishes a purpose
effectiveness|power to be effective;the quality of being able to bring about an effect
effector|a nerve fiber that terminates on a muscle or gland and stimulates contraction or secretion;an organ (a gland or muscle) that becomes active in response to nerve impulses
effects|property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business - "she left some of her personal effects in the house" - "I watched over their effects until they returned"
effeminacy|the trait of being effeminate (derogatory of a man) - "the students associated science with masculinity and arts with effeminacy"
effendi|a former Turkish term of respect;especially for government officials
effervescence|the process of bubbling as gas escapes
efficacy|capacity or power to produce a desired effect - "concern about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine"
efficiency|skillfulness in avoiding wasted time and effort - "she did the work with great efficiency";the ratio of the output to the input of any system
efficiency apartment|a furnished apartment with a kitchenette and bathroom
efficiency expert|an expert in increasing the efficient use of machines and personnel
effigy|a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture) - "the coin bears an effigy of Lincoln"
effleurage|a rhythmic stroking - "effleurage of the abdomen is used in the Lamaze method of childbirth"
efflorescence|a powdery deposit on a surface
effluent|water mixed with waste matter
effluvium|a foul-smelling outflow or vapor (especially a gaseous waste)
effort|use of physical or mental energy;hard work - "he got an A for effort"
effortfulness|the quality of requiring deliberate effort
effortlessness|the quality of requiring little effort - "such effortlessness is achieved only after hours of practice"
effusion|an unrestrained expression of emotion;flow under pressure
effusiveness|a friendly open trait of a talkative person
eft|a newt in its terrestrial stage of development
Egadi Islands|a group of islands off the west coast of Sicily in the Mediterranean
egalitarian|a person who believes in the equality of all people
egalitarianism|the doctrine of the equality of mankind and the desirability of political and economic and social equality
egality|social and political equality - "egality represents an extreme leveling of society"
Egbert|king of Wessex whose military victories made Wessex the most powerful kingdom in England (died in 839)
Egeria|small genus of dioecious tropical aquatic plants
egg|animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum or embryo together with nutritive and protective envelopes;especially the thin-shelled reproductive body laid by e.g. female birds;oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
egg cream|made of milk and flavored syrup with soda water
egg foo yong|omelet containing onions and celery and chopped meat or fish
egg noodle|narrow strip of pasta dough made with eggs
egg roll|minced vegetables and meat wrapped in a pancake and fried
egg timer|a sandglass that runs for three minutes;used to time the boiling of eggs
egg white|the white part of an egg;the nutritive and protective gelatinous substance surrounding the yolk consisting mainly of albumin dissolved in water
egg yolk|the yellow spherical part of an egg that is surrounded by the albumen
egg-and-dart|a decorative molding;a series of egg-shaped figures alternating with another shape
eggar|moth having nonfunctional mouthparts as adults;larvae feed on tree foliage and spin egg-shaped cocoons
eggbeater|a mixer for beating eggs or whipping cream
eggcup|dishware consisting of a small cup for serving a boiled egg
eggdrop soup|made by stirring beaten eggs into a simmering broth
egghead|an intellectual;a very studious and academic person - "in spite of her love of reading she denied being an egghead"
eggnog|a punch made of sweetened milk or cream mixed with eggs and usually alcoholic liquor
eggplant|egg-shaped vegetable having a shiny skin typically dark purple but occasionally white or yellow;hairy upright herb native to southeastern Asia but widely cultivated for its large glossy edible fruit commonly used as a vegetable
eggs Benedict|toasted English muffin topped with ham and a poached egg (or an oyster) and hollandaise sauce
eggshake|a milkshake with egg in it
Eglevsky|United States ballet dancer (born in Russia) (1917-1977)
ego|(psychoanalysis) the conscious mind;an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
ego ideal|(psychoanalysis) the part of the ego that contains an ideal of personal excellence toward which a person strives
egocentric|a self-centered person with little regard for others
egoism|(ethics) the theory that the pursuit of your own welfare in the basis of morality;concern for your own interests and welfare
egomania|an intense and irresistible love for yourself and concern for your own needs
egomaniac|an abnormally egotistical person
egotism|an exaggerated opinion of your own importance
egotist|a conceited and self-centered person
egress|(astronomy) the reappearance of a celestial body after an eclipse;the act of coming (or going) out;becoming apparent
egret|any of various usually white herons having long plumes during breeding season
Egretta|small Old and New World herons
Egypt|a republic in northeastern Africa known as the United Arab Republic until 1971;site of an ancient civilization that flourished from 2600 to 30 BC
Egyptian|a native or inhabitant of Egypt;the ancient and now extinct language of Egypt under the Pharaohs;written records date back to 3000 BC
Egyptian cat|a domestic cat of Egypt
Egyptian cotton|fine somewhat brownish long-staple cotton grown in Egypt;believed to be derived from sea island cotton or by hybridization with Peruvian cotton
Egyptian deity|a deity worshipped by the ancient Egyptians
Egyptian Empire|an ancient empire to the west of Israel;centered on the Nile River and ruled by a Pharaoh;figured in many events described in the Old Testament
Egyptian grass|a creeping grass with spikes like fingers
Egyptian henbane|poisonous herb whose leaves are a source of hyoscyamine
Egyptian monetary unit|monetary unit in Egypt
Egyptian pound|the basic unit of money in Egypt;equal to 100 piasters
Egyptian vulture|small mostly white vulture of Africa and southern Eurasia
Egyptologist|an archeologist who specializes in Egyptology
Egyptology|archeology of ancient Egyptian artifacts
Ehadhamen|city in Tunisia
Ehrenberg|Russian novelist (1891-1967)
Ehrlich|German bacteriologist who found a 'magic bullet' to cure syphilis and was a pioneer in the study of immunology (1854-1915)
Eichhornia|water hyacinth;water orchid
Eichmann|Austrian who became the Nazi official who administered the concentration camps where millions of Jews were murdered during World War II (1906-1962)
eicosapentaenoic acid|an omega-3 fatty acid with 20 carbon atoms;found in fish (especially tuna and bluefish)
eider|duck of the northern hemisphere much valued for the fine soft down of the females
eiderdown|a soft quilt usually filled with the down of the eider;down of the eider duck
eidos|(anthropology) the distinctive expression of the cognitive or intellectual character of a culture or a social group
Eiffel|French engineer who constructed the Eiffel Tower (1832-1923)
Eiffel Tower|a wrought iron tower 300 meters high that was constructed in Paris in 1889;for many years it was the tallest man-made structure
Eigen|German chemist who did research on high-speed chemical reactions (born in 1927)
eigenvalue|(mathematics) any number such that a given square matrix minus that number times the identity matrix has a zero determinant
eight|the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
eight ball|a black pool ball bearing the number 8;should be the last to go in certain pool games
eighteen|the cardinal number that is the sum of seventeen and one
eighteenth|position 18 in a countable series of things
Eighteenth Amendment|an amendment to the Constitution of the United States adopted in 1920;prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages;repealed in 1932
eighth|position eight in a countable series of things
eighth note|a musical note having the time value of an eighth of a whole note
eighties|the decade from 1880 to 1889;the decade from 1980 to 1989;the time of life between 80 and 90
eightieth|position 80 in a countable series of things
eightpence|a coin worth eight pennies
eightpenny nail|a nail 2.5 inches long
eightsome|a Scottish reel for eight dancers
eight-spot|one of four playing cards in a deck with eight pips on the face
eighty|the cardinal number that is the product of ten and eight
Eijkman|Dutch physician who discovered that beriberi is caused by a nutritional deficiency (1858-1930)
Eimeriidae|a family of protoctist in the order Coccidia
Eindhoven|city in southeastern Netherlands noted for electrical industry
Einstein|physicist born in Germany who formulated the special theory of relativity and the general theory of relativity;Einstein also proposed that light consists of discrete quantized bundles of energy (later called photons) (1879-1955)
einsteinium|a radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
Einthoven|Dutch physiologist who devised the first electrocardiograph (1860-1927)
Eira|a genus of Mustelidae
eisegesis|personal interpretation of a text (especially of the Bible) using your own ideas
Eisenhower|United States general who supervised the invasion of Normandy and the defeat of Nazi Germany;34th President of the United States (1890-1961)
Eisenstaedt|United States photographer (born in Germany) whose unposed documentary photographs created photojournalism (born in 1898)
Eisenstein|Russian film maker who pioneered the use of montage and is considered among the most influential film makers in the history of motion pictures (1898-1948)
eisteddfod|any of several annual Welsh festivals involving artistic competitions (especially in singing)
eitchen midden|(archeology) a mound of domestic refuse containing shells and animal bones marking the site of a prehistoric settlement
ejaculation|an abrupt emphatic exclamation expressing emotion;the discharge of semen in males
ejaculator|a man who ejaculates semen;a speaker who utters a sudden exclamation
ejaculatory duct|a part of the seminal duct formed by the duct from the seminal vesicle and the vas deferens;passes through the prostate gland
ejection|the act of forcing out someone or something - "the ejection of troublemakers by the police"
ejection seat|a pilot's seat in an airplane that can be forcibly ejected in the case of an emergency;then the pilot descends by parachute
Ekman|Swedish oceanographer who recognized the role of the Coriolis effect on ocean currents (1874-1954)
El Aaium|a town in Morocco near the Atlantic coast
El Alamein|a pitched battle in World War II (1942) resulting in a decisive Allied victory by British troops under Montgomery over German troops under Rommel;a village to the west of Alexandria on the northern coast of Egypt;the scene of a decisive Allied victory over the Germans in 1942
El Cid|the hero of a Spanish epic poem from the 12th century
El Dorado|an imaginary place of great wealth and opportunity;sought in South America by 16th-century explorers
El Greco|Spanish painter (born in Greece) remembered for his religious works characterized by elongated human forms and dramatic use of color (1541-1614)
El Libertador|a mountain in the Andes in Argentina (22,047 feet high)
El Misti|the world's 2nd largest active volcano;located in the Andes in southern Peru
El Muerto|a mountain peak in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile (21,457 feet high)
El Nino|(oceanography) a warm ocean current that flows along the equator from the date line and south off the coast of Ecuador at Christmas time;the Christ child
El Nino southern oscillation|a more intense El Nino that occurs every few years when the welling up of cold nutrient-rich water does not occur;kills plankton and fish and affects weather patterns
El Paso|a city in western Texas on the Mexican border;located on the northern bank of the Rio Grande across from the Mexican city of Juarez
El Salvador|a republic on the Pacific coast of Central America
El Salvadoran monetary unit|monetary unit in El Salvador
elaborateness|marked by elaborately complex detail
elaboration|developing in intricate and painstaking detail
Elaeagnaceae|shrubs or small trees often armed
Elaeagnus|oleaster
Elaeis|oil palms
Elaeocarpaceae|genus of trees and shrubs widely distributed in warm regions some yielding useful timber;in some classifications included in the family Santalaceae
Elaeocarpus|type genus of the family Elaeocarpaceae
Elagatis|a genus of Carangidae
elaidic acid|a monounsaturated fatty acid that has the same structure as oleic acid except that it is a trans fatty acid;the major trans fatty acid in margarine and fried foods
Elam|an ancient country in southwestern Asia to the east of the Tigris River (in what is modern Iran);was known for its warlike people
Elamite|a member of an ancient warlike people living in Elam east of Babylonia as early as 3000 BC
Elamitic|an extinct ancient language of unknown affinities;spoken by the Elamites
elan|enthusiastic and assured vigor and liveliness - "a performance of great elan and sophistication"
eland|either of two large African antelopes of the genus Taurotragus having short spirally twisted horns in both sexes
Elanoides|a genus of kites
Elanus|a genus of small kites of both Old and New Worlds
Elaphe|North American rat snakes
Elaphurus|a genus of Cervidae
elapid|any of numerous venomous fanged snakes of warmer parts of both hemispheres
Elapidae|cobras;kraits;mambas;coral snakes;Australian taipan and tiger snakes
elapsed time|the time that elapses while some event is occurring
elasmobranch|any of numerous fishes of the class Chondrichthyes characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton and placoid scales;sharks;rays;skates
Elasmobranchii|sharks;rays;dogfishes;skates
elastance|the reciprocal of capacitance
elastance unit|the reciprocal of capacitance
elastase|a pancreatic enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of elastin
elastic|a fabric made of yarns containing an elastic material
elastic bandage|a bandage containing stretchable material that can apply local pressure
elastic device|any flexible device that will return to its original shape when stretched
elastic energy|potential energy that is stored when a body is deformed (as in a coiled spring)
elastic tissue|connective tissue consisting chiefly of elastic fibers found in the dermis of the skin and in the walls of veins and arteries and in some tendons and ligaments
elasticity|the tendency of a body to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed
elasticity of shear|the elasticity of a body that has been pulled out of shape by a shearing force
elastin|a fibrous scleroprotein found in elastic tissues such as the walls of arteries
elastomer|any of various elastic materials that resemble rubber (resumes its original shape when a deforming force is removed)
Elastoplast|an elastic adhesive bandage for covering cuts or wounds
elastosis|breakdown of elastic tissue (as the loss of elasticity in the skin of elderly people that results from degeneration of connective tissue)
elaterid beetle|any of various widely distributed beetles
Elateridae|click beetles and certain fireflies
elation|a feeling of joy and pride;an exhilarating psychological state of pride and optimism;an absence of depression
Elbe|a river in central Europe that arises in northwestern Czechoslovakia and flows northward through Germany to empty into the North Sea
elbow|a length of pipe with a sharp bend in it;a sharp bend in a road or river;hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped;the joint of a mammal or bird that corresponds to the human elbow;the part of a sleeve that covers the elbow joint - "his coat had patches over the elbows"
elbow pad|protective garment consisting of a pad worn over the elbow by football and hockey players
elbowing|jostling with the elbows - "elbowing is a foul in basketball"
elder|a person who is older than you are;any of numerous shrubs or small trees of temperate and subtropical northern hemisphere having white flowers and berrylike fruit;any of various church officers
elder statesman|an elderly statesman whose advice is sought be government leaders;any influential person whose advice is highly respected
elderberry|berrylike fruit of an elder used for e.g. wines and jellies
eldership|the office of elder
eldest hand|the card player on the dealer's left
Eleanor of Aquitaine|queen of France as the wife of Louis VII;that marriage was annulled in 1152 and she then married Henry II and became Queen of England (1122-1204)
elecampane|tall coarse Eurasian herb having daisylike yellow flowers with narrow petals whose rhizomatous roots are used medicinally
elected official|official who won the office in a free election
election|a vote to select the winner of a position or political office - "the results of the election will be announced tonight";the act of selecting someone or something;the exercise of deliberate choice - "her election of medicine as a profession";the predestination of some individuals as objects of divine mercy (especially as conceived by Calvinists);the status or fact of being elected - "they celebrated his election"
election commission|a commission delegated to supervise an election
election fraud|misrepresentation or alteration of the true results of an election
electioneering|persuasion of voters in a political campaign
elective course|a course that the student can select from among alternatives
Elector|any of the German princes who were entitled to vote in the election of new emperor of the Holy Roman Empire
electoral college|the body of electors who formally elect the United States president and vice president
electorate|the body of enfranchised citizens;those qualified to vote
Electra|(Greek mythology) the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra;persuaded her brother (Orestes) to avenge Agamemnon's death by helping her to kill Clytemnestra and her lover (Aegisthus)
Electra complex|a complex of females;sexual attraction to the father
electric|a car that is powered by electricity
electric bell|a bell activated by the magnetic effect of an electric current
electric bill|a bill for money owed for electricity used
electric blanket|a blanket containing and electric heating element that can be controlled to the desired temperature by a rheostat
electric burn|a burn caused by heat produced by an electric current
electric catfish|freshwater catfish of the Nile and tropical central Africa having an electric organ
electric chair|an instrument of execution by electrocution;resembles an ordinary seat for one person
electric clock|a clock using a small electric motor
electric dipole|a dipole with equal and opposite electric charges
electric dipole moment|the dipole moment in an electric dipole
electric drill|a rotating power drill powered by an electric motor
electric eel|eel-shaped freshwater fish of South America having electric organs in its body
electric fan|a fan run by an electric motor
electric field|a field of force surrounding a charged particle
electric frying pan|a frying pan heated by electricity
electric furnace|any furnace in which the heat is provided by an electric current
electric guitar|a guitar whose sound is amplified by electrical means
electric hammer|a hammer driven by electric motor
electric heater|a small electric space heater
electric lamp|a lamp powered by electricity
electric locomotive|a locomotive that is powered by an electric motor
electric main|a main that distributes electricity
electric meter|a meter for measuring the amount of electric power used
electric mixer|a food mixer powered by an electric motor
electric motor|a motor that converts electricity to mechanical work
electric organ|(music) an electronic simulation of a pipe organ
electric potential|the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts
electric range|a kitchen range in which the heat for cooking is provided by electric power
electric ray|any sluggish bottom-dwelling ray of the order Torpediniformes having a rounded body and electric organs on each side of the head capable of emitting strong electric discharges
electric refrigerator|a refrigerator in which the coolant is pumped around by an electric motor
electric resistance|a material's opposition to the flow of electric current;measured in ohms
electric shock|a reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body - "subjects received a small electric shock when they made the wrong response";the use of electricity to administer punishment or torture - "they used cattle prods to administer electric shocks";trauma caused by the passage of electric current through the body (as from contact with high voltage lines or being struck by lightning);usually involves burns and abnormal heart rhythm and unconsciousness
electric socket|a socket into which a lightbulb can be inserted
electric toothbrush|a toothbrush with an electric motor in the handle that vibrates the head of the brush
electric typewriter|a typewriter powered by an electric motor
electrical cable|a cable that provides an electrical connection for telephone or television or power stations
electrical conduction|the passage of electricity through a conductor
electrical contact|contact that allows current to pass from one conductor to another
electrical converter|converter that converts alternating current into direct current or vice versa
electrical device|a device that produces or is powered by electricity
electrical discharge|a discharge of electricity
electrical disturbance|electrical signals produced by unwanted sources (atmospherics or receiver noise or unwanted transmitters)
electrical engineer|a person trained in practical applications of the theory of electricity
electrical engineering|the branch of engineering science that studies the uses of electricity and the equipment for power generation and distribution and the control of machines and communication
electrical line of force|a line of force in an electrical field
electrical phenomenon|a physical phenomenon involving electricity
electrical power|the product of voltage and current
electrical system|equipment in a motor vehicle that provides electricity to start the engine and ignite the fuel and operate the lights and windshield wiper and heater and air conditioner and radio;utility that provides electricity
electrical work|the craft of an electrician
electric-discharge lamp|an electric lamp in which the light comes from an electric discharge between two electrodes in a glass tube
electrician|a person who installs or repairs electrical or telephone lines
electricity|a physical phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons and protons;energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor - "they built a car that runs on electricity";keen and shared excitement - "the stage crackled with electricity whenever she was on it"
electrification|the act of providing electricity - "the electrification of rural Tennessee";the activity of thrilling or markedly exciting some person or group
electro-acoustic transducer|a transducer that converts electrical to acoustic energy or vice versa
electrocardiogram|a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
electrocautery|application of a needle heated by an electric current to destroy tissue (as to remove warts)
electrochemistry|branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical action of electricity and the production of electricity by chemical reactions
electroconvulsive therapy|the administration of a strong electric current that passes through the brain to induce convulsions and coma
electrocution|execution by electricity;killing by electric shock
electrocutioner|an executioner who uses electricity to kill the condemned person
electrode|a conductor used to make electrical contact with some part of a circuit
electrodeposition|the deposition of a substance on an electrode by the action of electricity (especially by electrolysis)
electrodynamometer|measuring instrument that uses the interaction of the magnetic fields of two coils to measure current or voltage or power
electroencephalogram|a graphical record of electrical activity of the brain;produced by an electroencephalograph
electroencephalograph|medical instrument that records electric currents generated by the brain
electrograph|an apparatus for the electrical transmission of pictures;electrical device used for etching by electrolytic means
electrologist|someone skilled in the use of electricity to remove moles or warts or hair roots
electrolysis|(chemistry) a chemical decomposition reaction produced by passing an electric current through a solution containing ions;removing superfluous or unwanted hair by passing an electric current through the hair root
electrolyte|a solution that conducts electricity - "the proper amount and distribution of electrolytes in the body is essential for health"
electrolyte balance|an equilibrium between the amounts of electrolytes (as calcium and sodium and potassium) that is essential for normal health and functioning
electrolytic|a fixed capacitor consisting of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte
electrolytic cell|a cell containing an electrolyte in which an applied voltage causes a reaction to occur that would not occur otherwise (such as the breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen)
electromagnet|a temporary magnet made by coiling wire around an iron core;when current flows in the coil the iron becomes a magnet
electromagnetic delay line|a delay line based on the time of propagation of electromagnetic waves
electromagnetic interaction|an interaction between charged elementary particles that is intermediate in strength between the strong and weak interactions;mediated by photons
electromagnetic intrusion|the deliberate insertion of electromagnetic energy into transmission paths with the objective of confusing or deceiving operators
electromagnetic radiation|radiation consisting of waves of energy associated with electric and magnetic fields resulting from the acceleration of an electric charge
electromagnetic spectrum|the entire frequency range of electromagnetic waves
electromagnetic unit|any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
electromagnetism|magnetism produced by an electric current - "electromagnetism was discovered when it was observed that a copper wire carrying an electric current can magnetize pieces of iron or steel near it";the branch of physics concerned with electromagnetic phenomena
electromechanical device|a mechanical device that is operated by electricity
electrometer|meter to measure electrostatic voltage differences;draws no current from the source
electromotive series|a serial arrangement of metallic elements or ions according to their electrode potentials determined under specified conditions;the order shows the tendency of one metal to reduce the ions of any other metal below it in the series
electromyogram|a graphical record of electric currents associated with muscle contractions
electromyograph|a medical instrument that records the electrical waves associated with the activity of skeletal muscles
electromyography|diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders with the use of an electromyograph
electron|an elementary particle with negative charge
electron accelerator|collider that consists of an accelerator that collides electrons and positrons
electron gun|the electrode that is the source of electrons in a cathode-ray tube or electron microscope;consists of a cathode that emits a stream of electrons and the electrostatic or electromagnetic apparatus that focuses it
electron microscope|a microscope that is similar in purpose to a light microscope but achieves much greater resolving power by using a parallel beam of electrons to illuminate the object instead of a beam of light
electron microscopy|microscopy with the use of electron microscopes
electron multiplier|a vacuum tube that amplifies a flow of electrons
electron optics|the branch of electronics that deals with beams of electrons and their focusing and deflection by magnetic fields
electron shell|a grouping of electrons surrounding the nucleus of an atom - "the chemical properties of an atom are determined by the outermost electron shell"
electron spin resonance|microwave spectroscopy in which there is resonant absorption of radiation by a paramagnet
electron volt|a unit of energy equal to the work done by an electron accelerated through a potential difference of 1 volt
electronegativity|(chemistry) the tendency of an atom or radical to attract electrons in the formation of an ionic bond
electronic balance|a balance that generates a current proportional to the displacement of the pan
electronic communication|communication by computer
electronic converter|(telecommunication) converter for converting a signal from one frequency to another
electronic counter-countermeasures|electronic warfare undertaken to insure effective friendly use of the electromagnetic spectrum in spite of the enemy's use of electronic warfare
electronic countermeasures|electronic warfare undertaken to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum
electronic data processing|automatic data processing by electronic means without the use of tabulating cards or punched tapes
electronic database|(computer science) a database that can be accessed by computers
electronic deception|the deliberate use of electromagnetic energy in a manner intended to convey misleading information
electronic device|a device that accomplishes its purpose electronically
electronic equipment|equipment that involves the controlled conduction of electrons (especially in a gas or vacuum or semiconductor)
electronic fetal monitor|an electronic monitor that monitors fetal heartbeat and the mother's uterine contractions during childbirth
electronic instrument|a musical instrument that generates sounds electronically
electronic mail|(computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in - "you cannot send packages by electronic mail"
electronic reconnaissance|the detection and identification and evaluation and location of foreign electromagnetic radiations (other than radioactive)
electronic signal|a signal generated by electronic means
electronic surveillance|surveillance by electronic means (e.g. television)
electronic text|text that is in a form that computer can store or display on a computer screen
electronic voltmeter|a voltmeter whose sensitivity is increased by amplification
electronic warfare|military action involving the use of electromagnetic energy to determine or exploit or reduce or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum
electronic warfare-support measures|electronic warfare undertaken under direct control of an operational commander to locate sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition
electronics|the branch of physics that deals with the emission and effects of electrons and with the use of electronic devices
electronics company|a company that makes and sells electronic instruments
electronics industry|the manufacturers of electronic products considered collectively
electronics intelligence|intelligence derived from electromagnetic radiations from foreign sources (other than radioactive sources)
electrophoresis|the motion of charged particles in a colloid under the influence of an electric field;particles with a positive charge go to the cathode and negative to the anode
Electrophoridae|small family comprising the electric eels
electrophorus|a simple electrostatic generator that generates repeated charges of static electricity;type genus of the family Electrophoridae;electric eels
electroplate|any artifact that has been plated with a thin coat of metal by electrolysis
electroplater|a plater who uses electrolysis
electroretinogram|a graphical recording of the electrical activity of the retina that results when light is flashed into the eye
electroscope|measuring instrument that detects electric charge;two gold leaves diverge owing to repulsion of charges with like sign
electrosleep|unconsciousness brought about by the passage of a low voltage electric current through the brain
electrostatic charge|the electric charge at rest on the surface of an insulated body (which establishes and adjacent electrostatic field)
electrostatic field|electric field associated with static electric charges
electrostatic generator|electrical device that produces a high voltage by building up a charge of static electricity
electrostatic precipitation|a process that removes suspended dust particles from a gas by applying a high voltage electrostatic charge to the particles and collecting them on charged plates
electrostatic printer|a printer that uses an electric charge to deposit toner on paper
electrostatic unit|any of various units of electricity based on forces of interaction between electric charges
electrostatics|the branch of physics that deals with static electricity
electrosurgery|surgery performed with electrical devices (as in electrocautery)
electrotherapist|someone who specializes in the treatment of disease by electricity
electrotherapy|the therapeutic application of electricity to the body (as in the treatment of various forms of paralysis)
electrum|an alloy of gold and silver
elegance|a quality of neatness and ingenious simplicity in the solution of a problem (especially in science or mathematics) - "the simplicity and elegance of his invention";a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste - "she conveys an aura of elegance and gentility"
elegant brodiaea|brodiaea having an umbel of violet or blue-violet flowers atop a leafless stalk;northern Oregon to southern California
elegant Habenaria|slender inland rein orchid similar to coastal rein orchid but with pale greenish-yellow flowers
elegiac stanza|a quatrain in iambic pentameter with abab rhyme scheme
elegist|the author of a mournful poem lamenting the dead
elegy|a mournful poem;a lament for the dead
element|a straight line that generates a cylinder or cone;one of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe - "the alchemists believed that there were four elements";the most favorable environment for a plant or animal - "water is the element of fishes";the situation in which you are happiest and most effective - "in your element"
element of a cone|a straight line joining the apex and a point on the base
element of a cylinder|a straight line running the length of the cylinder
elementary education|education in elementary subjects (reading and writing and arithmetic) provided to young students at a grade school
elementary geometry|(mathematics) geometry based on Euclid's axioms
elementary particle|(physics) a particle that is less complex than an atom;regarded as constituents of all matter
elements|violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements) - "they felt the full fury of the elements"
elemi|fragrant resin obtain from trees of the family Burseraceae and used as incense
Eleocharis|sedges having dense spikes of flowers and leaves reduced to basal sheaths
eleostearic acid|a crystalline unsaturated fatty acid
Eleotridae|sleepers
elephant|five-toed pachyderm;the symbol of the Republican Party;introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874
elephant bird|huge (to 9 ft.) extinct flightless bird of Madagascar
elephant seal|either of two large northern Atlantic earless seals having snouts like trunks
elephant tree|small tree or shrub of the southwestern United States having a spicy odor and odd-pinnate leaves and small clusters of white flowers
elephantiasis|hypertrophy of certain body parts (usually legs and scrotum);the end state of the disease filariasis
elephantiasis neuromatosa|hypertrophy of a limb
elephantiasis scroti|swelling of the scrotum resulting from chronic lymphatic obstruction
Elephantidae|elephants
Elephantopus|perennial American herb
elephant's-foot|any plant of the genus Elephantopus having heads of blue or purple flowers;America;South African vine having a massive rootstock covered with deeply fissured bark
Elephas|type genus of the family Elephantidae
Elettaria|cardamom
Eleusine|annual and perennial grasses of savannas and upland grasslands
Eleutherodactylus|completely terrestrial robber frogs
elevated railway|a railway that is powered by electricity and that runs on a track that is raised above the street level
elevation|(ballet) the height of a dancer's leap or jump - "a dancer of exceptional elevation";angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object);distance of something above a reference point (such as sea level) - "there was snow at the higher elevations";drawing of an exterior of a structure;the event of something being raised upward - "an elevation of the temperature in the afternoon"
elevator|lifting device consisting of a platform or cage that is raised and lowered mechanically in a vertical shaft in order to move people from one floor to another in a building;the airfoil on the tailplane of an aircraft that makes it ascend or descend
elevator girl|a girl employed to operate an elevator
elevator man|a man employed to operate an elevator - "in England they call an elevator man a liftman"
elevator operator|an operator of an elevator
elevator shaft|a vertical shaft in a building to permit the passage of an elevator from floor to floor
eleven|the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and one
eleven-plus|(formerly in Britain) an examination taken by 11 and 12 year old students to select suitable candidates for grammar school
eleventh|position 11 in a countable series of things
eleventh hour|the latest possible moment - "money became available at the eleventh hour"
elf|(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
elf cup|apothecium of a fungus of the family Pezizaceae
Elgar|British composer of choral and orchestral works including two symphonies as well as songs and chamber music and music for brass band (1857-1934)
Elgin Marbles|a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures and fragments of architecture created by Phidias;chiefly from the Parthenon in Athens
eligibility|the quality or state of being eligible - "eligibility of a candidate for office" - "eligibility for a loan"
Elijah|a Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament who opposed the worship of idols;he was persecuted for rebuking Ahab and Jezebel (king and queen of Israel);he was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire (circa 9th century BC)
elimination|analysis of a problem into alternative possibilities followed by the systematic rejection of unacceptable alternatives;the act of removing an unknown mathematical quantity by combining equations;the act of removing or getting rid of something;the bodily process of discharging waste matter;the murder of a competitor
elimination reaction|a chemical reaction in which a molecule decomposes to two different molecules
elimination tournament|a tournament in which losers are eliminated in successive rounds
eliminator|an agent that eliminates something
Eliomys|lerots
Eliot|British poet (born in the United States) who won the Nobel prize for literature;his plays are outstanding examples of modern verse drama (1888-1965);British writer of novels characterized by realistic analysis of provincial Victorian society (1819-1880)
elision|omission of a sound between two words (usually a vowel and the end of one word or the beginning of the next)
elite|a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
elitism|the attitude that society should be governed by an elite group of individuals
elitist|someone who believes in rule by an elite group
elixir|a substance believed to cure all ills;a sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste
elixir of life|a hypothetical substance believed to maintain life indefinitely;once sought by alchemists
Elizabeth|daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-) - "Elizabeth II is the head of state in Great Britain";Queen of England from 1558 to 1603;daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn;she succeeded Mary I (who was a Catholic) and restored Protestantism to England;during her reign Mary Queen of Scots was executed and the Spanish Armada was defeated;her reign was marked by prosperity and literary genius (1533-1603)
Elizabeth River|a short river in southeastern Virginia flowing between Norfolk and Portsmouth into Hampton Roads
Elizabethan|a person who lived during the reign of Elizabeth I - "William Shakespeare was an Elizabethan"
Elizabethan age|a period in British history during the reign of Elizabeth I in the 16th century;an age marked by literary achievement and domestic prosperity
elk|large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male;called 'elk' in Europe and 'moose' in North America
ell|an extension at the end and at right angles to the main building
Elli|(Norse mythology) goddess of old age who defeated Thor in a wrestling match
Ellington|United States jazz composer and piano player and bandleader (1899-1974)
Elliott's goldenrod|a variety of goldenrod
ellipse|a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it - "the sums of the distances from the foci to any point on an ellipse is constant"
ellipsis|omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences
ellipsoid|a surface whose plane sections are all ellipses or circles - "the Earth is an ellipsoid"
elliptic geometry|(mathematics) a non-Euclidean geometry that regards space as like a sphere and a line as like a great circle - "Bernhard Riemann pioneered elliptic geometry"
elliptic leaf|a simple leaf shaped like an ellipse
Ellis Island|an island in New York Bay that was formerly the principal immigration station for the United States - "some twelve millions immigrants passed through Ellis Island"
Ellison|United States novelist who wrote about a young Black man and his struggles in American society (1914-1994)
Ellsworth|United States jurist and the third chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1745-1807)
elm|any of various trees of the genus Ulmus;important timber or shade trees;hard tough wood of an elm tree;used for e.g. implements and furniture
Elmont|a town on Long Island in New York;site of Belmont Park
elocution|an expert manner of speaking involving control of voice and gesture
elocutionist|a public speaker trained in voice production and gesture and delivery
Elodea|submerged freshwater perennials
elongation|an addition to the length of something;the act of lengthening something;the quality of being elongated
elopement|the act of running away with a lover (usually to get married)
Elopidae|tarpons and ladyfishes
Elops|type genus of the Elopidae;tenpounder
eloquence|powerful and effective language - "his eloquence attracted a large congregation"
elsholtzia|any of various aromatic herbs of the genus Elsholtzia having blue or purple flowers in one-sided spikes
eluate|a liquid solution that results from elution
elucidation|an act of explaining that serves to clear up and cast light on
Elul|the twelfth month of the civil year;the sixth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in August and September)
elusiveness|the quality of being difficult to grasp or pin down - "the author's elusiveness may at times be construed as evasiveness"
elution|the process of extracting one material from another by washing with a solvent to remove adsorbed material from an adsorbent (as in washing of loaded ion-exchange resins to remove captured ions);used to obtain uranium ions
elver|young eel;young eel;may be sauteed or batter-fried
elves|an acronym for emissions of light and very low frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources;extremely bright extremely short (less than a msec) electrical flashes forming a huge ring (up to 400 km diameter) in the ionosphere
Elymus|tall tufted perennial grasses (such as lyme grass or wild rye)
Elysium|(Greek mythology) the abode of the blessed after death;a place or condition of ideal happiness
em|a linear unit (1/6 inch) used in printing;a quad with a square body - "since 'em quad' is hard to distinguish from 'en quad', printers sometimes called it a 'mutton quad'"
emanation|(theology) the origination of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost - "the emanation of the Holy Spirit";something that is emitted or radiated (as a gas or an odor or a light, etc.)
emancipation|freeing someone from the control of another;especially a parent's relinquishing authority and control over a minor child
emancipator|someone who frees others from bondage
emarginate leaf|a leaf having a notch at the apex
emasculation|loss of power and masculinity
embalmer|a mortician who treats corpses with preservatives
embalmment|preservation (of a dead body) by treating with balsams and drugs and other chemicals
embankment|a long artificial mound of stone or earth;built to hold back water or to support a road or as protection
embargo|a government order imposing a trade barrier
embarrassment|some event that causes someone to be embarrassed - "the outcome of the vote was an embarrassment for the liberals";the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public;the state of being embarrassed (usually by some financial inadequacy) - "he is currently suffering financial embarrassments"
embassy|a diplomatic building where ambassadors live or work;an ambassador and his entourage collectively
embellishment|a superfluous ornament;elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail - "the mystery has been heightened by many embellishments in subsequent retellings"
ember|a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering
Ember Day|a day set aside for fasting and prayer
Emberiza|Old World buntings
Emberizidae|buntings and some New World sparrows
embezzlement|the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property entrusted to your care but actually owned by someone else
embezzler|someone who violates a trust by taking (money) for his own use
Embioptera|web spinners
Embiotocidae|viviparous percoid fishes comprising the surf fishes
embitterment|the state of being embittered - "the embitterment that resulted from the loss of his job never left him"
emblem|a visible symbol representing an abstract idea;special design or visual object representing a quality, type, group, etc.
embodiment|a new personification of a familiar idea - "the embodiment of hope";giving concrete form to an abstract concept
embolectomy|surgical removal of an embolus (usually from an artery)
embolism|an insertion into a calendar;occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus (a loose clot or air bubble or other particle)
embolus|an abnormal particle (e.g. an air bubble or part of a clot) circulating in the blood
Embothrium|small genus of South American evergreen shrubs or small trees with long willowy branches and flowers in flamboyant terminal clusters
embrace|a close affectionate and protective acceptance - "his willing embrace of new ideas";the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection);the state of taking in or encircling - "an island in the embrace of the sea"
embroiderer|someone who ornaments with needlework
embroideress|a woman embroiderer
embroidery|decorative needlework
embryo|(botany) a minute rudimentary plant contained within a seed or an archegonium;an animal organism in the early stages of growth and differentiation that in higher forms merge into fetal stages but in lower forms terminate in commencement of larval life
embryologist|a physician who specializes in embryology
embryology|the branch of biology that studies the formation and early development of living organisms
embryonal carcinoma|malignant neoplasm of the testis
embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma|form of rhabdomyosarcoma occurring mainly in infants and children
embryonic cell|a cell of an embryo
embryonic stem-cell research|biological research on stem cells derived from embryos and on their use in medicine
embryonic tissue|tissue in an embryo
emendation|a correction by emending;a correction resulting from critical editing
emerald|a green transparent form of beryl;highly valued as a gemstone;a transparent piece of emerald that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem;the green color of an emerald
emerald shiner|small blunt-nosed fish of Great Lakes and Mississippi valley with a greenish luster
emergence|the act of emerging;the becoming visible - "not a day's difference between the emergence of the andrenas and the opening of the willow catkins";the gradual beginning or coming forth - "figurines presage the emergence of sculpture in Greece"
emergency|a state in which martial law applies - "the governor declared a state of emergency";a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action - "he never knew what to do in an emergency"
Emergency Alert System|a federal warning system that is activated by FEMA;enables the President to take over the United States airwaves to warn the whole country of major catastrophic events
emergency medicine|the branch of medicine concerned with the prompt diagnosis and treatment of injuries or trauma or sudden illness
emergency procedure|(medicine) a procedure adopted to meet an emergency (especially a medical emergency)
emergency room|a room in a hospital or clinic staffed and equipped to provide emergency care to persons requiring immediate medical treatment
emergent evolution|the appearance of entirely new properties at certain critical stages in the course of evolution
emeritus|a professor or minister who is retired from assigned duties
Emerson|United States writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)
emery|a hard grey-black mineral consisting of corundum and either hematite or magnetite;used as an abrasive (especially as a coating on paper)
emery cloth|cloth covered with powdered emery
emery paper|stiff paper coated with powdered emery or sand
emery stone|a mixture of emery dust and a binder;can be molded into grindstones
emesis basin|a basin used by bedridden patients for vomiting
emetic|a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting
Emetrol|trade name for an antiemetic drug that has a mint flavor
emigrant|someone who leaves one country to settle in another
emigration|migration from a place (especially migration from your native country in order to settle in another)
Emile|the boy whose upbringing was described by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Emilia|tropical African herbs
Emilia-Romagna|a region of north central Italy on the Adriatic
eminence|high status importance owing to marked superiority - "a scholar of great eminence"
eminence grise|(French) a person who exercises power or influence in certain areas without holding an official position - "the President's wife is an eminence grise in matters of education"
eminent domain|the right of the state to take private property for public use;the Fifth Amendment that was added to the Constitution of the United States requires that just compensation be made
emir|an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in Africa or Arabia)
emirate|the domain controlled by an emir;the office of an emir
emissary|someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else
emissary vein|one of several connecting veins in the scalp and head that drain blood from sinuses in the dura mater to veins outside the skull
emission|the act of emitting;causing to flow forth;the occurrence of a flow of water (as from a pipe);the release of electrons from parent atoms
emission spectrum|spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a self-luminous source
emitter|the electrode in a transistor where electrons originate
Emmanthe|one species;yellow bells
emmenagogue|any agent that promotes menstrual discharge
Emmenthal|Swiss cheese with large holes
emmer|hard red wheat grown especially in Russia and Germany;in United States as stock feed
emmetropia|(ophthalmology) the normal refractive condition of the eye in which there is clear focus of light on the retina
Emmy|an annual award by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievements in television
emolument|compensation received by virtue of holding an office or having employment (usually in the form of wages or fees) - "a clause in the U.S. constitution prevents sitting legislators from receiving emoluments from their own votes"
emoticon|a representation of a facial expression (as a smile or frown) created by typing a sequence of characters in sending email;-( and ;-) are emoticons"
emotion|any strong feeling
emotional arousal|the arousal of strong emotions and emotional behavior
emotional person|a person subject to strong states of emotion
emotional state|the state of a person's emotions (especially with regard to pleasure or dejection) - "his emotional state depended on her opinion"
emotionality|emotional nature or quality
emotionlessness|apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions
empathy|understanding and entering into another's feelings
Empedocles|Greek philosopher who taught that all matter is composed of particles of fire and water and air and earth (fifth century BC)
emperor|large moth of temperate forests of Eurasia having heavily scaled transparent wings;red table grape of California;the male ruler of an empire
emperor butterfly|large richly colored butterfly
emperor penguin|the largest penguin;an Antarctic penguin
Empetraceae|heathlike shrubs
Empetrum|crowberries
emphasis|special and significant stress by means of position or repetition e.g.;special importance or significance - "the red light gave the central figure increased emphasis"
emphasizing|the act of giving special importance or significance to something
emphysema|an abnormal condition of the lungs marked by decreased respiratory function;associated with smoking or chronic bronchitis or old age
empire|a group of countries under a single authority - "the British created a great empire";a monarchy with an emperor as head of state;the domain ruled by an emperor or empress;the region over which imperial dominion is exercised;an eating apple that somewhat resembles a McIntosh;used as both an eating and a cooking apple
Empire State Building|a skyscraper built in New York City in 1931;1250 feet tall
empirical formula|a chemical formula showing the ratio of elements in a compound rather than the total number of atoms
empirical research|an empirical search for knowledge
empiricism|(philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience;the application of empirical methods in any art or science
empiricist|a philosopher who subscribes to empiricism
emplacement|military installation consisting of a prepared position for siting a weapon
employable|a person who is qualified and ready to work
employee|a worker who is hired to perform a job
employee ownership|ownership of a business by the people who work for it
employee savings plan|a plan that allows employees to contribute to an investment pool managed the employer
employee stock ownership plan|a program under which employees regularly accumulate shares and may ultimately assume control of the company
employee turnover|the ratio of the number of workers that had to be replaced in a given time period to the average number of workers
employee-owned enterprise|a commercial enterprise owned by the people who work for it
employer|a person or firm that employs workers
employment|the act of giving someone a job;the occupation for which you are paid - "he is looking for employment";the state of being employed or having a job - "they are looking for employment"
employment agency|an agency that finds people to fill particular jobs or finds jobs for unemployed people
employment agent|someone who runs an employment agency
employment contract|contract between employer and employee
empress|a woman emperor or the wife of an emperor
emptiness|having an empty stomach;the state of containing nothing
empty|a container that has been emptied
empty nester|a parent whose children have grown up and left home
emptying|the act of removing the contents of something
empyema|a collection of pus in a body cavity (especially in the lung cavity)
emu|large Australian flightless bird similar to the ostrich but smaller
emulation|(computer science) technique of one machine obtaining the same results as another;ambition to equal or excel;effort to equal or surpass another
emulsifier|a surface-active agent that promotes the formation of an emulsion
emulsion|(chemistry) a colloid in which both phases are liquids - "an oil-in-water emulsion";a light-sensitive coating on paper or film;consists of fine grains of silver bromide suspended in a gelatin
Emydidae|box and water turtles
en|half the width of an em
en passant|(chess) a chess pawn that is moved two squares can be captured by an opponent's pawn commanding the square that was passed
enabling act|a provision in a law that confers on appropriate officials the power to implement or enforce the law
enabling legislation|legislation that gives appropriate officials the authority to implement or enforce the law
enactment|the passing of a law by a legislative body
enalapril|an ACE inhibitor (trade name Vasotec) that blocks the formation of angiotensin in the kidney and so results in vasodilation;administered after heart attacks
enallage|a substitution of part of speech or gender or number or tense etc. (e.g., editorial 'we' for 'I')
enamel|a colored glassy compound (opaque or partially opaque) that is fused to the surface of metal or glass or pottery for decoration or protection;a paint that dries to a hard glossy finish;any smooth glossy coating that resembles ceramic glaze;hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth
enamelware|cooking utensil of enameled iron
enamine|an amine containing the double bond linkage -C=C-N-
enanthem|eruption on a mucous membrane (as the inside of the mouth) occurring as a symptom of a disease
enantiomorph|either one of a pair of compounds (crystals or molecules) that are mirror images on each other but are not identical
enantiomorphism|the relation of opposition between crystals or molecules that are reflections of one another
enate|one related on the mother's side
encainide|antiarrhythmic drug (trade name Enkaid) used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias but increases the risk of sudden death in heart attack patients
encapsulation|the condition of being enclosed (as in a capsule) - "the encapsulation of tendons in membranous sheaths";the process of enclosing (as in a capsule)
encasement|the act of enclosing something in a case
encaustic|a paint consisting of pigment mixed with melted beeswax;it is fixed with heat after application
Encelia|genus of shrubs of southwestern United States and Mexico;brittlebush
Enceliopsis|small genus of xerophytic herbs of southwestern United States
encephalartos|any of numerous cycads of the genus Encephalartos having stout cylindrical trunks and a terminal crown of long often spiny pinnate leaves
encephalitis|inflammation of the brain usually caused by a virus;symptoms include headache and neck pain and drowsiness and nausea and fever ('phrenitis' is no longer in scientific use)
encephalocele|protrusion of brain tissue through a congenital fissure in the skull
encephalogram|an X ray of the brain made by replacing spinal fluid with a gas (usually oxygen) to improve contrast
encephalography|roentgenography of the brain after spinal fluid has been replaced by a gas (usually oxygen);produces an encephalogram
encephalomyelitis|inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
enchanter|a sorcerer or magician
enchanter's nightshade|any of several erect perennial rhizomatous herbs of the genus Circaea having white flowers that open at dawn;northern hemisphere
enchantment|a magical spell;a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
enchantress|a female sorcerer or magician;a woman who is considered to be dangerously seductive
enchilada|tortilla with meat filling baked in tomato sauce seasoned with chili
enchondroma|benign slow-growing tumor of cartilaginous cells at the ends of tubular bones (especially in the hands and feet)
enclave|an enclosed territory that is culturally distinct from the foreign territory that surrounds it
enclosure|a naturally enclosed space;a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose;something (usually a supporting document) that is enclosed in an envelope with a covering letter;the act of enclosing something inside something else
encoding|the activity of converting data or information into code
encolure|the mane of a horse
encomium|a formal expression of praise
encompassment|including entirely
encopresis|involuntary defecation not attributable to physical defects or illness
encore|an extra or repeated performance;usually given in response to audience demand
encounter|a casual meeting with a person or thing
encounter group|a meeting of people to develop mutual understanding by freely expressing emotions
encouragement|the expression of approval and support;the feeling of being encouraged
encumbrance|a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage)
Encyclia|large genus of epiphytic and lithophytic orchids of tropical and subtropical Americas and West Indies;formerly included in genus Epidendrum
encyclical|a letter from the pope sent to all Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world
encyclopedia|a reference work (often in several volumes) containing articles on various topics (often arranged in alphabetical order) dealing with the entire range of human knowledge or with some particular specialty
encyclopedist|a person who compiles information for encyclopedias
end|(American football) a position on the line of scrimmage - "no one wanted to play end";(football) the person who plays at one end of the line of scrimmage - "the end managed to hold onto the pass";a boundary marking the extremities of something - "the end of town";a final part or section - "we have given it at the end of the section since it involves the calculus" - "Start at the beginning and go on until you come to the end";a final state - "he came to a bad end" - "the so-called glorious experiment came to an inglorious end";a piece of cloth that is left over after the rest has been used or sold;either extremity of something that has length - "the end of the pier" - "she knotted the end of the thread" - "they rode to the end of the line";one of two places from which people are communicating to each other - "the phone rang at the other end" - "both ends wrote at the same time";the concluding parts of an event or occurrence - "the end was exciting";the part you are expected to play - "he held up his end";the point in time at which something ends - "the end of the year" - "the ending of warranty period";the surface at either extremity of a three-dimensional object - "one end of the box was marked 'This side up'"
end man|a man at one end of a row of people;a man at one end of line of performers in a minstrel show;carries on humorous dialogue with the interlocutor
end organ|a specialized structure at the peripheral end of some motor or sensory nerve fibers
end point|a place where something ends or is complete
end product|final product;the things produced
end run|(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running around the end of the line
end user|the ultimate user for which something is intended
end-all|the ultimate goal - "human beings are not the end-all of evolution"
endameba|any ameba of the genus Endamoeba
Endamoeba|the type genus of the family Endamoebidae
Endamoeba histolytica|the parasitic ameba that causes amebic dysentery in human beings
Endamoebidae|a large family of endoparasitic amebas that invade the digestive tract
endangered species|a species whose numbers are so small that the species is at risk of extinction
endarterectomy|surgical removal of the inner lining of an artery that is clogged with atherosclerosis
endarteritis|inflammation of the inner lining of an artery
endearment|the act of showing affection
Endecott|born in England;in 1629 he became the founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony (1588-1665)
endemic|a disease that is constantly present to a greater or lesser degree in people of a certain class or in people living in a particular location;a plant that is native to a certain limited area - "it is an endemic found only this island"
Enderby Land|a region of Antarctica between Queen Maud Land and Wilkes Land;claimed by Australia
endgame|the final stages of a chess game after most of the pieces have been removed from the board;the final stages of an extended process of negotiation - "the diplomatic endgame"
ending|event whose occurrence ends something - "his death marked the ending of an era";the end of a word (a suffix or inflectional ending or final morpheme) - "I don't like words that have -ism as an ending"
endive|widely cultivated herb with leaves valued as salad green;either curly serrated leaves or broad flat ones that are usually blanched
endlessness|the property of being (or seeming to be) without end
endocarditis|inflammation of the endocardium and heart valves
endocardium|the membrane that lines the cavities of the heart and forms part of the heart valves
endocervicitis|inflammation of the mucous lining of the uterine cervix
endocranium|membrane lining the inside of the skull
endocrine gland|any of the glands of the endocrine system that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
endocrine system|the system of glands that produce endocrine secretions that help to control bodily metabolic activity
endocrinologist|physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the endocrine system
endocrinology|the branch of medicine dealing with the endocrine glands and their secretions
endoderm|the inner germ layer that develops into the lining of the digestive and respiratory systems
endodontics|the branch of dentistry dealing with diseases of the dental pulp
endodontist|a dentist specializing in diseases of the dental pulp and nerve
endoergic reaction|a nuclear reaction occurring with absorption of energy
endogamy|marriage within one's own tribe or group as required by custom or law
endogenous depression|a state of depression for which there is no apparent precipitating cause
endogeny|a geological phenomenon below the surface of the earth
endolymph|the bodily fluid that fills the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear
endometrial carcinoma|cancer of the uterine lining
endometriosis|the presence of endometrium elsewhere than in the lining of the uterus;causes premenstrual pain and dysmenorrhea
endometrium|(pregnancy) the mucous membrane that lines the uterus;thickens under hormonal control and (if pregnancy does not occur) is shed in menstruation;if pregnancy occurs it is shed along with the placenta at parturition
endomorph|a heavy person with a soft and rounded body
endomorphy|round, fat, and heavy
Endomycetales|fungi having a zygote or a single cell developing directly into an ascus
endoneurium|delicate connective tissue around individual nerve fibers in nerve
endonuclease|a nuclease that cleaves nucleic acids at interior bonds and so produces fragments of various sizes
endoparasite|any of various parasites that live in the internal organs of animals (especially intestinal worms)
endoplasm|the inner portion of the cytoplasm of a cell
endorphin|a neurochemical occurring naturally in the brain and having analgesic properties
endorsement|a promotional statement (as found on the dust jackets of books);a signature that validates something - "the cashier would not cash the check without an endorsement";the act of endorsing - "a star athlete can make a lot of money from endorsements"
endorser|a person who transfers his ownership interest in something by signing a check or negotiable security
endoscope|a long slender medical instrument for examining the interior of a bodily organ or performing minor surgery
endoscopy|visual examination of the interior of a hollow body organ by use of an endoscope
endoskeleton|the internal skeleton;bony and cartilaginous structure (especially of vertebrates)
endosperm|nutritive tissue surrounding the embryo within seeds of flowering plants
endospore|a small asexual spore that develops inside the cell of some bacteria and algae
endospore-forming bacteria|a group of true bacteria
endosteum|vascular membrane that lines the inner surface of long bones
endothelium|an epithelium of mesoblastic origin;a thin layer of flattened cells that lines the inside of some body cavities
endothermic reaction|a chemical reaction accompanied by the absorption of heat
endotoxin|a toxin that is confined inside the microorganisms and is released only when the microorganisms are broken down or die
endotracheal tube|a catheter that is inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose in order to maintain an open air passage or to deliver oxygen or to permit the suctioning of mucus or to prevent aspiration of the stomach contents
endowment|natural abilities or qualities;the act of endowing with a permanent source of income - "his generous endowment of the laboratory came just in the nick of time";the capital that provides income for an institution
endowment insurance|life insurance for a specified amount which is payable to the insured person at the expiration of a certain period of time or to a designated beneficiary immediately upon the death of the insured
end-plate|the flattened end of a motor neuron that transmits neural impulses to a muscle
endurance|the power to withstand hardship or stress - "the marathon tests a runner's endurance"
endurance riding|riding for long hours over long distances
enema|an injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation;sometimes used for diagnostic purposes
enemy|an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force);an opposing military force - "the enemy attacked at dawn";any hostile group of people - "he viewed lawyers as the real enemy"
energid|a biological unit consisting of a nucleus and the body of cytoplasm with which it interacts
energizer|a device that supplies electrical energy;someone who imparts energy and vitality and spirit to other people
energizing|the activity of causing to have energy and be active
energy|(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work;the units of energy are joules or ergs - "energy can take a wide variety of forms";a healthy capacity for vigorous activity - "jogging works off my excess energy";an imaginative lively style (especially style of writing) - "his writing conveys great energy";any source of usable power - "the DOE is responsible for maintaining the energy policy";enterprising or ambitious drive - "Europeans often laugh at American energy";forceful exertion - "he plays tennis with great energy"
energy level|a definite stable energy that a physical system can have;used especially of the state of electrons in atoms or molecules - "according to quantum theory only certain energy levels are possible"
enervation|lack of vitality - "an enervation of mind greater than any fatigue";surgical removal of a nerve
Enesco|Romanian violinist and composer (1881-1955)
Enets|the Uralic language spoken by the Yeniseian
enfant terrible|a person whose unconventional behavior embarrasses others
enfeoffment|under the feudal system, the deed by which a person was given land in exchange for a pledge of service
enfilade|gunfire directed along the length rather than the breadth of a formation
enflurane|a nonflammable liquid (trade name Ethrane) used as an inhalation general anesthetic
enforcement|the act of enforcing;ensuring observance of or obedience to
enfranchisement|freedom from political subjugation or servitude
engagement|contact by fitting together - "the engagement of the clutch";employment for performers or performing groups that lasts for a limited period of time;the act of sharing in the activities of a group - "the teacher tried to increase his students' engagement in class activities"
engagement ring|a ring given and worn as a sign of betrothal
Engelmann spruce|tall spruce of Rocky Mountains and British Columbia with blue-green needles and acutely conic crown;wood used for rough lumber and boxes
engelmannia|common erect hairy perennial of plains and prairies of southern and central United States having flowers that resemble sunflowers
Engels|socialist who wrote the Communist Manifesto with Karl Marx in 1848 (1820-1895)
engine|an instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc. - "medieval engines of war";motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work;something used to achieve a purpose - "an engine of change"
engine block|a metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling ducts of an engine
engine failure|engine does not run
engineer|a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems;the operator of a railway locomotive
engineering|a room (as on a ship) in which the engine is located;the discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems - "he had trouble deciding which branch of engineering to study"
engineer's chain|a unit of length (100 ft)
enginery|machinery consisting of engines collectively
England|a division of the United Kingdom
English|(sports) the spin given to a ball by striking it on one side or releasing it with a sharp twist;an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch;the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries;the discipline that studies the English language and literature;the people of England
English Channel|an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that forms a channel between France and Britain
English Civil War|civil war in England between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists under Charles I;1644-1648
English department|the academic department responsible for teaching English and American literature
English elm|broad spreading rough-leaved elm common throughout Europe and planted elsewhere
English foxhound|an English breed slightly larger than the American foxhounds originally used to hunt in packs
English hawthorn|European hawthorn having deeply cleft leaves and bright red fruits;widely cultivated in many varieties and often grown as impenetrable hedges;established as an escape in eastern North America
English horn|a double-reed woodwind instrument similar to an oboe but lower in pitch
English iris|bulbous iris native to the Pyrenees;widely cultivated for its large delicate flowers in various colors except yellow
English lady crab|crab of the English coasts
English lavender|aromatic Mediterranean shrub widely cultivated for its lilac flowers which are dried and used in sachets
English muffin|round, raised muffin cooked on a griddle;usually split and toasted before being eaten
English person|a native or inhabitant of England
English plantain|an Old World plantain with long narrow ribbed leaves widely established in temperate regions
English primrose|plant of western and southern Europe widely cultivated for its pale yellow flowers
English Revolution|the revolution against James II;there was little armed resistance to William and Mary in England although battles were fought in Scotland and Ireland (1688-1689)
English saddle|a saddle having a steel cantle and pommel and no horn
English setter|an English breed having a plumed tail and a soft silky coat that is chiefly white
English sole|popular pale brown food flatfish of the Pacific coast of North America
English sparrow|small hardy brown-and-grey bird native to Europe
English springer|a breed having typically a black-and-white coat
English teacher|someone who teaches English
English toy spaniel|British breed having a long silky coat and rounded head with a short upturned muzzle
English walnut|Eurasian walnut valued for its large edible nut and its hard richly figured wood;widely cultivated;nut with a wrinkled two-lobed seed and hard but relatively thin shell;widely used in cooking
Englishman|a man who is a native or inhabitant of England
Englishwoman|a woman who is a native or inhabitant of England
engorgement|congestion with blood - "engorgement of the breast";eating ravenously or voraciously to satiation
engram|a postulated biochemical change (presumably in neural tissue) that represents a memory
Engraulidae|anchovies
Engraulis|type genus of the family Engraulidae
engraver|a printmaker who prints from an engraved printing plate;a skilled worker who can inscribe designs or writing onto a surface by carving or etching
engraving|a block or plate or other hard surface that has been engraved;a print made from an engraving;making engraved or etched plates and printing designs from them
enhancement|an improvement that makes something more agreeable
Enhydra|sea otters
Enid|a town in north central Oklahoma
enigma canon|a canon in which the entrances of successive parts were indicated by cryptic symbols and devices (popular in the 15th and 16th centuries)
Eniwetok|an atoll in the Marshall Islands;site of an amphibious assault in World War II;later used temporarily by the United States to test atomic bombs;World War II (February 1944);American infantry landed and captured a Japanese stronghold
enjambment|the continuation of a syntactic unit from one line of verse into the next line without a pause
enjoyableness|pleasantness resulting from something that can be enjoyed - "the enjoyableness of an afternoon at the beach"
enjoyer|a person who delights in having or using or experiencing something
enjoyment|act of receiving pleasure from something;the pleasure felt when having a good time
enkephalin|an endorphin having opiate qualities that occurs in the brain and spinal cord and elsewhere
Enki|water god and god of wisdom;counterpart of the Akkadian Ea
Enkidu|legendary friend of Gilgamish
enlargement|a photographic print that has been enlarged;the state of being enlarged
enlarger|photographic equipment consisting of an optical projector used to enlarge a photograph
Enlightenment|a movement in Europe from about 1650 until 1800 that advocated the use of reason and individualism instead of tradition and established doctrine - "the Enlightenment brought about many humanitarian reforms";education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge
Enlil|god of the air and king of the Sumerian gods
enlisted man|a male enlisted person in the armed forces
enlisted person|a serviceman who ranks below a commissioned officer
enlisted woman|a female enlisted person in the armed forces
enlistment|a period of time spent in military service;the act of enlisting (as in a military service)
ennoblement|the act of raising someone to the nobility;the state of being noble
enol|an organic compound that contains a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom which in turn is doubly bonded to another carbon atom
enologist|a specialist in wine making
enology|the art of wine making
enophile|someone who appreciates wine
enormity|an act of extreme wickedness;the quality of extreme wickedness;vastness of size or extent - "in careful usage the noun enormity is not used to express the idea of great size" - "universities recognized the enormity of their task"
enormousness|unusual largeness in size or extent or number
enosis|the union of Greece and Cyprus (which is the goal of a group of Greek Cypriots)
enough|an adequate quantity;a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose - "enough is as good as a feast"
Enovid|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing mestranol and norethynodrel
enrichment|a gift that significantly increases the recipient's wealth;act of making fuller or more meaningful or rewarding
enrollee|a person who enrolls in (or is enrolled in) a class or course of study
ensemble|a cast other than the principals;a coordinated outfit (set of clothing);a group of musicians playing or singing together - "a string ensemble";an assemblage of parts or details (as in a work of art) considered as forming a whole
Ensete|Old World tropical herbs;Abyssinian bananas
ensiform leaf|a sword-shaped leaf;as of iris
ensign|a person who holds a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard;below lieutenant junior grade;colors flown by a ship to show its nationality
Ensis|razor clams
enslavement|the act of making slaves of your captives;the state of being a slave - "So every bondman in his own hand bears the power to cancel his captivity"--Shakespeare
ENT man|a specialist in the disorders of the ear or nose or throat
entablature|(architecture) the structure consisting of the part of a classical temple above the columns between a capital and the roof
entail|land received by fee tail;the act of entailing property;the creation of a fee tail from a fee simple
Entandrophragma|cedar mahogany trees
entasis|a slight convexity in the shaft of a column;compensates for the illusion of concavity that viewers experience when the sides are perfectly straight
Entebbe|a town in southern Uganda on Lake Victoria;site of an international airport (where in 1976 Israeli commandos rescued hostages held aboard a plane by Palestinian hijackers)
Entelea|a genus of evergreen shrub that grows in New Zealand
entelechy|(Aristotle) the state of something that is fully realized;actuality as opposed to potentiality
entellus|langur of southern Asia;regarded as sacred in India
entente|a friendly understanding between political powers;an informal alliance between countries
enteric bacteria|rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria;most occur normally or pathogenically in intestines of humans and other animals
enteric-coated aspirin|aspirin that is treated to pass through the stomach unaltered and to dissolve in the intestines
enteritis|inflammation of the intestine (especially the small intestine);usually characterized by diarrhea
Enterobacteriaceae|a large family of Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria of the order Eubacteriales
enterobiasis|an infestation with or a resulting infection caused by the pinworm Enterobius vermicularis;occurs especially in children
Enterobius|pinworms
enterokinase|enzyme in the intestinal juice that converts inactive trypsinogen into active trypsin
enterolith|a calculus occurring in the intestines
enterolithiasis|the presence of calculi in the intestines
Enterolobium|small genus of tropical American timber trees closely allied to genus Albizia
enteron|the alimentary canal (especially of an embryo or a coelenterate)
enteropathy|a disease of the intestinal tract
enteroptosis|an abnormally downward position of the intestines in the abdominal cavity
enterostenosis|abnormal narrowing of the intestine
enterostomy|surgical operation that creates a permanent opening through the abdominal wall into the intestine
enterotoxemia|a disease of cattle and sheep that is attributed to toxins absorbed from the intestines
enterotoxin|a cytotoxin specific for the cells of the intestinal mucosa
enterovirus|any of a group of picornaviruses that infect the gastrointestinal tract and can spread to other areas (especially the nervous system)
enterprise|a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness) - "he had doubts about the whole enterprise";an organization created for business ventures - "a growing enterprise must have a bold leader";readiness to embark on bold new ventures
enterprise zone|a city district where development receives special tax advantages
entertainer|a person who tries to please or amuse
entertainment|an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
entertainment center|a wall unit containing sound and television systems
entertainment deduction|deduction allowed for some (limited) kinds of entertainment for business purposes
entertainment industry|those involved in providing entertainment;radio and television and films and theater
enthusiasm|a feeling of excitement;a lively interest - "enthusiasm for his program is growing"
enthusiast|an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity
enticement|the act of influencing by exciting hope or desire - "his enticements were shameless"
entire leaf|a leaf having a smooth margin without notches or indentations
entirety|the state of being total and complete - "he read the article in its entirety"
entitlement|right granted by law or contract (especially a right to benefits) - "entitlements make up the major part of the federal budget"
entity|that which is perceived or known or inferred to have its own distinct existence (living or nonliving)
EntleBucher|the smallest of the Sennenhunde
Entoloma|agarics with pink spores but lacking both volva and annulus (includes some that are poisonous)
Entoloma aprile|an agaric with a dark brown conical cap;fruits in early spring
Entoloma lividum|a deadly poisonous agaric;a large cap that is first white (livid or lead-colored) and then turns yellowish or tan
Entolomataceae|a family of fungi belonging to the order Agaricales
entomion|the craniometric point at the tip of the angular part of the parietal bone that articulates with the temporal bone
entomologist|a zoologist who studies insects
entomology|the branch of zoology that studies insects
entomophobia|a morbid fear of insects
Entomophthora|type genus of the Entomophthoraceae;fungi parasitic on insects
Entomophthoraceae|mostly parasitic lower fungi that typically develop in the bodies of insects
Entomophthorales|coextensive with the family Entomophthoraceae
Entomostraca|in some older classifications includes the Branchiopoda and Copepoda and Ostracoda and Cirripedia;no longer in technical use
entopic pregnancy|pregnancy resulting from normal gestation in the uterus
entoproct|any of various moss-like aquatic animals usually forming branching colonies;each polyp having a both mouth and anus within a closed ring of tentacles
Entoprocta|sometimes considered a subphylum of Bryozoa
entr'acte|the interlude between two acts of a play
entrance|a movement into or inward;something that provides access (to get in or get out) - "they waited at the entrance to the garden";the act of entering - "she made a grand entrance"
entrance examination|examination to determine a candidate's preparation for a course of studies
entrance fee|the fee charged for admission
entrancement|a feeling of delight at being filled with wonder and enchantment
entrant|a commodity that enters competition with established merchandise - "a well publicized entrant is the pocket computer";one who enters a competition;someone who enters - "new entrants to the country must go though immigration procedures"
entrapment|a defense that claims the defendant would not have broken the law if not tricked into doing it by law enforcement officials
entreaty|earnest or urgent request - "an entreaty to stop the fighting"
entrecote|cut of meat taken from between the ribs
entree|the act of entering - "she made a graceful entree into the ballroom";the principal dish of a meal;the right to enter
entrenching tool|a hand shovel carried by infantrymen for digging trenches
entrenchment|an entrenched fortification;a position protected by trenches
entrepot|a port where merchandise can be imported and then exported without paying import duties - "Bahrain has been an entrepot of trade between Arabia and India since the second millennium BC"
entrepreneur|someone who organizes a business venture and assumes the risk for it
entry|a written record of a commercial transaction;an item inserted in a written record
enucleation|surgical removal of something without cutting into it - "the enucleation of the tumor"
enumeration|a numbered list
enunciation|the articulation of speech regarded from the point of view of its intelligibility to the audience
enuresis|inability to control the flow of urine and involuntary urination
envelope|a curve that is tangent to each of a family of curves;a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.;a natural covering (as by a fluid) - "the spacecraft detected an envelope of gas around the comet";any wrapper or covering;the bag containing the gas in a balloon;the maximum operating capability of a system (especially an aircraft) - "test pilots try to push the envelope"
environment|the area in which something exists or lives;the totality of surrounding conditions - "he longed for the comfortable environment of his living room"
environmental condition|the state of the environment
Environmental Protection Agency|an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment
environmentalism|the activity of protecting the environment from pollution or destruction;the philosophical doctrine that environment is more important than heredity in determining intellectual growth
environmentalist|someone who works to protect the environment from destruction or pollution
environs|an outer adjacent area of any place
envoy|a brief stanza concluding certain forms of poetry;a diplomat having less authority than an ambassador
envy|a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another;spite and resentment at seeing the success of another (personified as one of the deadly sins)
enzyme|any of several complex proteins that are produced by cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions
enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay|an assay that relies on an enzymatic conversion reaction and is used to detect the presence of specific substances (such as enzymes or viruses or antibodies or bacteria)
enzymologist|a person who is trained in or engaged in enzymology
enzymology|the branch of biochemistry dealing with the chemical nature and biological activity of enzymes
Eocene|from 58 million to 40 million years ago;presence of modern mammals
eohippus|earliest horse;extinct primitive dog-sized four-toed Eocene animal
eolith|a crude stone artifact (as a chipped flint);possibly the earliest tools
Eolithic Age|the earliest part of the Stone Age marked by the earliest signs of human culture
eon|(Gnosticism) a divine power or nature emanating from the Supreme Being and playing various roles in the operation of the universe;an immeasurably long period of time - "oh, that happened eons ago";the longest division of geological time
eoraptor|a theropod dinosaur of the genus Eoraptor
Eos|(Greek mythology) the winged goddess of the dawn in ancient mythology;daughter of Hyperion;identified with Roman Aurora
eosin|a red fluorescent dye resulting from the action of bromine on fluorescein;used in cosmetics and as a biological stain for studying cell structures
eosinopenia|a decrease in the number of eosinophils in the blood
eosinophil|a leukocyte readily stained with eosin
eosinophilia|a symptom of allergic states;increased eosinophils in the blood
Epacridaceae|Australasian shrubs or small trees
epacris|any heathlike evergreen shrub of the genus Epacris grown for their showy and crowded spikes of small bell-shaped or tubular flowers
epanalepsis|repetition after intervening words
epanaphora|repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
epanodos|recapitulation of the main ideas of a speech (especially in reverse order);repetition of a group of words in reverse order
epanorthosis|immediate rephrasing for intensification or justification
eparch|a bishop or metropolitan in charge of an eparchy in the Eastern Church;the governor or prefect of an eparchy in ancient Greece
eparchy|a diocese of the Eastern Orthodox Church;a province in ancient Greece
epaulet|adornment consisting of an ornamental cloth pad worn on the shoulder
epauliere|armor plate that protects the shoulder
epee|a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
ependyma|thin epithelial membrane lining the ventricles of the brain and the spinal cord canal
epenthesis|the insertion of a vowel or consonant into a word to make its pronunciation easier - "the insertion of a vowel in the plural of the word 'bush' is epenthesis"
epergne|a large table centerpiece with branching holders for fruit or sweets or flowers
ephah|an ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure equal to about a bushel
ephedra|jointed and nearly leafless desert shrub having reduced scalelike leaves and reddish fleshy seeds
Ephedraceae|ephedras;in some classifications included in the Gnetaceae
ephedrine|white odorless powdered or crystalline alkaloid from plants of the genus Ephedra (especially Ephedra sinica) or made synthetically;used as a bronchodilator to treat bronchitis and asthma
ephemera|something transitory;lasting a day
ephemerality|the property of lasting for a very short time
ephemerid|short-lived insect
Ephemeridae|mayflies
ephemeris|an annual publication containing astronomical tables that give the positions of the celestial bodies throughout the year
ephemeron|anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day in its winged form
Ephemeroptera|mayflies
Ephesian|a resident of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus
Ephestia|small moths whose larvae spin silken tunnels and feed on stored food products
Ephesus|an ancient Greek city on the western shore of Asia Minor in what is now Turkey;site of the Temple of Artemis;was a major trading center and played an important role in early Christianity;the third ecumenical council in 431 which declared Mary as mother of God and condemned Pelagius
Ephippidae|small family comprising the spadefishes
Ephippiorhynchus|saddlebills
epic poem|a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
epicalyx|a group of bracts simulating a calyx as in a carnation or hibiscus
epicanthus|a vertical fold of skin over the nasal canthus;normal for Mongolian peoples;sometimes occurs in Down's syndrome
epicardia|the short part of the esophagus extending downward from the diaphragm to the stomach
epicardium|the innermost of the two layers of the pericardium
epicarp|outermost layer of the pericarp of fruits as the skin of a peach or grape
epicenter|the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake
epicondyle|a projection on a bone above a condyle serving for the attachment of muscles and ligaments
epicondylitis|painful inflammation of the muscles and soft tissues around an epicondyle
epicranium|the muscle and aponeurosis and skin covering the cranium
Epictetus|Greek philosopher who was a Stoic (circa 50-130)
epicure|a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink)
epicureanism|a doctrine of hedonism that was defended by several ancient Greek philosophers
epicurism|the disposition and habits of an epicure
Epicurus|Greek philosopher who believed that the world is a random combination of atoms and that pleasure is the highest good (341-270 BC)
epicycle|a circle that rolls around (inside or outside) another circle;generates an epicycloid or hypocycloid
epicyclic train|a system of epicyclic gears in which at least one wheel axis itself revolves about another fixed axis
epicycloid|a line generated by a point on a circle rolling around another circle
epideictic oratory|a type of oratory used to eulogize or condemn a person or group of people - "Pericles' funeral oration for Athenians killed in the Peloponnesian War is a famous example of epideictic oratory"
epidemic|a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease;many people are infected at the same time
epidemic disease|any infectious disease that develops and spreads rapidly to many people
epidemic pleurodynia|an acute infectious disease occurring in epidemic form and featuring paroxysms of pain (usually in the chest)
epidemiologist|a medical scientist who studies the transmission and control of epidemic diseases
epidemiology|the branch of medical science dealing with the transmission and control of disease
epidendron|any of various orchids of the genus Epidendrum
Epidendrum|large and variable genus of terrestrial or epiphytic or lithophytic orchids of tropical and subtropical Americas;some native to United States
epidermal cell|any of the cells making up the epidermis
epidermis|the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface of vertebrates
epidiascope|an optical projector that gives images of both transparent and opaque objects
epididymis|a convoluted tubule in each testis;carries sperm to vas deferens
epididymitis|painful inflammation of the epididymis
epidural anesthesia|regional anesthesia resulting from injection of an anesthetic into the epidural space of the spinal cord;sensation is lost in the abdominal and genital and pelvic areas;used in childbirth and gynecological surgery
epidural injection|injection of an anesthetic substance into the epidural space of the spinal cord in order to produce epidural anesthesia
Epigaea|small creeping evergreen shrubs;trailing arbutus
epigastric artery|one of three arteries supplying the anterior walls of the abdomen
epigastric vein|veins serving the anterior walls of the abdomen
epigastrium|the region lying on or over the stomach (just below the sternum)
epigenesis|a geological change in the mineral content of rock after the rock has formed
epiglottis|a flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe while swallowing
epiglottitis|inflammation of the epiglottis;characterized by fever and a severe sore throat and difficulty in swallowing
epigone|an inferior imitator of some distinguished writer or artist of musician
epigram|a witty saying
epigraph|a quotation at the beginning of some piece of writing;an engraved inscription
epigraphy|the study of ancient inscriptions
epikeratophakia|using a piece of donated corneal tissue to repair the eye of someone who has had a cataract removed - "epikeratophakia gave her a living contact lens"
Epilachna|genus of ladybugs native to Mexico and Central America;both larvae and adults feed on plants
epilating wax|a mixture of resins and waxes to remove cosmetically undesirable hair;mixture is applied hot to the surface and after cooling is pulled away taking the hairs with it
epilation|loss of hair;the result of removing hair
epilepsy|a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsions
epileptic|a person who has epilepsy
epileptic seizure|convulsions accompanied by impaired consciousness
Epilobium|large widely distributed genus of herbs and subshrubs of especially western North America and Arctic areas
epilogue|a short passage added at the end of a literary work - "the epilogue told what eventually happened to the main characters";a short speech (often in verse) addressed directly to the audience by an actor at the end of a play
Epimedium|herbaceous perennials of Mediterranean to India and eastern Asia
Epimetheus|(Greek mythology) brother of Prometheus;despite Prometheus's warning against gifts from Zeus he accepted Pandora as his wife
Epinephelus|genus of groupers or sea bass
epinephrine|a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin);stimulates autonomic nerve action
Epipactis|genus of hardy orchids with leafy-bracted racemes of greenish or purplish irregular flowers
Epipactis helleborine|European orchid with spikes of green and pinkish or purplish flowers
epiphany|a divine manifestation;twelve days after Christmas;celebrates the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus
epiphenomenon|a secondary phenomenon that is a by-product of another phenomenon
epiphora|repetition of the ends of two or more successive sentences, verses, etc.
epiphyllum|any cactus of the genus Epiphyllum having flattened jointed irregularly branching stems and showy tubular flowers
epiphysis|the end of a long bone;initially separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage that eventually ossifies so the parts become fused
epiplexis|a rhetorical device in which the speaker reproaches the audience in order to incite or convince them
Epipremnum|small genus of evergreen lianas of southeastern Asia to western Pacific areas
Epirus|an ancient area on the Ionian Sea that flourished as a kingdom in the 3rd century BC;located in northwestern Greece and southern Albania
episcia|any plant of the genus Episcia;usually creeping and stoloniferous and of cascading habit;grown for their colorful foliage and flowers
episcleral veins|small veins in the sclera near the corneal margin;empty into the anterior ciliary veins
episcleritis|inflammation of the sclera of the eye
episcopacy|the collective body of bishops
Episcopal Church|an autonomous branch of the Anglican Communion in Scotland;United States church that is in communication with the see of Canterbury
Episcopalian|a member of the Episcopal church
Episcopalianism|the theological doctrine of church government by bishops
episcopate|the term of office of a bishop
episiotomy|surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vagina and so facilitate delivery during childbirth
episode|a brief section of a literary or dramatic work that forms part of a connected series;a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events;a part of a broadcast serial
episodic memory|memory for episodes in your own life
episome|DNA that is not incorporated into the genome but is replicated together with the genome (especially in bacterial cells)
epispadias|a congenital abnormality in males in which the urethra is on the upper surface of the penis
episteme|the body of ideas that determine the knowledge that is intellectually certain at any particular time
epistemic logic|the modal logic of knowledge and uncertainty and ignorance
epistemologist|a specialist in epistemology
epistemology|the philosophical theory of knowledge
Epistle|a book of the New Testament written in the form of a letter from an Apostle;a specially long, formal letter
Epistle of James|a New Testament book attributed to Saint James the Apostle
Epistle of Jude|a New Testament book attributed to Saint Jude
Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon|a New Testament book containing an epistle from Saint Paul to Philemon asking Philemon to forgive the slave for escaping
Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians|a New Testament book containing an epistle from Saint Paul to the Colossians in ancient Phrygia
Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians|a New Testament book containing the epistle from Saint Paul to the Ephesians which explains the divine plan for the world and the consummation of this in Christ
Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians|a New Testament book containing the epistle from Saint Paul to the Galatians
Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians|a New Testament book containing an epistle from Saint Paul to the church at Philippi in Macedonia
Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans|a New Testament book containing an exposition of the doctrines of Saint Paul;written in AD 58
Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Titus|a New Testament book containing Saint Paul's epistle to Titus;contains advice on pastoral matters
Epistle to the Hebrews|a New Testament book traditionally included among the epistle of Saint Paul but now generally considered not to have been written by him
epitaph|a summary statement of commemoration for a dead person;an inscription on a tombstone or monument in memory of the person buried there
epitaxy|growing a crystal layer of one mineral on the crystal base of another mineral in such a manner that its crystalline orientation is the same as that of the substrate
epithalamium|an ode honoring a bride and bridegroom
epithelial cell|one of the closely packed cells forming the epithelium
epithelioma|a malignant tumor of the epithelial tissue
epithelium|membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body
epithet|descriptive word or phrase
epitome|a brief abstract (as of an article or book)
epoch|(astronomy) an arbitrarily fixed date that is the point in time relative to which information (as coordinates of a celestial body) is recorded;a unit of geological time that is a subdivision of a period and is itself divided into ages
Epona|(possibly Roman mythology) Celtic goddess of horses and mules and asses
eponym|the name derived from a person (real or imaginary) - "Down's syndrome is an eponym for the English physician John Down";the person for whom something is named - "Constantine I is the eponym for Constantinople"
eponymy|the derivation of a general name from that of a famous person
epos|a body of poetry that conveys the traditions of a society by treating some epic theme
epoxy|a thermosetting resin;used chiefly in strong adhesives and coatings and laminates
epsilon|the 5th letter of the Greek alphabet
Epsilon Aurigae|the largest known star
epsilon toxin|a bacterial toxin produced by clostridium perfringens;causes intense abdominal cramps and diarrhea that begins 8-22 hours after consumption of foods containing large numbers of these bacteria
Epsom salts|(used with a singular noun) hydrated magnesium sulfate used as a laxative;hydrated magnesium sulfate that is taken orally to treat heartburn and constipation and injected to prevent seizures
Epstein|British sculptor (born in the United States) noted for busts and large controversial works (1880-1959)
Epstein-Barr virus|the herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis;associated with specific cancers in Africa and China
eptatretus|a fossil hagfish of the genus Eptatretus
Eptesicus|a genus of Vespertilionidae
equal opportunity|the right to equivalent opportunities for employment regardless of race or color or sex or national origin
equal protection of the laws|a right guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution and by the due-process clause of the Fifth Amendment
equal sign|a sign indicating that the quantities on either side are equal
equal temperament|the division of the scale based on an octave that is divided into twelve exactly equal semitones - "equal temperament is the system commonly used in keyboard instruments"
equal-area projection|a map projection in which quadrilaterals formed by meridians and parallels have an area on the map proportional to their area on the globe
equality|a state of being essentially equal or equivalent;equally balanced;the quality of being the same in quantity or measure or value or status
equality before the law|the right to equal protection of the laws
equalization|the act of making equal or uniform
equalizer|a score that makes the match even;electronic equipment that reduces frequency distortion
equalizing dividend|a dividend paid to compensate shareholders for losses resulting from a change in the dividend schedule
equatability|capability of being equated
equation|a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal;the act of regarding as equal
equator|a circle dividing a sphere or other surface into two usually equal and symmetrical parts;an imaginary line around the Earth forming the great circle that is equidistant from the north and south poles - "the equator is the boundary between the northern and southern hemispheres"
equatorial|a telescope whose mounting has only two axes of motion, one parallel to the Earth's axis and the other one at right angles to it
equatorial current|any of the ocean currents that flow westward at the equator
Equatorial Guinea|a country of west central Africa (including islands in the Gulf of Guinea);became independent from Spain in 1968
equerry|a personal attendant of the British royal family;an official charged with the care of the horses of princes or nobles
equestrian sport|a sport that tests horsemanship
Equetus|drumfish
Equidae|horses;asses;zebras;extinct animals
equidistribution|a flat distribution having equal frequencies of occurrence
equilateral|a figure whose sides are all equal
equilateral triangle|a three-sided regular polygon
equilibration|stabilization by bringing into equilibrium
equilibrium|a sensory system located in structures of the inner ear that registers the orientation of the head;a stable situation in which forces cancel one another
equilibrium constant|(chemistry) the ratio of concentrations when equilibrium is reached in a reversible reaction (when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction)
equilibrium law|(chemistry) the principle that (at chemical equilibrium) in a reversible reaction the ratio of the rate of the forward reaction to the rate of the reverse reaction is a constant for that reaction
equine|hoofed mammals having slender legs and a flat coat with a narrow mane along the back of the neck
equine distemper|an acute bacterial disease of horses characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes
equine encephalitis|encephalitis caused by a virus that is transmitted by a mosquito from an infected horse
equinoctial point|(astronomy) either of the two celestial points at which the celestial equator intersects the ecliptic
equinox|either of two times of the year when the sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator and day and night are of equal length
equipment|an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service
Equisetaceae|sole surviving family of the Equisetales;fern allies
Equisetales|lower tracheophytes in existence since the Devonian
Equisetum|horsetails;coextensive with the family Equisetaceae
equity|the difference between the market value of a property and the claims held against it;the ownership interest of shareholders in a corporation
equivalence|essential equality and interchangeability
equivalent|a person or thing equal to another in value or measure or force or effect or significance etc - "send two dollars or the equivalent in stamps";the atomic weight of an element that has the same combining capacity as a given weight of another element;the standard is 8 for oxygen
equivalent-binary-digit factor|the average number of binary digits needed to express one radix digit in a numeration system that is not binary;on the average a number that can be expressed in N decimal digits takes 3.3N binary digits
equivocation|falsification by means of vague or ambiguous language;intentionally vague or ambiguous
Equus|type genus of the Equidae;only surviving genus of the family Equidae
era|a major division of geological time;an era is usually divided into two or more periods;a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
eradication|the complete destruction of every trace of something
Eragrostis|annual or perennial grasses of tropics and subtropics
Eranthis|winter aconite
erasable programmable read-only memory|(computer science) a read-only memory chip that can be erased by ultraviolet light and programmed again with new data
eraser|an implement used to erase something
Erasmus|Dutch humanist and theologian who was the leading Renaissance scholar of northern Europe;although his criticisms of the Roman Catholic Church led to the Reformation, he opposed violence and condemned Martin Luther (1466-1536)
Erastianism|the doctrine that the state is supreme over the church in ecclesiastical matters
erasure|a correction made by erasing - "there were many erasures in the typescript";a surface area where something has been erased - "another word had been written over the erasure"
Erato|(Greek mythology) the Muse of lyric and love poetry
Eratosthenes|Greek mathematician and astronomer who estimated the circumference of the earth and the distances to the Moon and sun (276-194 BC)
erbium|a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group;occurs with yttrium
Erb's palsy|paralysis of the arm resulting from injury to the brachial plexus (usually during childbirth)
Ercilla|a genus of evergreen climbers
Erebus|(Greek mythology) Greek god of darkness who dwelt in the underworld;son of Chaos;brother of Nox;father of Aether and Day
erect bugle|upright rhizomatous perennial with bright blue flowers;southern Europe
erectile dysfunction|impotence resulting from a man's inability to have or maintain an erection of his penis
erectile organ|an organ containing erectile tissue
erectile tissue|vascular tissue capable of filling with blood and becoming rigid
erecting|the act of building or putting up
erecting prism|a right-angled optical prism used to turn an inverted image upright
erection|a structure that has been erected;an erect penis
erectness|the property of being upright in posture
eremite|a Christian recluse
eremitism|monasticism characterized by solitude in which the social dimension of life is sacrificed to the primacy of religious experience
Ereshkigal|goddess of death and consort of Nergal
erethism|an abnormally high degree of irritability or sensitivity to stimulation of an organ or body part
Erethizon|a genus of Erethizontidae
Erethizontidae|New World arboreal porcupines
Eretmochelys|hawksbills
Erewhon|a satirical novel written by Samuel Butler (1872) describing a fictitious land
erg|a cgs unit of work or energy;the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter
ergodicity|an attribute of stochastic systems;generally, a system that tends in probability to a limiting form that is independent of the initial conditions
ergonovine|an alkaloid derived from ergot (trade name Ergotrate Maleate) that is less toxic than ergot;induces muscular contraction of the uterus and is administered after childbirth or abortion
ergosterol|a plant sterol that is converted into vitamin D by ultraviolet radiation
ergot|a fungus that infects various cereal plants forming compact black masses of branching filaments that replace many grains of the plant;source of medicinally important alkaloids and of lysergic acid;a plant disease caused by the ergot fungus
ergotamine|an alkaloid derived from ergot that is less toxic than ergot;causes constriction of blood vessels and is used to treat migraine
ergotism|poisoning by ingestion of ergot-infected grain products;characterized by thirst and diarrhea and nausea and cramping and vomiting and abnormal cardiac rhythms;in severe cases it can cause seizures and gangrene of the limbs
ergotropism|an affinity for work
Erianthus|genus of reedlike grasses having spikes crowded in a panicle covered with long silky hairs
erica|any plant of the genus Erica
Ericaceae|heathers
Ericales|Ericaceae;Clethraceae;Diapensiaceae;Epacridaceae;Lennoaceae;Pyrolaceae;Monotropaceae
Eridanus|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Fornax and Cetus
Erie|a member of an Iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of Lake Erie in northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania and western New York;a port city on Lake Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania
Erie Canal|an artificial waterway connecting the Hudson river at Albany with Lake Erie at Buffalo;built in the 19th century;now part of the New York State Barge Canal
Erigeron|cosmopolitan genus of usually perennial herbs with flowers that resemble asters;leaves occasionally (especially formerly) used medicinally
Erignathus|bearded seals
Erin|an early name of Ireland that is now used in poetry
Erinaceidae|true hedgehogs
Erinaceus|type genus of the family Erinaceidae;hedgehogs
Eriobotrya|Asiatic evergreen fruit trees
Eriocaulaceae|chiefly tropical aquatic or bog herbs;pipeworts
Eriocaulon|type genus of the Eriocaulaceae;rushlike aquatic or marginal perennials usually found in shallow waters of acid lakes and pools and bogs
Eriodictyon|small genus of evergreen shrubs of southwestern United States and Mexico
eriogonum|any plant of the genus Eriogonum with small clustered flowers
Eriophorum|cotton grass
Eriophyllum|genus of hairy herbs and shrubs of western North America
Eriosoma|woolly aphids
Eris|(Greek mythology) goddess of discord;sister of Ares
eristic|the art of logical disputation (especially if specious)
Erithacus|Old World thrushes
Eritrea|an African country to the north of Ethiopia on the Red Sea;achieved independence from Ethiopia in 1993
Eritrean|a native or inhabitant of Eritrea
Erlang|a unit of traffic intensity in a telephone system
Erlenmeyer|German chemist (1825-1909)
Erlenmeyer flask|a conical flask with a wide base and narrow neck
ermine|mustelid of northern hemisphere in its white winter coat;the expensive white fur of the ermine
ern|bulky greyish-brown eagle with a short wedge-shaped white tail;of Europe and Greenland
Ernst|painter (born in Germany, resident of France and the United States) who was a cofounder of dadaism;developed the technique of collage (1891-1976)
Erodium|geraniums of Europe and South America and Australia especially mountainous regions
erogenous zone|any area of the body especially sensitive to sexual stimulation
Erolia|a genus of Scolopacidae
Eros|(Greek mythology) god of love;son of Aphrodite;identified with Roman Cupid
erose leaf|a leaf having a jagged margin as though gnawed
erosion|(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it);a gradual decline of something - "after the accounting scandal there was an erosion of confidence in the auditors";condition in which the earth's surface is worn away by the action of water and wind
erotic|an erotic person
eroticism|a state of anticipation of sexuality
errancy|(Christianity) holding views that disagree with accepted doctrine;especially disagreement with papal infallibility - "he denies the errancy of the Catholic Church";fallibility as indicated by erring or a tendency to err
errand|a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
erroneousness|inadvertent incorrectness
error|(baseball) a failure of a defensive player to make an out when normal play would have sufficed;(computer science) the occurrence of an incorrect result produced by a computer;a misconception resulting from incorrect information;departure from what is ethically acceptable;part of a statement that is not correct - "the book was full of errors"
error correction code|(telecommunication) a coding system that incorporates extra parity bits in order to detect errors
ersatz|an artificial or inferior substitute or imitation
Eruca|annual to perennial herbs of the Mediterranean region
eruditeness|profound scholarly knowledge
eruption|(of volcanos) pouring out fumes or lava (or a deposit so formed);symptom consisting of a breaking out and becoming visible;the emergence of a tooth as it breaks through the gum
Erving|United States basketball forward (born in 1950)
erwinia|rod-shaped motile bacteria that attack plants
Eryngium|large genus of decorative plants with thistlelike flower heads;cosmopolitan in distribution
eryngo|any plant of the genus Eryngium
Erysimum|large genus of annual or perennial herbs some grown for their flowers and some for their attractive evergreen leaves;Old World and North America
erysipelas|an acute streptococcal infection characterized by deep-red inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes
Erysiphaceae|family of fungi parasitic mostly on leaves;includes powdery mildews
Erysiphales|saprophytic and parasitic fungi that live on plants
Erysiphe|genus of powdery mildews
erythema|abnormal redness of the skin resulting from dilation of blood vessels (as in sunburn or inflammation)
erythema multiforme|a red rash caused by hypersensitivity to a drug or disease or other allergen
erythema nodosum|skin condition characterized by tender red nodules on the shins and legs
erythema nodosum leprosum|an inflammatory complication of leprosy that results in painful skin lesions on the arms and legs and face
erythrite|a reddish mineral consisting of hydrated cobalt arsenate in monoclinic crystalline form and used in coloring glass;usually found in veins bearing cobalt and arsenic
erythroblast|a nucleated cell in bone marrow from which red blood cells develop
erythroblastosis|a blood disease characterized by the abnormal presence of erythroblasts in the blood
erythroblastosis fetalis|severe anemia in newborn babies;the result of Rh incompatibility between maternal and fetal blood;typically occurs when the child of an Rh-negative mother inherits Rh-positive blood from the father;can be diagnosed before birth by amniocentesis
Erythrocebus|patas
erythrocyte sedimentation rate|the rate at which red blood cells settle out in a tube of blood under standardized conditions;a high rate usually indicates the presence of inflammation
erythroderma|any skin disorder involving abnormal redness
erythromycin|an antibiotic (trade name Erythrocin or E-Mycin or Ethril or Ilosone or Pediamycin) obtained from the actinomycete Streptomyces erythreus;effective against many Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative
Erythronium|perennial bulbous herbs most of northern United States;dogtooth violet;adder's tongue;trout lily;fawn lily
erythropoiesis|the process of producing red blood cells by the stem cells in the bone marrow
erythropoietin|a glycoprotein secreted by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells
Erythroxylaceae|a family of plants of order Geraniales;have drupaceous fruit
Erythroxylon|a large genus of South American shrubs and small trees of the family Erythroxylaceae
Erythroxylon coca|a South American shrub whose leaves are chewed by natives of the Andes;a source of cocaine
Erythroxylon truxiuense|a South American shrub whose leaves are a source of cocaine
Esaki|physicist honored for advances in solid state electronics (born in Japan in 1925)
Esau|(Old Testament) the eldest son of Isaac who would have inherited the covenant that God made with Abraham and that Abraham passed on to Isaac;he traded his birthright to his twin brother Jacob for a mess of pottage
escadrille|a small squadron;an air force squadron typically containing six airplanes (as in France during World War I)
escalade|an act of scaling by the use of ladders (especially the walls of a fortification)
escalader|someone who gains access by the use of ladders
escalation|an increase to counteract a perceived discrepancy - "higher wages caused an escalation of prices" - "there was a gradual escalation of hostilities"
escalator|a stairway whose steps move continuously on a circulating belt
escalator clause|a clause in a contract that provides for an increase or a decrease in wages or prices or benefits etc. depending on certain conditions (as a change in the cost of living index)
escalope de veau Orloff|lightly sauteed veal cutlets spread with a Soubise sauce and liver paste then sprinkled with grated Parmesan and baked briefly
escapade|any carefree episode
escape|a means or way of escaping - "hard work was his escape from worry" - "they installed a second hatch as an escape" - "their escape route";a plant originally cultivated but now growing wild;an avoidance of danger or difficulty - "that was a narrow escape";an inclination to retreat from unpleasant realities through diversion or fantasy - "romantic novels were her escape from the stress of daily life";the act of escaping physically - "he made his escape from the mental hospital" - "the canary escaped from its cage";the discharge of a fluid from some container - "they tried to stop the escape of gas from the damaged pipe"
escape hatch|hatchway that provides a means of escape in an emergency
escape mechanism|a form of behavior that evades unpleasant realities
escape velocity|the minimum velocity needed to escape a gravitational field
escape wheel|gear that engages a rocking lever
escapee|someone who escapes
escapement|mechanical device that regulates movement
escapist|a person who escapes into a world of fantasy
escapologist|an entertainer who is expert in the art of escaping
escapology|the study of methods of escaping (especially as a form of entertainment)
escargot|edible terrestrial snail usually served in the shell with a sauce of melted butter and garlic
escarpment|a long steep slope or cliff at the edge of a plateau or ridge;usually formed by erosion;a steep artificial slope in front of a fortification
eschar|a dry scab formed on the skin following a burn or cauterization of the skin
eschatologist|a theologian who specializes in eschatology
eschatology|the branch of theology that is concerned with such final things as death and Last Judgment;Heaven and Hell;the ultimate destiny of humankind
escheat|a reversion to the state (as the ultimate owner of property) in the absence of legal heirs;the property that reverts to the state
escherichia|a genus of enteric bacteria
Escherichia coli|a species of bacterium normally present in intestinal tract of humans and other animals;sometimes pathogenic;can be a threat to food safety
Eschrichtiidae|comprising only the grey whales
Eschrichtius|type and sole genus of the Eschrichtiidae
Eschscholtzia|showy herbs of western North America
escolar|large snake mackerel with rings like spectacles around its eyes
escort|an attendant who is employed to accompany someone;the act of accompanying someone or something in order to protect them
escrow|a written agreement (or property or money) delivered to a third party or put in trust by one party to a contract to be returned after fulfillment of some condition
escrow funds|funds held in escrow
escutcheon|(nautical) a plate on a ship's stern on which the name is inscribed;a shield;especially one displaying a coat of arms
esker|(geology) a long winding ridge of post glacial gravel and other sediment;deposited by meltwater from glaciers or ice sheets
Eskimo|a member of a people inhabiting the Arctic (northern Canada or Greenland or Alaska or eastern Siberia);the Algonquians called them Eskimo ('eaters of raw flesh') but they call themselves the Inuit ('the people');the language spoken by the Eskimo
Eskimo curlew|New World curlew that breeds in northern North America
Eskimo dog|breed of heavy-coated Arctic sled dog
Eskimo-Aleut|the family of languages that includes Eskimo and Aleut
esmolol|intravenous beta blocker (trade name Brevibloc) that acts for only a short time;used primarily for cardiac arrhythmias
Esocidae|pikes;pickerels;muskellunges
esophageal smear|alimentary tract smear of material obtained from the esophagus
esophageal veins|small veins from the esophagus emptying into the brachiocephalic vein or the azygos veins
esophagitis|inflammation of the esophagus;often caused by gastroesophageal reflux
esophagogastric junction|the junction between the esophagus and the stomach epithelium
esophagoscope|an optical instrument for examining the inside of the esophagus
esophagus|the passage between the pharynx and the stomach
esoterica|secrets known only to an initiated minority
Esox|type and only genus of the family Esocidae
espadrille|a sandal with a sole made of rope or rubber and a cloth upper part
Espagnole|brown sauce with tomatoes and a caramelized mixture of minced carrots and onions and celery seasoned with Madeira
espalier|a trellis on which ornamental shrub or fruit tree is trained to grow flat
Esperantido|an artificial language based on Esperanto and Ido
Esperanto|an artificial language based as far as possible on words common to all the European languages
espionage|the systematic use of spies to get military or political secrets
espionage agent|someone employed to spy on another country or business competitor
espionage network|a network of spies
esplanade|a long stretch of open level ground (paved or grassy) for walking beside the seashore
Espoo|a city in southern Finland
espresso|strong black coffee brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans
espresso maker|a coffee maker that forces live steam under pressure through dark roasted coffee grounds
espresso shop|a cafe where espresso is served
esprit|liveliness of mind or spirit
esprit de corps|the spirit of a group that makes the members want the group to succeed
esprit de l'escalier|a witty remark that occurs to you too late
esquire|(Middle Ages) an attendant and shield bearer to a knight;a candidate for knighthood;a title of respect for a member of the English gentry ranking just below a knight;placed after the name
essay|a tentative attempt;an analytic or interpretive literary composition
essayist|a writer of literary works
Esselen|a member of a North American Indian people living on the California coast near Monterey;the Hokan language spoken by the Esselen
Essen|a city in western Germany;industrial center of the Ruhr
essence|any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted
Essene|a member of an ascetic Jewish sect around the time of Jesus
essential amino acid|an amino acid that is required by animals but that they cannot synthesize;must be supplied in the diet
essential condition|a prerequisite
essential hypertension|persistent and pathological high blood pressure for which no specific cause can be found
essential oil|an oil having the odor or flavor of the plant from which it comes;used in perfume and flavorings
essential thrombocytopenia|the primary form of thrombocytopenia (rather than a shortage of platelets caused by other conditions such as tuberculosis or chemical suppression of bone marrow etc.)
essential tremor|tremor of unknown cause (usually of the hands and head) that develops in older people;often mistaken for Parkinsonism but is not life-threatening and can usually be kept under control
essentiality|basic importance
Essex|a county in southeastern England on the North Sea and the Thames estuary
established church|the church that is recognized as the official church of a nation
establishment|(ecology) the process by which a plant or animal becomes established in a new habitat;a public or private structure (business or governmental or educational) including buildings and equipment for business or residence;any large organization;the cognitive process of establishing a valid proof
establishmentarianism|the doctrine of supporting the social or political establishment
estaminet|a small (and usually shabby) cafe selling wine and beer and coffee
estate|everything you own;all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities;extensive landed property (especially in the country) retained by the owner for his own use - "the family owned a large estate on Long Island"
estate of the realm|a major social class or order of persons regarded collectively as part of the body politic of the country (especially in the United Kingdom) and formerly possessing distinct political rights
Estates General|assembly of the estates of all France;last meeting in 1789
estazolam|a frequently prescribed sleeping pill (trade name ProSom)
esteem|the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded) - "it is held in esteem"
ester|formed by reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water
Esther|(Old Testament) a beautiful Jewess chosen by the king of Persia to be his queen;she stopped a plot to massacre all the Jews in Persia (an event celebrated by Jews as the feast of Purim);an Old Testament book telling of a beautiful Jewess who became queen of Persia and saved her people from massacre
esthete|one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art and nature
esthetician|a philosopher who specializes in the nature of beauty;a worker skilled in giving beauty treatments (manicures and facials etc.)
estimate|a judgment of the qualities of something or somebody - "many factors are involved in any estimate of human life";a statement indicating the likely cost of some job - "he got an estimate from the car repair shop";an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth - "an estimate of what it would cost";the respect with which a person is held
estimated tax|income tax paid periodically on income that is not subject to withholding taxes;based on the taxpayer's predicted tax liability
estivation|(botany) the arrangement of sepals and petals in a flower bud before it opens;(zoology) cessation or slowing of activity during the summer;especially slowing of metabolism in some animals during a hot or dry period
Estonia|a republic in northeastern Europe on the Baltic Sea
Estonian|the official language of Estonia;belongs to the Baltic-Finnic family of languages
Estonian monetary unit|monetary unit in Estonia
estoppel|a rule of evidence whereby a person is barred from denying the truth of a fact that has already been settled
estradiol|the most powerful female hormone that occurs naturally;synthesized and used to treat estrogen deficiency and breast cancer
estradiol patch|a transdermal patch that allows estradiol to be absorbed into the blood stream;used in treating estrogen deficiency and in hormone replacement therapy
Estrilda|avadavats
estriol|a naturally occurring estrogenic hormone;a synthetic form is used to treat estrogen deficiency
estrogen|a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics
estrogen antagonist|an antagonist for estrogen that is used in the treatment of breast cancer
estrone|a naturally occurring weak estrogenic hormone secreted by the mammalian ovary;synthesized (trade name Estronol) and used to treat estrogen deficiency
estrus|applies to nonhuman mammals;a state or period of heightened sexual arousal and activity
estuary|the wide part of a river where it nears the sea;fresh and salt water mix
eta|the 7th letter of the Greek alphabet
etagere|a piece of furniture with open shelves for displaying small ornaments
etamine|a soft cotton or worsted fabric with an open mesh;used for curtains or clothing etc.
etanercept|a genetically engineered anti-TNF compound (trade name Enbrel) consisting of receptors that bind TNF;it is injected twice a week in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
etcetera|additional unspecified odds and ends;more of the same - "his report was full of etceteras"
etcher|someone who etches
etching|an etched plate made with the use of acid;an impression made from an etched plate
eternal life|life without beginning or end
eternity|a seemingly endless time interval (waiting);a state of eternal existence believed in some religions to characterize the afterlife;time without end
ethacrynic acid|diuretic (trade name Edecrin) used to treat edema
ethane|a colorless odorless alkane gas used as fuel
ethchlorvynol|a mild sedative-hypnotic drug (trade name Placidyl)
Ethelbert|Anglo-Saxon king of Kent who was converted to Christianity by Saint Augustine;codified English law (552-616)
Ethelred|king of the English who succeeded to the throne after his half-brother Edward the Martyr was murdered;he struggled unsuccessfully against the invading Danes (969-1016);king of Wessex and Kent and elder brother of Alfred;Alfred joined Ethelred's battle against the invading Danes and succeeded him on his death (died in 871)
ether|a colorless volatile highly inflammable liquid formerly used as an inhalation anesthetic;a medium that was once supposed to fill all space and to support the propagation of electromagnetic waves;any of a class of organic compounds that have two hydrocarbon groups linked by an oxygen atom
ethernet|a type of network technology for local area networks;coaxial cable carries radio frequency signals between computers at a rate of 10 megabits per second
ethernet cable|any of several types of coaxial cable used in ethernets
ethic|a system of principles governing morality and acceptable conduct;the principles of right and wrong that are accepted by an individual or a social group - "the Puritan ethic"
ethical motive|motivation based on ideas of right and wrong
ethicism|a doctrine that ethics and ethical ideas are valid and important - "his ethicism often led him to moralize"
ethicist|a philosopher who specializes in ethics
ethics|the philosophical study of moral values and rules
ethics committee|a committee appointed to consider ethical issues
Ethiopia|Ethiopia is a republic in northeastern Africa on the Red Sea;formerly called Abyssinia
Ethiopian|a native or inhabitant of Ethiopia
Ethiopian monetary unit|monetary unit in Ethiopia
ethmoid|one of the eight bones of the cranium;a small bone filled with air spaces that forms part of the eye sockets and the nasal cavity
ethmoid sinus|a sinus of the meatuses of the nasal cavity (behind the bridge of the nose)
ethmoidal artery|a branch of the ophthalmic artery supplying structures in and around the nasal capsule
ethmoidal vein|veins that drain the ethmoidal sinuses and empty into the superior ophthalmic vein
ethnarch|the ruler of a province (as in the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire) or certain religious rulers with secular authority - "the election of Makarios III to archbishop gave him the status of the ethnarch of Cyprus"
ethnic|a person who is a member of an ethnic group
ethnic cleansing|the mass expulsion and killing of one ethnic or religious group in an area by another ethnic or religious group in that area
ethnic group|people of the same race or nationality who share a distinctive culture
ethnic joke|a joke at the expense of some ethnic group
ethnic minority|a group that has different national or cultural traditions from the majority of the population
ethnic slur|a slur on someone's race or language
ethnicity|an ethnic quality or affiliation resulting from racial or cultural ties - "ethnicity has a strong influence on community status relations"
ethnocentrism|belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group
ethnographer|an anthropologist who does ethnography
ethnography|the branch of anthropology that provides scientific description of individual human societies
ethnologist|an anthropologist who studies ethnology
ethnology|the branch of anthropology that deals with the division of humankind into races and with their origins and distribution and distinctive characteristics
ethologist|a zoologist who studies the behavior of animals in their natural habitats
ethology|the branch of zoology that studies the behavior of animals in their natural habitats
ethos|(anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era - "the Greek ethos"
ethosuximide|an anticonvulsant drug (trade names Emeside and Zarontin) used to treat petit mal epilepsy
ethyl|the univalent hydrocarbon radical C2H5 derived from ethane by the removal of one hydrogen atom
ethyl acetate|a fragrant colorless flammable volatile liquid ester made from ethanol and acetic acid;used in flavorings and perfumes and as a solvent for plastics
ethyl alcohol|the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors;used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions and rocket fuel;proposed as a renewable clean-burning additive to gasoline
ethyl chloride|a colorless flammable gas used as a local surface anesthetic
ethylene|a flammable colorless gaseous alkene;obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals;sometimes used as an anesthetic
ethylene glycol|a sweet but poisonous syrupy liquid used as an antifreeze and solvent
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid|a complex molecule used medically to chelate metal ions in cases of lead or heavy metal poisoning
etiolation|(botany) the act of causing a plant to develop without chlorophyll by growing it without exposure to sunlight - "the etiolation of celery";a pale and sickly appearance - "his etiolation signaled years in prison";the act of weakening by stunting the growth or development of something - "the etiolation of the critical tradition"
etiologist|a specialist in the etiology of diseases
etiology|the cause of a disease;the philosophical study of causation
etiquette|rules governing socially acceptable behavior
Etna|an inactive volcano in Sicily;last erupted in 1961;the highest volcano in Europe (10,500 feet)
etodolac|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Lodine)
Eton collar|broad white collar worn over the lapels of a jacket
Eton College|a public school for boys founded in 1440;located in Berkshire
Eton jacket|a jacket hanging to the waist and cut square at the bottom
Etonian|a student enrolled in (or graduated from) Eton College
Etropus|a genus of Bothidae
Etruria|an ancient country in central Italy;assimilated by the Romans by about 200 BC
Etruscan|a native or inhabitant of ancient Etruria;the Etruscans influenced the Romans (who had suppressed them by about 200 BC)
etude|a short composition for a solo instrument;intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
etui|small ornamental ladies' bag for small articles
etymological dictionary|a dictionary giving the historical origins of each word
etymologist|a lexicographer who specializes in etymology
etymology|a history of a word;the study of the sources and development of words
etymon|a simple form inferred as the common basis from which related words in several languages can be derived by linguistic processes
Euarctos|American black bears;in some classifications not a separate genus from Ursus
Euascomycetes|category not used in many classification systems
eubacteria|a large group of bacteria having rigid cell walls;motile types have flagella
Eubacteriales|one of two usually recognized orders of true bacteria;Gram-positive spherical or rod-shaped forms;some are motile;in some classifications considered an order of Schizomycetes
Eubryales|mosses with perennial erect gametophores and stems with rows of leaves and drooping capsules
eucalyptus|a tree of the genus Eucalyptus;wood of any of various eucalyptus trees valued as timber
eucalyptus gum|reddish-brown dried gummy exudation from any of several trees of the genus Eucalyptus especially Eucalyptus camaldulensis
eucalyptus oil|an essential oil obtained from the leaves of eucalypts
Eucarya|quandong trees
euchre|a card game similar to ecarte;each player is dealt 5 cards and the player making trump must take 3 tricks to win a hand
Eucinostomus|a genus of Gerreidae
Euclid|Greek geometer (3rd century BC)
Euclidean space|a space in which Euclid's axioms and definitions apply;a metric space that is linear and finite-dimensional
Euclid's axiom|(mathematics) any of five axioms that are generally recognized as the basis for Euclidean geometry
Euclid's fifth axiom|only one line can be drawn through a point parallel to another line
Euclid's first axiom|a straight line can be drawn between any two points
Euclid's fourth axiom|all right angles are equal
Euclid's second axiom|any terminated straight line can be projected indefinitely
Euclid's third axiom|a circle with any radius can be drawn around any point
eudemon|a benevolent spirit
eudemonism|an ethical system that evaluates actions by reference to personal well-being through a life based on reason
Euderma|a genus of Vespertilionidae
eudiometer|measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube for measuring volume changes in chemical reactions between gases
Eudyptes|rock hoppers
Eugene|a city in western Oregon on the Willamette River;site of a university;Austrian general in the service of the Holy Roman Empire during the War of the Spanish Succession (1663-1736)
Eugenia|tropical trees and shrubs with aromatic leaves and often valuable hard wood
eugenics|the study of methods of improving genetic qualities by selective breeding (especially as applied to human mating)
euglena|minute single-celled green freshwater organism having a single flagella;often classed as algae
Euglenaceae|considered green algae
euglenoid|marine and freshwater green or colorless flagellate organism
Euglenophyceae|coextensive with the division Euglenophyta
Euglenophyta|free-swimming flagellate algae
eukaryote|an organism with cells characteristic of all life forms except primitive microorganisms such as bacteria;i.e. an organism with 'good' or membrane-bound nuclei in its cells
Euler|Swiss mathematician (1707-1783)
eulogist|an orator who delivers eulogies or panegyrics
eulogy|a formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently
Eumeces|New World skinks
Eumenes|mason wasps
Eumetopias|sea lions
Eumops|mastiff bats
Eumycetes|category used in some classifications;coextensive with division Eumycota
Eumycota|true fungi;eukaryotic heterotrophic walled organisms;distinguished from Myxomycota (funguslike slime molds);comprises subdivisions Mastigomycotina;Zygomycotina;Ascomycotina;Basidiomycotina;Deuteromycotina (imperfect fungi)
Eunectes|anacondas
eunuch|a man who has been castrated and is incapable of reproduction - "eunuchs guarded the harem"
Euonymus|widely distributed chiefly evergreen shrubs or small trees or vines
Euopean hoopoe|pinkish-brown hoopoe with black-and-white wings
Eupatorium|large genus of chiefly tropical herbs having heads of white or purplish flowers
Euphagus|a genus of Icteridae
Euphausia pacifica|food for jellyfish
Euphausiacea|small commonly luminescent crustaceans;important element of marine plankton;krill
euphemism|an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh
euphonium|a bass horn (brass wind instrument) that is the tenor of the tuba family
Euphorbia|type genus of the Euphorbiaceae;very large genus of diverse plants all having milky juice
Euphorbiaceae|a family of plants of order Geraniales
euphorbium|an acrid brown gum resin now used mainly in veterinary medicine
euphoria|a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation
euphoriant|a psychoactive drug that tends to produce elation and euphoria
Euphractus|a genus of Dasypodidae
Euphrates|a river in southwestern Asia;flows into the Persian Gulf;was important in the development of several great civilizations in ancient Mesopotamia
Euphrosyne|(Greek mythology) one of the three Graces
euphuism|an elegant style of prose of the Elizabethan period;characterized by balance and antithesis and alliteration and extended similes with and allusions to nature and mythology;any artificially elegant style of language
Euplectella|a genus of Hyalospongiae
eupnea|normal relaxed breathing
Euproctis|a genus of Lymantriidae
Eurafrican|a person of mixed European and African descent
Eurasia|the land mass formed by the continents of Europe and Asia
Eurasian|a person of mixed European and Asian descent
Eurasian badger|a variety of badger native to Europe and Asia
Eurasian green toad|Eurasian toad with variable chiefly green coloring
Eurasian hamster|a variety of hamster common to Europe and Asia
Eurasian kingfisher|small kingfisher with greenish-blue and orange plumage
Eurasian otter|otter found in Europe and Asia
Eurasian woodcock|short-legged long-billed migratory Old World woodcock
Eureka|a town in northwest California on an arm of the Pacific Ocean
Euripides|one of the greatest tragic dramatists of ancient Greece (480-406 BC)
euro|the basic monetary unit of most members of the European Union (introduced in 1999);in 2002 twelve European nations (Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Austria, Finland) adopted the euro as their basic unit of money and abandoned their traditional currencies
Eurobabble|the jargon of European community documents and regulations
Eurocentrism|belief in the preeminence of Europe and the Europeans
Eurocurrency|currency of the major financial and industrial countries held in those countries for the purpose of lending and borrowing
Eurodollar|a United States dollar deposited in a European bank and used as an international currency to finance trade
Euronithopoda|widespread group including duck-billed dinosaurs and their early relatives (hadrosaurs, trachodon and iguanodon)
Europa|the 4th largest of Jupiter's satellites;covered with a smooth shell of frozen water
Europan|an artificial language proposed as an auxiliary European language
Europe|the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia);the British use 'Europe' to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles;the nations of the European continent collectively - "the Marshall Plan helped Europe recover from World War II"
European|a native or inhabitant of Europe
European ash|tall ash of Europe to the Caucasus having leaves shiny dark-green above and pale downy beneath
European beggar-ticks|bur marigold of temperate Eurasia
European bittern|a kind of bittern
European black grouse|large northern European grouse that is black with a lyre-shaped tail
European bog asphodel|of western Europe;Scandinavia to northern Spain and Portugal
European bream|European freshwater fish having a flattened body and silvery scales;of little value as food
European catfish|large elongated catfish of central and eastern Europe
European Central Bank|the central bank of those members of the European Union who share a common currency - "The European Central Bank is Europe's equivalent of the Federal Reserve"
European chestnut|wild or cultivated throughout southern Europe, northwestern Africa and southwestern Asia
European country|any one of the countries occupying the European continent
European cranberry|small red-fruited trailing cranberry of Arctic and cool regions of the northern hemisphere
European creeper|common European brown-and-buff tree creeper with down-curved bill
European cuckoo|common cuckoo of Europe having a distinctive two-note call;lays eggs in the nests of other birds
European curlew|common Eurasian curlew
European dewberry|creeping European bramble bearing dewberries
European dogtooth|sturdy European dogtooth with rose to mauve flowers;cultivated in many varieties
European fire salamander|a kind of European salamander
European flatfish|important food fish of Europe
European fly honeysuckle|cultivated Eurasian shrub with twin yellowish-white flowers and scarlet fruit
European gallinule|purple gallinule of southern Europe
European goatsucker|Old World goatsucker
European hackberry|bright green deciduous shade tree of southern Europe
European hare|large hare introduced in North America;does not turn white in winter
European hornbeam|medium-sized Old World tree with smooth grey bark and leaves like beech that turn yellow-orange in autumn
European house cricket|lives in human dwellings;naturalized in parts of America
European ladies' tresses|European orchid having shorter racemes of strongly spiraling snow-white flowers
European larch|tall European tree having a slender conic crown, flat needlelike leaves, and hairy cone scales
European lemming|notable for mass migrations even into the sea where many drown
European lobster|lobster of Atlantic coast of Europe;similar to but smaller than American lobsters
European magpie|a common magpie of Eurasia
European nuthatch|a kind of nuthatch
European parsley fern|fern of Europe and Asia Minor having short slender rhizome and densely tufted bright green fronds resembling parsley
European pasqueflower|European perennial having usually violet or white spring flowers
European perch|a perch native to Europe
European plan|a hotel plan that provides a continental breakfast daily
European rabbit|common greyish-brown burrowing animal native to southern Europe and northern Africa but introduced elsewhere;widely domesticated and developed in various colors and for various needs;young are born naked and helpless
European red elder|Eurasian shrub
European roller|common European blue-and-green roller with a reddish-brown back
European Russia|the part of Russia that is part of Europe
European sandpiper|a variety of sandpiper
European sanicle|sanicle of Europe and Asia having white to pale pink flowers
European sea bream|food fish of European coastal waters
European shrike|a common European butcherbird
European silver fir|tall timber tree of central and southern Europe having a regular crown and grey bark
European smelt|common smelt of Europe
European sole|highly valued as food
European spider crab|a large spider crab of Europe
European swift|common European bird with a shrieking call that nests chiefly about eaves of buildings or on cliffs
European toad|common toad of Europe
European tortoise|small land tortoise of southern Europe
European turkey oak|large deciduous tree of central and southern Europe and Asia Minor having lanceolate leaves with spiked lobes
European Union|an international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members
European water ouzel|a water ouzel of Europe
European water shrew|widely distributed Old World water shrew
European white lily|a water lily with white flowers
European wildcat|bushy-tailed wildcat of Europe that resembles the domestic cat and is regarded as the ancestor of the domestic cat
European wolf spider|large southern European spider once thought to be the cause of tarantism (uncontrollable bodily movement)
European wood mouse|nocturnal yellowish-brown mouse inhabiting woods and fields and gardens
European woolly thistle|woolly thistle of western and central Europe and Balkan Peninsula
Europeanization|assimilation into European culture
europium|a bivalent and trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group
Europol|police organization for the European Union;aims to improve effectiveness and cooperation among European police forces
Eurotiales|order of fungi having a closed ascocarp (cleistothecium) with the asci scattered rather than gathered in a hymenium
Eurotium|a genus of fungi belonging to the order Eurotiales
Euryale|(Greek mythology) one of the three Gorgons;basket stars
Euryalida|basket stars
Eurydice|(Greek mythology) the wife of Orpheus
Eurylaimi|broadbills
Eurylaimidae|coextensive with the suborder Eurylaimi
eurypterid|large extinct scorpion-like arthropod considered related to horseshoe crabs
Eurypterida|extinct aquatic arthropods of the Paleozoic
eurythmy|the interpretation in harmonious bodily movements of the rhythm of musical compositions;used to teach musical understanding
Eusebius|Christian bishop of Caesarea in Palestine;a church historian and a leading early Christian exegete (circa 270-340)
eusporangium|a sporangium that arises from a group of epidermal cells
Eustachian tube|either of the paired tubes connecting the middle ears to the nasopharynx;equalizes air pressure on the two sides of the eardrum
Eustachio|Italian anatomist who was one of the fathers of modern anatomy;noted for descriptions of the ear and the heart (1520-1574)
Eustoma|small genus of herbs of warm regions of southern North America to northern South America
Eutamias|chipmunks of western America and Asia
eutectic|a mixture of substances having a minimum melting point
eutectoid steel|a steel that contains 0.9% carbon (the eutectic point);a carbon steel with 0.9% carbon is pure pearlite
Euterpe|(Greek mythology) the Muse of music (or the flute);a monocotyledonous genus of graceful palm trees in tropical America
euthanasia|the act of killing someone painlessly (especially someone suffering from an incurable illness)
euthenics|the study of methods of improving human well-being and efficient functioning by improving environmental conditions
Eutheria|all mammals except monotremes and marsupials
Euthynnus|a genus of Scombridae
eutrophication|excessive nutrients in a lake or other body of water, usually caused by runoff of nutrients (animal waste, fertilizers, sewage) from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life;the decomposition of the plants depletes the supply of oxygen, leading to the death of animal life - "he argued that the controlling factor in eutrophication is not nitrate but phosphate"
evacuation|the act of evacuating;leaving a place in an orderly fashion;especially for protection
evacuee|a person who has been evacuated from a dangerous place
evaluation|act of ascertaining or fixing the value or worth of;an appraisal of the value of something
evaluator|an authority who is able to estimate worth or quality
evanescence|the event of fading and gradually vanishing from sight - "the evanescence of the morning mist"
Evangelical and Reformed Church|a Protestant denomination of Calvinist faith
Evangelical United Brethren Church|a Methodist denomination
evangelicalism|stresses the importance of personal conversion and faith as the means of salvation
evangelism|zealous preaching and advocacy of the gospel
Evangelist|(when capitalized) any of the spiritual leaders who are assumed to be authors of the Gospels in the New Testament;Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John;a preacher of the Christian gospel
Evans|British archaeologist who excavated the palace of Knossos in Crete to find what he called Minoan civilization (1851-1941);United States anatomist who identified four pituitary hormones and discovered vitamin E (1882-1971)
Evansville|a city in southwestern Indiana on the Ohio River
evaporated milk|milk concentrated by evaporation
evaporative cooler|a cooling system that cools by evaporation
evaporite|the sediment that is left after the evaporation of seawater
evasion|a statement that is not literally false but that cleverly avoids an unpleasant truth;nonperformance of something distasteful (as by deceit or trickery) that you are supposed to do - "his evasion of his clear duty was reprehensible";the act of physically escaping from something (an opponent or a pursuer or an unpleasant situation) by some adroit maneuver;the deliberate act of failing to pay money - "his evasion of all his creditors"
evasive answer|(law) an answer by a defendant that fails to admit or deny the allegations set forth in the complaint
Eve|(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology;the first woman and mother of the human race;God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden;the day before;the period immediately before something
even spacing|regularity of spacing
evening|a later concluding time period - "it was the evening of the Roman Empire";the early part of night (from dinner until bedtime) spent in a special way - "an evening at the opera";the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall) - "he enjoyed the evening light across the lake"
evening bag|a handbag used with evening wear
evening grosbeak|North American grosbeak
Evening Prayer|(Anglican Church) a daily evening service with prayers prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer
evening primrose|any of several plants of the family Onagraceae
evening shift|the work shift during the evening (as 4 p.m. to midnight);workers who work during the evening (as 4 p.m. to midnight)
evening star|a planet (usually Venus) seen at sunset in the western sky
evening-snow|small California annual with white flowers
Evenki|a member of the people inhabiting an area of northern Mongolia and eastern Siberia
evenness|a quality of uniformity and lack of variation;the parity of even numbers (divisible by two);the quality of being balanced
even-pinnate leaf|a pinnate leaf with a pair of leaflets at the apex
event|a phenomenon located at a single point in space-time;the fundamental observational entity in relativity theory;a special set of circumstances - "in that event, the first possibility is excluded";something that happens at a given place and time
event planner|someone who plans social events as a profession (usually for government or corporate officials)
even-toed ungulate|placental mammal having hooves with an even number of functional toes on each foot
eventration|protrusion of the intestine through the abdominal wall
eventuality|a possible event or occurrence or result
Everest|a mountain in the central Himalayas on the border of Tibet and Nepal;the highest mountain peak in the world (29,028 feet high)
Everglades|a large subtropical swamp in southern Florida that is noted for its wildlife
Everglades National Park|a national park in Florida containing an immense subtropical wilderness with mangrove swamps and rare birds and wild animals
evergreen|a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year
evergreen bittersweet|broad and bushy Asiatic twining shrub with pinkish fruit;many subspecies or varieties
evergreen blueberry|shrub of the eastern United States having shining evergreen leaves and bluish-black fruit
evergreen huckleberry|stiff bushy evergreen shrub of western North America having sour black berries and glossy green foliage used in floral arrangements
evergreen thorn|evergreen hawthorn of southeastern Europe
everlasting|any of various plants of various genera of the family Compositae having flowers that can be dried without loss of form or color
everlasting pea|any of several perennial vines of the genus Lathyrus
everlastingness|the property of lasting forever
Evernia|lichens of the family Usneaceae having a pendulous or shrubby thallus
Evers|United States civil rights worker in Mississippi;was killed by a sniper (1925-1963)
eversion|the position of being turned outward - "the eversion of the foot"
Evert|United States tennis player who won women's singles titles in the United States and at Wimbledon (born in 1954)
everyman|the ordinary person
eviction|action by a landlord that compels a tenant to leave the premises (as by rendering the premises unfit for occupancy);no physical expulsion or legal process is involved;the expulsion of someone (such as a tenant) from the possession of land by process of law
evidence|(law) all the means by which any alleged matter of fact whose truth is investigated at judicial trial is established or disproved;an indication that makes something evident - "his trembling was evidence of his fear";your basis for belief or disbelief;knowledge on which to base belief - "the evidence that smoking causes lung cancer is very compelling"
evil|morally objectionable behavior;that which causes harm or destruction or misfortune - "the evil that men do lives after them;the good is oft interred with their bones"- Shakespeare;the quality of being morally wrong in principle or practice - "attempts to explain the origin of evil in the world"
evil eye|a look that is believed to have the power of inflicting harm
evil spirit|a spirit tending to cause harm
evisceration|altering something (as a legislative act or a statement) in such a manner as to reduce its value - "the adoption of their amendments would have amounted to an evisceration of the act";surgical removal of an organ (or the contents of an organ) from a patient
evocation|calling up supposed supernatural forces by spells and incantations;imaginative re-creation;stimulation that calls up (draws forth) a particular class of behaviors
evoked potential|the electrical response of the central nervous system produced by an external stimulus - "he measured evoked potentials with an electroencephalogram"
evolution|(biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
evolutionary trend|a general direction of evolutionary change
evolutionist|a person who believes in organic evolution
Ewe|a Kwa language spoken by the Ewe in Ghana and Togo and Benin;a member of a people living in southern Benin and Togo and southeastern Ghana;female sheep
Ewing's sarcoma|malignant tumor in bone marrow (usually in the pelvis or in long bones)
exabit|a unit of information equal to 1000 petabits or 10^18 bits
exabyte|a unit of information equal to 1000 petabytes or 10^18 bytes;a unit of information equal to 1024 pebibytes or 2^60 bytes
exacerbation|violent and bitter exasperation - "his foolishness was followed by an exacerbation of their quarrel"
exacta|a bet that you can pick the first and second finishers in the right order
exaction|act of demanding or levying by force or authority - "exaction of tribute" - "exaction of various dues and fees"
exactness|the quality of being exact - "he demanded exactness in all details"
Exacum|genus of tropical Asiatic and African plants;especially Persian violets
Exaeretodon|a genus of reptiles of the division Cynodontia
exaggeration|making to seem more important than it really is;the act of making something more noticeable than usual - "the dance involved a deliberate exaggeration of his awkwardness"
exaltation|a flock of larks (especially a flock of larks in flight overhead);the location of a planet in the zodiac at which it is believed to exert its maximum influence
examen|a critical study (as of a writer's work);a detailed inspection of your conscience (as done daily by Jesuits)
examination|a set of questions or exercises evaluating skill or knowledge;the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes);the act of giving students or candidates a test (as by questions) to determine what they know or have learned
examiner|an investigator who observes carefully - "the examiner searched for clues";someone who administers a test to determine your qualifications
example|an item of information that is typical of a class or group - "this patient provides a typical example of the syndrome" - "there is an example on page 10";punishment intended as a warning to others - "they decided to make an example of him"
exanthem|eruption on the skin occurring as a symptom of a disease
exanthema subitum|a viral disease of infants and young children;characterized by abrupt high fever and mild sore throat;a few days later there is a faint pinkish rash that lasts for a few hours to a few days
exarch|a bishop in eastern Christendom who holds a place below a patriarch but above a metropolitan;a bishop in one of several Eastern Orthodox Churches in North America;a viceroy who governed a large province in the Roman Empire
exasperation|actions that cause great irritation (or even anger)
exbibit|a unit of information equal to 1024 pebibits or 2^60 bits
ex-boyfriend|a man who is no longer a woman's boyfriend
Excalibur|the legendary sword of King Arthur
excavation|a hole in the ground made by excavating;the act of digging - "there's an interesting excavation going on near Princeton"
excavator|a workman who excavates for foundations of buildings or for quarrying
exceedance|(geology) the probability that an earthquake will generate a level of ground motion that exceeds a specified reference level during a given exposure time - "the concept of exceedance can be applied to any type of environmental risk modeling"
excellence|an outstanding feature;something in which something or someone excels - "a center of manufacturing excellence";the quality of excelling;possessing good qualities in high degree
Excellency|a title used to address dignitaries (such as ambassadors or governors);usually preceded by 'Your' or 'His' or 'Her' - "Your Excellency"
excelsior|thin curly wood shavings used for packing or stuffing
exception|a deliberate act of omission - "with the exception of the children, everyone was told the news";an instance that does not conform to a rule or generalization - "all her children were brilliant;the only exception was her last child" - "an exception tests the rule";grounds for adverse criticism - "his authority is beyond exception"
excerpt|a passage selected from a larger work - "he presented excerpts from William James' philosophical writings"
excess|a quantity much larger than is needed;immoderation as a consequence of going beyond sufficient or permitted limits
exchange|(chess) gaining (or losing) a rook in return for a knight or bishop - "black lost the exchange";(chess) the capture by both players (usually on consecutive moves) of pieces of equal value - "the endgame began after the exchange of queens";a mutual expression of views (especially an unpleasant one) - "they had a bitter exchange";a workplace for buying and selling;open only to members;chemical process in which one atom or ion or group changes places with another;reciprocal transfer of equivalent sums of money (especially the currencies of different countries);the act of changing one thing for another thing - "Adam was promised immortality in exchange for his disobedience";the act of giving something in return for something received - "deductible losses on sales or exchanges of property are allowable"
exchange traded fund|a mutual fund that is traded on a stock exchange
exchange transfusion|slow removal of a person's blood and its replacement with equal amounts of a donor's blood
exchangeability|the quality of being capable of exchange or interchange
exchanger|one whose business is to exchange the money of one country for that of another country
excise|a tax that is measured by the amount of business done (not on property or income from real estate)
excitability|being easily excited;excessive sensitivity of an organ or body part
excitation|something that agitates and arouses;the neural or electrical arousal of an organ or muscle or gland
excitement|the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up - "his face was flushed with excitement and his hands trembled"
exclamation|a loud complaint or protest or reproach;an abrupt excited utterance - "she gave an exclamation of delight"
exclamation mark|a punctuation mark (!) used after an exclamation
exclusion|the state of being excluded
exclusionary rule|a rule that provides that otherwise admissible evidence cannot be used in a criminal trial if it was the result of illegal police conduct
exclusive|a news report that is reported first by one news organization
excogitation|thinking something out with care in order to achieve complete understanding of it
excogitator|a thinker who considers carefully and thoroughly
excommunication|the act of banishing a member of a church from the communion of believers and the privileges of the church;cutting a person off from a religious society;the state of being excommunicated
excoriation|severe censure
excrescence|(pathology) an abnormal outgrowth or enlargement of some part of the body
excretory organ|an organ that separates waste substances from the blood and discharges them
exculpation|the act of freeing from guilt or blame
excursion|a journey taken for pleasure - "many summer excursions to the shore"
excursion rate|a reduced rate for a round-trip ticket
excuse|a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc. - "he kept finding excuses to stay";a note explaining an absence - "he had to get his mother to write an excuse for him"
execration|an appeal to some supernatural power to inflict evil on someone or some group;the object of cursing or detestation;that which is execrated
executability|capability of being executed
executant|a performer (usually of musical works)
execution|(computer science) the process of carrying out an instruction by a computer;(law) the completion of a legal instrument (such as a contract or deed) by signing it (and perhaps sealing and delivering it) so that it becomes legally binding and enforceable;a routine court order that attempts to enforce the judgment that has been granted to a plaintiff by authorizing a sheriff to carry it out;putting a condemned person to death;the act of accomplishing some aim or executing some order
execution speed|(computer science) the speed with which a computational device can execute instructions;measured in MIPS
executioner|an official who inflicts capital punishment in pursuit of a warrant
executive|a person responsible for the administration of a business;persons who administer the law
executive agency|an agency of the executive branch of government
executive branch|the branch of the United States government that is responsible for carrying out the laws
executive clemency|the power (usually of a president or governor) to pardon or commute the sentence of someone convicted in that jurisdiction
executive council|a council that shares the supreme executive power
executive department|a federal department in the executive branch of the government of the United States
executive officer|the officer second in command
executive secretary|a secretary having administrative duties and responsibilities
executive session|a session (usually of a legislative body) that is closed to the public
executive vice president|a vice president holding executive power
executor|a person appointed by a testator to carry out the terms of the will
executor-heir relation|the responsibility of an executor (or administrator) of an estate to act in the best interests of the heir
executrix|a woman executor
exegesis|an explanation or critical interpretation (especially of the Bible)
exegete|a person skilled in exegesis (especially of religious texts)
exemplar|something to be imitated - "an exemplar of success"
exemplification|showing by example
exemption|a deduction allowed to a taxpayer because of his status (having certain dependents or being blind or being over 65 etc.) - "additional exemptions are allowed for each dependent";an act exempting someone;immunity from an obligation or duty
exenteration|surgical removal of the organs within a body cavity (as those of the pelvis)
exercise|(usually plural) a ceremony that involves processions and speeches - "academic exercises";a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding;systematic training by multiple repetitions;the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit - "the doctor recommended regular exercise"
exercise bike|an exercise device resembling a stationary bike
exercise device|a device designed to provide exercise for the user
exfiltration operation|a clandestine rescue operation to bring a defector or refugee or an operative and family out of danger
exfoliation|the peeling off in flakes or scales of bark or dead skin - "exfoliation is increased by sunburn"
ex-gambler|a former gambler
exhalation|the act of expelling air from the lungs
exhaust|gases ejected from an engine as waste products;system consisting of the parts of an engine through which burned gases or steam are discharged
exhaust fan|a fan that moves air out of an enclosure
exhaust manifold|a manifold that receives exhaust gases from the cylinders and conducts them to the exhaust pipe
exhaust pipe|a pipe through which burned gases travel from the exhaust manifold to the muffler
exhaust valve|a valve through which burned gases from a cylinder escape into the exhaust manifold
exhaustion|extreme fatigue;the act of exhausting something entirely
exhibit|an object or statement produced before a court of law and referred to while giving evidence
exhibition|a collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display;the act of exhibiting - "a remarkable exhibition of musicianship"
exhibition game|a game whose outcome is not recorded in the season's standing
exhibition hall|a large hall for holding exhibitions
exhibition season|the time before the regular games begin when football or baseball teams play practice games
exhibitionism|extravagant and conspicuous behavior intended to attract attention to yourself;the perverse act of exposing and attracting attention to your own genitals
exhibitionist|someone who deliberately behaves in such a way as to attract attention;someone with a compulsive desire to expose the genitals
exhibitor|someone who organizes an exhibit for others to see
exhilaration|the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
exhortation|a communication intended to urge or persuade the recipients to take some action;the act of exhorting;an earnest attempt at persuasion
exhumation|the act of digging something out of the ground (especially a corpse) where it has been buried
ex-husband|a man who was formerly a certain woman's husband
exigency|a pressing or urgent situation - "the health-care exigency"
exile|a person who is expelled from home or country by authority;a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country;the act of expelling a person from their native land - "men in exile dream of hope"
existential quantifier|a logical quantifier of a proposition that asserts the existence of at least one thing for which the proposition is true
existentialism|(philosophy) a 20th-century philosophical movement chiefly in Europe;assumes that people are entirely free and thus responsible for what they make of themselves
existentialist|a philosopher who emphasizes freedom of choice and personal responsibility but who regards human existence in a hostile universe as unexplainable
exit|an opening that permits escape or release;the act of going out
exit poll|a poll of voters as they leave the voting place;usually taken by news media in order to predict the outcome of an election
ex-mayor|a former mayor
Exmoor|horned sheep of Devon;valued for mutton;stocky breed of pony with a fawn-colored nose
exobiology|the branch of biology concerned with the effects of outer space on living organisms and the search for extraterrestrial life
Exocet|a guided missile developed by the French government for use against ships
Exocoetidae|flying fishes;closely related to the halfbeaks
exocrine gland|a gland that secretes externally through a duct
Exocycloida|flat sea urchins
exode|a farcical afterpiece in the ancient Roman theater
exodontics|the branch of dentistry dealing with extraction of teeth
exodontist|a dentist specializing in the extraction of teeth
exodus|a journey by a large group to escape from a hostile environment;the second book of the Old Testament;tells of the departure of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt led by Moses;God gave them the Ten Commandments and the rest of Mosaic law on Mount Sinai during the Exodus
exoergic reaction|a nuclear reaction accompanied by the evolution of energy
exogamy|marriage to a person belonging to a tribe or group other than your own as required by custom or law
exogenous depression|an inappropriate state of depression that is precipitated by events in the person's life (to be distinguished from normal grief)
exogenous obesity|obesity caused by overeating
exomphalos|an umbilical hernia at birth in which some abdominal organs push into the umbilical cord
exon|sequence of a gene's DNA that transcribes into protein structures - "exons are interspersed with introns"
exoneration|the condition of being relieved from blame or obligation
exonuclease|a nuclease that releases one nucleotide at a time (serially) beginning at one of a nucleic acid
exophthalmos|protrusion of the eyeball from the socket
Exopterygota|subclass of insects characterized by gradual and usually incomplete metamorphosis
exorbitance|excessive excess
exorcism|freeing from evil spirits
exorcist|one of the minor orders in the unreformed Western Church but now suppressed in the Roman Catholic Church;someone who practices exorcism
exordium|(rhetoric) the introductory section of an oration or discourse
exoskeleton|the exterior protective or supporting structure or shell of many animals (especially invertebrates) including bony or horny parts such as nails or scales or hoofs
exosphere|the outermost atmospheric layer
exostosis|a benign outgrowth from a bone (usually covered with cartilage)
exotherm|a compound that gives off heat during its formation and absorbs heat during its decomposition
exothermic reaction|a chemical reaction accompanied by the evolution of heat
exoticism|the quality of being exotic - "he loved the exoticism of Egypt"
exotoxin|a toxin that is secreted by microorganisms into the surrounding medium
expanse|a wide and open space or area as of surface or land or sky
expansion|a discussion that provides additional information;a function expressed as a sum or product of terms - "the expansion of (a+b)^2 is a^2 + 2ab + b^2";adding information or detail;the act of increasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
expansion bit|a bit with a cutting blade that can be adjusted to different sizes
expansion bolt|a bolt that has an attachment that expands as the bolt is driven into a surface
expansionism|the doctrine of expanding the territory or the economic influence of a country
expansiveness|a quality characterized by magnificence of scale or the tendency to expand - "the expansiveness of their extravagant life style was soon curtailed"
expatiation|a discussion (spoken or written) that enlarges on a topic or theme at length or in detail
expectation|belief about (or mental picture of) the future;the feeling that something is about to happen
expectedness|ordinariness as a consequence of being expected and not surprising
expectorant|a medicine promoting expectoration
expectoration|the process of coughing up and spitting out
expedience|the quality of being suited to the end in view
expedient|a means to an end;not necessarily a principled or ethical one
expedition|a journey organized for a particular purpose;a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country;an organized group of people undertaking a journey for a particular purpose - "an expedition was sent to explore Mars"
expending|the act of spending money for goods or services
expense|a detriment or sacrifice - "at the expense of";amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures);money spent to perform work and usually reimbursed by an employer - "he kept a careful record of his expenses at the meeting"
expense account|an account to which salespersons or executives can charge travel and entertainment expenses
expense record|a written record of money spent
expensiveness|the quality of being high-priced
experience|an event as apprehended - "a surprising experience" - "that painful experience certainly got our attention";the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities - "a man of experience" - "experience is the best teacher";the content of direct observation or participation in an event - "he had a religious experience" - "he recalled the experience vividly"
experiment|a venture at something new or different - "as an experiment he decided to grow a beard";the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation;the testing of an idea - "it was an experiment in living" - "not all experimentation is done in laboratories"
experimental method|the use of controlled observations and measurements to test hypotheses
experimental procedure|the specific techniques used in conducting a particular experiment
experimental psychology|the branch of psychology that uses experimental methods to study psychological issues
experimentalism|an empirical doctrine that advocates experimental principles;an orientation that favors experimentation and innovation - "the children of psychologists are often raised in an atmosphere of experimentalism"
experimenter|a person who enjoys testing innovative ideas - "she was an experimenter in new forms of poetry";a research worker who conducts experiments
experimenter bias|(psychology) bias introduced by an experimenter whose expectations about the outcome of the experiment can be subtly communicated to the participants in the experiment
expert|a person with special knowledge or ability who performs skillfully
expert witness|a witness who has knowledge not normally possessed by the average person concerning the topic that he is to testify about
expertness|skillfulness by virtue of possessing special knowledge
expiation|the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity)
explanans|(logic) statements that explain the explicandum;the explanatory premises
explanation|a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc. - "the explanation was very simple";the act of explaining;making something plain or intelligible - "I heard his explanation of the accident";thought that makes something comprehensible
expletive|a word or phrase conveying no independent meaning but added to fill out a sentence or metrical line
explicandum|(logic) a statement of something (a fact or thing or expression) to be explained
explication|a detailed explanation of the meaning of something;the act of making clear or removing obscurity from the meaning of a word or symbol or expression etc.
explication de texte|a method of literary criticism that analyzes details of a text in order to reveal its structure and meaning
explicit definition|a definition that gives an exact equivalent of the term defined
explicitness|clarity as a consequence of being explicit
exploitation|an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly) - "capitalistic exploitation of the working class";the act of making some area of land or water more profitable or productive or useful - "the exploitation of copper deposits"
exploiter|a person who uses something or someone selfishly or unethically
exploration|a careful systematic search;a systematic consideration - "he called for a careful exploration of the consequences";to travel for the purpose of discovery
explorer|someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose)
explorer's gentian|tufted sometimes sprawling perennial with blue flowers spotted with green;western North America
explosion|a golf shot from a bunker that typically moves sand as well as the golf ball;a sudden great increase - "the population explosion" - "the information explosion";a sudden outburst - "an explosion of laughter" - "an explosion of rage";a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction;the act of exploding or bursting - "the explosion of the firecrackers awoke the children";the noise caused by an explosion - "the explosion was heard a mile away"
explosive|a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck
explosive compound|a compound that is explosive
explosive detection system|a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using X-ray technology and computers;designed for use in airports
explosive device|device that bursts with sudden violence from internal energy
explosive mixture|a mixture that is explosive
explosive trace detection|a system for screening luggage in airports;an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives
explosive unit|any unit for measuring the force of explosions
exponent|a mathematical notation indicating the number of times a quantity is multiplied by itself;someone who expounds and interprets or explains
exponential|a function in which an independent variable appears as an exponent
exponential curve|a graph of an exponential function
exponential decay|a decrease that follows an exponential function
exponential equation|an equation involving exponential functions of a variable
exponential expression|a mathematical expression consisting of a constant (especially e) raised to some power
exponential series|a series derived from the expansion of an exponential expression
exponentiation|the process of raising a quantity to some assigned power
export|commodities (goods or services) sold to a foreign country
export credit|a credit opened by an importer with a bank in an exporter's country to finance an export operation
export duty|a duty imposed on exports
exporter|a businessperson who transports goods abroad (for sale)
exporting|the commercial activity of selling and shipping goods to a foreign country
expose|the exposure of an impostor or a fraud - "he published an expose of the graft and corruption in city government"
exposition|(music) the section of a movement (especially in sonata form) where the major musical themes first occur;a systematic interpretation or explanation (usually written) of a specific topic;an account that sets forth the meaning or intent of a writing or discourse - "we would have understood the play better if there had been some initial exposition of the background"
expositor|a person who explains
expostulation|an exclamation of protest or remonstrance or reproof;the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest
exposure|abandoning without shelter or protection (as by leaving as infant out in the open);aspect resulting from the direction a building or window faces - "the studio had a northern exposure";presentation to view in an open or public manner - "the exposure of his anger was shocking";the act of exposing film to light;the act of subjecting someone to an influencing experience - "she denounced the exposure of children to pornography";the disclosure of something secret - "they feared exposure of their campaign plans";the intensity of light falling on a photographic film or plate - "he used the wrong exposure";vulnerability to the elements;to the action of heat or cold or wind or rain - "exposure to the weather" or "they died from exposure"
exposure therapy|a form of behavior therapy in which a survivor confronts feelings or phobias or anxieties about a traumatic event and relives it in the therapy situation
ex-president|a former president
express|mail that is distributed by a rapid and efficient system;public transport consisting of a fast train or bus that makes only a few scheduled stops - "he caught the express to New York";rapid transport of goods
expression|(genetics) the process of expressing a gene;expression without words - "tears are an expression of grief";the act of forcing something out by squeezing or pressing - "the expression of milk from her breast";the communication (in speech or writing) of your beliefs or opinions - "expressions of good will" - "he helped me find verbal expression for my ideas";the feelings expressed on a person's face - "a sad expression"
expressionism|an art movement early in the 20th century;the artist's subjective expression of inner experiences was emphasized;an inner feeling was expressed through a distorted rendition of reality
expressionist|an artist who is an adherent of expressionism
expressive style|a way of expressing something (in language or art or music etc.) that is characteristic of a particular person or group of people or period
expressiveness|the quality of being expressive
expressway|a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic
expropriation|taking out of an owner's hands (especially taking property by public authority)
expulsion|the act of expelling or projecting or ejecting
expunction|deletion by an act of expunging or erasing
expurgation|the deletion of objectionable parts from a literary work
expurgator|a person who edits a text by removing obscene or offensive words or passages - "Thomas Bowdler was a famous expurgator"
exquisiteness|extreme beauty of a delicate sort
ex-spouse|a person who was formerly a spouse
extemporization|a performance given extempore without planning or preparation
extended care facility|a medical institution that provides prolonged care (as in cases of prolonged illness or rehabilitation from acute illness)
extended family|a family consisting of the nuclear family and their blood relatives
extended order|a military formation for skirmishing;as widely separated as the tactical situation permits
extended time scale|(simulation) the time scale used in data processing when the time-scale factor is greater than one
extension|a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt - "they applied for an extension of the loan";a string of characters beginning with a period and followed by one or more letters;the optional second part of a PC computer filename - "most applications provide extensions for the files they create" - "most BASIC files use the filename extension .BAS";act of expanding in scope;making more widely available - "extension of the program to all in need";act of stretching or straightening out a flexed limb;amount or degree or range to which something extends - "the wire has an extension of 50 feet";an additional telephone set that is connected to the same telephone line;an educational opportunity provided by colleges and universities to people who are not enrolled as regular students;the ability to raise the working leg high in the air - "the dancer was praised for her uncanny extension" - "good extension comes from a combination of training and native ability"
extension cord|an electric cord used to extend the length of a power cord
extension course|a course offered as part of an extension service
extension ladder|a ladder whose length can be extended
extensor muscle|a skeletal muscle whose contraction extends or stretches a body part
extent|the distance or area or volume over which something extends - "the vast extent of the desert" - "an orchard of considerable extent";the point or degree to which something extends - "the extent of the damage" - "the full extent of the law" - "to a certain extent she was right"
extenuation|a partial excuse to mitigate censure;an attempt to represent an offense as less serious than it appears by showing mitigating circumstances;to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious
exterior angle|the supplement of an interior angle of a polygon
exterior door|a doorway that allows entrance to or exit from a building
extermination|the act of exterminating
exterminator|someone who exterminates (especially someone whose occupation is the extermination of troublesome rodents and insects)
extern|a nonresident doctor or medical student;connected with a hospital but not living there
external|outward features - "he enjoyed the solemn externals of religion"
external body part|any body part visible externally
external carotid artery|the branch of the carotid artery that supplies blood to the face and tongue and external parts of the head
external drive|a drive with its own power supply and fan mounted outside the computer system enclosure and connected to the computer by a cable
external ear|the part of the ear visible externally
external gill|occurs in some mollusks and in tadpoles and other immature amphibians
external iliac artery|the outer branch of the common iliac artery on either side of the body;becomes the femoral artery
external iliac vein|a continuation of the femoral vein;unites with the internal iliac vein to form the common iliac vein
external jugular vein|formed by the junction of the posterior auricular and the retromandibular veins;empties into the subclavian vein
external nasal vein|one of the veins that drain the external nose and empty into the angular or facial vein
external oblique muscle|a diagonally arranged abdominal muscle on either side of the torso
external organ|an organ that is situated on or near the surface of the body
external-combustion engine|a heat engine in which ignition occurs outside the chamber (cylinder or turbine) in which heat is converted to mechanical energy
externalization|attributing to outside causes;embodying in an outward form
exteroception|sensitivity to stimuli originating outside of the body
exteroceptor|any receptor that responds to stimuli outside the body
extinction|a conditioning process in which the reinforcer is removed and a conditioned response becomes independent of the conditioned stimulus;complete annihilation - "they think a meteor cause the extinction of the dinosaurs";no longer active;extinguished - "the extinction of the volcano";no longer in existence - "the extinction of a species";the act of extinguishing;causing to stop burning - "the extinction of the lights";the reduction of the intensity of radiation as a consequence of absorption and radiation
extirpation|the act of pulling up or out;uprooting;cutting off from existence
extortion|an exorbitant charge;the felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence);unjust exaction (as by the misuse of authority) - "the extortion by dishonest officials of fees for performing their sworn duty"
extra|an additional edition of a newspaper (usually to report a crisis);something additional of the same kind - "he always carried extras in case of an emergency"
extra dividend|a dividend paid in addition to the regular dividend
extra innings|overtime play until one team is ahead at the end of an inning;e.g. baseball
extra large|a garment size for a very large person
extracapsular surgery|cataract surgery in which only the front of the lens is removed;the back of the lens capsule remains intact and provides support for the lens implant
extracellular fluid|liquid containing proteins and electrolytes including the liquid in blood plasma and interstitial fluid - "the body normally has about 15 quarts of extracellular fluid"
extraction|the action of taking out something (especially using effort or force) - "the dentist gave her a local anesthetic prior to the extraction";the process of obtaining something from a mixture or compound by chemical or physical or mechanical means
extractor|an instrument for extracting tight-fitting components
extracurricular activity|educational activities not falling within the scope of the regular curriculum
extradition|the surrender of an accused or convicted person by one state or country to another (usually under the provisions of a statute or treaty)
extrados|the exterior curve of an arch
extramarital sex|sexual intercourse between individuals who are not married to one another
extraneousness|unrelatedness by virtue of falling outside the matter at hand
extraordinariness|the quality of being extraordinary and not commonly encountered
extrapolation|(mathematics) calculation of the value of a function outside the range of known values;an inference about the future (or about some hypothetical situation) based on known facts and observations
extrasystole|a premature systole resulting in a momentary cardiac arrhythmia
extraterrestrial being|a form of life assumed to exist outside the Earth or its atmosphere
extraterrestrial object|a natural object existing outside the earth and outside the earth's atmosphere
extravagance|excessive spending;the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth - "we were surprised by the extravagance of his description";the trait of spending extravagantly
extravaganza|any lavishly staged or spectacular entertainment
extravasation|an extravasated liquid (blood or lymph or urine);the product of extravasation;the process of exuding or passing out of a vessel into surrounding tissues;said of blood or lymph or urine
extraversion|(psychology) an extroverted disposition;concern with what is outside the self
extreme|the furthest or highest degree of something - "he carried it to extremes"
extreme point|the point located farthest from the middle of something
extremely high frequency|30 to 300 gigahertz
extremely low frequency|below 3 kilohertz
extremeness|the quality of being extreme
extremism|any political theory favoring immoderate uncompromising policies
extremist|a person who holds extreme views
extremity|an external body part that projects from the body;an extreme condition or state (especially of adversity or disease);that part of a limb that is farthest from the torso;the greatest or utmost degree - "the extremity of despair";the outermost or farthest region or point
extremum|the most extreme possible amount or value
extrinsic fraud|fraud that prevents a party from knowing their rights or from having a fair opportunity of presenting them at trial
extropy|the prediction that human intelligence and technology will enable life to expand in an orderly way throughout the entire universe
extrovert|(psychology) a person concerned more with practical realities than with inner thoughts and feelings
extrusion|squeezing out by applying pressure - "an unexpected extrusion of toothpaste from the bottom of the tube"
exuberance|joyful enthusiasm;overflowing with eager enjoyment or approval
exudate|a substance that oozes out from plant pores
exudation|the process of exuding;the slow escape of liquids from blood vessels through pores or breaks in the cell membranes
exultation|a feeling of extreme joy;the utterance of sounds expressing great joy
exurbia|a residential area outside of a city and beyond suburbia
exuviae|cast-off skins or coverings of various organisms during ecdysis
ex-wife|a woman who was formerly a particular man's wife
eyas|an unfledged or nestling hawk
Eyck|Flemish painter who was a founder of the Flemish school of painting and who pioneered modern techniques of oil painting (1390-1441)
eye|a small hole or loop (as in a needle) - "the thread wouldn't go through the eye";attention to what is seen - "he tried to catch her eye";good discernment (either visually or as if visually) - "she has an eye for fresh talent" - "he has an artist's eye";the organ of sight
eye bank|a place for storing and preserving corneas that are obtained from human corpses immediately after death;used for corneal transplantation to patients with corneal defects
eye candy|visual images that are pleasing to see but are intellectually undemanding - "he wanted to put some eye candy on their web site"
eye chart|a chart that is read from a fixed distance;used as a test of vision
eye clinic|a clinic where specialist care for a patient's eyes
eye condition|the condition of the optical properties of the eye
eye contact|a meeting of the eyes between two people that expresses meaningful nonverbal communication - "it was a mere glance, but the eye contact was enough to tell her that he was desperate to leave";contact that occurs when two people look directly at each other - "a teacher should make eye contact with the students"
eye dialect|the use of misspellings to identify a colloquial or uneducated speaker
eye disease|any disease of the eye
eye movement|the movement of the eyes
eye opener|an alcoholic drink intended to wake one up early in the morning;something surprising and revealing
eye operation|any surgical procedure involving the eyes
eye rhyme|an imperfect rhyme (e.g., 'love' and 'move')
eye socket|the bony cavity in the skull containing the eyeball
eyeball|the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
eye-beaming|a radiant glance of the eye - "he pretended profundity by eye-beamings at people"
eyebrow|the arch of hair above each eye
eyebrow pencil|makeup provided by a cosmetic pencil that is used to darken the eyebrows
eye-catcher|a striking person or thing that attracts attention
eyecup|a small vessel with a rim curved to fit the orbit of the eye;use to apply medicated or cleansing solution to the eyeball - "an eyecup is called an eyebath in Britain"
eyedness|the property of favoring one eye over the other (as in taking aim)
eyedrop|a drop from an eye dropper;a method of irrigating the eye used by ophthalmologists
eyeful|a full view;a good look - "they wanted to see violence and they got an eyeful";a strikingly beautiful woman - "she was a statuesque redheaded eyeful"
eyeglass wearer|a person who wears spectacles in order to see better
Eyeish|a member of the Caddo people of northeastern Texas
eyelash|any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids
eyelessness|blindness due to loss of the eyes
eyelet|a small hole (usually round and finished around the edges) in cloth or leather for the passage of a cord or hook or bar
eyelid|either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
eyeliner|makeup applied to emphasize the shape of the eyes
eye-lotion|lotion consisting of a solution used as a cleanser for the eyes
eyepatch|a protective cloth covering for an injured eye
eyepiece|combination of lenses at the viewing end of optical instruments
eyes|opinion or judgment - "in the eyes of the law" - "I was wrong in her eyes"
eyeshadow|makeup consisting of a cosmetic substance used to darken the eyes
eyesight|normal use of the faculty of vision
eyesore|something very ugly and offensive
eyespot|an eyelike marking (as on the wings of some butterflies);usually a spot of color inside a ring of another color
eyestrain|a tiredness of the eyes caused by prolonged close work by a person with an uncorrected vision problem
eyewitness|a spectator who can describe what happened
Eyre|a shallow salt lake in south central Australia about 35 feet below sea level;the largest lake in the country and the lowest point on the continent
Eyre Peninsula|a peninsula of southern Australia
eyrir|100 aurar equal 1 krona in Iceland
Eysenck|a British psychologist (born in Germany) noted for his theories of intelligence and personality and for his strong criticism of Freudian psychoanalysis
Eysenck Personality Inventory|a self-report personality inventory based on Hans Eysenck's factor analysis of personality which assumes three basic factors (the two most important being extraversion to introversion and neuroticism)
Ezekiel|a Hebrew prophet of the 6th century BC who was exiled to Babylon in 587 BC;an Old Testament book containing Ezekiel's prophecies of the downfall of Jerusalem and Judah and their subsequent restoration
Ezra|a Jewish priest and scribe sent by the Persian king to restore Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem;an Old Testament book telling of a rabbi's efforts in the 5th century BC to reconstitute Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem after the Babylonian Captivity
F|the 6th letter of the Roman alphabet
fa|the syllable naming the fourth (subdominant) note of the diatonic scale in solmization
fa la|meaningless syllables in the refrain of a partsong
Faberge|Russian goldsmith noted for creating a series of jeweled and enameled Easter eggs for European royalty (1846-1920)
Fabian|a member of the Fabian Society in Britain
Fabian Society|an association of British socialists who advocate gradual reforms within the law leading to democratic socialism
Fabiana|genus of South and Central American heathlike evergreen shrubs
Fabianism|socialism to be established by gradual reforms within the law
fable|a short moral story (often with animal characters)
fabric|artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers - "the fabric in the curtains was light and semitransparent"
fabrication|a deliberately false or improbable account;the act of constructing something (as a piece of machinery);the act of making something (a product) from raw materials - "the synthesis and fabrication of single crystals";writing in a fictional form
fabulist|a person who tells or invents fables
facade|a showy misrepresentation intended to conceal something unpleasant;the face or front of a building
face|a part of a person that is used to refer to a person - "he looked out at a roomful of faces" - "when he returned to work he met many new faces";a vertical surface of a building or cliff;status in the eyes of others - "he lost face";the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear - "he washed his face" - "I wish I had seen the look on his face when he got the news";the general outward appearance of something - "the face of the city is changing";the part of an animal corresponding to the human face;the side upon which the use of a thing depends (usually the most prominent surface of an object) - "he dealt the cards face down";the striking or working surface of an implement
face angle|the angle formed by two edges of a polyhedral angle
face card|one of the twelve cards in a deck bearing a picture of a face
face guard|face mask consisting of a strong wire mesh on the front of football helmets
face lift|a renovation that improves the outward appearance (as of a building) but usually does not involve major changes;plastic surgery to remove wrinkles and other signs of aging from your face;an incision is made near the hair line and skin is pulled back and excess tissue is excised - "some actresses have more than one face lift"
face mask|mask that provides a protective covering for the face in such sports as baseball or football or hockey
face powder|cosmetic powder for the face
face recognition|biometric identification by scanning a person's face and matching it against a library of known faces - "they used face recognition to spot known terrorists";the visual perception of familiar faces
face saver|an act that avoids a loss of face (of dignity or prestige)
face time|work time spent at the location of or in the presence of other people - "instead of working on the problem at home he devoted face time to it at the office"
face value|the apparent worth as opposed to the real worth
face veil|a piece of more-or-less transparent material that covers the face
face-amount certificate company|a regulated investment company that pays a stated amount to certificate holders on a stated maturity date
face-off|(ice hockey) the method of starting play;a referee drops the puck between two opposing players
faceplate|a protective covering for the front of a machine or device (as a door lock or computer component)
facer|(a dated Briticism) a serious difficulty with which one is suddenly faced
facet|a smooth surface (as of a bone or cut gemstone)
facet plane|the plane of a facet of an object (as of a cube)
facetiousness|playful humor
facial|care for the face that usually involves cleansing and massage and the application of cosmetic creams;cranial nerve that supplies facial muscles
facial artery|an artery that originates in the external carotid and gives off branches that supply the neck and face
facial expression|a gesture executed with the facial muscles
facial hair|hair on the face (especially on the face of a man)
facial index|the ratio (in percent) of the maximum width to the maximum height of the face
facial muscle|any of the skeletal muscles of the face
facial profiling|identification of criminals and terrorist by means of videotapes of their faces - "facial profiling is a new form of airport security"
facial tissue|tissue paper suitable for use on the face
facial vein|any of several veins draining the face
facilitation|(neurophysiology) phenomenon that occurs when two or more neural impulses that alone are not enough to trigger a response in a neuron combine to trigger an action potential;act of assisting or making easier the progress or improvement of something;the condition of being made easy (or easier) - "social facilitation is an adaptive condition"
facilitator|someone who makes progress easier
facility|a building or place that provides a particular service or is used for a particular industry - "the assembly plant is an enormous facility";a natural effortlessness - "they conversed with great facility" - "a happy readiness of conversation"--Jane Austen;a service that an organization or a piece of equipment offers you - "a cell phone with internet facility";something designed and created to serve a particular function and to afford a particular convenience or service
facing|a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening;a protective covering that protects the outside of a building;an ornamental coating to a building
facsimile|an exact copy or reproduction;duplicator that transmits the copy by wire or radio
fact|a concept whose truth can be proved - "scientific hypotheses are not facts";a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred - "first you must collect all the facts of the case";a statement or assertion of verified information about something that is the case or has happened - "he supported his argument with an impressive array of facts";an event known to have happened or something known to have existed - "your fears have no basis in fact" - "how much of the story is fact and how much fiction is hard to tell"
faction|a dissenting clique
factoid|a brief (usually one sentence and usually trivial) news item;something resembling a fact;unverified (often invented) information that is given credibility because it appeared in print
factor|an independent variable in statistics;any of the numbers (or symbols) that form a product when multiplied together;anything that contributes causally to a result - "a number of factors determined the outcome"
factor analysis|any of several methods for reducing correlational data to a smaller number of dimensions or factors;beginning with a correlation matrix a small number of components or factors are extracted that are regarded as the basic variables that account for the interrelations observed in the data
factor of proportionality|the constant value of the ratio of two proportional quantities x and y;usually written y = kx, where k is the factor of proportionality
factorial|the product of all the integers up to and including a given integer - "1, 2, 6, 24, and 120 are factorials"
factorization|(mathematics) the resolution of an entity into factors such that when multiplied together they give the original entity
factory|a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing
factory price|price charged for goods picked up at the factory
factory ship|a whaling ship equipped to process whale products at sea
factory whistle|a whistle at a factory that is sounded to announce times for starting or stopping work
factotum|a servant employed to do a variety of jobs
factuality|the quality of being actual or based on fact - "the realm of factuality must be distinguished from the realm of imagination"
facula|a bright spot on a planet;a large bright spot on the sun's photosphere occurring most frequently in the vicinity of sunspots
faculty|one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
fad|an interest followed with exaggerated zeal - "he always follows the latest fads"
fad diet|a reducing diet that enjoys temporary popularity
faddist|a person who subscribes to a variety of fads
fade|gradually ceasing to be visible
fadeout|a gradual temporary loss of a transmitted signal due to electrical disturbances
fading away|gradually diminishing in brightness or loudness or strength
fado|a sad Portuguese folksong
Fafnir|(Norse mythology) the Norse dragon that guarded a treasure and was slain by Sigurd
fag end|the frayed end of a length of cloth or rope;the time of the last part of something - "the fag end of this crisis-ridden century"
Fagaceae|chiefly monoecious trees and shrubs;beeches;chestnuts;oaks;genera Castanea, Castanopsis, Chrysolepis, Fagus, Lithocarpus, Nothofagus, Quercus
Fagales|an order of dicotyledonous trees of the subclass Hamamelidae
Fagin|a villainous Jew in a novel by Charles Dickens - "Fagin was a fence who trained boys as pickpockets"
Fagopyrum|buckwheat;in some classifications included in the genus Polygonum
fagot|a bundle of sticks and branches bound together;offensive term for an openly homosexual man
fagot stitch|the stitch that ties a group of parallel threads together in fagoting
fagoting|embroidery in which groups of parallel threads are tied together with fagot stitches
Fagus|beeches
Fahd|king of Saudi Arabia from 1982 to 2005 (1923-2005)
Fahrenheit|German physicist who invented the mercury thermometer and developed the scale of temperature that bears his name (1686-1736)
Fahrenheit scale|a temperature scale that defines the freezing point of water as 32 degrees and the boiling point of water a 212 degrees
Fahrenheit thermometer|a thermometer calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit
faience|glazed earthenware decorated with opaque colors
failing|a flaw or weak point - "he was quick to point out his wife's failings";failure to reach a minimum required performance - "his failing the course led to his disqualification"
faille|a ribbed woven fabric of silk or rayon or cotton
fail-safe|a mechanism capable of returning to a safe state in case there is a failure or malfunction
failure|a person with a record of failing;someone who loses consistently;an act that fails - "his failure to pass the test";an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose - "the surprise party was a complete failure";an unexpected omission - "he resented my failure to return his call" - "the mechanic's failure to check the brakes";lack of success - "he felt that his entire life had been a failure" - "that year there was a crop failure";loss of ability to function normally - "kidney failure"
faineance|the trait of being idle out of a reluctance to work
faint|a spontaneous loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood to the brain
faintheartedness|the trait of lacking boldness and courage
faintness|a feeling of faintness and of being ready to swoon;barely audible;the property of being without strength - "the faintness or potency of the feeling"
fair|a competitive exhibition of farm products - "she won a blue ribbon for her baking at the county fair";gathering of producers to promote business - "world fair" - "trade fair" - "book fair"
fair ball|(baseball) a ball struck with the bat so that it stays between the lines (the foul lines) that define the width of the playing field
fair catch|(American football) a catch of a punt on the fly by a defensive player who has signalled that he will not run and so should not be tackled
fair chance|a reasonable probability of success
fair copy|a clean copy of a corrected draft
fair deal|fair treatment
fair hearing|a hearing that is granted in extraordinary situations where the normal judicial process would be inadequate to secure due process because the person would be harmed or denied their rights before a judicial remedy became available (as in deportation or loss of welfare benefits)
fair trade|trade that is conducted legally;trade that satisfies certain criteria on the supply chain of the goods involved, usually including fair payment for producers;often with other social and environmental considerations
fair use|the conditions under which you can use material that is copyrighted by someone else without paying royalties
fair weather|moderate weather;suitable for outdoor activities
Fairbanks|United States film actor noted for his swashbuckling roles (1883-1939);United States film actor;son of Douglas Elton Fairbanks, (1909-2000)
fairground|an open area for holding fairs or exhibitions or circuses
fairlead|a pulley-block used to guide a rope forming part of a ship's rigging to avoid chafing
fairness|ability to make judgments free from discrimination or dishonesty;conformity with rules or standards - "the judge recognized the fairness of my claim"
fairness commission|a commission delegated to ensure opportunities for the expression of opposing views
fair-trade act|formerly a state law that protected manufacturers from price-cutting by allowing them to set minimum retail prices for their merchandise;eliminated by the United States Congress in 1975
fair-trade agreement|an agreement (illegal in the United States) between the manufacturer of a trademarked item of merchandise and its retail distributors to sell the item at a price at or above the price set by the manufacturer
fairway|a tract of ground free of obstacles to movement;the area between the tee and putting green where the grass is cut short;the usual course taken by vessels through a harbor or coastal waters
fairy|a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
fairy bluebird|fruit-eating mostly brilliant blue songbird of the East Indies
fairy cup|miterwort of northeastern North America usually with two opposite leaves on erect flowering stems that terminate in erect racemes of white flowers
fairy godmother|a female character in some fairy stories who has magical powers and can bring unexpected good fortune to the hero or heroine;a generous benefactor
fairy light|a small colored light used for decoration (especially at Christmas)
fairy ring|a ring of fungi marking the periphery of the perennial underground growth of the mycelium
fairy shrimp|small freshwater branchiopod having a transparent body with many appendages;swims on its back
fairy swallow|fancy domestic pigeon having blue-and-white plumage and heavily muffed feet
fairyland|the enchanted realm of fairies
fairy-ring mushroom|mushroom that grows in a fairy ring
fairytale|a story about fairies;told to amuse children;an interesting but highly implausible story;often told as an excuse
Faisal|king of Saudi Arabia from 1964 to 1975 (1906-1975)
Faisalabad|city in northeast Pakistan
fait accompli|an irreversible accomplishment
faith|complete confidence in a person or plan etc - "he cherished the faith of a good woman";loyalty or allegiance to a cause or a person - "keep the faith" - "they broke faith with their investors"
faith healing|care provided through prayer and faith in God
faithful|any loyal and steadfast following
faithlessness|unfaithfulness by virtue of being unreliable or treacherous
fake|something that is a counterfeit;not what it seems to be
fake book|a fake in the form of an imitation book;used to fill bookcases of people who wish to appear scholarly
fakery|the act of faking (or the product of faking)
fakir|a Muslim or Hindu mendicant monk who is regarded as a holy man
falafel|small croquette of mashed chick peas or fava beans seasoned with sesame seeds
Falange|the Spanish Nazi party under Franco
falangist|a Spanish member of General Franco's political party
Falcatifolium|sickle pines;dioecious evergreen tropical trees and shrubs having sickle-shaped leaves;similar to Dacrycarpus in habit;Malaysia and Philippines to New Guinea and New Caledonia
falchion|a short broad slightly convex medieval sword with a sharp point
falciform ligament|a ligament that attaches part of the liver to the diaphragm and the abdominal wall
Falco|a genus of Falconidae
falcon|diurnal birds of prey having long pointed powerful wings adapted for swift flight
falconer|a person who breeds and trains hawks and who follows the sport of falconry
falcon-gentle|female falcon especially a female peregrine falcon
Falconidae|a family of birds of the order Falconiformes
Falconiformes|chiefly diurnal carnivorous birds having hooked beaks and long talons with opposable hind toe;falcons;hawks;eagles;ospreys;caracaras;vultures
falconry|the art of training falcons to hunt and return
Falkland Islands|a group of over 100 islands in the southern Atlantic off the coast of Argentina;a British Crown Colony
fall|a lapse into sin;a loss of innocence or of chastity - "a fall from virtue";a movement downward - "the rise and fall of the tides";a sudden decline in strength or number or importance - "the fall of the House of Hapsburg";the season when the leaves fall from the trees - "in the fall of 1973";when a wrestler's shoulders are forced to the mat;the lapse of mankind into sinfulness because of the sin of Adam and Eve
fall armyworm|larva of a migratory American noctuid moth;destroys grasses and small grains
fall cankerworm|green or brown white-striped looper;larva of Alsophila pometaria
fall dandelion|fall-blooming European herb with a yellow flower;naturalized in the United States
Fall of Man|(Judeo-Christian mythology) when Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden, God punished them by driving them out of the Garden of Eden and into the world where they would be subject to sickness and pain and eventual death
fall webworm|a variety of webworm
Falla|Spanish composer and pianist (1876-1946)
fallaciousness|result of a fallacy or error in reasoning
fallacy|a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning
fall-blooming hydrangea|deciduous shrub or small tree with pyramidal flower clusters
fallboard|the hinged protective covering that protects the keyboard of a piano when it is not being played
faller|a person who falls - "one of them was safe but they were unable to save the faller" - "a faller among thieves"
fallibility|the likelihood of making errors
Fallopian tube|either of a pair of tubes conducting the egg from the ovary to the uterus
Fallopius|Italian anatomist who first described the Fallopian tubes (1523-1562)
Fallot|French physician who described cardiac anomalies including Fallot's tetralogy (1850-1911)
fallout|the radioactive particles that settle to the ground after a nuclear explosion
fallout shelter|a shelter to protect occupants from the fallout from an atomic bomb
fallow|cultivated land that is not seeded for one or more growing seasons
fallow deer|small Eurasian deer
falls|the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)
false alarm|a warning that is given about something that fails to occur
false alumroot|plant growing in clumps with mostly basal leaves and cream-colored or pale pink fringed flowers in several long racemes;Alaska to coastal central California and east to Idaho
false asphodel|a plant of the genus Tofieldia having linear chiefly basal leaves and small spicate flowers
false azalea|straggling shrub of northwestern North America having foliage with a bluish tinge and umbels of small bell-shaped flowers
false bottom|a horizontal structure that partitions a ship or box (especially one built close to the actual bottom)
false bracken|resembles Pteridium aquilinum;of Queensland, Australia
false buckthorn|deciduous tree of southeastern United States and Mexico
false bugbane|tall perennial of the eastern United States having large basal leaves and white summer flowers
false chamomile|any of various autumn-flowering perennials having white or pink to purple flowers that resemble asters;wild in moist soils from New Jersey to Florida and Texas
false deathcap|agaric often confused with the death cup
false dragonhead|North American plant having a spike of two-lipped pink or white flowers
false face|a mask worn as part of a masquerade costume
false foxglove|multi-stemmed North American annual having solitary axillary dark golden-yellow flowers resembling those of the foxglove;sometimes placed in genus Gerardia;sparsely branched North American perennial with terminal racemes of bright yellow flowers resembling those of the foxglove;sometimes placed in genus Gerardia
false gavial|crocodile of southeast Asia similar to but smaller than the gavial
false goatsbeard|North American astilbe with panicles of creamy white flowers
false gromwell|any of several North American perennial herbs with hairy foliage and small yellowish or greenish flowers
false heather|North American decumbent evergreen heathlike plant with yellow flowers
false imprisonment|(law) confinement without legal authority
false indigo|an erect to spreading hairy shrub of the Pacific coast of the United States having racemes of red to indigo flowers;dense shrub of moist riverbanks and flood plains of the eastern United States having attractive fragrant foliage and dense racemes of dark purple flowers
false lily of the valley|small two-leaved herb of the northern United States and parts of Canada having racemes of small fragrant white flowers;small white-flowered plant of western Europe to Japan
false lupine|western United States bushy herb having yellow pea-like flowers
false mallow|an American plant of the genus Malvastrum
false miterwort|plant with tiny white flowers hanging in loose clusters on leafy stems;moist woods from Alaska to central California and east to Montana
false morel|a fungus of the family Helvellaceae
false nettle|any of several flowering weeds of the genus Boehmeria lacking stinging hairs
false pregnancy|physiological state in which a woman exhibits symptoms of pregnancy but is not pregnant
false pretense|(law) an offense involving intent to defraud and false representation and obtaining property as a result of that misrepresentation
false return|an incorrect income tax return
false rue anemone|slender erect perennial of eastern North America having tuberous roots and pink-tinged white flowers;resembles meadow rue
false saber-toothed tiger|North American cat of the Miocene and Pliocene;much earlier and less specialized than members of the genus Smiledon
false sago|southeastern Indian cycad with palmlike foliage
false scorpion|small nonvenomous arachnid resembling a tailless scorpion
false tamarisk|Eurasian shrub resembling the tamarisk
false teeth|a removable denture
false truffle|any of various fungi of the family Rhizopogonaceae having subterranean fruiting bodies similar to the truffle
false vampire|any New or Old World carnivorous bat erroneously thought to suck blood but in fact feeding on insects
false verdict|a manifestly unjust verdict;not true to the evidence
false vocal cord|either of the upper two vocal cords that are not involved in vocalization
false wintergreen|evergreen of eastern North America with leathery leaves and numerous white flowers
falsehood|a false statement
falsetto|a male singing voice with artificially high tones in an upper register
falsie|padding that is worn inside a brassiere
falsification|a willful perversion of facts;the act of determining that something is false;the act of rendering something false as by fraudulent changes (of documents or measures etc.) or counterfeiting
falsifier|someone who falsifies
falsity|the state of being false or untrue - "argument could not determine its truth or falsity"
Falstaff|a dissolute character in Shakespeare's plays
falun gong|a spiritual movement that began in China in the latter half of the 20th century and is based on Buddhist and Taoist teachings and practices
fame|favorable public reputation;the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
familial hypercholesterolemia|congenital disorder characterized by high levels of cholesterol and early development of atherosclerosis
familiar|a person attached to the household of a high official (as a pope or bishop) who renders service in return for support;a spirit (usually in animal form) that acts as an assistant to a witch or wizard
familiarity|an act of undue intimacy;close or warm friendship;usualness by virtue of being familiar or well known
familiarization|the experience of becoming familiar with something
family|(biology) a taxonomic group containing one or more genera - "sharks belong to the fish family";a social unit living together - "he moved his family to Virginia";an association of people who share common beliefs or activities - "the message was addressed not just to employees but to every member of the company family";people descended from a common ancestor - "his family has lived in Massachusetts since the Mayflower";primary social group;parents and children - "he wanted to have a good job before starting a family"
family Bible|a large Bible with pages to record marriages and births
family business|a corporation that is entirely owned by the members of a single family
family court|a court in some states in the United States that has jurisdiction over family disputes (especially those involving children)
family doctor|a general practitioner who treats all the family members
family history|part of a patient's medical history in which questions are asked in an attempt to find out whether the patient has hereditary tendencies toward particular diseases
family man|a man whose family is of major importance in his life
family practice|medical practice that provides health care regardless of age or sex while placing emphasis on the family unit
family room|a recreation room in a private house
family therapy|any of several therapeutic approaches in which a family is treated as a whole
famine|a severe shortage of food (as through crop failure) resulting in violent hunger and starvation and death
famotidine|a histamine blocker (trade name Pepcid) used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis and esophageal reflux
famulus|a close attendant (as to a scholar)
fan|a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces;an ardent follower and admirer
fan belt|a belt driven by the crankshaft that drives a fan that pulls air through the radiator
fan blade|blade of a rotating fan
fan dance|a solo dance in which large fans are manipulated to suggest or reveal nakedness
fan letter|a letter that is a piece of fan mail
fan mail|mail sent to public figures from their admirers - "he hired someone to answer his fan mail"
fan palm|palm having palmate or fan-shaped leaves
fan tracery|the carved tracery on fan vaulting
fan vaulting|an elaborate system of vaulting in which the ribs diverge like fans
fanaloka|civet of Madagascar
fanatic|a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause) - "A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject"--Winston Churchill
fanaticism|excessive intolerance of opposing views
fancier|a person having a strong liking for something
Fanconi's anemia|a rare congenital anemia characterized by pancytopenia and hypoplasia of the bone marrow
fancy|a kind of imagination that was held by Coleridge to be more casual and superficial than true imagination
fancy dress|a costume worn as a disguise at a masquerade party
fancy goods|goods that are chiefly ornamental
fancy man|a woman's lover
fandango|a provocative Spanish courtship dance in triple time;performed by a man and a woman playing castanets
fandom|the fans of a sport or famous person
Fang|a Bantu language spoken in Cameroon;an appendage of insects that is capable of injecting venom;usually evolved from the legs;canine tooth of a carnivorous animal;used to seize and tear its prey;hollow or grooved tooth of a venomous snake;used to inject its poison
fanion|a small flag used by surveyors or soldiers to mark a position
fanjet|a jet engine in which a fan driven by a turbine provides extra air to the burner and gives extra thrust;an airplane propelled by a fanjet engine
fanlight|a semicircular window over a door or window;usually has sash bars like the ribs of a fan
Fanny Adams|nautical term for tinned meat
fanny pack|a waist pack worn with the pouch in back
fantail|an overhang consisting of the fan-shaped part of the deck extending aft of the sternpost of a ship
fantan|a card game in which you play your sevens and other cards in sequence in the same suit as the sevens;you win if you are the first to use all your cards;a Chinese gambling game;a random number of counters are placed under a bowl and you gamble on how many will be left (0, 1, 2, or 3 modulo 4)
fantasia|a musical composition of a free form usually incorporating several familiar themes
fantasist|a creator of fantasies
fantast|someone who predicts the future
fantasy|fiction with a large amount of imagination in it;imagination unrestricted by reality - "a schoolgirl fantasy"
fantasy life|an imaginary life lived in a fantasy world
fantasy world|something existing solely in the imagination (but often mistaken for reality)
fantods|an ill-defined state of irritability and distress
FAQ|a list of questions that are frequently asked (about a given topic) along with their answers
far cry|a disappointing disparity - "it was a far cry from what he had expected";distance estimated in terms of the audibility of a cry - "it's a far cry from here"
Far East|a popular expression for the countries of eastern Asia (usually including China and Mongolia and Taiwan and Japan and Korea and Indochina and eastern Siberia)
farad|the capacitance of a capacitor that has an equal and opposite charge of 1 coulomb on each plate and a voltage difference of 1 volt between the plates
Faraday|the English physicist and chemist who discovered electromagnetic induction (1791-1867)
farandole|a lively dance from Provence;all the dancers join hands and execute various figures
farce|a comedy characterized by broad satire and improbable situations
fardel|a burden (figuratively in the form of a bundle)
fare|a paying (taxi) passenger;the food and drink that are regularly served or consumed;the sum charged for riding in a public conveyance
fare increase|increase in the sum charged for riding in a public conveyance
fare-stage|a section along the route of a bus for which the fare is the same
fare-thee-well|state of perfection;the utmost degree - "they polished the furniture to a fare-thee-well"
farewell|an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting;the act of departing politely - "he disliked long farewells"
farfalle|pasta shaped with scalloped edges and pinched in the middle, suggestive of a bow tie
Fargo|largest city in North Dakota;located in eastern North Dakota on the Red river
farina|fine meal made from cereal grain especially wheat;often used as a cooked cereal or in puddings
farkleberry|shrub or small tree of eastern United States having black inedible berries
Farley maidenhair|named for a country house in Barbados where it was discovered
farm|workplace consisting of farm buildings and cultivated land as a unit - "it takes several people to work the farm"
farm bill|a statute that would regulate farm production and prices
farm boy|a boy who has grown up on a farm
farm building|a building on a farm
Farm Credit System|a cooperative nationwide system of banks and associations providing credit to farmers and related businesses;originally capitalized by the federal government but now owned by its members and borrowers
farm girl|a girl who has grown up on a farm
farm horse|a quiet plodding workhorse
farm machine|a machine used in farming
farm team|a minor-league team that is owned by a major-league team (especially in baseball)
farmer|a person who operates a farm;an expert on cooking whose cookbook has undergone many editions (1857-1915);United States civil rights leader who in 1942 founded the Congress of Racial Equality (born in 1920)
farmerette|a woman working on a farm
Farmer-Labor Party|a former minor political party in the United States in the early 20th century
farmer's lung|alveolitis caused by an allergic reaction to fungal spores in the dust that is inhaled from moldy hay
farmer's market|an open-air marketplace for farm products
farmhand|a hired hand on a farm
farmhouse|house for a farmer and family
farming|agriculture considered as an occupation or way of life - "farming is a strenuous life";the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
Farmington|a residential town in central Connecticut;a town in northwestern New Mexico
farmland|a rural area where farming is practiced
farmplace|a farm together with its buildings
farmstead|the buildings and adjacent grounds of a farm
farmyard|an area adjacent to farm buildings
farness|the property of being remote
faro|a card game in which players bet against the dealer on the cards he will draw from a dealing box
Faroe Islands|a group of 21 volcanic islands in the North Atlantic between Iceland and the Shetland Islands;a self-governing colony that is a possession of Denmark in the Faroe Islands
Faroese|a Scandinavian language (closely related to Icelandic) that is spoken on the Faroe Islands
Farouk I|king of Egypt who in 1952 was ousted by a military coup d'etat (1920-1965)
Farragut|United States admiral who commanded Union ships during the American Civil War (1801-1870)
Farrell|United States operatic soprano noted for the clarity and power of her voice (1920-2002);United States writer remembered for his novels (1904-1979)
farrier|a person who shoes horses
farrow|the production of a litter of pigs
Farsi|a person of Iranian descent - "many Farsi emigrated to India near Bombay"
fart|a reflex that expels intestinal gas through the anus
farthing|a former British bronze coin worth a quarter of a penny
farthingale|a hoop worn beneath a skirt to extend it horizontally;worn by European women in the 16th and 17th centuries
fartlek|a method of athletic training (especially for runners) in which strenuous effort and normal effort alternate in a continuous exercise
fasces|bundle of rods containing an axe with the blade protruding;in ancient Rome it was a symbol of a magistrate's power;in modern Italy it is a symbol of fascism
fascia|a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue separating or binding together muscles and organs etc
fascicle|an installment of a printed work
fasciculation|muscular twitching of contiguous groups of muscle fibers
fascination|the capacity to attract intense interest - "he held the children spellbound with magic tricks and other fascinations";the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror)
Fasciola|a genus of Fasciolidae
fascioliasis|infestation with the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica;liver damage sometimes occurs;related to liver rot
Fasciolidae|a family of Trematoda
fasciolopsiasis|infestation with the large intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski;common in eastern Asia
Fasciolopsis|a genus of Fasciolidae
Fasciolopsis buski|fluke that is parasitic on humans and swine;common in eastern Asia
fascism|a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)
fascist|an adherent of fascism or other right-wing authoritarian views
fascista|an Italian fascist under Mussolini
fashion|characteristic or habitual practice;consumer goods (especially clothing) in the current mode;the latest and most admired style in clothes and cosmetics and behavior
fashion consultant|someone who advises you about fashionable clothing
fashion plate|a plate illustrating the latest fashion in dress
fast|abstaining from food
fast break|(basketball) a rapid dash to get a shot as soon as possible after taking possession of the ball
fast buck|quick or easy earnings, "they are traders out to make a fast buck"
fast day|a day designated for fasting
fast food|inexpensive food (hamburgers or chicken or milkshakes) prepared and served quickly
fast lane|a hectic and pressured lifestyle often characterized by recklessness or dissipation - "life in fashion's fast lane has taught her a lot";the traffic lane for vehicles that are moving rapidly
Fast of Esther|(Judaism) a minor fast day on Adar 13 commemorates three days that Esther fasted before approaching the Persian king on behalf of the Jewish people;the fast is connected with Purim
Fast of Gedaliah|(Judaism) a minor fast day on Tishri 3 that commemorates the killing of the Jewish governor of Judah
Fast of Tammuz|(Judaism) a minor fast day on Tammuz 17 when the walls of Jerusalem were breached
Fast of Tevet|(Judaism) a minor fast day on Tevet 10 commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem and has also been proclaimed a memorial day for the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust
Fast of the Firstborn|(Judaism) a minor fast day on Nissan 14 that is observed only by firstborn males;it is observed on the day before Passover
fast reactor|nuclear reactor in which nuclear fissions are caused by fast neutrons because little or no moderator is used
fast time scale|(simulation) the time scale used in data processing when the time-scale factor is less than one
fast track|a rapid means of achieving a goal - "they saw independence as the fast track to democracy" - "he took a fast track to the top of the corporate ladder" - "the company went off the fast track when the stock market dropped"
fastball|(baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity - "he swung late on the fastball"
fastener|a person who fastens or makes fast - "he found the door fastened and wondered who the fastener was";restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place
fastening|the act of fastening things together
fastidiousness|the trait of being meticulous about matters of taste or style - "neatness and fastidiousness of dress"
fastnacht|doughnut traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday
fastness|the quality of being fixed in place as by some firm attachment
fat|a soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides) - "pizza has too much fat"
fat cat|a wealthy and privileged person
fat cell|cells composed of fat
fat chance|little or no chance of success
fat embolism|serious condition in which fat blocks an artery;fat can enter the blood stream after a long bone is fractured or if adipose tissue is injured or as a result of a fatty liver
fat farm|a health spa that specializes in helping people lose weight
fat metabolism|a metabolic process that breaks down ingested fats into fatty acids and glycerol and then into simpler compounds that can be used by cells of the body
fata morgana|a mirage in the Strait of Messina (attributed to the Arthurian sorcerer Morgan le Fay)
Fatah Revolutionary Council|a Palestinian international terrorist organization that split from the PLO in 1974;has conducted terrorist attacks in 20 countries
Fatah Tanzim|a terrorist group organized by Yasser Arafat in 1995 as the armed wing of al-Fatah;serves a dual function of violent confrontation with Israel and serves as Arafat's unofficial militia to prevent rival Islamists from usurping leadership
fatal accident|an accident that causes someone to die
fatalism|a philosophical doctrine holding that all events are predetermined in advance for all time and human beings are powerless to change them;a submissive mental attitude resulting from acceptance of the doctrine that everything that happens is predetermined and inevitable
fatalist|anyone who submits to the belief that they are powerless to change their destiny
fatality|a death resulting from an accident or a disaster;the quality of being able to cause death or fatal disasters
fatback|salt pork from the back of a hog carcass
fathead|a man who is a stupid incompetent fool
Father|'Father' is a term of address for priests in some churches (especially the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Catholic Church);'Padre' is frequently used in the military;God when considered as the first person in the Trinity - "hear our prayers, Heavenly Father";a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father);a person who holds an important or distinguished position in some organization
Father Brown|a Catholic priest who was the hero of detective stories by G. K. Chesterton
father figure|a man who takes over all the functions of the real father
father-figure|a man (often a powerful or influential man) who arouses emotions usually felt for your real father and with whom you identify psychologically
fatherhood|the kinship relation between an offspring and the father;the status of a father;the status of a religious leader
father-in-law|the father of your spouse
fatherland|the country where you were born
fatherliness|the benignity and protectiveness of or befitting a father - "the gentleness and fatherliness of the strange old man eased her fears"
Father's Day|US;third Sunday in June
fathom|(mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore;a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
fatigability|susceptibility to fatigue;a tendency to get tired or lose strength
fatigue|(always used with a modifier) boredom resulting from overexposure to something - "he was suffering from museum fatigue" - "after watching TV with her husband she had a bad case of football fatigue" - "the American public is experiencing scandal fatigue" - "political fatigue";temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work - "he was hospitalized for extreme fatigue" - "growing fatigue was apparent from the decline in the execution of their athletic skills";used of materials (especially metals) in a weakened state caused by long stress - "metal fatigue"
fatigue crack|a crack in metal resulting from metal fatigue
fatigue duty|labor of a nonmilitary kind done by soldiers (cleaning or digging or draining or so on)
fatigue fracture|fracture resulting from excessive activity rather than a specific injury
fatigue party|a group of soldiers on fatigue duty
fatigues|military uniform worn by military personnel when doing menial labor
Fatiha|the first or opening sura of the Quran which is the central prayer of Islam and is used on all special occasions as well as during the five daily prayers
Fatima|youngest daughter of the prophet Mohammed and wife of the fourth calif Ali;revered especially by Shiite Muslims (606-632)
fatness|excess bodily weight - "she disliked fatness in herself as well as in others"
fatso|a rotund individual
fat-soluble vitamin|any vitamin that is soluble in fats
fattism|discrimination against people who are overweight
fatty acid|any of a class of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids that form part of a lipid molecule and can be derived from fat by hydrolysis;fatty acids are simple molecules built around a series of carbon atoms linked together in a chain of 12 to 22 carbon atoms
fatty liver|yellow discoloration as a result of the accumulation of certain fats (triglycerides) in the liver;can be caused by alcoholic cirrhosis or pregnancy or exposure to certain toxins
fatwa|a ruling on a point of Islamic law that is given by a recognized authority
fatwah|(Islam) a legal opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar - "bin Laden issued three fatwahs calling upon Muslims to take up arms against the United States"
faubourg|a New Orleans district lying outside the original city limits;used in combination with the names of various quarters of the city
fauces|the passage between the back of the mouth and the pharynx
faucet|a regulator for controlling the flow of a liquid from a reservoir
fauld|a piece of armor plate below the breastplate
Faulkner|United States novelist (originally Falkner) who wrote about people in the southern United States (1897-1962)
fault|(electronics) equipment failure attributable to some defect in a circuit (loose connection or insulation failure or short circuit etc.) - "it took much longer to find the fault than to fix it";(geology) a crack in the earth's crust resulting from the displacement of one side with respect to the other - "they built it right over a geological fault" - "he studied the faulting of the earth's crust";(sports) a serve that is illegal (e.g., that lands outside the prescribed area) - "he served too many double faults";responsibility for a bad situation or event - "it was John's fault"
fault line|(geology) line determined by the intersection of a geological fault and the earth's surface
faultfinding|persistent petty and unjustified criticism
faultlessness|the quality of being without an error or fault
faun|ancient Italian deity in human shape, with horns, pointed ears and a goat's tail;equivalent to Greek satyr
fauna|all the animal life in a particular region or period - "the fauna of China"
Fauntleroy|an excessively polite and well-dressed boy
Faunus|(Roman mythology) ancient rural deity;later considered a counterpart of Greek Pan
Faust|an alchemist of German legend who sold his soul to Mephistopheles in exchange for knowledge
fauteuil|an upholstered armchair
Fauve|a member of a group of French painters who followed fauvism
fauvism|an art movement launched in 1905 whose work was characterized by bright and nonnatural colors and simple forms;influenced the expressionists
faux pas|a socially awkward or tactless act
fava bean|shell beans cooked as lima beans
favism|anemia resulting from eating fava beans;victims have an inherited blood abnormality and enzyme deficiency
favor|a feeling of favorable regard;an act of gracious kindness;an advantage to the benefit of someone or something - "the outcome was in his favor";an inclination to approve - "that style is in favor this season"
favorableness|the quality of being encouraging or promising of a successful outcome
favorite|something regarded with special favor or liking - "that book is one of my favorites"
favorite son|a United States politician favored mainly in his or her home state
favoritism|an inclination to favor some person or group
favus|a contagious fungal infection of the scalp;occurs mainly in Africa and the Middle East
Fawkes|English conspirator who was executed for his role in a plot to blow up James I and the Houses of Parliament (1570-1606)
fawn|a young deer
fawn lily|California dogtooth violet with creamy white flowers sometimes yellow-tinged
Fayetteville|a town in central West Virginia on the New River;a town in south central North Carolina;a university town in northwestern Arkansas in the Ozarks
fear|a feeling of profound respect for someone or something - "the fear of God";an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
fearfulness|the trait of being afraid
fearlessness|feeling no fear;the trait of feeling no fear
feasibility|the quality of being doable
feast|something experienced with great delight - "a feast for the eyes"
feast day|a day designated for feasting
feasting|eating an elaborate meal (often accompanied by entertainment)
feat|a notable achievement - "he performed a great feat"
feather|the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds;turning an oar parallel to the water between pulls
feather ball|a low tuberculate cactus with white feathery spines;northeastern Mexico
feather bed|a mattress stuffed with feathers
feather boa|a long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
feather palm|palm having pinnate or featherlike leaves
feather reed grass|a variety of reed grass
feather star|free-swimming stalkless crinoid with ten feathery arms;found on muddy sea bottoms
featherbedding|the practice (usually by a labor union) of requiring an employer to hire more workers than are required
featheredge|a thin tapering edge
featherfoil|a plant of the genus Hottonia
feathertop|northeastern tropical African plant having feathery panicles
featherweight|a professional boxer who weighs between 123 and 126 pounds;an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 126 pounds;weighs 126-139 pounds
feature|a prominent attribute or aspect of something - "the map showed roads and other features";a special or prominent article in a newspaper or magazine - "they ran a feature on retirement planning";an article of merchandise that is displayed or advertised more than other articles;the characteristic parts of a person's face;eyes and nose and mouth and chin - "an expression of pleasure crossed his features";the principal (full-length) film in a program at a movie theater - "the feature tonight is 'Casablanca'"
feature of speech|(linguistics) a distinctive characteristic of a linguistic unit that serves to distinguish it from other units of the same kind
February|the month following January and preceding March
fecal impaction|accumulation of hardened feces in the rectum or lower colon which the person cannot move
fecal matter|solid excretory product evacuated from the bowels
fecal occult test|a test performed at home in which you collect specimens of your stool that are tested for traces of blood;used to detect colorectal cancers
Fechner|German physicist who founded psychophysics;derived Fechner's law on the basis of early work by E. H. Weber (1801-1887)
Fechner's law|(psychophysics) the concept that the magnitude of a subjective sensation increases proportional to the logarithm of the stimulus intensity;based on early work by E. H. Weber
fecklessness|worthlessness due to being feeble and ineffectual
fecula|excreta (especially of insects)
feculence|something that is feculent
fecundity|the intellectual productivity of a creative imagination
fedayeen|(plural) Arab guerrillas who operate mainly against Israel
Fedayeen Saddam|a feared paramilitary unit formed in 1995 by young soldiers to serve Saddam Hussein against domestic opponents
fedelline|extremely fine pasta thinner than vermicelli
Federal|a member of the Union Army during the American Civil War;any federal law-enforcement officer
Federal Aviation Agency|an agency in the Department of Transportation that is responsible for the safety of civilian aviation
Federal Bureau of Investigation|a federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons|the law enforcement agency of the Justice Department that operates a nationwide system of prisons and detention facilities to incarcerate inmates sentenced to imprisonment for federal crimes
Federal Communications Commission|an independent government agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio and television and wire and cable and satellite
federal court|a court establish by the authority of a federal government
federal deficit|an excess of the federal government's spending over its revenue - "federal deficits can cause inflation"
federal department|a department of the federal government of the United States
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation|a federally sponsored corporation that insures accounts in national banks and other qualified institutions
federal district|a district set apart as the seat of government of a federation
Federal Emergency Management Agency|an independent agency of the United States government that provides a single point of accountability for all federal emergency preparedness and mitigation and response activities
federal government|a government with strong central powers
Federal Home Loan Bank System|the central credit system for thrift institutions
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation|a corporation authorized by Congress to provide a secondary market for residential mortgages
Federal Housing Administration|the federal agency in the Department of Housing and Urban Development that insures residential mortgages
Federal Judiciary|the judiciary of the United States which is responsible for interpreting and enforcing federal laws
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center|a center in the Department of that trains law enforcement professionals for more than seventy federal agencies
Federal National Mortgage Association|a federally chartered corporation that purchases mortgages
Federal Protective Service|an agency in the General Services Administration that is a security organization to provide a safe environment where Federal agencies can conduct their business
Federal Reserve Bank|one of 12 regional banks that monitor and act as depositories for banks in their region
Federal Reserve Board|the seven-member board governing the Federal Reserve System
Federal Reserve System|the central bank of the United States;incorporates 12 Federal Reserve branch banks and all national banks and state-chartered commercial banks and some trust companies
federal savings bank|a federally chartered savings bank
Federal Security Bureau|the internal counterintelligence agency of the Russian Federation and successor to the Soviet KGB;formerly led by Vladimir Putin
federal tax lien|lien of the United States on all property of a taxpayer who fails to pay the federal government the taxes for which he or she is liable
Federal Trade Commission|an independent agency of the United States federal government that maintains fair and free competition;enforces federal antitrust laws;educates the public about identity theft
federalism|the idea of a federal organization of more or less self-governing units
Federalist|a member of a former political party in the United States that favored a strong centralized federal government;an advocate of federalism
Federalist Party|a major political party in the United States in the early 19th century;founded by Alexander Hamilton;favored a strong centralized government
federalization|the act of being put under federal control;the state of being under federal control - "the federalization of postal service"
federation|an organization formed by merging several groups or parties;the act of constituting a political unity out of a number of separate states or colonies or provinces so that each member retains the management of its internal affairs
fedora|a hat made of felt with a creased crown
fee|a fixed charge for a privilege or for professional services;an interest in land capable of being inherited
fee simple|a fee without limitation to any class of heirs;they can sell it or give it away
fee splitting|payment (usually by doctors or lawyers) of part of the fee in return for the referral
fee tail|a fee limited to a particular line of heirs;they are not free to sell it or give it away
feeblemindedness|severe mental deficiency
feebleness|the quality of lacking intensity or substance - "a shrill yet sweet tenuity of voice"- Nathaniel Hawthorne
feed|food for domestic livestock
feed grain|grain grown for cattle feed
feedback|response to an inquiry or experiment;the process in which part of the output of a system is returned to its input in order to regulate its further output
feedback circuit|a circuit that feeds back some of the output to the input of a system
feeder|a branch that flows into the main stream;an animal being fattened or suitable for fattening;an animal that feeds on a particular source of food - "a bark feeder" - "a mud feeder"
feeder line|a branching path off of a main transportation line (especially an airline)
feeding|the act of supplying food and nourishment
feedlot|a building where livestock are fattened for market
feedstock|the raw material that is required for some industrial process
feel|an intuitive awareness - "he has a feel for animals" or "it's easy when you get the feel of it";manual stimulation of the genital area for sexual pleasure - "the girls hated it when he tried to sneak a feel"
feeling|a physical sensation that you experience - "he had a queasy feeling" - "I had a strange feeling in my leg" - "he lost all feeling in his arm";an intuitive understanding of something - "he had a great feeling for music";the experiencing of affective and emotional states - "she had a feeling of euphoria" - "he had terrible feelings of guilt" - "I disliked him and the feeling was mutual"
feelings|emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity) - "the remark hurt his feelings"
Fehling's solution|a liquid solution of copper sulfate and potassium tartrate and sodium hydroxide that is used to test for sugar in the urine;solution turns reddish when sugar is present
Feifer|United States cartoonist who created a sarcastic comic strip (born in 1929)
feijoa|dark-green kiwi-sized tropical fruit with white flesh;used chiefly for jellies and preserves;South American shrub having edible greenish plumlike fruit
feint|any distracting or deceptive maneuver (as a mock attack)
feist|a nervous belligerent little mongrel dog
feldspar|any of a group of hard crystalline minerals that consist of aluminum silicates of potassium or sodium or calcium or barium
Felicia|genus of tropical African herbs or subshrubs with usually blue flowers
felicity|pleasing and appropriate manner or style (especially manner or style of expression)
Felidae|cats;wildcats;lions;leopards;cheetahs;saber-toothed tigers
feline|any of various lithe-bodied roundheaded fissiped mammals, many with retractile claws
Felis|type genus of the Felidae;true cats and most wildcats
fell|seam made by turning under or folding together and stitching the seamed materials to avoid rough edges;the act of felling something (as a tree)
fellah|an agricultural laborer in Arab countries
fellatio|oral stimulation of the penis
Fellini|Italian filmmaker (1920-1993)
felloe|rim (or part of the rim) into which spokes are inserted
fellow|a member of a learned society - "he was elected a fellow of the American Physiological Association";an informal form of address for a man - "Say, fellow, what are you doing?"
fellow traveler|a communist sympathizer (but not a member of the Communist Party)
fellowship|money granted (by a university or foundation or other agency) for advanced study or research
felo-de-se|an act of deliberate self destruction
felon|a purulent infection at the end of a finger or toe in the area surrounding the nail
felony|a serious crime (such as murder or arson)
felt|a fabric made of compressed matted animal fibers
felt fern|east Asian fern having fronds shaped like tongues;sometimes placed in genus Cyclophorus
felt fungus|fungus that frequently encircles twigs and branches of various trees especially citrus trees in southern United States
felt-tip pen|a pen with a writing tip made of felt (trade name Magic Marker)
felucca|a fast narrow sailing ship of the Mediterranean
felwort|gentian of Europe and China having creamy white flowers with fringed corollas
female|a person who belongs to the sex that can have babies;an animal that produces gametes (ova) that can be fertilized by male gametes (spermatozoa)
female aristocrat|a woman who is an aristocrat
female body|the body of a female human being
female bonding|the formation of a close personal relationship between women
female chest|the chest of a woman
female child|a youthful female person
female genitalia|external female sex organs
female internal reproductive organ|the reproductive organs of a woman
female mammal|animals that nourish their young with milk
female offspring|a child who is female
female reproductive system|the reproductive system of females
female sibling|a person's sister
femaleness|the properties characteristic of the female sex
feminine|a gender that refers chiefly (but not exclusively) to females or to objects classified as female
femininity|the trait of behaving in ways considered typical for women
feminism|a doctrine that advocates equal rights for women
feminist|a supporter of feminism
feminist movement|the movement aimed at equal rights for women
feminization|the process of becoming feminized;the development of female characteristics (loss of facial hair or breast enlargement) in a male because of hormonal disorders or castration
femoral artery|the chief artery of the thigh;a continuation of the external iliac artery
femoral nerve|one of a pair of nerves that originate from lumbar nerves and supply the muscles and skin of the anterior part of the thigh
femoral pulse|pulse of the femoral artery (felt in the groin)
femoral vein|a vein that accompanies the femoral artery in the same sheath;a continuation of the popliteal vein;becomes the external iliac vein
femtochemistry|the branch of chemistry that studies elementary (often very fast) chemical reactions as they occur;the experimental methods are often based on the use of femtosecond laser pulses
femtometer|a metric unit of length equal to one quadrillionth of a meter
femtosecond|one quadrillionth (10^-15) of a second;one thousandth of a picosecond
femtovolt|a unit of potential equal to one quadrillionth of a volt (or one thousandth of a nanosecond)
femur|the longest and thickest bone of the human skeleton;extends from the pelvis to the knee
fen|100 fen equal 1 yuan in China
fen orchid|small terrestrial orchid of eastern North America and Europe having two nearly basal leaves and dull yellow-green racemose flowers
fence|a barrier that serves to enclose an area;a dealer in stolen property
fence line|a boundary line created by a fence
fence lizard|spiny lizard often seen basking on fences in the United States and northern Mexico
fence mending|social action to improve poor relations (especially in politics) - "they moved forward from a period of fence mending to substantive changes in the country"
fencer|someone skilled at fencing
fence-sitter|a person who won't take sides in a controversy
fencing|the art or sport of fighting with swords (especially the use of foils or epees or sabres to score points under a set of rules)
fencing mask|a face mask made of fine mesh that is worn over a fencer's face
fencing material|material for building fences
fencing sword|a sword used in the sport of fencing
fender|a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud - "in Britain they call a fender a wing";a low metal guard to confine falling coals to a hearth;an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
fender-bender|a collision between motor vehicles that produces minor damage
fenestra|a small opening covered with membrane (especially one in the bone between the middle and inner ear)
fenestra ovalis|fenestra that has the base of the stapes attached to it
fenestra rotunda|fenestra leading into the cochlea
fenestration|surgical procedure that creates a new fenestra to the cochlea in order to restore hearing lost because of osteosclerosis;the arrangement of windows in a building
feng shui|rules in Chinese philosophy that govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to patterns of yin and yang and the flow of energy (qi);the favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into consideration in designing and siting buildings and graves and furniture
fennel|any of several aromatic herbs having edible seeds and leaves and stems;aromatic bulbous stem base eaten cooked or raw in salads;fennel seeds are ground and used as a spice or as an ingredient of a spice mixture;leaves used for seasoning
fennel flower|nigella of Spain and southern France
fennel seed|aromatic anis-scented seeds
Fennic|one of two branches of the Finno-Ugric languages;a family of languages including Finnish and Estonian (but not Hungarian)
fenoprofen|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Nalfon) used in the treatment of arthritis and other painful inflammatory disorders
Fenrir|(Norse mythology) an enormous wolf that was fathered by Loki and that killed Odin
Fentanyl|trade names of a narcotic analgesic that can be inhaled and that acts on the central nervous system and may become addictive;used as a veterinary anesthetic and with other drugs before, during, and after surgery;also used as a nonlethal gas to incapacitate people in hostage situations;also abused as a recreational drug
fenugreek|annual herb or southern Europe and eastern Asia having off-white flowers and aromatic seeds used medicinally and in curry;aromatic seeds used as seasoning especially in curry
Fenusa|birch leaf miner
Feosol|trade name of a drug rich in iron;used to treat some kinds of anemia
Ferber|United States novelist;author of several popular novels (1887-1968)
fer-de-lance|large extremely venomous pit viper of Central America and South America
Ferdinand|the king of Castile and Aragon who ruled jointly with his wife Isabella;his marriage to Isabella I in 1469 marked the beginning of the modern state of Spain and their capture of Granada from the Moors in 1492 united Spain as one country;they instituted the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 and supported the expedition of Christopher Columbus in 1492 (1452-1516)
Ferdinand and Isabella|joint monarchs of Spain;Ferdinand V and Isabella I
Ferdinand I|Holy Roman Emperor and king of Hungary and Bohemia (1503-1564);king of Castile and Leon who achieved control of the Moorish kings of Saragossa and Seville and Toledo (1016-1065)
Ferdinand II|Holy Roman Emperor and king of Bohemia and Hungary who waged war against Protestant forces (1578-1637)
Ferdinand III|Holy Roman Emperor and king of Hungary and Bohemia who signed the Peace of Westphalia ending the Thirty Years' War (1608-1657)
Fergon|trade name of a drug rich in iron;used to treat some types of anemia
fergusonite|a dark mineral consisting of oxides of yttrium and erbium and tantalum and other minerals
feria|(in Spanish speaking regions) a local festival or fair, usually in honor of some patron saint;a weekday on which no festival or holiday is celebrated - "in the middle ages feria was used with a prefixed ordinal number to designate the day of the week, so 'secunda feria' meant Monday, but Sunday and Saturday were always called by their names, Dominicus and Sabbatum, and so feria came to mean an ordinary weekday"
Fermat|French mathematician who founded number theory;contributed (with Pascal) to the theory of probability (1601-1665)
fermata|(music) a prolongation of unspecified length on a note or chord or rest;a musical notation (over a note or chord or rest) that indicates it is to be prolonged by an unspecified amount
ferment|a substance capable of bringing about fermentation
Fermi|Italian nuclear physicist (in the United States after 1939) who worked on artificial radioactivity caused by neutron bombardment and who headed the group that in 1942 produced the first controlled nuclear reaction (1901-1954)
Fermi-Dirac statistics|(physics) law obeyed by a systems of particles whose wave function changes when two particles are interchanged (the Pauli exclusion principle applies)
fermion|any particle that obeys Fermi-Dirac statistics and is subject to the Pauli exclusion principle
fermium|a radioactive transuranic metallic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
fern|any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward;reproduce by spores
fern ally|pteridophytes of other classes than Filicopsida
fern family|families of ferns and fern allies
fern genus|genera of ferns and fern allies
fern seed|the asexual spore of ferns that resembles dust;once thought to be seeds and to make the possessor invisible
Ferocactus|genus of nearly globular cacti of Mexico and southwestern United States;barrel cacti
ferociousness|the trait of extreme cruelty
ferocity|the property of being wild or turbulent
Ferrara|a city in northern Italy - "in the 13th century Ferrara was a center of Renaissance learning and the arts"
ferret|domesticated albino variety of the European polecat bred for hunting rats and rabbits
ferret badger|small ferret-like badger of southeast Asia
ferric oxide|a red oxide of iron
ferricyanic acid|a brown unstable acid formed from ferricyanide
ferricyanide|salt of ferricyanic acid obtained by oxidation of a ferrocyanide
ferrimagnetism|a phenomenon in ferrites where there can be incomplete cancellation of antiferromagnetic arranged spins giving a net magnetic moment
Ferris wheel|a vertical rotating mechanism consisting of a large wheel with suspended seats that remain upright as the wheel rotates;provides a ride at an amusement park
ferrite|a solid solution in which alpha iron is the solvent
ferritin|a protein containing 20% iron that is found in the intestines and liver and spleen;it is one of the chief forms in which iron is stored in the body
ferrocerium|a pyrophoric alloy of iron with cerium;used for lighter flints
ferrocyanic acid|a white unstable acid formed from ferrocyanide salts
ferrocyanide|salt of ferrocyanic acid usually obtained by a reaction of a cyanide with iron sulphate
ferromagnetism|phenomenon exhibited by materials like iron (nickel or cobalt) that become magnetized in a magnetic field and retain their magnetism when the field is removed
ferrule|a metal cap or band placed on a wooden pole to prevent splitting
ferry|a boat that transports people or vehicles across a body of water and operates on a regular schedule;transport by boat or aircraft
ferryman|a man who operates a ferry
Fertile Crescent|a geographical area of fertile land in the Middle East stretching in a broad semicircle from the Nile to the Tigris and Euphrates
fertile period|the time in the menstrual cycle when fertilization is most likely to be possible (7 days before to 7 days after ovulation)
fertility|the state of being fertile;capable of producing offspring
fertility drug|a drug used to increase a woman's fertility
fertilization|creation by the physical union of male and female gametes;of sperm and ova in an animal or pollen and ovule in a plant;making fertile as by applying fertilizer or manure
fertilization membrane|the membrane that forms around a fertilized ovum and prevents penetration by additional spermatozoon
fertilizer|any substance such as manure or a mixture of nitrates used to make soil more fertile
ferule|a switch (a stick or cane or flat paddle) used to punish children
fescue|grass with wide flat leaves cultivated in Europe and America for permanent pasture and hay and for lawns
fesse|(heraldry) an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across a shield
fester|a sore that has become inflamed and formed pus
festering|(medicine) the formation of morbific matter in an abscess or a vesicle and the discharge of pus
festination|involuntary shortening of stride and quickening of gait that occurs in some diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
festival|a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration;an organized series of acts and performances (usually in one place) - "a drama festival"
festoon|a curtain of fabric draped and bound at intervals to form graceful curves;an embellishment consisting of a decorative representation of a string of flowers suspended between two points;used on pottery or in architectural work;flower chains suspended in curves between points as a decoration
festschrift|a collection of writings published in honor of a scholar
Festuca|a genus of tufted perennial grasses of the family Gramineae
fetal age|the age of an embryo counting from the time of fertilization
fetal alcohol syndrome|a congenital medical condition in which body deformation occurs or facial development or mental ability is impaired because the mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy
fetal circulation|the system of blood vessels and structures through which blood moves in a fetus
fetal distress|an abnormal condition of a fetus;usually discovered during pregnancy and characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm
fetal membrane|any membrane that functions for the protection or nourishment or respiration or excretion of a developing fetus
fetal movement|motion of a fetus within the uterus (usually detected by the 16th week of pregnancy)
fetch|the action of fetching
fete|an elaborate party (often outdoors)
feterita|a Sudanese sorghum having exceptionally large soft white grains
fetid bugbane|bugbane of Siberia and eastern Asia having ill-smelling green-white flowers
fetish|a form of sexual desire in which gratification depends to an abnormal degree on some object or item of clothing or part of the body - "common male fetishes are breasts, legs, hair, shoes, and underwear";excessive or irrational devotion to some activity - "made a fetish of cleanliness"
fetishism|a belief in the magical power of fetishes (or the worship of a fetish);sexual arousal or gratification resulting from handling a fetish (or a specific part of the body other than the sexual organs)
fetishist|one who engages in fetishism (especially of a sexual nature)
fetlock|projection behind and above a horse's hoof;the joint between the cannon bone and the pastern
fetology|the branch of medicine concerned with the fetus in the uterus
fetometry|measurement of a fetus (especially the diameter of the head)
fetoprotein|any of several antigens that occur naturally in the fetus and sometimes in adults with cancer
fetoscope|a stethoscope placed on the pregnant woman's abdomen to listen for the fetal heartbeat
fetoscopy|prenatal diagnosis that allows direct observation of a fetus in the uterus and the withdrawal of fetal blood
fetter|a shackle for the ankles or feet
fetterbush|ornamental evergreen shrub of southeastern United States having small white bell-shaped flowers;showy evergreen shrub of southeastern United States with shiny leaves and angled branches and clusters of pink to reddish flowers that resemble an umbel
fettle|a state of fitness and good health - "in fine fettle"
fettuccine|pasta in flat strips wider than linguine
fettuccine Alfredo|fettuccine in cream sauce with cheese
fetus|an unborn or unhatched vertebrate in the later stages of development showing the main recognizable features of the mature animal
feud|a bitter quarrel between two parties
feudal lord|a man of rank in the ancient regime
feudalism|the social system that developed in Europe in the 8th century;vassals were protected by lords who they had to serve in war
fever|a rise in the temperature of the body;frequently a symptom of infection;intense nervous anticipation - "in a fever of resentment"
fever pitch|a state of extreme excitement - "the crowd was at fever pitch"
fever tree|African tree supposed to mark healthful regions;any of several trees having leaves or bark used to allay fever or thought to indicate regions free of fever;ornamental shrub or small tree of swampy areas in southwestern United States having large pink or white sepals and yielding Georgia bark for treating fever
feverfew|bushy aromatic European perennial herb having clusters of buttonlike white-rayed flower heads;valued traditionally for medicinal uses;sometimes placed in genus Chrysanthemum
feverroot|coarse weedy American perennial herb with large usually perfoliate leaves and purple or dull red flowers
few|a small elite group - "it was designed for the discriminating few"
few-flowered leek|leek producing bulbils instead of flowers;Russia and Iran
fewness|the quality of being small in number
Feynman|United States physicist who contributed to the theory of the interaction of photons and electrons (1918-1988)
Fez|a city in north central Morocco;religious center;a felt cap (usually red) for a man;shaped like a flat-topped cone with a tassel that hangs from the crown
fiance|a man who is engaged to be married
fiancee|a woman who is engaged to be married
fiat money|money that the government declares to be legal tender although it cannot be converted into standard specie
fib|a trivial lie - "he told a fib about eating his spinach"
fibbing|a trivial act of lying or being deliberately unclear
fiber|a leatherlike material made by compressing layers of paper or cloth;a slender and greatly elongated substance capable of being spun into yarn;any of several elongated, threadlike cells (especially a muscle fiber or a nerve fiber)
fiber bundle|a bundle of fibers (especially nerve fibers)
fiber optic cable|a cable made of optical fibers that can transmit large amounts of information at the speed of light
fiber optics|the transmission of light signals via glass fibers
fiberboard|wallboard composed of wood chips or shavings bonded together with resin and compressed into rigid sheets
fiberglass|a covering material made of glass fibers in resins
fiber-optic transmission system|a communication system using fiber optic cables
fiberscope|a flexible medical instrument involving fiber optics that is used to examine internal organs
Fibonacci number|a number in the Fibonacci sequence
Fibonacci sequence|a sequence of numbers in which each number equals the sum of the two preceding numbers
fibril|a very slender natural or synthetic fiber
fibrillation|act or process of forming fibrils;muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination
fibrin|a white insoluble fibrous protein formed by the action of thrombin on fibrinogen when blood clots;it forms a network that traps red cells and platelets
fibrinase|in the clotting of blood thrombin catalyzes factor XIII into its active form (fibrinase) which causes fibrin to form a stable clot
fibrinogen|a protein present in blood plasma;converts to fibrin when blood clots
fibrinolysis|a normal ongoing process that dissolves fibrin and results in the removal of small blood clots - "drugs causing fibrinolysis have been utilized therapeutically"
fibrinopeptide|peptide released from the amino end of fibrinogen by the action of thrombin to form fibrin during clotting of the blood
fibroadenoma|benign and movable and firm and not tender tumor of the breast;common in young women and caused by high levels of estrogen
fibroblast|a cell from which connective tissue develops
fibrocartilage|cartilage that is largely composed of fibers like those in ordinary connective tissue
fibrocystic breast disease|the presence of one or more cysts in a breast
fibroid tumor|benign tumor containing fibrous tissue (especially in the uterus)
fibroma|nonmalignant tumor of connective tissue
fibromyositis|local inflammation of muscle and connective tissue
fibrosis|development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ
fibrositis|inflammation of white fibrous tissues (especially muscle sheaths)
fibrosity|the quality of being fibrous
fibrous astrocyte|star-shaped cells with long processes;found in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord
fibrous dysplasia of bone|a disturbance in which bone that is undergoing lysis is replaced by an abnormal proliferation of fibrous tissue resulting in bone lesions or skin lesions
fibrous tissue|tissue consisting of or containing fibers in both animals and plants
fibrous-rooted begonia|any of numerous begonias having fibrous rather than tuberous or rhizomatous roots
fibula|the outer and thinner of the two bones of the human leg between the knee and ankle
FICA|a tax on employees and employers that is used to fund the Social Security system
fichu|a lightweight triangular scarf worn by a woman
fiction|a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
fictional animal|animals that exist only in fiction (usually in children's stories)
fictional character|an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
fictionalization|a literary work based partly or wholly on fact but written as if it were fiction
Ficus|large genus of tropical trees or shrubs or climbers including fig trees
fiddleneck|hairy annual of California to Mexico with crowded cymes of small blue to lilac or mauve flowers
fiddler crab|burrowing crab of American coastal regions having one claw much enlarged in the male
fiddlestick|a bow used in playing the violin
fidelity|accuracy with which an electronic system reproduces the sound or image of its input signal;the quality of being faithful
fidget|a feeling of agitation expressed in continual motion - "he's got the fidgets"
fiduciary|a person who holds assets in trust for a beneficiary - "it is illegal for a fiduciary to misappropriate money for personal gain"
fiduciary duty|the legal duty of a fiduciary to act in the best interests of the beneficiary
fiduciary relation|the legal relation that exists when one person justifiably places reliance on another whose aid or protection is sought in some matter
Fiedler|popular United States conductor (1894-1979)
fief|a piece of land held under the feudal system
fiefdom|an organization that is controlled by a dominant person or group;the domain controlled by a feudal lord
field|(computer science) a set of one or more adjacent characters comprising a unit of information;(mathematics) a set of elements such that addition and multiplication are commutative and associative and multiplication is distributive over addition and there are two elements 0 and 1 - "the set of all rational numbers is a field";a geographic region (land or sea) under which something valuable is found - "the diamond fields of South Africa";a particular kind of commercial enterprise - "they are outstanding in their field";a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed - "he planted a field of wheat";a region in which active military operations are in progress - "the army was in the field awaiting action";all of the horses in a particular horse race;all the competitors in a particular contest or sporting event;somewhere (away from a studio or office or library or laboratory) where practical work is done or data is collected - "anthropologists do much of their work in the field";the area that is visible (as through an optical instrument);the space around a radiating body within which its electromagnetic oscillations can exert force on another similar body not in contact with it
field artillery|movable artillery (other than antiaircraft) used by armies in the field (especially for direct support of front-line troops)
field bindweed|weakly climbing European perennial with white or pink flowers;naturalized in North America and an invasive weed
field brome|annual grass of Europe and temperate Asia
field capacity|the maximum amount of water that a particular soil can hold
field chickweed|densely tufted perennial chickweed of north temperate zone
field coil|the electric coil around a field magnet that produces the magneto motive force to set up the flux in an electric machine
field corn|corn grown primarily for animal feed or market grain
field cricket|common American black cricket;attacks crops and also enters dwellings
field crop|a crop (other than fruits or vegetables) that is grown for agricultural purposes - "cotton, hay, and grain are field crops"
field day|(military) a day for military exercises and display;a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering;a day for outdoor athletic competition;a time of unusual pleasure and success
field emission|the emission of electrons that are stripped from parent atoms by a high electric field
field event|a competition that takes place on a field rather than on a running track
field game|an outdoor game played on a field of specified dimensions
field glass|a small refracting telescope
field goal|a score in American football;a score made by kicking the ball between the opponents' goal posts
field guide|a guidebook describing natural objects of some type that might be encountered in the field - "a field guide to mushrooms"
field hockey|a game resembling ice hockey that is played on an open field;two opposing teams use curved sticks try to drive a ball into the opponents' net
field hockey ball|ball used in playing field hockey
field hospital|a temporary military hospital near the battle lines
field house|a building for indoor sports;an athletic facility where athletes prepare for sport
field judge|a football official
field lens|the lens that is farthest from the eye in an optical device with more than one lens
field magnet|a magnet that provides a magnetic field in a dynamo or electric motor
field marshal|an officer holding the highest rank in the army
field mouse|any nocturnal Old World mouse of the genus Apodemus inhabiting woods and fields and gardens
field mustard|weedy Eurasian plant often a pest in grain fields
field of fire|the area that a weapon or group of weapons can cover effectively with gun fire from a given position
field of honor|the scene of a duel
field pansy|common Old World viola with creamy often violet-tinged flowers
field pea|coarse small-seeded pea often used as food when young and tender;seed of the field pea plant;variety of pea plant native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa and widely grown especially for forage
field pennycress|foetid Eurasian weed having round flat pods;naturalized throughout North America
field press censorship|security review of news (including all information or material intended for dissemination to the public) subject to the jurisdiction of the armed forces
field pussytoes|a variety of pussytoes
field ration|rations issued for United States troops in the field
field scabious|perennial having bluish-lilac flowers;introduced in the eastern United States
field soybean|seeds used as livestock feed
field spaniel|large usually black hunting and retrieving spaniel with a dense flat or slightly wavy coat;cross between cocker and Sussex spaniel
field sparrow|common North American finch of brushy pasturelands
field speedwell|European plant with minute axillary blue flowers on long stalks;widely naturalized in America
field strength|the vector sum of all the forces exerted by an electrical or magnetic field (on a unit mass or unit charge or unit magnetic pole) at a given point in the field
field strength unit|an electromagnetic unit of magnetic intensity
field tent|a canvas tent for use in the field
field theory|(physics) a theory that explains a physical phenomenon in terms of a field and the manner in which it interacts with matter or with other fields
field thistle|stout North American thistle with purplish-pink flower heads
field trial|a contest between gun dogs to determine their proficiency in pointing and retrieving;a test of the performance of some new product under the conditions in which it will be used;a test of young hunting dogs to determine their skill in pointing and retrieving
field trip|a group excursion (to a museum or the woods or some historic place) for firsthand examination
field work|an investigation carried out in the field rather than in a laboratory or headquarters
field wormwood|European wormwood similar to common wormwood in its properties
field-effect transistor|a transistor in which most current flows in a channel whose effective resistance can be controlled by a transverse electric field
field-emission microscope|electron microscope used to observe the surface structure of a solid
fielder|a member of the baseball team that is in the field instead of at bat;a member of the cricket team that is fielding rather than batting
fielder's choice|a play made on a ground ball in which the fielder chooses to put out an advancing runner instead of the batter
fieldfare|medium-sized Eurasian thrush seen chiefly in winter
field-grade officer|an officer holding the rank of major or lieutenant colonel or colonel
fielding|(baseball) handling the ball while playing in the field;English novelist and dramatist (1707-1754)
fielding average|(baseball) a measure of a fielder's performance;the number of assists and putouts divided by the number of chances
Fields|United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
field-sequential color television|an early form of color TV in which successive fields are scanned in three primary colors
fieldstone|stone that occurs naturally in fields;often used as building material
fieldwork|a temporary fortification built by troops in the field
fieldworker|a researcher who works in the field
fieri facias|a writ ordering a levy on the belongings of a debtor to satisfy the debt
fieriness|a passionate and quick-tempered nature;the heat or the color of fire
fiesta flower|straggling California annual herb with deep purple or violet flowers;sometimes placed in genus Nemophila
fife|a small high-pitched flute similar to a piccolo;has a shrill tone and is used chiefly to accompany drums in a marching band
fife rail|the railing surrounding the mast of a sailing vessel
fifteen|the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one
fifteenth|position 15 in a countable series of things
fifth|a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon;position five in a countable series of things - "he was fifth out of several hundred runners";the musical interval between one note and another five notes away from it
Fifth Amendment|an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that imposes restrictions on the government's prosecution of persons accused of crimes;mandates due process of law and prohibits self-incrimination and double jeopardy;requires just compensation if private property is taken for public use
Fifth Avenue|an avenue in Manhattan that separates the east side of Manhattan from the west side
fifth column|a subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage;an enemy in your midst
fifth columnist|a member of a clandestine subversive organization who tries to help a potential invader
Fifth Crusade|a Crusade under papal control from 1218 to 1221 that achieved military victories but failed when dissension arose over accepting the terms they had been offered
Fifth Lateran Council|the council in 1512-1517 that published disciplinary decrees and planned (but did not carry out) a crusade against Turkey
fifth wheel|a steering bearing that enables the front axle of a horse-drawn wagon to rotate;an extra car wheel and tire for a four-wheel vehicle;someone or something that is unwanted and unneeded
fifties|the decade from 1950 to 1959;the time of life between 50 and 60
fiftieth|position 50 in a countable series of things
fifty|the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five
fifty dollar bill|a United States bill worth 50 dollars
fifty percent|a half expressed as a percentage
fig|fleshy sweet pear-shaped yellowish or purple multiple fruit eaten fresh or preserved or dried;Mediterranean tree widely cultivated for its edible fruit
fig leaf|a covering consisting of anything intended to conceal something regarded as shameful;a leaf from a fig tree
fig marigold|any of several South African plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum cultivated for showy pink or white flowers
fig tree|any moraceous tree of the tropical genus Ficus;produces a closed pear-shaped receptacle that becomes fleshy and edible when mature
fig-bird|greenish-yellow Australian oriole feeding chiefly on figs and other fruits
fight|a boxing or wrestling match - "the fight was on television last night";an intense verbal dispute - "a violent fight over the bill is expected in the Senate";the act of fighting;any contest or struggle - "a fight broke out at the hockey game" - "there was fighting in the streets"
fighter|a high-speed military or naval airplane designed to destroy enemy aircraft in the air
fighter pilot|a military or naval pilot of fighter planes
fighting chair|a fixed chair from which a saltwater angler can fight a hooked fish
figment|a contrived or fantastic idea - "a figment of the imagination"
figural blindness|inability to see shapes and contours
figuration|decorating with a design;representing figuratively as by emblem or allegory
figure|a combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape;a diagram or picture illustrating textual material;a model of a bodily form (especially of a person) - "he made a figure of Santa Claus";a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating - "she made the best score on compulsory figures";a unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground;an amount of money expressed numerically - "a figure of $17 was suggested";the impression produced by a person - "he cut a fine figure" - "a heroic figure"
figure eight|a knot having the shape of the numeral 8;tied in a rope that has been passed through a hole or pulley and that prevents the rope from coming loose;a skating figure that carves an 8 in the ice
figure loom|a loom for weaving figured fabrics
figure of merit|a numerical expression representing the efficiency of a given system, material, or procedure
figure skate|an ice skate worn for figure skating;has a slightly curved blade and a row of jagged points at the front of the blade
figure skating|ice skating where the skates trace outlines of selected figures
figured bass|a bass part written out in full and accompanied by numbers to indicate the chords to be played
figurehead|figure on the bow of some sailing vessels
figurine|a small carved or molded figure
figwort|any of numerous tall coarse woodland plants of the genus Scrophularia
Fiji|an independent state within the British Commonwealth located on the Fiji Islands
Fiji dollar|the basic unit of money in Fiji
Fiji Islands|a group of more than 800 islands (100 inhabited) in the southwestern Pacific;larger islands (Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) are of volcanic origin surrounded by coral reefs;smaller islands are coral
Fijian|a native or inhabitant of Fiji;the Oceanic language spoken on Fiji
filaggrin|the main protein of the keratohyalin granules - "the specific target of the immune response in rheumatoid arthritis is filaggrin"
filament|a thin wire (usually tungsten) that is heated white hot by the passage of an electric current;a threadlike structure (as a chainlike series of cells);the stalk of a stamen
filaria|slender threadlike roundworms living in the blood and tissues of vertebrates;transmitted as larvae by biting insects
filariasis|a disease caused by nematodes in the blood or tissues of the body causing blockage of lymphatic vessels
Filariidae|threadlike roundworms
filature|a bobbin used in spinning silk into thread
file|a line of persons or things ranged one behind the other;a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together;a steel hand tool with small sharp teeth on some or all of its surfaces;used for smoothing wood or metal;office furniture consisting of a container for keeping papers in order
file allocation table|the part of a floppy disk or hard disk where information is stored about the location of each piece of information on the disk (and about the location of unusable areas of the disk)
file clerk|a clerk who is employed to maintain the files of an organization
file folder|folder that holds papers together in a filing cabinet
file server|(computer science) a digital computer that provides workstations on a network with controlled access to shared resources
file system|a system of classifying into files (usually arranged alphabetically)
file transfer protocol|protocol that allows users to copy files between their local system and any system they can reach on the network
filefish|narrow flattened warm-water fishes with leathery skin and a long file-like dorsal spine
filename|(computer science) the name given to a computer file in order to distinguish it from other files;may contain an extension that indicates the type of file
filer|a party who files a notice with a law court
filet|lace having a square mesh
filet mignon|small steak cut from the thick end of a beef tenderloin
filial duty|duty of a child to its parents
filial love|the love of a child for a parent
filibuster|(law) a tactic for delaying or obstructing legislation by making long speeches;a legislator who gives long speeches in an effort to delay or obstruct legislation that he (or she) opposes
Filicales|true (leptosporangiate) ferns
filicide|a parent who murders his own son or daughter;the murder of your own son or daughter
Filicopsida|ferns
filigree|delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire)
filing|a fragment rubbed off by the use of a file;preservation and methodical arrangement as of documents and papers etc. - "I have some filing to do";the act of using a file (as in shaping or smoothing an object);the entering of a legal document into the public record
Filipino|a native or inhabitant of the Philippines
fill|a quantity sufficient to satisfy - "he ate his fill of potatoes" - "she had heard her fill of gossip"
filler|100 filler equal 1 forint in Hungary;copy to fill space between more important articles in the layout of a magazine or newspaper;the tobacco used to form the core of a cigar;used for filling cracks or holes in a surface
fillet|a boneless steak cut from the tenderloin of beef;a longitudinal slice or boned side of a fish;fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members
filling|(dentistry) a dental appliance consisting of any of various substances (as metal or plastic) inserted into a prepared cavity in a tooth - "when he yawned I could see the gold fillings in his teeth" - "an informal British term for 'filling' is 'stopping'";a food mixture used to fill pastry or sandwiches etc.;any material that fills a space or container;flow into something (as a container);the act of filling something
Fillmore|elected vice president and became the 13th President of the United States when Zachary Taylor died in office (1800-1874)
filly|a young female horse under the age of four
film|a medium that disseminates moving pictures - "film coverage of sporting events";a thin coating or layer - "the table was covered with a film of dust";a thin sheet of (usually plastic and usually transparent) material used to wrap or cover things;photographic material consisting of a base of celluloid covered with a photographic emulsion;used to make negatives or transparencies
film advance|a mechanism for advancing film in a camera or projector
film clip|a strip of motion picture film used in a telecast
film company|a company that makes, advertises, and distributes movies
film director|the person who directs the making of a film
film editing|the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film
film festival|a cinematic festival that features films (usually films produced during the past year)
film industry|the entertainment industries involved in producing and distributing movies
film maker|a producer of motion pictures
film noir|a movie that is marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, menace, and cynical characters - "film noir was applied by French critics to describe American thriller or detective films in the 1940s"
film star|a star who plays leading roles in the cinema
filmdom|the personnel of the film industry
filming|the act of making a film
filmy fern|any fern of the genus Hymenophyllum growing in tropical humid regions and having translucent leaves
Filoviridae|a family of threadlike RNA viruses that cause diseases in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys and chimpanzees)
filovirus|animal viruses belonging to the family Filoviridae
fils|a fractional monetary unit in Bahrain and Iraq and Jordan and Kuwait;equal to one thousandth of a dinar
filter|an electrical device that alters the frequency spectrum of signals passing through it;device that removes something from whatever passes through it
filter bed|filter consisting of a layer of sand or gravel for filtering water
filter paper|a porous unsized paper used for filtering
filter tip|an air filter on the end of a cigarette;contains material that filters the smoke
filter-tipped cigarette|a cigarette with a filter tip
filth|a state characterized by foul or disgusting dirt and refuse;any substance considered disgustingly foul or unpleasant
filthiness|moral corruption or pollution - "this deformity and filthiness of sin"
filthy lucre|shameful profit - "he would sell his soul for filthy lucre"
filtrate|the product of filtration;a gas or liquid that has been passed through a filter
filtration|the act of changing a fluid by passing it through a filter;the process whereby fluids pass through a filter or a filtering medium
filtration surgery|eye surgery that opens a passage allowing excess aqueous humor to drain into surrounding tissues;a treatment for glaucoma
fimbria|thin projections forming a fringe (especially around the ovarian end of the Fallopian tube)
fin|a stabilizer on a ship that resembles the fin of a fish;organ of locomotion and balance in fishes and some other aquatic animals
fin keel|a metal plate projecting from the keel of a shallow vessel to give it greater lateral stability
finagler|a deceiver who uses crafty misleading methods
final|the final match between the winners of all previous matches in an elimination tournament
final cause|(philosophy) the end or purpose of a thing or process
final cut|the final edited version of a movie as approved by the director and producer
final examination|an examination administered at the end of an academic term
final judgment|a judgment disposing of the case before the court;after the judgment (or an appeal from it) is rendered all that remains is to enforce the judgment
final period|the final division into which the play of a game is divided
finale|the closing section of a musical composition;the concluding part of any performance
finalist|a contestant who reaches the final stages of a competition
finality|the quality of being final or definitely settled - "the finality of death"
finalization|the act of finalizing
finance|the branch of economics that studies the management of money and other assets;the commercial activity of providing funds and capital;the management of money and credit and banking and investments
finance committee|a committee appointed to consider financial issues
finance company|a financial institution (often affiliated with a holding company or manufacturer) that makes loans to individuals or businesses
finance minister|the minister responsible for state finances
financial analyst|an analyst who studies the financial performance of corporations
financial audit|an attestation that the client's financial statement is accurate
financial center|the part of a city where financial institutions are centered
financial condition|the condition of (corporate or personal) finances
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network|a law enforcement agency of the Treasury Department responsible for establishing and implementing policies to detect money laundering
financial forecast|a forecast of the expected financial position and the results of operations and cash flows based on expected conditions
financial gain|the amount of monetary gain
financial institution|an institution (public or private) that collects funds (from the public or other institutions) and invests them in financial assets
financial loss|loss of money or decrease in financial value
Financial Management Service|the federal agency in the Treasury Department that manages the government's disbursement and collection systems and provides central accounting and financial reporting
financier|a person skilled in large scale financial transactions
financing|the act of financing
finback|large flat-headed whalebone whale having deep furrows along the throat;of Atlantic and Pacific
finch|any of numerous small songbirds with short stout bills adapted for crushing seeds
finder|optical device that helps a user to find the target of interest;someone who comes upon something after searching;someone who is the first to observe something
finder's fee|a fee that is paid to someone who finds a source of financial backing or to someone who brings people together for business purposes - "the agency got a finder's fee when their candidate was hired as the new CEO"
finding|something that is found - "the findings in the gastrointestinal tract indicate that he died several hours after dinner" - "an area rich in archaeological findings";the decision of a court on issues of fact or law
finding of law|a finding as to the applicability of a rule of law to particular facts
findings|a collection of tools and other articles used by an artisan to make jewelry or clothing or shoes
fine|money extracted as a penalty
fine arts|the study and creation of visual works of art
fine print|the part of a contract that contains reservations and qualifications that are often printed in small type - "don't sign a contract without reading the fine print"
fine spray|precipitation in very small drops
fine structure|the presence of groups of closely spaced spectrum lines observed in the atomic spectrum of certain elements - "the fine structure results from slightly different energy levels"
fineness|having a very fine texture - "the fineness of the sand on the beach";the property of being very narrow or thin - "he marvelled at the fineness of her hair";the quality of being very good indeed - "the inn is distinguished by the fineness of its cuisine"
finery|elaborate or showy attire and accessories
fines herbes|a mixture of finely chopped fresh herbs - "an omelet flavored with fines herbes"
fine-tooth comb|a comb with teeth set close together;a method of examining in minute detail - "he went over the contract with a fine-tooth comb looking for loopholes"
Fingal's Cave|a large cave with basaltic pillars on Staffa island in Scotland
finger|any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb) - "her fingers were long and thin";one of the parts of a glove that provides covering for a finger or thumb;the length of breadth of a finger used as a linear measure
finger bowl|small bowl for rinsing the fingers at table
finger food|food to be eaten with the fingers
finger grass|any grass of the genus Chloris;occurs in short grassland especially on waste ground or poor soils
finger hole|a hole for inserting a finger;one of a series of holes in a woodwind instrument;pitch changes when a finger covers it
Finger Lakes|a geographical area in central New York State that is named for a series of narrow glacial lakes that lie parallel in a north-south direction
finger millet|East Indian cereal grass whose seed yield a somewhat bitter flour, a staple in the Orient
finger paint|paint that has the consistency of jelly
finger plate|a flat protective covering (on a door or wall etc) to prevent soiling by dirty fingers
finger scan|biometric identification by automatically scanning a person's fingerprints electronically
finger spelling|an alphabet of manual signs
finger wave|a wave made with the fingers
fingerboard|a narrow strip of wood on the neck of some stringed instruments (violin or cello or guitar etc) where the strings are held against the wood with the fingers
fingering|the placement of the fingers for playing different notes (or sequences of notes) on a musical instrument;touching something with the fingers
fingerling|a young or small fish
fingermark|a smudge made by a (dirty) finger
fingernail|the nail at the end of a finger
finger-painting|a painting produced by spreading paint with the fingers;painting by using the fingers to spread the paint
finger-pointing|the imputation of blame - "they want all the finger-pointing about intelligence failures to stop"
fingerpost|a guidepost resembling a hand with a pointing index finger
fingerprint|a generic term for any identifying characteristic - "that tax bill had the senator's fingerprints all over it";a print made by an impression of the ridges in the skin of a finger;often used for biometric identification in criminal investigations
fingerprint expert|a specialist in identifying fingerprints
fingerprinting|the procedure of taking inked impressions of a person's fingerprints for the purpose of identification
finger-roll|a basketball shot that rolls off the tips of the fingers into the basket
fingerstall|a sheath worn to protect a finger
fingertip|the end (tip) of a finger
finial|an ornament at the top of a spire or gable;usually a foliated fleur-de-lis
finish|(wine tasting) the taste of a wine on the back of the tongue (as it is swallowed) - "the wine has a nutty flavor and a pleasant finish";designated event that concludes a contest (especially a race) - "excitement grew as the finish neared" - "my horse was several lengths behind at the finish" - "the winner is the team with the most points at the finish";the act of finishing - "his best finish in a major tournament was third" - "the speaker's finishing was greeted with applause";the downfall of someone (as of persons on one side of a conflict) - "booze will be the finish of him" - "it was a fight to the finish";the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey) - "a crowd assembled at the finish"
finish coat|the final coat of paint;the final coating of plaster applied to walls and ceilings
finisher|a painter who applies a finishing coat;a race car that finishes a race;a racing driver who finishes a race;a worker who performs the last step in a manufacturing process;an animal that wins in a contest of speed
finishing line|a line indicating the location of the finish of a race
finishing school|a private school for girls that emphasizes training in cultural and social activities
finishing touch|a final touch;a crowning achievement;a culmination
finiteness|the quality of being finite
fink|someone acting as an informer or decoy for the police
Finland|republic in northern Europe;achieved independence from Russia in 1917
Finn|a native or inhabitant of Finland
finnan haddie|haddock usually baked but sometimes broiled with lots of butter
Finnbogadottir|former president of Iceland;first woman to be democratically elected head of state (born in 1930)
Finnish|the official language of Finland;belongs to the Baltic Finnic family of languages
Finnish monetary unit|monetary unit in Finland
Finno-Ugric|a family of Uralic languages indigenous to Scandinavia and Hungary and Russia and western Siberia (prior to the Slavic expansion into those regions)
fipple|a wooden plug forming a flue pipe (as the mouthpiece of a recorder)
fipple flute|a tubular wind instrument with 8 finger holes and a fipple mouthpiece
fir|any of various evergreen trees of the genus Abies;chiefly of upland areas;nonresinous wood of a fir tree
fir clubmoss|of northern Europe and America;resembling a miniature fir
fir cone|the seed-producing cone of a fir tree
fire|a fireplace in which a relatively small fire is burning - "they sat by the fire and talked";a severe trial - "he went through fire and damnation";fuel that is burning and is used as a means for cooking - "put the kettle on the fire" - "barbecue over an open fire";intense adverse criticism - "Clinton directed his fire at the Republican Party";once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles);the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy - "hold your fire until you can see the whites of their eyes" - "they retreated in the face of withering enemy fire";the event of something burning (often destructive) - "they lost everything in the fire";the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke - "fire was one of our ancestors' first discoveries"
fire alarm|a shout or bell to warn that fire has broken out;an alarm that is tripped off by fire or smoke
fire and brimstone|(Old Testament) God's means of destroying sinners - "his sermons were full of fire and brimstone"
fire ant|omnivorous ant of tropical and subtropical America that can inflict a painful sting
fire bell|a bell rung to give a fire alarm
fire blight|a disease blackening the leaves of pear and apple trees
fire brigade|a private or temporary organization of individuals equipped to fight fires;British name for a fire department
fire chief|the head of a fire department
fire code|set of standards established and enforced by government for fire prevention and safety in case of fire as in fire escapes etc
fire control|preparation for the delivery of shellfire on a target
fire control radar|naval radar that controls the delivery of fire on a military target
fire control system|naval weaponry consisting of a system for controlling the delivery of fire on a military target
fire department|the department of local government responsible for preventing and extinguishing fires
fire door|a fire-resistant door that can be closed to stop the spread of a fire
fire drill|an exercise intended to train people in duties and escape procedures to be followed in case of fire
fire engine|any of various large trucks that carry firemen and equipment to the site of a fire
fire escape|a stairway (often on the outside of a building) that permits exit in the case of fire or other emergency
fire extinguisher|a manually operated device for extinguishing small fires
fire hose|a large hose that carries water from a fire hydrant to the site of the fire
fire insurance|insurance against loss due to fire
fire iron|metal fireside implements
fire marshall|an official who is responsible for the prevention and investigation of fires
fire opal|an opal with flaming orange and yellow and red colors
fire pink|perennial herb of eastern North America, having red flowers with narrow notched petals
fire pit|a pit whose floor is incandescent lava - "the fire pit of the crater"
fire sale|a sale of assets at very low prices typically when the seller faces bankruptcy;a sale of merchandise supposedly damaged by fire
fire screen|a metal screen before an open fire for protection (especially against flying sparks)
fire ship|a weapon consisting of a ship carrying explosives that is set adrift to destroy enemy ships
fire station|a station housing fire apparatus and firemen
fire tongs|tongs for taking hold of burning coals
fire tower|a watchtower where a lookout is posted to watch for fires
fire trench|a trench especially constructed for the delivery of small-arms fire
fire walker|someone who walks barefoot on burning coals
fire walking|the ceremony of walking barefoot over hot stones or a bed of embers
fire warden|an official who is responsible for managing and protecting an area of forest
fire watcher|(during World War II in Britain) someone whose duty was to watch for fires caused by bombs dropped from the air
fire watching|(during World War II in Britain) watching for fires started by bombs that dropped from the sky
firearm|a portable gun - "he wore his firearm in a shoulder holster"
fireball|a ball of fire (such as the sun or a ball-shaped discharge of lightning);the luminous center of a nuclear explosion
firebase|an artillery base to support advancing troops
fire-bellied toad|toad of central and eastern Europe having red or orange patches mixed with black on its underside
fireboat|a boat equipped to fight fires on ships or along a waterfront
firebox|a furnace (as on a steam locomotive) in which fuel is burned
firebrat|lives in warm moist areas e.g. around furnaces
firebreak|a narrow field that has been cleared to check the spread of a prairie fire or forest fire
firebrick|brick made of fire clay;used for lining e.g. furnaces and chimneys
firebug|a true bug;brightly colored bug that can exude a stain
fireclay|a heat-resistant clay
firecracker|firework consisting of a small explosive charge and fuse in a heavy paper casing
firedamp|a mixture of gases (mostly methane) that form in coal mines and become explosive when mixed with air
fire-eater|a belligerent grouch;a performer who pretends to swallow fire
firefly|nocturnal beetle common in warm regions having luminescent abdominal organs;tropical American click beetle having bright luminous spots
firelight|the light of a fire (especially in a fireplace)
firelighter|(a piece of) a substance that burns easily and can be used to start a coal or coke fire
fireman|a member of a fire department who tries to extinguish fires;play in which children pretend to put out a fire
fireman's ax|an ax that has a long handle and a head with one cutting edge and a point on the other side
fireman's carry|the act of carrying a person over your shoulder
Firenze|a city in central Italy on the Arno;provincial capital of Tuscany;center of the Italian Renaissance from 14th to 16th centuries
fire-on-the-mountain|poinsettia of United States and eastern Mexico;often confused with Euphorbia heterophylla
fireplace|an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built - "the fireplace was so large you could walk inside it"
fireplug|an upright hydrant for drawing water to use in fighting a fire
firepower|(military) the relative capacity for delivering fire on a target
firestone|a piece of flint that is struck to light a fire;a sandstone that withstands intense heat;used to line fireplaces and furnaces and kilns
firestorm|a storm in which violent winds are drawn into the column of hot air rising over a severely bombed area;an outburst of controversy - "the incident triggered a political firestorm"
firetrap|a building that would be hard to escape from if it were to catch fire
firewall|(colloquial) the application of maximum thrust - "he moved the throttle to the firewall";(computing) a security system consisting of a combination of hardware and software that limits the exposure of a computer or computer network to attack from crackers;commonly used on local area networks that are connected to the internet;a fireproof (or fire-resistant) wall designed to prevent the spread of fire through a building or a vehicle
firewater|any strong spirits (such as strong whisky or rum)
fireweed|an American weedy plant with small white or greenish flowers;tall North American perennial with creeping rootstocks and narrow leaves and spikes of pinkish-purple flowers occurring in great abundance in burned-over areas or recent clearings;an important honey plant
firewood|wood used for fuel - "they collected and cut their own firewood"
firework|(usually plural) a device with an explosive that burns at a low rate and with colored flames;can be used to illuminate areas or send signals etc.
firing chamber|chamber that is the part of a gun that receives the charge
firing line|the line from which soldiers deliver fire;the most advanced and responsible group in an activity - "the firing line is where the action is"
firing pin|striker that ignites the charge by striking the primer
firing range|a practice range for target practice
firing squad|a squad formed to fire volleys at a military funeral or to carry out a military execution
firkin|a British unit of capacity equal to 9 imperial gallons;a small wooden keg
firm|the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments
firm omelet|eggs beaten with milk or cream and cooked until set
firmer chisel|a chisel with a thin blade for woodworking
Firmiana|small genus of Asian trees or shrubs
firmness|the muscle tone of healthy tissue - "his muscular firmness";the property of being unyielding to the touch
firmware|(computer science) coded instructions that are stored permanently in read-only memory
first|an honours degree of the highest class;the first element in a countable series - "the first of the month";the first or highest in an ordering or series - "He wanted to be the first"
first aid|emergency care given before regular medical aid can be obtained
First Amendment|an amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing the right of free expression;includes freedom of assembly and freedom of the press and freedom of religion and freedom of speech
first base|the base that must be touched first by a base runner in baseball;the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed at first of the bases in the infield (counting counterclockwise from home plate);the initial stage in accomplishing something - "we didn't get to first base with that approach"
first baseman|(baseball) the person who plays first base
first blush|at the first glimpse or impression - "at first blush the idea possesses considerable intuitive appeal but on closer examination it fails"
first cause|an agent that is the cause of all things but does not itself have a cause - "God is the first cause"
first class|mail that includes letters and postcards and packages sealed against inspection;the highest rank in a classification;the most expensive accommodations on a ship or train or plane
First Crusade|a Crusade from 1096 to 1099;captured Jerusalem and created a theocracy there
first degree|a degree of one - "all of the terms in a linear equation are of the first degree"
First Epistle of John|the first New Testament epistle traditionally attributed to Saint John the Apostle
First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians|a New Testament book containing the first epistle from Saint Paul to the church at Corinth
First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians|a New Testament book containing Saint Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians
First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy|a New Testament book containing Saint Paul's first epistle to Timothy;contains advice on pastoral matters
First Epistle of Peter|the first New Testament book traditionally attributed to Saint Peter the Apostle
first estate|the clergy in France and the heads of the church in Britain
first gear|the lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle;used to start a car moving
first half|the first of two halves of play
first in first out|inventory accounting in which the oldest items (those first acquired) are assumed to be the first sold
first lady|the leading woman in an art or profession;the wife of a chief executive
First Lateran Council|the first council of the Western Church held in the Lateran Palace in 1123;focused on church discipline and made plans to recover the Holy Lands from the Muslim 'infidels'
first law of motion|a body remains at rest or in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force
first lieutenant|a commissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a 2nd lieutenant and below a captain
first mortgage|a mortgage that has priority over all mortgages and liens except those imposed by law
first name|the name that precedes the surname
First of October Antifascist Resistance Group|an armed wing of the (illegal) Communist Party of Spain;seeks to overthrow the Spanish government and replace it with a Marxist-Leninist regime
first offender|someone convicted for the first time
first period|the first division into which the play of a game is divided
first person|pronouns and verbs used to refer to the speaker or writer of the language in which they occur
first quarter|the first fourth of the Moon's period of revolution around the Earth
first reading|the first presentation of a bill in a legislature
first sergeant|a sergeant in the Army above the rank of staff sergeant and below master sergeant
first step|the first of a series of actions
first strike|the initial use of nuclear weapons to attack a country that also has nuclear weapons;considered feasible only when the attacker can destroy the other country's ability to retaliate - "the Pakistani president promised no first strike against India"
first trimester|time period extending from the first day of the last menstrual period through 12 weeks of gestation
First Vatican Council|the Vatican Council in 1869-1870 that proclaimed the infallibility of the pope when speaking ex cathedra
first water|the highest quality gems
first-aid kit|kit consisting of a set of bandages and medicines for giving first aid
first-aid station|a station providing emergency care or treatment before regular medical aid can be obtained
firstborn|the offspring who came first in the order of birth
first-degree burn|burn causing redness of the skin surface
first-nighter|someone habitually a spectator at the openings of theatrical productions
first-order correlation|a partial correlation in which the effects of only one variable are removed (held constant)
first-place finish|a finish in first place (as in a race)
first-rater|one who is first-rate
firth|a long narrow estuary (especially in Scotland);English linguist who contributed to linguistic semantics and to prosodic phonology and who was noted for his insistence on studying both sound and meaning in context (1890-1960)
Firth of Clyde|a firth on the southwestern coast of Scotland emptying into the North Channel
Firth of Forth|a large firth on the east coast of Scotland and the estuary of the Forth River;location of Edinburgh
fisc|a state treasury or exchequer or a royal treasury;originally the public treasury of Rome or the emperor's private purse
fiscal policy|a government policy for dealing with the budget (especially with taxation and borrowing)
fiscal year|any accounting period of 12 months
Fischer|German chemist noted for his synthesis of hemin (1881-1945);German chemist noted for work on synthetic sugars and the purines (1852-1919);United States chess master;world champion from 1972 to 1975 (born in 1943)
Fischer's slime mushroom|a type of slime mushroom
fish|any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills - "the shark is a large fish" - "in the living room there was a tank of colorful fish";the flesh of fish used as food - "in Japan most fish is eaten raw" - "after the scare about foot-and-mouth disease a lot of people started eating fish instead of meat" - "they have a chef who specializes in fish"
fish and chips|fried fish and french-fried potatoes
fish cake|a fried ball or patty of flaked fish and mashed potatoes
fish chowder|chowder containing fish
fish doctor|brightly colored scaleless Arctic eelpout
fish family|any of various families of fish
fish farm|a workplace (usually a pond) where fish are raised for food
fish fly|similar to but smaller than the dobsonfly;larvae are used as fishing bait
fish fry|a cookout where fried fish is the main course
fish genus|any of various genus of fish
fish geranium|an upright geranium having scalloped leaves with a broad color zone inside the margin and white or pink or red flowers
fish glue|gelatinous substance obtained by boiling skins fins and bones of fish
fish house punch|a punch made of rum and brandy and water or tea sweetened with sugar syrup
fish joint|a butt joint formed by bolting fish plates to the sides of two rails or beams
fish knife|a small table knife with a spatula blade used for eating fish
fish ladder|a series of ascending pools providing a passage for salmon to swim upstream past a dam
fish loaf|flaked fish baked in a loaf with bread crumbs and various seasonings
fish louse|a kind of copepod
fish meal|ground dried fish used as fertilizer and as feed for domestic livestock
fish mousse|mousse made with fish
fish scale|scale of the kind that covers the bodies of fish
fish slice|a food turner with a broad blade used for turning or serving fish or other food that is cooked in a frying pan
fish species|a species of fish
fish steak|cross-section slice of a large fish
fish stew|a stew made with fish
fish stick|a long fillet of fish breaded and fried
fishbone|a bone of a fish
fishbowl|a transparent bowl in which small fish are kept
fisher|large dark brown North American arboreal carnivorous mammal
fisherman|someone whose occupation is catching fish
fisherman's bend|a knot for tying a line to a spar or ring
fisherman's knot|a knot for tying the ends of two lines together
fisherman's lure|(angling) any bright artificial bait consisting of plastic or metal mounted with hooks and trimmed with feathers
fishery|a workplace where fish are caught and processed and sold
fishhook|a sharp barbed hook for catching fish
fishing|the act of someone who fishes as a diversion;the occupation of catching fish for a living
fishing boat|a vessel for fishing;often has a well to keep the catch alive
fishing eagle|of southeast Europe and central Asia
fishing expedition|an investigation undertaken in the hope (but not the stated purpose) of discovering information
fishing gear|gear used in fishing
fishing license|a license authorizing the bearer to fish during a specified period of time
fishing line|a length of cord to which the leader and float and sinker and hook are attached
fishing rod|a rod of wood or steel or fiberglass that is used in fishing to extend the fishing line
fishing season|the season during which it is legal to catch fish
fish-liver oil|a fatty oil obtained from the livers of various fish
fishmonger|someone who sells fish
fishnet|a net that will enclose fish when it is pulled in
fishpaste|a paste of fish or shellfish
fishplate|metal plate bolted along sides of two rails or beams
fishpole bamboo|small bamboo of southeastern China having slender culms flexuous when young
fishpond|a freshwater pond with fish
fishtail bit|a drilling bit with cutting edges usually hardened against wear
fishtail palm|attractive East Indian palm having distinctive bipinnate foliage
fission|a nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy;reproduction of some unicellular organisms by division of the cell into two more or less equal parts
fissiparity|reproduction of some multicellular organisms by division, as in the case of some starfish;the tendency to break into parts - "the fissiparity of religious sects"
fissiped mammal|terrestrial carnivores;having toes separated to the base;dogs;cats;bears;badgers;raccoons
Fissipedia|in some classifications considered a suborder of Carnivora
fissure|(anatomy) a long narrow slit or groove that divides an organ into lobes
fissure of Rolando|a brain fissure extending upward on the lateral surface of both hemispheres;separates the frontal and parietal lobes
fissure of Sylvius|the deepest and most prominent of the cortical fissures;separates the frontal lobes and temporal lobes in both hemispheres
Fissurella|type genus of the family Fissurellidae;keyhole limpets
Fissurellidae|marine limpets
fist|a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
fistfight|a fight with bare fists
fistmele|about seven inches;the breadth of a fist with the thumb stuck out (used especially in archery to give the correct distance of the string from the bow)
fistula|an abnormal passage leading from a suppurating cavity to the body surface
Fistularia|type genus of the family Fistulariidae
Fistulariidae|cornetfishes
Fistulina|fungi having each pore separate though crowded
Fistulinaceae|a family of fungi closely related to the family Polyporaceae except that the tubes on the undersurface of the cap are separate from each other
fistulous withers|a chronic inflammation of the withers of a horse
fit|a display of bad temper - "he had a fit";the manner in which something fits - "I admired the fit of her coat"
fitfulness|the quality of being spasmodic and irregular
fitment|any of the items furnishing or equipping a room (especially built-in furniture) - "she liked the kitchen fitments"
fitness|good physical condition;being in shape or in condition;the quality of being qualified;the quality of being suitable - "they had to prove their fitness for the position"
fits and starts|repeated bursts of activity - "they worked in fits and starts"
fitted sheet|a sheet (usually with elastic edges) tailored to fit a particular mattress
fitter|someone who fits a garment to a particular person
fitting|a small and often standardized accessory to a larger system;putting clothes on to see whether they fit
Fitzgerald|English poet remembered primarily for his free translation of the poetry of Omar Khayyam (1809-1883);United States author whose novels characterized the Jazz Age in the United States (1896-1940);United States scat singer (1917-1996)
five|the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
five hundred|the cardinal number that is the product of one hundred and five
five spice powder|Chinese seasoning made by grinding star anise and fennel and pepper and cloves and cinnamon
five-hitter|a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team 5 hits
fivepence|a coin worth five cents
five-point bishop's cap|small plant with leaves in a basal cluster and tiny greenish flowers in slender racemes;northwestern North America to California and Colorado
fiver|a United States bill worth 5 dollars
fives|a game resembling handball;played on a court with a front wall and two side walls
five-spot|a playing card or a domino or a die whose upward face shows five pips;California annual having white flowers with a deep purple blotch on each petal
fix|an exemption granted after influence (e.g., money) is brought to bear - "collusion resulted in tax fixes for gamblers";informal terms for a difficult situation - "he got into a terrible fix";something craved, especially an intravenous injection of a narcotic drug - "she needed a fix of chocolate"
fixation|(histology) the preservation and hardening of a tissue sample to retain as nearly as possible the same relations they had in the living body;the activity of fastening something firmly in position
fixative|a compound (such as ethanol or formaldehyde) that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study;a varnish dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over pictures to prevent smudging
fixed charge|a periodic charge that does not vary with business volume (as insurance or rent or mortgage payments etc.)
fixed intonation|the intonation of keyboard instruments where the pitch of each note is fixed and cannot be varied by the performer
fixed oil|nonvolatile animal or plant oil
fixed phagocyte|a phagocyte that does not circulate in the blood but is fixed in the liver or spleen or bone marrow etc.
fixed star|any star in the Ptolemaic theory of planetary motion
fixed-combination drug|drug containing fixed amounts of two or more ingredients
fixed-cycle operation|an operation that is completed in a specified number of regularly timed execution cycles
fixedness|the quality of being fixed and unchangeable - "the fixedness of his gaze upset her"
fixed-point notation|a radix numeration system in which the location of the decimal point is fixed by convention
fixed-point number|a number represented in fixed-point notation
fixer|someone who intervenes with authorities for a person in trouble (usually using underhand or illegal methods for a fee)
fixer-upper|a house or other dwelling in need of repair (usually offered for sale at a low price)
fixing agent|a chemical compound that sets or fixes something (as a dye or a photographic image)
fixings|the accessories that normally accompany (something or some activity) - "an elaborate formal dinner with all the fixings"
fixture|an object firmly fixed in place (especially in a household)
fizgig|a firework that fizzes as it moves
fizz|an effervescent beverage (usually alcoholic)
fjord|a long narrow inlet of the sea between steep cliffs;common in Norway
flab|loose or flaccid body fat
flabbiness|a flabby softness
flaccid bladder|a urinary bladder disorder resulting from interruption of the reflex arc normally associated with voiding urine;absence of bladder sensation and over-filling of the bladder and inability to urinate voluntarily
flaccid paralysis|weakness or loss of muscle tone resulting from injury or disease of the nerves innervating the muscles
Flacourtia|often spiny trees or shrubs of tropical Asia and Africa
Flacourtiaceae|chiefly tropical trees and shrubs
flag|a conspicuously marked or shaped tail;a rectangular piece of fabric used as a signalling device;emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design;stratified stone that splits into pieces suitable as paving stones
flag captain|the captain of a flagship
Flag Day|commemorating the adoption of the United States flag in 1777
flag officer|a senior naval officer above the rank of captain
flag rank|the rank of a flag officer
flag smut|smut affecting leaves and stems of cereals and other grasses
flag smut fungus|a smut fungus causing a smut in cereals and other grasses that chiefly affects leaves and stems and is characterized chains of sori within the plant tissue that later rupture releasing black masses of spores
flag waving|an appeal intended to arouse patriotic emotions
flagellant|a person who is whipped or whips himself for sexual gratification;a person who whips himself as a religious penance
flagellate|a usually nonphotosynthetic free-living protozoan with whiplike appendages;some are pathogens of humans and other animals
flagellated cell|any cell or one-celled organism equipped with a flagellum
flagellation|beating as a source of erotic or religious stimulation
flagellum|a lash-like appendage used for locomotion (e.g., in sperm cells and some bacteria and protozoa)
flageolet|a French bean variety with light-colored seeds;usually dried;a small fipple flute with four finger holes and two thumb holes
flagfish|a fish with a dark-blue back and whitish sides with red stripes;found in swamps and streams of Florida
flagging|a walk of flagstones - "the flagging in the garden was quite imaginative";flagstones collectively - "there was a pile of flagging waiting to be laid in place"
flagon|a large metal or pottery vessel with a handle and spout;used to hold alcoholic beverages (usually wine)
flagpole|a tall staff or pole on which a flag is raised
flagship|the chief one of a related group - "it is their flagship newspaper";the ship that carries the commander of a fleet and flies his flag
Flagstaff|a town in north central Arizona;site of an important observatory
flail|an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end;used in manual threshing
flair|a natural talent - "he has a flair for mathematics"
flak catcher|a slick spokesperson who can turn any criticism to the advantage of their employer
flakiness|having or breaking into thin crisp flakes
flambeau|a flaming torch (such as are used in processions at night)
flamboyance|extravagant elaborateness - "he wrote with great flamboyance"
flame cell|organ of excretion in flatworms
flame fish|a cardinalfish found in tropical Atlantic coastal waters
flame flower|plant with fleshy roots and erect stems with narrow succulent leaves and one reddish-orange flower in each upper leaf axil;southwestern United States;Indians once cooked the fleshy roots
flame pea|any of several small shrubs or twining vines having entire or lobed leaves and racemes of yellow to orange-red flowers;Australia
flame tokay|purplish-red table grape
flame tree|a terrestrial evergreen shrub or small tree of western Australia having brilliant yellow-orange flowers;parasitic on roots of grasses;north Australian tree having white flowers and broad leaves;south Australian tree having panicles of brilliant scarlet flowers
flamen|a priest who served a particular deity in ancient Rome
flamenco|a style of dancing characteristic of the Andalusian Gypsies;vigorous and rhythmic with clapping and stamping of feet;guitar music composed for dancing the flamenco
flame-out|a complete or conspicuous failure - "the spectacular flame-out of the company's stock cost many people their life savings";the failure of a jet engine caused by an interruption of the fuel supply or by faulty combustion
flamethrower|a weapon that squirts ignited fuel for several yards
flamingo|large pink to scarlet web-footed wading bird with down-bent bill;inhabits brackish lakes
flamingo flower|commonly cultivated anthurium having bright scarlet spathe and spadix
Flaminian Way|an ancient Roman road in Italy built by Gaius Flaminius in 220 BC;extends north from Rome to cisalpine Gaul
Flaminius|Roman statesman and general who built the Flaminian Way;died when he was defeated by Hannibal (died 217 BC)
flammability|the quality of being easily ignited and burning rapidly
Flammulina|a genus of agarics
flan|open pastry filled with fruit or custard
Flanders|a medieval country in northern Europe that included regions now parts of northern France and Belgium and southwestern Netherlands
flange|a projection used for strength or for attaching to another object
flank|a cut from the fleshy part of an animal's side between the ribs and the leg;a subfigure consisting of a side of something;the side between ribs and hipbone;the side of military or naval formation - "they attacked the enemy's right flank"
flank steak|a cut of beef from the flank of the animal
flanker|a soldier who is a member of a detachment assigned to guard the flanks of a military formation
flanker back|a back stationed wide of the scrimmage line;used as a pass receiver
flannel|(usually in the plural) trousers made of flannel or gabardine or tweed or white cloth;a soft light woolen fabric;used for clothing
flannelbush|any of several handsome evergreen shrubs of California and northern Mexico having downy lobed leaves and showy yellow flowers
flannelette|a cotton fabric imitating flannel
flap|a movable airfoil that is part of an aircraft wing;used to increase lift or drag;a movable piece of tissue partly connected to the body;any broad thin and limber covering attached at one edge;hangs loose or projects freely - "he wrote on the flap of the envelope";the motion made by flapping up and down
flapper|a young woman in the 1920s who flaunted her unconventional conduct and dress
flare|(baseball) a fly ball hit a short distance into the outfield;a burst of light used to communicate or illuminate;a device that produces a bright light for warning or illumination or identification;a shape that spreads outward - "the skirt had a wide flare";a sudden burst of flame;a sudden outburst of emotion - "she felt a flare of delight" - "she could not control her flare of rage";a sudden recurrence or worsening of symptoms - "a colitis flare" - "infection can cause a lupus flare";am unwanted reflection in an optical system (or the fogging of an image that is caused by such a reflection);reddening of the skin spreading outward from a focus of infection or irritation
flare pass|a short forward pass to a back who is running toward the sidelines
flare path|an airstrip outline with lights to guide an airplane pilot in landing
flare star|a red dwarf star in which luminosity can change several magnitudes in a few minutes
flash|a bright patch of color used for decoration or identification - "red flashes adorned the airplane" - "a flash sewn on his sleeve indicated the unit he belonged to";a lamp for providing momentary light to take a photograph;a momentary brightness;a short vivid experience - "a flash of emotion swept over him" - "the flashings of pain were a warning";a sudden brilliant understanding - "he had a flash of intuition";a sudden intense burst of radiant energy
flash camera|a camera with a photoflash attachment
flash card|a card with words or numbers or pictures that is flashed to a class by the teacher
flash flood|a sudden local flood of great volume and short duration
flash in the pan|someone who enjoys transient success but then fails
flash memory|nonvolatile storage that can be electrically erased and programmed anew
flash point|point at which something is ready to blow up;the lowest temperature at which the vapor of a combustible liquid can be ignited in air
flash welding|butt welding by creating an electric arc between the two pieces which melts and joins them;used for joining segments of metal pipe
flashback|a transition (in literary or theatrical works or films) to an earlier event or scene that interrupts the normal chronological development of the story;an unexpected but vivid recurrence of a past experience (especially a recurrence of the effects of an hallucinogenic drug taken much earlier)
flashboard|boarding place along the top of a dam to increase its height
flasher|an electrical device that automatically turns a lamp on and off (as for an advertising display)
flash-forward|a transition (in literary or theatrical works or films) to a later event or scene that interrupts the normal chronological development of the story
flashiness|tasteless showiness
flashing|sheet metal shaped and attached to a roof for strength and weatherproofing
flashlight|a small portable battery-powered electric lamp
flashlight battery|a small dry battery containing dry cells;used to power flashlights
flashlight fish|fish of deep dark waters having a light organ below each eye
flashover|an unintended electric discharge (as over or around an insulator)
flask|bottle that has a narrow neck;the quantity a flask will hold
flat|a deflated pneumatic tire;a level tract of land - "the salt flats of Utah";a musical notation indicating one half step lower than the note named;a shallow box in which seedlings are started;scenery consisting of a wooden frame covered with painted canvas;part of a stage setting
flat arch|an arch with mutually supporting voussoirs that has a straight horizontal extrados and intrados
flat bench|a bench on which a weightlifter lies to do exercises
flat bone|part of the sirloin next to the wedge bone
flat coat|the first or preliminary coat of paint or size applied to a surface
flat file|a file with two flat surfaces
flat panel display|a type of video display that is thin and flat;commonly used in laptop computers
flat pea|European perennial with mottled flowers of purple and pink;sometimes cultivated for fodder or as green manure;evergreen shrub having almost heart-shaped foliage and bright yellow pea-like flowers followed by flat pods with flat wings;Australia and Tasmania
flat tip screwdriver|a screwdriver with a flat wedge-shaped tip that fits into a slot in the head of a screw
flatbed|an open truck bed or trailer with no sides;used to carry large heavy objects
flatbed press|a printing press where the type is carried on a flat bed under a cylinder that holds paper and rolls over the type
flatbread|any of various breads made from usually unleavened dough
flatbrod|the thin wafer-like bread of Scandinavia
flatcar|freight car without permanent sides or roof
flat-coated retriever|an English breed having a shiny black or liver-colored coat;retrieves game from land or water
flatfish|any of several families of fishes having flattened bodies that swim along the sea floor on one side of the body with both eyes on the upper side;sweet lean whitish flesh of any of numerous thin-bodied fish;usually served as thin fillets
flatfoot|a foot afflicted with a fallen arch;abnormally flattened and spread out;a policeman who patrols a given region
flathead|food fish of the Indonesian region of the Pacific;resembles gurnards;pallid bottom-dwelling flat-headed fish with large eyes and a duck-like snout
flathead catfish|large catfish of central United States having a flattened head and projecting jaw
flatiron|an iron that was heated by placing it on a stove
flatlet|a tiny flat
flatmate|an associate who shares an apartment with you
flatness|a deficiency in flavor - "it needed lemon juice to sharpen the flatness of the dried lentils";a want of animation or brilliance - "the almost self-conscious flatness of Hemingway's style";the property of having little or no contrast;lacking highlights or gloss
flats|footwear (shoes or slippers) with no heel (or a very low heel)
flatterer|a person who uses flattery
flattery|excessive or insincere praise
flat-topped white aster|a variety of aster
flatulence|a state of excessive gas in the alimentary canal
flatware|silverware eating utensils;tableware that is relatively flat and fashioned as a single piece
flatwork|ironing that can be done mechanically
flatworm|parasitic or free-living worms having a flattened body
Flaubert|French writer of novels and short stories (1821-1880)
flaunt|the act of displaying something ostentatiously - "his behavior was an outrageous flaunt"
Flavian dynasty|a dynasty of Roman Emperors from 69 to 96 including Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian
flavin|a ketone that forms the nucleus of certain natural yellow pigments like riboflavin
Flaviviridae|a family of arboviruses carried by arthropods
flavivirus|animal viruses belonging to the family Flaviviridae
flavone|a colorless crystalline compound that is part of a number of white or yellow plant pigments
flavonoid|any of a large class of plant pigments having a chemical structure based on or similar to flavone
flavor|(physics) the six kinds of quarks
flavorer|something added to food primarily for the savor it imparts
flavorlessness|the property of having no flavor
flavorsomeness|having an appetizing flavor
flaw|an imperfection in a plan or theory or legal document that causes it to fail or that reduces its effectiveness;defect or weakness in a person's character - "he had his flaws, but he was great nonetheless"
flax|fiber of the flax plant that is made into thread and woven into linen fabric;plant of the genus Linum that is cultivated for its seeds and for the fibers of its stem
flax rust|fungus causing flax rust
flea|any wingless bloodsucking parasitic insect noted for ability to leap
flea beetle|any small leaf beetle having enlarged hind legs and capable of jumping
flea bite|a very minor inconvenience;sting inflicted by a flea
flea market|an open-air street market for inexpensive or secondhand articles
fleabag|a run-down hotel
fleabane|any of several North American plants of the genus Erigeron having daisylike flowers;formerly believed to repel fleas;hairy perennial Eurasian herb with yellow daisylike flowers reputed to destroy or drive away fleas
fleapit|an old shabby movie theater
fleawort|plantain of Mediterranean regions whose seeds swell and become gelatinous when moist and are used as a mild laxative
flecainide|oral antiarrhythmic medication (trade name Tambocor) used as a last resort in treating arrhythmias;increases the risk of sudden death in heart attack patients
fledgling|young bird that has just fledged or become capable of flying
fleece|a soft bulky fabric with deep pile;used chiefly for clothing;the wool of a sheep or similar animal
fleer|contempt expressed by mockery in looks or words
fleet|a group of steamships operating together under the same ownership;a group of warships organized as a tactical unit;group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership;group of motor vehicles operating together under the same ownership
fleet admiral|an admiral of the highest rank
fleet ballistic missile submarine|a submarine carrying ballistic missiles
Fleet Street|a street in central London where newspaper offices are situated;British journalism
fleetness|rapidity of movement - "fleetness of foot"
Fleming|a native of Flanders or a Flemish-speaking Belgian;British writer famous for writing spy novels about secret agent James Bond (1908-1964);Scottish bacteriologist who discovered penicillin (1881-1955)
Flemish|an ethnic group speaking Flemish and living in northern and western Belgium;one of two official languages of Belgium;closely related to Dutch
flesh|the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate;mainly muscle tissue and fat
flesh fly|fly whose larvae feed on carrion or the flesh of living animals
flesh wound|a wound that does not damage important internal organs or shatter any bones
fleshiness|more than average fatness
Fletcher|prolific English dramatist who collaborated with Francis Beaumont and many other dramatists (1579-1625)
fleur-de-lis|(heraldry) charge consisting of a conventionalized representation of an iris
flex|the act of flexing - "he gave his biceps a flex to impress the ladies"
flexibility|the property of being flexible;easily bent or shaped;the quality of being adaptable or variable - "he enjoyed the flexibility of his working arrangement"
flexion|act of bending a joint;especially a joint between the bones of a limb so that the angle between them is decreased
flexor muscle|a skeletal muscle whose contraction bends a joint
flexure|the state of being flexed (as of a joint)
flibbertigibbet|a female fool
flick|a light sharp contact (usually with something flexible) - "he gave it a flick with his finger" - "he felt the flick of a whip";a short stroke
flicker|a momentary flash of light;North American woodpecker
flickertail|of sagebrush and grassland areas of western United States and Canada
flier|someone who travels by air
flies|(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)
flight|a flock of flying birds;a formation of aircraft in flight;a scheduled trip by plane between designated airports - "I took the noon flight to Chicago";a stairway (set of steps) between one floor or landing and the next;an air force unit smaller than a squadron;an instance of traveling by air;passing above and beyond ordinary bounds - "a flight of fancy" - "flights of rhetoric" - "flights of imagination"
flight control|control from ground stations of airplanes in flight by means of messages transmitted to the pilot electronically
flight deck|the upper deck of an aircraft carrier;used as a runway
flight engineer|the flight crewman responsible for mechanical operation while in flight
flight feather|any of the larger wing or tail feathers of a bird
flight line|place where airplanes are parked and the maintenance hangars (but not the runways or taxiways)
flight maneuver|a maneuver executed by an aircraft
flight path|the path of a rocket or projectile or aircraft through the air
flight simulator|simulator consisting of a machine on the ground that simulates the conditions of flying a plane
flight surgeon|a medical officer specializing in aviation medicine
flightiness|the trait of acting unpredictably and more from whim or caprice than from reason or judgment - "I despair at the flightiness and whimsicality of my memory"
flimsiness|the property of weakness by virtue of careless construction
flinders|bits and splinters and fragments - "it would have shattered in flinders long before it did that damage";British explorer who mapped the Australian coast (1774-1814)
Flindersia|small genus of Australian timber trees
fling|the act of flinging
Flint|a city in southeast central Michigan near Detroit;automobile manufacturing;a river in western Georgia that flows generally south to join the Chattahoochee River at the Florida border where they form the Apalachicola River;a hard kind of stone;a form of silica more opaque than chalcedony
flint corn|corn having kernels with a hard outer layer enclosing the soft endosperm
flintlock|a muzzle loader that had a flintlock type of gunlock;an obsolete gunlock that has flint embedded in the hammer;the flint makes a spark that ignites the charge
flintstone|pebbles of flint used in masonry construction
flip|a dive in which the diver somersaults before entering the water;a sudden, quick movement - "with a flip of the wrist" - "the fish flipped over";hot or cold alcoholic mixed drink containing a beaten egg;the act of flipping a coin
flip chart|a chart with several sheets hinged at the top;sheets can be flipped over to present information sequentially
flip side|a different aspect of something (especially the opposite aspect) - "the flip side of your positive qualities sometimes get out of control" - "on the flip side of partnerships he talked about their competition"
flip-flop|a backless sandal held to the foot by a thong between the big toe and the second toe;a backward somersault;an electronic circuit that can assume either of two stable states
flippancy|inappropriate levity
flipper|a shoe for swimming;the paddle-like front is an aid in swimming (especially underwater);the flat broad limb of aquatic animals specialized for swimming
flirt|playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest
flit|a secret move (to avoid paying debts) - "they did a moonlight flit";a sudden quick movement
flitch|fish steak usually cut from a halibut;salted and cured abdominal wall of a side of pork
float|a hand tool with a flat face used for smoothing and finishing the surface of plaster or cement or stucco;an elaborate display mounted on a platform carried by a truck (or pulled by a truck) in a procession or parade;something that floats on the surface of water;the number of shares outstanding and available for trading by the public;the time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment
floater|a debt instrument with a variable interest rate tied to some other interest rate (e.g. the rate paid by T-bills);a swimmer who floats in the water;a voter who votes illegally at different polling places in the same election;an employee who is reassigned from job to job as needed;an insurance policy covering loss of movable property (e.g. jewelry) regardless of its location;an object that floats or is capable of floating
floating|the act of someone who floats on the water
floating dock|dry dock that can be submerged under a vessel and then raised
floating fern|aquatic fern of tropical America often used in aquariums;pantropical aquatic fern
floating mine|an explosive mine designed to destroy ships that bump into it
floating-moss|free-floating aquatic ferns
floating-point notation|a radix numeration system in which the location of the decimal point is indicated by an exponent of the radix;in the floating-point representation system, 0.0012 is represented as 0.12-2 where -2 is the exponent
floating-point number|a number represented in floating-point notation
floating-point operation|an arithmetic operation performed on floating-point numbers
floatplane|a seaplane equipped with pontoons for landing or taking off from water
floccose chanterelle|a mildly poisonous fungus with a fruiting body shaped like a hollow trumpet
flocculation|the process of flocculating;forming woolly cloudlike aggregations
floccule|a small loosely aggregated mass of flocculent material suspended in or precipitated from a liquid
flock|a church congregation guided by a pastor;a group of birds;a group of sheep or goats
Flodden|a battle in 1513;the English defeated the invading Scots and James IV was killed;a hill in Northumberland where the invading Scots were defeated by the English in 1513
flogger|a torturer who flogs or scourges (especially an official whose duty is to whip offenders)
flood|a large flow;an overwhelming number or amount - "a flood of requests";light that is a source of artificial illumination having a broad beam;used in photography;the act of flooding;filling to overflowing;the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land
flood control|(engineering) the art or technique of trying to control rivers with dams etc in order to minimize the occurrence of floods
flood tide|the occurrence of incoming water (between a low tide and the following high tide) - "a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune" -Shakespeare
flooded gum|any of several Australian gum trees growing on moist or alluvial soil
floodgate|something that restrains a flood or outpouring - "suspension of surveillance opened the floodgates to illegal immigrants"
floodhead|a wall of water rushing ahead of the flood - "we were lucky to be safe when the floodheads hit"
floodplain|a low plain adjacent to a river that is formed chiefly of river sediment and is subject to flooding
floor|a large room in a exchange where the trading is done - "he is a floor trader";a lower limit - "the government established a wage floor";a structure consisting of a room or set of rooms at a single position along a vertical scale;the bottom surface of any lake or other body of water;the ground on which people and animals move about - "the fire spared the forest floor";the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure) - "they needed rugs to cover the bare floors" - "we spread our sleeping bags on the dry floor of the tent";the legislative hall where members debate and vote and conduct other business - "there was a motion from the floor";the lower inside surface of any hollow structure - "the floor of the pelvis" - "the floor of the cave";the occupants of a floor - "the whole floor complained about the lack of heat";the parliamentary right to address an assembly - "the chairman granted him the floor"
floor cover|a covering for a floor
floor joist|joist that supports a floor
floor lamp|a lamp that stands on the floor
floor leader|the legislator who organizes his party's strategy
floor plan|scale drawing of a horizontal section through a building at a given level;contrasts with elevation
floor wax|a preparation containing wax and used to polish and preserve the finish of floors
floorboard|a board in the floor;the floor of an automobile
flooring|building material used in laying floors
floorwalker|an employee of a retail store who supervises sales personnel and helps with customer problems - "a floorwalker is called a shopwalker in Britain"
flop|a complete failure - "the play was a dismal flop";someone who is unsuccessful;the act of throwing yourself down - "he landed on the bed with a great flop"
flophouse|a cheap lodging house
floral leaf|a modified leaf that is part of a flower
Floreal|eighth month of the Revolutionary calendar (April and May);the month of flowers
Florence|a town in northeast South Carolina;transportation center
Florence fennel|grown especially for its edible aromatic bulbous stem base
Florentine|a native or resident of Florence, Italy
Florentine iris|German iris having large white flowers with lavender-tinged falls and a fragrant rhizome
florest's cineraria|herb derived from Pericallis cruenta and widely cultivated in a variety of profusely flowering forms with florets from white to pink to red or purple or violet or blue
floret|a diminutive flower (especially one that is part of a composite flower)
Florey|British pathologist who isolated and purified penicillin, which had been discovered in 1928 by Sir Alexander Fleming (1898-1968)
Florida|a state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico;one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War
Florida gallinule|North American dark bluish-grey gallinule
Florida pompano|found in coastal waters New England to Brazil except clear waters of West Indies
florida selaginella|occurs widely in Florida
Florida smoothhound|found from the northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil
Florida strap fern|common epiphytic or sometimes terrestrial fern having pale yellow-green strap-shaped leaves;Florida to West Indies and Mexico and south to Uruguay
Florida yew|small bushy yew of northern Florida having spreading branches and very narrow leaves
Floridian|a native or resident of Florida
florilegium|an anthology of short literary pieces and poems and ballads etc.
Florio|English lexicographer remembered for his Italian and English dictionary (1553-1625)
florist|a shop where flowers and ornamental plants are sold;someone who grows and deals in flowers - "the florist made up an attractive bouquet"
florist's chrysanthemum|of China
florist's gloxinia|South American herb cultivated in many varieties as a houseplant for its large handsome leaves and large variously colored bell-shaped flowers
Flory|United States chemist who developed methods for studying long-chain molecules (1910-1985)
floss|a soft loosely twisted thread used in embroidery
flotation|financing a commercial enterprise by bond or stock shares;the phenomenon of floating (remaining on the surface of a liquid without sinking)
flotilla|a fleet of small craft;a United States Navy fleet consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships
flotsam|the floating wreckage of a ship
flounce|the act of walking with exaggerated jerky motions
flounder|any of various European and non-European marine flatfish;flesh of any of various American and European flatfish
flour|fine powdery foodstuff obtained by grinding and sifting the meal of a cereal grain
flour beetle|an insect that infests flour and stored grains
flour bin|a bin for holding flour
flour mill|a mill for grinding grain into flour
flourish|(music) a short lively tune played on brass instruments - "he entered to a flourish of trumpets";a display of ornamental speech or language;a showy gesture - "she entered with a great flourish";an ornamental embellishment in writing;the act of waving
flow|any uninterrupted stream or discharge;the act of flowing or streaming;continuous progression;the amount of fluid that flows in a given time;the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
flow chart|a diagram of the sequence of operations in a computer program or an accounting system
flowage|a body of water that has been created by deliberately flooding an area - "many campsites were located near the flowage";gradual internal motion or deformation of a solid body (as by heat) - "rock fracture and rock flowage are different types of geological deformation"
flower|a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms;reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts;the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
flower arrangement|a decorative arrangement of flowers
flower bud|a bud from which only a flower or flowers develop
flower chain|flowers strung together in a chain
flower cluster|an inflorescence consisting of a cluster of flowers
flower garden|a garden featuring flowering plants
flower gardening|the cultivation of flowering plants
flower girl|a woman who sells flowers in the street;a young girl who carries flowers in a (wedding) procession
flower head|a shortened compact cluster of flowers so arranged that the whole gives the effect of a single flower as in clover or members of the family Compositae
flower people|a youth subculture (mostly from the middle class) originating in San Francisco in the 1960s;advocated universal love and peace and communes and long hair and soft drugs;favored acid rock and progressive rock music
flower power|a counterculture of young people in the US during the 1960s and 70s
flowerbed|a bed in which flowers are growing
flowering almond|deciduous Chinese shrub or small tree with often trilobed leaves grown for its pink-white flowers;woody oriental plant with smooth unfurrowed red fruit grown especially for its white or pale pink blossoms
flowering ash|shrubby ash of southwestern United States having fragrant white flowers;shrubby California ash with showy off-white flowers
flowering cherry|any of several shrubs or trees of the genus Prunus cultivated for their showy white or pink single or double blossoms
flowering fern|any fern of the genus Osmunda;large ferns with creeping rhizomes;naked sporangia are on modified fronds that resemble flower clusters;Australasian fern with clusters of sporangia on stems of fertile fronds
flowering maple|an ornamental plant of the genus Abutilon having leaves that resemble maple leaves
flowering quince|Asiatic ornamental shrub with spiny branches and pink or red blossoms
flowering raspberry|shrubby raspberry of eastern North America having showy rose to purplish flowers and red or orange thimble-shaped fruit
flowering shrub|shrub noted primarily for its flowers
flowering tobacco|South American ornamental perennial having nocturnally fragrant greenish-white flowers
flowering wintergreen|common trailing perennial milkwort of eastern North America having leaves like wintergreen and usually rosy-purple flowers with winged sepals
flower-of-an-hour|annual weedy herb with ephemeral yellow purple-eyed flowers;Old World tropics;naturalized as a weed in North America
floxuridine|antineoplastic drug used to treat some cancers;can cause loss of hair
fluctuation|a wave motion - "the fluctuations of the sea";the quality of being unsteady and subject to changes - "he kept a record of price fluctuations"
flue|a conduit to carry off smoke
flue pipe|organ pipe whose tone is produced by air passing across the sharp edge of a fissure or lip
flue stop|an organ stop with the tone of a flue pipe
fluency|skillfulness in speaking or writing;the quality of being facile in speech and writing
fluff|a blunder (especially an actor's forgetting the lines);any light downy material
fluffy omelet|souffle-like omelet made by beating and adding the whites separately
flugelhorn|a brass instrument resembling a cornet but with a wider bore
fluid|a substance that is fluid at room temperature and pressure;continuous amorphous matter that tends to flow and to conform to the outline of its container;a liquid or a gas
fluid drive|an automotive power coupling
fluid flywheel|a kind of fluid coupling in which the flywheel is the driving rotor
fluid mechanics|study of the mechanics of fluids
fluidity|a changeable quality - "a charming Oriental fluidity of manner" - "demographers try to predict social fluidity";the property of flowing easily - "adding lead makes the alloy easier to cast because the melting point is reduced and the fluidity is increased" - "they believe that fluidity increases as the water gets warmer"
fluidounce|a British imperial unit of capacity or volume (liquid or dry) equal to 8 fluid drams or 28.416 cubic centimeters (1.734 cubic inches);a United States unit of capacity or volume equal to 1.804 cubic inches
fluidram|a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 60 minims or 3.5516 cubic centimeters;a unit of capacity or volume in the apothecary system equal to one eighth of a fluid ounce
fluke|a barb on a harpoon or arrow;either of the two lobes of the tail of a cetacean;flat bladelike projection on the arm of an anchor;parasitic flatworms having external suckers for attaching to a host
flume|watercourse that consists of an open artificial chute filled with water for power or for carrying logs
flummery|a bland custard or pudding especially of oatmeal
flunitrazepan|a depressant and tranquilizer (trade name Rohypnol) often used in the commission of sexual assault;legally available in Europe and Mexico and Colombia
flunky|a person of unquestioning obedience
fluorapatite|a form of apatite in which fluorine predominates over chlorine
fluorescein|a yellow dye that is visible even when highly diluted;used as an absorption indicator when silver nitrate solution is added to sodium chloride in order to precipitate silver chloride (turns pink when no chloride ions are left in solution and negative fluorescein ions are then absorbed)
fluorescein isothiocyanate|a fluorochrome commonly conjugated with antibodies for use in indirect immunofluorescence
fluorescence|light emitted during absorption of radiation of some other (invisible) wavelength
fluorescence microscopy|light microscopy in which the specimen is irradiated at wavelengths that excite fluorochromes
fluorescent|a lighting fixture that uses a fluorescent lamp
fluorescent lamp|lamp consisting of a tube coated on the inside with a fluorescent material;mercury vapor in the tube emits ultraviolet radiation that is converted to visible radiation by the fluorescent material
fluoridation|the addition of a fluoride to the water supply (to prevent dental decay)
fluoride|a salt of hydrofluoric acid
fluorine|a nonmetallic univalent element belonging to the halogens;usually a yellow irritating toxic flammable gas;a powerful oxidizing agent;recovered from fluorite or cryolite or fluorapatite
fluorite|a soft mineral (calcium fluoride) that is fluorescent in ultraviolet light;chief source of fluorine
fluoroboric acid|an acid of fluorine and boron
fluoroboride|a salt of fluoroboric acid
fluorocarbon|a halocarbon in which some hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine;used in refrigerators and aerosols
fluorocarbon plastic|a plastic made with fluorocarbon
fluorochrome|any of various fluorescent substances used in fluorescence microscopy to stain specimens
fluoroform|colorless gas haloform CHF3 (similar to chloroform)
fluoroscope|an X-ray machine that combines an X-ray source and a fluorescent screen to enable direct observation
fluoroscopy|examination of body structures using a fluoroscope
fluorosis|a pathological condition resulting from an excessive intake of fluorine (usually from drinking water)
fluorouracil|an antimetabolite used to treat certain cancers
fluosilicate|salt of fluosilicic acid
fluosilicic acid|an unstable poisonous corrosive acid known primarily in the form of its salts
fluoxetine|a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed as an antidepressant (trade names Prozac or Sarafem);it is thought to work by increasing the activity of serotonin in the brain
fluphenazine|tranquilizer used to treat psychotic disorders
flurazepam|tranquilizer (trade name Dalmane) used to treat insomnia
flurbiprofen|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Ansaid) that is administered only orally
flurry|a light brief snowfall and gust of wind (or something resembling that) - "there was a flurry of chicken feathers"
flush|a poker hand with all 5 cards in the same suit;a sudden rapid flow (as of water) - "he heard the flush of a toilet"
flush toilet|a toilet that is cleaned of waste by the flow of water through it
flushless toilet|a toilet that relies on bacteria to break down waste matter (instead of using water)
flute|a groove or furrow in cloth etc (particularly a shallow concave groove on the shaft of a column);a high-pitched woodwind instrument;a slender tube closed at one end with finger holes on one end and an opening near the closed end across which the breath is blown;a tall narrow wineglass
flutist|someone who plays the flute
flutter|abnormally rapid beating of the auricles of the heart (especially in a regular rhythm);can result in heart block
flutter kick|a swimming kick;the legs are moved rapidly up and down without bending the knees
fluvastatin|least expensive statin drug (trade name Lescol);usually taken orally at bedtime
flux|a flow or discharge;a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event) preceding the establishment of a new direction of action - "the flux following the death of the emperor";a substance added to molten metals to bond with impurities that can then be readily removed;excessive discharge of liquid from a cavity or organ (as in watery diarrhea);in constant change - "his opinions are in flux" - "the newness and flux of the computer industry";the rate of flow of energy or particles across a given surface
flux applicator|an applicator for applying flux (as in soldering)
flux density|(physics) the number of changes in energy flow across a given surface per unit area
flux density unit|a measure of the amount of flux per unit of cross sectional area
flux unit|a measure of the strength of a magnetic field per unit area
fluxmeter|meter that measures magnetic flux by the current it generates in a coil
fly|(baseball) a hit that flies up in the air;an opening in a garment that is closed by a zipper or by buttons concealed under a fold of cloth;fisherman's lure consisting of a fishhook decorated to look like an insect;two-winged insects characterized by active flight
fly agaric|poisonous (but rarely fatal) woodland fungus having a scarlet cap with white warts and white gills
fly ash|fine solid particles of ash that are carried into the air when fuel is combusted
fly casting|casting an artificial fly as a lure
fly gallery|a narrow raised platform at the side of a stage in a theater;stagehands can work the ropes controlling equipment in the flies
fly in the ointment|an inconvenience that detracts from the usefulness of something
fly orchid|any of several dwarf creeping orchids with small bizarre insect-like hairy flowers on slender stalks;European orchid whose flowers resemble flies
fly poison|all parts of plant are highly toxic;bulb pounded and used as a fly poison;sometimes placed in subfamily Melanthiaceae
fly rod|a long flexible fishing rod used in fly fishing
fly tent|a tent with a fly front
fly-by-night|a debtor who flees to avoid paying
flycatching warbler|any of numerous American wood warblers that feed on insects caught on the wing
fly-fishing|angling with an artificial fly as a lure
flying boat|a large seaplane that floats with its fuselage in the water rather than on pontoons
flying bridge|the highest navigational bridge on a ship;a small (often open) deck above the pilot house
flying buttress|a buttress that stands apart from the main structure and connected to it by an arch
flying carpet|(Asian folktale) an imaginary carpet that will fly people anywhere they wish to go
flying colors|complete success - "they passed inspection with flying colors"
Flying Dutchman|a phantom ship that is said to appear in storms near the Cape of Good Hope;the captain of a phantom ship (the Flying Dutchman) who was condemned to sail against the wind until Judgment Day
flying fish|tropical marine fishes having enlarged winglike fins used for brief gliding flight
flying fox|large bat with a head that resembles the head of a fox
flying gecko|a gecko that has membranous expansions along the sides of its body and limbs and tail that enable it to glide short distances
flying gurnard|tropical fish with huge fanlike pectoral fins for underwater gliding;unrelated to searobins
flying jib|the outermost of two or more jibs
flying lemur|arboreal nocturnal mammal of southeast Asia and the Philippines resembling a lemur and having a fold of skin on each side from neck to tail that is used for long gliding leaps
flying mare|a wrestling maneuver
flying mouse|tiny flying phalanger
flying phalanger|nocturnal phalangers that move with gliding leaps using parachute-like folds of skin along the sides of the body
flying school|a school for teaching students to fly airplanes
flying squad|a mobile group of trained people (police or executives or officials) able to move quickly in the case of emergencies
flying start|a quick and auspicious beginning;a racing start in which the contestants are already in full motion when they pass the starting line
flying visit|a visit that last for only a very short time - "he wanted to hear all about my flying visit to his old stamping grounds"
flyleaf|a blank leaf in the front or back of a book
flyover|a flight at a low altitude (usually of military aircraft) over spectators on the ground
flypaper|paper that is poisoned or coated with a sticky substance to kill flies
flyspeck|a tiny dark speck made by the excrement of a fly
flytrap|a trap for catching flies
flyweight|an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 112 pounds;weighs no more than 115 pounds
flywheel|regulator consisting of a heavy wheel that stores kinetic energy and smooths the operation of a reciprocating engine
foal|a young horse
foam|a lightweight material in cellular form;made by introducing gas bubbles during manufacture;a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid - "the beer had a thick head of foam"
foam rubber|spongy rubber;made by introducing air bubbles before vulcanization and used for cushioning or upholstery
foamflower|stoloniferous white-flowered spring-blooming woodland plant
foaminess|the property of being foamy
fob|a vest pocket to hold a pocket watch;an adornment that hangs from a watch chain;short chain or ribbon attaching a pocket watch to a man's vest
focal distance|the distance from a lens to its focus
focal infection|bacterial infection limited to a specific organ or region especially one causing symptoms elsewhere
focal ratio|the ratio of the focal length to the diameter of a (camera) lens system
focal seizure|transitory disturbance in motor or sensory function resulting from abnormal cortical activity
focalization|the act of bringing into focus;the confinement of an infection to a limited area
focus|a central point or locus of an infection in an organism - "the focus of infection";a fixed reference point on the concave side of a conic section;a point of convergence of light (or other radiation) or a point from which it diverges;maximum clarity or distinctness of an idea - "the controversy brought clearly into focus an important difference of opinion";maximum clarity or distinctness of an image rendered by an optical system - "in focus" - "out of focus";the concentration of attention or energy on something - "the focus of activity shifted to molecular biology"
fodder|coarse food (especially for livestock) composed of entire plants or the leaves and stalks of a cereal crop
foe|a personal enemy - "they had been political foes for years"
Foeniculum|very small genus of aromatic European herbs with pinnately compound leaves and yellow flowers
fog|an atmosphere in which visibility is reduced because of a cloud of some substance;droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
fogbank|a large mass of fog on the sea (as seen from a distance)
Foggy Bottom|United States Department of State, which is housed in a building in a low-lying area of Washington near the Potomac River
foghorn|a loud low warning signal that can be heard by fogbound ships;a warning device consisting of a horn that generates a loud low tone
foglamp|headlight that provides strong beam for use in foggy weather
fohn|a warm dry wind that blows down the northern slopes of the Alps
foible|the weaker part of a sword's blade from the forte to the tip
foie gras|a pate made from goose liver (marinated in Cognac) and truffles
foil|a light slender flexible sword tipped by a button;a piece of thin and flexible sheet metal - "the photographic film was wrapped in foil";anything that serves by contrast to call attention to another thing's good qualities - "pretty girls like plain friends as foils";picture consisting of a positive photograph or drawing on a transparent base;viewed with a projector
fold|a folded part (as in skin or muscle);a geological process that causes a bend in a stratum of rock;a pen for sheep;an angular or rounded shape made by folding - "a fold in the napkin";the act of folding - "he gave the napkins a double fold"
folder|covering that is folded over to protect the contents
folderal|ornamental objects of no great value
folderol|nonsensical talk or writing
folding chair|a chair that can be folded flat for storage
folding door|an interior door that opens by folding back in sections (rather than by swinging on hinges)
folding saw|a saw with a toothed blade that folds into a handle (the way a pocketknife folds)
foldout|an oversize page that is folded in to a book or magazine
foliation|(architecture) leaf-like architectural ornament;(botany) the process of forming leaves;(geology) the arrangement of leaflike layers in a rock;the production of foil by cutting or beating metal into thin leaves;the work of coating glass with metal foil
folie a deux|the simultaneous occurrence of symptoms of a mental disorder (as delusions) in two persons who are closely related (as siblings or man and wife)
folio|a book (or manuscript) consisting of large sheets of paper folded in the middle to make two leaves or four pages - "the first folio of Shakespeare's plays"
folium|a thin layer or stratum of (especially metamorphic) rock
folk|people in general (often used in the plural) - "they're just country folk" - "folks around here drink moonshine"
folk art|genre of art of unknown origin that reflects traditional values of a society
folk dancer|someone who does folk dances
folk dancing|a style of dancing that originated among ordinary people (not in the royal courts)
folk etymology|a popular but erroneous etymology
folk music|the traditional and typically anonymous music that is an expression of the life of people in a community
folk poet|a folk writer who composes in verse
folk singer|a singer of folk songs
folk song|a song that is traditionally sung by the common people of a region and forms part of their culture
folk writer|a writer of folktales
folklore|the unwritten lore (stories and proverbs and riddles and songs) of a culture
folks|your parents - "he wrote to his folks every day"
folktale|a tale circulated by word of mouth among the common folk
follicle|any small spherical group of cells containing a cavity
follicle-stimulating hormone|a gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary and stimulates growth of Graafian follicles in female mammals, and activates the cells in male mammals that form sperm
folliculitis|inflammation of a hair follicle
follies|a revue with elaborate costuming
follower|a person who accepts the leadership of another;someone who travels behind or pursues another
following|a group of followers or enthusiasts
follow-on|an immediate second innings forced on a cricket team scoring a prescribed number of runs fewer than its opponents in the first innings
follow-through|carrying some project or intention to full completion - "I appreciated his follow-through on his promise";the act of carrying a stroke to its natural completion - "his follow-through was straight down the line toward the target" - "squash can be dangerous if your opponent has a long follow-through"
follow-up|a piece of work that exploits or builds on earlier work - "his new software is a follow-up to the programs they started with";a subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment;an activity that continues something that has already begun or that repeats something that has already been done
folly|foolish or senseless behavior;the quality of being rash and foolish - "trying to drive through a blizzard is the height of folly";the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
Folsom culture|the Paleo-American culture of Central America and North America;distinguished chiefly by a thin finely made flint projectile point having the shape of a leaf
fomentation|a substance used as a warm moist medicinal compress or poultice;application of warm wet coverings to a part of the body to relieve pain and inflammation;deliberate and intentional triggering (of trouble or discord)
Fomes|genus of bracket fungi forming corky or woody perennial shelflike sporophores often of large size;includes some that cause destructive heartrot in trees
fomite|any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another
Fomor|one of a group of Celtic sea demons sometimes associated with the hostile power of nature
Fonda|United States film actor (1905-1982);United States film actress and daughter of Henry Fonda (born in 1937)
fondant|candy made of a thick creamy sugar paste
fondler|a molester who touches the intimate parts of the victim - "the woman charged that her jailer was a fondler" - "not all fondlers are sexual perverts"
fondness|a predisposition to like something - "he had a fondness for whiskey"
fondue|cubes of meat or seafood cooked in hot oil and then dipped in any of various sauces;hot cheese or chocolate melted to the consistency of a sauce into which bread or fruits are dipped
font|a specific size and style of type within a type family
font cartridge|any font that is contained in a cartridge that can be plugged into a computer printer
fontanelle|any membranous gap between the bones of the cranium in an infant or fetus
Fontanne|United States actress (born in England) who married Alfred Lunt and performed with him in many plays (1887-1983)
Fontenoy|a battle in 1745 in which the French army under Marshal Saxe defeated the English army and their allies under the duke of Cumberland
Fonteyn|English dancer who danced with Rudolf Nureyev (born in 1919)
food|any solid substance (as opposed to liquid) that is used as a source of nourishment - "food and drink";any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue;anything that provides mental stimulus for thinking
food additive|an additive to food intended to improve its flavor or appearance or shelf-life
food allergy|allergic reaction to a substance ingested in food
Food and Agriculture Organization|the United Nations agency concerned with the international organization of food and agriculture
Food and Drug Administration|a federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products
food bank|a place where food is contributed and made available to those in need - "they set up a food bank for the flood victims"
food cache|food in a secure or hidden storage place
food chain|(ecology) a community of organisms where each member is eaten in turn by another member
food company|a company that processes and sells food
food court|an area (as in a shopping mall) where fast food is sold (usually around a common eating area)
food faddist|a person who adheres briefly to different diets
food fish|any fish used for food by human beings
food hamper|a hamper for packing and transporting food
food manufacturer|a person who manufactures food products
food poisoning|illness caused by poisonous or contaminated food
food processor|a kitchen appliance with interchangeable blades;used for shredding or blending or chopping or slicing food
food pyramid|(ecology) a hierarchy of food chains with the principal predator at the top;each level preys on the level below
food stamp|a government-issued stamp that can be used in exchange for food
food web|(ecology) a community of organisms where there are several interrelated food chains
foodstuff|a substance that can be used or prepared for use as food
fool|a person who lacks good judgment
fool's errand|a fruitless mission
fool's paradise|an illusory state of wellbeing
fool's parsley|European weed naturalized in America that resembles parsley but causes nausea and poisoning when eaten
foolscap|a size of paper used especially in Britain
foot|a linear unit of length equal to 12 inches or a third of a yard;a member of a surveillance team who works on foot or rides as a passenger;a support resembling a pedal extremity - "one foot of the chair was on the carpet";any of various organs of locomotion or attachment in invertebrates;the lower part of anything - "curled up on the foot of the bed" - "the foot of the page" - "the foot of the list" - "the foot of the mountain";the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint - "armored from head to foot";travel by walking - "he followed on foot" - "the swiftest of foot"
foot brake|hydraulic brake operated by pressing on a foot pedal
foot rot|contagious degenerative infection of the feet of hoofed animals (especially cattle and sheep);plant disease in which the stem or trunk rots at the base
foot rule|a ruler one foot long
footage|a rate of charging by the linear foot of work done;film that has been shot - "they had stock footage of lightning, tornados, and hurricanes" - "he edited the news footage"
foot-and-mouth disease|acute contagious disease of cloven-footed animals marked by ulcers in the mouth and around the hoofs
football|any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other's goal;the inflated oblong ball used in playing American football
football coach|a coach of football players
football field|the playing field on which football is played
football helmet|a padded helmet with a face mask to protect the head of football players
football hero|a football player who has achieved a reputation for success
football league|a league of football teams
football official|an official who enforces the rules at a football game
football play|(American football) a play by the offensive team
football player|an athlete who plays American football
football score|the score in a football game
football season|the season when football is played
football stadium|a stadium where football games are held
football team|a team that plays football
footbath|a small bathtub for warming or washing or disinfecting the feet
footboard|a narrow platform on which to stand or brace the feet;a vertical board or panel forming the foot of a bedstead
footbridge|a bridge designed for pedestrians
footcandle|a unit of illuminance on a surface that is everywhere 1 foot from a point source of 1 candle
footedness|the property of favoring one foot over the other (as in kicking a ball)
footer|(used only in combinations) the height or length of something in feet - "he is a six-footer" - "the golfer sank a 40-footer" - "his yacht is a 60-footer"
footfall|the sound of a step of someone walking
footfault|a fault that occurs when the server in tennis fails to keep both feet behind the baseline
foothill|a relatively low hill on the lower slope of a mountain
foothold|a place providing support for the foot in standing or climbing
footing|a relation that provides the foundation for something - "they were on a friendly footing";status with respect to the relations between people or groups - "on a friendly footing"
foot-lambert|a former luminance unit equal to one lumen per square foot
footlights|theater light at the front of a stage that illuminate the set and actors
footlocker|a trunk for storing personal possessions;usually kept at the foot of a bed (as in a barracks)
footman|a man employed as a servant in a large establishment (as a palace) to run errands and do chores
footnote|a printed note placed below the text on a printed page
footpad|a highwayman who robs on foot
footplate|the platform in the cab of a locomotive on which the engineer stands to operate the controls
foot-pound|a unit of work equal to a force of one pound moving through a distance of one foot
foot-poundal|a unit of work equal to a force of one poundal moving through a distance of one foot
footprint|a mark of a foot or shoe on a surface - "the police made casts of the footprints in the soft earth outside the window";a trace suggesting that something was once present or felt or otherwise important - "the footprints of an earlier civilization";the area taken up by some object - "the computer had a desktop footprint of 10 by 16 inches"
footprint evidence|evidence in the form of footprints - "there was footprint evidence that he had been at the scene of the crime"
footrace|a race run on foot
footstep|the act of taking a step in walking;the distance covered by a step
footsteps-of-spring|sanicle of northwestern United States and British Columbia having yellow flowers
footstool|a low seat or a stool to rest the feet of a seated person
foot-ton|2240 foot-pounds
footwall|the lower wall of an inclined fault
footwear|clothing worn on a person's feet;covering for a person's feet
footwork|skillful maneuvering or dealing - "she needs some fancy footwork to cover all those lies";the manner of using the feet
foppishness|the manner and dress of a fop or dandy
forager|someone who hunts for food and provisions - "in Japan a fungus forager can earn a good living"
foraging|the act of searching for food and provisions
foram|marine microorganism having a calcareous shell with openings where pseudopods protrude
foramen|a natural opening or perforation through a bone or a membranous structure
foramen magnum|the large opening at the base of the cranium through which the spinal cord passes
Foraminifera|foraminifers
foray|a sudden short attack;an initial attempt (especially outside your usual areas of competence) - "scientists' forays into politics"
forbearance|a delay in enforcing rights or claims or privileges;refraining from acting - "his forbearance to reply was alarming"
Forbidden City|a walled section of Beijing that encloses the palace that was formerly the residence of the emperor of China
forbidden fruit|originally an apple from the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden;it is now used to refer to anything that is tempting but dangerous (as sexuality)
force|(physics) the influence that produces a change in a physical quantity - "force equals mass times acceleration";a group of people having the power of effective action - "he joined forces with a band of adventurers";a powerful effect or influence - "the force of his eloquence easily persuaded them";group of people willing to obey orders - "a public force is necessary to give security to the rights of citizens";physical energy or intensity - "he hit with all the force he could muster" - "a government has not the vitality and forcefulness of a living man"
Force 17|formed in 1972 as a personal security force for Arafat and other PLO leaders;became one of PLO's elite units;has built an extensive infrastructure of terrorist cells and weapon depots in Europe while attacking Israeli targets
force out|a putout of a base runner who is required to run;the putout is accomplished by holding the ball while touching the base to which the runner must advance before the runner reaches that base
force pump|pump used to force a liquid up and expel it under pressure
force unit|a unit of measurement of physical force
forced feeding|feeding that consists of the delivery of a nutrient solution (as through a nasal tube) to someone who cannot or will not eat
forced landing|an unscheduled airplane landing that is made under circumstances (engine failure or adverse weather) not under the pilot's control
forcemeat|mixture of ground raw chicken and mushrooms with pistachios and truffles and onions and parsley and lots of butter and bound with eggs
forceps|an extractor consisting of a pair of pincers used in medical treatment (especially for the delivery of babies)
forceps delivery|delivery in which forceps are inserted through the vagina and used to grasp the head of the fetus and pull it through the birth canal;since the forceps can injure the fetus this procedure has generally given way to cesarean deliveries
Forces of Umar Al-Mukhtar|a little known Palestinian group responsible for bombings and for killing Israelis;seeks to defeat Israel and liberate southern Lebanon, Palestine, and Golan Heights
Ford|38th President of the United States;appointed vice president and succeeded Nixon when Nixon resigned (1913-);English writer and editor (1873-1939);grandson of Henry Ford (1917-1987);son of Henry Ford (1893-1943);United States film maker (1896-1973);United States manufacturer of automobiles who pioneered mass production (1863-1947);a shallow area in a stream that can be forded;the act of crossing a stream or river by wading or in a car or on a horse
Fordhooks|relatively large lima beans
fore edge|the part of a book that faces inward when the book is shelved;the part opposite the spine
fore plane|a carpenter's plane intermediate between a jack plane and a jointer plane
fore-and-aft rig|rig in which the principal sails are fore-and-aft
fore-and-aft sail|any sail not set on a yard and whose normal position is in a fore-and-aft direction
fore-and-after|sailing vessel with a fore-and-aft rig
forearm|the part of the superior limb between the elbow and the wrist
forebear|a person from whom you are descended
foreboding|a feeling of evil to come - "a steadily escalating sense of foreboding";an unfavorable omen
forebrain|the anterior portion of the brain;the part of the brain that develops from the anterior part of the neural tube
forecaster|someone who makes predictions of the future (usually on the basis of special knowledge)
forecastle|living quarters consisting of a superstructure in the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed
foreclosure|the legal proceedings initiated by a creditor to repossess the collateral for loan that is in default
forecourt|the outer or front court of a building or of a group of buildings
foredeck|the deck between the bridge and the forecastle
forefather|person from an earlier time who contributed to the tradition shared by some group - "our forefathers brought forth a great nation";the founder of a family - "keep the faith of our forefathers"
forefoot|a front foot of a quadruped
forefront|the part in the front or nearest the viewer - "he was in the forefront"
foregone conclusion|an inevitable ending
foreground|(computer science) a window for an active application;the part of a scene that is near the viewer
foreground processing|the execution of a program that preempts the use of the processing system
forehand|(sports) a return made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke (as in tennis or badminton or squash)
forehand drive|(sports) hard straight return made on the forehand side (as in tennis or badminton or squash)
foreign agent|a spy for a foreign country
foreign aid|aid (such as economic or military assistance) provided to one nation by another
foreign bill|a bill of exchange that is drawn in one country and made payable in another
foreign correspondent|a journalist who sends news reports and commentary from a foreign country for publication or broadcast
foreign country|any state of which one is not a citizen - "working in a foreign country takes a bit of getting used to"
foreign direct investment|a joint venture between a foreign company and a United States company;investing in United States businesses by foreign citizens (often involves stock ownership of the business)
foreign exchange|the system by which one currency is exchanged for another;enables international transactions to take place
Foreign Intelligence Service|Russia's intelligence service responsible for foreign operations, intelligence-gathering and analysis, and the exchange of intelligence information;collaborates with other countries to oppose proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and organized crime
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act|an act passed by Congress in 1978 to establish procedures for requesting judicial authorization for foreign intelligence surveillance and to create the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court;intended to increase United States counterintelligence;separate from ordinary law enforcement surveillance
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court|a secret federal court created in 1978 by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act;responsible for authorizing wiretaps and other forms of electronic surveillance and for authorizing searches of suspected spies and terrorists by the Department of Justice or United States intelligence agencies
foreign legion|a military unit composed of foreign volunteers who serve the state
foreign minister|a government minister for foreign relations
Foreign Office|the government department in charge of foreign relations
foreign policy|a policy governing international relations
Foreign Service|the part of the State Department that supplies diplomats for the United States embassies and consulates around the world
foreigner|a person who comes from a foreign country;someone who does not owe allegiance to your country;someone who is excluded from or is not a member of a group
foreignness|the quality of being alien or not native
foreland|land forming the forward margin of something
foreleg|the forelimb of a quadruped
forelimb|the front limb (or the homologous structure in other animals, such as a flipper or wing)
forelock|a lock of a horse's mane that grows forward between the ears;a lock of hair growing (or falling) over the forehead
foreman|a man who is foreperson of a jury;a person who exercises control over workers - "if you want to leave early you have to ask the foreman"
foremanship|the position of foreman
foremast|the mast nearest the bow in vessels with two or more masts
foremother|a woman ancestor
forensic medicine|the branch of medical science that uses medical knowledge for legal purposes
forensics|scientific tests or techniques used in the investigation of crimes
forepaw|front paw;analogous to the human hand
foreperson|the presiding member of the jury and the one who speaks on their behalf
foreplay|mutual sexual fondling prior to sexual intercourse
forequarter|the front half of a side of meat
foresail|the lowest sail on the foremast of a square-rigged vessel
foreshank|a cut of meat from the upper part of a front leg
foreshock|a tremor preceding an earthquake
foreshore|the part of the seashore between the highwater mark and the low-water mark
foresight|providence by virtue of planning prudently for the future
forest|land that is covered with trees and shrubs;the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
forest fire|an uncontrolled fire in a wooded area
forest goat|cow-like creature with the glossy coat of a horse and the agility of a goat and the long horns of an antelope;characterized as a cow that lives the life of a goat
forest red gum|tall tree of Queensland and New South Wales and Victoria
forest tent caterpillar|larvae of a gregarious North American moth that spins a web resembling a carpet rather than a tent;serious defoliator of deciduous trees
forestay|an adjustable stay from the foremast to the deck or bowsprit;controls the bending of the mast
Forester|English writer of adventure novels featuring Captain Horatio Hornblower (1899-1966);someone trained in forestry
forestiera|any plant of the genus Forestiera
forestry|the science of planting and caring for forests and the management of growing timber
foretaste|an early limited awareness of something yet to occur
foretop|a platform at the head of a foremast
fore-topmast|the topmast next above the foremast
fore-topsail|the topsail on a foremast
forewarning|an early warning about a future event
forewing|either of the anterior pair of wings on an insect that has four wings
forewoman|a woman in charge of a group of workers;a woman who is foreperson of a jury
foreword|a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
forfeit|a penalty for a fault or mistake that involves losing or giving up something - "the contract specified forfeits if the work was not completed on time";something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty;the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
Forficula|type genus of Forficulidae
Forficulidae|typical earwigs
forge|a workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammering;furnace consisting of a special hearth where metal is heated before shaping
forger|someone who makes copies illegally;someone who operates a forge
forgery|criminal falsification by making or altering an instrument with intent to defraud
forgetfulness|tendency to forget;unawareness caused by neglectful or heedless failure to remember - "his forgetfulness increased as he grew older"
forget-me-not|small perennial herb having bright blue or white flowers
forging|shaping metal by heating and hammering
forgiveness|compassionate feelings that support a willingness to forgive;the act of excusing a mistake or offense
forgivingness|tendency to be kind and forgiving
forint|the basic unit of money in Hungary
fork|an agricultural tool used for lifting or digging;has a handle and metal prongs;cutlery used for serving and eating food;the region of the angle formed by the junction of two branches - "they took the south fork"
forked lightning|a form of lightning that moves rapidly in a zigzag path with one end divided (fork-like)
forklift|a small industrial vehicle with a power operated forked platform in front that can be inserted under loads to lift and move them
forlorn hope|a hopeless or desperate enterprise
forlornness|sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned
form|(biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups;a mold for setting concrete - "they built elaborate forms for pouring the foundation";a particular mode in which something is manifested - "his resentment took the form of extreme hostility";a perceptual structure - "the composition presents problems for students of musical form";a printed document with spaces in which to write - "he filled out his tax form";an ability to perform well - "he was at the top of his form" - "the team was off form last night";an arrangement of the elements in a composition or discourse - "the essay was in the form of a dialogue" - "he first sketches the plot in outline form";the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something - "the inflected forms of a word can be represented by a stem and a list of inflections to be attached";the visual appearance of something or someone
form division|an artificial taxonomic category for organisms of which the true relationships are obscure
form family|(biology) an artificial taxonomic category for organisms of which the true relationships are obscure
form genus|(biology) an artificial taxonomic category for organisms of which the true relationships are obscure;an artificial taxonomic category established on the basis of morphological resemblance for organisms of obscure true relationships especially fossil forms
form letter|a letter that is printed in multiple copies and mailed to a list of recipients
formal garden|a garden laid out on regular lines with plants arranged in symmetrical locations or in geometrical designs
formal semantics|the branch of semantics that studies the logical aspects of meaning
formaldehyde|a colorless poisonous gas;made by the oxidation of methanol
formalin|a 10% solution of formaldehyde in water;used as a disinfectant or to preserve biological specimens
formalism|(philosophy) the philosophical theory that formal (logical or mathematical) statements have no meaning but that its symbols (regarded as physical entities) exhibit a form that has useful applications;the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented;the practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms
formality|a manner that strictly observes all forms and ceremonies - "the formality of his voice made the others pay him close attention";a requirement of etiquette or custom - "a mere formality";compliance with formal rules - "courtroom formality"
formalization|the act of making formal (as by stating formal rules governing classes of expressions)
formalwear|attire to wear on formal occasions in the evening
format|the general appearance of a publication;the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)
formation|a particular spatial arrangement;an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit - "a defensive formation" - "a formation of planes";creation by mental activity - "the formation of sentences" - "the formation of memories";natural process that causes something to form - "the formation of gas in the intestine" - "the formation of crystals" - "the formation of pseudopods";the act of fabricating something in a particular shape
formative|minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function
formatted capacity|(computer science) the usable capacity of a disk drive;the amount of space that is left after the sector headings and boundary definitions and timing information have been added by formatting the disk
former|the first of two or the first mentioned of two - "Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the former is remembered today"
formic acid|a colorless pungent fuming vesicatory liquid acid HCOOH found naturally in ants and many plants or made catalytically from carbon monoxide and steam;used in finishing textiles and paper and in the manufacture of insecticides and fumigants
Formica|any of various plastic laminates containing melamine;type genus of the Formicidae
Formica fusca|an ant frequently enslaved
Formicariidae|antbirds
Formicarius|type genus of the Formicariidae
formication|hallucinated sensation that insects or snakes are crawling over the skin;a common side-effect of extensive use of cocaine or amphetamines
Formicidae|ants
formidability|impressive difficulty
Formosan|the Austronesian languages spoken on Formosa
formula|a conventionalized statement expressing some fundamental principle;a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement;a liquid food for infants;a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements
formulary|(pharmacology) a book containing a compilation of pharmaceutical products with their formulas and methods of preparation
formulation|a substance prepared according to a formula;the style of expressing yourself - "he suggested a better formulation"
Fornax|a faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near Cetus and Phoenix
fornication|voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other
fornix|an arched bundle of white fibers at the base of the brain by which the hippocampus of each hemisphere projects to the contralateral hippocampus and to the thalamus and mamillary bodies;generally any arch shaped structure (but often it refers to the arched roof of an anatomical space)
forsaking|the act of forsaking
Forseti|(Norse mythology) god of justice;son of Balder and Nanna
forsythia|any of various early blooming oleaceous shrubs of the genus Forsythia;native to eastern Asia and southern Europe but widely cultivated for their branches of bright yellow bell-shaped flowers
Fort Lauderdale|a city in southeast Florida on the Atlantic coast to the north of Miami;a favorite place for college students to go on their spring vacations
Fort Meade|a United States Army base in Maryland;headquarters of the National Security Agency
Fort Myers|a town in southwest Florida
Fort Smith|a town in western Arkansas on the Arkansas River at the Oklahoma border
Fort Ticonderoga|a pitched battle in which American revolutionary troops captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775
Fort Wayne|a city in northeastern Indiana
Fort Worth|a city in northeastern Texas (just to the west of Dallas);a major industrial center
forte|(music) loud;an asset of special worth or utility - "cooking is his forte";the stronger part of a sword blade between the hilt and the foible
Forth|a river in southern Scotland that flows eastward to the Firth of Forth
forties|the decade from 1940 to 1949;the time of life between 40 and 50
fortieth|position 40 in a countable series of things
fortification|defensive structure consisting of walls or mounds built around a stronghold to strengthen it;the addition of an ingredient for the purpose of enrichment (as the addition of alcohol to wine or the addition of vitamins to food);the art or science of strengthening defenses
fortified wine|wine to which alcohol (usually grape brandy) has been added
fortitude|strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage
fortnight|a period of fourteen consecutive days - "most major tennis tournaments last a fortnight"
FORTRAN|a high-level programing language for mathematical and scientific purposes;stands for formula translation
Fortran compiler|a compiler for programs written in FORTRAN
FORTRAN program|a program written in FORTRAN
fortress|a fortified defensive structure
fortuitousness|the quality of happening accidentally and by lucky chance
Fortuna|(Roman mythology) the goddess of fortune and good luck;counterpart of Greek Tyche
fortune|a large amount of wealth or prosperity;your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you) - "whatever my fortune may be"
fortune cookie|thin folded wafer containing a maxim on a slip of paper
fortune hunter|a person who seeks wealth through marriage
Fortunella|small genus of shrubs native to south China producing small ovoid fruits resembling oranges;includes kumquats
fortuneteller|a person who foretells your personal future
fortunetelling|the practice of predicting people's futures (usually for payment)
forty|the cardinal number that is the product of ten and four
forty-five|a .45-caliber pistol
forty-niner|a miner who took part in the California gold rush in 1849
forum|a public facility to meet for open discussion;a public meeting or assembly for open discussion
forward|a position on a basketball, soccer, or hockey team;the person who plays the position of forward in certain games, such as basketball, soccer, or hockey
forward pass|a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer
forwarding|the act of sending on to another destination - "the forwarding of mail to a new address is done automatically" - "the forwarding of resumes to the personnel department";the advancement of some enterprise - "his experience in marketing resulted in the forwarding of his career"
forwardness|an advanced stage - "the forwardness of the harvest this year" - "the arts are in no kind of forwardness in this matter"
foryml|(chemistry) the negative univalent acyl radical CHO that occurs in aldehydes
Fosbury|United States athlete who revolutionized the high jump by introducing the Fosbury flop in the 1968 Olympics (born in 1947)
Fosbury flop|jumping over the bar backwards and head first
fossa|largest carnivore of Madagascar;intermediate in some respects between cats and civets;monotypic genus of Madagascar civets closely related to palm civets
fossil|the remains (or an impression) of a plant or animal that existed in a past geological age and that has been excavated from the soil
fossil fuel|fuel consisting of the remains of organisms preserved in rocks in the earth's crust with high carbon and hydrogen content
fossilization|becoming inflexible or out of date;the process of fossilizing a plant or animal that existed in some earlier age;the process of being turned to stone
fossorial foot|foot adapted for digging as in moles
fossorial mammal|a burrowing mammal having limbs adapted for digging
Foster|United States songwriter whose songs embody the sentiment of the South before the American Civil War (1826-1864)
foster care|supervised care for delinquent or neglected children usually in an institution or substitute home
foster family|the family of a fosterling
foster home|a household in which an orphaned or delinquent child is placed (usually by a social-service agency)
foster-brother|your foster brother is a male who is not a son of your parents but who is raised by your parents
foster-child|a child who is raised by foster parents
foster-daughter|someone who is raised as a daughter although not related by birth
foster-father|a man who is a foster parent
fostering|encouragement;aiding the development of something
foster-mother|a woman who is a foster parent and raises another's child
foster-nurse|a nurse who raises another woman's child as her own
foster-parent|a person who acts as parent and guardian for a child in place of the child's natural parents but without legally adopting the child
foster-sister|your foster sister is a female who is not a daughter of your parents but who is raised by your parents
foster-son|someone who is raised as a son although not related by birth
fothergilla|any of several deciduous low-growing shrubs of the genus Fothergilla having showy brushlike spikes of white flowers in spring and fiery red and orange autumn color;grows from Alabama to the Allegheny Mountains
Foucault|French physicist who determined the speed of light and showed that it travels slower in water than in air;invented the Foucault pendulum and the gyroscope (1819-1868)
Foucault pendulum|pendulum with a long wire;can swing in any direction;the change in the swing plane demonstrates the earth's rotation
foul|an act that violates the rules of a sport
foul ball|(baseball) a ball struck with the bat so that it does not stay between the lines (the foul lines) that define the width of the playing field
foul line|a line across a bowling alley that a bowler must not cross;a line from which basketball players take penalty shots;lines through 1st and 3rd base indicating the boundaries of a baseball field
foul play|unfair or dishonest behavior (especially involving violence)
foul shot|an unhindered basketball shot from the foul line;given to penalize the other team for committing a foul
foulard|a light plain-weave or twill-weave silk or silklike fabric (usually with a printed design)
foulness|(of weather) the badness of the weather - "they were wearied with the foulness of the weather";disgusting wickedness and immorality - "he understood the foulness of sin" - "his display of foulness deserved severe punishment" - "mouths which speak such foulness must be cleansed"
foul-weather gear|protective garment that is intended to keep the wearer dry and warm in bad weather
found|food and lodging provided in addition to money - "they worked for $30 and found"
foundation|an institution supported by an endowment;education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of knowledge - "he lacks the foundation necessary for advanced study";lowest support of a structure;the basis on which something is grounded - "there is little foundation for his objections"
foundation garment|a woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of the body
foundation stone|a stone laid at a ceremony to mark the founding of a new building
founder|a person who founds or establishes some institution;a worker who makes metal castings
foundering|(of a ship) sinking
Founding Father|a member of the Constitutional Convention that drafted the United States Constitution in 1787
foundling|a child who has been abandoned and whose parents are unknown
foundress|a woman founder
foundry|factory where metal castings are produced
foundry proof|a proof taken from a form before duplicate plates are made
fountain|a plumbing fixture that provides a flow of water;a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises;an artificially produced flow of water
fountain grass|tall perennial ornamental grass with long nodding flower plumes of tropical Africa and Asia
Fountain of Youth|a fountain described in folk tales as able to make people young again - "Ponce de Leon discovered Florida while searching for the Fountain of Youth"
fountain pen|a pen that is supplied with ink from a reservoir in its barrel
fountainhead|the source of water from which a stream arises
Fouquieria|resinous succulent trees or shrubs of desert and semidesert regions of southwestern United States that are leafless most of the year
Fouquieriaceae|small family of spiny shrubs or trees of southwestern United States
four|the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
Four Horsemen|(New Testament) the four evils that will come at the end of the world;conquest rides a white horse;war a red horse;famine a black horse;plague a pale horse
Four Hundred|the exclusive social set of a city
four o'clock|any of several plants of the genus Mirabilis having flowers that open in late afternoon
four-hitter|a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team 4 hits
Fourier|French mathematician who developed Fourier analysis and studied the conduction of heat (1768-1830);French sociologist and reformer who hoped to achieve universal harmony by reorganizing society (1772-1837)
Fourier analysis|analysis of a periodic function into a sum of simple sinusoidal components
Fourier series|the sum of a series of trigonometric expressions;used in the analysis of periodic functions
four-in-hand|a long necktie that is tied in a slipknot with one end hanging in front of the other
four-letter word|any of several short English words (often having 4 letters) generally regarded as obscene or offensive
four-lined plant bug|yellow or orange leaf bug with four black stripes down the back;widespread in central and eastern North America
four-minute man|someone who has run the mile in less that 4 minutes
four-part harmony|harmony in which each chord has four notes that create four melodic lines
fourpence|a former English silver coin worth four pennies
fourpenny nail|a nail 1.5 inches long
four-poster|a bed with posts at the four corners that can be used to support a canopy or curtains
four-pounder|an artillery gun that throws a shot weighing four pounds
four-spot|a playing card or domino or die whose upward face shows four pips
four-stroke engine|an internal-combustion engine in which an explosive mixture is drawn into the cylinder on the first stroke and is compressed and ignited on the second stroke;work is done on the third stroke and the products of combustion are exhausted on the fourth stroke
four-tailed bandage|a bandage consisting of a strip of cloth split in two on both ends;the central part is placed under the chin to restrict motion of the mandible and the tails are tied over the top of the head
fourteen|the cardinal number that is the sum of thirteen and one
fourteenth|position 14 in a countable series of things
Fourteenth Amendment|an amendment to the Constitution of the United States adopted in 1868;extends the guarantees of the Bill of Rights to the states as well as to the federal government
fourth|following the third position;number four in a countable series;the musical interval between one note and another four notes away from it
Fourth Crusade|a Crusade from 1202 to 1204 that was diverted into a battle for Constantinople and failed to recapture Jerusalem
fourth dimension|the fourth coordinate that is required (along with three spatial dimensions) to specify a physical event
fourth estate|the press, including journalists, newspaper writers, photographers
Fourth Lateran Council|the Lateran Council in 1215 was the most important council of the Middle Ages;issued a creed against Albigensianism, published reformatory decrees, promulgated the doctrine of transubstantiation, and clarified church doctrine on the Trinity and Incarnation
fourth ventricle|an irregular ventricle between the third ventricle and the central canal of the spinal cord
four-wheel drive|a motor vehicle with a four-wheel drive transmission system;a transmission that provides power directly to all four wheels of a motor vehicle
four-wheeler|a hackney carriage with four wheels
fovea|area consisting of a small depression in the retina containing cones and where vision is most acute
foveal vision|vision with the fovea
fowl cholera|an acute diarrheal disease (especially of chickens) caused by the microorganism that causes hemorrhagic septicemia
fowl pest|either of two acute viral diseases of domestic fowl;characterized by refusal to eat and high temperature and discoloration of the comb
Fowler|English lexicographer who wrote a well-known book on English usage (1858-1933);someone who hunts wild birds for food
fowling piece|a light shotgun used for fowling
Fox|a member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River;English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691);English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806);the Algonquian language of the Fox;alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail;most are predators that do not hunt in packs;the grey or reddish-brown fur of a fox
fox grape|native grape of northeastern United States;origin of many cultivated varieties e.g. Concord grapes;purplish-black wild grape of the eastern United States with tough skins that slip easily from the flesh;cultivated in many varieties
fox hunter|a mounted hunter who follows the hounds in pursuit of a fox
fox hunting|mounted hunters follow hounds in pursuit of a fox
Fox River|a river in Wisconsin that flows into Lake Michigan
fox squirrel|exceptionally large arboreal squirrel of eastern United States
fox terrier|small lively black-and-white terriers formerly used to dig out foxes
foxglove|any of several plants of the genus Digitalis
foxhole|a small dugout with a pit for individual shelter against enemy fire
foxhound|medium-sized glossy-coated hounds developed for hunting foxes
foxtail|grasses of the genera Alopecurus and Setaria having dense silky or bristly brushlike flowering spikes
foxtail grass|ground pine thickly covered with bristly leaves;widely distributed in barren sandy or peaty moist coastal regions of eastern and southeastern United States
foxtail millet|coarse drought-resistant annual grass grown for grain, hay, and forage in Europe and Asia and chiefly for forage and hay in United States
foxtail orchid|any of various orchids of the genus Rhyncostylis having pink- to purple-marked white flowers in a dense cylindrical raceme
fox-trot|a ballroom dance in quadruple time;combines short and long and fast and slow steps fixed sequences
fractal|(mathematics) a geometric pattern that is repeated at every scale and so cannot be represented by classical geometry
fractal geometry|(mathematics) the geometry of fractals - "Benoit Mandelbrot pioneered fractal geometry"
fraction|a component of a mixture that has been separated by a fractional process;a small part or item forming a piece of a whole;the quotient of two rational numbers
fractional currency|paper currency in denominations less than the basic monetary unit
fractional distillation|fractionation of a liquid by distillation
fractional monetary unit|a monetary unit that is valued at a fraction (usually one hundredth) of the basic monetary unit
fractionation|a process that uses heat to separate a substance into its components;separation into portions
fracture|breaking of hard tissue such as bone - "it was a nasty fracture";the act of cracking something
Fragaria|strawberries
fragility|lack of physical strength;quality of being easily damaged or destroyed
fragment|a piece broken off or cut off of something else - "a fragment of rock";an incomplete piece - "fragments of a play"
fragmentation|(computer science) the condition of a file that is broken up and stored in many different locations on a magnetic disk - "fragmentation slows system performance because it takes extra time to locate and assemble the parts of the fragmented file";the disintegration of social norms governing behavior and thought and social relationships;the scattering of bomb fragments after the bomb explodes
fragmentation bomb|a bomb with only 10 to 20 per cent explosive and the remainder consisting of casings designed to break into many small high-velocity fragments;most effective against troops and vehicles
Fragonard|French artist whose rococo paintings typified the frivolity of life in the royal court of France in the 18th century (1732-1806)
fragrant agrimony|fragrant European perennial herb found at woodland margins on moist soils
fragrant cliff fern|fern or northern Eurasia and North America having fragrant fronds
fragrant orchid|European orchid having dense spikes of fragrant pink or lilac or red flowers with conspicuous spurs
fragrant sumac|sweet-scented sumac of eastern America having ternate leaves and yellowish-green flowers in spikes resembling catkins followed by red hairy fruits
frail|a basket for holding dried fruit (especially raisins or figs);the weight of a frail (basket) full of raisins or figs;between 50 and 75 pounds
frailty|moral weakness
fraise|a ruff for the neck worn in the 16th century;sloping or horizontal rampart of pointed stakes
frame|a framework that supports and protects a picture or a mirror - "the frame enhances but is not itself the subject of attention" - "the frame was much more valuable than the miror it held";a single drawing in a comic strip;a single one of a series of still transparent pictures forming a cinema, television or video film;an application that divides the user's display into two or more windows that can be scrolled independently;one of the ten divisions into which bowling is divided;the framework for a pair of eyeglasses
frame buffer|(computer science) a buffer that stores the contents of an image pixel by pixel
frame of reference|a system of assumptions and standards that sanction behavior and give it meaning
framer|someone who makes frames (as for pictures);someone who writes a new law or plan - "the framers of the Constitution"
frame-up|an act that incriminates someone on a false charge
framework|a structure supporting or containing something;the underlying structure - "providing a factual framework for future research"
framing|formulation of the plans and important details - "the framing of judicial decrees"
franc|the basic monetary unit in many countries;equal to 100 centimes
France|a republic in western Europe;the largest country wholly in Europe;French writer of sophisticated novels and short stories (1844-1924)
Franche-Comte|a former province of eastern France
franchise|a business established or operated under an authorization to sell or distribute a company's goods or services in a particular area;a statutory right or privilege granted to a person or group by a government (especially the rights of citizenship and the right to vote);an authorization to sell a company's goods or services in a particular place
franchise tax|a tax that is imposed by states on corporations;it depends both on the net worth of the corporation and on its net income attributable to activities within the state
Francis Ferdinand|archduke of Austria and heir apparent to Francis Joseph I;his assassination at Sarajevo triggered the outbreak of World War I (1863-1914)
Francis II|the last Holy Roman Emperor (1768-1835)
Francis Joseph|emperor of Austria and king of Hungary;was defeated by Napoleon III at the battle of Magenta (1830-1916)
Francis of Assisi|(Roman Catholic Church) an Italian and the Roman Catholic monk who founded the Franciscan order of friars (1181-1226)
Francis turbine|a type of hydroelectric turbine
Franciscan|a Roman Catholic friar wearing the grey habit of the Franciscan order
Franciscan order|a Roman Catholic order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century
Francisella|a genus of Gram-negative aerobic bacteria that occur as pathogens and parasite in many animals (including humans)
Francisella tularensis|the type species of the genus Francisella and the causal agent of tularemia in humans;can be used as a bioweapon
francium|a radioactive element of the alkali-metal group discovered as a disintegration product of actinium
Franck|French composer and teacher who influenced a generation of composers (1822-1890);United States physicist (born in Germany) who with Gustav Hertz performed an electron scattering experiment that proved the existence of the stationary energy states postulated by Niels Bohr (1882-1964)
Franco|Spanish general whose armies took control of Spain in 1939 and who ruled as a dictator until his death (1892-1975)
Francoa|perennial evergreen herbs with white or pink flowers;Chile
Franco-American|an American who was born in France or whose ancestors were French
Francophile|an admirer of France and everything French
Francophobe|a person who hates France and everything French
Franco-Prussian War|a war between France and Prussia that ended the Second Empire in France and led to the founding of modern Germany;1870-1871
franc-tireur|a sharpshooter (in the French army)
frangipane|pastry with a creamy almond-flavored filling
frangipani|any of various tropical American deciduous shrubs or trees of the genus Plumeria having milky sap and showy fragrant funnel-shaped variously colored flowers
Frank|a member of the ancient Germanic peoples who spread from the Rhine into the Roman Empire in the 4th century;a smooth-textured sausage of minced beef or pork usually smoked;often served on a bread roll
frank breech|position of a fetus in which the buttocks are present at the maternal pelvic outlet
Frankenstein|an agency that escapes control and destroys its creator;the fictional Swiss scientist who was the protagonist in a gothic novel by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley;he created a monster from parts of corpses;the monster created by Frankenstein in a gothic novel by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (the creator's name is commonly used to refer to his creation)
Frankfort|the capital of Kentucky;located in northern Kentucky
Frankfurt on the Main|a German city;an industrial and commercial and financial center
frankfurter bun|a long bun shaped to hold a frankfurter
frankincense|an aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees;formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation
franking machine|a machine that automatically stamps letters or packages passing through it and computes the total charge
franklin|a landowner (14th and 15th centuries) who was free but not of noble birth;printer whose success as an author led him to take up politics;he helped draw up the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution;he played a major role in the American Revolution and negotiated French support for the colonists;as a scientist he is remembered particularly for his research in electricity (1706-1790);United States historian noted for studies of Black American history (born in 1915)
Frankliniella|tobacco thrips
frankness|the trait of being blunt and outspoken
frappe|liqueur poured over shaved ice;thick milkshake containing ice cream
Fraser fir|small fast-growing but short-lived fir of southern Alleghenies similar to balsam fir but with very short leaves
Frasera|genus of North American herbs;columbo;includes some species sometimes placed in genus Swertia
Fratercula|puffins
fraternal twin|either of two twins who developed from two separate fertilized eggs
fraternity|a social club for male undergraduates
fraternization|associating with others in a brotherly or friendly way;especially with an enemy
fratricide|a person who murders their brother or sister;the murder of your sibling
Frau|a German courtesy title or form of address for an adult woman
fraud|intentional deception resulting in injury to another person;something intended to deceive;deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
fraud in fact|actual deceit;concealing something or making a false representation with an evil intent to cause injury to another
fraud in law|fraud that is presumed from the circumstances although the one who commits it need not have had any evil intent
fraud in the factum|fraud that arises from a disparity between the instrument intended to be executed and the instrument actually executed;e.g., leading someone to sign the wrong contract
fraud in the inducement|fraud which intentionally causes a person to execute and instrument or make an agreement or render a judgment;e.g., misleading someone about the true facts
fraudulence|a fraudulent or duplicitous representation;the quality of being fraudulent
Fraulein|a German courtesy title or form of address for an unmarried woman
fraxinella|Eurasian perennial herb with white flowers that emit flammable vapor in hot weather
Fraxinus|ash
Frazer|English social anthropologist noted for studies of primitive religion and magic (1854-1941)
frazzle|a state of extreme exhaustion - "he was worn to a frazzle"
freak|a person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed
freckle|a small brownish spot (of the pigment melanin) on the skin
Frederick|a town in northern Maryland to the west of Baltimore
Frederick I|Holy Roman Emperor from 1152 to 1190;conceded supremacy to the pope;drowned leading the Third Crusade (1123-1190);son of Frederick William who in 1701 became the first king of Prussia (1657-1713)
Frederick II|king of Prussia from 1740 to 1786;brought Prussia military prestige by winning the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War (1712-1786);the Holy Roman Emperor who led the Sixth Crusade and crowned himself king of Jerusalem (1194-1250)
Frederick William|the Elector of Brandenburg who rebuilt his domain after its destruction during the Thirty Years' War (1620-1688)
Frederick William I|son of Frederick I who became king of Prussia in 1713;reformed and strengthened the Prussian army (1688-1740)
Frederick William II|king of Prussia who became involved in a costly war with France (1744-1797)
Frederick William III|king of Prussia who became involved in the Napoleonic Wars (1770-1840)
Frederick William IV|king of Prussia who violently suppressed democratic movements (1795-1865)
Fredericksburg|a town in northeastern Virginia on the Rappahannock River;an important battle in the American Civil War (1862);the Union Army under A. E. Burnside was defeated by the Confederate Army under Robert E. Lee
Fredericton|the provincial capital of New Brunswick
free|people who are free - "the home of the free and the brave"
free agency|(sports) the state of a professional athlete who is free to negotiate a contract to play for any team
free agent|(sports) a professional athlete who is free to sign a contract to play for any team;someone acting freely or even irresponsibly
free association|a thought process in which ideas (words or images) suggest other ideas in a sequence
free central placentation|where ovules develop on a central column in a compound ovary lacking septa or with septa at base only
free electron|electron that is not attached to an atom or ion or molecule but is free to move under the influence of an electric field
free fall|the ideal falling motion of something subject only to a gravitational field
Free French|a French movement during World War II that was organized in London by Charles de Gaulle to fight for the liberation of France from German control and for the restoration of the republic
free hand|freedom to do as you see fit - "many have doubts about giving him a free hand to attack"
free house|a public house that is not controlled by a brewery and so is free to sell different brands of beer and ale
free kick|(soccer) a place kick that is allowed for a foul or infringement by the other team
free list|a list of commodities that are not subject to tariffs
free living|a lifestyle given to easy indulgence of the appetites
free lunch|something acquired without effort or payment or obligation - "there is no free lunch in politics or Hollywood"
free morpheme|a morpheme that can occur alone
free nerve ending|microscopic sensory nerve endings in the skin that are not connected to any specific sensory receptor
free phagocyte|a phagocyte that circulates in the blood
free port|a port open on equal terms to all commercial vessels;an area adjoining a port where goods that are intended for reshipment can be received and stored without payment of duties
free press|a press not restricted or controlled by government censorship regarding politics or ideology
free radical|an atom or group of atoms with at least one unpaired electron;in the body it is usually an oxygen molecule that has lost an electron and will stabilize itself by stealing an electron from a nearby molecule - "in the body free radicals are high-energy particles that ricochet wildly and damage cells"
free rein|the removal of constraints - "he gave free rein to his impulses"
Free Soil Party|a former political party in the United States;formed in 1848 to oppose the extension of slavery into the territories;merged with the Liberty Party in 1848
Free State|a province in central South Africa that was colonized by the Boers;named Free State in 1997;any state prohibiting slavery prior to the American Civil War
free throw lane|a lane on a basketball court extending from the end line to 15 feet in front of the backboard;players may not enter this lane during a free throw
free time|time that is free from duties or responsibilities
free trade|international trade free of government interference
free trader|an advocate of unrestricted international trade
free verse|unrhymed verse without a consistent metrical pattern
free will|the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies
Free World|anti-communist countries collectively
freebie|something that is free (usually provided as part of a promotional scheme) - "the road map was a freebie"
freeboard deck|the uppermost watertight deck
freedman|a person who has been freed from slavery
freedom|the condition of being free;the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
freedom from cruel and unusual punishment|a right guaranteed by the 8th amendment to the US Constitution
freedom from discrimination|immunity from discrimination on the basis of race or sex or nationality or religion or age;guaranteed by federal laws of the United States
freedom from double jeopardy|a civil right guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution
freedom from involuntary servitude|a civil right guaranteed by the 13th amendment to the US Constitution
freedom from search and seizure|a right guaranteed by the 4th amendment to the US Constitution
freedom from self-incrimination|the civil right (guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution) to refuse to answer questions or otherwise give testimony against yourself
freedom of assembly|the right to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for redress of grievances;guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution
freedom of religion|a civil right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution
freedom of speech|a civil right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution
freedom of the press|a right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution
freedom of the seas|the right of merchant ships to travel freely in international waters
freedom of thought|the right to hold unpopular ideas
freedom rider|one of an interracial group of civil rights activists who rode buses through parts of the South in order to protest racial segregation
freedom to bear arms|a right guaranteed by the 2nd amendment to the US Constitution
freehold|an estate held in fee simple or for life;tenure by which land is held in fee simple or for life
freeholder|the owner of a freehold
freelancer|a writer or artist who sells services to different employers without a long-term contract with any of them
free-liver|someone who gratifies physical appetites (especially for food and drink) with more than the usual freedom
freeloader|someone who takes advantage of the generosity of others
freemail|a service providing free email delivery in exchange for exposure to advertising
freeman|a person who is not a serf or a slave
Freemason|a member of a widespread secret fraternal order pledged to mutual assistance and brotherly love
freemasonry|a natural or instinctive fellowship between people of similar interests - "he enjoyed the freemasonry of the Press";Freemasons collectively
free-reed|a reed that does not fit closely over the aperture
free-reed instrument|a wind instrument with a free reed
freesia|any of several plants of the genus Freesia valued for their one-sided clusters of usually fragrant yellow or white or pink tubular flowers
freestone|fruit (especially peach) whose flesh does not adhere to the pit
freestyle|a race (as in swimming) in which each contestant has a free choice of the style to use
freetail|small swift insectivorous bat with leathery ears and a long tail;common in warm regions
Freetown|port city and the capital and largest city of Sierra Leone
freeware|software that is provided without charge
freewheel|a clutch (as on the rear wheel of a bicycle) that allows wheels to turn freely (as in coasting)
freeze|an interruption or temporary suspension of progress or movement - "a nuclear freeze";fixing (of prices or wages etc) at a particular level - "a freeze on hiring";the withdrawal of heat to change something from a liquid to a solid;weather cold enough to cause freezing
freeze-drying|a method of drying food or blood plasma or pharmaceuticals or tissue without destroying their physical structure;material is frozen and then warmed in a vacuum so that the ice sublimes
freezing mixture|a mixture of substances (usually salt and ice) to obtain a temperature below the freezing point of water
freezing point|the temperature below which a liquid turns into a solid
Fregata|type genus of the Fregatidae
Fregatidae|frigate birds
freight|the charge for transporting something by common carrier - "we pay the freight" - "the freight rate is usually cheaper";transporting goods commercially at rates cheaper than express rates
freight agent|an employee of a freight carrier who directs the receipt and delivery of goods
freight car|a railway car that carries freight
freight elevator|an elevator designed for carrying freight
freight liner|a long-distance express freight train between industrial centers and seaports with facilities for rapid loading and unloading of goods
freight train|a railroad train consisting of freight cars
Fremont|United States explorer who mapped much of the American west and Northwest (1813-1890)
Fremontodendron|flannelbush
French|the people of France;the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France;United States sculptor who created the seated marble figure of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. (1850-1931)
French Academy|an honorary group of French writers and thinkers supported by the French government - "the French Academy sets standards for the use of the French language"
French and Indian War|a war in North America between France and Britain (both aided by American Indian tribes);1755-1760
French blue|ultramarine pigment prepared artificially
French bread|a crusty sourdough bread often baked in long slender tapered loaves or baguettes
French bulldog|small stocky version of the bulldog having a sleek coat and square head
French Canadian|a Canadian descended from early French settlers and whose native language is French
French chalk|a soft white compact talc used to mark cloth or to remove grease stains
French door|a light door with transparent or glazed panels extending the full length
French dressing|oil and vinegar with mustard and garlic
French Foreign Legion|a former foreign legion in the French army that was used for military duties outside of France
French Foreign Office|the French department in charge of foreign affairs;referred to familiarly by its address in Paris
French franc|formerly the basic unit of money in France
french fries|strips of potato fried in deep fat
French fritter|a deep-fried, yeast-raised doughnut dusted with confectioners' sugar
French heel|a fairly high narrow heel on women's shoes
French honeysuckle|perennial of southern Europe cultivated for forage and for its nectar-rich pink flowers that make it an important honey crop
French horn|a brass musical instrument consisting of a conical tube that is coiled into a spiral and played by means of valves
French Indochina|the French colonies of the territory now occupied by Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam
French knot|a stitch made by looping the thread several times around the needle before inserting it into the fabric
French lavender|shrubby greyish lavender of southwestern Europe having usually reddish-purple flowers
French leave|an abrupt and unannounced departure (without saying farewell)
French lesson|instruction in the French language
French loaf|a loaf of French bread
French marigold|strong-scented bushy annual with orange or yellow flower heads marked with red;Mexico and Guatemala
French omelet|omelet cooked quickly and slid onto a plate
French pastry|sweet filled pastry made of especially puff paste
French polish|a varnish for wood consisting of shellac dissolved in alcohol;the glaze produced by repeated applications of French polish shellac
French Polynesia|a French overseas possession in the South Pacific
French region|a geographical subdivision of France
French Revolution|the revolution in France against the Bourbons;1789-1799
French Riviera|the French part of the Riviera
French roof|a mansard roof with sides that are nearly perpendicular
French sorrel|greens having small tart oval to pointed leaves;preferred to common sorrel for salads;low perennial with small silvery-green ovate to hastate leaves
French teacher|someone who teaches French
French toast|bread slice dipped in egg and milk and fried;topped with sugar or fruit or syrup
French West Indies|the islands in the Lesser Antilles that are administered by France
French window|a French door situated in an exterior wall of a building
Frenchman|a person of French nationality
Freon|any one or more chlorofluorocarbons (or related compounds) that are used as an aerosol propellant, organic solvent, or refrigerant
frequency|the number of observations in a given statistical category;the number of occurrences within a given time period - "the frequency of modulation was 40 cycles per second" - "the frequency of his seizures increased as he grew older";the ratio of the number of observations in a statistical category to the total number of observations
frequency band|a band of adjacent radio frequencies (e.g., assigned for transmitting radio or television signals)
frequency distribution|a distribution of observed frequencies of occurrence of the values of a variable
frequency modulation|modulation of the frequency of the (radio) carrier wave
frequency response|(electronics) a curve representing the output-to-input ratio of a transducer as a function of frequency
frequency-response curve|(electronics) a graph of frequency response with signal amplitude or gain plotted against frequency
frequentative|a verb form that serves to express frequent repetition of an action
fresco|a durable method of painting on a wall by using watercolors on wet plaster;a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster
fresh bean|beans eaten before they are ripe as opposed to dried
fresh breeze|wind moving 19-24 knots;5 on the Beaufort scale
fresh food|food that is not preserved by canning or dehydration or freezing or smoking
fresh gale|wind moving 39-46 knots;8 on the Beaufort scale
fresh start|an opportunity to start over without prejudice
fresh water|water that is not salty
freshener|anything that freshens
freshet|the occurrence of a water flow resulting from sudden rain or melting snow
freshman|a first-year undergraduate
freshman class|the first class in college or high school
freshness|an alert and refreshed state;originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel;the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made);not stale or deteriorated - "she loved the freshness of newly baked bread" - "the freshness of the air revived him"
freshwater bass|any of various North American freshwater fish with lean flesh (especially of the genus Micropterus);North American food and game fish
freshwater bream|any of various usually edible freshwater percoid fishes having compressed bodies and shiny scales;especially (but not exclusively) of the genus Lepomis
freshwater fish|flesh of fish from fresh water used as food
freshwater mussel|bivalve mollusk abundant in rivers of central United States
Fresnel|French physicist who invented polarized light and invented the Fresnel lens (1788-1827)
Fresnel lens|lens composed of a number of small lenses arranged to make a lightweight lens of large diameter and short focal length
Fresno|a city in south central California in the San Joaquin Valley;center of an important agricultural area and gateway to the Sierra Nevada Mountains
fret|a small bar of metal across the fingerboard of a musical instrument;when the string is stopped by a finger at the metal bar it will produce a note of the desired pitch;agitation resulting from active worry;an ornamental pattern consisting of repeated vertical and horizontal lines (often in relief) - "there was a simple fret at the top of the walls"
Freud|Austrian neurologist who originated psychoanalysis (1856-1939)
Freudian|a person who follows the basic theories or practices of Sigmund Freud
Freudian psychology|the psychological theories of Sigmund Freud
Freudian slip|a slip-up that (according to Sigmund Freud) results from the operation of unconscious wishes or conflicts and can reveal unconscious processes in normal healthy individuals
Frey|(Norse mythology) god of earth's fertility and peace and prosperity;son of Njorth and brother of Freya;originally of the Vanir;later with the Aesir
Freya|(Norse mythology) goddess of love and fecundity;daughter of Njorth and sister of Frey
friar|a male member of a religious order that originally relied solely on alms
friar's lantern|a pale light sometimes seen at night over marshy ground
friar's-cowl|tuberous perennial having a cowl-shaped maroon or violet-black spathe;Mediterranean;Canaries;Azores
friary|a monastery of friars
fricandeau|larded veal braised and glazed in its own juices
fricassee|pieces of chicken or other meat stewed in gravy with e.g. carrots and onions and served with noodles or dumplings
fricative consonant|a continuant consonant produced by breath moving against a narrowing of the vocal tract
Frick|United States industrialist who amassed a fortune in the steel industry (1849-1919)
friction|effort expended in moving one object over another with pressure;the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another
friction clutch|a clutch in which one part turns the other by the friction between them
friction tape|a water-resistant adhesive tape used to insulate exposed electrical conductors
Friday|the sixth day of the week;the fifth working day
fried egg|eggs cooked by sauteing in oil or butter;sometimes turned and cooked on both sides
fried rice|boiled rice mixed with scallions and minced pork or shrimp and quickly scrambled with eggs
Friedan|United States feminist who founded a national organization for women (born in 1921)
friedcake|small cake in the form of a ring or twist or ball or strip fried in deep fat
Friedman|United States economist noted as a proponent of monetarism and for his opposition to government intervention in the economy (born in 1912)
Friedman test|pregnancy test that involves injecting some of the woman's urine into an unmated female rabbit and later examining the ovaries of the rabbit;presence of corpora lutea indicates that the woman is pregnant
Friedreich's ataxia|sclerosis of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord;characterized by muscular weakness and abnormal gait;occurs in children
Friend|a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers);a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
friendlessness|being without friends
friendliness|a feeling of liking for another person;enjoyment in their company;a friendly disposition
friendly|troops belonging to or allied with your own military forces
friendly fire|fire that injures or kills an ally
friendly takeover|a takeover that is welcomed by the management of the target company
friendship|the state of being friends (or friendly)
friendship plant|low stingless nettle of Central and South America having velvety brownish-green toothed leaves and clusters of small green flowers
Friesian|a breed of dairy cattle from northern Holland
Friesland|one of the northernmost provinces of the Netherlands;the western part of the ancient region of Frisia in northern Europe on the North Sea between the Scheldt river and the Weser river;part of this region is now a province in the Netherlands
frieze|a heavy woolen fabric with a long nap;an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice
frigate|a medium size square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries;a United States warship larger than a destroyer and smaller than a cruiser
frigate bird|long-billed warm-water seabird with wide wingspan and forked tail
Frigg|(Norse mythology) goddess of the heavens and married love;wife of Odin
frightfulness|the quality of being frightful
Frigid Zone|the part of the Earth's surface forming a cap over a pole;characterized by frigid climate
frigidity|sexual unresponsiveness (especially of women) and inability to achieve orgasm during intercourse
frijole|Mexican bean;usually dried
frill|(paleontology) a bony plate that curves upward behind the skull of many ceratopsian dinosaurs;a strip of pleated material used as a decoration or a trim;an external body part consisting of feathers or hair about the neck of a bird or other animal
frilled lizard|large arboreal insectivorous Australian lizard with a ruff of skin around the neck
Frimaire|third month of the Revolutionary calendar (November and December);the frosty month
fringe|a social group holding marginal or extreme views - "members of the fringe believe we should be armed with guns at all times";an ornamental border consisting of short lengths of hanging threads or tassels;one of the light or dark bands produced by the interference and diffraction of light
fringe benefit|an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right) - "a limousine is one of the fringe benefits of the job"
fringe bush|small bushy tree of southeastern United States having profuse clusters of white flowers
fringe tree|any of various small decorative flowering trees or shrubs of the genus Chionanthus
fringed gentian|any of various herbs of the genus Gentianopsis having the margins of the corolla lobes fringed;sometimes included in genus Gentiana
fringed grass of Parnassus|bog plant with broadly heart-shaped basal leaves and cream-colored or white saucer-shaped flowers with fringed petals;west of Rocky Mountains from Alaska to New Mexico
fringed loosestrife|of North America
fringed orchis|any of several summer-flowering American orchids distinguished by a fringed or lacerated lip
fringed pink|Eurasian perennial pink having fragrant lilac or rose flowers with deeply fringed margins
fringed poppy mallow|perennial poppy mallow of United States southern plains states having rose-red or rose-purple flowers
fringepod|annual herb having pinnatifid basal leaves and slender racemes of small white flowers followed by one-seeded winged silicles
fringe-toed lizard|with long pointed scales around toes;of deserts of United States and Mexico
Fringilla|type genus of the Fringillidae;chaffinch, brambling
Fringillidae|finches;goldfinches;bullfinches;chaffinches;siskins;canaries;cardinals;grosbeaks;crossbills;linnets;buntings
Frisbee|a light, plastic disk about 10 inches in diameter;propelled with a flip of the wrist for recreation or competition
Frisch|Austrian zoologist noted for his studies of honeybees (1886-1982);British physicist (born in Austria) who with Lise Meitner recognized that Otto Hahn had produced a new kind of nuclear reaction which they named nuclear fission;Frisch described the explosive potential of a chain nuclear reaction (1904-1979);Norwegian economist noted for his work in econometrics (1895-1973)
Frisia|an ancient region of northwestern Europe including the Frisian Islands
Frisian|a native or inhabitant of Friesland or Frisia;a West Germanic language spoken in Friesland in the northwestern Netherlands;a near relative of English
Frisian Islands|a chain of islands in the North Sea off the coast of northwestern Europe extending from the IJsselmeer to Jutland
frisk|the act of searching someone for concealed weapons or illegal drugs - "he gave the suspect a quick frisk"
friskiness|lively high-spirited playfulness
frisson|an almost pleasurable sensation of fright - "a frisson of surprise shot through him"
Fritillaria|fritillary
fritillary|any liliaceous plant of the genus Fritillaria having nodding variously colored flowers;butterfly with brownish wings marked with black and silver
frittata|Italian omelet with diced vegetables and meats;cooked until bottom is set then inverted into another pan to cook the top
fritter|small quantity of fried batter containing fruit or meat or vegetables
fritter batter|batter for making fritters
Friulian|a Rhaeto-Romance dialect spoken in northeastern Italy
Friuli-Venezia Giulia|a region in northeastern Italy
frivolity|the trait of being frivolous;not serious or sensible
frizz|the condition of being formed into small tight curls - "her hair was in a frizz"
Frobisher|English explorer who led an expedition in search of the Northwest Passage to the orient;served under Drake and helped defeat the Spanish Armada (1535-1594)
frock|a habit worn by clerics
frock coat|a man's coat having knee-length skirts front and back;worn in the 19th century
Froebel|German educator who founded the kindergarten system (1782-1852)
Froelichia|genus of erect or procumbent herbs of the Americas having spikes of woolly white flowers;cottonweed
frog|a decorative loop of braid or cord;a person of French descent;any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping;semiaquatic and terrestrial species
frog kick|a swimming kick;knees are drawn upward and outward so the legs can be brought together when fully extended
frog legs|hind legs of frogs used as food;resemble chicken and cooked as chicken
frog orchid|any of several green orchids of the genus Habenaria;orchid having hooded long-bracted green to yellow-green flowers suffused with purple
frogbit|European floating plant with roundish heart-shaped leaves and white flowers
frogfish|fish having a frog-like mouth with a lure on the snout
froghopper|a variety of spittlebug
frogmouth|insectivorous bird of Australia and southeastern Asia having a wide frog-like mouth
frog's lettuce|very similar to Potamogeton;of western Africa, Asia, and Europe
frond|compound leaf of a fern or palm or cycad
front|(meteorology) the atmospheric phenomenon created at the boundary between two different air masses;a sphere of activity involving effort - "the Japanese were active last week on the diplomatic front" - "they advertise on many different fronts";the outward appearance of a person - "he put up a bold front";the part of something that is nearest to the normal viewer - "he walked to the front of the stage";the side that is forward or prominent;the side that is seen or that goes first
front bench|any of the front seats in the House of Commons that are reserved for ministers or former ministers
front burner|top priority - "the work was moved to the front burner in order to meet deadlines"
front door|exterior door (at the entrance) at the front of a building
front man|a person used as a cover for some questionable activity
front matter|written matter preceding the main text of a book
front porch|a porch for the front door
front projector|a projector for digital input
front tooth|a tooth situated at the front of the mouth
front yard|the yard in front of a house;between the house and the street
frontage|the direction in which something (such as a building) faces;the extent of land abutting on a street or water
frontage road|a local road that runs parallel to an expressway and allows local traffic to gain access to property
frontal|a drapery that covers the front of an altar
frontal bone|the large cranial bone forming the front part of the cranium;includes the upper part of the orbits
frontal eminence|either prominence of the frontal bone above each orbit
frontal gyrus|any of the convolutions of the outer surface of the frontal lobe of the cerebrum
frontal lobe|that part of the cerebral cortex in either hemisphere of the brain lying directly behind the forehead
frontal sinus|one of a pair of cavities in the frontal bone
frontal suture|the suture between two halves of the frontal bone (usually obliterated by the age of 6)
frontbencher|a member of the House of Commons who is a minister in the government or who holds an official position in an opposition party
frontier|a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country - "the individualism of the frontier in Andrew Jackson's day";an international boundary or the area (often fortified) immediately inside the boundary;an undeveloped field of study;a topic inviting research and development - "he worked at the frontier of brain science"
frontier settlement|a settlement on the frontier of civilization
frontiersman|a man who lives on the frontier
frontierswoman|a woman who lives on the frontier
frontispiece|an ornamental facade;front illustration facing the title page of a book
frontlet|an adornment worn on the forehead
front-porch campaigning|a campaign in which the candidate makes speeches but does not travel
front-runner|a competitor thought likely to win
frost|ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside);the formation of frost or ice on a surface;United States poet famous for his lyrical poems on country life in New England (1874-1963)
frost heave|upthrust of ground or pavement caused by the freezing of moist soil
frostbite|destruction of tissue by freezing and characterized by tingling, blistering and possibly gangrene
frosted bat|common Eurasian bat with white-tipped hairs in its coat
frostiness|a silvery-white color;coldness as evidenced by frost
frosting|a flavored sugar topping used to coat and decorate cakes
Frost's bolete|a fungus with a red cap and a red coarsely reticulate stalk
frostweed|perennial of the eastern United States having early solitary yellow flowers followed by late petalless flowers;so-called because ice crystals form on it during first frosts
frottage|masturbation by rubbing against another person (as in a crowd)
frotteur|someone who masturbates by rubbing against another person (as in a crowd)
frown|a facial expression of dislike or displeasure
frown line|a facial wrinkle associated with frowning
frozen custard|dessert resembling ice cream but with a boiled custard base
frozen dessert|any of various desserts prepared by freezing
frozen food|food preserved by freezing
frozen orange juice|orange juice that has been concentrated and frozen
frozen pudding|a chilled dessert consisting of a mixture of custard and nuts and (sometimes) liquor
frozen yogurt|a soft frozen dessert of sweetened flavored yogurt
Fructidor|twelfth month of the Revolutionary calendar (August and September);the month of fruit
fructification|organs of fruiting (especially the reproductive parts of ferns and mosses);the bearing of fruit
fructose|a simple sugar found in honey and in many ripe fruits
fructosuria|the presence of levulose is the urine - "fructosuria is a harmless condition"
frugality|prudence in avoiding waste
fruit|the consequence of some effort or action - "he lived long enough to see the fruit of his policies";the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
fruit bar|cookies containing chopped fruits either mixed in the dough or spread between layers of dough then baked and cut in bars
fruit bat|large Old World bat of warm and tropical regions that feeds on fruit
fruit cocktail|a mixture of sliced or diced fruits
fruit custard|a custard containing fruit
fruit drink|a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
fruit fly|any of numerous small insects whose larvae feed on fruits
fruit grower|someone who grows fruit commercially
fruit juice|drink produced by squeezing or crushing fruit
fruit machine|a coin-operated gambling machine that produces random combinations of symbols (usually pictures of different fruits) on rotating dials;certain combinations win money for the player
fruit of the poisonous tree|a rule that once primary evidence is determined to have been illegally obtained any secondary evidence following from it may also not be used
fruit punch|a punch made of fruit juices mixed with water or soda water (with or without alcohol)
fruit salad|salad composed of fruits
fruit tree|tree bearing edible fruit
fruitage|the yield of fruit - "a tree highly recommended for its fruitage"
fruitcake|a rich cake containing dried fruit and nuts and citrus peel and so on
fruiterer|a person who sells fruit
fruitfulness|the quality of something that causes or assists healthy growth
fruiting body|an organ specialized for producing spores
fruition|enjoyment derived from use or possession;the condition of bearing fruit
fruitlessness|a lack of creative imagination;the quality of yielding nothing of value
fruitlet|a diminutive fruit, especially one that is part of a multiple fruit
fruitwood|wood of various fruit trees (as apple or cherry or pear) used especially in cabinetwork
frumenty|sweet spiced porridge made from hulled wheat
frump|a dull unattractive unpleasant girl or woman - "she got a reputation as a frump"
frustration|a feeling of annoyance at being hindered or criticized - "her constant complaints were the main source of his frustration";an act of hindering someone's plans or efforts;the feeling that accompanies an experience of being thwarted in attaining your goals
frustum|a truncated cone or pyramid;the part that is left when a cone or pyramid is cut by a plane parallel to the base and the apical part is removed
Fry|English dramatist noted for his comic verse dramas (born 1907);English painter and art critic (1866-1934)
fry cook|a cook who specializes in fried foods
Frye|Canadian literary critic interested in the use of myth and symbolism (1912-1991)
fryer|flesh of a medium-sized young chicken suitable for frying
frying|cooking in fat or oil in a pan or griddle
frying pan|a pan used for frying foods
Fucaceae|small family of brown algae;gulfweeds;rockweeds
Fucales|coextensive with the family Fucaceae
Fuchs|British physicist who was born in Germany and fled Nazi persecution;in the 1940s he passed secret information to the USSR about the development of the atom bomb in the United States (1911-1988)
fuchsia|any of various tropical shrubs widely cultivated for their showy drooping purplish or reddish or white flowers;Central and South America and New Zealand and Tahiti
fuck|slang for sexual intercourse
fucker|a stupid despised man;someone who engages in sexual intercourse
fucoid|a fossilized cast or impression of algae of the order Fucales;any of various algae of the family Fucaceae
fucus|any member of the genus Fucus
fuddy-duddy|a conservative who is old-fashioned or dull in attitude or appearance - "you may accuse me of being and old fuddy-duddy trying to stop young people having fun"
fudge|soft creamy candy
Fuego|a volcano in south central Guatemala
fuel|a substance that can be consumed to produce energy - "more fuel is needed during the winter months" - "they developed alternative fuels for aircraft"
fuel cell|cell that produces electricity by oxidation of fuel (hydrogen and oxygen or zinc and air);often used in electric cars
fuel filter|a filter in the fuel line that screens out dirt and rust particles from the fuel
fuel gauge|an indicator of the amount of fuel remaining in a vehicle
fuel injection|mechanical system to inject atomized fuel directly into the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine;avoids the need for a carburetor
fuel level|the amount of fuel remaining
fuel line|a pipe that carries gasoline from a tank to a gasoline engine
fuel oil|a petroleum product used for fuel
fuel system|equipment in a motor vehicle or aircraft that delivers fuel to the engine
fuel-air explosive|a device consisting of a container of fuel and two explosive charges;the first charge bursts open the fuel container at a predetermined height and spreads the fuel in a cloud that mixes with atmospheric oxygen;the second charge detonates the cloud which creates an enormous blast wave and incinerates whatever is below
fueling|the activity of supplying or taking on fuel
Fuentes|Mexican novelist (born in 1928)
fug|(British informal) an airless smoky smelly atmosphere
fugacity|the lack of enduring qualities (used chiefly of plant parts);the tendency of a gas to expand or escape
Fugard|South African playwright whose plays feature the racial tensions in South Africa during apartheid (born in 1932)
fugitive|someone who flees from an uncongenial situation - "fugitives from the sweatshops";someone who is sought by law officers;someone trying to elude justice
fugleman|a leader and organizer and spokesman (especially a political leader) - "a fugleman for the radical right"
fugu|a blowfish highly prized as a delicacy in Japan but highly dangerous because the skin and organs are poisonous
fugue|a dreamlike state of altered consciousness that may last for hours or days;a musical form consisting of a theme repeated a fifth above or a fourth below its first statement;dissociative disorder in which a person forgets who they are and leaves home to creates a new life;during the fugue there is no memory of the former life;after recovering there is no memory for events during the dissociative state
Fuji|an extinct volcano in south central Honshu that is the highest peak in Japan;last erupted in 1707;famous for its symmetrical snow-capped peak;a sacred mountain and site for pilgrimages;shrubby Japanese cherry tree having pale pink blossoms
Fukuoka|a city in southern Japan on Kyushu
Fula|a family of languages of the Fulani of West Africa and used as a lingua franca in the sub-Saharan regions from Senegal to Chad;the best known of the West African languages
Fulani|a member of a pastoral and nomadic people of western Africa;they are traditionally cattle herders of Muslim faith
Fulbright|United States senator who is remembered for his creation of grants that fund exchange programs of teachers and students between the United States and other countries (1905-1995)
fulcrum|the pivot about which a lever turns
fulfillment|a feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires;the act of consummating something (a desire or promise etc)
Fulgoridae|plant hoppers;lantern flies
Fulica|coots
full blood|descent from parents both of one pure breed
full employment|the economic condition when everyone who wishes to work at the going wage rate for their type of labor is employed
full faith and credit|a guarantee to pay interest and principal on debt;usually issued by the United States Treasury
full house|a poker hand with 3 of a kind and a pair
full metal jacket|a lead bullet that is covered with a jacket of a harder metal (usually copper)
full moon|the time when the Moon is fully illuminated
full nelson|a wrestling hold in which the holder puts both arms under the opponent's arms and exerts pressure on the back of the neck (illegal in amateur wrestling)
full page|something that covers an entire page - "the ad took up a full page"
full professor|a professor of the highest rank
full skirt|a long skirt gathered at the waist
fullback|(American football) the position of a back on a football team;(football) the running back who plays the fullback position on the offensive team
full-dress uniform|the naval or military uniform that is specified by regulations to be worn on ceremonial occasions
fuller|a workman who fulls (cleans and thickens) freshly woven cloth for a living;United States architect who invented the geodesic dome (1895-1983);United States jurist and chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1833-1910)
fullerene|a form of carbon having a large molecule consisting of an empty cage of sixty or more carbon atoms
fuller's earth|an absorbent soil resembling clay;used in fulling (shrinking and thickening) woolen cloth and as an adsorbent
fuller's teasel|similar to the common teasel and similarly used;widespread in Europe and North Africa and western Asia;naturalized in United States
fullness|greatness of volume;the condition of being filled to capacity;the property of a sensation that is rich and pleasing - "the music had a fullness that echoed through the hall"
full-wave rectifier|rectifier that converts the negative half wave of an alternating current into a positive half wave
fulmar|heavy short-tailed oceanic bird of polar regions
Fulmarus|fulmars
fulminate|a salt or ester of fulminic acid
fulmination|the act of exploding with noise and violence - "his fulminations frightened the horses";thunderous verbal attack
fulminic acid|(CNOH) an unstable acid occurring mainly in the form of explosive salts and esters that is isomeric with cyanic acid
fulsomeness|smug self-serving earnestness
Fulton|American inventor who designed the first commercially successful steamboat and the first steam warship (1765-1815)
fulvic acid|a yellow to yellow-brown humic substance that is soluble in water under all pH conditions - "they measured the fluvial fulvic acid"
Fumaria|annual herbs whose flowers have only one petal spurred at the base
Fumariaceae|erect or climbing herbs of the northern hemisphere and southern Africa;bleeding heart;Dutchman's breeches;fumitory;squirrel corn
fumaric acid|a colorless crystalline acid with a fruity taste;used in making polyester resins
fumble|(sports) dropping the ball
fumed oak|oak given a weathered appearance by exposure to fumes of ammonia;used for cabinetwork
fumewort|herb of northern Europe and Asia having erect racemes of red flowers
fumigant|a chemical substance used in fumigation
fumigation|the application of a gas or smoke to something for the purpose of disinfecting it
fumigator|a device that generates a gas for the purpose of disinfecting or eradicating pests;someone whose job is to fumigate
fumitory|delicate European herb with greyish leaves and spikes of purplish flowers;formerly used medicinally
fun|activities that are enjoyable or amusing - "I do it for the fun of it" - "he is fun to have around";verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously) - "he became a figure of fun";violent and excited activity - "she asked for money and then the fun began" - "they began to fight like fun"
Funafuti|capital of Tuvalu
funambulism|walking on a tightrope or slack rope
funambulist|an acrobat who performs on a tightrope or slack rope
function|(mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function);a formal or official social gathering or ceremony - "it was a black-tie function";a relation such that one thing is dependent on another - "height is a function of age" - "price is a function of supply and demand";the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group - "the function of a teacher";what something is used for - "the function of an auger is to bore holes"
function call|a call that passes control to a subroutine;after the subroutine is executed control returns to the next instruction in main program
function word|a word that is uninflected and serves a grammatical function but has little identifiable meaning
functional anatomy|the study of anatomy in its relation to function
functional disorder|disorder showing symptoms for which no physiological or anatomical cause can be identified
functional genomics|the branch of genomics that determines the biological function of the genes and their products
functional illiterate|a person with some ability to read and write but not enough for daily practical needs
functional magnetic resonance imaging|a form of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain that registers blood flow to functioning areas of the brain
functionalism|a psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment;any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose
functionalist|an adherent of functionalism
functionality|capable of serving a purpose well - "software with greater functionality"
fund|a reserve of money set aside for some purpose
fundamental|any factor that could be considered important to the understanding of a particular business - "fundamentals include a company's growth, revenues, earnings, management, and capital structure";the lowest tone of a harmonic series
fundamental analysis|(stock exchange) the use of fundamentals as an investment strategy
fundamental law|law determining the fundamental political principles of a government
fundamental quantity|one of the four quantities that are the basis of systems of measurement
fundamentalism|the interpretation of every word in the sacred texts as literal truth
fundamentalist|a supporter of fundamentalism
fundamentals|principles from which other truths can be derived - "first you must learn the fundamentals"
fundraiser|a social function that is held for the purpose of raising money;someone who solicits financial contributions
fund-raising campaign|a campaign to raise money for some cause
funds|assets in the form of money
Fundulus|killifish
fundus|(anatomy) the base of a hollow organ or that part of the organ farthest from its opening - "the uterine fundus" - "the fundus of the stomach"
funeral|a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated - "hundreds of people attended his funeral"
funeral home|a mortuary where those who knew the deceased can come to pay their last respects
funeral march|a slow march to be played for funeral processions
fungal infection|an inflammatory condition caused by a fungus
Fungi|the taxonomic kingdom including yeast, molds, smuts, mushrooms, and toadstools;distinct from the green plants
Fungia|a genus comprising the usual mushroom corals
fungible|a commodity that is freely interchangeable with another in satisfying an obligation
fungus|an organism of the kingdom Fungi lacking chlorophyll and feeding on organic matter;ranging from unicellular or multicellular organisms to spore-bearing syncytia
fungus family|includes lichen families
fungus genus|includes lichen genera
fungus gnat|minute blackish gregarious flies destructive to mushrooms and seedlings;mosquito-like insect whose larvae feed on fungi or decaying vegetation
fungus order|the order of fungi
funicle|the stalk of a plant ovule or seed
funiculitis|inflammation of a funiculus (especially an inflammation of the spermatic cord)
funiculus|any of several body structure resembling a cord
funk|a state of nervous depression - "he was in a funk";an earthy type of jazz combining it with blues and soul;has a heavy bass line that accentuates the first beat in the bar;United States biochemist (born in Poland) who showed that several diseases were caused by dietary deficiencies and who coined the term 'vitamin' for the chemicals involved (1884-1967)
funk hole|dugout as a place of safe retreat (when in a funk)
funnel|(nautical) smokestack consisting of a shaft for ventilation or the passage of smoke (especially the smokestack of a ship);a conical shape with a wider and a narrower opening at the two ends;a conically shaped utensil having a narrow tube at the small end;used to channel the flow of substances into a container with a small mouth
funnel web|a funnel-shaped spider web;the funnel-web spider perches in the center of the web
funny bone|a point on the elbow where the ulnar nerve passes near the surface;a sharp tingling sensation results when the nerve is knocked against the bone - "the funny bone is not humerus"
funny story|an account of an amusing incident (usually with a punch line) - "she told a funny story"
funny wagon|an ambulance used to transport patients to a mental hospital
funrun|a footrace run for fun (often including runners who are sponsored for a charity)
fur|a garment made of the dressed hairy coat of a mammal;dense coat of fine silky hairs on mammals (e.g., cat or seal or weasel);the dressed hairy coat of a mammal
fur coat|a coat made of fur
fur hat|a hat made of fur
fur seal|an eared seal of the northern Pacific;eared seal of the southern hemisphere;the thick soft underfur is the source of sealskin - "the male fur seal is much larger than the female"
furan|a colorless toxic flammable liquid used in the synthesis of nylon
furcation|the place where something divides into branches
furcula|a forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles of most birds
furfural|a liquid aldehyde with a penetrating odor;made from plant hulls and corncobs;used in making furan and as a solvent
furlong|a unit of length equal to 220 yards
furlough|a temporary leave of absence from military duty
furnace|an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to heat buildings, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc.
furnace lining|lining consisting of material with a high melting point;used to line the inside walls of a furnace
furnace room|a room (usually in the basement of a building) that contains a furnace for heating the building
Furnariidae|e.g. ovenbirds
Furnarius|type genus of the family Furnariidae;ovenbirds
furnishing|(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel;(usually plural) the instrumentalities (furniture and appliances and other movable accessories including curtains and rugs) that make a home (or other area) livable;the act of decorating a house or room
furniture|furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy - "they had too much furniture for the small apartment" - "there was only one piece of furniture in the room"
furniture company|a company that sells furniture
Furnivall|English philologist who first proposed the Oxford English Dictionary (1825-1910)
furor|a sudden outburst (as of protest)
furosemide|commonly used diuretic (trade name Lasix) used to treat hypertension and edema
fur-piece|a neckpiece made of fur
furring|a furlike coating of matter as on the tongue
furring strip|strip used to give a level surface for attaching wallboard
furrow|a long shallow trench in the ground (especially one made by a plow)
furtiveness|a disposition to be sly and stealthy and to do things surreptitiously
furunculosis|acute skin disease characterized by the presence of many furuncles
Fury|(classical mythology) the hideous snake-haired monsters (usually three in number) who pursued unpunished criminals;a feeling of intense anger
fusarium wilt|wilt caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium
fuschia|a dark purplish-red color
Fuscoboletinus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Boletaceae
Fuscoboletinus paluster|an edible fungus with a pinkish purple cap and stalk and a pore surface that is yellow with large angular pores that become like gills in maturity
Fuscoboletinus serotinus|an edible fungus with a broadly convex brown cap and a whitish pore surface and stalk
fuse|an electrical device that can interrupt the flow of electrical current when it is overloaded;any igniter that is used to initiate the burning of a propellant
fusee|a colored flare used as a warning signal by trucks and trains;a friction match with a large head that will stay alight in the wind
fusee drive|a spirally grooved spindle in a clock that counteracts the diminishing power of the uncoiling mainspring
fusel oil|a mixture of amyl alcohols and propanol and butanol formed from distillation of fermented liquors
fuselage|the central body of an airplane that is designed to accommodate the crew and passengers (or cargo)
fusible metal|an alloy with a low melting point and used as solder and in safety plugs and sprinkler fuses
fusil|a light flintlock musket
fusilier|(formerly) a British infantryman armed with a light flintlock musket
fusillade|rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms - "our fusillade from the left flank caught them by surprise"
fusion|a nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy;an occurrence that involves the production of a union;correction of an unstable part of the spine by joining two or more vertebrae;usually done surgically but sometimes done by traction or immobilization;the act of fusing (or melting) together;the combining of images from the two eyes to form a single visual percept;the merging of adjacent sounds or syllables or words
fusion cooking|cooking that combines ingredients and techniques and seasonings from different cuisines
fuss|an angry disturbance - "he didn't want to make a fuss"
fussiness|unnecessary elaborateness in details
fustian|a strong cotton and linen fabric with a slight nap
futility|uselessness as a consequence of having no practical result
futon|mattress consisting of a pad of cotton batting that is used for sleeping on the floor or on a raised frame
futtock shroud|shroud that is part of a ship's rigging
future|a verb tense that expresses actions or states in the future;bulk commodities bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date;the time yet to come
future date|a particular day in the future that is specified as the time something will happen
future perfect|a perfective tense used to describe action that will be completed in the future - "'I will have finished' is an example of the future perfect"
future progressive|a progressive tense used to express action that will be on-going in the future - "'I will be running' is an example of the future progressive"
futures contract|an agreement to buy or sell a specific amount of a commodity or financial instrument at a particular price on a stipulated future date;the contract can be sold before the settlement date
futures exchange|a commodity exchange where futures contracts are traded
futurism|an artistic movement in Italy around 1910 that tried to express the energy and values of the machine age;the position that the meaning of life should be sought in the future
futurist|a theologian who believes that the Scripture prophecies of the Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) will be fulfilled in the future
futurity|the quality of being in or of the future
futurology|the study or prediction of future developments on the basis of existing conditions
fuzz|the first beard of an adolescent boy
fuzzy logic|a form of mathematical logic in which truth can assume a continuum of values between 0 and 1
g|a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity;used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated;the 7th letter of the Roman alphabet
gabapentin|an anticonvulsant (trade name Neurontin) used to control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy;also used to manage neuralgia caused by shingles
gabardine|a firm durable fabric with a twill weave
gabbro|one of a family of granular intrusive rocks
gable|the vertical triangular wall between the sloping ends of gable roof;United States film actor (1901-1960)
gable roof|a double sloping roof with a ridge and gables at each end
Gabon|a republic on the west coast of Africa
Gabon franc|the basic unit of money in Gabon
Gabonese|a native or inhabitant of Gabon
gaboon viper|large heavy-bodied brilliantly marked and extremely venomous west African viper
Gabor|British physicist (born in Hungary) noted for his work on holography (1900-1979)
Gaboriau|French writer considered by some to be a founder of the detective novel (1832-1873)
Gaborone|capital and largest city of Botswana in the extreme southeast
Gabriel|(Bible) the archangel who was the messenger of God
Gadaba|a member of an agricultural people in southeastern India;the Dravidian language spoken by the Gadaba
gadabout|a restless seeker after amusement or social companionship
gaddi|a cushion on a throne for a prince in India
gadfly|any of various large flies that annoy livestock
gadgeteer|a person who delights in designing or building or using gadgets
gadgetry|appliances collectively - "laborsaving gadgetry"
Gadidae|large family of important mostly marine food fishes
Gadiformes|cods, haddocks, grenadiers;in some classifications considered equivalent to the order Anacanthini
gadoid|a soft-finned fish of the family Gadidae
gadolinite|a mineral that is a source of rare earths;consists of silicates of iron and beryllium and cerium and yttrium and erbium
gadolinium|a ductile silvery-white ductile ferromagnetic trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group
Gadsden|an industrial town in north central Alabama
Gadus|type genus of the Gadidae;the typical codfishes
Gaea|(Greek mythology) goddess of the earth and mother of Cronus and the Titans in ancient mythology
Gael|a Gaelic-speaking Celt in Ireland or Scotland or the Isle of Man
Gaelic|any of several related languages of the Celts in Ireland and Scotland
gaff|a sharp metal spike or spur that is fastened to the leg of a gamecock;a spar rising aft from a mast to support the head of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail;an iron hook with a handle;used for landing large fish
gaff topsail|a triangular fore-and-aft sail with its foot along the gaff and its luff on the topmast
gaffer|an electrician responsible for lighting on a movie or tv set
gaffsail|a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail suspended from a gaff
Gafsa|a city in west central Tunisia
gag|restraint put into a person's mouth to prevent speaking or shouting
gag law|any law that limits freedom of the press
gag order|a court order restricting information or comment by the participants involved in a lawsuit - "imposing a gag order on members of the press violates the First Amendment"
Gagarin|Soviet cosmonaut who in 1961 was the first person to travel in space (1934-1968)
gaggle|a flock of geese
gagman|a comedian who uses gags;someone who writes comic material for public performers
gaiety|a festive merry feeling;a gay feeling
gaillardia|any plant of western America of the genus Gaillardia having hairy leaves and long-stalked flowers in hot vibrant colors from golden yellow and copper to rich burgundy
gain|the amount by which the revenue of a business exceeds its cost of operating
gainer|a dive in which the diver throws the feet forward to complete a full backward somersault and enters the water feet first and facing away from the diving board;a person who gains (gains an advantage or gains profits) - "she was clearly the gainer in that exchange";a person who gains weight
Gainesville|a university town in north central Florida
Gainsborough|English portrait and landscape painter (1727-1788)
gait|a horse's manner of moving;a person's manner of walking
gaiter|a shoe covering the ankle with elastic gores in the sides;legging consisting of a cloth or leather covering for the leg from the knee to the ankle
gal|a unit of gravitational acceleration equal to one centimeter per second per second (named after Galileo);alliterative term for girl (or woman)
gala|a gay festivity
galactagogue|agent that induces milk secretion
galactocele|a cystic tumor containing milk or a milky substance (especially in the mammary glands)
galactose|a simple sugar found in lactose
galactosemia|a genetic disease (autosomal recessive) in which an enzyme needed to metabolize galactose is deficient or absent;typically develops shortly after birth
galactosis|the secretion of milk
galago|agile long-tailed nocturnal African lemur with dense woolly fur and large eyes and ears
Galahad|(Arthurian legend) the most virtuous knight of the Round Table;was able to see the Holy Grail
Galan|a mountain peak in the Andes in Argentina (21,654 feet high)
galangal|southeastern Asian perennial with aromatic roots
galantine|boned poultry stuffed then cooked and covered with aspic;served cold
galanty show|a drama executed by throwing shadows on a wall
Galapagos Islands|a group of islands in the Pacific off South America;owned by Ecuador;known for unusual animal life
Galatea|(Greek mythology) a maiden who was first a sculpture created by Pygmalion and was brought to life by Aphrodite in answer to Pygmalion's prayers
Galatia|an ancient country in central Asia Minor
Galatian|a native or inhabitant of Galatia in Asia Minor (especially a member of a people believed to have been Gauls who conquered Galatia in the 3rd century BC)
galax|tufted evergreen perennial herb having spikes of tiny white flowers and glossy green round to heart-shaped leaves that become coppery to maroon or purplish in fall
galaxy|(astronomy) a collection of star systems;any of the billions of systems each having many stars and nebulae and dust - "'extragalactic nebula' is a former name for 'galaxy'";a splendid assemblage (especially of famous people)
galbanum|a bitter aromatic gum resin that resembles asafetida
Galbraith|United States economist (born in Canada) who served as ambassador to India (born in 1908)
Galbulidae|jacamars
galbulus|the seed-producing cone of a cypress tree
gale|a strong wind moving 45-90 knots;force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
galea|an organ shaped like a helmet;usually a vaulted and enlarged petal as in Aconitum
Galega|small genus of Eurasian herbs;goat's rue
Galen|Greek anatomist whose theories formed the basis of European medicine until the Renaissance (circa 130-200)
galena|soft blue-grey mineral;lead sulfide;a major source of lead
Galeocerdo|tiger sharks
Galeopsis|erect annual European herbs
Galeorhinus|a genus of Carcharhinidae
Galeras|an active volcano in southeastern Colombia in the Andes
galere|a coterie of undesirable people
Galicia|a region (and former kingdom) in northwestern Spain on the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay
Galician|a language spoken in Galicia in northwestern Spain;it is between Portuguese and Spanish but closer to Portuguese;sometimes considered a Portuguese or Spanish dialect
Galiella rufa|the cup-shaped fruiting body of this discomycete has a jellylike interior and a short stalk
Galilean|an inhabitant of Galilee (an epithet of Jesus Christ)
Galilean satellite|one of the four satellites of Jupiter that were discovered by Galileo
Galilean telescope|a type of refracting telescope that is no longer used in astronomy
Galilee|an area of northern Israel;formerly the northern part of Palestine and the ancient kingdom of Israel;the scene of Jesus's ministry
Galileo|Italian astronomer and mathematician who was the first to use a telescope to study the stars;demonstrated that different weights descend at the same rate;perfected the refracting telescope that enabled him to make many discoveries (1564-1642)
galingale|European sedge having rough-edged leaves and spikelets of reddish flowers and aromatic roots
Galium|annual or perennial herbs;bedstraw;cleavers
gall|a skin sore caused by chafing;abnormal swelling of plant tissue caused by insects or microorganisms or injury
gall midge|fragile mosquito-like flies that produce galls on plants
gall wasp|small solitary wasp that produces galls on oaks and other plants
gallamine|neuromuscular blocking agent (trade name Flaxedil) used as a muscle relaxant in the administration of anesthesia
Gallant Fox|thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1930
gallantry|polite attentiveness to women
Gallaudet|United States educator who established the first free school in the United States for the hearing impaired (1787-1851)
gallbladder|a muscular sac attached to the liver that stores bile (secreted by the liver) until it is needed for digestion
galleon|a large square-rigged sailing ship with three or more masts;used by the Spanish for commerce and war from the 15th to 18th centuries
Galleria|a genus of Pyralidae
gallery|a covered corridor (especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported with arches or columns);a long usually narrow room used for some specific purpose - "shooting gallery";a room or series of rooms where works of art are exhibited;narrow recessed balcony area along an upper floor on the interior of a building;usually marked by a colonnade;spectators at a golf or tennis match
galley|(classical antiquity) a crescent-shaped seagoing vessel propelled by oars;a large medieval vessel with a single deck propelled by sails and oars with guns at stern and prow;a complement of 1,000 men;used mainly in the Mediterranean for war and trading;the area for food preparation on a ship;the kitchen area for food preparation on an airliner
galley proof|a proof taken before the type is broken up to print pages
galley slave|a slave condemned to row in a galley
gallfly|any of various insects that deposit their eggs in plants causing galls in which the larvae feed
Galliano|golden Italian liqueur flavored with herbs
gallic acid|a colorless crystalline acid obtained from tannin
Gallicanism|a religious movement originating among the French Roman Catholic clergy that favored the restriction of papal control and the achievement by each nation of individual administrative autonomy of the church
Gallicism|a word or phrase borrowed from French
Galliformes|pheasants;turkeys;grouse;partridges;quails;chickens;brush turkeys;curassows;hoatzins
gallinaceous bird|heavy-bodied largely ground-feeding domestic or game birds
Gallinago|snipes
Gallinula|gallinules
gallinule|any of various small aquatic birds of the genus Gallinula distinguished from rails by a frontal shield and a resemblance to domestic hens
Gallirallus|rails of New Zealand
gallium|a rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element;brittle at low temperatures but liquid above room temperature;occurs in trace amounts in bauxite and zinc ores
gallon|a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 4 quarts or 4.545 liters;United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters
gallop|a fast gait of a horse;a two-beat stride during which all four legs are off the ground simultaneously
gallop rhythm|cardiac rhythm characterized by the presence of an extra sound;can indicate a heart abnormality
Galloway|a district in southwestern Scotland;breed of hardy black chiefly beef cattle native to Scotland
gallows|an instrument of execution consisting of a wooden frame from which a condemned person is executed by hanging
gallows bird|a person who deserves to be hanged
gallows tree|alternative terms for gallows
gallstone|a calculus formed in the gall bladder or its ducts
Gallup|a town in northwestern New Mexico near the Arizona border
Gallus|common domestic birds and related forms
Galois|French mathematician who described the conditions for solving polynomial equations;was killed in a duel at the age of 21 (1811-1832)
Galois theory|group theory applied to the solution of algebraic equations
galoot|a disreputable or clumsy man
Galsworthy|English novelist (1867-1933)
Galton|English scientist (cousin of Charles Darwin) who explored many fields including heredity, meteorology, statistics, psychology, and anthropology;founder of eugenics and first to use fingerprints for identification (1822-1911)
Galvani|Italian physiologist noted for his discovery that frogs' muscles contracted in an electric field (which led to the galvanic cell) (1737-1798)
galvanic skin response|a change in the electrical properties of the skin in response to stress or anxiety;can be measured either by recording the electrical resistance of the skin or by recording weak currents generated by the body
galvanism|electricity produced by chemical action
galvanization|either the work of covering with metal by the use of a galvanic current or the coating of iron with zinc to protect it from rusting;stimulation that arouses a person to lively action - "the unexpected news produced a kind of galvanization of the whole team";stimulation with a galvanic current
galvanized iron|iron that is coated with zinc to protect it from rust
galvanizer|a leader who stimulates and excites people to action;a skilled worker who coats iron or steel with zinc
galvanometer|meter for detecting or comparing or measuring small electric currents
Galveston|a town in southeast Texas on Galveston Island
Galveston Bay|an arm of the Gulf of Mexico in Texas to the south of Houston
Galveston Island|an island at the entrance of Galveston Bay
Galway|a port city in western Ireland on Galway Bay
Galway Bay|a bay of the North Atlantic on the west coast of Ireland
gam|a herd of whales
Gambelia|leopard lizards
Gambia|a narrow republic surrounded by Senegal in West Africa
Gambian|a native or inhabitant of Gambia
Gambian monetary unit|monetary unit in Gambia
Gambier Islands|a group of islands in the south central Pacific;part of French Polynesia
gambist|a musician who performs upon the viola da gamba
gambit|a chess move early in the game in which the player sacrifices minor pieces in order to obtain an advantageous position;an opening remark intended to secure an advantage for the speaker
gamble|a risky act or venture;money that is risked for possible monetary gain
gambler|a person who wagers money on the outcome of games or sporting events;someone who risks loss or injury in the hope of gain or excitement
gambling|the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize) - "his gambling cost him a fortune"
gambling contract|a contract whose performance by one party is contingent on the outcome of a bet;unenforceable by statute in most jurisdictions
gambling house|a public building in which a variety of games of chance can be played (operated as a business)
gambling system|a system of rules for placing bets that is believed to lead to winning - "he has a perfect gambling system at roulette"
gamboge|a gum resin used as a yellow pigment and a purgative;a strong yellow color
gamboge tree|low spreading tree of Indonesia yielding an orange to brown gum resin (gamboge) used as a pigment when powdered
gambrel|a gable roof with two slopes on each side and the lower slope being steeper
Gambusia|mosquitofish
game|(games) the score at a particular point or the score needed to win - "the game is 6 all" - "he is serving for the game";(tennis) a division of play during which one player serves;a contest with rules to determine a winner - "you need four people to play this game";a single play of a sport or other contest - "the game lasted two hours";an amusement or pastime - "they played word games" - "he thought of his painting as a game that filled his empty time" - "his life was all fun and games";animal hunted for food or sport;frivolous or trifling behavior - "for actors, memorizing lines is no game" - "for him, life is all fun and games";the flesh of wild animals that is used for food;the game equipment needed in order to play a particular game - "the child received several games for his birthday";your occupation or line of work - "he's in the plumbing game"
game bird|any bird (as grouse or pheasant) that is hunted for sport
game equipment|equipment or apparatus used in playing a game
game fish|any fish providing sport for the angler
game fowl|any of several breeds reared for cockfighting
game law|a regulation intended to manage or preserve game animals
game misconduct|(ice hockey) a penalty that suspends a player for the remainder of a game (but allows the team to send in a substitute for the suspended player)
game of chance|a game that involves gambling
game plan|(figurative) a carefully thought out strategy for achieving an objective in war or politics or business or personal affairs - "newscasters speculated about the President's game plan for an invasion";(sports) a plan for achieving an objective in some sport
game show|a television or radio program in which contestants compete for awards
game theory|(economics) a theory of competition stated in terms of gains and losses among opposing players
gamebag|a canvas or leather bag for carrying game (especially birds) killed by a hunter
gamecock|a cock bred and trained for fighting
gamekeeper|a person employed to take care of game and wildlife
gamelan|a traditional Indonesian ensemble typically including many tuned percussion instruments including bamboo xylophones and wooden or bronze chimes and gongs
gamesmanship|the use of dubious (although not technically illegal) methods to win a game
games-master|the teacher in charge of games at a school
gametangium|cell or organ in which gametes develop
gamete|a mature sexual reproductive cell having a single set of unpaired chromosomes
gametocyte|an immature animal or plant cell that develops into a gamete by meiosis
gametoecium|gametangia and surrounding bracts
gametogenesis|the development and maturation of sex cells through meiosis
gametophore|a modified branch bearing gametangia as in the thalloid liverworts
gametophyte|the gamete-bearing individual or phase in the life cycle of a plant having alternation of generations
gamine|a girl of impish appeal;a homeless girl who roams the streets
gaminess|behavior or language bordering on indelicacy
gaming card|one of a set of cards used in gambling games
gaming table|a table used for gambling;may be equipped with a gameboard and slots for chips
gamma|a unit of magnetic field strength equal to one-hundred-thousandth of an oersted;the 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet
gamma acid|a crystalline acid used to make azo dyes
gamma aminobutyric acid|an amino acid that is found in the central nervous system;acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter
gamma globulin|a plasma protein containing the immunoglobulins that are responsible for immune responses
gamma hydroxybutyrate|a club drug available in liquid or powder form is taken orally (frequently combined with alcohol);used to incapacitate individuals for the commission of sexual assault and rape
gamma iron|a nonmagnetic allotrope of iron that is the basis of austenite;stable between 906 and 1403 degrees centigrade
gamma radiation|electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay and having an extremely short wavelength
gamma-interferon|a form of interferon that is produced by T cells and macrophages;involved in the activation of phagocytes
gammon|hind portion of a side of bacon
gammopathy|a disturbance in the synthesis of immunoglobulins;proteins having antibody activity increase greatly in the blood
Gamow|United States physicist (born in Russia) who was a proponent of the big-bang theory and who did research in radioactivity and suggested the triplet code for DNA (1904-1968)
gamp|colloquial terms for an umbrella
gamut|a complete extent or range - "a face that expressed a gamut of emotions";the entire scale of musical notes
Gan Jiang|a river in southeastern China that flows generally north into the Chang Jiang to the north of Nanchang
gander|mature male goose
Gandhi|daughter of Nehru who served as prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 (1917-1984);political and spiritual leader during India's struggle with Great Britain for home rule;an advocate of passive resistance (1869-1948)
gandy dancer|a laborer in a railroad maintenance gang
Ganesh|Hindu god of wisdom or prophecy;the god who removes obstacles
gang|an association of criminals - "police tried to break up the gang";an organized group of workmen;tool consisting of a combination of implements arranged to work together
ganger|the foreman of a work gang
Ganges|an Asian river;rises in the Himalayas and flows east into the Bay of Bengal;a sacred river of the Hindus
ganglion|an encapsulated neural structure consisting of a collection of cell bodies or neurons
ganglion cell|a nerve cell whose body is outside the central nervous system - "damage to ganglion cells in the retina may play a role in the development of glaucoma"
gangplank|a temporary bridge for getting on and off a vessel at dockside
gangrene|necrotic tissue;a mortified or gangrenous part or mass
gangsaw|a power saw that has several parallel blades making simultaneous cuts
gangsta|(Black English) a member of a youth gang
gangster|a criminal who is a member of gang
gangway|a temporary passageway of planks (as over mud on a building site)
gannet|large heavily built seabird with a long stout bill noted for its plunging dives for fish
ganoid|primitive fishes having thick bony scales with a shiny covering
Ganoidei|a group of mostly extinct primitive bony fishes characterized by armor-like bony scales
ganoin|shiny substance that resemble enamel and is secreted by the corium of certain fishes (especially ganoid fishes) and composes the outer layer of their scales
Gansu|a province in north-central China;formerly part of the Silk Road to Turkistan and India and Persia
gantlet|the convergence of two parallel railroad tracks in a narrow place;the inner rails cross and run parallel and then diverge so a train remains on its own tracks at all times
gantry|a framework of steel bars raised on side supports to bridge over or around something;can display railway signals above several tracks or can support a traveling crane etc.
Ganymede|(Greek mythology) a Trojan boy who was so beautiful that Zeus carried him away to serve as cupbearer to the gods;the largest of Jupiter's satellites
gap|a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures - "gap between income and outgo";a difference (especially an unfortunate difference) between two opinions or two views or two situations;a narrow opening
gape|a stare of amazement (usually with the mouth open);an expression of openmouthed astonishment
gapped scale|a musical scale with fewer than seven notes
gar|primitive predaceous North American fish covered with hard scales and having long jaws with needlelike teeth
garage|a repair shop where cars and trucks are serviced and repaired;an outbuilding (or part of a building) for housing automobiles
garage sale|an outdoor sale of used personal or household items held on the seller's premises
garageman's lien|the extension of a mechanic's lien to include payment for work on automobiles
garambulla|arborescent cactus of western Mexico bearing a small oblong edible berrylike fruit;small berrylike fruit
Garand rifle|a semiautomatic rifle
garbage|a receptacle where waste can be discarded - "she tossed the moldy bread into the garbage";food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
garbage collection|the collection and removal of garbage
garbage heap|an accumulation of refuse and discarded matter
garbage man|someone employed to collect and dispose of refuse
garbage truck|a truck for collecting domestic refuse - "in Britain a garbage truck is called a dustcart"
Garbo|United States film actress (born in Sweden) known for her reclusiveness (1905-1990)
garboard|the first wale laid next to the keel of a wooden ship
garbology|the study of a society by analyzing its garbage
Garcia Lorca|Spanish poet and dramatist who was shot dead by Franco's soldiers soon after the start of the Spanish Civil War (1898-1936)
Garcinia|evergreen trees and shrubs;mangosteens
garden|a plot of ground where plants are cultivated;a yard or lawn adjoining a house;the flowers or vegetables or fruits or herbs that are cultivated in a garden
garden angelica|a biennial cultivated herb;its stems are candied and eaten and its roots are used medicinally
garden centipede|minute arthropod often infesting the underground parts of truck-garden and greenhouse crops
garden cress|cress cultivated for salads and garnishes
garden forget-me-not|small biennial to perennial herb of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia having blue, purple or white flowers
garden hose|a hose used for watering a lawn or garden
garden huckleberry|improved garden variety of black nightshade having small edible orange or black berries
garden lettuce|annual or perennial garden plant having succulent leaves used in salads;widely grown
garden nasturtium|strong-growing annual climber having large flowers of all shades of orange from orange-red to yellowish orange and seeds that are pickled and used like capers
garden orache|Asiatic plant resembling spinach often used as a potherb;naturalized in Europe and North America
garden party|a party of people assembled for social interaction out of doors
garden pea|plant producing peas usually eaten fresh rather than dried;the flattened to cylindric inflated multi-seeded fruit of the common pea plant
garden plant|any of a variety of plants usually grown especially in a flower or herb garden
garden rake|a rake used by gardeners
garden roller|heavy cast-iron cylinder used to flatten lawns
garden snail|any of several inedible snails of the genus Helix;often destructive pests
garden spade|a spade used by gardeners
garden spider|a spider common in European gardens
garden strawberry|widely cultivated
garden tool|used for working in gardens or yards
garden trowel|a trowel used by gardeners
garden webworm|a variety of webworm
gardener|someone employed to work in a garden;someone who takes care of a garden
gardenia|any of various shrubs and small trees of the genus Gardenia having large fragrant white or yellow flowers
gardening|the cultivation of plants
Gardiner|British historian remembered for his ten-volume history of England (1829-1902)
Gardner|United States collector and patron of art who built a museum in Boston to house her collection and opened it to the public in 1903 (1840-1924);writer of detective novels featuring Perry Mason (1889-1970)
Garfield|20th President of the United States;assassinated by a frustrated office-seeker (1831-1881)
garganey|small Eurasian teal
Gargantua|a voracious giant in Francois Rabelais' book of the same name
gargle|a medicated solution used for gargling and rinsing the mouth;the sound produced while gargling
gargoyle|a spout that terminates in a grotesquely carved figure of a person or animal;an ornament consisting of a grotesquely carved figure of a person or animal
garibaldi|a loose high-necked blouse with long sleeves;styled after the red flannel shirts worn by Garibaldi's soldiers;Italian patriot whose conquest of Sicily and Naples led to the formation of the Italian state (1807-1882)
garishness|strident color or excessive ornamentation
Garland|a city in northeastern Texas (suburb of Dallas);United States singer and film actress (1922-1969)
garland flower|widely cultivated low evergreen shrub with dense clusters of fragrant pink to deep rose flowers
garlic|aromatic bulb used as seasoning;bulbous herb of southern Europe widely naturalized;bulb breaks up into separate strong-flavored cloves
garlic bread|French or Italian bread sliced and spread with garlic butter then crisped in the oven
garlic butter|butter seasoned with mashed garlic
garlic chive|a plant of eastern Asia;larger than Allium schoenoprasum;large flat leaves used as chive is used
garlic mustard|European herb that smells like garlic
garlic press|a press for extracting juice from garlic
garlic salt|ground dried garlic and salt
garment|an article of clothing - "garments of the finest silk"
garment bag|a suitcase that unfolds to be hung up
garment cutter|someone who cuts cloth etc. to measure in making garments
garmentmaker|a person who makes garments
garnet|any of a group of hard glassy minerals (silicates of various metals) used as gemstones and as an abrasive
garnet lac|lac refined by treating with solvent;garnet-colored
Garnier|French architect (1825-1898)
garnierite|a green mineral consisting of hydrated nickel magnesium silicate;a source of nickel
garnish|any decoration added as a trimming or adornment;something (such as parsley) added to a dish for flavor or decoration
garnishee|a wage earner who is served with a garnishment
garnishment|a court order to an employer to withhold all or part of an employee's wages and to send the money to the court or to the person who won a lawsuit against the employee
Garonne|a river that rises in the Pyrenees and flows northwest to the Bay of Biscay
Garrick|English actor and theater manager who was the foremost Shakespearean actor of his day (1717-1779)
garrison|a fortified military post where troops are stationed;the troops who maintain and guard a fortified place;United States abolitionist who published an anti-slavery journal (1805-1879)
garrison cap|a wedge-shaped wool or cotton cap;worn as part of a uniform
garrote|an instrument of execution for execution by strangulation
garroter|someone who kills by strangling
Garrulinae|subfamily of the crow family;jays
garrulity|the quality of being wordy and talkative
Garrulus|type genus of the Garrulinae;Old World jays
garter|a band (usually elastic) worn around the leg to hold up a stocking (or around the arm to hold up a sleeve)
garter belt|a wide belt of elastic with straps hanging from it;worn by women to hold up stockings
garter snake|any of numerous nonvenomous longitudinally-striped viviparous North American and Central American snakes
garter stitch|a knitting stitch that results in a pattern of horizontal ridges formed by knitting both sides (instead of purling one side)
Garuda|a supernatural eagle-like being that serves as Vishnu's mount
Gary|a city in northwest Indiana on Lake Michigan;steel production
gas|a fluid in the gaseous state having neither independent shape nor volume and being able to expand indefinitely;the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by;relatively low density and viscosity;relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature;the ability to diffuse readily;and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
gas bracket|a pipe with one or more burners projecting from a wall
gas burner|burner such that combustible gas issues from a nozzle to form a steady flame
gas chamber|instrument of execution consisting of a sealed chamber into which poison gas is introduced;used to kill people or animals
gas company|a public utility that provides gas
gas constant|(physics) the universal constant in the gas equation;pressure times volume = R times temperature;equal to 8.3143 joules per kelvin per mole
gas engine|an internal-combustion engine similar to a gasoline engine but using natural gas instead of gasoline vapor
gas fitter|a workman who installs and repairs gas fixtures and appliances
gas fitting|the fitting (pipes or valves or meters) that convey gas from the gas main to the gas fixtures of a building
gas fixture|a device to convey illuminating gas from the pipe to the gas burner
gas furnace|a furnace that burns gas
gas gangrene|(pathology) a deadly form of gangrene usually caused by clostridium bacteria that produce toxins that cause tissue death;can be used as a bioweapon
gas gun|a gun that fires gas shells
gas guzzler|a car with relatively low fuel efficiency
gas heat|heating system that burns natural gas
gas heater|a heater that burns gas for heat
gas holder|a large gas-tight spherical or cylindrical tank for holding gas to be used as fuel
gas lamp|a lamp that burns illuminating gas
gas line|a pipeline used to transport natural gas - "the workmen broke through the gas line";a queue of vehicles waiting to purchase gasoline
gas main|a main that distributes gas
gas maser|a maser in which microwave radiation interacts with gas molecules
gas meter|a meter for measuring the amount of gas flowing through a particular pipe
gas oil|an oil formed through distillation of petroleum of intermediate boiling range and viscosity
gas oven|a cremation chamber fueled by gas;a domestic oven fueled by gas
gas pressure|the pressure exerted by a gas
gas pump|a pump in a service station that draws gasoline from underground storage tanks
gas range|a range with gas rings and an oven for cooking with gas
gas ring|gas burner consisting of a circular metal pipe with several small holes through which gas can escape to be burned
gas shell|(military) bomb consisting of an explosive projectile filled with a toxic gas that is released when the bomb explodes
gas system|facility (plant and equipment) for providing natural-gas service
gas tank|a tank for holding gasoline to supply a vehicle
gas thermometer|thermometer that measures temperature by changes in the pressure of a gas kept at constant volume
gas turbine|turbine that converts the chemical energy of a liquid fuel into mechanical energy by internal combustion;gaseous products of the fuel (which is burned in compressed air) are expanded through a turbine
gas well|a well that yields or has yielded natural gas
gasbag|a boring person who talks a great deal about uninteresting topics
Gascogne|a region of southwestern France
gas-cooled reactor|a nuclear reactor using gas as a coolant
gas-discharge tube|a tube in which an electric discharge takes place through a gas
gaseousness|having the consistency of a gas
gasfield|a region where there is natural gas underground
Gasherbrum|a mountain in northern Kashmir (26,470 feet high)
gasification|the process of changing into gas - "coal gas is produced by the gasification of coal"
Gaskell|English writer who is remembered for her biography of Charlotte Bronte (1810-1865)
gasket|seal consisting of a ring for packing pistons or sealing a pipe joint
gaskin|lower part of a horse's thigh between the hock and the stifle
gaslight|light yielded by the combustion of illuminating gas
gasman|someone employed by a gas company
gasmask|a protective mask with a filter;protects the face and lungs against poisonous gases
gasohol|a gasoline substitute consisting of 90% gasoline and 10% grain alcohol from corn
gasoline|a volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum;used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines
gasoline engine|an internal-combustion engine that burns gasoline;most automobiles are driven by gasoline engines
gasoline gauge|gauge that indicates the amount of gasoline left in the gasoline tank of a vehicle
gasoline station|a service station that sells gasoline
gasoline tax|a tax on every gallon of gasoline sold
gasp|a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open - "she gave a gasp and fainted"
gassing|the deliberate act of poisoning some person or animal with gas;the process of interacting with gas
gasteromycete|any fungus of the class Gasteromycetes
Gasteromycetes|fungi in which the hymenium is enclosed until after spores have matured;puffballs;earth stars;stinkhorn fungi
Gasterophilidae|horse botflies
Gasterophilus|type genus of the Gasterophilidae;horse botflies
Gasterosteidae|sticklebacks
Gasterosteus|type genus of the family Gasterosteidae
gastrectomy|surgical removal of all or part of the stomach
gastric artery|the arteries that supply the walls of the stomach
gastric digestion|the process of breaking down proteins by the action of the gastric juice in the stomach
gastric juice|digestive secretions of the stomach glands consisting chiefly of hydrochloric acid and mucin and the enzymes pepsin and rennin and lipase
gastric lavage|washing out the stomach with sterile water or a saltwater solution;removes blood or poisons - "when the doctor ordered a gastric lavage the hospital pumped out my stomach"
gastric smear|alimentary tract smear of material obtained from the stomach
gastric ulcer|a peptic ulcer of the stomach
gastric vein|one of several veins draining the stomach walls
gastrin|polypeptide hormone secreted by the mucous lining of the stomach;when peptides and amino acids are present in the small intestine the secretion of gastric acid is stimulated
gastritis|inflammation of the lining of the stomach;nausea and loss of appetite and discomfort after eating
Gastroboletus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Secotiaceae;they resemble boletes but the spores are not discharged from the basidium
Gastroboletus scabrosus|a dingy yellow brown fungus with a rough stalk that superficially resembles a bolete
Gastroboletus turbinatus|a fungus with a cap that can vary from red to dark brown;superficially resembles a bolete
gastrocnemius|the muscle in the back part of the leg that forms the greater part of the calf;responsible for the plantar flexion of the foot
Gastrocybe|a genus of fungi of the family Secotiaceae
Gastrocybe lateritia|a species of Gastrocybe fungus that has a conic cap and a thin stalk;at first the stalk is upright but as it matures the stalk bends over and then downward;the cap then gelatinizes and a slimy mass containing the spores falls to the ground as the stalk collapses
gastroenteritis|inflammation of the stomach and intestines;can be caused by Salmonella enteritidis
gastroenterologist|a physician who specializes in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
gastroenterology|the branch of medicine that studies the gastrointestinal tract and its diseases
gastroenterostomy|surgical creation of an opening between the stomach wall and the small intestines;performed when the normal opening has been eliminated
gastroesophageal reflux|reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus
gastrogavage|feeding a nutrient solution into the stomach through a tube through a surgically created opening
gastrointestinal hormone|hormones that affect gastrointestinal functioning
gastromy|surgical incision into the stomach
gastronomy|a particular style of cookery (as of a region) - "New England gastronomy";the art and practice of choosing and preparing and eating good food
gastroomental vein|one of two veins serving the great curvature of the stomach
Gastrophryne|primarily tropical narrow-mouthed toads
gastropod|a class of mollusks typically having a one-piece coiled shell and flattened muscular foot with a head bearing stalked eyes
Gastropoda|snails and slugs and their relatives
gastroscope|a type of endoscope for visually examining the stomach
gastroscopy|visual examination of the stomach by means of a gastroscope inserted through the esophagus
gastrostomy|surgical creation of an opening through the abdominal wall into the stomach (as for gastrogavage)
gastrula|double-walled stage of the embryo resulting from invagination of the blastula;the outer layer of cells is the ectoderm and the inner layer differentiates into the mesoderm and endoderm
gastrulation|the process in which a gastrula develops from a blastula by the inward migration of cells
gas-turbine ship|a ship powered by a gas turbine
gasworks|the workplace where coal gas is manufactured
gat|a gangster's pistol
gate|a computer circuit with several inputs but only one output that can be activated by particular combinations of inputs;a movable barrier in a fence or wall;passageway (as in an air terminal) where passengers can embark or disembark;total admission receipts at a sports event
gateau|any of various rich and elaborate cakes
gatecrasher|someone who gets in (to a party) without an invitation or without paying
gatehouse|a house built at a gateway;usually the gatekeeper's residence
gatekeeper|someone who controls access to something - "there are too many gatekeepers between the field officers and the chief"
gateleg table|a drop-leaf table with the drop-leaves supported by hinged legs
gatepost|either of two posts that bound a gate
Gates|United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)
Gates of the Arctic National Park|a large national park in Alaska featuring the Great Mendenhall Glacier
gateway|an entrance that can be closed by a gate
gateway drug|a habit-forming drug that is not addictive but its use may lead to the use of other addictive drugs - "one college athlete recently called beer a gateway drug for young people"
gather|sewing consisting of small folds or puckers made by pulling tight a thread in a line of stitching;the act of gathering something
gathered skirt|a skirt whose fabric is drawn together around the waist
gatherer|a person who gathers - "they were a society of hunters and gatherers"
gathering|a group of persons together in one place
gathering place|a favorite haunt where people gather
Gathic|an ancient Iranian language
Gatling|United States inventor of the first rapid firing gun (1818-1903)
Gatling gun|an early form of machine gun having several barrels that fire in sequence as they are rotated
Gaucher's disease|a rare chronic disorder of lipid metabolism of genetic origin
gaucho|a cowboy of the South American pampas
gaudery|cheap or pretentious or vain display
Gaudi|Spanish architect who was a leading exponent of art nouveau in Europe (1852-1926)
gaudy|(Britain) a celebratory reunion feast or entertainment held a college
gauge|a measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.;accepted or approved instance or example of a quantity or quality against which others are judged or measured or compared;the distance between the rails of a railway or between the wheels of a train;the thickness of wire
gauge boson|a particle that mediates the interaction of two elementary particles
Gauguin|French Post-impressionist painter who worked in the South Pacific (1848-1903)
Gaul|a Celt of ancient Gaul;an ancient region of western Europe that included what is now northern Italy and France and Belgium and part of Germany and the Netherlands
Gaultheria|widely distributed genus of creeping or upright evergreen shrubs
gauntlet|a form of punishment in which a person is forced to run between two lines of men facing each other and armed with clubs or whips to beat the victim;a glove of armored leather;protects the hand;a glove with long sleeve;to offer or accept a challenge - "threw down the gauntlet" - "took up the gauntlet"
gaur|wild ox of mountainous areas of eastern India
Gauri|in Hinduism, goddess of purity and posterity and a benevolent aspect of Devi;the 'brilliant'
gauss|a unit of magnetic flux density equal to 1 maxwell per square centimeter;German mathematician who developed the theory of numbers and who applied mathematics to electricity and magnetism and astronomy and geodesy (1777-1855)
gauze|(medicine) bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for bandages and dressings;a net of transparent fabric with a loose open weave
gavel|a small mallet used by a presiding officer or a judge
Gavia|type genus of the Gavidae;loons
gavial|large fish-eating Indian crocodilian with a long slender snout
Gavialidae|gavials
Gavialis|type genus of the Gavialidae
Gavidae|loon family
gaviiform seabird|seabirds of the order Gaviiformes
Gaviiformes|large aquatic birds;loons and some extinct forms
gavotte|an old formal French dance in quadruple time;music composed in quadruple time for dancing the gavotte
Gawain|(Arthurian legend) a nephew of Arthur and one of the knights of the Round Table
gawker|a spectator who stares stupidly without intelligent awareness
gawkiness|the carriage of someone whose movements and posture are extremely ungainly and inelegant
gay liberation movement|the movement aimed at liberating homosexuals from legal or social or economic oppression
gay man|a homosexual man
gayal|ox of southeast Asia sometimes considered a domesticated breed of the gaur
Gay-Lussac|French chemist and physicist who first isolated boron and who formulated the law describing the behavior of gases under constant pressure (1778-1850)
Gaylussacia|deciduous or evergreen shrubs of North America;black huckleberries
Gay-Lussac's law|(physics) the density of an ideal gas at constant pressure varies inversely with the temperature
Gaza Strip|a coastal region at the southeastern corner of the Mediterranean bordering Israel and Egypt
gazania|any plant of the genus Gazania valued for their showy daisy flowers
gaze|a long fixed look - "he fixed his paternal gaze on me"
gazebo|a small roofed building affording shade and rest
Gazella|typical gazelles
Gazella subgutturosa|a kind of gazelle
gazelle|small swift graceful antelope of Africa and Asia having lustrous eyes
gazette|a newspaper or official journal
gazetteer|a geographical dictionary (as at the back of an atlas);a journalist who writes for a gazette
gazpacho|a soup made with chopped tomatoes and onions and cucumbers and peppers and herbs;served cold
Gdansk|a port city of northern Poland near the mouth of the Vistula River on a gulf of the Baltic Sea;a member of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century
gean|wild or seedling sweet cherry used as stock for grafting
gear|a mechanism for transmitting motion for some specific purpose (as the steering gear of a vehicle);a toothed wheel that engages another toothed mechanism in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion;equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.
gearbox|the shell (metal casing) in which a train of gears is sealed
gearing|wheelwork consisting of a connected set of rotating gears by which force is transmitted or motion or torque is changed
gearset|a set of gears
gearshift|a mechanical device for engaging and disengaging gears - "in Britain they call a gearshift a gear lever"
Geastraceae|a family of earthstar fungi belonging to the order Lycoperdales
Geastrum|type genus of Geastraceae;fungi whose outer peridium when dry splits into starlike segments
Geastrum coronatum|an earthstar with a bluish spore sac and a purplish brown gleba;at maturity the outer layer splits into rays that bend backward and elevate the spore sac
Geb|Egyptian god of the earth;father of Osiris and Isis
gebang palm|large-leaved palm of Malay to Philippines and northern Australia;leaves used for thatching or plaiting into containers
gecko|any of various small chiefly tropical and usually nocturnal insectivorous terrestrial lizards typically with immovable eyelids;completely harmless
geebung|any of numerous shrubs and small trees having hard narrow leaves and long-lasting yellow or white flowers followed by small edible but insipid fruits
gee-gee|a word for horse used by children or in adult slang
geek|a carnival performer who does disgusting acts
geezer|a man who is (usually) old and/or eccentric
gefilte fish|well-seasoned balls of ground fish and eggs and crushed crumbs simmered in fish stock
Geglossaceae|a type of ascomycetous fungus
Gehenna|a place where the wicked are punished after death
Gehrig|baseball player who died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (1903-1941)
Geiger|German physicist who developed the Geiger counter (1882-1945)
Geiger counter|counter tube that detects ionizing radiations
Geiger tube|an ionization chamber contained in a tube in a Geiger counter
Geisel|United States writer of children's books (1904-1991)
geisha|a Japanese woman trained to entertain men with conversation and singing and dancing
Gekkonidae|geckos
gel|a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
gelatin|a colorless water-soluble glutinous protein obtained from animal tissues such as bone and skin;a thin translucent membrane used over stage lights for color effects;an edible jelly (sweet or pungent) made with gelatin and used as a dessert or salad base or a coating for foods
gelatin dessert|jellied dessert made with gelatin and fruit juice or water
gelatinousness|the property of having a viscosity like jelly
gelding|castrated male horse
Gelechia|type genus of the Gelechiidae;pink bollworms
Gelechia gossypiella|small brown moth whose larvae bore into flowers and bolls of cotton
gelechiid|small slender-winged moths whose larvae are agricultural pests
Gelechiidae|important economic pests
gelignite|a type of dynamite in which the nitroglycerin is absorbed in a base of wood pulp and sodium or potassium nitrate
Gell-Mann|United States physicist noted for his studies of subatomic particles (born in 1929)
Gelsemium|evergreen twining shrubs of Americas and southeastern Asia
gem|a crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry - "he had the gem set in a ring for his wife";art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
gem cutter|one who cuts and shapes precious stones
Gemara|the second part of the Talmud consisting primarily of commentary on the Mishna
gemfibrozil|medication (trade name Lopid) used to lower the levels of triglyceride in the blood
geminate|a doubled or long consonant - "the 'n' in 'thinness' is a geminate"
gemination|the doubling of a word or phrase (as for rhetorical effect)
Gemini|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Gemini;a zodiacal constellation in the northern hemisphere between Taurus and Cancer on the ecliptic;the third sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about May 21 to June 20
Gemini program|a program of space flights undertaken by US in 1965 and 1966 - "under the Gemini program each crew had two astronauts"
gemma|small asexual reproductive structure in e.g. liverworts and mosses that detaches from the parent and develops into a new individual
gemmule|the physically discrete element that Darwin proposed as responsible for heredity
gempylid|snake mackerels;elongated marine fishes with oily flesh;resembles mackerels;found worldwide
Gempylidae|snake mackerels
Gempylus|type genus of the Gempylidae
gemsbok|large South African oryx with a broad black band along its flanks
gen|informal term for information - "give me the gen on your new line of computers"
gendarme|a French policeman
gendarmerie|French police force;a group of gendarmes or gendarmes collectively
gender|a grammatical category in inflected languages governing the agreement between nouns and pronouns and adjectives;in some languages it is quite arbitrary but in Indo-European languages it is usually based on sex or animateness
gender agreement|agreement in grammatical gender between words in the same construction
gender identity|your identity as it is experienced with regard to your individuality as male or female;awareness normally begin in infancy and is reinforced during adolescence
gender role|the overt expression of attitudes that indicate to others the degree of your maleness or femaleness - "your gender role is the public expression of your gender identity"
gene|(genetics) a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain;it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons;it is considered a unit of heredity - "genes were formerly called factors"
gene chip|a microchip that holds DNA probes that form half of the DNA double helix and can recognize DNA from samples being tested
gene expression|conversion of the information encoded in a gene first into messenger RNA and then to a protein
genealogist|an expert in genealogy
genealogy|successive generations of kin;the study or investigation of ancestry and family history
general|a fact about the whole (as opposed to particular) - "he discussed the general but neglected the particular";a general officer of the highest rank;the head of a religious order or congregation
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade|a United Nations agency created by a multinational treaty to promote trade by the reduction of tariffs and import quotas
general anesthesia|a state of total unconsciousness resulting from anesthetic drugs (as for a major surgical operation)
general anesthetic|an anesthetic that anesthetizes the entire body and causes loss of consciousness
General Assembly|the supreme deliberative assembly of the United Nations
General Certificate of Secondary Education|the basic level of a subject taken in school
general delivery|the part of a post office that handles mail for persons who call for it
general election|a national or state election;candidates are chosen in all constituencies
general ledger|the ledger that contains all of the financial accounts of a business;contains offsetting debit and credit accounts (including control accounts)
general lien|a lien on all the property owned by a debtor and not just a specific property
general manager|the highest ranking manager
general officer|officers in the Army or Air Force or Marines above the rank of colonel
general practitioner|a physician who is not a specialist but treats all illnesses
general relativity|a generalization of special relativity to include gravity (based on the principle of equivalence)
General Services Administration|a central management agency that sets Federal policy for Federal procurement and real property management and information resources management
general staff|military officers assigned to assist a senior officer in planning military policy
general verdict|an ordinary verdict declaring which party prevails without any special findings of fact
generality|the quality of being general or widespread or having general applicability
generalization|(psychology) transfer of a response learned to one stimulus to a similar stimulus;an idea or conclusion having general application;reasoning from detailed facts to general principles
generalized anxiety disorder|an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic free-floating anxiety and such symptoms as tension or sweating or trembling or lightheadedness or irritability etc that has lasted for more than six months
generally accepted accounting principles|a collection of rules and procedures and conventions that define accepted accounting practice;includes broad guidelines as well as detailed procedures
general-purpose bomb|a large bomb (500 to 2,000 pounds that is 50% explosive) whose explosion creates a blast and whose metal casing creates some fragmentation effect
generalship|the leadership ability of a military general;the office and authority of a general
generation|a stage of technological development or innovation - "the third generation of computers";group of genetically related organisms constituting a single step in the line of descent;the act of producing offspring or multiplying by such production;the normal time between successive generations - "they had to wait a generation for that prejudice to fade";the production of heat or electricity - "dams were built for the generation of electricity"
generation gap|a difference between the views of young people and their parents
generation X|the generation following the baby boom (especially Americans and Canadians born in the 1960s and 1970s)
generative grammar|(linguistics) a type of grammar that describes syntax in terms of a set of logical rules that can generate all and only the infinite number of grammatical sentences in a language and assigns them all the correct structural description
generator|an apparatus that produces a vapor or gas;an electronic device for producing a signal voltage;engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction;someone who originates or causes or initiates something - "he was the generator of several complaints"
generic|a wine that is a blend of several varieties of grapes with no one grape predominating;a wine that does not carry the name of any specific grape;any product that can be sold without a brand name
generic drug|when the patent protection for a brand-name drug expires generic versions of the drug can be offered for sale if the FDA agrees - "generic drugs are usually cheaper than brand-name drugs"
generic noun|a noun that does not specify either masculine or feminine gender
generosity|acting generously;the trait of being willing to give your money or time
genesis|a coming into being;the first book of the Old Testament;tells of Creation;Adam and Eve;the Fall of Man;Cain and Abel;Noah and the flood;God's covenant with Abraham;Abraham and Isaac;Jacob and Esau;Joseph and his brothers
genet|agile Old World viverrine having a spotted coat and long ringed tail;French diplomat who in 1793 tried to draw the United States into the war between France and England (1763-1834);French writer of novels and dramas for the theater of the absurd (1910-1986)
genetic code|the ordering of nucleotides in DNA molecules that carries the genetic information in living cells
genetic counseling|guidance for prospective parents on the likelihood of genetic disorders in their future children
genetic disease|a disease or disorder that is inherited genetically
genetic engineering|the technology of preparing recombinant DNA in vitro by cutting up DNA molecules and splicing together fragments from more than one organism
genetic map|graphical representation of the arrangement of genes on a chromosome
genetic marker|a specific gene that produces a recognizable trait and can be used in family or population studies
genetic profiling|the procedure of analyzing the DNA in samples of a person's body tissue or body fluid for the purpose of identification
genetic screening|analyzing a group of people to determine genetic susceptibility to a particular disease - "genetic screening of infants for phenylketonuria"
geneticism|the belief that all human characteristics are determined genetically
geneticist|a biologist who specializes in genetics
genetics|the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms
Genetta|genets
Geneva|a city in southwestern Switzerland at the western end of Lake Geneva;it is the headquarters of various international organizations;gin made in the Netherlands
Geneva Convention|an agreement first drawn up in Geneva in 1864 and later revised concerning the treatment of captured and wounded military personnel and civilians in wartime
Geneva gown|black academic gown widely used by Protestant clergymen
Genevan|a native or resident of Geneva
Genghis Khan|Mongolian emperor whose empire stretched from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean (1162-1227)
genicular vein|veins that drain blood from structures around the knee;empty into the popliteal vein
geniculate body|one of four small oval masses that protrude slightly from the underside of the thalamus and function as synaptic centers on the way to the cerebral cortex
genie|(Islam) an invisible spirit mentioned in the Koran and believed by Muslims to inhabit the earth and influence mankind by appearing in the form of humans or animals
genip|round one-inch Caribbean fruit with green leathery skin and sweet juicy translucent pulp;eaten like grapes
genipa|any tree of the genus Genipa bearing yellow flowers and edible fruit with a thick rind
genipap|a succulent orange-sized tropical fruit with a thick rind
genipap fruit|tree of the West Indies and northern South America bearing succulent edible orange-sized fruit
Genista|chiefly deciduous shrubs or small trees of Mediterranean area and western Asia;broom
genital herpes|an infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) that is usually transmitted by sexual contact;marked by recurrent attacks of painful eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area
genital personality|(psychoanalysis) the mature personality which is not dominated by infantile pleasure drives
genital stage|(psychoanalysis) the fifth sexual and social stage in a person's development occurring during adolescence;interest focuses on sexual activity
genital torture|blunt or penetrating trauma or rape (vaginal or anal)
genital wart|a small benign wart on or around the genitals and anus
genitalia|external sex organ
genitive|the case expressing ownership
genitor|a natural father or mother
genius|exceptional creative ability;someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality - "Mozart was a child genius"
genius loci|the guardian spirit of a place;the special atmosphere of a place
genlisea|rootless carnivorous swamp plants having at the base of the stem a rosette of foliage and leaves consisting of slender tubes swollen in the middle to form traps;each tube passes into two long spirally twisted arms with stiff hairs
Genoa|a seaport in northwestern Italy;provincial capital of Liguria
genocide|systematic killing of a racial or cultural group
Genoese|a native or resident of Genoa
genoise|rich and delicate Italian sponge cake
genome|the ordering of genes in a haploid set of chromosomes of a particular organism;the full DNA sequence of an organism - "the human genome contains approximately three billion chemical base pairs"
genomics|the branch of genetics that studies organisms in terms of their genomes (their full DNA sequences)
genotype|a group of organisms sharing a specific genetic constitution;the particular alleles at specified loci present in an organism
genre|a class of art (or artistic endeavor) having a characteristic form or technique;a kind of literary or artistic work
genre painter|a painter of scenes from everyday life
genre painting|a genre depicting everyday life
Genseric|king of the Vandals who seized Roman lands and invaded North Africa and sacked Rome (428-477)
gent|informal abbreviation of 'gentleman';port city in northwestern Belgium and industrial center;famous for cloth industry
gentamicin|an antibiotic (trade name Garamycin) that is derived from an actinomycete;used in treating infections of the urinary tract
gentian|any of various plants of the family Gentianaceae especially the genera Gentiana and Gentianella and Gentianopsis
gentian violet|a green crystal (violet in water) used as a dye or stain or bactericide or fungicide or anthelmintic or burn treatment
Gentiana|type genus of the Gentianaceae;cosmopolitan genus of herbs nearly cosmopolitan in cool temperate regions;in some classifications includes genera Gentianopsis and Gentianella
Gentianaceae|chiefly herbaceous plants with showy flowers;some are cultivated as ornamentals
Gentianales|an order of dicotyledonous plants having gamopetalous flowers;Gentianaceae;Apocynaceae;Asclepiadaceae;Loganiaceae;Oleaceae;Salvadoraceae
Gentianella|genus of herbs with flowers that resemble gentian;in some classifications included in genus Gentiana;low-growing alpine plant cultivated for its dark glossy green leaves in basal rosettes and showy solitary bell-shaped blue flowers
Gentianopsid procera|small blue-flowered fringed gentian of east central North America
Gentianopsis|genus of fringed gentians;in some classifications included in genus Gentiana
Gentianopsis crinita|tall widely distributed fringed gentian of eastern North America having violet-blue or white fringed flowers
Gentianopsis detonsa|medium-tall fringed gentian with pale-blue to blue-purple flowers;circumboreal in distribution
Gentianopsis thermalis|small blue-flowered fringed gentian of western United States (Rocky Mountains) especially around hot springs in Yellowstone National Park
gentile|a Christian as contrasted with a Jew;a Christian - "Christians refer to themselves as gentiles";a person who is not a member of one's own religion;used in this sense by Mormons and Hindus
gentle breeze|wind moving 8-12 knots;3 on the Beaufort scale
gentlefolk|people of good family and breeding and high social status
gentleman|a man of refinement
gentleman-at-arms|one of 40 gentlemen who attend the British sovereign on state occasions
gentlemen's agreement|a personal agreement based on honor and not legally binding
gentleness|acting in a manner that is gentle and mild and even-tempered - "his fingers have learned gentleness"
gentrification|the restoration of run-down urban areas by the middle class (resulting in the displacement of low-income residents)
gentry|the most powerful members of a society
genuflection|the act of bending the knees in worship or reverence
genuineness|the state of being genuine
genus|(biology) taxonomic group containing one or more species;a general kind of something - "ignore the genus communism"
genus Abelia|chiefly east Asian shrubs
genus Acacia|large genus of shrubs and trees and some woody vines of Central and South America, Africa, Australia and Polynesia;wattle;mimosa
genus Acanthus|bear's breeches
genus Achillea|perennial often aromatic and sometimes mat-forming herbs of north temperate regions;yarrow;milfoil
genus Achimenes|genus of tropical perennial American herbs
genus Actinomyces|type genus of the family Actinomycetaceae
genus Addax|genus of antelopes of northern African deserts
genus Aegyptopithecus|a genus of Hominoidea
genus Aepyornis|type genus of the Aepyornidae;elephant birds
genus Aerides|epiphytic orchids of tropical Asia having stiff leaves and fragrant white flowers in arching racemes
genus Aeschynanthus|large genus of East Indian ornamental woody epiphytic plants
genus Afropavo|Congo peafowl
genus Agama|type genus of the Agamidae
genus Agapanthus|small genus of South African evergreen or deciduous plants;sometimes placed in the family or subfamily Alliaceae
genus Agave|type genus of the Agavaceae;in some classifications considered a genus of Amaryllidaceae
genus Ageratum|genus of tropical American herbs grown for their flowers
genus Agrimonia|genus of herbs found chiefly in north temperate regions having pinnate leaves and yellow flowers followed by bristly fruit
genus Ailanthus|small genus of east Asian and Chinese trees with odd-pinnate leaves and long twisted samaras
genus Albizia|large genus of unarmed trees and shrubs of Old World tropics
genus Albuca|genus of bulbous plants of South Africa;sometimes placed in subfamily Hyacinthaceae
genus Allamanda|genus of tropical American woody vines
genus Alligator|type genus of the Alligatoridae
genus Allosaurus|carnivorous dinosaur of North America;late Jurassic
genus Alocasia|tropical Asiatic herbs similar to Colocasia but distinguished by a large sterile spadix
genus Aloe|large genus of chiefly African liliaceous plants;in some systems placed in family Aloeaceae
genus Alstroemeria|genus of showy South American herbs with leafy stems;sometimes placed in family Alstroemeriaceae or in family Amaryllidaceae
genus Althaea|hollyhocks;in some classification systems synonymous with genus Alcea
genus Amaryllis|type genus of the Amaryllidaceae;bulbous flowering plants of southern Africa
genus Ambrosia|comprising the ragweeds;in some classification considered the type genus of a separate family Ambrosiaceae
genus Ammobium|small genus of Australian herbs grown for their flowers
genus Amoeba|protozoan inhabiting moist soils or bottom vegetation in fresh or salt water
genus Amorpha|American herbs or shrubs usually growing in dry sunny habitats on prairies and hillsides
genus Amorphophallus|genus of large tropical east Asian cormous aroids;devil's tongue;snake palm
genus Amphioxus|type genus of the Amphioxidae
genus Amphiuma|congo snakes
genus Anatotitan|genus of large duck-billed dinosaurs;late Cretaceous
genus Anchusa|rough and hairy Old World herbs
genus Andrena|a solitary burrowing short-tongued bee
genus Andromeda|low-growing shrubs of northern regions of northern hemisphere
genus Andryala|a genus of hardy hairy latex-producing perennials of Mediterranean area
genus Anemone|perennial herbs with tuberous roots and beautiful flowers;of north and south temperate regions
genus Angelica|biennial or perennial herbs of the northern hemisphere;have a taproot
genus Angiopteris|one species;tree fern
genus Angrecum|genus of tropical Old World epiphytic orchids with showy flowers sometimes grotesque
genus Anhinga|type genus of the Anhingidae
genus Ankylosaurus|armored herbivorous dinosaurs of the Cretaceous
genus Anoa|a genus of mammals of the family Bovidae
genus Anomalops|type genus of the family Anomalopidae
genus Anomalopteryx|small moas
genus Anthurium|large genus of often epiphytic evergreen tropical American plants often cultivated as houseplants
genus Apatosaurus|large quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaurs with very long neck and tail;late Jurassic
genus Appendicularia|a genus of chordates in the class Larvacea
genus Apteryx|type genus of the Apterygidae;kiwis
genus Aquilegia|columbine
genus Aralia|type genus of Araliaceae;large widely distributed genus of shrubs and trees and vines;spikenard;Hercules'-club
genus Araucaria|a genus of the araucaria family
genus Arbutus|large evergreen shrubs and trees of southern Europe and western North America;strawberry tree;madrona
genus Arcella|type genus of the Arcellidae
genus Archaeopteryx|a genus of fossil birds
genus Archaeornis|a genus of fossil bird
genus Architeuthis|giant squid
genus Areca|a monocotyledonous genus of palm trees
genus Arethusa|genus of bog orchids of North America and Japan
genus Argemone|prickly poppies
genus Argentinosaurus|enormous dinosaur of the middle Cretaceous found in Argentina
genus Arnica|large genus of herbs of north temperate and Arctic regions
genus Artemisia|usually aromatic shrubs or herbs of north temperate regions and South Africa and western South America;wormwood;sagebrush;mugwort;tarragon
genus Arum|type genus of the Araceae;tuberous perennial herbs of Europe and Asia with usually heart-shaped leaves
genus Asparagus|large genus of Old World perennial herbs with erect or spreading or climbing stems and small scalelike leaves and inconspicuous flowers;sometimes placed in family Asparagaceae
genus Aspidistra|genus of eastern Asiatic herbs;sometimes placed in the family Convallariaceae
genus Aster|large genus of herbs widely cultivated for their daisylike flowers
genus Astilbe|chiefly Asiatic perennials;spirea
genus Astrantia|a genus of Eurasian herbs of the family Umbelliferae with aromatic roots and palmate leaves and showy flowers
genus Australopithecus|extinct genus of African hominid
genus Ayapana|genus of tropical American herbs sometimes included in genus Eupatorium
genus Babesia|type genus of the family Babesiidae
genus Bacillus|type genus of the Bacillaceae;includes many saprophytes important in decay of organic matter and a number of parasites
genus Banksia|important genus of Australian evergreen shrubs or trees with alternate leathery leaves and yellowish flowers
genus Barosaurus|huge quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur;late Jurassic
genus Begonia|large genus of tropical succulent plants widely cultivated
genus Bergenia|genus of perennial spring-blooming rhizomatous herbs with thick evergreen leaves;eastern Asia
genus Beroe|coextensive with the class Nuda
genus Bison|sometimes considered a subgenus of genus Bos;American buffalo
genus Bletia|genus of tropical American terrestrial orchids with large purple or pink flowers
genus Bocconia|tropical American trees or shrubs closely related to genus Macleaya
genus Borrelia|small flexible parasitic spirochetes having three to five wavy spirals
genus Bougainvillea|ornamental tropical woody vines
genus Brassavola|genus of tropical American epiphytic or lithophytic rhizomatous orchids
genus Brodiaea|genus of western United States bulbous plants with basal leaves and variously colored flowers;sometimes placed in family Alliaceae
genus Browallia|small genus of tropical South American annuals
genus Bryanthus|a genus allied to and once included in genus Phyllodoce
genus Bryonia|climbing perennial herbs;bryony
genus Buckleya|small genus of Asiatic and American parasitic shrubs
genus Buddleia|shrubs or trees of warm regions
genus Bufo|type genus of the Bufonidae;common toads of New and Old Worlds
genus Cabassous|solely the tatouay
genus Caiman|caimans
genus Caladenia|terrestrial orchids of Australia to New Caledonia
genus Caladium|small genus of tropical South American tuberous perennials with large variously colored leaves
genus Calamus|distinctive often spiny-stemmed palms found as climbers in tropical and subtropical forest
genus Calanthe|large and widely distributed genus of terrestrial orchids
genus Calceolaria|large genus of tropical American herbs and shrubs with showy cymose flowers
genus Calendula|marigold
genus Calliandra|genus of pinnate-leaved shrubs and small trees of tropical and subtropical North and South America and India and West Africa
genus Calosoma|genus of large predaceous ground beetles that feed on injurious caterpillars
genus Calypso|one species found throughout much of northern North America and Eurasia
genus Camellia|tropical Asiatic evergreen shrubs or small trees
genus Campanula|large genus of herbs grown for their blossoms;bellflowers
genus Candida|a genus of yeastlike imperfect fungi;sometimes included in genus Monilia of the family Moniliaceae
genus Canella|one species
genus Canna|type and sole genus of the Cannaceae;perennial lily-like herbs of New World tropics
genus Cannabis|hemp;genus of coarse annuals native to central Asia and widely naturalized in north temperate regions;in some classifications included in the family Moraceae
genus Capsicum|chiefly tropical perennial shrubby plants having many-seeded fruits;sweet and hot peppers
genus Caragana|large genus of Asiatic deciduous shrubs or small trees
genus Carissa|Old World genus of tropical evergreen usually spiny shrubs
genus Carpenteria|one species;sometimes placed in family Saxifragaceae
genus Cassia|some genus Cassia species often classified as members of the genus Senna or genus Chamaecrista
genus Casuarina|genus of trees and shrubs widely naturalized in southern United States and West Indies;coextensive with the family Casuarinaceae and order Casuarinales
genus Catalpa|a dicotyledonous genus of plants belonging to the family Bignoniaceae;has large flowers (white or mottled) and long terete pods
genus Catananche|genus of Mediterranean herbs;cupid's dart
genus Cathaya|one species;related to Pseudotsuga and Larix
genus Cattleya|large and highly valued genus of beautiful tropical American epiphytic or lithophytic orchids;the typical orchids;known in many varieties
genus Cerastes|horned vipers
genus Ceratodus|type genus of the Ceratodontidae;extinct genus of lungfishes
genus Ceratosaurus|primitive saurischian carnivorous dinosaurs
genus Ceratozamia|small genus of Mexican cycads;sometimes classified in family Cycadaceae
genus Chaenactis|genus of flowering herbs of western United States
genus Chaetodon|type genus of the Chaetodontidae
genus Chimaera|type genus of the Chimaeridae
genus Chinchilla|type genus of the Chinchillidae
genus Chiton|a genus of Polyplacophora
genus Chlamydia|type genus of the family Chlamydiaceae;disease-causing parasites
genus Chlorella|nonmotile unicellular green algae potentially important as source of high-grade protein and B-complex vitamins
genus Chlorophyllum|a genus of fungus belonging to the family Lepiotaceae
genus Christella|medium to large terrestrial ferns of tropical forests of Old World to Americas
genus Chrysanthemum|in some classifications many plants usually assigned to the genus Chrysanthemum have been divided among other genera;e.g. Argyranthemum;Dendranthema;Leucanthemum;Tanacetum
genus Chunga|a genus of Cariamidae
genus Cicada|type genus of the Cicadidae;cicadas
genus Cinchona|large genus of trees of Andean region of South America having medicinal bark
genus Citrus|orange;lemon;lime;etc.
genus Clematis|large genus of deciduous or evergreen woody vines or erect herbs
genus Cleome|tropical and subtropical annual or perennial herbs or low shrubs
genus Clianthus|genus of semi-prostrate Australasian shrubs or vines
genus Clintonia|sometimes placed in family Convallariaceae
genus Clostridium|anaerobic or micro-aerophilic rod-shaped or spindle-shaped saprophytes;nearly cosmopolitan in soil, animal intestines, and dung
genus Clusia|tropical American aromatic trees or shrubs;often epiphytic;some stranglers
genus Coccus|type genus of the Coccidae
genus Coelogyne|large diverse genus of tropical Asiatic epiphytic orchids
genus Coelophysis|late Triassic carnivorous saurischian dinosaurs
genus Coleus|genus of Old World tropical plants cultivated for their variegated leaves;various plants sometimes placed in genera Plectranthus or Solenostemon
genus Colobus|a genus of Cercopithecidae
genus Columnea|genus of tropical American subshrubs and lianas
genus Combretum|type genus of the Combretaceae;tropical and subtropical small shrubs and trees
genus Commelina|type genus of the Commelinaceae;large genus of herbs of branching or creeping habit;day flower;widow's tears
genus Compsognathus|a reptile genus of Theropoda
genus Convolvulus|genus of mostly climbing or scrambling herbs and shrubs;bindweed
genus Coreopsis|genus of American plants widely cultivated for their flowers
genus Coronilla|genus of Old World shrubs and herbs
genus Corozo|a monocotyledonous genus of tropical American palm trees
genus Corynebacterium|the type genus of the family Corynebacteriaceae which is widely distributed in nature;the best known are parasites and pathogens of humans and domestic animals
genus Coryphantha|mainly globose cacti of southwestern United States and Mexico covered with many nodules;superficially resembling and formerly included in genus Mammillaria
genus Corythosaurus|genus of duck-billed dinosaurs of late Cretaceous
genus Coscoroba|a genus of Anatidae
genus Cosmos|genus of tropical American plants cultivated for their colorful flowers
genus Costia|a genus of flagellate protoctist
genus Cotinga|type genus of the Cotingidae;cotingas
genus Cotoneaster|genus of deciduous or evergreen Old World shrubs widely cultivated
genus Crocus|a monocotyledonous genus of the family Iridaceae
genus Crotalaria|large genus of herbs with simple leaves and racemes of yellow flowers;mainly of tropical Africa
genus Croton|tropical shrubs and herbs;source of croton oil
genus Cryptocoryne|water trumpet;aquatic herbs having broad leaves and long slender spathes;often used as aquarium plants
genus Cyclamen|genus of widely cultivated flowering Eurasian herbs with centrally depressed rounded tubers and rounded heart-shaped leaves
genus Cyclops|copepod water fleas
genus Cymbidium|genus of tropical epiphytic or terrestrial Old World orchids;one of the most popular orchid genera
genus Cynancum|genus of perennial tropical African lianas
genus Cyrilla|one species;trees and shrubs having flowers with acute or twisted petals and wingless fruit
genus Dahlia|genus of perennial tuberous plants of Mexico and Central America
genus Daphne|usually evergreen Eurasian shrubs
genus Daphnia|water fleas
genus Davallia|Old World tropical fern;in some classification systems placed directly in family Polypodiaceae
genus Deinocheirus|a reptile genus of Ornithomimida
genus Deinonychus|advanced bipedal carnivorous dinosaur
genus Delphinium|large genus of chiefly perennial erect branching herbs of north temperate regions some poisonous
genus Dendrobium|large genus and variable genus of chiefly epiphytic or lithophytic orchids of tropical and subtropical Asia and Australasia
genus Derris|genus of Old World tropical shrubs and woody vines
genus Deutzia|genus of ornamental mostly deciduous shrubs native to Asia and Central America;widespread in cultivation;sometimes placed in family Saxifragaceae
genus Diapensia|type genus of Diapensiaceae
genus Diapheromera|a genus of Phasmidae
genus Dicamptodon|type genus of the Dicamptodontidae
genus Dichondra|genus of chiefly tropical prostrate perennial herbs with creeping stems that root at the nodes
genus Dictostylium|genus of slime molds that grow on dung and decaying vegetation
genus Difflugia|genus of protozoans related to ameba
genus Digitalis|genus of Eurasian herbs having alternate leaves and racemes of showy bell-shaped flowers
genus Dillenia|East Indian and Australian shrubs and trees having panicles of large white or yellow flowers
genus Dimetrodon|a reptile genus of Pelycosauria
genus Diomedea|type of the Diomedeidae
genus Dioon|small genus of arborescent cycads of Mexico and Central America;sometimes classified in family Cycadaceae
genus Diplococcus|a genus of bacteria
genus Diplodocus|a reptile genus of the suborder Sauropoda
genus Disa|genus of showy tropical African terrestrial orchids
genus Discina|a genus of fungi of the family Helvellaceae with a cup-shaped or saucer-shaped fruiting body and ornamented spores
genus Doliolum|type genus of the Doliolidae
genus Dombeya|genus of African shrubs or small trees
genus Doodia|in some classification systems placed in family Polypodiaceae;small terrestrial colony-forming ferns of Australasia
genus Draba|large genus of low tufted herbs of temperate and Arctic regions
genus Dracaena|Old World tropical plants with branches ending in tufts of sword-shaped leaves;in some classifications considered a genus of Liliaceae
genus Dracontium|small genus of tropical American cormous herbs
genus Drosophila|a genus of Drosophilidae
genus Drypis|one species
genus Dugong|type genus of the Dugongidae comprising only the dugongs
genus Echinocactus|globular or cylindrical cacti;southwestern United States to Brazil
genus Echinococcus|tapeworms
genus Edaphosaurus|type genus of the Edaphosauridae
genus Edmontosaurus|duck-billed dinosaurs of Canada
genus Eimeria|type genus of the family Eimeriidae;includes serious pathogens
genus Elsholtzia|genus of Asiatic and African aromatic herbs
genus Encephalartos|genus of arborescent African cycads;sometimes classified in family Cycadaceae
genus Engelmannia|one species;North American herbs that resemble sunflowers
genus Eoraptor|primitive theropod found in Argentina;early Triassic
genus Epacris|type genus of the Epacridaceae;Australian heath
genus Ephedra|type and sole genus of Ephedraceae;tropical and subtropical evergreen shrubby or creeping plants native to dry and inhospitable regions
genus Epiphyllum|small genus of tropical American (mainly Central America) cacti
genus Episcia|genus of tropical American herbs having soft hairy foliage
genus Eptatretus|a genus of fossil fish of the family Myxinidae
genus Erechtites|coarse herbs with whitish discoid flower heads and silky pappus
genus Erica|large genus of low much-branched woody evergreens ranging from prostrate subshrubs to trees;true heaths
genus Eriogonum|North American herbs of the buckwheat family
genus Erwinia|a genus of bacteria
genus Erythrina|genus of attractive tropical shrubs or trees with usually red flowers
genus Escherichia|a genus of bacteria
genus Eucalyptus|tall trees native to the Australian region;source of timber and medicinal oils from the aromatic leaves
genus Euglena|type genus of the family Euglenaceae;green algae with a single flagellum
genus Feijoa|small South American shrubs or trees
genus Filago|genus of small woolly herbs
genus Forestiera|genus of often spiny American shrubs and trees
genus Forsythia|forsythia
genus Fothergilla|small genus of deciduous shrubs of the southeastern United States
genus Freesia|cormous perennial herbs;native to South Africa
genus Fuchsia|large genus of decorative tropical shrubs with pendulous tetramerous flowers
genus Fucus|type genus of the family Fucaceae;cartilaginous brown algae
genus Fusarium|a form genus of mostly plant parasites some of which cause dry rot;in humans a species can cause inflammation of cornea leading to blindness
genus Gaillardia|genus of western American hairy herbs with showy flowers
genus Galago|bush babies
genus Galax|evergreen herbs of southeastern United States
genus Galictis|alternative name for the genus Grison
genus Gardenia|large genus of attractive Old World tropical shrubs and small trees
genus Gastrolobium|genus of Australian evergreen shrubs poisonous to livestock;poison bush
genus Gazania|genus of tomentose tropical African herbs with milky sap
genus Genipa|tropical American evergreen trees or shrubs bearing yellow flowers and succulent edible fruit with a thick rind
genus Genlisea|small genus of carnivorous plants of tropical African swamps
genus Geranium|genus of mostly North American geraniums;cranesbills
genus Gerardia|genus of annual or perennial herbs with showy pink or purple or yellow flowers;plants often assigned to genera Aureolaria or Agalinis
genus Gesneria|large genus of tropical American herbs having showy tubular flowers
genus Giardia|flagellates parasitic in intestines of vertebrates
genus Ginkgo|sole surviving genus of the Ginkgoaceae
genus Gladiolus|gladiolas
genus Gliricidia|small genus of low-branching profusely flowering trees of tropical America
genus Globigerina|type genus of the family Globigerinidae
genus Gloriosa|sometimes placed in family Colchicaceae;one species;glory lily
genus Glossina|type genus of the Glossinidae;tsetse flies
genus Gloxinia|small genus of tropical American herbs with leafy stems and axillary flowers
genus Gnetum|type genus of the Gnetaceae;small trees or shrubs usually with climbing jointed stems and terminal spikes of flowers with orange-red seeds clustered in rough cones
genus Gorilla|gorillas
genus Grampus|grampus
genus Grevillea|large genus of Australian shrubs and trees having usually showy orange or red flowers
genus Grison|a genus of Mustelidae
genus Gyromitra|a genus of fungi of the family Helvellaceae with a fertile portion that is tan to brown
genus Halogeton|a caryophyllaceous genus of the family Chenopodiaceae
genus Hamelia|evergreen tropical American shrubs or small trees
genus Harpullia|genus of tropical Asiatic and African trees
genus Helianthemum|widely distributed evergreen or semi-evergreen shrublets;America;Europe and North Africa to Asia Minor and central Asia
genus Helianthus|genus of tall erect or branched American annual or perennial herbs with showy flowers;sunflowers
genus Heliophila|genus of South African flowering herbs and subshrubs
genus Heliopsis|oxeye
genus Helvella|type genus of the Helvellaceae
genus Hepatica|small genus of perennial herbs of north temperate regions;allied to genus Anemone
genus Herrerasaurus|primitive theropod found in Argentina;early Triassic
genus Hibiscus|large genus of tropical and subtropical herbs and shrubs and trees often grown as ornamentals for their profusion of large flowers in a variety of colors
genus Hippeastrum|bulbous flowering plants of tropical America
genus Hippopotamus|type genus of the Hippopotamidae
genus Homo|type genus of the family Hominidae
genus Hovea|genus of Australian evergreen shrubs
genus Hoya|large genus of climbing shrubs of Australia and Asia and Polynesia
genus Hyacinthus|sometimes placed in family Hyacinthaceae as the type genus
genus Hyaena|type genus of the Hyaenidae
genus Hydra|hydras
genus Hydrangea|type genus of Hydrangeaceae;large genus of shrubs and some trees and vines with white or pink or blue flower clusters;sometimes placed in family Saxifragaceae
genus Hydrilla|one species
genus Ibero-mesornis|a genus of fossil bird of the subclass Archaeornithes
genus Ibis|ibises
genus Ichthyosaurus|type genus of the Ichthyosauridae
genus Ichthyostega|second earliest fossil amphibian ever found;of the Devonian;found in Greenland
genus Idesia|one species
genus Iguana|type genus of the Iguanidae
genus Iguanodon|type genus of the Iguanodontidae
genus Impatiens|annual or perennial herbs with stems more or less succulent;cosmopolitan except for South America, Australia, and New Zealand
genus Indri|type genus of the Indriidae
genus Inga|genus of tropical trees or shrubs
genus Inula|genus of Old World herbs or subshrubs;elecampane
genus Iris|large genus of perennials that develop from bulbs or rhizomes
genus Iva|small genus of American herbs or shrubs;in some classifications placed in a separate family Ambrosiaceae
genus Jabiru|jabirus
genus Junco|American finches
genus Kalmia|erect evergreen shrubs;mountain laurel
genus Keteleeria|a genus of keteleeria
genus Klebsiella|a genus of bacteria
genus Kniphofia|genus of showy clump-forming African herbs with grasslike leaves;sometimes placed in family Aloeaceae
genus Kohleria|genus of tropical American shrubs
genus Krigia|small herbs closely related to chicory;dwarf dandelions
genus Lactobacillus|type genus of the family Lactobacillaceae
genus Laelia|large genus of mostly epiphytic or lithophytic Central and South American orchids of various sizes
genus Lansium|a dicotyledonous genus of the family Meliaceae
genus Lecanopteris|epiphytic ferns of southeastern Asia to New Guinea
genus Lecanora|type genus of Lecanoraceae;crustaceous lichens
genus Leipoa|mallee fowl
genus Lemur|type genus of the Lemuridae
genus Lepidobotrys|a genus of dicotyledonous trees belonging to the family Lepidobotryaceae
genus Lepiota|agarics with white spores that includes several edible and poisonous mushrooms;parasol mushrooms
genus Leptospira|very slender aerobic spirochetes;free-living or parasitic in mammals
genus Lespedeza|genus of shrubs or herbs of tropical Asia and Australia and the eastern United States
genus Leucocytozoon|a genus of protoctist
genus Leucothoe|American and Asiatic deciduous and evergreen shrubs
genus Liparis|genus of terrestrial and epiphytic orchids;pantropical to temperate
genus Liquidambar|sweet gum
genus Listeria|a genus of aerobic motile bacteria of the family Corynebacteriaceae containing small Gram-positive rods
genus Litchi|Chinese trees
genus Lithops|genus of stemless South African succulents
genus Loasa|genus of tropical American prickly herbs or subshrubs
genus Lobelia|in some classifications considered the type genus of a separate family Lobeliaceae
genus Loligo|squids
genus Lomatia|small genus of low-growing evergreens of Chile and Australia;some yield dyes
genus Loris|type genus of the Lorisidae
genus Luffa|dishcloth gourds
genus Lychnis|genus of plants strongly resembling those of genus Silene;catchfly
genus Lynx|lynxes
genus Macadamia|trees or shrubs;Madagascar to Australia
genus Macrotus|leafnose bats
genus Macrozamia|genus of large evergreen Australian cycads;sometimes classified in family Cycadaceae
genus Magnolia|shrubs or trees of North America or Asia having entire evergreen or deciduous leaves;among most ancient of angiosperm genera
genus Malope|small genus of chiefly European herbs
genus Mammillaria|large genus of cacti characterized chiefly by nipple-shaped protuberances or tubercles on their surface
genus Manta|a genus of Mobulidae
genus Mantis|type genus of the Mantidae;mantises
genus Maranta|herbs of tropical America
genus Martynia|in some classifications includes the unicorn plants
genus Masdevallia|large genus of tropical American mostly epiphytic orchids whose flowers have sepals fused at the base forming a tube;includes orchids sometimes placed in genera Dracula and Dryadella and Scaphosepalum
genus Maxillaria|large genus of tropical American epiphytic orchids with persistent leathery leaves and single-flowered scapes
genus Megalosaurus|type genus of the Megalosauridae
genus Melilotus|Old World herbs;the sweet clovers
genus Mesohippus|a genus of Equidae
genus Metasequoia|genus of deciduous conifers comprising both living and fossil forms;1 extant species;dawn redwood of China;variously classified as member of Pinaceae or Taxodiaceae
genus Millettia|genus of trees and shrubs of the Old World tropics
genus Mimosa|genus of spiny woody shrubs or trees;named for their apparent imitation of animal sensitivity to light and heat and movement
genus Mola|type genus of the Molidae
genus Moloch|genus of Australian desert lizard
genus Monarda|wild bergamot, horsemint, beebalm
genus Monilia|genus of parasitic yeastlike imperfect fungi having spherical or oval conidia in branched chains;some species usually placed in other genera especially genus Candida
genus Mononychus|authorities disagree over whether to classify the genus as bird or dinosaur
genus Monstera|tropical American climbing plant with deeply incised leaves
genus Montezuma|one species;medium-sized evergreen tree of Puerto Rico or Mexico
genus Mucor|type genus of the Mucoraceae;genus of molds having cylindrical or pear-shaped sporangia not limited in location to points where rhizoids develop
genus Mucuna|genus of tropical herbs and woody vines having trifoliate leaves and showy flowers in axillary clusters
genus Mutisia|genus of South American shrubs or lianas having large flower heads with feathery pappuses
genus Mycobacterium|nonmotile Gram-positive aerobic bacteria
genus Mycoplasma|type and sole genus of the family Mycoplasmataceae
genus Mylodon|type genus of the Mylodontidae;sometimes included in family Megatheriidae
genus Nanomia|a genus of Siphonophora
genus Narcissus|Old World perennial bulbous herbs
genus Nautilus|type genus and sole recent representative of the family Nautilidae
genus Nemophila|genus of ornamental chiefly California herbs;baby blue-eyes
genus Nephthytis|small genus of tropical western African creeping or twining herbs
genus Nerita|type genus of the Neritidae
genus Neritina|a genus of Neritidae
genus Nierembergia|genus of tropical American erect or creeping herbs with solitary flowers
genus Nigella|erect annual Eurasian herbs
genus Noctiluca|a genus of protoctist
genus Nostoc|type genus of the family Nostocaceae;freshwater blue-green algae
genus Nothosaurus|a genus of Nothosauria
genus Notornis|a genus of Rallidae
genus Octopus|type genus of the family Octopodidae
genus Odontoglossum|large and important genus of tropical American mostly epiphytic orchids;some of the most widely grown species are often placed in other genera
genus Ommastrephes|a genus of Decapoda
genus Oncidium|large genus of showy epiphytic or lithophytic or terrestrial orchids of tropical and subtropical America
genus Orchis|type genus of the orchid family;hardy terrestrial orchids of the temperate the northern hemisphere
genus Origanum|a genus of aromatic mints of the family Labiatae
genus Oryx|African antelopes;oryxes
genus Osmunda|type genus of the Osmundaceae
genus Othonna|genus of western African herbs or shrubs
genus Oxalis|type genus of the Oxalidaceae;large genus of plants having leaves that resemble clover and variously colored flowers usually clustered in umbels
genus Pachysandra|evergreen perennial procumbent subshrubs or herbs
genus Palometa|a genus of Stromateidae
genus Pandanus|type genus of the Pandanaceae (as screw pines)
genus Paramecium|freshwater ciliate with an oval body and long deep oral groove
genus Parnassia|genus of bog herbs of Arctic and northern temperate regions
genus Paspalum|a genus of perennial grasses of warm regions
genus Pavonia|genus of tropical hairy shrubs or herbs of tropics and subtropics especially South America
genus Pecopteris|genus of Carboniferous fossil ferns
genus Pecten|type genus of the family Pectinidae;sea and bay scallops
genus Peperomia|large genus of small tropical usually succulent herbs
genus Peripatus|type genus of Peripatidae;onychophorans of chiefly New World tropical regions
genus Petunia|annual or perennial herbs or shrubs of tropical South America
genus Phacelia|American herbs with usually pinnatifid leaves and blue or purple or white flowers in scorpioid cymes
genus Phaius|genus of Asiatic and Australian terrestrial orchids
genus Phalanger|type genus of the family Phalangeridae;cuscuses
genus Phenacomys|North American voles
genus Philadelphus|mock orange;type and sole genus of the subfamily Philadelphaceae;sometimes placed in family Saxifragaceae
genus Philodendron|any of several tropical American climbing plants with smooth shiny evergreen leaves
genus Phlomis|large genus of Old World aromatic herbs or subshrubs or shrubs having often woolly leaves
genus Phlox|herbaceous to shrubby evergreen or deciduous annuals or perennials, diffuse (spreading) or caespitose (tufted or matted);from Alaska and western Canada to Mexico
genus Physa|type genus of the Physidae;freshwater air-breathing snails
genus Physostegia|genus of North American perennial herbs
genus Pisanosaurus|primitive ornithischian dinosaur found in Argentina;early Triassic
genus Pistia|one species;water lettuce
genus Pitta|type genus of the Pittidae;a large genus of birds of southern Asia and Australia and adjacent islands
genus Plasmodium|type genus of the family Plasmodiidae
genus Plectranthus|large genus of ornamental flowering plants;includes some plants often placed in the genus Coleus
genus Plesiosaurus|a reptile genus of suborder Plesiosauria
genus Pleurothallis|large genus of epiphytic or lithophytic orchids of tropical America
genus Plumbago|shrubs and herbs and woody vines of warm regions;leadwort
genus Pogonia|small but widely distributed genus of orchids closely related to genus Cleistes;of damp or boggy areas of north temperate zone
genus Polemonium|type genus of the Polemoniaceae
genus Portulaca|genus of mainly tropical fleshy or trailing herbs
genus Potamogale|type genus of the family Potamogalidae;otter shrews
genus Primula|very large and important genus of plants of temperate Europe and Asia having showy flowers
genus Proconsul|genus of extinct primitive African primates of the Miocene epoch;sometimes considered a subgenus of Dryopithecus
genus Protea|type genus of Proteaceae;tropical African shrubs
genus Protoavis|extinct primitive birds of the Triassic period;70 million years before archaeopteryx
genus Protoceratops|small horned dinosaurs
genus Protohippus|a genus of Equidae
genus Psilophyton|type genus of the Psilophytaceae;genus of small wiry herbaceous Paleozoic plants with underground rhizomes and apical sporangia
genus Psittacosaurus|most primitive genus of horned dinosaurs;early Cretaceous
genus Pteropogon|genus of Australian and South African herbs including some from genus Helipterum
genus Pyracantha|Eurasian evergreen thorny shrubs bearing red or orange-red berries
genus Pyrola|short-stemmed perennial herbs of cool or temperate regions;wintergreen;shinleaf
genus Pyrrhuloxia|large showy finches related to cardinals
genus Pythium|destructive root-parasitic fungi
genus Python|Old World boas
genus Quassia|tropical trees and shrubs with pinnate leaves and large scarlet flowers;bark is medicinal
genus Rauwolfia|pantropical genus of somewhat poisonous shrubs and small trees
genus Ravenala|woody tropical plants with tall trunks;sometimes placed in family Musaceae
genus Regnellidium|one species of aquatic or semiaquatic fern
genus Reseda|Old World genus of herbs having racemose flowers;mignonette;dyer's rocket
genus Rhea|type genus of the Rheidae;large tall flightless South American birds similar to but smaller than ostriches
genus Rhinoceros|type genus of the Rhinocerotidae
genus Rhizoctinia|form genus of imperfect fungi some species of which are now placed in genera Pellicularia and Corticium because their perfect stages have been found
genus Rhizopus|a genus of rot-causing fungi having columnar hemispherical aerial sporangia anchored to the substrate by rhizoids
genus Rhodanthe|genus of xerophytic herbs and shrubs of South Africa and Australia;sometimes included in genus Helipterum
genus Rhododendron|large genus of evergreen shrubs native to cooler regions of the northern hemisphere having showy flowers
genus Rickettsia|can cause typhus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever in humans
genus Rivulus|killifish
genus Roccella|chiefly fruticose maritime rock-inhabiting lichens
genus Roridula|insectivorous undershrubs of South Africa;in some classifications placed in the family Droseraceae
genus Sabbatia|genus of smooth slender North American herbs with showy flowers
genus Sagitta|chief genus of Chaetognatha including the largest arrowworms
genus Saiga|Eurasian antelopes;saigas
genus Salmonella|a genus of bacteria
genus Salpa|type (perhaps sole) genus of the Salpidae
genus Salpiglossis|small genus of herbs of the southern Andes having large showy flowers
genus Salvia|large genus of shrubs and subshrubs of the mint family varying greatly in habit;sage
genus Sansevieria|Old World tropical herbaceous perennial of the agave family;in some classifications considered a genus of Liliaceae
genus Sargassum|a genus of protoctist
genus Sassafras|a genus of sassafras
genus Scabiosa|annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs;mainly Mediterranean
genus Scarabaeus|type genus of the Scarabaeidae
genus Schizanthus|Chilean herbs with orchid-like flowers
genus Schizopetalon|small genus of South American herbs grown for its flowers
genus Sciara|type genus of the Sciaridae;fungus gnat
genus Scilla|sometimes placed in subfamily Hyacinthaceae
genus Sclerotinia|large genus of ascomycetous fungi including various destructive plant pathogens
genus Scorzonera|genus of narrow-leaved European herbs
genus Sedum|large genus of rock plants having thick fleshy leaves
genus Senna|genus of shrubs and trees and herbs many of which are often classified as members of the genus Cassia
genus Sequoia|redwoods;until recently considered a genus of a separate family Taxodiaceae
genus Serratia|a genus of motile peritrichous bacteria that contain small Gram-negative rod
genus Sesbania|small genus of tropical and subtropical leguminous herbs or shrubs or trees
genus Shigella|a genus of bacteria
genus Shortia|evergreen perennial herbs of North America and eastern Asia;oconee bells
genus Silene|large widely distributed genus of plants having mostly showy flowers of various colors;campion;catchfly
genus Sinornis|a genus of fossil birds
genus Siren|a genus of Sirenidae
genus Sisymbrium|genus of Old World annual or biennial or perennial herbs with racemose flowers;many are considered to be weeds
genus Sivapithecus|extinct primates;lower Pliocene
genus Sobralia|genus of tropical American orchids
genus Sorghum|annual or perennial tropical and subtropical cereal grasses;sorghum
genus Spadella|marine worms resembling the sagittas but with a broader body and only one pair of lateral fins
genus Spathiphyllum|evergreen rhizomatous perennials of tropical America and Philippines and Indonesia
genus Sphagnum|a large genus constituting the order Sphagnales;atypical mosses of temperate bogs with leaves that can hold much water
genus Spirillum|a genus of bacteria
genus Spirogyra|a genus of protoctist
genus Spirula|genus of small cephalopods with many-chambered spiral shells resembling those of the extinct belemnites
genus Squilla|type genus of the family Squillidae
genus Stanhopea|genus of tropical American epiphytic orchids
genus Stapelia|genus of foul-smelling plants resembling cacti;found from Africa to East India
genus Staphylococcus|includes many pathogenic species
genus Staurikosaurus|primitive ornithischian dinosaur found in Brazil
genus Stegosaurus|quadrupedal armored herbivore of the Jurassic and Cretaceous
genus Stelis|genus of small caespitose orchids of tropical America
genus Stenopterygius|a reptile genus of Ichthyosauridae
genus Stentor|trumpet-shaped protozoa with a ciliated spiral feeding funnel
genus Stephanotis|genus of Old World tropical woody vines
genus Sterculia|type genus of the Sterculiaceae;deciduous or evergreen trees of Old and New World tropics and subtropics
genus Stevia|genus of shrubs and herbs of tropical and warm Americas
genus Streptocarpus|large genus of usually stemless African or Asian herbs;Cape primrose
genus Streptococcus|a genus of bacteria
genus Streptomyces|type genus of the family Streptomycetaceae
genus Strophanthus|genus of tropical Asiatic and African shrubs and woody vines and small trees
genus Struthiomimus|small toothless saurischian dinosaurs;later Cretaceous period in Canada
genus Styracosaurus|genus of horned dinosaurs
genus Styrax|deciduous or evergreen shrubs and small trees
genus Suksdorfia|small genus of rhizomatous herbs of northwestern America and South America
genus Taenia|type genus of the family Taeniidae;tapeworms
genus Tamandua|lesser anteater
genus Tarpon|tarpons
genus Tenrec|type genus of the family Tenrecidae;tenrecs
genus Teredo|type genus of the family Teredinidae
genus Tetrahymena|protozoa having four membranous ciliary organelles
genus Thiobacillus|a genus of bacteria
genus Thrips|type genus of the Thripidae
genus Thyrsopteris|one species
genus Tithonia|genus of robust herbs of Mexico and Central America;Mexican sunflower
genus Tortrix|type genus of the Tortricidae
genus Trachodon|a reptile genus of the suborder Euronithopoda
genus Tragopan|a genus of Phasianidae
genus Treponema|type genus of Treponemataceae;anaerobic spirochetes with an undulating rigid body;parasitic in warm-blooded animals
genus Triceratops|genus of herbivorous horned dinosaurs
genus Trichodesmium|a genus of blue-green algae
genus Trichomonas|flagellates parasitic in alimentary or genitourinary tracts of vertebrates and invertebrates including humans
genus Trillium|deciduous perennial herbs;sometimes placed in family Liliaceae
genus Trogon|type genus of the Trogonidae
genus Turreae|genus of trees and shrubs of tropical Africa and Asia and Australia
genus Tyrannosaurus|includes a single species
genus Ursinia|genus of South African herbs and shrubs cultivated as ornamentals
genus Utahraptor|advanced bipedal carnivorous dinosaur
genus Vanda|genus of showy epiphytic orchids of Himalayas to Malaysia
genus Vanilla|large genus of tropical climbing orchids;Old and New Worlds
genus Velociraptor|advanced carnivorous theropod
genus Verbena|type genus of the Verbenaceae;genus of herbaceous perennials and subshrubs
genus Vernonia|genus of New World tropical herbs or shrubs with terminal cymose heads of tubular flowers
genus Veronica|widespread genus of herbs with pink or white or blue or purple flowers;speedwell
genus Verticillium|genus of imperfect fungi having conidia borne singly at the apex of whorled branchlets;cause wilt diseases
genus Vibrio|a genus of bacteria
genus Vireo|type genus of the Vireonidae
genus Vorticella|ciliated protozoans that have a goblet-shaped body with a retractile stalk
genus Weigela|east Asian flowering shrubs
genus Welwitschia|type and sole genus of Welwitschiaceae
genus Wisteria|Asiatic deciduous woody vine having large drooping racemes of white or bluish or purple or pinkish flowers and velvety pods;widely grown as an ornamental
genus Woodsia|genus of small to medium-sized usually rock-inhabiting ferns of temperate and cold regions;in some classification systems placed in Polypodiaceae
genus Wyethia|coarse leafy perennial plants resembling sunflowers found especially in the western United States
genus Xeranthemum|genus of annual densely hairy herbs of Mediterranean to southwestern Asia
genus Xylosma|genus of tropical American and Asiatic spiny evergreen trees and shrubs
genus Yucca|tropical American plants with stiff lancelike leaves and spikes of white blossoms;sometimes considered a genus of Amaryllidaceae
genus Zamia|genus of small evergreen tropical and subtropical American cycads
genus Zinnia|genus of annual or perennial plants of tropical America having solitary heads of brightly colored flowers
genus Zoysia|lawn grasses native to southeastern Asia and New Zealand;grown especially in warm regions
Genyonemus|a genus of Sciaenidae
geocentric parallax|the parallax of a celestial body using two points on the surface of the earth as the earth rotates
Geochelone|giant tortoises
geochemistry|the chemistry of the earth's crust
Geococcyx|roadrunners
geode|(mineralogy) a hollow rock or nodule with the cavity usually lined with crystals
geodesic|(mathematics) the shortest line between two points on a mathematically defined surface (as a straight line on a plane or an arc of a great circle on a sphere)
geodesic dome|a lightweight dome constructed of interlocking polygons;invented by R. Buckminster Fuller
geodesy|the branch of geology that studies the shape of the earth and the determination of the exact position of geographical points
geoduck|a large edible clam found burrowing deeply in sandy mud along the Pacific coast of North America;weighs up to six pounds;has siphons that can extend to several feet and cannot be withdrawn into the shell
Geoffrey of Monmouth|Welsh chronicler who wrote an account of the kings of Britain which is now believed to contain little historical fact but it is a source of the Arthurian legend (circa 1100-1154)
Geoffroea|small genus of shrubs or small trees of tropical and subtropical America
Geogia holly|a holly shrub
Geoglossaceae|a family of fungi belonging to the order Helotiales
Geoglossum|type genus of the Geoglossaceae comprising the earthtongues
geographer|an expert on geography
geographic point|a point on the surface of the Earth
geographical area|a demarcated area of the Earth
geography|study of the earth's surface;includes people's responses to topography and climate and soil and vegetation
geological formation|(geology) the geological features of the earth
geological horizon|a layer of rock with a particular composition (especially of fossils);for dating the stratum
geological phenomenon|a natural phenomenon involving the structure or composition of the earth
geological process|(geology) a natural process whereby geological features are modified
geological time|the time of the physical formation and development of the earth (especially prior to human history)
geologist|a specialist in geology
geology|a science that deals with the history of the earth as recorded in rocks
geomancer|one who practices geomancy
geomancy|divination by means of signs connected with the earth (as points taken at random or the arrangement of particles thrown down at random or from the configuration of a region and its relation to another)
geometer|a mathematician specializing in geometry
geometric mean|the mean of n numbers expressed as the n-th root of their product
geometric pace|a modern version of the Roman pace now taken to be 5 feet
geometric progression|(mathematics) a progression in which each term is multiplied by a constant in order to obtain the next term - "1-4-16-64-256- is the start of a geometric progression"
geometric series|a geometric progression written as a sum
geometrid|slender-bodied broad-winged moth whose larvae are called measuring worms
Geometridae|measuring worms
geometry|the pure mathematics of points and lines and curves and surfaces
geometry teacher|someone who teaches geometry
Geomyidae|North American pocket gophers
Geomys|type genus of the Geomyidae
geophagy|eating earth, clay, chalk;occurs in some primitive tribes, sometimes in cases of nutritional deficiency or obsessive behavior
Geophilidae|small extremely elongate centipedes that live in earth
Geophilomorpha|small elongate centipedes living in soil and under stones and having more than 30 pairs of legs
Geophilus|type genus of the Geophilidae;a cosmopolitan genus of centipedes sometimes called earwigs
geophysicist|a geologist who uses physical principles to study the properties of the earth
geophysics|geology that uses physical principles to study properties of the earth
geophyte|a perennial plant that propagates by underground bulbs or tubers or corms
geopolitics|the study of the effects of economic geography on the powers of the state
Geordie|a native of Newcastle-upon-Tyne;the nonstandard dialect of natives of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
George|Christian martyr;patron saint of England;hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303);Elector of Hanover and the first Hanoverian King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1714 to 1727 (1660-1727);King of Great Britain and Elector of Hanover from 1727 to 1760 (1683-1760);King of Great Britain and Ireland and emperor of India from 1910 to 1936;gave up his German title in 1917 during World War I (1865-1936);King of Great Britain and Ireland and emperor of India from 1936 to 1947;he succeeded Edward VIII (1895-1952);King of Great Britain and Ireland and Hanover from 1820 to 1830;his attempt to divorce his estranged wife undermined the prestige of the Crown (1762-1830);King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820;the American colonies were lost during his reign;he became insane in 1811 and his son (later George IV) acted as regent until 1820 (1738-1820)
George Town|the capital of the Cayman Islands
George Washington Bridge|a suspension bridge across the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey
Georgetown|a section of northwestern Washington, D.C.;port city and the capital and largest city of Guyana - "the city was called Stabroek by the Dutch but was renamed Georgetown by the British in 1812"
georgette|a thin silk dress material
Georgia|a republic in Asia Minor on the Black Sea separated from Russia by the Caucasus mountains;formerly an Asian soviet but became independent in 1991;a state in southeastern United States;one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
Georgian|a native or inhabitant of Georgia in Asia;a native or resident of the American state of Georgia;a southern Caucasian language with 3 million speakers and a long literary tradition
Georgian monetary unit|monetary unit in Georgia
geostationary orbit|a geosynchronous orbit that is fixed with respect to a position on the Earth
geostrategy|the branch of geopolitics dealing with strategy
geosynchronous orbit|a circular orbit around the Earth having a period of 24 hours
geothermal energy|energy derived from the heat in the interior of the earth
Geothlypis|yellowthroats
geotropism|an orienting response to gravity
Geraint|(Arthurian legend) one of the knights of the Round Table
Geraniaceae|chiefly herbaceous plants
Geraniales|an order of plants of subclass Rosidae including geraniums and many other plants;see Euphorbiaceae;Geraniaceae;Rutaceae;Malpighiaceae;Simaroubaceae;Meliaceae;Zygophyllaceae;Tropaeolaceae
geranium|any of numerous plants of the family Geraniaceae
gerardia|any plant of the genus Gerardia
Gerbera|genus of South African or Asiatic herbs;African daisies
gerbil|small Old World burrowing desert rodent with long soft pale fur and hind legs adapted for leaping
Gerbillinae|gerbils
Gerbillus|type genus of the Gerbillinae;typical gerbils
Gerea|small genus of hairy herbs with yellow flowers
gerenuk|slender East African antelope with slim neck and backward-curving horns
geriatrics|the branch of medical science that deals with diseases and problems specific to old people
germ|a small apparently simple structure (as a fertilized egg) from which new tissue can develop into a complete organism
germ layer|(embryology) any of the 3 layers of cells differentiated in embryos following gastrulation
germ plasm|the protoplasm of the germ cells that contains chromosomes and genes
germ pore|a pore in the outer wall of a spore or pollen grain through which the germ tube or pollen tube makes its exit on germination
germ theory|(medicine) the theory that all contagious diseases are caused by microorganisms
germ tube|(botany) a slender tubular outgrowth from a spore in germination
germ warfare|the use of harmful bacteria as a weapon
German|a person of German nationality;the standard German language;developed historically from West Germanic
German American|an American who was born in Germany or whose ancestors were German
German cockroach|small light-brown cockroach brought to United States from Europe;a common household pest
German iris|a large iris with purple or white flowers, native to central and southern Europe;iris of northern Italy having deep blue-purple flowers;similar to but smaller than Iris germanica
German ivy|South African succulent evergreen twining climber with yellow flowers grown primarily as a houseplant for its foliage;sometimes placed in genus Senecio
German lesson|instruction in the German language
German measles|a contagious viral disease that is a milder form of measles lasting three or four days;can be damaging to a fetus during the first trimester
German millet|millet having yellow grains in large drooping spikes
German monetary unit|monetary unit in Germany
German shepherd|breed of large shepherd dogs used in police work and as a guide for the blind
German short-haired pointer|liver or liver-and-white hunting dog developed in Germany;3/4 pointer and 1/4 bloodhound
germander|any of various plants of the genus Teucrium
germander speedwell|Old World plant with axillary racemes of blue-and-white flowers
germaneness|pertinence by virtue of a close relation to the matter at hand
Germanic|a branch of the Indo-European family of languages;members that are spoken currently fall into two major groups;Scandinavian and West Germanic
Germanism|a custom that is peculiar to Germany or its citizens
Germanist|a specialist in the study of Germanic language or culture or literature
germanite|a rare reddish-grey mineral consisting of a copper iron germanium sulfide
germanium|a brittle grey crystalline element that is a semiconducting metalloid (resembling silicon) used in transistors;occurs in germanite and argyrodite
Germany|a republic in central Europe;split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990
Germinal|seventh month of the Revolutionary calendar (March and April);the month of buds
germination|the origin of some development - "the germination of their discontent";the process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow
Geronimo|Apache chieftain who raided the white settlers in the Southwest as resistance to being confined to a reservation (1829-1909)
gerontocracy|a political system governed by old men
gerontologist|a specialist in gerontology
Gerreidae|mojarras
Gerres|type genus of the Gerreidae
Gerrhonotus|alligator lizards
Gerrididae|an arthropod family that includes water striders
Gerris|type genus of the Gerrididae
gerrymander|an act of gerrymandering (dividing a voting area so as to give your own party an unfair advantage)
Gershwin|United States composer who incorporated jazz into classical forms and composed scores for musical comedies (1898-1937);United States lyricist who frequently collaborated with his brother George Gershwin (1896-1983)
gerund|a noun formed from a verb (such as the '-ing' form of an English verb when used as a noun)
Geryon|(Greek mythology) a mythical monster with three heads that was slain by Hercules
Gesell|United States psychologist noted for his work in child development (1880-1961)
Gesner|Swiss naturalist who was one of the founders of modern zoology (1516-1565)
gesneria|any plant of the genus Gesneria
Gesneriaceae|large family of tropical herbs or shrubs or lianas;in some classification systems placed in the order Scrophulariales
gesneriad|any of numerous tropical or subtropical small shrubs or treelets or epiphytic vines of the family Gesneriaceae;African violet;Cape primroses;gloxinia
gesso|gypsum or plaster of Paris spread on a surface to make it suitable for painting or gilding (or a surface so prepared)
gestalt|a configuration or pattern of elements so unified as a whole that it cannot be described merely as a sum of its parts
Gestalt law of organization|a principle of Gestalt psychology that identifies factors leading to particular forms of perceptual organization
Gestalt psychology|(psychology) a theory of psychology that emphasizes the importance of configurational properties
Gestapo|the secret state police in Nazi Germany;known for its terrorist methods
gestation|the conception and development of an idea or plan;the period during which an embryo develops (about 266 days in humans)
gesticulation|a deliberate and vigorous gesture or motion
gesture|motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling;something done as an indication of intention - "a political gesture" - "a gesture of defiance";the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
get|a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
getaway|a rapid escape (as by criminals) - "the thieves made a clean getaway"
Gettysburg|a battle of the American Civil War (1863);the defeat of Robert E. Lee's invading Confederate Army was a major victory for the Union;a small town in southern Pennsylvania;site of a national cemetery
Gettysburg Address|a three-minute address by Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War at the dedication of a national cemetery on the site of the Battle of Gettysburg (November 19, 1863)
get-well card|a card expressing get-well wishes
Geum|avens
geyser|a spring that discharges hot water and steam
Ghana|a republic in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea - "Ghana was colonized as the Gold Coast by the British"
Ghanian|a native or inhabitant of Ghana
Ghanian monetary unit|monetary unit of Ghana
gharry|a horse-drawn carriage in India
ghastliness|the quality of being ghastly
ghat|stairway in India leading down to a landing on the water
ghatti|an Indian gum from the dhawa tree;used as a substitute for gum arabic
Ghedda wax|wax from Indian and African bees
ghee|clarified butter used in Indian cookery
Gheg|the dialect of Albanian spoken in northern Albania and Yugoslavia
gherkin|any of various small cucumbers pickled whole;small prickly cucumber
ghetto|a poor densely populated city district occupied by a minority ethnic group linked together by economic hardship and social restrictions;any segregated mode of living or working that results from bias or stereotyping - "the relative security of the gay ghetto" - "no escape from the ghetto of the typing pool";formerly the restricted quarter of many European cities in which Jews were required to live - "the Warsaw ghetto"
ghetto blaster|a portable stereo
ghillie|a shoe without a tongue and with decorative lacing up the instep
ghost|a mental representation of some haunting experience - "he looked like he had seen a ghost";the visible disembodied soul of a dead person
ghost dance|a religious dance of Native Americans looking for communication with the dead
ghost town|a deserted settlement (especially in western United States)
ghost word|a word form that has entered the language through the perpetuation of an error
ghostwriter|a writer who gives the credit of authorship to someone else
ghoul|an evil spirit or ghost
ghrelin|a gastrointestinal hormone produced by epithelial cells lining the fundus of the stomach;appears to be a stimulant for appetite and feeding, but is also a strong stimulant of growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary
GI series|diagnostic tests of the alimentary canal;usually involves inserting a contrast medium (such as barium sulfate) and taking an X-ray
Giacometti|Swiss sculptor and painter known for his bronze sculptures of elongated figures (1901-1966)
giant|a very large person;impressive in size or qualities;an imaginary figure of superhuman size and strength;appears in folklore and fairy tales;an unusually large enterprise - "Walton built a retail giant";any creature of exceptional size;someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful
giant armadillo|about three feet long exclusive of tail
giant bamboo|immense tropical southeast Asian bamboo with tough hollow culms that resemble tree trunks
giant buttercup|spectacular perennial native of wet montane grasslands of Peru;formerly included in genus Ranunculus
giant cane|tall grass of southern United States growing in thickets
giant chinkapin|small ornamental evergreen tree of Pacific Coast whose glossy yellow-green leaves are yellow beneath;bears edible nuts
giant clam|a large clam inhabiting reefs in the southern Pacific and weighing up to 500 pounds
giant cockroach|large tropical American cockroaches
giant conch|a large variety of conch
giant coreopsis|large treelike shrub having feathery leaves and clusters of large yellow flower heads;coastal southern California
giant crab|very large deep-water Japanese crab
giant eland|large dark striped eland of western equatorial Africa
giant foxtail|two species of coarse annual foxtails that are naturalized weeds in United States
giant hornet|European hornet introduced into the United States
giant hyssop|any of a number of aromatic plants of the genus Agastache
giant kangaroo|very large greyish-brown Australian kangaroo formerly abundant in open wooded areas
giant moa|the largest moa;about 12 feet high
giant northwest shipworm|giant shipworm of the Pacific coast of North America
giant panda|large black-and-white herbivorous mammal of bamboo forests of China and Tibet;in some classifications considered a member of the bear family or of a separate family Ailuropodidae
giant petrel|large brownish petrel chiefly of Antarctic seas
giant puffball|huge edible puffball up to 2 feet diameter and 25 pounds in weight
giant red paintbrush|wildflower of western North America having ragged clusters of crimson or scarlet flowers
giant reed|large rhizomatous perennial grasses found by riversides and in ditches having jointed stems and large grey-white feathery panicles
giant ryegrass|stout perennial grass of western North America
giant salamander|large (up to more than three feet) edible salamander of Asia
giant schnauzer|a large schnauzer
giant scrambling fern|large scrambling fern forming large patches to 18 feet high;Pacific region and China
giant sequoia|extremely lofty evergreen of southern end of western foothills of Sierra Nevada in California;largest living organism
giant silkworm moth|any silkworm moth of the family Saturniidae
giant star|a very bright star of large diameter and low density (relative to the Sun)
giant star grass|perennial grass having stems 3 to 4 feet high;used especially in Africa and India for pasture and hay
giant sunflower|very tall American perennial of central and the eastern United States to Canada having edible tuberous roots
giant taro|large evergreen with extremely large erect or spreading leaves;cultivated widely in tropics for its edible rhizome and shoots;used in wet warm regions as a stately ornamental
giant timber bamboo|large bamboo having thick-walled culms;native of China and perhaps Japan;widely grown elsewhere
giant tortoise|very large tortoises of the Galapagos and Seychelles islands
giant water bug|large water bug with piercing and sucking mouthparts;feeds on young fishes
giantess|a female giant
giantism|excessive size;usually caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland
giardia|a suspected cause of diarrhea in humans
giardiasis|infection of the intestines with protozoa found in contaminated food and water;characterized by diarrhea and nausea and flatulence and abdominal discomfort
gib|a castrated tomcat
gibberellic acid|a crystalline acid associated with gibberellin
gibberellin|a plant hormone isolated from a fungus;used in promoting plant growth
gibberish|unintelligible talking
Gibbon|English historian best known for his history of the Roman Empire (1737-1794);smallest and most perfectly anthropoid arboreal ape having long arms and no tail;of southern Asia and East Indies
Gibbs|United States chemist (1839-1903)
gibbsite|white crystalline mineral consisting of aluminum hydroxide;a constituent of bauxite and a source of alumina
gibibit|a unit of information equal to 1024 mebibits or 2^30 (1,073,741,824) bits
giblet|edible viscera of a fowl
Gibraltar|location of a colony of the United Kingdom on a limestone promontory at the southern tip of Spain;strategically important because it can control the entrance of ships into the Mediterranean;one of the Pillars of Hercules
Gibraltarian|a native or inhabitant of Gibraltar
Gibran|United States writer (born in Lebanon) (1883-1931)
Gibson|Australian actor (born in the United States in 1956);United States illustrator remembered for his creation of the 'Gibson girl' (1867-1944);United States tennis player who was the first Black woman player to win all the major world singles titles (1927-2003)
Gibson Desert|a desert area in western Australia
Gibson girl|the idealized American girl of the 1890s as pictured by C. D. Gibson
Gidar|a Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad
giddiness|an impulsive scatterbrained manner
Gide|French author and dramatist who is regarded as the father of modern French literature (1869-1951)
gidgee|scrubby Australian acacia having extremely foul-smelling blossoms
Gielgud|English actor of Shakespearean roles who was also noted for appearances in films (1904-2000)
gift|something acquired without compensation
gift horse|a gift (usually of inferior quality) that should be accepted uncritically - "it wasn't much, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth"
gift shop|a shop that sells miscellaneous articles appropriate as gifts
gift tax|a tax imposed on transfers of property by gift during the lifetime of the giver
gift wrap|attractive wrapping paper suitable for wrapping gifts
gift wrapping|ornamental wrapping for gifts
gig|a booking for musicians - "they played a gig in New Jersey";a cluster of hooks (without barbs) that is drawn through a school of fish to hook their bodies;used when fish are not biting;long and light rowing boat;especially for racing;small two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage;with two seats and no hood;tender that is a light ship's boat;often for personal use of captain
gigabit|a unit of information equal to 1000 megabits or 10^9 (1,000,000,000) bits
gigabyte|a unit of information equal to 1000 megabytes or 10^9 (1,000,000,000) bytes;a unit of information equal to 1024 mebibytes or 2^30 (1,073,741,824) bytes
gigahertz|1,000,000,000 periods per second
gigantism|excessive largeness of stature
Gigartinaceae|a family of protoctist
giggle|a foolish or nervous laugh
GIGO|(computer science) a rule stating that the quality of the output is a function of the quality of the input;put garbage in and you get garbage out
gigolo|a man who has sex with and is supported by a woman
Gikuyu|a Bantu language spoken in western Kenya
Gila|a river that rises in western New Mexico and flows westward through southern Arizona to become a tributary of the Colorado River
Gila Desert|a desert area in southern Arizona
Gila monster|large orange and black lizard of southwestern United States;not dangerous unless molested
Gilbert|a librettist who was a collaborator with Sir Arthur Sullivan in a famous series of comic operettas (1836-1911);English court physician noted for his studies of terrestrial magnetism (1540-1603);English navigator who in 1583 established in Newfoundland the first English colony in North America (1539-1583);United States architect who influenced the development of the skyscraper (1859-1934);a unit of magnetomotive force equal to 0.7958 ampere-turns
Gilbert and Ellice Islands|a former British possession in Micronesia
Gilbert and Sullivan|the music of Gilbert and Sullivan - "he could sing all of Gilbert and Sullivan"
Gilbert Islands|a group of islands in Micronesia to the southwest of Hawaii;formerly part of the British colony of Gilbert and Ellice Islands until it became part of the Republic of Kiribati in 1979
gilded flicker|southwestern United States bird like the yellow-shafted flicker but lacking the red neck
gilder|someone whose occupation is to apply an overlay of gold or gilt
gildhall|the meeting place of a medieval guild
gilding metal|a brass that is rich in copper;used to make articles that were to be gilded
gilgai soil|soil in the melon holes of Australia
Gilgamesh|a legendary Sumerian king who was the hero of an epic collection of mythic stories
Gilgamish|legendary Sumerian king and hero of Sumerian and Babylonian epics
gill|a British imperial capacity unit (liquid or dry) equal to 5 fluid ounces or 142.066 cubic centimeters;a United States liquid unit equal to 4 fluid ounces;any of the radiating leaflike spore-producing structures on the underside of the cap of a mushroom or similar fungus;respiratory organ of aquatic animals that breathe oxygen dissolved in water
gill arch|one of the bony or cartilaginous arches on each side of the pharynx that support the gills of fishes and aquatic amphibians
gill fungus|a basidiomycete with gills
gill net|a flat fishnet suspended vertically in the water to entangle fish by their gills
gill slit|one of a series of slit openings in the pharynxes of fishes and aquatic amphibians through which water passes
Gillespie|United States jazz trumpeter and exponent of bebop (1917-1993)
Gillette|United States inventor and manufacturer who developed the safety razor (1855-1932)
gillie|a young male attendant on a Scottish Highlander chief
Gilman|United States feminist (1860-1935)
Gilmer|United States journalist who wrote a syndicated column of advice to the lovelorn (1870-1951)
gilt|a coating of gold or of something that looks like gold
gimbal|an appliance that allows an object (such as a ship's compass) to remain horizontal even as its support tips
gimel|the 3rd letter of the Hebrew alphabet
gimlet|a cocktail made of gin or vodka and lime juice
gimmickry|a collection of gimmicks
gin|a form of rummy in which a player can go out if the cards remaining in their hand total less than 10 points;strong liquor flavored with juniper berries
gin and it|a cocktail made of gin and sweet vermouth
gin and tonic|gin and quinine water
gin rickey|a rickey made with gin
gin sling|a sling made with gin
ginger|dried ground gingerroot;perennial plants having thick branching aromatic rhizomes and leafy reedlike stems;pungent rhizome of the common ginger plant;used fresh as a seasoning especially in Asian cookery
ginger ale|ginger-flavored carbonated drink
ginger beer|carbonated slightly alcoholic drink flavored with fermented ginger
gingerbread|cake flavored with ginger
gingerbread man|gingerbread cut in the shape of a person
gingerol|derived from ginger;source of the hotness of ginger
gingersnap|a crisp round cookie flavored with ginger
gingham|a clothing fabric in a plaid weave
gingiva|the tissue (covered by mucous membrane) of the jaws that surrounds the bases of the teeth
gingivitis|inflammation of the gums
Ginglymostoma|nurse sharks
ginkgo|deciduous dioecious Chinese tree having fan-shaped leaves and fleshy yellow seeds;exists almost exclusively in cultivation especially as an ornamental street tree
Ginkgoaceae|constituting the order Ginkgoales;includes the genus Ginkgo and extinct forms
Ginkgoales|coextensive with the family Ginkgoaceae;plants that first appeared in the Permian and now represented by a single surviving species;often included in Coniferales
Ginkgopsida|ginkgos;in some systems classified as a class and in others as a subdivision;used in some classifications for one of five subdivisions of Gymnospermophyta
Ginsberg|United States poet of the beat generation (1926-1997)
ginseng|aromatic root of ginseng plants;Chinese herb with palmately compound leaves and small greenish flowers and forked aromatic roots believed to have medicinal powers
Giotto|Florentine painter who gave up the stiff Byzantine style and developed a more naturalistic style;considered the greatest Italian painter prior to the Renaissance (1267-1337)
gipsywort|hairy Eurasian herb with two-lipped white flowers
Giraffa|type genus of the Giraffidae
giraffe|tallest living quadruped;having a spotted coat and small horns and very long neck and legs;of savannahs of tropical Africa
Giraffidae|giraffes
girandole|an ornate candle holder;often with a mirror
Girard|United States financier (born in France) who helped finance the War of 1812 (1750-1831)
Giraudoux|French novelist and dramatist whose plays were reinterpretations of Greek myths (1882-1944)
girder|a beam made usually of steel;a main support in a structure
girdle|a band of material around the waist that strengthens a skirt or trousers;an encircling or ringlike structure
Giriama|a Bantu language spoken in the coastal regions of eastern Kenya
girl|a friendly informal reference to a grown woman - "Mrs. Smith was just one of the girls";a young woman
girl Friday|a female assistant who has a range of duties
Girl Scout|a girl who is a member of the Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts|an organization of young women and girls founded in 1912 for character development and citizenship training
girl wonder|an extremely talented young female person
girlfriend|a girl or young woman with whom a man is romantically involved - "his girlfriend kicked him out";any female friend - "Mary and her girlfriend organized the party"
girlhood|the childhood of a girl
girlishness|being characteristic of a girl
giro|a British financial system in which a bank or a post office transfers money from one account to another when they receive authorization to do so;a check given by the British government to someone who is unemployed;it can be cashed either at a bank or at the post office
giro account|an account at a post office that can be used in similar ways to an account at a bank
Gironde|the French moderate political party that was in power (1791-1793) during the French Revolution
Girondism|the doctrine of the Girondists
Girondist|a member of the moderate republican party that was in power during the French Revolution;the Girondists were overthrown by their more radical rivals the Jacobins
Girru|the Babylonian god of fire;often invoked in incantations against sorcery
girth|the distance around a person's body
Gish|United States film actress who appeared in films by D. W. Griffith (1896-1993)
gitana|a Spanish female Gypsy
gitano|a Spanish male Gypsy
give|the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
give-and-go|a basketball maneuver;one offensive player passes the ball to another, then runs toward the basket to take a return pass
giveaway|a gift of public land or resources for the private gain of a limited group;an unintentional disclosure
given|an assumption that is taken for granted
givenness|the quality of being granted as a supposition;of being acknowledged or assumed
giver|someone who devotes himself completely - "there are no greater givers than those who give themselves"
giving|disposing of property by voluntary transfer without receiving value in return - "the alumni followed a program of annual giving";the act of giving;the imparting of news or promises etc. - "he gave us the news and made a great show of the giving" - "giving his word of honor seemed to come too easily"
giving up|a verbal act of admitting defeat
Giza|an ancient Egyptian city on the west bank of the Nile opposite Cairo;site of three Great Pyramids and the Sphinx
gizzard|thick-walled muscular pouch below the crop in many birds and reptiles for grinding food
Gjellerup|Danish novelist (1857-1919)
glabella|a smooth prominence of the frontal bone between and above the eyebrows;the most forward projecting point of the forehead in the midline at the level of the supraorbital ridges
glacial boulder|a boulder that has been carried by a glacier to a place far distant from its place of origin
glaciation|the condition of being covered with glaciers or masses of ice;the result of glacial action - "Agassiz recognized marks of glaciation all over northern Europe";the process of covering the earth with glaciers or masses of ice
glacier|a slowly moving mass of ice
glacier lily|dogtooth violet of western North America having bright yellow flowers
glad hand|a warm welcome;may be insincere
glade mallow|tall coarse American herb having palmate leaves and numerous small white dioecious flowers;found wild in most alluvial soils of eastern and central United States
gladiator|(ancient Rome) a professional combatant or a captive who entertained the public by engaging in mortal combat
gladiolus|any of numerous plants of the genus Gladiolus native chiefly to tropical and South Africa having sword-shaped leaves and one-sided spikes of brightly colored funnel-shaped flowers;widely cultivated;the large central part of the breastbone
gladness|experiencing joy and pleasure
Gladstone|liberal British statesman who served as prime minister four times (1809-1898)
glamor|alluring beauty or charm (often with sex-appeal)
glamorization|the act of glamorizing;making something or someone more beautiful (often in a superficial way)
glance|a quick look
gland|any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream
glanders|a destructive and contagious bacterial disease of horses that can be transmitted to humans
glandular disease|a disorder of the glands of the body
glans|a small rounded structure;especially that at the end of the penis or clitoris
glans clitoridis|small mass of erectile tissue at the end of the body of the clitoris
glans penis|the conical mass of erectile tissue that forms the head of the penis
glare|a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted - "a glare of sunlight";an angry stare
Glareola|type genus of the Glareolidae;the pratincoles
Glareolidae|Old World shorebirds;pratincoles and coursers
Glaser|United States physicist who invented the bubble chamber to study subatomic particles (born in 1926)
Glasgow|largest city in Scotland;a port on the Clyde in west central Scotland;one of the great shipbuilding centers of the world
glasnost|a policy of the Soviet government allowing freer discussion of social problems
glass|a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure;a container for holding liquids while drinking;glassware collectively - "She collected old glass";the quantity a glass will hold
glass ceiling|a ceiling based on attitudinal or organizational bias in the work force that prevents minorities and women from advancing to leadership positions
glass cutter|a tool for cutting glass;someone who cuts flat glass to size;someone who cuts or grinds designs on glass
glass eye|prosthesis consisting of an artificial eye made of glass
glass lizard|snakelike lizard of Europe and Asia and North America with vestigial hind limbs and the ability to regenerate its long fragile tail
glass sponge|a siliceous sponge (with glassy spicules) of the class Hyalospongiae
glass wool|glass fibers spun and massed into bundles resembling wool
glassblower|someone skilled in blowing bottles from molten glass
glasses case|a case for carrying spectacles
glassmaker|someone who makes glass
glassware|an article of tableware made of glass
glassworks|a workplace where glass is made
glasswort|fleshy maritime plant having fleshy stems with rudimentary scalelike leaves and small spikes of minute flowers;formerly used in making glass
Glaswegian|an inhabitant of Glasgow
Glauber's salt|(Na2SO4.10H2O) a colorless salt used as a cathartic
Glaucium|herbs of Europe and North Africa and Asia;horned poppy
glaucoma|an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and impairs vision (sometimes progressing to blindness) - "contrary to popular belief, glaucoma is not always caused by elevated intraocular pressure"
Glaucomys|New World flying squirrels
glauconite|a green mineral consisting of hydrated silicate of potassium or iron or magnesium or aluminum;found in greensand
Glaux|sea milkwort
glaze|a coating for ceramics, metal, etc.;a glossy finish on a fabric;any of various thin shiny (savory or sweet) coatings applied to foods
gleam|a flash of light (especially reflected light);an appearance of reflected light
gleaner|someone who gathers something in small pieces (e.g. information) slowly and carefully;someone who picks up grain left in the field by the harvesters
gleba|fleshy spore-bearing inner mass of e.g. a puffball or stinkhorn
glebe|plot of land belonging to an English parish church or an ecclesiastical office
glebe house|a parsonage (especially one provided for the holder of a benefice)
Glechoma|ground ivy
Gleditsia|deciduous trees;honey locusts
glee club|a club organized to sing together
gleet|a thin morbid discharge as from a wound or especially chronic gonorrhea
Gleichenia|type genus of Gleicheniaceae;leptosporangiate ferns with sessile sporangia;South Africa to Malaysia and New Zealand
Gleicheniaceae|a family of ferns belonging to order Filicales
glen|a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
Glen Canyon Dam|a large dam built in 1964 on the Colorado River in Arizona
Glendower|Welsh chieftain who led a revolt against Henry IV's rule in Wales (1359-1416)
Glengarry|a Scottish cap with straight sides and a crease along the top from front to back;worn by Highlanders as part of military dress
Glenn|made the first orbital rocket-powered flight by a United States astronaut in 1962;later in United States Senate (1921-)
glenoid fossa|a deep concavity in the temporal bone at the root of the zygomatic arch that receives the condyle of the mandible;the concavity in the head of the scapula that receives the head of the humerus to form the shoulder joint
glibness|a kind of fluent easy superficiality - "the glibness of a high-pressure salesman"
glide|the activity of flying a glider
glider|aircraft supported only by the dynamic action of air against its surfaces
gliding joint|a freely moving joint in which the articulations allow only gliding motions
glimpse|a brief or incomplete view - "from the window he could catch a glimpse of the lake";a vague indication - "he caught only a glimpse of the professor's meaning"
Glinka|Russian composer (1804-1857)
glint|a spatially localized brightness
glioblastoma|a fast-growing malignant brain tumor composed of spongioblasts;nearly always fatal
glioma|a tumor of the brain consisting of neuroglia
glipizide|an oral antidiabetic drug (trade name Glucotrol) that stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas
gliricidia|any of several small deciduous trees valued for their dark wood and dense racemes of nectar-rich pink flowers grown in great profusion on arching branches;roots and bark and leaves and seeds are poisonous
Gliridae|dormice and other Old World forms
Glis|type genus of the Gliridae
glissade|(ballet) a gliding or sliding step in ballet
glissando|a rapid series of ascending or descending notes on the musical scale
glitter|the occurrence of a small flash or spark;the quality of shining with a bright reflected light
gloat|malicious satisfaction
global aphasia|loss of all ability to communicate
Global Positioning System|a navigational system involving satellites and computers that can determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by computing the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver
global warming|an increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere (especially a sustained increase that causes climatic changes)
globalization|growth to a global or worldwide scale - "the globalization of the communication industry"
globe|a sphere on which a map (especially of the earth) is represented
globe amaranth|tropical American herb having rose to red or purple flowers that can be dried without losing color
globe lily|any of several plants of the genus Calochortus having egg-shaped flowers
globe mallow|genus of coarse herbs and subshrubs of arid North and South America having pink or scarlet flowers and globose fruits
globe pepper|round sweet pepper
globe thistle|any of various plants of the genus Echinops having prickly leaves and dense globose heads of bluish flowers
globeflower|any of several plants of the genus Trollius having globose yellow flowers
globetrotter|someone who travels widely and often
Globicephala|pilot whales
globigerina|marine protozoan having a rounded shell with spiny processes
Globigerinidae|a family of protoctists
globin|a colorless protein obtained by removing heme from hemoglobin;the oxygen carrying compound in red blood cells
globule|a small globe or ball
globulin|a family of proteins found in blood and milk and muscle and in plant seed
glochidium|a barbed spine or bristle (often tufted on cacti)
glockenspiel|a percussion instrument consisting of a set of graduated metal bars mounted on a frame and played with small hammers
glogg|Scandinavian punch made of claret and aquavit with spices and raisins and orange peel and sugar
glomerule|a compacted or sessile cyme
glomerulonephritis|nephritis marked by inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidney;characterized by decreased production of urine and by the presence of blood and protein in the urine and by edema
glomerulus|a small intertwined group of capillaries in the malpighian body;it filters the blood during urine formation
gloom|a feeling of melancholy apprehension;a state of partial or total darkness - "he struck a match to dispel the gloom";an atmosphere of depression and melancholy - "gloom pervaded the office"
gloominess|the quality of excessive mournfulness and uncheerfulness
glop|any gummy shapeless matter;usually unpleasant
glorification|the act of glorifying (as in worship) - "the glorification of God"
gloriosa|any plant of the genus Gloriosa of tropical Africa and Asia;a perennial herb climbing by means of tendrils at leaf tips having showy yellow to red or purple flowers;all parts are poisonous
glory|a state of high honor - "he valued glory above life itself";brilliant radiant beauty - "the glory of the sunrise"
glory hole|a small locker at the stern of a boat or between decks of a ship
glory pea|any of various shrubs or vines of the genus Clianthus having compound leaves and pea-like red flowers in drooping racemes
gloss|an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text
glossalgia|pain in the tongue
glossarist|a scholiast who writes glosses or glossaries
glossary|an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge;usually published as an appendix to a text on that field
Glossinidae|flies closely related to the Muscidae;tsetse flies
glossitis|inflammation of the tongue
Glossodia|small genus of Australian orchids
glossolalia|repetitive nonmeaningful speech (especially that associated with a trance state or religious fervor)
glossopharyngeal nerve|sensory nerve to the pharynx and back of the tongue;motor fibers innervate muscles that elevate the pharynx and larynx;includes parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion
Glossopsitta|a genus of Loriinae
glossoptosis|abnormal downward or back placement of the tongue
glossy|a photograph that is printed on smooth shiny paper
glossy snake|nocturnal burrowing snake of western United States with shiny tan scales
glottal stop|a stop consonant articulated by releasing pressure at the glottis;as in the sudden onset of a vowel
glottis|the vocal apparatus of the larynx;the true vocal folds and the space between them where the voice tone is generated
glottochronology|the determination of how long ago different languages evolved from a common source language - "he mapped the glottochronology of the Romance languages"
Gloucester|a city in southwestern England in Gloucestershire on the Severn;a town in northeastern Massachusetts on Cape Ann to the northeast of Boston;the harbor has been a fishing center for centuries
Gloucestershire|a county in southwestern England in the lower Severn valley
glove|handwear;covers the hand and wrist
glove anesthesia|a mental disorder involving loss of sensitivity in the hand and wrist - "since no combination of nerves serve this area a glove anesthesia is clearly psychogenic in origin"
glove compartment|compartment on the dashboard of a car
glove leather|leather suitable for making gloves
glow|a feeling of considerable warmth - "the glow of new love" - "a glow of regret";a steady even light without flames
glow lamp|a gas-discharge tube with a hot cathode;used in stroboscopes
glow tube|a gas-discharge tube consisting of a cold cathode and a diode in a tube filled with gas;the color of the glow depends on the particular gas
glowworm|the luminous larva or wingless grub-like female of a firefly
gloxinia|any of several plants of the genera Gloxinia or Sinningia (greenhouse gloxinias) having showy bell-shaped flowers
glucagon|a hormone secreted by the pancreas;stimulates increases in blood sugar levels in the blood (thus opposing the action of insulin)
Gluck|German composer of more than 100 operas (1714-1787)
glucocorticoid|a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex of animals;affects functioning of gonads and has anti-inflammatory activity
glucosamine|an amino derivative of glucose that is a component of many polysaccharides
glucose|a monosaccharide sugar that has several forms;an important source of physiological energy
glucose tolerance test|test of the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates;used in the diagnosis of hypoglycemia and diabetes mellitus
glucoside|a glycoside derived from glucose
glucosuria|the presence of abnormally high levels of glucose in the urine
glue|cement consisting of a sticky substance that is used as an adhesive
glume|small dry membranous bract found in inflorescences of Gramineae and Cyperaceae
gluon|a gauge boson that mediates strong interaction among quarks
glut|the quality of being so overabundant that prices fall
glutamate|a salt or ester of glutamic acid
glutamic acid|an amino acid occurring in proteins;important in the nitrogen metabolism of plants;used in monosodium glutamate to enhance the flavor of meats
glutamic oxalacetic transaminase|an enzyme involved in transamination
glutamine|a crystalline amino acid occurring in proteins;important in protein metabolism
glutathione peroxidase|an enzyme in the body that is a powerful scavenger of free radicals
gluteal artery|branches of the internal iliac artery that supply the hip joint and gluteal region
gluteal vein|veins draining the gluteal muscles on either side of the body
glutelin|a simple protein found in the seeds of cereals
gluten|a protein substance that remains when starch is removed from cereal grains;gives cohesiveness to dough
gluten bread|bread made with gluten flour
gluten-free diet|diet prescribed to treat celiac disease;eliminates such foods as wheat and rye and oats and beans and cabbage and turnips and cucumbers that are rich in gluten
glutethimide|sedative (trade name Doriden) used to treat some sleep disorders
gluteus|any one of three large skeletal muscles that form the buttock and move the thigh
gluteus maximus|the outermost of the three gluteal muscles
gluteus medius|the middle of the three gluteal muscles
gluteus minimus|the innermost of the three gluteal muscles
glutton|a person who is devoted to eating and drinking to excess;musteline mammal of northern Eurasia
gluttony|eating to excess (personified as one of the deadly sins);habitual eating to excess
glyburide|an oral antidiabetic drug (trade names DiaBeta and Micronase) that stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas
glyceraldehyde|a sweet crystalline aldehyde formed by the breakdown of sugars
Glyceria|manna grass
glyceric acid|a syrupy acid obtained by oxidation of glycerol or glyceraldehyde
glyceride|an ester of glycerol and fatty acids that occurs naturally as fats and fatty oils - "fresh fats contain glycerides of fatty acids and very little free acid"
glycerin jelly|a mixture of glycerin and gelatin that is used in histology for mounting specimens
glycerinated gelatin|a gelatinous preparation made from gelatin and glycerin and water;used as a base for ointments and suppositories
glycerite|a medicine made by mixing a substance in glycerin
glycerogelatin|a medicated skin preparation made from glycerin and glycerinated gelatin
glycerol|a sweet syrupy trihydroxy alcohol obtained by saponification of fats and oils
glyceryl|a trivalent radical derived from glycerol by removing the three hydroxyl radicals
glyceryl ester|an ester of glycerol
Glycine|genus of Asiatic erect or sprawling herbs;soya bean;the simplest amino acid found in proteins and the principal amino acid in sugar cane
glycogen|one form in which body fuel is stored;stored primarily in the liver and broken down into glucose when needed by the body
glycogenesis|the conversion of glucose to glycogen when the glucose in the blood exceeds the demand;the formation in animals of glycogen from glucose
glycolic acid|a translucent crystalline compound found in sugar cane and sugar beets and unripe grapes
glycolysis|a metabolic process that breaks down carbohydrates and sugars through a series of reactions to either pyruvic acid or lactic acid and releases energy for the body in the form of ATP
glycoprotein|a conjugated protein having a carbohydrate component
glycoside|a group of compounds derived from monosaccharides
glycosuria|the presence of abnormally high levels of sugar in the urine
Glycyrrhiza|sticky perennial Eurasian herbs
glyph|glyptic art in the form of a symbolic figure carved or incised in relief
glyptic art|carvings or engravings (especially on precious stones)
glyptics|the art of engraving on precious stones
glyptography|carving or engraving (especially on stones)
G-man|a special law-enforcement agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Gnaphalium|large widely distributed genus of coarse hairy herbs with whitish involucres
gnat|(British usage) mosquito;any of various small biting flies;midges;biting midges;black flies;sand flies
gnatcatcher|very small North American and South American warblers
gnathion|the most inferior point of the mandible in the midline
Gnathostomata|comprising all vertebrates with upper and lower jaws
gnathostome|a vertebrate animal possessing true jaws
gneiss|a laminated metamorphic rock similar to granite
Gnetaceae|plants having small unisexual flowers and fleshy or winged fruit;in some classifications includes the genera Ephedra and Welwitschia as well as genus Gnetum
Gnetales|chiefly tropical or xerophytic woody plants;practically unknown as fossils but considered close to the ancestral line of angiosperms
Gnetopsida|gymnospermous flowering plants;supposed link between conifers and angiosperms;in some systems classified as a class (Gnetopsida) and in others as a subdivision (Gnetophytina or Gnetophyta)
gnetum|small tropical tree with tiered branches and divaricate branchlets having broad glossy dark green leaves;exploited for its edible young leaves and seeds that provide a fine flour
gnocchi|(Italian) a small dumpling made of potato or flour or semolina that is boiled or baked and is usually served with a sauce or with grated cheese
gnome|a legendary creature resembling a tiny old man;lives in the depths of the earth and guards buried treasure;a short pithy saying expressing a general truth
gnomon|indicator provided by the stationary arm whose shadow indicates the time on the sundial
gnosis|intuitive knowledge of spiritual truths;said to have been possessed by ancient Gnostics
Gnostic|an advocate of Gnosticism
Gnosticism|a religious orientation advocating gnosis as the way to release a person's spiritual element;considered heresy by Christian churches
gnu|large African antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail
go|a board game for two players who place counters on a grid;the object is to surround and so capture the opponent's counters;a time for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else) - "it's my go"
go board|a board used for playing go
Go Fish|a card game for two players who try to assemble books of cards by asking the opponent for particular cards
Goa|a state of southwestern India;a former Portuguese colony
goa bean|Old World tropical bean
goad|a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
goal|a successful attempt at scoring - "the winning goal came with less than a minute left to play";game equipment consisting of the place toward which players of a game try to advance a ball or puck in order to score points;the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
goal line|a line marking each end of the playing field or pitch;where the goals stand
goalkeeper|the defensive position on an ice hockey or soccer or lacrosse team who stands in front of the goal and tries to prevent opposing players from scoring;the soccer or hockey player assigned to protect the goal
goal-kick|(association football) a kick by the defending side after the attacking side sends the ball over the goal-line;(rugby) an attempt to kick a goal
goalmouth|(sports) the area immediately in front of the goal
goalpost|one of a pair of posts (usually joined by a crossbar) that are set up as a goal at each end of a playing field
goat|any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns
goat antelope|bovid related to goats but having antelope-like features;mountain goats;gorals;serows;chamois;gnu goats
goat cheese|made from goats' milk
goat grass|European grass naturalized as a weed in North America;sharp-pointed seeds cause injury when eaten by livestock
goat herder|a person who tends a flock of goats
goat willow|much-branched Old World willow having large catkins and relatively large broad leaves
goatee|a small chin beard trimmed to a point;named for its resemblance to a goat's beard
goatfish|brightly colored tropical fishes with chin barbels
goats' milk|the milk of a goat
goat's rue|tall bushy European perennial grown for its pinnate foliage and slender spikes of blue flowers;sometimes used medicinally
goatsfoot|short-stemmed South African plant with bluish flowers
goatskin|the hide of a goat
goatsucker|mainly crepuscular or nocturnal nonpasserine birds with mottled greyish-brown plumage and large eyes;feed on insects
gob|a lump of slimy stuff - "a gob of phlegm"
gobbet|a lump or chunk of raw meat
gobble|the characteristic sound made by a turkey cock
gobbledygook|incomprehensible or pompous jargon of specialists
gobbler|a hasty eater who swallows large mouthfuls
Gobi|a desert in central China
Gobiesocidae|clingfishes
Gobiesox|type genus of the Gobiesocidae
Gobiidae|gobies
Gobio|true gudgeons
goblet|a drinking glass with a base and stem
goblet cell|an epithelial cell that secretes mucous
goblin|(folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings
goby|small spiny-finned fish of coastal or brackish waters having a large head and elongated tapering body having the ventral fins modified as a sucker
god|a man of such superior qualities that he seems like a deity to other people - "he was a god among men";the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe;the object of worship in monotheistic religions
Godard|French film maker influenced by surrealism;early work explored the documentary use of film;noted for innovative techniques (born in 1930)
godchild|an infant who is sponsored by an adult (the godparent) at baptism
Goddard|United States physicist who developed the first successful liquid-fueled rocket (1882-1945)
goddaughter|a female godchild
goddess|a female deity
Godel|United States mathematician (born in Austria) who is remembered principally for demonstrating the limitations of axiomatic systems (1906-1978)
godfather|any man who serves as a sponsor for a child at baptism;someone having a relation analogous to that of a male sponsor to his godchild
Godhead|terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
Godiva|according to legend she rode naked through Coventry in order to persuade her husband not to tax the townspeople so heavily;the only person to look at her as she rode by was a man named Tom and Peeping Tom has become a synonym for voyeur (circa 1040-1080)
godliness|piety by virtue of being a godly person
godmother|any woman who serves as a sponsor for a child at baptism
godown|(in India and Malaysia) a warehouse
godparent|a person who sponsors someone (the godchild) at baptism
God's Will|the omnipotence of a divine being
God's Wisdom|the omniscience of a divine being
godson|a male godchild
Godspeed|a successful journey - "they wished him Godspeed"
Godunov|czar of Russia (1551-1605)
godwit|large wading bird that resembles a curlew;has a long slightly upturned bill
Godzilla|(science fiction also known as "Gojira") a giant, amphibious, reptilian monster in the Japanese-produced 1954 film, "Godzilla";The name "Gojira" is a combination of "gorilla" and kujira, which means "whale" in Japanese.
Goebbels|German propaganda minister in Nazi Germany who persecuted the Jews (1897-1945)
Goethals|United States army officer and engineer who supervised the construction of the Panama Canal (1858-1928)
Goethe|German poet and novelist and dramatist who lived in Weimar (1749-1832)
goethite|a red or yellow or brown mineral;an oxide of iron that is a common constituent of rust
gofer|an employee whose duties include running errands
goffer|a zealously energetic person (especially a salesman);an iron used to press pleats and ridges;an ornamental frill made by pressing pleats
Gog and Magog|biblical names of the enemies of God's people who wage war against God at the end of the world - "in the Book of Ezekiel Gog is a ruler from the land of Magog but in the Book of Revelation Gog and Magog are nations under the rule of Satan"
go-getter|someone whose career progresses rapidly
goggles|tight-fitting spectacles worn to protect the eyes
Gogol|Russian writer who introduced realism to Russian literature (1809-1852)
going|advancing toward a goal - "persuading him was easy going"
going ashore|debarkation from a boat or ship
going-out-of-business sale|a sale of all the tangible assets of a business that is about to close - "during the Great Depression going-out-of-business sales were very common"
going-over|a careful and thorough inspection
goiter|abnormally enlarged thyroid gland;can result from underproduction or overproduction of hormone or from a deficiency of iodine in the diet
goitrogen|any substance (such as thiouracil) that induces the formation of a goiter
go-kart|a small low motor vehicle with four wheels and an open framework;used for racing
Golan Heights|a fortified hilly area between southern Lebanon and southern Syria - "artillery on the Golan Heights can dominate a large area of Israel"
Golconda|a source of great wealth (especially a mine)
gold|a soft yellow malleable ductile (trivalent and univalent) metallic element;occurs mainly as nuggets in rocks and alluvial deposits;does not react with most chemicals but is attacked by chlorine and aqua regia;coins made of gold;great wealth - "Whilst that for which all virtue now is sold, and almost every vice--almighty gold"--Ben Jonson;something likened to the metal in brightness or preciousness or superiority etc. - "the child was as good as gold" - "she has a heart of gold"
gold coast|a rich neighborhood noted for expensive homes and luxurious living;usually along a coastal area - "Chicago's gold coast is along Lake Michigan"
gold digger|a woman who associates with or marries a rich man in order to get valuables from him through gifts or a divorce settlement
gold dust|the particles and flakes (and sometimes small nuggets) of gold obtained in placer mining
gold fern|fern of West Indies and South America having fronds with bright golden-yellow undersides
gold fever|greed and the contagious excitement of a gold rush
gold foil|foil made of gold
gold leaf|a very thin form of gold foil
gold medal|a trophy made of gold (or having the appearance of gold) that is usually awarded for winning first place in a competition
gold miner|a miner who digs or pans for gold in a gold field
gold of pleasure|annual European false flax having small white flowers;cultivated since Neolithic times as a source of fiber and for its oil-rich seeds;widely naturalized in North America
gold plate|a thin plating of gold on something;tableware that is plated with gold
gold rush|a large migration of people to a newly discovered gold field
gold standard|a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of gold;a paragon of excellence - "academic education is the gold standard against which other educational activity is pejoratively judged"
goldbeater|an artisan who beats gold into gold leaf
Goldberg|United States cartoonist who drew intricate diagrams of very complicated and impractical contraptions that accomplished little or nothing (1883-1970)
goldbrick|a brick-shaped block that looks like gold but is not;a soldier who performs his duties without proper care or effort;an idle worthless person;anything that is supposed to be valuable but turns out to be worthless
goldcrest|European kinglet with a black-bordered yellow crown patch
gold-crowned kinglet|American golden-crested kinglet
Golden Age|(classical mythology) the first and best age of the world, a time of ideal happiness, prosperity, and innocence;by extension, any flourishing and outstanding period;a time period when some activity or skill was at its peak;any period (sometimes imaginary) of great peace and prosperity and happiness
golden algae|algae having the pigments chlorophyll and carotene and xanthophyll
golden aster|any of several shrubby herbs or subshrubs of the genus Chrysopsis having bright golden-yellow flower heads that resemble asters;throughout much of United States and into Canada
golden barrel cactus|large cactus of east central Mexico having golden to pale yellow flowers and spines
golden calf|(Old Testament) an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites to worship;destroyed by Moses;it is now used to refer to anything worshipped undeservedly
golden calla|any of several callas of the genus Zantedeschia having yellow spathes
golden clematis|Chinese clematis with serrate leaves and large yellow flowers
golden club|aquatic plant of the southeastern United States having blue-green leaves and a spadix resembling a club covered with tiny yellow flowers
golden cup|native of Mexican highlands grown for its glossy clear yellow flowers and blue-grey finely dissected foliage
Golden Delicious|a sweet eating apple with yellow skin
golden eagle|large eagle of mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere having a golden-brown head and neck
golden fern|stout tropical swamp fern (especially tropical America) having large fronds with golden yellow sporangia covering the undersides;tropical American fern having fronds with light golden undersides
golden fig|a strangler tree native to southern Florida and West Indies;begins as an epiphyte eventually developing many thick aerial roots and covering enormous areas
Golden Fleece|in Greek mythology, a fleece of gold owned by the king of Colchis and guarded in a sacred grove by a dragon;recovered by Jason and the Argonauts
Golden Gate|a strait in western California that connects the San Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean;discovered in 1579 by Sir Francis Drake
Golden Gate Bridge|a suspension bridge across the Golden Gate
golden glow|very tall branching herb with showy much-doubled yellow flower heads
golden groundsel|weedy herb of the eastern United States to Texas having golden-yellow flowers;sometimes becomes invasive;sometimes placed in genus Senecio
golden hamster|small light-colored hamster often kept as a pet
golden handshake|a lucrative severance agreement offered to an employee (usually as an incentive to retire)
Golden Horde|a Mongolian army that swept over eastern Europe in the 13th century
golden larch|Chinese deciduous conifer resembling a larch with golden yellow leaves
golden mean|the middle between extremes
golden mole|mole of southern Africa having iridescent guard hairs mixed with the underfur
golden oriole|bright yellow songbird with black wings
golden parachute|giving top executives lucrative benefits that must be paid by the acquirer if they are discharged after a takeover
golden pheasant|brightly colored crested pheasant of mountains of western and central Asia
golden plover|plovers of Europe and America having the backs marked with golden-yellow spots
golden polypody|tropical American fern with brown scaly rhizomes cultivated for its large deeply lobed deep bluish-green fronds;sometimes placed in genus Polypodium
golden pothos|evergreen liana widely cultivated for its variegated foliage
golden retriever|an English breed having a long silky golden coat
Golden Rule|a command based on Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount - "Whatsoever ye would that men do unto you, do you even so unto them" (Matthew 7;12);any important rule
golden saxifrage|any of various low aquatic herbs of the genus Chrysosplenium
golden section|the proportional relation between two divisions of line or two dimension of a plane figure such that short ;long ;long ;(short + long)
golden shiner|shiner of eastern North America having golden glints;sometimes also called 'bream'
golden shower tree|deciduous or semi-evergreen tree having scented sepia to yellow flowers in drooping racemes and pods whose pulp is used medicinally;tropical Asia and Central and South America and Australia
golden star|California plant having grasslike leaves and showy orange flowers
golden thistle|any of several spiny Mediterranean herbs of the genus Scolymus having yellow flower heads
golden wattle|shrubby Australian tree having clusters of fragrant golden yellow flowers;widely cultivated as an ornamental
golden wedding anniversary|the 50th wedding anniversary
golden willow|European willow having greyish leaves and yellow-orange twigs used in basketry
golden yarrow|greyish woolly leafy perennial with branched stems ending in leafless stalks bearing golden-yellow flower heads;dry areas western North America
golden years|the time of life after retirement from active work
golden-beard penstemon|plant of southwestern United States having long open clusters of scarlet flowers with yellow hairs on lower lip
goldenbush|a plant of the genus Haplopappus;any of various much-branched yellow-flowered shrubs of the genus Chrysothamnus;western North America
goldeneye|a variety of green lacewing;large-headed swift-flying diving duck of Arctic regions
goldenrod|any of numerous chiefly summer-blooming and fall-blooming North American plants especially of the genus Solidago
goldenseal|perennial herb of northeastern United States having a thick knotted yellow rootstock and large rounded leaves
goldfield|a district where gold is mined
goldfields|small slender woolly annual with very narrow opposite leaves and branches bearing solitary golden-yellow flower heads;southwestern Oregon to Baja California and Arizona;often cultivated
goldfinch|small European finch having a crimson face and yellow-and-black wings
goldfish|small golden or orange-red freshwater fishes of Eurasia used as pond or aquarium fishes
goldfish bowl|a state of affairs in which you have no privacy - "the president lives in a goldfish bowl"
Goldie's fern|North American fern with a blackish lustrous stipe
goldilocks|early-flowering perennial of southern and southeastern Europe with flower heads resembling those of goldenrod
Golding|English novelist (1911-1993)
Goldman|United States anarchist (born in Russia) who opposed conscription;was deported to the Soviet Union in 1919 (1869-1940)
Goldmark|United States inventor (born in Hungary) who made the first TV broadcast in 1940 and invented the long-playing record in 1948 and pioneered videocassette recording (1906-1977)
goldmine|a good source of something that is desired;a mine where gold ore is found
Goldoni|prolific Italian dramatist (1707-1793)
Goldsboro|a town that is a major tobacco center in eastern North Carolina
goldsmith|an artisan who makes jewelry and other objects out of gold;Irish writer of novels and poetry and plays and essays (1728-1774)
goldstone|aventurine spangled densely with fine gold-colored particles
gold-tail moth|white furry-bodied European moth with a yellow tail tuft
goldthread|low-growing perennial of North America woodlands having trifoliate leaves and yellow rootstock and white flowers
Goldwyn|United States film maker (born in Poland) who founded his own film company and later merged with Louis B. Mayer (1882-1974)
golem|(Jewish folklore) an artificially created human being that is given life by supernatural means
golf|a game played on a large open course with 9 or 18 holes;the object is use as few strokes as possible in playing all the holes
golf bag|golf equipment consisting of a bag for carrying golf clubs and balls
golf ball|a small hard ball used in playing golf;dimpled to reduce wind resistance
golf club|a club of people to play golf;golf equipment used by a golfer to hit a golf ball
golf course|course consisting of a large landscaped area for playing golf
golf equipment|sports equipment used in playing golf
golf glove|a glove worn by golfers to give a firm grip on the handle of the golf club
golf lesson|a lesson in playing golf
golf pro|someone who earns a living by playing or teaching golf
golf range|a practice range for practicing golf shots
golf stroke|the act of swinging a golf club at a golf ball and (usually) hitting it
golf widow|a wife who is left alone much of the time because her husband is playing golf
golfcart|a small motor vehicle in which golfers can ride between shots
golf-club head|(golf) the head of the club which strikes the ball
golfer|someone who plays the game of golf
golfing|playing golf - "he goes south every winter for the golfing"
Golgi|Italian histologist noted for work on the structure of the nervous system and for his discovery of Golgi bodies (1844-1926)
Golgi body|a netlike structure in the cytoplasm of animal cells (especially in those cells that produce secretions)
Golgi's cell|a neuron in the cerebral cortex with short dendrites and with either a long axon or a short axon that ramifies in the grey matter
goliard|a wandering scholar in medieval Europe;famed for intemperance and riotous behavior and the composition of satirical and ribald Latin songs
Goliath|(Old Testament) a giant Philistine warrior who was slain by David with a slingshot
goliath frog|largest living frog;up to a foot and weighing up to 10 lbs;Africa
golliwog|a grotesque black doll
Goma|a city in eastern Congo at the northern end of Lake Kivu near the border with Rwanda
Gombrowicz|Polish author (1904-1969)
Gomorrah|(Old Testament) an ancient city near the Dead Sea that (along with Sodom) was destroyed by God for the vice and depravity of its inhabitants
Gompers|United States labor leader (born in England) who was president of the American Federation of Labor from 1886 to 1924 (1850-1924)
gomphothere|extinct elephants of Central American and South America;of the Miocene and Pleistocene
Gomphotheriidae|elephants extinct since the Pleistocene
Gomphotherium|type genus of the Gomphotheriidae
Gomphrena|genus of tropical herbs or subshrubs having flowers in close heads;tropical America and Australia
gonad|a gland in which gametes (sex cells) are produced
gonadotropin|hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and placenta;stimulates the gonads and controls reproductive activity
goncalo alves|tall tropical American timber tree especially abundant in eastern Brazil;yields hard strong durable zebrawood with straight grain and dark strips on a pinkish to yellowish ground;widely used for veneer and furniture and heavy construction
Goncourt|French writer who collaborated with his brother Edmond de Goncourt on many books (1830-1870);French writer who collaborated with his brother Jules de Goncourt on many books and who in his will established the Prix Goncourt (1822-1896)
Gond|a member of a formerly tribal people in south central India
gondang wax|a hard cream-colored wax obtained from a Javanese fig tree
Gondi|a Dravidian language spoken by the Gond in south central India
gondola|long narrow flat-bottomed boat propelled by sculling;traditionally used on canals of Venice
gondola car|a low flat-bottomed freight car with fixed sides but no roof
gondolier|a (Venetian) boatman who propels a gondola
Gondwanaland|a hypothetical continent that (according to plate tectonic theory) broke up later into India and Australia and Africa and South America and Antarctica
goner|a person in desperate straits;someone doomed - "I'm a goner if this plan doesn't work"
gong|a percussion instrument consisting of a metal plate that is struck with a softheaded drumstick
Gongora|a Spanish poet whose work was characterized by an affected elegance of style (1561-1627)
Gongorism|an affected elegance of style that was introduced into Spanish literature by the poet Gongora
Gongorist|a practitioner of the affected elegant style of the Spanish poet Gongora
gonif|(Yiddish) a thief or dishonest person or scoundrel (often used as a general term of abuse)
goniometer|direction finder that determines the angular direction of incoming radio signals
gonion|the craniometric point on either side at the apex of the lower jaw
Goniopteris|terrestrial ferns of Florida and West Indies to Central and South America
gonioscopy|an examination of the front part of the eye to check the angle where the iris meets the cornea;it is used to distinguish between open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma
Gonne|Irish patriot and a founder of the Sinn Fein (1865-1953)
gonococcus|the pus-producing bacterium that causes gonorrhea
Gonorhynchidae|coextensive with the genus Gonorhynchus
Gonorhynchus|slender cylindrical marine fishes lacking air bladders and teeth
gonorrhea|a common venereal disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae;symptoms are painful urination and pain around the urethra
good|benefit - "for your own good" - "what's the good of worrying?";moral excellence or admirableness - "there is much good to be found in people";that which is pleasing or valuable or useful - "weigh the good against the bad" - "among the highest goods of all are happiness and self-realization"
good afternoon|a conventional expression of greeting or farewell
good authority|testimony by someone who should know - "I have it on good authority"
good continuation|a Gestalt principle of organization holding that there is an innate tendency to perceive a line as continuing its established direction
good egg|(old-fashioned slang) a good person
good faith|having honest intentions - "he acted in good faith" - "doubt was expressed as to the good faith of the immigrants"
good form|behavior that conforms to social conventions of the time - "it is not good form to brag about winning"
good fortune|an auspicious state resulting from favorable outcomes
Good Friday|Friday before Easter
good guy|any person who is on your side
good health|the state of being vigorous and free from bodily or mental disease
good humor|a cheerful and agreeable mood
good luck|a stroke of luck
good morning|a conventional expression of greeting or farewell
good nature|a cheerful, obliging disposition
good night|a conventional expression of farewell
good old boy|a white male Southerner with an unpretentious convivial manner and conservative or intolerant attitudes and a strong sense of fellowship with and loyalty to other members of his peer group
good part|a place of especial strength
good person|a person who is good to other people
good Samaritan|a person who voluntarily offers help or sympathy in times of trouble
good time|a highly pleasurable or exciting experience - "we had a good time at the party"
good weather|weather suitable for outdoor activities
good will|(accounting) an intangible asset valued according to the advantage or reputation a business has acquired (over and above its tangible assets);the friendly hope that something will succeed
good word|good news
Goodall|English zoologist noted for her studies of chimpanzees in the wild (born in 1934)
Goodenia|a genus of shrubs and herbs that grow in Australia and New Guinea and Malaysia and southeast Asia
Goodeniaceae|a family of sappy plants that grow in Australasia and southeast China
good-king-henry|European plant naturalized in North America;often collected from the wild as a potherb
Goodman|United States clarinetist who in 1934 formed a big band (including black as well as white musicians) and introduced a kind of jazz known as swing (1909-1986)
good-temperedness|a cheerful willingness to be obliging
Goodyear|United States inventor of vulcanized rubber (1800-1860)
Goodyera|genus of small orchids of the northern hemisphere with creeping rhizomes and stalked ovate leaves and small flowers
goody-goody|a person who behaves extremely well in order to please a superior
Goofy|a cartoon character created by Walt Disney
Google|a widely used search engine that uses text-matching techniques to find web pages that are important and relevant to a user's search
googly|a cricket ball bowled as if to break one way that actually breaks in the opposite way
googol|a cardinal number represented as 1 followed by 100 zeros (ten raised to the power of a hundred)
googolplex|a cardinal number represented as 1 followed by a googol of zeros (ten raised to the power of a googol)
gook|(slang) a disparaging term for an Asian person (especially for North Vietnamese soldiers in the Vietnam War)
goosander|common merganser of Europe and North America
goose|flesh of a goose (domestic or wild);web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks
goose barnacle|stalked barnacle that attaches to ship bottoms or floating timbers
goose down|down of the goose
goose grass|annual weedy grass used for hay
goose grease|grease derived from geese
goose liver|liver of a goose used as meat
goose step|a manner of marching with legs straight and swinging high
gooseberry|currant-like berry used primarily in jams and jellies;spiny Eurasian shrub having greenish purple-tinged flowers and ovoid yellow-green or red-purple berries
goosefish|fishes having large mouths with a wormlike filament attached for luring prey
goosefoot|any of various weeds of the genus Chenopodium having small greenish flowers
gooseneck|something in a thin curved form (like the neck of a goose)
gooseneck loosestrife|a variety of the loosestrife herb
gopher|burrowing rodent of the family Geomyidae having large external cheek pouches;of Central America and southwestern North America
gopher hole|a hole in the ground made by gophers
gopher snake|bull snake of western North America that invades rodent burrows
gopher tortoise|burrowing edible land tortoise of southeastern North America
Gopherus|gopher tortoises
goral|small goat antelope with small conical horns;of southern Asian mountains
Gorbachev|Soviet statesman whose foreign policy brought an end to the Cold War and whose domestic policy introduced major reforms (born in 1931)
Gordian knot|an intricate knot tied by Gordius, the king of Phrygia, and cut by the sword of Alexander the Great after he heard that whoever undid it would become ruler of Asia;any very difficult problem;insoluble in its own terms
Gordimer|South African novelist and short-story writer whose work describes the effects of apartheid (born in 1923)
Gordius|legendary king of ancient Phrygia who was said to be responsible for the Gordian knot
Gordon setter|a Scottish breed with a black-and-tan coat
gore|a piece of cloth that is generally triangular or tapering;used in making garments or umbrellas or sails;coagulated blood from a wound;Vice President of the United States under Bill Clinton (born in 1948)
Gorgas|United States Army surgeon who suppressed yellow fever in Havana and in the Panama Canal Zone (1854-1920)
gorge|a deep ravine (usually with a river running through it)
gorgerin|the molding at the top of a column
gorget|armor plate that protects the neck
Gorgon|(Greek mythology) any of three winged sister monsters and the mortal Medusa who had live snakes for hair;a glance at Medusa turned the beholder to stone
Gorgonacea|red corals and sea fans
gorgonian|corals having a horny or calcareous branching skeleton
Gorgonocephalus|basket stars
gorgonzola|Italian blue cheese
gorilla|largest anthropoid ape;terrestrial and vegetarian;of forests of central west Africa
Goring|German politician in Nazi Germany who founded the Gestapo and mobilized Germany for war (1893-1946)
Gorky|Russian writer of plays and novels and short stories;noted for his depiction of social outcasts
gorse|very spiny and dense evergreen shrub with fragrant golden-yellow flowers;common throughout western Europe
Gosainthan|a mountain in the Himalayas in Tibet (26,290 feet high)
goshawk|large hawk of Eurasia and North America used in falconry
gosling|young goose
go-slow|a form of protest by workers in which they deliberately slow down in order to cause problem from their employers
gospel|a doctrine that is believed to be of great importance - "Newton's writings were gospel for those who followed";an unquestionable truth - "his word was gospel";folk music consisting of a genre of a cappella music originating with Black slaves in the United States and featuring call and response;influential on the development of other genres of popular music (especially soul);the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Christ's life and teachings
gossamer|a gauze fabric with an extremely fine texture
gossip|a person given to gossiping and divulging personal information about others;a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people - "the divorce caused much gossip"
gossip columnist|a journalist who writes a column of gossip about celebrities
gossiping|a conversation that spreads personal information about other people
Gossypium|herbs and shrubs and small trees;cotton
Gota Canal|a canal for small oceangoing ships to enter Lake Vanern in Sweden
Goteborg|a port in southwestern Sweden;second largest city in Sweden
Goth|one of the Teutonic people who invaded the Roman Empire in the 3rd to 5th centuries
Gothic|a heavy typeface in use from 15th to 18th centuries;a style of architecture developed in northern France that spread throughout Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries;characterized by slender vertical piers and counterbalancing buttresses and by vaulting and pointed arches;extinct East Germanic language of the ancient Goths;the only surviving record being fragments of a 4th-century translation of the Bible by Bishop Ulfilas
Gothic arch|a pointed arch;usually has a joint (instead of a keystone) at the apex
Gothic romance|a romance that deals with desolate and mysterious and grotesque events
Gothic romancer|a writer of Gothic romances
Gotterdammerung|myth about the ultimate destruction of the gods in a battle with evil
gouache|a watercolor executed with opaque watercolors mixed with gum;an opaque watercolor prepared with gum
Gouda|mild cream-colored Dutch cheese shaped in balls
Goudy|United States printer noted for designing typefaces (1865-1947)
gouge|and edge tool with a blade like a trough for cutting channels or grooves;the act of gouging
gouger|an attacker who gouges out the antagonist's eye
goulash|a rich meat stew highly seasoned with paprika
Gould|United States financier who gained control of the Erie Canal and who caused a financial panic in 1869 when he attempted to corner the gold market (1836-1892);United States paleontologist and popularizer of science (1941-2002)
Gounod|French composer best remembered for his operas (1818-1893)
gourd|any of numerous inedible fruits with hard rinds;any vine of the family Cucurbitaceae that bears fruits with hard rinds;bottle made from the dried shell of a bottle gourd
gourde|the basic unit of money in Haiti
gourmand|a person who is devoted to eating and drinking to excess
gourmandism|the disposition and habits of a gourmand
gout|a painful inflammation of the big toe and foot caused by defects in uric acid metabolism resulting in deposits of the acid and its salts in the blood and joints
Governador Valadares|a city in eastern Brazil to the northeast of Belo Horizonte
governed|the body of people who are citizens of a particular government - "governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed"--Declaration of Independence
governess|a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)
governing board|a board that manages the affairs of an institution
government|(government) the system or form by which a community or other political unit is governed - "tyrannical government";the act of governing;exercising authority - "he had considerable experience of government";the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit - "the government reduced taxes"
Government Accounting Office|an independent nonpartisan federal agency that acts as the investigative arm of Congress making the executive branch accountable to Congress and the government accountable to citizens of the United States
government agent|a representative or official of a government or administrative department of a government
government bond|a bond that is an IOU of the United States Treasury;considered the safest security in the investment world
government building|a building that houses a branch of government
government department|a department of government
government income|income available to the government
government office|an office where government employees work
government officials|people elected or appointed to administer a government
government security|a security issued by United States government agencies or the Farm Credit System
government-in-exile|a temporary government moved to or formed in a foreign land by exiles who hope to rule when their country is liberated
governor|a control that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by controlling the supply of fuel);the head of a state government
governor general|a governor of high rank
governor's plum|small shrubby tree of Madagascar cultivated in tropical regions as a hedge plant and for its deep red acid fruits resembling small plums
governor's race|a race for election to the governorship
governorship|the office of governor
gowen cypress|small sometimes shrubby tree native to California;often used as an ornamental;in some classification systems includes the pygmy cypress and the Santa Cruz cypress
gown|a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions;outerwear consisting of a long flowing garment used for official or ceremonial occasions;protective garment worn by surgeons during operations;the members of a university as distinguished from the other residents of the town in which the university is located - "the relations between town and gown are always sensitive"
Goya|Spanish painter well known for his portraits and for his satires (1746-1828)
Graafian follicle|a vascular body in a mammalian ovary enclosing a developing egg
grab|a mechanical device for gripping an object
grab bag|a container from which a person draws a wrapped item at random without knowing the contents;an assortment of miscellaneous items
grab bar|a bar attached parallel to a wall to provide a handgrip for steadying yourself
grab sample|a single sample or measurement taken at a specific time or over as short a period as feasible
grabber|an unpleasant person who grabs inconsiderately
grace|(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God;the state of one who is under such divine influence - "the conception of grace developed alongside the conception of sin" - "it was debated whether saving grace could be obtained outside the membership of the church" - "the Virgin lived in a state of grace";(Christian theology) the free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God - "God's grace is manifested in the salvation of sinners" - "there but for the grace of God go I";a disposition to kindness and compassion - "the victor's grace in treating the vanquished";a short prayer of thanks before a meal - "their youngest son said grace";elegance and beauty of movement or expression - "a beautiful figure which she used in subtle movements of unparalleled grace";(Greek mythology) one of three sisters who were the givers of beauty and charm;a favorite subject for sculptors
grace cup|cup to be passed around for the final toast after a meal
grace note|an embellishing note usually written in smaller size
gracefulness|beautiful carriage
gracelessness|an unpleasant lack of grace in carriage or form or movement or expression
gracilariid|small dull or metallic-colored tineoid moths whose larvae mine in plant leaves
Gracilariidae|leaf miners
graciousness|excellence of manners or social conduct
grackle|long-tailed American blackbird having iridescent black plumage
Gracula|mynas
grad|one-hundredth of a right angle
gradable opposition|an opposition that is capable of being graded
gradation|relative position in a graded series - "subtle gradations in color";the act of arranging in grades
grade|a degree of ablaut;a relative position or degree of value in a graded group - "lumber of the highest grade";a variety of cattle produced by crossbreeding with a superior breed;the gradient of a slope or road or other surface - "the road had a steep grade";the height of the ground on which something stands - "the base of the tower was below grade"
grade point|a numerical value assigned to a letter grade received in a course taken at a college or university multiplied by the number of credit hours awarded for the course
grade point average|a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university;calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
grade school|a school for young children;usually the first 6 or 8 grades
grade separation|a crossing that uses an underpass or overpass
grader|a judge who assigns grades to something
gradient|a graded change in the magnitude of some physical quantity or dimension;the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the horizontal - "a five-degree gradient"
grading|changing the ground level to a smooth horizontal or gently sloping surface
gradual|(Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass
graduality|the quality of being gradual or of coming about by gradual stages
gradualness|the property possessed by a slope that is very gradual
graduate|a measuring instrument for measuring fluid volume;a glass container (cup or cylinder or flask) whose sides are marked with or divided into amounts
graduate nurse|someone who has completed the course of study (including hospital practice) at a nurses training school
graduate school|a school in a university offering study leading to degrees beyond the bachelor's degree
graduate student|a student who continues studies after graduation
graduated cylinder|a cylindrical graduate
graduating class|the body of students who graduate together this year
graduation|a line (as on a vessel or ruler) that marks a measurement - "the ruler had 16 graduations per inch";the successful completion of a program of study
Graf|German tennis player who won seven women's singles titles at Wimbledon (born in 1969)
graffito|a rude decoration inscribed on rocks or walls
graft|(surgery) tissue or organ transplanted from a donor to a recipient;in some cases the patient can be both donor and recipient;the act of grafting something onto something else
Graham|United States dancer and choreographer whose work was noted for its austerity and technical rigor (1893-1991);United States evangelical preacher famous as a mass evangelist (born in 1918)
graham bread|bread made of graham (whole wheat) flour
graham cracker|semisweet whole-wheat cracker
Grahame|English writer (born in Scotland) of children's stories (1859-1932)
grail|(legend) chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper;the object of any prolonged endeavor
grain|1/60 dram;equals an avoirdupois grain or 64.799 milligrams;1/7000 pound;equals a troy grain or 64.799 milligrams;a cereal grass - "wheat is a grain that is grown in Kansas";a relatively small granular particle of a substance - "a grain of sand" - "a grain of sugar";a weight unit used for pearls or diamonds;50 mg or 1/4 carat;dry seed-like fruit produced by the cereal grasses;e.g. wheat, barley, Indian corn;foodstuff prepared from the starchy grains of cereal grasses;the direction, texture, or pattern of fibers found in wood or leather or stone or in a woven fabric - "saw the board across the grain";the side of leather from which the hair has been removed;the smallest possible unit of anything - "there was a grain of truth in what he said" - "he does not have a grain of sense"
grain merchant|a merchant who deals in food grains
grain moth|moth whose larvae feed on grain
grain sorghum|any of several sorghums cultivated primarily for grain
grainfield|a field where grain is grown
Grainger|United States composer (born in Australia) who lived in London and collected English folk songs (1882-1961)
graining|a texture like that of wood
grains of paradise|West African plant bearing pungent peppery seeds
grainy club|a variety of grainy club mushrooms
gram|a metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram;Danish physician and bacteriologist who developed a method of staining bacteria to distinguish among them (1853-1938)
gram atom|the quantity of an element whose weight in grams is numerically equal to the atomic weight of the element
gram molecule|the molecular weight of a substance expressed in grams;the basic unit of amount of substance adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
grama|pasture grass of plains of South America and western North America
gramicidin|an antibiotic produced by a soil bacterium;used chiefly as an antiseptic in treating local infections produced by Gram-positive bacteria
Graminales|grasses;sedges;rushes
Gramineae|the grasses;chiefly herbaceous but some woody plants including cereals;bamboo;reeds;sugar cane
gramineous plant|cosmopolitan herbaceous or woody plants with hollow jointed stems and long narrow leaves
grammar|the branch of linguistics that deals with syntax and morphology (and sometimes also deals with semantics)
grammar school|a secondary school emphasizing Latin and Greek in preparation for college
grammarian|a linguist who specializes in the study of grammar and syntax
grammatical category|(grammar) a category of words having the same grammatical properties
grammatical meaning|the meaning of a word that depends on its role in a sentence;varies with inflectional form
grammatical relation|a linguistic relation established by grammar
grammatical rule|a linguistic rule for the syntax of grammatical utterances
Grammatophyllum|small genus of large epiphytic or terrestrial orchids of southeastern Asia to Polynesia;the giants of the Orchidaceae having long narrow leaves and drooping flower clusters often 6 feet long
gramophone|an antique record player;the sound of the vibrating needle is amplified acoustically
grampus|slaty-grey blunt-nosed dolphin common in northern seas
Gram's method|a staining technique used to classify bacteria;bacteria are stained with gentian violet and then treated with Gram's solution;after being decolorized with alcohol and treated with safranine and washed in water, those that retain the gentian violet are Gram-positive and those that do not retain it are Gram-negative
Gram's solution|a solution used in staining bacteria by Gram's method;consists of one part iodine and two parts potassium iodide and 300 parts water
Gran Santiago|the capital and largest city of Chile;located in central Chile;one of the largest cities in South America
Granada|a city in southeastern Spain that was the capital of the Moorish kingdom until it was captured by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492;site of the Alhambra (a palace and fortress built by Moors in the Middle Ages) which is now a major tourist attraction
granadilla|Brazilian passionflower cultivated for its deep purple fruit;considered best for fruit;the egg-shaped edible fruit of tropical American vines related to passionflowers;tropical American passionflower yielding the large granadilla fruit
granadilla tree|West Indian tree yielding a fine grade of green ebony
granadilla wood|dark red hardwood derived from the cocobolo and used in making musical instruments e.g. clarinets
granary|a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed
Grand Canal|an inland waterway 1000 miles long in eastern China;extends from Tianjin in the north to Hangzhou in the south;the major waterway in Venice, Italy
Grand Canyon|the enormous gorge of the Colorado River in northern Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park|a national park in Arizona including the mile deep canyon of the Colorado River which shows geologic features and fossil plants and animals
grand circle|a gymnastic exercise performed on the horizontal bar by swinging around it with the body fully extended
grand dragon|a high ranking person in the Ku Klux Klan
grand duchess|the wife of a grand duke or a woman holding that rank in her own right
grand duchy|the domain controlled by a grand duke or grand duchess
grand duke|a prince who rules a territory
Grand Guignol|a play of a macabre or horrific nature
Grand Inquisitor|director of the court of Inquisition (especially in Spain and Portugal)
Grand Island|a town in south central Nebraska
grand jury|a jury to inquire into accusations of crime and to evaluate the grounds for indictments
grand larceny|larceny of property having a value greater than some amount (the amount varies by locale)
grand mal|a seizure during which the patient becomes unconscious and has convulsions over the entire body
grand mal epilepsy|epilepsy in which the attacks involve loss of consciousness and tonic spasms of the musculature followed by generalized jerking
Grand Marnier|an orange-flavored French liqueur
grand mufti|the chief mufti of a district
Grand National|an annual steeplechase run in Liverpool, England
grand opera|opera in which all the text is sung
grand piano|a piano with the strings on a horizontal harp-shaped frame;usually supported by three legs
Grand Prix|one of several international races
Grand Rapids|a city in west central Michigan;noted for manufacturing furniture
Grand River|a river in southern Michigan that flows northwest to empty into Lake Michigan
grand slam|winning all of the tricks in a hand of bridge
Grand Teton|a mountain peak in northwestern Wyoming;the highest peak in the Teton Range (13,766 feet high)
Grand Teton National Park|a national park in Wyoming featuring mountains
grand total|the sum of the sums of several groups of numbers
grand tour|a sightseeing tour of a building or institution;an extended cultural tour of Europe taken by wealthy young Englishmen (especially in the 18th century) as part of their education
grandchild|a child of your son or daughter
granddaughter|a female grandchild
grande dame|a middle-aged or elderly woman who is stylish and highly respected
grandee|a nobleman of highest rank in Spain or Portugal
grandfather|the father of your father or mother
grandfather clause|an exemption based on circumstances existing prior to the adoption of some policy;used to enfranchise illiterate whites in south after the American Civil War
grandfather clock|a pendulum clock enclosed in a tall narrow case
grandiosity|high-flown style;excessive use of verbal ornamentation - "the grandiosity of his prose"
grandma|the mother of your father or mother
grandmaster|a player of exceptional or world class skill in chess or bridge
grandparent|a parent of your father or mother
grandson|a male grandchild
grandstand|a stand at a racecourse or stadium consisting of tiers with rows of individual seats that are under a protective roof;the audience at a stadium or racetrack
grandstander|someone who performs with an eye to the applause from spectators in the grandstand
grange|an outlying farm
Granicus|the battle in which Alexander won his first major victory against the Persians (334 BC)
granite|plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture;generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz;something having the quality of granite (unyielding firmness) - "a man of granite"
graniteware|a kind of stone-grey enamelware
granny|an old woman
granny knot|a reef knot crossed the wrong way and therefore insecure
Granny Smith|apple with a green skin and hard tart flesh
granny's bonnets|common European columbine having variously colored (white or blue to purple or red) short-spurred flowers;naturalized in United States
granola|cereal made of especially rolled oats with dried fruits and nuts and honey or brown sugar
granola bar|cookie bar made of granola
grant|(law) a transfer of property by deed of conveyance;a right or privilege that has been granted;any monetary aid;the act of providing a subsidy;18th President of the United States;commander of the Union armies in the American Civil War (1822-1885);Scottish painter;cousin of Lytton Strachey and member of the Bloomsbury Group (1885-1978);United States actor (born in England) who was the elegant leading man in many films (1904-1986)
grantee|a recipient of a grant
granter|a person who grants or gives something
grant-in-aid|a grant from a central government to a local government;a grant to a person or school for some educational project
grantor|a person who makes a grant in legal form - "conveyed from grantor to grantee"
granular pearlite|if steel or iron cool very slowly the cementite may occur in globules instead of in layers
granulated sugar|sugar in the form of small grains
granulation|new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process;the act of forming something into granules or grains - "the granulation of medicines"
granule|a tiny grain
granulocyte|a leukocyte that has granules in its cytoplasm
granuloma|a tumor composed of granulation tissue resulting from injury or inflammation or infection
granuloma inguinale|a venereal disease caused by a bacterium of the genus Calymmatobacterium;characterized by a pimply rash of the skin in the genital and groin region
granville wilt|a bacterial wilt of tobacco plants
Granville-Barker|English actor and dramatist and critic and director noted for his productions of Shakespearean plays (1877-1946)
grape|any of numerous woody vines of genus Vitis bearing clusters of edible berries;any of various juicy fruit of the genus Vitis with green or purple skins;grow in clusters
grape arbor|an arbor where grapes are grown
grape fern|a fern of the genus Botrychium having a fertile frond bearing small grapelike clusters of spore cases
grape hyacinth|any of various early flowering spring hyacinths native to Eurasia having dense spikes of rounded blue flowers resembling bunches of small grapes
grape jelly|jelly made from grape juice
grape juice|the juice of grapes
grape louse|destructive to various grape plants
grapefruit|citrus tree bearing large round edible fruit having a thick yellow rind and juicy somewhat acid pulp;large yellow fruit with somewhat acid juicy pulp;usual serving consists of a half
grapefruit juice|the juice of grapefruits
grapefruit peel|strips of grapefruit peel cooked in sugar syrup and coated with sugar
grape-leaf begonia|tuberous or semi-tuberous South African begonia having shallowly lobed ovate leaves and small white flowers
grapeshot|a cluster of small projectiles fired together from a cannon to produce a hail of shot
grapevine|gossip spread by spoken communication
graph|a visual representation of the relations between certain quantities plotted with reference to a set of axes
graph paper|paper that has lines to permit drawing graphs
graphic|an image that is generated by a computer
graphic art|the arts of drawing or painting or printmaking
graphic design|visual communication by a skillful combination of text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, books, etc.
graphic designer|someone who specializes in graphic design
graphical user interface|a user interface based on graphics (icons and pictures and menus) instead of text;uses a mouse as well as a keyboard as an input device
graphics|the drawings and photographs in the layout of a book
graphite|used as a lubricant and as a moderator in nuclear reactors
graphologist|a specialist in inferring character from handwriting
graphology|the study of handwriting (especially as an indicator of the writer's character or disposition)
grapnel|a light anchor for small boats;a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding;often thrown with a rope
grappa|Italian brandy made from residue of grapes after pressing
Grappelli|French jazz violinist (1908-1997)
Graptophyllum|caricature plant
grasping|the act of gripping something firmly with the hands (or the tentacles);understanding with difficulty - "the lecture was beyond his most strenuous graspings"
Grass|German writer of novels and poetry and plays (born 1927);narrow-leaved green herbage;grown as lawns;used as pasture for grazing animals;cut and dried as hay
grass fern|epiphytic fern found in lowland forests of tropical America
grass frog|a common semiterrestrial European frog
grass pea|European annual grown for forage;seeds used for food in India and for stock elsewhere
grass pink|an orchid
grass poly|annual with small solitary pink flowers;originally of Europe but widely naturalized in moist areas
grass roots|the common people at a local level (as distinguished from the centers of political activity);the essential foundation or source - "the problem was attacked at the grass roots"
grass skirt|a skirt made of long blades of grass
grass snake|harmless European snake with a bright yellow collar;common in England
grass tree|any of several Australian evergreen perennials having short thick woody stems crowned by a tuft of grasslike foliage and yielding acaroid resins
grass vetch|annual European vetch with red flowers
grass widower|a man who is divorced from (or separated from) his wife
grassfinch|usually brightly-colored Australian weaverbirds;often kept as cage birds
grassfire|an uncontrolled fire in a grassy area
grasshopper|a cocktail made of creme de menthe and cream (sometimes with creme de cacao);terrestrial plant-eating insect with hind legs adapted for leaping
grasshopper mouse|insectivorous mouse of western North America
grassland|land where grass or grasslike vegetation grows and is the dominant form of plant life
grass-leaved golden aster|a variety of golden aster
grassy death camas|plant of western North America to Mexico;poisonous especially to grazing animals
grate|a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air;a frame of iron bars to hold a fire;a harsh rasping sound made by scraping something
grated cheese|hard or semihard cheese grated
gratefulness|warm friendly feelings of gratitude
grater|utensil with sharp perforations for shredding foods (as vegetables or cheese)
gratification|state of being gratified or satisfied - "dull repetitious work gives no gratification" - "to my immense gratification he arrived on time";the act or an instance of satisfying
gratitude|a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation - "he was overwhelmed with gratitude for their help"
gratuity|a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter);an award (as for meritorious service) given without claim or obligation
grave|a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone) - "he put flowers on his mother's grave";death of a person - "he went to his grave without forgiving me" - "from cradle to grave"
grave accent|a mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation
gravedigger|a person who earns a living by digging graves
gravel|rock fragments and pebbles
gravel pit|a quarry for gravel
gravelweed|perennial herb with yellow flowers;southern and south central United States
graveness|a manner that is serious and solemn
graver|a tool used by an engraver
graverobber|someone who steals valuables from graves or crypts;someone who takes bodies from graves and sells them for anatomical dissection
Graves|English writer known for his interest in mythology and in the classics (1895-1985)
Graves' disease|exophthalmos occurring in association with goiter;hyperthyroidism with protrusion of the eyeballs
gravestone|a stone that is used to mark a grave
graveyard watch|a watch during the night (as from midnight to 8 a.m.)
gravida|a pregnant woman;the number of the pregnancy that a woman is in - "in her third pregnancy a woman is said to be gravida three"
gravidity|technical terms for pregnancy
gravimeter|a measuring instrument for measuring variations in the gravitational field of the earth
gravimetric analysis|quantitative analysis by weight
gravitation|a figurative movement toward some attraction - "the gravitation of the middle class to the suburbs";movement downward resulting from gravitational attraction - "irrigation by gravitation rather than by pumps"
gravitational collapse|the implosion of a star resulting from its own gravity;the result is a smaller and denser celestial object
gravitational constant|(physics) the universal constant relating force to mass and distance in Newton's law of gravitation
gravitational field|a field of force surrounding a body of finite mass
gravitational interaction|a weak interaction between particles that results from their mass;mediated by gravitons
gravitational mass|(physics) the mass of a body as measured by its gravitational attraction for other bodies
graviton|a gauge boson that mediates the (extremely weak) gravitational interactions between particles
gravity|(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe;especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface - "the more remote the body the less the gravity" - "gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love"--Albert Einstein;a solemn and dignified feeling
gravity gradient|a gradient in the gravitational forces acting on different parts of a nonspherical object - "the gravity gradient of the moon causes the ocean tides on Earth"
gravity wave|(physics) a wave that is hypothesized to propagate gravity and to travel at the speed of light
gravity-assist|(spaceflight) a trajectory that passes close to a planetary body in order to gain energy from its gravitational field
gravure|a printing plate used in the process of gravure;an intaglio print produced by gravure;the act of intaglio printing
gravy|a sauce made by adding stock, flour, or other ingredients to the juice and fat that drips from cooking meats;the seasoned but not thickened juices that drip from cooking meats;often a little water is added
gravy boat|a dish (often boat-shaped) for serving gravy or sauce
gray|a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black;the SI unit of energy absorbed from ionizing radiation;equal to the absorption of one joule of radiation energy by one kilogram of matter;one gray equals 100 rad;American navigator who twice circumnavigated the globe and who discovered the Columbia River (1755-1806);English poet best known for his elegy written in a country churchyard (1716-1771);English radiobiologist in whose honor the gray (the SI unit of energy for the absorbed dose of radiation) was named (1905-1965);United States botanist who specialized in North American flora and who was an early supporter of Darwin's theories of evolution (1810-1888)
Graz|an industrial city is southeastern Austria
graze|a superficial abrasion;the act of grazing
grazier|a rancher who grazes cattle or sheep for market
grazing|the act of brushing against while passing
grazing fire|fire approximately parallel to the ground;the center of the cone of fire does rise above 1 meter from the ground
grease|a thick fatty oil (especially one used to lubricate machinery)
grease-gun|a hand-operated pump that resembles a revolver;forces grease into parts of a machine
greasepaint|a greasy substance used as makeup by actors
greaseproof paper|paper that is impermeable to oil or grease;used in cooking
greaser|(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Mexican descent
greasewood|low hardy much-branched spiny shrub common in alkaline soils of western America
greasiness|consisting of or covered with oil
greasy spoon|a small restaurant specializing in short-order fried foods
great|a person who has achieved distinction and honor in some field - "he is one of the greats of American music"
great ape|any of the large anthropoid apes of the family Pongidae
Great Attractor|a massive grouping of galaxies in the direction of Centaurus and Hydra whose gravitational attraction is believed to cause deviations in the paths of other galaxies
great auk|large flightless auk of rocky islands off northern Atlantic coasts;extinct
Great Australian Bight|a wide bay of the Indian Ocean in southern Australia;notorious for storms
great barracuda|large (up to 6 ft) greyish-brown barracuda highly regarded as a food and sport fish;may be dangerous to swimmers
Great Barrier Reef|the largest coral reef in the world;in the Coral Sea off the northeastern coast of Australia
Great Bear|a constellation outside the zodiac that rotates around the North Star
great blue heron|large American heron having bluish-grey plumage
great bowerbird|large bowerbird of northern Australia
Great Britain|an island comprising England and Scotland and Wales
great burdock|burdock having heart-shaped leaves found in open woodland, hedgerows and rough grassland of Europe (except extreme N) and Asia Minor;sometimes cultivated for medicinal and culinary use
great bustard|largest European land bird
great care|more attention and consideration than is normally bestowed by prudent persons - "the pilot exercised great care in landing"
great cerebral vein|a cerebral vein formed by the two internal cerebral veins and continuing into the sinus rectus
great circle|a circular line on the surface of a sphere formed by intersecting it with a plane passing through the center
great crested grebe|large Old World grebe with black ear tufts
Great Dane|very large powerful smooth-coated breed of dog
Great Depression|the economic crisis beginning with the stock market crash in 1929 and continuing through the 1930s
Great Divide|that part of the continental divide formed by the Rocky Mountains in the United States
Great Dividing Range|a mountain range running along the eastern coast of Australia
great duckweed|cosmopolitan except South America and New Zealand and some oceanic islands
Great Falls|a town in central Montana on the Missouri river;a center of extensive hydroelectric power
great grandchild|a child of your grandson or granddaughter
great granddaughter|a daughter of your grandson or granddaughter
great grandfather|a father of your grandparent
great grandmother|a mother of your grandparent
great grandparent|a parent of your grandparent
great grandson|a son of your grandson or granddaughter
great grey owl|large dish-faced owl of northern North America and western Eurasia
great gross|a cardinal number equal to one dozen gross
great hall|the principal hall in a castle or mansion;can be used for dining or entertainment
great horned owl|brown North American horned owl
great knapweed|tall European perennial having purple flower heads
Great Lakes|a group of five large, interconnected lakes in central North America
great lobelia|tall erect and very leafy perennial herb of eastern North America having dense spikes of blue flowers
great millet|important for human and animal food;growth habit and stem form similar to Indian corn but having sawtooth-edged leaves
Great Plains|a vast prairie region extending from Alberta and Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Canada south through the west central United States into Texas;formerly inhabited by Native Americans
great plains paintbrush|hairy plant with pinkish flowers;Great Plains to northern Mexico
Great Pyrenees|bred of large heavy-coated white dogs resembling the Newfoundland
great ragweed|a coarse annual with some leaves deeply and palmately three-cleft or five-cleft
Great Rift Valley|( geology) a depression in southwestern Asia and eastern Africa;extends from the valley of the Jordan River to Mozambique;marked by geological faults
Great Russian|a member of the chief stock of Russian people living in European Russia;used to distinguish ethnic Russians from other peoples incorporated into Russia
Great Salt Lake|a shallow body of salt water in northwestern Utah
Great Sandy Desert|a desert region in northwestern Australia to the north of the Gibson Desert
Great Schism|the period from 1378 to 1417 during which there were two papacies in the Roman Catholic Church, one in Rome and one in Avignon
great seal|the principal seal of a government, symbolizing authority or sovereignty
Great Seal of the United States|the seal of the United States government
great skua|large brown skua of the northern Atlantic
Great Slave Lake|a lake in the Northwest Territories in northwestern Canada;drained by the Mackenzie River
Great Smoky Mountains|part of the Appalachians between North Carolina and Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park|a national park in Tennessee and North Carolina that includes the highest mountain in the eastern United States
great snipe|Old World snipe larger and darker than the whole snipe
great Solomon's-seal|North American perennial herb with smooth foliage and drooping tubular greenish flowers
great St John's wort|perennial shrub having large star-shaped yellow flowers in narrowly pyramidal cymes
Great Victoria Desert|a desert region in south central Australia to the north of the Nullarbor Plain
great white heron|large white heron of Florida and the Florida Keys;widely distributed Old World white egret
great white shark|large aggressive shark widespread in warm seas;known to attack humans
great year|time required for one complete cycle of the precession of the equinoxes, about 25,800 years
great yellow gentian|robust European perennial having clusters of yellow flowers
great yellowcress|perennial herb found on streams and riversides throughout Europe except extreme north and Mediterranean;sometimes placed in genus Nasturtium
great-aunt|an aunt of your father or mother
greatcoat|a heavy coat worn over clothes in winter
Greater Antilles|a group of islands in the western West Indies
greater butterfly orchid|south European orchid with dark green flowers that are larger and less fragrant than Platanthera bifolia;sometimes placed in genus Habenaria
greater kudu|a variety of kudu
greater masterwort|European herb with aromatic roots and leaves in a basal tuft and showy compound umbels of white to rosy flowers
Greater New Orleans Bridge|twin cantilever bridges across the Mississippi at New Orleans
greater omentum|part of the peritoneum attached to the stomach and to the colon and covering the intestines
greater pichiciego|of southern South America
greater prairie chicken|the most common variety of prairie chicken
greater scaup|large scaup of North America having a greenish iridescence on the head of the male
greater spearwort|semiaquatic European crowfoot with leaves shaped like spears
Greater Sunda Islands|a chain of islands including Borneo and Celebes and Java and Sumatra
Greater Swiss Mountain dog|the largest of the four Swiss breeds
greater water parsnip|large stout white-flowered perennial found wild in shallow fresh water;Europe
greater whitethroat|greyish-brown Old World warbler with a white throat and underparts
greater yellowlegs|a variety of yellowlegs
greatest common divisor|the largest integer that divides without remainder into a set of integers
great-nephew|a son of your niece or nephew
greatness|the property possessed by something or someone of outstanding importance or eminence
great-niece|a daughter of your niece or nephew
great-uncle|an uncle of your father or mother
greave|armor plate that protects legs below the knee
greaves|the residue that remains after animal fat has been rendered
grebe|small compact-bodied almost completely aquatic bird that builds floating nests;similar to loons but smaller and with lobate rather than webbed feet
Grecian|a native or resident of Greece
Greco-Roman deity|a deity of classical mythology
Greco-Roman wrestling|a style of wrestling where the wrestlers are forbidden to tackle or trip or use holds below the waist
Greece|a republic in southeastern Europe on the southern part of the Balkan peninsula;known for grapes and olives and olive oil;ancient Greece;a country of city-states (especially Athens and Sparta) that reached its peak in the fifth century BCE
greed|excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves
greediness|an excessive desire for food;an excessive desire for wealth (usually in large amounts) - "the greediness of lawyers"
Greek|a native or inhabitant of Greece;the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages
Greek alphabet|the alphabet used by ancient Greeks
Greek architecture|the architecture of ancient Greece
Greek Catholic|a member of the Greek Orthodox Church
Greek cross|a cross with each of the four arms the same length
Greek deity|a deity worshipped by the ancient Greeks
Greek fire|a mixture used by Byzantine Greeks that was often shot at adversaries;catches fire when wetted
Greek mode|any of the descending diatonic scales in the music of classical Greece
Greek monetary unit|monetary unit in Greece
Greek mythology|the mythology of the ancient Greeks
Greek Orthodox Church|state church of Greece;an autonomous part of the Eastern Orthodox Church
Greek partridge|of mountainous areas of southern Europe
Greek valerian|erect or spreading perennial of the eastern United States
Greeley|United States journalist with political ambitions (1811-1872)
Green|a river that rises in western Wyoming and flows southward through Utah to become a tributary of the Colorado River;an environmentalist who belongs to the Green Party;United States labor leader who was president of the American Federation of Labor from 1924 to 1952 and who led the struggle with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (1873-1952);an area of closely cropped grass surrounding the hole on a golf course;green color or pigment;resembling the color of growing grass
green adder's mouth|North American orchid having a solitary leaf and flowers with threadlike petals
green alder|North American shrub with light green leaves and winged nuts;shrub of mountainous areas of Europe
green algae|algae that are clear green in color;often growing on wet ricks or damp wood or the surface of stagnant water
green arrow arum|perennial herb of the eastern United States having arrowhead-shaped leaves and an elongate pointed spathe and green berries
green ash|a variety of red ash having glossy branchlets and lower leaf surfaces
Green Bay|a city of eastern Wisconsin on an arm of Lake Michigan
green bean|a common bean plant cultivated for its slender green edible pods;immature bean pod eaten as a vegetable
Green Beret|a soldier who is a member of the United States Army Special Forces
green bristlegrass|European foxtail naturalized in North America;often a troublesome weed
green card|a card that identifies the bearer as an alien with permanent resident status in the United States - "he was surprised to discover that green cards are no longer green"
green douglas fir|lofty douglas fir of northwestern North America having short needles and egg-shaped cones
green dragon|early spring-flowering plant of eastern North America resembling the related jack-in-the-pulpit but having digitate leaves, slender greenish yellow spathe and elongated spadix
green frog|similar to bullfrog;found in or near marshes and ponds;of United States and Canada
green gentian|tall herb with panicles of white flowers flushed with green;northwestern United States;sometimes placed in genus Swertia
green gland|one of a pair of glands (believed to have excretory functions) in some crustaceans near the base of the large antennae
green gold|a gold alloy (at least 14 karat gold with silver or silver and cadmium) that has a green appearance
green hellebore|deciduous plant with large deep green pedate leaves and nodding saucer-shaped green flowers
green June beetle|large greenish June beetle of southern United States
green lacewing|pale green unpleasant-smelling lacewing fly having carnivorous larvae
green light|a signal to proceed;permission to proceed with a project or to take action - "the gave the green light for construction to begin"
Green Line|the border marking the boundaries of the land that Israel won in its 1948 war of independence
green lizard|a common Eurasian lizard about a foot long
green mamba|green phase of the black mamba
green manure|a growing crop that is plowed under to enrich soil
green mayonnaise|mayonnaise with tarragon or dill and chopped watercress and spinach or cucumber
green monkey|common savannah monkey with greenish-grey back and yellow tail
Green Mountains|a range of the Appalachian Mountains that extends from south to north through Vermont
green mushroom pimple|a variety of mushroom pimple
green olive|olives picked green and pickled in brine;infrequently stuffed with e.g. pimento
green onion|a young onion before the bulb has enlarged;eaten in salads
green paper|a preliminary report of government proposals that is published in order to stimulate discussion
Green Party|an environmentalist political party
green pea|fresh pea
green pea soup|made of fresh green peas and stock with shredded lettuce onion and celery
green peach aphid|yellowish green aphid that is especially destructive to peaches
green peafowl|peafowl of southeast Asia
green pepper|a sweet pepper that becomes red when ripe
green revolution|the introduction of pesticides and high-yield grains and better management during the 1960s and 1970s which greatly increased agricultural productivity
green salad|tossed salad composed primarily of salad greens
green smut|disease of rice;grains covered by a green powder consisting of conidia
green smut fungus|fungus causing green smut in rice
green snake|any of numerous African colubrid snakes;either of two North American chiefly insectivorous snakes that are green in color
green soybean|seeds shelled and cooked as lima beans
green spleenwort|a small fern with slim green fronds;widely distributed in cool parts of northern hemisphere
green tea|tea leaves that have been steamed and dried without fermenting
green thumb|a special ability to make plants grow
green turtle|large tropical turtle with greenish flesh used for turtle soup
green woodpecker|woodpecker of Europe and western Asia
Greenback Party|a former political party in the United States;organized in 1874;opposed any reduction in the amount of paper money in circulation
greenbelt|a belt of parks or rural land surrounding a town or city
Greenberg|United States linguist who studied the historical relations among 5,000 languages (1916-2001)
greenbottle|blowfly with brilliant coppery green body
Greene|English novelist and Catholic (1904-1991)
greenery|green foliage
greeneye|bottom-dwellers having large eyes with metallic green luster
greenfly|greenish aphid;pest on garden and crop plants
greengage|sweet green or greenish-yellow variety of plum
greengrocer|a grocer who sells fresh fruits and vegetables
greengrocery|a greengrocer's grocery store;groceries sold by a greengrocer
greenhouse|a building with glass walls and roof;for the cultivation and exhibition of plants under controlled conditions
greenhouse effect|warming that results when solar radiation is trapped by the atmosphere;caused by atmospheric gases that allow sunshine to pass through but absorb heat that is radiated back from the warmed surface of the earth
greenhouse gas|a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation
greenhouse whitefly|whitefly that inhabits greenhouses
greenish blue|a shade of blue tinged with green
greenish yellow|a shade of yellow tinged with green
greenishness|the property of being somewhat green
Greenland|the largest island in the world;lies between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean;a self-governing province of Denmark
Greenland Sea|part of the Arctic Ocean to the north of Iceland
greenling|food fish of the northern Pacific
greenmail|(corporation) the practice of purchasing enough shares in a firm to threaten a takeover and thereby forcing the owners to buy those shares back at a premium in order to stay in business
greenness|the lush appearance of flourishing vegetation;the state of not being ripe
greenockite|ore of cadmium;a rare yellowish mineral consisting of cadmium sulphide in crystalline form
Greenpeace|an international organization that works for environmental conservation and the preservation of endangered species
greenroom|a backstage room in a theater where performers rest or have visitors
greens|any of various leafy plants or their leaves and stems eaten as vegetables
greensand|an olive-green sandstone containing glauconite
Greensboro|a city of north central North Carolina
greenshank|large European sandpiper with greenish legs
greenskeeper|someone responsible for the maintenance of a golf course
greenstick fracture|a partial fracture of a bone (usually in children);the bone is bent but broken on only one side
green-tailed towhee|towhee of the Rocky Mountains
Greenville|a city in eastern North Carolina;tobacco market;a town in northwest South Carolina in the Piedmont;a town in western Mississippi on the Mississippi River to the north of Vicksburg
Greenwich|a borough of Greater London on the Thames;zero degrees of longitude runs through Greenwich;time is measured relative to Greenwich Mean Time
Greenwich Mean Time|the local time at the 0 meridian passing through Greenwich, England;it is the same everywhere
Greenwich Meridian|the meridian passing through Greenwich;was internationally adopted as the earth's zero of longitude in 1884
Greenwich Village|a mainly residential district of Manhattan;'the Village' became a home for many writers and artists in the 20th century
greenwing|common teal of Eurasia and North America
greenwood|woodlands in full leaf - "the greenwood was Robin Hood's home"
greeter|a person who greets - "the newcomers were met by smiling greeters"
greeting|(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
greeting card|a card sent to express personal greetings
gregarine|vermiform protozoans parasitic in insects and other invertebrates
Gregarinida|an order in the subclass Telosporidia
gregariousness|the quality of being gregarious--having a dislike of being alone
Gregorian calendar|the solar calendar now in general use, introduced by Gregory XIII in 1582 to correct an error in the Julian calendar by suppressing 10 days, making Oct 5 be called Oct 15, and providing that only centenary years divisible by 400 should be leap years;it was adopted by Great Britain and the American colonies in 1752
Gregorian calendar month|a month in the Gregorian calendar
Gregory|(Roman Catholic Church) a church father known for his constant fight against perceived heresies;a saint and Doctor of the Church (329-391);(Roman Catholic Church) an Italian pope distinguished for his spiritual and temporal leadership;a saint and Doctor of the Church (540?-604);Italian pope from 1831 to 1846;conservative in politics and theology;worked to propagate Catholicism in England and the United States (1765-1846);the Italian pope from 1406 to 1415 who worked to end the Great Schism and who retired to make it possible (1327-1417);the Italian pope who fought to establish the supremacy of the pope over the Roman Catholic Church and the supremacy of the church over the state (1020-1085);the pope who sponsored the introduction of the modern calendar (1572-1585)
greisen|a granitic rock composed of quartz and mica
Grenada|an island state in the West Indies in the southeastern Caribbean Sea;an independent state within the British Commonwealth
Grenada dollar|the basic unit of money in Grenada
grenade|a small explosive bomb thrown by hand or fired from a missile
Grenadian|a native or inhabitant of Grenada
grenadier|an infantryman equipped with grenades;deep-sea fish with a large head and body and long tapering tail
grenadine|thin syrup made from pomegranate juice;used in mixed drinks
Grenoble|a city in southeastern France on the Isere River
Gresham|English financier (1519-1579)
Gresham's Law|(economics) the principle that when two kinds of money having the same denominational value are in circulation the intrinsically more valuable money will be hoarded and the money of lower intrinsic value will circulate more freely until the intrinsically more valuable money is driven out of circulation;bad money drives out good;credited to Sir Thomas Gresham
Gretzky|high-scoring Canadian ice-hockey player (born in 1961)
grevillea|any shrub or tree of the genus Grevillea
grevy's zebra|zebra with less continuous stripes
Grewia|a genus of tropical and subtropical Old World climbers or shrubs or trees
grey|any organization or party whose uniforms or badges are grey - "the Confederate army was a vast grey";clothing that is a grey color - "he was dressed in grey";horse of a light gray or whitish color;Englishman who as Prime Minister implemented social reforms including the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire (1764-1845);Queen of England for nine days in 1553;she was quickly replaced by Mary Tudor and beheaded for treason (1537-1554);United States writer of western adventure novels (1875-1939)
grey alder|native to Europe but introduced in America
grey area|an intermediate area;a topic that is not clearly one thing or the other
grey birch|medium-sized birch of eastern North America having white or pale grey bark and valueless wood;occurs often as a second-growth forest tree
grey flounder|flounder found from North Carolina to Florida and the eastern Gulf of Mexico
grey fox|dark grey American fox;from Central America through southern United States
grey goldenrod|a dyer's weed of Canada and the eastern United States having yellow flowers sometimes used in dyeing
grey kingbird|a kingbird that breeds in the southeastern United States and winters in tropical America;similar to but larger than the eastern kingbird
grey lemming|Old World lemming
grey market|an unofficial market in which goods are bought and sold at prices lower than the official price set by a regulatory agency
grey matter|greyish nervous tissue containing cell bodies as well as fibers;forms the cerebral cortex consisting of unmyelinated neurons
grey polypody|fern growing on rocks or tree trunks and having fronds greyish and scurfy below;Americas and South Africa
grey poplar|large rapidly growing poplar with faintly lobed dentate leaves grey on the lower surface;native to Europe but introduced and naturalized elsewhere
grey skate|common European skate used as food
grey snapper|found in shallow waters off the coast of Florida
grey sole|greyish-white flesh of a flatfish
grey whale|medium-sized greyish-black whale of the northern Pacific
grey willow|Eurasian shrubby willow with whitish tomentose twigs
greyback|a dowitcher with a grey back
greyhen|female black grouse
greyhound|a tall slender dog of an ancient breed noted for swiftness and keen sight;used as a racing dog
greyhound racing|the sport of racing greyhounds
greylag|common grey wild goose of Europe;ancestor of many domestic breeds
Grias|anchovy pear tree
grid|a cooking utensil of parallel metal bars;used to grill fish or meat;a pattern of regularly spaced horizontal and vertical lines;a perforated or corrugated metal plate used in a storage battery as a conductor and support for the active material;an electrode placed between the cathode and anode of a vacuum tube to control the flow of electrons through the tube
grid metal|a kind of hard lead that is used for grids in storage batteries
griddle|cooking utensil consisting of a flat heated surface (as on top of a stove) on which food is cooked
gridlock|a traffic jam so bad that no movement is possible
grief|intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death);something that causes great unhappiness - "her death was a great grief to John"
Grieg|Norwegian composer whose work was often inspired by Norwegian folk music (1843-1907)
grievance|a complaint about a (real or imaginary) wrong that causes resentment and is grounds for action;an allegation that something imposes an illegal obligation or denies some legal right or causes injustice
Griffith|United States film maker who was the first to use flashbacks and fade-outs (1875-1948)
griffon|breed of medium-sized long-headed dogs with downy undercoat and harsh wiry outer coat;originated in Holland but largely developed in France;breed of various very small compact wiry-coated dogs of Belgian origin having a short bearded muzzle
griffon vulture|large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having pale plumage with black wings
grigri|an African amulet
grill|a framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate - "he cooked hamburgers on the grill"
grille|grating that admits cooling air to car's radiator
grillroom|a restaurant where food is cooked on a grill
Grim Reaper|Death personified as an old man or a skeleton with a scythe
grimace|a contorted facial expression - "she made a grimace at the prospect"
Grimes' golden|yellow apple that ripens in late autumn;eaten raw
griminess|the state of being grimy
Grimm|the older of the two Grimm brothers remembered best for their fairy stories;also author of Grimm's law describing consonant changes in Germanic languages (1785-1863);the younger of the two Grimm brothers remembered best for their fairy stories (1786-1859)
Grimm's law|a sound law relating German consonants and consonants in other Indo-European languages
grimoire|a manual of black magic (for invoking spirits and demons)
grind|the act of grinding to a powder or dust;the grade of particle fineness to which a substance is ground - "a coarse grind of coffee"
Grindelia|large genus of coarse gummy herbs of western North and Central America
Grindelia robusta|perennial gumweed of California and Baja California
grinder|a machine tool that polishes metal
grinding|a harsh and strident sound (as of the grinding of gears);material resulting from the process of grinding - "vegetable grindings clogged the drain";the wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water or wind or ice
grinding wheel|a wheel composed of abrasive material;used for grinding
grindstone|a revolving stone shaped like a disk;used to grind or sharpen or polish edge tools
gringo|a Latin American (disparaging) term for foreigners (especially Americans and Englishmen)
grinner|a person who grins
griot|a storyteller in West Africa;perpetuates the oral traditions of a family or village
grip|an intellectual hold or understanding - "a good grip on French history" - "they kept a firm grip on the two top priorities" - "he was in the grip of a powerful emotion";the friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road);worker who moves the camera around while a film or television show is being made
gripe|informal terms for objecting - "I have a gripe about the service here"
gripsack|a small suitcase
Gris|Spanish cubist painter (1887-1927)
grisaille|chiaroscuro painting or stained glass etc., in shades of grey imitating the effect of relief
Griselinia|evergreen shrubs of New Zealand and South America
griseofulvin|a kind of penicillin (a fungicidal antibiotic with the trade name Fulvicin) produced by molds of the genus Penicillium
grison|carnivore of Central America and South America resembling a weasel with a greyish-white back and dark underparts
grissino|a long slender crusty breadstick
grist|grain intended to be or that has been ground
gristmill|a mill for grinding grain (especially the customer's own grain)
grit|a hard coarse-grained siliceous sandstone
grits|coarsely ground hulled corn boiled as a breakfast dish in the southern United States
grivet|white and olive green East African monkey with long white tufts of hair beside the face
grizzle|a grey wig
grizzly|powerful brownish-yellow bear of the uplands of western North America
groan|an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
groaner|a person who groans
groats|the hulled and crushed grain of various cereals
grocer|a retail merchant who sells foodstuffs (and some household supplies)
grocery|(usually plural) consumer goods sold by a grocer
grocery bag|a sack for holding customer's groceries
grocery boy|a delivery boy for groceries
grocery list|a list of groceries to be purchased;a list of heterogenous items that someone wants - "the union came to the table with a whole grocery list of demands"
grocery store|a marketplace where groceries are sold - "the grocery store included a meat market"
groenendael|black-coated sheepdog with a heavily plumed tail
Groenlandia|a monocotyledonous genus of the family Potamogetonaceae
grog|rum cut with water
grogginess|a dazed and staggering state caused by alcohol;a groggy state resulting from weariness;marginal consciousness - "his grogginess was caused as much by exhaustion as by the blows"
grogram|a coarse fabric of silk mixed with wool or mohair and often stiffened with gum
groin|a curved edge formed by two intersecting vaults;the crease at the junction of the inner part of the thigh with the trunk together with the adjacent region and often including the external genitals
groined vault|two barrel vaults intersecting at right angles
gromwell|European perennial branching plant;occurs in hedgerows and at the edge of woodlands
Gromyko|Soviet ambassador to the United States and to the United Nations (1909-1989)
groom|a man participant in his own marriage ceremony;a man who has recently been married
groomsman|a male attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding
groove|(anatomy) any furrow or channel on a bodily structure or part;a long narrow furrow cut either by a natural process (such as erosion) or by a tool (as e.g. a groove in a phonograph record)
groover|a device that makes grooves by cutting or punching
grooving|the cutting of spiral grooves on the inside of the barrel of a firearm
grope|the act of groping;and instance of groping
Gropius|United States architect (born in Germany) and founder of the Bauhaus school (1883-1969)
gros point|a needlepoint stitch covering two horizontal and two vertical threads;needlepoint embroidery done with large stitches
grosbeak|any of various finches of Europe or America having a massive and powerful bill
groschen|100 groschen equal 1 schilling in Austria
grosgrain|a silk or silklike fabric with crosswise ribs
gross|the entire amount of income before any deductions are made;twelve dozen
gross anatomy|the study of the structure of the body and its parts without the use of a microscope
gross domestic product|the measure of an economy adopted by the United States in 1991;the total market values of goods and services produced by workers and capital within a nation's borders during a given period (usually 1 year)
gross estate|the total valuation of the estate's assets at the time of the person's death
gross national product|former measure of the United States economy;the total market value of goods and services produced by all citizens and capital during a given period (usually 1 yr)
gross profit|(finance) the net sales minus the cost of goods and services sold
gross sales|income (at invoice values) received for goods and services over some given period of time
Grossulariaceae|in some classifications considered a part of the family Saxifragaceae;plants whose fruit is a berry
grosz|100 groszy equal 1 zloty in Poland
grotesque|art characterized by an incongruous mixture of parts of humans and animals interwoven with plants
grotesqueness|ludicrous or incongruous unnaturalness or distortion
Grotius|Dutch jurist and diplomat whose writings established the basis of modern international law (1583-1645)
grotto|a small cave (usually with attractive features)
grouch|a bad-tempered person
ground|(art) the surface (as a wall or canvas) prepared to take the paint for a painting;a connection between an electrical device and a large conducting body, such as the earth (which is taken to be at zero voltage);a position to be won or defended in battle (or as if in battle) - "they gained ground step by step" - "they fought to regain the lost ground";a relatively homogeneous percept extending back of the figure on which attention is focused
ground attack|an attack by ground troops
ground bait|bait scattered on the water to attract fish
ground bass|a short melody in the bass that is constantly repeated
ground beef|beef that has been ground
ground beetle|predacious shining black or metallic terrestrial beetle that destroys many injurious insects
ground cable|a mooring cable;runs from a buoy to a mooring anchor
ground cedar|a procumbent variety of the common juniper;a variety of club moss
ground cherry|any of numerous cosmopolitan annual or perennial herbs of the genus Physalis bearing edible fleshy berries enclosed in a bladderlike husk;some cultivated for their flowers
ground control|a communication system for sending continuous radio messages to an airplane pilot who is making a ground-controlled approach to landing
ground crew|the crew of technicians and mechanics who service aircraft on the ground
ground effect|apparent increase in aerodynamic lift experienced by an aircraft flying close to the ground
ground fir|a variety of club moss
ground fire|a forest fire that burns the humus;may not appear on the surface
ground floor|becoming part of a venture at the beginning (regarded as position of advantage) - "he got in on the ground floor";the floor of a building that is at or nearest to the level of the ground around the building
ground glass|glass that diffuses light due to a rough surface produced by abrasion or etching;particulate glass made by grinding and used as an abrasive
ground ivy|trailing European aromatic plant of the mint family having rounded leaves and small purplish flowers often grown in hanging baskets;naturalized in North America;sometimes placed in genus Nepeta
ground loop|a sharp uncontrollable turn made by an airplane while moving along the ground
ground pine|any of several club mosses having long creeping stems and erect branches;low-growing annual with yellow flowers dotted red;faintly aromatic of pine resin;Europe, British Isles and North Africa
ground pink|low wiry-stemmed branching herb or southern California having fringed pink flowers
ground plan|a floor plan for the ground level of a building
ground rattler|small pygmy rattlesnake
ground rent|payment for the right to occupy and improve a piece of land
ground roller|Madagascan roller with terrestrial and crepuscular habits that feeds on e.g. insects and worms
ground rose|low-growing bristly shrub of southern Oregon and California with creeping rootstocks and usually corymbose flowers
ground rule|(baseball) a special rule (as in baseball) dealing with situations that arise due to the nature of the playing grounds
ground sloth|gigantic extinct terrestrial sloth-like mammal of the Pliocene and Pleistocene in America
ground snake|small shy brightly-ringed terrestrial snake of arid or semiarid areas of western North America
ground squirrel|any of various terrestrial burrowing rodents of Old and New Worlds;often destroy crops
ground state|(physics) the lowest energy state of an atom or other particle
ground stroke|a tennis return made by hitting the ball after it has bounced once
ground swell|a broad and deep undulation of the ocean;an obvious change of public opinion or political sentiment that occurs without leadership or overt expression - "there was a ground swell of antiwar sentiment"
ground water|underground water that is held in the soil and in pervious rocks
ground wave|a radio wave propagated on or near the earth's surface
ground zero|the point of detonation (or above or below) of a nuclear weapon;the site of the World Trade Center before it was destroyed;the target of a projectile (as a bomb or missile)
groundbreaking|the ceremonial breaking of the ground to formally begin a construction project
ground-controlled approach|aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar
groundcover|low-growing plants planted in deep shade or on a steep slope where turf is difficult to grow;small plants other than saplings growing on a forest floor
grounder|(baseball) a hit that travels along the ground
groundfish|fish that live on the sea bottom (particularly the commercially important gadoid fish like cod and haddock, or flatfish like flounder)
groundhog|reddish brown North American marmot
Groundhog Day|if the ground hog emerges and sees his shadow on this day, there will be 6 more weeks of winter
grounding|fastening electrical equipment to earth
groundlessness|the quality of lacking substance or value - "the groundlessness of their report was quickly recognized"
groundling|in Elizabethan theater;a playgoer in the cheap standing section
groundmass|(geology) the matrix of fine-grained crystalline material in which larger crystals are embedded
groundnut|a North American vine with fragrant blossoms and edible tubers;important food crop of Native Americans;nutlike tuber;important food of Native Americans
grounds|a tract of land cleared for some special purposes (recreation or burial etc.);dregs consisting of solid particles (especially of coffee) that form a residue - "it is a Middle Eastern custom to read your future in your coffee grounds"
groundsel|Eurasian weed with heads of small yellow flowers
groundsel tree|a shrub of salt marshes of eastern and south central North America and West Indies;fruit is surrounded with white plumelike hairy tufts
ground-shaker|huge herbivorous dinosaur of the Cretaceous found in western North America
groundsheet|a waterproofed piece of cloth spread on the ground (as under a tent) to protect from moisture
groundsman|someone who maintains the grounds (of an estate or park or athletic field)
groundspeed|the speed of an aircraft relative to the ground
groundwork|preliminary preparation as a basis or foundation - "we are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago"
group|(chemistry) two or more atoms bound together as a single unit and forming part of a molecule;a set that is closed, associative, has an identity element and every element has an inverse;any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
group action|action taken by a group of people
group captain|a commissioned officer (especially one in the Royal Air Force) equivalent in rank to a colonel in the army
group dynamics|the branch of social psychology that studies the psychodynamics of interaction in social groups
group insurance|insurance that is purchased by a group (such as the employees of a company) usually at a reduced rate to individual members of the group
group participation|participation by all members of a group
group practice|(medicine) the practice of medicine by a group of physicians who share their premises and other resources
group theory|the branch of mathematics dealing with groups
group therapy|psychotherapy in which a small group of individuals meet with a therapist;interactions among the members are considered to be therapeutic
grouper|flesh of a saltwater fish similar to sea bass;usually solitary bottom sea basses of warm seas
groupie|an enthusiastic young fan (especially a young woman who follows rock groups around)
grouping|a system for classifying things into groups;the activity of putting things together in groups
groupthink|decision making by a group (especially in a manner that discourages creativity or individual responsibility)
groupware|software that can be used by a group of people who are working on the same information but may be distributed in space
grouse|flesh of any of various grouse of the family Tetraonidae;usually roasted;flesh too dry to broil;popular game bird having a plump body and feathered legs and feet
grouseberry|shrub of northwestern North America bearing red berries
grout|a thin mortar that can be poured and used to fill cracks in masonry or brickwork
grove|a small growth of trees without underbrush;garden consisting of a small cultivated wood without undergrowth
Groves|United States general who served as military director of the atomic bomb project (1896-1970)
growing|(electronics) the production of (semiconductor) crystals by slow crystallization from the molten state
growing pains|emotional distress arising during adolescence;pain in muscles or joints sometimes experienced by children and often attributed to rapid growth;problems that arise in enlarging an enterprise (especially in the early stages)
growing season|the season during which a crop grows best
growl|the sound of growling (as made by animals)
growler|a small iceberg or ice floe just large enough to be hazardous for shipping;a speaker whose voice sounds like a growl
growling|a gruff or angry utterance (suggestive of the growling of an animal)
growth|(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically;a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level;(pathology) an abnormal proliferation of tissue (as in a tumor);a progression from simpler to more complex forms - "the growth of culture";something grown or growing - "a growth of hair";vegetation that has grown - "a growth of trees" - "the only growth was some salt grass"
growth factor|a protein that is involved in cell differentiation and growth
growth hormone-releasing factor|a releasing factor that accelerates the secretion of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary body
growth industry|an industry that is growing rapidly
growth rate|the rate of increase in size per unit time
growth stock|stock of a corporation that has had faster than average gains in earnings and is expected to continue to
Grozny|the capital of Chechnya in southwestern Russia;center of extensive oil fields
grub|a soft thick wormlike larva of certain beetles and other insects
Grub Street|the world of literary hacks
grubby|small sculpin of the coast of New England
grubstake|funds advanced to a prospector or to someone starting a business in return for a share of the profits
grudge|a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation - "holding a grudge"
gruel|a thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal)
gruffness|a throaty harshness
grugru|tropical American feather palm having a swollen spiny trunk and edible nuts
grugru nut|nut of Brazilian or West Indian palms
Gruidae|cranes
Gruiformes|inland marsh-dwelling birds with long legs and necks and bills that wade in water in search of food;cranes;rails;bustards
grumble|a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
grume|a thick viscous liquid
grunt|an unskilled or low-ranking soldier or other worker - "infantrymen in Vietnam were called grunts" - "he went from grunt to chairman in six years";medium-sized tropical marine food fishes that utter grunting sounds when caught;the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs
grunter|a person who grunts
Grus|a small constellation in the southern hemisphere near Phoenix;type genus of the Gruidae;typical cranes
Gruyere|Swiss cheese with small holes
Gryllidae|crickets
gryphon|winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion
G-string|minimal clothing worn by stripteasers;a narrow strip of fabric that covers the pubic area, passes between the thighs, and is supported by a waistband
guacamole|a dip made of mashed avocado mixed with chopped onions and other seasonings
Guadalajara|a city in southwestern Mexico;a popular health resort and site of architecture from the Spanish colonial era
Guadalcanal|a battle in World War II in the Pacific (1942-1943);the island was occupied by the Japanese and later recaptured by American forces;a mountainous island;the largest of the Solomon Islands in the independent state that is a member of the British Commonwealth
Guadalupe cypress|relatively low wide-spreading endemic on Guadalupe Island;cultivated for its bluish foliage
guadalupe fur seal|a fur seal of the Pacific coast of California and southward
Guadalupe Island|a Mexican island in the Pacific to the west of Baja California
Guadalupe Mountains|a mountain range in southern New Mexico and western Texas;the southern extension of the Sacramento Mountains
Guadalupe Mountains National Park|a national park in Texas that has the highest point in Texas;includes desert wilderness and the ancient Apache hunting grounds
Guadeloupe|an island territory of France located in the eastern West Indies;tourism is the major industry
guaiac wood|heartwood of a palo santo;yields an aromatic oil used in perfumes
guaiacum|medicinal resin from the lignum vitae tree;small genus of evergreen resinous trees or shrubs of warm and tropical America
Guallatiri|the world's highest volcano;in the Andes in northern Chile;last erupted in 1959
Guam|the largest and southernmost island in the Marianas which is administered as a territory of the United States;it was ceded by Spain to the United States in 1898
guama|tropical tree of Central America and West Indies and Puerto Rico having spikes of white flowers;used as shade for coffee plantations
guan|any of several large turkey-like game birds of the family Cracidae;native to jungles of tropical America;resembling the curassows and valued as food
guanabenz|antihypertensive drug (trade name Wytensin) that reduces blood pressure by its effect on the central nervous system
guanaco|wild llama
Guangdong|a province in southern China
Guangzhou|a city on the Zhu Jiang delta in southern China;the capital of Guangdong province and a major deep-water port
guanine|a purine base found in DNA and RNA;pairs with cytosine
guano|the excrement of sea birds;used as fertilizer
guano bat|the common freetail bat of southern United States having short velvety fur;migrates southward for winter
Guantanamo|a city in southeastern Cuba;site of a United States naval base
Guantanamo Bay|an inlet of the Caribbean Sea;a United States naval station was established on the bay in 1903
guar|drought-tolerant herb grown for forage and for its seed which yield a gum used as a thickening agent or sizing material
guar gum|a gum from seeds of the guar plant;used to thicken foods and as sizing for paper and cloth
Guarani|a member of the South American people living in Paraguay and Bolivia;the language spoken by the Guarani of Paraguay and Bolivia;the basic unit of money in Paraguay;equal to 100 centimos
guarantee|a collateral agreement to answer for the debt of another in case that person defaults;a written assurance that some product or service will be provided or will meet certain specifications;an unconditional commitment that something will happen or that something is true - "there is no guarantee that they are not lying"
guarantor|one who provides a warrant or guarantee to another
guard|(American football) a position on the line of scrimmage - "guards must be good blockers";a device designed to prevent injury or accidents;a military unit serving to protect some place or person;a person who keeps watch over something or someone;a position on a basketball team;a posture of defence in boxing or fencing - "keep your guard up";the person who plays that position on a football team - "the left guard was injured on the play";the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team
guard boat|a boat that is on guard duty (as in a harbor) around a fleet of warships
guard duty|the duty of serving as a sentry
guard hair|coarse hairs that form the outer fur and protect the underfur of certain mammals
guard ship|a warship (at anchor or under way) required to maintain a higher degree of readiness than others in its squadron
guardhouse|a military facility that serves as the headquarters for military police and in which military prisoners can be detained
guardian spirit|an angel believed to have special affection for a particular individual
guardianship|the responsibility of a guardian or keeper
guardroom|a cell in which soldiers who are prisoners are confined;a room used by soldiers on guard
guard's van|the car on a train that is occupied by the guard
guardsman|a soldier who is a member of a unit called 'the guard' or 'guards'
Guarneri|founder of a family of Italian violin makers (1626?-1698);Italian violin maker and grandson of Andrea Guarneri (1687?-1745)
Guarnerius|a violin made by a member of the Guarneri family
Guatemala|a republic in Central America;achieved independence from Spain in 1821;noted for low per capita income and illiteracy;politically unstable
Guatemala City|the capital and largest city of Guatemala
Guatemalan|a native or inhabitant of Guatemala
Guatemalan monetary unit|monetary unit in Guatemala
guava|small tropical American shrubby tree;widely cultivated in warm regions for its sweet globular yellow fruit;small tropical shrubby tree bearing small yellowish fruit;tropical fruit having yellow skin and pink pulp;eaten fresh or used for e.g. jellies
Guayaquil|the largest city of Ecuador
guayule|much-branched subshrub with silvery leaves and small white flowers of Texas and northern Mexico;cultivated as a source of rubber
gudgeon|small slender European freshwater fish often used as bait by anglers
guelder rose|deciduous thicket-forming Old World shrub with clusters of white flowers and small bright red berries
guenon|small slender African monkey having long hind limbs and tail and long hair around the face
guerdon|a reward or payment
guereza|a colobus monkey with a reddish brown coat and white silky fringes down both sides of the body
gueridon|a small round table
Guernsey|a Channel Island to the northwest of Jersey;breed of dairy cattle from the island of Guernsey
guerrilla|a member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassment
guerrilla force|an irregular armed force that fights by sabotage and harassment;often rural and organized in large groups
guerrilla theater|dramatization of a social issue;enacted outside in a park or on the street
guess|a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence;an estimate based on little or no information
guesser|a person who guesses
guessing game|a game in which participants compete to identify some obscurely indicated thing
guesstimate|an estimate that combines reasoning with guessing
guest|a customer of a hotel or restaurant etc.;a visitor to whom hospitality is extended;United States journalist (born in England) noted for his syndicated homey verse (1881-1959)
guest night|an evening when members of a club or college can bring their friends as guests
guest of honor|the person in whose honor a gathering is held
guest worker|a person with temporary permission to work in another country
guesthouse|a house separate from the main house;for housing guests
guestroom|a bedroom that is kept for the use of guests
Guevara|an Argentine revolutionary leader who was Fidel Castro's chief lieutenant in the Cuban revolution;active in other Latin American countries;was captured and executed by the Bolivian army (1928-1967)
Guevina|one species;Chilean nut
guffaw|a burst of deep loud hearty laughter
Guggenheim|United States industrialist (born in Switzerland) who with his sons established vast mining and metal processing companies (1828-1905);United States philanthropist;son of Meyer Guggenheim who created several foundations to support the arts (1861-1949)
Guiana|a geographical region of northeastern South America including Guyana and Surinam
Guiana Highlands|a mountainous tableland in northern South America;extends from Venezuela into Guyana and northern Brazil
guidance|something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action;the act of guiding or showing the way
guidance system|a system of equipment for automatically guiding the path of a vehicle (especially a missile)
guide|a structure or marking that serves to direct the motion or positioning of something;someone who shows the way by leading or advising
guide dog|a dog trained to guide the blind
guide rope|a rope used to guide the movement of the load of a crane
guide word|a word printed at the top of the page of a dictionary or other reference book to indicate the first or last item on that page
guidebook|something that offers basic information or instruction
guided missile|a rocket-propelled missile whose path can be controlled during flight either by radio signals or by internal homing devices
guided missile cruiser|a cruiser that carries guided missiles
guided missile frigate|a frigate that carries guided missiles
guideline|a light line that is used in lettering to help align the letters
guidepost|a rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior
guild socialism|a form of socialist theory advocating state ownership of industry but managements by guilds of workers
guilder|formerly the basic unit of money in the Netherlands;equal to 100 cents;the basic unit of money in Suriname;equal to 100 cents
guildhall|the hall of a guild or corporation
Guillain-Barre syndrome|a form of peripheral polyneuritis characterized by pain and weakness and sometimes paralysis of the limbs;cause is unknown
guillemot|small black or brown speckled auks of northern seas
guilloche|an architectural decoration formed by two intersecting wavy bands
guillotine|instrument of execution that consists of a weighted blade between two vertical poles;used for beheading people
guilt|remorse caused by feeling responsible for some offense;the state of having committed an offense
guilt by association|the attribution of guilt (without proof) to individuals because the people they associate with are guilty
guilt pang|pangs of feeling guilty
guimpe|a piece of starched cloth covering the shoulders of a nun's habit;a short blouse with sleeves that is worn under a jumper or pinafore dress
guinea|a former British gold coin worth 21 shillings;a republic in western Africa on the Atlantic;formerly a French colony;achieved independence from France in 1958
guinea fowl|a west African bird having dark plumage mottled with white;native to Africa but raised for food in many parts of the world
guinea gold|22-karat gold from which guinea coins were made
guinea gold vine|any of several Australasian evergreen vines widely cultivated in warm regions for their large bright yellow single flowers
guinea hen|female guinea fowl;flesh of a guinea fowl (especially of hens)
Guinea pepper|tropical west African evergreen tree bearing pungent aromatic seeds used as a condiment and in folk medicine
guinea pig|stout-bodied nearly tailless domesticated cavy;often kept as a pet and widely used in research
Guinea worm|parasitic roundworm of India and Africa that lives in the abdomen or beneath the skin of humans and other vertebrates
Guinea worm disease|a painful and debilitating infestation contracted by drinking stagnant water contaminated with Guinea worm larvae that can mature inside a human's abdomen until the worm emerges through a painful blister in the person's skin
Guinea-Bissau|a republic on the northwestern coast of Africa;recognized as independent by Portugal in 1974
Guinea-Bissau monetary unit|monetary unit in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau peso|the basic unit of money in Guinea-Bissau;equal to 100 centavos
Guinean|a native or inhabitant of Guinea
Guinean franc|the basic unit of money in Guinea
Guinean monetary unit|monetary unit in Guinea
Guinevere|(Arthurian legend) wife of King Arthur;in some versions of the legend she became Lancelot's lover and that led to the end of the Knights of the Round Table
Guinness|a kind of bitter stout;English stage and screen actor noted for versatility (1914-2000)
guise|an artful or simulated semblance - "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"
guitar|a stringed instrument usually having six strings;played by strumming or plucking
guitar pick|a plectrum used to pluck a guitar
guitarfish|primitive tropical bottom-dwelling ray with a guitar-shaped body
guitarist|a musician who plays the guitar
Gujarat|a region of western India to the north of Bombay (bordering the Arabian Sea) where Gujarati is spoken;an industrialized state in western India that includes parts of Bombay
Gujarati|a member of the people of Gujarat;the Indic language spoken by the people of India who live in Gujarat in western India
Gula|the Babylonian goddess of healing and consort of Ninurta
gulag|a Russian prison camp for political prisoners
gulch|a narrow gorge with a stream running through it
gulf|a deep wide chasm;an arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land;larger than a bay;an unbridgeable disparity (as from a failure of understanding) - "he felt a gulf between himself and his former friends"
Gulf Coast|a seashore of the Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Aden|arm of the Indian Ocean at the entrance to the Red Sea
Gulf of Alaska|a gulf of the Pacific Ocean between the Alaska Peninsula and the Alexander Archipelago
Gulf of Antalya|a gulf of the Mediterranean Sea in southwestern Turkey
Gulf of Aqaba|a northeastern arm of the Red Sea;between the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) and Saudi Arabia
Gulf of Bothnia|a northern arm of the Baltic Sea;between Sweden and Finland
Gulf of California|a gulf to the west of the mainland of Mexico
Gulf of Campeche|a part of the Gulf of Mexico to the west of Yucatan
Gulf of Carpentaria|a wide shallow inlet of the Arafura Sea in northern Australia
Gulf of Corinth|inlet of the Ionian Sea between central Greece and the Peloponnesus
Gulf of Finland|an eastern arm of the Baltic Sea;between Finland and Estonia
Gulf of Guinea|a gulf off the southwest coast of Africa
Gulf of Martaban|an arm of the Andaman Sea off southern Myanmar
Gulf of Mexico|an arm of the Atlantic to the south of the United States and to the east of Mexico
Gulf of Ob|an inlet of the Kara Sea in western Siberia
Gulf of Oman|an arm of the Arabian Sea connecting it with the Persian Gulf
Gulf of Riga|an inlet of the Baltic Sea between Latvia and Estonia
Gulf of Saint Lawrence|an arm of the northwest Atlantic Ocean off the southeastern coast of Canada
Gulf of Sidra|wide inlet of the Mediterranean Sea on the north coast of Libya
Gulf of Suez|a northwestern arm of the Red Sea linked to the Mediterranean by the Suez Canal
Gulf of Tehuantepec|an arm of the Pacific in southern Mexico
Gulf of Thailand|an arm of the South China Sea between Indochina and the Malay Peninsula
Gulf of Venice|an arm of the Adriatic Sea
Gulf States|a region of the United States comprising states bordering the Gulf of Mexico;Alabama and Florida and Louisiana and Mississippi and Texas;the countries in southwestern Asia that border the Persian Gulf
Gulf stream|a warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico northward through the Atlantic Ocean
Gulf War syndrome|a medical condition of uncertain origin that affected many veterans of the 1991 Gulf War;characterized by fatigue and headache and dizziness and nausea and rashes and joint pain and respiratory disorders
gulfweed|brown algae with rounded bladders forming dense floating masses in tropical Atlantic waters as in the Sargasso Sea
gull|mostly white aquatic bird having long pointed wings and short legs
Gulliver|a fictional Englishman who travels to the imaginary land of Lilliput in a satirical novel by Jonathan Swift
gully|deep ditch cut by running water (especially after a prolonged downpour)
Gulo|a genus of Mustelidae
gulp|a large and hurried swallow - "he finished it at a single gulp";a spasmodic reflex of the throat made as if in swallowing
gulper|a drinker who swallows large amounts greedily
gulping|the drinking of large mouthfuls rapidly
Gulu|a city in northern Uganda
gum|any of various substances (soluble in water) that exude from certain plants;they are gelatinous when moist but harden on drying
gum arabic|gum from an acacia tree;used as a thickener (especially in candies and pharmaceuticals)
gum ball|a ball of chewing gum with a coating of colored sugar
gum butea|dried juice of the dhak tree;used as an astringent
gum resin|a mixture of resin and gum
gum tree|any of various trees of the genera Eucalyptus or Liquidambar or Nyssa that are sources of gum
gumbo|a soup or stew thickened with okra pods;any of various fine-grained silty soils that become waxy and very sticky mud when saturated with water;long mucilaginous green pods;may be simmered or sauteed but used especially in soups and stews
gumboil|a boil or abscess on the gums
gumbo-limbo|tropical American tree yielding a reddish resin used in cements and varnishes
gumdrop|a jellied candy coated with sugar crystals
gum-lac|an inferior lac produced by lac insects in Madagascar
gumma|a small rubbery granuloma that is characteristic of an advanced stage of syphilis
gummed label|an adhesive label
gummite|a gummy orange mixture of uranium oxides and silicates occurring naturally in the hydration and oxidation of pitchblende
gummosis|pathological production of gummy exudates in citrus and various stone-fruit trees
gumweed|any of various western American plants of the genus Grindelia having resinous leaves and stems formerly used medicinally;often poisonous to livestock
gumwood|wood or lumber from any of various gum trees especially the sweet gum
gun|a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel);the discharge of a firearm as signal or as a salute in military ceremonies - "two runners started before the gun" - "a twenty gun salute"
gun carriage|a framework on which a gun is mounted for firing
gun case|a case for storing a gun
gun control|efforts to regulate or control sales of guns
gun deck|formerly any deck other than the weather deck having cannons from end to end
gun emplacement|an emplacement for a gun
gun enclosure|a self-contained weapons platform housing guns and capable of rotation
gun muzzle|the open circular discharging end of a gun
gun pendulum|a ballistic pendulum consisting of a suspended gun;the velocity of a projectile in the bore of a gun can be measured by the recoil when the gun is discharged
gun room|military quarters of midshipmen and junior officers on a British warship
gun smoke|smoke created by the firing of guns
gun trigger|lever that activates the firing mechanism of a gun
gunboat|a small shallow-draft boat carrying mounted guns;used by costal patrols
gunfight|a fight involving shooting small arms with the intent to kill or frighten
gunfire|the act of shooting a gun - "the gunfire endangered innocent bystanders"
gunflint|the piece of flint that provides the igniting spark in a flintlock weapon
gunite|a mixture of cement and sand and water that is sprayed on a surface under pneumatic pressure
gunlock|the action that ignites the charge in a firearm
gunman|a person who shoots a gun (as regards their ability);a professional killer who uses a gun
gunmetal|a type of bronze used for parts subject to wear or corrosion (especially corrosion by sea water)
gunnel|small eellike fishes common in shallow waters of the northern Atlantic
gunnery|guns collectively
gunnery sergeant|a noncommissioned officer ranking above a staff sergeant in the marines
gunnysack|a bag made of burlap
gunpowder|a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a 75;15;10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and fireworks
Gunpowder Plot|a conspiracy in 1605 in England to blow up James I and the Houses of Parliament to avenge the persecution of Catholics in England;led by Guy Fawkes
gunrunner|a smuggler of guns
gunrunning|the smuggling of guns and ammunition into a country secretly and illegally
gunsight|a sight used for aiming a gun
gunsmith|someone who makes or repairs guns
Gunter's chain|a unit of length (22 yards)
gunwale|wale at the top of the side of boat;topmost planking of a wooden vessel
guppy|small freshwater fish of South America and the West Indies;often kept in aquariums
Gur|a group of Niger-Congo languages spoken primarily in southeastern Mali and northern Ghana
gurgle|the bubbling sound of water flowing from a bottle with a narrow neck
Gurkha|a member of Hindu people descended from brahmins and Rajputs who live in Nepal;a member of the Nepalese force that has been part of the British army for 200 years;known for fierceness in combat
gurnard|bottom-dwelling coastal fishes with spiny armored heads and fingerlike pectoral fins used for crawling along the sea bottom
gurney|a metal stretcher with wheels
guru|a Hindu or Buddhist religious leader and spiritual teacher;a recognized leader in some field or of some movement - "a guru of genomics";each of the first ten leaders of the Sikh religion
gusher|an oil well with a strong natural flow so that pumping is not necessary
gusset|a metal plate used to strengthen a joist;a piece of material used to strengthen or enlarge a garment
gust|a strong current of air - "the tree was bent almost double by the gust"
Gustavus|king of Sweden who established Lutheranism as the state religion (1496-1560);king of Sweden who increased the royal power and waged an unpopular war against Russia (1746-1792);king of Sweden who kept Sweden neutral during both World War I and II (1858-1950);king of Sweden whose losses to Napoleon I led to his being deposed in 1809 (1778-1837);king of Sweden whose victories in battle made Sweden a European power;his domestic reforms made Sweden a modern state;in 1630 he intervened on the Protestant side of the Thirty Years' War and was killed in the battle of Lutzen (1594-1632);the last king of Sweden to have any real political power (1882-1973)
gusto|vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
gut|a narrow channel or strait
gut issue|an issue that elicits strong emotional reactions
Gutenberg|German printer who was the first in Europe to print using movable type and the first to use a press (1400-1468)
Guthrie|United States folk singer and songwriter (1912-1967)
Gutierrezia|sticky perennial herbs and subshrubs of western North America and warm South America
gutlessness|the trait of lacking courage and determination;fearful of loss or injury
gutsiness|the trait of showing courage and determination in spite of possible loss or injury
gutta-percha|a whitish rubber derived from the coagulated milky latex of gutta-percha trees;used for insulation of electrical cables
gutta-percha tree|one of several East Indian trees yielding gutta-percha;one of several East Indian trees yielding gutta-percha
gutter|a channel along the eaves or on the roof;collects and carries away rainwater;a tool for gutting fish;a worker who guts things (fish or buildings or cars etc.);misfortune resulting in lost effort or money - "his career was in the gutter"
gutter press|press that engages in sensational journalism (especially concerning the private lives of public figures)
Guttiferae|widely distributed family of chiefly tropical trees and shrubs and vines that produce oils and resins and some usable timber
Guttiferales|used in some classifications;coextensive with Parietales
guttural|a consonant articulated in the back of the mouth or throat
guvnor|(British slang) boss
guy|a cable, wire, or rope that is used to brace something (especially a tent);an informal term for a youth or man - "a nice guy" - "the guy's only doing it for some doll";an effigy of Guy Fawkes that is burned on a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Day
Guy Fawkes Day|day for the celebration of the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot
Guyana|a republic in northeastern South America;formerly part of the British Empire, but it achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1966
Guyana dollar|the basic unit of money in Guyana
Guyanese|a native or inhabitant of Guyana
guyot|a seamount of volcanic origin (especially in the Pacific Ocean)
guzzler|someone who drinks heavily (especially alcoholic beverages) - "he's a beer guzzler every night"
Gwydion|Celtic sky god;a magician;giver of arts and civilization
Gwyn|Celtic underworld god
Gwynn|English comedienne and mistress of Charles II (1650-1687)
gym rat|someone who spends all leisure time playing sports or working out in a gymnasium or health spa
gym shoe|a canvas shoe with a pliable rubber sole
gym suit|clothes prescribed for wear while participating in gymnastic exercise
gymkhana|a meet at which riders and horses display a range of skills and aptitudes
Gymnadenia|small genus of terrestrial orchids of North America and temperate Eurasia
Gymnadeniopsis|genus of North American terrestrial orchids usually included in genus Habenaria
gymnasium|athletic facility equipped for sports or physical training
gymnast|an athlete who is skilled in gymnastics
gymnastic apparatus|sports equipment used in gymnastic exercises
gymnastic exercise|(gymnastics) an exercise designed to develop and display strength and agility and balance (usually performed with or on some gymnastic apparatus)
gymnastics|a sport that involves exercises intended to display strength and balance and agility
Gymnelis|a genus of Zoarcidae
Gymnocalycium|large genus of low-growing globular South American cacti with spiny ribs covered with many tubercles
Gymnocarpium|oak ferns;in some classification systems included in genus Thelypteris
Gymnocladus|small genus of deciduous trees of China and United States having paniculate flowers and thick pulpy pods
Gymnogyps|containing solely the California condor
Gymnophiona|an order of amphibians including caecilians
Gymnopilus|a genus of fungus characterized by the orange color of the spore deposit
Gymnopilus spectabilis|a fungus with a brownish orange fruiting body and a ring near the top of the stalk;the taste is bitter and the flesh contains psilocybin and psilocin
Gymnopilus validipes|a poisonous fungus with a dry cap and a cortina that does not leave much of a ring on the robust stalk
Gymnopilus ventricosus|a giant fungus of the Pacific Northwest;has a very thick stalk and the cortina leaves a ring high up on the stalk
Gymnorhina|in some classifications placed in the family Laniidae;Australian piping crows
gymnosophist|member of a Hindu sect practicing gymnosophy (especially nudism)
gymnosophy|the doctrine of a sect of Hindu philosophers who practiced nudity and asceticism and meditation
gymnosperm|plants of the class Gymnospermae having seeds not enclosed in an ovary
gymnosperm family|a family of gymnosperms
gymnosperm genus|a genus of gymnosperms
Gymnospermae|plants having naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary;in some systems considered a class (Gymnospermae) and in others a division (Gymnospermophyta);comprises three subdivisions (or classes);Cycadophytina (class Cycadopsida) and Gnetophytina (class Gnetopsida) and Coniferophytina (class Coniferopsida);in some classifications the Coniferophytina are divided into three groups;Pinophytina (class Pinopsida) and Ginkgophytina (class Ginkgopsida) and Taxophytina (class Taxopsida)
gymnospermous tree|any tree of the division Gymnospermophyta
gymnospermous yellowwood|any of various gymnospermous trees having yellow wood
Gymnosporangium|genus of fungi that produce galls on cedars and other conifers of genera Juniperus and Libocedrus and causes rust spots on apples and pears and other plants of family Rosaceae
Gymnura|butterfly rays
gymslip|a sleeveless tunic worn by English girls as part of a school uniform
gynecocracy|a political system governed by a woman
gynecologist|a specialist in gynecology
gynecology|the branch of medicine that deals with the diseases and hygiene of women
gynecomastia|excessive development of the breasts in males;usually the result of hormonal imbalance or treatment with certain drugs (including some antihypertensives)
gyneolatry|the worship of women
gynobase|the enlarged receptacle in which the pistil is borne
gynoecium|a female gametoecium
gynogenesis|female parthenogenesis in which the embryo contains only maternal chromosomes due to the failure of the sperm to fuse with the egg nucleus
gynophobia|a morbid fear of women
gynophore|the stalk of a pistil that raises it above the receptacle
gynostegium|the crown of the stamen in plants of the genus Asclepias
Gynura|genus of Old World tropical herbs;velvet plants
Gypaetus|in some classifications the type genus of the family Aegypiidae
Gyps|a genus of Accipitridae
Gypsophila|Mediterranean herbs having small white or pink flowers
gypsum|a common white or colorless mineral (hydrated calcium sulphate) used to make cements and plasters (especially plaster of Paris)
Gypsy|a member of a people with dark skin and hair who speak Romany and who traditionally live by seasonal work and fortunetelling;they are believed to have originated in northern India but now are living on all continents (but mostly in Europe, North Africa, and North America)
gypsy cab|a taxicab that cruises for customers although it is licensed only to respond to calls
gypsy moth|European moth introduced into North America;a serious pest of shade trees
gyration|the act of rotating in a circle or spiral
gyrfalcon|large and rare Arctic falcon having white and dark color phases
Gyrinidae|whirligig beetles
gyro|a Greek sandwich;sliced roast lamb with onion and tomato stuffed into pita bread
gyrocompass|a compass that does not depend on magnetism but uses a gyroscope instead
gyromitra|any fungus of the genus Gyromitra
Gyromitra californica|a gyromitra with a brown puffed up fertile part and a thick fluted stalk;found under conifers in California
Gyromitra esculenta|a poisonous gyromitra;the surface of the fertile body is smooth at first and becomes progressively undulating and wrinkled (but never truly pitted);color varies from dull yellow to brown
Gyromitra fastigiata|a lorchel with deep brownish red fertile part and white stalk
Gyromitra gigas|a gyromitra with a large irregular stalk and fertile part that is yellow to brown and wrinkled;has early fruiting time
Gyromitra infula|a poisonous fungus;saddle-shaped and dull yellow to brown fertile part is relatively even
Gyromitra sphaerospora|a gyromitra with a brown puffed up fertile part and a rosy pink fluted stalk and smooth round spores;found on hardwood slash east of the Great Plains
gyroscope|rotating mechanism in the form of a universally mounted spinning wheel that offers resistance to turns in any direction
gyrostabilizer|a stabilizer consisting of a heavy gyroscope that spins on a vertical axis;reduces side-to-side rolling of a ship or plane
gyrus|a convex fold or elevation in the surface of the brain
H|the 8th letter of the Roman alphabet
Haastia|genus of New Zealand mat-forming herbs or subshrubs;vegetable sheep
Habakkuk|a Hebrew minor prophet;an Old Testament book telling Habakkuk's prophecies
habanera|a Cuban dance in duple time;music composed in duple time for dancing the habanera
habeas corpus|a writ ordering a prisoner to be brought before a judge;the civil right to obtain a writ of habeas corpus as protection against illegal imprisonment
Habenaria|chiefly terrestrial orchids with tubers or fleshy roots often having long slender spurs and petals and lip lobes;includes species formerly placed in genus Gymnadeniopsis
Haber|German chemist noted for the synthetic production of ammonia from the nitrogen in air (1868-1934)
Haber process|an industrial process for producing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen by combining them under high pressure in the presence of an iron catalyst
haberdashery|the drygoods sold by a haberdasher
habergeon|(Middle Ages) a light sleeveless coat of chain mail worn under the hauberk
habit|(psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation;may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition - "owls have nocturnal habits" - "she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair";a distinctive attire worn by a member of a religious order;an established custom - "it was their habit to dine at 7 every evening";attire that is typically worn by a horseback rider (especially a woman's attire);the general form or mode of growth (especially of a plant or crystal) - "a shrub of spreading habit"
habitability|suitability for living in or on
habitat|the type of environment in which an organism or group normally lives or occurs - "a marine habitat"
habitation|the native habitat or home of an animal or plant
habitual abortion|repeated spontaneous abortion (often for no known reason)
habituation|a general accommodation to unchanging environmental conditions
habitude|habitual mode of behavior
habitus|person's predisposition to be affected by something (as a disease) - "the consumptive habitus"
Habsburg|a royal German family that provided rulers for several European states and wore the crown of the Holy Roman Empire from 1440 to 1806
hacek|a diacritical mark (an inverted circumflex) placed above certain letters (such as the letter c) to indicate pronunciation
Hachiman|a Shinto god of war
hacienda|a large estate in Spanish-speaking countries;the main house on a ranch or large estate
hack|a horse kept for hire;a mediocre and disdained writer;a saddle horse used for transportation rather than sport etc.;a tool (as a hoe or pick or mattock) used for breaking up the surface of the soil;an old or over-worked horse;one who works hard at boring tasks
hackberry|any of various trees of the genus Celtis having inconspicuous flowers and small berrylike fruits
Hackelia|stickweed;beggar's lice
hacker|a programmer for whom computing is its own reward;may enjoy the challenge of breaking into other computers but does no harm - "true hackers subscribe to a code of ethics and look down upon crackers";a programmer who breaks into computer systems in order to steal or change or destroy information as a form of cyber-terrorism;someone who plays golf poorly
hackle|long slender feather on the necks of e.g. turkeys and pheasants
hackney|a carriage for hire;a compact breed of harness horse
hacksaw|saw used with one hand for cutting metal
hackwork|professional work done according to formula
Had crime|(Islam) serious crimes committed by Muslims and punishable by punishments established in the Koran - "Had crimes include apostasy from Islam and murder and theft and adultery"
haddock|important food fish on both sides of the Atlantic;related to cod but usually smaller;lean white flesh of fish similar to but smaller than cod;usually baked or poached or as fillets sauteed or fried
Hadean|the earliest eon in the history of the Earth from the first accretion of planetary material (around 4,600 million years ago) until the date of the oldest known rocks (about 3,800 million years ago);no evidence of life
Hadith|(Islam) a tradition based on reports of the sayings and activities of Muhammad and his companions
Hadrian|Roman Emperor who was the adoptive son of Trajan;travelled throughout his empire to strengthen its frontiers and encourage learning and architecture;on a visit to Britain in 122 he ordered the construction of Hadrian's Wall (76-138)
Hadrian's Wall|an ancient Roman wall built by Hadrian in the 2nd century;marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain
hadron|any elementary particle that interacts strongly with other particles
hadrosaur|any of numerous large bipedal ornithischian dinosaurs having a horny duck-like bill and webbed feet;may have been partly aquatic
Hadrosauridae|duck-billed dinosaurs;upper Cretaceous
Haeckel|German biologist and philosopher;advocated Darwinism and formulated the theory of recapitulation;was an exponent of materialistic monism (1834-1919)
Haemanthus|genus of African deciduous or evergreen bulbous herbs;blood lilies
Haematobia|European genus of bloodsucking flies
Haematopodidae|oystercatchers
Haematopus|oystercatchers
Haematoxylum|small genus of tropical American spiny bushy shrubs or trees
Haemodoraceae|some genera placed in family Liliaceae
Haemodorum|type genus of family Haemodoraceae
Haemopis|leeches
haemoproteid|related to malaria parasite and having a phase in the viscera of various birds
Haemoproteidae|bird parasites
Haemoproteus|type genus of the family Haemoproteidae
Haemosporidia|an order in the subclass Telosporidia
haemosporidian|minute protozoans parasitic at some stage of the life cycle in blood cells of vertebrates including many pathogens
Haemulidae|grunts
Haemulon|type genus of the Haemulidae
hafnium|a grey tetravalent metallic element that resembles zirconium chemically and is found in zirconium minerals;used in filaments for its ready emission of electrons
haft|the handle of a weapon or tool
Haftorah|a short selection from the Prophets read on every Sabbath in a Jewish synagogue following a reading from the Torah
hag|an ugly evil-looking old woman
Haganah|the clandestine military wing of the Jewish leadership during the British rule over the mandate of Palestine from 1920 to 1948;became the basis for the Israeli defense force
hagberry|small cherry much liked by birds
hagberry tree|small European cherry tree closely resembling the American chokecherry
Hageman factor|coagulation factor whose deficiency results in prolongation of clotting time of venous blood
Hagerstown|a town in northern Maryland
hagfish|eellike cyclostome having a tongue with horny teeth in a round mouth surrounded by eight tentacles;feeds on dead or trapped fishes by boring into their bodies
Haggadah|Talmudic literature that does not deal with law but is still part of Jewish tradition
Haggai|a Hebrew minor prophet;an Old Testament book telling the prophecies of Haggai which are concerned mainly with rebuilding the temples after the Babylonian Captivity
Haggard|British writer noted for romantic adventure novels (1856-1925)
haggis|made of sheep's or calf's viscera minced with oatmeal and suet and onions and boiled in the animal's stomach
haggle|an instance of intense argument (as in bargaining)
haggler|an intense bargainer
Hagia Sophia|a 6th century masterpiece of Byzantine architecture in Istanbul;built as a Christian church, converted to a mosque in 1453, and made into a museum in the middle of the 20th century
Hagiographa|the third of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures
hagiographer|the author of a worshipful or idealizing biography
hagiography|a biography that idealizes or idolizes the person (especially a person who is a saint)
hagiolatry|the worship of saints
hagiology|literature narrating the lives (and legends) of the saints
Hahn|German chemist who was co-discoverer with Lise Meitner of nuclear fission (1879-1968)
Haida|a member of a seafaring group of North American Indians who lived on the Pacific coast of British Columbia and southwestern Alaska;the Na-Dene language of the Haida
haik|an outer garment consisting of a large piece of white cloth;worn by men and women in northern Africa
haiku|an epigrammatic Japanese verse form of three short lines
hail|enthusiastic greeting;many objects thrown forcefully through the air - "a hail of pebbles" - "a hail of bullets";precipitation of ice pellets when there are strong rising air currents
Haile Selassie|emperor of Ethiopia;worshipped by Rastafarians (1892-1975)
hailstone|small pellet of ice that falls during a hailstorm
hailstorm|a storm during which hail falls
Haiphong|a port city in northern Vietnam;industrial center
hair|a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head);helps to prevent heat loss - "he combed his hair" - "each hair consists of layers of dead keratinized cells";a filamentous projection or process on an organism;any of the cylindrical filaments characteristically growing from the epidermis of a mammal - "there is a hair in my soup";filamentous hairlike growth on a plant
hair care|care for the hair;the activity of washing or cutting or curling or arranging the hair
hair cell|a sensory epithelial cell present in the organ of Corti
hair coloring|coloring of the hair - "her hair-coloring was unusual;a very pale gold";the act of dyeing or tinting one's hair
hair dye|a dye or tint for the hair
hair follicle|a small tubular cavity containing the root of a hair;small muscles and sebaceous glands are associated with them
hair of the dog|an alcoholic drink supposed to cure a hangover
hair shirt|an uncomfortable shirt made of coarse animal hair;worn next to the skin as a penance
hair slide|a decorative hinged clip that girls and women put in their hair to hold it in place
hair space|(printing) the narrowest of the spaces used to separate words or letters
hair spray|toiletry consisting of a commercial preparation that is sprayed on the hair to hold it in place
hair stroke|a very fine line in writing or printing
hair trigger|a gun trigger that responds with little pressure
hairball|a compact mass of hair that forms in the alimentary canal (especially in the stomach of animals as a result of licking fur)
hairbrush|a brush used to groom a person's hair
haircloth|cloth woven from horsehair or camelhair;used for upholstery or stiffening in garments
haircut|the act of cutting the hair;the style in which hair has been cut
hairdo|the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair)
hairdresser|someone who cuts or beautifies hair
hairdressing|a toiletry for the hair
hairiness|the quality of having hair
hairlessness|the condition of being void of hair;the quality of not having hair
hairline|a very thin line;the natural margin formed by hair on the head
hairline fracture|a fracture without separation of the fragments and the line of the break being very thin
hairnet|a small net that some women wear over their hair to keep it in place
hairpiece|a covering or bunch of human or artificial hair used for disguise or adornment
hairpin|a double pronged pin used to hold women's hair in place
hairpin bend|a U-shaped bend in a road
hair-raiser|excitation that makes your hair stand up or that chills your bones - "the movie was an old-fashioned hair-raiser"
hair's-breadth|a very small distance or space - "they escaped by a hair's-breadth"
hairsplitter|a disputant who makes unreasonably fine distinctions
hairsplitting|making too fine distinctions of little importance - "they didn't take his hairsplitting seriously"
hairspring|a fine spiral spring that regulates the movement of the balance wheel in a timepiece
hairstreak|small butterflies having striped markings under the wings
hairweaving|the act of interweaving a hairpiece with your own hair
hairy darling pea|shrubby perennial of southern Australia having downy or woolly stems and undersides of leaves and racemes of red to pink flowers
hairy golden aster|hairy perennial with yellow flower heads in branched clusters;found almost everywhere in dry places from Canada to west central and western United States;sometimes placed in genus Chrysopsis
hairy honeysuckle|twining deciduous shrub with hairy leaves and spikes of yellow-orange flowers;northeastern America
hairy root|a phase of crown gall (especially in apples) during which there is abnormal development of fine fibrous roots
hairy spurge|much-branched hirsute weed native to northeastern North America
hairy tongue|a benign side effect of some antibiotics;dark overgrowth of the papillae of the tongue
hairy vetch|European vetch much cultivated as forage and cover crops
hairy willowherb|plant of Europe and Asia having purplish-red flowers and hairy stems and leaves;introduced into North America
hairy wood mint|a variety of wood mint
hairy-legged vampire bat|similar in size and habits to Desmodus rotundus;of tropical America including southern California and Texas
Haiti|a republic in the West Indies on the western part of the island of Hispaniola;achieved independence from France in 1804;the poorest and most illiterate nation in the western hemisphere
Haitian|a native or inhabitant of Haiti
Haitian centime|100 centimes equal 1 gourde in Haiti
Haitian Creole|a creole language spoken by most Haitians;based on French and various African languages
Haitian monetary unit|the monetary unit in Haiti
hajj|the fifth pillar of Islam is a pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Hijja;at least once in a lifetime a Muslim is expected to make a religious journey to Mecca and the Kaaba - "for a Muslim the hajj is the ultimate act of worship"
hajji|a general term used by foreign soldiers to refer to the Iraqi people - "to American soldiers, the hajji are the alien people from whom the enemy emerges";an Arabic term of respect for someone who has made the pilgrimage to Mecca
hake|any of several marine food fishes related to cod;the lean flesh of a fish similar to cod
Hakea|Australian shrubs and small trees with evergreen usually spiny leaves and dense clusters of showy flowers
Hakham|a Hebrew title of respect for a wise and highly educated man
hakim|a Muslim physician;a Muslim ruler or governor or judge
Hakka|a dialect of Chinese spoken in southeastern China by the Hakka;a member of a people of southeastern China (especially Hong Kong, Canton, and Taiwan) who migrated from the north in the 12th century
Halab|a city in northwestern Syria
Halakah|Talmudic literature that deals with law and with the interpretation of the laws on the Hebrew Scriptures
halal|(Islam) meat from animals that have been slaughtered in the prescribed way according to the shariah
halberd|a pike fitted with an ax head
halberdier|a guard who carries a halberd (as a symbol of his duty)
Halchidhoma|a member of a North American Indian people of the Colorado river valley near the mouth of the Gila river;allied to the Maricopa
Halcyon|a large kingfisher widely distributed in warmer parts of the Old World;a mythical bird said to breed at the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea and to have the power of calming the winds and waves
Haldane|Scottish geneticist (son of John Haldane) who contributed to the development of population genetics;a popularizer of science and a Marxist (1892-1964);Scottish physiologist and brother of Richard Haldane and Elizabeth Haldane;noted for research into industrial diseases (1860-1936);Scottish statesman and brother of Elizabeth and John Haldane (1856-1928);Scottish writer and sister of Richard Haldane and John Haldane (1862-1937)
Haldea|ground snakes
Hale|a soldier of the American Revolution who was hanged as a spy by the British;his last words were supposed to have been 'I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776);prolific United States writer (1822-1909);United States astronomer who discovered that sunspots are associated with strong magnetic fields (1868-1938)
Haleakala National Park|a national park in Hawaii including a dormant volcano
Halenia|genus of herbs of Eurasia and the Americas;spurred gentians
haler|100 halers equal 1 koruna in Czech Republic;100 halers equal 1 koruna Slovakia
Halesia|deciduous small trees or shrubs of China and eastern North America
Halevy|French operatic composer (1799-1862)
Haley|United States rock singer who was one of the first to popularize rock'n'roll music (1925-1981);United States writer and Afro-American who wrote a fictionalized account of tracing his family roots back to Africa (1921-1992)
half|one of two divisions into which some games or performances are divided;the two divisions are separated by an interval
half binding|book binding in which the spine and part of the sides are bound in one material and the rest in another
half blood|one of siblings who have only one parent in common
half cross stitch|a single cross stitch at a diagonal
half crown|an English coin worth half a crown
half dollar|a United States coin worth half of a dollar
half eagle|a former gold coin in United States worth 5 dollars
half gainer|a dive in which the diver throws the feet forward and up to complete a half backward somersault and enters the water facing the diving board
half hatchet|a hatchet with a broad blade on one end and a hammer head of the other
half hitch|a knot used to fasten a rope temporarily to an object;usually tied double
half life|the time required for something to fall to half its initial value (in particular, the time for half the atoms in a radioactive substance to disintegrate)
half mile|a unit of length equal to half of 1 mile
half nelson|a wrestling hold in which the holder puts an arm under the opponent's arm and exerts pressure on the back of the neck
half note|a musical note having the time value of half a whole note
half page|something that covers (the top or bottom) half of a page
half pound|8 ounces avoirdupois
half rest|a musical rest having the time value of half a whole rest or equal in duration to two beats in common time
half sister|a sister who has only one parent in common with you
half sole|shoe sole extending from the shank to the toe
half title|a first page of some books displaying only the title of the book
half track|a motor vehicle propelled by half tracks;frequently used by the military;a track that goes around only rear wheels
half volley|a tennis return made by hitting the ball immediately after it bounces
half-and-half|half milk and half light cream;contains 10% to 18% butterfat
half-and-half dressing|half mayonnaise and half vinaigrette seasoned with minced garlic and mashed anchovies and grated Parmesan cheese;especially good for combination salads
halfback|(American football) the position of a back on a football team;(football) the running back who plays the offensive halfback position
halfbeak|tropical and subtropical marine and freshwater fishes having an elongated body and long protruding lower jaw
half-breed|an offensive term for an offspring of parents of different races (especially of Caucasian and American Indian ancestry)
half-caste|an offensive term for the offspring of parents of different races or cultures
half-century|a period of 50 years
half-cock|confusion resulting from lack of preparation
half-holiday|a day on which half is free from work or duty
half-hour|a half of an hour
half-intensity|half the maximum intensity
half-length|a portrait showing the body from only the waist up
half-light|a greyish light (as at dawn or dusk or in dim interiors)
half-mast|a position some distance below the top of a mast to which a flag is lowered in mourning or to signal distress
half-moon|the crescent-shaped area at the base of the human fingernail;the time at which the Moon is at first or last quarter when half its face is illuminated
half-pay|reduced wage paid to someone who is not working full time
halfpenny|an English coin worth half a penny
halfpennyworth|the amount that can be bought for a halfpenny
half-term|a short vacation about halfway through a school term - "he came to visit at half-term"
halftime|an intermission between the first and second half of a game
halftone|a print obtained from photoengraving;an engraving used to reproduce an illustration
half-truth|a partially true statement intended to deceive or mislead
Haliaeetus|a genus of Accipitridae
halibut|lean flesh of very large flatfish of Atlantic or Pacific;marine food fish of the northern Atlantic or northern Pacific;the largest flatfish and one of the largest teleost fishes
halibut-liver oil|a fatty oil from halibut livers that is used as a source of vitamin A
Halicarnassus|an ancient Greek city on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor in what is now Turkey;site of the mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Halicoeres|a genus of Labridae
Halictidae|a family of small solitary bees;many are valuable pollinators for agriculture
halide|a salt of any halogen acid
Halifax|provincial capital and largest city of Nova Scotia
Halimodendron|one species;salt tree
Haliotidae|abalones
Haliotis|type genus of the family Haliotidae
halite|naturally occurring crystalline sodium chloride
halitosis|offensive breath
halitus|exhaled breath
hall|a large building for meetings or entertainment;a large building used by a college or university for teaching or research - "halls of learning";a large room for gatherings or entertainment - "lecture hall" - "pool hall";English writer whose novel about a lesbian relationship was banned in Britain for many years (1883-1943);United States astronomer who discovered Phobos and Deimos (the two satellites of Mars) (1829-1907);United States chemist who developed an economical method of producing aluminum from bauxite (1863-1914);United States child psychologist whose theories of child psychology strongly influenced educational psychology (1844-1924);United States explorer who led three expeditions to the Arctic (1821-1871)
Hall of Fame|a building containing trophies honoring famous people
hall of residence|a university dormitory
hall pass|written permission from a teacher for a student to be out the classroom and in the halls of the school
Halle|a city in the Saxony region of Germany on the Saale River;a member of the Hanseatic League during the 13th and 14th centuries
Hallel|(Judaism) a chant of praise (Psalms 113 through 118) used at Passover and Shabuoth and Sukkoth and Hanukkah and Rosh Hodesh
hallelujah|a shout or song of praise to God
Halley|English astronomer who used Newton's laws of motion to predict the period of a comet (1656-1742)
hallmark|a distinctive characteristic or attribute
halloo|a shout to attract attention - "he gave a great halloo but no one heard him"
Halloween|the evening before All Saints' Day;often devoted to pranks played by young people
Hall's honeysuckle|a variety of Japanese honeysuckle that grows like a vine;established as an aggressive escape in southeastern United States
hallstand|a piece of furniture where coats and hats and umbrellas can be hung;usually has a mirror
hallucination|an object perceived during a hallucinatory episode - "he refused to believe that the angel was a hallucination";illusory perception;a common symptom of severe mental disorder
hallucinogen|a psychoactive drug that induces hallucinations or altered sensory experiences
hallucinosis|a mental state in which the person has continual hallucinations
hallway|an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
halma|a board game in which players try to move their pieces into their opponent's bases
halo|a circle of light around the sun or moon
halo blight|a blight affecting the leaves of oats and other grasses;a blight of bean plants
halobacteria|halophiles in saline environments such as the Dead Sea or salt flats
halocarbon|one of various compounds of carbon and any of the halogens
Halocarpus|dioecious trees or shrubs of New Zealand;similar in habit to Dacrydium
haloform|compounds with the formula CHX3, where X is a halogen atom
halogen|any of five related nonmetallic elements (fluorine or chlorine or bromine or iodine or astatine) that are all monovalent and readily form negative ions
halogeton|a coarse annual herb introduced into North America from Siberia;dangerous to sheep and cattle on western rangelands because of its high oxalate content
halon|a compound in which the hydrogen atoms of a hydrocarbon have been replaced by bromine and other halogen atoms;very stable;used in fire extinguishers although it is thought to release bromine that depletes the ozone layer
haloperidol|tranquilizer (trade name Haldol) used to treat some psychotic disorders and Tourette's syndrome
halophile|archaebacteria requiring a salt-rich environment for growth and survival
halophyte|plant growing naturally in very salty soil
Haloragidaceae|a family of dicotyledonous plants of the order Myrtales
halothane|a nonflammable inhalation anesthetic that produces general anesthesia;used along with analgesics and muscle relaxants for many types of surgical procedures
Hals|Dutch portrait and genre painter who endowed his portraits with vitality and humor (1580?-1666)
halter|a woman's top that fastens behind the back and neck leaving the back and arms uncovered;either of the rudimentary hind wings of dipterous insects;used for maintaining equilibrium during flight;rope or canvas headgear for a horse, with a rope for leading
halyard|a rope for raising or lowering a sail or flag
Ham|(Old Testament) son of Noah;a licensed amateur radio operator;an unskilled actor who overacts;meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
ham and eggs|eggs (scrambled or fried) served with ham
ham hock|a small cut of meat from the leg just above the foot
ham sandwich|a sandwich made with a filling of sliced ham
hamadryad|large cobra of southeastern Asia and the East Indies;the largest venomous snake;sometimes placed in genus Naja;the nymph or spirit of a particular tree
hamamelid dicot family|family of mostly woody dicotyledonous flowering plants with flowers often unisexual and often borne in catkins
hamamelid dicot genus|genus of mostly woody relatively primitive dicotyledonous flowering plants with flowers often unisexual and often borne in catkins
Hamamelidaceae|comprises genera Hamamelis, Corylopsis, Fothergilla, Liquidambar, Parrotia, and other small genera
Hamamelidae|a group of chiefly woody plants considered among the most primitive of angiosperms;perianth poorly developed or lacking;flowers often unisexual and often in catkins and often wind pollinated;contains 23 families including the Betulaceae and Fagaceae (includes the Amentiferae);sometimes classified as a superorder
Hamamelidanthum|genus of fossil plants of the Oligocene having flowers resembling those of the witch hazel;found in Baltic region
Hamamelidoxylon|genus of fossil plants having wood identical with or similar to that of the witch hazel
Hamamelis|deciduous shrubs or small trees;witch hazel
Hamamelites|genus of fossil plants having leaves similar to those of the witch hazel
Haman|(Old Testament) the minister of the Persian emperor who hated the Jews and was hanged for plotting to massacre them
hamartoma|a focal growth that resembles a neoplasm but results from faulty development in an organ
Hamas|a militant Islamic fundamentalist political movement that opposes peace with Israel and uses terrorism as a weapon;seeks to create an Islamic state in place of Israel;is opposed to the PLO and has become a leading perpetrator of terrorist activity in Israel;pioneered suicide bombing
hamate|the wrist bone in line with the 4th and 5th fingers
Hamburg|a port city in northern Germany on the Elbe River that was founded by Charlemagne in the 9th century and is today the largest port in Germany;in 1241 it formed an alliance with Lubeck that became the basis for the Hanseatic League
Hamburg parsley|parsley with smooth leaves and enlarged edible taproot resembling a savory parsnip
hamburger|a sandwich consisting of a fried cake of minced beef served on a bun, often with other ingredients
hamburger bun|a round bun shaped to hold a hamburger patty
hame|stable gear consisting of either of two curved supports that are attached to the collar of a draft horse and that hold the traces
hamelia|any of several flowering tropical or subtropical shrubs of the genus Hamelia
Hameln|a town in northern Germany (near Hanover) that is famous as the setting for the legend of the Pied Piper
Hamilton|a port city in southeastern Ontario at the western end of Lake Ontario;English beauty who was the mistress of Admiral Nelson (1765-1815);Irish mathematician (1806-1865);the capital of Bermuda;United States statesman and leader of the Federalists;as the first Secretary of the Treasury he establish a federal bank;was mortally wounded in a duel with Aaron Burr (1755-1804);United States toxicologist known for her work on industrial poisons (1869-1970)
Haminoea|common genus of marine bubble shells of the Pacific coast of North America
Hamitic|a group of languages in northern Africa related to Semitic
hamlet|a community of people smaller than a village;the hero of William Shakespeare's tragedy who hoped to avenge the murder of his father
Hammarskjold|Swedish diplomat who greatly extended the influence of the United Nations in peacekeeping matters (1905-1961)
hammer|a hand tool with a heavy rigid head and a handle;used to deliver an impulsive force by striking;a heavy metal sphere attached to a flexible wire;used in the hammer throw;a power tool for drilling rocks;a striker that is covered in felt and that causes the piano strings to vibrate;the act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows) - "the sudden hammer of fists caught him off guard";the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled
hammer and sickle|the emblem on the flag of the Soviet Union
hammer throw|an athletic competition in which a heavy metal ball that is attached to a flexible wire is hurled as far as possible
hammerhead|medium-sized live-bearing shark with eyes at either end of a flattened hammer-shaped head;worldwide in warm waters;can be dangerous;the striking part of a hammer
hammerlock|a wrestling hold in which the opponent's arm is twisted up behind his back
Hammerstein|United States lyricist who collaborated on many musical comedies (most successfully with Richard Rodgers) (1895-1960)
hammertoe|a deformed toe which is bent in a clawlike arch
Hammett|United States writer of hard-boiled detective fiction (1894-1961)
hamming|poor acting by a ham actor
hammock|a hanging bed of canvas or rope netting (usually suspended between two trees);swings easily
Hammurabi|Babylonian king who codified the laws of Sumer and Mesopotamia (died 1750 BC)
hamper|a basket usually with a cover
Hampshire|a county of southern England on the English Channel;British breed of hornless dark-faced domestic sheep
Hampton|United States musician who was the first to use the vibraphone as a jazz instrument (1913-2002)
Hampton Roads|a channel in southeastern Virginia through which the Elizabeth River and the James River flow into Chesapeake Bay;a naval battle of the American Civil War (1862);the indecisive battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac
hamster|short-tailed Old World burrowing rodent with large cheek pouches
hamstring|one of the tendons at the back of the knee
Hamsun|Norwegian writer of novels (1859-1952)
Han|imperial dynasty that ruled China (most of the time from 206 BC to AD 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy;remembered as one of the great eras of Chinese civilization
Hancock|American revolutionary patriot who was president of the Continental Congress;was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence (1737-1793)
hand|a member of the crew of a ship - "all hands on deck";a position given by its location to the side of an object - "objections were voiced on every hand";a rotating pointer on the face of a timepiece - "the big hand counts the minutes";a round of applause to signify approval - "give the little lady a great big hand";a unit of length equal to 4 inches;used in measuring horses - "the horse stood 20 hands";ability - "he wanted to try his hand at singing";one of two sides of an issue - "on the one hand..., but on the other hand...";physical assistance - "give me a hand with the chores";terminal part of the forelimb in certain vertebrates (e.g. apes or kangaroos) - "the kangaroo's forearms seem undeveloped but the powerful five-fingered hands are skilled at feinting and clouting"- Springfield (Mass.) Union;the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb - "he had the hands of a surgeon";the cards held in a card game by a given player at any given time - "I didn't hold a good hand all evening" - "he kept trying to see my hand"
hand ax|a stone tool with a cutting edge;the stone is held in the hand and used for chopping
hand blower|a hand-held electric blower that can blow warm air onto the hair;used for styling hair
hand brake|a brake operated by hand;usually operates by mechanical linkage
hand calculator|a calculator small enough to hold in the hand or carry in a pocket
hand cheese|any cheese originally molded by hand
hand cream|moisturizing cream for the hands
hand drill|a small portable drill held and operated by hand
hand fern|tropical American fern with coarsely lobed to palmatifid fronds
hand glass|a mirror intended to be held in the hand;light microscope consisting of a single convex lens that is used to produce an enlarged image
hand grenade|a grenade designed to be thrown by hand
hand lotion|lotion used to soften the hands
hand luggage|luggage that is light enough to be carried by hand
hand mower|a lawn mower that is operated by hand
hand pump|a pump worked by hand
hand puppet|a puppet with a cloth body and hollow head;fits over the hand
hand shovel|a shovel that is operated by hand
hand throttle|a hand-operated lever that controls the throttle valve
hand tool|a tool used with workers' hands
hand towel|a small towel used to dry the hands or face
hand truck|a handcart that has a frame with two low wheels and a ledge at the bottom and handles at the top;used to move crates or other heavy objects
handball|a game played in a walled court or against a single wall by two or four players who strike a rubber ball with their hands;a small rubber ball used in playing the game of handball
handball court|the court on which handball is played
handbarrow|a rectangular frame with handles at both ends;carried by two people
handbell|a bell that is held in the hand
handbook|a concise reference book providing specific information about a subject or location
handbow|a bow drawn by hand as distinguished from a crossbow
handbreadth|any unit of length based on the breadth of the human hand
handcar|a small railroad car propelled by hand or by a small motor
handcart|wheeled vehicle that can be pushed by a person;may have one or two or four wheels - "he used a handcart to carry the rocks away"
handclap|a clap of the hands to indicate approval
handcuff|shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist;usually used in pairs
handedness|the property of using one hand more than the other
Handel|a prolific British baroque composer (born in Germany) remembered best for his oratorio Messiah (1685-1759);the music of Handel
handful|a small number or amount - "only a handful of responses were received";the quantity that can be held in the hand
hand-held computer|a portable battery-powered computer small enough to be carried in your pocket
handhold|an appendage to hold onto
handicap|advantage given to a competitor to equalize chances of winning
handicapped person|a person who has some condition that markedly restricts their ability to function physically or mentally or socially
handicraft|a craft that requires skillful hands;a work produced by hand labor
Handies Peak|a mountain peak in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado (14,048 feet high)
handiness|skillfulness with the hands - "he can do any sort of work requiring handiness and dexterity";the quality of being at hand when needed
handkerchief|a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory
handle|the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it - "he grabbed the hammer by the handle"
handlebar|the shaped bar used to steer a bicycle
handler|an agent who handles something or someone - "the senator's campaign handlers"
handline|a fishing line managed principally by hand
handling|manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something;the action of touching with the hands (or the skillful use of the hands) or by the use of mechanical means
handling cost|the cost of handling (especially the cost of packaging and mailing an order)
handloom|a loom powered by hand
handmaid|a personal maid or female attendant;in a subordinate position - "theology should be the handmaiden of ethics"
hand-me-down|outgrown garment passed down from one person to another
handoff|(American football) a play in which one player hands the ball to a teammate
handout|an announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation;giving money or food or clothing to a needy person
handover|act of relinquishing property or authority etc - "the handover of occupied territory"
handrest|a support for the hand
hands|(with 'in') guardianship over;in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child - "my fate is in your hands" - "too much power in the president's hands"
handsaw|a saw used with one hand for cutting wood
handsaw fish|a soft-finned fish of the genus Alepisaurus
Hand-Schuller-Christian disease|inflammatory histiocytosis associated with disturbance of cholesterol metabolism;occurs chiefly in young children and is characterized by cystic defects of the skull and diabetes insipidus
handset|telephone set with the mouthpiece and earpiece mounted on a single handle
handshake|grasping and shaking a person's hand (as to acknowledge an introduction or to agree on a contract)
handsomeness|the quality of having regular well-defined features (especially of a man)
handspike|a metal bar (or length of pipe) used as a lever
handspring|an acrobatic feat in which a person goes from a standing position to a handstand and back again
handstamp|a stamp (usually made of rubber) for imprinting a mark or design by hand
handstand|the act of supporting yourself by your hands alone in an upside down position
handwear|clothing for the hands
handwheel|a wheel worked by hand;control consisting of a wheel whose rim serves as the handle by which a part is operated
handwriting|something written by hand - "she recognized his handwriting";the activity of writing by hand - "handwriting can be slow and painful for one with arthritis"
Handy|United States blues musician who transcribed and published traditional blues music (1873-1958)
handyman|a man skilled in various odd jobs and other small tasks
hang|a gymnastic exercise performed on the rings or horizontal bar or parallel bars when the gymnast's weight is supported by the arms;the way a garment hangs - "he adjusted the hang of his coat"
hang glider|a glider resembling a large kite;the rider hangs from it while descending from a height;a rider of a hang glider
hang gliding|gliding in a hang glider
hangar queen|an airplane with a bad maintenance record
hanger|a worker who hangs something;anything from which something can be hung
hanging|a form of capital punishment;victim is suspended by the neck from a gallows or gibbet until dead - "in those days the hanging of criminals was a public entertainment";decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window - "the cold castle walls were covered with hangings"
hanging chad|a chad that is incompletely removed and hanging by one corner
hanging fly|any of various mecopterous insects of the family Bittacidae
Hanging Gardens of Babylon|a terraced garden at Babylon watered by pumps from the Euphrates;construction attributed to Nebuchadnezzar around 600 BC
hanging wall|the upper wall of an inclined fault
hangman|an executioner who hangs the condemned person
hangman's rope|a rope that is used by a hangman to execute persons who have been condemned to death by hanging
hangnail|a loose narrow strip of skin near the base of a fingernail;tearing it produces a painful sore that is easily infected
hangover|disagreeable aftereffects from the use of drugs (especially alcohol);something that has survived from the past - "hangovers from the 19th century"
hang-up|an emotional preoccupation;an unforeseen obstacle
Hangzhou|a city of eastern China on Hangzhou Bay;regarded by Marco Polo as the finest city in the world
Hangzhou Bay|a bay formed by an inlet of the East China Sea
Hani|a Loloish language
hank|a coil of rope or wool or yarn
hank panky|illicit sexual intercourse
hankering|a yearning for something or to do something
Hanks|United States film actor (born in 1956)
Hannibal|a town in northeast Missouri on the Mississippi River;boyhood home of Mark Twain;general who commanded the Carthaginian army in the second Punic War;crossed the Alps and defeated the Romans but was recalled to defend Carthage and was defeated (247-182 BC)
Hannover|a port city in northwestern Germany;formerly a member of the Hanseatic League
Hanoi|the capital city of Vietnam;located in North Vietnam
Hanover|the English royal house that reigned from 1714 to 1901 (from George I to Victoria)
Hanoverian|a member (or supporter) of the house of Hanover;any of the British rulers who were members of the House of Hanover
Hansard|the official published verbatim report of the proceedings of a parliamentary body;originally of the British Parliament - "the Canadian Hansard is published in both English and French"
Hanseatic League|a commercial and defensive confederation of free cities in northern Germany and surrounding areas;formed in 1241 and most influential in the 14th century when it included over 100 towns and functioned as an independent political power;the last official assembly was held in 1669
hansom|a two-wheeled horse-drawn covered carriage with the driver's seat above and behind the passengers
Hanukkah|(Judaism) an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BC
Hanuman|in Hinduism, the monkey god and helper of Rama;god of devotion and courage
hao|10 hao equal 1 dong in Vietnam
hap|an accidental happening - "he recorded all the little haps and mishaps of his life"
haploid|(genetics) an organism or cell having only one complete set of chromosomes
haploidy|the condition of being haploid
Haplopappus|genus of North and South American perennial herbs or shrubs with yellow flowers;in some classifications include species placed in other genera especially Hazardia
Haplosporidia|an order in the subclass Acnidosporidia
haplosporidian|parasite in invertebrates and lower vertebrates of no known economic importance
haplotype|(genetics) a combination of alleles (for different genes) that are located closely together on the same chromosome and that tend to be inherited together
happening|an event that happens
happiness|emotions experienced when in a state of well-being;state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
happy hour|the time of day when a bar sells alcoholic drinks at a reduced price
haptoglobin|a protein in plasma that binds free hemoglobin and removes it (as from wounds)
harakiri|ritual suicide by self-disembowelment on a sword;practiced by samurai in the traditional Japanese society
harangue|a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
haranguer|a public speaker who delivers a loud or forceful or angry speech
Harare|the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe
harasser|a persistent attacker - "the harassers were not members of the regular army";a persistent tormentor
harassing fire|fire designed to disturb the rest of enemy troops and to curtail movement and to lower enemy morale
harassment|a feeling of intense annoyance caused by being tormented - "so great was his harassment that he wanted to destroy his tormentors";the act of tormenting by continued persistent attacks and criticism
harbinger|something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
harbor|a place of refuge and comfort and security
harbor patrol|patrol of officers who police a harbor area
harbor porpoise|the common porpoise of the northern Atlantic and Pacific
harbor seal|small spotted seal of coastal waters of the northern hemisphere
harborage|(nautical) a place of refuge (as for a ship)
hard beech|tall New Zealand tree yielding very hard wood
hard candy|candy that is brittle - "you can break a tooth on that hard candy"
hard cheese|bad luck
hard cider|alcoholic drink from fermented cider;'cider' and 'cyder' are European (especially British) usages for the fermented beverage
hard copy|(computer science) matter that is held in a computer and is typed or printed on paper - "he ran off a hard copy of the report"
hard core|the most dedicated and intensely loyal nucleus of a group or movement
hard currency|a currency that is not likely to depreciate suddenly in value - "the countries agreed to conduct their bilateral trade in hard currency, replacing previous barter arrangements" - "Germany once had a solid economy, good fiscal and monetary policies, and a hard currency"
hard disc|a rigid magnetic disk mounted permanently in a drive unit
hard drug|a narcotic that is considered relatively strong and likely to cause addiction
hard fern|any of several ferns of the genus Blechnum
hard hat|a lightweight protective helmet (plastic or metal) worn by construction workers
hard lead|a lead alloy that contains about 5% antimony;unrefined lead that is hard because of the impurities it contains
hard line|a firm and uncompromising stance or position - "the governor took a hard line on drugs"
hard news|news that deals with serious topics or events
hard palate|the bony part of the roof of the mouth
hard right|the extreme right wing
hard roll|yeast-raised roll with a hard crust
hard rubber|a hard nonresilient rubber formed by vulcanizing natural rubber
hard rush|tall rush of temperate regions
hard sauce|butter and sugar creamed together with brandy or other flavoring and served with rich puddings
hard sell|forceful and insistent advertising
hard shoulder|a paved strip beside a motorway (for stopping in emergencies)
hard solder|solder that contains copper;melts at a relatively high temperature;used for brazing
hard steel|steel with more than 0.3% carbon
hard tick|ticks having a hard shield on the back and mouth parts that project from the head
hard time|a difficulty that can be overcome with effort - "we had a hard time getting here";a term served in a maximum security prison
hard times|a time of difficulty
hard water|water that contains mineral salts (as calcium and magnesium ions) that limit the formation of lather with soap
hardback|a book with cardboard or cloth or leather covers
hardbake|a British sweet made with molasses and butter and almonds
hardball|a no-nonsense attitude in business or politics - "they play hardball in the Senate";baseball as distinguished from softball
hard-boiled egg|an egg boiled gently until both the white and the yolk solidify
Hardenbergia|small genus of Australian woody vines with small violet flowers;closely related to genus Kennedia
hardening|abnormal hardening or thickening of tissue;the act of making something harder (firmer or tighter or more compact);the process of becoming hard or solid by cooling or drying or crystallization - "the hardening of concrete"
Harding|29th President of the United States;two of his appointees were involved in the Teapot Dome scandal (1865-1823)
hardinggrass|perennial grass of Australia and South Africa;introduced in North America as forage grass
hardliner|a conservative who is uncompromising
hardness|a quality of water that contains dissolved mineral salts that prevent soap from lathering - "the costs of reducing hardness depend on the relative amounts of calcium and magnesium compounds that are present";the property of being rigid and resistant to pressure;not easily scratched;measured on Mohs scale;the quality of being difficult to do - "he assigned a series of problems of increasing hardness"
hard-shell crab|edible crab that has not recently molted and so has a hard shell
hardship|something that causes or entails suffering - "I cannot think it a hardship that more indulgence is allowed to men than to women"- James Boswell - "the many hardships of frontier life"
hardstem bulrush|widely distributed North American sedge having rigid olive green stems
hardtack|a mountain mahogany;very hard unsalted biscuit or bread;a former ship's staple
hardtop|a car that resembles a convertible but has a fixed rigid top
hardware|(computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system;instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal;major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)
hardware error|error resulting from a malfunction of some physical component of the computer
hardware store|a store selling hardware - "in Great Britain they used to call a hardware store an ironmonger's shop"
hardwood|the wood of broad-leaved dicotyledonous trees (as distinguished from the wood of conifers)
Hardy|English novelist and poet (1840-1928);United States slapstick comedian who played the pompous and overbearing member of the Laurel and Hardy duo who made many films (1892-1957)
hare|swift timid long-eared mammal larger than a rabbit having a divided upper lip and long hind legs;young born furred and with open eyes
Hare Krishna|a chant to the Hindu god Krishna;a religious sect founded in the United States in 1966;based on Vedic scriptures;groups engage in joyful chanting of 'Hare Krishna' and other mantras based on the name of the Hindu god Krishna;devotees usually wear saffron robes and practice vegetarianism and celibacy;worshipper of Krishna and member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
hare wallaby|small Australian wallaby that resembles a hare and has persistent teeth
harebell|perennial of northern hemisphere with slender stems and bell-shaped blue flowers
Haredi|any of several sects of Orthodox Judaism that reject modern secular culture and many of whom do not recognize the spiritual authority of the modern state of Israel
harem|living quarters reserved for wives and concubines and female relatives in a Muslim household
hare's-foot bristle fern|a variety of bristle fern
hare's-foot fern|either of two ferns of the genus Davallia having a soft grey hairy rootstock
Hargeisa|a city in northwestern Somalia
Hargreaves|English inventor of the spinning jenny (1720-1778)
haricot|a French variety of green bean plant bearing light-colored beans
haricot vert|very small and slender green bean
Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami|an extremist militant group in Pakistan occupied Kashmir that seeks an Islamic government and that has had close links and fought with the Taliban in Afghanistan
Harkat-ul-Mujahidin|an Islamic fundamentalist group in Pakistan that fought the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s;now operates as a terrorist organization primarily in Kashmir and seeks Kashmir's accession by Pakistan
Harlem|a district of Manhattan;now largely a Black ghetto
Harlem Renaissance|a period in the 1920s when African-American achievements in art and music and literature flourished
Harlem River|a channel separating Manhattan from the Bronx
harlequin|a clown or buffoon (after the Harlequin character in the commedia dell'arte)
harlequin opal|a reddish opal with small patches of brilliant color
Harley Street|a street in central London where the consulting rooms of many physicians and surgeons are located
Harlow|United States film actress who made several films with Clark Gable (1911-1937)
harmattan|a dusty wind from the Sahara that blows toward the western coast of Africa during the winter
harmfulness|destructiveness that causes harm or injury;the quality of being noxious
harmonic|a tone that is a component of a complex sound;any of a series of musical tones whose frequencies are integral multiples of the frequency of a fundamental
harmonic mean|the mean of n numbers expressed as the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocals of the numbers
harmonic motion|a periodic motion in which the displacement is either symmetrical about a point or is the sum of such motions
harmonic progression|(mathematics) a progression of terms whose reciprocals form an arithmetic progression
harmonica|a small rectangular free-reed instrument having a row of free reeds set back in air holes and played by blowing into the desired hole
harmonics|the study of musical sound
harmonium|a free-reed instrument in which air is forced through the reeds by bellows
harmonization|a piece of harmonized music;singing in harmony
harmonizer|a mediator who brings one thing into harmonious agreement with another;a musician who sings or plays in harmony
harmony|a harmonious state of things in general and of their properties (as of colors and sounds);congruity of parts with one another and with the whole;agreement of opinions;an agreeable sound property;compatibility in opinion and action;the structure of music with respect to the composition and progression of chords
Harmsworth|British newspaper publisher (1865-1922)
harness|a support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute);stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart
harness horse|horse used for pulling vehicles
harness race|a horse race between people riding in sulkies behind horses that are trotting or pacing
harnessed antelope|any of several antelopes of the genus Tragelaphus having striped markings resembling a harness
Harold I|illegitimate son of Canute who seized the throne of England in 1037 (died in 1040)
Harold II|King of England who succeeded Edward the Confessor in 1066 and was the last of the Anglo-Saxon monarchs;he was killed fighting the invasion by William the Conqueror (1045-1066)
harp|a chordophone that has a triangular frame consisting of a sounding board and a pillar and a curved neck;the strings stretched between the neck and the soundbox are plucked with the fingers;a pair of curved vertical supports for a lampshade
harp seal|common Arctic seal;the young are all white
Harpers Ferry|a small town in northeastern West Virginia that was the site of a raid in 1859 by the abolitionist John Brown and his followers who captured an arsenal that was located there
Harpia|a genus of Accipitridae
harpist|someone who plays the harp
harpoon|a spear with a shaft and barbed point for throwing;used for catching large fish or whales;a strong line is attached to it
harpoon gun|a cannon or similar gun that fires harpoons
harpoon line|a strong rope for making the catch fast to the harpooner's boat
harpoon log|a cylindrical log with a device that registers distance
harpooner|someone who launches harpoons
harpsichord|a clavier with strings that are plucked by plectra mounted on pivots
harpsichordist|someone who plays the harpsichord
harpulla|fast-growing tree of India and East Indies yielding a wood used especially for building
harpullia|any of various tree of the genus Harpullia
Harpy|(Greek mythology) vicious winged monster;often depicted as a bird with the head of a woman;any of various fruit bats of the genus Nyctimene distinguished by nostrils drawn out into diverging tubes;large black-and-white crested eagle of tropical America
harridan|a scolding (even vicious) old woman
harrier|a hound that resembles a foxhound but is smaller;used to hunt rabbits;hawks that hunt over meadows and marshes and prey on small terrestrial animals
harrier eagle|any of numerous large Old World hawks intermediate in some respects between typical hawks and typical eagles
Harriman|United States financier who negotiated a treaty with the Soviet Union banning tests of nuclear weapons (1891-1986);United States railway tycoon (1848-1909)
Harris|British marshal of the Royal Air Force;during World War II he directed mass bombing raids against German cities that resulted in heavy civilian casualties (1892-1984);Irish writer noted for his sexually explicit but unreliable autobiography (1856-1931);publisher of the first newspaper printed in America (1673-1713);United States author who wrote the stories about Uncle Remus (1848-1908);United States diplomat who was instrumental in opening Japan to foreign trade (1804-1878);United States linguist (born in Ukraine) who developed mathematical linguistics and interpreted speech and writing in a social context (1909-1992)
Harris Tweed|a loosely woven tweed made in the Outer Hebrides
Harrisburg|capital of Pennsylvania;located in southern part of state
Harrisia|genus of slender often treelike spiny cacti with solitary showy nocturnal white or pink flowers;Florida and Caribbean to South America
Harrison|23rd President of the United States (1833-1901);9th President of the United States;caught pneumonia during his inauguration and died shortly after (1773-1841);English actor on stage and in films (1908-1990);English rock star;lead guitarist of the Beatles (1943-2001)
Harrod|English merchant who expanded his father's shop in London into a prestigious department store (1841-1905);English merchant who took over a shop in London that was expanded by his son into a prestigious department store (1800-1885)
harrow|a cultivator that pulverizes or smooths the soil
harshness|the quality of being unpleasant (harsh or rough or grating) to the senses;the roughness of a substance that causes abrasions
hart|a male deer, especially an adult male red deer;United States lyricist who collaborated with Richard Rodgers (1895-1943);United States playwright who collaborated with George S. Kaufman (1904-1961)
Harte|United States writer noted for his stories about life during the California gold rush (1836-1902)
hartebeest|a large African antelope with lyre-shaped horns that curve backward
Hartford|the state capital of Connecticut;located in central Connecticut on the Connecticut river;a center of the insurance business
Hartley|English philosopher who introduced the theory of the association of ideas (1705-1757)
hart's-tongue|Eurasian fern with simple lanceolate fronds;tropical American terrestrial fern with leathery lanceolate fronds;sometimes placed in genus Polybotrya
Harvard|American philanthropist who left his library and half his estate to the Massachusetts college that now bears his name (1607-1638)
Harvard University|a university in Massachusetts
harvest|the consequence of an effort or activity - "they gathered a harvest of examples" - "a harvest of love";the gathering of a ripened crop;the season for gathering crops
harvest mite|larval mite that sucks the blood of vertebrates including human beings causing intense irritation
harvest moon|the full moon nearest the September equinox
harvest mouse|small reddish-brown Eurasian mouse inhabiting e.g. cornfields
harvester|farm machine that gathers a food crop from the fields;someone who helps to gather the harvest
harvestfish|butterfish up to a foot long of Atlantic waters from Chesapeake Bay to Argentina
harvest-lice|erect perennial Old World herb of dry grassy habitats
harvestman|spiderlike arachnid with a small rounded body and very long thin legs
Harvey|English physician and scientist who described the circulation of the blood;he later proposed that all animals originate from an ovum produced by the female of the species (1578-1657)
Harvey Wallbanger|a cocktail made of vodka or gin and orange juice and Galliano
has-been|someone who is no longer popular
Hasdrubal|general who commanded a Carthaginian army in Spain;joined his brother Hannibal in Italy and was killed by the Romans at the battle of Metaurus River (died 207 BC)
Hasek|Czech author of novels and short stories (1883-1923)
hash|chopped meat mixed with potatoes and browned
hash head|a user of hashish
hash house|an inexpensive restaurant
Hashimoto's disease|autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland;most common in middle-aged women
hashish|purified resinous extract of the hemp plant;used as a hallucinogen
Hasid|a member of a Jewish sect that observes a form of strict Orthodox Judaism
Hasidim|a sect of Orthodox Jews that arose out of a pietistic movement originating in eastern Europe in the second half of the 18th century;a sect that follows the Mosaic law strictly
Hasidism|beliefs and practices of a sect of Orthodox Jews
haslet|heart and liver and other edible viscera especially of hogs;usually chopped and formed into a loaf and braised
hasp|a fastener for a door or lid;a hinged metal plate is fitted over a staple and is locked with a pin or padlock
Hassam|United States painter noted for brilliant colors and bold brushwork (1859-1935)
Hassel|Norwegian chemist noted for his research on organic molecules (1897-1981)
hassium|a radioactive transuranic element
hassle|disorderly fighting
hassock|a cushion for kneeling on (as when praying in church)
hastate leaf|a leaf shaped like a spearhead with flaring pointed lobes at the base
haste|overly eager speed (and possible carelessness) - "he soon regretted his haste";the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner - "in his haste to leave he forgot his book"
Hastinapura|one of two classical Hindu epics;a great collection of poetry worked into and around a central heroic narrative (eight times as large as the Iliad and Odyssey combined)
hastiness|hasty impulsiveness
Hastings|a town in East Sussex just to the south of the place where the battle of Hastings took place;the decisive battle in which William the Conqueror (duke of Normandy) defeated the Saxons under Harold II (1066) and thus left England open for the Norman Conquest;United States architect who formed and important architectural firm with John Merven Carrere (1860-1929)
hasty defense|a defense organized while in contact with the enemy or when time is limited
hasty pudding|cornmeal mush served with sweetening (maple syrup or brown sugar);sweetened porridge made of tapioca or flour or oatmeal cooked quickly in milk or water
hat|an informal term for a person's role - "he took off his politician's hat and talked frankly";headdress that protects the head from bad weather;has shaped crown and usually a brim
hat trick|(sports) three consecutive scores by one player or three scores in one game (as in cricket or ice hockey etc.)
hatband|a band around the crown of a hat just above the brim
hatbox|a round piece of luggage for carrying hats
hatch|a movable barrier covering a hatchway;shading consisting of multiple crossing lines;the production of young from an egg
hatchback|a car having a hatchback door;a sloping rear car door that is lifted to open
hatchel|a comb for separating flax fibers
hatchery|a place where eggs are hatched under artificial conditions (especially fish eggs) - "the park authorities operated a trout hatchery"
hatchet|a small ax with a short handle used with one hand (usually to chop wood)
hatchet man|a professional killer;one whose job it is to execute unpleasant tasks for a superior
hatchling|any recently hatched animal (especially birds)
hatchway|an entrance equipped with a hatch;especially a passageway between decks of a ship
hate|the emotion of intense dislike;a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
hate mail|mail that expresses the writer's dislike or hatred (usually in offensive language)
hatefulness|the quality of being hateful
hatemonger|one who arouses hatred for others
hater|a person who hates
hatful|as many or as much as a hat will hold
hatha yoga|yogic exercises (popular in the West) that combine difficult postures (which force the mind to withdraw from the outside world) with controlled breathing
Hathaway|wife of William Shakespeare (1556-1623)
Hatiora|small genus of South American epiphytic or lithophytic cacti
hatmaker|someone who makes and sells hats
hatpin|a long sturdy pin used by women to secure a hat to their hair
Hatteras Island|a barrier island running parallel to the North Carolina shore
Hattiesburg|a town in southeast Mississippi
hauberk|a long (usually sleeveless) tunic of chain mail formerly worn as defensive armor
hauler|a haulage contractor
hauling|the activity of transporting goods by truck
haulm|stems of beans and peas and potatoes and grasses collectively as used for thatching and bedding
haunch|the hip and buttock and upper thigh in human beings;the loin and leg of a quadruped
haunt|a frequently visited place
Hausa|a member of a Negroid people living chiefly in northern Nigeria;the chief member of the Chadic family of Afroasiatic languages;widely used as a trading language
hausmannite|a mineral consisting of manganese tetroxide;a source of manganese
haustorium|a root-like attachment in parasitic plants that penetrates and obtains food from the host
haute couture|trend-setting fashions
haute cuisine|(French) an elaborate and skillful manner of preparing food
Haute-Normandie|a division of Normandy
Havana|the capital and largest city of Cuba;located in western Cuba;one of the oldest cities in the Americas
Havasupai|a member of a North American Indian people of Cataract Canyon in Arizona;the Yuman language spoken by the Havasupai
Havel|Czech dramatist and statesman whose plays opposed totalitarianism and who served as president of Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992 and president of the Czech Republic since 1993 (born in 1936)
havelock|a cloth covering for a service cap with a flap extending over the back of the neck to protect the neck from direct rays of the sun
haven|a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
Haverhill fever|the form of ratbite fever occurring in the United States
Haversian canal|any of the many tiny canals that contain blood vessels and connective tissue and that form a network in bone
havoc|violent and needless disturbance
haw|the nictitating membrane of a horse
Hawaii|a state in the United States in the central Pacific on the Hawaiian Islands;the largest and southernmost of the Hawaii islands;has several volcanic peaks
Hawaii Time|standard time in the 10th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 150th meridian west;used in Hawaii and the western Aleutian Islands
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park|a national park in Hawaii featuring active volcanoes
Hawaiian|a native or resident of Hawaii;the Oceanic languages spoken on Hawaii
Hawaiian guitar|guitar whose steel strings are twanged while being pressed with a movable steel bar for a glissando effect
Hawaiian Islands|a group of volcanic and coral islands in the central Pacific
hawala|an underground banking system based on trust whereby money can be made available internationally without actually moving it or leaving a record of the transaction - "terrorists make extensive use of hawala"
hawfinch|a common large finch of Eurasia
hawk|an advocate of an aggressive policy on foreign relations;diurnal bird of prey typically having short rounded wings and a long tail
hawk nose|a nose curved downward like the beak of a hawk
hawk owl|grey-and-white diurnal hawk-like owl of northern parts of the northern hemisphere
hawkbit|any of various common wildflowers of the genus Leontodon;of temperate Eurasia to Mediterranean regions
Hawking|English theoretical physicist (born in 1942)
Hawkins|English privateer involved in the slave trade;later helped build the fleet that in 1588 defeated the Spanish Armada (1532-1595);United States jazz saxophonist (1904-1969)
hawkishness|any political orientation favoring aggressive policies
hawkmoth|any of various moths with long narrow forewings capable of powerful flight and hovering over flowers to feed
hawk's-beard|any of various plants of the genus Crepis having loose heads of yellow flowers on top of a long branched leafy stem;northern hemisphere
hawksbill turtle|pugnacious tropical sea turtle with a hawk-like beak;source of food and the best tortoiseshell
hawkweed|any of numerous often hairy plants of the genus Hieracium having yellow or orange flowers that resemble the dandelion;any of various plants of the genus Pilosella
Haworth|English biochemist who was a pioneer in research on carbohydrates;when he synthesized vitamin C he became the first person to synthesize a vitamin artificially (1883-1950)
hawse|the hole that an anchor rope passes through
hawser|large heavy rope for nautical use
hawser bend|a knot uniting the ends of two lines
hawthorn|a spring-flowering shrub or small tree of the genus Crataegus
Hawthorne|United States writer of novels and short stories mostly on moral themes (1804-1864)
hay|grass mowed and cured for use as fodder
hay bale|a bale of hay
hay fever|a seasonal rhinitis resulting from an allergic reaction to pollen
haycock|a small cone-shaped pile of hay that has been left in the field until it is dry enough to carry to the hayrick
Haydn|prolific Austrian composer who influenced the classical form of the symphony (1732-1809);the music of Haydn
Hayek|English economist (born in Austria) noted for work on the optimum allocation of resources (1899-1992)
Hayes|19th President of the United States;his administration removed federal troops from the South and so ended the Reconstruction Period (1822-1893);acclaimed actress of stage and screen (1900-1993)
hayfield|a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
hayfork|a long-handled fork for turning or lifting hay
haying|the harvesting of hay;the season for cutting and drying and storing grass as fodder
hayloft|a loft in a barn where hay is stored
haymaker|a farm machine that treats hay to cause more rapid and even drying;a hard punch that renders the opponent unable to continue boxing
haymaking|cutting grass and curing it to make hay;taking full advantage of an opportunity while it lasts
haymow|a mass of hay piled up in a barn for preservation
hayrack|a frame attached to a wagon to increase the amount of hay it can carry;a rack that holds hay for feeding livestock
Hays|a town in central Kansas;United States lawyer and politician who formulated a production code that prescribed the moral content of United States films from 1930 to 1966 (1879-1954);United States lawyer involved in several famous court trials (1881-1954)
hay-scented|fern of eastern North America with pale green fronds and an aroma like hay
haystack|a stack of hay
haywire|wire for tying up bales of hay
Haywood|United States labor leader and militant socialist who was one of the founders of the Industrial Workers of the World (1869-1928)
hazard|a source of danger;a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune - "drinking alcohol is a health hazard";an obstacle on a golf course
hazard insurance|insurance that provides protection against certain risks such as storms or fires
Hazardia|small genus of shrubs and subshrubs of western United States having flowers that change color as they mature
hazardousness|the state of being dangerous
haze|atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
hazel|a shade of brown that is yellowish or reddish;it is a greenish shade of brown when used to describe the color of someone's eyes;Australian tree grown especially for ornament and its fine-grained wood and bearing edible nuts;the fine-grained wood of a hazelnut tree (genus Corylus) and the hazel tree (Australian genus Pomaderris)
hazel mouse|a variety of dormouse
hazelnut|any of several shrubs or small trees of the genus Corylus bearing edible nuts enclosed in a leafy husk;nut of any of several trees of the genus Corylus
haziness|cloudiness resulting from haze or mist or vapor;vagueness attributable to being not clearly defined
Hazlitt|English essayist and literary critic (1778-1830)
HAZMAT|an abbreviation for 'hazardous material' used on warning signs - "NO HAZMATS IN TUNNEL"
HDL cholesterol|the cholesterol in high-density lipoproteins;the 'good' cholesterol;a high level in the blood is thought to lower the risk of coronary artery disease
he|the 5th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
head|(grammar) the word in a grammatical constituent that plays the same grammatical role as the whole constituent;(nautical) a toilet on board a boat or ship;(usually plural) the obverse side of a coin that usually bears the representation of a person's head - "call heads or tails!";a person who is in charge - "the head of the whole operation";a projection out from one end - "the head of the nail", "a pinhead is the head of a pin";a rounded compact mass - "the head of a comet";a single domestic animal - "200 head of cattle";a user of (usually soft) drugs - "the office was full of secret heads";an individual person - "tickets are $5 per head";that part of a skeletal muscle that is away from the bone that it moves;the foam or froth that accumulates at the top when you pour an effervescent liquid into a container - "the beer had a large head of foam";the front of a military formation or procession - "the head of the column advanced boldly" - "they were at the head of the attack";the length or height based on the size of a human or animal head - "he is two heads taller than his little sister" - "his horse won by a head";the pressure exerted by a fluid - "a head of steam";the rounded end of a bone that fits into a rounded cavity in another bone to form a joint - "the head of the humerus";the striking part of a tool - "the head of the hammer";the tip of an abscess (where the pus accumulates);the top of something - "the head of the stairs" - "the head of the page" - "the head of the list";the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals;contains the face and brains - "he stuck his head out the window"
head blight|a blight of the heads of cereals
head cabbage|any of several varieties of cabbage having a large compact globular head;may be steamed or boiled or stir-fried or used raw in coleslaw;any of various cultivated cabbage plants having a short thick stalk and large compact head of edible usually green leaves
head cold|a common cold affecting the nasal passages and resulting in congestion and sneezing and headache
head count|number of people in a particular group
head covering|a garment that covers the head and face
head crash|(computer science) a crash of a read/write head in a hard disk drive (usually caused by contact of the head with the surface of the magnetic disk)
head gasket|a gasket to seal a cylinder head
head gate|a gate upstream from a lock or canal that is used to control the flow of water at the upper end
head lettuce|distinguished by leaves arranged in a dense rosette that develop into a compact ball
head linesman|a football official in charge of recording yardage gained or lost
head louse|infests the head and body of humans
head nurse|the person in charge of nursing in a medical institution
head of household|the head of a household or family or tribe
head of state|the chief public representative of a country who may also be the head of government
head register|the higher ranges of the voice in speaking or singing;the vibrations of sung notes are felt in the head
head sea|a sea in which the waves are running directly against the course of the ship
head shop|a shop specializing in articles of interest to drug users - "he bought some roach clips and hashish pipes at the head shop"
head smut|smut fungus attacking heads of corn or sorghum and causing a covered smut
headache|pain in the head caused by dilation of cerebral arteries or muscle contractions or a reaction to drugs
headband|a band worn around or over the head - "the earphones were held in place by a headband"
headboard|a vertical board or panel forming the head of a bedstead
headcheese|sausage or jellied loaf made of chopped parts of the head meat and sometimes feet and tongue of a calf or pig
headdress|clothing for the head
header|(soccer) the act of hitting the ball with your head;a framing member crossing and supporting the ends of joists, studs, or rafters so as to transfer their weight to parallel joists, studs, or rafters;a headlong jump (or fall) - "he took a header into the shrubbery";a machine that cuts the heads off grain and moves them into a wagon;brick that is laid sideways at the top of a wall;horizontal beam used as a finishing piece over a door or window
headfast|a mooring line that secures the bow of a boat or ship to a wharf
headful|a covering over the surface of your head - "a headful of tight curls" - "a headful of lice";the quantity of information that a head will hold - "he has a headful of baseball statistics"
headgear|stable gear consisting of any part of a harness that fits about the horse's head;the hoist at the pithead of a mine
headhunter|a recruiter of personnel (especially for corporations);a savage who cuts off and preserves the heads of enemies as trophies
heading|a line of text serving to indicate what the passage below it is about - "the heading seemed to have little to do with the text"
headlight|a powerful light with reflector;attached to the front of an automobile or locomotive
headline|the heading or caption of a newspaper article
headliner|a performer who receives prominent billing
headlinese|using the abbreviated style of headline writers
headlock|a wrestling hold in which the opponent's head is locked between the crook of your elbow and the side of your body
headman|the head of a tribe or clan
headmaster|presiding officer of a school
headmastership|the position of headmaster
headmistress|a woman headmaster
headmistressship|the position of headmistress
headpiece|a protective helmet for the head
headpin|the front bowling pin in the triangular arrangement of ten pins
headquarters|(plural) a military unit consisting of a commander and the headquarters staff;(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise - "many companies have their headquarters in New York";the military installation from which a commander performs the functions of command - "the general's headquarters were a couple of large tents"
headquarters staff|military staff stationed at headquarters
headrace|a waterway that feeds water to a mill or water wheel or turbine
headrest|a cushion attached to the top of the back of an automobile's seat to prevent whiplash;a rest for the head
headroom|the capacity of a system to reproduce loud sounds without distortion;vertical space available to allow easy passage under something
headsail|any sail set forward of the foremast of a vessel
headscarf|a kerchief worn over the head and tied under the chin
headset|receiver consisting of a pair of headphones
headshake|the act of turning your head left and right to signify denial or disbelief or bemusement - "I could tell from their headshakes that they didn't believe me"
headship|the position of head;the position of headmaster or headmistress
headshot|a photograph of a person's head;a shot aimed at a person's head;an attempt to put the soccer ball into the net by using the head
headsman|an executioner who beheads the condemned person
headspace|the volume left at the top of a filled container (bottle or jar or tin) before sealing
headstall|the band that is the part of a bridle that fits around a horse's head
headstand|an acrobatic feat in which a person balances on the head (usually with the help of the hands)
headstock|the stationary support in a machine or power tool that supports and drives a revolving part (as a chuck or the spindle on a lathe)
headstream|a stream that forms the source of a river
heads-up|a warning message - "he sent a heads-up to the District Attorney"
headwater|the source of a river - "the headwaters of the Nile"
headway|forward movement - "the ship made little headway against the gale"
headwind|wind blowing opposite to the path of a ship or aircraft
headword|a content word that can be qualified by a modifier;a word placed at the beginning of a line or paragraph (as in a dictionary entry)
healing|the natural process by which the body repairs itself
health|a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease - "physicians should be held responsible for the health of their patients";the general condition of body and mind - "his delicate health" - "in poor health"
health care|social insurance for the ill and injured
health food|any natural or prepared food popularly believed to promote good health
health hazard|hazard to the health of those exposed to it
health insurance|insurance against loss due to ill health
health maintenance organization|group insurance that entitles members to services of participating hospitals and clinics and physicians
health profession|the body of individuals whose work helps to maintain the health of their clients
health professional|a person who helps in identifying or preventing or treating illness or disability
health spa|a place of business with equipment and facilities for exercising and improving physical fitness
healthcare|the preservation of mental and physical health by preventing or treating illness through services offered by the health profession
healthcare delivery|the provision of health care
healthfulness|the quality of promoting good health
hearer|someone who listens attentively
hearing|(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence;a session (of a committee or grand jury) in which witnesses are called and testimony is taken - "the investigative committee will hold hearings in Chicago";an opportunity to state your case and be heard - "they condemned him without a hearing";the ability to hear;the auditory faculty - "his hearing was impaired"
hearing aid|a conical acoustic device formerly used to direct sound to the ear of a hearing-impaired person;an electronic device that amplifies sound and is worn to compensate for poor hearing
hearing dog|dog trained to assist the deaf by signaling the occurrence of certain sounds
hearing examiner|an official appointed by a government agency to conduct an investigation or administrative hearing so that the agency can exercise its statutory powers
hearing impairment|impairment of the sense of hearing
hearsay evidence|evidence based on what someone has told the witness and not of direct knowledge
hearsay rule|a rule that declares not admissible as evidence any statement other than that by a witness
hearse|a vehicle for carrying a coffin to a church or a cemetery;formerly drawn by horses but now usually a motor vehicle
Hearst|United States newspaper publisher whose introduction of large headlines and sensational reporting changed American journalism (1863-1951)
heart|a firm rather dry variety meat (usually beef or veal) - "a five-pound beef heart will serve six";a plane figure with rounded sides curving inward at the top and intersecting at the bottom;conventionally used on playing cards and valentines - "he drew a heart and called it a valentine";a playing card in the major suit that has one or more red hearts on it - "he led the queen of hearts" - "hearts were trumps";an inclination or tendency of a certain kind - "he had a change of heart";the courage to carry on - "you haven't got the heart for baseball";the hollow muscular organ located behind the sternum and between the lungs;its rhythmic contractions move the blood through the body - "he stood still, his heart thumping wildly";the locus of feelings and intuitions - "in your heart you know it is true"
heart attack|a sudden severe instance of abnormal heart function
heart block|recurrent sudden attacks of unconsciousness caused by impaired conduction of the impulse that regulates the heartbeat
heart cherry|any of several cultivated sweet cherries having sweet juicy heart-shaped fruits;large heart-shaped sweet cherry with soft flesh
heart disease|a disease of the heart
heart failure|inability of the heart to pump enough blood to sustain normal bodily functions
heart murmur|an abnormal sound of the heart;sometimes a sign of abnormal function of the heart valves
heart surgery|any surgical procedure involving the heart
heart urchin|sea urchin having a heart-shaped body in a rigid spiny shell
heart valve|a valve to control one-way flow of blood;an implant that replaces a natural cardiac valve
heartbeat|an animating or vital unifying force - "New York is the commercial heartbeat of America"
heartbreaker|a charming person who is irresponsible in emotional relationships;a narrow defeat or a defeat at the last minute
heartburn|a painful burning sensation in the chest caused by gastroesophageal reflux (backflow from the stomach irritating the esophagus);symptomatic of an ulcer or a diaphragmatic hernia or other disorder
heartburning|intense resentment - "his promotion caused much heartburning among his rivals"
hearth|an area near a fireplace (usually paved and extending out into a room) - "they sat on the hearth and warmed themselves before the fire";home symbolized as a part of the fireplace - "driven from hearth and home"
hearth money|an annual contribution made by Roman Catholics to support the papal see
hearthrug|a rug spread out in front of a fireplace
hearthstone|a stone that forms a hearth
heartiness|the quality of hearty sincerity
heartland|the central region of a country or continent;especially a region that is important to a country or to a culture
heartleaf|evergreen low-growing perennial having mottled green and silvery-grey heart-shaped pungent leaves;Virginia to South Carolina;wild ginger having persistent heart-shaped pungent leaves;West Virginia to Alabama
heartleaf arnica|wildflower with heart-shaped leaves and broad yellow flower heads;of alpine areas west of the Rockies from Alaska to southern California
heartleaf manzanita|erect California shrub having leaves with heart-shaped lobes at the base
heart-leaved aster|perennial wood aster of eastern North America
heartlessness|an absence of concern for the welfare of others
heart-lung machine|a pump to maintain circulation during heart surgery;diverts blood from the heart and oxygenates it and then pumps it through the body
heartrot|any plant disease in which the central part of a plant rots (especially in trees)
hearts|a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
heartseed|herbaceous vine of tropical America and Africa
heartstrings|your deepest feelings of love and compassion - "many adoption cases tug at the heartstrings"
heartthrob|an object of infatuation
heart-to-heart|an intimate talk in private - "he took me aside for a little heart-to-heart"
heartwood|the older inactive central wood of a tree or woody plant;usually darker and denser than the surrounding sapwood
heat|a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature;a preliminary race in which the winner advances to a more important race;the sensation caused by heat energy;the trait of being intensely emotional
heat content|(thermodynamics) a thermodynamic quantity equal to the internal energy of a system plus the product of its volume and pressure
heat dissipation|dissipation of heat
heat engine|any engine that makes use of heat to do work
heat exchanger|device that transfers heat from one liquid to another without allowing them to mix
heat exhaustion|a condition marked by dizziness and nausea and weakness caused by depletion of body fluids and electrolytes
heat flash|a flash of intense heat (as released by an atomic explosion)
heat lamp|electric heater consisting of a high-power incandescent lamp that emits infrared radiation
heat lightning|bright flashes of light near the horizon without thunder (especially on hot evenings);usually attributed to distant lightning that is reflected by clouds
heat of condensation|heat liberated by a unit mass of gas at its boiling point as it condenses into a liquid - "the heat of condensation is equal to the heat of vaporization"
heat of dissociation|the heat required for a fluid substance to break up into simpler constituents
heat of formation|the heat evolved or absorbed during the formation of one mole of a substance from its component elements
heat of fusion|heat absorbed by a unit mass of a solid at its melting point in order to convert the solid into a liquid at the same temperature - "the heat of fusion is equal to the heat of solidification"
heat of solidification|heat liberated by a unit mass of liquid at its freezing point when it solidifies
heat of solution|the heat evolved or absorbed when one mole of a substance is dissolved in a large volume of a solvent
heat of sublimation|heat absorbed by a unit mass of material when it changes from a solid to a gaseous state
heat of vaporization|heat absorbed by a unit mass of a material at its boiling point in order to convert the material into a gas at the same temperature
heat pump|apparatus that extracts heat from a liquid that is at a higher temperature than its surroundings;can be used to transfer heat from a reservoir outside in order to heat a building
heat ray|a ray that produces a thermal effect
heat shield|a protective covering that protects a spacecraft from overheating on reentry
heat sink|a metal conductor specially designed to conduct (and radiate) heat
heat wave|a wave of unusually hot weather
heater|device that heats water or supplies warmth to a room
heath|a low evergreen shrub of the family Ericaceae;has small bell-shaped pink or purple flowers;a tract of level wasteland;uncultivated land with sandy soil and scrubby vegetation
heath aster|common much-branched North American perennial with heathlike foliage and small starry white flowers;common North American perennial with heathlike foliage and small white flower heads
heath hen|extinct prairie chicken
heath pea|European herb bearing small tubers used for food and in Scotland to flavor whiskey
heathen|a person who does not acknowledge your god
heather|common Old World heath represented by many varieties;low evergreen grown widely in the northern hemisphere
heather mixture|interwoven yarns of mixed colors producing muted greyish shades with flecks of color
heating|the process of becoming warmer;a rising temperature
heating element|the component of a heater or range that transforms fuel or electricity into heat
heating pad|heater consisting of electrical heating elements contained in a flexible pad
heating system|utility to warm a building - "the heating system wasn't working"
heat-seeking missile|a missile with a guidance system that directs it toward targets emitting infrared radiation (as the emissions of a jet engine)
heatstroke|collapse caused by exposure to excessive heat
heaume|a large medieval helmet supported on the shoulders
heave|(geology) a horizontal dislocation;an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting - "a bad case of the heaves";an upward movement (especially a rhythmical rising and falling);the act of lifting something with great effort;throwing something heavy (with great effort) - "he gave it a mighty heave"
Heaven|the abode of God and the angels
heaver|a bar used as a lever (as in twisting rope);a workman who heaves freight or bulk goods (especially at a dockyard)
heaves|a chronic emphysema of the horse that causes difficult expiration and heaving of the flanks
heavier-than-air craft|a non-buoyant aircraft that requires a source of power to hold it aloft and to propel it
heaviness|persisting sadness - "nothing lifted the heaviness of her heart after her loss";the property of being comparatively great in weight - "the heaviness of lead"
Heaviside|English physicist and electrical engineer who helped develop telegraphic and telephonic communications;in 1902 (independent of A. E. Kennelly) he suggested the existence of an atmospheric layer that reflects radio waves back to earth (1850-1925)
Heaviside layer|a region of the ionosphere (from 50 to 90 miles up) that reflects radio waves of medium length
heavy|a serious (or tragic) role in a play;an actor who plays villainous roles
heavy cream|contains more than 36% butterfat
heavy hitter|an influential person who works hard to promote the causes they are interested in
heavy lifting|difficult work - "the boss hoped the plan would succeed but he wasn't willing to do the heavy lifting"
heavy metal|a metal of relatively high density (specific gravity greater than about 5) or of high relative atomic weight (especially one that is poisonous like mercury or lead);loud and harsh sounding rock music with a strong beat;lyrics usually involve violent or fantastic imagery
heavy spar|a white or colorless mineral (BaSO4);the main source of barium
heavy water|water containing a substantial proportion of deuterium atoms, used in nuclear reactors
heavyheartedness|a feeling of dispirited melancholy
heavyweight|a professional boxer who weighs more than 190 pounds;a wrestler who weighs more than 214 pounds;an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 201 pounds
Hebbel|German dramatist (1813-1863)
Hebe|(Greek mythology) the goddess of youth and spring;wife of Hercules;daughter of Zeus and Hera;cupbearer to the Olympian gods
Hebei|a populous province in northeastern China
hebephrenia|a form of schizophrenia characterized by severe disintegration of personality including erratic speech and childish mannerisms and bizarre behavior;usually becomes evident during puberty;the most common diagnostic category in mental institutions
hebetude|mental lethargy or dullness
Hebraist|linguist specializing in the Hebrew language
Hebrew|the ancient Canaanitic language of the Hebrews that has been revived as the official language of Israel
Hebrew alphabet|a Semitic alphabet used since the 5th century BC for writing the Hebrew language (and later for writing Yiddish and Ladino)
Hebrew lesson|instruction in the Hebrew language
Hebrews|the ethnic group claiming descent from Abraham and Isaac (especially from Isaac's son Jacob);the nation whom God chose to receive his revelation and with whom God chose to make a covenant (Exodus 19)
Hebrides|a group of more than 500 islands off the western coast of Scotland
Hecate|(Greek mythology) Greek goddess of fertility who later became associated with Persephone as goddess of the underworld and protector of witches
hecatomb|a great sacrifice;an ancient Greek or Roman sacrifice of 100 oxen
Hecht|United States writer of stories and plays (1894-1946)
heckelphone|an oboe pitched an octave below the ordinary oboe
heckler|someone who tries to embarrass you with gibes and questions and objections
heckling|shouting to interrupt a speech with which you disagree
hectare|(abbreviated 'ha') a unit of surface area equal to 100 ares (or 10,000 square meters)
hectogram|100 grams
hectograph|duplicator consisting of a gelatin plate from which ink can be taken to make a copy
hectoliter|a metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 100 liters
hectometer|a metric unit of length equal to 100 meters
Hector|(Greek mythology) a mythical Trojan who was killed by Achilles during the Trojan War
Hedeoma|small genus of American herbs (American pennyroyal)
Hedera|Old World woody vines
hedge|a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes;an intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement;any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk;for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices change
hedge bindweed|common Eurasian and American wild climber with pink flowers;sometimes placed in genus Convolvulus
hedge fund|a flexible investment company for a small number of large investors (usually the minimum investment is $1 million);can use high-risk techniques (not allowed for mutual funds) such as short-selling and heavy leveraging
hedge maple|shrubby Eurasian maple often used as a hedge
hedge mustard|stiffly branching Old World annual with pale yellow flowers;widely naturalized in North America;formerly used medicinally
hedge nettle|foul-smelling perennial Eurasiatic herb with a green creeping rhizome;perennial herb with an odorless rhizome widespread in moist places in northern hemisphere
hedge sparrow|small brownish European songbird
hedge thorn|South African shrub having forked spines and plumlike fruit;frequently used as hedging
hedge trimmer|a garden tool for trimming hedges
hedge violet|common European violet that grows in woods and hedgerows
hedgehog|small nocturnal Old World mammal covered with both hair and protective spines
hedgehog cactus|cactus of the genus Echinocactus having stout sharp spines
hedgehog cereus|cactus of the genus Echinocereus
hedger|a gardener who takes care of and trims hedges;a respondent who avoids giving a clear direct answer;someone who counterbalances one transaction (as a bet) against another in order to protect against loss
hedonism|an ethical system that evaluates the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good;the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle
hedonist|someone motivated by desires for sensual pleasures
Hedysarum|genus of herbs of north temperate regions
heedlessness|the trait of acting rashly and without prudence
hee-haw|a loud laugh that sounds like a horse neighing
heel|(golf) the part of the clubhead where it joins the shaft;one of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread;the back part of the human foot;the bottom of a shoe or boot;the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation;the lower end of a ship's mast
heelbone|the largest tarsal bone;forms the human heel
Hefa|a major port in northwestern Israel
heft|the property of being large in mass
hegari|Sudanese sorghums having white seeds;one variety grown in southwestern United States
Hegel|German philosopher whose three stage process of dialectical reasoning was adopted by Karl Marx (1770-1831)
Hegelian|a follower of the thought of Hegel
hegemon|a leading or paramount power
hegemony|the dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over others - "the hegemony of a single member state is not incompatible with a genuine confederation" - "to say they have priority is not to say they have complete hegemony" - "the consolidation of the United States' hegemony over a new international economic system"
Hegira|the flight of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 which marked the beginning of the Muslim era;the Muslim calendar begins in that year
Heidegger|German philosopher whose views on human existence in a world of objects and on Angst influenced the existential philosophers (1889-1976)
Heidelberg man|a type of primitive man who lived in Europe
heifer|young cow
height|the vertical dimension of extension;distance from the base of something to the top
Heimdall|(Norse mythology) god of dawn and light;guardian of Asgard
Heimlich maneuver|an emergency procedure to help someone who is choking because food is lodged in the trachea
Heinlein|United States writer of science fiction (1907-1988)
Heinz|United States industrialist who manufactured and sold processed foods (1844-1919)
heir|a person who is entitled by law or by the terms of a will to inherit the estate of another
heir apparent|an heir whose right to an inheritance cannot be defeated if that person outlives the ancestor
heir presumptive|a person who expects to inherit but whose right can be defeated by the birth of a nearer relative
heir-at-law|the person legally entitled to inherit the property of someone who dies intestate
heiress|a female heir
heirloom|(law) any property that is considered by law or custom as inseparable from an inheritance is inherited with that inheritance;something that has been in a family for generations
Heisenberg|German mathematical physicist noted for stating the uncertainty principle (1901-1976)
heist|the act of stealing
Hejaz|a coastal region of the western Arabian Peninsula bordering on the Red Sea;includes both Mecca and Medina;formerly an independent kingdom until it united with Nejd to form the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Hel|(Norse mythology) goddess of the dead and queen of the underworld
Helen|(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris;the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
Helena|capital of the state of Montana;located in western Montana
Helenium|genus of American herbs with flowers having yellow rays;sneezeweeds
Heliamphora|genus of pitcher plants of the Guiana Highlands in South America
helianthemum|any plant of the genus Helianthemum;vigorous plants of stony alpine meadows and dry scrub regions
Helichrysum|large genus of mostly African and Australian herbs and shrubs;everlasting flowers;in some classifications includes genus Ozothamnus
Helicidae|land snails including the common edible snail and some pests
helicon|a tuba that coils over the shoulder of the musician
helicopter|an aircraft without wings that obtains its lift from the rotation of overhead blades
Helicteres|genus of shrubs and small trees of tropical America and Asia having cylindrical fruits spirally twisted around one another
Heliobacter|a genus of helical or curved or straight aerobic bacteria with rounded ends and multiple flagella;found in the gastric mucosa of primates (including humans)
Heliobacter pylori|the type species of genus Heliobacter;produces urease and is associated with several gastroduodenal diseases (including gastritis and gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers and other peptic ulcers)
heliocentric parallax|the parallax of a celestial body using two points in the earth's orbit around the sun as the baseline
heliogram|a message transmitted by means of the sun's rays
heliograph|an apparatus for sending telegraphic messages by using a mirror to turn the sun's rays off and on
heliolatry|the worship of the sun
heliometer|an instrument used to measure the angular separation of two stars that are too far apart to be included in the field of view of an ordinary telescope
heliopause|the boundary marking the edge of the sun's influence;the boundary (roughly 100 AU from the sun) between the interplanetary medium and the interstellar medium;where the solar wind from the sun and the radiation from other stars meet
heliophila|any of various South African herbs and subshrubs cultivated for long showy racemes of bright blue flowers with white eyes
heliopsis|any North American shrubby perennial herb of the genus Heliopsis having large yellow daisylike flowers
Helios|(Greek mythology) ancient god of the sun;drove his chariot across the sky each day;identified with Roman Sol
heliosphere|the region inside the heliopause containing the sun and solar system
heliotherapy|therapeutic exposure to sunlight
Heliothis|a genus of Noctuidae
heliothis moth|medium-sized moth whose larvae are corn earworms
heliotropism|an orienting response to the sun
Heliozoa|mostly freshwater protozoa
heliozoan|protozoa with spherical bodies and stiff radiating pseudopods
heliport|an airport for helicopters
Helipterum|genus of South African and Australian herbs or shrubs grown as everlastings;the various Helipterum species are currently in process of being assigned to other genera especially genera Pteropogon and Hyalosperma
helium|a very light colorless element that is one of the six inert gasses;the most difficult gas to liquefy;occurs in economically extractable amounts in certain natural gases (as those found in Texas and Kansas)
helium group|the series of inert gases
helix|a curve that lies on the surface of a cylinder or cone and cuts the element at a constant angle;type genus of the family Helicidae
helix angle|the constant angle at which a helix cuts the elements of a cylinder or cone
Helix hortensis|a kind of garden snail
Hell|(Christianity) the abode of Satan and the forces of evil;where sinners suffer eternal punishment - "Hurl'd headlong...To bottomless perdition, there to dwell"- John Milton - "Hell is paved with good intentions"-Dr. Johnson;(religion) the world of the dead - "No one goes to Hades with all his immense wealth"-Theognis;a cause of difficulty and suffering;any place of pain and turmoil;noisy and unrestrained mischief
hell to pay|dire consequences - "when the pig ran away there was hell to pay"
Helladic civilization|the bronze-age culture of mainland Greece that flourished 2500-1100 BC
hellbender|large salamander of North American rivers and streams
hellebore|any plant of the Eurasian genus Helleborus;perennial herbs of the lily family having thick toxic rhizomes
helleborine|any of several orchids of the genus Cephalanthera;any of various orchids of the genus Epipactis
Helleborus|a genus of Helleborus
Hellenism|the principles and ideals associated with classical Greek civilization
Heller|United States novelist whose best known work was a black comedy inspired by his experiences in the Air Force during World War II (1923-1999)
hellfire|a place of eternal fire envisaged as punishment for the damned
hellgrammiate|large brown aquatic larva of the dobsonfly;used as fishing bait
hellhound|a very evil man
hellion|a rowdy or mischievous person (usually a young man) - "he chased the young hellions out of his yard"
hell-kite|someone who is a very fierce fighter
Hellman|United States playwright;her plays were often indictments of injustice (1905-1984)
hello|an expression of greeting - "every morning they exchanged polite hellos"
Hell's Kitchen|a district in Manhattan formerly noted for its slums and vice
helm|a position of leadership - "the President is at the helm of the Ship of State";steering mechanism for a vessel;a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
helmet|a protective headgear made of hard material to resist blows;armor plate that protects the head
helmet orchid|any of numerous orchids of the genus Pterostylis having leaves in a basal rosette and green flowers often striped purple or brown or red with the dorsal sepal incurved to form a hood
helmetflower|any of several orchids of the genus Coryanthes having racemes of a few musky-scented waxy flowers with a helmet-shaped lip process
Helmholtz|German physiologist and physicist (1821-1894)
helminth|worm that is parasitic on the intestines of vertebrates especially roundworms and tapeworms and flukes
helminthiasis|infestation of the body with parasitic worms
Helminthostachys|one species;terrestrial fern of southeastern Asia and Australia
helmsman|the person who steers a ship
Heloderma|type genus of the Helodermatidae;American venomous lizards
Helodermatidae|only known venomous lizards
Heloise|student and mistress and wife of Abelard (circa 1098-1164)
Helotiaceae|a fungus family of order Helotiales
Helotiales|order of fungi having asci in a disk-shaped to goblet-shaped apothecium
Helotium|type genus of the Helotiaceae
help desk|a service that provides information and assistance to the users of a computer network
helper T cell|T cell with CD4 receptor that recognizes antigens on the surface of a virus-infected cell and secretes lymphokines that stimulate B cells and killer T cells;helper T cells are infected and killed by the AIDS virus
helpfulness|the property of providing useful assistance
helping|an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal - "the helpings were all small"
helplessness|a feeling of being unable to manage;powerlessness revealed by an inability to act;the state of needing help from something
helpmate|a helpful partner
Helsinki|the capital and largest city of Finland;located in southern Finland;a major port and commercial and cultural center
helvella|any fungus of the genus Helvella having the ascocarps stalked or pleated or often in folds
Helvella acetabulum|a helvella with a cup-shaped fertile body having a brown interior;the stalk is creamy white and heavily ribbed
Helvella crispa|a helvella with a saddle-shaped fertile part and creamy color;the stalk is fluted and pitted
Helvella sulcata|a helvella with an irregularly convoluted cap that is dark brown when young and becomes dull grey with age;the lower surface of the cap is smooth and pale grey;the stalk is thick and deeply fluted
Helvellaceae|family of false morels or lorchels;some are edible and some are poisonous
Helwingia|deciduous dioecious shrubs native to woodland thickets in low mountains in Japan
Helxine|one species;a dwarf creeping mat-forming evergreen herb
hem|the edge of a piece of cloth;especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down - "the hem of her dress was stained" - "let down the hem" - "he stitched weights into the curtain's hem" - "it seeped along the hem of his jacket";the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat;intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
Hemachatus|ringhals
hemagglutination|agglutination of red blood cells
hemal arch|a structure arising ventrally from a vertebral centrum and enclosing the caudal blood vessels
hemangioma|benign angioma consisting of a mass of blood vessels;some appear as birthmarks
hematemesis|vomiting blood
hematinic|a medicine that increases the hemoglobin content of the blood;used to treat iron-deficiency anemia
hematite|the principal form of iron ore;consists of ferric oxide in crystalline form;occurs in a red earthy form
hematocele|swelling caused by blood collecting in a body cavity (especially a swelling of the membrane covering the testis)
hematochezia|passage of stools containing blood (as from diverticulosis or colon cancer or peptic ulcer)
hematochrome|a reddish coloring material found in some algae
hematocolpometra|accumulation of blood in the vagina and uterus
hematocolpos|accumulation of menstrual blood in the vagina (usually due to an imperforate hymen)
hematocrit|a measuring instrument to determine (usually by centrifugation) the relative amounts of corpuscles and plasma in the blood;the ratio of the volume occupied by packed red blood cells to the volume of the whole blood as measured by a hematocrit
hematocytopenia|an abnormally low number of red blood cells in the blood
hematocyturia|the presence of red blood cells in the urine
hematologist|a doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
hematology|the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
hematoma|a localized swelling filled with blood
hematopoeitic stem cell|blood forming stem cells in the bone marrow;T cells and B cells arise from these stem cells
hematopoiesis|the formation of blood cells in the living body (especially in the bone marrow)
hematuria|the presence of blood in the urine;often a symptom of urinary tract disease
heme|a complex red organic pigment containing iron and other atoms to which oxygen binds
hemeralopia|inability to see clearly in bright light
Hemerobiidae|brown lacewings
Hemerocallidaceae|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted;includes genus Hemerocallis
Hemerocallis|east Asian rhizomatous clump-forming perennial herbs having flowers on long leafless stalks;cosmopolitan in cultivation;day lilies;sometimes placed in subfamily Hemerocallidaceae
hemiacetal|an organic compound usually formed as an intermediate product in the preparation of acetals from aldehydes or ketones
hemianopia|blindness in one half of the visual field of one or both eyes
hemianopic scotoma|a scotoma involving half of the visual field
Hemiascomycetes|class of fungi in which no ascocarps are formed;yeasts and some plant parasites
hemiepiphyte|a plant that is an epiphyte for part of its life
Hemigalus|banded palm civets
Hemigrammus|tetras
hemimetamorphosis|incomplete or partial metamorphosis in insects
hemimorphite|a white mineral;a common ore of zinc
hemin|a reddish-brown chloride of heme;produced from hemoglobin in laboratory tests for the presence of blood
Heming|English actor who edited the first folio of Shakespeare's plays (1556-1630)
Hemingway|an American writer of fiction who won the Nobel prize for literature in 1954 (1899-1961)
hemiparasite|a parasitic plant that contains some chlorophyll and therefore is capable of photosynthesis
hemiplegia|paralysis of one side of the body
hemiplegic|a person who has hemiplegia (is paralyzed on one side of the body)
Hemiprocnidae|tree swifts
Hemiptera|plant bugs;bedbugs;some true bugs;also includes suborders Heteroptera (true bugs) and Homoptera (e.g., aphids, plant lice and cicadas)
Hemipteronatus|razor fish
hemipterous insect|insects with sucking mouthparts and forewings thickened and leathery at the base;usually show incomplete metamorphosis
Hemiramphidae|halfbeaks;marine and freshwater fishes closely related to the flying fishes but not able to glide
hemisphere|either half of the cerebrum;half of a sphere;half of the terrestrial globe
Hemitripterus|sea ravens
hemizygos vein|a continuation of the left ascending lumbar vein;crosses the midline at the 8th vertebra and empties into the azygos vein
hemline|the line formed by the lower edge of a skirt or coat
hemlock|an evergreen tree;large branching biennial herb native to Eurasia and Africa and adventive in North America having large fernlike leaves and white flowers;usually found in damp habitats;all parts extremely poisonous;poisonous drug derived from an Eurasian plant of the genus Conium - "Socrates refused to flee and died by drinking hemlock";soft coarse splintery wood of a hemlock tree especially the western hemlock
hemming-stitch|a stitch used in sewing hems on skirts and dresses
hemochromatosis|pathology in which iron accumulates in the tissues;characterized by bronzed skin and enlarged liver and diabetes mellitus and abnormalities of the pancreas and the joints
hemodialysis|dialysis of the blood to remove toxic substances or metabolic wastes from the bloodstream;used in the case of kidney failure
hemodynamics|the branch of physiology that studies the circulation of the blood and the forces involved
hemoglobin|a hemoprotein composed of globin and heme that gives red blood cells their characteristic color;function primarily to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues - "fish have simpler hemoglobin than mammals"
hemoglobinemia|presence of excessive hemoglobin in the blood plasma
hemoglobinopathy|a blood disease characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobins in the blood
hemoglobinuria|presence of hemoglobin in the urine
hemolysin|any substance that can cause lysis (destruction) of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and the release of their hemoglobin
hemolysis|lysis of erythrocytes with the release of hemoglobin
hemolytic anemia|anemia resulting from destruction of erythrocytes
hemophilia|congenital tendency to uncontrolled bleeding;usually affects males and is transmitted from mother to son
hemophilia A|hemophilia caused by a congenital deficiency of factor VIII;occurs almost exclusively in men
hemophilia B|a clotting disorder similar to hemophilia A but caused by a congenital deficiency of factor IX
hemophiliac|someone who has hemophilia and is subject to uncontrollable bleeding
hemoprotein|a conjugated protein linked to a compound of iron and porphyrin
hemoptysis|coughing up blood from the respiratory tract;usually indicates a severe infection of the bronchi or lungs
hemorrhagic cyst|a cyst containing blood
hemorrhagic fever|a group of illnesses caused by a viral infection (usually restricted to a specific geographic area);fever and gastrointestinal symptoms are followed by capillary hemorrhage
hemorrhagic septicemia|an acute infectious disease characterized by pneumonia and blood infection
hemorrhagic stroke|stroke caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain
hemorrhoid|pain caused by venous swelling at or inside the anal sphincter
hemorrhoidal vein|any of several veins draining the walls of the anal canal and rectum
hemorrhoidectomy|surgical procedure for tying hemorrhoids and excising them
hemosiderin|a granular brown substance composed of ferric oxide;left from the breakdown of hemoglobin;can be a sign of disturbed iron metabolism
hemosiderosis|abnormal deposit of hemosiderin;often a symptom of thalassemia or hemochromatosis
hemostasis|surgical procedure of stopping the flow of blood (as with a hemostat)
hemostat|a surgical instrument that stops bleeding by clamping the blood vessel
hemothorax|accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and the walls of the chest)
hemp|a plant fiber
hemp agrimony|coarse European herb with palmately divided leaves and clusters of small reddish-purple flower heads
hemp nettle|coarse bristly Eurasian plant with white or reddish flowers and foliage resembling that of a nettle;common as a weed in United States
hemstitch|a stitch in which parallel threads are drawn and exposed threads are caught together in groups;embroidery similar to drawnwork
hen|adult female bird;adult female chicken;female of certain aquatic animals e.g. octopus or lobster;flesh of an older chicken suitable for stewing
hen party|a party for women only
henbane|poisonous fetid Old World herb having sticky hairy leaves and yellow-brown flowers;yields hyoscyamine and scopolamine
henbit|Eurasian plant having toothed leaves and small two-lipped white or purplish-red flowers
hendiadys|use of two conjoined nouns instead of a noun and modifier
Hendrix|United States guitarist whose innovative style with electric guitars influenced the development of rock music (1942-1970)
henna|a reddish brown dye used especially on hair
hen-of-the-woods|large greyish-brown edible fungus forming a mass of overlapping caps that somewhat resembles a hen at the base of trees
henroost|a roost for hens at night
Henry|a leader of the American Revolution and a famous orator who spoke out against British rule of the American colonies (1736-1799);English chemist who studied the quantities of gas absorbed by water at different temperatures and under different pressures (1775-1836);United States physicist who studied electromagnetic phenomena (1791-1878);a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second
Henry I|King of England from 1100 to 1135;youngest son of William the Conqueror;conquered Normandy in 1106 (1068-1135)
Henry II|first Plantagenet King of England;instituted judicial and financial reforms;quarreled with archbishop Becket concerning the authority of the Crown over the church (1133-1189);king of France from 1547 to 1559;regained Calais from the English;husband of Catherine de Medicis and father of Charles IX (1519-1559)
Henry III|son of Henry II of France and the last Valois to be king of France (1551-1589);son of King John and king of England from 1216 to 1272;his incompetence aroused baronial opposition led by Simon de Montfort (1207-1272)
Henry IV|king of France from 1589 to 1610;although he was leader of the Huguenot armies, when he succeeded the Catholic Henry III and founded the Bourbon dynasty in 1589 he established religious freedom in France;King of the Germans and Holy Roman Emperor (1050-1106);the first Lancastrian king of England from 1399 to 1413;deposed Richard II and suppressed rebellions (1367-1413)
Henry V|son of Henry IV and King of England from 1413 to 1422;reopened the Hundred Years' War and defeated the French at Agincourt (1387-1422)
Henry VI|son of Henry V who as an infant succeeded his father and was King of England from 1422 to 1461;he was taken prisoner in 1460 and Edward IV was proclaimed king;he was rescued and regained the throne in 1470 but was recaptured and murdered in the Tower of London (1421-1471)
Henry VII|first Tudor king of England from 1485 to 1509;head of the house of Lancaster in the War of the Roses;defeated Richard III at Bosworth Field and was proclaimed king;married the daughter of Edward IV and so united the houses of York and Lancaster (1457-1509);King of the Germans and Holy Roman Emperor (1275-1313)
Henry VIII|son of Henry VII and King of England from 1509 to 1547;his divorce from Catherine of Aragon resulted in his break with the Catholic Church in 1534 and his excommunication 1538, leading to the start of the Reformation in England (1491-1547)
Henry's law|(chemistry) law formulated by the English chemist William Henry;the amount of a gas that will be absorbed by water increases as the gas pressure increases
Henson|United States puppeteer who created a troupe of puppet characters (1936-1990)
hepadnavirus|a group of animal DNA viruses including viruses of ducks and woodchucks and squirrels and others as well as the virus causing hepatitis B in humans
heparin|a polysaccharide produced in basophils (especially in the lung and liver) and that inhibits the activity of thrombin in coagulation of the blood;it (trade names Lipo-Hepin and Liquaemin) is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis and in heart surgery
hepatic artery|arteries that supply the liver
hepatic coma|coma that can occur in severe cases of liver disease
hepatic duct|the duct that drains bile from the liver
hepatic lobe|any of the five lobes forming the liver
hepatic tanager|common tanager of southwestern United States and Mexico
hepatic vein|a vein that drains the liver;empties into the vena cava
hepatica|a common liverwort;any of several plants of the genus Hepatica having three-lobed leaves and white or pinkish flowers in early spring;of moist and mossy subalpine woodland areas of north temperate regions
Hepaticopsida|liverworts;comprises orders Anthocerotales;Jungermanniales;Marchantiales;Sphaerocarpales
hepatitis|inflammation of the liver caused by a virus or a toxin
hepatitis A|an acute but benign form of viral hepatitis caused by an RNA virus that does not persist in the blood serum and is usually transmitted by ingesting food or drink that is contaminated with fecal matter
hepatitis A virus|the virus causing hepatitis A
hepatitis B|an acute (sometimes fatal) form of viral hepatitis caused by a DNA virus that tends to persist in the blood serum and is transmitted by sexual contact or by transfusion or by ingestion of contaminated blood or other bodily fluids
hepatitis C|a viral hepatitis clinically indistinguishable from hepatitis B but caused by a single-stranded RNA virus;usually transmitted by parenteral means (as injection of an illicit drug or blood transfusion or exposure to blood or blood products)
hepatitis delta|a severe form of hepatitis
hepatojugular reflux|a venous reflux occurring in congestive heart failure
hepatolenticular degeneration|a rare inherited disorder of copper metabolism;copper accumulates in the liver and then in the red blood cells and brain
hepatoma|carcinoma of the liver
hepatomegaly|abnormal enlargement of the liver
hepatotoxin|any toxin that affects the liver
Hepburn|United States film actress who appeared in many films with Spencer Tracy (1907-2003)
Hephaestus|(Greek mythology) the lame god of fire and metalworking in ancient mythology;identified with Roman Vulcan
heptagon|a seven-sided polygon
heptane|a colorless volatile highly flammable liquid obtained from petroleum and used as an anesthetic or a solvent or in determining octane ratings
Hepworth|British sculptor (1902-1975)
Hera|queen of the Olympian gods in ancient Greek mythology;sister and wife of Zeus remembered for her jealously of the many mortal women Zeus fell in love with;identified with Roman Juno
Heracleum|widely distributed genus of plants with usually thick rootstocks and large umbels of white flowers
Heraclitus|a presocratic Greek philosopher who said that fire is the origin of all things and that permanence is an illusion as all things are in perpetual flux (circa 500 BC)
herald|(formal) a person who announces important news - "the chieftain had a herald who announced his arrival with a trumpet"
heraldry|emblem indicating the right of a person to bear arms;the study and classification of armorial bearings and the tracing of genealogies
Herat|a city in northwestern Afghanistan on the site of several ancient cities
herb|a plant lacking a permanent woody stem;many are flowering garden plants or potherbs;some having medicinal properties;some are pests;aromatic potherb used in cookery for its savory qualities
herb bennet|hairy Eurasian plant with small yellow flowers and an astringent root formerly used medicinally
herb garden|a garden for growing herbs
herb mercury|Eurafrican annual naturalized in America as a weed;formerly dried for use as a purgative, diuretic or antisyphilitic
herb Paris|European herb with yellow-green flowers resembling and closely related to the trilliums;reputed to be poisonous
herb robert|a sticky low herb with small reddish-purple flowers;widespread in the northern hemisphere
herb tea|tea-like drink made of leaves of various herbs
herba impia|(literally an undutiful herb) a variety of cotton rose
herbage|succulent herbaceous vegetation of pasture land
herbal medicine|a medicine made from plants and used to prevent or treat disease or promote health;the use of medicinal herbs to prevent or treat disease or promote health
herbalist|a therapist who heals by the use of herbs
herbarium|a collection of dried plants that are mounted and systematically classified for study
Herbart|German philosopher (1776-1841)
Herbert|United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
herbicide|a chemical agent that destroys plants or inhibits their growth
herbivore|any animal that feeds chiefly on grass and other plants - "horses are herbivores" - "the sauropod dinosaurs were apparently herbivores"
Herculaneum|ancient city;now destroyed
Hercules|(classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength;performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality;a large constellation in the northern hemisphere between Lyra and Corona Borealis
Hercules'-club|densely spiny ornamental of southeastern United States and West Indies
herd|a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans;a group of wild mammals of one species that remain together;antelope or elephants or seals or whales or zebra
Herder|German philosopher who advocated intuition over reason (1744-1803);someone who drives a herd
here|the present location;this place - "where do we go from here?"
here and now|at this time - "the disappointments of the here and now"
hereditament|any property (real or personal or mixed) that can be inherited
hereditarianism|the philosophical doctrine that heredity is more important than environment in determining intellectual growth
hereditary cerebellar ataxia|nervous disorder of late childhood and early adulthood;characterized by ataxic gait and hesitating or explosive speech and nystagmus
heredity|the biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next;the total of inherited attributes
Hereford|hardy English breed of dairy cattle raised extensively in United States
hereness|the state of being here in this place
Herero|a Banto language spoken by the Herero in Namibia, Botswana, and Angola;a member of a pastoral Bantu people living in Namibia, Botswana, and Angola
heresy|a belief that rejects the orthodox tenets of a religion
heretic|a person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church;a person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion)
heritage|practices that are handed down from the past by tradition - "a heritage of freedom"
Heritiera|small genus of timber trees of eastern Asia, Australasia and tropical Africa that form large buttresses
herm|a statue consisting of a squared stone pillar with a carved head (usually a bearded Hermes) on top;used in ancient Greece as a boundary marker or signpost
Herman|United States jazz musician and bandleader (1913-1987)
Hermannia|genus of African herbs and subshrubs having honey-scented bell-shaped flowers
hermaphrodite|one having both male and female sexual characteristics and organs;at birth an unambiguous assignment of male or female cannot be made
hermaphroditism|congenital condition in which external genitalia and internal sex organs have both male and female characteristics
Hermaphroditus|(Greek mythology) son of Hermes and Aphrodite who merged with the nymph Salmacis to form one body
hermeneutics|the branch of theology that deals with principles of exegesis
Hermes|(Greek mythology) messenger and herald of the gods;god of commerce and cunning and invention and theft;identified with Roman Mercury
Hermissenda|genus of marine sea slugs
Hermissenda crassicornis|a kind of sea slug
hermit|one who lives in solitude
hermit crab|small soft-bodied marine crustaceans living in cast-off shells of gastropods
hermit thrush|North American thrush noted for its complex and appealing song
hermitage|the abode of a hermit
Hermosillo|a city in northwestern Mexico near the Gulf of California
Hernaria|low-growing Old World herbs with minute bright green leaves
hernia|rupture in smooth muscle tissue through which a bodily structure protrudes
herniated disc|a painful rupture of the fibrocartilage of the disc between spinal vertebrae;occurs most often in the lumbar region
hero|(classical mythology) a being of great strength and courage celebrated for bold exploits;often the offspring of a mortal and a god;a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength - "RAF pilots were the heroes of the Battle of Britain";the principal character in a play or movie or novel or poem;(Greek mythology) priestess of Aphrodite who killed herself when her lover Leander drowned while trying to swim the Hellespont to see her;Greek mathematician and inventor who devised a way to determine the area of a triangle and who described various mechanical devices (first century)
hero worship|admiration for great men (or their memory)
hero worshiper|someone who worships heroes
Herod|king of Judea who (according to the New Testament) tried to kill Jesus by ordering the death of all children under age two in Bethlehem (73-4 BC)
Herodotus|the ancient Greek known as the father of history;his accounts of the wars between the Greeks and Persians are the first known examples of historical writing (485-425 BC)
heroic couplet|a couplet consisting of two rhymed lines of iambic pentameter and written in an elevated style
heroic poetry|poetry celebrating the deeds of some hero
heroic stanza|a quatrain consisting of two heroic couplets written in an elevated style;the rhyme scheme is abab
heroic verse|a verse form suited to the treatment of heroic or elevated themes;dactylic hexameter or iambic pentameter
heroics|ostentatious or vainglorious or extravagant or melodramatic conduct - "heroics are for those epic films they make in Hollywood"
heroin|a narcotic that is considered a hard drug;a highly addictive morphine derivative;intravenous injection provides the fastest and most intense rush
heroin addict|someone addicted to heroin
heroin addiction|an addiction to heroin
heroine|a woman possessing heroic qualities or a woman who has performed heroic deeds;the main good female character in a work of fiction
heroism|the qualities of a hero or heroine;exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle) - "he showed great heroism in battle"
heron|grey or white wading bird with long neck and long legs and (usually) long bill
heronry|a breeding ground for herons;a heron rookery
herpangia|a viral infection (usually in children) marked by sore throat and fever and papules in the mouth and throat and headache and abdominal pain;usually subsides in a short time
herpes|any of the animal viruses that cause painful blisters on the skin;viral diseases causing eruptions of the skin or mucous membrane
herpes simplex|a herpes virus that affects the skin and nervous system;an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus;affects the skin and nervous system;produces small temporary (but sometimes painful) blisters on the skin and mucous membranes
herpes simplex 1|a herpes virus that causes oral herpes
herpes simplex 2|a herpes virus that can cause genital herpes
herpes simplex encephalitis|common form of acute encephalitis caused by herpes simplex 1;usually affects the temporal and frontal lobes
herpes varicella zoster|a herpes virus that causes chickenpox and shingles
herpes zoster|a herpes virus that causes shingles;eruptions along a nerve path often accompanied by severe neuralgia
Herpestes|mongooses
herpetologist|a zoologist who studies reptiles and amphibians
herpetology|the branch of zoology concerned with reptiles and amphibians
Herr|a German courtesy title or form of address for a man;a German man;used before the name as a title equivalent to Mr in English
herrerasaur|a kind of theropod dinosaur found in Argentina
Herrick|English lyric poet (1591-1674)
herring|commercially important food fish of northern waters of both Atlantic and Pacific;valuable flesh of fatty fish from shallow waters of northern Atlantic or Pacific;usually salted or pickled
herring gull|large gull of the northern hemisphere
herring salad|based on pickled herring
herringbone|a pattern of columns of short parallel lines with all the lines in one column sloping one way and lines in adjacent columns sloping the other way;it is used in weaving, masonry, parquetry, embroidery;a twilled fabric with a herringbone pattern
Herschel|English astronomer (born in Germany) who discovered infrared light and who catalogued the stars and discovered the planet Uranus (1738-1822);English astronomer (son of William Herschel) who extended the catalogue of stars to the southern hemisphere and did pioneering work in photography (1792-1871)
Herschelian telescope|a reflecting telescope with the mirror slightly tilted to throw the image to the side where it can be viewed
Hershey|an industrial town to the east of Harrisburg;United States confectioner and philanthropist who created the model industrial town of Hershey, Pennsylvania;founded an industrial school for orphan boys (1857-1945)
Hershey bar|a bar of milk chocolate made by the Hershey company
Hertfordshire|a county in southern England
Hertz|German physicist who was the first to produce electromagnetic waves artificially (1857-1894);German physicist who with James Franck proved the existence of the stationary energy states postulated by Bohr (1887-1975);the unit of frequency;one hertz has a periodic interval of one second
Hertzian wave|an electromagnetic wave generated by oscillations in an electric circuit
Herzberg|Canadian physicist (born in Germany) noted for contributions to understanding the structure of molecules (born in 1904)
Heshvan|the second month of the civil year;the eighth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in October and November)
Hesiod|Greek poet whose existing works describe rural life and the genealogies of the gods and the beginning of the world (eighth century BC)
hesitance|a feeling of diffidence and indecision about doing something
hesitation|indecision in speech or action;the act of pausing uncertainly - "there was a hesitation in his speech"
Hesperides|(Greek mythology) group of 3 to 7 nymphs who guarded the golden apples that Gaea gave as a wedding gift to Hera
Hesperiphona|evening grosbeak
Hesperis|biennial or perennial erect herbs having nocturnally fragrant flowers
Hess|English pianist (1890-1965);Nazi leader who in 1941 flew a solo flight to Scotland in an apparent attempt to negotiate a peace treaty with Great Britain but was imprisoned for life (1894-1987);Swiss physiologist noted for studies of the brain (1881-1973);United States physicist (born in Austria) who was a discoverer of cosmic radiation (1883-1964)
Hesse|Swiss writer (born in Germany) whose novels and poems express his interests in eastern spiritual values (1877-1962)
Hessian boot|(19th century) a man's high tasseled boot
Hessian fly|small fly whose larvae damage wheat and other grains
Hestia|(Greek mythology) the goddess of the hearth and its fire in ancient mythology;identified with Roman Vesta
Heteranthera|mud plantains
Heterobasidiomycetes|category used in some classification systems for various basidiomycetous fungi including rusts and smuts
Heterocephalus|sand rats
heterocercal fin|a tail fin with unequal lobes in which the vertebral column turns upward into the larger lobe as in sharks
heterocyclic compound|a compound containing a heterocyclic ring
heterocyclic ring|a ring of atoms of more than one kind;especially a ring of carbon atoms containing at least one atom that is not carbon
heterodactyl foot|a bird's foot having the first and second toes of each foot directed backward and the third and fourth forward
Heterodon|a genus of small colubrid snakes containing the North American hognose snakes
heterodyne receiver|a radio receiver that combines a locally generated frequency with the carrier frequency to produce a supersonic signal that is demodulated and amplified
heterogeneity|the quality of being diverse and not comparable in kind
heterograft|tissue from an animal of one species used as a temporary graft (as in cases of severe burns) on an individual of another species
Heterokontophyta|algae having chlorophyll a and usually c, and flagella of unequal lengths;terminology supersedes Chrysophyta in some classifications
heterology|(biology) the lack of correspondence of apparently similar body parts
Heteromeles|one species;toyon;in some classifications included in genus Photinia
heterometabolism|development of insects with incomplete metamorphosis in which no pupal stage precedes maturity
Heteromyidae|small New World burrowing mouselike rodents with fur-lined cheek pouches and hind limbs and tail adapted to leaping;adapted to desert conditions;pocket mice;kangaroo mice;kangaroo rats
heteronym|two words are heteronyms if they are spelled the same way but differ in pronunciation - "the word 'bow' is an example of a heteronym"
heterophil antibody|an antibody found in the blood of someone suffering from infectious mononucleosis
heterophil test|a blood test to detect heterophil antibodies that agglutinate sheep red blood cells;positive result indicates infectious mononucleosis
heteroploid|(genetics) an organism or cell having a chromosome number that is not an even multiple of the haploid chromosome number for that species
heteroploidy|the condition of being heteroploid
Heteroptera|true bugs
heteropterous insect|true bugs;insects whose forewings are membranous but have leathery tips
Heteroscelus|tattlers
heterosexism|discrimination in favor of heterosexual and against homosexual people
heterosexual|a heterosexual person;someone having a sexual orientation to persons of the opposite sex
heterosexuality|a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the opposite sex
heterosis|(genetics) the tendency of a crossbred organism to have qualities superior to those of either parent
Heterosomata|flatfishes;halibut;sole;flounder;plaice;turbot;tonguefishes
heterospory|the development of both microspores and megaspores
heterostracan|extinct jawless fish with the anterior part of the body covered with bony plates;of the Silurian and Devonian
Heterostraci|extinct group of armored jawless fishes or fish-like vertebrate;taxonomy is not clear
Heterotheca|genus of yellow-flowered North American herbs
Heterotrichales|yellow-green algae with simple or branching filaments;comprising the single family Tribonemaceae
heterotroph|an organism that depends on complex organic substances for nutrition
heterozygosity|the state of being heterozygous;having two different alleles of the same gene
heterozygote|(genetics) an organism having two different alleles of a particular gene and so giving rise to varying offspring
heth|the 8th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Heuchera|genus of North American herbs with basal cordate or orbicular leaves and small panicled flowers
heulandite|a group of minerals of the zeolite family consisting of a hydrous aluminum silicate of sodium and calcium
heuristic|a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
Hevea|small genus of South American trees yielding latex
Hevesy|Hungarian chemist who studied radioisotopes and was one of the discoverers of the element hafnium (1885-1966)
hewer|a person who hews
hex|an evil spell
hex nut|a nut with a hexagonal shape
hexachlorophene|antibacterial substance that is a water-soluble powder used in antiseptic soaps and toothpaste
hexadecimal digit|a digit from 0 to 15 in hexadecimal notation
hexadecimal notation|any notation that uses 16 different characters
hexadecimal number system|a positional system of numeration that uses hexadecimal digits and a radix of sixteen
hexagon|a six-sided polygon
hexagram|a regular polygon formed by extending each of the sides of a regular hexagon to form two equilateral triangles
Hexagrammidae|greenlings
Hexagrammos|type genus of the Hexagrammidae
hexahedron|any polyhedron having six plane faces
Hexalectris|a monocotyledonous genus of the family Orchidaceae
hexameter|a verse line having six metrical feet
Hexamita|flagellates free-living or parasitic in intestines of birds
Hexanchidae|primitive sharks
Hexanchus|a genus of Hexanchidae
hexane|a colorless flammable liquid alkane derived from petroleum and used as a solvent
hexanedioic acid|a carboxylic acid used in the manufacture of nylon
hexapod|an animal having six feet
hexestrol|estrogen compound used to treat menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms and to prevent pregnancy
hexose|a monosaccharide that contains six carbon atoms per molecule
Heyerdahl|Norwegian anthropologist noted for his studies of cultural diffusion (1914-2002)
Heyrovsky|Czechoslovakian chemist who developed polarography (1890-1967)
Heyse|German writer (1830-1914)
Heyward|United States writer (1885-1940)
Hezekiah|(Old Testament) king of Judah who abolished idolatry (715-687 BC)
hiatus|a missing piece (as a gap in a manuscript)
hiatus hernia|hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm
Hiawatha|a Native American chieftain who argued for peace with the European settlers (16th century)
hiba arborvitae|slow-growing medium-large Japanese evergreen used as an ornamental
hibachi|a portable brazier that burns charcoal and has a grill for cooking
Hibbertia|evergreen heathlike or scandent shrubs of Madagascar;Australasia;Polynesia
Hibbing|a town in northeastern Minnesota in the Mesabi Range
hibernation|cessation from or slowing of activity during the winter;especially slowing of metabolism in some animals;the act of retiring into inactivity - "he emerged from his hibernation to make his first appearance in several years";the torpid or resting state in which some animals pass the winter
hibiscus|any plant of the genus Hibiscus
hiccup|(usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound;sometimes a symptom of indigestion - "how do you cure the hiccups?"
hiccup nut|ornamental African shrub or climber with red flowers
hickey|a temporary red mark on a person's skin resulting from kissing or sucking by their lover
Hickock|frontier marshal whose adventures have become legendary (1837-1876)
hickory|American hardwood tree bearing edible nuts;valuable tough heavy hardwood from various hickory trees
hickory nut|small hard-shelled nut of North American hickory trees especially the shagbark hickories
Hidatsa|a member of the Sioux people formerly inhabiting an area along the Missouri river in western North Dakota;a Siouan language spoken by the Hidatsa
hidden reserve|reserves that do not show up on the balance sheet (as by understating values)
hidden tax|a tax paid unwittingly by the consumer (such as ad valorem taxes)
hiddenite|a green transparent form of the mineral spodumene used as a gemstone
hiddenness|the state of being covert and hidden
hide|body covering of a living animal;the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
hide-and-seek|a game in which a child covers his eyes while the other players hide then tries to find them
hideaway|an area where you can be alone
hideousness|dreadful ugliness;horrible repulsiveness
hideout|a hiding place;usually a remote place used by outlaws
hiding|the state of being hidden - "he went into hiding"
hiding place|a place suitable for hiding something (such as yourself)
Hieracium|large genus of perennial hairy herbs of Europe to western Asia to northwestern Africa and North America;few are ornamental;often considered congeneric with Pilosella
hierarch|a person who holds a high position in a hierarchy
hierarchical classification system|a classification system where entries are arranged based on some hierarchical structure
hierarchical menu|a secondary menu that appears while you are holding the cursor over an item on the primary menu
hierarchical structure|a structure of data having several levels arranged in a treelike structure
hierarchy|a series of ordered groupings of people or things within a system - "put honesty first in her hierarchy of values";the organization of people at different ranks in an administrative body
hieratic|a cursive form of Egyptian hieroglyphics;used especially by the priests
hierocracy|a ruling body composed of clergy
hieroglyph|a writing system using picture symbols;used in ancient Egypt;writing that resembles hieroglyphics (usually by being illegible)
hi-fi|equipment for the reproduction of sound with high fidelity
Higginson|United States writer and soldier who led the first Black regiment in the Union Army (1823-1911)
high|a high place - "they stood on high and observed the countryside";a lofty level or position or degree - "summer temperatures reached an all-time high";a state of altered consciousness induced by alcohol or narcotics - "they took drugs to get a high on";a state of sustained elation - "I'm on a permanent high these days";an air mass of higher than normal pressure - "the east coast benefits from a Bermuda high"
high altar|the main altar in a church
high beam|the beam of a car's headlights that provides distant illumination
high blood pressure|a common disorder in which blood pressure remains abnormally high (a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or greater)
high brass|brass with 35% zinc
High Church|a group in the Anglican Church that emphasizes the Catholic tradition (especially in sacraments and rituals and obedience to church authority)
high colonic|an enema that injects large amounts of fluid high into the colon for cleansing purposes
high comedy|a sophisticated comedy;often satirizing genteel society
high command|the highest leaders in an organization (e.g. the commander-in-chief and senior officers of the military)
High Commission|an embassy of one British Commonwealth country to another
high commissioner|a senior diplomat from one country to another who is assigned ambassadorial rank
high country|an area lying above the piedmont but below the timberline
high explosive|a powerful chemical explosive that produces gas at a very high rate
high fidelity|the reproduction of sound with little or no distortion
high finance|large and complex financial transactions (often used with the implication that those individuals or institutions who engage in them are unethical)
high frequency|3 to 30 megahertz
high gear|a forward gear with a gear ratio that gives the greatest vehicle velocity for a given engine speed
high ground|a position of superiority over opponents or competitors
High Holy Day|Jewish holy days observed with particular solemnity
high horse|an attitude of arrogant superiority - "get off your high horse and admit you are wrong"
high jump|a competition that involves jumping as high as possible over a horizontal bar;the act of jumping as high as possible over a horizontal bar
High Mass|a solemn and elaborate Mass with music
high pitch|a pitch that is perceived as above other pitches
high point|the most enjoyable part of a given experience - "the trumpet solo was the high point of the concert"
high priest|a preeminent authority or major proponent of a movement or doctrine - "he's the high priest of contemporary jazz"
high profile|a position attracting much attention and publicity
High Renaissance|the artistic style of early 16th century painting in Florence and Rome;characterized by technical mastery and heroic composition and humanistic content
high roller|a gambler who wagers large sums
high sea|the open seas of the world outside the territorial waters of any nation
high season|the season when travel is most active and rates are highest - "they traveled to Europe in high season"
high sign|a silent signal of warning or recognition - "she started to speak but he gave her the high sign"
high status|a position of superior status
high table|a dining table in a dining-hall raised on a platform;seats are reserved for distinguished persons
high tea|substantial early evening meal including tea
high technology|highly advanced technological development (especially in electronics)
high tide|the tide when the water is highest
high time|the latest possible moment - "it is high time you went to work"
high wind|a very strong wind - "rain and high winds covered the region"
high wire|a tightrope very high above the ground
high-angle fire|fire from a cannon that is fired at an elevation greater than that for the maximum range
high-angle gun|a cannon that can be fired at a high elevation for relatively short ranges
highball|a mixed drink made of alcoholic liquor mixed with water or a carbonated beverage and served in a tall glass
highball glass|a tall glass for serving highballs
highbinder|a corrupt politician
highboard|a high diving board
highboy|a tall chest of drawers divided into two sections and supported on four legs
highbrow|a person of intellectual or erudite tastes
high-bush blueberry|high-growing deciduous shrub of eastern North America bearing edible blueish to blackish berries with a distinct bloom;source of most cultivated blueberries
highchair|a chair for feeding a very young child;has four long legs and a footrest and a detachable tray
high-definition television|a television system that has more than the usual number of lines per frame so its pictures show more detail
high-density lipoprotein|a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood;composed of a high proportion of protein and relatively little cholesterol;high levels are thought to be associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis
higher cognitive process|cognitive processes that presuppose the availability of knowledge and put it to use
higher criticism|the scientific study of biblical writings to determine their origin and meaning
higher education|education provided by a college or university
higher law|a principle that takes precedent over the laws of society
Higher National Diploma|a diploma given for vocational training that prepares the student for a career in a particular area;good students may progress to a course leading to a degree
high-five|a gesture of greeting or elation;one person's upraised palm slaps the upraised palm of another person
highflier|a person of great ability and ambition
high-hat cymbal|cymbals that are operated by a foot pedal
highjacker|a holdup man who stops a vehicle and steals from it;someone who uses force to take over a vehicle (especially an airplane) in order to reach an alternative destination
highjacking|robbery of a traveller or vehicle in transit or seizing control of a vehicle by the use of force
highland|elevated (e.g., mountainous) land
highland fling|a vigorous Scottish reel
Highlander|a native of the Highlands of Scotland;a soldier in a Scottish regiment from the Highlands
Highlands|a mountainous region of northern Scotland famous for its rugged beauty;known for the style of dress (the kilt and tartan) and the clan system (now in disuse)
high-level formatting|(computer science) the format for the root directory and the file allocation tables and other basic configurations
high-level language|a problem-oriented language requiring little knowledge of the computer on which it will be run
high-level radioactive waste|radioactive waste that left in a nuclear reactor after the nuclear fuel has been consumed
highlight|an area of lightness in a picture;the most interesting or memorable part - "the highlight of the tour was our visit to the Vatican"
highlighter|a cosmetic used to highlight the eyes or cheekbones;a fluorescent marker used to mark important passages in a text
high-low|poker in which the high and low hands split the pot
high-mindedness|elevated ideals or conduct;the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued
high-muck-a-muck|an arrogant or conceited person of importance
Highness|(Your Highness or His Highness or Her Highness) title used to address a royal person;a high degree (of amount or force etc.);the quality of being high or lofty
high-pass filter|a filter that passes frequencies above a certain value and attenuates frequencies below that value
high-protein diet|a diet high in plant and animal proteins;used to treat malnutrition or to increase muscle mass
high-rise|tower consisting of a multistoried building of offices or apartments - "'tower block' is the British term for 'high-rise'"
highroad|a highway
high-speed steel|an alloy steel that remains hard at a red heat;used to make metal-cutting tools
high-spiritedness|exuberant liveliness
high-vitamin diet|a diet designed to patients with vitamin deficiencies
high-warp loom|a handloom in which the warp is carried vertically;for weaving tapestry
high-water mark|a line marking the highest level reached
highway|a major road for any form of motor transport
Highway Code|the code of rules governing the use of public roads
highway engineer|a civil engineer who specializes in the design and construction of roads and highways
highway robbery|an exorbitant price - "what they are asking for gas these days is highway robbery";robbery of travellers on or near a public road
highway system|a transportation system consisting of roads for motor transport
Higi|a Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad
hijab|a headscarf worn by Muslim women;conceals the hair and neck and usually has a face veil that covers the face;the custom in some Islamic societies of women dressing modestly outside the home - "she observes the hijab and does not wear tight clothing"
hijack|seizure of a vehicle in transit either to rob it or divert it to an alternate destination
hike|a long walk usually for exercise or pleasure - "she enjoys a hike in her spare time"
hiker|a foot traveler;someone who goes on an extended walk (for pleasure)
hilarity|great merriment
Hilbert|German mathematician (1862-1943)
Hilbert space|a metric space that is linear and complete and (usually) infinite-dimensional
hill|a local and well-defined elevation of the land - "they loved to roam the hills of West Virginia";risque English comedian (1925-1992);United States railroad tycoon (1838-1916)
hill myna|glossy black Asiatic starling often taught to mimic speech
Hillary|New Zealand mountaineer who in 1953 first attained the summit of Mount Everest with his Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay (born in 1919)
hillbilly|a disparaging term for an unsophisticated person
hillbilly music|country music originating in mountainous regions of southern United States
Hillel|Palestinian rabbi and interpreter of Judaic law
hilliness|the quality of being hilly - "the hilliness of West Virginia"
hillside|the side or slope of a hill
hilltop|the peak of a hill
Hilo|a town in Hawaii on the island of Hawaii
hilt|the handle of a sword or dagger
hilum|the scar on certain seeds marking its point of attachment to the funicle
hilus|(anatomy) a depression or fissure where vessels or nerves or ducts enter a bodily organ - "the hilus of the kidney"
Himalaya honeysuckle|shrub honeysuckle with drooping spikes of purplish flowers
Himalayan lilac|robust upright shrub of mountains of northern India having oblong-elliptic leaves and pale lilac or white malodorous flowers
Himalayan rhubarb|Asian herb (Himalayas)
Himalayas|a mountain range extending 1500 miles on the border between India and Tibet;this range contains the world's highest mountain
Himalayish|the Tibeto-Burman language spoken in Tibet and Nepal and Bhutan and Sikkim
Himantoglossum|small genus of terrestrial orchids of Europe and Mediterranean region
Himantopus|major one of two genera of stilts;similar to avocets but with straight bills
Himmler|German Nazi who was chief of the SS and the Gestapo and who oversaw the genocide of six million Jews (1900-1945)
hin|ancient Hebrew unit of liquid measure = 1.5 gallons
Hinault|French racing cyclist who won the Tour de France five times (born in 1954)
Hinayana|a major school of Buddhism teaching personal salvation through one's own efforts;an offensive name for the early conservative Theravada Buddhism;it died out in India but survived in Sri Lanka and was taken from there to other regions of southwestern Asia
Hinayanism|the religious doctrine of Hinayana Buddhism
Hinayanist|an adherent of Hinayana Buddhism
hind|a female deer, especially an adult female red deer;any of several mostly spotted fishes that resemble groupers
hind leg|the back limb of a quadruped
hind limb|a posterior appendage such as a leg or the homologous structure in other animals
hindbrain|the posterior portion of the brain including cerebellum and brainstem
Hindemith|German neoclassical composer and conductor who believed that music should have a social purpose (1895-1963)
Hindenburg|German field marshal and statesman;as president of the Weimar Republic he reluctantly appointed Hitler as chancellor in 1933 (1847-1934)
hindfoot|a rear foot of a quadruped
hindgut|the caudal part of the alimentary canal in vertebrate embryos
Hindi|the most widely spoken of modern Indic vernaculars;spoken mostly in the north of India;along with English it is the official language of India;usually written in Devanagari script
hindquarter|the back half of a side of meat
hindquarters|the part of an animal that corresponds to the human buttocks
hindrance|any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome;something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress;the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding
hindshank|a cut of meat from the upper part of a rear leg
hindsight|understanding the nature of an event after it has happened - "hindsight is always better than foresight"
Hindu|a native or inhabitant of Hindustan or India;a person who adheres to Hinduism
Hindu calendar|the lunisolar calendar governing the religious life of Hindus;an extra month is inserted after every month in which there are two new moons (once every three years)
Hindu calendar month|any lunisolar month in the Hindu calendar
Hindu deity|a deity worshipped by the Hindus
Hindu Kush|a mountain range extending to the west of the Himalayas
Hinduism|a body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and based on a caste system;it is characterized by a belief in reincarnation, by a belief in a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils;the religion of most people in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal
Hindustan|northern region of India where Hinduism predominates
Hindustani|a form of Hindi spoken around Delhi
hinge|a circumstance upon which subsequent events depend - "his absence is the hinge of our plan";a joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other
hinge joint|a freely moving joint in which the bones are so articulated as to allow extensive movement in one plane
hinging post|the gatepost on which the gate is hung
hinny|hybrid offspring of a male horse and a female donkey or ass;usually sterile - "a hinny has a gentler disposition than a mule"
hint|a slight indication;an indirect suggestion
hip|(architecture) the exterior angle formed by the junction of a sloping side and a sloping end of a roof;either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh;the ball-and-socket joint between the head of the femur and the acetabulum;the fruit of a rose plant
hip boot|a very high boot;used especially for fishing
hip pad|protective garment consisting of a pad worn by football and hockey players
hip pocket|a pocket in rear of trousers
hip roof|a roof having sloping ends as well as sloping sides
hip socket|the socket part of the ball-and-socket joint between the head of the femur and the innominate bone
hip tile|a tile shaped so as to cover the hip of a hip roof
hipbone|large flaring bone forming one half of the pelvis;made up of the ilium and ischium and pubis
hipflask|a flask that holds spirits
hip-hop|an urban youth culture associated with rap music and the fashions of African-American residents of the inner city
hipline|the line formed by measuring the hip at its greatest part;the line formed by the lower edge of hip-length garment
Hipparchus|Greek astronomer and mathematician who discovered the precession of the equinoxes and made the first known star chart and is said to have invented trigonometry (second century BC)
hippeastrum|amaryllis of tropical America often cultivated as a houseplant for its showy white to red flowers
hippie|someone who rejects the established culture;advocates extreme liberalism in politics and lifestyle
Hippo|an ancient Numidian town in northwestern Africa adjoining present-day Annaba in northeastern Algeria
Hippobosca|type genus of the Hippoboscidae
Hippoboscidae|winged or wingless dipterans;louse flies
hippocampus|a complex neural structure (shaped like a sea horse) consisting of grey matter and located on the floor of each lateral ventricle;intimately involved in motivation and emotion as part of the limbic system;has a central role in the formation of memories;seahorses
Hippocastanaceae|trees having showy flowers and inedible nutlike seeds in a leathery capsule
Hippocrates|medical practitioner who is regarded as the father of medicine;author of the Hippocratic oath (circa 460-377 BC)
Hippocratic oath|an oath taken by physicians to observe medical ethics deriving from Hippocrates
Hippocrepis|species of Old World herbs or subshrubs;horseshoe vetch
Hippodamia|genus of ladybugs
Hippodamia convergens|a variety of ladybug
hippodrome|a stadium for horse shows or horse races
Hippoglossoides|a genus of Pleuronectidae
Hippoglossus|halibuts
Hippopotamidae|hippopotami
hippopotamus|massive thick-skinned herbivorous animal living in or around rivers of tropical Africa
Hipposideridae|Old World leafnose bats
Hipposideros|horseshoe bats
Hippotragus|sable antelopes
Hipsurus|a genus of Embiotocidae
hire|a newly hired employee - "the new hires need special training";the act of hiring something or someone - "he signed up for a week's car hire"
hired hand|a hired laborer on a farm or ranch - "the hired hand fixed the railing"
hired help|employee hired for domestic or farm work (often used in the singular to refer to several employees collectively)
hireling|a person who works only for money
hire-purchase|installment plan
hiring freeze|a freeze on hiring
hiring hall|a union-operated placement office where jobs are allotted to applicants according to seniority or rotation
Hirohito|emperor of Japan who renounced his divinity and became a constitutional monarch after Japan surrendered at the end of World War II (1901-1989)
Hiroshima|a port city on the southwestern coast of Honshu in Japan;on August 6, 1945 Hiroshima was almost completely destroyed by the first atomic bomb dropped on a populated area
Hirschfeld|United States artist noted for his line-drawn caricatures (1904-2003)
Hirschsprung|Danish pediatrician (1830-1916)
Hirschsprung's disease|congenital condition in which the colon does not have the normal network of nerves;there is little urge to defecate so the feces accumulate and cause megacolon
hirsuteness|excessive hairiness
Hirudinea|hermaphroditic aquatic or terrestrial or parasitic annelids
Hirudinidae|a family of Hirudinea
Hirudo|type genus of the family Hirudinidae
Hirundinidae|swallows and martins
Hirundo|type genus of the Hirundinidae
Hispaniola|an island in the West Indies
hispid pocket mouse|large stiff-haired rodent of shortgrass prairies of United States
hiss|a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval) - "the performers could not be heard over the hissing of the audience"
hisser|someone who communicates disapproval by hissing
histaminase|enzyme that acts as a catalyst in converting histidine to histamine
histamine|amine formed from histidine that stimulates gastric secretions and dilates blood vessels;released by the human immune system during allergic reactions
histamine blocker|a medicine used to treat the gastric effects of histamine in cases of peptic ulcers and gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux;works by blocking the effects of histamine on the receptor site known as H2
histamine headache|a painful recurring headache associated with the release of histamine from cells
histidine|an essential amino acid found in proteins that is important for the growth and repair of tissue
histiocyte|a macrophage that is found in connective tissue
histiocytosis|a blood disease characterized by an abnormal multiplication of macrophages
histocompatibility|condition in which the cells of one tissue can survive in the presence of cells of another tissue - "a successful graft or transplant requires a high degree of histocompatibility"
histocompatibility complex|a family of fifty or more genes on the sixth human chromosome that code for proteins on the surfaces of cells and that play a role in the immune response
histogram|a bar chart representing a frequency distribution;heights of the bars represent observed frequencies
histoincompatibility|incompatibility in which one person's tissue cannot be transplanted to another person
histologist|anatomist who specializes in the microscopic study of animal tissues
histology|the branch of biology that studies the microscopic structure of animal or plant tissues
histone|a simple protein containing mainly basic amino acids;present in cell nuclei in association with nucleic acids
historian|a person who is an authority on history and who studies it and writes about it
historic period|an era of history having some distinctive feature
historical document|writing having historical value (as opposed to fiction or myth etc.)
historical linguistics|the study of linguistic change
historical present|the use of the present tense to describe past actions or states
historical school|a school of 19th century German economists and legal philosophers who tried to explain modern economic systems in evolutionary or historical terms
historicalness|significance owing to its history;the state of having in fact existed in the past
historicism|a theory that social and cultural events are determined by history
historiography|a body of historical literature;the writing of history
history|a record or narrative description of past events - "a history of France";all that is remembered of the past as preserved in writing;a body of knowledge - "the dawn of recorded history" - "from the beginning of history";the aggregate of past events - "a critical time in the school's history";the continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present and even into the future - "all of human history";the discipline that records and interprets past events involving human beings - "he teaches Medieval history" - "history takes the long view"
history department|the academic department responsible for teaching history
history lesson|a lesson in the facts of history
histrionics|a deliberate display of emotion for effect
hit|(baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball) - "he came all the way around on Williams' hit";a connection made via the internet to another website - "WordNet gets many hits from users worldwide";a conspicuous success - "that song was his first hit and marked the beginning of his career";a dose of a narcotic drug;a murder carried out by an underworld syndicate - "it has all the earmarks of a Mafia hit";the act of contacting one thing with another - "repeated hitting raised a large bruise" - "after three misses she finally got a hit"
hit list|a list of victims to be eliminated (as by murder)
hit parade|a collection of the best or most popular people or items of a given kind;a ranked list of the songs that are most popular at a given time
hit squad|a team of assassins
hitch|a connection between a vehicle and the load that it pulls;a knot that can be undone by pulling against the strain that holds it;a temporary knot;the uneven manner of walking that results from an injured leg
Hitchcock|English film director noted for his skill in creating suspense (1899-1980)
hitchhiker|a person who travels by getting free rides from passing vehicles
hitching post|a fixed post with a ring to which a horse can be hitched to prevent it from straying
Hitchings|United States biochemist noted for developing drugs to treat leukemia and gout (1905-1998)
Hitchiti|a member of the Muskhogean people formerly living in Georgia;a member of the Creek Confederacy;the Muskhogean language spoken by the Hitchiti
hitchrack|a fixed horizontal rail to which a horse can be hitched to prevent it from straying
Hitler|Adolph Hitler - German Nazi dictator during World War II (1889-1945)
hitter|someone who hits - "a hard hitter" - "blacksmiths are good hitters"
Hittite|a member of an ancient people who inhabited Anatolia and northern Syria about 2000 to 1200 BC;the language of the Hittites and the principal language of the Anatolian group of languages;deciphered from cuneiform inscriptions
HIV|infection by the human immunodeficiency virus
hive|a teeming multitude
Hizb ut-Tahrir|the most popular and feared Islamic extremist group in central Asia;advocates 'pure' Islam and the creation of a worldwide Islamic state
Hizballah|a Shiite terrorist organization with strong ties to Iran;seeks to create an Iranian fundamentalist Islamic state in Lebanon;car bombs are the signature weapon
HMG-CoA reductase|a liver enzyme that is responsible for producing cholesterol
Hmong|a language of uncertain affiliation spoken by the Hmong;a people living traditionally in mountain villages in southern China and adjacent areas of Vietnam and Laos and Thailand;many have emigrated to the United States
Ho Chi Minh|Vietnamese communist statesman who fought the Japanese in World War II and the French until 1954 and South Vietnam until 1975 (1890-1969)
Ho Chi Minh City|a city in South Vietnam;formerly (as Saigon) it was the capital of French Indochina
Hoagland|United States physiologist (1899-1982)
hoard|a secret store of valuables or money
hoarder|a person who accumulates things and hides them away for future use
hoariness|great age (especially grey or white with age)
hoary alison|tall European annual with downy grey-green foliage and dense heads of small white flowers followed by hairy pods;naturalized in North America;sometimes a troublesome weed
hoary golden bush|western American shrubs having white felted foliage and yellow flowers that become red-purple
hoary marmot|large North American mountain marmot
hoary pea|a plant of the genus Tephrosia having pinnate leaves and white or purplish flowers and flat hairy pods
hoary plantain|North American annual or biennial with long soft hairs on the leaves;widely distributed Old World perennial naturalized in North America having finely hairy leaves and inconspicuous white fragrant flowers
hoary puccoon|perennial North American plant with greyish hairy foliage yielding a red or yellow pigment
hoary willow|North American shrub with whitish canescent leaves
hoatzin|crested ill-smelling South American bird whose young have claws on the first and second digits of the wings
hob|a hard steel edge tool used to cut gears;a shelf beside an open fire where something can be kept warm
Hobart|a port and state capital of Tasmania
Hobbes|English materialist and political philosopher who advocated absolute sovereignty as the only kind of government that could resolve problems caused by the selfishness of human beings (1588-1679)
hobbit|an imaginary being similar to a person but smaller and with hairy feet;invented by J.R.R. Tolkien
hobble skirt|a long skirt very narrow below the knees, worn between 1910 and 1914
hobbledehoy|an awkward bad-mannered adolescent boy
hobbler|someone who has a limp and walks with a hobbling gait
Hobbs|notable English cricketer (1882-1963)
hobby|a child's plaything consisting of an imitation horse mounted on rockers;the child straddles it and pretends to ride;small Old World falcon formerly trained and flown at small birds
hobbyhorse|a topic to which one constantly reverts - "don't get him started on his hobbyhorse"
hobbyism|a devotion to hobbies
hobbyist|a person who pursues an activity in their spare time for pleasure
hobnail|a short nail with a thick head;used to protect the soles of boots
hobo camp|a place where hoboes camp
Hobson's choice|the choice of taking what is offered or nothing at all
hock|tarsal joint of the hind leg of hoofed mammals;corresponds to the human ankle
hockey clinic|a meeting at which hockey players receive special evaluation and instruction
hockey coach|a coach of hockey players
hockey league|a league of hockey teams
hockey player|an athlete who plays hockey
hockey season|the season when hockey is played
hockey skate|an ice skate worn for playing hockey;has a short blade and a strong boot to protect the feet and ankles
hockey stick|sports implement consisting of a stick used by hockey players to move the puck
hockey team|a team that plays ice hockey
hod|an open box attached to a long pole handle;bricks or mortar are carried on the shoulder
hod carrier|a laborer who carries supplies to masons or bricklayers
Hodeida|an important port in Yemen on the Red Sea
Hodgkin|English chemist (born in Egypt) who used crystallography to study the structure of organic compounds (1910-1994);English physician who first described Hodgkin's disease (1798-1866);English physiologist who, with Andrew Huxley, discovered the role of potassium and sodium atoms in the transmission of the nerve impulse (1914-1998)
Hodgkin's disease|a malignant disorder in which there is progressive (but painless) enlargement of lymph tissue followed by enlargement of the spleen and liver
hodoscope|(physics) scientific instrument that traces the path of a charged particle
hoe|a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
hoe handle|the handle of a hoe
hoecake|thin usually unleavened johnnycake made of cornmeal;originally baked on the blade of a hoe over an open fire (southern)
Hoenir|(Norse mythology) one of the Aesir having a strong and beautiful body but a dull mind
Hoffa|United States labor leader who was president of the Teamsters Union;he was jailed for trying to bribe a judge and later disappeared and is assumed to have been murdered (1913-1975)
Hoffman|United States sculptor (1887-1966);versatile United States film actor (born in 1937)
Hoffmann|Austrian architect known for his use of rectilinear units (1870-1956);German chemist (1818-1892);German writer of fantastic tales (1776-1822);United States chemist (born in Poland) who used quantum mechanics to understand chemical reactions (born in 1937)
Hoffmannsthal|German poet who wrote libretti for operas by Richard Strauss (1874-1929)
hog|a person regarded as greedy and pig-like;a sheep up to the age of one year;one yet to be sheared;domestic swine
hog badger|southeast Asian badger with a snout like a pig
hog cholera|highly infectious virus disease of swine
hog peanut|vine widely distributed in eastern North America producing racemes of purple to maroon flowers and abundant (usually subterranean) edible one-seeded pods resembling peanuts
hog plum|fruit of the wild plum of southern United States;tropical American tree having edible yellow fruit;yellow oval tropical fruit
hog sucker|widely distributed in warm clear shallow streams
hogan|a Navajo lodge covered with earth;traditionally built with the entrance facing east;United States golfer who won many major golf tournaments (1912-1997)
Hogarth|English artist noted for a series of engravings that satirized the affectations of his time (1697-1764)
hogback|a narrow ridge of hills
hogchoker|useless as food;in coastal streams from Maine to Texas and Panama
hogfish|large wrasse of western Atlantic;head of male resembles a pig's snout
Hogg|Scottish writer of rustic verse (1770-1835)
Hogmanay|New Year's Eve in Scotland
hognose bat|small-eared Mexican bat with a long slender nose
hognose snake|harmless North American snake with upturned nose;may spread its head and neck or play dead when disturbed
hog-nosed skunk|large naked-muzzled skunk with white back and tail;of southwestern North America and Mexico
hogshead|a British unit of capacity for alcoholic beverages;a large cask especially one holding 63 gals
Hohenlinden|a battle during the Napoleonic Wars (1800);the French defeated the Austrians;a town in Bavaria (near Munich)
Hohenzollern|a German noble family that ruled Brandenburg and Prussia
Hohenzollern empire|the Reich when Hohenzollern monarchs ruled Germany (from 1871 to 1919)
Hoheria|small genus of shrubs and small trees of New Zealand;lacebarks
Hohhot|a northern industrial city of China to the northwest of Beijing
hoist|lifting device for raising heavy or cumbersome objects
hoister|an operator of a hoist
Hokan|a family of Amerindian languages spoken in California;a member of a North American Indian people speaking one of the Hokan languages
Hokkaido|the second largest of the four main islands of Japan;to the north of Honshu
Hokusai|Japanese painter whose work influenced the impressionists (1760-1849)
Holarrhena|genus of deciduous trees and shrubs of tropical Africa and Asia
Holbein|German painter and engraver noted for his portraits;he was commissioned by Henry VIII to provide portraits of the English king's prospective brides (1497-1543);German painter of religious works (1465-1524)
Holbrookia|earless lizards
Holcus|a genus of Old World grasses widely cultivated in America
hold|a cell in a jail or prison;a stronghold;power by which something or someone is affected or dominated - "he has a hold over them"
hold-down|a limitation or constraint - "taxpayers want a hold-down on government spending"
holder|a holding device - "a towel holder" - "a cigarette holder" - "an umbrella holder";a person who holds something;the person who is in possession of a check or note or bond or document of title that is endorsed to him or to whoever holds it
holding cell|a jail in a courthouse where accused persons can be confined during a trial
holding company|a company with controlling shares in other companies
holding device|a device for holding something
holding pattern|a state of inaction with no progress and no change - "you should go into a holding pattern until he gets over his disappointment";the flight path (usually circular) maintained by an aircraft that is awaiting permission to land
holding pen|a pen where livestock is temporarily confined
holdout|a negotiator who hopes to gain concessions by refusing to come to terms - "their star pitcher was a holdout for six weeks";a refusal by a negotiator to come to terms in the hope of obtaining a better deal;the act of hiding playing cards in a gambling game so they are available for personal use later
holdover|an official who remains in office after his term
holdup man|an armed thief
hole|a depression hollowed out of solid matter;a fault - "he shot holes in my argument";an opening deliberately made in or through something;an opening into or through something;an unoccupied space;one playing period (from tee to green) on a golf course - "he played 18 holes"
hole card|(poker) a playing card dealt face down and not revealed until the showdown;any assets that are concealed until they can be used advantageously
hole-in-the-wall|a small unpretentious out-of-the-way place - "his office was a hole-in-the-wall"
holiday|a day on which work is suspended by law or custom - "no mail is delivered on federal holidays" - "it's a good thing that New Year's was a holiday because everyone had a hangover"
holiday season|a time when many people take holidays
holiness|the quality of being holy
holism|the theory that the parts of any whole cannot exist and cannot be understood except in their relation to the whole - "holism holds that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts"
holistic medicine|medical care of the whole person considered as subject to personal and social as well as organic factors - "holistic medicine treats the mind as well as the body"
hollandaise|eggs and butter with lemon juice
Hollerith|United States inventor who invented a system for recording alphanumeric information on punched cards (1860-1929)
hollow|a cavity or space in something - "hunger had caused the hollows in their cheeks";a small valley between mountains - "he built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Appalachians"
hollowness|the property of having a sunken area;the state of being hollow;having an empty space within
hollowware|silverware serving dishes
holly|any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges;United States rock star (1936-1959)
holly fern|any of various ferns of the genus Polystichum having fronds with texture and gloss like holly;tropical Old World fern having glossy fronds suggestive of holly;sometimes placed in genus Polystichum
hollyhock|any of various tall plants of the genus Alcea;native to the Middle East but widely naturalized and cultivated for its very large variously colored flowers
holly-leaved cherry|California evergreen wild plum with spiny leathery leaves and white flowers
Hollywood|a district of Los Angeles long associated with the American film industry;a flashy vulgar tone or atmosphere believed to be characteristic of the American film industry - "some people in publishing think of theirs as a glamorous medium so they copy the glitter of Hollywood";the film industry of the United States
holm oak|evergreen oak of southern Europe having leaves somewhat resembling those of holly;yields a hard wood;hard wood of the holm oak tree
Holmes|English geologist and supporter of the theory of continental drift (1890-1965);United States jurist noted for his liberal opinions (1841-1935);United States writer of humorous essays (1809-1894)
holmium|a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group;occurs together with yttrium;forms highly magnetic compounds
holocaust|an act of mass destruction and loss of life (especially in war or by fire) - "a nuclear holocaust";the mass murder of Jews under the German Nazi regime from 1941 until 1945
Holocene|approximately the last 10,000 years
Holocentridae|squirrelfishes and soldierfishes
Holocentrus|type genus of the family Holocentridae;squirrelfishes
Holocentrus ascensionis|bright red fish of West Indies and Bermuda
holocephalan|fish with high compressed head and a body tapering off into a long tail
Holocephali|chimaeras and extinct forms
Holofernes|(Apocrypha) the Assyrian general who was decapitated by the biblical heroine Judith
hologram|the intermediate photograph (or photographic record) that contains information for reproducing a three-dimensional image by holography
holography|the branch of optics that deals with the use of coherent light from a laser in order to make a hologram that can then be used to create a three-dimensional image
holometabola|insects that undergo complete metamorphosis
holometabolism|complete metamorphosis in insects
holonym|a word that names the whole of which a given word is a part - "'hat' is a holonym for 'brim' and 'crown'"
holonymy|the semantic relation that holds between a whole and its parts
holophyte|an organism that produces its own food by photosynthesis
Holothuria|type genus of the Holothuridae
Holothuridae|a family of Holothuroidea
Holothuroidea|class of echinoderms including the sea cucumbers
holster|a belt with loops or slots for carrying small hand tools;a sheath (usually leather) for carrying a handgun
holy day of obligation|a day when Catholics must attend Mass and refrain from servile work, and Episcopalians must take Communion
Holy Eucharist|a Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine
Holy Ghost|the third person in the Trinity;Jesus promised the Apostles that he would send the Holy Spirit after his Crucifixion and Resurrection;it came on Pentecost
Holy Innocents' Day|December 28, commemorating Herod's slaughter of the children of Bethlehem
holy of holies|(figurative) something regarded as sacred or inviolable - "every politician fears to touch that holy of holies, the Social Security System";(Judaism) sanctuary comprised of the innermost chamber of the Tabernacle in the temple of Solomon where the Ark of the Covenant was kept
Holy Order|(usually plural) the status or rank or office of a Christian clergyman in an ecclesiastical hierarchy;the sacrament of ordination
holy place|a sacred place of pilgrimage
Holy Roller|a member of a religion that expresses ecstatic fervor
Holy Roman Emperor|sovereign of the Holy Roman Empire
Holy Roman Empire|a political entity in Europe that began with the papal coronation of Otto I as the first emperor in 962 and lasted until 1806 when it was dissolved by Napoleon
Holy Saturday|the Saturday before Easter;the last day of Lent
Holy See|the smallest sovereign state in the world;the see of the Pope (as the Bishop of Rome);home of the Pope and the central administration of the Roman Catholic Church;achieved independence from Italy in 1929
Holy Sepulcher|the sepulcher in which Christ's body lay between burial and resurrection
holy water|water that has been blessed by a priest for use in symbolic purification
Holy Week|the week before Easter
Holy Year|(Roman Catholic Church) a period of remission from sin (usually granted every 25 years)
holystone|a soft sandstone used for scrubbing the decks of a ship
Homaridae|large-clawed lobsters
Homarus|type genus of the family Homaridae;common edible lobsters
home|an environment offering affection and security - "home is where the heart is" - "he grew up in a good Christian home" - "there's no place like home";an institution where people are cared for - "a home for the elderly";place where something began and flourished - "the United States is the home of basketball";the country or state or city where you live - "Canadian tariffs enabled United States lumber companies to raise prices at home" - "his home is New Jersey";where you live at a particular time - "deliver the package to my home" - "he doesn't have a home to go to"
home appliance|an appliance that does a particular job in the home
home away from home|a place where you are just as comfortable and content as if you were home
home banking|banking in which transactions are conducted by means of electronic communication (via telephone or computer)
home brew|an alcoholic beverage (especially beer) made at home
home buyer|someone buying a house
home computer|a computer intended for use in the home
Home Counties|the English counties surrounding London into which Greater London has expanded
home court|(basketball) the court where the host team plays its home games
home economics|theory and practice of homemaking
home folk|folks from your own home town
home fries|sliced pieces of potato fried in a pan until brown and crisp
home front|the civilian population (and their activities) of a country at war
home game|a game played at home
home guard|a volunteer unit formed to defend the homeland while the regular army is fighting elsewhere
home help|a person hired to help in another's home (especially one employed by a local authority to help the infirm with domestic work)
home invasion|burglary of a dwelling while the residents are at home
home loan|a loan secured by equity value in the borrower's home
Home Loan Bank|one of 11 regional banks that monitor and make short-term credit advances to thrift institutions in their region
home movie|a film made at home by an amateur photographer
Home Office|the government department in charge of domestic affairs
home page|the opening page of a web site
home plate|(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands;it must be touched by a base runner in order to score
home port|the port from which a ship originates of where it is registered
home range|the area in which an animal normally ranges
home room|a classroom in which all students in a particular grade (or in a division of a grade) meet at certain times under the supervision of a teacher who takes attendance and does other administrative business
home rule|self-government in local matters by a city or county that is part of a national government
Home Secretary|the British cabinet minister who is head of the Home Office
home stand|a series of successive games played at a team's home field or court
home study|a course of study carried out at home rather than in a classroom
home theater|television and video equipment designed to reproduce in the home the experience of being in a movie theater
home truth|an important truth that is unpleasant to acknowledge (as about yourself)
homebound|people who are confined to their homes
homeboy|a fellow male member of a youth gang;a male friend from your neighborhood or hometown
homebuilder|someone who builds houses as a business
homecoming|an annual school or university reunion for graduates
homecourt advantage|the advantage of playing on your home court in front of fans who are rooting for you
home-farm|a farm that supplies the needs of a large estate of establishment
homefolk|the people of your home locality (especially your own family) - "he wrote his homefolk every day"
homegirl|a fellow female member of a youth gang
homeless|poor people who unfortunately do not have a home to live in - "the homeless became a problem in the large cities";someone unfortunate without housing - "a homeless was found murdered in Central Park"
homelessness|the state or condition of having no home (especially the state of living in the streets)
homeliness|an appearance that is not attractive or beautiful - "fine clothes could not conceal the girl's homeliness"
homemaking|the management of a household
homeobox|one of various similar homeotic genes that are involved in bodily segmentation during embryonic development
homeopath|a practitioner of homeopathy
homeopathy|a method of treating disease with small amounts of remedies that, in large amounts in healthy people, produce symptoms similar to those being treated
homeostasis|(physiology) metabolic equilibrium actively maintained by several complex biological mechanisms that operate via the autonomic nervous system to offset disrupting changes
homeotherm|an animal that has a body temperature that is relatively constant and independent of the environmental temperature
homeotic gene|one the genes that are involved in embryologic development
homeowner|someone who owns a home
homer|a base hit on which the batter scores a run;an ancient Hebrew unit of capacity equal to 10 baths or 10 ephahs;ancient Greek epic poet who is believed to have written the Iliad and the Odyssey (circa 850 BC);United States painter best known for his seascapes (1836-1910)
homesickness|a longing to return home
homespun|a rough loosely woven fabric originally made with yarn that was spun at home
homestead|dwelling that is usually a farmhouse and adjoining land;land acquired from the United States public lands by filing a record and living on and cultivating it under the homestead law;the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family
homestead law|a law conferring privileges on owners of homesteads
homestretch|the end of an enterprise - "they were on the homestretch when the computer crashed";the straight stretch of a racetrack leading to the finish line
hometown|the town (or city) where you grew up or where you have your principal residence - "he never went back to his hometown again"
homework|preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
homework problem|a problem that students are assigned to do outside of class
homicide|the killing of a human being by another human being
homiletics|the art of preaching;the branch of theology that deals with sermons and homilies
homily|a sermon on a moral or religious topic
homing device|the mechanism in a guided missile that guides it toward its objective
homing pigeon|pigeon trained to return home
homing torpedo|a torpedo that is guided to its target (as by the sound of a ship's engines)
hominid|a primate of the family Hominidae
Hominidae|modern man and extinct immediate ancestors of man
hominoid|a primate of the superfamily Hominoidea
Hominoidea|anthropoid apes and human beings
hominy|hulled corn with the bran and germ removed
homo|any living or extinct member of the family Hominidae characterized by superior intelligence, articulate speech, and erect carriage
Homo erectus|extinct species of primitive hominid with upright stature but small brain - "Homo erectus was formerly called Pithecanthropus erectus"
Homo habilis|extinct species of upright East African hominid having some advanced humanlike characteristics
Homo sapiens|the only surviving hominid;species to which modern man belongs;bipedal primate having language and ability to make and use complex tools;brain volume at least 1400 cc
Homo sapiens sapiens|subspecies of Homo sapiens;includes all modern races
Homo soloensis|extinct primitive hominid of late Pleistocene;Java;formerly Javanthropus
Homobasidiomycetes|category used in some classification systems for various basidiomycetous fungi including e.g. mushrooms and puffballs which are usually placed in the classes Gasteromycetes and Hymenomycetes
homocercal fin|symmetrical tail fin extending beyond the end of the vertebral column as in most bony fishes
homogenate|material that has been homogenized (especially tissue that has been ground and mixed) - "liver homogenate"
homogeneity|the quality of being of uniform throughout in composition or structure;the quality of being similar or comparable in kind or nature - "there is a remarkable homogeneity between the two companies"
homogeneous polynomial|a polynomial consisting of terms all of the same degree
homogenization|the act of making something homogeneous or uniform in composition - "the homogenization of cream" - "the network's homogenization of political news"
homogenized milk|milk with the fat particles broken up and dispersed uniformly so the cream will not rise
homogeny|(biology) similarity because of common evolution
homograft|tissue or organ transplanted from a donor of the same species but different genetic makeup;recipient's immune system must be suppressed to prevent rejection of the graft
homograph|two words are homographs if they are spelled the same way but differ in meaning (e.g. fair)
Homogyne|small genus of low perennial herbs of montane Europe;in some classifications included in genus Tussilago
homology|the quality of being similar or corresponding in position or value or structure or function
homolosine projection|an equal-area projection map of the globe;oceans are distorted in order to minimize the distortion of the continents
homomorphism|similarity of form
Homona|tea tortrix
homonym|two words are homonyms if they are pronounced or spelled the same way but have different meanings
homonymy|the relation between two words that are spelled the same way but differ in meaning or the relation between two words that are pronounced the same way but differ in meaning
homophobe|a person who hates or fears homosexual people
homophobia|prejudice against (fear or dislike of) homosexual people and homosexuality
homophone|two words are homophones if they are pronounced the same way but differ in meaning or spelling or both (e.g. bare and bear)
homophony|part music with one dominant voice (in a homophonic style);the same pronunciation for words of different origins
Homoptera|plant lice (aphids);whiteflies;cicadas;leafhoppers;plant hoppers;scale insects and mealybugs;spittle insects
homopterous insect|insects having membranous forewings and hind wings
homosexual|someone who practices homosexuality;having a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex
homosexuality|a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the same sex
homospory|the development of a single kind of asexual spores
homozygosity|the state of being homozygous;having two identical alleles of the same gene
homozygote|(genetics) an organism having two identical alleles of a particular gene and so breeding true for the particular characteristic
homunculus|a tiny fully formed individual that (according to the discredited theory of preformation) is supposed to be present in the sperm cell
Homyel|industrial city of Belarus to the southeast of Minsk
Honduran|a native or inhabitant of Honduras
Honduran monetary unit|monetary unit in Honduras
Honduras|a republic in Central America;achieved independence from Spain in 1821;an early center of Mayan culture
Honduras mahogany|an important Central American mahogany tree
Honduras rosewood|Central American tree yielding a valuable dark streaked rosewood
hone|a whetstone made of fine gritstone;used for sharpening razors
Honegger|Swiss composer (born in France) who was the founding member of a group in Paris that included Erik Satie and Darius Milhaud and Francis Poulenc and Jean Cocteau (1892-1955)
honest woman|a wife who has married a man with whom she has been living for some time (especially if she is pregnant at the time) - "he made an honest woman of her"
honesty|southeastern European plant cultivated for its fragrant purplish flowers and round flat papery silver-white seedpods that are used for indoor decoration;the quality of being honest
honey|a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees
honey bell|African shrub having decumbent stems and slender yellow honey-scented flowers either solitary or in pairs
honey bun|rolled dough spread with sugar and nuts then sliced and baked in muffin tins with honey or sugar and butter in the bottom
honey buzzard|Old World hawk that feeds on bee larvae and small rodents and reptiles
honey cake|a spicy cake partially sweetened with honey
honey crisp|a crisp candy made with honey
honey eater|Australasian bird with tongue and bill adapted for extracting nectar
honey guide|small bird of tropical Africa and Asia;feeds on beeswax and honey and larvae
honey locust|tall usually spiny North American tree having small greenish-white flowers in drooping racemes followed by long twisting seed pods;yields very hard durable reddish-brown wood;introduced to temperate Old World
honey mesquite|thorny deep-rooted drought-resistant shrub native to southwestern United States and Mexico bearing pods rich in sugar and important as livestock feed;tends to form extensive thickets
honey mushroom|a honey-colored edible mushroom commonly associated with the roots of trees in late summer and fall;do not eat raw
honey plant|a plant that furnishes nectar suitable for making honey
honeybee|social bee often domesticated for the honey it produces
honeycomb|a framework of hexagonal cells resembling the honeycomb built by bees;a structure of small hexagonal cells constructed from beeswax by bees and used to store honey and larvae
honeycomb tripe|lining of the reticulum (or second stomach) of a ruminant used as food
honeycreeper|small bright-colored tropical American songbird with a curved bill for sucking nectar;small to medium-sized finches of the Hawaiian islands
honeydew|the fruit of a variety of winter melon vine;a large smooth greenish-white melon with pale green flesh
honeyflower|Australian shrub whose flowers yield honey copiously;erect bushy shrub of eastern Australia having terminal clusters of red flowers yielding much nectar
honeymoon|a holiday taken by a newly married couple;the early (usually calm and harmonious) period of a relationship;business or political
honeymoon resort|a resort that caters to newlyweds - "Niagra Falls is a well-known honeymoon resort"
honeypot|South African shrub whose flowers when open are cup-shaped resembling artichokes
honeysuckle|shrub or vine of the genus Lonicera;shrubby tree with silky foliage and spikes of cylindrical yellow nectarous flowers
Hong Kong|formerly a Crown Colony on the coast of southern China in Guangdong province;leased by China to Britain in 1842 and returned in 1997;one of the world's leading commercial centers
Hong Kong dollar|the basic unit of money in Hong Kong
Honiara|national capital of Solomon Islands
honk|the cry of a goose (or any sound resembling this)
honker|a driver who causes his car's horn to make a loud honking sound - "the honker was fined for disturbing the peace";common greyish-brown wild goose of North America with a loud, trumpeting call
honkytonk|a cheap disreputable nightclub or dance hall
Honolulu|the capital and largest city of Hawaii;located on a large bay on the island of Oahu
honor|a woman's virtue or chastity;the quality of being honorable and having a good name - "a man of honor";the state of being honored
honor guard|an escort for a distinguished guest or for the casket at a military funeral
honor killing|an ancient tradition still sometimes observed;a male member of the family kills a female relative for tarnishing the family image
honor system|a system of conduct in which participants are trusted not to take unfair advantage of others - "the students are on the honor system"
honorable discharge|a discharge from the armed forces with a commendable record
honorableness|the quality of deserving honor or respect;characterized by honor
honorarium|a fee paid for a nominally free service
honorary degree|a degree conferred to honor the recipient
honoree|a recipient of honors in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments
honorific|an expression of respect - "the Japanese use many honorifics"
honoring|conformity with law or custom or practice etc.
honours|a university degree with honors
Honshu|the central and largest of the four main islands of Japan;between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean;regarded as the Japanese mainland
hooch|an illicitly distilled (and usually inferior) alcoholic liquor
hood|(falconry) a leather covering for a hawk's head;(slang) a neighborhood;(zoology) an expandable part or marking that resembles a hood on the head or neck of an animal;a headdress that protects the head and face;a protective covering that is part of a plant;a tubular attachment used to keep stray light out of the lens of a camera;an aggressive and violent young criminal;metal covering leading to a vent that exhausts smoke or fumes;protective covering consisting of a metal part that covers the engine - "there are powerful engines under the hoods of new cars";the folding roof of a carriage
'hood|(slang) a neighborhood
hood latch|a catch that holds the hood of a car shut
hood ornament|an ornament on the front of the hood of a car emblematic of the manufacturer
hooded ladies' tresses|orchid having dense clusters of gently spiraling creamy white flowers with 2 upper petals forming a hood;western North America
hooded merganser|small North American duck with a high circular crest on the male's head
hooded pitcher plant|yellow-flowered pitcher plant of southeastern United States having trumpet-shaped leaves with the orifice covered with an arched hood
hooded seal|medium-sized blackish-grey seal with large inflatable sac on the head;of Arctic and northern Atlantic waters
hooded skunk|of Mexico and southernmost parts of southwestern United States
hoodoo|(geology) a column of weathered and unusually shaped rock - "a tall sandstone hoodoo";a practitioner of voodoo;something believed to bring bad luck
hoof|the foot of an ungulate mammal;the horny covering of the end of the foot in ungulate mammals
hoofer|a professional dancer
hoofprint|a visible impression on a surface made by the hoof of an animal
hook|a catch for locking a door;a curved or bent implement for suspending or pulling something;a golf shot that curves to the left for a right-handed golfer - "he took lessons to cure his hooking";a mechanical device that is curved or bent to suspend or hold or pull something;a sharp curve or crook;a shape resembling a hook;a short swinging punch delivered from the side with the elbow bent
hook and eye|a kind of fastener used on clothing
Hook of Holland|a cape on the southwestern coast of the Netherlands near Rotterdam
hook shot|a basketball shot made over the head with the hand that is farther from the basket
hook wrench|a wrench with a hook that fits over a nut or bolt head
hookah|an oriental tobacco pipe with a long flexible tube connected to a container where the smoke is cooled by passing through water - "a bipolar world with the hookah and Turkish coffee versus hamburgers and Coca Cola"
Hooke|English scientist who formulated the law of elasticity and proposed a wave theory of light and formulated a theory of planetary motion and proposed the inverse square law of gravitational attraction and discovered the cellular structure of cork and introduced the term 'cell' into biology and invented a balance spring for watches (1635-1703)
hooker|(rugby) the player in the middle of the front row of the scrum who tries to capture the ball with the foot;a golfer whose shots typically curve left (for right-handed golfers);English theologian (1554-1600);United States general in the Union Army who was defeated at Chancellorsville by Robert E. Lee (1814-1879)
Hooker's green|green pigment consisting of Prussian blue mixed with gamboge
Hooker's onion|a common North American wild onion with a strong onion odor and an umbel of pink flowers atop a leafless stalk;British Columbia to California and Arizona and east to Wyoming and Colorado
Hooker's orchid|a long-spurred orchid with base leaves and petals converging under the upper sepal
Hooke's law|(physics) the principle that (within the elastic limit) the stress applied to a solid is proportional to the strain produced
hooks|large strong hand (as of a fighter) - "wait till I get my hooks on him"
hookup|a device providing a connection between a power source and a user - "some campsites have electrical hookups for trailers";a system of components assembled together for a particular purpose
hookworm|infestation of the intestines by hookworms which enter the body (usually) through the skin;parasitic bloodsucking roundworms having hooked mouth parts to fasten to the intestinal wall of human and other hosts
hoop|a light curved skeleton to spread out a skirt;a rigid circular band of metal or wood or other material used for holding or fastening or hanging or pulling - "there was still a rusty iron hoop for tying a horse"
hoop pine|pine of Australia and New Guinea;yields a valuable light even-textured wood
hoop snake|any of various harmless North American snakes that were formerly believed to take tail in mouth and roll along like a hoop
hoopoe|any of several crested Old World birds with a slender downward-curved bill
hoopskirt|a skirt stiffened with hoops
Hooray Henry|a lively and ineffectual upper-class young man
hoosegow|slang for a jail
hoot|a loud raucous cry (as of an owl)
hoot owl|any owl that hoots as distinct from screeching
Hoover|31st President of the United States;in 1929 the stock market crashed and the economy collapsed and Hoover was defeated for reelection by Franklin Roosevelt (1874-1964);a kind of vacuum cleaner;United States industrialist who manufactured vacuum cleaners (1849-1932);United States lawyer who was director of the FBI for 48 years (1895-1972)
Hoover Dam|a large dam built in 1933 on the Colorado River in Nevada
hop|an informal dance where popular music is played;the act of hopping;jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot);twining perennials having cordate leaves and flowers arranged in conelike spikes;the dried flowers of this plant are used in brewing to add the characteristic bitter taste to beer
hop clover|clover native to Ireland with yellowish flowers;often considered the true or original shamrock
hop garden|a garden where hops are grown
hop hornbeam|any of several trees resembling hornbeams with fruiting clusters resembling hops
hop pole|a tall pole to support the wires on which the hop plant is trained
hope|a specific instance of feeling hopeful - "it revived their hope of winning the pennant";one of the three Christian virtues;someone (or something) on which expectations are centered - "he was their best hope for a victory";the general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled - "in spite of his troubles he never gave up hope";United States comedian (born in England) who appeared in films with Bing Crosby (1903-2003)
hope chest|chest for storage of clothing (trousseau) and household goods in anticipation of marriage
hopefulness|full of hope;the feeling you have when you have hope
hopelessness|the despair you feel when you have abandoned hope of comfort or success
hoper|a person who hopes - "only an avid hoper could expect the team to win now"
Hopi|a member of the Shoshonean people of northeastern Arizona;the Shoshonean language spoken by the Hopi
Hopkins|English biochemist who did pioneering work that led to the discovery of vitamins (1861-1947);English poet (1844-1889);United States educator and theologian (1802-1887);United States financier and philanthropist who left money to found the university and hospital that bear his name in Baltimore (1795-1873);Welsh film actor (born in 1937)
Hopkinson|American Revolutionary leader and patriot;a signer of the Declaration of Independence (1737-1791)
hopper|funnel-shaped receptacle;contents pass by gravity into a receptacle below;someone who hops - "at hopscotch, the best hoppers are the children"
hop-picker|a machine used for picking hops
hopsacking|a loosely woven coarse fabric of cotton or linen;used in clothing
hopscotch|a game in which a child tosses a stone into an area drawn on the ground and then hops through it and back to regain the stone
Horace|Roman lyric poet said to have influenced English poetry (65-8 BC)
Horatian ode|an ode with several stanzas
Horatio Hornblower|a fictional English admiral during the Napoleonic Wars in novels written by C. S. Forester
horde|a nomadic community;a vast multitude
Hordeum|annual to perennial grasses of temperate northern hemisphere and South America;barley
horehound|a candy that is flavored with an extract of the horehound plant;any of various aromatic herbs of the genus Marrubium
horizon|a specific layer or stratum of soil or subsoil in a vertical cross section of land;the great circle on the celestial sphere whose plane passes through the sensible horizon and the center of the Earth;the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet;the range of interest or activity that can be anticipated - "It is beyond the horizon of present knowledge"
horizontal|something that is oriented horizontally
horizontal bar|gymnastic apparatus consisting of a bar supported in a horizontal position by uprights at both ends
horizontal integration|absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in the same level of production and sharing resources at that level
horizontal parallax|the maximum parallax observed when the celestial body is at the horizon
horizontal section|a mechanical drawing of an object as if made by a plane cutting through it horizontally
horizontal stabilizer|the horizontal airfoil of an aircraft's tail assembly that is fixed and to which the elevator is hinged
horizontal surface|a flat surface at right angles to a plumb line
horizontal tail|the horizontal stabilizer and elevator in the tail assembly of an aircraft
horizontality|the quality of being parallel to the horizon - "houses with a pronounced horizontality"
hormone|the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect
hormone replacement therapy|hormones (estrogen and progestin) are given to postmenopausal women;believed to protect them from heart disease and osteoporosis
horn|a device having the shape of a horn - "horns at the ends of a new moon" - "the hornof an anvil" - "the cleat had two horns";a high pommel of a Western saddle (usually metal covered with leather);a noise made by the driver of an automobile to give warning;a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it;an alarm device that makes a loud warning sound;any hard protuberance from the head of an organism that is similar to or suggestive of a horn;one of the bony outgrowths on the heads of certain ungulates;the material (mostly keratin) that covers the horns of ungulates and forms hooves and claws and nails
horn button|a button that you press to activate the horn of an automobile
horn fly|small black European fly introduced into North America;sucks blood from cattle especially at the base of the horn
horn of plenty|a goat's horn filled with grain and flowers and fruit symbolizing prosperity
horn poppy|yellow-flowered Eurasian glaucous herb naturalized in along sandy shores in eastern North America
hornbeam|any of several trees or shrubs of the genus Carpinus
hornbill|bird of tropical Africa and Asia having a very large bill surmounted by a bony protuberance;related to kingfishers
hornblende|a green to black mineral of the amphibole group;consists of silicates of calcium and sodium and magnesium and iron
hornbook|a primer that provides instruction in the rudiments or basic skills of a branch of knowledge
Horne|United States operatic mezzo-soprano (born 1934);United States singer and actress (born in 1917)
horned chameleon|a kind of chameleon
horned lizard|insectivorous lizard with hornlike spines on the head and spiny scales on the body;of western North America
horned owl|large owls having prominent ear tufts
horned pondweed|found in still or slow-moving fresh or brackish water;useful to oxygenate cool water ponds and aquaria
horned pout|catfish common in eastern United States
horned puffin|northern Pacific puffin
horned screamer|screamer having a hornlike process projecting from the forehead
horned violet|European viola with an unusually long corolla spur
horned viper|highly venomous viper of northern Africa and southwestern Asia having a horny spine above each eye
horned whiff|a whiff found in waters from the Bahamas and northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil
Horneophyton|Devonian fossil plant considered one of the earliest forms of vascular land plants;similar to genus Rhynia but smaller
Horner's syndrome|a pattern of symptoms occurring as a result of damage to nerves in the cervical region of the spine (drooping eyelids and constricted pupils and absence of facial sweating)
hornet|large stinging paper wasp
hornet's nest|a highly contentious or hazardous situation
Horney|United States psychiatrist (1885-1952)
hornfels|a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed by the action of heat on clay rocks
horniness|a state of sexual arousal
hornist|a musician who plays a horn (especially a French horn)
hornpipe|a British solo dance performed by sailors;an ancient (now obsolete) single-reed woodwind;usually made of bone;music for dancing the hornpipe
hornwort|any aquatic plant of the genus Ceratophyllum;forms submerged masses in ponds and slow-flowing streams;liverworts with slender hornlike capsules
horny structure|any rigid body structure composed primarily of keratin
horology|the art of designing and making clocks
horoscope|a diagram of the positions of the planets and signs of the zodiac at a particular time and place;a prediction of someone's future based on the relative positions of the planets
horoscopy|the drawing up and interpretation of horoscopes
Horowitz|Russian concert pianist who was a leading international virtuoso (1904-1989)
horror|intense and profound fear;something that inspires dislike;something horrible - "the painting that others found so beautiful was a horror to him"
hors d'oeuvre|a dish served as an appetizer before the main meal
horse|a padded gymnastic apparatus on legs;solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
horse balm|erect perennial strong-scented with serrate pointed leaves and a loose panicle of yellowish flowers;the eastern United States
horse botfly|parasitic chiefly on horses
horse breeding|breeding horses
horse cart|heavy cart;drawn by a horse;used for farm work
horse cassia|East Indian tree having long pods containing a black cathartic pulp used as a horse medicine
horse cavalry|an army unit mounted on horseback
horse chestnut|tree having palmate leaves and large clusters of white to red flowers followed by brown shiny inedible seeds
horse doctor|a veterinarian who treats horses
horse gram|twining herb of Old World tropics cultivated in India for food and fodder;sometimes placed in genus Dolichos
horse latitude|either of two belts or regions near 30 degrees north or 30 degrees south;characterized by calms and light-baffling winds
horse mackerel|a California food fish;large elongated compressed food fish of the Atlantic waters of Europe
horse manure|horse excreta used as fertilizer
horse mushroom|coarse edible mushroom with a hollow stem and a broad white cap
horse nettle|coarse prickly weed having pale yellow flowers and yellow berrylike fruit;common throughout southern and eastern United States
horse pistol|a large pistol (usually in a holster) formerly carried by horsemen
horse race|a contest of speed between horses;usually held for the purpose of betting
horse racing|the sport of racing horses
horse tick|winged fly parasitic on horses
horse trade|the swapping of horses (accompanied by much bargaining)
horse trader|a hard bargainer
horse trading|negotiation accompanied by mutual concessions and shrewd bargaining
horse wrangler|a cowboy who takes care of the saddle horses
horseback|the back of a horse
horsebox|a conveyance (railroad car or trailer) for transporting racehorses
horsecar|an early form of streetcar that was drawn by horses
horsecloth|a cloth for the trapping of a horse
horse-drawn vehicle|a wheeled vehicle drawn by one or more horses
horsefly|large swift fly the female of which sucks blood of various animals
horsehair|a fabric made from fibers taken from the mane or tail of horses;used for upholstery;hair taken from the mane or tail of a horse
horsehair lichen|any of several lichens of the genus Alectoria having a thallus consisting of filaments resembling hair
horsehair wig|a wig made of horsehair - "the English judiciary wear their traditional horsehair wigs"
horsehide|leather from the hide of a horse
horseleech|any of several large freshwater leeches
horseless carriage|an early term for an automobile - "when automobiles first replaced horse-drawn carriages they were called horseless carriages"
horseman|a man skilled in equitation;a person who breeds and cares for horses
horsemanship|skill in handling and riding horses
horsemeat|the flesh of horses as food
horsemint|a coarse Old World wild water mint having long leaves and spikelike clusters of flowers;naturalized in the eastern United States;tall erect perennial or annual having lanceolate leaves and heads of purple-spotted creamy flowers;many subspecies grown from eastern to southwestern United States and in Mexico
horseplay|rowdy or boisterous play
horsepond|a pond for watering horses
horsepower|a unit of power equal to 746 watts
horsepower-hour|a unit of work equal to the work done by one horsepower in one hour
horseradish|coarse Eurasian plant cultivated for its thick white pungent root;grated horseradish root;the root of the horseradish plant;it is grated or ground and used for seasoning
horseradish peroxidase|an enzyme used in immunohistochemistry to label antigens and their antibodies
horseradish sauce|creamy white sauce with horseradish and mustard
horse's foot|the hoof of a horse
horseshoe|game equipment consisting of an open ring of iron used in playing horseshoes;U-shaped plate nailed to underside of horse's hoof
horseshoe bat|a bat of the family Rhinolophidae having a horseshoe-shaped leaf on the nose;any of numerous bats of the family Hipposideridae of northwest Africa or Philippines or Australia having a horseshoe-shaped leaf on the nose
horseshoe crab|large marine arthropod of the Atlantic coast of North America having a domed carapace that is shaped like a horseshoe and a stiff pointed tail;a living fossil related to the wood louse
horseshoe vetch|European woody perennial with yellow umbellate flowers followed by flattened pods that separate into horseshoe-shaped joints
horseshoe whipsnake|slender fast-moving Eurasian snake
horseshow|a competitive exhibition of horses
horsetail|perennial rushlike flowerless herbs with jointed hollow stems and narrow toothlike leaves that spread by creeping rhizomes;tend to become weedy;common in northern hemisphere;some in Africa and South America
horse-trail|a trail for horses
horseweed|common North American weed with linear leaves and small discoid heads of yellowish flowers;widely naturalized throughout temperate regions;sometimes placed in genus Erigeron
horsewhip|a whip for controlling horses
horsewhipping|the act of whipping with a horsewhip - "that villain needs a good horsewhipping"
horsewoman|a woman horseman
horst|a ridge of the earth's crust that has been forced upward between two faults and so is higher than the surrounding land
horsy set|a set of people sharing a devotion to horses and horseback riding and horse racing
Horta|Belgian architect and leader in art nouveau architecture (1861-1947)
hortensia|deciduous shrub bearing roundheaded flower clusters opening green and aging to pink or blue
horticulturist|an expert in the science of cultivating plants (fruit or flowers or vegetables or ornamental plants)
Horus|Egyptian solar god with the head of a falcon;the son of Osiris and Isis
hosanna|a cry of praise or adoration (to God)
hose|a flexible pipe for conveying a liquid or gas;man's close-fitting garment of the 16th and 17th centuries covering the legs and reaching up to the waist;worn with a doublet
Hosea|a minor Hebrew prophet (8th century BC);an Old Testament book telling Hosea's prophecies
hosier|a tradesman who sells hosiery and (in England) knitwear
hosiery|socks and stockings and tights collectively (the British include underwear)
hospice|a lodging for travelers (especially one kept by a monastic order);a program of medical and emotional care for the terminally ill
hospitableness|having a disposition that welcomes guests and is fond of entertaining
hospital|a health facility where patients receive treatment;a medical institution where sick or injured people are given medical or surgical care
hospital bed|a single bed with a frame in three sections so the head or middle or foot can be raised as required
hospital chaplain|a chaplain in a hospital
hospital occupancy|occupancy rate for hospitals
hospital room|a room in a hospital for the care of patients
hospital ship|a ship built to serve as a hospital;used for wounded in wartime
hospital train|a military train built to transport wounded troops to a hospital
hospitalization|a period of time when you are confined to a hospital - "now they try to shorten the patient's hospitalization";placing in medical care in a hospital;the condition of being treated as a patient in a hospital - "he hoped to avoid the expense of hospitalization"
hospitalization insurance|insurance that pays all or part of a patient's hospital expense
host|(medicine) recipient of transplanted tissue or organ from a donor;a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there;an animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite;it does not benefit and is often harmed by the association;any organization that provides resources and facilities for a function or event - "Atlanta was chosen to be host for the Olympic Games";archaic terms for army;the owner or manager of an inn;a technical name for the bread used in the service of Mass or Holy Communion
Hosta|robust east Asian clump-forming perennial herbs having racemose flowers;plantain lilies;sometimes placed in family Hostaceae
Hostaceae|one of many families or subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted;includes genus Hosta
hostage|a prisoner who is held by one party to insure that another party will meet specified terms
hostel|a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers;inexpensive supervised lodging (especially for youths on bicycling trips)
hosteller|a traveler who lodges in hostels - "a youth hosteller"
hostess|a woman host;a woman innkeeper
hostile|troops belonging to the enemy's military forces - "the platoon ran into a pack of hostiles"
hostile fire|fire that injures or kills an enemy
hostile takeover|a takeover that is resisted by the management of the target company
hostilities|fighting;acts of overt warfare - "the outbreak of hostilities"
hostility|a hostile (very unfriendly) disposition - "he could not conceal his hostility";a state of deep-seated ill-will;the feeling of a hostile person - "he could no longer contain his hostility"
hot air|air that has been heated and tends to rise
hot cereal|a cereal that is served hot
hot flash|sudden brief sensation of heat (associated with menopause and some mental disorders)
hot jazz|jazz that is emotionally charged and intense and marked by strong rhythms and improvisation
hot line|a direct telephone line between two officials
hot pants|skin-tight very short pants worn by young women as an outer garment
hot pepper|any of various pungent capsicum fruits
hot plate|a portable electric appliance for heating or cooking or keeping food warm
hot pot|a stew of meat and potatoes cooked in a tightly covered pot
hot potato|a difficult situation - "he dropped the topic like a hot potato"
hot rod|a car modified to increase its speed and acceleration
hot sauce|a pungent peppery sauce
hot seat|a difficult position where you are subjected to stress and criticism
hot spell|a spell of hot weather
hot spot|a lively entertainment spot;a place of political unrest and potential violence - "the United States cannot police all of the world's hot spots";a point of relatively intense heat or radiation
hot spring|a natural spring of water at a temperature of 70 F or above
Hot Springs|a town in west central Arkansas;a health resort noted for thermal springs
Hot Springs National Park|a national park in Arkansas featuring ancient hot springs;bathing is said to have therapeutic effects
hot stock|newly issued stock that is in great public demand
hot stuff|the quality of being attractive and exciting (especially sexually exciting) - "he thought she was really hot stuff";the quality of being popular - "skiing is hot stuff in New Hampshire"
hot toddy|a mixed drink made of liquor and water with sugar and spices and served hot
hot tub|a very large tub (large enough for more than one bather) filled with hot water
hot war|actual fighting between the warring parties
hot water|a dangerous or distressing predicament - "his views on race got him into political hot water"
hot weather|a period of unusually high temperatures
hot-air balloon|balloon for travel through the air in a basket suspended below a large bag of heated air
hotbed|a bed of earth covered with glass and heated by rotting manure to promote the growth of plants;a situation that is ideal for rapid development (especially of something bad) - "it was a hotbed of vice"
hotbox|a journal bearing (as of a railroad car) that has overheated
hotchpotch|a stew (or thick soup) made with meat and vegetables
hotdog|a frankfurter served hot on a bun;someone who performs dangerous stunts to attract attention to himself
Hotei|one of the 7 gods of happiness
hotel|a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
hotel bill|statement of charges for staying in a hotel
hotel detective|a private detective employed by a hotel or retail store
hotel occupancy|occupancy rate for hotels
hotel plan|a plan and a room rate for providing a room and meals to guests at a hotel
hotel room|a bedroom (usually with bath) in a hotel
hotel-casino|a building that houses both a hotel and a casino;a business establishment that combines a casino and a hotel
hotelier|an owner or manager of hotels
hotfoot|a practical joke that involves inserting a match surreptitiously between the sole and upper of the victim's shoe and then lighting it
hot-fudge sauce|thick chocolate sauce served hot
Hoth|(Norse mythology) a blind god;misled by Loki, he kills his brother Balder by throwing a shaft of mistletoe
hotness|a hot spiciness;the presence of heat
hot-rock penstemon|stems in clumps with cream-colored flowers;found from Washington to Wyoming and southward to California and Utah
hotspur|a rash or impetuous person
Hottentot bread|thick edible rootstock of elephant's-foot
Hottentot fig|low-growing South African succulent plant having a capsular fruit containing edible pulp
Hottonia|aquatic herbs
hot-water bottle|a stoppered receptacle (usually made of rubber) that is to be filled with hot water and used for warming a bed or parts of the body
Houdini|United States magician (born in Hungary) famous for his ability to escape from chains or handcuffs or straitjackets or padlocked containers (1874-1926)
Houghton|a town in northwest Michigan on the Upper Peninsula;United States publisher who founded a printing shop that became an important book publisher (1823-1895)
hound|any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears
hound's-tongue|biennial shrub of Europe and western Asia having coarse tongue-shaped leaves and dark reddish-purple flowers;perennial shrub of North America having coarse tongue-shaped leaves and pale-blue to purple flowers
houndstooth check|textile with a pattern of small broken or jagged checks
hour|a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day - "the job will take more than an hour";a special and memorable period - "it was their finest hour";clock time - "the hour is getting late";distance measured by the time taken to cover it - "we live an hour from the airport"
hour angle|(astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing;the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day;the angular distance along the celestial equator from the observer's meridian to the hour circle of a given celestial body
hour circle|a great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through both celestial poles
hour hand|the shorter hand of a clock that points to the hours
hourglass|a sandglass that runs for sixty minutes
houri|(Islam) one of the dark-eyed virgins of perfect beauty believed to live with the blessed in Paradise
hours|a period of time assigned for work - "they work long hours";an indefinite period of time - "they talked for hours"
Housatonic|a river that rises in western Massachusetts and flows south through Connecticut to empty into Long Island Sound
house|a building in which something is sheltered or located - "they had a large carriage house";a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families - "he has a house on Cape Cod" - "she felt she had to get out of the house";an official assembly having legislative powers - "a bicameral legislature has two houses";aristocratic family line;play in which children take the roles of father or mother or children and pretend to interact like adults - "the children were playing house";the audience gathered together in a theatre or cinema - "the house applauded" - "he counted the house";the management of a gambling house or casino - "the house gets a percentage of every bet";the members of a religious community living together
house arrest|confinement to your own home
house centipede|long-legged centipede common in damp places as e.g. cellars
house finch|small finch originally of the western United States and Mexico
house guest|a guest entertained in your house
house husband|a husband who keeps house while his wife earns the family income
house martin|common small European martin that builds nests under the eaves of houses
house mouse|brownish-grey Old World mouse now a common household pest worldwide
House of Burgesses|the lower house of legislature in colonial Virginia
house of cards|a speculative scheme that depends on unstable factors that the planner cannot control - "his proposal was nothing but a house of cards";an unstable construction with playing cards
House of Commons|the lower house of the British parliament
house of correction|(formerly) a jail or other place of detention for persons convicted of minor offences
House of Lords|the upper house of the British parliament
house organ|a periodical published by a business firm for its employees and customers
house paint|paint used to cover the exterior woodwork of a house
house painter|a painter of houses a similar buildings
house party|a party lasting over one or more nights at a large house
house physician|a physician (especially an intern) who lives in a hospital and cares for hospitalized patients under the supervision of the medical staff of the hospital
house sitter|a custodian who lives in and cares for a house while the regular occupant is away (usually without an exchange of money)
house wren|common American wren that nests around houses
houseboat|a barge that is designed and equipped for use as a dwelling
housebreaker|a burglar who unlawfully breaks into and enters another person's house
housebreaking|trespassing for an unlawful purpose;illegal entrance into premises with criminal intent
housecleaning|(figurative) the act of reforming by the removal of unwanted personnel or practices or conditions - "more housecleaning is in store at other accounting firms" - "many employees were discharged in a general housecleaning by the new owners";the act of cleaning the rooms and furnishings of a house - "efficient housecleaning should proceed one room at a time"
housecraft|skill in domestic management
housedog|a dog trained to guard a house
housefather|a man in charge of children in an institution
housefly|common fly that frequents human habitations and spreads many diseases
houseful|as many as a house will accommodate - "they entertained a houseful of guests"
housekeeper|a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household
houselights|lights that illuminate the audience's part of a theater or other auditorium
housemaid's knee|swelling of the bursa in the knee (due to trauma or excessive kneeling)
housemaster|teacher in charge of a school boardinghouse
housemate|someone who resides in the same house with you
housemother|a woman employed as a chaperon in a residence for young people
houseplant|any of a variety of plants grown indoors for decorative purposes
house-raising|construction by a group of neighbors
houseroom|space for accommodation in a house - "I wouldn't give that table houseroom"
Houses of Parliament|the building in which the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet
housetop|the roof of a house - "shout it from the housetops"
housewarming|a party of people assembled to celebrate moving into a new home
housewife|a wife who manages a household while her husband earns the family income
housewifery|the work of a housewife
housework|the work of cleaning and running a house
housewrecker|a wrecker of houses - "in England a housewrecker is called a housebreaker"
housing|a protective cover designed to contain or support a mechanical component;structures collectively in which people are housed
housing commissioner|a commissioner in charge of public housing
housing development|a residential area of similar dwellings built by property developers and usually under a single management - "they live in the new housing development"
housing estate|a residential area where the houses were all planned and built at the same time
housing project|a housing development that is publicly funded and administered for low-income families
housing start|the act of starting to construct a house
Housman|English poet (1859-1936)
Houston|the largest city in Texas;located in southeastern Texas near the Gulf of Mexico;site of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;United States politician and military leader who fought to gain independence for Texas from Mexico and to make it a part of the United States (1793-1863)
Houttuynia|one species;east Asian low-growing plant of wet places
Houyhnhnm|one of a race of intelligent horses who ruled the Yahoos in a novel by Jonathan Swift
Houyhnhnms|a land imagined by Jonathan Swift where intelligent horses ruled the Yahoos
hovea|any of several attractive evergreen shrubs of Australia grown for their glossy deep green foliage and flowers in rich blues and intense violets
hovel|small crude shelter used as a dwelling
hovercraft|a craft capable of moving over water or land on a cushion of air created by jet engines
Howard|English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943);Queen of England as the fifth wife of Henry VIII who was accused of adultery and executed (1520-1542)
howdah|a (usually canopied) seat for riding on the back of a camel or elephant
how-do-you-do|an awkward situation
Howe|Canadian hockey player who holds the record for playing the most games (born 1928);United States editor (1920-1993);United States feminist who was active in the women's suffrage movement (1819-1910);United States inventor who built early sewing machines and won suits for patent infringement against other manufacturers (including Isaac M. Singer) (1819-1867)
Howells|United States writer and editor (1837-1920)
howl|a long loud emotional utterance - "he gave a howl of pain" - "howls of laughter" - "their howling had no effect";a loud sustained noise resembling the cry of a hound - "the howl of the wind made him restless";the long plaintive cry of a hound or a wolf
howler|a glaring blunder
howler monkey|monkey of tropical South American forests having a loud howling cry
hoya|any plant of the genus Hoya having fleshy leaves and usually nectariferous flowers
hoydenism|masculinity in women (especially in girls and young women)
Hoyle|an English astrophysicist and advocate of the steady state theory of cosmology;described processes of nucleosynthesis inside stars (1915-2001);English writer on card games (1672-1769)
hryvnia|the basic unit of money in Ukraine
Huainaputina|an inactive volcano in the Andes in southern Peru;last erupted in 1783
Huambo|a city in the mountains in western Angola
Huang He|a major river of Asia in northern China;flows generally eastward into the Yellow Sea;carries large quantities of yellow silt to its delta
huarache|a sandal with flat heels and an upper of woven leather straps
Huascaran|a mountain in the Andes in Peru (22,205 feet high)
Huayna Capac|the Incan ruler under whom the Incan empire reached its widest extent (died in 1525)
hub|a center of activity or interest or commerce or transportation;a focal point around which events revolve - "the playground is the hub of parental supervision" - "the airport is the economic hub of the area";the central part of a car wheel (or fan or propeller etc) through which the shaft or axle passes
hub-and-spoke|a system of air transportation in which local airports offer air transportation to a central airport where long-distance flights are available
Hubbard|a mountain peak in southeastern Alaska that is part of the Coast Range (14,950 feet high);a United States writer of science fiction and founder of Scientology (1911-1986)
hubbard squash|any of several winter squash plants producing large greyish-green football-shaped fruit with a rough warty rind;large football-shaped winter squash with a warty grey-green rind
Hubble|United States astronomer who discovered that (as the universe expands) the speed with which nebulae recede increases with their distance from the observer (1889-1953)
Hubble's constant|(cosmology) the ratio of the speed of recession of a galaxy (due to the expansion of the universe) to its distance from the observer;the Hubble constant is not actually a constant, but is regarded as measuring the expansion rate today
Hubble's law|(astronomy) the generalization that the speed of recession of distant galaxies (the red shift) is proportional to their distance from the observer
hubbub|loud confused noise from many sources
hubcap|cap that fits over the hub of a wheel
Hubel|United States neuroscientist noted for his studies of the neural basis of vision (born in 1926)
hubris|overbearing pride or presumption
huck|toweling consisting of coarse absorbent cotton or linen fabric
huckleberry|any of several shrubs of the genus Gaylussacia bearing small berries resembling blueberries;any of various dark-fruited as distinguished from blue-fruited blueberries;blue-black berry similar to blueberries and bilberries of the eastern United States
Huckleberry Finn|a mischievous boy in a novel by Mark Twain
huckleberry oak|a low spreading or prostrate shrub of southwestern United States with small acorns and leaves resembling those of the huckleberry
huckster|a person who writes radio or tv advertisements;a seller of shoddy goods
huddle|(informal) a quick private conference;a disorganized and densely packed crowd - "a huddle of frightened women"
huddler|a member of a huddle;a person who crouches - "low huddlers against the wind"
Hudson|a New York river;flows southward into New York Bay;explored by Henry Hudson early in the 17th century;English naturalist (born in Argentina) (1841-1922);English navigator who discovered the Hudson River;in 1610 he attempted to winter in Hudson Bay but his crew mutinied and set him adrift to die (1565-1611)
Hudson Bay|an inland sea in northern Canada
Hudson bay collared lemming|of northern Canada
Hudson River school|the first coherent school of American art;active from 1825 to 1870;painted wilderness landscapes of the Hudson River valley and surrounding New England
hudson seal|muskrat fur dressed to simulate sealskin
Hudsonia|small evergreen subshrubs of North America
Hudsonian godwit|New World godwit
hudud|Islamic laws stating the limits ordained by Allah and including the deterrent punishments for serious crimes
hue|the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
huff|a state of irritation or annoyance
huffiness|a passing state of anger and resentment
hug|a tight or amorous embrace - "come here and give me a big hug"
hugger|a person who hugs
hugger-mugger|a state of confusion - "he engaged in the hugger-mugger of international finance"
Huggins|English astronomer who pioneered spectroscopic analysis in astronomy and who discovered the red shift (1824-1910)
Hughes|English poet (born in 1930);United States industrialist who was an aviator and a film producer;during the last years of his life he was a total recluse (1905-1976);United States jurist who served as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1862-1948);United States writer (1902-1967)
hug-me-tight|a woman's fitted jacket
Hugo|French poet and novelist and dramatist;leader of the romantic movement in France (1802-1885)
Hugueninia|one species;tansy-leaved rocket
Huguenot|a French Calvinist of the 16th or 17th centuries
huisache|tropical American thorny shrub or small tree;fragrant yellow flowers used in making perfumery
huitre|edible body of any of numerous oysters
hula|a Polynesian rain dance performed by a woman
hula-hoop|plaything consisting of a tubular plastic hoop for swinging around the hips
hulk|a ship that has been wrecked and abandoned
Hull|a large fishing port in northeastern England;United States diplomat who did the groundwork for creating the United Nations (1871-1955);United States naval officer who commanded the 'Constitution' during the War of 1812 and won a series of brilliant victories against the British (1773-1843);dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut;persistent enlarged calyx at base of e.g. a strawberry or raspberry;the frame or body of ship
Hulsea|small genus of erect balsam-scented herbs;Pacific coast of the northwestern United States
hum|a humming noise - "the hum of distant traffic"
human body|alternative names for the body of a human being - "Leonardo studied the human body"
human botfly|large tropical American fly;parasitic on humans and other mammals
human chorionic gonadotropin|hormone produced early in pregnancy by the placenta;detection in the urine and serum is the basis for one kind of pregnancy test
Human Genome Project|an international study of the entire human genetic material
human head|the head of a human being
human immunodeficiency virus|the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS);it replicates in and kills the helper T cells
human nature|the shared psychological attributes of humankind that are assumed to be shared by all human beings - "a great observer of human nature"
human papilloma virus|any of a group of papovaviruses associated with genital or oral carcinomas or a group associated with benign genital tumors
human process|a process in which human beings are involved
human reproductive cloning|the reproductive cloning of a sentient human being;generally considered ethically unacceptable
human right|(law) any basic right or freedom to which all human beings are entitled and in whose exercise a government may not interfere (including rights to life and liberty as well as freedom of thought and expression and equality before the law)
human T-cell leukemia virus-1|retrovirus causing T-cell leukemia
human waste|the body wastes of human beings
humaneness|the quality of compassion or consideration for others (people or animals)
humanism|the cultural movement of the Renaissance;based on classical studies;the doctrine emphasizing a person's capacity for self-realization through reason;rejects religion and the supernatural
humanist|a classical scholar or student of the liberal arts;an advocate of the principles of humanism;someone concerned with the interests and welfare of humans
humanistic discipline|studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
humanitarian|someone devoted to the promotion of human welfare and to social reforms
humanitarianism|the doctrine that people's duty is to promote human welfare
humanity|the quality of being humane
humanization|the act of making more human
humanness|the quality of being human
humate|material that is high in humic acids
Humber|an estuary in central northeastern England formed by the Ouse River and the Trent River
Humber Bridge|a suspension bridge at Hull, England;4,626 feet long
humbleness|the state of being humble and unimportant
Humboldt|German naturalist who explored Central and South America and provided a comprehensive description of the physical universe (1769-1859);German philologist noted for his studies of the relation between language and culture (1767-1835)
humbug|communication (written or spoken) intended to deceive
humdinger|someone of remarkable excellence - "a humdinger of a secretary"
Hume|Scottish philosopher whose sceptical philosophy restricted human knowledge to that which can be perceived by the senses (1711-1776)
humectant|any substance that is added to another substance to keep it moist
humeral veil|a vestment worn by a priest at High Mass in the Roman Catholic Church;a silk shawl
humerus|bone extending from the shoulder to the elbow
humic acid|a dark brown humic substance that is soluble in water only at pH values greater than 2 - "the half-life of humic acid is measured in centuries"
humic shale|shale that is rich in humic acids
humic substance|an organic residue of decaying organic matter
humidity|wetness in the atmosphere
humification|the process of the formation of humus from plant remains
humiliation|an instance in which you are caused to lose your prestige or self-respect - "he had to undergo one humiliation after another";depriving one of self-esteem;state of disgrace or loss of self-respect
humility|a disposition to be humble;a lack of false pride - "not everyone regards humility as a virtue";a humble feeling - "he was filled with humility at the sight of the Pope"
humin|a black humic substance that is not soluble in water
hummer|a singer who produces a tune without opening the lips or forming words
humming|the act of singing with closed lips
humming top|a top that makes a humming noise as it spins
hummingbird|tiny American bird having brilliant iridescent plumage and long slender bills;wings are specialized for vibrating flight
hummus|a thick spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic;used especially as a dip for pita;originated in the Middle East
humor|(Middle Ages) one of the four fluids in the body whose balance was believed to determine your emotional and physical state - "the humors are blood and phlegm and yellow and black bile";the quality of being funny - "I fail to see the humor in it";the trait of appreciating (and being able to express) the humorous - "she didn't appreciate my humor" - "you can't survive in the army without a sense of humor"
humoral immune response|an immune response (chiefly against bacterial invasion) that is mediated by B cells
humorist|someone who acts speaks or writes in an amusing way
humpback|a person whose back is hunched because of abnormal curvature of the upper spine;large whalebone whale with long flippers noted for arching or humping its back as it dives
Humperdinck|German composer of six operas and other incidental music (1854-1921)
Humpty Dumpty|an egg-shaped character in a nursery rhyme who fell off a wall and could not be put back together again (late 17th century)
Humulus|hops;hardy perennial vines of Europe, North America and central and eastern Asia producing a latex sap;in some classifications included in the family Urticaceae
humus|partially decomposed organic matter;the organic component of soil
Humvee|a high mobility, multipurpose, military vehicle with four-wheel drive
Hun|a member of a nomadic people who invaded Europe in the 4th century
Hunan|a province in southeastern central China between the Nan Ling mountains and the Chang Jiang;noted for its timber and valuable mineral resources
hunch|the act of bending yourself into a humped position
hundred|ten 10s
hundred dollar bill|a United States bill worth 100 dollars
hundred thousand|the cardinal number that is the fifth power of ten
Hundred Years' War|the series of wars fought intermittently between France and England;1337-1453
hundredth|position 100 in a countable series of things
hundredweight|a British unit of weight equivalent to 112 pounds;a unit of weight equal to 100 kilograms;a United States unit of weight equivalent to 100 pounds
hung jury|a jury that is unable to agree on a verdict (the result is a mistrial)
Hungarian|a native or inhabitant of Hungary;the official language of Hungary (also spoken in Rumania);belongs to the Ugric family of languages
Hungarian lilac|central European upright shrub having elliptic leaves and upright clusters of lilac or deep violet flowers
Hungarian monetary unit|monetary unit in Hungary
Hungarian partridge|common European partridge
Hungarian sauce|veloute sauce with sauteed chopped onion and paprika and cream
Hungary|a republic in central Europe
hunger|a physiological need for food;the consequence of food deprivation;strong desire for something (not food or drink) - "hunger for affection"
hunger march|a march of protest or demonstration by the unemployed
hunger marcher|an unemployed person who participates in a hunger march
hunger strike|a voluntary fast undertaken as a means of protest
hunk|a large piece of something without definite shape - "a hunk of bread";a well-built sexually attractive man
Hunkpapa|a member of the Siouan people who constituted a division of the Teton Sioux and who formerly lived in the western Dakotas;they were prominent in resisting the white encroachment into the northern Great Plains;a Siouan language spoken by the Hunkpapa
Hunnemannia|one species;golden cup
hunt|an association of huntsmen who hunt for sport;an instance of searching for something - "the hunt for submarines";the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport;the work of finding and killing or capturing animals for food or pelts;British writer who defended the Romanticism of Keats and Shelley (1784-1859);Englishman and Pre-Raphaelite painter (1827-1910);United States architect (1827-1895)
hunted person|a person who is hunted
hunter|a person who searches for something - "a treasure hunter";a watch with a hinged metal lid to protect the crystal;someone who hunts game
hunter-gatherer|a member of a hunting and gathering society
hunter's sauce|brown sauce and tomato puree with onions and mushrooms and dry white wine
hunting and gathering tribe|group that supports itself by hunting and fishing and by gathering wild fruits and vegetables;usually nomadic
hunting dog|a dog used in hunting game
hunting ground|a place where opportunities abound;an area in which game is hunted
hunting guide|guide to people hunting in unfamiliar territory
hunting knife|a large sharp knife with a handle shaped to fit the grip
hunting license|a license authorizing the bearer to kill a certain type of animal during a specified period of time
hunting season|the season during which it is legal to kill a particular species
Huntingdon elm|erect vigorous hybrid ornamental elm tree
Huntington|a city of western West Virginia on the Ohio river at the mouth of the Kanawha;American revolutionary leader who signed the Declaration of Independence and was president of the Continental Congress (1731-1796);United States physician who first described Huntington's chorea;United States railroad executive who built the western section of the first United States transcontinental railroad (1821-1900)
Huntington's chorea|hereditary disease;develops in adulthood and ends in dementia
huntress|a woman hunter
huntsman's horn|pitcher plant of southeastern United States having erect yellow trumpet-shaped pitchers with wide mouths and erect lids
Huntsville|a city in northern Alabama;center for space research
huon pine|Tasmanian timber tree with yellow aromatic wavy-grained wood used for carving and ship building;sometimes placed in genus Dacrydium
Hupa|a member of the Athapaskan people of the Trinity River valley in California;the Athapaskan language spoken by the Hupa
hurdle|a light movable barrier that competitors must leap over in certain races;an obstacle that you are expected to overcome - "the last hurdle before graduation"
hurdler|an athlete who runs the hurdles
hurdles|a footrace in which contestants must negotiate a series of hurdles
hurl|a violent throw
Hurler's syndrome|hereditary disease (autosomal recessive) consisting of an error is mucopolysaccharide metabolism;characterized by severe abnormalities in development of skeletal cartilage and bone and mental retardation
hurling|a traditional Irish game resembling hockey;played by two teams of 15 players each
Hurok|United States impresario who was born in Russia (1888-1974)
hurrah|a victory cheer - "let's give the team a big hurrah"
hurricane|a severe tropical cyclone usually with heavy rains and winds moving a 73-136 knots (12 on the Beaufort scale)
hurricane deck|a deck at the top of a passenger ship
hurricane lamp|an oil lamp with a glass chimney and perforated metal lid to protect the flame from high winds;candlestick with a glass chimney
hurry|a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry - "in a hurry to lock the door"
husband|a married man;a woman's partner in marriage
hush|(poetic) tranquil silence
hush money|a bribe paid to someone to insure that something is kept secret
hush puppy|deep-fried cornbread ball (southern)
husk|outer membranous covering of some fruits or seeds
huskiness|the property of being big and strong
husking bee|a social gathering for the purpose of husking corn
Huss|Czechoslovakian religious reformer who anticipated the Reformation;he questioned the infallibility of the Catholic Church was excommunicated (1409) for attacking the corruption of the clergy;he was burned at the stake (1372-1415)
hussar|a member of a European light cavalry unit;renowned for elegant dress
Hussein|Iraqi leader who waged war against Iran;his invasion of Kuwait led to the Gulf War (born in 1937);king of Jordan credited with creating stability at home and seeking peace with Israel (1935-1999)
Husserl|German philosopher who developed phenomenology (1859-1938)
Hussite|an adherent of the religious reforms of John Huss
hustings|the activities involved in political campaigning (especially speech making)
hustler|a shrewd or unscrupulous person who knows how to circumvent difficulties
Huston|United States film maker born in the United States but an Irish citizen after 1964 (1906-1987)
hut|temporary military shelter
hutch|a cage (usually made of wood and wire mesh) for small animals
Hutchins|United States educator who was president of the University of Chicago (1899-1977)
Hutchinson|American colonist (born in England) who was banished from Boston for her religious views (1591-1643)
hutment|an encampment of huts (chiefly military)
Hutton|English cricketer (1916-1990);Scottish geologist who described the processes that have shaped the surface of the earth (1726-1797)
Hutu|a member of a Bantu people living in Rwanda and Burundi
Huxley|English biologist and a leading exponent of Darwin's theory of evolution (1825-1895);English physiologist who, with Alan Hodgkin, discovered the role of potassium and sodium ions in the transmission of the nerve impulse (born in 1917);English writer;grandson of Thomas Huxley who is remembered mainly for his depiction of a scientifically controlled utopia (1894-1963)
Huygens|Dutch physicist who first formulated the wave theory of light (1629-1695)
hyacinth|a red transparent variety of zircon used as a gemstone;any of numerous bulbous perennial herbs
hyacinth bean|perennial twining vine of Old World tropics having trifoliate leaves and racemes of fragrant purple pea-like flowers followed by maroon pods of edible seeds;grown as an ornamental and as a vegetable on the Indian subcontinent;sometimes placed in genus Dolichos
Hyacinthaceae|one of many families or subfamilies in which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted
Hyacinthoides|small genus of perennial bulbs of western Europe and North Africa;sometimes placed in family Hyacinthaceae
Hyades|(Greek mythology) 7 daughters of Atlas and half-sisters of the Pleiades;they nurtured the infant Dionysus and Zeus placed them among the stars as a reward
Hyaenidae|hyenas
hyaline|a glassy translucent substance that occurs in hyaline cartilage or in certain skin conditions
hyaline cartilage|translucent cartilage that is common in joints and the respiratory passages;forms most of the fetal skeleton
hyalinization|the state of being hyaline or having become hyaline - "the patient's arterioles showed marked hyalinization"
hyaloid membrane|the transparent membrane enveloping the vitreous humor of the eye and separating it from the retina
Hyalophora|American silkworm moth
hyaloplasm|the clear nongranular portion of the cytoplasm of a cell
Hyalosperma|genus of herbs of temperate Australia including some from genus Helipterum
Hyalospongiae|sponges with siliceous spicules that have six rays;choanocytes are restricted to finger-shaped chambers
hyaluronic acid|a viscous mucopolysaccharide found in the connective tissue space and the synovial fluid of movable joints and the humors of the eye;a cementing and protective substance
hyaluronidase|an enzyme (trade name Hyazyme) that splits hyaluronic acid and so lowers its viscosity and increases the permeability of connective tissue and the absorption of fluids
Hybanthus|a genus of herbs and small shrubs with white or purple flowers;grows in tropical or subtropical regions
hybrid|(genetics) an organism that is the offspring of genetically dissimilar parents or stock;especially offspring produced by breeding plants or animals of different varieties or breeds or species;a composite of mixed origin - "the vice-presidency is a hybrid of administrative and legislative offices"
hybrid petunia|hybrids of Petunia axillaris and Petunia integrifolia;a complex group of petunias having single or double flowers in colors from white to purple
hybrid tuberous begonia|any of numerous hybrid begonias having tuberous roots and variously colored flowers
hybridization|(genetics) the act of mixing different species or varieties of animals or plants and thus to produce hybrids
hybridoma|a hybrid cell resulting from the fusion of a lymphocyte and a tumor cell;used to culture a specific monoclonal antibody
hydantoin|any of a group of anticonvulsant drugs used in treating epilepsy
hydathode|a pore that exudes water on the surface or margin of a leaf of higher plants
hydatid|cyst filled with liquid;forms as a result of infestation by tapeworm larvae (as in echinococcosis)
hydatid mole|an abnormality during pregnancy;chorionic villi around the fetus degenerate and form clusters of fluid-filled sacs;usually associated with the death of the fetus
Hyderabad|a city in south central India in Andhra Pradesh;a city in southern Pakistan on the Indus River
Hydnaceae|tooth fungi
Hydnocarpus|medium to large Indonesian and Malaysian trees
Hydnocarpus laurifolia|leathery-leaved tree of western India bearing round fruits with brown densely hairy rind enclosing oily pulp that yields hydnocarpus oil
hydnocarpus oil|oil from seeds of trees of the genus Hydnocarpus especially Hydnocarpus wightiana (Hydnocarpus laurifolia)
Hydnoraceae|a family of flowering plants in Africa and Argentina that are parasitic on the roots of other plants
Hydnum|type genus of Hydnaceae
Hydra|(Greek mythology) monster with nine heads;when struck off each head was replaced by two new ones - "Hydra was slain by Hercules";a long faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near the equator stretching between Virgo and Cancer;small tubular solitary freshwater hydrozoan polyp;trouble that cannot be overcome by a single effort because of its many aspects or its persistent and pervasive quality
hydralazine|an antihypertensive drug (trade name Apresoline) that dilates blood vessels;used (often with a diuretic) to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure
hydramnios|an abnormality of pregnancy;accumulation of excess amniotic fluid
hydrangea|any of various deciduous or evergreen shrubs of the genus Hydrangea
Hydrangeaceae|sometimes included in the family Saxifragaceae
hydrant|a discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from the mains of waterworks
hydrarthrosis|inflammation and swelling of a movable joint because of excess synovial fluid
Hydrastis|small genus of perennial herbs having rhizomes and palmate leaves and small solitary flowers;of northeastern United States and Japan
hydrate|any compound that contains water of crystallization
hydration|the process of combining with water;usually reversible
hydraulic brake|brake system in which a brake pedal moves a piston in the master cylinder;brake fluid then applies great force to the brake pads or shoes
hydraulic cement|a cement that hardens under water;made by heating limestone and clay in a kiln and pulverizing the result
hydraulic engineering|the branch of civil engineering dealing with the use and control of water in motion
hydraulic press|press in which a force applied by a piston to a small area is transmitted through water to another piston having a large area
hydraulic pump|a water pump that uses the kinetic energy of flowing water to force a small fraction of that water to a reservoir at a higher level
hydraulic system|a mechanism operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a liquid is forced through a small opening or tube
hydraulic transmission|a transmission that depends on a hydraulic system
hydrazine|a colorless fuming corrosive liquid;a powerful reducing agent;used chiefly in rocket fuels
hydrazo group|the bivalent group -HNNH- derived from hydrazine
hydrazoic acid|a colorless explosive liquid that is volatile and poisonous and foul-smelling
hydrazoite|a salt of hydrazoic acid
hydremia|blood disorder in which there is excess fluid volume compared with the cell volume of the blood
hydride|any binary compound formed by the union of hydrogen and other elements
hydrilla|submersed plant with whorled lanceolate leaves and solitary axillary flowers;Old World plant naturalized in southern United States and clogging Florida's waterways
hydriodic acid|(HI) a colorless or yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide - "hydriodic acid is a strong acid"
Hydrobates|type genus of the Hydrobatidae
Hydrobatidae|storm petrels
hydrobromic acid|an aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide that is a strong liquid acid
hydrocarbon|an organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen
hydrocele|disorder in which serous fluid accumulates in a body sac (especially in the scrotum)
hydrocephalus|an abnormal condition in which cerebrospinal fluid collects in the ventricles of the brain;in infants it can cause abnormally rapid growth of the head and bulging fontanelles and a small face;in adults the symptoms are primarily neurological
Hydrocharis|frogbit
Hydrocharitaceae|simple nearly stemless freshwater aquatic plants;widely distributed
hydrochloric acid|an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride;a strongly corrosive acid
hydrochloride|a complex consisting of an organic base in association with hydrogen chloride
hydrochlorofluorocarbon|a fluorocarbon that is replacing chlorofluorocarbon as a refrigerant and propellant in aerosol cans;considered to be somewhat less destructive to the atmosphere
hydrochlorothiazide|a diuretic drug (trade name Microzide, Esidrix, and HydroDIURIL) used in the treatment of hypertension
Hydrochoeridae|capybara
Hydrochoerus|a genus of Hydrochoeridae
hydrocolloid|a substance that forms a gel with water
hydrocortisone|an adrenal-cortex hormone (trade names Hydrocortone or Cortef) that is active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism
hydrocracking|the process whereby hydrocarbon molecules of petroleum are broken down into kerosene and gasolene by the addition of hydrogen under high pressure in the presence of a catalyst
hydrocyanic acid|a solution of hydrogen cyanide in water;weak solutions are used in fumigating and in the synthesis of organic compounds
Hydrodamalis|a genus of the family Dugongidae comprising only Steller's sea cow
hydrodynamics|study of fluids in motion
hydroelectric turbine|turbine consisting of a large and efficient version of a water wheel used to drive an electric generator
hydroelectricity|electricity produced by water power
hydroflumethiazide|diuretic used to treat hypertension and edema
hydrofluoric acid|a weak poisonous liquid acid;formed by solution of hydrogen fluoride in water
hydrofluorocarbon|a fluorocarbon emitted as a by-product of industrial manufacturing
hydrofoil|a device consisting of a flat or curved piece (as a metal plate) so that its surface reacts to the water it is passing through - "the fins of a fish act as hydrofoils";a speedboat that is equipped with winglike structures that lift it so that it skims the water at high speeds
hydrogel|a colloidal gel in which water is the dispersion medium
hydrogen|a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas;the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe
hydrogen atom|an atom of hydrogen
hydrogen bomb|a nuclear weapon that releases atomic energy by union of light (hydrogen) nuclei at high temperatures to form helium
hydrogen bond|a chemical bond consisting of a hydrogen atom between two electronegative atoms (e.g., oxygen or nitrogen) with one side be a covalent bond and the other being an ionic bond
hydrogen bromide|a colorless gas that yields hydrobromic acid in solution with water
hydrogen chloride|a colorless corrosive gas (HCl)
hydrogen cyanide|a highly poisonous gas or volatile liquid that smells like bitter almonds;becomes a gas at around 90 degree Fahrenheit and is most dangerous when inhaled;the anhydride of hydrocyanic acid;used in manufacturing
hydrogen fluoride|a colorless poisonous corrosive liquid made by the action of sulphuric acid on calcium fluoride;solutions in water are hydrofluoric acid
hydrogen iodide|a colorless gas that yields hydroiodic acid in aqueous solution
hydrogen ion|a positively charged atom of hydrogen;that is to say, a normal hydrogen atomic nucleus
hydrogen ion concentration|the number of moles of hydrogen ions per cubic decimeter
hydrogen peroxide|a viscous liquid with strong oxidizing properties;a powerful bleaching agent;also used (in aqueous solutions) as a mild disinfectant and (in strong concentrations) as an oxidant in rocket fuels
hydrogen sulfide|a sulfide having the unpleasant smell of rotten eggs
hydrogenation|a chemical process that adds hydrogen atoms to an unsaturated oil - "food producers use hydrogenation to keep fat from becoming rancid"
hydrography|the science of the measurement and description and mapping of the surface waters of the earth with special reference to navigation
hydroiodic acid|an acid formed by aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide
hydrologist|a geologist skilled in hydrology
hydrology|the branch of geology that studies water on the earth and in the atmosphere;its distribution and uses and conservation
hydrolysate|a product of hydrolysis
hydrolysis|a chemical reaction in which water reacts with a compound to produce other compounds;involves the splitting of a bond and the addition of the hydrogen cation and the hydroxide anion from the water
hydromancer|one who practices hydromancy
hydromancy|divination by water (as by patterns seen in the ebb and flow of the tides)
Hydromantes|web-toed salamanders
hydromel|honey diluted in water;becomes mead when fermented
hydrometer|a measuring instrument for determining the specific gravity of a liquid or solid
hydrometry|the measurement of specific gravity
hydromorphone hydrochloride|a narcotic analgesic (trade name Dilaudid) used to treat moderate to severe pain
Hydromyinae|water rats of Australia and New Guinea
Hydromys|water rats
hydronephrosis|accumulation of urine in the kidney because of an obstruction in the ureter
hydropathy|the internal and external use of water in the treatment of disease
Hydrophidae|sea snakes
hydrophobia|a morbid fear of water;a symptom of rabies in humans consisting of an aversion to swallowing liquids
hydrophobicity|the property of being water-repellent;tending to repel and not absorb water
Hydrophyllaceae|perennial woodland herbs
Hydrophyllum|waterleaf
hydroplane racing|racing in high-speed motor boats
hydroponics|a technique of growing plants (without soil) in water containing dissolved nutrients
hydrosphere|the watery layer of the earth's surface;includes water vapor
hydrostatic head|the pressure at a given point in a liquid measured in terms of the vertical height of a column of the liquid needed to produce the same pressure
hydrostatics|study of the mechanical properties of fluids that are not in motion
hydrothorax|accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and the walls of the chest) often resulting from disease of the heart or kidneys
hydroxide|a chemical compound containing the hydroxyl group;a compound of an oxide with water
hydroxide ion|the anion OH having one oxygen and one hydrogen atom
hydroxy acid|any acid that has hydroxyl groups in addition to the hydroxyl group in the acid itself
hydroxybenzoic acid|a crystalline derivative of benzoic acid
hydroxybutyric acid|hydroxy derivative of butyric acid
hydroxychloroquine|anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Plaquenil) used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and malaria and lupus erythematosus
hydroxyl|the monovalent group -OH in such compounds as bases and some acids and alcohols
hydroxymethyl|a methyl with hydroxide replacing the hydrogen atoms
hydroxyproline|a crystalline amino acid obtained from gelatin or collagen
hydroxyzine hydrochloride|a drug (trade names Atarax and Vistaril) used as a tranquilizer to treat anxiety and motion sickness
Hydrozoa|coelenterates typically having alternation of generations;hydroid phase is usually colonial giving rise to the medusoid phase by budding;hydras and jellyfishes
hydrozoan|colonial coelenterates having the polyp phase dominant
Hydrus|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near the south celestial pole
Hyemoschus|water chevrotains
hyena|doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
Hygeia|(Greek mythology) the goddess of health;daughter of Aesculapius and sister of Panacea
hygiene|a condition promoting sanitary practices - "personal hygiene";the science concerned with the prevention of illness and maintenance of health
hygienist|a medical specialist in hygiene
Hygrocybe|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Hygrophoraceae
Hygrocybe acutoconica|a fungus having an acutely conic cap and dry stalks
hygrodeik|a wet and dry bulb hygrometer
hygrometer|measuring instrument for measuring the relative humidity of the atmosphere
Hygrophoraceae|a family of fungi belonging to the order Agaricales;the gills of these fungi have a clean waxy appearance
Hygrophorus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Hygrophoraceae
Hygrophorus borealis|a fungus with a white convex cap and arcuate white gills and a stalk that tapers toward the base
Hygrophorus caeruleus|a fungus with a broadly convex cap that is cream color with a tint of blue over the margin;waxy gills are bluish green to blue-grey;a short stalk tapers abruptly at the base
Hygrophorus inocybiformis|a fungus with a drab squamulose cap and grey-brown squamules over the white background of the stalk and waxy grey-white gills
Hygrophorus kauffmanii|a fungus with a slightly viscid cap;cap and gills are reddish brown and the stalk is grey
Hygrophorus marzuolus|a grey fungus frequently found near melting snow banks
Hygrophorus purpurascens|a fungus with a viscid purplish red cap and stalk;found under spruce and other conifers
Hygrophorus russula|an edible fungus with a reddish cap and close pale gills and dry stalk;found under hardwoods
Hygrophorus sordidus|an edible fungus with a large white cap and a dry stalk and white gills
Hygrophorus tennesseensis|a fungus having a brownish sticky cap with a white margin and white gills and an odor of raw potatoes
Hygrophorus turundus|a small fungus with orange cap and yellow gills found in sphagnum bogs
hygrophyte|a plant that grows in a moist habitat
hygroscope|hygrometer that shows variations in the relative humidity of the atmosphere
Hygrotrama|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Hygrophoraceae
Hygrotrama foetens|a small grey-brown fungus with an unpleasant odor of mothballs
Hyla|the type genus of the Hylidae;tree toads
Hylactophryne|barking frogs
Hylidae|the amphibian family of tree frogs
Hylobates|gibbons
Hylobatidae|used in some classifications for the lesser apes (gibbons and siamangs);sometimes considered a subfamily of Pongidae
Hylocereus|genus of climbing or epiphytic tropical American cacti with angular stems and mostly white very fragrant flowers
Hylocichla|American thrush;wood thrush;hermit thrush;veery
Hylophylax|a genus of Formicariidae
Hymen|(Greek mythology) the god of marriage;a fold of tissue that partly covers the entrance to the vagina of a virgin
Hymenaea|genus of tropical American timber trees
Hymenanthera|a genus of slender evergreen shrubs;grow in Australia and New Zealand
hymeneal|a wedding hymn
hymenium|spore-bearing layer of cells in certain fungi containing asci or basidia
Hymenogastrales|an order of fungi belonging to the class Gasteromycetes;has a distinct basidiocarp with a fleshy or waxy gleba (sometimes placed in subclass Homobasidiomycetes)
Hymenomycetes|used in some classifications;usually coextensive with order Agaricales;mushrooms;toadstools;agarics;bracket fungi
Hymenophyllaceae|terrestrial (hygrophytic) or epiphytic ferns;filmy ferns
Hymenophyllum|type genus of the Hymenophyllaceae;filmy ferns
Hymenoptera|an order of insects including;bees;wasps;ants;ichneumons;sawflies;gall wasps;etc.
hymenopterous insect|insects having two pairs of membranous wings and an ovipositor specialized for stinging or piercing
hymn|a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)
hymnal|a songbook containing a collection of hymns
Hynerpeton|earliest fossil amphibian ever found;of the Devonian;found in Pennsylvania
Hynerpeton bassetti|fossil amphibian of the Devonian having well-developed forelimbs;found in Pennsylvania
hyoid|a U-shaped bone at the base of the tongue that supports the tongue muscles
hyoscyamine|a poisonous crystalline alkaloid (isometric with atropine but more potent);used to treat excess motility of the gastrointestinal tract
Hyoscyamus|genus of poisonous herbs;henbane
hypallage|reversal of the syntactic relation of two words (as in 'her beauty's face')
hypanthium|the cuplike or ringlike or tubular structure of a flower which bears the sepals and stamens and calyx (as in Rosaceae)
Hypatia|Greek philosopher and astronomer;she invented the astrolabe (370-415)
Hypentelium|a genus of fish in the family Catostomidae
hyperacidity|excessive acidity
hyperactivity|a condition characterized by excessive restlessness and movement
hyperacusis|abnormal acuteness of hearing due to increased irritability of the sensory neural mechanism;characterized by intolerance for ordinary sound levels
hyperbaric chamber|a large chamber in which the oxygen pressure is above normal for the atmosphere;used in treating breathing disorders or carbon monoxide poisoning
hyperbaton|reversal of normal word order (as in 'cheese I love')
hyperbetalipoproteinemia|a genetic disorder characterized by high levels of beta-lipoproteins and cholesterol;can lead to atherosclerosis at an early age
hyperbilirubinemia|abnormally high amounts of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood
hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn|a common disorder that is usually due to immaturity of the liver;usually subsides spontaneously
hyperbola|an open curve formed by a plane that cuts the base of a right circular cone
hyperbole|extravagant exaggeration
hyperbolic geometry|(mathematics) a non-Euclidean geometry in which the parallel axiom is replaced by the assumption that through any point in a plane there are two or more lines that do not intersect a given line in the plane - "Karl Gauss pioneered hyperbolic geometry"
hyperboloid|a quadric surface generated by rotating a hyperbola around its main axis
Hyperborean|(Greek mythology) one of a people that the ancient Greeks believed lived in a warm and sunny land north of the source of the north wind
hypercalcemia|the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood;usually the result of excessive bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism or Paget's disease
hypercalciuria|the presence of abnormally high levels of calcium in the urine;usually the result of excessive bone resorption in hyperparathyroidism or osteoporosis
hypercapnia|the physical condition of having the presence of an abnormally high level of carbon dioxide in the circulating blood
hypercatalectic|(prosody) a line of poetry having an extra syllable or syllables at the end of the last metrical foot
hypercellularity|the state of having abnormally many cells
hypercholesterolemia|the presence of an abnormal amount of cholesterol in the cells and plasma of the blood;associated with the risk of atherosclerosis
hyperchromic anemia|anemia characterized by an increase in the concentration of corpuscular hemoglobin
hypercoaster|a roller coaster that goes up 200 feet or higher and can catapult riders from 0 to 70 mph in 4 seconds by motors originally designed to launch rockets
hyperemesis|severe and excessive vomiting
hyperemesis gravidarum|hyperemesis during pregnancy;if severe it can result in damage to the brain and liver and kidney
hyperemia|increased blood in an organ or other body part
hyper-eutectoid steel|a steel that contains more than 0.9% carbon
hyperextension|greater than normal extension
hyperfocal distance|the distance in front of a lens that is focused at infinity beyond which all objects are well defined and clear
hyperglycemia|abnormally high blood sugar usually associated with diabetes
hyperhidrosis|excessive and profuse perspiration
Hypericaceae|used in some classification systems for plants usually included among the Guttiferae
hypericism|a severe dermatitis of herbivorous domestic animals attributable to photosensitivity from eating Saint John's wort
Hypericum|large almost cosmopolitan genus of evergreen or deciduous shrubs and herbs with often showy yellow flowers;cosmopolitan except tropical lowlands and Arctic or high altitudes and desert regions
Hyperion|(Greek mythology) a Titan who was the son of Gaea and Uranus and the father of Helios and Selene and Eos in ancient mythology
hyperkalemia|higher than normal levels of potassium in the circulating blood;associated with kidney failure or sometimes with the use of diuretic drugs
hyperlink|a link from a hypertext file to another location or file;typically activated by clicking on a highlighted word or icon at a particular location on the screen
hyperlipoproteinemia|any of various disorders of lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism that result in high levels of lipoprotein and cholesterol in the circulating blood
hypermarket|a huge supermarket (usually built on the outskirts of a town)
Hypermastigina|cellulose-producing flagellates
hypermastigote|flagellate symbiotic in the intestines of e.g. termites
hypermedia|a multimedia system in which related items of information are connected and can be presented together
hypermotility|excessive movement;especially excessive motility of the gastrointestinal tract
hypernatremia|excessive amounts of sodium in the blood;possibly indicating diabetes insipidus
hypernym|a word that is more generic than a given word
hypernymy|the semantic relation of being superordinate or belonging to a higher rank or class
Hyperoglyphe|a genus of Stromateidae
hyperon|any baryon that is not a nucleon;unstable particle with mass greater than a neutron
Hyperoodon|bottle-nosed whales
hyperope|a person with hyperopia;a farsighted person
hyperopia|abnormal condition in which vision for distant objects is better than for near objects
hyperparathyroidism|excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood;can affect many systems of the body (especially causing bone resorption and osteoporosis)
hyperpigmentation|unusual darkening of the skin
hyperpituitarism|excessive activity of the pituitary gland (especially overactivity of the anterior lobe which leads to excess secretion of growth hormone)
hyperplasia|abnormal increase in number of cells
hyperpnea|energetic (deep and rapid) respiration that occurs normally after exercise or abnormally with fever or various disorders
hyperpyrexia|extremely high fever (especially in children)
hypersecretion|excessive secretion
hypersensitivity|extreme sensitivity;pathological sensitivity
hypersensitivity reaction|an inappropriate and excessive reaction to an allergen (as pollen or dust or animal hair or certain foods);severity ranges from mild allergy to severe systemic reactions leading to anaphylactic shock
hypersomnia|an inability to stay awake
hypersplenism|enlarged spleen and a decrease in one or more types of blood cells;associated with many disorders
hypertensive|a person who has abnormally high blood pressure
hypertext|machine-readable text that is not sequential but is organized so that related items of information are connected - "Let me introduce the word hypertext to mean a body of written or pictorial material interconnected in such a complex way that it could not conveniently be presented or represented on paper"--Ted Nelson
hypertext markup language|a set of tags and rules (conforming to SGML) for using them in developing hypertext documents
hypertext system|a database management system that allows strings of text ('objects') to be processed as a complex network of nodes that are linked together in an arbitrary way
hypertext transfer protocol|a protocol (utilizing TCP) to transfer hypertext requests and information between servers and browsers
hyperthermia|abnormally high body temperature;sometimes induced (as in treating some forms of cancer)
hyperthyroidism|an overactive thyroid gland;pathologically excessive production of thyroid hormones or the condition resulting from excessive production of thyroid hormones
hypertonia|(of muscular tissue) the state of being hypertonic
hypertonicity|(of a solution) the extent to which a solution has a higher osmotic pressure than some other
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy|a disorder in which the heart muscle is so strong that it does not relax enough to fill with the heart with blood and so has reduced pumping ability
hypertrophy|abnormal enlargement of a body part or organ
hypervelocity|excessive velocity - "the meteorites struck the earth with hypervelocity impacts"
hyperventilation|an increased depth and rate of breathing greater than demanded by the body needs;can cause dizziness and tingling of the fingers and toes and chest pain if continued
hypervitaminosis|an abnormal condition resulting from taking vitamins excessively;can be serious for vitamins A or D or K
hypervolemia|a blood disorder consisting of an increase in the volume of circulating blood
hypha|any of the threadlike filaments forming the mycelium of a fungus
Hyphantria|fall webworms
Hyphantria cunea|moth whose larvae are fall webworms
hyphema|bleeding into the interior chamber of the eye
hyphen|a punctuation mark (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text
hyphenation|connecting syllables and words by hyphens
hypnagogue|an agent that induces drowsiness or sleep
hypnoanalysis|the use of hypnosis in conjunction with psychoanalysis
hypnogenesis|the induction of sleep or hypnosis
hypnophobia|a morbid fear of falling asleep
Hypnos|(Greek mythology) the Greek god of sleep;the son of Nyx
hypnosis|a state that resembles sleep but that is induced by suggestion
hypnotherapy|the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy
hypnotic trance|a trance induced by the use of hypnosis;the person accepts the suggestions of the hypnotist
hypnotism|the act of inducing hypnosis
hypnotist|a person who induces hypnosis
hypo|a compound used as a fixing agent in photographic developing
hypobasidium|special cell constituting the base of the basidium in various fungi especially of the order Tremellales
hypobetalipoproteinemia|a hereditary disorder characterized by low levels of beta-lipoproteins and lipids and cholesterol
hypocalcemia|abnormally low level of calcium in the blood;associated with hypoparathyroidism or kidney malfunction or vitamin D deficiency
hypocapnia|a state in which the level of carbon dioxide in the blood is lower than normal;can result from deep or rapid breathing
hypocellularity|the state of having abnormally few cells
Hypochaeris|widely distributed genus of herbs with milky juice;includes some cosmopolitan weeds
hypochlorite|any salt or ester of hypochlorous acid
hypochlorous acid|a weak unstable acid known only in solution and in its salts;used as a bleaching agent and as an oxidizing agent
hypochondria|chronic and abnormal anxiety about imaginary symptoms and ailments
hypochondriac|a patient with imaginary symptoms and ailments
hypochondrium|the upper region of the abdomen just below the lowest ribs on either side of the epigastrium
hypochromic anemia|anemia characterized by a decrease in the concentration of corpuscular hemoglobin
Hypocreaceae|family of fungi having brightly colored fleshy or membranous ascocarps;sometimes placed in its own order Hypocreales
Hypocreales|used in some classifications for the family Hypocreaceae
hypocrisy|an expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction;insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have
hypocrite|a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives
hypocycloid|a line generated by a point on a circle that rolls around inside another circle
Hypoderma|in some classifications considered the type genus of the family Hypodermatidae;warble flies
hypodermic needle|a hollow needle
hypodermic syringe|a piston syringe that is fitted with a hypodermic needle for giving injections
hypodermis|layer of cells that secretes the chitinous cuticle in e.g. arthropods
hypoesthesia|impairment of tactile sensitivity;decrease of sensitivity
hypo-eutectoid steel|a steel that contains less that 0.9% carbon
hypogammaglobulinemia|an abnormally low concentration of gamma globulin in the blood and increased risk of infection
hypogastric plexus|a plexus of nerves serving the pelvic viscera
hypogastric vein|a vein that unites with the external iliac vein to form the common iliac vein
hypoglossal|supplies intrinsic muscles of the tongue and other tongue muscles
hypoglycemia|abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet
hypoglycemic agent|any of various agents that decrease the level of glucose in the blood and are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus
hypogonadism|incompetence of the gonads (especially in the male with low testosterone);results in deficient development of secondary sex characteristics and (in prepubertal males) a body with long legs and a short trunk
hypokalemia|abnormally low level of potassium in the circulating blood leading to weakness and heart abnormalities;associated with adrenal tumors or starvation or taking diuretics
hypolipoproteinemia|any of various disorders of lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism that result in low levels of lipoprotein and cholesterol in the circulating blood
hyponatremia|abnormally low level of sodium in the blood;associated with dehydration
hyponitrous acid|an explosive white crystalline weak acid (H2N2O2)
hyponym|a word that is more specific than a given word
hyponymy|the semantic relation of being subordinate or belonging to a lower rank or class
Hypopachus|sheep frogs
hypoparathyroidism|inadequate secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood
hypophosphoric acid|a crystalline tetrabasic acid (H4P2O6)
hypophosphorous acid|a clear or yellow monobasic acid (H3PO2)
hypophyseal stalk|the funnel-shaped stalk connecting the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus
hypophysectomy|surgical removal of the pituitary gland
hypopigmentation|unusual lack of skin color
Hypopitys|term used in some classifications for the pinesaps, which are usually included in the genus Monotropa
hypoplasia|underdevelopment of an organ because of a decrease in the number of cells
hypoplastic anemia|anemia resulting from inadequately functioning bone marrow;can develop into aplastic anemia
hypopnea|slow or shallow breathing
hypoproteinemia|abnormally low level of protein in the blood;can indicate inadequate diet or intestinal or renal disorders
hyposmia|lessened sensitivity to odors
hypospadias|an abnormal condition in males in which the urethra opens on the under surface of the penis
hypostasis|(metaphysics) essential nature or underlying reality;any of the three persons of the Godhead constituting the Trinity especially the person of Christ in which divine and human natures are united;the accumulation of blood in an organ;the suppression of a gene by the effect of an unrelated gene
hypostatization|regarding something abstract as a material thing
hypotension|abnormally low blood pressure
hypotensive|a person who has abnormally low blood pressure
hypotenuse|the side of a right triangle opposite the right angle
hypothalamus|a basal part of the diencephalon governing autonomic nervous system
hypothermia|subnormal body temperature
hypothesis|a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations;a tentative insight into the natural world;a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena - "a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory"
hypothetical|a hypothetical possibility, circumstance, statement, proposal, situation, etc. - "consider the following, just as a hypothetical"
hypothetical creature|a creature that has not been observed but is hypothesized to exist
hypothetical imperative|a principle stating the action required to attain a desired goal
hypothrombinemia|a low level of prothrombin (factor II) in the circulating blood;results in long clotting time and poor clot formation and sometimes excessive bleeding;can result from vitamin K deficiency
hypothyroidism|an underactive thyroid gland;a glandular disorder resulting from insufficient production of thyroid hormones
hypotonia|(of muscular tissue) the state of being hypotonic
hypotonicity|(of a solution) the extent to which a solution has a lower osmotic pressure than some other
hypovolemia|a blood disorder consisting of a decrease in the volume of circulating blood
hypovolemic shock|shock caused by severe blood or fluid loss
hypoxia|oxygen deficiency causing a very strong drive to correct the deficiency
hypoxic hypoxia|hypoxia resulting from defective oxygenation of the blood in the lungs
Hypoxidaceae|in some classification systems included in the Amaryllidaceae
Hypoxis|small plants that resemble amaryllis and that grow from a corm and bear flowers on a leafless stalk;sometimes classified as member of the family Amaryllidaceae;star grass
hypozeugma|use of a series of subjects with a single predicate
hypozeuxis|use of a series of parallel clauses (as in 'I came, I saw, I conquered')
Hypsiglena|night snakes
Hypsiprymnodon|musk kangaroos
hypsography|the scientific study of the earth's configuration above sea level (emphasizing the measurement of land altitudes relative to sea level)
hypsometer|an altimeter that uses the boiling point of water to determine land elevation
hypsometry|measurement of the elevation of land above sea level
Hyracoidea|hyraxes and some extinct animals
Hyracotherium|extinct horse genus;formerly called eohippus
hyrax|any of several small ungulate mammals of Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes
hyson|a Chinese green tea with twisted leaves
hyssop|a European mint with aromatic and pungent leaves used in perfumery and as a seasoning in cookery;often cultivated as a remedy for bruises;yields hyssop oil;bitter leaves used sparingly in salads;dried flowers used in soups and tisanes
hyssop oil|used chiefly in liqueurs
Hyssopus|Eurasian genus of perennial herbs or subshrubs
hysterectomy|surgical removal of the uterus
hysteresis|the lagging of an effect behind its cause;especially the phenomenon in which the magnetic induction of a ferromagnetic material lags behind the changing magnetic field
hysteria|excessive or uncontrollable fear;neurotic disorder characterized by violent emotional outbreaks and disturbances of sensory and motor functions
hysteric|a person suffering from hysteria
hysterics|an attack of hysteria
hysterocatalepsy|hysteria with cataleptic symptoms
hysteron proteron|reversal of normal order of two words or sentences etc. (as in 'bred and born');the logical fallacy of using as a true premise a proposition that is yet to be proved
hysterosalpingogram|X ray of the uterus and Fallopian tubes;usually done in diagnosing infertility (to see if there any blockages)
hysteroscopy|visual examination of the uterus and uterine lining using an endoscope inserted through the vagina
hysterotomy|surgical incision into the uterus (as in cesarean section)
Hystricidae|Old World porcupines
Hystricomorpha|an order of rodents including;porcupines;guinea pigs;chinchillas;etc.
I|the 9th letter of the Roman alphabet
I Chronicles|the first of two Old Testament books telling the history of Judah and Israel until the return from the Babylonian Captivity in 536 BC
I Esdra|an Apocryphal book consisting of a compilation from I Chronicles and II Chronicles and Ezra and Nehemiah
I Kings|the first of two Old Testament books telling the histories of the kings of Judah and Israel
I Maccabees|an Apocryphal book describing the life of Judas Maccabaeus
I Samuel|the first of two books in the Old Testament that tell of Saul and David
Iago|the villain in William Shakespeare's tragedy who tricked Othello into murdering his wife
iamb|a metrical unit with unstressed-stressed syllables
iambic|a verse line consisting of iambs
Iapetus|(Greek mythology) the Titan who was father of Atlas and Epimetheus and Prometheus in ancient mythology
Ibadan|a large Yoruba city in southwestern Nigeria;site of a university
I-beam|girder having a cross section resembling the letter 'I'
Iberia|an ancient geographical region to the south of the Caucasus Mountains that corresponded approximately to the present-day Georgia
Iberian|a native or inhabitant of Iberia in the Caucasus;a native or inhabitant of the Iberian Peninsula (especially in ancient times)
Iberian Peninsula|a peninsula in southwestern Europe
Iberis|Old World herbs and subshrubs;candytuft
Ibero-mesornis|sparrow-sized fossil bird of the Cretaceous period having a vestigial tail;found in Spain;considered possibly the third most primitive of all birds
Ibert|French composer (1890-1962)
ibex|wild goat of mountain areas of Eurasia and northern Africa having large recurved horns
ibis|wading birds of warm regions having long slender down-curved bills
Ibizan hound|breed of slender agile medium-sized hound found chiefly in the Balearic Islands;said to have been bred originally by the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt
ibolium privet|fast-growing and tightly branched hybrid of Ligustrum ovalifolium and Ligustrum obtusifolium
Ibsen|realistic Norwegian author who wrote plays on social and political themes (1828-1906)
ibuprofen|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicine (trade names Advil and Motrin and Nuprin) used to relieve the pain of arthritis and as an antipyretic - "daily use of ibuprofen can irritate the stomach"
Icarus|(Greek mythology) son of Daedalus;while escaping from Crete with his father (using the wings Daedalus had made) he flew too close to the sun and the wax melted and he fell into the Aegean and drowned
ice|a frozen dessert with fruit flavoring (especially one containing no milk);diamonds - "look at the ice on that dame!";the frozen part of a body of water;water frozen in the solid state - "Americans like ice in their drinks"
ice age|any period of time during which glaciers covered a large part of the earth's surface - "the most recent ice age was during the Pleistocene"
ice ax|an ax used by mountain climbers for cutting footholds in ice
ice bear|white bear of Arctic regions
ice cream|frozen dessert containing cream and sugar and flavoring
ice crystal|small crystals of ice
ice cube|a small cube of artificial ice;used for cooling drinks
ice field|a large flat mass of ice (larger than an ice floe) floating at sea
ice floe|a flat mass of ice (smaller than an ice field) floating at sea
ice fog|a dense winter fog containing ice particles
ice hockey|a game played on an ice rink by two opposing teams of six skaters each who try to knock a flat round puck into the opponents' goal with angled sticks
ice hockey rink|an ice rink for playing ice hockey
ice lolly|ice cream or water ice on a small wooden stick - "in England a popsicle is called an ice lolly"
ice machine|an electric refrigerator to supply ice cubes
ice maker|an appliance included in some electric refrigerators for making ice cubes
ice mass|a large mass of ice
ice milk|similar to ice cream but made of milk
ice pack|a waterproof bag filled with ice;applied to the body (especially the head) to cool or reduce swelling
ice plant|Old World annual widely naturalized in warm regions having white flowers and fleshy foliage covered with hairs that resemble ice
ice rink|a rink with a floor of ice for ice hockey or ice skating
ice show|any entertainment performed by ice skaters
ice skate|skate consisting of a boot with a steel blade fitted to the sole
ice skating|skating on ice
ice storm|a storm with freezing rain that leaves everything glazed with ice
ice tea|strong tea served over ice
ice tongs|tongs for lifting blocks of ice
ice wagon|(formerly) a horse-drawn wagon that delivered ice door to door
ice water|water served ice-cold or with ice
iceberg|a large mass of ice floating at sea;usually broken off of a polar glacier
iceboat|a sailing vessel with runners and a cross-shaped frame;suitable for traveling over ice
icebreaker|a beginning that relaxes a tense or formal atmosphere - "he told jokes as an icebreaker";a ship with a reinforced bow to break up ice and keep channels open for navigation
icecap|a mass of ice and snow that permanently covers a large area of land (e.g., the polar regions or a mountain peak)
ice-cream bean|ornamental evergreen tree with masses of white flowers;tropical and subtropical America
ice-cream cake|ice cream molded to look like a cake
ice-cream cone|ice cream in a crisp conical wafer
ice-cream soda|a drink with ice cream floating in it
ice-cream sundae|ice cream served with a topping
iced coffee|a strong sweetened coffee served over ice with cream
iced-tea spoon|a teaspoon with a long handle
icefall|a steep part of a glacier resembling a frozen waterfall
icehouse|a house for storing ice
Iceland|a volcanic island in the North Atlantic near the Arctic Circle;an island republic on the island of Iceland;became independent of Denmark in 1944
Iceland moss|lichen with branched flattened partly erect thallus that grows in mountainous and Arctic regions;used as a medicine or food for humans and livestock;a source of glycerol
Iceland poppy|Old World alpine poppy with white or yellow to orange flowers;subarctic perennial poppy of both hemispheres having fragrant white or yellow to orange or peach flowers
Iceland spar|a transparent calcite found in Iceland and used in polarizing microscopes
Icelander|a native or inhabitant of Iceland
Icelandic|a Scandinavian language that is the official language of Iceland
Icelandic krona|the basic unit of money in Iceland
Icelandic monetary unit|monetary unit in Iceland
iceman|someone who cuts and delivers ice
icepick|pick consisting of a steel rod with a sharp point;used for breaking up blocks of ice
ice-skater|someone who engages in ice skating
icetray|a tray for making cubes of ice in a refrigerator
ichneumon|northern African mongoose;in ancient times thought to devour crocodile eggs
ichneumon fly|hymenopterous insect that resembles a wasp and whose larvae are parasitic on caterpillars and other insect larvae
Ichneumonidae|ichneumon flies
ichor|(Greek mythology) the rarified fluid said to flow in the veins of the Gods
ichthyolatry|the worship of fish
ichthyologist|a zoologist who studies fishes
ichthyology|the branch of zoology that studies fishes
ichthyosaur|any of several marine reptiles of the Mesozoic having a body like a porpoise with dorsal and tail fins and paddle-shaped limbs
Ichthyosauria|extinct marine reptiles;ichthyosaurs
Ichthyosauridae|later ichthyosaurs of the Jurassic and Cretaceous;widely distributed in both hemispheres
ichthyosaurus|ichthyosaurs of the Jurassic
ichthyosis|any of several congenital diseases in which the skin is dry and scaly like a fish
Ichyostega|early tetrapod amphibian found in Greenland
icicle|ice resembling a pendent spear, formed by the freezing of dripping water
icing|(ice hockey) the act of shooting the puck from within your own defensive area the length of the rink beyond the opponent's goal
icing sugar|finely powdered sugar used to make icing
icon|(computer science) a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) that denotes a program or a command or a data file or a concept in a graphical user interface;a conventional religious painting in oil on a small wooden panel;venerated in the Eastern Church
iconoclasm|the orientation of an iconoclast
iconoclast|a destroyer of images used in religious worship;someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions
iconography|the images and symbolic representations that are traditionally associated with a person or a subject - "religious iconography" - "the propagandistic iconography of a despot"
iconolatry|the worship of sacred images
iconology|the branch of art history that studies visual images and their symbolic meaning (especially in social or political terms)
iconoscope|the first practical television-camera for picture pickup;invented in 1923 by Vladimir Kosma Zworykin
icosahedron|any polyhedron having twenty plane faces
Ictalurus|channel catfishes
Icteria|New World chats
Icteridae|American orioles;American blackbirds;bobolinks;meadowlarks
Icterus|type genus of the Icteridae
Ictiobus|buffalo fishes
ictodosaur|intermediate in form between the therapsids and most primitive true mammals
Ictodosauria|extinct reptiles of the later Triassic period
Ictonyx|a genus of Mustelidae
id|(psychoanalysis) primitive instincts and energies underlying all psychic activity;a card or badge used to identify the bearer
Id al-Adha|the 10th day of Dhu'l-Hijja;all Muslims attend a service in the mosques and those who are not pilgrims perform a ritual slaughter of a sheep (commemorating God's ransom of Abraham's son from sacrifice) and give at least a third of the meat to charity
Id al-Fitr|a Muslim day of feasting at the end of Ramadan
Idaho|a state in the Rocky Mountains
Idaho Falls|a town in southeastern Idaho on the Snake River
Idahoan|a native or resident of Idaho
idea|a personal view - "he has an idea that we don't like him";the content of cognition;the main thing you are thinking about - "it was not a good idea"
ideal|model of excellence or perfection of a kind;one having no equal;the idea of something that is perfect;something that one hopes to attain
ideal gas|a hypothetical gas with molecules of negligible size that exert no intermolecular forces
idealism|(philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality;impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are
idealist|someone guided more by ideals than by practical considerations
ideality|the quality of being ideal
idealization|(psychiatry) a defense mechanism that splits something you are ambivalent about into two representations--one good and one bad;a portrayal of something as ideal - "the idealization of rural life was very misleading";something that exists only as an idea
ideation|the process of forming and relating ideas
identical twin|either of two twins developed from the same fertilized ovum (having the same genetic material)
identification|evidence of identity;something that identifies a person or thing;the attribution to yourself (consciously or unconsciously) of the characteristics of another person (or group of persons);the condition of having the identity (of a person or object) established - "the thief's identification was followed quickly by his arrest" - "identification of the gun was an important clue"
identification particle|a tiny particle of material that can be added to a product to indicate the source of manufacture
identifier|a symbol that establishes the identity of the one bearing it
Identikit|a likeness of a person's face constructed from descriptions given to police;uses a set of transparencies of various facial features that can be combined to build up a picture of the person sought
identity|an operator that leaves unchanged the element on which it operates - "the identity under numerical multiplication is 1";exact sameness - "they shared an identity of interests";the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity - "you can lose your identity when you join the army";the individual characteristics by which a thing or person is recognized or known - "geneticists only recently discovered the identity of the gene that causes it" - "it was too dark to determine his identity" - "she guessed the identity of his lover"
identity crisis|distress and disorientation (especially in adolescence) resulting from conflicting pressures and uncertainty about one's self and one's role in society
identity matrix|a scalar matrix in which all of the diagonal elements are unity
identity theft|the co-option of another person's personal information (e.g., name, Social Security number, credit card number, passport) without that person's knowledge and the fraudulent use of such knowledge
ideogram|a graphic character that indicates the meaning of a thing without indicating the sounds used to say it - "Chinese characters are ideograms"
ideography|the use of ideograms in writing
ideological barrier|a barrier to cooperation or interaction resulting from conflicting ideologies
ideologist|an advocate of some ideology
ideology|imaginary or visionary theorization
ides|in the Roman calendar;the 15th of March or May or July or October or the 13th of any other month
idesia|deciduous roundheaded Asiatic tree widely grown in mild climates as an ornamental for its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellow-green flowers followed by hanging clusters of fleshy orange-red berries
idiocy|extreme mental retardation
idiolatry|the worship of yourself
idiolect|the language or speech of one individual at a particular period in life
idiom|an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
Idiom Neutral|an artificial language proposed for use as an auxiliary international language;based on Volapuk but with a vocabulary selected on the basis of the maximum internationality of the roots
idiopathic disease|any disease arising from internal dysfunctions of unknown cause
idiosyncrasy|a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
idiot|a person of subnormal intelligence
idiot light|a colored warning light on an instrument panel (as for low oil pressure)
idiot savant|person who is mentally retarded in general but who displays remarkable aptitude in some limited field (usually involving memory)
Iditarod|an important dogsled race run annually on the Iditarod Trail
Iditarod Trail|a trail that extends 1,100 miles from Anchorage over the Alaska Range to Nome
idle|the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling - "the car engine was running at idle"
idle pulley|a pulley on a shaft that presses against a guide belt to guide or tighten it
idleness|having no employment
idler|person who does no work
Ido|an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of Esperanto
idol|a material effigy that is worshipped;someone who is adored blindly and excessively
idolater|a person who worships idols
idolatress|a woman idolater
idolatry|religious zeal;the willingness to serve God;the worship of idols;the worship of images that are not God
idolization|the act of worshiping blindly and to excess
idolizer|a lover blind with admiration and devotion
Idun|(Norse mythology) goddess of spring and wife of Bragi;guarded the apples that kept the gods eternally young
idyll|an episode of such pastoral or romantic charm as to qualify as the subject of a poetic idyll
Igbo|a member of the largest ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria - "most Igbo are farmers"
Igigi|any of a group of heavenly spirits under the god Anu
Iglesias|Spanish singer noted for his ballads and love songs (born in 1943)
igloo|an Eskimo hut;usually built of blocks (of sod or snow) in the shape of a dome
Ignatius|bishop of Antioch who was martyred under the Roman Emperor Trajan (died 110)
Ignatius of Loyola|Spaniard and Roman Catholic theologian and founder of the Society of Jesus;a leading opponent of the Reformation (1491-1556)
igneous rock|rock formed by the solidification of molten magma
igniter|a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire
ignition|the act of setting something on fire;the mechanism that ignites the fuel in an internal-combustion engine;the process of initiating combustion or catching fire
ignition coil|an induction coil that converts current from a battery into the high-voltage current required by spark plugs
ignition key|a key that operates the ignition switch of an automotive engine
ignition switch|switch that operates a solenoid that closes a circuit to operate the starter
ignobleness|the quality of being ignoble
ignoramus|an ignorant person
ignorance|the lack of knowledge or education
ignorantness|ignorance (especially of orthodox beliefs)
ignoratio elenchi|the logical fallacy of supposing that an argument proving an irrelevant point has proved the point at issue
iguanid|lizards of the New World and Madagascar and some Pacific islands;typically having a long tail and bright throat patch in males
Iguanidae|New World lizards
iguanodon|massive herbivorous bipedal dinosaur with a long heavy tail;common in Europe and northern Africa;early Cretaceous period
Iguanodontidae|iguanodons
Iguazu|a large waterfall on the border between Argentina and Brazil
II Chronicles|the second of two Old Testament books telling the history of Judah and Israel until the return from the Babylonian Captivity in 536 BC
II Esdras|an Apocryphal book of angelic revelations
II Kings|the second of two Old Testament books telling the histories of the kings of Judah and Israel
II Maccabees|an Apocryphal book describing the life of Judas Maccabaeus
II Samuel|the second of two books of the Old Testament that tell of Saul and David
IJssel|a river in the central Netherlands flowing north to the IJsselmeer
IJsselmeer|a shallow lake in northwestern Netherlands created in 1932 by building a dam across the entrance to the Zuider Zee
ijtihad|the endeavor of a Moslem scholar to derive a rule of divine law from the Koran and Hadith without relying on the views of other scholars;by the end of the 10th century theologians decided that debate on such matters would be closed and Muslim theology and law were frozen - "some reform-minded Islamic scholars believe that reopening ijtihad is a prerequisite for the survival of Islam"
ilama|tropical American tree grown in southern United States having a whitish pink-tinged fruit;whitish tropical fruit with a pinkish tinge related to custard apples;grown in the southern United States
ilang-ilang|evergreen Asian tree with aromatic greenish-yellow flowers yielding a volatile oil;widely grown in the tropics as an ornamental;oil distilled from flowers of the ilang-ilang tree;used in perfumery
ileal artery|branch of the superior mesenteric artery that supplies the ileum
Ile-de-France|a region of north central France including Paris and the area around it
ileitis|inflammation of the ileum
ileocecal valve|valve between the ileum of the small intestine and the cecum of the large intestine;prevents material from flowing back from the large to the small intestine
ileocolic artery|an artery that originates from the superior mesenteric artery and supplies the terminal part of the ileum and the cecum and the vermiform appendix and the ascending colon
ileocolic vein|a vein that drains the end of the ileum and the appendix and the cecum and the lower part of the ascending colon
ileostomy|surgical procedure that creates an opening from the ileum through the abdominal wall to function as an anus;performed in cases of cancer of the colon or ulcerative colitis
Ile-St-Louis|island in Paris on the Seine
ileum|the part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the cecum
Ilex|a large genus of dicotyledonous trees and shrubs of the family Aquifoliaceae that have small flowers and berries (including hollies)
iliac artery|one of the large arteries supplying blood to the pelvis and legs
iliac vein|one of three veins draining the pelvic area
Iliad|a Greek epic poem (attributed to Homer) describing the siege of Troy
Iliamna|small genus of perennial herbs or subshrubs;some often placed in other genera
iliolumbar artery|an artery that originates in the internal iliac artery and supplies the pelvic muscles and bones
iliolumbar vein|a branch of the internal iliac vein
ilium|the upper and widest of the three bones making up the hipbone
ill health|a state in which you are unable to function normally and without pain
ill humor|an angry and disagreeable mood
ill nature|a disagreeable, irritable, or malevolent disposition
Illampu|a mountain peak in the Andes in Bolivia (20,870 feet high)
ill-being|lack of prosperity or happiness or health
Illecebrum|one species;coral necklace
illegal possession|possession of controlled substances
illegality|unlawfulness by virtue of violating some legal statute
illegibility|the quality of writing (print or handwriting) that cannot be deciphered
illegitimacy|unlawfulness by virtue of not being authorized by or in accordance with law
illiberality|a disposition not to be liberal (generous) with money
illicitness|the quality of not conforming strictly to law
Illicium|anise trees;evergreen trees with aromatic leaves
Illimani|a mountain peak in the Andes in Bolivia (21,201 feet high)
Illinois|a member of the Algonquian people formerly of Illinois and regions to the west;a midwestern state in north-central United States;the Algonquian language of the Illinois and Miami
Illinois River|a river in Illinois that flows southwest to the Mississippi River
Illinoisan|a native or resident of Illinois
illiteracy|an inability to read;ignorance resulting from not reading
illiterate|a person unable to read
illness|impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
illogicality|invalid or incorrect reasoning
illuminance|the luminous flux incident on a unit area
illuminant|something that can serve as a source of light
illumination|the degree of visibility of your environment
illumination unit|a measure of illumination
illusion|an erroneous mental representation;something many people believe that is false - "they have the illusion that I am very wealthy"
illustration|a visual representation (a picture or diagram) that is used make some subject more pleasing or easier to understand;artwork that helps make something clear or attractive
illustrator|an artist who makes illustrations (for books or magazines or advertisements etc.)
Illyria|an uncertain region on the east shore of the Adriatic where an ancient Indo-European people once lived
Illyrian|a minor and almost extinct branch of the Indo-European languages;spoken along the Dalmatian coast
ilmenite|a weakly magnetic black mineral found in metamorphic and plutonic rocks;an iron titanium oxide in crystalline form;a source of titanium
image|(mathematics) the set of values of the dependent variable for which a function is defined - "the image of f(x) = x^2 is the set of all non-negative real numbers if the domain of the function is the set of all real numbers";an iconic mental representation - "her imagination forced images upon her too awful to contemplate";the general impression that something (a person or organization or product) presents to the public - "although her popular image was contrived it served to inspire music and pageantry" - "the company tried to project an altruistic image"
image compression|the compression of graphics for storage or transmission
imaginary being|a creature of the imagination;a person that exists only in legends or myths or fiction
imaginary part|the part of a complex number that has the square root of -1 as a factor
imaginary place|a place that exists only in imagination;a place said to exist in fictional or religious writings
imagination|the ability to form mental images of things or events - "he could still hear her in his imagination";the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses - "popular imagination created a world of demons" - "imagination reveals what the world could be"
imagination image|a mental image produced by the imagination
imaginative comparison|the kind of mental comparison that is expressed in similes or metaphors or allegories
imaging|(medicine) obtaining pictures of the interior of the body
imagism|a movement by American and English poets early in the 20th century in reaction to Victorian sentimentality;used common speech in free verse with clear concrete imagery
imago|(psychoanalysis) an idealized image of someone (usually a parent) formed in childhood;an adult insect produced after metamorphosis
imam|(Islam) the man who leads prayers in a mosque;for Shiites an imam is a recognized authority on Islamic theology and law and a spiritual guide
imaret|a hostel for pilgrims in Turkey
imbalance|a lack of balance or state of disequilibrium - "a hormonal imbalance"
imbecility|retardation more severe than a moron but not as severe as an idiot
imbibition|(chemistry) the absorption of a liquid by a solid or gel
imbrication|covering with a design in which one element covers a part of another (as with tiles or shingles)
imbroglio|a very embarrassing misunderstanding;an intricate and confusing interpersonal or political situation
imidazole|an organic base C3H4N2;a histamine inhibitor
imide|any of a class of organic compounds that contain the divalent radical -CONHCO-
imipramine|a tricyclic antidepressant (trade names Imavate and Tofranil) used to treat clinical depression
imitation|copying (or trying to copy) the actions of someone else;something copied or derived from an original;the doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations
imitative electronic deception|the introduction of electromagnetic energy into enemy systems that imitates enemy emissions
Immaculate Conception|(Christianity) the Roman Catholic dogma that God preserved the Virgin Mary from any stain of original sin from the moment she was conceived;Roman Catholic holy day first celebrated in 1854
immanence|the state of being within or not going beyond a given domain
immateriality|complete irrelevance requiring no further consideration;the quality of not being physical;not consisting of matter
immaturity|not having reached maturity
immediacy|immediate intuitive awareness;lack of an intervening or mediating agency - "the immediacy of television coverage";the quickness of action or occurrence - "the immediacy of their response"
immediate allergy|an allergic reaction that becomes apparent in a sensitized person only minutes after contact
immediate constituent|a constituent of a sentence at the first step in an analysis;e.g., subject and predicate
immersion|a form of baptism in which part or all of a person's body is submerged
immersion heater|a heating element that is immersed in the liquid that is to be heated (as in a hot-water tank)
immigrant|a person who comes to a country where they were not born in order to settle there
immigrant class|recent immigrants who are lumped together as a class by their low socioeconomic status in spite of different cultural backgrounds
immigration|migration into a place (especially migration to a country of which you are not a native in order to settle there);the body of immigrants arriving during a specified interval - "the increased immigration strengthened the colony"
Immigration and Naturalization Service|an agency in the Department of Justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the United States
imminence|the state of being imminent and liable to happen soon
imminent abortion|the appearance of symptoms that signal the impending loss of the products of conception
immobility|the quality of not moving
immobilization|fixation (as by a plaster cast) of a body part in order to promote proper healing - "immobilization of the injured knee was necessary";the act of limiting movement or making incapable of movement - "the storm caused complete immobilization of the rescue team"
immoderation|the quality of being excessive and lacking in moderation
immodesty|the trait of being vain and conceited
immolation|killing or offering as a sacrifice
immorality|the quality of not being in accord with standards of right or good conduct - "the immorality of basing the defense of the West on the threat of mutual assured destruction"
immortal|a person (such as an author) of enduring fame - "Shakespeare is one of the immortals"
immortality|perpetual life after death;the quality or state of being immortal
immortelle|mostly widely cultivated species of everlasting flowers having usually purple flowers;southern Europe to Iran;naturalized elsewhere
immotility|lacking an ability to move
immovability|not capable of being moved or rearranged
immovable bandage|a bandage of cloth impregnated with a substance (e.g., plaster of Paris) that hardens soon after it is applied
immune|a person who is immune to a particular infection
immune response|a bodily defense reaction that recognizes an invading substance (an antigen;such as a virus or fungus or bacteria or transplanted organ) and produces antibodies specific against that antigen
immune system|a system (including the thymus and bone marrow and lymphoid tissues) that protects the body from foreign substances and pathogenic organisms by producing the immune response
immunity|(medicine) the condition in which an organism can resist disease;the quality of being unaffected by something - "immunity to criticism"
immunization|the act of making immune (especially by inoculation)
immunoassay|identification of a substance (especially a protein) by its action as an antigen
immunochemistry|the field of chemistry concerned with chemical processes in immunology (such as chemical studies of antigens and antibodies)
immunocompetence|the ability to develop an immune response following exposure to an antigen
immunodeficiency|immunological disorder in which some part of the body's immune system is inadequate and resistance to infectious diseases is reduced
immunoelectrophoresis|electrophoresis to separate antigens and antibodies
immunofluorescence|(immunology) a technique that uses antibodies linked to a fluorescent dye in order to study antigens in a sample of tissue
immunogen|any substance or organism that provokes an immune response (produces immunity) when introduced into the body
immunogenicity|the property of eliciting an immune response
immunoglobulin|a class of proteins produced in lymph tissue in vertebrates and that function as antibodies in the immune response
immunoglobulin A|one of the most common of the five major classes of immunoglobulins;the chief antibody in the membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts
immunoglobulin D|one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins;present in blood serum in small amounts
immunoglobulin E|one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins;present primarily in the skin and mucous membranes
immunoglobulin G|one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins;the main antibody defense against bacteria
immunoglobulin M|one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins;involved in fighting blood infections and in triggering production of immunoglobulin G
immunohistochemistry|an assay that shows specific antigens in tissues by the use of markers that are either fluorescent dyes or enzymes (such as horseradish peroxidase)
immunological disorder|a disorder of the immune system
immunologist|a medical scientist who specializes in immunology
immunology|the branch of medical science that studies the body's immune system
immunopathology|the branch of immunology that deals with pathologies of the immune system
immunosuppressant|a drug that lowers the body's normal immune response
immunosuppression|lowering the body's normal immune response to invasion by foreign substances;can be deliberate (as in lowering the immune response to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ) or incidental (as a side effect of radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer)
immunotherapy|therapy designed to produce immunity to a disease or to enhance resistance by the immune system
immutability|the quality of being incapable of mutation
imp|one who is playfully mischievous
impact|a forceful consequence;a strong effect - "the book had an important impact on my thinking";the striking of one body against another
impact printer|a printer that prints by mechanical impacts
impacted fracture|fracture in which one broken end is wedged into the other broken end
impaction|a disorder in which a tooth is so crowded in its socket that it cannot erupt normally;a disorder in which feces are impacted in the lower colon;the condition of being pressed closely together and firmly fixed
impairer|an agent that impairs - "crops can be great impairers of the soil"
impairment|damage that results in a reduction of strength or quality
impala|African antelope with ridged curved horns;moves with enormous leaps
impala lily|South African shrub having a swollen succulent stem and bearing showy pink and white flowers after the leaves fall;popular as an ornamental in tropics
impalement|the act of piercing with a sharpened stake as a form of punishment or torture
impartiality|an inclination to weigh both views or opinions equally
impasto|painting that applies the pigment thickly so that brush or palette knife marks are visible
impatience|a dislike of anything that causes delay;a restless desire for change and excitement
impeachability|the state of being liable to impeachment
impeachment|a formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office
impeccability|the quality of being exempt from sin or incapable of sinning
impecuniousness|a state of lacking money
impedimenta|the baggage and equipment carried by an army
impeller|the blade of a rotor (as in the compressor of a jet engine)
impenetrability|incomprehensibility by virtue of being too dense to understand;the quality of being impenetrable (by people or light or missiles etc.)
impenitence|the trait of refusing to repent
imperative|some duty that is essential and urgent
imperative mood|a mood that expresses an intention to influence the listener's behavior
imperativeness|the quality of being insistent;the state of demanding notice or attention
imperceptibility|the property of being imperceptible by the mind or the senses
imperfectibility|the capability of becoming imperfect
imperfection|the state or an instance of being imperfect
imperfective|aspect without regard to the beginning or completion of the action of the verb
imperforate anus|a congenital defect of the anus;there is partial or complete obstruction of the anal opening
imperforate hymen|hymen that is completely closed so that menstrual blood cannot flow out
imperial|a piece of luggage carried on top of a coach;a small tufted beard worn by Emperor Napoleon III
imperial decree|a decree issued by a sovereign ruler
imperial Japanese morning glory|hybrid from Ipomoea nil
imperial mammoth|largest known mammoth;of America
imperial moth|large American moth having yellow wings with purplish or brownish markings;larvae feed on e.g. maple and pine trees
imperialism|a policy of extending your rule over foreign countries;a political orientation that advocates imperial interests;any instance of aggressive extension of authority
imperialist|a believer in imperialism
imperiousness|the trait of being imperious and overbearing
imperishability|the property of being resistant to decay - "he advertised the imperishability of the product"
imperium|supreme authority;absolute dominion
impermanence|the property of not existing for indefinitely long durations
impermeability|the property of something that cannot be pervaded by a liquid
impermissibility|inadmissibility as a consequence of not being permitted
impersonation|imitating the mannerisms of another person
impersonator|someone who (fraudulently) assumes the appearance of another
impertinence|inappropriate playfulness
impetigo|a very contagious infection of the skin;common in children;localized redness develops into small blisters that gradually crust and erode
impetuousness|rash impulsiveness
impiety|unrighteousness by virtue of lacking respect for a god
impingement|a sharp collision produced by striking or dashing against something;influencing strongly - "they resented the impingement of American values on European culture"
impishness|the trait of behaving like an imp
implant|a prosthesis placed permanently in tissue
implantation|(embryology) the organic process whereby a fertilized egg becomes implanted in the lining of the uterus of placental mammals;a surgical procedure that places something in the human body - "the implantation of radioactive pellets in the prostate gland";the act of planting or setting in the ground
implausibility|the quality of provoking disbelief
implement|instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end
implementation|the act of implementing (providing a practical means for accomplishing something);carrying into effect
implication|a logical relation between propositions p and q of the form 'if p then q';if p is true then q cannot be false;a relation implicated by virtue of involvement or close connection (especially an incriminating involvement) - "he was suspected of implication in several robberies";an accusation that brings into intimate and usually incriminating connection
implicitness|inexplicitness as a consequence of being implied or indirect
implied trust|a trust inferred by operation of law
implosion|a sudden inward collapse - "the implosion of a light bulb";the initial occluded phase of a stop consonant
implosion therapy|a technique used in behavior therapy;client is flooded with experiences of a particular kind until becoming either averse to them or numbed to them
impoliteness|a discourteous manner that ignores accepted social usage
imponderable|a factor whose effects cannot be accurately assessed - "human behavior depends on many imponderables"
import|an imported person brought from a foreign country - "the lead role was played by an import from Sweden" - "they are descendants of indentured importees";commodities (goods or services) bought from a foreign country
import credit|credit opened by an importer at a bank in his own country upon which an exporter may draw
import duty|a duty imposed on imports
importance|a prominent status - "a person of importance";the quality of being important and worthy of note - "the importance of a well-balanced diet"
important person|a person whose actions and opinions strongly influence the course of events
importer|someone whose business involves importing goods from outside (especially from a foreign country)
importing|the commercial activity of buying and bringing in goods from a foreign country
importunity|insistent solicitation and entreaty - "his importunity left me no alternative but to agree"
imposition|an uncalled-for burden - "he listened but resented the imposition";the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)
impossibility|an alternative that is not available;incapability of existing or occurring
impossible|something that cannot be done - "his assignment verged on the impossible"
imposter|a person who makes deceitful pretenses
imposture|pretending to be another person
impotence|an inability (usually of the male animal) to copulate
impoundment|placing private property in the custody of an officer of the law
impracticability|the quality of not being usable
impracticality|concerned with theoretical possibilities rather than actual use
imprecation|a slanderous accusation;the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil (and usually serves as an insult) - "he suffered the imprecations of the mob"
impreciseness|the quality of lacking precision
impregnation|material with which something is impregnated - "the impregnation, whatever it was, had turned the rock blue";the process of totally saturating something with a substance - "the impregnation of wood with preservative"
impress|the act of coercing someone into government service
impression|(dentistry) an imprint of the teeth and gums in wax or plaster - "the dentist took an impression for use in preparing an inlay";a vague idea in which some confidence is placed - "his impression of her was favorable";all the copies of a work printed at one time;an impressionistic portrayal of a person - "he did a funny impression of a politician";an outward appearance - "he made a good impression" - "I wanted to create an impression of success";the act of pressing one thing on or into the surface of another - "he watched the impression of the seal on the hot wax"
Impressionism|a school of late 19th century French painters who pictured appearances by strokes of unmixed colors to give the impression of reflected light
impressionist|a painter who follows the theories of Impressionism
impressiveness|splendid or imposing in size or appearance;the quality of making a strong or vivid impression on the mind
imprint|a device produced by pressure on a surface;a distinctive influence - "English stills bears the imprint of the Norman invasion";an identification of a publisher;a publisher's name along with the date and address and edition that is printed at the bottom of the title page - "the book was published under a distinguished imprint";an impression produced by pressure or printing
imprinting|a learning process in early life whereby species specific patterns of behavior are established
imprisonment|putting someone in prison or in jail as lawful punishment;the act of confining someone in a prison (or as if in a prison)
improbability|the quality of being improbable - "impossibility should never be confused with improbability" - "the improbability of such rare coincidences"
impromptu|a short musical passage that seems to have been made spontaneously without advance preparation;an extemporaneous speech or remark - "a witty impromptu must not sound premeditated"
improper fraction|a fraction whose numerator is larger than the denominator
impropriety|an improper demeanor;the condition of being improper
improvement|a change for the better;progress in development;a condition superior to an earlier condition - "the new school represents a great improvement";the act of improving something - "their improvements increased the value of the property"
improvidence|a lack of prudence and care by someone in the management of resources
improvisation|a creation spoken or written or composed extemporaneously (without prior preparation);an unplanned expedient
improvised explosive device|an explosive device that is improvised
imprudence|a lack of caution in practical affairs
impudence|an impudent statement
impulse|the act of applying force suddenly - "the impulse knocked him over"
impulse turbine|a turbine that is driven by jets direct against the blades
impulsiveness|the trait of acting suddenly on impulse without reflection
impunity|exemption from punishment or loss
impurity|the condition of being impure;worthless or dangerous material that should be removed
imputation|a statement attributing something dishonest (especially a criminal offense) - "he denied the imputation";the attribution to a source or cause - "the imputation that my success was due to nepotism meant that I was not taken seriously"
in time|in the correct rhythm - "the dancers moved in time with the music"
inability|lack of ability (especially mental ability) to do something;lacking the power to perform
inaccessibility|the quality of not being available when needed
inaccuracy|the quality of being inaccurate and having errors
Inachis|a genus of Nymphalidae
inaction|the state of being inactive
inactivation|the process of rendering inactive - "the gene inactivation system" - "thermal inactivation of serum samples"
inactiveness|a disposition to remain inactive or inert
inactivity|being inactive;being less active
inadequacy|unsatisfactoriness by virtue of being inadequate
inadmissibility|unacceptability as a consequence of not being admissible
inadvisability|the quality of being ill-advised
inamorata|a woman with whom you are in love or have an intimate relationship
inamorato|a man with whom you are in love or have an intimate relationship
inanimateness|not having life
inanition|exhaustion resulting from lack of food;weakness characterized by a lack of vitality or energy
inanity|total lack of meaning or ideas
Inanna|consort of Dumuzi (Tammuz)
inapplicability|irrelevance by virtue of being inapplicable to the matter at hand
inappropriateness|inappropriate conduct;the quality of being not particularly suitable or befitting - "he retracted nothing that he had said about the inappropriateness of either a corporeal God or a God who is a person"
inaptitude|a lack of aptitude
inaptness|inappropriateness - "greater inaptness of expression would be hard to imagine"
inattention|lack of attention
inattentiveness|a lack of attentiveness (as to children or helpless people);the trait of not being considerate and thoughtful of others
inaudibility|the quality of not being perceptible by the ear
inaugural address|an address delivered at an inaugural ceremony (especially by a United States president)
inauguration|the act of starting a new operation or practice - "he opposed the inauguration of fluoridation";the ceremonial induction into a position - "the new president obviously enjoyed his inauguration"
Inauguration Day|the day designated for inauguration of the United States President
inauspiciousness|the quality of suggesting an unsuccessful result
in-basket|a wood or metal receptacle placed on your desk to hold your incoming material
inborn error of metabolism|any of a number of diseases in which an inherited defect (usually a missing or inadequate enzyme) results in an abnormality of metabolism
inbreeding|the act of mating closely related individuals
Inca|a member of the Quechuan people living in the Cuzco valley in Peru;a ruler of the Incas (or a member of his family);the small group of Quechua living in the Cuzco Valley in Peru who established hegemony over their neighbors in order to create an empire that lasted from about 1100 until the Spanish conquest in the early 1530s
incandescence|light from heat;the phenomenon of light emission by a body as its temperature is raised
incantation|a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect
incapability|lack of potential for development;the quality of not being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally
incapacity|lack of intellectual power;lack of physical or natural qualifications
Incarnation|(Christianity) the Christian doctrine of the union of God and man in the person of Jesus Christ;time passed in a particular bodily form
incaution|the trait of forgetting or ignoring possible danger
incendiary bomb|a bomb that is designed to start fires;is most effective against flammable targets (such as fuel)
incense|a substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned;the pleasing scent produced when incense is burned - "incense filled the room"
incense cedar|any of several attractive trees of southwestern South America and New Zealand and New Caledonia having glossy evergreen leaves and scented wood;tall tree of the Pacific coast of North America having foliage like cypress and cinnamon-red bark
incense tree|any of various tropical trees of the family Burseraceae yielding fragrant gums or resins that are burned as incense
incense wood|fragrant wood of two incense trees of the genus Protium
incentive|a positive motivational influence
incentive option|an option granted to corporate executives if the company achieves certain financial goals
incentive program|a formal scheme for inducing someone (as employees) to do something
incest|sexual intercourse between persons too closely related to marry (as between a parent and a child)
inch|a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
inchoative|aspect with regard to the beginning of the action of the verb
Inchon|a battle in the Korean War (1950);United States forces landed at Inchon;a port city in western South Korea on the Yellow Sea
incidence|the relative frequency of occurrence of something;the striking of a light beam on a surface - "he measured the angle of incidence of the reflected light"
incident|a public disturbance - "the police investigated an incident at the bus station";a single distinct event
incidental|an item that is incidental
incidental expense|(frequently plural) an expense not budgeted or not specified - "he requested reimbursement of $7 for incidental expenses"
incidental music|music composed to accompany the action of a drama or to fill intervals between scenes
incineration|the act of burning something completely;reducing it to ashes
incinerator|a furnace for incinerating (especially to dispose of refuse)
incipiency|beginning to exist or to be apparent - "it is designed to arrest monopolies in their incipiency"
incision|a depression scratched or carved into a surface;the cutting of or into body tissues or organs (especially by a surgeon as part of an operation)
incisiveness|keenness and forcefulness of thought or expression or intellect
incisor|a tooth for cutting or gnawing;located in the front of the mouth in both jaws
incisure|(anatomy) a notch or small hollow
incitation|an act of urging on or spurring on or rousing to action or instigating
incitement|something that incites or provokes;a means of arousing or stirring to action
incivility|deliberate discourtesy
inclination|(astronomy) the angle between the plane of the orbit and the plane of the ecliptic stated in degrees;(geometry) the angle formed by the x-axis and a given line (measured counterclockwise from the positive half of the x-axis);an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others - "he had an inclination to give up too easily";that toward which you are inclined to feel a liking - "her inclination is for classical music";the act of inclining;bending forward - "an inclination of his head indicated his agreement"
incline bench press|a bench press performed on an inclined bench
inclined fault|a geological fault in which one side is above the other
inclined plane|a simple machine for elevating objects;consists of plane surface that makes an acute angle with the horizontal
inclinometer|a measuring instrument for measuring the angle of magnetic dip (as from an airplane);an instrument showing the angle that an aircraft makes with the horizon
inclusion|the act of including;the relation of comprising something - "he admired the inclusion of so many ideas in such a short work";the state of being included
inclusion body|any small intracellular body found within another (characteristic of certain diseases)
inclusion body myositis|myositis characterized by weakness of limb muscles (especially the thighs and wrists and fingers);sometimes involves swallowing muscles;onset after 50 and slowly progressive;seen more often in men than in women
incognizance|a lack of knowledge or recognition
incoherence|lack of cohesion or clarity or organization;nonsense that is simply incoherent and unintelligible
income|the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time
income bracket|a category of taxpayers based on the amount of their income
income statement|a financial statement that gives operating results for a specific period
income tax|a personal tax levied on annual income
incommutability|the quality of being not interchangeable
incompatibility|(immunology) the degree to which the body's immune system will try to reject foreign material (as transfused blood or transplanted tissue);the quality of being unable to exist or work in congenial combination;the relation between propositions that cannot both be true at the same time
incompetence|inability of a part or organ to function properly;lack of physical or intellectual ability or qualifications
incompetent|someone who is not competent to take effective action
incompetent cervix|(obstetrics) uterine cervix that becomes dilated before term and without labor often resulting in miscarriage or premature birth
incomplete abortion|termination of pregnancy without expulsion of all of the products of conception
incomplete fracture|fracture that does not go across the entire width of the bone
incompleteness|the state of being crude and incomplete and imperfect - "the study was criticized for incompleteness of data but it stimulated further research"
incomprehensibility|the quality of being incomprehensible
incomprehension|an inability to understand - "his incomprehension of the consequences"
incompressibility|the property of being incompressible
inconceivability|the state of being impossible to conceive
inconclusiveness|the quality of being inconclusive
Inconel|a nickel-base alloy with chromium and iron;used in gas-turbine blades
incongruity|the quality of disagreeing;being unsuitable and inappropriate
inconsequence|having no important effects or influence
inconsideration|the quality of failing to be considerate of others
inconsistency|the quality of being inconsistent and lacking a harmonious uniformity among things or parts
inconspicuousness|the quality of being not easily seen
inconstancy|the quality of being changeable and variable
incontinence|involuntary urination or defecation
incontrovertibility|the quality of being undeniable and not worth arguing about
inconvenience|an inconvenient discomfort;the quality of not being useful or convenient
inconvertibility|the quality of not being exchangeable - "the inconvertibility of their currency made international trade impossible"
incoordination|a lack of coordination of movements
incorporation|consolidating two or more things;union in (or into) one body;including by incorporating
incorrectness|lack of conformity to social expectations;the quality of not conforming to fact or truth
incorruptibility|the incapability of being corrupted
incorruptness|characterized by integrity or probity
increase|a change resulting in an increase - "the increase is scheduled for next month";a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous or more important - "the increase in unemployment";the act of increasing something - "he gave me an increase in salary";the amount by which something increases - "they proposed an increase of 15 percent in the fare"
incredibility|the quality of being incredible
incredulity|doubt about the truth of something
incrimination|an accusation that you are responsible for some lapse or misdeed - "his incrimination was based on my testimony"
incrustation|a decorative coating of contrasting material that is applied to a surface as an inlay or overlay;the formation of a crust
incubation|(pathology) the phase in the development of an infection between the time a pathogen enters the body and the time the first symptoms appear;maintaining something at the most favorable temperature for its development
incubation period|the period between infection and the appearance of symptoms of the disease
incubator|apparatus consisting of a box designed to maintain a constant temperature by the use of a thermostat;used for chicks or premature infants
incubus|a male demon believed to lie on sleeping persons and to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women;someone who depresses or worries others
inculcation|teaching or impressing upon the mind by frequent instruction or repetition
incumbency|a duty that is incumbent upon you;the office of an incumbent
incumbent|the official who holds an office
incurability|incapability of being altered in disposition or habits - "the incurability of his optimism";incapability of being cured or healed
incurable|a person whose disease is incurable
incurrence|the act of incurring (making yourself subject to something undesirable)
incurring|acquiring or coming into something (usually undesirable) - "incurring debts is easier than paying them"
incursion|the act of entering some territory or domain (often in large numbers) - "the incursion of television into the American living room";the mistake of incurring liability or blame
incurvation|the action of creating a curved shape
incus|the ossicle between the malleus and the stapes
indaba|a council at which indigenous peoples of southern Africa meet to discuss some important question
indapamide|diuretic (trade name Lozal) used in the treatment of hypertension
indebtedness|an obligation to pay money to another party
indecency|an indecent or improper act;the quality of being indecent
indecent exposure|vulgar and offensive nakedness in a public place
indecision|doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action - "his indecision was only momentary but the opportunity was lost"
indecisiveness|the trait of irresolution;a lack of firmness of character or purpose - "the king's incurable indecisiveness caused turmoil in his court"
indecorum|a lack of decorum
indefatigability|tireless determination
indefinite article|a determiner (as 'a' or 'some' in English) that indicates nonspecific reference
indefinite integral|the set of functions F(x) + C, where C is any real number, such that F(x) is the integral of f(x)
indefinite quantity|an estimated quantity
indefiniteness|the quality of being vague and poorly defined
indelible ink|ink that cannot be erased or washed away
indelicacy|an impolite act or expression;the trait of being indelicate and offensive
indemnification|an act of compensation for actual loss or damage or for trouble and annoyance
indemnity|legal exemption from liability for damages;protection against future loss
indene|a colorless liquid hydrocarbon extracted from petroleum or coal tar and used in making synthetic resins
indent|an order for goods to be exported or imported
indentation|a concave cut into a surface or edge (as in a coastline);the act of cutting into an edge with toothlike notches or angular incisions;the space left between the margin and the start of an indented line
indenture|a contract binding one party into the service of another for a specified term;formal agreement between the issuer of bonds and the bondholders as to terms of the debt
Independence|a city in western Missouri;the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail;freedom from control or influence of another or others;the successful ending of the American Revolution
Independence Day|a legal holiday in the United States
Independence Hall|the building in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was signed
independent agency|an agency of the United States government that is created by an act of Congress and is independent of the executive departments
independent variable|(statistics) a variable whose values are independent of changes in the values of other variables
indestructibility|the strength to resist destruction
index|a number or ratio (a value on a scale of measurement) derived from a series of observed facts;can reveal relative changes as a function of time;a numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number;an alphabetical listing of names and topics along with page numbers where they are discussed;the finger next to the thumb
index case|the earliest documented case of a disease that is included in an epidemiological study
index fossil|a fossil known to have lived in a particular geologic age that can be used to date the rock layer in which it is found
index fund|a mutual fund that invests in the stocks that are the basis of a well-known stock or bond index;a mutual fund whose assets are stocks on a given list
index register|(computer science) a register used to determine the address of an operand
indexation|a system of economic regulation;wages and interest are tied to the cost-of-living index in order to reduce the effects of inflation
indexer|someone who provides an index
indexing|the act of classifying and providing an index in order to make items easier to retrieve
India|a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia;second most populous country in the world;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947
India ink|a black liquid ink used for printing or writing or drawing
india paper|a thin tough opaque paper used in fine books
Indiaman|a large sailing ship that was engaged in the British trade with India
Indian|a member of the race of people living in America when Europeans arrived;a native or inhabitant of India
Indian agent|a representative of the federal government to American Indian tribes (especially on Indian reservations)
Indian beech|evergreen Asiatic tree having glossy pinnate leaves and racemose creamy-white scented flowers;used as a shade tree
Indian blackwood|East Indian tree having a useful dark purple wood
Indian buffalo|upland buffalo of eastern Asia where true water buffaloes do not thrive;used for draft and milk
Indian button fern|fern of tropical Asia having round buttonlike bulbils
Indian chief|the leader of a group of Native Americans
Indian club|a bottle-shaped club used in exercises
Indian cobra|a cobra of tropical Africa and Asia
Indian coral tree|small to medium-sized thorny tree of tropical Asia and northern Australia having dense clusters of scarlet or crimson flowers and black seeds
Indian crocus|any of several dwarf orchids of the genus Pleione bearing one or two solitary white or pink to magenta or occasionally yellow flowers with slender stalks
Indian elephant|Asian elephant having smaller ears and tusks primarily in the male
Indian giver|an offensive term for someone who asks you to return a present he has given you
Indian hemp|Canadian dogbane yielding a tough fiber used as cordage by Native Americans;used in folk medicine for pain or inflammation in joints;source of e.g. bhang and hashish as well as fiber
Indian lettuce|a plant of the genus Montia having edible pleasant-tasting leaves
Indian madder|perennial East Indian creeping or climbing herb used for dye in the orient
Indian mallow|tropical American weed having pale yellow or orange flowers naturalized in southern United States
Indian monetary unit|monetary unit in India
Indian mongoose|keen-sighted viverrine of southern Asia about the size of a ferret;often domesticated
Indian Mutiny|discontent with British administration in India led to numerous mutinies in 1857 and 1858;the revolt was put down after several battles and sieges (notably the siege at Lucknow)
Indian Ocean|the 3rd largest ocean;bounded by Africa on the west, Asia on the north, Australia on the east and merging with the Antarctic Ocean to the south
Indian paintbrush|any of various plants of the genus Castilleja having dense spikes of hooded flowers with brightly colored bracts
Indian pipe|small waxy white or pinkish-white saprophytic woodland plant having scalelike leaves and a nodding flower;turns black with age
Indian plantain|any of various plants of the genus Cacalia having leaves resembling those of plantain
Indian poke|pokeweed of southeastern Asia and China
Indian python|very large python of southeast Asia
Indian race|sometimes included in the Caucasian race;native to the subcontinent of India;usually included in the Mongoloid race
Indian rat snake|enter buildings in pursuit of prey
Indian rattlebox|erect subshrub having purple-tinted flowers and an inflated pod in which the ripe seeds rattle;India
Indian red|a red pigment composed in part from ferric oxide which is often used in paints and cosmetics;a red soil containing ferric oxide;often used as a pigment;a reddish-brown color resembling the red soil used as body paint by American Indians
Indian reservation|a reservation set aside for the use of Indians
Indian rhinoceros|having one horn
Indian rhododendron|evergreen spreading shrub of India and southeastern Asia having large purple flowers
Indian rupee|the basic unit of money in India;equal to 100 paise
Indian summer|a period of unusually warm weather in the autumn
Indian tobacco|North American wild lobelia having small blue flowers and inflated capsules formerly used as an antispasmodic
Indian trail|a trail through the wilderness worn by Amerindians
Indiana|a state in midwestern United States;United States pop artist (born 1928)
Indianan|a native or resident of Indiana
Indianapolis|the capital and largest city of Indiana;a major commercial center in the country's heartland;site of an annual 500-mile automobile race
India-rubber tree|large tropical Asian tree frequently dwarfed as a houseplant;source of Assam rubber
Indic|a branch of the Indo-Iranian family of languages
indication|(medicine) a reason to prescribe a drug or perform a procedure - "the presence of bacterial infection was an indication for the use of antibiotics";something (as a course of action) that is indicated as expedient or necessary - "there were indications that it was time to leave";something that serves to indicate or suggest - "an indication of foul play" - "indications of strain";the act of indicating or pointing out by name
indicative mood|a mood (grammatically unmarked) that represents the act or state as an objective fact
indicator|(chemistry) a substance that changes color to indicate the presence of some ion or substance;can be used to indicate the completion of a chemical reaction or (in medicine) to test for a particular reaction;a device for showing the operating condition of some system;a signal for attracting attention
Indicatoridae|honey guides
indiction|a 15-year cycle used as a chronological unit in ancient Rome and adopted in some medieval kingdoms
indictment|a formal document written for a prosecuting attorney charging a person with some offense;an accusation of wrongdoing - "the book is an indictment of modern philosophy"
indie|a pop group not affiliated with a major record company;an independent film company not associated with an established studio
indifference|unbiased impartial unconcern
indigence|a state of extreme poverty or destitution - "their indigence appalled him"
indigenous language|a language that originated in a specified place and was not brought to that place from elsewhere
indigenousness|nativeness by virtue of originating or occurring naturally (as in a particular place)
indigestibility|the property of being difficult to digest
indigestion|a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea
Indigirka|a river in far eastern Siberia that flows generally northward to the Arctic Ocean
indignation|a feeling of righteous anger
indignity|an affront to one's dignity or self-esteem
indigo|a blue-violet color;deciduous subshrub of southeastern Asia having pinnate leaves and clusters of red or purple flowers;a source of indigo dye
indigo broom|much-branched erect herb with bright yellow flowers;distributed from Massachusetts to Florida
indigo bunting|small deep blue North American bunting
indigo snake|large dark-blue nonvenomous snake that invades burrows;found in southern North America and Mexico
Indigofera|genus of tropical herbs and shrubs having odd-pinnate leaves and spurred flowers in long racemes or spikes
indinavir|a protease inhibitor (trade name Crixivan) used for treating HIV
indirect antonym|antonyms whose opposition is mediated (e.g., the antonymy of 'wet' and 'parched' is mediated by the similarity of 'parched' to 'dry')
indirect discourse|a report of a discourse in which deictic terms are modified appropriately (e.g., "he said 'I am a fool' would be modified to 'he said he is a fool'")
indirect fire|fire delivered on a target that is not itself used as the point of aim for the weapons
indirect immunofluorescence|a method of using fluorescence microscopy to detect the presence of an antigen indirectly
indirect lighting|a concealed lighting fixture
indirect object|the object that is the recipient or beneficiary of the action of the verb
indirect tax|a tax levied on goods or services rather than on persons or organizations
indirect transmission|a transmission mechanism in which the infectious agent is transferred to the person by a fomite of vector
indirection|deceitful action that is not straightforward - "he could see through the indirections of diplomats";indirect procedure or action - "he tried to find out by indirection"
indirectness|having the characteristic of lacking a true course toward a goal
indiscipline|the trait of lacking discipline
indiscretion|a petty misdeed;the trait of being injudicious
indispensability|the quality possessed by something that you cannot possibly do without
indisposition|a slight illness
indisputability|the quality of being beyond question or dispute or doubt
indistinctness|the quality of being indistinct and without sharp outlines
indium|a rare soft silvery metallic element;occurs in small quantities in sphalerite
individual|a single organism
individual retirement account|a retirement plan that allows you to contribute a limited yearly sum toward your retirement;taxes on the interest earned in the account are deferred
individualism|a belief in the importance of the individual and the virtue of self-reliance and personal independence;the doctrine that government should not interfere in commercial affairs
individualist|a person who pursues independent thought or action
individuality|the quality of being individual - "so absorbed by the movement that she lost all sense of individuality"
individualization|discriminating the individual from the generic group or species
Indochina|a peninsula of southeastern Asia that includes Myanmar and Cambodia and Laos and Malaysia and Thailand and Vietnam
indoctrination|teaching someone to accept doctrines uncritically
Indo-European|the family of languages that by 1000 BC were spoken throughout Europe and in parts of southwestern and southern Asia
Indo-Iranian|the branch of the Indo-European family of languages including the Indic and Iranian language groups
indoleacetic acid|a plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots
indolebutyric acid|a synthetic plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots
indolence|inactivity resulting from a dislike of work
indomethacin|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Indocin)
indomitability|the property being difficult or impossible to defeat
Indonesia|a republic in southeastern Asia on an archipelago including more than 13,000 islands;achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1945;the principal oil producer in the Far East and Pacific regions
Indonesian|a native or inhabitant of Indonesia;the dialect of Malay used as the national language of the Republic of Indonesia or of Malaysia
Indonesian Borneo|the part of Indonesia on the southern side of the island of Borneo
Indonesian monetary unit|monetary unit in Indonesia
Indra|chief Hindu god of the Rig-Veda;god of rain and thunder
indri|large short-tailed lemur of Madagascar having thick silky fur in black and white and fawn
Indriidae|a family of Lemuroidea
induced abortion|a deliberate termination of pregnancy
inducement|act of bringing about a desired result - "inducement of sleep"
inducer|an agent capable of activating specific genes
inductance unit|a measure of the property of an electric circuit by which an electromotive force is induced in it
inductee|a person inducted into an organization or social group - "Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth were 1936 inductees in the National Baseball Hall of Fame"
induction|an electrical phenomenon whereby an electromotive force (EMF) is generated in a closed circuit by a change in the flow of current;the act of bringing about something (especially at an early time) - "the induction of an anesthetic state"
induction coil|a coil for producing a high voltage from a low-voltage source
induction heating|the heating of a conducting material caused by an electric current induced in it
induction of labor|(obstetrics) inducing the childbirth process artificially by administering oxytocin or by puncturing the amniotic sac
inductor|an electrical device (typically a conducting coil) that introduces inductance into a circuit
indulgence|a disposition to yield to the wishes of someone - "too much indulgence spoils a child";an inability to resist the gratification of whims and desires;the act of indulging or gratifying a desire;the remission by the pope of the temporal punishment in purgatory that is still due for sins even after absolution - "in the Middle Ages the unrestricted sale of indulgences by pardoners became a widespread abuse"
indumentum|a covering of fine hairs (or sometimes scales) as on a leaf or insect
indurated clay|hardened clay
Indus|a faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Tucana;an Asian river that rises in Tibet and flows through northern India and then southwest through Kashmir and Pakistan to the Arabian Sea - "the valley of the Indus was the site of an early civilization"
Indus civilization|the bronze-age culture of the Indus valley that flourished from about 2600-1750 BC
indusium|a membrane enclosing and protecting the developing spores especially that covering the sori of a fern
industrial air pollution|pollution resulting from an industrial plant discharging pollutants into the atmosphere
industrial arts|a course in the methods of using tools and machinery as taught in secondary schools and technical schools
industrial bank|a finance company that makes small loans to industrial workers
industrial engineering|the branch of engineering that deals with the creation and management of systems that integrate people and materials and energy in productive ways
industrial park|a tract of land at a distance from city center that is designed for a cluster of businesses and factories
industrial process|a systematic series of mechanical or chemical operations that produce or manufacture something
Industrial Revolution|the transformation from an agricultural to an industrial nation
industrial union|a labor union that admits all workers in a given industry irrespective of their craft
industrial watercourse|a canal that is operated by one or more industries
Industrial Workers of the World|a former international labor union and radical labor movement in the United States;founded in Chicago in 1905 and dedicated to the overthrow of capitalism;its membership declined after World War I
industrialism|an economic system built on large industries rather than on agriculture or craftsmanship
industrialist|someone who manages or has significant financial interest in an industrial enterprise
industrialization|the development of industry on an extensive scale
industry|the organized action of making of goods and services for sale - "American industry is making increased use of computers to control production";the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise - "each industry has its own trade publications"
industry analyst|an analyst of conditions affecting a particular industry
indweller|activation by an inner spirit or force or principle - "the Holy Spirit is the indweller of the church and its members"
ineffectiveness|lacking the power to be effective
inefficacy|a lack of efficacy
inefficiency|unskillfulness resulting from a lack of efficiency
inelasticity|the lack of elasticity
inelegance|the quality of lacking refinement and good taste
ineligibility|the quality or state of being ineligible
ineluctability|the quality of being impossible to avoid or evade
inequality|lack of equality - "the growing inequality between rich and poor"
inerrancy|(Christianity) exemption from error - "biblical inerrancy"
inertia|(physics) the tendency of a body to maintain its state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force
inertial guidance|a method of controlling the flight of a missile by devices that respond to inertial forces
inertial guidance system|a system to control a plane or spacecraft;uses inertial forces
inertial mass|(physics) the mass of a body as determined by the second law of motion from the acceleration of the body when it is subjected to a force that is not due to gravity
inertial reference frame|a coordinate system in which Newton's first law of motion is valid
inertness|immobility by virtue of being inert
inessential|anything that is not essential - "they discarded all their inessentials"
inessentiality|not of basic importance
inevitability|the quality of being unavoidable
inevitable|an unavoidable event - "don't argue with the inevitable"
inexactness|the quality of being inaccurate and having errors
inexpedience|the quality of being unsuited to the end in view
inexpensiveness|the quality of being affordable
inexperience|lack of experience and the knowledge and understanding derived from experience - "procedural inexperience created difficulties"
inexplicitness|unclearness by virtue of not being explicit
infallibility|the quality of never making an error
infamy|a state of extreme dishonor - "a date which will live in infamy"- F.D.Roosevelt;evil fame or public reputation
infancy|the earliest state of immaturity;the early stage of growth or development
infant deathrate|the death rate during the first year of life
infant feeding|feeding an infant
infant school|British school for children aged 5-7
infanticide|a person who murders an infant;murdering an infant
infantile autism|a rare but serious syndrome of childhood characterized by withdrawal and lack of social responsiveness or interest in others and serious linguistic deficits - "there is considerable dispute among specialists concerning infantile autism"
infantilism|an abnormal condition in which an older child or adult retains infantile characteristics;infantile behavior in mature persons
infantry|an army unit consisting of soldiers who fight on foot
infantryman|fights on foot with small arms
infarct|localized necrosis resulting from obstruction of the blood supply
infatuation|a foolish and usually extravagant passion or love or admiration;an object of extravagant short-lived passion
infeasibility|the quality of not being doable
infection|(international law) illegality that taints or contaminates a ship or cargo rendering it liable to seizure;(medicine) the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms and their multiplication which can lead to tissue damage and disease;(phonetics) the alteration of a speech sound under the influence of a neighboring sound;an incident in which an infectious disease is transmitted;moral corruption or contamination - "ambitious men are led astray by an infection that is almost unavoidable";the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms
infectious agent|an agent capable of producing infection
infectious disease|a disease transmitted only by a specific kind of contact
infectious mononucleosis|an acute disease characterized by fever and swollen lymph nodes and an abnormal increase of mononuclear leucocytes or monocytes in the bloodstream;not highly contagious;some believe it can be transmitted by kissing
infelicity|inappropriate and unpleasing manner or style (especially manner or style of expression)
inference|the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation
inferior|one of lesser rank or station or quality
inferior alveolar artery|the alveolar artery that goes through the mandibular canal to supply the lower teeth
inferior cerebellar artery|the inferior branch of the cerebellar artery
inferior cerebral vein|veins that drain the undersurface of the cerebral hemispheres and empty into the cavernous and transverse sinuses
inferior colliculus|an essential auditory center in the midbrain
inferior conjunction|(astronomy) the alignment of the Earth and a planet on the same side of the sun
inferior court|any court whose decisions can be appealed to a higher court
inferior epigastric vein|empties into the external iliac vein
inferior labial artery|an artery that is a branch of the facial artery that supplies the lower lip
inferior labial vein|a tributary of the facial vein that drains the lower lip
inferior mesenteric artery|arises near the lower end of the aorta and supplies the large intestine
inferior ophthalmic vein|a vein that drains a venous network in the floor and medial wall of the eye socket
inferior planet|any of the planets whose orbit lies inside the earth's orbit
inferior pulmonary vein|either of two pulmonary veins (left and right) returning blood from the inferior lobes of the lungs
inferior rectus muscle|the ocular muscle whose contraction turns the eyeball down and medially
inferior thalamostriate vein|tributaries to the basal vein
inferior thyroid vein|any of several veins on each side that drain the thyroid gland and empty into the innominate vein
inferior vena cava|receives blood from lower limbs and abdominal organs and empties into the posterior part of the right atrium of the heart;formed from the union of the two iliac veins
inferiority|an inferior quality;the quality of being a competitive disadvantage;the state of being inferior
inferiority complex|a sense of personal inferiority arising from conflict between the desire to be noticed and the fear of being humiliated
infernal|an inhabitant of Hell - "his roar made the infernals quake"
infestation|a swarm of insects that attack plants;the state of being invaded or overrun by parasites
infidelity|the quality of being unfaithful
infielder|(baseball) a person who plays a position in the infield
in-fighting|boxing at close quarters;conflict between members of the same organization (usually concealed from outsiders)
infiltration|a process in which individuals (or small groups) penetrate an area (especially the military penetration of enemy positions without detection)
infiltrator|an intruder (as troops) with hostile intent;someone who takes up a position surreptitiously for the purpose of espionage
infiniteness|the quality of being infinite;without bound or limit
infinitesimal|(mathematics) a variable that has zero as its limit
infinitive|the uninflected form of the verb
infinitude|an infinite quantity
infirmity|the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)
infix|an affix that is inserted inside the word
infix notation|a notation for forming mathematical expressions using parentheses and governed by rules of operator precedence;operators are dispersed among the operands
inflammation|a response of body tissues to injury or irritation;characterized by pain and swelling and redness and heat;arousal to violent emotion
inflammatory disease|a disease characterized by inflammation
inflater|an air pump operated by hand to inflate something (as a tire)
inflation|(cosmology) a brief exponential expansion of the universe (faster than the speed of light) postulated to have occurred shortly after the big bang;a general and progressive increase in prices - "in inflation everything gets more valuable except money";the act of filling something with air
inflation rate|the rate of change of prices (as indicated by a price index) calculated on a monthly or annual basis
inflation therapy|therapy in which water or oxygen or a drug is introduced into the respiratory tract with inhaled air
inflationary spiral|an episode of inflation in which prices and wages increase at an increasing rate and currency rapidly loses value
inflection|a change in the form of a word (usually by adding a suffix) to indicate a change in its grammatical function;deviation from a straight or normal course
inflectional ending|an inflection that is added at the end of a root word
inflectional morphology|the part of grammar that deals with the inflections of words
inflexibility|a lack of physical flexibility;the quality of being rigid and rigorously severe
infliction|an act causing pain or damage
infliximab|a monoclonal antibody (trade name Remicade) used to treat Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis;administered by infusion;use and dosage must be determined by a physician;an anti-TNF compound (trade name Remicade) consisting of an antibody directed against TNF;it is given intravenously at one-month to three-month intervals;used in treatment of regional enteritis and rheumatoid arthritis
inflorescence|the flowering part of a plant or arrangement of flowers on a stalk
inflow|the process of flowing in
influence|a cognitive factor that tends to have an effect on what you do - "her wishes had a great influence on his thinking";a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc - "used her parents' influence to get the job";causing something without any direct or apparent effort;one having power to influence another - "she was the most important influence in my life" - "he was a bad influence on the children";the effect of one thing (or person) on another - "the influence of mechanical action"
influenza|an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
infomercial|a television commercial presented in the form of a short documentary
informality|a manner that does not take forms and ceremonies seriously
informant|a person who supplies information
information|(communication theory) a numerical measure of the uncertainty of an outcome - "the signal contained thousands of bits of information";a message received and understood;formal accusation of a crime;knowledge acquired through study or experience or instruction
information age|a period beginning in the last quarter of the 20th century when information became easily accessible through publications and through the manipulation of information by computers and computer networks
information bulletin|a bulletin containing the latest information
information gathering|the act of collecting information
information measure|a system of measurement of information based on the probabilities of the events that convey information
information return|a return that provides information to the tax collector but does not compute the tax liability
information science|the sciences concerned with gathering, manipulating, storing, retrieving, and classifying recorded information
information technology|the branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve and store and transmit information
information theory|(computer science) a statistical theory dealing with the limits and efficiency of information processing
information warfare|the use of information or information technology during a time of crisis or conflict to achieve or promote specific objectives over a specific adversary or adversaries - "not everyone agrees that information warfare is limited to the realm of traditional warfare"
informed consent|consent by a patient to undergo a medical or surgical treatment or to participate in an experiment after the patient understands the risks involved
informer|one who reveals confidential information in return for money
informer's privilege|the right of the government to refuse to reveal the identity of an informer
informing|a speech act that conveys information;to furnish incriminating evidence to an officer of the law (usually in return for favors)
infraorbital artery|an artery that originates from the maxillary artery and supplies structures below the orbit (from lower eyelid to upper lip)
infrared|electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves;the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum;electromagnetic wave frequencies below the visible range - "they could sense radiation in the infrared"
infrared ray|a ray of infrared radiation;produces a thermal effect (as from an infrared lamp)
infrared spectrum|the spectrum of infrared radiation
infrared therapy|the use of infrared radiation (as by infrared lamps or heating pads or hot water bottles) to relieve pain and increase circulation to a particular area of the body
infrastructure|the basic structure or features of a system or organization;the stock of basic facilities and capital equipment needed for the functioning of a country or area
infructescence|the fruiting stage of the inflorescence
infundibulum|any of various funnel-shaped parts of the body (but especially the hypophyseal stalk)
infuriation|a feeling of intense anger
infusion|(medicine) the passive introduction of a substance (a fluid or drug or electrolyte) into a vein or between tissues (as by gravitational force);a solution obtained by steeping or soaking a substance (usually in water);the act of infusing or introducing a certain modifying element or quality - "the team's continued success is attributable to a steady infusion of new talent";the process of extracting certain active properties (as a drug from a plant) by steeping or soaking (usually in water)
Infusoria|in some recent classifications, coextensive with the Ciliata;minute organisms found in decomposing infusions of organic matter
infusorian|any member of the subclass Infusoria
inga|any tree or shrub of the genus Inga having pinnate leaves and showy usually white flowers;cultivated as ornamentals
Inge|English prelate noted for his pessimistic sermons and articles (1860-1954);United States playwright (1913-1973)
ingenue|an actress who specializes in playing the role of an artless innocent young girl;an artless innocent young girl (especially as portrayed on the stage);the role of an innocent artless young woman in a play
ingenuity|the property of being ingenious - "a plot of great ingenuity"
ingenuousness|openly straightforward or frank
ingesta|solid and liquid nourishment taken into the body through the mouth
ingot|metal that is cast in the shape of a block for convenient handling
ingot iron|iron of high purity
ingrate|a person who shows no gratitude
ingratiation|the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by persuasive and subtle blandishments
ingratitude|a lack of gratitude
ingredient|a component of a mixture or compound;food that is a component of a mixture in cooking
Ingres|French classical painter (1780-1867)
ingress|(astronomy) the disappearance of a celestial body prior to an eclipse
Ingrian|a Finnic language spoken by the Ingrian;a member of western Finnish people formerly living in the Baltic province where Saint Petersburg was built
ingrown hair|a hair that does not emerge from the follicle but remains embedded in the skin (usually causing inflammation)
ingrown toenail|toenail having its free tip or edges embedded in the surrounding flesh
ingrowth|something that grows inward
inguinal canal|oblique passage through the lower abdominal wall;in males it is the passage through which the testes descend into the scrotum and it contains the spermatic cord;in females it transmits the round ligament of the uterus
inguinal hernia|hernia in which a loop of intestine enters the inguinal canal;the most common type of hernia in males
inhabitancy|the act of dwelling in or living permanently in a place (said of both animals and men)
inhabitant|a person who inhabits a particular place
inhalant|a medication to be taken by inhaling it;something that is inhaled
inhalation|the act of inhaling;the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing
inhalation anesthesia|general anesthesia achieved by administration of an inhalation anesthetic
inhalation anesthetic|a gas that produces general anesthesia when inhaled
inhaler|a dispenser that produces a chemical vapor to be inhaled in order to relieve nasal congestion
inherence|the state of inhering;the state of being a fixed characteristic - "the inherence of polysemy in human language"
inheritance|(genetics) attributes acquired via biological heredity from the parents;any attribute or immaterial possession that is inherited from ancestors - "my only inheritance was my mother's blessing";hereditary succession to a title or an office or property;that which is inherited;a title or property or estate that passes by law to the heir on the death of the owner
inheritance tax|a tax on the estate of the deceased person
inherited wealth|wealth that is inherited rather than earned
inhibition|(physiology) the process whereby nerves can retard or prevent the functioning of an organ or part - "the inhibition of the heart by the vagus nerve";(psychology) the conscious exclusion of unacceptable thoughts or desires;the quality of being inhibited
inhibitor|a substance that retards or stops an activity
inhomogeneity|the quality of being inhomogeneous
inhospitableness|having an unfriendly and inhospitable disposition;the environmental condition in a region that lacks a favorable climate or terrain for life or growth
inhospitality|unkind and inconsiderate welcome - "he was taken aback by such inhospitality"
inhumaneness|the quality of lacking compassion or consideration for others
inion|the craniometric point that is the most prominent point at the back of the head (at the occipital protuberance)
iniquity|absence of moral or spiritual values
initial|the first letter of a word (especially a person's name) - "he refused to put the initials FRS after his name"
initial public offering|a corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
initiate|people who have been introduced to the mysteries of some field or activity - "it is very familiar to the initiate";someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
initiation|a formal entry into an organization or position or office - "his initiation into the club";the act of starting something for the first time;introducing something new - "she looked forward to her initiation as an adult"
injection|any solution that is injected (as into the skin);the act of putting a liquid into the body by means of a syringe;the forceful insertion of a substance under pressure
injector|a contrivance for injecting (e.g., water into the boiler of a steam engine or particles into an accelerator etc.)
in-joke|a joke that is appreciated only by members of some particular group of people
injudiciousness|lacking good judgment
injunction|(law) a judicial remedy issued in order to prohibit a party from doing or continuing to do a certain activity - "injunction were formerly obtained by writ but now by a judicial order";a formal command or admonition
injury|an accident that results in physical damage or hurt;an act that causes someone or something to receive physical damage;any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.;wrongdoing that violates another's rights and is unjustly inflicted
injustice|an unjust act;the practice of being unjust or unfair
ink|a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing;dark protective fluid ejected into the water by cuttlefish and other cephalopods
ink bottle|a bottle of ink
ink cartridge|a cartridge that contains ink and can be replaced
ink eraser|an eraser that removes ink marks
inkberry|evergreen holly of eastern North America with oblong leathery leaves and small black berries
inkblot|a blot made with ink
ink-jet printer|a printer that produces characters by projecting electrically charged droplets of ink
inkle|a linen tape used for trimming as a decoration
inkling|a slight suggestion or vague understanding - "he had no inkling what was about to happen"
inkstand|a tray or stand for writing implements and containers for ink
inkwell|a small well holding writing ink into which a pen can be dipped
inky cap|having a cap that melts into an inky fluid after spores have matured
inland bill|a bill of exchange that is both drawn and made payable in the same country
Inland Passage|a naturally protected waterway from Seattle to Skagway in southeastern Alaska
Inland Revenue|a board of the British government that administers and collects major direct taxes
Inland Sea|an arm of the Pacific Ocean in southern Japan;surrounded by the islands of Honshu and Shikoku and Kyushu and linked to the Sea of Japan by a narrow channel;the chief port is Hiroshima
in-law|a relative by marriage
inlay|(dentistry) a filling consisting of a solid substance (as gold or porcelain) fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place;a decoration made by fitting pieces of wood into prepared slots in a surface
inlet|an arm off of a larger body of water (often between rocky headlands)
inlet manifold|manifold that carries vaporized fuel from the carburetor to the inlet valves of the cylinders
in-line skate|a shoe with a line of rollers fixed to the sole
inmate|one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)
innateness|the quality of being innate
inner city|the older and more populated and (usually) poorer central section of a city
inner ear|a complex system of interconnecting cavities;concerned with hearing and equilibrium
Inner Hebrides|islands between the Outer Hebrides and the western coast of Scotland
Inner Light|a divine presence believed by Quakers to enlighten and guide the soul
Inner Mongolia|an autonomous region of northeastern China that was annexed by the Manchu rulers in 1635 and became an integral part of China in 1911
inner resource|a resource provided by the mind or one's personal capabilities - "to have an inner resource against loneliness"
inner tube|an inflatable rubber tube that fits inside the casing of a pneumatic tire
innervation|the distribution of nerve fibers to an organ or body region
inning|(baseball) one of nine divisions of play during which each team has a turn at bat
innings|the batting turn of a cricket player or team
innocence|a state or condition of being innocent of a specific crime or offense - "the trial established his innocence"
innocency|an innocent quality or thing or act
innocent|a person who lacks knowledge of evil
Innocent III|Italian pope from 1198 to 1216 who instituted the Fourth Crusade and under whom papal intervention in European politics reached its height (1161-1216)
Innocent VIII|Italian pope from 1484 to 1492 who was known as a nepotist and was attacked by Savonarola for his worldliness (1432-1492)
Innocent XI|Italian pope from 1676 to 1689 whose papacy was marked by the struggle with Louis XIV of France over papal authority over French Catholics;known for saintliness and canonized in 1956 (1611-1689)
Innocent XII|Italian pope from 1691 to 1700 who abolished nepotism within the church hierarchy and was universally loved for his charity and piety
innominate artery|a large artery arising from the arch of the aorta and divides into the right subclavian artery and the right common carotid artery;supplies the right side of the neck and head and the right shoulder and arm
innovativeness|originality by virtue of introducing new ideas
Innsbruck|city in southwestern Austria;known as a summer and winter resort
innumerableness|a number beyond counting
inoculant|a substance (a virus or toxin or immune serum) that is introduced into the body to produce or increase immunity to a particular disease
inoculating|the act of protecting against disease by introducing a vaccine into the body to induce immunity - "doctors examined the recruits but nurses did the inoculating"
inoculation|taking a vaccine as a precaution against contracting a disease
inoculator|a medical practitioner who inoculates people against diseases
inopportuneness|the quality of occurring at an inconvenient time
inorganic chemistry|the chemistry of compounds that do not contain hydrocarbon radicals
inorganic compound|any compound that does not contain carbon
inosine|a nucleoside that is formed by the deamination of adenosine;used in kidney transplantation to provide a temporary source of sugar
inositol|an optically inactive alcohol that is a component of the vitamin B complex
inpatient|a patient who is residing in the hospital where he is being treated
inpouring|an inflow - "an inpouring of spiritual comfort"
input|a component of production;something that goes into the production of output
input file|(computer science) a computer file that contains data that serve as input to a device or program
input program|a utility program that organizes the input to a computer
input routine|a routine that writes from an external source to an internal store
input signal|signal going into an electronic system
inquest|an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death
inquirer|someone who asks a question
inquiry|a search for knowledge;a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
inquiry agent|a private detective
Inquisition|a former tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church (1232-1820) created to discover and suppress heresy;a severe interrogation (often violating the rights or privacy of individuals)
inquisitor|a questioner who is excessively harsh;an official of the ecclesiastical court of the Inquisition
inroad|an encroachment or intrusion - "they made inroads in the United States market";an invasion or hostile attack
insalubrity|the quality of being insalubrious and debilitating
insanity|relatively permanent disorder of the mind
insanity plea|(criminal law) a plea in which the defendant claims innocence due to mental incompetence at the time
inscription|letters inscribed (especially words engraved or carved) on something;the activity of inscribing (especially carving or engraving) letters or words
inscrutability|the quality of being impossible to investigate - "the inscrutability of the future"
insect|small air-breathing arthropod
Insecta|insects;about five-sixths of all known animal species
insecticide|a chemical used to kill insects
insectifuge|a chemical substance that repels insects
Insectivora|shrews;moles;hedgehogs;tenrecs
insectivore|any organism that feeds mainly on insects;small insect-eating mainly nocturnal terrestrial or fossorial mammals
insecureness|the state of being exposed to risk or anxiety
insecurity|the anxiety you experience when you feel vulnerable and insecure;the state of being subject to danger or injury
insemination|the act of sowing (of seeds in the ground or, figuratively, of germs in the body or ideas in the mind, etc.);the introduction of semen into the genital tract of a female
insensibility|a lack of sensibility
insensitivity|the inability to respond to affective changes in your interpersonal environment
insentience|lacking consciousness or ability to perceive sensations
insert|a folded section placed between the leaves of another publication;an artifact that is inserted or is to be inserted
insertion|the act of putting one thing into another
insertional mutagenesis|(genetics) a mutation caused by the insertion of exogenous DNA into a genome
Insessores|a bird with feet adapted for perching (as on tree branches);this order is now generally abandoned by taxonomists
inset|a small picture inserted within the bounds or a larger one
inside|the inner or enclosed surface of something;the region that is inside of something
inside caliper|caliper for measuring inside dimensions (the size of a cavity or hole);points on its legs curve outward
inside clinch|a clinch with the end of the line inside the loop
inside job|some transgression committed with the assistance of someone trusted by the victim - "the police decided that the crime was an inside job"
inside loop|a loop consisting of a climb followed by inverted flight followed by a dive that returns to horizontal flight
inside track|a favorable position in a competition - "the boss's son had the inside track for that job";the inner side of a curved racecourse
insider|an officer of a corporation or others who have access to private information about the corporation's operations
insider information|important information about the plans or condition of a corporation that has not been released to the public;use for personal profit is illegal
insider trading|buying or selling corporate stock by a corporate officer or other insider on the basis of information that has not been made public and is supposed to remain confidential
insidiousness|subtle and cumulative harmfulness (especially of a disease);the quality of being designed to entrap
insight|a feeling of understanding;grasping the inner nature of things intuitively;the clear (and often sudden) understanding of a complex situation
insightfulness|shrewdness shown by keen insight
insignia|a badge worn to show official position
insignia of rank|an insignia worn on a military uniform
insignificance|the quality of having little or no significance
insincerity|the quality of not being open or truthful;deceitful or hypocritical
insinuation|an indirect (and usually malicious) implication
insistence|continual and persistent demands;the act of insisting on something - "insistence on grammatical correctness is a conservative position"
insolation|incident solar radiation
insole|the inner sole of a shoe or boot where the foot rests
insolence|an offensive disrespectful impudent act
insolubility|the quality of being insoluble and difficult to dissolve in liquid
insolvency|the lack of financial resources
insomnia|an inability to sleep;chronic sleeplessness
insomniac|someone who cannot sleep
inspection|a formal or official examination - "we had to wait for the inspection before we could use the elevator"
inspector|a high ranking police officer
inspector general|a military officer responsible for investigations
Inspector Maigret|a fictional detective in novels by Georges Simenon
inspectorate|a body of inspectors
inspectorship|the office of inspector
inspiration|a product of your creative thinking and work - "he had little respect for the inspirations of other artists";a sudden intuition as part of solving a problem;arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity;arousing to a particular emotion or action
inspissation|the process of thickening by dehydration
instability|an unstable order;the quality or attribute of being unstable and irresolute;unreliability attributable to being unstable
installation|the act of installing something (as equipment) - "the telephone installation took only a few minutes"
installation charge|the charge for installing something
installment|a part of a published serial;a payment of part of a debt;usually paid at regular intervals
installment credit|a loan repaid with interest in equal periodic payments
installment debt|debt to be paid by installments
installment plan|a system for paying for goods by installments
instant coffee|dehydrated coffee that can be made into a drink by adding hot water - "the advantages of instant coffee are speed of preparation and long shelf life"
instantiation|a representation of an idea in the form of an instance of it - "how many instantiations were found?"
instar|an insect or other arthropod between molts
instep|the arch of the foot;the part of a shoe or stocking that covers the arch of the foot
instigator|a person who initiates a course of action;someone who deliberately foments trouble - "she was the instigator of their quarrel"
instillation|a liquid that is instilled drop by drop;the introduction of a liquid (by pouring or injection) drop by drop
instillator|medical apparatus that puts a liquid into a cavity drop by drop
instinct|inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli - "the spawning instinct in salmon" - "altruistic instincts in social animals"
institute|an association organized to promote art or science or education
institution|a custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society - "the institution of marriage" - "the institution of slavery" - "he had become an institution in the theater";an establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated;an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
instroke|the stroke of an engine piston moving away from the crankshaft
instruction|(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
instruction book|a book of directions for using or operating some piece of equipment
instruction manual|a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it
instructorship|the position of instructor
instructress|a woman instructor
instrument|a device that requires skill for proper use;a person used by another to gain an end;the means whereby some act is accomplished - "my greed was the instrument of my destruction"
instrument flying|navigation of an airplane solely by instruments
instrument landing|an aircraft landing made entirely by means of instruments
instrument of execution|an instrument designed and used to take the life of a condemned person
instrument of punishment|an instrument designed and used to punish a condemned person
instrument of torture|an instrument of punishment designed and used to inflict torture on the condemned person
instrumental conditioning|operant conditioning that pairs a response with a reinforcement in discrete trials;reinforcement occurs only after the response is given
instrumental music|music intended to be performed by a musical instrument or group of instruments;music produced by playing a musical instrument
instrumental role|the semantic role of the entity (usually inanimate) that the agent uses to perform an action or start a process
instrumentalism|a system of pragmatic philosophy that considers idea to be instruments that should guide our actions and their value is measured by their success
instrumentality|a subsidiary organ of government created for a special purpose;an artifact (or system of artifacts) that is instrumental in accomplishing some end;the quality of being instrumental for some purpose
instrumentation|the act of providing or using the instruments needed for some implementation;the instruments called for in a musical score or arrangement for a band or orchestra
insubordination|an insubordinate act;defiance of authority
insubstantiality|lack of solid substance and strength;lacking substance or reality
insufficiency|(pathology) inability of a bodily part or organ to function normally;a lack of competence;lack of an adequate quantity or number
insufflation|(medicine) blowing air or medicated powder into the lungs (or into some other body cavity);an act of blowing or breathing on or into something
insulating material|a material that reduces or prevents the transmission of heat or sound or electricity
insulation|the act of protecting something by surrounding it with material that reduces or prevents the transmission of sound or heat or electricity;the state of being isolated or detached - "the insulation of England was preserved by the English Channel"
insulator|a material such as glass or porcelain with negligible electrical or thermal conductivity
insulin|hormone secreted by the isles of Langerhans in the pancreas;regulates storage of glycogen in the liver and accelerates oxidation of sugar in cells
insulin shock|hypoglycemia produced by excessive insulin in the system causing coma;the administration of sufficient insulin to induce convulsions and coma
insult|a deliberately offensive act or something producing the effect of deliberate disrespect - "turning his back on me was a deliberate insult"
insurability|the quality of being insurable;the conditions under which an insurance company will issue insurance to an applicant (based on standards set by the insurance company)
insurable interest|an interest in a person or thing that will support the issuance of an insurance policy;an interest in the survival of the insured or in the preservation of the thing that is insured
insurance|promise of reimbursement in the case of loss;paid to people or companies so concerned about hazards that they have made prepayments to an insurance company
insurance broker|an agent who sells insurance
insurance claim|demand for payment in accordance with an insurance policy
insurance company|a financial institution that sells insurance
insured|a person whose interests are protected by an insurance policy;a person who contracts for an insurance policy that indemnifies him against loss of property or life or health etc.
insurgency|an organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a constituted government through the use of subversion and armed conflict
insurgent|a person who takes part in an armed rebellion against the constituted authority (especially in the hope of improving conditions)
insurrectionism|the principle of revolt against constituted authority
intactness|the state of being unimpaired
intaglio|glyptic art consisting of a sunken or depressed engraving or carving on a stone or gem (as opposed to cameo)
intaglio printing|a printing process that uses an etched or engraved plate;the plate is smeared with ink and wiped clean, then the ink left in the recesses makes the print
intake|an opening through which fluid is admitted to a tube or container
intake manifold|a manifold consisting of a pipe to carry fuel to each cylinder in an internal-combustion engine
intake valve|a valve that controls the flow of fluid through an intake
intangibility|the quality of being intangible and not perceptible by touch
intangible|assets that are saleable though not material or physical
integer|any of the natural numbers (positive or negative) or zero - "an integer is a number that is not a fraction"
integral|the result of a mathematical integration;F(x) is the integral of f(x) if dF/dx = f(x)
integral calculus|the part of calculus that deals with integration and its application in the solution of differential equations and in determining areas or volumes etc.
integrated circuit|a microelectronic computer circuit incorporated into a chip or semiconductor;a whole system rather than a single component
integrated data processing|automatic data processing in which data acquisition and other stages or processing are integrated into a coherent system
integrated logistic support|the pooling of specific resources by subscribing nations for the support of some joint operation
integration|an operation used in the calculus whereby the integral of a function is determined;the action of incorporating a racial or religious group into a community
integrator|a measuring instrument for measuring the area of an irregular plane figure
integrity|an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting - "the integrity of the nervous system is required for normal development";moral soundness - "he expects to find in us the common honesty and integrity of men of business" - "they admired his scrupulous professional integrity"
integument|an outer protective covering such as the skin of an animal or a cuticle or seed coat or rind or shell
integumentary system|the skin and its appendages
intellectual|a person who uses the mind creatively
intellectual property|intangible property that is the result of creativity (such as patents or trademarks or copyrights)
intellectualization|(psychiatry) a defense mechanism that uses reasoning to block out emotional stress and conflict
intelligence|a unit responsible for gathering and interpreting information about an enemy;secret information about an enemy (or potential enemy) - "we sent out planes to gather intelligence on their radar coverage";the ability to comprehend;to understand and profit from experience;the operation of gathering information about an enemy
intelligence analyst|a government analyst of information about an enemy or potential enemy
intelligence cell|a terrorist cell whose members are trained to perform reconnaissance and surveillance
Intelligence Community|a group of government agencies and organizations that carry out intelligence activities for the United States government;headed by the Director of Central Intelligence
intelligence quotient|a measure of a person's intelligence as indicated by an intelligence test;the ratio of a person's mental age to their chronological age (multiplied by 100)
intelligence test|a psychometric test of intelligence - "they used to think that intelligence is what an intelligence test tests"
intelligentsia|an educated and intellectual elite
intelligibility|the quality of language that is comprehensible
Intelnet|a computer network similar to but separate from the internet;devoted to the dissemination of information to and for the Intelligence Community
intemperance|consumption of alcoholic drinks;excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites, especially in passion or indulgence - "the intemperance of their language";the quality of being intemperate
intensification|action that makes something stronger or more extreme;the act of increasing the contrast of (a photographic film)
intensifier|a modifier that has little meaning except to intensify the meaning it modifies - "'up' in 'finished up' is an intensifier" - "'honestly' in 'I honestly don't know' is an intensifier"
intension|what you must know in order to determine the reference of an expression
intensity|high level or degree;the property of being intense;the amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation) - "he adjusted the intensity of the sound"
intensive care|close monitoring and constant medical care of patients with life-threatening conditions
intensive care unit|a hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care
intent|the intended meaning of a communication
intention|(usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage proposal - "his intentions are entirely honorable";an act of intending;a volition that you intend to carry out - "my intention changed once I saw her"
intentionality|expressive of intentions
intentness|the quality of being intent and concentrated - "the intentness of his gaze"
interaction|(physics) the transfer of energy between elementary particles or between an elementary particle and a field or between fields;mediated by gauge bosons;a mutual or reciprocal action;interacting
interbank loan|a loan from one bank to another
intercapitular vein|veins connecting the dorsal and palmar veins of the hand or the dorsal and plantar veins of the foot
intercept|the point at which a line intersects a coordinate axis
interception|(American football) the act of catching a football by a player on the opposing team;the act of intercepting;preventing something from proceeding or arriving - "he resorted to the interception of his daughter's letters" - "he claimed that the interception of one missile by another would be impossible"
interceptor|a fast maneuverable fighter plane designed to intercept enemy aircraft
intercession|a prayer to God on behalf of another person
interchange|a junction of highways on different levels that permits traffic to move from one to another without crossing traffic streams;mutual interaction;the activity of reciprocating or exchanging (especially information)
intercommunication|mutual communication;communication with each other - "they intercepted intercommunication between enemy ships"
intercommunication system|a communication system linking different rooms within a building or ship etc
intercommunion|participation in Holy Communion by members of more than one church (eg Catholic and Orthodox)
interconnection|(computer science) the act of interconnecting (wires or computers or theories etc.);a state of being connected reciprocally - "an interconnection between the two buildings"
intercontinental ballistic missile|a ballistic missile that is capable of traveling from one continent to another
intercostal|muscles between the ribs;they contract during inspiration
intercostal artery|several arteries and supplying the intercostal spaces of the rib cage
intercostal vein|several veins draining the intercostal spaces of the rib cage
intercourse|communication between individuals
interdepartmental support|provision of logistic (or administrative) support by one or more of the military services to one or more departments or agencies of the United States government
interdict|a court order prohibiting a party from doing a certain activity;an ecclesiastical censure by the Roman Catholic Church withdrawing certain sacraments and Christian burial from a person or all persons in a particular district
interdiction|authoritative prohibition
interdiction fire|fire directed to an area to prevent the enemy from using that area
interest|(law) a right or legal share of something;a financial involvement with something - "they have interests all over the world";(usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims - "the iron interests stepped up production";a fixed charge for borrowing money;usually a percentage of the amount borrowed - "how much interest do you pay on your mortgage?";a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something - "an interest in music";the power of attracting or holding one's attention (because it is unusual or exciting etc.) - "they said nothing of great interest" - "primary colors can add interest to a room"
interest expense|interest paid on loans
interest rate|the percentage of a sum of money charged for its use
interestedness|the state of being interested
interface|(chemistry) a surface forming a common boundary between two things (two objects or liquids or chemical phases);(computer science) a program that controls a display for the user (usually on a computer monitor) and that allows the user to interact with the system;(computer science) computer circuit consisting of the hardware and associated circuitry that links one device with another (especially a computer and a hard disk drive or other peripherals);the overlap where two theories or phenomena affect each other or have links with each other - "the interface between chemistry and biology"
interfacial tension|surface tension at the surface separating two non-miscible liquids
interference|(American football) blocking a player's path with your body - "he ran interference for the quarterback"
interferometer|any measuring instrument that uses interference patterns to make accurate measurements of waves
interferon|an antiviral protein produced by cells that have been invaded by a virus;inhibits replication of the virus
intergalactic space|the space between galaxies - "the Milky Way travels through intergalactic space"
interim|the time between one event, process, or period and another
interim overhaul|an overhaul between the regular times for overhauling
interior angle|the angle inside two adjacent sides of a polygon
interior decoration|decoration consisting of the layout and furnishings of a livable interior;the trade of planning the layout and furnishings of an architectural interior
interior design|the branch of architecture dealing with the selection and organization of furnishings for an architectural interior
interior designer|a person who specializes in designing architectural interiors and their furnishings
interior door|a door that closes off rooms within a building
interior live oak|a small shrubby evergreen tree of western North America similar to the coast live oak but occurring chiefly in foothills of mountain ranges removed from the coast;an important part of the chaparral
interior monologue|a literary genre that presents a fictional character's sequence of thoughts in the form of a monologue
interjection|the action of interjecting or interposing an action or remark that interrupts
Interlaken|a popular resort town in the Alps in west central Switzerland
interlayer|a layer placed between other layers
interleaf|a blank leaf inserted between the leaves of a book
interleukin|any of several lymphokines that promote macrophages and killer T cells and B cells and other components of the immune system
Interlingua|an artificial language proposed for use as an auxiliary international language;based on words common to English and the Romance languages
interlock|a device that prevents an automotive engine from starting - "car theives know how to bypass the ignition interlock"
interlocutor|a person who takes part in a conversation;the performer in the middle of a minstrel line who engages the others in talk
interlude|a brief show (music or dance etc) inserted between the sections of a longer performance;an intervening period or episode
intermaxillary suture|the suture between the two maxillae of the upper jawbone
intermediate|a substance formed during a chemical process before the desired product is obtained
intermediate host|a host that is used by a parasite in the course of its life cycle
intermediate temporal artery|temporal artery that goes to the middle part of the cerebral cortex of the temporal lobe
intermediate vector boson|a gauge boson that mediates weak interactions between particles
intermediate wheatgrass|Asiatic grass introduced into United States rangelands for pasture and fodder
intermezzo|a short movement coming between the major sections of a symphony;a short piece of instrumental music composed for performance between acts of a drama or opera
intermission|the act of suspending activity temporarily
intermittence|the quality of being intermittent;subject to interruption or periodic stopping
intermittent claudication|lameness due to pain in leg muscles because the blood supply is inadequate;pain subsides with rest
intern|an advanced student or graduate in medicine gaining supervised practical experience ('houseman' is a British term)
internal auditor|an auditor who is an employee of the company whose records are audited and who provides information to the management and board of directors
internal carotid artery|the branch of the carotid artery that supplies blood to the brain and eyes and internal parts of the head
internal cerebral vein|two paired veins passing caudally near the midline and uniting to form the great cerebral vein
internal combustion|the combustion of fuel inside a cylinder (as in an internal-combustion engine)
internal control|an accounting procedure or system designed to promote efficiency or assure the implementation of a policy or safeguard assets or avoid fraud and error etc.
internal drive|a drive mounted inside of a computer
internal iliac artery|the inner branch of the common iliac artery on either side of the body;divides into several branches that supply blood to the pelvic and gluteal areas
internal jugular vein|a continuation of the sigmoid sinus of the dura mater;joins the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein
internal maxillary artery|the maxillary artery that supplies deep structure of the face and some of the meninges
internal medicine|the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and (nonsurgical) treatment of diseases of the internal organs (especially in adults)
internal organ|a main organ that is situated inside the body
internal revenue|government revenue from domestic sources (excluding customs)
Internal Revenue Service|the bureau of the Treasury Department responsible for tax collections
internal rhyme|a rhyme between words in the same line
internal-combustion engine|a heat engine in which combustion occurs inside the engine rather than in a separate furnace;heat expands a gas that either moves a piston or turns a gas turbine
internalization|learning (of values or attitudes etc.) that is incorporated within yourself
internasal suture|the suture between the two nasal bones
International|any of several international socialist organizations
International Atomic Energy Agency|the United Nations agency concerned with atomic energy
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development|a United Nations agency created to assist developing nations by loans guaranteed by member governments
international candle|a former international unit of luminous intensity;now replaced by the candela
International Civil Aviation Organization|the United Nations agency concerned with civil aviation
International Court of Justice|a court established to settle disputes between members of the United Nations
International Development Association|an agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank
International Finance Corporation|a United Nations agency that invests directly in companies and guarantees loans to private investors;affiliated with the World Bank
international flight|a flight that takes off in one country and lands in another
International Grandmaster|a chess player who has been awarded the highest title by an international chess organization
international intelligence agency|an intelligence agency outside the United States
International Islamic Front for Jihad against Jews and Crusaders|a terrorist group organized by Osama bin Laden in 1998 that provided an umbrella organization for al-Qaeda and other militant groups in Egypt and Algeria and Pakistan and Bangladesh
International Labor Organization|the United Nations agency concerned with the interests of labor
international law|the body of laws governing relations between nations
international law enforcement agency|an international administrative unit responsible for law enforcement
International Maritime Organization|the United Nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
International Monetary Fund|a United Nations agency to promote trade by increasing the exchange stability of the major currencies
International Relations and Security Network|Switzerland's information network for security and defense studies and for peace and conflict research and for international relations
international terrorism|terrorism practiced in a foreign country by terrorists who are not native to that country
International Wanted Notice|an Interpol notice describing a wanted person and asking that he or she be arrested with a view to extradition;a wanted notice that is issued by Interpol at the request of an Interpol member country and distributed to all member countries
Internationale|a revolutionary socialist anthem
internationalism|the doctrine that nations should cooperate because their common interests are more important than their differences
internationalist|a member of a socialist or communist international;an advocate of internationalism
internationality|quality of being international in scope - "he applauded the internationality of scientific terminology"
internationalization|the act of bringing something under international control
internee|a person who is interned - "the internees were enemy aliens and suspected terrorists"
internet|a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
Internet Explorer|a commercial browser
internist|a specialist in internal medicine
internment|confinement during wartime
internode|a segment of a stem between two nodes
internship|the position of a medical intern
internuncio|(Roman Catholic Church) a diplomatic representative of the Pope ranking below a nuncio
interoception|sensitivity to stimuli originating inside of the body
interoceptor|any receptor that responds to stimuli inside the body
interoperability|(computer science) the ability to exchange and use information (usually in a large heterogeneous network made up of several local area networks)
interpellation|(parliament) a parliamentary procedure of demanding that a government official explain some act or policy
interpenetration|mutual penetration;diffusion of each through the other;the action of penetrating between or among
interphalangeal joint|any of the joints between the phalanges of the fingers or toes
interphone|a telephonic intercommunication system linking different rooms in a building or ship etc
interplanetary dust|microscopic particles in the interplanetary medium
interplanetary gas|a rarefied flow of gas and charged particles (plasma) that stream from the sun and form the solar wind
interplanetary medium|interplanetary space including forms of energy and gas and dust
interplanetary space|the part of outer space within the solar system
interplay|reciprocal action and reaction
Interpol|an international intelligence agency permitting collaboration among intelligence agencies around the world
interpolation|(mathematics) calculation of the value of a function between the values already known;a message (spoken or written) that is introduced or inserted - "with the help of his friend's interpolations his story was eventually told"
interposition|the act or fact of interposing one thing between or among others
interpretation|a mental representation of the meaning or significance of something;an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious - "the edict was subject to many interpretations";an explanation that results from interpreting something - "the report included his interpretation of the forensic evidence"
interpreter|(computer science) a program that translates and executes source language statements one line at a time;someone who mediates between speakers of different languages;someone who uses art to represent something - "his paintings reveal a sensitive interpreter of nature" - "she was famous as an interpreter of Shakespearean roles"
interpretive dance|a form of modern dance in which the dancer's movements depict an emotion or tell a story
interreflection|reciprocal reflection between two reflecting surfaces - "there was interreflection between the two surfaces of the lens"
interregnum|the time between two reigns, governments, etc.
interrelation|mutual or reciprocal relation or relatedness - "interrelationships of animal structure and function"
interrogation|a transmission that will trigger an answering transmission from a transponder;formal systematic questioning
interrogative mood|some linguists consider interrogative sentences to constitute a mood
interrupt|a signal that temporarily stops the execution of a program so that another procedure can be carried out
interrupted fern|North American fern having tall erect pinnate fronds and a few sporogenous pinnae at or near the center of the fertile fronds
interrupter|a device for automatically interrupting an electric current
interruption|some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity - "the telephone is an annoying interruption"
intersection|a junction where one street or road crosses another;a point or set of points common to two or more geometric configurations;a point where lines intersect;the act of intersecting (as joining by causing your path to intersect your target's path);the set of elements common to two or more sets - "the set of red hats is the intersection of the set of hats and the set of red things"
inter-service support|action by one military service to provide logistic (or administrative) support to another military service
interspersion|the act of combining one thing at intervals among other things - "the interspersion of illustrations in the text"
interstate|one of the system of highways linking major cities in the 48 contiguous states of the United States
Interstate Commerce Commission|a former independent federal agency that supervised and set rates for carriers that transported goods and people between states;was terminated in 1995
interstellar medium|interstellar space including streams of protons moving from the stars
interstellar space|the space between stars
interstice|a small structural space between tissues or parts of an organ - "the interstices of a network";small opening between things
interstitial fluid|liquid found between the cells of the body that provides much of the liquid environment of the body
interstitial pneumonia|chronic lung disease affecting the interstitial tissue of the lungs
interstitial tissue|tissue between the cells of a structure or part in plant or animal
intertrigo|chafing between two skin surfaces that are in contact (as in the armpit or under the breasts or between the thighs)
interval|a set containing all points (or all real numbers) between two given endpoints;the difference in pitch between two notes;the distance between things
intervenor|(law) a party who interposes in a pending proceeding
intervention|(law) a proceeding that permits a person to enter into a lawsuit already in progress;admission of person not an original party to the suit so that person can protect some right or interest that is allegedly affected by the proceedings - "the purpose of intervention is to prevent unnecessary duplication of lawsuits";a policy of intervening in the affairs of other countries;the act of intervening (as to mediate a dispute, etc.) - "it occurs without human intervention"
interventricular foramen|the small opening (on both the right and left sides) that connects the third ventricle in the diencephalon with the lateral ventricle in the cerebral hemisphere
intervertebral disc|a fibrocartilaginous disc serving as a cushion between all of the vertebrae of the spinal column (except between the first two)
intervertebral vein|one of several veins accompanying spinal nerves
interview|the questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is elicited);often conducted by journalists - "my interviews with teenagers revealed a weakening of religious bonds"
interviewee|a person who is interviewed
interviewer|a person who conducts an interview
intestacy|the situation of being or dying without a legally valid will
intestinal bypass|surgical operation that shortens the small intestine;used in treating obesity
intestinal flora|harmless microorganisms (as Escherichia coli) that inhabit the intestinal tract and are essential for its normal functioning
intestinal juice|secretions by glands lining the walls of the intestines
intestinal obstruction|blockage of the intestine (especially the ileum) that prevents the contents of the intestine from passing to the lower bowel
intestine|the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus
inti|the basic unit of money in Peru
intifada|an uprising by Palestinian Arabs (in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank) against Israel in the late 1980s and again in 2000 - "the first intifada ended when Israel granted limited autonomy to the Palestine National Authority in 1993"
intima|the innermost membrane of an organ (especially the inner lining of an artery or vein or lymphatic vessel)
intimidation|the feeling of being intimidated;being made to feel afraid or timid;the feeling of discouragement in the face of someone's superior fame or wealth or status etc.
intolerance|impatience with annoyances - "his intolerance of interruptions";unwillingness to recognize and respect differences in opinions or beliefs
intonation|rise and fall of the voice pitch;singing by a soloist of the opening piece of plainsong;the act of singing in a monotonous tone;the production of musical tones (by voice or instrument);especially the exactitude of the pitch relations
intonation pattern|intonations characteristic of questions and requests and statements
intoxicant|a drug that can produce a state of intoxication
intoxication|excitement and elation beyond the bounds of sobriety - "the intoxication of wealth and power"
intracapsular surgery|cataract surgery in which the entire lens is removed
intracellular fluid|liquid contained inside the cell membranes (usually containing dissolved solutes)
intracranial aneurysm|an aneurysm of a cranial artery
intractability|the trait of being hard to influence or control
intradermal injection|an injection into the skin
intradermal test|a form of skin test in which the suspected allergen is injected into the skin
intrados|the interior curve of an arch
intramuscular injection|an injection into a muscle
intranet|a restricted computer network;a private network created using World Wide Web software
intransigency|the trait of being intransigent;stubbornly refusing to compromise
intransitive verb|a verb (or verb construction) that does not take an object
intransitivity|the grammatical relation created by an intransitive verb
intraocular lens|an artificial lens that is implanted into the eye of someone to replace a damaged natural lens or someone who has had a cataract removed
intraocular pressure|pressure exerted by the fluids inside the eyeball;regulated by resistance to the outward flow of aqueous humor - "glaucoma can result from increased intraocular pressure"
intrauterine device|contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus
intravasation|entry of foreign matter into a blood vessel
intravenous anesthetic|an anesthetic that produces anesthesia when injected into the circulatory system
intravenous drip|slow continuous drip introducing solutions intravenously (a drop at a time)
intravenous feeding|administration of nutrients through a vein
intravenous injection|an injection into a vein
intravenous pyelogram|X-ray picture of the kidneys and ureters after injection of a radiopaque dye
intravenous pyelography|performing pyelography with intravenous injection of a contrast medium
intrigue|a clandestine love affair;a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
intrinsic factor|a substance produced by the mucosa of the stomach and intestines that is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 - "lack of intrinsic factor can result in pernicious anemia"
intrinsic fraud|fraud (as by use of forged documents or false claims or perjury) that misleads a court or jury and induces a finding for the one perpetrating the fraud
intro|a brief introductory passage to a piece of popular music
introduction|a basic or elementary instructional text;a new proposal - "they resisted the introduction of impractical alternatives";the act of beginning something new;the first section of a communication
introit|a composition of vocal music that is appropriate for opening church services
introitus|entrance or opening to a hollow organ or tube (especially the vaginal opening) - "the introitus of the vagina"
introject|(psychoanalysis) parental figures (and their values) that you introjected as a child;the voice of conscience is usually a parent's voice internalized
introjection|(psychoanalysis) the internalization of the parent figures and their values;leads to the formation of the superego;(psychology) unconscious internalization of aspects of the world (especially aspects of persons) within the self in such a way that the internalized representation takes over the psychological functions of the external objects
intron|sequence of a eukaryotic gene's DNA that is not translated into a protein
introspection|the contemplation of your own thoughts and desires and conduct
introspectiveness|thoughtfulness about your own situation and feelings
introversion|(psychology) an introverted disposition;concern with one's own thoughts and feelings
introvert|(psychology) a person who tends to shrink from social contacts and to become preoccupied with their own thoughts
intruder|someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission
intrusion|entrance by force or without permission or welcome;rock produced by an intrusive process;the forcing of molten rock into fissures or between strata of an earlier rock formation
intrusiveness|aggressiveness as evidenced by intruding;by advancing yourself or your ideas without invitation
intuition|an impression that something might be the case - "he had an intuition that something had gone wrong";instinctive knowing (without the use of rational processes)
intuitionism|(philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired primarily by intuition
intumescence|swelling up with blood or other fluids (as with congestion);the increase in volume of certain substances when they are heated (often accompanied by release of water)
intussusception|(biology) growth in the surface area of a cell by the deposit of new particles between existing particles in the cell wall
inula|any plant of the genus Inula
inulin|used to manufacture fructose and in assessing kidney function
inutility|the quality of having no practical use
invader|someone who enters by force in order to conquer
invagination|the condition of being folded inward or sheathed;the folding in of an outer layer so as to form a pocket in the surface - "the invagination of the blastula"
invalid|someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury
invalidator|an official who can invalidate or nullify - "my bank check was voided and I wanted to know who the invalidator was"
invalidism|chronic ill health
invalidity|illogicality as a consequence of having a conclusion that does not follow from the premisses
invaluableness|the positive quality of being precious and beyond value
Invar|an alloy of iron and nickel having a low coefficient of thermal expansion;used in tuning forks and measuring tapes and other instruments
invariability|the quality of being resistant to variation
invariance|the nature of a quantity or property or function that remains unchanged when a given transformation is applied to it - "the invariance of the configuration under translation"
invariant|a feature (quantity or property or function) that remains unchanged when a particular transformation is applied to it
invasion|(pathology) the spread of pathogenic microorganisms or malignant cells to new sites in the body - "the tumor's invasion of surrounding structures";any entry into an area not previously occupied - "an invasion of tourists" - "an invasion of locusts";the act of invading;the act of an army that invades for conquest or plunder
invasion of privacy|the wrongful intrusion by individuals or the government into private affairs with which the public has no concern
invention|a creation (a new device or process) resulting from study and experimentation;the act of inventing;the creation of something in the mind
inventiveness|the power of creative imagination
inventor|someone who is the first to think of or make something
inventory|(accounting) the value of a firm's current assets including raw materials and work in progress and finished goods;a detailed list of all the items in stock;making an itemized list of merchandise or supplies on hand - "an inventory may be necessary to see if anything is missing" - "they held an inventory every month"
inventory accounting|accounting that controls and evaluates inventory
inventory control|supervision of the supply and storage and accessibility of items in order to insure an adequate supply without excessive oversupply
inventory item|an item listed in an inventory
inverse|something inverted in sequence or character or effect - "when the direct approach failed he tried the inverse"
inverse function|a function obtained by expressing the dependent variable of one function as the independent variable of another;f and g are inverse functions if f(x)=y and g(y)=x
inversion|(counterpoint) a variation of a melody or part in which ascending intervals are replaced by descending intervals and vice versa;(genetics) a kind of mutation in which the order of the genes in a section of a chromosome is reversed;a chemical process in which the direction of optical rotation of a substance is reversed from dextrorotatory to levorotary or vice versa;a term formerly used to mean taking on the gender role of the opposite sex;abnormal condition in which an organ is turned inward or inside out (as when the upper part of the uterus is pulled into the cervical canal after childbirth);the act of turning inside out;the layer of air near the earth is cooler than an overlying layer;turning upside down;setting on end
invert sugar|a mixture of equal parts of glucose and fructose resulting from the hydrolysis of sucrose;found naturally in fruits;sweeter than glucose
invertase|an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose
invertebrate|any animal lacking a backbone or notochord;the term is not used as a scientific classification
inverted hang|a hang performed on the rings with the body upside down
inverted pleat|a box pleat reversed so that the fullness is turned inward
inverter|an electrical converter that converts direct current into alternating current
investigation|the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
investigator|someone who investigates
investing|the act of investing;laying out money or capital in an enterprise with the expectation of profit
investment|money that is invested with an expectation of profit;outer layer or covering of an organ or part or organism;the act of putting on robes or vestments;the ceremonial act of clothing someone in the insignia of an office;the formal promotion of a person to an office or rank;the commitment of something other than money (time, energy, or effort) to a project with the expectation of some worthwhile result - "this job calls for the investment of some hard thinking" - "he made an emotional investment in the work"
investment adviser|someone who advises others how to invest their money
investment banker|a banker who deals chiefly in underwriting new securities
investment company|a financial institution that sells shares to individuals and invests in securities issued by other companies
investment letter|a letter of intent saying that a letter security is being bought for investment and not for resale;avoids need for SEC registration
investor|someone who commits capital in order to gain financial returns
investors club|a club of small investors who buy and sell securities jointly
invigilation|keeping watch over examination candidates to prevent cheating
invigilator|someone who watches examination candidates to prevent cheating
invisibility|the quality of not being perceivable by the eye
invisible balance|the difference in value over a period of time of a country's imports and exports of services and payments of property incomes
invitation|a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something - "an invitation to lunch" - "she threw the invitation away";a tempting allurement - "she was an invitation to trouble"
invite|a colloquial expression for invitation - "he didn't get no invite to the party"
invocation|a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service;an incantation used in conjuring or summoning a devil;the act of appealing for help
involucre|a highly conspicuous bract or bract pair or ring of bracts at the base of an inflorescence
involution|a long and intricate and complicated grammatical construction;reduction in size of an organ or part (as in the return of the uterus to normal size after childbirth);the action of enfolding something
involutional depression|a major depressive episode associated with the climacteric
involvement|a connection of inclusion or containment - "he escaped involvement in the accident" - "there was additional involvement of the liver and spleen"
invulnerability|having the strength to withstand attack;the property of being invulnerable;the property of being incapable of being hurt (physically or emotionally)
inwardness|preoccupation especially with one's attitudes and ethical or ideological values - "the sensitiveness of James's characters, their seeming inwardness" - "inwardness is what an Englishman quite simply has, painlessly, as a birthright";preoccupation with what concerns human inner nature (especially ethical or ideological values) - "Socrates' inwardness, integrity, and inquisitiveness"- H.R.Finch;the quality or state of being inward or internal - "the inwardness of the body's organs"
Io|(Greek mythology) a maiden seduced by Zeus;when Hera was about to discover them together Zeus turned her into a white heifer;the closest of Jupiter's moons;has active volcanoes
io moth|large yellow American moth having a large eyelike spot on each hind wing;the larvae have stinging spines
iodic acid|a soluble crystalline acid;used as a reagent and disinfectant
iodide|a salt or ester of hydriodic acid
iodination|the substitution or addition of iodine atoms in organic compounds
iodine|a nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens;used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes;occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)
iodine-125|light radioactive isotope of iodine with a half-life of 60 days;used as a tracer in thyroid studies and as a treatment for hyperthyroidism
iodine-131|heavy radioactive isotope of iodine with a half-life of 8 days;used in a sodium salt to diagnose thyroid disease and to treat goiter
iodoamino acid|an amino acid with iodine added
iodochlorhydroxyquin|drug used to treat certain fungal infection (as athlete's foot)
iodocompound|a compound containing the covalent iodine radical
iodoform|a yellowish crystalline solid with a penetrating odor;sometimes used as an antiseptic dressing;sweet smelling yellow solid haloform CHI3
iodoprotein|a protein that contains iodine
iodopsin|a violet photopigment in the retinal cones of the eyes of most vertebrates;plays a role in daylight vision
iodothyronine|thyronine with iodine added
iodotyrosine|tyrosine with iodine added
ion|a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative);an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
ion beam|a beam of ions moving in the same direction at the same speed
ion engine|a type of reaction-propulsion engine to propel rockets in space;a stream of positive ions is accelerated to a high velocity by an electric field
ion exchange|a process in which ions are exchanged between a solution and an insoluble (usually resinous) solid;widely used in industrial processing
ion pump|a vacuum pump that removes gas by ionizing the atoms or molecules and adsorbing them on a metal surface
Ionesco|French dramatist (born in Romania) who was a leading exponent of the theater of the absurd (1912-1994)
Ionia|region of western Asia Minor colonized by ancient Greeks
Ionian|a member of one of four linguistic divisions of the prehistoric Greeks;the ancient Greek inhabitants of Attica and related regions in Ionia
Ionian Sea|an arm of the Mediterranean Sea between western Greece and southern Italy
ionic bond|a chemical bond in which one atom loses an electron to form a positive ion and the other atom gains an electron to form a negative ion
ionic charge|the charge on an ion is equal to a constant charge e multiplied by an integer from 1 to 15
Ionic order|the second Greek order;the capital is decorated with spiral scrolls
ionization|the condition of being dissociated into ions (as by heat or radiation or chemical reaction or electrical discharge) - "the ionization of a gas";the process of ionizing;the formation of ions by separating atoms or molecules or radicals or by adding or subtracting electrons from atoms by strong electric fields in a gas
ionization chamber|a measuring instrument that measures the amount of ionizing radiation
ionizing radiation|high-energy radiation capable of producing ionization in substances through which it passes
ionosphere|the outer region of the Earth's atmosphere;contains a high concentration of free electrons
ionospheric wave|a sky wave that is reflected by the ionosphere
iontophoresis|therapy that uses a local electric current to introduce the ions of a medicine into the tissues
iota|the 9th letter of the Greek alphabet
IOU|an informal debt instrument;representing 'I owe you'
Iowa|a dialect of the Chiwere language spoken by the Iowa;a member of the Siouan people formerly living in Iowa and Minnesota and Missouri;a state in midwestern United States
Iowa crab|wild crab apple of western United States with fragrant pink flowers
Iowan|a native or resident of Iowa
ipecac|a medicinal drug used to evoke vomiting (especially in cases of drug overdose or poisoning)
Iphigenia|(Greek mythology) the daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon;Agamemnon was obliged to offer her as a sacrifice to Artemis when the Greek fleet was becalmed on its way to Troy;Artemis rescued her and she later became a priestess
iPod|(trademark) a pocket-sized device used to play music files
Ipomoea|morning glory
ipratropium bromide|an inhaled bronchodilator (trade name Atrovent)
iproclozide|an antidepressant drug that acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
ipse dixit|an unsupported dogmatic assertion
Ipsus|a battle between the successors of Alexander the Great (301 BC);Lysimachus and Seleucus defeated Antigonus and Demetrius
Iran|a theocratic Islamic republic in the Middle East in western Asia;Iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as Persia until 1935;rich in oil
Irani|a native or inhabitant of Iran - "the majority of Irani are Persian Shiite Muslims"
Iranian|the modern Persian language spoken in Iran
Iranian dinar|100 dinars equal 1 rial in Iran
Iranian monetary unit|monetary unit in Iran
Iranian rial|the basic unit of money in Iran
Iran-Iraq War|a dispute over control of the waterway between Iraq and Iran broke out into open fighting in 1980 and continued until 1988, when they accepted a UN cease-fire resolution
Iraq|a republic in the Middle East in western Asia;the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia was in the area now known as Iraq
Iraqi|a native or inhabitant of Iraq - "the majority of Iraqi are Arab Shiite Muslims although Sunni Muslims control the government"
Iraqi dinar|the basic unit of money in Iraq;equal to 1,000 fils
Iraqi Intelligence Service|the most notorious and possibly the most important arm of Iraq's security system
Iraqi Kurdistan|the part of Kurdistan that is in northwestern Iraq
Iraqi monetary unit|monetary unit in Iraq
Iraqi National Congress|a heterogeneous collection of groups united in their opposition to Saddam Hussein's government of Iraq;formed in 1992 it is comprised of Sunni and Shiite Arabs and Kurds who hope to build a new government
irascibility|a feeling of resentful anger
Ireland|a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921;an island comprising the republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
Irena|type genus of the Irenidae;fairy bluebirds
Irenaeus|Greek theologian who was bishop of Lyons and an antiheretical writer;a saint and Doctor of the Church (circa 130-200)
Irenidae|a family of birds of the suborder Oscines
Iresine|genus of tropical American herbs or subshrubs
Iridaceae|large family of usually perennial geophytic herbs with rhizomes or corms or bulbs
iridaceous plant|any bulbous plant of the family Iridaceae
iridectomy|an eye operation that treats closed-angle glaucoma by surgical removal of part of the iris of the eye
iridium|a heavy brittle metallic element of the platinum group;used in alloys;occurs in natural alloys with platinum or osmium
iridocyclitis|inflammation of the iris and ciliary body of the eye
iridokeratitis|inflammation of the iris and cornea of the eye
iridoncus|swelling of the iris of the eye
Iridoprocne|a genus of Hirundinidae
iridotomy|a surgical procedure that makes an incision in the iris of the eye in order to enlarge the pupil or to treat closed-angle glaucoma
iris|diaphragm consisting of thin overlapping plates that can be adjusted to change the diameter of a central opening;muscular diaphragm that controls the size of the pupil which in turn controls the amount of light that enters the eye;it forms the colored portion of the eye;plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
iris scanning|biometric identification by scanning the iris of the eye
Irish|people of Ireland or of Irish extraction;the Celtic language of Ireland;whiskey made in Ireland chiefly from barley
Irish coffee|sweetened coffee with Irish whiskey and whipped cream
Irish monetary unit|monetary unit in Eire
Irish moss|dark purple edible seaweed of the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America
Irish National Liberation Army|a radical terrorist group dedicated to the removal of British forces from Northern Ireland and the unification of Ireland
Irish person|a native or inhabitant of Ireland
Irish pound|formerly the basic unit of money in Ireland;equal to 100 pence
Irish Republican Army|a militant organization of Irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive British forces from Northern Ireland and achieve a united independent Ireland
Irish Sea|an arm of the North Atlantic between Great Britain and Ireland
Irish setter|an Irish breed with a chestnut-brown or mahogany-red coat
Irish soda bread|round loaf made with soda and buttermilk;often containing caraway seeds and raisins
Irish stew|meat (especially mutton) stewed with potatoes and onions
Irish terrier|medium-sized breed with a wiry brown coat;developed in Ireland
Irish water spaniel|breed of large spaniels developed in Ireland having a heavy coat of liver-colored curls and a topknot of long curls and a nearly hairless tail
Irish wolfhound|large breed of hound with a rough thick coat
Irishman|a man who is a native or inhabitant of Ireland
Irishwoman|a woman who is a native or inhabitant of Ireland
iritis|inflammation of the iris
iron|a golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head;a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element;is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts;used in construction and tools and armament;plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood;home appliance consisting of a flat metal base that is heated and used to smooth cloth;implement used to brand live stock
Iron Age|(archeology) the period following the Bronze Age;characterized by rapid spread of iron tools and weapons;(classical mythology) the last and worst age of the world
iron blue|any of various blue pigments;slightly purplish or bluish dark grey
iron cage|a cage from which there is no escape
iron curtain|an impenetrable barrier to communication or information especially as imposed by rigid censorship and secrecy;used by Winston Churchill in 1946 to describe the demarcation between democratic and communist countries
iron deficiency anemia|a form of anemia due to lack of iron in the diet or to iron loss as a result of chronic bleeding
iron disulfide|a compound containing two atoms of sulfur combined with iron
iron filing|a fragment of iron rubbed off by the use of a file
iron fist|rigorous or ruthless control - "she rules the office with an iron fist" - "it takes an iron fist to contain the dissenting factions"
iron foundry|a foundry where cast iron is produced
iron horse|(c. 1840) an early term for a locomotive
iron lung|respirator that produces alternations in air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest to force air into and out of the lungs thus providing artificial respiration
iron maiden|instrument of torture consisting of a hollow iron frame shaped like the human body and lined with spikes to impale the victim
iron man|a strong man of exceptional physical endurance
iron mold|a spot caused the staining with rust or ink
iron ore|an ore from which iron can be extracted
iron perchloride|a highly toxic chemical used to engrave metal plates and electronic circuits
iron putty|a cement resembling putty;made by mixing ferric oxide and boiled linseed oil;is acid resistant
iron trap|a trap from which there is no escape
iron tree|a small slow-growing deciduous tree of northern Iran having a low domed shape
ironclad|a wooden warship of the 19th century that is plated with iron or steel armor
iron-grey|the color of freshly broken cast iron
ironing|garments (clothes or linens) that are to be (or have been) ironed - "there was a basketful of ironing to do";the work of using heat to smooth washed clothes in order to remove any wrinkles
ironing board|narrow padded board on collapsible supports;used for ironing clothes
ironmonger|someone who sells hardware - "in England they call a hardwareman an ironmonger"
ironmongery|the merchandise that is sold in an ironmonger's shop
irons|metal shackles;for hands or legs
ironside|a man of great strength or bravery
ironweed|any of various plants of the genus Vernonia of tropical and warm regions of especially North America that take their name from their loose heads of purple to rose flowers that quickly take on a rusty hue
ironwood|exceptionally tough or hard wood of any of a number of ironwood trees
ironwork|work made of iron (gratings or rails or railings etc) - "the houses had much ornamental ironwork"
ironworker|a person who makes articles of iron
ironworks|the workplace where iron is smelted or where iron goods are made
irony|a trope that involves incongruity between what is expected and what occurs;incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs - "the irony of Ireland's copying the nation she most hated"
Iroquoian|a family of North American Indian languages spoken by the Iroquois
Iroquois|any member of the warlike North American Indian peoples formerly living in New York State;the Iroquois League were allies of the British during the American Revolution
Iroquois League|a league of Iroquois tribes including originally the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca (the Five Nations);after 1722 they were joined by the Tuscarora (the Six Nations)
irradiation|(Pavolvian conditioning) the elicitation of a conditioned response by stimulation similar but not identical to the original stimulus;(physiology) the spread of sensory neural impulses in the cortex;the apparent enlargement of a bright object when viewed against a dark background;the condition of being exposed to radiation
irrational hostility|extreme prejudice
irrational impulse|a strong spontaneous and irrational motivation
irrational motive|a motivation that is inconsistent with reason or logic
irrational number|a real number that cannot be expressed as a rational number
irrationality|the state of being irrational;lacking powers of understanding
Irrawaddy|the main river of Myanmar rising in the north and flowing south through the length of Burma to empty into the Andaman Sea
irredenta|a region that is related ethnically or historically to one country but is controlled politically by another
irredentism|the doctrine that irredenta should be controlled by the country to which they are ethnically or historically related
irredentist|an advocate of irredentism
irregular|merchandise that has imperfections;usually sold at a reduced price without the brand name
irregularity|an irregular asymmetry in shape;an irregular spatial pattern;not characterized by a fixed principle or rate;at irregular intervals
irrelevance|the lack of a relation of something to the matter at hand
irreligionist|someone who is indifferent or hostile to religion
irreligiousness|the quality of not being devout
irreplaceableness|the quality of being irreplaceable
irrepressibility|irrepressible liveliness and good spirit
irreproducibility|the quality of being unreproducible - "he could not explain the irreproducibility of the results of his experiment"
irresistibility|the quality of being overpowering and impossible to resist
irresoluteness|the trait of being irresolute;lacking firmness of purpose
irresponsibility|a form of untrustworthiness;the trait of lacking a sense of responsibility and not feeling accountable for your actions
irreverence|a disrespectful act;an irreverent mental attitude
irreversibility|the quality of being irreversible (once done it cannot be changed)
irreversible process|any process that is not reversible
irrigation|(medicine) cleaning a wound or body organ by flushing or washing out with water or a medicated solution;supplying dry land with water by means of ditches etc
irrigation ditch|a ditch to supply dry land with water artificially
irritability|an irritable petulant feeling
irritable bowel syndrome|recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea (often alternating with periods of constipation);often associated with emotional stress
irritant|something that causes irritation and annoyance
irritation|(pathology) abnormal sensitivity to stimulation - "any food produced irritation of the stomach";the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed
irruption|a sudden sharp increase in the relative numbers of a population;a sudden violent entrance;a bursting in - "the recent irruption of bad manners"
Irtish|an Asian river that rises in the Altai Mountains in northern China and flows generally northwest to become a tributary of the Ob River
Irula|a Dravidian language closely related to Tamil that is spoken in a hilly section of southwestern India
Irving|United States writer of darkly humorous novels (born in 1942);United States writer remembered for his stories (1783-1859)
Irvingia|wild mango
Isaac|(Old Testament) the second patriarch;son of Abraham and Sarah who was offered by Abraham as a sacrifice to God;father of Jacob and Esau
Isabella|the queen of Castile whose marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 marked the beginning of the modern state of Spain;they instituted the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 and sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus in 1492 (1451-1504)
Isaiah|(Old Testament) the first of the major Hebrew prophets (8th century BC);an Old Testament book consisting of Isaiah's prophecies
Isatis|Old World genus of annual to perennial herbs;woad
ischemia|local anemia in a given body part sometimes resulting from vasoconstriction or thrombosis or embolism
ischemic anoxia|anoxia resulting from slow peripheral circulation (such as follows congestive cardiac failure)
ischemic hypoxia|hypoxia resulting from slow peripheral circulation (such as follows congestive cardiac failure)
ischemic stroke|the most common kind of stroke;caused by an interruption in the flow of blood to the brain (as from a clot blocking a blood vessel)
Ischia|a volcanic island (part of Campania) in the Tyrrhenian Sea at the north end of the Bay of Naples
Ischigualastia|early reptile found in Argentina
ischium|one of the three sections of the hipbone;situated below the ilium
Isere|a river in southeastern France;a tributary of the Rhone
Iseult|(Middle Ages) the bride of the king of Cornwall who (according to legend) fell in love with the king's nephew (Tristan) after they mistakenly drank a love potion that left them eternally in love with each other
Isfahan|city in central Iran;former capital of Persia
Isherwood|United States writer (born in England) whose best known novels portray Berlin in the 1930's and who collaborated with W. H. Auden in writing plays in verse (1904-1986)
Ishmael|(Old Testament) the son of Abraham who was cast out after the birth of Isaac;considered the forebear of 12 Arabian tribes
Ishtar|Babylonian and Assyrian goddess of love and fertility and war;counterpart to the Phoenician Astarte
Isis|Egyptian goddess of fertility;daughter of Geb;sister and wife of Osiris
Islam|the civilization of Muslims collectively which is governed by the Muslim religion - "Islam is predominant in northern Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, and Indonesia";the monotheistic religious system of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran - "Islam is a complete way of life, not a Sunday religion"
Islamabad|the capital of Pakistan in the north on a plateau;the site was chosen in 1959
Islamic Army of Aden|Yemen-based terrorist group that supports al-Qaeda's goals;seeks to overthrow the Yemeni government and eliminate United States interests;responsible for bombings and kidnappings and killing western tourists in Yemen
Islamic calendar|the lunar calendar used by Muslims;dates from 622 AD (the year of the Hegira);the beginning of the Muslim year retrogresses through the solar year completing the cycle every 32 years
Islamic calendar month|any lunar month in the Muslim calendar
Islamic Great Eastern Raiders-Front|a Turkish terrorist organization that claimed responsibility for bombing a British consulate and bank in Istanbul;a violent opponent of Turkey's secular government and its ties to the European Union and NATO
Islamic Group of Uzbekistan|a terrorist group of Islamic militants formed in 1996;opposes Uzbekistan's secular regime and wants to establish an Islamic state in central Asia;is a conduit for drugs from Afghanistan to central Asian countries
Islamism|a fundamentalist Islamic revivalist movement generally characterized by moral conservatism and the literal interpretation of the Koran and the attempt to implement Islamic values in all aspects of life
Islamist|a scholar who knowledgeable in Islamic studies;an orthodox Muslim
Islamophobia|prejudice against Muslims - "Muslim intellectuals are afraid of growing Islamophobia in the West"
island|a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water;a zone or area resembling an island
islander|an inhabitant of an island
islands of Langerhans|cell clusters in the pancreas that form the endocrine part of that organ;secrete insulin and other hormones
Islay|an island of western Scotland at the southern end of the Inner Hebrides
isle|a small island
Isle of Skye|an island of northwestern Scotland noted for its rugged mountain scenery
Isle Royal National Park|a national park on an island in Michigan;includes prehistoric iron mines
Ismaili|an adherent of Ismailism;a member of the Ismaili branch of Shiism
Ismailism|the branch of Shiism noted for its esoteric philosophy
isoagglutination|agglutination of an agglutinogen of one individual by a serum from another individual of the same species
isoagglutinin|an antibody produced by one individual that causes agglutination of red blood cells in other individuals of the same species
isoagglutinogen|an antigen capable of causing the production of (or reacting with) an isoagglutinin
isoantibody|an antibody that occurs naturally against foreign tissues from a person of the same species
isobar|(meteorology)an isogram connecting points having equal barometric pressure at a given time
isobutylene|used also in making gasoline components
isocarboxazid|a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (trade name Marplan) that is used to treat clinical depression
isochrone|an isogram connecting points at which something occurs or arrives at the same time
isoclinic line|an isogram connecting points of equal magnetic inclination
Isocrates|Athenian rhetorician and orator (436-338 BC)
isocyanate|a salt or ester of isocyanic acid
isocyanic acid|an acid known only in the form of its esters
Isoetaceae|quillworts;coextensive with the genus Isoetes
Isoetales|aquatic or marsh-growing fern allies;known to have existed since the Cenozoic;sometimes included in Lycopodiales
Isoetes|type and genus of the Isoetaceae and sole extant genus of the order Isoetales
isoflurane|a widely used inhalation anesthetic
isogamete|either of a pair of conjugating gametes of the same size and structure
isogamy|(biology) reproduction by the union or fusion of gametes of the same size and structure
isogon|an equiangular polygon
isogonic line|an imaginary line connecting points on the Earth's surface where the magnetic declination is the same
isogram|a line drawn on a map connecting points having the same numerical value of some variable
isohel|an isogram connecting points receiving equal amounts of sunshine
isolation|(psychiatry) a defense mechanism in which memory of an unacceptable act or impulse is separated from the emotion originally associated with it;a country's withdrawal from international politics - "he opposed a policy of American isolation";a feeling of being disliked and alone;a state of separation between persons or groups;the act of isolating something;setting something apart from others
isolationism|a policy of nonparticipation in international economic and political relations
isolationist|an advocate of isolationism in international affairs
isoleucine|an essential amino acid found in proteins;isomeric with leucine
isomer|a compound that exists in forms having different arrangements of atoms but the same molecular weight
isomerase|an enzyme that catalyzes its substrate to an isomeric form
isomerism|the state of being an isomer;the complex of chemical and physical phenomena characteristic of isomers
isomerization|the conversion of a compound into an isomer of itself
isometric line|a line connecting isometric points
isometrics|muscle-building exercises (or a system of musclebuilding exercises) involving muscular contractions against resistance without movement (the muscles contracts but the length of the muscle does not change)
isometropia|equality of refractive power in the two eyes
isometry|a one-to-one mapping of one metric space into another metric space that preserves the distances between each pair of points;equality of elevation above sea level;equality of measure (e.g., equality of height above sea level or equality of loudness etc.);the growth rates in different parts of a growing organism are the same
isomorphism|(biology) similarity or identity of form or shape or structure
isoniazid|antibacterial drug (trade name Nydrazid) used to treat tuberculosis
isopod|any of various small terrestrial or aquatic crustaceans with seven pairs of legs adapted for crawling
Isopoda|woodlice
isopropyl alcohol|alcohol used as antifreeze or a solvent
isoproterenol|drug (trade name Isuprel) used to treat bronchial asthma and to stimulate the heart
Isoptera|order of social insects that live in colonies, including;termites;often placed in subclass Exopterygota
Isopyrum|tufted perennial herbs of northern hemisphere
isosceles triangle|a triangle with two equal sides
isosorbide|drug (trade name Isordil) used to treat angina pectoris and congestive heart failure
Isospondyli|most primitive teleost fishes;all are soft-finned;salmon;trout;herring;shad;sardines;anchovies;whitefish;smelts;tarpon
isostasy|(geology) a general equilibrium of the forces tending to elevate or depress the earth's crust
isotherm|(meteorology) an isogram connecting points having the same temperature at a given time
isothiocyanate|a family of compounds derived from horseradish and radishes and onions and mustards;source of the hotness of those plants and preparations
isotonic exercise|exercise in which opposing muscles contract and there is controlled movement (tension is constant while the lengths of the muscles change) - "the classic isotonic exercise is lifting free weights"
isotonic solution|a solution having the same osmotic pressure as blood
isotope|one of two or more atoms with the same atomic number but with different numbers of neutrons
isotropy|(physics) the property of being isotropic;having the same value when measured in different directions
Israel|an ancient kingdom of the Hebrew tribes at the southeastern end of the Mediterranean Sea;founded by Saul around 1025 BC and destroyed by the Assyrians in 721 BC;Jewish republic in southwestern Asia at eastern end of Mediterranean;formerly part of Palestine
Israeli|a native or inhabitant of Israel
Israeli Defense Force|the ground and air and naval forces of Israel
Israeli monetary unit|monetary unit in Israel
Israelite|a native or inhabitant of the ancient kingdom of Israel
Issachar|(Old Testament) a son of Jacob and a forebear of one of the tribes of Israel
issue|an important question that is in dispute and must be settled - "the issue could be settled by requiring public education for everyone" - "politicians never discuss the real issues";one of a series published periodically - "she found an old issue of the magazine in her dentist's waiting room";supplies (as food or clothing or ammunition) issued by the government;the act of issuing printed materials;the act of providing an item for general use or for official purposes (usually in quantity) - "a new issue of stamps" - "the last issue of penicillin was over a month ago"
issuer|an institution that issues something (securities or publications or currency etc.)
Issus|a battle (333 BC) in which Alexander the Great defeated the Persians under Darius III
Istanbul|the largest city and former capital of Turkey;rebuilt on the site of ancient Byzantium by Constantine I in the fourth century;renamed Constantinople by Constantine who made it the capital of the Byzantine Empire;now the seat of the Eastern Orthodox Church
Isthmian Games|the ancient Panhellenic games held biennially on the Isthmus of Corinth in the first and third years of each Olympiad
isthmus|a cord-like tissue connecting two larger parts of an anatomical structure;a relatively narrow strip of land (with water on both sides) connecting two larger land areas
Isthmus of Corinth|a narrow isthmus between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf;a canal crosses the isthmus so that navigation is possible between the gulfs
Isthmus of Kra|a narrow isthmus linking the Malay Peninsula to the Asian mainland
Isthmus of Panama|the isthmus that connects Central America and South America;was formerly called the Isthmus of Darien
Isthmus of Suez|the isthmus in northeastern Egypt that connects Africa and Asia
Isthmus of Tehuantepec|the narrowest part of southern Mexico is an isthmus between the Bay of Campeche on the north coast and the Gulf of Tehuantepec on the south coast
Istiophoridae|sailfishes;spearfishes;marlins
Istiophorus|type genus of the Istiophoridae
Isuridae|in some classifications another name for the family Lamnidae
Isurus|mako sharks
itaconic acid|a crystalline carboxylic acid;occurs in some fermentations of sugars
Italian|a native or inhabitant of Italy;the Romance language spoken in Italy
Italian bee|yellowish honeybee resembling the Carniolan bee in its habits
Italian bread|unsweetened yeast-raised bread made without shortening and baked in long thick loaves with tapered ends
Italian cypress|tall Eurasian cypress with thin grey bark and ascending branches
Italian dressing|a vinaigrette with garlic and herbs;oregano and basil and dill
Italian greyhound|a toy dog developed from the greyhound
Italian honeysuckle|deciduous climbing shrub with fragrant yellow-white flowers in axillary whorls
Italian monetary unit|monetary unit in Italy
Italian parsley|a variety of parsley having flat leaves
Italian Peninsula|a boot-shaped peninsula in southern Europe extending into the Mediterranean Sea
Italian region|Italy is divided into 20 regions for administrative purposes
Italian Renaissance|the early period when Italy was the center of the Renaissance
Italian ryegrass|European grass much used for hay and in United States also for turf and green manure
Italic|a branch of the Indo-European languages of which Latin is the chief representative;a style of handwriting with the letters slanting to the right;a typeface with letters slanting upward to the right
Italy|a republic in southern Europe on the Italian Peninsula;was the core of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD
itch|an irritating cutaneous sensation that produces a desire to scratch
itch mite|whitish mites that attack the skin of humans and other animals - "itch mites cause scabies"
item|a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list - "he noticed an item in the New York Times" - "she had several items on her shopping list";a whole individual unit;especially when included in a list or collection - "they reduced the price on many items"
iteration|(computer science) a single execution of a set of instructions that are to be repeated - "the solution took hundreds of iterations";(computer science) executing the same set of instructions a given number of times or until a specified result is obtained - "the solution is obtained by iteration";doing or saying again;a repeated performance
iterative|the aspect of the verb that expresses the repetition of an action
Ithaca|a college town in central New York on Lake Cayuga;a Greek island to the west of Greece;in Homeric legend Odysseus was its king
itinerant|a laborer who moves from place to place as demanded by employment - "itinerant traders"
itineration|journeying from place to place preaching or lecturing;a preaching tour or lecturing tour
itraconazole|an oral antifungal drug (trade name Sporanox) taken for cases of fungal nail disease
Ivan III|grand duke of Muscovy whose victories against the Tartars laid the basis for Russian unity (1440-1505)
Ivan IV|the first czar of Russia (1530-1584)
Ivanov|Russian choreographer (1834-1905)
Ives|United States composer noted for his innovative use of polytonality (1874-1954);United States lithographer who (with his partner Nathaniel Currier) produced thousands of prints signed 'Currier & Ives' (1824-1895)
ivory|a hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses
ivory black|a black pigment made from grinding burnt ivory in oil
Ivory Coast|a republic in western Africa on the Gulf of Guinea;one of the most prosperous and politically stable countries in Africa
Ivory Coast franc|the basic unit of money in the Ivory Coast
ivory gull|white Arctic gull;migrates as far south as England and New Brunswick
ivory nut|nutlike seed of a South American palm;the hard white shell takes a high polish and is used for e.g. buttons
ivory palm|a stemless palm tree of Brazil and Peru bearing ivory nuts
ivory tower|a state of mind that is discussed as if it were a place - "he lived in the ivory tower of speculation" - "they viewed universities as ivory towers"
ivory tree|tropical Asian tree with hard white wood and bark formerly used as a remedy for dysentery and diarrhea
ivorybill|large black-and-white woodpecker of southern United States and Cuba having an ivory bill;nearly extinct
Ivry|a battle (1590) in which the Huguenots under Henry IV defeated the Catholics under the duke of Mayenne
ivy|Old World vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits
ivy geranium|a commonly cultivated trailing South American plant with peltate leaves and rosy flowers
Ivy League|a league of universities and colleges in the northeastern United States that have a reputation for scholastic achievement and social prestige
Ivy Leaguer|a student or graduate at an Ivy League school
Iwo|a bloody and prolonged operation on the island of Iwo Jima in which American marines landed and defeated Japanese defenders (February and March 1945)
Iwo Jima|the largest of the Volcano Islands of Japan
Ixia|a monocotyledonous genus of the family Iridaceae
Ixobrychus|bitterns
Ixodes|type genus of the family Ixodidae
Ixodes dammini|a northeastern tick now recognized as same species as Ixodes scapularis
Ixodes dentatus|usually does not bite humans;transmits Lyme disease spirochete to cottontail rabbits and wood rats
Ixodes neotomae|a tick that usually does not bite humans;transmits Lyme disease spirochete to dusky-footed wood rats
Ixodes pacificus|a tick that feeds on dusky-footed wood rat and bites humans;principal vector for Lyme disease in western United States especially northern California
Ixodes persulcatus|bites humans;a vector for Lyme disease spirochete
Ixodes scapularis|parasitic on mice of genus Peromyscus and bites humans;principal vector for Lyme disease in eastern United States (especially New England);northern form was for a time known as Ixodes dammini (deer tick)
Ixodes spinipalpis|usually does not bite humans;transmits Lyme disease spirochete to cottontail rabbits and wood rats
Ixodidae|hard ticks
Iyar|the eighth month of the civil year;the second month of the ecclesiastical year (in April and May)
Izanagi|the god who fathered the islands and gods of Japan with his sister Izanami
Izanami|sister and consort of Izanami;mother of the islands and gods of Japan
izar|a voluminous cotton outer garment (usually white) traditionally worn by Muslim women of northern Africa and the Middle East;covers the entire body
Izmir|a port city in western Turkey
J|the 10th letter of the Roman alphabet
J particle|a neutral meson with a large mass
jab|a quick short straight punch;a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow) - "he warned me with a jab with his finger"
Jabalpur|an industrial city of central India to the southeast of Delhi
jabber|rapid and indistinct speech
jabberwocky|nonsensical language (according to Lewis Carroll)
jabiru|large white stork of warm regions of the world especially America
jabot|a ruffle on the front of a woman's blouse or a man's shirt
jaboticaba|small evergreen tropical tree native to Brazil and West Indies but introduced into southern United States;grown in Brazil for its edible tough-skinned purple grapelike fruit that grows all along the branches;tough-skinned purple grapelike tropical fruit grown in Brazil
jacamar|tropical American insectivorous bird having a long sharp bill and iridescent green or bronze plumage
jack|a small ball at which players aim in lawn bowling;a small worthless amount - "you don't know jack";an electrical device consisting of a connector socket designed for the insertion of a plug;any of several fast-swimming predacious fishes of tropical to warm temperate seas;game equipment consisting of one of several small six-pointed metal pieces that are picked up while bouncing a ball in the game of jacks;male donkey;one of four face cards in a deck bearing a picture of a young prince;small flag indicating a ship's nationality;tool for exerting pressure or lifting
jack bean|annual semi-erect bushy plant of tropical South America bearing long pods with white seeds grown especially for forage
Jack Frost|a personification of frost or winter weather
jack oak|small to medium deciduous oak of east central North America;leaves have sharply pointed lobes
Jack of all trades|a person able to do a variety of different jobs acceptably well
jack pine|slender medium-sized two-needled pine of eastern North America;with yellow-green needles and scaly grey to red-brown fissured bark
jack plane|a carpenter's plane for rough finishing
Jack the Ripper|an unidentified English murderer in the 19th century
jackal|Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog;smaller than a wolf;sometimes hunts in a pack but usually singly or as a member of a pair
jackass bat|a large bat of the southwestern United States having spots and enormous ears
jackass penguin|small penguin of South America and southern Africa with a braying call
jackdaw|common black-and-grey Eurasian bird noted for thievery
jacket|a short coat;an outer wrapping or casing - "phonograph records were sold in cardboard jackets";the outer skin of a potato;the tough metal shell casing for certain kinds of ammunition
jacket potato|a baked potato served with the jacket on
jackfruit|East Indian tree cultivated for its immense edible fruit and seeds;immense East Indian fruit resembling breadfruit;it contains an edible pulp and nutritious seeds that are commonly roasted
jacking off|slang for masturbation
jack-in-the-box|plaything consisting of a toy clown that jumps out of a box when the lid is opened
jack-in-the-pulpit|common American spring-flowering woodland herb having sheathing leaves and an upright club-shaped spadix with overarching green and purple spathe producing scarlet berries
jackknife|a dive in which the diver bends to touch the ankles before straightening out
jackknife-fish|black-and-white drumfish with an erect elongated dorsal fin
jacklight|a light used as a lure in hunting or fishing at night
jack-o'-lantern|lantern carved from a pumpkin
jack-o-lantern fungus|a large poisonous agaric with orange caps and narrow clustered stalks;the gills are luminescent
jackpot|any outstanding award
jackrabbit|large hare of western North America
jacks|a game in which jackstones are thrown and picked up in various groups between bounces of a small rubber ball
jackscrew|screw-operated jack
jacksmelt|a relatively large silversides of the Pacific coast of North America (known to reach 18 inches in length)
jacksnipe|a small short-billed Old World snipe
Jackson|7th president of the US;successfully defended New Orleans from the British in 1815;expanded the power of the presidency (1767-1845);a town in south central Michigan;a town in western Tennessee;a town in western Wyoming;capital of the state of Mississippi on the Pearl River;English film actress who later became a member of British Parliament (born in 1936);general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War whose troops at the first Battle of Bull Run stood like a stone wall (1824-1863);United States civil rights leader who led a national campaign against racial discrimination and ran for presidential nomination (born in 1941);United States singer who began singing with his four brothers and later became a highly successful star during the 1980s (born in 1958);United States singer who did much to popularize gospel music (1911-1972);United States writer of romantic novels about the unjust treatment of Native Americans (1830-1885)
Jacksonia|genus of yellow-flowered Australian unarmed or spiny shrubs without true leaves but having leaflike stems or branches
Jacksonian|a follower of Andrew Jackson or his ideas
Jacksonian epilepsy|focal epilepsy in which the attack usually moves from distal to proximal limb muscles on the same side of the body
Jacksonville|Florida's largest city;a port and important commercial center in northeastern Florida
jackstraw|a thin strip of wood used in playing the game of jackstraws
jackstraws|a game in which players try to pick each jackstraw (or spillikin) off of a pile without moving any of the others
Jacob|(Old Testament) son of Isaac;brother of Esau;father of the twelve patriarchs of Israel;Jacob wrestled with God and forced God to bless him, so God gave Jacob the new name of Israel (meaning 'one who has been strong against God');French biochemist who (with Jacques Monod) studied regulatory processes in cells (born in 1920)
Jacobean|any distinguished personage during the reign of James I
Jacobean lily|Mexican bulbous herb cultivated for its handsome bright red solitary flower
Jacobi|German mathematician (1804-1851)
Jacobin|a member of the radical movement that instituted the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution
Jacobinism|the ideology of the most radical element of the French Revolution that instituted the Reign of Terror
Jacobite|a supporter of James II after he was overthrown or a supporter of the Stuarts
Jacobs|Dutch physician who opened the first birth control clinic in the world in Amsterdam (1854-1929);English writer of macabre short stories (1863-1943);United States writer and critic of urban planning (born in 1916)
Jacob's ladder|(nautical) a hanging ladder of ropes or chains supporting wooden or metal rungs or steps;pinnate-leaved European perennial having bright blue or white flowers
Jacob's rod|asphodel having erect smooth unbranched stem either flexuous or straight
jaconet|a lightweight cotton cloth with a smooth and slightly stiff finish;used for clothing and bandages
jacquard|a highly figured fabric woven on a Jacquard loom;French inventor of the Jacquard loom that could automatically weave complicated patterns (1752-1834)
Jacquard loom|a loom with an attachment for forming openings for the passage of the shuttle between the warp threads;used in weaving figured fabrics
Jacquemier's sign|a purplish discoloration of the mucous membrane of the vagina that occurs early in pregnancy
Jacquinia|sometimes placed in family Myrsinaceae
jactitation|(law) a false boast that can harm others;especially a false claim to be married to someone (formerly actionable at law);(pathology) extremely restless tossing and twitching usually by a person with a severe illness
Jaculus|jerboas
Jaculus jaculus|a variety of jerboa
jade|a semiprecious gemstone that takes a high polish;is usually green but sometimes whitish;consists of jadeite or nephrite
jade green|a light green color varying from bluish green to yellowish green
jade vine|vigorous Philippine evergreen twining liana;grown for spectacular festoons of green flowers that resemble lobster claws
jadeite|a hard green mineral consisting of sodium aluminum silicate in monoclinic crystalline form;a source of jade;found principally in Burma
jaeger|rapacious seabird that pursues weaker birds to make them drop their prey
Jaffa|a port in western Israel on the Mediterranean;incorporated into Tel Aviv in 1950
Jaffa orange|sweet almost seedless orange of Israel
Jaffar|Indonesian terrorist and Islamic militant who commands the Laskar Jihad;uses violence to achieve political ends (1965-2000)
Jafnea semitosta|the fruiting bodies of this discomycete have a firm texture and long retain their cup shape;the pale brown interior blends with the color of dead leaves
jag|a bout of drinking or drug taking;a flap along the edge of a garment;used in medieval clothing;a sharp projection on an edge or surface - "he clutched a jag of the rock";a slit in a garment that exposes material of a different color underneath;used in Renaissance clothing
Jagannath|an avatar of Vishnu
jaggedness|something irregular like a bump or crack in a smooth surface
Jagger|English rock star (born in 1943)
jaggery|unrefined brown sugar made from palm sap
jaguar|a large spotted feline of tropical America similar to the leopard;in some classifications considered a member of the genus Felis
jaguarundi|long-bodied long-tailed tropical American wildcat
jai alai|a Basque or Spanish game played in a court with a ball and a wickerwork racket
jail|a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
jail bird|a criminal who has been jailed repeatedly
jail delivery|the use of force to liberate prisoners
Jainism|religion founded in the 6th century BC as a revolt against Hinduism;emphasizes asceticism and immortality and transmigration of the soul;denies existence of a perfect or supreme being;sect founded in the 6th century BC as a revolt against Hinduism
Jainist|a believer in Jainism
Jaish-i-Mohammed|a terrorist organization founded in 2000;a militant Islamic group active in Kashmir and closely aligned with al-Rashid Trust;seeks to secure release of imprisoned fellow militants by kidnappings
Jakarta|capital and largest city of Indonesia;located on the island of Java;founded by the Dutch in 17th century
Jakobson|United States linguist (born in Russia) noted for his description of the universals of phonology (1896-1982)
Jalalabad|a town in eastern Afghanistan (east of Kabul)
jalapeno|hot green or red pepper of southwestern United States and Mexico
jalousie|a shutter made of angled slats
jam|preserve of crushed fruit
jam session|an impromptu jazz concert
Jamaat ul-Fuqra|an Islamic terrorist group organized in the 1980s;seeks to purify Islam through violence;the cells in North America and the Caribbean insulate themselves from Western culture and will even attack other Muslims who they regard as heretics
Jamaica|a country on the island of Jamaica;became independent of England in 1962;much poverty;the major industry is tourism;an island in the West Indies to the south of Cuba and to the west of Haiti
Jamaica dogwood|small tree of West Indies and Florida having large odd-pinnate leaves and panicles of red-striped purple to white flowers followed by decorative curly winged seedpods;yields fish poisons
Jamaica honeysuckle|West Indian passionflower;cultivated for its yellow edible fruit
Jamaica quassia|similar to the extract from Quassia amara;West Indian tree yielding the drug Jamaica quassia
Jamaica rum|heavy pungent rum from Jamaica
Jamaican|a native or inhabitant of Jamaica
Jamaican cherry|a fast-growing tropical American evergreen having white flowers and white fleshy edible fruit;bark yields a silky fiber used in cordage and wood is valuable for staves
Jamaican dollar|the basic unit of money in Jamaica
jamais vu|the experience of being unfamiliar with a person or situation that is actually very familiar;associated with certain types of epilepsy
jamb|upright consisting of a vertical side member of a door or window frame
jambalaya|spicy Creole dish of rice and ham, sausage, chicken, or shellfish with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and celery
Jambos|used in some classifications for rose apples (Eugenia jambos)
James|(New Testament) disciple of Jesus;brother of John;author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament;a river in Virginia that flows east into Chesapeake Bay at Hampton Roads;a river that rises in North Dakota and flows southward across South Dakota to the Missouri;a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII;when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513);the first Stuart to be king of England and Ireland from 1603 to 1625 and king of Scotland from 1567 to 1625;he was the son of Mary Queen of Scots and he succeeded Elizabeth I;he alienated the British Parliament by claiming the divine right of kings (1566-1625);the last Stuart to be king of England and Ireland and Scotland;overthrown in 1688 (1633-1701);United States outlaw who fought as a Confederate soldier and later led a band of outlaws that robbed trains and banks in the West until he was murdered by a member of his own gang (1847-1882);United States pragmatic philosopher and psychologist (1842-1910);writer who was born in the United States but lived in England (1843-1916)
James Bay|the southern extension of Hudson Bay in Canada between western Quebec and northeastern Ontario
Jamesonia|xerophytic ferns of South America
Jamestown|a former village on the James River in Virginia to the north of Norfolk;site of the first permanent English settlement in America in 1607
Jamison|United States dancer and choreographer (born in 1944)
jammer|a transmitter used to broadcast electronic jamming
jamming|deliberate radiation or reflection of electromagnetic energy for the purpose of disrupting enemy use of electronic devices or systems
jampan|a kind of sedan chair used in India
jampot|a jar for holding jellies or preserves
Jane Doe|an unknown or fictitious woman who is a party to legal proceedings
janissary|a loyal supporter;a Turkish soldier
janitor|someone employed to clean and maintain a building
Jansen|a Dutch Roman Catholic theologian (1585-1638)
Jansenism|the Roman Catholic doctrine of Cornelis Jansen and his disciples;salvation is limited to those who are subject to supernatural determinism and the rest are assigned to perdition
Jansenist|an advocate of Jansenism
January|the first month of the year;begins 10 days after the winter solstice
Janus|(Roman mythology) the Roman god of doorways and passages;is depicted with two faces on opposite sides of his head
Jap|(offensive slang) offensive term for a person of Japanese descent
Japan|a constitutional monarchy occupying the Japanese Archipelago;a world leader in electronics and automobile manufacture and ship building;a string of more than 3,000 islands to the east of Asia extending 1,300 miles between the Sea of Japan and the western Pacific Ocean;lacquer with a durable glossy black finish, originally from the orient;lacquerware decorated and varnished in the Japanese manner with a glossy durable black lacquer
Japan allspice|deciduous Japanese shrub cultivated for its fragrant yellow flowers
Japan current|a warm ocean current that flows northeastwardly off the coast of Japan into the northern Pacific ocean
Japan Trench|a depression in the floor of the Pacific Ocean to the northeast of Japan that reaches depths of 30,000 feet
Japan wax|a yellow wax obtained from sumac berries;used in polishes
Japanese|a native or inhabitant of Japan;the language (usually considered to be Altaic) spoken by the Japanese
Japanese angelica tree|deciduous clump-forming Asian shrub or small tree;adventive in the eastern United States
Japanese apricot|Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant white or pink blossoms and small yellow fruits
Japanese banana|Asiatic banana plant cultivated especially as a foliage plant in Japan
Japanese barberry|compact deciduous shrub having persistent red berries;widespread in cultivation especially for hedges
Japanese beech|a beech native to Japan having soft light yellowish-brown wood
Japanese beetle|small metallic green and brown beetle native to eastern Asia;serious plant pest in North America
Japanese bittersweet|ornamental Asiatic vine with showy orange-yellow fruit with a scarlet aril;naturalized in North America
Japanese black pine|large Japanese ornamental having long needles in bunches of 2;widely planted in United States because of its resistance to salt and smog
Japanese brome|grass of Mediterranean and temperate Asia
Japanese cedar|tall evergreen of Japan and China yielding valuable soft wood
Japanese chestnut|a spreading tree of Japan that has a short trunk
japanese clover|an annual of tropical Asia naturalized in United States
Japanese crab|crabmeat usually canned;from Japan
Japanese deer|small deer of Japan with slightly forked antlers
Japanese deity|a deity worshipped by the Japanese
Japanese flowering cherry|ornamental tree with inedible fruit widely cultivated in many varieties for its pink blossoms
Japanese honeysuckle|an Asiatic trailing evergreen honeysuckle with half-evergreen leaves and fragrant white flowers turning yellow with age;has become a weed in some areas
Japanese hop|ornamental vine native to eastern Asia;cultivated for its variegated foliage
Japanese iris|iris native to Japan having large showy flowers
Japanese lilac|lilac of northern China having ovate leaves and profuse early summer rose-lilac flowers
Japanese linden|medium-sized tree of Japan used as an ornamental
Japanese maple|leaves deeply incised and bright red in autumn;Japan;ornamental shrub or small tree of Japan and Korea with deeply incised leaves;cultivated in many varieties
Japanese millet|coarse annual grass cultivated in Japan and southeastern Asia for its edible seeds and for forage;important wildlife food in United States
Japanese monetary unit|monetary unit in Japan
Japanese morning glory|annual Old World tropical climbing herb distinguished by wide color range and frilled or double flowers
Japanese oak|oak with moderately light fine-grained wood;Japan;small evergreen tree of China and Japan
Japanese oyster|a large oyster native to Japan and introduced along the Pacific coast of the United States;a candidate for introduction in Chesapeake Bay
Japanese pagoda tree|handsome roundheaded deciduous tree having compound dark green leaves and profuse panicles of fragrant creamy-white flowers;China and Japan
Japanese persimmon|small deciduous Asiatic tree bearing large red or orange edible astringent fruit
Japanese pink|a flowering variety of China pink distinguished by jagged-edged petals
Japanese plum|small tree of China and Japan bearing large yellow to red plums usually somewhat inferior to European plums in flavor
Japanese poinsettia|showy poinsettia found from the southern United States to Peru
Japanese privet|evergreen shrub of Japan and Korea having small dark leaves and flowers in loose panicles;related to but smaller than Chinese privet
Japanese quince|deciduous thorny shrub native to China having red or white blossoms
Japanese Red Army|a terrorist group organized in 1970 to overthrow the Japanese government and monarchy and to foment world revolution;is said to have close ties with Palestinian terrorists - "in 1972 the Japanese Red Army was responsible for a massacre at an airport in Israel"
Japanese red pine|pine native to Japan and Korea having a wide-spreading irregular crown when mature;grown as an ornamental
Japanese snowbell|shrubby tree of China and Japan
Japanese spaniel|breed of toy dogs originating in Japan having a silky black-and-white or red-and-white coat
Japanese spurge|slow-growing Japanese evergreen subshrub having terminal spikes of white flowers;grown as a ground cover
Japanese stranglehold|a wrestling hold in which the opponent's arms are crossed in front of his own neck to exert pressure on his windpipe
Japanese tree lilac|small tree of Japan having narrow pointed leaves and creamy-white flowers
Japanese umbrella pine|tall evergreen having a symmetrical spreading crown and needles growing in whorls that resemble umbrellas at ends of twigs
Japanese wistaria|having flowers of pink to mauve or violet-blue
Japanese yew|shrubby hardy evergreen of China and Japan having lustrous dark green foliage;cultivated in the eastern United States
Japheth|(Old Testament) son of Noah
japonica|deciduous thorny shrub native to Japan having red blossoms;greenhouse shrub with glossy green leaves and showy fragrant rose-like flowers;cultivated in many varieties
jar|a vessel (usually cylindrical) with a wide mouth and without handles;the quantity contained in a jar - "he drank a jar of beer"
jargon|specialized technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject
jargoon|a colorless (or pale yellow or smoky) variety of zircon
Jarrell|United States poet (1914-1965)
Jarvik heart|a kind of artificial heart that has been used with some success
jasmine|any of several shrubs and vines of the genus Jasminum chiefly native to Asia
Jasminum|shrubs and woody climbers mostly of tropical and temperate Old World;jasmine;jessamine
Jason|(Greek mythology) the husband of Medea and leader of the Argonauts who sailed in quest of the Golden Fleece
jasper|an opaque form of quartz;red or yellow or brown or dark green in color;used for ornamentation or as a gemstone
Jaspers|German psychiatrist (1883-1969)
jassid|a variety of leafhopper
Jassidae|family of small leafhoppers coextensive with the Cicadellidae and not distinguished from it in some classifications
Jat|a member of an Indo-European people widely scattered throughout the northwest of the Indian subcontinent and consisting of Muslims and Hindus and Sikhs
jati|(Hinduism) a Hindu caste or distinctive social group of which there are thousands throughout India;a special characteristic is often the exclusive occupation of its male members (such as barber or potter)
Jatropha|a mainly tropical genus of American plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae
jaundice|yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood;can be a symptom of gallstones or liver infection or anemia
jaundice of the newborn|yellowish appearance in newborn infants;usually subsides spontaneously
jauntiness|stylishness as evidenced by a smart appearance
jaunting car|an open two-wheeled one-horse cart formerly widely used in Ireland
Java|a platform-independent object-oriented programming language;an island in Indonesia to the south of Borneo;one of the world's most densely populated regions
Java man|fossil remains found in Java;formerly called Pithecanthropus erectus
Java sparrow|small finch-like Indonesian weaverbird that frequents rice fields
Javanese|a native or inhabitant of Java;the Indonesian language spoken on Java
Javanthropus|former genus of primitive man;now Homo soloensis;comprises Solo man
javelin|a spear thrown as a weapon or in competitive field events;an athletic competition in which a javelin is thrown as far as possible
Javelle water|an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite
jaw|holding device consisting of one or both of the opposing parts of a tool that close to hold an object;the bones of the skull that frame the mouth and serve to open it;the bones that hold the teeth;the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth
jawan|(India) a private soldier or male constable
jawbreaker|a large round hard candy;a word that is hard to pronounce
jawfish|small large-mouthed tropical marine fishes common along sandy bottoms;males brood egg balls in their mouths;popular aquarium fishes
jawless vertebrate|eel-shaped vertebrate without jaws or paired appendages including the cyclostomes and some extinct forms
Jaws of Life|hydraulic tool inserted into a wrecked vehicle and used to pry the wreckage apart in order to provide access to people trapped inside
jay|crested largely blue bird;United States diplomat and jurist who negotiated peace treaties with Britain and served as the first chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1745-1829)
Jayshullah|an indigenous Islamic terrorist group in Azerbaijan that attempted to bomb the United States embassy in 1999
jaywalker|a reckless pedestrian who crosses a street illegally
jazz|a genre of popular music that originated in New Orleans around 1900 and developed through increasingly complex styles;a style of dance music popular in the 1920s;similar to New Orleans jazz but played by large bands
Jazz Age|the 1920s in the United States characterized in the novels of F. Scott Fitzgerald as a period of wealth, youthful exuberance, and carefree hedonism
jazz band|a small band of jazz musicians
jazz festival|a festival that features performances by jazz artists
jazz musician|a musician who plays or composes jazz music
je ne sais quoi|something indescribable
jealousy|a feeling of jealous envy (especially of a rival);zealous vigilance - "cherish their official political freedom with fierce jealousy"-Paul Blanshard
jean|(usually plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear
Jeanne d'Arc|French heroine and military leader inspired by religious visions to organize French resistance to the English and to have Charles VII crowned king;she was later tried for heresy and burned at the stake (1412-1431)
Jebel Musa|a promontory in northern Morocco opposite the Rock of Gibraltar;one of the Pillars of Hercules
Jeddah|port city in western Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea;near Mecca
jeep|a car suitable for traveling over rough terrain
jeer|showing your contempt by derision
Jeffers|United States poet who wrote about California (1887-1962)
Jefferson|3rd President of the United States;chief drafter of the Declaration of Independence;made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore it (1743-1826)
Jefferson City|capital of the state of Missouri;located in central Missouri on the Missouri river
Jefferson Davis' Birthday|celebrated in southern United States
Jeffersonian|a follower of Thomas Jefferson or his ideas and principles
Jeffrey pine|tall symmetrical pine of western North America having long blue-green needles in bunches of 3 and elongated cones on spreading somewhat pendulous branches;sometimes classified as a variety of ponderosa pine
Jehovah's Witness|believer in imminent approach of the millennium;practitioner of active evangelism
Jehovah's Witnesses|Protestant denomination founded in the United States by Charles Taze Russell in 1884
jejunal artery|an artery that is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery that supplies the jejunum
jejunitis|inflammation of the jejunum of the small intestine
jejunity|quality of lacking nutritive value;the quality of being vapid and unsophisticated
jejunoileitis|inflammation of the jejunum and the ileum of the small intestine
jejunostomy|surgical creation of an opening between the jejunum and the anterior abdominal wall;will allow artificial feeding
jejunum|the part of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum
Jekyll and Hyde|someone with two personalities - one good and one evil
jellaba|a loose cloak with a hood;worn in the Middle East and northern Africa
jello|fruit-flavored dessert (trade mark Jell-O) made from a commercially prepared gelatin powder
jelly|a preserve made of the jelled juice of fruit;any substance having the consistency of jelly or gelatin
jelly bean|sugar-glazed jellied candy
jelly fungus|any fungus of the order Tremellales or Auriculariales whose fruiting body is jellylike in consistency when fresh
jellyfish|any of numerous usually marine and free-swimming coelenterates that constitute the sexually reproductive forms of hydrozoans and scyphozoans
jellyroll|thin sheet of sponge cake spread with jelly and then rolled up to make a cylindrical cake
Jemaah Islamiyah|a clandestine group of southeast Asian terrorists organized in 1993 and trained by al-Qaeda;supports militant Muslims in Indonesia and the Philippines and has cells in Singapore and Malaysia and Indonesia
Jena|the battle in 1806 in which Napoleon decisively defeated the Prussians
Jenner|English physician who pioneered vaccination;Jenner inoculated people with small amounts of cowpox to prevent them from getting smallpox (1749-1823)
jennet|female donkey
Jenny|United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)
Jensen|modernistic Danish writer (1873-1950)
jerboa|mouselike jumping rodent
jerboa kangaroo|brush-tailed rat kangaroo
jerboa rat|large Australian rat with hind legs adapted for leaping
jeremiad|a long and mournful complaint - "a jeremiad against any form of government"
Jeremiah|(Old Testament) an Israelite prophet who is remembered for his angry lamentations (jeremiads) about the wickedness of his people (circa 626-587 BC);a book in the Old Testament containing the oracles of the prophet Jeremiah
Jerez|a city in southwestern Spain that is famous for making sherry
Jericho|a village in Palestine near the north end of the Dead Sea;in the Old Testament it was the first place taken by the Israelites under Joshua as they entered the Promised Land
jerk|(mechanics) the rate of change of acceleration;a dull stupid fatuous person;an abrupt spasmodic movement;raising a weight from shoulder height to above the head by straightening the arms
jerkin|a tight sleeveless and collarless jacket (often made of leather) worn by men in former times
jerky|meat (especially beef) cut in strips and dried in the sun
Jeroboam|(Old Testament) first king of the northern kingdom of Israel who led Israel into sin (10th century BC);a large wine bottle (holds 4/5 of a gallon)
Jerome|(Roman Catholic Church) one of the great Fathers of the early Christian Church whose major work was his translation of the Scriptures from Hebrew and Greek into Latin (which became the Vulgate);a saint and Doctor of the Church (347-420)
jerry-builder|someone who builds cheap buildings out of poor materials on speculation for a quick profit
jerry-building|construction of inferior buildings for a quick profit
Jersey|a breed of diary cattle developed on the island of Jersey;the largest of the Channel Islands;a close-fitting pullover shirt;a slightly elastic machine-knit fabric
Jersey City|a city in northeastern New Jersey (opposite Manhattan)
Jersey elm|a variety of the English elm with erect branches and broader leaves
Jersey knapweed|a variety of knapweed
Jerusalem|capital and largest city of the modern state of Israel (although its status as capital is disputed);it was captured from Jordan in 1967 in the Six Day War;a holy city for Jews and Christians and Muslims;was the capital of an ancient kingdom
Jerusalem artichoke|edible tuber of the Jerusalem artichoke;sunflower tuber eaten raw or boiled or sliced thin and fried as Saratoga chips;tall perennial with hairy stems and leaves;widely cultivated for its large irregular edible tubers
Jerusalem cherry|small South American shrub cultivated as a houseplant for its abundant ornamental but poisonous red or yellow cherry-sized fruit
Jerusalem cross|a cross with equal arms, each terminating in a small crossbar
Jerusalem oak|Eurasian aromatic oak-leaved goosefoot with many yellow-green flowers;naturalized North America
Jerusalem sage|a spreading subshrub of Mediterranean regions cultivated for dense axillary whorls of purple or yellow flowers
Jerusalem thorn|large shrub or shrubby tree having sharp spines and pinnate leaves with small deciduous leaflets and sweet-scented racemose yellow-orange flowers;grown as ornamentals or hedging or emergency food for livestock;tropical America but naturalized in southern United States
Jerusalem Warriors|ethnic Turkish Sunni terrorists who are linked with the Turkish Hizballah;killed a United States Air Force sergeant in 1991
Jespersen|Danish linguist (1860-1943)
jest|activity characterized by good humor
jester|a professional clown employed to entertain a king or nobleman in the Middle Ages
Jesuit|a member of the Jesuit order
Jesuitism|the theology or the practices of the Jesuits (often considered to be casuistic)
Jesus|a teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth;his life and sermons form the basis for Christianity (circa 4 BC - AD 29)
jet|a hard black form of lignite that takes a brilliant polish and is used in jewelry or ornamentation;an airplane powered by one or more jet engines;atmospheric discharges (lasting 10 msec) bursting from the tops of giant storm clouds in blue cones that widen as they flash upward;the occurrence of a sudden discharge (as of liquid)
jet bridge|an extendible bridge for loading passengers onto large commercial airplanes;provides protected access to the plane from the gate
jet engine|a gas turbine produces a stream of hot gas that propels a jet plane by reaction propulsion
jet lag|fatigue and sleep disturbance resulting from disruption of the body's normal circadian rhythm as a result of jet travel
jet propulsion|propulsion by means of the discharge of a jet of fluid toward the rear
jet set|a set of rich and fashionable people who travel widely for pleasure
jet stream|a high-speed high-altitude airstream blowing from west to east near the top of the troposphere;has important effects of the formation of weather fronts
Jeth|the third month of the Hindu calendar
jetliner|a large jet plane that carries passengers
jetsam|the part of a ship's equipment or cargo that is thrown overboard to lighten the load in a storm
jeu d'esprit|a witty comment or writing
Jevons|English economist and logician who contributed to the development of the theory of marginal utility (1835-1882)
Jew|a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties
Jewbush|low tropical American shrub having powerful emetic properties
jewel|a person who is as brilliant and precious as a piece of jewelry;a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry
jewel orchid|any of several delicate Asiatic orchids grown especially for their velvety leaves with metallic white or gold veining
jeweler|someone in the business of selling jewelry
jeweler's glass|an optical instrument used by jewelers;has one or more lenses and is used to view features not readily seen
jewelled headdress|a headdress adorned with jewels
jewelry|an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)
jewelry dealer|a firm that sells and buys jewelry
jewelry maker|someone who makes jewelry
jewels-of-opar|erect plant with tuberous roots and terminal panicles of red to yellow flowers;southwestern North America to Central America;widely introduced elsewhere
jewelweed|North American annual plant with usually yellow or orange flowers;grows chiefly on wet rather acid soil
Jewess|a woman who is a Jew
jewfish|large dark grouper with a thick head and rough scales
Jewish calendar|(Judaism) the calendar used by the Jews;dates from 3761 BC (the assumed date of the Creation of the world);a lunar year of 354 days is adjusted to the solar year by periodic leap years
Jewish calendar month|a month in the Jewish calendar
Jewish holy day|a religious holiday for Jews
Jewish rye bread|(Judaism) bread made with rye flour;usually contains caraway seeds
Jewison|Canadian filmmaker (born in 1926)
Jewry|Jews collectively
jew's harp|a small lyre-shaped musical instrument that is placed between the teeth and played by twanging a wire tongue while changing the shape of the mouth cavity
Jew's-ear|widely distributed edible fungus shaped like a human ear and growing on decaying wood
jezebel|a shameless impudent scheming woman;wife of Ahab who was king of Israel;according to the Old Testament she was a cruel immoral queen who fostered the worship of Baal and tried to kill Elijah and other prophets of Israel (9th century BC)
jiao|10 jiao equal 1 yuan in China
jib|any triangular fore-and-aft sail (set forward of the foremast)
jibboom|a spar that extends the bowsprit
jig|a device that holds a piece of machine work and guides the tools operating on it;a fisherman's lure with one or more hooks that is jerked up and down in the water;any of various old rustic dances involving kicking and leaping;music in three-four time for dancing a jig
jiggermast|any small mast on a sailing vessel;especially the mizzenmast of a yawl
jigsaw|fine-toothed power saw with a narrow blade;used to cut curved outlines
jigsaw puzzle|a puzzle that requires you to reassemble a picture that has been mounted on a stiff base and cut into interlocking pieces
jihad|a holy struggle or striving by a Muslim for a moral or spiritual or political goal;a holy war waged by Muslims against infidels
Jihadist|a Muslim who is involved in a jihad
jilt|a woman who jilts a lover
jim crow|a crowbar fitted with a claw for pulling nails
jimdandy|someone excellent of their kind - "he's a jimdandy of a soldier";something excellent of its kind - "the bike was a jimdandy"
Jimenez|Spanish lyric poet (1881-1958)
Jimenez de Cisneros|prelate who was the confessor of Isabella I and who was later appointed Grand Inquisitor (1436-1517)
jimmies|bits of sweet chocolate used as a topping on e.g. ice cream
jimmy|a short crowbar - "in Britain they call a jimmy and jemmy"
jimsonweed|intensely poisonous tall coarse annual tropical weed having rank-smelling foliage, large white or violet trumpet-shaped flowers and prickly fruits
Jinghpo|a Kachinic language
jingle|a metallic sound - "the jingle of coins"
Jinja|a city in Uganda on the north shore of Lake Victoria
jinks|noisy and mischievous merrymaking
Jinnah|Indian statesman who was the founder of Pakistan as a Muslim state (1876-1948)
jinrikisha|a small two-wheeled cart for one passenger;pulled by one person
jiqui|Cuban timber tree with hard wood very resistant to moisture
jird|gerbil of northern Africa
Jirga|a Pashto term for a decision making assembly of male elders - "most criminal cases are handled by a tribal Jirga rather than by laws or police"
jitter|a small irregular movement;small rapid variations in a waveform resulting from fluctuations in the voltage supply or mechanical vibrations or other sources
jitterbug|a jerky American dance that was popular in the 1940s
jitteriness|the anxious feeling you have when you have the jitters
jitters|extreme nervousness
Joachim|Hungarian violinist and composer (1831-1907)
Joao Pessoa|a city in northeastern Brazil near the Atlantic Ocean to the north of Recife
job|(computer science) a program application that may consist of several steps but is a single logical unit;a damaging piece of work - "dry rot did the job of destroying the barn" - "the barber did a real job on my hair";a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee - "estimates of the city's loss on that job ranged as high as a million dollars" - "the job of repairing the engine took several hours";a workplace;as in the expression "on the job";an object worked on;a result produced by working - "he held the job in his left hand and worked on it with his right";the performance of a piece of work - "she did an outstanding job as Ophelia" - "he gave it up as a bad job";the responsibility to do something - "it is their job to print the truth";a book in the Old Testament containing Job's pleas to God about his afflictions and God's reply;a Jewish hero in the Old Testament who maintained his faith in God in spite of afflictions that tested him;any long-suffering person who withstands affliction without despairing
job action|a temporary action by workers to protest management decision or to make demands
job application|an application for a job
job candidate|an applicant who is being considered for a job
job control|a program that is called to prepare each job to be run
job description|description of the responsibilities associated with a given job
job interview|an interview to determine whether an applicant is suitable for a position of employment
job lot|a miscellaneous collection of things sold together
jobber|someone who buys large quantities of goods and resells to merchants rather than to the ultimate customers
jobbery|corruptness among public officials
jobcentre|a government office in a town where information about available jobs is displayed and where unemployment benefits are administered
job-control language|a problem-oriented language used to describe job requirements to an operating system
jobholder|an employee who holds a regular job
job-oriented terminal|a terminal designed for a particular application
Job's comforter|someone whose comfort is actually discouraging
Job's tears|hard pearly seeds of an Asiatic grass;often used as beads
Jocasta|(Greek mythology) queen of Thebes who unknowingly married her own son Oedipus
jockey|an operator of some vehicle or machine or apparatus - "he's a truck jockey" - "a computer jockey" - "a disc jockey";someone employed to ride horses in horse races
jockey club|a club to promote and regulate horse racing
jocoseness|the trait of merry joking
jocosity|fun characterized by humor
jocundity|a feeling facetious merriment
jodhpur|a short riding boot that fastens with a buckle at the side
jodhpurs|flared trousers ending at the calves;worn with riding boots
Joel|a Hebrew minor prophet;an Old Testament book telling Joel's prophecies
Joe-Pye weed|North American herb having whorled leaves and terminal clusters of flowers spotted with purple;North American herb having whorled leaves and terminal clusters of small pinkish or purple flower heads
Joffre|French field marshal who commanded the Allied armies in France during World War II (1852-1931)
Joffrey|United States choreographer (1930-1988)
jog|a sharp change in direction - "there was a jog in the road";a slow pace of running
jog trot|an easy gait of a horse;midway between a walk and a trot
jogger|someone who runs a steady slow pace (usually for exercise)
jogging|running at a jog trot as a form of cardiopulmonary exercise
joggle|a slight irregular shaking motion
Johannesburg|city in the northeastern part of South Africa near Pretoria;commercial center for diamond and gold industries
John|(New Testament) disciple of Jesus;traditionally said to be the author of the 4th Gospel and three epistles and the book of Revelation;the last of the four Gospels in the New Testament;youngest son of Henry II;King of England from 1199 to 1216;succeeded to the throne on the death of his brother Richard I;lost his French possessions;in 1215 John was compelled by the barons to sign the Magna Carta (1167-1216)
John Chrysostom|(Roman Catholic Church) a Church Father who was a great preacher and bishop of Constantinople;a saint and Doctor of the Church (347-407)
John Doe|a hypothetical average man;an unknown or fictitious man who is a party to legal proceedings
John Dory|European dory
John Henry|hero of American folk tales;portrayed as an enormously strong black man who worked on the railroads and died from exhaustion after winning a contest with a steam drill
John of Gaunt|the fourth son of Edward III who was the effective ruler of England during the close of his father's reign and during the minority of Richard II;his son was Henry Bolingbroke (1340-1399)
John Paul I|the first Pope to assume a double name;he reigned for only 34 days (1912-1978)
John Paul II|the first Pope born in Poland;the first Pope not born in Italy in 450 years (1920-2005)
John the Baptist|(New Testament) a preacher and hermit and forerunner of Jesus (whom he baptized);was beheaded by Herod at the request of Salome
John XXIII|Italian pope from 1958 to 1963 who convoked the Second Vatican Council (1881-1963)
johnnycake|cornbread usually cooked pancake-style on a griddle (chiefly New England)
Johns|United States artist and proponent of pop art (born in 1930)
Johns Hopkins|a university in Baltimore
Johnson|17th President of the United States;was elected vice president and succeeded Lincoln when Lincoln was assassinated;was impeached but acquitted by one vote (1808-1875);36th President of the United States;was elected vice president and succeeded Kennedy when Kennedy was assassinated (1908-1973);English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
Johnson City|a town in northeastern Tennessee
Johnson grass|tall perennial grass that spreads by creeping rhizomes and is grown for fodder;naturalized in southern United States where it is a serious pest on cultivated land
Johnston|Confederate general in the American Civil War;led the Confederate troops in the West (1807-1891)
joie de vivre|a keen enjoyment of living
joiner|a person who likes to join groups;a woodworker whose work involves making things by joining pieces of wood
joinery|fine woodwork done by a joiner
joining|the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication) - "the joining of hands around the table"
joint|(anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion);a disreputable place of entertainment;junction by which parts or objects are joined together;marijuana leaves rolled into a cigarette for smoking
Joint Chiefs of Staff|the executive agency that advises the President on military questions;composed of the chiefs of the United States Army and the United States Navy and the United States Air Force and the commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Joint Direct Attack Munition|a pinpoint bomb guidance device that can be strapped to a gravity bomb thus converting dumb bombs into smart bombs
joint probability|the probability of two events occurring together
joint resolution|a resolution passed by both houses of Congress which becomes legally binding when signed by the Chief Executive (or passed over the Chief Executive's veto)
joint return|a return filed by a husband and wife
joint venture|a venture by a partnership or conglomerate designed to share risk or expertise - "a joint venture between the film companies to produce TV shows"
jointed charlock|Eurasian weed having yellow or mauve or white flowers and podlike fruits
jointed rush|rush of Australia
jointer|a long carpenter's plane used to shape the edges of boards so they will fit together
joint-stock company|a company (usually unincorporated) which has the capital of its members pooled in a common fund;transferable shares represent ownership interest;shareholders are legally liable for all debts of the company
jointure|(law) an estate secured to a prospective wife as a marriage settlement in lieu of a dower
joist|beam used to support floors or roofs
joke|a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter - "he told a very funny joke";a triviality not to be taken seriously - "I regarded his campaign for mayor as a joke"
joker|a person who does something thoughtless or annoying - "some joker is blocking the driveway";a person who enjoys telling or playing jokes;a playing card that is usually printed with a picture of a jester;an inconspicuous clause in a document or bill that affects its meaning in a way that is not immediately apparent - "when I demanded my money he showed me the joker in the contract"
Joliot|French nuclear physicist who was Marie Curie's assistant and who worked with Marie Curie's daughter who he married (taking the name Joliot-Curie);he and his wife discovered how to synthesize new radioactive elements (1900-1958)
Joliot-Curie|French physicist who (with her husband) synthesized new chemical elements (1897-1956)
Jolliet|French explorer (with Jacques Marquette) of the upper Mississippi River valley (1645-1700)
jollity|feeling jolly and jovial and full of good humor
jolly|a happy party
jolly boat|a yawl used by a ship's sailors for general work
Jolson|United States singer (born in Russia) who appeared in the first full-length talking film (1886-1950)
jolt|a sudden jarring impact - "the door closed with a jolt" - "all the jars and jolts were smoothed out by the shock absorbers"
Jonah|(Old Testament) Jonah did not wish to become a prophet so God caused a great storm to throw him overboard from a ship;he was saved by being swallowed by a whale that vomited him out onto dry land;a book in the Old Testament that tells the story of Jonah and the whale;a person believed to bring bad luck to those around him
Jonah crab|large red deep-water crab of the eastern coast of North America
Jonathan|red late-ripening apple;primarily eaten raw
Jones|American naval commander in the American Revolution (1747-1792);English phonetician (1881-1967);one of the first great English architects and a theater designer (1573-1652);United States golfer (1902-1971);United States labor leader (born in Ireland) who helped to found the Industrial Workers of the World (1830-1930);United States railroad engineer who died trying to stop his train from crashing into another train;a friend wrote a famous ballad describing the incident (1864-1900)
Jones' penstemon|low plant with light blue and violet flowers in short clusters near tips of stems;Nevada to Utah
Jonesboro|a town in northeast Arkansas
Jong|United States writer (born in 1942)
jonquil|often used colloquially for any yellow daffodil;widely cultivated ornamental plant native to southern Europe but naturalized elsewhere having fragrant yellow or white clustered flowers
Jonson|English dramatist and poet who was the first real poet laureate of England (1572-1637)
Joplin|United States composer who was the first creator of ragtime to write down his compositions (1868-1917);United States singer who died of a drug overdose at the height of her popularity (1943-1970)
Jordan|a river in Palestine that empties into the Dead Sea;John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan;an Arab kingdom in southwestern Asia on the Red Sea
Jordan almond|an almond covered with a sugar coating that is hard and flavored and colored;variety of large almond from Malaga, Spain;used in confectionery
Jordanella|flagfishes
Jordanian|a native or inhabitant of Jordan
Jordanian dinar|the basic unit of money in Jordan;equal to 1,000 fils
Jordanian monetary unit|monetary unit in Jordan
jorum|a large drinking bowl
Joseph|(New Testament) husband of Mary and (in Christian belief) the foster father of Jesus;(Old Testament) the 11th son of Jacob and one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel;Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colors, which made his brothers jealous and they sold him into slavery in Egypt;leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)
Josephus|Jewish general who led the revolt of the Jews against the Romans and then wrote a history of those events (37-100)
Joshua|(Old Testament) Moses' successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land;best remembered for his destruction of Jericho;a book in the Old Testament describing how Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan (the Promised Land) after the death of Moses
Joshua tree|a large branched arborescent yucca of southwestern United States having short leaves and clustered greenish white flowers
joss|a Chinese god worshipped in the form of an idol
joss house|a Chinese temple or shrine for idol worship
joss stick|a slender stick of incense burned before a joss by the Chinese
jostle|the act of jostling (forcing your way by pushing)
jotter|a small notebook for rough notes
jotting|a brief (and hurriedly handwritten) note
Jotun|(Norse mythology) one of a race of giants often in conflict with the Aesir
joule|a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second;English physicist who established the mechanical theory of heat and discovered the first law of thermodynamics (1818-1889)
journal|a periodical dedicated to a particular subject - "he reads the medical journals";a record book as a physical object;the part of the axle contained by a bearing
journal bearing|the bearing of a journal
journal box|metal housing for a journal bearing
journalese|the style in which newspapers are written
journalism|newspapers and magazines collectively;the profession of reporting or photographing or editing news stories for one of the media
journalist|a writer for newspapers and magazines
journalist's privilege|the right of a journalist to refuse to divulge sources of confidential information
journey|the act of traveling from one place to another
joust|a combat between two mounted knights tilting against each other with blunted lances
Jovian planet|any of the four outermost planets in the solar system;much larger than Earth and gaseous in nature (like Jupiter)
Jowett|English classical scholar noted for his translations of Plato and Aristotle (1817-1893)
jowl|a fullness and looseness of the flesh of the lower cheek and jaw (characteristic of aging)
joy|something or someone that provides a source of happiness - "a joy to behold";the emotion of great happiness
Joyce|influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)
joylessness|a feeling of dismal cheerlessness
joyride|a ride in a car taken solely for pleasure - "they took their girlfriends for joyrides in stolen cars"
joystick|a manual control consisting of a vertical handle that can move freely in two directions;used as an input device to computers or to devices controlled by computers
Juan Carlos|king of Spain since 1975 (born in 1938)
jubilee|a special anniversary (or the celebration of it)
Judah|(Old Testament) the fourth son of Jacob who was forebear of one of the tribes of Israel;one of his descendants was to be the Messiah;an ancient kingdom of southern Palestine with Jerusalem as its center
Judaica|historical and literary materials relating to Judaism
Judaism|Jews collectively who practice a religion based on the Torah and the Talmud;the monotheistic religion of the Jews having its spiritual and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Torah and in the Talmud
Judas|(New Testament) the Apostle who betrayed Jesus to his enemies for 30 pieces of silver;someone who betrays under the guise of friendship;a one-way peephole in a door
Judas Maccabaeus|Jewish leader of a revolt in Judea that recovered Jerusalem around 166 BC;hero of the Apocryphal books I Maccabees and II Maccabees (?-161 BC)
Judas tree|small tree of the eastern Mediterranean having abundant purplish-red flowers growing on old wood directly from stems and appearing before the leaves;widely cultivated in mild regions;wood valuable for veneers
Jude|(New Testament) supposed brother of St. James;one of the Apostles who is invoked in prayer when a situation seems hopeless
Judea|the southern part of ancient Palestine succeeding the kingdom of Judah;a Roman province at the time of Christ
Judeo-Spanish|the Spanish dialect spoken by Sephardic Jews but written in the Hebrew script
judge|a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court of justice
judge advocate|a staff officer serving as legal adviser to a military commander;an officer assigned to the judge advocate general
judge advocate general|the senior legal advisor to a branch of the military
Judges|a book of the Old Testament that tells the history of Israel under the leaders known as judges
judgeship|the position of judge
judgment|(law) the determination by a court of competent jurisdiction on matters submitted to it;an opinion formed by judging something - "he was reluctant to make his judgment known";the act of judging or assessing a person or situation or event - "they criticized my judgment of the contestants";the capacity to assess situations or circumstances shrewdly and to draw sound conclusions;the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions
Judgment Day|(New Testament) day at the end of time following Armageddon when God will decree the fates of all individual humans according to the good and evil of their earthly lives
judgment in personam|a judgment rendered against an individual (or corporation) for the payment of money damages
judgment in rem|a judgment pronounced on the status of some particular subject or property or thing (as opposed to one pronounced on persons)
judgment lien|lien on a debtor's property that is granted to a creditor by court judgment;lien may be enforced by having the sheriff seize the property and hold a sheriff's sale
judgment of dismissal|a judgment disposing of the matter without a trial
judgment on the merits|judgment rendered through analysis and adjudication of the factual issues presented
judicial branch|the branch of the United States government responsible for the administration of justice
judicial review|review by a court of law of actions of a government official or entity or of some other legally appointed person or body or the review by an appellate court of the decision of a trial court
judicial torture|torture that is sanctioned by the state and executed by duly accredited officials - "the English renounced judicial torture in 1640"
judiciary|persons who administer justice;the system of law courts that administer justice and constitute the judicial branch of government
judiciousness|good judgment;the trait of forming opinions by distinguishing and evaluating
Judith|an Apocryphal book telling how Judith saved her people;Jewish heroine in one of the books of the Apocrypha;she saved her people by decapitating the Assyrian general Holofernes
judo|a sport adapted from jujitsu (using principles of not resisting) and similar to wrestling;developed in Japan
jug|a large bottle with a narrow mouth;the quantity contained in a jug
jug band|a musical group that uses jugs and washboards and kazoos and other improvised instruments
jug wine|inexpensive wine sold in large bottles or jugs
jugale|the craniometric point at the union of the frontal and temporal processes of the zygomatic bone
Juggernaut|a crude idol of Krishna;a massive inexorable force that seems to crush everything in its way
juggle|the act of rearranging things to give a misleading impression;throwing and catching several objects simultaneously
juggler|a performer who juggles objects and performs tricks of manual dexterity
jugglery|artful trickery designed to achieve an end - "the senator's tax program was mere jugglery";the performance of a juggler
Juglandaceae|trees having usually edible nuts;butternuts;walnuts;hickories;pecans
Juglandales|coextensive with the family Juglandaceae
Juglans|type genus of the Juglandaceae
jugular|a vital part that is vulnerable to attack - "he always goes for the jugular"
jugular vein|veins in the neck that return blood from the head
juice|any of several liquids of the body - "digestive juices";electric current - "when the wiring was finished they turned on the juice";energetic vitality - "her creative juices were flowing";the liquid part that can be extracted from plant or animal tissue by squeezing or cooking
juju|a charm superstitiously believed to embody magical powers;the power associated with a juju
jujube|chewy fruit-flavored jellied candy (sometimes medicated to soothe a sore throat);dark red plumlike fruit of Old World buckthorn trees;spiny tree having dark red edible fruits
jujutsu|a method of self-defense without weapons that was developed in China and Japan;holds and blows are supplemented by clever use of the attacker's own weight and strength
juke|(football) a deceptive move made by a football player;a small roadside establishment in the southeastern United States where you can eat and drink and dance to music provided by a jukebox
jukebox|a cabinet containing an automatic record player;records are played by inserting a coin
julep|bourbon and sugar and mint over crushed ice
Julian|Roman Emperor and nephew of Constantine;he restored paganism as the official religion of the Roman Empire and destroyed Christian temples but his decision was reversed after his death (331?-363)
Julian calendar|the solar calendar introduced in Rome in 46 b.c. by Julius Caesar and slightly modified by Augustus, establishing the 12-month year of 365 days with each 4th year having 366 days and the months having 31 or 30 days except for February
julienne|a clear soup garnished with julienne vegetables;a vegetable cut into thin strips (usually used as a garnish)
July|the month following June and preceding August
Jumada I|the fifth month of the Islamic calendar
Jumada II|the sixth month of the Islamic calendar
jumble|small flat ring-shaped cake or cookie
jumbojet|a very large jet plane
jumby bead|West Indian tree similar to Ormosia monosperma but larger and having smaller leaflets and smaller seeds
jump|(film) an abrupt transition from one scene to another;a sudden and decisive increase - "a jump in attendance";descent with a parachute;the act of jumping;propelling yourself off the ground - "he advanced in a series of jumps" - "the jumping was unexpected"
jump ball|(basketball) the way play begins or resumes when possession is disputed;an official tosses the ball up between two players who jump in an effort to tap it to a teammate
jump cut|an immediate transition from one scene to another
jump rope|a child's game or a cardiopulmonary exercise in which the player jumps over a swinging rope;a length of rope (usually with handles on each end) that is swung around while someone jumps over it
jump seat|a folding seat in an automobile
jump suit|one-piece garment fashioned after a parachutist's uniform;one-piece uniform worn by parachutists
jumper|(basketball) a player releases the basketball at the high point of a jump;a coverall worn by children;a loose jacket or blouse worn by workmen;a person who jumps - "as the jumper neared the ground he lost control" - "the jumper's parachute opened";a sleeveless dress resembling an apron;worn over other clothing;a small connector used to make temporary electrical connections;an athlete who competes at jumping - "he is one hell of a jumper"
jumper cable|a jumper that consists of a short piece of wire - "it was a tangle of jumper cables and clip leads"
jumping|the act of participating in an athletic competition in which you must jump
jumping bean|seed of Mexican shrubs of the genus Sebastiana containing the larva of a moth whose movements cause the bean to jerk or tumble
jumping bristletail|wingless insect living in dark moist places as under dead tree trunks;they make erratic leaps when disturbed
jumping jack|plaything consisting of a toy figure with movable joints that can be made to dance by pulling strings
jumping mouse|any of several primitive mouselike rodents with long hind legs and no cheek pouches;of woodlands of Eurasia and North America
jumping orchid|orchid having both male and female flowers in the same raceme;when a sensitive projection at the base of the column of the male flower is touched the pollen is suddenly ejected
jumping plant louse|small active cicada-like insect with hind legs adapted for leaping;feeds on plant juices
jumping up and down|jumping in one spot (as in excitement) - "the wailing and jumping up and down exhausted him"
jumping-off place|a place from which an enterprise or expedition is launched - "one day when I was at a suitable jumping-off place I decided to see if I could find him"
jumpstart|starting an automobile engine that has a weak battery by means of jumper cables to another car - "my battery was dead so I had to get a jumpstart from my neighbor"
Juncaceae|tufted herbs resembling grasses;rushes
junco|small North American finch seen chiefly in winter
junction|an act of joining or adjoining things;something that joins or connects;the place where two or more things come together;the state of being joined together
junction barrier|a junction unit for connecting 2 cables without the need for plugs
juncture|a crisis situation or point in time when a critical decision must be made - "at that juncture he had no idea what to do";an event that occurs at a critical time - "at such junctures he always had an impulse to leave"
Juncus|type genus of the Juncaceae;perennial tufted glabrous marsh plants of temperate regions;rushes
Jund-ul-Islam|an Islamic extremist group of Kurds who oppose secular control with bombings and assassinations;believed to have ties with al-Qaeda
June|the month following May and preceding July
June beetle|any of various large usually brown North American leaf-eating beetles common in late spring;the larvae feed on roots of grasses etc.
Juneau|the state capital of Alaska
Juneberry|any of various North American trees or shrubs having showy white flowers and edible blue-black or purplish fruit
juneberry holly|a holly shrub
Jung|Swiss psychologist (1875-1961)
Jungermanniaceae|comprising the leafy members of the order Jungermanniales
Jungermanniales|large order of chiefly tropical liverworts
Jungian|a follower or advocate of Carl Jung's theories
Jungian psychology|the psychological theories of Carl Jung
jungle|a location marked by an intense competition and struggle for survival;an impenetrable equatorial forest
jungle cat|small Asiatic wildcat
jungle cock|male jungle fowl
jungle fever|severe form of malaria occurring in tropical regions
jungle fowl|small Asiatic wild bird;believed to be ancestral to domestic fowl
jungle gym|a structure of vertical and horizontal rods where children can climb and play
jungle hen|female jungle fowl
jungle rot|skin disorder induced by a tropical climate
Junin virus|the RNA virus that causes Argentine hemorrhagic fever;carried by rats and mice
Junior|a son who has the same first name as his father;a third-year undergraduate;term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male;the younger of two persons
junior class|penultimate class in high school or college
junior college|a college that offers only the first two years terminating in an associate degree
junior featherweight|weighs no more than 122 pounds
junior high school|a secondary school usually including 7th and 8th grades
junior lightweight|weighs no more than 130 pounds
junior middleweight|weighs no more than 154 pounds
junior school|British school for children aged 7-11
junior status|in a junior position
junior varsity|a college or university team that competes at a level below the varsity team
junior welterweight|weighs no more than 140 pounds
juniper|coniferous shrub or small tree with berrylike cones
juniper berries|berrylike cone of a common juniper;used in making gin
juniper berry|berrylike fruit of a plant of the genus Juniperus especially the berrylike cone of the common juniper
juniperic acid|a crystalline acid found in the exudations of some conifers
Juniperus|junipers
junk|any of various Chinese boats with a high poop and lugsails
junk bond|a (speculative) bond with a credit rating of BB or lower;issued for leveraged buyouts and other takeovers by companies with questionable credit
junk DNA|stretches of DNA that do not code for genes - "most of the genome consists of junk DNA"
junk food|food that tastes good but is high in calories having little nutritional value
junk mail|third-class mail consisting of advertising and often addressed to 'resident' or 'occupant'
junk shop|a shop that sells cheap secondhand goods
Junker|member of the Prussian aristocracy noted especially for militarism
Junkers|German aircraft engineer who designed the first all-metal airplane (1859-1935)
junket|a trip taken by an official at public expense;dessert made of sweetened milk coagulated with rennet
junketing|taking an excursion for pleasure
junkyard|a field where junk is collected and stored for resale
Juno|(Roman mythology) queen of the Olympian gods who protected marriage;wife and sister of Jupiter;counterpart of Greek Hera
jupati|a tall Brazilian feather palm with a terminal crown of very large leathery pinnatisect leaves rising from long strong stems used for structural purposes
Jupiter|(Roman mythology) supreme god of Romans;counterpart of Greek Zeus;the largest planet and the 5th from the sun;has many satellites and is one of the brightest objects in the night sky
Jupiter Fidius|an epithet for Jupiter
Jupiter Fulgur|an epithet for Jupiter
Jupiter Optimus Maximus|an epithet for Jupiter
Jupiter Pluvius|an epithet for Jupiter
Jupiter Tonans|an epithet for Jupiter
Jupiter's beard|silvery hairy European shrub with evergreen foliage and pale yellow flowers
Jurassic|from 190 million to 135 million years ago;dinosaurs;conifers
jurisdiction|in law;the territory within which power can be exercised
jurisprudence|the branch of philosophy concerned with the law and the principles that lead courts to make the decisions they do
jurist|a legal scholar versed in civil law or the law of nations
juror|someone who serves (or waits to be called to serve) on a jury
jury|a body of citizens sworn to give a true verdict according to the evidence presented in a court of law;a committee appointed to judge a competition
jury box|an enclosure within a courtroom for the jury
jury duty|the civic duty to serve on a jury
jury mast|a temporary mast to replace one that has broken off
jury system|a legal system for determining the facts at issue in a law suit
jus sanguinis|the principle that a person's nationality at birth is the same as that of his natural parents
jus soli|the principle that a person's nationality at birth is determined by the place of birth
Jussieu|French botanist who categorized plants into families and developed a system of plant classification (1748-1836)
justice|judgment involved in the determination of rights and the assignment of rewards and punishments;the quality of being just or fair
justice of the peace|a local magistrate with limited powers
justiciar|formerly a high judicial officer
justiciary|the jurisdiction of a justiciar
justification|a statement in explanation of some action or belief;something (such as a fact or circumstance) that shows an action to be reasonable or necessary - "he considered misrule a justification for revolution";the act of defending or explaining or making excuses for by reasoning - "the justification of barbarous means by holy ends"- H.J.Muller
Justinian|Byzantine emperor who held the eastern frontier of his empire against the Persians;codified Roman law in 529;his general Belisarius regained North Africa and Spain (483-565)
justness|conformity with some esthetic standard of correctness or propriety - "it was performed with justness and beauty"
just-noticeable difference|(psychophysics) the difference between two stimuli that (under properly controlled experimental conditions) is detected as often as it is undetected
Jute|a member of a Germanic people who conquered England and merged with the Angles and Saxons to become Anglo-Saxons;a plant fiber used in making rope or sacks
Jutland|an indecisive naval battle in World War I (1916);fought between the British and German fleets off the northwestern coast of Denmark;peninsula in northern Europe that forms the continental part of Denmark and a northern part of Germany
Juvenal|Roman satirist who denounced the vice and folly of Roman society during the reign of the emperor Domitian (60-140)
juvenescence|the process of growing into a youth
juvenile|a young person, not fully developed
juvenile body|the body of a young person
juvenile court|a court having jurisdiction over dependent and delinquent children
juvenile wart|a small benign growth on the faces of hands of children
juxtaposition|a side-by-side position;the act of positioning close together (or side by side) - "it is the result of the juxtaposition of contrasting colors"
Jynx|wrynecks
K|street names for ketamine;the 11th letter of the Roman alphabet
K ration|a small package of emergency rations;issued to United States troops in World War II
K2|a mountain peak in the Karakoram Range in northern Kashmir;the 2nd highest peak in the world (28,250 feet high)
Ka|unknown god;an epithet of Prajapati and Brahma
Kaaba|(Islam) a black stone building in Mecca that is shaped like a cube and that is the most sacred Muslim pilgrim shrine;believed to have been given by Gabriel to Abraham;Muslims turn in its direction when praying
Kabbalah|an esoteric theosophy of rabbinical origin based on the Hebrew scriptures and developed between the 7th and 18th centuries
kabbalism|adherence to some extreme traditional theological concept or interpretation;the doctrines of the Kabbalah
kabob|cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables
Kabul|the capital and largest city of Afghanistan;located in eastern Afghanistan
Kachaturian|Armenian composer who incorporated oriental folk music (1903-1978)
Kachin|Tibeto-Burman languages spoken in northernmost Burma and adjacent China and India
kachina|a carved doll wearing the costume of a particular Pueblo spirit;usually presented to a child as a gift;a deified spirit of the Pueblo people;a masked dancer during a Pueblo religious ceremony who is thought to embody some particular spirit
Kadai|a family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in southeastern Asia
kaffir|an offensive and insulting term for any Black African
kaffir boom|small semi-evergreen broad-spreading tree of eastern South Africa with orange-scarlet flowers and small coral-red seeds;yields a light soft wood used for fence posts or shingles;small semi-evergreen tree of South Africa having dense clusters of clear scarlet flowers and red seeds
kaffir bread|South African cycad;the farinaceous pith of the fruit used as food
kaffir cat|widely distributed wildcat of Africa and Asia Minor
kaffiyeh|an Arab headdress consisting of a square piece of cloth folded into a triangle and fastened over the crown by an agal
Kafir|a member of the Kafir people in northeastern Afghanistan
Kafiri|a Dardic language spoken by the Kafir in northeastern Afghanistan
Kafka|Czech novelist who wrote in German about a nightmarish world of isolated and troubled individuals (1883-1924)
Kahane Chai|a terrorist organization founded for Jewish defense;fights antisemitism and hopes to restore the biblical state of Israel
kahikatea|New Zealand evergreen valued for its light easily worked wood
Kahlua|coffee-flavored liqueur made in Mexico
Kahn|United States architect (born in Estonia) (1901-1974)
Kahoolawe|an island of south-central Hawaii
kai apple|South African fruit smelling and tasting like apricots;used for pickles and preserves
kainite|a white mineral consisting of magnesium sulphate and potassium chloride;a source of potassium salts;used as a fertilizer
Kaiser|the title of the Holy Roman Emperors or the emperors of Austria or of Germany until 1918
kaiser roll|rounded raised poppy-seed roll made of a square piece of dough by folding the corners in to the center
Kakatoe|a genus of Psittacidae
Kakemono|a Japanese (paper or silk) wall hanging;usually narrow with a picture or writing on it and a roller at the bottom
kaki|blackish stilt of New Zealand sometimes considered a color phase of the white-headed stilt
kakke disease|the endemic form of beriberi
Kalahari|a desert in southwestern Africa - largely Botswana
Kalamazoo|a town in southwest Michigan
kalansuwa|a cap that is wrapped around by a turban and worn by Muslim religious elders
Kalapooia|a member of the North American Indian people of Oregon
Kalapooian|a Penutian language spoken by the Kalapuya
Kalashnikov|a type of submachine gun made in Russia
Kalashnikov culture|the attitudes and behavior in a social group that resolves political disputes by force of arms - "the Kalashnikov culture in Afghanistan"
kale|a hardy cabbage with coarse curly leaves that do not form a head;coarse curly-leafed cabbage
kaleidoscope|a complex pattern of constantly changing colors and shapes;an optical toy in a tube;it produces symmetrical patterns as bits of colored glass are reflected by mirrors
kalemia|the presence of excess potassium in the circulating blood
Kali|wife of Siva and malevolent form of Devi
Kalinin|soviet statesman and head of state of the USSR (1875-1946)
kaliuresis|the presence of excess potassium in the urine
Kalki|the 10th and last incarnation of Vishnu
Kallman's syndrome|hypogonadism with anosmia;a congenital sexual disorder that prevents the testicles from maturing at puberty
kalmia|any plant of the genus Kalmia
Kalon Tripa|the chairman of the Kashag and essentially head of the Tibetan government-in-exile
Kalotermes|type genus of Kalotermitidae;termites destructive of wood and living trees
Kalotermitidae|primitive termites of warm regions
Kaluga|a city of central Russia to the south of Moscow
kalumpang|large tree of Old World tropics having foul-smelling orange-red blossoms followed by red pods enclosing oil-rich seeds sometimes used as food
Kama|Hindu god of love and erotic desire;opposite of Mara
Kamarupan|the Tibeto-Burman language spoken in northeastern India and adjacent regions of western Burma
Kamasutra|(Hinduism) an ancient Sanskrit text giving rules for sensuous and sensual pleasure and love and marriage in accordance with Hindu law
Kamba|a Bantu language spoken by the Kamba in Kenya
Kamchatka Peninsula|a peninsula in eastern Siberia;between Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk
Kamchatkan sea eagle|found on coasts of the northwestern Pacific
kameez|a long tunic worn by many people from the Indian subcontinent (usually with a salwar or churidars)
Kamehameha I|Hawaiian king who united the islands under his rule (1758-1819)
Kamet|a mountain in the Himalayas in northern India (25,450 feet high)
Kami|one the Shinto deities (including mythological beings, spirits of distinguished men, forces of nature)
Kamia|a member of a North American Indian people of southeastern California and northwestern Mexico;the Yuman language spoken by the Kamia
kamikaze|a fighter plane used for suicide missions by Japanese pilots in World War II;a pilot trained and willing to cause a suicidal crash
Kammon Strait Bridge|a suspension bridge between Kyushu and Honshu
Kampala|the capital and largest city of Uganda on the north shore of Lake Victoria
kampong|a native village in Malaysia
Kam-Sui|a group of Kadai languages
kanamycin|antibiotic (trade name Kantrex) used to treat severe infections
Kananga|a city in southwestern Congo;former name (until 1966) was Luluabourg
Kanara|a historical region of southwestern India on the west coast
Kanarese|a member of a Kannada-speaking group of people living chiefly in Kanara in southern India
Kanawha|a tributary of the Ohio River in West Virginia
Kanchenjunga|a mountain the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet (28,208 feet high)
kanchil|small chevrotain of southeastern Asia
Kandahar|a city in southern Afghanistan;an important trading center
Kandinsky|Russian painter who was a pioneer of abstract art (1866-1944)
Kandy|a city of central Sri Lanka that was the last capital of the ancient kings of Ceylon;a resort and religious center
kangaroo|any of several herbivorous leaping marsupials of Australia and New Guinea having large powerful hind legs and a long thick tail
kangaroo apple|Australian annual sometimes cultivated for its racemes of purple flowers and edible yellow egg-shaped fruit
kangaroo court|an irregular unauthorized court
kangaroo mouse|leaping rodent of Australian desert areas;small silky-haired pouched rodent;similar to but smaller than kangaroo rats
kangaroo paw|sedgelike spring-flowering herb having clustered flowers covered with woolly hairs;Australia
kangaroo rat|any of various leaping rodents of desert regions of North America and Mexico;largest members of the family Heteromyidae
Kannada|a Dravidian language spoken in southern India
Kansa|a member of the Siouan people of the Kansas river valley in Kansas;the Dhegiha dialect spoken by the Kansa
Kansan|a native or resident of Kansas
Kansas|a river in northeastern Kansas;flows eastward to become a tributary of the Missouri River;a state in midwestern United States
Kansas City|a city in western Missouri situated at the confluence of the Kansas River and the Missouri River;adjacent to Kansas City, Kansas;a city of northeast Kansas on the Missouri River adjacent to Kansas City, Missouri
Kant|influential German idealist philosopher (1724-1804)
kanzu|(Swahili) a long garment (usually white) with long sleeves;worn by men in East Africa
kaoliang|sorghums of China and Manchuria having small white or brown grains (used for food) and dry pithy stalks (used for fodder, fuel and thatching)
kaolinite|a mineral consisting of aluminum silicate;main source of kaolin
kaon|an unstable meson produced as the result of a high-energy particle collision
Kaopectate|trade name for a fixed-combination antidiarrheal drug that use kaolin as the adsorbent and pectin as the emollient
kapeika|100 kapeikas equal 1 rubel in Belarus
kaph|the 11th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Kaplan Group|a Turkish terrorist group of fundamentalist Muslims with ties to al-Qaeda that operates in Germany;seeks the violent overthrow of the Turkish government and the establishment of an Islamic nation modeled on Iran
kapok|a plant fiber from the kapok tree;used for stuffing and insulation;massive tropical tree with deep ridges on its massive trunk and bearing large pods of seeds covered with silky floss;source of the silky kapok fiber
Kaposi's sarcoma|a sarcoma that starts with purplish spots on the feet and legs and spreads from the skin to lymph nodes and internal organs;a common manifestation of AIDS - "until 1980 Kaposi's sarcoma occurred almost exclusively with Jewish or Italian or black men"
kappa|the 10th letter of the Greek alphabet
kapuka|small New Zealand broadleaf evergreen tree often cultivated in warm regions as an ornamental
Kara Kum|a desert in Turkmenistan to the south of the Aral Sea
Kara Sea|part of the Arctic Ocean to the north of Siberia and to the east of the Barents Sea;icebound most of the year
Karachi|the largest city in Pakistan;located in southeastern Pakistan;an industrial center and seaport on the Arabian Sea;former capital of Pakistan
Karaites|a Jewish sect that recognizes only the Hebrew Scriptures as the source of divinely inspired legislation and denies the authority of the postbiblical tradition of the Talmud;the sect arose in Iraq in the eighth century
Karakalpak|a member of a Turkic people living near Lake Aral in central Asia;the Turkic language spoken by the Karakalpak
Karakoram|a mountain range in northern Kashmir;an extension of the Hindu Kush;contains the 2nd highest peak
karaoke|singing popular songs accompanied by a recording of an orchestra (usually in bars or nightclubs)
karat|the unit of measurement for the proportion of gold in an alloy;18-karat gold is 75% gold;24-karat gold is pure gold
karate|a traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat;sharp blows and kicks are given to pressure-sensitive points on the body of the opponent
Karelia|a region in Finland and Russia between the Gulf of Finland and the White Sea
Karelian|a Finnic language spoken by the people of Karelia;a member of the Finnish people living in Karelia in northwestern European Russia
Karelian Isthmus|the isthmus between the Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga that connects Finland and Russia
Karen|the Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Thailand and Burmese borderlands
Karlfeldt|Swedish poet whose works incorporate Swedish customs and folklore (1864-1931)
Karloff|United States film actor (born in England) noted for his performances in horror films (1887-1969)
karma|(Hinduism and Buddhism) the effects of a person's actions that determine his destiny in his next incarnation
Karnataka|state in southern India;formerly Mysore
Karok|a member of a North American Indian people of the Klamath river valley in northern California;the Quoratean language of the Karok
Karpov|Russian chess master who was world champion from 1975 until 1985 when he was defeated by Gary Kasparov (born in 1951)
Karsavina|Russian dancer who danced with Nijinsky (1885-1978)
Kartik|the eighth month of the Hindu calendar
Kartikeya|Hindu god of bravery
karyokinesis|organic process consisting of the division of the nucleus of a cell during mitosis or meiosis
karyolymph|a clear liquid in the cell nucleus in which the nucleolus and chromatin and other structures are dispersed
karyolysis|disintegration and dissolution of a cell nucleus when a cell dies
karyotype|the appearance of the chromosomal makeup of a somatic cell in an individual or species (including the number and arrangement and size and structure of the chromosomes)
Kasai|a river of southwestern Africa that rises in central Angola and flows east and then north (forming part of the border between Angola and Congo) and continuing northwest through Congo to empty into the Congo River on the border between Congo and Republic of the Congo
kasbah|an older or native quarter of many cities in northern Africa;the quarter in which the citadel is located
kasha|boiled or baked buckwheat
Kashag|the advisory board of the Tibetan government-in-exile
Kashmir|an area in southwestern Asia whose sovereignty is disputed between Pakistan and India
Kashmiri|a member of the people of Kashmir;the official state language of Kashmir
Kasparov|Azerbaijani chess master who became world champion in 1985 by defeating Anatoli Karpov (born in 1963)
Kassite|a member of an ancient people who ruled Babylonia between 1600 and 1200 BC;an ancient language spoken by the Kassites
Kastler|French physicist (1902-1984)
kat|the leaves of the shrub Catha edulis which are chewed like tobacco or used to make tea;has the effect of a euphoric stimulant - "in Yemen kat is used daily by 85% of adults"
katabatic wind|a wind caused by the downward motion of cold air
katamorphism|metamorphism that occurs at or near the earth's surface;breaks down complex minerals into simpler ones
Katharevusa|literary style of Modern Greek containing features borrowed from Koine
katharobe|an organism that lives in an oxygenated medium lacking organic matter
katharometer|measures thermal conductivity
Kathmandu|the capital and largest city of Nepal
Katmai National Park|a national park in Alaska featuring mountains
Katowice|an industrial city of southern Poland
Katsina|a city in northern Nigeria;a major center of the Hausa people
katsura tree|rapidly growing deciduous tree of low mountainsides of China and Japan;grown as an ornamental for its dark blue-green candy-scented foliage that becomes yellow to scarlet in autumn
Katsuwonidae|in some classifications considered a separate family comprising the oceanic bonitos
Katsuwonus|oceanic bonitos;in some classifications placed in its own family Katsuwonidae
Kattegatt|a strait of the North Sea between Jutland and Sweden;connects with the North Sea through the Skagerrak
katydid|large green long-horned grasshopper of North America;males produce shrill sounds by rubbing together special organs on the forewings
Kauai|an island of Hawaii to the northwest of Oahu
Kaufman|United States playwright who collaborated with many other writers including Moss Hart (1889-1961)
Kaunas|a city in central Lithuania
Kaunda|statesman who led Northern Rhodesia to full independence as Zambia in 1964 and served as Zambia's first president (1924-1999)
kauri|resin of the kauri trees of New Zealand;found usually as a fossil;also collected for making varnishes and linoleum;tall timber tree of New Zealand having white straight-grained wood;white close-grained wood of a tree of the genus Agathis especially Agathis australis
kauri pine|any of various trees of the genus Agathis;yield dammar resin
kava|an alcoholic drink made from the aromatic roots of the kava shrub
kawaka|New Zealand timber tree resembling the cypress
Kawasaki disease|an acute disease of young children characterized by a rash and swollen lymph nodes and fever;of unknown cause
kayak|a small canoe consisting of a light frame made watertight with animal skins;used by Eskimos
Kayser-Fleischer ring|a pigmented ring at the outer edge of the cornea of the eye;a symptom of Wilson's disease
Kazak|a Muslim who is a member of a Turkic people of western Asia (especially in Kazakstan);the Turkic language spoken by the Kazak
Kazakhstan|a landlocked republic to the south of Russia and to the northeast of the Caspian Sea;the original Turkic-speaking inhabitants were overrun by Mongols in the 13th century;an Asian soviet from 1936 to 1991
Kazakhstani|a native or inhabitant of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstani monetary unit|monetary unit in Kazakhstan
Kazan|an industrial city in the European part of Russia;United States stage and screen director (born in Turkey) and believer in method acting (1909-2003)
kazoo|a toy wind instrument that has a membrane that makes a sound when you hum into the mouthpiece
kea|large brownish-green New Zealand parrot
Kean|English actor noted for his portrayals of Shakespeare's great tragic characters (1789-1833)
Keaton|United States comedian and actor in silent films noted for his acrobatic skills and deadpan face (1895-1966)
Keats|Englishman and romantic poet (1795-1821)
Keble|English clergyman who (with John Henry Newman and Edward Pusey) founded the Oxford movement (1792-1866)
kedgeree|a dish of rice and hard-boiled eggs and cooked flaked fish
keel|a projection or ridge that suggests a keel;one of the main longitudinal beams (or plates) of the hull of a vessel;can extend vertically into the water to provide lateral stability;the median ridge on the breastbone of birds that fly
keelboat|river boat with a shallow draught and a keel but no sails;used to carry freight;moved by rowing or punting or towing
keeled garlic|Eurasian bulbous plant
keelson|a longitudinal beam connected to the keel of ship to strengthen it
keen|a funeral lament sung with loud wailing
keep|the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress
keeper|someone in charge of other people - "am I my brother's keeper?"
keeping|conformity or harmony - "his behavior was not in keeping with the occasion"
keepsake|something of sentimental value
keeshond|a spitz-like dog having a shaggy greyish coat and tightly curled tail originating in Holland
keg|small cask or barrel;the quantity contained in a keg
Kegel exercises|exercises for women designed to improve the ability to hold urine
kei apple|vigorous South African spiny shrub grown for its round yellow juicy edible fruits
Kekchi|a Mayan language spoken by the Kekchi;a member of a Mayan people of north central Guatemala
Kekule|German chemist remembered for his discovery of the ring structure of benzene (1829-1896)
Keller|United States lecturer and writer who was blind and deaf from the age of 19 months;Anne Sullivan taught her to read and write and speak;Helen Keller graduated from college and went on to champion the cause of blind and deaf people (1880-1968)
Kellogg|United States food manufacturer who (with his brother) developed a breakfast cereal of crisp flakes of rolled and toasted wheat and corn;he established a company to manufacture the cereal (1860-1951)
Kelly|United States circus clown (1898-1979);United States dancer who performed in many musical films (1912-1996);United States film actress who retired when she married into the royal family of Monaco (1928-1982)
keloid|raised pinkish scar tissue at the site of an injury;results from excessive tissue repair
kelp|large brown seaweeds having fluted leathery fronds
kelp greenling|common food and sport fish of western coast of North America
kelpie|an Australian sheepdog with pointed ears
kelpy|(Scottish folklore) water spirit in the form of a horse that likes to drown its riders
Kelvin|British physicist who invented the Kelvin scale of temperature and pioneered undersea telegraphy (1824-1907);the basic unit of thermodynamic temperature adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
Kelvin scale|a temperature scale that defines absolute zero as 0 degrees;water freezes at 273.16 degrees and boils at 373.16 degrees
kenaf|fiber from an East Indian plant Hibiscus cannabinus;valuable fiber plant of East Indies now widespread in cultivation
Kenai Fjords National Park|a national park in Alaska having mountains and whale watching and ancient Indian copper mines
Kendal green|a green dye, often used to color cloth, which is obtained from the woad plant
Kendall|United States biochemist who discovered cortisone (1886-1972)
Kendall partial rank correlation|a nonparametric measure of partial correlation
Kendall test|any of several nonparametric measures of correlation (used when the assumptions of standard correlational analysis are not met)
Kendrew|English biologist noted for studies of the molecular structure of blood components (born in 1917)
Kennan|United States diplomat who recommended a policy of containment in dealing with Soviet aggression (1904-2005)
Kennedia|genus of Australian woody vines having showy red or purplish flowers
Kennedy|35th President of the United States;established the Peace Corps;assassinated in Dallas (1917-1963);a large airport on Long Island to the east of New York City
kennel|outbuilding that serves as a shelter for a dog
Kennelly|United States electrical engineer noted for his work on the theory of alternating currents;independently of Oliver Heaviside he discovered the existence of an atmospheric layer that reflects radio waves back to earth (1861-1939)
Kennesaw Mountain|battle of the American Civil War (1864);Union forces under William Tecumseh Sherman were repulsed by Confederate troops under Joseph Eggleston Johnston
Kennewick|a town in southern Washington on the Columbia River
kenning|conventional metaphoric name for something, used especially in Old English and Old Norse poetry
Kent|a county in southeastern England on the English Channel;formerly an Anglo-Saxon kingdom, it was the first to be colonized by the Romans;United States painter noted for his woodcuts (1882-1971)
Kentish|a dialect of Middle English;one of the major dialects of Old English
Kentuckian|a native or resident of Kentucky
Kentucky|a state in east central United States;a border state during the American Civil War;famous for breeding race horses
Kentucky black bass|a variety of black bass
Kentucky bluegrass|valuable meadow and pasture grass in Europe and especially central United States having tall stalks and slender bright green leaves;a chief constituent in lawn grass mixtures
Kentucky coffee tree|handsome tree of central and eastern North America having large bipinnate leaves and green-white flowers followed by large woody brown pods whose seeds are used as a coffee substitute
Kentucky Derby|an annual race for three-year-old horses;held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky wonder|flat-podded green bean
Kentucky yellowwood|small handsome roundheaded deciduous tree having showy white flowers in terminal clusters and heavy hardwood yielding yellow dye
Kenya|a republic in eastern Africa;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1963;major archeological discoveries have been made in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya
Kenyan|a native or inhabitant of Kenya
Kenyan monetary unit|monetary unit in Kenya
Kenyan shilling|the basic unit of money in Kenya;equal to 100 cents
Kenyapithecus|extinct primate having powerful chewing muscles along with large molars and small incisors;fossils found in Kenya
Kenyata|Kenyan statesman and the first president of independent Kenya (1893-1978)
Keogh plan|a tax-deferred pension plan for employees of unincorporated businesses or for self-employed persons
Keokuk|Sauk leader who aided the United States against Black Hawk (1790-1848)
kepi|a cap with a flat circular top and a visor
Kepler|German astronomer who first stated laws of planetary motion (1571-1630)
Kepler's first law|a law stating that the orbit of each planet is an ellipse with the sun at one focus of the ellipse
Kepler's law|(astronomy) one of three empirical laws of planetary motion stated by Johannes Kepler
Kepler's second law|a law concerning the speed at which planets travel;a line connecting a planet to the sun will sweep out equal areas in equal times - "Kepler's second law means that a planet's orbital speed changes with its distance from the sun"
Kepler's third law|a law stating that the ratio of the square of the revolutionary period (in years) to the cube of the orbital axis (in astronomical units) is the same for all planets
Kera|a Chadic language spoken in Chad
keratalgia|pain in the cornea
keratectasia|abnormal bulging of the cornea of the eye
keratin|a fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair, feathers, nails, and hooves
keratinization|organic process by which keratin is deposited in cells and the cells become horny (as in nails and hair)
keratitis|inflammation of the cornea causing watery painful eyes and blurred vision
keratoacanthoma|skin tumor that grows rapidly (especially in older people) and resembles a carcinoma but does not spread;it usually disappears spontaneously, often leaving a scar
keratocele|hernia of the cornea
keratoconjunctivitis|inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva
keratoconus|abnormal cone-shaped protrusion of the cornea of the eye;can be treated by epikeratophakia
keratoderma|any skin disorder consisting of a growth that appears horny
keratohyalin|hyaline in the large granules of the stratum granulosum
keratoiritis|inflammation of the cornea and the iris of the eye
keratomalacia|softening and drying and ulceration of the cornea resulting from vitamin A deficiency;symptom of cystic fibrosis or sprue
keratomycosis|fungal infection of the cornea
keratonosis|any abnormal condition of the outer skin (epidermis)
keratonosus|any disease of the cornea
keratoplasty|a surgical procedure in which part or all of a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by healthy corneal tissue from a donor
keratoscleritis|inflammation of the cornea and sclera of the eye
keratoscope|medical instrument to examine the cornea in order to detect irregularities in its anterior surface
keratoscopy|examination of the cornea with a keratoscope to detect irregularities in its anterior surface
keratosis|a skin condition marked by an overgrowth of layers of horny skin
keratosis blennorrhagica|skin disease characterized by a scaly rash on the palms and soles;associated with Reiter's syndrome
keratosis follicularis|a rare hereditary condition marked by dark crusted patches (sometimes containing pus)
keratosis pilaris|keratosis characterized by hard conical elevations in the openings of sebaceous glands (especially of arms and thighs)
keratotomy|surgical incision into the cornea
kerb crawler|someone who drives slowly along the curb seeking sex from prostitutes or other women
Kerbala|a city of central Iraq to the south of Baghdad;a holy city for Shiite Muslims because it is the site of the tomb of Mohammed's grandson who was killed there in 680
kerchief|a square scarf that is folded into a triangle and worn over the head or about the neck
Kerensky|Russian revolutionary who was head of state after Nicholas II abdicated but was overthrown by the Bolsheviks (1881-1970)
kerion|ringworm infection of the hair follicles of the scalp and beard that usually results in a swelling that is covered with pustules and oozes fluid
kern|the part of a metal typeface that projects beyond its body;United States composer of musical comedies (1885-1945)
kernel|a single whole grain of a cereal - "a kernel of corn";the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone - "black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell"
kernicterus|an abnormal accumulation of bile pigment in the brain and other nerve tissue;causes yellow staining and tissue damage
Kernig's sign|symptom of meningitis;patient cannot extend the leg at the knee when the thigh is flexed because of stiffness in the hamstrings
kernite|a light soft mineral consisting of hydrated sodium borate in crystalline form;an important source of boron
kerosene|a flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters
Kerouac|United States writer who was a leading figure of the beat generation (1922-1969)
Kerr cell|optical device consisting of a transparent cell with two electrodes between two polarizing media;passes light only if the two planes of polarization are parallel;used as a high-speed shutter or to modulate a laser beam
Kerry blue terrier|an Irish breed of medium-sized terriers with a silky blue-grey coat
kerygma|preaching the gospel of Christ in the manner of the early church
Kesey|United States writer whose best-known novel was based on his experiences as an attendant in a mental hospital (1935-2001)
kestrel|small Old World falcon that hovers in the air against a wind
ketamine|a general anesthetic and tranquilizer (not a barbiturate) that is administered intravenously or intramuscularly;used mainly by veterinarians or for minor surgery with geriatric or pediatric patients;taken in large doses it causes hallucinations similar to those associated with the use of PCP
ketch|a sailing vessel with two masts;the mizzen is forward of the rudderpost
keteleeria|Asiatic conifers resembling firs
ketembilla|a small shrubby spiny tree cultivated for its maroon-purple fruit with sweet purple pulp tasting like gooseberries;Sri Lanka and India;maroon-purple gooseberry-like fruit of India having tart-sweet purple pulp used especially for preserves
ketoacidosis|acidosis with an accumulation of ketone bodies;occurs primarily in diabetes mellitus
ketohexose|a monosaccharide having six carbon atoms and a ketone group
ketone|any of a class of organic compounds having a carbonyl group linked to a carbon atom in each of two hydrocarbon radicals
ketone body|a ketone that is an intermediate product of the breakdown of fats in the body;any of three compounds (acetoacetic acid, acetone, and/or beta-hydroxybutyric acid) found in excess in blood and urine of persons with metabolic disorders
ketone group|a group having the characteristic properties of ketones
ketonemia|an abnormal increase of ketone bodies in the blood as in diabetes mellitus
ketonuria|excessive amounts of ketone bodies in the urine as in diabetes mellitus or starvation
ketoprofen|nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade names Orudis or Orudis KT or Oruvail)
ketorolac|nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (trade name Torodal) that is given only orally
ketorolac tromethamine|nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade names Acular and Toradol) that is administered only intramuscularly
ketose|any monosaccharide sugar that contains a ketone group or its hemiacetal
ketosteroid|a steroid containing a ketone group
Kettering|United States electrical engineer who made numerous automotive improvements (including the electric starter) (1876-1958)
kettle|a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it;a metal pot for stewing or boiling;usually has a lid;the quantity a kettle will hold
kettle hole|(geology) a hollow (typically filled by a lake) that results from the melting of a mass of ice trapped in glacial deposits
Keuka Lake|a glacial lake in central New York;one of the Finger Lakes
keurboom|fast-growing roundheaded tree with fragrant white to deep rose flowers;planted as an ornamental;tree with odd-pinnate leaves and racemes of fragrant pink to purple flowers
key|(basketball) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court;usually painted a different color from the rest of the court - "he hit a jump shot from the top of the key";a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida;a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access - "a safe-deposit box usually requires two keys to open it";a kilogram of a narcotic drug - "they were carrying two keys of heroin";a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed;a list of answers to a test - "some students had stolen the key to the final exam";a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations;any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music;metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated;pitch of the voice - "he spoke in a low key";something crucial for explaining - "the key to development is economic integration";United States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812;the poem was later set to music and entitled 'The Star-Spangled Banner' (1779-1843)
key lime|small yellow-green limes of southern Florida
key palm|small stocky fan palm of southern Florida and Cuba
key ring|a circular ring of metal for holding keys
key signature|the sharps or flats that follow the clef and indicate the key
Key West|a town on the westernmost of the Florida keys in the Gulf of Mexico
key word|a significant word used in indexing or cataloging;a word that is used as a pattern to decode an encrypted message
keyboard|device consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the like;holder consisting of an arrangement of hooks on which keys or locks can be hung
keyboard buffer|a buffer that keeps track of key strokes until the computer is ready to respond to them
keyboard instrument|a musical instrument that is played by means of a keyboard
keyboardist|a musician who plays a keyboard instrument
keycard|a plastic card that has a magnetically coded strip that is scanned in order to operate a mechanism
keyhole|the hole where a key is inserted
keyhole limpet|marine limpet having a conical shell with an opening at the apex
keyhole saw|a handsaw with a long narrow blade for cutting short radius curves;similar to a compass saw
Keynes|English economist who advocated the use of government monetary and fiscal policy to maintain full employment without inflation (1883-1946)
Keynesian|a follower of the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes
Keynesianism|the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes who advocated government monetary and fiscal programs intended to stimulate business activity and increase employment
keynote|a fundamental or central idea;the principal theme in a speech or literary work
keynote speech|a speech setting forth the keynote
keystone|the central building block at the top of an arch or vault
keystroke|the stroke of a key;one depression of a key on a keyboard - "the number of keystrokes was used as a measure of work"
Khabarovsk|a city on the Amur River on the border of China and the capital of Khabarovsk;an administrative territory in Russia on the eastern coast of Siberia
Khachaturian|Russian composer (born in Armenia) whose works are romantic and reflect his interest in folk music (1903-1978)
khadi|a coarse homespun cotton cloth made in India
khaki|a sturdy twilled cloth of a yellowish brown color used especially for military uniforms
khakis|a military uniform made of khaki fabric
Khalkha|the language of the Khalkha that is the official language of the Mongolian People's Republic;the Mongol people living in the central and eastern parts of Outer Mongolia
Khalsa|the group of initiated Sikhs to which devout orthodox Sikhs are ritually admitted at puberty;founded by the tenth and last Guru in 1699
Khama|Botswanan statesman who was the first president of Botswana (1921-1980)
khamsin|an oppressively hot southerly wind from the Sahara that blows across Egypt in the spring
Khamti|a branch of the Tai languages
khan|a title given to rulers or other important people in Asian countries
khanate|the position of a khan;the realm of a khan
Khanty|a Ugric language (related to Hungarian) spoken by the Ostyak
Kharkov|a city in northeastern Ukraine;former capital of the Ukraine
Khartoum|the capital of Sudan located at the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile
Khaya|African mahogany trees
Khedive|one of the Turkish viceroys who ruled Egypt between 1867 and 1914
Khepera|Egyptian god of the morning sun;creator
khimar|a headscarf worn by observant Muslim women that hangs down to just above the waist
Khmer|a native or inhabitant of Cambodia;the Mon-Khmer language spoken in Cambodia
Khmer Rouge|a communist organization formed in Cambodia in 1970;became a terrorist organization in 1975 when it captured Phnom Penh and created a government that killed an estimated three million people;was defeated by Vietnamese troops but remained active until 1999
Khoikhoin|any of the Khoisan languages spoken by the pastoral people of Namibia and South Africa
Khoisan|a family of languages spoken in southern Africa
Khomeini|Iranian religious leader of the Shiites;when Shah Pahlavi's regime fell Khomeini established a new constitution giving himself supreme powers (1900-1989)
khoum|5 khoums equal 1 ouguiya in Mauritania
Khowar|a Dardic language spoken in northwestern Pakistan
Khrushchev|Soviet statesman and premier who denounced Stalin (1894-1971)
Khuen|a branch of the Tai languages
khukuri|a curved steel knife with a razor-sharp edge used in combat by the Gurkhas;has cultural and religious significance in Nepal
Khyber Pass|a mountain pass of great strategic and commercial value in the Hindu Kush on the border between northern Pakistan and western Afghanistan;a route by which invaders entered India
Ki|goddess personifying earth;counterpart of Akkadian Aruru
kia quen|a form of foot torture used by the Chinese in which the victim's foot was placed between three pieces of bamboo and systematically squeezed
kiang|wild ass of Tibet and Mongolia
kibble|an iron bucket used for hoisting in wells or mining;coarsely ground grain in the form of pellets (as for pet food)
kibbutz|a collective farm or settlement owned by its members in modern Israel;children are reared collectively
kibbutznik|a member of a kibbutz
kibe|ulcerated chilblain on the heel
kibibit|a unit of information equal to 1024 bits
kibitzer|(Yiddish) a meddler who offers unwanted advice to others
Kichaga|a Bantu language spoken by the Chaga in northern Tanzania
Kichai|a member of a Caddo people formerly living in north central Texas
kick|a rhythmic thrusting movement of the legs as in swimming or calisthenics - "the kick must be synchronized with the arm movements" - "the swimmer's kicking left a wake behind him";the act of delivering a blow with the foot - "he gave the ball a powerful kick" - "the team's kicking was excellent";the sudden stimulation provided by strong drink (or certain drugs) - "a sidecar is a smooth drink but it has a powerful kick"
kick in the butt|punishment inflicted by kicking the victim in the behind
kick pleat|pleat in back of a straight skirt to allow ease in walking
kick starter|a starter (as on a motorcycle) that is activated with the foot and the weight of the body
kick turn|a standing turn made in skiing;one ski is raised to the vertical and pivoted backward to become parallel with the other ski but headed in the opposite direction and then the other ski is aligned with the first
kick up|raising the feet backward with the hands on the ground;a first movement in doing a handstand
Kickapoo|a member of the Algonquian people formerly inhabiting southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois;the Algonquian language of the Kickapoo
kickback|a commercial bribe paid by a seller to a purchasing agent in order to induce the agent to enter into the transaction
kicker|a player who kicks the football
kickoff|(football) a kick from the center of the field to start a football game or to resume it after a score;a start given to contestants - "I was there with my parents at the kickoff"
kicksorter|scientific instrument consisting of an electronic circuit that permits only voltage pulses of predetermined height to pass
kickstand|a swiveling metal rod attached to a bicycle or motorcycle or other two-wheeled vehicle;the rod lies horizontally when not in use but can be kicked into a vertical position as a support to hold the vehicle upright when it is not being ridden
kid|soft smooth leather from the hide of a young goat - "kid gloves";young goat
kid glove|a glove made of fine soft leather (as kidskin)
Kidd|Scottish sea captain who was hired to protect British shipping in the Indian Ocean and then was accused of piracy and hanged (1645-1701)
kiddy|a young child
kidnapper|someone who unlawfully seizes and detains a victim (usually for ransom)
kidnapping|(law) the unlawful act of capturing and carrying away a person against their will and holding them in false imprisonment
kidney|either of two bean-shaped excretory organs that filter wastes (especially urea) from the blood and excrete them and water in urine - "urine passes out of the kidney through ureters to the bladder"
kidney bean|large dark red bean;usually dried;the common bean plant grown for the beans rather than the pods (especially a variety with large red kidney-shaped beans)
kidney disease|a disease affecting the kidneys
kidney fern|large fern of New Zealand having kidney-shaped fronds
kidney pie|like steak and kidney pie but without steak
kidney stone|a calculus formed in the kidney
kidney vetch|perennial Eurasian herb having heads of red or yellow flowers and common in meadows and pastures;formerly used medicinally for kidney disorders
Kierkegaard|Danish philosopher who is generally considered. along with Nietzsche, to be a founder of existentialism (1813-1855)
kieserite|a white mineral consisting of hydrous magnesium sulfate often found in salt mines
Kieslowski|Polish filmmaker who made ten films based on the Ten Commandments (1941-1996)
Kigali|the national capital and largest city of Rwanda;located in central Rwanda
Kiggelaria|small genus of South African shrubs or small trees
kike|(ethnic slur) offensive term for a Jew
kilderkin|an obsolete British unit of capacity equal to 18 Imperial gallons
Kilimanjaro|the highest peak in Africa;located in northeastern Tanzania;19,340 feet high
Kiliwa|a member of a North American Indian people living in northern Baja California;the Yuman language spoken by the Kiliwa
kill|the destruction of an enemy plane or ship or tank or missile - "the pilot reported two kills during the mission"
kill zone|an area where a battle has occurred with many fatalities
Killarney fern|large stout fern of extreme western Europe
killdeer|American plover of inland waters and fields having a distinctive cry
killer|a difficulty that is hard to deal with - "that exam was a real killer";someone who causes the death of a person or animal
killer bee|an investment banker who devises strategies to make a target company less attractive for takeover
killer T cell|T cell with CD8 receptor that recognizes antigens on the surface of a virus-infected cell and binds to the infected cell and kill it
killer whale|predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin;common in cold seas
killifish|small mostly marine warm-water carp-like schooling fishes;used as bait or aquarium fishes or in mosquito control
killing|a very large profit;an event that causes someone to die;the act of terminating a life
killing field|(usually plural) an area where many people have died (usually by massacre or genocide during war or violent civil disturbance)
kiln|a furnace for firing or burning or drying such things as porcelain or bricks
kilobit|a unit of information equal to 1000 bits
kilobyte|a unit of information equal to 1000 bytes;a unit of information equal to 1024 bytes
kilogram|one thousand grams;the basic unit of mass adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites - "a kilogram is approximately 2.2 pounds"
kilogram-meter|a unit of work equal to the work done by a one kilogram force operating through a distance of one meter
kilohertz|one thousand periods per second
kiloliter|a metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 1000 liters
kilometer|a metric unit of length equal to 1000 meters (or 0.621371 miles)
kilometers per hour|the ratio of the distance traveled (in kilometers) to the time spent traveling (in hours)
kiloton|a measure of explosive power (of an atomic weapon) equal to that of 1000 tons of TNT;one thousand tons
kilovolt|a unit of potential equal to a thousand volts
kilovolt-ampere|a unit of electrical power equal to 1000 volt-amperes
kilowatt|a unit of power equal to 1000 watts
kilowatt hour|a unit of energy equal to the work done by a power of 1000 watts operating for one hour
Kilroy|a nonexistent person popularized by American servicemen during World War II - "Kilroy was here"
kilt|a knee-length pleated tartan skirt worn by men as part of the traditional dress in the Highlands of northern Scotland
kilter|in working order - "out of kilter" - "in good kilter"
Kimberley|city in central South Africa;center for diamond mining and diamond marketing
kimberlite|a rare type of peridotite that sometimes contains diamonds;found in South Africa and Siberia
kimono|a loose robe;imitated from robes originally worn by Japanese
kin|a person having kinship with another or others - "he's kin";group of people related by blood or marriage
kina|the basic unit of money in Papua New Guinea
kinanesthesia|inability to sense movement
kinase|an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of a proenzyme to an active enzyme
kind|a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality - "what kinds of desserts are there?"
kindergarten|a preschool for children age 4 to 6 to prepare them for primary school
kindheartedness|sympathy arising from a kind heart
kindliness|friendliness evidence by a kindly and helpful disposition
kindling|material for starting a fire
kindness|a kind act;the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
kinematics|the branch of mechanics concerned with motion without reference to force or mass
kinescope|a cathode-ray tube in a television receiver;translates the received signal into a picture on a luminescent screen
kinesiology|the branch of physiology that studies the mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement
kinesis|a movement that is a response to a stimulus but is not oriented with respect to the source of stimulation
kinesthesia|the perception of body position and movement and muscular tensions etc
kinesthesis|the ability to feel movements of the limbs and body
kinetic energy|the mechanical energy that a body has by virtue of its motion
kinetic theory|(physics) a theory that gases consist of small particles in random motion
kinetic theory of heat|a theory that the temperature of a body increases when kinetic energy increases
Kinetoscope|a device invented by Edison that gave an impression of movement as an endless loop of film moved continuously over a light source with a rapid shutter;precursor of the modern motion picture
king|(chess) the weakest but the most important piece;a checker that has been moved to the opponent's first row where it is promoted to a piece that is free to move either forward or backward;a competitor who holds a preeminent position;a male sovereign;ruler of a kingdom;one of the four playing cards in a deck bearing the picture of a king;preeminence in a particular category or group or field - "the lion is the king of beasts";United States charismatic civil rights leader and Baptist minister who campaigned against the segregation of Blacks (1929-1968);United States guitar player and singer of the blues (born in 1925);United States woman tennis player (born in 1943)
King Charles spaniel|a toy English spaniel with a black-and-tan coat;named after Charles II who popularized it
king crab|large edible crab of northern Pacific waters especially along the coasts of Alaska and Japan
King Kong|In movies of the same name - a huge gorilla found on a remote island and brought to the United States as a commercial attraction. The scene at the end of the movie in which King Kong is killed atop the Empire State Building is among the most famous in movie history.
king devil|European hawkweed introduced into northeastern United States;locally troublesome weeds
king mackerel|large mackerel with long pointed snout;important food and game fish of the eastern Atlantic coast southward to Brazil
King of England|the sovereign ruler of England
King of France|the sovereign ruler of France
King of the Germans|the sovereign ruler of the Germans
king penguin|large penguin on islands bordering the Antarctic Circle
king post|post connecting the crossbeam to the apex of a triangular truss
king snake|any of numerous nonvenomous North American constrictors;feed on other snakes and small mammals
king vulture|large black-and-white vulture of South America and Central America;have colorful wattles and wartlike protuberances on head and neck
king whiting|whiting of the southeastern coast of North America
King William pine|evergreen of Tasmanian mountains having sharp-pointed leaves that curve inward
kingbird|large American flycatcher
kingbolt|bolt that provides a steering joint in a motor vehicle
kingdom|a basic group of natural objects;a country with a king as head of state;a domain in which something is dominant - "the untroubled kingdom of reason";a monarchy with a king or queen as head of state;the domain ruled by a king or queen;the highest taxonomic group into which organisms are grouped;one of five biological categories;Monera or Protoctista or Plantae or Fungi or Animalia
kingdom come|the end of time - "you can wet the bed till kingdom come, for all I care";the next world - "he nearly blew us to kingdom come"
Kingdom of God|the spiritual domain over which God is sovereign
kingfish|any of several food and game fishes of the drum family indigenous to warm Atlantic waters of the North American coast;large game fish of Australia and New Zealand;the lean flesh of any of several fish caught off the Atlantic coast of the United States
kingfisher|nonpasserine large-headed bird with a short tail and long sharp bill;usually crested and bright-colored;feed mostly on fish
kingfisher daisy|softly hairy South African herb having flowers with bright blue rays
kinglet|small birds resembling warblers but having some of the habits of titmice
kingmaker|an important person who can bring leaders to power through the exercise of political influence - "the Earl of Warwick was the first kingmaker"
kingpin|the most important person in a group or undertaking
Kings Canyon National Park|a national park in California that has giant sequoia trees and alpine lakes and glaciers
King's Counsel|Counsel to the Crown when the British monarch is a king
King's English|English as spoken by educated persons in southern England
king's ransom|a very large treasure
king's spear|asphodel with leafy stem and fragrant yellow flowers
kingship|the dignity or rank or position of a king
Kingston|a town in southeast Ontario on Lake Ontario near the head of the Saint Lawrence River;a town on the Hudson River in New York;capital and largest city of Jamaica
Kingstown|the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;on Saint Vincent
kingwood|Brazilian tree yielding a handsome cabinet wood;handsome violet-streaked wood of the kingwood tree;used especially in cabinetwork
kinin|any of a class of plant hormones that promote cell division and delay the senescence of leaves
kink|a difficulty or flaw in a plan or operation - "there are still a few kinks to iron out";a person with unusual sexual tastes;a sharp bend in a line produced when a line having a loop is pulled tight;an eccentric idea
kinkajou|arboreal fruit-eating mammal of tropical America with a long prehensile tail
kino|a gum obtained from various tropical plants;used as an astringent and in tanning;East Indian tree yielding a resin or extract often used medicinally and in e.g. tanning
Kinosternidae|mud turtles;musk turtles
Kinosternon|type genus of the Kinosternidae
Kinsey|United States zoologist best known for his interview studies of sexual behavior (1894-1956)
Kinshasa|the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the Congo river opposite Brazzaville
kinship|(anthropology) relatedness or connection by blood or marriage or adoption
kinship system|(anthropology) the system of social relationships that constitute kinship in a particular culture, including the terminology that is used and the reciprocal obligations that are entailed
kinsman|a male relative
kinswoman|a female relative
Kinyarwanda|a Bantu language
Kiowa|a member of a Tanoan people living in the southwestern United States;the Tanoan language spoken by the Kiowa
kip|a gymnastic exercise performed starting from a position with the legs over the upper body and moving to an erect position by arching the back and swinging the legs out and down while forcing the chest upright;sleep - "roused him from his kip";the basic unit of money in Laos
Kipling|English author of novels and poetry who was born in India (1865-1936)
kipper|salted and smoked herring
kippered salmon|salted and smoked salmon
Kipp's apparatus|a laboratory apparatus for producing a gas (usually hydrogen sulfide) by the action of a liquid on a solid without heating
Kirchhoff|German physicist who with Bunsen pioneered spectrum analysis and formulated two laws governing electric networks (1824-1887)
Kirchhoff's laws|(physics) two laws governing electric networks in which steady currents flow;the sum of all the currents at a point is zero and the sum of the voltage gains and drops around any closed circuit is zero
Kirchner|German expressionist painter (1880-1938)
Kirghiz|a member of a people of Turkic speech and Mongolian race inhabiting vast regions of central Siberia;the Turkic language spoken by the Kirghiz
Kiribati|an island republic in the west central Pacific just to the south of the equator
Kiribati dollar|the basic unit of money in Kiribati
kirk|a Scottish church
Kirkia|small genus of tropical South African trees and shrubs
Kirkuk|a city in northeastern Iraq;the center of a rich oilfield with pipelines to the Mediterranean
kirpan|a ceremonial four-inch curved dagger that Sikh men and women are obliged to wear at all times
kirsch|from fermented juice of black morello cherries
kirtle|a garment resembling a tunic that was worn by men in the Middle Ages;a long dress worn by women
Kishar|Babylonian consort of Anshar;in Sumerian the name signifies 'the totality of the lower world'
Kishinev|the capital of Moldova
kishke|(Judaism) roasted fowl intestines with a seasoned filling of matzo meal and suet
Kislev|the third month of the civil year;the ninth month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in November and December)
kismet|(Islam) the will of Allah
kiss|a cookie made of egg whites and sugar;a light glancing touch - "there was a brief kiss of their hands in passing";any of several bite-sized candies;the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
kiss of death|something that is ruinous - "if this were known it would be the kiss of death for my political career"
kisser|someone who kisses
Kissimmee|a river of central Florida that flows southward to Lake Okeechobee
kissing cousin|a more or less distant relative;familiar enough to be greeted with a kiss
Kissinger|United States diplomat who served under President Nixon and President Ford (born in 1923)
Kisumu|a port city in western Kenya on the northeastern shore of Lake Victoria;fishing and trading center
Kiswahili|a Bantu language
kit|a case for containing a set of articles;gear consisting of a set of articles or tools for a specified purpose;young of any of various fur-bearing animals - "a fox kit"
kit fox|small grey fox of southwestern United States;may be a subspecies of Vulpes velox;small grey fox of the plains of western North America
Kitakyushu|a Japanese city on northern Kyushu
kitbag|a knapsack (usually for a soldier)
kitchen|a room equipped for preparing meals
kitchen appliance|a home appliance used in preparing food
kitchen cabinet|an inner circle of unofficial advisors to the head of a government
kitchen garden|a small garden where vegetables are grown
kitchen help|help hired to work in the kitchen
kitchen island|an unattached counter in a kitchen that permits access from all sides
kitchen match|a wooden friction match that will light on any granular surface;useful to light wood or gas stoves
kitchen police|an enlisted person who is assigned to assist the cooks
kitchen sink|a sink in a kitchen
kitchen table|a table in the kitchen
kitchen utensil|a utensil used in preparing food
Kitchener|British field marshal (1850-1916)
kitchenette|small kitchen
kitchenware|hardware utensils for use in a kitchen
kite|a bank check drawn on insufficient funds at another bank in order to take advantage of the float;a bank check that has been fraudulently altered to increase its face value;any of several small graceful hawks of the family Accipitridae having long pointed wings and feeding on insects and small animals;plaything consisting of a light frame covered with tissue paper;flown in wind at end of a string
kite balloon|a barrage balloon with lobes at one end that keep it headed into the wind
kite tail|a bob on a kite to provide balance
kith|your friends and acquaintances - "all his kith and kin"
kitsch|excessively garish or sentimental art;usually considered in bad taste
kittee|a form of torture used by American Indians in which sensitive parts of the body were squeezed between two boards until the victim could bear no more
kitten|young domestic cat
kitten-tails|a plant of the genus Besseya having fluffy spikes of flowers
kittiwake|small pearl-grey gull of northern regions;nests on cliffs and has a rudimentary hind toe
kitty|informal terms referring to a domestic cat
Kitty Litter|granulated clay;placed in a container where it absorbs the waste products of a cat or dog
Kivu|a lake in the mountains of central Africa between Congo and Rwanda
kiwi|fuzzy brown egg-shaped fruit with slightly tart green flesh;nocturnal flightless bird of New Zealand having a long neck and stout legs;only surviving representative of the order Apterygiformes
Klaipeda|a city in western Lithuania on the Baltic Sea;formerly an important trading town of the Hanseatic League
Klamath|a river flowing southwest from Oregon through northern California to the Pacific Ocean
Klamath Falls|a town in southern Oregon near the California border
klammath weed|yellow-flowered perennial common in fields and waste places but a weed in rangelands
Klansman|a member of the Ku Klux Klan
Klaproth|German chemist who pioneered analytical chemistry and discovered three new elements (1743-1817)
klavern|a local unit of the Ku Klux Klan
klaxon|a kind of loud horn formerly used on motor vehicles
klebsiella|a genus of nonmotile rod-shaped Gram-negative enterobacteria;some cause respiratory and other infections
Klee|Swiss painter influenced by Kandinsky (1879-1940)
Kleenex|a piece of soft absorbent paper (usually two or more thin layers) used as a disposable handkerchief
Klein|German mathematician who created the Klein bottle (1849-1925);United States fashion designer noted for understated fashions (born in 1942);United States psychoanalyst (born in Austria) who was the first to specialize in the psychoanalysis of small children (1882-1960)
Klein bottle|a closed surface with only one side;formed by passing one end of a tube through the side of the tube and joining it with the other end
Kleist|German dramatist whose works concern people torn between reason and emotion (1777-1811)
kleptomania|an irresistible impulse to steal in the absence of any economic motive
kleptomaniac|someone with an irrational urge to steal in the absence of an economic motive
klieg light|carbon arc lamp that emits an intense light used in producing films
Klimt|Austrian painter influenced by art nouveau (1862-1918)
Kline|United States abstract expressionist painter (1910-1962)
Klinefelter|United States physician who first described the XXY-syndrome (born in 1912)
Klinefelter's syndrome|syndrome in males that is characterized by small testes and long legs and enlarged breasts and reduced sperm production and mental retardation;a genetic defect in which an extra X chromosome (XXY) is present in the male
klondike|a form of solitaire that begins with seven piles of cards with the top cards facing up;descending sequences of cards of alternating colors are built on these piles;as aces become available they are placed above the seven piles;the object is to build sequences in suit from ace to king as the remaining cards are dealt out one at a time;a region in northwestern Canada where gold was discovered in 1896 but exhausted by 1910
Klopstock|German poet (1724-1803)
kludge|a badly assembled collection of parts hastily assembled to serve some particular purpose (often used to refer to computing systems or software that has been badly put together)
klutz|(Yiddish) a clumsy dolt
klystron|an electron tube used to generate or amplify electromagnetic radiation in the microwave region by velocity modulation
Klyuchevskaya|an inactive volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula;last erupted in 1946
knacker|someone who buys old buildings or ships and breaks them up to recover the materials in them;someone who buys up old horses for slaughter
knackwurst|short thick highly seasoned sausage
knapweed|any of various plants of the genus Centaurea having purple thistlelike flowers
knawel|widely distributed low-growing Eurasian herb having narrow leaves and inconspicuous green flowers
knee|hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella;the part of a trouser leg that provides the cloth covering for the knee
knee bend|exercising by repeatedly assuming a crouching position with the knees bent;strengthens the leg muscles
knee brace|a brace worn to strengthen the knee
knee jerk|a reflex extension of the leg resulting from a sharp tap on the patellar tendon
knee pad|protective garment consisting of a pad worn by football or baseball or hockey players
knee piece|armor plate that protects the knee
knee-high|a sock or stocking that reaches up to just below the knees
kneel|supporting yourself on your knees
kneeler|a board (sometimes cushioned) for someone to kneel on;a person in a kneeling position
knell|the sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death or a funeral or the end of something
Knesset|the Israeli unicameral parliament
knickknack|a small inexpensive mass-produced article
knife|a weapon with a handle and blade with a sharp point;edge tool used as a cutting instrument;has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
knife blade|the blade of a knife
knife edge|the sharp cutting side of the blade of a knife
knife fight|fighting with knives
knife pleat|a single pleat turned in one direction
knife-edge|a narrow boundary - "he lived on a knife-edge between genius and insanity"
knight|a chessman shaped to resemble the head of a horse;can move two squares horizontally and one vertically (or vice versa);originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry;today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit
knight bachelor|a knight of the lowest order;could display only a pennon
knight banneret|a knight honored for valor;entitled to display a square banner and to hold higher command
knight errantry|(Middle Ages) the code of conduct observed by a knight errant who is wandering in search of deeds of chivalry;quixotic (romantic and impractical) behavior
Knight of the Round Table|in the Arthurian legend, a knight of King Arthur's court
Knight Templar|a knight of a religious military order established in 1118 to protect pilgrims and the Holy Sepulcher;a man who belongs to a Masonic order in the United States
knight-errant|a wandering knight travelling in search of adventure
knighthood|aristocrats holding the rank of knight
Knightia|small genus of trees or shrubs of New Zealand and New Caledonia
knight's service|land tenure by service to the lord as a knight
kniphofia|a plant of the genus Kniphofia having long grasslike leaves and tall scapes of red or yellow drooping flowers
knish|(Yiddish) a baked or fried turnover filled with potato or meat or cheese;often eaten as a snack
knit|a basic knitting stitch;a fabric made by knitting;needlework created by interlacing yarn in a series of connected loops using straight eyeless needles or by machine
knitter|someone who makes garments (or fabrics) by intertwining yarn or thread
knitting|creating knitted wear
knitting machine|a textile machine that makes knitted fabrics
knitting needle|needle consisting of a slender rod with pointed ends;usually used in pairs
knitting stitch|a stitch taken in knitting
knitwear|knitted clothing
knob|a circular rounded projection or protuberance;a round handle;an ornament in the shape of a ball on the hilt of a sword or dagger
knobble|a small knob
knobcone pine|medium-sized three-needled pine of the Pacific coast of the United States having a prominent knob on each scale of the cone
knobkerrie|a short wooden club with a heavy knob on one end;used by aborigines in southern Africa
knock|a bad experience - "the school of hard knocks";a vigorous blow - "the sudden knock floored him";negative criticism;the act of hitting vigorously;the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing) - "the knocking grew louder"
knock on|(rugby) knocking the ball forward while trying to catch it (a foul)
knockabout|a sloop with a simplified rig and no bowsprit
knockdown|a blow that knocks the opponent off his feet
knocker|(Yiddish) a big shot who knows it and acts that way;a boastful immoderate person;a device (usually metal and ornamental) attached by a hinge to a door;a person who knocks (as seeking to gain admittance) - "open the door and see who the knocker is"
knock-knee|an inward slant of the thigh
knockoff|an unauthorized copy or imitation
knock-on effect|a secondary or incidental effect
knockout|a blow that renders the opponent unconscious
knockout drops|chloral hydrate in combination with alcohol;usually administered surreptitiously to make the drinker unconscious
knoll|a small natural hill
Knossos|an ancient town on Crete where Bronze Age culture flourished from about 2000 BC to 1400 BC
knot|a hard cross-grained round piece of wood in a board where a branch emerged - "the saw buckled when it hit a knot";a sandpiper that breeds in the Arctic and winters in the southern hemisphere;a tight cluster of people or things - "a small knot of women listened to his sermon" - "the bird had a knot of feathers forming a crest";any of various fastenings formed by looping and tying a rope (or cord) upon itself or to another rope or to another object;something twisted and tight and swollen - "their muscles stood out in knots" - "his stomach was in knots"
knotgrass|low-growing weedy grass with spikelets along the leaf stems
knothole|a hole in a board where a knot came out
knotty pine|pine lumber with many knots;used especially for paneling and furniture
knout|a whip with a lash of leather thongs twisted with wire;used for flogging prisoners
know|the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people - "he is always in the know"
knower|a person who knows or apprehends
know-how|the (technical) knowledge and skill required to do something
knowing|a clear and certain mental apprehension
knowingness|shrewdness demonstrated by knowledge
know-it-all|someone who thinks he knows everything and refuses to accept advice or information from others
knowledge domain|the content of a particular field of knowledge
knowledgeability|wisdom as evidenced by the possession of knowledge - "his knowledgeability impressed me"
Knowlton's cactus|small clustering cactus of southwestern United States;a threatened species
Knox|Scottish theologian who founded Presbyterianism in Scotland and wrote a history of the Reformation in Scotland (1514-1572)
Knoxville|a city in eastern Tennessee on the Tennessee River
knuckle|a joint of a finger when the fist is closed
knuckle joint|a joint allowing movement in one plane only
knuckleball|a baseball pitch thrown with little speed or spin
koala|sluggish tailless Australian arboreal marsupial with grey furry ears and coat;feeds on eucalyptus leaves and bark
koan|a paradoxical anecdote or a riddle that has no solution;used in Zen Buddhism to show the inadequacy of logical reasoning
Koasati|a member of the Muskhogean people formerly living in northern Alabama;a member of the Creek Confederacy;the Muskhogean language spoken by the Koasati
kob|an orange-brown antelope of southeast Africa
Kobe|a port city in Japan on Osaka Bay in southern Honshu;was damaged by an earthquake in 1995
kobo|100 kobos equal 1 naira in Nigeria
Kobuk Valley National Park|a national park in Alaska having mountains and forests and tundra and sand dunes and archeological sites
Kobus|African antelopes;waterbucks
Koch|German bacteriologist who isolated the anthrax bacillus and the tubercle bacillus and the cholera bacillus (1843-1910)
Kodiak|an island off southern Alaska in the Gulf of Alaska;site of the first European settlement in the area which was founded by the Russians in 1784
Koestler|British writer (born in Hungary) who wrote a novel exposing the Stalinist purges during the 1930s (1905-1983)
Kogia|pygmy sperm whales
kohl|a cosmetic preparation used by women in Egypt and Arabia to darken the edges of their eyelids
kohleria|shrubby herb cultivated for their soft velvety foliage and showy scarlet flowers
kohlrabi|fleshy turnip-shaped edible stem of the kohlrabi plant;plant cultivated for its enlarged fleshy turnip-shaped edible stem
Koine|a Greek dialect that flourished under the Roman Empire
koinonia|Christian fellowship or communion with God or with fellow Christians;said in particular of the early Christian community
Kokka Shinto|the branch of Shinto recognized as the official state religion of Japan
kokoi venom|a potent neurotoxin found in a particular frog
Kol Nidre|the opening prayer on the eve of Yom Kippur
kola|tree bearing large brown nuts containing e.g. caffeine;source of cola extract
kola nut|bitter brown seed containing caffein;source of cola extract
Kola Peninsula|a peninsula in northwestern Russia projecting eastward between the Barents Sea and the White Sea
Kolam|a member of a formerly tribal people now living in south central India
Kolami|the Dravidian language spoken by the Kolam in central India
Kolkata|the largest city in India and one of the largest cities in the world;located in eastern India;suffers from poverty and overcrowding
kolkhoz|a collective farm owned by the communist state
kolkhoznik|a member of a kolkhoz
Kolkwitzia|Chinese genus of 1 species;beauty bush
Kolonia|capital of Micronesia
Komi|a member of a Finnish people living in the northwestern Urals in Russia;the Finnic language spoken by the Komi
Komodo dragon|the largest lizard in the world (10 feet);found on Indonesian islands
komondor|Hungarian breed of large powerful shaggy-coated white dog;used also as guard dog
Kongo|the Bantu language spoken by the Kongo living in the tropical forests of Zaire and Congo and Angola
konini|erect deciduous shrub or tree to 10 feet with maroon flowers;New Zealand
Konoe|Japanese statesman who set Japan's expansionist policies and formed an alliance with Germany and Italy (1891-1945)
Konqueror|a freeware browser for Linux
kook|someone regarded as eccentric or crazy and standing out from a group
kookaburra|Australian kingfisher having a loud cackling cry
Koopmans|United States economist (born in the Netherlands) (1910-1985)
kopek|100 kopecks equal 1 ruble in Russia
kopiyka|100 kopiykas equal 1 hryvnia in Ukraine
kopje|a small hill rising up from the African veld
Koplik's spots|small red spots with white centers found on the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue;symptom of measles that appears one or two days before the measles rash appears
Koran|the sacred writings of Islam revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad during his life at Mecca and Medina
Korbut|Soviet gymnast (born in 1955)
Korchnoi|Russian chess master (born in 1931)
Korda|British filmmaker (born in Hungary) (1893-1956)
Kordofan|a mountainous province of central Sudan
Kordofanian|a group of languages spoken in the relatively small Kordofan area of the south Sudan
Korea|an Asian peninsula (off Manchuria) separating the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan;the Korean name is Dae-Han-Min-Gook or Han-Gook
Korea Bay|an inlet of the Yellow Sea between the Liaodong Peninsula in China and western Korea
Korean|a native or inhabitant of Korea who speaks the Korean language;the Altaic language spoken by Koreans
Korean lawn grass|lawn grass common in China and Japan;grown also in United States
Korean lespedeza|annual native to Korea but widely cultivated for forage and hay in hot dry regions
Korean Strait|a strait between Korea and Japan;connects the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan
Korean War|a war between North and South Korea;South Korea was aided by the United States and other members of the United Nations;1950-1953
koruna|the basic unit of money in Czech Republic;the basic unit of money in Slovakia
Korzybski|United States semanticist (born in Poland) (1879-1950)
kos|(in India) a unit of length having different values in different localities
Kosciusko|Polish patriot and soldier who fought with Americans in the American Revolution (1746-1817)
kosher|food that fulfills the requirements of Jewish dietary law
Kosovo|a Serbian province in southern Serbia and Montenegro populated predominantly by Albanians
Kosteletzya|small genus of herbs of southeastern United States and tropical America and Africa
Kota|a Dravidian language spoken by the Kota;a member of the Dravidian people living in the Nilgiri Hills in southern India
koto|Japanese stringed instrument that resembles a zither;has a rectangular wooden sounding board and usually 13 silk strings that are plucked with the fingers
koto player|a musician who plays the koto
Kotoko|a Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad
koumiss|an alcoholic beverage made from fermented mare's milk;made originally by nomads of central Asia
Koussevitzky|United States conductor (born in Russia) who was noted for performing the works of contemporary composers (1874-1951)
kowhai|shrub or small tree of New Zealand and Chile having pendulous racemes of tubular golden-yellow flowers;yields a hard strong wood
kowtow|a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
kraal|a pen for livestock in southern Africa;a village of huts for native Africans in southern Africa;usually surrounded by a stockade
Krafft-Ebing|German neurologist noted for his studies of sexual deviance (1840-1902)
kraft|strong wrapping paper made from pulp processed with a sulfur solution
krait|brightly colored venomous but nonaggressive snake of southeastern Asia and Malay peninsula
Krakatau|a small volcanic island in Indonesia between Java and Sumatra;its violent eruption in 1883 was the greatest in recorded history
Krasner|United States artist remembered for her spontaneous approach to painting;she was a founder of the New York school of abstract expressionism (1908-1984)
kraurosis|atrophy and shriveling of the skin or mucous membrane
kraurosis vulvae|kraurosis of the vulva;often a precancerous lesion
Kraut|offensive term for a person of German descent
Krebs|English biochemist (born in Germany) who discovered the Krebs cycle (1900-1981)
Krebs cycle|in all plants and animals;a series of enzymatic reactions in mitochondria involving oxidative metabolism of acetyl compounds to produce high-energy phosphate compounds that are the source of cellular energy
Kreisler|United States violinist (born in Austria) (1875-1962)
kremlin|citadel of a Russian town;citadel of Moscow, housing the offices of the Russian government
krigia|any small branched yellow-flowered North American herb of the genus Krigia
krill|shrimp-like planktonic crustaceans;major source of food for e.g. baleen whales
kris|a Malayan dagger with a wavy blade
Krishna|8th and most important avatar of Vishnu;incarnated as a handsome young man playing a flute
Krishnaism|worship of Krishna the 8th avatar of Vishnu
Kroeber|United States anthropologist noted for his studies of culture (1876-1960)
Kronecker|German mathematician (1823-1891)
Kronecker delta|a function of two variables i and j that equals 1 when i=j and equals 0 otherwise
kroon|the basic unit of money in Estonia
Kropotkin|Russian anarchist (1842-1921)
Kroto|British chemist who with Robert Curl and Richard Smalley discovered fullerenes and opened a new branch of chemistry (born in 1939)
krubi|malodorous tropical plant having a spathe that resembles the corolla of a morning glory and attains a diameter of several feet
Kruger|Boer statesman (1825-1904)
krummhorn|a Renaissance woodwind with a double reed and a curving tube (crooked horn)
Krupp|German arms manufacturer and son of Friedrich Krupp;his firm provided ordnance for German armies from the 1840s through World War II (1812-1887);German industrialist who manufactured steel in Essen (1787-1826)
Krypterophaneron|a genus of fish in the family Anomalopidae
krypton|a colorless element that is one of the six inert gasses;occurs in trace amounts in air
Kshatriya|a member of the royal or warrior Hindu caste
Ku Klux Klan|a secret society of white Southerners in the United States;was formed in the 19th century to resist the emancipation of slaves;used terrorist tactics to suppress Black people
Kuala Lumpur|the largest city and former capital of Malaysia until 2005
Kublai Khan|Mongolian emperor of China and grandson of Genghis Khan who completed his grandfather's conquest of China;he establish the Yuan dynasty and built a great capital on the site of modern Beijing where he received Marco Polo (1216-1294)
Kubrick|United States filmmaker (born in 1928)
Kuchean|a dialect of Tocharian
kudu|either of two spiral-horned antelopes of the African bush
kudzu|fast-growing vine from eastern Asia having tuberous starchy roots and hairy trifoliate leaves and racemes of purple flowers followed by long hairy pods containing many seeds;grown for fodder and forage and root starch;widespread in the southern United States
Kuhn|Austrian chemist who did research on carotenoids and vitamins (1900-1967)
Kui|a member of the Dravidian people living in southeastern India;the Dravidian language spoken by the Kui in southeastern India
Kuiper|United States astronomer (born in the Netherlands) who studied the solar system and suggested in 1951 that there is a belt of comet-like debris at the edge of the solar system (1905-1973)
Kuiper belt|a disk-shaped region of minor planets outside the orbit of Neptune
Kuiper belt object|any of many minor planets in the Kuiper belt outside the orbit of Neptune at the edge of the solar system
Kuki|Kamarupan languages spoken in western Burma and Bangladesh and easternmost India
Kulanapan|a group of languages of the Hokan family
Kumasi|a city in southern Ghana
kummel|liqueur flavored with caraway seed or cumin
kumquat|any of several trees or shrubs of the genus Fortunella bearing small orange-colored edible fruits with thick sweet-flavored skin and sour pulp;small oval citrus fruit with thin sweet rind and very acid pulp
Kundt's tube|a measuring instrument used to measure the speed of sound
kung fu|a Chinese martial art
Kunlun|a mountain range in western China that extends eastward from the Indian border for 1000 miles
kunzite|a pinkish lilac crystal form of the mineral spodumene that is used as a gemstone
Kuomintang|the political party founded in 1911 by Sun Yat-sen;it governed China under Chiang Kai-shek from 1928 until 1949 when the Communists took power and subsequently was the official ruling party of Taiwan
Kupffer's cell|specialized cells in the liver that destroy bacteria, foreign proteins, and worn-out blood cells
Kura|a river in western Asia;rises in northeast Turkey and flows to the Caspian Sea
Kurd|a member of a largely pastoral Islamic people who live in Kurdistan;the largest ethnic group without their own state
Kurdish|an Iranian language spoken in Turkey and Iran and Iraq and Syria and Russia
Kurdistan|an extensive geographical region in the Middle East to the south of the Caucasus;an oriental rug woven by Kurds that is noted for fine colors and durability
Kurdistan Workers Party|a Marxist-Leninist terrorist group of Kurds trying to establish an independent Kurdish state in eastern Turkey
Kurosawa|Japanese filmmaker noted for blending Japanese folklore with western styles of acting (1910-1998)
kurrajong|widely distributed tree of eastern Australia yielding a tough durable fiber and soft light attractively grained wood;foliage is an important emergency food for cattle
Kursk|a city of southwestern Russia
kurta|a loose collarless shirt worn by many people on the Indian subcontinent (usually with a salwar or churidars or pyjama)
kuru|a progressive disease of the central nervous system marked by increasing lack of coordination and advancing to paralysis and death within a year of the appearance of symptoms;thought to have been transmitted by cannibalistic consumption of diseased brain tissue since the disease virtually disappeared when cannibalism was abandoned
kurus|100 kurus equal 1 lira in Turkey
Kurux|a Dravidian language spoken in eastern India
Kusan|a member of the North American Indian people of Oregon;a Penutian language spoken by the Kusan
Kutuzov|Russian field marshal who commanded the Russian opposition to Napoleon (1745-1813)
kuvasz|long-established Hungarian breed of tall light-footed but sturdy white dog;used also as a hunting dog
Kuvi|a Dravidian language spoken in southeast India
Kuwait|a seaport on the Persian Gulf and capital of Kuwait;an Arab kingdom in Asia on the northwestern coast of the Persian Gulf;a major source of petroleum
Kuwaiti|a native or inhabitant of Kuwait
Kuwaiti dinar|the basic unit of money in Kuwait;equal 1,000 fils
Kuwaiti dirham|worth one tenth of a Kuwaiti dinar;equal 100 fils
Kuwaiti monetary unit|monetary unit in Kuwait
Kuznets|United States economist (born in Russia) who developed a method for using a country's gross national product to estimate its economic growth (1901-1985)
kvass|fermented beverage resembling beer but made from rye or barley
kvetch|(Yiddish) a constant complainer;(Yiddish) a nagging complaint
Kwa|a group of African language in the Niger-Congo group spoken from the Ivory Coast east to Nigeria
Kwajalein|an amphibious assault in the Pacific in World War II (January 1944);American forces landed and captured a Japanese air base;an atoll in the western Marshall Islands that was used as a Japanese air and naval base during World War II
Kwakiutl|a member of the Wakashan people living around Queen Charlotte Sound and on northern Vancouver Island;a Wakashan language spoken by the Kwakiutl
Kwangju|city in southwestern South Korea;an important military base during the Korean War
Kwannon|Japanese counterpart of Chinese Kuan Yin
Kwan-yin|(Buddhism) a female Bodhisattva;often called goddess of mercy and considered an aspect of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara;identified with Japanese Kwannon
kwanza|the basic unit of money in Angola
Kwanzaa|a festival featuring African-American culture;celebrated between Christmas and New Year
kwashiorkor|severe malnutrition in children resulting from a diet excessively high in carbohydrates and low in protein
kwela|a kind of danceable music popular among black South Africans;includes a whistle among its instruments
Kwell|a preparation of lindane (trade name Kwell) that is used to kill lice and itch mites;available in cream or shampoo
kyanite|a grey or greenish-blue mineral consisting of aluminum silicate in crystalline form;occurs in metaphoric rock, used as a refractory
kyat|the basic unit of money in Myanmar
Kyd|English dramatist (1558-1594)
kylie|an Australian boomerang;one side flat and the other convex
kylix|a shallow drinking cup with two handles;used in ancient Greece
kymograph|scientific instrument consisting of a rotating drum holding paper on which a stylus traces a continuous record (as of breathing or blood pressure)
Kyoto|a city in central Japan on southern Honshu;a famous cultural center that was once the capital of Japan
Kyphosidae|sea chubs
kyphosis|an abnormal backward curve to the vertebral column
Kyphosus|type genus of the Kyphosidae
Kyrgyzstan|a landlocked republic in west central Asia bordering on northwestern China;formerly an Asian soviet but became independent in 1991
Kyrgyzstani monetary unit|monetary unit in Kyrgyzstan
Kyushu|the southernmost of the four main islands of Japan;contains coal fields
Kyyiv|capital and largest city of the Ukraine;a major manufacturing and transportation center
Kyzyl Kum|a desert in Uzbekistan to the southeast of the Aral Sea
L|the 12th letter of the Roman alphabet
la|the syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization
La Crosse|a town in western Wisconsin on the Mississippi River
La Fontaine|French writer who collected Aesop's fables and published them (1621-1695)
La Paz|capital city in western Bolivia and the administrative seat of Bolivia's government;largest city in Bolivia
La Rochefoucauld|French writer of moralistic maxims (1613-1680)
La Spezia|a port city in Liguria on an arm of the Ligurian Sea;a major seaport and year-round resort
La Tour|French painter of religious works (1593-1652)
laager|a camp defended by a circular formation of wagons
lab|a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
lab bench|a workbench in a laboratory
lab coat|a light coat worn to protect clothing from substances used while working in a laboratory
Laban|Hungarian choreographer who developed Labanotation (1879-1958)
Labanotation|a system of notation for dance movements that uses symbols to represent points on a dancer's body and the direction of the dancer's movement and the tempo and the dynamics
labdanum|a dark brown to greenish oleoresin that has a fragrant odor and is used as a fixative in perfumes;obtained as a juice from certain rockroses;a soft blackish-brown resinous exudate from various rockroses used in perfumes especially as a fixative
label|a brief description given for purposes of identification - "the label Modern is applied to many different kinds of architecture";a radioactive isotope that is used in a compound in order to trace the mechanism of a chemical reaction;an identifying or descriptive marker that is attached to an object;trade name of a company that produces musical recordings - "the artists and repertoire department of a recording label is responsible for finding new talent"
labetalol|antihypertensive drug (trade names Trandate and Normodyne) that blocks alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system (leading to a decrease in blood pressure)
labia majora|the two outer folds of the vulva
labia minora|the two inner folds of the vulva
labial artery|an artery that is a branch of the facial artery that supplies the lips of the mouth
labial consonant|a consonant whose articulation involves movement of the lips
labial stop|a stop consonant that is produced with the lips
labial vein|a vein draining the lips of the mouth;veins draining the lips of the vulva
Labiatae|a large family of aromatic herbs and shrubs having flowers resembling the lips of a mouth and four-lobed ovaries yielding four one-seeded nutlets and including mint;thyme;sage;rosemary
labiodental consonant|a consonant whose articulation involves the lips and teeth
labium|a liplike structure that bounds a bodily orifice (especially any of the four labiate folds of a woman's vulva)
Lablab|one species;hyacinth bean
labor|a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages - "there is a shortage of skilled labor in this field";productive work (especially physical work done for wages) - "his labor did not require a great deal of skill"
labor camp|a penal institution for political prisoners who are used as forced labor
labor coach|an assistant (often the father of the soon-to-be-born child) who provides support for a woman in labor by encouraging her to use techniques learned in childbirth-preparation classes
labor contract|contract between labor and management governing wages and benefits and working conditions
Labor Day|first Monday in September in the United States and Canada
labor force|the source of trained people from which workers can be hired
labor leader|a leader of a labor movement
labor market|the market in which workers compete for jobs and employers compete for workers
labor movement|an organized attempt by workers to improve their status by united action (particularly via labor unions) or the leaders of this movement
labor of love|productive work performed voluntarily without material reward or compensation
labor pain|pain and discomfort associated with contractions of the uterus during labor
labor party|a left-of-center political party formed to represent the interest of ordinary working people
labor resources|resources of available manpower
laborer|someone who works with their hands;someone engaged in manual labor
laboriousness|the quality of requiring extended effort
Labourite|a member of the British Labour Party
Labrador|the mainland part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in the eastern part of the large Labrador-Ungava Peninsula in northeastern Canada
Labrador retriever|breed originally from Labrador having a short black or golden-brown coat
Labrador Sea|an arm of the northern Atlantic between Labrador and southern Greenland
Labrador tea|evergreen shrub of eastern North America having white or creamy bell-shaped flowers and dark green hairy leaves used for tea during American Revolution
Labrador-Ungava Peninsula|a peninsular region of eastern Canada between Hudson Bay and the Labrador Sea;contains most of Quebec and the mainland part of Newfoundland and Labrador
Labridae|wrasses
Labrouste|French architect who was among the first to use metal construction successfully (1801-1875)
Laburnum|flowering shrubs or trees having bright yellow flowers;all parts of the plant are poisonous
Labyrinth of Minos|a vast labyrinth built in Crete by Daedalus at the command of Minos in order to contain the Minotaur
labyrinthine artery|an artery that is a branch of the basilar artery that supplies the labyrinth
labyrinthine vein|veins that drain the inner ear
labyrinthitis|inflammation of the inner ear;can cause vertigo and vomiting
labyrinthodont|an amphibian of the superorder Labyrinthodontia
Labyrinthodontia|extinct amphibians typically resembling heavy-bodied salamanders or crocodiles and having a solid flattened skull and conical teeth;Devonian through Triassic
lac|resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects;used in e.g. varnishes and sealing wax
lac dye|scarlet dye like cochineal;extracted with alkali from stick lac
Laccopetalum|one species;giant buttercup
lace|a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment);a delicate decorative fabric woven in an open web of symmetrical patterns
lace bug|small bug having body and wings covered with a lacy network of raised lines
lace fern|small tufted fern of northwestern America
lace making|the act or art of making handmade lace
lacebark|small tree or shrub of New Zealand having a profusion of axillary clusters of honey-scented paper-white flowers and whose bark is used for cordage
lace-flower vine|low-growing creeping perennial of Central America having deeply fringed white flowers;sometimes placed in genus Episcia
lacer|a workman who laces shoes or footballs or books (during binding)
laceration|a torn ragged wound;the act of lacerating
Lacerta|type genus of the Lacertidae
lacertid lizard|Old World terrestrial lizard
Lacertidae|Old World lizards
lacewing|any of two families of insects with gauzy wings (Chrysopidae and Hemerobiidae);larvae feed on insect pests such as aphids
lacework|work consisting of (or resembling) lace fabric
Lachaise|United States sculptor (born in France) noted for his large nude figures (1882-1935)
Lachesis|the Greek goddess of fate who determines the length of the thread of life
Lachnolaimus|a genus of Labridae
lacing|a small amount of liquor added to a food or beverage
lack|the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable - "there is a serious lack of insight into the problem"
lackey|a male servant (especially a footman)
Laconia|an ancient region of southern Greece in the southeastern Peloponnesus;dominated by Sparta
Laconian|a resident of Laconia
laconism|terseness of expression
lacquer|a black resinous substance obtained from certain trees and used as a natural varnish;a hard glossy coating
lacquerware|a decorative work made of wood and covered with lacquer and often inlaid with ivory or precious metals
lacrimal apparatus|the structures that secrete and drain tears from the eye
lacrimal artery|an artery that originates from the ophthalmic artery and supplies the lacrimal gland and rectal eye muscles and the upper eyelid and the forehead
lacrimal bone|small fragile bone making up part of the front inner walls of each eye socket and providing room for the passage of the lacrimal ducts
lacrimal duct|any of several small ducts that carry tears from the lacrimal glands
lacrimal gland|any of the glands in the eyes that secrete tears
lacrimal sac|either of the two dilated ends of the lacrimal ducts at the nasal ends of the eyes that fill with tears secreted by the lacrimal glands
lacrimal secretion|saline fluid secreted by lacrimal glands;lubricates the surface of the eyeball
lacrimal vein|drains the lacrimal gland;empties into the superior ophthalmic vein
lacrimation|shedding tears
lacrosse|a game invented by American Indians;now played by two teams who use long-handled rackets to catch and carry and throw the ball toward the opponents' goal
lacrosse ball|ball used in playing lacrosse
lacrosse player|an athlete who plays lacrosse
lactalbumin|albumin occurring in milk
Lactarius|large genus of agarics that have white spore and contain a white or milky juice when cut or broken;includes both edible and poisonous species
lactase|any of a group of enzymes (trade name Lactaid) that hydrolyze lactose to glucose and galactose
lactate|a salt or ester of lactic acid
lactation|the period following birth during which milk is secreted - "lactation normally continues until weaning";the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands
lacteal|any of the lymphatic vessels that convey chyle from the small intestine to the thoracic duct
lactic acid|a clear odorless hygroscopic syrupy carboxylic acid found in sour milk and in many fruits
lactiferous duct|ducts of the mammary gland that carry milk to the nipple
lactifuge|any agent that reduces milk secretion (as given to a woman who is not breast feeding)
Lactobacillaceae|lactic acid bacteria and important pathogens;bacteria that ferment carbohydrates chiefly into lactic acid
lactobacillus|a Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium that produces lactic acid (especially in milk)
lactogen|any agent that enhances milk production
Lactophrys|a genus of Ostraciidae
lactose|a sugar comprising one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule;occurs only in milk - "cow's milk contains about 4.7% lactose"
lactose intolerance|congenital disorder consisting of an inability to digest milk and milk products;absence or deficiency of lactase results in an inability to hydrolyze lactose
lactosuria|presence of lactose in the urine;can occur during pregnancy or lactation
Lactuca|an herb with milky juice;lettuce;prickly lettuce
lacuna|a blank gap or missing part
ladder|ascending stages by which somebody or something can progress - "he climbed the career ladder";steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs;for climbing up or down
ladder truck|a fire engine carrying ladders
ladder-back|a chair with a ladder-back;the backrest of a chair that consists of two uprights with connecting slats
ladies' room|a woman's restroom in a public (or semipublic) building
ladies' tobacco|North American perennial propagated by means of runners
ladies' tresses|an orchid of the genus Spiranthes having slender often twisted spikes of white flowers
Ladin|a Rhaeto-Romance dialect of Romansh spoken in southeastern Switzerland
ladle|a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle;frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
lady|a polite name for any woman - "a nice lady at the library helped me";a woman of the peerage in Britain
lady chapel|a small chapel in a church;dedicated to the Virgin Mary
lady fern|most widely grown fern of the genus Athyrium for its delicate foliage
lady palm|any of several small palms of the genus Rhapis;cultivated as houseplants
lady tulip|Eurasian tulip with small flowers blotched at the base
ladybug|small round bright-colored and spotted beetle that usually feeds on aphids and other insect pests
ladyfinger|small finger-shaped sponge cake
ladyfish|game fish resembling the tarpon but smaller
lady-in-waiting|a lady appointed to attend to a queen or princess
ladylikeness|behavior befitting a lady
ladylove|a woman who is a man's sweetheart
lady-of-the-night|West Indian shrub with fragrant showy yellowish-white flowers
lady's maid|a maid who is a lady's personal attendant
lady's slipper|any of several chiefly American wildflowers having an inflated pouchlike lip;difficult or impossible to cultivate in the garden
lady's smock|a bitter cress of Europe and America
lady's-eardrop|erect or climbing shrub of Brazil with deep pink to red flowers
Ladyship|a title used to address any peeress except a duchess - "Your Ladyship" - "Her Ladyship"
laelia|any of various spectacular plants of the genus Laelia having showy flowers in many colors
Laertes|(Greek mythology) the father of Odysseus
laetrile|a substance derived from amygdalin;publicized as an antineoplastic drug although there is no supporting evidence
Lafayette|a town in south central Louisiana;settled by Acadians;a university town in west central Indiana on the Wabash River;French soldier who served under George Washington in the American Revolution (1757-1834)
Laffer|United States economist who proposed the Laffer curve (born in 1940)
Laffer curve|a graph purporting to show the relation between tax rates and government income;income increases as tax rates increase up to an optimum beyond which income declines
Laffite|French pirate who aided the United States in the War of 1812 and received an official pardon for his crimes (1780-1826)
Lag b'Omer|(Judaism) Jewish holy day;the 33rd day after the 2nd day of Passover;the 18th day of Iyar
lag screw|a heavy woodscrew with a square or hexagonal head that is driven in with a wrench
lagan|goods (or wreckage) on the sea bed that is attached to a buoy so that it can be recovered
Lagarostrobus|genus of dioecious evergreen trees of New Zealand and Tasmania;similar to genus Dacrydium
Lagenaria|bottle gourds
Lagenophera|small genus of herbs of Australia and South America having small solitary white or purple flowers similar to true daisies of genus Bellis
lager|a general term for beer made with bottom fermenting yeast (usually by decoction mashing);originally it was brewed in March or April and matured until September
lagerphone|an Australian percussion instrument used for playing bush music;a long stick with bottle caps nailed loosely to it;played by hitting it with a stick or banging it on the ground
Lagerstroemia|shrubs or small trees of tropical Asia and Africa usually with showy white, pink, or purplish flowers
lagging|used to wrap around pipes or boilers or laid in attics to prevent loss of heat
Lagidium|a genus of Chinchillidae
lagniappe|a small gift (especially one given by a merchant to a customer who makes a purchase)
Lagodon|a genus of Sparidae
lagomorph|relative large gnawing animals;distinguished from rodents by having two pairs of upper incisors specialized for gnawing
Lagomorpha|rabbits;hares;pikas;formerly considered the suborder Duplicidentata of the order Rodentia
lagoon|a body of water cut off from a larger body by a reef of sand or coral
lagophthalmos|abnormal condition in which an eye cannot close completely
Lagopus|ptarmigans
Lagorchestes|hare wallabies
Lagos|chief port and economic center of Nigeria;located in southwestern Nigeria on the Gulf of Guinea;former capital of Nigeria
Lagostomus|viscachas
Lagothrix|woolly monkeys
Laguncularia|a genus of Laguncularia
lahar|an avalanche of volcanic water and mud down the slopes of a volcano
Lahore|city in northeast Pakistan
Lahu|a Loloish language
laid paper|writing paper having a watermark of fine lines running across the grain
lair|the habitation of wild animals
laird|a landowner
laity|in Christianity, members of a religious community that do not have the priestly responsibilities of ordained clergy
Laius|(Greek mythology) king of Thebes who was unwittingly killed by his son Oedipus
lake|a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land;a purplish red pigment prepared from lac or cochineal;any of numerous bright translucent organic pigments
Lake Albert|a shallow lake on the border between Uganda and Congo in the Great Rift Valley
Lake Aral|a lake to the east of the Caspian Sea lying between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
lake bed|the bottom of a lake
Lake Chad|a lake in north central Africa;fed by the Shari river
Lake Champlain|a lake in northeastern New York, northwestern Vermont and southern Quebec;site of many battles in the French and Indian War and in the American Revolution and in the War of 1812
Lake Chelan|a narrow very deep lake in central Washington in the Cascade Range
Lake Clark National Park|a national park in Alaska having Eskimo and Athapaskan archeological sites
Lake District|a popular tourist area in northwestern England including England's largest lake and highest mountain
lake dwelling|dwelling built on piles in or near a lake;specifically in prehistoric villages
Lake Edward|a lake in the Great Rift Valley between Congo and Uganda
Lake Erie|the 4th largest of the Great Lakes;it is linked to the Hudson River by the New York State Barge Canal
Lake Geneva|a lake between southwestern Switzerland and France that is crossed from east to west by the Rhone
lake herring|cold-water fish caught in Lake Superior and northward
Lake Huron|the 2nd largest of the Great Lakes
Lake Ilmen|a lake in northwestern Russia;drains through the Volkhov River into Lake Ladoga
Lake Ladoga|a lake in northwestern Russia to the north of St. Petersburg;the largest lake in Europe;drains through the Neva River into the Gulf of Finland
Lake Mead|the largest reservoir in the United States;located in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona and formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River;the center of a recreational area
Lake Michigan|the 3rd largest of the Great Lakes;the largest freshwater lake entirely within the United States borders
Lake Nasser|lake in Egypt formed by dams built on the Nile River at Aswan
Lake Nyasa|a long lake in southeastern Africa between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi
Lake Onega|lake in northwestern Russia near the border with Finland;second largest lake in Europe
Lake Ontario|the smallest of the Great Lakes
lake poets|English poets at the beginning of the 19th century who lived in the Lake District and were inspired by it
Lake Powell|the second largest reservoir in the United States;located in southern Utah and north central Arizona and formed by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River
Lake St. Clair|a lake between Ontario and Michigan;connected with Lake Huron and Lake Erie
Lake Superior|the largest freshwater lake in the world;the deepest of the Great Lakes
Lake Tahoe|a lake on the border between Nevada and California to the west of Carson City;a popular resort area
Lake Tana|a lake in northern Ethiopia;the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile
Lake Tanganyika|the longest lake in the world in central Africa between Tanzania and Congo in the Great Rift Valley
Lake Trasimenus|a battle in 217 BC in which Hannibal ambushed a Roman army led by Flaminius
lake trout|flesh of large trout of northern lakes;large fork-tailed trout of lakes of Canada and the northern United States
Lake Urmia|a shallow saline lake in northwestern Iran between Tabriz and the western border of Turkey
Lake Vanern|a lake in southwestern Sweden;the largest lake in Sweden
Lake Victoria|the largest lake in Africa and the 2nd largest fresh water lake in the world;a headwaters reservoir for the Nile River
Lake Volta|the Volta river in southeastern has been dammed to create one of the world's largest man-made lakes
lake whitefish|found in the Great Lakes and north to Alaska
lakefront|land bordering a lake
Lakeland terrier|breed of wire-haired terrier originally from the Lake District of England and used for hunting
lakeside|the shore of a lake
Lakshmi|Hindu goddess of fortune and prosperity
Lallans|a dialect of English spoken in the Lowlands of Scotland
lallation|defective articulation of the 'l' phoneme or the phoneme 'r' is pronounced as 'l'
lally|support column consisting of a steel cylinder filled with concrete
lama|a Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism;llamas
Lamaism|a Buddhist doctrine that includes elements from India that are not Buddhist and elements of preexisting shamanism
Lamaist|(Buddhism) an adherent of Lamaism
Lamarck|French naturalist who proposed that evolution resulted from the inheritance of acquired characteristics (1744-1829)
Lamarckian|a believer in Lamarckism
Lamarckism|a theory of organic evolution claiming that acquired characteristics are transmitted to offspring
lamasery|a monastery for lamas
Lamaze method of childbirth|a method that prepares a mother for natural childbirth;the pregnant woman (in classes and at home) practices (usually with the help of a coach) and learns about the physiology of childbirth and techniques of relaxation, concentration, and breathing
lamb|a person easily deceived or cheated (especially in financial matters);a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child);the flesh of a young domestic sheep eaten as food;young sheep;English essayist (1775-1834)
lamb chop|chop cut from a lamb
lamb curry|curry made with lamb
lamb roast|a cut of lamb suitable for roasting
lamb succory|small European herb with small yellow flowers
lambda|the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet;the craniometric point at the junction of the sagittal and lamboid sutures of the skull
lambda particle|an electrically neutral baryon with isotopic spin 1
lambdacism|speech defect involving excessive use or unusual pronunciation of the phoneme 'l'
lambert|a cgs unit of illumination equal to the brightness of a perfectly diffusing surface that emits or reflects one lumen per square centimeter;English composer and conductor (1905-1951)
Lambert-Eaton syndrome|a disease seen in patients with lung cancer and characterized by weakness and fatigue of hip and thigh muscles and an aching back;caused by antibodies directed against the neuromuscular junctions
Lambertia|small genus of Australian shrubs
Lambis|scorpion shells of shallow tropical waters of the eastern hemisphere
lambkin|a very young lamb
lamboid suture|the suture between the occipital and parietal bones
lambrequin|a scarf that covers a knight's helmet;short and decorative hanging for a shelf edge or top of a window casing
lambskin|the skin of a lamb with the wool still on
lamb's-quarter|leaves collected from the wild
lamb's-quarters|common weedy European plant introduced into North America;often used as a potherb
lame|a fabric interwoven with threads of metal - "she wore a gold lame dress"
lame duck|an elected official still in office but not slated to continue
lamedh|the 12th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
lamella|a thin membrane that is one of the calcified layers that form bones;thin plate
lamellar mixture|a mixture in which substances occur in distinct layers
lamellate placentation|with ovules on thin extensions of the placentae into a compound ovary
lamellicorn beetle|beetle having antennae with hard platelike terminal segments
Lamellicornia|scarabaeid beetles and stag beetles
lameness|an imperfection or defectiveness - "a stylist noted for the lameness of his plots";disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet
lament|a cry of sorrow and grief - "their pitiful laments could be heard throughout the ward"
lamentation|the passionate and demonstrative activity of expressing grief
Lamentations|an Old Testament book lamenting the desolation of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC;traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah
lamina|a thin plate or layer (especially of bone or mineral)
lamina arcus vertebrae|lamina of the vertebral arch;the flattened posterior part of the vertebral arch from which the spinous process extends
laminar flow|nonturbulent streamline flow in parallel layers (laminae)
laminar flow clean room|a clean room free of all extraneous particles;used in fabricating microprocessors
Laminaria|type genus of the family Laminariaceae;perennial brown kelps
Laminariaceae|large family of marine brown algae including many economically important large kelps chiefly of northern waters
Laminariales|in some classifications coextensive with family Laminariaceae;marine brown algae of cold or polar seas
laminate|a sheet of material made by bonding two or more sheets or layers
lamination|a layered structure;bonding thin sheets together
laminator|a person who makes laminates (especially plastic laminates)
laminectomy|surgical removal of the bony arches on one or more vertebrae
laminitis|inflammation of the laminated tissue that attaches the hoof to the foot of a horse
Lamium|genus of Old World herbs;dead nettles;henbits
lamivudine|a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that is very effective in combination with zidovudine in treating AIDS and HIV
Lammas|commemorates Saint Peter's miraculous deliverance from prison;a quarter day in Scotland;a harvest festival in England
Lammastide|the season of Lammas
Lamna|a genus of Lamnidae
Lamnidae|oceanic sharks
lamp|a piece of furniture holding one or more electric light bulbs;an artificial source of visible illumination
lamp chimney|a glass flue surrounding the wick of an oil lamp
lamp house|housing that holds a lamp (as in a movie projector)
lamplight|light from a lamp
lamplighter|(when gas was used for streetlights) a person who lights and extinguishes streetlights
lampoon artist|a cartoonist who draws parodies or satirical renditions of cultural or social or political situations
lamppost|a metal post supporting an outdoor lamp (such as a streetlight)
lamprey|primitive eellike freshwater or anadromous cyclostome having round sucking mouth with a rasping tongue
Lampridae|opahs
Lampris|type genus of the Lampridae
Lampropeltis|king snakes and milk snakes
lampshade|a protective ornamental shade used to screen a light bulb from direct view
Lampyridae|fireflies
lanai|a veranda or roofed patio often furnished and used as a living room;an island of central Hawaii;a pineapple-growing area
Lancashire|a historical area of northwestern England on the Irish Sea;noted for textiles
Lancaster|a city in northwestern England;the English royal house that reigned from 1399 to 1461;its emblem was a red rose
Lancastrian|a member (or supporter) of the house of Lancaster;a resident of Lancaster
lance corporal|an enlisted man in the marine corps ranking above a private first class and below a corporal
lancelet|small translucent lancet-shaped burrowing marine animal;primitive forerunner of the vertebrates
Lancelot|(Arthurian legend) one of the knights of the Round Table;friend of King Arthur until (according to some versions of the legend) he became the lover of Arthur's wife Guinevere
lanceolate leaf|a leaf shaped like a lance head;tapering to a point at each end
lanceolate spleenwort|a spleenwort of western Europe
lancer|(formerly) a cavalryman armed with a lance
lancers|a quadrille for 8 or 16 couples
lancet|a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade;used for punctures and small incisions
lancet arch|an acutely pointed Gothic arch, like a lance
lancet window|a narrow window having a lancet arch and without tracery
lancetfish|large elongate scaleless oceanic fishes with sharp teeth and a long dorsal fin that resembles a sail
lancewood|durable straight-grained wood of the lacewood tree;used for building and cabinetwork and tools;source of most of the lancewood of commerce
land|material in the top layer of the surface of the earth in which plants can grow (especially with reference to its quality or use) - "the land had never been plowed";the land on which real estate is located - "he built the house on land leased from the city";the solid part of the earth's surface - "the plane turned away from the sea and moved back over land";United States inventor who incorporated Polaroid film into lenses and invented the one step photographic process (1909-1991)
land agent|a person who administers a landed estate
land development|making an area of land more useful
land grant|a grant of public land (as to a railway or college)
land line|a telephone line that travels over terrestrial circuits - "a land line can be wire or fiber optics or microwave"
land mine|an explosive mine hidden underground;explodes when stepped on or driven over
land office|a government office where business relating to public lands is transacted
land reform|a redistribution of agricultural land (especially by government action)
land resources|natural resources in the form of arable land
landau|a four-wheel covered carriage with a roof divided into two parts (front and back) that can be let down separately;Soviet physicist who worked on low temperature physics (1908-1968)
landed gentry|the gentry who own land (considered as a class)
lander|a space vehicle that is designed to land on the moon or another planet;a town in central Wyoming
landfall|the first sighting of land from the sea after a voyage (or flight over water);the seacoast first sighted on a voyage (or flight over water)
landfill|a low area that has been filled in
landgrave|a count who had jurisdiction over a large territory in medieval Germany
landholding|a holding in the form of land;ownership of land;the state or fact of owning land
landing|an intermediate platform in a staircase;structure providing a place where boats can land people or goods;the act of coming down to the earth (or other surface) - "the plane made a smooth landing" - "his landing on his feet was catlike";the act of coming to land after a voyage
landing approach|the approach to a landing field by an airplane
landing craft|naval craft designed for putting ashore troops and equipment
landing flap|a flap on the underside of the wing that is lowered to slow the plane for landing
landing gear|an undercarriage that supports the weight of the plane when it is on the ground
landing net|a bag-shaped fishnet on a long handle to take a captured fish from the water
landing party|a part of a ship's company organized for special duties ashore
landing skid|one of two parts of the landing gear of a helicopter
landing stage|platform from which passengers and cargo can be (un)loaded
landlady|a landlord who is a woman
landler|a moderately slow Austrian country dance in triple time;involves spinning and clapping;music in triple time for dancing the landler
landlocked salmon|Atlantic salmon confined to lakes of New England and southeastern Canada
landlord|a landowner who leases to others
landlord's lien|lien on a tenant's property for the satisfaction of unpaid rent or property damage;the landlord is given the status of a preferred creditor with regard to the tenant's property
landlubber|a person who lives and works on land;an inexperienced sailor;a sailor on the first voyage
landmark|a mark showing the boundary of a piece of land;an anatomical structure used as a point of origin in locating other anatomical structures (as in surgery) or as point from which measurements can be taken;an event marking a unique or important historical change of course or one on which important developments depend;the position of a prominent or well-known object in a particular landscape - "the church steeple provided a convenient landmark"
landmass|a large continuous extent of land
land-office business|very large and profitable volume of commercial activity
landowner|a holder or proprietor of land
Landowska|United States harpsichordist (born in Poland) who helped to revive modern interest in the harpsichord (1879-1959)
landscape|a genre of art dealing with the depiction of natural scenery;an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view;an extensive mental viewpoint - "the political landscape looks bleak without a change of administration" - "we changed the landscape for solving the problem of payroll inequity";painting depicting an expanse of natural scenery
landscape architect|someone who arranges features of the landscape or garden attractively
landscape architecture|the branch of architecture dealing with the arrangement of land and buildings for human use and enjoyment
landscaping|a garden laid out for esthetic effect - "they spent a great deal of money on the landscaping";working as a landscape gardener
landscapist|someone who paints landscapes
landside|component consisting of a side piece opposite the moldboard
landslide|a slide of a large mass of dirt and rock down a mountain or cliff;an overwhelming electoral victory - "Roosevelt defeated Hoover in a landslide"
Landsteiner|United States pathologist (born in Austria) who discovered human blood groups (1868-1943)
lane|a narrow way or road;a well-defined track or path;for e.g. swimmers or lines of traffic
Lane's Prince Albert|apple used primarily in cooking
Laney|United States educator who founded the first private school for Black students in Augusta, Georgia (1854-1933)
langbeinite|a mineral consisting of potassium magnesium double sulphate;used as a fertilizer
Lange|United States photographer remembered for her portraits of rural workers during the Depression (1895-1965)
langlaufer|a cross-country skier
langley|unit of solar radiation;United States astronomer and aviation pioneer who invented the bolometer and contributed to the design of early aircraft (1834-1906)
Langmuir|United States chemist who studied surface chemistry and developed the gas-filled tungsten lamp and worked on high temperature electrical discharges (1881-1957)
Langside|(1568) Catholic forces supporting Mary Queen of Scots were routed by Protestants
Langtry|British actress and mistress of the prince who later became Edward VII (1853-1929)
language|a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols - "he taught foreign languages" - "the language introduced is standard throughout the text" - "the speed with which a program can be executed depends on the language in which it is written";the mental faculty or power of vocal communication - "language sets homo sapiens apart from all other animals"
language area|a large cortical area (in the left hemisphere in most people) containing all the centers associated with language
language barrier|barrier to communication resulting from speaking different languages
language learning|learning to use a language
language lesson|a period of instruction learning a language
language requirement|a requirement that a student know certain languages
language school|a school for teaching foreign languages
language system|a system of linguistic units or elements used in a particular language
language teaching|teaching people to speak and understand a foreign language
language unit|one of the natural units into which linguistic messages can be analyzed
Langue d'oc|medieval provincial dialects of French formerly spoken in the south of France
Langue d'oil|medieval provincial dialects of French spoken in central and northern France
Languedoc-Roussillon|a region in south central France;named after the medieval dialect of French that was spoken there
languisher|a person who languishes
languor|a feeling of lack of interest or energy;a relaxed comfortable feeling;inactivity;showing an unusual lack of energy
langur|slender long-tailed monkey of Asia
Laniidae|shrikes
Lanius|type genus of the Laniidae;typical shrikes
lankiness|a tall and thin physique
lanolin|a yellow viscous animal oil extracted from wool;a mixture of fatty acids and esters;used in some ointments and cosmetics;an emollient containing wool fat (a fatty substance obtained from the wool of sheep)
lanseh|East Indian tart yellow berrylike fruit
lanseh tree|East Indian tree bearing an edible yellow berry
Lansing|capital of the state of Michigan;located in southern Michigan on the Grand River
lansoprazole|antacid (trade name Prevacid) that suppresses acid secretion in the stomach
lantana|a flowering shrub
lantern|light in a transparent protective case
lantern fly|large brightly marked tropical insect with a process like a snout that was formerly thought to emit light
lantern jaw|a long thin lower jaw
lantern pinion|a small pinion having cylindrical bars instead of teeth, used chiefly in inexpensive clocks
lanternfish|small fish having rows of luminous organs along each side;some surface at night
lanthanide series|the rare-earth elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71;having properties similar to lanthanum
Lanthanotidae|stout-bodied lizards
Lanthanotus|one species
Lanthanotus borneensis|a stout-bodied pleurodont lizard of Borneo
lanthanum|a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily;occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
lanugo|the fine downy hair covering a human fetus;normally shed during the ninth month of gestation
lanyard|(nautical) a line used for extending or fastening rigging on ships;a cord with an attached hook that is used to fire certain types of cannon;a cord worn around the neck to hold a knife or whistle
Lanzhou|the capital city of the Chinese province of Gansu on the Yellow River
Lao|a member of a Buddhist people inhabiting the area of the Mekong River in Laos and Thailand and speaking the Lao language;related to the Thais;the Tai language of a Buddhist people living in the area of the Mekong River in Thailand and Laos
Laocoon|(Greek mythology) the priest of Apollo who warned the Trojans to beware of Greeks bearing gifts when they wanted to accept the Trojan Horse;a god who favored the Greeks (Poseidon or Athena) sent snakes who coiled around Laocoon and his two twin sons killing them
Laos|a mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern Asia;achieved independence from France in 1949
Laotian monetary unit|monetary unit in Laos
Lao-tzu|Chinese philosopher regarded as the founder of Taoism (6th century BC)
lap|a flap that lies over another part - "the lap of the shingles should be at least ten inches";an area of control or responsibility - "the job fell right in my lap";movement once around a course - "he drove an extra lap just for insurance";the part of a piece of clothing that covers the thighs - "his lap was covered with food stains";the upper side of the thighs of a seated person - "he picked up the little girl and plopped her down in his lap"
lap joint|joint made by overlapping two ends and joining them together
lap of luxury|in conditions of wealth and comfort - "he was raised in the lap of luxury"
lap of the gods|beyond human control or responsibility - "there is nothing more I can do;it's in the lap of the gods now"
laparocele|hernia through the abdomen
laparoscope|a slender endoscope inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall in order to examine the abdominal organs or to perform minor surgery
laparoscopic cholecystectomy|removal of the gall bladder through small punctures in the abdomen to permit the insertion of a laparoscope and surgical instruments
laparoscopy|laparotomy performed with a laparoscope that makes a small incision to examine the abdominal cavity (especially the ovaries and Fallopian tubes)
laparotomy|surgical incision into the abdominal wall;often done to examine abdominal organs
lapboard|writing board used on the lap as a table or desk
lapdog|a dog small and tame enough to be held in the lap
lapel|lap at the front of a coat;continuation of the coat collar
lapful|the quantity that can be held in the lap
lapidary|a skilled worker who cuts and engraves precious stones;an expert on precious stones and the art of cutting and engraving them
lapin|castrated male rabbit;the fur of a rabbit
lapis lazuli|an azure blue semiprecious stone
Laplace|French mathematician and astronomer who formulated the nebular hypothesis concerning the origins of the solar system and who developed the theory of probability (1749-1827)
Laportea|mostly tropical stinging herbs or trees;nettle
Lapp|a member of an indigenous nomadic people living in northern Scandinavia and herding reindeer;the language of nomadic Lapps in northern Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula
lappet|a small lap on a garment or headdress;medium-sized hairy moths;larvae are lappet caterpillars
lappet caterpillar|larva of a lappet moth
Lappic|any of the languages spoken by the Lapps and generally assumed to be Uralic languages
Lappland|a region in northmost Europe inhabited by Lapps
lapse|a break or intermission in the occurrence of something - "a lapse of three weeks between letters"
Laptev Sea|part of the Arctic Ocean to the north of Siberia (between the Taimyr Peninsula and the New Siberian Islands) that is icebound most of the year
laptop|a portable computer small enough to use in your lap
Laputa|a land imagined by Jonathan Swift where impractical projects were pursued and practical projects neglected
lapwing|large crested Old World plover having wattles and spurs
Laramie|a university town in southeast Wyoming
larboard|the left side of a ship or aircraft to someone who is aboard and facing the bow or nose
larcenist|a person who commits larceny
larceny|the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
larch|any of numerous conifers of the genus Larix all having deciduous needlelike leaves;wood of a larch tree
lard|soft white semisolid fat obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of the hog
lard oil|oil consisting chiefly of olein that is expressed from lard and used especially as a lubricant, cutting oil or illuminant
larder|a supply of food especially for a household
Lardizabala|evergreen monoecious climbers of South America having dark mauve-blue edible berries
Lardizabalaceae|thick-stemmed lianas and some shrubs;some have edible fruit
Lardner|United States humorist and writer of satirical short stories (1885-1933)
Laredo|a city in southern Texas on the Rio Grande
large|a garment size for a large person
large cap|a corporation with a large capitalization - "he works for a large cap"
large civet|common civet of India and southeast Asia
large crabgrass|a European forage grass grown for hay;a naturalized weed in United States
large indefinite quantity|an indefinite quantity that is above the average in size or magnitude
large integer|an integer equal to or greater than ten
large intestine|beginning with the cecum and ending with the rectum;includes the cecum and the colon and the rectum;extracts moisture from food residues which are later excreted as feces
Large Magellanic Cloud|the larger of the two Magellanic Clouds visible from the southern hemisphere
large periwinkle|plant having variegated foliage and used for window boxes
large person|a person of greater than average size
large poodle|the largest breed of poodle
large white|Old World form of cabbage butterfly
large white petunia|annual herb having large nocturnally fragrant white flowers
large yellow lady's slipper|plant of eastern and central North America having slightly fragrant purple-marked greenish-yellow flowers
large-flowered calamint|aromatic herb with large pink flowers;southern and southeastern Europe;Anatolia;northern Iran
large-flowered fiddleneck|annual of the western United States having large coiled flower spikes;a threatened species
largeleaf holly|a holly tree
large-leaved aster|tufted perennial wood aster of North America;naturalized in Europe
large-leaved magnolia|large deciduous shrub or tree of southeastern United States having huge leaves in dense false whorls and large creamy flowers tinged purple toward the base
largemouth|a large black bass;the angle of the jaw falls behind the eye
largemouth bass|flesh of largemouth bass
largeness|large or extensive in breadth or importance or comprehensiveness - "the might have repercussions of unimaginable largeness";the property of having a relatively great size
largess|a gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence);usually given ostentatiously
larghetto|(music) a composition or passage played in a slow tempo slightly faster than largo but slower than adagio
largo|(music) a composition or passage that is to be performed in a slow and dignified manner
Lari|gulls;terns;jaegers;skimmers;the basic unit of money in Georgia
Laricariidae|armored catfish
larid|long-winged web-footed aquatic bird of the gull family
Laridae|gull family;gulls and terns
Larix|larches
lark|any of numerous predominantly Old World birds noted for their singing
larkspur|any of numerous cultivated plants of the genus Delphinium
Larousse|French lexicographer (1817-1875)
Larrea|xerophytic evergreen shrubs;South America to southwestern United States
Larus|type genus of the Laridae
larva|the immature free-living form of most invertebrates and amphibians and fish which at hatching from the egg is fundamentally unlike its parent and must metamorphose
Larvacea|small free-swimming tunicates;sometimes classified as an order
larvacean|any member of the class Larvacea
larvacide|an insecticide that kills the larvae of insects
larvicide|a chemical used to kill larval pests
laryngeal artery|either of two arteries that supply blood to the larynx
laryngeal vein|one of two veins draining the larynx
laryngectomy|surgical removal of part or all of the larynx (usually to treat cancer of the larynx)
laryngismus|laryngeal spasm caused by the sudden contraction of laryngeal muscles
laryngitis|inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx;characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice and coughing
laryngopharyngitis|inflammation of the larynx and pharynx
laryngopharynx|the lower part of the pharynx
laryngoscope|a medical instrument for examining the larynx
laryngospasm|a closure of the larynx that blocks the passage of air to the lungs
laryngostenosis|abnormal narrowing of the larynx
laryngotracheobronchitis|inflammation of the larynx and trachea and bronchial passageways
larynx|a cartilaginous structure at the top of the trachea;contains elastic vocal cords that are the source of the vocal tone in speech
Las Cruces|a town in southern New Mexico on the Rio Grande
Las Vegas|largest city in Nevada;located in southeastern Nevada;originally settled by Mormons but is now famous for entertainment and gambling and general excess
lasagna|baked dish of layers of lasagna pasta with sauce and cheese and meat or vegetables;very wide flat strips of pasta
LaSalle|French explorer who claimed Louisiana for France (1643-1687)
Lascar|a volcano in the Andes in Chile;an East Indian sailor
Lascaux|a cave in southwestern France that contains Paleolithic paintings
laser|an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation;an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
laser beam|a beam of light generated by a laser
laser printer|electrostatic printer that focuses a laser beam to form images that are transferred to paper electrostatically
laser trabecular surgery|eye surgery that makes many tiny laser burns in an area that will increase the drainage of aqueous humor
laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis|a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea
laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis|a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea
laser-guided bomb|a smart bomb that seeks the laser light reflected off of the target and uses it to correct its descent - "laser-guided bombs cannot be used in cloudy weather"
lash|leather strip that forms the flexible part of a whip
lasher|a driver who urges the animals on with lashes of a whip
lashing|rope that is used for fastening something to something else - "the boats were held together by lashings"
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi|a Sunni Muslim extremist group in Pakistan that collaborates with al-Qaeda;the armed wing of Sipah-e-Sahaba
Lashkar-e-Omar|a terrorist organization formed in Pakistan in 2002 as a coalition of extremist Islamic militant groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Jaish-e-Muhammad and elements of al-Qaeda
Lashkar-e-Taiba|a brutal terrorist group active in Kashmir;fights against India with the goal of restoring Islamic rule of India
lash-up|any improvised arrangement for temporary use
Lasiocampa|type genus of the Lasiocampidae;eggars
lasiocampid|medium-sized stout-bodied neutral-colored moths with comb-like antennae
Lasiocampidae|tent caterpillars;eggars;lappet moths
Lasiurus|a genus of Vespertilionidae
Laskar Jihad|a paramilitary terrorist organization of militant Muslims in Indonesia;wages a jihad against Christians in Indonesia;subscribes to the Wahhabi creed of Islam
lass|a girl or young woman who is unmarried
Lassa fever|an acute contagious viral disease of central western Africa;characterized by fever and inflammation and muscular pains and difficulty swallowing;can be used as a bioweapon
Lassa virus|the RNA virus that causes Lassa fever
Lassen Volcanic National Park|a national park in California having mountains and volcanic lakes and hot springs
lasso|a long noosed rope used to catch animals;Belgian composer (1532-1594)
last|a person's dying act;the final thing a person can do - "he breathed his last";a unit of capacity for grain equal to 80 bushels;a unit of weight equal to 4,000 pounds;holding device shaped like a human foot that is used to fashion or repair shoes;the last or lowest in an ordering or series - "he was the last to leave" - "he finished an inglorious last"
last gasp|the point of death or exhaustion or completion - "the last gasp of the cold war"
last in first out|inventory accounting in which the most recently acquired items are assumed to be the first sold
last laugh|ultimate success achieved after a near failure (inspired by the saying 'he laughs best who laughs last') - "we had the last laugh after the votes were counted"
last mile|the last walk of a condemned person to the execution place
last quarter|the last fourth of the Moon's period of revolution around the Earth
last respects|the act of expressing respect for someone who has died - "he paid his last respects by standing quietly at the graveside"
last rites|rites performed in connection with a death or burial
last straw|the final irritation that stretches your patience beyond the limit
Last Supper|the traditional Passover supper of Jesus with his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion
last word|an authoritative statement - "my doctor has the last word on the medicines I take";the final statement in a verbal argument - "she always gets the last word"
Lastex|yarn that has an elastic core wound around with cotton or silk or nylon or rayon threads
Lasthenia|small genus of herbs of Pacific coast of North and South America
lastingness|permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force
Lastreopsis|tropical terrestrial shield ferns
latakia|aromatic Turkish tobacco
latanier|fan palms of the southern United States and the Caribbean region
latch|catch for fastening a door or gate;a bar that can be lowered or slid into a groove;spring-loaded doorlock that can only be opened from the outside with a key
latchet|a leather strap or thong used to attach a sandal or shoe to the foot
latchkey|key for raising or drawing back a latch or opening an outside door
latchkey child|a school-age child who is home without adult supervision for part of the day (especially after school until a parent returns home from work)
latchstring|opener consisting of a string that can be passed through a hole in a door for raising the latch from outside
late blight|blight in which symptoms appear late in the growing season especially a disease of solanaceous plants caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans
Late Greek|the Greek language in the 3rd to 8th centuries
Late Latin|the form of Latin written between the 3rd and 8th centuries
late purple aster|a variety of aster
latecomer|someone who arrives late
lateen|a triangular fore-and-aft sail used especially in the Mediterranean
lateen-rig|the rig on a lateen-rigged sailing vessel
latency|the state of being not yet evident or active
latency stage|(psychoanalysis) the fourth period (from about age 5 or 6 until puberty) during which sexual interests are supposed to be sublimated into other activities
lateness|quality of coming late or later in time
late-night hour|the latter part of night
latent content|(psychoanalysis) hidden meaning of a fantasy or dream
latent diabetes|a mild form of diabetes mellitus in which there are no overt symptoms but there are abnormal responses to some diagnostic procedures
latent heat|heat absorbed or radiated during a change of phase at a constant temperature and pressure
latent hostility|feelings of hostility that are not manifest - "he could sense her latent hostility to him"
latent period|the time that elapses before the presence of a disease is manifested by symptoms
lateral condyle|a condyle on the outer side of the lower extremity of the femur
lateral epicondyle|epicondyle near the lateral condyle of the femur
lateral geniculate body|a neural structure that serves as a processing station on the way from the retina to the occipital lobe of the cerebral cortex
lateral line|sense organs of fish and amphibians;believed to detect pressure changes in the water
lateral pass|a pass to a receiver upfield from the passer
lateral thinking|a heuristic for solving problems;you try to look at the problem from many angles instead of tackling it head-on
lateral ventricle|either of two horseshoe-shaped ventricles one in each cerebral hemisphere;they communicate with the third ventricle via the foramen of Monro
laterality|superior development of one side of the body
lateralization|localization of function on either the right or left sides of the brain
Lateran|the site in Rome containing the church of Rome and the Lateran Palace
Lateran Council|any of five general councils of the Western Catholic Church that were held in the Lateran Palace
Lateran Palace|a palace that served as the residence of the popes until the 14th century
Lateran Treaty|the agreement signed in the Lateran Palace in 1929 by Italy and the Holy See which recognized the Vatican City as a sovereign and independent papal state
laterite|a red soil produced by rock decay;contains insoluble deposits of ferric and aluminum oxides
Lates|a genus of large percoid fishes of fresh and brackish water
latest|the most recent news or development - "have you heard the latest?"
latex|a milky exudate from certain plants that coagulates on exposure to air
latex paint|a water-base paint that has a latex binder
lath|a narrow thin strip of wood used as backing for plaster or to make latticework
lath and plaster|a building material consisting of thin strips of wood that provide a foundation for a coat of plaster
lathe|machine tool for shaping metal or wood;the workpiece turns about a horizontal axis against a fixed tool
lather|a workman who puts up laths;the foam resulting from excessive sweating (as on a horse)
lathi|club consisting of a heavy stick (often bamboo) bound with iron;used by police in India
Lathyrus|genus of climbing herbs of Old World and temperate North and South America;vetchling;wild pea
laticifer|a plant duct containing latex
Latimeria|type genus of the Latimeridae;coelacanth
Latimeridae|extinct except for the coelacanth
Latin|a person who is a member of those peoples whose languages derived from Latin;an inhabitant of ancient Latium;any dialect of the language of ancient Rome
Latin America|the parts of North America and South America to the south of the United States where Romance languages are spoken
Latin American|a native of Latin America
Latin cross|a cross with the lowest arm being longer than the others
Latin square|a square matrix of n rows and columns;cells contain n different symbols so arranged that no symbol occurs more than once in any row or column
Latinae|a subfamily of the family Centropomidae
Latinesce|an artificial language based on Latin
Latinism|a word or phrase borrowed from Latin
Latinist|a specialist in the Latin language
Latino|an artificial language based on words common to the Romance languages
Latino sine flexione|Latino without inflectional morphology
latissimus dorsi|a broad flat muscle on either side of the back
latitude|an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator;freedom from normal restraints in conduct - "allowed his children considerable latitude in how they spent their money";scope for freedom of e.g. action or thought;freedom from restriction;the angular distance between an imaginary line around a heavenly body parallel to its equator and the equator itself
latitudinarian|a person who is broad-minded and tolerant (especially in standards of religious belief and conduct)
Latium|an ancient region of west central Italy (southeast of Rome) on the Tyrrhenian Sea
latrine|a public toilet in a military area
Latrobe|United States architect (born in England) whose works include the chambers of the United States Congress and the Supreme Court;considered the first professional architect in the United States (1764-1820)
Latrodectus|venomous spiders
lats|the basic unit of money in Latvia
latten|brass (or a yellow alloy resembling brass) that was hammered into thin sheets;formerly used for church utensils
latter|the second of two or the second mentioned of two - "Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today"
Latter-Day Saint|a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
lattice|an arrangement of points or particles or objects in a regular periodic pattern in 2 or 3 dimensions;framework consisting of an ornamental design made of strips of wood or metal
Latvia|a republic in northeastern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea
Latvian|a native or inhabitant of Latvia;the official language of Latvia;belongs to the Baltic branch of Indo-European
Latvian monetary unit|monetary unit in Latvia
laudanum|narcotic consisting of an alcohol solution of opium or any preparation in which opium is the main ingredient
laudator|someone who communicates high praise
Lauder|Scottish ballad singer and music hall comedian (1870-1950)
Laudo|a mountain peak in the Andes in Argentina (20,997 feet high)
laugh|a facial expression characteristic of a person laughing - "his face wrinkled in a silent laugh of derision";the sound of laughing
laugh track|prerecorded laughter added to the soundtrack of a radio or television show
laugher|a person who is laughing or who laughs easily
laughing gull|small black-headed European gull
laughing owl|almost extinct owl of New Zealand
laughter|the activity of laughing;the manifestation of joy or mirth or scorn - "he enjoyed the laughter of the crowd"
Laughton|United States film actor (born in England) (1899-1962)
launch|a motorboat with an open deck or a half deck
launcher|armament in the form of a device capable of launching a rocket
launching|the act of moving a newly built vessel into the water for the first time;the act of propelling with force
launching pad|a platform from which rockets or space craft are launched
launching site|a place for launching pads
launderette|a self-service laundry (service mark Laundromat) where coin-operated washing machines are available to individual customers
laundering|washing clothes and bed linens
laundry|garments or white goods that can be cleaned by laundering;workplace where clothes are washed and ironed
laundry cart|handcart for moving a load of laundry
laundry detergent|any of various detergents designed for use in a washing machine for clothing
laundry truck|van that picks up and delivers laundry - "a laundry truck stops by every week"
Lauraceae|a family of Lauraceae
Laurasia|a hypothetical continent that (according to plate tectonic theory) broke up later into North America and Europe and Asia
laureate|someone honored for great achievements;figuratively someone crowned with a laurel wreath
laurel|(antiquity) a wreath of laurel foliage worn on the head as an emblem of victory;any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family;United States slapstick comedian (born in England) who played the scatterbrained and often tearful member of the Laurel and Hardy duo who made many films (1890-1965)
Laurel and Hardy|United States slapstick comedy duo who made many films together
laurel oak|large nearly semi-evergreen oak of southeastern United States;thrives in damp soil
laurel sumac|small aromatic evergreen shrub of California having paniculate leaves and whitish berries;in some classifications included in genus Rhus
laurel-tree|small tree of southern United States having dark red heartwood
laurelwood|tropical American tree;valued for its hard durable wood
Laurens|leader of the American Revolution and president of the Continental Congress (1724-1792)
Laurentian Plateau|a large plateau that occupies more than 40% of the land area of Canada;it extends from the Great Lakes northward to the Arctic Ocean
lauric acid|a crystalline fatty acid occurring as glycerides in natural fats and oils (especially coconut oil and palm-kernel oil)
Laurus|small evergreen trees or shrubs with aromatic leaves
lauryl alcohol|a colorless insoluble solid alcohol used to make detergents and pharmaceuticals
Lausanne|a city in western Switzerland;cultural and commercial center
Lautaro Youth Movement|a violent terrorist group organized in the 1980s and advocating the overthrow of the Chilean military government;leaders are mainly criminals or impoverished youths
lava|rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos;lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
lavage|washing out a hollow organ (especially the stomach) by flushing with water
lavalava|a skirt consisting of a rectangle of calico or printed cotton;worn by Polynesians (especially Samoans)
lavaliere|jeweled pendant worn on a chain around the neck
Lavandula|lavender
Lavatera|widespread genus of herbs or softwood arborescent shrubs cultivated for their showy flowers
lavender|a pale purple color;any of various Old World aromatic shrubs or subshrubs with usually mauve or blue flowers;widely cultivated
lavender cotton|branching aromatic Mediterranean shrub with woolly stems and leaves and yellow flowers
laver|(Old Testament) large basin used by a priest in an ancient Jewish temple to perform ritual ablutions;Australian tennis player who in 1962 was the second man to win the Australian and French and English and United States singles titles in the same year;in 1969 he repeated this feat (born in 1938)
lavishness|the quality possessed by something that is excessively expensive
Lavoisier|French chemist known as the father of modern chemistry;discovered oxygen and disproved the theory of phlogiston (1743-1794)
law|a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature - "the laws of thermodynamics";a rule or body of rules of conduct inherent in human nature and essential to or binding upon human society;legal document setting forth rules governing a particular kind of activity - "there is a law against kidnapping";the collection of rules imposed by authority - "civilization presupposes respect for the law";the learned profession that is mastered by graduate study in a law school and that is responsible for the judicial system - "he studied law at Yale"
law agent|a solicitor in Scotland
law degree|degree conferred on someone who successfully completes law school
law enforcement|ensuring obedience to the laws
law enforcement agency|an agency responsible for insuring obedience to the laws
law firm|a firm of lawyers
law of averages|a law affirming that in the long run probabilities will determine performance
law of constant proportion|(chemistry) law stating that every pure substance always contains the same elements combined in the same proportions by weight
law of diminishing returns|a law affirming that to continue after a certain level of performance has been reached will result in a decline in effectiveness
law of effect|(psychology) the principle that behaviors are selected by their consequences;behavior having good consequences tends to be repeated whereas behavior that leads to bad consequences is not repeated
law of equivalent proportions|(chemistry) law stating that the proportions in which two elements separately combine with a third element are also the proportions in which they combine together
law of gravitation|(physics) the law that states any two bodies attract each other with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them
law of independent assortment|each member of a pair of homologous chromosomes separates independently of the members of other pairs so the results are random
law of mass action|(chemistry) the law that states the following principle;the rate of a chemical reaction is directly proportional to the molecular concentrations of the reacting substances
law of multiple proportions|(chemistry) law stating that when two elements can combine to form more than one compound the amounts of one of them that combines with a fixed amount of the other will exhibit a simple multiple relation
law of segregation|members of a pair of homologous chromosomes separate during the formation of gametes and are distributed to different gametes so that every gamete receives only one member of the pair
law of the land|a phrase used in the Magna Carta to refer to the then established law of the kingdom (as distinct from Roman or civil law);today it refers to fundamental principles of justice commensurate with due process - "the United States Constitution declares itself to be 'the supreme law of the land'"
law of thermodynamics|(physics) a law governing the relations between states of energy in a closed system
law practice|the practice of law
law school|a graduate school offering study leading to a law degree
law student|a student in law school
lawfulness|the quality of conforming to law
lawgiver|a maker of laws;someone who gives a code of laws
lawlessness|illegality as a consequence of unlawful acts;defiance of the law
lawman|an officer of the law
lawn|a field of cultivated and mowed grass
lawn bowling|a bowling game played on a level lawn with biased wooden balls that are rolled at a jack
lawn chair|chair left outside for use on a lawn or in a garden
lawn furniture|furniture intended for use on a lawn or in a garden
lawn mower|garden tool for mowing grass on lawns
Lawrence|a town in northeastern Kansas on the Kansas River;scene of raids by John Brown in 1856;English actress (1898-1952);English novelist and poet and essayist whose work condemned industrial society and explored sexual relationships (1885-1930);English portrait painter remembered for the series of portraits of the leaders of the alliance against Napoleon (1769-1830);Roman martyr;supposedly Lawrence was ordered by the police to give up the church's treasure and when he responded by presenting the poor people of Rome he was roasted to death on a gridiron (died in 258);United States physicist who developed the cyclotron (1901-1958);Welsh soldier who from 1916 to 1918 organized the Arab revolt against the Turks;he later wrote an account of his adventures (1888-1935)
lawrencium|a radioactive transuranic element synthesized from californium
lawsuit|a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy
Lawton|a town in southwest Oklahoma
lawyer|a professional person authorized to practice law;conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
lawyer cane|tall scrambling spiny palm of northeastern Queensland, Australia
lawyerbush|stout-stemmed trailing shrub of New Zealand that scrambles over other growth
lawyer-client relation|the responsibility of a lawyer to act in the best interests of the client
laxative|a mild cathartic
laxness|the condition of being physiologically lax - "baths can help the laxness of the bowels";the quality of being lax and neglectful
lay figure|dummy in the form of an artist's jointed model of the human body
lay reader|a layman who is authorized by the bishop to read parts of the service in an Anglican or Episcopal church
lay witness|any witness who does not testify as an expert witness
layer|a hen that lays eggs;a relatively thin sheetlike expanse or region lying over or under another;single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance;thin structure composed of a single thickness of cells
layer cake|cake having layers held together by a sweet filling and usually covered with frosting
layette|kit consisting of a complete outfit (clothing and accessories) for a new baby
Layia|genus of western United States annuals with showy yellow or white flowers
laying|the production of eggs (especially in birds)
laying on|the act of contacting something with your hand - "peonies can be blighted by the laying on of a finger"
laying on of hands|laying hands on a person's head to invoke spiritual blessing in Christian ordination;the application of a faith healer's hands to the patient's body
laying waste|destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined
layman|someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person
layoff|the act of laying off an employee or a work force
layout|a plan or design of something that is laid out;the act of laying out (as by making plans for something)
lay-up|a basketball shot made with one hand from a position under or beside the basket (and usually banked off the backboard)
lazaretto|hospital for persons with infectious diseases (especially leprosy)
Lazarus|the diseased beggar in Jesus' parable of the rich man and the beggar;the person who Jesus raised from the dead after four days in the tomb;this miracle caused the enemies of Jesus to begin the plan to put him to death
laziness|relaxed and easy activity - "the laziness of the day helped her to relax"
lazy daisy stitch|long chain stitches arranged in flower patterns
lazybones|a lazy person
LDL cholesterol|the cholesterol in low-density lipoproteins;the 'bad' cholesterol;a high level in the blood is thought to be related to various pathogenic conditions
L-dopa|the levorotatory form of dopa (trade names Bendopa and Brocadopa and Larodopa);as a drug it is used to treat Parkinson's disease
le Carre|English writer of novels of espionage (born in 1931)
le Chatelier|French chemist who formulated Le Chatelier's principle (1850-1936)
Le Chatelier's principle|the principle that if any change is imposed on a system that is in equilibrium then the system tends to adjust to a new equilibrium counteracting the change
Le Corbusier|French architect (born in Switzerland) (1887-1965)
Le Duc Tho|Vietnamese diplomat who negotiated with Henry Kissinger to end the war in Vietnam (1911-1990)
Le Gallienne|United States actress (born in England) (1899-1991)
Le Havre|a port city in northern France on the English Channel at the mouth of the Seine
Le Notre|French landscape gardener who designed many formal gardens including the parks of Versailles (1613-1700)
lea|a unit of length of thread or yarn
leach|the process of leaching
Leacock|Canadian economist best remembered for his humorous writings (1869-1944)
lead|(baseball) the position taken by a base runner preparing to advance to the next base - "he took a long lead off first";(sports) the score by which a team or individual is winning;a news story of major importance;a position of leadership (especially in the phrase 'take the lead') - "he takes the lead in any group" - "we were just waiting for someone to take the lead" - "they didn't follow our lead";a soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element;bluish white when freshly cut but tarnishes readily to dull grey - "the children were playing with lead soldiers";an advantage held by a competitor in a race - "he took the lead at the last turn";evidence pointing to a possible solution - "the police are following a promising lead";mixture of graphite with clay in different degrees of hardness;the marking substance in a pencil;the angle between the direction a gun is aimed and the position of a moving target (correcting for the flight time of the missile);the introductory section of a story - "it was an amusing lead-in to a very serious matter";the playing of a card to start a trick in bridge - "the lead was in the dummy";thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing
lead acetate|a poisonous white solid (Pb[CH3CO]2) used in dyeing cotton and in making enamels and varnishes
lead arsenate|a poisonous white solid (Pb3[AsO4]2) used as an insecticide
lead bank|a bank named by a lending syndicate of several banks to protect their interests
lead chromate|a poisonous chromate of lead used as a pigment in paint
lead colic|symptom of chronic lead poisoning and associated with obstinate constipation
lead glass|glass containing lead oxide;has a high refractive index
lead line|(nautical) plumb line for determining depth
lead ore|ore containing lead
lead pencil|pencil that has graphite as the marking substance
lead poisoning|toxic condition produced by the absorption of excessive lead into the system
lead sheet|a sheet containing the words and melody for a song (and some indication of harmony) written in simple form
lead time|the time interval between the initiation and the completion of a production process - "the lead times for many publications can vary tremendously" - "planning is an area where lead time can be reduced"
lead tree|low scrubby tree of tropical and subtropical North America having white flowers tinged with yellow resembling mimosa and long flattened pods
lead-acid battery|a battery with lead electrodes with dilute sulphuric acid as the electrolyte;each cell generates about 2 volts
leaded bronze|bronze to which 1-4% lead is added
leaded gasoline|gasoline treated with a lead compound to reduce motor knocks - "combustion of leaded gasoline released lead into the air where it could cause lead poisoning"
leader|a person who rules or guides or inspires others
leadership|the ability to lead - "he believed that leadership can be taught";the activity of leading - "his leadership inspired the team";the body of people who lead a group - "the national leadership adopted his plan";the status of a leader - "they challenged his leadership of the union"
lead-in|wire connecting an antenna to a receiver or a transmitter to a transmission line
leading astray|the act of enticing others into sinful ways
leading edge|forward edge of an airfoil
leading indicator|one of 11 indicators for different sections of the economy;used by the Department of Commerce to predict economic trends in the near future
leading lady|actress who plays the leading female role
leading man|actor who plays the leading male role
leading question|a question phrased in such a way as to suggest the desired answer;a lawyer may ask leading questions on cross-examination
leading rein|rein to direct the horse's head left or right
leadplant|shrub of sandy woodlands and stream banks of western United States having hoary pinnate flowers and dull-colored racemose flowers;thought to indicate the presence of lead ore
leadwort|a plant of the genus Plumbago with blue flowers
leaf|a sheet of any written or printed material (especially in a manuscript or book);hinged or detachable flat section (as of a table or door);the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
leaf beetle|brightly colored beetle that feeds on plant leaves;larvae infest roots and stems
leaf blight|any blight causing a browning and falling of the leaves of a plant
leaf bud|a bud from which leaves (but not flowers) develop
leaf bug|small bright-colored insect that feeds on plant juices
leaf disease|any plant disease localized in the foliage
leaf fat|fat lining the abdomen and kidneys in hogs which is used to make lard
leaf lettuce|distinguished by leaves having curled or incised leaves forming a loose rosette that does not develop into a compact head;lettuce with loosely curled leaves that do not form a compact head
leaf miner|any of various small moths or dipterous flies whose larvae burrow into and feed on leaf tissue especially of the family Gracilariidae
leaf mold|soil composed mainly of decaying leaves
leaf roller|moth whose larvae form nests by rolling and tying leaves with spun silk
leaf scorch|plant disease causing a burned or scorched appearance of the foliage
leaf shape|any of the various shape that leaves of plants can assume
leaf spring|long narrow spring consisting of several layers of metal springs bracketed together
leaf-cutting bee|bee that cuts rounded pieces from leaves and flowers to line its nest
leaf-footed bug|large sap-sucking bug with leaflike expansions on the legs
leafhopper|small leaping insect that sucks the juices of plants
leaflet|part of a compound leaf
leafnose bat|bat having a leaflike flap at the end of the nose;especially of the families Phyllostomatidae and Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae
leaf-nosed snake|any of various pale blotched snakes with a blunt snout of southwestern North America
leafy liverwort|moss-like liverwort with tiny scalelike leaves;usually epiphytic
leafy spurge|tall European perennial naturalized and troublesome as a weed in eastern North America
league|an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members;an association of states or organizations or individuals for common action;an obsolete unit of distance of variable length (usually 3 miles)
League of Nations|an international organization formed in 1920 to promote cooperation and peace among nations;although suggested by Woodrow Wilson, the United States never joined and it remained powerless;it was dissolved in 1946 after the United Nations was formed
leak|a euphemism for urination - "he had to take a leak";an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape - "one of the tires developed a leak";soft watery rot in fruits and vegetables caused by fungi;unauthorized (especially deliberate) disclosure of confidential information
leak fungus|fungus causing soft watery rot in fruits and vegetables and rings of dry rot around roots of sweet potatoes
leaker|a surreptitious informant - "the president wanted to know who the leakers were"
Leakey|English paleontologist (son of Louis Leakey and Mary Leakey) who continued the work of his parents;he was appointed director of a wildlife preserve in Kenya but resigned under political pressure (born in 1944);English paleontologist (the wife of Louis Leakey) who discovered the Zinjanthropus skull that was 1,750,000 years old (1913-1996);English paleontologist whose account of fossil discoveries in Tanzania changed theories of human evolution (1903-1972)
leakiness|the condition of permitting leaks or leakage - "the leakiness of the roof" - "the heart valve's leakiness" - "the leakiness of the boat made it dangerous to use"
Leander|(Greek mythology) a youth beloved of Hero who drowned in a storm in the Hellespont on one of his nightly visits to see her
leaner|(horseshoes) the throw of a horseshoe so as to lean against (but not encircle) the stake
leaning|an inclination to do something - "he felt leanings toward frivolity";the act of deviating from a vertical position
Leaning Tower|a tall round marble campanile in Pisa that is not perpendicular;construction was begun in 1174
leanness|the property of having little body fat
lean-to|rough shelter whose roof has only one slope
lean-to tent|tent that is attached to the side of a building
leap|a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards;an abrupt transition - "a successful leap from college to the major leagues";the distance leaped (or to be leaped) - "a leap of 10 feet"
leap day|the name of the day that is added during a leap year
leap second|a second (as measured by an atomic clock) added to or subtracted from Greenwich Mean Time in order to compensate for slowing in the Earth's rotation
leap year|in the Gregorian calendar;any year divisible by 4 except centenary years divisible by 400
leapfrog|a game in which one child bends down and another leaps over;advancing as if in the child's game, by leaping over obstacles or competitors - "the company still believes the chip is a leapfrog in integration and will pay huge dividends"
Lear|British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888);the hero of William Shakespeare's tragedy who was betrayed and mistreated by two of his scheming daughters
learned profession|one of the three professions traditionally believed to require advanced learning and high principles
learned reaction|a reaction that has been acquired by learning
learner|someone (especially a child) who learns (as from a teacher) or takes up knowledge or beliefs
learner's dictionary|a dictionary specially written for those learning a foreign language
learner's permit|a document authorizing the bearer to learn to drive an automobile
learning|the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
learning curve|a graph showing the rate of learning (especially a graph showing the amount recalled as a function of the number of attempts to recall)
learning disorder|a disorder found in children of normal intelligence who have difficulties in learning specific skills
Leary|United States psychologist who experimented with psychoactive drugs (including LSD) and became a well-known advocate of their use (1920-1996)
lease|a contract granting use or occupation of property during a specified time for a specified payment;property that is leased or rented out or let;the period of time during which a contract conveying property to a person is in effect
leasehold|land or property held under a lease
leaseholder|a tenant who holds a lease
leash|restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
least|something that is of no importance - "it is the least I can do" - "that is the least of my concerns"
least bittern|small American bittern
least effort|the least effortful way to do something
least sandpiper|smallest American sandpiper
least shrew|small brown shrew of grassy regions of eastern United States
least squares|a method of fitting a curve to data points so as to minimize the sum of the squares of the distances of the points from the curve
leather|an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning
leather carp|scaleless domestic carp
leather fern|widely distributed fern of tropical southern hemisphere having leathery pinnatifid fronds
leather flower|scandent subshrub of southeastern United States having large red-purple bell-shaped flowers with leathery recurved sepals;woody vine of the southern United States having purple or blue flowers with leathery recurved sepals
leather strip|implement consisting of a strip of leather
leatherback turtle|wide-ranging marine turtle with flexible leathery carapace;largest living turtle
leatherette|fabric made to look like leather
leatherjacket|any of several brightly colored tropical filefishes;any of several New World tropical fishes having tiny embedded scales;tough-skinned larva of certain crane flies
leatherleaf|north temperate bog shrub with evergreen leathery leaves and small white cylindrical flowers;stiff leathery-leaved fern of western North America having ovate fronds parted to the midrib
leatherleaf saxifrage|plant with basal leathery elliptic leaves and erect leafless flower stalks each bearing a dense roundish cluster of tiny white flowers;moist places of northwestern North America to Oregon and Idaho
leatherwood|deciduous shrub of eastern North America having tough flexible branches and pliable bark and small yellow flowers
leatherwork|work made of leather
leathery grape fern|European fern with leathery and sparsely hairy fronds
leave|permission to do something - "she was granted leave to speak";the period of time during which you are absent from work or duty - "a ten day's leave to visit his mother"
leaven|a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid;an influence that works subtly to lighten or modify something - "his sermons benefited from a leavening of humor"
Lebanese|a native or inhabitant of Lebanon
Lebanese monetary unit|monetary unit in Lebanon
Lebanese pound|the basic unit of money in Lebanon;equal to 100 piasters
Lebanon|an Asian republic at east end of Mediterranean
Lebistes|guppies
Leboyer method of childbirth|a method of childbirth that tries to minimize the trauma for the newborn;delivery occurs in a quiet dimly lit room and the infant's head is not pulled and immediate bonding between mother and child is encouraged
lecanopteris|any of several bizarre ferns of the genus Lecanopteris having swollen hollow rhizomes that provide homes for symbiotic ants
lecanora|any lichen of the genus Lecanora;some used in dyeing;some used for food
Lecanoraceae|a fungus family of the division Lichenes
Leccinum|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Boletaceae
Leccinum fibrillosum|an edible fungus with a dark reddish brown cap and a wide light tan stalk that expands toward the base
Lechanorales|category used in some classification systems for all lichens that produce apothecia
lecherousness|a strong sexual desire
lechery|unrestrained indulgence in sexual activity
lechwe|tawny-colored African antelope inhabiting wet grassy plains;a threatened species
lecithin|a yellow phospholipid essential for the metabolism of fats;found in egg yolk and in many plant and animal cells;used commercially as an emulsifier
Leclanche cell|voltaic cell that produces approximately 1.5 volts
lectern|desk or stand with a slanted top used to hold a text at the proper height for a lecturer
lectin|any of several plant glycoproteins that act like specific antibodies but are not antibodies in that they are not evoked by an antigenic stimulus
lector|a public lecturer at certain universities;someone who reads the lessons in a church service;someone ordained in a minor order of the Roman Catholic Church
lecture|a lengthy rebuke - "a good lecture was my father's idea of discipline";a speech that is open to the public - "he attended a lecture on telecommunications";teaching by giving a discourse on some subject (typically to a class)
lecture demonstration|presentation of an example of what the lecturer is discoursing about
lecture room|classroom where lectures are given
lecturer|someone who lectures professionally
lectureship|the post of lecturer
Lecythidaceae|large tropical trees bearing large fruits with woody skins
Leda|(Greek mythology) a queen of Sparta who was raped by Zeus who had taken the form of a swan;Helen of Troy was conceived in the rape of Leda
Ledbetter|United States folk singer and composer (1885-1949)
lederhosen|leather shorts often worn with suspenders;worn especially by men and boys in Bavaria
ledge|a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
ledger|a record in which commercial accounts are recorded
ledger board|top rail of a fence or balustrade
ledger line|a short line;a notation for extending the range above or below the staff
ledger paper|a durable writing paper used in record books and business ledgers
Ledum|evergreen shrubs of north temperate regions
Lee|American general who led the Confederate Armies in the American Civil War (1807-1870);leader of the American Revolution who proposed the resolution calling for independence of the American Colonies (1732-1794);soldier of the American Revolution (1756-1818);United States actor who was an expert in kung fu and starred in martial arts films (1941-1973);United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957);United States physicist (born in China) who collaborated with Yang Chen Ning in disproving the principle of conservation of parity (born in 1926);United States striptease artist who became famous on Broadway in the 1930s (1914-1970);the side of something that is sheltered from the wind
leech|a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage;carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end
Leeds|a city on the River Aire in West Yorkshire in northern England;a center of the clothing industry
leek|plant having a large slender white bulb and flat overlapping dark green leaves;used in cooking;believed derived from the wild Allium ampeloprasum;related to onions;white cylindrical bulb and flat dark-green leaves
leer|a suggestive or sneering look or grin
lees|the sediment from fermentation of an alcoholic beverage
leeward|the direction in which the wind is blowing
Leeward Islands|a group of islands in the eastern West Indies
leeward tide|a tide that runs in the same direction as the wind is blowing - "a leeward tide is dangerous for small boats"
leeway|(of a ship or plane) sideways drift
leflunomide|an anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally;can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by slowing the proliferation of white blood cells which reduces inflammation in the synovium
left|a turn toward the side of the body that is on the north when the person is facing east - "take a left at the corner";location near or direction toward the left side;i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east - "she stood on the left";the hand that is on the left side of the body - "jab with your left";those who support varying degrees of social or political or economic change designed to promote the public welfare
left atrium|the left upper chamber of the heart that receives blood from the pulmonary veins
Left Bank|the region of Paris on the southern bank of the Seine;a center of artistic and student life
left coronary artery|arises from the left aortic sinus;supplies the left side of the heart
left field|the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the left third of the outfield (looking from home plate);the piece of ground in the outfield on the catcher's left
left fielder|the person who plays left field
left gastric artery|a branch of the celiac artery that supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach and the abdominal part of the esophagus
left gastric vein|arises from a union of veins from the gastric cardia;runs in the lesser omentum;empties into the portal vein
left hemisphere|the cerebral hemisphere to the left of the corpus callosum that controls the right half of the body
left ventricle|the chamber on the left side of the heart that receives arterial blood from the left atrium and pumps it into the aorta
lefteye flounder|flatfishes with both eyes on the left side of the head
left-handed pitcher|a baseball pitcher who throws the ball with the left hand
left-handedness|preference for using the left hand;the status of being born of a morganatic marriage
left-hander|a person who uses the left hand with greater skill than the right
leftism|the ideology of the political left;belief in or support of the tenets of the political left
leftover|a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists
leftovers|food remaining from a previous meal - "he had leftovers for dinner last night"
leg|(nautical) the distance traveled by a sailing vessel on a single tack;a cloth covering consisting of the part of a pair of trousers that covers a person's leg;a human limb;commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle;a structure in animals that is similar to a human leg and used for locomotion;one of the supports for a piece of furniture;the limb of an animal used for food
leg bone|a bone of the leg
leg curl|an exercise designed to strengthen the flexor muscles of the leg
leg exercise|exercise designed to strengthen the leg muscles
leg extensor|an exercise designed to strengthen the extensor muscles of the leg
leg of lamb|lamb leg suitable for roasting
legal action|a judicial proceeding brought by one party against another;one party prosecutes another for a wrong done or for protection of a right or for prevention of a wrong
legal blindness|vision that is 20/200 or worse in both eyes (20/200 vision is the ability to see at 20 feet what a normal eye can see at 200 feet)
legal code|a code of laws adopted by a state or nation
legal document|(law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some right
legal duty|acts which the law requires be done or forborne
legal fee|a fee paid for legal service
legal holiday|authorized by law and limiting work or official business
legal power|(law) the right and power to interpret and apply the law
legal principle|(law) a principle underlying the formulation of jurisprudence
legal profession|the body of individuals qualified to practice law in a particular jurisdiction
legal relation|a professional relation that is regulated by law (as between a lawyer and a client)
legal representation|personal representation that has legal status - "an person who has been declared incompetent should have legal representation"
legal representative|a personal representative with legal standing (as by power of attorney or the executor of a will)
legal right|a right based in law
legal separation|(law) the cessation of cohabitation of man and wife (either by mutual agreement or under a court order);a judicial decree regulating the rights and responsibilities of a married couple living apart
legal status|a status defined by law
legal system|a system for interpreting and enforcing the laws
legalese|a style that uses the abstruse technical vocabulary of the law
legalism|strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit
legality|lawfulness by virtue of conformity to a legal statute
legalization|the act of making lawful
legate|a member of a legation
legatee|someone to whom a legacy is bequeathed
legation|a permanent diplomatic mission headed by a minister;the post or office of legate
legend|a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
legendary creature|a monster that is unverifiable but popularly accepted as possibly factual
Leger|French painter who was an early cubist (1881-1955)
legging|a garment covering the leg (usually extending from the knee to the ankle)
legibility|a quality of writing (print or handwriting) that can be easily read
legion|a large military unit;association of ex-servicemen
Legionella pneumophilia|the motile aerobic rod-shaped Gram-negative bacterium that thrives in central heating and air conditioning systems and can cause Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaire|a member of the American Legion;a soldier who is a member of a legion (especially the French Foreign Legion)
Legionnaires' disease|acute (sometimes fatal) lobar pneumonia caused by bacteria of a kind first recognized after an outbreak of the disease at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia in 1976;characterized by fever and muscle and chest pain and headache and chills and a dry cough
legislation|law enacted by a legislative body;the act of making or enacting laws
legislative act|an act passed by a legislative body
legislative branch|the branch of the United States government that has the power of legislating
legislative council|a unicameral legislature
legislator|someone who makes or enacts laws
legislatorship|the office of legislator
legislature|persons who make or amend or repeal laws
legitimacy|lawfulness by virtue of being authorized or in accordance with law
legitimation|the act of rendering a person legitimate - "he has filial rights because he obtained letters of legitimation from the king" - "his parents' subsequent marriage resulted in his legitimation"
legless lizard|degenerate wormlike burrowing lizard of California closely related to alligator lizards
Lego|(trademark) a child's plastic construction set for making mechanical models
leg-pull|as a joke;trying to make somebody believe something that is not true
legs|staying power - "that old Broadway play really has legs"
legume|an erect or climbing bean or pea plant of the family Leguminosae;the fruit or seed of any of various bean or pea plants consisting of a case that splits along both sides when ripe and having the seeds attach to one side of the case;the seedpod of a leguminous plant (such as peas or beans or lentils)
Leguminosae|a large family of trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs bearing bean pods;divided for convenience into the subfamilies Caesalpiniaceae;Mimosaceae;Papilionaceae
Lehar|Hungarian composer of light operas (1870-1948)
Lehigh River|a river in eastern Pennsylvania that flows southeast into the Delaware River
Leibniz|German philosopher and mathematician who thought of the universe as consisting of independent monads and who devised a system of the calculus independent of Newton (1646-1716)
Leicester|an industrial city in Leicestershire in central England;built on the site of a Roman settlement
Leicestershire|a largely agricultural county in central England
Leichtlin's camas|camas found to the west of Cascade Mountains
Leiden|a city in the western Netherlands;residence of the Pilgrim Fathers for 11 years before they sailed for America in 1620
Leiden jar|an electrostatic capacitor of historical interest
Leigh|English film actress (1913-1967)
leiomyoma|benign tumor of smooth muscle (usually in the uterus or digestive tract)
leiomyosarcoma|sarcoma of smooth muscle;occurs most often digestive tract or uterus or bladder or prostate
Leiopelma|type and sole genus of the family Leiopelmatidae
Leiopelmatidae|primitive New Zealand frogs
Leiophyllum|one species;sand myrtle
Leipzig|a city in southeastern Germany famous for fairs;formerly a music and publishing center
Leishmania|flagellate protozoan that causes leishmaniasis
leishmaniasis|sores resulting from a tropical infection by protozoa of the genus Leishmania which are spread by sandflies
leister|a spear with three or more prongs;used for spearing fish (especially salmon)
leisure|freedom to choose a pastime or enjoyable activity - "he lacked the leisure for golf";time available for ease and relaxation - "his job left him little leisure"
leisure wear|informal clothing designed to be worn when you are relaxing
leisureliness|slowness by virtue of being leisurely
leitmotiv|a melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas)
Leitneria|one species;corkwood
Leitneriaceae|coextensive with the genus Leitneria;commonly isolated in a distinct order
lek|the basic unit of money in Albania
lekvar|a sweet filling made of prunes or apricots
Lemaireocereus|tropical American cacti usually tall and branching with stout spines and funnel-shaped flowers and globular or ovoid often edible fruit
Lemaitre|Belgian cosmologist who proposed the big-bang theory of the origin of the universe (1894-1966)
lemma|a subsidiary proposition that is assumed to be true in order to prove another proposition;the heading that indicates the subject of an annotation or a literary composition or a dictionary entry;the lower and stouter of the two glumes immediately enclosing the floret in most Gramineae
lemming|any of various short-tailed furry-footed rodents of circumpolar distribution
Lemmon|United States film actor (1925-2001)
Lemmus|lemmings
Lemna|minute aquatic herbs floating on or below the water surface of still water consisting of a leaflike frond or plant body and single root
Lemnaceae|family of small free-floating thalloid plants
lemniscus|a bundle of sensory nerve fibers going to the thalamus
Lemnos|a Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea;famous for a reddish-brown clay that has medicinal properties
lemon|a distinctive tart flavor characteristic of lemons;a small evergreen tree that originated in Asia but is widely cultivated for its fruit;an artifact (especially an automobile) that is defective or unsatisfactory;yellow oval fruit with juicy acidic flesh
lemon balm|bushy perennial Old World mint having small white or yellowish flowers and fragrant lemon-flavored leaves;a garden escapee in northern Europe and North America;lemony leaves used for a tisane or in soups or fruit punches
lemon curd|a conserve with a thick consistency;made with lemons and butter and eggs and sugar
lemon drop|a hard candy with lemon flavor and a yellow color and (usually) the shape of a lemon
lemon extract|a flavoring made from (or imitating) lemons
lemon geranium|a common garden geranium with lemon-scented foliage
lemon grove|a grove of lemon trees
lemon juice|usually freshly squeezed juice of lemons
lemon lily|a day lily with yellow flowers
lemon meringue pie|pie containing lemon custard and topped with meringue
lemon mint|an annual horsemint of central and western United States and northern Mexico
lemon oil|fragrant yellow oil obtained from the lemon peel
lemon peel|strips of lemon peel cooked in sugar and coated with sugar;the rind of a lemon
lemon shark|common shallow-water schooling shark of the Atlantic from North Carolina to Brazil and off west Africa;dangerous
lemon sole|European flatfish highly valued as food;flesh of American flounder;important in the winter;highly valued almost pure white flesh;small European sole
lemon zest|tiny bits of lemon peel
lemonade|sweetened beverage of diluted lemon juice
lemonade mix|a commercial mix for making lemonade
lemongrass|a tropical grass native to India and Sri Lanka;an aromatic oil that smells like lemon and is widely used in Asian cooking and in perfumes and medicines
lemon-scented gum|similar to but smaller than the spotted gum and having lemon-scented leaves
lemonwood|hard tough elastic wood of the lemonwood tree;used for making bows and fishing rods;South African evergreen having hard tough wood
lempira|the basic unit of money in Honduras;equal to 100 centavos
lemur|large-eyed arboreal prosimian having foxy faces and long furry tails
Lemuridae|typical lemurs;of Madagascar
Lemuroidea|Lemuridae;Lorisidae;Daubentoniidae;Indriidae;used in some classifications instead of Prosimii;in others considered a subdivision of Prosimii
Lena|a Russian river in Siberia;flows northward into the Laptev Sea
Lenard|German physicist who studied cathode rays (1862-1947)
lender|someone who lends money or gives credit in business matters
lending|disposing of money or property with the expectation that the same thing (or an equivalent) will be returned
lending institution|a financial institution that makes loans
lending library|library that provides books for use outside the building
Lendl|United States tennis player (born in Czechoslovakia) who won several singles championships;in 1992 he became a United States citizen (born in 1960)
lend-lease|the transfer of goods and services to an ally to aid in a common cause - "lend-lease during World War II was extremely generous"
L'Enfant|United States architect (born in France) who laid out the city plan for Washington (1754-1825)
length|a section of something that is long and narrow - "a length of timber" - "a length of tubing";the linear extent in space from one end to the other;the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place - "the length of the table was 5 feet";the property of being the extent of something from beginning to end - "the editor limited the length of my article to 500 words"
lengthiness|the consequence of being lengthened in duration
lenience|lightening a penalty or excusing from a chore by judges or parents or teachers;mercifulness as a consequence of being lenient or tolerant
Lenin|Russian founder of the Bolsheviks and leader of the Russian Revolution and first head of the USSR (1870-1924)
Leninism|the political and economic theories of Lenin which provided the guiding doctrine of the Soviet Union;the modification of Marxism by Lenin stressed that imperialism is the highest form of capitalism (which shifts the struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries)
lenitive|remedy that eases pain and discomfort
Lennoaceae|family of fleshy parasitic herbs lacking green foliage and having heads of small flowers;California and Mexico
Lennon|English rock star and guitarist and songwriter who with Paul McCartney wrote most of the music for the Beatles (1940-1980)
lens|(metaphor) a channel through which something can be seen or understood - "the writer is the lens through which history can be seen";a transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images;biconvex transparent body situated behind the iris in the eye;its role (along with the cornea) is to focuses light on the retina;electronic equipment that uses a magnetic or electric field in order to focus a beam of electrons;genus of small erect or climbing herbs with pinnate leaves and small inconspicuous white flowers and small flattened pods;lentils
lens cap|cap used to keep lens free of dust when not in use
lens capsule|a tenuous mesoblastic membrane surrounding the lens of the eye
lens cortex|the tissue that surrounds the lens nucleus
lens implant|a clear plastic lens that is implanted in the eye;usually done when the natural lens has been removed in a cataract operation
lens nucleus|the central structure of the lens that is surrounded by the cortex
Lent|a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
Lente Insulin|trade names for forms of insulin that are used to treat diabetes mellitus
lenten rose|slightly hairy perennial having deep green leathery leaves and flowers that are ultimately purplish-green
Lentibulariaceae|carnivorous aquatic or bog plants;genera Utricularia, Pinguicula, and Genlisea
lenticel|one of many raised pores on the stems of woody plants that allow the interchange of gas between the atmosphere and the interior tissue
lenticular nucleus|a basal ganglion shaped like a lens and including the outer reddish putamen and the inner pale yellow pallidum
lentil|round flat seed of the lentil plant used for food;the fruit or seed of a lentil plant;widely cultivated Eurasian annual herb grown for its edible flattened seeds that are cooked like peas and also ground into meal and for its leafy stalks that are used as fodder
lentil soup|made of stock and lentils with onions carrots and celery
Lentinus|a genus of fungus belonging to the family Tricholomataceae
Leo|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Leo;a zodiacal constellation in northern hemisphere between Cancer and Virgo;the fifth sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about July 23 to August 22
Leo I|Italian pope from 440 to 461 who extended the authority of the papacy to the west and persuaded Attila not to attack Rome (440-461)
Leo III|Italian pope from 795 to 816 who in 800 crowned Charlemagne emperor of the Romans (750-816)
Leo IX|German pope from 1049 to 1054 whose papacy was the beginning of papal reforms in the 11th century (1002-1054)
Leo X|son of Lorenzo de'Medici and pope from 1513 to 1521 who excommunicated Martin Luther and who in 1521 bestowed on Henry VIII the title of Defender of the Faith (1475-1521)
Leo XIII|Italian pope from 1878 to 1903 who was interested in the advancement of learning and who opened the Vatican secret archives to all scholars
Leon|a city in central Mexico;a city in northwestern Spain at the foot of the Cantabrian Mountains;a historical area and former kingdom in northwestern Spain
Leonard|United States writer of thrillers (born in 1925)
Leonardo|Italian painter and sculptor and engineer and scientist and architect;the most versatile genius of the Italian Renaissance (1452-1519)
Leonberg|a large dog (usually with a golden coat) produced by crossing a St Bernard and a Newfoundland
leone|the basic unit of money in Sierra Leone;equal to 100 cents
Leonidas|king of Sparta and hero of the battle of Thermopylae where he was killed by the Persians (died in 480 BC)
Leonotis|small genus of tropical herbs and subshrubs of South Africa
Leontief|United States economist (born in Russia) who devised an input-output method of economic analysis (1906-1999)
Leontocebus|tamarins
Leontodon|hawkbit
Leontopodium|edelweiss
Leonurus|genus of stout Old World herbs having flowers in whorls
leopard|large feline of African and Asian forests usually having a tawny coat with black spots;the pelt of a leopard
leopard cat|small spotted wildcat of southern Asia and Malaysia
leopard frog|common North American green or brownish frog having white-edged dark oval spots
leopard lily|lily of western United States having orange-red to crimson maroon-spotted flowers
leopard lizard|any of several large lizards with many dark spots;of western United States and northern Mexico
leopard plant|any of various plants of temperate Eurasia;grown for their yellow flowers and handsome foliage
leopardess|female leopard
leopard's-bane|any of several herbs of the genus Doronicum having alternate often clasping stem leaves cultivated for their long stalks of yellow flower heads
leotard|a tight-fitting garment of stretchy material that covers the body from the shoulders to the thighs (and may have long sleeves or legs reaching down to the ankles);worn by ballet dancers and acrobats for practice or performance
Leotia lubrica|a discomycete that develops in clusters of slippery rubbery gelatinous fruiting bodies that are dingy yellow to tan in color
Lepadidae|goose barnacles
Lepanto|Turkish sea power was destroyed in 1571 by a league of Christian nations organized by the Pope
Lepas|type genus of the family Lepadidae
Lepechinia|a dicotyledonous genus of the family Labiatae
leper|a pariah who is avoided by others;a person afflicted with leprosy
Lepidium|cosmopolitan genus of annual and biennial and perennial herbs;cress
Lepidobotryaceae|family created in 1950 solely for the classification of a distinctive African tree repeatedly classified in other families;trees long believed to exist only in Africa
lepidobotrys|African tree often classified in other families;similar to the Costa Rican caracolito in wood structure as well as in fruit and flowers and leaves and seeds
Lepidochelys|ridleys
lepidocrocite|a red to reddish brown mineral consisting of iron oxide hydroxide;often found in iron ores together with goethite
Lepidocybium|a genus of Gempylidae
Lepidodendraceae|fossil plants characterized by conspicuous spirally arranged leaf scars on the trunk
Lepidodendrales|fossil arborescent plants arising during the early Devonian and conspicuous throughout the Carboniferous
lepidolite|a mineral of the mica group;an important source of lithium
lepidomelane|a mica that is a biotite containing iron
lepidophobia|a morbid fear of snakes
Lepidoptera|moths and butterflies
lepidopterist|an entomologist who specializes in the collection and study of butterflies and moths
lepidopterology|the branch of entomology dealing with Lepidoptera
lepidopterous insect|insect that in the adult state has four wings more or less covered with tiny scales
Lepidosauria|diapsid reptiles;lizards;snakes;tuataras
Lepidothamnus|small usually shrubby conifers
lepiota|any fungus of the genus Lepiota
Lepiota clypeolaria|an agaric with a ragged stalk and a soft floccose cap
Lepiota naucina|an agaric with greyish white fruiting body and gills that change from pink to dingy red
Lepiota rhacodes|an agaric with a large cap with brown scales and a thick stalk
Lepiota rubrotincta|an agaric with a relatively small pink to red cap and white gills and stalk
Lepiotaceae|a family of fungi having free gills and a cap that is cleanly separable from the stalk
Lepisma|type genus of the Lepismatidae;silverfish
Lepismatidae|firebrats
Lepisosteidae|comprises the genus Lepisosteus
Lepisosteus|type genus of the Lepisosteidae;freshwater gars
Lepomis|bream
leporid|rabbits and hares
Leporidae|hares and rabbits
leprechaun|a mischievous elf in Irish folklore
lepromatous leprosy|a very serious form of leprosy characterized by lesions that spread over much of the body and affecting many systems of the body
leprosy|chronic granulomatous communicable disease occurring in tropical and subtropical regions;characterized by inflamed nodules beneath the skin and wasting of body parts;caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae
leprosy bacillus|cause of leprosy
Leptarrhena|one species;leatherleaf saxifrage
Leptinotarsa|Colorado potato beetles
leptocephalus|slender transparent larva of eels and certain fishes
leptodactylid frog|toothed frogs;terrestrial or aquatic or arboreal
Leptodactylidae|New World frogs;in some classifications essentially coextensive with the family Bufonidae
Leptodactylus|type genus of the Leptodactylidae;in some classifications placed in the family Bufonidae
Leptoglossus|leaf-footed bugs
leptomeninges|the two innermost layers of the meninges;cerebrospinal fluid circulates between these innermost layers
leptomeningitis|inflammation of the leptomeninges
lepton|100 lepta equal 1 drachma in Greece;an elementary particle that participates in weak interactions;has a baryon number of 0
Leptopteris|including some ferns sometimes placed in genus Todea
Leptoptilus|adjutant birds and marabous
leptospira|important pathogens causing Weil's disease or canicola fever
leptosporangium|a sporangium formed from a single epidermal cell;characteristic of the Filicales or of almost all modern ferns
leptotene|the first stage of the prophase of meiosis
Leptotyphlopidae|blind snakes
Leptotyphlops|blind snakes of Asia and Africa and Americas
Lepus|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Orion and Columba;type genus of the Leporidae;hares
leresis|rambling talkativeness (especially in the aged)
Lermontov|Russian writer (1814-1841)
Lerner|United States lyricist who collaborated on musicals with Frederick Loewe (1918-1986)
lerot|dormouse of southern Europe and northern Africa
lesbian|a female homosexual;a resident of Lesbos
lesbianism|female homosexuality
Lesbos|an island of eastern Greece in the eastern Aegean Sea;in antiquity it was famous for lyric poetry
lesion|any localized abnormal structural change in a bodily part
Lesotho|a landlocked constitutional monarchy in southern Africa;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1966
Lesotho monetary unit|monetary unit in Lesotho
Lesquerella|genus of low-growing hairy herbs;bladderpods
Lesseps|French diplomat who supervised the construction of the Suez Canal (1805-1894)
Lesser Antilles|a group of islands in the southeastern West Indies
lesser ape|gibbons and siamangs
lesser bullrush|reed maces of America, Europe, North Africa, Asia
lesser butterfly orchid|south European orchid having fragrant greenish-white flowers;sometimes placed in genus Habenaria
lesser calamint|low-growing strongly aromatic perennial herb of southern Europe to Great Britain;naturalized in United States
lesser celandine|perennial herb native to Europe but naturalized elsewhere having heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers resembling buttercups;its tuberous roots have been used as a poultice to relieve piles
lesser centaury|common European glabrous annual centaury with flowers in dense cymes
lesser galangal|Chinese perennial with pyramidal racemes of white flowers and pungent aromatic roots used medicinally and as flavoring
lesser knapweed|a weedy perennial with tough wiry stems and purple flowers;native to Europe but widely naturalized
lesser kudu|a smaller variety of kudu
lesser omentum|a part of the peritoneum attached to the stomach and liver and supporting the hepatic vessels
lesser panda|reddish-brown Old World raccoon-like carnivore;in some classifications considered unrelated to the giant pandas
lesser prairie chicken|a smaller prairie chicken of western Texas
lesser rorqual|small finback of coastal waters of Atlantic and Pacific
lesser scaup|common scaup of North America;males have purplish heads
lesser spearwort|semiaquatic Eurasian perennial crowfoot with leaves shaped like spears;naturalized in New Zealand
Lesser Sunda Islands|a chain of islands forming a province of Indonesia to the east of Java;includes Bali and Timor
lesser twayblade|orchid having two triangular leaves and a short lax raceme of green to rust-colored flowers with the lip flushed mauve;Europe and Asia and North America and Greenland
lesser whitethroat|Old World warbler similar to the greater whitethroat but smaller
lesser wintergreen|the common wintergreen having many-flowered racemes of pink-tinged white flowers;Europe and North America
lesser yellowlegs|a variety of yellowlegs
Lessing|English author of novels and short stories who grew up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) (born in 1919);German playwright and leader of the Enlightenment (1729-1781)
lesson|a task assigned for individual study - "he did the lesson for today";a unit of instruction - "he took driving lessons"
lessor|someone who grants a lease
let|a serve that strikes the net before falling into the receiver's court;the ball must be served again
lethal agent|an agent capable of causing death
lethal dose|the size dose that will cause death
lethal gene|any gene that has an effect that causes the death of the organism at any stage of life
lethargy|a state of comatose torpor (as found in sleeping sickness)
Lethe|(Greek mythology) a river in Hades;the souls of the dead had to drink from it, which made them forget all they had done and suffered when they were alive
Leto|wife or mistress of Zeus and mother of Apollo and Artemis in ancient mythology;called Latona in Roman mythology
letter|a strictly literal interpretation (as distinct from the intention) - "he followed instructions to the letter" - "he obeyed the letter of the law";a written message addressed to a person or organization - "mailed an indignant letter to the editor";an award earned by participation in a school sport - "he won letters in three sports";owner who lets another person use something (housing usually) for hire;the conventional characters of the alphabet used to represent speech - "his grandmother taught him his letters"
letter bomb|a thin explosive device inside an envelope or package and detonated when opened
letter bond|a bond that has not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and cannot be sold to the general public
letter case|case for carrying letters
letter of credit|a document issued by a bank that guarantees the payment of a customer's draft;substitutes the bank's credit for the customer's credit
letter of intent|any letter expressing an intention to take (or forgo) some action
Letter of Jeremiah|an Apocryphal book consisting of a letter ascribed to Jeremiah to the Jews in exile in Babylon warning them against idolatry
letter of marque|a license to a private citizen to seize property of another nation
letter opener|dull knife used to cut open the envelopes in which letters are mailed or to slit uncut pages of books
letter paper|writing paper for use in writing correspondence
letter security|a stock or bond that is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and cannot be sold in the public market
letter stock|stock that has not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and cannot be sold to the general public
letter telegram|a cheaper form of telegram that is sent abroad for delivery the next day
lettercard|a postcard that folds so the message is inside
letterer|a painter of letters
letterhead|a sheet of stationery with name and address of the organization printed at the top
letterman|an athlete who has earned a letter in a school sport
letters|scholarly attainment - "he is a man of letters";the literary culture - "this book shows American letters at its best"
letters of administration|legal document naming someone to administer an estate when no executor has been named
letters testamentary|a legal document from a probate court or court officer informing you of your appointment as executor of a will and empowering you to discharge those responsibilities
letterset printing|image is transferred from a relief type plate to a roller
lettuce|any of various plants of the genus Lactuca;leaves of any of various plants of Lactuca sativa
letup|a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished - "there was never a letup in the noise"
leu|the basic unit of money in Moldova;the basic unit of money in Romania
Leucadendron|large genus of evergreen trees and shrubs having silvery white leaves and solitary terminal flowers with conspicuous silvery bracts
Leucaena|small genus of tropical evergreen trees or shrubs having pods like those of the acacia
Leucanthemum|comprises plants often included in the genus Chrysanthemum
leucine|a white crystalline amino acid occurring in proteins that is essential for nutrition;obtained by the hydrolysis of most dietary proteins
Leuciscus|a genus of fish including;dace, chub
leucocytozoan|parasitic in birds
Leucogenes|New Zealand edelweiss
leucothoe|any plant of the genus Leucothoe;grown for their beautiful white flowers;glossy foliage contains a poisonous substance similar to that found in genus Kalmia
Leuctra|Thebes defeated Sparta in 371 BC;the battle ended Sparta's military supremacy in Greece
leukemia|malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues;characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes;one of the four major types of cancer
leukocyte|blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi;an important part of the body's defense system
leukocytosis|an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood as a result of infection (as in leukemia)
leukoderma|a congenital skin condition characterized by spots or bands of unpigmented skin
leukoencephalitis|inflammation of the white matter of the brain
leukoma|eye disease consisting of an opaque white spot on the cornea
leukopenia|an abnormal lowering of the white blood cell count
leukorrhea|discharge of white mucous material from the vagina;often an indication of infection
Leuwenhoek|Dutch pioneer microscopist who was among the first to recognize cells in animals and who gave the first accurate descriptions of microbes and spermatozoa and blood corpuscles (1632-1723)
lev|the basic unit of money in Bulgaria
levallorphan|drug (trade name Lorfan) that is related to morphine but that counteracts the respiratory depression produced by morphine poisoning but without affecting its analgesic effects
Levant|a heavy morocco often used in bookbinding;the former name for the geographical area of the eastern Mediterranean that is now occupied by Lebanon, Syria, and Israel
Levant cotton|Old World annual having heart-shaped leaves and large seeds with short greyish lint removed with difficulty;considered an ancestor of modern short-staple cottons
levanter|an easterly wind in the western Mediterranean area
Levantine|(formerly) a native or inhabitant of the Levant
levator|a muscle that serves to lift some body part (as the eyelid or lip)
levee|a formal reception of visitors or guests (as at a royal court);a pier that provides a landing place on a river;an embankment that is built in order to prevent a river from overflowing
level|an abstract place usually conceived as having depth - "a good actor communicates on several levels";height above ground - "the water reached ankle level" - "the pictures were at the same level";indicator that establishes the horizontal when a bubble is centered in a tube of liquid
level crossing|intersection of a railway and a road on the same level;barriers close road when trains pass
leveler|a radical who advocates the abolition of social distinctions
lever|a flat metal tumbler in a lever lock;a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum;a simple machine that gives a mechanical advantage when given a fulcrum
lever hang|a hang performed on the rings with the body stationary in a horizontal position
lever lock|a lock whose tumblers are levers that must be raised to a given position so that the bolt can move
leverage|investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential gains (at the risk of greater losses);strategic advantage;power to act effectively - "relatively small groups can sometimes exert immense political leverage";the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever
leveraged buyout|a buyout using borrowed money;the target company's assets are usually security for the loan - "a leveraged buyout by upper management can be used to combat hostile takeover bids"
leveret|a young hare especially one in its first year
leviathan|monstrous sea creature symbolizing evil in the Old Testament;the largest or most massive thing of its kind - "it was a leviathan among redwoods" - "they were assigned the leviathan of textbooks"
levirate|the biblical institution whereby a man must marry the widow of his childless brother in order to maintain the brother's line
Levi's|a popular brand of jeans
Levisticum|genus of aromatic European herbs with yellow flowers
Levi-Strauss|French cultural anthropologist who promoted structural analysis of social systems (born in 1908)
levitation|movement upward in virtue of lightness;the act of raising (a body) from the ground by presumably spiritualistic means;the phenomenon of a person or thing rising into the air by apparently supernatural means
Levite|a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi (especially the branch that provided male assistants to the temple priests)
Leviticus|the third book of the Old Testament;contains Levitical law and ritual precedents
levity|a manner lacking seriousness;feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness
levorotation|rotation to the left
levy|a charge imposed and collected;the act of drafting into military service
Lewis|English critic and novelist;author of theological works and of books for children (1898-1963);United States athlete who won gold medals at the Olympics for his skill in sprinting and jumping (born in 1961);United States explorer and soldier who lead led an expedition from St. Louis to the mouth of the Columbia River (1774-1809);United States labor leader who was president of the United Mine Workers of America from 1920 to 1960 and president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations from 1935 to 1940 (1880-1969);United States novelist who satirized middle-class America in his novel Main Street (1885-1951);United States rock star singer and pianist (born in 1935)
Lewis and Clark Expedition|an expedition sent by Thomas Jefferson to explore the northwestern territories of the United States;led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark;traveled from St. Louis to the mouth of the Columbia River from 1803 to 1806
Lewisia|genus of western North American low-growing herbs having linear woolly leaves and large pink flowers
Lewiston|a town in northwestern Idaho;a town in southwestern Maine to the north of Portland
lexeme|a minimal unit (as a word or stem) in the lexicon of a language;'go' and 'went' and 'gone' and 'going' are all members of the English lexeme 'go'
lexical database|a database of information about words
lexical disambiguation|disambiguation of the sense of a polysemantic word
lexical entry|the entry in a dictionary of information about a word
lexical meaning|the meaning of a content word that depends on the nonlinguistic concepts it is used to express
lexical semantics|the branch of semantics that studies the meanings and relations of words
lexicalization|the process of making a word to express a concept
lexicalized concept|a concept that is expressed by a word (in some particular language)
lexicographer|a compiler or writer of a dictionary;a student of the lexical component of language
lexicography|the act of writing dictionaries
lexicology|the branch of linguistics that studies the lexical component of language
lexicostatistics|a statistical technique used in glottochronology;used to estimate how long ago different languages evolved from a common source language
Lexington|a city in eastern Kentucky;noted for raising thoroughbred horses;the first battle of the American Revolution (April 19, 1775);town in eastern Massachusetts near Boston where the first battle of the American Revolution was fought
lexis|all of the words in a language;all word forms having meaning or grammatical function
Leycesteria|small species of shrubs of western Himalayas to China
Leydig cell|a cell in the testes that secretes the hormone testosterone
Leymus|genus that in some classifications overlaps the genus Elymus
Leyte|a battle in World War II;the return of United States troops to the Philippines began with landings on Leyte Island in October 1944;the battle marked first use of kamikaze aircraft by the Japanese
Lhasa|a breed of terrier having a long heavy coat raised in Tibet as watchdogs;the sacred city of Lamaism;known as the Forbidden City for its former inaccessibility and hostility to strangers
Lhotse|a mountain in the central Himalayas on the border of Tibet and Nepal (27,890 feet high)
li|Chinese distance measure;approximately 0.5 kilometers
Li Po|Chinese lyric poet (700-762)
liabilities|anything that is owed to someone else
liability|the quality of being something that holds you back;the state of being legally obliged and responsible
liability insurance|insurance that provides protection from claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property
liaison|a channel for communication between groups - "he provided a liaison with the guerrillas"
liana|a woody climbing usually tropical plant
Liao|the dynasty that ruled much of Manchuria and northeastern China from 947 to 1125
Liaodong Peninsula|a peninsula in northeastern China that extends into the Yellow Sea, between Bo Hai and Korea Bay
liar|a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
Liatris|genus of perennial North American herbs with aromatic usually cormous roots
libation|(facetious) a serving of an alcoholic beverage;a serving (of wine) poured out in honor of a deity;the act of pouring a liquid offering (especially wine) as a religious ceremony
Libby|United States chemist who developed a method of radiocarbon dating (1908-1980)
libel|a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person;the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief he seeks
liberal|a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties;a person who favors an economic theory of laissez-faire and self-regulating markets
Liberal Democrat Party|a political party in Great Britain;formerly the Liberal Party;advocates reforms and improvement of the conditions of working people
Liberal Party|a political party in Australia, Canada, and other nations, and formerly in Great Britain
liberalism|a political orientation that favors social progress by reform and by changing laws rather than by revolution;an economic theory advocating free competition and a self-regulating market
liberality|an inclination to favor progress and individual freedom;the trait of being generous in behavior and temperament
liberalization|the act of making less strict
liberation|the act of liberating someone or something;the attempt to achieve equal rights or status - "she worked for women's liberation"
liberation theology|a form of Christian theology (developed by South American Roman Catholics) that emphasizes social and political liberation as the anticipation of ultimate salvation
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam|a terrorist organization in Sri Lanka that began in 1970 as a student protest over the limited university access for Tamil students;currently seeks to establish an independent Tamil state called Eelam;relies on guerilla strategy including terrorist tactics that target key government and military personnel
liberator|someone who releases people from captivity or bondage
Liberia|a republic in West Africa;established in 1822 by Americans as a way to free negro slaves
Liberian|a native or inhabitant of Liberia
Liberian coffee|small tree of West Africa
Liberian dollar|the basic unit of money in Liberia
libertarian|an advocate of libertarianism;someone who believes the doctrine of free will
libertarianism|an ideological belief in freedom of thought and speech
libertine|a dissolute person;usually a man who is morally unrestrained
liberty|freedom of choice - "liberty of opinion" - "liberty of worship" - "liberty--perfect liberty--to think or feel or do just as one pleases" - "at liberty to choose whatever occupation one wishes";personal freedom from servitude or confinement or oppression
Liberty Bell|the bell of Independence Hall;rung 8 July 1776 to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence
liberty cap|close-fitting conical cap worn as a symbol of liberty during the French Revolution and in the U.S. before 1800
Liberty Island|an island in New York Bay to the southwest of Manhattan where the Statue of Liberty stands - "Congress officially changed the name from Bedloe's Island to Liberty Island in 1956"
Liberty Party|a former political party in the United States;formed in 1839 to oppose the practice of slavery;merged with the Free Soil Party in 1848
Liberty ship|a slow cargo ship built during World War II
libidinal energy|(psychoanalysis) psychic energy produced by the libido
libido|(psychoanalysis) a Freudian term for sexual urge or desire
Libocedrus|cypresses that resemble cedars
Libra|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Libra;a small faint zodiacal constellation in the southern hemisphere;between Virgo and Scorpius;the seventh sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about September 23 to October 22
librarian|a professional person trained in library science and engaged in library services
librarianship|the position of librarian
library|(computing) a collection of standard programs and subroutines that are stored and available for immediate use;a building that houses a collection of books and other materials;a collection of literary documents or records kept for reference or borrowing;a depository built to contain books and other materials for reading and study;a room where books are kept - "they had brandy in the library"
library card|a card certifying the bearer's right to use the library
library catalog|an enumeration of all the resources of a library
library fine|fine imposed by a library on books that overdue when returned
library program|a program in a program library
library routine|a debugged routine that is maintained in a program library
library science|the study of the principles and practices of library administration
libration|(astronomy) a real or apparent slow oscillation of a moon or satellite - "the libration of the moon"
librettist|author of words to be set to music in an opera or operetta
libretto|the words of an opera or musical play
Libreville|the capital of Gabon
Libya|a military dictatorship in northern Africa on the Mediterranean;consists almost entirely of desert;a major exporter of petroleum
Libyan|a native or inhabitant of Libya
Libyan Desert|the northeastern part of the Sahara Desert in Libya and Egypt and Sudan
Libyan dinar|the basic unit of money in Libya
Libyan dirham|100 dirhams equal 1 dinar in Libya
Libyan Islamic Fighting Group|a Libyan terrorist group organized in 1995 and aligned with al-Qaeda;seeks to radicalize the Libyan government;attempted to assassinate Qaddafi
Libyan monetary unit|monetary unit in Libya
license|a legal document giving official permission to do something;excessive freedom;lack of due restraint - "when liberty becomes license dictatorship is near"- Will Durant - "the intolerable license with which the newspapers break...the rules of decorum"- Edmund Burke;freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech);the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization
license number|the number on the license plate that identifies the car that bears it
license plate|a plate mounted on the front and back of car and bearing the car's registration number
licensed practical nurse|a nurse who has enough training to be licensed by a state to provide routine care for the sick
licensee|someone to whom a license is granted
licenser|an official who can issue a license or give authoritative permission (especially one who licenses publications)
licensing agreement|contract giving someone the legal right to use a patent or trademark
licensing fee|a fee paid to the government for the privilege of being licensed to do something (as selling liquor or practicing medicine)
licentiate|holds a license (degree) from a (European) university
licentiousness|the quality of being lewd and lascivious
Lichanura|boas of western North America
lichen|any of several eruptive skin diseases characterized by hard thick lesions grouped together and resembling lichens growing on rocks;any thallophytic plant of the division Lichenes;occur as crusty patches or bushy growths on tree trunks or rocks or bare ground etc.
lichen planus|an eruption of shiny flat-topped purplish (usually itchy) papules on the wrist and forearms and thighs
Lichenales|category used especially in former classifications for organisms now constituting the division Lichenes
Lichenes|comprising the lichens which grow symbiotically with algae;sometimes treated as an independent group more or less coordinate with algae and fungi
lichtenoid eczema|eczema characterized by thickening of the skin with accentuated skin lines
Lichtenstein|United States painter who was a leading exponent of pop art (1923-1997)
licitness|the quality of strictly conforming to law
lick|touching with the tongue
licorice|a black candy flavored with the dried root of the licorice plant;deep-rooted coarse-textured plant native to the Mediterranean region having blue flowers and pinnately compound leaves;widely cultivated in Europe for its long thick sweet roots
licorice fern|fern having rootstock of a sweetish flavor
licorice root|root of licorice used in flavoring e.g. candy and liqueurs and medicines
lid|a movable top or cover (hinged or separate) for closing the opening at the top of a box, chest, jar, pan, etc. - "he raised the piano lid"
lidar|a measuring system that detects and locates objects on the same principle as radar but uses light from a laser;a potential technology for detecting air turbulence that can affect aircraft
lido|a recreational facility including a swimming pool for water sports
lido deck|an open deck including a swimming pool
Lidocaine|a local anesthetic (trade names Lidocaine and Xylocaine) used topically on the skin and mucous membranes
lie|a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth;position or manner in which something is situated;Norwegian diplomat who was the first Secretary General of the United Nations (1896-1968)
lie detector|a polygraph that records bodily changes sometimes associated with lying
lie-abed|a person who stays in bed until a relatively late hour
liebfraumilch|a sweetened Rhenish wine (especially one from Hesse in western Germany)
Liebig condenser|a condenser;during distillation the vapor passes through a tube that is cooled by water
Liechtenstein|a small landlocked principality (constitutional monarchy) in central Europe located in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland
Liechtensteiner|a native or inhabitant of Liechtenstein
lied|a German art song of the 19th century for voice and piano
lieder singer|a singer of lieder
Liederkranz|a soft cheese with a strong odor and flavor
liege|a feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service;city in eastern Belgium;largest French-speaking city in Belgium
lie-in|a long stay in bed in the morning
lien|the right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged
lienal artery|an artery that originates from the celiac trunk and supplies blood to the spleen
Liepaja|a city of southwestern Latvia on the Baltic Sea
lieutenancy|the position of a lieutenant
lieutenant|a commissioned military officer;an officer holding a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard;below lieutenant commander and above lieutenant junior grade;an officer in a police force
lieutenant colonel|a commissioned officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines holding a rank above major and below colonel
lieutenant commander|a commissioned officer in the Navy ranking above a lieutenant and below a commander
lieutenant general|a general officer ranking above a major general and below a full general
lieutenant governor|an elected official serving as deputy to the governor of a state of the United States
lieutenant junior grade|an officer holding a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or United States Coast Guard;below lieutenant and above ensign
life|a characteristic state or mode of living - "social life" - "city life" - "real life";a living person - "his heroism saved a life";a motive for living - "pottery was his life";living things collectively - "the oceans are teeming with life";the course of existence of an individual;the actions and events that occur in living - "he hoped for a new life in Australia" - "he wanted to live his own life without interference from others";the experience of being alive;the course of human events and activities - "he could no longer cope with the complexities of life";the organic phenomenon that distinguishes living organisms from nonliving ones - "there is no life on the moon";the period between birth and the present time - "I have known him all his life";the period during which something is functional (as between birth and death) - "the battery had a short life" - "he lived a long and happy life";the period from the present until death - "he appointed himself emperor for life"
life buoy|a life preserver in the form of a ring of buoyant material
life class|an art class using a live human model
life cycle|a series of stages through which an organism passes between recurrences of a primary stage;the course of developmental changes in an organism from fertilized zygote to maturity when another zygote can be produced
life estate|(law) an estate whose duration is limited to the life of the person holding it
life expectancy|an expected time to live as calculated on the basis of statistical probabilities
life force|(biology) a hypothetical force (not physical or chemical) once thought by Henri Bergson to cause the evolution and development of organisms
life form|the characteristic bodily form of a mature organism
life imprisonment|a sentence of imprisonment until death
life insurance|insurance paid to named beneficiaries when the insured person dies - "in England they call life insurance life assurance"
life jacket|life preserver consisting of a sleeveless jacket of buoyant or inflatable design
life mask|a cast taken from the face of a living person
life office|life assurance office
life peer|a British peer whose title lapses at death
life preserver|rescue equipment consisting of a buoyant belt or jacket to keep a person from drowning
life raft|a raft to use if a ship must be abandoned in an emergency
Life Saver|a candy shaped like a small lifesaver
life science|any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms
life sentence|a prison term lasting as long as the prisoner lives
life style|a manner of living that reflects the person's values and attitudes
life tenant|a tenant whose legal right to retain possession of buildings or lands lasts as long as they (or some other person) live
lifeblood|an essential or life-giving force - "water is the lifeblood of India";the blood considered as the seat of vitality
lifeboat|a strong sea boat designed to rescue people from a sinking ship
lifeguard|an attendant employed at a beach or pool to protect swimmers from accidents
lifeline|line that raises or lowers a deep-sea diver;line thrown from a vessel that people can cling to in order to save themselves from drowning;support that enables people to survive or to continue doing something (often by providing an essential connection) - "the airlift provided a lifeline for Berlin" - "she offered me a lifeline in my time of grief"
lifer|a prisoner serving a term of life imprisonment
lifesaving|saving the lives of drowning persons - "he took a course in lifesaving"
life-support system|equipment that makes life possible in otherwise deadly environmental conditions - "the astronauts relied on their life-support systems";medical equipment that assists or replaces important bodily functions and so enables a patient to live who otherwise might not survive
lifework|the principal work of your career
lift|a device worn in a shoe or boot to make the wearer look taller or to correct a shortened leg;a ride in a car - "he gave me a lift home";a wave that lifts the surface of the water or ground;one of the layers forming the heel of a shoe or boot;the act of giving temporary assistance;the act of raising something - "he responded with a lift of his eyebrow"
lift pump|pump used to lift rather than force a liquid up
lifting device|a device for lifting heavy loads
liftoff|the initial ascent of a rocket from its launching pad
ligament|a sheet or band of tough fibrous tissue connecting bones or cartilages or supporting muscles or organs;any connection or unifying bond
ligand|a substance (an atom or molecule or radical or ion) that forms a complex around a central atom
ligation|(surgery) tying a duct or blood vessel with a ligature (as to prevent bleeding during surgery)
ligature|(music) a group of notes connected by a slur;a metal band used to attach a reed to the mouthpiece of a clarinet or saxophone;character consisting of two or more letters combined into one;thread used by surgeons to bind a vessel (as to constrict the flow of blood)
liger|offspring of a male lion and a female tiger
light|(physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation - "the light was filtered through a soft glass window";a condition of spiritual awareness;divine illumination - "follow God's light";a particular perspective or aspect of a situation - "although he saw it in a different light, he still did not understand";a person regarded very fondly - "the light of my life";a visual warning signal - "they saw the light of the beacon" - "there was a light at every corner";an illuminated area - "he stepped into the light";any device serving as a source of illumination - "he stopped the car and turned off the lights";having abundant light or illumination - "they played as long as it was light" - "as long as the lighting was good";mental understanding as an enlightening experience - "he finally saw the light" - "can you shed light on this problem?";public awareness - "it brought the scandal to light";the visual effect of illumination on objects or scenes as created in pictures - "he could paint the lightest light and the darkest dark"
light adaptation|the process of adjusting the eyes to relatively high levels of illumination;the pupil constricts and the cones system is operative
light air|wind moving 1-3 knots;1 on the Beaufort scale
light arm|a rifle or pistol
light beer|lager with reduced alcohol content
light breeze|wind moving 4-7 knots;2 on the Beaufort scale
light brown|a brown that is light but unsaturated
light bulb|electric lamp consisting of a transparent or translucent glass housing containing a wire filament (usually tungsten) that emits light when heated by electricity
light circuit|wiring that provides power to electric lights
light cream|cream that has at least 18% butterfat - "in England they call light cream 'single cream'"
light diet|diet prescribed for bedridden or convalescent people;does not include fried or highly seasoned foods
light filter|a transparent filter that reduces the light (or some wavelengths of the light) passing through it
light flyweight|an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 106 pounds
light heavyweight|a professional boxer who weighs between 169 and 175 pounds;a wrestler who weighs 192-214 pounds;an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 179 pounds
light hour|the distance light travels in a vacuum in one hour;approximately one billion kilometers
light machine gun|a submachine gun not greater than .30 millimeter
light meter|photographic equipment that measures the intensity of light
light microscope|microscope consisting of an optical instrument that magnifies the image of an object
light middleweight|an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 156 pounds
light minute|the distance light travels in a vacuum in one minute;approximately 18 million kilometers
light pen|(computer science) a pointer that when pointed at a computer display senses whether or not the spot is illuminated
light reaction|the first stage of photosynthesis during which energy from light is used for the production of ATP
light reflex|reflex contraction of the sphincter muscle of the iris in response to a bright light (or certain drugs) causing the pupil to become smaller
light second|the distance light travels in a vacuum in one second;approximately 300,000 kilometers
light show|a display of colored lights moving in shifting patterns
light time|distance measured in terms of the speed of light (or radio waves) - "the light time from Jupiter to the sun is approximately 43 minutes"
light unit|a measure of the visible electromagnetic radiation
light welterweight|an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 140 pounds
light year|the distance that light travels in a vacuum in 1 year;5.88 trillion miles or 9.46 trillion kilometers
light-emitting diode|diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current;color depends on the material used
lightening|descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity that occurs late in pregnancy;the fetus is said to have dropped
lighter|a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires
lighterage|the fee charged for carrying goods in lighters;the transportation of goods on a lighter
lighterman|someone who operates a barge
lighter-than-air craft|aircraft supported by its own buoyancy
lightheadedness|a frivolous lack of prudence
lighthouse keeper|the keeper of a lighthouse
lighting|apparatus for supplying artificial light effects for the stage or a film;the craft of providing artificial light - "an interior decorator must understand lighting"
lighting fixture|a fixture providing artificial light
lighting industry|an industry devoted to manufacturing and selling and installing lighting
lightness|having a light color;the property of being comparatively small in weight - "the lightness of balsa wood"
lightning|abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light;the flash of light that accompanies an electric discharge in the atmosphere (or something resembling such a flash);can scintillate for a second or more
lightning rod|a metallic conductor that is attached to a high point and leads to the ground;protects the building from destruction by lightning;someone who is a frequent target of negative reactions and serves to distract attention from another
light-o'-love|a woman inconstant in love
lightship|a ship equipped like a lighthouse and anchored where a permanent lighthouse would be impracticable
lightsomeness|the trait of being lighthearted and frivolous
lights-out|a prescribed bedtime
lightweight|a professional boxer who weighs between 131 and 135 pounds;a wrestler who weighs 139-154 pounds;an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 132 pounds
lightwood|tall Australian acacia yielding highly valued black timber
ligne|a linear unit (1/40 inch) used to measure diameter of buttons
lignin|a complex polymer;the chief constituent of wood other than carbohydrates;binds to cellulose fibers to harden and strengthen cell walls of plants
lignite|intermediate between peat and bituminous coal
lignosae|a category in some early taxonomies
lignum|woody tissue
lignum vitae|hard greenish-brown wood of the lignum vitae tree and other trees of the genus Guaiacum;small evergreen tree of Caribbean and southern Central America to northern South America;a source of lignum vitae wood, hardest of commercial timbers, and a medicinal resin
Ligularia|genus of Old World herbs resembling groundsel;leopard plants
ligule|(botany) any appendage to a plant that is shaped like a strap
Liguria|region of northwestern Italy on the Ligurian Sea
Ligurian Sea|an arm of the Mediterranean between northwest Italy and Corsica
Ligustrum|genus of Old World shrubs;privet
Ligustrum obtusifolium|small deciduous shrub having graceful arching branches and luxuriant foliage
like|a kind of person - "We'll not see his like again";a similar kind - "dogs, foxes, and the like", "we don't want the likes of you around here"
likelihood|the probability of a specified outcome
likeness|picture consisting of a graphic image of a person or thing;similarity in appearance or character or nature between persons or things - "man created God in his own likeness"
likening|the act of comparing similarities
liking|a feeling of pleasure and enjoyment - "I've always had a liking for reading" - "she developed a liking for gin"
likuta|100 makuta equal 1 zaire in Zaire
lilac|any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
lilangeni|the basic unit of money in Swaziland;equal to 100 cents
Liliaceae|includes species sometimes divided among the following families;Alliaceae;Aloeaceae;Alstroemeriaceae;Aphyllanthaceae;Asparagaceae;Asphodelaceae;Colchicaceae;Convallariaceae;Hemerocallidaceae;Hostaceae;Hyacinthaceae;Melanthiaceae;Ruscaceae;Smilacaceae;Tecophilaeacea;Xanthorrhoeaceae
liliaceous plant|plant growing from a bulb or corm or rhizome or tuber
Liliales|an order of monocotyledonous plants including Amaryllidaceae and Liliaceae and Iridaceae
liliid monocot family|family of monocotyledonous plants of the subclass Liliidae;mostly herbs usually with petaloid sepals and petals and compound pistils
liliid monocot genus|genus of monocotyledonous plants comprising mostly herbs having usually petaloid sepals and petals and compound pistils
Liliidae|one of four subclasses or superorders of Monocotyledones;comprises 17 families including;Liliaceae;Alliaceae;Amaryllidaceae;Iridaceae;Orchidaceae;Trilliaceae
Lilith|in ancient Semitic folklore;a female demon who attacks children
Lilium|type genus of Liliaceae
Liliuokalani|queen of the Hawaiian islands (1838-1917)
Lille|an industrial city in northern France near the Belgian border;was the medieval capital of Flanders
Lillie|British actress (born in Canada) (1898-1989)
Lilliput|a land imagined by Jonathan Swift that was inhabited by tiny people
Lilliputian|a 6-inch tall inhabitant of Lilliput in a novel by Jonathan Swift;a very small person (resembling a Lilliputian)
Lilo|a type of inflatable air mattress
Lilongwe|the capital of Malawi;located in south central Malawi
lilt|a jaunty rhythm in music
lily|any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
lily of the valley|low-growing perennial plant having usually two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of small fragrant nodding bell-shaped flowers followed by scarlet berries
lily pad|floating leaves of a water lily
lilyturf|Asiatic perennial tufted herb with grasslike evergreen foliage and clusters of dark mauve grapelike flowers;grown as ground cover
Lima|capital and largest city and economic center of Peru;located in western Peru;was capital of the Spanish empire in the New World until the 19th century
lima bean|broad flat beans simmered gently;never eaten raw;bush or tall-growing bean plant having large flat edible seeds
Limacidae|slugs
liman|a long narrow lagoon near the mouth of a river
Limanda|a genus of Pleuronectidae;righteye flounders having a humped nose and small scales;the underside is often brightly colored
Limax|a genus of Limacidae
limb|(astronomy) the circumferential edge of the apparent disc of the sun or the moon or a planet;any of the main branches arising from the trunk or a bough of a tree;either of the two halves of a bow from handle to tip - "the upper limb of the bow";one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping;arm;leg;wing;flipper;the graduated arc that is attached to an instrument for measuring angles - "the limb of the sextant"
limber|a two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle used to pull a field gun or caisson
limber pine|western North American pine with long needles and very flexible limbs and dark-grey furrowed bark
limbers|a channel or gutter on either side of a ship's keelson;carries bilge water into the pump well
limb-girdle muscular dystrophy|an autosomal recessive form of muscular dystrophy that appears anywhere from late childhood to middle age;characterized by progressive muscular weakness beginning either in the shoulder or pelvic girdle;usually progresses slowly with cardiopulmonary complications in the later stages
limbic system|a system of functionally related neural structures in the brain that are involved in emotional behavior
limbo|(theology) in Roman Catholicism, the place of unbaptized but innocent or righteous souls (such as infants and virtuous individuals);an imaginary place for lost or neglected things
Limburger|a soft white cheese with a very strong pungent odor and flavor
limbus|a border or edge of any of various body parts distinguished by color or structure
lime|any of various related trees bearing limes;the green acidic fruit of any of various lime trees
lime juice|usually freshly squeezed juice of limes
limeade|sweetened beverage of lime juice and water
Limeira|a city of southeastern Brazil (northwest of Sao Paulo)
limekiln|a kiln used to reduce naturally occurring forms of calcium carbonate to lime
limelight|a focus of public attention - "he enjoyed being in the limelight";a lamp consisting of a flame directed at a cylinder of lime with a lens to concentrate the light;formerly used for stage lighting
Limenitis|mainly dark northern butterflies with white wing bars
limerick|a humorous verse form of 5 anapestic lines with a rhyme scheme aabba;port city in southwestern Ireland
limestone|a sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium that was deposited by the remains of marine animals
limestone fern|yellow-green fern of rocky areas of northern hemisphere
limestone salamander|similar to Shasta salamander;lives in cliff crevices and taluses
limewater|solution of calcium hydroxide in water used as an antacid
limey|a man of English descent
Limicolae|term used in some classifications for migratory shorebirds;coextensive with the Charadrii
limit|as far as something can go;the boundary of a specific area;the greatest amount of something that is possible or allowed - "there are limits on the amount you can bet" - "it is growing rapidly with no limitation in sight";the greatest possible degree of something - "to the limit of his ability";the mathematical value toward which a function goes as the independent variable approaches infinity
limitation|(law) a time period after which suits cannot be brought - "statute of limitations";an act of limiting or restricting (as by regulation);the quality of being limited or restricted - "it is a good plan but it has serious limitations"
limited audit|an audit of limited scope (limited in time span or confined to particular accounts etc.)
limited company|a company that is organized to give its owners limited liability
limited edition|an edition that is restricted to a specific number of copies
limited liability|the liability of a firm's owners for no more than the capital they have invested in the firm
limited war|a war whose objective is less than the unconditional defeat of the enemy
limiter|(electronics) a nonlinear electronic circuit whose output is limited in amplitude;used to limit the instantaneous amplitude of a waveform (to clip off the peaks of a waveform) - "a limiter introduces amplitude distortion"
Limnobium|American frogbit
Limnocryptes|snipe
Limnodromus|dowitchers
limnologist|a specialist in the study of freshwater ponds and lakes
limnology|the scientific study of bodies of fresh water for their biological and physical and geological properties
limonene|a liquid terpene with a lemon odor;found in lemons and oranges and other essential oils
limonite|a widely occurring iron oxide ore;a mixture of goethite and hematite and lepidocrocite
Limonium|sea lavender
Limosa|godwits
Limousin|a region of central France to the west of the Auvergne mountains
limousine|large luxurious car;usually driven by a chauffeur
limpa|a rye bread made with molasses or brown sugar
limpet|any of various usually marine gastropods with low conical shells;found clinging to rocks in littoral areas;mollusk with a low conical shell
limpkin|wading bird of Florida, Cuba and Jamaica having a drooping bill and a distinctive wailing call
Limpopo|an African river;flows into the Indian Ocean
Limulidae|horseshoe crabs
Limulus|type genus of the family Limulidae
Lin|United States sculptor and architect whose public works include the memorial to veterans of the Vietnam War in Washington (born in 1959)
Linaceae|a widely distributed family of plants
linage|a rate of payment for written material that is measured according to the number of lines submitted;the number of lines in a piece of printed material
linalool|a colorless fragrant liquid found in many essential oils
Linanthus|a genus of herbs of the family Polemoniaceae;found in western United States
Linaria|genus of herbs and subshrubs having showy flowers;spurred snapdragon
linchpin|pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on
Lincoln|16th President of the United States;saved the Union during the American Civil War and emancipated the slaves;was assassinated by Booth (1809-1865);capital of the state of Nebraska;located in southeastern Nebraska;site of the University of Nebraska;long-wooled mutton sheep originally from Lincolnshire
Lincoln Memorial|memorial building in Washington containing a large marble statue of Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln's Birthday|the day on which President Abraham Lincoln is remembered
Lincolnshire|an agricultural county of eastern England on the North Sea
lincomycin|antibiotic (trade name Lincocin) obtained from a streptomyces bacterium and used in the treatment of certain penicillin-resistant infections
Lind|Swedish soprano who toured the United States under the management of P. T. Barnum (1820-1887)
lindane|a white crystalline powder used as an agricultural insecticide
Lindbergh|United States aviator who in 1927 made the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean (1902-1974)
linden|any of various deciduous trees of the genus Tilia with heart-shaped leaves and drooping cymose clusters of yellowish often fragrant flowers;several yield valuable timber
Lindera|aromatic evergreen or deciduous dioecious shrubs or trees of eastern Asia and North America
Lindesnes|a cape at the southern tip of Norway
Lindheimera|one species;Texas star
Lindsay|United States playwright who collaborated with Russel Crouse on several musicals (1889-1931);United States poet who traveled the country trading his poems for room and board (1879-1931)
lindy|an energetic American dance that was popular in the 1930s (probably named for the aviator Charles Lindbergh)
line|a commercial organization serving as a common carrier;a conceptual separation or distinction - "there is a narrow line between sanity and insanity";a formation of people or things one behind another - "the line stretched clear around the corner" - "you must wait in a long line at the checkout counter";a formation of people or things one beside another - "the line of soldiers advanced with their bayonets fixed" - "they were arrayed in line of battle" - "the cast stood in line for the curtain call";a fortified position (especially one marking the most forward position of troops) - "they attacked the enemy's line";a length (straight or curved) without breadth or thickness;the trace of a moving point;a mark that is long relative to its width - "He drew a line on the chart";a particular kind of product or merchandise - "a nice line of shoes";a single frequency (or very narrow band) of radiation in a spectrum;a spatial location defined by a real or imaginary unidimensional extent;acting in conformity - "in line with" - "he got out of line" - "toe the line";in games or sports;a mark indicating positions or bounds of the playing area;persuasive but insincere talk that is usually intended to deceive or impress - "'let me show you my etchings' is a rather worn line" - "he has a smooth line but I didn't fall for it" - "that salesman must have practiced his fast line of talk";something (as a cord or rope) that is long and thin and flexible - "a washing line";text consisting of a row of words written across a page or computer screen - "the letter consisted of three short lines" - "there are six lines in every stanza";the road consisting of railroad track and roadbed
line coach|an assistant football coach in charge of the linemen
line feed|the operation that prepares for the next character to be printed or displayed on the next line
line item|an item in an appropriation bill - "Some governors can veto line items in their state budgets"
line judge|football official who assists the referee by keeping track of the official time during the game
line management|administration of the activities contributing directly to an organization's output
line of battle|a line formed by troops or ships prepared to deliver or receive an attack
Line of Control|a 450-mile line that is supposed to indicate the boundary between the part of Kashmir controlled by India and the part controlled by Pakistan
line of defense|any organization whose responsibility it is to defend against something - "police are the major line of defense against crime";defensive structure consisting of a barrier that can be employed for defense against attack
line of duty|all that is normally required in some area of responsibility
line of fate|a crease on the palm;palmists say it indicates how successful you will be
line of fire|the path of a missile discharged from a firearm
line of flight|the path along which a freely moving object travels through the air
line of force|an imaginary line in a field of force;direction of the line at any point is the direction of the force at that point
line of heart|a crease on the palm;palmists say it indicates your emotional nature
line of inquiry|an ordering of questions so as to develop a particular argument
line of least resistance|the easiest way
line of life|a crease on the palm;its length is said by palmists to indicate how long you will live
line of march|the arrangement of people in a line for marching;the route along which a column advances
line of poetry|a single line of words in a poem
line of sight|an imaginary straight line along which an observer looks
line of succession|the order in which individuals are expected to succeed one another in some official position
line of thought|a particular way of thinking that is characteristic of some individual or group
line officer|a commissioned officer with combat units (not a staff officer or a supply officer)
line organization|the organizational structure of activities contributing directly to the organization's output
line personnel|personnel having direct job performance responsibilities
line printer|printer that serves as an output device on a computer;prints a whole line of characters at a time
line score|a summary of the scoring in a game (usually in tabular form)
line spectrum|a spectrum in which energy is concentrated at particular wavelengths;produced by excited atoms and ions as they fall back to a lower energy level
line squall|a squall advancing along a front that forms a definite line
line storm|a violent rainstorm near the time of an equinox
line worker|an employee who works on an assembly line
lineage|the descendants of one individual - "his entire lineage has been warriors"
Linear A|an undeciphered writing system used in Crete in the 17th century B.C.
linear accelerator|ions are accelerated along a linear path by voltage differences on electrodes along the path
linear algebra|the part of algebra that deals with the theory of linear equations and linear transformation
Linear B|a syllabic script used in Greece in the 13th century B.C.
linear equation|a polynomial equation of the first degree
linear leaf|a long slender leaf
linear operator|an operator that obeys the distributive law;A(f+g) = Af + Ag (where f and g are functions)
linear programming|a mathematical technique used in economics;finds the maximum or minimum of linear functions in many variables subject to constraints
linear regression|the relation between variables when the regression equation is linear;e.g., y = ax + b
linear unit|a unit of measurement of length
lineation|the act of marking or outlining with lines
linebacker|(American football) the position of a defensive football player who plays close behind the line of scrimmage;a defensive football player who takes a position close behind the linemen
linecut|a print obtained from a line drawing;engraving consisting of a block that has been etched or engraved
lined snake|secretive snake of city dumps and parks as well as prairies and open woods;feeds on earthworms;of central United States
line-drive double|a double resulting from a line drive
line-drive single|a single resulting from a line drive
line-drive triple|a triple resulting from a line drive
lineman|(American football) the position of a player on a football team who is stationed on the line of scrimmage;one of the players on the line of scrimmage;the surveyor who marks positions with a range pole
linemen|the football players who line up on the line of scrimmage
linen|a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant;a high-quality paper made of linen fibers or with a linen finish;white goods or clothing made with linen cloth
linendraper|a retail dealer in yard goods
liner|(baseball) a hit that flies straight out from the batter - "the batter hit a liner to the shortstop";a large commercial ship (especially one that carries passengers on a regular schedule);a piece of cloth that is used as the inside surface of a garment
linesman|official (in tennis, soccer, football, etc.) who assists the referee in some way (especially by watching for out of bounds or offside)
lineup|a line of persons arranged by police for inspection or identification
ling|American hakes;elongated marine food fish of Greenland and northern Europe;often salted and dried;water chestnut whose spiny fruit has two rather than 4 prongs
lingam|the Hindu phallic symbol of Siva
lingcod|food fish of the northern Pacific related to greenlings;the lean flesh of a fish caught off the Pacific coast of the United States
lingerie|women's underwear and nightclothes
lingonberry|tart red berries similar to American cranberries but smaller
Ling-pao|a member of the Taoist Trinity
lingua franca|a common language used by speakers of different languages - "Koine is a dialect of ancient Greek that was the lingua franca of the empire of Alexander the Great and was widely spoken throughout the eastern Mediterranean area in Roman times"
lingual|a consonant that is produced with the tongue and other speech organs
lingual artery|an artery originating from the external carotid artery and supplying the under side of the tongue
lingual vein|a vein that receives blood from the tongue and the floor of the mouth and empties into the internal jugular or the facial vein
Lingualumina|an artificial language
linguica|a highly seasoned Portuguese pork sausage flavored with garlic and onions
linguine|pasta in long slender flat strips
linguist|a person who speaks more than one language;a specialist in linguistics
linguistic competence|(linguistics) a speaker's implicit, internalized knowledge of the rules of their language (contrasted with linguistic performance)
linguistic performance|(linguistics) a speaker's actual use of language in real situations;what the speaker actually says, including grammatical errors and other non-linguistic features such as hesitations and other disfluencies (contrasted with linguistic competence)
linguistic process|a process involved in human language;the cognitive processes involved in producing and understanding linguistic communication
linguistic profiling|using speech characteristics or dialect to identify a speaker's race or religion or social class
linguistic relation|a relation between linguistic forms or constituents
linguistics|the humanistic study of language and literature;the scientific study of language
linguistics department|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in linguistics
Lingvo Kosmopolita|an artificial language
liniment|a medicinal liquid that is rubbed into the skin to relieve muscular stiffness and pain
linin|an obsolete term for the network of viscous material in the cell nucleus on which the chromatin granules were thought to be suspended
lining|a protective covering that protects an inside surface;providing something with a surface of a different material;the act of attaching an inside lining (to a garment or curtain etc.)
link|(computing) an instruction that connects one part of a program or an element on a list to another program or list;a fastener that serves to join or connect - "the walls are held together with metal links placed in the wet mortar during construction";a unit of length equal to 1/100 of a chain;an interconnecting circuit between two or more locations for the purpose of transmitting and receiving data;the means of connection between things linked in series
Link trainer|an early form of flight simulator
linkage|(genetics) traits that tend to be inherited together as a consequence of an association between their genes;all of the genes of a given chromosome are linked (where one goes they all go);a mechanical system of rods or springs or pivots that transmits power or motion;an associative relation;the act of linking things together
linkage editor|an editor program that creates one module from several by resolving cross-references among the modules
linkage group|any pair of genes that tend to be transmitted together - "the genes of Drosophila fall into four linkage groups"
linkboy|(formerly) an attendant hired to carry a torch for pedestrians in dark streets
links|a golf course that is built on sandy ground near a shore
Linnaea|one species;twinflower
Linnaeus|Swedish botanist who proposed the modern system of biological nomenclature (1707-1778)
linnet|small Old World finch whose male has a red breast and forehead
linocut|a design carved in relief into a block of linoleum;a print that is made from a design carved in relief into a block of linoleum
linoleic acid|a liquid polyunsaturated fatty acid abundant in plant fats and oils;a fatty acid essential for nutrition;used to make soap
linolenic acid|a liquid polyunsaturated fatty acid that occurs in some plant oils;an essential fatty acid
linoleum|a floor covering
linoleum knife|a knife having a short stiff blade with a curved point used for cutting linoleum
Linotype|a typesetting machine operated from a keyboard that casts an entire line as a single slug of metal
linseed|the seed of flax used as a source of oil
linseed oil|a drying oil extracted from flax seed and used in making such things as oil paints
linsey-woolsey|a rough fabric of linen warp and wool or cotton woof
linstock|a stick about a meter long with a point on one end (to stick in the ground) and a forked head on the other end (to hold a lighted match);formerly used to fire cannons
lint|cotton or linen fabric with the nap raised on one side;used to dress wounds;fine ravellings of cotton or linen fibers
Linum|a herbaceous plant genus of the family Linaceae with small sessile leaves
linuron|a herbicide that kills weeds without harming vegetables
Linux|an open-source version of the UNIX operating system
Linz|city in northern Austria on the Danube;noted as a cultural center
Liomys|pocket mice
lion|a celebrity who is lionized (much sought after);large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
lion cub|a young lion
lioness|a female lion
lionet|a small or young lion
lionfish|brightly striped fish of the tropical Pacific having elongated spiny fins
lion-hunter|someone who hunts lions;someone who tries to attract social lions as guests
lion-jaw forceps|a type of forceps
Lions Club|club dedicated to promoting responsible citizenship and good government and community and national and international welfare
lion's foot|common perennial herb widely distributed in the southern and eastern United States having drooping clusters of pinkish flowers and thick basal leaves suggesting a lion's foot in shape;sometimes placed in genus Prenanthes
lion's-ear|pantropical herb having whorls of striking lipped flowers;naturalized in United States
Liopelma hamiltoni|primitive New Zealand frog with four unwebbed toes on forefeet and five on hind feet
lip|(botany) either of the two parts of a bilabiate corolla or calyx;either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking;either the outer margin or the inner margin of the aperture of a gastropod's shell
lip balm|a balm applied to the lips
lip fern|any of various terrestrial ferns of the genus Cheilanthes;cosmopolitan in arid and semiarid temperate or tropical regions
lip reader|someone who can understand spoken words by watching the movements of a speaker's lips
lip synchronization|combining audio and video recording in such a way that the sound is perfectly synchronized with the action that produced it;especially synchronizing the movements of a speaker's lips with the sound of his speech
Liparididae|snailfishes
liparis|an orchid of the genus Liparis having few leaves and usually fairly small yellow-green or dull purple flowers in terminal racemes;type genus of the Liparididae;snailfishes
lipase|an enzyme secreted in the digestive tract that catalyzes the breakdown of fats into individual fatty acids that can be absorbed into the bloodstream
Lipchitz|United States sculptor (born in Lithuania) who pioneered cubist sculpture (1891-1973)
lipectomy|plastic surgery involving the breakdown and removal of fatty tissue
lipemia|presence of excess lipids in the blood
lip-gloss|makeup that makes the lips shiny
lipid|an oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents;essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)
lipid-lowering medicine|a medicine that lowers blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase
lipidosis|a disorder of lipid metabolism;abnormal levels of certain fats accumulate in the body
Lipmann|United States biochemist (born in Germany) noted for his studies of metabolic processes (1899-1986)
lipogram|a text that excludes a particular letter or particular letters of the alphabet
lipoma|a tumor consisting of fatty tissue
lipomatosis|pathology in which fat accumulates in lipomas in the body
lipoprotein|a conjugated protein having a lipid component;the principal means for transporting lipids in the blood
liposarcoma|sarcoma of fat cells
Liposcelis|a genus of Psocidae
liposomal delivery vector|a transducing vector that uses liposomes to carry the gene of interest
liposome|an artificially made microscopic vesicle into which nucleic acids can be packaged;used in molecular biology as a transducing vector
liposuction|lipectomy (especially for cosmetic purposes) in which excess fatty tissue is removed from under the skin by suction
Lipotyphla|moles;hedgehogs;true shrews
Lippi|Italian painter and son of Fra Filippo Lippi (1457-1504);Italian painter whose works show a three-dimensional style (1406-1469)
Lippizan|a compact and sturdy saddle horse that is bred and trained in Vienna;smart and docile and excellent for dressage - "a Lippizan is black or brown when born but turns white by the time it is five years old"
Lippmann|French physicist who developed the first color photographic process (1845-1921);United States journalist (1889-1974)
lipreading|perceiving what a person is saying by observing the movements of the lips
Lipscomb|United States chemist noted for his theories of molecular structure (born in 1919)
lipstick|makeup that is used to color the lips
lipstick plant|epiphyte or creeping on rocks;Malaysian plant having somewhat fleshy leaves and bright red flowers
liquefaction|the conversion of a solid or a gas into a liquid
liquefied petroleum gas|hydrocarbon gases, usually propane or butane, kept under pressure
liqueur|strong highly flavored sweet liquor usually drunk after a meal
liqueur glass|a small glass for serving a small amount of liqueur (typically after dinner)
liquid|a frictionless continuant that is not a nasal consonant (especially 'l' and 'r');a substance that is liquid at room temperature and pressure;fluid matter having no fixed shape but a fixed volume;the state in which a substance exhibits a characteristic readiness to flow with little or no tendency to disperse and relatively high incompressibility
liquid air|air in a liquid state
liquid assets|assets in the form of cash (or easily convertible into cash)
liquid bleach|a solution containing bleaching agents;used for laundry
liquid body substance|the liquid parts of the body
liquid crystal|a liquid exhibiting properties of a crystal that are not shown by ordinary liquids
liquid crystal display|a digital display that uses liquid crystal cells that change reflectivity in an applied electric field;used for portable computer displays and watches etc.
liquid detergent|a detergent in liquid form
liquid diet|a diet of foods that can be served in liquid or strained form (plus custards or puddings);prescribed after certain kinds of surgery
liquid metal reactor|a nuclear reactor using liquid metal as a coolant
liquid nitrogen|nitrogen in a liquid state
liquid oxygen|a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point;used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
liquid soap|soap in liquid form
liquid unit|a unit of capacity for liquids (for measuring the volumes of liquids or their containers)
liquidambar|any tree of the genus Liquidambar
liquidation|termination of a business operation by using its assets to discharge its liabilities
liquidator|(law) a person (usually appointed by a court of law) who liquidates assets or preserves them for the benefit of affected parties
liquidity|being in cash or easily convertible to cash;debt paying ability
liquor|a liquid substance that is a solution (or emulsion or suspension) used or obtained in an industrial process - "waste liquors";an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented;the liquid in which vegetables or meat have be cooked
liquor license|a license authorizing the holder to sell alcoholic beverages
Lir|the sea personified;father of Manannan;corresponds to Welsh Llyr
lira|formerly the basic unit of money in Italy;equal to 100 centesimi;the basic unit of money in Turkey;the basic unit of money on Malta;equal to 100 cents
Liriodendron|tulip trees
Liriope|sometimes placed in family Convallariaceae;lilyturf
lis pendens|a pending lawsuit
Lisbon|capital and largest city and economic and cultural center of Portugal;a major port in western Portugal on Tagus River where it broadens and empties into the Atlantic
lisinopril|an ACE inhibiting drug (trade names Prinival or Zestril) administered as an antihypertensive and after heart attacks
lisle|a fabric woven with lisle thread;a strong tightly twisted cotton thread (usually made of long-staple cotton)
LISP|a flexible procedure-oriented programing language that manipulates symbols in the form of lists;a speech defect that involves pronouncing 's' like voiceless 'th' and 'z' like voiced 'th'
LISP compiler|a compiler for programs written in LISP
LISP program|a program written in LISP
lisper|a speaker who lisps
lissomeness|the gracefulness of a person or animal that is flexible and supple
list|a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
list price|the selling price of something as stated in a catalogue or price list;often subject to discounts - "I got it at 30% off the list price"
list processing|processing data that is given in the form of chained lists
list system|based on the principle of proportional representation;voters choose between party lists, the number elected from each list being determined by the percentage cast for each list out of the total vote
listed security|a security that has been accepted for trading by one of the organized and registered securities exchanges in the US
listening|the act of hearing attentively - "you can learn a lot by just listening"
listening watch|a watch established for the reception of traffic of interest to the unit maintaining the watch
lister|assessor who makes out the tax lists;moldboard plow with a double moldboard designed to move dirt to either side of a central furrow;English surgeon who was the first to use antiseptics (1827-1912)
Listera|genus of terrestrial orchids having usually a single pair of broad shining leaves near the middle of the stem;found in temperate Asia and North America and Europe
listeria|any species of the genus Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes|the type species of the genus Listeria;can cause meningitis, encephalitis, septicemia, endocarditis, abortion, abscesses, listeriosis
listeriosis|an infectious disease of animals and humans (especially newborn or immunosuppressed persons) caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes;in sheep and cattle the infection frequently involves the central nervous system and causes various neurological symptoms
listing|the act of making a list of items
listlessness|inactivity resulting from lethargy and lack of vigor or energy
Liston|United States prizefighter who lost his world heavyweight championship to Cassius Clay in 1964 (1932-1970)
Lisu|a Loloish language
Liszt|Hungarian composer and piano virtuoso (1811-1886)
Litany|a prayer consisting of a series of invocations by the priest with responses from the congregation;any long and tedious address or recital
litas|the basic unit of money in Lithuania
litchi|Chinese fruit having a thin brittle shell enclosing a sweet jellylike pulp and a single seed;often dried;Chinese tree cultivated especially in Philippines and India for its edible fruit;sometimes placed in genus Nephelium
liter|a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions;now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)
literacy|the ability to read and write
literal interpretation|an interpretation based on the exact wording
literalism|a disposition to interpret statements in their literal sense;the doctrine of realistic (literal) portrayal in art or literature
literalness|adhereing to the concrete construal of something
literary agent|an agent who represents an author in dealings with publishers
literary composition|imaginative or creative writing
literary critic|a critic of literature
literary criticism|the informed analysis and evaluation of literature
literary review|a review devoted to literary criticism
literary study|the humanistic study of literature
literate|a person who can read and write
literati|the literary intelligentsia
literature|creative writing of recognized artistic value;published writings in a particular style on a particular subject - "the technical literature" - "one aspect of Waterloo has not yet been treated in the literature";the humanistic study of a body of literature;the profession or art of a writer - "her place in literature is secure"
lithia water|mineral water containing lithium salts
lithiasis|the formation of stones (calculi) in an internal organ
lithium|a soft silver-white univalent element of the alkali metal group;the lightest metal known;occurs in several minerals
lithium carbonate|a white powder (LiCO3) used in manufacturing glass and ceramics and as a drug;the drug (trade names Lithane or Lithonate or Eskalith) is used to treat some forms of depression and manic episodes of manic-depressive disorder
Lithocarpus|tanbark oaks
Lithodidae|deep-sea crabs of cold waters
lithograph|a print produced by lithography;duplicator that prints by lithography;a flat surface (of stone or metal) is treated to absorb or repel ink in the desired pattern
lithographer|a printmaker who uses lithography
lithography|a method of planographic printing from a metal or stone surface;the act of making a lithographic print
lithomancer|one who practices lithomancy
lithomancy|divination by means of stones or stone talismans
Lithophragma|small genus of perennial herbs of the western North America
lithophyte|plant that grows on rocks or stony soil and derives nourishment from the atmosphere
lithops|any plant of the genus Lithops native to Africa having solitary yellow or white flowers and thick leaves that resemble stones
Lithospermum|annual or perennial herbaceous or shrubby plants;cosmopolitan except Australia
lithosphere|the solid part of the earth consisting of the crust and outer mantle
lithotomy|surgical removal of a stone (calculus)
lithotomy position|a position lying on your back with knees bent and thighs apart;assumed for vaginal or rectal examination
Lithuania|a republic in northeastern Europe on the Baltic Sea
Lithuanian|a native or inhabitant of Lithuania;the official language of Lithuania;belongs to the Baltic branch of Indo-European
Lithuanian monetary unit|monetary unit in Lithuania
lithuresis|passing small stones with the urine
litigant|(law) a party to a lawsuit;someone involved in litigation - "plaintiffs and defendants are both litigants"
litigation|a legal proceeding in a court;a judicial contest to determine and enforce legal rights
litigiousness|a quarrelsome disposition to engage in or carry on lawsuits - "charges of litigiousness and widespread perjury"
litmus|a coloring material (obtained from lichens) that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions;used as a very rough acid-base indicator
litmus paper|unsized paper treated with litmus for use as an acid-base indicator
litmus test|a test that relies on a single indicator - "her litmus test for good breeding is whether you split infinitives"
Litocranius|antelopes of eastern Africa;gerenuks
litotes|understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary) - "saying 'I was not a little upset' when you mean 'I was very upset' is an example of litotes"
litter|conveyance consisting of a chair or bed carried on two poles by bearers;rubbish carelessly dropped or left about (especially in public places);the offspring at one birth of a multiparous mammal
litterbin|bin (usually in or outside a public building) into which the public can put rubbish
litterer|a person who litters public places with refuse
little|a small amount or duration - "he accepted the little they gave him"
little auk|small short-billed auk abundant in Arctic regions
little barley|annual barley native to western North America and widespread in southern United States and tropical America
Little Bear|a constellation outside the zodiac that rotates around the North Star
Little Bighorn|a battle in Montana near the Little Bighorn River between United States cavalry under Custer and several groups of Native Americans (1876);Custer was pursuing Sioux led by Sitting Bull;Custer underestimated the size of the Sioux forces (which were supported by Cheyenne warriors) and was killed along with all his command;a river that flows from northern Wyoming into the Bighorn River in southern Montana;site of Custer's Last Stand
little black ant|tiny glossy black ant;nests outdoors but invades houses for food
little blue heron|small bluish-grey heron of the western hemisphere
little brother|a younger brother - "my little brother just had his 50th birthday"
little brown bat|the small common North American bat;widely distributed
little chief hare|North American pika
Little Dipper|a cluster of seven stars in Ursa Minor;at the end of the dipper's handle is Polaris
little egret|Old World egret
little finger|the finger farthest from the thumb
little golden zinnia|subshrub having short leafy stems and numerous small flower heads with nearly round yellow-orange rays;Arizona south to Mexico and east to Kansas
Little John|legendary follower of Robin Hood;noted for his size and strength
little league|a commercially sponsored baseball league for players between 8 and 12 years of age
little leaguer|a player between 8 and 12 years of age who is a member of a little-league team
Little Missouri|a river that rises in northeastern Wyoming and flows through Montana and South Dakota to join the Missouri River in North Dakota
Little Office|a Roman Catholic office honoring the Virgin Mary;similar to but shorter than the Divine Office
little owl|small European owl
little potato|rhizoctinia disease of potatoes
Little Red Riding Hood|a girl in a fairy tale who meets a wolf while going to visit her grandmother
Little Rock|the state capital and largest city of Arkansas in the central part of Arkansas on the Arkansas River
Little Sioux River|a river that rises in southwestern Minnesota and flows southwestward to the Missouri River in western Iowa
little sister|a younger sister
little skate|most plentiful skate in North American inshore waters in summer;to 21 inches
little slam|winning all but one of the tricks in a hand of bridge
little theater|a small theater for experimental drama or collegiate or community groups
little toe|the fifth smallest outermost toe
Little Wabash|a river in eastern Illinois that flows southeastward to the Wabash River
little-head snakeweed|similar to Gutierrezia sarothrae but with flower heads having fewer rays and disk flowers
little-league team|a team that plays in a little league
littleneck|a quahog when young and small;usually eaten raw;an important food popular in New York;a young quahog
littoral|the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
Littorina|type genus of the family Littorinidae;periwinkles
Littorinidae|periwinkles
Littre|French lexicographer (1801-1881)
liturgics|the study of liturgies
liturgist|an authority on liturgies
liturgy|a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
live axle|the axle of a self-propelled vehicle that provides the driving power
live birth|the birth of a living fetus (regardless of the length of gestation)
live body|the body of a living animal or person
live load|a variable load on a structure (e.g. a bridge) such as moving traffic
live oak|any of several American evergreen oaks
live steam|steam coming from a boiler at full pressure
liveborn infant|infant who shows signs of life after birth
livedo|skin disorder characterized by patchy bluish discolorations on the skin
liveliness|animation and energy in action or expression;general activity and motion
liver|a person who has a special life style - "a high liver";large and complicated reddish-brown glandular organ located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity;secretes bile and functions in metabolism of protein and carbohydrate and fat;synthesizes substances involved in the clotting of the blood;synthesizes vitamin A;detoxifies poisonous substances and breaks down worn-out erythrocytes;liver of an animal used as meat;someone who lives in a place - "a liver in cities"
liver cancer|malignant neoplastic disease of the liver usually occurring as a metastasis from another cancer;symptoms include loss of appetite and weakness and bloating and jaundice and upper abdominal discomfort
liver chestnut|a solid dark brown horse
liver disease|a disease affecting the liver
liver fluke|flatworm parasitic in liver and bile ducts of domestic animals and humans
liver pudding|sausage containing ground liver
liver spot|a type of skin disease that causes brown spots on the skin
Livermore|United States suffragist (1820-1905)
Liverpool|a large city in northwestern England;its port is the country's major outlet for industrial exports
Liverpudlian|a native or resident of Liverpool
liver-spotted dalmatian|a brown-spotted dalmatian
liverwort|any of numerous small green nonvascular plants of the class Hepaticopsida growing in wet places and resembling green seaweeds or leafy mosses
livery|the care (feeding and stabling) of horses for pay;uniform worn by some menservants and chauffeurs
livery company|one of the chartered companies of London originating with the craft guilds
livery stable|stable where horses and vehicles are kept for hire
liveryman|a worker in a livery stable
livestock|any animals kept for use or profit
lividity|a state of fury so great the face becomes discolored
lividness|unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)
living|people who are still living - "save your pity for the living"
living arrangement|an arrangement to allow people (or ideas) to coexist
living death|a state of constant misery
living granite|highly succulent stemless clump-forming plants with grey-green leaves similar in texture to lumps of granite;South Africa
living quarters|housing available for people to live in
living rock|usually unbranched usually spineless cactus covered with warty tubercles and having magenta flowers and white or green fruit;resembles the related mescal;northeastern Mexico and southwestern United States
living room|a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax
living space|space sought for occupation by a nation whose population is expanding
living thing|a living (or once living) entity
living trust|a trust created and operating during the grantor's lifetime
living wage|a wage sufficient for a worker and family to subsist comfortably
living will|a document written by someone still legally capable requesting that he should be allowed to die if subsequently severely disabled or suffering terminal illness - "after he discovered he had AIDS he drew up a living will"
livingroom suite|a suite of furniture for the living room
Livingston|American Revolutionary leader who served in the Continental Congress and as minister to France (1746-1813)
Livingstone|Scottish missionary and explorer who discovered the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls (1813-1873)
livingstone daisy|low-growing showy succulent annual of South Africa having white or pink or red or orange flowers and spatulate leaves covered in papillae that resemble small crystals
Livistona|fan palms of Asia and Australia and Malaysia
Livonia|a region on the Baltic that is divided between northern Estonia and southern Latvia
Livonian|a member of the Livonian-speaking people of Latvia;the Finnic language spoken by the people of Livonia in Estonia and Latvia
Livy|Roman historian whose history of Rome filled 142 volumes (of which only 35 survive) including the earliest history of the war with Hannibal (59 BC to AD 17)
liza|similar to the striped mullet and takes its place in the Caribbean region
lizard|relatively long-bodied reptile with usually two pairs of legs and a tapering tail
lizard orchid|an orchid of the genus Himantoglossum
lizardfish|tropical fishes with large mouths in lizard-like heads;found worldwide
lizard's-tail|North American herbaceous perennial of wet places having slender curled racemes of small white flowers
Ljubljana|the capital of Slovenia
llama|wild or domesticated South American cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump
llano|an extensive grassy and nearly treeless plain (especially in Latin America)
Llano Estacado|a large semiarid plateau forming the southern part of the Great Plains
Llew Llaw Gyffes|son of Gwydion and Arianrhod;supported by magic of Gwydion;cursed by Arianrhod
Lloyd|United States comic actor in silent films;he used physical danger as a source of comedy (1893-1971)
Lloyd Webber|English composer of many successful musicals (some in collaboration with Sir Tim Rice) (born in 1948)
LLud|a Celtic warrior god
Llullaillaco|a mountain in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile (22,057 feet high)
Llyr|Celtic deity who was the father of Manawydan;corresponds to Irish Lir
Lo/Ovral|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing estradiol and norgestrel
loach|slender freshwater fishes of Eurasia and Africa resembling catfishes
load|a quantity that can be processed or transported at one time - "the system broke down under excessive loads";an amount of alcohol sufficient to intoxicate - "he got a load on and started a brawl";electrical device to which electrical power is delivered;the power output of a generator or power plant;weight to be borne or conveyed
load factor|(aeronautics) the ratio of an external load to the weight of the aircraft (measured in g)
load line|waterlines to show the level the water should reach when the ship is properly loaded
loader|an attendant who loads guns for someone shooting game
loading|the labor of putting a load of something on or in a vehicle or ship or container etc. - "the loading took 2 hours";the ratio of the gross weight of an airplane to some factor determining its lift
loading zone|a stop where carriers can be loaded and unloaded
load-shedding|cutting off the electric current on certain lines when the demand becomes greater than the supply
loaf|a quantity of food (other than bread) formed in a particular shape - "meat loaf" - "sugar loaf" - "a loaf of cheese"
loaf of bread|a shaped mass of baked bread that is usually sliced before eating
Loafer|a low leather step-in shoe;the top resembles a moccasin but it has a broad flat heel
loam|a rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
loan|the temporary provision of money (usually at interest)
loan application|an application to borrow money
loan approval|formal authorization to get a loan (usually from a bank)
loan collection|a number of pictures loaned by their owners for exhibition
loan office|an office where loans are negotiated and repaid
loanblend|a word that is composed of parts from different languages (e.g., 'monolingual' has a Greek prefix and a Latin root)
loaner|a car that is lent as a replacement for one that is under repair
loanword|a word borrowed from another language;e.g. 'blitz' is a German word borrowed into modern English
loasa|any of various perennial South American plants of the genus Loasa having stinging hairs and showy white or yellow or reddish-orange flowers
Loasaceae|family of bristly hairy sometimes climbing plants;America and Africa and southern Arabia
loathsomeness|the quality of being disgusting to the senses or emotions
lob|an easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc;the act of propelling something (as a ball or shell etc.) in a high arc
Lobachevsky|Russian mathematician who independently discovered non-Euclidean geometry (1792-1856)
lobar pneumonia|pneumonia affecting one or more lobes of the lung;commonly due to streptococcal infection
Lobata|ctenophore having tentacles only in the immature stage;body compressed vertically having two large oral lobes and four pointed processes
lobate foot|a bird's foot having separate toes each with membranous flaps along the sides
lobby|a group of people who try actively to influence legislation;the people who support some common cause or business or principle or sectional interest
lobbying expense|expenses incurred in promoting or evaluating legislation - "many lobbying expenses are deductible by a taxpayer"
lobbyism|the practice of lobbying;the activities of a lobbyist
lobbyist|someone who is employed to persuade legislators to vote for legislation that favors the lobbyist's employer
lobe|(anatomy) a somewhat rounded subdivision of a bodily organ or part - "ear lobe";(botany) a part into which a leaf is divided;a rounded projection that is part of a larger structure;the enhanced response of an antenna in a given direction as indicated by a loop in its radiation pattern
lobe of the lung|any of the three lobes of the right lung or the two lobes of the left lung
lobectomy|surgical removal of a lobe from any organ of the body (as the lung or brain)
lobed leaf|a leaf having deeply indented margins
lobed spleenwort|a spleenwort of eastern and southern United States
lobelia|any plant or flower of the genus Lobelia
Lobeliaceae|not recognized in all classification systems;in some classifications lobeliaceous plants are included in family Campanulaceae
Lobipes|a genus of Phalaropidae
Lobito|a seaport on the Atlantic coast of Angola
loblolly|thick gruel
loblolly pine|tall spreading three-needled pine of southeastern United States having reddish-brown fissured bark and a full bushy upper head
Lobotes|type genus of the Lobotidae
Lobotidae|tripletails
lobotomy|surgical interruption of nerve tracts to and from the frontal lobe of the brain;often results in marked cognitive and personality changes
lobscouse|a stew of meat and vegetables and hardtack that is eaten by sailors
lobster|any of several edible marine crustaceans of the families Homaridae and Nephropsidae and Palinuridae;flesh of a lobster
lobster butter|butter blended with chopped lobster or seasoned with essence from lobster shells
lobster Newburg|lobster in Newburg sauce served on buttered toast or rice
lobster pot|trap for catching lobsters
lobster stew|diced lobster meat in milk or cream
lobster tail|lobster tail meat;usually from spiny rock lobsters
lobster tart|a pastry shell filled with cooked lobster
lobster thermidor|diced lobster mixed with Mornay sauce placed back in the shell and sprinkled with grated cheese and browned
lobsterman|a person whose occupation is catching lobsters
Lobularia|sweet alyssum
lobularity|the property of having lobules
lobule|a small lobe or subdivision of a lobe
local|public transport consisting of a bus or train that stops at all stations or stops - "the local seemed to take forever to get to New York"
local anesthesia|loss of sensation in a small area of the body (as when a local anesthetic is injected for a tooth extraction)
local anesthetic|anesthetic that numbs a particular area of the body
local area network|a local computer network for communication between computers;especially a network connecting computers and word processors and other electronic office equipment to create a communication system between offices
local authority|an administrative unit of local government
local call|a telephone call made within a local calling area
local department|a permanent department created to perform the work of a local government
local government|the government of a local area
local option|freedom of a local government to determine by popular vote the applicability of a controversial law in their jurisdiction
local oscillator|an oscillator whose output heterodynes with the incoming radio signal to produce sum and difference tones
local road|a street that is primarily used to gain access to the property bordering it
localism|a phrase or pronunciation that is peculiar to a particular locality
localization|a determination of the place where something is
localization of function|(physiology) the principle that specific functions have relatively circumscribed locations in some particular part or organ of the body
location|a point or extent in space;a workplace away from a studio at which some or all of a movie may be made - "they shot the film on location in Nevada"
locative role|the semantic role of the noun phrase that designates the place of the state or action denoted by the verb
locator|a person who fixes the boundaries of land claims
loch|a long narrow inlet of the sea in Scotland (especially when it is nearly landlocked);Scottish word for a lake
Loch Achray|a lake in central Scotland
Loch Linnhe|an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the western coast of Scotland
Loch Ness|a lake in the Scottish highlands;the largest body of fresh water in Great Britain
Loch Ness monster|a large aquatic animal supposed to resemble a serpent or plesiosaur of Loch Ness in Scotland
Lochaber ax|a battle-ax formerly used by Scottish Highlanders
lochia|substance discharged from the vagina (cellular debris and mucus and blood) that gradually decreases in amount during the weeks following childbirth
lock|a fastener fitted to a door or drawer to keep it firmly closed;a mechanism that detonates the charge of a gun;a restraint incorporated into the ignition switch to prevent the use of a vehicle by persons who do not have the key;a strand or cluster of hair;any wrestling hold in which some part of the opponent's body is twisted or pressured;enclosure consisting of a section of canal that can be closed to control the water level;used to raise or lower vessels that pass through it
lockage|a fee charged for passage through a lock in a canal or waterway;a system of locks in a canal or waterway;passage through a lock in a canal or waterway
lockdown|the act of confining prisoners to their cells (usually to regain control during a riot)
Locke|English empiricist philosopher who believed that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience (1632-1704)
locker|a fastener that locks or closes
locker room|a room (as at an athletic facility or workplace) where you can change clothes and which contains lockers for the temporary storage of your clothing and personal possessions
locket|a small ornamental case;usually contains a picture or a lock of hair and is worn on a necklace
lock-gate|a gate that can be locked
locking|the act of locking something up to protect it
locking pliers|pliers that can be locked in place
lockmaster|a worker in charge of a lock (on a canal)
locknut|supplementary nut that is screwed down on a primary nut to prevent it from loosening
lockout|a management action resisting employee's demands;employees are barred from entering the workplace until they agree to terms
lockring|washer that prevents a nut from loosening
locksmith|someone who makes or repairs locks
lockstep|a manner of marching in file in which each person's leg moves with and behind the corresponding leg of the person ahead - "the prisoner's ankles were so chained together that they could only march in lockstep";a standard procedure that is followed mindlessly - "the union's support had been in lockstep for years"
lockstitch|machine stitch in which the top thread interlocks with the bobbin thread
lockup|jail in a local police station
lock-up option|an option to buy the crown jewels offered to a white knight in order to forestall a hostile takeover
loco disease|a disease of livestock caused by locoweed poisoning;characterized by weakness and lack of coordination and trembling and partial paralysis
locomotion|self-propelled movement;the power or ability to move
locomotive|a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks
locoweed|any of several leguminous plants of western North America causing locoism in livestock
locule|a small cavity or space within an organ or in a plant or animal
locum tenens|someone (physician or clergyman) who substitutes temporarily for another member of the same profession
locus|the set of all points or lines that satisfy or are determined by specific conditions - "the locus of points equidistant from a given point is a circle";the specific site of a particular gene on its chromosome
locus classicus|an authoritative and often-quoted passage
locus of infection|the specific site in the body where an infection originates
locust|hardwood from any of various locust trees;migratory grasshoppers of warm regions having short antennae
locust tree|any of various hardwood trees of the family Leguminosae
Locusta|a genus of Acrididae
loddon pondweed|pondweed with floating leaves;of northern United States and Europe
lode|a deposit of valuable ore occurring within definite boundaries separating it from surrounding rocks
lodestar|guiding star;a star that is used as a reference point in navigation or astronomy;something that serves as a model or guide
lodestone|a permanent magnet consisting of magnetite that possess polarity and has the power to attract as well as to be attracted magnetically
lodge|a small (rustic) house used as a temporary shelter;any of various Native American dwellings;small house at the entrance to the grounds of a country mansion;usually occupied by a gatekeeper or gardener;English physicist who studied electromagnetic radiation and was a pioneer of radiotelegraphy (1851-1940)
lodger|a tenant in someone's house
lodging|the act of lodging
lodging house|a house where rooms are rented
lodgment|bringing a charge or accusation against someone;the state or quality of being lodged or fixed even temporarily - "the lodgment of the balloon in the tree"
Lodz|a large city of central Poland
Loeb|United States physiologist (born in Germany) who did research on parthenogenesis (1859-1924)
loess|a fine-grained unstratified accumulation of clay and silt deposited by the wind
Loestrin|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing estradiol and norethindrone
Loewe|United States composer (born in Austria) who collaborated with Lerner on several musicals (1901-1987)
Loewi|United States pharmacologist (born in Germany) who was the first to show that acetylcholine is produced at the junction between a parasympathetic nerve and a muscle (1873-1961)
Lofortyx|California quail
Lofoten|a string of islands off the northwestern coast of Norway in the Norwegian Sea
loft|(golf) the backward slant on the head of some golf clubs that is designed to drive the ball high in the air;a raised shelter in which pigeons are kept;floor consisting of a large unpartitioned space over a factory or warehouse or other commercial space;floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof;often used for storage
loft bombing|a bombing run in which the bomber approaches the target at a low altitude and pulls up just before releasing the bomb
log|a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches;a written record of events on a voyage (of a ship or plane);a written record of messages sent or received - "they kept a log of all transmission by the radio station" - "an email log";measuring instrument that consists of a float that trails from a ship by a knotted line in order to measure the ship's speed through the water
log cabin|a cabin built with logs
log line|a knotted cord that runs out from a reel to a piece of wood that is attached to it
Logan|a mountain peak in the St. Elias Range in the southwestern Yukon Territory in Canada (19,850 feet high)
loganberry|large red variety of the dewberry;red-fruited bramble native from Oregon to Baja California
Logania|type genus of the Loganiaceae;Australian and New Zealand shrubs sometimes cultivated for their flowers
Loganiaceae|a dicotyledonous family of plants of order Gentianales
logarithm|the exponent required to produce a given number
logarithmic scale|scale on which actual distances from the origin are proportional to the logarithms of the corresponding scale numbers
logbook|a book in which the log is written
loge|balcony consisting of the forward section of a theater mezzanine
loggerhead|very large carnivorous sea turtle;wide-ranging in warm open seas
loggerhead shrike|a common shrike of southeastern United States having black bands around the eyes
loggia|a roofed arcade or gallery with open sides stretching along the front or side of a building;often at an upper level
logging|the work of cutting down trees for timber
logic|a system of reasoning;reasoned and reasonable judgment - "it made a certain kind of logic";the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference;the principles that guide reasoning within a given field or situation - "economic logic requires it" - "by the logic of war";the system of operations performed by a computer that underlies the machine's representation of logical operations
logic bomb|a set of instructions inserted into a program that are designed to execute (or 'explode') if a particular condition is satisfied;when exploded it may delete or corrupt data, or print a spurious message, or have other harmful effects - "a disgruntled employee planted a logic bomb"
logic diagram|a graphical representation of a program using formal logic
logic element|an electronic device that performs an elementary logic operation
logic operation|an operation that follows the rules of symbolic logic
logic programming|creating a program that enables the computer to reason logically
logical fallacy|a fallacy in logical argumentation
logical positivist|someone who maintains that any statement that cannot be verified empirically is meaningless
logical proof|proof of a logical theorem
logical relation|a relation between propositions
logical topology|the way the network works - "a network that looks like a star can have the logical topology of a bus"
logicality|correct and valid reasoning
logician|a person skilled at symbolic logic
logicism|(philosophy) the philosophical theory that all of mathematics can be derived from formal logic
loginess|a dull and listless state resulting from weariness
logion|a saying of Jesus that is regarded as authentic although it is not recorded in the Gospels
logistic assessment|a judgment of the logistic support required for some particular military operation
logistic support|assistance between and within military commands
logistics|handling an operation that involves providing labor and materials be supplied as needed
logjam|an immovable mass of logs blocking a river;any stoppage attributable to unusual activity - "the legislation ran into a logjam"
logo|a company emblem or device
logogram|a single written symbol that represents an entire word or phrase without indicating its pronunciation - "7 is a logogram that is pronounced 'seven' in English and 'nanatsu' in Japanese"
logomach|someone given to disputes over words
logomachy|argument about words or the meaning of words
logorrhea|pathologically excessive (and often incoherent) talking
logrolling|act of exchanging favors for mutual gain;especially trading of influence or votes among legislators to gain passage of certain projects
Logrono|a city in northern Spain on the Ebro River
logwood|spiny shrub or small tree of Central America and West Indies having bipinnate leaves and racemes of small bright yellow flowers and yielding a hard brown or brownish-red heartwood used in preparing a black dye;very hard brown to brownish-red heartwood of a logwood tree;used in preparing a purplish red dye
loin|a cut of meat taken from the side and back of an animal between the ribs and the rump;either side of the backbone between the hipbone and the ribs in humans as well as quadrupeds
loin of lamb|meat from a loin of lamb
loins|the region of the hips and groin and lower abdomen
loir|large European dormouse
Loire|the longest French river;rises in the Massif Central and flows north and west to the Atlantic Ocean
Loire Valley|the valley of the Loire River where many French wines originated
Loiseleuria|one species;alpine azalea
loiterer|someone who lingers aimlessly in or about a place
Loki|(Norse mythology) trickster;god of discord and mischief;contrived death of Balder and was overcome by Thor
loligo|somewhat flattened cylindrical squid
Lolita|a sexually precocious young girl
Lolium|darnel;ryegrass
lollipop|hard candy on a stick
lollipop lady|a woman hired to help children cross a road safely near a school
Lolo|a Loloish language
Lolo-Burmese|the Tibeto-Burman language spoken in northern Burma and Yunnan
Loloish|languages spoken by hill tribes in northern Burma and neighboring areas
Lomariopsidaceae|small family of usually scandent ferns
lomatia|any of various ornamental evergreens of the genus Lomatia having attractive fragrant flowers
Lombard|a member of a Germanic people who invaded northern Italy in the 6th century
Lombard Street|a street in central London containing many of the major London banks
Lombardy|a region of north central Italy bordering Switzerland
Lombardy poplar|distinguished by its columnar fastigiate shape and erect branches
Lome|capital and largest city of Togo;located in the south on the Gulf of Guinea
loment|seedpods that are constricted between the seeds and that break apart when mature into single-seeded segments
Lomogramma|large scandent ferns of southeastern Asia
Lomotil|trade name of an antidiarrheal
lomustine|an antineoplastic drug often used to treat brain tumors or Hodgkin's disease
Lonas|one species;yellow ageratum
Lonchocarpus|genus of chiefly tropical American shrubs and trees having pinnate leaves and red or white flowers
London|the capital and largest city of England;located on the Thames in southeastern England;financial and industrial and cultural center;United States writer of novels based on experiences in the Klondike gold rush (1876-1916)
London plane|very large fast-growing tree much planted as a street tree
Londoner|a native or resident of London
loneliness|the state of being alone in solitary isolation
loner|a person who avoids the company or assistance of others
Long Beach|a city in southern California located on 8.5 miles of Pacific beachfront;was a resort until oil was discovered in 1921
long beech fern|beech fern of North America and Eurasia
long bone|in limbs of vertebrate animals;a long cylindrical bone that contains marrow
long chain|(chemistry) a relatively long chain of atoms in a molecule
long distance|a telephone call made outside the local calling area - "I talked to her by long distance"
long division|the operation of division in which the sequence of steps are indicated in detail
long fly|a gymnastic exercise involving a long leap from a vaulting horse
long haul|a journey over a long distance - "it's a long haul from New York to Los Angeles"
long hundred|the cardinal number that is the product of ten and twelve
long iron|an iron with a long shaft and a steep face;for hitting long low shots
Long Island|an island in southeastern New York;Brooklyn and Queens are on its western end
Long Island Sound|a sound between Long Island and Connecticut
long johns|warm underwear with long legs
long jump|a competition that involves jumping as far as possible from a running start
long measure|a measure of length
long pepper|slender tropical climber of the eastern Himalayas
long run|a period of time sufficient for factors to work themselves out - "in the long run we will win" - "in the long run we will all be dead"
long saphenous vein|the longest vein in the body;runs from foot to the groin where it joins the femoral vein
long shot|a contestant that is unlikely to win;a venture that involves great risk but promises great rewards
long sleeve|a sleeve extending from shoulder to wrist
long suit|in a hand, the suit having the most cards
long time|a prolonged period of time
long tom|a long swivel cannon formerly used by the navy
long ton|a British unit of weight equivalent to 2240 pounds
long trousers|trousers reaching to the foot
long underwear|an undergarment with shirt and drawers in one piece
long wave|a radio wave with a wavelength longer than a kilometer (a frequency below 300 kilohertz)
longan|tree of southeastern Asia to Australia grown primarily for its sweet edible fruit resembling litchi nuts;sometimes placed in genera Euphorbia or Nephelium
longanberry|Asian fruit similar to litchi
long-billed marsh wren|American wren that inhabits tall reed beds
longboat|the largest boat carried by a merchant sailing vessel
longbow|a powerful wooden bow drawn by hand;usually 5-6 feet long;used in medieval England
longbowman|a medieval English archer who used a longbow
long-clawed prawn|large (a foot or more) edible freshwater prawn common in Australian rivers
long-eared bat|any of various Old or New World bats having very long ears
long-eared owl|slender European owl of coniferous forests with long ear tufts
longer|a person with a strong desire for something - "a longer for money"
longevity|duration of service - "her longevity as a star" - "had unusual longevity in the company";the property of being long-lived
Longfellow|United States poet remembered for his long narrative poems (1807-1882)
longfin mako|similar to shortfin mako but darker blue
longhand|rapid handwriting in which letters are set down in full and are cursively connected within words without lifting the writing implement from the paper
long-head coneflower|plant similar to the Mexican hat coneflower;from British Columbia to New Mexico
longheaded thimbleweed|thimbleweed of northern North America
longhorn|long-horned beef cattle formerly common in southwestern United States
long-horned beetle|long-bodied beetle having very long antennae
long-horned grasshopper|grasshoppers with long threadlike antennae and well-developed stridulating organs on the forewings of the male
longing|prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
longitude|the angular distance between a point on any meridian and the prime meridian at Greenwich
longleaf pine|large three-needled pine of southeastern United States having very long needles and gnarled twisted limbs;bark is red-brown deeply ridged;an important timber tree
longness|duration as an extension;the property of being of long spatial extent - "one gene causes shortness and the other causes longness"
longshot|a photograph taken from a distance
long-spurred violet|violet of eastern North America having lilac-purple flowers with a long slender spur
long-staple cotton|cotton with relatively long fibers
long-sufferance|patient endurance of pain or unhappiness
longtail weasel|the common American weasel distinguished by large size and black-tipped tail
long-tailed porcupine|porcupine of Borneo and Sumatra having short spines and a long tail
long-term memory|your general store of remembered information
longueur|a period of dullness or boredom (especially in a work of literature or performing art)
longways|country dancing performed with couples in two long lines facing each other
longwool|a domestic long-wool sheep
Lonicera|woodbine
loofa|the dried fibrous part of the fruit of a plant of the genus Luffa;used as a washing sponge or strainer
loofah|the loofah climber that has cylindrical fruit
look|physical appearance - "I don't like the looks of this place";the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually - "he went out to have a look" - "his look was fixed on her eyes" - "he gave it a good looking at" - "his camera does his looking for him"
lookdown|similar to moonfish but with eyes high on the truncated forehead
looking|the act of searching visually
looking glass|a mirror;usually a ladies' dressing mirror
looking glass tree|large evergreen tree of India and Burma whose leaves are silvery beneath
looking-glass plant|small tree of coastal regions of Old World tropics whose leaves are silvery beneath
lookout|a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event;a structure commanding a wide view of its surroundings;an elevated post affording a wide view;the act of looking out
loom|a textile machine for weaving yarn into a textile
loon|a worthless lazy fellow;large somewhat primitive fish-eating diving bird of the northern hemisphere having webbed feet placed far back;related to the grebes
loop|a computer program that performs a series of instructions repeatedly until some specified condition is satisfied;a flight maneuver;aircraft flies a complete circle in the vertical plane;an inner circle of advisors (especially under President Reagan) - "he's no longer in the loop";an intrauterine device in the shape of a loop;anything with a round or oval shape (formed by a curve that is closed and does not intersect itself);the basic pattern of the human fingerprint
loop gain|(telecommunication) the gain of a feedback amplifier or system as a function of how much output is fed back to the input - "if the loop gain is too great the system may go into oscillation"
loop knot|any of various knots used to make a fixed loop in a rope
loop topology|the topology of a network whose components are serially connected in such a way that the last component is connected to the first component
loophole|a small hole in a fortified wall;for observation or discharging weapons;an ambiguity (especially one in the text of a law or contract) that makes it possible to evade a difficulty or obligation
looping ill|an acute viral disease of the nervous system in sheep;can be transmitted by Ixodes ricinus
loop-line|a railway branch line that branches from the trunk line and then rejoins it later on
Loos|Austrian architect (1870-1933)
loose cannon|a person who is expected to perform a particular task but who is out of control and dangerous
loose end|work that is left incomplete
loose sentence|a complex sentence in which the main clause comes first and the subordinate clause follows
loose smut|a smut fungus of the genus Ustilago causing a smut disease of grains in which the entire head is transformed into a dusty mass of spores;disease of grains;the entire head is a dusty mass of spores
looseness|a lack of strict accuracy;laxity of practice - "misunderstandings can often be traced to a looseness of expression";freedom from restraint - "the flexibility and looseness of the materials from which mythology is made";movement or space for movement;the quality of movability by virtue of being free from attachment or other restraints
loosening|the act of making something less tight
loosestrife|any of numerous herbs and subshrubs of the genus Lythrum;any of various herbs and subshrubs of the genus Lysimachia
loot|goods or money obtained illegally
looting|plundering during riots or in wartime
Lophiidae|large-headed marine fishes comprising the anglers
Lophius|type genus of family Lophiidae
Lophodytes|a genus of Merginae
Lopholatilus|large brightly colored food fish of deep Atlantic waters
Lophophora|two species of small cacti of northeastern Mexico and southwestern United States having rounded stems covered with jointed tubercles;mescal
Lophophorus|monals
Lophosoria|one species;tree fern of Central and South America
Lophosoriaceae|very small family of tree ferns
lopsidedness|an oblique or slanting asymmetry
loquat|evergreen tree of warm regions having fuzzy yellow olive-sized fruit with a large free stone;native to China and Japan;yellow olive-sized semitropical fruit with a large free stone and relatively little flesh;used for jellies
Loranthaceae|in some classification includes Viscaceae;parasitic or hemiparasitic shrublets or shrubs or small trees of tropical and temperate regions;attach to hosts by haustoria
Loranthus|type genus of the Loranthaceae;1 species
lorazepam|tranquilizer (trade name Ativan) used to treat anxiety and tension and insomnia
lorchel|a large fungus of the family Helvellaceae
Lord|a titled peer of the realm
Lord Chancellor|the highest officer of the Crown who is head of the judiciary and who presides in the House of Lords
Lord of Misrule|a person appointed master of revels at a Christmas celebration
Lord Privy Seal|the senior cabinet minister in the British Cabinet who has no official duties
lordolatry|the worship of a lord because of his rank or title
lordosis|an abnormal inward (forward) curvature of the vertebral column
Lord's Prayer|the prayer that Christ gave his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6;9-13)
Lord's Resistance Army|a quasi-religious rebel group in Uganda that terrorized and raped women and kidnapped children who were forced to serve in the army
Lordship|a title used to address any British peer except a duke and extended to a bishop or a judge - "Your Lordship" - "His Lordship";the authority of a lord
lore|knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote - "early peoples passed on plant and animal lore through legend"
Lorelei|a Siren of German legend who lured boatmen in the Rhine to destruction
Loren|Italian film actress (born in 1934)
Lorentz|Dutch physicist noted for work on electromagnetic theory (1853-1928)
Lorentz force|the force experienced by a point charge moving along a wire that is in a magnetic field;the force is at right angles to both the current and the magnetic field - "the Lorentz force can be used to suspend a current-carrying object between two magnets"
Lorenz|Austrian zoologist who studied the behavior of birds and emphasized the importance of innate as opposed to learned behaviors (1903-1989)
Lorenzo de'Medici|Italian statesman and scholar who supported many artists and humanists including Michelangelo and Leonardo and Botticelli (1449-1492)
Lorenzo dressing|vinaigrette with chili sauce and chopped watercress
lorgnette|eyeglasses that are held to the eyes with a long handle
lorica|a hard protective sheath (as secreted by certain protoctists, for example)
Loricata|former name for the order Crocodylia
Loriinae|lories
lorikeet|any of various small lories
Lorisidae|slow-moving omnivorous nocturnal primates of tropical Asia;usually tailless
Lorraine|an eastern French region rich in iron-ore deposits
Lorraine cross|a cross with two crossbars, one above and one below the midpoint of the vertical, the lower longer than the upper
Lorre|United States actor (born in Hungary) noted for playing sinister roles (1904-1964)
lorry|a large low horse-drawn wagon without sides;a large truck designed to carry heavy loads;usually without sides
lory|small brightly colored Australasian parrots having a brush-tipped tongue for feeding on nectar and soft fruits
Los Alamos|a town in north central New Mexico;in 1942 it was chosen as a nuclear research site where the first atomic bombs were produced
Los Angeles|a city in southern California;motion picture capital of the world;most populous city of California and second largest in the United States
loser|a contestant who loses the contest;a gambler who loses a bet
losing streak|a streak of losses
losings|something lost (especially money lost at gambling)
loss|gradual decline in amount or activity - "weight loss" - "a serious loss of business";something that is lost - "the car was a total loss" - "loss of livestock left the rancher bankrupt";the act of losing someone or something - "everyone expected him to win so his loss was a shock";the amount by which the cost of a business exceeds its revenue - "the company operated at a loss last year";the disadvantage that results from losing something - "his loss of credibility led to his resignation";the experience of losing a loved one - "he sympathized on the loss of their grandfather"
loss of consciousness|the occurrence of a loss of the ability to perceive and respond
loss ratio|the ratio of the annual claims paid by an insurance company to the premiums received
lost cause|a defeated cause or a cause for which defeat is inevitable
Lost Tribes|the ten Tribes of Israel that were deported into captivity in Assyria around 720 BC (leaving only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin)
lost-and-found|repository in a public building where lost articles can be kept until their owners reclaim them
Lot|(Old Testament) nephew of Abraham;God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah but chose to spare Lot and his family who were told to flee without looking back at the destruction;a parcel of land having fixed boundaries
lota|a globular water bottle used in Asia;burbot
Lothario|a successful womanizer;a man who behaves selfishly in his sexual relationships with women
Lothian Region|a district in southeast central Scotland (south side of the Firth of Forth) and the location of Edinburgh
loti|the basic unit of money in Lesotho
lotion|any of various cosmetic preparations that are applied to the skin;liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin - "a lotion for dry skin"
Lot's wife|(Old Testament) when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his family were told to flee without looking back;Lot's wife was disobedient and was immediately changed into a pillar of salt
lottery|players buy (or are given) chances and prizes are distributed by casting lots;something that is regarded as a chance event - "the election was just a lottery to them"
lotto|a game in which numbered balls are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards
Lotus|annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs;native to eastern Asia;widely cultivated for its large pink or white flowers;white Egyptian lotus;water lily of Egypt to southeastern Africa;held sacred by the Egyptians
lotus position|a sitting position with the legs crossed;used in yoga
lotus tree|shrubby deciduous tree of the Mediterranean region
lotus-eater|someone indifferent to the busy world - "in the Odyssey Homer tells of lotus-eaters who live in dreamy indolence"
lotusland|an idyllic realm of contentment and self-indulgence
loudmouth|a person who causes trouble by speaking indiscreetly
loudspeaker|electro-acoustic transducer that converts electrical signals into sounds loud enough to be heard at a distance
lough|a long narrow (nearly landlocked) cove in Ireland;Irish word for a lake
Louis|United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)
louis d'or|a former French gold coin
Louis I|third son of Charlemagne and king of France and Germany and Holy Roman Emperor (778-840)
Louis II|king of France and Germany (846-879)
Louis III|son of Louis II and king of the France and Germany (863-882)
Louis IV|king of France (921-954)
Louis IX|king of France and son of Louis VIII;he led two unsuccessful Crusades;considered an ideal medieval king (1214-1270)
Louis V|the last Carolingian king of France (967-987)
Louis VI|king of France whose military victories consolidated his reign (1081-1137)
Louis VII|king of France who led the unsuccessful Second Crusade and fought frequent wars with Henry II of England (1120-1180)
Louis VIII|king of France who increased the power of the Crown over the feudal lords (1187-1226)
Louis X|king of France (1289-1316)
Louis XI|king of France who put down an alliance of unruly nobles and unified France except for Brittany (1423-1483)
Louis XII|king of France who was popular with his subjects (1462-1515)
Louis XIII|king of France from 1610 to 1643 who relied heavily on the advice of Cardinal Richelieu (1601-1643)
Louis XIV|king of France from 1643 to 1715;his long reign was marked by the expansion of French influence in Europe and by the magnificence of his court and the Palace of Versailles (1638-1715)
Louis XV|grandson of Louis XIV and king of France from 1715 to 1774 who led France into the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War (1710-1774)
Louis XVI|king of France from 1774 to 1792;his failure to grant reforms led to the French Revolution;he and his queen (Marie Antoinette) were guillotined (1754-1793)
Louisiana|a state in southern United States on the Gulf of Mexico;one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War
Louisiana Purchase|territory in the western United States purchased from France in 1803 for $15 million;extends from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada
Louisianan|a native or resident of Louisiana
Louisville|the largest city in Kentucky;located in north central Kentucky on the Ohio river;site of the Kentucky Derby
lounge|a room (as in a hotel or airport) with seating where people can wait
lounge lizard|a man who idles about in the lounges of hotels and bars in search of women who would support him
lounger|an article of clothing designed for comfort and leisure wear
loungewear|clothing suitable for relaxation
lounging jacket|a man's soft jacket usually with a tie belt;worn at home
lounging pajama|pajamas worn while lounging
loupe|small magnifying glass (usually set in an eyepiece) used by jewelers and horologists
louse|wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals
louse fly|bloodsucking dipterous fly parasitic on birds and mammals
lout|an awkward stupid person
louvar|large silvery fish found worldwide in warm seas but nowhere common;resembles a whale and feeds on plankton
louver|one of a set of parallel slats in a door or window to admit air and reject rain
louvered window|a window with glass louvers
Louvre|an art museum that is a famous tourist attraction in Paris
lovage|herb native to southern Europe;cultivated for its edible stalks and foliage and seeds;stalks eaten like celery or candied like angelica;seeds used for flavoring or pickled like capers
lovastatin|an oral drug (trade name Mevacor) to reduce blood cholesterol levels;used when dietary changes have proved inadequate
love|a deep feeling of sexual desire and attraction - "their love left them indifferent to their surroundings" - "she was his first love";a score of zero in tennis or squash - "it was 40 love";a strong positive emotion of regard and affection - "his love for his work" - "children need a lot of love";any object of warm affection or devotion - "the theater was her first love"
love affair|a relationship between two lovers
love feast|a social gathering intended to create goodwill among the participants
love grass|any of various grasses of the genus Eragrostis;specially useful for forage and for the prevention of erosion
love knot|a stylized or decorative knot used as an emblem of love
love letter|a personal letter to a loved one expressing affection
love lyric|the lyric of a love song
love match|a marriage for love's sake;not an arranged marriage
love seat|small sofa that seats two people
love song|a song about love or expressing love for another person
love story|a story dealing with love
love vine|leafless parasitic vine with dense clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers on orange-yellow stems that twine around clover or flax
lovebird|small African parrot noted for showing affection for their mates
loved one|a person who you love, usually a member of your family
love-in-a-mist|European garden plant having finely cut leaves and white or pale blue flowers;tropical American passion flower with finely dissected bracts;stems malodorous when crushed
love-in-winter|Eurasian herb with white or pinkish flowers in a terminal corymb
Lovelace|English poet (1618-1857)
love-lies-bleeding|young leaves widely used as leaf vegetables;seeds used as cereal
Lovell|English astronomer who pioneered radio astronomy (born in 1913)
lover|a person who loves someone or is loved by someone;a significant other to whom you are not related by marriage
lovesickness|a pining for a loved one
love-token|keepsake given as a token of love
loving cup|a large drinking vessel (usually with two handles) that people drink out of in turn at a banquet
loving-kindness|tender kindness motivated by a feeling of affection
lovingness|a loving feeling
Lovoa|genus of African timber trees
low|a low level or position or degree - "the stock market fell to a new low";an air mass of lower pressure;often brings precipitation - "a low moved in over night bringing sleet and snow";British political cartoonist (born in New Zealand) who created the character Colonel Blimp (1891-1963)
low beam|the beam of a car's headlights that provides illumination for a short distance
low blow|unscrupulous abuse
low brass|brass with 30% (or less) zinc
low comedy|a comedy characterized by slapstick and burlesque
Low Countries|the lowland region of western Europe on the North Sea;Belgium and Luxembourg and the Netherlands
low explosive|an explosive with a low rate of combustion
low frequency|30 to 300 kilohertz
low gallberry holly|an evergreen shrub
Low German|a German dialect spoken in northern Germany
Low Latin|any dialect of Latin other than the classical
Low Mass|a Mass recited without music
low pitch|a pitch that is perceived as below other pitches
low profile|a state of low visibility in which public notice is avoided - "he was never one to keep a low profile"
low spirits|a state of mild depression
low St Andrew's cross|low shrubby plant having yellow flowers with four petals arranged in a cross;Bermuda and southeastern United States to West Indies and eastern Mexico
low status|a position of inferior status;low in station or rank or fortune or estimation
Low Sunday|the Sunday following Easter
low tide|the lowest (farthest) ebb of the tide
low-birth-weight baby|an infant born weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2500 grams) regardless of gestational age
lowboy|a low chest or table with drawers and supported on four legs
low-bush blueberry|low-growing deciduous shrub of northeastern North America having flowers in compact racemes and bearing sweet dark blue berries
low-calorie diet|a diet that is low on calories
low-density lipoprotein|a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood;composed of moderate amount of protein and a large amount of cholesterol;high levels are thought to be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis
Lowell|United States astronomer whose studies of Mars led him to conclude that Mars was inhabited (1855-1916);United States educator and president of Harvard University (1856-1943);United States poet (1874-1925);United States poet (1917-1977)
lower berth|the lower of two berths
lower bound|(mathematics) a number equal to or less than any other number in a given set
Lower California|a mountainous peninsula on northwest Mexico
lower class|the social class lowest in the social hierarchy
lower criticism|the study of existing manuscripts of the Scriptures in order to determine the original text
lower deck|the deck below the main deck
Lower Egypt|one of the two main administrative districts of Egypt;consists of the Nile delta
lower jaw|the jaw in vertebrates that is hinged to open the mouth
lower limit|the limit on the lower (or southernmost) side of something
lower mantle|the deeper part of the mantle
Lower Paleolithic|the oldest part of the Paleolithic Age with the emergence of the hand ax;ended about 120,000 years ago
Lower Peninsula|the part of northern Michigan between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron
lower respiratory infection|infection of the lower respiratory tract
lower respiratory tract|the bronchi and lungs
lower respiratory tract smear|any of several cytologic smears obtained from different parts of the lower respiratory tract;used for cytologic study of cancer and other diseases of the lungs
Lower Saxony|a state in northwestern Germany
lowerclassman|an undergraduate who is not yet a senior
lowering|the act of causing something to move to a lower level;the act of causing to become less
lowest common multiple|the smallest multiple that is exactly divisible by every member of a set of numbers
low-fat diet|a diet containing limited amounts of fat and stressing foods high in carbohydrates;used in treatment of some gallbladder conditions
low-fat milk|milk from which some of the cream has been removed
lowland|low level country
lowland burrowing treefrog|terrestrial burrowing nocturnal frog of grassy terrain and scrub forests having very hard upper surface of head;of the United States southwest
lowland fir|lofty fir of the Pacific coast of northwestern America having long curving branches and deep green leaves
Lowlander|a native of the Lowlands of Scotland
Lowlands|the southern part of Scotland that is not mountainous
low-level formatting|(computer science) the format of sectors on the surface of a hard disk drive so that the operating system can access them and setting a starting position
low-level radioactive waste|(medicine) radioactive waste consisting of objects that have been briefly exposed to radioactivity (as in certain medical tests)
lowness|a low or small degree of any quality (amount or force or temperature etc.) - "he took advantage of the lowness of interest rates";the quality of being low;lacking height - "he was suddenly aware of the lowness of the ceiling"
low-pass filter|a filter that passes frequencies below a certain value and attenuates frequencies above that value
Lowry|English novelist (1909-1957);English painter (1887-1976)
low-sodium diet|a diet that limits the intake of salt (sodium chloride);often used in treating hypertension or edema or certain other disorders
low-warp-loom|a handloom in which the warp is carried horizontally;for weaving tapestry
low-water mark|a line marking the lowest level reached
lox|brine-cured salmon that is lightly smoked
loxapine|a tranquilizer (trade name Loxitane) used to treat schizophrenia
Loxia|crossbill
Loxodonta|a genus of Elephantidae
Loxoma|one species of terrestrial ferns of New Zealand
Loxomataceae|very small family of New Zealand ferns
Loxostege|garden webworms
Loxostege similalis|moth whose larvae are garden webworms
Loya Jirga|a grand council or grand assembly used to resolve political conflicts or other national problems - "he convened a Loya Jirga that persuaded tribal leaders to acquiesce"
loyalist|a person who is loyal to their allegiance (especially in times of revolt)
Loyalist Volunteer Force|a terrorist group formed in 1996 in Northern Ireland;seeks to prevent the peace process;murders Catholics and any Protestant leaders who favor peace
loyalty|feelings of allegiance;the quality of being loyal
lozenge|a small aromatic or medicated candy
Lozier|United States physician who in 1863 founded a medical school for women (1813-1888)
LP|a long-playing phonograph record;designed to be played at 33.3 rpm
L-plate|a square plate bearing the letter L that is attached to both ends of a car to indicate that the driver is a learner
Luanda|port city on Atlantic coast;the capital and largest city of Angola
luau|an elaborate Hawaiian feast or party (especially one accompanied by traditional foods and entertainment)
Luba|a Bantu language spoken in southeastern Congo;a member of a Bantu people in southeastern Congo
Lubavitch|a large missionary Hasidic movement known for their hospitality, technological expertise, optimism and emphasis on religious study;a town in Belarus that was the center of the Chabad movement for a brief period during the 19th century
Lubavitcher|a member of the Lubavitch movement;a follower of Chabad Hasidism
lubber's hole|hole in a platform on a mast through which a sailor can climb without going out on the shrouds
lubber's line|a fixed line on a ship's compass indicating its heading
Lubbock|a city in northwest Texas to the south of Amarillo
Lubeck|a city in northwestern Germany and an important Baltic port;a leading member of the Hanseatic League
Lubitsch|German filmmaker of sophisticated comedies (1892-1947)
Lublin|an industrial city of eastern Poland
lubricant|a substance capable of reducing friction by making surfaces smooth or slippery
lubricating system|mechanical system of lubricating internal combustion engines in which a pump forces oil into the engine bearings
lubrication|an application of a lubricant to something;the condition of having been made smooth or slippery by the application of a lubricant
Lubumbashi|a city in southeastern Congo near the border with Zambia;a copper mining center;former name (until 1966) was Elisabethville
Lucanidae|stag beetles
Lucas|United States screenwriter and filmmaker (born in 1944)
Luce|United States playwright and public official (1902-1987);United States publisher of magazines (1898-1967)
lucidity|a lucid state of mind;not confused
luciferin|pigment occurring in luminescent organisms (as fireflies);emits heatless light when undergoing oxidation
Lucilia|greenbottle flies
Lucite|a transparent thermoplastic acrylic resin
luck|an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another - "bad luck caused his downfall";an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that leads to a favorable outcome - "it was my good luck to be there" - "they say luck is a lady"
Lucknow|a city in northern India in Uttar Pradesh;during the Indian Mutiny its British residents were besieged by Indian insurgents;the British residents of Lucknow were besieged by Indian insurgents during the Indian Mutiny (1857)
lucky dip|a game in which prizes (e.g., candies or coins) are concealed in a container and for a small sum a player can draw one out at random;a selection or decision purely at random - "their system of hiring people seemed to be a sort of lucky dip"
Lucretius|Roman philosopher and poet;in a long didactic poem he tried to provide a scientific explanation of the universe (96-55 BC)
lucubration|a solemn literary work that is the product of laborious cogitation;laborious cogitation
Lucullus|Roman general famous for self-indulgence and giving lavish banquets (circa 110-57 BC)
Luculus|Roman general famous for giving lavish banquets (110-57 BC)
Lucy|incomplete skeleton of female found in eastern Ethiopia in 1974
Luda|an industrial conurbation in northeastern China on the southern end of the Liaodong Peninsula;it now includes the cities of Dalian and Lushun
Luddite|any opponent of technological progress;one of the 19th century English workmen who destroyed laborsaving machinery that they thought would cause unemployment
Ludi Saeculares|the centennial rites and games of ancient Rome that marked the commencement of a new generation (100 years representing the longest life in a generation);observances may have begun as early as the 5th century BC and lasted well into the Christian era
Ludian|a Baltic-Finnic language
ludo|a simple board game in which players move counters according to the throw of dice
Lufengpithecus|a genus of Hominidae
luff|(nautical) the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail that is next to the mast;the act of sailing close to the wind
luffa|any of several tropical annual climbers having large yellow flowers and edible young fruits;grown commercially for the mature fruit's dried fibrous interior that is used as a sponge
Lufkin|a town in eastern Texas
Luftwaffe|the German airforce
lug|a projecting piece that is used to lift or support or turn something;ancient Celtic god
lug wrench|a wrench with jaws that have projecting lugs to engage the object that is to be rotated
LuGanda|the Bantu language of the Buganda people;spoken in Uganda
luge|a racing sled for one or two people
Luger|a German semiautomatic pistol;someone who races the luge
luggage carrier|carrier (as behind a bicycle seat) for luggage
luggage compartment|compartment in an automobile that carries luggage or shopping or tools
luggage rack|carrier for holding luggage above the seats of a train or on top of a car
lugger|small fishing boat rigged with one or more lugsails
luging|riding a light one-man toboggan
Lugosi|United States film actor (born in Hungary) noted for portraying monsters (1884-1956)
lugsail|a sail with four corners that is hoisted from a yard that is oblique to the mast
lugworm|marine worms having a row of tufted gills along each side of the back;often used for fishing bait
Luke|(New Testament) the Apostle closely associated with St. Paul and traditionally assumed to be the author of the third Gospel;one of the four Gospels in the New Testament;contains details of Jesus's birth and early life
lukewarmness|a warmness resembling the temperature of the skin
Lule Burgas|the principal battle of the Balkan Wars (1912);Bulgarian forces defeated the Turks
lull|a period of calm weather - "there was a lull in the storm"
lullaby|a quiet song intended to lull a child to sleep;the act of singing a quiet song to lull a child to sleep
Lully|French composer (born in Italy) who was the court composer to Louis XIV and founded the national French opera (1632-1687);Spanish philosopher (1235-1315)
lumbago|backache affecting the lumbar region or lower back;can be caused by muscle strain or arthritis or vascular insufficiency or a ruptured intervertebral disc
lumbar artery|one of four or five pairs of arteries that originate in the abdominal aorta and supply the lumbar vertebrae and the back muscles and abdominal wall
lumbar nerve|any of five pairs of spinal nerves emerging from the lumbar section of the spinal cord
lumbar plexus|a lymphatic plexus located along the lower portion of the aorta and iliac vessels;a plexus of nerves formed by the ventral branches of the first four lumbar nerves
lumbar puncture|removal by centesis of fluid from the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the spinal cord for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
lumbar vein|veins that drain the posterior body wall and the lumbar vertebral venous plexuses
lumbar vertebra|one of 5 vertebrae in the human vertebral column;lumbar vertebrae extend from the twelfth thoracic vertebra down to the sacral vertebrae
lumber|the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
lumber room|a storeroom in a house where odds and ends can be stored (especially furniture)
lumbering|the trade of cutting or preparing or selling timber
lumberjack|a short warm outer jacket
lumberman|a person who fells trees
lumbermill|a mill for dressing logs and lumber
lumberyard|a workplace where lumber is stocked for sale
lumbosacral plexus|a nerve plexus formed by the ventral divisions of the coccygeal and sacral and lumbar nerves;supplies the lower limbs and perineum and coccygeal area
lumen|a cavity or passage in a tubular organ - "the lumen of the intestine";a unit of luminous flux equal to the amount of light given out through a solid angle of 1 steradian by a point source of 1 candela intensity radiating uniformly in all directions
luminance unit|a measure of luminance
luminary|a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
luminescence|light from nonthermal sources;light not due to incandescence;occurs at low temperatures
luminism|an artistic movement in the United States that was derived from the Hudson River school;active from 1850 to 1870;painted realistic landscapes in a style that pictured atmospheric light and the use of aerial perspective
luminosity|the quality of being luminous;emitting or reflecting light - "its luminosity is measured relative to that of our sun"
luminous energy|the energy associated with visible light
luminous flux|the rate of flow of light energy
luminous flux unit|a measure of luminous flux per unit area
luminous intensity unit|a measure of luminous intensity
lumma|100 lumma equal 1 dram in Armenia
lump sugar|refined sugar molded into rectangular shapes convenient as single servings
lump sum|a complete payment consisting of a single sum of money
lumpectomy|surgical removal of a tumor without removing much of the surrounding tissue or lymph nodes;performed in some cases of breast cancer
lumpenproletariat|(Marxism) the unorganized lower levels of the proletariat who are not interested in revolutionary advancement
Lumpenus|a genus of Stichaeidae
lumper|a taxonomist who classifies organisms into large groups on the basis of major characteristics
lumpfish|clumsy soft thick-bodied northern Atlantic fish with pelvic fins fused into a sucker;edible roe used for caviar
lumpsucker|any of several very small lumpfishes
Luna|(Roman mythology) the goddess of the Moon;counterpart of Greek Selene
luna moth|large pale-green American moth with long-tailed hind wings and a yellow crescent-shaped mark on each forewing
lunacy|obsolete terms for legal insanity
lunar calendar|a calendar based on lunar cycles
lunar caustic|silver nitrate fused into sticks and formerly used as a caustic
lunar crater|a crater on the Earth's Moon
lunar day|the period of time taken for the moon to make one full rotation on its axis (about 27.3 sidereal days)
lunar eclipse|the earth interrupts light shining on the moon
lunar excursion module|a spacecraft that carries astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back
lunar latitude|an imaginary line around the moon parallel to its equator
lunar month|the period between successive new moons (29.531 days)
lunar year|a period of 12 lunar months
Lunaria|small genus of European herbs;honesty
lunate bone|one of the eight small wrist bones
lunatic|an insane person
lunatic fringe|a political unit with extreme and fanatical views
lunch|a midday meal
lunch meat|any of various sausages or molded loaf meats sliced and served cold
luncheon meeting|a meeting for lunch;usually to conduct business while eating
luncher|someone who is eating lunch
lunching|the act of eating lunch
lunchroom|a restaurant (in a facility) where lunch can be purchased
lunchtime|the customary or habitual hour for eating lunch - "he observed a regular lunchtime"
Lund|a city in southern Sweden
Lunda|puffins
lunette|oval or circular opening;to allow light into a dome or vault;temporary fortification like a detached bastion
lung|either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates;serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood
lung cancer|carcinoma of the lungs;one of the commonest forms of cancer
lunge|(fencing) an attacking thrust made with one foot forward and the back leg straight and with the sword arm outstretched forward
lunger|someone who moves forward suddenly (as in fencing)
lungfish|air-breathing fish having an elongated body and fleshy paired fins;certain species construct mucus-lined mud coverings in which to survive drought
lungi|a long piece of brightly colored cloth (cotton or silk) used as clothing (a skirt or loincloth or sash etc.) in India and Pakistan and Burma
lungless salamander|mostly terrestrial salamanders that breathe through their thin moist skin;lay eggs in moist places on land;rarely enter water
lung-power|the ability to speak loudly
lunisolar calendar|a calendar based on both lunar and solar cycles
lunitidal interval|interval between the moon's transit of a particular meridian and the next high tide at that meridian
Lunt|United States actor who performed with his wife Lynn Fontanne in many stage productions (1893-1977)
lunula|a crescent-shaped metal ornament of the Bronze Age
Luo|a Nilotic language
Luoyang|a city in east central China;the capital of ancient China during several dynasties
lupine|any plant of the genus Lupinus;bearing erect spikes of usually purplish-blue flowers
Lupinus|herbs or shrubs;lupin
Lupus|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Centaurus;any of several forms of ulcerative skin disease
lupus erythematosus|a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
lupus vulgaris|tuberculosis of the skin;appears first on the face and heals slowly leaving deep scars
lurch|a decisive defeat in a game (especially in cribbage);abrupt up-and-down motion (as caused by a ship or other conveyance);an unsteady uneven gait;the act of moving forward suddenly
lure|qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward
lurker|someone waiting in concealment
lurking place|a place suitable for lurking
Lusaka|the capital and largest city of Zambia
Luscinia|nightingales
Lushun|a major port city in northeastern China on the Liaodong Peninsula;now a part of Luda
Lusitania|ancient region and Roman province on the Iberian Peninsula;corresponds roughly to modern Portugal and parts of Spain
lust|self-indulgent sexual desire (personified as one of the deadly sins)
luster|a quality that outshines the usual;a surface coating for ceramics or porcelain
lusterware|pottery with a metallic sheen produced by adding metallic oxides to the glaze
lustrum|a ceremonial purification of the Roman population every five years following the census;a period of five years
lute|a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid;chordophone consisting of a plucked instrument having a pear-shaped body, a usually bent neck, and a fretted fingerboard
lutefisk|dried cod soaked in a lye solution before boiling to give it a gelatinous consistency
luteinizing hormone|a gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary;stimulates ovulation in female mammals and stimulates androgen release in male mammals
lutetium|a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group;usually occurs in association with yttrium
Luther|German theologian who led the Reformation;believed that salvation is granted on the basis of faith rather than deeds (1483-1546)
Lutheran|follower of Lutheranism
Lutheran Church|the Protestant denomination adhering to the views of Martin Luther
Lutheranism|teachings of Martin Luther emphasizing the cardinal doctrine of justification by faith alone
luthier|a craftsman who makes stringed instruments (as lutes or guitars or violins)
lutist|a musician who plays the lute
Lutjanidae|snappers
Lutjanus|type genus of the Lutjanidae;snappers
Lutra|in some classifications considered a genus of the subfamily Lutrinae
Lutrinae|subdivision not used in some classifications;otters
Lutyens|English architect who planned the city of New Delhi (1869-1944)
Lutzen|a battle in the Thirty Years' War (1632);Swedes under Gustavus Adolphus defeated the Holy Roman Empire under Wallenstein;Gustavus Adolphus was killed
Luvaridae|louvars
Luvarus|type genus of the Luvaridae
Luwian|an Anatolian language
lux|a unit of illumination equal to 1 lumen per square meter;0.0929 foot candle
luxation|displacement or misalignment of a joint or organ
Luxembourg|a grand duchy (a constitutional monarchy) landlocked in northwestern Europe between France and Belgium and Germany;an international financial center
Luxembourg franc|formerly the basic unit of money in Luxembourg
Luxembourg-Ville|the capital and largest city of Luxembourg
Luxemburger|a native or inhabitant of Luxembourg
Luxor|a city in central Egypt on the east bank of the Nile that is a center for visitors to the ruins of and around Thebes
luxuriance|the property of being lush and abundant and a pleasure to the senses
luxuriation|an activity that affords excessive pleasure and enjoyment
luxury|something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity;wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
luxury liner|a liner equipped for sumptuous living
Luyia|a Bantu language
Luzon|the main island of the Philippines
lwei|100 lwei equal 1 kwanza in Angola
Lycaena|type genus of the Lycaenidae;small slender butterflies with upper surface of wings usually metallic blue or green or copper
lycaenid|any of various butterflies of the family Lycaenidae
Lycaenidae|family of small usually brilliantly colored butterflies;males have short forelegs
Lycaeon|African hunting dog
lycanthropy|(folklore) the magical ability of a person to assume the characteristics of a wolf
lyceum|a public hall for lectures and concerts
lychgate|a roofed gate to a churchyard, formerly used as a temporary shelter for the bier during funerals
lychnis|mostly perennial herbs with sticky stems that catch insects;widespread in north temperate zone
Lycia|an ancient region on the coast of southwest Asia Minor
Lycian|an Anatolian language
Lycium|deciduous and evergreen shrubs often spiny;cosmopolitan in temperate and subtropical regions
lycopene|carotenoid that makes tomatoes red;may lower the risk of prostate cancer
Lycoperdaceae|a fungus family belonging to the order Lycoperdales;includes puffballs
Lycoperdales|small order of basidiomycetous fungi having fleshy often globose fruiting bodies;includes puffballs and earthstars
Lycoperdon|genus of fungi whose fruiting body tapers toward a base consisting of spongy mycelium
Lycopersicon|tomatoes
Lycophyta|used in some classifications for the class Lycopsida;club mosses
Lycopodiaceae|a family of ferns belonging to the order Lycopodiales
Lycopodiales|lower vascular plants coextensive with the family Lycopodiaceae;in some classifications includes the Selaginellaceae and Isoetaceae
Lycopodineae|alternative designation for the class Lycopsida
Lycopodium|type and sole genus of the Lycopodiaceae;erect or creeping evergreen plants often used for Christmas decorations
Lycopsida|club mosses and related forms;includes Lycopodiales;Isoetales;Selaginellales;and extinct Lepidodendrales;sometimes considered a subdivision of Tracheophyta
Lycopus|small genus of herbs of the mint family
Lycosa|type genus of the family Lycosidae
Lycosidae|wolf spiders
Lydia|an ancient region on the coast of western Asia Minor;a powerful kingdom until conquered by the Persians in 546 BC
Lydian|an Anatolian language
lye|a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
lye hominy|hominy prepared by bleaching in lye
lygaeid|a true bug;usually bright-colored;pest of cultivated crops and some fruit trees
Lygaeidae|lygaeid bugs
Lyginopteris|genus of fossil seed ferns of the Carboniferous
Lygodium|chiefly tropical climbing ferns
Lygus|plant-sucking bugs
lygus bug|vector of viral plant diseases
lying|the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
Lyly|English writer noted for his elaborate style (1554-1606)
Lymantria|type genus of the Lymantriidae;a pest (Lymantria means 'destroyer')
lymantriid|dull-colored moth whose larvae have tufts of hair on the body and feed on the leaves of many deciduous trees
Lymantriidae|tussock moths
Lyme disease|an acute inflammatory disease characterized by a rash with joint swelling and fever;caused by bacteria carried by the bite of a deer tick
lyme grass|a grass of the genus Elymus
lymph|a thin coagulable fluid (similar to plasma but) containing white blood cells (lymphocytes) and chyle;is conveyed to the blood stream by lymphatic vessels
lymph node|the source of lymph and lymphocytes
lymph vessel|a vascular duct that carries lymph which is eventually added to the venous blood circulation
lymphadenitis|inflammation of lymph nodes
lymphadenoma|an abnormally enlarged lymph node
lymphadenopathy|chronic abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes (usually associated with disease)
lymphangiectasia|dilatation of a lymph vessel
lymphangiogram|an angiogram of the lymph nodes and lymph vessels made after the injection of a radiopaque substance
lymphangiography|roentgenographic examination of lymph nodes and lymph vessels after injection of a radiopaque contrast medium;produces a lymphangiogram
lymphangioma|benign angioma consisting of a mass of lymphatic vessels
lymphangitis|inflammation of a lymph vessel
lymphatic system|the interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body
lymphatic tissue|tissue making up the lymphatic system
lymphedema|swelling (usually in the legs) caused by lymph accumulating in the tissues in the affected areas
lymphoblast|an immature lymphocyte
lymphoblastic leukemia|a form of lymphocytic leukemia in which the abnormal cells in the circulating blood are almost totally lymphoblasts
lymphocyte|an agranulocytic leukocyte that normally makes up a quarter of the white blood cell count but increases in the presence of infection
lymphocytic choriomeningitis|a form of viral meningitis caused by a virus carried by the common house mouse
lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus|the RNA virus that causes lymphocytic choriomeningitis;infects mice and monkeys and dogs and guinea pigs and human beings
lymphocytic leukemia|leukemia characterized by enlargement of lymphoid tissues and lymphocytic cells in the circulating blood
lymphocytopenia|an abnormally small number of lymphocytes in the circulating blood
lymphocytosis|an abnormal increase in the number of lymphocytes in the circulating blood
lymphogranuloma|swelling of a lymph node
lymphogranuloma venereum|infectious disease caused by a species of chlamydia bacterium;transmitted by sexual contact;characterized by genital lesions and swelling of lymph nodes in the groin
lymphokine|a cytokine secreted by helper T cells in response to stimulation by antigens and that acts on other cells of the immune system (as by activating macrophages)
lymphoma|a neoplasm of lymph tissue that is usually malignant;one of the four major types of cancer
lymphopoiesis|the formation of lymphocytes in the bone marrow and lymph nodes and thymus and spleen
lymphuria|the presence of lymph in the urine
lynch law|the practice of punishing people by hanging without due process of law
lynch mob|a mob that kills a person for some presumed offense without legal authority
Lynchburg|a city in central Virginia
lynching|putting a person to death by mob action without due process of law
lynx|a text browser;short-tailed wildcats with usually tufted ears;valued for their fur
Lyon|a city in east-central France on the Rhone River;a principal producer of silk and rayon
Lyonia|evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees of United States to Antilles and eastern Asia to the Himalaya
Lyonnais|a former province of east central France;now administered by Rhone-Alpes
Lyonnaise sauce|brown sauce with sauteed chopped onions and parsley and dry white wine or vinegar
Lyons|the council in 1274 that effected a temporary reunion of the Greek Orthodox with the Roman Catholic Church;the council of the Western Church in 1245 that excommunicated Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and planned a new crusade against the Holy Land
lypressin|an antidiuretic and vasoconstrictor used to treat diabetes insipidus
Lyra|a small constellation in the northern hemisphere near Cygnus and Draco;contains the star Vega
lyrate leaf|a simple leaf having curvature suggestive of a lyre
lyre|a harp used by ancient Greeks for accompaniment
lyre snake|mildly venomous snake with a lyre-shaped mark on the head;found in rocky areas from southwestern United States to Central America
lyrebird|Australian bird that resembles a pheasant;the courting male displays long tail feathers in a lyre shape
lyric|a short poem of songlike quality;the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number - "his compositions always started with the lyrics"
lyricality|the property of being suitable for singing
lyricism|unrestrained and exaggerated enthusiasm
lyricist|a person who writes the words for songs
Lyrurus|black grouse
Lysander|Spartan general who defeated the Athenians in the final battle of the Peloponnesian War (died in 395 BC)
Lysenko|Soviet geneticist whose adherence to Lamarck's theory of evolution was favored by Stalin (1898-1976)
lysergic acid|a crystalline acid often used in medical research;obtained from ergotic alkaloids
lysergic acid diethylamide|a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
Lysichiton|skunk cabbage
Lysiloma|small genus of tropical American trees and shrubs with pinnate leaves and flat straight pods
Lysimachia|loosestrife;a cosmopolitan genus found in damp or swampy terrain having usually yellow flowers;inclined to be invasive
Lysimachus|Macedonian general under Alexander the Great;with Seleucus he defeated Antigonus and Demetrius at the battle of Ipsus (circa 355-281 BC)
lysin|any substance (such as an antibody) or agent that can cause lysis
lysine|an essential amino acid found in proteins;occurs especially in gelatin and casein
lysine intolerance|a disorder in which a lack of certain enzymes makes it impossible to digest the amino acid lysine
lysinemia|an inborn error of metabolism in which the lack of certain enzymes leads to an inability to metabolize the amino acid lysine;characterized by muscular weakness and mental retardation
Lysippus|Greek sculptor (4th century BC)
lysis|(biochemistry) dissolution or destruction of cells such as blood cells or bacteria;recuperation in which the symptoms of an acute disease gradually subside
lysogenization|the process by which a bacterium acquires a phage that becomes integrated into its genome
lysogeny|the condition of a host bacterium that has incorporated a phage into its own genetic material - "when a phage infects a bacterium it can either destroy its host or be incorporated in the host genome in a state of lysogeny"
Lysol|a clear oily brown solution of cresols in soap;used as an antiseptic and disinfectant
lysosome|an organelle found in the cytoplasm of most cells (especially in leukocytes and liver and kidney cells)
lysozyme|an enzyme found in saliva and sweat and tears that destroys the cell walls of certain bacteria
lyssavirus|a neurotropic non-arbovirus of the family Rhabdoviridae that causes rabies
Lythraceae|herbs and shrubs and small trees with pink or purple flowers
Lythrum|loosestrife
Lytton|English writer of historical romances (1803-1873)
M|the 13th letter of the Roman alphabet
M1|a measure of the money supply;includes currency in circulation plus demand deposits or checking account balances
M2|a measure of the money supply;M1 plus net time deposits (other than large certificates of deposit)
M3|a measure of the money supply;M2 plus deposits at institutions that are not banks (such as savings and loan associations)
ma|informal terms for a mother
Maalox|an antacid
maar|a flat-bottomed volcanic crater that was formed by an explosion;often filled with water
Macaca|macaques;rhesus monkeys
macadam|broken stone used in macadamized roadways
macadamia|any tree of the genus Macadamia
Macadamia integrifolia|medium-sized tree of eastern Australia having creamy-white flowers
macadamia nut|nutlike seed with sweet and crisp white meat;small Australian tree with racemes of pink flowers;widely cultivated (especially in Hawaii) for its sweet edible nuts
Macao|a former Portuguese province on the south coast of China and two islands in the South China Sea;reverted to China in 1999
Macao monetary unit|monetary unit in Macao
macaque|short-tailed monkey of rocky regions of Asia and Africa
macaroni|a British dandy in the 18th century who affected Continental mannerisms - "Yankee Doodle stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni";pasta in the form of slender tubes
macaroni and cheese|macaroni prepared in a cheese sauce
macaroni salad|having macaroni as the base
macaroon|chewy cookie usually containing almond paste
MacArthur|United States general who served as chief of staff and commanded Allied forces in the South Pacific during World War II;he accepted the surrender of Japan (1880-1964)
Macaulay|English historian noted for his history of England (1800-1859)
macaw|long-tailed brilliantly colored parrot of Central America and South America;among the largest and showiest of parrots
Macbeth|king of Scotland (died in 1057)
MacDowell|United States composer best remembered as a composer of works for the piano (1860-1908)
Mace|(trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person;prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization;a ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of office or authority;spice made from the dried fleshy covering of the nutmeg seed
macebearer|an official who carries a mace of office
macedoine|mixed diced fruits or vegetables;hot or cold
Macedon|the ancient kingdom of Philip II and Alexander the Great in the southeastern Balkans that is now divided among modern Macedonia and Greece and Bulgaria
Macedonia|landlocked republic on the Balkan Peninsula;achieved independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
Macedonian|a native or inhabitant of Macedon;the Slavic language of modern Macedonia
Macedonian War|one the four wars between Macedonia and Rome in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, which ended in the defeat of Macedonia and its annexation as a Roman province
maceration|softening due to soaking or steeping
MacGregor|Scottish clan leader and outlaw who was the subject of a 1817 novel by Sir Walter Scott (1671-1734)
Mach|Austrian physicist and philosopher who introduced the Mach number and who founded logical positivism (1838-1916)
Mach number|the ratio of the speed of a moving body to the speed of sound
Machaeranthera|wildflowers of western North America
machete|a large heavy knife used in Central and South America as a weapon or for cutting vegetation
Machiavelli|a statesman of Florence who advocated a strong central government (1469-1527)
Machiavellian|a follower of Machiavelli's principles
Machiavellianism|the political doctrine of Machiavelli;any means (however unscrupulous) can be used by a ruler in order to create and maintain his autocratic government
machicolation|a projecting parapet supported by corbels on a medieval castle;has openings through which stones or boiling water could be dropped on an enemy
Machilidae|jumping bristletails
machine|a device for overcoming resistance at one point by applying force at some other point;a group that controls the activities of a political party - "he was endorsed by the Democratic machine";an efficient person - "the boxer was a magnificent fighting machine";an intricate organization that accomplishes its goals efficiently - "the war machine";any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
machine bolt|a bolt with a square or hexagonal head on one end and a threaded shaft on the other end;tightened with a wrench;used to connect metal parts
machine code|a set of instructions coded so that the computer can use it directly without further translation
machine gun|a rapidly firing automatic gun (often mounted)
machine politician|a politician who belongs to a small clique that controls a political party for private rather than public ends
machine readable dictionary|a machine-readable version of a standard dictionary;organized alphabetically
machine screw|a screw used either with a nut or with a tapped hole;slotted head can be driven by a screwdriver
machine shop|workshop where metal is cut and shaped etc., by machine tools
machine stitch|a sewing stitch made by a sewing machine, sometimes using more than one thread
machine tool|a powered machine for cutting or shaping or finishing metals or other materials
machine translation|the use of computers to translate from one language to another
machine-displayable text|electronic text that is stored and used in the form of a digital image
machine-readable text|electronic text that is stored as strings of characters and that can be displayed in a variety of formats
machinery|a system of means and activities whereby a social institution functions - "the complex machinery of negotiation" - "the machinery of command labored and brought forth an order";machines or machine systems collectively
machinist|a craftsman skilled in operating machine tools
machinist's vise|a vise with two parallel iron jaws and a wide opening below
machismo|exaggerated masculinity
machmeter|speedometer for measuring the speed of an aircraft relative to the speed of sound
macho|a male exhibiting or characterized by machismo
Machu Picchu|Inca fortress city in the Andes in Peru discovered in 1911;it may have been built in the 15th century
Machupo virus|the RNA virus that causes Bolivian hemorrhagic fever;carried by rats and mice
macintosh|a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
Mackem|a native of Sunderland
Mackenzie|a Canadian river;flows into the Beaufort Sea;Canadian explorer (born in England) who explored the Mackenzie River and who was first to cross North America by land north of Mexico (1764-1820)
mackerel|any of various fishes of the family Scombridae;flesh of very important usually small (to 18 in) fatty Atlantic fish
mackerel scad|small silvery fish;Nova Scotia to Brazil
mackerel shark|fierce pelagic and oceanic sharks
mackerel sky|a sky filled with rows of cirrocumulus or small altocumulus clouds
Mackinac Bridge|a suspension bridge across the channel between the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan
mackinaw|a flat-bottomed boat used on upper Great Lakes;a heavy woolen cloth heavily napped and felted, often with a plaid design;a short plaid coat made of made of thick woolen material;a thick plaid blanket formerly used in the northwestern United States
mackintosh|a lightweight waterproof (usually rubberized) fabric
mackle|a printed impression that is blurred or doubled
Macleaya|a perennial herb of eastern Asia;plume poppy
MacLeish|United States poet (1892-1982)
Macleod|Scottish physiologist who directed the research by F. G. Banting and C. H. Best that led to the discovery of insulin (1876-1935)
Maclura|yellowwood trees or shrubs
Macon|a city in central Georgia to the southeast of Atlanta;fine Burgundy wine usually white and dry
Macoun|similar to McIntosh;juicy and late-ripening
Macowanites|a stout-stemmed genus of fungus belonging to the family Secotiaceae having fruiting bodies that never expand completely
Macowanites americanus|a small fungus with a fragile cap that cracks to expose the white context and a white stalk that is practically enclosed by the cap
macrame|a relatively coarse lace;made by weaving and knotting cords
macrencephaly|an abnormally large braincase
macro|a single computer instruction that results in a series of instructions in machine language
macrobiotic diet|a diet consisting chiefly of beans and whole grains
macrobiotics|the theory of promoting health and longevity by means of diet (especially whole beans and grains)
Macrocephalon|maleos
macrocephaly|an abnormally large head;differs from hydrocephalus because there is no increased intracranial pressure and the overgrowth is symmetrical
Macrocheira|giant crabs of Japan
Macroclemys|includes the alligator snapping turtle
macrocytic anemia|anemia in which the average size of erythrocytes is larger than normal
macrocytosis|the presence of macrocytes in the blood
Macrodactylus|a genus of Melolonthidae
macroeconomics|the branch of economics that studies the overall working of a national economy
macroeconomist|an economist who specializes in macroeconomics
macroevolution|evolution on a large scale extending over geologic era and resulting in the formation of new taxonomic groups
macroglossia|a congenital disorder characterized by an abnormally large tongue;often seen in cases of Down's syndrome
macromolecule|any very large complex molecule;found only in plants and animals
macron|a diacritical mark (-) placed above a vowel to indicate a long sound
Macronectes|giant petrels
macrophage|a large phagocyte;some are fixed and other circulate in the blood stream
Macropodidae|kangaroos;wallabies
Macropus|type genus of the family Macropodidae;typical kangaroos and wallabies
Macrorhamphosidae|bellows fishes
Macrothelypteris|medium to large terrestrial ferns of tropical Asia to Polynesia and Australia;naturalized in Americas
Macrotis|a genus of Peramelidae
macrotus|large-eared greyish bat of southern California and northwestern Mexico
Macrotyloma|annual or perennial vines of Africa and India and Australia;plants often placed in genus Dolichos
Macrouridae|grenadiers
macrozamia|any treelike cycad of the genus Macrozamia having erect trunks and pinnate leaves and large cones with sometimes edible nuts;Australia
Macrozoarces|a genus of Zoarcidae
macula|a small yellowish central area of the retina that is rich in cones and that mediates clear detailed vision
macular degeneration|eye disease caused by degeneration of the cells of the macula lutea and results in blurred vision;can cause blindness
macular edema|an eye disease caused by a swelling of the macula resulting from leakage and accumulation of fluid
macule|a patch of skin that is discolored but not usually elevated;caused by various diseases
macumba|(Brazil) followers of a religious cult of African origin;a Brazilian religious cult of African origin;combines voodoo elements with singing and chanting and dancing;popular dance music of Brazil;derived from the practices of the macumba religious cult
macushla|(an Irish term of address expressing affection) darling
Madagascan|a native or inhabitant of Madagascar
Madagascar|a republic on the island of Madagascar;achieved independence from France in 1960;an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa;the 4th largest island in the world
Madagascar cat|small lemur having its tail barred with black
Madagascar franc|the basic unit of money in Madagascar
Madagascar jasmine|twining woody vine of Madagascar having thick dark waxy evergreen leaves and clusters of large fragrant waxy white flowers along the stems;widely cultivated in warm regions
madam|a woman who runs a house of prostitution
madame|title used for a married Frenchwoman
madder|Eurasian herb having small yellow flowers and red roots formerly an important source of the dye alizarin
madderwort|any of numerous trees or shrubs or vines of the family Rubiaceae
Madeira|a Brazilian river;tributary of the Amazon River;an amber dessert wine from the Madeira Islands;an island in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa;the largest of the Madeira Islands
Madeira cake|a rich sponge cake with close texture;intended to be eaten with a glass of Madeira wine
Madeira Islands|a group of volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean to the west of Morocco;the group forms an autonomous region of Portugal
Madia|genus of sticky herbs with yellow flowers open in morning or evening but closed in bright light
madia oil|used as a substitute for olive oil
Madison|4th President of the United States;member of the Continental Congress and rapporteur at the Constitutional Convention in 1776;helped frame the Bill of Rights (1751-1836);capital of the state of Wisconsin;located in the southern part of state;site of the main branch of the University of Wisconsin
madness|unrestrained excitement or enthusiasm - "poetry is a sort of divine madness"
Madonna|United States pop singer and sex symbol during the 1980s (born in 1958)
Madonna lily|lily of eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans with broad funnel-shaped white flowers
Madoqua|genus comprising some small antelopes of eastern and northeastern Africa
madras|a light patterned cotton cloth
madrasa|Muslim schools in Bangladesh and Pakistan - "the Pakistan government decided to close down madrasas that provided military training for their students" - "many madrasas in Bangladesh are supported with money from Saudi Arabia"
Madreporaria|stony corals
Madrid|the capital and largest city situated centrally in Spain;home of an outstanding art museum
madrigal|an unaccompanied partsong for 2 or 3 voices;follows a strict poetic form
madrigalist|a singer of madrigals
madrilene|a tomato-flavored consomme;often served chilled
madrona|evergreen tree of the Pacific coast of North America having glossy leathery leaves and orange-red edible berries;wood used for furniture and bark for tanning
madwoman|a woman lunatic
Mae West|an inflatable life jacket
Maeandra|brain corals
maenad|(Greek mythology) a woman participant in the orgiastic rites of Dionysus;an unnaturally frenzied or distraught woman
maestro|an artist of consummate skill
Maeterlinck|Belgian playwright (1862-1949)
Mafia|a crime syndicate in the United States;organized in families;believed to have important relations to the Sicilian Mafia;a secret terrorist group in Sicily;originally opposed tyranny but evolved into a criminal organization in the middle of the 19th century;any tightly knit group of trusted associates
mafioso|a member of the Mafia crime syndicate in the United States;a member of the Sicilian Mafia
Magadhan|a subfamily of Indic languages
magazine|a business firm that publishes magazines - "he works for a magazine";a light-tight supply chamber holding the film and supplying it for exposure as required;a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it - "it takes several years before a magazine starts to break even or make money";a storehouse (as a compartment on a warship) where weapons and ammunition are stored;product consisting of a paperback periodic publication as a physical object - "tripped over a pile of magazines"
magazine article|an article published in a magazine
magazine rack|a rack for displaying magazines
magdalen|a reformed prostitute
Magdalena|a river that rises in the Andes mountains in southwestern Colombia and flows generally northward to empty into the Caribbean Sea at Barranquilla
Magellan|Portuguese navigator in the service of Spain;he commanded an expedition that was the first to circumnavigate the world (1480-1521)
Magellanic Cloud|either of two small galaxies orbiting the Milky Way;visible near the south celestial pole
Magenta|a battle in 1859 in which the French and Sardinian forces under Napoleon III defeated the Austrians under Francis Joseph I;a primary subtractive color for light;a dark purple-red color;the dye for magenta was discovered in 1859, the year of the battle of Magenta
maggot|the larva of the housefly and blowfly commonly found in decaying organic matter
Magh|the eleventh month of the Hindu calendar;corresponds to January in the Gregorian calendar
Maghreb|the region of northwest Africa comprising the Atlas Mountains and the coastlands of Morocco and Algeria and Tunisia
magic|any art that invokes supernatural powers
magic bullet|a remedy (drug or therapy or preventive) that cures or prevents a disease - "there is no magic bullet against cancer"
magic lantern|an early form of slide projector
magic number|the atomic number of an extra stable strongly bound atomic nucleus;2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82 or 126
magic realism|a literary or artistic genre in which realistic narrative or meticulously realistic painting are combined with surreal elements of fantasy or dreams
magic square|a square matrix of n rows and columns;the first n^2 integers are arranged in the cells of the matrix in such a way that the sum of any row or column or diagonal is the same
magic trick|an illusory feat;considered magical by naive observers
magical ability|an ability to perform magic
magician|someone who performs magic tricks to amuse an audience
Magicicada|seventeen-year locust
Maginot|French politician who proposed the Maginot Line (1877-1932)
Maginot Line|a fortification built before World War II to protect France's eastern border;initially considered to be impregnable, it was easily overrun by the German army in 1940
magistracy|the position of magistrate
magistrate|a lay judge or civil authority who administers the law (especially one who conducts a court dealing with minor offenses)
magma|molten rock in the earth's crust
Magna Carta|the royal charter of political rights given to rebellious English barons by King John in 1215
magnesite|a white mineral consisting of magnesium carbonate;a source of magnesium
magnesium|a light silver-white ductile bivalent metallic element;in pure form it burns with brilliant white flame;occurs naturally only in combination (as in magnesite and dolomite and carnallite and spinel and olivine)
magnesium bicarbonate|a bicarbonate that is a major cause of hard water
magnesium carbonate|a very white crystalline salt that occurs naturally as magnesite or as dolomite
magnesium hydroxide|a white crystalline powder used chiefly in medicines
magnesium nitride|a nitride containing nitrogen and magnesium
magnesium sulfate|a salt of magnesium
magnet|(physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field
magnetic bottle|container consisting of any configuration of magnetic fields used to contain a plasma during controlled thermonuclear reactions
magnetic bubble memory|a nonvolatile storage device that holds information in the form of bubbles on a thin film of magnetic silicate;no longer used in most computers
magnetic compass|compass based on an indicator (as a magnetic needle) that points to the magnetic north
magnetic core memory|(computer science) a computer memory consisting of an array of magnetic cores;now superseded by semiconductor memories
magnetic declination|the angle (at a particular location) between magnetic north and true north
magnetic dipole|a dipole with opposing magnetic poles
magnetic dipole moment|(physics) a current loop gives rise to a magnetic field characteristic of a magnetic dipole - "An orbiting electron in an atom will have a magnetic dipole moment"
magnetic disk|(computer science) a memory device consisting of a flat disk covered with a magnetic coating on which information is stored
magnetic field|the lines of force surrounding a permanent magnet or a moving charged particle
magnetic field strength|the amount of magnetic flux in a unit area perpendicular to the direction of magnetic flow
magnetic flux|a measure of the strength of a magnetic field over a given area
magnetic head|an electromagnet (as on a tape recorder) that converts electrical variations into magnetic variations that can be stored on a surface and later retrieved
magnetic ink|an ink that contains particles of a magnetic substance whose presence can be detected by magnetic sensors
magnetic levitation|high-speed rail technology;train is suspended on a magnetic cushion above a magnetized track and so travels free of friction
magnetic line of force|a line of force in a magnetic field
magnetic meridian|an imaginary line passing through both magnetic poles of the Earth
magnetic mine|(nautical) a marine mine that is detonated by a mechanism that responds to magnetic material (as the steel hull of a ship)
magnetic moment|the torque exerted on a magnet or dipole when it is placed in a magnetic field
magnetic monopole|a hypothetical particle with a single magnetic pole instead of the usual two
magnetic needle|a slender magnet suspended in a magnetic compass on a mounting with little friction;used to indicate the direction of the earth's magnetic pole
magnetic pole|either of two points where the lines of force of the Earth's magnetic field are vertical
magnetic recorder|recorder consisting of equipment for making records on magnetic media
magnetic resonance|resonance of electrons or atoms or molecules or nuclei to radiation frequencies as a result of space quantization in a magnetic field
magnetic resonance imaging|the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
magnetic storage medium|any storage medium in which different patterns of magnetization are used to represent stored bits or bytes of information
magnetic storm|a sudden disturbance of the earth's magnetic field;caused by emission of particles from the sun
magnetic stripe|a short strip of magnetic tape attached to a credit card or debit card;it contains data that will tell a reading device who you are and what your account number is, etc.
magnetic tape|memory device consisting of a long thin plastic strip coated with iron oxide;used to record audio or video signals or to store computer information
magnetism|attraction for iron;associated with electric currents as well as magnets;characterized by fields of force;the branch of science that studies magnetism
magnetite|an oxide of iron that is strongly attracted by magnets
magnetization|the extent or degree to which something is magnetized;the physical property of being magnetic;the process that makes a substance magnetic (temporarily or permanently)
magneto|a small dynamo with a secondary winding that produces a high voltage enabling a spark to jump between the poles of a spark plug in a gasoline engine
magnetograph|a scientific instrument that registers magnetic variations (especially variations of the earth's magnetic field)
magnetohydrodynamics|the study of the interaction of magnetic fields and electrically conducting fluids (as plasma or molten metal)
magnetometer|a meter to compare strengths of magnetic fields
magnetomotive force|the force that produces magnetic flux
magnetomotive force unit|a unit of measurement of magnetomotive force
magneton|a unit of magnetic moment of a molecular or atomic or subatomic particle
magnetosphere|the magnetic field of a planet;the volume around the planet in which charged particles are subject more to the planet's magnetic field than to the solar magnetic field
magnetron|a diode vacuum tube in which the flow of electrons from a central cathode to a cylindrical anode is controlled by crossed magnetic and electric fields;used mainly in microwave oscillators
Magnificat|(Luke) the canticle of the Virgin Mary (from Luke 1;46 beginning 'Magnificat anima mea Dominum')
magnification|the act of expanding something in apparent size;the ratio of the size of an image to the size of the object
magnificence|the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand - "for magnificence and personal service there is the Queen's hotel"
magnifico|a person of distinguished rank or appearance
magnifier|a scientific instrument that magnifies an image
magnitude|relative importance - "a problem of the first magnitude";the property of relative size or extent (whether large or small) - "they tried to predict the magnitude of the explosion" - "about the magnitude of a small pea"
magnitude relation|a relation between magnitudes
magnolia|any shrub or tree of the genus Magnolia;valued for their longevity and exquisite fragrant blooms;dried bark of various magnolias;used in folk medicine
Magnoliaceae|subclass Magnoliidae;genera Liriodendron, Magnolia, and Manglietia
magnoliid dicot family|family of dicotyledonous flowering plants regarded as among the most primitive of extant angiosperms
magnoliid dicot genus|genus of dicotyledonous flowering plants regarded as among the most primitive of extant angiosperms
Magnoliidae|a group of families of trees and shrubs and herbs having well-developed perianths and apocarpous ovaries and generally regarded as the most primitive extant flowering plants;contains 36 families including Magnoliaceae and Ranunculaceae;sometimes classified as a superorder
magnum|a large wine bottle for liquor or wine
magnum opus|a great work of art or literature
magnus hitch|a rolling hitch similar to a clove hitch
magpie|long-tailed black-and-white crow that utters a raucous chattering call;someone who collects things that have been discarded by others
Magritte|Belgian surrealist painter (1898-1967)
maguey|Mexican plant used especially for making pulque which is the source of the colorless Mexican liquor, mescal;Philippine plant yielding a hard fibre used in making coarse twine
magus|a magician or sorcerer of ancient times;a member of the Zoroastrian priesthood of the ancient Persians
Mahabharata|(Hinduism) a sacred epic Sanskrit poem of India dealing in many episodes with the struggle between two rival families
Mahan|United States naval officer and historian (1840-1914)
maharaja|a great raja;a Hindu prince or king in India ranking above a raja
maharani|a great rani;a princess in India or the wife of a maharaja
Maharashtra|a historical area in west-central India
mahatma|(Hinduism) term of respect for a brahmin sage
Mahayana|a major school of Buddhism teaching social concern and universal salvation;China;Japan;Tibet;Nepal;Korea;Mongolia;one of two great schools of Buddhist doctrine emphasizing a common search for universal salvation especially through faith alone;the dominant religion of China and Tibet and Japan
Mahayanism|the religious doctrine of Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayanist|an adherent of Mahayana Buddhism
Mahdi|(Islam) a messianic leader who (according to popular Muslim belief) will appear before the end of the world and restore justice and religion
Mahdism|belief in the appearance of the Mahdi;devotion to a Mahdi
Mahdist|an adherent of Mahdism
Mah-Jongg|Chinese game played by 4 people with 144 tiles
Mahler|Austrian composer and conductor (1860-1911)
mahoe|shrubby tree widely distributed along tropical shores;yields a light tough wood used for canoe outriggers and a fiber used for cordage and caulk;often cultivated for ornament
mahogany|any of various tropical timber trees of the family Meliaceae especially the genus Swietinia valued for their hard yellowish- to reddish-brown wood that is readily worked and takes a high polish;wood of any of various mahogany trees;much used for cabinetwork and furniture
Mahonia|evergreen shrubs and small trees of North and Central America and Asia
mahout|the driver and keeper of an elephant
mahuang|Chinese ephedra yielding ephedrine
Maianthemum|sometimes placed in family Convallariaceae;false lily of the valley
maid|a female domestic;an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
maiden aunt|an unmarried aunt
maiden blue-eyed Mary|small widely branching western plant with tiny blue-and-white flowers;British Columbia to Ontario and south to California and Colorado
maiden flight|the first flight of its kind - "the Stealth bomber made its maiden flight in 1989"
maiden name|a woman's surname before marriage
maiden over|(cricket) an over in which no runs are scored
maiden pink|low-growing loosely mat-forming Eurasian pink with a single pale pink flower with a crimson center
maiden voyage|the first voyage of its kind - "in 1912 the ocean liner Titanic sank on its maiden voyage"
maidenhair|any of various small to large terrestrial ferns of the genus Adiantum having delicate palmately branched fronds
maidenhair spleenwort|small rock-inhabiting fern of northern temperate zone and Hawaii with pinnate fronds
maidenliness|behavior befitting a young maiden
Maidu|a member of a North American Indian people living east of the Sacramento river in California
Maiduguri|a city in northeastern Nigeria;an agricultural trading center
maigre|large European marine food fish
mail|a conveyance that transports the letters and packages that are conveyed by the postal system;any particular collection of letters or packages that is delivered - "your mail is on the table";the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service;the system whereby messages are transmitted via the post office - "the mail handles billions of items every day" - "he works for the United States mail service" - "in England they call mail 'the post'"
mail call|a call of names of those receiving mail
mail car|a railway car in which mail is transported and sorted
mail fraud|use of the mails to defraud someone
mail order|a purchase negotiated by mail
mail slot|a slot (usually in a door) through which mail can be delivered
mail train|a train that carries mail
mailbag|letter carrier's shoulder bag - "in Britain they call a mailbag a postbag";pouch used in the shipment of mail
mailboat|a boat for carrying mail
mailbox|a private box for delivery of mail
maildrop|a drop where mail can be deposited
mailer|a container for something to be mailed;a person who mails something;an advertisement that is sent by mail;United States writer (born in 1923)
mailing|mail sent by a sender at one time - "the candidate sent out three large mailings";the transmission of a letter - "the postmark indicates the time of mailing"
mailing address|the address where a person or organization can be communicated with
mailing list|a list of names and addresses to which advertising material is mailed
Maillol|French sculptor of monumental female nudes (1861-1944)
maillot|a woman's one-piece bathing suit;tights for dancers or gymnasts
mailman|a man who delivers the mail
mail-order buying|buying goods to be shipped through the mail
mailsorter|a sorter for sorting mail according to the address
Maimonides|Spanish philosopher considered the greatest Jewish scholar of the Middle Ages who codified Jewish law in the Talmud (1135-1204)
main|a principal pipe in a system that distributes water or gas or electricity or that collects sewage;any very large body of (salt) water
main clause|a clause in a complex sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence
main course|a square mainsail
main deck|the uppermost sheltered deck that runs the entire length of a large vessel
main diagonal|the diagonal of a square matrix running from the upper left entry to the lower right entry
main drag|the main street of a town or city
main line|the principal route of a transportation system
main rotor|rotor consisting of large rotating airfoils on a single-rotor helicopter that produce the lift to support the helicopter in the air
Main Street|any small town (or the people who inhabit it);generally used to represent parochialism and materialism (after a novel by Sinclair Lewis) - "Main Street will never vote for a liberal politician";street that serves as a principal thoroughfare for traffic in a town
main yard|yard for a square mainsail
Maine|a state in New England
Mainer|a native or resident of Maine
mainframe|a large digital computer serving 100-400 users and occupying a special air-conditioned room
mainland|the main land mass of a country or continent;as distinguished from an island or peninsula
mainmast|the chief mast of a sailing vessel with two or more masts
mainsail|the lowermost sail on the mainmast
mainspring|the most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch);as it uncoils it drives the mechanism
mainstay|the forestay that braces the mainmast
mainstream|the prevailing current of thought - "his thinking was in the American mainstream"
maintenance|means of maintenance of a family or group;the unauthorized interference in a legal action by a person having no interest in it (as by helping one party with money or otherwise to continue the action) so as to obstruct justice or promote unnecessary litigation or unsettle the peace of the community - "unlike champerty, criminal maintenance does not necessarily involve personal profit"
Maintenon|French consort of Louis XIV who secretly married the king after the death of his first wife (1635-1719)
main-topmast|the topmast next above the mainmast
main-topsail|a topsail set on the mainmast
maisonette|a self-contained apartment (usually on two floors) in a larger house and with its own entrance from the outside;a small house
Maitland|English historian noted for his works on the history of English law (1850-1906)
Maitreya|the Bodhisattva who is to appear as a Buddha 5000 years after the death of Gautama
Maja|type genus of the Majidae;nearly cosmopolitan in distribution
Majidae|spider crabs
majolica|highly decorated earthenware with a glaze of tin oxide
major|a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines;below lieutenant colonel and above captain;a university student who is studying a particular field as the principal subject - "she is a linguistics major";the principal field of study of a student at a university - "her major is linguistics";British statesman who was prime minister from 1990 until 1997 (born in 1943)
major axis|the longest axis of an ellipse or ellipsoid;passes through the two foci
major depressive episode|(psychiatry) a state of depression with all the classic symptoms (anhedonia and lethargy and sleep disturbance and despondency and morbid thoughts and feelings of worthlessness and sometimes attempted suicide) but with no known organic dysfunction
major fast day|one of two major fast days on the Jewish calendar
major form class|any of the major parts of speech of traditional grammar
major key|a key whose harmony is based on the major scale
major league|the most important league in any sport (especially baseball)
major leaguer|a member of a major-league baseball team
major lobe|the maximum lobe in the radiation pattern which is intended to be along the forward axis and which gives the effect of a beam
major premise|the premise of a syllogism that contains the major term (which is the predicate of the conclusion)
major scale|a diatonic scale with notes separated by whole tones except for the 3rd and 4th and 7th and 8th
major suit|(bridge) a suit of superior scoring value, either spades or hearts
major surgery|any surgical procedure that involves anesthesia or respiratory assistance
major term|the term in a syllogism that is the predicate of the conclusion
major tranquilizer|tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired
Majorana|small genus of herbs usually included in the genus Origanum
Majorca|the largest of the Balearic Islands
major-domo|the chief steward or butler of a great household
major-general|a general officer ranking above a brigadier general and below a lieutenant general
majority|(elections) more than half of the votes;the age at which persons are considered competent to manage their own affairs;the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts;the main part - "the majority of his customers prefer it"
majority leader|leader of the majority party in a legislature
majority operation|a threshold operation in which each operand is 0 or 1;output is 1 if and only if more than half the operands have the value 1
majority opinion|the opinion joined by a majority of the court (generally known simply as 'the opinion')
majority rule|the doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group
major-league team|a team that plays in a major league
Makaira|marlins
Makalu|a mountain in the Himalayas in Nepal (27,790 feet high)
Makarios III|Greek Orthodox bishop and archbishop of Cyprus and the first president of independent Cyprus (1913-1977)
make-believe|the enactment of a pretense
makeover|a complete reconstruction and renovation of something - "the blighted neighborhood underwent a total makeover";an overall beauty treatment (involving a person's hair style and cosmetics and clothing) intended to change or improve a person's appearance
maker|a person who makes things
makeready|final preparation and adjustments
makeshift|something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency
makeup|an event that is substituted for a previously cancelled event - "he missed the test and had to take a makeup" - "the two teams played a makeup one week later";cosmetics applied to the face to improve or change your appearance
makeweight|a weight added to the scale to reach a required weight;anything added to fill out a whole - "some of the items in the collection are mere makeweights"
making|(usually plural) the components needed for making or doing something - "the recipe listed all the makings for a chocolate cake"
mako|powerful mackerel shark of the Atlantic and Pacific
makomako|graceful deciduous shrub or small tree having attractive foliage and small red berries that turn black at maturity and are used for making wine
Maksutov telescope|reflecting telescope in which the aberration of the concave mirror is reduced by a meniscus lens
Maktab al-Khidmat|a terrorist organization founded by Osama bin Laden in the 1980s to provide money and recruit fighters around the world;enlisted and transported thousands of men to Afghanistan to fight the Russians;a split in the group led bin Laden and the extremist faction of MAK to form al-Qaeda
Malabo|the capital and largest city of Equatorial Guinea on the island of Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea
malabsorption|abnormal absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract
malabsorption syndrome|a pattern of symptoms including loss of appetite and bloating and weight loss and muscle pain and steatorrhea;associated with celiac disease and sprue and cystic fibrosis
Malacanthidae|short-headed marine fishes;often brightly colored
malacca|a cane made from the stem of a rattan palm;stem of the rattan palm used for making canes and umbrella handles
Malachi|a Hebrew minor prophet of the 5th century BC;an Old Testament book containing the prophecies of Malachi
malachite|a green or blue mineral used as an ore of copper and for making ornamental objects
malacia|a state of abnormal softening of tissue
Malaclemys|American terrapins
malacologist|a zoologist specializing in the study of mollusks
malacology|the branch of zoology that studies the structure and behavior of mollusks
Malaconotinae|an African bush shrikes
Malacopterygii|an extensive group of teleost fishes having fins supported by flexible cartilaginous rays
Malacosoma|tent caterpillars
Malacostraca|largest subclass of Crustacea including most of the well-known marine, freshwater, and terrestrial crustaceans;crabs;lobsters;shrimps;sow bugs;beach flies
malacostracan crustacean|a major subclass of crustaceans
Malacothamnus|genus of shrubs or small trees;chaparral mallow
maladjustment|the condition of being unable to adapt properly to your environment with resulting emotional instability
malady|any unwholesome or desperate condition
Malaga|a port city and resort in Andalusia in southern Spain on the Mediterranean
malahini|a newcomer to Hawaii
malaise|physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression)
Malamud|United States writer (1914-1986)
malamute|breed of sled dog developed in Alaska
malapropism|the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar
malaria|an infective disease caused by sporozoan parasites that are transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito;marked by paroxysms of chills and fever
malarial mosquito|transmits the malaria parasite
Malathion|a yellow insecticide used as a dust or spray to control garden pests and house flies and mites
malathion poisoning|a toxic condition caused by inhaling or ingesting the insecticide Malathion
Malawi|a landlocked republic in southern central Africa;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1964
Malawi kwacha|the basic unit of money in Malawi
Malawian|a native or inhabitant of Malawi
Malawian monetary unit|monetary unit in Malawi
Malaxis|large genus of largely terrestrial orchids with one or a few plicate leaves and slender spikes or tiny mostly green flowers;cosmopolitan
Malay|a member of a people inhabiting the northern Malay Peninsula and Malaysia and parts of the western Malay Archipelago;a western subfamily of Western Malayo-Polynesian languages
Malay Archipelago|a group of islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans between Asia and Australia
Malay Peninsula|a peninsula in southeastern Asia occupied by parts of Malaysia and Thailand and Myanmar
Malayalam|a Dravidian language (closely related to Tamil) that is spoken in southwestern India
Malayan tapir|a tapir found in Malaya and Sumatra
Malayo-Polynesian|the branch of the Austronesian languages spoken from Madagascar to the central Pacific
Malaysia|a constitutional monarchy in southeastern Asia on Borneo and the Malay Peninsula;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1957
Malaysian|a native or inhabitant of Malaysia;the Malay language spoken in Malaysia
Malaysian monetary unit|monetary unit is Malaysia
Malcolm stock|any of various ornamental flowering plants of the genus Malcolmia
Malcolm X|militant civil rights leader (1925-1965)
Malcolmia|genus of plants usually found in coastal habitats;Mediterranean to Afghanistan
malcontent|a person who is discontented or disgusted
Maldives|a group of about 1,200 small coral islands (about 220 inhabited) in the Indian ocean;a republic on the Maldive Islands;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1965
Maldivian|a native or inhabitant of Maldives
Maldon|a battle in which the Danes defeated the Saxons in 991;celebrated in an old English poem
male|a person who belongs to the sex that cannot have babies;an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova);the capital of Maldives in the center of the islands
male aristocrat|a man who is an aristocrat
male body|the body of a male human being
male bonding|the formation of a close personal relationship between men - "the rituals known as male bonding do not necessarily involve drinking beer together"
male chauvinism|activity indicative of belief in the superiority of men over women
male chauvinist|a man with a chauvinistic belief in the inferiority of women
male chest|the chest of a man
male child|a youthful male person
male fern|fern of North America and Europe whose rhizomes and stalks yield an oleoresin used to expel tapeworms
male genitalia|external male sex organs
male horse|the male of species Equus caballus
male hypogonadism|the state of being a eunuch (either because of lacking testicles or because they failed to develop)
male internal reproductive organ|the reproductive organs of a man
male offspring|a child who is male
male orchis|Eurasian orchid with showy pink or purple flowers in a loose spike
male orgasm|an orgasm accompanied by the sensation of ejaculation of semen
male reproductive gland|the reproductive organs of a man
male reproductive system|the reproductive system of males
male sibling|a sibling who is male
maleate|a salt or ester of maleic acid;used as a nontricyclic antidepressant drug for psychomotor activation
maleberry|deciduous much-branched shrub with dense downy panicles of small bell-shaped white flowers
Malebranche|French philosopher (1638-1715)
Malecite|a member of the Algonquian people of northeastern Maine and New Brunswick;the Algonquian language of the Malecite and Passamaquody
maleficence|doing or causing evil;the quality or nature of being harmful or evil
maleic acid|a colorless crystalline compound found in unripe fruit (such as apples or tomatoes or cherries) and used mainly to make polyester resins
maleness|the properties characteristic of the male sex
maleo|Celebes megapode that lays eggs in holes in sandy beaches
male-patterned baldness|loss of hair on the crown of the head
Malevich|Russian abstract painter (1878-1935)
malevolence|the quality of threatening evil;wishing evil to others
malevolent program|a computer program designed to have undesirable or harmful effects
malfeasance|wrongful conduct by a public official
malfeasant|one guilty of malfeasance
malformation|something abnormal or anomalous
malfunction|a failure to function normally
malheur wire lettuce|a small plant of Oregon resembling mustard;a threatened species
Mali|a landlocked republic in northwestern Africa;achieved independence from France in 1960;Mali was a center of West African civilization for more than 4,000 years
Mali franc|the basic unit of money in Mali
Malian|a native or inhabitant of Mali
malice|feeling a need to see others suffer
malignancy|(medicine) a malignant state;progressive and resistant to treatment and tending to cause death
malignant hypertension|severe hypertension that runs a rapid course and damages the inner linings of the blood vessels and the heart and spleen and kidneys and brain - "malignant hypertension is the most lethal form of hypertension"
malignant hyperthermia|hereditary condition in which certain anesthetics (e.g., halothane) cause high body temperatures and muscle rigidity
malignant tumor|a tumor that is malignant and tends to spread to other parts of the body
malignity|quality of being disposed to evil;intense ill will
malik|the leader of a town or community in some parts of Asia Minor and the Indian subcontinent - "maliks rule the hinterland of Afghanistan under the protection of warlords"
malingerer|someone shirking their duty by feigning illness or incapacity
malingering|evading duty or work by pretending to be incapacitated - "they developed a test to detect malingering"
malinois|fawn-colored short-haired sheepdog
Malinowski|British anthropologist (born in Poland) who introduced the technique of the participant observer (1884-1942)
mallard|wild dabbling duck from which domestic ducks are descended;widely distributed
Mallarme|French symbolist poet noted for his free verse (1842-1898)
malleability|the property of being physically malleable;the property of something that can be worked or hammered or shaped without breaking
mallee|any of several low-growing Australian eucalypts
mallee fowl|Australian mound bird;incubates eggs naturally in sandy mounds
mallee hen|adult female mallee fowl
mallet|a light drumstick with a rounded head that is used to strike such percussion instruments as chimes, kettledrums, marimbas, glockenspiels, etc.;a sports implement with a long handle and a head like a hammer;used in sports (polo or croquet) to hit a ball;a tool resembling a hammer but with a large head (usually wooden);used to drive wedges or ram down paving stones or for crushing or beating or flattening or smoothing
malleus|the ossicle attached to the eardrum
Mallon|United States cook who was an immune carrier of typhoid fever and who infected dozens of people (1870-1938)
Mallophaga|biting lice
Mallotus|capelins
mallow|any of various plants of the family Malvaceae
Malmo|a port in southern Sweden
malmsey|sweet Madeira wine
malnutrition|a state of poor nutrition;can result from insufficient or excessive or unbalanced diet or from inability to absorb foods
malocclusion|(dentistry) a condition in which the opposing teeth do not mesh normally
malodor|a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
malodorousness|the attribute of having a strong offensive smell
Malone|English scholar remembered for his chronology of Shakespeare's plays and his editions of Shakespeare and Dryden (1741-1812)
malope|western Mediterranean annual having deep purple-red flowers subtended by 3 large cordate bracts
Malopterurus|electric catfish
Malory|English writer who published a translation of romances about King Arthur taken from French and other sources (died in 1471)
Malosma|one species;often included in the genus Rhus
Malpighi|Italian anatomist who was the first to use a microscope to study anatomy and was among the first to recognize cells in animals (1628-1694)
Malpighia|type genus of the Malpighiaceae
Malpighiaceae|tropical shrubs or trees
malpighian body|the capsule that contains Bowman's capsule and a glomerulus at the expanded end of a nephron
malposed tooth|a tooth that has grown in a faulty position
malposition|faulty position
malpractice|a wrongful act that the actor had no right to do;improper professional conduct - "he charged them with electoral malpractices";professional wrongdoing that results in injury or damage - "the widow sued his surgeon for malpractice"
malpractice insurance|insurance purchased by physicians and hospitals to cover the cost of being sued for malpractice - "obstetricians have to pay high rates for malpractice insurance"
Malraux|French novelist (1901-1976)
malt|a cereal grain (usually barley) that is kiln-dried after having been germinated by soaking in water;used especially in brewing and distilling;a lager of high alcohol content;by law it is considered too alcoholic to be sold as lager or beer
Malta|a republic on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1964;a strategically located island to the south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea
malted|a milkshake made with malt powder
malted milk|powder made of dried milk and malted cereals
Maltese|a native or inhabitant of Malta;a term applied indiscriminately in the United States to any short-haired bluish-grey cat;the national language of the Republic of Malta;a Semitic language derived from Arabic but with many loan words from Italian, Spanish, and Norman-French
Maltese cross|a cross with triangular or arrow-shaped arms and the points toward the center
Maltese dog|breed of toy dogs having a long straight silky white coat
Maltese monetary unit|monetary unit on Malta
maltha|a thick black tar intermediate between petroleum and asphalt
Malthus|an English economist who argued that increases in population would outgrow increases in the means of subsistence (1766-1834)
Malthusian|a believer in Malthusian theory
Malthusianism|Malthus' theory that population increase would outpace increases in the means of subsistence
Malto|a member of the Dravidian people living in northern Bengal in eastern India;the Dravidian language spoken by the Malto
maltose|a white crystalline sugar formed during the digestion of starches
maltreatment|cruel or inhumane treatment
maltster|a maker of malt
Malus|apple trees;found throughout temperate zones of the northern hemisphere
Malva|herbs and subshrubs;mallows
Malvaceae|herbs and shrubs and some trees;mallows;cotton;okra
Malvales|Malvaceae;Bombacaceae;Elaeocarpaceae;Sterculiaceae;Tiliaceae
malvasia|used to make malmsey wine
Malvastrum|genus of mallows characterized by red and yellow flowers often placed in other genera
Malvaviscus|small genus of shrubs of Central and South America;wax mallows
malversation|misconduct in public office
Mam|a Mayan language spoken by the Mam;a member of a Mayan people of southwestern Guatemala
Mama|a name under which Ninkhursag was worshipped
mamba|arboreal snake of central and southern Africa whose bite is often fatal
mambo|a Latin American dance similar in rhythm to the rumba
Mamet|United States playwright (born in 1947)
mamey|globular or ovoid tropical fruit with thick russet leathery rind and juicy yellow or reddish flesh
mamillary body|one of two small round structures on the undersurface of the brain that form the terminals of the anterior arches of the fornix
mammal|any warm-blooded vertebrate having the skin more or less covered with hair;young are born alive except for the small subclass of monotremes and nourished with milk
mammal family|a family of mammals
mammal genus|a genus of mammals
Mammalia|warm-blooded vertebrates characterized by mammary glands in the female
mammalogist|one skilled in the study of mammals
mammalogy|the branch of zoology that studies mammals
mammary gland|milk-secreting organ of female mammals
Mammea|American and Asiatic trees having edible one-seeded fruit
mammee apple|tropical American tree having edible fruit with a leathery rind
mammillaria|any cactus of the genus Mammillaria
mammogram|X-ray film of the soft tissue of the breast
mammography|a diagnostic procedure to detect breast tumors by the use of X rays
Mammon|(New Testament) a personification of wealth and avarice as an evil spirit - "ye cannot serve God and Mammon";wealth regarded as an evil influence
mammoth|any of numerous extinct elephants widely distributed in the Pleistocene;extremely large with hairy coats and long upcurved tusks
Mammoth Cave National Park|a national park in Kentucky having a large cavern and an underground river
mammothermography|the use of thermography to detect breast tumors (which appear as hot spots)
Mammut|extinct type genus of the Mammutidae;mastodons
Mammuthus|extinct genus;mammoths
Mammutidae|extinct family;mastodons
mammy|an offensive term for a Black nursemaid in the southern U.S.
mamo|black honeycreepers with yellow feathers around the tail;now extinct
man|a male person who plays a significant role (husband or lover or boyfriend) in the life of a particular woman - "she takes good care of her man";a male subordinate - "he awaited word from his man in Havana";an adult male person who has a manly character (virile and courageous competent) - "the army will make a man of you";an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman);game equipment consisting of an object used in playing certain board games;the generic use of the word to refer to any human being - "it was every man for himself";one of the British Isles in the Irish Sea
man hour|a time unit used in industry for measuring work
man jack|a single individual - "every man jack"
man of action|someone inclined to act first and think later
man of letters|a man devoted to literary or scholarly activities
man of means|a man who is wealthy
manageability|capable of being managed or controlled
managed economy|a non-market economy in which government intervention is important in allocating goods and resources and determining prices
management|the act of managing something - "he was given overall management of the program";those in charge of running a business
management consultant|adviser to business about efficient management practices
management consulting|a service industry that provides advice to those in charge of running a business
management control|an internal control performed by one or more managers
management personnel|personnel having overall planning and direction responsibilities
manageress|a woman manager
managership|the position of manager
managing editor|the editor in charge of all editorial activities of a newspaper or magazine
Managua|the capital and largest city of Nicaragua
manakin|any of numerous small bright-colored birds of Central America and South America having short bills and elaborate courtship behavior
Manama|the capital of Bahrain;located at the northern end of Bahrain Island
manana|an indefinite time in the future
Manannan|Celtic god of the sea;son of Ler
manat|the basic unit of money in Azerbaijan;the basic unit of money in Turkmenistan
man-at-arms|a heavily armed and mounted soldier in medieval times
manatee|sirenian mammal of tropical coastal waters of America;the flat tail is rounded
Manawydan|Celtic sea god;son of Llyr
Manchester|a city in northwestern England (30 miles to the east of Liverpool);heart of the most densely populated area of England;largest city in New Hampshire;located in southeastern New Hampshire on the Merrimack river
Manchester terrier|a breed of short-haired rat terrier with a black-and-tan coat that was developed in Manchester, England
Manchu|a member of the Manchu speaking people of Mongolian race of Manchuria;related to the Tungus;conquered China in the 17th century;the Tungusic language spoken by the Manchu
Manchuria|a region in northeastern China
Mancunian|a native or resident of Manchester
Manda|a Dravidian language spoken in south central India
Mandaean|a member of a small Gnostic sect that originated in Jordan and survives in Iraq and who believes that John the Baptist was the Messiah;the form of Aramaic used by the Mandeans
Mandaeanism|a Gnostic religion originating the 2nd and 3rd centuries that believes John the Baptist was the Messiah and that incorporates Jewish and Christian elements into a framework of dualistic beliefs
mandala|any of various geometric designs (usually circular) symbolizing the universe;used chiefly in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditation
Mandalay|a city in central Myanmar to the north of Rangoon
mandamus|an extraordinary writ commanding an official to perform a ministerial act that the law recognizes as an absolute duty and not a matter for the official's discretion;used only when all other judicial remedies fail
Mandara|a Chadic language spoken in the Mandara mountains in Cameroon;has only two vowels
mandarin|a high public official of imperial China;a member of an elite intellectual or cultural group;a somewhat flat reddish-orange loose skinned citrus of China;any high government official or bureaucrat;shrub or small tree having flattened globose fruit with very sweet aromatic pulp and thin yellow-orange to flame-orange rind that is loose and easily removed;native to southeastern Asia;the dialect of Chinese spoken in Beijing and adopted as the official language for all of China
mandarin duck|showy crested Asiatic duck;often domesticated
mandatary|the recipient of a mandate
mandate|a document giving an official instruction or command;a territory surrendered by Turkey or Germany after World War I and put under the tutelage of some other European power until they are able to stand by themselves;the commission that is given to a government and its policies through an electoral victory
mandator|an authority who issues a mandate
mandatory injunction|injunction requiring the performance of some specific act
Mande|a group of African languages in the Niger-Congo group spoken from Senegal east as far as the Ivory Coast
Mandela|South African statesman who was released from prison to become the nation's first democratically elected president in 1994 (born in 1918)
Mandelbrot|French mathematician (born in Poland) noted for inventing fractals (born in 1924)
Mandelbrot set|a set of complex numbers that has a highly convoluted fractal boundary when plotted;the set of all points in the complex plane that are bounded under a certain mathematical iteration
Mandelstam|Russian poet who died in a prison camp (1891-1938)
Mandevilla|genus of tropical South American tuberous perennial woody vines with large racemose flowers and milky sap
mandibular joint|the joint between the head of the lower jawbone and the temporal bone
mandibular notch|small indentation in the middle of the lower jawbone
mandola|an early type of mandolin
mandolin|a stringed instrument related to the lute, usually played with a plectrum
Mandragora|a genus of stemless herbs of the family Solanaceae
mandrake|a plant of southern Europe and North Africa having purple flowers, yellow fruits and a forked root formerly thought to have magical powers
mandrake root|the root of the mandrake plant;used medicinally or as a narcotic
mandrill|baboon of west Africa with a bright red and blue muzzle and blue hindquarters
Mandrillus|baboons
Manduca|moths whose larvae are tobacco hornworms or tomato hornworms
Manduca quinquemaculata|moth whose larvae are tomato hornworms
Manduca sexta|moth whose larvae are tobacco hornworms
mane|growth of hair covering the scalp of a human being;long coarse hair growing from the crest of the animal's neck
Manes|a Persian prophet who founded Manichaeism (216-276)
Manet|French painter whose work influenced the impressionists (1832-1883)
maneuver|a deliberate coordinated movement requiring dexterity and skill - "he made a great maneuver";a military training exercise;a move made to gain a tactical end;an action aimed at evading an opponent
maneuverability|the quality of being maneuverable
maneuverer|a person skilled in maneuvering
manfulness|the trait of being manly;having the characteristics of an adult male
mangabey|large agile arboreal monkey with long limbs and tail and white upper eyelids
manganate|a salt of manganic acid containing manganese as its anion
manganese|a hard brittle grey polyvalent metallic element that resembles iron but is not magnetic;used in making steel;occurs in many minerals
manganese bronze|a brass with from 1-4% manganese to harden it
manganese steel|a steel with a relatively large component (10-14%) of manganese;highly resistant to wear and shock
manganese tetroxide|an oxide of manganese found naturally as hausmannite
manganic acid|a dibasic acid (H2MnO4) found only in solution and in manganate salts
manganite|a black mineral consisting of basic manganese oxide;a source of manganese
mange|a persistent and contagious disease of the skin causing inflammation and itching and loss of hair;affects domestic animals (and sometimes people)
mangel-wurzel|beet with a large yellowish root;grown chiefly as cattle feed;cultivated as feed for livestock
manger|a container (usually in a barn or stable) from which cattle or horses feed
Mangifera|tropical tree native to Asia bearing fleshy fruit
mangle|clothes dryer for drying and ironing laundry by passing it between two heavy heated rollers
manglietia|a genus of flowering tree of the family Magnoliaceae found from Malay to southern China
mango|large evergreen tropical tree cultivated for its large oval fruit;large oval tropical fruit having smooth skin, juicy aromatic pulp, and a large hairy seed
mangosteen|East Indian tree with thick leathery leaves and edible fruit;two- to three-inch tropical fruit with juicy flesh suggestive of both peaches and pineapples
mangrove|a tropical tree or shrub bearing fruit that germinates while still on the tree and having numerous prop roots that eventually form an impenetrable mass and are important in land building
manhattan|a cocktail made with whiskey and sweet vermouth with a dash of bitters;one of the five boroughs of New York City
Manhattan clam chowder|a chowder made with clams and tomatoes and other vegetables and seasonings
Manhattan Island|an island at the north end of New York Bay where the borough of Manhattan is located
Manhattan Project|a former United States executive agency that was responsible for developing atomic bombs during World War II;code name for the secret United States project set up in 1942 to develop atomic bombs for use in World War II
manhole|a hole (usually with a flush cover) through which a person can gain access to an underground structure
manhole cover|a flush iron cover for a manhole (as in a street)
manhood|the state of being a man;manly qualities;the status of being a man
manhunt|an organized search (by police) for a person (charged with a crime)
mania|a mood disorder;an affective disorder in which the victim tends to respond excessively and sometimes violently;an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
maniac|a person who has an obsession with or excessive enthusiasm for something
manic-depressive|a person afflicted with manic-depressive illness
Manichaean|an adherent of Manichaeism
Manichaeism|a religion founded by Manes in the third century;a synthesis of Zoroastrian dualism between light and dark and Babylonian folklore and Buddhist ethics and superficial elements of Christianity;spread widely in the Roman Empire but had largely died out by 1000
manicotti|large pasta tubes stuffed with chopped meat or mild cheese and baked in tomato sauce
manicure|professional care for the hands and fingernails
manicure set|a set of implements used to manicure
manicurist|a beautician who cleans and trims and polishes the fingernails
Manidae|coextensive with the order Pholidota
manifest|a customs document listing the contents put on a ship or plane
manifest destiny|a policy of imperialism rationalized as inevitable (as if granted by God)
manifestation|a clear appearance - "a manifestation of great emotion";a manifest indication of the existence or presence or nature of some person or thing - "a manifestation of disease"
manifesto|a public declaration of intentions (as issued by a political party or government)
manifold|a pipe that has several lateral outlets to or from other pipes;a set of points such as those of a closed surface or an analogue in three or more dimensions
manifold paper|a lightweight paper used with carbon paper to make multiple copies
Manihot|genus of economically important tropical plants;cassava
manikin|a person who is very small but who is not otherwise deformed or abnormal
manila|a strong paper or thin cardboard with a smooth light brown finish made from e.g. Manila hemp;the capital and largest city of the Philippines;located on southern Luzon
Manila Bay|a naval battle in the Spanish-American War (1898);the American fleet under Admiral Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet
Manila grass|lawn grass common in the Philippines;grown also in United States
Manila hemp|a kind of hemp obtained from the abaca plant in the Philippines
manila tamarind|common thorny tropical American tree having terminal racemes of yellow flowers followed by sickle-shaped or circinate edible pods and yielding good timber and a yellow dye and mucilaginous gum
Manilkara|genus of large evergreen trees with milky latex;pantropical
manipulability|the quality of being controllable by skilled movements of the hands
manipulation|exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage - "his manipulation of his friends was scandalous"
manipulative electronic deception|actions to eliminate revealing telltale indicators that could be used by the enemy (or to convey misleading indicators)
manipulator|a person who handles things manually
Manipur|state in northeastern India
maniraptor|advanced carnivorous theropod
Maniraptora|advanced theropods including oviraptorids and dromaeosaurs and possibly even modern birds
Manis|type genus of the Manidae
Manitoba|one of the three prairie provinces in central Canada
Mankato|a town in southern Minnesota
man-made fiber|fiber created from natural materials or by chemical processes
Mann|German writer concerned about the role of the artist in bourgeois society (1875-1955);United States educator who introduced reforms that significantly altered the system of public education (1796-1859)
manna|hardened sugary exudation of various trees
manna ash|southern Mediterranean ash having fragrant white flowers in dense panicles and yielding manna
manna grass|any of several moisture-loving grasses of the genus Glyceria having sweet flavor or odor
manna gum|tall tree yielding a false manna
manna lichen|any of several Old World partially crustaceous or shrubby lecanoras that roll up and are blown about over African and Arabian deserts and used as food by people and animals
mannequin|a life-size dummy used to display clothes;a woman who wears clothes to display fashions - "she was too fat to be a mannequin"
manner|a kind - "what manner of man are you?";a way of acting or behaving;how something is done or how it happens - "her dignified manner" - "his rapid manner of talking"
manner of speaking|your characteristic style or manner of expressing yourself orally - "his manner of speaking was quite abrupt"
manners|social deportment - "he has the manners of a pig"
Mannheim|a city in southwestern Germany at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers
mannitol|a diuretic (trade name Osmitrol) used to promote the excretion of urine
man-of-the-earth|a morning glory with long roots of western United States
man-of-war|a warship intended for combat
manometer|a pressure gauge for comparing pressures of a gas
man-on-a-horse|an edible agaric with yellow gills and a viscid yellow cap that has a brownish center
manor|the landed estate of a lord (including the house on it);the mansion of a lord or wealthy person
manor hall|the large room of a manor or castle
MANPAD|a man-portable surface-to-air missile
man's clothing|clothing that is designed for men to wear
mansard|a hip roof having two slopes on each side
Mansart|French architect who introduced the mansard roof (1598-1666)
manse|the residence of a clergyman (especially a Presbyterian clergyman)
manservant|a man servant
Mansfield|a town in north central Ohio;New Zealand writer of short stories (1888-1923)
Mansi|the Ugric language (related to Hungarian) spoken by the Vogul
mansion|a large and imposing house
manslaughter|homicide without malice aforethought
Manson|Scottish physician who discovered that elephantiasis is spread by mosquitos and suggested that mosquitos also spread malaria (1844-1922)
manta|a blanket that is used as a cloak or shawl;extremely large pelagic tropical ray that feeds on plankton and small fishes;usually harmless but its size make it dangerous if harpooned
Mantegna|Italian painter and engraver noted for his frescoes (1431-1506)
mantel|shelf that projects from wall above fireplace - "in Britain they call a mantel a chimneypiece"
mantelet|portable bulletproof shelter;short cape worn by women
Mantell|English geologist remembered as the first person to recognize that dinosaurs were reptiles (1790-1852)
Manteodea|mantises;in former classifications considered a suborder of Orthoptera
manticore|a mythical monster having the head of man (with horns) and the body of a lion and the tail of a scorpion
Mantidae|mantises
mantilla|a woman's silk or lace scarf
Mantinea|the site of three famous battles among Greek city-states;in 418 BC and 362 BC and 207 BC
mantis|predacious long-bodied large-eyed insect of warm regions;rests with forelimbs raised as in prayer
mantis shrimp|tropical marine burrowing crustaceans with large grasping appendages
mantispid|insect that resembles a mantis;larvae are parasites in the nests of spiders and wasps
Mantispidae|mantispids
mantissa|the positive fractional part of the representation of a logarithm;in the expression log 643 = 2.808 the mantissa is .808
mantle|(zoology) a protective layer of epidermis in mollusks or brachiopods that secretes a substance forming the shell;the cloak as a symbol of authority - "place the mantle of authority on younger shoulders";the layer of the earth between the crust and the core;United States baseball player (1931-1997)
mantled ground squirrel|common black-striped reddish-brown ground squirrel of western North America;resembles a large chipmunk
Mantophasmatodea|an order of insect identified in 2002 in a 45 million year old piece of amber from the Baltic region
Mantoux test|tuberculin (a derivative of tubercle bacillus) is injected intradermally;a red area appearing 1-3 days later signifies an exposure (past or present) to tubercle bacilli and the need for further testing
mantra|(Sanskrit) literally a 'sacred utterance' in Vedism;one of a collection of orally transmitted poetic hymns;a commonly repeated word or phrase - "she repeated 'So pleased with how its going' at intervals like a mantra"
mantrap|a trap for catching trespassers
mantua|loose gown of the 17th and 18th centuries
manual|a small handbook
manual alphabet|an alphabet used by the deaf;letters are represented by finger positions
manual labor|labor done with the hands
manual of arms|(military) a prescribed drill in handling a rifle
manubrium|the upper part of the breastbone
Manuel Rodriquez Patriotic Front|a terrorist group formed in 1983 as the armed wing of the Chilean Communist Party
manufacturer|a business engaged in manufacturing some product;someone who manufactures something
manul|small wildcat of the mountains of Siberia and Tibet and Mongolia
manumission|the formal act of freeing from slavery - "he believed in the manumission of the slaves"
manure|any animal or plant material used to fertilize land especially animal excreta usually with litter material
manuscript|handwritten book or document;the form of a literary work submitted for publication
Manx|a short-haired tailless breed of cat believed to originate on the Isle of Man;the ancient Gaelic formerly spoken on the Isle of Man;the language is sometimes used on ceremonial occasions
Manx shearwater|small black-and-white shearwater common in the northeastern Atlantic
Manzanilla|very dry pale sherry from Spain
manzanita|chiefly evergreen shrubs of warm dry areas of western North America
Manzoni|Italian novelist and poet (1785-1873)
Mao|Chinese communist leader (1893-1976)
Mao jacket|a light weight jacket with a high collar;worn by Mao Zedong and the Chinese people during his regime
Maoism|a form of communism developed in China by Mao Zedong
Maoist|an advocate of Maoism
Maori|an ethnic minority of Polynesian and Melanesian descent who speak Maori and live in New Zealand;the Oceanic language spoken by the Maori in New Zealand
map|a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
map projection|a projection of the globe onto a flat map using a grid of lines of latitude and longitude
mapinguari|supposed human-sized sloth-like creature reportedly sighted by Indians in the Amazon rain forest
maple|any of numerous trees or shrubs of the genus Acer bearing winged seeds in pairs;north temperate zone;wood of any of various maple trees;especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple;used especially for furniture and flooring
maple sugar|sugar made from the sap of the sugar maple tree
maple syrup|made by concentrating sap from sugar maples
maple syrup urine disease|an inherited disorder of metabolism in which the urine has a odor characteristic of maple syrup;if untreated it can lead to mental retardation and death in early childhood
maple-leaf|the emblem of Canada
mapmaking|the making of maps and charts
mapping|(genetics) the process of locating genes on a chromosome
MapQuest|a free, widely-used Web Map Server
map-reader|a person who can read maps - "he is a good map-reader"
Maputo|the capital and largest city of Mozambique
maquiladora|an assembly plant in Mexico (near the United States border);parts are shipped into Mexico and the finished product is shipped back across the border
Maquis|a guerrilla fighter in the French underground in World War II;the French underground that fought against the German occupation in World War II
mara|hare-like rodent of the pampas of Argentina;Hindu god of death;opposite of Kama
marabou|large African black-and-white carrion-eating stork;its downy underwing feathers are used to trim garments;the downy feathers of marabou storks are used for trimming garments
maraca|a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow gourd containing pebbles or beans;often played in pairs
Maracaibo|a port city in northwestern Venezuela;a major oil center
Maracay|a city in north central Venezuela;cattle center
Maraco|a member of the South American people living in Argentina and Bolivia and Paraguay;the language spoken by the Maraco
marang|Philippine tree similar to the breadfruit tree bearing edible fruit;tropical fruit from the Philippines having a mass of small seeds embedded in sweetish white pulp
maranta|any of numerous herbs of the genus Maranta having tuberous starchy roots and large sheathing leaves
Marantaceae|tropical perennial herbs with usually starchy rhizomes
marasca|Dalmatian bitter wild cherry tree bearing fruit whose juice is made into maraschino liqueur;small bitter fruit of the marasca cherry tree from whose juice maraschino liqueur is made
maraschino|cherry preserved in true or imitation maraschino liqueur;distilled from fermented juice of bitter wild marasca cherries
Marasmius|chiefly small mushrooms with white spores
marasmus|extreme malnutrition and emaciation (especially in children);can result from inadequate intake of food or from malabsorption or metabolic disorders
Marat|French revolutionary leader (born in Switzerland) who was a leader in overthrowing the Girondists and was stabbed to death in his bath by Charlotte Corday (1743-1793)
Maratha|a member of a people of India living in Maharashtra
Marathi|an Indic language;the state language of Maharashtra in west central India;written in the Devanagari script
Marathon|a battle in 490 BC in which the Athenians and their allies defeated the Persians;a footrace of 26 miles 385 yards;any long and arduous undertaking
marathoner|someone who participates in long-distance races (especially in marathons)
Marattia|type genus of the Marattiaceae;ferns having the sporangia fused together in two rows
Marattiaceae|constituting the order Marattiales;chiefly tropical eusporangiate ferns with gigantic fronds
Marattiales|lower ferns coextensive with the family Marattiaceae
marauder|someone who attacks in search of booty
marble|a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish;used for sculpture and as building material;a sculpture carved from marble;a small ball of glass that is used in various games
marble cake|made of light and dark batter very lightly blended
marbleization|a texture like that of marble
marbles|a children's game played with little balls made of a hard substance (as glass)
marblewood|hard marbled wood;large Asiatic tree having hard marbled zebrawood
marbling|the intermixture of fat and lean in a cut of meat
Marburg disease|a viral disease of green monkeys caused by the Marburg virus;when transmitted to humans it causes serious or fatal illness
Marburg virus|a filovirus that causes Marburg disease;carried by animals;can be used as a bioweapon
marc|made from residue of grapes or apples after pressing
Marceau|French mime famous for his sad-faced clown (born in 1923)
marcel|a hairdo characterized by deep regular waves that are made by a heated curling iron
march|a procession of people walking together - "the march went up Fifth Avenue";a steady advance - "the march of science" - "the march of time";the act of marching;walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind) - "it was a long march" - "we heard the sound of marching";the month following February and preceding April
marchand de vin|brown sauce with mushrooms and red wine or Madeira
Marchantia|type genus of Marchantiaceae;liverworts that reproduce asexually by gemmae and have stalked antheridiophores
Marchantiaceae|liverworts with prostrate and usually dichotomously branched thalli
Marchantiales|liverworts with gametophyte differentiated internally
Marche|a region in central Italy
marcher|an inhabitant of a border district;walks with regular or stately step
marching band|a band that marches (as in a parade) and plays music at the same time
marching music|genre of music written for marching
marching order|equipage for marching - "the company was dressed in full marching order"
marching orders|an order from a superior officer for troops to depart
marchioness|a noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess;the wife or widow of a marquis
Marciano|United States prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship in 1952 (1924-1969)
Marcionism|the Christian heresy of the 2nd and 3rd centuries that rejected the Old Testament and denied the incarnation of God in Jesus as a human
Marco Polo sheep|Asiatic wild sheep with exceptionally large horns;sometimes considered a variety of the argali (or Ovis ammon)
Marconi|Italian electrical engineer who invented wireless telegraphy and in 1901 transmitted radio signals across the Atlantic Ocean (1874-1937)
Marcuse|United States political philosopher (born in Germany) concerned about the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and modern technology (1898-1979)
Mardi Gras|a carnival held in some countries on Shrove Tuesday (the last day before Lent) but especially in New Orleans;the last day before Lent
Marduk|the chief Babylonian god;his consort was Sarpanitu
mare|a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon;female equine animal
mare clausum|(closed sea) a navigable body of water under the jurisdiction of a single nation
mare liberum|(free sea) a navigable body of water to which all nations have equal access
mare nostrum|(our sea) the Mediterranean to the ancient Romans
Marengo|a battle in 1800 in which the French under Napoleon Bonaparte won a great victory over the Austrians
mare's tail|a long narrow flowing cirrus cloud
Marfan's syndrome|an autosomal dominant disease characterized by elongated bones (especially of limbs and digits) and abnormalities of the eyes and circulatory system
margaric acid|a colorless crystalline synthetic fatty acid
margarin|a glyceryl ester of margaric acid
margarine|a spread made chiefly from vegetable oils and used as a substitute for butter
margarita|a cocktail made of tequila and triple sec with lime and lemon juice
margate|a grunt with a red mouth that is found from Florida to Brazil
margay|small spotted wildcat found from Texas to Brazil
margin|an amount beyond the minimum necessary - "the margin of victory";the amount of collateral a customer deposits with a broker when borrowing from the broker to buy securities;the blank space that surrounds the text on a page - "he jotted a note in the margin";the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary
margin account|an account with a securities brokerage in which the broker extends credit
margin call|a demand by a broker that a customer deposit enough to bring his margin up to the minimum requirement
margin of profit|the ratio gross profits divided by net sales
margin of safety|the margin required in order to insure safety - "in engineering the margin of safety is the strength of the material minus the anticipated stress"
marginal cost|the increase or decrease in costs as a result of one more or one less unit of output
marginal placentation|with ovules borne on the wall along the ventral suture of a simple ovary
marginal utility|(economics) the amount that utility increases with an increase of one unit of an economic good or service
marginal wood fern|North American fern with evergreen fronds
marginalia|notes written in the margin
marginality|the property of being marginal or on the fringes
marginalization|the social process of becoming or being made marginal (especially as a group within the larger society) - "the marginalization of the underclass" - "the marginalization of literature"
Marginocephalia|includes boneheaded (pachycephalosaurs) and horned (ceratopsian) dinosaurs
margrave|a German nobleman ranking above a count (corresponding in rank to a British marquess);the military governor of a frontier province in medieval Germany
marguerite|perennial subshrub of the Canary Islands having usually pale yellow daisylike flowers;often included in genus Chrysanthemum
Maria|valuable timber tree of Panama
mariachi|a group of street musicians in Mexico
Mariana Islands|a chain of coral and volcanic islands in Micronesia (including Guam and the Northern Marianas) halfway between New Guinea and Japan;discovered by Magellan in 1521
Maricopa|a member of a North American Indian people of the Gila river valley in Arizona;the Yuman language spoken by the Maricopa and the Halchidhoma
Marie Antoinette|queen of France (as wife of Louis XVI) who was unpopular;her extravagance and opposition to reform contributed to the overthrow of the monarchy;she was guillotined along with her husband (1755-1793)
Mariehamn|a town that is the chief port of the Aland islands
marigold|any of various tropical American plants of the genus Tagetes widely cultivated for their showy yellow or orange flowers
marijuana|a strong-smelling plant from whose dried leaves a number of euphoriant and hallucinogenic drugs are prepared
marimba|a percussion instrument with wooden bars tuned to produce a chromatic scale and with resonators;played with small mallets
marina|a fancy dock for small yachts and cabin cruisers
marinade|mixtures of vinegar or wine and oil with various spices and seasonings;used for soaking foods before cooking
marinara|sauce for pasta;contains tomatoes and garlic and herbs
Marine|a member of the United States Marine Corps;a soldier who serves both on shipboard and on land
marine animal|any of numerous animals inhabiting the sea including e.g. fishes and molluscs and many mammals
marine archeology|the archeology of underwater sites
Marine Corps Intelligence Activity|an agency of the United States Marine Corps that provides responsive and broad intelligence support for the worldwide Marine Corps organization
marine engineer|a naval officer responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship's engines
marine glue|glue that is not water soluble
marine iguana|shore-dwelling seaweed-eating lizard of the Galapagos Islands
marine mussel|marine bivalve mollusk having a dark elongated shell;live attached to solid objects especially in intertidal zones
Marineland|a commercial aquarium featuring trained dolphins
mariner|a man who serves as a sailor
Marines|members of a body of troops trained to serve on land or at sea
Marini|Italian poet (1569-1625)
mariposa|any of several plants of the genus Calochortus having tulip-shaped flowers with 3 sepals and 3 petals;southwestern United States and Mexico
Mariposan|a Penutian language spoken by the Yokuts in the San Joaquin Valley
marital communications privilege|neither spouse can divulge confidential communications from the other while they were married
marital relationship|the relationship between wife and husband
marital status|the condition of being married or unmarried
mariticide|the murder of a husband by his wife
maritime law|the branch of international law that deals with territorial and international waters or with shipping or with ocean fishery etc.
Maritime Provinces|the collective name for the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
marjoram|pungent leaves used as seasoning with meats and fowl and in stews and soups and omelets
mark|a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance) - "she made good marks in algebra";a symbol of disgrace or infamy - "And the Lord set a mark upon Cain"--Genesis;a visible indication made on a surface - "some previous reader had covered the pages with dozens of marks";a written or printed symbol (as for punctuation) - "his answer was just a punctuation mark";formerly the basic unit of money in Germany;the impression created by doing something unusual or extraordinary that people notice and remember - "it was in London that he made his mark" - "he left an indelible mark on the American theater";Apostle and companion of Saint Peter;assumed to be the author of the second Gospel;the shortest of the four Gospels in the New Testament
mark of Cain|the mark that God set upon Cain now refers to a person's sinful nature
Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad|a Sunni organization formed in 1989 and based in Pakistan;opposes missionary groups from the United States;has Lashkar-e-Tayyiba as its armed wing
marker|a distinguishing symbol;a writing implement for making a mark;some conspicuous object used to distinguish or mark something - "the buoys were markers for the channel"
market|the customers for a particular product or service - "before they publish any book they try to determine the size of the market for it";the securities markets in the aggregate - "the market always frustrates the small investor";the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold - "without competition there would be no market" - "they were driven from the marketplace"
market analysis|marketing research that yields information about the marketplace
market analyst|an analyst of conditions affecting a market (especially the stock market)
market capitalization|an estimation of the value of a business that is obtained by multiplying the number of shares outstanding by the current price of a share
market cross|a cross-shaped monument set up in the marketplace of a town where public business is often conducted
market day|a fixed day for holding a public market
market economy|an economy that relies chiefly on market forces to allocate goods and resources and to determine prices
market forces|the interaction of supply and demand that shapes a market economy
market garden|a garden where fruit and vegetables are grown for marketing
market gardening|the growing of vegetables or flowers for market
market letter|a newsletter written by an analyst of the stock market and sold to subscribers
market order|an order to a broker to sell or buy stocks or commodities at the prevailing market price
market penetration|the extent to which a product is recognized and bought by customers in a particular market
market strategist|someone skilled in planning marketing campaigns
market town|a (usually small) town where a public market is held at stated times
market value|the price at which buyers and sellers trade the item in an open marketplace
marketing|shopping at a market - "does the weekly marketing at the supermarket";the commercial processes involved in promoting and selling and distributing a product or service - "most companies have a manager in charge of marketing"
marketing cost|the cost of marketing (e.g., the cost of transferring title and moving goods to the customer)
marketing research|research that gathers and analyzes information about the moving of good or services from producer to consumer
marketplace|an area in a town where a public mercantile establishment is set up
markhor|large Himalayan goat with large spiraled horns
marking|a pattern of marks;evaluation of performance by assigning a grade or score;the act of making a visible mark on a surface
marking ink|an indelible ink for marking clothes or linens etc.
markka|formerly the basic unit of money in Finland
Markov|Russian mathematician (1856-1922)
Markov chain|a Markov process for which the parameter is discrete time values
Markov process|a simple stochastic process in which the distribution of future states depends only on the present state and not on how it arrived in the present state
Markova|English ballet dancer (born in 1910)
Marks|English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)
marksman|someone skilled in shooting
marksmanship|skill in shooting
markup|detailed stylistic instructions for typesetting something that is to be printed;manual markup is usually written on the copy (e.g. underlining words that are to be set in italics);the amount added to the cost to determine the asking price
markup language|a set of symbols and rules for their use when doing a markup of a document
marl|a loose and crumbling earthy deposit consisting mainly of calcite or dolomite;used as a fertilizer for soils deficient in lime
marlberry|tropical American shrub or small tree with brown wood and dark berries
Marley|Jamaican singer who popularized reggae (1945-1981)
marlin|large long-jawed oceanic sport fishes;related to sailfishes and spearfishes;not completely cold-blooded i.e. able to warm their brains and eyes
marline|a small usually tarred line of 2 strands
marlinespike|a pointed iron hand tool that is used to separate strands of a rope or cable (as in splicing)
marlite|metamorphic rock with approximately the same composition as marl
Marlowe|English poet and playwright who introduced blank verse as a form of dramatic expression;was stabbed to death in a tavern brawl (1564-1593);tough cynical detective (one of the early detective heroes in American fiction) created by Raymond Chandler
marmalade|a preserve made of the pulp and rind of citrus fruits
marmalade bush|evergreen South American shrub having showy trumpet-shaped orange flowers;grown as an ornamental or houseplant
marmalade tree|tropical American tree having wood like mahogany and sweet edible egg-shaped fruit;in some classifications placed in the genus Calocarpum
Marmara|an inland sea in northwestern Turkey;linked to the Black Sea by the Bosporus and linked to the Aegean by the Dardanelles
marmite|a large pot especially one with legs used e.g. for cooking soup;soup cooked in a large pot
marmoset|small soft-furred South American and Central American monkey with claws instead of nails
marmot|stocky coarse-furred burrowing rodent with a short bushy tail found throughout the northern hemisphere;hibernates in winter
Marmota|marmots
marocain|a dress crepe;similar to Canton crepe
maroon|a dark purplish-red to dark brownish-red color;a person who is stranded (as on an island) - "when the tide came in I was a maroon out there";an exploding firework used as a warning signal
Marquand|United States writer who created the Japanese detective Mr. Moto and wrote other novels as well (1893-1960)
marquee|permanent canopy over an entrance of a hotel etc.
Marquesas Islands|a group of volcanic islands in the south central Pacific;part of French Polynesia
marquess|a British peer ranking below a duke and above an earl
marquetry|inlaid veneers are fitted together to form a design or picture that is then used to ornament furniture
Marquette|a town on Lake Superior on the Upper Peninsula in northwest Michigan;French missionary who accompanied Louis Joliet in exploring the upper Mississippi River valley (1637-1675)
Marquis|humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937);nobleman (in various countries) ranking above a count
Marrakesh|a city in western Morocco;tourist center
Marrano|(medieval Spain and Portugal) a disparaging term for a Jew who converted to Christianity in order to avoid persecution but continued to practice their religion secretly
marriage|a close and intimate union - "the marriage of music and dance" - "a marriage of ideas";the act of marrying;the nuptial ceremony - "their marriage was conducted in the chapel";the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce) - "a long and happy marriage";two people who are married to each other - "his second marriage was happier than the first"
marriage bed|the bed shared by a newly wed couple
marriage brokerage|a business that arranges marriage contracts
marriage contract|a prenuptial agreement or contract
marriage counseling|counseling on marital problems and disagreements
marriage license|a license authorizing two people to marry
marriage of convenience|a marriage for expediency rather than love
marriage proposal|an offer of marriage
marriageability|eligibility for marriage
married|a person who is married - "we invited several young marrieds"
marrow|any of various squash plants grown for their elongated fruit with smooth dark green skin and whitish flesh;large elongated squash with creamy to deep green skins;the fatty network of connective tissue that fills the cavities of bones;very tender and very nutritious tissue from marrowbones
marrowbone|a bone containing edible marrow;used especially in flavoring soup
marrowfat pea|a variety of large pea that is commonly processed and sold in cans
Marrubium|Old World aromatic herbs;horehound
Mars|(Roman mythology) Roman god of war and agriculture;father of Romulus and Remus;counterpart of Greek Ares;a small reddish planet that is the 4th from the sun and is periodically visible to the naked eye;minerals rich in iron cover its surface and are responsible for its characteristic color - "Mars has two satellites"
Marsala|dark sweet or semisweet dessert wine from Sicily
Marseillaise|the French national anthem
Marseille|a port city in southeastern France on the Mediterranean;strong cotton fabric with a raised pattern;used for bedspreads
Marseilles fever|a disease (common in India and around the Mediterranean area) caused by a rickettsia that is transmitted to humans by a reddish brown tick (ixodid) that lives on dogs and other mammals
marsh|low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation;usually is a transition zone between land and water - "thousands of acres of marshland";New Zealand writer of detective stories (1899-1982);United States painter (1898-1954)
marsh andromeda|erect to procumbent evergreen shrub having pendent clusters of white or pink flowers;of sphagnum peat bogs and other wet acidic areas in northern Europe
marsh bellflower|bellflower common in marshes of eastern North America having lanceolate linear leaves and small whitish flowers
marsh cress|annual or biennial cress growing in damp places sometimes used in salads or as a potherb;troublesome weed in some localities
marsh elder|any of various coarse shrubby plants of the genus Iva with small greenish flowers;common in moist areas (as coastal salt marshes) of eastern and central North America
marsh felwort|perennial of damp places in mountains of Eurasia and North America having dull-colored blue or violet flowers
marsh fern|fern having pinnatifid fronds and growing in wet places;cosmopolitan in north temperate regions
marsh gas|methane gas produced when vegetation decomposes in water
marsh gentian|perennial Eurasian gentian with sky-blue funnel-shaped flowers of damp open heaths
marsh hare|a wood rabbit of marshy coastal areas from North Carolina to Florida
marsh harrier|Old World harrier frequenting marshy regions
marsh hawk|common harrier of North America and Europe;nests in marshes and open land
marsh horsetail|scouring-rush horsetail widely distributed in wet or boggy areas of northern hemisphere
marsh mallow|European perennial plant naturalized in United States having triangular ovate leaves and lilac-pink flowers
marsh marigold|swamp plant of Europe and North America having bright yellow flowers resembling buttercups
marsh orchid|any of several orchids of the genus Dactylorhiza having fingerlike tuberous roots;Europe and Mediterranean region
marsh pea|scrambling perennial of damp or marshy areas of Eurasia and North America with purplish flowers
marsh pink|any of several pink-flowered marsh plant of the eastern United States resembling a true centaury
marsh plant|a semiaquatic plant that grows in soft wet land;most are monocots;sedge, sphagnum, grasses, cattails, etc;possibly heath
marsh St-John's wort|perennial marsh herb with pink to mauve flowers;southeastern United States
marsh wren|a wren of the genus Cistothorus that frequents marshes
marshal|(in some countries) a military officer of highest rank;a law officer having duties similar to those of a sheriff in carrying out the judgments of a court of law
Marshall|United States actor (1914-1998);United States general and statesman who as Secretary of State organized the European Recovery Program (1880-1959);United States jurist;as chief justice of the Supreme Court he established the principles of United States constitutional law (1755-1835)
Marshall Islands|a group of coral islands in eastern Micronesia;a republic (under United States protection) on the Marshall Islands
Marshall Plan|a United States program of economic aid for the reconstruction of Europe (1948-1952);named after George Marshall
marshalling yard|a railway yard in which trains are assembled and goods are loaded
marshalship|the post of marshall
marshmallow|spongy confection made of gelatin and sugar and corn syrup and dusted with powdered sugar
marshmallow fluff|a very sweet white spread resembling marshmallow candy
Marsilea|clover ferns
Marsileaceae|clover ferns
Marstan|English playwright (1575-1634)
Marston Moor|a battle in 1644 in which the Parliamentarians under the earl of Manchester defeated the Royalists under Prince Rupert;a former moor in northern England
marsupial|mammals of which the females have a pouch (the marsupium) containing the teats where the young are fed and carried
Marsupialia|coextensive with the subclass Metatheria
marsupium|an external abdominal pouch in most marsupials where newborn offspring are suckled
martello tower|a circular masonry fort for coastal defence
marten|agile slender-bodied arboreal mustelids somewhat larger than weasels
martensite|a solid solution of carbon in alpha-iron that is formed when steel is cooled so rapidly that the change from austenite to pearlite is suppressed;responsible for the hardness of quenched steel
Martes|martens
Martha's Vineyard|an island summer resort off of Cape Cod
Marti|Cuban poet and revolutionary who fought for Cuban independence from Spain (1853-1895)
Martial|Roman poet noted for epigrams (first century BC)
martial art|any of several Oriental arts of weaponless self-defense;usually practiced as a sport - "he had a black belt in the martial arts"
martial law|the body of law imposed by the military over civilian affairs (usually in time of war or civil crisis);overrides civil law
Martian|imaginary people who live on the planet Mars
martin|any of various swallows with squarish or slightly forked tail and long pointed wings;migrate around Martinmas;French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397);United States actor and comedian (born in 1945);United States actress (1913-1990);United States singer (1917-1995)
Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday|observed on the Monday closest to January 15
Martin V|Italian pope from 1417 to 1431 whose election as pope ended the Great Schism (1368-1431)
martinet|someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms
martingale|a harness strap that connects the nose piece to the girth;prevents the horse from throwing back its head
martini|a cocktail made of gin (or vodka) with dry vermouth
Martinique|an island in the eastern Caribbean in the Windward Islands;administered as an overseas region of France
Martinmas|the feast of Saint Martin;a quarter day in Scotland
martynia|sprawling annual or perennial herb of Central America and West Indies having creamy-white to red-purple bell-shaped flowers followed by unusual horned fruit
Martyniaceae|in most classifications not considered a separate family but included in the Pedaliaceae
martyr|one who suffers for the sake of principle;one who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty for refusing to renounce their religion
martyrdom|death that is imposed because of the person's adherence of a religious faith or cause
marumi|shrub bearing round-fruited kumquats
marupa|tree of the Amazon valley yielding a light brittle timber locally regarded as resistant to insect attack
Marut|any of a group of Hindu storm gods;offspring of Rudra
Marvell|English poet (1621-1678)
Marx|founder of modern communism;wrote the Communist Manifesto with Engels in 1848;wrote Das Kapital in 1867 (1818-1883);United States comedian;one of four brothers who made motion pictures together (1890-1977);United States comedian;one of four brothers who made motion pictures together (1891-1961);United States comedian;one of four brothers who made motion pictures together (1893-1964);United States comedian;one of four brothers who made motion pictures together (1901-1979)
Marx Brothers|a family of United States comedians consisting of four brothers with an anarchic sense of humor
Marxism|the economic and political theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that hold that human actions and institutions are economically determined and that class struggle is needed to create historical change and that capitalism will ultimately be superseded by communism
Marxist|an advocate of Marxism
Mary|the mother of Jesus;Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary;she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
Mary I|daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon who was Queen of England from 1553 to 1558;she was the wife of Philip II of Spain and when she restored Roman Catholicism to England many Protestants were burned at the stake as heretics (1516-1558)
Mary II|Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland;she was the eldest daughter of James II and ruled jointly with her husband William III (1662-1694)
Mary Magdalene|sinful woman Jesus healed of evil spirits;she became a follower of Jesus
Mary Queen of Scots|queen of Scotland from 1542 to 1567;as a Catholic she was forced to abdicate in favor of her son and fled to England where she was imprisoned by Elizabeth I;when Catholic supporters plotted to put her on the English throne she was tried and executed for sedition (1542-1587)
Maryland|a Mid-Atlantic state;one of the original 13 colonies;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
Maryland chicken|chicken fried than oven-baked and served with milk gravy
Maryland golden aster|perennial golden aster of southeastern United States
Marylander|a native or resident of Maryland
marzipan|almond paste and egg whites
Masa|an independent group of closely related Chadic languages spoken in the area between the Biu-Mandara and East Chadic languages
Masai|a Nilotic language
mascara|makeup that is used to darken and thicken the eye lashes
mascarene grass|Asiatic creeping perennial grass;introduced in southern United States as a drought-resistant lawn grass
mascarpone|soft mild Italian cream cheese
mascot|a person or animal that is adopted by a team or other group as a symbolic figure
masculine|a gender that refers chiefly (but not exclusively) to males or to objects classified as male
masculinity|the trait of behaving in ways considered typical for men
masculinization|the abnormal development of male sexual characteristics in a female (usually as the result of hormone therapies or adrenal malfunction)
masdevallia|any of numerous orchids of the genus Masdevallia;tufted evergreen often diminutive plants whose flowers in a remarkable range of colors usually resemble a tricorn with sepals fused at the base to form a tube
Masefield|English poet (1878-1967)
maser|an acronym for microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation;an amplifier that works on the same principle as a laser and emits coherent microwave radiation
Maseru|the capital of Lesotho;located in northwestern Lesotho
mash|a mixture of mashed malt grains and hot water;used in brewing;mixture of ground animal feeds
mashed potato|potato that has been peeled and boiled and then mashed
masher|a kitchen utensil used for mashing (e.g. potatoes)
Mashhad|the holy city of Shiite Muslims;located in northeastern Iran
Mashi|a Bantu language
mashie|middle-distance iron
mashie niblick|iron with a lofted face for hitting high shots to the green
Mashriq|Arabic name for the Middle East
masjid|(Islam) a Muslim place of worship
mask|a covering to disguise or conceal the face;a protective covering worn over the face;activity that tries to conceal something - "no mask could conceal his ignorance" - "they moved in under a mask of friendship"
masked ball|a ball at which guests wear costumes and masks
masked shrew|commonest shrew of moist habitats in North America
masking|the blocking of one sensation resulting from the presence of another sensation - "he studied auditory masking by pure tones"
masking piece|scenery used to block the audience's view of parts of the stage that should not be seen
masking tape|adhesive tape used to cover the part of a surface that should not be painted
masochism|sexual pleasure obtained from receiving punishment (physical or psychological)
masochist|someone who obtains pleasure from receiving punishment
mason|a craftsman who works with stone or brick;American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792);English film actor (1909-1984);English writer (1865-1948)
mason bee|any of numerous solitary bees that build nests of hardened mud and sand
Mason City|a town in north central Iowa
Mason jar|a glass jar with an air-tight screw top;used in home canning
mason wasp|any of various solitary wasps that construct nests of hardened mud for their young;solitary wasp that constructs nests of hardened mud or clay for the young
Mason-Dixon line|the boundary between Maryland and Pennsylvania;symbolic dividing line between North and South before the American Civil War
Masonite|a type of fiberboard
masonry|structure built of stone or brick by a mason;the craft of a mason
mason's level|a level longer than a carpenter's level
Masorah|a vast body of textual criticism of the Hebrew Scriptures including notes on features of writing and on the occurrence of certain words and on variant sources and instructions for pronunciation and other comments that were written between AD 600 and 900 by Jewish scribes in the margins or at the end of texts
Masorete|a scholar who is expert on the Masorah (especially one of the Jewish scribes who contributed to the Masorah)
Masoud|Afghan leader of forces opposed to the Taliban;won fame by successfully resisting the Soviets in the 1980s;was assassinated by men posing as journalists (1953-2001)
masquerade|a party of guests wearing costumes and masks;making a false outward show - "a beggar's masquerade of wealth"
masquerader|a participant in a masquerade
Mass|(Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Churches) the celebration of the Eucharist;a musical setting for a Mass - "they played a Mass composed by Beethoven";a sequence of prayers constituting the Christian Eucharistic rite - "the priest said Mass";a body of matter without definite shape;an ill-structured collection of similar things (objects or people);the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
Mass card|(Roman Catholic Church) a card sent to a bereaved family that says the sender has arranged for a Mass to be said in memory of the deceased
mass culture|the culture that is widely disseminated via the mass media
mass defect|the amount by which the mass of an atomic nucleus is less than the sum of the masses of its constituent particles
mass energy|(physics) the mass of a body regarded relativistically as energy
mass hysteria|a condition in which a large group of people exhibit the same state of violent mental agitation
mass murderer|a person who is responsible for the deaths of many victims in a single incident
mass noun|a noun that does not form plurals
mass number|the sum of the number of neutrons and protons in an atomic nucleus
mass production|the production of large quantities of a standardized article (often using assembly line techniques)
mass spectrograph|a mass spectrometer that produces a graphical representation of the mass spectrum
mass spectrometer|spectroscope for obtaining a mass spectrum by deflecting ions into a thin slit and measuring the ion current with an electrometer
mass spectroscopy|the use of spectroscopy to determine the masses of small electrically charged particles
mass spectrum|a distribution of ions as shown by a mass spectrograph or a mass spectrometer
mass unit|a unit of measurement for mass
Massachuset|a member of the Algonquian people who formerly lived around Massachusetts Bay;the Algonquian language of the Massachuset
Massachusetts|a state in New England;one of the original 13 colonies;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
Massachusetts Bay|an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean off of eastern Massachusetts extending from Cape Ann on the north to Cape Cod on the south
Massachusetts fern|delicate feathery shield fern of the eastern United States;sometimes placed in genus Thelypteris
Massachusetts Institute of Technology|an engineering university in Cambridge
mass-action principle|(neurology) the principle that the cortex of the brain operates as a coordinated system with large masses of neural tissue involved in all complex functioning
massage|kneading and rubbing parts of the body to increase circulation and promote relaxation
massage parlor|a business establishment that offers therapeutic massage;a place where illicit sex is available under the guise of therapeutic massage
massager|someone who rubs or kneads parts of the body to stimulate circulation and promote relaxation
massasauga|pygmy rattlesnake found in moist areas from the Great Lakes to Mexico;feeds on mice and small amphibians
Massasoit|Wampanoag leader who aided the Pilgrims (1580-1661)
Massawa|a port town in Eritrea on an inlet of the Red Sea
masse|a shot in billiards made by hitting the cue ball with the cue held nearly vertically;the cue ball spins around another ball before hitting the object ball
mass-energy equivalence|(physics) the principle that a measured quantity of mass is equivalent (according to relativity theory) to a measured quantity of energy
Massenet|French composer best remembered for his pop operas (1842-1912)
masseter|a large muscle that raises the lower jaw and is used in chewing
masseur|a male massager
masseuse|a female massager
massicot|the mineral form of lead monoxide;in the form of yellow powder it is used as a pigment
massif|a block of the earth's crust bounded by faults and shifted to form peaks of a mountain range
Massif Central|a mountainous plateau in southern France that covers almost one sixth of the country
Massine|French choreographer and ballet dancer (born in Russia) (1895-1979)
mast|a vertical spar for supporting sails;any sturdy upright pole;nuts of forest trees (as beechnuts and acorns) accumulated on the ground;nuts of forest trees used as feed for swine
mast cell|a large connective tissue cell that contains histamine and heparin and serotonin which are released in allergic reactions or in response to injury or inflammation
mastaba|an ancient Egyptian mud-brick tomb with a rectangular base and sloping sides and flat roof - "the Egyptian pyramids developed from the mastaba"
mastalgia|pain in the breast
mastectomy|surgical removal of a breast to remove a malignant tumor
master|an authority qualified to teach apprentices;an officer who is licensed to command a merchant ship;an original creation (i.e., an audio recording) from which copies can be made;directs the work of others;someone who holds a master's degree from academic institution
master bedroom|the principal bedroom in a house;usually occupied by the head of the household
master class|a class (especially in music) given to talented students by an expert
master file|(computer science) a computer file that is used as the authority in a given job and that is relatively permanent
Master in Business|a master's degree in business
Master in Public Affairs|a master's degree in questions of public concern
Master of Architecture|a degree granted for the successful completion of advanced study of architecture
Master of Arts|a master's degree in arts and sciences
Master of Arts in Library Science|a master's degree in library science
Master of Arts in Teaching|a master's degree in teaching
master of ceremonies|a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
Master of Divinity|a master's degree in religion
Master of Education|a master's degree in education
Master of Fine Arts|a master's degree in fine arts
Master of Laws|an advanced law degree
Master of Library Science|a master's degree in library science
Master of Literature|a master's degree in literature
Master of Science|a master's degree in science
Master of Science in Engineering|a master's degree in engineering
Master of Theology|a master's degree in theology
master plan|a long-term outline of a project or government function - "the zoning board adopted a master plan for the new development"
master race|a race that considers itself superior to all others and fitted to rule the others
master sergeant|a senior noncommissioned officer in the Army or Marines
master-at-arms|the senior petty officer;responsible for discipline aboard ship
mastering|becoming proficient in the use of something;having mastery of - "his mastering the art of cooking took a long time";the act of making a master recording from which copies can be made - "he received a bill for mastering the concert and making 100 copies"
masterpiece|an outstanding achievement;the most outstanding work of a creative artist or craftsman
Masters|United States poet (1869-1950)
master's degree|an academic degree higher than a bachelor's degree but lower than a doctor's degree
mastership|the position of master;the skill of a master
masterstroke|an achievement demonstrating great skill or mastery
mastery|the act of mastering or subordinating someone
masthead|a listing printed in all issues of a newspaper or magazine (usually on the editorial page) that gives the name of the publication and the names of the editorial staff, etc.;the head or top of a mast;the title of a newspaper or magazine;usually printed on the front page and on the editorial page
mastic|a pasty cement used as an adhesive or filler;an aromatic exudate from the mastic tree;used chiefly in varnishes;an evergreen shrub of the Mediterranean region that is cultivated for its resin
Masticophis|whip snakes
mastiff|an old breed of powerful deep-chested smooth-coated dog used chiefly as a watchdog and guard dog
mastiff bat|a soft-furred chocolate-brown bat with folded ears and small wings;often runs along the ground
Mastigomycota|fungi in which the spores and gametes are motile;in some systems placed in the Phycomycetes group with the Zygomycota
Mastigophora|protozoa having flagella
Mastigoproctus|giant whip scorpions
mastitis|inflammation of a breast (or udder)
mastodon|extinct elephant-like mammal that flourished worldwide from Miocene through Pleistocene times;differ from mammoths in the form of the molar teeth
mastoid|process of the temporal bone behind the ear at the base of the skull
mastoidale|the craniometric point at the lowest point of the mastoid process
mastoidectomy|surgical removal of some or all of the mastoid process
mastoiditis|inflammation of the mastoid
mastopathy|any pathology of the breast
mastopexy|plastic surgery to lift or reshape the breasts
Mastotermes|primitive genus of termites;mostly extinct;sometimes considered the most primitive Isoptera
Mastotermes darwiniensis|Australian termite;sole living species of Mastotermes;called a living fossil;apparent missing link between cockroaches and termites
Mastotermes electrodominicus|extinct termite found in amber in the Dominican Republic
Mastotermes electromexicus|an extinct termite found in amber in southern Mexico
Mastotermitidae|primitive termites
masturbation|manual stimulation of the genital organs (of yourself or another) for sexual pleasure
masturbator|a person who practices masturbation
mat|a mass that is densely tangled or interwoven - "a mat of weeds and grass";a small pad of material that is used to protect surface from an object placed on it;a thick flat pad used as a floor covering;mounting consisting of a border or background for a picture;sports equipment consisting of a piece of thick padding on the floor for gymnastic sports
Mata Hari|Dutch dancer who was executed by the French as a German spy in World War I (1876-1917)
matador|the principal bullfighter who is appointed to make the final passes and kill the bull
matai|conifer of Australia and New Zealand
Matakam|a Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad
Matamoros|a city in northeastern Mexico opposite Brownsville near the mouth of the Rio Grande
match|a burning piece of wood or cardboard - "if you drop a match in there the whole place will explode";a formal contest in which two or more persons or teams compete;an exact duplicate - "when a match is found an entry is made in the notebook";lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical;ignites with friction - "he always carries matches to light his pipe";something that resembles or harmonizes with - "that tie makes a good match with your jacket";the score needed to win a match
match plane|a plane having cutters designed to make the tongues and grooves on the edges of matchboards
match play|golf scoring by holes won
match point|(tennis) the final point needed to win a match (especially in tennis)
matchboard|a board that has a groove cut into one edge and a tongue cut into the other so they fit tightly together (as in a floor)
matchbook|a small folder of paper safety matches
matchbox|a box for holding matches
matching funds|funds that will be supplied in an amount matching the funds available from other sources
matchlock|an early style of musket;a slow-burning wick would be lowered into a hole in the breech to ignite the charge
matchmaker|someone who arranges (or tries to arrange) marriages for others
matchmaking|mediation in order to bring about a marriage between others
matchstick|a short thin stick of wood used in making matches
match-up|the pairing of people or things as for comparison or competition - "it was a good match-up but the home team won"
matchweed|any of several plants of the genus Gutierrezia having tiny flower heads that resemble the heads of matches
matchwood|fragments of wood - "it was smashed into matchwood";wood in small pieces or splinters - "the vessel was beaten to matchwood on the rocks";wood suitable for making matchsticks
mate|informal term for a friend of the same sex;one of a pair - "he lost the mate to his shoe";South American holly;leaves used in making a drink like tea;South American tea-like drink made from leaves of a South American holly called mate;the officer below the master on a commercial ship;the partner of an animal (especially a sexual partner) - "he loved the mare and all her mates" - "camels hate leaving their mates"
matelote|highly seasoned soup or stew made of freshwater fishes (eel, carp, perch) with wine and stock
mater|an informal use of the Latin word for mother;sometimes used by British schoolboys or used facetiously
material|a person judged suitable for admission or employment - "he was university material" - "she was vice-presidential material";information (data or ideas or observations) that can be used or reworked into a finished form - "the archives provided rich material for a definitive biography";the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object - "coal is a hard black material";things needed for doing or making something - "writing materials" - "useful teaching materials"
material breach|a breach serious enough to destroy the value of the contract and to give a basis for an action for breach of contract
material resource|assets in the form of material possessions
material witness|a witness whose testimony is both relevant to the matter at issue and required in order to resolve the matter
materialism|(philosophy) the philosophical theory that matter is the only reality;a desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters
materialist|someone who thinks that nothing exists but physical matter;someone with great regard for material possessions
materiality|relevance requiring careful consideration;the quality of being physical;consisting of matter
materialization|an appearance in bodily form (as of a disembodied spirit);the process of coming into being;becoming reality - "the materialization of her dream"
materials handling|act of loading and unloading and moving goods within e.g. a factory especially using mechanical devices
materiel|equipment and supplies of a military force
maternal-infant bonding|the attachment that forms between an infant and its mother beginning at birth - "maternal-infant bonding influences the child's psychological and physical development"
maternalism|motherly care;behavior characteristic of a mother;the practice of acting as a mother does toward her children
maternity hospital|a hospital that provides care for women during pregnancy and childbirth and for newborn infants
maternity ward|a hospital ward that provides care for women during pregnancy and childbirth and for newborn infants
math teacher|someone who teaches mathematics
mathematical notation|a notation used by mathematicians
mathematical process|(mathematics) calculation by mathematical methods - "the problems at the end of the chapter demonstrated the mathematical processes involved in the derivation"
mathematical proof|proof of a mathematical theorem
mathematical relation|a relation between mathematical expressions (such as equality or inequality)
mathematical space|(mathematics) any set of points that satisfy a set of postulates of some kind
mathematical statement|a statement of a mathematical relation
mathematical symbol|a character that is used to indicates a mathematical relation or operation
mathematician|a person skilled in mathematics
mathematics|a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement
mathematics department|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in mathematics
Mathias|United States athlete who won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon (born in 1930)
matilija poppy|tall branching subshrub of California and Mexico often cultivated for its silvery-blue foliage and large fragrant white flowers
matinee|a theatrical performance held during the daytime (especially in the afternoon)
matins|the first canonical hour;at daybreak
Matisse|French painter and sculptor;leading figure of fauvism (1869-1954)
matriarch|a feisty older woman with a big bosom (as drawn in cartoons);a female head of a family or tribe
matriarchy|a form of social organization in which a female is the family head and title is traced through the female line
Matricaria|chiefly Old World strong-smelling weedy herbs;comprises plants sometimes included in other genera;e.g. Tanacetum;Tripleurospermum
matricide|a person who murders their mother;the murder of your mother
matriculate|someone who has been admitted to a college or university
matriculation|admission to a group (especially a college or university)
matrilineage|line of descent traced through the maternal side of the family
matrimonial law|that branch of jurisprudence that studies the laws governing matrimony
matrimony|the ceremony or sacrament of marriage
matrimony vine|any of various shrubs or vines of the genus Lycium with showy flowers and bright berries
matrix|(geology) amass of fine-grained rock in which fossils, crystals, or gems are embedded;(mathematics) a rectangular array of quantities or expressions set out by rows and columns;treated as a single element and manipulated according to rules;an enclosure within which something originates or develops (from the Latin for womb);mold used in the production of phonograph records, type, or other relief surface;the body substance in which tissue cells are embedded;the formative tissue at the base of a nail
matrix addition|the addition of matrices
matrix algebra|the part of algebra that deals with the theory of matrices
matrix inversion|determination of a matrix that when multiplied by the given matrix will yield a unit matrix
matrix multiplication|the multiplication of matrices
matrix operation|a mathematical operation involving matrices
matrix transposition|the interchange of each row of a square matrix with the corresponding column
matron|a married woman (usually middle-aged with children) who is staid and dignified;a wardress in a prison;a woman in charge of nursing in a medical institution
matron of honor|a married woman serving as the attendant to the bride at a wedding
matronymic|a name derived from the name of your mother or a maternal ancestor
matsyendra|(Hinduism) a religious posture
matte|a mixture of sulfides that forms when sulfide metal ores are smelted
matter|(used with negation) having consequence - "they were friends and it was no matter who won the games";a problem - "is anything the matter?";a vaguely specified concern - "several matters to attend to";that which has mass and occupies space - "physicists study both the nature of matter and the forces which govern it";written works (especially in books or magazines) - "he always took some reading matter with him on the plane"
matter of fact|a matter that is an actual fact or is demonstrable as a fact
Matterhorn|a mountain in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy (14,780 feet high);noted for its distinctive shape
Matteuccia|small genus sometimes included in genus Onoclea;in some classifications both genera are placed in Polypodiaceae
Matthew|(New Testament) disciple of Jesus;traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel;one of the Gospels in the New Testament;includes the Sermon on the Mount
Matthew Walker|a kind of stopper knot
Matthiola|genus of Old World plants grown as ornamentals
matting|a covering of coarse fabric (usually of straw or hemp)
mattock|a kind of pick that is used for digging;has a flat blade set at right angles to the handle
Mattole|a member of the Athapaskan people living in northwestern California;the Athapaskan language spoken by the Mattole
mattress|a large thick pad filled with resilient material and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or part of a bed
mattress cover|bedclothes that provide a cover for a mattress
mattress pad|a protective pad over a mattress to protect it
maturation|coming to full development;becoming mature
maturity|state of being mature;full development;the date on which an obligation must be repaid
matzo|brittle flat bread eaten at Passover
matzo ball|a Jewish dumpling made of matzo meal;usually served in soup
matzo meal|meal made from ground matzos
Maugham|English writer (born in France) of novels and short stories (1874-1965)
Maui|the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands
maul|a heavy long-handled hammer used to drive stakes or wedges
Mauldin|United States cartoonist noted for his drawings of soldiers in battle (1921-2003)
mauler|a fighter who batters the opponent - "Jack Dempsey was called a mauler"
maulstick|a long stick that a painter uses to support the hand holding the brush
Mauna Kea|an active volcano on north central Hawaii Island;highest peak in the Hawaiian Islands
Mauna Loa|an active volcano on south central Hawaii Island
maund|a unit of weight used in Asia;has different values in different countries - "the official maund in India is 82.6 pounds avoirdupois"
Maundy|a public ceremony on Maundy Thursday when the monarch distributes Maundy money
Maundy money|specially minted silver coins that are distributed by the British sovereign on Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday|the Thursday before Easter;commemorates the Last Supper
Maupassant|French writer noted especially for his short stories (1850-1893)
Mauriac|French novelist who wrote about the conflict between desire and religious belief (1885-1970)
Mauritania|a country in northwestern Africa with a provisional military government;achieved independence from France in 1960;largely western Sahara Desert
Mauritanian|a native or inhabitant of Mauritania
Mauritanian monetary unit|monetary unit in Mauritania
Mauritian|a native or inhabitant of Mauritius
Mauritian monetary unit|monetary unit in Mauritius
Mauritian rupee|the basic unit of money in Mauritius;equal to 100 cents
Mauritius|a parliamentary state on the island of Mauritius;an island in the southwestern Indian Ocean
Maurois|French writer best known for his biographies (1885-1967)
Mauser|German arms manufacturer and inventor of a repeating rifle and pistol (1838-1914);trademark for a repeating rifle or pistol
mausoleum|a large burial chamber, usually above ground
Mausoleum at Halicarnasus|a white marble mausoleum 140 feet high built in 352 BC at Halicarnassus as a memorial to a king;destroyed in 1402
mauve|a moderate purple
maverick|an unbranded range animal (especially a stray calf);belongs to the first person who puts a brand on it;someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
mawkishness|falsely emotional in a maudlin way;insincere pathos
maxi|a long skirt ending below the calf
maxillaria|any of numerous orchids of the genus Maxillaria often cultivated for their large brilliantly colored solitary flowers
maxillary artery|either of two arteries branching from the external carotid artery and supplying structure of the face
maxillary sinus|one of a pair of sinuses forming a cavity in the maxilla
maxillary vein|posterior continuation of the pterygoid plexus;joins the superficial temporal vein to form the retromandibular vein
maxim|a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits;English inventor (born in the United States) who invented the Maxim gun that was used in World War I (1840-1916)
Maxim gun|an obsolete water-cooled machine gun having a single barrel
Maximian|Roman Emperor from 286 until he abdicated in 305;when Diocletian divided the Roman Empire in 286 Maximian became emperor in the west (died in 311)
Maximilian's sunflower|tall perennial of central United States to Canada having golden-yellow flowers
maximization|the act of raising to the highest possible point or condition or position;the mathematical process of finding the maximum value of a function
maximum|the largest possible quantity;the point on a curve where the tangent changes from positive on the left to negative on the right
maximum and minimum thermometer|thermometer that records the highest and lowest temperatures reached during a period of time
Maxostoma|a genus of fish in the family Catostomidae
maxwell|a cgs unit of magnetic flux equal to the flux perpendicular to an area of 1 square centimeter in a magnetic field of 1 gauss;Scottish physicist whose equations unified electricity and magnetism and who recognized the electromagnetic nature of light (1831-1879)
Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution law|(physics) a law expressing the distribution of energy among the molecules of a gas in thermal equilibrium
Maxwell's demon|an imaginary creature that controls a small hole in a partition that divides a chamber filled with gas into two parts and allows fast molecules to move in one direction and slow molecules to move in the other direction through the hole;this would result in one part of the container becoming warmer and the other cooler, thus decreasing entropy and violating the second law of thermodynamics
Maxwell's equations|four differential equations that summarize classical properties of electromagnetic fields
Maxzide|trade name for an antihypertensive drug containing hydrochlorothiazide and another diuretic
May|the month following April and preceding June
May apple|edible but insipid fruit of the May apple plant
May Day|observed in many countries to celebrate the coming of spring;observed in Russia and related countries in honor of labor
May queen|the girl chosen queen of a May Day festival
May wine|a punch made of Moselle and sugar and sparkling water or champagne flavored with sweet woodruff
Maya|a family of American Indian languages spoken by Maya
Mayaca|small genus of delicate mossy bog plants having white or violet flowers
Mayacaceae|a monocotyledonous family of bog plants of order Xyridales
Mayakovski|Soviet poet;leader of Russian futurism (1893-1930)
Mayan|a member of an American Indian people of Yucatan and Belize and Guatemala who had a culture (which reached its peak between AD 300 and 900) characterized by outstanding architecture and pottery and astronomy - "Mayans had a system of writing and an accurate calendar"
mayapple|North American herb with poisonous root stock and edible though insipid fruit
Mayas|an ethnic minority speaking Mayan languages and living in Yucatan and adjacent areas
Mayday|an internationally recognized distress signal via radiotelephone (from the French m'aider)
mayeng|Indian tree having fragrant nocturnal white flowers and yielding a reddish wood used for planking;often grown as an ornamental or shade tree
Mayenne|a department of northwestern France in the Pays de la Loire region
Mayer|United States filmmaker (born in Russia) who founded his own film company and later merged with Samuel Goldwyn (1885-1957);United States physicist (born in Germany) noted for her research on the structure of the atom (1906-1972)
Mayetiola|a genus of Cecidomyidae
Mayflower|the ship in which the Pilgrim Fathers sailed from England to Massachusetts in 1620
mayfly|slender insect with delicate membranous wings having an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial adult stage usually lasting less than two days
mayhaw|hawthorn of southern United States bearing a juicy, acidic, scarlet fruit that is often used in jellies or preserves
mayhem|the willful and unlawful crippling or mutilation of another person
mayonnaise|egg yolks and oil and vinegar
mayor|the head of a city government
mayoralty|the position of mayor
mayoress|a woman mayor;the wife of a mayor
maypole|a vertical pole or post decorated with streamers that can be held by dancers celebrating May Day
maypop|of southern United States;having an insipid berry the size of a hen egg
Mays|United States baseball player (born in 1931)
mayweed|widespread rank-smelling weed having white-rayed flower heads with yellow discs
Mazama|brockets
Mazar-i-Sharif|a city in northern Afghanistan
Mazatlan|a port city in western Mexico on the Pacific Ocean;tourist center
maze|complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost
mazer|a large hardwood drinking bowl
mazurka|a Polish national dance in triple time;music composed for dancing the mazurka
Mazzini|Italian nationalist whose writings spurred the movement for a unified and independent Italy (1805-1872)
Mbabane|capital of Swaziland;located in northwestern Swaziland
Mbeya|a city in southwestern Tanzania
Mbundu|an ethnic group speaking Umbundu and living in western Angola
McAlester|a town in southeastern Oklahoma
McAllen|a town in southern Texas on the Rio Grande
McArdle's disease|an inherited disease in which abnormal amounts of glycogen accumulate in skeletal muscle;results in weakness and cramping
McBurney's point|a point one third of the way along a line drawn from the hip to the umbilicus;the point of maximum sensitivity in acute appendicitis
McCarthy|United States politician who unscrupulously accused many citizens of being Communists (1908-1957);United States satirical novelist and literary critic (1912-1989)
McCarthyism|unscrupulously accusing people of disloyalty (as by saying they were Communists)
McCartney|English rock star and bass guitarist and songwriter who with John Lennon wrote most of the music for the Beatles (born in 1942)
McCauley|heroine of the American Revolution who carried water to soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth Court House and took over her husband's gun when he was overcome by heat (1754-1832)
McCormick|United States inventor and manufacturer of a mechanical harvester (1809-1884);United States operatic tenor (born in Ireland) (1884-1945)
McCullers|United States novelist (1917-1967)
McGraw|United States baseball player and manager (1873-1934)
McGuffey|United States educator who compiled the McGuffey Eclectic Readers (1800-1873)
McGuffey Eclectic Readers|readers that combined lessons in reading with moralistic messages
McGuffin|(film) a plot element that catches the viewers' attention or drives the plot - "the McGuffin was a key element of Alfred Hitchcock's films"
McIntosh|early-ripening apple popular in the northeastern United States;primarily eaten raw but suitable for applesauce
McKim|United States neoclassical architect (1847-1909)
McKinley|25th President of the United States;was assassinated by an anarchist (1843-1901);a mountain in south central Alaska;the highest peak in North America (20,300 feet high)
McLuhan|Canadian writer noted for his analyses of the mass media (1911-1980)
McMaster|United States historian who wrote a nine volume history of the people of the United States (1852-1932)
McPherson|United States evangelist (born in Canada) noted for her extravagant religious services (1890-1944)
mea culpa|an acknowledgment of your error or guilt
mead|made of fermented honey and water;United States anthropologist noted for her claims about adolescence and sexual behavior in Polynesian cultures (1901-1978);United States philosopher of pragmatism (1863-1931)
Meade|English economist noted for his studies of international trade and finance (1907-1995);United States general in charge of the Union troops at the Battle of Gettysburg (1815-1872)
meadow buttercup|perennial European buttercup with yellow spring flowers widely naturalized especially in eastern North America
meadow clary|tall perennial Old World salvia with violet-blue flowers;found in open grasslands
meadow cranesbill|tall perennial cranesbill with paired violet-blue axillary flowers;native to northern parts of Old World and naturalized in North America
meadow foxtail|stout erect perennial grass of northern parts of Old World having silky flowering spikes;widely cultivated for pasture and hay;naturalized in North America
meadow goldenrod|large North American goldenrod having showy clusters of yellow flowers on arching branches;often a weed
meadow jumping mouse|widely distributed in northeastern and central United States and Canada
meadow mushroom|common edible mushroom found naturally in moist open soil;the cultivated mushroom of commerce
meadow pipit|a common pipit that is brown above and white below;widely distributed in northern and central Europe and in Asia
meadow rue|any of various herbs of the genus Thalictrum;sometimes rhizomatous or tuberous perennials found in damp shady places and meadows or stream banks;have lacy foliage and clouds of small purple or yellow flowers
meadow salsify|weedy European annual with yellow flowers;naturalized in United States
meadow saxifrage|rosette-forming perennial having compact panicles of white flowers;Europe
meadow spikemoss|spikemoss forming dense mats;eastern North America
meadow spittlebug|North American insect that severely damages grasses
meadow vole|widely distributed in grasslands of northern United States and Canada
meadowgrass|any of various grasses that thrive in the presence of abundant moisture
meadowlark|North American songbirds having a yellow breast
Mead's milkweed|milkweed of central North America;a threatened species
meagerness|the quality of being meager - "an exiguity of cloth that would only allow of miniature capes"-George Eliot
meal|any of the occasions for eating food that occur by custom or habit at more or less fixed times;coarsely ground foodstuff;especially seeds of various cereal grasses or pulse;the food served and eaten at one time
meal ticket|a source of income or livelihood;coupon redeemable at a restaurant and entitling the holder to a meal
mealie|an ear of corn
mealtime|the hour at which a meal is habitually or customarily eaten
mealworm|the larva of beetles of the family Tenebrionidae
mealybug|scalelike plant-eating insect coated with a powdery waxy secretion;destructive especially of fruit trees
mean|an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n
mean deviation|the arithmetic mean of the absolute values of deviations from the mean of a distribution
mean distance|the arithmetic mean of the maximum and minimum distances of a celestial body (satellite or secondary star) from its primary
mean sun|a theoretical sun that moves along the celestial equator at a constant speed and completes its annual course in the same amount of time the real sun takes at variable speeds
mean time|(astronomy) time based on the motion of the mean sun (an imaginary sun moving uniformly along the celestial equator)
meander|a bend or curve, as in a stream or river
meanie|a person of mean disposition
meaning|the idea that is intended - "What is the meaning of this proverb?";the message that is intended or expressed or signified - "what is the meaning of this sentence"
meaningfulness|the quality of having great value or significance
meaninglessness|the quality of having no value or significance - "he resented the meaninglessness of the tasks they assigned him"
meanness|extreme stinginess
means|an instrumentality for accomplishing some end;considerable capital (wealth or income) - "he is a man of means";how a result is obtained or an end is achieved - "a means of control"
means test|an inquiry into the financial position of someone applying for financial aid
Meany|United States labor leader who was the first president of the AFL-CIO (1894-1980)
measles|an acute and highly contagious viral disease marked by distinct red spots followed by a rash;occurs primarily in children
measure|a container of some standard capacity that is used to obtain fixed amounts of a substance;any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal - "the situation called for strong measures";how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify;musical notation for a repeating pattern of musical beats
measurement|the act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule - "the measurements were carefully done"
measurer|a person who makes measurements
measuring cup|graduated cup used to measure liquid or granular ingredients
measuring instrument|instrument that shows the extent or amount or quantity or degree of something
measuring stick|measuring instrument having a sequence of marks at regular intervals;used as a reference in making measurements
measuring unit|a unit of measurement
measuring worm|small hairless caterpillar having legs on only its front and rear segments;mostly larvae of moths of the family Geometridae
meat|the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
meat and potatoes|the fundamental part - "successful negotiation is the meat and potatoes of arbitration"
meat counter|counter where meats are displayed for sale
meat grinder|a mill for grinding meat;any action resulting in injury or destruction - "the meat grinder of politics destroyed his reputation" - "allied forces crumbled before the Wehrmacht meat grinder"
meat hook|a strong pointed hook from which the carcasses of animals are hung
meat house|a small house (on a farm) where meat is stored
meat loaf|a baked loaf of ground meat
meat packer|a wholesaler in the meat-packing business
meat pie|pie made with meat or fowl enclosed in pastry or covered with pastry or biscuit dough
meat safe|a safe for storing meat
meat thermometer|a thermometer that is inserted into the center of a roast (with the top away from the heat source);used to measure how well done the meat is
meatball|ground meat formed into a ball and fried or simmered in broth
meatpacking|wholesale packaging of meat for future sale (including slaughtering and processing and distribution to retailers)
meatus|a natural body passageway
mebendazole|an anthelmintic used to treat hookworm and pinworm and roundworm infestations
mebibit|a unit of information equal to 1024 kibibits or 2^20 (1,048,576) bits
mecca|a place that attracts many visitors - "New York is a mecca for young artists";joint capital (with Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia;located in western Saudi Arabia;as the birthplace of Muhammad it is the holiest city of Islam
Meccano|a child's construction set for making mechanical models
mechanical advantage|the ratio of the force exerted by a machine to the force applied to it
mechanical device|mechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principles
mechanical drawing|scale drawing of a machine or architectural plan etc,
mechanical energy|energy in a mechanical form
mechanical engineer|a person trained to design and construct machines
mechanical engineering|the branch of engineering that deals with the design and construction and operation of machinery
mechanical mixture|a mixture whose components can be separated by mechanical means
mechanical phenomenon|a physical phenomenon associated with the equilibrium or motion of objects
mechanical piano|a mechanically operated piano that uses a roll of perforated paper to activate the keys
mechanical system|a system of elements that interact on mechanical principles
mechanics|the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference
mechanic's lien|lien to secure payment for work and materials in erecting or repairing a building or other structure
mechanism|(philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes;a natural object resembling a machine in structure or function - "the mechanism of the ear" - "the mechanism of infection";device consisting of a piece of machinery;has moving parts that perform some function;the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction - "he determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions";the technical aspects of doing something - "a mechanism of social control" - "mechanisms of communication"
mechanist|a philosopher who subscribes to the doctrine of mechanism
mechanization|the condition of having a highly technical implementation
mechanized cavalry|an armored unit of a modern army equipped with motor vehicles
Meckel's diverticulum|a congenital diverticulum in the ileum resulting from incomplete closure of the yolk sac
meclizine|an antihistamine (trade name Antivert) used to treat or prevent motion sickness
meclofenamate|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (trade name Meclomen) used to treat arthritis
meconium|thick dark green mucoid material that is the first feces of a newborn child
Meconopsis|herbs almost entirely of mountains of China and Tibet;often monocarpic
Mecoptera|an order of carnivorous insects usually having long membranous wings and long beaklike heads with chewing mouths at the tip
mecopteran|any of various carnivorous insects of the order Mecoptera
Medaille Militaire|a French military decoration
Medal of Honor|the highest U.S. military decoration awarded for bravery and valor in action 'above and beyond the call of duty'
medal play|golf scoring by total strokes taken
medalist|(golf) the winner at medal play of a tournament;someone who has won a medal
medallion|a circular helping of food (especially a boneless cut of meat) - "medallions of veal";an emblem indicating that a taxicab is registered;any of various large ancient Greek coins
Medan|a city in Indonesia;located in northeastern Sumatra
Medawar|British immunologist (born in Brazil) who studied tissue transplants and discovered that the rejection of grafts was an immune response (1915-1987)
meddler|an officious annoying person who interferes with others
meddling|the act of altering something secretly or improperly
Medea|(Greek mythology) a princess of Colchis who aided Jason in taking the Golden Fleece from her father
Medellin|city in western Colombia;important coffee center
Medellin cartel|a drug cartel in Colombia;controlled the production of cocaine from the 1970s until 1993 when the leader was killed
Medford|a town in southwestern Oregon;a summer resort;town in northeastern Massachusetts;residential suburb of Boston
media consultant|someone who advises about the use of communication media
mediacy|the quality of being mediate
medial condyle|a condyle on the inner side of the lower extremity of the femur
medial geniculate body|a neural structure that serves as the last of a series of processing centers along the auditory pathway from the cochlea to the temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex
medial rectus muscle|the ocular muscle whose contraction turns the eyeball medially
median|the value below which 50% of the cases fall
mediant|(music) the third note of a diatonic scale;midway between the tonic and the dominant
mediastinum|the part of the thoracic cavity between the lungs that contains the heart and aorta and esophagus and trachea and thymus
mediation|a negotiation to resolve differences that is conducted by some impartial party;the act of intervening for the purpose of bringing about a settlement
mediator|a negotiator who acts as a link between parties
mediatrix|a woman who is a mediator
medic|any of several Old World herbs of the genus Medicago having small flowers and trifoliate compound leaves
Medicago|a genus of herbs that resemble clover
Medicaid|health care for the needy;a federally and state-funded program
Medicaid funds|public funds used to pay for Medicaid
medical assistant|a person trained to assist medical professionals
medical bill|statement of charges for medical services
medical building|building where medicine is practiced
medical care|professional treatment for illness or injury
medical center|the part of a city where medical facilities are centered
medical diagnosis|identification of a disease from its symptoms
medical evacuation|the evacuation of persons (usually by air transportation) to a place where they can receive medical care
medical expense|amount spent for diagnosis or treatment or prevention of medical problems
medical history|the case history of a medical patient as recalled by the patient
medical institution|an institution created for the practice of medicine
medical instrument|instrument used in the practice of medicine
Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System|relational database of the United States National Library of Medicine for the storage and retrieval of bibliographical information concerning the biomedical literature
medical officer|a medical practitioner in the armed forces
medical practice|the practice of medicine
medical practitioner|someone who practices medicine
medical procedure|a procedure employed by medical or dental practitioners
medical profession|the body of individuals who are qualified to practice medicine
medical relation|the professional relation between a health care professional and a patient
medical report|a report of the results of a medical examination of a patient
medical school|a graduate school offering study leading to a medical degree
medical science|the science of dealing with the maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of disease
medical scientist|a scientist who studies disease processes
medical student|a student in medical school
Medicare|health care for the aged;a federally administered system of health insurance available to persons aged 65 and over
medicare check|a check reimbursing an aged person for the expenses of health care
medication|the act of treating with medicines or remedies
Medici|aristocratic Italian family of powerful merchants and bankers who ruled Florence in the 15th century
medicinal leech|large European freshwater leech formerly used for bloodletting
medicine|(medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease;the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques;the learned profession that is mastered by graduate training in a medical school and that is devoted to preventing or alleviating or curing diseases and injuries - "he studied medicine at Harvard"
medicine ball|heavy ball used in physical training
medicine chest|cabinet that holds medicines and toiletries
medicine man|a Native American shaman
Medieval Greek|the Greek language from about 600 to 1200 AD
Medieval Latin|Latin used for liturgical purposes during the Middle Ages
Medina|a city in western Saudi Arabia;site of the tomb of Muhammad;the second most holy city of Islam;the ancient quarter of many cities in northern Africa
Medinilla|tropical Old World ornamental evergreen shrubs having fleshy leaves and large panicles of white pink flowers
Medinilla magnifica|a beautiful tropical evergreen epiphytic shrub grown for its lush foliage and huge panicles of pink flowers;Philippines
meditation|(religion) contemplation of spiritual matters (usually on religious or philosophical subjects);continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature - "the habit of meditation is the basis for all real knowledge"
Mediterranean|the largest inland sea;between Europe and Africa and Asia
mediterranean anchovy|esteemed for its flavor;usually preserved or used for sauces and relishes
Mediterranean flour moth|small moth whose larvae damage stored grain and flour
Mediterranean fruit fly|small black-and-white fly that damages citrus and other fruits by implanting eggs that hatch inside the fruit
Mediterranean snapdragon|perennial native to the Mediterranean but widely cultivated for its purple or pink flowers
Mediterranean water shrew|a type of water shrew
medium|(biology) a substance in which specimens are preserved or displayed;(usually plural) transmissions that are disseminated widely to the public;a liquid with which pigment is mixed by a painter;a means or instrumentality for storing or communicating information;a state that is intermediate between extremes;a middle position - "a happy medium";an intervening substance through which signals can travel as a means for communication;an intervening substance through which something is achieved - "the dissolving medium is called a solvent";someone who serves as an intermediary between the living and the dead - "he consulted several mediums";the surrounding environment - "fish require an aqueous medium"
medium frequency|300 to 3000 kilohertz
medium of exchange|anything that is generally accepted as a standard of value and a measure of wealth in a particular country or region
medium steel|steel with 0.15-0.3% carbon
medium wave|a radio wave with a wavelength between 100 and 1000 meters (a frequency between 300 kilohertz and 3000 kilohertz)
medlar|a South African globular fruit with brown leathery skin and pithy flesh having a sweet-acid taste;crabapple-like fruit used for preserves;small deciduous Eurasian tree cultivated for its fruit that resemble crab apples
medley|a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources
MEDLINE|the computer-based telephone system of the United States National Library of Medicine that provides rapid linkage to MEDLARS
Medoc|red Bordeaux wine from the Medoc district of southwestern France
medroxyprogesterone|a progestin compound (trade name Provera) used to treat menstrual disorders
medulla|the inner part of an organ or structure in plant or animal
medulla oblongata|lower or hindmost part of the brain;continuous with spinal cord;('bulb' is an old term for medulla oblongata) - "the medulla oblongata is the most vital part of the brain because it contains centers controlling breathing and heart functioning"
medullary sheath|a layer of myelin encasing (and insulating) the axons of medullated nerve fibers
medullated nerve fiber|a nerve fiber encased in a sheath of myelin
Medusa|(Greek mythology) a woman transformed into a Gorgon by Athena;she was slain by Perseus;one of two forms that coelenterates take;it is the free-swimming sexual phase in the life cycle of a coelenterate;in this phase it has a gelatinous umbrella-shaped body and tentacles
medusa's head|African dwarf succulent perennial shrub with numerous slender drooping branches;weedy rye grass having long bristling awns
meed|a fitting reward
meekness|a disposition to be patient and long suffering;the feeling of patient, submissive humbleness
meerkat|a mongoose-like viverrine of South Africa having a face like a lemur and only four toes
meerschaum|a pipe having a bowl made of meerschaum;a white clayey mineral
meet|a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
meeting|a casual or unexpected convergence - "he still remembers their meeting in Paris";a formally arranged gathering - "next year the meeting will be in Chicago" - "the meeting elected a chairperson";a small informal social gathering - "there was an informal meeting in my living room";the social act of assembling for some common purpose - "his meeting with the salesmen was the high point of his day"
meeting house|columbine of eastern North America having long-spurred red flowers
mefenamic acid|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug (trade name Ponstel) used to treat mild pain (especially menstrual cramps)
mefloquine|an antimalarial drug (trade name Larium and Mephaquine) that is effective in cases that do not respond to chloroquine;said to produce harmful neuropsychiatric effects on some people
megabit|a unit of information equal to 1000 kilobits or 10^6 (1,000,000) bits
megabyte|a unit of information equal to 1000 kilobytes or 10^6 (1,000,000) bytes;a unit of information equal to 1024 kibibytes or 2^20 (1,048,576) bytes
Megachile|type genus of the Megachilidae;leaf-cutting bees
Megachilidae|leaf-cutting and mason bees
Megachiroptera|fruit bats
megacolon|an abnormal enlargement of the colon;can be congenital (as in Hirschsprung's disease) or acquired (as when children refuse to defecate)
megadeath|the death of a million people - "they calibrate the effects of atom bombs in megadeaths"
Megaderma|type genus of the Megadermatidae
Megadermatidae|Old World false vampire bats
Megaera|one of the three Furies
megaflop|(computer science) a unit for measuring the speed of a computer system
megagametophyte|the female gametophyte produced by the megaspore of a plant that produces both microspore and megaspores
megahertz|one million periods per second
megakaryocyte|a large bone marrow cell;regarded as the source of blood platelets
megalith|memorial consisting of a very large stone forming part of a prehistoric structure (especially in western Europe)
Megalobatrachus|giant salamanders;in some classifications included in the genus Cryptobranchus
megaloblast|abnormally large red blood cell present in pernicious anemia and folic acid deficiency
megaloblastic anemia|anemia characterized by many large immature and dysfunctional red blood cells (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow;associated with pernicious anemia
megalocyte|abnormally large red blood cell (associated with pernicious anemia)
megalomania|a psychological state characterized by delusions of grandeur
megalomaniac|a pathological egotist
Megalonychidae|mammal family consisting of the two-toed sloths
megalopolis|a very large urban complex (usually involving several cities and towns)
Megaloptera|in some classifications considered a separate order;alderflies;dobsonflies;snake flies
megalosaur|gigantic carnivorous bipedal dinosaur of the Jurassic or early Cretaceous in Europe
Megalosauridae|megalosaurs
megaphone|a cone-shaped acoustic device held to the mouth to intensify and direct the human voice
megapode|large-footed short-winged birds of Australasia;build mounds of decaying vegetation to incubate eggs
Megapodiidae|megapodes
Megapodius|type genus of the Megapodiidae
Megaptera|humpback whales
megasporangium|a plant structure that produces megaspores
megaspore|larger of the two types of spore produced in heterosporous plants;develops in ovule into a female gametophyte
megasporophyll|in non-flowering plants, a sporophyll that bears only megasporangia
megatherian|a large extinct ground sloth
Megatheriidae|extinct ground sloths
Megatherium|type genus of the Megatheriidae
megaton|a measure of explosive power (of an atomic weapon) equal to that of one million tons of TNT;one million tons
megaton bomb|a nuclear weapon with an explosive power equivalent to one million tons of TNT
megavitamin therapy|therapy based on a theory that taking very large doses of vitamins will prevent or cure physical or psychological disorders
megawatt|a unit of power equal to one million watts
megestrol|a synthetic progestational compound used to treat endometrial carcinoma
Megillah|(Judaism) the scroll of parchment that contains the biblical story of Esther;traditionally read in synagogues to celebrate Purim;(Yiddish) a long boring tediously detailed account
megilp|a medium for oil-paints;linseed oil mixed with mastic varnish or turpentine
megohm|a unit of resistance equal to one million ohms
Meibomian gland|a long sebaceous gland that lubricates the eyelids - "bacterial infection of a Meibomian gland produces a stye"
Meiji Tenno|emperor of Japan who encouraged the modernization of Japan (1852-1912)
meiosis|(genetics) cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms;the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants)
Meir|Israeli statesman (born in Russia) (1898-1978)
Meissner|German anatomist (1829-1905);German physicist (1882-1974)
Meitner|Swedish physicist (born in Austria) who worked in the field of radiochemistry with Otto Hahn and formulated the concept of nuclear fission with Otto Frisch (1878-1968)
meitnerium|a radioactive transuranic element
Mekong|an Asian river;flows through a large delta in southern Vietnam into the South China Sea
melagra|rheumatic or myalgic pains in the arms or legs
melamine|a white crystalline organic base;used mainly in making melamine resins
melamine resin|a thermosetting resin formed from melamine and an aldehyde;used in molded products, adhesives, and coatings
Melampodium|herbs and subshrubs of warm North America
Melampsora|rusts having sessile one-celled teliospores in a single layer
Melampsoraceae|rust fungi
melancholia|extreme depression characterized by tearful sadness and irrational fears
melancholic|someone subject to melancholia
melancholy|a constitutional tendency to be gloomy and depressed;a feeling of thoughtful sadness
melancholy thistle|perennial stoloniferous thistle of northern Europe with lanceolate basal leaves and usually solitary heads of reddish-purple flowers
Melanchthon|German theologian and Luther's successor as leader of the Reformation in Germany (1497-1560)
Melanerpes|a genus of Picidae
Melanesia|the islands in the southwestern part of Oceania
melanin|insoluble pigments that account for the color of e.g. skin and scales and feathers
Melanitta|scoters
melanoblast|an epidermal cell that is a precursor of a melanocyte
melanocyte|a cell in the basal layer of the epidermis that produces melanin under the control of the melanocyte-stimulating hormone
melanocyte-stimulating hormone|a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that controls the degree of pigmentation in melanocytes
melanoderma|abnormally dark skin caused by increased deposits of melatonin
Melanogrammus|haddock
melanoma|any of several malignant neoplasms (usually of the skin) consisting of melanocytes
Melanoplus|New World migratory locusts and common American grasshoppers
melanosis|a condition characterized by abnormal deposits of melanin (especially in the skin)
Melanotis|a genus of Mimidae
Melanthiaceae|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted;includes Aletris;Narthecium;Veratrum
Melastoma|type genus of Melastomataceae;Asiatic shrubs with leathery leaves and large purple flowers followed by edible fleshy black berries
Melastomataceae|a family of trees and bushes and herbs of order Myrtales;many are cultivated as ornamentals
melatonin|hormone secreted by the pineal gland
Melba|Australian operatic soprano (1861-1931)
Melba toast|very thin crisp brown toast
Melbourne|a resort town in east central Florida;the capital of Victoria state and 2nd largest Australian city;a financial and commercial center
Melchior|(New Testament) one of the three sages from the east who came bearing gifts for the infant Jesus;usually represented as a king of Nubia;United States operatic tenor (born in Denmark) noted for his Wagnerian roles (1890-1973)
Meleagrididae|turkeys and some extinct forms
Meleagris|type genus of the Meleagrididae;wild and domestic turkeys
melee|a noisy riotous fight
melena|abnormally dark tarry feces containing blood (usually from gastrointestinal bleeding)
Meles|in some classifications;type genus of the subfamily Melinae
Melia|type genus of the Meliaceae;East Indian and Australian deciduous trees with leaves resembling those of the ash
Meliaceae|tropical trees and shrubs including many important timber and ornamental trees
Melicoccus|tropical American trees and shrubs bearing berries
Melicytus|a genus of deciduous shrubs or trees;fruit is a berry;grow in New Zealand and Fiji and Solomon Islands
melilotus|erect annual or biennial plant grown extensively especially for hay and soil improvement
Melinae|subdivision not used in some classifications;badgers
melioration|the linguistic process in which over a period of time a word grows more positive in connotation or more elevated in meaning
meliorism|the belief that the world can be made better by human effort
Meliphagidae|honey eaters
Melissa|a genus of Old World mints of the family Labiatae
Melkite|an eastern Christian in Egypt or Syria who adheres to the Orthodox faith as defined by the council of Chalcedon in 451 and as accepted by the Byzantine emperor;an Orthodox Christian or Uniate Christian belonging to the patriarchate of Alexandria or Antioch or Jerusalem
Mellivora|ratels
Mellon|United States financier and philanthropist (1855-1937)
mellowing|the process of becoming mellow
mellowness|a soft shade of a color - "a mellowness of light and shade not attainable in marble";a taste (especially of fruit) that is ripe and of full flavor;geniality, as through the effects of alcohol or marijuana;kindheartedness through maturity or old age
Melocactus|genus of strongly ribbed globose or spheroid cacti of tropical South and Central America and the Caribbean
melodiousness|the property of having a melody
melodrama|an extravagant comedy in which action is more salient than characterization
melody|the perception of pleasant arrangements of musical notes
Melogale|a genus of Mustelidae
Meloidae|blister beetles
Melolontha|a genus of Melolonthidae
melolonthid beetle|any of various beetles of the family (or subfamily) Melolonthidae
Melolonthidae|considered a separate family in some classification systems
melon|any of numerous fruits of the gourd family having a hard rind and sweet juicy flesh;any of various fruit of cucurbitaceous vines including;muskmelons;watermelons;cantaloupes;cucumbers
melon ball|a bite of melon cut as a sphere
Melophagus|an arthropod genus of wingless flies including the sheep ked
Melopsittacus|a genus of Psittacidae
melosa|South American herb with sticky glandular foliage;source of madia oil
Melospiza|American song sparrow and swamp sparrow
melphalan|antineoplastic drug (trade name Alkeran) used to treat multiple myeloma and some other malignancies
Melpomene|(Greek mythology) the Muse of tragedy
meltdown|a disaster comparable to a nuclear meltdown - "there is little likelihood of a meltdown comparable to the American banking collapse in March 1933";severe overheating of the core of a nuclear reactor resulting in the core melting and radiation escaping
melter|a worker who melts substances (metal or wax etc.)
melting pot|an environment in which many ideas and races are socially assimilated
meltwater|melted snow or ice
Melursus|sloth bears;in some classifications not a separate genus from Ursus
Melville|United States writer of novels and short stories (1819-1891)
mem|the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
member|an organization that is a member of another organization (especially a state that belongs to a group of nations) - "the library was a member of the interlibrary loan association" - "Canada is a member of the United Nations";anything that belongs to a set or class - "snakes are members of the class Reptilia" - "members of the opposite sex";one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization) - "only members will be admitted" - "a member of the faculty" - "she was introduced to all the members of his family"
member bank|a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System
membership|the body of members of an organization or group - "they polled their membership";the state of being a member
membership card|a card certifying membership in an organization
Membracidae|plant hoppers;treehoppers
membrane|a pliable sheet of tissue that covers or lines or connects the organs or cells of animals or plants;a thin pliable sheet of material
membrane bone|any bone that develops within membranous tissue without previous cartilage formation;e.g. the clavicle and bones of the skull
membranous labyrinth|the sensory structures of the inner ear including the labyrinthine receptors and the cochlea;contained within the bony labyrinth
meme|a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation) - "memes are the cultural counterpart of genes"
memento|a reminder of past events
memento mori|a reminder (as a death's head) of your mortality
memo|a written proposal or reminder
memoir|an account of the author's personal experiences;an essay on a scientific or scholarly topic
memorabilia|a record of things worth remembering
memorability|the quality of being worth remembering - "continuous change results in lack of memorability" - "true memorability of phrase"
memorial|a recognition of meritorious service;a structure erected to commemorate persons or events;a written statement of facts submitted in conjunction with a petition to an authority
Memorial Day|legal holiday in the United States, last Monday in May;commemorates the members of the United States armed forces who were killed in war
memorization|learning so as to be able to remember verbatim - "the actor's memorization of his lines"
memorizer|a person who learns by rote
memory|an electronic memory device - "a memory and the CPU form the central part of a computer to which peripherals are attached";something that is remembered - "search as he would, the memory was lost";the area of cognitive psychology that studies memory processes - "he taught a graduate course on learning and memory";the cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered - "he can do it from memory";the power of retaining and recalling past experience - "he had a good memory when he was younger"
memory chip|a RAM microchip that can be plugged into a computer to provide additional memory
memory device|a device that preserves information for retrieval
memory image|a mental image of something previously experienced
memory picture|a memory image that is similar to a visual perception
Memphis|an ancient city of Egypt on the Nile (south of Cairo);largest city of Tennessee;located in southwestern Tennessee on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River
memsahib|a woman sahib
menace|a threat or the act of threatening - "he spoke with desperate menace";something that is a source of danger
menage a trois|household for three;an arrangement where a married couple and a lover of one of them live together while sharing sexual relations
menagerie|a collection of live animals for study or display;the facility where wild animals are housed for exhibition
Menai Strait|a strait in northern Wales between Anglesey Island and the mainland
Menander|comic dramatist of ancient Greece (342-292 BC)
menarche|the first occurrence of menstruation in a woman
Mencken|United States journalist and literary critic (1880-1956)
mend|sewing that repairs a worn or torn hole (especially in a garment) - "her stockings had several mends"
mendacity|the tendency to be untruthful
Mendel|Augustinian monk and botanist whose experiments in breeding garden peas led to his eventual recognition as founder of the science of genetics (1822-1884)
mendelevium|a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding einsteinium with alpha particles (Md is the current symbol for mendelevium but Mv was formerly the symbol)
Mendeleyev|Russian chemist who developed a periodic table of the chemical elements and predicted the discovery of several new elements (1834-1907)
Mendelian|a follower of Mendelism
Mendelism|the theory of inheritance based on Mendel's laws
Mendel's law|(genetics) one of two principles of heredity formulated by Gregor Mendel on the basis of his experiments with plants;the principles were limited and modified by subsequent genetic research
Mendelsohn|German architect who migrated to Palestine in 1937 (1887-1953)
Mendelssohn|German musician and romantic composer of orchestral and choral works (1809-1847)
Mendenhall Glacier|a glacier of the Piedmont type near Juneau in Alaska
mender|a skilled worker who mends or repairs things
mending|garments that must be repaired
Menelaus|(Greek mythology) the king of Sparta at the time of the Trojan War;brother of Agamemnon;husband of Helen
menhaden|shad-like North American marine fishes used for fish meal and oil and fertilizer
menhaden oil|a fatty oil obtained from the menhaden fish and used in paint and ink and in treating leather
menhir|a tall upright megalith;found primarily in England and northern France
menial|a domestic servant
Meniere|French otologist who first described a form of vertigo now known as Meniere's disease and identified the semicircular canals as the site of the lesion (1799-1862)
Meniere's disease|a disease of the inner ear characterized by episodes of dizziness and tinnitus and progressive hearing loss (usually unilateral)
meningeal artery|any of three arteries supplying the meninges of the brain and neighboring structures
meningeal veins|veins at accompany the meningeal arteries
meningioma|a tumor arising in the meninges which surround the brain and spinal cord;usually slow growing and sometimes malignant
meningism|symptoms that mimic those of meningitis but without inflammation of the meninges
meningitis|infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the meninges (the tissues that surround the brain or spinal cord) usually caused by a bacterial infection;symptoms include headache and stiff neck and fever and nausea
meningocele|a congenital anomaly of the central nervous system in which a sac protruding from the brain or the spinal meninges contains cerebrospinal fluid (but no nerve tissue)
meningoencephalitis|inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and their meninges
meninx|a membrane (one of 3) that envelops the brain and spinal cord
Menippe|stone crabs
meniscectomy|surgical removal of the meniscus of the knee
Meniscium|terrestrial ferns of tropical Americas
meniscus|(anatomy) a disk of cartilage that serves as a cushion between the ends of bones that meet at a joint;(optics) a lens that is concave on one side and convex on the other;(physics) the curved upper surface of a nonturbulent liquid in a vertical tube
Menispermaceae|herbaceous or woody climbers
Menispermum|climbing herbs
Menninger|United States psychiatrist and son of Charles Menninger (1893-1990);United States psychiatrist and son of Charles Menninger (1899-1966);United States psychiatrist who with his sons founded a famous psychiatric clinic in Topeka (1862-1953)
Mennonite|a member of an Anabaptist movement in Holland noted for its simplicity of life
Mennonite Church|formed from the Anabaptist movement in the 16th century;noted for its simplicity of life
Mennonitism|system of beliefs and practices including belief in scriptural authority;plain dress;adult baptism;foot washing;restriction of marriage to members of the group
meno mosso|played at reduced speed;less rapid
Menomini|a member of the federally recognized tribe of Algonquian people living on a reservation in central Wisconsin;the Algonquian language spoken by the Menomini
menopause|the time in a woman's life in which the menstrual cycle ends
Menopon|chicken lice
menorah|(Judaism) a candelabrum with nine branches;used during the Hanukkah festival;(Judaism) a candelabrum with seven branches used in ceremonies to symbolize the seven days of Creation
menorrhagia|abnormally heavy or prolonged menstruation;can be a symptom of uterine tumors and can lead to anemia if prolonged
menorrhea|flow of blood from the uterus;occurs at roughly monthly intervals during a woman's reproductive years
Menotti|United States composer (born in Italy) of operas (born in 1911)
Menotyphla|elephant shrews;tree shrews
mens rea|(law) criminal intent;the thoughts and intentions behind a wrongful act (including knowledge that the act is illegal);often at issue in murder trials
men's room|a public toilet for men
Mensa|a faint constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere and containing part of the Large Magellanic Cloud
mensch|a decent responsible person with admirable characteristics
Menshevik|a Russian member of the liberal minority group that advocated gradual reform and opposed the Bolsheviks before and during the Russian Revolution
menstrual cycle|a recurring cycle (beginning at menarche and ending at menopause) in which the endometrial lining of the uterus prepares for pregnancy;if pregnancy does not occur the lining is shed at menstruation - "the average menstrual cycle is 28 days"
menstrual phase|the phase of the menstrual cycle during which the lining of the uterus is shed (the first day of menstrual flow is considered day 1 of the menstrual cycle)
menstruation|the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus of nonpregnant women from puberty to menopause - "the women were sickly and subject to excessive menstruation" - "a woman does not take the gout unless her menses be stopped"--Hippocrates - "the semen begins to appear in males and to be emitted at the same time of life that the catamenia begin to flow in females"--Aristotle
menstruum|(archaic) a solvent
mental abnormality|any abnormality of mental function
mental age|the level of intellectual development as measured by an intelligence test
mental anguish|sustained dull painful emotion
mental disorder|(psychiatry) a psychological disorder of thought or emotion;a more neutral term than mental illness
mental exhaustion|exhaustion that affects mental keenness
mental health|the psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment
mental hospital|a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person
mental illness|any disease of the mind;the psychological state of someone who has emotional or behavioral problems serious enough to require psychiatric intervention
mental measurement|a generic term used to cover any application of measurement techniques to the quantification of mental functions
mental note|special attention with intent to remember - "he made a mental note to send her flowers"
mental picture|a clear and telling mental image - "he described his mental picture of his assailant"
mental quickness|intelligence as revealed by an ability to give correct responses without delay
mental reservation|an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly
mental soundness|the healthy psychological state of someone with good judgment
mentalism|(philosophy) a doctrine that mind is the true reality and that objects exist only as aspects of the mind's awareness
mentality|a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations
mentally retarded|people collectively who are mentally retarded
Mentha|mint plants
menthol|a crystalline compound that has the cool and minty taste and odor that occurs naturally in peppermint oil;used as a flavoring and in medicine to relieve itching, pain, and nasal congestion;a lotion containing menthol which gives it the smell of mint
mentholated salve|a salve containing menthol
Menticirrhus|kingfishes;whiting
mention|a remark that calls attention to something or someone - "she made frequent mention of her promotion" - "there was no mention of it";an official recognition of merit - "although he didn't win the prize he did get special mention"
mentioner|a speaker who refers to something briefly or incidentally
mentor|a wise and trusted guide and advisor
mentum|a projection below the mouth of certain mollusks that resembles a chin;a projection like a chin formed by the sepals and base of the column in some orchids
Mentzelia|genus of bristly herbs or subshrubs of western America lacking stinging hairs
menu|(computer science) a list of options available to a computer user;a list of dishes available at a restaurant - "the menu was in French";an agenda of things to do - "they worked rapidly down the menu of reports";the dishes making up a meal
Menuhin|British violinist (born in the United States) who began his career as a child prodigy in the 1920s (1916-1999)
Menura|type and sole genus of the family Menuridae
Menurae|lyrebirds and scrubbirds
Menuridae|lyrebirds
Menyanthaceae|a dicotyledonous family of marsh plants of order Gentianales
Menyanthes|the type genus of the Menyanthaceae;one species;bogbeans
Menziesia|deciduous shrubs of North America and eastern Asia
meow|the sound made by a cat (or any sound resembling this)
meperidine|a synthetic narcotic drug (trade name Demerol) used to treat pain
mephenytoin|a toxic anticonvulsant drug (trade name Mesantoin) used in the treatment of epilepsy when less toxic anticonvulsants have been ineffective
Mephistopheles|evil spirit to whom Faust sold his soul
Mephitinae|subdivision not used in some classifications;skunks
mephitis|a poisonous or foul smelling gas emitted from the earth;in some classifications;type genus of the subfamily Mephitinae
mephobarbital|a long-acting crystalline barbiturate (trade name Mebaral) used as a sedative and as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of epilepsy
meprobamate|a sedative and tranquilizer (trade name Miltown and Equanil and Meprin) used to treat muscle tension and anxiety
meralgia|pain in the thigh
merbromine|a mercurial compound applied topically as an antiseptic;Mercurochrome is the trademark
Mercalli scale|a scale formerly used to describe the magnitude of an earthquake;an earthquake detected only by seismographs is a I and an earthquake that destroys all buildings is a XII
mercantile agency|an organization that provides businesses with credit ratings of other firms - "Dun & Bradstreet is the largest mercantile agency in the United States"
mercantile establishment|a place of business for retailing goods
mercantile law|the body of rules applied to commercial transactions;derived from the practices of traders rather than from jurisprudence
mercantilism|an economic system (Europe in 18th century) to increase a nation's wealth by government regulation of all of the nation's commercial interests
mercaptopurine|a drug (trade name Purinethol) that interferes with the metabolism of purine and is used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia
Mercator|Flemish geographer who lived in Germany;he invented the Mercator projection of maps of the globe (1512-1594)
Mercator projection|a map projection of the earth onto a cylinder;areas appear greater the farther they are from the equator
Mercedario|a mountain in the Andes in Argentina (22,210 feet high)
Mercenaria|a genus of Veneridae
mercenary|a person hired to fight for another country than their own
mercer|a dealer in textiles (especially silks);British maker of printed calico cloth who invented mercerizing (1791-1866)
merchandise|commodities offered for sale - "good business depends on having good merchandise"
merchant|a businessperson engaged in retail trade
merchant bank|a credit card processing bank;merchants receive credit for credit card receipts less a processing fee
merchant marine|the crew of a merchant vessel
merchantability|the state of being fit for market;ready to be bought or sold
mercifulness|a disposition to be kind and forgiving - "in those days a wife had to depend on the mercifulness of her husband";the feeling that motivates compassion
mercilessness|inhumaneness evidenced by an unwillingness to be kind or forgiving
Merckx|Belgian racing cyclist who won the Tour de France five times (born in 1945)
Mercouri|Greek film actress (1925-1994)
mercurial ointment|an ointment containing mercury
Mercurialis|a genus of slender herbs belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae
mercuric chloride|a white poisonous soluble crystalline sublimate of mercury;used as a pesticide or antiseptic or wood preservative
Mercury|(Roman mythology) messenger of Jupiter and god of commerce;counterpart of Greek Hermes;the smallest planet and the nearest to the sun;a heavy silvery toxic univalent and bivalent metallic element;the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures;temperature measured by a mercury thermometer
mercury barometer|barometer that shows pressure by the height of a column of mercury
mercury cell|a primary cell consisting of a zinc anode and a cathode of mercury oxide and an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide
mercury fulminate|a fulminate that when dry explodes violently if struck or heated;used in detonators and blasting caps and percussion caps
mercury poisoning|a toxic condition caused by ingesting or inhaling mercury;acute mercury poisoning causes a metallic taste and vomiting and diarrhea and kidney problems that may lead to death
Mercury program|a program of rocket-powered flights undertaken by US between 1961 and 1963 with the goal of putting a man in orbit around the earth - "under the Mercury program each flight had one astronaut"
mercury thermometer|thermometer consisting of mercury contained in a bulb at the bottom of a graduated sealed glass capillary tube marked in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit;mercury expands with a rise in temperature causing a thin thread of mercury to rise in the tube
mercury-vapor lamp|ultraviolet lamp that emits a strong bluish light (rich in ultraviolet radiation) as electric current passes through mercury vapor
mercy|alleviation of distress;showing great kindness toward the distressed - "distributing food and clothing to the flood victims was an act of mercy";something for which to be thankful - "it was a mercy we got out alive"
mercy seat|the golden covering of the ark of the covenant;the throne of God
mere|a small pond of standing water
Meredith|English novelist and poet (1828-1909);United States civil rights leader whose college registration caused riots in traditionally segregated Mississippi (born in 1933)
merestone|an old term for a landmark that consisted of a pile of stones surmounted by an upright slab
merganser|large crested fish-eating diving duck having a slender hooked bill with serrated edges
Mergenthaler|United States inventor (born in Germany) of the Linotype machine (1854-1899)
merger agreement|contract governing the merger of two or more companies
Merginae|mergansers and closely related diving birds
merging|the act of joining together as one - "the merging of the two groups occurred quickly"
Mergus|mergansers
mericarp|a carpel with one seed;one of a pair split apart at maturity
Merida|the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan
Meridian|a town in eastern Mississippi;an imaginary great circle on the surface of the earth passing through the north and south poles at right angles to the equator
meringue|sweet topping especially for pies made of beaten egg whites and sugar
meringue kiss|a kiss made of sugar and egg white and baked slowly
merino|white sheep originating in Spain and producing a heavy fleece of exceptional quality
Meriones|a genus of Cricetidae
meristem|undifferentiated tissue from which new cells are formed, as at the tip of a stem or root
merit|any admirable quality or attribute - "work of great merit"
merit badge|a badge award to Boy Scouts in recognition of special projects
merit pay|extra pay awarded to an employee on the basis of merit (especially to school teachers)
merit system|the system of employing and promoting civil servants on the basis of ability
meritocracy|a form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellects;the belief that rulers should be chosen for their superior abilities and not because of their wealth or birth
Merlangus|whitings
Merlin|(Arthurian legend) the magician who acted as King Arthur's advisor
merlon|a solid section between two crenels in a crenelated battlement
Merlot|black wine grape originally from the region of Bordeaux;dry red wine made from a grape grown widely in Bordeaux and California
Merluccius|hakes
mermaid|half woman and half fish;lives in the sea
merman|half man and half fish;lives in the sea;United States singer who appeared in several musical comedies (1909-1984)
meromelia|congenital absence of part of an arm or leg
meronym|a word that names a part of a larger whole - "'brim' and 'crown' are meronyms of 'hat'"
meronymy|the semantic relation that holds between a part and the whole
Meropidae|bee-eaters
Merops|type genus of the Meropidae
Merostomata|used in some classifications;includes the orders Xiphosura and Eurypterida
Merovingian|a Frankish dynasty founded by Clovis I that reigned in Gaul and Germany from about 500 to 750;a member of the Merovingian dynasty
merozoite|a cell that arises from the asexual division of a parent sporozoan during its life cycle
Merrimac|an ironclad vessel built by the Confederate forces in the hope of breaking the blockade imposed by the North
Merrimack|a river that rises in south central New Hampshire and flows through Concord and Manchester into Massachusetts and empties into the Atlantic Ocean
merry-go-round|a never-ending cycle of activities and events (especially when they seem to have little purpose) - "if we lose the election the whole legislative merry-go-round will have to start over"
merrymaking|a boisterous celebration;a merry festivity
Mertensia|a genus of herbs belonging to the family Boraginaceae that grow in temperate regions and have blue or purple flowers shaped like funnels
Merton|United States religious and writer (1915-1968);United States sociologist (1910-2003)
Meryta|small to medium evergreen dioecious trees of oceanic climates;puka
Mesa|a city in Arizona just to the east of Phoenix;originally a suburb of Phoenix;flat tableland with steep edges
Mesa Verde National Park|a national park in Colorado containing prehistoric cliff dwellings;semiarid landscape
Mesabi Range|a range of hills in northeastern Minnesota where rich iron ore deposits were discovered in 1887
mesalliance|a marriage with a person of inferior social status
Mesasamkranti|Hindu solar holiday at the beginning of the new astrological year when the sun enters the constellation Aries
mescal|a colorless Mexican liquor distilled from fermented juices of certain desert plants of the genus Agavaceae (especially the century plant);a small spineless globe-shaped cactus;source of mescal buttons
mescal bean|shrub or small tree having pinnate leaves poisonous to livestock and dense racemes of intensely fragrant blue flowers and red beans
mescal button|the button-shaped top of the mescal cactus;a source of psilocybin
mescaline|the hallucinatory alkaloid that is the active agent in mescal buttons
Mesembryanthemum|South African annual or biennial plants having flowers that open only in bright sunlight
mesenchyme|mesodermal tissue that forms connective tissue and blood and smooth muscles
mesenteric artery|one of two branches of the aorta that pass between the two layers of the mesentery to the intestines
mesenteric plexus|a plexus of autonomic nerves
mesenteric vein|a tributary of the portal vein passing from the intestine between the two layers of mesentery
mesentery|a double layer of peritoneum that attaches to the back wall of the abdominal cavity and supports the small intestines
mesh|the act of interlocking or meshing;the number of openings per linear inch of a screen;measures size of particles - "a 100 mesh screen" - "100 mesh powdered cellulose"
mesh topology|the topology of a network whose components are all connected directly to every other component
meshugaas|(Yiddish) craziness;senseless behavior or activity
meshuggeneh|(Yiddish) a crazy fool
Mesmer|Austrian physician who tried to treat diseases with a form of hypnotism (1734-1815)
mesne lord|a feudal lord who was lord to his own tenants on land held from a superior lord
Mesoamerica|Mexico and Central America
Mesoamerican|a member of one of the various peoples inhabiting Mesoamerica
mesocarp|the middle layer of a pericarp
mesocolon|mesentery that holds the lower colon to the dorsal abdominal wall
Mesocricetus|golden hamsters
mesoderm|the middle germ layer that develops into muscle and bone and cartilage and blood and connective tissue
mesohippus|North American three-toed Oligocene animal;probably not directly ancestral to modern horses
Mesolithic Age|middle part of the Stone Age beginning about 15,000 years ago
mesomorph|a person with a well-developed muscular body
meson|an elementary particle responsible for the forces in the atomic nucleus;a hadron with a baryon number of 0
mesophyte|land plant growing in surroundings having an average supply of water;compare xerophyte and hydrophyte
Mesopotamia|the land between the Tigris and Euphrates;site of several ancient civilizations;part of what is now known as Iraq
mesosphere|the atmospheric layer between the stratosphere and the thermosphere
mesothelioma|a form of carcinoma of the mesothelium lining lungs or abdomen or heart;usually associated with exposure to asbestos dust
mesothelium|epithelium originating in the embryonic mesoderm;lines the primordial body cavity
Mesozoic|from 230 million to 63 million years ago
Mespilus|medlars
mesquite|any of several small spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Prosopis having small flowers in axillary cylindrical spikes followed by large pods rich in sugar
mesquite gum|a gum obtained from mesquite pods;resembles gum arabic
mess|a (large) military dining room where service personnel eat or relax;a meal eaten in a mess hall by service personnel;a state of confusion and disorderliness - "the house was a mess";soft semiliquid food - "a mess of porridge"
mess jacket|waist-length jacket tapering to a point at the back;worn by officers in the mess for formal dinners
mess kit|kit containing a metal dish and eating utensils;used by soldiers and campers
mess of pottage|anything of trivial value - "Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage"
message|a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled - "he sent a three-word message";what a communication that is about something is about
message pad|a pad of paper on which messages can be written
messaging|the sending and processing of e-mail by computer
messenger|a person who carries a message
messenger boy|a boy who earns money by running errands
messenger RNA|the template for protein synthesis;the form of RNA that carries information from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome sites of protein synthesis in the cell
Messiah|an oratorio composed by Handel in 1742;Jesus Christ;considered by Christians to be the promised deliverer;the awaited king of the Jews;the promised and expected deliverer of the Jewish people;any expected deliverer
messiahship|the position of messiah
Messidor|tenth month of the Revolutionary calendar (June and July);the month of harvest
Messina|a port city in northeastern Sicily on the Strait of Messina
messmate|(nautical) an associate with whom you share meals in the same mess (as on a ship)
messuage|(law) a dwelling house and its adjacent buildings and the adjacent land used by the household
mestiza|a woman of mixed racial ancestry (especially mixed European and Native American ancestry)
mestizo|a person of mixed racial ancestry (especially mixed European and Native American ancestry)
mestranol|a synthetic form of estrogen used in combination with a progestin in oral contraceptives
Mesua|genus of tropical Asiatic trees having large solitary flowers
metabolic acidosis|acidosis and bicarbonate concentration in the body fluids resulting either from the accumulation of acids or the abnormal loss of bases from the body (as in diarrhea or renal disease)
metabolic alkalosis|alkalosis resulting from hydrogen-ion loss or excessive intake of alkaline substances
metabolic disorder|a disorder or defect of metabolism
metabolic rate|rate of metabolism;the amount of energy expended in a give period
metabolism|the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life
metabolite|any substance involved in metabolism (either as a product of metabolism or as necessary for metabolism)
metacarpal|any bone of the hand between the wrist and fingers
metacarpal artery|dorsal and palmar arteries of the hand
metacarpal vein|dorsal and palmar veins of the hand
metacarpus|the part of the hand between the carpus and phalanges
metacenter|(shipbuilding) the point of intersection between two vertical lines, one line through the center of buoyancy of the hull of a ship in equilibrium and the other line through the center of buoyancy of the hull when the ship is inclined to one side;the distance of this intersection above the center of gravity is an indication of the stability of the ship
metacentric chromosome|a chromosome having two equal arms because the centromere is in median position
metadata|data about data - "a library catalog is metadata because it describes publications"
metagenesis|alternation of sexual and asexual generations
metaknowledge|knowledge about knowledge
metal detector|detector that gives a signal when it detects the presence of metal;used to detect the presence of stray bits of metal in food products or to find buried metal
metal filing|a fragment of metal rubbed off by the use of a file
metal screw|screw made of metal
metal wood|golf wood with a metal head instead of the traditional wooden head
metalanguage|a language that can be used to describe languages
metalepsis|substituting metonymy of one figurative sense for another
metalhead|a fan of heavy metal music
metallic|a fabric made of a yarn that is partly or entirely of metal;a yarn made partly or entirely of metal
metallic bond|a chemical bond in which electrons are shared over many nuclei and electronic conduction occurs
metallic element|any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
metallized dye|acid dye in which the negative ion contains a chelated metal atom
metallurgist|an engineer trained in the extraction and refining and alloying and fabrication of metals
metallurgy|the science and technology of metals
metalware|household articles made of metal (especially for use at table)
metalwork|the metal parts of something - "there were bullet holes in the metalwork"
metalworking|the activity of making things out of metal in a skillful manner
metamathematics|the logical analysis of mathematical reasoning
metamere|one of a series of similar body segments into which some animals are divided longitudinally
metamorphic rock|rock altered by pressure and heat
metamorphism|change in the structure of rock by natural agencies such as pressure or heat or introduction of new chemical substances
metamorphopsia|a defect of vision in which objects appear to be distorted;usually due to a defect in the retina
metamorphosis|a complete change of physical form or substance especially as by magic or witchcraft;the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals
metaphase|the second stage of meiosis;the second stage of mitosis
metaphor|a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity
metaphosphoric acid|a glassy solid acid ([HPO3]n) often used as a dehydrating agent
metaphysics|the philosophical study of being and knowing
metaphysis|the growing part of a long bone between the diaphysis and the epiphysis
metaplastic anemia|pernicious anemia in which the various formed elements in the blood are changed
metaproterenol|a bronchodilator (trade name Alupent) used to treat asthma and emphysema and other lung conditions;available in oral or inhalant forms;side effects include tachycardia and shakiness
metarule|a rule that describes how other rules should be used (as in AI)
metasequoia|large fast-growing Chinese monoecious tree having flat bright-green deciduous leaves and small globular cones;commonly cultivated in United States as an ornamental;known as a fossil before being discovered in China
metastability|the quality of a physical system that persists in its existing equilibrium when undisturbed (or only slightly disturbed) but able to pass to a more stable equilibrium when sufficiently disturbed
metastasis|the spreading of a disease (especially cancer) to another part of the body
metatarsal|any bone of the foot between the ankle and the toes
metatarsal arch|the short lateral arch formed by the heads of the metatarsals
metatarsal artery|dorsal and plantar arteries to the metatarsal region of the foot
metatarsal vein|dorsal and plantar branches of veins serving the metatarsal region of the foot
metatarsus|the skeleton of the human foot between the toes and the tarsus;the corresponding part of the foot in birds or of the hind foot in quadrupeds
Metatheria|pouched animals
metatherian|primitive pouched mammals found mainly in Australia and the Americas
metathesis|a linguistic process of transposition of sounds or syllables within a word or words within a sentence
Metaurus River|a battle during the second Punic War (207 BC);Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal was defeated by the Romans which ended Hannibal's hopes for success in Italy
Metazoa|multicellular animals having cells differentiated into tissues and organs and usually a digestive cavity and nervous system
metazoan|any animal of the subkingdom Metazoa;all animals except protozoans and sponges
Metchnikoff|Russian bacteriologist in France who formulated the theory of phagocytosis (1845-1916)
metempsychosis|after death the soul begins a new cycle of existence in another human body
metencephalon|the part of the hindbrain that develops into the pons and the cerebellum
meteor|a streak of light in the sky at night that results when a meteoroid hits the earth's atmosphere and air friction causes the meteoroid to melt or vaporize or explode
meteor shower|a transient shower of meteors when a meteor swarm enters the earth's atmosphere
meteor swarm|a group of meteoroids with similar paths
meteorite|stony or metallic object that is the remains of a meteoroid that has reached the earth's surface
meteoroid|(astronomy) any of the small solid extraterrestrial bodies that hits the earth's atmosphere
meteorological balloon|a small unmanned balloon set aloft to observe atmospheric conditions
meteorological conditions|the prevailing environmental conditions as they influence the prediction of weather
meteorological observation post|one of a network of observation posts where meteorological data is recorded
meteorologist|a specialist who studies processes in the earth's atmosphere that cause weather conditions
meteorology|predicting what the weather will be;the earth science dealing with phenomena of the atmosphere (especially weather)
meteortropism|an effect of climate on biological processes (as the effect on joint pains etc.)
meter|(prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse;any of various measuring instruments for measuring a quantity;rhythm as given by division into parts of equal duration;the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
meter maid|policewoman who is assigned to write parking tickets
meterstick|a rule one meter long (usually marked off in centimeters and millimeters)
metformin|an antidiabetic drug (trade name Glucophage) prescribed to treat type II diabetes
methacholine|parasympathomimetic drug (trademark Mecholyl) that stimulates secretions and smooth muscle activity
methacrylic acid|an unsaturated acid (C4H6O2) used to make resins and plastics
methadone|synthetic narcotic drug similar to morphine but less habit-forming;used in narcotic detoxification and maintenance of heroin addiction
methamphetamine|an amphetamine derivative (trade name Methedrine) used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride;used as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an appetite suppressant
methane|a colorless odorless gas used as a fuel
methane series|a series of non-aromatic saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH(2n+2)
methanogen|archaebacteria found in anaerobic environments such as animal intestinal tracts or sediments or sewage and capable of producing methane;a source of natural gas
methanol|a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol;used as an antifreeze and solvent and fuel and as a denaturant for ethyl alcohol
methapyrilene|antihistamine used to treat allergic responses (as rhinitis or dermatitis or pruritus)
methaqualone|sedative-hypnotic drug (trade name Quaalude) that is a drug of abuse
metharbital|anticonvulsant drug (trade name Gemonil) used in the treatment of epilepsy
metheglin|spiced or medicated mead
methenamine|antibacterial agent (trade names Mandelamine and Urex) that is contained in many products that are used to treat urinary infections
methicillin|antibiotic drug of the penicillin family used in the treatment of certain staphylococcal infections
methionine|a crystalline amino acid containing sulfur;found in most proteins and essential for nutrition
methocarbamol|muscle relaxant for skeletal muscles (trade name Robaxin) used to treat spasms
method|a way of doing something, especially a systematic way;implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
method acting|an acting technique introduced by Stanislavsky in which the actor recalls emotions or reactions from his or her own life and uses them to identify with the character being portrayed
method of choice|the best method to achieve a desired result
Methodism|the religious beliefs and practices of Methodists characterized by concern with social welfare and public morals
Methodist|a follower of Wesleyanism as practiced by the Methodist Church
Methodist Church|a Protestant denomination founded on the principles of John Wesley and Charles Wesley
Methodist denomination|group of Methodist congregations
methodology|the branch of philosophy that analyzes the principles and procedures of inquiry in a particular discipline;the system of methods followed in a particular discipline
methotrexate|toxic antimetabolite that limits cellular reproduction by acting as an antagonist to folic acid;used to treat certain cancers and psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis
Methuselah|(Old Testament) a patriarch (grandfather of Noah) who is said to have lived 969 years
methyl|the univalent radical CH3- derived from methane
methyl bromide|a poisonous gas or liquid (CH3Br) used to fumigate rodents, worms, etc.
methyl orange|an azo dye used as an acid-base indicator;used for titrations involving weak bases
methyl salicylate|a liquid ester with a strong odor of wintergreen;applied externally for minor muscle and joint pain
methylated spirit|ethyl alcohol denatured with methyl alcohol to prevent its use as an alcoholic beverage
methyldopa|antihypertensive drug (trade name Aldomet) used in the treatment of high blood pressure
methylene blue|a dark green dye used as a stain, an antiseptic, a chemical indicator, and an antidote in cyanide poisoning
methylene chloride|a nonflammable liquid used as a solvent and paint remover and refrigerant
methylene group|the bivalent radical CH2 derived from methane
methylenedioxymethamphetamine|a stimulant drug that is chemically related to mescaline and amphetamine and is used illicitly for its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects;it was formerly used in psychotherapy but in 1985 it was declared illegal in the United States
methylphenidate|central nervous system stimulant (trade name Ritalin) used in the treatment of narcolepsy in adults and attention deficit disorder in children
methyltestosterone|an androgenic compound contained in drugs that are used to treat testosterone deficiency and female breast cancer and to stimulate growth and weight gain
metic|an alien who paid a fee to reside in an ancient Greek city
metical|the basic unit of money in Mozambique;equal to 100 centavos
meticulousness|strict attention to minute details
metier|an occupation for which you are especially well suited - "in law he found his true metier"
Metis|a person in western Canada who is of Caucasian and American Indian ancestry
metonym|a word that denotes one thing but refers to a related thing - "Washington is a metonym for the United States government" - "plastic is a metonym for credit card"
metonymy|substituting the name of an attribute or feature for the name of the thing itself (as in 'they counted heads')
metopion|the craniometric point midway between the frontal eminences of the skull
metoprolol|beta blocker (trade name Lopressor) used in treating hypertension and angina and arrhythmia and acute myocardial infarction;has adverse side effects (depression and exacerbation of congestive heart failure etc.)
metralgia|pain in the uterus
metrazol shock|the administration of sufficient Metrazol to induce convulsions and coma
metric capacity unit|a capacity unit defined in metric terms
metric function|a function of a topological space that gives, for any two points in the space, a value equal to the distance between them
metric linear unit|a linear unit of distance in metric terms
metric space|a set of points such that for every pair of points there is a nonnegative real number called their distance that is symmetric and satisfies the triangle inequality
metric system|a decimal system of weights and measures based on the meter and the kilogram and the second
metric ton|a unit of weight equivalent to 1000 kilograms
metric unit|a decimal unit of measurement of the metric system (based on meters and kilograms and seconds) - "convert all the measurements to metric units"
metric weight unit|a decimal unit of weight based on the gram
metrical foot|(prosody) a group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm
metrification|the act of changing from imperial units of measurement to metric units;meters, grams, seconds;writing a metrical composition (or the metrical structure of a composition)
metritis|inflammation of the lining of the uterus (of the endometrium)
metro|an electric railway operating below the surface of the ground (usually in a city) - "in Paris the subway system is called the 'metro' and in London it is called the 'tube' or the 'underground'"
metrology|the scientific study of measurement
metronidazole|antiprotozoal medication (trade name Flagyl) used to treat trichomoniasis and giardiasis
metronome|clicking pendulum indicates the exact tempo of a piece of music
metropolitan|a person who lives in a metropolis;in the Eastern Orthodox Church this title is given to a position between bishop and patriarch;equivalent to archbishop in western Christianity
metroptosis|prolapse of the uterus
metrorrhagia|bleeding from the uterus that is not due to menstruation;usually indicative of disease (as cervical cancer)
Metroxylon|a genus of Malayan pinnate-leaved palm trees that flower and fruit once and then die
Metternich|Austrian statesman (1773-1859)
mettlesomeness|courageous high-spiritedness
Meuniere butter|clarified butter browned slowly and seasoned with lemon juice and parsley
Meuse|a European river;flows into the North Sea;an American operation in World War I (1918);American troops under Pershing drove back the German armies which were saved only by the armistice on November 11
mew|the common gull of Eurasia and northeastern North America
mews|street lined with buildings that were originally private stables but have been remodeled as dwellings - "she lives in a Chelsea mews"
Mexicali|a city in northwestern Mexico near the California border
Mexican|a native or inhabitant of Mexico
Mexican bean beetle|introduced into the United States from Mexico;feeds on the foliage of the bean plant
Mexican cypress|tall spreading evergreen found in Mexico having drooping branches;believed to have been introduced into Portugal from Goa
Mexican hairless|any of an old breed of small nearly hairless dogs of Mexico
Mexican hat|coneflower with flower heads resembling a Mexican hat with a tall red-brown disk and drooping yellow or yellow and red-brown rays;grows in the great plains along base of Rocky Mountains
Mexican hyssop|erect perennial of Mexico having rose to crimson flowers
Mexican juniper|small tree of western Texas and mountains of Mexico having spreading branches with drooping branchlets
Mexican mint|an herb from Oaxaca that has a powerful hallucinogenic effect;the active ingredient is salvinorin
Mexican monetary unit|monetary unit in Mexico
Mexican peso|the basic unit of money in Mexico;equal to 100 centavos
Mexican pocket mouse|large pocket mouse of Mexico
Mexican poppy|annual herb with prickly stems and large yellow flowers;southern United States to West Indies and Mexico
Mexican Revolution|a revolution for agrarian reforms led in northern Mexico by Pancho Villa and in southern Mexico by Emiliano Zapata (1910-1911)
Mexican Spanish|the dialect of Spanish spoken in Mexico
Mexican standoff|a situation in which no one can emerge as a clear winner
Mexican sunflower|any plant of the genus Tithonia;tall coarse herbs or shrubs of Mexico to Panama having large flower heads resembling sunflowers with yellow disc florets and golden-yellow to orange-scarlet rays
Mexican War|after disputes over Texas lands that were settled by Mexicans the United States declared war on Mexico in 1846 and by treaty in 1848 took Texas and California and Arizona and New Mexico and Nevada and Utah and part of Colorado and paid Mexico $15,000,000
Mexican-American|a Mexican (or person of Mexican descent) living in the United States
Mexico|a republic in southern North America;became independent from Spain in 1810
Mexico City|the capital and largest city of Mexico is a political and cultural and commercial and industrial center;one of the world's largest cities
mexiletine|antiarrhythmic drug (trade name Mexitil) used to treat ventricular arrhythmias
Meyerbeer|German composer of operas in a style that influenced Richard Wagner (1791-1864)
Meyerhof|United States biochemist (born in Germany) who studied the metabolism of muscles (1884-1951)
mezereon|small European deciduous shrub with fragrant lilac-colored flowers followed by red berries on highly toxic twigs
mezereum|the dried bark of the shrub mezereon
mezuzah|religious texts from Deuteronomy inscribed on parchment and rolled up in a case that is attached to the doorframe of many Jewish households in accordance with Jewish law
mezzanine|first or lowest balcony;intermediate floor just above the ground floor
mezzo-relievo|a sculptural relief between low relief and high relief
mezzo-soprano|a soprano with a voice between soprano and contralto;the female singing voice between contralto and soprano
mezzotint|print produced by an engraving that has been scraped to represent light or shade
mho|a unit of conductance equal to the reciprocal of an ohm
mi|the syllable naming the third (mediant) note of any major scale in solmization
Miami|a city and resort in southeastern Florida on Biscayne Bay;the best known city in Florida;a haven for retirees and a refuge for Cubans fleeing Castro;a member of the extinct Algonquian people formerly living in northern Indiana and southern Michigan
Miami Beach|a city in southeastern Florida on an island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean;known for fashionable resort hotels
miasma|an unwholesome atmosphere - "the novel spun a miasma of death and decay";unhealthy vapors rising from the ground or other sources - "the miasma of the marshes" - "a miasma of cigar smoke"
mica|any of various minerals consisting of hydrous silicates of aluminum or potassium etc. that crystallize in forms that allow perfect cleavage into very thin leaves;used as dielectrics because of their resistance to electricity
Micah|a minor Hebrew prophet (8th century BC);an Old Testament book telling the prophecies of Micah foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem
Micawber|fictional character created by Charles Dickens;an eternal optimist
micelle|an electrically charged particle built up from polymeric molecules or ions and occurring in certain colloidal electrolytic solutions like soaps and detergents
Michael|(Old Testament) the guardian archangel of the Jews
Michaelmas|honoring the archangel Michael;a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland
Michaelmas daisy|North American perennial herb having small autumn-blooming purple or pink or white flowers;widely naturalized in Europe
Michaelmastide|the season of Michaelmas
Michelangelo|Florentine sculptor and painter and architect;one of the outstanding figures of the Renaissance (1475-1564)
Michelson|United States physicist (born in Germany) who collaborated with Morley in the Michelson-Morley experiment (1852-1931)
Michelson-Morley experiment|a celebrated experiment conducted by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley;their failure to detect any influence of the earth's motion on the velocity of light was the starting point for Einstein's theory of relativity
Michener|United States writer of historical novels (1907-1997)
Michigan|a gambling card game in which chips are placed on the ace and king and queen and jack of separate suits (taken from a separate deck);a player plays the lowest card of a suit in his hand and successively higher cards are played until the sequence stops;the player who plays a card matching one in the layout wins all the chips on that card;a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
Michigan lily|lily of central North America having recurved orange-red flowers with deep crimson spots
Michigander|a native or resident of Michigan
Mickey Finn|slang term for knockout drops
Mickey Mouse|a fictional mouse created in animated film strips by Walt Disney
Micmac|a member of the Algonquian people inhabiting the Maritime Provinces of Canada;the Algonquian language of the Micmac
miconazole|an antifungal agent usually administered in the form of a nitrate (trade name Monistat)
microbalance|balance for weighing very small objects
microbe|a minute life form (especially a disease-causing bacterium);the term is not in technical use
microbiologist|a specialist in microbiology
microbiology|the branch of biology that studies microorganisms and their effects on humans
microbrachia|abnormally small arms
microbrewery|a small brewery;consumption of the product is mainly elsewhere
Microcentrum|katydids
microcephaly|an abnormally small head and underdeveloped brain
Microchiroptera|most of the bats in the world;all bats except fruit bats insectivorous bats
Micrococcaceae|spherical or elliptical usually aerobic eubacteria that produce yellow or orange or red pigment;includes toxin-producing forms as well as harmless commensals and saprophytes
Micrococcus|type genus of the family Micrococcaceae
microcosm|a miniature model of something
microcosmic salt|a white salt present in urine and used to test for metal oxides
microcyte|an abnormally small red blood cell (less than 5 microns in diameter)
microcytic anemia|anemia in which the average size of erythrocytes is smaller than normal
microcytosis|a blood disorder characterized by the presence of microcytes (abnormally small red blood cells) in the blood;often associated with anemia
Microdesmidae|worm fish
Microdipodops|kangaroo mice
microdot|photograph reduced to the size of a dot (usually for purposes of security)
microeconomics|the branch of economics that studies the economy of consumers or households or individual firms
microeconomist|an economist who specializes in microeconomics
microelectronics|the branch of electronics that deals with miniature components
microevolution|evolution resulting from small specific genetic changes that can lead to a new subspecies
microfarad|a unit of capacitance equal to one millionth of a farad
microfiche|small sheet of microfilm on which many pages of material have been photographed;a magnification system is used to read the material
microfilm|film on which materials are photographed at greatly reduced size;useful for storage;a magnification system is used to read the material
microflora|microscopic plants;bacteria are often considered to be microflora
microfossil|a fossil that must be studied microscopically
microgametophyte|the male gametophyte produced by a microspore
microgauss|a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one millionth of a gauss
microglia|neuroglial tissue of mesodermal origin that can become phagocytic
microgliacyte|a cell of the microglia that may become phagocytic and collect waste products of nerve tissue
microgram|one millionth (1/1,000,000) gram
Microgramma|epiphytic ferns of tropical America and Africa
Microhylidae|narrow-mouthed toads and sheep frogs;some burrow and some are arboreal;found worldwide
Micromeria|large genus of fragrant chiefly Old World herbs
micrometeorite|a meteorite or meteoroid so small that it drifts down to earth without becoming intensely heated in the atmosphere
micrometer|caliper for measuring small distances
micrometry|measuring with a micrometer
Micromyx|Old World harvest mice
micron|a metric unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter
Micronesia|a country scattered over Micronesia with a constitutional government in free association with the United States;achieved independence in 1986;the islands in the northwestern part of Oceania
Micronor|trade name for and oral contraceptive containing the progestin compound norethindrone
micronutrient|a substance needed only in small amounts for normal body function (e.g., vitamins or minerals)
microorganism|any organism of microscopic size
micropaleontology|the paleontology of microfossils
micropenis|an abnormally small penis
microphage|a neutrophil that ingests small things (as bacteria)
microphone|device for converting sound waves into electrical energy
microphoning|the transduction of sound waves into electrical waves (by a microphone)
microphotometer|special kind of densitometer that measures density variations over a very small area
Micropogonias|croakers
microprocessor|integrated circuit semiconductor chip that performs the bulk of the processing and controls the parts of a system - "a microprocessor functions as the central processing unit of a microcomputer" - "a disk drive contains a microprocessor to handle the internal functions of the drive"
Micropterus|American freshwater black basses
micropyle|minute opening in the wall of an ovule through which the pollen tube enters
microradian|a unit of angular distance equal to one thousandth of a milliradian
microscope|magnifier of the image of small objects - "the invention of the microscope led to the discovery of the cell"
microscopic anatomy|the study of microscopic structures of tissues and organs
microscopic field|the areas that is visible through a microscope
microscopist|a scientist who specializes in research with the use of microscopes
Microscopium|a faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near Sagittarius and Capricornus
microscopy|research with the use of microscopes
microsecond|one millionth (10^-6) of a second;one thousandth of a millisecond
microsome|a tiny granule in the cytoplasm that is where protein synthesis takes place under the direction of mRNA
Microsorium|tropical usually epiphytic ferns;Africa to Asia and Polynesia to Australia
microsporangium|a plant structure that produces microspores
microspore|smaller of the two types of spore produced in heterosporous plants;develops in the pollen sac into a male gametophyte
microsporidian|parasite of arthropods and fishes that invade and destroy host cells
microsporophyll|in non-flowering plants, a sporophyll that bears only microsporangia
Microsporum|a genus of fungus of the family Moniliaceae;causes ringworm
Microstomus|a genus of Pleuronectidae
Microstrobos|2 species of small evergreen shrubs of Australia and Tasmania
microsurgery|surgery using operating microscopes and miniaturized precision instruments to perform intricate procedures on very small structures
Microtaggant|(trademark) a microscopic and traceable identification particle used to trace explosives or other hazardous materials or to prevent counterfeiting
microtome|scientific instrument that cuts thin slices of something for microscopic examination
microtubule|a microscopically small tubule
Microtus|voles of the northern hemisphere
microvolt|a unit of potential equal to one millionth of a volt
microwave|a short electromagnetic wave (longer than infrared but shorter than radio waves);used for radar and microwave ovens and for transmitting telephone, facsimile, video and data;kitchen appliance that cooks food by passing an electromagnetic wave through it;heat results from the absorption of energy by the water molecules in the food
microwave bomb|a bomb that explodes in midair and releases a massive burst of electromagnetic energy sufficient to disable computers and telecommunications without killing people or damaging buildings
microwave diathermy machine|diathermy machine that uses microwave radiation as the source of heat
microwave linear accelerator|linear accelerator that uses microwaves
microwave spectroscopy|the use of spectroscopy to study atomic or molecular resonances in the microwave spectrum
microwave spectrum|the part of the electromagnetic spectrum corresponding to microwaves
Micruroides|coral snakes
Micrurus|coral snakes
micturition|the discharge of urine
micturition reflex|relaxation of the urethral sphincter in response to increased pressure in the bladder
midafternoon|the middle part of the afternoon
midair|some point in the air;above ground level - "the planes collided in midair"
mid-April|the middle part of April
Midas|(Greek legend) the greedy king of Phrygia who Dionysus gave the power to turn everything he touched into gold
Midas touch|an ability to make and manage large amounts of money
Mid-Atlantic Ridge|a very long narrow elevation on the ocean floor that runs all the way from Iceland in the North Atlantic to Bouvet Island in the South Atlantic
Mid-Atlantic states|a region of the eastern United States comprising New York and New Jersey and Pennsylvania and Delaware and Maryland
mid-August|the middle part of August
midazolam|an injectable form of benzodiazepine (trade name Versed) useful for sedation and for reducing pain during uncomfortable medical procedures
midbrain|the middle portion of the brain
mid-calf|the middle of the calf;half way between the knee and ankle
mid-December|the middle part of December
middle|an intermediate part or section - "A whole is that which has beginning, middle, and end"- Aristotle;the middle area of the human torso (usually in front);time between the beginning and the end of a temporal period - "the middle of the war" - "rain during the middle of April"
middle age|the time of life between youth and old age (e.g., between 40 and 60 years of age)
Middle Ages|the period of history between classical antiquity and the Italian Renaissance
middle C|the note designated by the first ledger line below the treble staff;261.63 hertz
middle cerebral artery|one of two branches of the internal carotid artery;divides into three branches
middle cerebral vein|either of two cerebral veins
middle class|the social class between the lower and upper classes
middle distance|the part of a scene between the foreground and the background
middle ear|the main cavity of the ear;between the eardrum and the inner ear
Middle East|the area around the eastern Mediterranean;from Turkey to northern Africa and eastward to Iran;the site of such ancient civilizations as Phoenicia and Babylon and Egypt and the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity and Islam;had continuous economic and political turmoil in the 20th century - "the Middle East is the cradle of Western civilization"
Middle English|English from about 1100 to 1450
middle finger|the second finger;between the index finger and the ring finger
Middle High German|High German from 1100 to 1500
Middle Irish|Irish Gaelic from 1100 to 1500
Middle Low German|Low German from 1100 to 1500
middle meningeal artery|branch of the maxillary artery;its branches supply meninges
middle name|a name between your first name and your surname
Middle Paleolithic|the time period of Neanderthal man;ended about 35,000 years BC
middle temporal vein|arises near the eye;joins the superficial temporal veins to form the retromandibular vein
middle term|the term in a syllogism that is common to both premises and excluded from the conclusion
middle thyroid vein|a vein on each side that drains the lateral part of the thyroid and empties into the internal jugular vein
middle-aged man|a man who is roughly between 45 and 65 years old
middlebrow|someone who is neither a highbrow nor a lowbrow
Middleton|English playwright and pamphleteer (1570-1627)
middleweight|a professional boxer who weighs between 155 and 160 pounds;a wrestler who weighs 172-192 pounds;an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 165 pounds
middling|any commodity of intermediate quality or size (especially when coarse particles of ground wheat are mixed with bran)
middy|blouse with a sailor collar
mid-February|the middle part of February
midfield|(sports) the middle part of a playing field (as in football or lacrosse)
Midgard|(Norse mythology) the abode of humans in Norse mythology
midge|minute two-winged mosquito-like fly lacking biting mouthparts;appear in dancing swarms especially near water
midgrass|any of various grasses of moderate height which covered the undisturbed prairie in the United States;includes most of the forage grasses of the temperate zone
Midi|the southern part of France
midinette|a Parisian salesgirl
Midi-Pyrenees|a region in southwestern France
midiron|long iron with a nearly vertical face
mid-January|the middle part of January
mid-July|the middle part of July
mid-June|the middle part of June
Midland|a town in west central Texas;the interior part of a country
mid-March|the middle part of March
mid-May|the middle part of May
midnight|12 o'clock at night;the middle of the night - "young children should not be allowed to stay up until midnight"
midnight sun|the sun visible at midnight (inside the Arctic or Antarctic Circles)
mid-November|the middle part of November
mid-October|the middle part of October
mid-off|the fielding position in cricket closest to the bowler on the off side
mid-on|the fielding position in cricket closest to the bowler on the on side
midplane|the median plane of the body (or some part of the body)
Midrash|(Judaism) an ancient commentary on part of the Hebrew scriptures that is based on Jewish methods of interpretation and attached to the biblical text
midrib|the vein in the center of a leaf
mid-September|the middle part of September
midshipman|a temporary rank held by young naval officers in training
midst|the location of something surrounded by other things - "in the midst of the crowd"
midstream|the middle of a stream
Midsummer Day|a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland
Midsummer Eve|the night before Midsummer Day
midterm|middle of an academic term or a political term in office;the middle of the gestation period
midterm examination|an examination administered in the middle of an academic term
mid-water|the water that is well below the surface but also well above the bottom - "many marine fishes inhabit the mid-waters"
Midway|naval battle of World War II (June 1942);American planes based on land and on carriers decisively defeated a Japanese fleet on its way to invade the Midway Islands;the place at a fair or carnival where sideshows and similar amusements are located
Midway Islands|an atoll in the Hawaiian Islands some 1300 miles to the northwest of Honolulu;site of an important United States naval base
midweek|the middle of a week
Midwest|the north central region of the United States (sometimes called the heartland or the breadbasket of America)
midwife|a woman skilled in aiding the delivery of babies
midwife toad|similar in habit to Alytes obstetricians
midwifery|assisting women at childbirth
midwinter|the middle of winter
Mies Van Der Rohe|United States architect (born in Germany) who built unornamented steel frame and glass skyscrapers (1886-1969)
might|physical strength
might-have-been|an event that could have occurred but never did
Mighty Mouse|a fictional mouse endowed with great strength and courage
mignonette|Mediterranean woody annual widely cultivated for its dense terminal spikelike clusters greenish or yellowish white flowers having an intense spicy fragrance
migraine|a severe recurring vascular headache;occurs more frequently in women than men
migrant|traveler who moves from one region or country to another
migrant shrike|a shrike of central North America;winters in Texas and the southern Mississippi valley
migration|(chemistry) the nonrandom movement of an atom or radical from one place to another within a molecule;a group of people migrating together (especially in some given time period);the movement of persons from one country or locality to another;the periodic passage of groups of animals (especially birds or fishes) from one region to another for feeding or breeding
migration route|the geographic route along which birds customarily migrate
migrator|an animal (especially birds and fish) that travels between different habitats at particular times of the year
migratory grasshopper|serious pest of grain-growing and range areas of central and western United States
migratory locust|Old World locust that travels in vast swarms stripping large areas of vegetation
migratory quail|the typical Old World quail
mihrab|(Islam) a design in the shape of niche in a Muslim prayer rug;during worship the niche must be pointed toward Mecca;(Islam) a niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca
mikado|the emperor of Japan;when regarded as a religious leader the emperor is called tenno
Mikania|large genus of evergreen lianas of tropical America
Mikir-Meithei|Kamarupan languages spoken in the states of Manipur and Assam in northeastern India
mikvah|(Hebrew) a ritual purification and cleansing bath that Orthodox Jews take on certain occasions (as before Sabbath or after menstruation)
mil|a Cypriot monetary unit equal to one thousandth of a pound;a unit of length equal to one thousandth of an inch;used to specify thickness (e.g., of sheets or wire);an angular unit used in artillery;equal to 1/6400 of a complete revolution
Milady|an English noblewoman
Milan|the capital of Lombardy in northern Italy;has been an international center of trade and industry since the Middle Ages
Milanese|a native or inhabitant of Milan
mild silver protein|antiseptic consisting of a compound of protein and silver (trade name Argyrol)
mild steel|steel with less than 0.15% carbon
mildew|a fungus that produces a superficial (usually white) growth on organic matter;the process of becoming mildewed
mildness|good weather with comfortable temperatures
mile|a footrace extending one mile - "he holds the record in the mile";a large distance - "he missed by a mile";a Swedish unit of length equivalent to 10 km;a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet;exactly 1609.344 meters;an ancient Roman unit of length equivalent to 1620 yards
mileage|a travel allowance at a given rate per mile traveled;distance measured in miles;the ratio of the number of miles traveled to the number of gallons of gasoline burned
miler|(used only in combinations) the length of something in miles - "the race was a 30-miler";a runner in a one-mile race
miles gloriosus|a braggart soldier (a stock figure in comedy)
miles per gallon|the distance traveled in a vehicle powered by one gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel
miles per hour|a speedometer reading for the momentary rate of travel;the ratio of the distance traveled (in miles) to the time spent traveling (in hours)
milestone|a significant event in your life (or in a project);stone post at side of a road to show distances
Milhaud|French composer of works that combine jazz and polytonality and Brazilian music (1892-1974)
miliary tuberculosis|acute tuberculosis characterized by the appearance of tiny tubercles on one or more organs of the body (presumably resulting from tubercle bacilli being spread in the bloodstream)
milieu|the environmental condition
militainment|entertainment with military themes in which the Department of Defense is celebrated
militant|a militant reformer
Militant Tendency|a Trotskyist political organization in Great Britain set up in 1964 inside the Labour Party
militarism|a political orientation of a people or a government to maintain a strong military force and to be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests
militarist|a person who advocates war or warlike policies
military|the military forces of a nation - "their military is the largest in the region" - "the military machine is the same one we faced in 1991 but now it is weaker"
military academy|an academy for training military officers
military action|a military engagement
military adviser|a military officer who serves as an adviser to the troops of an allied nation
military attache|an attache who is a specialist in military matters
military capability|capability in terms of personnel and materiel that affect the capacity to fight a war
military censorship|all types of censorship conducted by personnel of the armed forces
military ceremony|a formal ceremony performed by military personnel;a military custom performed in observance of some event or anniversary
military chaplain|a chaplain in one of the military services
military court|a judicial court of commissioned officers for the discipline and punishment of military personnel
military drill|training in marching and the use of weapons
military formation|a formation of troops
military government|government by the military and an army
military governor|the head of a government established by the military (as in a defeated country)
military hospital|hospital for soldiers and other military personnel
military installation|any facility servicing military forces
military intelligence|an agency of the armed forces that obtains and analyzes and uses information of strategic or tactical military value;information about the armed forces of another country that is useful in planning and conducting military policy or military operations
military junta|a group of military officers who rule a country after seizing power
military law|the body of laws and rules of conduct administered by military courts for the discipline, trial, and punishment of military personnel
military leader|a leader of military forces
military march|brisk marching music suitable for troops marching in a military parade
military officer|any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
military pace|the length of a single step in marching (taken to be 30 inches for quick time or 36 inches for double time)
military personnel|soldiers collectively
military police|a military corps that enforces discipline and guards prisoners
military policeman|a member of the military police who polices soldiers and guards prisoners
military position|a point occupied by troops for tactical reasons
military post|military installation at which a body of troops is stationed - "this military post provides an important source of income for the town nearby"
military quarters|living quarters for personnel on a military post
military rank|rank in a military organization
military reserve|armed forces that are not on active duty but can be called in an emergency
military science|the discipline dealing with the principles of warfare
military service|a force that is a branch of the armed forces;land tenure by service in the lord's army
military training|training soldiers in military procedures
military uniform|prescribed identifying uniform for soldiers
military unit|a unit that is part of some military service
military vehicle|vehicle used by the armed forces
military-industrial complex|a country's military establishment and the industries that produce arms and other military equipment - "we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex"--Dwight David Eisenhower
militia|civilians trained as soldiers but not part of the regular army;the entire body of physically fit civilians eligible by law for military service - "their troops were untrained militia" - "Congress shall have power to provide for calling forth the militia"--United States Constitution
militiaman|a member of the militia;serves only during emergencies
Milk|a river that rises in the Rockies in northwestern Montana and flows eastward to become a tributary of the Missouri River;a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings;any of several nutritive milklike liquids;produced by mammary glands of female mammals for feeding their young
milk bar|snack bar that sells milk drinks and light refreshments (such as ice cream)
milk can|large can for transporting milk
milk chocolate|chocolate made from chocolate liquor with sugar and cocoa butter and powdered milk solids and vanilla and (usually) lecithin;the most common form of chocolate for eating;used in chocolate candy and baking and coatings
milk float|a van (typically powered by electricity) with an open side that is used to deliver milk to houses
milk leg|painful thrombosis of the femoral vein in the leg following childbirth
milk of magnesia|purgative consisting of a milky white liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide;used as a laxative and (in smaller doses) as an antacid
milk punch|a punch made of spirits and milk and sugar and spices
milk sickness|caused by consuming milk from cattle suffering from trembles
milk snake|nonvenomous tan and brown king snake with an arrow-shaped occipital spot;southeastern ones have red stripes like coral snakes
milk thistle|tall Old World biennial thistle with large clasping white-blotched leaves and purple flower heads;naturalized in California and South America
milk vetch|any of various plants of the genus Astragalus
milk wagon|wagon for delivering milk
milkcap|edible mushroom
milking machine|machine consisting of a suction apparatus for milking cows mechanically
milking shorthorn|breed evolved from shorthorn beef cattle
milking stool|low three-legged stool with a half round seat;used to sit on while milking a cow
milkman|someone who delivers milk
milkshake|frothy drink of milk and flavoring and sometimes fruit or ice cream
milkweed|annual Eurasian sow thistle with soft spiny leaves and rayed yellow flower heads;any of numerous plants of the genus Asclepias having milky juice and pods that split open releasing seeds with downy tufts
milkwort|any of various plants of the genus Polygala
Milky Way|the galaxy containing the solar system;consists of millions of stars that can be seen as a diffuse band of light stretching across the night sky
Mill|English philosopher and economist remembered for his interpretations of empiricism and utilitarianism (1806-1873);Scottish philosopher who expounded Bentham's utilitarianism;father of John Stuart Mill (1773-1836);machinery that processes materials by grinding or crushing
mill agent|the responsible official at a mill that is under absentee ownership
Millais|Englishman and Pre-Raphaelite painter (1829-1896)
Millay|United States poet (1892-1950)
millboard|stout pasteboard used to bind books
milldam|dam to make a millpond to provide power for a water mill
millenarian|a person who believes in the coming of the millennium (a time of great peace and prosperity)
millenarianism|belief in the Christian doctrine of the millennium mentioned in the Book of Revelations
millenary|a sum or aggregate of one thousand (especially one thousand years)
millennium|(New Testament) in Revelations it is foretold that those faithful to Jesus will reign with Jesus over the earth for a thousand years;the meaning of these words have been much debated;some denominations (e.g. Jehovah's Witnesses) expect it to be a thousand years of justice and peace and happiness;a span of 1000 years;the 1000th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
miller|machine tool in which metal that is secured to a carriage is fed against rotating cutters that shape it;someone who works in a mill (especially a grain mill);United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944);United States novelist whose novels were originally banned as pornographic (1891-1980);United States playwright (1915-2005)
millerite|a yellow mineral consisting of nickel sulfide;a minor source of nickel
miller's-thumb|small freshwater sculpin of Europe and North America
millet|any of various small-grained annual cereal and forage grasses of the genera Panicum, Echinochloa, Setaria, Sorghum, and Eleusine;small seed of any of various annual cereal grasses especially Setaria italica;French painter of rural scenes (1814-1875)
millettia|any of several tropical trees or shrubs yielding showy streaked dark reddish or chocolate-colored wood
mill-girl|a girl who works in a mill
mill-hand|a workman in a mill or factory
milliammeter|a sensitive ammeter graduated in milliamperes
milliampere|one thousandth of an ampere
milliard|a billion - "in England they call one thousand million a milliard"
millibar|a unit of atmospheric pressure equal to one thousandth of a bar - "atmospheric pressure at sea level is 1013 millibars"
millicurie|a unit of radioactivity equal to one thousandth of a curie
millidegree|a unit of temperature equal to one-thousandth of a degree
milliequivalent|one-thousandth of an equivalent
millifarad|a unit of capacitance equal to one thousandth of a farad
milligram|one thousandth (1/1,000) gram
millihenry|a unit of inductance equal to one thousandth of a henry
Millikan|United States physicist who isolated the electron and measured its charge (1868-1953)
milliliter|a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter
millime|1,000 millimes equal 1 dinar in Tunisia
millimeter|a metric unit of length equal to one thousandth of a meter
milline|an advertising measure;one agate line appearing in one million copies of a publication
millinery|hats for women;the wares sold by a milliner;shop selling women's hats
milling|corrugated edge of a coin
million|a very large indefinite number (usually hyperbole) - "there were millions of flies";the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
millionaire|a person whose material wealth is valued at more than a million dollars
millionairess|a woman millionaire
millionth|position 1,000,000 in a countable series of things
millipede|any of numerous herbivorous nonpoisonous arthropods having a cylindrical body of 20 to 100 or more segments most with two pairs of legs
milliradian|a unit of angular distance equal to one thousandth of a radian
millisecond|one thousandth (10^-3) of a second
millivolt|a unit of potential equal to one thousandth of a volt
millivoltmeter|sensitive voltmeter that can measure voltage in millivolts
milliwatt|a unit of power equal to one thousandth of a watt
millpond|a pond formed by damming a stream to provide a head of water to turn a mill wheel
millrace|a channel for the water current that turns a millwheel
Mills|United States architect who was the presidentially appointed architect of Washington D.C. (1781-1855)
millstone|any load that is difficult to carry;one of a pair of heavy flat disk-shaped stones that are rotated against one another to grind the grain
millwheel|water wheel that is used to drive machinery in a mill
millwork|woodwork that has been machined at a mill
millwright|a workman who designs or erects mills and milling machinery
Milne|English writer of stories for children (1882-1956)
milo|small drought-resistant sorghums having large yellow or whitish grains
milord|a term of address for an English lord
milt|fish sperm or sperm-filled reproductive gland;having a creamy texture;seminal fluid produced by male fish
Miltiades|Athenian general who defeated the Persians at Marathon (540-489)
Milton|English poet;remembered primarily as the author of an epic poem describing humanity's fall from grace (1608-1674)
Miltonia|genus of tropical American orchids
Milvus|a genus including the common European kits
Milwaukee|largest city of Wisconsin;located in southeastern Wisconsin on the western shore of Lake Michigan;a flourishing agricultural center known for its breweries
Mimamsa|(from the Sanskrit word for 'reflection' or 'interpretation') one of six orthodox philosophical systems or viewpoints on ritual traditions rooted in the Vedas and the Brahmanas as opposed to Vedanta which relies mostly on the Upanishads
mime|a performance using gestures and body movements without words;an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
mimeograph|a rotary duplicator that uses a stencil through which ink is pressed (trade mark Roneo)
mimesis|any disease that shows symptoms characteristic of another disease;the imitative representation of nature and human behavior in art and literature;the representation of another person's words in a speech
mimic|someone who mimics (especially an actor or actress)
mimicry|the resemblance of an animal species to another species or to natural objects;provides concealment and protection from predators
Mimidae|sometimes considered a subfamily of Troglodytidae;mockingbirds;catbirds;thrashers
Mimir|(Norse mythology) giant who lives in the roots of Yggdrasil and guards the well of wisdom
mimosa|a mixed drink containing champagne and orange juice;any of various tropical shrubs or trees of the genus Mimosa having usually yellow flowers and compound leaves
Mimosaceae|family of spiny woody plants (usually shrubs or small trees) whose leaves mimic animals in sensitivity to touch;commonly included in the family Leguminosae
Mimosoideae|alternative name used in some classification systems for the family Mimosaceae
Mimus|type genus of the family Mimidae;mockingbirds
Min|an Egyptian god of procreation;any of the forms of Chinese spoken in Fukien province
Minamata Bay|a bay on the west coast of Kyushu;in the 1950s industrial wastes caused mercury poisoning among the Japanese people who ate fish from Minamata Bay
Minamata disease|a form of mercury poisoning among people who ate fish from mercury-contaminated waters of Minamata Bay off Japan in the 1950s;characterized by severe neurological degeneration
minaret|slender tower with balconies
Minato Ohashi Bridge|cantilever bridge at Osaka, Japan
mince|food chopped into small bits - "a mince of mushrooms"
mince pie|pie containing mincemeat
mincemeat|spiced mixture of chopped raisins and apples and other ingredients with or without meat
mincer|a kitchen utensil that cuts or chops food (especially meat) into small pieces
mind|attention - "don't pay him any mind";knowledge and intellectual ability - "he reads to improve his mind";recall or remembrance - "it came to mind";that which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings;the seat of the faculty of reason - "his mind wandered";your intention;what you intend to do - "he had in mind to see his old teacher"
mind game|any game designed to exercise the intellect;deliberate actions of calculated psychological manipulation intended to intimidate or confuse (usually for competitive advantage) - "football players try to play mind games with the opposition" - "the jeweler's mind game is to convince lovers that the size of a gemstone reflects the depth of their feelings"
mind reader|a magician who seems to discern the thoughts of another person (usually by clever signals from an accomplice)
Mindanao|the second largest island of the Philippines at the southern end of the archipelago;mountainous and volcanic
Minden|a battle in the Seven Years' War (1759) in which the English forces and their allies defeated the French
minder|someone (usually in totalitarian countries) who is assigned to watch over foreign visitors - "I turned around and there, a few hundred feet away, was our government minder, Li Wong Su, huffing and puffing toward us"
mindfulness|the trait of staying aware of (paying close attention to) your responsibilities
Mindoro|a mountainous island in the central Philippines
mind's eye|the imaging of remembered or invented scenes - "I could see her clearly in my mind's eye"
mine|excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted;explosive device that explodes on contact;designed to destroy vehicles or ships or to kill or maim personnel
mine detector|detector consisting of an electromagnetic device;used to locate explosive mines
mine disposal|the disposal of explosive mines
mine field|a tract of land containing explosive mines
mine pig|pig iron made entirely from ore
minefield|a region in which explosives mines have been placed
minelayer|ship equipped for laying marine mines
miner|laborer who works in a mine
mineral|solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition
mineral deficiency|lack of a mineral micronutrient that is essential for normal nutrition or metabolism
mineral extraction|crushing and separating ore into valuable substances or waste by any of a variety of techniques
mineral kingdom|all inorganic objects;contrasts with animal and plant kingdoms
mineral oil|a distillate of petroleum (especially one used medicinally as a laxative or stool softener)
mineral resources|natural resources in the form of minerals
mineral water|water naturally or artificially impregnated with mineral salts or gasses;often effervescent;often used therapeutically
mineral wool|a light fibrous material used as an insulator
mineralocorticoid|hormone that is one of the steroids of the adrenal cortex that influences the metabolism of sodium and potassium
mineralogist|a scientist trained in mineralogy
mineralogy|the branch of geology that studies minerals;their structure and properties and the ways of distinguishing them
Minerva|(Roman mythology) goddess of wisdom;counterpart of Greek Athena
mineshaft|excavation consisting of a vertical or sloping passageway for finding or mining ore or for ventilating a mine
minesweeper|ship equipped to detect and then destroy or neutralize or remove marine mines
minesweeping|the activity of detecting and disposing of marine mines
Ming|the imperial dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644
ming tree|a dwarfed evergreen conifer or shrub shaped to have flat-topped asymmetrical branches and grown in a container;an artificial plant resembling a bonsai
minge|vulgar term for a woman's pubic hair or genitals
mingling|the action of people mingling and coming into contact - "all the random mingling and idle talk made him hate literary parties"
miniature|a copy that reproduces a person or thing in greatly reduced size;painting or drawing included in a book (especially in illuminated medieval manuscripts)
miniature fan palm|small graceful palm with reedlike stems and leaf bases clothed with loose coarse fibers
miniature golf|a novelty version of golf played with golf balls and putters on a miniature course featuring many obstacles
miniature pinscher|small German version of a Doberman pinscher
miniature poodle|a breed of small poodles
miniature schnauzer|a small schnauzer
miniaturist|someone who paints tiny pictures in great detail
miniaturization|act of making on a greatly reduced scale
minibar|sideboard with compartments for holding bottles
minibike|small motorcycle with a low frame and small wheels and elevated handlebars
minibus|a light bus (4 to 10 passengers)
minicab|a minicar used as a taxicab
minicar|a car that is even smaller than a subcompact car
minicomputer|a digital computer of medium size
Miniconju|a member of a group of Siouan people who constituted a division of the Teton Sioux
minim|a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 1/60th fluid dram or 0.059194 cubic centimeters;a United States liquid unit equal to 1/60 fluidram
minimalism|an art movement in sculpture and painting that began in the 1950s and emphasized extreme simplification of form and color
minimalist|a conservative who advocates only minor reforms in government or politics;a practitioner or advocate of artistic minimalism
minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery|heart surgery in which a coronary bypass is performed on the beating heart by the use of small instruments and cameras threaded through small incisions
minimization|the act of reducing something to the least possible amount or degree or position
minimum|the point on a curve where the tangent changes from negative on the left to positive on the right;the smallest possible quantity
minimum wage|the lowest wage that an employer is allowed to pay;determined by contract or by law
minimus|the fifth digit;the little finger or little toe
mining|laying explosive mines in concealed places to destroy enemy personnel and equipment;the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth
mining company|a company that owns and manages mines
mining engineer|an engineer concerned with the construction and operation of mines
mining geology|the branch of economic geology that deals with the applications of geology to mining
minion|a servile or fawning dependant
miniskirt|a very short skirt
minister|a diplomat representing one government to another;ranks below ambassador;a person appointed to a high office in the government;the job of a head of a government department
ministrant|someone who serves as a minister
ministry|a government department under the direction of a minister;building where the business of a government department is transacted;religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian);the work of a minister of religion - "he is studying for the ministry"
minisub|submersible vessel for one or two persons;for naval operations or underwater exploration
minivan|a small box-shaped passenger van;usually has removable seats;used as a family car
miniver|trimming on ceremonial robes consisting of white or light grey fur
mink|fur coat made from the soft lustrous fur of minks;slender-bodied semiaquatic mammal having partially webbed feet;valued for its fur;the expensive fur of a mink
Minkowski|German mathematician (born in Russia) who suggested the concept of four-dimensional space-time (1864-1909)
Minneapolis|largest city in Minnesota;located in southeastern Minnesota on the Mississippi river;noted for flour mills;one of the Twin Cities
Minnesota|a midwestern state
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory|a self-report personality inventory consisting of 550 items that describe feelings or actions which the person is asked to agree with or disagree with;many scales estimating traits and qualities of personality have been developed using MMPI items
Minnesotan|a native or resident of Minnesota
Minnie Mouse|the partner of Mickey Mouse
minniebush|low shrub of the eastern United States with downy twigs
minnow|very small European freshwater fish common in gravelly streams
Minoan|a Cretan who lived in the bronze-age culture of Crete about 3000-1100 BC
Minoan civilization|the bronze-age culture of Crete that flourished 3000-1100 BC
minocycline|tetracycline antibiotic (trade name Minocin) used to treat a variety of bacterial and rickettsial infections
minor axis|the shorter or shortest axis of an ellipse or ellipsoid
minor fast day|one of five minor fast days on the Jewish calendar
minor key|a key based on the minor scale
minor league|a league of teams that do not belong to a major league (especially baseball)
minor leaguer|a player on a minor-league baseball team
minor planet|any of numerous small celestial bodies that move around the sun
minor premise|the premise of a syllogism that contains the minor term (which is the subject of the conclusion)
minor scale|a diatonic scale with notes separated by whole tones except for the 2nd and 3rd and 5th and 6th
minor suit|( bridge) a suit of inferior scoring value, either diamonds or clubs
minor surgery|any surgical procedure that does not involve anesthesia or respiratory assistance
minor term|the term in a syllogism that is the subject of the conclusion
minor tranquilizer|a tranquilizer used to relieve anxiety and reduce tension and irritability
minority|a group of people who differ racially or politically from a larger group of which it is a part;any age prior to the legal age;being or relating to the smaller in number of two parts - "when the vote was taken they were in the minority" - "he held a minority position"
minority leader|leader of the minority party in a legislature
minor-league team|a team that plays in a minor league
Minos|son of Zeus and Europa;king of ancient Crete;ordered Daedalus to build the labyrinth;after death Minos became a judge in the underworld
Minotaur|(Greek mythology) a mythical monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man;slain by Theseus
minoxidil|a vasodilator (trade name Loniten) used to treat severe hypertension;one side effect is hirsutism so it is also sold (trade name Rogaine) as a treatment for male-patterned baldness
Minsk|the capital of Belarus and of the Commonwealth of Independent States
minster|any of certain cathedrals and large churches;originally connected to a monastery
minstrel|a performer in a minstrel show
minstrel show|a troupe of performers in blackface typically giving a comic program of negro songs and jokes;a variety show in which the performers are made up in blackface
minstrelsy|a troupe of minstrels;ballads sung by minstrels;the art of a minstrel
mint|a candy that is flavored with a mint oil;a plant where money is coined by authority of the government;any member of the mint family of plants;any north temperate plant of the genus Mentha with aromatic leaves and small mauve flowers;the leaves of a mint plant used fresh or candied
mint sauce|sweetened diluted vinegar with chopped mint leaves
mintage|act or process of minting coins;fee paid to a mint by the government for minting a coin
mintmark|a mark on a coin that identifies the mint where it was produced
Minuartia|mostly perennial herbs of northern hemisphere often with mat-forming habit;most often placed in genus Arenaria;sandworts
minuend|the number from which the subtrahend is subtracted
minuet|a stately court dance in the 17th century;a stately piece of music composed for dancing the minuet;often incorporated into a sonata or suite
Minuit|Dutch colonist who bought Manhattan from the Native Americans for the equivalent of $24 (1580-1638)
minus sign|a sign indicating the operation of subtraction
minuscule|a small cursive script developed from uncial between the 7th and 9th centuries and used in medieval manuscripts
minute|a short note - "the secretary keeps the minutes of the meeting";a unit of angular distance equal to a 60th of a degree;a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour - "he ran a 4 minute mile"
minute book|a book in which minutes have been written
minute gun|(military) gun that is discharged once every minute (usually as part of a military funeral)
minute hand|points to the minutes
minute steak|a thin steak that can be cooked quickly
Minuteman|a strategic weapon system using a guided missile of intercontinental range;missiles are equipped with nuclear warheads and dispersed in hardened silos;an American militiaman prior to and during the American Revolution
minuteness|great precision;painstaking attention to details - "he examined the essay with the greatest minuteness"
minutes|a written account of what transpired at a meeting
minutia|a small or minor detail - "he had memorized the many minutiae of the legal code"
minyan|the quorum required by Jewish law to be present for public worship (at least ten males over thirteen years of age)
Miocene|from 25 million to 13 million years ago;appearance of grazing mammals
miotic drug|a drug that causes miosis (constriction of the pupil of the eye)
miotic eyedrop|a treatment for glaucoma;the eyedrops increase the outflow of aqueous humor by constricting the pupil
MIPS|(computer science) a unit for measuring the execution speed of a computer's CPU (but not the whole system) - "4 MIPS is 4,000,000 instructions per second"
Mirabeau|French revolutionary who was prominent in the early days of the French Revolution (1749-1791)
Mirabilis|four o'clocks
miracle|a marvellous event manifesting a supernatural act of a divine agent;any amazing or wonderful occurrence
miracle man|a person who claims or is alleged to perform miracles
miracle play|a medieval play representing episodes from the life of a saint or martyr
miraculous food|(Old Testament) food that God gave the Israelites during the Exodus
mirage|an optical illusion in which atmospheric refraction by a layer of hot air distorts or inverts reflections of distant objects;something illusory and unattainable
Miranda rule|the rule that police (when interrogating you after an arrest) are obliged to warn you that anything you say may be used as evidence and to read you your constitutional rights (the right to a lawyer and the right to remain silent until advised by a lawyer)
mire|a difficulty or embarrassment that is hard to extricate yourself from - "the country is still trying to climb out of the mire left by its previous president" - "caught in the mire of poverty";a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
Miri|little known Kamarupan languages
mirid bug|a variety of leaf bug
Miridae|leaf bugs
miro|New Zealand conifer used for lumber;the dark wood is used for interior carpentry;Spanish surrealist painter (1893-1983)
Mirounga|elephant seals
mirror|a faithful depiction or reflection - "the best mirror is an old friend";polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
mirror carp|domestic carp with some large shining scales
mirror image|a likeness in which left and right are reversed
misalignment|the spatial property of things that are not properly aligned
misalliance|an unsuitable alliance (especially with regard to marriage)
misanthrope|someone who dislikes people in general
misanthropy|a disposition to dislike and mistrust other people;hatred of mankind
misapplication|wrong use or application
misappropriation|wrongful borrowing - "his explanation was a misappropriation of sociological theory"
misbehavior|improper or wicked or immoral behavior
miscalculation|a mistake in calculating
miscarriage|failure of a plan
miscegenation|reproduction by parents of different races (especially by white and non-white persons)
misch metal|a pyrophoric alloy made from a mixture of rare-earth metals
mischief|reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
misconception|an incorrect conception
misconduct|bad or dishonest management by persons supposed to act on another's behalf
misconstrual|a kind of misinterpretation resulting from putting a wrong construction on words or actions (often deliberately)
misconstruction|an ungrammatical constituent
miscount|an inaccurate count
miscue|a faulty shot in billiards;the cue tip slips off the cue ball
misdeal|an incorrect deal
misdemeanor|a crime less serious than a felony
misdirection|an incorrect charge to a jury given by a judge;incorrect directions or instructions
mise en scene|arrangement of scenery and properties to represent the place where a play or movie is enacted
miser|a stingy hoarder of money and possessions (often living miserably)
miserliness|total lack of generosity with money
misery|a feeling of intense unhappiness - "she was exhausted by her misery and grief";a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune - "the misery and wretchedness of those slums is intolerable"
misfeasance|doing a proper act in a wrongful or injurious manner
misfire|an explosion that fails to occur
misfit|someone unable to adapt to their circumstances
misfortune|an unfortunate state resulting from unfavorable outcomes;unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event
misgiving|doubt about someone's honesty
misgovernment|government that is inefficient or dishonest
mishap|an instance of misfortune
Mishna|the first part of the Talmud;a collection of early oral interpretations of the scriptures that was compiled about AD 200
mishpocha|(Yiddish) the entire family network of relatives by blood or marriage (and sometimes close friends) - "she invited the whole mishpocha"
misinformation|information that is incorrect
misinterpretation|putting the wrong interpretation on - "his misinterpretation of the question caused his error"
misleader|someone who leads astray (often deliberately)
mismanagement|management that is careless or inefficient - "he accomplished little due to the mismanagement of his energies"
mismatch|a bad or unsuitable match
misnomer|an incorrect or unsuitable name
miso|a thick paste made from fermented soybeans and barley or rice malt;used in Japanese cooking to make soups or sauces
misocainea|hatred of new ideas
misogamist|a person who hates marriage
misogamy|hatred of marriage
misogynist|a misanthrope who dislikes women in particular
misogyny|hatred of women
misology|hatred of reasoning
misoneism|hatred of change or innovation
misopedia|hatred of children
misprint|a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
mispronunciation|incorrect pronunciation
misquotation|an incorrect quotation
misreading|misinterpretation caused by inaccurate reading
misrepresentation|a misleading falsehood
miss|a failure to hit (or meet or find etc);a form of address for an unmarried woman
missal|(Roman Catholic Church) a book containing all the prayers and responses needed to celebrate Mass throughout the year
missel thrush|large European thrush that feeds on mistletoe berries
missile|a rocket carrying a warhead of conventional or nuclear explosives;may be ballistic or directed by remote control
missile defense system|naval weaponry providing a defense system
missing link|hypothetical organism formerly thought to be intermediate between apes and human beings
mission|a special assignment that is given to a person or group - "a confidential mission to London";an operation that is assigned by a higher headquarters - "the planes were on a bombing mission";an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work;the organized work of a religious missionary
mission bells|herb of northwestern America having green-and-purple bell-shaped flowers;herb of southwestern United States having dark purple bell-shaped flowers mottled with green
mission impossible|an extremely dangerous or difficult mission
missionary|someone sent on a mission--especially a religious or charitable mission to a foreign country;someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program
missionary position|a position for sexual intercourse;a man and woman lie facing each other with the man on top;so-called because missionaries thought it the proper position for primitive peoples
Mississippi|a major North American river and the chief river of the United States;rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico;a state in the Deep South on the gulf of Mexico;one of the Confederate States during the American Civil War
Mississippian|a native or resident of Mississippi;from 345 million to 310 million years ago;increase of land areas;primitive ammonites;winged insects
Missoula|a university town in western Montana
Missouri|a dialect of the Chiwere language spoken by the Missouri;a member of the Siouan people formerly inhabiting the valley of the Missouri river in Missouri;a midwestern state in central United States;a border state during the American Civil War, Missouri was admitted to the Confederacy without actually seceding from the Union;the longest river in the United States;arises in Montana and flows southeastward to become a tributary of the Mississippi at Saint Louis - "The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers together form the third longest river in the world"
Missouri Compromise|an agreement in 1820 between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the United States concerning the extension of slavery into new territories
Missouri goldenrod|similar to meadow goldenrod but usually smaller
Missouri primrose|evening-opening primrose of south central United States
Missourian|a native or resident of Missouri
misspelling|a spelling that is incorrect
misstatement|a statement that contains a mistake
missus|informal term of address for someone's wife
mist|a thin fog with condensation near the ground
mistake|a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention - "he made a bad mistake";an understanding of something that is not correct - "he wasn't going to admit his mistake" - "make no mistake about his intentions"
Mister|a form of address for a man
mistflower|rhizomatous plant of central and southeastern United States and West Indies having large showy heads of clear blue flowers;sometimes placed in genus Eupatorium
mistletoe|American plants closely resembling Old World mistletoe;Old World parasitic shrub having branching greenish stems with leathery leaves and waxy white glutinous berries;the traditional mistletoe of Christmas;shrub of central and southeastern Europe;partially parasitic on beeches, chestnuts and oaks
mistletoe cactus|a plant of the genus Rhipsalis
mistletoe fig|shrub or small tree often grown as a houseplant having foliage like mistletoe
mistral|a strong north wind that blows in France during the winter
mistranslation|an incorrect translation
mistreatment|the practice of treating (someone or something) badly - "he should be punished for his mistreatment of his mother"
mistress|a woman master who directs the work of others;an adulterous woman;a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man
mistrial|a trial that is invalid or inconclusive
misuse|improper or excessive use
Mitchell|English aeronautical engineer (1895-1937);United States astronomer who studied sunspots and nebulae (1818-1889);United States aviator and general who was an early advocate of military air power (1879-1936);United States dancer who formed the first Black classical ballet company (born in 1934);United States labor leader;president of the United Mine Workers of America from 1898 to 1908 (1870-1919);United States writer noted for her novel about the South during the American Civil War (1900-1949)
Mitchella|creeping evergreen herbs of North America
Mitchum|United States film actor (1917-1997)
mite|any of numerous very small to minute arachnids often infesting animals or plants or stored foods
Mitella|genus of low slender herbs of North America and northeastern Asia having flowers with trifid or pinnatifid petals
miter|a liturgical headdress worn by bishops on formal occasions;the surface of a beveled end of a piece where a miter joint is made - "he covered the miter with glue before making the joint"
miter box|hand tool for guiding handsaws in making crosscuts or miter joints
miter joint|joint that forms a corner;usually both sides are bevelled at a 45-degree angle to form a 90-degree corner
miterwort|any of various rhizomatous perennial herbs of the genus Mitella having a capsule resembling a bishop's miter
Mitford|English writer of comic novels (1904-1973);United States writer (born in England) who wrote on American culture (1917-1996)
Mithraism|ancient Persian religion;popular among Romans during first three centuries a.d.
Mithraist|adherent of Mithraism
mithramycin|an antineoplastic drug (trade name Mithracin) used to treat cancer of the testes
Mithras|ancient Persian god of light and truth;sun god
Mithridates|ancient king of Pontus who expanded his kingdom by defeating the Romans but was later driven out by Pompey (132-63 BC)
mitigating circumstance|(law) a circumstance that does not exonerate a person but which reduces the penalty associated with the offense
mitochondrion|an organelle containing enzymes responsible for producing energy
mitogen|an agent that triggers mitosis
mitomycin|a complex of antibiotic substances obtained from a streptomyces bacterium;one form (trade name Mutamycin) shows promise as an anticancer drug
mitosis|cell division in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes
Mitra|Hindu god of friendship and alliances;usually invoked together with Varuna as a supporter of heaven and earth
mitral stenosis|obstruction or narrowing of the mitral valve (as by scarring from rheumatic fever)
mitral valve|valve with two cusps;situated between the left atrium and the left ventricle
mitral valve prolapse|cardiopathy resulting from the mitral valve not regulating the flow of blood between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart
Mitrula elegans|a discomycete that is 3-8 cm high with an orange to yellow fertile portion and white or pinkish stalks often half in and half out of the water
mittelschmerz|pain in the area of the ovary that is felt at the time of ovulation (usually midway through the menstrual cycle)
mitten|glove that encases the thumb separately and the other four fingers together
Mitterrand|French statesman and president of France from 1981 to 1985 (1916-1996)
mitzvah|(Judaism) a good deed performed out of religious duty;(Judaism) a precept or commandment of the Jewish law
Miwok|a member of the North American Indian people living in the central Sierra Nevada in California
mix|a commercially prepared mixture of dry ingredients;an event that combines things in a mixture - "a gradual mixture of cultures";the act of mixing together - "paste made by a mix of flour and water" - "the mixing of sound channels in the recording studio"
mixed bud|a bud yielding both leaves and flowers
mixed drink|made of two or more ingredients
mixed economy|an economic system that combines private and state enterprises
mixed farming|growing crops and feed and livestock all on the same farm
mixed marriage|marriage of two people from different races or different religions or different cultures - "the families of both partners in a mixed marriage often disapprove"
mixed metaphor|a combination of two or more metaphors that together produce a ridiculous effect
mixed nuisance|a nuisance that is both a public nuisance and a private nuisance at the same time
mixed-blood|a person whose ancestors belonged to two or more races
mixer|a kitchen utensil that is used for mixing foods;club soda or fruit juice used to mix with alcohol;electronic equipment that mixes two or more input signals to give a single output signal
mixing bowl|bowl used with an electric mixer
mixing faucet|single faucet for separate hot and cold water pipes
mixology|skill in preparing mixed drinks
mixture|(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)
mizzen|fore-and-aft sail set on the mizzenmast
mizzenmast|third mast from the bow in a vessel having three or more masts;the after and shorter mast of a yawl, ketch, or dandy
mnemonic|a device (such as a rhyme or acronym) used to aid recall
mnemonics|a method or system for improving the memory
mnemonist|an expert in the use of mnemonics;someone able to perform unusual feats of memory
Mnemosyne|(Greek mythology) the Titaness who was goddess of memory;mother of the Muses
Mniaceae|family of erect mosses with club-shaped paraphyses and the hexagonal cells of the upper leaf surface;sometimes treated as a subfamily of Bryaceae
Mnium|mosses similar to those of genus Bryum but larger
moa|extinct flightless bird of New Zealand
moat|ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
mob|a disorderly crowd of people
mobcap|large high frilly cap with a full crown;formerly worn indoors by women
Mobile|a port in southwestern Alabama on Mobile Bay;a river in southwestern Alabama;flows into Mobile Bay;sculpture suspended in midair whose delicately balanced parts can be set in motion by air currents
Mobile Bay|a bay of the Gulf of Mexico;fed by the Mobile River
mobile home|a large house trailer that can be connected to utilities and can be parked in one place and used as permanent housing
mobility|the quality of moving freely
mobilization|act of assembling and putting into readiness for war or other emergency - "mobilization of the troops";act of marshaling and organizing and making ready for use or action - "mobilization of the country's economic resources"
Mobius|German mathematician responsible for the Mobius strip (1790-1868)
Mobius strip|a continuous closed surface with only one side;formed from a rectangular strip by rotating one end 180 degrees and joining it with the other end
mobocracy|a political system in which a mob is the source of control;government by the masses
Mobula|type genus of the Mobulidae
Mobulidae|large rays lacking venomous spines;mantas
moccasin|soft leather shoe;originally worn by Native Americans
moccasin flower|once common rose pink woodland orchid of eastern North America
mocha|a dark brown color;a flavoring made from coffee mixed with chocolate;a superior dark coffee made from beans from Arabia;soft suede glove leather from goatskin
mock|the act of mocking or ridiculing - "they made a mock of him"
mock orange|large hardy shrub with showy and strongly fragrant creamy-white flowers in short terminal racemes
mock privet|evergreen shrub with white flowers and olivelike fruits
mock turtle soup|soup made from a calf's head or other meat in imitation of green turtle soup
mockernut|smooth-barked North American hickory with 7 to 9 leaflets bearing a hard-shelled edible nut
mock-heroic|a satirical imitation of heroic verse
mockingbird|long-tailed grey-and-white songbird of the southern United States able to mimic songs of other birds
mock-up|full-scale working model of something built for study or testing or display
mod|a British teenager or young adult in the 1960s;noted for their clothes consciousness and opposition to the rockers
mod con|modern convenience;the appliances and conveniences characteristic of a modern house
modal auxiliary verb|an auxiliary verb (such as 'can' or 'will') that is used to express modality
modal logic|a system of logic whose formal properties resemble certain moral and epistemological concepts;the logical study of necessity and possibility
modality|a classification of propositions on the basis of whether they claim necessity or possibility or impossibility;a method of therapy that involves physical or electrical therapeutic treatment;a particular sense
mode|a particular functioning condition or arrangement - "switched from keyboard to voice mode";any of various fixed orders of the various diatonic notes within an octave;the most frequent value of a random variable
model|a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process - "the computer program was based on a model of the circulatory and respiratory systems";a person who poses for a photographer or painter or sculptor - "the president didn't have time to be a model so the artist worked from photos";a representative form or pattern;a type of product - "his car was an old model";representation of something (sometimes on a smaller scale);someone worthy of imitation - "every child needs a role model";the act of representing something (usually on a smaller scale)
Model T|the first widely available automobile powered by a gasoline engine;mass-produced by Henry Ford from 1908 to 1927
modeler|a person who creates models
modeling|a preliminary sculpture in wax or clay from which a finished work can be copied
modem|(from a combination of MOdulate and DEModulate) electronic equipment consisting of a device used to connect computers by a telephone line
moderate breeze|wind moving 13-18 knots;4 on the Beaufort scale
moderate gale|wind moving 32-38 knots;7 on the Beaufort scale
moderation|quality of being moderate and avoiding extremes;the action of lessening in severity or intensity - "the object being control or moderation of economic depressions"
moderationism|the policy of being moderate or acting with moderation
moderationist|a moderate drinker (as opposed to a total abstainer)
moderator|any substance used to slow down neutrons in nuclear reactors;in the Presbyterian church, the officer who presides over a synod or general assembly;someone who mediates disputes and attempts to avoid violence;someone who presides over a forum or debate
moderatorship|the position of moderator
modern|a contemporary person;a typeface (based on an 18th century design by Gianbattista Bodoni) distinguished by regular shape and hairline serifs and heavy downstrokes
modern ballet|a style of ballet that admits a wider variety of movements
modern dance|a style of theatrical dancing that is not as restricted as classical ballet;movements are expressive of feelings
Modern English|English since about 1450
modern era|the present or recent times
Modern Greek|the Greek language as spoken and written today
Modern Hebrew|Hebrew used in Israel today;revived from ancient Hebrew
modern jazz|any of various styles of jazz that appeared after 1940
modern times|the circumstances and ideas of the present age - "in modern times like these"
modernism|genre of art and literature that makes a self-conscious break with previous genres;practices typical of contemporary life or thought
modernist|an artist who makes a deliberate break with previous styles
modernity|the quality of being current or of the present - "a shopping mall would instill a spirit of modernity into this village"
modernization|a modernized version (as of a play);making modern in appearance or behavior - "the modernization of Nigeria will be a long process"
modesty|formality and propriety of manner;freedom from vanity or conceit
Modicon|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing estradiol and norethindrone
modicum|a small or moderate or token amount - "England still expects a modicum of eccentricity in its artists"- Ian Jack
modification|slightly modified copy;not an exact copy - "a modification of last year's model";the grammatical relation that exists when a word qualifies the meaning of the phrase
modified American plan|a hotel plan that includes breakfast and dinner (but not lunch)
modified radical mastectomy|removal of a breast and the pectoralis minor and some lymph nodes in the adjacent armpit
modifier|a content word that qualifies the meaning of a noun or verb;a gene that modifies the effect produced by another gene;a moderator who makes less extreme or uncompromising
Modigliani|Italian painter and sculptor (1884-1920)
modillion|(architecture) one of a set of ornamental brackets under a cornice
modiolus|the central conical bony pillar of the cochlea
mods|a youth subculture that began in London in the early 1960s;a working-class movement with highly stylized dress and short hair;listened to rhythm and blues music and travelled on motor scooters
modulation|(electronics) the transmission of a signal by using it to vary a carrier wave;changing the carrier's amplitude or frequency or phase;a manner of speaking in which the loudness or pitch or tone of the voice is modified;the act of modifying or adjusting according to due measure and proportion (as with regard to artistic effect)
module|a self-contained component (unit or item) that is used in combination with other components;computer circuit consisting of an assembly of electronic components (as of computer hardware);detachable compartment of a spacecraft
modulus|(physics) a coefficient that expresses how much of a specified property is possessed by a specified substance;an integer that can be divided without remainder into the difference between two other integers - "2 is a modulus of 5 and 9";the absolute value of a complex number
modulus of rigidity|the coefficient of elasticity for a shearing force
modus vivendi|a temporary accommodation of a disagreement between parties pending a permanent settlement
Moehringia|low-growing herbs widely distributed in temperate and Arctic northern hemisphere;sandworts;distinguished from members of the genus Arenaria mainly by having four-petaled rather than five-petaled flowers
Moeller's glossitis|a superficial form of glossitis marked by irregular red patches on the tongue and sensitivity to hot or spicy food
Mogadishu|the capital and largest city of Somalia;a port on the Indian Ocean
mogul|a bump on a ski slope;a member of the Muslim dynasty that ruled India until 1857
Mogul empire|an empire established by the Mogul conquerors of India that reigned from 1526 to 1857
mohair|fabric made with yarn made from the silky hair of the Angora goat
Mohammed|the Arab prophet who, according to Islam, was the last messenger of Allah (570-632)
Mohammed Ali|Albanian soldier in the service of Turkey who was made viceroy of Egypt and took control away from the Ottoman Empire and established Egypt as a modern state (1769-1849)
Mohammedan|a follower of Mohammed
Mohave|a member of the North American Indian people formerly living in the Colorado river valley in Arizona and Nevada and California;the Yuman language spoken by the Mohave
Mohawk|a member of the Iroquoian people formerly living along the Mohawk River in New York State;the Iroquoian language spoken by the Mohawk;haircut in which the head is shaved except for a band of hair down the middle of the scalp
Mohawk River|a river of central New York that flows southeastward to the Hudson River
Mohican|a member of the Algonquian people formerly living in the Hudson valley and eastward to the Housatonic;the Algonquian language spoken by the Mohican
Mohorovicic|Yugoslav geophysicist for whom the Mohorovicic discontinuity was named (1857-1936)
Mohorovicic discontinuity|the boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle - "the Mohorovicic discontinuity averages 5 miles down under oceans and 20 miles down under continents"
Mohria|African terrestrial ferns
Mohs scale|a scale of hardness of solids;talc is 0 and diamond is 10;ordering is determined by which substance can scratch another substance
moiety|one of two (approximately) equal parts;one of two basic subdivisions of a tribe
Moirai|any of the three Greek goddesses of fate or destiny;identified with the Roman Parcae and similar to the Norse Norns
moire|silk fabric with a wavy surface pattern
moistening|the act of making something slightly wet
moisture|wetness caused by water
mojarra|small silvery schooling fishes with protrusible mouths found in warm coastal waters
Mojave|a desert area in southern California and western Arizona
Mojave aster|wild aster having greyish leafy stems and flower heads with narrow pale lavender or violet rays;of rocky desert slopes California to Arizona and Utah
Mojave rattlesnake|extremely dangerous;most common in areas of scattered scrubby growth;from Mojave Desert to western Texas and into Mexico
mojo|a magic power or magic spell
moke|British informal for donkey
moksa|(Hinduism) release from the cycle of rebirth
Mokulu|a Chadic language spoken in Chad
molality|concentration measured by the number of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent
molar|grinding tooth with a broad crown;located behind the premolars
molarity|concentration measured by the number of moles of solute per liter of solution
molasses|thick dark syrup produced by boiling down juice from sugar cane;especially during sugar refining
molasses cookie|very spicy cookies sweetened partially with molasses
molasses kiss|a candy kiss that resembles toffee
molasses taffy|taffy made of molasses
mold|a dish or dessert that is formed in or on a mold - "a lobster mold" - "a gelatin dessert made in a mold";a distinctive nature, character, or type - "a leader in the mold of her predecessors";a fungus that produces a superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter;container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens;loose soil rich in organic matter;sculpture produced by molding
moldboard|wedge formed by the curved part of a steel plow blade that turns the furrow
moldboard plow|plow that has a moldboard
molded salad|salad of meats or vegetables in gelatin
molding|a decorative recessed or relieved surface on an edge;a decorative strip used for ornamentation or finishing;the act of creating something by casting it in a mold
Moldova|a landlocked republic in eastern Europe;formerly a European soviet but achieved independence in 1991
Moldovan monetary unit|monetary unit in Moldova
mole|a small congenital pigmented spot on the skin;small velvety-furred burrowing mammal having small eyes and fossorial forefeet;spicy sauce often containing chocolate
mole cricket|digs in moist soil and feeds on plant roots
mole rat|African rodent resembling a mole in habits and appearance;furry short-limbed tailless rodent resembling a true mole in habits and appearance;of eastern Europe and Middle East
mole salamander|brownish-black burrowing salamander of southeastern United States
molecular biologist|a biologist who studies the structure and activity of macromolecules essential to life
molecular biology|the branch of biology that studies the structure and activity of macromolecules essential to life (and especially with their genetic role)
molecular formula|a chemical formula based on analysis and molecular weight
molecular genetics|the branch of genetics concerned with the structure and activity of genetic material at the molecular level
molecular weight|(chemistry) the sum of the relative atomic masses of the constituent atoms of a molecule
molecule|(physics and chemistry) the simplest structural unit of an element or compound
molehill|a mound of earth made by moles while burrowing
moleskin|a durable cotton fabric with a velvety nap
molestation|the act of subjecting someone to unwanted or improper sexual advances or activity (especially women or children)
molester|someone who subjects others to unwanted or improper sexual activities
Molidae|ocean sunfishes
Moliere|French author of sophisticated comedies (1622-1673)
molindone|antipsychotic drug (trade name Moban) used in the treatment of schizophrenia
Moline|a town in northwest Illinois on the Mississippi River
Molise|a region of south central Italy
moll|the girlfriend of a gangster
mollie|popular aquarium fish
Mollienesia|mollies
mollification|a state of being appeased or ameliorated or tempered
Molluga|carpetweeds
Mollusca|gastropods;bivalves;cephalopods;chitons
molluscum|any skin disease characterized by soft pulpy nodules
molluscum contagiosum|a virus disease of the skin marked by round white swellings;transmitted from person to person (most often in children or in adults with impaired immune function)
mollusk|invertebrate having a soft unsegmented body usually enclosed in a shell
mollusk family|a family of mollusks
mollusk genus|a genus of mollusks
Molly Miller|inhabits both coasts of tropical Atlantic
mollycoddle|a pampered darling;an effeminate man
Molnar|Hungarian playwright (1878-1952)
Moloch|a tyrannical power to be propitiated by human subservience or sacrifice - "the great Moloch of war" - "duty has become the Moloch of modern life"- Norman Douglas;god of the Canaanites and Phoenicians to whom parents sacrificed their children;any lizard of the genus Moloch
Molokai|an island of central Hawaii (between Maui and Oahu)
Molossidae|mastiff bats;freetail bats
Molothrus|cowbirds
Molotov|Soviet statesman (1890-1986)
Molotov cocktail|a crude incendiary bomb made of a bottle filled with flammable liquid and fitted with a rag wick
molt|periodic shedding of the cuticle in arthropods or the outer skin in reptiles
molter|an animal (especially birds and arthropods and reptiles) that periodically shed their outer layer (feathers or cuticle or skin or hair)
molucca balm|aromatic annual with a tall stems of small whitish flowers enclosed in a greatly enlarged saucer-shaped or bell-shaped calyx
Moluccas|a group of island in eastern Indonesia between Celebes and New Guinea;settled by the Portuguese but taken by the Dutch who made them the center for a spice monopoly, at which time they were known as Spice Islands
Molucella|small genus of aromatic herbs of Mediterranean regions;widely cultivated
Molva|ling
molybdenite|a mineral resembling graphite that is valued as the chief source of molybdenum and its compounds
molybdenum|a polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and tungsten in its properties;used to strengthen and harden steel
molybdenum steel|steel containing 10-15% molybdenum;properties are similar to tungsten steel
Mombasa|a port city in southern Kenya on a coral island in a bay of the Indian Ocean
mombin|common tropical American shrub or small tree with purplish fruit;purplish tropical fruit
moment|a particular point in time - "the moment he arrived the party began";a turning force produced by an object acting at a distance (or a measure of that force);an indefinitely short time - "wait just a moment";the n-th moment of a distribution is the expected value of the n-th power of the deviations from a fixed value
moment magnitude scale|a logarithmic scale of 1 to 10 (a successor to the Richter scale) that enables seismologists to compare the energy released by different earthquakes on the basis of the area of the geological fault that ruptured in the quake
moment of a couple|given two equal and opposite forces, the product of the force and the distance between them
moment of inertia|the tendency of a body to resist angular acceleration
moment of truth|a crucial moment on which much depends;the moment in a bullfight when the matador kills the bull
momentousness|utmost importance
momentum|an impelling force or strength - "the car's momentum carried it off the road";the product of a body's mass and its velocity - "the momentum of the particles was deduced from meteoritic velocities"
momism|excessive protection
Mommsen|German historian noted for his history of Rome (1817-1903)
Momordica|Old World tropical vine
Momotidae|a family of birds of the order Coraciiformes
Momotus|type genus of the Momotidae
Momus|god of blame and mockery
Mon|a member of a Buddhist people living in Myanmar and adjacent parts of Thailand;the Mon-Khmer language spoken by the Mon
Monaco|a constitutional monarchy in a tiny enclave on the French Riviera
Monaco-Ville|the capital of Monaco
monad|(biology) a single-celled microorganism (especially a flagellate protozoan);(chemistry) an atom having a valence of one;a singular metaphysical entity from which material properties are said to derive
monadic operation|an operation with exactly one operand
monal|brilliantly colored pheasant of southern Asia
monandry|the state of having only one husband at a time
monarch|large migratory American butterfly having deep orange wings with black and white markings;the larvae feed on milkweed
monarchism|a belief in and advocacy of monarchy as a political system
monarchist|an advocate of the principles of monarchy
monarchy|an autocracy governed by a monarch who usually inherits the authority
monarda|any of various aromatic herbs of the genus Monarda
Monardella|a genus of fragrant herbs of the family Labiatae in the western United States
Monario|an artificial language
monastery|the residence of a religious community
monastic habit|a long loose habit worn by monks in a monastery
monasticism|asceticism as a form of religious life;usually conducted in a community under a common rule and characterized by celibacy and poverty and obedience
monazite|a reddish-brown mineral containing rare earth metals;an important source of thorium and cerium
Monday|the second day of the week;the first working day
Mondrian|Dutch painter whose work (intersecting lines at right angles and planes in primary colors) influenced the development of abstract art (1872-1944)
Monegasque|a native or inhabitant of Monaco
Monel metal|an alloy of nickel and copper and other metals (such as iron and/or manganese and/or aluminum)
Monera|prokaryotic bacteria and blue-green algae and various primitive pathogens;because of lack of consensus on how to divide the organisms into phyla informal names are used for the major divisions
moneran|organisms that typically reproduce by asexual budding or fission and whose nutritional mode is absorption or photosynthesis or chemosynthesis
Moneses|one species;one-flowered wintergreen;sometimes included in genus Pyrola
Monet|French impressionist painter (1840-1926)
monetarism|an economic theory holding that variations in unemployment and the rate of inflation are usually caused by changes in the supply of money
monetarist|an advocate of the theory that economic fluctuations are caused by increases or decreases in the supply of money
monetary unit|a unit of money
monetary value|the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold) - "the fluctuating monetary value of gold and silver"
monetization|establishing something (e.g. gold or silver) as the legal tender of a country
money|the most common medium of exchange;functions as legal tender - "we tried to collect the money he owed us";the official currency issued by a government or national bank - "he changed his money into francs";wealth reckoned in terms of money - "all his money is in real estate"
money belt|belt with a concealed section for holding money
money cowrie|cowrie whose shell is used for money in parts of the southern Pacific and in parts of Africa
money handler|a person who receives or invests or pays out money
money laundering|concealing the source of illegally gotten money
money market|a market for short-term debt instruments
money order|a written order for the payment of a sum to a named individual;obtainable and payable at a post office
money supply|the total stock of money in the economy;currency held by the public plus money in accounts in banks
moneybag|a drawstring bag for holding money
moneygrubber|someone whose main interest in life is moneymaking
moneymaker|a project that generates a continuous flow of money;someone who is successful in accumulating wealth
moneymaking|the act of making money (and accumulating wealth)
moneywort|a loosestrife vine
mongo|100 mongo equal 1 tugrik in Mongolia
Mongol|a member of the nomadic peoples of Mongolia
Mongolia|a landlocked socialist republic in central Asia;a vast region in Asia including the Mongolian People's Republic and China's Inner Mongolia
Mongolian|a family of Altaic language spoken in Mongolia
Mongolian monetary unit|monetary unit in Mongolia
mongolism|a congenital disorder caused by having an extra 21st chromosome;results in a flat face and short stature and mental retardation
Mongoloid|a member of the Mongoloid race;a person suffering from Down syndrome (no longer used technically in this sense)
mongoose|agile grizzled Old World viverrine;preys on snakes and rodents
monic polynomial|a polynomial in one variable
monilia|any of the yeastlike imperfect fungi of the genus Monilia
Moniliaceae|family of imperfect fungi having white or brightly colored hyphae and spores that are produced directly on the mycelium and not aggregated in fruiting bodies
Moniliales|order of imperfect fungi lacking conidiophores of having conidiophores that are superficial and not enclosed in a pycnidium
monism|the doctrine that reality consists of a single basic substance or element
monition|a summons issued after the filing of a libel or claim directing all parties concerned to show cause why the judgment asked for should not be granted
monitor|a piece of electronic equipment that keeps track of the operation of a system continuously and warns of trouble;any of various large tropical carnivorous lizards of Africa and Asia and Australia;fabled to warn of crocodiles;display produced by a device that takes signals and displays them on a television screen or a computer monitor;electronic equipment that is used to check the quality or content of electronic transmissions;an ironclad vessel built by Federal forces to do battle with the Merrimac
monitor program|a program that observes and regulates and controls or verifies the operations of a data-processing system
monitoring|the act of observing something (and sometimes keeping a record of it) - "the monitoring of enemy communications plays an important role in war times"
monk|a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work;United States jazz pianist who was one of the founders of the bebop style (1917-1982)
monkey|any of various long-tailed primates (excluding the prosimians)
monkey bridge|a high narrow platform above a deck or in an engine room or boiler room
monkey business|mischievous or deceitful behavior
monkey ladder|a light ladder to the monkey bridge on a ship
monkey puzzle|large Chilean evergreen conifer having intertwined branches and bearing edible nuts
monkey-wrench|adjustable wrench that has one fixed and one adjustable jaw
monkfish|flesh of a large-headed anglerfish of the Atlantic waters of North America
Mon-Khmer|a branch of the Austro-Asiatic languages
monk's cloth|a heavy cloth in basket weave
monkshood|a poisonous herb native to northern Europe having hooded blue-purple flowers;the dried leaves and roots yield aconite
Monmouth Court House|a pitched battle in New Jersey during the American Revolution (1778) that ended with the withdrawal of British forces
Monnet|French economist who advocated a Common Market in Europe (1888-1979)
monoamine|a molecule containing one amine group (especially one that is a neurotransmitter)
monoamine neurotransmitter|a monoamine that is functionally important in neural transmission
monoamine oxidase|an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
monoamine oxidase inhibitor|any of a group of antidepressant drugs that inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain and so allow monoamines to accumulate
monobasic acid|an acid containing only one replaceable hydrogen atom per molecule
monoblast|a large immature monocyte normally found in bone marrow
Monocanthidae|filefishes
Monocanthus|type genus of the Monocanthidae
monocarp|a plant that bears fruit once and dies
Monochamus|sawyer beetles
monochromacy|complete color blindness;colors can be differentiated only on the basis of brightness
monochromat|a person who is completely color-blind
monochrome|painting done in a range of tones of a single color
monocle|lens for correcting defective vision in one eye;held in place by facial muscles
monocline|a geological formation in which all strata are inclined in the same direction
monoclonal antibody|any of a class of antibodies produced in the laboratory by a single clone of cells or a cell line and consisting of identical antibody molecules
monocot|a monocotyledonous flowering plant;the stem grows by deposits on its inside
monocot family|family of flowering plants having a single cotyledon (embryonic leaf) in the seed
monocot genus|genus of flowering plants having a single cotyledon (embryonic leaf) in the seed
Monocotyledones|comprising seed plants that produce an embryo with a single cotyledon and parallel-veined leaves;includes grasses and lilies and palms and orchids;divided into four subclasses or superorders;Alismatidae;Arecidae;Commelinidae;and Liliidae
monocular vision|vision with only one eye
monoculture|the cultivation of a single crop (on a farm or area or country)
monocyte|a type of granular leukocyte that functions in the ingestion of bacteria
monocytic leukemia|leukemia characterized by the proliferation of monocytes and monoblasts in the blood
monocytosis|increase in the number of monocytes in the blood;symptom of monocytic leukemia
Monod|French biochemist who (with Francois Jacob) explained how genes are activated and suggested the existence of messenger RNA (1910-1976)
Monodon|type genus of the Monodontidae
Monodontidae|narwhals
monofocal lens implant|a lens with a single focus that is used after cataract surgery to provide clear distance vision
monogamist|someone who practices monogamy (one spouse at a time)
monogamy|having only one spouse at a time
monogenesis|asexual reproduction by the production and release of spores
monogenic disorder|an inherited disease controlled by a single pair of genes
monogram|a graphic symbol consisting of 2 or more letters combined (usually your initials);printed on stationery or embroidered on clothing
monograph|a detailed and documented treatise on a particular subject
monogyny|having only one wife at a time
monohybrid|a hybrid produced by crossing parents that are homozygous except for a single gene locus that has two alleles (as in Mendel's experiments with garden peas)
monohybrid cross|hybridization using a single trait with two alleles (as in Mendel's experiments with garden peas)
monohydrate|a hydrate that contains one molecule of water per molecule of the compound
mono-iodotyrosine|tyrosine with one iodine atom added
monolatry|the worship of a single god but without claiming that it is the only god
monolingual|a person who knows only one language
monolith|a single great stone (often in the form of a column or obelisk)
monologist|an entertainer who performs alone
monologue|a (usually long) dramatic speech by a single actor;a long utterance by one person (especially one that prevents others from participating in the conversation)
monomania|a mania restricted to one thing or idea
monomaniac|a person suffering from monomania
monomer|a simple compound whose molecules can join together to form polymers
Monomorium|a genus of Formicidae
mononeuropathy|any neuropathy of a single nerve trunk
Monongahela|a river that rises in northern West Virginia and flows north into Pennsylvania where it joins the Allegheny River at Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River
mononuclear phagocyte system|a widely distributed system of free and fixed macrophages derived from bone marrow
Mononychus olecranus|a turkey-sized long-legged fossil 75 million years old found in the Gobi Desert having bird-like fused wrist bones and keeled breastbone and a long tail resembling a dinosaur's;short forelimbs end in a single claw instead of wings;classification as bird or dinosaur is in dispute
monophony|music consisting of a single vocal part (usually with accompaniment)
Monophysite|an adherent of Monophysitism
Monophysitism|a Christian heresy of the 5th and 6th centuries that challenged the orthodox definition of the two natures (human and divine) in Jesus and instead believed there was a single divine nature
monoplane|an airplane with a single wing
monoplane flying fish|having only pectoral fins enlarged
monoplegia|paralysis of a single limb
monopolist|someone who monopolizes the means of producing or selling something
monopolization|domination (of a market or commodity) to the exclusion of others
monopoly|(economics) a market in which there are many buyers but only one seller - "a monopoly on silver" - "when you have a monopoly you can ask any price you like";exclusive control or possession of something - "They have no monopoly on intelligence";a board game in which players try to gain a monopoly on real estate as pieces advance around the board according to the throw of a die
monopoly board|a board used for playing monopoly
monopsony|(economics) a market in which goods or services are offered by several sellers but there is only one buyer
monorail|a railway having a single track
monorchism|failure of one testes to descend into the scrotum
monosaccharide|a sugar (like sucrose or fructose) that does not hydrolyse to give other sugars;the simplest group of carbohydrates
monosemy|having a single meaning (absence of ambiguity) usually of individual words or phrases
monosodium glutamate|white crystalline compound used as a food additive to enhance flavor;often used in Chinese cooking
monosomy|chromosomal abnormality consisting of the absence of one chromosome from the normal diploid number
monostotic fibrous dysplasia|fibrous dysplasia of bone confined to a single bone
monosyllable|a word or utterance of one syllable
monotheism|belief in a single God
monotheist|a believer in one god
Monothelitism|the theological doctrine that Christ had only one will even though he had two natures (human and divine);condemned as heretical in the Third Council of Constantinople
monotone|a single tone repeated with different words or different rhythms (especially in rendering liturgical texts);an unchanging intonation
monotony|constancy of tone or pitch or inflection;the quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety - "he had never grown accustomed to the monotony of his work"
Monotremata|coextensive with the subclass Prototheria
monotreme|the most primitive mammals comprising the only extant members of the subclass Prototheria
Monotropa|leafless fleshy saprophytic plants;in some classifications placed in the family Pyrolaceae
Monotropaceae|used in some classification for saprophytic herbs sometimes included in the family Pyrolaceae;genera Monotropa and Sarcodes
monotype|(biology) a taxonomic group with a single member (a single species or genus);a typesetting machine operated from a keyboard that sets separate characters
monounsaturated fatty acid|an unsaturated fatty acid whose carbon chain has one double or triple valence bond per molecule;found chiefly in olive oil and chicken and almonds
monoxide|an oxide containing just one atom of oxygen in the molecule
Monroe|5th President of the United States;author of the Monroe Doctrine (1758-1831);a town in north central Louisiana;a town of southeast Michigan on Lake Erie;United States film actress noted for sex appeal (1926-1962)
Monroe Doctrine|an American foreign policy opposing interference in the western hemisphere from outside powers
Monrovia|the capital and chief port and largest city of Liberia
mons|a mound of fatty tissue covering the pubic area in women
Monsieur|used as a French courtesy title;equivalent to English 'Mr'
Monsignor|(Roman Catholic Church) an ecclesiastical title of honor bestowed on some priests
monsoon|a seasonal wind in southern Asia;blows from the southwest (bringing rain) in summer and from the northeast in winter;any wind that changes direction with the seasons;rainy season in southern Asia when the southwestern monsoon blows, bringing heavy rains
monster|(medicine) a grossly malformed and usually nonviable fetus;a cruel wicked and inhuman person;an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
monstera|any plant of the genus Monstera;often grown as houseplants
monstrance|(Roman Catholic Church) a vessel (usually of gold or silver) in which the consecrated Host is exposed for adoration
monstrosity|something hideous or frightful - "they regarded the atom bomb as a monstrosity"
Mont Blanc|the highest mountain peak in the Alps;on the border between France and Italy to the south of Geneva (15,781 feet high)
Montagu|United States anthropologist (born in England) who popularized anthropology (1905-)
Montagu's harrier|brownish European harrier
Montaigne|French writer regarded as the originator of the modern essay (1533-1592)
montan wax|a hard wax obtained from lignite
Montana|a state in northwestern United States on the Canadian border
Montanan|a native or resident of Montana
monte|a gambling card game of Spanish origin;3 or 4 cards are dealt face up and players bet that one of them will be matched before the others as the cards are dealt from the pack one at a time
Monte Carlo|a town and popular resort in the principality of Monaco;famous for its gambling casino
Montego Bay|port and resort city in northwestern Jamaica
Montenegro|a former country bordering on the Adriatic Sea;now part of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro
Monterey|a town in western California to the south of San Francisco on a peninsula at the southern end of Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay|an inlet of the Pacific Ocean in western California
Monterey cypress|tall California cypress endemic on Monterey Bay;widely used for ornament as well as reforestation and shelterbelt planting
Monterey pine|tall California pine with long needles in bunches of 3, a dense crown, and dark brown deeply fissured bark
Monterrey|an industrial city in northeastern Mexico
Montespan|French noblewoman who was mistress to Louis XIV until he became attracted to Madame de Maintenon (1641-1707)
Montesquieu|French political philosopher who advocated the separation of executive and legislative and judicial powers (1689-1755)
Montessori|Italian educator who developed a method of teaching mentally handicapped children and advocated a child-centered approach (1870-1952)
Monteverdi|Italian composer (1567-1643)
Montevideo|the capital and largest city of Uruguay;a cosmopolitan city and one of the busiest ports in South America
Montez|Irish dancer (1818-1861)
Montezuma|evergreen tree with large leathery leaves and large pink to orange flowers;considered a link plant between families Bombacaceae and Sterculiaceae
Montezuma cypress|cypress of river valleys of Mexican highlands
Montezuma II|the last Aztec emperor in Mexico who was overthrown and killed by Hernando Cortes (1466-1520)
Montezuma's revenge|diarrhea contracted in Mexico or Central America
Montfort|an English nobleman who led the baronial rebellion against Henry III (1208-1265)
Montgolfier|French inventor who (with his brother Jacques Etienne Montgolfier) pioneered hot-air ballooning (1740-1810);French inventor who (with his brother Josef Michel Montgolfier) pioneered hot-air ballooning (1745-1799)
Montgomery|Canadian novelist (1874-1942);English general during World War II;won victories over Rommel in North Africa and led British ground forces in the invasion of Normandy (1887-1976);the state capital of Alabama on the Mobile River
Montgomery's tubercle|one of the sebaceous glands on the areolae of the breast that lubricate the breast during breast-feeding
month|a time unit of approximately 30 days - "he was given a month to pay the bill"
month of Sundays|a time perceived as long - "I hadn't seen him in a month of Sundays"
monthly|a periodical that is published every month (or 12 issues per year)
Montia|small genus of densely tufted annual herbs;north temperate regions and South America and tropical Africa and Asia
Montmartre|the highest point in Paris;famous for its associations with many artists
Montpelier|capital of the state of Vermont;located in north central Vermont
Montrachet|a white Burgundy wine
Montreal|a city in southern Quebec province on the Saint Lawrence River;the largest city in Quebec and 2nd largest in Canada;the 2nd largest French-speaking city in the world
Montserrat|a volcanic island in the Caribbean;in the West Indies
Montserratian|a native or inhabitant of Montserrat
monument|an important site that is marked and preserved as public property
moo|the sound made by a cow or bull
moo goo gai pan|a Cantonese dish of chicken and sauteed vegetables
moocher|someone who mooches or cadges (tries to get something free)
mood|verb inflections that express how the action or state is conceived by the speaker
moodiness|a sullen gloomy feeling;having temperamental and changeable moods
Moody|United States evangelist (1837-1899);United States tennis player who dominated women's tennis in the 1920s and 1930s (1905-1998)
moon|any natural satellite of a planet - "Jupiter has sixteen moons";any object resembling a moon - "he made a moon lamp that he used as a night light" - "the clock had a moon that showed various phases";the natural satellite of the Earth - "men first stepped on the moon in 1969";United States religious leader (born in Korea) who founded the Unification Church in 1954;was found guilty of conspiracy to evade taxes (born in 1920)
moon blindness|recurrent eye inflammation in horses;sometimes resulting in blindness
moon carrot|any plant of the genus Seseli having dense umbels of small white or pink flowers and finely divided foliage
moon shell|marine gastropods having smooth rounded shells that form short spires
moon shot|the launching of a spacecraft to the moon
moon trefoil|evergreen shrub of southern European highlands having downy foliage and a succession of yellow flowers throughout the summer followed by curious snail-shaped pods
moonbeam|a ray of moonlight
moonfish|any of several silvery marine fishes with very flat bodies
moonflower|pantropical climber having white fragrant nocturnal flowers
Moonie|an often derogatory term for a member of the Unification Church
moonlight|the light of the Moon - "moonlight is the smuggler's enemy"
moonlighter|a person who holds a second job (usually after hours)
moonseed|plant of the family Menispermaceae having red or black fruit with crescent- or ring-shaped seeds
moonshine|whiskey illegally distilled from a corn mash
moonstone|a transparent or translucent gemstone with a pearly luster;some specimens are orthoclase feldspar and others are plagioclase feldspar
moonwalk|a kind of dance step in which the dancer seems to be sliding on the spot - "Michael Jackson perfected the moonwalk in the 1980s";an exploratory walk by an astronaut on the surface of the moon
moon-worship|the worship of the moon
moonwort|of America and Eurasia and Australia
Moor|one of the Muslim people of north Africa;of mixed Arab and Berber descent;converted to Islam in the 8th century;conqueror of Spain in the 8th century;open land usually with peaty soil covered with heather and bracken and moss
moorage|a fee for mooring
moorcock|male red grouse
Moore|British sculptor whose works are monumental organic forms (1898-1986);English actor and comedian who appeared on television and in films (born in 1935);English philosopher (1873-1958);Irish poet who wrote nostalgic and patriotic verse (1779-1852);United States composer of works noted for their use of the American vernacular (1893-1969);United States poet noted for irony and wit (1887-1872)
moorhen|black gallinule that inhabits ponds and lakes;female red grouse
mooring|(nautical) a line that holds an object (especially a boat) in place;a place where a craft can be made fast
mooring anchor|an anchor used to hold a mooring buoy or a channel marker in place
mooring tower|a tower for mooring airships
Moorish|a style of architecture common in Spain from the 13th to 16th centuries;characterized by horseshoe-shaped arches
Moorish arch|a round arch that widens before rounding off
moosewood|maple of eastern North America with striped bark and large two-lobed leaves clear yellow in autumn
moot|a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise - "he organized the weekly moot"
moot court|a mock court where law students argue hypothetical cases
mop handle|the handle of a mop
moped|a motorbike that can be pedaled or driven by a low-powered gasoline engine
mopper|a worker who uses a mop to clean a surface
moppet|a little girl (usually one you are fond of)
Moquelumnan|a Penutian language spoken by the Miwok
moquette|a thick velvety synthetic fabric used for carpets and soft upholstery
Moraceae|trees or shrubs having a milky juice;in some classifications includes genus Cannabis
moraine|accumulated earth and stones deposited by a glacier
moral|the significance of a story or event - "the moral of the story is to love thy neighbor"
moral certainty|certainty based on an inner conviction - "she believed in the importance of moral absolutes and moral certainty" - "the prosecutor had a moral certainty that the prisoner was guilty"
moral force|an efficient incentive
moral hazard|(economics) the lack of any incentive to guard against a risk when you are protected against it (as by insurance) - "insurance companies are exposed to a moral hazard if the insured party is not honest"
moral obligation|an obligation arising out of considerations of right and wrong - "he did it out of a feeling of moral obligation"
moral principle|the principle that conduct should be moral
morale|a state of individual psychological well-being based upon a sense of confidence and usefulness and purpose
morale builder|something or someone who influences by building or strengthening morale
morale building|anything that serves to increase morale
moralism|a moral maxim;judgments about another person's morality - "he could not stand her hectoring moralism"
moralist|a philosopher who specializes in morals and moral problems
morality|concern with the distinction between good and evil or right and wrong;right or good conduct
morality play|an allegorical play popular in the 15th and 16th centuries;characters personified virtues and vices
moralization|the act of making moral (or more moral) - "for years she worked toward the moralization of English literature"
moralizing|indulgence in moral pronouncements;the exposition (often superficially) of a particular moral code - "his constant moralizing drove me mad"
Moranzanist Patriotic Front|a terrorist group of radical leftists formed in the late 1980s;seeks to prevent the United States from intervening in Honduran economic and political affairs
moratorium|a legally authorized postponement before some obligation must be discharged;suspension of an ongoing activity
Moravia|a region in the central and eastern part of the Czech Republic;it lies to the east of Bohemia and to the west of the Carpathians
moray|family of brightly colored voracious eels of warm coastal waters;generally nonaggressive to humans but larger species are dangerous if provoked
Moray Firth|an inlet of the North Sea on the northeast coast of Scotland
morbidity|an abnormally gloomy or unhealthy state of mind - "his fear of being alone verges on morbidity";the relative incidence of a particular disease
morceau|a short literary or musical composition
Morchella|genus of edible fungi;morel
Morchella crassipes|a delicious morel with a conic fertile portion having deep and irregular pits
Morchella semilibera|a morel with the ridged and pitted fertile portion attached to the stipe for about half its length
Morchellaceae|a family of edible fungi including the true morels
mordacity|a disposition to biting
mordant|a substance used to treat leather or other materials before dyeing;aids in dyeing process
Mordva|a member of the agricultural people living in the central Volga provinces of European Russia;the Finnic language spoken by the Mordvinians
More|English statesman who opposed Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon and was imprisoned and beheaded;recalled for his concept of Utopia, the ideal state
Moreau River|a river that rises in western South Dakota and flows eastward to the Missouri River
moreen|a heavy fabric of wool (or wool and cotton) used mostly in upholstery or for curtains
morel|any of various edible mushrooms of the genus Morchella having a brownish spongelike cap
morello|any of several cultivated sour cherry trees bearing fruit with dark skin and juice;cultivated sour cherry with dark-colored skin and juice
mores|(sociology) the conventions that embody the fundamental values of a group
Moreton Bay|an arm of the Tasman Sea forming a bay to the east of Brisbane
Moreton Bay chestnut|Australian tree having pinnate leaves and orange-yellow flowers followed by large woody pods containing 3 or 4 seeds that resemble chestnuts;yields dark strong wood
Moreton Bay tulipwood|Australian tree yielding a variegated tulipwood
Morgan|a Welsh buccaneer who raided Spanish colonies in the West Indies for the English (1635-1688);an American breed of small compact saddle horses;soldier in the American Revolution who defeated the British in the battle of Cowpens, South Carolina (1736-1802);United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca (1818-1881);United States biologist who formulated the chromosome theory of heredity (1866-1945);United States financier and philanthropist (1837-1913)
Morgan City|a town in southeast Louisiana to the south of Baton Rouge
Morgan le Fay|(Arthurian legend) a wicked enchantress who was the half sister and enemy of King Arthur
morganite|a kind of pink beryl used as a gemstone
Morgantown|a city in northern West Virginia on the Monongahela river near the Pennsylvania border;site of the University of West Virginia
morgen|a South African unit of measure equal to about 2 acres
morgue|a building (or room) where dead bodies are kept before burial or cremation
morion|a metal helmet worn by common soldiers in the 16th century
Morlett's crocodile|a variety of crocodile
Morley|United States chemist and physicist who collaborated with Michelson in the Michelson-Morley experiment (1838-1923)
Mormon|the ancient prophet whose writings were revealed to Joseph Smith who founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
mormon cricket|large dark wingless cricket-like katydid of arid parts of western United States
Mormonism|the doctrines and practices of the Mormon Church based on the Book of Mormon
Mornay sauce|onion-flavored creamy cheese sauce with egg yolk and grated cheese
morning|the time period between dawn and noon - "I spent the morning running errands"
morning dress|a woman's informal dress for housework;formal attire for men during the daytime
morning glory|any of various twining vines having funnel-shaped flowers that close late in the day
morning room|a sitting room used during the daylight hours
morning sickness|nausea early in the day;a characteristic symptom in the early months of pregnancy
morning star|a planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky
morning-after pill|a large dose of estrogen taken orally within 24 to 72 hours after intercourse;prevents implantation of a fertilized ovum and so acts as a contraceptive;commonly used after rape or incest
Moro|a member of the predominantly Muslim people in the southern Philippines
Moro Islamic Liberation Front|a terrorist group in the southern Philippines formed in 1977 to establish an independent Islamic state for the Moros;have clashed with troops at United States bases
Moroccan|a native or inhabitant of Morocco
Moroccan dirham|the basic unit of money in Morocco;equal to 100 centimes
Moroccan monetary unit|monetary unit in Morocco
Morocco|a kingdom (constitutional monarchy) in northwestern Africa with a largely Muslim population;achieved independence from France in 1956;a soft pebble-grained leather made from goatskin;used for shoes and book bindings etc.
Moron|a city in Argentina, to the west of Buenos Aires
Morone|carnivorous fresh and salt water fishes
moronity|mild mental retardation
moroseness|a gloomy ill-tempered feeling
morosoph|a learned fool
morphallaxis|regeneration on a reduced scale of a body part;observed especially in invertebrates such as certain lobsters
morphea|localized scleroderma
morpheme|minimal meaningful language unit;it cannot be divided into smaller meaningful units
Morpheus|the Roman god of sleep and dreams
morphine|an alkaloid narcotic drug extracted from opium;a powerful, habit-forming narcotic used to relieve pain
morphogenesis|differentiation and growth of the structure of an organism (or a part of an organism)
morphological rule|a linguistic rule for the formation of words
morphology|studies of the rules for forming admissible words;the admissible arrangement of sounds in words;the branch of biology that deals with the structure of animals and plants;the branch of geology that studies the characteristics and configuration and evolution of rocks and land forms
morphophoneme|(linguistics) the phonemes (or strings of phonemes) that constitute the various allomorphs of a morpheme
morphophonemic system|the morphophonemics of a particular language
morphophonemics|the study of the phonological realization of the allomorphs of the morphemes of a language
Morrigan|Celtic war goddess
Morris|English poet and craftsman (1834-1896);leader of the American Revolution who signed the Declaration of Independence and raised money for the Continental Army (1734-1806);United States statesman who led the committee that produced the final draft of the United States Constitution (1752-1816);United States suffragist in Wyoming (1814-1902)
Morris chair|an armchair with an adjustable back
morris dance|any of various English folk dances performed by dancers in costume
morris dancer|someone who does a morris dance
Morrison|United States rock singer (1943-1971);United States writer whose novels describe the lives of African-Americans (born in 1931)
Morristown|a town in northern New Jersey where the Continental Army spent two winters
morrow|the next day - "whenever he arrives she leaves on the morrow"
Morrow's honeysuckle|a grey deciduous honeysuckle shrub paired white flowers turning yellow;Japan
Mors|(Roman mythology) Roman god of death;counterpart of Thanatos
Morse|a telegraph code in which letters and numbers are represented by strings of dots and dashes (short and long signals);United States portrait painter who patented the telegraph and developed the Morse code (1791-1872)
morsel|a small amount of solid food;a mouthful;a small quantity of anything - "a morsel of paper was all he needed"
mortal enemy|an enemy who wants to kill you
mortal sin|an unpardonable sin entailing a total loss of grace - "theologians list seven mortal sins"
mortality|the quality or state of being mortal
mortality table|an actuarial table indicating life expectancy and probability of death as a function or age and sex and occupation etc
mortar|a bowl-shaped vessel in which substances can be ground and mixed with a pestle;a muzzle-loading high-angle gun with a short barrel that fires shells at high elevations for a short range;used as a bond in masonry or for covering a wall
mortar fire|artillery fire delivered by a mortar
mortarboard|a square board with a handle underneath;used by masons to hold or carry mortar;an academic cap with a flat square with a tassel on top
mortgage|a conditional conveyance of property as security for the repayment of a loan
mortgage application|an application for a mortgage loan
mortgage deed|deed embodying a mortgage
mortgage-backed security|a security created when a group of mortgages are gathered together and bonds are sold to other institutions or the public;investors receive a portion of the interest payments on the mortgages as well as the principal payments;usually guaranteed by the government
mortgagee|the person who accepts a mortgage - "the bank became our mortgagee when it accepted our mortgage on our new home"
mortgagor|the person who gives a mortgage in return for money to be repaid - "we became mortgagors when the bank accepted our mortgage and loaned us the money to buy our new home"
mortician|one whose business is the management of funerals
mortification|(Christianity) the act of mortifying the lusts of the flesh by self-denial and privation (especially by bodily pain or discomfort inflicted on yourself)
Mortimer|English nobleman who deposed Edward II and was executed by Edward III (1287-1330)
mortise|a square hole made to receive a tenon and so to form a joint
mortise joint|a joint made by inserting tenon on one piece into mortise holes in the other
mortmain|real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation)
Morton|United States jazz musician who moved from ragtime to New Orleans jazz (1885-1941)
morula|a solid mass of blastomeres that forms when the zygote splits;develops into the blastula
Morus|type genus of the Moraceae;mulberries
Mosaic|a freeware browser;a pattern resembling a mosaic;arrangement of aerial photographs forming a composite picture;art consisting of a design made of small pieces of colored stone or glass;transducer formed by the light-sensitive surface on a television camera tube;viral disease in solanaceous plants (tomatoes, potatoes, tobacco) resulting in mottling and often shriveling of the leaves
mosaic culture|a highly diverse culture - "the city's mosaic culture results in great diversity in the arts"
mosaic gold|a yellow pigment sometimes suspended in lacquer
Mosaic law|the laws (beginning with the Ten Commandments) that God gave to the Israelites through Moses;it includes many rules of religious observance given in the first five books of the Old Testament (in Judaism these books are called the Torah)
mosaicism|the condition in which an organism has two or more cell populations that differ in genetic makeup
Mosan|a family of Amerindian languages spoken in Washington and British Columbia
Mosander|Swedish chemist who discovered rare earth elements (1797-1858)
Moschus|musk deer
Moscow|a city of central European Russia;formerly capital of both the Soviet Union and Soviet Russia;since 1991 the capital of the Russian Federation
Moselle|German white wine from the Moselle valley or a similar wine made elsewhere
Moses|(Old Testament) the Hebrew prophet who led the Israelites from Egypt across the Red sea on a journey known as the Exodus;Moses received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai;United States painter of colorful and primitive rural scenes (1860-1961)
moshav|a cooperative Israeli village or settlement comprised of small farms
mosque|(Islam) a Muslim place of worship that usually has a minaret
mosquito|two-winged insect whose female has a long proboscis to pierce the skin and suck the blood of humans and animals
mosquito bite|a sting inflicted by a mosquito
mosquito fern|small free-floating aquatic fern from the eastern United States to tropical America;naturalized in western and southern Europe
mosquito net|a fine net or screen (especially around beds) to protect against mosquitos
mosquitofish|silvery topminnow with rows of black spots of tropical North America and West Indies;important in mosquito control
moss|tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
moss agate|an agate resembling moss with brown, black, or green markings
moss campion|tuft- or mat-forming dwarf perennial of Arctic regions of western and central Europe and North America
moss family|a family of mosses
moss genus|a genus of mosses
moss pink|low tufted perennial phlox with needlelike evergreen leaves and pink or white flowers;native to United States and widely cultivated as a ground cover
Mossad|the Israeli foreign intelligence agency - "the primary focus of the Mossad is on Arab nations"
mossback|an extremely old-fashioned conservative
Mossbauer|German physicist (born in 1929)
moss-trooper|a marauder and plunderer (originally operating in the bogs between England and Scotland)
mossy saxifrage|tufted or mat-forming perennial of mountains of Europe;cultivated for its white flowers
most valuable player|the player judged to be the most important to the sport
mostaccioli|pasta somewhat resembling little moustaches
Mosul|a city in northern Iraq on the Tigris across from the ruins of Nineveh
MOT|a compulsory annual test of older motor vehicles for safety and exhaust fumes
mot juste|the appropriate word or expression
Motacilla|type genus of the Motacillidae;wagtails
Motacillidae|pipits and wagtails
motel|a motor hotel
motel room|a sleeping room in a motel
motet|an unaccompanied choral composition with sacred lyrics;intended to be sung as part of a church service;originated in the 13th century
moth|typically crepuscular or nocturnal insect having a stout body and feathery or hairlike antennae
moth bean|East Indian legume having hairy foliage and small yellow flowers followed by cylindrical pods;used especially in India for food and forage and as a soil conditioner;sometimes placed in genus Phaseolus
moth miller|any of various moths that have powdery wings
moth mullein|European mullein with smooth leaves and large yellow or purplish flowers;naturalized as a weed in North America
moth orchid|any of various orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis having often drooping glossy broad obovate or oval leaves usually dark green flushed purple or mottled grey and silver
mothball|a small sphere of camphor or naphthalene used to keep moths away from stored clothing
mother|a condition that is the inspiration for an activity or situation - "necessity is the mother of invention";a stringy slimy substance consisting of yeast cells and bacteria;forms during fermentation and is added to cider or wine to produce vinegar;a term of address for a mother superior;a term of address for an elderly woman;a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother) - "the mother of three children"
Mother Carey's chicken|medium-sized storm petrel
mother cell|cell from which another cell of an organism (usually of a different sort) develops - "a sperm cell develops from a sperm mother cell"
mother figure|a woman who evokes the feelings usually reserved for a mother
Mother Goose|the imaginary author of a collection of nursery rhymes
mother hen|a hen with chicks;a person who cares for the needs of others (especially in an overprotective or interfering way)
Mother Hubbard|a woman's loose unbelted dress
mother lode|the main vein of ore in a deposit
mother tongue|one's native language;the language learned by children and passed from one generation to the next
motherhood|the kinship relation between an offspring and the mother
mother-in-law|the mother of your spouse
mother-in-law's tongue|stemless plant having narrow rigid leaves often cultivated as a houseplant
motherliness|the quality of having or showing the tenderness and warmth and affection of or befitting a mother - "the girl's motherliness made her invaluable in caring for the children"
mother-of-pearl|the iridescent internal layer of a mollusk shell
mother's boy|a boy excessively attached to his mother;lacking normal masculine interests
mother's daughter|a daughter who is favored by and similar to her mother
Mother's Day|second Sunday in May
mother's milk|milk secreted by a woman who has recently given birth
mother's son|a male person - "every mother's son who could walk was there"
Motherwell|United States abstract expressionist painter (1915-1991)
motherwort|bitter Old World herb of hedgerows and woodland margins having toothed leaves and white or pale pink flowers
motif|a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration;a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music
motile|one whose prevailing mental imagery takes the form of inner feelings of action
motilin|a gastrointestinal hormone that apparently participates in controlling smooth muscle contractions in the stomach and small intestine
motility|ability to move spontaneously and independently
motion|a change of position that does not entail a change of location - "the reflex motion of his eyebrows revealed his surprise";a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote - "he made a motion to adjourn";a state of change - "they were in a state of steady motion";the act of changing location from one place to another - "police controlled the motion of the crowd"
motion sickness|the state of being dizzy or nauseated because of the motions that occur while traveling in or on a moving vehicle
motionlessness|a state of no motion or movement - "the utter motionlessness of a marble statue"
motion-picture camera|a camera that takes a sequence of photographs that can give the illusion of motion when viewed in rapid succession
motion-picture film|photographic film several hundred feet long and wound on a spool;to be used in a movie camera
motivation|the act of motivating;providing incentive;the condition of being motivated - "his motivation was at a high level";the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal;the reason for the action;that which gives purpose and direction to behavior - "we did not understand his motivation"
motley|a garment made of motley (especially a court jester's costume);a multicolored woolen fabric woven of mixed threads in 14th to 17th century England
motmot|tropical American bird resembling a blue jay and having greenish and bluish plumage
motor|a nonspecific agent that imparts motion - "happiness is the aim of all men and the motor of all action";machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
motor aphasia|aphasia in which expression by speech or writing is severely impaired
motor area|the cortical area that influences motor movements
motor control|control of muscles
motor fiber|a nerve fiber that carries impulses toward the muscles or glands
motor hotel|a hotel for motorists;provides direct access from rooms to parking area
motor memory|your memory for motor skills
motor nerve|a nerve that conveys impulses toward or to muscles or glands
motor neuron|a neuron conducting impulses outwards from the brain or spinal cord
motor oil|oil used to lubricate the moving parts of a motor
motor pool|a fleet of military vehicles controlled by a single agency and available for use as needed
motor scooter|a wheeled vehicle with small wheels and a low-powered gasoline engine geared to the rear wheel
motor vehicle|a self-propelled wheeled vehicle that does not run on rails
motorboat|a boat propelled by an internal-combustion engine
motorcade|a procession of people traveling in motor cars
motorcycle|a motor vehicle with two wheels and a strong frame
motorcycle cop|a policeman who rides a motorcycle (and who checks the speeds of motorists)
motorcycling|riding a motorcycle - "motorcycling is a dangerous sport"
motorcyclist|a traveler who rides a motorcycle
motoring|the act of driving an automobile
motorist|someone who drives (or travels in) an automobile
motorization|the act of motorizing (equiping with motors or with motor vehicles)
motorized wheelchair|a wheelchair propelled by a motor
motorman|the operator of streetcar
motormouth|someone who talks incessantly - "I wish that motormouth would shut up"
Mott|United States feminist and suffragist (1793-1880)
mottle|an irregular arrangement of patches of color - "it was not dull grey as distance had suggested, but a mottle of khaki and black and olive-green"
mottling|the act of coloring with areas of different shades
motto|a favorite saying of a sect or political group
mouflon|wild mountain sheep of Corsica and Sardinia
Moulmein|a port city of southern Myanmar on the Gulf of Martaban
mound|(baseball) the slight elevation on which the pitcher stands;structure consisting of an artificial heap or bank usually of earth or stones - "they built small mounds to hide behind"
Mound Builder|prehistoric Amerindians who built altar mounds
mount|a mounting consisting of a piece of metal (as in a ring or other jewelry) that holds a gem in place - "the diamond was in a plain gold mount"
Mount Bartle Frere|the highest mountain peak in Queensland, Australia
Mount Carmel|a mountain range in northwestern Israel near the Mediterranean coast - "according to the Old Testament, Elijah defeated the priests of Baal at Mount Carmel"
Mount Elbert|the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado (14,431 feet high)
Mount Ranier National Park|a national park in Washington having mountain terrain featuring glaciers and alpine lakes and streams and swamps
Mount Saint Helens|an active volcano in the Cascade Range in southwestern Washington;erupted violently in 1980 after 123 years of inactivity
Mount Vernon|the former residence of George Washington in northeastern Virginia overlooking the Potomac river
mountain|a land mass that projects well above its surroundings;higher than a hill
mountain ash|any of various trees of the genus Sorbus;low-growing ash of Texas;tree having wood similar to the alpine ash;tallest tree in Australia and tallest hardwood in the world
mountain avens|creeping evergreen shrub with large white flowers;widely distributed in northern portions of Eurasia and North America
mountain beaver|bulky nocturnal burrowing rodent of uplands of the Pacific coast of North America;the most primitive living rodent
mountain bike|a bicycle with a sturdy frame and fat tires;originally designed for riding in mountainous country
mountain bladder fern|fern of rocky mountainous areas of hemisphere
mountain chinchilla|a rodent native to the mountains of Chile and Peru and now bred in captivity
mountain climbing|the activity of climbing a mountain
mountain devil|desert lizard that feeds on ants
mountain ebony|small East Indian tree having orchid-like flowers and hard dark wood
mountain everlasting|a variety of cat's foot
mountain fern|common European mountain fern having fragrant lemon or balsam scented fronds
mountain four o'clock|leafy wildflower with lavender-pink flowers that open in the evening and remain through cool part of the next day;found in open woods or brush in mountains of southern Colorado to Arizona and into Mexico
mountain goat|sure-footed mammal of mountainous northwestern North America
mountain gorilla|gorilla of Kivu highlands
mountain heath|small shrub with tiny evergreen leaves and pink or purple flowers;Alpine summits and high ground in Asia and Europe and United States
mountain hemlock|large evergreen of western United States;wood much harder than Canadian hemlock
mountain hollyhock|perennial of northwestern United States and western Canada resembling a hollyhock and having white or pink flowers
mountain lady's slipper|leafy plant having a few stems in a clump with 1 white and dull purple flower in each upper leaf axil;Alaska to northern California and Wyoming
mountain laurel|a North American evergreen shrub having glossy leaves and white or rose-colored flowers
mountain lily|Japanese lily with golden rays;showy white-flowered perennial of New Zealand
mountain male fern|a fern of the genus Dryopteris
mountain maple|small shrubby maple of eastern North America;scarlet in autumn
mountain mint|any of a number of perennial herbs of the genus Pycnanthemum;eastern North America and California
mountain nyala|shaggy antelope of mountains of Ethiopia
mountain paca|rodent of mountains of western South America
mountain peak|the summit of a mountain
mountain pride|mat-forming plant with deep pink flowers on short erect leafy stems;rocky places at high elevations from Oregon to California
mountain quail|California partridge;slightly larger than the California quail
mountain rice|valuable forage grass of dry upland areas and plains of western North America to northern Mexico
mountain rimu|low-growing to prostrate shrub with slender trailing branches;New Zealand
mountain rose|European alpine rose with crimson flowers
mountain sandwort|boreal or alpine sandwort
mountain sheep|any wild sheep inhabiting mountainous regions
mountain sickness|nausea and shortness of breath experienced by mountain climbers above ten thousand feet
mountain skink|frequents oak and pine habitats in rocky mountainous areas of United States southwest and Mexico
mountain spleenwort|a spleenwort of eastern North America
mountain swamp gum|medium-sized swamp gum of New South Wales and Victoria
mountain tent|a lightweight tent with a floor;flaps close with a zipper
Mountain Time|standard time in the 7th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 105th meridian west;used in the mountain states of the United States
mountain trail|a trail through mountainous country
mountain zebra|narrow-striped nearly extinct zebra of southern Africa
mountaineer|someone who climbs mountains
mountainside|the side or slope of a mountain
mountebank|a flamboyant deceiver;one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes
mounter|a skilled worker who mounts pictures or jewels etc.;someone who ascends on foot - "a solitary mounter of the staircase"
Mountie|colloquial term for a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
mounting|framework used for support or display
mourner|a person who is feeling grief (as grieving over someone who has died)
mournfulness|a state of gloomy sorrow
mourning|state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one
mourning cloak|of temperate regions;having dark purple wings with yellow borders
mourning dove|wild dove of the United States having a mournful call
mourning ring|a ring worn as a memorial to a dead person
mouse|a hand-operated electronic device that controls the coordinates of a cursor on your computer screen as you move it around on a pad;on the bottom of the device is a ball that rolls on the surface of the pad - "a mouse takes much more room than a trackball";any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails;person who is quiet or timid
mouse button|a push button on the mouse
mouse nest|where mice bear and raise their young
mouse-ear chickweed|any of various plants related to the common chickweed
mouse-ear hawkweed|European hawkweed having soft hairy leaves;sometimes placed in genus Hieracium
mouse-eared bat|a carnivorous bat with ears like a mouse
mousepad|a small portable pad that provides traction for the ball of a computer mouse
mouser|a cat proficient at mousing
mouse-tooth forceps|a type of forceps
mousetrap|(American football) a play in which a defensive player is allowed to cross the line of scrimmage and then blocked off as the runner goes through the place the lineman vacated;a trap for catching mice
moussaka|casserole of eggplant and ground lamb with onion and tomatoes bound with white sauce and beaten eggs
mousse|a light creamy dish made from fish or meat and set with gelatin;a rich, frothy, creamy dessert made with whipped egg whites and heavy cream;toiletry consisting of an aerosol foam used in hair styling
mousseline de sole|a gauze-like fabric of silk or rayon
mouth|a person conceived as a consumer of food - "he has four mouths to feed";an opening that resembles a mouth (as of a cave or a gorge) - "he rode into the mouth of the canyon" - "they built a fire at the mouth of the cave";the externally visible part of the oral cavity on the face and the system of organs surrounding the opening - "she wiped lipstick from her mouth";the opening of a jar or bottle - "the jar had a wide mouth";the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge - "he stuffed his mouth with candy";the point where a stream issues into a larger body of water - "New York is at the mouth of the Hudson"
mouth hole|a hole (as in a ski mask) for the mouth
mouthbreeder|any of various fishes that carry their eggs and their young in their mouths
mouthful|the quantity that can be held in the mouth
mouthpart|any part of the mouth of an insect or other arthropod especially one adapted to a specific way of feeding
mouthpiece|(especially boxing) equipment that protects an athlete's mouth;a part that goes over or into the mouth of a person - "the mouthpiece of a respirator";a spokesperson (as a lawyer);an acoustic device;the part of a telephone into which a person speaks;the aperture of a wind instrument into which the player blows directly;the tube of a pipe or cigarette holder that a smoker holds in the mouth
mouton|meat from a mature domestic sheep
movability|the quality of being movable;capable of being moved or rearranged
movable barrier|a barrier that can be moved to allow passage
movable feast|a religious holiday that falls on different dates in different years
move|(game) a player's turn to take some action permitted by the rules of the game;the act of changing your residence or place of business - "they say that three moves equal one fire";the act of deciding to do something - "he didn't make a move to help" - "his first move was to hire a lawyer"
movement|a group of people with a common ideology who try together to achieve certain general goals - "he was a charter member of the movement" - "politicians have to respect a mass movement";a major self-contained part of a symphony or sonata - "the second movement is slow and melodic";a natural event that involves a change in the position or location of something;the act of changing the location of something - "the movement of cargo onto the vessel";the driving and regulating parts of a mechanism (as of a watch or clock) - "it was an expensive watch with a diamond movement"
mover|a company that moves the possessions of a family or business from one site to another;someone who moves;workman employed by a moving company - "the movers were very careful with the grand piano"
movie|a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement - "they went to a movie every Saturday night"
movie projector|projects successive frames from a reel of film to create moving pictures
moviegoer|someone who goes to see movies
moviemaking|the production of movies
moving expense|the cost of moving your residence from one location to another
moving van|a van used for moving home or office furniture
moving-coil galvanometer|a galvanometer that is operated by the force exerted by an electric current flowing in a movable coil suspended in a magnetic field
Moynihan|United States politician and educator (1927-2003)
Mozambican|a native or inhabitant of Mozambique
Mozambique|a republic on the southeastern coast of Africa on the Mozambique Channel;became independent from Portugal in 1975
Mozambique Channel|an arm of the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and southeastern Africa
Mozambique monetary unit|monetary unit in Mozambique
Mozart|prolific Austrian composer and child prodigy;master of the classical style in all its forms of his time (1756-1791);the music of Mozart - "the concert was mostly Mozart"
mozzarella|mild white Italian cheese
MPEG|a set of standards adopted by the moving pictures experts group for the compression of digital video and audio data or a file of data compressed according to those standards
Mr. Moto|Japanese sleuth created by John Marquand
Mrs|a form of address for a married woman
Ms|a form of address for a woman
msasa|small shrubby African tree having compound leaves and racemes of small fragrant green flowers
MS-DOS|an operating system developed by Bill Gates for personal computers
M-theory|(particle physics) a theory that involves an eleven-dimensional universe in which the weak and strong forces and gravity are unified and to which all the string theories belong
mu|the 12th letter of the Greek alphabet
Mubarak|Egyptian statesman who became president in 1981 after Sadat was assassinated (born in 1929)
much|a great amount or extent - "they did much for humanity"
muchness|greatness of quantity or measure or extent
mucic acid|a solid acid (C6H10O8) found in milk or sugar
mucilage|a gelatinous substance secreted by plants
mucin|a nitrogenous substance found in mucous secretions;a lubricant that protects body surfaces
muckraker|one who spreads real or alleged scandal about another (usually for political advantage)
muckraking|the exposure of scandal (especially about public figures)
mucocutaneous leishmaniasis|a form of leishmaniasis endemic in Mexico and Central American and South America;sores are limited to the skin and mucosa
mucoid|any of several glycoproteins similar to mucin
mucopolysaccharide|complex polysaccharides containing an amino group;occur chiefly as components of connective tissue
mucopolysaccharidosis|any of a group of genetic disorders involving a defect in the metabolism of mucopolysaccharides resulting in greater than normal levels of mucopolysaccharides in tissues
mucor|any mold of the genus Mucor
Mucoraceae|large family of chiefly saprophytic fungi that includes many common molds destructive to food products
Mucorales|an order of mostly saprophytic fungi
mucous membrane|mucus-secreting membrane lining all body cavities or passages that communicate with the exterior
mucuna|any of several erect or climbing woody plants of the genus Mucuna;widespread in tropics of both hemispheres
mucus|protective secretion of the mucus membranes;in the gut it lubricates the passage of food and protects the epithelial cells;in the nose and throat and lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the epithelium
mud|slanderous remarks or charges;water soaked soil;soft wet earth
mud bath|a bath in warm mud (as for treating rheumatism)
mud brick|a brick made from baked mud
mud dauber|wasp that constructs mud cells on a solid base in which females place eggs laid in paralyzed insect larvae
mud flat|a tract of low muddy land near an estuary;covered at high tide and exposed at low tide
mud midget|having narrow flat sickle-shaped submerged fronds;North America
mud pie|a mass of mud that a child has molded into the shape of pie
mud puddle|a puddle of mud - "the children loved a mud puddle"
mud puppy|aquatic North American salamander with red feathery external gills
mud stain|a stain produced by mud
mud turtle|bottom-dwelling freshwater turtle inhabiting muddy rivers of North America and Central America
mudder|a racehorse that runs well on a muddy racetrack
mudguard|a curved piece above the wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle to protect the rider from water or mud thrown up by the wheels
mudhif|a reed hut in the marshlands of Iraq;rare since the marshes were drained
mudra|ritual hand movement in Hindu religious dancing
mudskipper|found in tropical coastal regions of Africa and Asia;able to move on land on strong pectoral fins
mudslide|a landslide of mud
Muenster|semisoft pale-yellow cheese
muesli|mixture of untoasted dry cereals and fruits
muezzin|the Muslim official of a mosque who summons the faithful to prayer from a minaret five times a day
muff|a warm tubular covering for the hands
muffin|a sweet quick bread baked in a cup-shaped pan
muffin man|formerly an itinerant peddler of muffins
muffle|a kiln with an inner chamber for firing things at a low temperature
muffler|a scarf worn around the neck
mufti|a jurist who interprets Muslim religious law;civilian dress worn by a person who is entitled to wear a military uniform
mug|the quantity that can be held in a mug;with handle and usually cylindrical
mug file|a file of mug shots (pictures of criminals that are kept on file by the police)
mug shot|a photograph of someone's face (especially one made for police records)
muggee|a victim of a mugging - "the law seems to give more protection to the mugger than to the muggee"
mugger|a robber who takes property by threatening or performing violence on the person who is robbed (usually on the street)
mugginess|a state of warm humidity
mugging|assault with intent to rob
Mugil|type genus of the Mugilidae;mullets
Mugilidae|grey mullets
Mugiloidea|fishes distinguished by abdominal pelvic fins;families Mugilidae;Atherinidae;Sphyraenidae
mug's game|a futile or unprofitable endeavor
mugwort|any of several weedy composite plants of the genus Artemisia
mugwump|a neutral or uncommitted person (especially in politics);someone who bolted from the Republican Party during the U.S. presidential election of 1884
Muhammad|leader of Black Muslims who campaigned for independence for Black Americans (1897-1975)
Muharram|the first month of the Islamic calendar
Muhlenbergia|a genus of grasses of the family Gramineae grown in America and Asia
Muir|United States naturalist (born in England) who advocated the creation of national parks (1838-1914)
muishond|southern African weasel
Mujahedeen Khalq|Iranian guerillas based in Iraq
Mujahedeen Kompak|a militant Islamic militia that was formed in 2005 by hardliners who split from Jemaah Islamiyah
mujahid|a Muslim engaged in what he considers to be a jihad
mujahidin|a military force of Muslim guerilla warriors engaged in a jihad - "some call the mujahidin international warriors but others just call them terrorists"
Mujahidin-e Khalq Organization|a terrorist organization formed in the 1960s by children of Iranian merchants;sought to counter the Shah of Iran's pro-western policies of modernization and opposition to communism;following a philosophy that mixes Marxism and Islam it now attacks the Islamic fundamentalists who deposed the Shah
mujtihad|an Islamic scholar who engages in ijtihad, the effort to derive rules of divine law from Muslim sacred texts
Mukalla|a port in southern Yemen on the Gulf of Aden to the east of Aden
mukataa|an Arabic word for headquarters or administrative center - "Arafat was holed up in the mukataa of his West Bank compound"
mulatto|an offspring of a black and a white parent
mulberry|any of several trees of the genus Morus having edible fruit that resembles the blackberry;sweet usually dark purple blackberry-like fruit of any of several mulberry trees of the genus Morus
mulch|a protective covering of rotting vegetable matter spread to reduce evaporation and soil erosion
mule|a slipper that has no fitting around the heel;hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse;usually sterile
mule deer|long-eared deer of western North America with two-pronged antlers
mule fat|California shrub with slender leafy shoots that are important browse for mule deer
mule's ears|balsamic-resinous herb with clumps of lanceolate leaves and stout leafy stems ending in large deep yellow flowers on long stalks;northwestern United States
muleteer|a worker who drives mules
mull|a term used in Scottish names of promontories;an island in western Scotland in the Inner Hebrides
Mullah|a Muslim trained in the doctrine and law of Islam;the head of a mosque
Mullah Omar|reclusive Afghanistani politician and leader of the Taliban who imposed a strict interpretation of shariah law on Afghanistan (born in 1960)
mulled cider|sweet cider heated with spices and citrus fruit
mulled wine|wine heated with sugar and spices and often citrus fruit
mullein|any of various plants of the genus Verbascum having large usually woolly leaves and terminal spikes of yellow or white or purplish flowers
mullein pink|an old cottage garden plant of southeastern Europe widely cultivated for its attractive white woolly foliage and showy crimson flowers
muller|a vessel in which wine is mulled;British philologist (born in Germany) who specialized in Sanskrit (1823-1900);German mathematician and astronomer (1436-1476);German physiologist and anatomist (1801-1858);Swiss chemist who synthesized DDT and discovered its use as an insecticide (1899-1965);Swiss physicist who studied superconductivity (born in 1927);United States geneticist who studied the effects of X-rays on genes (1890-1967)
mullet|bottom dwelling marine warm water fishes with two barbels on the chin;freshwater or coastal food fishes a spindle-shaped body;found worldwide;highly valued lean flesh of marine or freshwater mullet
Mullidae|goatfishes or red mullets
mulligan stew|Irish version of burgoo
mulligatawny|a soup of eastern India that is flavored with curry;prepared with a meat or chicken base
mullion|a nonstructural vertical strip between the casements or panes of a window (or the panels of a screen)
Mulloidichthys|a genus of Mullidae
mulloway|large important food fish of Australia;almost indistinguishable from the maigre
Mullus|type genus of the Mullidae;goatfishes
multibank holding company|a bank holding company owning several banks
multi-billionaire|a very rich person whose material wealth is valued at many billions of dollars
multichannel recorder|a recorder with two or more channels;makes continuous records of two or more signals simultaneously
multicollinearity|a case of multiple regression in which the predictor variables are themselves highly correlated
multiculturalism|the doctrine that several different cultures (rather than one national culture) can coexist peacefully and equitably in a single country
multidimensional language|a programming language whose expressions are assembled in more than one dimension
multiengine airplane|a plane with two or more engines
multiflora|vigorously growing rose having clusters of numerous small flowers;used for hedges and as grafting stock
multifocal lens implant|a type of lens implant that contains several rings with a common center and adjusts for near or far vision;the eye is in focus for near and far vision simultaneously
multimedia|transmission that combine media of communication (text and graphics and sound etc.)
multiple|the product of a quantity by an integer - "36 is a multiple of 9"
multiple correlation coefficient|an estimate of the combined influence of two or more variables on the observed (dependent) variable
multiple mononeuropathy|pathology of several individual nerve trunks
multiple myeloma|myeloma that develops in several places at the same time
multiple regression|a statistical technique that predicts values of one variable on the basis of two or more other variables
multiple sclerosis|a chronic progressive nervous disorder involving loss of myelin sheath around certain nerve fibers
multiple star|a system of three or more stars associated by gravity
multiple voting|the act of voting in more than one place by the same person at the same election (illegal in U.S.)
multiplex|a movie theater than has several different auditoriums in the same building;communicates two or more signals over a common channel
multiplex operation|an operation in which two or more activities are interleaved
multiplexer|a device that can interleave two or more activities
multiplicand|the number that is multiplied by the multiplier
multiplication|a multiplicative increase - "repeated copying leads to a multiplication of errors" - "this multiplication of cells is a natural correlate of growth";an arithmetic operation that is the inverse of division;the product of two numbers is computed - "the multiplication of four by three gives twelve"
multiplicative inverse|(mathematics) one of a pair of numbers whose product is 1;the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2;the multiplicative inverse of 7 is 1/7
multiplicity|the property of being multiple
multiplier|the number by which a multiplicand is multiplied
multiprocessing|simultaneous processing by two or more processing units
multiprocessor|a computer that uses two or more processing units under integrated control
multiprogramming|the execution of two or more computer programs by a single computer
multistage|occurring in more than one stage
multistage rocket|a rocket having two or more rocket engines (each with its own fuel) that are fired in succession and jettisoned when the fuel is exhausted
multitude|a large gathering of people;the common people generally
multitudinousness|a very large number (especially of people)
multivariate analysis|a generic term for any statistical technique used to analyze data from more than one variable
multiversity|a university system having several separate campuses and colleges and research centers
multivitamin|a pill or tablet containing several vitamins
mum|secrecy - "mum's the word"
Mumbai|a city in western India just off the coast of the Arabian Sea;India's 2nd largest city (after Calcutta);has the only natural deep-water harbor in western India
mumble|a soft indistinct utterance
mumblety-peg|a game in which players throw or flip a jackknife in various ways so that the knife sticks in the ground
mumbling|indistinct enunciation;ineffectual chewing (as if without teeth)
mumbo jumbo|language or ritual causing, or intending to cause, confusion
mummery|meaningless ceremonies and flattery
mummichog|silver-and-black killifish of saltwater marshes along the Atlantic coast of the United States
mummification|a condition resembling that of a mummy - "bureaucratic mummification in red tape";embalmment and drying a dead body and wrapping it as a mummy
mummy|a body embalmed and dried and wrapped for burial (as in ancient Egypt)
mumps|an acute contagious viral disease characterized by fever and by swelling of the parotid glands
mumpsimus|a traditional notion that is obstinately held although it is unreasonable - "he still holds to the old mumpsimus that a woman's place is in the kitchen"
munch|a large bite - "he tried to talk between munches on the sandwich";Norwegian painter (1863-1944)
Munchausen's syndrome|syndrome consisting of feigning acute and dramatic illness for which no clinical evidence is ever found
muncher|a chewer who makes a munching noise
Munchhausen|German raconteur who told preposterous stories about his adventures as a soldier and hunter;his name is now associated with any telling of exaggerated stories or winning lies (1720-1797)
Muncie|a town in east central Indiana
Munda|a family of languages spoken by people scattered throughout central India
mung|erect bushy annual widely cultivated in warm regions of India and Indonesia and United States for forage and especially its edible seeds;chief source of bean sprouts used in Chinese cookery;sometimes placed in genus Phaseolus
Munich|the capital and largest city of Bavaria in southwestern Germany
Munich beer|a dark lager produced in Munich since the 10th century;has a distinctive taste of malt
municipal bond|a bond issued by a state or local government
municipal government|the government of a municipality
municipal note|a municipal debt instrument with a maturity of less than 2 years
municipality|an urban district having corporate status and powers of self-government;people living in a town or city having local self-government
munificence|liberality in bestowing gifts;extremely liberal and generous of spirit
muniments|deeds and other documentary evidence of title to land
munition|military supplies
munitions industry|an industry that manufacturers weapons of war
munj|tough Asiatic grass whose culms are used for ropes and baskets
Munro|British writer of short stories (1870-1916)
Muntiacus|muntjacs
Muntingia|one species;Jamaican cherry;sometimes placed in family Flacourtiaceae
muntjac|small Asian deer with small antlers and a cry like a bark
muon|an elementary particle with a negative charge and a half-life of 2 microsecond;decays to electron and neutrino and antineutrino
Muraenidae|marine eels
mural|a painting that is applied to a wall surface
muralist|a painter of murals
murder|unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being
murder charge|an indictment charging someone with murder
murder conviction|conviction for murder
murder mystery|a narrative about a murder and how the murderer is discovered
murder suspect|someone suspected of committing murder
murderee|a victim who is murdered
murderer|a criminal who commits homicide (who performs the unlawful premeditated killing of another human being)
murderess|a woman murderer
murderousness|a bloodthirsty hatred arousing murderous impulses;cruelty evidence by a capability to commit murder
Murdoch|British writer (born in Ireland) known primarily for her novels (1919-1999);United States publisher (born in Australia in 1931)
muriatic acid|a former name for hydrochloric acid
Muridae|originally Old World rats now distributed worldwide;distinguished from the Cricetidae by typically lacking cheek pouches
Murillo|Spanish painter (1617-1682)
murine|a rodent that is a member of the family Muridae
murine typhus|acute infection caused by rickettsia and transmitted by the bite of an infected flea;characterized by fever and chills and muscle aches and a rash
Murmansk|a port city in northwestern Russia on the Kola Peninsula;the largest city to the north of the Arctic Circle;an important supply line to Russia in World War I and World War II
murmur vowel|a schwa that is incidental to the pronunciation of a consonant
Muroidea|a superfamily of rodents essentially equal to the suborder Myomorpha but with the Dipodidae excluded
Murphy bed|a bed that can be folded or swung into a cabinet when not being used
Murphy's Law|humorous axiom stating that anything that can go wrong will go wrong
murrain|any disease of domestic animals that resembles a plague
Murray|a southeast Australian river;flows westward and then south into the Indian Ocean at Adelaide;British classical scholar (born in Australia) who advocated the League of Nations and the United Nations (1866-1957);Scottish philologist and the lexicographer who shaped the Oxford English Dictionary (1837-1915)
murre|black-and-white diving bird of northern seas
Murrow|United States broadcast journalist remembered for his reports from London during World War II (1908-1965)
Murrumbidgee|a river of southeastern Australia;flows westward into the Murray River
Mus|type genus of the Muridae;common house mice;the tips of the upper incisors have a square notch
Musa|type genus of the Musaceae;bananas
Musaceae|treelike tropical Asian herbs
Musales|tropical plants
Musca|a small constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere near the Southern Cross and Chamaeleon;type genus of the Muscidae;houseflies
musca volitans|spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens
Muscadet|dry white wine from the Loire valley in France;white grape grown especially in the valley the Loire in France
muscadine|dull-purple grape of southern United States;native grape of southeastern United States;origin of many cultivated varieties
Muscardinus|a genus of Gliridae
Muscari|sometimes placed in family Hyacinthaceae
Muscat|a port on the Gulf of Oman and capital of the sultanate of Oman;any of several cultivated grapevines that produce sweet white grapes;sweet aromatic grape used for raisins and wine;wine from muscat grapes
Muscicapa|type genus of the Muscicapidae
Muscicapidae|Old World (true) flycatchers
Muscidae|two-winged flies especially the housefly
Muscivora|a genus of Tyrannidae
muscle|animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells;authority or power or force (especially when used in a coercive way) - "the senators used their muscle to get the party leader to resign";one of the contractile organs of the body
muscle cell|an elongated contractile cell that forms the muscles of the body
muscle relaxant|a drug that reduces muscle contractility by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses or by decreasing the excitability of the motor end plate or by other actions
muscleman|a bully employed as a thug or bodyguard - "the drug lord had his muscleman to protect him"
Muscoidea|two-winged flies especially the families;Muscidae;Gasterophilidae;Calliphoridae;Tachinidae
muscovite|a colorless or pale brown mica with potassium;a resident of Moscow
Muscovy|a Russian principality in the 13th to 16th centuries;Moscow was the capital
muscovy duck|large crested wild duck of Central America and South America;widely domesticated
muscular dystrophy|any of several hereditary diseases of the muscular system characterized by weakness and wasting of skeletal muscles
muscular structure|the muscular system of an organism
muscular tonus|normal tonicity of the muscles
muscularity|the physiological state of having or consisting of muscle
musculophrenic artery|an artery that supplies the abdomen and intercostal muscles
musculophrenic vein|veins that drain the upper abdominal wall and the lower intercostal spaces and the abdomen
musculoskeletal system|the system of muscles and tendons and ligaments and bones and joints and associated tissues that move the body and maintain its form
musculus abductor digiti minimi manus|the abductor muscle of the little finger
musculus abductor digiti minimi pedis|the abductor muscles of the little toe
musculus abductor hallucis|the abductor muscle of the great toe
musculus abductor pollicis|the abductor muscle of the thumb
musculus adductor brevis|the short adductor muscle of the thigh
musculus adductor hallucis|the adductor muscle of the great toe
musculus adductor longus|the long adductor muscle of the thigh
musculus adductor magnus|the muscle that adducts and extends the thigh
musculus articularis cubiti|a small branch of the triceps that inserts into the capsule of the elbow joint
musculus articularis genus|the articular muscle of the knee
musculus biceps femoris|the biceps muscle of the thigh;it flexes the knee and rotates the leg laterally
musculus sphincter ani externus|an external ring of striated muscle surrounding the anus
musculus sphincter ani internus|an internal ring of smooth muscle formed by circular fibers of the rectum
musculus sphincter ductus choledochi|the smooth muscle sphincter of the common bile duct
musculus sphincter ductus pancreatici|the smooth muscle sphincter of the main pancreatic duct
Muse|in ancient Greek mythology any of 9 daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne;protector of an art or science;the source of an artist's inspiration
muser|a reflective thinker characterized by quiet contemplation
musette|a small bagpipe formerly popular in France
musette pipe|a small simple oboe
museum|a depository for collecting and displaying objects having scientific or historical or artistic value
Musgu|a Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad
mush|a journey by dogsled;cornmeal boiled in water
musher|a traveler who drives (or travels with) a dog team
mushiness|a mushy pulpy softness
mushroom|a large cloud of rubble and dust shaped like a mushroom and rising into the sky after an explosion (especially of a nuclear bomb);any of various fleshy fungi of the subdivision Basidiomycota consisting of a cap at the end of a stem arising from an underground mycelium;common name for an edible agaric (contrasting with the inedible toadstool);fleshy body of any of numerous edible fungi;mushrooms and related fleshy fungi (including toadstools, puffballs, morels, coral fungi, etc.)
mushroom anchor|an anchor used for semipermanent moorings;has a bowl-shaped head that will dig in however it falls
mushroom coral|flattened disk-shaped stony coral (usually solitary and unattached)
mushroom pimple|any of various fungi of the family Hypocreaceae
mushroom poisoning|toxic condition caused by eating certain species of mushrooms (especially Amanita species)
mushroom sauce|brown sauce and sauteed mushrooms
mushy peas|marrowfat peas that have been soaked overnight and then boiled;served with fish and chips
Musial|United States baseball player (born in 1920)
music|(music) the sounds produced by singers or musical instruments (or reproductions of such sounds);an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner;any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sounds - "he fell asleep to the music of the wind chimes";musical activity (singing or whistling etc.) - "his music was his central interest";punishment for one's actions - "you have to face the music"
music box|produces music by means of pins on a revolving cylinder that strike the tuned teeth of a comb-like metal plate
music critic|a critic of musical performances
music department|the academic department responsible for teaching music and music appreciation
music genre|an expressive style of music
music hall|a theater in which vaudeville is staged
music lesson|a lesson in performing music
music of the spheres|an inaudible music that Pythagoras thought was produced by the celestial
music paper|paper with lines appropriate for writing music
music school|a school for the study of music;a school specializing in music
music stand|a light stand for holding sheets of printed music
music stool|a stool for piano players;usually adjustable in height
music teacher|someone who teaches music
musical|a play or film whose action and dialogue is interspersed with singing and dancing
musical arrangement|a piece of music that has been adapted for performance by a particular set of voices or instruments
musical chairs|a child's game in which players march to music around a group of chairs that contains one chair less than the number of players;when the music abruptly stops the players scramble to sit and the player who does not find a chair is eliminated;then a chair is removed and the march resumes until only the winner is seated;a rearrangement that has no practical effect or significance - "the company is looking for stability after years of musical chairs with directors" - "shareholders don't want the company playing musical chairs with their investment"
musical composition|a musical work that has been created
musical drama|opera in which the musical and dramatic elements are equally important;the music is appropriate to the action
musical instrument|any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds
musical instrument digital interface|a standard protocol for communication between electronic musical instruments and computers
musical notation|(music) notation used by musicians
musical organization|an organization of musicians who perform together
musical perception|the auditory perception of musical sounds
musical performance|the act of performing music
musical soiree|a soiree assembled for the purpose of listening to music
musical time|(music) the beat of musical rhythm
musicality|the property of sounding like music
musician|artist who composes or conducts music as a profession;someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)
musicianship|artistry in performing music
musicogenic epilepsy|reflex epilepsy induced by music
musicologist|a student of musicology
musicology|the scholarly and scientific study of music
musk|an odorous glandular secretion from the male musk deer;used as a perfume fixative;the scent of a greasy glandular secretion from the male musk deer
musk clover|low annual European herb naturalized in America;similar to alfilaria
musk deer|small heavy-limbed upland deer of central Asia;male secretes valued musk
musk kangaroo|small kangaroo of northeastern Australia
musk mallow|erect Old World perennial with faintly musk-scented foliage and white or pink flowers;adventive in United States
musk ox|large shaggy-coated bovid mammal of Canada and Greenland;intermediate in size and anatomy between an ox and a sheep
musk rose|rose native to Mediterranean region having curved or climbing branches and loose clusters of musky-scented flowers
musk thistle|Eurasian perennial naturalized in eastern North America having very spiny white cottony foliage and nodding musky crimson flower heads;valuable source of nectar
musk turtle|small freshwater turtle having a strong musky odor
muskellunge|flesh of very large North American pike;a game fish;large (60 to 80 pounds) sport fish of North America
musket|a muzzle-loading shoulder gun with a long barrel;formerly used by infantrymen
musket ball|a solid projectile that is shot by a musket
musketeer|a foot soldier armed with a musket
musketry|musketeers and their muskets collectively;the technique of using small arms (especially in battle)
Muskhogean|a family of North American Indian languages spoken in the southeastern United States;a member of any of the peoples formerly living in southeastern United States and speaking Muskhogean languages
muskiness|having the olfactory properties of musk
muskmelon|the fruit of a muskmelon vine;any of several sweet melons related to cucumbers
Muskogee|a member of the Muskhogean people formerly living in Georgia and eastern Alabama and constituting the core of the Creek Confederacy;a town in eastern Oklahoma on the Arkansas River;the Muskhogean language spoken by the Muskogee
muskrat|beaver-like aquatic rodent of North America with dark glossy brown fur;the brown fur of a muskrat
muskwood|musk-scented shrub or tree of southern and southeastern Australia having creamy-yellow flower heads
Muslim|a believer in or follower of Islam
Muslimah|a Muslim woman
muslin|plain-woven cotton fabric
musnud|a seat with a cushion that is used as a throne by Indian princes
Musophaga|type genus of the Musophagidae
Musophagidae|touracos
musophobia|a morbid fear of mice
mussel|black marine bivalves usually steamed in wine;marine or freshwater bivalve mollusk that lives attached to rocks etc.
Musset|French poet and writer (1810-1857)
Mussolini|Italian fascist dictator (1883-1945)
Mussorgsky|Russian composer of operas and orchestral works (1839-1881)
must|a necessary or essential thing - "seat belts are an absolute must";grape juice before or during fermentation
mustache|an unshaved growth of hair on the upper lip - "he looked younger after he shaved off his mustache"
mustache cup|a drinking cup with a bar inside the rim to keep a man's mustache out of the drink
mustachio|a large bushy moustache (with hair growing sometimes down the sides of the mouth)
mustang|small hardy range horse of the western plains descended from horses brought by the Spanish
mustang mint|fragrant California annual herb having lanceolate leaves and clusters of rose-purple flowers
mustard|any of several cruciferous plants of the genus Brassica;leaves eaten as cooked greens;pungent powder or paste prepared from ground mustard seeds
mustard gas|a toxic war gas with sulfide based compounds that raises blisters and attacks the eyes and lungs;there is no known antidote
mustard oil|oil obtained from mustard seeds and used in making soap
mustard plaster|a plaster containing powdered black mustard;applied to the skin as a counterirritant or rubefacient
mustard sauce|sauce of prepared mustard thinned with vinegar and vegetable oil with sugar and seasonings
mustard seed|black or white seeds ground to make mustard pastes or powders
Mustela|type genus of the family Mustelidae;minks and weasels
Mustelidae|weasels;polecats;ferrets;minks;fishers;otters;badgers;skunks;wolverines;martens
musteline mammal|fissiped fur-bearing carnivorous mammals
Mustelus|smooth dogfishes
muster|a gathering of military personnel for duty - "he was thrown in the brig for missing muster"
muster call|a call of the names of personnel at a military assembly
muster roll|a list of names of officers and men in a military unit or ship's company
musth|an annual phase of heightened sexual excitement in the males of certain large mammals (especially elephants);is associated with discharge from a gland between the eye and ear - "the frenzied elephant was in musth"
mustiness|the quality of smelling or tasting old or stale or mouldy
mutability|the quality of being capable of mutation
mutagen|any agent (physical or environmental) that can induce a genetic mutation or can increase the rate of mutation
mutagenesis|an event capable of causing a mutation
mutant|(biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration;an animal that has undergone mutation
mutant gene|a gene that has changed so that the normal transmission and expression of a trait is affected
mutation|(genetics) any event that changes genetic structure;any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism;a change or alteration in form or qualities
Mutawa'een|religious police in Saudi Arabia whose duty is to ensure strict adherence to established codes of conduct;offenders may be detained indefinitely;foreigners are not excluded
mutchkin|a Scottish unit of liquid measure equal to 0.9 United States pint
mute|a deaf person who is unable to speak;a device used to soften the tone of a musical instrument
mute swan|soundless Eurasian swan;commonly domesticated
muteness|a refusal to speak when expected
mutilation|an injury that causes disfigurement or that deprives you of a limb or other important body part
mutilator|a person who mutilates or destroys or disfigures or cripples
Mutillidae|a family of wasps
mutineer|someone who is openly rebellious and refuses to obey authorities (especially seamen or soldiers)
Mutinus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Phallaceae
mutiny|open rebellion against constituted authority (especially by seamen or soldiers against their officers)
mutisia|any of various plants of the genus Mutisia
mutism|the condition of being unable or unwilling to speak
muton|the smallest unit of DNA where a mutation can occur
mutter|a low continuous indistinct sound;often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
mutterer|a person who speaks softly and indistinctly
mutton chop|chop cut from a mature sheep
mutton snapper|similar to and often marketed as 'red snapper'
mutton tallow|tallow from the body of a mature sheep
mutual aid|arrangements made between nations to assist each other
mutual fund|a regulated investment company with a pool of assets that regularly sells and redeems its shares;the pooled money that is invested in assets
mutual induction|generation of electromotive forces in each other by two adjacent circuits
mutual opposition|a relation between two opposite attributes or tendencies
mutual resemblance|symmetrical resemblance
mutual savings bank|a state-chartered savings bank owned by its depositors and managed by a board of trustees
mutual understanding|sympathy of each person for the other
mutuality|a reciprocal relation between interdependent entities (objects or individuals or groups);a reciprocality of sentiments - "the mutuality of their affection was obvious"
Muybridge|United States motion-picture pioneer remembered for his pictures of running horses taken with a series of still cameras (born in England) (1830-1904)
muzhik|a Russian peasant (especially prior to 1917)
Muztag|a highest mountain peak in the Kunlun Shan in China;near the Indian border (23,891 feet high)
muzzle|a leather or wire restraint that fits over an animal's snout (especially a dog's nose and jaws) and prevents it from eating or biting;forward projecting part of the head of certain animals;includes the jaws and nose
muzzle loader|an obsolete firearm that was loaded through the muzzle
muzzle velocity|the velocity of a projectile as it leaves the muzzle of a gun
muzzler|someone who muzzles animals
Mwanza|a city in northern Tanzania on Lake Victoria
Mwera|a Bantu language spoken in southern coastal Tanzania
Mya|type genus of the family Myacidae
Myaceae|clams
Myacidae|soft-shell clams
Myadestes|solitaires
myalgia|pain in a muscle or group of muscles
Myanmar|a mountainous republic in southeastern Asia on the Bay of Bengal - "much opium is grown in Myanmar"
Myanmar monetary unit|monetary unit in the Union of Burma
myasthenia|any muscular weakness
myasthenia gravis|a chronic progressive disease characterized by chronic fatigue and muscular weakness (especially in the face and neck);caused by a deficiency of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junctions
Mycelia Sterilia|order of imperfect fungi having no known spore stage
mycelium|the vegetative part of a fungus consisting of a mass of branching threadlike hyphae
Mycenae|an ancient city is southern Greece;center of the Mycenaean civilization during the late Bronze Age
Mycenaean civilization|the late bronze-age culture of Mycenae that flourished 1400-1100 BC
Mycenaen|a native or inhabitant of ancient Mycenae
Mycetophilidae|fungus gnats
mycobacteria|rod-shaped bacteria some saprophytic or causing diseases
Mycobacteriaceae|a family of bacteria
mycologist|a botanist who specializes in the study of fungi
mycology|the branch of botany that studies fungi and fungus-caused diseases
mycomycin|a highly unsaturated antibiotic acid obtained from an actinomycete
mycophagist|a person or animal who eats fungi (especially mushrooms)
mycophagy|the practice of eating fungi (especially mushrooms collected in the wild)
mycoplasma|any of a group of small parasitic bacteria that lack cell walls and can survive without oxygen;can cause pneumonia and urinary tract infection
Mycoplasmataceae|pleomorphic Gram-negative nonmotile microorganism similar to both viruses and bacteria;parasitic in mammals
Mycoplasmatales|coextensive with the family Mycoplasmataceae
mycotoxin|a toxin produced by a fungus
Mycrosporidia|an order in the subclass Cnidosporidia
Mycteria|a genus of storks of the family Ciconiidae now including only the American wood ibis
Mycteroperca|groupers
Myctophidae|deep-sea fishes comprising the lantern fishes
mydriasis|reflex pupillary dilation as a muscle pulls the iris outward;occurs in response to a decrease in light or certain drugs
mydriatic|a drug that causes the pupil of the eye to dilate;used to aid eye examinations
myelatelia|any developmental defect of the spinal cord
myelencephalon|the posterior part of the hindbrain in developing vertebrates;forms the medulla oblongata in adults
myelin|a white fatty substance that forms a medullary sheath around the axis cylinder of some nerve fibers
myelinization|the development of a myelin sheath around a nerve fiber
myelitis|inflammation of the spinal cord
myeloblast|a precursor of leukocytes that normally occurs only in bone marrow
myeloblastic leukemia|a malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues;characterized by numerous myeloblasts in the blood stream
myelocyte|an immature leukocyte normally found in bone marrow
myelocytic leukemia|a malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues;marked by proliferation of myelocytes and their presence in the blood
myelofibrosis|fibrosis of the bone marrow
myelogram|X-ray film of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots and subarachnoid space
myelography|roentgenography of the spinal cord to detect possible lesions (usually after injection of a contrast medium into the subarachnoid space)
myeloma|a tumor of the bone marrow (usually malignant) composed of cells normally found in bone marrow
myelomeningocele|a congenital defect of the central nervous system in which a sac containing part of the spinal cord and its meninges protrude through a gap in the vertebral column;frequently accompanied by hydrocephalus and mental retardation
myenteric plexus|a plexus of unmyelinated fibers and postganglionic autonomic cell bodies in the muscular coat of the esophagus and stomach and intestines
myiasis|infestation of the body by the larvae of flies (usually through a wound or other opening) or any disease resulting from such infestation
Mylanta|an antacid
Mylar|a thin polyester film
Myliobatidae|eagle rays
mylodon|large (bear-sized) extinct edentate mammal of the Pleistocene in South America
mylodontid|a variety of extinct edentate
Mylodontidae|extinct South American edentates
myna|tropical Asian starlings
myocardial infarction|destruction of heart tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply to the heart muscle
myocardial inflammation|inflammation of the myocardium (the muscular tissue of the heart)
myocardium|the middle muscular layer of the heart wall
Myocastor|a genus of Capromyidae
myoclonus|a clonic spasm of a muscle or muscle group
myoclonus epilepsy|epilepsy characterized by clonus of muscle groups and progressive mental deterioration and genetic origin
myofibril|one of many contractile filaments that make up a striated muscle fiber
myoglobin|a hemoprotein that receives oxygen from hemoglobin and stores it in the tissues until needed
myoglobinuria|the presence of myoglobin in the urine
myogram|a graphical recording of muscle activity
myology|the branch of physiology that studies muscles
myoma|a benign tumor composed of muscle tissue
myometritis|inflammation of the myometrium
myometrium|the smooth muscle forming the wall of the uterus
Myomorpha|true rats and mice and related rodents
myonecrosis|localized death of muscle cell fibers
myopathy|any pathology of the muscles that is not attributable to nerve dysfunction
myope|a person with myopia;a nearsighted person
myopia|(ophthalmology) eyesight abnormality resulting from the eye's faulty refractive ability;distant objects appear blurred
Myopus|a genus of Cricetidae
myosarcoma|sarcoma of muscle tissue
myosin|the commonest protein in muscle;a globulin that combines with actin to form actomyosin
myositis|inflammation of muscle tissue
Myosotis|forget-me-nots;scorpion grass
Myotis|largest and most widely distributed genus of bats
myotomy|surgical incision or division of a muscle
myotonia|abnormally long muscular contractions;slow relaxation of a muscle after a contraction
myotonia congenita|a mild, rare, congenital form of myotonia characterized by muscle stiffness
myotonic muscular dystrophy|a severe form of muscular dystrophy marked by generalized weakness and muscular wasting that affects the face and feet and hands and neck;difficult speech and difficulty with the hands that spreads to the arms and shoulders and legs and hips;the onset can be any time from birth to middle age and the progression is slow;inheritance is autosomal dominant
Myrciaria|a genus of tropical American trees and shrubs of the myrtle family
Myrdal|Swedish economist (1898-1987)
myriad|a large indefinite number - "he faced a myriad of details"
myriagram|one ten thousandth of a centner
myriameter|a metric unit of length equal to 10,000 meters
myriapod|general term for any terrestrial arthropod having an elongated body composed of many similar segments;e.g. centipedes and millipedes
Myrica|deciduous aromatic shrubs or small trees
Myricaceae|constituting the order Myricales
Myricales|coextensive with the family Myricaceae
Myricaria|small genus of deciduous shrubs or subshrubs of southern Europe to Siberia and China;tolerant of chalky soil
myringectomy|surgical removal of the eardrum
myringoplasty|surgical repair of a perforated eardrum with a tissue graft
myringotomy|surgical incision into the eardrum (to relieve pressure or release pus from the middle ear)
Myriophyllum|chiefly monoecious and usually aquatic herbs (as the milfoils)
myristic acid|a saturated fatty acid occurring naturally in animal and vegetable fats
Myristica|type genus of Myristicaceae;tropical Asian evergreen trees with small white or yellow flowers followed by fleshy fruits
Myristicaceae|family of aromatic tropical trees with arillate seeds
Myrmecia|bulldog ants
Myrmecobius|banded anteater
Myrmecophaga|type genus of the Myrmecophagidae;South American ant bear
Myrmecophagidae|New World anteaters
myrmecophile|an organism such as an insect that habitually shares the nest of a species of ant
myrmecophyte|plant that affords shelter or food to ants that live in symbiotic relations with it
Myrmeleon|type genus of the Myrmeleontidae;antlions
Myrmeleontidae|antlions
Myrmidon|(Greek mythology) a member of the warriors who followed Achilles on the expedition against Troy;a follower who carries out orders without question
Myroxylon|a genus of tropical American trees having pinnate leaves and white flowers
myrrh|aromatic resin that is burned as incense and used in perfume
myrrh tree|tree of eastern Africa and Asia yielding myrrh
Myrrhis|European perennial herbs having pinnate leaves and umbels of white flowers
Myrsinaceae|family of Old World tropical trees and shrubs;some in Florida
Myrsine|evergreen trees and shrubs having aromatic foliage;Africa;Asia (New Zealand)
Myrtaceae|trees and shrubs yielding a fragrant oil
myrtaceous tree|trees and shrubs
Myrtales|Myrtaceae;Combretaceae;Elaeagnaceae;Haloragidaceae;Melastomaceae;Lecythidaceae;Lythraceae;Rhizophoraceae;Onagraceae;Lecythidaceae;Punicaceae
Myrtillocactus|small genus of arborescent cacti of Mexico and Central America
myrtle|any evergreen shrub or tree of the genus Myrtus;widely cultivated as a groundcover for its dark green shiny leaves and usually blue-violet flowers
myrtle beech|large evergreen tree of Tasmania
myrtle oak|small evergreen shrub or tree of southeastern United States;often forms almost impenetrable thickets in sandy coastal areas
myrtle warbler|similar to Audubon's warbler
Myrtus|type genus of the Myrtaceae
Mysidacea|opossum shrimp
Mysidae|small shrimp-like crustaceans
Mysis|type genus of the family Mysidae
mysophilia|abnormal attraction to filth
mysophobia|a morbid fear of dirt or contamination
Mysore|a city in southern India to the southwest of Bangalore
Mysore thorn|spreading thorny shrub of tropical Asia bearing large erect racemes of red-marked yellow flowers
mystery|a story about a crime (usually murder) presented as a novel or play or movie;something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained - "how it got out is a mystery"
mystery play|a medieval play representing episodes from the life of Christ
mystic|someone who believes in the existence of realities beyond human comprehension
Mysticeti|baleen whales;right whales;rorquals;blue whales;humpbacks
mysticism|a religion based on mystical communion with an ultimate reality;obscure or irrational thought
mystification|something designed to mystify or bewilder;the activity of obscuring people's understanding, leaving them baffled or bewildered
mystique|an aura of heightened value or interest or meaning surrounding a person or thing
myth|a traditional story accepted as history;serves to explain the world view of a people
mythical being|an imaginary being of myth or fable
mythical monster|a monster renowned in folklore and myth
mythologist|an expert on mythology
mythologization|the restatement of a message as a myth
mythology|myths collectively;the body of stories associated with a culture or institution or person;the study of myths
Mytilidae|marine mussels
Mytilus|type genus of the family Mytilidae;smooth-shelled marine mussels
myxedema|hypothyroidism marked by dry skin and swellings around lips and nose as well as mental deterioration
Myxine|type genus of the Myxinidae (typical hagfishes)
Myxine glutinosa|typical hagfish
Myxinidae|slime-producing marine animals;hagfishes
Myxiniformes|hagfishes as distinguished from lampreys
Myxinikela|fossil hagfishes
Myxinikela siroka|fossil hagfish of the Pennsylvanian period (c. 300 million years ago) that resembled modern hagfishes
myxobacteria|bacteria that form colonies in self-produced slime;inhabit moist soils or decaying plant matter or animal waste
Myxocephalus|grubby
myxoma|a benign tumor of connective tissue containing jellylike material
myxoma virus|a poxvirus closely related to smallpox virus;causes benign gelatinous tumors in humans
myxomatosis|a viral disease (usually fatal) of rabbits
Myxomycetes|the class of true slime molds;essentially equivalent to the division Myxomycota
Myxomycota|slime molds;organisms having a noncellular and multinucleate creeping vegetative phase and a propagative spore-producing stage;comprises Myxomycetes and Acrasiomycetes;in some classifications placed in the kingdom Protoctista
Myxophyceae|former terms for Cyanophyceae
Myxosporidia|an order in the subclass Cnidosporidia
myxosporidian|mostly parasitic in fishes and including various serious pathogens
myxovirus|any of a group of RNA viruses including those that cause influenza and mumps
N|the 14th letter of the Roman alphabet
Nabalus|genus of North American and east Asian perennial herbs;sometimes included in genus Prenanthes
Nablus|an ancient city in the West Bank to the north of Jerusalem;the home of Jacob in biblical times
nabob|a wealthy man (especially one who made his fortune in the Orient)
Nabokov|United States writer (born in Russia) (1899-1977)
naboom|small tree of dry open parts of southern Africa having erect angled branches suggesting candelabra
nabothian cyst|a cyst that forms in the nabothian glands of the uterine cervix
nabothian gland|one of many small glands of the uterine cervix that secrete mucus
Nabu|Babylonian god of wisdom and agriculture and patron of scribes and schools
nabumetone|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Relafen)
nacelle|a streamlined enclosure for an aircraft engine
nacho|a tortilla chip topped with cheese and chili-pepper and broiled
Nacimiento|a mountain peak in the Andes in Argentina (21,302 feet high)
nacreous cloud|a luminous iridescent cloud at a high altitude that may be seen when the sun is a few degrees below the horizon
NADA daiquiri|a daiquiri made without alcohol
Na-Dene|a family of North American Indian languages
nadir|an extreme state of adversity;the lowest point of anything;the point below the observer that is directly opposite the zenith on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
nadolol|a beta-adrenergic blocking agent (trade name Corgard) that is used to treat hypertension and angina
Naegele's rule|rule for calculating an expected delivery date;subtract three months from the first day of the last menstrual period and add seven days to that date
Naemorhedus|gorals
nafcillin|a penicillinase-resistant form of penicillin (trade name Nafcil) used (usually in the form of its sodium salt) to treat infections caused by penicillin-resistant strains of staphylococci
Nag Hammadi|a collection of 13 ancient papyrus codices translated from Greek into Coptic that were discovered by farmers near the town of Nag Hammadi in 1945;the codices contain 45 distinct works including the chief sources of firsthand knowledge of Gnosticism;a town in Upper Egypt
Naga|Kamarupan languages spoken in northeastern India and western Burma
nagami|shrub bearing oval-fruited kumquats
Nagano|a city in central Honshu to the northwest of Tokyo;site of a Buddhist shrine
Nagasaki|a city in southern Japan on Kyushu;a leading port and shipbuilding center;on August 9, 1945 Nagasaki became the second populated area to receive an atomic bomb
Nageia|small genus of Asian evergreen trees having columnar crowns and distinguished by leaves lacking a midrib;eastern Asia including India and Philippines and New Guinea
nagi|medium-sized tree having glossy lanceolate leaves;southern China to Taiwan and southern Japan
Nagoya|an industrial city in southern Honshu
Naha City|the chief city in the Ryukyu Islands
Nahuatl|a member of any of various Indian peoples of central Mexico;the Uto-Aztecan language spoken by the Nahuatl
Nahum|a Hebrew minor prophet of the 7th century BC;an Old Testament book telling Nahum's prophecy of the fall of Nineveh
naiad|(Greek mythology) a nymph of lakes and springs and rivers and fountains;submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers;of fresh or brackish water
Naiadaceae|monotypic family of aquatic plants having narrow leaves and small flowers
Naiadales|an order of aquatic monocotyledonous herbaceous plants
Naias|sole genus of the family Naiadaceae
naif|a naive or inexperienced person
Naiki|a Dravidian language spoken in south central India
nail|a former unit of length for cloth equal to 1/16 of a yard;a thin pointed piece of metal that is hammered into materials as a fastener;horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
nail hole|a hole left after a nail is removed
nail polish|a cosmetic lacquer that dries quickly and that is applied to the nails to color them or make them shiny
nail pulling|a form of torture in which the fingernails or toenails are removed
nailbrush|a brush used to clean a person's fingernails
nailer|a worker who attaches something by nailing it
nailfile|a small flat file for shaping the nails
nailhead|flattened boss on the end of nail opposite to the point;something resembling the head of a nail that is used as an ornamental device
nail-tailed wallaby|small wallabies with a horny nail on the tip of the tail
nainsook|a soft lightweight muslin used especially for babies
naira|the basic unit of money in Nigeria
Nairobi|the capital and largest city of Kenya;a center for tourist safaris
Naismith|United States educator (born in Canada) who invented the game of basketball (1861-1939)
naivete|lack of sophistication or worldliness
Naja|cobras
naked eye|the eye unaided by any optical instrument that alters the power of vision or alters the apparent size or distance of objects - "it is not safe to look directly at the sun with the naked eye"
naked mole rat|fetal-looking colonial rodent of East Africa;neither mole nor rat;they feed on tubers and have a social structure similar to that of honeybees and termites
naked option|a put or call option for which the seller or buyer has no underlying security position
nakedness|the state of being without clothing or covering of any kind
nakedwood|any of several small to medium-sized trees of Florida and West Indies with thin scaly bark and heavy dark heartwood;tree of extreme southern Florida and West Indies having thin scaly bark and aromatic fruits and seeds and yielding hard heavy close-grained zebrawood
Nakuru|a city in western Kenya;commercial center of an agricultural region
Nalchik|a city in southwestern Russia in a valley of the Caucasus Mountains;an industrial center and health resort
nalidixic acid|antibacterial agent used especially to treat genitourinary infections
nalorphine|a narcotic antagonist (trade name Nalline) that counteracts the effects of narcotics (especially the effects of poisoning by morphine)
naloxone|a potent narcotic antagonist (trade name Narcan) especially effective with morphine
naltrexone|an oral antagonist against the action of opiates
namby-pamby|an insipid weakling who is foolishly sentimental
name|a defamatory or abusive word or phrase;a language unit by which a person or thing is known - "his name really is George Washington" - "those are two names for the same thing";a person's reputation - "he wanted to protect his good name";a well-known or notable person - "they studied all the great names in the history of France";by the sanction or authority of - "halt in the name of the law";family based on male descent - "he had no sons and there was no one to carry on his name"
name calling|verbal abuse;a crude substitute for argument
name day|the feast day of a saint whose name one bears
name dropper|someone who pretends that famous people are his/her friends
name tag|a tag showing the name of the person who wears it
name-dropping|the practice of casually mentioning important people in order to impress your listener - "the hard thing about name-dropping is to avoid being too obvious about it"
nameko|one of the most important fungi cultivated in Japan
nameplate|a plate bearing a name
namer|a person who gives a name or names - "the owner is usually the namer of a boat"
namesake|a person with the same name as another
Namib Desert|a desert in Namibia extending along the coast between the high plateau and the Atlantic Ocean
Namibia|a republic in southwestern Africa on the south Atlantic coast (formerly called South West Africa);achieved independence from South Africa in 1990;the greater part of Namibia forms part of the high Namibian plateau of South Africa
Namibian|a native or inhabitant of Namibia
naming|the verbal act of naming - "the part he failed was the naming of state capitals"
Nammu|goddess personifying the primeval sea;mother of the gods and of heaven and earth
Namoi|a river in southeastern Australia that flows generally northwest to join the Darling River
Nampa|a town in southwestern Idaho
Namtar|a demon personifying death;messenger of the underworld goddess Ereshkigal bringing death to mankind
Namur|a city in south central Belgium situated on a promontory between the Meuse River and the Sambre River;the site of intense fighting in World War I and World War II
Nan|a river of western Thailand flowing southward to join the Ping River to form the Chao Phraya;leavened bread baked in a clay oven in India;usually shaped like a teardrop;your grandmother
Nan Ling|a mountain range in southeastern China running generally east to west
Nanaimo|a town in southwestern British Columbia on Vancouver Island to the west of Vancouver
Nanak|Indian religious leader who founded Sikhism in dissent from the caste system of Hinduism;he taught that all men had a right to search for knowledge of God and that spiritual liberation could be attained by meditating on the name of God (1469-1538)
Nancere|a Chadic language spoken in Chad
Nanchang|a walled city in southeastern China on the Gan Jiang
Nancy|a city in northeastern France in Lorraine
NAND circuit|a logic gate that produces an output that is the inverse of the output of an AND gate
Nanda Devi|a mountain in the Himalayas in northern India (25,660 feet high)
nandrolone|an androgen (trade names Durabolin or Kabolin) that is used to treat testosterone deficiency or breast cancer or osteoporosis
Nanga Parbat|a mountain in the Himalayas in Kashmir (26,660 feet high)
Nanjing|a city in eastern China on the Yangtze River;a former capital of China;the scene of a Japanese massacre in the 1930s
nankeen|a durable fabric formerly loomed by hand in China from natural cotton having a yellowish color
Nanna|(Norse mythology) wife of Balder;god of the Moon;counterpart of the Akkadian Sin
Nanning|an industrial city in southern China
nanny|a woman who is the custodian of children;female goat
nanogram|one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) gram
nanometer|a metric unit of length equal to one billionth of a meter
nanomia|small creatures resembling pieces of fuzzy rope;each with a cluster of swimming bells serving as the head and long elastic tentacles for drawing in prey
nanophthalmos|condition in which both eyes are abnormally small but otherwise normal
nanosecond|one billionth (10^-9) of a second;one thousandth of a microsecond
nanotechnology|the branch of engineering that deals with things smaller than 100 nanometers (especially with the manipulation of individual molecules)
nanovolt|a unit of potential equal to one billionth of a volt
Nansen|Norwegian explorer of the Arctic and director of the League of Nations relief program for refugees of World War I (1861-1930)
Nantes|a port city in western France on the Loire estuary
Nanticoke|a member of the Algonquian people formerly of Maryland and eastern Delaware;the Algonquian language spoken by the Nanticoke and Conoy
Nantua|white sauce with whipping cream and shrimp butter
Nantucket|an island resort off Cape Cod;formerly a center of the whaling industry
Naomi|the mother-in-law of Ruth whose story is told in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament
nap|a soft or fuzzy surface texture;sleeping for a short period of time (usually not in bed)
Napaea|one species;glade mallow
napalm|gasoline jelled with aluminum soaps;highly incendiary liquid used in fire bombs and flamethrowers
nape|the back side of the neck
naphazoline|vasoconstrictor (trade names Privine and Sudafed) used in nasal sprays to treat symptoms of nasal congestion and in eyedrops to treat eye irritation
naphtha|any of various volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixtures;used chiefly as solvents
naphthalene|a white crystalline strong-smelling hydrocarbon made from coal tar or petroleum and used in organic synthesis and as a fumigant in mothballs
naphthalene poisoning|toxic condition resulting from inhaling or ingesting naphthalene
naphthol|either of two phenols derived from naphthalene
Napier|Scottish mathematician who invented logarithms;introduced the use of the decimal point in writing numbers (1550-1617)
Napier's bones|a set of graduated rods formerly used to do multiplication and division by a method invented by John Napier
napkin|a small piece of table linen that is used to wipe the mouth and to cover the lap in order to protect clothing
napkin ring|a circular band used to hold a particular person's napkin
Naples|a port and tourist center in southwestern Italy;capital of the Campania region
Napoleon|a card game similar to whist;usually played for stakes;French general who became emperor of the French (1769-1821);a rectangular piece of pastry with thin flaky layers and filled with custard cream
Napoleon III|nephew of Napoleon I and emperor of the French from 1852 to 1871 (1808-1873)
Napoleonic Wars|a series of wars fought between France (led by Napoleon Bonaparte) and alliances involving England and Prussia and Russia and Austria at different times;1799-1815
naprapath|a therapist who practices naprapathy
naprapathy|a drugless method of treatment based on the belief that disease symptoms arise from problems with ligaments and connective tissues
naproxen|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Naprosyn) used in the treatment of arthritis and musculoskeletal inflammation and moderate pain
naproxen sodium|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trademarks Aleve and Anaprox and Aflaxen) that fights pain and inflammation
napu|chevrotain somewhat larger than the kanchil;found in India and Malaya
naranjilla|small perennial shrub cultivated in uplands of South America for its edible bright orange fruits resembling tomatoes or oranges
narc|a lawman concerned with narcotics violations
narcissist|someone in love with themselves
narcissistic personality|personality marked by self-love and self-absorption;unrealistic views about your own qualities and little regard for others
Narcissus|(Greek mythology) a beautiful young man who fell in love with his own reflection;bulbous plant having erect linear leaves and showy yellow or white flowers either solitary or in clusters
narcolepsy|a sleep disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep - "he believes that narcolepsy is attributable to an inability to suppress REM sleep during waking"
narcoleptic|a person who has narcolepsy;a soporific drug that produces an uncontrollable desire to sleep
narcosis|unconsciousness induced by narcotics or anesthesia
narco-state|an area that has been taken over and is controlled and corrupted by drug cartels and where law enforcement is effectively nonexistent - "this Mexican town has become a narco-state that ships 100 pounds of cocaine to the United States every day"
narcoterrorism|the financing of terrorist activities by participation in the drug trade
narcotic|a drug that produces numbness or stupor;often taken for pleasure or to reduce pain;extensive use can lead to addiction
narcotic antagonist|an antagonist used to counteract the effects of narcotics (especially to counteract the depression of respiration)
nard|an aromatic ointment used in antiquity
nardoo|Australian clover fern
Nares Deep|a depression in the floor of the Atlantic Ocean to the north of Haiti and Puerto Rico
naris|any of the openings to the nasal cavities that allow air to flow through the cavities to the pharynx
nark|an informer or spy working for the police
Narragansett Bay|a deep inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in Rhode Island
narration|(rhetoric) the second section of an oration in which the facts are set forth;the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events - "his narration was hesitant"
narrative|a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events;presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program - "his narrative was interesting"
narrator|someone who tells a story
narrow|a narrow strait connecting two bodies of water
narrow gauge|a railroad track (or its width) narrower than the standard 56.5 inches
narrow goldenrod|western American goldenrod with long narrow clusters of small yellow flowers
narrow margin|a small margin - "the president was not humbled by his narrow margin of victory"
narrow wale|corduroy with narrow ribs
narrowbody aircraft|a commercial airliner with a single aisle
narrowing|a decrease in width;an instance of becoming narrow;the act of making something narrower
narrow-leaf penstemon|plant having small narrow leaves and blue-violet flowers in long open clusters;Utah and Colorado to New Mexico and Arizona
narrow-leaved flame flower|similar to Talinum aurantiacum but with narrower leaves and yellow-orange flowers;southwestern United States
narrow-leaved water plantain|a variety of water plantain
narrow-leaved white-topped aster|a variety of white-topped aster
narrow-mindedness|an inclination to criticize opposing opinions or shocking behavior
narrowness|a restriction of range or scope - "the problem with achievement tests is the narrowness they impose on students" - "the attraction of the book is precisely its narrowness of focus" - "frustrated by the narrowness of people's horizons";the property of being narrow;having little width - "the narrowness of the road"
Narthecium|bog asphodels;sometimes placed in family Melanthiaceae
narthex|a vestibule leading to the nave of a church;portico at the west end of an early Christian basilica or church
narwhal|small Arctic whale the male having a long spiral ivory tusk
nasal|an elongated rectangular bone that forms the bridge of the nose
nasal canthus|the inner corner of the eye
nasal cavity|either of the two cavities lying between the floor of the cranium and the roof of the mouth and extending from the face to the pharynx
nasal concha|one of several turbinate bones in the nasal cavity
nasal consonant|a consonant produced through the nose with the mouth closed
nasal decongestant|a decongestant that provides temporary relief of nasal symptoms of the common cold and rhinitis and upper respiratory infections
nasal meatus|the passages in the nasal cavity formed by the projections of the nasal conchae
nasal septum|a partition of bone and cartilage between the nasal cavities
Nasalis|proboscis monkeys
nasality|a quality of the voice that is produced by nasal resonators
nasalization|the act of nasalizing;the utterance of sounds modulated by the nasal resonators
Naseby|a battle in 1645 that settled the outcome of the first English Civil War as the Parliamentarians won a major victory over the Royalists;a village in western Northamptonshire
Nash|United States writer noted for his droll epigrams (1902-1971)
Nash equilibrium|(game theory) a stable state of a system that involves several interacting participants in which no participant can gain by a change of strategy as long as all the other participants remain unchanged
Nashville|capital of the state of Tennessee;located in the north central part of the state on the Cumberland River;known for country music
nasion|the craniometric point at the bridge of the nose where the frontal and nasal bones of the skull meet
nasofrontal vein|a vein located in the anterior medial part of the orbit;connects the superior ophthalmic with the angular vein
nasogastric feeding|feeding consisting of delivering liquid nutrients through a tube passing through the nose and into the stomach
nasolacrimal duct|a duct that carries tears from the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity
nasopharynx|cavity forming the upper part of the pharynx
nasotracheal tube|a tube inserted into the trachea through the nose and pharynx;used to deliver oxygen
Nassau|the capital of the Bahamas
Nasser|Egyptian statesman who nationalized the Suez Canal (1918-1970)
Nast|United States political cartoonist (1840-1902)
nastiness|the quality of being unpleasant - "I flinched at the nastiness of his wound"
nasturtium|any tropical American plant of the genus Tropaeolum having pungent juice and long-spurred yellow to red flowers;flowers and seeds and leaves all used as flavorings;aquatic herbs
Nasua|coatis
Natal|a port city in northeastern Brazil;a region of eastern South Africa on the Indian Ocean - "Natal was renamed KwaZulu-Natal in 1994"
natal plum|very large closely branched South African shrub having forked bright green spines and shiny leaves
Natantia|shrimp;prawns;etc.
Natchez|a town in southwest Mississippi on the Mississippi River
Naticidae|moonshells
nation|a federation of tribes (especially Native American tribes) - "the Shawnee nation";the people who live in a nation or country - "a statement that sums up the nation's mood" - "the news was announced to the nation";United States prohibitionist who raided saloons and destroyed bottles of liquor with a hatchet (1846-1911)
Nation of Islam|a group of militant Black Americans who profess Islamic religious beliefs and advocate independence for Black Americans
national|a person who owes allegiance to that nation
National Academy of Sciences|an honorary American society of scientists created by President Lincoln during the American Civil War
National Aeronautics and Space Administration|an independent agency of the United States government responsible for aviation and spaceflight
national anthem|a song formally adopted as the anthem for a nation
National Archives and Records Administration|the independent agency that oversees management of federal government records including presidential libraries and historic collections
National Association of Realtors|a United States association of real estate agents which follows a strict code of ethics
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations|a computerized data system to provide brokers with price quotations for securities traded over the counter
national bank|a commercial bank chartered by the federal government
National Baseball Hall of Fame|a Hall of Fame and museum in Cooperstown, New York, honoring great baseball players
national capital|the capital city of a nation
national censorship|censorship under civil authority of communications entering or leaving of crossing the borders of the United States or its territories or possessions
National Climatic Data Center|the part of NOAA that maintains the world's largest active archive of weather data
national debt|the debt of the national government (as distinguished from the debts of individuals and businesses and political subdivisions)
national debt ceiling|a limit set by Congress beyond which the national debt cannot rise;periodically raised by Congress
national flag|an emblem flown as a symbol of nationality
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency|a combat support agency that provides geographic intelligence in support of national security
National Guard|United States military reserves recruited by the states and equipped by the federal government;subject to call by either
National Guard Bureau|the agency that administers the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard;provides liaison between the Army and the Air Force and various National Guard units
national income|the total value of all income in a nation (wages and profits and interest and rents and pension payments) during a given period (usually 1 yr)
National Institute of Justice|the law enforcement agency that is the research and development branch of the Department of Justice
National Institute of Standards and Technology|an agency in the Technology Administration that makes measurements and sets standards as needed by industry or government programs
National Institutes of Health|an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services whose mission is to employ science in the pursuit of knowledge to improve human health;is the principal biomedical research agency of the federal government
national insurance|social insurance program in Britain;based on contributions from employers and employees;provides payments to unemployed and sick and retired people as well as medical services
National Labor Relations Board|an independent agency of the United States government charged with mediating disputes between management and labor unions
National Liberation Army|a Marxist terrorist group formed in 1963 by Colombian intellectuals who were inspired by the Cuban Revolution;responsible for a campaign of mass kidnappings and resistance to the government's efforts to stop the drug trade;a terrorist organization in Bolivia that acts as an umbrella for numerous small indigenous subversive groups;a revival of a group with Marxist-Leninist ideologies originally established by Che Guevara in the 1960s
National Liberation Front of Corsica|a terrorist group formed in 1976 to work for Corsican independence;attacks on Corsica are aimed at sabotaging public infrastructure and symbols of colonialism
National Library of Medicine|the world's largest medical library
national monument|memorial consisting of a structure or natural landmark of historic interest;set aside by national government for preservation and public enjoyment
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|an agency in the Department of Commerce that maps the oceans and conserves their living resources;predicts changes to the earth's environment;provides weather reports and forecasts floods and hurricanes and other natural disasters related to weather
national park|a tract of land declared by the national government to be public property
National Park Service|an agency of the Interior Department responsible for the national parks
National Reconnaissance Office|an intelligence agency in the United States Department of Defense that designs and builds and operates space reconnaissance systems to detect trouble spots worldwide and to monitor arms control agreements and environmental issues and to help plan military operations
National Rifle Association|a powerful lobby that advocates the right to own and bear arms and rejects any gun regulation by the government
National Science Foundation|an independent agency of the federal government responsible for the promotion of progress in science and engineering by supporting programs in research and education
National Security Agency|the United States cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect United States information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
National Security Council|a committee in the executive branch of government that advises the president on foreign and military and national security;supervises the Central Intelligence Agency
national service|compulsory service in the military during peacetime
National Socialist German Workers' Party|the political party founded in Germany in 1919 and brought to power by Hitler in 1933
National Technical Information Service|an agency in the Technology Administration that is a primary resource for government-funded scientific and technical and engineering and business related information
National Trust|an organization concerned to preserve historic monuments and buildings and places of historical interest or natural beauty;founded in 1895 and supported by endowment and private subscription
National Weather Service|the federal agency in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that is responsible for weather forecast and preparation of weather maps
nationalism|the aspiration for national independence felt by people under foreign domination;the doctrine that nations should act independently (rather than collectively) to attain their goals;the doctrine that your national culture and interests are superior to any other
nationalist|an advocate of national independence of or a strong national government
nationalist leader|the leader of a nationalist movement
nationality|people having common origins or traditions and often comprising a nation - "immigrants of the same nationality often seek each other out" - "such images define their sense of nationality";the status of belonging to a particular nation by birth or naturalization
nationalization|changing something from private to state ownership or control;the action of forming or becoming a nation;the action of rendering national in character
nationhood|the state of being a nation
native|a person born in a particular place or country - "he is a native of Brazil";an indigenous person who was born in a particular place - "the art of the natives of the northwest coast";indigenous plants and animals
native beech|tall Australian timber tree yielding tough hard wood used for staves etc
native cat|carnivorous arboreal cat-like marsupials of Australia and Tasmania
native cranberry|small prostrate or ascending shrub having scarlet flowers and succulent fruit resembling cranberries;sometimes placed in genus Styphelia
Native Hawaiian|a member or descendant of the indigenous Polynesian people who lived in the Hawaiian Islands
native language|the language that a person has spoken from earliest childhood
native orange|small Australian tree bearing edible dark purple fruit
native pear|tree bearing pear-shaped fruit with a thick woody epicarp
native pomegranate|small Australian tree bearing edible fruit resembling the pomegranate
native speaker|a speaker of a particular language who has spoken that language since earliest childhood - "native speakers of French"
nativeness|the quality of belonging to or being connected with a certain place or region by virtue of birth or origin
nativism|(philosophy) the philosophical theory that some ideas are innate;the policy of perpetuating native cultures (in opposition to acculturation)
nativist|a philosopher who subscribes to nativism
natriuresis|the presence of abnormally large amounts of sodium in the urine
Natrix|water snakes;a cosmopolitan genus
natrolite|a group of minerals of the zeolite family consisting of a hydrous silicate of sodium and aluminum
Natta|Italian chemist noted for work on polymers (1903-1979)
natterjack|common brownish-yellow short-legged toad of western Europe;runs rather than hops
natural|(craps) a first roll of 7 or 11 that immediately wins the stake;a notation cancelling a previous sharp or flat;someone regarded as certain to succeed - "he's a natural for the job"
natural ability|ability that is inherited
natural childbirth|labor and childbirth without medical intervention;no drugs are given to relieve pain or aid the birth process - "natural childbirth is considered the safest for the baby"
natural depression|a sunken or depressed geological formation
natural elevation|a raised or elevated geological formation
natural family planning|any of several methods of family planning that do not involve sterilization or contraceptive devices or drugs;coitus is avoided during the fertile time of a woman's menstrual cycle
natural fiber|fiber derived from plants or animals
natural gas|a fossil fuel in the gaseous state;used for cooking and heating homes
natural glass|magma of any composition that cooled very rapidly
natural history|the scientific study of plants or animals (more observational than experimental) usually published in popular magazines rather than in academic journals
natural immunity|immunity to disease that occurs as part of an individual's natural biologic makeup
natural language|a human written or spoken language used by a community;opposed to e.g. a computer language
natural language processing|the branch of information science that deals with natural language information
natural language processor|an application program that deals with natural language text
natural logarithm|a logarithm to the base e
natural number|the number 1 and any other number obtained by adding 1 to it repeatedly
natural object|an object occurring naturally;not made by man
natural order|the physical universe considered as an orderly system subject to natural (not human or supernatural) laws
natural phenomenon|all phenomena that are not artificial
natural process|a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)
natural resin|a plant exudate
natural resource|resources (actual and potential) supplied by nature
natural science|the sciences involved in the study of the physical world and its phenomena
natural shape|a shape created by natural forces;not man-made
natural theology|a theology that holds that knowledge of God can be acquired by human reason without the aid of divine revelation
natural virtue|(scholasticism) one of the four virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) derived from nature
naturalism|(philosophy) the doctrine that the world can be understood in scientific terms without recourse to spiritual or supernatural explanations;an artistic movement in 19th century France;artists and writers strove for detailed realistic and factual description
naturalist|a biologist knowledgeable about natural history (especially botany and zoology);an advocate of the doctrine that the world can be understood in scientific terms
naturalization|changing the pronunciation of a borrowed word to agree with the borrowers' phonology - "the naturalization in English of many Italian words";the introduction of animals or plants to places where they flourish but are not indigenous;the proceeding whereby a foreigner is granted citizenship;the quality of being brought into conformity with nature
naturalness|the likeness of a representation to the thing represented - "engineers strove to increase the naturalness of recorded music";the quality of being natural or based on natural principles - "he accepted the naturalness of death" - "the spontaneous naturalness of his manner"
nature|a causal agent creating and controlling things in the universe - "the laws of nature" - "nature has seen to it that men are stronger than women";a particular type of thing - "he's interested in trains and things of that nature" - "matters of a personal nature";the complex of emotional and intellectual attributes that determine a person's characteristic actions and reactions - "it is his nature to help others";the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized - "it is the nature of fire to burn" - "the true nature of jealousy";the natural physical world including plants and animals and landscapes etc. - "they tried to preserve nature as they found it"
nature study|the study of animals and plants in the natural world (usually at an elementary level)
nature worship|a system of religion that deifies and worships natural forces and phenomena
naturopath|a therapist who practices naturopathy
naturopathy|a method of treating disease using food and exercise and heat to assist the natural healing process
Nauclea|small genus of evergreen tropical shrubs or trees with smooth leathery leaves
Naucrates|a genus of Carangidae
naught|complete failure - "all my efforts led to naught"
naughtiness|an attribute of mischievous children
naumachy|a naval spectacle;a mock sea battle put on by the ancient Romans
Nauru|a small island in the central Pacific Ocean 2,800 miles to the southwest of Hawaii;in Micronesia to the west of the Gilbert Islands;an island republic on Nauru Island;phosphate exports support the economy
Nauruan|a native or inhabitant of Nauru
nausea|disgust so strong it makes you feel sick;the state that precedes vomiting
nautch|an intricate traditional dance in India performed by professional dancing girls
nautch girl|a professional dancing girl in India
nautical chain|a nautical unit of length (15 ft)
nautical linear unit|a linear unit of distance used in navigation
nautical mile|a former British unit of length equivalent to 6,080 feet (1,853.184 meters);800 feet longer than a statute mile;a unit of length used in navigation;exactly 1,852 meters;historically based on the distance spanned by one minute of arc in latitude
Nautilidae|spiral-shelled cephalopods
nautilus|a submarine that is propelled by nuclear power
Navaho|a member of an Athapaskan people that migrated to Arizona and New Mexico and Utah;the Athapaskan language spoken by the Navaho
naval academy|an academy for training naval officers
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division|the principal agency of the United States Navy for research and development for air warfare and missile weapon systems
naval attache|a military attache who is a commissioned or warrant officer in a navy
naval battle|a pitched battle between naval fleets
naval blockade|the interdiction of a nation's lines of communication at sea by the use of naval power
naval brass|alpha-beta brass containing tin;resistant to sea water;Admiralty Metal is a trademark
naval campaign|an operation conducted primarily by naval forces in order to gain or extend or maintain control of the sea
naval chart|a chart for a navigator showing the prevailing meteorological and hydrographic and navigational conditions
naval commander|naval officer in command of a fleet of warships
naval engineering|the branch of engineering that deals with the design and construction and operation of ships
naval equipment|equipment for a navy
naval gun|naval weaponry consisting of a large gun carried on a warship
naval installation|military installation servicing naval forces
naval missile|naval weaponry consisting of a missile carried on a warship
naval officer|an officer in the navy
naval radar|naval equipment consisting of a shipboard radar
Naval Research Laboratory|the United States Navy's defense laboratory that conducts basic and applied research for the Navy in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines
Naval Special Warfare|the agency that provides units to conduct unconventional and counter-guerilla warfare
Naval Surface Warfare Center|the agency that provides scientific and engineering and technical support for all aspects of surface warfare
naval tactical data system|a shipboard system for collecting and displaying tactical data
Naval Underwater Warfare Center|the agency that provides scientific and engineering and technical support for submarine and undersea warfare systems
naval unit|a military unit that is part of a navy
naval weaponry|weaponry for warships
Navarino|a decisive naval battle in the War of Greek Independence (1827);the Turkish and Egyptian fleet was defeated by an allied fleet of British and French and Russian warships
nave|the central area of a church
navel|a scar where the umbilical cord was attached - "you were not supposed to show your navel on television" - "they argued whether or not Adam had a navel";the center point or middle of something - "the Incas believed that Cuzco was the navel of the universe"
navel orange|seedless orange enclosing a small secondary fruit at the apex
navigability|the quality of being suitable for the passage of a ship or aircraft
navigation|ship traffic - "the channel will be open to navigation as soon as the ice melts";the guidance of ships or airplanes from place to place
navigation light|light on an airplane that indicates the plane's position and orientation;red light on the left (port) wing tip and green light on the right (starboard) wing tip
navigational instrument|an instrument used for navigating
navigational system|a system that provides information useful in determining the position and course of a ship or aircraft
navigator|in earlier times, a person who explored by ship;the member of an aircrew who is responsible for the aircraft's course
Navratilova|United States tennis player (born in Czechoslovakia) who won nine Wimbledon women's singles championships (born in 1956)
navy|an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare
navy base|base of operations for a naval fleet
navy bean|white-seeded bean;usually dried
Navy Cross|a United States Navy decoration for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy
Navy Department|a former executive department of the United States government;created in 1798 and combined with the War Department in 1947
Navy SEAL|a member of a Naval Special Warfare unit who is trained for unconventional warfare
navy yard|a military shipyard
nawab|a governor in India during the Mogul empire
nay|a negative - "the nays have it"
naysayer|someone with an aggressively negative attitude
naysaying|the act of saying no to a request
Nazarene|a member of a group of Jews who (during the early history of the Christian Church) accepted Jesus as the Messiah;they accepted the Gospel According to Matthew but rejected the Epistles of St. Paul and continued to follow Jewish law and celebrate Jewish holidays;they were later declared heretic by the Church of Rome;an early name for any Christian;an inhabitant of Nazareth
Nazareth|a historic town in northern Israel that is mentioned in the Gospels as the home of Joseph and Mary
Nazi|a German member of Adolf Hitler's political party;derogatory term for a person who is fanatically dedicated to, or seeks to control, some activity, practice, etc.
Nazification|social process of adopting (or being forced to adopt) Nazism - "as the process of Nazification spread they paid less attention to public opinion"
Nazimova|United States actress (born in Russia) (1879-1945)
Nazism|a form of socialism featuring racism and expansionism and obedience to a strong leader
Ndebele|a Bantu language sometimes considered a dialect of Zulu
N'Djamena|the capital and largest city of Chad;located in the southwestern on the Shari river
Neandertal man|extinct robust human of Middle Paleolithic in Europe and western Asia
neap tide|a less than average tide occurring at the first and third quarters of the moon
Neapolitan|a native or inhabitant of Naples
Neapolitan ice cream|a block of ice cream with 3 or 4 layers of different colors and flavors
near beer|drink that resembles beer but with less than 1/2 percent alcohol
near miss|an accidental collision that is narrowly avoided
near thing|something that barely avoids failure or disaster
near vision|vision for objects 2 feet or closer to the viewer
near-death experience|the experience of being close to death but surviving
nearness|the spatial property resulting from a relatively small distance
nearside|the side of a vehicle nearest the kerb
neatness|the state of being neat and smart and trim
neat's-foot oil|a pale yellow oil made from the feet and legs of cattle;used as a dressing for leather
nebbish|(Yiddish) a timid unfortunate simpleton
Nebraska|a midwestern state on the Great Plains
Nebraskan|a native or resident of Nebraska
Nebuchadnezzar|(Old Testament) king of Chaldea who captured and destroyed Jerusalem and exiled the Israelites to Babylonia (630?-562 BC);a very large wine bottle holding the equivalent of 20 normal bottles of wine;used especially for display
nebula|(pathology) a faint cloudy spot on the cornea;a medicinal liquid preparation intended for use in an atomizer;an immense cloud of gas (mainly hydrogen) and dust in interstellar space;cloudiness of the urine
nebular hypothesis|(cosmology) the theory that the solar system evolved from a hot gaseous nebula
nebule|a small cloud
necessitarian|someone who does not believe the doctrine of free will
necessity|anything indispensable;the condition of being essential or indispensable
neck|a cut of meat from the neck of an animal;a narrow elongated projecting strip of land;a narrow part of an artifact that resembles a neck in position or form - "the banjo had a long neck" - "the bottle had a wide neck";an opening in a garment for the neck of the wearer;a part of the garment near the wearer's neck;the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body - "he admired her long graceful neck" - "the horse won by a neck"
neck brace|a brace worn to steady the neck
neck exercise|exercise designed to strengthen the neck muscles
neck sweetbread|edible thymus gland of an animal
Neckar|a river in Germany;rises in the Black Forest and flows north into the Rhine
neckband|a band around the collar of a garment
neckcloth|an ornamental white cravat
necker|a lover who necks
neckerchief|a kerchief worn around the neck
necklace|jewelry consisting of a cord or chain (often bearing gems) worn about the neck as an ornament (especially by women)
necklace tree|a tree of the genus Ormosia having seeds used as beads
necklet|decoration worn about the neck (fur piece or tight necklace) as an ornament
neckline|the line formed by the edge of a garment around the neck
neckpiece|an article of apparel worn about the neck
necktie|neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front - "he stood in front of the mirror tightening his necktie"
neckwear|articles of clothing worn about the neck
necrobiosis|(physiology) the normal degeneration and death of living cells (as in various epithelial cells)
necrobiosis lipoidica|skin disease marked by thin shiny patches (especially on the legs);often associated with diabetes mellitus
necrology|a list of people who died recently
necrolysis|disintegration and dissolution of dead tissue
necromancer|one who practices divination by conjuring up the dead
necromancy|conjuring up the dead, especially for prophesying
necrophagia|feeding on corpses or carrion
necrophilia|an irresistible sexual attraction to dead bodies
necrosis|the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the interruption of blood supply)
necrotizing enteritis|enteritis characterized by bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain
necrotizing enterocolitis|an acute inflammatory disease occurring in the intestines of premature infants;necrosis of intestinal tissue may follow
nectar|a sweet liquid secretion that is attractive to pollinators;fruit juice especially when undiluted
nectarine|a variety or mutation of the peach that has a smooth skin;variety or mutation of the peach bearing fruit with smooth skin and (usually) yellow flesh
nectary|a gland (often a protuberance or depression) that secretes nectar
Necturus|a genus of Proteidae
need|a condition requiring relief - "she satisfied his need for affection" - "God has no need of men to accomplish His work";anything that is necessary but lacking - "he had sufficient means to meet his simple needs"
neediness|the quality of needing attention and affection and reassurance to a marked degree - "he recognized her neediness but had no time to respond to it"
needle|a sharp pointed implement (usually steel);a slender pointer for indicating the reading on the scale of a measuring instrument
needle biopsy|biopsy of deep tissue that is obtained through a hollow needle
needle blight|a disease of conifers causing the needles to fall
needle spike rush|fine-leaved aquatic spike rush;popular as aerator for aquariums
needlebush|shrub with pungent rigid needle-shaped leaves and white flowers;eastern Australia
needlefish|elongate European surface-dwelling predacious fishes with long toothed jaws;abundant in coastal waters
needlenose pliers|small pliers with long thin jaws for fine work
needlepoint|embroidery consisting of allover embroidered canvas resembling tapestry
needlewood|large bushy shrub with pungent pointed leaves and creamy white flowers;central and eastern Australia
needlework|a creation created or assembled by needle and thread;work (such as sewing or embroidery) that is done with a needle
needleworker|someone who does work (as sewing or embroidery) with a needle
needy|needy people collectively - "they try to help the needy"
Neel|French physicist noted for research on magnetism (born in 1904)
neem|large semi-evergreen tree of the East Indies;trunk exudes a tenacious gum;bitter bark used as a tonic;seeds yield an aromatic oil;sometimes placed in genus Melia
neem cake|residue after oil is pressed from neem seeds
neem seed|seed of neem trees;source of pesticides and fertilizer and medicinal products
neencephalon|the part of the brain having the most recent phylogenetic origin;the cerebral cortex and related parts
nefariousness|the quality of being wicked
nefazodone|an antidepressant drug (trade name Serzone)
Nefertiti|queen of Egypt and wife of Akhenaton (14th century BC)
Nefud|a desert in northern Saudi Arabia that is noted for its red sand and violent winds
Negaprion|lemon sharks
negation|(logic) a proposition that is true if and only if another proposition is false;a negative statement;a statement that is a refusal or denial of some other statement;the speech act of negating
negative|a piece of photographic film showing an image with light and shade or colors reversed;a reply of denial - "he answered in the negative"
negative charge|having a surplus of electrons;having a lower electric potential
negative chemotaxis|movement away from a chemical stimulus
negative correlation|a correlation in which large values of one variable are associated with small values of the other;the correlation coefficient is between 0 and -1
negative feedback|feedback in opposite phase with (decreasing) the input
negative identification|evidence proving that you are not who you say you are not;evidence establishing that you are not among a group of people already known to the system;recognition by the system leads to rejection - "a system for negative identification can prevent the use of multiple identities by a single person"
negative magnetic pole|the pole of a magnet that points toward the south when the magnet is suspended freely
negative pole|the terminal of a battery that is connected to the negative plate
negative reinforcing stimulus|a reinforcing stimulus whose removal serves to decrease the likelihood of the response that produced it
negative stimulus|a stimulus with undesirable consequences
negativist|someone who refuses to do what is asked or does the opposite of what is asked
negativity|an amount less than zero;characterized by habitual skepticism and a disagreeable tendency to deny or oppose or resist suggestions or commands;the character of the negative electric pole
Negev|a desert in southern Israel
neglect|the state of something that has been unused and neglected - "the house was in a terrible state of neglect"
neglect of duty|(law) breach of a duty
neglecter|a person who is neglectful and gives little attention or respect to people or responsibilities - "he tried vainly to impress his neglecters"
negligee|a loose dressing gown for women
negligence|failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances;the trait of neglecting responsibilities and lacking concern
negotiable instrument|an unconditional order or promise to pay an amount of money
negotiation|a discussion intended to produce an agreement - "the buyout negotiation lasted several days";the activity or business of negotiating an agreement;coming to terms
negotiator|someone who negotiates (confers with others in order to reach a settlement)
negotiatress|a woman negotiator
Negress|a Black woman or girl
Negritude|an ideological position that holds Black culture to be independent and valid on its own terms;an affirmation of the African cultural heritage
negro peach|a stout spreading or semi-climbing tropical shrub with round brownish-red warty fruit;Africa
negro vine|twining vine with hairy foliage and dark purplish-brown flowers
negus|wine and hot water with sugar and lemon juice and nutmeg
Nehemiah|an Old Testament book telling how a Jewish official at the court of Artaxerxes I in 444 BC became a leader in rebuilding Jerusalem after the Babylonian Captivity
Nehru|Indian statesman and leader with Gandhi in the struggle for home rule;was the first prime minister of the Republic of India from 1947 to 1964 (1889-1964)
neigh|the characteristic sounds made by a horse
neighbor|a nearby object of the same kind - "Fort Worth is a neighbor of Dallas" - "what is the closest neighbor to the Earth?";a person who lives (or is located) near another
neighborhood|an area within a city or town that has some distinctive features (especially one forming a community) - "an ethnic neighborhood";people living near one another - "it is a friendly neighborhood" - "my neighborhood voted for Bush"
neighborliness|a disposition to be friendly and helpful to neighbors
Nejd|a central plateau region of the Arabian Peninsula;formerly an independent sultanate until 1932 when it united with Hejaz to form the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
nekton|the aggregate of actively swimming animals in a body of water ranging from microscopic organisms to whales
nelfinavir|a protease inhibitor (trade name Viracept) used in treating HIV usually in combination with other drugs
nelson|any of several wrestling holds in which an arm is passed under the opponent's arm from behind and the hand exerts pressure on the back of the neck;English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805)
Nelumbo|sometimes placed in the family Nymphaeaceae;lotuses
Nelumbonaceae|in some classifications considered an independent family of water lilies;comprises the single genus Nelumbo
Nematocera|mosquitoes;fungus gnats;crane flies;gnats;sand flies
Nematoda|unsegmented worms;roundworms;threadworms;eelworms
nematode|unsegmented worms with elongated rounded body pointed at both ends;mostly free-living but some are parasitic
Nemea|a valley in southeastern Greece where the Nemean Games were held
Nemean Games|the ancient Panhellenic games held biennially at Nemea in the second and fourth years of each Olympiad
Nemean lion|(Greek mythology) an enormous lion strangled by Hercules as the first of his 12 labors
Nemertea|proboscis worms
Nemesis|(Greek mythology) the goddess of divine retribution and vengeance
nemophila|any plant of the genus Nemophila
Nenets|a Uralic language spoken by a Samoyed of northern Siberia
Neoceratodus|extant Australian lungfishes
neoclassicism|revival of a classical style (in art or literature or architecture or music) but from a new perspective or with a new motivation
neoclassicist|an advocate of neoclassicism
neocolonialism|control by a powerful country of its former colonies (or other less developed countries) by economic pressures
neoconservatism|an approach to politics or theology that represents a return to a traditional point of view (in contrast to more liberal or radical schools of thought of the 1960s)
neoconservative|a conservative who subscribes to neoconservatism
neo-Darwinism|a modern Darwinian theory that explains new species in terms of genetic mutations
neodymium|a yellow trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group;occurs in monazite and bastnasite in association with cerium and lanthanum and praseodymium
neoexpressionism|an art movement based on expressionism;developed in 1980s in Europe and United States;crudely drawn garish paintings
Neofiber|round-tailed muskrat
Neohygrophorus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Hygrophoraceae
Neohygrophorus angelesianus|a fungus with a small brown convex cap with a depressed disc;waxy wine-colored gills and a brown stalk;fruits in or near melting snow banks in the western mountains of North America
Neo-Lamarckism|a modern Lamarckian theory emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in genetic changes and retaining the notion of the inheritance of acquired characters
Neo-Latin|Latin since the Renaissance;used for scientific nomenclature
Neolentinus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Polyporaceae
Neolentinus ponderosus|a gilled polypore with a large cap (up to 15 inches in diameter) and a broad stalk;edible when young and tender
neoliberal|a liberal who subscribes to neoliberalism
neoliberalism|a political orientation originating in the 1960s;blends liberal political views with an emphasis on economic growth
neolith|a stone tool from the Neolithic Age
Neolithic Age|latest part of the Stone Age beginning about 10,000 BC in the Middle East (but later elsewhere)
neologism|a newly invented word or phrase;the act of inventing a word or phrase
neologist|a lexicographer of new words and expressions
neomycin|an antibiotic obtained from an actinomycete and used (as a sulphate under the trade name Neobiotic) as an intestinal antiseptic in surgery
Neomys|a genus of Soricidae
neon|a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube;one of the six inert gasses;occurs in the air in small amounts
neon lamp|a lamp consisting of a small gas-discharge tube containing neon at low pressure;luminescence is produced by the action of currents at high frequencies that are wrapped a few turns around the tube
neonatal death|death of a liveborn infant within the first 28 days of life
neonatal intensive care unit|an intensive care unit designed with special equipment to care for premature or seriously ill newborn
neonatal mortality|the death rate during the first 28 days of life
neonatal period|the first 28 days of life
neonate|a baby from birth to four weeks
neonatology|that branch of pediatric medicine concerned with the newborn;the diagnosis and treatment of neonates
neopallium|the cortical part of the neencephalon
neophobia|a morbid fear of novelty
Neophron|a genus of Accipitridae
neophyte|a plant that is found in an area where it had not been recorded previously
neoplasia|the pathological process that results in the formation and growth of a tumor
neoplastic cell|a cell that is part of tumor
Neoplatonism|a system of philosophical and theological doctrines composed of elements of Platonism and Aristotelianism and oriental mysticism;its most distinctive doctrine holds that the first principle and source of reality transcends being and thought and is naturally unknowable - "Neoplatonism was predominant in pagan Europe until the 6th century" - "Neoplatonism was a major influence on early Christian writers and on later medieval and Renaissance thought and on Islamic philosophy"
Neoplatonist|an adherent of Neoplatonism
Neopolitan|a resident of Naples
neoprene|a synthetic rubber that is resistant to oils and aging;used in waterproof products
neoromanticism|an art movement based on a revival of Romanticism in art and literature
Neosho|a river that rises in eastern Kansas and flows eastward into Oklahoma to become a tributary of the Arkansas River
Neosporin|trade name for a topical drug containing several antibacterials;used as an ointment for skin irritations and in the form of eyedrops for minor eye infections
neostigmine|a cholinergic drug (trade name Prostigmin) used to treat some ophthalmic conditions and to treat myasthenia gravis
neoteny|an evolutionary trend to be born earlier so that development is cut off at an earlier stage and juvenile characteristics are retained in adults of the species
Neotoma|packrats
neotony|the state resulting when juvenile characteristics are retained by the adults of a species
Nepa|type genus of the Nepidae;typical elongate-oval water scorpions
Nepal|a small landlocked Asian country high in the Himalayas between India and China
Nepal trumpet flower|evergreen woody twiner with large glossy leaves and showy corymbs of fragrant white trumpet-shaped flowers
Nepalese|a native or inhabitant of Nepal
Nepalese monetary unit|monetary unit in Nepal
Nepalese rupee|the basic unit of money in Nepal;equal to 100 paisa
Nepali|the official state language of Nepal
Nepenthaceae|coextensive with the genus Nepenthes
Nepenthes|pitcher plants
Nepeta|catmint
nepheline|a whitish mineral consisting of sodium aluminum silicate or potassium aluminum silicate in crystalline form;used in the manufacture of ceramics and enamels
nephelinite|an igneous rock consisting of nepheline and pyroxene
Nephelium|a genus of dicotyledonous trees of the family Sapindaceae that are native to Asia and Australia
nephew|a son of your brother or sister
nephology|the branch of meteorology that studies clouds and cloud formation
nephoscope|a measuring instrument that uses a grid for measuring the altitude, direction, and velocity of movement of clouds
nephralgia|pain in the kidney (usually felt in the loins)
nephrectomy|surgical removal of a kidney
nephrite|an amphibole mineral consisting of calcium magnesium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form;a source of jade that is less valuable than from jadeite;once believed to cure kidney disorders
nephritis|an inflammation of the kidney
nephrocalcinosis|renal lithiasis in which calcium deposits form in the renal parenchyma and result in reduced kidney function and blood in the urine
nephrogenic diabetes insipidus|diabetes insipidus caused by a failure of the kidney to respond to normal levels of vasopressin
Nephrolepis|small genus of tropical ferns;sometimes placed in Polypodiaceae
nephrolithiasis|the presence of kidney stones (calculi) in the kidney
nephrology|the branch of medicine concerned with the kidney - its development and anatomy and physiology and disorders
nephron|any of the small tubules that are the excretory units of the vertebrate kidney
Nephrops|a genus of Nephropsidae
Nephropsidae|in some classifications coextensive with the Homaridae
nephroptosis|prolapse of the kidney
nephrosclerosis|kidney disease that is usually associated with hypertension;sclerosis of the renal arterioles reduces blood flow that can lead to kidney failure and heart failure
nephrotic syndrome|a syndrome characterized by edema and large amounts of protein in the urine and usually increased blood cholesterol;usually associated with glomerulonephritis or with a complication of various systemic diseases
nephrotomy|incision into a kidney (usually to remove a kidney stone)
nephrotoxin|any toxin that affects the kidneys
Nephthys|Egyptian goddess associated with ritual of the dead;sister of Geb and Nut;wife of Set
nephthytis|any plant of the genus Nephthytis
Nephthytis afzelii|tropical rhizomatous plant cultivated as an ornamental for its large sagittate leaves
Nepidae|water scorpions
nepotism|favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)
nepotist|a powerful person who shows favoritism to relatives or close friends
Neptune|(Roman mythology) god of the sea;counterpart of Greek Poseidon;a giant planet with a ring of ice particles;the 8th planet from the sun is the most remote of the gas giants - "the existence of Neptune was predicted from perturbations in the orbit of Uranus and it was then identified in 1846"
neptunium|a radioactive transuranic metallic element;found in trace amounts in uranium ores;a by-product of the production of plutonium
nerd|an intelligent but single-minded expert in a particular technical field or profession
Nereid|(Greek mythology) any of the 50 sea nymphs who were daughters of the sea god Nereus
Nereus|(Greek mythology) a sea god son of Pontus and Gaea;lived in the depths of the sea with his wife Doris and their daughters the Nereids
Nergal|(Akkadian) god ruling with his consort Ereshkigal the world of the dead
nerita|a neritid gastropod having a short smooth or spirally ridged shell with thick usually toothed outer lip and toothed operculum
neritic zone|the ocean waters from the low tide mark to a depth of about 100 fathoms
neritid|operculate seasnail of coastal waters with a short spiral shell
Neritidae|neritids
neritina|ornately marked and brightly colored snails of brackish waters
Nerium|one species;oleander
Nernst|German physicist and chemist who formulated the third law of thermodynamics (1864-1941)
Nero|Roman Emperor notorious for his monstrous vice and fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of Rome in 64) but the Roman Empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68)
Nerodia|North American water snakes
neroli oil|an odoriferous yellow oil found in orange flowers and used in perfumery and as a flavoring
Nerthus|the Teutonic goddess of fertility;later identified with Norse Njord
Neruda|Chilean poet (1904-1973)
Nerva|Emperor of Rome who introduced a degree of freedom after the repressive reign of Domitian;adopted Trajan as his successor (30-98)
nerve|any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body
nerve cell|a cell that is specialized to conduct nerve impulses
nerve center|a center that provides information and control - "the nerve center of the diamond industry is in Amsterdam"
nerve compression|harmful pressure on a nerve (especially in nerves that pass over rigid prominences);causes nerve damage and muscle weakness
nerve ending|the terminal structure of an axon that does not end at a synapse
nerve entrapment|repeated and long-term nerve compression (usually in nerves near joints that are subject to inflammation or swelling)
nerve fiber|a threadlike extension of a nerve cell
nerve gas|a toxic gas that is inhaled or absorbed through the skin and has harmful effects on the nervous and respiratory system
nerve growth factor|a protein that is involved in the growth of peripheral nerve cells
nerve impulse|the electrical discharge that travels along a nerve fiber
nerve pathway|a bundle of myelinated nerve fibers following a path through the brain
nerve plexus|a network of intersecting nerves
nerves|control of your emotions - "this kind of tension is not good for my nerves"
Nervi|Italian architect who pioneered in the use of reinforced concrete (1891-1979)
nervous breakdown|a severe or incapacitating emotional disorder
nervous disorder|a disorder of the nervous system
nervous exhaustion|an emotional disorder that leaves you exhausted and unable to work
nervous system|the sensory and control apparatus consisting of a network of nerve cells
nervous tissue|tissue composed of neurons
nervousness|a sensitive or highly strung temperament;an uneasy psychological state
Nesokia|bandicoot rats
Nesselrode|a rich frozen pudding made of chopped chestnuts and maraschino cherries and candied fruits and liqueur or rum
nest|a cosy or secluded retreat;a gang of people (criminals or spies or terrorists) assembled in one locality - "a nest of thieves";a kind of gun emplacement - "a machine-gun nest" - "a nest of snipers";a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young;furniture pieces made to fit close together
nest egg|device consisting of an artificial egg left in a nest to induce hens to lay their eggs in it
nester|a bird that has built (or is building) a nest
nesting place|a place suitable for nesting
nestling|young bird not yet fledged
Nestor|(Greek mythology) a wise old counselor to the Greeks at Troy;a genus of Psittacidae
Nestorian|a follower of Nestorius
Nestorian Church|a Christian Church in the Middle East that followed Nestorianism;there is still a small Nestorian Church in Iraq
Nestorianism|the theological doctrine (named after Nestorius) that Christ is both the son of God and the man Jesus (which is opposed to Roman Catholic doctrine that Christ is fully God)
Nestorius|Syrian who was a Christian bishop and Patriarch of Constantinople in the early fifth century;one of the major heresies concerning the doctrine of the hypostasis of Christ was named after him (died in 451)
net|a goal lined with netting (as in soccer or hockey);a trap made of netting to catch fish or birds or insects;an open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals;game equipment consisting of a strip of netting dividing the playing area in tennis or badminton
net estate|the estate remaining after debts and funeral expenses and administrative expenses have been deducted from the gross estate;the estate then left to be distributed (and subject to federal and state inheritance taxes)
net income|the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)
net melon|a muskmelon vine with fruit that has a thin reticulated rind and sweet green flesh;the fruit of a variety of muskmelon vine;a melon with netlike markings and deep green flesh
net sales|gross sales reduced by customer discounts, returns, freight out, and allowances
netball|a team game that resembles basketball;a soccer ball is to be thrown so that it passes through a ring on the top of a post
Netherlander|a native or inhabitant of Holland
Netherlands|a constitutional monarchy in western Europe on the North Sea;half the country lies below sea level
Netherlands Antilles|a group of islands in the Lesser Antilles just to the north of Venezuela that are administered by The Netherlands
Netscape|a commercial browser
netting|creating nets
nettle|any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact (especially of the genus Urtica or family Urticaceae)
nettle-leaved goosefoot|European annual with coarsely dentate leaves;widespread in United States and southern Canada
network|(broadcasting) a communication system consisting of a group of broadcasting stations that all transmit the same programs - "the networks compete to broadcast important sports events";(electronics) a system of interconnected electronic components or circuits;a system of intersecting lines or channels - "a railroad network" - "a network of canals";an interconnected system of things or people - "he owned a network of shops" - "retirement meant dropping out of a whole network of people who had been part of my life"
network architecture|specification of design principles (including data formats and procedures) for creating a network configuration of data processors
network army|a group of like-minded people united by the internet;a new kind of social or political of business group that may exert broad influence on a shared concern - "a network army of software programmers contribute free software to those who want it"
network programming|the schedule of programs to be broadcast on a network
neural arch|a structure arising dorsally from a vertebral centrum and enclosing the spinal cord
neural network|any network of neurons or nuclei that function together to perform some function in the body;computer architecture in which processors are connected in a manner suggestive of connections between neurons;can learn by trial and error
neural structure|a structure that is part of the nervous system
neural tube|a tube of ectodermal tissue in the embryo from which the brain and spinal cord develop
neuralgia|acute spasmodic pain along the course of one or more nerves
neurasthenia|nervous breakdown (not in technical use)
neurasthenic|a person suffering a nervous breakdown
neurectomy|surgical removal of all or part of a nerve
neurinoma|tumor (usually benign) of the sheath surrounding a nerve
neuritis|inflammation of a nerve accompanied by pain and sometimes loss of function
neuroanatomy|the anatomy of the nervous system
neurobiologist|a specialist in neurobiology
neurobiology|the branch of biology that deals with the anatomy and physiology and pathology of the nervous system
neuroblast|a cell from which a nerve cell develops
neuroblastoma|malignant tumor containing embryonic nerve cells;usually metastasizes quickly
neurochemical|any organic substance that occurs in neural activity
neurodermatitis|dermatitis in which localized areas (especially the forearms or back of the neck or outer part of the ankle) itch persistently;cause is unknown
neuroepithelioma|malignant tumor of the neuroepithelium
neuroepithelium|epithelium associated with special sense organs and containing sensory nerve endings
neuroethics|the study of ethical implications of treatments for neurological diseases
neurofibroma|tumor of the fibrous covering of a peripheral nerve
neurofibromatosis|autosomal dominant disease characterized by numerous neurofibromas and by spots on the skin and often by developmental abnormalities
neurogenesis|the development of nerve tissues
neurogenic bladder|a urinary bladder disorder caused by a lesion in the nervous system
neuroglia|sustentacular tissue that surrounds and supports neurons in the central nervous system;glial and neural cells together compose the tissue of the central nervous system
neurogliacyte|a cell of the neuroglia
neurohormone|a hormone that is released by nerve impulses (e.g., norepinephrine or vasopressin)
neurolemma|thin membranous sheath around a nerve fiber
neurolinguist|someone trained in neuroscience and linguistics who studies brain processes during language production and reception
neurolinguistics|the branch of linguistics that studies the relation between language and the structure and function of the nervous system
neurologist|a medical specialist in the nervous system and the disorders affecting it
neurology|(neurology) the branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system and its disorders;the branch of medical science that deals with the nervous system
neuroma|any tumor derived from cells of the nervous system
neuromuscular blocking agent|a substance that interferes with the neural transmission between motor neurons and skeletal muscles
neuromuscular junction|the junction between a nerve fiber and the muscle it supplies
neuropathy|any pathology of the peripheral nerves
neurophysiology|the branch of neuroscience that studies the physiology of the nervous system
neuropil|the complex network of unmyelinated axones, dendrites, and glial branches that form the bulk of the central nervous system's grey matter and in which nerve cell bodies are embedded
neuroplasty|plastic surgery of the nerves
neuropsychiatry|the branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders attributable to diseases of the nervous system
Neuroptera|an order of insects including;lacewings;antlions;dobsonflies;alderflies;fish flies;mantispids;spongeflies
neuropteron|insect having biting mouthparts and four large membranous wings with netlike veins
neurosarcoma|a malignant neoplasm of nerve tissue and fibrous tissue and connective tissue
neuroscience|the scientific study of the nervous system
neuroscientist|a neurobiologist who specializes in the study of the brain
neurosis|a mental or personality disturbance not attributable to any known neurological or organic dysfunction
Neurospora|genus of fungi with black perithecia used extensively in genetic research;includes some forms with orange spore masses that cause severe damage in bakeries
neurosurgeon|someone who does surgery on the nervous system (especially the brain)
neurosurgery|any surgery that involves the nervous system (brain or spinal cord or peripheral nerves)
neurosyphilis|syphilis of the central nervous system
neurotic|a person suffering from neurosis
neurotic depression|a term used for any state of depression that is not psychotic
neurotoxin|any toxin that affects neural tissues
neurotransmitter|a neurochemical that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse
Neurotrichus|shrew moles
neurotropism|an affinity for neural tissues
neuter|a gender that refers chiefly (but not exclusively) to inanimate objects (neither masculine nor feminine)
neutering|the sterilization of an animal - "they took him to the vet for neutering"
neutral|one who does not side with any party in a war or dispute
neutral spirits|nonflavored alcohol of 95 percent or 190 proof used for blending with straight whiskies and in making gin and liqueurs
neutralism|a policy of neutrality or nonalignment in international affairs
neutralist|an advocate of neutrality in international affairs
neutrality|nonparticipation in a dispute or war;pH value of 7
neutralization|(euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation);a chemical reaction in which an acid and a base interact with the formation of a salt;with strong acids and bases the essential reaction is the combination of hydrogen ions with hydroxyl ions to form water;action intended to keep a country politically neutral or exclude it from a possible war - "the neutralization of Belgium";action intended to nullify the effects of some previous action
neutralization fire|fire that is delivered in order to render the target ineffective or unusable
neutrino|an elementary particle with zero charge and zero mass
neutron|an elementary particle with 0 charge and mass about equal to a proton;enters into the structure of the atomic nucleus
neutron bomb|atom bomb that produces lethal neutrons with less blast
neutron flux|the rate of flow of neutrons;the number of neutrons passing through a unit area in unit time
neutron radiation|radiation of neutrons (as by a neutron bomb)
neutron star|a star that has collapsed under its own gravity;it is composed of neutrons
neutropenia|leukopenia in which the decrease is primarily in number of neutrophils (the chief phagocytic leukocyte)
neutrophil|the chief phagocytic leukocyte;stains with either basic or acid dyes
Neva|a river in northwestern Russia flowing generally west into the Gulf of Finland
Nevada|a state in the southwestern United States
Nevadan|a native or resident of Nevada
neve|the upper part of a glacier (beyond the limit of perpetual snow) where the snow turns to ice
Nevelson|United States sculptor (born in Russia) known for massive shapes of painted wood (1899-1988)
Never-Never|the remote outback of Australia;unpopulated desert country
never-never land|a pleasing country existing only in dreams or imagination
nevirapine|a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (trade name Viramune) used to treat AIDS and HIV
Nevis|one of the islands of Saint Christopher-Nevis
nevoid elephantiasis|thickening of the skin (usually unilateral on an extremity) caused by congenital enlargement of lymph vessel and lymph vessel obstruction
New Amsterdam|a settlement established by the Dutch near the mouth of Hudson River and the southern end of Manhattan Island;annexed by the English in 1664 and renamed New York
New Britain|the largest island in the Bismarck Archipelago;part of Papua New Guinea
New Brunswick|a province in southeastern Canada;a university town in central New Jersey
New Caledonia|an island to the to the east of Australia and to the north of New Zealand
new caledonian pine|very tall evergreen of New Caledonia and the New Hebrides similar to norfolk island pine
New Caledonian yew|large yew native to New Caledonia;cultivated in eastern Australia and New Zealand and Hawaii
new criticism|literary criticism based on close analysis of the text
new deal|a reapportioning of something;the economic policy of F. D. Roosevelt;the historic period (1933-1940) in the United States during which President Franklin Roosevelt's economic policies were implemented
New Dealer|a supporter of the economic policies in the United States known as the New Deal
New Delhi|the capital of India is a division of the old city of Delhi
new edition|a publication (such as a book) that has been modified or updated and offered again for sale
New England|a region of northeastern United States comprising Maine and New Hampshire and Vermont and Massachusetts and Rhode Island and Connecticut
New England aster|common perennial of eastern North America having showy purplish flowers;a parent of the Michaelmas daisy
New England clam chowder|a thick chowder made with clams and potatoes and onions and salt pork and milk
New Englander|an American who lives in New England
New English Bible|a modern English version of the Bible and Apocrypha
New Forest|an area of woods and heathland in southern Hampshire that was set aside by William I as Crown property in 1079;originally a royal hunting ground but now administered as parkland;noted for its ponies
New Guinea|a Pacific island to the north of Australia;the 2nd largest island in the world;the western part is governed by Indonesia and the eastern part is Papua New Guinea
New Hampshire|a state in New England;one of the original 13 colonies;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
New Hampshirite|a native or resident of New Hampshire
New Haven|a city in southwestern Connecticut;site of Yale University
New Ireland|an island in the Bismarck Archipelago;part of Papua New Guinea
New Jersey|a Mid-Atlantic state on the Atlantic;one of the original 13 colonies;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
New Jerseyan|a native of resident of New Jersey
new line|the operation that prepares for the next character to be printed or displayed as the first character on the next line
New London|a town in southeastern Connecticut near Long Island Sound;an important whaling center in the 19th century
New Look|a style of women's clothing created by Christian Dior in 1947;involved a tight bodice and narrow waist and a flowing pleated skirt
New Mexican|a native or resident of New Mexico
New Mexico|a state in southwestern United States on the Mexican border
new moon|the time at which the Moon appears as a narrow waxing crescent
New Netherland|a Dutch colony in North America along the Hudson and lower Delaware rivers although the colony centered in New Amsterdam;annexed by the English in 1664
New Orleans|a port and largest city in Louisiana;located in southeastern Louisiana near the mouth of the Mississippi river;a major center for offshore drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico;jazz originated here among black musicians in the late 19th century;Mardi Gras is celebrated here each year
new penny|a coin used in Great Britain since 1971 worth one hundredth of a pound
New People's Army|a terrorist organization that is the militant wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines;a Maoist organization formed to overthrow the government;uses hit squads called Sparrow Units;opposes United States military presence in the Philippines
New River|a river in the southeastern United States that flows northward from North Carolina to West Virginia where it empties into the Kanawha River
New River Gorge Bridge|a steel arch bridge across New River at Fayetteville, West Virginia
New Siberian Islands|a group of islands in the Arctic Ocean to the north of Siberia and to the east of the Laptev Sea
New South Wales|an Australian state in southeastern Australia
New Testament|the collection of books of the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, the Pauline and other epistles, and Revelation;composed soon after Christ's death;the second half of the Christian Bible
new town|a planned urban community created in a rural or undeveloped area and designed to be self-sufficient with its own housing and education and commerce and recreation
New Wave|an art movement in French cinema in the 1960s
New Waver|a film maker who follows New Wave ideas
New World beaver|a variety of beaver found in almost all areas of North America except Florida
New World blackbird|any bird of the family Icteridae whose male is black or predominantly black
New World chat|birds having a chattering call
New World flycatcher|large American birds that characteristically catch insects on the wing
New World goldfinch|American finch whose male has yellow body plumage in summer
New World jay|a North American jay
New World least weasel|of Canada and northeastern United States
New World monkey|hairy-faced arboreal monkeys having widely separated nostrils and long usually prehensile tails
New World mouse|a variety of rodent
New World opah|from Nova Scotia to West Indies and Gulf of Mexico
New World oriole|American songbird;male is black and orange or yellow
New World porcupine|arboreal porcupine
New World sparrow|sparrow-like North American finches
New World tapir|a tapir found in South America and Central America
New World vulture|large birds of prey superficially similar to Old World vultures
New World warbler|small bright-colored American songbird with a weak unmusical song
New Year|the calendar year just begun
New Year's Day|the first day of the year
New Year's Eve|the last day of the year
New York|a Mid-Atlantic state;one of the original 13 colonies;one of the British colonies that formed the United States;the largest city in New York State and in the United States;located in southeastern New York at the mouth of the Hudson river;a major financial and cultural center
New York Bay|a bay of the North Atlantic;fed by the Hudson River
New York fern|slender shield fern of moist woods of eastern North America;sometimes placed in genus Dryopteris
New York State Barge Canal|a system of canals crossing New York State and connecting the Great Lakes with the Hudson River and Lake Champlain
New York Stock Exchange|a stock exchange in New York
New Yorker|a native or resident of New York (especially of New York City)
New Zealand|an independent country within the British Commonwealth;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1907;known for sheep and spectacular scenery;North Island and South Island and adjacent small islands in the South Pacific
New Zealand beech|any of several tall New Zealand trees of the genus Nothofagus;some yield useful timber
New Zealand cotton|a fiber from the bast of New Zealand ribbon trees that resembles cotton fiber
New Zealand daisybush|bushy New Zealand shrub cultivated for its fragrant white flower heads
New Zealand dollar|the basic unit of money in New Zealand
New Zealand spinach|coarse sprawling Australasian plant with red or yellow flowers;cultivated for its edible young shoots and succulent leaves
New Zealand wren|birds of New Zealand that resemble wrens
New Zealander|a native or inhabitant of New Zealand
Newari|Himalayish language spoken in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal
Newark|the largest city in New Jersey;located in northeastern New Jersey
Newburg sauce|lobster butter and cream and egg yolks seasoned with onions and sherry or Madeira
Newburgh|a town on the Hudson River in New York;in 1782 and 1783 it was George Washington's headquarters
Newcastle|a port city in northeastern England on the River Tyne;a center for coal exports (giving rise to the expression 'carry coals to Newcastle' meaning to do something unnecessary)
Newcastle disease|disease of domestic fowl and other birds
Newcomb|United States astronomer (1835-1909)
newcomer|a recent arrival - "he's a newcomer to Boston";any new participant in some activity
newel|the central pillar of a circular staircase
newel post|the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs;it supports the handrail
Newfoundland|a breed of very large heavy dogs with a thick coarse usually black coat;highly intelligent dogs and vigorous swimmers;developed in Newfoundland;an island in the north Atlantic
Newfoundland and Labrador|a Canadian province on the island of Newfoundland and on the mainland along the coast of the Labrador Sea;became Canada's 10th province in 1949
Newfoundland dwarf birch|small shrub of colder parts of North America and Greenland
Newgate|a former prison in London notorious for its unsanitary conditions and burnt down in riots in 1780;a new prison was built on the same spot but was torn down in 1902
newlywed|someone recently married
Newman|English prelate and theologian who (with John Keble and Edward Pusey) founded the Oxford movement;Newman later turned to Roman Catholicism and became a cardinal (1801-1890);United States film actor (born in 1925)
newmarket|a long close-fitting coat worn for riding in the 19th century
newness|the quality of being new;the opposite of oldness
Newport|a port city in southeastern Wales;a resort city in southeastern Rhode Island;known for the summer homes of millionaires;important yachting center
Newport News|a port city in southeastern Virginia at the mouth of the James River off Hampton Roads;large shipyards
news|informal information of any kind that is not previously known to someone - "it was news to me";information about recent and important events - "they awaited news of the outcome";information reported in a newspaper or news magazine - "the news of my death was greatly exaggerated"
news agency|an agency to collects news reports for newspapers and distributes it electronically
news article|an article reporting news
news bulletin|a short news announcement concerning some on-going news story
news event|a newsworthy event
news item|an item in a newspaper
news magazine|a magazine devoted to reports of current events;usually published weekly
news photography|photography of newsworthy events
news program|a program devoted to current events, often using interviews and commentary
newsagent|someone who sells newspapers
newscast|a broadcast of news or commentary on the news
newscaster|someone who broadcasts the news
newsletter|report or open letter giving informal or confidential news of interest to a special group
newspaper|a business firm that publishes newspapers - "Murdoch owns many newspapers";a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets;contains news and articles and advertisements - "he read his newspaper at breakfast";cheap paper made from wood pulp and used for printing newspapers - "they used bales of newspaper every day";the physical object that is the product of a newspaper publisher - "when it began to rain he covered his head with a newspaper"
newspaper ad|a printed advertisement that is published in a newspaper
newspaper columnist|a columnist who writes for newspapers
newspaper critic|a critic who writes a column for the newspapers
newspaper editor|the editor of a newspaper
newspapering|journalism practiced for the newspapers
newspeak|deliberately ambiguous and contradictory language use to mislead and manipulate the public - "the welfare state brought its own newspeak"
newsreader|someone who reads out broadcast news bulletin
newsreel|a short film and commentary about current events
newsroom|a reading room (in a library or club) where newspapers and other periodicals can be read;an office in which news is processed by a newspaper or news agency or television or radio station;the staff of a newspaper or the news department of a periodical - "every newspaper editor is criticized by the newsroom"
newsstand|a stall where newspapers and other periodicals are sold
newswoman|a female newsperson
newsworthiness|the quality of being sufficiently interesting to be reported in news bulletins - "the judge conceded the newsworthiness of the trial"
newt|small usually bright-colored semiaquatic salamanders of North America and Europe and northern Asia
newton|a unit of force equal to the force that imparts an acceleration of 1 m/sec/sec to a mass of 1 kilogram;equal to 100,000 dynes;English mathematician and physicist;remembered for developing the calculus and for his law of gravitation and his three laws of motion (1642-1727)
Newtonian|a follower of Isaac Newton
Newtonian telescope|reflecting telescope in which the image is viewed through an eyepiece perpendicular to main axis
Newton's law of motion|one of three basic laws of classical mechanics
Newtown Wonder|apple used primarily in cooking
next friend|(law) a person who acts on behalf of an infant or disabled person
next of kin|the person who is (or persons who are) most closely related to a given person
nexus|a connected series or group
Ney|French marshal in the Napoleonic Wars (1769-1815)
Nez Perce|a member of a tribe of the Shahaptian people living on the pacific coast;the Shahaptian language spoken by the Nez Perce
Nganasan|a member of the Samoyedic people living on the Taimyr Peninsula in Siberia;the Uralic language spoken by the Nganasan
ngultrum|the basic unit of money in Bhutan
Nguni|a group of southern Bantu languages
ngwee|100 ngwee equal 1 kwacha in Zambia
niacin|a B vitamin essential for the normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract
Niagara|a river flowing from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario;forms boundary between Ontario and New York;waterfall in Canada is the Horseshoe Falls;in the United States it is the American Falls
Niagara Falls|a city in western New York State at the falls of the Niagara river;tourist attraction and honeymoon resort
Niamey|the capital and largest city of Niger
nib|the writing point of a pen
nibble|gentle biting
nibbler|a biter who takes dainty repeated bites
Nibelung|(German mythology) a companion or follower of Siegfried;(German mythology) any of the race of dwarfs who possessed a treasure hoard that was stolen by Siegfried
Nibelungenlied|an epic poem written in Middle High German and based on the legends of Siegfried and Teutonic kings
niblick|an iron with considerable loft
nicad|a rechargeable battery with a nickel cathode and a cadmium anode;often used in emergency systems because of its low discharge rate when not in use
Nicaea|an ancient city in Bithynia;founded in the 4th century BC and flourished under the Romans;the Nicene Creed was adopted there in 325;the first ecumenical council in 325 which produced the wording of the Nicene Creed and condemned the heresy of Arianism;the seventh ecumenical council in 787 which refuted iconoclasm and regulated the veneration of holy images
Nicandra|sturdy annual of Peru
Nicaragua|a republic in Central America;achieved independence from Spain in 1821
Nicaraguan|a native or inhabitant of Nicaragua
Nicaraguan monetary unit|monetary unit in Nicaragua
Nice|a city in southeastern France on the Mediterranean;the leading resort on the French Riviera
Nicene Creed|(Christianity) a formal creed summarizing Christian beliefs;first adopted in 325 and later expanded
niceness|the quality of nice
niche|(ecology) the status of an organism within its environment and community (affecting its survival as a species);a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it - "he found his niche in the academic world"
Nicholas|a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)
Nicholas I|czar of Russia from 1825 to 1855 who led Russia into the Crimean War (1796-1855)
Nicholas II|the last czar of Russia who was forced to abdicate in 1917 by the Russian Revolution;he and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks (1868-1918)
Nicholas V|Italian pope from 1447 to 1455 who founded the Vatican library (1397-1455)
Nichrome|an alloy of nickel and chromium with high electrical resistance and an ability to withstand high temperatures;used for resistance heating elements
nick|(British slang) a prison - "he's in the nick"
nickel|a hard malleable ductile silvery metallic element that is resistant to corrosion;used in alloys;occurs in pentlandite and smaltite and garnierite and millerite;a United States coin worth one twentieth of a dollar;five dollars worth of a drug - "a nickel bag of drugs" - "a nickel deck of heroin"
nickel bronze|a bronze containing up to 30% nickel
nickel silver|a silver-white alloy containing copper and zinc and nickel
nickel steel|an alloy steel containing nickel
nickel-base alloy|an alloy whose main constituent is nickel
nickel-iron battery|a storage battery having a nickel oxide cathode and an iron anode with an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide;each cell gives about 1.2 volts
Nicklaus|United States golfer considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all time (born in 1940)
nickname|a descriptive name for a place or thing - "the nickname for the U.S. Constitution is 'Old Ironsides'";a familiar name for a person (often a shortened version of a person's given name) - "Joe's mother would not use his nickname and always called him Joseph" - "Henry's nickname was Slim"
Nicol prism|optical device that produces plane-polarized light
Nicolson|English diplomat and author (1886-1968)
Nicosia|the capital and largest city of Cyprus
Nicotiana|American and Asiatic aromatic herbs and shrubs with viscid foliage
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide|a coenzyme present in most living cells and derived from the B vitamin nicotinic acid;serves as a reductant in various metabolic processes
nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate|a coenzyme similar to NAD and present in most living cells but serves as a reductant in different metabolic processes
nicotine|an alkaloid poison that occurs in tobacco;used in medicine and as an insecticide
nicotine addiction|an addiction to nicotine
nicotine poisoning|toxic condition caused by the ingestion or inhalation of large amounts of nicotine
nictitating membrane|a protective fold of skin in the eyes of reptiles and birds and some mammals
Nidularia|type genus of the Nidulariaceae
Nidulariaceae|bird's-nest fungi
Nidulariales|small order of basidiomycetous fungi comprising families Nidulariaceae and Sphaerobolaceae
nidus|a nest in which spiders or insects deposit their eggs
Niebuhr|German historian noted for his critical approach to sources and for his history of Rome (1776-1831);United States Protestant theologian (1892-1971)
niece|a daughter of your brother or sister
Nielsen|Danish composer (1865-1931)
Niemann-Pick disease|a disorder of lipid metabolism that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait
Nietzsche|influential German philosopher remembered for his concept of the superman and for his rejection of Christian values;considered, along with Kierkegaard, to be a founder of existentialism (1844-1900)
nifedipine|calcium blocker (trade name Procardia);appears to increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks
niff|an unpleasant smell
nigella|any plant of the genus Nigella
Niger|a landlocked republic in West Africa;gained independence from France in 1960;most of the country is dominated by the Sahara Desert;an African river;flows into the South Atlantic
Niger franc|the basic unit of money in Niger
Niger-Congo|a family of African language spoken in west Africa
Nigeria|a republic in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea;gained independence from Britain in 1960;most populous African country
Nigerian|a native or inhabitant of Nigeria
Nigerian monetary unit|monetary unit in Nigeria
Nigerien|a native or inhabitant of Niger
Niger-Kordofanian|the family of languages that includes most of the languages spoken in Africa south of the Sahara;the majority of them are tonal languages but there are important exceptions (e.g., Swahili or Fula)
niggard|a selfish person who is unwilling to give or spend
nigger|(ethnic slur) extremely offensive name for a Black person
night|a period of ignorance or backwardness or gloom;a shortening of nightfall - "they worked from morning to night";darkness - "it vanished into the night";the dark part of the diurnal cycle considered a time unit - "three nights later he collapsed";the period spent sleeping - "I had a restless night";the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside;the time between sunset and midnight - "he watched television every night"
night bell|a doorbell to be used at night
night bird|any bird associated with night;owl;nightingale;nighthawk;etc
night court|a criminal court (in large cities) that sits at night
night game|a game played under artificial illumination at night
night heron|nocturnal or crepuscular herons
night jasmine|West Indian evergreen shrub having clusters of funnel-shaped yellow-white flowers that are fragrant by night
night latch|doorlock operated by a knob on the inside and a key on the outside
night letter|a cheaper form of telegram sent for delivery the next day
night lizard|small secretive nocturnal lizard of southwestern North America and Cuba;bear live young
night owl|a person who likes to be active late at night
night porter|a porter on duty during the night
night raven|any bird that cries at night
night rider|member of a secret mounted band in United States South after the American Civil War;committed acts of intimidation and revenge
night school|a school that holds classes in the evenings for students who cannot attend during the day
night shift|the work shift during the night (as midnight to 8 a.m.);workers who work during the night (as midnight to 8 a.m.)
night snake|nocturnal prowler of western United States and Mexico
night soil|human excreta used as fertilizer
night terror|an emotional episode (usually in young children) in which the person awakens in terror with feelings of anxiety and fear but is unable to remember any incident that might have provoked those feelings
night vision|the ability to see in reduced illumination (as in moonlight)
night watchman|a watchman who works during the night
night-blooming cereus|any of several cacti of the genus Cereus;any of several cacti of the genus Hylocereus;any of several night-blooming cacti of the genus Selenicereus
nightcap|a cloth cap worn in bed;an alcoholic drink taken at bedtime;often alcoholic;the final game of a double header
nightgown|lingerie consisting of a loose dress designed to be worn in bed by women
nighthawk|mainly nocturnal North American goatsucker
Nightingale|English nurse remembered for her work during the Crimean War (1820-1910);European songbird noted for its melodious nocturnal song
nightlife|the activity of people seeking nighttime diversion (as at the theater, a nightclub, etc.) - "a futile search for intelligent nightlife" - "in the summer the nightlife shifts to the dance clubs";the entertainment available to people seeking nighttime diversion
night-light|light (as a candle or small bulb) that burns in a bedroom at night (as for children or invalids)
night-line|a fishing line with baited hooks left in the water to catch fish over night
nightmare|a situation resembling a terrifying dream;a terrifying or deeply upsetting dream
nightshade|any of numerous shrubs or herbs or vines of the genus Solanum;most are poisonous though many bear edible fruit
nightshirt|nightclothes worn by men
night-stop|a break in a journey for the night
nightwear|garments designed to be worn in bed
nightwork|work to be done at night
Nigroporus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Polyporaceae
Nigroporus vinosus|a woody pore fungus with a dark brown to red brown cap and spore surface and small pores
Ni-hard|cast iron to which nickel has been added to make it resist abrasion
Nihau|the most northwestern Hawaiian island (beyond Kauai)
nihil|(Latin) nil;nothing (as used by a sheriff after an unsuccessful effort to serve a writ) - "nihil habet"
nihil obstat|authoritative approval;the phrase used by the official censor of the Roman Catholic Church to say that a publication has been examined and contains nothing offensive to the church
nihilism|a revolutionary doctrine that advocates destruction of the social system for its own sake;complete denial of all established authority and institutions
nihilist|someone who rejects all theories of morality or religious belief
nihilistic delusion|the delusion that things (or everything, including the self) do not exist;a sense that everything is unreal
Nijinsky|Russian dancer considered by many to be the greatest dancer of the 20th century (1890-1950)
Nijmegen|an industrial city in the eastern Netherlands
Nike|(Greek mythology) winged goddess of victory;identified with Roman Victoria
Nile|the world's longest river (4150 miles);flows northward through eastern Africa into the Mediterranean;the Nile River valley in Egypt was the site of the world's first great civilization
nilgai|large Indian antelope;male is blue-grey with white markings;female is brownish with no horns
Nilgiri Hills|hills in southern India
Nilo-Saharan|a family of East African languages spoken by Nilotic peoples from the Sahara south to Kenya and Tanzania
Nilotic|a group of languages of East Africa belonging to the Chari-Nile group
Nilsson|Swedish operatic soprano who played Wagnerian roles (born in 1918)
nim|game in which matchsticks are arranged in rows and players alternately remove one or more of them;in some versions the object is to take the last remaining matchstick on the table and in other versions the object is to avoid taking the last remaining matchstick on the table
nimbleness|intelligence as revealed by quickness and alertness of mind - "nimbleness of wit and imagination"
nimblewill|slender branching American grass of some value for grazing in central United States
nimbus|a dark grey cloud bearing rain
NIMBY|someone who objects to siting something in their own neighborhood but does not object to it being sited elsewhere;an acronym for not in my backyard
Nimitz|United States admiral of the Pacific fleet during World War II who used aircraft carriers to destroy the Japanese navy (1885-1966)
Nimravus|false sabertoothed tigers
Nimrod|(Old Testament) a famous hunter
Nina|the Babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of Ea
nincompoop|a stupid foolish person
nine|the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
ninepence|a coin worth nine pennies
ninepin|a bowling pin of the type used in playing ninepins or (in England) skittles
ninepin ball|ball used to knock down ninepins
ninepins|a bowling game that is played by rolling a bowling ball down a bowling alley at a target of nine wooden pins
nine-spot|one of four playing cards in a deck with nine pips on the face
nineteen|the cardinal number that is the sum of eighteen and one
nineteenth|position 19 in a countable series of things
Nineteenth Amendment|an amendment to the Constitution of the United States adopted in 1920;guarantees that no state can deny the right to vote on the basis of sex
nineties|the decade from 1890 to 1899;the decade from 1990 to 1999;the time of life between 90 and 100
ninetieth|position 90 in a countable series of things
ninety|the cardinal number that is the product of ten and nine
Nineveh|an ancient Assyrian city on the Tigris across from the modern city of Mosul in the northern part of what is now known as Iraq
Ningal|(Akkadian) a goddess;wife of the Moon god Sin
Ningirsu|Babylonian god in older pantheon;god of war and agriculture
Ningishzida|an underworld Babylonian deity;patron of medicine
Ninigi|grandson of Amaterasu and first ruler of Japan
ninja|a class of 14th century Japanese who were trained in martial arts and were hired for espionage and assassinations;a member of the ninja who were trained in martial arts and hired for espionage or sabotage or assassinations;a person skilled in ninjutsu
ninjutsu|the traditional Japanese method of espionage;involves stealthy movements and the use of camouflage
Ninkhursag|the great mother goddess;worshipped also as Aruru and Mama and Nintu
ninon|a fine strong sheer silky fabric made of silk or rayon or nylon
ninth|position nine in a countable series of things - "going into the ninth they were a run ahead"
Nintu|a name under which Ninkhursag was worshipped
Ninurta|a solar deity;firstborn of Bel and consort was Gula;god of war and the chase and agriculture;sometimes identified with biblical Nimrod
Niobe|(Greek mythology) the daughter of Tantalus whose boasting about her children provoked Apollo and Artemis to slay them all;Niobe was turned to stone while bewailing her loss
niobite|a black mineral that is an ore of niobium and tantalum
niobium|a soft grey ductile metallic element used in alloys;occurs in niobite;formerly called columbium
Niobrara|a tributary of the Missouri River
nip|a small drink of liquor;a small sharp bite or snip;a tart spicy quality
nipa|made from sap of the Australasian nipa palm;monotypic genus of palms of Australasia
nipa palm|any creeping semiaquatic feather palm of the genus Nipa found in mangrove swamps and tidal estuaries;its sap is used for a liquor;leaves are used for thatch;fruit has edible seeds
nipple|a flexible cap on a baby's feeding bottle or pacifier;the small projection of a mammary gland
nipple shield|a rubber or plastic shield to protect the nipples of nursing women
niqaabi|an observant Muslim woman who covers her face and hands when in public or in the presence of any man outside her immediate family
niqab|a face veil covering the lower part of the face (up to the eyes) worn by observant Muslim women
Ni-resist|cast iron consisting of graphite in a matrix of austenite
nirvana|(Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation;characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness
Nisan|the seventh month of the civil year;the first month of the ecclesiastic year (in March and April)
Nisei|a person born in the United States of parents who emigrated from Japan
Nissen hut|a prefabricated hut of corrugated iron having a semicircular cross section
nit|a luminance unit equal to 1 candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source;egg or young of an insect parasitic on mammals especially a sucking louse;often attached to a hair or item of clothing
Nitella|fragile branching stoneworts
nitpicker|someone who makes small and unjustified criticisms
nitrate|any compound containing the nitrate group (such as a salt or ester of nitric acid)
nitrate bacterium|any of the nitrobacteria that oxidize nitrites into nitrates
nitrazepam|a hypnotic and sedative drug of the benzodiazepine type
nitric acid|acid used especially in the production of fertilizers and explosives and rocket fuels
nitric bacteria|soil bacteria that convert nitrites to nitrates
nitric oxide|a poisonous red-brown gas (NO)
nitride|a compound containing nitrogen and a more electropositive element (such as phosphorus or a metal)
nitrification|the chemical process in which a nitro group is added to an organic compound (or substituted for another group in an organic compound);the oxidation of ammonium compounds in dead organic material into nitrates and nitrites by soil bacteria (making nitrogen available to plants)
nitrile|any of a class of organic compounds containing the cyano radical -CN
nitrite|the radical -NO2 or any compound containing it (such as a salt or ester of nitrous acid)
nitrite bacterium|any of the nitrobacteria that oxidize ammonia into nitrites
nitro group|the group -NO3
Nitrobacter|rod-shaped soil bacteria
Nitrobacteriaceae|usually rod-shaped bacteria that oxidize ammonia or nitrites;nitrobacteria
nitrobacterium|any of the bacteria in the soil that take part in the nitrogen cycle;they oxidize ammonium compounds into nitrites or oxidize nitrites into nitrates
nitrobenzene|a poisonous oily water-soluble liquid used as a solvent and in the manufacture of aniline
nitrocalcite|the mineral form of calcium nitrate
nitrochloromethane|gaseous form of chloropicrin used as tear gas
nitrofuran|derivative of furan used to inhibit bacterial growth
nitrofurantoin|derivative of nitrofuran used as an antibacterial medicine (trade name Macrodantin) effective against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria;used to treat infections of the urinary tract
nitrogen|a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas;constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume;a constituent of all living tissues
nitrogen balance|the balance between the amount of nitrogen taken in (to the soil or the body) and the amount given off (lost or excreted)
nitrogen cycle|the circulation of nitrogen;nitrates from the soil are absorbed by plants which are eaten by animals that die and decay returning the nitrogen back to the soil
nitrogen dioxide|a highly poisonous brown gas (NO2)
nitrogen fixation|the assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen by soil bacteria and its release for plant use on the death of the bacteria
nitrogen mustard|a toxic compound resembling mustard gas in structure;important in cancer treatment
nitrogen narcosis|confused or stuporous state caused by high levels of dissolved nitrogen in the blood - "deep-sea divers can suffer nitrogen narcosis from breathing air under high pressure"
nitrogen oxide|any of several oxides of nitrogen formed by the action of nitric acid on oxidizable materials;present in car exhausts
nitrogen trichloride|a yellow pungent volatile oil (trade name Agene) formerly used for bleaching and aging flour
nitrogenase|an enzyme of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms that catalyzes the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia
nitroglycerin|a heavy yellow poisonous oily explosive liquid obtained by nitrating glycerol;used in making explosives and medically as a vasodilator (trade names Nitrospan and Nitrostat)
nitrosobacteria|soil bacteria that oxidize ammonia to nitrites
Nitrosomonas|ellipsoidal soil bacteria
Nitrospan|trade names for nitroglycerin used as a coronary vasodilator in the treatment of angina pectoris
nitrous acid|an unstable inorganic acid known only in solution and as nitrite salts
nitrous oxide|inhalation anesthetic used as an anesthetic in dentistry and surgery
nitta tree|any of several Old World tropical trees of the genus Parkia having heads of red or yellow flowers followed by pods usually containing edible seeds and pulp
Nivose|fourth month of the Revolutionary calendar (December and January);the snowy month
Nixon|vice president under Eisenhower and 37th President of the United States;resigned after the Watergate scandal in 1974 (1913-1994)
Nizhnyi Novgorod|an industrial city in the European part of Russia;birthplace of Maksim Gorky
Njord|(Norse mythology) chief of the Vanir;god of the sea and winds and prosperity;father of Frey and Freya;sometimes subsumes Teutonic Nerthus
no|a negative - "his no was loud and clear"
no ball|unlawfully delivered ball in cricket - "the umpire called it a no ball"
no fault insurance|a system of automobile insurance where a party who is injured in an automobile accident recovers damages up to a specific amount against his own insurance company regardless of who was responsible for the accident - "the amount of litigation resulting from minor accidents is reduced by no fault insurance"
no man's land|an unoccupied area between the front lines of opposing armies;land that is unowned and uninhabited (and usually undesirable)
Noah|the Hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain;the story of Noah and the flood is told in the Book of Genesis
Noah's flood|(Biblical) the great deluge that is said in the Book of Genesis to have occurred in the time of Noah;it was brought by God upon the earth because of the wickedness of human beings
Nob Hill|a fashionable neighborhood in San Francisco
Nobel|Swedish chemist remembered for his invention of dynamite and for the bequest that created the Nobel prizes (1833-1896)
Nobel prize|an annual award for outstanding contributions to chemistry or physics or physiology and medicine or literature or economics or peace
Nobelist|winner of a Nobel prize
nobelium|a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions;7 isotopes are known
nobility|a privileged class holding hereditary titles;the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct;the state of being of noble birth
noble cane|sugarcanes representing the highest development of the species;characterized by large juicy stalks with soft rinds and high sugar content
noble gas|any of the chemically inert gaseous elements of the helium group in the periodic table
noble metal|any metal that is resistant to corrosion or oxidation
noblesse|members of the nobility (especially of the French nobility)
noblesse oblige|the obligation of those of high rank to be honorable and generous (often used ironically)
no-brainer|anything that requires little thought
NOC|an undercover agent who is given no official cover
noctiluca|large bioluminescent marine protozoan
Noctua|type genus of the Noctuidae;moths whose larvae are cutworms
noctuid moth|usually dull-colored medium-sized nocturnal moth;the usually smooth-bodied larvae are destructive agricultural pests
Noctuidae|cutworms;armyworms
nocturia|excessive urination at night;especially common in older men
nocturnal emission|ejaculation during sleep (usually during a dream)
nocturne|a pensive lyrical piece of music (especially for the piano)
nod|a sign of assent or salutation or command;the act of nodding the head
nodding groundsel|plant with erect leafy stems bearing clusters of rayless yellow flower heads on bent individual stalks;moist regions of southwestern United States
nodding onion|widely distributed North American wild onion with white to rose flowers
noddle|an informal British expression for head or mind - "use your noddle"
node|(astronomy) a point where an orbit crosses a plane;(botany) the small swelling that is the part of a plant stem from which one or more leaves emerge;(computer science) any computer that is hooked up to a computer network;(physics) the point of minimum displacement in a periodic system;a connecting point at which several lines come together;any bulge or swelling of an anatomical structure or part;any thickened enlargement
nodule|(mineralogy) a small rounded lump of mineral substance (usually harder than the surrounding rock or sediment);a small node;small rounded wartlike protuberance on a plant
Noether|German mathematician (1882-1935)
nog|a wooden block built into a masonry wall so that joinery structure can be nailed to it
Nogales|a town in Arizona on the Mexican border opposite Nogales, Mexico;a town in northern Mexico on the border of Arizona
nogging|rough brick masonry used to fill in the gaps in a wooden frame
no-go area|an area that is dangerous or impossible to enter or to which entry is forbidden
no-goal|a nonexistent goal - "he lived without a reason progressing toward no-goal"
Noguchi|United States bacteriologist (born in Japan) who discovered the cause of yellow fever and syphilis (1876-1928);United States sculptor (1904-1988)
no-hit game|a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team no hits
noise|a loud outcry of protest or complaint - "the announcement of the election recount caused a lot of noise" - "whatever it was he didn't like it and he was going to let them know by making as loud a noise as he could";electrical or acoustic activity that can disturb communication;incomprehensibility resulting from irrelevant information or meaningless facts or remarks - "all the noise in his speech concealed the fact that he didn't have anything to say";sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound) - "he enjoyed the street noises" - "they heard indistinct noises of people talking" - "during the firework display that ended the gala the noise reached 98 decibels";the auditory experience of sound that lacks musical quality;sound that is a disagreeable auditory experience - "modern music is just noise to me"
noise conditions|the condition of being noisy (as in a communication channel)
noise level|the amplitude level of the undesired background noise
noise pollution|annoying and potentially harmful environmental noise
noiselessness|the property of making no noise
noisemaker|a device (such as a clapper or bell or horn) used to make a loud noise at a celebration
noisiness|the auditory effect characterized by loud and constant noise
noli-me-tangere|a cancerous ulcer of soft tissue and bone
Nolina|perennial plants resembling yucca;found in southern United States and Mexico
nolle prosequi|an entry in the court record to the effect that the plaintiff or prosecutor will not proceed
nolo contendere|(law) an answer of 'no contest' by a defendant who does not admit guilt but that subjects him to conviction
noma|acute ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth or genitals;often seen in undernourished children
nomad|a member of a people who have no permanent home but move about according to the seasons
nombril|the center point on a shield
Nome|a town in western Alaska on the southern coast of the Seward Peninsula;an important center of an Alaskan gold rush at the beginning of the 20th century
nomenklatura|the system of patronage in communist countries;controlled by committees in the Communist Party
nomia|a genus of bee;some are important pollinators of legumes
Nomia melanderi|a common solitary bee important for pollinating alfalfa in the western United States
nominal aphasia|inability to name objects or to recognize written or spoken names of objects
nominal damages|(law) a trivial sum (usually $1.00) awarded as recognition that a legal injury was sustained (as for technical violations of a contract)
nominalism|(philosophy) the doctrine that the various objects labeled by the same term have nothing in common but their name
nominalist|a philosopher who has adopted the doctrine of nominalism
nominating speech|an address (usually at a political convention) proposing the name of a candidate to run for election
nomination|the act of officially naming a candidate - "the Republican nomination for Governor";the condition of having been proposed as a suitable candidate for appointment or election - "there was keen competition for the nomination" - "his nomination was hotly protested"
nominative|the category of nouns serving as the grammatical subject of a verb
nominator|someone who proposes a candidate for appointment or election
nomogram|a graphic representation of numerical relations
non prosequitur|a judgment entered in favor of the defendant when the plaintiff has not continued his action (e.g., has not appeared in court)
non sequitur|(logic) a conclusion that does not follow from the premises;a reply that has no relevance to what preceded it
nonabsorbency|the property of not being absorbent
nonacceptance|the act of refusing an offer
nonaccomplishment|an act that does not achieve its intended goal
nonagenarian|someone whose age is in the nineties
nonaggression|a policy of not initiating hostilities - "they signed a nonaggression pact"
nonagon|a nine-sided polygon
nonalignment|people (or countries) who are not aligned with other people (or countries) in a pact or treaty
nonallele|genes that are not competitors at the same locus
nonappearance|failure to appear (especially as at court)
nonattendance|the failure to attend
nonbeing|the state of not being
nonbiodegradable pollution|pollution that accumulates in the environment and may appear in the food chain
noncallable bond|a bond containing a provision that the holder cannot redeem the security before a specific date (usually at maturity)
noncandidate|someone who has announced they are not a candidate;especially a politician who has announced that he or she is not a candidate for some political office
non-cash expense|an expense (such as depreciation) that is not paid for in cash
non-Catholic|a religious person who is not a Catholic
nonce word|a word with a special meaning used for a special occasion
nonchalance|the trait of remaining calm and seeming not to care;a casual lack of concern
noncombatant|a member of the armed forces who does not participate in combat (e.g. a chaplain or surgeon)
noncommissioned officer|a military officer appointed from enlisted personnel
nonconformism|the practice of nonconformity
Nonconformist|a Protestant in England who is not a member of the Church of England;someone who refuses to conform to established standards of conduct
nonconformity|a lack of orthodoxy in thoughts or beliefs;failure to conform to accepted standards of behavior;lack of harmony or correspondence;unorthodoxy as a consequence of not conforming to expected standards or values
non-dedicated file server|(computer science) a file server that can be used simultaneously as a workstation
nondepository financial institution|a financial institution that funds their investment activities from the sale of securities or insurance
nondescript|a person is not easily classified and not very interesting
nondevelopment|failure of normal development to occur
nondiscretionary trust|an investment trust that can buy only those securities listed when the trust was organized
non-discrimination|fairness in treating people without prejudice
nondisjunction|meiosis in which there is a failure of paired homologous chromosomes to separate;results in an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells
nondriver|a person who is not a driver
none|a canonical hour that is the ninth hour of the day counting from sunrise;a service in the Roman Catholic Church formerly read or chanted at 3 PM (the ninth hour counting from sunrise) but now somewhat earlier
non-engagement|withdrawing from the activities of a group
nonequivalence|not interchangeable
nones|the fifth of the seven canonical hours;about 3 p.m.
non-Euclidean geometry|(mathematics) geometry based on axioms different from Euclid's
nonevent|an anticipated event that turns out to be far less significant than was expected
nonexistence|the state of not existing
nonfat dry milk|dehydrated skimmed milk
nonfeasance|a failure to act when under an obligation to do so;a refusal (without sufficient excuse) to do that which it is your legal duty to do
nonfiction|prose writing that is not fictional
non-flowering plant|a plant that does not bear flowers
nongonococcal urethritis|sexually transmitted urethritis (usually caused by chlamydia)
nongovernmental organization|an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
nonintervention|a foreign policy of staying out of other countries' disputes
nonlinear distortion|distortion that occurs when the output signal does not have a linear relation to the input signal
nonlinear system|a system whose performance cannot be described by equations of the first degree
non-market economy|an economy that is not a market economy
nonmember|a person who is not a member
nonmetal|a chemical element lacking typical metallic properties
non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor|an antiviral drug used against HIV;binds directly to reverse transcriptase and prevents RNA conversion to DNA;often used in combination with other drugs
nonobservance|a lack of conformity with law or custom or practice etc.
nonoccurrence|absence by virtue of not occurring
nonparametric statistic|a statistic computed without knowledge of the form or the parameters of the distribution from which observations are drawn
nonparametric statistics|the branch of statistics dealing with variables without making assumptions about the form or the parameters of their distribution
nonpareil|a flat disk of chocolate covered with beads of colored sugar;colored beads of sugar used as a topping on e.g. candies and cookies
nonparticipant|a person who does not participate
nonpartisan|a person who is nonpartisan
nonpasserine bird|chiefly arboreal birds especially of the order Coraciiformes
nonpayment|loss resulting from failure of a debt to be paid
nonperson|a person regarded as nonexistent and having no rights;a person whose existence is systematically ignored (especially for ideological or political reasons) - "the former senator is treated as a nonperson by this administration"
nonprofit organization|an organization chartered for other than profit-making activities
nonproliferation|the prevention of something increasing or spreading (especially the prevention of an increase in the number of countries possessing nuclear weapons) - "they protested that the nonproliferation treaty was just a plot to maintain the hegemony of those who already had nuclear weapons" - "nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation are closely related goals"
Nonproliferation Center|an agency that serves as the focal point for all Intelligence Community activities related to nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their missile delivery systems
nonreader|a student who is very slow in learning to read
nonreligious person|a person who does not manifest devotion to a deity
nonresident|someone who does not live in a particular place - "described by an admiring nonresident as a green and pleasant land"
nonresistance|group refusal to resort to violence even in defense against violence
non-resistant|a reformer who believes in passive resistance
nonrestrictive clause|a subordinate clause that does not limit or restrict the meaning of the noun phrase it modifies
nonsense|a message that seems to convey no meaning
nonsingular matrix|a square matrix whose determinant is not zero
nonsmoker|a passenger car for passengers who want to avoid tobacco smoke;a person who does not smoke tobacco
nonsocial infection|an infection that is acquired at a hospital or other healthcare facility
nonsolid color|a color produced by a pattern of differently colored dots that together simulate the desired color
nonspecific urethritis|inflammation of the urethra of unknown cause
non-standard speech|speech that differs from the usual accepted, easily recognizable speech of native adult members of a speech community
nonstarter|a horse that fails to run in a race for which it has been entered
nonsteroid|an organic compound that does no contain a steroid
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory|an anti-inflammatory drug that does not contain steroids
nonstop flight|a flight made without intermediate stops between source and destination
nonthrombocytopenic purpura|purpura resulting from a defect in the capillaries caused by bacteria or drugs
nontricyclic|a class of antidepressant drugs that are not tricyclic drugs and do not act by inhibiting MAO
nonuniformity|the quality of being diverse and interesting
nonvascular organism|organisms without vascular tissue;e.g. algae, lichens, fungi, mosses
nonverbal intelligence|intelligence that is manifested in the performance of tasks requiring little or no use of language
non-volatile storage|computer storage that is not lost when the power is turned off
nonworker|a person who does nothing
noodle|a ribbonlike strip of pasta
nook|a sheltered and secluded place
nook and cranny|something remote - "he explored every nook and cranny of science"
noon|the middle of the day
Noonan's syndrome|syndrome seen only in males;marked by short stature and lowset ears and subnormal fertility
noose|a loop formed in a cord or rope by means of a slipknot;it binds tighter as the cord or rope is pulled
Nootka|a member of the Wakashan people living on Vancouver Island and in the Cape Flattery region of northwestern Washington;a Wakashan language spoken by the Nootka
nopal|any of several cacti of the genus Nopalea resembling prickly pears;cactus having yellow flowers and purple fruits
Nopalea|a genus of the cactus family with scarlet flowers
no-parking zone|a space where automobiles are not allowed to park
no-par-value stock|stock with no par value specified in the corporate charter or on the stock certificate
noradrenaline|a catecholamine precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and also released at synapses
Nord-Pas-de-Calais|a region in northeastern France
norethindrone|a synthetic progestational hormone (trade name Norlutin) used in oral contraceptives and to treat endometriosis
norethynodrel|a progesterone derivative used in oral contraceptives and in the control of menstruation and the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding
Norfolk|port city located in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay;headquarters of the Atlantic fleet of the United States Navy
Norfolk Island|an island territory of Australia in the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of Australia;formerly a British penal colony
norfolk island pine|evergreen of Australia and Norfolk Island in the South Pacific
Norfolk jacket|loose-fitting single-breasted jacket
Norfolk terrier|English breed of small terrier with a straight wiry grizzled coat and dropped ears
norgestrel|synthetic progestin used in oral contraceptives
noria|a water wheel with buckets attached to the rim;used to raise water for transfer to an irrigation channel
Norinyl|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing norethindrone and mestranol
Norlestrin|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing estradiol and norethindrone
norm|a standard or model or pattern regarded as typical - "the current middle-class norm of two children per family"
Norma|a small constellation in the southern hemisphere near Lupus and Ara in the Milky Way
normal curve|a symmetrical curve representing the normal distribution
normal distribution|a theoretical distribution with finite mean and variance
normal fault|an inclined fault in which the hanging wall appears to have slipped downward relative to the footwall
normal school|a two-year school for training elementary teachers
normal tension glaucoma|glaucoma that results from damage to the optic nerve although the intraocular pressure is normal
normality|(of a solution) concentration expressed in gram equivalents of solute per liter;being within certain limits that define the range of normal functioning;conformity with the norm;expectedness as a consequence of being usual or regular or common
normalizer|a person who normalizes
Norman|an inhabitant of Normandy;Australian golfer (born in 1955);United States operatic soprano (born in 1945)
Norman architecture|a Romanesque style first appearing in Normandy around 950 AD and used in Britain from the Norman Conquest until the 12th century
Norman Conquest|the invasion and settlement of England by the Normans following the battle of Hastings (1066)
Normandie|a former province of northwestern France on the English channel;divided into Haute-Normandie and Basse-Normandie
Norman-French|the medieval Norman dialect of Old French
normothermia|normal body temperature
Norn|(Norse mythology) any of the three goddesses of destiny;identified with Anglo-Saxon Wyrd;similar to Greek Moirae and Roman Parcae
Nor-Q-D|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing norethindrone
Norris|United States writer (1870-1902)
Norrish|English chemist (1897-1978)
Norse deity|a deity worshipped by the ancient Norsemen
Norse mythology|the mythology of Scandinavia (shared in part by Britain and Germany) until the establishment of Christianity
north|a location in the northern part of a country, region, or city;the cardinal compass point that is at 0 or 360 degrees;the direction corresponding to the northward cardinal compass point;the direction in which a compass needle points;British statesman under George III whose policies led to rebellion in the American colonies (1732-1792);the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
North Africa|an area of northern Africa between the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea
North America|a continent (the third largest) in the western hemisphere connected to South America by the Isthmus of Panama;the nations of the North American continent collectively
North American|a native or inhabitant of North America
North American country|any country on the North American continent
North American Free Trade Agreement|an agreement for free trade between the United States and Canada and Mexico;became effective in 1994 for ten years
North Atlantic|that part of the Atlantic Ocean to the north of the equator
North Atlantic Council|a council consisting of permanent representatives of all the member countries of NATO;has political authority and powers of decision
North Atlantic Treaty|the treaty signed in 1949 by 12 countries that established NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization|an international organization created in 1949 by the North Atlantic Treaty for purposes of collective security
north by east|the compass point that is one point east (clockwise) of due north
north by west|the compass point that is one point west of due north
North Carolina|a state in southeastern United States;one of the original 13 colonies;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
North Carolinian|a native or resident of North Carolina
North Cascades National Park|a national park in Washington that is an alpine wilderness area featuring gold rush and logging campsites
north celestial pole|the celestial pole above the northern hemisphere;near Polaris
North Channel|a strait between Northern Ireland and Scotland that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea
North Dakota|a state of north central United States bordering on Canada
North Dakotan|a native or resident of North Dakota
North Dravidian|a Dravidian language spoken primarily in eastern India
North Equatorial Current|an equatorial current that flows west across the Pacific just north of the equator
North Island|the smaller but more populous of two main islands of New Zealand;separated from South Island by Cook Strait
north island edelweiss|perennial herb closely resembling European edelweiss;New Zealand
North Korea|a communist country in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula;established in 1948
North Korean|a Korean from North Korea
North Korean monetary unit|monetary unit in North Korea
North Korean won|the basic unit of money in North Korea
north northeast|the compass point that is midway between north and northeast
north northwest|the compass point that is midway between north and northwest
North Pacific|that part of the Pacific Ocean to the north of the equator
North Peak|19,370 feet high
North Platte|a river that rises in northern Colorado and flows northward into Wyoming and then eastward and southeastward through Nebraska where it joins the South Platte to form the Platte River;a town in west central Nebraska on the Platte River
North Pole|the northernmost point of the Earth's axis
North Sea|an arm of the North Atlantic between the British Isles and Scandinavia;oil was discovered under the North Sea in 1970
north side|the side that is on the north
North Temperate Zone|Temperate Zone between the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Cancer
North Vietnam|a former country in southeastern Asia that existed from 1954 (after the defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu) until 1975 when South Vietnam collapsed at the end of the Vietnam War
north wind|a wind that blows from the north
North Yorkshire|a county in northern England
Northampton|the principal city of Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire|a county is central England
northeast|a location in the northeastern part of a country, region, or city;the compass point midway between north and east;at 45 degrees;the direction corresponding to the northeastward compass point;the northeastern region of the United States
northeast by east|the compass point that is one point east of northeast
northeast by north|the compass point that is one point north of northeast
northeaster|a storm blowing from the northeast
Northern|a dialect of Middle English that developed into Scottish Lallans
Northern Alliance|a multiethnic alliance in Afghanistan who practice a moderate form of Islam and are united in their opposition to the Taliban
Northern Baptist|a member of the American Baptist Convention
Northern bedstraw|North American stoloniferous perennial having white flowers;sometimes used as an ornamental
northern bobwhite|a favorite game bird of eastern and central United States
northern bog lemming|of wet alpine and subalpine meadows of Canada and Alaska
northern cricket frog|a cricket frog of eastern and central United States
Northern Cross|a cluster of 5 bright stars forming a cross in the constellation Cygnus
Northern dewberry|of eastern North America
northern dune tansy|lightly hairy rhizomatous perennial having aromatic feathery leaves and stems bearing open clusters of small buttonlike yellow flowers;sand dunes of Pacific coast of North America
northern Europe|the northernmost countries of Europe
northern flying squirrel|large flying squirrel;chiefly of Canada
northern hemisphere|the hemisphere that is to the north of the equator
northern holly fern|evergreen European fern widely cultivated
Northern Ireland|a division of the United Kingdom located on the northern part of the island of Ireland
northern Jacob's ladder|perennial erect herb with white flowers;circumboreal
Northern Marianas|a self-governing territory comprising all of the Mariana Islands except Guam
northern oriole|a kind of New World oriole
northern phalarope|breeds in Arctic regions of Old and New Worlds;large flocks often seen far out at sea
northern pike|voracious piscivorous pike of waters of northern hemisphere
northern pocket gopher|greyish to brown gopher of western and central United States
northern red oak|large symmetrical deciduous tree with rounded crown widely distributed in eastern North America;has large leaves with triangular spiny tipped lobes and coarse-grained wood less durable than that of white oaks
northern sea robin|large searobin;found from Nova Scotia to Florida
northern shrike|a butcherbird of northern North America
northern snakehead|a voracious freshwater fish that is native to northeastern China;can use fin to walk and can survive out of water for three days;a threat to American populations of fish
Northern Spy|large late-ripening apple with skin striped with yellow and red
Northern Territory|a territory in north central Australia
northern whiting|whiting of the east coast of United States;closely resembles king whiting
Northerner|an inhabitant of the North
northernness|the property of being to the north
northland|any region lying in or toward the north
Northrop|United States biochemist (1891-1987)
north-south direction|in a direction parallel with lines of longitude
Northumberland|the northernmost county of England;has many Roman remains (including Hadrian's Wall)
Northumbria|an Anglo-Saxon kingdom in northern England until 876
northwest|a location in the northwestern part of a country, region, or city;the compass point midway between north and west;at 315 degrees;the direction corresponding to the northwestward compass point;the northwestern region of the United States
northwest by north|the compass point that is one point north of northwest
northwest by west|the compass point that is one point west of northwest
Northwest Passage|a water route between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean along the northern coast of North America;Europeans since the 16th century had searched for a short route to the Far East before it was successfully traversed by Roald Amundsen (1903-1906)
Northwest Territories|a large territory in northwestern Canada;part is now Nunavut
northwest wind|a wind from the northwest
nortriptyline|a tricyclic antidepressant drug (trade name Pamelor) used along with psychotherapy to treat dysthymic depression;may interact dangerously if taken with other drugs
Noruz|(Persian) the new year holiday in Iran and Azerbaijan and Afghanistan and Pakistan and parts of India and among the Kurds;comes at the vernal equinox
Norway|a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe on the western side of the Scandinavian Peninsula;achieved independence from Sweden in 1905
Norway lobster|edible European lobster resembling the American lobster but slenderer
Norway maple|a large Eurasian maple tree naturalized in North America;five-lobed leaves yellow in autumn;cultivated in many varieties
Norway spruce|tall pyramidal spruce native to northern Europe having dark green foliage on spreading branches with pendulous branchlets and long pendulous cones
Norwegian|a native or inhabitant of Norway;a Scandinavian language that is spoken in Norway
Norwegian elkhound|breed of compact medium-sized dog with a heavy grey coat developed in Norway for hunting elk
Norwegian krone|the basic unit of money in Norway
Norwegian lobster|caught in European waters;slenderer than American lobster
Norwegian monetary unit|monetary unit in Norway
Norwegian Sea|the part of the Atlantic that lies off the Norwegian coast to the north of the North Sea
Norwich terrier|English breed of small short-legged terrier with a straight wiry red or grey or black-and-tan coat and erect ears
nose|a front that resembles a human nose (especially the front of an aircraft) - "the nose of the rocket heated up on reentry";a natural skill - "he has a nose for good deals";a small distance - "my horse lost the race by a nose";a symbol of inquisitiveness - "keep your nose out of it";the front or forward projection of a tool or weapon - "he ducked under the nose of the gun";the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract;the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals - "he has a cold in the nose";the sense of smell (especially in animals) - "the hound has a good nose"
nose cone|front consisting of the conical head of a missile or rocket that protects the payload from heat during its passage through the atmosphere
nose flute|a flute that is played by blowing through the nostrils (used in some Asian countries)
nose job|cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of your nose
nose ring|a ring worn on the nose as an ornament or on the nose of an animal to control it
nosebag|a canvas bag that is used to feed an animal (such as a horse);covers the muzzle and fastens at the top of the head
noseband|a strap that is the part of a bridle that goes over the animal's nose
nosebleed|bleeding from the nose
nosedive|a sudden sharp drop or rapid decline - "the stock took a nosedive"
nosepiece|armor plate that protects the nose
nosewheel|a wheel located under the nose of an airplane that is part of the plane's landing gear
nosh|(Yiddish) a snack or light meal
nosher|someone who eats lightly or eats snacks between meals
no-show|a guest who fails to notify a hotel or restaurant when canceling a reservation;someone who shirks duty
nosh-up|a large satisfying meal
nosiness|offensive inquisitiveness
nosology|the branch of medical science dealing with the classification of disease
nostalgia|longing for something past
nostoc|found in moist places as rounded jellylike colonies
Nostocaceae|blue-green algae
Nostradamus|French astrologer who wrote cryptic predictions whose interpretations are still being debated (1503-1566)
nostril|either one of the two external openings to the nasal cavity in the nose
nostrum|patent medicine whose efficacy is questionable
nota bene|a Latin phrase (or its abbreviation) used to indicate that special attention should be paid to something
notary|someone legally empowered to witness signatures and certify a document's validity and to take depositions
notation|a technical system of symbols used to represent special things;the activity of representing something by a special system of marks or characters
notch|a small cut;a V-shaped indentation - "mandibular notch";a V-shaped or U-shaped indentation carved or scratched into a surface - "there were four notches in the handle of his revolver"
note|a brief written record - "he made a note of the appointment";a characteristic emotional quality - "it ended on a sour note" - "there was a note of gaiety in her manner" - "he detected a note of sarcasm";a comment or instruction (usually added) - "his notes were appended at the end of the article";a notation representing the pitch and duration of a musical sound - "the singer held the note too long";a promise to pay a specified amount on demand or at a certain time - "I had to co-sign his note at the bank";a short personal letter;a tone of voice that shows what the speaker is feeling - "there was a note of uncertainty in his voice"
note payable|a note promising to pay a certain amount of money at a certain time
note receivable|your right in a promissory note in which the maker promises to pay a certain amount of money at a certain time
notebook|a book with blank pages for recording notes or memoranda;a small compact portable computer
notebook entry|an entry in a notebook
Notechis|tiger snakes
Notemigonus|golden shiners
notepad|a pad of paper for keeping notes
notepaper|writing paper intended for writing short notes or letters
nothing|a quantity of no importance - "it looked like nothing I had ever seen before"
nothingness|the state of nonexistence
nothings|inconsequential conversation - "they traded a few nothings as they parted"
Nothofagus|beeches of temperate southern hemisphere except Africa;southern beech
nothosaur|extinct marine reptile with longer more slender limbs than plesiosaurs and less completely modified for swimming
Nothosauria|a suborder of Sauropterygia
notice|a short critical review - "the play received good notices";advance notification (usually written) of the intention to withdraw from an arrangement of contract - "we received a notice to vacate the premises" - "he gave notice two months before he moved";an announcement containing information about an event - "you didn't give me enough notice" - "an obituary notice" - "a notice of sale;polite or favorable attention - "his hard work soon attracted the teacher's notice";the act of noticing or paying attention - "he escaped the notice of the police"
noticer|someone who gives formal notice;someone who takes notice - "a careful noticer of details"
notification|a request for payment - "the notification stated the grace period and the penalties for defaulting"
notion|(usually plural) small personal articles or clothing or sewing items - "buttons and needles are notions";a general inclusive concept;an odd or fanciful or capricious idea - "the theatrical notion of disguise is associated with disaster in his stories"
notions counter|counter where notions are sold
notochord|a flexible rodlike structure that forms the supporting axis of the body in the lowest chordates and lowest vertebrates and in embryos of higher vertebrates
Notomys|jerboa rats
Notonecta|type genus of the Notonectidae;backswimmers
Notonectidae|aquatic carnivorous insects
Notophthalmus|newts
notoriety|the state of being known for some unfavorable act or quality
notornis|flightless New Zealand birds similar to gallinules
Notoryctidae|pouched moles
Notoryctus|type genus of the family Notoryctidae;comprising solely the marsupial mole
Notostraca|small freshwater crustaceans with a shield-shaped carapace
Notropis|shiners
no-trump|a version of contract bridge in which no suit is designated as trump for the duration of the hand
Nouakchott|capital of Mauritania;located in western Mauritania near the Atlantic coast
nougat|nuts or fruit pieces in a sugar paste
nougat bar|a bar of nougat candy often dipped in chocolate
noumenon|the intellectual conception of a thing as it is in itself, not as it is known through perception
noun|a content word that can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action;the word class that can serve as the subject or object of a verb, the object of a preposition, or in apposition
noun phrase|a phrase that can function as the subject or object of a verb
nourishment|the act of nourishing - "her nourishment of the orphans saved many lives"
nous|common sense - "she has great social nous"
nouvelle cuisine|a school of French cooking that uses light sauces and tries to bring out the natural flavors of foods instead of making heavy use of butter and cream
nova|a star that ejects some of its material in the form of a cloud and become more luminous in the process
Nova Scotia|a peninsula in eastern Canada between the Bay of Fundy and the Saint Lawrence River;the Canadian province in the Maritimes consisting of the Nova Scotia peninsula and Cape Breton Island;French settlers who called the area Acadia were exiled to Louisiana by the British in the 1750s and their descendants are know as Cajuns
Nova Scotia lox|brine-cured salmon that is less salty than most;sometimes sugar is also used in the curing
Nova Scotian|a native or inhabitant of Nova Scotia
novation|(law) the replacement of one obligation by another by mutual agreement of both parties;usually the replacement of one of the original parties to a contract with the consent of the remaining party
Novaya Zemlya|two islands in the Arctic Ocean belonging to Russia;site of a test center for nuclear warheads
novel|a printed and bound book that is an extended work of fiction - "his bookcases were filled with nothing but novels" - "he burned all the novels";an extended fictional work in prose;usually in the form of a story
novelette|a short novel
novelist|one who writes novels
novelization|converting something into the form of a novel
novelty|originality by virtue of being new and surprising
November|the month following October and preceding December
November 5|anniversary of the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot
novena|a Roman Catholic devotion consisting of prayers on nine consecutive days
Nov-Esperanto|an artificial language based on Esperanto
Novgorod|a city in northwestern Russia on the Volkhov River;Russia's oldest city and an important trading center in the Middle Ages
Novial|an artificial language
novice|someone new to a field or activity
novillada|a bullfight in which the bulls are less than four years old
novillero|a bullfighter who is required to fight bulls less than four years of age
novitiate|someone who has entered a religious order but has not taken final vows;the period during which you are a novice (especially in a religious order)
Nov-Latin|an artificial language based on Latin
novobiocin|an antibiotic obtained from an actinomycete and used to treat infections by Gram-positive bacteria
Novosibirsk|a city in the Asian part of Russia on the Ob river;largest city in Siberia
now|the momentary present - "it worked up to right now"
nowhere|an insignificant place - "he came out of nowhere"
no-win situation|a situation in which a favorable outcome is impossible;you are bound to lose whatever you do
Nox|Roman goddess of night;daughter of Erebus;counterpart of Greek Nyx
Noyes|English poet (1880-1958)
nozzle|a projecting spout from which a fluid is discharged
n-type semiconductor|a semiconductor in which electrical conduction is due chiefly to the movement of electrons
nu|the 13th letter of the Greek alphabet
nuance|a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude - "without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor"
nub|a small lump or protuberance;a small piece - "a nub of coal"
nubbin|a small nub (especially an undeveloped fruit or ear of corn)
Nubia|an ancient region of northeastern Africa (southern Egypt and northern Sudan) on the Nile;much of Nubia is now under Lake Nasser
Nubian|a native or inhabitant of Nubia - "Nubians now form an ethnic minority in Egypt"
Nubian Desert|an arid sandstone plateau in northeastern Sudan between the Nile and the Red Sea
nucellus|central part of a plant ovule;contains the embryo sac
Nucifraga|nutcrackers
nuclear cataract|a cataract that affects the nucleus of the lens
nuclear chemist|a chemist who specializes in nuclear chemistry
nuclear club|the nations possessing nuclear weapons
nuclear deterrence|the military doctrine that an enemy will be deterred from using nuclear weapons as long as he can be destroyed as a consequence - "when two nations both resort to nuclear deterrence the consequence could be mutual destruction"
nuclear engineering|the branch of engineering concerned with the design and construction and operation of nuclear reactors
nuclear explosion|the explosion of an atomic bomb
nuclear family|a family consisting of parents and their children and grandparents of a marital partner
nuclear fuel|fuel (such as uranium) that can be used in nuclear reactors as a source of electricity
nuclear magnetic resonance|resonance of protons to radiation in a magnetic field
nuclear medicine|the branch of medicine that uses radioactive materials either to image a patient's body or to destroy diseased cells
nuclear physicist|a physicist who specializes in nuclear physics
nuclear physics|the branch of physics that studies the internal structure of atomic nuclei
nuclear propulsion|the use of a nuclear reactor either to produce electricity to power an engine (as in a nuclear submarine) or to directly heat a propellant (as in nuclear rockets)
nuclear reaction|(physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei
nuclear reactor|(physics) any of several kinds of apparatus that maintain and control a nuclear reaction for the production of energy or artificial elements
Nuclear Regulatory Commission|an independent federal agency created in 1974 to license and regulate nuclear power plants
nuclear resonance|the resonance absorption of a gamma ray by a nucleus identical to the nucleus that emitted the gamma ray
nuclear RNA|ribonucleic acid found in the nucleolus of the cell
nuclear rocket|a rocket engine in which a nuclear reactor is used to heat a propellant
nuclear terrorism|the use of a nuclear device by a terrorist organization to cause massive devastation or the use (or threat of use) of fissionable radioactive materials - "assaults on nuclear power plants is one form of nuclear terrorism"
nuclear weapon|a weapon of mass destruction whose explosive power derives from a nuclear reaction
nuclear winter|a long period of darkness and extreme cold that scientists predict would follow a full-scale nuclear war;a layer of dust and smoke in the atmosphere would cover the earth and block the rays of the sun;most living organisms would perish
nuclear-powered ship|ship whose motive power comes from the energy of a nuclear reactor
nuclease|general term for enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of nucleic acid by cleaving chains of nucleotides into smaller units
nucleic acid|(biochemistry) any of various macromolecules composed of nucleotide chains that are vital constituents of all living cells
nucleolus|a small round body of protein in a cell nucleus;such organelles contain RNA and are involved in protein synthesis
nucleolus organizer|the particular part of a chromosome that is associated with a nucleolus after nuclear division
nucleon|a constituent (proton or neutron) of an atomic nucleus
nucleoplasm|the protoplasm that constitutes the nucleus of a cell
nucleoprotein|any of several substances found in the nuclei of all living cells;consists of a protein bound to a nucleic acid
nucleoside|a glycoside formed by partial hydrolysis of a nucleic acid
nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor|an antiviral drug used against HIV;is incorporated into the DNA of the virus and stops the building process;results in incomplete DNA that cannot create a new virus;often used in combination with other drugs
nucleosynthesis|(astronomy) the cosmic synthesis of atoms more complex than the hydrogen atom
nucleotide|a phosphoric ester of a nucleoside;the basic structural unit of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA)
nucleus|(astronomy) the center of the head of a comet;consists of small solid particles of ice and frozen gas that vaporizes on approaching the sun to form the coma and tail;a part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction;any histologically identifiable mass of neural cell bodies in the brain or spinal cord;the positively charged dense center of an atom
Nuda|ctenophores lacking tentacles;comprises one genus;beroe
nude|a naked person;a painting of a naked human figure;a statue of a naked human figure;without clothing (especially in the phrase 'in the nude') - "they swam in the nude"
nude dancing|erotic dancing with little or no clothing
nude mouse|a mouse with a genetic defect that prevents them from growing hair and also prevents them from immunologically rejecting human cells and tissues;widely used in preclinical trials
nudge|a slight push or shake
nudger|someone who nudges;someone who gives a gentle push - "he needs a regular nudger to keep him awake"
Nudibranchia|comprising numerous marine gastropod mollusks lacking a shell in the adult state and usually having a body like a slug
nudism|going without clothes as a social practice
nudist|a person who practices nudity for reasons of health or religion
nudnik|(Yiddish) someone who is a boring pest
Nuffield|British industrialist who manufactured automobiles and created a philanthropic foundation (1877-1963)
nugget|a solid lump of a precious metal (especially gold) as found in the earth
nuisance|(law) a broad legal concept including anything that disturbs the reasonable use of your property or endangers life and health or is offensive
null set|a set that is empty;a set with no members
null space|a space that contains no points;and empty space
nullah|a ravine or gully in southern Asia
Nullarbor Plain|a vast arid plain of southern Australia stretching inland from the Great Australian Bight;has sparse vegetation and no surface water and is almost uninhabited;the site of a major rocket research center
nullification|the act of nullifying;making null and void;counteracting or overriding the effect or force of something;the states'-rights doctrine that a state can refuse to recognize or to enforce a federal law passed by the United States Congress
nullifier|an advocate of nullification;someone who believes that a state can resist federal laws
nullipara|(obstetrics) a woman who has never give birth to a child
nullity|something that is null (especially an enactment that has no legal validity)
numbat|small Australian marsupial having long snout and strong claws for feeding on termites;nearly extinct
number|a clothing measurement - "a number 13 shoe";a concept of quantity involving zero and units - "every number has a unique position in the sequence";a numeral or string of numerals that is used for identification - "she refused to give them her Social Security number";a select company of people - "I hope to become one of their number before I die";an item of merchandise offered for sale - "she preferred the black nylon number" - "this sweater is an all-wool number";the grammatical category for the forms of nouns and pronouns and verbs that are used depending on the number of entities involved (singular or dual or plural) - "in English the subject and the verb must agree in number";the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals - "he had a number of chores to do" - "the number of parameters is small"
number agreement|agreement in number between words in the same grammatical construction (e.g., between adjectives and the nouns they modify)
number cruncher|a computer capable of performing a large number of mathematical operations per second;someone able to perform complex and lengthy calculations
number crunching|performing complex and lengthy numerical calculations
number one|a reference to yourself or myself etc.;'take care of number one' means to put your own interests first
number theorist|a mathematician specializing in number theory
Numbers|the fourth book of the Old Testament;contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
numbers pool|an illegal daily lottery
numbness|partial or total lack of sensation in a part of the body;a symptom of nerve damage or dysfunction
numdah|an embroidered rug made from a coarse Indian felt
numen|a spirit believed to inhabit an object or preside over a place (especially in ancient Roman religion)
Numenius|curlews
numeracy|skill with numbers and mathematics
numeral|a symbol used to represent a number - "he learned to write the numerals before he went to school"
numeration|naming numbers
numeration system|any notation for the representation of numbers
numerator|the dividend of a fraction
numerical analysis|(mathematics) the branch of mathematics that studies algorithms for approximating solutions to problems in the infinitesimal calculus
numerical quantity|a quantity expressed as a number
numerologist|a believer in numerology
numerology|the study of the supposed occult influence of numbers on human affairs
numerousness|a large number
Numida|guinea fowl
Numidia|an ancient kingdom (later a Roman province) in North Africa in an area corresponding roughly to present-day Algeria
Numidian|an inhabitant of ancient Numidia
Numididae|guinea fowl and related birds of Africa and Madagascar
numismatics|the collection and study of money (and coins in particular)
numismatist|a collector and student of money (and coins in particular)
nummulite|large fossil protozoan of the Tertiary period
Nummulitidae|a family of fossil protoctists
nun|a woman religious;the 14th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Nunavut|an Arctic territory in northern Canada created in 1999 and governed solely by the Inuit;includes the eastern part of what was the Northwest Territories and most of the islands of the Arctic Archipelago - "Nunavut is the homeland of the Inuit people"
nuncio|(Roman Catholic Church) a diplomatic representative of the Pope having ambassadorial status
Nung|a branch of the Tai languages
nunnery|the convent of a community of nuns
nun's habit|a long loose habit worn by nuns in a convent
Nuphar|spatterdocks
Nuptse|a mountain in the central Himalayas on the border of Tibet and Nepal (25,726 feet high)
Nuremberg|a city in southeastern Germany;site of Allied trials of Nazi war criminals (1945-46)
Nureyev|Russian dancer who was often the partner of Dame Margot Fonteyn and who defected to the United States in 1961 (born in 1938)
nurse|one skilled in caring for young children or the sick (usually under the supervision of a physician)
nurse log|a large decomposing tree trunk that has fallen, usually in a forest;the decaying wood provides moisture and nutrients for a variety of insects and plants
nurse practitioner|a registered nurse who has received special training and can perform many of the duties of a physician
nurse shark|small bottom-dwelling shark of warm shallow waters on both coasts of North America and South America and from southeast Asia to Australia
nurse-midwife|a registered nurse who has received special training as a midwife
nurse-patient relation|the responsibility of a nurse to act in the best interests of the patient
nurser|a person who treats something carefully - "a great nurser of pennies"
nursery|a child's room for a baby
nursery rhyme|a tale in rhymed verse for children
nursery school|a small preschool for small children
nursing|nourishing at the breast;the profession of a nurse;the work of caring for the sick or injured or infirm
nursing aide|someone who assists a nurse in tasks that require little formal training
nursing care|care by a skilled nurse
nursing school|a school for training nurses
nursling|an infant considered in relation to its nurse
nurturance|physical and emotional care and nourishment
Nusku|god of fire and light;corresponds to Babylonian Girru
nut|a small (usually square or hexagonal) metal block with internal screw thread to be fitted onto a bolt;usually large hard-shelled seed;Egyptian goddess of the sky
nut and bolt|a fastener made by screwing a nut onto a threaded bolt
nut bar|paste of nuts and sugar on a pastry base cut into bars
nut bread|bread containing chopped nuts
nut butter|ground nuts blended with a little butter
nut pine|any of several pinons bearing edible nutlike seeds
nut tree|tree bearing edible nuts
nutation|uncontrolled nodding
nutcracker|a compound lever used to crack nuts open;speckled birds that feed on nuts
nutgrass|a widely distributed perennial sedge having small edible nutlike tubers
nuthatch|any of various small short-tailed songbirds with strong feet and a sharp beak that feed on small nuts and insects
nut-leaved screw tree|East Indian shrub often cultivated for its hairy leaves and orange-red flowers
nutlet|a small nut
nutmeg|East Indian tree widely cultivated in the tropics for its aromatic seed;source of two spices;nutmeg and mace;hard aromatic seed of the nutmeg tree used as spice when grated or ground
nutmeg hickory|hickory of southern United States and Mexico having hard nutmeg-shaped nuts
nutrient|any substance (such as a chemical element or inorganic compound) that can be taken in by a green plant and used in organic synthesis
nutrient artery|an artery that supplies the medullary cavity of the long bone
nutriment|a source of materials to nourish the body
nutrition|(physiology) the organic process of nourishing or being nourished;the processes by which an organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and maintenance;the scientific study of food and drink (especially in humans)
nutritiousness|the quality of being nourishing and promoting healthy growth
nuts and bolts|detailed practical information about how something works or how something can be accomplished
nutshell|the shell around the kernel of a nut
Nuttall oak|similar to the pin oak;grows in damp sites in Mississippi River basin
nutter|a person who is regarded as eccentric or mad
nux vomica|a medicine made from the seeds of an Asiatic tree;contains strychnine and brucine;formerly used as a stimulant
Nuytsia|one species
Nyala|city in Sudan;spiral-horned South African antelope with a fringe of white hairs along back and neck
Nyamuragira|an active volcano in eastern Congo
Nyamwezi|a Bantu language spoken in central Tanzania
nybble|a small byte
Nyctaginaceae|a family of flowering plants of the order Caryophyllales
Nyctaginia|a caryophyllaceous genus of the family Nyctaginaceae having only one species
nyctalopia|inability to see clearly in dim light;due to a deficiency of vitamin A or to a retinal disorder
Nyctanassa|American night herons
Nyctereutes|raccoon dogs
Nycticebus|a genus of Lorisidae
Nycticorax|Old World night herons
Nyctimene|East Indian fruit bats
nyctophobia|a morbid fear of night or darkness
Nyiragongo|an active volcano in eastern Congo
nylon|a synthetic fabric;a thermoplastic polyamide;a family of strong resilient synthetic fibers
nylons|women's stockings made from a sheer material (nylon or rayon or silk)
nymph|(classical mythology) a minor nature goddess usually depicted as a beautiful maiden - "the ancient Greeks believed that nymphs inhabited forests and bodies of water";a larva of an insect with incomplete metamorphosis (as the dragonfly or mayfly);a voluptuously beautiful young woman
Nymphaea|the type genus of the family Nymphaeaceae;any of a variety of water lilies
Nymphaeaceae|dicot aquatic plants
nymphalid|medium to large butterflies found worldwide typically having brightly colored wings and much-reduced nonfunctional forelegs carried folded on the breast
Nymphalidae|large beautifully colored butterflies
Nymphalis|type genus of the Nymphalidae;mourning cloak butterflies
nymphet|a sexually attractive young woman
Nymphicus|a genus of Psittacidae
nympholepsy|a frenzy of emotion;as for something unattainable
nympholept|a person seized by nympholepsy
nymphomania|abnormally intense sexual desire in women
nymphomaniac|a woman with abnormal sexual desires
Nynorsk|one of two official languages of Norway;based on rural dialects
Nyquist frequency|(telecommunication) twice the maximum frequency occurring in the transmitted signal
Nyquist rate|(telecommunication) the lowest sampling rate that will permit accurate reconstruction of a sampled analog signal
Nyssa|tupelos;deciduous trees of moist habitats especially swamps and beside ponds
Nyssaceae|a family of dicotyledonous trees of order Myrtales that includes the sour gum trees
nystagmus|involuntary movements of the eyeballs;its presence or absence is used to diagnose a variety of neurological and visual disorders
nystatin|an antifungal and antibiotic (trade names Mycostatin and Nystan) discovered in New York State;derived from soil fungi actinomycetes
Nyx|(Greek mythology) Greek goddess of the night;daughter of Chaos;counterpart of Roman Nox
O|the 15th letter of the Roman alphabet;the blood group whose red cells carry neither the A nor B antigens - "people with type O blood are universal donors"
O ring|a gasket consisting of a flat ring of rubber or plastic;used to seal a joint against high pressure
O.K.|an endorsement - "they gave us the O.K. to go ahead"
Oahu|an island of central Hawaii (between Molokai and Kauai);the chief island of the state
oak|a deciduous tree of the genus Quercus;has acorns and lobed leaves - "great oaks grow from little acorns";the hard durable wood of any oak;used especially for furniture and flooring
oak apple|oak gall caused by larvae of a cynipid wasp
oak blight|a black plant louse that lives on oaks and dogwoods
oak chestnut|a tree of the genus Castanopsis
oak fern|bright blue-green fern widely distributed especially in damp acid woodlands of temperate northern hemisphere
Oak Leaf Cluster|a United States military decoration consisting of bronze or silver oak leaves and acorns awarded to anyone who has won a given medal before
Oakland|a city in western California on San Francisco Bay opposite San Francisco;primarily and industrial urban center
oak-leaved goosefoot|annual European plant with spikes of greenish flowers and leaves that are white and hairy on the underside;common as a weed in North America
Oakley|United States sharpshooter who was featured in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show (1860-1926)
oakum|loose hemp or jute fiber obtained by unravelling old ropes;when impregnated with tar it was used to caulk seams and pack joints in wooden ships
oar|an implement used to propel or steer a boat
oarfish|thin deep-water tropical fish 20 to 30 feet long having a red dorsal fin
oarsman|someone who rows a boat
oarsmanship|skill as an oarsman
oarswoman|a woman oarsman
oasis|a fertile tract in a desert (where the water table approaches the surface)
oast|a kiln for drying hops
oast house|a building containing an oast (a kiln for drying hops);usually has a conical or pyramidal roof
oat|annual grass of Europe and North Africa;grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural;'oats');seed of the annual grass Avena sativa (spoken of primarily in the plural as 'oats')
oat cell carcinoma|highly malignant carcinoma composed of small round or egg-shaped cells with little cytoplasm;lung cancers are frequently oat cell carcinomas
oatcake|thin flat unleavened cake of baked oatmeal
Oates|English conspirator who claimed that there was a Jesuit plot to assassinate Charles II (1649-1705);United States writer (born in 1938)
oath|a commitment to tell the truth (especially in a court of law);to lie under oath is to become subject to prosecution for perjury;a solemn promise, usually invoking a divine witness, regarding your future acts or behavior - "they took an oath of allegiance"
oatmeal|meal made from rolled or ground oats;porridge made of rolled oats
oatmeal cookie|cookies containing rolled oats
Oaxaca|a city of southeastern Mexico
Ob|a major river of western Siberia;flows generally northward and westward to the Gulf of Ob and the Kara Sea
Obadiah|a Hebrew minor prophet;an Old Testament book telling Obadiah's prophecies;the shortest book in the Christian Bible
obbligato|a part of the score that must be performed without change or omission;a persistent but subordinate motif
obeah|(West Indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery;a religious belief of African origin involving witchcraft and sorcery;practiced in parts of the West Indies and tropical Americas
obeche|large west African tree having large palmately lobed leaves and axillary cymose panicles of small white flowers and one-winged seeds;yields soft white to pale yellow wood;the wood of an African obeche tree;used especially for veneering
obedience|behavior intended to please your parents - "their children were never very strong on obedience";the act of obeying;dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person;the trait of being willing to obey
obelion|the craniometric point on the sagittal suture near the lamboid suture
obelisk|a stone pillar having a rectangular cross section tapering towards a pyramidal top
Oberson|(Middle Ages) the king of the fairies and husband of Titania in medieval folklore
obfuscation|darkening or obscuring the sight of something
obidoxime chloride|a chloride used as an antidote for nerve gases such as sarin or VX
obiism|belief in a kind of sorcery that originated in Africa and is practiced in the West Indies
obiter dictum|an incidental remark;an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding
obituary|a notice of someone's death;usually includes a short biography
object|(computing) a discrete item that provides a description of virtually anything known to a computer - "in object-oriented programming, objects include data and define its status, its methods of operation and how it interacts with other objects";(grammar) a constituent that is acted upon - "the object of the verb";a tangible and visible entity;an entity that can cast a shadow - "it was full of rackets, balls and other objects";the focus of cognitions or feelings - "objects of thought" - "the object of my affection"
object ball|the billiard ball that is intended to be the first ball struck by the cue ball
object code|the machine-language output of a compiler that is ready for execution on a particular computer
object language|a computer language into which something written in another computer language is to be translated;the language into which a text written in another language is to be translated
object program|a fully compiled or assembled program ready to be loaded into the computer
object recognition|the visual perception of familiar objects
objectification|a concrete representation of an abstract idea or principle;the act of representing an abstraction as a physical thing
objection|(law) a procedure whereby a party to a suit says that a particular line of questioning or a particular witness or a piece of evidence or other matter is improper and should not be continued and asks the court to rule on its impropriety or illegality;the speech act of objecting
objective|the lens or system of lenses in a telescope or microscope that is nearest the object being viewed
objectivity|judgment based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices
object-oriented database|a database in which the operations carried out on information items (data objects) are considered part of their definition
object-oriented database management system|a database management system designed to manage an object-oriented database
object-oriented programming|creating a program that can use and support objects
object-oriented programming language|(computer science) a programming language that enables the programmer to associate a set of procedures with each type of data structure - "C++ is an object-oriented programming language that is an extension of C"
objet d'art|a work of art of some artistic value
oblanceolate leaf|a leaf having a rounded apex and tapering base
oblate|a lay person dedicated to religious work or the religious life
oblateness|the property possessed by a round shape that is flattened at the poles - "the oblateness of the planet"
oblation|the act of contributing to the funds of a church or charity - "oblations for aid to the poor";the act of offering the bread and wine of the Eucharist
obligate anaerobe|an organism that cannot grow in the presence of oxygen
obligation|a legal agreement specifying a payment or action and the penalty for failure to comply;a personal relation in which one is indebted for a service or favor;the state of being obligated to do or pay something - "he is under an obligation to finish the job"
obliger|someone who performs a service or does a favor
oblique|any grammatical case other than the nominative
oblique angle|an angle that is not a right angle or a multiple of a right angle
oblique bandage|a bandage in which successive turns proceed obliquely up or down a limb
oblique triangle|a triangle that contains no right angle
oblique vein of the left atrium|a tributary of the coronary sinus;on the posterior wall of the left atrium
obliqueness|the property of being neither parallel nor perpendicular, but at a slanting angle
obliterator|an eliminator that does away with all traces
oblivion|the state of being disregarded or forgotten
obliviousness|total forgetfulness
oblong|a plane figure that deviates from a square or circle due to elongation
oblong leaf|a simple leaf that is rounded at each end with parallel sides
obloquy|state of disgrace resulting from public abuse
oboe|a slender double-reed instrument;a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
oboe da caccia|an alto oboe;precursor of the English horn
oboe d'amore|an oboe pitched a minor third lower than the ordinary oboe;used to perform baroque music
oboist|a musician who plays the oboe
obolus|a Greek unit of weight equal to one tenth of a gram
obovate leaf|an egg-shaped leaf with the narrower end at the base
O'Brien|Irish writer (born in 1932)
obscenity|an obscene act;an offensive or indecent word or phrase;the trait of behaving in an obscene manner
obscurantism|a deliberate act intended to make something obscure;a policy of opposition to enlightenment or the spread of knowledge
obscurantist|a person who is deliberately vague
obscureness|the quality of being unclear or abstruse and hard to understand
obscurity|an obscure and unimportant standing;not well known - "he worked in obscurity for many years";the state of being indistinct or indefinite for lack of adequate illumination
obsequiousness|abject or cringing submissiveness
observation|a remark expressing careful consideration;facts learned by observing - "he reported his observations to the mayor";the act of making and recording a measurement;the act of observing;taking a patient look
observation dome|lookout consisting of a dome-shaped observatory
observation station|a station set up for making observations of something
observatory|a building designed and equipped to observe astronomical phenomena
observed fire|fire for which the point of impact (the burst) can be seen by an observer;fire can be adjusted on the basis of the observations
observer|an expert who observes and comments on something
observer's meridian|a meridian that passes through the observer's zenith
obsession|an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone
obsessive|a person who has obsessions
obsessive-compulsive|a person with obsessive-compulsive characteristics
obsessive-compulsive disorder|an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and persistent thoughts and feelings and repetitive, ritualized behaviors
obsessive-compulsive personality|personality characterized by a strong need to repeat certain acts or rituals
obsessiveness|extreme compulsiveness
obsidian|acid or granitic glass formed by the rapid cooling of lava without crystallization;usually dark, but transparent in thin pieces
obsolescence|the process of becoming obsolete;falling into disuse or becoming out of date - "a policy of planned obsolescence"
obsoleteness|the property of being out of date and not current
obstacle|an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented);something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted - "lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement" - "the poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education"
obstacle race|a race in which competitors must negotiate obstacles
obstetrical toad|European toad whose male carries the fertilized eggs wrapped around its hind legs until they hatch
obstetrician|a physician specializing in obstetrics
obstetrics|the branch of medicine dealing with childbirth and care of the mother
obstipation|severe constipation resulting from an obstruction in the intestines
obstreperousness|noisy defiance
obstruction|any structure that makes progress difficult;getting in someone's way;the act of obstructing - "obstruction of justice";the physical condition of blocking or filling a passage with an obstruction
obstruction of justice|impeding those who seek justice in a court (as by trying to influence or intimidate any juror or witness or officer of the court);can result in a finding of contempt of court
obstructionism|deliberate interference
obstructionist|someone who systematically obstructs some action that others want to take
obstructive shock|shock caused by obstruction of blood flow
obstruent|a consonant that is produced with a partial or complete blockage of the airflow from the lungs through the nose or mouth
obtainment|the act of obtaining
obtrusiveness|an unwelcome conspicuousness
obturator|a prosthesis used to close an opening (as to close an opening of the hard palate in cases of cleft palate)
obturator vein|a vein formed by the union of tributaries that drain the hip joints and thigh muscles;empties into the internal iliac vein
obtuse angle|an angle between 90 and 180 degrees
obtuse leaf|a simple leaf having a rounded or blunt tip
obtuse triangle|a triangle that contains an obtuse interior angle
obtuseness|the quality of lacking a sharp edge or point
obverse|the more conspicuous of two alternatives or cases or sides - "the obverse of this issue";the side of a coin or medal bearing the principal stamp or design
obviation|the act of preventing something by anticipating and disposing of it effectively
obviousness|the property of being easy to see and understand
oca|South American wood sorrel cultivated for its edible tubers
ocarina|egg-shaped terra cotta wind instrument with a mouthpiece and finger holes
O'Casey|Irish playwright (1880-1964)
Occam|English scholastic philosopher and assumed author of Occam's Razor (1285-1349)
Occam's Razor|the principle that entities should not be multiplied needlessly;the simplest of two competing theories is to be preferred
occasion|an opportunity to do something - "there was never an occasion for her to demonstrate her skill";reason - "there was no occasion for complaint";the time of a particular event - "on the occasion of his 60th birthday"
occasions|something you have to do - "he minded his own specialized occasions"
Occidental|a native inhabitant of the Occident;an artificial language
occidentalism|the quality or customs or mannerisms characteristic of Western civilizations;the scholarly knowledge of western cultures and languages and people
occipital bone|a saucer-shaped membrane bone that forms the back of the skull
occipital gyrus|any of the convolutions of the outer surface of the occipital lobe of the cerebrum
occipital lobe|that part of the cerebral cortex in either hemisphere of the brain lying in the back of the head
occipital protuberance|prominence on the outer surface of the occipital bone
occipital vein|a vein that drains the occipital region
occipitomastoid suture|the suture between the occipital and the temporal bones;a continuation of the lamboid suture
occiput|back part of the head or skull
occluded front|(meteorology) a composite front when colder air surrounds a mass of warm air and forces it aloft
occlusion|(dentistry) the normal spatial relation of the teeth when the jaws are closed;closure or blockage (as of a blood vessel)
occult|supernatural practices and techniques - "he is a student of the occult"
occultism|a belief in supernatural powers and the possibility of bringing them under human control;the study of the supernatural
occultist|a believer in occultism;someone versed in the occult arts
occupancy|an act of being a tenant or occupant
occupancy rate|the percentage of all rental units (as in hotels) are occupied or rented at a given time
occupation|any activity that occupies a person's attention - "he missed the bell in his occupation with the computer game";the act of occupying or taking possession of a building - "occupation of a building without a certificate of occupancy is illegal";the control of a country by military forces of a foreign power;the period of time during which a place or position or nation is occupied - "during the German occupation of Paris";the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
occupation license|a license to pursue a particular occupation
occupational disease|disease or disability resulting from conditions of employment (usually from long exposure to a noxious substance or from continuous repetition of certain acts)
occupational group|a body of people doing the same kind of work
occupational hazard|any condition of a job that can result in illness or injury
occupational safety and health act|a law passed by the United States Congress that created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to prevent employees from being injured or contracting diseases in the course of their employment
Occupational Safety and Health Administration|a government agency in the Department of Labor to maintain a safe and healthy work environment
occupational therapy|therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life, especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities in spite of impairments or limitations in physical or mental functions
occupier|a member of a military force who is residing in a conquered foreign country
occurrence|an instance of something occurring - "a disease of frequent occurrence" - "the occurrence (or presence) of life on other planets"
ocean|a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere;anything apparently limitless in quantity or volume
ocean current|the steady flow of surface ocean water in a prevailing direction
ocean floor|the bottom of a sea or ocean
ocean pout|common along northeastern coast of North America
ocean sunfish|among the largest bony fish;pelagic fish having an oval compressed body with high dorsal and anal fins and caudal fin reduced to a rudder-like lobe;worldwide in warm waters
ocean trip|an act of traveling by water
oceanfront|land bordering an ocean
Oceania|a large group of islands in the south Pacific including Melanesia and Micronesia and Polynesia (and sometimes Australasia and the Malay Archipelago)
Oceanic|an eastern subfamily of Malayo-Polynesian languages
Oceanid|(Greek mythology) sea nymph who was a daughter of Oceanus and Tethys
Oceanites|a genus of Hydrobatidae
oceanographer|a scientist who studies physical and biological aspects of the seas
oceanography|the branch of science dealing with physical and biological aspects of the oceans
Oceanus|(Greek mythology) god of the stream that flowed around the earth in ancient mythology
ocellated turkey|wild turkey of Central America and northern South America
ocelot|nocturnal wildcat of Central America and South America having a dark-spotted buff-brown coat
ocher|a moderate yellow-orange to orange color;any of various earths containing silica and alumina and ferric oxide;used as a pigment
Ochna|type genus of Ochnaceae;evergreen trees and shrubs of Old World tropics
Ochnaceae|family of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs with thick shining parallel-veined leaves
Ochoa|United States biochemist (born in Spain) who studied the biological synthesis of nucleic acids (1905-1993)
Ochotona|type genus of the Ochotonidae
Ochotonidae|pikas and extinct forms
Ochroma|one species;balsa
ochronosis|an accumulation of dark pigment in cartilage and other connective tissue;usually a symptom of alkaptonuria or phenol poisoning
Ochs|United States newspaper publisher (1858-1935)
Ocimum|basil
oconee bells|plant of southeastern United States having solitary white funnel-shaped flowers flushed with pink and large glossy green leaves that turn bronze-red in fall
O'Connor|United States writer (1925-1964)
ocotillo|desert shrub of southwestern United States and Mexico having slender naked spiny branches that after the rainy season put forth foliage and clusters of red flowers
octagon|an eight-sided polygon
octahedron|any polyhedron having eight plane faces
octal digit|a digit from 0 to 7 in octal notation
octal notation|any mathematical notation that uses 8 different characters (usually the digits 0 to 7)
octal numeration system|a positional system of numeration that uses octal digits and a radix of eight
octameter|a verse line having eight metrical feet
octane|any isomeric saturated hydrocarbon found in petroleum and used as a fuel and solvent
octane number|a measure of the antiknock properties of gasoline
Octans|the constellation that includes the southern celestial pole
octant|a measuring instrument for measuring angles to a celestial body;similar to a sextant but with 45 degree calibration
octave|a feast day and the seven days following it;a musical interval of eight tones;a rhythmic group of eight lines of verse
octavo|the size of a book whose pages are made by folding a sheet of paper three times to form eight leaves
octet|a musical composition written for eight performers;a set of eight similar things considered as a unit;eight people considered as a unit;eight performers or singers who perform together
octillion|the number that is represented as a one followed by 27 zeros
October|the month following September and preceding November
octogenarian|someone whose age is in the eighties
octopod|a cephalopod with eight arms but lacking an internal shell
Octopoda|octopuses and paper nautilus
Octopodidae|a family of Octopoda
octopus|bottom-living cephalopod having a soft oval body with eight long tentacles;tentacles of octopus prepared as food
octoroon|an offspring of a quadroon and a white parent;a person who is one-eighth black
octosyllable|a verse line having eight syllables or a poem of octosyllabic lines
octroi|a tax on various goods brought into a town
ocular muscle|one of the small muscles of the eye that serve to rotate the eyeball
oculism|the craft of an oculist
oculomotor|supplies extrinsic muscles of the eye
oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy|a form of muscular dystrophy that usually begins between early adulthood and middle age and first affects muscles of the eyelid and throat;progresses slowly with swallowing problems common as the disease progresses;inheritance is autosomal dominant
oculus dexter|the right eye
oculus sinister|the left eye
Ocyurus|snappers
odalisque|a woman slave in a harem
oddity|a strange attitude or habit;eccentricity that is not easily explained
odd-leg caliper|caliper having the points on its legs both curve in the same direction
oddness|the parity of odd numbers (not divisible by two)
odd-pinnate leaf|a pinnate leaf with a single leaflet at the apex
odds|the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring;the ratio by which one better's wager is greater than that of another - "he offered odds of two to one"
odds and ends|a motley assortment of things
odds-maker|someone who sets the betting odds based on calculations of the outcome of a contest (especially a horse race)
odd-toed ungulate|placental mammals having hooves with an odd number of toes on each foot
ode|a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
Oder|a European river;flows into the Baltic Sea
Odessa|a city in western Texas;a port city of south central Ukraine on an arm of the Black Sea
Odets|United States playwright (1906-1963)
Odin|(Norse mythology) ruler of the Aesir;supreme god of war and poetry and knowledge and wisdom (for which he gave an eye) and husband of Frigg;identified with the Teutonic Wotan
odist|a poet who writes odes
odium|state of disgrace resulting from detestable behavior
Odoacer|Germanic barbarian leader who ended the Western Roman Empire in 476 and became the first barbarian ruler of Italy (434-493)
Odobenidae|walruses and extinct forms
Odobenus|type genus of the Odobenidae;walruses
Odocoileus|North American deer
odometer|a meter that shows mileage traversed
Odonata|dragonflies and damselflies
odonate|large primitive predatory aquatic insect having two pairs of membranous wings
Odontoceti|toothed whales;dolphins;porpoises;sperm whales;beaked whales
odontoglossum|any of numerous and diverse orchids of the genus Odontoglossum having racemes of few to many showy usually large flowers in many colors
odontoid process|a toothlike process at the back of 2nd vertebra of the neck
Odontophorus|genus of Central and South American crested partridges resembling quails;sometimes placed in a distinct subfamily or isolated in a distinct family
odynophagia|severe pain on swallowing due to a disorder of the esophagus
Odysseus|(Greek mythology) a famous mythical Greek hero;his return to Ithaca after the siege of Troy was described in the Odyssey
Odyssey|a Greek epic poem (attributed to Homer) describing the journey of Odysseus after the fall of Troy;a long wandering and eventful journey
Oecanthus|tree crickets
Oedipus|(Greek mythology) a tragic king of Thebes who unknowingly killed his father Laius and married his mother Jocasta;the subject of the drama 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles
Oedipus complex|a complex of males;desire to possess the mother sexually and to exclude the father;said to be a source of personality disorders if unresolved
Oedogoniaceae|filamentous green algae
Oedogoniales|simple or branched filamentous freshwater green algae
Oedogonium|type genus of Oedogoniaceae;freshwater green algae having long unbranched filaments;usually free-floating when mature
oeil de boeuf|a circular or oval window;17th or 18th century French architecture
Oenanthe|poisonous herbs;water dropworts;wheatears
oenomel|wine mixed with honey
Oenothera|chiefly North American herbs with usually nocturnal flowers
Oersted|Danish physicist (1777-1851);the magnetic field strength 1 cm from a unit magnetic pole
Oestridae|warble flies
Oestrus|type genus of the Oestridae;sheep botflies
oeuvre|the total output of a writer or artist (or a substantial part of it) - "he studied the entire Wagnerian oeuvre"
off year|a year in which no major political elections are held;a year in which productivity is low or inferior
offal|viscera and trimmings of a butchered animal often considered inedible by humans
off-Broadway|low-budget theaters located outside the Broadway area in Manhattan
off-day|a day when things go poorly - "I guess this is one of my off-days"
Offenbach|French composer of many operettas and an opera (1819-1880)
offense|the action of attacking an enemy;the team that has the ball (or puck) and is trying to score
offensiveness|the quality of being offensive
offer|something offered (as a proposal or bid) - "noteworthy new offerings for investors included several index funds";the verbal act of offering - "a generous offer of assistance"
offer price|(stock market) the price at which a broker is willing to sell a certain security
offerer|someone who presents something to another for acceptance or rejection
offering|money contributed to a religious organization
offertory|the offerings of the congregation at a religious service;the part of the Eucharist when bread and wine are offered to God
office|(of a government or government official) holding an office means being in power - "being in office already gives a candidate a great advantage" - "during his first year in office";a religious rite or service prescribed by ecclesiastical authorities - "the offices of the mass";place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed - "he rented an office in the new building";professional or clerical workers in an office - "the whole office was late the morning of the blizzard"
office boy|a young man who is employed to do odd jobs in a business office
office building|a building containing offices where work is done
office furniture|furniture intended for use in an office
Office of Inspector General|the investigative arm of the Federal Trade Commission
Office of Intelligence Support|agency that oversees the intelligence relationships of the Treasury's offices and bureaus and provides a link between the Intelligence Community and officials responsible for international economic policy
Office of Management and Budget|the executive agency that advises the President on the federal budget
Office of Naval Intelligence|the military intelligence agency that provides for the intelligence and counterintelligence and investigative and security requirements of the United States Navy
Office of the Dead|an office read or sung before a burial mass in the Roman Catholic Church
office-bearer|the person who holds an office
officeholder|someone who is appointed or elected to an office and who holds a position of trust
officer|a person authorized to serve in a position of authority on a vessel - "he is the officer in charge of the ship's engines"
officer's mess|a mess for the exclusive use of officers
official|a worker who holds or is invested with an office;someone who administers the rules of a game or sport - "the golfer asked for an official who could give him a ruling"
official immunity|personal immunity accorded to a public official from liability to anyone injured by actions that are the consequence of exerting official authority
officialese|the style of writing characteristic of some government officials;formal and obscure
officiant|a clergyman who officiates at a religious ceremony or service
officiation|the performance of a religious or ceremonial or public duty
offing|the near or foreseeable future - "there was a wedding in the offing";the part of the sea that can be seen from the shore and is beyond the anchoring area - "there was a ship in the offing"
off-line equipment|electronic equipment not in direct communication (or under the control of) the central processing unit
offprint|a separately printed article that originally appeared in a larger publication
off-season|the season when travel is least active and rates are lowest
offset|a plate makes an inked impression on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, which in turn transfers it to the paper
offset lithography|offset printing by lithography
offside|(sport) the mistake of occupying an illegal position on the playing field (in football, soccer, ice hockey, field hockey, etc.)
offspring|something that comes into existence as a result - "industrialism prepared the way for acceptance of the French Revolution's various socialistic offspring";the immediate descendants of a person - "she was the mother of many offspring"
O'Flaherty|Irish writer of short stories (1896-1984)
Ofo|a member of the Siouan people living in the Yazoo river valley in Mississippi;a Siouan language spoken by the Ofo
Ogcocephalidae|batfishes;sluggish bottom-dwelling spiny fishes
Ogden|a town in northern Utah settled by Mormons;English psychologist who collaborated with I. A. Richards in designing Basic English (1889-1957)
ogee|a molding that (in section) has the shape of an S with the convex part above and the concave part below
ogee arch|a pointed arch having an S-shape on both sides
Oglala|a member of the Siouan people who constituted a division of the Teton Sioux and who formerly inhabited the Black Hills of western South Dakota;a Siouan language spoken by the Oglala
ogler|a viewer who gives a flirtatious or lewd look at another person
ogre|(folklore) a giant who likes to eat human beings
ogress|(folklore) a female ogre
O'Hara|United States writer (1905-1970)
Ohio|a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region;a river that is formed in western Pennsylvania and flows westward to become a tributary of the Mississippi River
Ohio buckeye|a buckeye with scaly grey bark that is found in the central United States
Ohio goldenrod|a variety of goldenrod
Ohio State University|a university in Columbus, Ohio
Ohioan|a native or resident of Ohio
ohm|a unit of electrical resistance equal to the resistance between two points on a conductor when a potential difference of one volt between them produces a current of one ampere;German physicist who formulated Ohm's law (1787-1854)
ohmage|the ohmic resistance of a conductor
ohmmeter|a meter for measuring electrical resistance in ohms
Ohm's law|electric current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance;I = E/R
oil|a slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water;oil paint containing pigment that is used by an artist
oil beetle|any of various beetles that exude an oily substance from the leg joints that deters enemies
oil burner|a furnace that burns oil
oil cake|mass of e.g. linseed or cottonseed or soybean from which the oil has been pressed;used as food for livestock
oil cartel|a cartel of companies or nations formed to control the production and distribution of oil
oil change|replacing dirty oil with clean
oil company|a company that sells oil
oil conservation|the conservation of petroleum resources
oil filter|a filter that removes impurities from the oil used to lubricate an internal-combustion engine
oil future|petroleum bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date
oil gland|a gland that secretes oil
oil heater|heater that burns oil (as kerosine) for heating or cooking
oil industry|an industry that produces and delivers oil and oil products
oil lamp|a lamp that burns oil (as kerosine) for light
oil meal|ground oil cake
oil paint|paint in which a drying oil is the vehicle
oil painter|a painter who uses oil paints
oil painting|a picture painted with oil paints;the art or method of painting with oil paints
oil palm|pinnate-leaved palms of the genus Elaeis having dense clusters of crowded flowers and bright red fruit and yielding high quality palm oils
oil pipeline|a pipeline used to transport oil
oil pressure|pressure that keeps oil on the moving parts of an internal-combustion engine
oil pump|a pump that keeps a supply of oil on moving parts
oil refinery|a refinery for petroleum
oil shale|shale from which oil can be obtained by heating
oil slick|a thin film of oil floating on top of water (especially crude oil spilled from a ship)
oil stain|a stain produced by oil
oil tanker|a cargo ship designed to carry crude oil in bulk
oil tycoon|a powerful person in the oil business
oil well|a well that yields or has yielded oil
oilbird|nocturnal fruit-eating bird of South America that has fatty young yielding an oil that is used instead of butter
oilcan|a can with a long nozzle to apply oil to machinery
oilcloth|cloth treated on one side with a drying oil or synthetic resin
oiler|a worker who oils engines or machinery
oilfield|a region rich in petroleum deposits (especially one with producing oil wells)
oilfish|very large deep-water snake mackerel
oil-hardened steel|steel that is quenched in oil
oil-industry analyst|an analyst of the oil industry
oilman|a person who owns or operates oil wells;a worker who produces or sells petroleum
oilpaper|paper that has been made translucent and waterproof by soaking in oil
oilseed|any of several seeds that yield oil
oilskin|a macintosh made from cotton fabric treated with oil and pigment to make it waterproof
oilstone|a whetstone for use with oil
oil-water interface|an interface forming the boundary between the non-miscible liquids oil and water
ointment|semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
Oireachtas|the parliament of the Irish Republic
Ojibwa|a member of an Algonquian people who lived west of Lake Superior;the Algonquian language spoken by the Ojibwa
Ojos del Salado|a mountain in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile (22,572 feet high)
oka|a Turkish liquid unit equal to 1.3 pints;a Turkish unit of weight equal to about 2.75 pounds
okapi|similar to the giraffe but smaller with much shorter neck and stripe on the legs
Okapia|okapis
Okeechobee|a lake in southeast Florida to the north of the Everglades
O'Keeffe|United States painter (1887-1986)
Okefenokee Swamp|a large swampy area of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia
Oken|German naturalist whose speculations that plants and animals are made up of tiny living 'infusoria' led to the cell theory (1779-1851)
Okinawa|a campaign in the closing days of World War II in the Pacific (April to June 1945);in savage close-quarter fighting United States marines and regular army troops took the island from the Japanese;considered the greatest victory of the Pacific campaign for the Americans;the largest island of the central Ryukyu Islands
Oklahoma|a state in south central United States
Oklahoma City|capital and largest city of Oklahoma;the economy is based on oil and livestock
Oklahoman|a native or resident of Oklahoma
okra|long green edible beaked pods of the okra plant;tall coarse annual of Old World tropics widely cultivated in southern United States and West Indies for its long mucilaginous green pods used as basis for soups and stews;sometimes placed in genus Hibiscus
Oktoberfest|a strong lager made originally in Germany for the Oktoberfest celebration;sweet and copper-colored;an autumn festival that involves merrymaking and drinking beer
ola|leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper
Olaf II|King and patron saint of Norway (995-1030)
old|past times (especially in the phrase 'in days of old')
old age|a late time of life - "old age is not for sissies"
Old Bailey|the central criminal court in London
old boy|a familiar term of address for a man;a former male pupil of a school;a vivacious elderly man
old boy network|an exclusive informal network linking members of a social class or profession or organization in order to provide connections and information and favors (especially in business or politics) - "professional women have developed an old boy network of their own"
Old Catholic|a member of the church formed in the 19th century by German Catholics who refused to accept the infallibility of the Pope
Old Catholic Church|Catholic churches that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 18th century
Old Church Slavonic|the Slavic language into which the Bible was translated in the 9th century
old country|the country of origin of an immigrant
Old English|English prior to about 1100
Old English sheepdog|large sheepdog with a profuse shaggy bluish-grey-and-white coat and short tail;believed to trace back to the Roman occupation of Britain
Old Faithful|a geyser in Yellowstone National Park that erupts for about 4 minutes about every 65 minutes
old fashioned|a cocktail made of whiskey and bitters and sugar with fruit slices
Old French|the earliest form of the French language;9th to 15th century
Old Frisian|the Frisian language until the 16th century;the Germanic language of ancient Frisia
old gold|a dark yellow
old growth|forest or woodland having a mature or overly mature ecosystem more or less uninfluenced by human activity
old guard|a faction that is unwilling to accept new ideas
Old High German|High German prior to 1200
Old Icelandic|the extinct dialect of Old Norse that was spoken in Iceland up until about 1600
Old Irish|Irish Gaelic up to about 1100
Old Italian|the Italian language up to the middle of the 16th century
old lady|your own wife - "meet my old lady"
Old Latin|the oldest recorded Latin (dating back at early as the 6th century B.C.)
old maid|a card game using a pack of cards from which one queen has been removed;players match cards and the player holding the unmatched queen at the end of the game is the loser (or 'old maid');the loser in a game of old maid
old man|(slang) boss;a man who is very old;an informal term for your father
old man of the mountain|whitish hairy plant with featherlike leaves and a few stout stems each bearing an especially handsome solitary large yellow flower head;mountainous regions north central United States
old master|a great European painter prior to 19th century
Old Norse|the extinct Germanic language of medieval Scandinavia and Iceland from about to 700 to 1350
Old Prussian|a dead language of the (non-German) Prussians (extinct after 1700);thought to belong to the Baltic branch of Indo-European
old rose|a greyish-pink color
Old Saxon|Low German prior to 1200
old school|a class of people favoring traditional ideas
old school tie|necktie indicating the school the wearer attended
Old South|the South of the United States before the American Civil War
old squaw|a common long-tailed sea duck of the northern parts of the United States
old style|a typeface (based on an 18th century design) distinguished by irregularity and slanted ascender serifs and little contrast between light and heavy strokes
Old Testament|the collection of books comprising the sacred scripture of the Hebrews and recording their history as the chosen people;the first half of the Christian Bible
old wives' tale|a bit of lore passed on by word of mouth
old woman|a woman who is old
Old World|the regions of the world that were known to Europeans before the discovery of the Americas
Old World beaver|a European variety of beaver
Old World buffalo|any of several Old World animals resembling oxen including, e.g., water buffalo;Cape buffalo
Old World chat|songbirds having a chattering call
Old World coot|a coot found in Eurasia
Old World crayfish|small crayfish of Europe and Asia and western North America
Old World flycatcher|any of a large group of small songbirds that feed on insects taken on the wing
Old World hop hornbeam|medium-sized hop hornbeam of southern Europe and Asia Minor
Old World jay|a European jay
Old World least weasel|of Europe
Old World monkey|of Africa or Arabia or Asia;having nonprehensile tails and nostrils close together
Old World oriole|mostly tropical songbird;the male is usually bright orange and black
Old World porcupine|terrestrial porcupine
Old World quail|small game bird with a rounded body and small tail
Old World scops owl|European scops owl
Old World vulture|any of several large vultures of Africa and Eurasia
Old World warbler|small active brownish or greyish Old World birds
Old world white pelican|similar to American white pelican
Old World yew|predominant yew in Europe;extraordinarily long-lived and slow growing;one of the oldest species in the world
old-age insurance|insurance paid to the elderly
old-age pension|a monthly payment made to someone who is retired from work
old-age pensioner|an old person who receives an old-age pension
Oldenburg|United States sculptor (born in Sweden);a leader of the pop art movement who was noted for giant sculptures of common objects (born in 1929)
old-fashionedness|the property of being no longer fashionable
Oldfield|United States race driver who was the first to drive faster than a mile a minute (1878-1946)
oldie|a song that was formerly popular
old-man-of-the-woods|edible mild-tasting mushroom found in coniferous woodlands of eastern North America
oldness|the opposite of youngness;the quality of being old;the opposite of newness
oldster|an elderly person
old-timer|an elderly man
Olduvai Gorge|a gorge in northeastern Tanzania where anthropologists have found some of the earliest human remains
Olea|evergreen trees and shrubs having oily one-seeded fruits
Oleaceae|trees and shrubs having berries or drupes or capsules as fruits;sometimes placed in the order Oleales;olive;ash;jasmine;privet;lilac
Oleales|coextensive with the family Oleaceae;in some classifications included in the order Gentianales
oleander|an ornamental but poisonous flowering shrub having narrow evergreen leaves and clusters of fragrant white to pink or red flowers;native to East Indies but widely cultivated in warm regions
oleander fern|tropical fern having leathery fronds resembling oleander;found from Asia to Polynesia
Oleandra|or family Polypodiaceae;tropical epiphytic or terrestrial ferns
Oleandraceae|one of a number of families into which Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems
Olearia|large genus of Australian evergreen shrubs or small trees with large daisylike flowers
oleaster|any of several shrubs of the genus Elaeagnus having silver-white twigs and yellow flowers followed by olivelike fruits
olecranon|process of the ulna that forms the outer bump of the elbow and fits into the fossa of the humerus when the arm is extended
oleic acid|a colorless oily liquid occurring as a glyceride;it is the major fatty acid in olive oil and canola oil;used in making soap and cosmetics and ointments and lubricating oils
oleo oil|obtained from beef fat;used in making margarine and soap and in lubrication
oleoresin|a naturally occurring mixture of a resin and an essential oil;obtained from certain plants
oleoresin capiscum|an oleoresin extracted from the capsicum pepper plant
olfactory bulb|one of two enlargements at the terminus of the olfactory nerve at the base of the brain just above the nasal cavities
olfactory nerve|a collective term for numerous olfactory filaments in the nasal mucosa
olfactory property|any property detected by the olfactory system
Olfersia|genus of fern having only one species
oligarch|one of the rulers in an oligarchy
oligarchy|a political system governed by a few people - "one of his cardinal convictions was that Britain was not run as a democracy but as an oligarchy" - "the big cities were notoriously in the hands of the oligarchy of local businessmen"
Oligocene|from 40 million to 25 million years ago;appearance of sabertoothed cats
Oligochaeta|earthworms
oligochaete|hermaphroditic terrestrial and aquatic annelids having bristles borne singly along the length of the body
oligodactyly|congenital condition in which some fingers or toes are missing
oligodendrocyte|a cell of the oligodendroglia
oligodendroglia|tissue consisting of glial cells with sheetlike processes that form the myelin sheath of nerve fibers
oligodontia|congenital condition in which some of the teeth are missing
oligomenorrhea|abnormally light or infrequent menstruation
Oligoplites|leatherjackets
oligopoly|(economics) a market in which control over the supply of a commodity is in the hands of a small number of producers and each one can influence prices and affect competitors
Oligoporus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Polyporaceae
Oligoporus leucospongia|a pore fungus with a whitish cottony soft cap found on conifer logs in forests at high elevation in the western United States and adjacent Canada
oligosaccharide|any of the carbohydrates that yield only a few monosaccharide molecules on complete hydrolysis
oligospermia|insufficient spermatozoa in the semen
oliguria|abnormally small production of urine;can be a symptom of kidney disease or obstruction of the urinary tract or edema or an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body;production of an abnormally small amount of urine
olive|a yellow-green color of low brightness and saturation;evergreen tree cultivated in the Mediterranean region since antiquity and now elsewhere;has edible shiny black fruits;hard yellow often variegated wood of an olive tree;used in cabinetwork;one-seeded fruit of the European olive tree usually pickled and used as a relish;small ovoid fruit of the European olive tree;important food and source of oil
olive brown|a shade of brown tinged with green
olive drab|a cloth of an olive-brown color used for military uniforms;a dull greyish to yellowish or light olive brown;military uniform of the United States Army;made from cloth of a dull olive color
olive green|a color that is lighter and greener than olive
olive oil|oil from olives
olive tree|a tree of the genus Olea cultivated for its fruit
olivenite|rare green to black mineral consisting of hydrated copper arsenate that is found in copper deposits
Oliver|United States jazz musician who influenced the style of Louis Armstrong (1885-1938)
olive-tree agaric|red luminescent mushroom of Europe
Olivier|English actor best know for his Shakespearean roles (1907-1989)
olivine|a mineral consisting of magnesium iron silicate;a source of magnesium
olla podrida|Spanish version of burgoo
Ollari|a Dravidian language spoken in south central India
olm|European aquatic salamander with permanent external gills that lives in caves
Olmec|a member of an early Mesoamerican civilization centered around Veracruz that flourished between 1300 and 400 BC
Olmsted|United States landscape architect primarily responsible for the design of Central Park in New York City (1822-1903)
ology|an informal word (abstracted from words with this ending) for some unidentified branch of knowledge
Olympia|a plain in Greece in the northwestern Peloponnese;the chief sanctuary of Zeus and the site of the original Olympian Games;capital of the state of Washington;located in western Washington on Puget Sound
Olympiad|one of the four-year intervals between Olympic Games;used to reckon time in ancient Greece for twelve centuries beginning in 776 BC
Olympian|a classical Greek god after the overthrow of the Titans;an athlete who participates in the Olympic games
Olympian Games|the ancient Panhellenic celebration at Olympia in honor of Zeus;held every 4 years beginning in 776 BC
Olympian Zeus|a seated statue of the supreme god of ancient Greek mythology created for the temple at Olympia;the statue was 40 feet tall and rested on a base that was 12 feet high
Olympic Games|the modern revival of the ancient games held once every 4 years in a selected country
Olympic National Park|a national park in Washington having rain forests of giant evergreens
olympic salamander|small large-eyed semiaquatic salamander of the United States Northwest
Olympus|a mountain peak in northeast Greece near the Aegean coast;believed by ancient Greeks to be the dwelling place of the gods (9,570 feet high)
Omaha|a member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Missouri river valley in northeastern Nebraska;largest city in Nebraska;located in eastern Nebraska on the Missouri river;a major transportation center of the Midwest;the Dhegiha dialect spoken by the Omaha;thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1935
Oman|a strategically located monarchy on the southern and eastern coasts of the Arabian Peninsula;the economy is dominated by oil
Omani|a native or inhabitant of Oman
Omani monetary unit|monetary unit in Oman
Omar Khayyam|Persian poet and mathematician and astronomer whose poetry was popularized by Edward Fitzgerald's translation (1050-1123)
ombu|fast-growing herbaceous evergreen tree of South America having a broad trunk with high water content and dark green oval leaves
ombudsman|a government appointee who investigates complaints by private persons against the government
Omdurman|a battle (1898) in which an English and Egyptian army under Kitchener defeated the Sudanese;a city of Sudan;located in the central Sudan on the White Nile opposite Khartoum
omega|the ending of a series or sequence - "the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end"--Revelation;the last (24th) letter of the Greek alphabet
Omega Centauri|a global cluster in the constellation Centaurus
omega-3 fatty acid|a polyunsaturated fatty acid whose carbon chain has its first double valence bond three carbons from the beginning
omega-6 fatty acid|a polyunsaturated fatty acid whose carbon chain has its first double valence bond six carbons from the beginning
omelet|beaten eggs or an egg mixture cooked until just set;may be folded around e.g. ham or cheese or jelly
omelet pan|pan for cooking omelets
omen|a sign of something about to happen - "he looked for an omen before going into battle"
omentum|a fold of peritoneum supporting the viscera
omeprazole|antacid (trade name Prilosec) that suppresses acid secretion in the stomach
omerta|a code of silence practiced by the Mafia;a refusal to give evidence to the police about criminal activities
omicron|the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet
omission|a mistake resulting from neglect;any process whereby sounds or words are left out of spoken words or phrases;neglecting to do something;leaving out or passing over something;something that has been omitted - "she searched the table for omissions"
Omiya|a city of east central Honshu;a suburb of Tokyo
ommastrephes|extremely active cylindrical squid with short strong arms and large rhombic terminal fins
ommatidium|any of the numerous small cone-shaped eyes that make up the compound eyes of some arthropods
omnibus|an anthology of articles on a related subject or an anthology of the works of a single author
omnidirectional antenna|an antenna that sends or receives signals equally in all directions
omnipotence|the state of being omnipotent;having unlimited power
omnirange|a navigational system consisting of a network of radio beacons that provide aircraft with information about exact position and bearing
omniscience|the state of being omniscient;having infinite knowledge
omnivore|a person who eats all kinds of foods;an animal that feeds on both animal and vegetable substances
Omomyid|extinct tiny nocturnal lower primates that fed on fruit and insects;abundant in North America and Europe 30 to 50 million years ago;probably gave rise to the tarsiers;some authorities consider them ancestral to anthropoids but others consider them only cousins
omophagia|the eating of raw food
Omotic|a group of related languages spoken in a valley of southern Ethiopia;closely related to Cushitic languages
omphaloskepsis|literally, the contemplation of one's navel, which is an idiom usually meaning complacent self-absorption
Omphalotus|a genus of fungi with a depressed disc in the cap
Omsk|a city in the Asian part of Russia
on the road|travelling about - "they took the show on the road" - "they lost all their games on the road"
onager|Asiatic wild ass
Onagraceae|a large and widely distributed family of plants of the order Myrtales
once-over|a swift cursory examination or inspection - "I gave him the once-over"
onchocerciasis|infestation with slender threadlike roundworms (filaria) deposited under the skin by the bite of black fleas;when the eyes are involved it can result in blindness;common in Africa and tropical America
oncidium|any orchid of the genus Oncidium;characterized by slender branching sprays of small yellow and brown flowers;often grown as houseplants
oncogene|a gene that disposes normal cells to change into cancerous tumor cells
oncologist|a specialist in oncology
oncology|the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of tumors
Oncorhynchus|Pacific salmon including sockeye salmon;chinook salmon;chum salmon;coho salmon
Ondaatje|Canadian writer (born in Sri Lanka in 1943)
Ondatra|muskrats
one|a single person or thing - "he is the best one" - "this is the one I ordered";the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number - "he has the one but will need a two and three to go with it" - "they had lunch at one"
one of the boys|a man who has been socially accepted into a group of other men - "he quickly became one of the boys"
one-and-one|a foul shot that must be made in order to earn the right to a second foul shot
one-billionth|one part in a billion equal parts
one-dimensional language|a programming language whose expressions are represented by strings of characters
one-dimensionality|the property of having one dimension
one-eighth|one part in eight equal parts
one-fifth|one part in five equal parts
one-flowered wintergreen|delicate evergreen dwarf herb of north temperate regions having a solitary white terminal flower;sometimes placed in genus Pyrola
one-fourth|one of four equal parts
one-half|one of two equal parts of a divisible whole
one-hitter|a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team only one hit
one-hundred-millionth|one part in a hundred million equal parts
one-hundredth|one part in a hundred equal parts
one-hundred-thousandth|one part in a hundred thousand equal parts
Oneida|a member of the Iroquoian people formerly living east of Lake Ontario;the Iroquoian language spoken by the Oneida
O'Neill|United States playwright (1888-1953)
oneiromancer|someone who divines through the interpretation of dreams
oneiromancy|divination through the interpretation of dreams
one-liner|a one-line joke
one-millionth|one part in a million equal parts
oneness|the quality of being united into one
one-night stand|a brief sexual encounter lasting only for a single night - "he ran through a series of loveless one-night stands";a performance in one place on one night only
one-ninth|one part in nine equal parts
one-off|a happening that occurs only once and is not repeated
one-quadrillionth|one part in a quadrillion equal parts
one-quintillionth|one part in a quintillion equal parts
one-seventh|one part in seven equal parts
one-sixteenth|one part in sixteen equal parts
one-sixth|one part in six equal parts
one-sixtieth|one part in sixty equal parts
one-sixty-fourth|one part in sixty-four equal parts
one-spot|a domino or die whose upward face shows one pip
one-step|an early ballroom dance;precursor to the fox-trot
one-tenth|a tenth part;one part in ten equal parts
one-ten-thousandth|one part in ten thousand equal parts
one-third|one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
one-thirty-second|one part in thirty-two equal parts
one-thousandth|one part in a thousand equal parts
one-trillionth|one part in a trillion equal parts
one-twelfth|one part in twelve equal parts
one-upmanship|the practice of keeping one jump ahead of a friend or competitor
one-way light time|the elapsed time it takes for light (or radio signals) to travel between the Earth and a celestial object
one-way street|a street on which vehicular traffic is allowed to move in only one direction;unilateral interaction - "cooperation cannot be a one-way street"
onion|an aromatic flavorful vegetable;bulbous plant having hollow leaves cultivated worldwide for its rounded edible bulb;the bulb of an onion plant
onion bagel|bagel flavored with onion
onion bread|bread containing finely minced onions
onion butter|butter blended with minced onion
onion dome|a dome that is shaped like a bulb;characteristic of Russian and Byzantine church architecture
onion mildew|fungus causing a downy mildew on onions
onion roll|yeast-raised roll flavored with onion
onion salt|ground dried onion and salt
onion smut|smut fungus causing blackish blisters on scales and leaves of onions;especially destructive to seedlings
onion stem|a white agaric that tends to cluster and has a club-shaped base
onion thrips|injurious to onion plants and sometimes tobacco
onion yellow dwarf|the yellow dwarf disease of onion plants
onion yellow-dwarf virus|the virus that produces stunting and yellowing of the leaves of onion plants
onionskin|a thin strong lightweight translucent paper used especially for making carbon copies
Oniscidae|a family of Isopoda
Oniscus|type genus of the Oniscidae;woodlice that cannot roll into a ball
on-license|a license to sell liquor for consumption on the premises
onlooker|someone who looks on
Ono|United States musician (born in Japan) who married John Lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
Onobrychis|genus of Old World herbs having pinnate leaves and pink or whites racemose flowers followed by flat unjointed pods
Onoclea|one species;sensitive fern;in some classifications included in Polypodiaceae
onomancer|one who practices onomancy
onomancy|divination by the letters of a name
onomasticon|a list of proper nouns naming persons or places
onomastics|the branch of lexicology that studies the forms and origins of proper names
onomatomania|obsession with a particular word which the person uses repeatedly or which intrudes into consciousness
onomatopoeia|using words that imitate the sound they denote
Onondaga|a member of the Iroquoian people formerly living between Lake Champlain and the Saint Lawrence River;the Iroquoian language spoken by the Onondaga
Ononis|genus of European subshrubs or herbs having pink or purple or yellow solitary or clustered flowers;restharrow
Onopordum|a genus of Eurasian herbs of the family Compositae with prickly foliage and large purplish flowers
Onosmodium|a genus of North American perennial herbs of the family Boraginaceae
onrush|a forceful forward rush or flow - "from the bow she stared at the mesmerising onrush of the sea where it split and foamed" - "the explosion interrupted the wild onrush of her thoughts"
Onsager|United States chemist (born in Norway) noted for his work in thermodynamics (1903-1976)
onset|the beginning or early stages - "the onset of pneumonia"
onslaught|a sudden and severe onset of trouble
Ontario|a prosperous and industrialized province in central Canada
ontology|(computer science) a rigorous and exhaustive organization of some knowledge domain that is usually hierarchical and contains all the relevant entities and their relations;the metaphysical study of the nature of being and existence
Onychium|small terrestrial ferns of Old World tropics and subtropics;clawed ferns;sometimes placed in family Cryptogrammataceae
Onychogalea|a genus of Macropodidae
onycholysis|separation of a nail from its normal attachment to the nail bed
Onychomys|grasshopper mice
Onychophora|enigmatic small elongated wormlike terrestrial invertebrates of damp dark habitats in warm regions;distinct from the phylum Annelida;resemble slugs with legs and are sometimes described as the missing link between arthropods and annelids
onychophoran|any of numerous velvety-skinned wormlike carnivorous animals common in tropical forests having characteristics of both arthropods and annelid worms
onychosis|any disease or disorder of the nails
onyx|a chalcedony with alternating black and white bands;used in making cameos
oocyte|a female gametocyte that develops into an ovum after two meiotic divisions
oogenesis|development of ova
oology|the branch of zoology that studies eggs (especially birds' eggs and their size, shape, coloration, and number)
oolong|Chinese tea leaves that have been partially fermented before being dried
Oomycetes|nonphotosynthetic fungi that resemble algae and that reproduce by forming oospores;sometimes classified as protoctists
oophorectomy|surgical removal of one of both ovaries
oophoritis|inflammation of one or both ovaries
oophorosalpingectomy|surgical removal of one or both ovaries and the corresponding Fallopian tubes
Oort|Dutch astronomer who proved that the galaxy is rotating and proposed the existence of the Oort cloud (1900-1992)
Oort cloud|(astronomy) a hypothetical huge collection of comets orbiting the sun far beyond the orbit of Pluto;perturbations (as by other stars) can upset a comet's orbit and may send it tumbling toward the sun
oosphere|a gamete;used especially of lower plants
oospore|a thick-walled sexual spore that develops from a fertilized oosphere in some algae and fungi
ootid|mature ovum after penetration by sperm but before the formation of a zygote
ooze leather|a very soft leather made from the skins of calves and having a suede finish on the flesh side
op art|a style of abstractionism popular in the 1960s;produces dramatic visual effects with colors and contrasts that are difficult for the eye to resolve
opacification|the process of becoming cloudy or opaque
opacity|incomprehensibility resulting from obscurity of meaning;the phenomenon of not permitting the passage of electromagnetic radiation;the quality of being opaque to a degree;the degree to which something reduces the passage of light
opah|large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea fish of Atlantic and Pacific and Mediterranean
opal|a translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color;some varieties are used as gemstones
opal glass|a milky white translucent or opaque glass
opalescence|the visual property of something having a milky brightness and a play of colors from the surface
opaque gem|a gemstone that is opaque
Opel|German industrialist who was the first in Germany to use an assembly line in manufacturing automobiles (1871-1948)
open|a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water - "finally broke out of the forest into the open";a tournament in which both professionals and amateurs may play;information that has become public - "all the reports were out in the open"
open account|an unpaid credit order
open chain|a chain of atoms in a molecule whose ends are not joined to form a ring
open circuit|an incomplete electrical circuit in which no current flows
open door|freedom of access - "he maintained an open door for all employees"
open frame|any frame in which a bowler fails to make a strike or spare
open house|an informal party of people with hospitality for all comers
open interval|an interval that does not include its endpoints
open letter|a letter of protest;addressed to one person but intended for the general public
open marriage|a marriage in which each partner is free to enter into extraneous sexual relationships without guilt or jealousy from the other
open order|a military formation leaving enough space between ranks to allow an inspecting officer to pass
open primary|a primary in which any registered voter can vote (but must vote for candidates of only one party)
open secret|something that is supposed to be secret but is generally known - "their love affair was an open secret"
open sesame|a magical command;used by Ali Baba;any very successful means of achieving a result
open shop|a company whose workers are hired without regard to their membership in a labor union
open sight|rear gunsight having an open notch instead of a peephole or telescope
open society|a society that allows its members considerable freedom (as in a democracy) - "America's open society has made it an easy target for terrorists"
Open University|a British university that is open to people without formal academic qualifications and where teaching is by correspondence or broadcasting or summer school
open weave|a weave in which warp threads never come together, leaving interstices in the fabric
open-air market|a public marketplace where food and merchandise is sold
openbill|stork with a grooved bill whose upper and lower parts touch only at the base and tip
open-door policy|the policy of granting equal trade opportunities to all countries
open-end credit|a consumer credit line that can be used up to a certain limit or paid down at any time
open-end wrench|a wrench having parallel jaws at fixed separation (often on both ends of the handle)
opener|a hand tool used for opening sealed containers (bottles or cans);the first event in a series - "she played Chopin for her opener" - "the season's opener was a game against the Yankees"
open-face sandwich|sandwich without a covering slice of bread
open-heart surgery|heart surgery in which the rib cage is spread open, the heart is stopped and blood is detoured through a heart-lung machine while a heart valve or coronary artery is surgically repaired
open-hearth furnace|a furnace for making steel in which the steel is placed on a shallow hearth and flames of burning gas and hot air play over it
open-hearth process|a process for making steel using an open-hearth furnace
opening|a ceremony accompanying the start of some enterprise;a recognized sequence of moves at the beginning of a game of chess - "he memorized all the important chess openings";a vacant or unobstructed space that is man-made - "they left a small opening for the cat at the bottom of the door";an open or empty space in or between things - "there was a small opening between the trees";becoming open or being made open - "the opening of his arms was the sign I was waiting for";opportunity especially for employment or promotion - "there is an opening in the sales department";the act of opening something - "the ray of light revealed his cautious opening of the door";the first performance (as of a theatrical production) - "the opening received good critical reviews";the initial part of the introduction - "the opening established the basic theme"
opening line|the first line of a piece of writing (as a newspaper story)
openness|characterized by an attitude of ready accessibility (especially about one's actions or purposes);without concealment;not secretive;without obstructions to passage or view - "the openness of the prairies"
openside plane|a woodworking plane designed to cut rabbets
openwork|ornamental work (such as embroidery or latticework) having a pattern of openings
opepe|large African forest tree yielding a strong hard yellow to golden brown lumber;sometimes placed in genus Sarcocephalus
opera|a building where musical dramas are performed;a drama set to music;consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes;a commercial browser
opera cloak|a large cloak worn over evening clothes
opera company|a company that produces operas
opera star|singer of lead role in an opera
operagoer|a patron of the opera
operand|a quantity upon which a mathematical operation is performed
operant conditioning|conditioning in which an operant response is brought under stimulus control by virtue of presenting reinforcement contingent upon the occurrence of the operant response
operating budget|a budget for current expenses as distinct from financial transactions or permanent improvements
operating capability|the capability of a technological system to perform as intended
operating capital|capital available for the operations of a firm (e.g. manufacturing or transportation) as distinct from financial transactions and long-term improvements
operating expense|the expense of maintaining property (e.g., paying property taxes and utilities and insurance);it does not include depreciation or the cost of financing or income taxes
operating microscope|binocular microscope used in surgery to provide a clear view of small and inaccessible parts of the body (as in microsurgery)
operating procedure|a procedure for operating something or for dealing with a given situation
operating room|a room in a hospital equipped for the performance of surgical operations - "great care is taken to keep the operating rooms aseptic"
operating system|(computer science) software that controls the execution of computer programs and may provide various services
operating table|table on which the patient lies during a surgical operation
operation|(computer science) data processing in which the result is completely specified by a rule (especially the processing that results from a single instruction) - "it can perform millions of operations per second";a business especially one run on a large scale - "a large-scale farming operation" - "a multinational operation" - "they paid taxes on every stage of the operation" - "they had to consolidate their operations";a medical procedure involving an incision with instruments;performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body - "they will schedule the operation as soon as an operating room is available";a planned activity involving many people performing various actions - "they organized a rescue operation" - "the biggest police operation in French history" - "running a restaurant is quite an operation" - "consolidate the companies various operations";a process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work - "the operations in building a house" - "certain machine tool operations";activity by a military or naval force (as a maneuver or campaign) - "it was a joint operation of the navy and air force";process or manner of functioning or operating - "the power of its engine determines its operation" - "the plane's operation in high winds";the activity of operating something (a machine or business etc.) - "her smooth operation of the vehicle gave us a surprisingly comfortable ride";the state of being in effect or being operative - "that rule is no longer in operation"
operation code|the portion of a set of operation descriptions that specifies the operation to be performed;the set of operations in a computer
Operation Desert Storm|the United States and its allies defeated Iraq in a ground war that lasted 100 hours (1991)
operational cell|a terrorist cell that performs clandestine activities
operational damage|loss of military equipment in field operations
operationalism|(philosophy) the doctrine that the meaning of a proposition consists of the operations involved in proving or applying it
operations|financial transactions at a brokerage;having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records
operations research|research designed to determine most efficient way to do something
operative field|the area that is open during surgery
operator|(mathematics) a symbol or function representing a mathematical operation;a speculator who trades aggressively on stock or commodity markets;an agent that operates some apparatus or machine - "the operator of the switchboard";someone who owns or operates a business - "who is the operator of this franchise?"
operator gene|a gene that activates the production of messenger RNA by adjacent structural genes
operculum|a hard flap serving as a cover for (a) the gill slits in fishes or (b) the opening of the shell in certain gastropods when the body is retracted
operetta|a short amusing opera
operon|a segment of DNA containing adjacent genes including structural genes and an operator gene and a regulatory gene
Opheodrys|North American green snakes
Ophidiidae|eellike marine fishes
ophidism|poisoning by snake venom
Ophiodon|a genus of Ophiodontidae
Ophiodontidae|fishes closely related to greenlings
Ophioglossaceae|a family of succulent ferns of order Ophioglossales;cosmopolitan in distribution
Ophioglossales|coextensive with the family Ophioglossaceae
Ophioglossum|the type genus of the fern family Ophioglossaceae
ophiolatry|the worship of snakes
Ophiophagus|king cobra
Ophisaurus|glass lizards
Ophiuchus|a large constellation in the equatorial region between Hercules and Scorpius
Ophiurida|brittle stars
Ophiuroidea|brittle stars and basket stars
ophryon|the craniometric point in the midline of the forehead immediately above the orbits
Ophrys|a hardy genus of terrestrial orchids of Europe and northern Africa and western Asia
ophthalmectomy|surgical removal of an eye
ophthalmia|severe conjunctivitis
ophthalmia neonatorum|ophthalmia in newborns;contracted while passing through the birth canal;usually prevented with silver nitrate drops
ophthalmic artery|a branch of the internal carotid artery that supplies the eye and neighboring structures
ophthalmic vein|either of two veins that serve the eye;empties into the cavernous sinus
ophthalmologist|a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye
ophthalmology|the branch of medicine concerned with the eye and its diseases
ophthalmoplegia|paralysis of the motor nerves of the eye
ophthalmoscope|medical instrument for examining the retina of the eye
ophthalmoscopy|examination of the interior of an eye using an ophthalmoscope
opiate|a narcotic drug that contains opium or an opium derivative
opinion|a message expressing a belief about something;the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof - "his opinions appeared frequently on the editorial page";a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty - "my opinion differs from yours";the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision - "opinions are usually written by a single judge";the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself)
Opisthobranchia|gastropods having the gills when present posterior to the heart and having no operculum;includes sea slugs;sea butterflies;sea hares
Opisthocomidae|comprising the hoatzins
Opisthocomus|type genus of the Opisthocomidae;hoatzins
Opisthognathidae|jawfishes
opisthorchiasis|infestation with flukes obtained from eating raw fish;common in eastern Asia
opisthotonos|severe spasm in which the back arches and the head bends back and heels flex toward the back
opium|an addictive narcotic extracted from seed capsules of the opium poppy
opium addict|someone addicted to opium
opium den|a building where opium is sold and used
opium poppy|southwestern Asian herb with greyish leaves and white or reddish flowers;source of opium
opopanax|an odorous gum resin formerly used in medicines
opossum|nocturnal arboreal marsupial having a naked prehensile tail found from southern North America to northern South America
opossum rat|terrestrial marsupials of southern South America that resemble shrews
opossum shrimp|shrimp-like crustaceans whose females carry eggs and young in a pouch between the legs
Oppenheimer|United States physicist who directed the project at Los Alamos that developed the first atomic bomb (1904-1967)
opportuneness|timely convenience
opportunism|taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others
opportunist|a person who places expediency above principle
opportunistic infection|any infection caused by a microorganism that does not normally cause disease in humans;occurs in persons with abnormally functioning immune systems (as AIDS patients or transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs)
opportunity|a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances - "the holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington"
opportunity cost|cost in terms of foregoing alternatives
opposition|a body of people united in opposing something;a contestant that you are matched against;a direction opposite to another;the relation between opposed entities;the major political party opposed to the party in office and prepared to replace it if elected - "Her Majesty's loyal opposition"
oppression|a feeling of being oppressed;the act of subjugating by cruelty - "the tyrant's oppression of the people";the state of being kept down by unjust use of force or authority - "after years of oppression they finally revolted"
oppressor|a person of authority who subjects others to undue pressures
Ops|(Roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility;wife of Saturn;counterpart of Greek Rhea and Cybele of ancient Asia Minor
opsin|retinal protein formed by the action of light on rhodopsin
opsonin|an antibody in blood serum that attaches to invading microorganisms and other antigens to make them more susceptible to the action of phagocytes
opsonization|process whereby opsonins make an invading microorganism more susceptible to phagocytosis
optative mood|a mood (as in Greek or Sanskrit) that expresses a wish or hope;expressed in English by modal verbs
Optez|an artificial language
optic axis|in a doubly refracting crystal, the line in the direction of which no double refraction occurs
optic chiasma|the crossing of the optic nerves from the two eyes at the base of the brain
optic cup|(embryology) a two-walled cuplike depression that develops into the pigmented and sensory layers of the retina
optic nerve|the cranial nerve that serves the retina
optic radiation|a nerve pathway from the lateral geniculate body to the visual cortex
optical bench|apparatus for observation and measurement of optical phenomena
optical crown|optical glass of low dispersion and low refractive index
optical density|(physics) a measure of the extent to which a substance transmits light or other electromagnetic radiation
optical device|a device for producing or controlling light
optical disk|a disk coated with plastic that can store digital data as tiny pits etched in the surface;is read with a laser that scans the surface
optical fiber|a very thin fiber made of glass that functions as a waveguide for light;used in bundles to transmit images
optical flint|optical glass of high dispersion and high refractive index
optical glass|clear homogeneous glass of known refractive index;used to make lenses
optical illusion|an optical phenomenon that results in a false or deceptive visual impression
optical instrument|an instrument designed to aid vision
optical opacity|opacity to light
optical phenomenon|a physical phenomenon related to or involving light
optical pyrometer|a pyrometer that uses the color of the light emitted by a hot object
optical telescope|an astronomical telescope designed to collect and record light from cosmic sources
optician|a worker who makes glasses for remedying defects of vision
optics|optical properties - "the optics of a telescope";the branch of physics that studies the physical properties of light
optimism|a general disposition to expect the best in all things;the optimistic feeling that all is going to turn out well
optimist|a person disposed to take a favorable view of things
optimization|the act of rendering optimal - "the simultaneous optimization of growth and profitability" - "in an optimization problem we seek values of the variables that lead to an optimal value of the function that is to be optimized" - "to promote the optimization and diversification of agricultural products"
optimum|most favorable conditions or greatest degree or amount possible under given circumstances
option|one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen - "what option did I have?";the right to buy or sell property at an agreed price;the right is purchased and if it is not exercised by a stated date the money is forfeited
optometrist|a person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
optometry|the practice of an optometrist
Opuntia|large genus of cactuses native to America;prickly pears
Opuntiales|coextensive with the family Cactaceae;cactuses
OR circuit|a gate circuit in a computer that fires when any of its inputs fire
orach|any of various herbaceous plants of the genus Atriplex that thrive in deserts and salt marshes
oracle|a prophecy (usually obscure or allegorical) revealed by a priest or priestess;believed to be infallible;a shrine where an oracular god is consulted
oral|an examination conducted by spoken communication
oral cancer|malignant neoplasm of the lips of mouth;most common in men over the age of 60
oral contraception|contraception achieved by taking oral contraceptive pills
oral contract|an agreement that is not in writing and is not signed by the parties but is a real existing contract that lacks only the formal requirement of a memorandum to render it enforceable in litigation
oral herpes|caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
oral personality|(psychoanalysis) a personality characterized either by generous optimism or aggressive and ambitious selfishness;formed in early childhood by fixation during the oral stage of development
oral sex|oral stimulation of the genitals
oral smear|alimentary tract smear of material obtained from the mouth
oral stage|(psychoanalysis) the first sexual and social stage of an infant's development;the mouth is the focus of the libido and satisfaction comes from suckling and chewing and biting
Oran|a port city in northwestern Algeria and the country's 2nd largest city
Orange|a river in South Africa that flows generally westward to the Atlantic Ocean;any citrus tree bearing oranges;any pigment producing the orange color;orange color or pigment;any of a range of colors between red and yellow;round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees
orange bat|a common bat of northwestern Australia having orange or yellow fur
orange daisy|mat-forming herb of Turkestan with nearly double orange-yellow flowers
orange grass|annual wiry-stemmed North American weed with minute scalelike leaves and small yellow flowers
Orange Group|a terrorist group of Protestants who oppose any political settlement with Irish nationalists;a paramilitary group that attacks Catholic interests in Northern Ireland
orange grove|grove of orange trees
orange hawkweed|European hawkweed having flower heads with bright orange-red rays;a troublesome weed especially as naturalized in northeastern North America;sometimes placed in genus Hieracium
orange juice|bottled or freshly squeezed juice of oranges
orange liqueur|liqueur flavored with orange
orange marmalade|marmalade made from oranges
orange milkwort|bog plant of pine barrens of southeastern United States having spikes of irregular yellow-orange flowers
orange mushroom pimple|a variety of mushroom pimple
Orange Order|a Protestant political organization in Northern Ireland
orange peel|strips of orange peel cooked in sugar and coated with sugar;the rind of an orange
orange pekoe|a superior grade of black tea;grown in India and Sri Lanka and Java
orange sneezeweed|stout perennial herb of western United States having flower heads with drooping orange-yellow rays;causes spewing sickness in sheep
orange soda|orange-flavored carbonated drink
orange toast|buttered toast with sugar and grated orange rind and a little orange juice
orange tortrix|California moth whose larvae live in especially oranges
orange yellow|a shade of yellow tinged with orange
orange zest|tiny bits of orange peel
orangeade|sweetened beverage of diluted orange juice
orange-blossom orchid|diminutive Australian orchid with loose racemes of fragrant white flowers with purple and orange markings on the lip
Orangeman|a member of a society founded in Ireland in 1795 to uphold Protestantism and the British sovereign
orangery|a place where oranges are grown;a plantation of orange trees in warm climes or a greenhouse in cooler areas
orangewood|fine-grained wood of an orange tree;used in fine woodwork
orangutan|large long-armed ape of Borneo and Sumatra having arboreal habits
oration|an instance of oratory - "he delivered an oration on the decline of family values"
orator|a person who delivers a speech or oration
oratory|addressing an audience formally (usually a long and rhetorical address and often pompous) - "he loved the sound of his own oratory"
orb web|a circular spider web
orbiculate leaf|circular or nearly circular leaf
Orbignya|palms of southern Mexico to northern South America;babassu palm
Orbison|United States composer and rockabilly tenor popular in the 1950s (1936-1988)
orbit|the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another - "he plotted the orbit of the moon";the path of an electron around the nucleus of an atom
orbit period|the time it takes to complete one full orbit around a celestial body - "the orbit period depends on the altitude of the satellite"
orbital plane|(astronomy) the plane on which a body is orbiting
orbital rotation|motion of an object in an orbit around a fixed point - "satellites in orbital rotation"
orbitale|the craniometric point at the lowest point on the lower edge of the orbit
orb-weaving spider|a spider that spins a circular (or near circular) web
orchard grass|widely grown stout Old World hay and pasture grass
orchard oriole|the male is chestnut-and-black
Orchestia|type genus of the family Orchestiidae
Orchestiidae|beach fleas
orchestra|a musical organization consisting of a group of instrumentalists including string players;seating on the main floor in a theater
orchestra pit|lowered area in front of a stage where an orchestra accompanies the performers
orchestration|an arrangement of a piece of music for performance by an orchestra or band;an arrangement of events that attempts to achieve a maximum effect - "the skillful orchestration of his political campaign";the act of arranging a piece of music for an orchestra and assigning parts to the different musical instruments
orchestrator|an arranger who writes for orchestras
orchid|any of numerous plants of the orchid family usually having flowers of unusual shapes and beautiful colors
Orchidaceae|enormous cosmopolitan family of perennial terrestrial or epiphytic plants with fleshy tubers or rootstocks and unusual flowers
Orchidales|order of plants with irregular flowers having minute seeds;Orchidaceae;Burmanniaceae
orchidalgia|pain in the testes
orchidectomy|surgical removal of one or both testicles
orchil|a purplish dye obtained from orchil lichens
orchiopexy|operation to bring an undescended testicle into the scrotum
orchis|any of various deciduous terrestrial orchids having fleshy tubers and flowers in erect terminal racemes
orchitis|inflammation of one or both testes;characterized by pain and swelling
orchotomy|surgical incision into the testis to obtain material for analysis (as in cases of abnormally low sperm count)
Orcinus|killer whales
Orczy|British writer (born in Hungary) (1865-1947)
Ord kangaroo rat|most widely distributed kangaroo rat;plains and mountain areas of central and western United States
ordainer|a cleric who ordains;a cleric who admits someone to holy orders
ordeal|a primitive method of determining a person's guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under divine control;escape was usually taken as a sign of innocence;a severe or trying experience
order|(architecture) one of original three styles of Greek architecture distinguished by the type of column and entablature used or a style developed from the original three by the Romans;(biology) taxonomic group containing one or more families;(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed - "the British ships dropped anchor and waited for orders from London";a body of rules followed by an assembly;a commercial document used to request someone to supply something in return for payment and providing specifications and quantities - "IBM received an order for a hundred computers";a degree in a continuum of size or quantity - "it was on the order of a mile" - "an explosion of a low order of magnitude";a group of person living under a religious rule - "the order of Saint Benedict";a request for something to be made, supplied, or served - "I gave the waiter my order" - "the company's products were in such demand that they got more orders than their call center could handle";established customary state (especially of society) - "order ruled in the streets" - "law and order";the act of putting things in a sequential arrangement - "there were mistakes in the ordering of items on the list"
order arms|a position in the manual of arms;the rifle is held vertically on the right side with the butt on the ground;often used as a command
order book|a book in which customers' orders are entered;usually makes multiple copies of the order
order form|a form to use when placing an order
order Myxobacteria|an order of higher bacteria
order of magnitude|a number assigned to the ratio of two quantities;two quantities are of the same order of magnitude if one is less than 10 times as large as the other;the number of magnitudes that the quantities differ is specified to within a power of 10
order of the day|the order of business for an assembly on a given day
Order of the Purple Heart|a United States military decoration awarded to any member of the armed forces who is wounded in action
order paper|a printed copy of the order of the day
orderer|an organizer who puts things in order - "Aristotle was a great orderer of ideas";someone who places an order to buy
ordering|logical or comprehensible arrangement of separate elements
orderliness|a condition of regular or proper arrangement;the quality of appreciating method and system
orderly|a male hospital attendant who has general duties that do not involve the medical treatment of patients;a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer - "the orderly laid out the general's uniform"
orderly sergeant|the first sergeant of a company;duties formerly included the conveyance of orders
ordinal number|the number designating place in an ordered sequence
ordinance|a statute enacted by a city government
ordinand|a person being ordained
ordinariness|the quality of being commonplace and ordinary
ordinary|(heraldry) any of several conventional figures used on shields;a clergyman appointed to prepare condemned prisoners for death;a judge of a probate court;an early bicycle with a very large front wheel and small back wheel;the expected or commonplace condition or situation - "not out of the ordinary"
ordinary annuity|an annuity paid in a series of more or less equal payments at the end of equally spaced periods
ordinate|the value of a coordinate on the vertical axis
ordination|the act of ordaining;the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders - "the rabbi's family was present for his ordination";the status of being ordained to a sacred office
Ordnance Survey|the official cartography agency of the British government
Ordovician|from 500 million to 425 million years ago;conodonts and ostracods and algae and seaweeds
ore|a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined;a monetary subunit in Denmark and Norway and Sweden;100 ore equal 1 krona
ore bed|a stratum of ore
Oread|(Greek mythology) one of the mountain nymphs
Oreamnos|mountain goats
Orectolobidae|nurse sharks and carpet sharks
Orectolobus|carpet sharks
oregano|aromatic Eurasian perennial
Oregon|a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
Oregon ash|timber tree of western North America yielding hard light wood;closely related to the red ash
Oregon cedar|large timber tree of western North America with trunk diameter to 12 feet and height to 200 feet
Oregon crab apple|small tree or shrub of western United States having white blossoms and tiny yellow or red fruit
Oregon grape|ornamental evergreen shrub of Pacific coast of North America having dark green pinnate leaves and racemes of yellow flowers followed by blue-black berries;small shrub with grey-green leaves and yellow flowers followed by glaucous blue berries
Oregon maple|maple of western North America having large 5-lobed leaves orange in autumn
Oregon white oak|small deciduous tree of western North America with crooked branches and pale grey bark
Oregonian|a native or resident of Oregon
oreo|chocolate cookie with white cream filling
Oreopteris|3 species of ferns formerly included in genus Dryopteris or Thelypteris
Oreortyx|mountain quail of western United States
Orestes|(Greek mythology) the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra;his sister Electra persuaded him to avenge Agamemnon's death by killing Clytemnestra and Aegisthus
Orff|German musician who developed a widely used system for teaching music to children (1895-1982)
organ|a fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function;a government agency or instrument devoted to the performance of some specific function - "The Census Bureau is an organ of the Commerce Department";a periodical that is published by a special interest group - "the organ of the communist party";wind instrument whose sound is produced by means of pipes arranged in sets supplied with air from a bellows and controlled from a large complex musical keyboard
organ donor|someone from whom an organ is taken for transplantation
organ loft|a gallery occupied by a church organ
organ of Corti|the hearing organ of the inner ear;contains receptors that respond to sound waves
organ of hearing|the part of the ear that is responsible for sensations of sound
organ pipe|the flues and stops on a pipe organ
organ stop|a graduated set of organ pipes of like tone quality
organdy|a sheer stiff muslin
organelle|a specialized part of a cell;analogous to an organ - "the first organelle to be identified was the nucleus"
organ-grinder|a street musician who plays a hand organ or hurdy-gurdy
organic|a fertilizer that is derived from animal or vegetable matter
organic brain syndrome|mental abnormality resulting from disturbance of the structure or function of the brain
organic chemistry|the chemistry of compounds containing carbon (originally defined as the chemistry of substances produced by living organisms but now extended to substances synthesized artificially)
organic compound|any compound of carbon and another element or a radical
organic disorder|disorder caused by a detectable physiological or structural change in an organ
organic light-emitting diode|a self-luminous diode (it glows when an electrical field is applied to the electrodes) that does not require backlighting or diffusers
organic phenomenon|(biology) a natural phenomenon involving living plants and animals
organic process|a process occurring in living organisms
organicism|theory that the total organization of an organism rather than the functioning of individual organs is the determinant of life processes
organification|the process of organ formation
organism|a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently;a system considered analogous in structure or function to a living body - "the social organism"
organist|a person who plays an organ
organization|a group of people who work together;an ordered manner;orderliness by virtue of being methodical and well organized - "his compulsive organization was not an endearing quality";the act of organizing a business or an activity related to a business - "he was brought in to supervise the organization of a new department";the activity or result of distributing or disposing persons or things properly or methodically - "his organization of the work force was very efficient"
organization chart|a chart showing the lines of responsibility between departments of a large organization
organization expense|the cost (over a period of five years) of organizing a new corporation or partnership
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons|international organization for chemical disarmament;administers the Chemical Weapons Convention
organization man|an employee who sacrifices his own individuality for the good of an organization
Organization of American States|an association including most countries in the western hemisphere;created in 1948 to promote military and economic and social and cultural cooperation
Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries|an organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the production and sale of petroleum
organized crime|underworld organizations
organized labor|employees who are represented by a labor union
organizer|a person who brings order and organization to an enterprise - "she was the organizer of the meeting";someone who enlists workers to join a union
organon|a system of principles for philosophic or scientific investigations;an instrument for acquiring knowledge
organophosphate|an insecticide that interferes with an insect's nervous system
organophosphate nerve agent|any of a series of nerve agents containing organophosphate compounds first synthesized by German chemists in 1936;in World War II the Germans tested them in concentration camps but not on the battlefield;Iraq is alleged to have used them against Iran and against the Kurds
organza|a fabric made of silk or a silklike fabric that resembles organdy
orgasm|the moment of most intense pleasure in sexual intercourse
orgy|a wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity;any act of immoderate indulgence - "an orgy of shopping";secret rite in the cults of ancient Greek or Roman deities involving singing and dancing and drinking and sexual activity
oriel|a projecting bay window corbeled or cantilevered out from a wall
Oriental|a member of an Oriental race;the term is regarded as offensive by Asians (especially by Asian Americans)
Oriental arborvitae|Asiatic shrub or small tree widely planted in United States and Europe;in some classifications assigned to its own genus
Oriental beetle|introduced into United States from the Orient;larvae feed on roots of sugarcane and other grasses
oriental cherry|ornamental tree with inedible fruits widely cultivated in many varieties for its white blossoms
oriental cockroach|dark brown cockroach originally from orient now nearly cosmopolitan in distribution
oriental plane|large tree of southeastern Europe to Asia Minor
oriental poppy|commonly cultivated Asiatic perennial poppy having stiff heavily haired leaves and bright scarlet or pink to orange flowers
Oriental scops owl|Asian scops owl
oriental spruce|evergreen tree of the Caucasus and Asia Minor used as an ornamental having pendulous branchlets
orientalism|the quality or customs or mannerisms characteristic of Asian civilizations - "orientalisms can be found in Mozart's operas";the scholarly knowledge of Asian cultures and languages and people
orientalist|a specialist in oriental subjects
orientation|a person's awareness of self with regard to position and time and place and personal relationships;an integrated set of attitudes and beliefs;position or alignment relative to points of the compass or other specific directions;the act of orienting
orientation course|a course introducing a new situation or environment
orifice|an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity - "the orifice into the aorta from the lower left chamber of the heart"
oriflamme|a red or orange-red flag used as a standard by early French kings;an inspiring symbol or ideal that serves as a rallying point in a struggle
origami|the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes representing objects (e.g., flowers or birds)
origanum|any of various fragrant aromatic herbs of the genus Origanum used as seasonings
Origen|Greek philosopher and theologian who reinterpreted Christian doctrine through the philosophy of Neoplatonism;his work was later condemned as unorthodox (185-254)
origin|an event that is a beginning;a first part or stage of subsequent events;properties attributable to your ancestry - "he comes from good origins";the point of intersection of coordinate axes;where the values of the coordinates are all zero;the source of something's existence or from which it derives or is derived - "the rumor had its origin in idle gossip" - "vegetable origins" - "mineral origin" - "origin in sensation"
original|something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies - "this painting is a copy of the original"
original sin|a sin said to be inherited by all descendants of Adam - "Adam and Eve committed the original sin when they ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden"
originalism|the belief that the United States Constitution should be interpreted in the way the authors originally intended it
originality|the ability to think and act independently;the quality of being new and original (not derived from something else)
origination fee|a fee charged to a borrower (especially for a mortgage loan) to cover the costs of initiating the loan
originator|someone who creates new things
orinasal phone|a speech sound produced with both the oral and nasal passages open (as French nasal vowels)
Orinoco|a South American river 1,500 miles long;flows into the South Atlantic
Oriolidae|Old World orioles
Oriolus|type genus of the Oriolidae
Orion|(Greek mythology) a giant Boeotian hunter who pursued the Pleiades and was eventually slain by Artemis;was then placed in the sky as a constellation;a constellation on the equator to the east of Taurus;contains Betelgeuse and Rigel
Orissa|state in eastern India on the Bay of Bengal
Orites|small genus of Australian shrubs or trees
Oriya|a Magadhan language that is spoken by the Oriya and is the official language of the Indian state of Orissa;a member of a people in India living in Orissa and neighboring areas
Orizaba|a city of east central Mexico (west of Veracruz);a popular resort
Orkney Islands|an archipelago of about 70 islands in the North Atlantic and North Sea off the northeastern coast of Scotland
Orlando|a city in central Florida;site of Walt Disney World
Orleanais|a former province of north central France;centered around Orleans
Orleanism|the political philosophy of the Orleanists
Orleanist|a supporter of the Orleans branch of the Bourbons that was descended from a younger brother of Louis XIV
Orleans|a city on the Loire river in north central France;site of the siege of Orleans by the English (1428-1429);a long siege of Orleans by the English was relieved by Joan of Arc in 1429
Orlon|an acrylic fiber or the lightweight crease-resistant fabric made with Orlon yarns
orlop deck|the fourth or lowest deck
Orly|a southeastern suburb of Paris;site of an international airport serving Paris
Ormandy|United States conductor (born in Hungary) (1899-1985)
Ormazd|chief deity of Zoroastrianism;source of light and embodiment of good
ormer|an abalone found near the Channel Islands
ormolu|brass that looks like gold;used to decorate furniture
Ormosia|genus of tropical shrubs and trees having usually odd-pinnate leaves with large leaflets and pink to reddish wood
ornamental|any plant grown for its beauty or ornamental value
ornamentalism|the practice of ornamental display
ornamentation|the act of adding extraneous decorations to something;the state of being ornamented
ornateness|an ornate appearance;being elaborately (even excessively) decorated
ornithine|an amino acid that does not occur in proteins but is important in the formation of urea
Ornithischia|extinct terrestrial reptiles having bird-like pelvises;armored dinosaurs (thyreophorans);boneheaded and horned dinosaurs (marginocephalians);duck-billed dinosaurs (euronithopods)
ornithischian|herbivorous dinosaur with a pelvis like that of a bird
Ornithogalum|sometimes placed in family Hyacinthaceae
ornithologist|a zoologist who studies birds
ornithology|the branch of zoology that studies birds
ornithomimid|lightly built medium-sized dinosaur having extremely long limbs and necks with small heads and big brains and large eyes
Ornithomimida|lightly built medium-size theropods
ornithopod|bipedal herbivorous dinosaur
Ornithorhynchidae|platypus
Ornithorhynchus|type genus of the family Ornithorhynchidae
Orobanchaceae|brown or yellow leafless herbs;sometimes placed in the order Scrophulariales
orogeny|the process of mountain formation (especially by the upward displacement of the earth's crust)
oroide|alloy of copper and tin and zinc;used in imitation gold jewelry
orology|the science of mountains
Orono|a university town in east central Maine on the Penobscot River to the north of Bangor
Orontium|one species of aquatic plant;golden club
oropharynx|cavity formed by the pharynx at the back of the mouth
Orozco|Mexican painter noted for his monumental murals (1883-1949)
orphan|a child who has lost both parents;a young animal without a mother;someone or something who lacks support or care or supervision;the first line of a paragraph that is set as the last line of a page or column
orphan site|a toxic waste area where the polluter could not be identified or the polluter refused to take action or pay for the cleanup
orphanage|a public institution for the care of orphans;the condition of being a child without living parents - "his early orphanage shaped his character as an adult"
orphenadrine|a skeletal muscle relaxant (trade name Norflex) used to treat severe muscle strain and Parkinsonism
Orpheus|(Greek mythology) a great musician;when his wife Eurydice died he went to Hades to get her back but failed
orphrey|a richly embroidered edging on an ecclesiastical vestment
orpiment|a yellow mineral occurring in conjunction with realgar;an ore of arsenic
orpine|perennial northern temperate plant with toothed leaves and heads of small purplish-white flowers
Orpington|English breed of large chickens with white skin
Orr|Canadian hockey player (born 1948)
orrery|planetarium consisting of an apparatus that illustrates the relative positions and motions of bodies in the solar system by rotation and revolution of balls moved by wheelwork;sometimes incorporated in a clock
orrisroot|fragrant rootstock of various irises especially Florentine iris;used in perfumes and medicines
Ortalis|chachalacas
Ortega|Nicaraguan statesman (born in 1945)
Ortega y Gasset|Spanish philosopher who advocated leadership by an intellectual elite (1883-1955)
orthicon|a now obsolete picture pickup tube in a television camera;electrons emitted from a photoemissive surface in proportion to the intensity of the incident light are focused onto the target causing secondary emission of electrons
Orthilia|a shrubby perennial rhizomatous evergreen herb;grows in damp coniferous woodlands in northern temperate regions
orthochorea|a form of chorea in which spasms occur mainly when the patient is erect
orthochromatic film|a photographic film sensitive to green and blue and violet light
orthoclase|a white or colored monoclinic feldspar
orthodontic treatment|dental treatment that corrects irregularities of the teeth or of the relation of the teeth to surrounding anatomy;treatment is usually by braces or mechanical aids - "orthodontic treatment of facial abnormalities"
orthodontics|the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention or correction of irregularities of the teeth
orthodontist|a dentist specializing in the prevention or correction of irregularities of the teeth
Orthodox Church|derived from the Byzantine Church and adhering to Byzantine rites
Orthodox Jew|Jew who practices strict observance of Mosaic law
Orthodox Judaism|beliefs and practices of a Judaic sect that strictly observes Mosaic law;Jews who strictly observe the Mosaic law as interpreted in the Talmud
orthodox sleep|a recurring sleep state during which rapid eye movements do not occur and dreaming does not occur;accounts for about 75% of normal sleep time
orthodoxy|a belief or orientation agreeing with conventional standards;the quality of being orthodox (especially in religion)
orthoepist|a practitioner of orthoepy (especially one of the 17th or 18th century scholars who proposed to reform English spelling so it would reflect pronunciation more closely)
orthoepy|a term formerly used for the part of phonology that dealt with the 'correct' pronunciation of words and its relation to 'correct' orthography
orthogonality|the quality of lying or intersecting at right angles;the relation of opposition between things at right angles
orthography|a method of representing the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols
orthomyxovirus|a group of viruses including those causing influenza
orthopedics|the branch of medical science concerned with disorders or deformities of the spine and joints
orthopedist|a specialist in correcting deformities of the skeletal system (especially in children)
orthopnea|form of dyspnea in which the person can breathe comfortably only when standing or sitting erect;associated with asthma and emphysema and angina pectoris
Orthopristis|a genus of Haemulidae
orthopter|heavier-than-air craft that is propelled by the flapping of wings
Orthoptera|grasshoppers and locusts;crickets
orthopterous insect|any of various insects having leathery forewings and membranous hind wings and chewing mouthparts
orthoptics|treatment of defects of binocular vision (such as strabismus and amblyopia) by nonsurgical measures (especially by exercises to strengthen the eye muscles)
orthoptist|a specialist in orthoptics
orthoscope|an ophthalmoscope with a layer of water to neutralize the refraction of the cornea
orthostatic hypotension|low blood pressure occurring in some people when they stand up
Orthotomus|tailorbirds
orthotropous ovule|a completely straight ovule with the micropyle at the apex
ortolan|brownish Old World bunting often eaten as a delicacy
ortygan|any of several East Indian birds
Orwell|imaginative British writer concerned with social justice (1903-1950)
Orycteropodidae|aardvarks
Orycteropus|coextensive with the family Orycteropodidae
Oryctolagus|Old World rabbits
oryx|large African antelope with long straight nearly upright horns
Oryza|rice
Oryzomys|rice rats
Oryzopsis|rice grass
orzo|pasta shaped like pearls of barley;frequently prepared with lamb in Greek cuisine
os|a mouth or mouthlike opening
Osage|a member of the Siouan people formerly living in Missouri in the valleys of the Missouri and Osage rivers;oil was found on Osage lands early in the 20th century;a river in Missouri that is a tributary of the Missouri River;the Dhegiha dialect spoken by the Osage
osage orange|small shrubby deciduous yellowwood tree of south central United States having spines, glossy dark green leaves and an inedible fruit that resembles an orange;its hard orange-colored wood used for bows by Native Americans;frequently planted as boundary hedge
Osaka|port city on southern Honshu on Osaka Bay;a commercial and industrial center of Japan
Osaka Bay|a bay of the western Pacific in southern Honshu
Osasco|a city in southeastern Brazil;suburb of Sao Paulo
Osborne|English playwright (1929-1994)
Oscan|an extinct Italic language of ancient southern Italy;an Oscan-speaking member of an ancient people of Campania
oscheocele|swelling of the scrotum
oscillation|(physics) a regular periodic variation in value about a mean;the process of oscillating between states
oscillator|generator that produces sonic oscillations or alternating current
Oscillatoriaceae|blue green algae
oscillogram|the recording produced by an oscillograph
oscillograph|a device for making a record of the wave forms of fluctuating voltages or currents
oscilloscope|electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities
oscine|passerine bird having specialized vocal apparatus
Oscines|two names for the suborder of typical songbirds
oscitancy|drowsiness and dullness manifested by yawning
Osco-Umbrian|a group of dead languages of ancient Italy;they were displace by Latin
osculation|(mathematics) a contact of two curves (or two surfaces) at which they have a common tangent
osier|any of various willows having pliable twigs used in basketry and furniture;flexible twig of a willow tree
Osiris|Egyptian god of the underworld and judge of the dead;husband and brother of Isis;father of Horus
Oslo|the capital and largest city of Norway;the country's main port;located at the head of a fjord on Norway's southern coast
Osman I|the conqueror of Turkey who founded the Ottoman Empire and the Ottoman dynasty that ruled Turkey after the 13th century;conquered most of Asia Minor and assumed the title of emir in 1299 (1259-1326)
Osmanthus|widely distributed genus of evergreen shrubs or trees of southern United States and Middle East and China and Japan
Osmeridae|smelts
Osmerus|type genus of the Osmeridae
osmiridium|a hard and corrosion resistant mineral that is a natural alloy of osmium and iridium (usually containing small amounts of rhodium and platinum);used in needles and pen nibs etc.
osmium|a hard brittle blue-grey or blue-black metallic element that is one of the platinum metals;the heaviest metal known
osmoreceptor|sensory end organ that responds to changes in osmotic pressure
osmosis|(biology, chemistry) diffusion of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until the concentration on both sides is equal
osmotic pressure|(physical chemistry) the pressure exerted by a solution necessary to prevent osmosis into that solution when it is separated from the pure solvent by a semipermeable membrane
Osmundaceae|large family of ferns widely distributed in temperate and tropical areas
osprey|large harmless hawk found worldwide that feeds on fish and builds a bulky nest often occupied for years
Ossete|a northeastern Iranian language spoken in Russia
ossicle|a small bone;especially one in the middle ear
ossification|hardened conventionality;the calcification of soft tissue into a bonelike material;the developmental process of bone formation;the process of becoming rigidly fixed in a conventional pattern of thought or behavior
osso buco|sliced veal knuckle or shin bone cooked with olive oil and wine and tomatoes and served with rice or vegetables
ossuary|any receptacle for the burial of human bones
Ostariophysi|in some classifications considered a superorder comprising the Cypriniformes and the Siluriformes
Osteichthyes|a class of fish having a skeleton composed of bone in addition to cartilage
osteitis|inflammation of a bone as a consequence of infection or trauma or degeneration
ostensive definition|a definition that points out or exhibits instances of the term defined
ostentation|a gaudy outward display;lack of elegance as a consequence of being pompous and puffed up with vanity;pretentious or showy or vulgar display
osteoarthritis|chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints;the most common form of arthritis occurring usually after middle age
osteoblast|a cell from which bone develops
osteoblastoma|benign tumor of bone and fibrous tissue;occurs in the vertebrae or femur or tibia or arm bones (especially in young adults)
osteochondroma|benign tumor containing both bone and cartilage;usually occurs near the end of a long bone
osteoclasis|treatment of a skeletal deformity by intentionally fracturing a bone
osteoclast|cell that functions in the breakdown and resorption of bone tissue
osteocyte|mature bone cell
osteodystrophy|defective bone development;usually attributable to renal disease or to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism
osteogenesis imperfecta|autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue characterized by brittle bones that fracture easily
Osteoglossidae|a family of large fishes that live in freshwater;includes bandfish and bonytongues
Osteoglossiformes|teleost fish with bony tongues
osteologist|an anatomist who is skilled is osteology
osteology|the branch of anatomy that studies the bones of the vertebrate skeleton
osteolysis|lysis of bone caused by disease or infection or inadequate blood supply
osteoma|a slow growing benign tumor of consisting of bone tissue;usually on the skull or mandible
osteomalacia|abnormal softening of bones caused by deficiencies of phosphorus or calcium or vitamin D
osteomyelitis|an inflammation of bone and bone marrow (usually caused by bacterial infection)
osteopath|a therapist who manipulates the skeleton and muscles
osteopathy|therapy based on the assumption that restoring health is best accomplished by manipulating the skeleton and muscles
osteopetrosis|an inherited disorder characterized by an increase in bone density;in severe forms the bone marrow cavity may be obliterated
osteophyte|small abnormal bony outgrowth
osteoporosis|abnormal loss of bony tissue resulting in fragile porous bones attributable to a lack of calcium;most common in postmenopausal women
osteosarcoma|malignant bone tumor;most common in children and young adults where it tends to affect the femur
osteosclerosis|abnormal hardening or eburnation of bone
osteostracan|extinct jawless fish of the Devonian with armored head
Osteostraci|extinct group of armored fish-like vertebrates;taxonomy is not clear
osteotomy|surgical sectioning of bone
ostinato|a musical phrase repeated over and over during a composition
ostiole|a small pore especially one in the reproductive bodies of certain algae and fungi through which spores pass
ostomy|surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening for the elimination of bodily wastes
Ostraciidae|boxfishes
ostracism|the act of excluding someone from society by general consent
Ostracoda|seed shrimps
ostracoderm|extinct fish-like jawless vertebrate having a heavily armored body;of the Paleozoic
Ostracodermi|extinct group of armored jawless vertebrates;taxonomy is not clear
Ostrava|an industrial city in northwestern Czech Republic in the Moravian lowlands;located in the coal mining area of Silesia
Ostrea|type genus of the family Ostreidae
Ostreidae|oysters
ostrich|a person who refuses to face reality or recognize the truth (a reference to the popular notion that the ostrich hides from danger by burying its head in the sand);fast-running African flightless bird with two-toed feet;largest living bird
ostrich fern|tall fern of northern temperate regions having graceful arched fronds and sporophylls resembling ostrich plumes
Ostrogoth|a member of the eastern group of Goths who created a kingdom in northern Italy around 500 AD
Ostrya|deciduous monoecious trees of Europe and Asia and America;sometimes placed in subfamily or family Carpinaceae
Ostryopsis|deciduous monoecious shrubs of China and Mongolia resembling trees of the genus Ostrya;sometimes placed in subfamily or family Carpinaceae
Ostwald|German chemist (1853-1932)
Ostyak|a member of the nomadic Ugrian people living in northwestern Siberia (east of the Urals)
Oswald|United States assassin of President John F. Kennedy (1939-1963)
Otaheite arrowroot|a starch obtained from the root of the pia
Otaria|type genus of the Otariidae
Otariidae|eared seals;sea lions and fur seals
Othello|the hero of William Shakespeare's tragedy who would not trust his wife
otherness|the quality of being not alike;being distinct or different from that otherwise experienced or known
otherworld|an abstract spiritual world beyond earthly reality
othonna|a South African plant of the genus Othonna having smooth often fleshy leaves and heads of yellow flowers
otic ganglion|an autonomic ganglion whose postganglionic fibers are distributed to the parotid gland
Otides|terrestrial game birds of the Old World and Australia;bustards
Otididae|bustards
Otis|type genus of the Otididae;European bustard;United States inventor who manufactured the first elevator with a safety device (1811-1861)
otitis|inflammation of the ear
otitis externa|inflammation of the external ear (including auricle and ear canal)
otitis media|inflammation of the middle ear;common in children
Oto|a dialect of the Chiwere language spoken by the Oto;a member of the Siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the Platte and Missouri rivers in Nebraska
otology|the branch of medicine concerned with the ear
O'Toole|British actor (born in Ireland in 1932)
otoplasty|reconstructive surgery of the auricle of the external ear
otorrhea|discharge from the external ear
otosclerosis|hereditary disorder in which ossification of the labyrinth of the inner ear causes tinnitus and eventual deafness
otoscope|medical instrument consisting of a magnifying lens and light;used for examining the external ear (the auditory meatus and especially the tympanic membrane)
ottava rima|a stanza of eight lines of heroic verse with the rhyme scheme abababcc
Ottawa|a member of the Algonquian people of southern Ontario;the capital of Canada (located in southeastern Ontario across the Ottawa river from Quebec)
otter|freshwater carnivorous mammal having webbed and clawed feet and dark brown fur;the fur of an otter
otter shrew|amphibious African insectivorous mammal that resembles an otter
otterhound|hardy British hound having long pendulous ears and a thick coarse shaggy coat with an oily undercoat;bred for hunting otters
Otto I|King of the Germans and Holy Roman Emperor (912-973)
Ottoman|a Turk (especially a Turk who is a member of the tribe of Osman I);the Turkish dynasty that ruled the Ottoman Empire from the 13th century to its dissolution after World War I;thick cushion used as a seat
Ottoman Empire|a Turkish sultanate of southwestern Asia and northeastern Africa and southeastern Europe;created by the Ottoman Turks in the 13th century and lasted until the end of World War I;although initially small it expanded until it superseded the Byzantine Empire
Ottumwa|a town in southeast Iowa
Otus|a genus of Strigidae
Ouachita|a river that rises in western Arkansas and flows southeast into eastern Louisiana to become a tributary of the Red River
oubliette|a dungeon with the only entrance or exit being a trap door in the ceiling
ouguiya|the basic unit of money in Mauritania
Ouija|a board with the alphabet on it;used with a planchette to spell out supernatural messages
Oujda|a city in northeastern Morocco near the Algerian border
ounce|a unit of apothecary weight equal to 480 grains or one twelfth of a pound;a unit of weight equal to one sixteenth of a pound or 16 drams or 28.349 grams
Our Lord's candle|yucca of southwestern United States and Mexico with a tall spike of creamy white flowers
Ouranopithecus|a genus of Hominidae
Ouranos|(Greek mythology) god of the heavens;son and husband of Gaea and father of the Titans in ancient mythology
Ouse|a river in northeastern England that flows generally southeastward to join the Trent River and form the Humber
ouster|a person who ousts or supplants someone else;a wrongful dispossession;the act of ejecting someone or forcing them out
out|(baseball) a failure by a batter or runner to reach a base safely in baseball - "you only get 3 outs per inning"
outage|a temporary suspension of operation (as of computers) - "there will be a network outage from 8 to 10 a.m.";the amount of something (as whiskey or oil) lost in storage or transportation
out-and-outer|someone who is excellent at something
Outaouais|a river in southeastern Canada that flows along the boundary between Quebec and Ontario to the Saint Lawrence River near Montreal
outback|the bush country of the interior of Australia
out-basket|a wood or metal receptacle placed on your desk to hold your outgoing material
outboard motor|internal-combustion engine that mounts at stern of small boat
outboard motorboat|a motorboat with an outboard motor
outbreak|a sudden violent spontaneous occurrence (usually of some undesirable condition) - "the outbreak of hostilities"
outbuilding|a building that is subordinate to and separate from a main building
outburst|a sudden intense happening - "an outburst of heavy rain";a sudden violent disturbance
outcast|a person who is rejected (from society or home)
outcaste|a person belonging to no caste
outcrop|the part of a rock formation that appears above the surface of the surrounding land
outdoor game|an athletic game that is played outdoors
outdoor sport|a sport that is played outdoors
outdoors|where the air is unconfined - "he wanted to get outdoors a little"
outdoorsman|a person who spends time outdoors (e.g., hunting or fishing)
outdoorswoman|a woman who spends time outdoors (e.g., hunting and fishing)
Outer Hebrides|a 130-mile long archipelago to the northwest of Scotland
outer planet|(astronomy) a major planet whose orbit is outside the asteroid belt (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto)
outer space|any location outside the Earth's atmosphere - "the astronauts walked in outer space without a tether"
outercourse|sexual stimulation without vaginal penetration - "since pregnancy cannot happen if sperm are kept out of the vagina, outercourse is one method of birth control"
outerwear|clothing for use outdoors
outfall|the outlet of a river or drain or other source of water
outfield|the area of a baseball playing field beyond the lines connecting the bases
outfielder|(baseball) a person who plays in the outfield;a fielder in cricket who is stationed in the outfield
outfit|a set of clothing (with accessories);any cohesive unit such as a military company
outfitter|a shop that provides equipment for some specific purpose - "an outfitter provided everything needed for the safari";someone who sells men's clothes
outfitting|the act of renovating and fitting out a ship
outflow|the process of flowing out
outgo|money paid out;an amount spent
outgrowth|a natural consequence of development
outhouse|a small outbuilding with a bench having holes through which a user can defecate
outlandishness|strikingly out of the ordinary
outlet box|(electricity) receptacle consisting of the metal box designed for connections to a wiring system
outlier|a person who lives away from his place of work;an extreme deviation from the mean
outline|a schematic or preliminary plan;a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory;the line that appears to bound an object
out-of-body experience|the dissociative experience of observing yourself from an external perspective as though your mind or soul had left and was observing your body
out-of-court settlement|resolution of a dispute prior to the rendering of a final decision by the trial court
outpatient|a patient who does not reside in the hospital where he is being treated
outport|a subsidiary port built in deeper water than the original port (but usually farther from the center of trade)
outpost|a military post stationed at a distance from the main body of troops
output|production of a certain amount;the quantity of something (as a commodity) that is created (usually within a given period of time);what is produced in a given time period
output contract|a contract in which you promise to deliver your entire output to the other party who promises to accept it
output device|electronic or electromechanical equipment connected to a computer and used to transfer data out of the computer in the form of text, images, sounds, or other media
output file|(computer science) a computer file that contains data that are the output of a device or program
output program|a utility program that organizes the output of a computer
output routine|a routine that controls an output device
output signal|signal that comes out of an electronic system
output-to-input ratio|the output power of a transducer divided by the input power
outrage|a wantonly cruel act
outrageousness|the quality of being outrageous
outreach|the act of reaching out - "the outreach toward truth of the human spirit"
outrider|an escort who rides ahead (as a member of the vanguard)
outrigger|a stabilizer for a canoe;spars attach to a shaped log or float parallel to the hull
outrigger canoe|a seagoing canoe (as in South Pacific) with an outrigger to prevent it from upsetting
outside|the outer side or surface of something;the region that is outside of something
outside caliper|caliper for measuring outside dimensions;points on its legs curve inward
outside clinch|a clinch with the end of the line outside the loop
outside loop|a loop consisting of a dive followed by inverted flight followed by a climb that returns to horizontal flight
outside mirror|car mirror that reflects the view at side and behind car
outsider|a contestant (human or animal) not considered to have a good chance to win
outsider art|a genre of art and outdoor constructions made by untrained artists who do not recognize themselves as artists
outsize|an unusual garment size (especially one that is very large)
outskirt|a part of the city far removed from the center - "they built a factory on the outskirts of the city"
outskirts|outlying areas (as of a city or town) - "they lived on the outskirts of Houston" - "they mingled in the outskirts of the crowd"
outsole|the outer sole of a shoe or boot that is the bottom of the shoe and makes contact with the ground
outstation|a station in a remote or sparsely populated location
outstroke|the stroke of an engine piston moving toward the crankshaft
outtake|a scene that is filmed but is not used in the final editing of the film
outthrust|an outcropping of rock that extends outward
outwardness|a concern with or responsiveness to outward things (especially material objects as opposed to ideal concepts) - "hearty showmanship and all-round outwardness";concern with outward things or material objects as opposed to the mind and spirit - "what is the origin of the outwardness of our sensations of sound, smell, or taste" - "an abstract conception with feelings of reality and spatial outwardness attached to it";the quality or state of being outside or directed toward or relating to the outside or exterior - "the outwardness of the world"
outwork|subsidiary defensive structure lying outside the main fortified area - "the outworks of the castle"
ouzo|a Greek liquor flavored with anise
Oval Office|the office of the President of the United States in the White House
Ovalipes|a genus of Portunidae
ovarian artery|the artery that branches from the aorta and supplies blood to the ovaries
ovarian cyst|a cystic tumor (usually benign) of the ovary
ovarian pregnancy|ectopic pregnancy in the ovary
ovarian vein|one of the veins that drain the ovaries;the right opens into the inferior vena cava;the left opens into the left renal vein
ovaritis|inflammation of the ovaries
ovary|(vertebrates) one of usually two organs that produce ova and secrete estrogen and progesterone;the organ that bears the ovules of a flower
ovate leaf|an egg-shaped leaf with the broader end at the base
ovation|enthusiastic recognition (especially one accompanied by loud applause)
oven|kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
Oven Stuffer|a brand name for a roasting chicken
oven thermometer|a thermometer that registers the temperature inside an oven
ovenbird|American warbler;builds a dome-shaped nest on the ground;small brownish South American birds that build oven-shaped clay nests
ovenware|heat-resistant dishware in which food can be cooked as well as served
over|(cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
over the counter stock|stock that is not listed and traded on an organized exchange
overabundance|a quantity that is more than what is appropriate - "four-year-olds have an overabundance of energy"
overachievement|better than expected performance (better than might have been predicted from intelligence tests)
overachiever|a student who attains higher standards than the IQ indicated
overactivity|excessive activity - "overactivity of the sebaceous glands causes the skin to become oily"
overage|a surplus or excess of money or merchandise that is actually on hand and that exceeds expectations
overall|(usually plural) work clothing consisting of denim trousers (usually with a bib and shoulder straps);a loose protective coverall or smock worn over ordinary clothing for dirty work
overanxiety|excessive anxiety
overbid|(bridge) a bid that is higher than your opponent's bid (especially when your partner has not bid at all and your bid exceeds the value of your hand);a bid that is higher than preceding bids
overbite|(dentistry) malocclusion in which the upper teeth extend abnormally far over the lower teeth
overburden|the surface soil that must be moved away to get at coal seams and mineral deposits
overcapitalization|(business) too much capitalization (the sale of more stock than the business warrants)
overcast|a cast that falls beyond the intended spot;a long whipstitch or overhand stitch overlying an edge to prevent raveling
overcharge|a price that is too high
overcoat|an additional protective coating (as of paint or varnish)
overcompensation|(psychiatry) an attempt to overcome a real or imagined defect or unwanted trait by overly exaggerating its opposite;excessive compensation
overcredulity|too much credulity
overcup oak|medium-large deciduous timber tree of central and southern United States;acorns deeply immersed in the cup and mature in first year
overdraft|a draft in excess of the credit balance
overdraft credit|credit provided by a bank in honoring a customer's overdrafts
overdrive|a high gear used at high speeds to maintain the driving speed with less output power;the state of high or excessive activity or productivity or concentration - "Troops are ready to go into overdrive as soon as the signal is given" - "Melissa's brain was in overdrive"
overemphasis|too much emphasis
overestimate|a calculation that results in an estimate that is too high;an appraisal that is too high
overexertion|excessive exertion;so much exertion that discomfort or injury results
overexploitation|exploitation to the point of diminishing returns
overexposure|the act of exposing film to too much light or for too long a time;the act of exposing someone excessively to an influencing experience - "an overexposure to violence on television"
overfeeding|excessive feeding
overflight|a flight by an aircraft over a particular area (especially over an area in foreign territory)
overflow|the occurrence of surplus liquid (as water) exceeding the limit or capacity
overflow incontinence|urinary incontinence that occurs when the bladder is so full that it continually leaks urine;often attributable to a blocked urethra (e.g., due to prostate enlargement) or weak bladder muscles or nerve damage
overgarment|a garment worn over other garments
overgrowth|a profusion of growth on or over something else
overhand knot|a simple small knot (often used as part of other knots)
overhand pitch|a baseball pitch in which the hand moves above the shoulder
overhand stitch|a stitch passing over an edge vertically
overhang|projection that extends beyond or hangs over something else
overhaul|periodic maintenance on a car or machine - "it was time for an overhaul on the tractor"
overhead|(nautical) the top surface of an enclosed space on a ship;a hard return hitting the tennis ball above your head
overhead projector|a projector operated by a speaker;projects the image over the speaker's head
overheating|excessive heating
overindulgence|excessive indulgence - "the child was spoiled by overindulgence"
overkill|any effort that seems to go farther than would be necessary to achieve its goal;the capability to obliterate a target with more weapons (especially nuclear weapons) than are required
overlap|a representation of common ground between theories or phenomena - "there was no overlap between their proposals";the property of partial coincidence in time
overlay|a layer of decorative material (such as gold leaf or wood veneer) applied over a surface
overlip|the upper lip
overload|an electrical load that exceeds the available electrical power;an excessive burden
overlook|a high place affording a good view
overlord|a person who has general authority over others
overlordship|the position of overlord
overmantel|a shelf over a mantelpiece
overnighter|a guest who stays overnight;a small traveling bag to carry clothing and accessories for staying overnight
overpass|bridge formed by the upper level of a crossing of two highways at different levels
overpayment|a payment larger than needed or expected;the act of paying too much
overplus|extreme excess
overpopulation|too much population
overpressure|a transient air pressure greater than the surrounding atmospheric pressure - "the overpressure of the blast kills by lethal concussion"
overprint|something added by overprinting
overproduction|too much production or more than expected
overreaction|an excessive reaction;a reaction with inappropriate emotional behavior
override|a manually operated device to correct the operation of an automatic device
overseer|a person who directs and manages an organization
oversensitiveness|sensitivity leading to easy irritation or upset
overshoe|footwear that protects your shoes from water or snow or cold
overshoot|an approach that fails and gives way to another attempt
oversight|a mistake resulting from inattention;an unintentional omission resulting from failure to notice something
oversimplification|a simplification that goes too far (to the point of misrepresentation);an act of excessive simplification;the act of making something seem simpler than it really is
overskirt|an outer skirt worn over another skirt
overspill|the relocation of people from overcrowded cities;they are accommodated in new houses or apartments in smaller towns
overstrain|too much strain
overt operation|the collection of intelligence openly without concealment
over-the-counter drug|a drug that is sold without a prescription
over-the-counter market|a stock exchange where securities transactions are made via telephone and computer rather than on the floor of an exchange
over-the-shoulder bombing|a special case of loft bombing in which the bomb is released past the vertical so it is tossed back to the target
overthrow|the termination of a ruler or institution (especially by force)
overtime|playing time beyond regulation, to break a tie;work done in addition to regular working hours
overtime period|a period of overtime play to resolve a tie;e.g. basketball
overtolerance|too much permissiveness
overtone|(usually plural) an ulterior implicit meaning or quality - "overtones of despair";a harmonic with a frequency that is a multiple of the fundamental frequency
overture|a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others;orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio
overturn|an improbable and unexpected victory
overvaluation|too high a value or price assigned to something
overview|a general summary of a subject - "the treasurer gave a brief overview of the financial consequences"
overwork|the act of working too much or too long - "he became ill from overwork"
Ovibos|consisting of the musk-ox
Ovid|Roman poet remembered for his elegiac verses on love (43 BC - AD 17)
Oviedo|a city in northwestern Spain near the Cantabrian Mountains
ovipositor|egg-laying tubular structure at the end of the abdomen in many female insects and some fishes
oviraptorid|advanced carnivorous theropod
Ovis|sheep
Ovocon|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing estradiol and norethindrone
ovoid|an egg-shaped object
ovolo|a convex molding having a cross section in the form of a quarter of a circle or of an ellipse
ovotestis|hermaphroditic gonad that contains both testicular and ovarian tissue
Ovral|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing estradiol and norgestrel
Ovrette|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing norgestrel
ovulation|the expulsion of an ovum from the ovary (usually midway in the menstrual cycle)
ovulation method of family planning|natural family planning in which the fertile period is inferred from changes in the character and quantity of cervical mucus;ovulation is marked by an increase in mucus that becomes sticky and then clearer and slippery
ovule|a small body that contains the female germ cell of a plant;develops into a seed after fertilization;a small or immature ovum
Ovulen|trade name for an oral contraceptive containing mestranol and a progestin compound
ovum|the female reproductive cell;the female gamete
Owen|English comparative anatomist and paleontologist who was an opponent of Darwinism (1804-1892);Welsh industrialist and social reformer who founded cooperative communities (1771-1858)
Owens|United States athlete and Black American whose success in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin outraged Hitler (1913-1980)
Owensboro|a town in northwestern Kentucky on the Ohio River;a tobacco market
owl|nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
owlet|young owl
own goal|(soccer) a goal that results when a player inadvertently knocks the ball into the goal he is defending - "the own goal cost them the game"
own right|by title vested in yourself or by virtue of qualifications that you have achieved - "a peer in his own right" - "a leading sports figure in his own right" - "a fine opera in its own right"
owner|(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business - "he is the owner of a chain of restaurants";a person who owns something - "they are searching for the owner of the car" - "who is the owner of that friendly smile?"
owner-driver|a motorist who owns the car that he/she drives
owner-occupier|an occupant who owns the home that he/she lives in
ownership|the relation of an owner to the thing possessed;possession with the right to transfer possession to others;the state or fact of being an owner
ox|an adult castrated bull of the genus Bos;especially Bos taurus;any of various wild bovines especially of the genera Bos or closely related Bibos
oxacillin|a form of penicillin resistant to penicillinase and effective against penicillin-resistant staphylococci
oxalacetate|a salt or ester of oxalacetic acid
oxalacetic acid|an acid formed by oxidation of maleic acid (as in metabolism of fats and carbohydrates)
oxalate|a salt or ester of oxalic acid
oxalic acid|a toxic colorless crystalline organic acid found in oxalis and other plants;used as a bleach and rust remover and in chemical analysis
Oxalidaceae|a family of widely distributed herbs of the order Geraniales;have compound leaves and pentamerous flowers
oxalis|any plant or flower of the genus Oxalis
Oxandra|genus of tropical trees
oxaprozin|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Daypro)
oxazepam|a tranquilizing drug (trade name Serax) used to treat anxiety and insomnia and alcohol withdrawal
oxblood red|a dark brownish-red color
oxbow|a U-shaped curve in a stream;a wooden framework bent in the shape of a U;its upper ends are attached to the horizontal yoke and the loop goes around the neck of an ox;the land inside an oxbow bend in a river
oxbow lake|a crescent-shaped lake (often temporary) that is formed when a meander of a river is cut off from the main channel
Oxbridge|general term for an ancient and prestigious and privileged university (especially Oxford University or Cambridge University)
oxcart|a cart that is drawn by an ox
oxeye|an oval or round dormer window;Eurasian perennial herbs having daisylike flowers with yellow rays and dark centers
oxeye daisy|similar to oxeye daisy;tall leafy-stemmed Eurasian perennial with white flowers;widely naturalized;often placed in genus Chrysanthemum
Oxford|a city in southern England to the northwest of London;site of Oxford University;a university town in northern Mississippi;home of William Faulkner;a low shoe laced over the instep
Oxford English|the dialect of English spoken at Oxford University and regarded by many as affected and pretentious
Oxford English Dictionary|an unabridged dictionary constructed on historical principles
Oxford movement|19th-century movement in the Church of England opposing liberal tendencies
Oxford University|a university in England
oxidant|a substance that oxidizes another substance
oxidase|any of the enzymes that catalyze biological oxidation
oxidation|the process of oxidizing;the addition of oxygen to a compound with a loss of electrons;always occurs accompanied by reduction
oxidation number|the degree of oxidation of an atom or ion or molecule;for simple atoms or ions the oxidation number is equal to the ionic charge - "the oxidation number of hydrogen is +1 and of oxygen is -2"
oxidation-reduction|a reversible chemical reaction in which one reaction is an oxidation and the reverse is a reduction
oxidation-reduction indicator|an indicator that shows a reversible color change between oxidized and reduced forms
oxidative phosphorylation|an enzymatic process in cell metabolism that synthesizes ATP from ADP
oxide|any compound of oxygen with another element or a radical
oxidized LDL cholesterol|LDL cholesterol that has been bombarded by free radicals;it is thought to cause atherosclerosis
oxidoreductase|an enzyme that catalyzes oxidation-reduction
oxime|any compound containing the group -C=NOH
oximeter|a measuring instrument that measures the oxygen in arterial blood
oxlip|Eurasian primrose with yellow flowers clustered in a one-sided umbel
Oxonian|a native or resident of Oxford
oxtail|the skinned tail of cattle;used especially for soups
oxtail soup|a soup made from the skinned tail of an ox
oxtant|a unit of angular distance equal to half a quadrant
oxtongue|widespread European weed with spiny tongue-shaped leaves and yellow flowers;naturalized in United States
oxyacetylene|a mixture of oxygen and acetylene;used to create high temperatures for cutting or welding metals
oxyacetylene torch|a blowtorch that burns oxyacetylene
oxyacid|any acid that contains oxygen
Oxybelis|vine snakes
oxycephaly|a congenital abnormality of the skull;the top of the skull assumes a cone shape
Oxydendrum|sourwood
oxygen|a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas;constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume;the most abundant element in the earth's crust
oxygen debt|a cumulative deficit of oxygen resulting from intense exercise;the deficit must be made up when the body returns to rest
oxygen deficit|temporary oxygen shortage in cells resulting from strenuous exercise
oxygen mask|a breathing device that is placed over the mouth and nose;supplies oxygen from an attached storage tank
oxygenase|an oxidoreductase that catalyzes the incorporation of molecular oxygen
oxygenation|the process of providing or combining or treating with oxygen - "the oxygenation of the blood"
oxyhemoglobin|the bright red hemoglobin that is a combination of hemoglobin and oxygen from the lungs - "oxyhemoglobin transports oxygen to the cells of the body"
Oxylebius|a genus of Hexagrammidae
oxymoron|conjoining contradictory terms (as in 'deafening silence')
oxyopia|unusually acute vision
oxyphenbutazone|an anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Tandearil) used to treat arthritis and bursitis
oxyphencyclimine|an anticholinergic drug (trade name Daricon) used in treating peptic ulcers
oxytetracycline|a yellow crystalline antibiotic (trademark Terramycin) obtained from a soil actinomycete;used to treat various bacterial and rickettsial infections
oxytocic|a drug that induces labor by stimulating contractions of the muscles of the uterus
oxytocin|hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitocin);stimulates contractions of the uterus and ejection of milk
oxytone|word having stress or an acute accent on the last syllable
Oxytropis|large widely-distributed genus of evergreen shrubs or subshrubs having odd-pinnate leaves and racemose or spicate flowers each having a pea-like corolla with a clawed petal
Oxyura|ruddy duck
Oxyuranus|taipans
Oxyuridae|pinworms
oyabun|a Japanese supervisor
oyster|a small muscle on each side of the back of a fowl;marine mollusks having a rough irregular shell;found on the sea bed mostly in coastal waters
oyster bar|a bar (as in a restaurant) that specializes in oysters prepared in different ways
oyster bed|a workplace where oysters are bred and grown
oyster crab|tiny soft-bodied crab living within the mantle cavity of oysters
oyster cracker|a small dry usually round cracker
oyster fish|a variety of toadfish
oyster mushroom|edible agaric with a soft greyish cap growing in shelving masses on dead wood
oyster plant|long white salsify
oyster shell|a shell of an oyster
oyster stew|oysters in cream
oyster stuffing|stuffing made with oysters
oystercatcher|black-and-white shorebird with stout legs and bill;feed on oysters etc.
oysters Rockefeller|oysters spread with butter and spinach and seasonings and baked on the half shell
Ozark chinkapin|shrubby tree closely related to the Allegheny chinkapin but with larger leaves;southern midwestern United States
Ozarks|an area of low mountains in northwestern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri and northeastern Oklahoma
Ozawa|United States conductor (born in Japan in 1935)
ozena|a chronic disease of the nose characterized by a foul-smelling nasal discharge and atrophy of nasal structures
ozone|a colorless gas (O3) soluble in alkalis and cold water;a strong oxidizing agent;can be produced by electric discharge in oxygen or by the action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen in the stratosphere (where it acts as a screen for ultraviolet radiation)
ozone hole|an area of the ozone layer (near the poles) that is seasonally depleted of ozone
ozone layer|a layer in the stratosphere (at approximately 20 miles) that contains a concentration of ozone sufficient to block most ultraviolet radiation from the sun
ozone sickness|illness that can occur to persons exposed to ozone in high-altitude aircraft;characterized by sleepiness and headache and chest pains and itchiness
ozonide|any of a class of unstable chemical compounds resulting from the addition of ozone to a double bond in an unsaturated compound
Ozonium|form genus of imperfect fungi
Ozothamnus|genus of Australian shrubs and perennial herbs;sometimes included in genus Helichrysum
P|the 16th letter of the Roman alphabet
pa'anga|the basic unit of money in Tonga
Pablum|a soft form of cereal for infants
pabulum|insipid intellectual nourishment
paca|large burrowing rodent of South America and Central America;highly esteemed as food
pace|a step in walking or running;the rate of moving (especially walking or running);the relative speed of progress or change - "he lived at a fast pace" - "the pace of events accelerated"
pace car|a high-performance car that leads a parade of competing cars through the pace lap and then pulls off the course
pace lap|the first lap of a car race that prepares the cars for a fast start
pacemaker|a specialized bit of heart tissue that controls the heartbeat;an implanted electronic device that takes over the function of the natural cardiac pacemaker
pacer|a horse trained to a special gait in which both feet on one side leave the ground together;a horse used to set the pace in racing
pacesetter|a leading instance in its field - "the new policy will be a pacesetter in community relations"
pachinko|a Japanese pinball game played on a vertical board
pachisi|an ancient board game resembling backgammon;played on a cross-shaped board
pachuco|a Mexican-American teenager who belongs to a neighborhood gang and who dresses in showy clothes
Pachycephala|arboreal insectivorous birds
pachycephalosaur|bipedal herbivore having 10 inches of bone atop its head;largest boneheaded dinosaur ever found
pachycheilia|an abnormal thickness of the lips
pachyderm|any of various nonruminant hoofed mammals having very thick skin;elephant;rhinoceros;hippopotamus
Pachyrhizus|small genus of tropical vines having tuberous roots
pachysandra|any plant of the genus Pachysandra;low-growing evergreen herbs or subshrubs having dentate leaves and used as ground cover
pachytene|the third stage of the prophase of meiosis
Pacific|the largest ocean in the world
Pacific bottlenose dolphin|a bottlenose dolphin found in the Pacific Ocean
Pacific Coast|a coast of the Pacific Ocean
Pacific cod|closely related to Atlantic cod
Pacific giant salamander|large (to 7 inches) salamander of western North America
Pacific halibut|a righteye flounder found in the Pacific
Pacific herring|important food fish of the northern Pacific
Pacific newt|any of several rough-skinned newts found in western North America
Pacific Northwest|a region of the northwestern United States usually including Washington and Oregon and sometimes southwestern British Columbia
Pacific ridley|olive-colored sea turtle of tropical Pacific and Indian and the southern Atlantic oceans
Pacific sardine|small pilchards common off the pacific coast of North America
Pacific spiny dogfish|dogfish of Pacific coast of North America
Pacific sturgeon|food and game fish of marine and fresh waters of northwestern coast of North America
Pacific Time|standard time in the 8th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 120th meridian west;used in far western states of the United States
Pacific tree toad|the most commonly heard frog on the Pacific coast of America
Pacific tripletail|tripletail found in the Pacific
Pacific walrus|a walrus of the Bering Sea and northern Pacific
Pacific yew|small or medium irregularly branched tree of the Pacific coast of North America;yields fine hard close-grained wood
pacification|actions taken by a government to defeat insurgency;the act of appeasing someone or causing someone to be more favorably inclined - "a wonderful skill in the pacification of crying infants"
pacifier|anything that serves to pacify
pacifism|the belief that all international disputes can be settled by arbitration;the doctrine that all violence is unjustifiable
pacifist|someone opposed to violence as a means of settling disputes
pacing|walking with slow regular strides
Pacinian corpuscle|a specialized bulblike nerve ending located in the subcutaneous tissue of the skin;occurs abundantly in the skin of palms and soles and joints and genitals
pack|a bundle (especially one carried on the back);a complete collection of similar things;a convenient package or parcel (as of cigarettes or film);a cream that cleanses and tones the skin;a group of hunting animals;a sheet or blanket (either dry or wet) to wrap around the body for its therapeutic effect
pack animal|an animal (such as a mule or burro or horse) used to carry loads
pack ice|a large expanse of floating ice
pack of cards|a pack of 52 playing cards
pack riding|riding with a pack
package|a collection of things wrapped or boxed together;a wrapped container
package store|a store that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption elsewhere
package tour|a tour arranged by a travel agent;transportation and food and lodging are all provided at an inclusive price
packaged goods|groceries that are packaged for sale
packaging|material used to make packages;the business of packing - "his business is packaging for transport"
packaging company|a company that packages goods for sale or shipment or storage
packed cells|a preparation of blood cells separated from the liquid plasma - "packed cells are given to severely anemic patients in order to avoid overloading the circulatory system with too much fluid"
packer|a workman employed to pack things into containers
Packera|genus of American of east Asian perennial herbs with yellow to orange or red flower rays;sometimes included in genus Senecio
packet|(computer science) a message or message fragment;a small package or bundle
packhorse|a workhorse used as a pack animal
packing|carrying something in a pack on the back - "the backpacking of oxygen is essential for astronauts";the enclosure of something in a package or box
packing box|a large crate in which goods are packed for shipment or storage
packing material|any material used especially to protect something
packing needle|a large needle used to sew up canvas packages
packinghouse|a building where foodstuffs are processed and packed - "they came from an apple packinghouse";a plant where livestock are slaughtered and processed and packed as meat products
packrat|a collector of miscellaneous useless objects;any of several bushy-tailed rodents of the genus Neotoma of western North America;hoards food and other objects
packsaddle|a saddle for pack animals to which loads can be attached
packthread|a strong three-ply twine used to sew or tie packages
pac-man strategy|the target company defends itself by threatening to take over its acquirer
pad|a block of absorbent material saturated with ink;used to transfer ink evenly to a rubber stamp;a flat mass of soft material used for protection, stuffing, or comfort;a number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge;the fleshy cushion-like underside of an animal's foot or of a human's finger;the large floating leaf of an aquatic plant (as the water lily)
padauk|tree native to southeastern Asia having reddish wood with a mottled or striped black grain
Padda|a genus of Ploceidae
padding|artifact consisting of soft or resilient material used to fill or give shape or protect or add comfort
paddle|a blade of a paddle wheel or water wheel;a short light oar used without an oarlock to propel a canoe or small boat;an instrument of punishment consisting of a flat board;small wooden bat with a flat surface;used for hitting balls in various games
paddle box|a wooden covering for the upper part of a paddlewheel
paddle steamer|a steam vessel propelled by paddle wheels
paddlefish|primitive fish of the Mississippi valley having a long paddle-shaped snout
paddlewheel|a large wheel fitted with paddles and driven by an engine in order to propel a boat
paddock|pen where racehorses are saddled and paraded before a race
Paddy|(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Irish descent;an irrigated or flooded field where rice is grown;rice in the husk either gathered or still in the field
pademelon|small reddish-brown wallabies of scrubby areas of Australia and New Guinea
Paderewski|Polish pianist who in 1919 served as the first Prime Minister of independent Poland (1860-1941)
padlock|a detachable lock;has a hinged shackle that can be passed through the staple of a hasp or the links in a chain and then snapped shut
padrone|an employer who exploits Italian immigrants in the U.S.;an owner or proprietor of an inn in Italy
Padua|a city in Veneto
Paducah|a town in western Kentucky on the Ohio River
paean|(ancient Greece) a hymn of praise (especially one sung in ancient Greece to invoke or thank a deity)
paella|saffron-flavored dish made of rice with shellfish and chicken
Paeonia|peonies;herbaceous or shrubby plants having showy flowers
Paeoniaceae|perennial rhizomatous herbs and shrubs;of temperate Europe and North America
pagan|a person who follows a polytheistic or pre-Christian religion (not a Christian or Muslim or Jew)
Paganini|Italian violinist and composer of music for the violin (1782-1840)
paganism|any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism
page|a boy who is employed to run errands;a youthful attendant at official functions or ceremonies such as legislative functions and weddings;in medieval times a youth acting as a knight's attendant as the first stage in training for knighthood;one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains;English industrialist who pioneered in the design and manufacture of aircraft (1885-1962);United States diplomat and writer about the Old South (1853-1922)
page printer|a printer that prints one page at a time
pageant|a rich and spectacular ceremony;an elaborate representation of scenes from history etc;usually involves a parade with rich costumes
pageboy|a smooth hair style with the ends of the hair curled inward
Pagellus|sea breams
Paget|English pathologist who discovered the cause of trichinosis (1814-1899)
Paget's disease|a disease of bone occurring in the middle aged and elderly;excessive bone destruction sometimes leading to bone pain and fractures and skeletal deformities
pagination|the system of numbering pages
paging|calling out the name of a person (especially by a loudspeaker system) - "the public address system in the hospital was used for paging"
Pago Pago|a port in American Samoa
pagoda|an Asian temple;usually a pyramidal tower with an upward curving roof
pagoda tree|frangipani of India having an erect habit and conical form;grown in temple gardens
Pagophila|a genus of Laridae
Pagophilus|harp seals
Pagrus|a genus of Sparidae
Paguridae|hermit crabs
Pagurus|type genus of the family Paguridae
pahautea|evergreen tree of New Zealand resembling the kawaka
Pahlavi|Shah of Iran who was deposed in 1979 by Islamic fundamentalists (1919-1980);the Iranian language of the Zoroastrian literature of the 3rd to 10th centuries;the script (derived from the Aramaic alphabet) used to write the Pahlavi language
pahoehoe|freely flowing lava
paid vacation|a vacation from work by an employee with pay granted
Paige|United States baseball player;a black pitcher noted for his longevity (1906-1982)
pail|the quantity contained in a pail
paillasse|mattress consisting of a thin pad filled with straw or sawdust
pain|a bothersome annoying person - "that kid is a terrible pain";a somatic sensation of acute discomfort - "as the intensity increased the sensation changed from tickle to pain";a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder - "the patient developed severe pain and distension";emotional distress;a fundamental feeling that people try to avoid - "the pain of loneliness"
pain threshold|the lowest intensity of stimulation at which pain is experienced - "some people have much higher pain thresholds than do other people"
pain unit|a unit measuring the intensity of pain
Paine|American Revolutionary leader and pamphleteer (born in England) who supported the American colonist's fight for independence and supported the French Revolution (1737-1809);American Revolutionary leader and signer of the Declaration of Independence (1731-1814)
painfulness|the quality of being painful - "she feared the painfulness of childbirth"
paint|a substance used as a coating to protect or decorate a surface (especially a mixture of pigment suspended in a liquid);dries to form a hard coating - "artists use 'paint' and 'pigment' interchangeably"
paint roller|a roller that has an absorbent surface used for spreading paint
paintball|a capsule filled with water-soluble dye used as a projectile in playing the game of paintball;a game that simulates military combat;players on one team try to eliminate players on the opposing team by shooting capsules of paint at them
paintball gun|an air gun used in the game of paintball;designed to simulate a semiautomatic
paintbox|a box containing a collection of cubes or tubes of artists' paint
paintbrush|a brush used as an applicator (to apply paint)
painted beauty|American butterfly having dark brown wings with white and golden orange spots
painted daisy|spring-flowering garden perennial of Asiatic origin having finely divided aromatic leaves and white to pink-purple flowers;source of an insecticide;sometimes placed in genus Chrysanthemum
Painted Desert|a desert on a high plateau in northeastern Arizona
painted greenling|greenling with whitish body marked with black bands
painted nettle|perennial aromatic herb of southeastern Asia having large usually bright-colored or blotched leaves and spikes of blue-violet flowers;sometimes placed in genus Solenostemon
painted sandgrouse|sandgrouse of India
painted tongue|Chilean herb having velvety funnel-shaped yellowish or violet flowers with long tonguelike styles at the corolla throat
painted turtle|freshwater turtles having bright yellow and red markings;common in the eastern United States
painter|a line that is attached to the bow of a boat and used for tying up (as when docking or towing);a worker who is employed to cover objects with paint;an artist who paints
painting|creating a picture with paints - "he studied painting and sculpture for many years";graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface - "a small painting by Picasso" - "he bought the painting as an investment";the act of applying paint to a surface - "you can finish the job of painting faster with a roller than with a brush";the occupation of a house painter - "house painting was the only craft he knew"
pair|a poker hand with 2 cards of the same value;a set of two similar things considered as a unit;two people considered as a unit
pair production|the transformation of a gamma-ray photon into an electron and a positron when the photon passes close to an atomic nucleus
pairing|the act of grouping things or people in pairs
paisa|a fractional monetary unit in Bangladesh and India and Nepal and Pakistan
paisley|a soft wool fabric with a colorful swirled pattern of curved shapes
Paiute|a member of either of two Shoshonean peoples (northern Paiute and southern Paiute) related to the Aztecs and living in the southwestern United States;the Shoshonean language spoken by the Paiute
Paiwanic|a Formosan language
pajama|(usually plural) loose-fitting nightclothes worn for sleeping or lounging;have a jacket top and trousers;a pair of loose trousers tied by a drawstring around the waist;worn by men and women in some Asian countries
Pakistan|a Muslim republic that occupies the heartland of ancient south Asian civilization in the Indus River valley;formerly part of India;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947
Pakistani|a native or inhabitant of Pakistan
Pakistani monetary unit|monetary unit in Pakistan
Pakistani rupee|the basic unit of money in Pakistan;equal to 100 paisa
palace|a large and stately mansion;a large ornate exhibition hall;official residence of an exalted person (as a sovereign);the governing group of a kingdom - "the palace issued an order binding on all subjects"
Palaemon|type genus of the family Palaemonidae;widely distributed genus
Palaemonidae|prawns
Palaic|an Anatolian language
palanquin|a closed litter carried on the shoulders of four bearers
Palaquium|large genus of Malaysian trees with milky juice and leathery leaves
palatability|acceptability to the mind or feelings - "the pursuit of electoral palatability";the property of being acceptable to the mouth
palatal|a semivowel produced with the tongue near the palate (like the initial sound in the English word 'yeast')
palate|the upper surface of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities
Palatinate|a territory in southwestern Germany formerly ruled by the counts palatine;a territory under the jurisdiction of a count palatine
palatine|(Middle Ages) the lord of a palatinate who exercised sovereign powers over his lands;any of various important officials in ancient Rome;either of two irregularly shaped bones that form the back of the hard palate and helps to form the nasal cavity and the floor of the orbits;the most important of the Seven Hills of Rome;supposedly the location of the first settlement and the site of many imperial palaces
palatine artery|one of several arteries supplying the face
palatine raphe|the seam at the middle of the hard palate
palatine vein|a vein that drains the region of the palate and empties into the facial vein
palatopharyngoplasty|surgical resection of unnecessary palatal and oropharyngeal tissue to open the airway;intended to cure extreme cases of snoring (with or without sleep apnea)
Palau|a chain of more than 200 islands about 400 miles long in the western central Pacific Ocean;a republic in the western central Pacific Ocean in association with the United States
palaver|loud and confused and empty talk
pale ale|an amber colored ale brewed with pale malts;similar to bitter but drier and lighter
pale chrysanthemum aphid|important pest of chrysanthemums
pale violet|leafy-stemmed violet of eastern North America having large white or creamy flowers faintly marked with purple
pale yellow|a variable yellow tint;dull yellow, often diluted with white
Paleacrita|geometrid moths
Paleacrita vernata|moth whose larvae are spring cankerworms
paleencephalon|the more primitive parts of the brain phylogenetically;most structures other than the cerebral cortex
paleface|(slang) a derogatory term for a white person (supposedly used by North American Indians)
paleness|being deficient in color;the property of having a naturally light complexion
Paleo-American|a member of the Paleo-American peoples who were the earliest human inhabitants of North America and South America during the late Pleistocene epoch
Paleo-American culture|the prehistoric culture of the earliest human inhabitants of North America and South America
paleoanthropology|the scientific study of human fossils
paleobiology|a branch of paleontology that deals with the origin and growth and structure of fossil animals and plants as living organisms
paleobotany|the study of fossil plants
Paleocene|from 63 million to 58 million years ago;appearance of birds and earliest mammals
paleocerebellum|the anterior lobe of the cerebellum which was one of the earliest parts of the hindbrain to develop in mammals
paleoclimatology|the study of the climate of past ages
paleodendrology|the branch of paleobotany that studies fossil trees
paleoecology|the branch of ecology that studies ancient ecology
paleoethnography|the ethnography of paleolithic humans
paleogeography|the study of the geography of ancient times or ancient epochs
paleogeology|the study of geologic features once at the surface of the earth but now buried beneath rocks
paleographer|an archeologist skilled in paleography
paleography|the study of ancient forms of writing (and the deciphering of them)
paleolith|a stone tool from the Paleolithic age
Paleolithic Age|second part of the Stone Age beginning about 750,00 to 500,000 years BC and lasting until the end of the last ice age about 8,500 years BC
paleology|the study of (especially prehistoric) antiquities
paleomammalogy|the paleobiology of ancient mammals
paleontologist|a specialist in paleontology
paleontology|the earth science that studies fossil organisms and related remains
paleopathology|the study of disease of former times (as inferred from fossil evidence)
paleornithology|the paleobiology of birds
Paleozoic|from 544 million to about 230 million years ago
paleozoology|the study of fossil animals
Palermo|the capital of Sicily;located in northwestern Sicily;an important port for 3000 years
Palestine|a former British mandate on the east coast of the Mediterranean;divided between Jordan and Israel in 1948;an ancient country in southwestern Asia on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea;a place of pilgrimage for Christianity and Islam and Judaism
Palestine Islamic Jihad|a militant Palestinian terrorist group created in 1979 and committed to the creation of an Islamic state in Palestine and to the destruction of Israel;smaller and more exclusively militant that Hamas
Palestine Liberation Front|a terrorist group formed in 1977 as the result of a split with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine;became a satellite of al-Fatah;made terrorist attacks on Israel across the Lebanese border
Palestine Liberation Organization|a political movement uniting Palestinian Arabs in an effort to create an independent state of Palestine;when formed in 1964 it was a terrorist organization dominated by Yasser Arafat's al-Fatah;in 1968 Arafat became chairman;received recognition by the United Nations and by Arab states in 1974 as a government in exile;has played a largely political role since the creation of the Palestine National Authority
Palestine National Authority|combines the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under a political unit with limited autonomy and a police force;created in 1993 by an agreement between Israel and the PLO
Palestinian|a descendant of the Arabs who inhabited Palestine
Palestinian Hizballah|a little known Palestinian group comprised of members of Hamas and Tanzim with suspected ties to the Lebanese Hizballah;responsible for suicide bombings in Israel
palestra|a public place in ancient Greece or Rome devoted to the training of wrestlers and other athletes
Palestrina|Italian composer (1526-1594)
paletiology|the explanation of past events in terms of scientific causes (as geological causes)
palette|board that provides a flat surface on which artists mix paints and the range of colors used;the range of colour characteristic of a particular artist or painting or school of art
palette knife|a spatula used by artists for mixing or applying or scraping off oil paints
palfrey|especially a light saddle horse for a woman
Palgrave|English poet (1824-1897)
Pali|an ancient Prakrit language (derived from Sanskrit) that is the scriptural and liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism
palilalia|a pathological condition in which a word is rapidly and involuntarily repeated
palimony|support paid by one half of an unmarried partnership after the relationship ends
palimpsest|a manuscript (usually written on papyrus or parchment) on which more than one text has been written with the earlier writing incompletely erased and still visible
palindrome|a word or phrase that reads the same backward as forward
palingenesis|emergence during embryonic development of various characters or structures that appeared during the evolutionary history of the strain or species
Palinuridae|spiny lobsters
Palinurus|type genus of the family Palinuridae
palisade|fortification consisting of a strong fence made of stakes driven into the ground
Paliurus|thorny Eurasian shrubs
pall|burial garment in which a corpse is wrapped
Pall Mall|a fashionable street in London noted for its many private clubs
Palladio|highly original and much imitated Italian architect (1508-1580)
palladium|a silver-white metallic element of the platinum group that resembles platinum;occurs in some copper and nickel ores;does not tarnish at ordinary temperatures and is used (alloyed with gold) in jewelry
Pallas|a large asteroid;the second asteroid to be discovered
pallasite|a meteorite composed principally of olivine and metallic iron
pallas's sandgrouse|Eurasiatic sandgrouse with a black patch on the belly
pallbearer|one of the mourners carrying the coffin at a funeral
pallet|a hand tool with a flat blade used by potters for mixing and shaping clay;a mattress filled with straw or a pad made of quilts;used as a bed;a portable platform for storing or moving goods that are stacked on it
pallette|one of the rounded armor plates at the armpits of a suit of armor
palliation|easing the severity of a pain or a disease without removing the cause
palliative|remedy that alleviates pain without curing
pallid bat|drab yellowish big-eared bat that lives in caves
pallidum|the inner pale yellow part of the lenticular nucleus
pallium|(Roman Catholic Church) vestment consisting of a band encircling the shoulders with two lappets hanging in front and back;cloak or mantle worn by men in ancient Rome
pall-mall|a 17th century game;a wooden ball was driven along an alley with a mallet
pallone|an Italian game similar to tennis
palm|a linear unit based on the length or width of the human hand;any plant of the family Palmae having an unbranched trunk crowned by large pinnate or palmate leaves;the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers
Palm Beach|a resort town in southeast Florida on an island on the Atlantic coast
palm cat|spotted or striped arboreal civet of southeast Asia and East Indies
palm nut|seed of any oil palm
palm oil|oil from nuts of oil palms especially the African oil palm
Palm Sunday|Sunday before Easter
Palmae|chiefly tropical trees and shrubs and vines usually having a tall columnar trunk bearing a crown of very large leaves;coextensive with the order Palmales
Palmales|coextensive with the family Palmae;palms
palmate leaf|a leaf resembling an open hand;having lobes radiating from a common point
palmature|an abnormality in which the fingers are webbed
Palmer|United States golfer (born in 1929)
palmetto|any of several low-growing palms with fan-shaped leaves
palmist|fortuneteller who predicts your future by the lines on your palms
palmistry|telling fortunes by lines on the palm of the hand
palmitic acid|a saturated fatty acid that is the major fat in meat and dairy products
palmitin|an ester of glycerol and palmitic acid
palmyra|tall fan palm of Africa and India and Malaysia yielding a hard wood and sweet sap that is a source of palm wine and sugar;leaves used for thatching and weaving
Palo Alto|a university town in California
palo santo|South American tree of dry interior regions of Argentina and Paraguay having resinous heartwood used for incense
palo verde|densely branched spiny tree of southwestern United States having showy yellow flowers and blue-green bark;sometimes placed in genus Cercidium
palometa|smaller than Florida pompano;common in West Indies
palomino|a horse of light tan or golden color with cream-colored or white mane and tail
paloverde|a thorny shrub of the genus Cercidium that grows in dry parts of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico;has smooth light green bark and racemes of yellow flowers and small leaves
palpation|a method of examination in which the examiner feels the size or shape or firmness or location of something (of body parts when the examiner is a health professional)
palpebra conjunctiva|the part of the conjunctiva lining the posterior surface of the eyelids;continuous with the bulbar conjunctiva
palpebration|repeated blinking or winking (especially if uncontrolled and persistent)
palpitation|a rapid and irregular heart beat
palsy|a condition marked by uncontrollable tremor
paltriness|worthlessness due to insignificance
Pamir Mountains|a mountain range in central Asia that is centered in Tajikistan but extends into Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan and Pakistan and western China
Pamlico|a member of the Algonquian people formerly of the Pamlico river valley in North Carolina;the Algonquian language of the Pamlico
pampas|the vast grassy plains of northern Argentina
pampas grass|tall perennial grass of pampas of South America having silvery plumes and growing in large dense clumps
pamperer|someone who pampers or spoils by excessive indulgence
pamphleteer|a writer of pamphlets (usually taking a partisan stand on public issues)
Pan|(Greek mythology) god of fields and woods and shepherds and flocks;represented as a man with goat's legs and horns and ears;identified with Roman Sylvanus or Faunus;chimpanzees;more closely related to Australopithecus than to other pongids;cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel;shallow container made of metal
Pan American Day|a day celebrating political and economic unity among American countries
Pan American Union|the administrative agency of the Organization of American States
Panacea|(Greek mythology) the goddess of healing;daughter of Aesculapius and sister of Hygeia;hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases;once sought by the alchemists
panache|a feathered plume on a helmet
Panama|a republic on the Isthmus of Panama;achieved independence from Colombia in 1903
Panama Canal|a ship canal 40 miles long across the Isthmus of Panama built by the United States (1904-1914)
Panama Canal Zone|a zone consisting of a strip of land across the Isthmus of Panama that contains the Panama Canal
Panama City|a resort and fishing town on the Gulf of Mexico in northwest Florida;the capital and largest city of Panama
Panama redwood|hard heavy red wood of a quira tree
Panama redwood tree|large erect shrub of Colombia having large odd-pinnate leaves with large leaflets and axillary racemes of fragrant yellow flowers
Panama tree|large deciduous tree native to Panama and from which the country takes its name;having densely leafy crown and naked trunk
Panamanian|a native or inhabitant of Panama
Panamanian monetary unit|monetary unit in Panama
panatela|a long slender cigar
Panax|perennial herbs of eastern North America and Asia having aromatic tuberous roots;ginseng
pancake|a flat cake of thin batter fried on both sides on a griddle
pancake batter|batter for making pancakes
pancake turner|turner for serving or turning pancakes
pancarditis|inflammation of the entire heart (the epicardium and the myocardium and the endocardium)
panchayat|a village council in India or southern Pakistan
Panchen Lama|the lama next in rank to the Dalai Lama
panchromatic film|photographic film sensitive to light of all colors (including red)
pancreas|a large elongated exocrine gland located behind the stomach;secretes pancreatic juice and insulin
pancreatectomy|surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas
pancreatic artery|a branch of the splenic artery that supplies the pancreas
pancreatic cancer|cancer of the pancreas
pancreatic duct|a duct connecting the pancreas with the intestine
pancreatic juice|a fluid secreted into the duodenum by the pancreas;important for breaking down starches and proteins and fats
pancreatic vein|veins draining the pancreas and emptying into the superior mesenteric and splenic veins
pancreatin|extract from the pancreas of animals that contains pancreatic enzymes;used to treat pancreatitis and other conditions involving insufficient pancreatic secretions
pancreatitis|inflammation of the pancreas;usually marked by abdominal pain
pancytopenia|an abnormal deficiency in all blood cells (red blood cells and white blood cells and platelets);usually associated with bone marrow tumor or with aplastic anemia
panda car|a police cruiser
Pandanaceae|family of woody plants of the order Pandanales including pandanus
Pandanales|families Typhaceae;Sparganiaceae;Pandanaceae
pandanus|any of various Old World tropical palmlike trees having huge prop roots and edible conelike fruits and leaves like pineapple leaves;fiber from leaves of the pandanus tree;used for woven articles (such as mats)
pandemic|an epidemic that is geographically widespread;occurring throughout a region or even throughout the world
panderer|a person who serves or caters to the vulgar passions or plans of others (especially in order to make money)
pandiculation|yawning and stretching (as when first waking up)
Pandion|type genus of the Pandionidae
Pandionidae|ospreys
Pandora|(Greek mythology) the first woman;created by Hephaestus on orders from Zeus who presented her to Epimetheus along with a box filled with evils
Pandora's box|(Greek mythology) a box that Zeus gave to Pandora with instructions that she not open it;she gave in to her curiosity and opened it;all the miseries and evils flew out to afflict mankind
pandurate leaf|a fiddle-shaped leaf
pane|sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
panel|(law) a group of people summoned for jury service (from whom a jury will be chosen);a group of people gathered for a special purpose as to plan or discuss an issue or judge a contest etc;a soft pad placed under a saddle;sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something
panel discussion|discussion of a subject of public interest by a group of persons forming a panel usually before an audience
panel heating|heating system consisting of wall or floor or baseboard or ceiling panels containing electric conductors or heating pipes
panel light|a light to illuminate an instrument panel
paneling|a panel or section of panels in a wall or door
panelist|a member of a panel
panencephalitis|diffuse inflammation of the entire brain
panfish|any of numerous small food fishes;especially those caught with hook and line and not available on the market
pang|a mental pain or distress - "a pang of conscience";a sharp spasm of pain;a sudden sharp feeling - "pangs of regret"
Pangaea|(plate tectonics) a hypothetical continent including all the landmass of the earth prior to the Triassic period when it split into Laurasia and Gondwanaland
Pangloss|an incurable optimist in a satire by Voltaire
pangolin|toothless mammal of southern Africa and Asia having a body covered with horny scales and a long snout for feeding on ants and termites
panhandle|a relatively narrow strip of land projecting from some larger area - "Wheeling is located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia";the handle of a pan
panhandler|a beggar who approaches strangers asking for money
panic|an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety;sudden mass fear and anxiety over anticipated events - "panic in the stock market"
panic button|a button to push in order to summon help in case of an emergency - "the circuit is operated by a panic button" - "when he saw that I was angry he hit the panic button"
panic disorder|an anxiety disorder characterized by unpredictable panic attacks;the attacks are usually severe but brief
panic grass|any grass of the genus Panicum;grown for grain and fodder
panicle|compound raceme or branched cluster of flowers
panicled aster|a variety of aster
Panicum|panic grass
Panini|Indian grammarian whose grammatical rules for Sanskrit are the first known example of descriptive linguistics (circa 400 BC)
Panipat|battle in which the ruler of Afghanistan defeated the Mahrattas in 1761
pannier|a large basket (usually one of a pair) carried by a beast of burden or on by a person;either of a pair of bags or boxes hung over the rear wheel of a vehicle (as a bicycle);set of small hoops used to add fullness over the hips
pannikin|a small pan or cup (usually of tin)
Panofsky|art historian (1892-1968)
Panonychus|a genus of Tetranychidae
panoply|a complete and impressive array
panopticon|a circular prison with cells distributed around a central surveillance station;proposed by Jeremy Bentham in 1791;an area where everything is visible
panorama|a picture (or series of pictures) representing a continuous scene
panoramic sight|gunsight (a telescopic device for an artillery piece) that can be rotated horizontally in a full circle
Panorpidae|a family of insects of the order Mecoptera
panpipe|a primitive wind instrument consisting of several parallel pipes bound together
pansexual|a person who participates in (or is open to) sexual activities of many kinds
pansinusitis|inflammation of all of the paranasal sinuses
pansy|large-flowered garden plant derived chiefly from the wild pansy of Europe and having velvety petals of various colors
pansy orchid|any of various orchids of the genus Miltonia having solitary or loosely racemose showy broadly spreading flowers
pant|the noise made by a short puff of steam (as from an engine)
pant leg|the leg of a pair of trousers
Pantaloon|a buffoon in modern pantomimes;the butt of jokes;a character in the commedia dell'arte;portrayed as a foolish old man;trousers worn in former times
pantechnicon|a large moving van (especially one used for moving furniture)
pantheism|(rare) worship that admits or tolerates all gods;the doctrine or belief that God is the universe and its phenomena (taken or conceived of as a whole) or the doctrine that regards the universe as a manifestation of God
pantheist|someone who believes that God and the universe are the same
pantheon|(antiquity) a temple to all the gods;a monument commemorating a nation's dead heroes;all the gods of a religion
panther|a leopard in the black color phase
Panthera|lions;leopards;snow leopards;jaguars;tigers;cheetahs;saber-toothed tigers
pantie|short underpants for women or children (usually used in the plural)
pantile|a roofing tile with a S-shape;laid so that curves overlap
panting|any fabric used to make trousers;breathing heavily (as after exertion)
panto|an abbreviation of pantomime
pantograph|mechanical device used to copy a figure or plan on a different scale
pantothenic acid|a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that performs an important role in the oxidation of fats and carbohydrates and certain amino acids;occurs in many foods
Pantotheria|generalized extinct mammals widespread during the Jurassic;commonly conceded to be ancestral to marsupial and placental mammals
pantry|a small storeroom for storing foods or wines
pants suit|a pair of pants and a matching jacket worn by women
panty girdle|a woman's undergarment that combines a girdle and panties
pantyhose|a woman's tights consisting of underpants and stockings
panzer|an armored vehicle or tank
pap|worthless or oversimplified ideas
Pap test|a method of examining stained cells in a cervical smear for early diagnosis of uterine cancer
papacy|the government of the Roman Catholic Church
papain|a proteolytic enzyme obtained from the unripe papaya;used as a meat tenderizer
papal cross|a cross with three crossbars
papal infallibility|belief of the Roman Catholic Church that God protects the pope from error when he speaks about faith or morality
Papal States|the temporal dominions belonging to the pope (especially in central Italy)
paparazzo|a freelance photographer who pursues celebrities trying to take candid photographs of them to sell to newspapers or magazines
Papaver|type genus of the Papaveraceae;chiefly bristly hairy herbs with usually showy flowers
Papaveraceae|herbs or shrubs having milky and often colored juices and capsular fruits
papaverine|an alkaloid medicine (trade name Kavrin) obtained from opium;used to relax smooth muscles;it is nonaddictive
papaw|fruit with yellow flesh;related to custard apples
papaya|large oval melon-like tropical fruit with yellowish flesh;tropical American shrub or small tree having huge deeply palmately cleft leaves and large oblong yellow fruit
papaya juice|juice from papayas
Papeete|the capital of French Polynesia on the northwestern coast of Tahiti
paper|a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses;a medium for written communication - "the notion of an office running without paper is absurd";a scholarly article describing the results of observations or stating hypotheses - "he has written many scientific papers"
paper chain|a chain made of loops of colored paper;used to decorate a room
paper chase|an outdoor game;one group of players (the hares) start off on a long run scattering bits of paper (the scent) and pursuers (the hounds) try to catch them before they reach a designated spot
paper chromatography|chromatography that uses selective adsorption on a strip of paper
paper clip|a wire or plastic clip for holding sheets of paper together - "the paper clip was invented in 1900"
paper cutter|a cutting implement for cutting sheets of paper to the desired size
paper doll|a piece of paper cut or folded into the shape of a human being
paper electrophoresis|electrophoresis carried out on filter paper
paper fastener|a fastener for holding a sheet of paper in place
paper feed|a device for inserting sheets of paper into a printer or typewriter - "the job was delayed because the paper feed was clogged"
paper flower|Brazilian vine that tends to flower continuously
paper loss|an unrealized loss on an investment calculated by subtracting the current market price from the investor's cost
paper mill|a mill where paper is manufactured
paper money|currency issued by a government or central bank and consisting of printed paper that can circulate as a substitute for specie
paper mulberry|shrubby Asiatic tree having bark (tapa) that resembles cloth;grown as a shade tree in Europe and America;male flowers are pendulous catkins and female are urn-shaped followed by small orange-red aggregate berries
paper nautilus|cephalopod mollusk of warm seas whose females have delicate papery spiral shells
paper plate|a disposable plate made of cardboard
paper profit|an unrealized gain on an investment calculated by subtracting the investor's cost from the current market price
paper route|the job of delivering newspapers regularly;the route taken when delivering newspapers every day
paper tape|a long narrow strip of paper
paper tiger|the nature of a person or organization that appears powerful but is actually powerless and ineffectual - "he reminded Mao that the paper tiger had nuclear teeth"
paper towel|a disposable towel made of absorbent paper
paper toweling|absorbent paper used as toweling
paper trail|the written evidence of someone's activities - "this paper trail consisted mainly of electronically stored information"
paper wasp|any of several social wasps that construct nests of a substance like paper
paper white|a daffodil having star-shaped white blossoms;often grown indoors to bloom in the winter
paperback book|a book with paper covers
paperboard|a cardboard suitable for making posters
paperboy|a boy who sells or delivers newspapers
paperhanger|one whose occupation is decorating walls with wallpaper;someone who passes bad checks or counterfeit paper money
papering|the application of wallpaper
papermaking|the craft of making paper
paper-pusher|a clerk or bureaucrat who does paperwork
paperweight|a weight used to hold down a stack of papers
paperwork|work that involves handling papers;forms or letters or reports etc.
Paphiopedilum|horticulturally important genus of mainly terrestrial orchids including many hybrids;southeastern Asia and Indonesia to Philippines and Solomon Islands;Paphiopedilum species sometimes included in genus Cypripedium
papier-mache|a substance made from paper pulp that can be molded when wet and painted when dry
Papilionaceae|leguminous plants whose flowers have butterfly-shaped corollas;commonly included in the family Leguminosae
Papilionoideae|alternative name used in some classification systems for the family Papilionaceae
papilla|(botany) a tiny outgrowth on the surface of a petal or leaf;a small nipple-shaped protuberance concerned with taste, touch, or smell - "the papillae of the tongue";a small projection of tissue at the base of a hair or tooth or feather
papillary muscle|any of several muscles associated with the atrioventricular valves - "the papillary muscles contract during systole to prevent regurgitation of blood into the atria"
papilledema|swelling of the optic disc (where the optic nerve enters the eyeball);usually associated with an increase in intraocular pressure
papilloma|a benign epithelial tumor forming a rounded mass
papillon|small slender toy spaniel with erect ears and a black-spotted brown to white coat
Papio|baboons
papist|an offensive term for Roman Catholics;originally, a Roman Catholic who was a strong advocate of the papacy
papoose|an American Indian infant
papovavirus|any of a group of animal viruses associated with or causing papillomas or polyomas
pappus|calyx composed of scales or bristles or featherlike hairs in plants of the Compositae such as thistles and dandelions
paprika|a mild powdered seasoning made from dried pimientos
Paprilus|a genus of Stromateidae
Papua|the southeastern part of Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea|a parliamentary democracy on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea;in 1975 it became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations
Papuan|a native or inhabitant of Papua New Guinea or New Guinea;any of the indigenous languages spoken in Papua New Guinea or New Britain or the Solomon Islands that are not Malayo-Polynesian languages
Papuan monetary unit|monetary unit in Papua New Guinea
papule|a small inflamed elevation of skin that is nonsuppurative (as in chicken pox)
papulovesicle|a papule that changes into a blister
papyrus|a document written on papyrus;paper made from the papyrus plant by cutting it in strips and pressing it flat;used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks and Romans;tall sedge of the Nile valley yielding fiber that served many purposes in historic times
par|(golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course - "a par-5 hole" - "par for this course is 72"
par value|the value of a security that is set by the company issuing it;unrelated to market value
para|100 para equal 1 dinar in Yugoslavia;an estuary in northern Brazil into which the Tocantins River flows
para aminobenzoic acid|a metabolic acid found in yeast and liver cells;used to make dyes and drugs and sun blockers
Para rubber|a type of natural rubber obtained from tropical South American trees
Para rubber tree|deciduous tree of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers having leathery leaves and fragrant yellow-white flowers;it yields a milky juice that is the chief source of commercial rubber
parable|(New Testament) any of the stories told by Jesus to convey his religious message - "the parable of the prodigal son"
parabola|a plane curve formed by the intersection of a right circular cone and a plane parallel to an element of the curve
parabolic mirror|a parabolic reflector for light radiation
parabolic reflector|a concave reflector used to produce a parallel beam when the source is placed at its focus or to focus an incoming parallel beam
paraboloid|a surface having parabolic sections parallel to a single coordinate axis and elliptic sections perpendicular to that axis
Paracelsus|Swiss physician who introduced treatments of particular illnesses based on his observation and experience;he saw illness as having an external cause (rather than an imbalance of humors) and replaced traditional remedies with chemical remedies (1493-1541)
paracentral scotoma|a scotoma that is adjacent to the fixation point
paracervical block|regional anesthesia resulting from the injection of a local anesthetic on each side of the cervix;used during labor and childbirth
Paracheirodon|a genus of Characidae
parachute|rescue equipment consisting of a device that fills with air and retards your fall
parachutist|a person who jumps from aircraft using a parachute
paracosm|a prolonged fantasy world invented by children;can have a definite geography and language and history
parade|a ceremonial procession including people marching;a visible display - "she made a parade of her sorrows";an extended (often showy) succession of persons or things - "a parade of strollers on the mall" - "a parade of witnesses"
parade ground|an area for holding parades
paradiddle|the sound of a drum (especially a snare drum) beaten rapidly and continuously
paradigm|systematic arrangement of all the inflected forms of a word;the generally accepted perspective of a particular discipline at a given time - "he framed the problem within the psychoanalytic paradigm"
Paradisaeidae|birds of paradise
Paradise|(Christianity) the abode of righteous souls after death
paradise tree|medium to large tree of tropical North and South America having odd-pinnate leaves and long panicles of small pale yellow flowers followed by scarlet fruits
paradox|(logic) a statement that contradicts itself - "'I always lie' is a paradox because if it is true it must be false"
paradoxical sleep|a recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs;a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
Paradoxurus|palm civets
paraduodenal smear|alimentary tract smear of material obtained from the duodenum
paraffin|(British usage) kerosine;from crude petroleum;used for candles and for preservative or waterproof coatings
parafovea|area of the retina immediately surrounding the fovea
paragon|an ideal instance;a perfect embodiment of a concept
paragonite|a colorless or pale brown mica with sodium
paragraph|one of several distinct subdivisions of a text intended to separate ideas;the beginning is usually marked by a new indented line
paragrapher|a writer of paragraphs (as for publication on the editorial page of a newspaper)
Paraguay|a landlocked republic in south central South America;achieved independence from Spain in 1811
Paraguayan|a native or inhabitant of Paraguay
Paraguayan monetary unit|monetary unit in Paraguay
parainfluenza virus|a virus that causes upper respiratory infection (including the common cold and bronchiolitis);most often in children
parakeet|any of numerous small slender long-tailed parrots
paralanguage|the use of manner of speaking to communicate particular meanings
paraldehyde|a colorless liquid (a cyclic trimer of acetaldehyde) that is used as a sedative and a solvent
paralegal|a person with specialized training who assists lawyers
paralepsis|suggesting by deliberately concise treatment that much of significance is omitted
Paralichthys|a genus of Bothidae
Paralipomenon|(Old Testament) an obsolete name for the Old Testament books of I Chronicles and II Chronicles which were regarded as supplementary to Kings
Paralithodes|a genus of Lithodidae
parallax|the apparent displacement of an object as seen from two different points that are not on a line with the object
parallel|(mathematics) one of a set of parallel geometric figures (parallel lines or planes) - "parallels never meet"
parallel bars|gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights
parallel circuit|a closed circuit in which the current divides into two or more paths before recombining to complete the circuit
parallel interface|an interface between a computer and a printer where the computer sends multiple bits of information to the printer simultaneously
Parallel Lives|a collection of biographies of famous pairs of Greeks and Romans written by Plutarch;used by Shakespeare in writing some of his plays
parallel operation|the simultaneous execution of two or more operations
parallelepiped|a prism whose bases are parallelograms
parallelism|similarity by virtue of corresponding
parallelogram|a quadrilateral whose opposite sides are both parallel and equal in length
parallel-veined leaf|a leaf whose veins run in parallel from the stem
paralogism|an unintentionally invalid argument
paralysis|loss of the ability to move a body part
paralysis agitans|a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremor and impaired muscular coordination
paralytic|a person suffering from paralysis
paralytic abasia|abasia related to paralysis of the leg muscles
paramagnet|magnet made of a substance whose magnetization is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field applied to it
paramagnetism|materials like aluminum or platinum become magnetized in a magnetic field but it disappears when the field is removed
Paramaribo|the capital and largest city and major port of Surinam
paramecium|any member of the genus Paramecium
paramedic|a person trained to assist medical professionals and to give emergency medical treatment
parameter|a constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves;a quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data;any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance
parametric statistic|any statistic computed by procedures that assume the data were drawn from a particular distribution
parametritis|inflammation of connective tissue adjacent to the uterus
paramilitary|a group of civilians organized in a military fashion (especially to operate in place of or to assist regular army troops)
paramnesia|(psychiatry) a disorder of memory in which dreams or fantasies are confused with reality
paramount issue|an issue whose settlement is more important than anything else;and issue that must be settled before anything else can be settled
paramountcy|the state of being paramount;the highest rank or authority
paramyxovirus|a group of viruses including those causing mumps and measles
Parana|a South American river;tributary of Rio de la Plata
paranasal sinus|any of the paired sinuses in the bones of the face adjacent to the nasal cavity that are lined with mucous membrane that is continuous with the lining of the nasal cavities
parang|a stout straight knife used in Malaysia and Indonesia
paranoia|a psychological disorder characterized by delusions of persecution or grandeur
paranoid|a person afflicted with paranoia
paranoid schizophrenia|a form of schizophrenia characterized by delusions (of persecution or grandeur or jealousy);symptoms may include anger and anxiety and aloofness and doubts about gender identity;unlike other types of schizophrenia the patients are usually presentable and (if delusions are not acted on) may function in an apparently normal manner
Paranthias|a genus of Serranidae
Paranthropus|former classification for Australopithecus robustus
paraparesis|a slight paralysis or weakness of both legs
parapet|a low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony;fortification consisting of a low wall
paraph|a flourish added after or under your signature (originally to protect against forgery)
paraphilia|abnormal sexual activity
paraphrase|rewording for the purpose of clarification
paraphysis|a sterile simple or branched filament or hair borne among sporangia;may be pointed or clubbed
paraplegia|paralysis of the lower half of the body (most often as a result of trauma)
paraplegic|a person who has paraplegia (is paralyzed from the waist down)
parapodium|one of a pair of fleshy appendages of a polychete annelid that functions in locomotion and breathing
paraprofessional|a trained worker who is not a member of a profession but who assists a professional
parapsychologist|someone who studies the evidence for such psychological phenomena as psychokinesis and telepathy and clairvoyance
paraquat|a poisonous yellow solid used in solution as a herbicide
paraquat poisoning|poisoning caused by ingestion of paraquat;characterized by progressive damage to the esophagus and liver and kidneys
parasail|parachute that will lift a person up into the air when it is towed by a motorboat or a car
parasailing|gliding in a parasail
Parascalops|brewer's moles
Parashurama|an incarnation of Vishnu who rid the earth of Kshatriyas
Parasitaxus|one species;parasite yew
parasite|an animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant);it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host
parasite yew|rare and endangered monoecious parasitic conifer of New Caledonia;parasitic on Falcatifolium taxoides
parasitemia|a condition in which parasites are present in the blood
parasitic jaeger|a variety of jaeger
parasitic plant|plant living on another plant and obtaining organic nutriment from it
parasitism|the relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it (usually not fatal damage)
parasol|a handheld collapsible source of shade
parasol mushroom|edible long-stalked mushroom with white flesh and gills and spores;found in open woodlands in autumn
parasympathetic nervous system|originates in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord;opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system;stimulates digestive secretions;slows the heart;constricts the pupils;dilates blood vessels
Parathelypteris|terrestrial ferns of warm and tropical Asia and North America
parathion|a colorless and odorless toxic oil used as an insecticide
parathion poisoning|a toxic condition resulting from inhalation or ingestion of the insecticide parathion;characterized by nausea and abdominal pains and headache and convulsions and sweating
parathyroid gland|any one of four endocrine glands situated above or within the thyroid gland
parathyroid hormone|hormone synthesized and released into the blood stream by the parathyroid glands;regulates phosphorus and calcium in the body and functions in neuromuscular excitation and blood clotting
paratrooper|a soldier in the paratroops
paratroops|infantry trained and equipped to parachute
paratyphoid|any of a variety of infectious intestinal diseases resembling typhoid fever
paraumbilical vein|small veins arising in skin around the navel;terminate as accessory portal veins
Parazoa|multicellular organisms having less-specialized cells than in the Metazoa;comprises the single phylum Porifera
Parcae|any of the three Roman goddesses of fate or destiny;identified with the Greek Moirai and similar to the Norse Norns
parcel|the allotment of some amount by dividing something
parcel post|postal service that handles packages
parcellation|the division into parcels - "the increasing parcellation of land with every generation"
Parcheesi|a modern board game based on pachisi
parchment|a superior paper resembling sheepskin;skin of a sheep or goat prepared for writing on
pardon|a warrant granting release from punishment for an offense
pardoner|a medieval cleric who raised money for the church by selling papal indulgences;a person who pardons or forgives or excuses a fault or offense
paregmenon|juxtaposing words having a common derivation (as in 'sense and sensibility')
paregoric|medicine used to treat diarrhea
parenchyma|animal tissue that constitutes the essential part of an organ as contrasted with e.g. connective tissue and blood vessels;the primary tissue of higher plants composed of thin-walled cells that remain capable of cell division even when mature;constitutes the greater part of leaves, roots, the pulp of fruits, and the pith of stems
parent|a father or mother;one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child;a relative who plays the role of guardian;an organism (plant or animal) from which younger ones are obtained
parentage|the kinship relation of an offspring to the parents
parental quality|a quality appropriate to a parent
parenthesis|either of two punctuation marks (or) used to enclose textual material
parenthesis-free notation|a notation for forming mathematical expressions that does not use parentheses to delimit components
parenthetical expression|an expression in parentheses
parenthood|the state of being a parent - "to everyone's surprise, parenthood reformed the man"
parer|a manicurist who trims the fingernails;a small sharp knife used in paring fruits or vegetables
paresis|a slight or partial paralysis
paresthesia|abnormal skin sensations (as tingling or tickling or itching or burning) usually associated with peripheral nerve damage
paretic|a person afflicted with paresis (partial paralysis)
Pareto|Italian sociologist and economist whose theories influenced the development of fascism in Italy (1848-1923)
parfait|layers of ice cream and syrup and whipped cream
parfait glass|a tall slender glass with a short stem in which parfait is served
parget|plaster used to coat outer walls and line chimneys
pargeting|ornamental plastering;ornamental plasterwork
parhelion|a bright spot on the parhelic circle;caused by diffraction by ice crystals
pariah dog|ownerless half-wild mongrel dog common around Asian villages especially India
Paridae|titmice and chickadees
parietal bone|either of two skull bones between the frontal and occipital bones and forming the top and sides of the cranium
parietal gyrus|any of the convolutions of the outer surface of the parietal lobe of the cerebrum
parietal lobe|that part of the cerebral cortex in either hemisphere of the brain lying below the crown of the head
parietal pericardium|the tough outermost layer of the pericardium that is attached to the diaphragm and the sternum
parietal placentation|where ovules develop on the wall or slight outgrowths of the wall forming broken partitions within a compound ovary
parietal pleura|pleura that lines the inner chest walls and covers the diaphragm
Parietales|a large order of dicotyledonous plants of subclass Dilleniidae
Parietaria|small genus of stingless herbs
parietomastoid suture|the suture between the parietal and the temporal bones
parieto-occipital sulcus|a sulcus near the posterior end of each hemisphere that separates the parietal lobes and the occipital lobes in both hemispheres
parimutuel|betting where winners share the total amount wagered
pari-mutuel machine|computer that registers bets and divides the total amount bet among those who won
paring|(usually plural) a part of a fruit or vegetable that is pared or cut off;especially the skin or peel - "she could peel an apple with a single long paring";a thin fragment or slice (especially of wood) that has been shaved from something
Paris|(Greek mythology) the prince of Troy who abducted Helen from her husband Menelaus and provoked the Trojan War;a town in northeastern Texas;sometimes placed in subfamily Trilliaceae;the capital and largest city of France;and international center of culture and commerce
Paris green|a toxic double salt of copper arsenate and copper acetate
Paris University|a university in Paris;intellectual center of France
parish|a local church community;the local subdivision of a diocese committed to one pastor
parishioner|a member of a parish
Parisian|a native or resident of Paris
Parisienne|a female native or resident of Paris
parisology|the use of ambiguous words
parity|(mathematics) a relation between a pair of integers;if both integers are odd or both are even they have the same parity;if one is odd and the other is even they have different parity - "parity is often used to check the integrity of transmitted data";(obstetrics) the number of liveborn children a woman has delivered - "the parity of the mother must be considered";(physics) parity is conserved in a universe in which the laws of physics are the same in a right-handed system of coordinates as in a left-handed system;functional equality
parity bit|(computer science) a bit that is used in an error detection procedure in which a 0 or 1 is added to each group of bits so that it will have either an odd number of 1's or an even number of 1's;e.g., if the parity is odd then any group of bits that arrives with an even number of 1's must contain an error
parity check|a system of checking for errors in computer functioning
Parjanya|Hindu god of rain;sometimes identified with Indra
Parji|a Dravidian language spoken in south central India
park|a gear position that acts as a parking brake - "the put the car in park and got out";a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property - "there are laws that protect the wildlife in this park";a piece of open land for recreational use in an urban area - "they went for a walk in the park";Scottish explorer in Africa (1771-1806)
Park Avenue|a fashionable residential street in New York City
park bench|a bench in a public park
park commissioner|a commissioner in charge of public parks
parka|a kind of heavy jacket ('windcheater' is a British term)
Parker|United States saxophonist and leader of the bop style of jazz (1920-1955);United States writer noted for her sharp wit (1893-1967)
Parker House roll|yeast-raised dinner roll made by folding a disk of dough before baking
Parkeriaceae|coextensive with the genus Ceratopteris;sometimes included in family Polypodiaceae
Parkersburg|a city in northwestern West Virginia on the Ohio river
Parkia|genus of tropical Old World trees;nitta trees
Parkia javanica|tall evergreen rain forest tree with wide-spreading crown having yellow-white flowers;grown as an ornamental in parks and large gardens
parking|space in which vehicles can be parked - "there is plenty of parking behind the store";the act of maneuvering a vehicle into a location where it can be left temporarily
parking lot|a lot where cars are parked
parking meter|a coin-operated timer located next to a parking space;depositing money into it entitles you to park your car there for a specified length of time
parking space|a space where an automobile can be parked
parking ticket|a ticket issued for parking in a restricted place
Parkinson|British historian noted for ridicule of bureaucracies (1909-1993);English surgeon (1755-1824)
Parkinsonia|small genus of spiny shrubs or small trees
Parkinson's law|C. Northcote Parkinson's cynical observation that the number of subordinates in an organization will increase linearly regardless of the amount of work to be done;C. Northcote Parkinson's cynical observation that work will expand so as to fill the time available for its completion
Parks|United States civil rights leader who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in Montgomery (Alabama) and so triggered the national Civil Rights movement (born in 1913)
parlance|a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
parlay|a series of wagers in which the winnings from one wager are used as a stake for the subsequent wagers
parley|a negotiation between enemies
parliament|a legislative assembly in certain countries
Parliamentarian|an elected member of the British Parliament;a member of the House of Commons;an expert in parliamentary rules and procedures
parliamentary agent|a person who is employed to look after the affairs of businesses that are affected by legislation of the British Parliament
parliamentary democracy|a democracy having a parliament
parliamentary monarchy|a monarchy having a parliament
parlor|reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
parlor car|a passenger car for day travel;you pay extra fare for individual chairs
parlor game|a game suitable for playing in a parlor
parlormaid|a maid in a private home whose duties are to care for the parlor and the table and to answer the door
Parmelia|type genus of the Parmeliaceae;a large genus of chiefly alpine foliaceous lichens
Parmeliaceae|a family of lichens
Parmenides|a presocratic Greek philosopher born in Italy;held the metaphysical view that being is the basic substance and ultimate reality of which all things are composed;said that motion and change are sensory illusions (5th century BC)
Parmesan|hard dry sharp-flavored Italian cheese;often grated
Parnaiba|a river in northeastern Brazil that flows generally northward to the Atlantic Ocean
parnassia|any of various usually evergreen bog plants of the genus Parnassia having broad smooth basal leaves and a single pale flower resembling a buttercup
Parnassus|(Greek mythology) a mountain in central Greece where (according to Greek mythology) the Muses lived;known as the mythological home of music and poetry - "Liakoura is the modern name of Mount Parnassus"
Parnell|Irish nationalist leader (1846-1891)
Parochetus|one species;shamrock pea
parochialism|a limitation of views or interests like that defined by a local parish
parodist|mimics literary or musical style for comic effect
parody|a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way;humorous or satirical mimicry
parol evidence rule|a rule that oral evidence cannot be used to contradict the terms of a written contract
parole|(law) a conditional release from imprisonment that entitles the person to serve the remainder of the sentence outside the prison as long as the terms of release are complied with;a promise
paronychia|infection in the tissues adjacent to a nail on a finger or toe;low-growing annual or perennial herbs or woody plants;whitlowworts
Parophrys|a genus of Soleidae
parotid gland|a large salivary gland that produces 50% of daytime saliva;in human beings it is located in front of and below each ear
parotid vein|parotid branches of the facial vein;they drain part of the parotid gland and empty into the retromandibular vein
parotitis|inflammation of one or both parotid glands
paroxetime|a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed as an antidepressant (trade name Paxil)
paroxysm|a sudden uncontrollable attack - "a paroxysm of giggling"
paroxysmal trepidant abasia|abasia related to spasticity of the legs
paroxytone|word having stress or acute accent on the next to last syllable
parquet|a floor made of parquetry;seating on the main floor between the orchestra and the parquet circle
parquet circle|seating at the rear of the main floor (beneath the balconies)
parquetry|a patterned wood inlay used to cover a floor
parr|a young salmon up to 2 years old;the young of various fishes;Queen of England as the 6th wife of Henry VIII (1512-1548)
parricide|someone who kills his or her parent;the murder of your own father or mother
Parrish|United States painter (1870-1966)
parrot|a copycat who does not understand the words or acts being imitated;usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds
parrotfish|gaudy tropical fishes with parrotlike beaks formed by fusion of teeth
Parrotia|one species;iron tree
Parrotiopsis|one species;deciduous tree of the Himalaya Mountains
parrot's beak|evergreen shrub with scarlet to white clawlike or beaklike flowers;New Zealand
parry|(fencing) blocking a lunge or deflecting it with a circular motion of the sword
Parry manzanita|erect treelike shrub forming dense thickets and having drooping panicles of white or pink flowers and red berrylike drupes;California
Parry's penstemon|erect stems with pinkish-lavender flowers in long interrupted clusters;Arizona
Parry's pinyon|five-needled pinon of southern California and northern Baja California having (sometimes three-needled or four-needled showing hybridization from Pinus californiarum)
pars distilis|the anterior part of the anterior pituitary
pars intermedia|a thin piece of tissue that has become part of the posterior pituitary
parsec|a unit of astronomical length based on the distance from Earth at which stellar parallax is 1 second of arc;equivalent to 3.262 light years
Parsee|a member of a monotheistic sect of Zoroastrian origin;descended from the Persians;now found in western India
parser|a computer program that divides code up into functional components
Parsiism|the faith of a Zoroastrian sect in India
parsimony|extreme care in spending money;reluctance to spend money unnecessarily
parsley|annual or perennial herb with aromatic leaves;aromatic herb with flat or crinkly leaves that are cut finely and used to garnish food
parsley haw|southern United States hawthorn with pinnately lobed leaves
parsnip|a strong-scented plant cultivated for its edible root;the whitish root of cultivated parsnip;whitish edible root;eaten cooked
parsonage|an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
Parsons|United States sociologist (1902-1979)
parson's nose|the tail of a dressed fowl
Parsons table|a sturdy rectangular table with block legs at the four corners;the top and the legs are the same width
part|a line of scalp that can be seen when sections of hair are combed in opposite directions - "his part was right in the middle";a portion of a natural object - "they analyzed the river into three parts";one of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which together constitute a whole - "the written part of the exam";something determined in relation to something that includes it - "he wanted to feel a part of something bigger than himself";something less than the whole of a human artifact - "the rear part of the house" - "glue the two parts together";that which concerns a person with regard to a particular role or situation - "it requires vigilance on our part" - "they resisted every effort on his part";the melody carried by a particular voice or instrument in polyphonic music - "he tried to sing the tenor part"
part music|vocal music for several voices in independent parts (usually performed without accompaniment)
part of speech|one of the traditional categories of words intended to reflect their functions in a grammatical context
partaker|someone who has or gives or receives a part or a share
parted leaf|a leaf having margins incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes
parterre|an ornamental flower garden;beds and paths are arranged to form a pattern
Parthenium|small genus of North American herbs and shrubs with terminal panicles of small ray flowers
parthenocarpy|(botany) the development of a fruit without fertilization or seeds
Parthenocissus|woody vines having disklike tips on the tendrils
parthenogenesis|human conception without fertilization by a man;process in which an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual;common among insects and some other arthropods
Parthenon|the main temple of the goddess Athena;built on the acropolis in Athens more than 400 years B.C.;example of Doric architecture
parthenote|a cell resulting from parthenogenesis
Parthia|an ancient kingdom in Asia to the southeast of the Caspian Sea;it dominated southwestern Asia from about 250 BC to AD 226
Parthian|a native or inhabitant of Parthia;the Iranian language spoken in the Parthian kingdom (250 BC to AD 226)
partial breach|a breach that does not destroy the value of the contract but can give rise to a claim for damages
partial correlation|a correlation between two variables when the effects of one or more related variables are removed
partial denture|a denture replacing one or more teeth in a dental arch
partial derivative|the derivative of a function of two or more variables with respect to a single variable while the other variables are considered to be constant
partial differential equation|a differential equation involving a functions of more than one variable
partial eclipse|an eclipse in which the eclipsed body is only partially obscured
partial veil|membrane of the young sporophore of various mushrooms extending from the margin of the cap to the stem and is ruptured by growth;represented in mature mushroom by an annulus around the stem and sometimes a cortina on the margin of the cap
partial verdict|(criminal law) a finding that the defendant is guilty of some charges but innocent of others
partiality|an inclination to favor one group or view or opinion over alternatives
partialness|the state of being only a part;not total;incomplete
participant|someone who takes part in an activity
participation|the condition of sharing in common with others (as fellows or partners etc.)
participation loan|a loan that is shared by a group of banks that join to make a loan too big for any one of them alone
participle|a non-finite form of the verb;in English it is used adjectivally and to form compound tenses
particle|a body having finite mass and internal structure but negligible dimensions;a function word that can be used in English to form phrasal verbs
particle beam|a collimated flow of particles (atoms or electrons or molecules)
particle detector|a chamber in which particles can be made visible
particle physics|the branch of physics that studies subatomic particles and their interactions
particolored buckeye|a buckeye marked by different colors or tints
particular|(logic) a proposition that asserts something about some (but not all) members of a class;a fact about some part (as opposed to general) - "he always reasons from the particular to the general"
particularism|a focus on something particular
particularity|the quality of being particular and pertaining to a specific case or instance - "the particularity of human situations"
particularization|an individualized description of a particular instance
particulate|a small discrete mass of solid or liquid matter that remains individually dispersed in gas or liquid emissions (usually considered to be an atmospheric pollutant)
partisan|a fervent and even militant proponent of something;a pike with a long tapering double-edged blade with lateral projections;16th and 17th centuries
partita|(music) an instrumental suite common in the 18th century;one of the variations contained in a partita
partition|(anatomy) a structure that separates areas in an organism;(computer science) the part of a hard disk that is dedicated to a particular operating system or application and accessed as a single unit;a vertical structure that divides or separates (as a wall divides one room from another)
partitionist|an advocate of partitioning a country
partitive|word (such a 'some' or 'less') that is used to indicate a part as distinct from a whole
partner|a person who is a member of a partnership
partner relation|the responsibility of partners to act in one another's best interests
partnership|a contract between two or more persons who agree to pool talent and money and share profits or losses;a cooperative relationship between people or groups who agree to share responsibility for achieving some specific goal - "effective language learning is a partnership between school, teacher and student" - "the action teams worked in partnership with the government";the members of a business venture created by contract
partnership certificate|a certificate showing the interests of all parties in a business partnership
part-of-speech tagger|a tagging program whose labels indicate a word's part of speech
part-owner|a person who owns something in common with others
partridge|flesh of either quail or grouse;small Old World gallinaceous game birds
partridge pea|tropical American plant having leaflets somewhat sensitive to the touch;sometimes placed in genus Cassia
partridgeberry|creeping woody plant of eastern North America with shiny evergreen leaves and scarlet berries
parts|the local environment - "he hasn't been seen around these parts in years"
parts bin|a bin for holding spare parts
parts catalog|a list advertising parts for machinery along with prices
parts department|the division of a business (e.g. a service garage) that sells replacement parts
parts inventory|an inventory of replacement parts
part-singing|singing with three or more voice parts
partsong|a song with two or more voice parts
part-timer|someone who works less than the customary or standard time
parturiency|concluding state of pregnancy;from the onset of contractions to the birth of a child
parturition|the process of giving birth
party|a band of people associated temporarily in some activity - "they organized a party to search for food";a group of people gathered together for pleasure - "she joined the party after dinner";a person involved in legal proceedings - "the party of the first part";an occasion on which people can assemble for social interaction and entertainment - "he planned a party to celebrate Bastille Day";an organization to gain political power - "in 1992 Perot tried to organize a third party at the national level"
party boss|a leader in a political party who controls votes and dictates appointments - "party bosses have a reputation for corruption"
party favor|souvenir consisting of a small gift given to a guest at a party
party game|a game to amuse guests at a party
party girl|an attractive young woman hired to attend parties and entertain men
party line|a telephone line serving two or more subscribers;the policy of a political group - "He won in a vote along party lines"
party man|a member of a political party who follows strictly the party line
party spirit|devotion to a political party
party to the action|a party of people taking a role in legal proceedings
party wall|a wall erected on the line between two properties and shared by both owners
partygoer|someone who is attending a party - "the hall was crowded with an overflow of partygoers"
Parula|type genus of the Parulidae;wood warblers
parula warbler|small grey-blue wood warbler with yellow throat and breast;of eastern North America
Parulidae|New World warblers
Parus|type genus of the family Paridae
Parvati|wife of Siva and a benevolent aspect of Devi;Hindu goddess of plenty
parvis|a courtyard or portico in front of a building (especially a cathedral)
parvovirus|any of a group of viruses containing DNA in an icosahedral protein shell and causing disease in dogs and cattle;not known to be associated with any human disease
pas|(ballet) a step in dancing (especially in classical ballet)
pas de deux|(ballet) a dance for two people (usually a ballerina and a danseur noble)
pas de quatre|(ballet) a dance for four people
pas de trois|(ballet) a dance for three people
pas seul|(ballet) a solo dance or dance figure
Pasadena|a city in southwestern California to the east of Los Angeles
Pascal|a programing language designed to teach programming through a top-down modular approach;French mathematician and philosopher and Jansenist;invented an adding machine;contributed (with Fermat) to the theory of probability (1623-1662);a unit of pressure equal to one newton per square meter
pascal celery|any of several types of commercially grown celery having green stalks
Pascal compiler|a compiler for programs written in Pascal
Pascal's law|pressure applied anywhere to a body of fluid causes a force to be transmitted equally in all directions;the force acts at right angles to any surface in contact with the fluid - "the hydraulic press is an application of Pascal's law"
Pasch|the Christian festival of Easter;the Jewish feast of the Passover
pasha|a civil or military authority in Turkey or Egypt
Pashto|an Iranian language spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan;the official language of Afghanistan
Pasigraphy|an artificial international language using characters (as mathematical symbols) instead of words to express ideas
Pasiphae|(Greek mythology) daughter of Helios and mother of Ariadne
paso doble|a ballroom dance in fast duple time;music in march time composed for dancing the paso doble;often played at bull fights
pasqueflower|any plant of the genus Pulsatilla;sometimes included in genus Anemone
pass|(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate - "the coach sent in a passing play on third and long";(military) a written leave of absence - "he had a pass for three days";(sports) the act of throwing the ball to another member of your team - "the pass was fumbled";a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs;a complimentary ticket - "the star got passes for his family";a difficult juncture - "a pretty pass";a document indicating permission to do something without restrictions - "the media representatives had special passes";a flight or run by an aircraft over a target - "the plane turned to make a second pass";a permit to enter or leave a military installation - "he had to show his pass in order to get out";any authorization to pass or go somewhere - "the pass to visit had a strict time limit";one complete cycle of operations (as by a computer) - "it was not possible to complete the computation in a single pass";the location in a range of mountains of a geological formation that is lower than the surrounding peaks - "we got through the pass before it started to snow"
passage|a bodily reaction of changing from one place or stage to another - "the passage of air from the lungs";a journey usually by ship - "the outward passage took 10 days";a path or channel or duct through or along which something may pass - "the nasal passages";a section of text;particularly a section of medium length;a short section of a musical composition;a way through or along which someone or something may pass;the act of passing from one state or place to the next;the act of passing something to another person
passageway|a passage between rooms or between buildings
Passamaquody|a member of the Algonquian people related to the Malecite and living in northeastern Maine and New Brunswick
passbook savings account|a savings account in which deposits and withdrawals are recorded in the depositor's passbook
passed ball|a pitch that the catcher should have caught but did not;allows a base runner to advance a base
passenger|a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
passenger car|a railcar where passengers ride
passenger pigeon|gregarious North American migratory pigeon now extinct
passenger ship|a ship built to carry passengers
passenger train|a train that carries passengers
passenger van|a van that carries passengers
passe-partout|a mounting for a picture using gummed tape
passer|(football) a ball carrier who tries to gain ground by throwing a forward pass;a person who passes as a member of a different ethnic or racial group;a student who passes an examination;type genus of the Passeridae
passerby|a person who passes by casually or by chance
Passeridae|true sparrows;Old world birds formerly considered weaverbirds
Passeriformes|largest order of birds comprising about half the known species;rooks;finches;sparrows;tits;warblers;robins;wrens;swallows;etc.;the four suborders are Eurylaimi and Tyranni and Menurae and Oscines or Passeres
Passerina|a genus of small North American finches including the New World buntings
passerine|perching birds mostly small and living near the ground with feet having 4 toes arranged to allow for gripping the perch;most are songbirds;hatchlings are helpless
Passero|a naval battle in the Mediterranean Sea off Cape Passero in which the Spanish navy was destroyed by France and England while attempting to recover Sicily and Sardinia from Italy (1719)
Passiflora|type genus of the Passifloraceae
Passifloraceae|tropical woody tendril-climbing vines
passing|euphemistic expressions for death - "thousands mourned his passing";going by something that is moving in order to get in front of it - "she drove but well but her reckless passing of every car on the road frightened me";success in satisfying a test or requirement - "his future depended on his passing that test";the end of something - "the passing of winter";the motion of one object relative to another - "stellar passings can perturb the orbits of comets"
passing note|a nonharmonic note inserted for transition between harmonic notes
passing shot|a tennis return that passes an opponent who has approached the net
passion|a feeling of strong sexual desire;a strong feeling or emotion;the suffering of Jesus at the Crucifixion
passion fruit|egg-shaped tropical fruit of certain passionflower vines;used for sherbets and confectionery and drinks
Passion play|a play representing the Passion of Christ
Passion Sunday|second Sunday before Easter
passionflower|any of various chiefly tropical American vines some bearing edible fruit
passive air defense|air defense by the use of deception or dispersion or protective construction
passive immunity|an impermanent form of acquired immunity in which antibodies against a disease are acquired naturally (as through the placenta to an unborn child) or artificially (as by injection of antiserum)
passive matrix display|a type of LCD display used for some portable computers;parallel wires run both vertically and horizontally and pixels are turned on when the wires intersecting at that pixel are both energized - "passive matrix displays are generally inferior to active matrix displays"
passive resistance|peaceful resistance to a government by fasting or refusing to cooperate
passive source|an informant who is not assigned to obtain specific intelligence but who routinely passes on whatever information he or she has
passive transport|transport of a substance across a cell membrane by diffusion;expenditure of energy is not required
passive trust|a trust in which the trustee performs no active duties
passive voice|the voice used to indicate that the grammatical subject of the verb is the recipient (not the source) of the action denoted by the verb - "'The ball was thrown by the boy' uses the passive voice"
passivity|submission to others or to outside influences;the trait of remaining inactive;a lack of initiative
passkey|key that secures entrance everywhere
Passover|(Judaism) a Jewish festival (traditionally 8 days from Nissan 15) celebrating the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt
passport|a document issued by a country to a citizen allowing that person to travel abroad and re-enter the home country
pass-through|an opening that resembles a window between two rooms (especially a shelved opening between a kitchen and dining room that is used to pass dishes)
password|a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group - "he forgot the password"
past|a earlier period in someone's life (especially one that they have reason to keep secret) - "reporters dug into the candidate's past";a verb tense that expresses actions or states in the past;the time that has elapsed - "forget the past"
past master|someone who has long and thorough experience in a given activity;someone who was formerly a master
past participle|a participle that expresses completed action
past perfect|a perfective tense used to express action completed in the past - "'I had finished' is an example of the past perfect"
past progressive|a progressive tense used to describe on-going action in the past - "'I had been running' is an example of the past progressive"
pasta|a dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient;shaped and dried dough made from flour and water and sometimes egg
pasta salad|a salad having any of various pastas as the base
paste|a hard, brilliant lead glass that is used in making artificial jewelry;an adhesive made from water and flour or starch;used on paper and paperboard;any mixture of a soft and malleable consistency
pasteboard|stiff cardboard made by pasting together layers of paper
pastel|any of various pale or light colors
paster|a workman who pastes
pastern|the part between the fetlock and the hoof
Pasternak|Russian writer whose best known novel was banned by Soviet authorities but translated and published abroad (1890-1960)
paste-up|a composition of flat objects pasted on a board or other backing - "they showed him a paste-up of the book jacket"
Pasteur|French chemist and biologist whose discovery that fermentation is caused by microorganisms resulted in the process of pasteurization (1822-1895)
pasteurization|partial sterilization of foods at a temperature that destroys harmful microorganisms without major changes in the chemistry of the food
pasteurized milk|milk that has been exposed briefly to high temperatures to destroy microorganisms and prevent fermentation
pastiche|a work of art that imitates the style of some previous work
pastime|a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly) - "sailing is her favorite pastime" - "his main pastime is gambling"
Pastinaca|a rosid dicot genus of the family Umbelliferae;includes parsnips
pastis|similar to absinthe but containing no wormwood
pastness|the quality of being past
Pastor|only the rose-colored starlings;in some classifications considered a separate genus
pastoral|a letter from a pastor to the congregation;a literary work idealizing the rural life (especially the life of shepherds)
pastorale|a musical composition that evokes rural life
pastorate|pastors collectively
pastorship|the position of pastor
pastrami|highly seasoned cut of smoked beef
pastry|a dough of flour and water and shortening;any of various baked foods made of dough or batter
pastry cart|a serving cart for displaying pastry desserts to restaurant patrons
pastry cook|a chef who specializes in pastry
pasture|a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock
pasty|(usually used in the plural) one of a pair of adhesive patches worn to cover the nipples of exotic dancers and striptease performers;small meat pie or turnover
pat|the sound made by a gentle blow
pataca|the basic unit of money in Macao
Patagonia|region in southern South America between the Andes and the South Atlantic
Patagonian Desert|a semiarid region in southern South America
patas|reddish long-tailed monkey of west Africa
patch|a piece of cloth used as decoration or to mend or cover a hole;a short set of commands to correct a bug in a computer program
patch pocket|a flat pocket sewn to the outside of a garment
patch test|a test to determine allergic sensitivity by applying small pads soaked with allergen to the unbroken skin
patchcord|a length of wire that has a plug at each end;used to make connections at a patchboard
patchiness|unevenness in quality or performance
patching|the act of mending a hole in a garment by sewing a patch over it
patchouli|a heavy perfume made from the patchouli plant;small East Indian shrubby mint;fragrant oil from its leaves is used in perfumes
patchwork|a quilt made by sewing patches of different materials together;a theory or argument made up of miscellaneous or incongruous ideas;sewing consisting of pieces of different materials sewn together in a pattern
pate|liver or meat or fowl finely minced or ground and variously seasoned;the top of the head
patella|a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint;type genus of the family Patellidae;common European limpets
Patellidae|marine limpets
patency|the openness (lack of obstruction) of a bodily passage or duct
patent|a document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention;an official document granting a right or privilege
Patent and Trademark Office Database|the government bureau in the Department of Commerce that keeps a record of patents and trademarks and grants new ones
patent application|an application for sole rights to an invention
patent ductus arteriosus|a ductus arteriosus that failed to close at birth;may require surgical correction
patent infringement|violation of the rights secured by a patent
patent law|that branch of jurisprudence that studies the laws governing patents
patent leather|leather with a hard glossy surface
patent log|a cigar-shaped log with rotary fins that measure the ship's speed
patent medicine|medicine that is protected by a patent and available without a doctor's prescription
patent right|the right granted by a patent;especially the exclusive right to an invention
patent system|a legal system for protecting the rights of inventors
patentee|the inventor to whom a patent is issued
pater|an informal use of the Latin word for father;sometimes used by British schoolboys or used facetiously
paternalism|the attitude (of a person or a government) that subordinates should be controlled in a fatherly way for their own good
paternity|the state of being a father - "tests were conducted to determine paternity"
paternity suit|a lawsuit filed to determine the father of a child born out of wedlock (and to provide for the support of the child once paternity is determined)
paternity test|a test based on blood groups to determine whether a particular man could be the biological father of a particular child;negative results prove he was not the father but positive results show only that he could be
Paternoster|(Roman Catholic Church) the Lord's Prayer in Latin;translates as 'our father';a type of lift having a chain of open compartments that move continually in an endless loop so that (agile) passengers can step on or off at each floor
Paterson|a city of northeastern New Jersey;American Revolutionary leader (born in Ireland) who was a member of the Constitutional Convention (1745-1806)
path|a line or route along which something travels or moves - "the hurricane demolished houses in its path";a way especially designed for a particular use;an established line of travel or access
Pathan|a member of the mountain people living in the eastern regions of Afghanistan - "Pathans are the predominant ethnic group in Afghanistan";an ethnic minority speaking Pashto and living in northwestern Pakistan and southeastern Afghanistan
pathetic fallacy|the fallacy of attributing human feelings to inanimate objects;'the friendly sun' is an example of the pathetic fallacy
pathogen|any disease-producing agent (especially a virus or bacterium or other microorganism)
pathogenesis|the origination and development of a disease
pathologic process|an organic process occurring as a consequence of disease
pathological state|a physical condition that is caused by disease
pathology|any deviation from a healthy or normal condition;the branch of medical science that studies the causes and nature and effects of diseases
pathos|a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow) - "the film captured all the pathos of their situation";a style that has the power to evoke feelings
pathway|a trodden path
patience|good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
patient|a person who requires medical care - "the number of emergency patients has grown rapidly"
patina|a fine coating of oxide on the surface of a metal
patio|usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
patisserie|a bakery specializing in French pastry
patka|a scarf worn by Sikh men
patois|a regional dialect of a language (especially French);usually considered substandard
Paton|South African writer (1903-1988)
Patras|a port city in western Greece in the northwestern Peloponnese on an inlet of the Ionian Sea;was a major trade center from the 5th century BC to the 3rd century BC;commercial importance revived during the Middle Ages
patrial|a person who has the right to be considered legally a British citizen (by virtue of the birth of a parent or grandparent)
patriarch|a man who is older and higher in rank than yourself;any of the early biblical characters regarded as fathers of the human race;the male head of family or tribe;title for the heads of the Eastern Orthodox Churches (in Istanbul and Alexandria and Moscow and Jerusalem)
patriarchal cross|a cross with two crossbars
patriarchate|the jurisdiction of a patriarch
patriarchy|a form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male line
patrician|a person of refined upbringing and manners
patricide|a person who murders their father;the murder of your father
Patrick|Apostle and patron saint of Ireland;an English missionary to Ireland in the 5th century
patrilineage|line of descent traced through the paternal side of the family
patrimony|a church endowment
patriot|one who loves and defends his or her country
patriotism|love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it - "they rode the same wave of popular patriotism"
Patriot's Day|the 3rd Monday in April;Massachusetts and Maine celebrate the battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775
patristics|the study of the lives, writings, and doctrines of the Church Fathers;the writings of the early Church Fathers
Patroclus|(Greek mythology) a friend of Achilles who was killed in the Trojan War;his death led Achilles to return to the fight after his quarrel with Agamemnon
patrol|a detachment used for security or reconnaissance;a group that goes through a region at regular intervals for the purpose of security;the activity of going around or through an area at regular intervals for security purposes
patrol boat|a vessel assigned to patrol an area
patroller|someone on patrol duty;an individual or a member of a group that patrols an area
patron|a regular customer;someone who supports or champions something;the proprietor of an inn
patron saint|a saint who is considered to be a defender of some group or nation
patronage|(politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
patroness|a woman who is a patron or the wife of a patron
patronymic|a family name derived from name of your father or a paternal ancestor (especially with an affix (such as -son in English or O'- in Irish) added to the name of your father or a paternal ancestor)
patter|a quick succession of light rapid sounds - "the patter of mice" - "the patter of tiny feet"
pattern|a model considered worthy of imitation - "the American constitution has provided a pattern for many republics"
patternmaker|someone who makes patterns (as for sewing or carpentry or metalworking)
patty|round flat candy;small flat mass of chopped food;small pie or pasty
patty shell|shell of puff paste
patty-pan|a pan for cooking patties or pasties
pattypan squash|round greenish-white squash having one face flattened with a scalloped edge
Patwin|a Copehan language spoken by the Patwin;a member of the North American Indian people living in the Sacramento valley in California
patzer|a poor chess player
Paul|(New Testament) a Christian missionary to the Gentiles;author of several Epistles in the New Testament;even though Paul was not present at the Last Supper he is considered an Apostle - "Paul's name was Saul prior to his conversion to Christianity";United States feminist (1885-1977)
Paul III|Italian pope from 1534 to 1549 who excommunicated Henry VIII of England in 1538 and initiated the Council of Trent in 1545;was active in the Counter Reformation and promoted the Society of Jesus for this purpose (1468-1549)
Paul VI|Italian pope from 1963 to 1978 who eased restrictions on fasting and on interfaith marriages (1897-1978)
Pauli|United States physicist (born in Austria) who proposed the exclusion principle (thus providing a theoretical basis for the periodic table) (1900-1958)
Pauli exclusion principle|no two electrons or protons or neutrons in a given system can be in states characterized by the same set of quantum numbers
Pauling|United States chemist who studied the nature of chemical bonding (1901-1994)
Paulo Afonso|a major waterfall in northeastern Brazil
pauper|a person who is very poor
pauperization|the act of making someone poor
Pauropoda|an obscure class of minute arthropods with branched antennae and 8 to 10 pairs of legs
pause|a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something;temporary inactivity
pavage|a tax toward paving streets
pavane|a stately court dance of the 16th and 17th centuries;music composed for dancing the pavane
Pavarotti|Italian tenor (born in 1935)
pave|a setting with precious stones so closely set that no metal shows
paved surface|a level horizontal surface covered with paving material
pavement|the paved surface of a thoroughfare
pavement artist|someone who draws on the pavement with colored chalks (hoping that passers-by will give them money)
pavilion|large and often sumptuous tent
paving|material used to pave an area;the act of applying paving materials to an area
paving stone|a stone used for paving
pavior|a machine for laying pavement
pavis|(Middle Ages) a large heavy oblong shield protecting the whole body;originally carried but sometimes set up in permanent position
Pavlov|Russian physiologist who observed conditioned salivary responses in dogs (1849-1936)
pavlova|a dessert consisting of a meringue base or cup filled with fruit and whipped cream;Russian ballerina (1882-1931)
Pavo|a small constellation near the South Pole between Tucana and Ara;peafowl
pavonia|any of various evergreen plants of the genus Pavonia having white or yellow or purple flowers
paw|a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
pawer|a person who handles or caresses in a clumsy or overfamiliar manner
pawl|a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward
pawn|(chess) the least powerful piece;moves only forward and captures only to the side;it can be promoted to a more powerful piece if it reaches the 8th rank;an article deposited as security;borrowing and leaving an article as security for repayment of the loan
pawn ticket|a pawnbroker's receipt for articles taken as security
pawnbroker|a person who lends money at interest in exchange for personal property that is deposited as security
pawnbroker's shop|a shop where loans are made with personal property as security
Pawnee|a member of the Pawnee nation formerly living in Nebraska and Kansas but now largely in Oklahoma;the Caddoan language spoken by the Pawnee
pawpaw|small tree native to the eastern United States having oblong leaves and fleshy fruit
pax|(Roman Catholic Church) a greeting signifying Christian love for those assisting at the Eucharist
Pax Romana|the Roman peace;the long period of peace enforced on states in the Roman Empire
Paxton|English architect (1801-1865)
pay cut|the act of reducing a salary
pay dirt|a profitable success - "the inventor worked for years before hitting pay dirt";ore that yields a substantial profit to the miner
pay envelope|wages enclosed in an envelope for distribution to the wage earner
pay rate|amount of money received per unit time - "women's pay rate is lower than men's"
payables|money that you currently expect to pay on notes and accounts
payback|financial return or reward (especially returns equal to the initial investment)
paycheck|a check issued in payment of wages or salary
payday|the day on which you receive pay for your work
PAYE|the British system of withholding tax
payee|a person to whom money is paid
Payena|genus of medium to large Malaysian trees yielding gutta-percha
payer|a person who pays money for something
paymaster|a person in charge of paying wages
payment|a sum of money paid or a claim discharged;the act of paying money
payment rate|the amount of money paid out per unit time
Payne's grey|any pigment that produces a greyish to dark greyish blue
paynim|a heathen;a person who is not a Christian (especially a Muslim)
payoff|the final payment of a debt
payola|a bribe given to a disc jockey to induce him to promote a particular record
pay-phone|a coin-operated telephone
payroll|a list of employees and their salaries - "the company had a long payroll";the department that determines the amounts of wage or salary due to each employee;the total amount of money paid in wages - "the company had a large payroll"
Pays de la Loire|an agricultural region of western France on the Bay of Biscay
payslip|a slip of paper included with your pay that records how much money you have earned and how much tax or insurance etc. has been taken out
PC board|a removable circuit board for a personal computer;fits into a slot in the mother board
pe|the 17th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
pea|a leguminous plant of the genus Pisum with small white flowers and long green pods containing edible green seeds;seed of a pea plant used for food;the fruit or seed of a pea plant
pea crab|tiny soft-bodied crab living commensally in the mantles of certain bivalve mollusks
pea flour|meal made from dried peas
pea jacket|a sailor's heavy woolen double-breasted jacket
pea pod|husk of a pea;edible in some garden peas
pea shooter|a straight narrow tube through which pellets (as dried peas) can be blown at a target
pea soup|a heavy thick yellow fog;a thick soup made of dried peas (usually made into a puree)
pea tree|any plant of the genus Caragana having even-pinnate leaves and mostly yellow flowers followed by seeds in a linear pod
pea weevil|larvae live in and feed on seeds of the pea plant
Peabody|educator who founded the first kindergarten in the United States (1804-1894)
peace|a treaty to cease hostilities - "peace came on November 11th";harmonious relations;freedom from disputes - "the roommates lived in peace together";the absence of mental stress or anxiety;the general security of public places - "he was arrested for disturbing the peace";the state prevailing during the absence of war
peace advocacy|any policy that advocates maintaining peaceful international relations
Peace Corps|a civilian organization sponsored by the United States government;helps people in developing countries
peace initiative|opening move in negotiating a peace treaty
peace march|a protest march against (a particular) war and in favor of peace
Peace of Westphalia|the peace treaty that ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648
peace offering|something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace
peace process|any social process undertaken by governments who want their citizens to believe they are trying to avoid armed hostilities
peaceableness|a state that is calm and tranquil
peacekeeper|a member of a military force that is assigned (often with international sanction) to preserve peace in a trouble area;someone who keeps peace - "she's the peacekeeper in that family";the pistol of a law officer in the old West
peacekeeping|the activity of keeping the peace by military forces (especially when international military forces enforce a truce between hostile groups or nations)
peacetime|a period of time during which there is no war
peach|cultivated in temperate regions;downy juicy fruit with sweet yellowish or whitish flesh
peach bells|perennial European bellflower with racemose white or blue flowers
peach blight|a disease of trees bearing drupes
peach ice cream|ice cream flavored with fresh peaches
peach melba|ice cream and peaches with a liqueur
peach orchard|a grove of peach trees
peach pit|the stone seed of a peach
peach sauce|for Chinese dishes;peach preserves and chutney
peachick|a young peafowl
peachleaf willow|willow of the western United States with leaves like those of peach or almond trees
peacock|European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot;male peafowl;having a crested head and very large fanlike tail marked with iridescent eyes or spots
peacock-throne|the golden throne of former kings of Delhi;stolen by the Persians in 1739 and subsequently lost;symbol of the former Shah of Iran
peafowl|very large terrestrial southeast Asian pheasant often raised as an ornamental bird
peahen|female peafowl
peak|the top or extreme point of something (usually a mountain or hill) - "the view from the peak was magnificent"
peal|a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells)
peanut|a young child who is small for his age;pod of the peanut vine containing usually 2 nuts or seeds;'groundnut' and 'monkey nut' are British terms;underground pod of the peanut vine;widely cultivated American plant cultivated in tropical and warm regions;showy yellow flowers on stalks that bend over to the soil so that seed pods ripen underground
peanut bar|bar of peanuts in taffy
peanut brittle|brittle containing peanuts
peanut butter|a spread made from ground peanuts
peanut gallery|(figurative) people whose criticisms are regarded as irrelevant or insignificant (resembling uneducated people who throw peanuts on the stage to express displeasure with a performance) - "he ignored complaints from the peanut gallery"
peanut oil|an oil from peanuts;used in cooking and making soap
peanut worm|small unsegmented marine worm that when disturbed retracts its anterior portion into the body giving the appearance of a peanut
peanuts|an insignificant sum of money;a trifling amount - "her salary is peanuts compared to his"
pear|Old World tree having sweet gritty-textured juicy fruit;widely cultivated in many varieties;sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties
pearl|a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster;much valued as a jewel
pearl ash|an impure form of potassium carbonate
pearl barley|barley ground into small round pellets
pearl diver|a diver who searches for molluscs containing pearls
pearl fishery|a fishery where they fish for pearl oysters
Pearl Harbor|a harbor on Oahu to the west of Honolulu;location of a United States naval base that was attacked by the Japanese on 7 Dec 1941
pearl hominy|hominy prepared by milling to pellets of medium size
pearl millet|tall grass having cattail like spikes;grown in Africa and Asia for its grain and in the United States chiefly for forage;sometimes used in making beer
pearl oyster|tropical marine bivalve found chiefly off eastern Asia and Pacific coast of North America and Central America;a major source of pearls
Pearl River|a river in Mississippi that flows southward to the Gulf of Mexico
pearl sago|sago ground into small round grains
pearlfish|found living within the alimentary canals of e.g. sea cucumbers or between the shells of pearl oysters in or near shallow seagrass beds
pearlite|a lamellar mixture of cementite and ferrite formed during the cooling of austenite;a constituent of steel and cast iron
pearlwort|any of various low-growing plants of the genus Sagina having small spherical flowers resembling pearls
pearly everlasting|an American everlasting having foliage with soft wooly hairs and corymbose heads with pearly white bracts
pearly razorfish|a kind of razor fish
pearly-shelled mussel|the pearly lining of the dark shells is a source of mother-of-pearl
Pearmain|any of several varieties of apples with red skins
Peary|United States Arctic explorer and United States naval officer who has been regarded as the first man to reach the North Pole (1856-1920)
peasant|a country person;a crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement;one of a (chiefly European) class of agricultural laborers
peasanthood|the state of being a peasant - "the same homely dress she wore in the days of her peasanthood"
peasantry|the class of peasants
Peasant's Revolt|a widespread rebellion in 1381 against poll taxes and other inequities that oppressed the poorer people of England;suppressed by Richard II
pease pudding|a pudding made with strained split peas mixed with egg
peat|partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water;can be used as a fuel when dried
peavey|a stout lever with a sharp spike;used for handling logs
peba|having nine hinged bands of bony plates;ranges from Texas to Paraguay
pebble|a small smooth rounded rock
pebibit|a unit of information equal to 1024 tebibits or 2^50 bits
pecan|smooth brown oval nut of south central United States;tree of southern United States and Mexico cultivated for its nuts;wood of a pecan tree
pecan pie|pie made of pecans and sugar and corn syrup and butter and eggs
peccary|nocturnal gregarious pig-like wild animals of North America and South America
peck|a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 2 gallons;a United States dry measure equal to 8 quarts or 537.605 cubic inches
pecopteris|Carboniferous fossil fern characterized by a regular arrangement of the leaflets resembling a comb
Pecos|a tributary of the Rio Grande that flows southeastward from New Mexico through western Texas
pectic acid|a complex acid that occurs in ripe fruit and some vegetables
pectin|any of various water-soluble colloidal carbohydrates that occur in ripe fruit and vegetables;used in making fruit jellies and jams
Pectinibranchia|large order of gastropods comprising univalve mollusks that have a single gill resembling a comb
Pectinidae|scallops
pectoral|an adornment worn on the chest or breast;either of two large muscles of the chest
pectoral fin|either of a pair of fins situated just behind the head in fishes that help control the direction of movement
pectoral girdle|a skeletal support to which the forelimbs of vertebrates are attached
pectoral sandpiper|American sandpiper that inflates its chest when courting
pectoral vein|veins that drain the pectoral muscles and empty into the subclavian vein
pectoralis major|a skeletal muscle that adducts and rotates the arm
pectoralis minor|a skeletal muscle that draws down the scapula or raises the ribs
peculiar velocity|velocity with respect to the local standard of rest
peculiarity|a distinguishing trait;an odd or unusual characteristic
pedal|a lever that is operated with the foot
pedal point|a sustained bass note
pedal pusher|snug trousers ending at the calves;worn by women and girls
pedaler|a person who rides a pedal-driven vehicle (as a bicycle)
Pedaliaceae|the family of plants of order Polemoniales
pedant|a person who pays more attention to formal rules and book learning than they merit
pedantry|an ostentatious and inappropriate display of learning
pedate leaf|a leaf having the radiating lobes each deeply cleft or divided
peddler|someone who travels about selling his wares (as on the streets or at carnivals)
pederast|a man who has sex (usually sodomy) with a boy as the passive partner
pederasty|sexual relations between a man and a boy (usually anal intercourse with the boy as a passive partner)
pedestal|a position of great esteem (and supposed superiority) - "they put him on a pedestal";an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)
pedestal table|a table supported by a single central column
pedestrian|a person who travels by foot
pedestrian crossing|street crossing where pedestrians have right of way;often marked in some way (especially with diagonal stripes)
pedestrian traffic|people coming and going on foot
pediatrics|the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of infants and children
pedicab|a tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling);used in the Orient for transporting passengers for hire - "boys who once pulled rickshaws now pedal pedicabs"
pedicel|a small stalk bearing a single flower of an inflorescence;an ultimate division of a common peduncle
Pediculati|anglers and batfishes;spiny-finned marine fishes having pectoral fins at the ends of armlike processes and a long movable spine on the dorsal fin to lure prey to the large mouth
pediculicide|a chemical agent that kills lice
Pediculidae|true lice;human lice and related forms
pediculosis|infestation with lice (Pediculus humanus) resulting in severe itching
pediculosis capitis|infestation of the scalp with lice
pediculosis corporis|infestation of body skin with lice
pediculosis pubis|infestation of the pubic hair by crab lice
Pediculus|type genus of Pediculidae;true lice infecting humans
pedicure|professional care for the feet and toenails
pedigree|ancestry of a purebred animal;line of descent of a purebred animal
Pedilanthus|tropical American succulent shrubs
pediment|a triangular gable between a horizontal entablature and a sloping roof
Pediocactus|low-growing cacti of the Great Plains of North America
Pedioecetes|sharp-tailed grouse
Pedionomus|plain wanderer
Pedipalpi|whip scorpions
pedodontist|a dentist who specializes in the care of children's teeth
pedometer|measuring instrument for recording the number of steps taken in walking
pedophile|an adult who is sexually attracted to children
pedophilia|a sexual attraction to children
peduncle|a bundle of myelinated neurons joining different parts of the brain;stalk bearing an inflorescence or solitary flower;the thin process of tissue that attaches a polyp to the body
pedunculated polyp|a polyp with a stalk or peduncle
Pee Dee|a river that flows through central North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina to the Atlantic Ocean
peeing|informal terms for urination
peek|a secret look
peekaboo|a game played with young children;you hide your face and suddenly reveal it as you say boo!
Peel|British politician (1788-1850);the rind of a fruit or vegetable
peeler|a device for peeling vegetables or fruits - "she invented a potato peeler";a worker who peels the skins from fruits and vegetables
peen|the part of a hammerhead opposite the flat striking surface (may have various shapes)
peep sight|rear gunsight having an adjustable eyepiece with a small aperture through which the front sight and the target are aligned
peeper|an animal that makes short high-pitched sounds;an informal term referring to the eye
peephole|a hole (in a door or an oven etc) through which you can peep
peepshow|a short pornographic film shown in a small coin-operated booth;an exhibition of pictures or objects viewed through a small hole or magnifying glass
peer|a nobleman (duke or marquis or earl or viscount or baron) who is a member of the British peerage;a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
peer group|contemporaries of the same status
peer of the realm|a peer who is entitled to sit in the House of Lords
peerage|the peers of a kingdom considered as a group
peeve|an annoyed or irritated mood
peg|a holder attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds the oar in place and acts as a fulcrum for rowing;a prosthesis that replaces a missing leg;a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface;regulator that can be turned to regulate the pitch of the strings of a stringed instrument;small markers inserted into a surface to mark scores or define locations etc.
peg top|a pear-shaped top made of wood with a metal center pin
Pegasus|(Greek mythology) the immortal winged horse that sprang from the blood of the slain Medusa;was tamed by Bellerophon with the help of a bridle given him by Athena;as the flying horse of the Muses it is a symbol of highflying imagination;a constellation in the northern hemisphere near Andromeda and Pisces
pegboard|a board perforated with regularly spaced holes into which pegs can be fitted
pegmatite|a form of igneous rock consisting of extremely coarse granite resulting from the crystallization of magma rich in rare elements
Pei|United States architect (born in China in 1917)
Peirce|United States mathematician and astronomer remembered for his studies of Uranus and Saturn and Neptune (1809-1880);United States philosopher and logician;pioneer of pragmatism (1839-1914)
Pekinese|a Chinese breed of small short-legged dogs with a long silky coat and broad flat muzzle
Peking man|fossils found near Beijing, China;they were lost during World War II
Pelagianism|the theological doctrine put forward by Pelagius which denied original sin and affirmed the ability of humans to be righteous;condemned as heresy by the Council of Ephesus in 431
pelagic bird|bird of the open seas
Pelagius|a British or Irish monk who denied the doctrines of original sin and predestination and defended human goodness and free will;his views were declared heretical by the Council of Ephesus in 431 (circa 360-418)
Pelargonium|geraniums native chiefly to South Africa;widely cultivated
Pelecanidae|pelicans
pelecaniform seabird|large fish-eating seabird with four-toed webbed feet
Pelecaniformes|pelicans;frigate birds;gannets;cormorants
Pelecanoididae|diving petrels
Pelecanus|type genus of the Pelecanidae
Peleus|a king of the Myrmidons and father of Achilles
Pelham|a bit with a bar mouthpiece that is designed to combine a curb and snaffle
pelican|large long-winged warm-water seabird having a large bill with a distensible pouch for fish
pelican crossing|an acronym for pedestrian light control;a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights that are controlled by pedestrians
pelisse|a sleeveless cape that is lined or trimmed with fur
Pellaea|genus of chiefly small rock-loving ferns;in some classification systems it is placed in the family Polypodiaceae or Adiantaceae
pellagra|a disease caused by deficiency of niacin or tryptophan (or by a defect in the metabolic conversion of tryptophan to niacin);characterized by gastrointestinal disturbances and erythema and nervous or mental disorders;may be caused by malnutrition or alcoholism or other nutritional impairments
pellet|a small sphere
pellicle|thin protective membrane in some protozoa
Pellicularia|genus of fungi having the hymenium in the form of a crust;some species formerly placed in form genus Rhizoctinia
pellitory|a small Mediterranean plant containing a volatile oil once used to relieve toothache
pellitory-of-the-wall|herb that grows in crevices having long narrow leaves and small pink apetalous flowers
pellucidness|passing light without diffusion or distortion
Pelobatidae|the amphibian family of spadefoot toads
Peloponnese|the southern peninsula of Greece;dominated by Sparta until the 4th century BC
Peloponnesian War|a war in which Athens and its allies were defeated by the league centered on Sparta;431-404 BC
Peltandra|small genus of North American marsh or aquatic herbs
peltate leaf|a shield-shaped leaf;as a nasturtium leaf
pelter|a thrower of missiles - "the police were too busy to chase the pelters"
peludo|Argentine armadillo with six movable bands and hairy underparts
pelvic cavity|the space bounded by the bones of the pelvis and containing the pelvic viscera
pelvic fin|either of a pair of fins attached to the pelvic girdle in fishes that help control the direction of movement;correspond to hind limbs of a land vertebrate
pelvic inflammatory disease|inflammation of the female pelvic organs (especially the Fallopian tubes) caused by infection by any of several microorganisms (chiefly gonococci and chlamydia);symptoms are abdominal pain and fever and foul-smelling vaginal discharge
pelvimeter|measuring instrument for performing pelvimetry
pelvimetry|measurement of the dimensions of the bony birth canal (to determine whether vaginal birth is possible)
pelvis|a structure shaped like a funnel in the outlet of the kidney into which urine is discharged before passing into the ureter;the structure of the vertebrate skeleton supporting the lower limbs in humans and the hind limbs or corresponding parts in other vertebrates
pelycosaur|large primitive reptile having a tall spinal sail;of the Permian or late Paleozoic in Europe and North America
Pelycosauria|edaphosaurus;dimetrodon
Pembroke|the smaller and straight-legged variety of corgi having pointed ears and a short tail
pemmican|lean dried meat pounded fine and mixed with melted fat;used especially by North American Indians
Pempheridae|sweepers
pemphigus|a skin disease characterized by large thin-walled blisters (bullae) arising from normal skin or mucous membrane
pen|a writing implement with a point from which ink flows;an enclosure for confining livestock;female swan
pen name|an author's pseudonym
pen pal|a person you come to know by frequent friendly correspondence
penal code|the legal code governing crimes and their punishment
penal colony|a penal institution where prisoners are exiled (often located on an island from which escape is difficult or impossible)
penal institution|an institution where persons are confined for punishment and to protect the public
penalty|(games) a handicap or disadvantage that is imposed on a competitor (or a team) for an infraction of the rules of the game;a payment required for not fulfilling a contract;the disadvantage or painful consequences of an action or condition - "neglected his health and paid the penalty"
penalty box|(ice hockey) an enclosed bench to the side of an ice-hockey rink for players who are serving time penalties
penance|a Catholic sacrament;repentance and confession and atonement and absolution;voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for some wrongdoing
pen-and-ink|a drawing executed with pen and ink
pencil|a cosmetic in a long thin stick;designed to be applied to a particular part of the face - "an eyebrow pencil";a figure formed by a set of straight lines or light rays meeting at a point;a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement;a rod of marking substance encased in wood;graphite (or a similar substance) used in such a way as to be a medium of communication - "the words were scribbled in pencil" - "this artist's favorite medium is pencil"
pencil box|a box for holding pencils
pencil cedar|any of several junipers with wood suitable for making pencils;wood of a pencil cedar tree;used for making pencils
pencil sharpener|a rotary implement for sharpening the point on pencils
pendant|an adornment that hangs from a piece of jewelry (necklace or earring)
pendant earring|an earring with a pendant ornament
pendragon|the supreme war chief of the ancient Britons
pendulum|an apparatus consisting of an object mounted so that it swings freely under the influence of gravity
pendulum clock|a clock regulated by a pendulum
pendulum watch|(18th century) a watch with a balance wheel having a fake pendulum attached to it
Peneidae|tropical prawns
Penelope|(Greek mythology) the wife of Odysseus and a symbol of devotion and fidelity;for 10 years while Odysseus fought the Trojan War she resisted numerous suitors until Odysseus returned and killed them;a genus of guans (turkey-like arboreal birds valued as game and food birds)
peneplain|a more or less level land surface representing an advanced stage of erosion undisturbed by crustal movements
penetrability|the quality of being penetrable (by people or light or missiles etc.)
penetralia|the innermost parts
penetrating trauma|injury incurred when an object (as a knife or bullet or shrapnel) penetrates into the body
penetration|an attack that penetrates into enemy territory;clear or deep perception of a situation;the ability to make way into or through something - "the greater penetration of the new projectiles will result in greater injuries";the act (by a man) of inserting his penis into the vagina of a woman;the act of entering into or through something - "the penetration of upper management by women";the depth to which something penetrates (especially the depth reached by a projectile that hits a target)
penetration bomb|a bomb with about 30% explosive and a casing designed to penetrate hardened targets before the explosive detonates
penetrator|an intruder who passes into or through (often by overcoming resistance)
Peneus|type genus of the family Peneidae
Pengo|a Dravidian language spoken in south central India;formerly the basic unit of money in Hungary until it was replaced by the forint in 1946
penguin|short-legged flightless birds of cold southern especially Antarctic regions having webbed feet and wings modified as flippers
penicillamine|a drug (trade name Cuprimine) used to treat heavy metal poisoning and Wilson's disease and severe arthritis
penicillin|any of various antibiotics obtained from Penicillium molds (or produced synthetically) and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases
penicillin F|the first form of penicillin that was isolated in Great Britain
penicillin G|the penicillin that constitutes the principal component of many commercial antibiotics
penicillin O|a penicillin that is similar in antibiotic action to penicillin G but is obtained differently
penicillin V|a crystalline penicillin similar in action to penicillin G but more resistant to the action of gastric acids
penicillin V potassium|a form of penicillin V (trade name Ledercillin VK)
penicillinase|enzyme produced by certain bacteria that inactivates penicillin and results in resistance to that antibiotic
penicillinase-resistant antibiotic|a form of penicillin that is not rendered inactive by penicillinase
penicillin-resistant bacteria|bacteria that are unaffected by penicillin
Penicillium|genus of fungi commonly growing as green or blue molds on decaying food;used in making cheese and as a source of penicillin
penile implant|an implant that creates an artificial erection
peninsula|a large mass of land projecting into a body of water
penis|the male organ of copulation ('member' is a euphemism)
penis envy|(psychoanalysis) a female's presumed envy of the male's penis;said to explain femininity
penitent|(Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)
penitentiary|a correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes
penknife|a small pocketknife;originally used to cut quill pens
penlight|a small flashlight resembling a fountain pen
Penn|Englishman and Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania (1644-1718)
pennant|a flag longer than it is wide (and often tapering);a long flag;often tapering;the award given to the champion
Pennatula|type genus of the family Pennatulidae;sea pens
Pennatulidae|sea pens
penne|pasta in short tubes with diagonally cut ends
penni|100 pennia formerly equaled 1 markka in Finland
Pennines|a system of hills in Britain that extend from the Scottish border in the north to the Trent River in the south;forms the watershed for English rivers
Pennisetum|a genus of Old World grasses
pennon|wing of a bird
pennoncel|a small pennant borne on a lance
Pennsylvania|a Mid-Atlantic state;one of the original 13 colonies;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
Pennsylvania Dutch|a dialect of High German spoken in parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland
Pennsylvanian|a native or resident of Pennsylvania;from 310 million to 280 million years ago;warm climate;swampy land
penny|a coin worth one-hundredth of the value of the basic unit;a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom;equal to one hundredth of a pound
penny ante|a business deal on a trivial scale;poker played for small stakes
penny arcade|an arcade with coin-operated devices for entertainment
penny pincher|someone who is excessively careful with money (who pinches every penny before letting go of it)
penny stock|a stock selling for less that $1/share
pennycress|any of several plants of the genus Thlaspi
pennyroyal|erect hairy branching American herb having purple-blue flowers;yields an essential oil used as an insect repellent and sometimes in folk medicine;Eurasian perennial mint have small lilac-blue flowers and ovate leaves;yields an aromatic oil
pennyroyal oil|aromatic oil from American pennyroyal;oil from European pennyroyal having an odor like mint;used chiefly in soaps
pennyweight|a unit of apothecary weight equal to 24 grains
pennywhistle|an inexpensive fipple flute
pennyworth|the amount that can be bought for a penny
Penobscot|a member of the Algonquian people belonging to the Abnaki confederacy and living in the Penobscot valley in northern Maine;a river in central Maine flowing into Penobscot Bay
Penobscot Bay|an inlet of the Atlantic in eastern Maine
penologist|a person who studies the theory and practice of prison management
penology|the branch of criminology concerned with prison management and prisoner rehabilitation
penpusher|a clerk who does boring paperwork
Pensacola|a town in extreme northwest Florida
pension|a regular payment to a person that is intended to allow them to subsist without working
pension fund|a financial institution that collects regular contributions from employers to provide retirement income for employees;a fund reserved to pay workers' pensions when they retire from service
pension plan|a plan for setting aside money to be spent after retirement
pensioner|the beneficiary of a pension fund
pensiveness|deep serious thoughtfulness;persistent morbid meditation on a problem
Penstemon|large genus of subshrubs or herbs having showy blue or purple or red or yellow or white flowers;mostly western North America
pentacle|a star with 5 points;formed by 5 straight lines between the vertices of a pentagon and enclosing another pentagon
pentaerythritol|a coronary vasodilator (trade name Peritrate) used to treat angina pectoris
pentagon|a five-sided polygon;a government building with five sides that serves as the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense;the United States military establishment
Pentagon Gang|a Filipino terrorist group that broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2001 in order to continue terrorism and kidnapping and extortion
pentahedron|any polyhedron having five plane faces
pentail|brown tree shrew having a naked tail bilaterally fringed with long stiff hairs on the distal third;of Malaysia
pentameter|a verse line having five metrical feet
Pentastomida|tongue worms
pentathlete|an athlete who competes in a pentathlon
pentathlon|an athletic contest consisting of five different events
pentatonic scale|a gapped scale with five notes;usually the fourth and seventh notes of the diatonic scale are omitted
pentazocine|analgesic drug (trade name Talwin) that is less addictive than morphine
Pentecost|seventh Sunday after Easter;commemorates the emanation of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles;a quarter day in Scotland
Pentecostal|any member of a Pentecostal religious body
Pentecostal religion|any fundamentalist Protestant Church that uses revivalistic methods to achieve experiences comparable to the Pentecostal experiences of the first Christian disciples
pentecostalism|the principles and practices of Pentecostal religious groups;characterized by religious excitement and talking in tongues
penthouse|an apartment located on the top floors of a building
pentimento|the reappearance in a painting of an underlying image that had been painted over (usually when the later painting becomes transparent with age)
pentlandite|a mineral (iron and nickel sulphide) that is the chief ore of nickel
pentobarbital sodium|a barbiturate (trade name Nembutal) used as a sedative and hypnotic and antispasmodic
pentode|a thermionic tube having five electrodes
pentose|any monosaccharide sugar containing five atoms of carbon per molecule
pentoxide|an oxide containing five atoms of oxygen in the molecule
pentoxifylline|a drug (trade name Trental) used to treat claudication;believed to increase the flexibility of red blood cells so they can flow through the blood vessels to the legs and feet
pentylenetetrazol|a drug used as a circulatory and respiratory stimulant;larger doses cause convulsions in shock therapy;Metrazol is a trademark
penuche|fudge made with brown sugar and butter and milk and nuts
penult|the next to last syllable in a word
penumbra|a fringe region of partial shadow around an umbra
penuriousness|a disposition to be niggardly with money
Penutian|a family of Amerindian language spoken in the great interior valley of California;a member of a North American Indian people speaking one of the Penutian languages
peonage|the condition of a peon;the practice of making a debtor work for his creditor until the debt is discharged
peony|any of numerous plants widely cultivated for their showy single or double red or pink or white flowers
people|(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively - "old people" - "there were at least 200 people in the audience";members of a family line - "his people have been farmers for generations" - "are your people still alive?"
People against Gangsterism and Drugs|a terrorist organization in South Africa formed in 1996 to fight drug lords;evolved into a vigilante group with anti-western views closely allied with Qibla;is believed to have ties to Islamic extremists in the Middle East;is suspected of conducting bouts of urban terrorism
peoples|the human beings of a particular nation or community or ethnic group - "the indigenous peoples of Australia"
People's Party|a former political party in the United States;formed in 1891 to advocate currency expansion and state control of railroads
Peoria|a city in central Illinois on the Illinois River
pep|liveliness and energy - "this tonic is guaranteed to give you more pep"
pep rally|a rally (especially of students) before a game
pep talk|a speech of exhortation attempting to instill enthusiasm and determination in a team or staff
peperomia|any of various plants of the genus Peperomia;grown primarily for their often succulent foliage
Pepin|king of the Franks and father of Charlemagne who defended papal interests and founded the Carolingian dynasty in 751 (714-768)
peplos|a garment worn by women in ancient Greece;cloth caught at the shoulders and draped in folds to the waist
peplum|a flared ruffle attached to the waistline of a dress or jacket or blouse
pepper|climber having dark red berries (peppercorns) when fully ripe;southern India and Sri Lanka;naturalized in northern Burma and Assam;pungent seasoning from the berry of the common pepper plant of East India;use whole or ground;sweet and hot varieties of fruits of plants of the genus Capsicum
pepper mill|a mill for grinding pepper
pepper pot|a soup made with vegetables and tripe and seasoned with peppercorns;often contains dumplings
pepper sauce|for venison;brown sauce with sauteed vegetables and trimmings and marinade and plenty of pepper
pepper shaker|a shaker with a perforated top for sprinkling ground pepper
pepper shrub|evergreen shrub or small tree whose foliage is conspicuously blotched with red and yellow and having small black fruits
pepper spray|a nonlethal aerosol spray made with the pepper derivative oleoresin capiscum;used to cause temporary blindness and incapacitate an attacker;also used as a bear deterrent
pepper steak|strips of steak sauteed with green peppers and onions
pepper tree|small African deciduous tree with spreading crown having leaves clustered toward ends of branches and clusters of creamy flowers resembling lilacs;small Peruvian evergreen with broad rounded head and slender pendant branches with attractive clusters of greenish flowers followed by clusters of rose-pink fruits
pepper-and-salt|a fabric woven with flecks of light and dark
peppercorn rent|very low or nominal rent
peppermint|a candy flavored with peppermint oil;herb with downy leaves and small purple or white flowers that yields a pungent oil used as a flavoring
peppermint oil|oil from the peppermint plant used as flavoring
peppermint patty|a patty flavored with peppermint
pepperoni|a pork and beef sausage (or a thin slice of this sausage)
pepperoni pizza|tomato and cheese pizza with pepperoni
Pepsi|Pepsi Cola is a trademarked cola
pepsin|an enzyme produced in the stomach that splits proteins into peptones
pepsinogen|precursor of pepsin;stored in the stomach walls and converted to pepsin by hydrochloric acid in the stomach
peptic ulcer|an ulcer of the mucous membrane lining of the alimentary tract
peptide|amide combining the amino group of one amino acid with the carboxyl group of another;usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of protein
peptide bond|the primary linkage of all protein structures;the chemical bond between the carboxyl groups and amino groups that unites a peptide
peptization|the process of converting to a sol;bringing to a colloidal solution
Pepto-bismal|an antacid
peptone|any of various water-soluble compounds that form by hydrolysis in the digestion of proteins to amino acids
Pepys|English diarist whose diary contained detailed descriptions of 17th century disasters in England (1633-1703)
per capita income|the total national income divided by the number of people in the nation
per diem|a daily allowance for living expenses (especially while traveling in connection with your job)
peradventure|doubt or uncertainty as to whether something is the case - "this proves beyond peradventure that he is innocent"
perambulation|a walk around a territory (a parish or manor or forest etc.) in order to officially assert and record its boundaries
Peramelidae|bandicoots
perboric acid|a form of boric acid
Perca|type genus of the Percidae
percale|a fine closely woven cotton fabric
perceiver|a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses
percent sign|a sign ('%') used to indicate that the number preceding it should be understood as a proportion multiplied by 100
percentage|a proportion in relation to a whole (which is usually the amount per hundred)
percentile|(statistics) any of the 99 numbered points that divide an ordered set of scores into 100 parts each of which contains one-hundredth of the total
percept|the representation of what is perceived;basic component in the formation of a concept
perceptibility|the property of being perceptible by the mind or the senses
perception|a way of conceiving something - "Luther had a new perception of the Bible";knowledge gained by perceiving - "a man admired for the depth of his perception";the process of perceiving
perceptiveness|the quality of insight and sympathetic understanding
perch|a linear measure of 16.5 feet;a square rod of land;an elevated place serving as a seat;any of numerous fishes of America and Europe;any of numerous spiny-finned fishes of various families of the order Perciformes;spiny-finned freshwater food and game fishes;support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird)
percher|a person situated on a perch
Percheron|one of a breed of grey or black draft horses originally used in France to draw heavy coaches or artillery
perchlorate|a salt of perchloric acid
perchloric acid|a powerful oxidizing agent;forms perchlorates
perchloride|a chloride containing an unusually high proportion of chlorine
Percidae|active freshwater fishes;true perches and pike perches
Perciformes|one of the largest natural groups of fishes of both marine and fresh water;true perches;basses;tuna
Percina|a genus of Percidae
percoid fish|any of numerous spiny-finned fishes of the order Perciformes
Percoidea|in some classifications nearly or exactly equivalent to the Perciformes which are considered a suborder
percolate|the product of percolation
percolation|the act of making coffee in a percolator;the filtration of a liquid for extraction or purification;the slow passage of a liquid through a filtering medium - "the percolation of rainwater through the soil"
percolator|a coffeepot in which boiling water ascends through a central tube and filters back down through a basket of ground coffee beans
Percophidae|percoid flatheads
percussion|tapping a part of the body for diagnostic purposes;the act of exploding a percussion cap;the act of playing a percussion instrument
percussion cap|a detonator that explodes when struck
percussion instrument|a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by one object striking another
percussion section|the section of a band or orchestra that plays percussion instruments
percussionist|a musician who plays percussion instruments
Percy|English soldier killed in a rebellion against Henry IV (1364-1403);United States writer whose novels explored human alienation (1916-1990)
Perdicidae|Old World partridges
Perdix|a genus of Perdicinae
perdurability|the property of being extremely durable
pere david's deer|large Chinese deer surviving only in domesticated herds
peregrination|traveling or wandering around
peregrine|a widely distributed falcon formerly used in falconry
Perejil|a small uninhabited Mediterranean islet claimed by both Morocco and Spain
perennation|the process of living through a number of years (as a perennial plant)
perennial|(botany) a plant lasting for three seasons or more
perennial ryegrass|European perennial grass widely cultivated for pasture and hay and as a lawn grass
perennial salt marsh aster|a variety of aster
Pereskia|genus of tropical American shrubby trees and woody climbers having slender branches with broad flat leaves and large panicles of flowers
perestroika|an economic policy adopted in the former Soviet Union;intended to increase automation and labor efficiency but it led eventually to the end of central planning in the Russian economy
perfect game|a game in which a pitcher does not allow any opposing player to reach base
perfecter|a skilled worker who perfects something - "although not the inventor he must be recognized as the perfecter of this technique"
perfectibility|the capability of becoming perfect - "he believes in the ultimate perfectibility of man"
perfection|the act of making something perfect;the state of being without a flaw or defect
perfectionism|a disposition to feel that anything less than perfect is unacceptable - "his perfectionism seemed excessive to his students"
perfectionist|a person who is displeased by anything that does not meet very high standards
perfective|a tense of verbs used in describing action that has been completed (sometimes regarded as perfective aspect);the aspect of a verb that expresses a completed action
perfidy|betrayal of a trust
perfluorocarbon|a powerful greenhouse gas emitted during the production of aluminum
perfoliate leaf|a leaf with the base united around--and apparently pierced by--the stem
perforated eardrum|an eardrum with a hole or tear in it;can interfere with normal hearing and cause other ear problems
perforating vein|veins that accompany the perforating arteries;drain leg muscles;empty into the deep femoral vein
perforation|a hole made in something - "a perforation of the eardrum";a line of small holes for tearing at a particular place;the act of punching a hole (especially a row of holes as for ease of separation)
performance|a dramatic or musical entertainment - "they listened to ten different performances" - "the play ran for 100 performances" - "the frequent performances of the symphony testify to its popularity";any recognized accomplishment - "they admired his performance under stress" - "when Roger Maris powered four home runs in one game his performance merits awe";the act of performing;of doing something successfully;using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it - "they criticised his performance as mayor" - "experience generally improves performance";the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment - "we congratulated him on his performance at the rehearsal" - "an inspired performance of Mozart's C minor concerto"
performance bond|a bond given to protect the recipient against loss in case the terms of a contract are not filled;a surety company assumes liability for nonperformance
performer|an entertainer who performs a dramatic or musical work for an audience
performing arts|arts or skills that require public performance
perfume|a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor
perfumer|a person who makes (and sells) perfumes
perfumery|an establishment where perfumes are made;perfumes in general;store where perfumes are sold;the art of making perfumes
perfusion|pumping a liquid into an organ or tissue (especially by way of blood vessels)
Pergamum|an ancient Greek city located in the western part of what is now modern Turkey;the technique of preparing sheepskins as parchment was developed here
peri|(Persian folklore) a supernatural being descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until penance is done;a beautiful and graceful girl
perianth|collective term for the outer parts of a flower consisting of the calyx and corolla and enclosing the stamens and pistils
periapsis|(astronomy) the point in an orbit closest to the body being orbited
periarterial plexus|an autonomic plexus that accompanies an artery
periarteritis|inflammation of the outer coat of an artery
periarteritis nodosa|a progressive disease of connective tissue that is characterized by nodules along arteries;nodules may block the artery and result in inadequate circulation to the particular area
Pericallis|cineraria
pericardial cavity|the space between the layers of the pericardium that contains fluid that lubricates the membrane surfaces and allows easy heart movement
pericardial sac|the membrane surrounding the heart
pericardial vein|several small veins from the pericardium
pericarditis|inflammation of the pericardium
pericardium|a serous membrane with two layers that surrounds the heart
pericarp|the ripened and variously modified walls of a plant ovary
pericementoclasia|pus pocket formation around a tooth
periclase|a white solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase;a source of magnesium
Pericles|Athenian statesman whose leadership contributed to Athens' political and cultural supremacy in Greece;he ordered the construction of the Parthenon (died in 429 BC)
peridinian|flagellate with a thick test composed of plates
Peridiniidae|marine and freshwater dinoflagellates
Peridinium|type genus of the family Peridiniidae
peridium|outer layer of the spore-bearing organ in many fungi
peridot|a pale green variety of chrysolite;used as a gemstone
peridotite|a dark coarse-grained igneous rock consisting principally of olivine
perigee|periapsis in Earth orbit;the point in its orbit where a satellite is nearest to the Earth
perigon|an angle of 360 degrees
perihelion|periapsis in solar orbit;the point in the orbit of a planet or comet where it is nearest to the sun
perijove|periapsis in orbit around Jupiter
Perilla|small genus of Asiatic herbs
perilymph|the bodily fluid that fills the space between the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear
perimeter|a line enclosing a plane areas
perimysium|the sheath of connective tissue that covers a bundle of muscle fibers
perinatologist|an obstetrician specializing in perinatology
perinatology|the branch of obstetrics concerned with the anatomy and physiology and diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the mother and the fetus or newborn baby during late pregnancy and childbirth and the puerperium
perineal artery|a branch of the internal pudendal artery that supplies superficial structures of the perineum
perineotomy|surgical incision into the perineum
perineum|the general region between the anus and the genital organs
perineurium|the sheath of connective tissue that covers a bundle of nerve fibers
period|(ice hockey) one of three divisions into which play is divided in hockey games;a punctuation mark (.) placed at the end of a declarative sentence to indicate a full stop or after abbreviations - "in England they call a period a stop";a unit of geological time during which a system of rocks formed - "ganoid fishes swarmed during the earlier geological periods";the end or completion of something - "death put a period to his endeavors" - "a change soon put a period to my tranquility";the interval taken to complete one cycle of a regularly repeating phenomenon
period piece|any work of art whose special value lies in its evocation of a historical period
periodic acid|any acid of iodine that contains oxygen
periodic apnea of the newborn|irregular breathing of newborns;periods of rapid breathing followed by apnea;believed to be associated with sudden infant death syndrome
periodic breathing|abnormal respiration in which periods of shallow and deep breathing alternate
periodic event|an event that recurs at intervals
periodic law|(chemistry) the principle that chemical properties of the elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers
periodic motion|motion that recurs over and over and the period of time required for each recurrence remains the same
periodic sentence|a complex sentence in which the main clause comes last and is preceded by the subordinate clause
periodic table|(chemistry) a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements according to atomic number as based on the periodic law
periodical|a publication that appears at fixed intervals
periodontal disease|a disease that attacks the gum and bone and around the teeth
periodontics|the branch of dentistry dealing with diseases of the gums and other structures around the teeth
periodontist|a dentist specializing in diseases of the gums and other structure surrounding the teeth
Periophthalmus|a genus of Gobiidae
periosteum|a dense fibrous membrane covering the surface of bones (except at their extremities) and serving as an attachment for tendons and muscles;contains nerves and blood vessels that nourish the enclosed bone
peripatetic|a person who walks from place to place
Peripatidae|a family of Onychophora
Peripatopsidae|a family of Onychophora
Peripatopsis|type genus of Peripatopsidae;onychophorans of chiefly Asiatic and African tropical regions
peripeteia|a sudden and unexpected change of fortune or reverse of circumstances (especially in a literary work) - "a peripeteia swiftly turns a routine sequence of events into a story worth telling"
peripheral|(computer science) electronic equipment connected by cable to the CPU of a computer - "disk drives and printers are important peripherals"
peripheral nervous system|the section of the nervous system lying outside the brain and spinal cord
peripheral vision|vision at the edges of the visual field using only the periphery of the retina
periphery|the outside boundary or surface of something
Periplaneta|cosmopolitan genus of large cockroaches
Periploca|genus of woody vines of warm regions of the Old World
periscope|an optical instrument that provides a view of an otherwise obstructed field
periselene|periapsis in orbit around the moon
perishability|unsatisfactoriness by virtue of being subject to decay or spoilage or destruction
perishable|food that will decay rapidly if not refrigerated
perisher|bounder
Perisoreus|Canada jays
perisperm|the nutritive tissue outside the sac containing the embryo in some seeds
Perissodactyla|nonruminant ungulates;horses;tapirs;rhinoceros;extinct forms
peristalsis|the process of wavelike muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along
Peristediinae|in some classifications considered a subfamily of Triglidae comprising the armored searobins
Peristedion|in some classifications the type genus of the subfamily Peristediinae;armored sea robins
peristome|(botany) fringe of toothlike appendages surrounding the mouth of a moss capsule;region around the mouth in various invertebrates
peristyle|a colonnade surrounding a building or enclosing a court
perithecium|flask-shaped ascocarp
perithelium|tissue layer around small blood vessels
peritoneal cavity|the interior of the peritoneum;a potential space between layers of the peritoneum
peritoneum|a transparent membrane that lines the abdominal cavity in mammals and covers most of the viscera
peritonitis|inflammation of the peritoneum
periwig|a wig for men that was fashionable in the 17th and 18th centuries
periwinkle|chiefly trailing poisonous plants with blue flowers;commonly cultivated Old World woody herb having large pinkish to red flowers;edible marine gastropod;small edible marine snail;steamed in wine or baked
periwinkle plant derivative|an antineoplastic drug used to treat some forms of cancer
perjurer|a person who deliberately gives false testimony
perjury|criminal offense of making false statements under oath
Perm|a city in the European part of Russia
permafrost|ground that is permanently frozen
Permalloy|an 80/20 alloy of nickel and iron;easily magnetized and demagnetized
permanence|the property of being able to exist for an indefinite duration
permanent injunction|injunction issued on completion of a trial
permanent magnet|a magnet that retains its magnetism after being removed from a magnetic field
permanent press|a fabric that has been chemically processed to resist wrinkles and hold its shape
permanent tooth|any of the 32 teeth that replace the deciduous teeth of early childhood and (with luck) can last until old age
permanent wave|a series of waves in the hair made by applying heat and chemicals
permanganate|a dark purple salt of permanganic acid;in water solution it is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic
permanganic acid|an unstable purple acid (HMnO4) known only in solution or of permanganate salts
permeability|the property of something that can be pervaded by a liquid (as by osmosis or diffusion)
permeation|the process of permeating or infusing something with a substance
Permian|from 280 million to 230 million years ago;reptiles
Permic|a group of Finnic languages spoken in the northwest Urals
permissibility|admissibility as a consequence of being permitted
permission|approval to do something - "he asked permission to leave"
permissiveness|a disposition to allow freedom of choice and behavior
permit|large game fish;found in waters of the West Indies
permutability|ability to change sequence
permutation|act of changing the lineal order of objects in a group;complete change in character or condition - "the permutations...taking place in the physical world"- Henry Miller;the act of changing the arrangement of a given number of elements
pernicious anemia|a chronic progressive anemia of older adults;thought to result from a lack of intrinsic factor (a substance secreted by the stomach that is responsible for the absorption of vitamin B12)
perniciousness|grave harmfulness or deadliness
Pernis|a common European bird of prey;dull brown with white-streaked underparts
Pernod|(registered trademark) a liqueur flavored with anise
pernyi moth|a Chinese moth that produces a brownish silk
Perodicticus|a genus of Lorisidae
Perognathus|pocket mice
Peromyscus|New World wood mice
Peron|Argentine soldier who became president of Argentina (1895-1974)
peroneal vein|accompany the peroneal arteries;arising in the heel and running up the back of the leg to join the posterior tibial veins of the popliteal vein
peroneus|muscle of the lower leg that is involved in moving the foot
Peronospora|genus of destructive downy mildews
Peronosporaceae|parasitic fungi;downy mildews
Peronosporales|order of chiefly parasitic lower fungi;Albuginaceae and Peronosporaceae and Pythiaceae
peroration|(rhetoric) the concluding section of an oration - "he summarized his main points in his peroration";a flowery and highly rhetorical oration
peroxidase|any of a group of enzymes (occurring especially in plant cells) that catalyze the oxidation of a compound by a peroxide
peroxide|an inorganic compound containing the divalent ion -O-O-
peroxide blond|a blond whose hair is bleached with peroxide
perpendicular|a Gothic style in 14th and 15th century England;characterized by vertical lines and a four-centered (Tudor) arch and fan vaulting;a straight line at right angles to another line;an extremely steep face
perpendicularity|the quality of being at right angles to a given line or plane (especially the plane of the horizon)
perpetration|the act of committing a crime
perpetrator|someone who perpetrates wrongdoing
perpetual calendar|a chart or mechanical device that indicates the days of the week corresponding to any given date over a long period of years
perpetual motion|motion that continues indefinitely without any external source of energy;impossible in practice because of friction
perpetual motion machine|a machine that can continue to do work indefinitely without drawing energy from some external source;impossible under the law of conservation of energy
perpetual warrant|a warrant with no expiration date
perpetuity|the property of being perpetual (seemingly ceaseless)
perphenazine|tranquilizer and antidepressant (trade name Triavil) sometimes used as an antiemetic for adults
perplexity|trouble or confusion resulting from complexity
perry|a fermented and often effervescent beverage made from juice of pears;similar in taste to hard cider;United States admiral who led a naval expedition to Japan and signed a treaty in 1854 opening up trade relations between United States and Japan;brother of Oliver Hazard Perry (1794-1858);United States commodore who led the fleet that defeated the British on Lake Erie during the War of 1812;brother of Matthew Calbraith Perry (1785-1819);United States philosopher (1876-1957)
Perry Mason|fictional detective in novels by Erle Stanley Gardner
Persea|avocado
persecution|the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)
Persephone|(Greek mythology) daughter of Zeus and Demeter;made queen of the underworld by Pluto in ancient mythology;identified with Roman Proserpina
Persepolis|an ancient city that was the capital of the ancient Persian Empire;now in ruins
Perseus|(Greek mythology) the son of Zeus who slew Medusa (with the help of Athena and Hermes) and rescued Andromeda from a sea monster;a conspicuous constellation in the northern hemisphere;between Auriga and Cassiopeia and crossed by the Milky Way
perseverance|the act of persisting or persevering;continuing or repeating behavior
perseveration|the tendency for a memory or idea to persist or recur without any apparent stimulus for it
Pershing|United States general who commanded the American forces in Europe during World War I (1860-1948)
Persia|an empire in southern Asia created by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC and destroyed by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC
Persian|the language of Persia (Iran) in any of its ancient forms
Persian cat|a long-haired breed of cat
Persian deity|a deity worshiped by the ancient Persians
Persian Gulf|a shallow arm of the Arabian Sea between Iran and the Arabian peninsula;the Persian Gulf oil fields are among the most productive in the world
Persian Gulf War|a war fought between Iraq and a coalition led by the United States that freed Kuwait from Iraqi invaders;1990-1991
Persian iris|bulbous iris native to Asia Minor cultivated for its pale lilac-colored flowers
Persian lamb|a karakul lamb;the fur of a karakul lamb
Persian lilac|small densely branching Asiatic shrub having lanceolate leaves and panicles of fragrant lilac flowers
Persian melon|the fruit of a variety of winter melon vine;a large green melon with orange flesh
Persian violet|perennial cultivated especially as a houseplant for its fragrant bluish to dark lavender flowers
persiflage|light teasing
persimmon|any of several tropical trees of the genus Diospyros;orange fruit resembling a plum;edible when fully ripe
person|a grammatical category used in the classification of pronouns, possessive determiners, and verb forms according to whether they indicate the speaker, the addressee, or a third party - "stop talking about yourself in the third person";a human being - "there was too much for one person to do";a human body (usually including the clothing) - "a weapon was hidden on his person"
person agreement|agreement in person between pronouns and verbs
person of color|(formal) any non-European non-white person
persona|(Jungian psychology) a personal facade that one presents to the world
persona grata|a diplomat who is acceptable to the government to which he is sent
persona non grata|a diplomat who is unacceptable to the government to which he is sent
personableness|the complex of attributes that make a person socially attractive
personage|another word for person;a person not meriting identification - "a strange personage appeared at the door"
personal|a short newspaper article about a particular person or group
personal business|matters of personal concern
personal care|care for someone who is disabled or is otherwise unable to care for themselves;can including bathing and cooking and managing bodily functions
personal check|a check drawn against funds deposited in your personal checking account
personal computer|a small digital computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time
personal digital assistant|a lightweight consumer electronic device that looks like a hand-held computer but instead performs specific tasks;can serve as a diary or a personal database or a telephone or an alarm clock etc.
personal equation|variability attributable to individual differences
personal expense|the cost of personal or family living - "some personal expenses are tax deductible"
personal foul|a foul that involves unnecessarily rough contact (as in basketball or football)
personal identification number|a number you choose and use to gain access to various accounts
personal income|the income received by a single individual
personal letter|a letter dealing with personal affairs
personal loan|a loan that establishes consumer credit that is granted for personal use;usually unsecured and based on the borrower's integrity and ability to pay
personal pronoun|a pronoun expressing a distinction of person
personal property|movable property (as distinguished from real estate)
personal relation|a relation between persons
personal representative|a person who manages the affairs of another
personality|a person of considerable prominence - "she is a Hollywood personality";the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual
personality disorder|inflexible and maladaptive patterns of behavior
personality inventory|a questionnaire that is supposed to yield a description of a person's personality traits - "a personality inventory is a direct test of personality, as contrasted with a projective test"
personality test|any test that is intended to assess personality
personhood|being a person - "finding her own personhood as a campus activist"
personification|a person who represents an abstract quality - "she is the personification of optimism";representing an abstract quality or idea as a person or creature;the act of attributing human characteristics to abstract ideas etc.
personnel carrier|a military vehicle (usually armored) for transporting military personnel and their equipment
personnel casualty|military personnel lost by death or capture
personnel department|the department responsible for hiring and training and placing employees and for setting policies for personnel management
Persoonia|Australian undershrubs to small trees;geebungs
perspective|the appearance of things relative to one another as determined by their distance from the viewer
perspicuity|clarity as a consequence of being perspicuous
perspiration|salty fluid secreted by sweat glands;the process of the sweat glands of the skin secreting a salty fluid - "perspiration is a homeostatic process"
perspirer|a person who perspires
persuader|someone who tries to persuade or induce or lead on
persuasion|the act of persuading (or attempting to persuade);communication intended to induce belief or action
persuasiveness|the power to induce the taking of a course of action or the embracing of a point of view by means of argument or entreaty
pertainym|meaning relating to or pertaining to
Perth|the state capital of Western Australia
pertness|quality of being lively and confident - "there was a pertness about her that attracted him"
perturbation|(physics) a secondary influence on a system that causes it to deviate slightly;a disposition that is confused or nervous and upset;activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption - "the term 'distress' connotes some degree of perturbation and emotional upset"
Pertusaria|crustose lichens that are a source of the dye archil and of litmus
Pertusariaceae|a fungus family of division Lichenes
Peru|a republic in western South America;achieved independence from Spain in 1821;was the heart of the Inca empire from the 12th to 16th centuries
perusal|reading carefully with intent to remember
Perutz|English biochemist (born in Austria);studied the molecular structure of blood (1914-2002)
Peruvian|a native or inhabitant of Peru
Peruvian balsam|tree of South and Central America yielding an aromatic balsam
Peruvian cotton|cotton with long rough hairy fibers
Peruvian current|a cold ocean current that flows north along the Pacific Coast of South America before turning west
Peruvian lily|an Andean herb having umbels of showy pinkish-purple lily-like flowers
Peruvian monetary unit|monetary unit in Peru
pervaporation|the concentration of a colloidal solution whose colloid will not pass through a semipermeable membrane;solution is placed in a bag of the membrane and the solvent is evaporated off
pervasiveness|the quality of filling or spreading throughout - "the pervasiveness of the odor of cabbage in tenement hallways"
perversion|a curve that reverses the direction of something - "the tendrils of the plant exhibited perversion" - "perversion also shows up in kinky telephone cords";an aberrant sexual practice;the action of perverting something (turning it to a wrong use) - "it was a perversion of justice"
perversity|deliberately deviating from what is good - "there will always be a few people who, through macho perversity, gain satisfaction from bullying and terrorism"
pervert|a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior
pesantran|a Muslim school in Indonesia operated by religious leaders;produces young militants skilled in jihad
peseta|formerly the basic unit of money in Spain;equal to 100 centimos
pesewa|100 pesewas equal 1 cedi in Ghana
Pesh Merga|a Kurdish guerrilla force in Iraqi Kurdistan
Peshawar|city in northern Pakistan at the eastern end of the Khyber Pass
peshmerga|a member of a Kurdish guerilla organization that fights for a free Kurdish state
pessimism|a general disposition to look on the dark side and to expect the worst in all things;the feeling that things will turn out badly
pessimist|a person who expects the worst
pest|a persistently annoying person;any unwanted and destructive insect or other animal that attacks food or crops or livestock etc. - "he sprayed the garden to get rid of pests" - "many pests have developed resistance to the common pesticides"
pesthole|a breeding ground for epidemic disease
pesticide|a chemical used to kill pests (as rodents or insects)
pesticide poisoning|toxic condition resulting from ingesting or inhaling a pesticide
pestilence|a pernicious and malign influence that is hard to get rid of - "racism is a pestilence at the heart of the nation"
pestle|a club-shaped hand tool for grinding and mixing substances in a mortar;a heavy tool of stone or iron (usually with a flat base and a handle) that is used to grind and mix material (as grain or drugs or pigments) against a slab of stone
pesto|a sauce typically served with pasta;contains crushed basil leaves and garlic and pine nuts and Parmesan cheese in olive oil
pet|a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement;a fit of petulance or sulkiness (especially at what is felt to be a slight)
pet name|a name of endearment (especially one using a diminutive suffix)
pet peeve|an opportunity for complaint that is seldom missed - "grammatical mistakes are his pet peeve"
pet shop|a shop where pet animals can be purchased
pet sitter|someone left in charge of pets while their owners are away from home
pet sitting|the work of a pet sitter;caring for pets in their own home while their owners are away from home
petabit|a unit of information equal to 1000 terabits or 10^15 bits
petabyte|a unit of information equal to 1000 terabytes or 10^15 bytes;a unit of information equal to 1024 tebibytes or 2^50 bytes
petal|part of the perianth that is usually brightly colored
petard|an explosive device used to break down a gate or wall
Petasites|genus of rhizomatous herbs of north temperate regions;butterbur;sweet coltsfoot
Petaurista|very large Asiatic flying squirrels
Petauristidae|Old World flying squirrels
Petaurus|a genus of Phalangeridae
petcock|regulator consisting of a small cock or faucet or valve for letting out air or releasing compression or draining
petechia|a minute red or purple spot on the surface of the skin as the result of tiny hemorrhages of blood vessels in the skin (as in typhoid fever)
Peter|disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles;regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
Peter I|czar of Russia who introduced ideas from western Europe to reform the government;he extended his territories in the Baltic and founded St. Petersburg (1682-1725)
Peter Pan|a boyish or immature man;after the boy in Barrie's play who never grows up;the main character in a play and novel by J. M. Barrie;a boy who won't grow up
Peter Pan collar|a flat collar with rounded ends that meet in front
Petersburg|a town in southeastern Virginia (south of Richmond);scene of heavy fighting during the American Civil War;the final campaign of the American Civil War (1864-65);Union forces under Grant besieged and finally defeated Confederate forces under Lee
petfood|food prepared for animal pets
petiole|the slender stem that supports the blade of a leaf
petiolule|the stalk of a leaflet
petit bourgeois|a member of the lower middle class;lower middle class (shopkeepers and clerical staff etc.)
petit four|small (individual) frosted and ornamented cake
petit juror|a member of a petit jury
petit jury|a jury of 12 to determine the facts and decide the issue in civil or criminal proceedings
petit larceny|larceny of property having a value less than some amount (the amount varies by locale)
petit mal|a seizure of short duration characterized by momentary unconsciousness and local muscle spasms or twitching - "the girl was frightened by her first petit mal"
petit mal epilepsy|epilepsy characterized by paroxysmal attacks of brief clouding of consciousness (and possibly other abnormalities)
petit point|a small diagonal needlepoint stitch;needlepoint done with small stitches
petite|a garment size for short or slender women
petite marmite|soup made with a variety of vegetables
petitio principii|the logical fallacy of assuming the conclusion in the premises;begging the question
petitioner|one praying humbly for something
Petrarch|an Italian poet famous for love lyrics (1304-1374)
Petrarchan sonnet|a sonnet consisting of an octave with the rhyme pattern abbaabba, followed by a sestet with the rhyme pattern cdecde or cdcdcd
petrel|relatively small long-winged tube-nosed bird that flies far from land
Petri dish|a shallow dish used to culture bacteria
petrifaction|a rock created by petrifaction;an organic object infiltrated with mineral matter and preserved in its original form;the process of turning some plant material into stone by infiltration with water carrying mineral particles without changing the original shape
Petrified Forest National Park|a national park in Arizona having the world's largest collection of petrified coniferous trees
petrissage|massage of the skin which is gently lifted and squeezed
petrochemical|any compound obtained from petroleum or natural gas
Petrocoptis|perennial tussock-forming rock plants;of Pyrenees and mountains of northern Spain;similar to and sometimes placed in genus Lychnis
Petrogale|rock wallabies
petroglyph|a carving or line drawing on rock (especially one made by prehistoric people)
petrolatum|a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum;used in medicinal ointments and for lubrication
petrolatum gauze|gauze saturated with petrolatum
petroleum|a dark oil consisting mainly of hydrocarbons
petroleum geologist|a specialist in petroleum geology
petroleum geology|the branch of economic geology that deals with the occurrence and exploitation of oil and gas fields
petrology|the branch of geology that studies rocks;their origin and formation and mineral composition and classification
Petromyzon|typical lampreys
Petromyzoniformes|lampreys as distinguished from hagfishes
Petromyzontidae|lampreys
Petronas Towers|twin skyscrapers built in Kuala Lumpur in 1997;1482 feet high
Petronius|Roman satirist (died in 66)
Petroselinum|parsley
petter|a lover who gently fondles and caresses the loved one - "they are heavy petters"
Petteria|one species;Dalmatian laburnum
petticoat|undergarment worn under a skirt
pettiness|lack of generosity in trifling matters;narrowness of mind or ideas or views;the quality of being unimportant and petty or frivolous
petting zoo|a collection of docile animals for children to pet and feed
petty apartheid|racial segregation enforced primarily in public transportation and hotels and restaurants and other public places
petty cash|a small fund of cash that a firm keeps for the payment of incidental expenses
petty officer|a noncommissioned officer in the Navy or Coast Guard with a rank comparable to sergeant in the Army
petty spurge|an Old World spurge introduced as a weed in the eastern United States
petunia|any of numerous tropical herbs having fluted funnel-shaped flowers
pew|long bench with backs;used in church by the congregation
pewee|small olive-colored woodland flycatchers of eastern North America
pewter|any of various alloys of tin with small amounts of other metals (especially lead)
Peyer's patch|any of several lymph nodes in the walls of the intestines near the junction of the ileum and colon
Peziza|type genus of the Pezizaceae;a variety of cup fungus
Peziza domicilina|a discomycetous fungus of the genus Peziza;the fragile fruiting body is a ghostly white but stains yellow when broken;favors strongly alkaline habitats
Pezizaceae|large family comprising many typical cup fungi
Pezizales|order of mostly saprophytic fungi having cup-shaped ascocarps
Pezophaps|constituted by the extinct solitaire
pfannkuchen|puffy mildly sweet lemon-flavored egg mixture sprinkled with confectioners' sugar and served with jam or a wine or fruit sauce
pfennig|100 pfennigs formerly equaled 1 Deutsche Mark in Germany
pH|(from potential of Hydrogen) the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen-ion concentration in gram atoms per liter;provides a measure on a scale from 0 to 14 of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (where 7 is neutral and greater than 7 is more basic and less than 7 is more acidic)
Ph.D.|a doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation;the highest degree awarded graduate study
Phacochoerus|warthogs
phacoemulsification|extracapsular surgery for cataracts in which ultrasonic sound breaks the cortex and nucleus of the lens into small fragments that are then vacuumed away through a small tube
Phaeophyceae|brown algae;mostly marine and littoral eukaryotic algae
Phaeophyta|coextensive with class Phaeophyceae;in some classifications subsumed in the division Heterokontophyta
Phaethon|(Greek mythology) son of Helios;killed when trying to drive his father's chariot and came too close to earth;type genus of the Phaethontidae
Phaethontidae|tropicbirds
phagocyte|a cell that engulfs and digests debris and invading microorganisms
phagocytosis|process in which phagocytes engulf and digest microorganisms and cellular debris;an important defense against infection
Phagun|the twelfth month of the Hindu calendar
phaius|an orchid of the genus Phaius having large plicate leaves and racemes of showy flowers
Phalacrocoracidae|cormorants
Phalacrocorax|type genus;coextensive with the family Phalacrocoracidae
Phalaenopsis|genus of ornamental epiphytic orchids of Asia and Australia
Phalaenoptilus|a genus of Caprimulgidae
phalanger|small furry Australian arboreal marsupials having long usually prehensile tails
Phalangeridae|phalangers;koalas
Phalangida|harvestmen
Phalangiidae|a family of Phalangida
phalangitis|inflammation of a finger or toe
Phalangium|type genus of the family Phalangiidae
phalanx|a body of troops in close array;any closely ranked crowd of people;any of the bones of the fingers or toes
Phalaris|a genus of grasses with broad leaves and a dense spike of flowers
phalarope|small sandpiper-like shorebird having lobate toes and being good swimmers;breed in the Arctic and winter in the tropics
Phalaropidae|phalaropes
Phalaropus|type genus of the Phalaropidae;phalaropes
Phallaceae|a family of fungi belonging to the order Phallales and comprising the true stinkhorns
Phallales|order of fungi comprising the stinkhorns and related forms whose mature hymenium is slimy and fetid;sometimes placed in subclass Homobasidiomycetes
phallic stage|(psychoanalysis) the third stage in a child's development when awareness of and manipulation of the genitals is supposed to be a primary source of pleasure
phalloplasty|reconstructive surgery on the penis to repair congenital abnormality or injury
Phallus|genus of fungi having the cap or pileus hanging free around the stem
Phallus ravenelii|this stinkhorn has a cap with a granulose surface at the apex and smells like decaying flesh
phalsa|drought-resistant Asiatic treelike shrub bearing pleasantly acid small red edible fruits commonly used in sherbets
Phanerogamae|in former classification systems;one of two major plant divisions, including all seed-bearing plants;superseded by the division Spermatophyta
phaneromania|an irresistible desire to pick at superficial body parts (as in obsessive nail-biting)
Phanerozoic|the period from about 5,400 million years ago until the present
phantasmagoria|a constantly changing medley of real or imagined images (as in a dream)
phantom limb|the illusion that a limb still exists after it has been amputated
phantom limb pain|pain felt by an amputee that seems to be located in the missing limb
phantom limb syndrome|syndrome consisting of discomfort or pain in a limb that has been amputated
phantom orchid|waxy white nearly leafless plant with stems in clusters and racemes of white flowers;northwestern United States to northern California and east to Idaho
Pharaoh|the title of the ancient Egyptian kings
pharaoh ant|small red ant of warm regions;a common household pest
Pharisee|a member of an ancient Jewish sect noted for strict obedience to Jewish traditions;a self-righteous or sanctimonious person
pharmaceutical|drug or medicine that is prepared or dispensed in pharmacies and used in medical treatment
pharmacist|a health professional trained in the art of preparing and dispensing drugs
pharmacogenetics|the branch of genetics that studies the genetically determined variations in responses to drugs in humans or laboratory organisms
pharmacokinetics|the study of the action of drugs in the body;method and rate of excretion;duration of effect;etc.
pharmacologist|someone trained in the science of drugs (their composition and uses and effects)
pharmacology|the science or study of drugs;their preparation and properties and uses and effects
pharmacopoeia|a collection or stock of drugs
pharmacy|the art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines,
Pharomacrus|a genus of Trogonidae
Pharsalus|Caesar defeated Pompey in 48 BC
pharyngeal recess|a small recess in the wall of the pharynx
pharyngeal reflex|normal reflex consisting of retching;may be produced by touching the soft palate in the back of the mouth
pharyngeal tonsil|a collection of lymphatic tissue in the throat behind the uvula (on the posterior wall and roof of the nasopharynx) - "hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsils is called adenoids"
pharyngeal vein|veins from the pharyngeal plexus that empty into the internal jugular vein
Phascogale|pouched mice
Phascolarctos|koalas
phase|(astronomy) the particular appearance of a body's state of illumination (especially one of the recurring shapes of the part of Earth's moon that is illuminated by the sun) - "the full phase of the moon";(physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system;matter that is identical in chemical composition and physical state and separated from other material by the phase boundary - "the reaction occurs in the liquid phase of the system";a particular point in the time of a cycle;measured from some arbitrary zero and expressed as an angle;any distinct time period in a sequence of events
phase change|a change from one state (solid or liquid or gas) to another without a change in chemical composition
phase I clinical trial|a clinical trial on a few persons to determine the safety of a new drug or invasive medical device;for drugs, dosage or toxicity limits should be obtained
phase II clinical trial|a clinical trial on more persons than in phase I;intended to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment for the condition it is intended to treat;possible side effects are monitored
phase III clinical trial|a large clinical trial of a treatment or drug that in phase I and phase II has been shown to be efficacious with tolerable side effects;after successful conclusion of these clinical trials it will receive formal approval from the FDA
phase IV clinical trial|sometimes the FDA approves a drug for general use but requires the manufacturer to continue to monitor its effects;during this phase the drug may be tried on slightly different patient populations than those studied in earlier trials
phase modulation|modulation of the phase of the carrier wave
phase of cell division|a stage in meiosis or mitosis
phase of the moon|a time when the Moon presents a particular recurring appearance
phase space|(physics) an ideal space in which the coordinate dimensions represent the variables that are required to describe a system or substance - "a multidimensional phase space"
Phaseolus|herbs of warm regions including most American beans
phase-out|the act or instance of a planned discontinuation
phasianid|a kind of game bird in the family Phasianidae
Phasianidae|pheasants;quails;partridges
Phasianus|type genus of the Phasianidae;the typical pheasants
phasmid|large cylindrical or flattened mostly tropical insects with long strong legs that feed on plants;walking sticks and leaf insects
Phasmida|in some classifications considered a suborder of Orthoptera;stick insects;leaf insects
Phasmidae|stick insects
Phasmidia|one of two subgroups of Nematoda used in some classification systems
phatic speech|conversational speech used to communicate sociability more than information
pheasant|flesh of a pheasant;usually braised;large long-tailed gallinaceous bird native to the Old World but introduced elsewhere
pheasant coucal|Australian bird with a tail like a pheasant
pheasant under glass|a dish of roast pheasant served in a manner characteristic of expensive restaurants
pheasant's-eye|Eurasian herb cultivated for its deep red flowers with dark centers
Phegopteris|beech ferns;genus is variously classified;considered alternative name for genus Dryopteris or included in genus Thelypteris
phellem|(botany) outer tissue of bark;a protective layer of dead cells
Phellodendron|small genus of aromatic deciduous trees of east Asia often having thick corky bark
phenacomys|any of several vole-like terrestrial or arboreal rodents of cold forested regions of Canada and western United States
phenazopyridine|analgesic (trade name Pyridium) used to treat urinary tract infections
phencyclidine|a drug used as an anesthetic by veterinarians;illicitly taken (originally in the form of powder or 'dust') for its effects as a hallucinogen
phenelzine|monoamine oxidase inhibitor (trade name Nardil) used to treat clinical depression
pheniramine|an antihistamine used in preparations to treat allergies and respiratory infections;used to treat rhinitis and skin rashes and pruritus
phenol|any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds;molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups
phenolic plastic|a plastic consisting of phenolic resins
phenolic resin|a thermosetting resin
phenolphthalein|a laxative used in many preparations under various trade names;also used as an acid-base indicator in titrations involving weak acids and strong bases because it is brilliant red at high alkalinity and colorless below pH 8
phenomenology|a philosophical doctrine proposed by Edmund Husserl based on the study of human experience in which considerations of objective reality are not taken into account
phenomenon|a remarkable development;any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
pheno-safranine|a purplish red water-soluble dye used in microscopy
phenothiazine|a compound used primarily in veterinary medicine to rid farm animals of internal parasites
phenotype|what an organism looks like as a consequence of the interaction of its genotype and the environment
phensuximide|anticonvulsant (trade name Milontin) used to treat petit mal
phentolamine|a virility drug (trade name Vasomax) to treat erectile dysfunction in men
phenylalanine|an essential amino acid found in proteins and needed for growth of children and for protein metabolism in children and adults;abundant in milk and eggs;it is normally converted to tyrosine in the human body
phenylbutazone|anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Butazolidin)
phenylephrine|a powerful vasoconstrictor used to dilate the pupils and relieve nasal congestion
phenylketonuria|a genetic disorder of metabolism;lack of the enzyme needed to turn phenylalanine into tyrosine results in an accumulation of phenylalanine in the body fluids which causes various degrees of mental deficiency
phenylpropanolamine|an adrenergic drug used in many preparations to relieve allergic reactions or respiratory infections - "drugs containing phenylpropanolamine are being recalled"
phenyltoloxamine|antihistamine included in some preparations used to treat coughing and nasal congestion
pheochromocytoma|a vascular tumor of the adrenal gland;hypersecretion of epinephrine results in intermittent or sustained hypertension
pheromone|a chemical substance secreted externally by some animals (especially insects) that influences the physiology or behavior of other animals of the same species
phi|the 21st letter of the Greek alphabet
phi coefficient|an index of the relation between any two sets of scores that can both be represented on ordered binary dimensions (e.g., male-female)
phial|a small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle)
Phidias|ancient Greek sculptor (circa 500-432 BC)
Philadelphaceae|one genus;usually included in family Hydrangeaceae
Philadelphia|the largest city in Pennsylvania;located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river;site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed;site of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia fleabane|especially pretty plant having a delicate fringe of threadlike rays around flower heads having very slender white or pink rays;United States and Canada
philadelphus|any of various chiefly deciduous ornamental shrubs of the genus Philadelphus having white sweet-scented flowers, single or in clusters;widely grown in temperate regions
Philaenus|a genus of Cercopidae
philanthropic foundation|a foundation that provides funds for science or art or education or religion or relief from disease etc.
philanthropist|someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
philanthropy|voluntary promotion of human welfare
philatelist|a collector and student of postage stamps
philately|the collection and study of postage stamps
Philemon|(Greek mythology) a simple countryman who offered hospitality to Zeus and Hermes when they came to earth without revealing their identities in order to test people's piety;(New Testament) a Christian (probably living in Colossae) whose slave escaped and went to see Saint Paul
philhellene|an admirer of Greece and everything Greek
philhellenism|admiration for Greece and the Greeks and Greek customs
Philip|Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)
Philip II|king of ancient Macedonia and father of Alexander the Great (382-336 BC);king of Spain and Portugal and husband of Mary I;he supported the Counter Reformation and sent the Spanish Armada to invade England (1527-1598);son of Louis VII whose reign as king of France saw wars with the English that regained control of Normandy and Anjou and most of Poitou (1165-1223)
Philip V|king of ancient Macedonia whose confrontations with the Romans led to his defeat and his loss of control over Greece
Philip VI|king of France who founded the Valois dynasty;his dispute with Edward III over his succession led to the Hundred Years' War (1293-1350)
Philippi|a city in ancient Macedonia that was important in early Christianity;Octavian and Mark Antony defeated Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC
Philippian|a native or inhabitant of Philippi in ancient Macedonia
Philippine|official language of the Philippines;based on Tagalog;draws its lexicon from other Philippine languages
Philippine mahogany|Philippine timber tree having hard red fragrant wood;red hardwood of the Philippine mahogany tree used for cigar boxes and interior finish
Philippine monetary unit|monetary unit in the Philippines
Philippine peso|the basic unit of money in the Philippines;equal to 100 centavos
Philippine Sea|a naval battle in World War II (1944);a decisive naval victory for the United States fleet over the Japanese who were trying to block supplies from reaching American troops on Leyte
Philippines|a republic on the Philippine Islands;achieved independence from the United States in 1946;an archipelago in the southwestern Pacific including some 7000 islands
Philistia|an ancient region on the coast of southwestern Palestine that was strategically located on a trade route between Syria and Egypt;important in biblical times
Philistine|a member of an Aegean people who settled ancient Philistia around the 12th century BC;a person who is uninterested in intellectual pursuits
Phillips screw|a screw with a special head having crossed slots
Phillips screwdriver|a screwdriver for use with Phillips screws
phillipsite|a group of white or reddish crystalline minerals of the zeolite family consisting of a hydrous silicate of calcium and potassium and aluminum
Phillyrea|small genus of evergreen shrubs of the Mediterranean region
philodendron|often grown as a houseplant
philogyny|admiration for women
Philohela|American woodcocks
philologist|a humanist specializing in classical scholarship
Philomachus|ruffs
philomath|a lover of learning
Philophylla|leaf miners
philosopher|a specialist in philosophy;a wise person who is calm and rational;someone who lives a life of reason with equanimity
philosopher's stone|hypothetical substance that the alchemists believed to be capable of changing base metals into gold
philosophical doctrine|a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy
philosophizer|someone who considers situations from a philosophical point of view
philosophizing|the exposition (often superficially) of a particular philosophy
philosophy|any personal belief about how to live or how to deal with a situation - "self-indulgence was his only philosophy" - "my father's philosophy of child-rearing was to let mother do it";the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics
philosophy department|the academic department responsible for teaching philosophy
philter|a drink credited with magical power;can make the one who takes it love the one who gave it
phimosis|an abnormal tightness of the foreskin preventing retraction over the glans
Phintias|friend of Damon;Phintias (according to legend) was condemned to death by Dionysius the Elder and asked a respite to put his affairs in order;Damon pledged his life for the return of his friend;when Phintias returned in time the tyrant released them both (4th century BC)
phlebectomy|surgical removal or all or part of a vein;sometimes done in cases of severe varicose veins
phlebitis|inflammation of a vein (usually in the legs)
Phlebodium|chiefly epiphytic tropical ferns with free veins bearing sori
phlebothrombosis|thrombosis of a vein without prior inflammation of the vein;associated with sluggish blood flow (as in prolonged bedrest or pregnancy or surgery) or with rapid coagulation of the blood
phlebotomist|someone who practices phlebotomy
Phlebotomus|small bloodsucking sand flies that resemble moths
phlegm|expectorated matter;saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages;in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness
Phleum|grasses native to temperate regions
phloem|(botany) tissue that conducts synthesized food substances (e.g., from leaves) to parts where needed;consists primarily of sieve tubes
phlogiston|a hypothetical substance once believed to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning
phlogopite|a brown form of mica consisting of hydrous silicate of potassium and magnesium and aluminum
phlomis|any of various plants of the genus Phlomis;grown primarily for their dense whorls of lipped flowers and attractive foliage
phlox|any polemoniaceous plant of the genus Phlox;chiefly North American;cultivated for their clusters of flowers
Phnom Penh|the capital and largest city of Kampuchea
phobia|an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fear of simple things or social situations - "phobic disorder is a general term for all phobias"
phobophobia|a morbid fear of developing a phobia
Phobos|the larger of the two satellites of Mars
Phoca|type genus of the Phocidae;earless seals
Phocidae|earless seals
Phocoena|porpoises
phocomelia|an abnormality of development in which the upper part of an arm or leg is missing so the hands or feet are attached to the body like stumps;rare condition that results from taking thalidomide during pregnancy
Phoebe|(Greek mythology) a Titaness who became identified with Artemis as goddess of the Moon;small dun-colored North American flycatcher
Phoenicia|an ancient maritime country (a collection of city states) at eastern end of the Mediterranean
Phoenician|a member of an ancient Semitic people who dominated trade in the first millennium B.C.;the extinct language of an ancient Semitic people who dominated trade in the ancient world
phoenicophorium|latanier palm
Phoenicopteridae|flamingos
Phoeniculidae|wood hoopoes
Phoeniculus|type and only genus of the family Phoeniculidae
Phoenicurus|Old World thrushes
Phoenix|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Tucana and Sculptor;the state capital and largest city located in south central Arizona;situated in a former desert that has become a prosperous agricultural area thanks to irrigation;a large monocotyledonous genus of pinnate-leaved palms found in Asia and Africa;a legendary Arabian bird said to periodically burn itself to death and emerge from the ashes as a new phoenix;according to most versions only one phoenix lived at a time and it renewed itself every 500 years
Pholadidae|a family of Bivalvia
Pholas|type genus of the family Pholadidae;piddocks
Pholidae|a family of fish of suborder Blennioidea
Pholidota|genus of mostly epiphytic orchids of Indonesia and the western Pacific;pangolins;in some former classifications included in the order Edentata
Pholiota|genus of gilled agarics of Europe and North America having brown spores and an annulus;grows on open ground or decaying wood
Pholiota astragalina|a fungus with a smooth orange cap and yellow gills and pale yellow stalk
Pholiota aurea|a beautiful yellow gilled fungus found from Alaska south along the coast
Pholiota destruens|a large fungus with whitish scales on the cap and remnants of the veil hanging from the cap;the stalk is thick and hard
Pholiota flammans|a fungus with a yellow cap covered with fine scales as is the stalk
Pholiota flavida|a fungus that grows in clusters on the ground;cap is brownish orange with a surface that is smooth and slightly sticky;whitish gills and a cylindrical brown stalk
Pholiota squarrosa|a gilled fungus with a cap and stalk that are conspicuously scaly with upright scales;gills develop a greenish tinge with age
Pholiota squarrosa-adiposa|a gilled fungus having yellow slimy caps with conspicuous tawny scales on the caps and stalks
Pholiota squarrosoides|a pale buff fungus with tawny scales
Pholis|type genus of the Pholidae;gunnels
Pholistoma|straggling herbs of southwestern United States
phon|a unit of subjective loudness
phone|(phonetics) an individual sound unit of speech without concern as to whether or not it is a phoneme of some language
phone bill|statement of charges for telephone service
phone message|a message transmitted by telephone
phone number|the number is used in calling a particular telephone
phonebook|a directory containing an alphabetical list of telephone subscribers and their telephone numbers
phone-in|a program in which the audience participates by telephone
phoneme|(linguistics) one of a small set of speech sounds that are distinguished by the speakers of a particular language
phonemic system|the system of phonemes recognized in a language
phonetic alphabet|an alphabet of characters intended to represent specific sounds of speech
phonetic symbol|a written character used in phonetic transcription of represent a particular speech sound
phonetic transcription|a transcription intended to represent each distinct speech sound with a separate symbol
phonetician|a specialist in phonetics
phonetics|the branch of acoustics concerned with speech processes including its production and perception and acoustic analysis
phonics|teaching reading by training beginners to associate letters with their sound values
phonogram|any written symbol standing for a sound or syllable or morpheme or word
phonograph album|an album for holding phonograph records
phonograph needle|a stylus that formerly made sound by following a groove in a phonograph record
phonograph record|sound recording consisting of a disk with a continuous groove;used to reproduce music by rotating while a phonograph needle tracks in the groove
phonological system|the system of phones used in a particular language
phonologist|a specialist in phonology
phonology|the study of the sound system of a given language and the analysis and classification of its phonemes
phonophobia|a morbid fear of sounds including your own voice
Phoradendron|any of various American parasitic plants similar to Old World mistletoe;false mistletoe
phoronid|hermaphrodite wormlike animal living in mud of the sea bottom
Phoronida|small phylum of wormlike marine animals
phosgene|a colorless poisonous gas that smells like new-mown hay;used in chemical warfare
phosphatase|any of a group of enzymes that act as a catalyst in the hydrolysis of organic phosphates
phosphate|a salt of phosphoric acid;carbonated drink with fruit syrup and a little phosphoric acid
phosphate buffer solution|a solution containing a phosphate buffer
phosphine|a colorless gas with a strong fishy smell;used as a pesticide
phosphocreatine|an organic compound of creatine and phosphoric acid;found in the muscles of vertebrates where its hydrolysis releases energy for muscular contraction
phospholipid|any of various compounds composed of fatty acids and phosphoric acid and a nitrogenous base;an important constituent of membranes
phosphoprotein|containing chemically bound phosphoric acid
phosphor|a synthetic substance that is fluorescent or phosphorescent;used to coat the screens of cathode ray tubes
phosphor bronze|a corrosion-resistant bronze containing phosphorus;used in bearings and gears
phosphorescence|a fluorescence that persists after the bombarding radiation has ceased
phosphoric acid|an acid used in fertilizers and soaps;H3PO4
phosphorus|a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells;is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms
phot|a unit of illumination equal to 1 lumen per square centimeter;10,000 phots equal 1 lux
photalgia|pain in the eye resulting from exposure to bright light (often associated with albinism)
Photinia|genus of deciduous and evergreen east Asian trees and shrubs widely cultivated as ornamentals for their white flowers and red fruits;in some classifications includes genus Heteromeles
Photius|Patriarch of Constantinople and saint of the Greek Orthodox Church;was condemned by the Fourth Council of Constantinople in 869 but was reinstated by a later pope
photo credit|a note acknowledging the source of a published photograph
photo finish|in general, any very close finish;in particular, a finish of a race in which the contestants are so close together that the winner must be determined from a photograph taken at the instant of finishing
photo opportunity|an occasion that lends itself to (or is deliberately arranged for) taking photographs that provide favorable publicity for those who are photographed
Photoblepharon|a genus of fish in the family Anomalopidae
photocathode|a cathode that emits electrons when illuminated
photochemical exchange|an exchange produced by the chemical action of radiant energy (especially light)
photochemical reaction|a chemical reaction produced by the action of light
photochemistry|branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical action of light
photocoagulation|surgical procedure that uses an intense laser beam to destroy diseased retinal tissue or to make a scar that will hold the retina in cases of detached retina
photocoagulator|surgical instrument containing a laser for use in photocoagulation
photoconductivity|change in the electrical conductivity of a substance as a result of absorbing electromagnetic radiation
photocopier|a copier that uses photographic methods of making copies
photocopy|a photographic copy of written or printed or graphic work
photoelectric cell|a transducer used to detect and measure light and other radiations
photoelectric emission|the release or absorption of quanta above a certain energy level
photoelectricity|electricity generated by light or affected by light
photoelectron|an electron that is emitted from an atom or molecule by an incident photon
photoemission|an emission of photoelectrons (especially from a metallic surface)
photogenic epilepsy|reflex epilepsy induced by a flickering light
photograph|a representation of a person or scene in the form of a print or transparent slide;recorded by a camera on light-sensitive material
photograph album|an album for photographs
photographer|someone who takes photographs professionally
photographer's model|a model who poses for photographers
photographic equipment|equipment used by a photographer
photographic paper|light-sensitive paper on which photograph can be printed
photographic print|a printed picture produced from a photographic negative
photography|the act of taking and printing photographs;the occupation of taking and printing photographs or making movies;the process of producing images of objects on photosensitive surfaces
photogravure|printing from an intaglio plate prepared by photographic methods;using photography to produce a plate for printing
photojournalism|journalism that presents a story primarily through the use of pictures
photojournalist|a journalist who presents a story primarily through the use of photographs
photolithograph|a lithograph produced by photographically produced plates
photolithography|a planographic printing process using plates made from a photographic image
photomechanics|the process whereby printing surfaces (plates or cylinders) are produced by photographic methods - "photomechanics revolutionized the practice of printing";the technique of using photomechanical methods to make photographs into plates for printing
photometer|measuring instrument for measuring the luminous intensity of a source by comparing it (visually or photoelectrically) with a standard source
photometrist|someone who practices photometry
photometry|measurement of the properties of light (especially luminous intensity)
photomicrograph|a photograph taken with the help of a microscope
photomontage|a montage that uses photographic images
photon|a quantum of electromagnetic radiation;an elementary particle that is its own antiparticle
photo-offset printing|a method of offset printing using photomechanical plates
photophobia|a morbid fear of light
photopigment|a special pigment found in the rods and cones of the retina
photoretinitis|damage to the retina resulting from exposure of the eye to the sun without adequate protection
photosensitivity|sensitivity to the action of radiant energy
photosphere|the intensely luminous surface of a star (especially the sun)
Photostat|a duplicating machine that makes quick positive or negative copies directly on the surface of prepared paper;a photocopy made on a Photostat machine
photosynthesis|synthesis of compounds with the aid of radiant energy (especially in plants)
phototherapy|the use of strong light to treat acne or hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn
phototrophic bacteria|green and purple bacteria;energy for growth is derived from sunlight;carbon is derived from carbon dioxide or organic carbon
phototropism|an orienting response to light
Phoxinus|minnows
Phragmipedium|genus of tropical American orchid species often included in genus Cypripedium or Paphiopedilum and Selenipedium;lady slippers
Phragmites|reeds of marshes and riversides in tropical or temperate regions
phragmocone|the thin conical chambered internal shell (either straight or curved) of a belemnite
phrasal verb|an English verb followed by one or more particles where the combination behaves as a syntactic and semantic unit - "'turn out' is a phrasal verb in the question 'how many turned out to vote?'"
phrase|a short musical passage;an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence;dance movements that are linked in a single choreographic sequence
phrase book|a book containing common expressions in a foreign language along with their translations
phrasing|the grouping of musical phrases in a melodic line
phrenic nerve|one of a pair of nerves that arises from cervical spinal roots and passes down the thorax to innervate the diaphragm and control breathing
phrenic vein|either of two veins that drain the diaphragm
phrenologist|someone who claims to be able to read your character from the shape of your skull
phrenology|a now abandoned study of the shape of skull as indicative of the strengths of different faculties
phrontistery|an establishment for study and learning (sometimes including modern universities)
Phrygia|an ancient country in western and central Asia Minor
Phrygian|a native or inhabitant of Phrygia;a Thraco-Phrygian language spoken by the ancient inhabitants of Phrygia and now extinct--preserved only in a few inscriptions
Phrygian deity|deity of the ancient Phrygians of west central Asia Minor
Phrynosoma|horned lizards
phthalic acid|a colorless acid used to make dyes and perfumes
phthalic anhydride|a white cyclic anhydride
Phthiriidae|crab lice
Phthirius|true lice;crab lice
Phthorimaea|potato moths
phycobilin|water-soluble proteinaceous pigments found in red algae and cyanobacteria
phycocyanin|blue pigment in algae
phycoerythrin|red pigment in red algae
phycology|the branch of botany that studies algae
Phycomycetes|a large and probably unnatural group of fungi and funguslike organisms comprising the Mastigomycota (including the Oomycetes) and Zygomycota subdivisions of the division Eumycota;a category not used in all systems
phycomycosis|any fungal infection caused by fungi of the Phycomycetes group
phylactery|(Judaism) either of two small leather cases containing texts from the Hebrew Scriptures (known collectively as tefillin);traditionally worn (on the forehead and the left arm) by Jewish men during morning prayer
phyle|a tribe of ancient Athenians
Phyllidae|leaf insects
Phyllitis|a genus of ferns belonging to the family Polypodiaceae (in some classification systems included in genus Asplenium)
Phyllium|type genus of the Phyllidae
phyllo|tissue thin sheets of pastry used especially in Greek dishes
Phyllocladaceae|a family of Phyllocladaceae
Phyllocladus|celery pine
phyllode|an expanded petiole taking on the function of a leaf blade
Phyllodoce|small genus of evergreen Arctic and alpine shrubs
Phylloporus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Boletaceae
Phylloporus boletinoides|a fungus with a broadly convex brown cap and pores that extend part way down the stalk
Phyllorhynchus|leaf-nosed snakes
Phylloscopus|warblers
Phyllostachys|medium and large bamboos
Phyllostomidae|New World leaf-nosed bats
Phyllostomus|type genus of the family Phyllostomatidae
Phyllostomus hastatus|a variety of leaf-nosed bat
Phylloxera|type genus of the Phylloxeridae;plant lice
Phylloxeridae|plant lice
phylum|(biology) the major taxonomic group of animals and plants;contains classes;(linguistics) a large group of languages that are historically related
physa|any member of the genus Physa
Physalia|Portuguese man-of-war
Physalis|ground cherries
Physaria|small genus of western North American herbs similar to Lesquerella;bladderpods
Physeter|type genus of the Physeteridae
Physeteridae|sperm whales
physic nut|small tropical American tree yielding purple dye and a tanning extract and bearing physic nuts containing a purgative oil that is poisonous in large quantities
physical ability|the ability to perform some physical act;contrasting with mental ability
physical anthropology|the branch of anthropology dealing with the genesis and variation of human beings
physical chemistry|the branch of chemistry dealing with the physical properties of chemical substances
physical condition|the condition or state of the body or bodily functions
physical education|training in the development of and care for the human body;stresses athletics;includes hygiene
physical entity|an entity that has physical existence
physical geography|the study of physical features of the earth's surface
physical pendulum|pendulum consisting of an actual object allowed to rotate freely around a horizontal axis
physical phenomenon|a natural phenomenon involving the physical properties of matter and energy
physical property|any property used to characterize matter and energy and their interactions
physical rehabilitation|providing help for disabled persons;the removal or reduction of disabilities
physical therapist|therapist who treats injury or dysfunction with exercises and other physical treatments of the disorder
physical therapy|therapy that uses physical agents;exercise and massage and other modalities
physical topology|the appearance of the network
physician-assisted suicide|assisted suicide where the assistant is a physician
physician-patient privilege|the right of a physician to refuse to divulge confidential information from a patient without the consent of the patient
physicist|a scientist trained in physics
physics|the physical properties, phenomena, and laws of something - "he studied the physics of radiation";the science of matter and energy and their interactions - "his favorite subject was physics"
physics department|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in physics
physics lab|a laboratory for research in physics
Physidae|freshwater snails
physiological nystagmus|small involuntary tremors of the eyeballs;when it is eliminated by stabilizing the image on the retina, visual perception fades rapidly from fatigue of the retinal receptors
physiological property|a property having to do with the functioning of the body
physiological psychology|the branch of psychology that is concerned with the physiological bases of psychological processes
physiological sphincter|a sphincter that is not recognizable at autopsy because its resting arrangement cannot be distinguished from adjacent tissue
physiologist|a biologist specializing in physiology
physiology|processes and functions of an organism;the branch of the biological sciences dealing with the functioning of organisms
physique|constitution of the human body
physostegia|any of various plants of the genus Physostegia having sessile linear to oblong leaves and showy white or rose or lavender flowers
Physostigma|African woody vines;calabar beans
physostigmine|used in treatment of Alzheimer's disease and glaucoma
phytelephas|small genus of South American feather palms
phytochemical|a chemical substance obtained from plants that is biologically active but not nutritive
phytochemist|a chemist who specializes in the chemistry of plants
phytochemistry|the branch of organic chemistry dealing with the chemistry of plants
phytohormone|(botany) a plant product that acts like a hormone
Phytolacca|type genus of Phytolaccaceae;pokeweed
Phytolaccaceae|chiefly tropical herbaceous plants (including shrubs and trees) with racemose flowers;genera Phytolacca, Agdestis, Ercilla, Rivina, Trichostigma
Phytomastigina|plantlike flagellates containing chlorophyll;often considered unicellular algae
Phytophthora|destructive parasitic fungi causing brown rot in plants
Phytophthora citrophthora|causes brown rot gummosis in citrus fruits
Phytophthora infestans|fungus causing late blight in solanaceous plants especially tomatoes and potatoes
phytoplankton|photosynthetic or plant constituent of plankton;mainly unicellular algae
phytotherapy|the use of plants or plant extracts for medicinal purposes (especially plants that are not part of the normal diet)
pi|the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet;the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle;approximately equal to 3.14159265358979323846...
pia|perennial herb of East Indies to Polynesia and Australia;cultivated for its large edible root yielding Otaheite arrowroot starch
pia mater|the highly vascular innermost of the 3 meninges
Piaf|French cabaret singer (1915-1963)
piaffe|a cadenced trot executed by the horse in one spot
Piaget|Swiss psychologist remembered for his studies of cognitive development in children (1896-1980)
pianism|performance by or technique of a pianist - "a program of pianism"
pianist|a person who plays the piano
piano|(music) low loudness;a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
piano action|action consisting of a system of levers that move a felt hammer to strike the strings when a key is depressed
piano keyboard|a bank of keys on a musical instrument
piano lesson|a lesson in playing the piano
piano maker|a person who makes pianos
piano music|sheet music to be played on a piano;the sound of music produced by a piano - "he thought he heard piano music next door"
piano sonata|a sonata for piano
piano teacher|someone who teaches students to play the piano
piano wire|thin steel wire of high tensile strength
piassava palm|Brazilian palm yielding fibers used in making ropes, mats, and brushes
piaster|a fractional monetary unit in Egypt and Lebanon and Sudan and Syria
pibroch|martial music with variations;to be played by bagpipes
pica|an eating disorder, frequent in children, in which non-nutritional objects are eaten persistently;magpies
picador|the horseman who pricks the bull with a lance early in the bullfight to goad the bull and to make it keep its head low
Picardie|a region of northern France on the English Channel
Picariae|term used in some classifications as nearly equivalent to the order Coraciiformes
Picasso|prolific and influential Spanish artist who lived in France (1881-1973)
piccalilli|relish of chopped pickled cucumbers and green peppers and onion
piccolo|a small flute;pitched an octave above the standard flute
Picea|a genus of temperate and Arctic evergreen trees (see spruce)
pichi|Peruvian shrub with small pink to lavender tubular flowers;leaves yield a tonic and diuretic
pichiciago|very small Argentine armadillo with pale silky hair and pink plates on head and neck
Picidae|woodpeckers
piciform bird|any of numerous nonpasserine insectivorous climbing birds usually having strong bills for boring wood
Piciformes|woodpeckers;jacamars;puffbirds;barbets;honey guides;toucans
pick|a basketball maneuver;obstructing an opponent with one's body - "he was called for setting an illegal pick";a heavy iron tool with a wooden handle and a curved head that is pointed on both ends - "they used picks and sledges to break the rocks";a small thin device (of metal or plastic or ivory) used to pluck a stringed instrument;a thin sharp implement used for removing unwanted material - "he used a pick to clean the dirt out of the cracks"
pickaback plant|vigorous perennial herb with flowers in erect racemes and having young plants develop at the junction of a leaf blade and the leafstalk
pickaninny|(ethnic slur) offensive term for a Black child
pickelhaube|a spiked helmet worn by German soldiers
picker|a person who chooses or selects out;someone who gathers crops or fruits etc.
pickerel|any of several North American species of small pike;flesh of young or small pike
pickerel frog|a meadow frog of eastern North America
pickerelweed|American plant having spikes of blue flowers and growing in shallow water of streams and ponds
Pickeringia|one species;chaparral pea
picket|a detachment of troops guarding an army from surprise attack;a form of military punishment used by the British in the late 17th century in which a soldier was forced to stand on one foot on a pointed stake;a protester posted by a labor organization outside a place of work;a vehicle performing sentinel duty;a wooden strip forming part of a fence
picket boat|a boat serving as a picket
picket fence|a fence made of upright pickets
picket line|a line of people acting as pickets
picket ship|a ship serving as a picket
Pickett|American Confederate general known for leading a disastrous charge at Gettysburg (1825-1875)
Pickford|United States film actress (born in Canada) who starred in silent films (1893-1979)
picking|the act of picking (crops or fruit or hops etc.);the quantity of a crop that is harvested - "he sent the first picking of berries to the market"
pickings|the act of someone who picks up or takes something - "the pickings were easy"
pickle|vegetables (especially cucumbers) preserved in brine or vinegar
pickle barrel|a barrel holding vinegar in which cucumbers are pickled
pickle relish|relish of chopped (usually sweet) pickles
pickled herring|herring preserved in a pickling liquid (usually brine or vinegar)
pick-off|a baseball play in which a base runner is caught off base and tagged out
pickpocket|a thief who steals from the pockets or purses of others in public places
Pick's disease|a progressive form of presenile dementia found most often in middle-aged and elderly women and characterized by degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes with loss of intellectual ability and transitory aphasia
pickup|a casual acquaintance;often made in hope of sexual relationships;a light truck with an open body and low sides and a tailboard;a warrant to take someone into custody - "put out a pickup on that man";anything with restorative powers - "she needed the pickup that coffee always gave her";the act of taking aboard passengers or freight;the act or process of picking up or collecting from various places - "garbage pickup is on Mondays and Thursdays";the attribute of being capable of rapid acceleration - "his car has a lot of pickup"
picnic|any informal meal eaten outside or on an excursion
picnic area|a tract of land set aside for picnicking
picnic ham|shoulder of a hog usually smoked
picnicker|a person who is picnicking
picofarad|a unit of capacitance equal to one trillionth of a farad
Picoides|a genus of Picidae
picometer|a metric unit of length equal to one trillionth of a meter
picornavirus|a group of single-strand RNA viruses with a protein coat
picosecond|one trillionth (10^-12) of a second;one thousandth of a nanosecond
picot|an edging of small loops, as on lace or ribbon
picovolt|a unit of potential equal to one trillionth of a volt
Picrasma|small genus of deciduous trees of tropical America and Asia
picric acid|a yellow toxic highly explosive strong acid;used in high explosives and as a dye and in chemical reactions
Picris|genus of weedy Old World yellow-flowered herbs usually containing a bitter-tasting substance;bitterweed
pictograph|a graphic character used in picture writing
Pictor|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Dorado and Columba
pictorial|a periodical (magazine or newspaper) containing many pictures
pictorial representation|visual representation as by photography or painting
picture|a situation treated as an observable object - "the political picture is favorable";a typical example of some state or quality - "the very picture of a modern general" - "she was the picture of despair";a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface - "they showed us the pictures of their wedding";illustrations used to decorate or explain a text - "the dictionary had many pictures"
picture book|a book consisting chiefly of pictures
picture frame|a framework in which a picture is mounted
picture hat|a woman's dressy hat with a wide brim
picture plane|the plane that is in the foreground of a drawing or painting;coextensive with but different from the objective surface of the work
picture postcard|a postcard with a picture on one side
picture rail|rail fixed to a wall for hanging pictures
picture window|a large window with a single pane (usually overlooking a view)
picture writing|a writing system using pictographs
picturesqueness|the quality of being strikingly expressive or vivid;visually vivid and pleasing
picturing|visual imagery
picul|a unit of weight used in some parts of Asia;approximately equal to 133 pounds (the load a grown man can carry)
piculet|small woodpeckers of South America and Africa and East Indies having soft rounded tail feathers
Picumnus|a genus of Picidae
Picus|type genus of Picidae
piddock|marine bivalve that bores into rock or clay or wood by means of saw-like shells
pidgin|an artificial language used for trade between speakers of different languages
pie|dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
pie chart|a circular chart divided into triangular areas proportional to the percentages of the whole
pie crust|pastry used to hold pie fillings
pie plant|long cultivated hybrid of Rheum palmatum;stems often cooked in pies or as sauce or preserves
piece|a distance - "it is down the road a piece";a separate part of a whole - "an important piece of the evidence";a serving that has been cut from a larger portion - "a piece of pie";an artistic or literary composition - "he wrote an interesting piece on Iran" - "the children acted out a comic piece to amuse the guests";an instance of some kind - "it was a nice piece of work";an item that is an instance of some type - "he designed a new piece of equipment" - "she bought a lovely piece of china"
piece de resistance|the most important dish of a meal
piece of cloth|a separate part consisting of fabric
piece of eight|an old silver Spanish coin;worth 8 reales
piece of leather|a separate part consisting of leather
piecework|work paid for according to the quantity produced
pied lemming|North American lemming having a white winter coat and some claws much enlarged
pied piper|a leader who entices people to follow (especially to their doom);the title character in a German folk tale and in a poem by Robert Browning
pied-a-terre|lodging for occasional or secondary use - "they bought a pied-a-terre in London"
pied-billed grebe|American grebe having a black-banded whitish bill
piedmont|a gentle slope leading from the base of a mountain to a region of flat land;the plateau between the coastal plain and the Appalachian Mountains;parts of Virginia and North and South Carolina and Georgia and Alabama;the region of northwestern Italy;includes the Po valley
Piedmont glacier|a type of glaciation characteristic of Alaska;large valley glaciers meet to form an almost stagnant sheet of ice
pieplant|long pinkish sour leafstalks usually eaten cooked and sweetened
pier|(architecture) a vertical supporting structure (as a portion of wall between two doors or windows);a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles;provides access to ships and boats;a support for two adjacent bridge spans
pier arch|an arch supported on piers
pier glass|a large mirror between two windows
pier table|a low table set below a pier glass
Pierce|14th President of the United States (1804-1869)
pierid|any of numerous pale-colored butterflies having three pairs of well-developed legs
Pieridae|arthropod family including cabbage butterflies;sulphur butterflies
Pieris|decorative evergreen shrubs of woody vines;type genus of the Pieridae
Pierre|capital of the state of South Dakota;located in central South Dakota on the Missouri river
Pierre Laporte Bridge|a suspension bridge across the Saint Lawrence River at Quebec
Pierrot|a male character in French pantomime;usually dressed in white with a whitened face
pieta|a representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the dead body of Jesus
Pietism|17th and 18th-century German movement in the Lutheran Church stressing personal piety and devotion
piety|righteousness by virtue of being pious
piezoelectric crystal|a crystal that can be used as a transducer
piezoelectricity|electricity produced by mechanical pressure on certain crystals (notably quartz or Rochelle salt);alternatively, electrostatic stress produces a change in the linear dimensions of the crystal
piezometer|a measuring instrument for measuring high pressures
pig|a crude block of metal (lead or iron) poured from a smelting furnace
pig bed|mold consisting of a bed of sand in which pig iron is cast
pig iron|crude iron tapped from a blast furnace
pig lead|lead that is cast in pigs
pigeon|wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs
pigeon breast|abnormal protrusion of the breastbone caused by rickets
pigeon droppings|droppings of pigeons
pigeon guillemot|northern Pacific guillemot
pigeon hawk|small falcon of Europe and America having dark plumage with black-barred tail;used in falconry
pigeon pea|tropical woody herb with showy yellow flowers and flat pods;much cultivated in the tropics
pigeon toes|disability in which the toes are turned inward;often associated with knock-knee
pigeonhole|a specific (often simplistic) category
pigfish|found around the Great Barrier Reef;found from Long Island southward
piggery|a farm where pigs are raised or kept
piggy bank|a child's coin bank (often shaped like a pig)
piggyback|the act of carrying something piggyback
piglet|a young pig
pigment|any substance whose presence in plant or animal tissues produces a characteristic color;dry coloring material (especially a powder to be mixed with a liquid to produce paint, etc.)
pigmentation|coloration of living tissues by pigment;the deposition of pigment in animals or plants or human beings
pigmy talinum|low plant with crowded narrow succulent leaves and fairly large deep pink axillary flowers that seem to sit on the ground;southwestern United States
pignut|an American hickory tree having bitter nuts
pig's ears|an edible agaric with a brown fruiting body that is often compound
pigs' feet|feet or knuckles of hogs used as food;pickled or stewed or jellied
pigs in blankets|small frankfurters wrapped in biscuit dough and baked
pigskin|leather from the skin of swine
pigsticking|the sport of hunting wild boar with spears
pigtail|a plait of braided hair
pigweed|leaves sometimes used as potherbs;seeds used as cereal;southern United States to Central America;India and China
pika|small short-eared burrowing mammal of rocky uplands of Asia and western North America
pike|a sharp point (as on the end of a spear);any of several elongate long-snouted freshwater game and food fishes widely distributed in cooler parts of the northern hemisphere;highly valued northern freshwater fish with lean flesh;medieval weapon consisting of a spearhead attached to a long pole or pikestaff;superseded by the bayonet
pikeblenny|tropical American fishes;males are aggressively defensive of their territory
piked reverse hang|a reverse hang performed on the rings
pike-perch|any of several pike-like fishes of the perch family
Pike's Peak|a mountain peak in the Rockies in central Colorado (14,109 feet high)
pikestaff|the staff of a pike
pilaf|rice cooked in well-seasoned broth with onions or celery and usually poultry or game or shellfish and sometimes tomatoes
pilaster|a rectangular column that usually projects about a third of its width from the wall to which it is attached
Pilate|the Roman procurator of Judea who ordered that Jesus be crucified (died in AD 36)
pilchard|small fishes found in great schools along coasts of Europe;smaller and rounder than herring
pile|a collection of objects laid on top of each other;a column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure;a large sum of money (especially as pay or profit);the yarn (as in a rug or velvet or corduroy) that stands up from the weave - "for uniform color and texture tailors cut velvet with the pile running the same direction"
pile driver|a machine that drives piling into the ground
Pilea|low-growing tropical perennials grown for their stingless foliage
pileup|multiple collisions of vehicles
pilferage|the act of stealing small amounts or small articles
Pilgrim|one of the colonists from England who sailed to America on the Mayflower and founded the colony of Plymouth in New England in 1620;someone who journeys in foreign lands;someone who journeys to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion
pilgrimage|a journey to a sacred place
Pilgrim's Progress|an allegory written by John Bunyan in 1678
pill|a contraceptive in the form of a pill containing estrogen and progestin to inhibit ovulation and so prevent conception;a dose of medicine in the form of a small pellet;a unpleasant or tiresome person;something that resembles a tablet of medicine in shape or size;something unpleasant or offensive that must be tolerated or endured - "his competitor's success was a bitter pill to take"
pill bottle|a small bottle for holding pills
pill bug|small terrestrial isopod with a convex segmented body that can roll up into a ball
pill head|a consumer of amphetamine pills
pillar|a fundamental principle or practice - "science eroded the pillars of superstition";a prominent supporter - "he is a pillar of the community"
pillar box|a red pillar-shaped letter box
pillar of Islam|(Islam) one of the five religious obligations accepted by all Muslims
Pillars of Hercules|the two promontories at the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar;according to legend they were formed by Hercules
pillbox|a small case for holding pills;a small enclosed gun emplacement (usually of fortified concrete);a small round woman's hat
pillion|a seat behind the rider of a horse or motorbike etc.
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
pillow|a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person
pillow block|a cast-iron or steel block for supporting a journal or bearing
pillow fight|a child's game of fighting with pillows
pillow lace|a handmade lace worked on a pillow with threads wound on bobbins;the pattern is marked out on the pillow by pins
pillow lava|lava that hardened in rounded shapes suggestive of pillows;believed to result from underwater eruptions
pillow sham|bed linen consisting of a decorative cover for a pillow
pillow talk|intimate conversation between lovers (typically occurring in bed)
pillwort|European water fern found around margins of bodies of water or in wet acid soil having small globose sporocarps
pilocarpine|cholinergic alkaloid used in eyedrops to treat glaucoma
pilomotor reflex|reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or emotional stress or skin irritation
Pilosella|genus of hairy perennial herbs with horizontal rhizomes and leafy or underground stolons;Eurasia and North Africa;often considered congeneric with Hieracium
pilot|a person qualified to guide ships through difficult waters going into or out of a harbor;someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
pilot balloon|meteorological balloon used to observe air currents
pilot bit|a small bit that drills a first hole to guide a larger drill
pilot boat|a boat to carry pilots to and from large ships
pilot burner|small auxiliary gas burner that provides a flame to ignite a larger gas burner
pilot cloth|a thick blue cloth used to make overcoats and coats for sailors etc
pilot engine|a locomotive that precedes a train to check the track
pilot experiment|a preliminary experiment whose outcome can lead to a more extensive experiment
pilot light|indicator consisting of a light to indicate whether power is on or a motor is in operation
pilot program|a program exemplifying a contemplated series;intended to attract sponsors
pilot project|activity planned as a test or trial - "they funded a pilot project in six states"
pilot whale|small dark-colored whale of the Atlantic coast of the United States;the largest male acts as pilot or leader for the school
pilotfish|small pelagic fish often accompanying sharks or mantas
pilothouse|an enclosed compartment from which a vessel can be navigated
piloting|the occupation of a pilot
Pilsen|a town in Czech Republic where Pilsner beer originated
Pilsner|a pale lager with strong flavor of hops;first brewed in the Bohemian town of Pilsen
Piltdown man|a supposedly primitive man later proven to be a hoax
Pilularia|pillworts
pilus|hairlike structure especially on the surface of a cell or microorganism
Pima|a member of the North American Indian people living in southern Arizona and northern Mexico;the Uto-Aztecan language spoken by the Pima
Pimenta|allspice tree
pimento|fully ripened sweet red pepper;usually cooked
pimento butter|butter blended with mashed pimento
Pimlico|a racetrack for thoroughbred racing;site of the Preakness
pimozide|the most commonly used diphenylbutyl piperidine
pimp|someone who procures customers for whores (in England they call a pimp a ponce)
pimpernel|any of several plants of the genus Anagallis
Pimpinella|anise
pimple|a small inflamed elevation of the skin;a pustule or papule;common symptom in acne
pin|a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment;a small slender (often pointed) piece of wood or metal used to support or fasten or attach things;cylindrical tumblers consisting of two parts that are held in place by springs;when they are aligned with a key the bolt can be thrown;flagpole used to mark the position of the hole on a golf green;informal terms for the leg
pin bone|part of the sirloin between the flat bone and the porterhouse
pin cherry|small shrubby North American wild cherry with small bright red acid fruit
pin curl|a curl of hair made by dampening a strand of hair and curling it and holding the curl with a clip or bobby pin
pin oak|fast-growing medium to large pyramidal deciduous tree of northeastern United States and southeastern Canada having deeply pinnatifid leaves that turn bright red in autumn;thrives in damp soil
pin wrench|a wrench that has a projecting pin that fits into a socket on the object to be turned
pina cloth|a fine cloth made from pineapple fibers
pina colada|a mixed drink made of pineapple juice and coconut cream and rum
Pinaceae|a family of Pinaceae
pinata|plaything consisting of a container filled with toys and candy;suspended from a height for blindfolded children to break with sticks
Pinatubo|a volcano on Luzon to the northwest of Manila;erupted in 1991 after 600 years of dormancy
pinball|a game played on a sloping board;the object is to propel marbles against pins or into pockets
pinball machine|game equipment on which pinball is played - "in Britain they call a pinball machine a pin table"
pince-nez|spectacles clipped to the nose by a spring
pincer|a hand tool for holding consisting of a compound lever for grasping
pinch|a painful or straitened circumstance - "the pinch of the recession";a squeeze with the fingers;an injury resulting from getting some body part squeezed
pinch bar|a lever with a pointed projection that serves as a fulcrum;used to roll heavy wheels
pinch hitter|(baseball) a substitute for the regular batter
pinchbeck|an alloy of copper and zinc that is used in cheap jewelry to imitate gold
pinche|South American tamarin with a tufted head
pinchgut|a niggardly person who starves himself (and others)
Pinckneya|small genus of shrubs or small trees of southeastern United States and northern South America
Pinctada|pearl oysters
pincurl clip|a variety of clip for holding pin curls
Pincus|United States sexual physiologist whose hunch that progesterone could block ovulation led to the development of the oral contraceptive pill (1903-1967)
pincushion|a small stiff cushion into which pins are stuck ready for use
Pindar|Greek lyric poet remembered for his odes (518?-438? BC)
Pindaric ode|an ode form used by Pindar;has triple groups of triple units
pindolol|an oral beta blocker (trade name Visken) used in treating hypertension
pine|a coniferous tree;straight-grained durable and often resinous white to yellowish timber of any of numerous trees of the genus Pinus
Pine Bluff|a town in southeast central Arkansas on the Arkansas River
pine fern|fern of Florida and West Indies and Central America with rhizome densely clad in grown hairs
pine grosbeak|large grosbeak of coniferous forests of Old and New Worlds
pine hyacinth|erect clematis of Florida having pink to purple flowers
pine knot|a joint of pine wood used for fuel
pine leaf aphid|a variety of adelgid
pine marten|dark brown marten of northern Eurasian coniferous forests
pine nut|edible seed of any of several nut pines especially some pinons of southwestern North America
pine sawyer|large beetle whose larvae bore holes in pine trees
pine siskin|small finch of North American coniferous forests
pine snake|any of several bull snakes of eastern and southeastern United States found chiefly in pine woods;now threatened
pine spittlebug|North American insect that attacks pines
pine tar|a dark viscous substance obtained from the destructive distillation of pine wood
pine vole|short-tailed glossy-furred burrowing vole of the eastern United States
pineal gland|a small endocrine gland in the brain;situated beneath the back part of the corpus callosum;secretes melatonin
pinealoma|tumor of the pineal gland
pineapple|a tropical American plant bearing a large fleshy edible fruit with a terminal tuft of stiff leaves;widely cultivated in the tropics;large sweet fleshy tropical fruit with a terminal tuft of stiff leaves;widely cultivated
pineapple juice|the juice of pineapples (usually bottled or canned)
pineapple weed|annual aromatic weed of Pacific coastal areas (United States and northeastern Asia) having bristle-pointed leaves and rayless yellow flowers
pine-barren sandwort|deep-rooted perennial of southeastern United States
pinecone|the seed-producing cone of a pine tree
pinesap|fleshy tawny or reddish saprophytic herb resembling the Indian pipe and growing in woodland humus of eastern North America;in some classifications placed in a separate genus Hypopitys
pine-tar rag|baseball equipment consisting of a rag soaked with pine tar;used on the handle of a baseball bat to give a batter a firm grip
pinetum|an area planted with pine trees or related conifers
Pineus|a genus of Adelgidae
pinfish|similar to sea bream;small spiny-finned fish found in bays along the southeastern coast of the United States
pinfold|a pen where stray animals are confined
Ping|a river in western Thailand;a major tributary of the Chao Phraya;a sharp high-pitched resonant sound (as of a sonar echo or a bullet striking metal)
pinger|a pulse generator used for echo sounding in sonar
ping-pong ball|light hollow ball used in playing table tennis
pinguecula|a slightly elevated elastic tissue deposit in the conjunctiva that may extend to the cornea but does not cover it
Pinguicula|butterworts;a large genus of almost stemless carnivorous bog plants;Europe and America to Antarctica
Pinguinus|great auk
pinhead|the head of a pin
pinhole|a small puncture that might have been made by a pin
Pinicola|a genus of Fringillidae
pining|a feeling of deep longing
pinion|a gear with a small number of teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack
pinite|grey or green or brown mineral similar to mica and containing aluminum and potassium sulphates
pink|a light shade of red;any of various flowers of plants of the genus Dianthus cultivated for their fragrant flowers
pink bollworm|larvae of a gelechiid moth introduced from Asia;feeds on the seeds of cotton bolls
pink calla|calla having a rose-colored spathe
pink cockatoo|white Australian cockatoo with roseate tinged plumage
pink disease|serious bark disease of many tropical crop trees (coffee, citrus, rubber);branches have a covering of pink hyphae
pink disease fungus|fungus causing pink disease in citrus and coffee and rubber trees etc
pink elephants|any visual hallucination arising from heavy drinking
pink fivecorner|heathlike shrub of southwestern Australia grown for its sharply scented foliage and pink flowers followed by pentagonal fruit
pink lady|a cocktail made of gin and brandy with lemon juice and grenadine shaken with an egg white and ice
pink shower|tropical American semi-evergreen tree having erect racemes of pink or rose-colored flowers;used as an ornamental
pink-and-white everlasting|flower of southwestern Australia having bright pink daisylike papery flowers;grown for drying
pinkness|the quality of being pink
pinko|a person with mildly leftist political views
pinkroot|a fungal disease of onions
pinna|division of a usually pinnately divided leaf
pinnacle|(architecture) a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress of tower;a lofty peak
pinnate leaf|a leaf resembling a feather;having the leaflets on each side of a common axis
pinner|a woman's cap with two long flaps pinned on
pinning|a mutual promise of a couple not to date anyone else;on college campuses it was once signaled by the giving of a fraternity pin
pinniped mammal|aquatic carnivorous mammal having a streamlined body specialized for swimming with limbs modified as flippers
Pinnipedia|seals;sea lions;walruses
Pinnotheres|type genus of the family Pinnotheridae;pea crabs
Pinnotheridae|tiny soft-bodied crabs
pinochle|a card game played with a pack of forty-eight cards (two of each suit for high cards);play resembles whist
pinocytosis|process by which certain cells can engulf and incorporate droplets of fluid
pinole|meal made of finely ground corn mixed with sugar and spices
pinon|any of several low-growing pines of western North America
pinon pine|a small two-needled or three-needled pinon of Mexico and southern Texas
Pinopsida|most conifers;in some systems classified as a class (Pinopsida) and in others as a subdivision (Pinophytina);used in some classifications for one of five subdivisions of Gymnospermophyta
Pinot|any of several purple or white wine grapes used especially for Burgundies and champagnes
Pinot blanc|dry white California table wine made from white Pinot grapes;white wine grape;grown especially in California for making wines resembling those from Chablis, France
Pinot noir|dry red California table wine made from purple Pinot grapes;red wine grape;grown especially in California for making wines resembling those from Burgundy, France
pinpoint|a very brief moment - "they were strangers sharing a pinpoint of time together";the sharp point of a pin
pinprick|a minor annoyance;small puncture (as if made by a pin)
pins and needles|a sharp tingling sensation from lack of circulation
pinscher|any of three breeds of dogs whose ears and tail are usually cropped
Pinsk|a city of southwestern Belarus
pinstripe|a fabric with very thin stripes;a suit made from a fabric with very thin stripes;a very thin stripe (especially a white stripe on a dark fabric)
pint|a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 4 gills or 568.26 cubic centimeters;a United States dry unit equal to 0.5 quart or 33.6 cubic inches;a United States liquid unit equal to 16 fluid ounces;two pints equal one quart
pintail|long-necked river duck of the Old and New Worlds having elongated central tail feathers
pin-tailed sandgrouse|sandgrouse of Europe and Africa having elongated middle tail feathers
Pinter|English dramatist whose plays are characterized by silences and the use of inaction (born in 1930)
pintle|a pin or bolt forming the pivot of a hinge
pinto|a spotted or calico horse or pony
pinto bean|mottled or spotted bean of southwestern United States;usually dried
Pinus|type genus of the Pinaceae;large genus of true pines
pinwheel|a toy consisting of vanes of colored paper or plastic that is pinned to a stick and spins when it is pointed into the wind;a wheel that has numerous pins that are set at right angles to its rim - "he spun the pinwheel and it stopped with the pointer on 'Go'";perennial subshrub of Tenerife having leaves in rosettes resembling pinwheels
pinwheel roll|pinwheel-shaped rolls spread with cinnamon and sugar and filled with e.g. jam before baking
pinworm|small threadlike worm infesting human intestines and rectum especially in children
pion|a meson involved in holding the nucleus together;produced as the result of high-energy particle collision
pioneer|one the first colonists or settlers in a new territory - "they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them";someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
pip|a disease of poultry;a minor nonspecific ailment;a small hard seed found in some fruits
Pipa|type genus of the Pipidae
pipage|a fee charged for the use of pipes
pipal|fig tree of India noted for great size and longevity;lacks the prop roots of the banyan;regarded as sacred by Buddhists
pipe|a hollow cylindrical shape;a long tube made of metal or plastic that is used to carry water or oil or gas etc.;a tube with a small bowl at one end;used for smoking tobacco;a tubular wind instrument
pipe bomb|a small homemade bomb usually contained in a metal pipe
pipe cleaner|cleaning implement consisting of a flexible tufted wire that is used to clean a pipe stem
pipe cutter|a hand tool for cutting pipe
pipe dream|a fantastic but vain hope (from fantasies induced by the opium pipe) - "I have this pipe dream about being emperor of the universe"
pipe major|the chief piper in a band of bagpipes
pipe rack|a rack for holding a smoker's pipes
pipe smoker|a smoker who uses a pipe
pipe vise|a clamp for holding pipe that is to be cut or threaded
pipe wrench|adjustable wrench for gripping and turning a pipe;has two serrated jaws that are adjusted to grip the pipe
pipeclay|fine white clay used in making tobacco pipes and pottery and in whitening leather
pipefish|fish with long tubular snout and slim body covered with bony plates
pipefitting|fitting consisting of threaded pieces of pipe for joining pipes together
pipeful|the quantity of tobacco that can be smoked in a pipe at one time
pipeline|a pipe used to transport liquids or gases - "a pipeline runs from the wells to the seaport"
pipeline company|a company that operates oil pipelines for the oil industry
piper|someone who plays the bagpipe;type genus of the Piperaceae;large genus of chiefly climbing tropical shrubs
Piperaceae|tropical woody vines and herbaceous plants having aromatic herbage and minute flowers in spikelets
piperacillin|a synthetic type of penicillin antibiotic (trade name Pipracil) used for moderate to severe infections
Piperales|Piperaceae;Saururaceae;Chloranthaceae
piperazine|vermifuge used to treat infestations by roundworms or pinworms
piperin|derived from pepper (especially black pepper);source of the hotness of black and white pepper
piperocaine|a compound used in the form of its hydrochloride as a local or spinal anesthetic
pipestem clematis|clematis of California
pipet|measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube used to measure or transfer precise volumes of a liquid by drawing the liquid up into the tube
pipewort|aquatic perennial of North America and Ireland and Hebrides having translucent green leaves in a basal spiral and dense buttonlike racemes of minute white flowers
Pipidae|tongueless frogs
Pipile|genus of large crested guans (the piping guans)
Pipilo|towhees
piping|a thin strip of covered cord used to edge hems;playing a pipe or the bagpipes
piping crow|crow-sized black-and-white bird;a good mimic often caged
piping guan|a kind of guan
piping plover|small plover of eastern North America
pipistrelle|small European brown bat
Pipistrellus|nearly cosmopolitan genus of very small bats
pipit|a songbird that lives mainly on the ground in open country;has streaky brown plumage
Pippin|any of numerous superior eating apples with yellow or greenish yellow skin flushed with red
Pipra|type genus of the Pipridae containing the typical manakins
Pipridae|manakins
pipsissewa|any of several plants of the genus Chimaphila
pip-squeak|someone who is small and insignificant
Piptadenia|tropical American trees and shrubs;often placed in other genera
Pipturus|an Australian genus of woody plants of the family Urticaceae
Pipturus albidus|Hawaiian tree of genus Pipturus having a bark (tapa) from which tapa cloth is made
piquancy|the quality of being agreeably stimulating or mentally exciting
pique|a sudden outburst of anger;tightly woven fabric with raised cords
Piqueria|small genus of tropical American perennial herbs or subshrubs with white to pale yellow flowers;often included in genus Stevia
piquet|a card game for two players using a reduced pack of 32 cards
piracy|hijacking on the high seas or in similar contexts;taking a ship or plane away from the control of those who are legally entitled to it - "air piracy"
Pirandello|Italian novelist and playwright (1867-1936)
Piranga|a genus of Thraupidae
piranha|small voraciously carnivorous freshwater fishes of South America that attack and destroy living animals
pirate|a ship that is manned by pirates;someone who robs at sea or plunders the land from the sea without having a commission from any sovereign nation
pirogi|small fruit or meat turnover baked or fried
piroplasm|minute parasite of red blood cells of mammals transmitted by a tick and causing diseases of domestic animals
pirouette|(ballet) a rapid spin of the body (especially on the toes as in ballet)
piroxicam|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Feldene) used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
pis aller|an expedient adopted only in desperation - "'pis aller' is French for 'worst going'"
Pisa|a city in Tuscany;site of the famous Leaning Tower
pisang wax|a wax obtained from the leaves of a plantain
pisanosaur|primitive dinosaur found in Argentina
Pisces|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Pisces;a group of vertebrates comprising both cartilaginous and bony fishes and sometimes including the jawless vertebrates;not used technically;a large faint zodiacal constellation;between Aquarius and Aries;the twelfth sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about February 19 to March 20
Piscidia|genus of shrubs or small trees having indehiscent pods with black seeds;roots and bark yield fish poisons
pisha paysha|(Yiddish) a card game for two players one of whom is usually a child;the deck is place face down with one card face upward;players draw from the deck alternately hoping to build up or down from the open card;the player with the fewest cards when the deck is exhausted is the winner
pisiform|a small wrist bone that articulates only with the triquetral
Pisonia|genus of often thorny tropical trees and shrubs and some vines;mainly America
pisser|a person who urinates;a very disagreeable difficulty
Pissis|a mountain in the Andes in Argentina (22,241 feet high)
piss-up|vulgar expression for a bout of heavy drinking
pistachio|nut of Mediterranean trees having an edible green kernel;small tree of southern Europe and Asia Minor bearing small hard-shelled nuts
Pistacia|a dicotyledonous genus of trees of the family Anacardiaceae having drupaceous fruit
piste|a flat rectangular area for fencing bouts;a ski run densely packed with snow
pistia|pantropical floating plant forming a rosette of wedge-shaped leaves;a widespread weed in rivers and lakes
pistil|the female ovule-bearing part of a flower composed of ovary and style and stigma
pistillode|a sterile vestigial pistil remaining in a staminate flower
pistol|a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
pistol grip|a handle (as of a gun or saw) shaped like the butt of a pistol
pistoleer|someone armed with a pistol (especially a soldier so armed)
piston|mechanical device that has a plunging or thrusting motion;United States neoclassical composer (1894-1976)
piston ring|seal consisting of a split metal ring that seals the gap between a piston and the cylinder wall
piston rod|connecting rod that moves or is moved by a piston
Pisum|small genus of variable annual Eurasian vines;peas
pit|(auto racing) an area at the side of a racetrack where the race cars are serviced and refueled;(commodity exchange) the part of the floor of a commodity exchange where trading in a particular commodity is carried on;a concavity in a surface (especially an anatomical depression);a sizeable hole (usually in the ground) - "they dug a pit to bury the body";a surface excavation for extracting stone or slate - "a British term for 'quarry' is 'stone pit'";a trap in the form of a concealed hole;an enclosure in which animals are made to fight
pit of the stomach|a slight depression in the midline just below the sternum (where a blow can affect the solar plexus)
pit stop|a brief stop at a pit during an automobile race to take on fuel or service the car;a stop during an automobile trip for rest and refreshment
pit viper|New World vipers with hollow fangs and a heat-sensitive pit on each side of the head
pita|usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
pitahaya|highly colored edible fruit of pitahaya cactus having bright red juice;often as large as a peach
pitahaya cactus|cactus of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico having edible juicy fruit
pitch|(baseball) the act of throwing a baseball by a pitcher to a batter;a high approach shot in golf;a vendor's position (especially on the sidewalk) - "he was employed to see that his paper's news pitches were not trespassed upon by rival vendors";an all-fours game in which the first card led is a trump;any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue;degree of deviation from a horizontal plane - "the roof had a steep pitch";the action or manner of throwing something - "his pitch fell short and his hat landed on the floor";the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
pitch apple|a common tropical American clusia having solitary white or rose flowers
pitch pine|large three-needled pine of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada;closely related to the pond pine
pitch pipe|a small pipe sounding a tone of standard frequency;used to establish the starting pitch for unaccompanied singing
pitched battle|a fierce battle fought in close combat between troops in predetermined positions at a chosen time and place
pitcher|(baseball) the person who does the pitching - "our pitcher has a sore arm";(botany) a leaf that that is modified in such a way as to resemble a pitcher or ewer;an open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring;the position on a baseball team of the player who throws the ball for a batter to try to hit - "he has played every position except pitcher";the quantity contained in a pitcher
pitcher plant|any of several insectivorous herbs of the order Sarraceniales
pitcher sage|California erect and sparsely branched perennial;California plant with woolly stems and leaves and large white flowers
pitchfork|a long-handled hand tool with sharp widely spaced prongs for lifting and pitching hay
pitching|(baseball) playing the position of pitcher on a baseball team
pitching change|replacing a pitcher in baseball
pitching coach|an assistant baseball coach in charge of pitchers
pitching wedge|a wedge used to loft the golf ball over obstacles
pitchman|an aggressive salesman who uses a fast line of talk to sell something
pitchstone|dark acid granitic glass
pitfall|an unforeseen or unexpected or surprising difficulty
pith|soft spongelike central cylinder of the stems of most flowering plants
pith hat|a lightweight hat worn in tropical countries for protection from the sun
pithead|the entrance to a coal mine
Pithecanthropus|former genus of primitive apelike men now Homo erectus
Pithecellobium|thorny shrubs and trees of tropical and subtropical America and Asia
Pithecia|sakis
pitilessness|mercilessness characterized by a lack of pity
Pitman|English educator who invented a system of phonetic shorthand (1813-1897)
piton|a metal spike with a hole for a rope;mountaineers drive it into ice or rock to use as a hold
Pitot|French physicist for whom the Pitot tube was named (1695-1771)
Pitot tube|measuring instrument consisting of a right-angled tube with an open end that is directed in opposition to the flow of a fluid and used to measure the velocity of fluid flow
Pitot-static tube|measuring instrument consisting of a combined Pitot tube and static tube that measures total and static pressure;used in aircraft to measure airspeed
pitprop|a wooden prop used to support the roof of a mine
pitsaw|a large two-handed saw formerly used to cut logs into planks;one man stood above the log and the other in a pit below
Pitt|a British playwright who created the fictional character Sweeney Todd (1799-1855);English statesman and son of Pitt the Elder (1759-1806);English statesman who brought the Seven Years' War to an end (1708-1778)
pitta|any bird of the genus Pitta;brilliantly colored chiefly terrestrial birds with short wings and tail and stout bills
pittance|an inadequate payment - "they work all day for a mere pittance"
pitter-patter|a series of rapid tapping sounds - "she missed the pitter-patter of little feet around the house"
Pittidae|pittas
pitting|the formation of small pits in a surface as a consequence of corrosion
Pittsburgh|a city in southwestern Pennsylvania where the confluence of the Allegheny River and Monongahela River forms the Ohio River;long an important urban industrial area;site of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh
Pittsfield|a town in western Massachusetts
pituitary|the master gland of the endocrine system;located at the base of the brain
pituitary dwarf|a dwarf whose condition is caused by a deficiency of growth hormones, rather than by genetic factors (as in the case of the achondroplastic dwarf)
Pituophis|bull snakes
pity|an unfortunate development - "it's a pity he couldn't do it"
Pitymys|pine mice
pityriasis|any of several skin disorders characterized by shedding dry flakes of skin
pityriasis alba|common form of pityriasis (usually in children or young adults) characterized by round patches of depigmentation
pityriasis rosea|pityriasis in which an itchy rash develops over the trunk and extremities
Pityrogramma|terrestrial tropical ferns having fronds with powdery yellowish or white undersides;sometimes placed in family Polypodiaceae or Adiantaceae
Pius II|Italian pope from 1458 to 1464 who is remembered for his unsuccessful attempt to lead a crusade against the Turks (1405-1464)
Pius IX|Italian pope from 1846 to 1878 who in 1854 declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
Pius V|Italian pope from 1566 to 1572 who led the reformation of the Roman Catholic Church;he excommunicated Elizabeth I (1504-1572)
Pius VI|Italian pope from 1775 to 1799 who served during the French Revolution;Napoleon attacked the Papal States and in 1797 Pius VI was taken to France where he died (1717-1799)
Pius VII|Italian pope from 1800 to 1823 who was humiliated by Napoleon and taken prisoner in 1809;he concluded a concordat with Napoleon and crowned him emperor of France;he returned to Rome in 1814 (1740-1823)
Pius X|pope who condemned religious modernism;he was canonized in 1954 because of his interest in the poor (1835-1914)
Pius XI|pope who signed a treaty with Mussolini recognizing the Vatican City as an independent state (1857-1939)
Pius XII|pope who maintained neutrality during World War II and was later criticized for not aiding the Jews who were persecuted by Hitler (1876-1958)
pivot|axis consisting of a short shaft that supports something that turns;the act of turning on (or as if on) a pivot - "the golfer went to the driving range to practice his pivot";the person in a rank around whom the others wheel and maneuver
pivot joint|a freely moving joint in which movement is limited to rotation - "the articulation of the radius and ulna in the arm is a pivot joint"
pivot shot|a one-handed basketball shot made while whirling on the pivot foot
pivoting window|a window that opens by pivoting either horizontally or vertically
pixel|(computer science) the smallest discrete component of an image or picture on a CRT screen (usually a colored dot) - "the greater the number of pixels per inch the greater the resolution"
Pizarro|Spanish conquistador who conquered the Incas in what is now Peru and founded the city of Lima (1475-1541)
pizza|Italian open pie made of thin bread dough spread with a spiced mixture of e.g. tomato sauce and cheese
pizzeria|a shop where pizzas are made and sold
pizzicato|a note or passage that is played pizzicato
PKU test|a test of newborn infants for phenylketonuria
placation|the act of placating and overcoming distrust and animosity
place|a general vicinity - "He comes from a place near Chicago";a particular situation - "If you were in my place what would you do?";an abstract mental location - "he has a special place in my thoughts" - "a place in my heart" - "a political system with no place for the less prominent groups";an item on a list or in a sequence - "in the second place";any area set aside for a particular purpose - "who owns this place?";proper or appropriate position or location - "a woman's place is no longer in the kitchen";proper or designated social situation - "he overstepped his place";the passage that is being read - "he lost his place on the page"
place bet|a bet that a horse will finish a race no worse than second
place kick|(sports) a kick in which the ball is placed on the ground before kicking
place mat|a mat serving as table linen for an individual place setting
place name|the name by which a geographical place is known
place of business|an establishment (a factory or an assembly plant or retail store or warehouse etc.) where business is conducted, goods are made or stored or processed or where services are rendered
place of worship|any building where congregations gather for prayer
place setting|a table service for one person - "a place setting of sterling flatware"
placebo|(Roman Catholic Church) vespers of the office for the dead;an innocuous or inert medication;given as a pacifier or to the control group in experiments on the efficacy of a drug
placebo effect|any effect that seems to be a consequence of administering a placebo;the change is usually beneficial and is assumed result from the person's faith in the treatment or preconceptions about what the experimental drug was supposed to do;pharmacologists were the first to talk about placebo effects but now the idea has been generalized to many situations having nothing to do with drugs
placeholder|a symbol in a logical or mathematical expression that can be replaced by the name of any member of specified set
place-kicker|(football) a kicker who makes a place kick for a goal
placeman|a disparaging term for an appointee
placement|contact established between applicants and prospective employees - "the agency provided placement services";the act of putting something in a certain place;the spatial property of the way in which something is placed - "the placement of the chairs"
placement office|an office that finds suitable employment for applicants
placenta|that part of the ovary of a flowering plant where the ovules form;the vascular structure in the uterus of most mammals providing oxygen and nutrients for and transferring wastes from the developing fetus
placenta previa|pregnancy in which the placenta is implanted in the lower part of the uterus (instead of the upper part);can cause bleeding late in pregnancy;delivery by cesarean section may be necessary
placental|mammals having a placenta;all mammals except monotremes and marsupials
placentation|arrangement of the ovules in the placenta and of the placentas in the ovary;the formation of the placenta in the uterus
placer|an alluvial deposit that contains particles of some valuable mineral
placer miner|a miner who extracts minerals from a placer by washing or dredging
placer mining|mining valuable minerals from a placer by washing or dredging
placidity|a feeling of calmness;a quiet and undisturbed feeling
placket|a piece of cloth sewn under an opening
placoderm|fish-like vertebrate with bony plates on head and upper body;dominant in seas and rivers during the Devonian;considered the earliest vertebrate with jaws
Placodermi|extinct group of bony-plated fishes with primitive jaws
Placuna|windowpane oysters
plagal cadence|a cadence (frequently ending church music) in which the chord of the subdominant precedes the chord of the tonic
plage|the beach at a seaside resort
Plagianthus|small genus of shrubs and trees of Australia and New Zealand
plagiarism|a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own work;the act of plagiarizing;taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own
plagiarist|someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own
plagiocephaly|congenital malformation of the skull in which the main axis of the skull is oblique
plagioclase|any of a series of triclinic feldspars that form rocks
plague|a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by Yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal;an annoyance - "those children are a damn plague";any epidemic disease with a high death rate;any large scale calamity (especially when thought to be sent by God)
plague spot|a spot on the skin characteristic of the plague
plaice|flesh of large European flatfish;large European food fish
plain|extensive tract of level open land - "they emerged from the woods onto a vast open plain"
plain flour|flour that does not contain a raising agent
plain sailing|easy unobstructed progress - "after we solved that problem the rest was plain sailing"
plain turkey|popular Australian game bird
plain wanderer|small Australian bird related to the button quail;classified as wading bird but inhabits plains
plain weave|a basic style of weave in which the weft and warp threads intertwine alternately to produce a checkerboard effect
plainclothesman|a detective who wears civilian clothes on duty
plainness|the appearance of being plain and unpretentious;the state of being unmixed with other material - "the plainness of vanilla ice cream"
Plains Indian|a member of one of the tribes of American Indians who lived a nomadic life following the buffalo in the Great Plains of North America
plains lemon monarda|annual of southern United States
plains pocket gopher|gopher of chiefly grasslands of central North America
plains pocket mouse|small rodent of open areas of United States plains states
plains spadefoot|this spadefoot toad lives in plains and hills and river bottoms in areas of low rainfall east of the Rocky Mountains
plainsman|an inhabitant of a plains region (especially the Great Plains of North America)
plainsong|a liturgical chant of the Roman Catholic Church
plaint|(United Kingdom) a written statement of the grounds of complaint made to court of law asking for the grievance to be redressed
plaintiff|a person who brings an action in a court of law
plaintiveness|expressing sorrowfulness
plaiter|someone who plaits (hair or fabric etc.)
plan|a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished - "they drew up a six-step plan" - "they discussed plans for a new bond issue";scale drawing of a structure - "the plans for City Hall were on file"
plan of action|a plan for actively doing something
planarian|free-swimming mostly freshwater flatworms;popular in laboratory studies for the ability to regenerate lost parts
planation|the process of erosion whereby a level surface is produced
planchet|a flat metal disk ready for stamping as a coin
planchette|a triangular board supported on casters;when lightly touched with the fingertips it is supposed to spell out supernatural (or unconscious) messages
Planck|German physicist whose explanation of blackbody radiation in the context of quantized energy emissions initiated quantum theory (1858-1947)
Planck's constant|the constant of proportionality relating the energy of a photon to its frequency;approximately 6.626 x 10^-34 joule-second
Planck's law|(physics) the basis of quantum theory;the energy of electromagnetic waves is contained in indivisible quanta that have to be radiated or absorbed as a whole;the magnitude is proportional to frequency where the constant of proportionality is given by Planck's constant
Planck's radiation law|(physics) an equation that expresses the distribution of energy in the radiated spectrum of an ideal black body
plane|(mathematics) an unbounded two-dimensional shape - "we will refer to the plane of the graph as the X-Y plane" - "any line joining two points on a plane lies wholly on that plane";a carpenter's hand tool with an adjustable blade for smoothing or shaping wood - "the cabinetmaker used a plane for the finish work";a level of existence or development - "he lived on a worldly plane";a power tool for smoothing or shaping wood
plane angle|an angle formed by two straight lines (in the same plane)
plane figure|a two-dimensional shape
plane geometry|the geometry of 2-dimensional figures
plane seat|a seat on a commercial airliner
plane table|surveying instrument consisting of a drawing board and a ruler that are mounted on a tripod;used to sight and map topographical details
plane ticket|a ticket good for a trip on an airplane
plane tree|any of several trees of the genus Platanus having thin pale bark that scales off in small plates and lobed leaves and ball-shaped heads of fruits
Planera|a deciduous tree of the family Ulmaceae that grows in the southeastern United States
planet|(astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light;Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in order of their proximity to the sun;viewed from the constellation Hercules, all the planets rotate around the sun in a counterclockwise direction;any celestial body (other than comets or satellites) that revolves around a star
planetarium|a building housing an instrument for projecting the positions of the planets onto a domed ceiling;an apparatus or model for representing the solar systems;an optical device for projecting images of celestial bodies and other astronomical phenomena onto the inner surface of a hemispherical dome
planetary gear|an outer gear that revolves about a central sun gear of an epicyclic train
planetary nebula|a nebula that was once thought to be a star with its planets but is now thought to be a very hot star surrounded by an expanding envelope of ionized gases that emit a fluorescent glow because of intense radiation from the star
planetesimal|one of many small solid celestial bodies thought to have existed at an early stage in the development of the solar system
planetesimal hypothesis|(cosmology) the theory that the solar system was formed by the gravitational accumulation of planetesimals
plangency|having the character of a loud deep sound;the quality of being resonant
plank|an endorsed policy in the platform of a political party
plank-bed|a bed of boards (without a mattress)
planking|(nautical) a covering or flooring constructed of planks (as on a ship);planks collectively;a quantity of planks;the work of covering an area with planks
plankton|the aggregate of small plant and animal organisms that float or drift in great numbers in fresh or salt water
planktonic algae|unicellular algae
planned community|a residential district that is planned for a certain class of residents
planner|a notebook for recording appointments and things to be done, etc.;a person who makes plans
planning|an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action - "the planning was more fun than the trip itself";the act or process of drawing up plans or layouts for some project or enterprise;the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening - "his planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties"
planning commission|a commission delegated to propose plans for future activities and developments
Plano|a city in northeastern Texas (suburb of Dallas)
Planococcus|a genus of Pseudococcidae
planographic printing|the process of printing from a surface on which the printing areas are not raised but are ink-receptive (as opposed to ink repellent)
plant|(botany) a living organism lacking the power of locomotion;an actor situated in the audience whose acting is rehearsed but seems spontaneous to the audience;buildings for carrying on industrial labor - "they built a large plant to manufacture automobiles";something planted secretly for discovery by another - "the police used a plant to trick the thieves" - "he claimed that the evidence against him was a plant"
plant cell|a cell that is a structural and functional unit of a plant
plant closing|act of shutting down operation of a plant
plant department|the division of a business responsible for building and maintaining the physical plant
plant disease|a disease that affects plants
plant family|a family of plants
plant fiber|fiber derived from plants
plant genus|a genus of plants
plant hopper|related to the leafhoppers and spittlebugs but rarely damages cultivated plants
plant louse|any of several small insects especially aphids that feed by sucking the juices from plants
plant material|material derived from plants
plant order|the order of plants
plant organ|a functional and structural unit of a plant or fungus
plant part|any part of a plant or fungus
plant process|a natural projection or outgrowth from a plant body or organ
plant product|a product made from plant material
plant tissue|the tissue of a plant
plant toxin|any substance produced by plants that is similar in its properties to extracellular bacterial toxin
plant virus|a plant pathogen that is a virus consisting of a single strand of RNA
Plantae|(botany) the taxonomic kingdom comprising all living or extinct plants
Plantagenet|the family name of a line of English kings that reigned from 1154 to 1485
Plantaginaceae|cosmopolitan family of small herbs and a few shrubs;most are troublesome weeds
Plantaginales|coextensive with the family Plantaginaceae
Plantago|type genus of the family Plantaginaceae;large cosmopolitan genus of mostly small herbs
plantain|a banana tree bearing hanging clusters of edible angular greenish starchy fruits;tropics and subtropics;any of numerous plants of the genus Plantago;mostly small roadside or dooryard weeds with elliptic leaves and small spikes of very small flowers;seeds of some used medicinally;starchy banana-like fruit;eaten (always cooked) as a staple vegetable throughout the tropics
plantain lily|any of numerous perennials having mounds of sumptuous broad ribbed leaves and clusters of white, blue, or lilac flowers;used as ground cover
plantain-leaved pussytoes|a variety of pussytoes
plantar reflex|flexion of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front in persons over the age of 2 years;under 2 years the results should be extension of the toes (Babinski reflex)
plantar wart|a wart occurring on the sole of the foot - "pressure causes plantar warts to develop a painful callus around the soft center"
Plantation|a newly established colony (especially in the colonization of North America) - "the practice of sending convicted criminals to serve on the Plantations was common in the 17th century";an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)
planter|a decorative pot for house plants;a worker who puts or sets seeds or seedlings into the ground;the owner or manager of a plantation
planter's punch|a cocktail made of rum and lime or lemon juice with sugar and sometimes bitters
plantigrade mammal|an animal that walks with the entire sole of the foot touching the ground as e.g. bears and human beings
planting|a collection of plants (trees or shrubs or flowers) in a particular area - "the landscape architect suggested a small planting in the northwest corner";putting seeds or young plants in the ground to grow - "the planting of corn is hard work";the act of fixing firmly in place - "he ordered the planting of policemen outside every doorway"
plantlet|a young plant or a small plant
plantlike flagellate|unicellular organisms having many characteristics of typical algae
planula|the flat ciliated free-swimming larva of hydrozoan coelenterates
plaque|(pathology) a small abnormal patch on or inside the body
plasma|(physical chemistry) a fourth state of matter distinct from solid or liquid or gas and present in stars and fusion reactors;a gas becomes a plasma when it is heated until the atoms lose all their electrons, leaving a highly electrified collection of nuclei and free electrons - "particles in space exist in the form of a plasma";a green slightly translucent variety of chalcedony used as a gemstone;the colorless watery fluid of the blood and lymph that contains no cells, but in which the blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes) are suspended
plasma cell|a cell that develops from a B lymphocyte in reaction to a specific antigen;found in bone marrow and sometimes in the blood
plasma physics|the branch of physics concerned with matter in its plasma phase
plasma protein|any of the proteins in blood plasma
plasma thromboplastin antecedent|coagulation factor whose deficiency results in a hemorrhagic tendency
plasmablast|the precursor of a plasma cell
plasmacytoma|neoplasm of plasma cells (usually in bone marrow)
plasmapheresis|plasma is separated from whole blood and the rest is returned to the donor
plasmid|a small cellular inclusion consisting of a ring of DNA that is not in a chromosome but is capable of autonomous replication
plasmin|an enzyme that dissolves the fibrin of blood clots
plasminogen|an inactive form of plasmin that occurs in plasma and is converted to plasmin by organic solvents
plasminogen activator|protease produced in the kidney that converts plasminogen to plasmin and so initiates fibrinolysis
Plasmodiidae|malaria parasites
Plasmodiophora|type genus of Plasmodiophoraceae comprising minute plant parasitic fungi similar to and sometimes included among the slime molds
Plasmodiophoraceae|family of fungi often causing hypertrophy in seed plants
plasmodium|multinucleate sheet of cytoplasm characteristic of some stages of such organisms as slime molds;parasitic protozoan of the genus Plasmodium that causes malaria in humans
Plassey|the victory in 1757 by the British under Clive over Siraj-ud-daula that established British supremacy over Bengal
plaster|a mixture of lime or gypsum with sand and water;hardens into a smooth solid;used to cover walls and ceilings;a surface of hardened plaster (as on a wall or ceiling) - "there were cracks in the plaster";adhesive tape used in dressing wounds
plaster of Paris|any of several gypsum cements;a white powder (a form of calcium sulphate) that forms a paste when mixed with water and hardens into a solid;used in making molds and sculptures and casts for broken limbs
plaster saint|a person (considered to be) without human failings - "he's no plaster saint"
plasterboard|wallboard with a gypsum plaster core bonded to layers of paper or fiberboard;used instead of plaster or wallboard to make interior walls
plasterer|a worker skilled in applying plaster
plastering|the application of plaster
plastering trowel|a trowel used to spread and smooth plaster
plastic|generic name for certain synthetic or semisynthetic materials that can be molded or extruded into objects or films or filaments or used for making e.g. coatings and adhesives
plastic art|the arts of shaping or modeling;carving and sculpture
plastic bag|a bag made of thin plastic material
plastic bomb|a bomb made of plastic explosive
plastic explosive|an explosive material that is easily molded around the object it is intended to destroy
plastic laminate|a laminate made by bonding plastic layers
plastic surgery|surgery concerned with therapeutic or cosmetic reformation of tissue
plastic wrap|wrapping consisting of a very thin transparent sheet of plastic
Plasticine|a synthetic material resembling clay but remaining soft;used as a substitute for clay or wax in modeling (especially in schools)
plasticizer|a substance added to plastics or other materials to make them more pliable
plastics industry|an industry that manufactures plastic articles
plastid|any of various small particles in the cytoplasm of the cells of plants and some animals containing pigments or starch or oil or protein
plastination|a process involving fixation and dehydration and forced impregnation and hardening of biological tissues;water and lipids are replaced by curable polymers (silicone or epoxy or polyester) that are subsequently hardened - "the plastination of specimens is valuable for research and teaching"
plastron|(zoology) the part of a turtle's shell forming its underside;a large pad worn by a fencer to protect the chest;a metal breastplate that was worn under a coat of mail;the front of man's dress shirt;the ornamental front of a woman's bodice or shirt
plat|a map showing planned or actual features of an area (streets and building lots etc.)
Plataea|a defeat of the Persian army by the Greeks at Plataea in 479 BC;a former town in Boeotia;site of a battle between the Greeks and Persians in 479 BC
Platalea|type genus of the Plataleidae
Plataleidae|spoonbills
Platanaceae|coextensive with the genus Platanus;plane trees
Platanistidae|river dolphins
Platanthera|herbaceous terrestrial orchids of temperate northern and southern hemispheres
Platanus|genus of large monoecious mostly deciduous trees;London plane;sycamore
plate|a flat sheet of metal or glass on which a photographic image can be recorded;a full-page illustration (usually on slick paper);a main course served on a plate - "a vegetable plate" - "the blue plate special";a metal sheathing of uniform thickness (such as the shield attached to an artillery piece to protect the gunners);a rigid layer of the Earth's crust that is believed to drift slowly;a shallow receptacle for collection in church;a sheet of metal or wood or glass or plastic;any flat platelike body structure or part;dish on which food is served or from which food is eaten;structural member consisting of a horizontal beam that provides bearing and anchorage;the positively charged electrode in a vacuum tube;the quantity contained in a plate;the thin under portion of the forequarter
plate glass|glass formed into large thin sheets
plate iron|a plate of iron
plate rack|a rack for holding plates to dry after they have been washed
plate rail|rail or narrow shelf fixed to a wall to display plates
plateau striped whiptail|having distinct longitudinal stripes;of Colorado Plateau from Arizona to western Colorado
platelayer|a workman who lays and repairs railroad tracks
platelet|tiny bits of protoplasm found in vertebrate blood;essential for blood clotting
plateletpheresis|platelets are separated from whole blood and the rest is returned to the donor
platen|the flat plate of a printing press that presses the paper against the type;the roller on a typewriter against which the keys strike;work table of a machine tool
plater|a skilled worker who coats articles with a film of metal (usually silver or gold)
platform|a document stating the aims and principles of a political party - "their candidate simply ignored the party platform";a raised horizontal surface - "the speaker mounted the platform";any military structure or vehicle bearing weapons;the combination of a particular computer and a particular operating system
platform bed|a bed without springs
platform rocker|rocking chair on a stationary base
Plath|United States writer and poet (1932-1963)
Platichthys|a genus of Pleuronectidae
plating|a thin coating of metal deposited on a surface;the application of a thin coat of metal (as by electrolysis)
platinum|a heavy precious metallic element;grey-white and resistant to corroding;occurs in some nickel and copper ores and is also found native in some deposits
platinum black|a fine black powder of platinum;used as a catalyst in chemical reactions
platinum blond|a blond whose hair is a pale silvery (often artificially colored) blond
platitude|a trite or obvious remark
platitudinarian|a bore who makes excessive use of platitudes
Plato|ancient Athenian philosopher;pupil of Socrates;teacher of Aristotle (428-347 BC)
Platonism|(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names
Platonist|an advocate of Platonism
platoon|a group of persons who are engaged in a common activity - "platoons of tourists poured out of the busses" - "the defensive platoon of the football team";a military unit that is a subdivision of a company;usually has a headquarters and two or more squads;usually commanded by a lieutenant;a team of policemen working under the military platoon system
Plato's Academy|a school established by Plato in ancient Athens - "Plato's Academy continued for several hundred years after Plato died"
Platt National Park|a national park in Oklahoma having mineral springs
Platte|a river in Nebraska that flows eastward to become a tributary of the Missouri River
Platte River penstemon|erect plant with blue-violet flowers in rings near tips of stems;Idaho to Utah and Wyoming
platter|a large shallow dish used for serving food
platy|small stocky Mexican fish;popular aquarium fish
Platycephalidae|scorpaenoid flatheads
Platycerium|often epiphytic tropical Old World ferns
Platyctenea|an order of Tentaculata
platyctenean|ctenophore have long tentacles and flattened body
Platyhelminthes|flatworms
Platylobium|small genus of Australian evergreen leguminous shrubs or subshrubs
Platymiscium|genus of tropical American trees;quira
Platypoecilus|platys
platypus|small densely furred aquatic monotreme of Australia and Tasmania having a broad bill and tail and webbed feet;only species in the family Ornithorhynchidae
Platyrrhini|New World monkeys;capuchin;douroucouli;howler monkey;saki;spider monkey;squirrel monkey;titi;uakari;woolly monkey;marmoset;tamarin
platysma|either of two broad muscles located on either side of the neck and innervated by the facial nerve;extends from lower jaw to clavicle and is involved in moving the mouth and jaw
Platystemon|one species;creamcups
plausibility|apparent validity
Plautus|a genus of Alcidae;comic dramatist of ancient Rome (253?-184 BC)
play|a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage - "he wrote several plays but only one was produced on Broadway";a preset plan of action in team sports - "the coach drew up the plays for her team";a state in which action is feasible - "the ball was still in play" - "insiders said the company's stock was in play";a theatrical performance of a drama - "the play lasted two hours";activity by children that is guided more by imagination than by fixed rules - "Freud believed in the utility of play to a small child";gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement - "it was all done in play";the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully;utilization or exercise - "the play of the imagination"
play reading|performance of a play by a group of readers
play therapy|form of psychotherapy for children that uses play situations for diagnosis or treatment
playback|electronic equipment comprising the part of a tape recorder that reproduces the recorded material;the act of reproducing recorded sound - "he was allowed to hear the playback of his testimony"
playbill|a theatrical program - "he couldn't find her name on the playbill"
playbook|a book containing the scripts of one or more dramatic plays - "the 1963 playbook leaves out the whole first scene";a notebook containing descriptions and diagrams of the plays that a team has practiced (especially an American football team);a scheme or set of strategies for conducting a business campaign or a political campaign - "they borrowed a page from the playbook of the opposition"
playbox|a box for a child's toys and personal things (especially at a boarding school)
playboy|a man devoted to the pursuit of pleasure
player|a person who participates in or is skilled at some game;a person who pursues a number of different social and sexual partners simultaneously;an important participant (as in a business deal) - "he was a major player in setting up the corporation"
playfulness|a disposition to find (or make) causes for amusement - "her playfulness surprised me"
playgoer|someone who attends the theater
playground|yard consisting of an outdoor area for children's play
playhouse|plaything consisting of a small model of a house that children can play inside of
playing|the act of playing a musical instrument;the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation
playing card|one of a pack of cards that are used to play card games
playing field|a piece of land prepared for playing a game;the circumstances under which competition occurs - "the government's objective is to insure a genuinely level playing field for American industry and commerce in Europe"
playing period|(in games or plays or other performances) the time during which play proceeds
playlet|a short play
playlist|a list of musical selections for performance or for broadcast by radio
playmaker|a player in a team sport who leads attacks or maneuvers in such a way that a teammate can score
playmate|a companion at play
playoff|any final competition to determine a championship
playoff game|one game in the series of games constituting a playoff
playpen|a portable enclosure in which babies may be left to play
playschool|a small informal nursery group meeting for half-day sessions
playsuit|a sports outfit for women or children;usually consists of shorts and a blouse
plaything|an artifact designed to be played with
playtime|time for play or diversion
plaza|a public square with room for pedestrians;mercantile establishment consisting of a carefully landscaped complex of shops representing leading merchandisers;usually includes restaurants and a convenient parking area;a modern version of the traditional marketplace - "a good plaza should have a movie house"
plea|(law) a defendant's answer by a factual matter (as distinguished from a demurrer);an answer indicating why a suit should be dismissed
plea bargain|(criminal law) a negotiation in which the defendant agrees to enter a plea of guilty to a lesser charge and the prosecutor agrees to drop a more serious charge - "his admission was part of a plea bargain with the prosecutor" - "plea bargaining helps to stop the courts becoming congested"
pleading|(law) a statement in legal and logical form stating something on behalf of a party to a legal proceeding
pleasance|a pleasant and secluded part of a garden;usually attached to a mansion
pleasantness|the feeling caused by agreeable stimuli;one pole of a continuum of states of feeling;the quality of giving pleasure - "the pleasantness of a cool breeze on a hot summer day"
pleasantry|an agreeable or amusing remark
pleaser|a pleasing entertainer - "he is quite the crowd pleaser"
pleasing|the act of one who pleases
pleasingness|an agreeable beauty that gives pleasure or enjoyment - "the liveliness and pleasingness of dark eyes"- T.N. Carver;pleasant palatability
pleasure|a formal expression - "he serves at the pleasure of the President";a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience - "he was tingling with pleasure";an activity that affords enjoyment - "he puts duty before pleasure";sexual gratification - "he took his pleasure of her"
pleasure principle|(psychoanalysis) the governing principle of the id;the principle that an infant seeks gratification and fails to distinguish fantasy from reality
pleat|any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
plebeian|one of the common people
plebiscite|a vote by the electorate determining public opinion on a question of national importance
Plecoptera|stoneflies
Plecotus|a genus of Vespertilionidae
Plectania|genus of fungi in the family Pezizaceae closely related to and often included in genus Peziza
plectognath|tropical marine fishes having the teeth fused into a beak and thick skin covered with bony plates or spines
Plectognathi|boxfishes;filefishes;globefishes;ocean sunfishes;triggerfishes;puffers
Plectomycetes|class of fungi in which the fruiting body is a cleistothecium (it releases spores only on decay or disintegration)
Plectophera|in some former classifications;name for the Ephemeroptera
Plectorrhiza|small genus of Australian orchids
plectranthus|any of various ornamental plants of the genus Plectranthus
Plectrophenax|snow bunting
pledge|a deposit of personal property as security for a debt - "his saxophone was in pledge";a drink in honor of or to the health of a person or event;someone accepted for membership but not yet fully admitted to the group
pledge taker|a volunteer who records (usually by telephone) contributions pledged in a fund drive
pledgee|someone to whom a pledge is made or someone with whom something is deposited as a pledge
pledger|someone who makes or gives a pledge
Pleiades|(Greek mythology) 7 daughters of Atlas and half-sisters of the Hyades;placed among the stars to save them from the pursuit of Orion;a star cluster in the constellation Taurus
Pleione|small genus of dwarf orchids;India to Thailand and Taiwan
Pleiospilos|perennial succulents of South Africa
Pleistocene|from two million to 11 thousand years ago;extensive glaciation of the northern hemisphere;the time of human evolution
plenipotentiary|a diplomat who is fully authorized to represent his or her government
plenty|a full supply - "there was plenty of food for everyone"
plenum|a meeting of a legislative body at which all members are present - "the plenum will vote on all tax increases";an enclosed space in which the air pressure is higher than outside
pleochroism|the phenomenon of different colors appearing when certain crystals are viewed from different directions
pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma|form of rhabdomyosarcoma that affects limb muscles of older adults
pleomorphism|(biology) the appearance of two or more distinctly different forms in the life cycle of some organisms
pleonasm|using more words than necessary
Plesianthropus|former name for the genus Australopithecus
plesiosaur|extinct marine reptile with a small head on a long neck a short tail and four paddle-shaped limbs;of the Jurassic and Cretaceous
Plesiosauria|any of the plesiosaurs
Plethodon|type genus of the Plethodontidae
Plethodontidae|small mostly terrestrial New World salamanders having neither lungs nor gills as adults
plethysmograph|a measuring instrument for measuring changes in volume of a part or organ or whole body (usually resulting from fluctuations in the amount of blood it contains)
pleura|the thin serous membrane around the lungs and inner walls of the chest
pleural cavity|the cavity in the thorax that contains the lungs and heart
pleural space|the small potential space between the parietal and visceral layers of the pleura
pleurisy|inflammation of the pleura of the lungs (especially the parietal layer)
Pleurobrachia|sea gooseberries
Pleurobrachiidae|sea gooseberries
pleurocarp|a moss having the archegonium or antheridium on a short side branch rather than the main stalk
pleurodont|an animal having teeth fused with the inner surface of the alveolar ridge without sockets
pleurodynia|pain in the chest caused by inflammation of the muscles between the ribs
Pleuronectes|type genus of the Pleuronectidae
Pleuronectidae|righteye flounders
pleuropneumonia|pleurisy and pneumonia
pleuropneumonialike organism|a mycoplasma resistant to antibiotics that causes a kind of pneumonia in humans
Pleurosorus|small genus comprising terrestrial ferns;found in Chile and Spain and Morocco and Australia and New Zealand
pleurothallis|any of numerous small tufted orchids of the genus Pleurothallis having leathery to fleshy leaves and racemes of 1 to many small flowers
Pleurotus|agarics with white spores and caps having an eccentric stem;an important mushroom of Japan
Plevna|the town was taken from the Turks by the Russians in 1877 after a siege of 143 days
Plexiglas|a light transparent weather resistant thermoplastic
pleximeter|a small thin metal plate held against the body and struck with a plexor in percussive examinations
plexor|(medicine) a small hammer with a rubber head used in percussive examinations of the chest and in testing reflexes
plexus|a network of intersecting blood vessels or intersecting nerves or intersecting lymph vessels
plexus dentalis|a plexus of nerves serving the teeth
pliability|adaptability of mind or character - "he was valued for his reliability and pliability"
pliancy|the property of being pliant and flexible
plication|the act of folding in parallel folds
Plicatoperipatus|a genus of Peripatidae
Plicatoperipatus jamaicensis|a kind of onychophoran
plier|someone who plies a trade
pliers|a gripping hand tool with two hinged arms and (usually) serrated jaws
plight|a solemn pledge of fidelity
plimsoll|a light gym shoe with a rubber sole and a canvas top
Plinian eruption|a volcanic eruption in which a stream of gas and ash is violently ejected to a height of several miles
Pliny|Roman author of an encyclopedic natural history;died while observing the eruption of Vesuvius (23-79);Roman writer and nephew of Pliny the Elder;author of books of letters that commented on affairs of the day (62-113)
Pliocene|from 13 million to 2 million years ago;growth of mountains;cooling of climate;more and larger mammals
ploce|(rhetoric) repetition to gain special emphasis or extend meaning
Ploceidae|weaverbirds
Ploceus|type genus of the Ploceidae
plodder|someone who moves slowly;someone who works slowly and monotonously for long hours
plodding|the act of walking with a slow heavy gait
plonk|a cheap wine of inferior quality;the noise of something dropping (as into liquid)
plop|the noise of a rounded object dropping into a liquid without a splash
plosion|the terminal forced release of pressure built up during the occlusive phase of a stop consonant
plot|a chart or map showing the movements or progress of an object;a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal) - "they concocted a plot to discredit the governor";a small area of ground covered by specific vegetation - "a bean plot";the story that is told in a novel or play or movie etc. - "the characters were well drawn but the plot was banal"
plot element|a component or element of the plot of a story
Plotinus|Roman philosopher (born in Egypt) who was the leading representative of Neoplatonism (205-270)
Plott hound|a brindle-coated American hound used in hunting bears and wild boars
plotter|a clerk who marks data on a chart;an instrument (usually driven by a computer) for drawing graphs or pictures
ploughman's lunch|a meal consisting of a sandwich of bread and cheese and a salad
Plovdiv|an ancient city in southern Bulgaria;commercial center of an agricultural region
plover|any of numerous chiefly shorebirds of relatively compact build having straight bills and large pointed wings;closely related to the sandpipers
plow|a farm tool having one or more heavy blades to break the soil and cut a furrow prior to sowing
plow horse|a horse used to pull a plow
plowboy|a boy who leads the animals that draw a plow
plowing|tilling the land with a plow - "he hired someone to do the plowing for him"
plowman|a man who plows
plowshare|a sharp steel wedge that cuts loose the top layer of soil
plowwright|a workman who makes and repairs plows
ploy|a maneuver in a game or conversation
pluck|the act of pulling and releasing a taut cord
plug|an electrical device with two or three pins that is inserted in a socket to make an electrical connection;blockage consisting of an object designed to fill a hole tightly
plug fuse|a fuse with a thread that screws into a socket
plughole|a hole into which a plug fits (especially a hole where water drains away)
plum|a highly desirable position or assignment - "a political plum";any of numerous varieties of small to medium-sized round or oval fruit having a smooth skin and a single pit;any of several trees producing edible oval fruit having a smooth skin and a single hard stone
plum pudding|a rich steamed or boiled pudding that resembles cake
plum sauce|for Chinese dishes;plum preserves and chutney
plum tomato|a kind of cherry tomato that is frequently used in cooking rather than eaten raw;an Italian variety of cherry tomato that is shaped like a plum
plumb bob|the metal bob of a plumb line
plumb level|a carpenter's level with a plumb line at right angles to it
plumb line|a cord from which a metal weight is suspended pointing directly to the earth's center of gravity;used to determine the vertical from a given point
plumb rule|a plumb line attached to a narrow board
Plumbaginaceae|perennial herbs and shrubs and lianas;cosmopolitan especially in saltwater areas
Plumbaginales|coextensive with the family Plumbaginaceae;usually included in order Primulales
plumbago|any plumbaginaceous plant of the genus Plumbago
plumber|a craftsman who installs and repairs pipes and fixtures and appliances
plumber's snake|a long flexible steel coil for dislodging stoppages in curved pipes
plumbing|the occupation of a plumber (installing and repairing pipes and fixtures for water or gas or sewage in a building);utility consisting of the pipes and fixtures for the distribution of water or gas in a building and for the disposal of sewage
plumbing fixture|a fixture for the distribution and use of water in a building
plumcot|hybrid between plum and apricot;hybrid produced by crossing Prunus domestica and Prunus armeniaca
plume|a feather or cluster of feathers worn as an ornament;anything that resembles a feather in shape or lightness - "a plume of smoke" - "grass with large plumes"
plume grass|a reedlike grass of the genus Erianthus having large plumes
plume poppy|herb of China and Japan widely cultivated for its plumelike panicles of creamy white flowers
plume thistle|any of numerous biennial to perennial herbs with handsome purple or yellow or occasionally white flower heads
plumed scorpionfish|a kind of scorpionfish
plumed tussock|tall grass of New Zealand grown for plumelike flower heads
Plumeria|deciduous shrubs and trees of tropical America having branches like candelabra and fragrant white or pink flowers
plum-fruited yew|South American evergreen tree or shrub
plump|the sound of a sudden heavy fall
plumpness|the bodily property of being well rounded
plumule|down feather of young birds;persists in some adult birds
plum-yew|any of several evergreen trees and shrubs of eastern Asia resembling yew and having large seeds enclosed in a fleshy envelope;sometimes cultivated as ornamentals
plunderage|the act of plundering (especially the embezzlement of goods on shipboard)
plunderer|someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)
plundering|the act of stealing valuable things from a place - "the plundering of the Parthenon" - "his plundering of the great authors"
plunge|a steep and rapid fall
plunger|hand tool consisting of a stick with a rubber suction cup at one end;used to clean clogged drains
plunk|(baseball) hitting a baseball so that it drops suddenly;a hollow twanging sound
plural|the form of a word that is used to denote more than one
pluralism|a social organization in which diversity of racial or religious or ethnic or cultural groups is tolerated;the doctrine that reality consists of several basic substances or elements;the practice of one person holding more than one benefice at a time
pluralist|a cleric who holds more than one benefice at a time;a philosopher who believes that no single explanation can account for all the phenomena of nature;someone who believes that distinct ethnic or cultural or religious groups can exist together in society
plurality|(in an election with more than 2 options) the number of votes for the candidate or party receiving the greatest number (but less that half of the votes);the state of being plural - "to mark plurality, one language may add an extra syllable to the word whereas another may simply change the vowel in the existing final syllable"
pluralization|the act of pluralizing or attributing plurality to
plus fours|men's baggy knickers hanging below the knees;formerly worn for sports (especially golf)
plus sign|a sign indicating the operation of addition
plush|a fabric with a nap that is longer and softer than velvet
Plutarch|Greek biographer who wrote Parallel Lives (46?-120 AD)
Pluteaceae|a family of fungi belonging to the order Agaricales
Pluteus|a large genus of fungi belonging to the family Pluteaceae;the shape of the cap resembles a roof;often abundant early in the summer
Pluteus aurantiorugosus|an agaric with a brilliant scarlet cap and a slender stalk
Pluteus magnus|an edible agaric found in piles of hardwood sawdust;the caps are black and coarsely wrinkled
Pluto|(Greek mythology) the god of the underworld in ancient mythology;brother of Zeus and husband of Persephone;a cartoon character created by Walt Disney;a small planet and the farthest known planet from the sun;it has the most elliptical orbit of all the planets - "Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930"
plutocracy|a political system governed by the wealthy people
plutocrat|someone who exercises power by virtue of wealth
plutonium|a solid silvery grey radioactive transuranic element whose atoms can be split when bombarded with neutrons;found in minute quantities in uranium ores but is usually synthesized in nuclear reactors;13 isotopes are known with the most important being plutonium 239
plutonium 239|a highly fissionable isotope of plutonium that is used in atomic weapons and as a reactor fuel;produced by irradiating uranium 238 with slow electrons
plutonium trigger|a steel or beryllium sphere containing plutonium 239 that triggers nuclear fission when compressed by explosives
Pluvialis|golden plovers
Pluvianus|coursers
Pluviose|fifth month of the Revolutionary calendar (January and February);the rainy month
ply|(usually in combinations) one of several layers of cloth or paper or wood as in plywood;one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread;often used in combination - "three-ply cord" - "four-ply yarn"
Plymouth|a town in Massachusetts founded by Pilgrims in 1620
Plymouth Colony|colony formed by the Pilgrims when they arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620;it was absorbed into the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691
Plymouth Rock|a boulder in Plymouth supposed to be where the Pilgrims disembarked from the Mayflower;an American breed of domestic fowl
plywood|a laminate made of thin layers of wood
p-n junction|the junction between a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor - "a p-n junction has marked rectifying characteristics"
pneumatic drill|a power drill powered by compressed air
pneumatic tire|a tire made of reinforced rubber and filled with compressed air;used on motor vehicles and bicycles etc
pneumatics|the branch of mechanics that deals with the mechanical properties of gases
pneumatophore|an air-filled root (submerged or exposed) that can function as a respiratory organ of a marsh or swamp plant
pneumococcal pneumonia|pneumonia caused by bacteria of the genus pneumococcus
pneumococcal vaccine|vaccine (trade name Pneumovax) effective against the 23 most common strains of pneumococcus
pneumococcus|bacterium causing pneumonia in mice and humans
pneumoconiosis|chronic respiratory disease caused by inhaling metallic or mineral particles
pneumocytosis|pneumonia occurring in infants or in persons with impaired immune systems (as AIDS victims)
pneumonectomy|surgical removal of a lung (usually to treat lung cancer)
pneumonia|respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma (excluding the bronchi) with congestion caused by viruses or bacteria or irritants
pneumonic plague|a rapidly progressive and frequently fatal form of the plague that can spread through the air from person to person;characterized by lung involvement with chill, bloody expectoration and high fever
pneumonitis|inflammation of the lungs;caused by a virus or an allergic reaction
pneumothorax|abnormal presence of air in the pleural cavity resulting in the collapse of the lung;may be spontaneous (due to injury to the chest) or induced (as a treatment for tuberculosis)
p-n-p transistor|a junction transistor having an n-type semiconductor between a p-type semiconductor that serves as an emitter and a p-type semiconductor that serves as a collector
Po|a European river;flows into the Adriatic Sea
Poa|chiefly perennial grasses of cool temperate regions
poached egg|egg cooked in gently boiling water
poacher|a cooking vessel designed to poach food (such as fish or eggs);small slender fish (to 8 inches) with body covered by bony plates;chiefly of deeper northern Pacific waters;someone who hunts or fishes illegally on the property of another
poaching|cooking in simmering liquid
Pobeda Peak|a mountain peak in the Tien Shan mountains in northern India (24,406 feet high)
Pocahontas|a Powhatan woman (the daughter of Powhatan) who befriended the English at Jamestown and is said to have saved Captain John Smith's life (1595-1617)
Pocatello|a university town in southeastern Idaho
pochard|heavy-bodied Old World diving duck having a grey-and-black body and reddish head
pock|a pustule in an eruptive disease
pocket|(bowling) the space between the headpin and the pins behind it on the right or left - "the ball hit the pocket and gave him a perfect strike";a small isolated group of people - "they were concentrated in pockets inside the city" - "the battle was won except for cleaning up pockets of resistance";a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles;a supply of money - "they dipped into the taxpayers' pockets";an opening at the corner or on the side of a billiard table into which billiard balls are struck
pocket battleship|a small battleship built to conform with treaty limitations on tonnage and armament (from 1925 to 1930)
pocket borough|a sparsely populated borough in which all or most of the land is owned by a single family
pocket dictionary|a dictionary that is small enough to carry in your pocket
pocket flap|a flap that covers the access to a pocket
pocket money|cash for day-to-day spending on incidental expenses
pocket mouse|any of various small nocturnal burrowing desert rodents with cheek pouches and long hind legs and tail
pocket rat|any of various rodents with cheek pouches
pocket veto|indirect veto of legislation by refusing to sign it
pocket watch|a watch that is carried in a small watch pocket
pocketbook|pocket-sized paperback book;your personal financial means - "that car is too expensive for my pocketbook"
pocketbook issue|an issue whose settlement will affect financial resources
pocketcomb|a small comb suitable for carrying in a pocket
pocketed bat|small brown bat of California and northern Mexico
pocketful|the quantity a pocket will hold
pocket-handkerchief|a handkerchief that is carried in a pocket
pocketknife|a knife with a blade that folds into the handle;suitable for carrying in the pocket
pockmark|a scar or pit on the skin that is left by a pustule of smallpox or acne or other eruptive disease
pod|a detachable container of fuel on an airplane;a group of aquatic mammals;a several-seeded dehiscent fruit as e.g. of a leguminous plant;the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
podalgia|foot pain
Podalyria|genus of South African leguminous shrubs often placed in genus Sophora
Podargidae|frogmouths
Podargus|type genus of the Podargidae
Podaxaceae|a variety of gastromycete
podetium|an organ or body resembling a stalk;especially the outgrowth of the thallus of certain lichens on which the ascocarp is borne
podiatry|the branch of medicine concerned with the feet
Podiceps|type genus of the Podicipedidae;grebes
Podicipedidae|coextensive with the order Podicipitiformes
podicipitiform seabird|aquatic birds related to the loons
Podicipitiformes|grebes
Podilymbus|a genus of Podicipedidae
podocarp|any evergreen in the southern hemisphere of the genus Podocarpus having a pulpy fruit with one hard seed
Podocarpaceae|gymnosperms with simple persistent needlelike or scalelike leaves
Podocarpus|evergreen trees or shrubs;sometimes classified as member of the family Taxaceae
Podophyllum|perennial rhizomatous herbs
podzol|a soil that develops in temperate to cold moist climates under coniferous or heath vegetation;an organic mat over a grey leached layer
Poe|United States writer and poet (1809-1849)
Poeciliidae|topminnows
Poecilocapsus|a genus of Miridae
Poecilogale|muishonds
poem|a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
Poephila|grassfinches
poet|a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
poet laureate|a poet who is unofficially regarded as holding an honorary position in a particular group or region - "she is the poet laureate of all lyricists" - "he is the poet laureate of Arkansas";the poet officially appointed to the royal household in Great Britain - "the poet laureate is expected to provide poems for great national occasions"
poetess|a woman poet
poetic justice|an outcome in which virtue triumphs over vice (often ironically)
poetic license|license used by a writer or artist to heighten the effect of their work
poetic rhythm|(prosody) a system of versification
poetics|study of poetic works
poetry|any communication resembling poetry in beauty or the evocation of feeling;literature in metrical form
pogge|northern Atlantic sea poacher
pogo stick|plaything consisting of a pole with foot rests and a strong spring;propelled by jumping
pogonia|any hardy bog orchid of the genus Pogonia;terrestrial orchids having slender rootstocks and erect stems bearing one or a few leaves and a solitary terminal flower
pogonion|the craniometric point that is the most forward-projecting point on the anterior surface of the chin
Pogonophora|beard worms
Pogostemon|genus of Asiatic shrubs or trees whose leaves yield a fragrant oil
pogrom|organized persecution of an ethnic group (especially Jews)
poi|Hawaiian dish of taro root pounded to a paste and often allowed to ferment
poignance|a state of deeply felt distress or sorrow
poikilotherm|an animal whose body temperature varies with the temperature of its surroundings;any animal except birds and mammals
poilu|a French soldier (especially in World War I)
Poinciana|small subgenus of ornamental tropical shrubs or trees;not recognized in some classifications
poinsettia|tropical American plant having poisonous milk and showy tapering usually scarlet petallike leaves surrounding small yellow flowers
point|a brief version of the essential meaning of something - "get to the point" - "he missed the point of the joke" - "life has lost its point";a distinguishing or individuating characteristic - "he knows my bad points as well as my good points";a geometric element that has position but no extension - "a point is defined by its coordinates";a linear unit used to measure the size of type;approximately 1/72 inch;a promontory extending out into a large body of water - "they sailed south around the point";a style in speech or writing that arrests attention and has a penetrating or convincing quality or effect;a V shape - "the cannibal's teeth were filed to sharp points";a very small circular shape - "a row of points";a V-shaped mark at one end of an arrow pointer - "the point of the arrow was due north";a wall socket;an instant of time - "at that point I had to leave";an outstanding characteristic - "his acting was one of the high points of the movie";one percent of the total principal of a loan;it is paid at the time the loan is made and is independent of the interest on the loan;sharp end - "he stuck the point of the knife into a tree" - "he broke the point of his pencil";the gun muzzle's direction - "he held me up at the point of a gun";the object of an activity - "what is the point of discussing it?";the precise location of something;a spatially limited location - "she walked to a point where she could survey the whole street";the property of a shape that tapers to a sharp tip;the unit of counting in scoring a game or contest - "he scored 20 points in the first half" - "a touchdown counts 6 points"
point after|in American football a point awarded for a successful place kick following a touchdown
point duty|the control of traffic by a policeman stationed at an intersection
point lace|lace worked with a needle in a buttonhole stitch on a paper pattern
point man|a soldier who goes ahead of a patrol;someone who is the forefront of an important enterprise - "he is the president's point man on economic issues"
point mutation|(genetics) a mutation due to an intramolecular reorganization of a gene
point of honor|a concern that seriously reflects on your honor
point of order|a question as to whether the current proceedings are allowed by parliamentary procedure
point of view|a mental position from which things are viewed - "teaching history gave him a special point of view toward current events";the spatial property of the position from which something is observed
point source|a concentrated source (especially of radiation or pollution) that is spatially constricted
point system|a system of evaluation based on awarding points according to rules;a system of graduating sizes of type in multiples of the point;a system of writing or printing using patterns of raised dots that can be read by touch
point woman|a woman who is the forefront of an important enterprise
point-and-shoot camera|a lightweight photographic camera with an autofocus
pointed arch|an arch with a pointed apex;characteristic of Gothic architecture
pointed-leaf maple|small shrubby Japanese plant with leaves having 5 to 7 acuminate lobes;yellow in autumn
pointedness|the quality of being obviously directed at a particular person or thing - "the pointedness of his sarcasm was unmistakable"
pointer|a strong slender smooth-haired dog of Spanish origin having a white coat with brown or black patches;scents out and points to game;an indicator as on a dial
pointillism|a genre of painting characterized by the application of paint in dots and small strokes;developed by Georges Seurat and his followers in late 19th century France;a school of painters who used a technique of painting with tiny dots of pure colors that would blend in the viewer's eye;developed by Georges Seurat and his followers late in 19th century France
pointillist|a painter who uses the technique of pointillism
pointing out|indication by demonstration
pointing trowel|a trowel used to fill and finish masonry joints with mortar or cement
pointsman|a policeman stationed at an intersection to direct traffic
poise|a cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter;the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second;a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
poison|any substance that causes injury or illness or death of a living organism;anything that harms or destroys - "the poison of fascism"
poison ash|smooth American swamp shrub with pinnate leaves and greenish flowers followed by greenish white berries;yields an irritating oil
poison bush|any of various Australian evergreen shrubs of the genus Gastrolobium having whorled compound leaves poisonous to livestock and showy yellow to deep reddish-orange flowers followed by two-seeded pods
poison camas|a common perennial death camas;Tennessee to Kansas to Texas
poison gas|a gas that is poisonous to breath or contact;used in chemical warfare
poison ivy|climbing plant common in eastern and central United States with ternate leaves and greenish flowers followed by white berries;yields an irritating oil that causes a rash on contact;dermatitis resulting from contact with the poison ivy plant - "my poison ivy is drying up"
poison milkweed|milkweed of southwestern United States and Mexico;poisonous to livestock
poison oak|dermatitis resulting from contact with a poison oak plant
poison pill|the target company defends itself by making its stock less attractive to an acquirer
poison sumac|dermatitis resulting from contact with a poison sumac plant
poisoner|someone who kills with poison
poisoning|the act of giving poison to a person or animal with the intent to kill;the physiological state produced by a poison or other toxic substance
poisonous parasol|an agaric regarded as poisonous
poisonous plant|a plant that when touched or ingested in sufficient quantity can be harmful or fatal to an organism
Poisson distribution|a theoretical distribution that is a good approximation to the binomial distribution when the probability is small and the number of trials is large
Poitier|United States film actor and director (born in 1927)
Poitiers|the battle in 1356 in which the English under the Black Prince defeated the French
Poitou-Charentes|a low-lying region of west central France on the Bay of Biscay
poke|tall coarse perennial American herb having small white flowers followed by blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes;young fleshy stems are edible;berries and root are poisonous
poke check|knocking the puck away by jabbing at it with the hockey stick
poke milkweed|milkweed of the eastern United States with leaves resembling those of pokeweed
poker|any of various card games in which players bet that they hold the highest-ranking hand;fire iron consisting of a metal rod with a handle;used to stir a fire
poker alumroot|plant with leathery heart-shaped leaf blades clustered at base of long stalks with greenish-white flowers clustered along the upper part;western North America
poker face|a face without any interpretable expression (as that of a good poker player)
poker hand|the 5 cards held in a game of poker
poker plant|clump-forming plant of South Africa with spikes of scarlet flowers
pokeweed|perennial of the genus Phytolacca
Pokomo|a Bantu language spoken in the Kenyan coastal areas of East Africa
polack|a person of Polish descent
Poland|a republic in central Europe;the invasion of Poland by Germany in 1939 started World War II
Polanisia|widely distributed herbs having palmate leaves and creamy white to or pink to magenta flowers with many stamens of unequal length
polar body|a small cell containing little cytoplasm that is produced along with the oocyte and later discarded
polar circle|a line of latitude at the north or south poles
polar coordinate|either of two values that locate a point on a plane by its distance from a fixed pole and its angle from a fixed line passing through the pole
polar glacier|a glacier near the Arctic or Antarctic poles
polar hare|a large hare of northern North America;it is almost completely white in winter
polar opposition|an opposition that can be graded between two extremes or poles
polarimeter|an optical device used to measure the rotation of the plane of vibration of polarized light
Polaris|the brightest star in Ursa Minor;at the end of the handle of the Little Dipper;the northern axis of the earth points toward it
polarity|having an indicated pole (as the distinction between positive and negative electric charges) - "he got the polarity of the battery reversed"
polarization|the condition of having or giving polarity;the phenomenon in which waves of light or other radiation are restricted in direction of vibration
polarography|an electrochemical method of chemical analysis
Polaroid|(trade mark) a plastic film that can polarize a beam of light;often used in sunglasses to eliminate glare
Polaroid camera|a camera that develops and produces a positive print within seconds
polder|low-lying land that has been reclaimed and is protected by dikes (especially in the Netherlands)
pole|a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic;a long fiberglass sports implement used for pole vaulting;one of the two ends of a magnet where the magnetism seems to be concentrated;one of two antipodal points where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects the Earth's surface;one of two divergent or mutually exclusive opinions - "they are at opposite poles" - "they are poles apart";one of two points of intersection of the Earth's axis and the celestial sphere;a native or inhabitant of Poland
pole bean|a climbing bean plant that will climb a wall or tree or trellis
pole horse|a draft horse harnessed alongside the shaft or pole of a vehicle;the horse having a starting position next to the inside rail in a harness race
pole position|the most favorable position at the start of a race
pole vault|a competition that involves jumping over a high crossbar with the aid of a long pole
poleax|a battle ax used in the Middle Ages;a long handled ax and a pick;an ax used to slaughter cattle;has a hammer opposite the blade
polecat|dark brown mustelid of woodlands of Eurasia that gives off an unpleasant odor when threatened
polemic|a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)
polemicist|a writer who argues in opposition to others (especially in theology)
polemics|the branch of Christian theology devoted to the refutation of errors
Polemoniaceae|a widely distributed family of chiefly herbaceous plants of the order Polemoniales;often have showy flowers
Polemoniales|Polemoniaceae;Solanaceae;Boraginaceae;Labiatae;Lentibulariaceae;Pedaliaceae;in some classifications includes the order Scrophulariales
polemonium|any plant of the genus Polemonium;most are low-growing often foul-smelling plants of temperate to Arctic regions
polenta|a thick mush made of cornmeal boiled in stock or water
Polianthes|genus of perennial tuberous herbs having lily-like flowers;Mexico;sometimes placed in family Amaryllidaceae
police|the force of policemen and officers
police academy|an academy for training police officers
police action|a local military action without declaration of war;against violators of international peace and order
police boat|a boat used by harbor police
police commissioner|a civil commissioner appointed to supervise the duties and discipline of the police
police court|a court that has power to prosecute for minor offenses and to bind over for trial in a superior court anyone accused of serious offenses
police department|the department of local government concerned with enforcing the law and preventing crime
police dog|any dog trained to assist police especially in tracking
police matron|a woman policeman
police precinct|a precinct in which law enforcement is the responsibility of particular police force
police sergeant|a lawman with the rank of sergeant
police squad|a small squad of policemen trained to deal with a particular kind of crime
police state|a country that maintains repressive control over the people by means of police (especially secret police)
police station|a station that serves as headquarters for police in a particular district;serves as a place from which policemen are dispatched and to which arrested persons are brought
police van|van used by police to transport prisoners
police work|the investigation of criminal activities
policeman|a member of a police force
policeman bird|large mostly white Australian stork
policy|a line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government - "they debated the policy or impolicy of the proposed legislation";a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group - "it was a policy of retribution";written contract or certificate of insurance - "you should have read the small print on your policy"
policy maker|someone who sets the plan pursued by a government or business etc. - "policy makers often make the right decision for the wrong reason"
policyholder|a person who holds an insurance policy;usually, the client in whose name an insurance policy is written
poliomyelitis|an acute viral disease marked by inflammation of nerve cells of the brain stem and spinal cord
Polioptila|New World gnatcatchers
poliosis|loss of color from the hair
poliovirus|the virus causing poliomyelitis
poliovirus vaccine|vaccine prepared from poliovirus to provide immunity to poliomyelitis
polish|a highly developed state of perfection;having a flawless or impeccable quality - "they performed with great polish" - "almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art"--Joseph Conrad;a preparation used in polishing;the property of being smooth and shiny;the Slavic language of Poland
Polish monetary unit|monetary unit in Poland
Polistes|a genus of Vespidae
Polistes annularis|a variety of paper wasp
politburo|the chief executive and political committee of the Communist Party
politeness|a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage;the act of showing regard for others
political action committee|committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidates
political arena|a sphere of intense political activity
political campaign|a race between candidates for elective office
political contribution|a contribution made to a politician or a political campaign or a political party
political correctness|avoidance of expressions or actions that can be perceived to exclude or marginalize or insult people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against
political dissident|a dissenter from political orthodoxy
political incorrectness|the use of expressions or actions that can be perceived to exclude or marginalize or insult groups who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against
political movement|a group of people working together to achieve a political goal
political orientation|an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation
political prisoner|someone who is imprisoned because of their political views
political scientist|a social scientist specializing in the study of government
political system|the members of a social organization who are in power
political unit|a unit with political responsibilities
politician|a leader engaged in civil administration;a person active in party politics;a schemer who tries to gain advantage in an organization in sly or underhanded ways
politics|social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power - "office politics is often counterproductive";the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or a government - "unemployment dominated the politics of the inter-war years" - "government agencies multiplied beyond the control of representative politics";the opinion you hold with respect to political questions;the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs;the study of government of states and other political units
polity|a politically organized unit;shrewd or crafty management of public affairs - "we was innocent of stratagems and polity"
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)
polka|a Bohemian dance with 3 steps and a hop in fast time;music performed for dancing the polka
polka dot|design consisting of a pattern of regularly spaced circular spots
poll|a tame parrot;an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people;the counting of votes (as in an election);the part of the head between the ears
poll tax|a tax of a fixed amount per person and payable as a requirement for the right to vote
Pollachius|pollack
pollack|important food and game fish of northern seas (especially the northern Atlantic);related to cod;lean white flesh of North Atlantic fish;similar to codfish;United States filmmaker (born in 1934)
pollard|a tree with limbs cut back to promote a more bushy growth of foliage;a usually horned animal that has either shed its horns or had them removed
pollen|the fine spores that contain male gametes and that are borne by an anther in a flowering plant
pollen count|the number of pollen grains (usually ragweed) in a standard volume of air over a twenty-four hour period and a specified time and place
pollen tube|(botany) a slender tubular outgrowth from a pollen grain when deposited on the stigma for a flower;it penetrates the style and conveys the male gametes to the ovule
pollination|transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of a plant
pollinator|an insect that carries pollen from one flower to another
polling booth|a temporary booth in a polling place which people enter to cast their votes
polling day|the day appointed for an election;in the United States it is the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November
polling place|a place where voters go to cast their votes in an election
pollinium|a coherent mass of pollen grains (as in orchids)
Pollock|United States artist famous for painting with a drip technique;a leader of abstract expressionism in America (1912-1956)
polls|the place where people vote
pollster|someone who conducts surveys of public opinion - "a pollster conducts public opinion polls"
pollucite|a rare mineral that is an important source of cesium
pollutant|waste matter that contaminates the water or air or soil
polluter|a person or organization that causes pollution of the environment
pollution|undesirable state of the natural environment being contaminated with harmful substances as a consequence of human activities
Pollux|the brightest star in Gemini;close to Castor
polo|a game similar to field hockey but played on horseback using long-handled mallets and a wooden ball;Venetian traveler who explored Asia in the 13th century and served Kublai Khan (1254-1324)
polo ball|wooden ball that is struck with mallets in playing polo
polo mallet|a mallet used to strike the ball in polo
polo pony|a small agile horse specially bred and trained for playing polo
polo shirt|a shirt with short sleeves designed for comfort and casual wear
polonaise|a woman's dress with a tight bodice and an overskirt drawn back to reveal a colorful underskirt
polonium|a radioactive metallic element that is similar to tellurium and bismuth;occurs in uranium ores but can be produced by bombarding bismuth with neutrons in a nuclear reactor
polony|another name for Bologna sausage
poltergeist|a ghost that announces its presence with rapping and the creation of disorder
poltroon|an abject coward
poltroonery|abject pusillanimity
polyamide|a polymer containing repeated amide groups
polyandrist|a woman with two or more husbands
polyandry|having more than one husband at a time
Polyangiaceae|bacteria living mostly in soils and on dung
Polyangium|type genus of the family Polyangiaceae;myxobacteria with rounded fruiting bodies enclosed in a membrane
polyanthus|florists' primroses;considered a complex hybrid derived from oxlip, cowslip, and common primrose
polyarteritis|inflammation of several arteries
Polyborus|a genus of Falconidae
Polybotrya|tropical American ferns;usually terrestrial when young but scandent later
polybutylene|a polymer of butylene;used in lubricants and synthetic rubber
Polycarp|Greek bishop of Smyrna who refused to recant his Christian faith and was burned to death by pagans (circa 69-155)
Polychaeta|marine annelid worms
polychaete|chiefly marine annelids possessing both sexes and having paired appendages (parapodia) bearing bristles
polychrome|a piece of work composed of or decorated in many colors
Polycirrus|genus of soft-bodied polychete marine worms
polyconic projection|a conic projection of a map having distances between meridians equal to those distances on a globe
polycystic kidney disease|kidney disease characterized by enlarged kidneys containing many cysts;often leads to kidney failure
polycythemia|a disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood
Polydactylus|a genus of Polynemidae
polydactyly|birth defect characterized by the presence of more than the normal number of fingers or toes
polydipsia|excessive thirst (as in cases of diabetes or kidney dysfunction)
polyelectrolyte|an electrolyte of high molecular weight
Polyergus|Amazon ants
polyester|a complex ester used for making fibers or resins or plastics or as a plasticizer;any of a large class of synthetic fabrics;any of numerous synthetic resins;they are light and strong and weather resistant
polyester fiber|a quick-drying resilient synthetic fiber consisting primarily of polyester
polyethylene|a lightweight thermoplastic;used especially in packaging and insulation
polyfoam|a foam made by adding water to polyurethane plastics
Polygala|type genus of the Polygalaceae;milkwort;senega;snakeroot
Polygalaceae|trees, shrubs, and herbs widely distributed throughout both hemispheres
polygamist|someone who is married to two or more people at the same time
polygamy|having more than one spouse at a time
polygene|a gene that by itself has little effect on the phenotype but which can act together with others to produce observable variations
polygenic disorder|an inherited disease controlled by several genes at once
polygon|a closed plane figure bounded by straight sides
Polygonaceae|a family of plants of order Polygonales chiefly of the north temperate zone;includes the buckwheats
Polygonales|coextensive with the family Polygonaceae,
Polygonatum|sometimes placed in subfamily Convallariaceae
Polygonia|comma butterflies
Polygonum|diverse genus of herbs or woody subshrubs of north temperate regions
polygraph|a medical instrument that records several physiological processes simultaneously (e.g., pulse rate and blood pressure and respiration and perspiration)
polygynist|a man with two or more wives
polygyny|having more than one wife at a time
polyhedral angle|the space enclosed by three or more planes that intersect in a vertex
polyhedron|a solid figure bounded by plane polygons or faces
Polyhymnia|(Greek mythology) the Muse of singing and mime and sacred dance
Polymastigina|small usually parasitic flagellates
polymastigote|flagellates with several flagella
polymath|a person of great and varied learning
polymer|a naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers
polymerase|an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of new DNA and RNA from an existing strand of DNA or RNA
polymerization|a chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer or polymeric compound
polymethyl methacrylate|a transparent plastic used as a substitute for glass
polymorph|an organism that can assume more than one adult form as in the castes of ants or termites
polymorphism|(biology) the existence of two or more forms of individuals within the same animal species (independent of sex differences);(chemistry) the existence of different kinds of crystal of the same chemical compound;(genetics) the genetic variation within a population that natural selection can operate on
polymyositis|myositis characterized by weakness of limb and neck muscles and much muscle pain and swelling;progression and severity vary among individuals
polymyxin|any of several toxic antibiotics obtained from a particular soil bacterium
Polynemidae|threadfins
Polynesia|the islands in the eastern part of Oceania
Polynesian|a native or inhabitant of Polynesia
Polynesian tattler|tattler of Pacific coastal regions
polyneuritis|inflammation of many or all of the peripheral nerves (as in leprosy)
polynomial|a mathematical function that is the sum of a number of terms
polynya|a stretch of open water surrounded by ice (especially in Arctic seas)
Polyodon|type genus of the Polyodontidae
Polyodontidae|paddlefishes
polyoma|a virus the can initiate various kinds of tumors in mice
polyp|a small vascular growth on the surface of a mucous membrane;one of two forms that coelenterates take (e.g. a hydra or coral);usually sedentary with a hollow cylindrical body usually with a ring of tentacles around the mouth - "in some species of coelenterate, polyps are a phase in the life cycle that alternates with a medusoid phase"
polypectomy|surgical removal of a polyp
Polypedates|type genus of the Polypedatidae
Polypedatidae|Old World tree frogs
polypeptide|a peptide containing 10 to more than 100 amino acids
polyphemus moth|very large yellowish-brown American silkworm moth with large eyespots on hind wings;larvae feed on fruit and shade trees
polyphone|a letter that has two or more pronunciations - "'c' is a polyphone because it is pronounced like 'k' in 'car' but like 's' in 'cell'"
polyphonic prose|a rhythmical prose employing the poetic devices of alliteration and assonance
polyphony|music arranged in parts for several voices or instruments
polyphosphate|a salt or ester of polyphosphoric acid
polyphosphoric acid|a series of oxyacids of phosphorus
Polyplacophora|small class of marine mollusks comprising the chitons;sometimes considered an order of the subclass Amphineura
polyploid|(genetics) an organism or cell having more than twice the haploid number of chromosomes
polyploidy|the condition of being polyploid
Polypodiaceae|ferns;a large family that in some classification systems has been subdivided into several families (including Aspleniaceae and Blechnaceae and Davalliaceae and Dennstaedtiaceae and Dryopteridaceae and Oleandraceae and Pteridaceae)
Polypodium|a genus of ferns belonging to the family Polypodiaceae and having rounded naked sori
polypody|any of numerous ferns of the genus Polypodium
Polyporaceae|fungi that become corky or woody with age, often forming shelflike growths on trees
polypore|woody pore fungi;any fungus of the family Polyporaceae or family Boletaceae having the spore-bearing surface within tubes or pores;the fruiting bodies are usually woody at maturity and persistent
Polyporus|type genus of the Polyporaceae;includes important pathogens of e.g. birches and conifers
Polyporus squamosus|a fungus with a lateral stalk (when there is a stalk) and a scaly cap that becomes nearly black in maturity;widely distributed in the northern hemisphere
Polyporus tenuiculus|a fungus with a whitish kidney-shaped cap and elongated pores;causes white rot in dead hardwoods
Polyprion|wreckfish
polypropenonitrile|acrylic resin used to make a strong soft crease-resistant fabric (trade name Acrilan)
polypropylene|a polymer of propylene used as a thermoplastic molding material
polyptoton|repetition of a word in a different case or inflection in the same sentence
polysaccharide|any of a class of carbohydrates whose molecules contain chains of monosaccharide molecules
polysemant|a word having more than one meaning
polysemy|the ambiguity of an individual word or phrase that can be used (in different contexts) to express two or more different meanings
polysomy|congenital defect of having one or more extra chromosomes in somatic cells
Polystichum|small to medium-sized terrestrial ferns especially holly ferns;in some classification systems placed in Polypodiaceae
polystyrene|a polymer of styrene;a rigid transparent thermoplastic - "expanded polystyrene looks like a rigid white foam and is used as packing or insulation"
polysyllable|a word of more than three syllables
polysyndeton|using several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some might be omitted (as in 'he ran and jumped and laughed for joy')
polytechnic institute|a technical school offering instruction in many industrial arts and applied sciences
polytheism|belief in multiple Gods
polytheist|one who believes in a plurality of gods
polytonality|music that uses two or more different keys at the same time
polyunsaturated fat|a class of fats having long carbon chains with many double bonds unsaturated with hydrogen atoms;used in some margarines;supposedly associated with low blood cholesterol
polyunsaturated fatty acid|an unsaturated fatty acid whose carbon chain has more than one double or triple valence bond per molecule;found chiefly in fish and corn and soybean oil and safflower oil
polyurethane|any of various polymers containing the urethane radical;a wide variety of synthetic forms are made and used as adhesives or plastics or paints or rubber
polyuria|renal disorder characterized by the production of large volumes of pale dilute urine;often associated with diabetes
polyvalence|(chemistry) the state of having a valence greater than two;(toxicology) the state of being capable of counteracting more than one toxin or antigen or kind of microorganism
polyvinyl acetate|a vinyl polymer used especially in paints or adhesives
polyvinyl chloride|a polymer of vinyl chloride used instead of rubber in electric cables
polyvinyl-formaldehyde|a polymer of vinyl formaldehyde
Pomacanthus|angelfishes
Pomacentridae|damselfishes
Pomacentrus|type genus of the Pomacentridae;damselfishes
pomade|hairdressing consisting of a perfumed oil or ointment
Pomaderris|a genus of Australasian shrubs and trees
Pomatomidae|food and game fishes related to pompanos
Pomatomus|type genus of the Pomatomidae
pome|a fleshy fruit (apple or pear or related fruits) having seed chambers and an outer fleshy part
pomegranate|large globular fruit having many seeds with juicy red pulp in a tough brownish-red rind;shrub or small tree native to southwestern Asia having large red many-seeded fruit
pomelo|large pear-shaped fruit similar to grapefruit but with coarse dry pulp;southeastern Asian tree producing large fruits resembling grapefruits
Pomeranian|breed of very small compact long-haired dogs of the spitz type
pomfret|deep-bodied sooty-black pelagic spiny-finned fish of the northern Atlantic and northern Pacific;valued for food
pommel|a handgrip that a gymnast uses when performing exercises on a pommel horse;handgrip formed by the raised front part of a saddle
pommel horse|a gymnastic horse with a cylindrical body covered with leather and two upright handles (pommels) near the center;held upright by two steel supports, one at each end
pommy|a disparaging term for a British person
Pomo|a member of an Indian people of northern California living along the Russian River valley and adjacent Pacific coast;the Kulanapan language spoken by the Pomo
Pomolobus|genus to which the alewife is sometimes assigned
pomologist|someone versed in pomology or someone who cultivates fruit trees
pomology|the branch of botany that studies and cultivates fruits
Pomoxis|crappies
pomp|ceremonial elegance and splendor
pompadour|a hair style in which the front hair is swept up from the forehead;French noblewoman who was the lover of Louis XV, whose policies she influenced (1721-1764)
pompano|any of several deep-bodied food fishes of western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico;flesh of pompano;warm-water fatty fish
Pompeii|ancient city to the southeast of Naples that was buried by a volcanic eruption from Vesuvius
Pompey|Roman general and statesman who quarrelled with Caesar and fled to Egypt where he was murdered (106-48 BC)
pompon|decoration consisting of a ball of tufted wool or silk;usually worn on a hat;dusky grey food fish found from Louisiana and Florida southward
Ponca|a member of the Siouan people of the Missouri river valley in northeastern Nebraska;the Dhegiha dialect spoken by the Ponca
ponce|a man who is effeminate in his manner and fussy in the way he dresses
Ponce de Leon|Spanish explorer who accompanied Columbus on his second trip in 1493;in 1513 he discovered Florida while searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth (1460-1521)
poncho|a blanket-like cloak with a hole in the center for the head
Poncirus|one species;trifoliate orange
pond|a small lake - "the pond was too small for sailing"
pond apple|ovoid yellow fruit with very fragrant peach-colored flesh;related to custard apples;small evergreen tree of tropical America with edible fruit;used chiefly as grafting stock
pond cypress|smaller than and often included in the closely related Taxodium distichum
pond pine|large three-needled pine of sandy swamps of southeastern United States;needles longer than those of the northern pitch pine
pond scum|free-floating freshwater green algae
ponderosa|common and widely distributed tall timber pine of western North America having dark green needles in bunches of 2 to 5 and thick bark with dark brown plates when mature
ponderousness|an oppressive quality that is laborious and solemn and lacks grace or fluency - "a book so serious that it sometimes subsided into ponderousness"
pond-scum parasite|an aquatic fungus of genus Synchytriaceae that is parasitic on pond scum
pondweed|any of several submerged or floating freshwater perennial aquatic weeds belonging to the family Potamogetonaceae
Pongamia|one species;Indian beech
pongee|a soft thin cloth woven from raw silk (or an imitation)
Pongidae|usually considered as comprising orangutans;gorillas;chimpanzees;and sometimes gibbons
Pongo|type genus of the family Pongidae;orangutans
poniard|a dagger with a slender blade
pons|a band of nerve fibers linking the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum with the midbrain;United States coloratura soprano (born in France) (1904-1976)
pons asinorum|a problem that severely tests the ability of an inexperienced person
Ponselle|United States soprano (1897-1981)
Ponte 25 de Abril|a suspension bridge across the Tagus River at Lisbon
Pontederia|pickerelweed
Pontederiaceae|aquatic or bog plants
Pontiac|famous chief of the Ottawa who led an unsuccessful rebellion against the British (1715-1769)
pontifex|a member of the highest council of priests in ancient Rome
pontifical|the vestments and other insignia of a pontiff (especially a bishop)
pontoon|(nautical) a floating structure (as a flat-bottomed boat) that serves as a dock or to support a bridge;a float supporting a seaplane
pontoon bridge|a temporary bridge built over a series of pontoons
Pontus|(Greek mythology) ancient personification of the sea;father of Nereus;an ancient region of northern Asia Minor on the Black Sea;it reached its height under Mithridates VI but was later incorporated into the Roman Empire
pony|a literal translation used in studying a foreign language (often used illicitly);a range horse of the western United States;an informal term for a racehorse;any of various breeds of small gentle horses usually less than five feet high at the shoulder
pony cart|a cart with an underslung axle and two seats
pony express|express mail carried by relays of riders on horseback;especially between Missouri and California around 1860
ponytail|a hair style that draws the hair back so that it hangs down in back of the head like a pony's tail
pony-trekking|a sport in which people ride across country on ponies
pooch|informal terms for dogs
pood|a Russian unit of weight equal to approximately 36 pounds
poodle|an intelligent dog with a heavy curly solid-colored coat that is usually clipped;an old breed sometimes trained as sporting dogs or as performing dogs
Pooecetes|a genus of Fringillidae
pool|a small body of standing water (rainwater) or other liquid - "the body lay in a pool of blood";an excavation that is (usually) filled with water;an organization of people or resources that can be shared - "a car pool" - "a secretarial pool" - "when he was first hired he was assigned to the pool";any communal combination of funds - "everyone contributed to the pool";any of various games played on a pool table having 6 pockets;something resembling a pool of liquid - "he stood in a pool of light";the combined stakes of the betters
pool ball|ball used in playing pool
pool player|someone who shoots pool
pool table|game equipment consisting of a heavy table on which pool is played
pooler|someone who shares in and contributes to a general fund for use by all
pooling of interest|an accounting method used in the merging of companies;the balance sheets are added together item by item;this method is tax-free
poolroom|a room with pool tables where pool is played
poon|any of several East Indian trees of the genus Calophyllum having shiny leathery leaves and lightweight hard wood;wood of any poon tree;used for masts and spars
poop deck|an exposed partial weather deck on the stern superstructure of a ship
poor box|box for collecting alms, especially one in a church
poor devil|someone you feel sorry for
poor law|a law providing support for the poor
poor people|people without possessions or wealth (considered as a group)
poor person|a person with few or no possessions
poor rates|a local tax for the relief of the poor
poorhouse|an establishment maintained at public expense in order to provide housing for the poor and homeless
poorness|less than adequate - "the relative poorness of New England farmland";the quality of being poorly made or maintained - "she was unrecognizable because of the poorness of the photography"
poorwill|goatsucker of western North America
pop|a sharp explosive sound as from a gunshot or drawing a cork;a sweet drink containing carbonated water and flavoring
Pop Art|a school of art that emerged in the United Kingdom in the 1950s and became prevalent in the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1960s;it imitated the techniques of commercial art (as the soup cans of Andy Warhol) and the styles of popular culture and the mass media
pop bottle|a bottle for holding soft drinks
pop fly|a short high fly ball
pop group|a group that plays pop music
pop music|music of general appeal to teenagers;a bland watered-down version of rock'n'roll with more rhythm and harmony and an emphasis on romantic love
pop quiz|a quiz given without prior warning
pop tent|a small tent that is easy to carry and quick to set up
popcorn|corn having small ears and kernels that burst when exposed to dry heat;small kernels of corn exploded by heat
popcorn ball|popcorn combined with a thick sugar or molasses or caramel syrup and formed into balls
Pope|English poet and satirist (1688-1744);the head of the Roman Catholic Church
popery|offensive terms for the practices and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church
popgun|plaything consisting of a toy gun that makes a popping sound
Popillia|a genus of Scarabaeidae
popinjay|a vain and talkative person (chatters like a parrot);an archaic term for a parrot
poplar|any of numerous trees of north temperate regions having light soft wood and flowers borne in catkins;soft light-colored non-durable wood of the poplar
Poplar Bluff|a town in southeast Missouri
poplin|a ribbed fabric used in clothing and upholstery
popliteal artery|a continuation of the femoral artery that branches to supply the legs and feet
popliteal vein|a vein arising in the knee and ascending to become the femoral vein
popover|light hollow muffin made of a puff batter (individual Yorkshire pudding) baked in a deep muffin cup
popper|a container for cooking popcorn;a container of stimulant drug (amyl nitrate or butyl nitrite);British philosopher (born in Austria) who argued that scientific theories can never be proved to be true, but are tested by attempts to falsify them (1902-1994)
poppet|a mushroom-shaped valve that rises perpendicularly from its seat;commonly used in internal-combustion engines
poppy|annual or biennial or perennial herbs having showy flowers
poppy mallow|a plant of the genus Callirhoe having palmately cleft leaves and white to red or purple flowers borne throughout the summer
poppy seed|small grey seed of a poppy flower;used whole or ground in baked items
populace|people in general considered as a whole
popular front|a leftist coalition organized against a common opponent
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine|a terrorist group of limited popularity formed in 1967 after the Six-Day War;combined Marxist-Leninist ideology with Palestinian nationalism;used terrorism to gain attention for their cause;hoped to eliminate the state of Israel
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command|a Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization that conducted several attacks in western Europe
popular music|any genre of music having wide appeal (but usually only for a short time)
Popular Struggle Front|a terrorist group of radical Palestinians who split with al-Fatah in 1967 but now have close relations with al-Fatah;staged terrorist attacks against Israel across the Lebanese border
popularism|music adapted to the understanding and taste of the majority
popularity|the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after - "his charm soon won him affection and popularity" - "the universal popularity of American movies"
popularity contest|competition (real or figurative) for popular support
popularization|an interpretation that easily understandable and acceptable;the act of making something attractive to the general public
popularizer|someone who makes attractive to the general public
population|(statistics) the entire aggregation of items from which samples can be drawn - "it is an estimate of the mean of the population";a group of organisms of the same species inhabiting a given area - "they hired hunters to keep down the deer population";the act of populating (causing to live in a place) - "he deplored the population of colonies with convicted criminals";the number of inhabitants (either the total number or the number of a particular race or class) in a given place (country or city etc.) - "people come and go, but the population of this town has remained approximately constant for the past decade" - "the African-American population of Salt Lake City has been increasing";the people who inhabit a territory or state - "the population seemed to be well fed and clothed"
Population Commission|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with population control
population control|control over the growth of population;a government program
population growth|increase in the number of people who inhabit a territory or state
population profile|a chart showing the number of people as a function of their ages
population shift|a change in the relative numbers of the different groups of individuals making up a population
populism|the political doctrine that supports the rights and powers of the common people in their struggle with the privileged elite
Populus|a genus of trees of the family Salicaceae that is found in the northern hemisphere;poplars
pop-up book|a book (usually for children) that contains one or more pages such that a three-dimensional structure rises up when a page is opened
porbeagle|voracious pointed-nose shark of northern Atlantic and Pacific
porcelain|ceramic ware made of a more or less translucent ceramic
Porcellio|Old World genus of isopod crustaceans
Porcellionidae|sow bugs
porch|a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
porcupine|relatively large rodents with sharp erectile bristles mingled with the fur
porcupine ball|meat patties rolled in rice and simmered in a tomato sauce
porcupinefish|spines become erect when the body is inflated;worldwide in warm waters
pore|any small opening in the skin or outer surface of an animal;any tiny hole admitting passage of a liquid (fluid or gas)
porgy|important deep-bodied food and sport fish of warm and tropical coastal waters;found worldwide;lean flesh of fish found in warm waters of southern Atlantic coast of the United States
Porifera|coextensive with the subkingdom Parazoa;sponges
pork|meat from a domestic hog or pig
pork and beans|dried beans cooked with pork and tomato sauce
pork barrel|a legislative appropriation designed to ingratiate legislators with their constituents
pork belly|side of fresh pork
pork butcher|a vendor of pork and products made from pork
pork loin|meat from a loin of pork
pork pie|small pie filled with minced seasoned pork
pork roast|cut of pork suitable for roasting
pork sausage|sausage containing pork
pork tenderloin|pork loin muscle
pork-and-veal goulash|made with sauerkraut and caraway seeds and served with sour cream
pork-barreling|acquisition of government money for benefits to a specific locale - "keeps his hold on his constituents through unashamed pork-barreling"
porkchop|chop cut from a hog
porker|a pig fattened to provide meat
porkfish|black and gold grunt found from Bermuda to Caribbean to Brazil
porkholt|made of lamb or pork
porkpie|man's hat with a low, flat crown and a snap brim
pornographer|someone who presents shows or sells writing or pictures that are sexually explicit in violation of the community mores
pornography|creative activity (writing or pictures or films etc.) of no literary or artistic value other than to stimulate sexual desire
Poronotus|a genus of Stromateidae
porosity|the property of being porous;being able to absorb fluids
Porphyra|a genus of protoctist
porphyria|a genetic abnormality of metabolism causing abdominal pains and mental confusion
porphyrin|any of various pigments distributed widely in living tissues
Porphyrio|Old World purple gallinules
Porphyrula|American purple gallinules
porphyry|any igneous rock with crystals embedded in a finer groundmass of minerals
porpoise|any of several small gregarious cetacean mammals having a blunt snout and many teeth
porpoise oil|a yellow fatty oil obtained from porpoises and used as a fine lubricant
porridge|soft food made by boiling oatmeal or other meal or legumes in water or milk until thick
porringer|a shallow metal bowl (usually with a handle) - "the child was eating pottage from a porringer"
port|a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country;an opening (in a wall or ship or armored vehicle) for firing through;sweet dark-red dessert wine originally from Portugal
Port Arthur|a battle in the Chino-Japanese War (1894);Japanese captured the port and fortifications from the Chinese
Port Jackson fig|Australian tree resembling the banyan often planted for ornament;introduced into South Africa for brushwood
Port Jackson heath|small shrub of southern and western Australia having pinkish to rosy purple tubular flowers
Port Jackson pine|Australian cypress pine having globular cones
Port Louis|capital and chief port of Mauritius;located on the northwestern coast of the island
Port Moresby|the administrative capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea
port of call|any port where a ship stops except its home port
port of entry|a port in the United States where customs officials are stationed to oversee the entry and exit of people and merchandise
Port of Spain|the capital and largest city of Trinidad and Tobago on the west coast of the island of Trinidad
Port Orford cedar|the wood of the Port Orford cedar tree
Port Sudan|port city in Sudan on the Red Sea
Port Vila|capital of Vanuatu
porta hepatis|opening for major blood vessels to enter and leave the liver
portability|the quality of being light enough to be carried
portable|a small light typewriter;usually with a case in which it can be carried
portable circular saw|a circular saw that is portable and is operated with a hand grip
portable computer|a personal computer that can easily be carried by hand
portacaval shunt|shunt that is created surgically between the portal vein and the inferior vena cava so that blood from the abdominal organs can bypass the liver
port-access coronary bypass surgery|heart surgery in which a coronary bypass is performed by the use of small instruments and tiny cameras threaded through small incisions while the heart is stopped and blood is pumped through a heart-lung machine
portage|carrying boats and supplies overland;overland track between navigable waterways;the cost of carrying or transporting
portal|a grand and imposing entrance (often extended metaphorically) - "the portals of the cathedral" - "the portals of heaven" - "the portals of success"
portal hypertension|increase in blood pressure in the veins of the portal system caused by obstruction in the liver (often associated with alcoholic cirrhosis), causing enlargement of the spleen and collateral veins
portal site|a site that the owner positions as an entrance to other sites on the internet
portal system|system of veins that carry blood from the abdominal organs to the liver
portal vein|a short vein that carries blood into the liver
Port-au-Prince|the capital and largest city of Haiti
portcullis|gate consisting of an iron or wooden grating that hangs in the entry to a castle or fortified town;can be lowered to prevent passage
Porte|the Ottoman court in Constantinople
porte-cochere|a carriage entrance passing through a building to an enclosed courtyard;canopy extending out from a building entrance to shelter those getting in and out of vehicles
porter|a person employed to carry luggage and supplies;a railroad employee who assists passengers (especially on sleeping cars);a very dark sweet ale brewed from roasted unmalted barley;United States composer and lyricist of musical comedies (1891-1946);United States writer of novels and short stories (1890-1980);United States writer of short stories whose pen name was O. Henry (1862-1910)
porterage|the charge for carrying burdens by porters;the transportation of burdens by porters
porterhouse|large steak from the thick end of the short loin containing a T-shaped bone and large piece of tenderloin
portfolio|a large, flat, thin case for carrying loose papers or drawings or maps;usually leather - "he remembered her because she was carrying a large portfolio";a list of the financial assets held by an individual or a bank or other financial institution - "they were disappointed by the poor returns on their stock portfolio";a set of pieces of creative work collected to be shown to potential customers or employers - "the artist had put together a portfolio of his work" - "every actor has a portfolio of photographs";the role of the head of a government department - "he holds the portfolio for foreign affairs"
porthole|a window in a ship or airplane
portia tree|pantropical tree of usually seacoasts sometimes cultivated as an ornamental for its rounded heart-shaped leaves and showy yellow and purple flowers;yields valuable pink to dark red close-grained wood and oil from its seeds
portico|a porch or entrance to a building consisting of a covered and often columned area
portiere|a heavy curtain hung across a doorway
Portland|freshwater port and largest city in Oregon;located in northwestern Oregon on the Willamette River which divides the city into east and west sections;renowned for its beautiful natural setting among the mountains;largest city in Maine in the southwestern corner of the state
portmanteau|a large travelling bag made of stiff leather
Porto|port city in northwest Portugal;noted for port wine
Porto Novo|the capital of Benin in southwestern part of country on a coastal lagoon
portrait|any likeness of a person, in any medium - "the photographer made excellent portraits"
portrait camera|a camera with a portrait lens
portrait lens|a compound camera lens with a relatively high aperture
portraitist|a painter or drawer of portraits
portraiture|the activity of making portraits
portrayal|a word picture of a person's appearance and character;acting the part of a character on stage;dramatically representing the character by speech and action and gesture
Portsmouth|a port city in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River opposite Norfolk;naval base;shipyards;a port city in southern England on the English Channel;Britain's major naval base;a port town in southeastern New Hampshire on the Atlantic Ocean
Portugal|a republic in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula;Portuguese explorers and colonists in the 15th and 16th centuries created a vast overseas empire (including Brazil)
Portuguese|a native or inhabitant of Portugal;the Romance language spoken in Portugal and Brazil
Portuguese escudo|formerly the basic monetary unit of Portugal;equal to 100 centavo
Portuguese man-of-war|large siphonophore having a bladderlike float and stinging tentacles
Portuguese monetary unit|monetary unit in Portugal
portulaca|a plant of the genus Portulaca having pink or red or purple or white ephemeral flowers
Portulacaceae|family of usually succulent herbs;cosmopolitan in distribution especially in Americas
Portunidae|swimming crabs
Portunus|type genus of the family Portunidae
portwatcher|a watchman on a wharf
port-wine stain|a flat birthmark varying from pink to purple
Porzana|spotted crakes
pose|a posture assumed by models for photographic or artistic purposes
Poseidon|(Greek mythology) the god of the sea and earthquakes in ancient mythology;brother of Zeus and Hades and Hera;identified with Roman Neptune
poser|a particularly difficult or baffling question or problem
poseur|a person who habitually pretends to be something he is not
poseuse|a woman poseur
position|(in team sports) the role assigned to an individual player - "what position does he play?";a job in an organization;a rationalized mental attitude;a way of regarding situations or topics etc.;the act of positing;an assumption taken as a postulate or axiom;the appropriate or customary location - "the cars were in position";the arrangement of the body and its limbs;the particular portion of space occupied by something;the spatial property of a place where or way in which something is situated - "the position of the hands on the clock"
position effect|(genetics) the effect on the expression of a gene that is produced by changing its location in a chromosome
position paper|a report that explains or justifies or recommends some particular policy
positional notation|a numeration system in which a real number is represented by an ordered set of characters where the value of a character depends on its position
positive|a film showing a photographic image whose tones correspond to those of the original subject;the primary form of an adjective or adverb;denotes a quality without qualification, comparison, or relation to increase or diminution
positive charge|having a deficiency of electrons;having a higher electric potential
positive chemotaxis|movement toward a chemical stimulus
positive correlation|a correlation in which large values of one variable are associated with large values of the other and small with small;the correlation coefficient is between 0 and +1
positive feedback|feedback in phase with (augmenting) the input
positive identification|evidence proving that you are who you say you are;evidence establishing that you are among the group of people already known to the system;recognition by the system leads to acceptance - "a system for positive identification can prevent the use of a single identity by several people"
positive pole|the pole of a magnet that points toward the north when the magnet is suspended freely;the terminal of a battery that is connected to the positive plate
positive reinforcing stimulus|a reinforcing stimulus that serves to increase the likelihood of the response that produces it
positive stimulus|a stimulus with desirable consequences
positivism|the form of empiricism that bases all knowledge on perceptual experience (not on intuition or revelation)
positivist|someone who emphasizes observable facts and excludes metaphysical speculation about origins or ultimate causes
positivity|a quality or state characterized by certainty or acceptance or affirmation and dogmatic assertiveness;an amount greater than zero;the character of the positive electric pole
positron|an elementary particle with positive charge;interaction of a positron and an electron results in annihilation
positron emission tomography|using a computerized radiographic technique to examine the metabolic activity in various tissues (especially in the brain)
positron emission tomography scanner|a tomograph that produces cross-sectional X-rays of metabolic processes in the body
posology|the pharmacological determination of appropriate doses of drugs and medicines
posse|a temporary police force
posseman|an able-bodied man serving as a member of a posse
possession|(sport) the act of controlling the ball (or puck) - "they took possession of the ball on their own goal line";a territory that is controlled by a ruling state;anything owned or possessed;being controlled by passion or the supernatural;the act of having and controlling property
possessiveness|excessive desire to possess or dominate
posset|sweet spiced hot milk curdled with ale or beer
possibility|a future prospect or potential;a possible alternative - "bankruptcy is always a possibility";capability of existing or happening or being true - "there is a possibility that his sense of smell has been impaired"
possible|an applicant who might be suitable;something that can be done - "politics is the art of the possible"
post|a pole or stake set up to mark something (as the start or end of a race track) - "a pair of posts marked the goal";an upright consisting of a piece of timber or metal fixed firmly in an upright position - "he set a row of posts in the ground and strung barbwire between them";the delivery and collection of letters and packages - "it came by the first post" - "if you hurry you'll catch the post";the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand - "a soldier manned the entrance post";United States aviator who in 1933 made the first solo flight around the world (1899-1935);United States female author who wrote a book and a syndicated newspaper column on etiquette (1872-1960);United States manufacturer of breakfast cereals and Postum (1854-1914)
post and lintel|a structure consisting of vertical beams (posts) supporting a horizontal beam (lintel)
post chaise|closed horse-drawn carriage with four wheels;formerly used to transport passengers and mail
post exchange|a commissary on a United States Army post
post hoc|the logical fallacy of believing that temporal succession implies a causal relation
post horn|wind instrument used by postilions of the 18th and 19th centuries
post horse|a horse kept at an inn or post house for use by mail carriers or for rent to travelers
post oak|small deciduous tree of eastern and central United States having dark green lyrate pinnatifid leaves and tough moisture-resistant wood used especially for fence posts
post office|a children's game in which kisses are exchanged for pretended letters;a local branch where postal services are available"
post road|a road over which mail is carried
postage|a small adhesive token stuck on a letter or package to indicate that that postal fees have been paid;the charge for mailing something
postage meter|meter for bulk mailings that imprints correct prepaid postage on pieces of mail and records the total charge
postal clerk|a clerk in a post office
Postal Rate Commission|an independent federal agency that recommends changes in postal rates
postbox|public box for deposit of mail
postcard|a card for sending messages by post without an envelope
postcentral gyrus|the convolution of parietal lobe that is bounded in front by the central sulcus
postdiluvian|anything living after Noah's flood
postdoc|a scholar or researcher who is involved in academic study beyond the level of a doctoral degree
postdoctoral|a grant that funds postdoctoral study or research
poste restante|a notation written on mail that is to be held at the post office until called for (not in the United States or Canada)
poster|a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement - "a poster advertised the coming attractions"
poster boy|a male poster child
poster child|a child afflicted by some disease or deformity whose picture is used on posters to raise money for charitable purposes - "she was the poster child for muscular dystrophy"
poster girl|a female poster child
posterior cardinal vein|a major drainage channel from the caudal part of the body
posterior cerebral artery|arises from the basilar artery;divides into three branches
posterior meningeal artery|branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery that supplies the dura mater of the posterior cranial fossa
posterior naris|either one of the two posterior openings at the back of the nasal cavity leading to the nasopharynx
posterior pituitary|the posterior lobe of the pituitary body;primarily glandular in nature
posterior serratus muscle|skeletal muscle that draws the rib cage backward and downward
posterior subcapsular cataract|a cataract in the rear of the lens capsule
posterior synechia|adhesion between the iris and the lens
posterior temporal artery|temporal artery that supplies the posterior part of the cortex of the temporal lobe
posterior vein of the left ventricle|arises near the apex of the heart and empties into the coronary sinus
posteriority|following in time;the quality of being toward the back or toward the rear end
posterity|all future generations
postern|a small gate in the rear of a fort or castle
postfix notation|a parenthesis-free notation for forming mathematical expressions in which each operator follows its operands
posthitis|inflammation of the foreskin of the penis;usually caused by bacterial infection
posthole|a hole dug in the ground to hold a fence post
posthole digger|a shovel used to sink postholes
posthouse|an inn for exchanging post horses and accommodating riders
posthumous birth|birth of a child after the father has died;birth of a child by Caesarean section after the death of the mother
posthypnotic amnesia|selective amnesia after being in a hypnotic state of events occurring during hypnosis or of information designated by the hypnotist
posthypnotic suggestion|a suggestion that is made to a person who is hypnotized that specifies an action he will perform (usually in response to a cue) after he has awakened
postilion|someone who rides the near horse of a pair in order to guide the horses pulling a carriage (especially a carriage without a coachman)
Postimpressionist|an artist of the Postimpressionist school who revolted against Impressionism
posting|(bookkeeping) a listing on the company's records - "the posting was made in the cash account"
Post-It|brand name for a slip of notepaper that has an adhesive that allows it to stick to a surface and be removed without damaging the surface
postlude|a voluntary played at the end of a religious service
postmark|a cancellation mark stamped on mail by postal officials;indicates the post office and date of mailing
postmaster|the person in charge of a post office
postmaster general|the official in charge of the national postal service
postmature infant|infant born after 42 weeks of gestation;usually shows signs of placental insufficiency
post-maturity|the state in which women have stopped ovulating
postmistress|a woman postmaster
postmodernism|genre of art and literature and especially architecture in reaction against principles and practices of established modernism
postmortem|discussion of an event after it has occurred
postnasal drip|chronic secretion of mucus from the rear of the nasal cavity into the nasopharynx
post-obit bond|a bond made by a reversioner to secure a loan;payable out of his reversion
Post-Office box|a numbered compartment in a post office where mail is put to be called for
post-office box number|the number of a letter box at the post office where mail is collected
postponement|act of putting off to a future time
postposition|(linguistics) the placing of one linguistic element after another (as placing a modifier after the word that it modifies in a sentence or placing an affix after the base to which it is attached)
post-rotational nystagmus|nystagmus caused by suddenly stopping the rapid rotation of the body;large slow movements of the eyeballs are in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation
postscript|a note appended to a letter after the signature
posttraumatic epilepsy|a convulsive epileptic state caused by a head injury
posttraumatic stress disorder|an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as survivor guilt, reliving the trauma in dreams, numbness and lack of involvement with reality, or recurrent thoughts and images
postulant|one submitting a request or application especially one seeking admission into a religious order
postulate|(logic) a proposition that is accepted as true in order to provide a basis for logical reasoning
postulation|(logic) a declaration of something self-evident;something that can be assumed as the basis for argument
postulator|(Roman Catholic Church) someone who proposes or pleads for a candidate for beatification or canonization;someone who assumes or takes something for granted as the basis of an argument
Postum|trade mark for a coffee substitute invented by C. W. Post and made with chicory and roasted grains
posturer|someone who behaves in a manner calculated to impress or mislead others
posturing|adopting a vain conceited posture
pot|a container in which plants are cultivated;metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep;often has a handle and lid;slang for a paunch;street names for marijuana;the cumulative amount involved in a game (such as poker);the quantity contained in a pot
pot farm|a plot of ground where marijuana is grown and harvested (often hidden in a national forest)
pot metal|an alloy of copper and lead used especially for making large pots;cast iron used for making cooking wares
pot plant|a plant suitable for growing in a flowerpot (especially indoors)
pot roast|cut of beef suitable for simmering in liquid in a closed pot
potage|thick (often creamy) soup
Potamogalidae|otter shrews
Potamogeton|a large genus of aquatic herbs found in quiet waters in temperate regions;leaves usually float on the water
Potamogetonaceae|plants that grow in ponds and slow streams;sometimes includes family Zosteraceae
Potamophis|ground snakes
potash|a potassium compound often used in agriculture and industry
potassium|a light soft silver-white metallic element of the alkali metal group;oxidizes rapidly in air and reacts violently with water;is abundant in nature in combined forms occurring in sea water and in carnallite and kainite and sylvite
potassium bicarbonate|a crystalline salt (KHCO3) that is used in baking powder and as an antacid
potassium bromide|a white crystalline salt (KBr) used as a sedative and in photography
potassium carbonate|a white salt (K2CO3) that is basic in solution;used to make glass and cleansing agents
potassium chlorate|a white salt (KClO3) used in matches, fireworks, and explosives;also used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent
potassium chloride|salt of potassium (KCl) (trade names K-Dur 20, Kaochlor and K-lor and Klorvess and K-lyte);taken in tablet form to treat potassium deficiency
potassium cyanide|a poisonous salt (KCN) used in electroplating and in photography
potassium dichromate|an orange-red salt used in making dyes and in photography
potassium ferrocyanide|a cyanide compound that is prepared by the reaction of potassium cyanide with ferrous salts;commonly used by gardeners
potassium iodide|a crystalline salt in organic synthesis and in making photographic emulsions and in iodized table salt
potassium nitrate|(KNO3) used especially as a fertilizer and explosive
potassium permanganate|a poisonous salt that forms dark purple crystals and is purple-red when dissolved in water;used as an oxidizing and bleaching agent and as a disinfectant and antiseptic
potassium-argon dating|geological dating that relies on the proportions of radioactive potassium in a rock sample and its decay product, argon
potation|the act of drinking (especially an alcoholic drink)
potato|an edible tuber native to South America;a staple food of Ireland;annual native to South America having underground stolons bearing edible starchy tubers;widely cultivated as a garden vegetable;vines are poisonous
potato blight|a blight of potatoes
potato fern|large Australasian evergreen fern with an edible rhizome sometimes used as a vegetable by indigenous people;small epiphytic fern of South America with tuberous swellings along rhizomes
potato fungus|fungus causing a disease in potatoes characterized by black scurfy spots on the tubers
potato mosaic|a disease of the leaves of potato plants
potato moth|greyish-brown moth whose larva is the potato tuberworm
potato pancake|made of grated potato and egg with a little flour
potato race|a novelty race in which competitors move potatoes from one place to another one at a time
potato salad|any of various salads having chopped potatoes as the base
potato scab bacteria|cause of a potato disease characterized by brownish corky tissue
potato skin|crisp fried potato peeling
potato tree|hardy climbing shrub of Chile grown as an ornamental for its fragrant flowers;not a true potato;South American shrub or small tree widely cultivated in the tropics;not a true potato
potato tuberworm|larva of potato moth;mines in leaves and stems of e.g. potatoes and tobacco
potato vine|copiously branched vine of Brazil having deciduous leaves and white flowers tinged with blue;vine of Costa Rica sparsely armed with hooklike spines and having large lilac-blue flowers
potato wart|fungous disease causing dark warty spongy excrescences in the eyes of potato tubers
potato wart fungus|fungus causing potato wart disease in potato tubers
potato yellow-dwarf virus|the virus that produces stunting and yellowing of the leaves of potato plants
pot-au-feu|traditional French stew of vegetables and beef
Potawatomi|a member of the Algonquian people originally of Michigan and Wisconsin;the Algonquian language spoken by the Potawatomi
potbelly|a bulbous stove in which wood or coal is burned
potboiler|a literary composition of poor quality that was written quickly to make money (to boil the pot)
potboy|a worker in an inn or public house who serves customers and does various chores
poteen|unlawfully distilled Irish whiskey
Potemkin|a Russian officer and politician who was a favorite of Catherine II and in 1762 helped her to seize power;when she visited the Crimea in 1787 he gave the order for sham villages to be built (1739-1791)
Potemkin village|something that seems impressive but in fact lacks substance
potency|capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects - "the toxin's potency";the state of being potent;a male's capacity to have sexual intercourse
potential|the inherent capacity for coming into being
potential divider|resistors connected in series across a voltage source;used to obtain a desired fraction of the voltage
potential energy|the mechanical energy that a body has by virtue of its position;stored energy
potential unit|a measure of the potential energy of a unit charge at a given point in a circuit relative to a reference point (ground)
potentiation|(medicine) the synergistic effect of two drugs given simultaneously
Potentilla|chiefly perennial northern hemisphere herbs and shrubs;cinquefoil
potentiometer|a measuring instrument for measuring direct current electromotive forces;a resistor with three terminals, the third being an adjustable center terminal;used to adjust voltages in radios and TV sets
Poterium|a genus of thorny herbs or shrubs of the family Rosaceae
pothead|someone who smokes marijuana habitually
potherb|any of various herbaceous plants whose leaves or stems or flowers are cooked and used for food or seasoning
potholder|an insulated pad for holding hot pots
pothole|a pit or hole produced by wear or weathering (especially in a road surface)
potholer|a person who explores caves
pothook|an S-shaped hook to suspend a pot over a fire
pothos|any of various tropical lianas of the genus Scindapsus
pothunter|a nonprofessional archeologist;someone who hunts for food (not for sport);someone who participates in contests in order to collect trophies
potion|a medicinal or magical or poisonous beverage
potlatch|a ceremonial feast held by some Indians of the northwestern coast of North America (as in celebrating a marriage or a new accession) in which the host gives gifts to tribesmen and others to display his superior wealth (sometimes, formerly, to his own impoverishment)
potluck|whatever happens to be available especially when offered to an unexpected guest or when brought by guests and shared by all - "having arrived unannounced we had to take potluck" - "a potluck supper"
Potomac|a river in the east central United States;rises in West Virginia in the Appalachian Mountains and flows eastward, forming the boundary between Maryland and Virginia, to the Chesapeake Bay;term sometimes used to refer to Washington, D.C.
Potoroinae|rat kangaroos
potoroo|Australian rat kangaroos
Potorous|potoroos
Potos|a genus of Procyonidae
potpie|deep-dish meat and vegetable pie or a meat stew with dumplings
potpourri|a jar of mixed flower petals and spices used as perfume
Potsdam|a city in northeastern Germany;site of the Potsdam Conference in the summer of 1945
Potsdam Conference|a conference held in Potsdam in the summer of 1945 where Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill drew up plans for the administration of Germany and Poland after World War II ended
potsherd|a shard of pottery
potshot|a shot taken at an easy or casual target (as by a pothunter);criticism aimed at an easy target and made without careful consideration - "reporters took potshots at the mayor"
pottage|a stew of vegetables and (sometimes) meat
potter|a craftsman who shapes pottery on a potter's wheel and bakes them it a kiln
potter bee|solitary bee that builds nests of mud or pebbles cemented together and attached to a plant
potter wasp|any of various solitary wasps that construct vase-shaped cells of mud for their eggs
potter's clay|clay that does not contain any iron;used in making pottery or for modeling
potter's field|a cemetery for unknown or indigent people
potter's wheel|a horizontal rotating wheel holding the clay being shaped by a potter - "the potter's wheel was invented in Asia Minor around 6500 BC"
pottery|a workshop where clayware is made;ceramic ware made from clay and baked in a kiln;the craft of making earthenware
pottle|a pot that holds 2 quarts
potto|a kind of lemur
Pott's disease|TB of the spine with destruction of vertebrae resulting in curvature of the spine
potty seat|toilet consisting of a small seat used by young children
pouch|(anatomy) saclike structure in any of various animals (as a marsupial or gopher or pelican);a small or medium size container for holding or carrying things;an enclosed space
pouched mole|small burrowing Australian marsupial that resembles a mole
pouched mouse|any of numerous small sharp-nosed insectivorous marsupials superficially resembling mice or rats
Poulenc|French pianist and composer (1899-1963)
poulette|allemande sauce with chopped parsley
poultice|a medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of meal or clay that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc.
poultry|flesh of chickens or turkeys or ducks or geese raised for food
poultryman|a dealer in poultry and poultry products
pounce|the act of pouncing
pound|16 ounces avoirdupois - "he got a hernia when he tried to lift 100 pounds";a nontechnical unit of force equal to the mass of 1 pound with an acceleration of free fall equal to 32 feet/sec/sec;a public enclosure for stray or unlicensed dogs - "unlicensed dogs will be taken to the pound";a symbol for a unit of currency (especially for the pound sterling in Great Britain);a unit of apothecary weight equal to 12 ounces troy;United States writer who lived in Europe;strongly influenced the development of modern literature (1885-1972)
pound cake|rich loaf cake made of a pound each of butter and sugar and flour
pound net|trap consisting of an arrangement of nets directing fish into an enclosure
poundage|a charge based on weight measured in pounds;a fee charged for the recovery of impounded animals;weight expressed in pounds
poundal|a unit of force equal to the force that imparts an acceleration of 1 foot/sec/sec to a mass of 1 pound;equal to 0.1382 newtons
pounder|(used only in combination) something weighing a given number of pounds - "the fisherman caught a 10-pounder" - "their linemen are all 300-pounders"
pounding|repeated heavy blows
pounds per square inch|a unit of pressure
pousse-cafe|small drink served after dinner (especially several liqueurs poured carefully so as to remain in separate layers)
Poussin|French painter in the classical style (1594-1665)
pout|a disdainful grimace
pouter pigeon|one of a breed of pigeon that enlarge their crop until their breast is puffed out
Pouteria|tropical American timber tree with edible fruit (canistel)
poverty|the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
poverty line|a level of personal income defining the state of poverty
poverty trap|a situation in which an increase in income results in a loss of benefits so that you are no better off
powder|a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles;a solid that has been pulverized;any of various cosmetic or medical preparations dispensed in the form of a pulverized powder
powder and shot|ammunition consisting of gunpowder and bullets for muskets
powder blue|a pale blue color with grey in it
powder horn|container for carrying gunpowder;made of the hollow horn of an animal
powder keg|a potentially explosive state;keg (usually made of metal) for gunpowder or blasting powder
powder metallurgy|the metallurgy of powdered metals;how to produce solid metal objects from powdered metal by compaction and sintering
powder monkey|someone who carries explosives (as from the magazine to the guns on board a warship)
powder photography|a process for identifying minerals or crystals;a small rod is coated with a powdered form of the substance and subjected to suitably modified X-rays;the pattern of diffracted rings is used for identification
powdered milk|dehydrated milk
powdered mustard|a substance such that one to three tablespoons dissolved in a glass of warm water is a homemade emetic
powdered sugar|sugar granulated into a fine powder
powderer|someone who applies or scatters powder
powder-post termite|extremely destructive dry-wood termite of warm regions
powderpuff|a soft spherical object made from fluffy fibers;for applying powder to the skin
powdery mildew|any of various fungi of the genus Erysiphe producing powdery conidia on the host surface
Powell|English physicist who discovered the pion (the first known meson) which is a subatomic particle involved in holding the nucleus together (1903-1969);United States general who was the first African American to serve as chief of staff;later served as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush (born 1937)
power|(physics) the rate of doing work;measured in watts (= joules/second);one possessing or exercising power or influence or authority - "the mysterious presence of an evil power";possession of controlling influence - "the deterrent power of nuclear weapons" - "the power of his love saved her" - "his powerfulness was concealed by a gentle facade"
power brake|a brake on an automobile that magnifies a small force applied to the brake pedal into a proportionately larger force applied to slow or stop the vehicle
power breakfast|a meeting of influential people to conduct business while eating breakfast
power broker|a person who is important by virtue of the people or votes they control - "a power broker who does you a favor will expect you to return it"
power company|a public utility that provides electricity
power cord|a cord to conduct power to an electrical appliance
power couple|a couple both of whom have high-powered careers or are politically influential
power dive|a dive of an airplane that is accelerated both by gravity and by the power of the engine
power drill|a power tool for drilling holes into hard materials
power hunger|a drive to acquire power
power line|cable used to distribute electricity
power loading|the ratio of the weight of an airplane to its engine power
power loom|a loom operated mechanically
power module|module that provides power to operate other modules
power mower|a lawn mower powered by a gasoline motor
power of appointment|authority given (in a will or deed) by a donor to a donee to appoint the beneficiaries of the donor's property
power of attorney|a legal instrument authorizing someone to act as the grantor's agent
power outage|equipment failure resulting when the supply of power fails - "the ice storm caused a power outage"
power pack|a device for converting a power supply to a voltage required by particular equipment
power play|(ice hockey) a play in which one team has a numerical advantage over the other as a result of penalties - "the team was unable to capitalize on the power play";a play in which there is a concentration of players in one location on the field of play - "they used a power play to return the kickoff";an aggressive attempt to compel acquiescence by the concentration or manipulation of power - "she laughed at this sexual power play and walked away"
power politics|diplomacy in which the nations threaten to use force in order to obtain their objectives
power saw|a power tool for cutting wood
power series|the sum of terms containing successively higher integral powers of a variable
power shovel|a machine for excavating
power station|an electrical generating station
power steering|automotive steering where engineer power amplifies the torque applied to the steering wheel
power system|a system of high tension cables by which electrical power is distributed throughout a region
power takeoff|a device that transfers power from an engine (as in a tractor or other motor vehicle) to another piece of equipment (as to a pump or jackhammer)
power tool|a tool driven by a motor
power trip|(slang) a self-aggrandizing action undertaken simply for the pleasure of exercising control over other people
power unit|a measure of electric power
power user|(computing) a computer user who needs the fastest and most powerful computers available
power walking|a form of cardiopulmonary exercise consisting of rapid walking accompanied by vigorous swinging of the arms
power worker|a worker at a power station
powerhouse|a highly energetic and indefatigable person;a team considered to be the best of its class
powerlessness|the quality of lacking strength or power;being weak and feeble
Powhatan|a member of the Algonquian people who formerly lived in eastern Virginia;Indian chief and founder of the Powhatan confederacy of tribes in eastern Virginia;father of Pocahontas (1550?-1618);the Algonquian language of the Powhatan
powwow|a council of or with Native Americans
Powys|British writer of allegorical novels;one of three literary brothers (1875-1953);British writer of essays;one of three literary brothers (1884-1939);British writer of novels about nature;one of three literary brothers (1872-1963)
pox|a contagious disease characterized by purulent skin eruptions that may leave pock marks
poxvirus|any of a group of viruses that can cause pox diseases in vertebrates
Poyang|a lake in central China that is connected to the Chang Jiang by a canal
practicability|the quality of being usable
practical joke|a prank or trick played on a person (especially one intended to make the victim appear foolish)
practicality|concerned with actual use rather than theoretical possibilities
practice|a customary way of operation or behavior - "it is their practice to give annual raises";knowledge of how something is usually done - "it is not the local practice to wear shorts to dinner";the exercise of a profession - "the practice of the law" - "I took over his practice when he retired";translating an idea into action - "a hard theory to put into practice"
practice range|a place for practicing golf shots
practitioner|someone who practices a learned profession
praenomen|the first name of a citizen of ancient Rome
praetor|an annually elected magistrate of the ancient Roman Republic
Praetorian Guard|a member of the Praetorian Guard;the elite bodyguard of a Roman Emperor in ancient Rome
praetorium|the tent of an ancient Roman general
praetorship|the office of praetor
pragmatic sanction|an imperial decree that becomes part of the fundamental law of the land
pragmatics|the study of language use
pragmatism|(philosophy) the doctrine that practical consequences are the criteria of knowledge and meaning and value
pragmatist|a person who takes a practical approach to problems and is concerned primarily with the success or failure of her actions;an adherent of philosophical pragmatism
Prague|the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic in the western part of the country;a cultural and commercial center since the 14th century
Praia|the capital of Cape Verde on Sao Tiago Island
prairia Sabbatia|prairie herb with solitary lilac-colored flowers
Prairial|ninth month of the Revolutionary calendar (May and June);the month of meadows
prairie|a treeless grassy plain
prairie aster|violet-flowered perennial aster of central United States having solitary heads
prairie bird's-foot trefoil|North American annual with red or rose-colored flowers
prairie chicken|brown mottled North American grouse of western prairies
prairie coneflower|coneflower of central to southwestern United States
prairie cordgrass|North American cordgrass having leaves with dry membranous margins and glumes with long awns
prairie dog|any of several rodents of North American prairies living in large complex burrows having a barking cry
prairie gentian|one of the most handsome prairie wildflowers having large erect bell-shaped bluish flowers;of moist places in prairies and fields from eastern Colorado and Nebraska south to New Mexico and Texas
prairie gourd|perennial vine of dry parts of central and southwestern United States and Mexico having small hard mottled green inedible fruit;small hard green-and-white inedible fruit of the prairie gourd plant
prairie mallow|false mallow of western United States having racemose red flowers;sometimes placed in genus Malvastrum
prairie mimosa|perennial herb of North American prairies having dense heads of small white flowers
prairie orchid|orchid of boggy or wet lands of north central United States having racemes of very fragrant creamy or greenish white flowers
prairie rattlesnake|widely distributed between the Mississippi and the Rockies
prairie rocket|any of several North American plants of the genus Erysimum having large yellow flowers;any of several western American plants of the genus Cheiranthus having large yellow flowers
prairie smoke|North American perennial with hairy basal pinnate leaves and purple flowers and plume-tipped fruits
prairie soil|a type of soil occurring under grasses in temperate climates
prairie star|plant with mostly basal leaves and slender open racemes of white or pale pink flowers;prairies and open forest of northwestern United States to British Columbia and Alberta
prairie sunflower|similar to the common sunflower with slender usually branching stems common in central United States
prairie vole|typical vole of the extended prairie region of central United States and southern Canada
prairie wake-robin|trillium of central United States having dark purple sessile flowers
prairie white-fringed orchid|of central North America;a threatened species
prairie willow|slender shrubby willow of dry areas of North America
praise|an expression of approval and commendation - "he always appreciated praise for his work";offering words of homage as an act of worship - "they sang a hymn of praise to God"
praiseworthiness|the quality of being worthy of praise
praisworthiness|the property of deserving praise
Prajapati|Hindu god personifying a creative force;equivalent to Brahma
Prakrit|any of the modern Indic languages;any of the vernacular Indic languages of north and central India (as distinguished from Sanskrit) recorded from the 3rd century BC to the 4th century AD
praline|cookie-sized candy made of brown sugar and butter and pecans
prancer|a mettlesome or fiery horse
prang|a crash involving a car or plane
prankishness|the trait of indulging in disreputable pranks
prankster|someone who plays practical jokes on others
praseodymium|a soft yellowish-white trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group;can be recovered from bastnasite or monazite by an ion-exchange process
prate|idle or foolish and irrelevant talk
pratfall|a fall onto your buttocks
pratincole|Old World shorebird with long pointed wings and short legs;closely related to the coursers
prattler|someone who speaks in a childish way
Praunus|a genus of Mysidae
pravastatin|an oral drug (trade name Pravachol) administered to reduce blood cholesterol levels;recommended after nonfatal heart attacks
prawn|any of various edible decapod crustaceans;shrimp-like decapod crustacean having two pairs of pincers;most are edible
Praxiteles|ancient Greek sculptor (circa 370-330 BC)
praya|colonial siphonophore of up to 130 ft long
prayer|a fixed text used in praying;reverent petition to a deity;someone who prays to God;the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving) - "the priest sank to his knees in prayer"
prayer book|a book containing prayers
prayer meeting|a service at which people sing hymns and pray together
Prayer of Azariah and Song of the Three Children|an Apocryphal book consisting of text added to the Book of Daniel
prayer rug|a small rug used by Muslims during their devotions
prayer shawl|(Judaism) a shawl with a ritually knotted fringe at each corner;worn by Jews at morning prayer
prayer wheel|a cylinder with prayers written on it;each revolution counts as uttering the prayers;used especially by Buddhists in Tibet
praying mantis|the common mantis
prazosin|antihypertensive drug (trade name Minipress)
preacher|someone whose occupation is preaching the gospel
preachification|moralization delivered tediously in a preachy manner
Preakness|an annual race for three-year-old horses;held at Pimlico in Baltimore, Maryland
preamble|a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)
prearrangement|something arranged in advance
prebend|the stipend assigned by a cathedral to a canon
prebendary|a canon who receives a prebend for serving the church
Precambrian|the eon following the Hadean time and preceding the Phanerozoic eon;from about 3,800 million years ago until 544 million years ago
precariousness|extreme dangerousness
precaution|a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc. - "he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution";the trait of practicing caution in advance
precedence|status established in order of importance or urgency - "...its precedence as the world's leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals"
precedent|a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time);an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
precentorship|the position of precentor
precentral gyrus|the convolution of the frontal lobe that is bounded in back by the central sulcus and that contains the motor area
preceptor|teacher at a university or college (especially at Cambridge or Oxford)
preceptorship|the position of preceptor
precession|the act of preceding in time or order or rank (as in a ceremony);the motion of a spinning body (as a top) in which it wobbles so that the axis of rotation sweeps out a cone
precession of the equinoxes|a slow westward shift of the equinoxes along the plane of the ecliptic caused by precession of the Earth's axis of rotation
prechlorination|chlorination prior to another chemical process
precinct|a district of a city or town marked out for administrative purposes
preciosity|the quality of being fastidious or excessively refined
precious metal|any of the less common and valuable metals often used to make coins or jewelry
precipice|a very steep cliff
precipitant|an agent that causes a precipitate to form
precipitate|a precipitated solid substance in suspension or after settling or filtering
precipitation|an unexpected acceleration or hastening - "he is responsible for the precipitation of his own demise";the act of casting down or falling headlong from a height;the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist);the process of forming a chemical precipitate;the quantity of water falling to earth at a specific place within a specified period of time - "the storm brought several inches of precipitation"
precipitator|removes dust particles from gases by electrostatic precipitation
precipitin|an antibody that causes precipitation when it unites with its antigen
preciseness|clarity as a consequence of precision;the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance - "he handled it with the preciseness of an automaton"
precision cookie|a cookie that is saved permanently on your hard drive
preclinical trial|a laboratory test of a new drug or a new invasive medical device on animal subjects;conducted to gather evidence justifying a clinical trial
precocious dentition|teething at an earlier age than expected
precociousness|intelligence achieved far ahead of normal developmental schedules
precognition|knowledge of an event before it occurs
preconception|an opinion formed beforehand without adequate evidence - "he did not even try to confirm his preconceptions"
precondition|a condition that is a prerequisite
precordium|the external surface of the body overlying the heart and stomach
precursor|a person who goes before or announces the coming of another;a substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction)
predation|the act of preying by a predator who kills and eats the prey
predator|any animal that lives by preying on other animals
predecessor|one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)
predestinarianism|the belief or doctrine of predestinarians
predestination|(theology) being determined in advance;especially the doctrine (usually associated with Calvin) that God has foreordained every event throughout eternity (including the final salvation of mankind);previous determination as if by destiny or fate
predetermination|a mental determination or resolve in advance;an antecedent intention to do something - "he entered the argument with a predetermination to prove me wrong";the act of determining or ordaining in advance what is to take place
predicament|a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one - "finds himself in a most awkward predicament"
predicate|(logic) what is predicated of the subject of a proposition;the second term in a proposition is predicated of the first term by means of the copula - "'Socrates is a man' predicates manhood of Socrates";one of the two main constituents of a sentence;the predicate contains the verb and its complements
predicate calculus|a system of symbolic logic that represents individuals and predicates and quantification over individuals (as well as the relations between propositions)
predicator|an expression that predicates
predictability|the quality of being predictable
prediction|a statement made about the future;the act of predicting (as by reasoning about the future)
predictor|a computer for controlling antiaircraft fire that computes the position of an aircraft at the instant of a shell's arrival;information that supports a probabilistic estimate of future events - "the weekly bulletin contains several predictors of mutual fund performance"
predictor variable|a variable that can be used to predict the value of another variable (as in statistical regression)
predilection|a predisposition in favor of something - "a predilection for expensive cars"
predisposition|a disposition in advance to react in a particular way;an inclination beforehand to interpret statements in a particular way
prednisolone|a glucocorticoid (trade names Pediapred or Prelone) used to treat inflammatory conditions
prednisone|a dehydrogenated analogue of cortisol (trade names Orasone or Deltasone or Liquid Pred or Meticorten);used as an anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of arthritis and as an immunosuppressant
predominance|the state of being predominant over others
predomination|the quality of being more noticeable than anything else - "the predomination of blues gave the painting a quiet tone"
preeclampsia|abnormal state of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and fluid retention and albuminuria;can lead to eclampsia if untreated
preemployment training program|a training program to prepare you for employment
preemption|a prior appropriation of something - "the preemption of bandwidth by commercial interests";the judicial principle asserting the supremacy of federal over state legislation on the same subject;the right of a government to seize or appropriate something (as property);the right to purchase something in advance of others
preemptive bid|a high bid that is intended to prevent the opposing players from bidding
preemptive right|the right granting to shareholders the first opportunity to buy a new issue of stock;provides protection against dilution of the shareholder's ownership interest
pre-emptive strike|a surprise attack that is launched in order to prevent the enemy from doing it to you
preemptor|a bidder in bridge who makes a preemptive bid;someone who acquires land by preemption
preexistence|existing in a former state or previous to something else
prefab|a prefabricated structure
prefabrication|the manufacture of sections of a building at the factory so they can be easily and rapidly assembled at the building site
prefect|a chief officer or chief magistrate - "the prefect of Paris police"
prefecture|the district administered by a prefect (as in France or Japan or the Roman Empire);the office of prefect
preference|a strong liking - "my own preference is for good literature";grant of favor or advantage to one over another (especially to a country or countries in matters of international trade, such as levying duties);the right or chance to choose
preferment|the act of making accusations - "preferment of charges";the act of preferring - "the preferment went to the younger candidate"
preferred stock|stock whose holders are guaranteed priority in the payment of dividends but whose holders have no voting rights
prefiguration|an example that prefigures or foreshadows what is to come;the act of providing vague advance indications;representing beforehand
prefix|an affix that is added in front of the word
prefix notation|a parenthesis-free notation for forming mathematical expressions in which each operator precedes its operands
prefixation|formation of a word by means of a prefix
preformation|a theory (popular in the 18th century and now discredited) that an individual develops by simple enlargement of a tiny fully formed organism (a homunculus) that exists in the germ cell
prefrontal lobe|the anterior part of the frontal lobe
pregnancy|the state of being pregnant;the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus
pregnancy test|a physiological test to determine whether a woman is pregnant
pregnanediol|a compound found in women's urine during certain phases of the menstrual cycle and in the urine of pregnant women
prehensor|the anterior pair of legs of a centipede that are modified to seize prey and inject venom from the toxicognaths
prehistory|the time during the development of human culture before the appearance of the written word
prejudgment|a judgment reached before the evidence is available
prelacy|prelates collectively;the office or station of a prelate
preliminary|a minor match preceding the main event;something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows - "training is a necessary preliminary to employment"
preliminary examination|an examination taken by graduate students to determine their fitness to continue
preliminary prospectus|a first draft of a prospectus;must be clearly marked to indicate that parts may be changed in the final prospectus - "because some portions of the cover page are printed in red ink a preliminary prospectus is sometimes called a red herring"
prelude|music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera
premature baby|an infant that is born prior to 37 weeks of gestation
premature ejaculation|ejaculation during the early stages of sexual excitement or soon after the insertion of the penis into the vagina
premature labor|labor beginning prior to the 37th week of gestation
premature ventricular contraction|irregularity of cardiac rhythm;recurrent occurrences can be a precursor of ventricular fibrillation
prematureness|the state of being premature
premeditation|(law) thought and intention to commit a crime well in advance of the crime;goes to show criminal intent;planning or plotting in advance of acting
premenstrual syndrome|a syndrome that occurs in many women from 2 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation
premiere|the first public performance of a play or movie
premiership|the office of premier
premise|a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
premises|land and the buildings on it - "bread is baked on the premises" - "the were evicted from the premises"
premium|a prize, bonus, or award given as an inducement to purchase products, enter competitions initiated by business interests, etc. - "they encouraged customers with a premium for loyal patronage";payment for insurance;the amount that something in scarce supply is valued above its nominal value - "they paid a premium for access to water"
Premium Bond|a government bond that bears no interest or capital gains but enters the holder into lotteries
premolar|a tooth having two cusps or points;located between the incisors and the molars
Prenanthes|genus of North American and Asiatic perennial herbs having pinnatisect leaves small heads of drooping yellowish to purple flowers;sometimes includes species often placed in genus Nabalus
prenatal diagnosis|any of the diagnostic procedures used to determine whether a fetus has a genetic abnormality
preoccupancy|the act of taking occupancy before someone else does
preoccupation|an idea that preoccupies the mind and holds the attention;the mental state of being preoccupied by something
preparation|(music) a note that produces a dissonant chord is first heard in a consonant chord - "the resolution of one dissonance is often the preparation for another dissonance";the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose - "preparations for the ceremony had begun"
preparation fire|fire delivered on a target in preparation for an assault
preparatory school|a private secondary school
prepayment|payment in advance
preponderance|a superiority in numbers or amount - "a preponderance of evidence against the defendant";exceeding in heaviness;having greater weight - "the least preponderance in either pan will unbalance the scale";superiority in power or influence - "the preponderance of good over evil" - "the preponderance of wealth and power"
preposition|(linguistics) the placing of one linguistic element before another (as placing a modifier before the word it modifies in a sentence or placing an affix before the base to which it is attached);a function word that combines with a noun or pronoun or noun phrase to form a prepositional phrase that can have an adverbial or adjectival relation to some other word
prepositional object|the object governed by a preposition
prepositional phrase|a phrase beginning with a preposition
prepossession|the condition of being prepossessed - "the king's prepossession in my favor is very valuable"
prepuberty|a period of two years immediately prior to the onset of puberty when growth and changes leading to sexual maturity occur
prepuce|a fold of skin covering the tip of the clitoris;a fold of skin covering the tip of the penis
prepyloric vein|a tributary of the right gastric vein
Pre-Raphaelite|a painter or writer dedicated to restoring early Renaissance ideals
prerequisite|something that is required in advance - "Latin was a prerequisite for admission"
prerogative|a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right) - "suffrage was the prerogative of white adult males"
presage|a foreboding about what is about to happen
presbyope|a person with presbyopia;someone who is farsighted resulting from the progressive loss with aging of the elasticity of the crystalline lens
presbyopia|a reduced ability to focus on near objects caused by loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens after age 45
presbyter|an elder in the Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian|a follower of Calvinism as taught in the Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church|the Protestant denomination adhering to the views of John Calvin
Presbyterianism|the doctrines and practices of the Presbyterian Church;based in Calvinism
presbytery|building reserved for the officiating clergy
Presbytes|langurs
preschool|an educational institution for children too young for elementary school
preschooler|a child who attends a preschool or kindergarten
prescience|the power to foresee the future
Prescott|a town in central Arizona
prescription|directions prescribed beforehand;the action of prescribing authoritative rules or directions - "I tried to follow her prescription for success";written instructions for an optician on the lenses for a given person;written instructions from a physician or dentist to a druggist concerning the form and dosage of a drug to be issued to a given patient
prescription drug|a drug that is available only with written instructions from a doctor or dentist to a pharmacist
prescriptive grammar|a grammar that is produced by prescriptive linguistics
prescriptive linguistics|an account of how a language should be used instead of how it is actually used;a prescription for the 'correct' phonology and morphology and syntax and semantics
prescriptivism|(ethics) a doctrine holding that moral statements prescribe appropriate attitudes and behavior;(linguistics) a doctrine supporting or promoting prescriptive linguistics
preseason|a period prior to the beginning of the regular season which is devoted to training and preparation
presence|an invisible spiritual being felt to be nearby;the act of being present;the immediate proximity of someone or something - "she blushed in his presence" - "he sensed the presence of danger";the impression that something is present - "he felt the presence of an evil force";the state of being present;current existence - "he tested for the presence of radon"
presence chamber|room in which a monarch or other great person receives guests, assemblies, etc.
presence of mind|self-control in a crisis;ability to say or do the right thing in an emergency
presenile dementia|dementia with onset before the age of 65
present|a verb tense that expresses actions or states at the time of speaking;something presented as a gift - "his tie was a present from his wife";the period of time that is happening now;any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech - "that is enough for the present" - "he lives in the present with no thought of tomorrow"
present participle|a participle expressing present action;in English is formed by adding -ing
present perfect|a perfective tense used to express action completed in the present - "'I have finished' is an example of the present perfect"
present progressive|a tense used to express action that is on-going at the time of utterance
presentation|(obstetrics) position of the fetus in the uterus relative to the birth canal - "Cesarean sections are sometimes the result of abnormal presentations";a show or display;the act of presenting something to sight or view - "the presentation of new data";formally making a person known to another or to the public;the act of making something publicly available;presenting news or other information by broadcasting or printing it - "he prepared his presentation carefully in advance";the act of presenting a proposal;the activity of formally presenting something (as a prize or reward) - "she gave the trophy but he made the presentation"
presenter|an advocate who presents a person (as for an award or a degree or an introduction etc.);someone who presents a message of some sort (as a petition or an address or a check or a memorial etc.)
presentism|the doctrine that the Scripture prophecies of the Apocalypse (as in the Book of Revelations) are presently in the course of being fulfilled
presentist|a theologian who believes that the Scripture prophecies of the Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) are being fulfilled at the present time
presentment|a document that must be accepted and paid by another person;an accusation of crime made by a grand jury on its own initiative
presentness|the quality of being the present - "a study of the pastness of the present and...of the presentness of the past"- R.E.Spiller
preservation|a process that saves organic substances from decay;the activity of protecting something from loss or danger;the condition of being (well or ill) preserved
preservationist|someone who advocates the preservation of historical sites or endangered species or natural areas
preservative|a chemical compound that is added to protect against decay or decomposition
preserve|a domain that seems to be specially reserved for someone - "medicine is no longer a male preserve";a reservation where animals are protected
preserver|a cook who preserves fruits or meat;someone who keeps safe from harm or danger
presidency|the office and function of president - "Andrew Jackson expanded the power of the presidency beyond what was customary before his time";the tenure of a president
president|an executive officer of a firm or corporation;the chief executive of a republic;the head administrative officer of a college or university;the officer who presides at the meetings of an organization
President of the United States|the office of the United States head of state;the person who holds the office of head of state of the United States government
Presidential Directive|a directive issued by the President of the United States;usually addressed to all heads of departments and agencies
Presidents' Day|the third Monday in February;commemorates both presidents Lincoln and Washington
presiding officer|the leader of a group meeting
presidio|a fortress established in the southwestern United States by the Spanish in order to protect their missions and other holdings - "Tucson was first settled as a walled presidio"
presidium|a permanent executive committee in socialist countries that has all the powers of some larger legislative body and that acts for it when it is not in session
Presley|United States rock singer whose many hit records and flamboyant style greatly influenced American popular music (1935-1977)
pre-Socratic|any philosopher who lived before Socrates
press|a machine used for printing;a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then smoothly lifted overhead;any machine that exerts pressure to form or shape or cut materials or extract liquids or compress solids;clamp to prevent wooden rackets from warping when not in use;the act of pressing;the exertion of pressure - "he gave the button a press" - "he used pressure to stop the bleeding" - "at the pressing of a button";the print media responsible for gathering and publishing news in the form of newspapers or magazines
press agent|someone employed to arrange publicity (for a firm or a public figure)
press box|box reserved for reporters (as at a sports event)
press conference|a conference at which press and tv reporters ask questions of a politician or other celebrity
press corps|a group of journalists representing different publications who all cover the same topics - "the White House press corps"
press gallery|an area (sometimes in a balcony) set aside for reporters (especially in a legislative hall)
press gang|a detachment empowered to force civilians to serve in the army or navy
press lord|a powerful newspaper proprietor
press of sail|the greatest amount of sail that a ship can carry safely
press photographer|a photographer who works for a newspaper
pressing|a metal or plastic part that is made by a mechanical press
pressure|a force that compels - "the public brought pressure to bear on the government";an oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or economic distress;the force applied to a unit area of surface;measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit) - "the compressed gas exerts an increased pressure";the somatic sensation that results from applying force to an area of skin - "the sensitivity of his skin to pressure and temperature was normal"
pressure cabin|cabin consisting of the pressurized section of an aircraft or spacecraft
pressure cooker|autoclave for cooking at temperatures above the boiling point of water
pressure dome|a dome-shaped building that is pressurized
pressure gauge|gauge for measuring and indicating fluid pressure
pressure point|an area on the skin that is highly sensitive to pressure - "you must know the pressure points in order to administer shiatsu";any of several points on the body where the pulse can be felt and where pressure on an underlying artery will control bleeding from that artery at a more distal point;where problems or difficulties are likely to occur - "a key pressure point in the controversy was the building permit"
pressure suit|protective garment consisting of an inflatable suit for space or high altitude flying
pressure unit|a unit measuring force per unit area
pressurized water reactor|a nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator;the steam produced can drive a steam turbine
prestidigitation|manual dexterity in the execution of tricks
prestige|a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc. - "he wanted to achieve power and prestige"
presumption|(law) an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved or admitted or judicially noticed;a kind of discourtesy in the form of an act of presuming - "his presumption was intolerable";audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to
presupposition|the act of presupposing;a supposition made prior to having knowledge (as for the purpose of argument)
preteen|a preadolescent boy or girl (usually between 9 and 12 years of age) - "little league is intended for the preteens"
Pretender|a claimant to the throne or to the office of ruler (usually without just title)
pretense|imaginative intellectual play;pretending with intention to deceive;the act of giving a false appearance
pretension|a false or unsupportable quality;the advancing of a claim - "his pretension to the crown" - "the town still puts forward pretensions as a famous resort"
pretentiousness|the quality of being pretentious (behaving or speaking in such a manner as to create a false appearance of great importance or worth)
preterist|a theologian who believes that the Scripture prophecies of the Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) have already been fulfilled
preterit|a term formerly used to refer to the simple past tense
pretermission|letting pass without notice
pretext|something serving to conceal plans;a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
Pretoria|city in the Transvaal;the seat of the executive branch of the government of South Africa
pretrial|(law) a conference held before the trial begins to bring the parties together to outline discovery proceedings and to define the issues to be tried;more useful in civil than in criminal cases
prettiness|the quality of being appealing in a delicate or graceful way (of a girl or young woman)
pretzel|glazed and salted cracker typically in the shape of a loose knot
prevailing party|the party in a lawsuit who obtains a judgment in their own favor
prevailing westerly|the winds from the west that occur in the temperate zones of the Earth
prevailing wind|the predominant wind direction - "the prevailing wind is from the southwest"
prevalence|(epidemiology) the ratio (for a given time period) of the number of occurrences of a disease or event to the number of units at risk in the population;the quality of prevailing generally;being widespread - "he was surprised by the prevalence of optimism about the future"
prevention|the act of preventing - "money was allocated to study the cause and prevention of influenza"
preventive|remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
preventive medicine|the branch of medicine concerned with preventing disease - "the medical establishment doesn't profit from preventive medicine"
preventive strike|a strike that is carried out in order to deter expected aggression by hostile forces
preview|a screening for a select audience in advance of release for the general public;an advertisement consisting of short scenes from a motion picture that will appear in the near future
previous question|a motion calling for an immediate vote on the main question under discussion by a deliberative assembly
prevision|a prophetic vision (as in a dream);seeing ahead;knowing in advance;foreseeing
prey|a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence - "he fell prey to muggers";animal hunted or caught for food
Priacanthidae|small carnivorous percoid fishes found worldwide in tropical seas
Priacanthus|type genus of the Priacanthidae
Priam|(Greek mythology) the last king of Troy;father of Hector and Paris and Cassandra
priapism|condition in which the penis is continually erect;usually painful and seldom with sexual arousal
Priapus|(classical mythology) god of male procreative power and guardian of gardens and vineyards
price|a monetary reward for helping to catch a criminal - "the cattle thief has a price on his head";cost of bribing someone - "they say that every politician has a price";the amount of money needed to purchase something - "the price of gasoline";the high value or worth of something - "her price is far above rubies";value measured by what must be given or done or undergone to obtain something - "the price of success is hard work" - "what price glory?";United States operatic soprano (born 1927)
price bracket|a category of merchandise based on their price
price control|restriction on maximum prices that is established and maintained by the government (as during periods of war or inflation)
price cutting|cutting the price of merchandise to one lower than the usual or advertised price
price floor|floor below which prices are not allowed to fall - "the government used price supports to maintain the price floor"
price freeze|a freeze of prices at a given level
price gouging|pricing above the market price when no alternative retailer is available
price increase|increase in price
price index|an index that traces the relative changes in the price of an individual good (or a market basket of goods) over time
price list|a listing of prices for different goods or services
price support|a government subsidy used to maintain prices at a certain level
price tag|a tag showing the price of the article it is attached to
price war|intense competition in which competitors cut retail prices to gain business
price-fixing|control (by agreement among producers or by government) of the price of a commodity in interstate commerce
price-to-earnings ratio|(stock market) the price of a stock divided by its earnings
pricing|the evaluation of something in terms of its price
pricing system|a system for setting prices on goods or services
prick|the act of puncturing with a small point - "he gave the balloon a small prick"
pricket|a sharp metal spike to hold a candle;male deer in his second year
prickle cell|a cell in the germinal layer of the skin (the prickle-cell layer);has many spines and radiating processes
prickleback|small elongate fishes of shallow northern seas;a long dorsal fin consists entirely of spines
prickliness|the quality of being covered with prickly thorns or spines
prickling|a somatic sensation as from many tiny prickles
prickly ash|any of a number of trees or shrubs of the genus Zanthoxylum having spiny branches;Australian tree having alternate simple leaves (when young they are pinnate with prickly toothed margins) and slender axillary spikes of white flowers
prickly heat|obstruction of the sweat ducts during high heat and humidity
prickly lettuce|European annual wild lettuce having prickly stems;a troublesome weed in parts of United States
prickly pear|cacti having spiny flat joints and oval fruit that is edible in some species;often used as food for stock;round or pear-shaped spiny fruit of any of various prickly pear cacti
prickly poppy|annual Old World poppy with orange-red flowers and bristly fruit;any plant of the genus Argemone having large white or yellow flowers and prickly leaves and stems and pods;chiefly of tropical America
prickly-edged leaf|a leaf having prickly margins
pride|a feeling of self-respect and personal worth;a group of lions;satisfaction with your (or another's) achievements - "he takes pride in his son's success";the trait of being spurred on by a dislike of falling below your standards;unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem (personified as one of the deadly sins)
pride of barbados|tropical shrub or small tree having showy yellow to orange-red flowers;sometimes placed in genus Poinciana
pride of California|shrubby California perennial having large pink or violet flowers;cultivated as an ornamental
pride of place|the first or highest or most important or most ostentatious place
prie-dieu|low bench for kneeling on
priest|a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites;one of the Holy Orders;a person who performs religious duties and ceremonies in a non-Christian religion
priestcraft|a derogatory reference to priests who use their influence to control secular or political affairs;the skills involved in the work of a priest
priestess|a woman priest
priesthood|the body of ordained religious practitioners
Priestley|English chemist who isolated many gases and discovered oxygen (independently of Scheele) (1733-1804)
priest-penitent privilege|the right of a clergyman to refuse to divulge confidential information received from a person during confession or similar exchanges
priggishness|exaggerated and arrogant properness
Prima|used primarily as eating apples
prima ballerina|a leading female ballet dancer
prima donna|a distinguished female operatic singer;a female operatic star;a vain and temperamental person
primacy|the state of being first in importance
primality|the property of being a prime number
primaquine|synthetic antimalarial drug
primary|(astronomy) a celestial body (especially a star) relative to other objects in orbit around it;a preliminary election where delegates or nominees are chosen;one of the main flight feathers projecting along the outer edge of a bird's wing
primary amenorrhea|delay of menarche beyond age 18
primary care|the medical care received on first contact with the medical system (before being referred elsewhere)
primary care physician|the physician who provides primary care - "the primary care physician acts as a gatekeeper to the medical system"
primary censorship|armed forces censorship performed by personnel of a military unit on the personal communications of persons assigned to that unit
primary coil|coil forming the part of an electrical circuit such that changing current in it induces a current in a neighboring circuit - "current through the primary coil induces current in the secondary coil"
primary color|any of three colors from which all others can be obtained by mixing
primary color for light|any of three primary colors of light from which all colors can be obtained by additive mixing
primary color for pigments|any of three pigments from which all colors can be obtained by mixing
primary dentition|dentition of deciduous teeth
primary dysmenorrhea|painful menstruation that is intrinsic to menstruation and not the result of a disease
primary health care|health care that is provided by a health care professional in the first contact of a patient with the health care system
primary sex characteristic|the genetically determined sex characteristics bound up with reproduction (genitals and organs of reproduction)
primary subtractive color for light|any of the three colors that give the primary colors for light after subtraction from white light
primary syphilis|the first stage;characterized by a chancre at the site of infection
primary tooth|one of the first temporary teeth of a young mammal (one of 20 in children)
primate|any placental mammal of the order Primates;has good eyesight and flexible hands and feet
Primates|an animal order including lemurs and tarsiers and monkeys and apes and human beings
primateship|the office of primate
primatology|the branch of zoology that studies primates
Primaxin|trade name for a parenteral antibiotic
prime|a number that has no factor but itself and 1;the second canonical hour;about 6 a.m.;the time of maturity when power and vigor are greatest
prime factor|the prime factors of a quantity are all of the prime quantities that will exactly divide the given quantity
prime interest rate|the interest rate on short-term loans that banks charge their commercial customers with high credit ratings
prime meridian|meridian at zero degree longitude from which east and west are reckoned (usually the Greenwich longitude in England)
Prime Minister|the person who holds the position of head of the government in the United Kingdom
prime number|an integer that has no integral factors but itself and 1
prime time|the hours between 7 and 11 p.m. when the largest tv audience is available
primer|an introductory textbook
primidone|an anticonvulsant (trade name Mysoline) used to treat grand mal seizures and essential tremor
primigravida|(obstetrics) a woman who is pregnant for the first time
priming|the act of making something ready
primipara|(obstetrics) woman who has been delivered of a child for the first time
primitive|a mathematical expression from which another expression is derived;a person who belongs to an early stage of civilization;a word serving as the basis for inflected or derived forms - "'pick' is the primitive from which 'picket' is derived"
primitivism|a genre characteristic of (or imitative of) primitive artists or children
primness|excessive or affected modesty
primo|the principal part of a duet (especially a piano duet)
primogeniture|right of inheritance belongs exclusively to the eldest son
primordial dwarf|an achondroplastic dwarf whose small size is the result of a genetic defect;body parts and mental and sexual development are normal
primordium|an organ in its earliest stage of development;the foundation for subsequent development
primping|careful or finicky grooming - "the primping alone took more than an hour"
primrose|any of numerous short-stemmed plants of the genus Primula having tufted basal leaves and showy flowers clustered in umbels or heads
primrose jasmine|evergreen rambling yellow-flowered shrub of western China
primrose path|a life of ease and pleasure
Primulaceae|a dicotyledonous family of the order Primulales with a regular flower;widely distributed in the northern hemisphere
Primulales|Primulaceae;Theophrastaceae;Myrsinaceae;and (in some classifications) Plumbaginaceae
primus|the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church of Scotland
Primus stove|a portable paraffin cooking stove;used by campers
prince|a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)
Prince Albert|a man's double-breasted frock coat
Prince Albert yew|small yew having attractive foliage and partially weeping branches cultivated as an ornamental;mountains of southern Chile
prince charming|a suitor who fulfills the dreams of his beloved
prince consort|a prince who is the husband of a reigning female sovereign
Prince Edward Island|an island in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence;the smallest province of Canada
Prince of Wales|the male heir apparent of the British sovereign
princedom|the dignity or rank or position of a prince
princeling|a petty or insignificant prince who rules some unimportant principality;a young prince
Prince-of-Wales'-heath|South African shrub grown for its profusion of white flowers
prince's-feather|annual with broadly ovate leaves and slender drooping spikes of crimson flowers;southeastern Asia and Australia;naturalized in North America;tall showy tropical American annual having hairy stems and long spikes of usually red flowers above leaves deeply flushed with purple;seeds often used as cereal
princess|a female member of a royal family other than the queen (especially the daughter of a sovereign)
princess royal|the eldest daughter of a British sovereign
Princeton|a university town in central New Jersey
Princeton University|a university in New Jersey
princewood|tropical American timber tree
principal|(criminal law) any person involved in a criminal offense, regardless of whether the person profits from such involvement;capital as contrasted with the income derived from it;the educator who has executive authority for a school - "she sent unruly pupils to see the principal";the major party to a financial transaction at a stock exchange;buys and sells for his own account;the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
principal axis|a line that passes through the center of curvature of a lens so that light is neither reflected nor refracted
principal investigator|the scientist in charge of an experiment or research project
principality|territory ruled by a prince
principalship|the post of principal
Principe|an island in the Gulf of Guinea that is part of Sao Tome and Principe
principle|a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct - "their principles of composition characterized all their works";a basic truth or law or assumption - "the principles of democracy";a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system - "the principle of the conservation of mass" - "the principle of jet propulsion";a rule or standard especially of good behavior - "a man of principle" - "he will not violate his principles";rule of personal conduct
principle of equivalence|(physics) the principle that an observer has no way of distinguishing whether his laboratory is in a uniform gravitational field or is in an accelerated frame of reference
principle of liquid displacement|(hydrostatics) the volume of a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the volume of the displaced fluid
principle of relativity|(physics) a universal law that states that the laws of mechanics are not affected by a uniform rectilinear motion of the system of coordinates to which they are referred
principle of superposition|(geology) the principle that in a series of stratified sedimentary rocks the lowest stratum is the oldest;the displacement of any point due to the superposition of wave systems is equal to the sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that point - "the principle of superposition is the basis of the wave theory of light"
Prinia|a genus of Sylviidae
print|a copy of a movie on film (especially a particular version of it);a fabric with a dyed pattern pressed onto it (usually by engraved rollers);a picture or design printed from an engraving;availability in printed form - "we've got to get that story into print" - "his book is no longer in print";the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication - "I want to see it in print"
print buffer|a buffer that stores data until the printer is ready
print media|a medium that disseminates printed matter
print run|the period that presses run to produce an issue of a newspaper
print seller|someone who sells etchings and engravings etc.
print shop|a workplace where printing is done
printed circuit|computer circuit consisting of an electronic sub-assembly;copper conductors are laminated on an insulating board or card and circuit components are inserted into holes and dip soldered
printer|(computer science) an output device that prints the results of data processing;a machine that prints;someone whose occupation is printing
printer cable|a cable between a computer and a printer
printer's devil|an apprentice in a printing establishment
printer's ink|a semisolid quick drying ink made especially for use in printing
printing|reproduction by applying ink to paper as for publication;text handwritten in the style of printed matter;the business of producing printed material for sale or distribution
printing concern|a company that does commercial printing
printing operation|an operation that controls the printing or display of information
printing unit|a unit of measurement for printing
printmaker|an artist who designs and makes prints
printmaking|artistic design and manufacture of prints as woodcuts or silkscreens
printout|the output of a computer in printed form
Priodontes|solely the giant armadillo
prion|(microbiology) an infectious protein particle similar to a virus but lacking nucleic acid;thought to be the agent responsible for scrapie and other degenerative diseases of the nervous system
Prionace|blue sharks
Prionotus|a genus of Triglidae
prior|the head of a religious order;in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot
priority|preceding in time
priority processing|data processing in which the operations performed are determined by a system of priorities
priorship|the office of prior
priory|religious residence in a monastery governed by a prior or a convent governed by a prioress
prism|a polyhedron with two congruent and parallel faces (the bases) and whose lateral faces are parallelograms;optical device having a triangular shape and made of glass or quartz;used to deviate a beam or invert an image
prismatoid|a polyhedron whose vertices all lie in one or the other of two parallel planes;the faces that lie in those planes are the bases of the prismatoid
prismoid|a prismatoid whose bases are polygons having the same number of sides and whose other faces are trapezoids or parallelograms
prison|a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment;a prisonlike situation;a place of seeming confinement
prison camp|a camp for prisoners of war
prison chaplain|a chaplain in a prison
prison guard|someone who guards prisoners
prison term|the period of time a prisoner is imprisoned - "he served a prison term of 15 months"
prisoner|a person who is confined;especially a prisoner of war
prisoner of war|a person who surrenders to (or is taken by) the enemy in time of war
prisoner of war censorship|military censorship of communication to and from prisoners of war and civilian internees held by the armed forces
prisoner's base|a children's game;two teams capture opposing players by tagging them and taking them to their own base
Pristidae|large primitive rays with elongated snouts
Pristis|type genus of the Pristidae
Pritzelago|chamois cress
privacy|the condition of being concealed or hidden;the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others
private|an enlisted man of the lowest rank in the Army or Marines - "our prisoner was just a private and knew nothing of value"
private citizen|a citizen who does not hold any official or public position
private detective|someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information
private foundation|a charity that does not receive a major part of its support from the public
private line|a telephone line serving a single subscriber
private nuisance|a nuisance that interferes with your interest in and private use and enjoyment of your land
private practice|the practice of a profession independently and not as an employee - "he teaches at the medical school but his fortune came from private practice" - "lawyers in private practice are in business and must make a profit to survive"
private school|a school established and controlled privately and supported by endowment and tuition
private treaty|a sale of property at a price agreed on by the seller and buyer without an intervening agency
privateer|a privately owned warship commissioned to prey on the commercial shipping or warships of an enemy nation;an officer or crew member of a privateer
privation|a state of extreme poverty;act of depriving someone of food or money or rights - "nutritional privation" - "deprivation of civil rights"
privet|any of various Old World shrubs having smooth entire leaves and terminal panicles of small white flowers followed by small black berries;many used for hedges
privet hedge|hedge of privet plants
privilege|(law) the right to refuse to divulge information obtained in a confidential relationship;a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
privilege of the floor|the right to be admitted onto the floor of a legislative assembly while it is in session
privy council|an advisory council to a ruler (especially to the British Crown)
privy purse|allowance for a monarch's personal expenses
Prix de Rome|an annual prize awarded by the French government in a competition of painters and artists and sculptors and musicians and architects;the winner in each category receives support for a period of study in Rome
prix fixe|a menu listing fixed meals at fixed prices
Prix Goncourt|an award given annually for contributions to French literature
prize|something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery - "the prize was a free trip to Europe"
prize money|any money given as a prize
prize winner|the winner of a lottery
prizefight|a boxing match between professional boxers for a cash prize
prizefighter|a professional boxer
pro|an argument in favor of a proposal
proaccelerin|a coagulation factor
probabilism|(philosophy) the doctrine that (since certainty is unattainable) probability is a sufficient basis for belief and action;a Roman Catholic system of casuistry that when expert opinions differ an actor can follow any solidly probable opinion that he wishes even though some different opinion might be more probable
probability|a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur;a number expressing the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible - "the probability that an unbiased coin will fall with the head up is 0.5";the quality of being probable;a probable event or the most probable event - "for a while mutiny seemed a probability" - "going by past experience there was a high probability that the visitors were lost"
probability theorist|a mathematician who specializes in probability theory
probability theory|the branch of applied mathematics that deals with probabilities
probable|an applicant likely to be chosen
probable cause|(law) evidence sufficient to warrant an arrest or search and seizure - "a magistrate determined that there was probable cause to search the house"
probate|a judicial certificate saying that a will is genuine and conferring on the executors the power to administer the estate;the act of proving that an instrument purporting to be a will was signed and executed in accord with legal requirements
probate court|a court having jurisdiction over the probate of wills and the administration of estates
probation|(law) a way of dealing with offenders without imprisoning them;a defendant found guilty of a crime is released by the court without imprisonment subject to conditions imposed by the court - "probation is part of the sentencing process";a trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself;a trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership
probation officer|the officer of the court who supervises probationers
probationer|a nurse in training who is undergoing a trial period;someone released on probation or on parole
probe|a flexible slender surgical instrument with a blunt end that is used to explore wounds or body cavities;an exploratory action or expedition;an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities - "there was a congressional probe into the scandal";an investigation conducted using a flexible surgical instrument to explore an injury or a body cavity
probenecid|a uricosuric drug that reduces the level of uric acid in the blood;used to treat gout
probiotic|a beneficial bacterium found in the intestinal tract of healthy mammals;often considered to be a plant
probity|complete and confirmed integrity;having strong moral principles - "in a world where financial probity may not be widespread" - "he enjoys an exaggerated reputation for probity"
problem|a question raised for consideration or solution - "our homework consisted of ten problems to solve";a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved - "she and her husband are having problems" - "urban problems such as traffic congestion and smog"
problem solver|a thinker who focuses on the problem as stated and tries to synthesize information and knowledge to achieve a solution
problem solving|the area of cognitive psychology that studies the processes involved in solving problems;the thought processes involved in solving a problem
Proboscidea|an order of animals including elephants and mammoths;in some classifications included in the genus Martynia and hence the two taxonomic names for some of the unicorn plants
proboscidean|massive herbivorous mammals having tusks and a long trunk
proboscis|a long flexible snout as of an elephant;the human nose (especially when it is large)
proboscis monkey|Borneo monkey having a long bulbous nose
procaine|a white crystalline powder (trade name Ethocaine) administered near nerves as a local anesthetic in dentistry and medicine
procaine hydrochloride|procaine administered as a hydrochloride (trade name Novocain)
procarbazine|an antineoplastic drug used to treat Hodgkin's disease
Procavia|type genus of the Procaviidae
Procaviidae|includes all recent members of the order Hyracoidea
procedure|a mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings;a particular course of action intended to achieve a result - "the procedure of obtaining a driver's license"
proceeding|(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
Procellaria|type genus of the Procellariidae
Procellariidae|petrels;fulmars;shearwaters
procellariiform seabird|large long-winged bird with hooked bill and tubular nostrils that wanders the open seas
Procellariiformes|petrels;albatrosses;shearwaters;diving petrels
process|(psychology) the performance of some composite cognitive activity;an operation that affects mental contents - "the process of thinking";a mental process that you are not directly aware of - "the process of denial";a natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant - "a bony process";a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states - "events now in process" - "the process of calcification begins later for boys than for girls"
process cheese|made by blending several lots of cheese
process printing|a method of printing colored reproductions from halftone plates
processing|preparing or putting through a prescribed procedure - "the processing of newly arrived immigrants" - "the processing of ore to obtain minerals"
processing time|the time it takes to complete a prescribed procedure - "they increased output by decreasing processing time"
procession|the group action of a collection of people or animals or vehicles moving ahead in more or less regular formation - "processions were forbidden"
processional|religious music used in a procession
processional march|a march to be played for processions
processor|a business engaged in processing agricultural products and preparing them for market;someone who processes things (foods or photographs or applicants etc.)
process-server|someone who personally delivers a process (a writ compelling attendance in court) or court papers to the defendant
prochlorperazine|antipsychotic and antiemetic drug used to treat schizophrenia and to combat nausea and vomiting
pro-choice faction|those who argue that the decision to have an induced abortion should be made by the mother
Prociphilus|a genus of Aphididae
proclamation|the formal act of proclaiming;giving public notice
proclivity|a natural inclination - "he has a proclivity for exaggeration"
Procnias|bellbirds
proconsul|a provincial governor of consular rank in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire;an anthropoid ape of the genus Proconsul;an official in a modern colony who has considerable administrative power
proconsulship|the position of proconsul
proconvertin|a coagulation factor formed in the kidney under the influence of vitamin K
procrastination|the act of procrastinating;putting off or delaying or defering an action to a later time
procrastinator|someone who postpones work (especially out of laziness or habitual carelessness)
procrustean standard|a standard that is enforced uniformly without regard to individuality
Procrustes|(Greek mythology) a mythical giant who was a thief and murderer;he would capture people and tie them to an iron bed, stretching them or hacking off their legs to make them fit;was killed by Theseus
proctalgia|pain in the rectum
proctitis|inflammation of the rectum;marked by bloody stools and a frequent urge to defecate;frequently associated with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
proctologist|a doctor specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus
proctology|the branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the colon or rectum or anus
proctoplasty|reconstructive surgery of the anus or rectum
proctor|someone who supervises (an examination)
proctorship|the position of proctor
proctoscope|an endoscope for examining the rectum
proctoscopy|visual examination of the rectum and the end of the colon by means of a proctoscope
procurator|(ancient Rome) someone employed by the Roman Emperor to manage finance and taxes
procurement|the act of getting possession of something - "he was responsible for the procurement of materials and supplies"
procurer|someone who obtains or acquires - "the procurer of opera tickets"
procuress|a woman pimp
procursive epilepsy|epilepsy in which a seizure is induced by whirling or running
procyclidine|drug (trade name Kemadrin) used to reduce tremors in Parkinsonism
Procyon|the brightest star in Canis Minor;the type genus of the family Procyonidae;raccoons
procyonid|plantigrade carnivorous mammals
Procyonidae|raccoons;coatis;cacomistles;kinkajous;and sometimes pandas
prod|a pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion
prodigal|a recklessly extravagant consumer
prodigy|an impressive or wonderful example of a particular quality;an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person;someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration - "she is a chess prodigy"
prodrome|an early symptom that a disease is developing or that an attack is about to occur
produce|fresh fruits and vegetable grown for the market
producer|someone who finds financing for and supervises the making and presentation of a show (play or film or program or similar work);something that produces - "Maine is a leading producer of potatoes" - "this microorganism is a producer of disease"
producer gas|a gas made of carbon monoxide and hydrogen and nitrogen;made by passing air over hot coke
producer price index|an index of changes in wholesale prices
product|a chemical substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction - "a product of lime and nitric acid";a consequence of someone's efforts or of a particular set of circumstances - "skill is the product of hours of practice" - "his reaction was the product of hunger and fatigue";a quantity obtained by multiplication - "the product of 2 and 3 is 6";an artifact that has been created by someone or some process - "they improve their product every year" - "they export most of their agricultural production"
product development|improving an existing product or developing new kinds of products
product introduction|the introduction (usually by an advertising campaign) of a new product or product line
product research|marketing research that yields information about desired characteristics of the product or service
production|(economics) manufacturing or mining or growing something (usually in large quantities) for sale - "he introduced more efficient methods of production";(law) the act of exhibiting in a court of law - "the appellate court demanded the production of all documents";a display that is exaggerated or unduly complicated - "she tends to make a big production out of nothing";a presentation for the stage or screen or radio or television - "have you seen the new production of Hamlet?";the act or process of producing something - "Shakespeare's production of poetry was enormous" - "the production of white blood cells";the creation of value or wealth by producing goods and services
production cost|combined costs of raw material and labor incurred in producing goods
production line|mechanical system in a factory whereby an article is conveyed through sites at which successive operations are performed on it
production order|an order that initiates the manufacturing process
productiveness|the quality of being productive or having the power to produce
productivity|(economics) the ratio of the quantity and quality of units produced to the labor per unit of time
product-moment correlation coefficient|the most commonly used method of computing a correlation coefficient between variables that are linearly related
proenzyme|any of a group of compounds that are inactive precursors of enzymes and require some change (such as the hydrolysis of a fragment that masks an active enzyme) to become active
profanation|blasphemous behavior;the act of depriving something of its sacred character;degradation of something worthy of respect;cheapening
profaneness|an attitude of irreverence or contempt for a divinity;unholiness by virtue of being profane
profanity|vulgar or irreverent speech or action
profession|affirmation of acceptance of some religion or faith - "a profession of Christianity";an occupation requiring special education (especially in the liberal arts or sciences);an open avowal (true or false) of some belief or opinion - "a profession of disagreement";the body of people in a learned occupation - "the news spread rapidly through the medical profession"
professional|a person engaged in one of the learned professions;an athlete who plays for pay
professional association|an association of practitioners of a given profession
professional baseball|playing baseball for money
professional basketball|playing basketball for money
professional boxing|boxing for money
professional football|football played for pay
professional golf|playing golf for money
professional organization|an organization of and for professional people
professional relation|the relation that exists when one person requests and is granted professional help from a qualified source
professional tennis|playing tennis for money
professional wrestling|wrestling for money
professionalism|the expertness characteristic of a professional person
professionalization|the social process whereby people come to engage in an activity for pay or as a means of livelihood - "the professionalization of American sports" - "the professionalization of warfare"
professor|someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
professorship|the position of professor
proficiency|skillfulness in the command of fundamentals deriving from practice and familiarity - "practice greatly improves proficiency";the quality of having great facility and competence
profile|a vertical section of the Earth's crust showing the different horizons or layers;an analysis (often in graphical form) representing the extent to which something exhibits various characteristics - "a biochemical profile of blood" - "a psychological profile of serial killers";an outline of something (especially a human face as seen from one side);biographical sketch
profiling|recording a person's behavior and analyzing psychological characteristics in order to predict or assess their ability in a certain sphere or to identify a particular group of people
profit|the advantageous quality of being beneficial
profit and loss|an account compiled at the end of an accounting period to show gross and net profit or loss
profit sharing|a system in which employees receive a share of the net profits of the business
profit taker|someone who sells stock shares at a profit
profitableness|the quality of affording gain or benefit or profit
profiteer|someone who makes excessive profit (especially on goods in short supply)
profiterole|a small hollow pastry that is typically filled with cream and covered with chocolate
profligacy|dissolute indulgence in sensual pleasure
profoundness|extremeness of degree - "the profoundness of his ignorance"
profundity|intellectual depth;penetrating knowledge;keen insight;etc
profusion|the property of being extremely abundant - "the profusion of detail"
progenitor|an ancestor in the direct line
progeria|a rare abnormality marked by premature aging (grey hair and wrinkled skin and stooped posture) in a child
progesterone|a steroid hormone (trade name Lipo-Lutin) produced in the ovary;prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy
progestin|any of a group of steroid hormones that have the effect of progesterone
prognathism|the condition of being prognathous;the condition of having a projecting jaw
Progne|a genus of Hirundinidae
prognosis|a prediction about how something (as the weather) will develop;a prediction of the course of a disease
program|(computer science) a sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute - "the program required several hundred lines of code";a performance (or series of performances) at a public presentation - "the program lasted more than two hours";a system of projects or services intended to meet a public need - "he proposed an elaborate program of public works" - "working mothers rely on the day care program";an announcement of the events that will occur as part of a theatrical or sporting event - "you can't tell the players without a program"
program music|musical compositions intended to evoke images or remind the listener of events
program trading|a trading technique involving large blocks of stock with trades triggered by computer programs
programma|an edict that has been publicly posted
programmer|a person who designs and writes and tests computer programs
programming|creating a sequence of instructions to enable the computer to do something
programming language|(computer science) a language designed for programming computers
progress|a movement forward - "he listened for the progress of the troops";the act of moving forward (as toward a goal)
progress report|a report of work accomplished during a specified time period
progression|a series with a definite pattern of advance
progressive|a tense of verbs used in describing action that is on-going
progressive aspect|the aspect of a verb that expresses its on-going action
Progressive Party|a former political party in the United States;founded by Theodore Roosevelt during the presidential campaign of 1912;its emblem was a picture of a bull moose
progressive rock|a style of rock music that emerged in the 1970s;associated with attempts to combine rock with jazz and other forms;intended for listening and not dancing
progressive tax|any tax in which the rate increases as the amount subject to taxation increases
progressive vaccinia|a severe or even fatal form of vaccinia that occurs mainly in persons with an immunological deficiency;characterized by progressive enlargement of the initial lesion
progressiveness|advancement toward better conditions or policies or methods
progressivism|the political orientation of those who favor progress toward better conditions in government and society
progymnosperm|an ancestral fossil type from which modern gymnosperms are thought to have derived
prohibition|a decree that prohibits something;a law forbidding the sale of alcoholic beverages - "in 1920 the 18th amendment to the Constitution established prohibition in the US";refusal to approve or assent to;the action of prohibiting or inhibiting or forbidding (or an instance thereof) - "they were restrained by a prohibition in their charter";the period from 1920 to 1933 when the sale of alcoholic beverages was prohibited in the United States by a constitutional amendment
Prohibition Party|a political party in the United States;formed in 1869 to oppose the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages
project|a planned undertaking
projectile|a weapon that is forcibly thrown or projected at a targets but is not self-propelled
projection|(psychiatry) a defense mechanism by which your own traits and emotions are attributed to someone else;a prediction made by extrapolating from past observations;any solid convex shape that juts out from something;any structure that branches out from a central support;the acoustic phenomenon that gives sound a penetrating quality - "our ukuleles have been designed to have superior sound and projection" - "a prime ingredient of public speaking is projection of the voice";the projection of an image from a film onto a screen;the representation of a figure or solid on a plane as it would look from a particular direction
projectionist|the person who operates the projector in a movie house
projective geometry|the geometry of properties that remain invariant under projection
projective test|any personality test designed to yield information about someone's personality on the basis of their unrestricted response to ambiguous objects or situations
projector|an optical device for projecting a beam of light;an optical instrument that projects an enlarged image onto a screen
prokaryote|a unicellular organism having cells lacking membrane-bound nuclei;bacteria are the prime example but also included are blue-green algae and actinomycetes and mycoplasma
Prokhorov|Russian physicist whose research into ways of moving electrons around atoms led to the development of masers and lasers for producing high-intensity radiation (1916-2002)
Prokofiev|Russian composer of ballets and symphonies and operas (1891-1953)
prolactin|gonadotropic hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary;in females it stimulates growth of the mammary glands and lactation after parturition
prolamine|a simple protein found in plants
prolapse|the slipping or falling out of place of an organ (as the uterus)
prolate cycloid|a cycloid generated by a point outside the rolling circle
prolegomenon|a preliminary discussion inserted at the beginning of a book or treatise
prolepsis|anticipating and answering objections in advance
proletarian|a member of the working class (not necessarily employed)
pro-life faction|those who argue that induced abortion is killing and should be prohibited
pro-lifer|an advocate of full legal protection for embryos and fetuses;someone opposed to legalized induced abortion
proliferation|a rapid increase in number (especially a rapid increase in the number of deadly weapons) - "the proliferation of nuclear weapons";growth by the rapid multiplication of parts
proline|an amino acid that is found in many proteins (especially collagen)
prolixity|boring verbosity
Prolog|a computer language designed in Europe to support natural language processing
prologue|an introduction to a play
prolongation|the act of prolonging something - "there was an indefinite prolongation of the peace talks"
prolonge|a rope fitted with a hook and used for towing a gun carriage
prolonge knot|a knot in the rope used to drag a gun carriage
prolonged interrogation|a form of psychological torture inflicted by questioning the victim for hours
promenade|a formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year;a march of all the guests at the opening of a formal dance;a public area set aside as a pedestrian walk;a square dance figure;couples march counterclockwise in a circle
promethazine|antihistamine (trade name Phenergan) used to treat allergies;also an antiemetic used to treat motion sickness
Prometheus|(Greek mythology) the Titan who stole fire from Olympus and gave it to mankind;Zeus punished him by chaining him to a rock where an eagle gnawed at his liver until Hercules rescued him
promethium|a soft silvery metallic element of the rare earth group having no stable isotope;was discovered in radioactive form as a fission product of uranium
prominence|relative importance;the state of being prominent;widely known or eminent
promiscuity|indulging in promiscuous (casual and indiscriminate) sexual relations
promise|a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future;grounds for feeling hopeful about the future - "there is little or no promise that he will recover"
Promised Land|the goal towards which Christians strive
promisee|a person to whom a promise is made
promiser|a person who makes a promise
promontory|a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)
promoter|someone who is an active supporter and advocate
promotion|a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution;act of raising in rank or position;encouragement of the progress or growth or acceptance of something
promotion system|a system for advancing participants to higher-status positions
promotional expense|the cost of promoting a product
prompt|(computer science) a symbol that appears on the computer screen to indicate that the computer is ready to receive a command;a cue given to a performer (usually the beginning of the next line to be spoken) - "the audience could hear his prompting"
prompt box|a booth projecting above the floor in the front of a stage where the prompter sits;opens toward the performers on stage
promptbook|the copy of the playscript used by the prompter
prompter|a device that displays words for people to read;someone who assists a performer by providing the next words of a forgotten speech
promptness|the characteristic of doing things without delay
promulgation|the official announcement of a new law or ordinance whereby the law or ordinance is put into effect
promulgator|(law) one who promulgates laws (announces a law as a way of putting it into execution)
promycelium|the basidium of various fungi
pronation|rotation of the hands and forearms so that the palms face downward
pronator|a muscle that produces or assists in pronation
proneness|being disposed to do something - "accident proneness"
prong|a pointed projection
pronghorn|fleet antelope-like ruminant of western North American plains with small branched horns
pronominal phrase|a phrase that functions as a pronoun
pronoun|a function word that is used in place of a noun or noun phrase
pronouncement|an authoritative declaration
pronucleus|the nucleus of the ovum or sperm after fertilization but before they fuse to form the nucleus of the zygote
pronunciation|the manner in which someone utters a word - "they are always correcting my pronunciation";the way a word or a language is customarily spoken - "the pronunciation of Chinese is difficult for foreigners" - "that is the correct pronunciation"
proof|(printing) an impression made to check for errors;a formal series of statements showing that if one thing is true something else necessarily follows from it;a measure of alcoholic strength expressed as an integer twice the percentage of alcohol present (by volume);a trial photographic print from a negative;any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something - "if you have any proof for what you say, now is the time to produce it"
proof spirit|a mixture containing half alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit
proofreader|someone who reads proof in order to find errors and mark corrections
prop|a support placed beneath or against something to keep it from shaking or falling
prop root|a root that grows from and supports the stem above the ground in plants such as mangroves
propaedeutic|a course that provides an introduction to an art or science (or to more advanced study generally)
propaganda|information that is spread for the purpose of promoting some cause
propagandist|a person who disseminates messages calculated to assist some cause or some government
propagation|the movement of a wave through a medium;the spreading of something (a belief or practice) into new regions
propagator|someone who propagates plants (as under glass);someone who spreads the news
propanal|a colorless liquid aldehyde
propane|colorless gas found in natural gas and petroleum;used as a fuel
propanol|a clear colorless volatile liquid (alcohol) used as a solvent and antiseptic
propanolol|the first beta blocker (trade name Inderal) used in treating hypertension and angina pectoris and essential tremor
proparoxytone|word having stress or acute accent on the antepenult
propellant|any substance that propels
propellant explosive|an explosive that is used to propel projectiles from guns or to propel rockets and missiles or to launch torpedos and depth charges
propeller|a mechanical device that rotates to push against air or water
propeller plane|an airplane that is driven by a propeller
propenal|a pungent colorless unsaturated liquid aldehyde made from propene
propenoate|a salt or ester of propenoic acid
propenoic acid|an unsaturated liquid carboxylic acid used in the manufacture of acrylic resins
propenonitrile|a colorless liquid unsaturated nitrile made from propene
proper fraction|a fraction with a numerator smaller than the denominator
proper noun|a noun that denotes a particular thing;usually capitalized
property|a basic or essential attribute shared by all members of a class;a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished - "self-confidence is not an endearing property";any movable articles or objects used on the set of a play or movie;something owned;any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone - "that hat is my property" - "he is a man of property"
property line|the boundary line between two pieces of property
property man|member of the stage crew in charge of properties
property right|the legal right of ownership
property settlement|(matrimonial law) the division of property owned or acquired by marriage partners during their marriage
property tax|a capital tax on property imposed by municipalities;based on the estimated value of the property
prophase|the first stage of meiosis;the first stage of mitosis
prophecy|a prediction uttered under divine inspiration;knowledge of the future (usually said to be obtained from a divine source)
prophet|an authoritative person who divines the future;someone who speaks by divine inspiration;someone who is an interpreter of the will of God
prophetess|a woman prophet
Prophets|the second of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures
prophylaxis|the prevention of disease
prophyll|a plant structure resembling a leaf
propionic acid|a liquid fatty acid found in milk and sweat and in fuel distillates
propjet|an airplane with an external propeller that is driven by a turbojet engine
proportion|harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design) - "in all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance"- John Ruskin;magnitude or extent - "a building of vast proportions";the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole;the relation between things (or parts of things) with respect to their comparative quantity, magnitude, or degree - "an inordinate proportion of the book is given over to quotations" - "a dry martini has a large proportion of gin"
proportional|one of the quantities in a mathematical proportion
proportional counter tube|counter tube whose output pulse is proportional to number of ions produced
proportional font|any font whose different characters have different widths
proportional representation|representation of all parties in proportion to their popular vote
proportional tax|any tax in which the rate is constant as the amount subject to taxation increases
proportionality|a ratio of two quantities that is constant
proposal|something proposed (such as a plan or assumption);the act of making a proposal - "they listened to her proposal"
proposer|(parliamentary procedure) someone who makes a formal motion
proposition|(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false;a task to be dealt with - "securing adequate funding is a time-consuming proposition";an offer for a private bargain (especially a request for sexual favors)
propositional logic|a branch of symbolic logic dealing with propositions as units and with their combinations and the connectives that relate them
propositus|the person immediately affected by or concerned with an action
propoxyphene|a mildly narcotic analgesic drug (trade name Darvon) related to methadone but less addictive
proprietary colony|a colony given to a proprietor to govern (in 17th century)
proprietorship|an unincorporated business owned by a single person who is responsible for its liabilities and entitled to its profits
proprietorship certificate|a certificate showing who is responsible in an individually owned business
proprietress|a woman proprietor
propriety|correct or appropriate behavior
proprioception|the ability to sense the position and location and orientation and movement of the body and its parts
proprioceptor|special nerve endings in the muscles and tendons and other organs that respond to stimuli regarding the position and movement of the body
proprionamide|the amide of propionic acid (C2H5CONH2)
props|proper respect - "I have to give my props to the governor for the way he handled the problem"
propulsion|a propelling force;the act of propelling
propulsion system|a system that provides a propelling or driving force
propyl|the monovalent organic group C3H7- obtained from propane
propylene|a flammable gas obtained by cracking petroleum;used in organic synthesis
propylene glycol|a sweet colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used as an antifreeze and in brake fluid and also as a humectant in cosmetics and personal care items although it can be absorbed through the skin with harmful effects
propylthiouracil|a crystalline compound used as an antithyroid drug in the treatment of goiter
proration|the proportional limitation of production or distribution of something (e.g. crude oil or natural gas) to some fractional part of the total capacity of each producer
prorogation|discontinuation of the meeting (of a legislative body) without dissolving it
Prosauropoda|the earliest known dinosaurs
proscenium|the part of a modern theater stage between the curtain and the orchestra (i.e., in front of the curtain);the wall that separates the stage from the auditorium in a modern theater
proscenium arch|the arch over the opening in the proscenium wall
prosciutto|Italian salt-cured ham usually sliced paper thin
prose|matter of fact, commonplace, or dull expression;ordinary writing as distinguished from verse
prose poem|prose that resembles poetry
prosecution|the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior;the lawyers acting for the state to put the case against the defendant
prosecutor|a government official who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state
proselyte|a new convert;especially a gentile converted to Judaism
proselytism|the practice of proselytizing;the state of being a proselyte;spiritual rebirth resulting from the zeal of crusading advocacy of the gospel
Proserpina|goddess of the underworld;counterpart of Greek Persephone
prosimian|primitive primates having large ears and eyes and characterized by nocturnal habits
Prosimii|not used in all classifications;in some classifications considered coextensive with the Lemuroidea;in others includes both Lemuroidea and Tarsioidea
prosiness|commonplaceness as a consequence of being humdrum and not exciting
prosody|the patterns of stress and intonation in a language;the study of poetic meter and the art of versification
Prosopis|genus of tropical or subtropical branching shrubs or trees;mesquite
Prosopium|whitefishes
prospect|the possibility of future success - "his prospects as a writer are excellent"
prospector|someone who explores an area for mineral deposits
prospectus|a formal written offer to sell securities (filed with the SEC) that sets forth a plan for a (proposed) business enterprise - "a prospectus should contain the facts that an investor needs to make an informed decision"
prosperity|an economic state of growth with rising profits and full employment;the condition of prospering;having good fortune
prostaglandin|a potent substance that acts like a hormone and is found in many bodily tissues (and especially in semen);produced in response to trauma and may affect blood pressure and metabolism and smooth muscle activity
prostate cancer|cancer of the prostate gland
prostate gland|a firm partly muscular chestnut sized gland in males at the neck of the urethra;produces a viscid secretion that is the fluid part of semen
prostate specific antigen|a protein manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland;PSA is produced for the ejaculate where it liquifies the semen and allows sperm cells to swim freely;elevated levels of PSA in blood serum are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
prostatectomy|surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland
prostatitis|inflammation of the prostate gland characterized by perineal pain and irregular urination and (if severe) chills and fever
prosthesis|corrective consisting of a replacement for a part of the body
prosthetics|the branch of medicine dealing with the production and use of artificial body parts
prosthetist|an expert in prosthetics
prosthion|craniometric point that is the most anterior point in the midline on the alveolar process of the maxilla
prosthodontics|the branch of dentistry dealing with the replacement of teeth and related mouth or jaw structures by artificial devices
prosthodontist|a dentist who is expert in prosthodontics
prostitute|a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money
prostitution|offering sexual intercourse for pay
prostration|abject submission;the emotional equivalent of prostrating your body;the act of assuming a prostrate position
protactinium|a short-lived radioactive metallic element formed from uranium and disintegrating into actinium and then into lead
protagonist|the principal character in a work of fiction
protamine|a simple protein found in fish sperm;rich in arginine;simpler in composition than globulin or albumin;counteracts the anticoagulant effect of heparin
protanopia|dichromacy characterized by lowered sensitivity to long wavelengths of light resulting in an inability to distinguish red and purplish blue
protea|any tropical African shrub of the genus Protea having alternate rigid leaves and dense colorful flower heads resembling cones
Proteaceae|large family of Australian and South African shrubs and trees with leathery leaves and clustered mostly tetramerous flowers;constitutes the order Proteales
Proteales|coextensive with the family Proteaceae
protease|any enzyme that catalyzes the splitting of proteins into smaller peptide fractions and amino acids by a process known as proteolysis
protease inhibitor|an antiviral drug used against HIV;interrupts HIV replication by binding and blocking HIV protease;often used in combination with other drugs
protection|payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence - "every store in the neighborhood had to pay him protection";the activity of protecting someone or something - "the witnesses demanded police protection";the condition of being protected - "they were huddled together for protection" - "he enjoyed a sense of peace and protection in his new home";the imposition of duties or quotas on imports in order to protect domestic industry against foreign competition - "he made trade protection a plank in the party platform"
protectionism|the policy of imposing duties or quotas on imports in order to protect home industries from overseas competition
protectionist|an advocate of protectionism
protective coloration|coloration making an organism less visible or attractive to predators
protective covering|a covering that is intend to protect from damage or injury;the tough natural covering of some organisms
protective fold|a flap of tissue that protects what it covers
protective garment|clothing that is intended to protect the wearer from injury
protective tariff|a tariff imposed to protect domestic firms from import competition
protectiveness|a feeling of protective affection;the quality of providing protection - "statistical evidence for the protectiveness of vaccination"
protectorate|a state or territory partly controlled by (but not a possession of) a stronger state but autonomous in internal affairs;protectorates are established by treaty
protectorship|the position of protector
protege|a person who receives support and protection from an influential patron who furthers the protege's career
protegee|a woman protege
Proteidae|mud puppies
protein|any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells;consist of polymers of amino acids;essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues;can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes - "a diet high in protein"
protein folding|the process whereby a protein molecule assumes its intricate three-dimensional shape - "understanding protein folding is the next step in deciphering the genetic code"
protein molecule|any large molecule containing chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
Proteles|aardwolf
proteolysis|the hydrolysis of proteins into peptides and amino acids by cleavage of their peptide bonds
proteome|the full complement of proteins produced by a particular genome
proteomics|the branch of genetics that studies the full set of proteins encoded by a genome
proteosome vaccine|a form of vaccine that can be administered by an inhaler
Proterochampsa|early archosaurian carnivore
Proterozoic|from 2,500 to 544 million years ago;bacteria and fungi;primitive multicellular organisms
protest|a formal and solemn declaration of objection - "they finished the game under protest to the league president" - "the senator rose to register his protest" - "the many protestations did not stay the execution";the act of making a strong public expression of disagreement and disapproval - "he shouted his protests at the umpire" - "a shower of protest was heard from the rear of the hall";the act of protesting;a public (often organized) manifestation of dissent
protest march|occasion when you can express opposition by marching (usually on some government institution) without a license
Protestant|an adherent of Protestantism
Protestant Church|the Protestant churches and denominations collectively
Protestant denomination|group of Protestant congregations
Protestantism|the theological system of any of the churches of western Christendom that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation
protestation|a strong declaration of protest
Proteus|(Greek mythology) a prophetic god who served Poseidon;was capable of changing his shape at will;type genus of the Proteidae
prothalamion|a song in celebration of a marriage
prothorax|the anterior part of an insect's thorax;bears the first pair of legs
prothrombin|a protein in blood plasma that is the inactive precursor of thrombin
prothrombinase|coagulation factor that is converted to an enzyme that converts prothrombin to thrombin in a reaction that depends on calcium ions and other coagulation factors
protist|free-living or colonial organisms with diverse nutritional and reproductive modes
Protista|eukaryotic one-celled living organisms distinct from multicellular plants and animals;protozoa, slime molds, and eukaryotic algae
Protium|genus of chiefly tropical American trees having fragrant wood and yielding gum elemi
Protium guianense|tropical American tree
Protium heptaphyllum|tropical American tree
protoarcheology|the study of prehistoric human artifacts and human fossils
protoavis|most primitive avian type known;extinct bird of the Triassic having bird-like jaw and hollow limbs and breastbone with dinosaur-like tail and hind limbs
protoceratops|small horned dinosaur
protocol|(computer science) rules determining the format and transmission of data;code of correct conduct - "safety protocols" - "academic protocol";forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state
protoctist|any of the unicellular protists
protoctist family|any of the families of Protoctista
protoctist genus|any genus of Protoctista
protoctist order|the order of protoctists
Protoctista|in most modern classifications, replacement for the Protista;includes;Protozoa;Euglenophyta;Chlorophyta;Cryptophyta;Heterokontophyta;Rhodophyta;unicellular protists and their descendant multicellular organisms;regarded as distinct from plants and animals
protohippus|Pliocene horse approaching donkeys in size
protohistory|the study humans prior to the invention of writing
Proto-Indo European|a prehistoric unrecorded language that was the ancestor of all Indo-European languages
protology|the study of origins and first things - "To Christians, protology refers to God's fundamental purpose for humanity"
proton|a stable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an electron
proton accelerator|a collider that collides beams of protons and antiprotons
Proto-Norse|the Germanic language of Scandinavia up until about 700
proto-oncogene|a normal gene that has the potential to become an oncogene
protoplasm|the substance of a living cell (including cytoplasm and nucleus)
protoplasmic astrocyte|a kind of astrocyte found in the grey matter
Prototheria|echidnas;platypus
prototherian|primitive oviparous mammals found only in Australia and Tasmania and New Guinea
prototype|a standard or typical example - "he is the prototype of good breeding"
Protozoa|in some classifications considered a superphylum or a subkingdom;comprises flagellates;ciliates;sporozoans;amoebas;foraminifers
protozoal infection|any infection caused by a protozoan
protozoan|any of diverse minute acellular or unicellular organisms usually nonphotosynthetic
protozoologist|a zoologist who studies protozoans
protozoology|the branch of zoology that studies protozoans
protractor|drafting instrument used to draw or measure angles
protriptyline|tricyclic antidepressant used to treat clinical depression
Protropin|trade name of a synthetic human growth hormone given to children deficient in the hormone;use by athletes and weightlifters is banned
protrusion|the act of projecting out from something
protuberance|the condition of being protuberant;the condition of bulging out - "the protuberance of his belly"
Protura|minute wingless arthropods;telsontails
proturan|any of several minute primitive wingless and eyeless insects having a cone-shaped head;inhabit damp soil or decaying organic matter
proud flesh|the swollen tissue around a healing wound or ulcer
Proudhon|French socialist who argued that property is theft (1809-1865)
Proust|French novelist (1871-1922)
Provencal|the medieval dialects of Langue d'oc (southern France)
Provence|a former province of southeastern France;now administered with Cote d'Azur
proverb|a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
Proverbs|an Old Testament book consisting of proverbs from various Israeli sages (including Solomon)
providence|a manifestation of God's foresightful care for his creatures;the guardianship and control exercised by a deity - "divine providence";the prudence and care exercised by someone in the management of resources;the capital and largest city of Rhode Island;located in northeastern Rhode Island on Narragansett Bay;site of Brown University
provider|someone who provides the means for subsistence
province|the proper sphere or extent of your activities - "it was his province to take care of himself"
provincial|(Roman Catholic Church) an official in charge of an ecclesiastical province acting under the superior general of a religious order - "the general of the Jesuits receives monthly reports from the provincials"
provincial capital|the capital city of a province
provincialism|a lack of sophistication
proving ground|a workplace for testing new equipment or ideas
provirus|cDNA copy of the RNA genome of a retrovirus;the genetic material of a virus as incorporated into and able to replicate with the genome of a host cell
provision|a stipulated condition - "he accepted subject to one provision";a store or supply of something (especially of food or clothing or arms);the activity of supplying or providing something
provitamin|vitamin precursor;a substance that is converted into a vitamin in animal tissues
provitamin A|an orange isomer of an unsaturated hydrocarbon found in many plants;is converted into vitamin A in the liver
Provo|a city in north central Utah settled by Mormons
provocation|needed encouragement - "the result was a provocation of vigorous investigation"
provost|a high-ranking university administrator
provost court|a military court for trying people charged with minor offenses in an occupied area
provost guard|a detachment under the command of a provost marshall
provost marshal|the supervisor of the military police
prowl|the act of prowling (walking about in a stealthy manner)
prowler|someone who prowls or sneaks about;usually with unlawful intentions
proxemics|the study of spatial distances between individuals in different cultures and situations
Proxima|the nearest star to the sun;distance;4.3 light years
proximity|a Gestalt principle of organization holding that (other things being equal) objects or events that are near to one another (in space or time) are perceived as belonging together as a unit;the property of being close together;the region close around a person or thing
proxy|a person authorized to act for another;a power of attorney document given by shareholders of a corporation authorizing a specific vote on their behalf at a corporate meeting
proxy fight|a measure used by an acquirer to gain control of a takeover target;acquirer tries to persuade other shareholders that the management of the target should be replaced
proxy war|a war instigated by a major power that does not itself participate
prude|a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum
prudence|discretion in practical affairs
Prudhoe Bay|a bay on the northern coast of Alaska where oil was discovered in 1968
Prumnopitys|mostly dioecious evergreen conifers;leaves are softer than in Podocarpus
prune|dried plum
prune cake|moist cake containing prunes that have been made into a puree
prune whip|dessert made of prune puree and whipped cream
Prunella|small genus of perennial mostly Eurasian having terminal spikes of small purplish or white flowers;type genus of the Prunellidae
Prunellidae|hedge sparrow
pruner|a long-handled pruning saw with a curved blade at the end and sometimes a clipper;used to prune small trees;a worker who thins out and trims trees and shrubs - "untouched by the pruner's axe"
pruning|something that has been pruned off of a plant;the act of trimming a plant
pruning knife|a knife with a curved or hooked blade
pruning saw|a handsaw used for pruning trees
pruning shears|shears with strong blades used for light pruning of woody plants
pruno|a liquor concocted from a mixture of ingredients (such as prunes and raisins and milk and sugar) that can be fermented to produce alcohol;made by prison inmates
Prunus|a genus of shrubs and trees of the family Rosaceae that is widely distributed in temperate regions
prurience|feeling morbid sexual desire or a propensity to lewdness
prurigo|chronic inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by blister capped papules and intense itching
pruritus|an intense itching sensation that can have various causes (as by allergies or infection or lymphoma or jaundice etc.)
pruritus ani|chronic itching of the skin around the anus
pruritus vulvae|persistent itching of the external female genitalia
Prussia|a former kingdom in north-central Europe including present-day northern Germany and northern Poland - "in the 19th century Prussia led the economic and political unification of the German states"
Prussian|a German inhabitant of Prussia
Prussian blue|a dark greenish-blue color
Przewalski's horse|wild horse of central Asia that resembles an ass;now endangered
PSA blood test|a blood test that measures levels of a protein called prostate specific antigen that is manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland;men with prostate problems usually have elevated levels of PSA
psalm|any sacred song used to praise the deity;one of the 150 lyrical poems and prayers that comprise the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament;said to have been written by David
psalmist|a composer of sacred songs
psalmody|the act of singing psalms or hymns
Psalms|an Old Testament book consisting of a collection of 150 Psalms
Psalter|a collection of Psalms for liturgical use
psalterium|the third compartment of the stomach of a ruminant
psaltery|an ancient stringed instrument similar to the lyre or zither but having a trapezoidal sounding board under the strings
Psaltriparus|a genus of Paridae
psammoma|a tumor derived from fibrous tissue of the meninges or choroid plexus or certain other structures associated with the brain;characterized by sandlike particles
Psenes|a genus of Stromateidae
psephologist|a sociologist who studies election trends
psephology|the branch of sociology that studies election trends (as by opinion polls)
Psephurus|a genus of Polyodontidae
Psetta|a genus of Bothidae
Psettichthys|a genus of Soleidae
Pseudacris|chorus frogs
Pseudaletia|moths whose larvae are armyworms
Pseudechis|venomous Australian blacksnakes
Pseudemys|sliders;red-bellied terrapin
Pseudepigrapha|52 texts written between 200 BC and AD 200 but ascribed to various prophets and kings in the Hebrew scriptures;many are apocalyptic in nature
Pseudobombax|tropical American deciduous shrubs or small trees
pseudobulb|a solid bulblike enlargement of the stem of some orchids
Pseudococcidae|scalelike insects;mealybugs
Pseudococcus|type genus of the Pseudococcidae
Pseudocolus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Clathraceae
pseudoephedrine|poisonous crystalline alkaloid occurring with ephedrine and isomorphic with it
pseudohallucination|an image vivid enough to be a hallucination but recognized as unreal
pseudohermaphrodite|someone having external genitalia of one sex and internal sex organs of the other sex;not a true hermaphrodite because there is no ambiguity in the sex of the external genitalia and hence no question about gender at birth
pseudohermaphroditism|congenital condition in which a person has external genitalia of one sex and internal sex organs of the other sex
Pseudolarix|one species;golden larch
pseudomonad|bacteria usually producing greenish fluorescent water-soluble pigment;some pathogenic for plants and animals
Pseudomonadales|one of two usually recognized orders of true bacteria;Gram-negative spiral or spherical or rod-shaped bacteria usually motile by polar flagella;some contain photosynthetic pigments
Pseudomonas|type genus of the family Pseudomonodaceae
Pseudomonas pyocanea|a species of aerobic bacteria
Pseudomonodaceae|rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria;include important plant and animal pathogens
pseudonym|a fictitious name used when the person performs a particular social role
pseudophloem|false phloem
Pseudopleuronectes|a genus of Pleuronectidae
pseudopod|temporary outgrowth used by some microorganisms as an organ of feeding or locomotion
Pseudoryx|species of large cow-like mammals of Vietnam discovered by scientists in 1992
pseudoscience|an activity resembling science but based on fallacious assumptions
Pseudotaxus|one species
Pseudotsuga|douglas fir;closely related to genera Larix and Cathaya
Pseudowintera|evergreen shrubs or small trees of Australia and New Zealand
psi|the 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet
Psidium|guavas
psilocybin|a hallucinogenic compound obtained from a mushroom
psilomelane|a mineral consisting of hydrated basic oxide of manganese and barium;a source of manganese
Psilophytaceae|Paleozoic plants
Psilophytales|Paleozoic simple dichotomously branched plants of Europe and eastern Canada including the oldest known vascular land plants
psilophyte|any plant of the order Psilophytales;a savannah plant
psilophyton|any plant or fossil of the genus Psilophyton
Psilopsida|whisk ferns;comprising the family Psilotaceae or Psilotatae;vascular plants with no roots, partial if any leaf differentiation, and rudimentary spore sacs
psilosis|falling out of hair
Psilotaceae|small family of lower ferns having nearly naked stems and minute scalelike leaves
Psilotales|lower vascular plants having dichotomously branched sporophyte divided into aerial shoot and rhizome and lacking true roots
Psilotum|type genus of the Psilotaceae
Psithyrus|a large bee that resembles the bumblebee but lacks pollen-collecting apparatus and a worker caste
Psittacidae|coextensive with the order Psittaciformes
Psittaciformes|an order of birds including parrots and amazons and cockatoos and lorikeets and lories and macaws and parakeets
psittacosaur|primitive dinosaur actually lacking horns and having only the beginning of a frill;long hind limbs and short forelimbs;may have been bipedal
psittacosis|an atypical pneumonia caused by a rickettsia microorganism and transmitted to humans from infected birds;infectious disease of birds
Psittacula|a genus of Psittacidae
Psittacus|type genus of the Psittacidae;usually restricted to the African grey
psoas|either of two muscles of the abdomen and pelvis that flex the trunk and rotate the thigh
psocid|small winged insect living on the bark and leaves of trees and feeding on e.g. fungi and decaying plant matter
Psocidae|a family of small soft-bodied insects that feed on decaying vegetation;related to booklice
Psocoptera|an order of insects;includes booklice and bark-lice
psocopterous insect|small soft-bodied insect with chewing mouthparts and either no wings or two pairs
Psophia|type genus of the Psophiidae;trumpeters
Psophiidae|trumpeters
Psophocarpus|species of tropical Asian and African climbing herbs
Psoralea|widely distributed genus of herbs or shrubs with glandular compound leaves and spicate or racemose purple or white flowers
psoriasis|a chronic skin disease characterized by dry red patches covered with scales;occurs especially on the scalp and ears and genitalia and the skin over bony prominences
psoriatic arthritis|a form of rheumatoid arthritis usually affecting fingers and toes and associated with psoriasis
Psyche|(Greek mythology) a beautiful princess loved by Cupid who visited her at night and told her she must not try to see him;became the personification of the soul
psychedelia|the subculture of users of psychedelic drugs
psychedelic rock|a musical style that emerged in the 1960s;rock music inspired by or related to drug-induced experience
psychiatrist|a physician who specializes in psychiatry
psychiatry|the branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
psychic|a person apparently sensitive to things beyond the natural range of perception
psychic communication|communication by paranormal means
psychic energy|an actuating force or factor
psychic phenomena|phenomena that appear to contradict physical laws and suggest the possibility of causation by mental processes
psychoactive drug|a drug that can produce mood changes and distorted perceptions
psychoanalysis|a set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and a method of treating various mental disorders;based on the theories of Sigmund Freud - "his physician recommended psychoanalysis"
psychoanalytic process|a process that is assumed to occur in psychoanalytic theory
psychobabble|using language loaded with psychological terminology
psychodid|a fly of the family Psychodidae
Psychodidae|very small two-winged flies with hairy wings that develop in moss and damp vegetable matter;sand flies
psychodynamics|the branch of social psychology that deals with the processes and emotions that determine psychology and motivation;the interrelation of conscious and unconscious processes and emotions that determine personality and motivation
psychogenesis|a general term for the origin and development of almost any aspect of the mind;the development in the life of an individual of some disorder that is caused by psychological rather than physiological factors
psycholinguist|a person (usually a psychologist but sometimes a linguist) who studies the psychological basis of human language
psycholinguistics|the branch of cognitive psychology that studies the psychological basis of linguistic competence and performance
psychological feature|a feature of the mental life of a living organism
psychological moment|the most appropriate time for achieving a desired effect
psychological operation|military actions designed to influence the perceptions and attitudes of individuals, groups, and foreign governments
psychological state|(psychology) a mental condition in which the qualities of a state are relatively constant even though the state itself may be dynamic
psychological warfare|the use of psychological tactics to destroy the opponents' morale
psychologist|a scientist trained in psychology
psychology|the science of mental life
psychology department|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in psychology
psychometry|any branch of psychology concerned with psychological measurements
psychomotor development|progressive acquisition of skills involving both mental and motor activities
psychomotor epilepsy|epilepsy characterized clinically by impairment of consciousness and amnesia for the episode;often involves purposeful movements of the arms and legs and sometimes hallucinations
psychopharmacology|the study of drugs that affect the mind
psychophysicist|a psychologist trained in psychophysics
psychophysics|the branch of psychology concerned with quantitative relations between physical stimuli and their psychological effects
psychopomp|a conductor of souls to the afterworld - "Hermes was their psychopomp"
Psychopsis|epiphytic orchids of Central and South America formerly included in genus Oncidium
Psychopsis krameriana|orchid of South and Central America having flowers similar to but smaller than Psychopsis papilio;sometimes placed in genus Oncidium
Psychopsis papilio|orchid of South America and Trinidad having large yellow and reddish-brown flowers;sometimes placed in genus Oncidium
psychosexual development|(psychoanalysis) the process during which personality and sexual behavior mature through a series of stages;first oral stage and then anal stage and then phallic stage and then latency stage and finally genital stage
psychosexuality|the mental representation of sexual activities
psychosis|any severe mental disorder in which contact with reality is lost or highly distorted
psychosomatic disorder|a mental disorder that causes somatic symptoms
psychosurgery|brain surgery on human patients intended to relieve severe and otherwise intractable mental or behavioral problems
psychotherapist|a therapist who deals with mental and emotional disorders
psychotherapy|the branch of psychiatry concerned with psychological methods;the treatment of mental or emotional problems by psychological means
psychotherapy group|a meeting of people for psychotherapeutic purposes
psychotic|a person afflicted with psychosis
psychotic depression|a state of depression so severe that the person loses contact with reality and suffers a variety of functional impairments
Psychotria|tropical chiefly South American shrubs and trees
psychotropic agent|a chemical substance that can influence human consciousness
psychrometer|a hygrometer consisting of a dry-bulb thermometer and a wet-bulb thermometer;their difference indicates the dryness of the surrounding air
Psyllidae|jumping plant lice
PT boat|a small fast unarmored and lightly armed torpedo boat;P(atrol) T(orpedo) boat
Ptah|a major Egyptian god;shaper of the world;father of gods and men;worshipped especially at Memphis
ptarmigan|large Arctic and subarctic grouse with feathered feet and usually white winter plumage
Pteridaceae|one of a number of families into which the family Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems;Pteridaceae is itself in turn sometimes further subdivided
Pteridium|a genus of ferns belonging to the family Dennstaedtiaceae
pteridologist|an expert in the study of ferns
pteridology|the branch of botany that studies ferns
Pteridophyta|containing all the vascular plants that do not bear seeds;ferns, horsetails, club mosses, and whisk ferns;in some classifications considered a subdivision of Tracheophyta
pteridophyte|plants having vascular tissue and reproducing by spores
Pteridospermae|used in some classification systems;a group of extinct fossil gymnosperms coextensive with the order Cycadofilicales
Pteridospermopsida|extinct gymnosperms most of Carboniferous to Jurassic;seed ferns and allies
Pteriidae|pearl oysters
pterion|the craniometric point in the region of the sphenoid fontanelle
Pteris|large genus of terrestrial ferns of tropics and subtropics;sometimes placed in family Polypodiaceae
Pteris cretica|cultivated in many varieties as houseplants
Pternohyla|burrowing tree frogs
Pterocarpus|genus of tropical trees or climbers having usually broadly winged pods
Pterocarya|Asiatic nut trees;wing nuts
Pterocles|type genus of the Pteroclididae
Pteroclididae|sandgrouses
Pterocnemia|a genus of birds of the family Rheidae
pterodactyl|extinct flying reptile
Pterodactylidae|a reptile family in the order Pterosauria
Pterodactylus|a reptile genus of Pterodactylidae
Pterois|lionfishes
pteropogon|southern Australian plant having feathery hairs surrounding the fruit
Pteropsida|used in former classifications to include all ferns and flowering plants and divided into the three classes Filicinae and Gymnospermae and Angiospermae
Pteropus|a genus of Megachiroptera
Pteropus capestratus|a variety of fruit bat
Pteropus hypomelanus|a variety of fruit bat
pterosaur|an extinct reptile of the Jurassic and Cretaceous having a bird-like beak and membranous wings supported by the very long fourth digit of each forelimb
Pterosauria|extinct flying reptiles;pterosaurs
Pterospermum|genus of tropical Asian trees and shrubs
Pterostylis|genus of terrestrial orchids of Australia and New Zealand and western Pacific
pterygium|either of two thickened triangular layers of conjunctiva extending from the nasal edge of the eye to the cornea;it arises from irritation of the pinguecula
pterygoid muscle|muscle descending from the sphenoid bone to the lower jaw
pterygoid plexus|a plexus of veins draining the region of the pterygoid muscles and draining into the internal maxillary and anterior facial veins
pterygoid process|two bony processes descending from the body of the sphenoid bone
Ptilocercus|pentails
Ptilocrinus|sea lilies
Ptilonorhynchidae|bowerbirds
Ptilonorhynchus|type genus of the Ptilonorhynchidae
Ptloris|a genus of Paradisaeidae
Ptolemaic system|(astronomy) Ptolemy's model of the universe with the Earth at the center
Ptolemy|Alexandrian astronomer (of the 2nd century) who proposed a geocentric system of astronomy that was undisputed until the late Renaissance;an ancient dynasty of Macedonian kings who ruled Egypt from 323 BC to 30 BC;founded by Ptolemy I and ended with Cleopatra
Ptolemy I|the king of Egypt who founded the Macedonian dynasty in Egypt;a close friend and general of Alexander the Great who took charge of Egypt after Alexander died (circa 367-285 BC)
Ptolemy II|son of Ptolemy I and king of Egypt who was said to be responsible for the Septuagint (circa 309-247 BC)
ptomaine|a term for food poisoning that is no longer in scientific use;food poisoning was once thought to be caused by ingesting ptomaines;any of various amines (such as putrescine or cadaverine) formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria
ptosis|drooping of the upper eyelid caused by muscle paralysis and weakness
ptyalin|an amylase secreted in saliva
ptyalism|excessive flow of saliva
ptyalith|calculus in a salivary gland
Ptyas|Asian rat snakes
Ptychozoon|flying geckos
p-type semiconductor|a semiconductor in which electrical conduction is due chiefly to the movement of positive holes
pub crawl|a tour of bars or public houses (usually taking one drink at each stop)
puberty|the time of life when sex glands become functional
pubes|the lower part of the abdomen just above the external genital organs
pubic hair|hair growing in the pubic area
pubis|one of the three sections of the hipbone;together these two bones form the front of the pelvis
public|a body of people sharing some common interest - "the reading public"
public address system|an electronic amplification system used as a communication system in public areas
public charity|a charity that is deemed to receive the major part of its support from the public (rather than from a small group of individuals)
public debt|the total of the nation's debts;debts of local and state and national governments;an indicator of how much public spending is financed by borrowing instead of taxation
public defender|a lawyer who represents indigent defendants at public expense
public discussion|free and open discussion of (or debate on) some question of public interest - "such a proposal deserves thorough public discussion"
public domain|property rights that are held by the public at large
public easement|any easement enjoyed by the public in general (as the public's right to use public streets)
public house|tavern consisting of a building with a bar and public rooms;often provides light meals
public knowledge|knowledge that is available to anyone
public law|a law affecting the public at large
public library|a nonprofit library maintained for public use
public nuisance|a nuisance that unreasonably interferes with a right that is common to the general public - "a public nuisance offends the public at large"
public office|a position concerning the people as a whole
public opinion|a belief or sentiment shared by most people;the voice of the people - "he asked for a poll of public opinion"
public property|property owned by a government
public relations|a promotion intended to create goodwill for a person or institution
public relations person|a person employed to establish and promote a favorable relationship with the public
public school|a tuition free school in the United States supported by taxes and controlled by a school board;private independent secondary school in Great Britain supported by endowment and tuition
public servant|someone who holds a government position (either by election or appointment)
public service|employment within a government system (especially in the civil service)
public speaking|delivering an address to a public audience
public square|an open area at the meeting of two or more streets
public toilet|a toilet that is available to the public
public transit|a public transportation system for moving passengers
public transport|conveyance for passengers or mail or freight
public treasury|a treasury for government funds
public works|structures (such as highways or schools or bridges or docks) constructed at government expense for public use
publican|the keeper of a public house
publication|a copy of a printed work offered for distribution;the business of issuing printed matter for sale or distribution;the communication of something to the public;making information generally known
publicist|someone who publicizes
publicity|the quality of being open to public view - "the publicity of the court room"
public-relations campaign|an advertising campaign intended to improve public relations
publisher|a firm in the publishing business;a person engaged in publishing periodicals or books or music;the proprietor of a newspaper
publishing conglomerate|a conglomerate of publishing companies
Puccini|Italian operatic composer noted for the dramatic realism of his operas (1858-1924)
Puccinia|type genus of the Pucciniaceae;a large genus of parasitic fungi including many that are destructive to various economic plants
Pucciniaceae|large important family of rust fungi
puccoon|perennial plant of eastern North America having hairy foliage yielding a red or yellow pigment
puce|a color varying from dark purplish brown to dark red
Puck|a mischievous sprite of English folklore;a vulcanized rubber disk 3 inches in diameter that is used instead of a ball in ice hockey
pucker|an irregular fold in an otherwise even surface (as in cloth)
pudding|(British) the dessert course of a meal ('pud' is used informally);any of various soft sweet desserts thickened usually with flour and baked or boiled or steamed;any of various soft thick unsweetened baked dishes - "corn pudding"
pudding face|a large fat human face
pudding stone|a composite rock made up of particles of varying size
puddingwife|bluish and bronze wrasse;found from Florida keys to Brazil
puddle|a mixture of wet clay and sand that can be used to line a pond and that is impervious to water when dry
puddler|a worker who turns pig iron into wrought iron by puddling
pudendal artery|arteries supplying the external genital organs of humans
pudendal block|regional anesthesia resulting from the use of a local anesthetic to deaden the pudendal nerves in the region of the vulva and labia majora;used to ease discomfort during childbirth
pudendal cleft|the fissure between the labia majora
pudendal vein|vein of the pudendum
pudendum|human external genital organs collectively especially of a female
pudge|a short fat person
Puebla|a city in south central Mexico (southeast of Mexico City) on the edge of central Mexican plateau
Pueblo|a city in Colorado to the south of Colorado Springs;a member of any of about two dozen Native American peoples called 'Pueblos' by the Spanish because they live in pueblos (villages built of adobe and rock);a communal village built by Indians in the southwestern United States
Pueraria|genus of woody Asiatic vines;kudzu
puerpera|a woman in childbirth or shortly thereafter
puerperal fever|serious form of septicemia contracted by a woman during childbirth or abortion (usually attributable to unsanitary conditions);formerly widespread but now uncommon
puerperium|time period following childbirth when the mother's uterus shrinks and the other functional and anatomic changes of pregnancy are resolved - "a perinatologist cared for her during the puerperium"
Puerto Rican|a native or resident of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico|a self-governing commonwealth associated with the United States occupying the island of Puerto Rico;the smallest and easternmost of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean
puff|a light inflated pastry or puff shell;a short light gust of air;a slow inhalation (as of tobacco smoke) - "he took a puff on his pipe";exaggerated praise (as for promotional purposes)
puff adder|large African viper that inflates its body when alarmed
puff batter|batter for making light hollow cases to hold various fillings
puff paste|dough used for very light flaky rich pastries
puffball|any of various fungi of the family Lycoperdaceae whose round fruiting body discharges a cloud of spores when mature
puffbird|brownish tropical American bird having a large head with fluffed out feathers
puffed rice|puffy rice kernels
puffed wheat|puffy wheat berries
puffer|any of numerous marine fishes whose elongated spiny body can inflate itself with water or air to form a globe;several species contain a potent nerve poison;closely related to spiny puffers
puffery|a flattering commendation (especially when used for promotional purposes)
puffin|any of two genera of northern seabirds having short necks and brightly colored compressed bills
puffing|an act of forcible exhalation;blowing tobacco smoke out into the air - "they smoked up the room with their ceaseless puffing"
Puffinus|shearwaters
pug|small compact smooth-coated breed of Asiatic origin having a tightly curled tail and broad flat wrinkled muzzle
pug nose|a short nose;flattened and turned up at the end
Puget Sound|an inlet of the North Pacific in northwestern Washington State
Pugin|English architect who played a prominent role in the 19th century revival of Gothic architecture (1812-1852)
Puglia|a region in southeastern Italy on the Adriatic
puissance|power to influence or coerce - "the puissance of the labor vote"
Pujunan|a Penutian language spoken by the Maidu
puka|small roundheaded New Zealand tree having large resinous leaves and panicles of green-white flowers;South American shrub or small tree having long shining evergreen leaves and panicles of green or yellow flowers
Puka Inti|a small but violent terrorist organization formed in Ecuador in the early 1990s;responsible for bombing several government buildings
puku|an African antelope closely related to the waterbuck
pul|100 puls equal 1 afghani in Afghanistan
pula|the basic unit of money in Botswana
pulasan|East Indian fruit tree bearing fruit similar to but sweeter than that of the rambutan;fruit of an East Indian tree similar to the rambutan but sweeter
pulchritude|physical beauty (especially of a woman)
Pulex|type genus of the Pulicidae
Pulex irritans|the most common flea attacking humans
Pulicaria|genus of temperate Old World herbs;fleabane
Pulicidae|many common fleas attacking humans and domestic animals
Pulitzer|United States newspaper publisher (born in Hungary) who established the Pulitzer prizes (1847-1911)
pull|a device used for pulling something - "he grabbed the pull and opened the drawer";a sustained effort - "it was a long pull but we made it";special advantage or influence - "the chairman's nephew has a lot of pull";the act of pulling;applying force to move something toward or with you - "the pull up the hill had him breathing harder" - "his strenuous pulling strained his back";the force used in pulling - "the pull of the moon" - "the pull of the current"
pull chain|a chain (usually with a handle at the end) that is pulled in order to operate some mechanism (e.g. to flush a toilet)
pullback|(military) the act of pulling back (especially an orderly withdrawal of troops) - "the pullback is expected to be over 25,000 troops";a device (as a decorative loop of cord or fabric) for holding or drawing something back - "the draperies were drawn to the sides by pullbacks"
puller|someone who applies force so as to cause motion toward herself or himself;someone who pulls or tugs or drags in an effort to move something
pullet|young hen usually less than a year old
pulley|a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope
pull-in|a roadside cafe especially for lorry drivers
Pullman|luxurious passenger car;for day or night travel
pull-off|designated paved area beside a main road where cars can stop temporarily
pullorum disease|a serious bacterial disease of young chickens
pullover|a sweater that is put on by pulling it over the head
pull-through|cleaning implement consisting of an oily rag attached by a cord to a weight;is pulled through the barrel of a rifle or handgun to clean it
pullulation|a rapid and abundant increase;asexual reproduction in which a local growth on the surface or in the body of the parent becomes a separate individual
pull-up|an arm exercise performed by pulling yourself up on a horizontal bar until your chin is level with the bar
pulmonary anthrax|a form of anthrax infection acquired by inhalation of dust containing Bacillus anthracis;initial symptoms (chill and cough and dyspnea and rapid pulse) are followed by extreme cardiovascular collapse
pulmonary artery|one of two arteries (branches of the pulmonary trunk) that carry venous blood from the heart to the lungs
pulmonary circulation|circulation of blood between the heart and the lungs
pulmonary congestion|congestion in the lungs
pulmonary embolism|blockage of the pulmonary artery by foreign matter or by a blood clot
pulmonary plexis|one of two autonomic nerve plexuses in each lung
pulmonary reserve|the additional volume of air that the lungs can inhale and exhale when breathing to the limit of capacity in times of stress
pulmonary stenosis|abnormal narrowing of the opening into the pulmonary artery from the right ventricle
pulmonary trunk|the artery that carries venous blood from the right ventricle of the heart and divides into the right and left pulmonary arteries
pulmonary tuberculosis|involving the lungs with progressive wasting of the body
pulmonary valve|a semilunar valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery;prevents blood from flowing from the artery back into the heart
pulmonary vein|any of four veins that carry arterial blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart
Pulmonata|large order of gastropods usually breathing by means of a lung-like sac comprising most land snails and slugs and many freshwater snails
pulp|a mixture of cellulose fibers;a soft moist part of a fruit;an inexpensive magazine printed on poor quality paper;any soft or soggy mass - "he pounded it to a pulp";the soft inner part of a tooth
pulp cavity|the central cavity of a tooth containing the pulp (including the root canal)
pulpwood|softwood used to make paper
pulque|fermented Mexican drink from juice of various agave plants especially the maguey
pulsar|a degenerate neutron star;small and extremely dense;rotates very fast and emits regular pulses of polarized radiation
Pulsatilla|includes a group of plants that in some classifications are included in the genus Anemone;pasqueflowers
pulsation|(electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients) - "the pulsations seemed to be coming from a star";a periodically recurring phenomenon that alternately increases and decreases some quantity
pulse|edible seeds of various pod-bearing plants (peas or beans or lentils etc.);the rate at which the heart beats;usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of a person's health;the rhythmic contraction and expansion of the arteries with each beat of the heart
pulse counter|an electronic counter that counts the number of electric pulses
pulse generator|a generator of single or multiple voltage pulses;usually adjustable for pulse rate
pulse modulation|modulation that imposes a signal on a train of pulses
pulse timing circuit|a circuit that times pulses
pulse-time modulation|modulation of the time between successive pulses
pulverization|annihilation by pulverizing something
pumice|a light glass formed on the surface of some lavas;used as an abrasive
pump|a low-cut shoe without fastenings;a mechanical device that moves fluid or gas by pressure or suction
pump action|action mechanism in a modern rifle or shotgun;a back and forward motion of a sliding lever ejects the empty shell case and cocks the firearm and loads a new round
pump house|a house where pumps (e.g. to irrigate) are installed and operated
pump priming|introducing water into a pump to improve the seal and start the water flowing
pump room|a pump house at a spa where medicinal waters are pumped and where patrons gather
pump well|an enclosure in the middle of a ship's hold that protects the ship's pumps
pump-and-dump scheme|an illegal scheme for making money by manipulating stock prices;the schemer persuades other people to buy the stock and then sells it himself as soon as the price of the stock rises
pumpkin|a coarse vine widely cultivated for its large pulpy round orange fruit with firm orange skin and numerous seeds;subspecies of Cucurbita pepo include the summer squashes and a few autumn squashes;usually large pulpy deep-yellow round fruit of the squash family maturing in late summer or early autumn
pumpkin ash|timber tree of central and southeastern United States having hairy branchlets and a swollen trunk base
pumpkin pie|pie made of mashed pumpkin and milk and eggs and sugar
pumpkin seed|the edible seed of a pumpkin
pumpkinseed|small brilliantly colored North American sunfish
pump-type pliers|a type of pliers
pun|a humorous play on words - "I do it for the pun of it" - "his constant punning irritated her"
punch|(boxing) a blow with the fist;a tool for making holes or indentations;an iced mixed drink usually containing alcohol and prepared for multiple servings;normally served in a punch bowl
punch bowl|a large bowl for serving beverages;usually with a ladle
punch line|the point of a joke or humorous story
punch pliers|punch consisting of pliers for perforating paper or leather
punch press|a power driven press used to shape metal parts
punchboard|a small board full of holes;each hole contains a slip of paper with symbols printed on it;a gambler pays a small sum for the privilege of pushing out a slip in the hope of obtaining one that entitles him to a prize
punched card|a card on which data can be recorded in the form of punched holes
puncher|someone who delivers punches
punching bag|a person on whom another person vents their anger - "he resigned because his boss used him as a punching bag";an inflated ball or bag that is suspended and punched for training in boxing
punch-up|a fistfight - "the quarrel ended in a punch-up"
punctilio|a fine point of etiquette or petty formality;strict observance of formalities
punctuality|the quality or habit of adhering to an appointed time
punctuated equilibrium|a theory of evolution holding that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow change
punctuation|something that makes repeated and regular interruptions or divisions;the marks used to clarify meaning by indicating separation of words into sentences and clauses and phrases;the use of certain marks to clarify meaning of written material by grouping words grammatically into sentences and clauses and phrases
punctum|(anatomy) a point or small area
puncture|a small hole made by a sharp object;loss of air pressure in a tire when a hole is made by some sharp object;the act of puncturing or perforating
pung|a one-horse sleigh consisting of a box on runners
pungapung|putrid-smelling aroid of southeastern Asia (especially the Philippines) grown for its edible tuber
pungency|a strong odor or taste property - "the pungency of mustard";wit having a sharp and caustic quality - "he commented with typical pungency"
Punic|the Phoenician dialect of ancient Carthage
Punic War|one of the three wars between Carthage and Rome that resulted in the destruction of Carthage and its annexation by Rome;264-241 BC, 218-201 BC, 149-146 BC
Punica|coextensive with the family Punicaceae
Punicaceae|one species;pomegranates
puniness|smallness of stature
punishment|the act of punishing
punitive damages|(law) compensation in excess of actual damages (a form of punishment awarded in cases of malicious or willful misconduct)
Punjab|a historical region on northwestern India and northern Pakistan
Punjabi|a member of the majority people of Punjab in northwestern India;the Indic language spoken by most people in Punjab in northwestern India
punk|substance that smolders when ignited;used to light fuses (especially fireworks)
punk rock|rock music with deliberately offensive lyrics expressing anger and social alienation;in part a reaction against progressive rock
punk rocker|a teenager or young adult who is a performer (or enthusiast) of punk rock and a member of the punk youth subculture
punkah|a large fan consisting of a frame covered with canvas that is suspended from the ceiling;used in India for circulating air in a room
punkie|minute two-winged insect that sucks the blood of mammals and birds and other insects
punks|a youth subculture closely associated with punk rock music in the late 1970s;in part a reaction to the hippy subculture;dress was optional but intended to shock (plastic garbage bags or old school uniforms) and hair was dyed in bright colors (in Mohican haircuts or sometimes spiked in bright plumes)
punnet|a small light basket used as a measure for fruits
punster|someone overly fond of making puns
punt|(football) a kick in which the football is dropped from the hands and kicked before it touches the ground - "the punt traveled 50 yards" - "punting is an important part of the game";an open flat-bottomed boat used in shallow waters and propelled by a long pole
Punta Arenas|a city in southern Chile on the Strait of Magellan;the southernmost city in the world
punter|(football) a person who kicks the football by dropping it from the hands and contacting it with the foot before it hits the ground;someone who propels a boat with a pole
pup|young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
pup tent|a wedge-shaped tent;usually without a floor or windows
pupa|an insect in the inactive stage of development (when it is not feeding) intermediate between larva and adult
pupil|the contractile aperture in the center of the iris of the eye;resembles a large black dot
pupillary sphincter|a ring of smooth muscle surrounding the iris
puppet|a doll with a hollow head of a person or animal and a cloth body;intended to fit over the hand and be manipulated with the fingers;a small figure of a person operated from above with strings by a puppeteer
puppet government|a government that is appointed by and whose affairs are directed by an outside authority that may impose hardships on those governed
puppet ruler|a leader or ruler who is chosen by a despot to head a government
puppet show|a show in which the actors are puppets
puppeteer|one who operates puppets or marionettes
puppetry|a stilted dramatic performance (as if by puppets);the art of making puppets and presenting puppet shows
Puppis|a constellation in the southern hemisphere between Vela and Canis Major that shaped like the stern of a boat
puppy|a young dog;an inexperienced young person
puppy fat|fat on the body of a baby or child;disappears at adolescence
puppy love|temporary love of an adolescent
Purace|an inactive volcano in the Andes in southern Colombia;last erupted in 1950
Purana|a body of 18 works written between the first and 11th centuries and incorporating legends and speculative histories of the universe and myths and customary observances
Purcell|English organist at Westminster Abbey and composer of many theatrical pieces (1659-1695)
purchase|a means of exerting influence or gaining advantage - "he could get no purchase on the situation";something acquired by purchase;the acquisition of something for payment - "they closed the purchase with a handshake"
purchase contract|a contract stating the terms of a purchase
purchase price|the price at which something is actually purchased
purchasing agent|an agent who purchases goods or services for another
purchasing department|the division of a business that is responsible for purchases
purdah|a screen used in India to separate women from men or strangers;the traditional Hindu or Muslim system of keeping women secluded
pure absence|an absence seizure without other complications;followed by 3-per-sec brainwave spikes
pure imaginary number|an imaginary number of the form a+bi where a is 0
pure mathematics|the branches of mathematics that study and develop the principles of mathematics for their own sake rather than for their immediate usefulness
puree|food prepared by cooking and straining or processed in a blender
purgative|a purging medicine;stimulates evacuation of the bowels
purgatory|(theology) in Roman Catholic theology the place where those who have died in a state of grace undergo limited torment to expiate their sins;a temporary condition of torment or suffering - "a purgatory of drug abuse"
purge|an abrupt or sudden removal of a person or group from an organization or place - "he died in a purge by Stalin";an act of removing by cleansing;ridding of sediment or other undesired elements;the act of clearing yourself (or another) from some stigma or charge
purification|a ceremonial cleansing from defilement or uncleanness by the performance of appropriate rites;the act of cleaning by getting rid of impurities;the act of purging of sin or guilt;moral or spiritual cleansing - "purification through repentance"
purifier|an apparatus for removing impurities
Purim|(Judaism) a Jewish holy day commemorating their deliverance from massacre by Haman
purine|a colorless crystalline organic base containing nitrogen;the parent compound of various biologically important substances;any of several bases that are derivatives of purine
purism|scrupulous or exaggerated insistence on purity or correctness (especially in language) - "linguistic purisms"
purist|someone who insists on great precision and correctness (especially in the use of words)
Puritan|a member of a group of English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the Protestant Reformation under Elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship;someone who adheres to strict religious principles;someone opposed to sensual pleasures
Puritanism|strictness and austerity in conduct and religion;the beliefs and practices characteristic of Puritans (most of whom were Calvinists who wished to purify the Church of England of its Catholic aspects)
purity|being undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material;the state of being unsullied by sin or moral wrong;lacking a knowledge of evil
Purkinje|Bohemian physiologist remembered for his discovery of Purkinje cells and the Purkinje network (1787-1869)
Purkinje cell|a large densely branching neuron that is the characteristic cell of the cerebellar cortex
Purkinje fiber|a specialized cardiac muscle fiber that is part of the Purkinje network
Purkinje network|a network of Purkinje fibers that carry the cardiac impulse from the atrioventricular node to the ventricles of the heart and causes them to contract
purl|a basic knitting stitch;gold or silver wire thread
purloo|thick stew made of rice and chicken and small game;southern U.S.
purple|a purple color or pigment;of imperial status - "he was born to the purple"
purple anise|small shrubby tree with purple flowers;found in wet soils of southeastern United States
purple apricot|small hybrid apricot of Asia and Asia Minor having purplish twigs and white flowers following by inferior purple fruit
purple bacteria|free-living Gram-negative pink to purplish-brown bacteria containing bacteriochlorophyll
purple chinese houses|white and lavender to pale-blue flowers grow in perfect rings of widely spaced bands around the stems forming a kind of pagoda;California
purple clematis|climber of northeastern North America having waxy purplish-blue flowers
purple cress|small perennial herb of cooler regions of North America with racemose purple flowers
purple emperor|large European butterfly the male of which has wings shaded with purple
purple finch|North American finch having a raspberry-red head and breast and rump
purple fringeless orchid|orchid of northeastern and alpine eastern North America closely related to the purple fringed orchids but having rosy-purple or violet flowers with denticulate leaf divisions
purple gallinule|gallinules with showy purplish plumage
purple grackle|eastern United States grackle
purple heather|semi-prostrate evergreen herb of western United States
purple locoweed|tufted locoweed of southwestern United States having purple or pink to white flowers
purple loosestrife|marsh herb with a long spike of purple flowers;originally of Europe but now rampant in eastern United States
purple martin|large North American martin of which the male is blue-black
purple milk vetch|perennial of southern and western Europe having dense racemes of purple or violet flowers
purple mullein|Eurasian mullein with showy purple or pink flowers
purple onion|flat mild onion having purplish tunics;used as garnish on hamburgers and salads
purple passage|a passage full of ornate and flowery language
purple poppy mallow|hairy perennial of central United States having round deeply lobed leaves and loose panicles of large crimson-purple or cherry-red flowers
purple rock brake|very short shallowly creeping North American fern usually growing on cliffs or walls and having dark glossy leaf axes
purple sage|silvery-leaved California herb with purple flowers
purple sanicle|sanicle of northwestern United States and British Columbia having yellow or red or purple flowers
purple saxifrage|plants forming dense cushions with bright reddish-lavender flowers;rocky areas of Europe and Asia and western North America
purple silkweed|perennial of eastern North America having pink-purple flowers
purple trillium|trillium of eastern North America having malodorous pink to purple flowers and an astringent root used in folk medicine especially to ease childbirth
purple willow|Eurasian osier having reddish or purple twigs and bark rich in tannin
purple-fringed orchid|North American orchid similar to Habenaria psycodes with larger paler flowers;North American orchid with clusters of fragrant purple fringed flowers
purple-stemmed aster|a variety of aster
purplish blue|a shade of blue tinged with purple
purplish red|a red with a tinge of purple
purpose|an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
purposefulness|the quality of having a definite purpose
purposelessness|the quality of lacking any definite purpose
purpura|any of several blood diseases causing subcutaneous bleeding
purr|a low vibrating sound typical of a contented cat
purse|a small bag for carrying money;a sum of money offered as a prize - "the purse barely covered the winner's expenses";a sum of money spoken of as the contents of a money purse - "he made the contribution out of his own purse" - "he and his wife shared a common purse"
purse seine|a seine designed to be set by two boats around a school of fish and then closed at the bottom by means of a line
purse string|a drawstring used to close the mouth of a purse
purser|an officer aboard a ship who keeps accounts and attends to the passengers' welfare
purslane|a plant of the family Portulacaceae having fleshy succulent obovate leaves often grown as a potherb or salad herb;a weed in some areas
purslane speedwell|North American annual with small white flowers widely naturalized as a weed in South America and Europe
pursuance|the continuance of something begun with a view to its completion
pursued|a person who is being chased - "the film jumped back and forth from the pursuer to the pursued"
pursuer|a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture - "always before he had been able to outwit his pursuers";a person who pursues some plan or goal - "a pursuer of truth"
pursuit|a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria - "the pursuit of love";the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture - "the culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit"
purulence|symptom of being purulent (containing or forming pus)
purulent pleurisy|a collection of pus in the lung cavity
Purus|a Brazilian river;tributary of the Amazon River
purveyance|the act of supplying something
purveyor|someone who supplies provisions (especially food)
pus|a fluid product of inflammation;the tenth month of the Hindu calendar
Pusan|a city in southeastern South Korea on the Korean Strait;the chief port and second largest city
Pusey|English theologian who (with John Henry Newman and John Keble) founded the Oxford movement (1800-1882)
pus-forming bacteria|bacteria that produce pus
push|an effort to advance - "the army made a push toward the sea";the act of applying force in order to move something away - "he gave the door a hard push" - "the pushing is good exercise";the force used in pushing - "the push of the water on the walls of the tank"
push broom|a wide broom that is pushed ahead of the sweeper
push button|an electrical switch operated by pressing - "the elevator was operated by push buttons"
Pushan|celestial shepherd god;conductor of souls of the dead
pushball|a game using a leather ball six feet in diameter;the two side try to push it across the opponents' goal
push-bike|a bicycle that must be pedaled
push-button radio|a radio receiver that can be tuned by pressing buttons
push-down list|a list in which the next item to be removed is the item most recently stored (LIFO)
push-down queue|a queue in which the last item to go in is the first item to come out (LIFO)
push-down storage|a storage device that handles data so that the next item to be retrieved is the item most recently stored (LIFO)
pusher|a sandal attached to the foot by a thong over the toes;an unlicensed dealer in illegal drugs;one who intrudes or pushes himself forward;someone who pushes
Pushkin|Russian poet (1799-1837)
pushover|someone who is easily taken advantage of
pushup|an arm exercise performed lying face to the floor and pushing the body up and down with the arms
pusillanimity|contemptible fearfulness
pussy willow|small willow of eastern North America having greyish leaves and silky catkins that come before the leaves
pussycat|a person who is regarded as easygoing and agreeable
pussy-paw|pink clusters of densely packed flowers on prostrate stems resemble upturned pads of cats' feet;grow in coniferous forests of western North America
pustule|a small inflamed elevation of skin containing pus;a blister filled with pus
put option|an option to sell;the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
putamen|the outer reddish part of the lenticular nucleus
put-down|a crushing remark
Putin|Russian statesman chosen as president of the Russian Federation in 2000;formerly director of the Federal Security Bureau (born in 1952)
putoff|a pretext for delay or inaction
putout|an out resulting from a fielding play (not a strikeout) - "the first baseman made 15 putouts"
put-put|a small gasoline engine (as on motor boat)
Putrajaya|Malaysia's sparkling new capital
putrefaction|a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
putrescence|in a state of progressive putrefaction;the quality of rotting and becoming putrid
putrescine|a colorless crystalline ptomaine with a foul odor that is produced in decaying animal matter
putridity|the state of being putrid
putt|hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter - "his putting let him down today;he didn't sink a single putt over three feet"
puttee|a strip of cloth wound around the leg to form legging;used by soldiers in World War I
putter|a golfer who is putting;the iron normally used on the putting green
putterer|a person who putters about
putty|a dough-like mixture of whiting and boiled linseed oil;used especially to patch woodwork or secure panes of glass
putty knife|a spatula used to mix or apply putty
puttyroot|North American orchid bearing a single leaf and yellowish-brown flowers
putz|(Yiddish) a fool;an idiot
puzzle|a game that tests your ingenuity;a particularly baffling problem that is said to have a correct solution - "he loved to solve chessmate puzzles" - "that's a real puzzler"
pya|100 pyas equal 1 kyat in Myanmar
Pycnanthemum|American mountain mint
pycnidium|flask-shaped asexual structure containing conidia
pycnodysostosis|a form of dwarfism accompanied by fragile bones and bad teeth
Pycnogonida|sea spiders
pycnosis|a degenerative state of the cell nucleus
Pydna|a major victory by the Romans over the Macedonians in 168 BC;resulted in the downfall of the ancient Macedonian kingdom
pyelitis|inflammation of the renal pelvis
pyelogram|an X ray of the kidneys and ureters
pyelography|roentgenography of the kidney and ureters (usually after injection with a radiopaque dye)
pyelonephritis|inflammation of the kidney and its pelvis caused by bacterial infection
pyemia|septicemia caused by pus-forming bacteria being released from an abscess
Pygmalion|(Greek mythology) a king who created a statue of a woman and fell in love with it;Aphrodite brought the sculpture to life as Galatea
pygmy|an unusually small individual;any member of various peoples having an average height of less than five feet
pygmy chimpanzee|small chimpanzee of swamp forests in Zaire;a threatened species
pygmy cypress|rare small cypress native to northern California;sometimes considered the same species as gowen cypress
pygmy marmoset|the smallest monkey;of tropical forests of the Amazon
pygmy mouse|very small dark greyish brown mouse resembling a house mouse;of Texas and Mexico
pygmy sperm whale|small sperm whale of warm waters of both coasts of North America
Pygopodidae|Australian and Tasmanian lizards
Pygopus|type genus of the Pygopodidae;snake-shaped pleurodont lizard with no forelimbs and only rudimentary hind limbs
Pygoscelis|a genus of Spheniscidae
pyinma|relatively hard durable timber from the Queen's crape myrtle;light reddish brown, smooth and lustrous
Pyle|United States writer and illustrator of children's books (1853-1911)
Pylodictus|flathead catfishes
pylon|a large vertical steel tower supporting high-tension power lines - "power pylons are a favorite target for terrorists";a tower for guiding pilots or marking the turning point in a race
pyloric sphincter|the sphincter muscle of the pylorus that separates the stomach from the duodenum
pyloric stenosis|narrowing of the pyloric sphincter that blocks the passage of food from the stomach into the duodenum
pyloric vein|receives veins from the upper surfaces of the stomach and empties into the portal vein
pylorus|a small circular opening between the stomach and the duodenum
Pynchon|United States writer of pessimistic novels about life in a technologically advanced society (born in 1937)
pyocyanase|a yellow-green mixture of antibiotics obtained from the bacillus of green pus
pyocyanin|a toxic blue crystalline antibiotic found in green pus
Pyongyang|capital of North Korea and an industrial center - "Pyongyang is Korea's oldest city but little of its history has been preserved"
pyorrhea|chronic periodontitis;purulent inflammation of the teeth sockets;discharge of pus
Pyracantha|any of various thorny shrubs of the genus Pyracantha bearing small white flowers followed by hard red or orange-red berries
pyralid|usually tropical slender-bodied long-legged moth whose larvae are crop pests
Pyralidae|bee moths;corn borers;flour moths
Pyralis|type genus of the Pyralidae
pyramid|(stock market) a series of transactions in which the speculator increases his holdings by using the rising market value of those holdings as margin for further purchases;a polyhedron having a polygonal base and triangular sides with a common vertex;a massive monument with a square base and four triangular sides;begun by Cheops around 2700 BC as royal tombs in ancient Egypt
pyramid bugle|European evergreen carpeting perennial
pyramid scheme|a fraudulent scheme in which people are recruited to make payments to the person who recruited them while expecting to receive payments from the persons they recruit;when the number of new recruits fails to sustain the hierarchical payment structure the scheme collapses with most of the participants losing the money they put in
pyramidal tent|a large tent shaped like a pyramid;can hold half a dozen people
pyramidal tract|any of the important motor nerves on each side of the central nervous system that run from the sensorimotor areas of the cortex through the brainstem to motor neurons of the cranial nerve nuclei and the ventral root of the spinal cord
pyramiding|a fraudulent business practice involving some form of pyramid scheme e.g., the chain of distribution is artificially expanded by an excessive number of distributors selling to other distributors at progressively higher wholesale prices until retail prices are unnecessarily inflated
Pyrausta|moths whose larvae are corn borers
pyre|wood heaped for burning a dead body as a funeral rite
pyrene|a pale yellow crystalline hydrocarbon C16H10 extracted from coal tar;the small hard nutlet of a drupe or drupelet;the seed and the hard endocarp that surrounds it
Pyrenees|a chain of mountains between France and Spain
Pyrenees daisy|perennial of Portugal similar to the oxeye daisy
Pyrenomycetes|class of fungi in which the fruiting body is a perithecium;includes powdery mildews and ergot and Neurospora
pyrethrum|made of dried flower heads of pyrethrum plants;white-flowered pyrethrum of Balkan area whose pinnate leaves are white and silky-hairy below;source of an insecticide;sometimes placed in genus Chrysanthemum;used in former classifications for plants later placed in genus Chrysanthemum and now often included in genus Tanacetum
Pyrex|a borosilicate glass with a low coefficient of expansion;used for heat-resistant glassware in cooking and chemistry
pyridine|a toxic colorless flammable liquid organic base with a disagreeable odor;usually derived from coal
pyriform area|pear-shaped neural structure on either side of the brain in the rhinencephalon
pyrilamine|antihistamine used to treat rhinitis and pruritus
pyrimidine|a heterocyclic organic compound with a penetrating odor;any of several basic compounds derived from pyrimidine
pyrite|a common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow color
pyrites|any of various metallic-looking sulfides (of which pyrite is the commonest)
pyrocellulose|nitrocellulose containing less nitrogen than guncotton;used in making smokeless powder
Pyrocephalus|a genus of Tyrannidae
pyrochemical process|processes for chemical reactions at high temperatures
pyroelectricity|generation of an electric charge on certain crystals (such as tourmaline) as a result of a change in temperature
pyrogallol|a toxic white lustrous crystalline phenol used to treat certain skin diseases and as a photographic developer
pyrogen|any substance characterized by its great flammability;any substance that can cause a rise in body temperature
pyrograph|a design produced by pyrography
pyrographer|an artist who practices pyrography
pyrography|the act of producing drawings on wood or leather by using heated tools or a fine flame
Pyrolaceae|evergreen herbs of temperate regions;genera Pyrola, Chimaphila, Moneses, Orthilia
pyrolatry|the worship of fire
pyroligneous acid|a red-brown liquid formed in distillation of wood which contains acetic acid, methanol, acetone, wood oils, and tars
pyrolusite|a mineral consisting of manganese dioxide;an important source of manganese
pyrolysis|transformation of a substance produced by the action of heat
pyromancer|one who practices pyromancy
pyromancy|divination by fire or flames
pyromania|an uncontrollable desire to set fire to things
pyromaniac|a person with a mania for setting things on fire
pyrometer|a thermometer designed to measure high temperatures
pyrometric cone|a pyrometer consisting of a series of cones that melt at different temperatures
pyromorphite|a mineral consisting of lead chloride and phosphate;a minor source of lead
pyrope|a deep red garnet used as a gemstone
pyrophobia|a morbid fear of fire
pyrophoric alloy|an alloy that emits sparks when struck or scratched with steel;used in lighter flints
Pyrophorus|tropical click beetles
pyrophosphate|a salt or ester of pyrophosphoric acid
pyrophosphoric acid|a solid acid formed by reactions of orthophosphoric acid
pyrophyllite|a white or greenish aluminum silicate mineral (resembles talc)
pyrostat|a thermostat that operates at very high temperatures
pyrotechnics|(music) brilliance of display (as in the performance of music);the craft of making fireworks
pyroxene|any of a group of crystalline silicate mineral common in igneous and metamorphic rocks
pyroxylin|highly flammable nitrocellulose used in making collodion and plastics and lacquers
pyrrhic|a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables;an ancient Greek dance imitating the motions of warfare
Pyrrhic victory|a victory that is won by incurring terrible losses
Pyrrhocoridae|firebugs
pyrrhotite|a brownish iron sulfide mineral (FeS) having weak magnetic properties
Pyrrhula|bullfinches
pyrrhuloxia|crested grey-and-red bird of southwest United States and Mexico
Pyrrhus|king of Epirus;defeated the Romans in two battles in spite of staggering losses (319-272 BC)
Pyrrophyta|a division of lower plants comprising unicellular and biflagellate algae that form starchy compounds
Pyrrosia|epiphytic or lithophytic or terrestrial ferns of tropical Old World
Pyrularia|small genus of chiefly Asiatic parasitic shrubs
Pyrus|fruit trees native to the Old World;pears
pyruvic acid|a colorless acid formed as an important intermediate in metabolism or fermentation
Pythagoras|Greek philosopher and mathematician who proved the Pythagorean theorem;considered to be the first true mathematician (circa 580-500 BC)
Pythia|(Greek mythology) the priestess of Apollo at Delphi who transmitted the oracles
Pythiaceae|fungi having sporangia usually borne successively and singly at the tips of branching sporangiophores
Pythian Games|the ancient Panhellenic celebration at Delphi held every four years in the third year of the Olympiad in honor of Apollo
pythium|any fungus of the genus Pythium
Pythius|epithet for Apollo;from the dragon Python which he killed
Python|(Greek mythology) dragon killed by Apollo at Delphi;a soothsaying spirit or a person who is possessed by such a spirit;large Old World boas
pythoness|a witch with powers of divination
Pythonidae|in some classifications a family separate from Boidae comprising Old World boas
Pythoninae|Old World boas;pythons;in some classifications considered a separate family from Boidae
pyuria|presence of white blood cells in the urine;symptom of urinary tract infection
pyx|a chest in which coins from the mint are held to await assay;any receptacle in which wafers for the Eucharist are kept
Pyxidanthera|one species;pyxie;the eastern United States
pyxidium|fruit of such plants as the plantain;a capsule whose upper part falls off when the seeds are released
pyxie|creeping evergreen shrub having narrow overlapping leaves and early white star-shaped flowers;of the pine barrens of New Jersey and the Carolinas
Pyxis|a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Puppis and Antlia;a small box used by ancient Greeks to hold medicines
Q|the 17th letter of the Roman alphabet
Q fever|an acute disease resembling influenza
Qaddafi|Libyan leader who seized power in a military coup d'etat in 1969;deposed the Libyan monarchy and imposed socialism and Islamic orthodoxy on the country (born in 1942)
qadi|an Islamic judge
Qassam Brigades|the military arm of Hamas responsible for suicide bombings and other attacks on Israel
Qatar|a peninsula extending northward from the Arabian mainland into the Persian Gulf;an Arab country on the peninsula of Qatar;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1971;the economy is dominated by oil
Qatari|a native or inhabitant of Qatar
Qatari dirham|100 dirhams equal 1 riyal in Qatar
Qatari monetary unit|monetary unit in Qatar
Qatari riyal|the basic unit of money in Qatar
qepiq|100 qepiq equal 1 manat in Azerbaijan
qi|the circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things;in traditional Chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health
Qiang|the Tibeto-Burman language spoken in Sichuan
Qibla|a small terrorist group of Muslims in South Africa formed in the 1980s;was inspired by Ayatollah Khomeini to create an Islamic state in South Africa;the direction of the Kaaba toward which Muslims turn for their daily prayers
Qin|the Chinese dynasty (from 246 BC to 206 BC) that established the first centralized imperial government and built much of the Great Wall
Qin Shi Huang Ti|the first Qin emperor who unified China, built much of the Great Wall, standardized weights and measures, and created a common currency and legal system (died 210 BC)
qindarka|100 qindarka equal 1 lek in Albania
Qing|the last imperial dynasty of China (from 1644 to 1912) which was overthrown by revolutionaries;during the Qing dynasty China was ruled by the Manchu
qoph|the 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
quack|an untrained person who pretends to be a physician and who dispenses medical advice;the harsh sound of a duck
quackery|medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings
quack-quack|child's word for a duck
quad|(printing) a block of type without a raised letter;used for spacing between words or sentences;a rectangular area surrounded on all sides by buildings
Quadragesima|the first Sunday in Lent
quadrangular prism|a prism whose bases are quadrangles
quadrant|a measuring instrument for measuring altitude of heavenly bodies;a quarter of the circumference of a circle;any of the four areas into which a plane is divided by two orthogonal coordinate axes;the area enclosed by two perpendicular radii of a circle
quadrantanopia|blindness in one fourth of the visual field
quadraphony|a stereophonic sound recording or reproducing system using four separate channels
quadrate|a cubelike object;a square-shaped object
quadratic|a polynomial of the second degree
quadratic equation|an equation in which the highest power of an unknown quantity is a square
quadratics|a branch of algebra dealing with quadratic equations
quadrature|the construction of a square having the same area as some other figure
quadrennium|a period of four years
quadric|a curve or surface whose equation (in Cartesian coordinates) is of the second degree
quadriceps|a muscle of the thigh that extends the leg
quadrilateral|a four-sided polygon
quadrille|a square dance of 5 or more figures for 4 or more couples;music for dancing the quadrille
quadrillion|the number that is represented as a one followed by 15 zeros;the number that is represented as a one followed by 24 zeros - "in England they call a septillion a quadrillion"
quadripara|(obstetrics) woman who has given birth to a viable infant in each of four pregnancies
quadriplegia|paralysis of both arms and both legs
quadriplegic|a person who is paralyzed in both arms and both legs
quadrivium|(Middle Ages) a higher division of the curriculum in a medieval university involving arithmetic and music and geometry and astronomy
quadroon|an offspring of a mulatto and a white parent;a person who is one-quarter black
quadrumvirate|a group of four men
quadruped|an animal especially a mammal having four limbs specialized for walking
quadruple|a quantity that is four times as great as another
quadruplet|one of four children born at the same time from the same pregnancy
quadruplicate|any four copies;any of four things that correspond to one another exactly - "it was signed in quadruplicate"
quadrupling|increase by a factor of four
quaestor|any of several public officials of ancient Rome (usually in charge of finance and administration)
quaff|a hearty draft
quaffer|a person who drinks heartily
quagga|mammal of South Africa that resembled a zebra;extinct since late 19th century
quahaug|Atlantic coast round clams with hard shells;large clams usually used for chowders or other clam dishes
quahog|an edible American clam;the heavy shells were used as money by some American Indians
Quai d'Orsay|the street in Paris along the south bank of the Seine known for its governmental ministries
quail|flesh of quail;suitable for roasting or broiling if young;otherwise must be braised;small gallinaceous game birds
quail bush|spiny shrub with silvery-scurfy foliage of alkaline plains of southwestern United States and Mexico
quaintness|strangeness as a consequence of being old fashioned - "some words in her dialect had a charming quaintness";the quality of being quaint and old-fashioned - "she liked the old cottage;its quaintness was appealing"
quaker|one who quakes and trembles with (or as with) fear
Quaker gun|a dummy gun or piece of artillery made usually of wood
Quakerism|the theological doctrine of the Society of Friends characterized by opposition to war and rejection of ritual and a formal creed and an ordained ministry
quaking aspen|Old World aspen with a broad much-branched crown;northwestern Europe and Siberia to North Africa
qualification|an attribute that must be met or complied with and that fits a person for something - "her qualifications for the job are excellent" - "one of the qualifications for admission is an academic degree";the act of modifying or changing the strength of some idea - "his new position involves a qualification of his party's platform"
qualifier|a contestant who meets certain requirements and so qualifies to take part in the next stage of competition - "the tournament was won by a late qualifier"
quality|a characteristic property that defines the apparent individual nature of something - "each town has a quality all its own";a degree or grade of excellence or worth - "the quality of students has risen";an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone - "the quality of mercy is not strained"--Shakespeare;high social status - "a man of quality"
quality control|maintenance of standards of quality of manufactured goods
quality of life|your personal satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the cultural or intellectual conditions under which you live (as distinct from material comfort) - "the new art museum is expected to improve the quality of life"
quandong|Australian tree having hard white timber and glossy green leaves with white flowers followed by one-seeded glossy blue fruit;Australian tree with edible flesh and edible nutlike seed;red Australian fruit;used for dessert or in jam;the fruit of the Brisbane quandong tree
quandong nut|edible nutlike seed of the quandong fruit
quango|a quasi nongovernmental organization;an organization that is financed by the government yet acts independently of the government
quantic|a homogeneous polynomial having at least two variables
quantifiability|the quality of being measurable
quantification|a limitation imposed on the variables of a proposition (as by the quantifiers 'some' or 'all' or 'no');the act of discovering or expressing the quantity of something
quantifier|(grammar) a word that expresses a quantity (as 'fifteen' or 'many');(logic) a word (such as 'some' or 'all' or 'no') that binds the variables in a logical proposition
quantitative analysis|chemical analysis to determine the amounts of each element in the substance
quantity|an adequate or large amount - "he had a quantity of ammunition";the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable
quantization|the act of dividing into quanta or expressing in terms of quantum theory
quantum|(physics) the smallest discrete quantity of some physical property that a system can possess (according to quantum theory);a discrete amount of something that is analogous to the quantities in quantum theory
quantum chromodynamics|a theory of strong interactions between elementary particles (including the interaction that binds protons and neutrons in the nucleus);it assumes that strongly interacting particles (hadrons) are made of quarks and that gluons bind the quarks together
quantum electrodynamics|a relativistic quantum theory of the electromagnetic interactions of photons and electrons and muons
quantum field theory|the branch of quantum physics that is concerned with the theory of fields;it was motivated by the question of how an atom radiates light as its electrons jump from excited states
quantum jump|(physics) an abrupt transition of an electron or atom or molecule from one quantum state to another with the emission or absorption of a quantum
quantum leap|a sudden large increase or advance - "this may not insure success but it will represent a quantum leap from last summer"
quantum mechanics|the branch of quantum physics that accounts for matter at the atomic level;an extension of statistical mechanics based on quantum theory (especially the Pauli exclusion principle)
quantum physics|the branch of physics based on quantum theory
quantum theory|(physics) a physical theory that certain properties occur only in discrete amounts (quanta)
Quaoar|a planetoid discovered in 2002
Quapaw|a member of the Siouan people of the Arkansas river valley in Arkansas;the Dhegiha dialect spoken by the Quapaw
quarantine|enforced isolation of patients suffering from a contagious disease in order to prevent the spread of disease;isolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease
quark|(physics) hypothetical truly fundamental particle in mesons and baryons;there are supposed to be six flavors of quarks (and their antiquarks), which come in pairs;each has an electric charge of +2/3 or -1/3 - "quarks have not been observed directly but theoretical predictions based on their existence have been confirmed experimentally"
quark cheese|fresh unripened cheese of a smooth texture made from pasteurized milk, a starter, and rennet
quarrel|an angry dispute - "they had a quarrel";an arrow that is shot from a crossbow;has a head with four edges
quarreler|a disputant who quarrels
quarrelsomeness|an inclination to be quarrelsome and contentious
quarrying|the extraction of building stone or slate from an open surface quarry
quarryman|a man who works in a quarry
quart|a British imperial capacity measure (liquid or dry) equal to 2 pints or 1.136 liters;a United States dry unit equal to 2 pints or 67.2 cubic inches;a United States liquid unit equal to 32 fluid ounces;four quarts equal one gallon
quartan|a malarial fever that recurs every fourth day
quarter|(football, professional basketball) one of four divisions into which some games are divided - "both teams scored in the first quarter";a district of a city having some distinguishing character;a fourth part of a year;three months - "unemployment fell during the last quarter";a quarter of a hundredweight (25 pounds);a quarter of a hundredweight (28 pounds);a unit of time equal to 15 minutes or a quarter of an hour - "it's a quarter til 4" - "a quarter after 4 o'clock";a United States or Canadian coin worth one fourth of a dollar - "he fed four quarters into the slot machine";an unspecified person - "he dropped a word in the right quarter";clemency or mercy shown to a defeated opponent - "he surrendered but asked for quarter";one of four periods into which the school year is divided - "the fall quarter ends at Christmas";one of the four major division of the compass - "the wind is coming from that quarter";piece of leather that comprises the part of a shoe or boot covering the heel and joining the vamp
quarter crack|a crack on the inside of a horse's forefoot
quarter day|a Christian holy day;one of four specified days when certain payments are due
quarter horse|a small powerful horse originally bred for sprinting in quarter-mile races in Virginia
quarter mile|a unit of length equal to a quarter of 1 mile
quarter note|a musical note having the time value of a quarter of a whole note
quarter plate|a photographic plate measuring 3.25 inches by 4.25 inches
quarter pound|4 ounces avoirdupois
quarter rest|a musical rest having one-fourth the time value of a whole rest
quarter section|a land unit equal to a quarter of a section (160 acres) and measuring 1/2 mile on a side
quarter sessions|a local court with criminal jurisdiction and sometimes administrative functions
quarter stock|stock with a par value of $25/share
quarter tone|half of a semitone
quarterback|(American football) the position of the football player in the backfield who directs the offensive play of his team - "quarterback is the most important position on the team";(football) the person who plays quarterback
quarter-century|a period of 25 years
quarterdeck|the stern area of a ship's upper deck
quarterfinal|one of the four competitions in an elimination tournament whose winners go on to play in the semifinals
quarter-hour|a quarter of an hour
quartering|a coat of arms that occupies one quarter of an escutcheon;combining four coats of arms on one shield usually represented intermarriages;dividing into four equal parts;living accommodations (especially those assigned to military personnel)
quarterlight|car window consisting of a small pivoted glass vent in the door of a car
quarterly|a periodical that is published every quarter (or four issues per year)
quartermaster|an army officer who provides clothing and subsistence for troops
quartermaster general|a staff officer in charge of supplies for a whole army
quarterstaff|a long stout staff used as a weapon
quartet|a musical composition for four performers;a set of four similar things considered as a unit;four people considered as a unit - "he joined a barbershop quartet";four performers or singers who perform together
quartile|(statistics) any of three points that divide an ordered distribution into four parts each containing one quarter of the scores
quarto|the size of a book whose pages are made by folding a sheet of paper twice to form four leaves
quartz|a hard glossy mineral consisting of silicon dioxide in crystal form;present in most rocks (especially sandstone and granite);yellow sand is quartz with iron oxide impurities
quartz battery|a stamp mill for stamping quartz
quartz crystal|a thin plate or small rod of quartz cut along certain lines and ground so that it can produce an electric signal at a constant frequency;used in crystal oscillators
quartz glass|colorless glass made of almost pure silica
quartz lamp|a mercury-vapor lamp that is enclosed in a quartz container instead of a glass container
quartzite|hard metamorphic rock consisting essentially of interlocking quartz crystals
quasar|a starlike object that may send out radio waves and other forms of energy;many have large red shifts
quasi contract|a contract created by law for reasons of justice without any expression of assent
quasiparticle|a quantum of energy (in a crystal lattice or other system) that has position and momentum and can in some respects be regarded as a particle
quassia|a bitter compound used as an insecticide and tonic and vermifuge;extracted from the wood and bark of trees of the genera Quassia and Picrasma;handsome South American shrub or small tree having bright scarlet flowers and yielding a valuable fine-grained yellowish wood;yields the bitter drug quassia from its wood and bark
quatercentennial|the 400th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
Quaternary|last 2 million years
quaternary ammonium compound|a compound derived from ammonium with hydrogen atoms replaced by organic groups;used as surface-active agents, disinfectants, and in drugs
quatrain|a stanza of four lines
quattrocento|the 15th century in Italian art and literature
quaver|a tremulous sound
quay|wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline
queasiness|a mild state of nausea
Quebec|the French-speaking capital of the province of Quebec;situated on the Saint Lawrence River;the largest province of Canada;a French colony from 1663 to 1759 when it was lost to the British
Quebec Bridge|a cantilever bridge in Quebec
Quebecois|a native or inhabitant of Quebec (especially one who speaks French)
Quechua|a community of South American Indians in Peru who were formerly the ruling class of the Incan Empire;a member of a South American Indian people in Peru who were formerly the ruling class of the Inca empire;the language of the Quechua which was spoken by the Incas
Queckenstedt's test|a test to determine whether there is a blockage of the spinal canal
queen|(chess) the most powerful piece;a female sovereign ruler;an especially large mole rat and the only member of a colony of naked mole rats to bear offspring which are sired by only a few males;one of four face cards in a deck bearing a picture of a queen;something personified as a woman who is considered the best or most important of her kind - "Paris is the queen of cities" - "the queen of ocean liners";the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites;its function is to lay eggs;the wife or widow of a king
queen bee|fertile egg-laying female bee
Queen Charlotte Sound|an inlet of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of British Columbia
queen consort|the wife of a reigning king
queen dowager|the widow of a king
Queen Maud Land|a region of Antarctica between Enderby Land and the Weddell Sea;claimed by Norway
queen mother|a queen dowager who is mother of the reigning sovereign
Queen of England|the sovereign ruler of England
queen of the night|tropical American climbing cactus having triangular branches;often cultivated for its large showy night-blooming flowers followed by yellow red-streaked fruits
queen post|vertical tie post in a roof truss
queen regent|a queen who serves as ruler when the king cannot
queen triggerfish|tropical Atlantic fish
Queens|a borough of New York City
Queen's Counsel|Counsel to the Crown when the British monarch is a queen
Queen's crape myrtle|native to Asia, Australia, and East Indies, where it provides timber called pyinma;used elsewhere as an ornamental for its large showy flowers
queen's cup|plant with 1 or 2 white starlike flowers on short leafless stalks;Alaska to California and east to Oregon and Montana
Queensboro Bridge|a cantilever bridge across the East River between Manhattan and Queens
Queensland|a state in northeastern Australia
Queensland bottletree|large tree of Queensland having cream-colored flowers blotched with red inside;sometimes placed in genus Sterculia
Queensland grass-cloth plant|Australian plant of genus Pipturus whose fiber is used in making cloth
Queensland hemp|herb widely distributed in tropics and subtropics used for forage and medicinally as a demulcent and having a fine soft bast stronger than jute;sometimes an aggressive weed
Queensland nut|bushy tree with pink to purple flowers
quellung|the swelling of the capsule surrounding a microorganism after reaction with an antibody;the basis of certain tests for identifying microorganisms - "pneumococcus quellung"
quenched steel|steel that has been hardened by immersing it in water or oil to cool it
quercitron|a yellow dye made from the bark of the quercitron oak tree
Quercus|oaks
quern|a primitive stone mill for grinding corn by hand
querulousness|the quality of being given to complaining
quesadilla|a tortilla that is filled with cheese and heated
quest|the act of searching for something - "a quest for diamonds"
question|a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply - "he asked a direct question";an informal reference to a marriage proposal - "he was ready to pop the question";an instance of questioning - "there was a question about my training";the subject matter at issue - "the question of disease merits serious discussion"
question mark|a punctuation mark (?) placed at the end of a sentence to indicate a question
question master|the host or chairman of a radio or tv quiz show or panel game
question of fact|a disputed factual contention that is generally left for a jury to decide
question of law|a disputed legal contention that is generally left for a judge to decide
question time|a period during a parliamentary session when members of British Parliament may ask questions of the ministers
questioning|a request for information
questionnaire|a form containing a set of questions;submitted to people to gain statistical information
quetzal|large trogon of Central America and South America having golden-green and scarlet plumage;the basic unit of money in Guatemala;equal to 100 centavos
Quetzalcoatl|an Aztec deity represented as a plumed serpent
queue|(information processing) an ordered list of tasks to be performed or messages to be transmitted;a braid of hair at the back of the head;a line of people or vehicles waiting for something
Quezon City|city on Luzon adjoining Manila
quibble|an evasion of the point of an argument by raising irrelevant distinctions or objections
quibbler|a disputant who quibbles;someone who raises annoying petty objections
Quiche|a member of the Mayan people of south central Guatemala;the Mayan language spoken by the Quiche;a tart filled with rich unsweetened custard;often contains other ingredients (as cheese or ham or seafood or vegetables)
quiche Lorraine|quiche made with cheese and bacon
quick|any area of the body that is highly sensitive to pain (as the flesh underneath the skin or a fingernail or toenail)
quick bread|breads made with a leavening agent that permits immediate baking
quick march|marching at quick time
quick study|someone able to acquire new knowledge and skills rapidly and easily
quick time|a normal marching pace of 120 steps per minute
quickener|an agent that gives or restores life or vigor - "the soul is the quickener of the body"
quickening|the process of showing signs of life - "the quickening of seed that will become ripe grain";the stage of pregnancy at which the mother first feels the movements of the fetus
quicksand|a pit filled with loose wet sand into which objects are sucked down;a treacherous situation that tends to entrap and destroy
quickset|cuttings of plants set in the ground to grow as hawthorn for hedges or vines - "a quickset of a vine planted in a vineyard"
quickstep|a ballroom dance with both quick and slow steps;military march accompanying quick time
quid pro quo|something for something;that which a party receives (or is promised) in return for something he does or gives or promises
quiddity|the essence that makes something the kind of thing it is and makes it different from any other
quiescence|quiet and inactive restfulness
quietism|a form of religious mysticism requiring withdrawal from all human effort and passive contemplation of God
quietist|a religious mystic who follows quietism
quietness|the property of making no sound
quiff|a prominent forelock (especially one brushed upward from the forehead)
quill|a stiff hollow protective spine on a porcupine or hedgehog;pen made from a bird's feather;the hollow spine of a feather
quillwort|any of several spore-bearing aquatic or marsh plants having short rhizomes and leaves resembling quills;worldwide except Polynesia
quilt|bedding made of two layers of cloth filled with stuffing and stitched together
quilted bedspread|a bedspread constructed like a thin quilt
quilting|a material used for making a quilt, or a quilted fabric;stitching through layers of fabric and a filling so as to create a design
quilting bee|a gathering to make quilts
quinacrine|a drug (trade name Atabrine) used to treat certain worm infestations and once used to treat malaria
quince|aromatic acid-tasting pear-shaped fruit used in preserves;small Asian tree with pinkish flowers and pear-shaped fruit;widely cultivated
quincentennial|the 500th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
Quincy|American patriot who presented the colonists' grievances to the English king (1744-1775)
Quine|United States philosopher and logician who championed an empirical view of knowledge that depended on language (1908-2001)
quinidine|cardiac drug (trade names Quinidex and Quinora) used to treat certain heart arrhythmias
quinine|a bitter alkaloid extracted from chinchona bark;used in malaria therapy
quinone|any of a class of aromatic yellow compounds including several that are biologically important as coenzymes or acceptors or vitamins;used in making dyes
Quinquagesima|the Sunday before Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent)
quinquefoliate leaf|a compound leaf having five leaflets
quinquennium|a period of five years
quinsy|a painful pus filled inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissues;usually a complication of tonsillitis
quintal|a unit of weight equal to 100 kilograms
Quintana Roo|a Mexican state on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula
quintessence|the fifth and highest element after air and earth and fire and water;was believed to be the substance composing all heavenly bodies;the most typical example or representative of a type;the purest and most concentrated essence of something
quintet|a musical composition for five performers;a set of five similar things considered as a unit;five people considered as a unit;five performers or singers who perform together
quintillion|the number that is represented as a one followed by 18 zeros
quintipara|(obstetrics) woman who has given birth to a viable infant in each of five pregnancies
quintuplet|one of five children born at the same time from the same pregnancy
quintupling|increasing by a factor of five
quipu|calculator consisting of a cord with attached cords;used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records
quira|any of several tropical American trees some yielding economically important timber
quire|a quantity of paper;24 or 25 sheets
quirk|a narrow groove beside a beading
quirk bead|beading formed with a narrow groove separating it from the surface it decorates
quirk molding|a molding having a small groove in it
quirt|whip with a leather thong at the end
Quiscalus|grackles
quitclaim|act of transferring a title or right or claim to another;document transferring title or right or claim to another
Quito|the capital of Ecuador
quittance|a document or receipt certifying release from an obligation or debt
quitter|a person who gives up too easily
quiver|case for holding arrows
quiz|an examination consisting of a few short questions
quiz program|a game show in which contestants answer questions
Qum|a city in northwestern Iran;a place of pilgrimage for Shiite Muslims
quo warranto|a hearing to determine by what authority someone has an office or franchise or liberty
quodlibet|an issue that is presented for formal disputation
quoin|expandable metal or wooden wedge used by printers to lock up a form within a chase;the keystone of an arch
quoit|game equipment consisting of a ring of iron or circle of rope used in playing the game of quoits
quoits|a game in which iron rings (or open iron rings) are thrown at a stake in the ground in the hope of encircling it
Quoratean|a group of languages of the Hokan family
quorum|a gathering of the minimal number of members of an organization to conduct business
quota|a limitation on imports - "the quota for Japanese imports was negotiated";a prescribed number - "all the salesmen met their quota for the month";a proportional share assigned to each participant
quotability|the quality of being worthy of being quoted
quotation|a passage or expression that is quoted or cited;a statement of the current market price of a security or commodity;the practice of quoting from books or plays etc. - "since he lacks originality he must rely on quotation"
quotation mark|a punctuation mark used to attribute the enclosed text to someone else
quoter|a communicator (speaker or writer) who uses quotations
quotient|the number obtained by division;the ratio of two quantities to be divided
quotient verdict|an improper and unacceptable kind of compromise verdict
qurush|20 qurush equal 1 riyal in Saudi Arabia
QWERTY keyboard|the standard typewriter keyboard;the keys for Q, W, E, R, T, and Y are the first six from the left on the top row of letter keys
R|the 18th letter of the Roman alphabet
R-2|street names for flunitrazepan
Ra|ancient Egyptian sun god with the head of a hawk;a universal creator;he merged with the god Amen as Amen-Ra to become the king of the gods
Rabat|the capital of Morocco;located in the northwestern on the Atlantic coast
rabato|a wired or starched collar of intricate lace;worn in 17th century
rabbet|a rectangular groove made to hold two pieces together
rabbet joint|a joint formed by fitting together two rabbeted boards
Rabbi|a Hebrew title of respect for a Jewish scholar or teacher;spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation;qualified to expound and apply Jewish law
rabbinate|rabbis collectively;the office or function of a rabbi
rabbit|any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails;some domesticated and raised for pets or food;flesh of any of various rabbits or hares (wild or domesticated) eaten as food
rabbit brush|pleasantly aromatic shrub having erect slender flexible hairy branches and dense clusters of small yellow flowers covering vast areas of western alkali plains and affording a retreat for jackrabbits;source of a yellow dye used by the Navajo
rabbit burrow|a hole in the ground as a nest made by wild rabbits
rabbit ears|an indoor TV antenna;consists of two extendible rods that form a V;the long ears of a rabbit
rabbit hutch|a hutch for rabbits
rabbit punch|a short chopping blow to the back of the neck
rabbit-eared bandicoot|bandicoot with leathery ears like a rabbit
rabbiteye blueberry|shrub of southeastern United States grown commercially especially for canning industry
rabbitfish|large European chimaera
rabbitweed|low-growing sticky subshrub of southwestern United States having narrow linear leaves on many slender branches and hundreds of tiny yellow flower heads
rabbitwood|shrub of southeastern United States parasitic on roots of hemlocks having sparse spikes of greenish flowers and pulpy drupes
rabble|disparaging terms for the common people
Rabelais|author of satirical attacks on medieval scholasticism (1494-1553)
Rabi I|the third month of the Islamic calendar
Rabi II|the fourth month of the Islamic calendar
rabies|an acute viral disease of the nervous system of warm-blooded animals (usually transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal);rabies is fatal if the virus reaches the brain
raccoon|an omnivorous nocturnal mammal native to North America and Central America;the fur of the North American racoon
raccoon dog|small wild dog of eastern Asia having facial markings like those of a raccoon
race|a contest of speed - "the race is to the swift";any competition - "the race for the presidency";people who are believed to belong to the same genetic stock - "some biologists doubt that there are important genetic differences between races of human beings"
race meeting|a regular occasion on which a number of horse races are held on the same track - "the Epsom race meeting was an important social event"
race problem|a social and political problem caused by conflict between races occupying the same or adjacent regions
race riot|a riot caused by hatred for one another of members of different races in the same community
raceabout|a small sloop having the keep of a knockabout but with finer lines and carrying more sail
racecard|a program for a race meeting;lists the races and the names of the horses
racehorse|a horse bred for racing
raceme|usually elongate cluster of flowers along the main stem in which the flowers at the base open first
racemic acid|the optically inactive form of tartaric acid that is often found in grape juice
racer|a fast car that competes in races;an animal that races;slender fast-moving North American snakes;someone who drives racing cars at high speeds
racerunner|very swift lizard of eastern and central United States
racetrack|a course over which races are run
racetrack tout|someone who offers advice about betting on horses (either to influence the odds or in the hope of sharing some of the winnings)
raceway|a canal for a current of water
Rachel|(Old Testament) the second wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
rachis|axis of a compound leaf or compound inflorescence
rachitis|inflammation of the vertebral column
Rachmaninoff|composer and piano virtuoso born in Russia (1873-1943)
Rachycentridae|family of pelagic fishes containing solely the cobia
Rachycentron|genus and family are coextensive and comprise only the cobia
racial immunity|natural immunity shared by all members of a particular race
racial profiling|a form of racism consisting of the (alleged) policy of policemen who stop and search vehicles driven by persons belonging to particular racial groups
racial segregation|segregation by race
Racine|a city in southeastern Wisconsin on Lake Michigan to the south of Milwaukee;French advocate of Jansenism;tragedian who based his works on Greek and Roman themes (1639-1699)
racing|the sport of engaging in contests of speed
racing boat|a boat propelled by oarsmen and designed for racing
racing circuit|a racetrack for automobile races
racing gig|a light narrow racing boat for two or more oarsmen
racing skiff|a shell for a single oarsman
racing start|the start of a race
racism|discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race;the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other races
racist|a person with a prejudiced belief that one race is superior to others
rack|a form of torture in which pain is inflicted by stretching the body;a rapid gait of a horse in which each foot strikes the ground separately;a support for displaying various articles - "the newspapers were arranged on a rack";an instrument of torture that stretches or disjoints or mutilates victims;framework for holding objects;rib section of a forequarter of veal or pork or especially lamb or mutton
rack and pinion|a wheel gear (the pinion) meshes with a toothed rack;converts rotary to reciprocating motion (and vice versa)
rack of lamb|a roast of the rib section of lamb
rack rent|an extortionate rent
racker|an attendant who puts pool or billiard balls into a rack
racket|a loud and disturbing noise;a sports implement (usually consisting of a handle and an oval frame with a tightly interlaced network of strings) used to strike a ball (or shuttlecock) in various games;an illegal enterprise (such as extortion or fraud or drug peddling or prostitution) carried on for profit
racket club|club for players of racket sports
racketeer|someone who commits crimes for profit (especially one who obtains money by fraud or extortion)
racketeering|engaging in a racket
racquetball|a game played on a handball court with short-handled rackets;the ball used in playing the game of racquetball
rad|a unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material
radar|measuring instrument in which the echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect and locate distant objects
radar beacon|a device that, on receiving radar signals, transmits coded signals in response to help navigators determine their position
radar echo|an electronic signal that has been reflected back to the radar antenna;contains information about the location and distance of the reflecting object
radar fire|gunfire aimed a target that is being tracked by radar
Radhakrishnan|Indian philosopher and statesman who introduced Indian philosophy to the West (1888-1975)
radial|pneumatic tire that has radial-ply casing
radial artery|branch of the brachial artery beginning below the elbow and extending down the forearm around the wrist and into the palm
radial asymmetry|the absence of symmetry about an axis
radial engine|an internal-combustion engine having cylinders arranged radially around a central crankcase
radial keratotomy|radial pattern of incisions in the cornea that cause the cornea to bulge;performed to correct myopia
radial nerve|largest branch of the brachial plexus;extends down the humerus to the lateral epicondyle where it divides into one branch that goes to the skin on the back of the hand and another that goes to the underlying extensor muscles
radial pulse|pulse of the radial artery (felt in the wrist)
radial symmetry|the property of symmetry about an axis - "the starfish illustrates radial symmetry"
radial vein|superficial veins ascending the radial side of the forearm;combines with the ulnar veins to form the brachial vein
radial velocity|velocity along the line of sight toward or away from the observer
radian|the unit of plane angle adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites;equal to the angle at the center of a circle subtended by an arc equal in length to the radius (approximately 57.295 degrees)
radiance|an attractive combination of good health and happiness - "the radiance of her countenance";the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface;the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light
radiant energy|energy that is transmitted in the form of (electromagnetic) radiation;energy that exists in the absence of matter
radiant flux|the rate of flow of radiant energy (electromagnetic waves)
radiant heating|heating a building by radiation from panels containing hot water or electrical heaters
radiation|a radial arrangement of nerve fibers connecting different parts of the brain;energy that is radiated or transmitted in the form of rays or waves or particles;the act of spreading outward from a central source;the spontaneous emission of a stream of particles or electromagnetic rays in nuclear decay;the spread of a group of organisms into new habitats
radiation field|a field that represents the energy lost from the radiator to space
radiation pattern|graphical representation (in polar or Cartesian coordinates) of the spatial distribution of radiation from an antenna as a function of angle
radiation pressure|the minute pressure exerted on a surface normal to the direction of propagation of a wave
radiation pyrometer|a pyrometer for estimating the temperature of distant sources of heat;radiation is focussed on a thermojunction connected in circuit with a galvanometer
radiation sickness|syndrome resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g., exposure to radioactive chemicals or to nuclear explosions);low doses cause diarrhea and nausea and vomiting and sometimes loss of hair;greater exposure can cause sterility and cataracts and some forms of cancer and other diseases;severe exposure can cause death within hours
radiator|a mechanism consisting of a metal honeycomb through which hot fluids circulate;heat is transferred from the fluid through the honeycomb to the airstream that is created either by the motion of the vehicle or by a fan;any object that radiates energy;heater consisting of a series of pipes for circulating steam or hot water to heat rooms or buildings
radiator cap|cap on the opening in the top of a radiator through which a coolant liquid can be added
radiator hose|a flexible hose between the radiator and the engine block
radical|(mathematics) a quantity expressed as the root of another quantity;a character conveying the lexical meaning of a logogram;a person who has radical ideas or opinions
radical chic|an affectation of radical left-wing views and the fashionable dress and lifestyle that goes with them
radical hysterectomy|surgical removal of the uterus and the ovaries and oviducts and cervix and related lymph nodes
radical mastectomy|removal of a breast and the underlying muscles (pectoralis major and pectoralis minor) and lymph nodes in the adjacent armpit
radical sign|a sign indicating the extraction of a root
radicalism|the political orientation of those who favor revolutionary change in government and society
radicchio|prized variety of chicory having globose heads of red leaves
radicle|(anatomy) a small structure resembling a rootlet (such as a fibril of a nerve)
radiculitis|inflammation of the radicle of a nerve
Radiigera|a genus of fungus belonging to the family Geastraceae
Radiigera fuscogleba|a fungus similar to an earthstar except that it does not open up;the spore mass is brown at maturity with a column of sterile tissue extending up into it
radio|a communication system based on broadcasting electromagnetic waves;medium for communication
radio announcer|an announcer whose voice is broadcast on radio
radio antenna|omnidirectional antenna comprising the part of a radio receiver by means of which radio signals are received
radio astronomy|the branch of astronomy that detects and studies the radio waves emitted by celestial bodies
radio beacon|a characteristic signal emitted by a transmitter used for navigation;a radio station that broadcasts a directional signal for navigational purposes
radio beam|a signal transmitted along a narrow path;guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
radio brightness|the strength of a radio wave picked up by a radio telescope
radio broadcast|a broadcast via radio
radio chassis|a chassis for a radio receiver
radio compass|a direction finder that gives a bearing by determining the direction of incoming radio signals
radio frequency|an electromagnetic wave frequency between audio and infrared
radio interferometer|radio telescope that uses interference patterns from two antennas instead of a parabolic antenna
radio link|a two-way radio communication system (usually microwave);part of a more extensive telecommunication network
radio news|a radio broadcast of news
radio noise|static at radio wavelengths
radio observation|an observation made with a radio telescope
radio operator|someone who operates a radio transmitter
radio receiver|an electronic receiver that detects and demodulates and amplifies transmitted signals
radio signal|a radio wave used to transmit and receive messages
radio source|an object that radiates radio waves
radio spectrum|the entire spectrum of electromagnetic frequencies used for communications;includes frequencies used for radio and radar and television
radio station|station for the production and transmission of AM or FM radio broadcasts
radio telescope|astronomical telescope that picks up electromagnetic radiations in the radio-frequency range from extraterrestrial sources
radio transmitter|transmitter that is the part of a radio system that transmits signals
radio wave|an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength between 0.5 cm to 30,000 m
radioactive dating|measurement of the amount of radioactive material (usually carbon 14) that an object contains;can be used to estimate the age of the object
radioactive iodine excretion test|radioactive iodine test that measures the amount of radioactive iodine excreted in the urine
radioactive iodine test|test of thyroid function in which the patient is given an oral dose of radioactive iodine-131
radioactive iodine uptake test|radioactive iodine test that measures the amount of radioactive iodine taken up by the thyroid gland
radioactive material|material that is radioactive
radioactive waste|useless radioactive materials that are left after some laboratory or commercial process is completed
radioactivity unit|a measure of radioactivity
radiobiologist|a biologist who studies the effects of radiation on living organisms
radiobiology|the branch of biology that studies the effects of radiation on living organisms
radiocarbon|a radioactive isotope of carbon
radiocarbon dating|a chemical analysis used to determine the age of organic materials based on their content of the radioisotope carbon-14;believed to be reliable up to 40,000 years
radiochemistry|the chemistry of radioactive substances
radiochlorine|a radioactive isotope of chlorine
radiogram|a message transmitted by wireless telegraphy;a photographic image produced on a radiosensitive surface by radiation other than visible light (especially by X-rays or gamma rays)
radiographer|a person who makes radiographs
radiography|photography that uses other kinds of radiation than visible light;the process of making a radiograph;producing an image on a radiosensitive surface by radiation other than visible light
radioimmunoassay|immunoassay of a substance that has been radioactively labeled
radioisotope|a radioactive isotope of an element;produced either naturally or artificially
Radiolaria|marine protozoa
radiolarian|protozoa with amoeba-like bodies and radiating filamentous pseudopods
radiologic technologist|a scientist trained in radiological technology
radiologist|a medical specialist who uses radioactive substances and X-rays in the treatment of disease
radiology|the branch of medical science dealing with the medical use of X-rays or other penetrating radiation
radiolysis|molecular disintegration resulting from radiation
radiometer|meter to detect and measure radiant energy (electromagnetic or acoustic)
radiomicrometer|radiometer that is extremely sensitive
radiopacity|opacity to X-rays or other radiation
radiopaque dye|dye that does not allow the passage of X rays or other radiation;used to outline certain organs during X-ray examination
radiopharmaceutical|pharmaceutical consisting of a radioactive compound used in radiation therapy
radio-phonograph|electronic equipment consisting of a combination of a radio receiver and a record player
radiophotograph|a photograph transmitted by radio waves
radiophotography|transmission of photographs by radio waves
radioprotection|protection against harmful effects of radiation
radioscopy|(radiology) examination of the inner structure of opaque objects using X rays or other penetrating radiation
radiotelegraph|telegraphy that uses transmission by radio rather than by wire;the use of radio to send telegraphic messages (usually by Morse code)
radiotelephone|a telephone that communicates by radio waves rather than along cables;telephony that uses transmission by radio rather than by wire
radiotherapy|(medicine) the treatment of disease (especially cancer) by exposure to a radioactive substance
radiotherapy equipment|equipment used to treat diseases with x-rays or radioactivity
radish|Eurasian plant widely cultivated for its edible pungent root usually eaten raw;pungent edible root of any of various cultivated radish plants;pungent fleshy edible root;radish of Japan with a long hard durable root eaten raw or cooked
radish plant|a cruciferous plant of the genus Raphanus having a pungent edible root
radium|an intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores
radium therapy|the use of radium in radiation therapy
radius|a circular region whose area is indicated by the length of its radius - "they located it within a radius of 2 miles";a straight line from the center to the perimeter of a circle (or from the center to the surface of a sphere);the length of a line segment between the center and circumference of a circle or sphere;the outer and slightly shorter of the two bones of the human forearm
radius of curvature|the radius of the circle of curvature;the absolute value of the reciprocal of the curvature of a curve at a given point
radius vector|a line connecting a point in space to the origin of a polar coordinate system;a line connecting a satellite to the center of the body around which it is rotating
radome|a housing for a radar antenna;transparent to radio waves
radon|a radioactive gaseous element formed by the disintegration of radium;the heaviest of the inert gasses;occurs naturally (especially in areas over granite) and is considered a hazard to health
Radyera|very small genus of shrubs of southern hemisphere;bush hibiscus
Raffia|feather palm of tropical Africa and Madagascar and Central and South America widely grown for commercial purposes;fiber of a raffia palm used as light cordage and in making hats and baskets;leaf fibers of the raffia palm tree;used to make baskets and mats etc.
raffia palm|a large feather palm of Africa and Madagascar having very long pinnatisect fronds yielding a strong commercially important fiber from its leafstalks
raffinose|a trisaccharide that occurs in sugar beets and cotton seeds and certain cereals
raffle|a lottery in which the prizes are goods rather than money
Raffles|British colonial administrator who founded Singapore (1781-1826)
Rafflesiaceae|a family of parasitic plants of the order Aristolochiales
raft|a flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers
raft foundation|a foundation (usually on soft ground) consisting of an extended layer of reinforced concrete
rafter|one of several parallel sloping beams that support a roof
raftsman|someone who travels by raft
rag|a boisterous practical joke (especially by college students);a small piece of cloth or paper;a week at British universities during which side-shows and processions of floats are organized to raise money for charities
rag day|a day on which university students hold a rag
rag doll|a cloth doll that is stuffed and (usually) painted
rag paper|paper made partly or wholly from rags
ragamuffin|a dirty shabbily clothed urchin
ragbag|a bag in which rags are kept
rage|a state of extreme anger - "she fell into a rage and refused to answer";something that is desired intensely - "his rage for fame destroyed him";violent state of the elements - "the sea hurled itself in thundering rage against the rocks"
ragged orchid|fringed orchid of the eastern United States having a greenish flower with the lip deeply lacerated
ragged robin|common perennial native to Europe and western Asia having usually pink flowers with ragged petals
raggedness|shabbiness by virtue of being in rags
raglan|a garment (coat or sweater) that has raglan sleeves
raglan sleeve|a sleeve that extends in one piece to the neckline of a coat or sweater with seams from the armhole to the neck
ragout|well-seasoned stew of meat and vegetables
ragpicker|an unskilled person who picks up rags from trash cans and public dumps as a means of livelihood
ragsorter|a worker who sorts rags and old clothing for new uses (as in papermaking)
ragtime|music with a syncopated melody (usually for the piano)
ragweed|any of numerous chiefly North American weedy plants constituting the genus Ambrosia that produce highly allergenic pollen responsible for much hay fever and asthma
ragweed pollen|pollen of the ragweed plant is a common allergen
ragwort|widespread European weed having yellow daisylike flowers;sometimes an obnoxious weed and toxic to cattle if consumed in quantity
Rahu|a Hindu demon who swallows the sun causing eclipses
raid|an attempt by speculators to defraud investors
raider|a corporate investor who intends to take over a company by buying a controlling interest in its stock and installing new management
rail|a horizontal bar (usually of wood or metal);any of numerous widely distributed small wading birds of the family Rallidae having short wings and very long toes for running on soft mud;short for railway - "he traveled by rail" - "he was concerned with rail safety"
rail fence|a fence (usually made of split logs laid across each other at an angle)
rail technology|the activity of designing and constructing and operating railroads
railbird|a fan of racing who watches races from the outer rail of the track
railhead|a railroad depot in a theater of operations where military supplies are unloaded for distribution;the end of the completed track on an unfinished railway
railing|a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports;material for making rails or rails collectively
railroad bed|a bed on which railroad track is laid
railroad flat|an apartment whose rooms are all in a line with doors between them
railroad ticket|a ticket good for a ride on a railroad train
railroad track|a line of track providing a runway for wheels - "he walked along the railroad track"
railroad tunnel|a tunnel through which the railroad track runs
railroad vine|a prostrate perennial of coastal sand dunes Florida to Texas
rail-splitter|a laborer who splits logs to build split-rail fences
railway|line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
railway junction|a junction where two or more railway lines meet or cross
railway station|terminal where trains load or unload passengers or goods
rain|anything happening rapidly or in quick successive - "a rain of bullets";drops of fresh water that fall as precipitation from clouds;water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
rain barrel|a barrel used as a cistern to hold rainwater
rain check|a promise that an unaccepted offer will be renewed in the future;a ticket stub entitling the holder to admission to a future event if the scheduled event was cancelled due to rain
rain dance|a ritual dance intended to bring rain
rain date|an alternative date set for some outdoor event in case it rains on the appointed date - "the rain date for the picnic will be the following Sunday"
rain forest|a forest with heavy annual rainfall
rain gauge|gauge consisting of an instrument to measure the quantity of precipitation
rain shadow|an area that has little precipitation because some barrier causes the winds to lose their moisture before reaching it
rain stick|a percussion instrument that is made from a dried cactus branch that is hollowed out and filled with small pebbles and capped at both ends;makes the sound of falling rain when tilted;origin was in Chile where tribesmen used it in ceremonies to bring rain
rain tree|large ornamental tropical American tree with bipinnate leaves and globose clusters of flowers with crimson stamens and seed pods that are eaten by cattle
rainbow|an arc of colored light in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain;an illusory hope - "chasing rainbows"
rainbow cactus|a stout cylindrical cactus of the southwest United States and adjacent Mexico
rainbow lorikeet|a kind of lorikeet
rainbow runner|streamlined cigar-shaped jack;good game fish
rainbow seaperch|Pacific coast fish
rainbow shower|deciduous ornamental hybrid of southeastern Asia and Hawaii having racemes of flowers ranging in color from cream-colored to orange and red
rainbow smelt|important marine and landlocked food fish of eastern North America and Alaska
rainbow trout|flesh of Pacific trout that migrate from salt to fresh water;found in Pacific coastal waters and streams from lower California to Alaska
raincoat|a water-resistant coat
raindrop|a drop of rain
Rain-in-the-Face|a chief of the Sioux;he was with Sitting Bull and others at the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876) when General Custer's troops were massacred (1835-1905)
rainmaker|American Indian medicine man who attempt to make it rain;executive who is very successful in bringing in business to his company or firm
rainmaking|activity intended to produce rain
rainstorm|a storm with rain
rain-wash|the washing away of soil or other loose material by rain
rainy day|a (future) time of financial need - "I am saving for a rainy day"
rainy season|one of the two seasons in tropical climates
raise|increasing the size of a bet (as in poker) - "I'll see your raise and double it";the amount a salary is increased - "he got a 3% raise"
raised doughnut|a doughnut made light with yeast rather than baking powder
raiser|a bridge partner who increases the partner's bid
raisin|dried grape
raisin bran|bran flakes with raisins
raisin bread|bread containing raisins
raisin cookie|cookie containing raisins
raisin moth|moth whose larvae attack dried fruits and cereal products
raising|the properties acquired as a consequence of the way you were treated as a child
raising hell|making trouble just for the fun of it
raisin-nut cookie|cookie filled with a paste of raisins and nuts
raison d'etre|reason for being;the purpose that justifies a thing's existence
raita|an Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices
raj|British dominion over India (1757-1947)
raja|a prince or king in India;type genus of the family Rajidae
Rajab|the seventh month of the Islamic calendar
rajanya|the second highest of the four varnas;the noble or warrior category
Rajidae|bottom-dwelling tropical rays;skates
Rajiformes|fish with dorsoventrally flattened bodies;includes;rays;skates;guitarfishes;sawfishes
Rajput|a member of the dominant Hindu military caste in northern India
Rakaposhi|a mountain peak in the Karakoram Range in northern Kashmir (25,560 feet high)
rake|a dissolute man in fashionable society;a long-handled tool with a row of teeth at its head;used to move leaves or loosen soil
rake handle|the handle of a rake
rake-off|a percentage (of winnings or loot or profit) taken by an operator or gangster
rakishness|the quality of a rake
Raleigh|capital of the state of North Carolina;located in the east central part of the North Carolina;English courtier (a favorite of Elizabeth I) who tried to colonize Virginia;introduced potatoes and tobacco to England (1552-1618)
Rallidae|rails;crakes;gallinules;coots
rally|(sports) an unbroken sequence of several successive strokes - "after a short rally Connors won the point";a large gathering of people intended to arouse enthusiasm;a marked recovery of strength or spirits during an illness;an automobile race run over public roads;the feat of mustering strength for a renewed effort - "he singled to start a rally in the 9th inning" - "he feared the rallying of their troops for a counterattack"
rallying|the act of mobilizing for a common purpose - "the bell was a signal for the rallying of the whole neighborhood"
rallying point|a point or principle on which scattered or opposing groups can come together
ram|a tool for driving or forcing something by impact;uncastrated adult male sheep
RAM disk|(computer science) a virtual drive that is created by setting aside part of the random-access memory to use as if it were a group of sectors - "access to a RAM disk is very fast but the data it contains is lost when the system is turned off"
Rama|avatar of Vishnu whose name is synonymous with God;any of three incarnations;Ramachandra or Parashurama or Balarama - "in Hindu folklore Rama is the epitome of chivalry and courage and obedience to sacred law"
Ramachandra|a hero in Hindu mythology;an incarnation of Vishnu
Ramadan|(Islam) a fast (held from sunrise to sunset) that is carried out during the Islamic month of Ramadan;the ninth month of the Islamic calendar;the month of fasting;the holiest period for the Islamic faith
Ramalina|shrubby lichens of the family Usneaceae having a flattened thallus
Ramanavami|Hindu lunar holiday (on the 9th day of Caitra) to celebrate the birth of Rama
Ramayana|one of two classical Hindu epics telling of the banishment of Rama from his kingdom and the abduction of his wife by a demon and Rama's restoration to the throne
ramble|an aimless amble on a winding course
rambler|a person who takes long walks in the country;a person whose speech or writing is not well organized
Rambouillet|hardy sheep developed from the merino producing both good mutton and fine wool
rambutan|Malayan tree bearing spiny red fruit;pleasantly acid bright red oval Malayan fruit covered with soft spines
Rameau|French composer of operas whose writings laid the foundation for the modern theory of harmony (1683-1764)
ramekin|a cheese dish made with egg and bread crumbs that is baked and served in individual fireproof dishes;a small fireproof dish used for baking and serving individual portions
Rameses|any of 12 kings of ancient Egypt between 1315 and 1090 BC
Rameses II|king of Egypt between 1304 and 1237 BC who built many monuments
ramie|tall perennial herb of tropical Asia with dark green leaves;cultivated for the fiber from its woody stems that resembles flax
ramification|an arrangement of branching parts
ramipril|an ACE inhibitor (trade name Altace) used to treat high blood pressure or in some patients who have had a heart attack
ramjet|a simple type of jet engine;must be launched at high speed
Ramman|god of storms and wind;corresponds to Babylonian Adad
rammer|a tool for driving something with force
Ramon y Cajal|Spanish histologist noted for his work on the structure of the nervous system (1852-1934)
ramp|a movable staircase that passengers use to board or leave an aircraft;an inclined surface connecting two levels;North American perennial having a slender bulb and whitish flowers
rampage|violently angry and destructive behavior
rampant arch|an arch whose support is higher on one side than on the other
rampart|an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes - "they stormed the ramparts of the city"
Ramphastidae|toucans
Ramphomicron|thornbills
rampion|bellflower of Europe and Asia and North Africa having bluish flowers and an edible tuberous root used with the leaves in salad
ramrod|a harshly demanding overseer;a rod used to clean the barrel of a firearm;a rod used to ram the charge into a muzzle-loading firearm
Ramsay Hunt syndrome|syndrome resulting from infection by the herpes varicella zoster virus;characterized by vertigo and pain in the ears and facial nerve paralysis and sometimes hearing loss
ram's-head|orchid of northern North America having a brownish-green flower and red-and-white lip suggestive of a ram's head
ramus|the posterior part of the mandible that is more or less vertical
Rana|type genus of the Ranidae
Ranales|herbs, shrubs and trees;includes families Ranunculaceae;Annonaceae;Berberidaceae;Magnoliaceae;Menispermaceae;Myristicaceae;Nymphaeaceae;Lardizabalaceae;Lauraceae;Calycanthaceae;Ceratophyllaceae;Cercidiphyllaceae
Ranatra|elongate very slender water scorpions
ranch|farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
ranch hand|a hired hand on a ranch
ranch house|a one story house with a low pitched roof
rancher|a person who owns or operates a ranch
ranching|farming for the raising of livestock (particularly cattle)
rancidity|the state of being rancid;having a rancid scent or flavor (as of old cooking oil)
rancidness|the property of being rancid
rand|the basic unit of money in South Africa;equal to 100 cents;United States writer (born in Russia) noted for her polemical novels and political conservativism (1905-1982)
random number generator|a routine designed to yield a random number
random sample|a sample grabbed at random;a sample in which every element in the population has an equal chance of being selected
random sampling|the selection of a random sample;each element of the population has an equal chance of been selected
random variable|a variable quantity that is random
random walk|a stochastic process consisting of a sequence of changes each of whose characteristics (as magnitude or direction) is determined by chance
random-access memory|the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on;an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
randomization|a deliberately haphazard arrangement of observations so as to simulate chance
randomness|(thermodynamics) a thermodynamic quantity representing the amount of energy in a system that is no longer available for doing mechanical work;the quality of lacking any predictable order or plan
range|a large tract of grassy open land on which livestock can graze - "they used to drive the cattle across the open range every spring" - "he dreamed of a home on the range";a place for shooting (firing or driving) projectiles of various kinds - "the army maintains a missile range in the desert" - "any good golf club will have a range where you can practice";a series of hills or mountains - "the valley was between two ranges of hills" - "the plains lay just beyond the mountain range";a variety of different things or activities - "he answered a range of questions" - "he was impressed by the range and diversity of the collection";the limits within which something can be effective - "range of motion"
range animal|any animal that lives and grazes in the grassy open land of western North America (especially horses, cattle, sheep)
range hood|exhaust hood over a kitchen range
range pole|surveying instrument consisting of a straight rod painted in bands of alternate red and white each one foot wide;used for sightings by surveyors
rangefinder|a measuring instrument (acoustic or optical or electronic) for finding the distance of an object
rangeland|land suitable for grazing livestock
Rangifer|reindeer or caribou
rangpur|hybrid between mandarin orange and lemon having very acid fruit with orange peel
rani|(the feminine of raja) a Hindu princess or the wife of a raja
Ranidae|a family nearly cosmopolitan in distribution;true frogs
Ranier|a mountain peak in central Washington;highest peak in the Cascade Range;(14,410 feet high)
ranitidine|a histamine blocker and antacid (trade name Zantac) used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis and esophageal reflux
rank|a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another - "the entrance was guarded by ranks of policemen";relative status - "his salary was determined by his rank and seniority"
rank and file|people who constitute the main body of any group;the ordinary members of an organization (such as the enlisted soldiers of an army) - "the strike was supported by the union rank and file"
rank order|an arrangement according to rank
ranker|a commissioned officer who has been promoted from enlisted status;an enlisted soldier who serves in the ranks of the armed forces
Rankin|leader in the women's suffrage movement in Montana;the first woman to serve in the United States House of Representatives (1880-1973)
Rankine|a unit of temperature on the Rankine scale
Rankine scale|a scale of absolute temperature in Fahrenheit degrees;the freezing point of water is 491.69 degrees and the boiling point of water is 671.69 degrees
ranking|position on a scale in relation to others in a sport
rank-order correlation coefficient|the most commonly used method of computing a correlation coefficient between the ranks of scores on two variables
ransacking|a thorough search for something (often causing disorder or confusion)
ransom|money demanded for the return of a captured person;payment for the release of someone;the act of freeing from captivity or punishment
ranter|someone who rants and raves;speaks in a violent or loud manner
ranula|a cyst on the underside of the tongue
Ranunculaceae|a family of Ranunculaceae
Ranunculus|annual, biennial or perennial herbs;buttercup;crowfoot
Ranvier's nodes|small gaps in the myelin sheath of medullated axons
Raoulia|genus of low-growing mat-forming New Zealand plants;in some classifications includes species placed in genus Haastia
rap|a gentle blow;genre of African-American music of the 1980s and 1990s in which rhyming lyrics are chanted to a musical accompaniment;several forms of rap have emerged;voluble conversation
rap group|a gathering of people holding a rap session
rap session|conversation in a situation where feelings can be expressed and criticized or supported
Rapateaceae|South American herbs somewhat resembling members of the Juncaceae
rape|Eurasian plant cultivated for its seed and as a forage crop;the act of despoiling a country in warfare;the crime of forcing a woman to submit to sexual intercourse against her will
rape conviction|conviction for rape
rape oil|edible light yellow to brown oil from rapeseed used also as a lubricant or illuminant
rape suspect|someone who is suspected of committing rape
raper|someone who forces another to have sexual intercourse
rapeseed|seed of rape plants;source of an edible oil
Raphael|an archangel of the Hebrew tradition;Italian painter whose many paintings exemplify the ideals of the High Renaissance (1483-1520)
Raphanus|radish
raphe|a ridge that forms a seam between two parts
Raphicerus|African antelopes;steenboks
Raphidae|extinct dodos and solitaires
Raphidiidae|a family of arthropods of the suborder Megaloptera, including snakeflies
Raphus|type genus of the Raphidae;dodos
rapid|a part of a river where the current is very fast
Rapid City|a town in southwestern South Dakota in the eastern part of the Black Hills
rapid climb|a rapid rise
rapid transit|an urban public transit system using underground or elevated trains
rapier|a straight sword with a narrow blade and two edges
Rappahannock|a river that flows across eastern Virginia into the Tidewater region
rappee|strong snuff made from dark coarse tobacco
rappel|(mountaineering) a descent of a vertical cliff or wall made by using a doubled rope that is fixed to a higher point and wrapped around the body
rapper|someone who performs rap music
rapport|a relationship of mutual understanding or trust and agreement between people
rapporteur|a recorder appointed by a committee to prepare reports of the meetings
Raptores|term used in former classifications;erroneously grouped together birds of the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes
raptus hemorrhagicus|seizure caused by a sudden profuse hemorrhage
rare bird|a rare or unique person
rare earth|any element of the lanthanide series (atomic numbers 57 through 71)
raree-show|a street show
rarefaction|a decrease in the density of something - "a sound wave causes periodic rarefactions in its medium"
rariora|(plural) rare collector's items
rarity|a rarified quality;noteworthy scarcity
rascality|the quality of being a slippery rascal
rash|a series of unexpected and unpleasant occurrences - "a rash of bank robberies";any red eruption of the skin
Rasht|city in northwestern Iran near the Caspian Sea
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|an all-male organization begun in 1925 to foster nationalism in India's Hindus
Rask|Danish philologist whose work on Old Norse pioneered in the field of comparative linguistics (1787-1832)
Raskolnikov|a fictional character in Dostoevsky's novel 'Crime and Punishment';he kills old women because he believes he is beyond the bounds of good or evil
Rasmussen|Danish ethnologist and Arctic explorer;led expeditions into the Arctic to find support for his theory that Eskimos and North American Indians originally migrated from Asia (1879-1933)
rasp|a coarse file with sharp pointed projections;uttering in an irritated tone
raspberry|red or black edible aggregate berries usually smaller than the related blackberries;woody brambles bearing usually red but sometimes black or yellow fruits that separate from the receptacle when ripe and are rounder and smaller than blackberries
Rasputin|Siberian peasant monk who was religious advisor in the court of Nicholas II;was assassinated by Russian noblemen who feared that his debauchery would weaken the monarchy (1872-1916)
Rastafari|(Jamaica) a Black youth subculture and religious movement that arose in the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica, in the 1950s;males grow hair in long dreadlocks and wear woolen caps;use marijuana and listen to reggae music
Rastafarian|(Ethiopia) adherents of an African religion that regards Ras Tafari as divine;follower of Rastafarianism
Rastafarianism|a religious cult based on a belief that Ras Tafari (Haile Selassie) is the Messiah and that Africa (especially Ethiopia) is the Promised Land
raster|the rectangular formation of parallel scanning lines that guide the electron beam on a television screen or a computer monitor
rat|a pad (usually made of hair) worn as part of a woman's coiffure;any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
rat cheese|informal names for American cheddar
rat kangaroo|any of several rabbit-sized ratlike Australian kangaroos
rat race|an exhausting routine that leaves no time for relaxation
rat snake|any of various nonvenomous rodent-eating snakes of North America and Asia
rat terrier|any of several breeds of terrier developed to catch rats
ratability|the quality of being capable of being rated or estimated;the state of being liable to assessment or taxation
ratables|property that provides tax income for local governments
ratafia|macaroon flavored with ratafia liqueur;sweet liqueur made from wine and brandy flavored with plum or peach or apricot kernels and bitter almonds
rat-a-tat-tat|a series of short sharp taps (as made by strokes on a drum or knocks on a door)
ratatouille|a vegetable stew;usually made with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onion, and seasonings
ratbite fever|either of two infectious diseases transmitted to humans by the bite of a rat or mouse;characterized by fever and headache and nausea and skin eruptions
ratbite fever bacterium|a bacterium causing ratbite fever
rat-catcher|a workman employed to destroy or drive away vermin
ratchet|mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction
ratchet wheel|toothed wheel held in place by a pawl or detent and turned by a lever
rate|a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit - "they traveled at a rate of 55 miles per hour" - "the rate of change was faster than expected";a quantity or amount or measure considered as a proportion of another quantity or amount or measure - "the literacy rate" - "the retention rate" - "the dropout rate";amount of a charge or payment relative to some basis - "a 10-minute phone call at that rate would cost $5"
rate of depreciation|the rate at which the value of property is reduced;used to calculate tax deduction
rate of exchange|the charge for exchanging currency of one country for currency of another
rate of return|the amount returned per unit of time expressed as a percentage of the cost
ratel|nocturnal badger-like carnivore of wooded regions of Africa and southern Asia
ratepayer|a person who pays local rates (especially a householder)
rates|a local tax on property (usually used in the plural)
rathole|a hole (as in the wall of a building) made by rats;a small dirty uncomfortable room
rathskeller|a tavern below street level featuring beer;originally a German restaurant in the basement of city hall
Ratibida|genus of perennial wildflowers of North American plains and prairies;often cultivated for their showy flower heads
ratification|making something valid by formally ratifying or confirming it - "the ratification of the treaty"
rating|standing or position on a scale
rating system|a system of classifying according to quality or merit or amount
ratio|the relative magnitudes of two quantities (usually expressed as a quotient)
ratiocination|logical and methodical reasoning
ration|a fixed portion that is allotted (especially in times of scarcity);the food allowance for one day (especially for service personnel) - "the rations should be nutritionally balanced"
ration card|a card certifying the bearer's right to purchase rationed goods
rational motive|a motive that can be defended by reasoning or logical argument
rational number|an integer or a fraction
rationale|(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature) - "the rationale for capital punishment"
rationalism|(philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience;the doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct;the theological doctrine that human reason rather than divine revelation establishes religious truth
rationality|the quality of being consistent with or based on logic;the state of having good sense and sound judgment - "his rationality may have been impaired"
rationalization|(mathematics) the simplification of an expression or equation by eliminating radicals without changing the value of the expression or the roots of the equation;(psychiatry) a defense mechanism by which your true motivation is concealed by explaining your actions and feelings in a way that is not threatening;the cognitive process of making something seem consistent with or based on reason;the organization of a business according to scientific principles of management in order to increase efficiency
rationing|the act of rationing - "during the war the government imposed rationing of food and gasoline"
Ratitae|used in former classifications to include all ratite bird orders
ratite|flightless birds having flat breastbones lacking a keel for attachment of flight muscles;ostriches;cassowaries;emus;moas;rheas;kiwis;elephant birds
ratline|(nautical) a small horizontal rope between the shrouds of a sailing ship;they form a ladder for climbing aloft
rattail cactus|commonly cultivated tropical American cactus having slender creeping stems and very large showy crimson flowers that bloom for several days
rat-tail file|a thin round file shaped like the tail of a rat
rattan|a switch made from the stems of the rattan palms;climbing palm of Sri Lanka and southern India remarkable for the great length of the stems which are used for malacca canes;the stem of various climbing palms of the genus Calamus and related genera used to make wickerwork and furniture and canes
Rattigan|British playwright (1911-1977)
rattle|a baby's toy that makes percussive noises when shaken;a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders) - "the death rattle";loosely connected horny sections at the end of a rattlesnake's tail
rattlesnake|pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken
rattlesnake fern|American fern whose clustered sporangia resemble a snake's rattle
rattlesnake master|coarse prickly perennial eryngo of United States thought to cure rattlesnake bite
rattlesnake orchid|any of various orchids of the genus Pholidota having numerous white to brown flowers in spiraling racemes clothed in slightly inflated bracts and resembling a rattlesnake's tail
rattlesnake plantain|any of several small temperate and tropical orchids having mottled or striped leaves and spikes of small yellowish-white flowers in a twisted raceme
rattlesnake root|a plant of the genus Nabalus;herb of central and southern Europe having purple florets
rattlesnake weed|a hawkweed with a rosette of purple-veined basal leaves;Canada to northern Georgia and Kentucky
rattrap|a difficult entangling situation;a trap for catching rats;filthy run-down dilapidated housing
Rattus|common house rats;upper incisors have a beveled edge
rauli beech|large Chilean timber tree yielding coarse lumber
rauwolfia|any of several alkaloids extracted from the shrub Rauwolfia serpentina;any shrub or small tree of the genus Rauwolfia having leaves in whorls and cymose flowers;yield substances used medicinally especially as emetics or purgatives or antihypertensives
ravage|(usually plural) a destructive action - "the ravages of time"
ravaging|plundering with excessive damage and destruction
rave|a dance party that lasts all night and electronically synthesized music is played - "raves are very popular in Berlin";an extravagantly enthusiastic review - "he gave it a rave"
ravehook|a hooked hand tool used to prepare the seams of a boat for oakum
Ravel|French composer and exponent of Impressionism (1875-1937)
raveling|a bit of fiber that has become separated from woven fabric
raven|large black bird with a straight bill and long wedge-shaped tail
Ravenna|a battle between the French and an alliance of Spaniards and Swiss and Venetians in 1512
Ravenna grass|grass often cultivated for its long white-ribbed leaves and large plumes resembling those of pampas grass
raver|a participant in a rave dancing party
rave-up|a raucous gathering
ravigote|veloute sauce seasoned with chopped chervil, chives, tarragon, shallots and capers
ravine|a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)
raving|declaiming wildly - "the raving of maniacs"
ravioli|small circular or square cases of dough with savory fillings
raw|informal terms for nakedness - "in the raw"
raw beauty|beauty that is stark and powerfully impressive
raw data|unanalyzed data;data not yet subjected to analysis
raw deal|unfair treatment
raw material|material suitable for manufacture or use or finishing
raw meat|uncooked meat
raw milk|unpasteurized milk
raw recruit|an inexperienced and untrained recruit
raw sienna|a yellowish-brown pigment made from untreated sienna
raw talent|powerfully impressive talent
raw umber|greenish brown pigment
raw vegetable|an uncooked vegetable
raw weather|unpleasantly cold and damp weather
raw wood|wood that is not finished or painted
raw wool|wool in its natural condition;not refined or processed
raw wound|a wound that exposes subcutaneous tissue
Rawalpindi|an ancient city in northeastern Pakistan;served as capital of Pakistan while Islamabad was being built
rawhide|untanned hide especially of cattle;cut in strips it is used for whips and ropes
rawness|a chilly dampness - "the rawness of the midnight air"
ray|(mathematics) a straight line extending from a point;a branch of an umbel or an umbelliform inflorescence;any of the stiff bony spines in the fin of a fish;cartilaginous fishes having horizontally flattened bodies and enlarged winglike pectoral fins with gills on the underside;most swim by moving the pectoral fins
ray flower|small flower with a flat strap-shaped corolla usually occupying the peripheral rings of a composite flower
Rayleigh|English physicist who studied the density of gases and discovered argon;made important contributions to acoustic theory (1842-1919)
Rayleigh disk|an acoustic radiometer consisting of a light disk suspended from a quartz thread;when exposed to a progressive sound wave its torque can measure velocity
rayon|a synthetic silklike fabric
razbliuto|the sentimental feeling you have about someone you once loved but no longer do
razing|complete destruction of a building;the event of a structure being completely demolished and leveled
razor|edge tool used in shaving
razor clam|marine clam having a long narrow curved thin shell
razor edge|an edge that is as sharp as the cutting side of a razor
razor fish|any of several small wrasses with compressed sharp-edged heads of the West Indies and Mediterranean
razorback|a mongrel hog with a thin body and long legs and a ridged back;a wild or semi-wild descendant of improved breeds;found chiefly in the southeastern United States
razorbill|black-and-white northern Atlantic auk having a compressed sharp-edged bill
razorblade|a blade that has very sharp edge
razzle-dazzle|any exciting and complex play intended to confuse (dazzle) the opponent
re|the syllable naming the second (supertonic) note of any major scale in solmization
reach|the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
reactance|opposition to the flow of electric current resulting from inductance and capacitance (rather than resistance)
reactant|a chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction
reaction|(mechanics) the equal and opposite force that is produced when any force is applied to a body - "every action has an equal and opposite reaction";a bodily process occurring due to the effect of some antecedent stimulus or agent - "a bad reaction to the medicine";a response that reveals a person's feelings or attitude - "he was pleased by the audience's reaction to his performance" - "John feared his mother's reaction when she saw the broken lamp";an idea evoked by some experience - "his reaction to the news was to start planning what to do";doing something in opposition to another way of doing it that you don't like - "his style of painting was a reaction against cubism";extreme conservatism in political or social matters - "the forces of reaction carried the election"
reaction formation|(psychiatry) a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously develops attitudes and behavior that are the opposite of unacceptable repressed desires and impulses and serve to conceal them - "his strict morality is just a reaction formation to hide his sexual drive"
reaction propulsion|propulsion that results from the ejection at high velocity of a mass of gas to which the vehicle reacts with an equal and opposite momentum
reaction time|the time that elapses between a stimulus and the response to it
reaction turbine|a turbine with blades arranged to develop torque from gradual decrease of steam pressure from inlet to exhaust
reactionary|an extreme conservative;an opponent of progress or liberalism
reactionism|the political orientation of reactionaries
reaction-propulsion engine|a jet or rocket engine based on a form of aerodynamic propulsion in which the vehicle emits a high-speed stream
reactivity|ready susceptibility to chemical change
reactor|an electrical device used to introduce reactance into a circuit
read|something that is read - "the article was a very good read"
Read method of childbirth|a method of natural childbirth that assumes it is a normal process and that the pain is largely psychological;involves education and breathing exercises to foster relaxation and other exercises
read/write head|(computer science) a tiny electromagnetic coil and metal pole used to write and read magnetic patterns on a disk
readability|the quality of written language that makes it easy to read and understand
reader|a person who can read;a literate person;a person who enjoys reading;one of a series of texts for students learning to read
readership|the audience reached by written communications (books or magazines or newspapers etc.)
readiness|prompt willingness - "readiness to continue discussions";the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action) - "putting them in readiness"
Reading|a city on the River Thames in Berkshire in southern England;a datum about some physical state that is presented to a user by a meter or similar instrument;a particular interpretation or performance;the act of measuring with meters or similar instruments;the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message;written material intended to be read
reading assignment|the reading of a passage assigned by the teacher
reading clinic|a clinic for people with reading disabilities
reading lamp|a lamp that provides light for reading
reading program|a program designed to teach literacy skills
reading room|a room set aside for reading
reading teacher|someone who teaches students to read
readjustment|the act of adjusting again (to changed circumstances)
readmission|the act of admitting someone again - "the surgery was performed on his readmission to the clinic"
read-only file|(computer science) a file that you can read but cannot change
read-only memory|(computer science) memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed
read-only memory chip|a memory chip providing read-only memory
readout|an electronic device the displays information is a visual form;the information displayed or recorded on an electronic device;the output of a computer in readable form
ready|poised for action - "their guns were at the ready"
ready cash|money in the form of cash that is readily available - "his wife was always a good source of ready cash"
ready-made|a manufactured artifact (as a garment or piece of furniture) that is made in advance and available for purchase - "their apartment was furnished with ready-mades"
ready-mix|a commercial preparation containing most of the ingredients for a dish
ready-to-wear|ready-made clothing - "she couldn't find anything in ready-to-wear that she liked"
reaffiliation|affiliation anew
Reagan|40th President of the United States (1911-2004)
Reagan administration|the executive under President Reagan
reagent|a chemical agent for use in chemical reactions
reagin|an immunoglobulin E that is formed as an antibody against allergens (such as pollen);attaches to cell membranes causing the release of histamine and other substances responsible for the local inflammation characteristic of an allergy
real|an old small silver Spanish coin;the basic unit of money in Brazil;equal to 100 centavos
real estate broker|a person who is authorized to act as an agent for the sale of land
Real Estate Investment Trust|an investment trust that owns and manages a pool of commercial properties and mortgages and other real estate assets;shares can be bought and sold in the stock market
real estate loan|a loan on real estate that is usually secured by a mortgage
real gross national product|a version of the GNP that has been adjusted for the effects of inflation
Real IRA|a radical terrorist group that broke away in 1997 when the mainstream Provisional IRA proposed a cease-fire;has continued terrorist activities in opposition to any peace agreement
real matrix|a matrix whose elements are all real numbers
real McCoy|informal usage attributing authenticity
real number|any rational or irrational number
real presence|(Christianity) the Christian doctrine that the body of Christ is actually present in the Eucharist
real property|property consisting of houses and land
real storage|the main memory in a virtual memory system
real time|(computer science) the time it takes for a process under computer control to occur;the actual time that it takes a process to occur - "information is updated in real time"
real world|the practical world as opposed to the academic world - "a good consultant must have a lot of experience in the real world"
real-estate business|the business of selling real estate
realgar|a rare soft orange mineral consisting of arsenic sulphide;an important ore of arsenic
realism|(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that physical objects continue to exist when not perceived;the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth
realist|a painter who represents the world realistically and not in an idealized or romantic style;a person who accepts the world as it literally is and deals with it accordingly;a philosopher who believes that universals are real and exist independently of anyone thinking of them
reality|the quality possessed by something that is real;the state of being actual or real - "the reality of his situation slowly dawned on him";the state of the world as it really is rather than as you might want it to be
reality check|an occasion on which one is reminded of the nature of things in the real world - "this program is intended as a reality check for CEOs" - "after all those elaborate productions, I felt in need of a reality check"
reality principle|(psychoanalysis) the governing principle of the ego;the principle that as a child grows it becomes aware of the real environment and the need to accommodate to it
realization|a musical composition that has been completed or enriched by someone other than the composer;a sale in order to obtain money (as a sale of stock or a sale of the estate of a bankrupt person) or the money so obtained;coming to understand something clearly and distinctly - "a growing realization of the risk involved";making real or giving the appearance of reality;something that is made real or concrete - "the victory was the realization of a whole year's work";the completion or enrichment of a piece of music left sparsely notated by a composer
reallocation|a share that has been allocated again
reallotment|a new apportionment (especially a new apportionment of congressional seats in the United States on the basis of census results)
realpolitik|politics based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations
real-time processing|data processing fast enough to keep up with an outside process
Realtor|a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors
ream|a large quantity of written matter - "he wrote reams and reams";a quantity of paper;480 or 500 sheets;one ream equals 20 quires
reamer|a drill that is used to shape or enlarge holes;a squeezer with a conical ridged center that is used for squeezing juice from citrus fruit
reappearance|the act of someone appearing again - "his reappearance as Hamlet has been long awaited";the event of something appearing again - "the reappearance of Halley's comet"
reappraisal|a new appraisal or evaluation
rear|the back of a military formation or procession - "infantrymen were in the rear";the side of an object that is opposite its front - "his room was toward the rear of the hotel";the side that goes last or is not normally seen
rear admiral|an admiral junior to a vice admiral
rear window|car window that allows vision out of the back of the car
rearguard|a detachment assigned to protect the rear of a (retreating) military body
rearmament|the act of arming again - "he opposed the rearmament of Japan after World War II"
rearrangement|changing an arrangement
rearview mirror|car mirror that reflects the view out of the rear window
rearward|direction toward the rear - "his outfit marched to the rearward of the tank divisions"
reason|a fact that logically justifies some premise or conclusion - "there is reason to believe he is lying";a rational motive for a belief or action - "the reason that war was declared";an explanation of the cause of some phenomenon - "the reason a steady state was never reached was that the back pressure built up too slowly";the capacity for rational thought or inference or discrimination - "we are told that man is endowed with reason and capable of distinguishing good from evil"
reasonableness|goodness of reason and judgment - "the judiciary is built on the reasonableness of judges";moderation in expectations - "without greater reasonableness by both parties we will never settle this matter!";the property of being moderate in price or expenditures - "the store is famous for the reasonableness of its prices";the quality of being plausible or acceptable to a reasonable person
reasoner|someone who reasons logically
reasoning|thinking that is coherent and logical
reassembly|assembling again
reassertion|renewed affirmation
reassignment|assignment to a different duty
reassurance|the act of reassuring;restoring someone's confidence
Reaumur|French physicist who invented the alcohol thermometer (1683-1757)
Reaumur scale|a temperature scale on which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 80 degrees
Reaumur thermometer|an alcohol thermometer calibrated in degrees Reaumur
rebate|a refund of some fraction of the amount paid
Rebecca|(Old Testament) wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau
Rebel|'Johnny' was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War;'greyback' derived from their grey Confederate uniforms
rebellion|organized opposition to authority;a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another;refusal to accept some authority or code or convention - "each generation must have its own rebellion" - "his body was in rebellion against fatigue"
rebirth|the revival of learning and culture
rebound|a reaction to a crisis or setback or frustration - "he is still on the rebound from his wife's death";the act of securing possession of the rebounding basketball after a missed shot
rebound tenderness|pain felt when a hand pressing on the abdomen is suddenly released;a symptom of peritoneal inflammation
reboxetine|an antidepressant drug that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine
rebozo|a long woolen or linen scarf covering the head and shoulders (also used as a sling for holding a baby);traditionally worn by Latin-American women
rebroadcast|a broadcast that repeated at a later time
rebuff|a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval);an instance of driving away or warding off
rebuilding|building again
rebuke|an act or expression of criticism and censure - "he had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face"
reburying|the act of burying again
rebus|a puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words
rebuttal|the speech act of refuting by offering a contrary contention or argument
rebutter|(law) a pleading by the defendant in reply to a plaintiff's surrejoinder;a debater who refutes or disproves by offering contrary evidence or argument
recalculation|the act of calculating again (usually to eliminate errors or to include additional data) - "recalculation yielded a much larger value"
recall|a bugle call that signals troops to return;a call to return - "the recall of our ambassador";a request by the manufacturer of a defective product to return the product (as for replacement or repair);the act of removing an official by petition;the process of remembering (especially the process of recovering information by mental effort) - "he has total recall of the episode"
recapitulation|(music) the repetition of themes introduced earlier (especially when one is composing the final part of a movement);(music) the section of a composition or movement (especially in sonata form) in which musical themes that were introduced earlier are repeated;a summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion
recapture|a legal seizure by the government of profits beyond a fixed amount;the act of taking something back
recce|reconnaissance (by shortening)
receding|a slow or gradual disappearance;the act of becoming more distant
receipt|an acknowledgment (usually tangible) that payment has been made
receivables|money that you currently expect to receive from notes or accounts
Received Pronunciation|the approved pronunciation of British English;originally based on the King's English as spoken at public schools and at Oxford and Cambridge Universities (and widely accepted elsewhere in Britain);until recently it was the pronunciation of English used in British broadcasting
receiver|a football player who catches (or is supposed to catch) a forward pass;set that receives radio or tv signals;the tennis player who receives the serve
receiver-creditor relation|the responsibility of receiver or trustee in bankruptcy to act in the best interests of the creditor
receivership|a court action that places property under the control of a receiver during litigation so that it can be preserved for the benefit of all;the office of a receiver;the state of property that is in the hands of a receiver - "the business is in receivership"
recency|a time immediately before the present;the property of having happened or appeared not long ago
receptacle|a container that is used to put or keep things in;an electrical (or electronic) fitting that is connected to a source of power and equipped to receive an insert;enlarged tip of a stem that bears the floral parts
reception|(American football) the act of catching a pass in football - "the tight end made a great reception on the 20 yard line";a formal party of people;as after a wedding;quality or fidelity of a received broadcast;the act of receiving;the manner in which something is greeted - "she did not expect the cold reception she received from her superiors"
reception desk|a counter (as in a hotel) where guests are received
reception line|a line of people (hosts and guests of honor) who welcome the guests at a reception party
reception room|a room for receiving and entertaining visitors (as in a private house or hotel)
receptionist|a secretary whose main duty is to answer the telephone and receive visitors
receptiveness|willingness or readiness to receive (especially impressions or ideas) - "he was testing the government's receptiveness to reform" - "this receptiveness is the key feature in oestral behavior, enabling natural mating to occur"
receptor|a cellular structure that is postulated to exist in order to mediate between a chemical agent that acts on nervous tissue and the physiological response
recess|a small concavity;an enclosure that is set back or indented
recession|the act of ceding back;the state of the economy declines;a widespread decline in the GDP and employment and trade lasting from six months to a year;the withdrawal of the clergy and choir from the chancel to the vestry at the end of a church service
recessional|a hymn that is sung at the end of a service as the clergy and choir withdraw
recessive allele|an allele that produces its characteristic phenotype only when its paired allele is identical
recessive gene|gene that produces its characteristic phenotype only when its allele is identical - "the recessive gene for blue eyes"
rechauffe|warmed leftovers
recidivism|habitual relapse into crime
recidivist|someone who is repeatedly arrested for criminal behavior (especially for the same criminal behavior);someone who lapses into previous undesirable patterns of behavior
Recife|a port city of northeastern Brazil on the Atlantic
recipe|directions for making something
recipient|a person who receives something
recipient role|the semantic role of the animate entity that is passively involved in the happening denoted by the verb in the clause
reciprocal|something (a term or expression or concept) that has a reciprocal relation to something else - "risk is the reciprocal of safety"
reciprocal cross|hybridization involving a pair of crosses that reverse the sexes associated with each genotype
reciprocal inhibition|a method of behavior therapy based on the inhibition of one response by the occurrence of another response that is mutually incompatible with it;a relaxation response might be conditioned to a stimulus that previously evoked anxiety
reciprocal pronoun|a pronoun or pronominal phrase (as 'each other') that expresses a mutual action or relationship between the individuals indicated in the plural subject - "The sentence 'They cared for each other' contains a reciprocal pronoun"
reciprocality|a relation of mutual dependence or action or influence
reciprocating engine|an internal-combustion engine in which the crankshaft is turned by pistons moving up and down in cylinders
reciprocation|alternating back-and-forth movement;the act of making or doing something in return
reciprocity|mutual exchange of commercial or other privileges
recirculation|circulation again
recission|(law) the act of rescinding;the cancellation of a contract and the return of the parties to the positions they would have had if the contract had not been made - "recission may be brought about by decree or by mutual consent"
recital|a detailed account or description of something - "he was forced to listen to a recital of his many shortcomings";a detailed statement giving facts and figures - "his wife gave a recital of his infidelities";performance of music or dance especially by soloists
recitalist|a musician who gives recitals
recitation|a public instance of reciting or repeating (from memory) something prepared in advance - "the program included songs and recitations of well-loved poems";written matter that is recited from memory
recitative|a vocal passage of narrative text that a singer delivers with natural rhythms of speech
reciter|someone who recites from memory
recklessness|the trait of giving little thought to danger
reckoner|a handbook of tables used to facilitate computation
reckoning|a bill for an amount due
reclamation|rescuing from error and returning to a rightful course - "the reclamation of delinquent children";the conversion of wasteland into land suitable for use of habitation or cultivation;the recovery of useful substances from waste products
reclassification|classifying something again (usually in a new category)
recliner|an armchair whose back can be lowered and foot can be raised to allow the sitter to recline in it
reclining|the act of assuming or maintaining a reclining position
reclusiveness|a disposition to prefer seclusion or isolation
recoding|converting from one code to another
recognition|(biology) the ability of one molecule to attach to another molecule that has a complementary shape - "molecular recognition drives all of biology, for instance, hormone and receptor or antibody-antigen interactions or the organization of molecules into larger biologically active entities";an acceptance (as of a claim) as true and valid - "the recognition of the Rio Grande as a boundary between Mexico and the United States";approval - "give her recognition for trying";designation by the chair granting a person the right to speak in a deliberative body - "he was unable to make his motion because he couldn't get recognition by the chairman";the explicit and formal acknowledgement of a government or of the national independence of a country - "territorial disputes were resolved in Guatemala's recognition of Belize in 1991";the process of recognizing something or someone by remembering - "a politician whose recall of names was as remarkable as his recognition of faces" - "experimental psychologists measure the elapsed time from the onset of the stimulus to its recognition by the observer";the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged - "the partners were delighted with the recognition of their work" - "she seems to avoid much in the way of recognition or acknowledgement of feminist work prior to her own"
recognizance|(law) a security entered into before a court with a condition to perform some act required by law;on failure to perform that act a sum is forfeited
recoil|a movement back from an impact;the backward jerk of a gun when it is fired
recollection|something recalled to the mind
recombinant|a cell or organism in which genetic recombination has occurred
recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid|genetically engineered DNA made by recombining fragments of DNA from different organisms
recombinant human insulin|a form of insulin (trade name Humulin) made from recombinant DNA that is identical to human insulin;used to treat diabetics who are allergic to preparations made from beef or pork insulin
recombinant protein|a protein derived from recombinant DNA
recombination|(genetics) a combining of genes or characters different from what they were in the parents;(physics) a combining of charges or transfer of electrons in a gas that results in the neutralization of ions;important for ions arising from the passage of high-energy particles
recommendation|any quality or characteristic that gains a person a favorable reception or acceptance or admission - "her pleasant personality is already a recommendation";something (as a course of action) that is recommended as advisable;something that recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as worthy or desirable
recompense|payment or reward (as for service rendered);the act of compensating for service or loss or injury
reconciliation|getting two things to correspond - "the reconciliation of his checkbook and the bank statement";the reestablishing of cordial relations
reconditeness|wisdom that is recondite and abstruse and profound - "the anthropologist was impressed by the reconditeness of the native proverbs"
reconnaissance|the act of reconnoitring (especially to gain information about an enemy or potential enemy) - "an exchange of fire occurred on a reconnaissance mission"
reconnaissance by fire|a method of reconnaissance in which fire is placed on a suspected enemy position in order to cause the enemy to disclose his presence by moving or returning fire
reconnaissance in force|an offensive operation designed to discover or test the enemy's strength (or to obtain other information)
reconnaissance plane|a military airplane used to gain information about an enemy
reconnaissance vehicle|fast armored military vehicle with four-wheel drive and open top
reconsideration|a consideration of a topic (as in a meeting) with a view to changing an earlier decision;thinking again about a choice previously made
reconstruction|an interpretation formed by piecing together bits of evidence;recall that is hypothesized to work by storing abstract features which are then used to construct the memory during recall;the activity of constructing something again;the period after the American Civil War when the southern states were reorganized and reintegrated into the Union;1865-1877
record|a compilation of the known facts regarding something or someone - "Al Smith used to say, 'Let's look at the record'" - "his name is in all the record books";a document that can serve as legal evidence of a transaction - "they could find no record of the purchase";an extreme attainment;the best (or worst) performance ever attested (as in a sport) - "he tied the Olympic record" - "coffee production last year broke all previous records" - "Chicago set the homicide record";anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events - "the film provided a valuable record of stage techniques";the number of wins versus losses and ties a team has had - "at 9-0 they have the best record in their league";the sum of recognized accomplishments - "the lawyer has a good record" - "the track record shows that he will be a good president"
record changer|an automatic mechanical device on a record player that causes new records to be played without manual intervention
record company|a company that makes and sells musical recordings
record jacket|the jacket for a phonograph record
record player|machine in which rotating records cause a stylus to vibrate and the vibrations are amplified acoustically or electronically
record sleeve|a sleeve for storing a phonograph record
record-breaker|someone who breaks a record
recorder|a barrister or solicitor who serves as part-time judge in towns or boroughs;equipment for making records
recorder player|someone who plays the recorder
recording|a signal that encodes something (e.g., picture or sound) that has been recorded;a storage device on which information (sounds or images) have been recorded;the act of making a record (especially an audio record) - "she watched the recording from a sound-proof booth"
recording studio|studio where tapes and records are recorded
recording system|audio system for recoding sound
recount|an additional (usually a second) count;especially of the votes in a close election
recourse|act of turning to for assistance - "have recourse to the courts";something or someone turned to for assistance or security - "his only recourse was the police"
recovery|return to an original state - "the recovery of the forest after the fire was surprisingly rapid";the act of regaining or saving something lost (or in danger of becoming lost)
recovery room|a hospital room for the care of patients immediately after surgery
re-creation|the act of creating again
recreation room|a room equipped for informal entertaining
recreational drug|a narcotic drug that is used only occasionally and is claimed to be nonaddictive
recreational facility|a public facility for recreation
recreational vehicle|a motorized wheeled vehicle used for camping or other recreational activities
recrimination|mutual accusations
recrudescence|a return of something after a period of abatement - "a recrudescence of racism" - "a recrudescence of the symptoms"
recruit|a recently enlisted soldier;any new member or supporter (as in the armed forces)
recruiter|an official who enlists personnel for military service;someone who supplies members or employees
recruiting-sergeant|a sergeant deputized to enlist recruits
recruitment|the act of getting recruits;enlisting people for the army (or for a job or a cause etc.)
rectal artery|one of the arteries supplying the rectal area
rectangle|a parallelogram with four right angles
rectangularity|the property of being shaped like a rectangle
rectification|(chemistry) the process of refinement or purification of a substance by distillation;determination of the length of a curve;finding a straight line equal in length to a given curve;the conversion of alternating current to direct current
rectifier|a person who corrects or sets right - "a rectifier of prejudices";electrical device that transforms alternating into direct current
recto|right-hand page
rectocele|protrusion or herniation of the rectum into the vagina;can occur if pelvic muscles are weakened by childbirth
rectorship|the office or station of a rector
rectum|the terminal section of the alimentary canal;from the sigmoid flexure to the anus
rectus|any of various straight muscles
recurrence|happening again (especially at regular intervals)
recursion|(mathematics) an expression such that each term is generated by repeating a particular mathematical operation
recursive definition|(mathematics) a definition of a function from which values of the function can be calculated in a finite number of steps
recursive routine|a routine that can call itself
Recurvirostra|type genus of the Recurvirostridae;avocets
Recurvirostridae|long-legged shorebirds
recusancy|refusal to submit to established authority;originally the refusal of Roman Catholics to attend services of the Church of England
recusation|(law) an objection grounded on the judge's relationship to one of the parties;(law) the disqualification of a judge or jury by reason of prejudice or conflict of interest;a judge can be recused by objections of either party or judges can disqualify themselves
recycling|the act of processing used or abandoned materials for use in creating new products
recycling bin|a bin for depositing things to be recycled
recycling plant|a plant for reprocessing used or abandoned materials
Red|a tributary of the Mississippi River that flows eastward from Texas along the southern boundary of Oklahoma and through Louisiana;red color or pigment;the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
red admiral|of temperate Europe and Asia;having black wings with red and white markings
red alder|large tree of Pacific coast of North America having hard red wood much used for furniture
red alert|the highest level of alert when an attack by the enemy seems imminent (or more generally a state of alert resulting from imminent danger)
red algae|marine algae in which the chlorophyll is masked by a red or purplish pigment;source of agar and carrageenan
red angel's trumpet|arborescent South American shrub having very large orange-red flowers
Red Army Faction|a Marxist and Maoist terrorist organization in Germany;a network of underground guerillas who committed acts of violence in the service of the class struggle;a successor to the Baader-Meinhof Gang;became one of Europe's most feared terrorist groups;disbanded in 1998
red ash|smallish American tree with velvety branchlets and lower leaf surfaces
red baneberry|North American perennial herb with alternately compound leaves and racemes of small white flowers followed by bright red oval poisonous berries
red bat|North American bat of a brick or rusty red color with hairs tipped with white
red beech|large tree of Australasia
red blood cell|a mature blood cell that contains hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues;a biconcave disc that has no nucleus
red brass|brass with enough copper to give it a reddish tint;used for plumbing pipe and other brass hardware and in cheap jewelry
Red Brigades|a Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization that arose out of a student protest movement in the late 1960s;wants to separate Italy from NATO and advocates violence in the service of class warfare and revolution;mostly inactive since 1989
red bryony|bryony having fleshy roots pale green flowers and very small red berries;Europe;North Africa;western Asia
red buckeye|a shrub buckeye of southern United States
red cabbage|cabbage plant with a compact head of reddish purple leaves;compact head of purplish-red leaves
red campion|biennial European catchfly having red or pink flowers;sometimes placed in genus Lychnis
red carpet|a strip of red carpeting laid down for dignitaries to walk on
red cedar|fragrant reddish wood of any of various red cedar trees
red clay|clay whose redness results from iron oxide
red Clintonia|plant with nearly leafless stalk topped by a cluster of red or reddish lavender flowers;California to Oregon
Red Cloud|leader of the Oglala who resisted the development of a trail through Wyoming and Montana by the United States government (1822-1909)
red clover|erect to decumbent short-lived perennial having red-purple to pink flowers;the most commonly grown forage clover
red coral|corals of especially the Mediterranean having pink or red color used for ornaments and jewelry
Red Cross|an international organization that cares for the sick or wounded or homeless in wartime
red currant|cultivated European current bearing small edible red berries;small red berries used primarily in jams and jellies
red deer|common deer of temperate Europe and Asia
Red Delicious|a sweet eating apple with bright red skin;most widely grown apple worldwide
red drum|large edible fish found off coast of United States from Massachusetts to Mexico
red dwarf|a small, old, relatively cool star;approximately 100 times the mass of Jupiter
red eft|red terrestrial form of a common North American newt
red fire|combustible material (usually salts of lithium or strontium) that burns bright red;used in flares and fireworks
red flag|a flag that serves as a warning signal - "we didn't swim at the beach because the red flag was up";something that irritates or demands immediate action - "doing that is like waving a red flag in front of a bull";the emblem of socialist revolution
red fox|New World fox;often considered the same species as the Old World fox;the common Old World fox;having reddish-brown fur;commonly considered a single circumpolar species;weedy annual with spikes of silver-white flowers
red giant|a large, old, luminous star;has a relatively low surface temperature and a diameter large relative to the sun
red ginger|an ornamental ginger native to Pacific islands
red goatfish|body bright scarlet with 2 yellow to reddish strips on side
red goosefoot|common Eurasian weed;naturalized in United States
red grouse|reddish-brown grouse of upland moors of Great Britain
Red Guard|a radical political movement by Chinese youths who espoused Maoist principles
red gum|red gum tree of Tasmania;very large red gum tree
Red Hand Defenders|a paramilitary group of Protestants in Northern Ireland that tries to prevent any political settlement with the Irish Republic;attacks interests of Catholic civilians in Northern Ireland;responsible for arson and bombing and murder
red haw|American red-fruited hawthorn with dense corymbs of pink-red flowers;American red-fruited hawthorn with stems and leaves densely covered with short woolly hairs
red helleborine|orchid of Mediterranean and Asia having a lax spike of bright rose-pink flowers
red herring|a dried and smoked herring having a reddish color;any diversion intended to distract attention from the main issue
red jungle fowl|a jungle fowl of southeastern Asia that is considered ancestral to the domestic fowl
red kauri|New Zealand tree with glossy leaves and scaly reddish-brown bark
red lauan|hard heavy red wood of the red lauan tree;often sold as Philippine mahogany;valuable Philippine timber tree
red laver|edible red seaweeds
red lead|a reddish oxide of lead (Pb3O4) used as a pigment in paints and in glass and ceramics
red light|a cautionary sign of danger;the signal to stop
red line|a line that is colored red and that bisects an ice hockey rink
red maids|succulent carpet-forming plant having small brilliant reddish-pink flowers;southwestern United States
red maple|maple of eastern and central America;five-lobed leaves turn scarlet and yellow in autumn
red marrow|bone marrow of children and some adult bones that is required for the formation of red blood cells
red meat|meat that is dark in color before cooking (as beef, venison, lamb, mutton)
red morning-glory|annual herb having scarlet flowers;the eastern United States
red mulberry|North American mulberry having dark purple edible fruit
red oak|any of numerous American oaks having 4 stamens in each floret, acorns requiring two years to mature and leaf veins usually extending beyond the leaf margin to form points or bristles
red osier|common North American shrub with reddish purple twigs and white flowers
red phalarope|phalarope of northern oceans and lakes
red pine|pine of eastern North America having long needles in bunches of two and reddish bark
red poll|hornless short-haired breed of beef and dairy cattle
red porgy|food fish of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe and America
red raspberry|any of several raspberries bearing red fruit
red rockfish|a large fish of the Pacific coast of North America;red flesh of large food fish of Pacific coast
red salmon|fatty red flesh of salmon of Pacific coast and rivers
red sandalwood|tree of India and East Indies yielding a hard fragrant timber prized for cabinetwork and dark red heartwood used as a dyewood
red scare|a period of general fear of communists
Red Sea|a long arm of the Indian Ocean between northeast Africa and Arabia;linked to the Mediterranean at the north end by the Suez Canal
red shift|(astronomy) a shift in the spectra of very distant galaxies toward longer wavelengths (toward the red end of the spectrum);generally interpreted as evidence that the universe is expanding
red shrubby penstemon|low branching dark green shrub with bunches of brick-red flowers at ends of branches;coastal ranges and foothills of northern California
red silk cotton|a plant fiber from the red silk-cotton tree of eastern India;inferior to kapok
red silk-cotton tree|East Indian silk cotton tree yielding fibers inferior to kapok
red siskin|South American species of scarlet finch with black head and wings and tail
red snapper|an esteemed food fish with pinkish red head and body;common in the Atlantic coastal waters of North America and the Gulf of Mexico;highly esteemed reddish lean flesh of snapper from Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico
red spider|small web-spinning mite;a serious orchard pest
red spruce|medium-sized spruce of eastern North America;chief lumber spruce of the area;source of pulpwood
red squirrel|common reddish-brown squirrel of Europe and parts of Asia
Red Tai|a branch of the Tai languages
red tide|seawater that is discolored by large numbers of certain dinoflagellates that produce saxitoxin
red trillium|trillium of northeastern United States with sessile leaves and red or purple flowers having a pungent odor
red underwing|moth having dull forewings and red-marked hind wings
red valerian|European herb with small fragrant crimson or white spurred flowers
red water|a disease of cattle;characterized by hematuria
red wine|wine having a red color derived from skins of dark-colored grapes
red wolf|reddish-grey wolf of southwestern North America
redact|someone who puts text into appropriate form for publication
redaction|the act of putting something in writing
red-backed mouse|any of several voles of mountainous regions of Eurasia and America
red-backed sandpiper|small common sandpiper that breeds in northern or Arctic regions and winters in southern United States or Mediterranean regions
red-bellied snake|harmless woodland snake of southeastern United States
red-bellied terrapin|freshwater turtle of Chesapeake Bay tributaries having red markings on the lower shell
redberry|small spiny evergreen shrub of western United States and Mexico with minute flowers and bright red berries
redbone|a speedy red or red-and-tan American hound
red-breasted merganser|widely distributed merganser of America and Europe
red-breasted nuthatch|bluish-grey nuthatch with reddish breast;of northern coniferous forests
red-breasted sapsucker|western North American sapsucker
red-breasted snipe|a dowitcher with a red breast
redbrick university|(British informal) a provincial British university of relatively recent founding;distinguished from Oxford University and Cambridge University
redbud|small shrubby tree of eastern North America similar to the Judas tree having usually pink flowers;found in damp sheltered underwood
redcap|a member of the military police in Britain;a porter who helps passengers with their baggage at a railroad station
redcoat|British soldier;so-called because of his red coat (especially during the American Revolution)
Redding|a town in north central California on the Sacramento River
reddish brown|a shade of brown with a tinge of red
reddish orange|an orange color closer to red than to yellow
reddish purple|a shade of purple tinged with red
rededication|a new dedication - "the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem"
redeemer|someone who redeems or buys back (promissory notes or merchandise or commercial paper etc.)
redefinition|the act of giving a new definition - "words like 'conservative' require periodic redefinition" - "she provided a redefinition of his duties"
redemption|(theology) the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil;repayment of the principal amount of a debt or security at or before maturity (as when a corporation repurchases its own stock);the act of purchasing back something previously sold
redeployment|the withdrawal and redistribution of forces in an attempt to use them more effectively
redeposition|deposition from one deposit to another
redetermination|determining again
redevelopment authority|a public administrative unit given responsibility for the renovation of blighted urban areas
redeye|a night flight from which the passengers emerge with eyes red from lack of sleep - "he took the redeye in order to get home the next morning"
red-eyed vireo|of northern North America having red irises and an olive-grey body with white underparts
redfin pickerel|small but gamy pickerel of Atlantic coastal states
redfish|male salmon that has recently spawned;North Atlantic rockfish
red-flowered silky oak|tall shrub with cylindrical racemes of red flowers and pinnatifid leaves silky and grey beneath;eastern Australia
Redford|United States actor and filmmaker who starred with Paul Newman in several films (born in 1936)
red-green dichromacy|confusion of red and green
redhead|North American diving duck with a grey-and-black body and reddish-brown head;someone who has red hair
redheaded woodpecker|black-and-white North American woodpecker having a red head and neck
redhorse|North American sucker with reddish fins
red-hot poker|widely cultivated hybrid poker plant
Rediffusion|a system for distributing radio or tv programs
redirect examination|(law) questioning of a witness by the party that called the witness after that witness has been subject to cross-examination
rediscovery|the act of discovering again
redistribution|distributing again - "the revolution resulted in a redistribution of wealth"
red-lead putty|a cement resembling putty;made by mixing white and red lead in boiled linseed oil;used as luting on pipe fittings
red-legged partridge|common western European partridge with red legs
red-letter day|a memorably happy or noteworthy day (from the custom of marking holy days in red on church calendars)
red-light district|a district with many brothels
redneck|a poor White person in the southern United States
red-necked grebe|large stocky grebe of circumpolar regions having a dark neck
Redonda|an island in Antigua and Barbuda
redoubt|(military) a temporary or supplementary fortification;typically square or polygonal without flanking defenses;an entrenched stronghold or refuge
redpoll|small siskin-like finch with a red crown;small siskin-like finch with a red crown and a rosy breast and rump
redraft|a draft for the amount of a dishonored draft plus the costs and charges of drafting again
redress|act of correcting an error or a fault or an evil
red-shafted flicker|western United States bird with red undersurface to wings and tail
redshank|a common Old World wading bird with long red legs
red-shouldered hawk|North American hawk with reddish brown shoulders
Redskin|(slang) offensive term for Native Americans
red-skinned onion|onion with white to deep red tunic;California
red-spotted purple|similar to the banded purple but with red spots on underwing surfaces
redstart|European songbird with a reddish breast and tail;related to Old World robins
redstem storksbill|European weed naturalized in southwestern United States and Mexico having reddish decumbent stems with small fernlike leaves and small deep reddish-lavender flowers followed by slender fruits that stick straight up;often grown for forage
redtail|dark brown American hawk species having a reddish-brown tail
reduced instruction set computing|(computer science) a kind of computer architecture that has a relatively small set of computer instructions that it can perform
reducer|pipefitting that joins two pipes of different diameter
reducing|loss of excess weight (as by dieting);becoming slimmer - "a doctor supervised her reducing"
reducing agent|a substance capable of bringing about the reduction of another substance as it itself is oxidized;used in photography to lessen the density of a negative or print by oxidizing some of the loose silver
reducing diet|a diet designed to help you lose weight (especially fat)
reductase|an enzyme that catalyses the biochemical reduction of some specified substance
reductio ad absurdum|(reduction to the absurd) a disproof by showing that the consequences of the proposition are absurd;or a proof of a proposition by showing that its negation leads to a contradiction
reduction|any process in which electrons are added to an atom or ion (as by removing oxygen or adding hydrogen);always occurs accompanied by oxidation of the reducing agent;the act of reducing complexity
reduction gear|gearing that reduces an input speed to a slower output speed
reductionism|a theory that all complex systems can be completely understood in terms of their components;the analysis of complex things into simpler constituents
redundancy|(electronics) a system design that duplicates components to provide alternatives in case one component fails;repetition of an act needlessly;repetition of messages to reduce the probability of errors in transmission;the attribute of being superfluous and unneeded - "the use of industrial robots created redundancy among workers"
reduplication|a word formed by or containing a repeated syllable or speech sound (usually at the beginning of the word);the act of repeating over and again (or an instance thereof);the syllable added in a reduplicated word form
Reduviidae|assassin bugs
redwing|small European thrush having reddish flanks
red-winged blackbird|North American blackbird with scarlet patches on the wings
redwood|the soft reddish wood of either of two species of sequoia trees
Redwood National Park|a national park in California featuring a redwood forest and Pacific Ocean coastline
re-echo|the echo of an echo
reed|a vibrator consisting of a thin strip of stiff material that vibrates to produce a tone when air streams over it - "the clarinetist fitted a new reed onto his mouthpiece";tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites;United States journalist who reported on the October Revolution from Petrograd in 1917;founded the Communist Labor Party in America in 1919;is buried in the Kremlin in Moscow (1887-1920);United States physician who proved that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes (1851-1902)
reed bunting|European bunting inhabiting marshy areas
reed canary grass|perennial grass of marshy meadows and ditches having broad leaves;Europe and North America
reed grass|any of various tall perennial grasses of the genus Calamagrostis having feathery plumes;natives of marshland fens and wet woodlands of temperate northern hemisphere
reed meadow grass|a pasture grass of moist places throughout North America
reed pipe|organ pipe with a vibrating reed
reed rhapis|Chinese lady palm with more slender stems and finer sheath fibers than Rhapis excelsa
reed section|the section of a band or orchestra that plays reed instruments
reed stop|an organ stop with the tone of a reed instrument
reef|a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water;one of several strips across a sail that can be taken in or rolled up to lessen the area of the sail that is exposed to the wind
reef knot|a square knot used in a reef line
reef squirrelfish|on reefs from Bermuda and Florida to northern South America
reel|a lively dance of Scottish Highlanders;marked by circular moves and gliding steps;a roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector;music composed for dancing a reel;winder consisting of a revolving spool with a handle;attached to a fishing rod
reelection|election again - "he did not run for reelection"
reeler|a dancer of reels
reenactment|performing a role in an event that occurred at an earlier time - "the reenactment of the battle of Princeton"
reenactor|a person who enacts a role in an event that occurred earlier
reenlistment|a renewed enlistment
reentrant angle|an interior angle of a polygon that is greater than 180 degrees
reentrant polygon|a polygon with one or more reentrant angles
reentry|the act of entering again
re-establishment|restoration to a previous state - "regular exercise resulted in the re-establishment of his endurance"
reevaluation|the evaluation of something a second time (or more)
reeve|female ruff
refection|a light meal or repast
refectory|a communal dining-hall (usually in a monastery)
refectory table|a long narrow dining table supported by a stretcher between two trestles
referee|(sports) the chief official (as in boxing or American football) who is expected to ensure fair play;an attorney appointed by a court to investigate and report on a case
reference|a publication (or a passage from a publication) that is referred to - "he carried an armful of references back to his desk";the act of referring or consulting - "reference to an encyclopedia produced the answer";the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression;the class of objects that an expression refers to;the relation between a word or phrase and the object or idea it refers to - "he argued that reference is a consequence of conditioned reflexes"
reference book|a book to which you can refer for authoritative facts
reference grid|a pattern of horizontal and vertical lines that provide coordinates for locating points on an image or a map
reference manual|a manual containing information organized in a summary manner
reference point|an indicator that orients you generally
referendum|a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate
referent|something referred to;the object of a reference;something that refers;a term that refers to another term;the first term in a proposition;the term to which other terms relate
referral|a person whose case has been referred to a specialist or professional group - "the patient is a referral from Dr. Bones";a recommendation to consult the (professional) person or group to whom one has been referred - "the insurance company says that you need a written referral from your physician before seeing a specialist";the act of referring (as forwarding an applicant for employment or referring a matter to an appropriate agency)
referred pain|pain that is felt at a place in the body different from the injured or diseased part where the pain would be expected - "angina pectoris can cause referred pain in the left shoulder" - "pain in the right shoulder can be referred pain from gallbladder disease"
refill|a commercial product that refills a container with its appropriate contents - "he got a refill for his ball-point pen" - "he got a refill for his notebook";a prescription drug that is provided again - "he got a refill of his prescription" - "the prescription specified only one refill"
refilling|filling again by supplying what has been used up
refinement|the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste - "a man of intellectual refinement";the result of improving something - "he described a refinement of this technique"
refiner|one whose work is to refine a specific thing - "he was a sugar refiner"
refinery|an industrial plant for purifying a crude substance
refining|the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
refinisher|a skilled worker who is employed to restore or refinish buildings or antique furniture
refit|outfitting a ship again (by repairing or replacing parts)
reflation|inflation of currency after a period of deflation;restore the system to a previous state
reflecting telescope|optical telescope consisting of a large concave mirror that produces an image that is magnified by the eyepiece - "Isaac Newton invented the reflecting telescope in 1668"
reflection|(mathematics) a transformation in which the direction of one axis is reversed;the ability to reflect beams or rays;the image of something as reflected by a mirror (or other reflective material) - "he studied his reflection in the mirror";the phenomenon of a propagating wave (light or sound) being thrown back from a surface
reflectiveness|the capability of quiet thought or contemplation
reflectometer|a meter that measures the reflectance of a surface
reflector|device that reflects radiation
reflex|an automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus
reflex angle|an angle greater than 180 degrees (but less than 360)
reflex arc|the neural path of a reflex
reflex camera|camera that allows the photographer to view and focus the exact scene being photographed
reflex epilepsy|a form of epilepsy in which attacks are induced by peripheral stimulation
reflexive pronoun|a personal pronoun compounded with -self to show the agent's action affects the agent
reflexive verb|a verb whose agent performs an action that is directed at the agent - "the sentence 'he washed' has a reflexive verb" - "'perjure' is a reflexive verb because you cannot perjure anyone but yourself"
reflexivity|(logic and mathematics) a relation such that it holds between an element and itself;the coreferential relation between a reflexive pronoun and its antecedent
reflexology|massage to relieve tension by finger pressure;based on the belief that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head that are connected to every part of the body;the study of reflex action as it relates to the behavior of organisms
reflux|an abnormal backward flow of body fluids
reflux condenser|condenser such that vapor over a boiling liquid is condensed and flows back into the vessel to prevent its contents from boiling dry
refocusing|focusing again
reforestation|the restoration (replanting) of a forest that had been reduced by fire or cutting
reform|a campaign aimed to correct abuses or malpractices - "the reforms he proposed were too radical for the politicians";a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses - "justice was for sale before the reform of the law courts";self-improvement in behavior or morals by abandoning some vice - "the family rejoiced in the drunkard's reform"
Reform Jew|liberal Jew who tries to adapt all aspects of Judaism to modern circumstances
Reform Judaism|beliefs and practices of Reform Jews;the most liberal Jews;Jews who do not follow the Talmud strictly but try to adapt all of the historical forms of Judaism to the modern world
reform movement|a movement intended to bring about social and humanitarian reforms
Reformation|a religious movement of the 16th century that began as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the creation of Protestant churches;improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices etc.;intended to make a striking change for the better in social or political or religious affairs
re-formation|forming again (especially with improvements or removal of defects);renewing and reconstituting
reformatory|correctional institution for the detention and discipline and training of young or first offenders
reformer|a disputant who advocates reform;an apparatus that reforms the molecular structure of hydrocarbons to produce richer fuel - "a catalytic reformer"
reformism|a doctrine of reform
refracting telescope|optical telescope that has a large convex lens that produces an image that is viewed through the eyepiece
refraction|the change in direction of a propagating wave (light or sound) when passing from one medium to another
refractive index|the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to that in a medium
refractivity|the physical property of a medium as determined by its index of refraction
refractometer|measuring instrument for measuring the refractive index of a substance
refractoriness|the trait of being unmanageable
refractory anemia|any of various anemic conditions that are not successfully treated by any means other than blood transfusions (and that are not associated with another primary disease)
refractory period|(neurology) the time after a neuron fires or a muscle fiber contracts during which a stimulus will not evoke a response
refrain|the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers
refresher|a drink that refreshes - "he stopped at the bar for a quick refresher";a fee (in addition to that marked on the brief) paid to counsel in a case that lasts more than one day
refresher course|a course that reviews and updates a topic for those who have not kept abreast of developments
refreshment|activity that refreshes and recreates;activity that renews your health and spirits by enjoyment and relaxation - "time for rest and refreshment by the pool";snacks and drinks served as a light meal
refried beans|dried beans cooked and mashed and then fried in lard with various seasonings
refrigerant|any substance used to provide cooling (as in a refrigerator)
refrigeration|deliberately lowering the body's temperature for therapeutic purposes - "refrigeration by immersing the patient's body in a cold bath";the process of cooling or freezing (e.g., food) for preservative purposes
refrigeration system|a cooling system for chilling or freezing (usually for preservative purposes)
refrigerator|white goods in which food can be stored at low temperatures
refrigerator car|a freight car that is equipped with refrigeration system
refrigerator cookie|dough formed into a roll and chilled in the refrigerator then sliced and baked
refuge|a shelter from danger or hardship
refugee|an exile who flees for safety
refund|money returned to a payer;the act of returning money received previously
refusal|a message refusing to accept something that is offered;the act of refusing
refutation|the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions - "his refutation of the charges was short and persuasive"
Regalecidae|ribbonfishes
regalia|paraphernalia indicative of royalty (or other high office)
regard|(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare - "give him my kind regards";a feeling of friendship and esteem - "she mistook his manly regard for love"
regatta|a meeting for boat races
regency|the office of a regent;the period of time during which a regent governs;the period from 1811-1820 when the Prince of Wales was regent during George III's periods of insanity
regeneration|(biology) growth anew of lost tissue or destroyed parts or organs;the activity of spiritual or physical renewal
regent|members of a governing board;someone who rules during the absence or incapacity or minority of the country's monarch
reggae|popular music originating in the West Indies;repetitive bass riffs and regular chords played on the off beat by a guitar
Reggane|a town in central Algeria
regicide|someone who commits regicide;the killer of a king;the act of killing a king
regimen|(medicine) a systematic plan for therapy (often including diet)
regiment|army unit smaller than a division
regimentals|the military uniform and insignia of a regiment
regimentation|the imposition of order or discipline
Regina|the provincial capital of Saskatchewan
region|a knowledge domain that you are interested in or are communicating about - "here we enter the region of opinion";a large indefinite location on the surface of the Earth - "penguins inhabit the polar regions";the approximate amount of something (usually used prepositionally as in 'in the region of') - "it was going to take in the region of two or three months to finish the job";the extended spatial location of something - "the farming regions of France" - "regions of outer space"
regional anatomy|the study of anatomy based on regions or divisions of the body and emphasizing the relations between various structures (muscles and nerves and arteries etc.) in that region
regional anesthesia|loss of sensation in a region of the body produced by application of an anesthetic agent to all the nerves supplying that region (as when an epidural anesthetic is administered to the pelvic region during childbirth)
regional enteritis|a serious chronic and progressive inflammation of the ileum producing frequent bouts of diarrhea with abdominal pain and nausea and fever and weight loss
regionalism|a feature (as a pronunciation or expression or custom) that is characteristic of a particular region;a foreign policy that defines the international interests of a country in terms of particular geographic areas;loyalty to the interests of a particular region
register|(computer science) memory device that is the part of computer memory that has a specific address and that is used to hold information of a specific kind;(music) the timbre that is characteristic of a certain range and manner of production of the human voice or of different pipe organ stops or of different musical instruments;a book in which names and transactions are listed;a regulator (as a sliding plate) for regulating the flow of air into a furnace or other heating device;an air passage (usually in the floor or a wall of a room) for admitting or excluding heated air from the room;an official written record of names or events or transactions
register language|a tone language that uses different voice registers
registered bond|a bond whose owner is recorded on the books of the issuer;can be transferred to another owner only when endorsed by the registered owner
registered mail|mail that is registered by the post office when sent in order to assure safe delivery
registered nurse|a graduate nurse who has passed examinations for registration
registered security|a security whose owner's name is recorded on the books of the issuer (or issuer's agent)
registrant|a person who is formally entered (along with others) in a register (and who obtains certain rights thereby)
registrar|a person employed to keep a record of the owners of stocks and bonds issued by the company;someone responsible for keeping records;the administrator responsible for student records
registration|(music) the sound property resulting from a combination of organ stops used to perform a particular piece of music;the technique of selecting and adjusting organ stops;a document certifying an act of registering;the act of enrolling;the body of people (such as students) who register or enroll at the same time
registration fire|fire delivered to obtain accurate data for subsequent effective engagement of targets
Regius professor|holder of a British professorship created by a royal patron
Reglaecus|type genus of the Regalecidae
regnellidium|small latex-containing aquatic fern of southern Brazil
regosol|a type of soil consisting of unconsolidated material from freshly deposited alluvium or sand
regress|the reasoning involved when you assume the conclusion is true and reason backward to the evidence
regression|(psychiatry) a defense mechanism in which you flee from reality by assuming a more infantile state;returning to a former state;the relation between selected values of x and observed values of y (from which the most probable value of y can be predicted for any value of x)
regression analysis|the use of regression to make quantitative predictions of one variable from the values of another
regression coefficient|when the regression line is linear (y = ax + b) the regression coefficient is the constant (a) that represents the rate of change of one variable (y) as a function of changes in the other (x);it is the slope of the regression line
regression equation|the equation representing the relation between selected values of one variable (x) and observed values of the other (y);it permits the prediction of the most probable values of y
regression line|a smooth curve fitted to the set of paired data in regression analysis;for linear regression the curve is a straight line
regular|a dependable follower (especially in party politics) - "he is one of the party regulars";a garment size for persons of average height and weight;a regular patron;a soldier in the regular army
regular dodecahedron|a dodecahedron with twelve regular pentagons as faces
regular hexagon|a hexagon with six sides of equal length
regular icosahedron|an icosahedron with twenty equilateral triangles as faces
regular octahedron|an octahedron with eight equilateral triangles as faces
regular payment|a payment made at regular times
regular polygon|a polygon with all sides and all angles equal
regular polyhedron|any one of five solids whose faces are congruent regular polygons and whose polyhedral angles are all congruent
regular tetrahedron|a tetrahedron with four equilateral triangular faces
regularity|a property of polygons;the property of having equal sides and equal angles;the quality of being characterized by a fixed principle or rate - "he was famous for the regularity of his habits"
regularization|the condition of having been made regular (or more regular)
regulation|(embryology) the ability of an early embryo to continue normal development after its structure has been somehow damaged or altered;an authoritative rule;the act of bringing to uniformity;making regular;the act of controlling or directing according to rule - "fiscal regulations are in the hands of politicians";the state of being controlled or governed
regulation time|(sports) the normal prescribed duration of a game - "the game was finished in regulation time"
regulator|an official responsible for control and supervision of a particular activity or area of public interest;any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.
regulatory agency|a governmental agency that regulates businesses in the public interest
regulatory gene|a gene that produces a repressor substance that inhibits an operator gene
Regulus|a genus of birds of the family Sylviidae including kinglets;the brightest star in Leo
regur|a rich black loam of India
regurgitation|backflow of blood through a defective heart valve;recall after rote memorization - "he complained that school was just memorization and regurgitation"
rehabilitation|the restoration of someone to a useful place in society;the treatment of physical disabilities by massage and electrotherapy and exercises;vindication of a person's character and the re-establishment of that person's reputation
rehabilitation program|a program for restoring someone to good health
reharmonization|a piece of music whose original harmony has been revised
rehash|old material that is slightly reworked and used again - "merely a dull rehash of his first novel"
rehearsal|(psychology) a form of practice;repetition of information (silently or aloud) in order to keep it in short-term memory;a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert) - "he missed too many rehearsals" - "a rehearsal will be held the day before the wedding"
Rehnquist|United States jurist who served as an associate justice on the United States Supreme Court from 1972 until 1986, when he was appointed chief justice (born in 1924)
Reich|Austrian born psychoanalyst who lived in the United States;advocated sexual freedom and believed that cosmic energy could be concentrated in a human being (1897-1957);the German state;United States composer (born in 1936)
Reichstein|a Swiss chemist born in Poland;studied the hormones of the adrenal cortex
Reid|Scottish philosopher of common sense who opposed the ideas of David Hume (1710-1796)
reign|a period during which something or somebody is dominant or powerful - "he was helpless under the reign of his egotism";royal authority;the dominion of a monarch;the period during which a monarch is sovereign - "during the reign of Henry VIII"
reign of terror|any period of brutal suppression thought to resemble the Reign of Terror in France;the historic period (1793-94) during the French Revolution when thousands were executed
reimbursement|compensation paid (to someone) for damages or losses or money already spent etc. - "he received reimbursement for his travel expenses"
reimposition|imposition again
rein|any means of control - "he took up the reins of government";one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse
rein orchid|any of several American wildflowers with a kidney-shaped lip
reincarnation|a second or new birth;embodiment in a new form (especially the reappearance or a person in another form) - "his reincarnation as a lion";the Hindu or Buddhist doctrine that a person may be reborn successively into one of five classes of living beings (god or human or animal or hungry ghost or denizen of Hell) depending on the person's own actions
reincarnationism|a doctrine that on the death of the body the soul migrates to or is born again in another body
reindeer moss|an erect greyish branching lichen of Arctic and even some north temperate regions constituting the chief food for reindeer and caribou and sometimes being eaten by humans
reinforced concrete|concrete with metal and/or mesh added to provide extra support against stresses
reinforcement|information that makes more forcible or convincing - "his gestures provided eloquent reinforcement for his complaints"
reinforcing stimulus|(psychology) a stimulus that strengthens or weakens the behavior that produced it
reinstatement|the act of restoring someone to a previous position - "we insisted on the reinstatement of the colonel";the condition of being reinstated - "her reinstatement to her former office followed quickly"
reinsurance|sharing the risk by insurance companies;part or all of the insurer's risk is assumed by other companies in return for part of the premium paid by the insured - "reinsurance enables a client to get coverage that would be too great for any one company to assume"
reinterpretation|a new or different interpretation;a new or different meaning
reintroduction|an act of renewed introduction
re-introduction|a proposal of something previously rejected - "they avoided a re-introduction of the old terminology"
reissue|a publication (such as a book) that is reprinted without changes or editing and offered again for sale
Reiter|German bacteriologist who described a disease now known as Reiter's syndrome and who identified the spirochete that causes syphilis in humans (1881-1969)
Reiter's syndrome|an inflammatory syndrome (etiology unknown) predominantly in males;characterized by arthritis and conjunctivitis and urethritis
Reithrodontomys|New World harvest mice
rejection|(medicine) an immunological response that refuses to accept substances or organisms that are recognized as foreign - "rejection of the transplanted liver";the act of rejecting something - "his proposals were met with rejection";the speech act of rejecting;the state of being rejected
rejoicing|a feeling of great happiness
rejoinder|(law) a pleading made by a defendant in response to the plaintiff's replication;a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one) - "it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher"
rejuvenation|the act of restoring to a more youthful condition;the phenomenon of vitality and freshness being restored - "the annual rejuvenation of the landscape"
relapsing fever|marked by recurring high fever and transmitted by the bite of infected lice or ticks;characterized by episodes of high fever and chills and headache and muscle pain and nausea that recur every week or ten days for several months
relatedness|a particular manner of connectedness - "the relatedness of all living things"
relation|(usually plural) mutual dealings or connections among persons or groups - "international relations";an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together;an act of narration - "he was the hero according to his own relation"
relation back|(law) the principle that an act done at a later time is deemed by law to have occurred at an earlier time - "his attorney argued for the relation back of the amended complaint to the time the initial complaint was filed"
relational adjective|an adjective that classifies its noun (e.g., 'a nervous disease' or 'a musical instrument')
relational database|a database in which relations between information items are explicitly specified as accessible attributes - "in a relational database the data are organized as a number of differently sized tables"
relational database management system|a database management system designed to manage a relational database
relations|mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
relationship|a relation between people;('relationship' is often used where 'relation' would serve, as in 'the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of 'relationship' is for human relations or states of relatedness) - "the relationship between mothers and their children";a state involving mutual dealings between people or parties or countries;a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection) - "he didn't want his wife to know of the relationship"
relative|a person related by blood or marriage - "police are searching for relatives of the deceased";an animal or plant that bears a relationship to another (as related by common descent or by membership in the same genus)
relative clause|a clause introduced by a relative pronoun - "'who visits frequently' is a relative clause in the sentence 'John, who visits frequently, is ill'"
relative density|the ratio of the density of something to the density of a standard
relative humidity|the ratio of the amount of water in the air at a give temperature to the maximum amount it could hold at that temperature;expressed as a percentage
relative pronoun|a pronoun (as 'that' or 'which' or 'who') that introduces a relative clause referring to some antecedent
relative quantity|a quantity relative to some purpose
relativism|(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that all criteria of judgment are relative to the individuals and situations involved
relativistic mass|(physics) the mass of a body in motion relative to the observer;it is equal to the rest mass multiplied by a factor that is greater than 1 and that increases as the magnitude of the velocity increases
relativity|(physics) the theory that space and time are relative concepts rather than absolute concepts;the quality of being relative and having significance only in relation to something else
relatum|a term in a proposition that is related to the referent of the proposition
relaxant|a drug that relaxes and relieves tension
relaxation|(physics) the exponential return of a system to equilibrium after a disturbance;(physiology) the gradual lengthening of inactive muscle or muscle fibers;a method of solving simultaneous equations by guessing a solution and then reducing the errors that result by successive approximations until all the errors are less than some specified amount;an occurrence of control or strength weakening - "the relaxation of requirements"
relaxation time|the time constant of an exponential return of a system to equilibrium after a disturbance
relaxer|any agent that produces relaxation - "music is a good relaxer"
relaxin|hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during the last days of pregnancy;relaxes the pelvic ligaments and prepares the uterus for labor
relay|a crew of workers who relieve another crew;a fresh team to relieve weary draft animals;a race between teams;each member runs or swims part of the distance;electrical device such that current flowing through it in one circuit can switch on and off a current in a second circuit;the act of passing something along from one person or group to another - "the relay was successful"
release|(music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone;a device that when pressed will release part of a mechanism;a formal written statement of relinquishment;a process that liberates or discharges something - "there was a sudden release of oxygen" - "the release of iodine from the thyroid gland";activity that frees or expresses creative energy or emotion;merchandise issued for sale or public showing (especially a record or film) - "a new release from the London Symphony Orchestra"
releasing factor|a substance produced by the hypothalamus that is capable of accelerating the secretion of a given hormone by the anterior pituitary gland
releasing hormone|any of several hormones produced in the hypothalamus and carried by a vein to the anterior pituitary gland where they stimulate the release of anterior pituitary hormones;each of these hormones causes the anterior pituitary to secrete a specific hormone
relegation|mild banishment;consignment to an inferior position;the act of assigning (someone or something) to a particular class or category
relentlessness|mercilessness characterized by an unwillingness to relent or let up - "the relentlessness or their pursuit"
relevance|the relation of something to the matter at hand
reliance|certainty based on past experience - "he wrote the paper with considerable reliance on the work of other scientists";the state of relying on something
relic|an antiquity that has survived from the distant past
relict|an organism or species surviving as a remnant of an otherwise extinct flora or fauna in an environment much changed from that in which it originated;geological feature that is a remnant of a pre-existing formation after other parts have disappeared
relief|(law) redress awarded by a court - "was the relief supposed to be protection from future harm or compensation for past injury?";aid for the aged or indigent or handicapped - "he has been on relief for many years";assistance in time of difficulty - "the contributions provided some relief for the victims";sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background;the act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged - "he asked for troops for the relief of Atlanta";the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress) - "he enjoyed his relief from responsibility";the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced - "as he heard the news he was suddenly flooded with relief"
relief printing|printing from a plate with raised characters
reliever|a person who reduces the intensity (e.g., of fears) and calms and pacifies - "a reliever of anxiety";a pitcher who does not start the game
religion|a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny;an institution to express belief in a divine power - "he was raised in the Baptist religion"
religionism|exaggerated religious zealotry
religionist|a person addicted to religion or a religious zealot
religiosity|exaggerated or affected piety and religious zeal
religious|a member of a religious order who is bound by vows of poverty and chastity and obedience
religious ceremony|a ceremony having religious meaning
religious doctrine|the written body of teachings of a religious group that are generally accepted by that group
religious festival|a festival having religious significance
religious holiday|a day specified for religious observance
religious leader|leader of a religious order
religious movement|a movement intended to bring about religious reforms
religious music|genre of music composed for performance as part of religious ceremonies
religious orientation|an attitude toward religion or religious practices
religious person|a person who manifests devotion to a deity
religious residence|residence that is a place of religious seclusion (such as a monastery)
religious right|United States political faction that advocates social and political conservativism, school prayer, and federal aid for religious groups and schools
religious school|a school run by a religious body
Religious Society of Friends|a Christian sect founded by George Fox about 1660;commonly called Quakers
religious song|religious music for singing
religious trance|a trance induced by intense religious devotion;does not show reduced bodily functions that are typical of other trances
religiousness|the quality of being extremely conscientious - "his care in observing the rules of good health amounted to a kind of religiousness"
relinquishment|a verbal act of renouncing a claim or right or position etc.;the act of giving up and abandoning a struggle or task etc.
reliquary|a container where religious relics are stored or displayed (especially relics of saints)
relish|spicy or savory condiment;the taste experience when a savoury condiment is taken into the mouth
relistening|the act of hearing again
reliving|a recurrence of a prior experience - "the reliving of a strong emotion can be therapeutic"
relocatable program|a program that can be located in different parts of memory at different times
reluctance|(physics) opposition to magnetic flux (analogous to electric resistance);a certain degree of unwillingness - "a reluctance to commit himself"
reluctivity|(physics) the resistance of a material to the establishment of a magnetic field in it
REM|(Roentgen Equivalent Man) the dosage of ionizing radiation that will cause the same amount of injury to human tissue as 1 roentgen of X-rays
remainder|something left after other parts have been taken away - "there was no remainder";the number that remains after subtraction;the number that when added to the subtrahend gives the minuend;the part of the dividend that is left over when the dividend is not evenly divisible by the divisor
remains|any object that is left unused or still extant - "I threw out the remains of my dinner"
remake|creation that is created again or anew - "it is a remake of an old film"
remand|the act of sending an accused person back into custody to await trial (or the continuation of the trial)
remark|a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information;explicit notice - "it passed without remark"
remarriage|the act of marrying again
Rembrandt|influential Dutch artist (1606-1669)
remedy|a medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
remembrance|the ability to recall past occurrences
Remembrance Day|the Sunday nearest to November 11 when those who died in World War I and World War II are commemorated
Remilegia|a genus of Echeneididae
remilitarization|the act of militarizing again
reminder|a message that helps you remember something - "he ignored his wife's reminders";an experience that causes you to remember something
reminiscence|a mental impression retained and recalled from the past
remise|(fencing) a second thrust made on the same lunge (as when your opponent fails to riposte);an expensive or high-class hackney
remission|(law) the act of remitting (especially the referral of a law case to another court);an abatement in intensity or degree (as in the manifestations of a disease) - "his cancer is in remission"
remit|the topic that a person, committee, or piece of research is expected to deal with or has authority to deal with - "they set up a group with a remit to suggest ways for strengthening family life"
remittance|a payment of money sent to a person in another place
remittance man|an exile living on money sent from home
remora|marine fishes with a flattened elongated body and a sucking disk on the head for attaching to large fish or moving objects
remote control|a device that can be used to control a machine or apparatus from a distance
remote terminal|a terminal connected to a computer by a data link
remote-control bomb|a bomb that can be detonated by remote control
remoulade sauce|a mayonnaise sauce flavored with herbs and mustard and capers;served with e.g. salad and cold meat
remount|a fresh horse especially (formerly) to replace one killed or injured in battle
removable disk|a hard disk that can be removed from the disk drive;removal prevents unauthorized use
removal|dismissal from office;the act of removing - "he had surgery for the removal of a malignancy"
remove|degree of figurative distance or separation - "just one remove from madness" or "it imitates at many removes a Shakespearean tragedy"
remover|a solvent that removes a substance (usually from a surface) - "paint remover" - "rust remover" - "hair remover";someone who works for a company that moves furniture
remuda|the herd of horses from which those to be used the next day are chosen
remuneration|the act of paying for goods or services or to recompense for losses - "adequate remuneration for his work"
Remus|(Roman mythology) the twin brother of Romulus
Renaissance|the period of European history at the close of the Middle Ages and the rise of the modern world;a cultural rebirth from the 14th through the middle of the 17th centuries
Renaissance man|a modern scholar who is in a position to acquire more than superficial knowledge about many different interests;a scholar during the Renaissance who (because knowledge was limited) could know almost everything about many topics
renal artery|an artery originating from the abdominal aorta and supplying the kidneys and adrenal glands and ureters
renal colic|sharp pain in the lower back that radiates into the groin;associated with the passage of a renal calculus through the ureter
renal cortex|the cortex of the kidney containing the glomeruli and the convoluted tubules
renal failure|inability of the kidneys to excrete wastes and to help maintain the electrolyte balance
renal insufficiency|insufficient excretion of wastes by the kidneys
renal vein|veins that accompany renal arteries;open into the vena cava at the level of the 2nd lumbar vertebra
render|a substance similar to stucco but exclusively applied to masonry walls
rendering|a coat of stucco applied to a masonry wall;giving in acknowledgment of obligation;perspective drawing of an architect's design
rendezvous|a meeting planned at a certain time and place;a place where people meet - "he was waiting for them at the rendezvous"
rendition|a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc. - "they heard a live rendition of three pieces by Schubert";handing over prisoners to countries where torture is allowed;the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic performance - "her rendition of Milton's verse was extraordinarily moving"
renegade|someone who rebels and becomes an outlaw
renewable resource|any natural resource (as wood or solar energy) that can be replenished naturally with the passage of time
renewal|the act of renewing
reniform leaf|a simple kidney-shaped leaf
renin|a proteolytic enzyme secreted by the kidneys;catalyzes the formation of angiotensin and thus affects blood pressure
rennet|a substance that curdles milk in making cheese and junket
rennin|an enzyme that occurs in gastric juice;causes milk to coagulate
Reno|a city in western Nevada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains;known for gambling casinos and easy divorce and remarriage
Renoir|French impressionist painter (1841-1919)
renovation|the act of improving by renewing and restoring - "they are pursuing a general program of renovation to the entire property";the state of being restored to its former good condition - "the inn was a renovation of a Colonial house"
rensselaerite|a kind of soft talc;sometimes used as wood filler
rent|a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service;the act of rending or ripping or splitting something
rent collector|a person who goes from house to house collecting rents for the owner
rental|the act of paying for the use of something (as an apartment or house or car)
rental collection|a collection of books that can be rented by readers in return for a small daily fee
rental income|income received from rental properties
renter|an owner of property who receives payment for its use by another person
rentier|someone whose income is from property rents or bond interest and other investments
rent-rebate|a rebate on rent given by a local government authority
rent-roll|a register of rents;includes the names of tenants and the amount of rent they pay
renunciation|an act (spoken or written) declaring that something is surrendered or disowned;the act of renouncing;sacrificing or giving up or surrendering (a possession or right or title or privilege etc.)
reorder|a repeated order for the same merchandise - "he's the one who sends out all the new orders and reorders"
reordering|a rearrangement in a different order
reorganization|an extensive alteration of the structure of a corporation or government - "after the takeover there was a thorough reorganization" - "the reorganization was prescribed by federal bankruptcy laws";the imposition of a new organization;organizing differently (often involving extensive and drastic changes) - "a committee was appointed to oversee the reorganization of the curriculum"
reorientation|a fresh orientation;a changed set of attitudes and beliefs
Reoviridae|a family of arboviruses carried by arthropods
reovirus|any of a group of non-arboviruses including the rotavirus causing infant enteritis
rep|a fabric with prominent rounded crosswise ribs;informal abbreviation of 'representative'
repair|a formal way of referring to the condition of something - "the building was in good repair";the act of putting something in working order again
repair shop|a shop specializing in repairs and maintenance
repairman|a skilled worker whose job is to repair things
reparation|(usually plural) compensation exacted from a defeated nation by the victors - "Germany was unable to pay the reparations demanded after World War I";compensation (given or received) for an insult or injury - "an act for which there is no reparation";something done or paid in expiation of a wrong
repartee|adroitness and cleverness in reply
repatriate|a person who has returned to the country of origin or whose citizenship has been restored
repatriation|the act of returning to the country of origin
repayment|payment of a debt or obligation
repeat|an event that repeats - "the events today were a repeat of yesterday's"
repeater|(electronics) electronic device that amplifies a signal before transmitting it again - "repeaters can be used in computer networks to extend cabling distances";a person who repeats - "the audience consisted largely of repeaters who had seen the movie many times"
repeating firearm|a firearm that can fire several rounds without reloading
repechage|a race (especially in rowing) in which runners-up in the eliminating heats compete for a place in the final race
repellent|a chemical substance that repels animals;a compound with which fabrics are treated to repel water;the power to repel - "she knew many repellents to his advances"
repentance|remorse for your past conduct
repercussion|a remote or indirect consequence of some action - "his declaration had unforeseen repercussions"
repertoire|a collection of works (plays, songs, operas, ballets) that an artist or company can perform and do perform for short intervals on a regular schedule
repertory|a storehouse where a stock of things is kept;the entire range of skills or aptitudes or devices used in a particular field or occupation - "the repertory of the supposed feats of mesmerism" - "has a large repertory of dialects and characters"
repetition|the act of doing or performing again;the repeated use of the same word or word pattern as a rhetorical device
repetitiveness|verboseness resulting from excessive repetitions
replaceability|exchangeability by virtue of being replaceable
replacement|the act of furnishing an equivalent person or thing in the place of another
replacement cost|current cost of replacing a fixed asset with a new one of equal effectiveness
replay|something (especially a game) that is played again;the immediate rebroadcast of some action (especially sports action) that has been recorded on videotape
repletion|eating until excessively full;the state of being satisfactorily full and unable to take on more
replica|copy that is not the original;something that has been copied
replication|(genetics) the process whereby DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division;(law) a pleading made by a plaintiff in reply to the defendant's plea or answer;the repetition of an experiment in order to test the validity of its conclusion - "scientists will not believe an experimental result until they have seen at least one replication"
reply|the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange - "he growled his reply"
report|a sharp explosive sound (especially the sound of a gun firing) - "they heard a violent report followed by silence";a short account of the news - "the report of his speech";a written document describing the findings of some individual or group;the act of informing by verbal report - "he heard reports that they were causing trouble"
report card|a written evaluation of a student's scholarship and deportment - "his father signed his report card"
reporter|a person who investigates and reports or edits news stories
reporting weight|a person's body weight (as an athlete's) at the beginning of the season (when first reporting for practice)
repose|a disposition free from stress or emotion
repositing|depositing in a warehouse
repositioning|the act of placing in a new position
repository|a burial vault (usually for some famous person);a person to whom a secret is entrusted
repossession|the action of regaining possession (especially the seizure of collateral securing a loan that is in default)
reprehensibility|being reprehensible;worthy of and deserving reprehension or reproof
representation|a body of legislators that serve in behalf of some constituency - "a Congressional vacancy occurred in the representation from California";a creation that is a visual or tangible rendering of someone or something;a factual statement made by one party in order to induce another party to enter into a contract - "the sales contract contains several representations by the vendor";a presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image;a statement of facts and reasons made in appealing or protesting - "certain representations were made concerning police brutality";an activity that stands as an equivalent of something or results in an equivalent;the act of representing;standing in for someone or some group and speaking with authority in their behalf;the right of being represented by delegates who have a voice in some legislative body;the state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent
representational process|any basic cognitive process in which some entity comes to stand for or represent something else
representative|a person who represents others
repression|(psychiatry) the classical defense mechanism that protects you from impulses or ideas that would cause anxiety by preventing them from becoming conscious;a state of forcible subjugation - "the long repression of Christian sects";the act of repressing;control by holding down - "his goal was the repression of insolence"
repressor|an agent that represses
repressor gene|gene that prevents a nonallele from being transcribed
reprieve|a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort;a warrant granting postponement (usually to postpone the execution of the death sentence);the act of reprieving;postponing or remitting punishment
reprisal|a retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime
reproach|a mild rebuke or criticism - "words of reproach";disgrace or shame - "he brought reproach upon his family"
reprobate|a person without moral scruples
reprobation|rejection by God;the state of being condemned to eternal misery in Hell;severe disapproval
reproducer|an audio system that can reproduce and amplify signals to produce sound
reproducibility|the quality of being reproducible
reproduction|recall that is hypothesized to work by storing the original stimulus input and reproducing it during recall;the act of making copies - "Gutenberg's reproduction of holy texts was far more efficient";the process of generating offspring;the sexual activity of conceiving and bearing offspring
reproduction cost|cost of reproducing physical property minus various allowances (especially depreciation)
reproductive cell|a spermatozoon or an ovum;a cell responsible for transmitting DNA to the next generation
reproductive cloning|making a full living copy of an organism;requires a surrogate mother
reproductive organ|any organ involved in sexual reproduction
reproductive structure|the parts of a plant involved in its reproduction
reproductive system|organs and tissues involved in the production and maturation of gametes and in their union and subsequent development as offspring
Reptantia|lobsters;crabs
reptile|any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Reptilia including tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles, and extinct forms
reptile family|a family of reptiles
reptile genus|a genus of reptiles
Reptilia|class of cold-blooded air-breathing vertebrates with completely ossified skeleton and a body usually covered with scales or horny plates;once the dominant land animals
republic|a form of government whose head of state is not a monarch - "the head of state in a republic is usually a president"
Republican|a member of the Republican Party;a tributary of the Kansas River that flows from eastern Colorado eastward through Nebraska and Kansas;an advocate of a republic (usually in opposition to a monarchy)
Republican Guard|formerly Iraq's elite military unit whose primary role was to protect the government in Baghdad
Republican Party|the younger of two major political parties in the United States;GOP is an acronym for grand old party
republicanism|the political orientation of those who hold that a republic is the best form of government
republication|something that has been published again;a fresh publication (as of a literary work);the act of publishing again
repudiation|refusal to acknowledge or pay a debt or honor a contract (especially by public authorities) - "the repudiation of the debt by the city";rejecting or disowning or disclaiming as invalid - "Congressional repudiation of the treaty that the President had negotiated";the exposure of falseness or pretensions
repugnance|intense aversion
repulsion|the act of repulsing or repelling an attack;a successful defensive stand;the force by which bodies repel one another
reputation|notoriety for some particular characteristic - "his reputation for promiscuity";the general estimation that the public has for a person - "he acquired a reputation as an actor before he started writing"
repute|the state of being held in high esteem and honor
request|a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority;the verbal act of requesting
Requiem|a Mass celebrated for the dead;a musical setting for a Mass celebrating the dead
requiem shark|any of numerous sharks from small relatively harmless bottom-dwellers to large dangerous oceanic and coastal species
requiescat|a prayer for the repose of the soul of a dead person
required course|a course that all students are required to take
requirement|required activity - "the requirements of his work affected his health"
requirements contract|a contract in which you agree to purchase all your requirements of a particular sort from one party
requisiteness|the state of being absolutely required
requisition|an official form on which a request in made - "first you have to fill out the requisition";the act of requiring;an authoritative request or demand, especially by a military or public authority that takes something over (usually temporarily) for military or public use
requital|an act of requiting;returning in kind
rerebrace|cannon that provides plate armor for the upper arm
rerun|a program that is broadcast again - "she likes to watch 'I love Lucy' reruns"
res gestae|rule of evidence that covers words that are so closely associated with an occurrence that the words are considered part of the occurrence and as such their report does not violate the hearsay rule;things done
res ipsa loquitur|a rule of evidence whereby the negligence of an alleged wrongdoer can be inferred from the fact that the accident happened
res judicata|a matter already settled in court;cannot be raised again
resale|the selling of something purchased
rescript|a reply by a Pope to an inquiry concerning a point of law or morality
rescue|recovery or preservation from loss or danger
rescue equipment|equipment used to rescue passengers in case of emergency
rescue operation|an operation organized to free from danger or confinement
rescue party|a party of rescuers
rescuer|someone who saves something from danger or violence
research|systematic investigation to establish facts
research center|a center where research is done
research colloquium|a colloquium at which the results of (scientific) research are reported
research director|a supervisor in a research center
research staff|a group of associated research workers in a university or library or laboratory
research worker|a scientist who devotes himself to doing research
reseau|a net or mesh foundation for lace;a network of fine lines used by astronomers as a reference for measurements on star photographs
resection|surgical removal of part of a structure or organ
reseda|any plant of the genus Reseda
Resedaceae|mainly Mediterranean herbs;mignonette
resemblance|similarity in appearance or external or superficial details
resentment|a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
reserpine|antihypertensive consisting of an alkaloid extracted from the plant Rauwolfia serpentina (trade names Raudixin or Rau-Sed or Sandril or Serpasil)
reservation|a district that is reserved for particular purpose;a statement that limits or restricts some claim - "he recommended her without any reservations";something reserved in advance (as a hotel accommodation or a seat on a plane etc.);the act of keeping back or setting aside for some future occasion;the written record or promise of an arrangement by which accommodations are secured in advance
reserve|(medicine) potential capacity to respond in order to maintain vital functions;something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose;the trait of being uncommunicative;not volunteering anything more than necessary
reserve account|funds taken out of earnings to provide for anticipated future payments
reserve assets|capital held back from investment in order to meet probable or possible demands
reserve clause|a clause that used to be part of the contract with a professional athlete extending the contract for a year beyond its expiration - "the reserve clause was used to bind players to a particular ball club"
Reserve Officers Training Corps|a training program to prepare college students to be commissioned officers
reservist|a member of a military reserve
reservoir|a large or extra supply of something - "a reservoir of talent";anything (a person or animal or plant or substance) in which an infectious agent normally lives and multiplies - "an infectious agent depends on a reservoir for its survival";lake used to store water for community use;tank used for collecting and storing a liquid (as water or oil)
reset|device for resetting instruments or controls
reset button|a push button that you press to activate the reset mechanism
resettlement|the transportation of people (as a family or colony) to a new settlement (as after an upheaval of some kind)
resh|the 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
reshipment|the act of shipping again (especially by transferring to another ship)
reshuffle|a redistribution of something - "there was a reshuffle of cabinet officers";shuffling again - "the gambler demanded a reshuffle"
residence|any address at which you dwell more than temporarily - "a person can have several residences";the official house or establishment of an important person (as a sovereign or president) - "he refused to live in the governor's residence"
residence time|the period of time spent in a particular place
residency|the act of dwelling in a place;the position of physician who is receiving special training in a hospital (usually after completing an internship)
resident|someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
resident commissioner|the representative of Puerto Rico in the United States House of Representatives
residential district|a district where people live;occupied primarily by private residences
residual|(often plural) a payment that is made to a performer or writer or director of a television show or commercial that is paid for every repeat showing - "he could retire on his residuals"
residual oil|oil products that remain after petroleum has been distilled
residual soil|the soil that is remaining after the soluble elements have been dissolved
residue|matter that remains after something has been removed
resignation|a formal document giving notice of your intention to resign - "he submitted his resignation as of next month";acceptance of despair;the act of giving up (a claim or office or possession etc.)
resilience|an occurrence of rebounding or springing back;the physical property of a material that can return to its original shape or position after deformation that does not exceed its elastic limit
resin|any of a class of solid or semisolid viscous substances obtained either as exudations from certain plants or prepared by polymerization of simple molecules
resinoid|a plastic containing resins
resistance|(psychiatry) an unwillingness to bring repressed feelings into conscious awareness;any mechanical force that tends to retard or oppose motion;group action in opposition to those in power;the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with - "he encountered a general feeling of resistance from many citizens";the capacity of an organism to defend itself against harmful environmental agents - "these trees are widely planted because of their resistance to salt and smog";the degree of unresponsiveness of a disease-causing microorganism to antibiotics or other drugs (as in penicillin-resistant bacteria);the military action of resisting the enemy's advance - "the enemy offered little resistance"
resistance pyrometer|pyrometer that measures high temperatures by the resistance in a heated wire
resistance thermometer|thermometer that measures temperature by changes in the resistance of a spiral of platinum wire
resistance unit|the reciprocal of conductance
resisting arrest|physical efforts to oppose a lawful arrest;the resistance is classified as assault and battery upon the person of the police officer attempting to make the arrest
resistor|an electrical device that resists the flow of electrical current
resoluteness|the trait of being resolute - "his resoluteness carried him through the battle"
resolution|(computer science) the number of pixels per square inch on a computer-generated display;the greater the resolution, the better the picture;(music) a dissonant chord is followed by a consonant chord;a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner - "he always wrote down his New Year's resolutions";a formal expression by a meeting;agreed to by a vote;analysis into clear-cut components;finding a solution to a problem;the subsidence of swelling or other signs of inflammation (especially in a lung)
resolving power|the ability of a microscope or telescope to measure the angular separation of images that are close together
resonance|a vibration of large amplitude produced by a relatively small vibration near the same frequency of vibration as the natural frequency of the resonating system;an excited state of a stable particle causing a sharp maximum in the probability of absorption of electromagnetic radiation;the quality imparted to voiced speech sounds by the action of the resonating chambers of the throat and mouth and nasal cavities
resonator|a hollow chamber whose dimensions allow the resonant oscillation of electromagnetic or acoustic waves;an electrical circuit that combines capacitance and inductance in such a way that a periodic electric oscillation will reach maximum amplitude;any system that resonates
resorcinol|a crystalline phenol obtained from various resins;used in ointments for acne and in dandruff shampoos
resorption|the organic process in which the substance of some differentiated structure that has been produced by the body undergoes lysis and assimilation
resort|a hotel located in a resort area
resort area|an area where many people go for recreation
resort hotel|a fashionable hotel usually in a resort area
resource|a source of aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed - "the local library is a valuable resource";available source of wealth;a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed;the ability to deal resourcefully with unusual problems - "a man of resource"
resourcefulness|the quality of being able to cope with a difficult situation - "a man of great resourcefulness"
respect|(usually preceded by 'in') a detail or point - "it differs in that respect";an attitude of admiration or esteem - "she lost all respect for him"
respectability|honorableness by virtue of being respectable and having a good reputation
respecter|a person who respects someone or something;usually used in the negative - "X is no respecter of Y"
respects|(often used with 'pay') a formal expression of esteem - "he paid his respects to the mayor"
Respighi|Italian composer remembered for his symphonic poems (1879-1936)
respiration|a single complete act of breathing in and out - "thirty respirations per minute";the metabolic processes whereby certain organisms obtain energy from organic molecules;processes that take place in the cells and tissues during which energy is released and carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the blood to be transported to the lungs
respirator|a breathing device for administering long-term artificial respiration
respiratory acidosis|acidosis resulting from reduced gas exchange in the lungs (as in emphysema or pneumonia);excess carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid which increases the acidity of the blood
respiratory alkalosis|alkalosis resulting from increased gas exchange in the lungs (as in hyperventilation associated with extreme anxiety or aspirin intoxication or metabolic acidosis)
respiratory center|the center in the medulla oblongata and pons that integrates sensory information about the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and determines the signals to be sent to the respiratory muscles
respiratory disease|a disease affecting the respiratory system
respiratory distress syndrome|an acute lung disease of the newborn (especially the premature newborn);lungs cannot expand because of a wetting agent is lacking;characterized by rapid shallow breathing and cyanosis and the formation of a glassy hyaline membrane over the alveoli
respiratory organ|any organ involved in the process of respiration
respiratory quotient|the ratio of the volume of carbon dioxide expired to the volume of oxygen consumed by an organism or cell in a given period of time
respiratory rate|the rate at which a person inhales and exhales;usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of a person's health
respiratory syncytial virus|a paramyxovirus that forms syncytia in tissue culture and that is responsible for severe respiratory diseases such as bronchiolitis and bronchial pneumonia (especially in children)
respiratory system|the system for taking in oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide;in terrestrial animals this is accomplished by breathing
respiratory tract|the passages through which air enters and leaves the body
respiratory tract infection|any infection of the respiratory tract
respite|a pause for relaxation;a pause from doing something (as work)
resplendent quetzel|very rare Central American bird;the national bird of Guatemala
respondent|someone who responds;the codefendant (especially in a divorce proceeding) who is accused of adultery with the corespondent
response|a phrase recited or sung by the congregation following a versicle by the priest or minister;a result - "this situation developed in response to events in Africa";the manner in which an electrical or mechanical device responds to an input signal or a range of input signals
responsibility|a form of trustworthiness;the trait of being answerable to someone for something or being responsible for one's conduct - "he holds a position of great responsibility"
responsiveness|responsive to stimulation;the quality of being responsive;reacting quickly;as a quality of people, it involves responding with emotion to people and events
rest|a musical notation indicating a silence of a specified duration;a state of inaction - "a body will continue in a state of rest until acted upon";a support on which things can be put - "the gun was steadied on a special rest";euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb) - "she was laid to rest beside her husband";freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility)
rest day|a day set aside for rest
rest energy|the energy equivalent to the mass of a particle at rest in an inertial frame of reference;equal to the rest mass times the square of the speed of light
rest house|a building used for shelter by travelers (especially in areas where there are no hotels)
rest mass|(physics) the mass of a body as measured when the body is at rest relative to an observer, an inherent property of the body
restatement|a revised statement
restaurant|a building where people go to eat
restaurant chain|a chain of restaurants
restaurateur|the proprietor of a restaurant
rest-cure|rest as a medical treatment for stress or anxiety etc.
rester|a person who rests
restfulness|the attribute of being restful - "he longed for the restfulness of home"
restharrow|Eurasian plant having loose racemes of pink or purple flowers and spiny stems and tough roots;European woody plant having pink flowers and unifoliate leaves and long tough roots;spreads by underground runners
resting potential|the potential difference between the two sides of the membrane of a nerve cell when the cell is not conducting an impulse
resting spore|a spore of certain algae or fungi that lies dormant;may germinate after a prolonged period
restitution|getting something back again - "upon the restitution of the book to its rightful owner the child was given a tongue lashing";the act of restoring something to its original state
restless legs syndrome|feeling of uneasiness and restlessness in the legs after going to bed (sometimes causing insomnia);may be relieved temporarily by walking or moving the legs
restlessness|a lack of patience;irritation with anything that causes delay;inability to rest or relax or be still;the quality of being ceaselessly moving or active - "the restlessness of the wind"
restoration|a model that represents the landscape of a former geological age or that represents and extinct animal etc.;some artifact that has been restored or reconstructed - "the restoration looked exactly like the original";the act of restoring something or someone to a satisfactory state;the re-establishment of the British monarchy in 1660;the reign of Charles II in England;1660-1685
restrainer|a chemical that is added to a photographic developer in order to retard development and reduce the amount of fog on a film;a person who directs and restrains
restraint|a device that retards something's motion - "the car did not have proper restraints fitted";a rule or condition that limits freedom - "legal restraints" - "restraints imposed on imports";discipline in personal and social activities - "he was a model of polite restraint";the act of controlling by restraining someone or something - "the unlawful restraint of trade"
restraint of trade|any act that tends to prevent free competition in business
restriction|a principle that limits the extent of something - "I am willing to accept certain restrictions on my movements";the act of keeping something within specified bounds (by force if necessary) - "the restriction of the infection to a focal area"
restriction endonuclease|any of the enzymes that cut nucleic acid at specific restriction sites and produce restriction fragments;obtained from bacteria (where they cripple viral invaders);used in recombinant DNA technology
restriction fragment|the fragment of DNA that is produced by cleaving DNA with a restriction enzyme
restriction site|the specific sites at which a restriction enzyme will cleave DNA
restrictive clause|a subordinate clause that limits or restricts the meaning of the noun phrase it modifies
restrictiveness|a grammatical qualification that makes the meaning more specific ('red hat' has a more specific meaning than 'hat')
result|something that results - "he listened for the results on the radio"
resultant|the final point in a process
resultant role|the semantic role of the noun phrase whose referent exists only by virtue of the activity denoted by the verb in the clause
resulting trust|a trust created by a court when it is judged that it was the intention of the parties to create a trust
resumption|beginning again
Resurrection|(New Testament) the rising of Christ on the third day after the Crucifixion;a revival from inactivity and disuse
resurrection plant|densely tufted fern ally of southwestern United States to Peru;curls up in a tight ball when dry and expands and grows under moist conditions
resurvey|a new survey or study
resuscitation|the act of reviving a person and returning them to consciousness - "although he was apparently drowned, resuscitation was accomplished by artificial respiration"
resuscitator|a breathing apparatus used for resuscitation by forcing oxygen into the lungs of a person who has undergone asphyxia or arrest of respiration
resuspension|a renewed suspension of insoluble particles after they have been precipitated
retail|the selling of goods to consumers;usually in small quantities and not for resale
retail chain|a chain of retail stores
retail price index|an index of changes in retail prices
retailer|a merchant who sells goods at retail
retailing|the activities involved in selling commodities directly to consumers
retained object|an object in a passive construction
retainer|a dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatment;a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
retaining wall|a wall that is built to resist lateral pressure (especially a wall built to prevent the advance of a mass of earth)
retake|a shot or scene that is photographed again
retaliation|action taken in return for an injury or offense
retaliatory eviction|an eviction in reprisal for the tenant's good-faith complaints against the landlord;illegal in many states
Retama|small genus of Mediterranean shrubs;often included in genus Genista
retardant|any agent that retards or delays or hinders - "flame-retardant"
retardation|lack of normal development of intellectual capacities;the extent to which something is delayed or held back
retarded depression|a state of clinical depression in which the individual is lethargic and slow to initiate action
rete testis|network of tubules carrying sperm from the seminiferous tubules to the vasa efferentia
retem|desert shrub of Syria and Arabia having small white flowers;constitutes the juniper of the Old Testament;sometimes placed in genus Genista
retention|the act of retaining something
retention basin|a storage site similar to a detention basin but the water in storage is permanently obstructed from flowing downstream
retentiveness|the power of retaining liquid;the property of retaining possessions that have been acquired
reticle|a network of fine lines, dots, cross hairs, or wires in the focal plane of the eyepiece of an optical instrument
reticular activating system|the network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function
reticular formation|a complex neural network in the central core of the brainstem;monitors the state of the body and functions in such processes as arousal and sleep and attention and muscle tone
reticulated python|of southeast Asia and East Indies;the largest snake in the world
reticulation|(photography) the formation of a network of cracks or wrinkles in a photographic emulsion;an arrangement resembling a net or network - "the reticulation of a leaf" - "the reticulation of a photographic emulsion"
reticule|a woman's drawstring handbag;usually made of net or beading or brocade;used in 18th and 19th centuries
Reticulitermes|includes species highly destructive to structures and living trees
Reticulitermes flanipes|destructive United States termite
Reticulitermes lucifugus|destructive European termite
reticulocyte|an immature red blood cell containing a network of filaments or granules
reticuloendothelial system|a widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
Reticulum|a small constellation in the southern hemisphere near Dorado and Hydrus;any fine network (especially one in the body composed of cells or blood vessels);the second compartment of the stomach of a ruminant
retina|the innermost light-sensitive membrane covering the back wall of the eyeball;it is continuous with the optic nerve
retinal detachment|visual impairment resulting from the retina becoming separated from the choroid in the back of the eye;treated by photocoagulation
retinal scanning|biometric identification by scanning the retina of the eye - "identification by retinal scanning is complicated by eye movements"
retinene|either of two yellow to red retinal pigments formed from rhodopsin by the action of light
retinitis|inflammation of the retina
retinoblastoma|malignant ocular tumor of retinal cells;usually occurs before the third year of life;composed of primitive small round retinal cells
retinopathy|a disease of the retina that can result in loss of vision
retiree|someone who has retired from active working
retirement|the state of being retired from one's business or occupation;withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation;withdrawal from your position or occupation
retirement community|a planned community for residents who have retired from an active working life
retort|a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat
retraction|a disavowal or taking back of a previous assertion;the act of pulling or holding or drawing a part back - "the retraction of the landing gear" - "retraction of the foreskin"
retractor|surgical instrument that holds back the edges of a surgical incision
retraining|training for a new occupation
retread|a used automobile tire that has been remolded to give it new treads
retreat|(military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset;(military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position;(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat - "the disorderly retreat of French troops";a place of privacy;a place affording peace and quiet;the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)
retreatant|a participant in a religious retreat
retreated|people who have retreated - "he had only contempt for the retreated"
retrenchment|entrenchment consisting of an additional interior fortification to prolong the defense;the reduction of expenditures in order to become financially stable
retrial|a new trial in which issues already litigated and to which the court has already rendered a verdict or decision are reexamined by the same court;occurs when the initial trial is found to have been improper or unfair due to procedural errors
retribution|a justly deserved penalty;the act of correcting for your wrongdoing
retrieval|(computer science) the operation of accessing information from the computer's memory;the cognitive operation of accessing information in memory - "my retrieval of people's names is very poor"
retriever|a dog with heavy water-resistant coat that can be trained to retrieve game
retro|a fashion reminiscent of the past
retrobulbar neuritis|inflammation of the optic nerve behind the eye;common in multiple sclerosis
retrofit|a component or accessory added to something after it has been manufactured;the act of adding a component or accessory to something that did not have it when it was manufactured - "the court ordered a retrofit on all automobiles"
retroflection|an articulatory gesture made by turning the tip of the tongue back against the roof of the mouth;the act of bending backward
retrograde amnesia|loss of memory for events immediately preceding a trauma
retromandibular vein|posterior branch of the facial vein;formed by temporal veins in front of the ear
retronym|a word introduced because an existing term has become inadequate - "Nobody ever heard of analog clocks until digital clocks became common, so 'analog clock' is a retronym"
Retrophyllum|small genus of tropical evergreen dioecious shrubs or trees of Oceania and tropical South America
retrorocket|a small rocket engine on a larger rocket or spacecraft that is fired to slow or alter its course
retrospect|contemplation of things past - "in retrospect"
retrospection|memory for experiences that are past - "some psychologists tried to contrast retrospection and introspection";reference to things past - "the story begins with no introductory retrospections"
retrospective|an exhibition of a representative selection of an artist's life work
retroversion|a turning or tilting backward of an organ or body part - "retroversion of the uterus";translation back into the original language - "the teacher translated Latin texts into English which he gave to his students for retroversion"
retrovirus|any of a group of viruses that contain two single-strand linear RNA molecules per virion and reverse transcriptase (RNA to DNA);the virus transcribes its RNA into a cDNA provirus that is then incorporated into the host cell
retrovision|a vision of events in the distant past
retsina|Greek wine flavored with resin
return|(American football) the act of running back the ball after a kickoff or punt or interception or fumble;a coming to or returning home - "on his return from Australia we gave him a welcoming party";a reciprocal group action - "in return we gave them as good as we got";a tennis stroke that sends the ball back to the other player - "he won the point on a cross-court return";the act of going back to a prior location - "they set out on their return to the base camp";the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property - "the average return was about 5%";the occurrence of a change in direction back in the opposite direction
return address|the address of the sender of a letter or parcel indicating where it should be returned if it cannot be delivered
return key|the key on electric typewriters or computer keyboards that causes a carriage return and a line feed
return on invested capital|(corporate finance) the amount, expressed as a percentage, that is earned on a company's total capital calculated by dividing the total capital into earnings before interest, taxes, or dividends are paid
returning officer|the official in each electorate who holds the election and returns the results
Reuben|(Old Testment) a son of Jacob and forefather of one of the tribes of Israel;a hot sandwich with corned beef and Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on rye bread
reunion|a party of former associates who have come together again;the act of coming together again
reuptake|a process of using up or consuming again - "psychopharmacologists discovered that amine reuptake is a process that inactivates monoamine neurotransmitters"
reusable program|a program that can be loaded once and executed repeatedly
reusable routine|a routine that can be loaded once and executed repeatedly
revealed religion|a religion founded primarily on the revelations of God to humankind
reveille|(military) signal to wake up;a signal to get up in the morning;in the military it is a bugle call at sunrise
revel|unrestrained merrymaking
revelation|an enlightening or astonishing disclosure;communication of knowledge to man by a divine or supernatural agency;the last book of the New Testament;contains visionary descriptions of heaven and of conflicts between good and evil and of the end of the world;attributed to Saint John the Apostle
reveler|a celebrant who shares in a noisy party - "the clubs attract revelers as young as thirteen"
revenant|a person who returns after a lengthy absence;someone who has returned from the dead
revenue bond|a bond issued by an agency that is commissioned to finance public works;revenue from the public property is used to pay off the bond
revenue sharing|distribution of part of the federal tax income to states and municipalities
revenue stamp|a small piece of adhesive paper that is put on an object to show that a government tax has been paid
revenue tariff|a tariff imposed to raise revenue
revenuer|a government agent responsible for collecting revenue (especially one responsible for stopping bootlegging)
reverberatory furnace|a furnace in which the material that is being treated is heated indirectly by flames that are directed at the roof and walls of the furnace
Revere|American silversmith remembered for his midnight ride (celebrated in a poem by Longfellow) to warn the colonists in Lexington and Concord that British troops were coming (1735-1818)
reverence|a reverent mental attitude;an act showing respect (especially a bow or curtsy)
Reverend|a title of respect for a clergyman
reverie|absentminded dreaming while awake;an abstracted state of absorption
revers|a lapel on a woman's garment;turned back to show the reverse side
reversal|a change from one state to the opposite state - "there was a reversal of autonomic function";a decision to reverse an earlier decision;a judgment by a higher court that the judgment of a lower court was incorrect and should be set aside;turning in an opposite direction or position - "the reversal of the image in the lens"
reverse|(American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction;a relation of direct opposition - "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true";an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes;something that is thwarting or frustrating;the gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed;the side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design
reverse hang|a hang with the arms extended in back
reverse osmosis|(chemistry) a method of producing pure water;a solvent passes through a semipermeable membrane in a direction opposite to that for natural osmosis when it is subjected to a hydrostatic pressure greater than the osmotic pressure
reverse split|a decrease in the number of outstanding shares of a corporation without changing the shareholders' equity
reverse transcriptase|a polymerase that catalyzes the formation of DNA using RNA as a template;found especially in retroviruses
reverse transcriptase inhibitor|an antiviral drug that inhibits the action of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses such as HIV
reversibility|the quality of being reversible in either direction
reversible|a garment (especially a coat) that can be worn inside out (with either side of the cloth showing)
reversible process|any process in which a system can be made to pass through the same states in the reverse order when the process is reversed
reversing thermometer|a thermometer that registers the temperature in deep waters
reversion|(genetics) a return to a normal phenotype (usually resulting from a second mutation);(law) an interest in an estate that reverts to the grantor (or his heirs) at the end of some period (e.g., the death of the grantee);turning in the opposite direction
reversionary annuity|an annuity payable to one person in the event that someone else is unable to receive it
reversioner|(law) a party who is entitled to an estate in reversion
revetment|a barrier against explosives;a facing (usually masonry) that supports an embankment
review|(accounting) a service (less exhaustive than an audit) that provides some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data;(law) a judicial reexamination of the proceedings of a court (especially by an appellate court);a periodical that publishes critical essays on current affairs or literature or art;an essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play);practice intended to polish performance or refresh the memory
review copy|a copy of a newly published book that is sent for review to a writer or periodical
reviewer|someone who reads manuscripts and judges their suitability for publication
reviewing stand|a stand from which a parade or military force can be reviewed
Revised Standard Version|a revision of the American Standard Version
Revised Version|a British revision of the Authorized Version
revision|the act of revising or altering (involving reconsideration and modification) - "it would require a drastic revision of his opinion";the act of rewriting something
revisionism|a moderate evolutionary form of Marxism;any dangerous departure from the teachings of Marx
revisionist|a Communist who tries to rewrite Marxism to justify a retreat from the revolutionary position
revival|an evangelistic meeting intended to reawaken interest in religion;bringing again into activity and prominence - "the revival of trade" - "a revival of a neglected play by Moliere" - "the Gothic revival in architecture"
revivalism|an attempt to reawaken the evangelical faith
revocation|the act (by someone having the authority) of annulling something previously done - "the revocation of a law";the state of being cancelled or annulled
revoke|the mistake of not following suit when able to do so
revolution|a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving - "the industrial revolution was also a cultural revolution";the overthrow of a government by those who are governed
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia|a powerful and wealthy terrorist organization formed in 1957 as the guerilla arm of the Colombian communist party;opposed to the United States;has strong ties to drug dealers
Revolutionary calendar|the calendar adopted by the first French Republic in 1793 and abandoned in 1805;dates were calculated from Sept. 22, 1792
Revolutionary calendar month|a month in the Revolutionary calendar
revolutionary group|a political unit organized to promote revolution
Revolutionary Organization 17 November|a Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization in Greece that is violently opposed to imperialism and capitalism and NATO and the United States;an active terrorist group during the 1980s
Revolutionary People's Liberation Party|an extreme Marxist terrorist organization in Turkey that is opposed to NATO and the United States;attacks Turkish security and military officials
Revolutionary People's Struggle|an extreme leftist terrorist group formed in Greece in 1971 to oppose the military junta that ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974;a revolutionary group opposed to capitalism and imperialism and the United States
Revolutionary Proletarian Nucleus|a clandestine group of leftist extremists who oppose Italy's labor policies and foreign policy;responsible for bombing building in the historic center of Rome from 2000 to 2002
Revolutionary United Front|a terrorist group formed in the 1980s in Sierra Leone;seeks to overthrow the government and gain control of the diamond producing regions;responsible for attacks on civilians and children, widespread torture and murder and using children to commit atrocities;sponsored by the president of Liberia
revolutionism|a belief in the spread of revolutionary principles
revolutionist|a radical supporter of political or social revolution
revolutions per minute|rate of revolution of a motor
revolver|a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)
revolving charge account|a charge account that does not have to be paid to zero balance
revolving door|a door consisting of four orthogonal partitions that rotate about a central pivot;a door designed to equalize the air pressure in tall buildings;an organization or institution with a high rate of turnover of personnel or membership
revolving fund|a fund which, if borrowed or used, is intended to be replenished so it may be loaned or spent repeatedly
revue|a variety show with topical sketches and songs and dancing and comedians
reward|an act performed to strengthen approved behavior;payment made in return for a service rendered;the offer of money for helping to find a criminal or for returning lost property
rewa-rewa|slender elegant tree of New Zealand having racemes of red flowers and yielding valuable mottled red timber
rewording|changing a particular word or phrase
rewrite|something that has been written again - "the rewrite was much better"
rewriting|editing that involves writing something again
rex begonia|any of numerous usually rhizomatous hybrid begonias derived from an East Indian plant having rough-textured leaves patterned in silver and bronze and purple and red-brown with inconspicuous flowers
Reye's syndrome|acquired encephalopathy following acute viral infections (especially influenza or chicken pox) in young children;characterized by fever, vomiting, disorientation, coma, and fatty infiltration of the liver
Reykjavik|the capital and chief port of Iceland on the southwestern coast of Iceland;buildings are heated by natural hot water
Reynard|a conventional name for a fox used in tales following usage in the old epic 'Reynard the Fox'
Reynolds|English portrait painter and first president of the Royal Academy (1723-1792)
Rh antibody|rhesus factor antibody
Rh incompatibility|incompatibility of Rh blood types;a transfusion of Rh-positive blood given to a Rh-negative person (or vice versa) can result in hemolysis and anemia
rhabdomyoma|benign rumor of striated muscle
rhabdomyosarcoma|a highly malignant neoplasm derived from striated muscle
Rhabdoviridae|a family of arborviruses carried by arthropods
rhabdovirus|any of a group of arboviruses including those causing rabies
Rhadamanthus|(Greek mythology) a judge of the dead in the underworld
Rhaeto-Romance|Romance dialects spoken in parts of southeastern Switzerland and northern Italy and the Tyrol
rhagades|cracks or fissures in the skin (especially around the mouth or anus)
Rhagoletis|a genus of Trypetidae
Rhamnaceae|trees and shrubs usually thorny bearing drupaceous fruit many having medicinal value
Rhamnales|an order of dicotyledonous plants
Rhamnus|type genus of the Rhamnaceae;buckthorns
Rhapis|genus of small clump-forming fan palms of China and Japan
rhapsody|an epic poem adapted for recitation
Rhea|fertility goddess in ancient Greek mythology;wife of Cronus and mother of Zeus;identified with Roman Ops and Cybele of ancient Asia Minor;larger of two tall fast-running flightless birds similar to ostriches but three-toed;found from Brazil to Patagonia;smaller of two tall fast-running flightless birds similar to ostriches but three-toed;found from Peru to Strait of Magellan
Rhea Silvia|(Roman mythology) a vestal virgin who became the mother by Mars of the twins Romulus and Remus
Rheidae|a family of birds coextensive with the order Rheiformes
Rheiformes|a ratite bird order;birds intermediate in characteristics between ostriches and emus;recent and extinct rheas
Rheims|a city in northeastern France to the east of Paris;scene of the coronation of most French kings;site of the unconditional German surrender in 1945 at the end of World War II
rhenium|a rare heavy polyvalent metallic element that resembles manganese chemically and is used in some alloys;is obtained as a by-product in refining molybdenum
rheology|the branch of physics that studies the deformation and flow of matter
rheometer|an instrument for measuring the flow of liquids (especially arterial blood)
rheostat|resistor for regulating current
rhesus|of southern Asia;used in medical research
rhesus factor|a blood group antigen possessed by Rh-positive people;if an Rh-negative person receives a blood transfusion from an Rh-positive person it can result in hemolysis and anemia
rhetoric|study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking);using language effectively to please or persuade
rhetorical device|a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)
rhetorical question|a statement that is formulated as a question but that is not supposed to be answered - "he liked to make his points with rhetorical questions"
rheum|a watery discharge from the mucous membranes (especially from the eyes or nose);rhubarb
rheumatic|a person suffering with rheumatism
rheumatic aortitis|aortitis occurring in rheumatic fever
rheumatic fever|a severe disease chiefly of children and characterized by painful inflammation of the joints and frequently damage to the heart valves
rheumatic heart disease|heart disease caused by recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever;characterized by changes in the myocardium or scarring of the heart valves that reduce the power of the heart to pump blood
rheumatism|any painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues
rheumatoid arthritis|a chronic autoimmune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities;something (possibly a virus) triggers an attack on the synovium by the immune system, which releases cytokines that stimulate an inflammatory reaction that can lead to the destruction of all components of the joint
rheumatoid factor|autoantibody that is usually present in the serum of people with rheumatoid arthritis
rheumatologist|a physician specializing in rheumatic diseases
rheumatology|the branch of medicine dealing with the study and treatment of pathologies of the muscles or tendons or joints
Rhexia|deer grass
Rhincodon|whale sharks
Rhincodontidae|small-toothed sharks comprising only one species
Rhine|a major European river carrying more traffic than any other river in the world;flows into the North Sea;United States parapsychologist (1895-1980)
Rhine wine|any of several white wines from the Rhine River valley in Germany ('hock' is British usage)
Rhineland|a picturesque region of Germany around the Rhine river
rhinencephalon|a center in the cerebral hemispheres that governs the sense of smell in lower animals;in humans it seems to mediate complex emotional behavior
rhinestone|an imitation diamond made from rock crystal or glass or paste
rhinion|the anterior tip at the end of the suture of the nasal bones
rhinitis|an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose (usually associated with nasal discharge)
Rhinobatidae|primitive rays with guitar-shaped bodies
rhinoceros|massive powerful herbivorous odd-toed ungulate of southeast Asia and Africa having very thick skin and one or two horns on the snout
rhinoceros beetle|any of various large chiefly tropical beetles having horns on the head;pest on coconuts
Rhinocerotidae|rhinoceroses
rhinolaryngology|the medical specialty that deals with diseases of the ear, nose and throat
Rhinolophidae|Old World leaf-nosed bats
Rhinonicteris|orange horseshoe bats
rhinopathy|any disease or malformation of the nose
rhinophyma|enlargement of the nose with dilation of follicles and redness and prominent vascularity of the skin;often associated with excessive consumption of alcohol
Rhinoptera|a genus of Myliobatidae
rhinorrhea|persistent watery mucus discharge from the nose (as in the common cold)
rhinoscope|medical instrument consisting of a mirror mounted at an angle on a rod;used to examine the nasal passages (through the nasopharynx)
rhinoscopy|examination of the nasal passages (either through the anterior nares or with a rhinoscope through the nasopharynx)
rhinosporidiosis|fungal infection of the nose;often acquired while swimming
rhinostenosis|narrowing of the passages in the nasal cavities
Rhinotermitidae|large widely distributed family of termites of temperate to tropical regions
rhinotomy|surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the nose to drain accumulated pus
rhinotracheitis|a respiratory infection of the nose and throat in cattle
rhinovirus|any of a group of picornaviruses that are responsible for many upper respiratory infections
Rhipsalis|large genus of epiphytic or lithophytic unarmed cacti with usually segmented stems and pendulous branches;flowers are small followed by berrylike fruits
Rhizobiaceae|a small family of rod-shaped bacteria
Rhizobium|the type genus of Rhizobiaceae;usually occur in the root nodules of legumes;can fix atmospheric oxygen
rhizoctinia|any fungus now or formerly belonging to the form genus Rhizoctinia
rhizoctinia disease|disease caused by rhizoctinia or fungi of Pellicularia and Corticium
rhizoid|any of various slender filaments that function as roots in mosses and ferns and fungi etc
rhizomatous begonia|any of numerous begonias having prominent shaggy creeping stems or rhizomes
rhizome|a horizontal plant stem with shoots above and roots below serving as a reproductive structure
rhizomorph|a dense mass of hyphae forming a root-like structure characteristic of many fungi
Rhizophora|type genus of the Rhizophoraceae;a small genus of tropical trees and shrubs
Rhizophoraceae|trees and shrubs that usually form dense jungles along tropical seacoasts
rhizopod|protozoa characterized by a pseudopod
Rhizopoda|creeping protozoans;amoebas and foraminifers
Rhizopogon|a genus of fungi having subterranean sporophores resembling tubers
Rhizopogon idahoensis|a large whitish Rhizopogon that becomes greyish brown in maturity
Rhizopogonaceae|a family of fungi of order Hymenogastrales having round subterranean sporophores
rhizopus|any of various rot causing fungi of the genus Rhizopus
rhizotomy|surgical procedure in which spinal nerve roots are cut;done (anterior roots) to relieve intractable pain or (posterior roots) to stop severe muscle spasms
Rh-negative blood type|the blood group whose red cells lack the Rh factor (Rh antigen)
rho|the 17th letter of the Greek alphabet
Rhode Island|a state in New England;one of the original 13 colonies;the smallest state;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
Rhode Island red|American breed of heavy-bodied brownish-red general-purpose chicken
Rhode Islander|a native or resident of Rhode Island
Rhodes|a Greek island in the southeast Aegean Sea 10 miles off the Turkish coast;the largest of the Dodecanese;it was colonized before 1000 BC by Dorians from Argos;site of the Colossus of Rhodes;British colonial financier and statesman in South Africa;made a fortune in gold and diamond mining;helped colonize the territory now known as Zimbabwe;he endowed annual fellowships for British Commonwealth and United States students to study at Oxford University (1853-1902)
Rhodes grass|perennial grass of South Africa introduced into United States;cultivated as forage grass in dry regions
Rhodes scholar|a student who holds one of the scholarships endowed by the will of Cecil J. Rhodes that enables the student to study at Oxford University
Rhodesian man|a primitive hominid resembling Neanderthal man but living in Africa
Rhodesian ridgeback|a powerful short-haired African hunting dog having a crest of reversed hair along the spine
rhodium|a white hard metallic element that is one of the platinum group and is found in platinum ores;used in alloys with platinum
rhodochrosite|a mineral consisting of manganese carbonate;a source of manganese
rhododendron|any shrub of the genus Rhododendron;evergreen shrubs or small shrubby trees having leathery leaves and showy clusters of campanulate (bell-shaped) flowers
rhodolite|a red or pink variety of garnet used as a gemstone
rhodonite|a pink or red mineral consisting of crystalline manganese silicate;used as an ornamental stone
Rhodope Mountains|a mountain range in the Balkan peninsula in southeastern Europe;extends along the border between Greece and Bulgaria
Rhodophyceae|coextensive with the Rhodophyta;red algae
Rhodophyta|lower plants;mostly marine and littoral eukaryotic algae
Rhodosphaera|one species;an Australian evergreen sumac
Rhodymenia|type genus of the family Rhodymeniaceae
Rhodymeniaceae|a family of protoctist
Rhoeadales|an order of dicotyledonous plants
rhombohedron|a parallelepiped bounded by six similar faces (either rhombuses or parallelograms)
rhomboid|a parallelogram with adjacent sides of unequal lengths;an oblique-angled parallelogram with only the opposite sides equal;any of several muscles of the upper back that help move the shoulder blade
rhomboid minor muscle|rhomboid muscle that draws the scapula toward the vertebral column and slightly upward
rhomboideus major muscle|rhomboid muscle that draws the scapula toward the spinal column
rhombus|a parallelogram with four equal sides;an oblique-angled equilateral parallelogram
rhonchus|a sound like whistling or snoring that is heard with a stethoscope during expiration as air passes through obstructed channels
Rhone|a major French river;flows into the Mediterranean near Marseilles - "the valley of the Rhone is famous for its vineyards"
Rhone wine|any of various wines from the Rhone River valley in France
Rhone-Alpes|a mountainous region of eastern France drained by the Rhone and Saone and Isere rivers
Rh-positive blood type|the blood group (approximately 85% of people) whose red cells have the Rh factor (Rh antigen)
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
rhubarb pie|pie containing diced rhubarb and much sugar
rhumb line|a line on a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle;the path taken by a ship or plane that maintains a constant compass direction
Rhus|deciduous or evergreen shrubs and shrubby trees of temperate and subtropical North America, South Africa, eastern Asia and northeastern Australia;usually limited to nonpoisonous sumacs (see genus Toxicodendron)
Rhus dermatitis|contact dermatitis resulting from contact with plants of the genus Toxicodendron
Rhyacotriton|olympic salamanders
rhyme|correspondence in the sounds of two or more lines (especially final sounds)
rhyme royal|a stanza form having seven lines of iambic pentameter;introduced by Chaucer
rhymer|a writer who composes rhymes;a maker of poor verses (usually used as terms of contempt for minor or inferior poets)
rhyming slang|slang that replaces words with rhyming words or expressions and then typically omits the rhyming component - "Cockney rhyming slang"
Rhynchocephalia|tuataras;extinct forms from middle Triassic
Rhynchoelaps|Australian coral snakes
Rhyncostylis|genus of epiphytic orchids of tropical Asia
Rhynia|type genus of the Rhyniaceae;small leafless dichotomously branching fossil plants with terminal sporangia and smooth branching rhizomes
Rhyniaceae|primitive plants of the Paleozoic
rhyolite|very acid volcanic rock
rhythm|recurring at regular intervals;the arrangement of spoken words alternating stressed and unstressed elements - "the rhythm of Frost's poetry";the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music - "the piece has a fast rhythm"
rhythm and blues|a combination of blues and jazz that was developed in the United States by Black musicians;an important precursor of rock 'n' roll
rhythm and blues musician|a performer (and sometimes composer) of rhythm and blues music
rhythm method of birth control|natural family planning in which ovulation is assumed to occur 14 days before the onset of a period (the fertile period would be assumed to extend from day 10 through day 18 of her cycle)
rhythmicity|the rhythmic property imparted by the accents and relative durations of notes in a piece of music
rib|a projecting molding on the underside of a vault or ceiling;may be ornamental or structural;a riblike supporting or strengthening part of an animal or plant;a teasing remark;any of the 12 pairs of curved arches of bone extending from the spine to or toward the sternum in humans (and similar bones in most vertebrates);cut of meat including one or more ribs;support resembling the rib of an animal
rib cage|the bony enclosing wall of the chest
rib joint pliers|a type of pliers
rib roast|a cut of meat (beef or venison) including more than one rib and the meat located along the outside of the ribs
ribald|a ribald person;someone who uses vulgar and offensive language
ribaldry|ribald humor
riband|a ribbon used as a decoration
ribavirin|an inhaled antiviral agent (trade name Virazole) that may be used to treat serious virus infections
ribbed vault|vault that resembles a groined vault but has ribbed arches
ribbing|a framework of ribs
ribbon|a long strip of inked material for making characters on paper with a typewriter;any long object resembling a thin line - "a mere ribbon of land" - "the lighted ribbon of traffic";notion consisting of a narrow strip of fine material used for trimming
ribbon development|building complex in a continuous row along a road
ribbon fern|epiphytic fern with straplike usually twisted fronds of tropical Asia and Polynesia and America;fern of North Africa and Azores and Canary Islands
ribbon snake|slender yellow-striped North American garter snake;prefers wet places
ribbon tree|deciduous New Zealand tree whose inner bark yields a strong fiber that resembles flax and is called New Zealand cotton
ribbon worm|soft unsegmented marine worms that have a threadlike proboscis and the ability to stretch and contract
ribbonfish|marine fish having a long compressed ribbonlike body
ribbon-leaved water plantain|a variety of water plantain
Ribes|a flowering shrub bearing currants or gooseberries;native to northern hemisphere
Ribhus|one of three artisans of the Hindu gods
ribier|dark reddish-purple table grape of California
ribonuclease|a transferase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ribonucleic acid
ribonucleic acid|(biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes;it transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell - "ribonucleic acid is the genetic material of some viruses"
ribose|a pentose sugar important as a component of ribonucleic acid
ribosome|an organelle in the cytoplasm of a living cell;they attach to mRNA and move down it one codon at a time and then stop until tRNA brings the required amino acid;when it reaches a stop codon it falls apart and releases the completed protein molecule for use by the cell - "the ribosome is the site of protein synthesis"
Ricardo|English economist who argued that the laws of supply and demand should operate in a free market (1772-1823)
rice|annual or perennial rhizomatous marsh grasses;seed used for food;straw used for paper;grains used as food either unpolished or more often polished;English lyricist who frequently worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber (born in 1944);United States playwright (1892-1967)
rice paper|a thin delicate material resembling paper;made from the rice-paper tree
rice rat|hardy agile rat of grassy marshes of Mexico and the southeastern United States
rice weevil|brown weevil that infests stored grain especially rice
ricegrass|any grass of the genus Oryzopsis
ricer|a kitchen utensil used for ricing soft foods by extruding them through small holes
rich people|people who have possessions and wealth (considered as a group)
rich person|a person who possesses great material wealth
Richard I|son of Henry II and King of England from 1189 to 1199;a leader of the Third Crusade;on his way home from the crusade he was captured and held prisoner in the Holy Roman Empire until England ransomed him in 1194 (1157-1199)
Richard II|King of England from 1377 to 1399;he suppressed the Peasant's Revolt in 1381 but his reign was marked by popular discontent and baronial opposition in British Parliament and he was forced to abdicate in 1399 (1367-1400)
Richard III|King of England from 1483 to 1485;seized the throne from his nephew Edward V who was confined to the Tower of London and murdered;his reign ended when he was defeated by Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) at the battle of Bosworth Field (1452-1485)
Richard Roe|an unknown or fictitious party to legal proceedings
Richards|English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)
Richardson|British stage and screen actor noted for playing classic roles (1902-1983);United States architect (1838-1886)
Richardson's geranium|geranium of western North America having branched clusters of white or pale pink flowers
Richea|evergreen trees or shrubs of mountains of Australia and Tasmania
Richelieu|French prelate and statesman;principal minister to Louis XIII (1585-1642)
Richler|Canadian novelist (born in 1931)
Richmond|capital of the state of Virginia located in the east central part of the state;was capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War
Richmondena|cardinals
richness|a strong deep vividness of hue - "the fire-light gave a richness of coloring to that side of the room";the property of producing abundantly and sustaining vigorous and luxuriant growth - "he praised the richness of the soil";the quality of having high intrinsic value - "the richness of the mines and pastureland" - "the cut of her clothes and the richness of the fabric were distinctive"
Richter scale|a logarithmic scale of 1 to 10 formerly used to express the magnitude of an earthquake on the basis of the size of seismograph oscillations
richweed|a plants of the genus Pilea having drooping green flower clusters and smooth translucent stems and leaves
ricin|a toxic protein extracted from castor beans;used as a chemical reagent;can be used as a bioweapon - "one milligram of ricin can kill an adult"
ricinoleic acid|an oily fatty acid found in castor oil and used in soap
Ricinus|a genus of herb having only one known species;castor-oil plant
Rickenbacker|the most decorated United States combat pilot in World War I (1890-1973)
rickets|childhood disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D and sunlight associated with impaired metabolism of calcium and phosphorus
rickettsia|any of a group of very small rod-shaped bacteria that live in biting arthropods (as ticks and mites) and cause disease in vertebrate hosts;they cause typhus and other febrile diseases in human beings
Rickettsiaceae|microorganism resembling bacteria inhabiting arthropod tissues but capable of causing disease in vertebrates
rickettsial disease|infectious disease caused by ticks or mites or body lice infected with rickettsial bacteria
Rickettsiales|pleomorphic Gram-negative microorganisms
rickettsialpox|mild infectious rickettsial disease caused by a bacterium of the genus Rickettsia transmitted to humans by the bite a mite that lives on rodents;characterized by chills and fever and headache and skin lesions that resemble chickenpox
rickey|a mixed drink made of sweetened lime juice and soda water usually with liquor
Rickover|United States admiral who advocated the development of nuclear submarines (1900-1986)
rickrack|a narrow zigzag ribbon used as trimming
ricochet|a glancing rebound
ricotta|soft Italian cheese like cottage cheese
rictus|a gaping grimace
riddle|a coarse sieve (as for gravel);a difficult problem
ride|a mechanical device that you ride for amusement or excitement
rider|a clause that is appended to a legislative bill;a traveler who actively rides a vehicle (as a bicycle or motorcycle);a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)
rider plate|a horizontal beam (or plate) connected to the top of a ship's vertical keel or to the keelson
ridge|a beam laid along the edge where two sloping sides of a roof meet at the top;provides an attachment for the upper ends of rafters;a long narrow natural elevation on the floor of the ocean;a long narrow natural elevation or striation;a long narrow range of hills;any long raised border or margin of a bone or tooth or membrane;any long raised strip
ridge rope|either of a pair of lifelines running alongside the bowsprit of a ship
ridge tile|a decorative tile that is bent in cross section;used to cover the ridge of a roof
ridgeling|a colt with undescended testicles
ridicule|language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate
riding|the sport of siting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements;travel by being carried on horseback
riding bitt|one of the large bitts used to secure the cable of a dropped anchor
riding boot|a boot without laces that is worn for riding horses;part of a riding habit
riding crop|a short whip with a thong at the end and a handle for opening gates
riding master|someone who teaches horsemanship
riding mower|a power mower you can ride on
riding school|a school where horsemanship is taught and practiced
ridley|a marine turtle
riel|the basic unit of money in Cambodia;equal to 100 sen
Riemann|pioneer of non-Euclidean geometry (1826-1866)
Riesling|fragrant dry or sweet white wine from the Rhine valley or a similar wine from California;white grape grown in Europe and California
Riesman|United States sociologist (1909-2002)
rifampin|an antibacterial drug (trade names Rifadin and Rimactane) used to treat tuberculosis
Riff|a Berber living in northern Morocco;a jazz ostinato;usually provides a background for a solo improvisation
riffle|shuffling by splitting the pack and interweaving the two halves at their corners
rifle|a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore - "he lifted the rifle to his shoulder and fired"
rifle ball|a bullet designed to be fired from a rifle;no longer made spherical in shape
rifle butt|the butt end of a rifle
rifle grenade|a grenade that is thrown from a launching device attached to the barrel of a rifle
rifle range|a range where people can practice shooting rifles - "during the war they turned the bowling alleys into rifle ranges";the distance that a rifle bullet will carry - "the target was out of rifle range"
riflebird|velvety black Australian bird of paradise with green and purple iridescence on head and tail
rifleman|a soldier whose weapon is a rifle;someone skilled in the use of a rifle
rifleman bird|small green-and-bronze bird
rift|a gap between cloud masses - "the sun shone through a rift in the clouds";a narrow fissure in rock
rift valley|a valley with steep sides;formed by a rift in the earth's crust
Rift Valley fever|an infection common in Africa caused by a bunyavirus;transmitted by mosquitoes or by handling infected animals
rig|formation of masts, spars, sails, etc., on a vessel;gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
Riga|a port city on the Gulf of Riga that is the capital and largest city of Latvia;formerly a member of the Hanseatic League
rigatoni|tubular pasta in short ribbed pieces
Rigel|the brightest star in Orion
rigger|a long slender pointed sable brush used by artists;a sailing vessel with a specified rig - "a square rigger";someone who rigs ships;someone who works on an oil rig
rigging|gear consisting of ropes etc. supporting a ship's masts and sails
right|(frequently plural) the interest possessed by law or custom in some intangible thing - "mineral rights" - "film rights";a turn toward the side of the body that is on the south when the person is facing east - "take a right at the corner";an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature - "Certain rights can never be granted to the government but must be kept in the hands of the people"- Eleanor Roosevelt - "a right is not something that somebody gives you;it is something that nobody can take away";anything in accord with principles of justice - "he feels he is in the right" - "the rightfulness of his claim";location near or direction toward the right side;i.e. the side to the south when a person or object faces east - "he stood on the right";the hand that is on the right side of the body - "he writes with his right hand but pitches with his left" - "hit him with quick rights to the body";those who support political or social or economic conservatism;those who believe that things are better left unchanged
right angle|the 90 degree angle between two perpendicular lines
right ascension|(astronomy) the equatorial coordinate specifying the angle, measured eastward along the celestial equator, from the vernal equinox to the intersection of the hour circle that passes through an object in the sky;usually expressed in hours and minutes and seconds;used with declination to specify positions on the celestial sphere - "one hour of right ascension equals fifteen degrees"
right atrium|the right upper chamber of the heart that receives blood from the venae cavae and coronary sinus
Right Bank|the region of Paris on the north bank of the Seine
right coronary artery|arises from the right aortic sinus;supplies the right side of the heart
right field|the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the right third of the outfield (looking from home plate);the piece of ground in the outfield on the catcher's right
right fielder|the person who plays right field
right gastric artery|a branch of the hepatic artery that supplies the pyloric portion of the stomach on the lesser curvature
right hemisphere|the cerebral hemisphere to the right of the corpus callosum that controls the left half of the body
right of action|the legal right to sue
right of election|in probate law;the legal right of a surviving spouse to elect to take either what the deceased spouse gave under the will or the share of the estate as set forth by statute
right of entry|the legal right to take possession of real estate in a peaceable manner
right of offset|(banking) the legal right of a bank to seize deposited funds to cover a loan that is in default
right of privacy|a legal right (not explicitly provided in the United States Constitution) to be left alone;the right to live life free from unwarranted publicity
right of re-entry|the legal right to resume possession (a right that was reserved when a former possession was parted with)
right of search|the right of a belligerent to stop neutral ships on the high seas in wartime and search them
right of way|the passage consisting of a path or strip of land over which someone has the legal right to pass;the privilege of someone to pass over land belonging to someone else;the right of one vehicle or vessel to take precedence over another
right to an attorney|a civil right guaranteed by the 6th amendment to the US Constitution
right to confront accusors|a right guaranteed by the 6th amendment to the US Constitution
right to due process|a right guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution;reaffirmed by the Fourteenth Amendment
right to liberty|the right to be free
right to life|the right to live
right to privacy|right to be free of unsanctioned intrusion
right to speedy and public trial by jury|a civil right guaranteed by the 6th amendment to the US Constitution
right to the pursuit of happiness|the right to try to find happiness
right to vote|a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution;guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment
right triangle|a triangle with one right angle
right ventricle|the chamber on the right side of the heart that receives venous blood from the right atrium and pumps it into the pulmonary trunk
right whale|large Arctic whalebone whale;allegedly the 'right' whale to hunt because of its valuable whalebone and oil
righteousness|adhering to moral principles
righteye flounder|flounders with both eyes on the right side of the head
right-hand man|the most helpful assistant
right-handed pitcher|(baseball) a pitcher who throws with the right hand
right-handedness|preference for using the right hand
right-hander|a person who uses the right hand more skillfully than the left
rightism|the ideology of the political right;belief in or support of the tenets of the political right
rightist|a member of a right wing political party
rightness|according with conscience or morality
rights offering|an offering of common stock to existing shareholders who hold subscription rights or pre-emptive rights that entitle them to buy newly issued shares at a discount from the price at which they will be offered to the public later - "the investment banker who handles a rights offering usually agrees to buy any shares not bought by shareholders"
rigidity|the physical property of being stiff and resisting bending
rigmarole|a long and complicated and confusing procedure - "all that academic rigmarole was a waste of time";a set of confused and meaningless statements
rigor mortis|muscular stiffening that begins 2 to 4 hours after death and lasts for about 4 days;temporary stiffness of joints and muscular rigidity occurring after death
rigout|a person's costume (especially if bizarre) - "What a queer rigout!"
Rig-Veda|a Veda consisting of a collection of Hindu poems dating from before 2000 BC
rijsttaffel|dish originating in Indonesia;a wide variety of foods and sauces are served with rice
Riksmal|in 1929 this dialect of Norwegian was officially renamed Bokmal
Riley|United States poet (1849-1916)
Rilke|German poet (born in Austria) whose imagery and mystic lyricism influenced 20th-century German literature (1875-1926)
rill|a small channel (as one formed by soil erosion)
rim|(basketball) the hoop from which the net is suspended - "the ball hit the rim and bounced off";the outer part of a wheel to which the tire is attached;the shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object
rim blight|a disease of tea plants
rima|a narrow elongated opening or fissure between two symmetrical parts
rima glottidis|the space between the two true vocal folds
rima vestibuli|the opening between the false vocal folds
Rimbaud|French poet whose work influenced the surrealists (1854-1891)
Rimsky-Korsakov|Russian composer of operas and orchestral works;often used themes from folk music (1844-1908)
rimu|tall New Zealand timber tree
rind|the natural outer covering of food (usually removed before eating)
rinderpest|an acute infectious viral disease of cattle (usually fatal);characterized by fever and diarrhea and inflammation of mucous membranes
ring|a characteristic sound - "it has the ring of sincerity";a platform usually marked off by ropes in which contestants box or wrestle;a toroidal shape - "a ring of ships in the harbor";jewelry consisting of a circlet of precious metal (often set with jewels) worn on the finger - "she had rings on every finger";the sound of a bell ringing - "the distinctive ring of the church bell" - "the ringing of the telephone" - "the tintinnabulation that so voluminously swells from the ringing and the dinging of the bells"--E. A. Poe
ring containment|a strategy of defense in cases of bioterrorism;vaccination only of people exposed and others who are in contact with them - "ring containment is a proven method of halting a smallpox epidemic"
ring finger|the third finger (especially of the left hand)
ring girl|a young woman who holds up cards indicating the number of the next round at prize fights
ring ouzel|European thrush common in rocky areas;the male has blackish plumage with a white band around the neck
ring rot|disease of tomatoes and potatoes and tobacco etc caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas solanacearum
ring rot bacteria|causes brown rot in tomatoes and potatoes and tobacco etc
ring vaccination|administering vaccine only to people in close contact with an isolated infected patient;prevents the spread of a highly infectious disease by surrounding the patient with a ring of immunization
ring-around-the-rosy|a children's game in which the players dance around in a circle and at a given signal all squat
ringdove|greyish Old World turtledove with a black band around the neck;often caged
ringer|(horseshoes) the successful throw of a horseshoe or quoit so as to encircle a stake or peg;a contestant entered in a competition under false pretenses;a person who is almost identical to another
Ringer's solution|an aqueous solution containing the chlorides of sodium and potassium and calcium that is isotonic to animal tissues;used to correct dehydration and (in physiological experiments) as a medium for in vitro preparations
ringgit|the basic unit of money in Malaysia;equal to 100 sen
ringhals|highly venomous snake of southern Africa able to spit venom up to seven feet
ringing|the giving of a ring as a token of engagement
ringleader|a person who leads (especially in illicit activities)
ringlet|a small ring;any of various butterflies belonging to the family Satyridae
Ringling|United States showman whose song-and-dance troop evolved into a circus (1863-1926)
ringmaster|the person in charge of performances in a circus ring
ringneck snake|any of numerous small nonvenomous North American snakes with a yellow or orange ring around the neck
ring-necked parakeet|African parakeet
ring-necked pheasant|common pheasant having bright plumage and a white neck ring
rings|gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes;used for gymnastic exercises - "the rings require a strong upper body"
ringside|first row of seating;has an unobstructed view of a boxing or wrestling ring
ringtail|an immature golden eagle
ringworm bush|tropical shrub (especially of Americas) having yellow flowers and large leaves whose juice is used as a cure for ringworm and poisonous bites;sometimes placed in genus Cassia
rink|building that contains a surface for ice skating or roller skating
rinse|a liquid preparation used on wet hair to give it a tint;the act of giving a light tint to the hair;the removal of soap with clean water in the final stage of washing;washing lightly without soap
Rio de Janeiro|the former capital and 2nd largest city of Brazil;chief Brazilian port;famous as a tourist attraction
Rio de la Plata|an estuary between Argentina and Uruguay
Rio Grande|a North American river;boundary between the United States and Mexico;flows into Gulf of Mexico
Rioja|dry red table wine from the Rioja region of northern Spain
riot|a public act of violence by an unruly mob
Riot Act|a former English law requiring mobs to disperse after a magistrate reads the law to them;a vigorous reprimand
riot control|the measures taken to control a riot
riot gun|a firearm designed to disperse rioters rather than to inflict serious injury or death
rioter|troublemaker who participates in a violent disturbance of the peace;someone who rises up against the constituted authority
rioting|a state of disorder involving group violence
rip|a stretch of turbulent water in a river or the sea caused by one current flowing into or across another current;an opening made forcibly as by pulling apart - "there was a rip in his pants"
Rip van Winkle|a person oblivious to social changes;a person who sleeps a lot;the title character in a story by Washington Irving about a man who sleeps for 20 years and doesn't recognize the world when he wakens
Riparia|a genus of Hirundinidae
riparian forest|woodlands along the banks of stream or river
ripcord|a cord that is pulled to open a parachute from its pack during a descent;a cord that is pulled to open the gasbag of a balloon wide enough to release gas and so causes the balloon to descend
ripeness|the state of being ripe
ripening|acquiring desirable qualities by being left undisturbed for some time
riposte|(fencing) a counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying the opponents lunge
ripper|a murderer who slashes the victims with a knife
ripping bar|a steel lever with one end formed into a ripping chisel and the other a gooseneck with a claw for pulling nails
ripping chisel|a long chisel with a slightly bent cutting end;used for heavy prying or cleaning mortises
ripple|(electronics) an oscillation of small amplitude imposed on top of a steady value;a small wave on the surface of a liquid
ripple mark|one of a series of small ridges produced in sand by water currents or by wind
ripsaw|a handsaw for cutting with the grain of the wood
riptide|a strong surface current flowing outwards from a shore
rise|a growth in strength or number or importance;a movement upward - "they cheered the rise of the hot-air balloon";an increase in cost - "they asked for a 10% rise in rates";the act of changing location in an upward direction
riser|a person who rises (especially from bed) - "he's usually a late riser";a vertical pipe in a building;structural member consisting of the vertical part of a stair or step
risibility|a disposition to laugh
rising trot|the rider rises from the saddle every second stride
risk|a venture undertaken without regard to possible loss or injury - "he saw the rewards but not the risks of crime";the probability of becoming infected given that exposure to an infectious agent has occurred;the probability of being exposed to an infectious agent
risk arbitrage|arbitrage involving risk;as in the simultaneous purchase of stock in a target company and sale of stock in its potential acquirer;if the takeover fails the arbitrageur may lose a great deal of money
riskiness|a state of danger involving risk
risklessness|safety as a consequence of entailing no risk
risotto|rice cooked with broth and sprinkled with grated cheese
Riss glaciation|the next-to-last Pleistocene glaciation in the Alps and the deposits laid down at that time
Rissa|a genus of Laridae
rissole|minced cooked meat or fish coated in egg and breadcrumbs and fried in deep fat
rite|an established ceremony prescribed by a religion - "the rite of baptism"
rite of passage|a ritual performed in some cultures at times when an individual changes status (as from adolescence to adulthood)
ritonavir|a protease inhibitor (trade name Norvir) used in treating HIV
Rittenhouse|United States astronomer said to have built the first telescope made in America;also the first director of the United States Mint (1732-1796)
ritual|any customary observance or practice;stereotyped behavior;the prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
ritual dancing|a dance that is part of a religious ritual
ritualism|exaggerated emphasis on the importance of rites or ritualistic forms in worship;the study of religious or magical rites and ceremonies
ritualist|a social anthropologist who is expert on rites and ceremonies;an advocate of strict observance of ritualistic forms
Ritz|an ostentatiously elegant hotel;Swiss hotelier who created a chain of elegant hotels (1850-1918);ostentatious display of elegance
rival|the contestant you hope to defeat - "he had respect for his rivals"
river|a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek) - "the river was navigable for 50 miles"
river basin|the entire geographical area drained by a river and its tributaries;an area characterized by all runoff being conveyed to the same outlet
river boat|a boat used on rivers or to ply a river
river boulder|a boulder that has been carried by a river to a place remote from its place of origin
river dolphin|any of several long-snouted usually freshwater dolphins of South America and southern Asia
river limpet|minute conical gastropod superficially resembling a limpet but living and feeding on freshwater plants
river otter|sociable aquatic animal widely distributed along streams and lake borders in North America
river prawn|large Australian prawn
river red gum|somewhat crooked red gum tree growing chiefly along rivers;has durable reddish lumber used in heavy construction
river shad|shad that spawns in streams of the Mississippi drainage;very similar to Alosa sapidissima
Rivera|socialist Mexican painter of murals (1886-1957)
riverbank|the bank of a river
riverbed|a channel occupied (or formerly occupied) by a river
Riverside|a city in southern California
rivet|heavy pin having a head at one end and the other end being hammered flat after being passed through holes in the pieces that are fastened together
rivet line|a line of rivets at a seam - "the fuselage cracked along the rivet line"
riveter|a worker who inserts and hammers rivets
riveting machine|a machine for driving rivets
Riviera|a coastal area between La Spezia in Italy and Cannes in France - "the Riviera contains some of Europe's most popular resorts"
Rivina|small genus of erect perennial shrubby herbs;tropical and subtropical America
rivulet|a small stream
rivulus|found in small streams of tropical America;often kept in aquariums;usually hermaphroditic
Riyadh|joint capital (with Mecca) of Saudi Arabia located in the central oasis;largest city in Saudi Arabia
riyal-omani|the basic unit of money in Oman
Ro|an artificial language for international use that rejects all existing words and is based instead on an abstract analysis of ideas
roach|a roll of hair brushed back from the forehead;European freshwater food fish having a greenish back;the butt of a marijuana cigarette
roach clip|metal tweezers used by marijuana smokers to hold a roach
road|a way or means to achieve something - "the road to fame";an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
road builder|someone whose business is to build roads
road construction|the construction of roads
road gang|a gang of road workers
road hog|a driver who obstructs others
road map|a detailed plan or explanation to guide you in setting standards or determining a course of action - "the president said he had a road map for normalizing relations with Vietnam";a map showing roads (for automobile travel)
road metal|broken rock used for repairing or making roads
road rage|violence exhibited by drivers in traffic
road sense|good judgment in avoiding trouble or accidents on the road
road show|a show on tour
road surface|the paved surface of a paved roadway
road test|a test to insure that a vehicle is roadworthy
road to Damascus|a sudden turning point in a person's life (similar to the sudden conversion of the Apostle Paul on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus of arrest Christians)
roadbed|a bed supporting a road
roadblock|a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.
roadbook|a guidebook describing the roads of a country;contains maps and (sometimes) a gazetteer
roadhouse|an inn (usually outside city limits on a main road) providing meals and liquor and dancing and (sometimes) gambling
roadkill|the dead body of an animal that has been killed on a road by a vehicle - "vultures usually feed on carrion or roadkill"
roadman|a workman who is employed to repair roads
roadrunner|speedy largely terrestrial bird found from California and Mexico to Texas
roads|a partly sheltered anchorage
roadster|an open automobile having a front seat and a rumble seat
roadway|a road (especially that part of a road) over which vehicles travel
roadworthiness|(of motor vehicles) the quality of being fit to drive on the open road
roan|a horse having a brownish coat thickly sprinkled with white or gray;a soft sheepskin leather that is colored and finished to resemble morocco;used in bookbinding
Roanoke|a city in southwestern Virginia
roar|the sound made by a lion
roarer|someone who communicates vocally in a very loud voice
roast|a piece of meat roasted or for roasting and of a size for slicing into more than one portion
roaster|a cook who roasts food;a harsh or humorous critic (sometimes intended as a facetious compliment) - "the honoree gave his roasters as good as he got";a special cooking pan for roasting;flesh of a large young chicken over 3 1/2 lb suitable for roasting
roasting|cooking (meat) by dry heat in an oven (usually with fat added) - "the slow roasting took several hours"
Rob Roy|a manhattan cocktail made with Scotch whiskey
robalo|a kind of percoid fish
robber|a thief who steals from someone by threatening violence
robber fly|swift predatory fly having a strong body like a bee with the proboscis hardened for sucking juices of other insects captured on the wing
robber frog|small terrestrial frog of tropical America
robbery|larceny by threat of violence
robbery conviction|conviction for robbery
robbery suspect|someone suspected of committing robbery
Robbins|United States choreographer who brought human emotion to classical ballet and spirited reality to Broadway musicals (1918-1998)
robe|any loose flowing garment
Robert|United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
Robert E Lee's Birthday|celebrated in southern United States
Roberts|a Welsh pirate credited with having taken more than 400 ships (1682-1722);United States biochemist (born in England) honored for his discovery that some genes contain introns (born in 1943);United States evangelist (born 1918);United States writer remembered for his historical novels about colonial America (1885-1957)
Robert's Rules of Order|a book of rules for presiding over a meeting;written by Henry M. Martin in 1876 and subsequently updated through many editions
Robertson|United States basketball guard (born in 1938)
Robeson|United States bass singer and an outspoken critic of racism and proponent of socialism (1898-1976)
Robespierre|French revolutionary;leader of the Jacobins and architect of the Reign of Terror;was himself executed in a coup d'etat (1758-1794)
robin|large American thrush having a rust-red breast and abdomen;small Old World songbird with a reddish breast
Robin Hood|legendary English outlaw of the 12th century;said to have robbed the rich to help the poor
Robinia|deciduous flowering trees and shrubs
robin's plantain|common perennial of eastern North America having flowers with usually violet-purple rays
Robinson|English chemist noted for his studies of molecular structures in plants (1886-1975);Irish playwright and theater manager in Dublin (1886-1958);United States baseball player;first Black to play in the major leagues (1919-1972);United States film actor noted for playing gangster roles (1893-1973);United States historian who stressed the importance of intellectual and social events for the course of history (1863-1936);United States poet;author of narrative verse (1869-1935);United States prizefighter who won the world middleweight championship five times and the world welterweight championship once (1921-1989)
Robinson Crusoe|the hero of Daniel Defoe's novel about a shipwrecked English sailor who survives on a small tropical island
Robitussin|trade name of an expectorant that loosens phlegm and makes it easier to cough up
roble|large tree of Trinidad and Guyana having odd-pinnate leaves and violet-scented axillary racemes of yellow flowers and long smooth pods;grown as a specimen in parks and large gardens
roble beech|tall deciduous South American tree
robotic telesurgery|microsurgery in which the surgeon performs surgery by manipulating the hands of a robot
robotics|the area of AI concerned with the practical use of robots
robotics equipment|equipment used in robotics
robusta coffee|native to West Africa but grown in Java and elsewhere;resistant to coffee rust
robustness|the characteristic of being strong enough to withstand intellectual challenge - "the lack of robustness in the findings may be due to the small size of the sample";the property of being strong and healthy in constitution
roc|mythical bird of prey having enormous size and strength
roccella|a source of the dye archil and of litmus
Roccellaceae|a fungus family of division Lichenes
Roccus|a genus of Serranidae
Rochambeau|French general who commanded French troops in the American Revolution, notably at Yorktown (1725-1807)
Rochelle salt|a double salt used in Seidlitz powder;acts as a cathartic
Rochester|a city in western New York;a center of the photographic equipment industry;a town in southeast Minnesota
Rochon prism|optical device that produces plane-polarized ultraviolet light
rock|(figurative) someone who is strong and stable and dependable - "he was her rock during the crisis" - "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church"--Gospel According to Matthew;a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter - "he threw a rock at me";material consisting of the aggregate of minerals like those making up the Earth's crust - "that mountain is solid rock";pitching dangerously to one side;United States gynecologist and devout Catholic who conducted the first clinical trials of the oral contraceptive pill (1890-1984)
rock bass|game and food fish of upper Mississippi and Great Lakes
rock beauty|gold and black butterflyfish found from West Indies to Brazil
rock bit|a drill bit that has hardened rotating rollers
rock bottom|the absolute bottom
rock brake|dwarf deciduous lithophytic ferns
rock cake|a small cake with a hard surface said to resemble a rock
rock candy|hard bright-colored stick candy (typically flavored with peppermint);sugar in large hard clear crystals on a string
rock climber|a climber of vertical rock faces
rock climbing|the sport or pastime of scaling rock masses on mountain sides (especially with the help of ropes and special equipment)
rock concert|a performance of rock music
Rock Cornish|small plump hybrid developed by crossbreeding Plymouth Rock and Cornish fowl
Rock Cornish hen|flesh of a small fowl bred for roasting
rock crab|crab of eastern coast of North America
rock cress|any of several rock-loving cresses of the genus Arabis
rock crystal|a clear quartz used in making electronic and optical equipment
rock dove|pale grey Eurasian pigeon having black-striped wings from which most domestic species are descended
rock elm|tall widely distributed elm of eastern North America
rock garden|a garden featuring rocks;usually alpine plants
rock geranium|plant with basal leaves mottled with white and flowers in lax panicles on erect stems
rock group|a band of musicians who play rock'n'roll music
rock gunnel|slippery scaleless food fish of the northern Atlantic coastal waters
rock hind|found around rocky coasts or on reefs
rock hopper|small penguin of the Falkland Islands and New Zealand
rock hyrax|hyrax that lives in rocky areas
Rock Island|a town in northwest Illinois on the Mississippi River;site of a Union prison during the American Civil War
rock 'n' roll|a genre of popular music originating in the 1950s;a blend of black rhythm-and-blues with white country-and-western
rock opera|albums of rock music that aspired to the status of art;first appeared in the 1960s
rock penstemon|one of the West's most beautiful wildflowers;large brilliant pink or rose flowers in many racemes above thick mats of stems and leaves;ledges and cliffs from Washington to California
rock pink|pink-flowered perennial of rocky regions of western United States
rock plant|plant that grows on or among rocks or is suitable for a rock garden
rock polypody|chiefly lithophytic or epiphytic fern of North America and east Asia
rock purslane|a plant of the genus Calandrinia
rock python|very large python of tropical and southern Africa
rock rattlesnake|mountain rock dweller of Mexico and most southern parts of United States southwest
rock salmon|any of several coarse fishes (such as dogfish or wolffish) when used as food
rock sandwort|low perennial tufted plant of southeastern North America
rock sea bass|a kind of sea bass
rock spikemoss|tufted spikemoss forming loose spreading mats;eastern North America
Rock Springs|a town of southwest Wyoming near the Utah border
rock squirrel|large grey ground squirrel of rocky areas of the southwestern United States
rock star|a famous singer of rock music
rock wallaby|slender long-legged Australian wallabies living in caves and rocky areas
rock wren|short-tailed bird resembling a wren;wren inhabiting badlands and mesa country of western United States and Mexico
rockabilly|a fusion of black music and country music that was popular in the 1950s;sometimes described as blues with a country beat
Rockefeller|United States industrialist who made a fortune in the oil business and gave half of it away (1839-1937)
rocker|a curved support that permits the supported object to rock to and fro;a performer or composer or fan of rock music;a teenager or young adult in the 1960s who wore leather jackets and rode motorcycles;a trough that can be rocked back and forth;used by gold miners to shake auriferous earth in water in order to separate the gold;an attendant who rocks a child in a cradle;an ice skate with a curved blade
rocker arm|a lever pivoted at the center;used especially to push a valve down in an internal-combustion engine
rockers|originally a British youth subculture that evolved out of the teddy boys in the 1960s;wore black leather jackets and jeans and boots;had greased hair and rode motorcycles and listened to rock'n'roll;were largely unskilled manual laborers
rocket|a jet engine containing its own propellant and driven by reaction propulsion;any vehicle self-propelled by a rocket engine;erect European annual often grown as a salad crop to be harvested when young and tender;propels bright light high in the sky, or used to propel a lifesaving line or harpoon
rocket base|a military base for rocket missiles
rocket engineer|an engineer who builds and tests rockets
rocket firing|the launching of a rocket or missile under its own power
rocket fuel|an explosive charge that propels a rocket
rocket larkspur|commonly cultivated larkspur of southern Europe having unbranched spikelike racemes of blue or sometimes purplish or pinkish flowers;sometime placed in genus Delphinium
rocket propulsion|reaction propulsion using stored oxygen for combustion;used where there is insufficient atmospheric oxygen
rocket range|a firing range for rocket missiles
rocket scientist|a clever thinker - "you do not have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out"
rocketry|the branch of engineering science that studies rocket design and operation
rockfish|marine food fish found among rocks along the northern coasts of Europe and America;the lean flesh of any of various valuable market fish caught among rocks
Rockford|a city in northern Illinois
Rockies|the chief mountain range of western North America;extends from British Columbia to northern New Mexico;forms the continental divide
rockiness|the quality of abounding in rocks and stones - "due to the rockiness of the land it was quickly dry even after a heavy rain"
rocking chair|a chair mounted on rockers
Rockingham|English statesman who served as prime minister and who opposed the war with the American colonies (1730-1782)
rockrose|any of numerous varieties of helianthemums having small rose-like yellow or white or reddish flowers;small shrubs of scrub and dry woodland regions of southern Europe and North Africa;grown for their showy flowers and soft often downy and aromatic evergreen foliage
rockslide|a landslide of rocks
rockweed|coarse brown seaweed growing on rocks exposed at low tide
Rockwell|United States illustrator whose works present a sentimental idealized view of everyday life (1894-1978)
Rocky Mountain bee plant|plant of western North America having trifoliate leaves and white or pink spider-shaped flowers;sometimes used as an ornamental
Rocky Mountain dogbane|North American plant similar to common dogbane
Rocky Mountain jay|a Canada jay with a white head;widely distributed from Montana to Arizona
Rocky Mountain National Park|a national park in Colorado having mountains and lakes and streams and forests
Rocky mountain pinon|small compact two-needled pinon of southwestern United States;important as a nut pine
Rocky Mountain spotted fever|caused by rickettsial bacteria and transmitted by wood ticks
Rocky Mountain whitefish|whitefish of the western United States and Canada
rococo|fanciful but graceful asymmetric ornamentation in art and architecture that originated in France in the 18th century
Rocroi|a battle in the Thirty Years' War (1643);the French defeated the Spanish invaders
rod|a long thin implement made of metal or wood;a visual receptor cell that is sensitive to dim light;any rod-shaped bacterium
rodent|relatively small placental mammals having a single pair of constantly growing incisor teeth specialized for gnawing
Rodentia|small gnawing animals;porcupines;rats;mice;squirrels;marmots;beavers;gophers;voles;hamsters;guinea pigs;agoutis
rodeo|an enclosure for cattle that have been rounded up;an exhibition of cowboy skills
Rodgers|United States composer of musical comedies (especially in collaboration with Oscar Hammerstein II and with Lorenz Hart) (1902-1979)
Rodin|French sculptor noted for his renderings of the human form (1840-1917)
Rodolia|genus of Australian ladybugs
roe|eggs of female fish;fish eggs or egg-filled ovary;having a grainy texture;the egg mass or spawn of certain crustaceans such as the lobster;the eggs or egg-laden ovary of a fish
roe deer|small graceful deer of Eurasian woodlands having small forked antlers
Roebling|United States engineer (born in Germany) who designed and began construction of the Brooklyn bridge (1806-1869)
roebuck|male roe deer
roentgen|a unit of radiation exposure;the dose of ionizing radiation that will produce 1 electrostatic unit of electricity in 1 cc of dry air;German physicist who discovered x-rays and developed roentgenography (1845-1923)
roentgenium|a radioactive transuranic element
roentgenogram|a radiogram made by exposing photographic film to X rays;used in medical diagnosis
roentgenography|radiography that uses X-rays to produce a roentgenogram
rofecoxib|a Cox-2 inhibitor (trade name Vioxx) that relieves pain and inflammation without harming the digestive tract;voluntarily withdrawn from the market in 2004
rogation|a solemn supplication ceremony prescribed by the church
Rogation Day|one of the three days before Ascension Day;observed by some Christians as days of supplication
Rogers|United States dancer and film actress who partnered with Fred Astaire (1911-1995);United States humorist remembered for his homespun commentary on politics and American society (1879-1935);United States psychologist who developed client-centered therapy (1902-1987)
Roget|English physician who in retirement compiled a well-known thesaurus (1779-1869)
rogue|a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
rogue elephant|a wild and vicious elephant separated from the herd
rogue state|a state that does not respect other states in its international actions
rogue's gallery|a collection of pictures of criminals
roisterer|an especially noisy and unrestrained merrymaker
Rolaids|an antacid
role|normal or customary activity of a person in a particular social setting - "what is your role on the team?"
roleplaying|acting a particular role (as in psychotherapy)
roll|a flight maneuver;aircraft rotates about its longitudinal axis without changing direction or losing altitude;a list of names - "his name was struck off the rolls";anything rolled up in cylindrical form;photographic film rolled up inside a container to protect it from light;the act of rolling something (as the ball in bowling);walking with a swaying gait
roll call|calling out an official list of names
roll film|photographic film wound on a spool
roll of tobacco|tobacco leaves that have been made into a cylinder
rollback|reducing prices back to some earlier level;the act of forcing the enemy to withdraw
rolled biscuit|biscuit made from dough rolled and cut
roller|a cylinder that revolves;a grounder that rolls along the infield;a long heavy sea wave as it advances towards the shore;a small wheel without spokes (as on a roller skate);Old World bird that tumbles or rolls in flight;related to kingfishers;pigeon that executes backward somersaults in flight or on the ground
roller bandage|bandage consisting of a strip of sterile fabric (of variable width) rolled into a cylinder to facilitate application
roller blind|a window shade that rolls up out of the way
roller coaster|anything characterized by abrupt and extreme changes (especially up and down) - "the economy has been on a roller coaster all year";elevated railway in an amusement park (usually with sharp curves and steep inclines)
roller skate|a shoe with pairs of rollers fixed to the sole
roller skating|skating on wheels
roller towel|a towel with the ends sewn together, hung on a roller
Rollerblade|(trademark) an in-line skate
rollerblader|a skater who uses Rollerblades
rollerblading|skating using Rollerblades
roller-skater|someone who engages in roller skating
rolling|the act of robbing a helpless person - "he was charged with rolling drunks in the park"
rolling hitch|a hitch for fastening a line to a spar or another rope
rolling mill|steel mill where metal is rolled into sheets and bars
rolling pin|utensil consisting of a cylinder (usually of wood) with a handle at each end;used to roll out dough
rolling stock|collection of wheeled vehicles owned by a railroad or motor carrier
rollmops|a pickled herring filet that has been rolled or wrapped around a pickle
Rollo|Norse chieftain who became the first duke of Normandy (860-931)
roll-on|a dispenser of a liquid cosmetic (such as a deodorant) having a revolving ball as an applicator;a woman's foundation garment rolled on to the hips
roll-on roll-off|a method of transport (as a ferry or train or plane) that vehicles roll onto at the beginning and roll off of at the destination
rollover|the act of changing the institution that invests your pension plan without incurring a tax penalty
Rolodex|(trademark) a desktop rotary card index with removable cards;usually used for names, addresses, and telephone numbers - "a news reporter has to have a good Rolodex"
roly-poly|pudding made of suet pastry spread with jam or fruit and rolled up and baked or steamed
Romaic|the modern Greek vernacular
Roman|a resident of modern Rome;an inhabitant of the ancient Roman Empire;a typeface used in ancient Roman inscriptions
roman a clef|a novel in which actual persons and events are disguised as fictional characters
Roman alphabet|the alphabet evolved by the ancient Romans which serves for writing most of the languages of western Europe
Roman arch|a round arch drawn from a single center
Roman architecture|the architecture of ancient Rome
Roman building|a building constructed by the ancient Romans
Roman calendar|the lunar calendar in use in ancient Rome;replaced by the Julian calendar in 46 BC
Roman candle|a cylindrical firework that projects a series of colored balls of fire
Roman Catholic|a member of the Roman Catholic Church;the Christian Church based in the Vatican and presided over by a pope and an episcopal hierarchy
Roman deity|a deity worshipped by the ancient Romans
Roman Emperor|sovereign of the Roman Empire
Roman Empire|an empire established by Augustus in 27 BC and divided in AD 395 into the Western Roman Empire and the eastern or Byzantine Empire;at its peak lands in Europe and Africa and Asia were ruled by ancient Rome
roman fleuve|a French novel in the form of a long chronicle of a family or other social group
Roman hyacinth|hyacinth with loosely flowered spikes, several growing from one bulb
Roman Inquisition|an inquisition set up in Italy in 1542 to curb the number of Protestants - "it was the Roman Inquisition that put Galileo on trial"
Roman law|the legal code of ancient Rome;codified under Justinian;the basis for many modern systems of civil law
Roman Legion|a division of from 3000 to 6000 men (including cavalry) in the Roman army
Roman mythology|the mythology of the ancient Romans
Roman nettle|annual European nettle with stinging foliage and small clusters of green flowers
Roman nose|a nose with a prominent slightly aquiline bridge
Roman numeral|a symbol in the old Roman notation;I,V,X,L,C,D,M represent 1,5,10,50,100,500,1000 respectively in Arabic notation
Roman pace|an ancient Roman unit of length (4.85 English feet) measured as the distance from the heel of one foot to the heel of the same foot when next it touches the ground
Roman Republic|the ancient Roman state from 509 BC until Augustus assumed power in 27 BC;was governed by an elected Senate but dissatisfaction with the Senate led to civil wars that culminated in a brief dictatorship by Julius Caesar
Roman times|the time period during which Rome dominated Europe
Roman wormwood|European wormwood;minor source of absinthe;glaucous herb of northeastern United States and Canada having loose racemes of yellow-tipped pink flowers;sometimes placed in genus Fumaria
Romanal|an artificial language
romance|a novel dealing with idealized events remote from everyday life;the group of languages derived from Latin
Romanesque|a style of architecture developed in Italy and western Europe between the Roman and the Gothic styles after 1000 AD;characterized by round arches and vaults and by the substitution of piers for columns and profuse ornament and arcades
Romania|a republic in southeastern Europe with a short coastline on the Black Sea
Romanian|a native or inhabitant of Romania;an eastern Romance language spoken in Romania
Romanian monetary unit|monetary unit in Romania
Romanism|the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church based in Rome
Romanov|a member of the imperial family that ruled Russia;the Russian imperial line that ruled from 1613 to 1917
Romansh|the Rhaeto-Romance language spoken in southeastern Switzerland;it is an official language of Switzerland
romantic|a soulful or amorous idealist
Romanticism|a movement in literature and art during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that celebrated nature rather than civilization - "Romanticism valued imagination and emotion over rationality";an exciting and mysterious quality (as of a heroic time or adventure);impractical romantic ideals and attitudes
romanticist|an artist of the Romantic Movement or someone influenced by Romanticism
Romany|the Indic language of the Gypsies
Romberg|United States composer (born in Hungary) who composed operettas (1887-1951)
Rome|capital and largest city of Italy;on the Tiber;seat of the Roman Catholic Church;formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire;the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church
Rome Beauty|large red apple used primarily for baking
Romeo|an ardent male lover
Rommel|German field marshal noted for brilliant generalship in North Africa during World War II (1891-1944)
Romneya|one species;matilija poppy
romper|a one-piece garment for children to wear at play;the lower part is shaped like bloomers;a person who romps or frolics
Romulus|(Roman mythology) founder of Rome;suckled with his twin brother Remus by a wolf after their parents (Mars and Rhea Silvia) abandoned them;Romulus killed Remus in an argument over the building of Rome
Ron|a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria
rondeau|a French verse form of 10 or 13 lines running on two rhymes;the opening phrase is repeated as the refrain of the second and third stanzas
rondelet|a shorter form of rondeau
rondo|a musical form that is often the last movement of a sonata
rood screen|a screen in a church;separates the nave from the choir or chancel
roof|a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building;protective covering on top of a motor vehicle;the inner top surface of a covered area or hollow space - "the roof of the cave was very high" - "I could see the roof of the bear's mouth"
roof garden|a garden on a flat roof of a building
roof peak|the highest point of a roof
roofer|a craftsman who lays or repairs roofs
roofing|material used to construct a roof;the craft of a roofer
roofing material|building material used in constructing roofs
roofing paper|a heavy paper impregnated with tar and used as part of a roof for waterproofing
rooftop|the top of a (usually flat) roof
rooibos|South African shrub having flat acuminate leaves and yellow flowers;leaves are aromatic when dried and used to make an herbal tea
rook|common gregarious Old World bird about the size and color of the American crow
rookery|a breeding ground for gregarious birds (such as rooks)
room|an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling - "the rooms were very small but they had a nice view";opportunity for - "room for improvement";space for movement - "room to pass" - "hardly enough elbow room to turn around";the people who are present in a room - "the whole room was cheering"
room clerk|a hotel clerk who is responsible for room assignments to guests
room light|light that provides general illumination for a room
room rate|the rate charged daily for a hotel room
room temperature|the normal temperature of room in which people live
roomette|a small private compartment for one on a sleeping car
roomful|the quantity a room will hold
roommate|an associate who shares a room with you
Roosevelt|26th President of the United States;hero of the Spanish-American War;Panama Canal was built during his administration - "Theodore Roosevelt said 'Speak softly but carry a big stick'" (1858-1919);32nd President of the United States;elected four times;instituted New Deal to counter the Great Depression and led country during World War II (1882-1945);wife of Franklin Roosevelt and a strong advocate of human rights (1884-1962)
roost|a perch on which domestic fowl rest or sleep;a shelter with perches for fowl or other birds
root|(botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes;absorbs water and mineral salts;usually it anchors the plant to the ground;(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed;a number that, when multiplied by itself some number of times, equals a given number;the part of a tooth that is embedded in the jaw and serves as support
root beer|carbonated drink containing extracts of roots and herbs
root beer float|an ice-cream soda made with ice cream floating in root beer
root canal|the passage in the root of a tooth through which its nerve and blood vessels enter the pulp cavity
root cap|thimble-shaped mass of cells covering and protecting the growing tip of a root
root cellar|an excavation where root vegetables are stored
root climber|a plant that climbs by its adventitious roots e.g. ivy
root crop|crop grown for its enlarged roots;e.g. beets;potatoes;turnips
root hair|thin hairlike outgrowth of an epidermal cell just behind the tip;absorbs nutrients from the soil
root rot|disease characterized by root decay;caused by various fungi
root vegetable|any of various fleshy edible underground roots or tubers
rootage|a developed system of roots;fixedness by or as if by roots - "strengthened by rootage in the firm soil of faith"
rooting|the process of putting forth roots and beginning to grow
rooting reflex|reflex consisting of head-turning and sucking movements elicited in a normal infant by gently stroking the side of the mouth or cheek
rootlet|small root or division of a root
roots|the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage - "his roots in Texas go back a long way" - "he went back to Sweden to search for his roots" - "his music has African roots"
rootstock|root or part of a root used for plant propagation;especially that part of a grafted plant that supplies the roots
rope|a strong line
rope bridge|a bridge consisting of ropes
rope burn|abrasion (usually on the hands) caused by friction from a rope
rope ladder|a ladder with side pieces of rope
rope tow|a ski tow offering only a moving rope to hold onto
rope yarn|the strands out of which ropes are made
rope-a-dope|a boxing tactic;pretending to be trapped against the ropes while your opponent wears himself out throwing punches
ropemaker|a craftsman who makes ropes
roper|a cowboy who uses a lasso to rope cattle or horses;a decoy who lures customers into a gambling establishment (especially one with a fixed game)
ropewalk|workplace consisting of a long narrow path or shed where rope is made
ropewalker|an acrobat who performs on a rope stretched at some height above the ground
roping|capturing cattle or horses with a lasso
Roquefort|French blue cheese
roridula|either of 2 species of the genus Roridula;South African viscid perennial low-growing woody shrubs
Roridulaceae|in some classifications included in the family Droseraceae
Rorippa|annual and perennial herbs of damp habitats;cosmopolitan except Antarctica
rorqual|any of several baleen whales of the family Balaenopteridae having longitudinal grooves on the throat and a small pointed dorsal fin
Rorschach|a projective tests using bilaterally symmetrical inkblots;subjects state what they see in the inkblot
Rosa|large genus of erect or climbing prickly shrubs including roses
Rosaceae|a large family of dicotyledonous plants of order Rosales;have alternate leaves and five-petaled flowers with numerous stamens
Rosales|in some classifications this category does not include Leguminosae
Rosario|a port city on the Parana River in eastern central Argentina
rosary|a string of beads used in counting prayers (especially by Catholics)
rose|a dusty pink color;any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
rose apple|fragrant oval yellowish tropical fruit used in jellies and confections;tropical tree of the East Indies cultivated for its edible fruit
rose bed|a flower bed in which roses are growing
rose chafer|a common metallic green European beetle;larvae feed on plant roots and adults on leaves and flowers of e.g. roses;common North American beetle;larvae feed on roots and adults on leaves and flowers of e.g. rose bushes or apple trees or grape vines
rose chestnut|handsome East Indian evergreen tree often planted as an ornamental for its fragrant white flowers that yield a perfume;source of very heavy hardwood used for railroad ties
rose garden|a garden for growing roses
rose geranium|any of several southern African geraniums having fragrant three-lobed to five-lobed leaves and pink flowers
rose globe lily|globe lily with deep rose-pink or purple egg-shaped flowers on flexuous stems;western slopes of Sierra Nevada in San Joaquin Valley
rose gum|very tall tree of Queensland and New South Wales
rose mallow|plant with terminal racemes of showy white to pink or purple flowers;the English cottage garden hollyhock;showy shrub of salt marshes of the eastern United States having large rose-colored flowers
rose moss|widely cultivated in many varieties for its fleshy moss-like foliage and profusion of brightly colored flowers
rose of Jericho|small grey Asiatic desert plant bearing minute white flowers that rolls up when dry and expands when moist
rose of Sharon|Asiatic shrub or small shrubby tree having showy bell-shaped rose or purple or white flowers and usually three-lobed leaves;widely cultivated in temperate North America and Europe
rose quartz|a translucent rose-red variety of quartz used for ornaments
rose water|perfume consisting of water scented with oil of roses
rose window|circular window filled with tracery
roseate spoonbill|tropical rose-colored New World spoonbill
Roseau|the capital and largest city of Dominica
rosebay|late-spring-blooming rhododendron of eastern North America having rosy to pink-purple flowers
rosebud|(a literary reference to) a pretty young girl;the bud of a rose
rosebud cherry|shrub or tree native to Japan cultivated as an ornamental for its rose-pink flowers
rosebud orchid|orchid of central and northern South America having 1- to 3-blossomed racemes of large showy rose-colored flowers;sometimes placed in genus Pogonia
rose-colored starling|glossy black bird with pink back and abdomen;chiefly Asian
rosefish|large fish of northern Atlantic coasts of America and Europe
roselle|East Indian sparsely prickly annual herb or perennial subshrub widely cultivated for its fleshy calyxes used in tarts and jelly and for its bast fiber
Rosellinia|fungi having smooth perithecia with dark one-celled ascospores
rosemaling|a Scandinavian style of carved or painted decoration (as on furniture or walls or dinnerware) consisting of floral motifs
rosemary|extremely pungent leaves used fresh or dried as seasoning for especially meats;widely cultivated for its fragrant grey-green leaves used in cooking and in perfumery
rose-root|Eurasian mountain plant with fleshy pink-tipped leaves and a cluster of yellow flowers
Rosetta Stone|a part of an inscribed granite stela that was originally about six feet tall and was set up in 196 BC;the inscriptions in hieroglyphics and Demotic and Greek gave the first clues to the decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics
rosette|a cluster of leaves growing in crowded circles from a common center or crown (usually at or close to the ground);an ornament or pattern resembling a rose that is worn as a badge of office or as recognition of having won an honor
rosewood|any of those hardwood trees of the genus Dalbergia that yield rosewood--valuable cabinet woods of a dark red or purplish color streaked and variegated with black;hard dark reddish wood of a rosewood tree having a strongly marked grain;used in cabinetwork
Rosh Hashanah|(Judaism) a solemn Jewish feast day celebrated on the 1st or 1st and 2nd of Tishri;noted for the blowing of the shofar
Rosh Hodesh|(Judaism) the beginning of each month in the Jewish calendar;marked by a special liturgy
Rosicrucian|a member of a secret 17th-century society of philosophers and scholars versed in mystical and metaphysical and alchemical lore;a member of any of various organizations that subsequently derived from the 17th-century society
Rosicrucianism|the theological doctrine that venerates the rose and the cross as symbols of Christ's Resurrection and redemption;claims various occult powers
rosid dicot family|a family of dicotyledonous plants
rosid dicot genus|a genus of dicotyledonous plants
Rosidae|a group of trees and shrubs and herbs mostly with polypetalous flowers;contains 108 families including Rosaceae;Crassulaceae;Myrtaceae;Melastomaceae;Euphorbiaceae;Umbelliferae
rosilla|a sneezeweed of southwestern United States especially southern California
rosin bag|a bag filled with rosin;used by baseball pitchers to improve their grip on the ball
rosinweed|North American perennial having a resinous odor and yellow flowers
rosita|erect plant with small clusters of pink trumpet-shaped flowers of southwestern United States
Rosmarinus|rosemary
Ross|a politician in Wyoming who was the first woman governor in the United States (1876-1977);American seamstress said to have made the first American flag at the request of George Washington (1752-1836);British explorer of the Arctic and Antarctic;located the north magnetic pole in 1831;discovered the Ross Sea in Antarctica;nephew of Sir John Ross (1800-1862);British physician who discovered that mosquitos transmit malaria (1857-1932);Scottish explorer who led Arctic expeditions that yielded geographic discoveries while searching for the Northwest Passage (1777-1856)
Ross Sea|an arm of the southern Pacific Ocean in Antarctica
Rossbach|a battle in the Seven Years' War (1757);Prussian forces under Frederick the Great defeated the armies of France and Austria
Rossetti|English poet and painter who was a leader of the Pre-Raphaelites (1828-1882)
Rossini|Italian composer remembered for his operas (1792-1868)
Rostand|French dramatist and poet whose play immortalized Cyrano de Bergerac (1868-1918)
Rostock|a city in northeastern Germany near the Baltic sea;an important member of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century
Rostov|a seaport on the Don River near the Sea of Azov in the European part of Russia
Roswell|a town in southeast New Mexico
rosy boa|boa of rocky desert of southwestern United States
Rota|(Roman Catholic Church) the supreme ecclesiastical tribunal for cases appealed to the Holy See from diocesan courts;a roster of names showing the order in which people should perform certain duties
Rotarian|a member of a Rotary Club
rotary actuator|(computer science) the actuator that moves a read/write head to the proper data track
Rotary Club|a group of businessmen in a town organized as a service club and to promote world peace
rotary engine|an internal-combustion engine in which power is transmitted directly to rotating components
rotary press|a printing press for printing from a revolving cylinder
rotating mechanism|a mechanism that rotates
rotating shaft|a revolving rod that transmits power or motion
rotation|(mathematics) a transformation in which the coordinate axes are rotated by a fixed angle about the origin;a planned recurrent sequence (of crops or personnel etc.) - "crop rotation makes a balanced demand on the fertility of the soil" - "the manager had only four starting pitchers in his rotation";a single complete turn (axial or orbital) - "the plane made three rotations before it crashed";the act of rotating as if on an axis - "the rotation of the dancer kept time with the music"
rotational latency|(computer science) the time it takes for a specific block of data on a data track to rotate around to the read/write head
rotational nystagmus|nystagmus caused by the body rotating rapidly;large slow movements of the eyeballs are in the direction of rotation
rotator cuff|a supporting structure of the shoulder consisting of the muscles and tendons that attach the arm to the shoulder joint and enable the arm to move
rotavirus|the reovirus causing infant enteritis
rote|memorization by repetition
rotenone|a white crystalline insecticide that has low toxicity for mammals;is used in home gardens;extracted from the roots of derris and cube
rotgut|any alcoholic beverage of inferior quality
Roth|United States writer whose novels portray middle-class Jewish life (born in 1933)
Rothko|United States abstract painter (born in Russia) whose paintings are characterized by horizontal bands of color with indistinct boundaries (1903-1970)
Rothschild|any of family of powerful Jewish bankers in Europe
rotifer|minute aquatic multicellular organisms having a ciliated wheel-like organ for feeding and locomotion;constituents of freshwater plankton
Rotifera|a phylum including;rotifers
rotisserie|a restaurant that specializes in roasted and barbecued meats;an oven or broiler equipped with a rotating spit on which meat cooks as it turns
rotl|a unit of weight used in some Moslem countries near the Mediterranean;varies between one and five pounds
rotogravure|printed material (text and pictures) produced by an intaglio printing process in a rotary press;printing by transferring an image from a photogravure plate to a cylinder in a rotary press
rotor|rotating mechanism consisting of an assembly of rotating airfoils - "there are horizontal rotors on a helicopter or compressor rotors in a jet engine";the revolving bar of a distributor;the rotating armature of a motor or generator
rotor blade|the long airfoil that rotates to provide the lift that supports a helicopter in the air
rotor head|the axis around which the major rotor of a helicopter turns
rotten borough|an English parliamentary constituency with few electors
rottenstone|a weathered and decomposed siliceous limestone;in powdered form it is used in polishing
rotter|a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible - "only a rotter would do that"
Rotterdam|the 2nd largest city in the Netherlands;located in the western Netherlands near the North Sea
Rottweiler|German breed of large vigorous short-haired cattle dogs
rotunda|a building having a circular plan and a dome;a large circular room
rouge|makeup consisting of a pink or red powder applied to the cheeks
rouge et noir|a card game in which two rows of cards are dealt and players can bet on the color of the cards or on which row will have a count nearer some number
rough|the part of a golf course bordering the fairway where the grass is not cut short
rough bindweed|creeping or climbing evergreen having spiny zigzag stems with shiny leaves and racemes of pale-green flowers;Canary Islands to southern Europe and Ethiopia and India
rough cut|the first print of a movie after preliminary editing
rough fish|any fish useless for food or sport or even as bait
rough green snake|of southern and eastern United States
Rough Rider|a member of the volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt in the Spanish-American War (1898)
roughage|coarse, indigestible plant food low in nutrients;its bulk stimulates intestinal peristalsis
roughcast|a coarse plaster for the surface of external walls;a rough preliminary model
rough-leaved aster|a variety of aster
rough-legged hawk|large hawk of the northern hemisphere that feeds chiefly on small rodents and is beneficial to farmers
roughness|a texture of a surface or edge that is not smooth but is irregular and uneven;harsh or severe speech or behavior - "men associate the roughness of nonstandard working-class speech with masculinity" - "the roughness of her voice was a signal to keep quiet"
roughrider|a horseman skilled at breaking wild horses to the saddle
rough-skinned newt|newt of humid coast from Alaska to southern California
rough-stemmed goldenrod|a variety of goldenrod
roughtail stingray|one of the largest stingrays;found from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras
roulade|(music) an elaborate run of several notes sung to one syllable;a dish consisting of a slice of meat that is rolled around a filling and cooked
rouleau|a roll of coins wrapped in paper;a roll of ribbon
roulette|a gambling game in which players bet on which compartment of a revolving wheel a small ball will come to rest in;a line generated by a point on one figure rolling around a second figure;a wheel with teeth for making a row of perforations
roulette ball|the ball used to play roulette
roulette wheel|game equipment consisting of a wheel with slots that is used for gambling;the wheel rotates horizontally and players bet on which slot the roulette ball will stop in
round|(often plural) a series of professional calls (usually in a set order) - "the doctor goes on his rounds first thing every morning" - "the postman's rounds" - "we enjoyed our round of the local bars";a charge of ammunition for a single shot;a cut of beef between the rump and the lower leg;a partsong in which voices follow each other;one voice starts and others join in one after another until all are singing different parts of the song at the same time - "they enjoyed singing rounds";a serving to each of a group (usually alcoholic) - "he ordered a second round";an outburst of applause - "there was a round of applause";the course along which communications spread - "the story is going the rounds in Washington";the usual activities in your day - "the doctor made his rounds"
round arch|an arch formed in a continuous curve;characteristic of Roman architecture
round bone|bones that are round in shape
round dance|a ballroom dance characterized by revolving movement;a folk dance;dancers form a circle
round file|a file with a circular cross section;used to file the inside of holes
round hand|a clearly written style of longhand with large round curves
round ligament of the uterus|ligament attached to the uterus on either side in front of and below the opening of the Fallopian tube and passing through the inguinal canal to the labia majora
round of golf|the activity of playing 18 holes of golf - "a round of golf takes about 4 hours"
round robin|a letter signed by a number of people;a tournament in which every contestant plays every other contestant
round scad|small fusiform fish of western Atlantic
round shape|a shape that is curved and without sharp angles
round steak|a lean cut of beef from between the rump and the shank
Round Table|(legend) the circular table for King Arthur and his knights;a meeting of peers for discussion and exchange of views
round trip|a trip to some place and back again
round whitefish|a whitefish with a bronze back;of northern North America and Siberia
round-bottom flask|a spherical flask with a narrow neck
roundedness|the property possessed by a rounded convexity
roundel|English form of rondeau having three triplets with a refrain after the first and third;round piece of armor plate that protects the armpit
roundelay|a song in which a line or phrase is repeated as the refrain
rounder|a tool for rounding corners or edges
rounders|an English ball game similar to baseball
roundhead|a brachycephalic person;a supporter of parliament and Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War
round-headed leek|Old World leek with a spherical bulb
roundhouse|a hook delivered with an exaggerated swing;workplace consisting of a circular building for repairing locomotives
rounding|(mathematics) a miscalculation that results from rounding off numbers to a convenient number of decimals - "the error in the calculation was attributable to rounding" - "taxes are rounded off to the nearest dollar but the rounding error is surprisingly small"
round-leaved rein orchid|orchid having a raceme of large greenish-white flowers on a single flower stalk growing between two elliptic or round basal leaves lying on the ground;from northern Oregon and Montana across Canada to the eastern United States
roundness|the fullness of a tone of voice - "there is a musky roundness to his wordiness";the property possessed by a line or surface that is curved and not angular;the quality of being round numbers - "he gave us the results in round numbers, but their roundness didn't affect the point he was making"
roundsman|a workman employed to make rounds (to deliver goods or make inspections or so on)
round-tailed muskrat|of Florida wetlands
round-the-clock patrol|a continuous nonstop patrol
round-trip light time|the elapsed time it takes for a signal to travel from Earth to a spacecraft (or other body) and back to the starting point
round-trip ticket|a ticket to a place and back (usually over the same route)
roundup|a summary list;as in e.g. "a news roundup";the activity of gathering livestock together so that they can be counted or branded or sold;the systematic gathering up of suspects by the police - "a mass roundup of suspects"
Rous|United States pathologist who discovered viruses that cause tumors (1879-1970)
Rousseau|French philosopher and writer born in Switzerland;believed that the natural goodness of man was warped by society;ideas influenced the French Revolution (1712-1778);French primitive painter (1844-1910)
rout|an overwhelming defeat
routemarch|a long training march for troops
router|(computer science) a device that forwards data packets between computer networks;a power tool with a shaped cutter;used in carpentry for cutting grooves;a worker who routes shipments for distribution and delivery
router plane|a woodworking plane with a narrow cutting head that will make grooves with smooth bottoms
routine|a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program;an unvarying or habitual method or procedure
roux|a mixture of fat and flour heated and used as a basis for sauces
rove beetle|active beetle typically having predatory or scavenging habits
rover|an adult member of the Boy Scouts movement
row|a continuous chronological succession without an interruption - "they won the championship three years in a row";a linear array of numbers, letters, or symbols side by side;a long continuous strip (usually running horizontally) - "a mackerel sky filled with rows of clouds" - "rows of barbed wire protected the trenches";an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line - "a row of chairs"
row house|a house that is one of a row of identical houses situated side by side and sharing common walls
row of bricks|a course of bricks place next to each other (usually in a straight line)
rowan|Eurasian tree with orange-red berrylike fruits
rowanberry|decorative red berrylike fruit of a rowan tree
rowdiness|rowdy behavior
rowel|a small spiked wheel at the end of a spur
rowing|the act of rowing as a sport
rowing boat|a rowboat
rowing club|a club for rowers
rowlock arch|an arch that is formed with more than one concentric row of voussoirs
royal|a sail set next above the topgallant on a royal mast;stag with antlers of 12 or more branches
Royal Academy|an honorary academy in London (founded in 1768) intended to cultivate painting and sculpture and architecture in Britain
royal agaric|widely distributed edible mushroom resembling the fly agaric
Royal Air Force|the airforce of Great Britain
royal brace|a brace to secure the royal mast
Royal Canadian Mounted Police|the federal police force of Canada
royal casino|a form of casino in which face cards have extra point values
royal charter|a charter granted by the sovereign (especially in Great Britain)
royal fern|large deeply rooted fern of worldwide distribution with upright bipinnate compound tufted fronds
royal flush|a poker hand with the ace, king, queen, jack, and 10 all in the same suit
royal jelly|a secretion of the pharyngeal glands of bees that is fed to very young larvae and to bees destined to be queens
royal mast|topmast immediately above the topgallant mast
Royal National Eisteddfod|an eisteddfod with competitions in music and drama and poetry and the fine arts
royal palm|tall feather palm of southern Florida and Cuba
royal poinciana|showy tropical tree or shrub native to Madagascar;widely planted in tropical regions for its immense racemes of scarlet and orange flowers;sometimes placed in genus Poinciana
royal road|an auspicious way or means to achieve something - "the royal road to success"
Royal Society|an honorary English society (formalized in 1660 and given a royal charter by Charles II in 1662) through which the British government has supported science
royal tennis|an ancient form of tennis played in a four-walled court
royalism|adherence or attachment to a monarchy or to the principle of monarchal government
royalty|payment to the holder of a patent or copyright or resource for the right to use their property;royal persons collectively - "the wedding was attended by royalty"
Roystonea|a monocotyledonous genus of West Indian feather palms
rub|the act of rubbing or wiping - "he gave the hood a quick rub"
Rub al-Khali|a desert in southern Saudi Arabia
rub up|a review that refreshes your memory - "I need a rub up on my Latin"
rub-a-dub|the sound made by beating a drum
rubato|a flexible tempo;not strictly on the beat
rubber|an elastic material obtained from the latex sap of trees (especially trees of the genera Hevea and Ficus) that can be vulcanized and finished into a variety of products;any of various synthetic elastic materials whose properties resemble natural rubber
rubber band|a narrow band of elastic rubber used to hold things (such as papers) together
rubber boa|boa of grasslands and woodlands of western North America;looks and feels like rubber with tail and head of similar shape
rubber boot|a high boot made of rubber
rubber bullet|a bullet made of hard rubber;designed for use in crowd control
rubber cement|an adhesive made by dissolving unvulcanized rubber in a solvent like benzene or naphtha
rubber eraser|an eraser made of rubber (or of a synthetic material with properties similar to rubber);commonly mounted at one end of a pencil
rubber stamp|routine authorization of an action without questions
rubberneck|a person who stares inquisitively
rubbing|representation consisting of a copy (as of an engraving) made by laying paper over something and rubbing it with charcoal
rubbing alcohol|lotion consisting of a poisonous solution of isopropyl alcohol or denatured ethanol alcohol for external use
rubbish|worthless material that is to be disposed of
rubdown|the act of rubbing down, usually for relaxation or medicinal purposes
rubefacient|a medicine for external application that produces redness of the skin
rubel|the basic unit of money in Belarus
rubella panencephalitis|a rare loss of mental and physical skills in adolescents;associated with the rubella virus
Rubens|prolific Flemish baroque painter;knighted by the English king Charles I (1577-1640)
Rubia|type genus of the Rubiaceae;Old World herbs and subshrubs grown for their medicinal properties and for dye substances extracted from their roots
Rubiaceae|widely distributed family of mostly tropical trees and shrubs and herbs;includes coffee and chinchona and gardenia and madder and bedstraws and partridgeberry
Rubiales|an order of dicotyledonous plants of the subclass Asteridae;have opposite leaves and an inferior compound ovary
rubicelle|a yellow or orange variety of ruby spinel
Rubicon|a line that when crossed permits of no return and typically results in irrevocable commitment;the boundary in ancient times between Italy and Gaul;Caesar's crossing it with his army in 49 BC was an act of war
rubidium|a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali metal group;burns in air and reacts violently in water;occurs in carnallite and lepidolite and pollucite
rubidium-strontium dating|geological dating based on the proportions of radioactive rubidium into its decay product strontium;radioactive rubidium has a half-life of 47,000,000,000 years
Rubin test|test to determine the patency or occlusion of the Fallopian tubes
Rubinstein|Russian composer and pianist (1829-1894);United States pianist (born in Poland) known for his interpretations of the music of Chopin (1886-1982)
ruble|the basic unit of money in Russia;the basic unit of money in Tajikistan
rubric|a title or heading that is printed in red or in a special type;an authoritative rule of conduct or procedure;category name - "it is usually discussed under the rubric of 'functional obesity'";directions for the conduct of Christian church services (often printed in red in a prayer book)
Rubus|large genus of brambles bearing berries
ruby|a transparent deep red variety of corundum;used as a gemstone and in lasers;a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
ruby wood|hard durable wood of red sandalwood trees (Pterocarpus santalinus);prized for cabinetwork
ruby-crowned kinglet|American kinglet with a notable song and in the male a red crown patch
ruck|a crowd especially of ordinary or undistinguished persons or things - "his brilliance raised him above the ruck"
rudaceous rock|a sedimentary rock formed of coarse-grained material
rudapithecus|fossil hominoids from northern central Hungary;late Miocene
Rudbeckia|North American perennial herbs with showy cone-shaped flower heads
rudd|European freshwater fish resembling the roach
rudder|(nautical) steering mechanism consisting of a hinged vertical plate mounted at the stern of a vessel;a hinged vertical airfoil mounted at the tail of an aircraft and used to make horizontal course changes
rudder blade|the vertical blade on a rudder
rudderfish|fish having the habit of following ships;found in North American and South American coastal waters
rudderpost|a vertical post at the forward edge of a rudder that enables the rudder to pivot
ruddiness|a healthy reddish complexion
ruddle|a red iron ore used in dyeing and marking
ruddy duck|reddish-brown stiff-tailed duck of North America and northern South America
ruddy turnstone|common Arctic turnstone that winters in South America and Australia
rudiment|the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural) - "he mastered only the rudiments of geometry";the remains of a body part that was functional at an earlier stage of life - "Meckel's diverticulum is the rudiment of the embryonic yolk sac"
Rudra|father of the Hindu storm gods Marut;controller of nature;sometimes identified with Siva
rue|(French) a street or road in France;European strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves;an irritant similar to poison ivy;leaves sometimes used for flavoring fruit or claret cup but should be used with great caution;can cause irritation like poison ivy
rue anemone|woodland flower native to eastern North America having cup-shaped flowers reminiscent of anemone but more delicate
ruff|(card games) the act of taking a trick with a trump when unable to follow suit;common Eurasian sandpiper;the male has an erectile neck ruff in breeding season
ruffed grouse|valued as a game bird in eastern United States and Canada
ruffianism|violent lawless behavior
Rufous rubber cup|a common name for a variety of Sarcosomataceae
rug|floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
rug merchant|a merchant who sells rugs
ruga|(anatomy) a fold or wrinkle or crease - "rugae of the stomach"
rugby|a form of football played with an oval ball
rugby ball|inflated oval ball used in playing rugby
rugel's plantain|North American plantain having reddish leafstalks and broad leaves
rugged individualism|individualism in social and economic affairs;belief not only in personal liberty and self-reliance but also in free competition
ruggedization|the act of making a piece of equipment rugged (strengthening to resist wear or abuse)
ruggedness|the quality of being topologically uneven - "the ruggedness of the mountains"
rugulah|pastry made with a cream cheese dough and different fillings (as raisins and walnuts and cinnamon or chocolate and walnut and apricot preserves)
Ruhr|a major industrial and coal mining region in the valley of the Ruhr river in northwestern Germany;a tributary of the Rhine
ruin|a ruined building - "they explored several Roman ruins";an event that results in destruction;an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction - "you have brought ruin on this entire family"
rule|(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice;(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems - "he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs";a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior - "it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast";any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order - "the rule of St. Dominic";directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted - "he knew the rules of chess";measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths;prescribed guide for conduct or action;the duration of a monarch's or government's power - "during the rule of Elizabeth"
rule of evidence|(law) a rule of law whereby any alleged matter of fact that is submitted for investigation at a judicial trial is established or disproved
rule of law|a state of order in which events conform to the law
ruler|a person who rules or commands
rulership|the position of ruler
ruling class|the class of people exerting power or authority
rum|liquor distilled from fermented molasses
rum sling|a sling made with rum
rumba|a ballroom dance based on the Cuban folk dance;a folk dance in duple time that originated in Cuba with Spanish and African elements;features complex footwork and violent movement;syncopated music in duple time for dancing the rumba
rumble|a fight between rival gangs of adolescents;a loud low dull continuous noise;a servant's seat (or luggage compartment) in the rear of a carriage
rumble seat|a folding outside seat in the back of some early cars
rumen|the first compartment of the stomach of a ruminant;here food is collected and returned to the mouth as cud for chewing
Rumex|docks;coarse herbs and shrubs mainly native to north temperate regions
ruminant|any of various cud-chewing hoofed mammals having a stomach divided into four (occasionally three) compartments
Ruminantia|cattle;bison;sheep;goats;antelopes;deer;chevrotains;giraffes;camels
rumination|(of ruminants) chewing (the cud) - "ruminants have remarkable powers of rumination";regurgitation of small amounts of food;seen in some infants after feeding
rummage|a jumble of things to be given away
rummage sale|a sale of donated articles
rummer|a large drinking glass (ovoid bowl on a stem) for drinking toasts
rummy|a card game based on collecting sets and sequences;the winner is the first to meld all their cards
Rumohra|leatherleaf ferns;in some classifications included in genus Polystichum
rumor|gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
rump|fleshy hindquarters;behind the loin and above the round
rump roast|a cut of beef or veal from the fleshy hindquarters of the animal
rump steak|a steak cut from the rump
Rumpelstiltskin|a dwarf in one of the fairy stories of the brothers Grimm;tells a woman he will not hold her to a promise if she can guess his name and when she discovers it he is so furious that he destroys himself
rumpus room|a recreation room for noisy activities (parties or children's play etc)
rumrunner|someone who illegally smuggles liquor across a border
run|(American football) a play in which a player attempts to carry the ball through or past the opposing team - "the defensive line braced to stop the run" - "the coach put great emphasis on running";a regular trip - "the ship made its run in record time";a row of unravelled stitches - "she got a run in her stocking";a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely - "the Yankees scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th";a short trip - "take a run into town";an unbroken chronological sequence - "the play had a long run on Broadway" - "the team enjoyed a brief run of victories";the act of running;traveling on foot at a fast pace - "he broke into a run" - "his daily run keeps him fit";the continuous period of time during which something (a machine or a factory) operates or continues in operation - "the assembly line was on a 12-hour run";the production achieved during a continuous period of operation (of a machine or factory etc.) - "a daily run of 100,000 gallons of paint";unrestricted freedom to use - "he has the run of the house"
run batted in|a run that is the result of the batter's performance
runaway|an easy victory
runcible spoon|a fork-like spoon with a cutting edge;coined by Edward Lear
runcinate leaf|a leaf having incised margins with the lobes or teeth curved toward the base;as a dandelion leaf
rundle|one of the crosspieces that form the steps of a ladder
Rundstedt|German field marshal in World War II who directed the conquest of Poland and led the Ardennes counteroffensive (1875-1953)
rune|any character from an ancient Germanic alphabet used in Scandinavia from the 3rd century to the Middle Ages - "each rune had its own magical significance"
rung|a crosspiece between the legs of a chair
runner|a long narrow carpet;a person who is employed to deliver messages or documents - "he sent a runner over with the contract";a trained athlete who competes in foot races;device consisting of the parts on which something can slide along;fish of western Atlantic;Cape Cod to Brazil;someone who travels on foot by running
runner-up|the competitor who finishes second
running|the act of administering or being in charge of something - "he has responsibility for the running of two companies at the same time";the state of being in operation - "the engine is running smoothly"
running away|the act of leaving (without permission) the place you are expected to be
running back|(football) a back on the offensive team (a fullback or halfback) who tries to advance the ball by carrying it on plays from the line of scrimmage
running board|a narrow footboard serving as a step beneath the doors of some old cars
running head|a heading printed at the top of every page (or every other page) of a book
running mate|a nominee for the lesser of two closely related political offices
running pine|a variety of club moss
running shoe|a light comfortable shoe designed for running
running stitch|small, even, hand stitches run in and out
running suit|a matching jacket and pants worn by joggers and made of fabric that absorbs perspiration
running time|the length of time that a movie or tv show runs
running title|the title (or a shortened title) of a book used as a running head
runoff|a final election to resolve an earlier election that did not produce a winner
run-on sentence|an ungrammatical sentence in which two or more independent clauses are conjoined without a conjunction
runt|disparaging terms for small people
run-through|an uninterrupted rehearsal
run-time|(computer science) the length of time it takes to execute a software program;the time at which a (software or multimedia) program is run
runup|a substantial increase over a relatively short period of time - "a runup in interest rates" - "market runups are followed by corrections"
run-up|the approach run during which an athlete gathers speed
runway|a chute down which logs can slide;a narrow platform extending from the stage into the audience in a theater or nightclub etc.;a strip of level paved surface where planes can take off and land
Runyon|United States writer of humorous stylized stories about Broadway and the New York underground (1884-1946)
Rupert|English leader (born in Germany) of the Royalist forces during the English Civil War (1619-1682)
rupestral plant|plants growing among rocks
rupiah|the basic unit of money in Indonesia;equal to 100 sen
Rupicapra|chamois
Rupicola|cock of the rocks
Ruptiliocarpon|new (1993) genus of trees of Central America now recognized as similar to those of genus Lepidobotrys
rupture|a personal or social separation (as between opposing factions);state of being torn or burst open;the act of making a sudden noisy break
rupturewort|common prostrate Old World herb often used as a ground cover;formerly reputed to cure ruptures
rural free delivery|free government delivery of mail in outlying country areas
ruralism|a rural idiom or expression
ruralist|an advocate of rural living
rurality|a rural characteristic or trait - "a place with the rurality of a turnip field"
Ruritania|an imaginary kingdom in central Europe;often used as a scene for intrigue and romance
Ruritanian|an imaginary inhabitant of Ruritania
Rus|the medieval Russian state established by Scandinavian traders in the 9th century;the capital was first in Novgorod and then in Kiev
Ruscaceae|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted
Ruscus|a genus of European evergreen shrubs;sometimes placed in family Asparagaceae
ruse|a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
rush|(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line - "the linebackers were ready to stop a rush";a sudden burst of activity - "come back after the rush";a sudden forceful flow;grasslike plants growing in wet places and having cylindrical often hollow stems;physician and American Revolutionary leader;signer of the Declaration of Independence (1745-1813)
rush aster|a variety of aster
rush grass|grass having wiry stems and sheathed panicles
rush hour|the times at the beginning and end of the working day when many people are traveling to or from work
rush rose|woody yellow-flowered perennial of southeastern United States
Rushdie|British writer of novels who was born in India;one of his novels is regarded as blasphemous by Muslims and a fatwa was issued condemning him to death (born in 1947)
rusher|(football) a ball carrier who tries to gain ground by running with the ball;a person who rushes;someone in a hurry;someone who acts precipitously;someone who migrates as part of a rush to a new gold field or a new territory
rushlight|a tallow candle with a rush stem as the wick
Rushmore|a mountain in the Black Hills of South Dakota;the likenesses of Washington and Jefferson and Lincoln and Roosevelt are carved on it
Ruskin|British art critic (1819-1900)
Russell|English film director (born in 1927);English philosopher and mathematician who collaborated with Whitehead (1872-1970);Irish writer whose pen name was A.E. (1867-1935);United States astronomer who developed a theory of stellar evolution (1877-1957);United States basketball center (born in 1934);United States entertainer remembered for her roles in comic operas (1861-1922);United States religious leader who founded the sect that is now called Jehovah's Witnesses (1852-1916)
Russell's body|an inclusion body found in plasma cells in cases of cancer
russet|a reddish brown homespun fabric
Russia|a federation in northeastern Europe and northern Asia;formerly Soviet Russia;since 1991 an independent state;a former empire in eastern Europe and northern Asia created in the 14th century with Moscow as the capital;powerful in the 17th and 18th centuries under Peter the Great and Catherine the Great when Saint Petersburg was the capital;overthrown by revolution in 1917
Russia leather|a smooth leather tanned with willow, birch, or oak, and scented on the flesh side with birch oil
Russian|a native or inhabitant of Russia;the Slavic language that is the official language of Russia
Russian agency|an administrative agency of the Russian government
Russian almond|Asiatic shrub cultivated for its rosy red flowers
Russian bank|solitaire with two players using separate packs
Russian dandelion|perennial dandelion native to Kazakhstan cultivated for its fleshy roots that have high rubber content
Russian dressing|mayonnaise with horseradish grated onion and chili sauce or catsup;sometimes with caviar added
Russian monetary unit|monetary unit in Russia
Russian olive|deciduous shrubby tree of Europe and western Asia having grey leaves and small yellow fruits covered in silvery scales;sometimes spiny
Russian Orthodox Church|an independent church with its own Patriarch;until 1917 it was the established church or Russia
Russian Revolution|the coup d'etat by the Bolsheviks under Lenin in November 1917 that led to a period of civil war which ended in victory for the Bolsheviks in 1922;the revolution against the czarist government which led to the abdication of Nicholas II and the creation of a provisional government in March 1917
Russian River|a river in northern California
Russian roulette|a stunt in which you spin the cylinder of a revolver that is loaded with only one bullet and then point the muzzle at your head and pull the trigger
Russian thistle|prickly bushy Eurasian plant;a troublesome weed in central and western United States
Russo-Japanese War|Japanese victory in the war with Russia (1904-1905) gave Japan power over Korea and Manchuria
Russula|large genus of fungi with stout stems and white spores and neither annulus nor volva;brittle caps of red or purple or yellow or green or blue;differs from genus Lactarius in lacking milky juice
Russulaceae|used in some classification systems for the genus Russula
rust|a plant disease that produces a reddish-brown discoloration of leaves and stems;caused by various rust fungi;a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture;any of various fungi causing rust disease in plants;the formation of reddish-brown ferric oxides on iron by low-temperature oxidation in the presence of water
rust inhibitor|antioxidant that inhibits the formation of rust
rust mite|any of several varieties of mite that burrow into plants and cause a reddish-brown discoloration on the leaves or fruit
Rustbelt|urban areas in New England and Midwest characterized by concentrations of declining industries (steel or textiles)
rustic|an unsophisticated country person
rustication|banishment into the country;temporary dismissal of a student from a university;the action of retiring to and living in the country;the condition naturally attaching to life in the country;the construction of masonry or brickwork in a rustic manner
rusticity|the quality of being rustic or gauche
rustiness|ineptitude or awkwardness as a consequence of age or lack of practice - "his rustiness showed when he was asked to speed up";the condition of being coated or clogged with rust
rustle|a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
rustler|someone who steals livestock (especially cattle)
rustling|the stealing of cattle
rusty blackbird|North American blackbird whose bluish-black plumage is rusty-edged in the fall
rusty woodsia|a common rock-inhabiting fern of northern temperate regions having rusty-brown stipes and lanceolate pinnate fronds
rut|a groove or furrow (especially one in soft earth caused by wheels);a settled and monotonous routine that is hard to escape - "they fell into a conversational rut"
Ruta|type genus of the Rutaceae;strong-scented Eurasian herbs
rutabaga|a cruciferous plant with a thick bulbous edible yellow root;the large yellow root of a rutabaga plant used as food
Rutaceae|a family of dicotyledonous plants of order Geraniales;have flowers that are divide into four or five parts and usually have a strong scent
Ruth|a book of the Old Testament that tells the story of Ruth who was not an Israelite but who married an Israelite and who stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi after her husband died;the great-grandmother of king David whose story is told in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament;United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
ruthenium|a rare polyvalent metallic element of the platinum group;it is found associated with platinum
rutherford|a unit strength of a radioactive source equal to one million disintegrations per second;British chemist who isolated nitrogen (1749-1819);British physicist (born in New Zealand) who discovered the atomic nucleus and proposed a nuclear model of the atom (1871-1937)
Rutherford atom|first modern concept of atomic structure;all of the positive charge and most of the mass of the atom are contained in a compact nucleus;a number of electrons (equal to the atomic number) occupy the rest of the volume of the atom and neutralize the positive charge
rutherfordium|a radioactive transuranic element which has been synthesized
rutile|a mineral consisting of titanium dioxide in crystalline form;occurs in metamorphic and plutonic rocks and is a major source of titanium
Rutilus|roaches
Rutland|a town in central Vermont
Rutledge|United States jurist and second chief justice of the United States Supreme Court;he was appointed by George Washington and briefly served as chief justice but was ultimately rejected by the United States Senate (1739-1800)
Rwanda|a landlocked republic in central Africa;formerly a German colony
Rwanda franc|the basic unit of money in Rwanda
Rwandan|a native or inhabitant of Rwanda
rya|a shag rug made in Sweden
rydberg|a wave number characteristic of the wave spectrum of each element
Rydberg's penstemon|plant with whorls of small dark blue-violet flowers;Washington to Wyoming and south to California and Colorado
rye|hardy annual cereal grass widely cultivated in northern Europe where its grain is the chief ingredient of black bread and in North America for forage and soil improvement;the seed of the cereal grass;whiskey distilled from rye or rye and malt
rye bread|any of various breads made entirely or partly with rye flour
rye ergot|a sclerotium or hardened mass of mycelium
rye grass|any of several annual or perennial Eurasian grasses
Rynchopidae|coextensive with the genus Rynchops;skimmers
Rynchops|type genus of the Rynchopidae;skimmers
Rypticus|a genus of fish of the family Serranidae, including soapfishes
Ryukyu Islands|a chain of 55 islands in the western Pacific to the to the southwest of Japan (returned by United States to Japan in 1972)
Ryukyuan|a member of the Japanese people living on the Ryukyu Islands southwest of Japan;the language (related to Japanese) that is spoken by the people of the Ryukyu Islands
S|the 19th letter of the Roman alphabet
S wrench|a wrench with an S-shaped handle
SA|Nazi militia created by Hitler in 1921 that helped him to power but was eclipsed by the SS after 1943
Saale|a river that rises in central Germany and flows north to join the Elbe River
Saale glaciation|the next-to-last Pleistocene glaciation in northern Europe and the deposits laid down at that time
Saarinen|Finnish architect and city planner who moved to the United States in 1923;father of Eero Saarinen (1873-1950);United States architect (born in Finland) (1910-1961)
Saba|a island in the Netherlands Antilles that is the top of an extinct volcano
Sabah|a region of Malaysia in northeastern Borneo
Sabahan|a Malaysian from Sabah
Sabal|American dwarf fan palms
Sabaoth|(plural) hosts or armies;used in the book of Romans in the New Testament - "Lord of Sabaoth"
sabbat|a midnight meeting of witches to practice witchcraft and sorcery;in the Middle Ages it was supposed to be a demonic orgy
Sabbatarian|one who observes Saturday as the Sabbath (as in Judaism)
Sabbath|a day of rest and worship;Sunday for most Christians;Saturday for the Jews and a few Christians;Friday for Muslims
sabbatia|any of various plants of the genus Sabbatia having usually pink cymose flowers;occur from acid bogs to brackish marshes
sabbatical|a leave usually taken every seventh year
sabbatical year|a sabbatical leave lasting one year
Sabellian|an extinct Osco-Umbrian language of ancient Italy that survives only in a few inscriptions
saber|a fencing sword with a v-shaped blade and a slightly curved handle
saber rattling|the ostentatious display of military power (with the implied threat that it might be used)
saber saw|a portable power saw with a reciprocating blade;can be used with a variety of blades depending on the application and kind of cut;generally have a plate that rides on the surface that is being cut
saber-toothed tiger|any of many extinct cats of the Old and New Worlds having long swordlike upper canine teeth;from the Oligocene through the Pleistocene
sabicu|the wood of the sabicu which resembles mahogany;West Indian tree yielding a hard dark brown wood resembling mahogany in texture and value
sabin|a unit of acoustic absorption equivalent to the absorption by a square foot of a surface that absorbs all incident sound;United States microbiologist (born in Poland) who developed the Sabin vaccine that is taken orally against poliomyelitis (born 1906)
Sabin vaccine|an oral vaccine (containing live but weakened poliovirus) that is given to provide immunity to poliomyelitis
Sabine|a member of an ancient Oscan-speaking people of the central Apennines north of Rome who were conquered and assimilated into the Roman state in 290 BC;a river in eastern Texas that flows south into the Gulf of Mexico
Sabinea|small genus of deciduous West Indian trees or shrubs;carib wood
sable|a scarf (or trimming) made of sable;an artist's brush made of sable hairs;marten of northern Asian forests having luxuriant dark brown fur;the expensive dark brown fur of the marten
sable antelope|large black East African antelope with sharp backward-curving horns
sable coat|a fur coat made of sable furs
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
sabra|a native-born Israeli
sac|a structure resembling a bag in an animal
sac fungus|any of various ascomycetous fungi in which the spores are formed in a sac or ascus
Sacagawea|the Shoshone guide and interpreter who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition part of the way
saccade|a rapid, jerky movement of the eyes between positions of rest
saccharic acid|a white dicarboxylic acid formed from oxidation of sugar or starch
saccharin|a crystalline substance 500 times sweeter than sugar;used as a calorie-free sweetener
saccharinity|the excessive sweetness of saccharin
Saccharomyces|single-celled yeasts that reproduce asexually by budding;used to ferment carbohydrates
Saccharomycetaceae|family of fungi comprising the typical yeasts;reproduce by budding and ferment carbohydrates
Saccharum|tall perennial reedlike grass originally of southeastern Asia;sugarcane
Sacco|United States anarchist (born in Italy) who with Bartolomeo Vanzetti was convicted of murder and in spite of world-wide protest was executed (1891-1927)
saccule|a small sac or pouch (especially the smaller chamber of the membranous labyrinth)
sacerdotalism|a belief that priests can act as mediators between human beings and God
sachem|a chief of a North American tribe or confederation (especially an Algonquian chief);a political leader (especially of Tammany Hall)
sachet|a small soft bag containing perfumed powder;used to perfume items in a drawer or chest
sack|a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases;a woman's full loose hiplength jacket;any of various light dry strong white wine from Spain and Canary Islands (including sherry);the plundering of a place by an army or mob;usually involves destruction and slaughter - "the sack of Rome";the quantity contained in a sack
sack coat|man's hiplength coat with a straight back;the jacket of a suit
sack race|a novelty race in which competitors jump ahead with their feet confined in a sack
sackbut|a medieval musical instrument resembling a trombone
sackcloth|a coarse cloth resembling sacking;a garment made of coarse sacking;formerly worn as an indication of remorse
sackcloth and ashes|a display of extreme remorse or repentance or grief
sacking|coarse fabric used for bags or sacks
sacral nerve|any of five pairs of spinal nerves emerging from the sacral region of the spinal cord
sacral plexus|a nerve plexus formed by the 4th and 5th lumbar and 1st, 2nd, 3rd sacral nerves;supplies the pelvic region and lower limbs
sacral vein|vein of the sacral region
sacral vertebra|one of 5 vertebrae in the human spine that fuse in the adult to form the sacrum
sacrament|a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it;the two Protestant ceremonies are baptism and the Lord's Supper;in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church there are seven traditional rites accepted as instituted by Jesus;baptism and confirmation and Holy Eucharist and penance and holy orders and matrimony and extreme unction
Sacramento|a city in north central California 75 miles to the northeast of San Francisco on the Sacramento River;capital of California
Sacramento Mountains|mountain range in New Mexico to the east of the Rio Grande
Sacramento River|a river in northern California rising near Mount Shasta and flowing south to the San Francisco Bay
Sacred College|(Roman Catholic Church) the body of cardinals who advise the Pope and elect new Popes
sacred cow|a person unreasonably held to be immune to criticism
sacred ibis|African ibis venerated by ancient Egyptians
sacred text|writing that is venerated for the worship of a deity
sacredness|the quality of being sacred
sacrifice|(baseball) an out that advances the base runners;a loss entailed by giving up or selling something at less than its value - "he had to sell his car at a considerable sacrifice";personnel that are sacrificed (e.g., surrendered or lost in order to gain an objective);the act of killing (an animal or person) in order to propitiate a deity
sacrifice fly|a sacrifice made by hitting a long fly ball
sacrificer|a religious person who offers up a sacrifice
sacrilegiousness|profaneness by virtue of committing sacrilege
sacrum|wedge-shaped bone consisting of five fused vertebrae forming the posterior part of the pelvis;its base connects with the lowest lumbar vertebra and its tip with the coccyx
Sadat|Egyptian statesman who (as president of Egypt) negotiated a peace treaty with Menachem Begin (then prime minister of Israel) (1918-1981)
saddle|a piece of leather across the instep of a shoe;a seat for the rider of a horse or camel;cut of meat (especially mutton or lamb) consisting of part of the backbone and both loins;posterior part of the back of a domestic fowl
saddle blanket|stable gear consisting of a blanket placed under the saddle
saddle block anesthesia|the parts of a patient's body that would touch a saddle if the patient were sitting in one are anesthetized by injecting a local anesthetic into the spinal cord
saddle hackle|a long narrow feather on the back (saddle) of a domestic fowl
saddle horse|a lightweight horse kept for riding only
saddle of lamb|backbone and both loins of a lamb
saddle oxford|an oxford with a saddle of contrasting color
saddle oyster|thin-shelled bivalve having the right valve deeply notched
saddle seat|a chair seat that is slightly concave and sometimes has a thickened ridge in the center - "the saddle seat fitted his buttocks nicely"
saddle soap|a mild soap for cleansing and conditioning leather
saddle sore|an open sore on the back of a horse caused by ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle;sore on a horseback rider chafed by a saddle
saddle stitch|a decorative overcast or running stitch, especially in a contrasting color
saddleback|a pass or ridge that slopes gently between two peaks (is shaped like a saddle)
saddlebag|a large bag (or pair of bags) hung over a saddle
saddlebill|large black-and-white stork of tropical Africa;its red bill has a black band around the middle
saddler|a maker and repairer and seller of equipment for horses
saddlery|workshop where a saddler works
Sadducee|a member of an ancient Jewish sect around the time of Jesus;opposed to the Pharisees
Sade|French soldier and writer whose descriptions of sexual perversion gave rise to the term 'sadism' (1740-1814)
sadhe|the 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
sadhu|(Hinduism) an ascetic holy man
sadism|sexual pleasure obtained by inflicting harm (physical or psychological) on others
sadist|someone who obtains pleasure from inflicting pain or others
Sadleria|low tree ferns with large fronds;in rain forests and on lava flows of Hawaiian Islands
sadness|emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being;the state of being sad - "she tired of his perpetual sadness"
sadomasochism|sadism and masochism combined in one person
sadomasochist|someone who enjoys both sadism and masochism
Saek|a branch of the Tai languages
Safar|the second month of the Islamic calendar
safari park|an area of parkland where wild animals are kept and can be viewed by visitors driving through
safe|a ventilated or refrigerated cupboard for securing provisions from pests;strongbox where valuables can be safely kept
safe harbor|the target company defends itself by acquiring a company so onerously regulated that it makes the target less attractive - "the acquisition gave the company a safe harbor"
safe house|a house used as a hiding place or refuge by members of certain organizations
safe period|that time during a woman's menstrual cycle during which conception is least likely to occur (usually immediately before of after menstruation)
safe sex|sexual activity (especially sexual intercourse) with the use of measures (such as latex condoms) to avoid the transmission of disease (especially AIDS)
safebreaker|a thief who breaks open safes to steal valuable contents
safe-conduct|a document or escort providing safe passage through a region especially in time of war
safe-deposit|a fireproof metal strongbox (usually in a bank) for storing valuables
safehold|a refuge from attack
safeness|the quality of being safe
safety|a safe place - "He ran to safety";a score in American football;a player is tackled behind his own goal line;the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions - "insure the safety of the children" - "the reciprocal of safety is risk"
safety arch|an undecorated arch that is included in order to strengthen or support a construction
safety belt|belt attaching you to some object as a restraint in order to prevent you from getting hurt
safety bicycle|bicycle that has two wheels of equal size;pedals are connected to the rear wheel by a multiplying gear
safety blitz|(American football) defensive players try to break through the offensive line
safety bolt|a bolt that cannot be moved from outside the door or gate
safety catch|guard consisting of a locking device that prevents a weapon from being fired
safety curtain|a fireproof theater curtain to be dropped in case of fire
safety factor|the ratio of the breaking stress of a structure to the estimated maximum stress in ordinary use
safety feature|feature of an artifact that is added to insure a user's safety
safety fuse|a slow-burning fuse consisting of a tube or cord filled or saturated with combustible matter;used to ignite detonators from a distance
safety glass|glass made with plates of plastic or resin or other material between two sheets of glass to prevent shattering
safety lamp|an oil lamp that will not ignite flammable gases (methane)
safety match|a paper match that strikes only on a specially prepared surface
safety net|a guarantee of professional or financial security;a large strong net to catch circus acrobats who fall or jump from a trapeze
safety pin|a pin in the form of a clasp;has a guard so the point of the pin will not stick the user
safety rail|a railing placed alongside a stairway or road for safety
safety razor|a razor with a guard to prevent deep cuts in the skin
safety squeeze play|the runner on third base waits to start home until the batter has bunted successfully
safety valve|a valve in a container in which pressure can build up (as a steam boiler);it opens automatically when the pressure reaches a dangerous level
safflower|thistlelike Eurasian plant widely grown for its red or orange flower heads and seeds that yield a valuable oil
safflower oil|oil from safflower seeds used as food as well as in medicines and paints;oil from seeds of the safflower plant
safflower seed|seed of the safflower
saffron|dried pungent stigmas of the Old World saffron crocus;Old World crocus having purple or white flowers with aromatic pungent orange stigmas used in flavoring food
safranine|any of a class of chiefly red organic dyes
sag|a shape that sags - "there was a sag in the chair seat"
saga|a narrative telling the adventures of a hero or a family;originally (12th to 14th centuries) a story of the families that settled Iceland and their descendants but now any prose narrative that resembles such an account
sagacity|the mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations
sage|a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom;any of various plants of the genus Salvia;a cosmopolitan herb;aromatic fresh or dried grey-green leaves used widely as seasoning for meats and fowl and game etc
sage green|the color of sage leaves
sage grouse|large grouse of sagebrush regions of North America
sagebrush|any of several North American composite subshrubs of the genera Artemis or Seriphidium
sagebrush buttercup|small early-flowering buttercup with shiny yellow flowers of western North America
sagebrush lizard|a ground dweller that prefers open ground and scattered low bushes;of United States west between Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains
sagebrush mariposa tulip|mariposa having loose clusters of one to three handsome lilac flowers resembling umbels atop stout erect stems;arid northwestern North America east of Cascade Mountains from southern British Columbia to northern California
Sagina|small low-growing annual or perennial herbs of temperate and cool regions
Saginaw|a town in east central Michigan on an arm of Lake Huron
Sagitta|a small constellation in the northern hemisphere between Cygnus and Aquila and crossed by the Milky Way;any arrowworm of the genus Sagitta
sagittal suture|the suture uniting the two parietal bones
Sagittaria|genus of aquatic herbs of temperate and tropical regions having sagittate or hastate leaves and white scapose flowers
Sagittariidae|secretary birds
Sagittarius|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Sagittarius;a large zodiacal constellation in the southern hemisphere;between Scorpius and Capricornus;the ninth sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about November 22 to December 21;type genus of the Sagittariidae
sagittate-leaf|a leaf shaped like an arrow head
sago|powdery starch from certain sago palms;used in Asia as a food thickener and textile stiffener
sago palm|any of various tropical Asian palm trees the trunks of which yield sago;dwarf palmlike cycad of Japan that yields sago
saguaro|extremely large treelike cactus of desert regions of southwestern United States having a thick columnar sparsely branched trunk bearing white flowers and edible red pulpy fruit
Sahara|the world's largest desert (3,500,000 square miles) in northern Africa
Saharan|a Nilo-Saharan language spoken in parts of Chad
sahib|formerly a term of respect for important white Europeans in colonial India;used after the name
saiga|goat-like antelope of central Eurasia having a stubby nose like a proboscis
Saigon cinnamon|tropical southeast Asian tree with aromatic bark;yields a bark used medicinally
sail|a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel;any structure that resembles a sail
sailboat|a small sailing vessel;usually with a single mast
sailcloth|a strong fabric (such as cotton canvas) used for making sails and tents
sailfish|a saltwater fish with lean flesh;large pelagic game fish having an elongated upper jaw and long dorsal fin that resembles a sail
sailing|riding in a sailboat;the departure of a vessel from a port
sailing master|the ship's officer in charge of navigation
sailing vessel|a vessel that is powered by the wind;often having several masts
sailing warship|a warship that was powered by sails and equipped with many heavy guns;not built after the middle of the 19th century
sailing-race|a race between crews of people in yachts
sailmaker|a maker of sails
sailor|any member of a ship's crew
sailor cap|a cap worn by sailors
sailor suit|a boy's ensemble;copied from a sailor's uniform
sailor's-choice|a grunt found from Florida to Brazil and Gulf of Mexico
Saimiri|squirrel monkeys
sainfoin|Eurasian perennial herb having pale pink flowers and curved pods;naturalized in Britain and North America grasslands on calcareous soils;important forage crop and source of honey in Britain
saint|a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization;person of exceptional holiness
Saint Agnes's Eve|a Christian holy day
Saint Anthony's fire|any of several inflammatory or gangrenous skin conditions
Saint Bernard|a Swiss alpine breed of large powerful dog with a thick coat of hair used as a rescue dog
Saint Christopher|the largest of the islands comprising Saint Christopher-Nevis
Saint Cloud|a town in central Minnesota on the Mississippi River;granite quarries
Saint Emilion|full-bodied red wine from around the town of Saint Emilion in Bordeaux
Saint Eustatius|an island in the Netherlands Antilles
Saint Francis|a tributary of the Mississippi River that rises in Missouri and flows southeastward through Arkansas
Saint John|a port in eastern Canada;the largest city in New Brunswick;a river that rises in Maine and flows northeastward through New Brunswick to empty into the Bay of Fundy
Saint Johns|a river in northeastern Florida that flows northward to Jacksonville and then eastward to empty into the Atlantic Ocean
Saint John's|a port and provincial capital of Newfoundland
Saint Joseph|a Christian holy day;a town in northwest Missouri on the Missouri River;in the 19th century it became the eastern terminus of the pony express
Saint Kitts and Nevis|a country on several of the Leeward Islands;located to the east southeast of Puerto Rico;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1983
Saint Lawrence|a North American river;flows into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the North Atlantic
Saint Lawrence Seaway|a seaway involving the Saint Lawrence River and the Great Lakes that was developed jointly by Canada and the United States;oceangoing ships can travel as far west as Lake Superior
Saint Louis|the largest city in Missouri;a busy river port on the Mississippi River near its confluence with the Missouri River;was an important staging area for wagon trains westward in the 19th century
Saint Lucia|a country on the island of Saint Lucia;gained independence from Great Britain in 1979;a volcanic island in the Windward Isles to the south of Martinique
Saint Martin|an island in the western Leeward Islands;administered jointly by France and the Netherlands
Saint Paul|capital of the state of Minnesota;located in southeastern Minnesota on the Mississippi river adjacent to Minneapolis;one of the Twin Cities
Saint Vincent|an island in the center of the Windward Islands;the largest of the islands comprising Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines|an island country in the central Windward Islands;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1979
Saint-Bernard's-lily|southern European plant commonly cultivated for its spikes of small starry greenish-white flowers
sainthood|saints collectively;the status and dignity of a saint
saintliness|the quality of resembling a saint
Saint-Mihiel|a battle in the Meuse-Argonne operation in World War I (1918);the battle in which American troops launched their first offensive in France
Saintpaulia|east African herb with nodding flowers;widely cultivated
saint's day|a day commemorating a saint
Saints Peter and Paul|first celebrated in the 3rd century
Saint-Saens|French pianist and composer (1835-1921)
Saipan|the largest island in the Northern Marianas and the administrative center of the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in union with the United States;US forces captured the island from the Japanese in July 1944;it was an important air base until the end of World War II
Sajama|a mountain peak in the Andes in Bolivia (21,391 feet high)
sake|a reason for wanting something done - "for your sake" - "died for the sake of his country";Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice;usually served hot;the purpose of achieving or obtaining - "for the sake of argument"
Sakharov|Soviet physicist and dissident;helped develop the first Russian hydrogen bomb;advocated nuclear disarmament and campaigned for human rights (1921-1989)
saki|small arboreal monkey of tropical South America with long hair and bushy nonprehensile tail
salaam|a deep bow;a Muslim form of salutation
salability|the quality of being salable or marketable
salad|food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing;usually consisting of or including greens
salad bar|a bar where diners can assemble a salad to their own taste
salad bowl|a large bowl for mixing and serving a salad
salad burnet|European garden herb with purple-tinged flowers and leaves that are sometimes used for salads;leaves sometimes used for salad
salad cream|a creamy salad dressing resembling mayonnaise
salad fork|a fork intended for eating salads
salad green|greens suitable for eating uncooked as in salads
salad nicoise|typically containing tomatoes and anchovies and garnished with black olives and capers
salad oil|any of several edible vegetable oils that can be used in salad dressings
salad plate|a plate or bowl for individual servings of salad
Saladin|sultan of Syria and Egypt;reconquered Jerusalem from the Christians in 1187 but was defeated by Richard Coeur de Lion in 1191 (1137-1193)
Salafism|a militant group of extremist Sunnis who believe themselves the only correct interpreters of the Koran and consider moderate Muslims to be infidels;seek to convert all Muslims and to insure that its own fundamentalist version of Islam will dominate the world
Salafist Group|an Algerian extremist Islamic offshoot of the Armed Islamic Group;now the largest and most active armed terrorist group in Algeria that seeks to overthrow the government;a major source of support and recruitment for al-Qaeda operations in Europe and northern Africa
salai|East Indian tree yielding a resin used medicinally and burned as incense
salal|small evergreen shrub of Pacific coast of North America having edible dark purple grape-sized berries
salamander|any of various typically terrestrial amphibians that resemble lizards and that return to water only to breed;reptilian creature supposed to live in fire
Salamandra|type genus of the Salamandridae
Salamandridae|salamanders
salami|highly seasoned fatty sausage of pork and beef usually dried
salat|the second pillar of Islam is prayer;a prescribed liturgy performed five times a day (preferably in a mosque) and oriented toward Mecca
sale|a particular instance of selling - "he has just made his first sale" - "they had to complete the sale before the banks closed";an agreement (or contract) in which property is transferred from the seller (vendor) to the buyer (vendee) for a fixed price in money (paid or agreed to be paid by the buyer) - "the salesman faxed the sales agreement to his home office";an occasion (usually brief) for buying at specially reduced prices - "they held a sale to reduce their inventory" - "I got some great bargains at their annual sale";the general activity of selling - "they tried to boost sales" - "laws limit the sale of handguns";the state of being purchasable;offered or exhibited for selling - "you'll find vitamin C for sale at most pharmacies" - "the new line of cars will soon be on sale"
sale in gross|a sale of a tract of land as a whole without a warranty as to the acreage
Salem|a city in northeastern Massachusetts;site of the witchcraft trials in 1692;a city in southern India;capital of the state of Oregon in the northwestern part of the state on the Willamette River
Salerno|a battle in World War II;the port was captured by United States troops in September 1943
sales campaign|an advertising campaign intended to promote sales
sales department|the division of a business that is responsible for selling products or services
sales finance company|a finance company that buys (at a discount) the installment sales contracts of retail merchants
sales incentive|remuneration offered to a salesperson for exceeding some predetermined sales goal
sales promotion|promotion that supplements or coordinates advertising
sales resistance|resistance by potential customers to aggressive selling practices
sales staff|those in a business who are responsible for sales
sales talk|promotion by means of an argument and demonstration
sales tax|a tax based on the cost of the item purchased and collected directly from the buyer
salesclerk|a salesperson in a store
salesgirl|a woman salesperson
salesman|a man salesperson
salesmanship|skill in selling;skill in persuading people to buy - "he read a book on salesmanship but it didn't help"
salesperson|a person employed to represent a business and to sell its merchandise (as to customers in a store or to customers who are visited)
Salian Frank|a member of the tribe of Franks who settled in the Netherlands in the 4th century AD
Salic law|the code of laws of the Salian Franks and other German tribes
Salicaceae|two genera of trees or shrubs having hairy catkins;Salix;Populus
Salicales|coextensive with the family Salicaceae
Salicornia|glassworts
salicylate|a salt of salicylic acid (included in several commonly used drugs)
salicylate poisoning|poisoning caused by the excessive ingestion of salicylates (usually aspirin)
salicylic acid|a white crystalline substance with a bitter aftertaste;used as a fungicide or in making aspirin or dyes or perfumes
salience|the state of being salient
salient|(military) the part of the line of battle that projects closest to the enemy
salient angle|an angle pointing outward;an interior angle of a polygon that is less than 180 degrees
Salientia|frogs, toads, tree toads
Salina|a town in central Kansas
saline solution|an isotonic solution of sodium chloride and distilled water
Salinger|United States writer (born 1919)
salinometer|a hydrometer that determines the concentration of salt solutions by measuring their density
Salisbury steak|ground beef patty usually with a sauce
Salish|a family of Mosan language spoken in northwestern United States and western Canada;a member of a group of North American Indians speaking a Salishan language and living on the northwest coast of North America
saliva|a clear liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth;moistens the mouth and starts the digestion of starches
salivary duct|a duct through which saliva passes from the salivary gland into the mouth
salivary gland|any of three pairs of glands in the mouth and digestive system that secrete saliva for digestion
salivation|the secretion of saliva
Salix|a large and widespread genus varying in size from small shrubs to large trees;willows
Salk|United States virologist who developed the Salk vaccine that is injected against poliomyelitis (born 1914)
Salk vaccine|a poliovirus vaccine consisting of inactivated polio virus that is injected subcutaneously to provide immunity to poliomyelitis
sallet|a light medieval helmet with a slit for vision
sallow|any of several Old World shrubby broad-leaved willows having large catkins;some are important sources for tanbark and charcoal
sallowness|a sickly yellowish skin color
sally|a venture off the beaten path - "a sally into the wide world beyond his home"
Sally Lunn|a flat round slightly sweet teacake usually served hot
Salmacis|nymph who merged with Hermaphroditus to form one body
salmagundi|cooked meats and eggs and vegetables usually arranged in rows around the plate and dressed with a salad dressing
salmi|ragout of game in a rich sauce
Salmo|type genus of the Salmonidae;salmon and trout
salmon|a pale pinkish orange color;any of various large food and game fishes of northern waters;usually migrate from salt to fresh water to spawn;flesh of any of various marine or freshwater fish of the family Salmonidae;a tributary of the Snake River in Idaho
salmon loaf|fish loaf made with flaked salmon
salmon oil|a fatty oil obtained from the wastes in canning salmon;used in making soap and dressing leather
salmonberry|large erect red-flowered raspberry of western North America having large pinkish-orange berries;white-flowered raspberry of western North America and northern Mexico with thimble-shaped orange berries
salmonella|rod-shaped Gram-negative enterobacteria;cause typhoid fever and food poisoning;can be used as a bioweapon
Salmonella enteritidis|a form of salmonella that causes gastroenteritis in humans
Salmonella typhimurium|a form of salmonella that causes food poisoning in humans
salmonellosis|a kind of food poisoning caused by eating foods contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium
salmonid|soft-finned fishes of cold and temperate waters
Salmonidae|salmon and trout
salol|a white powder with a pleasant taste and odor;used to absorb light in sun tan lotions or as a preservative or an antiseptic or a coating for pills in which the medicine is intended for enteric release
Salome|woman whose dancing beguiled Herod into giving her the head of John the Baptist
Salomon|American financier and American Revolutionary War patriot who helped fund the army during the American Revolution (1740?-1785)
salon|a shop where hairdressers and beauticians work;elegant sitting room where guests are received;gallery where works of art can be displayed
saloon keeper|the proprietor of a saloon
salp|minute floating marine tunicate having a transparent body with an opening at each end
Salpichroa|herbs of temperate North and South America;cock's eggs
Salpidae|a small family of tunicates in the class Thaliacea
salpiglossis|any plant of the genus Salpiglossis
Salpinctes|a genus of Troglodytidae
salpingectomy|surgical removal of one or both Fallopian tubes
salpingitis|inflammation of a Fallopian tube (usually the result of infection spreading from the vagina or uterus) or of a Eustachian tube
salpinx|a tube in the uterus or the ear
salsa|spicy sauce of tomatoes and onions and chili peppers to accompany Mexican foods
salsify|edible root of the salsify plant;either of two long roots eaten cooked;Mediterranean biennial herb with long-stemmed heads of purple ray flowers and milky sap and long edible root;naturalized throughout United States
salsilla|tropical vine having pink-and-yellow flowers spotted purple and edible roots sometimes boiled as a potato substitute;West Indies to northern South America;tropical vine having umbels of small purple flowers and edible roots sometimes boiled as a potato substitute;Colombia
Salsola|chiefly Old World herbs or shrubs;saltworts
salt|a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal);the taste experience when common salt is taken into the mouth;white crystalline form of especially sodium chloride used to season and preserve food
salt cod|codfish preserved in salt;must be desalted and flaked by soaking in water and pounding;used in e.g. codfish cakes
salt depletion|loss of salt from the body without replacement (loss by vomiting or profuse perspiration or urination or diarrhea) thus upsetting the electrolyte balance
salt flat|a flat expanse of salt left by the evaporation of a body of salt water
SALT I|the first treaty between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics resulting from the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks
SALT II|the second treaty between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics resulting from the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks
Salt Lake City|the capital and largest city of Utah;located near the Great Salt Lake in north central Utah;world capital of the Mormon Church
salt lick|a salt deposit that animals regularly lick
salt marsh|low-lying wet land that is frequently flooded with saltwater
salt marsh mallow|subshrub of southeastern United States to New York
salt mine|a mine where salt is dug
salt pork|fat from the back and sides and belly of a hog carcass cured with salt
salt reed grass|tall reedlike grass common in salt meadows
salt rush|rush of the Pacific coast of North America
salt tree|spiny shrub of the Caspian salt plains and Siberia having elegant silvery, downy young foliage and mildly fragrant pink-purple blooms
saltation|(genetics) a mutation that drastically changes the phenotype of an organism or species;(geology) the leaping movement of sand or soil particles as they are transported in a fluid medium over an uneven surface
saltbox|a type of house built in New England;has two stories in front and one behind
saltbush|any of various shrubby plants of the genus Atriplex that thrive in dry alkaline soil
saltcellar|a small container for holding salt at the dining table
salter|someone who makes or deals in salt;someone who uses salt to preserve meat or fish or other foods
saltine|a cracker sprinkled with salt before baking
saltiness|language or humor that is down-to-earth - "the saltiness of their language was inappropriate" - "self-parody and saltiness riddled their core genre";the property of containing salt (as a compound or in solution)
salting|the act of adding salt to food
Salton Sea|a saltwater lake in southeastern California
saltpan|a shallow basin in a desert region;contains salt and gypsum that was deposited by an evaporated salt lake
salt-rising bread|white wheat bread raised by a salt-tolerant bacterium in a mixture of salt and either cornmeal or potato pulp
saltshaker|a shaker with a perforated top for sprinkling salt
saltwater fish|flesh of fish from the sea used as food
saltworks|a plant where salt is produced commercially
saltwort|bushy plant of Old World salt marshes and sea beaches having prickly leaves;burned to produce a crude soda ash;low-growing strong-smelling coastal shrub of warm parts of the New World having unisexual flowers in conelike spikes and thick succulent leaves
salubrity|the quality of being salubrious and invigorating
Saluki|old breed of tall swift keen-eyed hunting dogs resembling greyhounds;from Egypt and southwestern Asia
salutation|word of greeting used to begin a letter
salutatorian|a graduating student with the second highest academic rank;may deliver the opening address at graduation exercises
salutatory address|an opening or welcoming statement (especially one delivered at graduation exercises)
salute|a formal military gesture of respect;an act of greeting with friendly words and gestures like bowing or lifting the hat;an act of honor or courteous recognition - "a musical salute to the composer on his birthday"
Salvadora|genus of evergreen trees or shrubs;fruit is a drupe;grows in Africa through Arabia to India and China
Salvadoraceae|a family of Old World shrubs and trees of order Gentianales;related to Oleaceae but having four stamens and four petals
Salvadoran|a native or inhabitant of El Salvador
salvage|property or goods saved from damage or destruction;the act of rescuing a ship or its crew or its cargo from a shipwreck or a fire;the act of saving goods or property that were in danger of damage or destruction
salvager|someone who salvages
salvation|a means of preserving from harm or unpleasantness - "tourism was their economic salvation" - "they turned to individualism as their salvation";saving someone or something from harm or from an unpleasant situation - "the salvation of his party was the president's major concern";the state of being saved or preserved from harm
Salvation Army|a charitable and religious organization to evangelize and to care for the poor and homeless
salve|anything that remedies or heals or soothes - "he needed a salve for his conscience"
Salvelinus|brook trout
salver|a tray (or large plate) for serving food or drinks;usually made of silver
Salvinia|type genus of the Salviniaceae;water ferns
Salviniaceae|water ferns
salvinorin|a hallucinogen obtained from Salvia divinorum
salvo|a sudden outburst of cheers - "there was a salvo of approval";an outburst resembling the discharge of firearms or the release of bombs
salwar|a pair of light loose trousers with a tight fit around the ankles;worn by women from the Indian subcontinent (usually with a kameez)
Salyut|either of two Soviet space stations launched in the 1970s
Salzburg|city in western Austria;a music center and birthplace of Mozart
Sam Browne belt|leather belt supported by a strap over the right shoulder
samara|a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple
Samaria|an ancient city in central Palestine founded in the 9th century BC as the capital of the northern Hebrew kingdom of Israel;the site is in present-day northwestern Jordan
Samaritan|a member of the people inhabiting Samaria in biblical times
samarium|a grey lustrous metallic element of the rare earth group;is used in special alloys;occurs in monazite and bastnasite
Samarkand|city in southern Uzbekistan;Tamerlane's opulent capital in the 14th century
samarskite|a complex black mineral occurring in pegmatites
Sama-Veda|a collection of mantras and tunes for use with the Rig-Veda
samba|a form of canasta using three decks of cards and six jokers;a lively ballroom dance from Brazil;music composed for dancing the samba
sambar|a deer of southern Asia with antlers that have three tines
Sambre|a river in western Europe that rises in northern France and flows generally east into Belgium where it joins the Meuse at Namur
sambuca|an Italian liqueur made with elderberries and flavored with licorice
Sambucus|elder;elderberry
samekh|the 15th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
sameness|the quality of being alike - "sameness of purpose kept them together"
same-sex marriage|two people of the same sex who live together as a family - "the legal status of same-sex marriages has been hotly debated"
Samhita|one of four collections of sacred texts
Samia|silkworm moths
samisen|a Japanese stringed instrument resembling a banjo with a long neck and three strings and a fretted fingerboard and a rectangular soundbox;played with a plectrum
samite|a heavy silk fabric (often woven with silver or gold threads);used to make clothing in the Middle Ages
samizdat|a system of clandestine printing and distribution of dissident or banned literature
Samnite|an Oscan-speaking member of an ancient people of Campania who clashed repeatedly with the early Romans
Samoa|a constitutional monarchy on the western part of the islands of Samoa in the South Pacific;a group of volcanic islands in the South Pacific midway between Hawaii and Australia;its climate and scenery and Polynesian culture make it a popular tourist stop
Samoan|a native or inhabitant of the Samoan Islands
Samolus|genus of herbs usually growing in salt marshes;water pimpernels
samosa|small turnover of Indian origin filled with vegetables or meat and fried and served hot
samovar|a metal urn with a spigot at the base;used in Russia to boil water for tea
Samoyed|a Samoyedic-speaking person in northwestern Siberia;Siberian breed of white or cream-colored dog of the spitz family
Samoyedic|the Uralic languages spoken by the Samoyed in northwestern Siberia
sampan|an Asian skiff usually propelled by two oars
sample|a small part of something intended as representative of the whole;all or part of a natural object that is collected and preserved as an example of its class
sample distribution|items selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population
sampler|a piece of embroidery demonstrating skill with various stitches;an assortment of various samples - "a candy sampler" - "a sampler of French poets"
sampling|(statistics) the selection of a suitable sample for study;measurement at regular intervals of the amplitude of a varying waveform (in order to convert it to digital form)
sampling frequency|(telecommunication) the frequency of sampling a continuously varying signal
sampling rate|(telecommunication) the frequency of sampling per unit time
sampling station|an observation station that is set up to make sample observations of something
samsara|(Hinduism and Buddhism) the endless cycle of birth and suffering and death and rebirth
Samson|(Old Testament) a judge of Israel who performed herculean feats of strength against the Philistines until he was betrayed to them by his mistress Delilah
Samuel|(Old Testament) Hebrew prophet and judge who anointed Saul as king
samurai|a Japanese warrior who was a member of the feudal military aristocracy;feudal Japanese military aristocracy
San Andreas Fault|a major geological fault in California;runs from San Diego to San Francisco;the source of serious earthquakes
San Angelo|a town in west central Texas;formerly a notorious frontier town
San Antonio|a city of south central Texas;site of the Alamo;site of several military bases and a popular haven for vacationers
San Bernardino|a city in southern California to the east of Los Angeles
San Carlos Apache|an Apache language
San Diego|a picturesque city of southern California on San Diego Bay near the Mexican border;site of an important naval base
San Diego Bay|a bay of the Pacific in southern California
San Fernando Valley|a fertile valley in southern California to the north of Los Angeles;includes many residential communities
San Francisco|a port in western California near the Golden Gate that is one of the major industrial and transportation centers;it has one of the world's finest harbors;site of the Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco Bay|a bay of the Pacific in western California
San Joaquin River|a river in central California that rises in the Sierra Nevada and flows northwest to form a large delta with the Sacramento River
San Joaquin Valley|a vast valley in central California known for its rich farmland
San Jose|a city in western California located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay to the south of San Francisco;a center for computer and electronics industries;the capital and largest city of Costa Rica
San Jose scale|small east Asian insect naturalized in the United States that damages fruit trees
San Juan|the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico
San Juan Hill|a hill in eastern Cuba (near Santiago de Cuba) that was captured during the Spanish-American War - "Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders became famous for their charge up San Juan Hill"
San Juan Mountains|a mountain range in southwestern Colorado that is part of the Rocky Mountains
San Luis Potosi|a city in central Mexico
San Marinese|a native or inhabitant of San Marino
San Marino|the capital and only city of San Marino;the smallest republic in the world;the oldest independent country in Europe (achieved independence in 301);located in the Apennines and completely surrounded by Italy
San Mateo|a town in California to the south of San Francisco
San Pablo|a town in western California to the north of Oakland on an arm of San Francisco Bay
San Pedro Sula|industrial city in northwestern Honduras
San Salvador|the capital and largest city of El Salvador;has suffered from recurrent earthquakes
San Sebastian|a city in northern Spain on the Bay of Biscay near the French border;a fashionable seaside resort
Sana|the capital and largest city of Yemen;on the central plateau
sanatorium|a hospital for recuperation or for the treatment of chronic diseases
Sanchez|Venezuelan master terrorist raised by a Marxist-Leninist father;trained and worked with many terrorist groups (born in 1949)
sanctification|a religious ceremony in which something is made holy
sanctimoniousness|the quality of being hypocritically devout
sanction|a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards;formal and explicit approval;the act of final authorization - "it had the sanction of the church"
sanctuary|a consecrated place where sacred objects are kept
sanctum|a place of inviolable privacy - "he withdrew to his sanctum sanctorum, where the children could never go"
sand|a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral;French writer known for works concerning women's rights and independence (1804-1876)
sand blackberry|stiff shrubby blackberry of the eastern United States (Connecticut to Florida)
sand cat|a desert wildcat
sand cherry|small straggling American cherry growing on sandy soil and having minute scarcely edible purplish-black fruit
sand crack|a fissure in the wall of a horse's hoof often causing lameness
sand cricket|large wingless nocturnal grasshopper that burrows in loose soil along the Pacific coast of the United States
sand dab|small food fishes of the Pacific coast of North America;the lean flesh of a small flounder from the Pacific coast of North America
sand devil's claw|alternatively placed in genus Martynia
sand dollar|flattened disklike sea urchins that live on sandy bottoms
sand dropseed|erect smooth grass of sandy places in eastern North America
sand fly|any of various small dipterous flies;bloodsucking females can transmit sandfly fever and leishmaniasis
sand lance|very small silvery eellike schooling fishes that burrow into sandy beaches
sand leek|European leek cultivated and used like leeks
sand lizard|a common and widely distributed lizard of Europe and central Asia
sand myrtle|low-growing evergreen shrub of New Jersey to Florida grown for its many white star-shaped flowers and glossy foliage
sand painting|a painting done by Amerindians (especially Navaho);made of fine colored sands on a neutral background
sand rat|small nearly naked African mole rat of desert areas;southern European gerbil
sand sage|silver-haired shrub of central and southern United States and Mexico;a troublesome weed on rangelands
sand sedge|European maritime sedge naturalized along Atlantic coast of United States;rootstock has properties of sarsaparilla
sand snake|small North American burrowing snake
sand sole|a common flatfish of the Pacific coast of North America
sand spurry|prostrate weedy herb with tiny pink flowers;widespread throughout Europe and Asia on sand dunes and heath and coastal cliffs;naturalized in eastern North America
sand stargazer|small pallid fishes of shoal tropical waters of North America and South America having eyes on stalks atop head;they burrow in sand to await prey
sand tiger|shallow-water shark with sharp jagged teeth found on both sides of Atlantic;sometimes dangerous to swimmers
sand verbena|any of various plants of the genus Abronia of western North America and Mexico having flowers resembling verbena
sand wedge|a wedge used to get out of sand traps
sandal|a shoe consisting of a sole fastened by straps to the foot
sandalwood|close-grained fragrant yellowish heartwood of the true sandalwood;has insect repelling properties and is used for carving and cabinetwork
sandalwood tree|parasitic tree of Indonesia and Malaysia having fragrant close-grained yellowish heartwood with insect repelling properties and used, e.g., for making chests
sandarac|a brittle and faintly aromatic translucent resin used in varnishes;durable fragrant wood;used in building (as in the roof of the cathedral at Cordova, Spain);large coniferous evergreen tree of North Africa and Spain having flattened branches and scalelike leaves yielding a hard fragrant wood;bark yields a resin used in varnishes
sandbag|a bag filled with sand;used as a weapon or to build walls or as ballast
sandbagger|someone who deceives you about his true nature or intent in order to take advantage of you
sandbank|a submerged bank of sand near a shore or in a river;can be exposed at low tide
sandbar|a bar of sand
sandbar shark|most common grey shark along coasts of middle Atlantic states;sluggish and occasionally caught by fishermen
sandblast|a blast of wind laden with sand
sandblaster|a tool that throws out a blast of steam laden with sand;used to clean or grind hard surfaces
sandbox|a plaything consisting of a pile of sand or a box filled with sand for children to play in;mold consisting of a box with sand shaped to mold metal
sandboy|a young peddler of sand;used now only to express great happiness in 'happy as a sandboy'
sandbur|grass of the eastern United States and tropical America having spikelets enclosed in prickly burs
Sandburg|United States writer remembered for his poetry in free verse and his six volume biography of Abraham Lincoln (1878-1967)
sanderling|small sandpiper that breeds in the Arctic and migrates southward along sandy coasts in most of world
sandfish|either of two small silvery scaleless fishes of the northern Pacific that burrow into sand
sandfly fever|a mild viral disease transmitted by the bite of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasii
sandglass|timepiece in which the passage of time is indicated by the flow of sand from one transparent container to another through a narrow passage
sandgrouse|pigeon-like bird of arid regions of the Old World having long pointed wings and tail and precocial downy young
sandhi|the articulatory process whereby the pronunciation of a word or morpheme changes when it is followed immediately by another (especially in fluent speech)
sandiness|a texture resembling that of sand
sandlot|a vacant lot used by city boys to play games
sandman|an elf in fairy stories who sprinkles sand in children's eyes to make them sleepy
sandpiper|any of numerous usually small wading birds having a slender bill and piping call;closely related to the plovers
sandpit|a large pit in sandy ground from which sand is dug
sandstone|a sedimentary rock consisting of sand consolidated with some cement (clay or quartz etc.)
sandwich|two (or more) slices of bread with a filling between them
sandwich board|signboard consisting of two hinged boards that hang front and back from the shoulders of a walker and are used to display advertisements
sandwich plate|a serving consisting of a sandwich or sandwiches with garnishes
sandwichman|a person with advertising boards hanging from the shoulders
sandwort|loosely matted plant with moss-like foliage studded with tiny starry four-petaled white blossoms;mountains of central and southern Europe;low-growing chiefly perennial plant usually with small white flowers suitable for e.g. rock gardens;low-growing herb having clusters of small white four-petaled flowers
sandy mushroom|an edible agaric that fruits in great clusters (especially in sandy soil under cottonwood trees)
sangapenum|a variety of gum
sangaree|sweetened red wine and orange or lemon juice with soda water
Sangay|an inactive volcano in the Andes in central Ecuador;last erupted in 1946
Sanger|English biochemist who determined the sequence of amino acids in insulin and who invented a technique to determine the genetic sequence of an organism (born in 1918);United States nurse who campaigned for birth control and planned parenthood;she challenged Gregory Pincus to develop a birth control pill (1883-1966)
Sango|a trade language widely used in Chad
sangoma|a traditional Zulu healer and respected elder
Sanguinaria|one species;bloodroot
sanguinary ant|slave-making ant widely distributed over the northern hemisphere
sanguine|a blood-red color
sanguinity|feeling sanguine;optimistically cheerful and confident
Sanhedrin|the supreme judicial and ecclesiastical council of ancient Jerusalem
sanicle|a plant of the genus Sanicula having palmately compound leaves and unisexual flowers in panicled umbels followed by bristly fruit;reputed to have healing powers
Sanicula|chiefly American herbs;sanicle
sanitariness|the state of being conducive to health
sanitary code|set of standards established and enforced by government for health requirements as in plumbing etc
sanitary condition|the state of sanitation (clean or dirty)
sanitary landfill|a low area where waste is buried between layers of earth
sanitary napkin|a disposable absorbent pad (trade name Kotex);worn to absorb menstrual flow
sanitation|making something sanitary (free of germs) as by sterilizing;the state of being clean and conducive to health
sanitation department|the department of local government responsible for collecting and disposing of garbage
sanity|normal or sound powers of mind
sannup|a married male American Indian
sannyasi|a Hindu religious mendicant
sans serif|a typeface in which characters have no serifs
sansevieria|grown as a houseplant for its mottled fleshy sword-shaped leaves or as a source of fiber
Sanskrit|(Hinduism) an ancient language of India (the language of the Vedas and of Hinduism);an official language of India although it is now used only for religious purposes
Sanskrit literature|Hindu literature written in Sanskrit
Santa Ana|a city in southern California to the east of Long Beach;a city in western El Salvador;a strong hot dry wind that blows in winter from the deserts of southern California toward the Pacific Coast
Santa Anna|Mexican general who tried to crush the Texas revolt and who lost battles to Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor in the Mexican War (1795-1876)
Santa Barbara|a town in southwestern California on the Pacific Ocean
Santa Catalina|an island resort in the Pacific off the southwestern coast of California
Santa Clara|a city of west central California;residential area with light industry
Santa Claus|the legendary patron saint of children;an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas
Santa Cruz|a city in central Bolivia;a town in western California on Monterey Bay;a tourist center
Santa Cruz cypress|rare California cypress taller than but closely related to gowen cypress and sometimes considered the same species
Santa Fe|capital of the state of New Mexico;located in north central New Mexico
Santa Fe Trail|a trail that extends from Missouri to New Mexico;an important route for settlers moving west in the 19th century
Santa Gertrudis|Brahman and shorthorn crossbreed of red cattle;hardy in hot regions
Santa Lucia fir|a pyramidal fir of southwestern California having spiny pointed leaves and cone scales with long spines
Santa Maria del Tule|a town in southeastern Mexico near Oaxaca;site of Ahuehuete, a giant Montezuma cypress
Santalaceae|chiefly tropical herbs or shrubs or trees bearing nuts or one-seeded fruit
Santalales|order of plants distinguished by having a one-celled inferior ovary;many are parasitic or partly parasitic usually on roots
Santalum|parasitic trees of Indonesia and Malaysia
Santee|a member of the eastern branch of the Sioux;the Siouan language spoken by the Santee
Santiago|a naval battle in the Spanish-American War (1898);the United States fleet bottled up the Spanish ships in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba and destroyed them when they tried to escape
Santiago de Cuba|a port city in southeastern Cuba;industrial center
Santiago de los Caballeros|city in the northern Dominican Republic
santims|100 santimi equal 1 lats in Latvia
Santo Domingo|the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic - "Santo Domingo is the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the Americas with the oldest cathedral and the oldest hospital and the oldest monastery in the Western Hemisphere"
Santolina|genus of Mediterranean subshrubs with rayless flower heads
Santos|a port city in southwestern Brazil on an offshore island near Sao Paulo
Sanvitalia|small genus of tropical American annual herbs;creeping zinnia
Sao Bernardo do Campo|a city in southeastern Brazil;an industrial suburb of Sao Paulo
Sao Francisco|a river in eastern Brazil flowing into the Atlantic Ocean
Sao Goncalo|an industrial city in southeastern Brazil across the bay from Rio de Janeiro
Sao Joao de Meriti|a city in southeastern Brazil that is a residential suburb of Rio de Janeiro
Sao Jose dos Campos|a city in southeastern Brazil to the northeast of Sao Paulo
Sao Louis|a city on an offshore island in northeast Brazil
Sao Paulo|an ultramodern city in southeastern Brazil;the largest city in South America
Sao Thome e Principe monetary unit|monetary unit on Sao Tome e Principe
Sao Tiago Island|largest of the Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic Ocean
Sao Tome|capital of Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe|island nation in the South Atlantic off the west coast of Africa;achieved independence from Portugal in 1975;has enormous offshore oil reserves
Saone|a river in eastern France;rises in Lorraine and flows south to become the chief tributary of the Rhone
sap|a watery solution of sugars, salts, and minerals that circulates through the vascular system of a plant
saphenous nerve|a branch of the femoral nerve that supplies cutaneous branches to the inner aspect of the leg and foot
saphenous vein|either of two chief superficial veins of the leg that drain blood from the foot
sapidity|a pleasant flavor
sapiential book|any of the biblical books (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus) that are considered to contain wisdom
Sapindaceae|chiefly tropical New and Old World deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs bearing leathery drupes with yellow translucent flesh;most plants produce toxic saponins
Sapindales|an order of dicotyledonous plants
Sapindus|type genus of the Sapindaceae
Sapir|anthropologist and linguist;studied languages of North American Indians (1884-1939)
sapling|young tree
sapodilla|large tropical American evergreen yielding chicle gum and edible fruit;sometimes placed in genus Achras;tropical fruit with a rough brownish skin and very sweet brownish pulp
Saponaria|mostly perennial Old World herbs
saponification|a chemical reaction in which an ester is heated with an alkali (especially the alkaline hydrolysis of a fat or oil to make soap)
saponin|any of various plant glucosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water;used in detergents and foaming agents and emulsifiers
Sapotaceae|tropical trees or shrubs with milky juice and often edible fleshy fruit
sapote|brown oval fruit flesh makes excellent sherbet
sapper|a military engineer who does sapping (digging trenches or undermining fortifications);a military engineer who lays or detects and disarms mines
sapphire|a precious transparent stone of rich blue corundum valued as a gemstone;a transparent piece of sapphire that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
sapphirine|a rare light blue or green mineral;consists of aluminum and magnesium silicate and occurs as small grains in some metamorphic rocks
Sappho|the Greek lyric poet of Lesbos;much admired although only fragments of her poetry have been preserved (6th century BC)
Sapporo|a commercial city in northern Japan on western Hokkaido
sapremia|blood poisoning caused by putrefactive bacteria;results from eating putrefied matter
saprobe|an organism that lives in and derives its nourishment from organic matter in stagnant or foul water
Saprolegnia|aquatic fungi growing chiefly on plant debris and animal remains
Saprolegniales|order of chiefly aquatic fungi
saprolite|a deposit of clay and disintegrating rock that is found in its original place
sapropel|sludge (rich in organic matter) that accumulates at the bottom of lakes or oceans
saprophyte|an organism that feeds on dead organic matter especially a fungus or bacterium
sapsago|a hard green Swiss cheese made with skim-milk curd and flavored with clover
sapsucker|small American woodpecker that feeds on sap from e.g. apple and maple trees
sapwood|newly formed outer wood lying between the cambium and the heartwood of a tree or woody plant;usually light colored;active in water conduction
Saqqara|a town in northern Egypt;site of the oldest Egyptian pyramids
saquinavir|a weak protease inhibitor (trade name Invirase) used in treating HIV
saraband|a stately court dance of the 17th and 18th centuries;in slow time;music composed for dancing the saraband
Saracen|(historically) a member of the nomadic people of the Syrian and Arabian deserts at the time of the Roman Empire;(historically) a Muslim who opposed the Crusades;(when used broadly) any Arab
Sarah|(Old Testament) the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac
Sarajevo|capital and largest city of Bosnia;scene of the assassination of Francis Ferdinand in 1914 which precipitated World War I
saran|any of various thermoplastic resins used to make things
Sarasota|a town in west central Florida on the Gulf of Mexico
Sarasvati|Hindu goddess of learning and the arts
Saratoga|a battle during the American Revolution (1777);the British under Burgoyne were defeated
Saratoga spittlebug|feeds on pines in northern United States
Saratoga Springs|a town in eastern New York State famed for its spa and its horse racing
Saratov|an industrial city in the European part of Russia
Sarawak|a region of Malaysia on northwestern Borneo
Sarawakian|a native or inhabitant of Sarawak
Sarazen|United States golfer who was first to win all four major golf tournaments (1902-1999)
sarcasm|witty language used to convey insults or scorn - "he used sarcasm to upset his opponent" - "Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody's face but their own"--Jonathan Swift
sarcenet|a fine soft silk fabric often used for linings
Sarcobatus|one species;greasewood
Sarcocephalus|genus of tropical African trees and shrubs
Sarcochilus|diminutive epiphytic or lithophytic orchids with clumped short-stemmed foliage and arching racemes of colorful flowers;Australia and Polynesia to southeastern Asia
Sarcocystis|chief genus of the order Sarcosporidia
Sarcodes|snow plant;in some classifications placed in family Pyrolaceae
Sarcodina|characterized by the formation of pseudopods for locomotion and taking food;Actinopoda;Rhizopoda
sarcodinian|protozoa that move and capture food by forming pseudopods
sarcoidosis|a chronic disease of unknown cause marked by the formation of nodules in the lungs and liver and lymph glands and salivary glands
sarcolemma|an extensible membrane enclosing the contractile substance of a muscle fiber
sarcoma|a usually malignant tumor arising from connective tissue (bone or muscle etc.);one of the four major types of cancer
sarcomere|one of the segments into which a myofibril is divided
Sarcophaga|flesh flies
sarcophagus|a stone coffin (usually bearing sculpture or inscriptions)
Sarcophilus|Tasmanian devil
sarcoplasm|the cytoplasm of a striated muscle fiber
Sarcoptes|type genus of the family Sarcoptidae;itch mites
Sarcoptidae|small whitish mites
Sarcorhamphus|usually containing only the king vulture
Sarcoscypha coccinea|a discomycete that is a harbinger of spring;the fruiting body is thin and tough and saucer-shaped (about the size of quarter to a half dollar) with a deep bright red upper surface and a whitish exterior
Sarcoscyphaceae|family of fungi belonging to the order Pezizales
sarcosine|a sweetish crystalline amino acid
Sarcosomataceae|a type of ascomycetous fungus
sarcosome|a large mitochondrion in a striated muscle fiber
Sarcosporidia|imperfectly known parasites of the muscles of vertebrates
sarcosporidian|parasite of the muscles of vertebrates
Sarcostemma|succulent subshrubs or vines;tropical and subtropical India and Africa and Malaysia
sard|a deep orange-red variety of chalcedony
Sarda|bonitos
Sardina|pilchards
sardine|any of various small edible herring or related food fishes frequently canned;small fatty fish usually canned
sardine oil|oil obtained from sardines and used chiefly as a lubricant and in soap
Sardinia|an island in the Mediterranean to the west of Italy;the Italian region on the island of Sardinia;the kingdom of Sardinia was the nucleus for uniting Italy during the 19th century
Sardinian|a native or inhabitant of Sardinia;the Italian dialect spoken in Sardinia;sometimes considered a separate language with many loan words from Spanish
Sardinops|pilchards
Sardis|an ancient Greek city located in the western part of what is now modern Turkey;as the capital of Lydia it was the cultural center of Asia Minor;destroyed by Tamerlane in 1402
sardonyx|an onyx characterized by parallel layers of sard and a different colored mineral
Sargasso Sea|a vast area of the North Atlantic from the West Indies to the Azores that is dense with gulfweed
sargassum fish|small fantastically formed and colored fishes found among masses of sargassum
Sargent|United States painter (born in Italy) known for his society portraits (1856-1925)
sari|a dress worn primarily by Hindu women;consists of several yards of light material that is draped around the body
sarin|a highly toxic chemical nerve agent that inhibits the activity of cholinesterase
Sarnoff|United States businessman who pioneered in radio and television broadcasting (1891-1971)
sarong|a loose skirt consisting of brightly colored fabric wrapped around the body;worn by both women and men in the South Pacific
Saronic Gulf|a gulf of the Aegean on the southeastern coast of Greece
Saroyan|United States writer of plays and short stories (1908-1981)
Sarpanitu|consort of Marduk
Sarpedon|(Greek mythology) a son of Zeus who became king of Lycia;fought on behalf of the Trojans in the Trojan War and was killed by Patroclus
Sarracenia|pitcher plants
Sarraceniaceae|insectivorous plants
Sarraceniales|plants that are variously modified to serve as insect traps;families Sarraceniaceae;Nepenthaceae;Droseraceae
sarsaparilla|any of various prickly climbing plants of the tropical American genus Smilax having aromatic roots and heart-shaped leaves;carbonated drink flavored with an extract from sarsaparilla root or with birch oil and sassafras
sarsaparilla root|dried root of any of various plants of the genus Smilax used as a flavoring agent
sartorius|a muscle in the thigh that helps to rotate the leg into the sitting position assumed by a tailor;the longest muscle in the human body
Sartre|French writer and existentialist philosopher (1905-1980)
sash|a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
sash cord|a strong cord connecting a sash weight to a sliding sash
sash fastener|a lock attached to the sashes of a double hung window that can fix both in the shut position
sash weight|a counterweight for a sliding sash
sash window|a window with (usually two) sashes that slide vertically to let in air
sashay|a square dance figure;partners circle each other taking sideways steps
sashimi|very thinly sliced raw fish
Saskatchewan|one of the three prairie provinces in west central Canada - "vast fields of wheat grow on Saskatchewan's prairies"
Saskatoon|a city in central Saskatchewan;the largest city in the province;edible purple or red berries
sass|an impudent or insolent rejoinder - "don't give me any of your sass"
sassaby|a large South African antelope;considered the swiftest hoofed mammal
sassafras|dried root bark of the sassafras tree;yellowwood tree with brittle wood and aromatic leaves and bark;source of sassafras oil;widely distributed in eastern North America
sassafras oil|oil from root bark of sassafras trees;used in perfumery and as a disinfectant
Sassenach|the Scots' term for an English person
Satan|(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God;tempter of mankind;master of Hell
satang|100 satangs equal 1 baht in Thailand
Satanist|an adherent of Satan or Satanism
satanophobia|an abnormal fear of Satan
satchel|luggage consisting of a small case with a flat bottom and (usually) a shoulder strap
sateen|a cotton fabric with a satiny finish
satellite|a person who follows or serves another;any celestial body orbiting around a planet or star;man-made equipment that orbits around the earth or the moon
satellite receiver|a receiver on a communications satellite
satellite television|a television system in which the signal is transmitted to an orbiting satellite that receives the signal and amplifies it and transmits it back to earth
satellite transmitter|a transmitter on a communications satellite
satiation|the act of achieving full gratification
Satie|French composer noted for his experimentalism and rejection of Romanticism (1866-1925)
satin|a smooth fabric of silk or rayon;has a glossy face and a dull back
satin bowerbird|of southeast Australia;male is glossy violet blue;female is light grey-green
satin stitch|flat stitches worked so closely as to resemble satin
satin weave|a weave in which the filling and warp threads intersect in such a way as to give a smooth compact surface with no distinguishable twill line
satinet|a fabric with a finish resembling satin but made partly or wholly from cotton or synthetic fiber
satinleaf|tropical American timber tree with dark hard heavy wood and small plumlike purple fruit
satinwood|East Indian tree with valuable hard lustrous yellowish wood;hard yellowish wood of a satinwood tree having a satiny luster;used for fine cabinetwork and tools;West Indian tree with smooth lustrous and slightly oily wood
satirist|a humorist who uses ridicule and irony and sarcasm
satisfaction|(law) the payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation - "the full and final satisfaction of the claim";act of fulfilling a desire or need or appetite - "the satisfaction of their demand for better services";the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation - "the chef tasted the sauce with great satisfaction"
satisfactoriness|the quality of giving satisfaction sufficient to meet a demand or requirement
satisfier|any agent capable of producing satisfaction
satori|(Zen Buddhism) a state of sudden spiritual enlightenment
satrap|a governor of a province in ancient Persia
satsuma|a variety of mandarin orange;medium-sized largely seedless mandarin orange with thin smooth skin
saturated fatty acid|a fatty acid whose carbon chain cannot absorb any more hydrogen atoms;found chiefly in animal fats
saturation|a condition in which a quantity no longer responds to some external influence;chromatic purity;freedom from dilution with white and hence vivid in hue;the act of soaking thoroughly with a liquid
saturation point|(chemistry) the stage at which a substance will receive no more of another substance in solution or in a vapor
Saturday|the seventh and last day of the week;observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
Saturday night special|a cheap handgun that is easily obtained
Satureja|savory
Saturn|(Roman mythology) god of agriculture and vegetation;counterpart of Greek Cronus - "Saturday is Saturn's Day";a giant planet that is surrounded by three planar concentric rings of ice particles;the 6th planet from the sun
Saturnalia|an orgiastic festival in ancient Rome in honor of Saturn
Saturnia|type genus of the Saturniidae;emperor moth
saturniid|large brightly colored and usually tropical moth;larvae spin silken cocoons
Saturniidae|important and widely distributed family of moths including some of the largest insects known
Satyagraha|the form of nonviolent resistance initiated in India by Mahatma Gandhi in order to oppose British rule and to hasten political reforms
satyr|man with strong sexual desires;one of a class of woodland deities;attendant on Bacchus;identified with Roman fauns
satyr orchid|orchid with broad ovate leaves and long-bracted green very irregular flowers
satyr play|an ancient Greek burlesque with a chorus of satyrs
satyriasis|abnormally intense sexual desire in men
Satyridae|a widely distributed family of butterflies common near the edges of woods
sauce|flavorful relish or dressing or topping served as an accompaniment to food
sauce Louis|mayonnaise and heavy cream combined with chopped green pepper and green onion seasoned with chili sauce and Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice
saucepan|a deep pan with a handle;used for stewing or boiling
saucepot|a cooking pot that has handles on either side and tight fitting lid;used for stewing or boiling
saucer|a small shallow dish for holding a cup at the table
saucer magnolia|large deciduous shrub or small tree having large open rosy to purplish flowers;native to Asia;prized as an ornamental in eastern North America
Saudi|a native or inhabitant of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia|an absolute monarchy occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula in southwest Asia;vast oil reserves dominate the economy
Saudi Arabian monetary unit|monetary unit in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian riyal|the basic unit of money in Saudi Arabia
sauerbraten|pot roast marinated several days in seasoned vinegar before cooking;usually served with potato dumplings
sauerkraut|shredded cabbage fermented in brine
Sauk|a member of the Algonquian people formerly living in Wisconsin in the Fox River valley and on the shores of Green Bay
Saul|(Old Testament) the first king of the Israelites who defended Israel against many enemies (especially the Philistines)
Sault Sainte Marie|a town of southern Ontario opposite northern Michigan
sauna|a Finnish steam bath;steam is produced by pouring water over heated rocks
saunter|a careless leisurely gait - "he walked with a kind of saunter as if he hadn't a care in the world"
saunterer|someone who walks at a leisurely pace
Sauria|true lizards;including chameleons and geckos
saurian|any of various reptiles of the suborder Sauria which includes lizards;in former classifications included also the crocodiles and dinosaurs
Saurischia|extinct terrestrial reptiles;theropods (carnivorous);sauropods (herbivorous)
saurischian|herbivorous or carnivorous dinosaur having a three-pronged pelvis like that of a crocodile
Sauromalus|chuckwallas
sauropod|very large herbivorous dinosaur of the Jurassic and Cretaceous having a small head a long neck and tail and five-toed limbs;largest known land animal
Sauropoda|any of the sauropod dinosaurs
Sauropodomorpha|gigantic herbivorous dinosaurs having huge bodies with long necks and small heads;Prosauropoda and Sauropoda (apatosaurus, diplodocus and titanosaurs)
Sauropterygia|extinct marine reptiles;plesiosaurs;nothosaurs
Saurosuchus|early archosaurian carnivore
Saururaceae|family of perennial aromatic herbs;genera Saururus, Anemopsis, Houttuynia
Saururus|type genus of the Saururaceae;lizard's-tails
saury|slender long-beaked fish of temperate Atlantic waters
sausage|highly seasoned minced meat stuffed in casings
sausage curl|a fat sausage-shaped curl
sausage dog|informal term
sausage meat|any meat that is minced and spiced and cooked as patties or used to fill sausages
sausage pizza|tomato and cheese pizza with sausage
sausage roll|sausage meat rolled and baked in pastry
Saussurea|genus of herbs of temperate and cool regions of Eurasia
saute|a dish of sauteed food
Sauterne|semisweet golden-colored table or dessert wine from around Bordeaux in France;similar wine from California
Sauvignon blanc|a California wine;white wine grape grown in California
Sauvignon grape|small blue-black grape of Medoc region of France highly prized in winemaking
savage|a member of an uncivilized people
savageness|the property of being untamed and ferocious - "the coastline is littered with testaments to the savageness of the waters"
savanna|a flat grassland in tropical or subtropical regions
Savannah|a port in eastern Georgia near the mouth of the Savannah river;a river in South Carolina that flows southeast to the Atlantic
Savara|a Dravidian language spoken by the Savara in southeastern India (north of Madras);a member of the Dravidian people living in southern India
savarin|a sponge cake baked in a ring mold
save|(sports) the act of preventing the opposition from scoring - "the goalie made a brilliant save" - "the relief pitcher got credit for a save"
save-all|a net hung between ship and pier while loading a ship;a receptacle for catching waste products for further use;a sail set to catch wind spilled from a larger sail
saveloy|a ready-cooked and highly seasoned pork sausage
saver|someone who saves (especially money)
saving grace|a redeeming quality or characteristic - "her love of music remains her one saving grace" - "her sense of humor has to be a saving grace" - "the saving grace for both developments is that they are creating jobs"
savings|a fund of money put by as a reserve
savings account|a bank account that accumulates interest
savings account trust|a savings account deposited by someone who makes themselves the trustee for a beneficiary and who controls it during their lifetime;afterward the balance is payable to the previously named beneficiary
savings and loan|a thrift institution that is required by law to make a certain percentage of its loans as home mortgages
savings bank|a container (usually with a slot in the top) for keeping money at home;a thrift institution in the northeastern United States;since deregulation in the 1980s they offer services competitive with many commercial banks
savings bond|non-negotiable government bond;cannot be bought and sold once the original purchase is made
savior|a person who rescues you from harm or danger
Savitar|an important Hindu god;the sun in its life-giving aspect
savoir-faire|social skill
Savonarola|Italian religious and political reformer;a Dominican friar in Florence who preached against sin and corruption and gained a large following;he expelled the Medici from Florence but was later excommunicated and executed for criticizing the Pope (1452-1498)
savory|an aromatic or spicy dish served at the end of dinner or as an hors d'oeuvre;any of several aromatic herbs or subshrubs of the genus Satureja having spikes of flowers attractive to bees;dwarf aromatic shrub of Mediterranean regions;either of two aromatic herbs of the mint family
Savoy|a geographical region of historical importance;a former duchy in what is now southwestern France, western Switzerland, and northwestern Italy
savoy cabbage|cabbage plant with a compact head of crinkled leaves;head of soft crinkly leaves
Savoyard|a person who performs in the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan;a resident of Savoy
saw|hand tool having a toothed blade for cutting
saw log|log large enough to be sawed into boards
saw palmetto|small hardy clump-forming spiny palm of southern United States
saw set|a tool used to bend each alternate sawtooth at a slight angle outward
Sawan|the fifth month of the Hindu calendar
sawdust|fine particles of wood made by sawing wood
sawdust doll|a doll that is stuffed with sawdust
sawdust saloon|a saloon whose floor is covered with sawdust
sawed-off shotgun|a shotgun with short barrels
sawfish|primitive ray with sharp teeth on each edge of a long flattened snout
sawfly|insect whose female has a saw-like ovipositor for inserting eggs into the leaf or stem tissue of a host plant
sawhorse|a framework for holding wood that is being sawed
sawm|the third pillar of Islam is fasting (primarily during the month of Ramadan);Muslims abstain from food and drink and gambling and all sensuous pleasures from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan
sawmill|a large sawing machine
sawpit|a pit over which lumber is positioned to be sawed by two men with a long two-handed saw
sawtooth|a serration on a saw blade
sawwort|European perennial whose serrate leaves yield a yellow dye
sawyer|any of several beetles whose larvae bore holes in dead or dying trees especially conifers;one who is employed to saw wood
Sax|a Belgian maker of musical instruments who invented the saxophone (1814-1894);a single-reed woodwind with a conical bore
Saxe|a French marshal who distinguished himself in the War of the Austrian Succession (1696-1750)
Saxe-Coburg-Gotha|the name of the royal family that ruled Great Britain from 1901-1917;the name was changed to Windsor in 1917 in response to anti-German feelings in World War I
Saxe-gothea|one species;Prince Albert's yew
saxhorn|any of a family of brass wind instruments that resemble a bugle with valves
Saxicola|Old World chats
Saxifraga|type genus of the Saxifragaceae;large genus of usually perennial herbs of Arctic and cool regions of northern hemisphere;saxifrage
Saxifragaceae|a large and diverse family of evergreen or deciduous herbs;widely distributed in northern temperate and cold regions;sometimes includes genera of the family Hydrangeaceae
saxifrage|any of various plants of the genus Saxifraga
saxitoxin|a powerful neurotoxin produced by certain dinoflagellates found in red tides;it can accumulate in mollusks that feed on the dinoflagellates and cause food poisoning to humans
Saxo Grammaticus|Danish historian who chronicled the history of Denmark (including the legend of Hamlet) (1150?-1220?)
Saxon|a member of a Germanic people who conquered England and merged with the Angles and Jutes to become Anglo-Saxons;dominant in England until the Norman Conquest
Saxony|an area in Germany around the upper Elbe river;the original home of the Saxons
saxophonist|a musician who plays the saxophone
say|the chance to speak - "let him have his say"
Sayan Mountains|a range of mountains in southern Siberia to the west of Lake Baikal;contain important mineral deposits
Sayda|the main city of ancient Phoenicia
Sayeret Matkal|Israel's elite secret commando unit responsible for counterterrorist and top secret intelligence gathering and hostage rescue missions
Sayers|English writer of detective fiction (1893-1957)
saying|a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
Sayornis|phoebes
say-so|one chap's arbitrary assertion
Sazerac|a cocktail made with bourbon with bitters and Pernod and sugar served with lemon peel
scab|someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike;the crustlike surface of a healing skin lesion
scabbard|a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet
scabicide|a drug that destroys the itch mite that causes scabies
scabies|a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite;characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
scabious|any of various plants of the genus Scabiosa
scablands|(geology) flat elevated land with poor soil and little vegetation that is scarred by dry channels of glacial origin (especially in eastern Washington)
scad|any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae
scaffold|a platform from which criminals are executed (hanged or beheaded);a temporary arrangement erected around a building for convenience of workers
scaffolding|a system of scaffolds
scalability|the quality of being scalable
scalage|estimation of the amount of lumber in a log;the act of scaling in weight or quantity or dimension
scalar|a variable quantity that cannot be resolved into components
scalar field|a field of scalars
scalar matrix|a diagonal matrix in which all of the diagonal elements are equal
scalar product|a real number (a scalar) that is the product of two vectors
scalawag|a white Southerner who supported Reconstruction policies after the American Civil War (usually for self-interest)
scald|a burn cause by hot liquid or steam;the act of burning with steam or hot water
scalded milk|milk heated almost to boiling
scale|(music) a series of notes differing in pitch according to a specific scheme (usually within an octave);a flattened rigid plate forming part of the body covering of many animals;a measuring instrument for weighing;shows amount of mass;a specialized leaf or bract that protects a bud or catkin;a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin;an indicator having a graduated sequence of marks;an ordered reference standard - "judging on a scale of 1 to 10";relative magnitude - "they entertained on a grand scale";the ratio between the size of something and a representation of it - "the scale of the map" - "the scale of the model"
scale factor|a number used as a multiplier in scaling
scale fern|small European fern with chaffy leathery fronds
scale insect|small homopterous insect that usually lives and feeds on plants and secretes a protective waxy covering
scale value|a value on some scale of measurement
scale wax|partly refined paraffin wax
scalene triangle|a triangle with no two sides of equal length
scalenus|any of four pairs of muscles extending from the cervical vertebrae to the second rib;involved in moving the neck and in breathing
scalenus syndrome|discomfort and vascular symptoms and loss of sensation in a shoulder and arm;caused by a scalene muscle compressing the subclavian artery and part of the brachial plexus
scaler|an electronic pulse counter used to count pulses that occur too rapidly to be recorded individually
scaliness|the property of being scaly
scaling|act of measuring or arranging or adjusting according to a scale;ascent by or as if by a ladder;the act of arranging in a graduated series
scaling ladder|a ladder used to scale walls (as in an attack)
scallop|edible marine bivalve having a fluted fan-shaped shell that swim by expelling water from the shell in a series of snapping motions;edible muscle of mollusks having fan-shaped shells;served broiled or poached or in salads or cream sauces;one of a series of rounded projections (or the notches between them) formed by curves along an edge (as the edge of a leaf or piece of cloth or the margin of a shell or a shriveled red blood cell observed in a hypertonic solution etc.)
scallop shell|a shell of a scallop
scallopine|sauteed cutlets (usually veal or poultry) that have been pounded thin and coated with flour
scalp|the skin that covers the top of the head - "they wanted to take his scalp as a trophy"
scalp lock|a long tuft of hair left on top of the shaven head
scalpel|a thin straight surgical knife used in dissection and surgery
scalper|someone who buys something and resells it at a price far above the initial cost - "he got theater tickets through a scalper"
scaly lentinus|a fungus with a scaly cap and white flesh and a ring on the stalk (with scales below the ring);odor reminiscent of licorice
scam|a fraudulent business scheme
scammony|resin from the root of Convolvulus scammonia;tropical American morning glory;twining plant of Asia Minor having cream-colored to purple flowers and long thick roots yielding a cathartic resin
scamper|rushing about hastily in an undignified way
scampi|large shrimp sauteed in oil or butter and garlic
scan|an image produced by scanning - "he analyzed the brain scan" - "you could see the tumor in the CAT scan";the act of scanning;systematic examination of a prescribed region - "he made a thorough scan of the beach with his binoculars"
scandal|a disgraceful event;disgraceful gossip about the private lives of other people
scandalization|the act of scandalizing;the condition of being shocked (as by improper behavior)
scandalmonger|a person who spreads malicious gossip
scandalmongering|spreading malicious gossip
scandalousness|disgracefulness that offends public morality
Scandentia|a small order comprising only the tree shrews;in some classifications tree shrews are considered either primates (and included in the suborder Prosimii) or true insectivores (and included in the order Insectivora)
Scandinavia|a group of culturally related countries in northern Europe;Finland and Iceland are sometimes considered Scandinavian;the peninsula in northern Europe occupied by Norway and Sweden
Scandinavian|an inhabitant of Scandinavia;the northern family of Germanic languages that are spoken in Scandinavia and Iceland
Scandinavian country|any one of the countries occupying Scandinavia
Scandinavian lox|salt-cured Scandinavian salmon
scandium|a white trivalent metallic element;sometimes classified in the rare earth group;occurs in the Scandinavian mineral thortveitite
scanner|a radar dish that rotates or oscillates in order to scan a broad area;a radio receiver that moves automatically across some selected range of frequencies looking for some signal or condition - "they used scanners to monitor police radio channels";an electronic device that generates a digital representation of an image for data input to a computer;someone who scans verse to determine the number and prosodic value of the syllables
scanning|the act of systematically moving a finely focused beam of light or electrons over a surface in order to produce an image of it for analysis or transmission;the process of translating photographs into a digital form that can be recognized by a computer
scansion|analysis of verse into metrical patterns
scantling|an upright in house framing
scape|erect leafless flower stalk growing directly from the ground as in a tulip
scapegoat|someone who is punished for the errors of others
scapegrace|a reckless and unprincipled reprobate
Scaphiopus|New World spadefoot toads
scaphocephaly|congenital malformation of the skull which is long and narrow;frequently accompanied by mental retardation
scaphoid bone|the largest wrist bone on the thumb side
scaphopod|burrowing marine mollusk
Scaphopoda|small class of bilaterally symmetrical marine forms comprising the tooth shells
Scaphosepalum|comprises some tropical American species usually placed in genus Masdevallia;diminutive plants with small flowers carried on one scape
scapula|either of two flat triangular bones one on each side of the shoulder in human beings
scapular|a feather covering the shoulder of a bird;garment consisting of a long wide piece of woolen cloth worn over the shoulders with an opening for the head;part of a monastic habit
scar|a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
scar tissue|the connective tissue that forms a scar;consists of fibroblasts in new scars and collagen fibers in old scars
scarab|scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient Egyptians
scarabaeid beetle|any of numerous species of stout-bodied beetles having heads with horny spikes
Scarabaeidae|scarab or dung beetles
Scaramouch|a stock character in commedia dell'arte depicted as a boastful coward
scarcity|a small and inadequate amount
Scardinius|rudds
scare|a sudden attack of fear
scare quote|the use of quotation marks to indicate that it is not the authors preferred terminology
scarecrow|an effigy in the shape of a man to frighten birds away from seeds
scaremonger|a person who spreads frightening rumors and stirs up trouble
scarf|a garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration
scarf joint|a joint made by notching the ends of two pieces of timber or metal so that they will lock together end-to-end
Scaridae|parrotfishes
scarlet|a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
scarlet bugler|plant with bright red tubular flowers in long narrow clusters near tips of erect stems;coastal ranges from central California southward
scarlet bush|handsome shrub with showy orange to scarlet or crimson flowers;Florida and West Indies to Mexico and Brazil
scarlet clematis|woody vine of Texas having showy solitary nodding scarlet flowers
scarlet fever|an acute communicable disease (usually in children) characterized by fever and a red rash
scarlet fritillary|western United States herb with scarlet and yellow narrow bell-shaped flowers
scarlet haw|common shrub or small tree of the eastern United States having few thorns and white flowers in corymbs followed by bright orange-red berries
scarlet letter|the letter A in red;Puritans required adulterers to wear it
scarlet lychnis|Eurasian garden perennial having scarlet flowers in dense terminal heads
scarlet musk flower|viscid branched perennial of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico having tuberous roots and deep red flowers
scarlet oak|medium-large deciduous tree with a thick trunk found in the eastern United States and southern Canada and having close-grained wood and deeply seven-lobed leaves turning scarlet in autumn
scarlet pimpernel|herb with scarlet or white or purple blossoms that close at approach of rainy weather
scarlet plume|Mexican shrub often cultivated for its scarlet-bracted flowers
scarlet runner|hairy trailing or prostrate western Australian vine with bright scarlet-pink flowers;long bean pods usually sliced into half-inch lengths;a favorite in Britain;tropical American bean with red flowers and mottled black beans similar to Phaseolus vulgaris but perennial;a preferred food bean in Great Britain
scarlet tanager|the male is bright red with black wings and tail
scarlet wisteria tree|a softwood tree with lax racemes of usually red or pink flowers;tropical Australia and Asia;naturalized in southern Florida and West Indies
Scartella|a genus of Blenniidae
scat|singing jazz;the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
scatology|(medicine) the chemical analysis of excrement (for medical diagnosis or for paleontological purposes);a preoccupation with obscenity (especially that dealing with excrement or excretory functions)
scatophagy|the eating of excrement or other filth
scatter|a haphazard distribution in all directions;the act of scattering
scatter pin|small pin usually worn in groups of two or more
scatter rug|a small rug;several can be used in a room
scatterbrain|a flighty and disorganized person
scattering|a light shower that falls in some locations and not others nearby;a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly - "the first scatterings of green";the physical process in which particles are deflected haphazardly as a result of collisions
scaup|diving ducks of North America having a bluish-grey bill
scauper|a graver used to scoop out broad areas when engraving wood or metal
scavenger|a chemical agent that is added to a chemical mixture to counteract the effects of impurities;any animal that feeds on refuse and other decaying organic matter
Sceliphron|mud daubers
Sceloglaux|a genus of Strigidae
Sceloporus|spiny lizards
scenario|a postulated sequence of possible events - "planners developed several scenarios in case of an attack";a setting for a work of art or literature - "the scenario is France during the Reign of Terror";an outline or synopsis of a play (or, by extension, of a literary work)
scenarist|a writer of screenplays
scene|a consecutive series of pictures that constitutes a unit of action in a film;a subdivision of an act of a play - "the first act has three scenes";an incident (real or imaginary) - "their parting was a sad scene";graphic art consisting of the graphic or photographic representation of a visual percept - "he painted scenes from everyday life";the place where some action occurs - "the police returned to the scene of the crime"
scene painter|a painter of theatrical scenery
scenery|the appearance of a place;the painted structures of a stage set that are intended to suggest a particular locale - "they worked all night painting the scenery"
sceneshifter|a stagehand responsible for moving scenery
scene-stealer|an actor who draws more attention than other actors in the same scene - "babies are natural scene-stealers"
scenic artist|an artist specializing in scenic subjects
scenic railway|small railway in an amusement park
scent|an odor left in passing by which a person or animal can be traced
scented fern|sweetly scented African fern with narrow bipinnate fronds
scentless camomile|ubiquitous European annual weed with white flowers and finely divided leaves naturalized and sometimes cultivated in eastern North America;sometimes included in genus Matricaria
scepter|a ceremonial or emblematic staff;the imperial authority symbolized by a scepter
Schadenfreude|delight in another person's misfortune
Schaffneria|one species
Schaffneria nigripes|a fern of the genus Schaffneria
schedule|an ordered list of times at which things are planned to occur
schedule feeding|feeding a baby or animal according to a fixed schedule (e.g., every 4 hours)
scheduled fire|prearranged fire delivered at a predetermined time
scheduled maintenance|maintenance at a regularly scheduled time
scheduler|computer hardware that arranges jobs to be done by the computer in an appropriate order
scheduling|setting an order and time for planned events
Scheele|Swedish chemist (born in Germany) who discovered oxygen before Priestley did (1742-1786)
scheelite|a mineral used as an ore of tungsten
Schefflera|large genus of shrubby and climbing tropical plants having showy digitately compound foliage
Scheldt|a river that rises in France and flows northeast across Belgium and empties into the North Sea
schema|an internal representation of the world;an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
schematic|diagram of an electrical or mechanical system
schematization|providing a chart or outline of a system;the act of reducing to a scheme or formula
scheme|an elaborate and systematic plan of action
schemer|a planner who draws up a personal scheme of action
schemozzle|(Yiddish) a confused situation or affair;a mess
Schenectady|a city of eastern New York on the Mohawk river;it prospered after the opening of the Erie Canal
scherzo|a fast movement (usually in triple time)
Scheuchzeriaceae|a family of monocotyledonous bog herbs of order Naiadales
Schiaparelli|fashion designer born in Italy who was noted for her use of synthetic materials and brilliant colors (1896-1973);Italian astronomer who first noted lines (which he called canals) on the surface of Mars (1835-1910)
Schick test|a skin test for immunity to diphtheria
Schiller|German romantic writer (1759-1805)
schilling|formerly the basic unit of money in Austria
Schinus|genus of evergreen shrubs and trees of tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America and Canary Islands and China
schipperke|breed of small stocky black dogs originally used as watchdogs on boats in the Netherlands and Belgium
schism|division of a group into opposing factions - "another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy";the formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences
schist|any metamorphic rock that can be split into thin layers
Schistosoma|type genus of the family Schistosomatidae;blood flukes
Schistosomatidae|a family of Trematoda
schistosome|flatworms parasitic in the blood vessels of mammals
schistosome dermatitis|a sensitization reaction to repeated invasion of the skin by cercariae of schistosomes
schistosomiasis|an infestation with or a resulting infection caused by a parasite of the genus Schistosoma;common in the tropics and Far East;symptoms depend on the part of the body infected
Schizachyrium|overlaps the genus Andropogon
Schizaea|type genus of the Schizaeaceae cosmopolitan especially in tropics;small leptosporangiate ferns;curly grass fern
Schizaeaceae|small family of mainly tropical ferns
schizocarp|a dry dehiscent fruit that at maturity splits into two or more parts each with a single seed
schizogony|asexual reproduction by multiple fission;characteristic of many sporozoan protozoans
Schizomycetes|a former classification
schizopetalon|a dainty South American annual having deeply pinnatifid leaves and racemes of fringed almond-scented purple-white flowers
Schizophragma|small genus of deciduous climbing and creeping shrubs with white flowers in flat clusters;sometimes placed in family Saxifragaceae
schizophrenia|any of several psychotic disorders characterized by distortions of reality and disturbances of thought and language and withdrawal from social contact
schizophrenic|someone who is afflicted with schizophrenia
Schizophyta|former term for the Cyanophyta
Schizopoda|in former classifications a division of Malacostraca;superseded by the orders Mysidacea and Euphausiacea
Schizosaccharomyces|type and only genus of Schizosaccharomycetaceae;comprises the fission yeasts
Schizosaccharomycetaceae|a family of fungi belonging to order Endomycetales
schizothymia|resembling schizophrenia but remaining within the bounds of normality
schizotypal personality|characterized by symptoms similar to but less severe than schizophrenia
Schleiden|German physiologist and histologist who in 1838 formulated the cell theory (1804-1881)
schlemiel|(Yiddish) a dolt who is a habitual bungler
schlep|a tedious or difficult journey
schlepper|(Yiddish) an awkward and stupid person
Schlesinger|United States historian (1888-1965);United States historian and advisor to President Kennedy (born in 1917)
Schliemann|German archaeologist who discovered nine superimposed city sites of Troy;he also excavated Mycenae (1822-1890)
schlimazel|(Yiddish) a very unlucky or inept person who fails at everything
schlock|merchandise that is shoddy or inferior
schlockmeister|(slang) a merchant who deals in shoddy or inferior merchandise
Schlumbergera|South American epiphytic or lithophytic cacti
schmaltz|(Yiddish) excessive sentimentality in art or music
schmeer|(Yiddish) a batch of things that go together - "he bought the whole schmeer"
Schmidt|German statesman who served as chancellor of Germany (born in 1918)
Schmidt telescope|reflecting telescope that has plate that corrects for aberration so a wide area of sky can be photographed
schmuck|(Yiddish) a jerk
Schnabel|United States composer (born in Austria) and pianist noted for his interpretations of the works of Mozart and Beethoven and Schubert (1882-1951)
schnapps|any of various strong liquors especially a Dutch spirit distilled from potatoes
schnauzer|old German breed of sturdy black or greyish wire-haired terriers having a blunt muzzle ranging in size from fairly small to very large;used as ratters and guard dogs or police dogs
schnitzel|deep-fried breaded veal cutlets
schnook|(Yiddish) a gullible simpleton more to be pitied than despised
schnorrer|(Yiddish) a scrounger who takes advantage of the generosity of others
scholar|a learned person (especially in the humanities);someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines;a student who holds a scholarship
scholarship|financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
Scholastic|a Scholastic philosopher or theologian
scholasticism|orthodoxy of a scholastic variety;the system of philosophy dominant in medieval Europe;based on Aristotle and the Church Fathers
scholiast|a scholar who writes explanatory notes on an author (especially an ancient commentator on a classical author)
scholium|a marginal note written by a scholiast (a commentator on ancient or classical literature)
Schomburgkia|genus of tropical American epiphytic orchids with showy racemose flowers
Schonbein|German chemist who discovered ozone and developed guncotton as a propellant in firearms (1799-1868)
Schonberg|United States composer and musical theorist (born in Austria) who developed atonal composition (1874-1951)
school|a body of creative artists or writers or thinkers linked by a similar style or by similar teachers - "the Venetian school of painting";a building where young people receive education - "the school was built in 1932" - "he walked to school every morning";a large group of fish - "a school of small glittering fish swam by";an educational institution - "the school was founded in 1900";an educational institution's faculty and students - "the school keeps parents informed" - "the whole school turned out for the game";the period of instruction in a school;the time period when school is in session - "stay after school" - "he didn't miss a single day of school" - "when the school day was done we would walk home together";the process of being formally educated at a school - "what will you do when you finish school?"
school assignment|a school task performed by a student to satisfy the teacher
school bell|a bell rung to announce beginning or ending of class
school board|a board in charge of local public schools
school bus|a bus used to transport children to or from school
school crossing|a pedestrian crossing where school children cross a street on the way to school
school day|any day on which school is in session - "go to bed early because tomorrow is a school day"
school district|a district whose public schools are administered together
school newspaper|a newspaper written and published by students in a school
school phobia|a child's sudden fear of attending school
school ship|a ship used to train students as sailors
school superintendent|the superintendent of a school system
school system|establishment including the plant and equipment for providing education from kindergarten through high school
school term|the time during which a school holds classes - "they had to shorten the school term"
school year|the period of time each year when the school is open and people are studying
schoolbag|a bag for carrying school books and supplies - "found just the right dictionary to fit into his schoolbag"
schoolboy|a boy attending school
schoolchild|a young person attending school (up through senior high school)
Schoolcraft|United States geologist and ethnologist and explorer who discovered the source of the Mississippi River (1793-1864)
schooldays|the time of life when you are going to school
schoolfriend|a friend who attends the same school
schoolgirl|a girl attending school
schooling|the act of teaching at school;the training of an animal (especially the training of a horse for dressage)
Schoolman|a scholar in one of the universities of the Middle Ages;versed in scholasticism
schoolmarm|a woman schoolteacher (especially one regarded as strict)
schoolmaster|any person (or institution) who acts as an educator;food fish of warm Caribbean and Atlantic waters
schoolmate|an acquaintance that you go to school with
schoolteacher|a teacher in a school below the college level
schoolyard|the yard associated with a school
schooner|a large beer glass;sailing vessel used in former times
Schopenhauer|German pessimist philosopher (1788-1860)
schorl|black tourmaline
schottische|a German round dance resembling a slow polka;music performed for dancing the schottische
Schreiber's aster|a variety of aster
schrod|flesh of young Atlantic cod weighing up to 2 pounds;also young haddock and pollock;often broiled
Schrodinger|Austrian physicist who discovered the wave equation (1887-1961)
Schrodinger equation|the fundamental equation of wave mechanics
Schubert|Austrian composer known for his compositions for voice and piano (1797-1828)
Schulz|United States cartoonist whose comic strip included the beagle Snoopy (1922-2000)
Schumann|German pianist and composer of piano music;renowned for her interpretation of music, especially the music of her husband Robert Schumann (1819-1896);German romantic composer known for piano music and songs (1810-1856)
Schumann-Heink|United States operatic contralto (1861-1936)
Schumpeter|United States economist (born in Czechoslovakia) (1883-1950)
Schutzstaffel|special police force in Nazi Germany founded as a personal bodyguard for Adolf Hitler in 1925;the SS administered the concentration camps
schwa|a neutral middle vowel;occurs in unstressed syllables
Schwann|German physiologist and histologist who in 1838 and 1839 identified the cell as the basic structure of plant and animal tissue (1810-1882)
Schwann cell|any cell that covers the nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system and forms the myelin sheath
Schweitzer|French philosopher and physician and organist who spent most of his life as a medical missionary in Gabon (1875-1965)
Sciadopityaceae|family comprising a single genus that until recently was considered part of Taxodiaceae
Sciadopitys|type and sole genus of Sciadopityaceae;Japanese umbrella pines
Sciaena|type genus of the Sciaenidae;croakers
sciaenid fish|widely distributed family of carnivorous percoid fishes having a large air bladder used to produce sound
Sciaenidae|warm-water marine fishes including the drums and grunts and croakers and sea trout
Sciaenops|a genus of Sciaenidae
Sciaridae|fungus gnats
sciatic nerve|arises from the sacral plexus and passes about halfway down the thigh where it divides into the common peroneal and tibial nerves
sciatica|neuralgia along the sciatic nerve
science|a particular branch of scientific knowledge - "the science of genetics"
science fiction|literary fantasy involving the imagined impact of science on society
science museum|a museum that collects and displays objects having scientific interest
science teacher|someone who teaches science
scientific fact|an observation that has been confirmed repeatedly and is accepted as true (although its truth is never final)
scientific instrument|an instrument used by scientists
scientific knowledge|knowledge accumulated by systematic study and organized by general principles - "mathematics is the basis for much scientific knowledge"
scientific method|a method of investigation involving observation and theory to test scientific hypotheses
scientific research|research into questions posed by scientific theories and hypotheses
scientific theory|a theory that explains scientific observations
scientist|a person with advanced knowledge of one or more sciences
Scientology|a new religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1955 and characterized by a belief in the power of a person's spirit to clear itself of past painful experiences through self-knowledge and spiritual fulfillment
scilla|an Old World plant of the genus Scilla having narrow basal leaves and pink or blue or white racemose flowers
Scilly Islands|an archipelago of small islands off the southwestern coast of England near the entrance to the English Channel;formerly a haven for smugglers and pirates
scimitar|a curved oriental saber;the edge is on the convex side of the blade
Scincella|a reptile genus of Scincidae
Scincidae|skinks
Scincus|type genus of Scincidae
Scindapsus|evergreen climbers with adhesive adventitious roots;southeastern Asia and Brazil
scintilla|a sparkling glittering particle
scintillating scotoma|a localized area of diminished vision edged by shimmering colored lights;in many people it indicates the onset of migraine
scintillation|(physics) a flash of light that is produced in a phosphor when it absorbs a photon or ionizing particle;a brilliant display of wit;the twinkling of the stars caused when changes in the density of the earth's atmosphere produce uneven refraction of starlight
scintillation counter|counter tube in which light flashes when exposed to ionizing radiation
sciolism|pretentious superficiality of knowledge
scion|a descendent or heir - "a scion of royal stock"
Scipio|Roman general who commanded the invasion of Carthage in the second Punic War and defeated Hannibal at Zama (circa 237-183 BC)
scire facias|a judicial writ based on some record and requiring the party against whom it is brought to show cause why the record should not be enforced or annulled
Scirpus|rhizomatous perennial grasslike herbs
scission|the act of dividing by cutting or splitting
scissors|a gymnastic exercise performed on the pommel horse when the gymnast moves his legs as the blades of scissors move;a wrestling hold in which you wrap your legs around the opponents body or head and put your feet together and squeeze;an edge tool having two crossed pivoting blades
scissors kick|a kick used in the sidestroke;legs are brought together in a scissoring motion
scissortail|grey flycatcher of the southwestern United States and Mexico and Central America having a long forked tail and white breast and salmon and scarlet markings
Sciuridae|a mammal family of true squirrels including;ground squirrels;marmots;chipmunks;flying squirrels;spermophiles
Sciuromorpha|large more or less primitive rodents;squirrels;marmots;gophers;beavers;etc.
Sciurus|type genus of the Sciuridae;typical moderate-sized arboreal squirrels
sclaff|a poor golf stroke in which the club head hits the ground before hitting the ball
sclera|the whitish fibrous membrane (albuginea) that with the cornea forms the outer covering and protection of the eyeball
scleral veins|tributaries of the anterior ciliary veins that drain the sclera of the eye
Scleranthus|small genus of Old World weedy prostrate annuals;knawel
scleredema|a skin disease marked by hard edema of the tissue usually beginning in the face
sclerite|hard plate or element of the exoskeleton of some arthropods
scleritis|inflammation of the sclera
scleroderma|an autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels and connective tissue;fibrous connective tissue is deposited in the skin;genus of poisonous fungi having hard-skinned fruiting bodies;false truffles
Scleroderma bovista|an earthball with a peridium that is firm dry and smooth when young but developing cracks when mature;pale orange-yellow when young and reddish brown at maturity
Scleroderma citrinum|an earthball fungus that is a dingy brownish yellow and a dark purplish interior;the peridium is covered with a pattern of small warts
Scleroderma flavidium|an earthball with a smooth upper surface that is at first buried in sand;the top of the fruiting body opens up to form segments like the ray of an umbel
Sclerodermataceae|a family of fungi or order Sclerodermatales with a single-layered peridium;includes earthballs
Sclerodermatales|an order of fungi having a peridium surrounding a gleba (sometimes placed in subclass Homobasidiomycetes)
sclerometer|a measuring instrument that measures the hardness of materials by penetrating them with a stylus that has a diamond point
Scleropages|a genus of large freshwater fishes of Australia and Borneo
Scleroparei|scorpionfishes;sculpins;gurnards;greenlings;flying gurnards
scleroprotein|a simple protein found in horny and cartilaginous tissues and in the lens of the eye
sclerosis|any pathological hardening or thickening of tissue
sclerotinia|any fungus of the genus Sclerotinia;some causing brown rot diseases in plants
Sclerotiniaceae|a fungus family of order Helotiales
sclerotium|compact usually dark-colored mass of hardened mycelium constituting a vegetative food-storage body in various true fungi;detaches when mature and can give rise to new growth;form genus of sterile imperfect fungi;many form sclerotia;some cause sclerotium disease in plants
sclerotium disease|plant disease cause by fungi of the genus Sclerotium;also one in which sclerotia are formed
sclerotomy|surgical incision of the sclerotic coat of the eye
scoffer|someone who eats food rapidly and greedily;someone who jeers or mocks or treats something with contempt or calls out in derision
scofflaw|one who habitually ignores the law and does not answer court summonses
scoinson arch|an arch that supports part of the wall
scold|someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
scolion|a song (sometimes improvised) sung by guests at a banquet
scoliosis|an abnormal lateral curve to the vertebral column
Scolopacidae|sandpiper family;sandpipers;woodcocks;snipes;tattlers;curlews;godwits;dowitchers
Scolopax|type of the Scolopacidae;Old World woodcocks
scolopendrium|a fern thought to resemble a millipede
Scolymus|small genus of thistlelike herbs of the Mediterranean region
Scolytidae|large family of bark-boring or wood-boring short-beaked beetles;very destructive to forest and fruit trees
Scolytus|type genus of the Scolytidae comprising numerous small bark beetles
Scomber|type genus of the Scombridae
Scomberesocidae|only sauries
Scomberesox|a genus of Scomberesocidae
Scomberomorus|Spanish mackerels
Scomberomorus maculatus|a large commercially important mackerel of the Atlantic coastal waters of North America
Scombridae|marine food fishes;mackerels;chub mackerels;tuna
scombroid|important marine food and game fishes found in all tropical and temperate seas;some are at least partially endothermic and can thrive in colder waters
Scombroidea|mackerels;tunas;albacores;bonitos;swordfishes;sailfishes
sconce|a candle or flaming torch secured in a sconce;a decorative wall bracket for holding candles or other sources of light;a shelter or screen providing protection from enemy fire or from the weather;a small fort or earthwork defending a ford, pass, or castle gate
scone|small biscuit (rich with cream and eggs) cut into diamonds or sticks and baked in an oven or (especially originally) on a griddle
scoop|a hollow concave shape made by removing something;a large ladle - "he used a scoop to serve the ice cream";the quantity a scoop will hold;the shovel or bucket of a dredge or backhoe
scoop shot|a basketball shot made with an underhand scooping motion
scooter|child's two-wheeled vehicle operated by foot
scope|an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control - "within the scope of an investigation"
Scopes|Tennessee highschool teacher who violated a state law by teaching evolution;in a highly publicized trial in 1925 he was prosecuted by William Jennings Bryan and defended by Clarence Darrow (1900-1970)
Scopes trial|a highly publicized trial in 1925 when John Thomas Scopes violated a Tennessee state law by teaching evolution in high school;Scopes was prosecuted by William Jennings Bryan and defended by Clarence Darrow;Scopes was convicted but the verdict was later reversed
Scophthalmus|a genus of Bothidae
scopolamine|an alkaloid with anticholinergic effects that is used as a sedative and to treat nausea and to dilate the pupils in ophthalmic procedures - "transdermal scopolamine is used to treat motion sickness" - "someone sedated with scopolamine has difficulty lying"
Scopolia|genus of European perennial herbs yielding medicinal alkaloids
Scopolia carniolica|herb that is a source of scopolamine
scops owl|any of several small owls having ear tufts and a whistling call
scorch|a discoloration caused by heat;a plant disease that produces a browning or scorched appearance of plant tissues;a surface burn
scorched-earth policy|the target company defends itself by selling off its crown jewels
scorcher|a very hard hit ball;an extremely hot day
score|a number that expresses the accomplishment of a team or an individual in a game or contest - "the score was 7 to 0";a set of twenty members - "a score were sent out but only one returned";a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally);a written form of a musical composition;parts for different instruments appear on separate staves on large pages - "he studied the score of the sonata";an amount due (as at a restaurant or bar) - "add it to my score and I'll settle later";grounds - "he tried to blame the victim but his success on that score was doubtful";the act of scoring in a game or sport - "the winning score came with less than a minute left to play";the facts about an actual situation - "he didn't know the score"
scoreboard|a large board for displaying the score of a contest (and some other information)
scorekeeper|an official who records the score during the progress of a game
scorer|a logger who marks trees to be felled;a player who makes a score in a game or contest
Scorpaena|type genus of the Scorpaenidae;scorpionfishes
scorpaenid|any of numerous carnivorous usually bottom-dwelling warm-water marine fishes found worldwide but most abundant in the Pacific
Scorpaenidae|scorpionfishes;rockfishes;lionfishes
scorpaenoid|fishes having the head armored with bony plates
Scorpaenoidea|mail-cheeked fishes;scorpionfishes;gurnards
Scorpio|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Scorpio;the eighth sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about October 23 to November 21
scorpioid cyme|a cyme with flowers or branches alternating in opposite ranks
scorpion|arachnid of warm dry regions having a long segmented tail ending in a venomous stinger
scorpion fly|any of various mecopterous insects of the family Panorpidae of the northern hemisphere having a long beak and long antennae;males have a tail like that of a scorpion except it is not venomous
scorpion shell|any of numerous tropical marine snails that as adults have the outer lip of the aperture produced into a series of long curved spines
scorpionfish|marine fishes having a tapering body with an armored head and venomous spines
Scorpionida|true scorpions
scorpionweed|any plant of the genus Phacelia
Scorpius|a large zodiacal constellation between Libra and Sagittarius
Scorsese|United States filmmaker (born in 1942)
scorzonera|long black salsify
Scot|a native or inhabitant of Scotland
scot and lot|obligations of all kinds taken as a whole
Scotch|whiskey distilled in Scotland;especially whiskey made from malted barley in a pot still
Scotch and soda|a highball with Scotch malt whiskey and club soda
Scotch asphodel|false asphodel having spikes of white flowers;of mountainous regions of Europe
Scotch broth|a thick soup made from beef or mutton with vegetables and pearl barley
Scotch egg|hard-cooked egg encased in sausage meat then breaded and deep-fried
Scotch kiss|butterscotch candy kiss
Scotch laburnum|an ornamental shrub or tree of the genus Laburnum
Scotch pine|medium large two-needled pine of northern Europe and Asia having flaking red-brown bark
Scotch terrier|old Scottish breed of small long-haired usually black terrier with erect tail and ears
Scotch woodcock|creamy scrambled eggs on toast spread with anchovy paste
scoter|large black diving duck of northern parts of the northern hemisphere
Scotland|one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain;famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts
Scotland Yard|the detective department of the metropolitan police force of London
scotoma|an isolated area of diminished vision within the visual field
Scotswoman|a woman who is a Scot
Scott|award-winning United States film actor (1928-1999);British author of historical novels and ballads (1771-1832);English explorer who reached the South Pole just a month after Amundsen;he and his party died on the return journey (1868-1912);United States general who was a hero of the War of 1812 and who defeated Santa Anna in the Mexican War (1786-1866);United States slave who sued for liberty after living in a non-slave state;caused the Supreme Court to declare the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional (1795?-1858)
Scottish|the dialect of English used in Scotland
Scottish deerhound|very large and tall rough-coated dog bred for hunting deer;known as the royal dog of Scotland
Scottish Gaelic|the Gaelic of Scotland
scour|a place that is scoured (especially by running water)
scourer|someone who cleanses by scouring;someone who travels widely and energetically - "he was a scourer of the seven seas"
scourge|a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)
scouring|moving over territory to search for something - "scouring the entire area revealed nothing"
scouring pad|a small abrasive cleaning pad used for scouring pots and pans
scouring rush|evergreen erect horsetail with rough-edged stems;formerly used for scouring utensils
scours|diarrhea in livestock
Scout|a Boy Scout or Girl Scout;someone employed to discover and recruit talented persons (especially in the worlds of entertainment or sports);someone who can find paths through unexplored territory
scouting|exploring in order to gain information - "scouting in enemy territory is very dangerous"
scouting trip|an expedition undertaken to gain information
scoutmaster|the leader of a troop of Scouts
scow|a barge carrying bulk materials in an open hold;any of various flat-bottomed boats with sloping ends
Scrabble|a board game in which words are formed from letters in patterns similar to a crossword puzzle;each letter has a value and those values are used to score the game
scrag|lean end of the neck;the lean end of a neck of veal
scramble|an unceremonious and disorganized struggle
scrambled eggs|eggs beaten and cooked to a soft firm consistency while stirring
scrambler|a rapid mover;someone who scrambles - "their quarterback was a good scrambler" - "scramblers can often unnerve a better tennis player";electronic equipment that makes speech unintelligible during transmission and restores it at reception
Scranton|an industrial city of northeastern Pennsylvania
scrap|a small piece of something that is left over after the rest has been used - "she jotted it on a scrap of paper" - "there was not a scrap left"
scrap iron|iron to be melted again and reworked
scrap metal|discarded metal suitable for reprocessing - "he finally sold the car for scrap metal"
scrapbook|an album into which clippings or notes or pictures can be pasted
scrape|a deep bow with the foot drawn backwards (indicating excessive humility);a harsh noise made by scraping - "the scrape of violin bows distracted her"
scraper|any of various hand tools for scraping
scrapheap|pile of discarded metal
scrapie|a fatal disease of sheep characterized by chronic itching and loss of muscular control and progressive degeneration of the central nervous system
scraping|(usually plural) a fragment scraped off of something and collected - "they collected blood scrapings for analysis"
scrappiness|the trait of being scrappy and pugnacious
scrapple|scraps of meat (usually pork) boiled with cornmeal and shaped into loaves for slicing and frying
scratch|(golf) a handicap of zero strokes - "a golfer who plays at scratch should be able to achieve par on a course";a competitor who has withdrawn from competition;an indication of damage
scratch pad|pad for preliminary or hasty writing or notes or sketches etc - "scribbling block" is a British term
scratch race|a race in which all contestants start from scratch (on equal terms)
scratch test|a test to determine allergic sensitivity to various substances by applying them to scratches in the skin
scratcher|a device used for scratching;a person who scratches to relieve an itch;a workman who uses a tool for scratching
scratchpad|(computer science) a high-speed internal memory used for temporary storage of preliminary information
scrawler|a writer whose handwriting is careless and hard to read
scrawniness|the property of being stunted and inferior in size or quality - "the scrawniness of sickly trees"
scream|sharp piercing cry - "her screaming attracted the neighbors"
screamer|a sensational newspaper headline;gooselike aquatic bird of South America having a harsh trumpeting call
screech|a high-pitched noise resembling a human cry - "he ducked at the screechings of shells"
screech owl|any owl that has a screeching cry;small North American owl having hornlike tufts of feathers whose call sounds like a quavering whistle
screed|a long monotonous harangue;a long piece of writing;an accurately levelled strip of material placed on a wall or floor as guide for the even application of plaster or concrete
screen|a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something - "a screen of trees afforded privacy";a protective covering consisting of netting;can be mounted in a frame - "they put screens in the windows for protection against insects" - "a metal screen protected the observers";a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing;partition consisting of a decorative frame or panel that serves to divide a space;the display that is electronically created on the surface of the large end of a cathode-ray tube
screen actor|an actor who plays a role in a film
screen door|a door that consists of a frame holding metallic or plastic netting;used to allow ventilation and to keep insects from entering a building through the open door
screen font|the font that is displayed on a computer screen - "when the screen font resembles a printed font a document may look approximately the same on the screen as it will when printed"
screen memory|an imagined memory of a childhood experience;hides another memory of distressing significance
screen pass|a short forward pass in which the receiver is protected by a screen of blockers
screen saver|(computer science) a moving design that appears on a computer screen when there has been no input for a specified period of time - "screen savers prevent the damage that occurs when the same areas of light and dark are displayed too long"
screen test|a filmed audition of an actor or actress
screener|a guard at an airport who checks passengers or their luggage at a security checkpoint
screening|fabric of metal or plastic mesh;testing objects or persons in order to identify those with particular characteristics;the display of a motion picture
screenplay|a script for a film including dialogue and descriptions of characters and sets
screenwriter|someone who writes screenplays
screw|a fastener with a tapered threaded shank and a slotted head;a propeller with several angled blades that rotates to push against water or air;a simple machine of the inclined-plane type consisting of a spirally threaded cylindrical rod that engages with a similarly threaded hole
screw augur|an orchid of the genus Spiranthes having tall erect densely flowered spiraling clusters of creamy white vanilla-scented flowers;widely distributed especially in low damp places of eastern and central North America
screw bean|shrub or small tree of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico having spirally twisted pods;spirally twisted sweet pod of screwbean mesquite that is used for fodder or ground into meal for feed
screw eye|a woodscrew having its shank bent into a ring
screw key|a wrench for turning a screw
screw thread|the raised helical rib going around a screw
screw tree|a tree or shrub of the genus Helicteres
screw wrench|adjustable wrench that has one jaw that can be adjusted by turning a screw
screwball|a pitch with reverse spin that curves toward the side of the plate from which it was thrown
screwballer|(baseball) a pitcher who throws screwballs
screwdriver|a cocktail made with vodka and orange juice;a hand tool for driving screws;has a tip that fits into the head of a screw
screwtop|the top of a container that must be screwed off and on
screwup|the complete mismanagement or mishandling of a situation - "a typical bureaucratic screwup"
Scriabin|Russian composer of orchestral and piano music (1872-1915)
scribble|an aimless drawing;poor handwriting
Scribe|French playwright (1791-1861);informal terms for journalists
scriber|a sharp-pointed awl for marking wood or metal to be cut
scrim|a firm open-weave fabric used for a curtain in the theater
scrimmage|(American football) practice play between a football team's squads
scrimmage line|line parallel to the goal lines where football linesmen line up at the start of each play in American football
scrimshanker|a shirker
scrimshaw|a carving (or engraving) on whalebone, whale ivory, walrus tusk, etc., usually by American whalers
scrip|a certificate whose value is recognized by the payer and payee;scrip is not currency but may be convertible into currency
Scripps|United States newspaper publisher and half-brother of Edward Wyllis Scripps (1835-1908);United States newspaper publisher who founded an important press association;half-brother of James Edmund Scripps (1854-1926)
script|a particular orthography or writing system;a written version of a play or other dramatic composition;used in preparing for a performance
scriptorium|a room in a monastery that is set aside for writing or copying manuscripts
scripture|any writing that is regarded as sacred by a religious group
scriptwriter|someone who writes scripts for plays or movies or broadcast dramas
scrod|young Atlantic cod or haddock especially one split and boned for cooking
scrofula|a form of tuberculosis characterized by swellings of the lymphatic glands
scroll|a document that can be rolled up (as for storage)
Scrophularia|type genus of Scrophulariaceae;named for the plants' supposed ability to cure scrofula;figworts
Scrophulariaceae|a family of dicotyledonous plants of the order Polemoniales;includes figwort and snapdragon and foxglove and toadflax and speedwell and mullein;in some classifications placed in the order Scrophulariales
Scrophulariales|used in some classification systems;often included in the order Polemoniales
scrotal vein|veins passing from the scrotum to the pudendal veins
scrotum|the external pouch that contains the testes
scrub|dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes;the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water
scrub beefwood|tree or tall shrub with shiny leaves and umbels of fragrant creamy-white flowers;yields hard heavy reddish wood
scrub brush|a brush with short stiff bristles for heavy cleaning
scrub nurse|a nurse who helps a surgeon prepare for surgery
scrub oak|any of various chiefly American small shrubby oaks often a dominant form on thin dry soils sometimes forming dense thickets
scrub pine|common small shrubby pine of the eastern United States having straggling often twisted or branches and short needles in bunches of 2
scrub plane|a narrow woodworking plane used to cut away excess stock
scrubber|a purifier that removes impurities from a gas;a worker who uses a scrub brush to clean a surface (usually a floor or deck)
scrubbird|small fast-running Australian bird resembling a wren and frequenting brush or scrub
scrubland|an uncultivated region covered with scrub vegetation
scrum|(rugby) the method of beginning play in which the forwards of each team crouch side by side with locked arms;play starts when the ball is thrown in between them and the two sides compete for possession
scrumpy|strong cider (as made in western England)
scrunch|a crunching noise
scruple|a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains;an ethical or moral principle that inhibits action;uneasiness about the fitness of an action
scrupulousness|conformity to high standards of ethics or excellence
scrutineer|someone who examines votes at an election
scrutinizer|a careful examiner;someone who inspects with great care
scrutiny|a prolonged intense look
scuba diver|an underwater diver who uses scuba gear
scuba diving|skin diving with scuba apparatus
scud|the act of moving along swiftly (as before a gale)
scuff|the act of scuffing (scraping or dragging the feet)
scuffer|a lightweight flexible sandal with a sturdy sole;worn as play shoes by children and as sportswear by adults
scuffle|a hoe that is used by pushing rather than pulling
scull|a long oar that is mounted at the stern of a boat and moved left and right to propel the boat forward;a racing shell that is propelled by sculls;each of a pair of short oars that are used by a single oarsman
sculler|someone who sculls (moves a long oar pivoted on the back of the boat to propel the boat forward)
scullery|a small room (in large old British houses) next to the kitchen;where kitchen utensils are cleaned and kept and other rough household jobs are done
sculling|rowing by a single oarsman in a racing shell
scullion|a kitchen servant employed to do menial tasks (especially washing)
sculpin|any of numerous spiny large-headed usually scaleless scorpaenoid fishes with broad mouths
Sculptor|a faint constellation in the southern hemisphere near Phoenix and Cetus;an artist who creates sculptures
sculptress|a woman sculptor
sculpture|a three-dimensional work of plastic art;creating figures or designs in three dimensions
scum|a film of impurities or vegetation that can form on the surface of a liquid
scumble|the application of very thin coat of color over the surface of a picture
scunner|a strong dislike - "they took a scunner against the United States"
scup|flesh of fish found in colder waters of northern Atlantic coast of the United States;found in Atlantic coastal waters of North America from South Carolina to Maine;esteemed as a panfish;porgy of southern Atlantic coastal waters of North America
scupper|drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard
scuppernong|amber-green muscadine grape of southeastern United States
scurf|(botany) a covering that resembles scales or bran that covers some plant parts
scurrility|foul-mouthed or obscene abuse
scurvy|a condition caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
scurvy grass|a widely distributed Arctic cress reputed to have value in treatment or prevention of scurvy;a concentrated source of vitamin C
scut|a short erect tail
scut work|trivial, unrewarding, tedious, dirty, and disagreeable chores - "the hospital hired him to do scut work"
scute|large bony or horny plate as on an armadillo or turtle or the underside of a snake
Scutellaria|an asterid dicot genus that includes the skullcaps
Scutigera|a genus of Scutigeridae
Scutigerella|garden centipedes
Scutigeridae|a family of Chilopoda
scuttle|container for coal;shaped to permit pouring the coal onto the fire
Scyliorhinidae|small bottom-dwelling sharks
Scylla|(Greek mythology) a sea nymph transformed into a sea monster who lived on one side of a narrow strait;drowned and devoured sailors who tried to escape Charybdis (a whirlpool) on the other side of the strait
Scyphozoa|coelenterates in which the polyp stage is absent or at least inconspicuous;jellyfishes
scyphozoan|any of various usually free-swimming marine coelenterates having a gelatinous medusoid stage as the dominant phase of its life cycle
scyphus|an ancient Greek drinking cup;two handles and footed base
scythe|an edge tool for cutting grass;has a long handle that must be held with both hands and a curved blade that moves parallel to the ground
Scythia|an ancient area of Eurasia extending from the Black Sea to the Aral Sea that was populated by Scythians from the eighth to the fourth century BC
Scythian|a member of the ancient nomadic people inhabiting Scythia;the Iranian language spoken by the ancient Scythians
Scythian lamb|Asiatic tree fern having dense matted hairs sometimes used as a styptic
sea|a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land;turbulent water with swells of considerable size - "heavy seas"
sea anchor|restraint consisting of a canvas covered frame that floats behind a vessel;prevents drifting or maintains the heading into a wind
sea anemone|marine polyps that resemble flowers but have oral rings of tentacles;differ from corals in forming no hard skeleton
sea aster|a common European aster that grows in salt marshes
sea bass|any of various food and sport fishes of the Atlantic coast of the United States having an elongated body and long spiny dorsal fin;the lean flesh of a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae
sea bathing|bathing in the sea or ocean
sea boat|a boat that is seaworthy;that is adapted to the open seas
sea bream|any of numerous marine percoid fishes especially (but not exclusively) of the family Sparidae
sea breeze|a cooling breeze from the sea (during the daytime)
sea catfish|any of numerous marine fishes most of which are mouthbreeders;not used for food
sea change|a profound transformation
sea chest|a sailor's storage chest for personal property
sea chub|schooling fishes mostly of Indian and western Pacific oceans;two species in western Atlantic
sea coal|pulverized bituminous coal;used as a foundry facing
sea cow|any of two families of large herbivorous aquatic mammals with paddle-shaped tails and flipper-like forelimbs and no hind limbs
sea cucumber|echinoderm having a flexible sausage-shaped body, tentacles surrounding the mouth and tube feet;free-living mud feeders
sea dahlia|stout herb with flowers one to a stalk;ornamental developed from a Mexican wildflower
sea duck|any of various large diving ducks found along the seacoast;eider;scoter;merganser
sea eagle|any of various large eagles that usually feed on fish
sea fan|corals having a treelike or fan-shaped horny skeleton
sea feather|corals forming featherlike colonies
sea god|a deity that personifies the sea and is usually believed to live in or to control the sea
sea gooseberry|ctenophore having a rounded body with longitudinal rows of cilia
sea green|the property of a moderate green color resembling the waters of the sea
sea hare|naked marine gastropod having a soft body with reduced internal shell and two pairs of ear-like tentacles
sea holly|European evergreen eryngo with twisted spiny leaves naturalized on United States east coast;roots formerly used as an aphrodisiac
sea island cotton|small bushy tree grown on islands of the Caribbean and off the Atlantic coast of the southern United States;yields cotton with unusually long silky fibers
sea kale|perennial of coastal sands and shingles of northern Europe and Baltic and Black Seas having racemes of small white flowers and large fleshy blue-green leaves often used as potherbs
sea king|a Viking pirate chief
sea ladder|(nautical) ladder to be lowered over a ship's side for coming aboard
sea lamprey|large anadromous lamprey sometimes used as food;destructive of native fish fauna in the Great Lakes
sea lavender|any of various plants of the genus Limonium of temperate salt marshes having spikes of white or mauve flowers
sea lawyer|an argumentative and contentious seaman
sea lettuce|seaweed with edible translucent crinkly green fronds
sea level|level of the ocean's surface (especially that halfway between mean high and low tide);used as a standard in reckoning land elevation or sea depth
sea lily|crinoid with delicate radiating arms and a stalked body attached to a hard surface
sea lion|any of several large eared seals of the northern Pacific related to fur seals but lacking their valuable coat
sea louse|marine isopod crustacean
sea lyme grass|a dune grass of the Pacific seacoast used as a sand binder
sea mile|a former British unit of length once used in navigation;equivalent to 6,000 feet (1828.8 meters)
sea milkwort|a small fleshy herb common along North American seashores and in brackish marshes having pink or white flowers
sea moss|any of various red algae having graceful rose to purple fronds (e.g. dulse or carrageen)
sea mouse|any of several large worms having a broad flattened body with a mat of coarse hairs covering the back
sea nymph|(Greek mythology) a water nymph who was the daughter of Oceanus or Nereus
Sea of Azov|a bay of the Black Sea between Russia and the Ukraine
Sea of Japan|an arm of the Pacific between China and Japan
Sea of Okhotsk|an arm of the Pacific to the east of Asia
sea otter|large marine otter of northern Pacific coasts having very thick dark brown fur
sea pen|fleshy featherlike warm-water colonies
sea power|a nation that possesses formidable naval strength;naval strength
sea raven|large sculpin of western Atlantic;inflates itself when caught
sea robin|American gurnard;mostly found in bays and estuaries
sea room|space for maneuver at sea
sea scallop|a large scallop inhabiting deep waters of the Atlantic coast of North America;muscle of large deep-water scallops
Sea Scout|a Boy Scout enrolled in programs for water activities
sea serpent|huge creature of the sea resembling a snake or dragon
sea slug|any of various marine gastropods of the suborder Nudibranchia having a shell-less and often beautifully colored body
sea snake|any of numerous venomous aquatic viviparous snakes having a fin-like tail;of warm littoral seas;feed on fish which they immobilize with quick-acting venom
sea spider|any of various small spiderlike marine arthropods having small thin bodies and long slender legs
sea spray|spray from ocean waves
sea squill|having dense spikes of small white flowers and yielding a bulb with medicinal properties
sea squirt|ascidian that can contract its body and eject streams of water
sea swallow|common tern of Eurasia and America having white black and grey plumage
sea tangle|any of various kelps especially of the genus Laminaria
sea trout|any of several sciaenid fishes of North American coastal waters;flesh of marine trout that migrate from salt to fresh water;silvery marine variety of brown trout that migrates to fresh water to spawn
sea turtle|any of various large turtles with limbs modified into flippers;widely distributed in warm seas
sea urchin|shallow-water echinoderms having soft bodies enclosed in thin spiny globular shells
sea wormwood|plants of western and northern European coasts
sea wrack|growth of marine vegetation especially of the large forms such as rockweeds and kelp
seabag|a cylindrical drawstring bag used by sailors to hold their clothing and other gear
seabeach sandwort|perennial succulent herb with small solitary axillary or terminal flowers
seabird|a bird that frequents coastal waters and the open ocean;gulls;pelicans;gannets;cormorants;albatrosses;petrels;etc.
Seaborg|United States chemist who was one of the discoverers of plutonium (1912-1999)
seaborgium|a transuranic element
sea-duty|naval service aboard a ship at sea
seafaring|the work of a sailor
seafood|edible fish (broadly including freshwater fish) or shellfish or roe etc
seafood Newburg|seafood in Newburg sauce served on toast or rice
seafront|the waterfront of a seaside town
seagrass|any of various seaweeds that grow underwater in shallow beds - "seagrass provides a protective environment in which young fish can develop"
seahorse|small fish with horse-like heads bent sharply downward and curled tails;swim in upright position
seal|a device incised to make an impression;used to secure a closing or to authenticate documents;a finishing coat applied to exclude moisture;a stamp affixed to a document (as to attest to its authenticity or to seal it) - "the warrant bore the sheriff's seal";any of numerous marine mammals that come on shore to breed;chiefly of cold regions;fastener that provides a tight and perfect closure;the pelt or fur (especially the underfur) of a seal - "a coat of seal"
seal bomb|a small explosive device (resembling a firecracker) that is used underwater in order to frighten mammals away from fishing grounds
seal oil|a pale yellow to red-brown fatty oil obtained from seal blubber;used in making soap and dressing leather and as a lubricant
sealant|a kind of sealing material that is used to form a hard coating on a porous surface (as a coat of paint or varnish used to size a surface)
sealed instrument|a contract that is signed and has the (wax) seal of the signer attached
sealer|an official who affixes a seal to a document
sea-level pressure|the atmospheric pressure reduced by a formula to the pressure at sea level
sealing material|any substance used to seal joints or fill cracks in a porous surface
sealing wax|fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm;used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
sealskin|a garment (as a jacket or coat or robe) made of sealskin
Sealyham|a village in southwestern Wales where the Sealyham terrier was first bred
Sealyham terrier|a wire-haired terrier with short legs that was first bred in Sealyham
seam|a stratum of ore or coal thick enough to be mined with profit;joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces
Seaman|muckraking United States journalist who exposed bad conditions in mental institutions (1867-1922)
seamanship|skill in sailing
seamount|an underwater mountain rising above the ocean floor
Seanad Eireann|the upper house of the parliament of the Irish Republic
seance|a meeting of spiritualists - "the seance was held in the medium's parlor"
seaplane|an airplane that can land on or take off from water
seaport|a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo
seaquake|an earthquake at the sea bed
search|an investigation seeking answers - "a thorough search of the ledgers revealed nothing" - "the outcome justified the search";an operation that determines whether one or more of a set of items has a specified property;boarding and inspecting a ship on the high seas - "right of search";the activity of looking thoroughly in order to find something or someone;the examination of alternative hypotheses - "his search for a move that would avoid checkmate was unsuccessful"
search and destroy mission|an operation developed for United States troops in Vietnam;troops would move through a designated area destroying troops as they found them
search and rescue mission|a rescue mission to search for survivors and to rescue them
search engine|a computer program that retrieves documents or files or data from a database or from a computer network (especially from the internet)
search mission|a mission to discover something
search party|a party of people to search for someone
search warrant|a warrant authorizing law enforcement officials to search for objects or people involved in the commission of a crime and to produce them in court;the warrant describes the locations where the officials may search
searcher|a customs official whose job is to search baggage or goods or vehicles for contraband or dutiable items;large metallic blue-green beetle that preys on caterpillars;found in North America
searching fire|fire distributed in depth by successive changes in the elevation of the gun
searchlight|a light source with reflectors that projects a beam of light in a particular direction
searing iron|a hot iron used to destroy tissue
sea-rocket|salt-tolerant seashore annual grown for its fragrant rose or violet flowers and fleshy grey-green foliage
Sears Tower|a skyscraper built in Chicago in 1974;1454 feet tall
seascape|a painting of the sea (as distinguished from a landscape);a view of the sea
seashell|the shell of a marine organism
seashore|the shore of a sea or ocean
seashore mallow|any of various plants of the genus Kosteletzya predominantly of coastal habitats;grown for their flowers that resemble hibiscus
seasickness|motion sickness experienced while traveling on water
seaside|the shore of a sea or ocean regarded as a resort
seaside alder|shrub or small tree of southeastern United States having soft light brown wood
seaside centaury|a variety of centaury found at the seaside
seaside daisy|slightly succulent perennial with basal leaves and hairy sticky stems each bearing a solitary flower head with narrow pink or lavender rays;coastal bluffs Oregon to southern California
seaside goldenrod|vigorous showy goldenrod common along eastern coast and Gulf Coast of North America
seasnail|any of several creeping marine gastropods with a spirally coiled shell;whelks;tritons;moon shells;neritids
season|a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field - "he celebrated his 10th season with the ballet company" - "she always looked forward to the avocado season";a recurrent time marked by major holidays - "it was the Christmas season";one of the natural periods into which the year is divided by the equinoxes and solstices or atmospheric conditions - "the regular sequence of the seasons"
seasonableness|being at the right time
seasonal adjustment|a statistical adjustment made to accommodate predictable fluctuations as a function of the season of the year - "seasonal adjustments for housing starts must be made in mid-winter"
seasonal worker|a worker who finds employment only in certain seasons
seasoned salt|combination of salt and vegetable extracts and spices and monosodium glutamate
seasoner|a cook who uses seasonings - "the cook is a light seasoner"
seasoning|the act of adding a seasoning to food
seat|a center of authority (as a city from which authority is exercised);a part of a machine that supports or guides another part;a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane) - "he booked their seats in advance";any support where you can sit (especially the part of a chair or bench etc. on which you sit) - "he dusted off the seat before sitting down";furniture that is designed for sitting on - "there were not enough seats for all the guests";the cloth covering for the buttocks - "the seat of his pants was worn through";the legal right to sit as a member in a legislative or similar body - "he was elected to a seat in the Senate";the location (metaphorically speaking) where something is based - "the brain is said to be the seat of reason"
seat belt|a safety belt used in a car or plane to hold you in your seat in case of an accident
seat cushion|a cushion that makes a seat more comfortable
seating|an area that includes places where several people can sit - "there is seating for 40 students in this classroom";the service of ushering people to their seats
seating capacity|the number of people that can be seated in a vehicle or auditorium or stadium etc.
Seattle|a major port of entry and the largest city in Washington;located in west central Washington on the protected waters of Puget Sound with the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Ranier visible to the south and east;an aerospace and computer center;site of the University of Washington
Seattle Slew|thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1977
seaward|the direction toward the sea
seawater|water containing salts
seaway|a lane at sea that is a regularly used route for vessels
seaweed|plant growing in the sea, especially marine algae
seaworthiness|fitness to traverse the seas
sebaceous cyst|a common cyst of the skin;filled with fatty matter (sebum) that is secreted by a sebaceous gland that has been blocked
sebaceous gland|a cutaneous gland that secretes sebum (usually into a hair follicle) for lubricating hair and skin
sebacic acid|a dicarboxylic acid used to make resins
Sebastiana|Mexican spurges
Sebastodes|rockfishes
Sebastopol|a city in southern Ukraine on the Black Sea
seborrhea|a condition in which overactivity of the sebaceous glands causes the skin to become oily
seborrheic dermatitis|a chronic skin disease associated with seborrhea and greasy scales on the scalp or eyelids or other parts of the skin
seborrheic keratosis|a skin condition characterized by circumscribed wartlike lesions that can be itchy and covered with a greasy crust
sebum|the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands;with perspiration it moistens and protects the skin
Secale|cereal grass widely cultivated for its grain;rye
secant|a straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points;ratio of the hypotenuse to the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle
secateurs|small pruning shears with a spring that holds the handles open and a single blade that closes against a flat surface
secession|an Austrian school of art and architecture parallel to the French art nouveau in the 1890s;formal separation from an alliance or federation;the withdrawal of eleven southern states from the Union in 1860 which precipitated the American Civil War
secessionism|a doctrine that maintains the right of secession
secessionist|an advocate of secessionism
seckel|small yellowish- to reddish-brown pear
seclusion|the act of secluding yourself from others
secobarbital sodium|barbiturate that is a white odorless slightly bitter powder (trade name Seconal) used as a sodium salt for sedation and to treat convulsions
second|1/60 of a minute;the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites;a 60th part of a minute of arc - "the treasure is 2 minutes and 45 seconds south of here";a speech seconding a motion - "do I hear a second?";following the first in an ordering or series - "he came in a close second";the official attendant of a contestant in a duel or boxing match
second balcony|rearmost or uppermost area in the balcony containing the least expensive seats
second base|the base that must be touched second by a base runner in baseball;the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near the second of the bases in the infield
second baseman|(baseball) the person who plays second base
second class|not the highest quality in a classification;not the highest rank in a classification
Second Coming|(Christian theology) the reappearance of Jesus as judge for the Last Judgment
second cousin|a child of a first cousin
Second Crusade|a Crusade from 1145 to 1147 that failed because of internal disagreements among the crusaders and led to the loss of Jerusalem in 1187
Second Empire|the imperial government of Napoleon III in France from 1852-1870
Second Epistel of John|the second New Testament epistle traditionally attributed to Saint John the Apostle
Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians|a New Testament book containing the second epistle from Saint Paul to the church at Corinth
Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians|a New Testament book containing Saint Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians
Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy|a New Testament book containing Saint Paul's second epistle to Timothy;contains advice on pastoral matters
Second Epistle of Peter|the second New Testament book traditionally attributed to Saint Peter the Apostle
second estate|the nobility in France and the peerage in Britain
second fiddle|a secondary role or function - "he hated to play second fiddle to anyone";someone who serves in a subordinate capacity or plays a secondary role
second gear|the gear that has the second lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle
second growth|a second growth of trees covering an area where the original stand was destroyed by fire or cutting
second half|the second of two halves of play
second hand|an intermediate person;used in the phrase 'at second hand' - "he could learn at second hand from books";hand marking seconds on a timepiece
second joint|the upper joint of the leg of a fowl
Second Lateran Council|the second council of the Western Church in 1139 which put an end to the dogmatic errors of Arnold of Brescia
second law of motion|the rate of change of momentum is proportional to the imposed force and goes in the direction of the force
second law of thermodynamics|a law stating that mechanical work can be derived from a body only when that body interacts with another at a lower temperature;any spontaneous process results in an increase of entropy
second lieutenant|a commissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marine Corps holding the lowest rank
second moment|the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from the point of origin
second mortgage|a mortgage that is subordinate to a first mortgage
second nature|acquired behavior that is practiced so long it seems innate
second period|the second division into which the play of a game is divided
second person|pronouns and verbs used to refer to the person addressed by the language in which they occur
second reading|the second presentation of a bill in a legislature;to approve its general principles (Britain) or to discuss a committee's report and take a vote (US)
second string|a squad of players that are available either individually or as a team to relieve or replace the players who started the game
second trimester|time period extending from the 13th to the 27th week of gestation
Second Vatican Council|the Vatican Council in 1962-1965 that abandoned the universal Latin liturgy and acknowledged ecumenism and made other reforms
second wind|renewed energy or strength to continue an undertaking - "She had dinner and got a second wind to finish painting" - "the employers, initially taken by surprise at the pace of developments, regained their second wind";the return of relatively easy breathing after initial exhaustion during continuous exertion
secondary|the defensive football players who line up behind the linemen
secondary amenorrhea|cessation of menstruation in a woman who had previously menstruated
secondary censorship|armed forces censorship of the personal communications of officers or civilian employees or enlisted personnel not subject to primary censorship
secondary coil|coil such that current is induced in it by passing a current through the primary coil
secondary dentition|dentition of permanent teeth
secondary diagonal|the diagonal of a square matrix running from the lower left entry to the upper right entry
secondary dysmenorrhea|painful menstruation that is caused by some specific disorder (as endometriosis)
secondary education|education beyond the elementary grades;provided by a high school or college preparatory school
secondary emission|the emission of electrons from a surface that is bombarded by higher energy primary electrons
secondary hypertension|hypertension that is secondary to another disease
secondary modern school|a former British secondary school emphasizing practical rather than academic education
secondary school|a school for students intermediate between elementary school and college;usually grades 9 to 12
secondary sex characteristic|the genetically determined sex characteristics that are not functionally necessary for reproduction (pitch of the voice and body hair and musculature)
secondary syphilis|the second stage;characterized by eruptions of the skin and mucous membrane
second-degree burn|burn causing blisters on the skin and superficial destruction of the dermis
seconder|someone who endorses a motion or petition as a necessary preliminary to a discussion or vote
second-hand speech|overheard conversation (especially overheard cellphone conversation)
second-in-command|someone who relieves a commander
secondment|the detachment of a person from their regular organization for temporary assignment elsewhere
secondo|the second or lower part of a duet (especially a piano duet)
second-place finish|a finish in second place (as in a race)
second-rater|a person of second-rate ability or value - "a team of aging second-raters"
Secotiaceae|a family of fungi that have a stalk and cap and a wrinkled mass of tissue (the gleba) where spores are produced;are often dismissed as misshapen forms of other fungi
Secotiales|an order of fungi belonging to the class Gasteromycetes
secrecy|the trait of keeping things secret
secret|information known only to a special group - "the secret of Cajun cooking";something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on) - "the combination to the safe was a secret" - "he tried to keep his drinking a secret"
secret agent|a person secretly employed in espionage for a government
secret ballot|a vote in which each person's choice is secret but the totaled votes are public
Secret Intelligence Service|the government agency in the United Kingdom that is responsible for internal security and counterintelligence overseas
secret police|a police force that operates in secrecy (usually against persons suspected of treason or sedition)
secret society|a society that conceals its activities from nonmembers
secretarial school|a school where secretarial skills (typing and shorthand and filing etc) are taught
secretariat|an administrative unit responsible for maintaining records and other secretarial duties;especially for international organizations;thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1973
secretary|a desk used for writing;a person who is head of an administrative department of government;an assistant who handles correspondence and clerical work for a boss or an organization
secretary bird|large long-legged African bird of prey that feeds on reptiles
Secretary General|a person who is a chief administrator (as of the United Nations)
Secretary of Agriculture|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Agriculture - "the first Secretary of Agriculture was Norman J. Colman, who was appointed by Cleveland";the position of the head of the Department of Agriculture - "the post of Secretary of Agriculture was established in 1889"
Secretary of Commerce|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Commerce;the position of the head of the Department of Commerce
Secretary of Commerce and Labor|head of a former executive department created in 1903 and divided into two departments in 1913
Secretary of Defense|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Defense Department;the position of the head of the Department of Defense
Secretary of Education|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Education - "Carter appointed Shirley Hufstedler as the first Secretary of Education";the position of the head of the Education Department
Secretary of Energy|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Energy - "the first Secretary of Energy was James R. Schlesinger who was appointed by Carter";the position of the head of the Department of Energy
Secretary of Health and Human Services|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Health and Human Services - "the first Secretary of Health and Human Services was Patricia Roberts Harris who was appointed by Carter";the position of the head of the Department of Health and Human Services - "the post of Secretary of Health and Human Services was created by Congress in 1979"
Secretary of Health Education and Welfare|head of a former executive department created in 1953 and divided into two departments in 1979
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Housing and Urban Development - "the first Secretary of Housing and Urban Development was Robert C. Weaver who was appointed by Johnson";the position of the head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development - "the position of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development was created in 1966"
Secretary of Labor|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Labor;the position of the head of the Department of Labor
Secretary of State|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of State - "the first Secretary of State was Thomas Jefferson";the position of the head of the State Department - "the position of Secretary of State was established in 1789"
Secretary of the Interior|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Interior Department - "President Taylor appointed Thomas Ewing as the first Secretary of the Interior";the position of the head of the Department of the Interior
Secretary of the Navy|head of a former executive department;combined with the War Secretary to form the Defense Secretary in 1947
Secretary of the Treasury|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Treasury Department - "Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury";the position of the head of the Treasury Department
Secretary of Transportation|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Transportation;the position of the head of the Department of Transportation
Secretary of Veterans Affairs|the person who holds the secretaryship of the Department of Veterans Affairs - "Bush appointed Edward J. Derwinski as the first Secretary of Veterans Affairs";the position of the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs - "the post of Secretary of Veterans Affairs was created in 1989"
Secretary of War|head of a former executive department;combined with the Navy Secretary to form the Defense Secretary in 1947
secretaryship|the position of secretary
secretase|a set of enzymes believed to snip pieces off a longer protein producing fragments of amyloid protein that bunch up and create amyloid protein plaques in brain tissue (the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's)
secretin|a gastrointestinal hormone that stimulates the secretion of water and bicarbonate from the pancreas and bile ducts whenever the stomach empties too much acid into the small intestine
secretion|a functionally specialized substance (especially one that is not a waste) released from a gland or cell;the organic process of synthesizing and releasing some substance
secretory phase|the second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation;the corpus luteum secretes progesterone which prepares the endometrium for the implantation of an embryo;if fertilization does not occur then menstrual flow begins
sect|a subdivision of a larger religious group
sectarian|a member of a sect - "most sectarians are intolerant of the views of any other sect"
sectarianism|a narrow-minded adherence to a particular sect or party or denomination - "he condemned religious sectarianism"
section|(geometry) the area created by a plane cutting through a solid;a distinct region or subdivision of a territorial or political area or community or group of people - "no section of the nation is more ardent than the South" - "there are three synagogues in the Jewish section";a division of an orchestra containing all instruments of the same class;a land unit equal to 1 square mile;a segment of a citrus fruit - "he ate a section of the orange";a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical) - "he always turns first to the business section" - "the history of this work is discussed in the next section";a small army unit usually having a special function;a small class of students who are part of a larger course but are taught separately - "a graduate student taught sections for the professor's lecture course";a small team of policemen working as part of a police platoon;a very thin slice (of tissue or mineral or other substance) for examination under a microscope - "sections from the left ventricle showed diseased tissue";one of several parts or pieces that fit with others to constitute a whole object - "a section of a fishing rod" - "metal sections were used below ground"
Section Eight|a discharge from the US Army based on unfitness or character traits deemed undesirable;a soldier who received a Section Eight discharge as unfit for military service
section gang|a work crew assigned to a section of a railroad
section hand|a laborer assigned to a section gang
section man|someone who teaches a section of a large college course
sectional|a piece of furniture made up of sections that can be arranged individually or together
sectionalism|a partiality for some particular place
sector|a particular aspect of life or activity - "he was helpless in an important sector of his life";a plane figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle;a portion of a military position;a social group that forms part of the society or the economy - "the public sector";measuring instrument consisting of two graduated arms hinged at one end;the minimum track length that can be assigned to store information;unless otherwise specified a sector of data consists of 512 bytes
secularism|a doctrine that rejects religion and religious considerations
secularist|an advocate of secularism;someone who believes that religion should be excluded from government and education
secularization|the activity of changing something (art or education or society or morality etc.) so it is no longer under the control or influence of religion;transfer of property from ecclesiastical to civil possession
secundigravida|a woman who is pregnant for the second time
secured bond|a bond that is back by collateral
secureness|the state of freedom from fear or danger
Securities and Exchange Commission|an independent federal agency that oversees the exchange of securities to protect investors
securities law|the body of laws governing the issuance and selling of securities
security|a department responsible for the security of the institution's property and workers - "the head of security was a former policeman";a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment;the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends;a guarantee that an obligation will be met;defense against financial failure;financial independence - "his pension gave him security in his old age";freedom from anxiety or fear - "the watch dog gave her a feeling of security";measures taken as a precaution against theft or espionage or sabotage etc. - "military security has been stepped up since the recent uprising";property that your creditor can claim in case you default on your obligation - "bankers are reluctant to lend without good security";the state of being free from danger or injury - "we support the armed services in the name of national security"
security blanket|a blanket (or toy) that a child carries around in order to reduce anxiety;anything that an adult person uses to reduce anxiety
security consultant|an adviser about alarm systems to prevent burglaries
Security Council|a permanent council of the United Nations;responsible for preserving world peace
security director|head of a private security force working for a business or industry
security force|a privately employed group hired to protect the security of a business or industry
security intelligence|intelligence on the identity and capability and intentions of hostile individuals or organizations that may be engaged in espionage or sabotage or subversion or terrorism
Security Intelligence Review Committee|an agency of the Canadian government that oversees the activities of the Criminal Intelligence Services of Canada and has the power to intrude on the privacy of suspected terrorists or spies
security interest|any interest in a property that secures the payment of an obligation
Security Service|the government agency in the United Kingdom that is responsible for internal security and counterintelligence on British territory
security staff|those in an organization responsible for preventing spying or theft
security system|(computing) a system that enforces boundaries between computer networks;an electrical device that sets off an alarm when someone tries to break in
Sedalia|a town in east central Missouri
sedan|a car that is closed and that has front and rear seats and two or four doors;a closed litter for one passenger
sedateness|a trait of dignified seriousness
sedation|a state of reduced excitement or anxiety that is induced by the administrative of a sedative agent;the administration of a sedative agent or drug
sedative|a drug that reduces excitability and calms a person
sedative-hypnotic|a sedative that depresses activity of the central nervous system and reduces anxiety and induces sleep
Seder|(Judaism) the ceremonial dinner on the first night (or both nights) of Passover
sedge|grasslike or rushlike plant growing in wet places having solid stems, narrow grasslike leaves and spikelets of inconspicuous flowers
sedge warbler|small European warbler that breeds among reeds and wedges and winters in Africa
sedge wren|small American wren inhabiting wet sedgy meadows
sediment|matter that has been deposited by some natural process
sedimentary clay|clay soil formed by sedimentary deposits
sedimentary rock|rock formed from consolidated clay sediments
sedition|an illegal action inciting resistance to lawful authority and tending to cause the disruption or overthrow of the government
Sedna|a planetoid of rock and ice about three-quarters the size of Pluto discovered in 2003;the most distant object known to orbit around the sun
seducer|a bad person who entices others into error or wrongdoing;a man who takes advantage of women
seduction|an act of winning the love or sexual favor of someone;enticing someone astray from right behavior
seductress|a woman who seduces
sedulity|the quality of being constantly diligent and attentive
sedum|any of various plants of the genus Sedum
see|the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
seed|a mature fertilized plant ovule consisting of an embryo and its food source and having a protective coat or testa;a small hard fruit
seed beetle|a small beetle that infests the seeds of legumes
seed catalog|a list advertising seeds and their prices
seed corn|good quality seeds (as kernels of corn) that are reserved for planting
seed fern|an extinct seed-producing fernlike plant of the order Cycadofilicales (or group Pteridospermae)
seed lac|granular material obtained from stick lac by crushing and washing
seed money|capital needed to set up a new business or enterprise
seed oyster|a young oyster especially of a size for transplantation
seed pearl|a small imperfect pearl
seed shrimp|tiny marine and freshwater crustaceans with a shrimp-like body enclosed in a bivalve shell
seed stock|a supply of seeds (or tubers) reserved for planting
seedbed|a bed where seedlings are grown before transplanting
seedcake|a sweet cake flavored with sesame or caraway seeds and lemon
seeded player|one of the outstanding players in a tournament
seeded raisin|seeded grape that has been dried
seeder|a kitchen utensil that removes seeds from fruit;a mechanical device that sows grass seed or grain evenly over the ground;a person who seeds clouds
seedless raisin|dried seedless grape
seedling|young plant or tree grown from a seed
seedsman|a dealer in seeds
seedtime|any time of new development;the time during which seeds should be planted
Seeger|United States folk singer who was largely responsible for the interest in folk music in the 1960s (born in 1919);United States poet killed in World War I (1888-1916)
Seeing Eye dog|(trademark) a guide dog trained to guide a blind person
seek|the movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk
seek time|(computer science) the time it takes for a read/write head to move to a specific data track
seeker|a missile equipped with a device that is attracted toward some kind of emission (heat or light or sound or radio waves);someone making a search or inquiry - "they are seekers after truth"
seeking|an attempt to acquire or gain something
seemliness|a sense of propriety and consideration for others
seepage|the process of seeping
seer|an observer who perceives visually - "an incurable seer of movies"
seersucker|a light puckered fabric (usually striped)
seesaw|a plaything consisting of a board balanced on a fulcrum;the board is ridden up and down by children at either end
Segal|United States sculptor (born in 1924)
segment|one of the parts into which something naturally divides - "a segment of an orange"
segmental arch|a shallow arch;an arch that is less than a semicircle
segno|(music) a notation written at the beginning or end of a passage that is to be repeated
sego lily|perennial plant having clusters of one to four showy white bell-shaped flowers atop erect unbranched stems;edible bulbs useful in times of scarcity;eastern Montana and western North Dakota south to northern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico
Segovia|Spanish guitarist who made classical guitar a concert instrument (1893-1987)
segregate|someone who is or has been segregated
segregation|(genetics) the separation of paired alleles during meiosis so that members of each pair of alleles appear in different gametes;a social system that provides separate facilities for minority groups;the act of segregating or sequestering
segregationism|a political orientation favoring political or racial segregation
segregator|someone who believes the races should be kept apart
segue|the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another
Segway|(trademark) a self-balancing personal transportation device with two wheels;can operate in any level pedestrian environment
sei whale|similar to but smaller than the finback whale
seiche|a wave on the surface of a lake or landlocked bay;caused by atmospheric or seismic disturbances
seidel|a glass for beer
Seidlitz powder|an effervescing salt containing sodium bicarbonate and Rochelle salt and tartaric acid;used as a cathartic
seif dune|a long and tall sand dune with a sharp crest;common in the Sahara
seigneury|the estate of a seigneur
seigniorage|charged by a government for coining bullion
seigniory|the position and authority of a feudal lord
Seine|a French river that flows through the heart of Paris and then northward into the English Channel;a large fishnet that hangs vertically, with floats at the top and weights at the bottom
seismogram|the graphical record of an earth tremor made by using a seismograph
seismograph|a measuring instrument for detecting and measuring the intensity and direction and duration of movements of the ground (as an earthquake)
seismography|the measurement of tremors and shocks and undulatory movements of earthquakes
seismologist|a geophysicist who studies earthquakes and the mechanical characteristics of the Earth
seismology|the branch of geology that studies earthquakes
Seismosaurus|genus of large herbivorous dinosaurs of Cretaceous found in western North America
Seiurus|ovenbirds and water thrushes
seizing|small stuff that is used for lashing two or more ropes together
seizure|a sudden occurrence (or recurrence) of a disease - "he suffered an epileptic seizure";the taking possession of something by legal process
seizure-alert dog|a dog that can alert or assist people with seizure disorders
Sekhet|a lion-headed Egyptian goddess;typifies life-destroying power of the sun
Selaginella|type and sole genus of the Selaginellaceae;evergreen moss-like plants;spike moss and little club moss
Selaginellaceae|lesser club mosses;terrestrial chiefly tropical plants resembling mosses
Selaginellales|in some classifications included in Lycopodiales
Selar|big-eyed scad
select committee|a parliamentary committee appointed for some special purpose
selection|an assortment of things from which a choice can be made - "the store carried a large selection of shoes"
selective amnesia|amnesia about particular events that is very convenient for the person who cannot remember - "why do politicians always develop selective amnesia when questioned about their transgressions?"
Selective Service|an independent federal agency that administers compulsory military service
selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor|an antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin is available to act on receptors in the brain
selectivity|the property of being selective
selectman|an elected member of a board of officials who run New England towns
selector|a switch that is used to select among alternatives
selectwoman|an elected member of a board of officials who run New England towns
Selenarctos|Asiatic black bears;in some classifications not a separate genus from Ursus
Selene|(Greek mythology) goddess of the Moon in ancient mythology;identified with Roman Luna;a genus of Carangidae
selenic acid|a strong acid (H2SeO4) analogous to sulfuric acid
Selenicereus|mostly epiphytic climbing cacti that bloom at night
Selenipedium|genus of tall reedlike tropical American orchids;includes species with pods used locally as a substitute for vanilla
selenium|a toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium;occurs in several allotropic forms;a stable grey metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells;occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite)
selenium cell|a photoelectric cell that uses a strip of selenium
selenology|the branch of astronomy that deals with the moon
Seles|United States tennis player (born in Yugoslavia in 1973)
Seleucus|Macedonian general who accompanied Alexander the Great into Asia;founded a line of kings who reigned in Asia Minor until 65 BC (358-281 BC)
self|a person considered as a unique individual - "one's own self";your consciousness of your own identity
self acceptance|an acceptance of yourself as you are, warts and all
self-absorption|preoccupation with yourself to the exclusion of everything else
self-accusation|an admission that you have failed to do or be something you know you should do or be
self-adapting program|a program that can change its performance in response to its environment
self-aggrandizement|an act undertaken to increase your own power and influence or to draw attention to your own importance
self-analysis|the application of psychotherapeutic principles to the analysis of your own personality
self-assertion|the act of asserting yourself in an aggressive manner;the act of putting forth your own opinions in a boastful or inconsiderate manner that implies you feel superior to others
self-awareness|awareness of your own individuality
self-consciousness|embarrassment deriving from the feeling that others are critically aware of you;self-awareness plus the additional realization that others are similarly aware of you
self-contradiction|contradicting yourself
self-control|the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
self-criticism|criticism of yourself
self-deception|a misconception that is favorable to the person who holds it
self-defense|the act of defending yourself
self-denial|the act of denying yourself;controlling your impulses
self-depreciation|a feeling of being of little worth
self-destruction|the act of destroying yourself - "his insistence was pure self-destruction"
self-determination|determination of one's own fate or course of action without compulsion
self-discipline|the trait of practicing self discipline
self-discovery|discovering your own individuality
self-disgust|shame resulting from strong dislike of yourself or your actions
self-education|the process of educating yourself
self-esteem|a feeling of pride in yourself
self-expression|the expression of one's individuality (usually through creative activities)
self-feeder|a machine that automatically provides a supply of some material
self-fertilization|fertilization by the union of male and female gametes from the same individual
self-flagellation|self-punishment inflicted by whipping
self-fulfillment|the fulfillment of your capacities
self-government|government of a political unit by its own people
self-gratification|the act of satisfying your own desires and giving yourself pleasure
self-heal|decumbent blue-flowered European perennial thought to possess healing properties;naturalized throughout North America
self-help|the act of helping or improving yourself without relying on anyone else
self-hypnosis|hypnosis induced by yourself
self-improvement|the act of improving yourself
self-incrimination|an accusation that incriminates yourself
self-induction|generation of an electromotive force (EMF) in a circuit by changing the current in that circuit;usually measured in henries
self-insurance|insuring yourself by setting aside money to cover possible losses rather than by purchasing an insurance policy
selfish person|a person who is unusually selfish
selfishness|stinginess resulting from a concern for your own welfare and a disregard of others
self-knowledge|an understanding of yourself and your goals and abilities
selflessness|acting with less concern for yourself than for the success of the joint activity
self-love|an exceptional interest in and admiration for yourself - "self-love that shut out everyone else"
self-organization|organizing yourself (especially organizing your own labor union)
self-pity|a feeling of sorrow (often self-indulgent) over your own sufferings
self-pollination|fertilization by transfer of pollen from the anthers to the stigma of the same flower
self-portrait|a portrait of yourself created by yourself
self-preservation|preservation of yourself from harm;a natural or instinctive tendency
self-propelled vehicle|a wheeled vehicle that carries in itself a means of propulsion
self-punishment|punishment inflicted on yourself
self-registering thermometer|a thermometer that records the temperature automatically
self-renewal|the act of renewing yourself (or itself)
self-report personality inventory|a personality inventory in which a person is asked which of a list of traits and characteristics describe her or him or to indicate which behaviors and hypothetical choices he or she would make
self-reproach|the act of blaming yourself
self-restraint|exhibiting restraint imposed on the self
self-rising flour|a commercially prepared mixture of flour and salt and a leavening agent
selfsameness|the quality of being identical with itself
self-service|the practice of serving yourself (as in a grocery or cafeteria)
self-starter|an electric starting motor that automatically starts an internal-combustion engine;an energetic person with unusual initiative
self-stimulation|manual stimulation of your own genital organ for sexual pleasure
self-torture|self-imposed distress
Seljuk|any one of the Turkish dynasties that ruled Asia Minor from the 11th to the 13th centuries;they successfully invaded Byzantium and defended the Holy Land against Crusaders
Selkirk|Scottish sailor who was put ashore on a deserted island off the coast of Chile for five years (providing the basis for Daniel Defoe's novel about Robinson Crusoe) (1676-1721)
Selkirk Mountains|a range of the Rocky Mountains in southeastern British Columbia
Selkup|one of the people of mixed Ostyak and Samoyed origin in Siberia;the Uralic language spoken by the Ostyak-Samoyed
sell|the activity of persuading someone to buy - "it was a hard sell"
sell-by date|a date stamped on perishable produce indicating the date by which it should be sold
seller|someone who promotes or exchanges goods or services for money
Sellers|English comic actor (1925-1980)
seller's market|a market in which more people want to buy than want to sell
selling|the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money
selling agent|someone who sells goods (on commission) for others
selling point|a characteristic of something that is up for sale that makes it attractive to potential customers
selling race|a horse race in which the winning horse must be put up for auction
selloff|a sale of a relatively large number of assets (stocks or bonds or commodities) at a low price typically done to dispose of them rather than as normal trade
sellout|an act of betrayal
Selma|a town in central Alabama on the Alabama river;in 1965 it was the center of a drive to register Black voters
selsyn|a system consisting of a generator and a motor so connected that the motor will assume the same relative position as the generator;the generator and the motor are synchronized
seltzer|naturally effervescent mineral water
selvage|border consisting of an ornamental fringe at either end of an oriental carpet;the edge of a fabric that is woven so that it will not ravel or fray
Selznick|United States filmmaker noted for his film adaptations of popular novels (1902-1965)
semantic error|an error in logic or arithmetic that must be detected at run time
semantic memory|your memory for meanings and general (impersonal) facts
semantic relation|a relation between meanings
semantic role|(linguistics) the underlying relation that a constituent has with the main verb in a clause
semanticist|a specialist in the study of meaning
semantics|the meaning of a word, phrase, sentence, or text - "a petty argument about semantics";the study of language meaning
semaphore|an apparatus for visual signaling with lights or mechanically moving arms
Semarang|a port city is southern Indonesia;located in northern Java
semblance|an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading - "he hoped his claims would have a semblance of authenticity"
semen|the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
semester|half a year;a period of 6 months;one of two divisions of an academic year
semester hour|a unit of academic credit;one hour a week for an academic semester
semi-abstraction|a semiabstract painting
semiautomatic firearm|an autoloader that fires only one shot at each pull of the trigger
semiautomatic pistol|a pistol that is a semiautomatic firearm capable of loading and firing continuously
semicentennial|the 50th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
semicircle|a plane figure with the shape of half a circle
semicircular canal|one of three tube loops filled with fluid and in planes nearly at right angles with one another;concerned with equilibrium
semi-climber|a plant that tends to climb and on occasion can grow like a vine
semicolon|a punctuation mark (';') used to connect independent clauses;indicates a closer relation than does a period
semicoma|a mild comatose state;a coma from which the person can be roused by appropriate stimuli
semiconductor|a substance as germanium or silicon whose electrical conductivity is intermediate between that of a metal and an insulator;its conductivity increases with temperature and in the presence of impurities
semiconductor device|a conductor made with semiconducting material
semidarkness|partial darkness
semidesert|a region much like a desert but usually located between a desert and the surrounding regions
semi-detached house|a dwelling that is attached to something on only one side
semidiameter|the apparent radius of a celestial body when viewed as a disc from the earth
semifinal|one of the two competitions in the next to the last round of an elimination tournament
semifinalist|one of four competitors remaining in a tournament by elimination
semifluidity|a property midway between a solid and a liquid
semigloss|a paint that dries with a finish between glossy and flat
semilunar valve|a heart valve with cusps shaped like half-moons;prevents blood from flowing back into the heart
semimajor axis|one-half the major axis of an ellipse;the distance from the center of an ellipse to one end
semiminor axis|one-half the minor axis of an ellipse
semimonthly|a periodical that is published twice each month (or 24 issues per year)
seminal duct|the efferent duct of the testis in man
seminal vesicle|either of a pair of glands located on either side of the male urinary bladder that open into the vas deferens and that secrete many components of semen during ejaculation
seminar|a course offered for a small group of advanced students;any meeting for an exchange of ideas
seminarian|a student at a seminary (especially a Roman Catholic seminary)
seminary|a private place of education for the young;a theological school for training ministers or priests or rabbis
seminiferous tubule|any of the numerous long convoluted tubules in the testis which are the sites where spermatozoa mature
Seminole|a member of the Muskhogean people who moved into Florida in the 18th century;the Muskhogean language of the Seminole
seminoma|malignant tumor of the testis;usually occurring in older men
semiotics|(philosophy) a philosophical theory of the functions of signs and symbols
semipermeable membrane|a membrane (as a cell membrane) that allows some molecules to pass through but not others
semiprofessional|an athlete who plays for pay on a part-time basis
semi-skimmed milk|milk from which some of the cream has been removed
Semite|a member of a group of Semitic-speaking peoples of the Middle East and northern Africa
Semitic|a major branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family
Semitic deity|a deity worshipped by the ancient Semites
semitone|the musical interval between adjacent keys on a keyboard instrument
semitrailer|a trailer having wheels only in the rear;the front is supported by the towing vehicle
semitrance|a trancelike state in which the person can follow instructions but voluntary action is weak or absent
semivowel|a vowellike sound that serves as a consonant
semiweekly|a periodical that is published twice each week (or 104 issues per year)
semolina|milled product of durum wheat (or other hard wheat) used in pasta
Sempatch|the Swiss Confederation escaped Hapsburg domination by their victory in 1386
sen|a fractional monetary unit of Japan and Indonesia and Cambodia;equal to one hundredth of a yen or rupiah or riel
senate|assembly possessing high legislative powers
senate campaign|a race for election to the senate
senator|a member of a senate
senatorship|the office of senator
sendee|the intended recipient of a message
sender|someone who transmits a message - "return to sender"
sending|the act of causing something to go (especially messages)
sene|100 sene equal 1 tala in Western Samoa
Seneca|a member of the Iroquoian people formerly living in New York State south of Lake Ontario;Roman statesman and philosopher who was an advisor to Nero;his nine extant tragedies are modeled on Greek tragedies (circa 4 BC - 65 AD);the Iroquoian language spoken by the Seneca
Seneca Lake|a glacial lake in central New York;the largest of the Finger Lakes
Seneca snakeroot|eastern North American plant having a terminal cluster of small white flowers and medicinal roots
Senecio|enormous and diverse cosmopolitan genus of trees and shrubs and vines and herbs including many weeds
Senefelder|German printer who invented lithography (1771-1834)
senega|dried root of two plants of the genus Polygala containing an irritating saponin;perennial bushy herb of central and southern United States having white flowers with green centers and often purple crest;similar to Seneca snakeroot
Senegal|a republic in northwestern Africa on the coast of the Atlantic;formerly a French colony but achieved independence in 1960
Senegal gum|gum arabic from the vicinity of the Senegal river
Senegalese|a native or inhabitant of Senegal
Senegalese franc|the basic unit of money in Senegal
Senhor|a Portuguese title of respect;equivalent to English 'Mr'
senile dementia|dementia of the aged;results from degeneration of the brain in the absence of cerebrovascular disease
senility|the state of being senile
senior|an undergraduate student during the year preceding graduation
senior chief petty officer|a senior noncommissioned officer in the Navy or Coast Guard with a rank comparable to master sergeant in the Army
senior class|final grade or class in high school or college
senior high school|a public secondary school usually including grades 9 through 12
senior master sergeant|a senior noncommissioned officer in the Air Force with a rank comparable to master sergeant in the Army
senior moment|a momentary lapse of memory (especially in older people)
senior vice president|the ranking vice president in a firm that has more than one
seniority|higher rank than that of others especially by reason of longer service
seniti|100 seniti equal 1 pa'anga in Tonga
senna|any of various plants of the genus Senna having pinnately compound leaves and showy usually yellow flowers;many are used medicinally
Sennacherib|king of Assyria who invaded Judea twice and defeated Babylon and rebuilt Nineveh after it had been destroyed by Babylonians (died in 681 BC)
Sennenhunde|any of four Swiss breeds
Sennett|United States filmmaker (born in Canada) noted for slapstick movies (1880-1960)
sennit|flat braided cordage that is used on ships
Senor|a Spanish title or form of address for a man;similar to the English 'Mr' or 'sir'
Senora|a Spanish title or form of address for a married woman;similar to the English 'Mrs' or 'madam'
Senorita|a Spanish title or form of address used to or of an unmarried girl or woman;similar to the English 'Miss'
sensation|a general feeling of excitement and heightened interest - "anticipation produced in me a sensation somewhere between hope and fear";a state of widespread public excitement and interest - "the news caused a sensation";an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation - "a sensation of touch"
sensationalism|subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes;the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes - "the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation"
sensationalist|someone who uses exaggerated or lurid material in order to gain public attention
sense|a general conscious awareness - "a sense of security" - "a sense of happiness" - "a sense of danger" - "a sense of self";a natural appreciation or ability - "a keen musical sense" - "a good sense of timing";the faculty through which the external world is apprehended - "in the dark he had to depend on touch and on his senses of smell and hearing";the meaning of a word or expression;the way in which a word or expression or situation can be interpreted - "the dictionary gave several senses for the word" - "in the best sense charity is really a duty"
sense of direction|an awareness of your orientation in space
sense of responsibility|an awareness of your obligations
sense of shame|a motivating awareness of ethical responsibility
sense of the meeting|general agreement reached by an assembled group - "no vote was taken, but after each discussion the chair summed up the sense of the meeting"
sense organ|an organ having nerve endings (in the skin or viscera or eye or ear or nose or mouth) that respond to stimulation
sense tagger|a tagging program whose labels indicate the meanings of words or expressions
sensibility|mental responsiveness and awareness;refined sensitivity to pleasurable or painful impressions - "cruelty offended his sensibility"
sensibleness|the quality of showing good sense or practical judgment
sensing|becoming aware of something via the senses
sensitive fern|beautiful spreading fern of eastern North America and eastern Asia naturalized in western Europe;pinnately divided fronds show a slight tendency to fold when touched;pinnules enclose groups of sori in beadlike lobes
sensitive plant|prostrate or semi-erect subshrub of tropical America, and Australia;heavily armed with recurved thorns and having sensitive soft grey-green leaflets that fold and droop at night or when touched or cooled;semi-climbing prickly evergreen shrub of tropical America having compound leaves sensitive to light and touch
sensitivity|(physiology) responsiveness to external stimuli;the faculty of sensation - "sensitivity to pain";sensitivity to emotional feelings (of self and others);susceptibility to a pathogen;the ability to respond to affective changes in your interpersonal environment;the ability to respond to physical stimuli or to register small physical amounts or differences - "a galvanometer of extreme sensitivity"
sensitization|(psychology) the process of becoming highly sensitive to specific events or situations (especially emotional events or situations);the state of being sensitive (as to an antigen)
sensitizer|(chemistry) a substance other than a catalyst that facilitates the start of a catalytic reaction
sensitizing|rendering an organism sensitive to a serum by a series of injections
sensitometer|a measuring instrument for measuring the light sensitivity of film over a range of exposures
sensorimotor area|an area of the cortex including the precentral gyrus and the postcentral gyrus and combining sensory and motor functions
sensorineural hearing loss|hearing loss due to failure of the auditory nerve
sensorium|the areas of the brain that process and register incoming sensory information and make possible the conscious awareness of the world
sensory activity|activity intended to achieve a particular sensory result
sensory deprivation|a form of psychological torture inflicted by depriving the victim of all sensory input
sensory epilepsy|focal epilepsy initiated by somatosensory phenomena
sensory fiber|a nerve fiber that carries impulses toward the central nervous system
sensory nerve|a nerve that passes impulses from receptors toward or to the central nervous system
sensory neuron|a neuron conducting impulses inwards to the brain or spinal cord
sensory system|the body's system of sense organs
sensualism|(philosophy) the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good
sensualist|a person who enjoys sensuality
sensuality|desire for sensual pleasures
sensuousness|a sensuous feeling
sent|100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
sente|100 lisente equal 1 loti in Lesotho;one sente is worth one-hundredth of a loti
sentence|a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language - "he always spoke in grammatical sentences"
sentence stress|the distribution of stresses within a sentence
sentential function|formal expression containing variables;becomes a sentence when variables are replaced by constants
sentience|the readiness to perceive sensations;elementary or undifferentiated consciousness - "gave sentience to slugs and newts"- Richard Eberhart
sentiment|tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion
sentimentalism|a predilection for sentimentality;the excessive expression of tender feelings, nostalgia, or sadness in any form
sentimentalist|someone who indulges in excessive sentimentality
sentimentality|extravagant or affected feeling or emotion
sentimentalization|the act of indulging in sentiment
sentry box|a small shelter with an open front to protect a sentry from the weather
Seoul|the capital of South Korea and the largest city of Asia;located in northwestern South Korea
sepal|one of the green parts that form the calyx of a flower
separability|the capability of being separated
separate|a garment that can be purchased separately and worn in combinations with other garments
separateness|political independence - "seeking complete political separateness for Taiwan"
separation|coming apart;sorting one thing from others - "the separation of wheat from chaff" - "the separation of mail by postal zones";the act of dividing or disconnecting;the social act of separating or parting company - "the separation of church and state";the space where a division or parting occurs - "he hid in the separation between walls";the state of lacking unity;the termination of employment (by resignation or dismissal)
separationism|advocacy of a policy of strict separation of church and state
separatism|a disposition toward schism and secession from a larger group;the principles and practices of separatists - "separatism is a serious problem in Quebec" - "demands for some form of separatism on grounds of religion have been perceived as a threat to mainstream education"
separatist|an advocate of secession or separation from a larger group (such as an established church or a national union)
Sephardi|a Jew who is of Spanish or Portuguese or North African descent
sepia|rich brown pigment prepared from the ink of cuttlefishes;type genus of the Sepiidae
Sepiidae|true cuttlefishes
sepsis|the presence of pus-forming bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues
septal defect|a congenital abnormality in the septum between the left and right sides of the heart
septation|the division or partitioning of a cavity into parts by a septum
septectomy|surgical removal of all or part of a septum (especially the nasal septum or atrial septum)
September|the month following August and preceding October
September elm|autumn-flowering elm of southeastern United States
septet|a musical composition written for seven performers;a set of seven similar things considered as a unit;seven people considered as a unit;seven performers or singers who perform together
septic tank|large tank where solid matter or sewage is disintegrated by bacteria
septicemic plague|an especially dangerous and generally fatal form of the plague in which infecting organisms invade the bloodstream;does not spread from person to person
septillion|the number that is represented as a one followed by 24 zeros
Septobasidiaceae|a family of fungi belonging to the subdivision Basidiomycota
Septobasidium|type genus of Septobasidiaceae;smooth shelf fungi usually having a well-developed sometimes thick-walled hypobasidium
septuagenarian|someone whose age is in the seventies
Septuagesima|the 3rd Sunday before Lent (or the 9th before Easter)
Septuagint|the oldest Greek version of the Old Testament;said to have been translated from the Hebrew by Jewish scholars at the request of Ptolemy II
septum|(anatomy) a dividing partition between two tissues or cavities;a partition or wall especially in an ovary
sequel|a part added to a book or play that continues and extends it;something that follows something else
sequela|any abnormality following or resulting from a disease or injury or treatment - "paralysis is one of the sequelae of poliomyelitis"
sequella|a secondary consequence
sequence|a following of one thing after another in time - "the doctor saw a sequence of patients";film consisting of a succession of related shots that develop a given subject in a movie;serial arrangement in which things follow in logical order or a recurrent pattern - "the sequence of names was alphabetical" - "he invented a technique to determine the sequence of base pairs in DNA";several repetitions of a melodic phrase in different keys
sequencer|(chemistry) an apparatus that can determine the sequence of monomers in a polymer;computer hardware that sorts data or programs into a predetermined sequence
sequestration|a writ that authorizes the seizure of property;seizing property that belongs to someone else and holding it until profits pay the demand for which it was seized;the action of forming a chelate or other stable compound with an ion or atom or molecule so that it is no longer available for reactions
sequin|adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material used to decorate clothing
sequoia|either of two huge coniferous California trees that reach a height of 300 feet;sometimes placed in the Taxodiaceae
Sequoia National Park|a national park in California that includes Mount Whitney
Sequoiadendron|giant sequoias;sometimes included in the genus Sequoia;until recently placed in the Taxodiaceae
Sequoya|Cherokee who created a notation for writing the Cherokee language (1770-1843)
serape|a long brightly colored shawl;worn mainly by Mexican men
seraph|an angel of the first order;usually portrayed as the winged head of a child
Serbia|a historical region in central and northern Yugoslavia;Serbs settled the region in the 6th and 7th centuries
Serbia and Montenegro|a mountainous republic in southeastern Europe bordering on the Adriatic Sea;formed from two of the six republics that made up Yugoslavia until 1992;Serbia and Montenegro were known as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia until 2003 when they adopted the name of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro
Serbian|a member of a Slavic people who settled in Serbia and neighboring areas in the 6th and 7th centuries
Serbo-Croat|the Slavic language of the Serbs and Croats;the Serbian dialect is usually written in the Cyrillic alphabet and the Croatian dialect is usually written in the Roman alphabet
serenade|a song characteristically played outside the house of a woman
serendipity|good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries
sereness|a withered dryness
Serengeti|a vast plain in Tanzania to the west of the Great Rift Valley known for its wildlife
Serengeti National Park|a national park in Tanzania created in 1951 to protect the wildlife
Serenoa|one species;saw palmetto
Serer|a West African language closely related to Fula;spoken primarily in Senegal and Gambia
serf|(Middle Ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
serfdom|the state of a serf
serge|a twilled woolen fabric
sergeant|any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
sergeant at arms|an officer (as of a legislature or court) who maintains order and executes commands
sergeant major|a noncommissioned officer serving as chief administrative officer of a headquarters unit of the Army;large blue-grey black-striped damselfish;nearly worldwide
serger|a sewing machine that overcasts the raw edges of a fabric with a V-shaped stitch
serial|a serialized set of programs
serial killer|someone who murders more than three victims one at a time in a relatively short interval
serial monogamy|a succession of short monogamous relationships (as by someone who undergoes multiple divorces)
serial operation|the sequential execution of operations one after another
serial port|an interface (commonly used for modems and mice and some printers) that transmits data a bit at a time
serial processing|sequential processing by two or more processing units
serialism|20th century music that uses a definite order of notes as a thematic basis for a musical composition
serialization|publication in serial form
sericea lespedeza|perennial widely planted as for forage and as hay crop especially on poor land
Sericocarpus|small genus of herbs of the eastern United States;white-topped asters
sericulture|raising silkworms in order to obtain raw silk;the production of raw silk by raising silkworms
sericulturist|a producer of raw silk
series|(electronics) connection of components in such a manner that current flows first through one and then through the other - "the voltage divider consisted of a series of fixed resistors";(mathematics) the sum of a finite or infinite sequence of expressions;(sports) several contests played successively by the same teams - "the visiting team swept the series";a group of postage stamps having a common theme or a group of coins or currency selected as a group for study or collection - "the Post Office issued a series commemorating famous American entertainers" - "his coin collection included the complete series of Indian-head pennies";a periodical that appears at scheduled times;similar things placed in order or happening one after another - "they were investigating a series of bank robberies"
series circuit|a circuit having its parts connected serially
serif|a short line at the end of the main strokes of a character
serigraphy|the act of making a print by the silkscreen method
serin|any of various brown and yellow finches of parts of Europe
serine|a sweetish crystalline amino acid involved in the synthesis by the body of cysteine
Serinus|Old World finches;e.g. canaries and serins
seriocomedy|a comedy with serious elements or overtones
Seriola|a genus of Carangidae
seriousness|the quality of arousing fear or distress - "he learned the seriousness of his illness";the trait of being serious - "a lack of solemnity is not necessarily a lack of seriousness"- Robert Rice
Seriphidium|woody plants grown chiefly for their silver or grey and often aromatic foliage;formerly included in the genus Artemisia
Seriphus|a genus of Sciaenidae
serjeant-at-law|an English barrister of the highest rank
Serkin|United States concert pianist (born in Czechoslovakia) (1903-1991)
sermon|a moralistic rebuke;an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
Sermon on the Mount|the first major discourse delivered by Jesus (Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6;20-49)
serologist|a medical scientist who specializes in serology
serology|the branch of medical science that deals with serums;especially with blood serums and disease
serotine|common brown bat of Europe
serotonin|a neurotransmitter involved in e.g. sleep and depression and memory
serous membrane|a thin membrane lining the closed cavities of the body;has two layers with a space between that is filled with serous fluid
serow|short-horned dark-coated goat antelope of mountain areas of southern and southeastern Asia
Serpens|a constellation in the equatorial region of the northern hemisphere near Ophiuchus and Corona Borealis
serpent|a firework that moves in serpentine manner when ignited;an obsolete bass cornet;resembles a snake
Serpentes|snakes
Serra|Spanish missionary who founded Franciscan missions in California (1713-1784)
serranid fish|marine food sport fishes mainly of warm coastal waters
Serranidae|marine fishes;sea basses;sea perches;groupers;jewfish
Serranus|type genus of the Serranidae;mostly small Pacific sea basses
Serrasalmus|piranhas
serrate leaf|a leaf having a margin notched like a saw with teeth pointing toward the apex
serrated wrack|brown algae seaweed with serrated edges
Serratia marcescens|the type species of the genus Serratia;a species found in water and soil and milk and foods and insects;can cause infections of the endocardium and blood and wounds and urinary tract and respiratory tract;has been tested as a bioweapon
serration|a row of notches - "the pliers had serrations to improve the grip";a single notch in a row of notches - "one of the serrations was broken off";the condition of being serrated - "the serrations of a city skyline"
Serratula|genus of Old World perennial herbs with spirally arranged toothed leaves
serratus|any of several muscles of the trunk
serratus posterior inferior|a thin quadrilateral muscle at the junction of the thoracic and lumbar regions;acts to counteract the pull of the diaphragm on the ribs to which it is attached
serratus posterior superior|a thin quadrilateral muscle of the upper and dorsal part of the thorax;acts to elevate the upper ribs
Sertoli cell|elongated cells found in the seminiferous tubules of the testis;apparently they nourish the spermatids
sertraline|a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed as an antidepressant (trade name Zoloft)
Sertularia|sessile hydroid that forms feathery colonies
sertularian|feathery colony of long-branched stems bearing stalkless paired polyps
serum|an amber, watery fluid, rich in proteins, that separates out when blood coagulates
serum albumin|albumin occurring in blood serum;serves to maintain the somatic pressure of the blood
serum globulin|globulins occurring in blood serum and containing most of the antibodies of the blood
serum sickness|a delayed allergic reaction to the injection of an antiserum caused by an antibody reaction to an antigen in the donor serum
serval|slender long-legged African wildcat having large untufted ears and tawny black-spotted coat
servant|a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
servant girl|a girl who is a servant
serve|(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play - "his powerful serves won the game"
server|(computer science) a computer that provides client stations with access to files and printers as shared resources to a computer network;(court games) the player who serves to start a point;utensil used in serving food or drink
service|(law) the acts performed by an English feudal tenant for the benefit of his lord which formed the consideration for the property granted to him;a company or agency that performs a public service;subject to government regulation;an act of help or assistance - "he did them a service";employment in or work for another - "he retired after 30 years of service";tableware consisting of a complete set of articles (silver or dishware) for use at table;the act of delivering a writ or summons upon someone - "he accepted service of the subpoena";the act of public worship following prescribed rules - "the Sunday service";the performance of duties by a waiter or servant - "that restaurant has excellent service";work done by one person or group that benefits another - "budget separately for goods and services";Canadian writer (born in England) who wrote about life in the Yukon Territory (1874-1958)
service agency|a business that makes its facilities available to others for a fee;achieves economy of scale
service area|place on a highway providing garage services and eating and toilet facilities
service book|a book setting forth the forms of church service
service break|a tennis game won on the opponent's service
service call|a trip made by a repairman to visit the location of something in need of service
service charge|a percentage of a bill (as at a hotel or restaurant) added in payment for service
service club|a club of professional or business people organized for their coordination and active in public services;a recreational center for servicemen
service contract|a contract for maintenance services
service cutback|the act of reducing service
service department|the division of a business that provides customer services
service door|an entrance intended for the use of servants or for delivery of goods and removal of refuse
service industry|an industry that provides services rather than tangible objects
service line|the back line bounding each end of a tennis or handball court;when serving the server must not step over this line
service staff|those in a business responsible for maintaining the physical plant
service station|a station where gasoline and oil are sold and facilities are available for repairing or maintaining automobiles
service stripe|an insignia worn to indicate years of service
service tree|medium-sized European tree resembling the rowan but bearing edible fruit
serviceability|the quality of being able to provide good service
serviceman|someone who serves in the armed forces;a member of a military force
services|performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others - "the mayor tried to maintain city services" - "the medical services are excellent"
servicing|the act of mating by male animals - "the bull was worth good money in servicing fees"
serving cart|a handcart for serving food
serving dish|a dish used for serving food
servitor|someone who performs the duties of an attendant for someone else
servitude|state of subjection to an owner or master or forced labor imposed as punishment - "penal servitude"
servo|control system that converts a small mechanical motion into one requiring much greater power;may include a negative feedback system
sesame|East Indian annual erect herb;source of sesame seed or benniseed and sesame oil
sesame oil|oil obtained from sesame seeds
sesame seed|small oval seeds of the sesame plant
sesamoid bone|any of several small round bones formed in a tendon where it passes over a joint
Sesamum|tropical African and Indian herbs
sesbania|any of various plants of the genus Sesbania having pinnate leaves and large showy pea-like flowers
Seseli|a rosid dicot genus that includes moon carrots
Sesotho|the dialect of Sotho spoken by the Basotho;an official language of Lesotho
sesquicentennial|the 150th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
sesquipedalian|a very long word (a foot and a half long)
sesquipedality|using long words
sessile polyp|a relatively flat polyp
session|a meeting devoted to a particular activity - "a filming session" - "a gossip session";a meeting for execution of a group's functions - "it was the opening session of the legislature"
session cookie|a cookie that is stored temporarily and is destroyed when you close the link
Sessions|United States composer who promoted 20th century music (1896-1985)
sestet|a rhythmic group of six lines of verse
set|(mathematics) an abstract collection of numbers or symbols - "the set of prime numbers is infinite";(psychology) being temporarily ready to respond in a particular way - "the subjects' set led them to solve problems the familiar way and to overlook the simpler solution" - "his instructions deliberately gave them the wrong set";a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used - "a set of books" - "a set of golf clubs" - "a set of teeth";a unit of play in tennis or squash - "they played two sets of tennis after dinner";an unofficial association of people or groups - "the smart set goes there";any electronic equipment that receives or transmits radio or tv signals - "the early sets ran on storage batteries";several exercises intended to be done in series - "he did four sets of the incline bench press";the act of putting something in position - "he gave a final set to his hat";the descent of a heavenly body below the horizon - "before the set of sun";evil Egyptian god with the head of a beast that has high square ears and a long snout;brother and murderer of Osiris
set decoration|a decoration used as part of the set of a theatrical or movie production
set gun|a gun that is set to fire on any intruder that comes in contact with the wire that sets it off
set piece|a piece of scenery intended to stand alone as part of the stage setting
set point|(tennis) the final point needed to win a set in tennis
set shot|a two-handed basketball shot from a stationary position
set square|a try square with an adjustable sliding head
set theory|the branch of pure mathematics that deals with the nature and relations of sets
seta|a stiff hair or bristle;stalk of a moss capsule
Setaria|annual or perennial grasses of warm regions;bristlegrasses
set-back|structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly
Sete Quedas|a great waterfall on the border between Brazil and Paraguay
Seth|(Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve;given by God in place of the murdered Abel
Seton|United States religious leader who was the first person born in the United States to be canonized (1774-1821)
Setophaga|a genus of Parulidae
setscrew|a screw (often without a head) that fits into the boss or hub of a wheel or cam etc. and prevents motion of the part relative to the shaft on which it is mounted;a screw that is used to adjust the tension on a spring
settee|a small sofa
setter|a long-haired dog formerly trained to crouch on finding game but now to point
setting|the context and environment in which something is set - "the perfect setting for a ghost story";the physical position of something - "he changed the setting on the thermostat";the state of the environment in which a situation exists - "you can't do that in a university setting"
settle|a long wooden bench with a back
settlement|a conclusive resolution of a matter and disposition of it;an area where a group of families live together;something settled or resolved;the outcome of decision making - "they finally reached a settlement with the union"
settlement house|a center in an underprivileged area that provides community services
settler|a clerk in a betting shop who calculates the winnings;a negotiator who settles disputes;a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country
settling|a gradual sinking to a lower level
settlor|(law) a person who creates a trust by giving real or personal property in trust to a trustee for the benefit of a beneficiary;a person who gives such property is said to settle it on the trustee
set-to|a brief but vigorous fight
Setubal|a port city on the Atlantic coast of Portugal to the southeast of Lisbon
setup|the way something is organized or arranged - "it takes time to learn the setup around here"
Seurat|French painter who developed pointillism (1859-1891)
seven|the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
Seven Hills of Rome|the hills on which the ancient city of Rome was built
seven seas|an informal expression for all of the oceans of the world - "the old salt had sailed the seven seas"
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World|impressive monuments created in the ancient world that were regarded with awe
Seven Years' War|a war of England and Prussia against France and Austria (1756-1763);Britain and Prussia got the better of it
seven-spot|one of four playing cards in a deck with seven pips on the face
seventeen|the cardinal number that is the sum of sixteen and one
seventeenth|position 17 in a countable series of things
seventeen-year locust|North American cicada;appears in great numbers at infrequent intervals because the nymphs take 13 to 17 years to mature
seventh|position seven in a countable series of things;the musical interval between one note and another seven notes away from it
Seventh Avenue|an avenue in Manhattan that runs north and south
seventh chord|a triad with a seventh added
Seventh Crusade|a Crusade initiated in 1248 after the loss of Jerusalem in 1244 and defeated in 1249
Seventh-Day Adventism|Adventism that is strongly Protestant and observes Saturday as the Sabbath
seventies|the decade from 1970 to 1979;the time of life between 70 and 80
seventieth|position 70 in a countable series of things
seventy|the cardinal number that is the product of ten and seven
seventy-eight|a shellac based phonograph record that played at 78 revolutions per minute;the cardinal number that is the sum of seventy and eight
seven-up|a form of all fours in which a total of seven points is game
severable contract|a contract which, in the event of a breach by one of the parties, can be considered as several independent agreements expressed in a single instrument
severalty|exclusive individual ownership
severance|the act of severing
severance agreement|an agreement on the terms on which an employee will leave
severe acute respiratory syndrome|a respiratory disease of unknown etiology that apparently originated in mainland China in 2003;characterized by fever and coughing or difficulty breathing or hypoxia;can be fatal
severe combined immunodeficiency|a congenital disease affecting T cells that can result from a mutation in any one of several different genes;children with it are susceptible to infectious disease;if untreated it is lethal within the first year or two of life
severity|excessive sternness - "severity of character"
Severn|a river in England and Wales flowing into the Bristol Channel;the longest river in Great Britain;a river in Ontario that flows northeast into Hudson Bay
Sevilla|a city in southwestern Spain;a major port and cultural center;the capital of bullfighting in Spain
sewage|waste matter carried away in sewers or drains
sewage disposal|the disposal of sewage
sewage disposal plant|a plant for disposing of sewage
sewage farm|a farm that is irrigated and fertilized with raw sewage
sewage system|facility consisting of a system of sewers for carrying off liquid and solid sewage
Seward|United States politician who as Secretary of State in 1867 arranged for the purchase of Alaska from Russia (known at the time as Seward's Folly) (1801-1872)
Seward Peninsula|a peninsula in western Alaska that projects westward into the Bering Sea just below the Arctic Circle
Seward's Folly|the transaction in 1867 in which the United States Secretary of State William Henry Seward purchased Alaska from Russia
sewer|a waste pipe that carries away sewage or surface water;someone who sews - "a sewer of fine gowns"
sewer gas|foul-smelling gas that forms in sewers
sewer main|a main in a sewage system
sewer rat|brown rat commonly found in sewers
sewing|joining or attaching by stitches;needlework on which you are working with needle and thread - "she put her sewing back in the basket"
sewing basket|a workbasket in which sewing materials can be stored
sewing kit|a kit of articles used in sewing
sewing machine|a textile machine used as a home appliance for sewing
sewing needle|a needle used in sewing to pull thread through cloth
sewing room|a room set aside for sewing
sewing stitch|a stitch made with thread and a threaded sewing needle through fabric or leather
sewing-machine operator|someone who sews by operating a sewing machine
sex|all of the feelings resulting from the urge to gratify sexual impulses - "he wanted a better sex life" - "the film contained no sex or violence";either of the two categories (male or female) into which most organisms are divided - "the war between the sexes";the properties that distinguish organisms on the basis of their reproductive roles - "she didn't want to know the sex of the foetus"
sex appeal|attractiveness to the opposite sex
sex change|a change in a person's physical sexual characteristics (as by surgery and hormone treatments)
sex characteristic|those characteristics (both anatomical and psychological) that are strongly associated with one sex relative to the other
sex chromatin|chromatin found only in female cells - "the presence or absence of sex chromatin in cells obtained by amniocentesis makes it possible to determine the sex of a fetus"
sex chromosome|(genetics) a chromosome that determines the sex of an individual - "mammals normally have two sex chromosomes"
sex drive|a physiological need for sexual activity - "testosterone is responsible for the male sex drive"
sex kitten|a young woman who is thought to have sex appeal
sex linkage|an association between genes in sex chromosomes that makes some characteristics appear more frequently in one sex than in the other
sex manual|a manual containing instruction in sexual techniques;intended to enhance the reader's sexual life
sex object|any person regarded simply as an object of sexual gratification
sex offender|someone who has been convicted of a sex crime
sex symbol|a person (especially a celebrity) who is well-known for their sexual attractiveness
sexagenarian|someone whose age is in the sixties
sexcapade|a sexual escapade;an illicit affair
sex-change operation|surgical procedures and hormonal treatments designed to alter a person's sexual characteristics so that the resemble those of the opposite sex
sexism|discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of the opposite sex
sex-linked disorder|any disease or abnormality that is determined by the sex hormones
sexploitation|the commercial exploitation of sex or sexuality or explicit sexual material - "sexploitation by advertisers is notorious"
sext|the fourth of the seven canonical hours;about noon
sextant|a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects;resembles an octant;a unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees
sextet|a musical composition written for six performers;a set of six similar things considered as a unit;six people considered as a unit;six performers or singers who perform together
sextillion|the number that is represented as a one followed by 21 zeros
sexton|an officer of the church who is in charge of sacred objects;United States poet (1928-1974)
sexual activity|activities associated with sexual intercourse
sexual arousal|the arousal of sexual desires in preparation for sexual behavior
sexual assault|a statutory offense that provides that it is a crime to knowingly cause another person to engage in an unwanted sexual act by force or threat - "most states have replaced the common law definition of rape with statutes defining sexual assault"
sexual attraction|attractiveness on the basis of sexual desire
sexual conquest|a seduction culminating in sexual intercourse
sexual desire|a desire for sexual intimacy
sexual discrimination|discrimination (usually in employment) that excludes one sex (usually women) to the benefit of the other sex
sexual harassment|unwelcome sexual behavior by a supervisor toward an employee
sexual immorality|the evil ascribed to sexual acts that violate social conventions - "sexual immorality is the major reason for last year's record number of abortions"
sexual intercourse|the act of sexual procreation between a man and a woman;the man's penis is inserted into the woman's vagina and excited until orgasm and ejaculation occur
sexual love|sexual activities (often including sexual intercourse) between two people
sexual pleasure|pleasure derived from sexual activities
sexual relationship|a relationship involving sexual intimacy
sexual reproduction|reproduction involving the union or fusion of a male and a female gamete
Seychelles|a group of about 90 islands in the western Indian Ocean to the north of Madagascar;a republic on the Seychelles islands;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1976
Seychelles monetary unit|monetary unit in Seychelles
Seychelles rupee|the basic unit of money in Seychelles;equal to 100 cents
Seychellois|a native or inhabitant of Seychelles
Seyhan|a Turkish river flowing south southwest into the Mediterranean
Seymour|Queen of England as the third wife of Henry VIII and mother of Edward VI (1509-1537)
Sfax|the second largest city in Tunisia;located in eastern Tunisia near a phosphate region
sforzando|(music) a notation written above a note and indicating that it is to be played with a strong initial attack;an accented chord
sgraffito|a ceramic or mural decoration made by scratching off a surface layer to reveal the ground
Sha'ban|the eighth month of the Islamic calendar
shabbiness|a lack of elegance as a consequence of wearing threadbare or dirty clothing
shackle|a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner);a U-shaped bar;the open end can be passed through chain links and closed with a bar
shad|bony flesh of herring-like fish usually caught during their migration to fresh water for spawning;especially of Atlantic coast;herring-like food fishes that migrate from the sea to fresh water to spawn
shad roe|roe of shad;may be parboiled or baked or sauteed gently
shade|a position of relative inferiority - "an achievement that puts everything else in the shade" - "his brother's success left him in the shade";a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color - "after several trials he mixed the shade of pink that she wanted";a representation of the effect of shadows in a picture or drawing (as by shading or darker pigment);protective covering that protects something from direct sunlight - "they used umbrellas as shades" - "as the sun moved he readjusted the shade";relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body - "it is much cooler in the shade"
shade tree|a tree planted or valued chiefly for its shade from sunlight
shades of|something that reminds you of someone or something - "aren't there shades of 1948 here?"
shadiness|of questionable honesty or legality - "they acted with such obvious shadiness that they were instantly recognizable" - "the shadiness of their transactions"
shading|a gradation involving small or imperceptible differences between grades;graded markings that indicate light or shaded areas in a drawing or painting
shadow|a dominating and pervasive presence - "he received little recognition working in the shadow of his father";a premonition of something adverse - "a shadow over his happiness";an inseparable companion - "the poor child was his mother's shadow";refuge from danger or observation - "he felt secure in his father's shadow";shade within clear boundaries
shadow box|a shallow rectangular box with a transparent front used to protect and display small items (jewelry, coins, etc.)
shadow cabinet|a group of senior members of the political party that is out of power;these members would probably assume corresponding positions as ministers in the British Cabinet if their party was elected
shadowboxing|sparring with an imaginary opponent (for exercise or training)
shadowing|the act of following someone secretly
shaft|(architecture) upright consisting of the vertical part of a column;a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer;a long rod or pole (especially the handle of an implement or the body of a weapon like a spear or arrow);a long vertical passage sunk into the earth, as for a mine or tunnel;a vertical passageway through a building (as for an elevator)
shag|a fabric with long coarse nap - "he bought a shag rug";a lively dance step consisting of hopping on each foot in turn;a matted tangle of hair or fiber - "the dog's woolly shag";a strong coarse tobacco that has been shredded
shag rug|a rug with long pile
shagbark|North American hickory having loose grey shaggy bark and edible nuts
shagginess|roughness of nap produced by long woolly hairs;unkemptness of hair
shaggy dog story|a long rambling joke whose humor derives from its pointlessness
shaggymane|common edible mushroom having an elongated shaggy white cap and black spores
Shah|title for the former hereditary monarch of Iran
Shah Jahan|Mogul emperor of India during whose reign the finest monuments of Mogul architecture were built (including the Taj Mahal at Agra) (1592-1666)
shahadah|the first pillar of Islam is an affirmation of faith
Shahaptian|a member of a North American Indian people who lived in Oregon along the Columbia river and its tributaries in Washington and northern Idaho;a Penutian language spoken by the Shahaptian
shaheed|Arabic term for holy martyrs;applied by Palestinians to suicide bombers
Shahn|United States artist whose work reflected social and political themes (1898-1969)
shaitan|(Islam) a rebellious jinni who leads men astray
shakedown|a very thorough search of a person or a place - "a shakedown by the police uncovered the drugs";extortion of money (as by blackmail);initial adjustments to improve the functioning or the efficiency and to bring to a more satisfactory state - "the new industry's economic shakedown"
shakeout|an economic condition that results in the elimination of marginally financed participants in an industry - "they glutted the market in order to cause a shakeout of their competitors"
shaker|a container in which something can be shaken;a person who wields power and influence - "a shaker of traditional beliefs" - "movers and shakers in the business world";a member of Christian group practicing celibacy and communal living and common possession of property and separation from the world
Shakers|a celibate and communistic Christian sect in the United States
Shakespeare|English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
Shakespearean sonnet|a sonnet consisting three quatrains and a concluding couplet in iambic pentameter with the rhyme pattern abab cdcd efef gg
Shakespearian|a Shakespearean scholar
shakiness|the quality of being unstable and insecure - "the shakiness of the present regime"
shaking|a shaky motion - "the shaking of his fingers as he lit his pipe";the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements
Shakti|the female or generative principle;wife of Siva and a benevolent form of Devi
Shaktism|a Hindu sect worshiping Shakti;worship of Shakti as the wife of Shiva
Shaktist|worshipper of Shakti
shale|a sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of successive layers of clay
shale oil|oil extracted from oil shale by heating
shallot|aggregate bulb of the multiplier onion;small mild-flavored onion-like or garlic-like clustered bulbs used for seasoning;type of onion plant producing small clustered mild-flavored bulbs used as seasoning
shallow fording|fording at a shallow place
shallowness|the quality of lacking physical depth - "take into account the shallowness at that end of the pool before you dive"
shallu|sorghum having slender dry stalks and small hard grains;introduced into United States from India
shaman|in societies practicing shamanism;one acting as a medium between the visible and spirit worlds;practices sorcery for healing or divination
shamanism|an animistic religion of northern Asia having the belief that the mediation between the visible and the spirit worlds is effected by shamans;any animistic religion similar to Asian shamanism (especially as practiced by certain Native American tribes)
Shamash|the chief sun god;drives away winter and storms and brightens the earth with greenery;drives away evil and brings justice and compassion
shamble|walking with a slow dragging motion without lifting your feet
shambles|a condition of great disorder
shame|a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt;a state of dishonor - "one mistake brought shame to all his family"
shamefacedness|feeling embarrassed about yourself
shamefulness|unworthiness meriting public disgrace and dishonor
shamelessness|behavior marked by a bold defiance of the proprieties and lack of shame
shampoo|cleansing agent consisting of soaps or detergents used for washing the hair;the act of washing your hair with shampoo
shamrock pea|trailing trifoliate Asiatic and African herb having cobalt blue flowers
shandygaff|a drink made of beer and lemonade
Shang|the imperial dynasty ruling China from about the 18th to the 12th centuries BC
Shanghai|the largest city of China;located in the east on the Pacific;one of the largest ports in the world
shanghaier|a kidnapper who drugs men and takes them for compulsory service aboard a ship
shank|a cut of meat (beef or veal or mutton or lamb) from the upper part of the leg;a poor golf stroke in which the heel of the club hits the ball;cylinder forming a long narrow part of something;cylinder forming the part of a bit by which it is held in the drill;cylinder forming the part of a bolt between the thread and the head;the narrow part of the shoe connecting the heel and the wide part of the sole;the part of the human leg between the knee and the ankle
Shankar|Indian sitar player who popularized classical Indian music in the West (born in 1920)
shank's mare|you own legs - "I traveled on shank's mare"
Shannon|United States electrical engineer who pioneered mathematical communication theory (1916-2001)
shanny|European scaleless blenny
shantung|a heavy silk fabric with a rough surface (or a cotton imitation)
shantytown|a city district inhabited by people living in huts and shanties
shape|a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept;any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline) - "he could barely make out their shapes";the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance - "geometry is the mathematical science of shape"
shape constancy|the tendency to perceive the shape of a rigid object as constant despite differences in the viewing angle (and consequent differences in the shape of the pattern projected on the retina of the eye)
shapelessness|an amorphous or indefinite shape;the quality of lacking an esthetically pleasing shape
shaper|a machine tool for shaping metal or wood
shape-up|a way of hiring longshoremen by the day;applicants gather around a union boss who selects those to be hired
shaping|any process serving to define the shape of something
shaping tool|a tool for shaping metal
Shapley|United States astronomer (1885-1972)
shard|a broken piece of a brittle artifact
share|any of the equal portions into which the capital stock of a corporation is divided and ownership of which is evidenced by a stock certificate - "he bought 100 shares of IBM at the market price";assets belonging to or due to or contributed by an individual person or group - "he wanted his share in cash"
sharecropper|small farmers and tenants
shareholding|a holding in the form of shares of corporations
shareware|software that is available free of charge;may be distributed for evaluation with a fee requested for additional features or a manual etc.
Shari|an African river that flows northwest into Lake Chad
shariah|the code of law derived from the Koran and from the teachings and example of Mohammed
sharing|a distribution in shares;having in common - "the sharing of electrons creates molecules";using or enjoying something jointly with others
shark|a person who is ruthless and greedy and dishonest;a person who is unusually skilled in certain ways - "a card shark";any of numerous elongate mostly marine carnivorous fishes with heterocercal caudal fins and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales
shark oil|a fatty yellow to brown oil obtained from the livers of sharks;used for dressing leather and as a source of vitamin A
shark repellent|a measure undertaken by a corporation to discourage unwanted takeover attempts
sharkskin|a smooth crisp fabric
sharksucker|remoras found attached to sharks
sharp|a long thin sewing needle with a sharp point;a musical notation indicating one half step higher than the note named
sharp tongue|a bitter or critical manner of speaking
sharpener|any implement that is used to make something (an edge or a point) sharper - "a knife sharpener"
Sharpie|a pen with indelible ink that will write on any surface;a shallow-draft sailboat with a sharp prow, flat bottom, and triangular sail;formerly used along the northern Atlantic coast of the United States
sharpness|the quality of being keenly and painfully felt - "the sharpness of her loss";thinness of edge or fineness of point
sharpshooter|a fast schooner once used by New England fisherman for illegal fishing in Canadian waters;an athlete noted for accurate aim
sharptail mola|caudal fin has a central projection
sharp-tailed grouse|large grouse of prairies and open forests of western North America
Shasta|a member of the Indian people of northern California and southern Oregon;a volcanic mountain peak in the Cascade Range in northern California (14,162 feet high);the Shastan language spoken by the Shasta
shasta daisy|hybrid garden flower derived from Chrysanthemum maximum and Chrysanthemum lacustre having large white flower heads resembling oxeye daisies;often placed in the genus Chrysanthemum
Shasta salamander|primarily a cave dweller in the Mount Shasta area
Shastan|a group of languages of the Hokan family in California
shave|the act of removing hair with a razor
shaver|a razor powered by an electric motor;an adult male who shaves
Shavian|an admirer of G. B. Shaw or his works
shaving brush|a brush used to apply lather prior to shaving
shaving cream|toiletry consisting of a preparation of soap and fatty acids that forms a rich lather for softening the beard before shaving
shaving foam|toiletry consisting of a liquid preparation containing many small bubbles that soften the beard before shaving
shaving-brush tree|tree of Mexico to Guatemala having densely hairy flowers with long narrow petals clustered at ends of branches before leaves appear
Shavous|(Judaism) Jewish holy day celebrated on the sixth of Sivan to celebrate Moses receiving the Ten Commandments
Shaw|British playwright (born in Ireland);founder of the Fabian Society (1856-1950);United States clarinetist and leader of a swing band (1910-2004);United States humorist who wrote about rural life (1818-1885);United States physician and suffragist (1847-1919)
shawl|cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders
shawm|a medieval oboe
Shawn|United States dancer and choreographer who collaborated with Ruth Saint Denis (1891-1972)
Shawnee|a member of the Algonquian people formerly living along the Tennessee river;the Algonquian language spoken by the Shawnee
Shawnee cake|form of johnnycake
Shawwal|the tenth month of the Islamic calendar
shear|(physics) a deformation of an object in which parallel planes remain parallel but are shifted in a direction parallel to themselves - "the shear changed the quadrilateral into a parallelogram";a large edge tool that cuts sheet metal by passing a blade through it
shearer|a skilled worker who shears the wool off of sheep or other animals;a workman who uses shears to cut leather or metal or textiles;Scottish ballet dancer and actress (born in 1926)
shearing|removing by cutting off or clipping
shears|large scissors with strong blades
shearwater|long-winged oceanic bird that in flight skims close to the waves
sheath|a protective covering (as for a knife or sword);an enveloping structure or covering enclosing an animal or plant organ or part
sheathing|protective covering consisting, for example, of a layer of boards applied to the studs and joists of a building to strengthen it and serve as a foundation for a weatherproof exterior
shebang|an entire system;used in the phrase 'the whole shebang'
Shebat|the fifth month of the civil year;the eleventh month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in January and February)
shebeen|unlicensed drinking establishment
shed|an outbuilding with a single story;used for shelter or storage
shedder|an attacker who sheds or spills blood
shedding|the process whereby something is shed
she-devil|a cruel woman
sheep|a docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision - "his students followed him like sheep";a timid defenseless simpleton who is readily preyed upon;woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat
sheep bell|a bell hung round the neck of a sheep so that the sheep can be easily located
sheep botfly|larvae are parasitic on sheep
sheep dip|a liquid mixture containing pesticides in which sheep are dipped to kill parasites
sheep fescue|cultivated for sheep pasturage in upland regions or used as a lawn grass
sheep frog|mostly of Central America
sheep ked|wingless fly that is an external parasite on sheep and cattle
sheep laurel|North American dwarf shrub resembling mountain laurel but having narrower leaves and small red flowers;poisonous to young stock
sheep plant|perennial prostrate mat-forming herb with hoary woolly foliage
sheep sorrel|small plant having pleasantly acid-tasting arrow-shaped leaves;common in dry places
sheepherder|a herder of sheep (on an open range);someone who keeps the sheep together in a flock
sheepman|a man who raises (or tends) sheep
sheepshank|a knot for shortening a line
sheepshead|large (up to 20 lbs) food fish of the eastern coast of the United States and Mexico
sheepshead porgy|from Florida and Bahamas to Brazil
sheepshearing|a festival held at the time sheep are normally sheared;act of shearing sheep;the time or season when sheep are sheared
sheepskin|tanned skin of a sheep with the fleece left on;used for clothing
sheepskin coat|a coat made of sheepskin
sheep-tick|parasitic on sheep and cattle as well as humans;can transmit looping ill in sheep (acute viral disease of the nervous system);a vector for Lyme disease spirochete
sheepwalk|farm devoted to raising sheep
sheet|(nautical) a line (rope or chain) that regulates the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind;a flat artifact that is thin relative to its length and width;any broad thin expanse or surface - "a sheet of ice";bed linen consisting of a large rectangular piece of cotton or linen cloth;used in pairs;paper used for writing or printing
sheet anchor|spare anchor for use in emergency
sheet bend|a hitch used for temporarily tying a rope to the middle of another rope (or to an eye)
sheet iron|plate iron thinner than tank iron
sheet lighting|lightning that appears as a broad sheet;due to reflections of more distant lightning and to diffusion by the clouds
sheet metal|sheet of metal formed into a thin plate
sheet music|a musical composition in printed or written form
sheet pile|a pile in a row of piles driven side by side to retain earth or prevent seepage
sheet web|an irregular spider web woven in a single plane and looking like flattened hammocks
sheeting|fabric from which bed sheets are made
sheet-metal work|the craft of doing sheet metal work (as in ventilation systems)
Sheetrock|a kind of plasterboard
Sheffield|a steel manufacturing city in northern England famous for its cutlery industry
shegetz|an offensive term for non-Jewish young man
sheik|the leader of an Arab village or family
sheika|the wife of a sheik
sheikdom|the domain ruled by a sheik
shekel|the basic unit of money in Israel
sheldrake|Old World gooselike duck slightly larger than a mallard with variegated mostly black-and-white plumage and a red bill
shelduck|female sheldrake
shelf|a support that consists of a horizontal surface for holding objects
shelf bracket|a bracket to support a shelf
shelf ice|ice that is attached to land but projects out to sea
shelf life|the length of time a packaged food or drug will last without deteriorating
shelfful|the amount that a shelf will hold - "he bought a shelfful of books"
shell|a rigid covering that envelops an object - "the satellite is covered with a smooth shell of ice";a very light narrow racing boat;ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile;fired from a large gun;the exterior covering of a bird's egg;the hard largely calcareous covering of a mollusc or a brachiopod;the hard usually fibrous outer layer of some fruits especially nuts;the housing or outer covering of something;the material that forms the hard outer covering of many animals
shell bean|a bean plant grown primarily for its edible seed rather than its pod;unripe beans removed from the pod before cooking
shell corporation|a company that is incorporated but has no assets or operations
shell game|a swindling sleight-of-hand game;victim guesses which of three things a pellet is under
shell plating|the plates covering the frame of a steel ship and corresponding to the planking of a wooden ship
shell stitch|a crochet stitch
shellac|a thin varnish made by dissolving lac in ethanol;used to finish wood;lac purified by heating and filtering;usually in thin orange or yellow flakes but sometimes bleached white
shellac wax|a hard wax separated from shellac by its insolubility in alcohol
sheller|a worker who removes shells (as of peas or oysters)
Shelley|English writer who created Frankenstein's monster and married Percy Bysshe Shelley (1797-1851);Englishman and romantic poet (1792-1822)
shellfire|shooting artillery shells
shellfish|meat of edible aquatic invertebrate with a shell (especially a mollusk or crustacean)
shellflower|cultivated for its shining oblong leaves and arching clusters of white flowers with pink shading and crinkled yellow lips with variegated magenta stripes;showy perennial of marshlands of eastern and central North America having waxy lanceolate leaves and flower with lower part creamy white and upper parts pale pink to deep purple
shelter|a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger;protective covering that provides protection from the weather;temporary housing for homeless or displaced persons
sheltered workshop|a workshop that offers jobs to members of the physically or developmentally disabled population
shelver|a worker who puts things (as books) on shelves
Shem|(Old Testament) eldest son of Noah
Shema|a liturgical prayer (considered to be the essence of Jewish religion) that is recited at least twice daily by adult Jewish males to declare their faith - "as soon as Leonard learned to talk he was taught to recite the first words of the Shema, the creed of Judaism which originated on Sinai with Moses and is recited daily"
Shenandoah National Park|a national park in Virginia for the Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah River|a river of northern Virginia that empties into the Potomac at Harpers Ferry
Shenandoah Valley|a large valley between the Allegheny Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia;site of numerous battles during the American Civil War
Shen-pao|a member of the Taoist Trinity;identified with Lao-tse
Shenyang|a city in northeastern China
she-oak|any of several Australian trees of the genus Casuarina
Shepard|astronaut who made the first United States' suborbital rocket-powered flight in 1961 (1923-1998);United States author of surrealistic allegorical plays (born in 1943)
shepherd|a clergyman who watches over a group of people
shepherd dog|any of various usually long-haired breeds of dog reared to herd and guard sheep
shepherdess|a woman shepherd
shepherd's pie|pie of hash covered with mashed potatoes and browned in the oven
shepherd's purse|white-flowered annual European herb bearing triangular notched pods;nearly cosmopolitan as an introduced weed
Sheraton|a furniture style that originated in England around 1800;simple in design with straight lines and classical ornamentation
sherbert|a frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice and sugar, but also containing milk or egg-white or gelatin
Sheridan|Irish playwright remembered for his satirical comedies of manners (1751-1816)
sheriff|the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
sheriff's sale|a sale of property by the sheriff under authority of a court's writ of execution in order satisfy an unpaid obligation
Sherlock Holmes|a fictitious detective in stories by A. Conan Doyle
Sherman|a peak in the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado (14,036 feet high);a town in northeastern Texas near the Oklahoma border;American Revolutionary leader and signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution (1721-1793);United States general who was commander of all Union troops in the West;he captured Atlanta and led a destructive march to the sea that cut the Confederacy in two (1820-1891)
Sherpa|a member of the Himalayan people living in Nepal and Tibet who are famous for their skill as mountaineers
Sherrington|English physiologist who conducted research on reflex action (1857-1952)
sherry|dry to sweet amber wine from the Jerez region of southern Spain or similar wines produced elsewhere;usually drunk as an aperitif
Sherwood|United States playwright (1896-1955)
Sherwood Forest|an ancient forest in central England;formerly a royal hunting ground;said to be the home of Robin Hood and his merry band
Shetland|an archipelago of about 100 islands in the North Atlantic off the north coast of Scotland
Shetland pony|breed of very small pony with long shaggy mane and tail
Shetland sheepdog|a small sheepdog resembling a collie that was developed in the Shetland Islands
Shetland wool|a wool obtained from sheep of the Shetland islands
Shevchenko|Ukranian poet (1814-1861)
Shiah|one of the two main branches of orthodox Islam;mainly in Iran
shibboleth|a manner of speaking that is distinctive of a particular group of people
shield|a protective covering or structure;armor carried on the arm to intercept blows
shield fern|any of various ferns of the genera Dryopteris or Polystichum or Lastreopsis having somewhat shield-shaped coverings on the sori
shielding|a shield of lead or concrete intended as a barrier to radiation emitted in nuclear decay;shield consisting of an arrangement of metal mesh or plates designed to protect electronic equipment from ambient electromagnetic interference;the act of shielding from harm
shift|a crew of workers who work for a specific period of time;an event in which something is displaced without rotation;the act of moving from one place to another - "his constant shifting disrupted the class";the time period during which you are at work
shift key|the key on the typewriter keyboard that shifts from lower-case letters to upper-case letters
shift register|(computer science) register in which all bits can be shifted one or more positions to the left or to the right
shiftiness|the quality of being changeable in direction - "the shiftiness of the wind caused the boat to veer unpredictably"
shiftlessness|a failure to be active as a consequence of lack of initiative or ambition
shiga bacillus|a bacillus that causes dysentery
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
Shih-Tzu|a Chinese breed of small dog similar to a Pekingese
Shiism|the branch of Islam that regards Ali as the legitimate successor to Mohammed and rejects the first three caliphs
shiitake|edible east Asian mushroom having a golden or dark brown to blackish cap and an inedible stipe
Shiite|a member of the branch of Islam that regards Ali as the legitimate successor to Mohammed and rejects the first three caliphs
Shikoku|the smallest of the four main islands of Japan;to the south of Honshu and to the east of Kyushu;separated from Honshu by the Inland Sea;forested and mountainous
shiksa|a derogatory term used by Jews to refer to non-Jewish women
shill|a decoy who acts as an enthusiastic customer in order to stimulate the participation of others
shillelagh|a cudgel made of hardwood (usually oak or blackthorn)
shilling|an English coin worth one twentieth of a pound
Shiloh|the second great battle of the American Civil War (1862);the battle ended with the withdrawal of Confederate troops but it was not a Union victory
shim|a thin wedge of material (wood or metal or stone) for driving into crevices
Shimchath Torah|(Judaism) a Jewish holy day celebrated on the 22nd or 23rd of Tishri to celebrate the completion of the annual cycle of readings of the Torah
shimmer|a weak and tremulous light - "the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers"
shimmy|an abnormal wobble in a motor vehicle (especially in the front wheels) - "he could feel the shimmy in the steering wheel";lively dancing (usually to ragtime music) with much shaking of the shoulders and hips
shin|a cut of meat from the lower part of the leg;the 22nd letter of the Hebrew alphabet;the front part of the human leg between the knee and the ankle
Shin Bet|the Israeli domestic counterintelligence and internal security agency - "the Shin Bet also handles overall security for Israel's national airline"
shin guard|a stiff protective garment worn by hockey players or a catcher in baseball to protect the shins
shin splints|painful inflammation of the muscles around the shins;frequent among runners
Shina|a Dardic language spoken in northern Kashmir
shindig|a large and noisy party of people
shiner|a swollen bruise caused by a blow to the eye;any of numerous small silvery North American cyprinid fishes especially of the genus Notropis;something that shines (with emitted or reflected light)
shingle|a small signboard outside the office of a lawyer or doctor, e.g.;building material used as siding or roofing;coarse beach gravel of small waterworn stones and pebbles (or a stretch of shore covered with such gravel)
shingle oak|small deciduous tree of eastern and central United States having leaves that shine like laurel;wood is used in western states for shingles
shingle tree|East Indian timber tree with hard durable wood used especially for tea boxes
shingler|a worker who shingles roofs
shingling|(geology) sediment in which flat pebbles are uniformly tilted in the same direction;the laying on of shingles - "shingling is a craft very different from carpentry"
Shingon|a form of Buddhism emphasizing mystical symbolism of mantras and mudras and the Buddha's ideal which is inexpressible
shininess|the visual property of something that shines with reflected light
shining|the work of making something smooth and shiny by rubbing or waxing it - "the shining of shoes provided a meager living"
shining clubmoss|a variety of club moss
Shining Path|a terrorist group formed in Peru in the late 1960s as a splinter group from the communist party of Peru;is among the most ruthless guerilla organizations in the world;seeks to destroy Peruvian institutions and replace them with a Maoist peasant regime;is involved in the cocaine trade - "Shining Path has been responsible for 30,000 deaths"
shining willow|common North American shrub with shiny lanceolate leaves
shinny|a simple version of hockey played by children on the streets (or on ice or on a field) using a ball or can as the puck
shinplaster|paper money of little value issued on insufficient security
Shinto|the ancient indigenous religion of Japan lacking formal dogma;characterized by a veneration of nature spirits and of ancestors;the native religion and former ethnic cult of Japan
Shintoist|a believer in Shintoism
ship|a vessel that carries passengers or freight
ship broker|an agent for the ship owner;obtains cargo and may arrange for its loading or discharge
ship canal|a canal large enough for seagoing vessels
ship chandler|a dealer in equipment and supplies for ships
ship money|an impost levied in England to provide money for ships for national defense
shipboard system|a system designed to work as a coherent entity on board a naval ship
ship-breaker|a contractor who buys old ships and breaks them up for scrap
shipbuilder|a business that builds and repairs ships;a person who builds ships as a business
shipbuilding|the construction of ships
shipbuilding industry|an industry that builds ships
shipmate|an associate on the same ship with you
shipowner|someone who owns a ship or a share in a ship
shipper|a company in the business of shipping freight;someone who ships goods
shipping|conveyance provided by the ships belonging to one country or industry
shipping agent|the agent of a shipowner
shipping clerk|an employee who ships and receives goods
shipping company|a company that provides shipping services
shipping fever|a deadly form of septicemia in cattle and sheep;involves high fever and pneumonia;contracted under conditions of exposure or exhaustion (as often happens when the animals are shipped to market)
shipping office|the office of a shipping agent;an office where seamen are hired
shipping room|a room where goods are packaged and shipped
ship's chandler|a dealer in sails and ropes and other supplies for sailing ships
ship's company|crew of a ship including the officers;the whole force or personnel of a ship
ship's papers|official papers which a ship is legally required to have;related to ownership, cargo, etc.
shipside|the part of a wharf that is next to a ship
ship-towed long-range acoustic detection system|a shipboard system consisting of an acoustic detection system that is towed behind the ship
shipworm|wormlike marine bivalve that bores into wooden piers and ships by means of drill-like shells
shipwreck|a wrecked ship (or a part of one);an accident that destroys a ship at sea;an irretrievable loss - "that was the shipwreck of their romance"
shipwright|a carpenter who helps build and launch wooden vessels
shipyard|a workplace where ships are built or repaired
Shiraz|a city in central southwestern Iran;ruins of ancient Persepolis are nearby
shire|a former administrative district of England;equivalent to a county;British breed of large heavy draft horse
Shirer|United States broadcast journalist who was in Berlin at the outbreak of World War II (1904-1993)
shirking|the evasion of work or duty
Shirodkar's operation|a surgical procedure in which a suture is used to close the cervix in a pregnant woman;is performed when the cervix has failed to retain previous pregnancies
shirred egg|egg cooked individually in cream or butter in a small ramekin
shirring|baking shelled eggs
shirt|a garment worn on the upper half of the body
shirt button|a button on a shirt
shirtdress|a dress that is tailored like a shirt and has buttons all the way down the front
shirtfront|the front of a shirt (usually the part not covered by a jacket) - "he had spilled catsup on his shirtfront"
shirting|any of various fabrics used to make men's shirts
shirtmaker|a maker of shirts
shirtsleeve|the sleeve of a shirt
shirtsleeves|not wearing a jacket - "in your shirtsleeves" means you are not wearing anything over your shirt - "in hot weather they dined in their shirtsleeves"
shirttail|a brief addendum at the end of a newspaper article;fabric forming the tail of a shirt
shirtwaist|a blouse with buttons down the front - "in Britain they call a shirtwaist a shirtwaister"
shit|a coarse term for defecation - "he took a shit"
shittah|source of a wood mentioned frequently in the Bible;probably a species of genus Acacia
shittimwood|wood of the shittah tree used to make the ark of the Hebrew Tabernacle
shiv|a knife used as a weapon
shiva|(Judaism) a period of seven days of mourning after the death of close relative - "the family is sitting shiva"
Shivaism|a Hindu sect worshiping Shiva;worship of Shiva one of the 3 chief gods of the Hindu pantheon
Shivaist|worshipper of Shiva
shivaree|a noisy mock serenade (made by banging pans and kettles) to a newly married couple
shmegegge|(Yiddish) baloney;hot air;nonsense
shmooze|(Yiddish) a warm heart-to-heart talk
shoal|a sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide;a stretch of shallow water
shock|(pathology) bodily collapse or near collapse caused by inadequate oxygen delivery to the cells;characterized by reduced cardiac output and rapid heartbeat and circulatory insufficiency and pallor - "loss of blood is an important cause of shock";a bushy thick mass (especially hair) - "he had an unruly shock of black hair";a pile of sheaves of grain set on end in a field to dry;stalks of Indian corn set up in a field - "corn is bound in small sheaves and several sheaves are set up together in shocks" - "whole fields of wheat in shock";an instance of agitation of the earth's crust - "the first shock of the earthquake came shortly after noon while workers were at lunch";an unpleasant or disappointing surprise - "it came as a shock to learn that he was injured";the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat - "the armies met in the shock of battle"
shock absorber|a mechanical damper;absorbs energy of sudden impulses
shock therapy|treatment of certain psychotic states by the administration of shocks that are followed by convulsions
shock troops|soldiers who are specially trained and armed to lead an assault
shock wave|a region of high pressure travelling through a gas at a high velocity - "the explosion created a shock wave"
shocker|a sensational message (in a film or play or novel);a shockingly bad person
Shockley|United States physicist (born in England) who contributed to the development of the electronic transistor (1910-1989)
shoddiness|the quality of being cheaply imitative of something better
shoddy|reclaimed wool fiber
shoe|(card games) a case from which playing cards are dealt one at a time;footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
shoe bomb|an explosive device concealed inside the heel and sole of a shoe
shoe industry|an industry that manufactures and sells shoes
shoe leather|leather used to make shoes
shoe polish|a substance used to produce a shiny protective surface on footwear
shoe shop|a shop where shoes are sold
shoebill|large stork-like bird of the valley of the White Nile with a broad bill suggesting a wooden shoe
shoebox|a structure resembling a shoebox (as a rectangular building or a cramped room or compartment);an oblong rectangular (usually cardboard) box designed to hold a pair of shoes
shoeful|the amount that a shoe will hold - "he emptied out a shoeful of water"
shoehorn|a device used for easing the foot into a shoe
shoelace|a lace used for fastening shoes
shoemaking|the shoemaker's trade
shoeshine|a shiny finish put on shoes with polish and buffing - "his trousers had a sharp crease and you could see your reflection in his shoeshine";the act of shining shoes - "he charged a dollar for a shoeshine"
shoestring|a small amount of money - "he managed it on a shoestring"
shoestring catch|(baseball) a running catch made near the ground
shoestring fungus|any of several fungi of the genus Armillaria that form brown stringy rhizomorphs and cause destructive rot of the roots of some trees such as apples or maples
shoetree|a wooden or metal device that is inserted into a shoe to preserve its shape when it is not being worn
shofar|an ancient musical horn made from the horn of a ram;used in ancient times by the Israelites to sound a warning or a summons;used in synagogues today on solemn occasions
shogi|a form of chess played on a board of 81 squares;each player has 20 pieces
shogun|a hereditary military dictator of Japan;the shoguns ruled Japan until the revolution of 1867-68
shoji|a translucent screen made of a wooden frame covered with rice paper
Shona|a Bantu language spoken in Zimbabwe;a member of a Bantu tribe living in present-day Zimbabwe
shoofly|a child's rocking chair with the seat built between two flat sides that are shaped to resemble an animal (such as a swan or duck);an undercover police officer who investigates other policemen
shoofly pie|open pie filled with a mixture of sweet crumbs and molasses
shook|a disassembled barrel;the parts packed for storage or shipment
shoot|a new branch;the act of shooting at targets - "they hold a shoot every weekend during the summer"
shoot-down|murder by shooting someone down in cold blood
shoot-'em-up|a movie featuring shooting and violence
shooter|(sports) a player who drives or kicks a ball at the goal (or a basketball player who shoots at the basket);a gambler who throws dice in the game of craps
shooting|killing someone by gunfire - "when the shooting stopped there were three dead bodies";the act of firing a projectile - "his shooting was slow but accurate"
shooting brake|another name for a station wagon
shooting gallery|a building (usually abandoned) where drug addicts buy and use heroin;an enclosed firing range with targets for rifle or handgun practice
shooting lodge|a small country house used by hunters during the shooting season
shooting preserve|a preserve on which hunting is permitted during certain months of the year
shooting script|the final detailed script for making a movie or TV program
shooting stick|device that resembles a spiked walking stick but the top opens into a seat
shop|a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services - "he bought it at a shop on Cape Cod"
shop bell|a bell attached to the door of a small shop;warns the proprietor that a customer has entered the shop
shop boy|a young male shop assistant
shop class|a course of instruction in a trade (as carpentry or electricity)
shop floor|workplace consisting of the part of a factory housing the machines - "the productive work is done on the shop floor"
shop girl|a young female shop assistant
shop steward|a union member who is elected to represent fellow workers in negotiating with management
shop talk|talk about your business that only others in the same business can understand
shopaholic|a compulsive shopper - "shopaholics can never resist a bargain"
shopfront|the front side of a store facing the street;usually contains display windows
shopkeeper|a merchant who owns or manages a shop
shoplifting|the act of stealing goods that are on display in a store - "shrinkage is the retail trade's euphemism for shoplifting"
shopper|a commercial agent who shops at the competitor's store in order to compare their prices and merchandise with those of the store that employs her;someone who visits stores in search of articles to buy
shopping|searching for or buying goods or services - "went shopping for a reliable plumber" - "does her shopping at the mall rather than down town";the commodities purchased from stores - "she loaded her shopping into the car"women carrying home shopping didn't give me a second glance"
shopping bag|a bag made of plastic or strong paper (often with handles);used to transport goods after shopping
shopping basket|a handbasket used to carry goods while shopping
shopping cart|a handcart that holds groceries or other goods while shopping
shopping list|a list of items to be purchased
shore|a beam or timber that is propped against a structure to provide support;the land along the edge of a body of water
shore boulder|a boulder found on a shore remote from its place of origin
shore duty|naval service at land bases
shore leave|leave granted to a sailor or naval officer
shore patrol|the military police of the navy
shore pine|shrubby two-needled pine of coastal northwestern United States;red to yellow-brown bark fissured into small squares
Shorea|genus of Indonesian and Malaysian timber trees rich in resin
shorebird|any of numerous wading birds that frequent mostly seashores and estuaries
shoreline|a boundary line between land and water
shoring|the act of propping up with shores
short|the location on a baseball field where the shortstop is stationed
short account|a brokerage account of someone who sells short (sells securities he does not own);the aggregate of short sales on an open market
short bone|a bone that is of approximately equal dimension in all directions
short circuit|accidental contact between two points in an electric circuit that have a potential difference
short covering|the purchase of securities or commodities by a short seller to close out a short sale
short division|the operation of division in which the sequence of steps is performed without writing them out
short gastric artery|several small arteries branching off of the splenic artery and going to the greater curvature of the stomach
short iron|an iron with a short shaft and pitched face;for hitting short high shots
short line|a transportation system that operates over relatively short distances
short list|a list of applicants winnowed from a longer list who have been deemed suitable and from which the successful person will be chosen
short order|an order for food that can be prepared quickly
short pants|trousers that end at or above the knee
short ribs|cut of beef containing rib ends near the sternum
short sale|sale of securities or commodity futures not owned by the seller (who hopes to buy them back later at a lower price)
short saphenous vein|a vein running from the foot up the back of the leg to the knee
short shrift|a brief and unsympathetic rejection - "they made short shrift of my request"
short sleeve|a sleeve extending from the shoulder to the elbow
short story|a prose narrative shorter than a novel
short subject|a brief film;often shown prior to showing the feature
short ton|a United States unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
short wave|a radio wave with a wavelength less than 100 meters (a frequency greater than 3 megahertz)
shortbread|very rich thick butter cookie
shortcake|very short biscuit dough baked as individual biscuits or a round loaf;served with sweetened fruit and usually whipped cream
shortcut|a route shorter than the usual one
shortener|any agent that shortens - "alcohol is a great shortener of life"
shortening|act of decreasing in length - "the dress needs shortening";fat such as butter or lard used in baked goods
shortfin mako|very swift active bluish shark found worldwide in warm waters;important game fish
shortgrass|any of various grasses that are short and can tolerate drought conditions;common on the dry upland plains just east of the Rocky Mountains
shorthand|a method of writing rapidly
short-horned grasshopper|grasshopper with short antennae
shortia|any plant of the genus Shortia;evergreen perennial herbs with smooth leathery basal leaves and showy white solitary flowers
shortleaf pine|large pine of southern United States having short needles in bunches of 2-3 and red-brown bark when mature
shortness|the condition of being short of something - "there was no shortness of money" - "can cause shortness of breath";the property of being of short spatial extent - "the shortness of the Channel crossing";the property of being of short temporal extent - "the shortness of air travel time";the property of being shorter than average stature;the property of being truncated or short
shortness of breath|a dyspneic condition
Short's aster|perennial of southeastern United States having usually blue flowers
short-spurred fragrant orchid|similar to Gymnadenia conopsea but with smaller flowers on shorter stems and having much shorter spurs
short-staple cotton|cotton with relatively short fibers
shortstop|(baseball) the person who plays the shortstop position;the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed between second and third base
short-tailed shrew|North American shrew with tail less than half its body length
short-term memory|what you can repeat immediately after perceiving it
shortwave diathermy machine|a diathermy machine that uses short wave radiation as the source of heat
Shoshone|a member of the North American Indian people (related to the Aztecs) of the southwestern United States;the language spoken by the Shoshone (belonging to the Uto-Aztecan family)
Shoshonean|a subfamily of Uto-Aztecan languages spoken mainly in the southwestern United States
Shostakovich|Russian composer best known for his fifteen symphonies (1906-1975)
shot|a blow hard enough to cause injury - "he is still recovering from a shot to his leg" - "I caught him with a solid shot to the chin";a chance to do something - "he wanted a shot at the champion";a person who shoots (usually with respect to their ability to shoot) - "he is a crack shot";a solid missile discharged from a firearm - "the shot buzzed past his ear";an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect - "his parting shot was 'drop dead'";an attempt to score in a game;an explosive charge used in blasting;informal words for any attempt or effort - "he gave it his best shot";sports equipment consisting of a heavy metal ball used in the shot put - "he trained at putting the shot"
shot glass|a small glass adequate to hold a single swallow of whiskey
shot hole|drill hole for a charge of an explosive
shot metal|an alloy that is 98% lead and 2% arsenic;used in making small shot
shot put|an athletic competition in which a heavy metal ball is hurled as far as possible
shot putter|an athlete who competes in the shot put
shot tower|tower of a kind once used to make shot;molten lead was poured through a sieve and dropped into water
shotgun|firearm that is a double-barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short ranges
shotgun shell|a shell containing lead shot;used in shotguns
shoulder|a ball-and-socket joint between the head of the humerus and a cavity of the scapula;a cut of meat including the upper joint of the foreleg;a narrow edge of land (usually unpaved) along the side of a road - "the car pulled off onto the shoulder";the part of a garment that covers or fits over the shoulder - "an ornamental gold braid on the shoulder of his uniform";the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
shoulder bag|a large handbag that can be carried by a strap looped over the shoulder
shoulder board|epaulets that indicate rank
shoulder flash|something worn on the shoulder of a military uniform as an emblem of a division etc.
shoulder girdle|the bony arch formed by the collarbones and shoulder blades in humans
shoulder holster|a holster worn over your shoulder so a gun can be concealed under your jacket
shoulder pad|protective garment consisting of a hard rounded pad worn by football players to protect their shoulders
shoulder patch|patch worn on the shoulder of a military uniform to indicate rank
shouldered arch|an arch consisting of a horizontal lintel supported at each end by corbels that project into the aperture
shove|the act of shoving (giving a push to someone or something) - "he gave the door a shove"
shovel|a fire iron consisting of a small shovel used to scoop coals or ashes in a fireplace;a hand tool for lifting loose material;consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle;the quantity a shovel can hold
shovel board|a game in which coins or discs are slid by hand across a board toward a mark
shovel hat|a stiff broad-brimmed hat with the brim turned up at the sides and projecting in front;worn by some clergymen in Britain
shoveler|a worker who shovels - "a shoveler of coal";freshwater duck of the northern hemisphere having a broad flat bill
shovelhead|small harmless hammerhead having a spade-shaped head;abundant in bays and estuaries
show|a social event involving a public performance or entertainment - "they wanted to see some of the shows on Broadway";the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining - "a remarkable show of skill"
show bill|a poster advertising a show or play
show time|the point in time at which an entertainment (a movie or television show etc.) is scheduled to begin
show trial|a trial held for show;the guilt of the accused person has been decided in advance
showboat|a river steamboat on which theatrical performances could be given (especially on the Mississippi River)
showcase|a setting in which something can be displayed to best effect - "it was a showcase for democracy in Africa"
shower|a brief period of precipitation - "the game was interrupted by a brief shower";a party of friends assembled to present gifts (usually of a specified kind) to a person - "her friends organized a baby shower for her when she was expecting";a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you - "they installed a shower in the bathroom";a sudden downpour (as of tears or sparks etc) likened to a rain shower - "a little shower of rose petals";washing yourself by standing upright under water sprayed from a nozzle - "he took a shower after the game"
shower cap|a tight cap worn to keep hair dry while showering
shower curtain|a curtain that keeps water from splashing out of the shower area
shower room|a room with several showers
shower stall|booth for washing yourself, usually in a bathroom
showerhead|a perforated nozzle that showers water on a bather
showjumping|riding horses in competitions over set courses to demonstrate skill in jumping over obstacles
showman|a person skilled at making effective presentations;a sponsor who books and stages public entertainments
showmanship|the ability to present something (especially theatrical shows) in an attractive manner
showplace|a place that is frequently exhibited and visited for its historical interest or natural beauty
showroom|an area where merchandise (such as cars) can be displayed - "in Britain a showroom is called a salesroom"
show-stopper|an act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down;something that is strikingly attractive or has great popular appeal - "she has a show-stopper of a smile"
showy daisy|plant having branching leafy stems each branch with an especially showy solitary flower head with many narrow pink or lavender or white rays;northwestern United States mountains
showy goldenrod|a variety of goldenrod
showy milkweed|milkweed of southern North America having large starry purple and pink flowers
showy orchis|North American orchid having a spike of violet-purple flowers mixed with white;sepals and petals form a hood
showy sunflower|tall rough-leaved perennial with a few large flower heads;central United States
shrapnel|shell containing lead pellets that explodes in flight
shred|a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
shredder|a device that shreds documents (usually in order to prevent the wrong people from reading them)
Shreveport|a city in northwest Louisiana on the Red River near the Texas border
shrew|a scolding nagging bad-tempered woman;small mouselike mammal with a long snout;related to moles
shrew mole|slender mole having a long snout and tail
shrewdness|intelligence manifested by being astute (as in business dealings)
shrewishness|a nature given to nagging or scolding
shrift|the act of being shriven
shrike|any of numerous Old World birds having a strong hooked bill that feed on smaller animals
shrilling|a continuing shrill noise - "the clash of swords and the shrilling of trumpets"--P. J. Searles
shrillness|having the timbre of a loud high-pitched sound;the quality of being sharp or harsh to the senses - "the shrillness of her hair color"
shrimp|small slender-bodied chiefly marine decapod crustaceans with a long tail and single pair of pincers;many species are edible
shrimp butter|butter blended with chopped shrimp or seasoned with essence from shrimp shells
shrimp cocktail|a cocktail of cold cooked shrimp and a sauce
shrimp Newburg|shrimp in Newburg sauce usually served in a rice ring
shrimper|a vessel engaged in shrimping
shrimpfish|slender tropical shallow-water East Indian fish covered with transparent plates
shrine|a place of worship hallowed by association with some sacred thing or person
shrinkage|the amount by which something shrinks
shrinking|process or result of becoming less or smaller;the act of becoming less
shrink-wrap|the clinging transparent plastic film that is used to shrinkwrap something
shrink-wrapped software|software on CD-ROMs that are boxed and shrink-wrapped and sold in stores (implying a widely supported standard platform)
shroud|a line that suspends the harness from the canopy of a parachute
Shrovetide|immediately preceding Lent
shrub|a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
shrubbery|a collection of shrubs growing together;an area where a number of shrubs are planted
shrubby penstemon|low bushy plant with large showy pale lavender or blue-violet flowers in narrow clusters at ends of stems
shrubby St John's wort|stiff shrub having oblong entire leaves and dense cymes of yellow flowers
shrublet|dwarf shrub
shrug|a gesture involving the shoulders
shtik|(Yiddish) a contrived and often used bit of business that a performer uses to steal attention - "play it straight with no shtik";(Yiddish) a devious trick;a bit of cheating - "how did you ever fall for a shtik like that?";(Yiddish) a little;a piece - "give him a shtik cake" - "he's a shtik crazy" - "he played a shtik Beethoven";(Yiddish) a prank or piece of clowning - "his shtik made us laugh"
shtikl|a really little shtik - "have a shtikl cake"
shucks|an expression of disappointment or irritation
Shudra|a member of the lowest or worker Hindu caste
shuffle|the act of mixing cards haphazardly
shuffleboard|a game in which players use long sticks to shove wooden disks onto the scoring area marked on a smooth surface
shuffler|someone who walks without raising the feet;the card player who shuffles the cards
shufti|a quick look around (originally military slang) - "take a shufti while you're out there"
Shuha Shinto|any branch of Shinto other than Kokka
Shumard oak|large deciduous red oak of southern and eastern United States having large seven-lobed to nine-lobed elliptical leaves, large acorns and medium hard coarse-grained wood
shunt|a conductor having low resistance in parallel with another device to divert a fraction of the current;a passage by which a bodily fluid (especially blood) is diverted from one channel to another - "an arteriovenus shunt";implant consisting of a tube made of plastic or rubber;for draining fluids within the body
shunter|a small locomotive used to move cars around but not to make trips
Shute|English writer who settled in Norway after World War II (1899-1960)
shuteye|informal term for sleep
shutout|a defeat in a game where one side fails to score
shutter|a hinged blind for a window;a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure
shutterbug|a photography enthusiast
shutting|the act of closing something
shutting post|the gatepost against which the gate closes
shuttle|bobbin that passes the weft thread between the warp threads;public transport that consists of a bus or train or airplane that plies back and forth between two points
shuttle bus|shuttle consisting of a bus that travels between two points
shuttle diplomacy|international negotiations conducted by a mediator who frequently flies back and forth between the negotiating parties - "Kissinger's shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East"
shuttle helicopter|a helicopter that shuttles back and forth
shuttlecock|badminton equipment consisting of a ball of cork or rubber with a crown of feathers
shy|a quick throw - "he gave the ball a shy to the first baseman"
shy person|someone who shrinks from familiarity with others
Shylock|a merciless usurer in a play by Shakespeare
shyness|a feeling of fear of embarrassment
shyster|a person (especially a lawyer or politician) who uses unscrupulous or unethical methods
sial|the granitelike rocks that form the outermost layer of the earth's crust;rich in silicon and aluminum
sialadenitis|inflammation of the salivary glands
Sialia|North American bluebirds
Sialidae|an arthropod family including;alderflies
Sialis|type genus of the Sialidae
sialolith|a stone formed in the salivary gland
siamang|large black gibbon of Sumatra having the 2nd and 3rd toes partially united by a web
siamese|an inlet with two or more couplings to which a hose can be attached so that fire engines can pump water into the sprinkler system of a building
Siamese cat|a slender short-haired blue-eyed breed of cat having a pale coat with dark ears paws face and tail tip
Siamese twin|one of a pair of identical twins born with their bodies joined at some point
Sibelius|Finnish composer (1865-1957)
Siberia|a vast Asian region of Russia;famous for long cold winters
Siberian|a native or inhabitant of Siberia
Siberian crab|Asian wild crab apple cultivated in many varieties for it small acid usually red fruit used for preserving
Siberian elm|fast-growing shrubby Asian tree naturalized in United States for shelter or ornament
Siberian husky|breed of sled dog developed in northeastern Siberia;they resemble the larger Alaskan malamutes
Siberian larch|medium-sized larch of northeastern Russia and Siberia having narrowly conic crown and soft narrow bright-green leaves;used in cultivation
Siberian millet|millet having orange to reddish grains in long bristly spikes
Siberian pea tree|large spiny shrub of eastern Asia having clusters of yellow flowers;often cultivated in shelterbelts and hedges
Siberian spruce|tall spruce of northern Europe and Asia;resembles Norway spruce
Siberian wall flower|showy erect biennial or short-lived perennial cultivated for its terminal racemes of orange-yellow flowers;sometimes placed in genus Cheiranthus
sibilant|a consonant characterized by a hissing sound (like s or sh)
sibilation|pronunciation with a sibilant (hissing or whistling) sound
Sibley tent|a light conical canvas tent erected on a tripod with ventilation at the top
sibling|a person's brother or sister
sibyl|(ancient Rome) a woman who was regarded as an oracle or prophet;a woman who tells fortunes
Sicilian|a resident of Sicily
Sicilian pizza|pizza made with a thick crust
Sicily|the Italian region on the island of Sicily;the largest island in the Mediterranean
sick|people who are sick - "they devote their lives to caring for the sick"
sick bag|a bag provided on an airplane for passengers who are suffering from airsickness and need to vomit
sick benefit|money paid (by the government) to someone who is too ill to work
sick call|the daily military formation at which individuals report to the medical officer as sick
sick headache|a headache accompanied by nausea
sick joke|a joke in bad taste
sick leave|a leave of absence from work because of illness
sick list|a list of those who are ill (e.g. on a warship or in a regiment etc)
sick pay|wages paid to an employee who is on sick leave
sick person|a person suffering from an illness
sickbay|(nautical) a room for the treatment of the sick or injured (as on a ship)
sickbed|the bed on which a sick person lies
sickle|an edge tool for cutting grass or crops;has a curved blade and a short handle
sickle alfalfa|European medic naturalized in North America having yellow flowers and sickle-shaped pods
sickle cell|an abnormal red blood cell that has a crescent shape and an abnormal form of hemoglobin
sickle feather|one of the long curved tail feathers of a rooster
sickle-cell anemia|a congenital form of anemia occurring mostly in blacks;characterized by abnormal blood cells having a crescent shape
sicklepod|cosmopolitan tropical herb or subshrub with yellow flowers and slender curved pods;a weed;sometimes placed in genus Cassia;North American rock cress having very long curved pods
sickleweed golden aster|a variety of golden aster
sickness|defectiveness or unsoundness - "drugs have become a sickness they cannot cure" - "a great sickness of his judgment"
sickroom|a room to which a sick person is confined
Sida|large genus of tropical subshrubs or herbs some of which yield fibers of mucilaginous substances
Sidalcea|genus of showy plants of western North America having palmate leaves and variously colored racemose flowers
Siddons|English actress noted for her performances in Shakespearean roles (1755-1831)
side|a family line of descent - "he gets his brains from his father's side";a lengthwise dressed half of an animal's carcass used for food;a line segment forming part of the perimeter of a plane figure - "the hypotenuse of a right triangle is always the longest side";a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location - "they always sat on the right side of the church" - "he never left my side";a surface forming part of the outside of an object - "he examined all sides of the crystal";an aspect of something (as contrasted with some other implied aspect) - "he was on the heavy side" - "he is on the purchasing side of the business" - "it brought out his better side";an extended outer surface of an object - "he turned the box over to examine the bottom side" - "they painted all four sides of the house";an opinion that is held in opposition to another in an argument or dispute - "there are two sides to every question";either the left or right half of a body - "he had a pain in his side";one of two or more contesting groups - "the Confederate side was prepared to attack"
side chapel|a small chapel off the side aisle of a church
side dish|a dish that is served with, but is subordinate to, a main course
side door|an exterior door at one side of a building
side effect|a secondary and usually adverse effect of a drug or therapy - "severe headaches are one of the side effects of the drug";any adverse and unwanted secondary effect
side judge|a football official
side of beef|dressed half of a beef carcass
side of pork|dressed half of a hog carcass
side pocket|a pocket on the side of a billiard table
side road|a minor road branching off of a main road
side street|a street intersecting a main street and terminating there
side view|a view from the side of something
side yard|the grounds at either side of a house
sidebar|(law) a courtroom conference between the lawyers and the judge that is held out of the jury's hearing;a short news story presenting sidelights on a major story
side-blotched lizard|one of the most abundant lizards in the arid western United States
sideboard|a board that forms part of the side of a bed or crib;a removable board fitted on the side of a wagon to increase its capacity
sideburn|facial hair that has grown down the side of a man's face in front of the ears (especially when the rest of the beard is shaved off)
sidecar|a cocktail made of orange liqueur with lemon juice and brandy;conveyance consisting of a small carrier attached to the side of a motorcycle
side-glance|a glance sideways - "she shot him an impatient side-glance"
sidelight|light carried by a boat that indicates the boat's direction;vessels at night carry a red light on the port bow and a green light on the starboard bow
sideline|a line that marks the side boundary of a playing field;an auxiliary line of merchandise
sidereal day|the time for one complete rotation of the earth relative to a particular star, about 4 minutes shorter than a mean solar day
sidereal hour|1/24 of a sidereal day
sidereal month|period between successive conjunctions with a star, 27.322 days
sidereal time|measured by the diurnal motion of stars
sidereal year|the time for the earth to make one complete revolution around the sun, relative to the fixed stars
siderite|a meteorite consisting principally of nickel and iron;iron ore in the form of ferrous carbonate
Sideritis|genus of woolly aromatic herbs or subshrubs or shrubs of Mediterranean region
sideroblast|an erythroblast having granules of ferritin
sideroblastic anemia|refractory anemia characterized by sideroblasts in the bone marrow
siderocyte|an abnormal red blood cell containing granules of iron not bound in hemoglobin
sideropenia|a deficiency of iron;results from inadequate iron in the diet or from hemorrhage
siderosis|fibrosis of the lung caused by iron dust;occurs among welders and other metal workers
sidesaddle|a saddle for a woman;rider sits with both feet on the same side of the horse
sideshow|a minor show that is part of a larger one (as at the circus);a subordinate incident of little importance relative to the main event - "instruction is not an educational sideshow"
sidesman|(Church of England) an assistant to the churchwarden;collects offerings of money in the church
sidestep|a step to one side (as in boxing or dancing)
sidestroke|a swimming stroke in which the arms move forward and backward while the legs do a scissors kick
sideswipe|a glancing blow from or on the side of something (especially motor vehicles)
sidewalk|walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians;usually beside a street or roadway
sidewall|a wall that forms the side of a structure;the side of an automobile tire - "the car had white sidewalls"
side-wheeler|a paddle steamer having a paddle wheel on each side
sidewinder|air-to-air missile with infrared homing device;small pale-colored desert rattlesnake of southwestern United States;body moves in an s-shaped curve
siding|a short stretch of railroad track used to store rolling stock or enable trains on the same line to pass;material applied to the outside of a building to make it weatherproof
Sidney|English poet (1554-1586)
siege|the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
Siege Perilous|the legendary seat at King Arthur's Round Table reserved for the knight who would find the Holy Grail;it was fatal for anyone else to sit in it
Siegfried|(German mythology) mythical German warrior hero of the Nibelungenlied who takes possession of the accursed treasure of the Nibelungs by slaying the dragon that guards it and awakens Brynhild and is eventually killed;Sigurd is the Norse counterpart
Siegfried line|German fortifications facing the Maginot Line
Siemens|engineer who was a brother of Ernst Werner von Siemens and who moved to England (1823-1883);German electrical engineer (1816-1892)
sienna|an earth color containing ferric oxides;used as a pigment
sierra|a range of mountains (usually with jagged peaks and irregular outline);a Spanish mackerel of western North America
Sierra Leone|a republic in West Africa;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1961
Sierra Leone monetary unit|monetary unit in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leonean|a native or inhabitant of Sierra Leone
Sierra lodgepole pine|tall subspecies of lodgepole pine
Sierra Madre Occidental|a mountain range in northwestern Mexico that runs south from Arizona parallel to the Pacific coastline
Sierra Madre Oriental|a mountain range in northeastern Mexico the runs parallel to the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico
Sierra Nevada|a mountain range in eastern California;contains Mount Whitney;a mountain range in southern Spain along the Mediterranean coast to the east of Granada
Sierra plum|shrub of the Pacific coast of the United States bearing small red insipid fruit
siesta|a nap in the early afternoon (especially in hot countries)
sieva bean|bush bean plant cultivated especially in southern United States having small flat edible seeds;small flat green bean similar to lima beans
sieve|a strainer for separating lumps from powdered material or grading particles
sieve tube|tube formed by cells joined end-to-end through which nutrients flow in flowering plants and brown algae
Sif|(Norse mythology) wife of Thor and guardian of the home
sifter|a household sieve (as for flour)
sigeh|a Shiite tradition of temporary marriage permitted in Iran that allows a couple to specify the terms of their relationship;can last from a few minutes to 99 years - "sigeh legally wraps premarital sex in an Islamic cloak"
sigh|a sound like a person sighing - "she heard the sigh of the wind in the trees";an utterance made by exhaling audibly
sight|a range of mental vision - "in his sight she could do no wrong";an instance of visual perception - "the sight of his wife brought him back to reality" - "the train was an unexpected sight";anything that is seen - "he was a familiar sight on the television" - "they went to Paris to see the sights";the ability to see;the visual faculty;the range of vision - "out of sight of land"
sight draft|a draft payable on presentation
sight gag|a joke whose effect is achieved by visual means rather than by speech (as in a movie)
sight setting|the adjustment of a gunsight for elevation and windage on a particular range under favorable light conditions
sighting|the act of observing - "several sightings of enemy troops were reported"
sightreader|a performer who reads without preparation or prior acquaintance (as in music)
sights|an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument
sightseeing|going about to look at places of interest
sightseer|a tourist who is visiting sights of interest
sigma|the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet
Sigmodon|American cotton rats
sigmoid colon|the s-shaped curve between the descending colon and the rectum
sigmoid sinus|an S-shaped dural sinus on the temporal and occipital bones
sigmoid vein|tributaries of the inferior mesenteric vein;drains the sigmoid colon
sigmoidectomy|surgical removal of part or all of the sigmoid colon (usually to remove a malignant tumor)
sigmoidoscope|an endoscope (a flexible fiberoptic probe) for examining the sigmoid colon
sigmoidoscopy|visual examination (with a sigmoidoscope) of the lower third of the colon in a search for polyps
sign|(medicine) any objective evidence of the presence of a disorder or disease - "there were no signs of asphyxiation";a character indicating a relation between quantities - "don't forget the minus sign";a fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified - "The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary"--de Saussure;a gesture that is part of a sign language;a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened) - "he showed signs of strain" - "they welcomed the signs of spring";a public display of a message - "he posted signs in all the shop windows"
sign industry|an industry that produces signs
sign language|language expressed by visible hand gestures
sign manual|the signature of a sovereign on an official document
sign of the cross|a gesture with the right hand moving to form a cross;used by Catholics as a profession of faith
sign of the zodiac|(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
sign painter|someone who paints signs and billboards etc.
signage|signs collectively (especially commercial signs or posters) - "there will be signage displayed at each post"
signal|an electric quantity (voltage or current or field strength) whose modulation represents coded information about the source from which it comes;any incitement to action - "he awaited the signal to start" - "the victory was a signal for wild celebration";any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message - "signals from the boat suddenly stopped"
signal box|a building from which signals are sent to control the movements of railway trains
signal detection|the detection that a signal is being received
signal fire|a fire set as a signal
signal level|the amplitude level of the desired signal
signaler|someone who communicates by signals
signaling device|a device used to send signals
signalization|a conspicuous indication
signalman|a railroad employee in charge of signals and point in a railroad yard
signals intelligence|intelligence information gathered from communications intelligence or electronics intelligence or telemetry intelligence
signal-to-noise ratio|the ratio of signal intensity to noise intensity
signature|a melody used to identify a performer or a dance band or radio/tv program;a sheet with several pages printed on it;it folds to page size and is bound with other signatures to form a book;your name written in your own handwriting
signature recognition|biometric identification by automatically scanning a person's signature and matching it electronically against a library of known signatures
signboard|structure displaying a board on which advertisements can be posted - "the highway was lined with signboards"
signer|someone who can use sign language to communicate;someone who signs and is bound by a document
signet|a seal (especially one used to mark documents officially)
signet ring|a ring bearing a signet
significance|a meaning that is not expressly stated but can be inferred - "the significance of his remark became clear only later";the quality of being significant - "do not underestimate the significance of nuclear power"
significant digit|any digit of a number that is known with certainty;any digit of a number beginning with the leftmost non-zero digit and ending with the rightmost non-zero digit (or a zero considered to be the exact value)
signor|used as an Italian courtesy title;can be prefixed to the name or used separately
signora|an Italian title of address equivalent to Mrs. when used before a name;an Italian title or form of address for a married woman
signore|an Italian title of respect for a man;equivalent to the English 'sir';used separately (not prefixed to his name)
signorina|an Italian courtesy title for an unmarried woman;equivalent to 'Miss', it is either used alone or before a name;an Italian title or form of address for an unmarried woman
signpost|a post bearing a sign that gives directions or shows the way
Sigurd|(Norse mythology) mythical Norse warrior hero who gains an accursed hoard of gold and was killed by Brynhild;Siegfried is the German counterpart
Sigyn|(Norse mythology) wife of Loki;held a cup over him during his punishment to spare him the pain of drops of poison
Sihasapa|a member of a group of Siouan people who constituted a division of the Teton Sioux
Sikh|an adherent of Sikhism
Sikhism|the doctrines of a monotheistic religion founded in northern India in the 16th century by Guru Nanak and combining elements of Hinduism and Islam
Sikkim|a geographical area and former kingdom in northeastern India in the Himalaya Mountains between Nepal and Bhutan
Sikorsky|United States industrialist (born in Russia) who designed the first four-engine airplane and the first mass-produced helicopter (1889-1972)
silage|fodder harvested while green and kept succulent by partial fermentation as in a silo
sild|any of various young herrings (other than brislings) canned as sardines in Norway
sildenafil|virility drug (trade name Viagra) used to treat erectile dysfunction in men
silence|the absence of sound - "he needed silence in order to sleep";the state of being silent (as when no one is speaking) - "there was a shocked silence" - "he gestured for silence"
silencer|a tubular acoustic device inserted in the exhaust system that is designed to reduce noise;short tube attached to the muzzle of a gun that deadens the sound of firing
silene|any plant of the genus Silene
silent butler|a small receptacle with a handle and a hinged lid;used for collecting crumbs or ashes
silent movie|a movie without a soundtrack
silent partner|a partner (who usually provides capital) whose association with the enterprise is not public knowledge
silent treatment|an aloof refusal to speak to someone you know
silenus|any of the minor woodland deities who were companions of Dionysus (similar to the satyrs);the chief satyr in the service of Bacchus;father of Dionysus;usually depicted as drunk and jolly and riding a donkey
Silesia|a region of central Europe rich in deposits of coal and iron ore;annexed by Prussia in 1742 but now largely in Poland;a sturdy twill-weave cotton fabric;used for pockets and linings
silex|a pure form of finely ground silica;a vacuum coffee maker
silhouette|a drawing of the outline of an object;filled in with some uniform color;an outline of a solid object (as cast by its shadow)
silica|a white or colorless vitreous insoluble solid (SiO2);various forms occur widely in the earth's crust as quartz or cristobalite or tridymite or lechatelierite
silica gel|a porous form of silica that is highly absorbent
silicate|a salt or ester derived from silicic acid
silicic acid|a jellylike substance (hydrated silica)
silicide|any of various compounds of silicon with a more electropositive element or radical
silicle|short broad silique occurring in some cruciferous plants
silicon|a tetravalent nonmetallic element;next to oxygen it is the most abundant element in the earth's crust;occurs in clay and feldspar and granite and quartz and sand;used as a semiconductor in transistors
silicon bronze|a bronze with 2-3% silicon that is resistant to corrosion
silicon carbide|an extremely hard blue-black crystalline compound (SiC) used as an abrasive and a heat refractory material;crystals of silicon carbide can be used as semiconductors
Silicon Valley|a region in California to the south of San Francisco that is noted for its concentration of high-technology industries
silicone|any of a large class of siloxanes that are unusually stable over a wide range of temperatures;used in lubricants and adhesives and coatings and synthetic rubber and electrical insulation
silicone resin|a polymeric silicone compound
silicone rubber|made from silicone elastomers;retains flexibility resilience and tensile strength over a wide temperature range
silicosis|a lung disease caused by inhaling particles of silica or quartz or slate
silique|narrow elongated seed capsule peculiar to the family Cruciferae
silk|a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae;animal fibers produced by silkworms and other larvae that spin cocoons and by most spiders
silk gland|silk-producing gland of insects (especially of a silkworm) or spiders
silk oak|any of several Australian timber trees having usually fernlike foliage and mottled wood used in cabinetry and veneering
Silk Road|an ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean (4,000 miles);followed by Marco Polo in the 13th century to reach Cathay
silk tree|attractive domed or flat-topped Asiatic tree having bipinnate leaves and flowers with long silky stamens
silk vine|deciduous climber for arches and fences having ill-scented but interesting flowers and poisonous yellow fruits;cultivated for its dark shining foliage;southeastern Europe to Asia Minor
silkiness|the smooth feel of silk fabric
silks|the brightly colored garments of a jockey;emblematic of the stable
silkscreen|a print made using a stencil process in which an image or design is superimposed on a very fine mesh screen and printing ink is squeegeed onto the printing surface through the area of the screen that is not covered by the stencil
silkworm|larva of a saturniid moth;spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its cocoon;the commercially bred hairless white caterpillar of the domestic silkworm moth which spins a cocoon that can be processed to yield silk fiber;the principal source of commercial silk
silkworm seed|eggs of a silkworm
silky anteater|squirrel-sized South American toothless anteater with long silky golden fur
silky cornel|shrub of eastern North America having purplish stems and blue fruit
silky dogwood|shrub of eastern North America closely resembling silky cornel
silky oak|medium to tall fast-growing tree with orange flowers and feathery bipinnate leaves silky-hairy beneath;eastern Australia
silky pocket mouse|small pale yellowish soft-furred rodent of southwestern United States and Mexico
silky tamarin|golden South American monkey with long soft hair forming a mane
silky terrier|Australian breed of toy dogs having a silky blue coat
silky wisteria|a wisteria of China having white flowers
sill|(geology) a flat (usually horizontal) mass of igneous rock between two layers of older sedimentary rock;structural member consisting of a continuous horizontal timber forming the lowest member of a framework or supporting structure
Sillaginidae|small family of small food fishes in shallow waters of the Pacific around Indonesia
Sillago|type genus of the Sillaginidae
Sills|United States operatic soprano (born in 1929)
silly|a word used for misbehaving children - "don't be a silly"
silly season|a time usually late summer characterized by exaggerated news stories about frivolous matters for want of real news
silo|a cylindrical tower used for storing silage;military installation consisting of an underground structure where ballistic missiles can be stored and fired
siloxane|any of a large class of compounds that have alternate silicon and oxygen atoms
Silphium|tall North American perennial herbs
silt|mud or clay or small rocks deposited by a river or lake
siltstone|a fine-grained sandstone of consolidated silt
Silurian|from 425 million to 405 million years ago;first air-breathing animals
silurid|Old World freshwater catfishes having naked skin and a long anal fin more or less merged with the eellike caudal fin
Siluridae|Old World catfishes
Siluriformes|an order of fish belonging to the superorder Malacopterygii including catfishes
Silurus|type genus of the Siluridae;catfishes
silva|the forest trees growing in a country or region
silver|a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal;occurs in argentite and in free form;used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography;coins made of silver
silver age|(classical mythology) the second age of the world, characterized by opulence and irreligion;by extension, a period secondary in achievement to a golden age
silver ash|any of various timber trees of the genus Flindersia
silver beech|New Zealand beech with usually pale silvery bark
silver bell|any of various deciduous trees of the genus Halesia having white bell-shaped flowers
silver birch|European birch with silvery white peeling bark and markedly drooping branches
silver bromide|a bromide that darkens when exposed to light;used in making photographic emulsions
silver bullet|a simple guaranteed solution for a difficult problem - "no silver bullet can make the world safe from terrorism"
silver certificate|formerly a bank note issued by the United States Treasury and redeemable in silver
silver chloride|a chloride used chiefly in the manufacture of photographic emulsions
Silver City|a town in southwestern New Mexico
silver cord|the emotional bond between a mother and her offspring
silver dollar|a dollar made of silver
silver fern|fern of southern tropical Africa having fronds with white undersides;tropical American fern having fronds with white undersides
silver fir|any of various true firs having leaves white or silvery white beneath
silver fox|red fox in the color phase when its pelt is tipped with white
silver grass|of Australia and New Zealand
silver hake|found off Atlantic coast of North America
silver iodide|an iodide that is used in photography, in seeding clouds to make rain, and in medicine
silver jenny|silvery mojarra found along sandy shores of the western Atlantic
silver jubilee|an anniversary celebrating the passage of 25 years
silver lace vine|twining perennial vine having racemes of fragrant greenish flowers;western China to Russia
silver lime|large tree native to eastern Europe and Asia Minor having leaves with white tomentum on the under side;widely cultivated as an ornamental
silver lining|a consoling aspect of a difficult situation - "every cloud has a silver lining"
silver maple|a common North American maple tree;five-lobed leaves are light green above and silvery white beneath;source of hard close-grained but brittle light-brown wood
silver medal|a trophy made of silver (or having the appearance of silver) that is usually awarded for winning second place in a competition
silver mine|a mine where silver ore is dug
silver nitrate|a nitrate used in making photographic emulsions;also used in medicine as a cautery and as a topical antibacterial agent
silver oak|small slender tree with usually entire grey-green pendulous leaves and white or cream-colored flowers;northern Australia
silver perch|small silvery drumfish often mistaken for white perch;found along coasts of United States from New York to Mexico
silver plate|a thin layer of silver deposited on something;tableware that is plated with silver
silver protein|a colloid preparation of protein (albumin or gelatin) and silver oxide;used in aqueous solution as an antibacterial agent
silver quandong|pale easily worked timber from the quandong tree
silver sage|low much-branched perennial of western United States having silvery leaves;an important browse and shelter plant
silver salmon|fatty pinkish flesh of small salmon caught in the Pacific and Great Lakes
silver screen|the film industry
silver solder|a solder that contains silver
silver spoon|the inherited wealth of established upper-class families - "he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth"
silver standard|a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of silver
Silver Star Medal|a United States military decoration for gallantry in action
silver tree|Australian timber tree;small South African tree with long silvery silky foliage
silver tree fern|a showy tree fern of New Zealand and Australia having a crown of pinnated fronds with whitish undersides
silver wattle|evergreen Australasian tree having white or silvery bark and young leaves and yellow flowers
silver wedding anniversary|the 25th wedding anniversary
silver whiting|a dull silvery whiting of southern Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States
silver willow|North American willow with greyish silky pubescent leaves that usually blacken in drying
silverback|an adult male gorilla with grey hairs across the back
silver-bell tree|medium-sized tree of West Virginia to Florida and Texas
silverberry|deciduous unarmed North American shrub with silvery leaves and fruits
silverfish|a silvery variety of Carassius auratus;silver-grey wingless insect found in houses feeding on book bindings and starched clothing
silverpoint|a drawing made on specially prepared paper with an instrument having a silver tip (15th and 16th centuries)
silverrod|plant of eastern North America having creamy white flowers
silversides|small fishes having a silver stripe along each side;abundant along the Atlantic coast of the United States
silversmith|someone who makes or repairs articles of silver
silverspot|butterfly with silver spots on the underside of the hind wings
Silverstein|United States poet and cartoonist remembered for his stories and poems for children (1932-1999)
silversword|low-growing plant found only in volcanic craters on Hawaii having rosettes of narrow pointed silver-green leaves and clusters of profuse red-purple flowers on a tall stem
silvervine|ornamental vine of eastern Asia having yellow edible fruit and leaves with silver-white markings
silverware|tableware made of silver or silver plate or pewter or stainless steel
silverweed|any of various twining shrubs of the genus Argyreia having silvery leaves and showy purple flowers;low-growing perennial having leaves silvery beneath;northern United States;Europe;Asia
silverwork|decorative work made of silver
silvery spleenwort|fern with elongate silvery outgrowths enclosing the developing spores;North American fern with narrow fronds on yellowish leafstalks
silvex|a herbicide that is effective in controlling woody plants but is toxic to animals
Silvia|type genus of the Sylviidae;warblers
silviculture|the branch of forestry dealing with the development and care of forests
Silybum|small genus of east African herbs
sima|rock that form the continuous lower layer of the earth's crust;rich in silicon and magnesium
Simarouba|type genus of Simaroubaceae;tropical American trees and shrubs having a pale soft wood and bitter bark
Simaroubaceae|chiefly tropical trees and shrubs with bitter bark having dry usually one-seeded winged fruit
simazine|a herbicide used to control weeds (especially among crops)
Simenon|French writer (born in Belgium) best known for his detective novels featuring Inspector Maigret (1903-1989)
Simeon|(Old Testament) the 2nd son of Jacob and one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel
simian|an ape or monkey
similarity|a Gestalt principle of organization holding that (other things being equal) parts of a stimulus field that are similar to each other tend to be perceived as belonging together as a unit;the quality of being similar
simile|a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with 'like' or 'as')
simmer|temperature just below the boiling point - "the stew remained at a simmer for hours"
simnel|a crisp bread of fine white flour;a fruitcake (sometimes covered with almond paste) eaten at mid-Lent or Easter or Christmas
Simon|one of the twelve Apostles (first century);United States economist and psychologist who pioneered in the development of cognitive science (1916-2001);United States playwright noted for light comedies (born in 1927);United States singer and songwriter (born in 1942)
Simon Legree|the cruel slave dealer in an anti-slavery novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Simoniz|a brand of car polish
simony|traffic in ecclesiastical offices or preferments
simoom|a violent hot sand-laden wind on the deserts of Arabia and North Africa
simper|a silly self-conscious smile
simperer|a smiler whose smile is silly and self-conscious and sometimes coy
simple|any herbaceous plant having medicinal properties
simple closed curve|a closed curve that does not intersect itself
simple eye|an eye having a single lens
simple fracture|an uncomplicated fracture in which the broken bones to not pierce the skin
simple fruit|an indehiscent fruit derived from a single ovary having one or many seeds within a fleshy wall or pericarp;e.g. grape;tomato;cranberry
simple harmonic motion|periodic motion in which the restoring force is proportional to the displacement
simple interest|interest paid on the principal alone
simple leaf|a leaf that is not divided into parts
simple mastectomy|removal of a breast leaving the underlying muscles and the lymph nodes intact
simple pendulum|a hypothetical pendulum suspended by a weightless frictionless thread of constant length
simple phobia|any phobia (other than agoraphobia) associated with relatively simple well-defined stimuli
simple pistil|consists of one carpel
simple protein|a protein that yields only amino acids when hydrolyzed
simple sentence|a sentence having no coordinate clauses or subordinate clauses
simpleton|a person lacking intelligence or common sense
simplicity|a lack of penetration or subtlety - "they took advantage of her simplicity";absence of affectation or pretense;the quality of being simple or uncompounded - "the simplicity of a crystal"
simplification|an explanation that omits superfluous details and reduces complexity;elimination of superfluous details
Simpson|Scottish obstetrician and surgeon who pioneered in the use of ether and discovered the anesthetic effects of chloroform (1811-1870);United States divorcee whose marriage to Edward VIII created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication
Simpson Desert|a desert region of central Australia
simulacrum|an insubstantial or vague semblance
simulation|(computer science) the technique of representing the real world by a computer program - "a simulation should imitate the internal processes and not merely the results of the thing being simulated";the act of imitating the behavior of some situation or some process by means of something suitably analogous (especially for the purpose of study or personnel training)
simulative electronic deception|actions to represent friendly notional or actual capabilities to mislead hostile forces
simulator|a machine that simulates an environment for the purpose of training or research
simulcast|a broadcast that is carried simultaneously by radio and television (or by FM and AM radio)
Simuliidae|blackflies and sand flies
Simulium|type genus of the Simuliidae;blackflies
simultaneity|happening or existing or done at the same time
simultaneous equations|a set of equations in two or more variables for which there are values that can satisfy all the equations simultaneously
simvastatin|an oral lipid-lowering medicine (trade name Zocor) administered to reduce blood cholesterol levels;recommended after heart attacks
Sin|(Akkadian) god of the Moon;counterpart of Sumerian Nanna;an act that is regarded by theologians as a transgression of God's will;estrangement from god;the 21st letter of the Hebrew alphabet;violent and excited activity
Sinai|a desert on the Sinai Peninsula in northeastern Egypt;a mountain peak in the southern Sinai Peninsula (7,500 feet high);it is believed to be the peak on which Moses received the Ten Commandments;a peninsula in northeastern Egypt;at north end of Red Sea
Sinanthropus|genus to which Peking man was formerly assigned
Sinapis|small genus of Old World herbs usually included in genus Brassica
Sinatra|United States singer and film actor (1915-1998)
Sinbad the Sailor|in the Arabian Nights a hero who tells of the fantastic adventures he had in his voyages
sincerity|a quality of naturalness and simplicity - "the simple sincerity of folk songs";the quality of being open and truthful;not deceitful or hypocritical - "his sincerity inspired belief" - "they demanded some proof of my sincerity"
sinciput|the front part of the head or skull (including the forehead)
Sinclair|English electrical engineer who founded a company that introduced many innovative products (born in 1940);United States writer whose novels argued for social reform (1878-1968)
Sind|a region of southeastern Pakistan
Sindhi|a native or inhabitant of Sind;the Indic language of Sind which is spoken also in western India
sine|ratio of the length of the side opposite the given angle to the length of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle
sine curve|the curve of y=sin x
sine wave|a wave whose waveform resembles a sine curve
sinecure|a benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached;an office that involves minimal duties
singalong|informal group singing of popular songs
Singapore|a country in southeastern Asia on the island of Singapore;achieved independence from Malaysia in 1965;an island to the south of the Malay Peninsula;the capital of Singapore;one of the world's biggest ports
Singapore dollar|the basic unit of money in Singapore
Singaporean|an inhabitant of Singapore
singer|a person who sings;United States inventor of an improved chain-stitch sewing machine (1811-1875);United States writer (born in Poland) of Yiddish stories and novels (1904-1991)
singing|the act of singing vocal music
singing voice|the musical quality of the voice while singing
single|a base hit on which the batter stops safely at first base
single bed|a bed for one occupant
single combat|a fight between two people - "in all armies there were officers who needed to prove their bravery by single combat"
single crochet|a crochet stitch
single entry|a simple bookkeeping system;transactions are entered in only one account
single nucleotide polymorphism|(genetics) genetic variation in a DNA sequence that occurs when a single nucleotide in a genome is altered;SNPs are usually considered to be point mutations that have been evolutionarily successful enough to recur in a significant proportion of the population of a species
single prop|a propeller plane with a single propeller
single quote|a single quotation mark
single supplement|a surcharge added to the cost per person when traveling alone
single tax|a system of taxation in which a tax is levied on a single commodity (usually land)
single-breasted jacket|a jacket having fronts that overlap only enough for a single row of buttons
single-breasted suit|a suit having a single-breasted jacket
single-leaf|pinon of southwestern United States having solitary needles and often many stems;important as a nut pine
single-mindedness|characterized by one unified purpose
singleness|the quality of concentrating on one central objective - "his singleness of purpose";without hypocrisy - "the singleness of his motives could not be questioned"
single-reed instrument|a beating-reed instrument with a single reed (as a clarinet or saxophone)
single-rotor helicopter|a helicopter having a single rotor
singles|badminton played with one person on each side;tennis played with one person on each side
single-spacing|typing that does not leave lines blank
singlestick|a stick used instead of a sword for fencing
singlet|a collarless men's undergarment for the upper part of the body
singletary pea|a weak-stemmed winter annual native to Mediterranean region for long established in southern United States;cultivated as a cover and pasture crop
singleton|a set containing a single member;a single object (as distinguished from a pair);the playing card that is the only card in a suit held in a bridge hand as initially dealt
singsong|a regular and monotonous rising and falling intonation
singular|the form of a word that is used to denote a singleton
singular matrix|a square matrix whose determinant is zero
singularity|strangeness by virtue of being remarkable or unusual;the quality of being one of a kind - "that singularity distinguished him from all his companions"
Sinhalese|a native or inhabitant of Sri Lanka;the Indic language spoken by the people of Sri Lanka
Sinitic|a group of Sino-Tibetan languages
sink|(technology) a process that acts to absorb or remove energy or a substance from a system - "the ocean is a sink for carbon dioxide";plumbing fixture consisting of a water basin fixed to a wall or floor and having a drainpipe
sinker|a pitch that curves downward rapidly as it approaches the plate;a weight that sinks (as to hold nets or fishing lines under water)
sinkhole|a depression in the ground communicating with a subterranean passage (especially in limestone) and formed by solution or by collapse of a cavern roof
sinking|a descent as through liquid (especially through water) - "they still talk about the sinking of the Titanic";a feeling caused by uneasiness or apprehension - "with a sinking heart" - "a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach";a slow fall or decline (as for lack of strength) - "after several hours of sinking an unexpected rally rescued the market" - "he could not control the sinking of his legs"
sinking fund|a fund accumulated regularly in a separate account and used to redeem debt securities
sinking spell|a temporary decline in health or value
Sinn Fein|an Irish republican political movement founded in 1905 to promote independence from England and unification of Ireland;became the political branch of the Irish Republican Army
sinner|a person who sins (without repenting)
Sinningia|genus of perennial tuberous herbs and shrubs of Central and South America
Sinologist|a student of Chinese history and language and culture
Sinology|the study of Chinese history and language and culture
sinopis|a red ocher formerly used as a pigment
Sinornis|sparrow-sized fossil bird of the Jurassic period to the Cretaceous period having a keeled breastbone and vestigial tail;found in China;considered possibly the second most primitive of all birds
Sino-Tibetan|the family of tonal languages spoken in eastern Asia
sinuosity|having curves - "he hated the sinuosity of mountain roads"
sinus|any of various air-filled cavities especially in the bones of the skull
sinus headache|a headache resulting from congestion or infection in the paranasal sinuses
sinusitis|inflammation of one of the paranasal sinuses
sinusoid|tiny endothelium-lined passages for blood in the tissue of an organ
sinusoidal projection|an equal-area map projection showing parallels and the equator as straight lines and other meridians as curved;used to map tropical latitudes
Siouan|a family of North American Indian languages spoken by the Sioux
Sioux|a member of a group of North American Indian peoples who spoke a Siouan language and who ranged from Lake Michigan to the Rocky Mountains
Sioux City|a city in northeastern Iowa where the Big Sioux River joins the Missouri
Sioux Falls|largest city in South Dakota;located in southeastern South Dakota
sip|a small drink
Sipah-e-Sahaba|a vicious sectarian organization in Pakistan that persecutes Shiite Muslims and collaborates with al-Qaeda to attack foreigners and to disrupt the government of Pakistan
siphon|a tube running from the liquid in a vessel to a lower level outside the vessel so that atmospheric pressure forces the liquid through the tube;a tubular organ in an aquatic animal (especially in mollusks) through which water can be taken in or expelled
Siphonaptera|fleas
Siphonophora|marine colonial hydrozoans
siphonophore|a floating or swimming oceanic colony of polyps often transparent or showily colored
sipper|a drinker who sips
Sipuncula|peanut worms
Siqueiros|Mexican painter of murals depicting protest and revolution (1896-1974)
Sir|a title used before the name of knight or baronet;term of address for a man
Sir Barton|thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1919
Siraj-ud-daula|Indian general and nawab of Bengal who opposed the colonization of India by England;he captured Calcutta in 1756 and many of his prisoners suffocated in a crowded room that became known as the Black Hole of Calcutta;he was defeated at the battle of Plassey by a group of Indian nobles in alliance with Robert Clive (1728-1757)
sirdar|an important person in India
sire|a title of address formerly used for a man of rank and authority;male parent of an animal especially a domestic animal such as a horse
Siren|a sea nymph (part woman and part bird) supposed to lure sailors to destruction on the rocks where the nymphs lived - "Odysseus ordered his crew to plug their ears so they would not hear the Siren's fatal song";a warning signal that is a loud wailing sound;an acoustic device producing a loud often wailing sound as a signal or warning;eellike aquatic North American salamander with small forelimbs and no hind limbs;have permanent external gills
siren call|the enticing appeal of something alluring but potentially dangerous - "he succumbed to the siren call of the wilderness"
Sirenia|an animal order including;manatees;dugongs;Steller's sea cow
Sirenidae|sirens
siris|large spreading Old World tree having large leaves and globose clusters of greenish-yellow flowers and long seed pods that clatter in the wind
Sirius|the brightest star in the sky;in Canis Major
sirloin|the portion of the loin (especially of beef) just in front of the rump
sirloin steak|a cut of beef from the sirloin
sirloin tip|a cut of beef from the upper end of the sirloin
sirrah|formerly a contemptuous term of address to an inferior man or boy;often used in anger
sisal|a plant fiber used for making rope;Mexican or West Indian plant with large fleshy leaves yielding a stiff fiber used in e.g. rope
siskin|small yellow-and-black Eurasian finch with a sharp beak
siskiyou lewisia|evergreen perennial having a dense basal rosette of long spatula-shaped leaves and panicles of pink or white-and-red-striped or pink-purple flowers;found on cliffs and in rock crevices in mountains of southwestern Oregon and northern California
Sison|genus including stone parsley
sissoo|East Indian tree whose leaves are used for fodder;yields a compact dark brown durable timber used in shipbuilding and making railroad ties
sissy|a timid man or boy considered childish or unassertive
Sister|(Roman Catholic Church) a title given to a nun (and used as a form of address) - "the Sisters taught her to love God";a female person who has the same parents as another person;a female person who is a fellow member of a sorority or labor union or other group
sister ship|a ship that is one of two or more similar ships built at the same time
sisterhood|a religious society of women who live together as sisters (especially an order of nuns);an association or society of women who are linked together by a common religion or trade or interest;the kinship relation between a female offspring and the siblings
sister-in-law|the sister of your spouse
Sistine Chapel|the private chapel of the popes in Rome;it was built by and named after Sixtus IV in 1473
Sistrurus|pygmy rattlesnakes
Sisyphus|(Greek legend) a king in ancient Greece who offended Zeus and whose punishment was to roll a huge boulder to the top of a steep hill;each time the boulder neared the top it rolled back down and Sisyphus was forced to start again
Sisyridae|an arthropod family of the order Neuroptera that includes spongeflies
Sisyrinchium|chiefly North American grasslike herbs
Sita|wife of the Hindu god Rama;regarded as an ideal of womanhood
sitar|a stringed instrument of India;has a long neck and movable frets;has 6 or 7 metal strings for playing and usually 13 resonating strings
sitar player|a musician who plays the sitar
sit-down|a strike in which workers refuse to leave the workplace until a settlement is reached
site|physical position in relation to the surroundings - "the sites are determined by highly specific sequences of nucleotides";the piece of land on which something is located (or is to be located) - "a good site for the school"
site visit|a visit in an official capacity to examine a site to determine its suitability for some enterprise
sit-in|a form of civil disobedience in which demonstrators occupy seats and refuse to move
Sitka|a town in southeastern Alaska that was the capital of Russian America and served as the capital of Alaska from 1867 until 1906
Sitka spruce|a large spruce that grows only along the northwestern coast of the United States and Canada;has sharp stiff needles and thin bark;the wood has a high ratio of strength to weight
Sitka willow|small shrubby tree of western North America (Alaska to Oregon)
Sitophylus|a genus of Bruchidae
Sitotroga|grain moths
Sitta|type genus of the Sittidae
sitter|an organism (person or animal) that sits;Dutch astronomer who calculated the size of the universe and suggested that it is expanding (1872-1934)
Sittidae|nuthatches
sitting|(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait) - "he wanted his portrait painted but couldn't spare time for the sitting";a session as of a legislature or court;the act of assuming or maintaining a seated position - "he read the mystery at one sitting"
Sitting Bull|a chief of the Sioux;took up arms against settlers in the northern Great Plains and against United States Army troops;he was present at the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876) when the Sioux massacred General Custer's troops (1831-1890)
sitting duck|a defenseless victim
sitting trot|the rider sits still in the saddle
situation|a complex or critical or unusual difficulty - "the dangerous situation developed suddenly" - "that's quite a situation" - "no human situation is simple";a condition or position in which you find yourself - "the unpleasant situation (or position) of having to choose between two evils" - "found herself in a very fortunate situation";the general state of things;the combination of circumstances at a given time - "the present international situation is dangerous" - "eternal truths will be neither true nor eternal unless they have fresh meaning for every new social situation"- Franklin D.Roosevelt
situation comedy|a humorous drama based on situations that might arise in day-to-day life;a humorous television program based on situations that could arise in everyday life
sit-up|a stomach exercise in which a person sits up from a supine position without using the arms for leverage
Sitwell|English poet (1887-1964)
sitz bath|a bathtub in which your buttocks and hips are immersed as if you were sitting in a chair and you bathe in a sitting position
Sium|perennial of wet and marshy places in the northern hemisphere;water parsnips
Siva|the destroyer;one of the three major divinities in the later Hindu pantheon
Sivan|the ninth month of the civil year;the third month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in May and June)
Sivapithecus|fossil primates found in India
six|the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
six-footer|a person who is at least six feet tall
six-pack|a carton containing six bottles or cans
sixpence|a small coin of the United Kingdom worth six pennies;not minted since 1970
sixpenny nail|a nail 2 inches long
six-spot|a playing card or domino or die whose upward face shows six pips
sixteen|the cardinal number that is the sum of fifteen and one
Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire|a self-report personality inventory developed by Raymond B. Cattell to measure the 16 personality dimensions that emerged from his factor analysis of a wide range of traits
sixteenth|position 16 in a countable series of things
sixteenth note|a musical note having the time value of a sixteenth of a whole note
sixth|position six in a countable series of things;the musical interval between one note and another six notes away from it
Sixth Crusade|a Crusade from 1228 to 1229 led by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II who fell ill and was excommunicated by the Pope;by negotiation Frederick II was able to crown himself king of Jerusalem
sixth-former|a student in the sixth form
sixties|the decade from 1960 to 1969;the time of life between 60 and 70
sixtieth|position 60 in a countable series of things
Sixtus IV|Italian pope from 1471 to 1484 who consented to the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition and built the Sistine Chapel (1414-1484)
sixty|the cardinal number that is the product of ten and six
sixty-fourth note|a musical note having the time value of a sixty-fourth of a whole note
size|a large magnitude - "he blanched when he saw the size of the bill" - "the only city of any size in that area";any glutinous material used to fill pores in surfaces or to stiffen fabrics - "size gives body to a fabric";the actual state of affairs - "that's the size of the situation" - "she hates me, that's about the size of it";the physical magnitude of something (how big it is) - "a wolf is about the size of a large dog";the property resulting from being one of a series of graduated measurements (as of clothing) - "he wears a size 13 shoe"
size constancy|the tendency to perceive the veridical size of a familiar object despite differences in their distance (and consequent differences in the size of the pattern projected on the retina of the eye)
size stick|a mechanical measuring stick used by shoe fitters to measure the length and width of your foot
sizzle|a sizzling noise
Skagens Odde|a cape on the northernmost tip of Jutland between the Skagerrak and the Kattegatt
Skagerrak|a broad strait of the North Sea between Jutland and Norway
Skagit|a member of the Salish people in northwestern Washington;a Salishan dialect spoken by the Skagit
Skagway|a town in southeastern Alaska at the northern end of the Inside Passage;a gateway to the Klondike during the Alaskan gold rush
Skanda|Hindu god of war
skank|a rhythmic dance to reggae music performed by bending forward and extending the hands while bending the knees
skate|large edible rays having a long snout and thick tail with pectoral fins continuous with the head;swim by undulating the edges of the pectoral fins;sports equipment that is worn on the feet to enable the wearer to glide along and to be propelled by the alternate actions of the legs
skateboard|a board with wheels that is ridden in a standing or crouching position and propelled by foot
skateboarder|someone who skates on a skateboard
skateboarding|the sport of skating on a skateboard
skater|someone who skates
skating|the sport of gliding on skates
Skeat|English philologist (1835-1912)
skedaddle|a hasty flight
skeen arch|an arch whose height is less than half its width
skeet|the sport of shooting at clay pigeons that are hurled upward in such a way as to simulate the flight of a bird
skeg|a brace that extends from the rear of the keel to support the rudderpost
skein|coils of worsted yarn
skeletal muscle|a muscle that is connected at either or both ends to a bone and so move parts of the skeleton;a muscle that is characterized by transverse stripes
skeletal structure|any structure created by the skeleton of an organism
skeletal system|the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal
skeleton|a scandal that is kept secret - "there must be a skeleton somewhere in that family's closet";something reduced to its minimal form - "the battalion was a mere skeleton of its former self" - "the bare skeleton of a novel";the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape - "the building has a steel skeleton"
skeleton fork fern|pantropical epiphytic or terrestrial whisk fern with usually dull yellow branches and minute leaves;America;Japan;Australia
skeleton key|a passkey with much of the bit filed away so that it can open different locks
skeleton shrimp|small amphipod crustacean having a grotesque form suggestive of the praying mantis;found chiefly on seaweed
skep|a domed beehive made of twisted straw;a large round wicker basket (used on farms)
skepful|the quantity a skep can hold
skeptic|someone who habitually doubts accepted beliefs
sketch|a brief literary description;preliminary drawing for later elaboration;short descriptive summary (of events)
sketch map|a map drawn from observation (rather than from exact measurements) and representing the main features of an area
sketchbook|a book containing sheets of paper on which sketches can be drawn
sketcher|an implement for sketching;someone who draws sketches
sketchiness|incompleteness of details
skew arch|an arch whose jambs are not at right angles with the face
skewer|a long pin for holding meat in position while it is being roasted
ski|narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
ski binding|one of a pair of mechanical devices that are attached to a ski and that will grip a ski boot;the bindings should release in case of a fall
ski boot|a stiff boot that is fastened to a ski with a ski binding
ski cap|a close-fitting woolen cap;often has a tapering tail with a tassel
ski conditions|the amount and state of snow for skiing
ski jump|a steep downward ramp from which skiers jump
ski jumper|a skier who leaps through the air (especially on a ski jump)
ski jumping|the act of performing a jump on skis from a high ramp overhanging a snow covered slope
ski lodge|a hotel at a ski resort
ski mask|a woolen face mask to protect the face from cold while skiing on snow
ski parka|a parka to be worn while skiing
ski pole|a pole with metal points used as an aid in skiing
ski race|a race between people wearing skis
ski rack|a carrier for holding skis on top of a vehicle
ski resort|a resort with lodging and facilities for skiing
ski run|trail or slope prepared for skiing
ski slope|a snow-covered slope for skiing
ski tow|a powered conveyance that carries skiers up a hill
ski wax|wax used on the bottom of skis
skibob|a vehicle resembling a bicycle but having skis instead of wheels;the rider wears short skis for balancing
skid|an unexpected slide;one of a pair of planks used to make a track for rolling or sliding objects
skid lid|a crash helmet
skid road|a road made of logs on which freshly cut timber can be hauled;the district of a town frequented by loggers
skid row|a city district frequented by vagrants and alcoholics and addicts
skidder|a person who slips or slides because of loss of traction;a tractor used to haul logs over rough terrain;a worker who uses a skid to move logs
skidpan|a paved surface on which cars can be made to skid so that drivers can practice controlling them
skier|someone who skis
skiff|any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor
skiffle|a style of popular music in the 1950s;based on American folk music and played on guitars and improvised percussion instruments
skiffle group|a band of musicians who play skiffle
skiing|a sport in which participants must travel on skis
skill|ability to produce solutions in some problem domain - "the skill of a well-trained boxer";an ability that has been acquired by training
skilled worker|a worker who has acquired special skills
skillet bread|usually cooked in a skillet over an open fire;especially cornbread with ham bits and sometimes Irish soda bread
skillet corn bread|cornbread usually containing ham or bacon bits and cooked in a skillet
skillet fish|clingfish with typical skillet shape
skillfulness|the state of being cognitively skillful
skilly|a thin porridge or soup (usually oatmeal and water flavored with meat)
skim|a thin layer covering the surface of a liquid - "there was a thin skim of oil on the water";reading or glancing through quickly
skim milk|milk from which the cream has been skimmed
skimmer|a cooking utensil used to skim fat from the surface of liquids;a rapid superficial reader;gull-like seabird that flies along the surface of the water with an elongated lower mandible immersed to skim out food
skimming|failure to declare income in order to avoid paying taxes on it;the act of removing floating material from the surface of a liquid
skin|a bag serving as a container for liquids;it is made from the hide of an animal;a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch - "your skin is the largest organ of your body";a person's skin regarded as their life - "he tried to save his skin";an outer surface (usually thin) - "the skin of an airplane"
skin cancer|a malignant neoplasm of the skin
skin care|care for the skin
skin cell|any of the cells making up the skin
skin disease|a disease affecting the skin
skin diving|underwater swimming without any more breathing equipment than a snorkel
skin effect|the tendency of high-frequency alternating current to distribute near the surface of a conductor
skin flick|a pornographic movie
skin graft|a piece of skin taken from a donor area and surgically grafted at the site of an injury or burn
skin test|any test to determine immunity or sensitivity to a disease by introducing small amounts on or into the skin
skin-diver|an underwater swimmer equipped with a face mask and foot fins and either a snorkel or an air cylinder
skinful|a quantity of alcoholic drink sufficient to make you drunk - "someone had to drive me home last night because I had a skinful"
skinhead|a young person who belongs to a British or American group that shave their heads and gather at rock concerts or engage in white supremacist demonstrations
skinheads|a youth subculture that appeared first in England in the late 1960s as a working-class reaction to the hippies;hair was cropped close to the scalp;wore work-shirts and short jeans (supported by suspenders) and heavy red boots;involved in attacks against Asians and football hooliganism
skink|alert agile lizard with reduced limbs and an elongated body covered with shiny scales;more dependent on moisture than most lizards;found in tropical regions worldwide
skinner|a person who prepares or deals in animal skins;United States actor (1858-1942);United States actress noted for her one-woman shows (1901-1979);United States psychologist and a leading proponent of behaviorism (1904-1990)
Skinnerian|a follower of the theories or methods of B. F. Skinner
skinniness|the bodily property of lacking flesh
skinny|confidential information about a topic or person - "he wanted the inside skinny on the new partner"
skinny-dip|a naked swim
skinny-dipper|a naked swimmer
skip|a gait in which steps and hops alternate
skip distance|the shortest distance that permits radio signals (of a given frequency) to travel from the transmitter to the receiver by reflection from the ionosphere
skipjack|medium-sized tuna-like food fish of warm Atlantic and Pacific waters;less valued than tuna;oceanic schooling tuna of considerable value in Pacific but less in Atlantic;reaches 75 pounds;very similar to if not the same as oceanic bonito
ski-plane|an airplane equipped with skis so it can land on a snowfield
skipper|a student who fails to attend classes
skirl|the sound of (the chanter of) a bagpipe
skirmisher|someone who skirmishes (e.g., as a member of a scouting party)
skirret|an Asiatic herb cultivated in Europe for its sweet edible tuberous root
skirt|a garment hanging from the waist;worn mainly by girls and women;cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist
skirt of tasses|armor plate that protects the body below the waist
skit|a short theatrical episode
skittishness|characterized by nervousness and quickness to take fright
Skivvies|men's underwear consisting of cotton T-shirt and shorts
skivvy|a female domestic servant who does all kinds of menial work
Skopje|capital of modern Macedonia
skua|gull-like jaeger of northern seas
Skuld|goddess of fate;a dwarf who personified the future
skull|the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates
skull and crossbones|emblem warning of danger or death
skull session|a session (as of executives or advisors) to discuss policy or strategy or to solve problems or exchange ideas;teaching strategy to an athletic team
skullcap|a herbaceous plant of the genus Scutellaria which has a calyx that, when inverted, resembles a helmet with its visor raised;rounded brimless cap fitting the crown of the head
skunk|American musteline mammal typically ejecting an intensely malodorous fluid when startled;in some classifications put in a separate subfamily Mephitinae
skunk cabbage|clump-forming deciduous perennial swamp plant of western North America similar to Symplocarpus foetidus but having a yellow spathe;deciduous perennial low-growing fetid swamp plant of eastern North America having minute flowers enclosed in a mottled greenish or purple cowl-shaped spathe
skunkweed|tall herb of the Rocky Mountains having sticky leaves and an offensive smell
sky|the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
sky burial|a traditional Tibetan funeral ritual in which the corpse is exposed to the open air to be eaten by sacred vultures
sky glow|illumination of the night sky in urban areas
sky wave|a radio wave that is reflected back to earth by the ionosphere or a communications satellite;permits transmission around the curve of the earth's surface
skybox|an elevated box for viewing events at a sports stadium
skycap|a porter who helps passengers with their baggage at an airport
skydiver|a person who jumps from a plane and performs various gymnastic maneuvers before pulling the parachute cord
skydiving|performing acrobatics in free fall before pulling the ripcord of a parachute
Skye terrier|Scottish breed of terrier with shaggy hair and long low body with short legs;native to the Isle of Skye
skyhook|a hook that is imagined to be suspended from the sky;helicopter carrying a reel of steel cable that can be used to lift and transport heavy objects
Skylab|United States space station;in orbit from 1973 to 1979
skylark|brown-speckled European lark noted for singing while hovering at a great height
skylight|a window in a roof to admit daylight
skyline|the outline of objects seen against the sky
skyrocket|sends a firework display high into the sky
skysail|the sail above the royal on a square-rigger
skyscraper|a very tall building with many stories
skywalk|an elevated walkway between buildings (usually enclosed)
skywriting|writing formed in the sky by smoke released from an airplane
slab|block consisting of a thick piece of something
slack|a cord or rope or cable that is hanging loosely - "he took up the slack";a stretch of water without current or movement - "suddenly they were in a slack and the water was motionless";dust consisting of a mixture of small coal fragments and coal dust and dirt that sifts out when coal is passed over a sieve;the quality of being loose (not taut) - "he hadn't counted on the slackness of the rope"
slack suit|casual dress consisting of slacks and matching jacket
slack water|the occurrence of relatively still water at the turn of the (low) tide
slacker|a person who shirks his work or duty (especially one who tries to evade military service in wartime)
slacks|(usually in the plural) pants for casual wear
slag|the scum formed by oxidation at the surface of molten metals
slagheap|pile of waste matter from coal mining etc
slain|people who have been slain (as in battle)
slalom|a downhill race over a winding course defined by upright poles
slam|a forceful impact that makes a loud noise;the noise made by the forceful impact of two objects;winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge
slam dancing|a form of dancing in which dancers slam into one another;normally performed to punk rock
slam dunk|a forceful dunk;something that is a sure to occur;a foregone conclusion - "predicting his success was a slam dunk"
slammer|a person who closes things violently - "she's a dramatic slammer of doors"
slander|words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another
slang|a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions;often vituperative or vulgar - "their speech was full of slang expressions"
slanginess|casualness in use of language
slanguage|language characterized by excessive use of slang or cant
slant|a biased way of looking at or presenting something
slap|a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
slapper|a hitter who slaps (usually another person) with an open hand - "someone slapped me on the back and I turned to see who the slapper was"
slapshot|a fast shot made with a short powerful swing of the hockey stick
slapstick|a boisterous comedy with chases and collisions and practical jokes;acoustic device consisting of two paddles hinged together;used by an actor to make a loud noise without inflicting injury when striking someone
slash|a strong sweeping cut made with a sharp instrument;an open tract of land in a forest that is strewn with debris from logging (or fire or wind)
slash pocket|a pocket in a garment (usually below the waist) to which access is provided by a vertical or diagonal slit in the outside of the garment
slasher|a weapon (a sword or dagger) used for slashing;someone who slashes another person
slat|a thin strip (wood or metal)
slate|(formerly) a writing tablet made of slate;a fine-grained metamorphic rock that can be split into thin layers;a list of candidates nominated by a political party to run for election to public offices;thin layers of rock used for roofing
slate club|a group of people who save money in a common fund for a specific purpose (usually distributed at Christmas)
slate pencil|a pencil of soft slate (or soapstone) used for writing on a slate
slate roof|a roof covered with slate
slating|a severely critical attack - "the reviewers gave his book a sound slating";the act of laying slates for a roof
slattern|a dirty untidy woman
slatternliness|in the manner of a slattern
slaughter|the killing of animals (as for food);the savage and excessive killing of many people
Slav|any member of the people of eastern Europe or Asian Russia who speak a Slavonic language
slave|a person who is owned by someone;someone entirely dominated by some influence or person - "a slave to fashion" - "a slave to cocaine" - "his mother was his abject slave";someone who works as hard as a slave
slave ant|any of various ants captured as larvae and enslaved by another species
slave driver|a cruel employer who demands excessive work from the employees;a supervisor of slaves at work
slave market|a marketplace where slaves were auctioned off (especially in the southern United States before the American Civil War)
slave ship|a ship used to transport slaves from their homes to places of bondage
slave state|any of the southern states in which slavery was legal prior to the American Civil War
slave trade|traffic in slaves;especially in Black Africans transported to America in the 16th to 19th centuries
slaveholder|someone who holds slaves
slave-making ant|an ant that attacks colonies of other ant species and carries off the young to be reared as slave ants
slaver|a person engaged in slave trade
slavery|the practice of owning slaves;work done under harsh conditions for little or no pay
Slavic|a branch of the Indo-European family of languages
Slavic people|a race of people speaking a Slavonic language
sleaziness|morally dishonorable - "an embarrassing sleaziness that I hope will be corrected by the more ethical newspapers"
sled|a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs;for transportation over snow
sled dog|a dog trained to draw a sled usually in a team
sledder|someone who rides a sled
sledding|the sport of riding on a sled or sleigh
sleekness|the quality of being well-groomed and neatly tailored - "the sleekness of his appearance reminded me of his financial successes"
sleep|a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended - "he didn't get enough sleep last night";a period of time spent sleeping - "he felt better after a little sleep";a torpid state resembling deep sleep
sleep apnea|apnea that occurs during sleep
sleep deprivation|a form of psychological torture inflicted by depriving the victim of sleep
sleep disorder|a disturbance of the normal sleep pattern
sleep talking|uttering speech while asleep
sleep terror disorder|a disorder of sleep characterized by a dream of terrifying dimensions far worse than a typical nightmare;they occur during NREM sleep
sleeper|a piece of furniture that can be opened up into a bed;a rester who is sleeping;a spy or saboteur or terrorist planted in an enemy country who lives there as a law-abiding citizen until activated by a prearranged signal;an unexpected achiever of success - "the winner was a true sleeper--no one expected him to get it";an unexpected hit - "that movie was the sleeper of the summer";pajamas with feet;worn by children;tropical fish that resembles a goby and rests quietly on the bottom in shallow water
sleeper cell|a cell of sleepers - "an al-Qaeda sleeper cell may have used Arizona as its base"
sleeper nest|a nest of sleepers awaiting a prearranged signal - "sleeper nests of Islamic terrorists were capable of launching major attacks in Europe"
sleepiness|a very sleepy state - "sleepiness causes many driving accidents"
sleeping|the state of being asleep;the suspension of consciousness and decrease in metabolic rate
sleeping bag|large padded bag designed to be slept in outdoors;usually rolls up like a bedroll
sleeping beauty|a person who is sleeping soundly;a potential takeover target that has not yet been put in play;fairy story;princess under an evil spell who could be awakened only by a prince's kiss
sleeping car|a passenger car that has berths for sleeping
sleeping pill|a soporific drug in the form of a pill (or tablet or capsule)
sleeping sickness|an encephalitis that was epidemic between 1915 and 1926;symptoms include paralysis of the extrinsic eye muscle and extreme muscular weakness
sleep-learning|teaching during sleep (as by using recordings to teach a foreign language to someone who is asleep)
sleepover|an occasion of spending a night away from home or having a guest spend the night in your home (especially as a party for children)
sleepwalker|someone who walks about in their sleep
sleepwalking|walking by a person who is asleep
sleepyhead|a sleepy person
sleet|partially melted snow (or a mixture of rain and snow)
sleeve|small case into which an object fits;the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm
sleigh bed|a bed with solid headboard and footboard that roll outward at the top
sleigh bell|a bell attached to a sleigh, or to the harness of a horse that is pulling a sleigh
slender centaury|a slender variety of centaury
slender knapweed|a variety of knapweed
slender loris|slim-bodied lemur of southern India and Sri Lanka
slender rush|tufted wiry rush of wide distribution
slender salamander|any of several small slim salamanders of the Pacific coast of the United States
slender wheatgrass|North American grass cultivated in western United States as excellent forage crop
slender wild oat|oat of southern Europe and southwestern Asia
slenderness|the property of an attractively thin person;the quality of being slight or inadequate - "he knew the slenderness of my wallet" - "the slenderness of the chances that anything would be done" - "the slenderness of the evidence"
slender-tailed meerkat|a meerkat with a thin and elongated tail
sleuth|a detective who follows a trail
slice|a golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer;a share of something - "a slice of the company's revenue";a spatula for spreading paint or ink;a thin flat piece cut off of some object
slice bar|iron bar used to loosen and rake clinkers out of furnaces
slicer|a golfer whose shots typically curve right (for right-handed golfers);a machine for cutting;usually with a revolving blade;knife especially designed for slicing particular foods, as cheese
slicing|the act of cutting into slices
slick|a film of oil or garbage floating on top of water;a magazine printed on good quality paper;a trowel used to make a surface slick
slicker|a person with good manners and stylish clothing
slickness|a slippery smoothness - "he could feel the slickness of the tiller"
slide|(geology) the descent of a large mass of earth or rocks or snow etc.;a small flat rectangular piece of glass on which specimens can be mounted for microscopic study;a transparency mounted in a frame;viewed with a slide projector;plaything consisting of a sloping chute down which children can slide;the act of moving smoothly along a surface while remaining in contact with it - "his slide didn't stop until the bottom of the hill"
slide fastener|a fastener for locking together two toothed edges by means of a sliding tab
slide projector|projector that projects an enlarged image of a slide onto a screen
slide rule|analog computer consisting of a handheld instrument used for rapid calculations;have been replaced by pocket calculators
slide valve|valve that opens and closes a passageway by sliding over a port
slider|a fastball that curves slightly away from the side from which it was thrown;freshwater turtle of United States and South America;frequently raised commercially;some young sold as pets
sliding door|a door that opens by sliding instead of swinging
sliding scale|a wage scale that fluctuates in response to the cost-of-living index
sliding seat|rower's seat that slides fore and aft
sliding window|a window that open by sliding horizontally
slight care|such care as a careless or inattentive person would exercise
slime mold|a naked mass of protoplasm having characteristics of both plants and animals;sometimes classified as protoctists
slime mushroom|a mushroom of the genus Amanita
sliminess|a property resembling or being covered with slime
sling|a highball with liquor and water with sugar and lemon or lime juice;a simple weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a projectile is whirled and then released;bandage to support an injured forearm;consisting of a wide triangular piece of cloth hanging from around the neck
slingback|a shoe that has a strap that wraps around the heel
slinger|a person who uses a sling to throw something
slinger ring|dispenser consisting of a tubular ring around the propeller hub of an airplane through which antifreeze solution is spread over the blades
slinging|throwing with a wide motion (as if with a sling)
slingshot|a plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms;used to propel small stones
slip|a flight maneuver;aircraft slides sideways in the air;a minor inadvertent mistake usually observed in speech or writing or in small accidents or memory lapses etc.;a small sheet of paper - "a receipt slip";a young and slender person - "he's a mere slip of a lad";an accidental misstep threatening (or causing) a fall - "he blamed his slip on the ice" - "the jolt caused many slips and a few spills";potter's clay that is thinned and used for coating or decorating ceramics;the act of avoiding capture (especially by cunning)
slip clutch|a friction clutch that will slip when the torque is too great
slip coach|a railway car at the end of the train;it can be detached without stopping the train
slip of the tongue|an accidental and usually trivial mistake in speaking
slip ring|connection consisting of a metal ring on a rotating part of a machine;provides a continuous electrical connection through brushes on stationary contacts
slip stitch|a loose stitch catching only a thread or two of fabric;designed to be invisible from the right side
slipcover|a removable fitted cloth covering for upholstered furniture
slip-joint pliers|pliers with a joint adjustable to two positions in order to increase the opening of the jaws
slipknot|a knot at the end of a cord or rope that can slip along the cord or rope around which it is made
slip-on|an article of clothing (garment or shoe) that is easily slipped on or off
slippage|a decrease of transmitted power in a mechanical system caused by slipping;decline from a standard level of performance or achievement;failing to hold or slipping out of place - "the knots allowed no slippage"
slipper|low footwear that can be slipped on and off easily;usually worn indoors
slipper spurge|any of several tropical American shrubby succulent plants resembling cacti but having foot-shaped bracts
slippery dick|small wrasse of tropical Atlantic
slippery elm|North American elm having rough leaves that are red when opening;yields a hard wood
slipskin grape|a grape whose skin slips readily from the pulp
slipstream|the flow of air that is driven backwards by an aircraft propeller
slit|a long narrow opening;a narrow fissure
slit lamp|(ophthalmology) a lamp that emits a narrow but intense beam of light that enables an ophthalmologist, using a microscope, to view the retina and optic nerve
slit trench|narrow trench for shelter in battle
slivovitz|a colorless plum brandy popular in the Balkans
Sloanea|genus of tropical hardwood timber trees
slob|a coarse obnoxious person
sloe|small sour dark purple fruit of especially the Allegheny plum bush
sloe gin|gin flavored with sloes (fruit of the blackthorn)
sloganeer|someone who coins and uses slogans to promote a cause
sloganeering|persuasion by means of empty slogans
sloop|a sailing vessel with a single mast set about one third of the boat's length aft of the bow
sloop of war|a sailing or steam warship having cannons on only one deck
slop|(usually plural) waste water from a kitchen or bathroom or chamber pot that has to be emptied by hand - "she carried out the sink slops";(usually plural) weak or watery unappetizing food or drink - "he lived on the thin slops that food kitchens provided";deep soft mud in water or slush - "they waded through the slop";wet feed (especially for pigs) consisting of mostly kitchen waste mixed with water or skimmed or sour milk
slop basin|a bowl into which the dregs of teacups and coffee cups are emptied at the table
slop chest|commissary maintained aboard merchant ships to sell merchandise to the crew
slop pail|a large pail used to receive waste water from a washbasin or chamber pot
slope|an elevated geological formation - "he climbed the steep slope"
sloppiness|a lack of order and tidiness;not cared for
Sloppy Joe|ground beef (not a patty) cooked in a spicy sauce and served on a bun
slops|cheap clothing (as formerly issued to sailors in Britain)
slopseller|a dealer in cheap ready-made clothing
slopshop|a store that sells cheap ready-made clothing
slot|(computer) a socket in a microcomputer that will accept a plug-in circuit board - "the PC had three slots for additional memory";a position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable - "he developed a version of slot grammar";a position in a hierarchy or organization - "Bob Dylan occupied the top slot for several weeks" - "she beat some tough competition for the number one slot";a slot machine that is used for gambling - "they spend hours and hours just playing the slots";a small slit (as for inserting a coin or depositing mail) - "he put a quarter in the slot";the trail of an animal (especially a deer) - "he followed the deer's slot over the soft turf to the edge of the trees"
slot machine|a machine that is operated by the insertion of a coin in a slot
sloth|a disinclination to work or exert yourself;any of several slow-moving arboreal mammals of South America and Central America;they hang from branches back downward and feed on leaves and fruits;apathy and inactivity in the practice of virtue (personified as one of the deadly sins)
sloth bear|common coarse-haired long-snouted bear of south-central Asia
slouch|a stooping carriage in standing and walking;an incompetent person;usually used in negative constructions - "he's no slouch when it comes to baseball"
sloucher|a person who slouches;someone with a drooping carriage
slough|a hollow filled with mud;a stagnant swamp (especially as part of a bayou);any outer covering that can be shed or cast off (such as the cast-off skin of a snake)
slough of despond|(formal) extreme depression
Slovak|a native or inhabitant of Slovakia;the Slavic language spoken in Slovakia
Slovakia|a landlocked republic in central Europe;separated from the Czech Republic in 1993
Slovakian monetary unit|monetary unit in Slovakia
Slovene|a native of Slovenia;the Slavic language of Slovenes
Slovenia|a mountainous republic in central Europe;formerly part of the Habsburg monarchy and Yugoslavia;achieved independence in 1991
Slovenian|a native or inhabitant of Slovenia
slovenliness|habitual uncleanliness
slow lane|the traffic lane for vehicles that are moving slowly
slow loris|stocky lemur of southeastern Asia
slow match|match or fuse made to burn slowly and evenly
slow motion|a movie that apparently takes place at a slower than normal speed;achieved by taking the film at a faster rate
slow virus|a virus that remains dormant in the body for a long time before symptoms appear - "kuru is caused by a slow virus"
slowdown|the act of slowing down or falling behind
slowness|a rate demonstrating an absence of haste or hurry
slub|soft lump or unevenness in a yarn;either an imperfection or created by design
sludge|any thick, viscous matter;the precipitate produced by sewage treatment
slug|a counterfeit coin;a unit of mass equal to the mass that accelerates at 1 foot/sec/sec when acted upon by a force of 1 pound;approximately 14.5939 kilograms;an amount of an alcoholic drink (usually liquor) that is poured or gulped - "he took a slug of hard liquor";any of various terrestrial gastropods having an elongated slimy body and no external shell
sluggard|an idle slothful person
slugger|a boxer noted for an ability to deliver hard punches
sluggishness|the pace of things that move relatively slowly - "the sluggishness of the economy" - "the sluggishness of the compass in the Arctic cold"
sluice|conduit that carries a rapid flow of water controlled by a sluicegate
sluicegate|regulator consisting of a valve or gate that controls the rate of water flow through a sluice
slum|a district of a city marked by poverty and inferior living conditions
slumber|a dormant or quiescent state
slumber party|an overnight party of girls who dress in nightclothes and pass the night talking
slumgullion|a thin stew of meat and vegetables
slump|a noticeable deterioration in performance or quality - "the team went into a slump"
slur|(music) a curved line spanning notes that are to be played legato
slurry|a suspension of insoluble particles (as plaster of Paris or lime or clay etc.) usually in water
slush|partially melted snow
slush fund|a fund for buying votes or bribing public officials
smack|a sailing ship (usually rigged like a sloop or cutter) used in fishing and sailing along the coast;an enthusiastic kiss;the act of smacking something;a blow delivered with an open hand
smacker|a loud kiss;a very powerful blow with the fist
small|a garment size for a small person;the slender part of the back
small boat|a boat that is small
Small Business Administration|an independent agency of the United States government that protects the interests of small businesses and ensures that they receive a fair share of government contracts
small businessman|a businessman who runs a business employing less than 100 people
small cane|small cane of watery or moist areas in southern United States
small cap|a corporation with a small capitalization - "this annual conference is a showcase for ambitious small caps"
small capital|a character having the form of an upper-case letter but the same height as lower-case letters
small change|a trifling sum of money
small civet|a common civet of southeast Asia
small computer system interface|interface consisting of a standard port between a computer and its peripherals that is used in some computers
small farmer|a farmer on a small farm
small fortune|a large sum of money - "he made a small fortune in the commodities market"
small hours|the hours just after midnight
small indefinite quantity|an indefinite quantity that is below average size or magnitude
small intestine|the longest part of the alimentary canal;where digestion is completed
small letter|the characters that were once kept in bottom half of a compositor's type case
Small Magellanic Cloud|the smaller of the two Magellanic Clouds visible from the southern hemisphere
small person|a person of below average size
small print|material printed in small type
small ship|a ship that is small
small stores|personal items conforming to regulations that are sold aboard ship or at a naval base and charged to the person's pay
small stuff|any light rope used on shipboard
small white|small widely distributed form
small white aster|a variety of aster
Smalley|American chemist who with Robert Curl and Harold Kroto discovered fullerenes and opened a new branch of chemistry (born in 1943)
smalleye hammerhead|fished for the hide and vitamin-rich liver
small-for-gestational-age infant|an infant whose size and weight are considerably less than the average for babies of the same age
smallholder|a person owning or renting a smallholding
smallholding|a piece of land under 50 acres that is sold or let to someone for cultivation
small-leaved linden|large spreading European linden with small dark green leaves;often cultivated as an ornamental
smallmouth|a variety of black bass;the angle of the jaw falls below the eye
smallmouth bass|flesh of smallmouth bass
smallness|the property of being a relatively small amount - "he was attracted by the smallness of the taxes";the property of having a relatively small size;the property of having relatively little strength or vigor - "the smallness of her voice"
small-particle pollution|air pollution caused by fine particles of soot (as from power plants or diesel engines)
smallpox|a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever and weakness and skin eruption with pustules that form scabs that slough off leaving scars
smalltooth sawfish|commonly found in tropical bays and estuaries;not aggressive
smaltite|a grey mineral consisting of cobalt arsenide and nickel;an important source of cobalt and nickel
smart|a kind of pain such as that caused by a wound or a burn or a sore
smart bomb|a bomb that can be guided (by a laser beam or radio) to its target - "smart bombs have revolutionized aerial bombardment"
smart card|a plastic card containing a microprocessor that enables the holder to perform operations requiring data that is stored in the microprocessor;typically used to perform financial transactions
smart money|money bet or invested by experienced gamblers or investors (especially if they have inside information);people who are highly experienced or who have inside information - "the smart money said Truman would lose the election"
smarta|one of a group of brahmans who uphold nonsectarian orthodoxy according to the Vedanta school of Hinduism
smash|a serious collision (especially of motor vehicles)
smasher|a person who smashes something;a very attractive or seductive looking woman
smashing|the act of breaking something into small pieces
smattering|a slight or superficial understanding of a subject
smear|a thin tissue or blood sample spread on a glass slide and stained for cytologic examination and diagnosis under a microscope;slanderous defamation
smear word|an epithet that can be used to smear someone's reputation - "he used the smear word 'communist' for everyone who disagreed with him"
smegma|a white secretion of the sebaceous glands of the foreskin
smell|the act of perceiving the odor of something;the faculty that enables us to distinguish scents;the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form - "she loved the smell of roses"
smelling bottle|a bottle containing smelling salts
smelling salts|a pungent preparation of ammonium carbonate and perfume;sniffed as a stimulant to relieve faintness
smelt|small cold-water silvery fish;migrate between salt and fresh water;small trout-like silvery marine or freshwater food fishes of cold northern waters
smelter|an industrial plant for smelting
Smetana|Czech composer (1824-1884)
smew|smallest merganser and most expert diver;found in northern Eurasia
Smilacaceae|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted
smilax|fragile twining plant of South Africa with bright green flattened stems and glossy foliage popular as a floral decoration;sometimes placed in Smilacaceae
smile|a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth;usually shows pleasure or amusement
Smiledon|saber-toothed tigers
Smiledon californicus|North American sabertooth;culmination of sabertooth development
smiler|a person who smiles
smiley|an emoticon of a smiling face
smilo|perennial mountain rice native to Mediterranean region and introduced into North America
smirk|a smile expressing smugness or scorn instead of pleasure
smirker|a smiler whose smile is offensively self-satisfied
Smitane|veloute or brown sauce with sauteed chopped onion and dry white wine and sour cream
Smith|English explorer who helped found the colony at Jamestown, Virginia;was said to have been saved by Pocahontas (1580-1631);religious leader who founded the Mormon Church in 1830 (1805-1844);Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919);Scottish economist who advocated private enterprise and free trade (1723-1790);United States blues singer (1894-1937);United States sculptor (1906-1965);United States singer noted for her rendition of patriotic songs (1909-1986);United States suffragist who refused to pay taxes until she could vote (1792-1886);someone who works at something specified;someone who works metal (especially by hammering it when it is hot and malleable)
smithereens|a collection of small fragments considered as a whole - "Berlin was bombed to smithereens" - "his hopes were dashed to smithereens" - "I wanted to smash him to smithereens" - "the toilet bowl ws blown to smithereens"
smocking|embroidery consisting of ornamental needlework on a garment that is made by gathering the cloth tightly in stitches
smog|air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
smoke|a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas;a hot vapor containing fine particles of carbon being produced by combustion - "the fire produced a tower of black smoke that could be seen for miles";an indication of some hidden activity - "with all that smoke there must be a fire somewhere";something with no concrete substance - "his dreams all turned to smoke" - "it was just smoke and mirrors";the act of smoking tobacco or other substances - "he went outside for a smoke"
smoke bomb|a bomb that gives off thick smoke when it explodes;used to make a smoke screen or to mark a position
smoke bush|any of various shrubs of the genus Conospermum with panicles of mostly white woolly flowers
smoke hole|a vent (as in a roof) for smoke to escape
smoke screen|(military) screen consisting of a cloud of smoke that obscures movements;an action intended to conceal or confuse or obscure
smoke tree|any of several shrubs or shrubby trees of the genus Cotinus;greyish-green shrub of desert regions of southwestern United States and Mexico having sparse foliage and terminal spikes of bluish violet flowers;locally important as source of a light-colored honey of excellent flavor
smoked eel|eel cured by smoking
smoked mackerel|mackerel cured by smoking
smoked salmon|salmon cured by smoking
smokehouse|a small house where smoke is used to cure meat or fish
smokeless powder|an explosive (trade name Ballistite) that burns with relatively little smoke;contains pyrocellulose and is used as a propellant
smoker|a passenger car for passengers who wish to smoke;a person who smokes tobacco
smokestack|a large tall chimney through which combustion gases and smoke can be evacuated
smoking gun|indisputable evidence (especially of a crime)
smoking mixture|a blend of tobaccos to be smoked in a pipe
smoking room|room in a hotel or club set apart for smokers
Smolensk|a city in western Russia on the Dnieper River;scene of severe fighting in World War II
Smollett|Scottish writer of adventure novels (1721-1771)
smooth|the act of smoothing - "he gave his hair a quick smooth"
smooth alder|common shrub of the eastern United States with smooth bark
smooth aster|a variety of aster
smooth crabgrass|a weed
smooth darling pea|erect or trailing perennial of eastern Australia having axillary racemes of blue to purple or red flowers
smooth dogfish|small bottom-dwelling shark found along both Atlantic coasts
smooth green snake|of western and central United States
smooth hammerhead|fished for the hides and vitamin-rich liver
smooth lip fern|southeastern United States to northern Mexico and Jamaica
smooth muscle|a muscle that contracts without conscious control and found in walls of internal organs such as stomach and intestine and bladder and blood vessels (excluding the heart);muscle tissue that does not appear striated under the microscope;has the form of thin layers or sheets
smooth muscle cell|cells of the smooth muscles
smooth plane|a small plane for finish work
smooth softshell|river turtle of Mississippi basin;prefers running water
smooth sumac|common nonpoisonous shrub of eastern North America with waxy compound leaves and green paniculate flowers followed by red berries
smooth winterberry holly|a holly shrub
smooth woodsia|rock-inhabiting fern of Arctic and subarctic Europe to eastern Asia
smoothbark|any of several Australian eucalypts having the bark smooth except at or near the base of the trunk
smoothbore|a firearm that has no rifling
smooth-haired fox terrier|a fox terrier with smooth hair
smoothhound|smooth dogfish of European coastal waters
smoothie|a thick smooth drink consisting of fresh fruit pureed with ice cream or yoghurt or milk;someone with an assured and ingratiating manner
smooth-leaved elm|European elm with lustrous smooth leaves used as an ornamental
smoothness|a texture without roughness;smooth to the touch - "admiring the slim smoothness of her thighs" - "some artists prefer the smoothness of a board";the quality of being free from errors or interruptions - "the five-speed manual gearbox is smoothness personified";the quality of having a level and even surface - "the water was a glassy smoothness" - "the weather system of the Pacific is determined by the uninterrupted smoothness of the ocean"
smorgasbord|an assortment of foods starting with herring or smoked eel or salmon etc with bread and butter;then cheeses and eggs and pickled vegetables and aspics;finally hot foods;served as a buffet meal
smother|a stifling cloud of smoke
smoulder|a fire that burns with thick smoke but no flame - "the smoulder suddenly became a blaze"
smudge|a blemish made by dirt - "he had a smudge on his cheek";a smoky fire to drive away insects
smuggler|someone who imports or exports without paying duties
smuggling|secretly importing prohibited goods or goods on which duty is due
smugness|an excessive feeling of self-satisfaction
smut|any fungus of the order Ustilaginales;destructive diseases of plants (especially cereal grasses) caused by fungi that produce black powdery masses of spores
smut grass|grass native to West Indies but common in southern United States having tufted wiry stems often infested with a dark fungus
Smuts|South African statesman and soldier (1870-1950)
smuttiness|obscenity in speech or writing;the state of being dirty with soot
Smyrnium|Alexanders
snack bar|usually inexpensive bar
snack food|food for light meals or for eating between meals
snaffle|a simple jointed bit for a horse;without a curb
snafu|an acronym often used by soldiers in World War II;situation normal all fucked up
snag|a dead tree that is still standing, usually in an undisturbed forest - "a snag can provide food and a habitat for insects and birds";a sharp protuberance
snail|freshwater or marine or terrestrial gastropod mollusk usually having an external enclosing spiral shell
snail butter|for preparing snails;butter seasoned with shallots and garlic and parsley
snail darter|a small snail-eating perch of the Tennessee River
snail mail|any mail that is physically delivered by the postal service - "email is much faster than snail mail"
snailfish|small tadpole-shaped cold-water fishes with pelvic fins forming a sucker;related to lumpfish
snailflower|perennial tropical American vine cultivated for its racemes of showy yellow and purple flowers having the corolla keel coiled like a snail shell;sometimes placed in genus Phaseolus
snake|a deceitful or treacherous person;limbless scaly elongate reptile;some are venomous;something long, thin, and flexible that resembles a snake;a tributary of the Columbia River that rises in Wyoming and flows westward;discovered in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark Expedition
snake charmer|a performer who uses movements and music to control snakes
snake dance|a ceremonial dance (as by the Hopi) in which snakes are handled or invoked;a group advancing in a single-file serpentine path
snake mackerel|predatory tropical fishes with jutting jaws and strong teeth
snake muishond|small slender burrowing muishond with white top of the head
snake oil|(medicine) any of various liquids sold as medicine (as by a travelling medicine show) but medically worthless
snake polypody|epiphytic ferns with long rhizomes;tropical America
snake venom|venom secreted by certain snakes
snakebird|fish-eating bird of warm inland waters having a long flexible neck and slender sharp-pointed bill
snakebite|a bite inflicted by a (venomous) snake
snakeblenny|found in Arctic and northern Atlantic waters
snakefly|predatory insect of western North America having a long necklike prothorax
snakes and ladders|a board game for children who use dice to move counters up ladders and down snakes
snake's head fritillary|Eurasian checkered lily with pendant flowers usually veined and checkered with purple or maroon on a pale ground and shaped like the bells carried by lepers in medieval times;widely grown as an ornamental
snakewood|East Indian climbing shrub with twisted limbs and roots resembling serpents
snap|a fastener used on clothing;fastens with a snapping sound - "children can manage snaps better than buttons";a spell of cold weather - "a cold snap in the middle of May";a sudden breaking;the act of snapping the fingers;movement of a finger from the tip to the base of the thumb on the same hand - "he gave his fingers a snap";the noise produced by the rapid movement of a finger from the tip to the base of the thumb on the same hand - "servants appeared at the snap of his fingers"
snap bean|tender green beans without strings that easily snap into sections
snap brim|a brim that can be turned up and down on opposite sides
snap roll|a fast roll
snap-brim hat|a hat with a snap brim
snapdragon|a garden plant of the genus Antirrhinum having showy white or yellow or crimson flowers resembling the face of a dragon
snapper|any of several large sharp-toothed marine food and sport fishes of the family Lutjanidae of mainly tropical coastal waters;Australian food fish having a pinkish body with blue spots;flesh of any of various important food fishes of warm seas
snapping shrimp|small shrimp that makes a snapping noise with one of their enlarged chelae
snapping turtle|large aggressive freshwater turtle with powerful jaws
snapshot|an informal photograph;usually made with a small hand-held camera - "my snapshots haven't been developed yet"
snapshot program|a trace program that produces output for selected conditions
snare|a surgical instrument consisting of wire hoop that can be drawn tight around the base of polyps or small tumors to sever them;used especially in body cavities;a trap for birds or small mammals;often has a slip noose;strings stretched across the lower head of a snare drum;they make a rattling sound when the drum is hit
snare drum|a small drum with two heads and a snare stretched across the lower head
snarer|someone who sets snares for birds or small animals
snarl|a vicious angry growl;an angry vicious expression
snatch|a small fragment - "overheard snatches of their conversation";a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted overhead in one rapid motion
snatch block|a pulley-block that can be opened to receive the bight of a rope
snatcher|a thief who grabs and runs - "a purse snatcher"
Snead|United States golfer known for the graceful arc of his swing (1912-2002)
sneak|a person who is regarded as underhanded and furtive and contemptible
sneak preview|a preview to test audience reactions
sneak thief|a thief who steals without using violence
sneer|a contemptuous or scornful remark;a facial expression of contempt or scorn;the upper lip curls
sneerer|a person who expresses contempt by remarks or facial expression
sneeze|a symptom consisting of the involuntary expulsion of air from the nose
sneezer|a person who sneezes
sneezeweed|any of various plants of the genus Helenium characteristically causing sneezing
sneezeweed yarrow|Eurasian herb having loose heads of button-shaped white flowers and long grey-green leaves that cause sneezing when powdered
Snellen|Dutch ophthalmologist who introduced the Snellen chart to study visual acuity (1834-1908)
Snellen chart|display consisting of a printed card with letters and numbers in lines of decreasing size;used to test visual acuity
Snellen test|a test of visual acuity using a Snellen chart
snick|a glancing contact with the ball off the edge of the cricket bat
snicker|a disrespectful laugh
sniff|sensing an odor by inhaling through the nose
sniffer|a person who sniffs
sniffler|a person who breathes audibly through a congested nose
snifter|a globular glass with a small top;used for serving brandy
snip|a small piece of anything (especially a piece that has been snipped off)
snipe|a gunshot from a concealed location;Old or New World straight-billed game bird of the sandpiper family;of marshy areas;similar to the woodcocks
snipe hunt|an elaborate practical joke in which the unsuspecting victim hunts a snipe and is typically left in the dark holding a bag and waiting for the snipe to run into it - "in the South a snipe hunt is practically a rite of passage"
snipefish|small bottom-dwelling fish of warm seas having a compressed body and a long snout with a toothless mouth
sniper|a marksman who shoots at people from a concealed place
sniper rifle|an extremely powerful rifle developed for the military;capable of destroying light armored vehicles and aircraft more than a mile away
snips|(plural) hand shears for cutting sheet metal
snit|a state of agitated irritation - "he was in a snit"
snivel|whining in a tearful manner
snob|a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
snobbery|the trait of condescending to those of lower social status
Sno-cat|a kind of snowmobile
snogging|(British informal) cuddle and kiss
snood|an ornamental net in the shape of a bag that confines a woman's hair;pins or ties at the back of the head
snook|large tropical American food and game fishes of coastal and brackish waters;resemble pike
snooker|a form of pool played with 15 red balls and six balls of other colors and a cue ball
snoop|a spy who makes uninvited inquiries into the private affairs of others
Snoopy|a fictional beagle in a comic strip drawn by Charles Schulz
snootiness|the quality of being snooty - "he disliked his neighbors' snootiness"
snore|the act of snoring or producing a snoring sound;the rattling noise produced when snoring
snorer|someone who snores while sleeping
snorkel|air passage provided by a retractable device containing intake and exhaust pipes;permits a submarine to stay submerged for extended periods of time;breathing device consisting of a bent tube fitting into a swimmer's mouth and extending above the surface;allows swimmer to breathe while face down in the water
snorkeling|skin diving with a snorkel
snorter|someone who expresses contempt or indignation by uttering a snorting sound;something outstandingly difficult - "the problem was a real snorter";something that is extraordinary or remarkable or prominent - "a snorter of a sermon" - "the storm wasn't long but it was a snorter"
snot|nasal mucus
snout|a long projecting or anterior elongation of an animal's head;especially the nose;beaklike projection of the anterior part of the head of certain insects such as e.g. weevils
snout beetle|small weevil having a prolonged snout;destructive to e.g. grains and nuts
snow|a layer of snowflakes (white crystals of frozen water) covering the ground;precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals;English writer of novels about moral dilemmas in academe (1905-1980)
snow bunting|white Arctic bunting
snow goose|blue goose in the white color phase
snow gum|small to medium-sized tree of Australia and Tasmania having smooth white to light-grey bark shedding in patches or strips
snow job|a long and elaborate misrepresentation
snow leopard|large feline of upland central Asia having long thick whitish fur
snow line|the line on a mountain above which there is perpetual snow and ice
snow mushroom|popular in China and Japan and Taiwan;gelatinous mushrooms;most are dried
snow pea|green peas with flat edible pods;variety of pea plant producing peas having thin flat edible pods
snow plant|a fleshy bright red saprophytic plant of the mountains of western North America that appears in early spring while snow is on the ground
snow thrower|a machine that removes snow by scooping it up and throwing it forcefully through a chute
snow tire|an automobile pneumatic tire with deep tread to give traction in snow
snowball|ball of crushed ice with fruit syrup;ball of ice cream covered with coconut and usually chocolate sauce;plant having heads of fragrant white trumpet-shaped flowers;grows in sandy arid regions;snow pressed into a ball for throwing (playfully)
snowbank|a mound or heap of snow
snowbell|small tree native to Japan
snowberry|deciduous shrub of western North America having spikes of pink flowers followed by round white berries
snowblindness|temporary blindness caused by exposure to sunlight reflected from snow or ice
snowboard|a board that resembles a broad ski or a small surfboard;used in a standing position to slide down snow-covered slopes
snowboarder|someone who slides down snow-covered slopes while standing on a snowboard
snowboarding|the act of sliding down a snow-covered slope while standing on a snowboard
snowcap|a covering of snow (as on a mountain peak)
snowdrift|a mass of snow heaped up by the wind
snowdrop anemone|Eurasian herb with solitary nodding fragrant white flowers
snowfield|a permanent wide expanse of snow
snowflake|a crystal of snow
snow-in-summer|chickweed with hairy silver-grey leaves and rather large white flowers
snowman|a figure of a person made of packed snow
snowmobile|tracked vehicle for travel on snow having skis in front
snow-on-the-mountain|annual spurge of western United States having showy white-bracted flower clusters and very poisonous milk
snowplow|a vehicle used to push snow from roads
snowshoe|a device to help you walk on deep snow;a lightweight frame shaped like a racquet is strengthened with cross pieces and contains a network of thongs;one is worn on each foot
snowshoe hare|large large-footed North American hare;white in winter
snowsuit|a child's overgarment for cold weather
snowy egret|small New World egret
snowy orchid|slender fringed orchid of eastern North America having white flowers
snowy tree cricket|pale yellowish tree cricket widely distributed in North America
snub|a refusal to recognize someone you know - "the snub was clearly intentional"
snuff|a pinch of smokeless tobacco inhaled at a single time;finely powdered tobacco for sniffing up the nose;the charred portion of a candlewick
snuffbox|a small ornamental box for carrying snuff in your pocket
snuffbox fern|fern of northeastern North America
snuff-color|dark yellowish brown
snuffer|a cone-shaped implement with a handle;for extinguishing candles;a person who snuffs out candles;a person who uses snuff
snuffers|scissors for cropping and holding the snuff of a candlewick
snuffle|the act of breathing heavily through the nose (as when the nose is congested)
snuffler|a person who breathes noisily (as through a nose blocked by mucus)
soak|the process of becoming softened and saturated as a consequence of being immersed in water (or other liquid) - "a good soak put life back in the wagon";washing something by allowing it to soak
soap|a cleansing agent made from the salts of vegetable or animal fats;money offered as a bribe;street names for gamma hydroxybutyrate
soap bubble|a bubble formed by a thin soap film
soap dish|a bathroom or kitchen fixture for holding a bar of soap
soap dispenser|dispenser of liquid soap
soap film|a film left on objects after they have been washed in soap
soap flakes|soap that has been cut into flakes to make suds faster
soap opera|a serialized program usually dealing with sentimentalized family matters that is broadcast on radio or television (frequently sponsored by a company advertising soap products)
soap pad|a cleaning pad containing soap
soap powder|soap in powdered form mixed with alkaline builders
soapberry|a tree of the genus Sapindus whose fruit is rich in saponin
soapberry vine|tendril-climbing vine
soapbox|a crate for packing soap
soapfish|fishes with slimy mucus-covered skin;found in the warm Atlantic coastal waters of America
soapiness|the quality of being soap or being covered with soap - "she could smell the soapiness of the doctor's hands"
soapstone|a soft heavy compact variety of talc having a soapy feel;used to make hearths and tabletops and ornaments
soapsuds|the froth produced by soaps or detergents
soapweed|tall arborescent yucca of southwestern United States
soapwort|plant of European origin having pink or white flowers and leaves yielding a detergent when bruised
soapwort gentian|erect perennial of wet woodlands of North America having leaves and flower buds resembling those of soapwort
soar|the act of rising upward into the air
Soave|dry white Italian wine from Verona
sob|convulsive gasp made while weeping
sob sister|a journalist who specializes in sentimental stories
sob story|a sentimental story (or drama) of personal distress;designed to arouse sympathy
soberness|the state of being sober and not intoxicated by alcohol
sobersides|a serious and sedate individual
sobralia|any of various showy orchids of the genus Sobralia having leafy stems and bright-colored solitary or racemose flowers similar to those of genus Cattleya
sobriety|abstaining from excess;moderation in or abstinence from alcohol or other drugs
socage|land tenure by agricultural service or payment of rent;not burdened with military service
soccer|a football game in which two teams of 11 players try to kick or head a ball into the opponents' goal
soccer ball|an inflated ball used in playing soccer
soccer player|an athlete who plays soccer
sociability|the relative tendency or disposition to be sociable or associate with one's fellows
sociable|a party of people assembled to promote sociability and communal activity
social action|a social policy of reform (especially socioeconomic reform)
social activity|activity considered appropriate on social occasions
social anthropologist|an anthropologist who studies such cultural phenomena as kinship systems
social anthropology|the branch of anthropology that deals with human culture and society
social climber|someone seeking social prominence by obsequious behavior
social contract|an implicit agreement among people that results in the organization of society;individual surrenders liberty in return for protection
social control|control exerted (actively or passively) by group action
social dancing|dancing as part of a social occasion
social democracy|the belief in a gradual transition from capitalism to socialism by democratic means
Social Democratic Party|a political party in Germany and Britain (and elsewhere) founded in late 19th century;originally Marxist;now advocates the gradual transformation of capitalism into democratic socialism
Social Development Commission|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with social development
social event|an event characteristic of persons forming groups
social gathering|a gathering for the purpose of promoting fellowship
social group|people sharing some social relation
social insect|an insect that lives in a colony with other insects of the same species
social insurance|government provision for unemployed, injured, or aged people;financed by contributions from employers and employees as well as by government revenue
social organization|the people in a society considered as a system organized by a characteristic pattern of relationships - "the social organization of England and America is very different"
social phobia|any phobia (other than agoraphobia) associated with situations in which you are subject to criticism by others (as fear of eating in public or public speaking etc)
social policy|a policy of for dealing with social issues
social process|a process involved in the formation of groups of persons
social psychology|the branch of psychology that studies persons and their relationships with others and with groups and with society as a whole
social relation|a relation between living organisms (especially between people)
social science|the branch of science that studies society and the relationships of individual within a society
social scientist|someone expert in the study of human society and its personal relationships
social season|the season for major social events
social secretary|a personal secretary who handles your social correspondence and appointments
Social Security|social welfare program in the U.S.;includes old-age and survivors insurance and some unemployment insurance and old-age assistance
Social Security Administration|an independent government agency responsible for the Social Security system
Social Security number|the number of a particular individual's Social Security account
social station|position in a social hierarchy
social welfare|governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need
social work|any of various services designed to aid the poor and aged and to increase the welfare of children
social worker|someone employed to provide social services (especially to the disadvantaged)
socialism|a political theory advocating state ownership of industry;an economic system based on state ownership of capital
socialist|a political advocate of socialism
Socialist Labor Party|a political party in the United States;formed in 1874 to advocate the peaceful introduction of socialism
Socialist Party|a political party in the United States formed in 1900 to advocate socialism
socialite|a socially prominent person
sociality|the tendency to associate with others and to form social groups - "mammals as a class are not strong on sociality"
socialization|the act of meeting for social purposes - "there was too much socialization with the enlisted men";the action of establishing on a socialist basis - "the socialization of medical services";the adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture - "the socialization of children to the norms of their culture"
socializer|a person who takes part in social activities
society|an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization;the fashionable elite
Society Islands|an island group of French Polynesia in the South Pacific to the east of Samoa
Society of Jesus|a Roman Catholic order founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1534 to defend Catholicism against the Reformation and to do missionary work among the heathen;it is strongly committed to education and scholarship
Socinian|an adherent of the teachings of Socinus;a Christian who rejects the divinity of Christ and the Trinity and original sin;influenced the development of Unitarian theology
Socinus|Italian theologian who argued against Trinitarianism (1539-1604)
sociobiologist|a biologist who studies the biological determinants of social behavior
sociobiology|the branch of biology that conducts comparative studies of the social organization of animals (including human beings) with regard to its evolutionary history
sociolinguist|a linguist who studies the social and cultural factors that influence linguistic communication
sociolinguistics|the study of language in relation to its sociocultural context
sociologist|a social scientist who studies the institutions and development of human society
sociology|the study and classification of human societies
sociology department|the academic department responsible for teaching and research in sociology
sociometry|the quantitative study of social relationships
sociopath|someone with a sociopathic personality;a person with an antisocial personality disorder ('psychopath' was once widely used but has now been superseded by 'sociopath')
sock|hosiery consisting of a cloth covering for the foot;worn inside the shoe;reaches to between the ankle and the knee
socket|a bony hollow into which a structure fits;a receptacle into which an electric device can be inserted;receptacle where something (a pipe or probe or end of a bone) is inserted
socket wrench|a wrench with a handle onto which sockets of different sizes can be fitted
sockeye|small salmon with red flesh;found in rivers and tributaries of the northern Pacific and valued as food;adults die after spawning
socle|a plain plinth that supports a wall
Socotra begonia|semi-tuberous begonia having peltate leaves and rose-pink flowers;Yemen
Socrates|ancient Athenian philosopher;teacher of Plato and Xenophon (470-399 BC)
Socratic irony|admission of your own ignorance and willingness to learn while exposing someone's inconsistencies by close questioning
Socratic method|a method of teaching by question and answer;used by Socrates to elicit truths from his students
sod|an informal British term for a youth or man - "the poor sod couldn't even buy a drink"
sod house|a house built of sod or adobe laid in horizontal courses
soda can|a can for holding soft drinks
soda cracker|unsweetened cracker leavened slightly with soda and cream of tartar
soda fountain|a counter where ice cream and sodas and sundaes are prepared and served;an apparatus for dispensing soda water
soda jerk|someone who works at a soda fountain
soda lime|a mixture of sodium and calcium hydroxides;absorbs liquids and gases
soda water|effervescent beverage artificially charged with carbon dioxide
sodalist|a member of a sodality
sodalite|a vitreous mineral consisting of sodium aluminum silicate and sodium chloride in crystalline form;occurs in igneous rocks
Soddy|English chemist whose work on radioactive disintegration led to the discovery of isotopes (1877-1956)
sodium|a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group;occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water);burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water;occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
sodium carbonate|a sodium salt of carbonic acid;used in making soap powders and glass and paper
sodium carboxymethyl cellulose|a gummy substance that is a sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose;used as a thickening or emulsifying agent
sodium chlorate|a colorless salt (NaClO3) used as a weed killer and an antiseptic
sodium chloride|a white crystalline solid consisting mainly of sodium chloride (NaCl)
sodium cyanide|a white poisonous salt (NaCN) used in electroplating
sodium dichromate|a red-orange salt used as a mordant
sodium fluoride|a colorless crystalline salt of sodium (NaF) used in fluoridation of water and to prevent tooth decay
sodium hydride|a flammable grey crystalline binary compound (NaH)
sodium hydroxide|a strongly alkaline caustic used in manufacturing soap and paper and aluminum and various sodium compounds
sodium hypochlorite|an unstable salt (NaOCl) used as a bleaching agent and disinfectant
sodium iodide|a crystalline salt used like potassium iodide
sodium lauryl sulphate|a caustic detergent useful for removing grease;although commonly included in personal care items (shampoos and toothpastes etc.) it can irritate skin and should not be swallowed
sodium nitrate|(NaNO3) used especially as a fertilizer and explosive
sodium nitrite|nitrite used to preserve and color food especially in meat and fish products;implicated in the formation of suspected carcinogens
sodium phosphate|phosphate of sodium;used as a laxative to cleanse the bowels
sodium pyrophosphate|a sodium salt of pyrophosphoric acid used as a builder in soaps and detergents
sodium salicylate|a crystalline salt used as an analgesic and antipyretic
sodium sulphate|a solid white bitter salt used in manufacturing glass and paper and dyes and pharmaceuticals
sodium thiopental|a long-acting barbiturate used as a sedative
sodium tripolyphosphate|a sodium salt of triphosphoric acid used as a builder in soaps and detergents
sodium-vapor lamp|lamp in which an electric current passed through a tube of sodium vapor makes a yellow light;used is street lighting
sodoku|the form of ratbite fever occurring in the Far East
Sodom|(Old Testament) an ancient city near the Dead Sea that (along with Gomorrah) was destroyed by God for the wickedness of its inhabitants;any location known for vice and corruption
sodomite|someone who engages in anal copulation (especially a male who engages in anal copulation with another male)
sodomy|intercourse via the anus, committed by a man with a man or woman
sofa|an upholstered seat for more than one person
soffit|the underside of a part of a building (such as an arch or overhang or beam etc.)
Sofia|capital and largest city of Bulgaria located in western Bulgaria
soft copy|(computer science) matter that is in a form that a computer can store or display it on a computer screen - "he sent them soft copy of the report"
soft corn|corn having kernels almost entirely of soft starch
soft diet|a diet that does not require chewing;advised for those with intestinal disorders
soft drink|nonalcoholic beverage (usually carbonated)
soft drug|a drug of abuse that is considered relatively mild and not likely to cause addiction
soft glass|glass having a relatively low softening point
soft money|political contributions made in such a way as to avoid the United States regulations for federal election campaigns (as by contributions to a political action committee)
soft news|news that does not deal with serious topics or events
soft option|an easier alternative - "the instructor took the soft option and gave the boy a passing grade"
soft palate|a muscular flap that closes off the nasopharynx during swallowing or speaking
soft pedal|a pedal on a piano that moves the action closer to the strings and so soften the sound
soft pretzel|a pretzel made of soft bread
soft roll|yeast-raised roll with a soft crust
soft rot|mushy or slimy decay of plants caused by bacteria or fungi
soft scale|an insect active in all stages
soft sell|suggestive or persuasive advertising
soft shield fern|European shield fern cultivated in many varieties
soft soap|a soft (or liquid) soap made from vegetable oils;used in certain skin diseases
soft solder|solder that melts at a relatively low temperature
soft spot|a sentimental affection - "she had a soft spot for her youngest son"
soft tick|tick lacking a dorsal shield and having mouth parts on the under side of the head
soft tree fern|of Australia and Tasmania;often cultivated;hardy in cool climates
soft water|water that is not hard (does not contain mineral salts that interfere with the formation of lather with soap)
soft wheat|wheat with soft starch kernels used in pastry and breakfast cereals
softball|a game closely resembling baseball that is played on a smaller diamond and with a ball that is larger and softer;ball used in playing softball
soft-coated wheaten terrier|Irish breed of medium-sized terrier with an abundant coat any shade of wheat and very hairy head and muzzle
softener|a substance added to another to make it less hard
softening|the process of becoming softer - "refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit" - "he observed the softening of iron by heat"
soft-finned fish|any fish of the superorder Malacopterygii
softheartedness|a feeling of concern for the welfare of someone (especially someone defenseless)
softness|a disposition to be lenient in judging others - "softness is not something permitted of good leaders";a sound property that is free from loudness or stridency - "and in softness almost beyond hearing";a state of declining economic condition - "orders have recently picked up after a period of extreme softness" - "he attributes the disappointing results to softness in the economy";a visual property that is subdued and free from brilliance or glare - "the softness of the morning sky";the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded
soft-shell clam|a clam that is usually steamed in the shell;an edible clam with thin oval-shaped shell found in coastal regions of the United States and Europe
soft-shell crab|edible crab that has recently molted and not yet formed its new shell;freshly molted crab with new shell still tender and flexible
soft-shelled turtle|voracious aquatic turtle with a flat flexible shell covered by a leathery skin;can inflict painful bites
soft-shoe|tap dancing wearing shoes that have soft soles
software|(computer science) written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory - "the market for software is expected to expand"
software documentation|program listings or technical manuals describing the operation and use of programs
software error|error resulting from bad code in some program involved in producing the erroneous result
software package|merchandise consisting of a computer program that is offered for sale
softwood|wood that is easy to saw (from conifers such as pine or fir)
softy|a person who is weak and excessively sentimental
sogginess|a heavy wetness
Soho|a city district of central London now noted for restaurants and nightclubs;a district in southwestern Manhattan noted for its shops and restaurants and galleries and artist's lofts
soil|the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock
soil bank|land retired from crop cultivation and planted with soil-building crops;government subsidies are paid to farmers for their retired land
soil conditioner|a chemical substance used to improve the structure of the soil and increase its porosity - "gypsum can be used as a soil conditioner"
soil conservation|protection of soil against erosion or deterioration
soil erosion|the washing away of soil by the flow of water
soil horizon|a layer in a soil profile
soil pipe|drain that conveys liquid waste from toilets, etc.
soil profile|a vertical section of soil from the ground surface to the parent rock
soiling|the act of soiling something
soiree|a party of people assembled in the evening (usually at a private house)
Soissons|a battle in World War I (May 1918);the Germans tried to attack before the American numbers were too great to defeat;the tactical success of the Germans proved to be a strategic failure
soixante-neuf|oral sex practiced simultaneously by two people
sojourn|a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest)
sojourner|a temporary resident
Sokoro|a Chadic language spoken in Chad
Sol|(Roman mythology) ancient Roman god;personification of the sun;counterpart of Greek Helios;a colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid;the syllable naming the fifth (dominant) note of any musical scale in solmization
solace|comfort in disappointment or misery
solan|very large white gannet with black wing tips
Solanaceae|large and economically important family of herbs or shrubs or trees often strongly scented and sometimes narcotic or poisonous;includes the genera Solanum, Atropa, Brugmansia, Capsicum, Datura, Hyoscyamus, Lycopersicon, Nicotiana, Petunia, Physalis, and Solandra
solanaceous vegetable|any of several fruits of plants of the family Solanaceae;especially of the genera Solanum, Capsicum, and Lycopersicon
Solandra|shrubby climbers of tropical America
Solanopteris|tropical American epiphytic ferns having rhizomes with tubers and roots as well as scales
Solanum|type genus of the Solanaceae;nightshade;potato;eggplant;bittersweet
solar array|electrical device consisting of a large array of connected solar cells
solar calendar|a calendar based on solar cycles
solar cell|a cell that converts solar energy into electrical energy
solar constant|the rate at which radiant solar energy is received at the outer layer of the earth's atmosphere
solar dish|a concave mirror that concentrates the rays of the sun;can produce high temperatures
solar eclipse|the moon interrupts light from the sun
solar energy|energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy - "the amount of energy falling on the earth is given by the solar constant, but very little use has been made of solar energy"
solar flare|a sudden eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface;associated with sunspots and radio interference
solar gravity|the gravity of the sun - "solar gravity creates extreme pressures and temperatures"
solar halo|a luminous halo parallel to the horizon at the altitude of the sun;caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere
solar heater|a heater that makes direct use of solar energy
solar house|a house designed to use solar radiation for heating;usually has large areas of glass in front of heat-absorbing materials
solar magnetic field|the magnetic field of the sun
solar month|one-twelfth of a solar or tropical year
solar parallax|the angle subtended by the mean equatorial radius of the Earth at a distance of one astronomical unit
solar physics|the branch of astronomy that deals with the sun
solar plexus|a large plexus of sympathetic nerves in the abdomen behind the stomach
solar prominence|large eruptions of luminous hydrogen gas that rise thousands of kilometers above the chromosphere
solar radiation|radiation from the sun
solar system|the sun with the celestial bodies that revolve around it in its gravitational field
solar telescope|a telescope designed to make observations of the sun
solar thermal system|a system that converts sunlight into heat
solar wind|a stream of protons moving radially from the sun
solar year|the time for the earth to make one revolution around the sun, measured between two vernal equinoxes
solarization|exposure to the rays of the sun
solder|an alloy (usually of lead and tin) used when melted to join two metal surfaces
solderer|a worker who joins or mends with solder
soldering flux|flux applied to surfaces that are to be joined by soldering;flux cleans the surfaces and results in a better bond
soldering iron|a hand tool with a heatable tip;used to melt and apply solder
soldier|a wingless sterile ant or termite having a large head and powerful jaws adapted for defending the colony;an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army - "the soldiers stood at attention"
soldier grainy club|a variety of grainy club
soldierfish|the larger squirrelfishes
soldiering|skills that are required for the life of soldier
sole|lean flesh of any of several flatfish;right-eyed flatfish;many are valued as food;most common in warm seas especially European;the underside of footwear or a golf club;the underside of the foot
Solea|type genus of the Soleidae
Soledad|a city in northern Colombia;a suburb of Barranquilla
Soleidae|soles
Solemnity of Mary|(Roman Catholic Church) a holy day of obligation
Solenichthyes|bellows fishes;shrimpfishes;cornetfishes;pipefishes;small order of chiefly tropical marine fishes of varied and bizarre form all having a small mouth at the end of a drawn-out tubular snout
Solenidae|razor clams
solenogaster|deep-water wormlike mollusks lacking calcareous plates on the body but having fine slimy spicules on the covering mantle
Solenogastres|an order of Amphineura
solenoid|a coil of wire around an iron core;becomes a magnet when current passes through the coil
Solenopsis|fire ants
Solenostemon|genus of shrubby often succulent herbs of tropical Africa and Asia;includes some plants often placed in genus Coleus
Solent|a strait of the English Channel between the coast of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
soleus|a broad flat muscle in the calf of the leg under the gastrocnemius muscle
solfa syllable|one of the names for notes of a musical scale in solmization
solfege|a voice exercise;singing scales or runs to the same syllable
solferino|a pink dye that was discovered in 1859, the year a battle was fought at Solferino;an indecisive battle in 1859 between the French and Sardinians under Napoleon III and the Austrians under Francis Joseph I
solicitation|an entreaty addressed to someone of superior status - "a solicitation to the king for relief";request for a sum of money;the act of enticing a person to do something wrong (as an offer of sex in return for money)
solicitor|a British lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents;a petitioner who solicits contributions or trade or votes
solicitor general|a law officer appointed to assist an attorney general
solicitorship|the position of solicitor
solicitude|a feeling of excessive concern
solid|a three-dimensional shape;matter that is solid at room temperature and pressure;the state in which a substance has no tendency to flow under moderate stress;resists forces (such as compression) that tend to deform it;and retains a definite size and shape
solid angle|an angle formed by three or more planes intersecting at a common point (the vertex)
solid body substance|the solid parts of the body
solid figure|a three-dimensional shape
solid geometry|the geometry of 3-dimensional space
solid solution|a homogeneous solid that can exist over a range of component chemicals;a constituent of alloys that is formed when atoms of an element are incorporated into the crystals of a metal
Solidago|goldenrod
solidarity|a union of interests or purposes or sympathies among members of a group
solidity|state of having the interior filled with matter;the consistency of a solid;the quality of being solid and reliable financially or factually or morally - "the solidity of the evidence worked in his favor"
solid-state physics|the branch of physics that studies the properties of materials in the solid state;electrical conduction in crystals of semiconductors and metals;superconductivity;photoconductivity
solidus|a punctuation mark (/) used to separate related items of information
soliloquy|a (usually long) dramatic speech intended to give the illusion of unspoken reflections;speech you make to yourself
Solingen|a city in west central Germany noted for cutlery
solipsism|(philosophy) the philosophical theory that the self is all that you know to exist
solitaire|a card game played by one person;a dull grey North American thrush noted for its beautiful song;a gem (usually a diamond) in a setting by itself;extinct flightless bird related to the dodo
solitary confinement|confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners
solitary pussytoes|a variety of pussytoes
solitary vireo|of eastern North America having a bluish-grey head and mostly green body
soliton|(physics) a quantum of energy or quasiparticle that can be propagated as a traveling wave in nonlinear systems and is neither preceded nor followed by another such disturbance;does not obey the superposition principle and does not dissipate - "soliton waves can travel long distances with little loss of energy or structure"
solitude|a solitary place;a state of social isolation;the state or situation of being alone
solleret|armor plate that protects the foot;consists of mail with a solid toe and heel
solmization|a system of naming the notes of a musical scale by syllables instead of letters;singing using solfa syllables to denote the notes of the scale of C major
solo|a flight in which the aircraft pilot is unaccompanied;a musical composition for one voice or instrument (with or without accompaniment);any activity that is performed alone without assistance
solo homer|a home run with no runners on base
Solo man|early man of late Pleistocene;skull resembles that of Neanderthal man but with smaller cranial capacity;found in Java
soloist|a musician who performs a solo
Solomon|(Old Testament) son of David and king of Israel noted for his wisdom (10th century BC)
Solomon Islands|the southern Solomon Islands that since 1978 form an independent state in the British Commonwealth
Solomons|the northernmost islands are part of Papua New Guinea;the remainder form an independent state within the British Commonwealth
Solomon's-seal|any of several plants of the genus Polygonatum having paired drooping yellowish-green flowers and a thick rootstock with scars shaped like Solomon's seal
Solresol|an artificial language
solstice|either of the two times of the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator
solubility|the quality of being soluble and easily dissolved in liquid;the quantity of a particular substance that can dissolve in a particular solvent (yielding a saturated solution)
soluble glass|a viscous glass consisting of sodium silicate in solution;used as a cement or as a protective coating and to preserve eggs
solute|the dissolved matter in a solution;the component of a solution that changes its state
solution|a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances;frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution - "he used a solution of peroxide and water";a method for solving a problem - "the easy solution is to look it up in the handbook";a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem - "they were trying to find a peaceful solution";the set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation;the successful action of solving a problem - "the solution took three hours"
solvability|the property (of a problem or difficulty) that makes it possible to solve
solvate|a compound formed by solvation (the combination of solvent molecules with molecules or ions of the solute)
solvating agent|an agent that converts something into a solvate
solvation|a chemical process in which solvent molecules and molecules or ions of the solute combine to form a compound
Solvay|Belgian chemist who developed the Solvay process and built factories exploiting it (1838-1922)
Solvay process|an industrial process for producing sodium carbonate from sodium chloride and ammonia and carbon dioxide
solvency|the ability to meet maturing obligations as they come due
solvent|a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances - "the solvent does not change its state in forming a solution"
Solway Firth|a large firth on the west coast of Britain between England and Scotland
Solzhenitsyn|Soviet writer and political dissident whose novels exposed the brutality of Soviet labor camps (born in 1918)
som|the basic unit of money in Kyrgyzstan;the basic unit of money in Uzbekistan
soma|leafless East Indian vine;its sour milky juice formerly used to make an intoxicating drink;personification of a sacred intoxicating drink used in Vedic ritual
Somali|the Cushitic language spoken by the Somali
Somali peninsula|a peninsula of northeastern Africa (the easternmost part of Africa) comprising Somalia and Djibouti and Eritrea and parts of Ethiopia
Somalia|a republic in extreme eastern Africa on the Somali peninsula;subject to tribal warfare
Somalian|a member of a tall dark (mostly Muslim) people inhabiting Somalia
Somalian monetary unit|monetary unit in Somalia
Somalian shilling|the basic unit of money in Somalia;equal to 100 cents
soman|a nerve agent easily absorbed into the body;a lethal cholinesterase inhibitor that is highly toxic when inhaled
Somateria|eider ducks
somatic cell|any of the cells of a plant or animal except the reproductive cells;a cell that does not participate in the production of gametes - "somatic cells are produced from preexisting cells"
somatic cell nuclear transplantation|moving a cell nucleus and its genetic material from one cell to another
somatic delusion|a delusion concerning the body image or parts of the body
somatosense|any of the sensory systems that mediate sensations of pressure and tickle and warmth and cold and vibration and limb position and limb movement and pain
somatotropin|a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland;promotes growth in humans
sombrero|a straw hat with a tall crown and broad brim;worn in American southwest and in Mexico;one of the islands of Saint Christopher-Nevis
somersault|an acrobatic feat in which the feet roll over the head (either forward or backward) and return
Somerset|a county in southwestern England on the Bristol Channel
somesthesia|the faculty of bodily perception;sensory systems associated with the body;includes skin senses and proprioception and the internal organs;the perception of tactual or proprioceptive or gut sensations - "he relied on somesthesia to warn him of pressure changes"
somewhere|an indefinite or unknown location - "they moved to somewhere in Spain"
Somme|battle in World War I (1916);battle of World War II (1944)
sommelier|a waiter who manages wine service in a hotel or restaurant
somniloquist|someone who talks while asleep
Somrai|a Chadic language spoken in Chad
son|a male human offspring - "their son became a famous judge";the divine word of God;the second person in the Trinity (incarnate in Jesus)
sonant|a speech sound accompanied by sound from the vocal cords
sonar|a measuring instrument that sends out an acoustic pulse in water and measures distances in terms of the time for the echo of the pulse to return - "sonar is an acronym for sound navigation ranging"
sonata|a musical composition of 3 or 4 movements of contrasting forms
sonata form|a musical form having 3 sections -- exposition and development and recapitulation;characteristic of 1st movement of a sonata or symphony
sonatina|a short and simple sonata
Sonchus|sow thistles
Sondheim|United States composer of musicals (born in 1930)
sone|a unit of perceived loudness equal to the loudness of a 1000-hertz tone at 40 dB above threshold
song|a distinctive or characteristic sound - "the song of bullets was in the air" - "the song of the wind" - "the wheels sang their song as the train rocketed ahead";a short musical composition with words - "a successful musical must have at least three good songs";a very small sum - "he bought it for a song";the act of singing - "with a shout and a song they marched up to the gates"
song and dance|theatrical performance combining singing and dancing
Song of Songs|an Old Testament book consisting of a collection of love poems traditionally attributed to Solomon but actually written much later
song sparrow|small songbird common in North America
song thrush|common Old World thrush noted for its song
songbird|any bird having a musical call
songbook|a book containing a collection of songs
Songhai|a Nilo-Saharan language spoken by the Songhai in Mali and Niger
songster|a person who sings
songstress|a woman songster (especially of popular songs)
songwriter|a composer of words or music for popular songs
sonic barrier|the increase in aerodynamic drag as an airplane approaches the speed of sound
sonic boom|an explosive sound caused by the shock wave of an airplane traveling faster than the speed of sound - "a sonic boom follows an aircraft as a wake follows a ship"
sonic depth finder|depth finder for determining depth of water or a submerged object by means of ultrasound waves
son-in-law|the husband of your daughter
sonnet|a verse form consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme
sonneteer|a poet who writes sonnets
sonogram|an image of a structure that is produced by ultrasonography (reflections of high-frequency sound waves);used to observe fetal growth or to study bodily organs
sonograph|an instrument that uses the differential transmission and reflection of ultrasonic waves in order to provide an image of a bodily organ
sonography|using the reflections of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ (a sonogram);commonly used to observe fetal growth or study bodily organs
Sonora|ground snakes
Sonora gum|acidulous gum resin of the creosote bush
Sonora lac|resembling lac;secreted by a scale living on twigs of certain Mexican shrubs;used locally as medicine
Sonoran Desert|a desert in southwestern Arizona
Sonoran lyre snake|of desert regions of southwestern North America
Sonoran whipsnake|both terrestrial and arboreal snake of United States southwest
Sontag|United States writer (born in 1933)
sooth|truth or reality - "in sooth"
soothing syrup|medicine in the form of a syrup that has a calming effect
sop|a concession given to mollify or placate - "the offer was a sop to my feelings";piece of solid food for dipping in a liquid
sophism|a deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in reasoning in the hope of deceiving someone
Sophist|any of a group of Greek philosophers and teachers in the 5th century BC who speculated on a wide range of subjects
sophisticate|a worldly-wise person
sophistication|being expert or having knowledge of some technical subject - "understanding affine transformations requires considerable mathematical sophistication";falsification by the use of sophistry;misleading by means of specious fallacies - "he practiced the art of sophistication upon reason";the quality or character of being intellectually sophisticated and worldly through cultivation or experience or disillusionment
Sophocles|one of the great tragedians of ancient Greece (496-406 BC)
sophomore|a second-year undergraduate
sophomore class|the second class in a four-year college or high school
Sophora|cosmopolitan genus of trees and shrubs having odd-pinnate leaves and showy flowers;some species placed in genus Podalyria
soporific|a drug that induces sleep
soprano|a female singer;the highest female voice;the voice of a boy before puberty;the pitch range of the highest female voice
soprano clef|a clef that puts middle C on the bottom line of the staff
sorb|acid gritty-textured fruit
sorbate|a material that has been or is capable of being taken up by another substance by either absorption or adsorption
sorbent|a material that sorbs another substance;i.e. that has the capacity or tendency to take it up by either absorption or adsorption
Sorbian|a Slavonic language spoken in rural area of southeastern Germany;a speaker of Sorbian
sorbic acid|a white crystalline carboxylic acid used as a preservative
Sorbus|a genus of shrubs or trees of the family Rosaceae having feathery leaves
sorcerer|one who practices magic or sorcery
sorceress|a woman sorcerer
sorcery|the belief in magical spells that harness occult forces or evil spirits to produce unnatural effects in the world
sordidness|sordid dirtiness
sore|an open skin infection
sore throat|inflammation of the fauces and pharynx
sorehead|someone who is peevish or disgruntled
Sorensen|Danish chemist who devised the pH scale (1868-1939)
Sorex|type genus of the family Soricidae;shrews
sorghum|economically important Old World tropical cereal grass;made from juice of sweet sorghum
sorgo|any of several sorghums cultivated as a source of syrup
Soricidae|shrews
sorority|a social club for female undergraduates
sorption|the process in which one substance takes up or holds another (by either absorption or adsorption)
sorrel|a horse of a brownish orange to light brown color;large sour-tasting arrowhead-shaped leaves used in salads and sauces
sorrel tree|Australian tree with acid foliage;deciduous shrubby tree of eastern North America having deeply fissured bark and sprays of small fragrant white flowers and sour-tasting leaves
sorrow|an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement - "he tried to express his sorrow at her loss";sadness associated with some wrong done or some disappointment - "he drank to drown his sorrows"
sort|a person of a particular character or nature - "what sort of person is he?" - "he's a good sort";an approximate definition or example - "she wore a sort of magenta dress" - "she served a creamy sort of dessert thing";an operation that segregates items into groups according to a specified criterion - "the bottleneck in mail delivery is the process of sorting"
sort program|a utility program that sorts data items
sorter|a clerk who sorts things (as letters at the post office);a machine for sorting things (such as punched cards or letters) into classes
sortie|(military) an operational flight by a single aircraft (as in a military operation);a military action in which besieged troops burst forth from their position
sorting|grouping by class or kind or size
sorting algorithm|an algorithm for sorting a list
sorus|a spore-producing structure in certain lichens and fungi;cluster of sporangia usually on underside of a fern frond
SOS|an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
soteriology|the branch of Christian theology that deals with salvation as the effect of a divine agency
Sotho|a member of the Bantu people who inhabit Botswana, Lesotho, and northern South Africa and who speak the Sotho languages;any of the mutually intelligible southern Bantu languages of the Sotho in Botswana and South Africa and Lesotho
sottishness|lack of restraint in use of alcohol;stupefaction from drink
sou|a former French coin of low denomination;often used of any small amount of money - "he hasn't a sou to his name"
souari|large South American evergreen tree trifoliate leaves and drupes with nutlike seeds used as food and a source of cooking oil
souari nut|a large nutlike seed of a South American tree
Soubise|veloute sauce with sauteed chopped onions and whipping cream
soubrette|a minor female role as a pert flirtatious lady's maid in a comedy;a pert or flirtatious young girl
souchong|a fine quality of black tea native to China
souffle|light fluffy dish of egg yolks and stiffly beaten egg whites mixed with e.g. cheese or fish or fruit
Soufflot|French architect (1713-1780)
souk|an open-air market in an Arabian city
soul|a secular form of gospel that was a major Black musical genre in the 1960s and 1970s - "soul was politically significant during the Civil Rights movement";deep feeling or emotion;the human embodiment of something - "the soul of honor";the immaterial part of a person;the actuating cause of an individual life
soul brother|a fellow Black man
soul food|food traditionally eaten by African-Americans in the South
soul kiss|an openmouthed kiss in which your tongue is inserted into the other's mouth
soul mate|someone for whom you have a deep affinity
soul patch|a small patch of facial hair just below the lower lip and above the chin
soul-searching|a penetrating examination of your own beliefs and motives
sound|a large ocean inlet or deep bay - "the main body of the sound ran parallel to the coast";mechanical vibrations transmitted by an elastic medium - "falling trees make a sound in the forest even when no one is there to hear them";the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause - "the sound of rain on the roof" - "the beautiful sound of music";the subjective sensation of hearing something - "he strained to hear the faint sounds";the sudden occurrence of an audible event - "the sound awakened them"
sound bite|a very short speech;usually on radio or television
sound bow|contact (the part of a bell) against which the clapper strikes
sound camera|a movie camera that records sounds in synchrony with the visual images
sound effect|an effect that imitates a sound called for in the script of a play
sound film|motion-picture film with sound effects and dialogue recorded on it
sound hole|a hole in a soundboard (as of a violin) designed to resonate with the tones
sound law|a law describing sound changes in the history of a language
sound pressure|the difference between the instantaneous pressure at a point in a sound field and the average pressure at that point
sound property|an attribute of sound
sound ranging|locating a source of sound (as an enemy gun) by measurements of the time the sound arrives at microphones in known positions
sound recording|a recording of acoustic signals
sound reproduction|the reproduction of sound
sound spectrograph|a spectrograph for acoustic spectra
sound spectrum|the distribution of energy as a function of frequency for a particular sound source
sound truck|a truck equipped with a loudspeaker and used for advertising
sound unit|any acoustic unit of measurement
sound wave|(acoustics) a wave that transmits sound
soundbox|a resonating chamber in a musical instrument (as the body of a violin)
sounder|a device for making soundings
sounding|a measure of the depth of water taken with a sounding line;the act of measuring depth of water (usually with a sounding line)
sounding board|(music) resonator consisting of a thin board whose vibrations reinforce the sound of the instrument;a person whose reactions to something serve as an indication of its acceptability - "I would use newspapermen as a sounding board for such policies"
sounding lead|a metal bob at the end of a sounding line
sounding rocket|a research rocket used to obtain information about the atmosphere at various altitudes
soundman|a technician in charge of amplifying sound or producing sound effects (as for a TV or radio broadcast)
soundness|a state or condition free from damage or decay
soundtrack|sound recording on a narrow strip of a motion picture film
soup|an unfortunate situation - "we're in the soup now";any composition having a consistency suggestive of soup;liquid food especially of meat or fish or vegetable stock often containing pieces of solid food
soup bowl|a bowl for serving soup
soup du jour|the soup that a restaurant is featuring on a given day
soup kitchen|a place where food is dispensed to the needy
soup ladle|a ladle for serving soup
soup plate|a deep plate with a wide rim
soupfin shark|Pacific shark valued for its fins (used by Chinese in soup) and liver (rich in vitamin A)
soupspoon|a spoon with a rounded bowl for eating soup
soup-strainer|slang for a mustache
sour|a cocktail made of a liquor (especially whiskey or gin) mixed with lemon or lime juice and sugar;the taste experience when vinegar or lemon juice is taken into the mouth
sour bread|made with a starter of a small amount of dough in which fermentation is active
sour cherry|acid cherries used for pies and preserves;Australian tree with sour red fruit;rather small Eurasian tree producing red to black acid edible fruit
sour cream|artificially soured light cream
sour dock|European sorrel with large slightly acidic sagittate leaves grown throughout north temperate zone for salad and spring greens
sour gourd|acid-tasting Australian gourd-like fruit with a woody rind and large seeds;African gourd-like fruit with edible pulp
sour grapes|disparagement of something that is unattainable
sour gum|columnar tree of eastern North America having horizontal limbs and small leaves that emerge late in spring and have brilliant color in early fall
sour mash|a mash with optimum acidity for yeast fermentation;a mixture of old and new mash;used in distilling some whiskeys;any whiskey distilled from sour mash
sour milk|milk that has turned sour
sour orange|any of various common orange trees yielding sour or bitter fruit;used as grafting stock
sour salt|crystals of citric acid used as seasoning
sourball|round piece of tart hard candy
source|(technology) a process by which energy or a substance enters a system - "a heat source" - "a source of carbon dioxide";a document (or organization) from which information is obtained - "the reporter had two sources for the story";a facility where something is available;anything that provides inspiration for later work
source book|a collection of historically important documents published together as a book
source code|program instructions written as an ASCII text file;must be translated by a compiler or interpreter or assembler into the object code for a particular computer before execution
source language|a language that is to be translated into another language
source materials|publications from which information is obtained
source of illumination|any device serving as a source of visible electromagnetic radiation
source program|a program written in a language from which statements are translated into machine language
sourdine|a mute for a violin;an organ stop resulting in a soft muted sound
sourdough|a leaven of dough in which fermentation is active;used by pioneers for making bread;a settler or prospector (especially in western United States or northwest Canada and Alaska)
souring|the process of becoming sour
sourness|the property of being acidic
sourpuss|someone with a habitually sullen or gloomy expression
soursop|large spiny tropical fruit with tart pulp related to custard apples;small tropical American tree bearing large succulent slightly acid fruit
Sousa|a United States bandmaster and composer of military marches (1854-1932)
souse|pork trimmings chopped and pickled and jelled
Sousse|a port city in eastern Tunisia on the Mediterranean
soutache|a narrow braid used as a decorative trimming
soutane|a long cassock with buttons down the front;worn by Roman Catholic priests
south|a location in the southern part of a country, region, or city;the cardinal compass point that is at 180 degrees;the direction corresponding to the southward cardinal compass point;the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
South Africa|a republic at the southernmost part of Africa;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1910;first European settlers were Dutch (known as Boers)
South African|a native or inhabitant of South Africa
South African monetary unit|monetary unit in South Africa
South America|a continent in the western hemisphere connected to North America by the Isthmus of Panama;the nations of the South American continent collectively - "South America is an important market for goods from the United States"
South American|a native or inhabitant of South America
South American country|any one of the countries occupying the South American continent
South American Indian|a member of a native Indian group in South America
South American poison toad|a South American toad
South American sea lion|of the southern coast of South America
South American staghorn|fern of Peru and Bolivia
South Atlantic|that part of the Atlantic Ocean to the south of the equator
South Australia|a state in south central Australia
South Bend|a city in northern Indiana
south by east|the compass point that is one point east of due south
south by west|the compass point that is one point west of due south
South Carolina|a state in the Deep South;one of the original 13 colonies;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
South Carolinian|a native or resident of South Carolina
south celestial pole|the celestial pole above the southern hemisphere
South China Sea|a tropical arm of the Pacific Ocean near southeastern Asia subject to frequent typhoons
South Dakota|a state in north central United States
South Dakotan|a native or resident of South Dakota
South Dravidian|a Dravidian language spoken primarily in southern India
South Equatorial Current|an equatorial current that flows west across the Pacific just south of the equator
South Island|the larger but less populous of two main islands of New Zealand;separated from North Island by Cook Strait
South Korea|a republic in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula;established in 1948
South Korean|a Korean from South Korea
South Korean monetary unit|monetary unit in South Korea
South Korean won|the basic unit of money in South Korea
South Pacific|that part of the Pacific Ocean to the south of the equator
South Platte|a tributary of the Platte River
South Pole|the southernmost point of the Earth's axis
South Sea|any sea to the south of the equator (but especially the South Pacific)
South Sea Islands|any islands in the southern or southwestern of central parts of the Pacific Ocean
south side|the side that is on the south
south southeast|the compass point midway between south and southeast
south southwest|the compass point midway between south and southwest
South Temperate Zone|Temperate Zone between the Antarctic Circle and the Tropic of Capricorn
South Vietnam|a former country in southeastern Asia that existed from 1954 (after the defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu) until 1975 when it was defeated and annexed by North Vietnam
south wind|a wind from the south
South Yorkshire|a metropolitan county in northern England
South-African yellowwood|erect or shrubby tree of Africa having ridged dark grey bark and rigid glossy medium to long leaves
South-Central Dravidian|a Dravidian language spoken primarily in south central India
southeast|a location in the southeastern part of a country, region, or city;the compass point midway between south and east;at 135 degrees;the direction corresponding to the southeastward compass point;the southeastern region of the United States
Southeast Asia|a geographical division of Asia that includes Indochina plus Indonesia and the Philippines and Singapore
southeast by east|the compass point that is one point east of southeast
southeast by south|the compass point that is one point south of southeast
southeaster|a strong wind from the southeast
southeastern pocket gopher|gopher of Alabama and Georgia and Florida
southern aster|a variety of aster
Southern Baptist|a member of the Southern Baptist Convention
Southern Baptist Convention|an association of Southern Baptists
southern beech|any of various beeches of the southern hemisphere having small usually evergreen leaves
southern blue flag|similar to blue flag;the eastern United States
southern bog lemming|of low bogs and meadows of northeastern and central United States and southern Canada
southern buckthorn|shrubby thorny deciduous tree of southeastern United States with white flowers and small black drupaceous fruit
southern cabbage butterfly|common North American form of cabbage butterfly
Southern crab apple|small tree or shrub of southeastern United States;cultivated as an ornamental for its rose-colored blossoms
Southern Cross|a small conspicuous constellation in the southern hemisphere in the Milky Way near Centaurus
Southern dewberry|of southern North America
southern flounder|flounder of southern United States
southern flying squirrel|small large-eyed nocturnal flying squirrel of eastern United States
southern harebell|bellflower of southeastern United States (Maryland to Georgia) having pale blue flowers
southern hemisphere|the hemisphere to the south of the equator
southern live oak|medium-sized evergreen native to eastern North America to the east coast of Mexico;often cultivated as shade tree for it wide-spreading crown;extremely hard tough durable wood once used in shipbuilding
southern magnolia|evergreen tree of southern United States having large stiff glossy leaves and huge white sweet-smelling flowers
southern red cedar|juniper of swampy coastal regions of southeastern United States;similar to eastern red cedar
southern red oak|large round-topped deciduous tree with spreading branches having narrow falcate leaves with deeply sinuate lobes and wood similar to that of northern red oaks;New Jersey to Illinois and southward
southern spadefoot|this spadefoot toad lives in the southwestern United States
southern spatterdock|of flowing waters of the southeastern United States;may form obstructive mats in streams
Southern Tai|a branch of the Tai languages
southern white cedar|slow-growing medium-sized cedar of east coast of the United States;resembles American arborvitae
Southerner|an American who lives in the South
southernism|a locution or pronunciation peculiar to the southern United States;an attitude characteristic of Southerners (especially in the US)
southernness|the property of being to the south
southernwood|shrubby European wormwood naturalized in North America;sometimes used in brewing beer
Southey|English poet and friend of Wordsworth and Coleridge (1774-1843)
southland|any region lying in or toward the south
southwest|a location in the southwestern part of a country, region, or city;the compass point midway between south and west;at 225 degrees;the direction corresponding to the southwestward compass point;the southwestern region of the United States generally including New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, California, and sometimes Utah and Colorado
southwest by south|the compass point that is one point south of southwest
southwest by west|the compass point that is one point west of southwest
southwester|a strong wind from the southwest
Southwestern|a dialect of Middle English
southwestern lip fern|lip fern of Texas to Oklahoma and Colorado and Arizona and Mexico having tall erect tufted fronds
southwestern toad|a uniformly warty stocky toad of washes and streams of semiarid southwestern United States
southwestern white pine|medium-size pine of northwestern Mexico;bark is dark brown and furrowed when mature
Soutine|French expressionist painter (born in Lithuania) (1893-1943)
souvlaki|made of lamb
sou'wester|waterproof hat with wide slanting brim longer in back than in front
sovereign|a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right
sovereign immunity|an exemption that precludes bringing a suit against the sovereign government without the government's consent - "the doctrine of sovereign immunity originated with the maxim that the king can do no wrong"
sovereignty|government free from external control;the authority of a state to govern another state
soviet|an elected governmental council in a communist country (especially one that is a member of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)
Soviet Russia|formerly the largest Soviet Socialist Republic in the USSR occupying eastern Europe and northern Asia
Soviet Socialist Republic|one of the states that formerly made up the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922-1991)
Soviet Union|a former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia;established in 1922;included Russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (Ukraine and Byelorussia and others);officially dissolved 31 December 1991
Soviets|the government of the Soviet Union - "the Soviets said they wanted to increase trade with Europe"
sow|an adult female hog
sow bug|terrestrial isopod having an oval segmented body (a shape like a sow)
sow thistle|any of several Old World coarse prickly-leaved shrubs and subshrubs having milky juice and yellow flowers;widely naturalized;often noxious weeds in cultivated soil
sowbane|herb considered fatal to swine
sowbelly|salt pork from the belly of a hog carcass
sowbread|common wild European cyclamen with pink flowers
sower|someone who sows
Soweto|a large collection of African townships to the southwest of Johannesburg in South Africa;inhabited solely by Black Africans
soy|a source of oil;used for forage and soil improvement and as food;erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers;extensively cultivated for food and forage and soil improvement but especially for its nutritious oil-rich seeds;native to Asia;the most highly proteinaceous vegetable known;the fruit of the soybean plant is used in a variety of foods and as fodder (especially as a replacement for animal protein)
soy sauce|thin sauce made of fermented soy beans
soya milk|a milk substitute containing soybean flour and water;used in some infant formulas and in making tofu
soybean future|soybeans bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date
soybean meal|meal made from soybeans
soybean oil|oil from soya beans
space|a blank area - "write your name in the space provided";a blank character used to separate successive words in writing or printing - "he said the space is the most important character in the alphabet";an area reserved for some particular purpose - "the laboratory's floor space";an empty area (usually bounded in some way between things) - "the architect left space in front of the building" - "they stopped at an open space in the jungle" - "the space between his teeth";one of the areas between or below or above the lines of a musical staff - "the spaces are the notes F-A-C-E";the unlimited expanse in which everything is located - "they tested his ability to locate objects in space"
space age|the age beginning with the first space travel;from 1957 to the present
space bar|the bar-shaped typewriter key that introduces spaces when used
space cadet|someone who seems unable to respond appropriately to reality (as if under the influence of some narcotic drug)
space capsule|a spacecraft designed to transport people and support human life in outer space
space heater|heater consisting of a self-contained (usually portable) unit to warm a room
space helmet|a helmet worn by astronauts while in outer space
space lattice|a 3-dimensional geometric arrangement of the atoms or molecules or ions composing a crystal
space medicine|the branch of medicine concerned with the effects of space flight on human beings
Space Needle|a tower 605 feet tall in Seattle;a tourist attraction
space probe|a rocket-propelled guided missile that can escape the earth's atmosphere;makes observations of the solar system that cannot be made by terrestrial observation
space program|a technological program intended to explore outer space
space rocket|a rocket powerful enough to travel into outer space
space shuttle|a reusable spacecraft with wings for a controlled descent through the Earth's atmosphere
space station|a manned artificial satellite in a fixed orbit designed for scientific research
space walk|any kind of physical activity outside a spacecraft by one of the crew
space writer|a writer paid by the area of the copy
spacecraft|a craft capable of traveling in outer space;technically, a satellite around the sun
spacecraft clock time|the clock time given by a clock carried on board a spacecraft
spacecraft event time|the coordinated universal time on board the spacecraft
spaceflight|a voyage outside the Earth's atmosphere
spacesuit|a pressure suit worn by astronauts while in outer space
space-time|the four-dimensional coordinate system (3 dimensions of space and 1 of time) in which physical events are located
spacewalker|an astronaut who is active outside a spacecraft in outer space
spacing|the property possessed by an array of things that have space between them;the time between occurrences of a repeating event - "some women do not control the spacing of their children"
spackle|powder (containing gypsum plaster and glue) that when mixed with water forms a plastic paste used to fill cracks and holes in plaster
spade|a playing card in the major suit that has one or more black figures on it - "she led a low spade" - "spades were trumps";a sturdy hand shovel that can be pushed into the earth with the foot
spade bit|a thin bit with a center point and cutting edges on either side
spade casino|a form of casino in which spades have the value of one point
spadefish|deep-bodied disk-shaped food fish of warmer western Atlantic coastal waters
spadefoot|a burrowing toad of the northern hemisphere with a horny spade-like projection on each hind foot
spadework|dull or routine preliminary work preparing for an undertaking
spadix|the fleshy axis of a spike often surrounded by a spathe
spaghetti|pasta in the form of long strings;spaghetti served with a tomato sauce
spaghetti and meatballs|spaghetti with meatballs in a tomato sauce
spaghetti junction|a complicated highway interchange with multiple overpasses
spaghetti sauce|any of numerous sauces for spaghetti or other kinds of pasta
spaghetti squash|medium-sized oval squash with flesh in the form of strings that resemble spaghetti;squash plant bearing oval fruit with smooth yellowish skin and tender stranded flesh resembling spaghetti
spaghetti Western|a low-budget Western movie produced by a European (especially an Italian) film company
spaghettini|thin spaghetti
Spain|a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula;a former colonial power
Spalacidae|mole rats
Spalax|type genus of the Spalacidae
spall|a fragment broken off from the edge or face of stone or ore and having at least one thin edge - "a truck bearing a mound of blue spalls"
Spallanzani|Italian physiologist who disproved the theory of spontaneous generation (1729-1799)
spallation|(physics) a nuclear reaction in which a bombarded nucleus breaks up into many particles - "some astronomers believe that the solar system was formed by spallation when the sun was a very young star"
Spam|a canned meat made largely from pork;unwanted e-mail (usually of a commercial nature sent out in bulk)
spammer|someone who sends unwanted email (often in bulk)
span|a unit of length based on the width of the expanded human hand (usually taken as 9 inches);the complete duration of something - "the job was finished in the span of an hour";the distance or interval between two points
span loading|the ratio of the weight of an airplane to its wingspan
Spandau|a German machine gun
spandex|an elastic synthetic fabric
spandrel|an approximately triangular surface area between two adjacent arches and the horizontal plane above them
Spaniard|a native or inhabitant of Spain
spaniel|any of several breeds of small to medium-sized gun dogs with a long silky coat and long frilled ears
Spanish|the people of Spain;the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain
Spanish American|an American whose first language is Spanish
Spanish Armada|the great fleet sent from Spain against England by Philip II in 1588
Spanish bayonet|a stiff yucca with a short trunk;found in the southern United States and tropical America;has rigid spine-tipped leaves and clusters of white flowers;tall yucca of the southwestern United States and Mexico having a woody stem and stiff swordlike pointed leaves and a large cluster of white flowers
Spanish broom|erect shrub of southwestern Europe having racemes of golden yellow flowers;tall thornless shrub having pale yellow flowers and flexible rushlike twigs used in basketry;of southwestern Europe and Mediterranean;naturalized in California
Spanish cedar|tropical American tree yielding fragrant wood used especially for boxes
Spanish Civil War|civil war in Spain in which Franco succeeded in overthrowing the republican government;during the war Spain became a battleground for fascists and socialists from all countries;1936-1939
Spanish dagger|arborescent yucca of southwestern United States and northern Mexico with sword-shaped leaves and white flowers;yucca of southeastern United States similar to the Spanish bayonets but with shorter trunk and smoother leaves
Spanish elm|large tropical American tree of the genus Cordia grown for its abundant creamy white flowers and valuable wood
Spanish fly|green beetle of southern Europe
Spanish grunt|a kind of grunt
Spanish heath|erect dense shrub native to western Iberian peninsula having profuse white or pink flowers;naturalized in southwestern England
Spanish Inquisition|an inquisition initiated in 1478 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella that guarded the orthodoxy of Catholicism in Spain (especially from the 15th to the 17th centuries) - "the Spanish Inquisition was administered by both civil and church authorities which gave it ultimate power" - "Torquemada was the inquisitor general for the Spanish Inquisition"
Spanish iris|bulbous iris of western Mediterranean region having usually violet-purple flowers
Spanish lime|tropical American tree bearing a small edible fruit with green leathery skin and sweet juicy translucent pulp
Spanish mackerel|any of several large marine food fishes of the genus Scomberomorus;flesh of commercially important fishes especially of the Atlantic coastal waters of America;medium-sized mackerel of temperate Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
Spanish monetary unit|monetary unit in Spain
Spanish moss|dense festoons of greenish-grey hairlike flexuous strands anchored to tree trunks and branches by sparse wiry roots;southeastern United States and West Indies to South America
Spanish needles|common bur marigold of the eastern United States;the seed of bur marigolds
Spanish oak|small deciduous tree having the trunk branched almost from the base with spreading branches;Texas and southern Oklahoma
Spanish onion|large mild and succulent onion;often eaten raw
Spanish oyster plant|a golden thistle of southwestern Europe cultivated for its edible sweet roots and edible leaves and stalks;its yellow flowers are used as a substitute for saffron
Spanish paprika|a mild seasoning made from a variety of pimiento grown in Spain
Spanish rice|spicy rice with tomatoes and onions and green peppers
Spanish tamarind|shrubby tree of Madagascar occasionally cultivated for its edible apple-shaped fruit
Spanish-American War|a war between the United States and Spain in 1898
spank|a slap with the flat of the hand
spanker|a fore-and-aft sail set on the aftermost lower mast (usually the mizzenmast) of a vessel
spanking|the act of slapping on the buttocks - "he gave the brat a good spanking"
spar|a stout rounded pole of wood or metal used to support rigging;any of various nonmetallic minerals (calcite or feldspar) that are light in color and transparent or translucent and cleavable;making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms;a part of training for a boxer
spar buoy|a buoy resembling a vertical log
Sparaxis|deciduous perennial herbs of South Africa
spare|a score in tenpins;knocking down all ten after rolling two balls
spare part|an extra component of a machine or other apparatus
spare time|time available for hobbies and other activities that you enjoy
spare tire|excess fat around the waistline
sparer|someone who refrains from injuring or destroying
sparerib|a cut of pork ribs with much of the meat trimmed off
spareribs|cut of pork from the rib section with most of the meat trimmed off
Sparganiaceae|coextensive with the genus Sparganium
Sparganium|type and sole genus of Sparganiaceae;marsh or aquatic herbs of temperate regions
sparge pipe|a horizontal pipe having fine holes drilled throughout its length so as to deliver a spray of water
sparid|spiny-finned food fishes of warm waters having well-developed teeth
Sparidae|porgies;scups
spark|a small but noticeable trace of some quality that might become stronger - "a spark of interest" - "a spark of decency";a small fragment of a burning substance thrown out by burning material or by friction;Scottish writer of satirical novels (born in 1918)
spark advance|the timing of ignition relative to the position of the piston in an internal-combustion engine
spark arrester|a wire net to stop sparks from an open fireplace or smokestack;electrical device to reduce sparking when electrical contacts are opened or closed
spark chamber|an instrument that detects ionizing radiation from elementary particles
spark coil|an induction coil used to create sparks
spark gap|a component of an ignition system;consists of two shaped electrodes and the space between them;the gap between two high-potential terminals
spark lever|(on early automobiles) a lever mounted on the steering column and used to adjust the timing of the ignition
spark plug|electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine and ignites the gas by means of an electric spark
spark transmitter|an early radio transmitter using a discharge across a spark gap as the source of its power
sparkle|merriment expressed by a brightness or gleam or animation of countenance - "he had a sparkle in his eye"
sparkle metal|matte that has 74 percent copper
sparkler|a firework that burns slowly and throws out a shower of sparks
sparkling wine|effervescent wine
sparkplug wrench|a wrench for removing or tightening spark plugs into the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine
sparling|the common smelt of Europe
Sparmannia|small genus of tropical African shrubs
sparring|an argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage
sparring match|a practice or exhibition boxing match
sparring partner|a boxer who spars with another boxer who is training for an important fight
sparrow|any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
sparrow hawk|small hawk of Eurasia and northern Africa;small North American falcon
Sparrow Unit|a hit squad of the New People's Army in the Philippines
sparseness|the property of being scanty or scattered;lacking denseness
Sparta|an ancient Greek city famous for military prowess;the dominant city of the Peloponnesus prior to the 4th century BC
Spartan|a resident of Sparta
Spartina|grass of freshwater swamps and salt marshes of Europe, Africa, America, and South Atlantic islands
Spartium|one species;Spanish broom
spasm|(pathology) sudden constriction of a hollow organ (as a blood vessel);a painful and involuntary muscular contraction
spasmolysis|the relaxation or relief of muscle spasms
Spassky|Russian chess master who moved to Paris;world champion from 1969 to 1972 (born in 1937)
spastic|a person suffering from spastic paralysis
spastic abasia|abasia due to spastic contractions of the leg muscles
spastic bladder|a urinary bladder disorder resulting from spinal cord lesion or multiple sclerosis or trauma;absence of bladder sensation and incontinence and interrupted voiding of urine
spasticity|the quality of moving or acting in spasms
spat|a cloth covering (a legging) that covers the instep and ankles;a young oyster or other bivalve
Spatangoida|heart-shaped sea urchins
spatchcock|flesh of a chicken (or game bird) split down the back and grilled (usually immediately after being killed)
spathe|a conspicuous bract surrounding or subtending a spadix or other inflorescence
spathiphyllum|any of various plants of the genus Spathiphyllum having a white or green spathe and a spike of fragrant flowers and often cultivated as an ornamental
spatial property|any property relating to or occupying space
spatter|the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface;the noise of something spattering or sputtering explosively - "he heard a spatter of gunfire"
spatterdock|common water lily of eastern and central North America, having broad leaves and globe-shaped yellow flowers;in sluggish fresh or slightly brackish water
spatula|a hand tool with a thin flexible blade used to mix or spread soft substances;a turner with a narrow flexible blade
spatulate leaf|spatula-shaped leaf;having a broad rounded apex and narrow base
spavin|a swelling of the hock joint of a horse;resulting in lameness
spawn|the mass of eggs deposited by fish or amphibians or molluscs
spawner|a female fish at spawning time
spaying|neutering a female by removing the ovaries
speakeasy|(during prohibition) an illegal barroom
speaker|someone who expresses in language;someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous) - "the speaker at commencement";the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly
speaker identification|identification of a person from the sound of their voice
speakerphone|a telephone with a microphone and loudspeaker;can be used without picking up a handset;several people can participate in a call at the same time
speakership|the position of Speaker
speaking|the utterance of intelligible speech
speaking trumpet|a trumpet-shaped acoustic device to intensify and direct the human voice;formerly held to the ear by a hard-of-hearing person
speaking tube|a tube for conveying the sound of a voice from one room to another
spear|a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon;an implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish
spearfish|any of several large vigorous pelagic fishes resembling sailfishes but with first dorsal fin much reduced;worldwide but rare
spearhead|someone who leads or initiates an activity (attack or campaign etc.);the head and sharpened point of a spear;the leading military unit in an attack
spearmint|common garden herb having clusters of small purplish flowers and yielding an oil used as a flavoring
spearmint oil|an aromatic oil obtained from the spearmint plant
spearnose bat|New World bat with a pointed nose leaf;found from southern United States to Paraguay
special|a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant;a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising - "they are having a special on pork chops";a television production that features a particular person or work or topic - "the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight"
special act|a legislative act that applies only to a particular person or particular district
special agent|someone whose authority is limited to the special undertaking they have been instructed to perform
Special Air Service|a specialist regiment of the British army that is trained in commando techniques of warfare and used in clandestine operations (especially against terrorist groups)
special assessment|an additional tax levied on private property for public improvements that enhance the value of the property
Special Branch|a government police department dealing with political security
special court-martial|a court-martial to try soldiers for offenses less serious that than those committed in action;consists of at least three officers
special delivery|mail that is delivered by a special carrier (for an additional charge)
special drawing rights|reserve assets in the International Monetary Fund;designed to supplement reserves of gold and convertible currencies used to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market
special education|education of physically or mentally handicapped children whose needs cannot be met in an ordinary classroom
special effect|an effect used to produce scenes that cannot be achieved by normal techniques (especially on film)
Special Forces|a division of the United States Army that is specially trained for guerilla fighting
special interest|an individual or group who are concerned with some particular part of the economy and who try to influence legislators or bureaucrats to act in their favor
special jury|a jury whose members are selected for special knowledge for a case involving complicated issues
Special Olympics|an athletic contest modeled after the Olympic Games but intended for mentally or physically handicapped persons
special pleading|(law) a pleading that alleges new facts in avoidance of the opposing allegations;an argument that ignores all unfavorable evidence
special relativity|a physical theory of relativity based on the assumption that the speed of light in a vacuum is a constant and the assumption that the laws of physics are invariant in all inertial systems
special session|a session that is held in addition to the regular sessions
special verdict|a verdict rendered on certain specific factual issues posed by the court without finding for one party or the other
specialism|the concentration of your efforts on a particular field of study or occupation
specialist|an expert who is devoted to one occupation or branch of learning;practices one branch of medicine
specialization|(biology) the structural adaptation of some body part for a particular function;the act of specializing;making something suitable for a special purpose;the special line of work you have adopted as your career - "his specialization is gastroenterology"
specialty store|a store that sells only one kind of merchandise
speciation|the evolution of a biological species
species|(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed;a specific kind of something - "a species of molecule" - "a species of villainy"
specific|a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease - "quinine is a specific for malaria"
specific gravity|the density of a substance relative to the density of water
specific heat|the heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance one degree centigrade
specific performance|the performance of a legal contract as specified by its terms
specification|(patent law) a document drawn up by the applicant for a patent of invention that provides an explicit and detailed description of the nature and use of an invention;a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work;naming explicitly
specificity|the quality of being specific rather than general - "add a desirable note of specificity to the discussion" - "the specificity of the symptoms of the disease";the quality of being specific to a particular organism - "host specificity of a parasite"
specifier|someone who draws up specifications giving details (as for obtaining a patent)
specimen|a bit of tissue or blood or urine that is taken for diagnostic purposes - "they collected a urine specimen for urinalysis";an example regarded as typical of its class
specimen bottle|a bottle for holding urine specimens
specious argument|an argument that appears good at first view but is really fallacious
speciousness|an appearance of truth that is false or deceptive;seeming plausibility - "the speciousness of his argument"
speck|a very small spot - "the plane was just a speck in the sky"
speckled alder|common shrub of Canada and northeastern United States having shoots scattered with rust-colored down
speckled rattlesnake|markings vary but usually harmonize with background;of southwestern Arizona and Baja California
spectacle|a blunder that makes you look ridiculous;used in the phrase 'make a spectacle of' yourself;an elaborate and remarkable display on a lavish scale;something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight) - "the tragic spectacle of cripples trying to escape"
spectacled caiman|caiman with bony ridges about the eyes;found from southern Mexico to Argentina
spectacles|optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
spectacular|a lavishly produced performance - "they put on a Christmas spectacular"
spectator|a close observer;someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind) - "the spectators applauded the performance"
spectator pump|a woman's pump with medium heel;usually in contrasting colors for toe and heel
spectator sport|a sport that many people find entertaining to watch
spectinomycin|an antibiotic used to treat gonorrhea
spectrogram|a photographic record of a spectrum
spectrograph|a spectroscope by which spectra can be photographed
spectrophotometer|a photometer for comparing two light radiations wavelength by wavelength
spectroscope|an optical instrument for spectrographic analysis
spectroscopy|the use of spectroscopes to analyze spectra
spectrum|a broad range of related objects or values or qualities or ideas or activities;an ordered array of the components of an emission or wave
spectrum line|an isolated component of a spectrum formed by radiation at a uniform frequency
speculation|a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence) - "speculations about the outcome of the election";an investment that is very risky but could yield great profits - "he knew the stock was a speculation when he bought it"
speculativeness|financial risk - "he rejected stocks that didn't pay dividends because of their speculativeness";the quality of being a conclusion or opinion based on supposition and conjecture rather than on fact or investigation - "her work is highly contentious because of its speculativeness and lack of supporting evidence"
speculator|someone who makes conjectures without knowing the facts;someone who risks losses for the possibility of considerable gains
speculum|a medical instrument for dilating a bodily passage or cavity in order to examine the interior;a mirror (especially one made of polished metal) for use in an optical instrument
speech|(language) communication by word of mouth - "his speech was garbled";something spoken - "he could hear them uttering merry speeches";the exchange of spoken words - "they were perfectly comfortable together without speech"
speech act|the use of language to perform some act
speech community|people sharing a given language or dialect
speech day|an annual day in the schools when speeches are made and prizes are distributed
speech disorder|a disorder of oral speech
speech intelligibility|the intelligibility of speech (usually measured in the presence of noise or distortion)
speech organ|any of the organs involved in speech production
speech perception|the auditory perception (and comprehension) of speech
speech spectrum|the average sound spectrum for the human voice
speech therapist|a therapist who treats speech defects and disorders
speech therapy|any therapy intended to correct a disorder of speech
speechlessness|the property of being speechless
speechwriter|a writer who composes speeches for others to deliver
speed|a rate (usually rapid) at which something happens - "the project advanced with gratifying speed";changing location rapidly;distance travelled per unit time
speed bump|a hindrance to speeding created by a crosswise ridge in the surface of a roadway
speed freak|addict who habitually uses stimulant drugs (especially amphetamines)
speed limit|regulation establishing the top speed permitted on a given road
speed of light|the speed at which light travels in a vacuum;the constancy and universality of the speed of light is recognized by defining it to be exactly 299,792,458 meters per second
speed skate|an ice skate with a long blade;worn for racing
speed skating|competitive skating on speed skates (usually around an oval course)
speed trap|a trap arranged on a roadway for catching speeders
speedboat|a fast motorboat
speeder|a driver who exceeds the safe speed limit
speeding ticket|a ticket issued for driving above the speed limit
speedometer|a meter fixed to a vehicle that measures and displays its speed
speed-reading|reading at speeds significantly faster than normal
speedskater|an ice-skater who races competitively;usually around an oval course
speedway|a racetrack for racing automobiles or motorcycles;road where high speed driving is allowed
Speer|German Nazi architect who worked for Hitler (1905-1981)
Speke|English explorer who with Sir Richard Burton was the first European to explore Lake Tanganyika;he also discovered Lake Victoria and named it (1827-1864)
speleology|the pastime of exploring caves;the scientific study of caves
spell|a verbal formula believed to have magical force - "he whispered a spell as he moved his hands"
spellbinder|an orator who can hold his listeners spellbound
spell-checker|an electronic dictionary in a word processor that can be used to catch misspelled words
speller|an introductory textbook to teach spelling;someone who spells words
spelling|forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage
spelling bee|a contest in which you are eliminated if you fail to spell a word correctly
spelt|hardy wheat grown mostly in Europe for livestock feed
spelter|impure zinc containing about three percent lead and other impurities (especially in the form of ingots)
Spencer|English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)
Spender|English poet and critic (1909-1995);someone who spends money to purchase goods or services
spending|the act of spending or disbursing money
spending cut|the act of reducing spending
spending spree|a brief period of extravagant spending
spendthrift|someone who spends money prodigally
spendthrift trust|a trust created to maintain a beneficiary but to be secure against the beneficiary's improvidence
Spengler|German philosopher who argued that cultures grow and decay in cycles (1880-1936)
Spenser|English poet who wrote an allegorical romance celebrating Elizabeth I in the Spenserian stanza (1552-1599)
Spenserian sonnet|a sonnet consisting of three quatrains and a concluding couplet in iambic pentameter with the rhyme pattern abab bcbd cdcd ee
Spenserian stanza|a stanza with eight lines of iambic pentameter and a concluding Alexandrine with the rhyme pattern abab bcbc c - "the Spenserian stanza was introduced by Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queene"
Spergula|small genus of Old World annual herbs;corn spurry
Spergularia|chiefly maritime Eurasian herbs;sand spurry;sea spurry
sperm|the male reproductive cell;the male gamete - "a sperm is mostly a nucleus surrounded by little other cellular material"
sperm bank|a depository for storing sperm
sperm count|the act of estimating the number of spermatozoa in an ejaculate;the number of sperm in an ejaculate - "the sperm count is used as an indicator of male fertility"
sperm oil|an animal oil found in the blubber of the sperm whale
sperm whale|large whale with a large cavity in the head containing spermaceti and oil;also a source of ambergris
spermaceti|a white waxy substance from oil of the sperm whale
spermatic cord|a structure resembling a cord that suspends the testis within the scrotum and contains the vas deferens and other vessels and nerves
spermatid|an immature gamete produced by a spermatocyte;develops into a spermatozoon
spermatocele|a swelling on the epididymis or the testis;usually contains spermatozoa
spermatocyte|a male gametocyte that develops into four spermatids
spermatogenesis|development of spermatozoa
Spermatophyta|seed plants;comprises the Angiospermae (or Magnoliophyta) and Gymnospermae (or Gymnospermophyta);in some classification systems Spermatophyta is coordinate with Pteridophyta (spore producing plants having vascular tissue and roots) and Bryophyta (spore producing plants lacking vascular tissue and roots)
spermatophyte|plant that reproduces by means of seeds not spores
spermicide|a contraceptive agent that kills spermatozoa
Sperry|United States engineer and inventor of the gyrocompass (1860-1930)
Sphacelotheca|genus of smut fungus
Sphaeralcea|large genus of chiefly tropical herbs with showy flowers and mostly globose fruits;globe mallows
Sphaeriaceae|parasitic fungi having globose and sometimes necked or beaked perithecia
Sphaeriales|large order of ascomycetous fungi usually having a dark hard perithecia with definite ostioles;in more recent classifications often divided among several orders
Sphaerobolaceae|monotypic family of fungi in which the more or less spherical gleba is forcibly ejected at maturity
Sphaerocarpaceae|liverworts with bilaterally symmetrical gametophytes;sometimes placed in the order Jungermanniales
Sphaerocarpales|small order sometimes included in the order Jungermanniales
Sphaerocarpus|type genus of Sphaerocarpaceae;liverworts with small many-lobed usually orbicular thallus
Sphagnales|coextensive with the genus Sphagnum;in some classifications isolated in a separate subclass
sphagnum|any of various pale or ashy mosses of the genus Sphagnum whose decomposed remains form peat
Sphecidae|mud daubers;some digger wasps
Sphecius|large solitary wasps;cicada killer
sphecoid wasp|any of various solitary wasps
Sphecoidea|families Sphecidae and Stizidae
Sphecotheres|a genus of Old World orioles
sphenion|the anterior tip of the parietal bone
Spheniscidae|comprising all existing penguins
sphenisciform seabird|flightless cold-water seabirds;penguins
Sphenisciformes|penguins
Spheniscus|type genus of the Spheniscidae;jackass penguins
Sphenodon|coextensive with the order Rhynchocephalia;tuataras
sphenoid bone|butterfly-shaped bone at the base of the skull
sphenoid fontanelle|the irregularly shaped area on either side of the cranium where the frontal bone and the anterior tip of the parietal bone and the temporal bone and the greater wing of the sphenoid bone meet;corresponds to the pterion when bones have ossified
Sphenopsida|horsetails and related forms
sphere|a particular environment or walk of life - "his social sphere is limited";a solid figure bounded by a spherical surface (including the space it encloses);a three-dimensional closed surface such that every point on the surface is equidistant from the center;any spherically shaped artifact;the geographical area in which one nation is very influential
spherical aberration|an optical aberration resulting in a distorted image
spherical angle|an angle formed at the intersection of the arcs of two great circles
spherical geometry|(mathematics) the geometry of figures on the surface of a sphere
spherical polygon|a figure on the surface of a sphere bounded by arcs of 3 or more great circles
spherical triangle|a spherical polygon formed by the arcs of 3 great circles
spherical trigonometry|(mathematics) the trigonometry of spherical triangles
sphericity|the roundness of a 3-dimensional object
spherocyte|an abnormal spherical red blood cell
spheroid|a shape that is generated by rotating an ellipse around one of its axes - "it looked like a sphere but on closer examination I saw it was really a spheroid"
spherometer|a measuring instrument for measuring the curvature of a surface
spherule|a small sphere
sphincter|a ring of muscle that contracts to close an opening
Sphingidae|hawkmoths
Sphinx|(Greek mythology) a riddling winged monster with a woman's head and breast on a lion's body;daughter of Typhon;an inscrutable person who keeps his thoughts and intentions secret;one of a number of large stone statues with the body of a lion and the head of a man that were built by the ancient Egyptians
sphygmomanometer|a pressure gauge for measuring blood pressure
Sphyraena|type and sole genus of the Sphyraenidae;barracuda
Sphyraenidae|monotypic family of large active fishes of tropical and subtropical waters;barracuda
Sphyrapicus|a genus of Picidae
Sphyrna|type genus of the Sphyrnidae
Sphyrnidae|hammerhead sharks;bonnethead sharks
spic|(ethnic slur) offensive term for persons of Latin American descent
Spica|the brightest star in Virgo
spiccato|bowing in such a way that the bow bounces lightly off the strings
spice|any of a variety of pungent aromatic vegetable substances used for flavoring food;aromatic substances of vegetable origin used as a preservative
spice cake|cake flavored with spices
spice cookie|cookie flavored with spices
spice rack|a rack for displaying containers filled with spices
spice tree|tree bearing aromatic bark or berries
spicebush|deciduous shrub of the eastern United States having highly aromatic leaves and bark and yellow flowers followed by scarlet or yellow berries;straggling aromatic shrub of southwestern United States having fragrant brown flowers
spicemill|a mill for grinding spices
spiciness|the property of being seasoned with spice and so highly flavored
spicule|small pointed structure serving as a skeletal element in various marine and freshwater invertebrates e.g. sponges and corals
spider|a computer program that prowls the internet looking for publicly accessible resources that can be added to a database;the database can then be searched with a search engine;a skillet made of cast iron;predatory arachnid with eight legs, two poison fangs, two feelers, and usually two silk-spinning organs at the back end of the body;they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey
spider angioma|a dilation of superficial capillaries with a central red dot from which blood vessels radiate
spider brake|Asiatic fern introduced in America
spider crab|any of numerous crabs with very long legs and small triangular bodies
spider flower|native to South America but naturalized in warm parts of United States;grown for its long-lasting spider-shaped white to pink-purple flowers
spider mite|web-spinning mite that attacks garden plants and fruit trees
spider monkey|arboreal monkey of tropical America with long slender legs and long prehensile tail
spider orchid|any of several European orchids of the genus Ophrys;Central American orchid having spiderlike flowers with prominent green warts;South American orchid with spiderlike pale-yellow to pale-green flowers
spider web|a web resembling the webs spun by spiders;a web spun by spiders to trap insect prey
spiderflower|any of various often strong-smelling plants of the genus Cleome having showy spider-shaped flowers
spiderwort|any plant of the family Commelinaceae
spiegeleisen|pig iron containing manganese;used as a deoxidizing agent and to raise the manganese content in making steel
spiel|plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
Spielberg|United States filmmaker (born in 1947)
Spielmeyer-Vogt disease|a congenital progressive disorder of lipid metabolism having an onset at age 5 and characterized by blindness and dementia and early death
spiff|attractiveness in appearance or dress or manner - "he gets by largely on pure spiff"
spike|(botany) an indeterminate inflorescence bearing sessile flowers on an unbranched axis;a large stout nail - "they used spikes to fasten the rails to a railroad tie";a long, thin sharp-pointed implement (wood or metal) - "one of the spikes impaled him";a sharp rise followed by a sharp decline - "the seismograph showed a sharp spike in response to the temblor";a sharp-pointed projection along the top of a fence or wall (or a dinosaur);a transient variation in voltage or current;any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object - "the spike pierced the receipts and held them in order";each of the sharp points on the soles of athletic shoes to prevent slipping (or the shoes themselves) - "the second baseman sharpened his spikes before every game" - "golfers' spikes damage the putting greens";sports equipment consisting of a sharp point on the sole of a shoe worn by athletes - "spikes provide greater traction"
spike heath|small evergreen mat-forming shrub of southern Europe and Asia Minor having stiff stems and terminal clusters of small bell-shaped flowers
spike heel|a very high narrow heel on women's shoes
spike lavender|Mediterranean plant with pale purple flowers that yields spike lavender oil
spike lavender oil|pale yellow essential oil obtained from spike lavender used in scenting soaps and cosmetics
spike mike|a contact microphone for listening through walls
spike rush|a sedge of the genus Eleocharis
spikemoss|any of numerous fern allies of the genus Selaginella
spill|a sudden drop from an upright position - "he had a nasty spill on the ice";liquid that is spilled - "clean up the spills";the act of allowing a fluid to escape
spillage|the amount that has spilled
Spillane|United States writer of popular detective novels (born in 1918)
spillover|(economics) any indirect effect of public expenditure
spillway|a channel that carries excess water over or around a dam or other obstruction
Spilogale|a genus of Mustelidae
spin|a distinctive interpretation (especially as used by politicians to sway public opinion) - "the campaign put a favorable spin on the story";a short drive in a car - "he took the new car for a spin";a swift whirling motion (usually of a missile);the act of rotating rapidly - "he gave the crank a spin"
spin doctor|a public relations person who tries to forestall negative publicity by publicizing a favorable interpretation of the words or actions of a company or political party or famous person - "his title is Director of Communications but he is just a spin doctor"
spin dryer|a clothes dryer that uses centrifugal motion to dry the clothes that are put into it
spin the bottle|a game in which a player spins a bottle and kisses the person that it points to when it stops spinning
spin the plate|a game in which something round (as a plate) is spun on edge and the name of a player is called;the named player must catch the spinning object before it falls or pay a forfeit
spina bifida|a not uncommon congenital defect in which a vertebra is malformed;unless several vertebrae are affected or there is myelomeningocele there are few symptoms;can be diagnosed by amniocentesis
spinach|dark green leaves;eaten cooked or raw in salads;southwestern Asian plant widely cultivated for its succulent edible dark green leaves
spinach blight|a disease of spinach plants
Spinacia|spinach
spinal anesthesia|anesthesia of the lower half of the body;caused by injury to the spinal cord or by injecting an anesthetic beneath the arachnoid membrane that surrounds the spinal cord
spinal anesthetic|an anesthetic that is injected into the spine
spinal canal|the canal in successive vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes
spinal column|the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
spinal cord|a major part of the central nervous system which conducts sensory and motor nerve impulses to and from the brain;a long tubelike structure extending from the base of the brain through the vertebral canal to the upper lumbar region
spinal curvature|an abnormal curvature of the vertebral column
spinal fluid|clear liquid produced in the ventricles of the brain;fills and protects cavities in the brain and spinal cord
spinal nerve|any of the 31 pairs of nerves emerging from each side of the spinal cord (each attached to the cord by two roots;ventral and dorsal)
spinal vein|veins that drain the spinal cord
spindle|(biology) tiny fibers that are seen in cell division;the fibers radiate from two poles and meet at the equator in the middle - "chromosomes are distributed by spindles in mitosis and meiosis";a piece of wood that has been turned on a lathe;used as a baluster, chair leg, etc.;a stick or pin used to twist the yarn in spinning;any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts
spindle tree|any shrubby trees or woody vines of the genus Euonymus having showy usually reddish berries
spindlelegs|a thin person with long thin legs;long thin legs
spindrift|spray blown up from the surface of the sea
spine|a sharp rigid animal process or appendage;as a porcupine quill or a ridge on a bone or a ray of a fish fin;a small sharp-pointed tip resembling a spike on a stem or leaf;the part of a book's cover that encloses the inner side of the book's pages and that faces outward when the book is shelved - "the title and author were printed on the spine of the book"
spinel|a hard glassy mineral consisting of an oxide of magnesium and aluminum;occurs in various colors that are used as gemstones
spinel ruby|a spinel used as a gemstone (usually dark red)
spinelessness|the quality of lacking a strong character;an irresolute disposition
spinet|a small and compactly built upright piano;early model harpsichord with only one string per note
spinnability|the quality of being suitable for spinning or the capability of being spun (used of textile fibers)
spinnaker|a large and usually triangular headsail;carried by a yacht as a headsail when running before the wind
spinnbarkeit|the capacity of a viscous liquid (especially the cervical mucus) to be drawn out into a strand or blown up into a bubble
spinner|board game equipment that consists of a dial and an arrow that is spun to determine the next move in the game;fisherman's lure;revolves when drawn through the water;someone who spins (who twists fibers into threads)
spinney|a copse that shelters game
spinning|creating thread
spinning frame|spinning machine that draws, twists, and winds yarn
spinning jenny|an early spinning machine with multiple spindles
spinning machine|a textile machine for spinning yarn and thread
spinning rod|a fishing rod designed for casting a spinning lure
spinning wheel|a small domestic spinning machine with a single spindle that is driven by hand or foot
spinocerebellar disorder|any of several congenital disorders marked by degeneration of the cerebellum and spinal cord resulting in spasticity and ataxia
Spinoza|Dutch philosopher who espoused a pantheistic system (1632-1677)
spinster|an elderly unmarried woman
spinsterhood|the state of being a spinster (usually an elderly unmarried woman)
Spinus|in some classifications considered a subgenus of Carduelis;siskins and New World goldfinches
spiny dogfish|small bottom-dwelling dogfishes
spiny lizard|any of numerous lizards with overlapping ridged pointed scales;of North America and Central America
spiny lobster|large edible marine crustacean having a spiny carapace but lacking the large pincers of true lobsters;warm-water lobsters without claws;those from Australia and South Africa usually marketed as frozen tails;caught also in Florida and California
spiny puffer|puffers having rigid or erectile spines
spiny softshell|river turtle of western United States with a warty shell;prefers quiet water
spiny talinum|low cushion-forming plant with rose to crimson-magenta flowers and leaf midribs that persist as spines when the leaves die;southwestern United States
spiny-finned fish|a teleost fish with fins that are supported by sharp inflexible rays
spiracle|a breathing orifice
Spiraea|a dicotyledonous genus of the family Rosaceae
spiral|a continuously accelerating change in the economy;a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center;flying downward in a helical path with a large radius;ornament consisting of a curve on a plane that winds around a center with an increasing distance from the center
spiral bandage|an oblique bandage in which successive turns overlap preceding turns
spiral galaxy|a galaxy having a spiral structure;arms containing younger stars spiral out from old stars at the center
spiral ratchet screwdriver|a screwdriver with a ratchet (so the blade turns in only one direction) and a spiral in the handle (so the blade rotates) with downward pressure on the handle
spiral spring|a spring that is wound like a spiral
Spiranthes|large cosmopolitan genus of white-flowered terrestrial orchids
spirea|a Japanese shrub that resembles members of the genus Spiraea;widely cultivated in many varieties for its dense panicles of flowers in many colors;often forced by florists for Easter blooming;any rosaceous plant of the genus Spiraea;has sprays of small white or pink flowers
Spirillaceae|rigid spirally curved elongate bacteria
spirillum|any flagellated aerobic bacteria having a spirally twisted rodlike form;spirally twisted elongate rodlike bacteria usually living in stagnant water
spirit|a fundamental emotional and activating principle determining one's character;any incorporeal supernatural being that can become visible (or audible) to human beings;the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people;the vital principle or animating force within living things
spirit gum|an adhesive solution made of gum and ether and used to attach false hair to skin
spirit lamp|a lamp that burns a volatile liquid fuel such as alcohol
spirit rapper|someone who claims to receive messages from the dead in the form of raps on a table
spirit stove|a stove that burns a volatile liquid fuel such as alcohol
spirit world|any imaginary place where spiritual beings (demons or fairies or angels or the like) abide - "science has emptied the spirit world of its former inhabitants"
spirits of ammonia|a solution of ammonium carbonate in ammonia water and alcohol
spirits of wine|rectified ethyl alcohol
spiritual|a kind of religious song originated by Blacks in the southern United States
spiritual being|an incorporeal being believed to have powers to affect the course of human events
spiritual bouquet|(Roman Catholic Church) a card indicating that the sender will perform certain devotional acts on behalf of another
spiritual leader|a leader in religious or sacred affairs
spiritual world|a belief that there is a realm controlled by a divine spirit
spiritualism|(theology) any doctrine that asserts the separate existence of God;the belief that the spirits of dead people can communicate with people who are still alive (especially via a medium)
spirituality|concern with things of the spirit
spiritualization|the act of making something spiritual;infusing it with spiritual content
spiritualty|property or income owned by a church
Spirochaeta|the type genus of the family Spirochaetaceae;a bacterium that is flexible, undulating, and chiefly aquatic
Spirochaetaceae|large coarsely spiral bacteria;free-living in fresh or salt water or commensal in bodies of oysters
Spirochaetales|higher bacteria;slender spiral rodlike forms
spirochete|parasitic or free-living bacteria;many pathogenic to humans and other animals
Spirodela|minute aquatic herbs floating on the water surface consisting of a shiny leaflike frond and 2-21 roots
spirogram|a recording of breathing made with a spirograph
spirograph|a measuring instrument for recording the depth and rapidity of breathing movements
spirogyra|freshwater algae consisting of minute filaments containing spiral chlorophyll bands
spirometer|a measuring instrument for measuring the vital capacity of the lungs
spirometry|the use of a spirometer to measure vital capacity
spironolactone|a synthetic corticosteroid (trade name Aldactone) used to treat hypertension
spirula|a small tropical cephalopod of the genus Spirula having prominent eyes and short arms and a many-chambered shell coiled in a flat spiral
Spirulidae|coextensive with the genus Spirula;included in the order Belemnoidea in some older classifications
spit|a narrow strip of land that juts out into the sea;a skewer for holding meat over a fire;the act of spitting (forcefully expelling saliva)
spit and polish|careful attention to order and appearance (as in the military)
spit curl|a spiral curl plastered on the forehead or cheek
spitball|a projectile made by chewing a piece of paper and shaping it into a sphere;an illegal pitch in which a foreign substance (spit or Vaseline) is applied to the ball by the pitcher before he throws it
spitfire|a highly emotional and quick-tempered person (especially a girl or woman)
Spitsbergen|islands in the Svalbard archipelago to the east of northern Greenland;belonging to Norway
spitter|a person who spits (ejects saliva or phlegm from the mouth)
spitting image|a perfect likeness or counterpart
spittle insect|small leaping herbivorous insect that lives in a mass of protective froth which it and its larvae secrete
spittoon|a receptacle for spit (usually in a public place)
spitz|any of various stocky heavy-coated breeds of dogs native to northern regions having pointed muzzles and erect ears with a curled furry tail
spiv|a person without employment who makes money by various dubious schemes;goes about smartly dressed and having a good time
Spizella|chipping sparrow;field sparrow;tree sparrow
splanchnic nerve|any of several nerves of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system that innervate viscera and blood vessels
splash|a patch of bright color - "her red hat gave her outfit a splash of color";the act of scattering water about haphazardly;the sound like water splashing
splashboard|protective covering consisting of a panel to protect people from the splashing water or mud etc.
splashdown|a landing of a spacecraft in the sea at the end of a space flight
splasher|a protective covering over or beside a wheel to protect the upper part of a vehicle from splashes of mud
splat|a single splash - "he heard a splat as it hit the floor";a slat of wood in the middle of the back of a straight chair
splay|an outward bevel around a door or window that makes it seem larger
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
spleenwort|any of various chiefly rock-inhabiting ferns of the genus Asplenium
splenectomy|surgical removal of the spleen
splenic vein|a vein formed by several small veins on the surface of the spleen;joins the superior mesenteric to form the portal vein
splenitis|inflammation of the spleen
splenius|either of two flat muscles that extend from the upper vertebrae to the base of the skull and serve to rotate or flex or extend the head and neck
splenomegaly|an abnormal enlargement of the spleen
splice|a junction where two things (as paper or film or magnetic tape) have been joined together - "the break was due to an imperfect splice"
splicer|a mechanical device for joining two pieces of paper or film or magnetic tape;a woodworker who joins pieces of wood with a splice;a worker who splices ropes together by interweaving strands
spline|a flexible strip (wood or rubber) used in drawing curved lines
splint|a thin sliver of wood - "he lit the fire with a burning splint";an orthopedic mechanical device used to immobilize and protect a part of the body (as a broken leg)
splint bone|a rudimentary metacarpal or metatarsal bone on either side of the cannon bone in the leg of a horse or related animal
splinter|a small thin sharp bit or wood or glass or metal - "he got a splinter in his finger"
splinter group|a faction or sect that has broken away from its parent organization
split|(tenpin bowling) a divided formation of pins left standing after the first bowl - "he was winning until he got a split in the tenth frame";a bottle containing half the usual amount;a dessert of sliced fruit and ice cream covered with whipped cream and cherries and nuts;a lengthwise crack in wood - "he inserted the wedge into a split in the log";a promised or claimed share of loot or money - "he demanded his split before they disbanded";an increase in the number of outstanding shares of a corporation without changing the shareholders' equity - "they announced a two-for-one split of the common stock";extending the legs at right angles to the trunk (one in front and the other in back);an old Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea
split decision|a boxing decision in which the judges are not unanimous
split end|(football) an offensive end who lines up at a distance from the other linemen
split infinitive|an infinitive with an adverb between 'to' and the verb (e.g., 'to boldly go')
split personality|a relatively rare dissociative disorder in which the usual integrity of the personality breaks down and two or more independent personalities emerge
split rail|a rail that is split from a log
split run|a print run of a newspaper during which some articles or advertisements are changed to produce a different edition
split shift|a working shift divided into two periods of time with several hours in between
split ticket|a ballot cast by a voter who votes for candidates from more than one party
split-brain technique|brain surgery on animals in which the corpus callosum (and sometimes the optic chiasm) is severed so that communication between the cerebral hemispheres is interrupted
split-half correlation|a correlation coefficient calculated between scores on two halves of a test;taken as an indication of the reliability of the test
split-pea|dried hulled pea;used in soup
split-pea soup|made of stock and split peas with onions carrots and celery
splitsville|separation or breakup or divorce - "after 15 years together they are headed for splitsville"
splitter|a taxonomist who classifies organisms into many groups on the basis of relatively minor characteristics;a worker who splits fish and removes the backbone
splurge|an ostentatious display (of effort or extravagance etc.)
Spock|United States pediatrician whose many books on child care influenced the upbringing of children around the world (1903-1998)
Spode|a brand of fine English porcelain;English potter who started a pottery famous for its bone china (1754-1827)
Spodoptera|moths whose larvae are armyworms
Spodoptera exigua|moth whose larvae are beet armyworms
Spodoptera frugiperda|moth whose larvae are fall armyworms
spodumene|a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminum silicate;a source of lithium
spoil|(usually plural) valuables taken by violence (especially in war) - "to the victor belong the spoils of the enemy";the act of spoiling something by causing damage to it - "her spoiling my dress was deliberate";the act of stripping and taking by force
spoilage|the amount that has spoiled;the process of becoming spoiled
spoiler|a candidate with no chance of winning but who may draw enough votes to prevent one of the leading candidates from winning;a hinged airfoil on the upper surface of an aircraft wing that is raised to reduce lift and increase drag;an airfoil mounted on the rear of a car to reduce lift at high speeds
spoils system|the system of employing and promoting civil servants who are friends and supporters of the group in power
spoilsport|someone who spoils the pleasure of others
Spokane|a city in eastern Washington near the Idaho border
spoke|support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
spokeshave|a small plane that has a handle on each side of its blade;used for shaping or smoothing cylindrical wooden surfaces (originally wheel spokes)
spokesman|a male spokesperson
spokesperson|an advocate who represents someone else's policy or purpose - "the meeting was attended by spokespersons for all the major organs of government"
spokeswoman|a female spokesperson
spoliation|(law) the intentional destruction of a document or an alteration of it that destroys its value as evidence
spondee|a metrical unit with stressed-stressed syllables
Spondias|tropical trees having one-seeded fruit
spondylarthritis|arthritis that affects one or more of the intervertebral joints in the spine
spondylitis|inflammation of a spinal joint;characterized by pain and stiffness
spondylolisthesis|a forward dislocation of one vertebra over the one beneath it producing pressure on spinal nerves
sponge|a porous mass of interlacing fibers that forms the internal skeleton of various marine animals and usable to absorb water or any porous rubber or cellulose product similarly used;primitive multicellular marine animal whose porous body is supported by a fibrous skeletal framework;usually occurs in sessile colonies
sponge bath|you wash your body with a sponge or washcloth instead of in a bathtub
sponge cake|a light porous cake made with eggs and flour and sugar without shortening
sponge cloth|any soft porous fabric (especially in a loose honeycomb weave)
sponge genus|a genus of Porifera
sponge mop|a wet mop with a sponge as the absorbent
spongefly|hairy-bodied insect whose larvae feed on freshwater sponges
sponger|a workman employed to collect sponges
sponginess|the porosity of a sponge
spongioblast|any of various columnar epithelial cells in the central nervous system that develop into neuroglia
sponsorship|the act of sponsoring (either officially or financially)
spontaneity|the quality of being spontaneous and coming from natural feelings without constraint - "the spontaneity of his laughter"
spontaneous abortion|a natural loss of the products of conception
spontaneous combustion|ignition of a substance (as oily rags) resulting from an internal oxidation process
spoon|a piece of cutlery with a shallow bowl-shaped container and a handle;used to stir or serve or take up food;as much as a spoon will hold - "he added two spoons of sugar";formerly a golfing wood with an elevated face
spoon bread|soft bread made of cornmeal and sometimes rice or hominy;must be served with a spoon (chiefly southern)
spoonbill|wading birds having a long flat bill with a tip like a spoon
spoonerism|transposition of initial consonants in a pair of words
spoonfeeding|feeding someone (as a baby) from a spoon;teaching in an overly simplified way that discourages independent thought
spoor|the trail left by a person or an animal;what the hunter follows in pursuing game - "the hounds followed the fox's spoor"
sporangiophore|stalk bearing one or more sporangia
sporangium|organ containing or producing spores
spore|a small usually single-celled asexual reproductive body produced by many nonflowering plants and fungi and some bacteria and protozoans and that are capable of developing into a new individual without sexual fusion - "a sexual spore is formed after the fusion of gametes"
spore mother cell|cell from which a spore develops
Spork|trademark for a plastic eating utensil that has both tines and a bowl like a spoon
Sporobolus|cosmopolitan annual and perennial grasses (as dropseed or rush grass)
sporocarp|specialized leaf branch in certain aquatic ferns that encloses the sori or clusters of sporangia
sporophore|a spore-bearing branch or organ;the part of the thallus of a sporophyte that develops spores;in ferns and mosses and liverworts is practically equivalent to the sporophyte
sporophyll|leaf in ferns and mosses that bears the sporangia
sporophyte|the spore-producing individual or phase in the life cycle of a plant having alternation of generations
sporotrichosis|a chronic fungal infection of the skin and lymph nodes
Sporozoa|strictly parasitic protozoans that are usually immobile;includes plasmodia and coccidia and piroplasms and malaria parasites
sporozoan|parasitic spore-forming protozoan
sporozoite|one of the minute active bodies into which sporozoans divide in one stage of their life cycle
sporran|a fur or leather pouch worn at the front of the kilt as part of the traditional dress of Scottish Highlanders
sport|(Maine colloquial) a temporary summer resident of Maine;a person known for the way she (or he) behaves when teased or defeated or subjected to trying circumstances - "a good sport" - "a poor sport";an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition;someone who engages in sports;the occupation of athletes who compete for pay
sport kite|a maneuverable kite controlled by two lines and flown with both hands
sport utility|a high-performance four-wheel drive car built on a truck chassis
sporting dog|a dog trained to work with sportsmen when they hunt with guns
sporting goods|sports equipment sold as a commodity
sporting life|active interest in gambling on sports events
sporting man|someone who enjoys outdoor activities;someone who leads a merry existence;especially a gambler on the outcome of sporting events
sports announcer|an announcer who reads sports news or describes sporting events
sports car|a small low car with a high-powered engine;usually seats two persons
sports desk|the editorial department of a newspaper that edits the sports news
sports editor|the newspaper editor responsible for sports news
sports equipment|equipment needed to participate in a particular sport
sports fan|an enthusiastic devotee of sports
sports implement|an implement used in a sport
sports medicine|the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of injuries or illness resulting from athletic activities
sports page|any page in the sports section of a newspaper
sports section|the section of a newspaper that reports on sports
sports writer|a journalist who writes about sports
sportscast|a broadcast of sports news or commentary
sportsmanship|fairness in following the rules of the game
sportswear|attire worn for sport or for casual wear
spot|a business establishment for entertainment - "night spot";a mark on a die or on a playing card (shape depending on the suit);a playing card with a specified number of pips on it to indicate its value - "an eight-spot";a section of an entertainment that is assigned to a specific performer or performance - "they changed his spot on the program";a short section or illustration (as between radio or tv programs or in a magazine) that is often used for advertising;a small contrasting part of something - "a bald spot" - "a leopard's spots";a small piece or quantity of something - "a spot of tea"
spot check|a check on work performance or product quality made at random times without warning - "spot checks ensure a high level of performance by employees"
spot jamming|electronic jamming of a specific channel or frequency
spot market|a market in which a commodity is bought or sold for immediate delivery or delivery in the very near future
spot pass|a pass to a designated spot on the field;the receiver should arrive at that spot the same time the ball does
spot price|the current delivery price of a commodity traded in the spot market
spot weld|each of the welds made by welding at a separate point
spot welding|creating an overlapping joint by welding at small points
spotlessness|the state of being spotlessly clean
spotlight|a lamp that produces a strong beam of light to illuminate a restricted area;used to focus attention of a stage performer
Spotsylvania|a battle between the armies of Grant and Lee during the Wilderness Campaign;a village in northeastern Virginia where battles were fought during the American Civil War
spotted antbird|a kind of antbird
spotted coral root|common coral root having yellowish- or reddish- or purplish-brown leafless stems bearing loose racemes of similarly colored flowers with white purple-spotted lips;Guatemala to Canada
spotted cowbane|tall biennial water hemlock of northeastern North America having purple-spotted stems and clusters of extremely poisonous tuberous roots resembling small sweet potatoes
spotted crake|Eurasian rail of swamps and marshes
spotted dick|a suet pudding containing currants
spotted eagle ray|ray with back covered with white or yellow spots;widely distributed in warm seas
spotted fever|any of several severe febrile diseases characterized by skin rashes or spots on the skin
spotted flycatcher|common European woodland flycatcher with greyish-brown plumage
spotted gum|large gum tree with mottled bark
spotted hyena|African hyena noted for its distinctive howl
spotted lynx|of southern Europe
spotted owl|a large owl of North America found in forests from British Columbia to central Mexico;has dark brown plumage and a heavily spotted chest
spotted salamander|European salamander having dark skin with usually yellow spots;glossy black North American salamander with yellow spots
spotted sandpiper|common North American sandpiper
spotted skunk|small skunk with a marbled black and white coat;of United States and Mexico
spotted sunfish|inhabits streams from South Carolina to Florida;esteemed panfish
spotted weakfish|weakfish of southern Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of United States
spotter|a worker employed at a dry-cleaning establishment to remove spots;a worker employed to apply spots (as markers or identifiers)
spot-welder|a welder who does spot welding
spouse|a person's partner in marriage
spout|an opening that allows the passage of liquids or grain
spouter|a spouting whale;an oil well that is spouting
sprachgefuhl|an intuitive feeling for the natural idiom of a language - "Dubyuh has no sprachgefuhl"
sprag|a chock or bar wedged under a wheel or between the spokes to prevent a vehicle from rolling down an incline
Spraguea|small genus of usually perennial herbs having deep woody taproots and flower heads of umbels or cymes
sprain|a painful injury to a joint caused by a sudden wrenching of its ligaments
sprat|small fatty European fish;usually smoked or canned like sardines
sprawl|an ungainly posture with arms and legs spread about
sprawler|a person who sprawls - "he is such a sprawler he needs a bed to himself"
spray|a jet of vapor;a pesticide in suspension or solution;intended for spraying;a quantity of small objects flying through the air - "a spray of bullets";flower arrangement consisting of a single branch or shoot bearing flowers and foliage;water in small drops in the atmosphere;blown from waves or thrown up by a waterfall
spray gun|an applicator resembling a gun for applying liquid substances (as paint) in the form of a spray
spray paint|paint applied with a spray gun
spray painting|applying paint with a sprayer
sprayer|a worker who applies spray to a surface
spraying|the application of a liquid in the form of small particles ejected from a sprayer
spread|a tasty mixture to be spread on bread or crackers or used in preparing other dishes;act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or time;process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space;the expansion of a person's girth (especially at middle age) - "she exercised to avoid that middle-aged spread";two facing pages of a book or other publication
spread eagle|a skating figure executed with the skates heel to heel in a straight line;an emblem (an eagle with wings and legs spread) on the obverse of the Great Seal of the United States
spreader|a hand tool for spreading something - "he used his knife as a spreader"
spreading fleabane|well-branched plant with hairy leaves and stems each with a solitary flower head with narrow white or pink or lavender rays;western North America
spreading pogonia|orchid of northeastern United States with magenta-pink flowers having funnel-shaped lip;sometimes placed in genus Pogonia
spreadsheet|a screen-oriented interactive program enabling a user to lay out financial data on the screen
sprechgesang|a style of dramatic vocalization between singing and speaking
spree|a brief indulgence of your impulses
spree killer|a serial killer whose murders occur within a brief period of time
sprig|an ornament that resembles a spray of leaves or flowers
spring|a metal elastic device that returns to its shape or position when pushed or pulled or pressed - "the spring was broken";a natural flow of ground water;a point at which water issues forth;the season of growth - "the emerging buds were a sure sign of spring" - "he will hold office until the spring of next year"
spring balance|a balance that measure weight by the tension on a helical spring
spring beauty|small slender plant having one pair of succulent leaves at the middle of the stem and a loose raceme of white or pink or rose bowl-shaped flowers and an edible corm
spring break|a week or more of recess during the spring term at school
spring cankerworm|variably colored looper;larva of Paleacrita vernata
spring chicken|a young chicken having tender meat
spring cress|small white-flowered cress common in wet places in eastern North America
spring mattress|a mattress containing springs in a rigid frame
spring peeper|a small brown tree toad having a shrill call heard near wetlands of eastern United States and Canada in early spring
spring squill|European scilla with small blue or purple flowers
spring training|preseason training during the spring
spring vetch|herbaceous climbing plant valuable as fodder and for soil-building
spring vetchling|bushy European perennial having nodding racemose violet-blue flowers
spring water|water from a spring
springboard|a beginning from which an enterprise is launched - "he uses other people's ideas as a springboard for his own";a flexible board for jumping upward
springbok|a South African gazelle noted for springing lightly into the air
spring-cleaning|the activity of cleaning a house thoroughly at the end of winter
springer|a cow about to give birth;the lowest stone in an arch -- from which it springs
springer spaniel|a large spaniel with wavy silky coat usually black or liver and white
Springfield|a city and manufacturing center in southwestern Massachusetts on the Connecticut River;a city of southwestern Missouri;capital of the state of Illinois
springtide|a greater than average tide occurring during the new and full moons;a swelling rush of anything - "he rose on the springtide of prosperity"
sprinkle|the act of sprinkling or splashing water
sprinkler|mechanical device that attaches to a garden hose for watering lawn or garden
sprinkler system|a system for extinguishing fires;water from a network of overhead pipes is released through nozzles that open automatically with the rise in temperature
sprinter|someone who runs a short distance at top speed
sprit|a light spar that crosses a fore-and-aft sail diagonally
sprites|atmospheric electricity (lasting 10 msec) appearing as globular flashes of red (pink to blood-red) light rising to heights of 60 miles (sometimes seen together with elves)
spritsail|a fore-and-aft sail extended by a sprit
spritz|a quick squirt of some liquid (usually carbonated water)
spritzer|a mixed drink made of wine mixed with a sparkling water
sprocket|roller that has teeth on the rims to pull film or paper through;thin wheel with teeth that engage with a chain
sprog|a child;a new military recruit
sprout|a newly grown bud (especially from a germinating seed);any new growth of a plant such as a new branch or a bud
spruce|any coniferous tree of the genus Picea;light soft moderately strong wood of spruce trees;used especially for timbers and millwork
spruce bark beetle|small beetle that likes to bore through the bark of spruce trees and eat the cambium which eventually kills the tree - "the spruce bark beetle is the major tree-killing insect pest of Alaska spruce forests"
spruce beer|a brew made by fermenting molasses and other sugars with the sap of spruce trees (sometimes with malt)
spruce gall aphid|a variety of adelgid
spruce grouse|North American grouse that feeds on evergreen buds and needles
spruce pine|large two-needled pine of southeastern United States with light soft wood
sprue|a chronic disorder that occurs in tropical and non-tropical forms and in both children and adults;nutrients are not absorbed;symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhea and emaciation
sprung rhythm|a poetic rhythm that imitates the rhythm of speech
spud|a sharp hand shovel for digging out roots and weeds
spume|foam or froth on the sea
spun yarn|(nautical) small stuff consisting of a lightweight rope made of several rope yarns loosely wound together
spur|a sharp prod fixed to a rider's heel and used to urge a horse onward - "cowboys know not to squat with their spurs on";any sharply pointed projection;tubular extension at the base of the corolla in some flowers
spur blight|a disease of raspberries
spur gear|gear wheels that mesh in the same plane
spurge|any of numerous plants of the genus Euphorbia;usually having milky often poisonous juice
spurge laurel|bushy Eurasian shrub with glossy leathery oblong leaves and yellow-green flowers
spurge nettle|a stinging herb of tropical America
spurious correlation|a correlation between two variables (e.g., between the number of electric motors in the home and grades at school) that does not result from any direct relation between them (buying electric motors will not raise grades) but from their relation to other variables
spuriousness|state of lacking genuineness
spurner|a person who rejects (someone or something) with contempt - "she was known as a spurner of all suitors" - "he was no spurner of rules"
spurred gentian|any of various plants of the genus Halenia having flowers with spurred lobes
sputnik|a Russian artificial satellite
sputter|an utterance (of words) with spitting sounds (as in rage)
spy|(military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors;a secret watcher;someone who secretly watches other people
spy satellite|a satellite with sensors to detect nuclear explosions
Spyeria|fritillaries
spying|keeping a secret or furtive watch;the act of keeping a secret watch for intelligence purposes
spymaster|someone who directs clandestine intelligence activities
spyware|computer software that obtains information from a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent
squab|a soft padded sofa;an unfledged pigeon;flesh of a pigeon suitable for roasting or braising;flesh of a dove (young squab) may be broiled
squabbler|someone who quarrels about a small matter
squad|a smallest army unit
squad room|a room in a barracks where soldiers are billeted;a room in a police station where members of the force assemble for roll call and duty assignments
squadron|a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms;a naval unit that is detached from the fleet for a particular task;an air force unit larger than a flight and smaller than a group
Squalidae|dogfishes having a spine in each dorsal fin
squall|sudden violent winds;often accompanied by precipitation
squall line|a cold front along which squalls or thunderstorms are likely
Squalus|spiny dogfishes
squama|a protective structure resembling a scale
Squamata|diapsid reptiles;snakes and lizards
squamous cell|an epithelial cell that is flat like a plate and form a single layer of epithelial tissue
squamule|a minute scale
squandering|spending resources lavishly and wastefully - "more wasteful than the squandering of time"
squandermania|prodigious squandering (usually by a government)
square|(geometry) a plane rectangle with four equal sides and four right angles;a four-sided regular polygon - "you can compute the area of a square if you know the length of its sides";a formal and conservative person with old-fashioned views;a hand tool consisting of two straight arms at right angles;used to construct or test right angles - "the carpenter who built this room must have lost his square";any artifact having a shape similar to a plane geometric figure with four equal sides and four right angles - "a checkerboard has 64 squares";someone who doesn't understand what is going on;something approximating the shape of a square;the product of two equal terms - "gravity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance"
square dance|American country dancing in which couples form squares
square dancer|someone who does square dancing
square foot|a unit of area equal to one foot by one foot square
square inch|a unit of area equal to one inch by one inch square
square knot|a double knot made of two half hitches and used to join the ends of two cords
square matrix|a matrix with the same number of rows and columns
square meal|a substantial and nourishing meal - "he seldom got three square meals a day"
square meter|a centare is 1/100th of an are
square mile|an area of 640 acres
square nut|nut with a square shape
square one|the situation in which you begin an endeavor and to which you return if your efforts fail - "the police are now back at square one after having arrested and released 27 men" - "she has tried to diet but always ends up back at square one"
square root|a number that when multiplied by itself equals a given number
square sail|a four-sided sail set beneath a horizontal yard suspended at the middle from a mast
square shooter|a frank and honest person
square yard|a unit of area equal to one yard by one yard square
square-bashing|drill on a barracks square
square-dance music|music performed for square dancing
squareness|the property of being shaped like a square
square-rigger|a square-rigged sailing ship
squaretail|sluggish square-tailed fish armored with tough bony scales;of deep warm waters
squash|a game played in an enclosed court by two or four players who strike the ball with long-handled rackets;any of numerous annual trailing plants of the genus Cucurbita grown for their fleshy edible fruits;edible fruit of a squash plant;eaten as a vegetable
squash ball|rubber ball used in playing squash
squash bug|large black American bug that sucks sap of vines of the gourd family
squash court|the indoor court in which squash is played
squash pie|similar to pumpkin pie but made with winter squash instead of pumpkin
squash racket|a small racket with a long handle used for playing squash
squat|the act of assuming or maintaining a crouching position with the knees bent and the buttocks near the heels
Squatina|type genus of the Squatinidae;angel sharks
Squatinidae|bottom-dwelling ray-like sharks
squatness|the property of being short and broad
squatter|someone who settles lawfully on government land with the intent to acquire title to it;someone who settles on land without right or title
squaw|an American Indian woman
squaw grass|plant of western North America having woody rhizomes and tufts of stiff grasslike basal leaves and spikes of creamy white flowers
squaw man|a white man married to a North American Indian woman
squawbush|deciduous shrub of California with unpleasantly scented usually trifoliate leaves and edible fruit
squawk|the noise of squawking - "she awoke to the squawk of chickens" - "the squawk of car horns"
squawk box|the loudspeaker on an intercom or public address system
squeak|a short high-pitched noise - "the squeak of shoes on powdery snow"
squeaker|any artifact that makes a squeaking sound when used - "those sneakers are squeakers" - "which hinge is the squeaker?"
squeal|a high-pitched howl
squeamishness|the trait of being excessively fastidious and easily shocked - "the program was withdrawn because of the squeamishness of some viewers" - "he refused to allow squeamishness to deter him from his duty"
squeegee|T-shaped cleaning implement with a rubber edge across the top;drawn across a surface to remove water (as in washing windows)
squeeze|(slang) a person's girlfriend or boyfriend - "she was his main squeeze";a situation in which increased costs cannot be passed on to the customer - "increased expenses put a squeeze on profits";a twisting squeeze;the act of forcing yourself (or being forced) into or through a restricted space - "getting through that small opening was a tight squeeze";the act of gripping and pressing firmly - "he gave her cheek a playful squeeze"
squeeze play|a baseball play in which a runner on third base tries to score as the batter bunts the pitch
squeezer|a kitchen utensil for squeezing juice from fruit
squelch circuit|an electric circuit that cuts off a receiver when the signal becomes weaker than the noise
squib|firework consisting of a tube filled with powder (as a broken firecracker) that burns with a fizzing noise
squid|(Italian cuisine) squid prepared as food;widely distributed fast-moving ten-armed cephalopod mollusk having a long tapered body with triangular tail fins
squiggle|a short twisting line;an illegible scrawl - "his signature was just a squiggle but only he could make that squiggle"
squill|bulb of the sea squill, which is sliced, dried, and used as an expectorant
squilla|a kind of mantis shrimp
Squillidae|crustaceans that burrow in mud or under stones in shallow water along the seashore
squinch|a small arch built across the interior angle of two walls (usually to support a spire)
squint|the act of squinting;looking with the eyes partly closed
squinter|a person with strabismus
squire|a man who attends or escorts a woman;an English country landowner;young nobleman attendant on a knight
squirrel|a kind of arboreal rodent having a long bushy tail;the fur of a squirrel
squirrel cage|cage with a cylindrical framework that rotates as a small animal runs inside it
squirrel corn|American plant with cream-colored flowers and tuberous roots resembling kernels of corn
squirrel monkey|small long-tailed monkey of Central American and South America with greenish fur and black muzzle
squirrelfish|very small, brightly colored (especially red) nocturnal fishes of shallow waters or tropical reefs;they make sounds like a squirrel's bark
squirrel's-foot fern|feathery fern of tropical Asia and Malaysia
squirreltail barley|barley grown for its highly ornamental flower heads with delicate long silky awns;North America and northeastern Asia
squirting cucumber|Mediterranean vine having oblong fruit that when ripe expels its seeds and juice violently when touched
squish|the noise of soft mud being walked on
Sri Lanka|a republic on the island of Ceylon;became independent of the United Kingdom in 1948
Sri Lanka rupee|the basic unit of money in Sri Lanka;equal to 100 cents
Sri Lankan|a native or inhabitant of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan monetary unit|monetary unit in Sri Lanka
S-shape|a double curve resembling the letter S
St Andrews's cross|shrubby plant having yellow to apricot flowers with four petals arranged in a cross;southeastern United States;New York to Texas
St John's wort|any of numerous plants of the genus Hypericum having yellow flowers and transparently dotted leaves;traditionally gathered on St John's eve to ward off evil
St Patrick's Day|a day observed by the Irish to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland
St Peter's wort|European perennial St John's wort;Ireland and France to western Siberia
St. Andrew's cross|a cross resembling the letter x, with diagonal bars of equal length
St. Augustine|a resort city in northeastern Florida;the oldest city in the United States
St. Augustine grass|low mat-forming grass of southern United States and tropical America;grown as a lawn grass
St. Denis|United States dancer and choreographer who collaborated with Ted Shawn (1877-1968)
St. Elias Range|a range of mountains between Alaska and the Yukon territory
St. George's|the capital and largest city of Grenada
St. John's|the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda;located on the island of Antigua
St. Petersburg|a city in the European part of Russia;2nd largest Russian city;located at the head of the Gulf of Finland;former capital of Russia;a city in western Florida on Tampa Bay;a popular winter resort
St.-Bruno's-lily|a variety of spiderwort
stab|a strong blow with a knife or other sharp pointed instrument - "one strong stab to the heart killed him"
stabber|someone who stabs another person
stabile|a sculpture having fixed units (usually constructed of sheet metal) and attached to a fixed support
stability|a stable order (especially of society);the quality or attribute of being firm and steadfast
stabilization|the act of making something (as a vessel or aircraft) less likely to overturn;the act of stabilizing something or making it more stable - "he worked for price stabilization for farm products" - "wage stabilization is necessary for industrial peace" - "stabilization means that the product can be handled under atmospheric conditions"
stabilizer|a chemical that is added to a solution or mixture or suspension to maintain it in a stable or unchanging state;a device for making something stable;airfoil consisting of a device for stabilizing an aircraft
stabilizer bar|a rigid metal bar between the front suspensions and between the rear suspensions of cars and trucks;serves to stabilize the chassis
stable|a farm building for housing horses or other livestock
stable gear|gear for a horse
stableman|someone employed in a stable to take care of the horses
stablemate|a horse stabled with another or one of several horses owned by the same person
stabling|accommodation for animals (especially for horses)
stachyose|a tetrasaccharide found in the tubers of the Chinese artichoke
Stachys|large genus of usually woolly or hairy herbs or subshrubs or shrubs;temperate eastern hemisphere;tropical Australasia
stack|an orderly pile
stacked heel|a heel made of many layers of leather
stacker|a laborer who builds up a stack or pile
stacks|storage space in a library consisting of an extensive arrangement of bookshelves where most of the books are stored
stacte|(Old Testament) one of several sweet-smelling spices used in incense
staddle|a base or platform on which hay or corn is stacked
stadium|a large structure for open-air sports or entertainments
Stael|French romantic writer (1766-1817)
staff|(music) the system of five horizontal lines on which the musical notes are written;a rod carried as a symbol;a strong rod or stick with a specialized utilitarian purpose - "he walked with the help of a wooden staff";building material consisting of plaster and hair;used to cover external surfaces of temporary structure (as at an exposition) or for decoration;personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task - "the hospital has an excellent nursing staff" - "the general relied on his staff to make routine decisions";the body of teachers and administrators at a school - "the dean addressed the letter to the entire staff of the university"
staff line|any of the 5 horizontal marks comprising a staff
staff member|an employee who is a member of a staff of workers (especially a member of the staff that works for the President of the United States)
staff officer|a commissioned officer assigned to a military commander's staff
staff sergeant|a noncommissioned officer ranking above corporal and below sergeant first class in the Army or Marines or above airman 1st class in the Air Force
staff tree|any small tree or twining shrub of the genus Celastrus
Staffa|an island in western Scotland in the Inner Hebrides to the west of Mull;site of Fingal's Cave
Staffordshire bullterrier|English breed of strong stocky dog having a broad skull and smooth coat
stag|adult male deer
stag beetle|a kind of lamellicorn beetle;the male has branched mandibles resembling antlers
stag party|a party for men only (or one considered suitable for men only)
stage|a large platform on which people can stand and can be seen by an audience - "he clambered up onto the stage and got the actors to help him into the box";a section or portion of a journey or course - "then we embarked on the second stage of our Caribbean cruise";a small platform on a microscope where the specimen is mounted for examination;any scene regarded as a setting for exhibiting or doing something - "All the world's a stage"--Shakespeare - "it set the stage for peaceful negotiations";the theater as a profession (usually 'the stage') - "an early movie simply showed a long kiss by two actors of the contemporary stage"
stage crew|crew of workers who move scenery or handle properties in a theatrical production
stage dancing|a show involving artistic dancing
stage direction|an instruction written as part of the script of a play
stage director|someone who supervises the actors and directs the action in the production of a stage show
stage door|an entrance to the backstage area of theater;used by performers and other theater personnel
stage effect|a special effect created on the stage
stage fright|fear that affects a person about to face an audience
stage left|the part of the stage on the actor's left as the actor faces the audience
stage manager|someone who supervises the physical aspects in the production of a show and who is in charge of the stage when the show is being performed
stage name|the pseudonym of an actor
stage right|the part of the stage on the actor's right as the actor faces the audience
stage set|representation consisting of the scenery and other properties used to identify the location of a dramatic production
stage whisper|a loud whisper that can be overheard;on the stage it is heard by the audience but it supposed to be inaudible to the rest of the cast
stagecoach|a large coach-and-four formerly used to carry passengers and mail on regular routes between towns
stagecraft|skill in writing or staging plays
stagehand|an employee of a theater who performs work involved in putting on a theatrical production
stagflation|a period of slow economic growth and high unemployment (stagnation) while prices rise (inflation)
staggerbush|deciduous shrub of coastal plain of the eastern United States having nodding pinkish-white flowers;poisonous to stock
staggered board of directors|a board of directors a portion of whose members are elected each year instead of all members being elected annually
staggerer|someone who walks unsteadily as if about to fall
staggers|a disease of the central nervous system affecting especially horses and cattle;characterized by an unsteady swaying gait and frequent falling
staghorn coral|large branching coral resembling antlers
staghorn fern|any of various tropical ferns of the genus Platycerium having large flat lobed fronds often resembling the antlers of a stag
staghorn sumac|deciduous shrubby tree or eastern North America with compound leaves that turn brilliant red in fall and dense panicles of greenish yellow flowers followed by crimson acidic berries
staghound|a large heavy hound formerly used in hunting stags and other large game;similar to but larger than a foxhound
staginess|an artificial and mannered quality
staging|getting rid of a stage of a multistage rocket;travel by stagecoach
staging area|an area where troops and equipment in transit are assembled before a military operation
Stagira|an ancient town of Greece where Aristotle was born
stagnation|a state of inactivity (in business or art etc) - "economic growth of less than 1% per year is considered to be economic stagnation";inactivity of liquids;being stagnant;standing still;without current or circulation
stain|(microscopy) a dye or other coloring material that is used in microscopy to make structures visible;a soiled or discolored appearance - "the wine left a dark stain"
stainability|(cytology) the capacity of cells or cell parts to stain specifically with certain dyes
stained glass|glass that has been colored in some way;used for church windows
stained-glass window|a window made of stained glass
stainer|a worker who stains (wood or fabric)
staining|(histology) the use of a dye to color specimens for microscopic study;the act of spotting or staining something
stainless steel|steel containing chromium that makes it resistant to corrosion
stair-carpet|a strip of carpet for laying on stairs
stairhead|platform at the top of a staircase
stair-rod|a rod that holds a stair-carpet in the angle between two steps
stairs|a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
stairway|a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
stairwell|a vertical well around which there is a stairway
stake|a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground;instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning;the money risked on a gamble
stake race|a horse race in which part of the prize is put up by the owners of the horses in the race
stakeholder|someone entrusted to hold the stakes for two or more persons betting against one another;must deliver the stakes to the winner
stakeout|surveillance of some place or some person by the police (as in anticipation of a crime)
stalactite|a cylinder of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof of a limestone cave
stalagmite|a cylinder of calcium carbonate projecting upward from the floor of a limestone cave
stalemate|drawing position in chess;any of a player's possible moves would place his king in check
staleness|having lost purity and freshness as a consequence of aging
Stalin|Russian leader who succeeded Lenin as head of the Communist Party and created a totalitarian state by purging all opposition (1879-1953)
Stalinist|a follower of Stalin and Stalinism
Stalinization|social process of adopting (or being forced to adopt) the policies and practices of Joseph Stalin - "many Hungarians refused to take part in the Stalinization of their country"
stalk|a hunt for game carried on by following it stealthily or waiting in ambush;a slender or elongated structure that supports a plant or fungus or a plant part or plant organ;a stiff or threatening gait;the act of following prey stealthily
stalked puffball|a variety of Podaxaceae;mushroom of the genus Tulostoma that resembles a puffball
stalker|someone who stalks game;someone who walks with long stiff strides
stalking-horse|a candidate put forward to divide the Opposition or to mask the true candidate;a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game;screen consisting of a figure of a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
stall|a booth where articles are displayed for sale;a compartment in a stable where a single animal is confined and fed;a malfunction in the flight of an aircraft in which there is a sudden loss of lift that results in a downward plunge - "the plane went into a stall and I couldn't control it";a tactic used to mislead or delay;seating in the forward part of the main level of a theater
stall bar|a gymnastic apparatus used for strengthening exercises;uprights fastened to a wall and connected by horizontal rungs
stallion|uncastrated adult male horse
stamen|the male reproductive organ of a flower
stamina|enduring strength and energy
stammel|a coarse woolen cloth formerly used for undergarments and usually dyed bright red
stammer|a speech disorder involving hesitations and involuntary repetitions of certain sounds
stammerer|someone who speaks with involuntary pauses and repetitions
stamp|a block or die used to imprint a mark or design;a symbol that is the result of printing or engraving - "he put his stamp on the envelope";a type or class - "more men of his stamp are needed";machine consisting of a heavy bar that moves vertically for pounding or crushing ores
Stamp Act|an act passed by the British Parliament in 1756 that raised revenue from the American Colonies by a duty in the form of a stamp required on all newspapers and legal or commercial documents;opposition by the Colonies resulted in the repeal of the act in 1766
stamp album|an album for stamps
stamp collection|a collection of stamps
stamp dealer|a dealer in stamps (whose customers are stamp collectors)
stamp mill|a mill in which ore is crushed with stamps
stamp tax|a tax collected by requiring a stamp to be purchased and attached (usually on documents or publications)
stampede|a headlong rush of people on a common impulse - "when he shouted 'fire' there was a stampede to the exits";a wild headlong rush of frightened animals (horses or cattle)
stamper|a workman whose job is to form or cut out by applying a mold or die (either by hand or by operating a stamping machine);someone who walks with a heavy noisy gait or who stamps on the ground
stamping machine|a power tool that stamps
stance|standing posture
stanchion|any vertical post or rod used as a support
stand|a defensive effort - "the army made a final stand at the Rhone";a growth of similar plants (usually trees) in a particular area - "they cut down a stand of trees";a small table for holding articles of various kinds - "a bedside stand";a stop made by a touring musical or theatrical group to give a performance - "a one-night stand";an interruption of normal activity;the position where a thing or person stands;tiered seats consisting of a structure (often made of wood) where people can sit to watch an event (game or parade)
stand oil|a thick oil comprised of linseed, tung, or soya oils which have been heated to over 300 C
standard|a basis for comparison;a reference point against which other things can be evaluated - "the schools comply with federal standards";a board measure = 1980 board feet;an upright pole or beam (especially one used as a support) - "distance was marked by standards every mile" - "lamps supported on standards provided illumination";any distinctive flag;the value behind the money in a monetary system
Standard and Poor's|a broadly based stock market index
standard atmosphere|a unit of pressure;the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
standard cell|a primary cell used as a standard of electromotive force
standard deviation|the square root of the variance
standard gauge|railroad track having the standard width of 56.5 inches
standard generalized markup language|(computer science) a standardized language for the descriptive markup of documents;a set of rules for using whatever markup vocabulary is adopted
standard of living|a level of material comfort in terms of goods and services available to someone or some group - "they enjoyed the highest standard of living in the country" - "the lower the standard of living the easier it is to introduce an autocratic production system"
standard poodle|a breed or medium-sized poodles
standard schnauzer|a medium-sized schnauzer
standard temperature|exactly zero degrees centigrade
standard transmission|a transmission that is operated manually with a gear lever and a clutch pedal
standard-bearer|an outstanding leader of a political movement
standardization|the condition in which a standard has been successfully established - "standardization of nuts and bolts had saved industry millions of dollars";the imposition of standards or regulations - "a committee was appointed to recommend terminological standardization"
standardizer|a person who sets a standard for things to conform to
standby|something that can be relied on when needed
standdown|(military) a temporary stop of offensive military action;a suspension and relaxation from an alert state or a state of readiness
standee|a lifesize cardboard cutout (usually of a celebrity) - "he had his picture taken with a standee of the president";someone who stands in a place where one might otherwise sit (as a spectator who uses standing room in a theater or a passenger on a crowded bus or train) - "the allowed number of standees is posted"
stander|an organism (person or animal) that stands - "a crowd of sitters and standers"
stand-in|someone who takes the place of another (as when things get dangerous or difficult) - "the star had a stand-in for dangerous scenes"
standing|an ordered listing of scores or results showing the relative positions of competitors (individuals or teams) in a sporting event;social or financial or professional status or reputation - "of equal standing" - "a member in good standing";the act of assuming or maintaining an erect upright position
standing army|a permanent army of paid soldiers
standing committee|a permanent committee
standing operating procedure|a prescribed procedure to be followed routinely
standing order|a rule of order permanently in force
standing press|a large printing press that exerts pressure vertically
standing room|room for passengers or spectators to stand - "there was standing room for thousands more people"
standing wave|a wave (as a sound wave in a chamber or an electromagnetic wave in a transmission line) in which the ratio of its instantaneous amplitude at one point to that at any other point does not vary with time
Standish|English colonist in America;leader of the Pilgrims in the early days of the Plymouth Colony (1584-1656)
standpipe|a vertical pipe
Stanford|United States railroad executive and founder of Stanford University (1824-1893)
Stanford University|a university in California
Stanford-Binet test|revision of the Binet-Simon Scale
stanhope|a light open horse-drawn carriage with two or four wheels and one seat
stanhopea|any of various orchids of the genus Stanhopea having a single large leaf and loose racemes of large fragrant flowers of various colors;Mexico to Brazil
Stanislavsky|Russian actor and theater director who trained his actors to emphasize the psychological motivation of their roles (1863-1938)
Stanley|United States inventor who built a steam-powered automobile (1849-1918);Welsh journalist and explorer who led an expedition to Africa in search of David Livingstone and found him in Tanzania in 1871;he and Livingstone together tried to find the source of the Nile River (1841-1904)
Stanley Steamer|a steam-powered automobile
Stanleya|prince's plume
stannic chloride|a colorless caustic liquid made by treating tin with chlorine
stannite|a dark grey mineral with a metallic luster that is a source of tin
stannous fluoride|a white powder that is used to fluoridate toothpaste
Stanton|United States suffragist and feminist;called for reform of the practices that perpetuated sexual inequality (1815-1902)
stanza|a fixed number of lines of verse forming a unit of a poem
stapedectomy|surgical removal of the stapes of the middle ear
stapelia|any of various plants of the genus Stapelia having succulent leafless toothed stems resembling cacti and large foul-smelling (often star-shaped) flowers
Stapelias asterias|stapelia of Cape Province having mostly dark red-brown flowers with flat starlike corollas
stapes|the stirrup-shaped ossicle that transmits sound from the incus to the cochlea
Staphylaceae|a family of dicotyledonous plants of order Sapindales found mostly in the north temperate zone
Staphylea|a genus of small trees or shrubs of the family Staphylaceae
Staphylinidae|rove beetles
staphylococcal enterotoxin|a soluble exotoxin produced by some strains of staphylococcus;a cause of food poisoning
staphylococcal enterotoxin B|a form of staphylococcal enterotoxin that has been used as an incapacitating agent in biological warfare
staphylococcal infection|an infection with staphylococcus bacteria;usually marked by abscess formation
staphylococcus|spherical Gram-positive parasitic bacteria that tend to form irregular colonies;some cause boils or septicemia or infections
staple|a natural fiber (raw cotton, wool, hemp, flax) that can be twisted to form yarn - "staple fibers vary widely in length";a short U-shaped wire nail for securing cables;paper fastener consisting of a short length of U-shaped wire that can fasten papers together
staple gun|a hand-held machine for driving staples home
stapler|a machine that inserts staples into sheets of paper in order to fasten them together
star|(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior;a plane figure with 5 or more points;often used as an emblem;an actor who plays a principal role;any celestial body visible (as a point of light) from the Earth at night
star anise|small shrubby tree of Japan and Taiwan;flowers are not fragrant;small tree of China and Vietnam bearing anise-scented star-shaped fruit used in food and medicinally as a carminative
star apple|evergreen tree of West Indies and Central America having edible purple fruit star-shaped in cross section and dark green leaves with golden silky undersides
star begonia|rhizomatous begonia having leaves with pointed lobes suggestive of stars and pink flowers
Star Chamber|a former English court that became notorious for its arbitrary methods and severe punishments
star chart|a chart showing the relative positions of the stars in a particular part of the sky
star drill|a steel rock drill with a star-shaped point that is used for making holes in stones or masonry;it is operated by hitting the end with a hammer while rotating it between blows
star grass|any plant of the genus Hypoxis having long grasslike leaves and yellow star-shaped flowers;Africa;Australia;southern Asia;North America
star jasmine|evergreen Chinese woody climber with shiny dark green leaves and intensely fragrant white flowers
star magnolia|deciduous shrubby magnolia from Japan having fragrant white starlike flowers blooming before leaves unfold;grown as an ornamental in United States
Star of David|a six-pointed star formed from two equilateral triangles;an emblem symbolizing Judaism
star sapphire|a sapphire that when cut shows a starlike figure in reflected light because of its crystalline structure
star saxifrage|small often mat-forming alpine plant having small starlike white flowers;Europe
star shell|an artillery shell containing an illuminant
star topology|the topology of a network whose components are connected to a hub
star tulip|small plant with slender bent stems bearing branched clusters of a few white star-shaped flowers with petals shaped like cat's ears;southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon to Montana
starboard|the right side of a ship or aircraft to someone who is aboard and facing the bow or nose
starch|a commercial preparation of starch that is used to stiffen textile fabrics in laundering;a complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice;an important foodstuff and used otherwise especially in adhesives and as fillers and stiffeners for paper and textiles
starches|foodstuff rich in natural starch (especially potatoes, rice, bread)
stardom|the status of being acknowledged as a star - "stardom meant nothing to her"
star-duckweed|cosmopolitan in temperate regions except North America
stardust|a dreamy romantic or sentimental quality
stare|a fixed look with eyes open wide
starer|a viewer who gazes fixedly (often with hostility)
starets|a religious adviser (not necessarily a priest) in the Eastern Orthodox Church
starfish|echinoderms characterized by five arms extending from a central disk
starflower|common Old World herb having grasslike leaves and clusters of star-shaped white flowers with green stripes;naturalized in the eastern United States
stargazer|heavy-bodied marine bottom-lurkers with eyes on flattened top of the head
stargazing|observation of the stars
starkness|the quality of being complete or utter or extreme - "the starkness of his contrast between justice and fairness was open to many objections"
starlet|a small star;a young (film) actress who is publicized as a future star
starlight|the light of the stars
starling|gregarious birds native to the Old World
starnose mole|amphibious mole of eastern North America having pink fleshy tentacles around the nose
star-of-Bethlehem|any of several perennial plants of the genus Ornithogalum native to the Mediterranean and having star-shaped flowers
Starr|rock star and drummer for the Beatles (born in 1940)
Stars and Bars|the first flag of the Confederate States of America
starship|a spacecraft designed to carry a crew into interstellar space (especially in science fiction)
start|a line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game;a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning) - "he got his start because one of the regular pitchers was in the hospital" - "his starting meant that the coach thought he was one of their best linemen";the advantage gained by beginning early (as in a race) - "with an hour's start he will be hard to catch";the beginning of anything - "it was off to a good start"
starter|a contestant in a team sport who is in the game at the beginning;a culture containing yeast or bacteria that is used to start the process of fermentation or souring in making butter or cheese or dough - "to make sourdough you need a starter";an electric motor for starting an engine;the official who signals the beginning of a race or competition
star-thistle|Mediterranean annual or biennial herb having pinkish to purple flowers surrounded by spine-tipped scales;naturalized in America
starting block|block providing bracing for a runner's feet at start of a race
starting buffer|buffer solution at the start of a reaction
starting gate|a movable barrier on the starting line of a race course
starting pitcher|(baseball) a pitcher who starts in a baseball game
starting post|a post marking the starting point of a race (especially a horse race)
starting signal|a signal to begin (as in a race) - "the starting signal was a green light"
startle|a sudden involuntary movement
startle reflex|a normal reflex of young infants;a sudden loud noise causes the child to stretch out the arms and flex the legs
startle response|a complicated involuntary reaction to a sudden unexpected stimulus (especially a loud noise);involves flexion of most skeletal muscles and a variety of visceral reactions
startup|the act of setting in operation - "repeated shutdowns and startups are expensive"
starvation|a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients over a prolonged period;the act of depriving of food or subjecting to famine - "the besiegers used starvation to induce surrender" - "they were charged with the starvation of children in their care"
starvation acidosis|acidosis in which the acidity results from lack of food which leads to fat catabolism which in turn releases acidic ketone bodies
starved aster|a variety of aster
starveling|someone who is starving (or being starved)
stash house|a house where weapons and supplies are hidden - "attacks on stash houses is the most frequently used method of counterterrorism"
stasis|an abnormal state in which the normal flow of a liquid (such as blood) is slowed or stopped;inactivity resulting from a static balance between opposing forces
Stassano furnace|an electric furnace in which an electric arc provides the source of heat for making steel
state|a politically organized body of people under a single government - "the state has elected a new president";a state of depression or agitation - "he was in such a state you just couldn't reason with him";the group of people comprising the government of a sovereign state - "the state has lowered its income tax";the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation - "his state is in the deep south";the way something is with respect to its main attributes - "the current state of knowledge" - "his state of health" - "in a weak financial state"
state bank|a bank chartered by a state rather than by the federal government
state capital|the capital city of a political subdivision of a country
state capitalism|an economic system that is primarily capitalistic but there is some degree of government ownership of the means of production
State Department|a department of government in one of the 50 states
state government|the government of a state in the United States
state line|the boundary between two states
state of matter|(chemistry) the three traditional states of matter are solids (fixed shape and volume) and liquids (fixed volume and shaped by the container) and gases (filling the container)
state of mind|a temporary psychological state
state of the art|the highest degree of development of an art or technique at a particular time - "the state of the art in space travel"
state prison|a prison maintained by a state of the U.S.
state senator|a member of a state senate
state socialism|an economic system in which the government owns most means of production but some degree of private capitalism is allowed
state tax lien|a lien on the property of a taxpayer that the tax collector can use upon default of payment of taxes
state treasurer|the treasurer for a state government
Statehouse|a government building in which a state legislature meets
stateliness|an elaborate manner of doing something - "she served coffee with great stateliness";impressiveness in scale or proportion
stately home|a mansion that is (or formerly was) occupied by an aristocratic family
statement|(music) the presentation of a musical theme - "the initial statement of the sonata";a document showing credits and debits;a message that is stated or declared;a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc - "according to his statement he was in London on that day";a nonverbal message - "a Cadillac makes a statement about who you are" - "his tantrums are a statement of his need for attention"
Staten Island|a borough of New York City
stater|a resident of a particular state or group of states - "Keystone stater" - "farm staters";any of the various silver or gold coins of ancient Greece
stateroom|a guest cabin
state's attorney|a prosecuting attorney for a state
state's evidence|evidence for the prosecution in criminal proceedings
States General|assembly of the estates of an entire country especially the sovereign body of the Dutch republic from 16th to 18th centuries
states' rights|a doctrine that federal powers should be curtailed and returned to the individual states;the rights conceded to the states by the United States constitution
States' Rights Democratic Party|a former political party in the United States;formed in 1948 by Democrats from southern states in order to oppose to the candidacy of Harry S Truman
statesman|a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs
statesmanship|wisdom in the management of public affairs
state-sponsored terrorism|terrorism practiced by a government against its own people or in support of international terrorism
stateswoman|a woman statesman
static|a crackling or hissing noise caused by electrical interference;angry criticism - "they will probably give you a lot of static about your editorial"
static electricity|electricity produced by friction
static line|a cord used instead of a ripcord to open a parachute;the cord is attached at one end to the aircraft and temporarily attached to the pack of a parachute at the other;it opens the parachute after the jumper is clear of the plane
static tube|a measuring instrument used to measure static pressure in a stream of fluid
statics|the branch of mechanics concerned with forces in equilibrium
station|(nautical) the location to which a ship or fleet is assigned for duty;a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose - "he started looking for a gas station" - "the train pulled into the station";the frequency assigned to a broadcasting station
Station of the Cross|a representation of any of the 14 stages in Christ's journey to Calvary
stationariness|remaining in place
stationary stochastic process|a stochastic process in which the distribution of the random variables is the same for any value of the variable parameter
stationer|a merchant who sells writing materials and office supplies
stationery|paper cut to an appropriate size for writing letters;usually with matching envelopes
stationmaster|the person in charge of a railway station
Stations|(Roman Catholic Church) a devotion consisting of fourteen prayers said before a series of fourteen pictures or carvings representing successive incidents during Jesus' passage from Pilate's house to his crucifixion at Calvary
statistic|a datum that can be represented numerically
Statistical Commission|the commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations that is concerned with statistical data from member nations
statistical mechanics|the branch of physics that makes theoretical predictions about the behavior of macroscopic systems on the basis of statistical laws governing its component particles
statistical method|a method of analyzing or representing statistical data;a procedure for calculating a statistic
statistician|a mathematician who specializes in statistics;someone versed in the collection and interpretation of numerical data (especially someone who uses statistics to calculate insurance premiums)
statistics|a branch of applied mathematics concerned with the collection and interpretation of quantitative data and the use of probability theory to estimate population parameters
stator|mechanical device consisting of the stationary part of a motor or generator in or around which the rotor revolves
statuary|statues collectively
statue|a sculpture representing a human or animal
Statue of Liberty|a large monumental statue symbolizing liberty on Liberty Island in New York Bay
stature|(of a standing person) the distance from head to foot;high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement - "a man of great stature"
status|the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society - "he had the status of a minor" - "the novel attained the status of a classic"
status asthmaticus|a prolonged and severe asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatment
status epilepticus|a condition in which there are continuing attacks of epilepsy without intervals of consciousness;can lead to brain damage and death
status quo|the existing state of affairs
statute book|a record of the whole body of legislation in a given jurisdiction
statute of limitations|a statute prescribing the time period during which legal action can be taken
statutory law|the body of laws created by legislative statutes
statutory offense|crimes created by statutes and not by common law
statutory rape|sexual intercourse with a person (girl or boy) who has not reached the age of consent (even if both parties participate willingly)
staurikosaur|primitive dinosaur found in Brazil
Stavanger|a port city in southwestern Norway;center for shipbuilding industry
stave|one of several thin slats of wood forming the sides of a barrel or bucket
stay|(nautical) brace consisting of a heavy rope or wire cable used as a support for a mast or spar;a judicial order forbidding some action until an event occurs or the order is lifted - "the Supreme Court has the power to stay an injunction pending an appeal to the whole Court";a thin strip of metal or bone that is used to stiffen a garment (e.g. a corset);continuing or remaining in a place or state - "they had a nice stay in Paris" - "a lengthy hospital stay" - "a four-month stay in bankruptcy court"
stay of execution|an order whereby a judgment is precluded from being executed for a specific period of time
stay-at-home|a person who seldom goes anywhere;one not given to wandering or travel
stayer|a person or other animal having powers of endurance or perseverance - "the horse that won the race is a good stayer"
Stayman|apple grown chiefly in the Shenandoah Valley
Stayman Winesap|crisp tart apple;good for eating raw and suitable for cooking
staysail|a fore-and-aft sail set on a stay (as between two masts)
stead|the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another - "can you go in my stead?"
steadfastness|loyalty in the face of trouble and difficulty;steadfast resolution
steadiness|freedom from wavering or indecision;constancy of resolve or conduct - "He trusted her clear steadiness that she would do what she said";the quality of being steady or securely and immovably fixed in place;the quality of being steady--regular and unvarying
steady state theory|(cosmology) the theory that the universe maintains a constant average density with matter created to fill the void left by galaxies that are receding from each other - "the steady state theory has been abandoned in favor of the big bang theory"
steak|a slice of meat cut from the fleshy part of an animal or large fish
steak and kidney pie|steak with sauteed kidneys and onions cooked in wine and stock then covered with pastry and baked
steak au poivre|steak covered with crushed peppercorns pan-broiled and served with brandy-and-butter sauce
steak knife|a sharp table knife used in eating steak
steak sauce|pungent bottled sauce for steak
steak tartare|ground beef mixed with raw egg and e.g. onions and capers and anchovies;eaten raw
steakhouse|a restaurant that specializes in steaks
steal|a stolen base;an instance in which a base runner advances safely during the delivery of a pitch (without the help of a hit or walk or passed ball or wild pitch)
stealth|avoiding detection by moving carefully
stealth aircraft|an aircraft designed in accordance with technology that makes detection by radar difficult
stealth bomber|a bomber that is difficult to detect by radar
stealth fighter|a fighter that is difficult to detect by radar;is built for precise targeting and uses laser-guided bombs
steam|water at boiling temperature diffused in the atmosphere
steam bath|a room that can be filled with steam in which people bathe;'vapour bath' is a British term
steam chest|the chamber from which steam is distributed to a cylinder
steam coal|coal suitable for use under steam boilers
steam engine|external-combustion engine in which heat is used to raise steam which either turns a turbine or forces a piston to move up and down in a cylinder
steam fitting|care (installation and maintenance) of equipment for ventilating or heating or refrigerating
steam heat|a heating system in which steam is generated in boilers and piped to radiators
steam iron|a pressing iron that can emit steam
steam line|a pipe conducting steam
steam locomotive|a locomotive powered by a steam engine
steam shovel|a power shovel that is driven by steam
steam turbine|turbine in which steam strikes blades and makes them turn
steam whistle|a whistle in which the sound is produced by steam;usually attached to a steam boiler
steamboat|a boat propelled by a steam engine
steamed pudding|a pudding cooked by steaming
steamer|a cooking utensil that can be used to cook food by steaming it;a ship powered by one or more steam engines
steamfitter|a craftsman who installs and maintains equipment for ventilating or heating or refrigerating
steamroller|vehicle equipped with heavy wide smooth rollers for compacting roads and pavements
steamship company|a line responsible for the operation of a fleet of steamships
stearic acid|a waxy saturated fatty acid;occurs widely as a glyceride in animal and vegetable fats
stearin|an ester of glycerol and stearic acid
steatopygia|an extreme accumulation of fat on the buttocks
Steatornis|type and sole genus of the family Steatornithidae
Steatornithidae|oilbirds
steatorrhea|the presence of greater than normal amounts of fat in the feces which are frothy and foul smelling and floating;a symptom of disorders of fat metabolism and malabsorption syndrome
steed|(literary) a spirited horse for state or war
steel|an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon;widely used in construction;mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range;knife sharpener consisting of a ridged steel rod
steel arch bridge|a steel bridge constructed in the form of an arch
steel band|a band that plays instruments made from the heads of oil drums (Caribbean Islands)
steel blue|a greyish blue color
steel company|a company that makes and sells steel
steel drum|a concave percussion instrument made from the metal top of an oil drum;has an array of flattened areas that produce different tones when struck (of Caribbean origin)
steel engraving|an impression taken from an engraved steel plate;engraving on a steel plate;the act of engraving on a steel plate
steel industry|the industry that makes steel and steel products
steel mill|a factory where steel is made
steel plate|a plate of steel
steel production|making steel from pig iron
steel trap|a trap made of steel with a strong spring and sharp toothlike projections to hold the prey;an acute intelligence (an analogy based on the well-known sharpness of steel traps) - "he's as sharp as a steel trap" - "a mind like a steel trap"
steel wool|a mass of woven steel fibers used as an abrasive
Steele|English writer (1672-1729)
steelmaker|a worker engaged in making steel
steel-wool pad|abrader consisting of a pad of steel wool used for polishing or smoothing
steelyard|a portable balance consisting of a pivoted bar with arms of unequal length
Steen|Dutch genre painter (1626-1679)
steenbok|small plains antelope of southeastern Africa
steep|a steep place (as on a hill)
steeper|a vessel (usually a pot or vat) used for steeping
steeple|a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building (usually a church or temple) and that tapers to a point at the top
steeplechase|a footrace of usually 3000 meters over a closed track with hurdles and a water jump;a horse race over an obstructed course
steeplechaser|a horse trained to run in steeplechases
steeplejack|someone who builds or maintains very tall structures
steer roping|capturing a steer with a lasso
steerage|the cheapest accommodations on a passenger ship
steerageway|(nautical) the minimum rate of motion needed for a vessel to be maneuvered
steering|the act of setting and holding a course;the act of steering a ship
steering committee|a committee to arrange the order of business for some larger (legislative) body
steering gear|a gear that couples the steering wheel to the steering linkage of a motor vehicle
steering linkage|mechanism consisting of a system of rods and levers connected to the front wheels of a motor vehicle;the steering gear pushes it left or right which swivels the front wheels, causing the vehicle to turn
steering system|a mechanism by which something is steered (especially a motor vehicle)
steering wheel|a handwheel that is used for steering
Steffens|United States journalist whose exposes in 1906 started an era of muckraking journalism (1866-1936)
Steganopus|a genus of Phalaropidae
Stegocephalia|in former classifications a division of class Amphibia comprising all pre-Jurassic and some later extinct large salamandriform amphibia
stegosaur|herbivorous ornithischian dinosaur with a row of bony plates along its back and a spiked tail probably used as a weapon
Steichen|United States photographer who pioneered artistic photography (1879-1973)
Stein|experimental expatriate United States writer (1874-1946)
Steinbeck|United States writer noted for his novels about agricultural workers (1902-1968)
Steinberg|United States cartoonist (born in Romania) noted for his caricatures of famous people (1914-1999)
Steinem|United States feminist (born in 1934)
Steiner|Austrian philosopher who founded anthroposophy (1861-1925)
Steinman|United States civil engineer noted for designing suspension bridges (including the George Washington Bridge) (1886-1960)
Steinmetz|United States electrical engineer and inventor (born in Germany) (1865-1923)
Steinway|United States piano maker (born in Germany) who founded a famous piano manufacturing firm in New York (1797-1871)
stele|an ancient upright stone slab bearing markings;the usually cylindrical central vascular portion of the axis of a vascular plant
stelis|any of various small tropical American orchids of the genus Stelis having long slender racemes of numerous small to minute flowers
Stella|United States minimalist painter (born in 1936)
stellar parallax|the heliocentric parallax of a star
Stellaria|common chickweed;stitchwort
stellate venule|a star-shaped group of venules in the renal cortex
Steller|German naturalist (1709-1746)
Steller sea lion|largest sea lion;of the northern Pacific
Steller's sea cow|extinct large sirenian mammal formerly found near the Asiatic coast of the Bering Sea
Stellite|a very hard alloy of cobalt and chromium with cobalt as the principal ingredient;used to make cutting tools and for surfaces subject to heavy wear
stem|the tube of a tobacco pipe
stem blight|a fungous blight attacking the stems of plants
stem cell|an undifferentiated cell whose daughter cells may differentiate into other cell types (such as blood cells)
stem turn|a turn made in skiing;the back of one ski is forced outward and the other ski is brought parallel to it
stem vowel|a vowel that ends a stem and precedes an inflection
stem-cell research|research on stem cells and their use in medicine
stemless carline thistle|stemless perennial having large flowers with white or purple-brown florets nestled in a rosette of long spiny leaves hairy beneath;of alpine regions of southern and eastern Europe
stemless golden weed|dark green erect herb of northwestern United States and southwestern Canada having stiff leaves in dense tufts and yellow flower heads;sometimes placed in genus Haplopappus
stemless hymenoxys|perennial having tufted basal leaves and short leafless stalks each bearing a solitary yellow flower head;dry hillsides and plains of west central North America
stemma|a tree diagram showing a reconstruction of the transmission of manuscripts of a literary work
stemmatology|the humanistic discipline that attempts to reconstruct the transmission of a text (especially a text in manuscript form) on the basis of relations between the various surviving manuscripts (sometimes using cladistic analysis) - "stemmatology also plays an important role in musicology"
stemmer|a device for removing stems from fruit (as from grapes or apples);a miner's tamping bar for ramming packing in over a blasting charge;a worker who makes or applies stems for artificial flowers;an algorithm for removing inflectional and derivational endings in order to reduce word forms to a common stem
stem-winder|a watch that is wound by turning a knob at the stem
Sten gun|a lightweight British submachine gun
stencil|a sheet of material (metal, plastic, cardboard, waxed paper, silk, etc.) that has been perforated with a pattern (printing or a design);ink or paint can pass through the perforations to create the printed pattern on the surface below
Stendhal|French writer whose novels were the first to feature psychological analysis of the character (1783-1842)
Stengel|United States baseball manager (1890-1975)
Stenocarpus|small genus of timber trees;Australia to Malaysia
Stenochlaena|large tropical ferns;some epiphytic climbers and some terrestrial bog ferns;Africa;Asia;Australasia
stenograph|a machine for typewriting shorthand characters;a shorthand character
stenographer|someone skilled in the transcription of speech (especially dictation)
stenography|the act or art of writing in shorthand - "stenography is no longer a marketable skill"
Stenopelmatidae|long-horned grasshoppers
Stenopelmatus|sand crickets
stenopterygius|an ichthyosaur of the genus Stenopterygius
stenosis|abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway
Stenotaphrum|lawn grasses
Stenotomus|scups
Stenotus|genus of western North American low evergreen shrubs growing in dense tufts
stent|a slender tube inserted inside a tubular body part (as a blood vessel) to provide support during and after surgical anastomosis
stentor|a speaker with an unusually loud voice;any of several trumpet-shaped ciliate protozoans that are members of the genus Stentor;the mythical Greek warrior with an unusually loud voice who died after losing a shouting contest with Hermes
step|a short distance - "it's only a step to the drugstore";a solid block joined to the beams in which the heel of a ship's mast or capstan is fixed;support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway - "he paused on the bottom step";the act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down - "he walked with unsteady steps"
step dancing|dancing in which the steps are more important than gestures or postures
step ladder|a folding portable ladder hinged at the top
step stool|a stool that has one or two steps that fold under the seat
stepbrother|a brother who has only one parent in common with you
stepchild|a child of your spouse by a former marriage
stepdaughter|a daughter of your spouse by a former marriage
step-down transformer|a transformer that reduces voltage
stepfather|the husband of your mother by a subsequent marriage
stephanion|the craniometric point on the coronal suture above the acoustic meatus
Stephanomeria|malheur wire lettuce
stephanotis|any of various evergreen climbing shrubs of the genus Stephanotis having fragrant waxy flowers
Stephen|English writer (1832-1904)
Stephenson|English railway pioneer who built the first passenger railway in 1825 (1781-1848)
stepmother|the wife of your father by a subsequent marriage
stepparent|the spouse of your parent by a subsequent marriage
steppe|extensive plain without trees (associated with eastern Russia and Siberia)
stepper|a horse trained to lift its feet high off the ground while walking or trotting;a motor (especially an electric motor) that moves or rotates in small discrete steps
stepping stone|a stone in a marsh or shallow water that can be stepped on in crossing;any means of advancement - "the job was just a stepping stone on his way to fame and riches"
steprelationship|a family relationship by virtue of remarriage
steps|the course along which a person has walked or is walking in - "I followed in his steps" - "he retraced his steps" - "his steps turned toward home"
stepson|the son your spouse by a former marriage
step-up transformer|a transformer that increases voltage
steradian|the unit of solid angle adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
Stercorariidae|jaegers and skuas
Stercorarius|type genus of the Stercorariidae;jaegers
sterculia|any tree of the genus Sterculia
sterculia gum|exudate of an Asian tree;used for finishing textiles and to thicken foodstuffs and cosmetics
Sterculiaceae|a large family of plants of order Malvales
stereo|reproducer in which two microphones feed two or more loudspeakers to give a three-dimensional effect to the sound;two photographs taken from slightly different angles that appear three-dimensional when viewed together
stereoscope|an optical device for viewing stereoscopic photographs
stereoscopic vision|three-dimensional vision produced by the fusion of two slightly different views of a scene on each retina
Stereospondyli|formerly a suborder of Stegocephalia;amphibia having vertebrae whose component elements are fused into a single piece
stereotype|a conventional or formulaic conception or image - "regional stereotypes have been part of America since its founding"
sterility|the state of being unable to produce offspring;in a woman it is an inability to conceive;in a man it is an inability to impregnate
sterilization|the act of making an organism barren or infertile (unable to reproduce);the procedure of making some object free of live bacteria or other microorganisms (usually by heat or chemical means)
sterling|British money;especially the pound sterling as the basic monetary unit of the UK
sterling area|the group of countries whose currencies are tied to the British pound sterling
sterling silver|a silver alloy with no more than 7.5% copper
stern|the rear part of a ship;United States concert violinist (born in Russia in 1920)
stern chaser|a naval gun able to fire astern at a ship in chase
Sterna|a genus of Sterninae
Sterne|English writer (born in Ireland) (1713-1766)
Sterninae|terns
sternness|the quality (as of scenery) being grim and gloomy and forbidding - "the sternness of his surroundings made him uncomfortable";uncompromising resolution
sternocleidomastoid|one of two thick muscles running from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid and occipital bone;turns head obliquely to the opposite side;when acting together they flex the neck and extend the head
sternocleidomastoid vein|drains the sternocleidomastoid muscle;empties into the internal jugular vein
Sternotherus|musk turtles
sternpost|(nautical) the principal upright timber at the stern of a vessel
sternum|the flat bone that articulates with the clavicles and the first seven pairs of ribs
sternutator|a chemical substance that causes sneezing and coughing and crying - "police used a sternutatory to subdue the mob"
sternwheeler|a paddle steamer having the paddle wheel in the stern
steroid|any of several fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms in four rings;many have important physiological effects
steroid hormone|any hormone affecting the development and growth of sex organs
sterol|any of a group of natural steroid alcohols derived from plants or animals;they are waxy insoluble substances
Sterope|(Greek mythology) one of the 7 Pleiades;one of the stars in the star cluster Pleiades
stethoscope|a medical instrument for listening to the sounds generated inside the body
Steuben|American Revolutionary leader (born in Prussia) who trained the troops under George Washington (1730-1794)
stevedore|a laborer who loads and unloads vessels in a port
Stevens|United States filmmaker (1905-1975);United States poet (1879-1955);United States psychologist and psychophysicist who proposed Stevens' power law to replace Fechner's law (1906-1973)
Stevens' law|(psychophysics) the concept that the magnitude of a subjective sensation increases proportional to a power of the stimulus intensity
Stevenson|Scottish author (1850-1894);United States politician and diplomat (1900-1968)
stevia|any plant of the genus Piqueria or the closely related genus Stevia;any plant of the genus Stevia or the closely related genus Piqueria having glutinous foliage and white or purplish flowers;Central and South America
stew|food prepared by stewing especially meat or fish with vegetables
stew meat|tough meat that needs stewing to be edible
steward|an attendant on an airplane;someone who manages property or other affairs for someone else;the ship's officer who is in charge of provisions and dining arrangements
stewardess|a woman steward on an airplane
stewardship|the position of steward
Stewart|Scottish philosopher and follower of Thomas Reid (1753-1828);United States film actor who portrayed incorruptible but modest heros (1908-1997)
stewing|an extreme state of worry and agitation - "his stewing over the fight kept him awake most of the night"
stewing pan|a saucepan used for stewing
sthene|a unit of force equal to 1000 newtons
Stheno|(Greek mythology) one of the three Gorgons
stibnite|a soft grey mineral;the chief ore of antimony
Stichaeidae|pricklebacks
Sticherus|umbrella ferns;warm regions of Australia and New Zealand
stick|a lever used by a pilot to control the ailerons and elevators of an airplane;a long implement (usually made of wood) that is shaped so that hockey or polo players can hit a puck or ball;a long thin implement resembling a length of wood - "cinnamon sticks" - "a stick of dynamite";a rectangular quarter pound block of butter or margarine;a small thin branch of a tree;an implement consisting of a length of wood - "he collected dry sticks for a campfire" - "the kid had a candied apple on a stick";threat of a penalty - "the policy so far is all stick and no carrot"
stick cinnamon|dried rolled strips of cinnamon bark
stick figure|drawing of a human or animal that represents the head by a circle and the rest of the body by straight lines
stick horse|a child's plaything consisting on an imitation horse's head on one end of a stick
stick lac|lac in its natural state as scraped off twigs and dried
stickball|a form of baseball played in the streets with a rubber ball and broomstick handle
stickiness|the property of sticking to a surface
sticking point|a point at which an impasse arises in progress toward an agreement or a goal
stickleback|small (2-4 inches) pugnacious mostly scaleless spiny-backed fishes of northern fresh and littoral waters having elaborate courtship;subjects of much research
stickler|someone who insists on something - "a stickler for promptness"
stickpin|a decorative pin that is worn in a necktie
sticks and stone|a general term for building materials
sticktight|parasitic on especially the heads of chickens
stickweed|any of several herbaceous plants having seeds that cling to clothing
sticky aster|wild aster having leafy stems and flower heads with narrow bright reddish-lavender or purple rays;western Colorado to Arizona
sticky end|an end of DNA in which one strand of the double helix extends a few units beyond the other
sticky geranium|geranium of western North America having pinkish-purple flowers in open clusters
Stictomys|mountain pacas
Stictopelia|a genus of Columbidae
Stieglitz|United States photographer (1864-1946)
stiff|an ordinary man - "a lucky stiff" - "a working stiff"
stiff aster|wiry tufted perennial of the eastern United States with stiff erect rough stems, linear leaves and large violet flowers
stiff upper lip|self-restraint in the expression of emotion (especially fear or grief) - "the British like to keep a stiff upper lip"
stiffener|material used for stiffening something
stiffening|the act of becoming stiff - "stiffening his shoulders, he prepared to advance";the process of becoming stiff or rigid
stiffness|firm resoluteness in purpose or opinion or action - "a charming host without any touch of stiffness or pomposity";the physical property of being inflexible and hard to bend;the property of moving with pain or difficulty - "he awoke with a painful stiffness in his neck"
stifle|joint between the femur and tibia in a quadruped;corresponds to the human knee
stifler|a person who stifles or smothers or suppresses - "he is a real conversation stifler"
stigma|a skin lesion that is a diagnostic sign of some disease;an external tracheal aperture in a terrestrial arthropod;the apical end of the style where deposited pollen enters the pistil
stigmata|marks resembling the wounds on the crucified body of Christ
stigmatic|a person whose body is marked by religious stigmata (such as marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ)
stigmatism|(optics) condition of an optical system (as a lens) in which light rays from a single point converge in a single focal point;normal eyesight;the condition of having or being marked by stigmata
stigmatization|the act of stigmatizing
stile|an upright that is a member in a door or window frame
stiletto|a small dagger with a tapered blade
still|a static photograph (especially one taken from a movie and used for advertising purposes) - "he wanted some stills for a magazine ad";an apparatus used for the distillation of liquids;consists of a vessel in which a substance is vaporized by heat and a condenser where the vapor is condensed
still life|a painting of inanimate objects such as fruit or flowers
stillborn infant|infant who shows no signs of life after birth
stillness|calmness without winds
stillroom|a pantry or storeroom connected with the kitchen (especially in a large house) for preparing tea and beverages and for storing liquors and preserves and tea etc
Still's disease|a form of rheumatoid arthritis that affects children;large joints become inflamed and bone growth may be retarded
Stillson wrench|a large pipe wrench with L-shaped adjustable jaws that tighten as pressure on the handle is increased
stilt|long-legged three-toed black-and-white wading bird of inland ponds and marshes or brackish lagoons;long-legged three-toed wading bird of brackish marshes of Australia;one of two stout poles with foot rests in the middle;used for walking high above the ground - "he was so tall I thought he was on stilts"
Stilton|English blue cheese
Stilwell|United States general who commanded the Allied forces in China and Burma and India during World War II (1883-1946)
stimulant|a drug that temporarily quickens some vital process
stimulation|(physiology) the effect of a stimulus (on nerves or organs etc.);any stimulating information or event;acts to arouse action;the act of arousing an organism to action
sting|a kind of pain;something as sudden and painful as being stung - "the sting of death" - "he felt the stinging of nettles";a painful wound caused by the thrust of an insect's stinger into skin
sting operation|a complicated confidence game planned and executed with great care (especially an operation implemented by undercover agents to apprehend criminals)
stinger|a cocktail made of made of creme de menthe and brandy;a remark capable of wounding mentally;a sharp organ of offense or defense (as of a wasp or stingray or scorpion) often connected with a poison gland;a sharp stinging blow;a portable low altitude surface-to-air missile system using infrared guidance and an impact fuse;fired from the shoulder
stinginess|a lack of generosity;a general unwillingness to part with money
stinging hair|a multicellular hair in plants like the stinging nettle that expels an irritating fluid
stinging nettle|perennial Eurasian nettle established in North America having broad coarsely toothed leaves with copious stinging hairs
stingray|large venomous ray with large barbed spines near the base of a thin whiplike tail capable of inflicting severe wounds
stink bell|a malodorous California herb with bell-shaped flowers;a common weed in grainfields
stink bomb|a small bomb designed to give off a foul odor when it explodes
stinker|anything that gives off an offensive odor (especially a cheap cigar)
stinkhorn|any of various ill-smelling brown-capped fungi of the order Phallales - "the foul smell of the stinkhorn attracts insects that carry the spores away on their feet"
stinking cedar|rare small evergreen of northern Florida;its glossy green leaves have an unpleasant fetid smell when crushed
stinking goosefoot|European goosefoot with strong-scented foliage;adventive in eastern North America
stinking hellebore|digitate-leaved hellebore with an offensive odor and irritant qualities when taken internally
stinking iris|iris with purple flowers and foul-smelling leaves;southern and western Europe and North Africa
stinky squid|a stinkhorn of genus Pseudocolus;the fruiting body first resembles a small puffball that soon splits open to form a stalk with tapering arms that arch and taper to a common point
stint|an individual's prescribed share of work - "her stint as a lifeguard exhausted her"
stinter|an economizer who stints someone with something
stipe|supporting stalk or stem-like structure especially of a pistil or fern frond or supporting a mushroom cap
stipend|a sum of money allotted on a regular basis;usually for some specific purpose
stipendiary|(United Kingdom) a paid magistrate (appointed by the Home Secretary) dealing with police cases
stippler|a painter who stipples (creates a stippled effect)
stipulation|(law) an agreement or concession made by parties in a judicial proceeding (or by their attorneys) relating to the business before the court;must be in writing unless they are part of the court record - "a stipulation of fact was made in order to avoid delay";a restriction that is insisted upon as a condition for an agreement
stipulative definition|a definition that is stipulated by someone and that is not a standard usage
stipule|a small leafy outgrowth at the base of a leaf or its stalk;usually occurring in pairs and soon shed
stir|a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event;emotional agitation and excitement
stirk|yearling heifer or bullock
stirrer|an implement used for stirring
stirring|agitating a liquid with an implement - "constant stirring prevents it from burning on the bottom of the pan"
stirrup|support consisting of metal loops into which rider's feet go
stirrup cup|a farewell drink (especially one offered to a horseman ready to depart);usually alcoholic
stirrup pump|a hand-operated reciprocating pump;used in fighting fires
stitch|a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing;a sharp spasm of pain in the side resulting from running
stitcher|a garmentmaker who performs the finishing steps
stitchwort|low-growing north temperate herb having small white star-shaped flowers;named for its alleged ability to ease sharp pains in the side
Stizidae|cicada killers
Stizostedion|pike-perches
stoat|the ermine in its brown summer coat with black-tipped tail
stob|a short straight stick of wood
stochastic process|a statistical process involving a number of random variables depending on a variable parameter (which is usually time)
stock|a plant or stem onto which a graft is made;especially a plant grown specifically to provide the root part of grafted plants;any of several Old World plants cultivated for their brightly colored flowers;lumber used in the construction of something - "they will cut round stock to 1-inch diameter";persistent thickened stem of a herbaceous perennial plant;the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity) - "he owns a controlling share of the company's stock";the handle end of some implements or tools - "he grabbed the cue by the stock";the handle of a handgun or the butt end of a rifle or shotgun or part of the support of a machine gun or artillery gun - "the rifle had been fitted with a special stock";the merchandise that a shop has on hand;the reputation and popularity a person has - "his stock was so high he could have been elected mayor"
stock buyback|a corporation's purchase of its own outstanding stock;increases earnings/share so stock price rises (which can discourage a takeover attempt)
stock car|a car kept in dealers' stock for regular sales;a racing car with the basic chassis of a commercially available car
stock certificate|a certificate documenting the shareholder's ownership in the corporation
stock company|a company whose capital is represented by stock;a theatrical company that performs plays from a repertoire
stock cube|a cube of dehydrated stock
stock dividend|a dividend paid in stock rather than in cash
stock exchange|an exchange where security trading is conducted by professional stockbrokers
stock index|index based on a statistical compilation of the share prices of a number of representative stocks
stock issue|(corporation law) the authorization and delivery of shares of stock for sale to the public or the shares thus offered at a particular time
stock of record|stock held by stockholders of record on a given date
stock option|a benefit given by a company to an employee in the form of an option to buy stock in the company at a discount or at a fixed price - "stock options are not much use as an incentive if the price at which they can be exercised is out of reach";the right to buy or sell a stock at a specified price within a stated period
stock power|a power of attorney document to transfer ownership of a registered security from the owner to another party
stock purchase plan|an organized plan for employees of a company to buy shares of its stock
stock saddle|an ornamented saddle used by cowboys;has a high horn to hold the lariat
stock symbol|the letters used to identify listed companies on the securities exchanges where they are traded
stock trader|someone who buys and sells stock shares
stock warrant|a written certificate that gives the holder the right to purchase shares of a stock for a specified price within a specified period of time
stockade|fortification consisting of a fence made of a line of stout posts set firmly for defense
stockbroker|an agent in the buying and selling of stocks and bonds
stockbroker belt|a wealthy residential suburb
stockcar|boxcar with latticed sides;for transporting livestock
stocker|a domestic animal (especially a young steer or heifer) kept as stock until fattened or matured and suitable for a breeding establishment
stockfish|fish cured by being split and air-dried without salt
stockholder|someone who holds shares of stock in a corporation
stockholder of record|the stockholder whose name is registered on the books of the corporation as owning the shares at a particular time
stockholders meeting|a meeting at which the management reports to the stockholders of a company
stockholding|a specific number of stocks or shares owned;ownership of stocks;the state or fact of holding stock - "prohibition of unrestricted intercorporate stockholding"- W.Z.Ripley
Stockholm|the capital and largest city of Sweden;located in southern Sweden on the Baltic - "the Nobel Prize is awarded in Stockholm"
stock-index futures|a futures contract based on a stock index;a bet on the future price of the indexed group of stocks
stockinet|knit used especially for infants' wear and undergarments
stockinette stitch|knitting stitch having alternate rows of knit stitches and purl stitches, producing a fabric as for stockings
stocking|close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg;come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural);the activity of supplying a stock of something - "he supervised the stocking of the stream with trout"
stocking filler|a small Christmas present included in the Christmas stocking
stock-in-trade|any equipment constantly used as part of a profession or occupation
stockist|one (as a retailer or distributor) that stocks goods
stockjobber|one who deals only with brokers or other jobbers
stockman|farmer who breed or raises livestock
stockpile|a storage pile accumulated for future use
stockpiling|accumulating and storing a reserve supply - "the stockpiling of war materials"
stockpot|a pot used for preparing soup stock
stockroom|storeroom for storing goods and supplies used in a business
stocks|a former instrument of punishment consisting of a heavy timber frame with holes in which the feet (and sometimes the hands) of an offender could be locked;a frame for constraining an animal while it is receiving veterinary attention or while being shod;a frame that supports a boat while it is under construction
stocktake|an instance of stocktaking - "the auditor did not attend the stocktake or check the valuations"
stocktaker|an employee whose job is to take inventory - "an outside stocktaker had to be hired"
stocktaking|reappraisal of a situation or position or outlook
Stockton|United States writer (1834-1902)
stockyard|enclosed yard where cattle, pigs, horses, or sheep are kept temporarily
stodge|heavy and filling (and usually starchy) food
stodginess|dull and pompous gravity
stogy|a cheap cigar
Stoic|a member of the ancient Greek school of philosophy founded by Zeno - "a Stoic achieves happiness by submission to destiny";someone who is seemingly indifferent to emotions
stoichiometry|(chemistry) the relation between the quantities of substances that take part in a reaction or form a compound (typically a ratio of whole integers)
Stoicism|(philosophy) the philosophical system of the Stoics following the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Zeno;an indifference to pleasure or pain
stokehold|(nautical) chamber or compartment in which the furnaces of a ship are stoked or fired
stoker|a laborer who tends fires (as on a coal-fired train or steamship);a mechanical device for stoking a furnace;Irish writer of the horror novel about Dracula (1847-1912)
stokes' aster|erect perennial of southeastern United States having large heads of usually blue flowers
Stokesia|one species;stokes' aster
Stokowski|United States conductor (born in Britain) (1882-1977)
stole|a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
stolen property|property that has been stolen
stolon|a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips
stoma|a minute epidermal pore in a leaf or stem through which gases and water vapor can pass;a mouth or mouthlike opening (especially one created by surgery on the surface of the body to create an opening to an internal organ)
stomach|an appetite for food - "exercise gave him a good stomach for dinner";an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal;the principal organ of digestion;an inclination or liking for things involving conflict or difficulty or unpleasantness - "he had no stomach for a fight"
stomach exercise|an exercise designed to strengthen the abdominal muscles
stomach pump|a suction pump used to remove the contents of the stomach
stomach sweetbread|edible pancreas of an animal
stomachache|an ache localized in the stomach or abdominal region
stomacher|garment consisting of a V-shaped panel of stiff material worn over the chest and stomach in the 16th century
stomatitis|inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth
stomatopod|a kind of crustacean
Stomatopoda|mantis shrimps
stomp|a dance involving a rhythmical stamping step
stone|a lack of feeling or expression or movement - "he must have a heart of stone" - "her face was as hard as stone";an avoirdupois unit used to measure the weight of a human body;equal to 14 pounds - "a heavy chap who must have weighed more than twenty stone";building material consisting of a piece of rock hewn in a definite shape for a special purpose - "he wanted a special stone to mark the site";the hard inner (usually woody) layer of the pericarp of some fruits (as peaches or plums or cherries or olives) that contains the seed - "you should remove the stones from prunes before cooking";United States architect (1902-1978);United States feminist and suffragist (1818-1893);United States filmmaker (born in 1946);United States journalist who advocated liberal causes (1907-1989);United States jurist who served on the United States Supreme Court as chief justice (1872-1946);United States jurist who was named chief justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1941 by Franklin D. Roosevelt (1872-1946)
Stone Age|(archeology) the earliest known period of human culture, characterized by the use of stone implements
stone bass|brown fish of the Atlantic and Mediterranean found around rocks and shipwrecks
stone bramble|European trailing bramble with red berrylike fruits
stone breaker|someone who breaks up stone
stone crab|large edible crab of the southern coast of the United States (particularly Florida);pale flesh with delicate texture and flavor;found in Florida but now very rare
stone curlew|large-headed large-eyed crepuscular or nocturnal shorebird of the Old World and tropical America having a thickened knee joint
stone marten|Eurasian marten having a brown coat with pale breast and throat
stone parsley|a slender roadside herb of western Europe and Mediterranean areas that has foliage resembling parsley and has white flowers with aromatic seeds
stone pine|medium-sized two-needled pine of southern Europe having a spreading crown;widely cultivated for its sweet seeds that resemble almonds
stone wall|a fence built of rough stones;used to separate fields
stonechat|common European chat with black plumage and a reddish-brown breast
stonecress|any Old World herb of the genus Aethionema;native of sunny limestone habitats
stonecrop|any of various northern temperate plants of the genus Sedum having fleshy leaves and red or yellow or white flowers
stonecutter|someone who cuts or carves stone
stonefish|venomous tropical marine fish resembling a piece of rock
stonefly|primitive winged insect with a flattened body;used as bait by fishermen;aquatic gilled larvae are carnivorous and live beneath stones
Stonehenge|an ancient megalithic monument in southern England;probably used for ritual purposes
stoner|an attacker who pelts the victim with stones (especially with intent to kill)
stonewaller|one who stonewalls or refuses to answer or cooperate;someone who delays by lengthy speeches etc.
stonewalling|stalling or delaying especially by refusing to answer questions or cooperate
stoneware|ceramic ware that is fired in high heat and vitrified and nonporous
stonework|masonry done with stone
stonewort|any of various submerged aquatic algae of the genus Chara having nodes with whorled filamentlike branches;usually encrusted with calcium carbonate deposits
stoning|the act of pelting with stones;punishment inflicted by throwing stones at the victim (even unto death)
stony coral|corals having calcareous skeletons aggregations of which form reefs and islands
stool|(forestry) the stump of a tree that has been felled or headed for the production of saplings;a simple seat without a back or arms
stool pigeon|a dummy pigeon used to decoy others
stoop|an inclination of the top half of the body forward and downward;small porch or set of steps at the front entrance of a house
stooper|a person at a racetrack who searches for winning parimutuel tickets that have been carelessly discarded by others;a person who carries himself or herself with the head and shoulders habitually bent forward
stop|(music) a knob on an organ that is pulled to change the sound quality from the organ pipes - "the organist pulled out all the stops";a brief stay in the course of a journey - "they made a stopover to visit their friends";a spot where something halts or pauses - "his next stop is Atlanta";the act of stopping something - "the third baseman made some remarkable stops" - "his stoppage of the flow resulted in a flood";the event of something ending - "it came to a stop at the bottom of the hill"
stop bath|an acid bath used to stop the action of a developer
stop consonant|a consonant produced by stopping the flow of air at some point and suddenly releasing it - "his stop consonants are too aspirated"
stop order|an order to a broker to sell (buy) when the price of a security falls (rises) to a designated level
stop payment|a depositor's order to a bank to refuse payment on a check
stop press|late news that is inserted into the newspaper at the last minute
stopcock|faucet consisting of a rotating device for regulating flow of a liquid
Stopes|birth-control campaigner who in 1921 opened the first birth control clinic in London (1880-1958)
stoplight|a red light on the rear of a motor vehicle that signals when the brakes are applied to slow or stop
stopover|a stopping place on a journey - "there is a stopover to change planes in Chicago"
Stoppard|British dramatist (born in Czechoslovakia in 1937)
stopper|(bridge) a playing card with a value sufficiently high to insure taking a trick in a particular suit - "if my partner has a spade stopper I can bid no trump"
stopper knot|a knot that prevents a rope from passing through a hole
stopping|the kind of playing that involves pressing the fingers on the strings of a stringed instrument to control the pitch - "the violinist's stopping was excellent"
stopping point|the temporal end;the concluding time - "the stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell"
stopwatch|a timepiece that can be started or stopped for exact timing (as of a race)
storage|(computer science) the process of storing information in a computer memory or on a magnetic tape or disk;the act of storing something;the commercial enterprise of storing goods and materials
storage battery|a voltaic battery that stores electric charge
storage cell|a cell that can be recharged
storage medium|a medium for storing information
storage ring|container consisting of a set of magnets set in a doughnut-shaped ring around which charged particles from an accelerator can be kept circulating until they are used
storage space|the area in any structure that provides space for storage
storax|a vanilla-scented resin from various trees of the genus Styrax
store|a supply of something available for future use - "he brought back a large store of Cuban cigars"
store detective|a private detective employed by a merchant to stop pilferage
stored program|a program that is stored in the memory of the computer that executes it
storehouse|a depository for goods - "storehouses were built close to the docks"
Storeria|a genus of Colubridae
storeroom|a room in which things are stored
stork|large mostly Old World wading birds typically having white-and-black plumage
storksbill|any of various plants of the genus Erodium
storm|a direct and violent assault on a stronghold;a violent commotion or disturbance - "the storms that had characterized their relationship had died away";a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning
storm cellar|an underground shelter where you can go until a storm passes
storm center|a center of trouble or disturbance;the central area or place of lowest barometric pressure within a storm
storm cloud|a heavy dark cloud presaging rain or a storm
storm cone|a canvas cone hoisted to warn of high winds
storm door|an extra outer door for protection against severe weather or winter
storm petrel|any of various small petrels having dark plumage with paler underparts
storm signal|a signal announcing the approach of a storm (particularly a storm of marked violence)
storm trooper|a member of the Nazi SA
storm window|a window outside an ordinary window to protect against severe weather or winter
storminess|the state of being stormy - "he dreaded the storminess of the North Atlantic in winter";violent passion in speech or action - "frightened by the storminess of their argument"
stormy petrel|sooty black petrel with white markings;of the northern Atlantic and Mediterranean
story|a piece of fiction that narrates a chain of related events
storybook|a book containing a collection of stories (usually for children)
storyline|the plot of a book or play or film
storyteller|someone who tells lies
stotinka|100 stotinka equal 1 lev in Bulgaria
stoup|an archaic drinking vessel;basin for holy water
stout|a garment size for a large or heavy person;a strong very dark heavy-bodied ale made from pale malt and roasted unmalted barley and (often) caramel malt with hops
stoutheartedness|the trait of having a courageous spirit
stoutness|the property of being strong and resolute
stove|a kitchen appliance used for cooking food - "dinner was already on the stove";any heating apparatus
stove bolt|a small machine bolt
stovepipe|chimney consisting of a metal pipe of large diameter that is used to connect a stove to a flue
stovepipe iron|plate iron that is thinner than tank iron
stovepiping|retrieval of information from unconnected databases;the situation that exists when it is necessary to climb out of one database in order to climb down into another;sometimes used for protection against wandering hackers
stover|the dried stalks and leaves of a field crop (especially corn) used as animal fodder after the grain has been harvested
stowage|the act of packing or storing away;the charge for stowing goods
stowaway|a person who hides aboard a ship or plane in the hope of getting free passage
Stowe|United States writer of a novel about slavery that advanced the abolitionists' cause (1811-1896)
STP|standard temperature and pressure
strabismus|abnormal alignment of one or both eyes
strabotomy|the surgical operation of cutting a muscle or tendon of the eye in order to correct strabismus
Strachey|English biographer and leading member of the Bloomsbury Group (1880-1932)
Stradavarius|a violin made by Antonio Stradivari or a member of his family
straddle|a gymnastic exercise performed with a leg on either side of the parallel bars;a noncommittal or equivocal position;the act of sitting or standing astride;the option to buy or sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date;consists of an equal number of put and call options
Stradivari|Italian violin maker who developed the modern violin and created violins of unequaled tonal quality (1644?-1737)
strafe|an attack of machine-gun fire or cannon fire from a low flying airplane - "the next morning they carried out a strafe of enemy airfields"
strafer|a combat pilot who strafes the enemy
straggle|a wandering or disorderly grouping (of things or persons) - "a straggle of outbuildings" - "a straggle of followers"
straggler|someone who strays or falls behind
straight|a poker hand with 5 consecutive cards (regardless of suit)
straight and narrow|the way of proper and honest behavior - "he taught his children to keep strictly to the straight and narrow"
straight angle|an angle of 180 degrees
straight chain|an open chain of atoms with no side chains
straight chair|a straight-backed chair without arms
straight face|a serious facial expression giving no evidence of interest or amusement
straight flush|a poker hand with consecutive cards in the same suit
straight flute|a rock drill with flutes that are straight
straight hang|a hang performed on the rings or parallel bars with the body erect and the arms at the sides
straight line|a line traced by a point traveling in a constant direction;a line of zero curvature - "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line"
straight man|a performer who acts as stooge to a comedian
straight pin|pin consisting of a short straight stiff piece of wire with a pointed end;used to fasten pieces of cloth or paper together
straight poker|poker in which each player gets 5 cards face down and bets are made without drawing any further cards
straight razor|a razor with a straight cutting edge enclosed in a case that forms a handle when the razor is opened for use
straight sinus|an unpaired sinus of the dura mater
straight ticket|a ballot cast by a voter who votes for all the candidates of one party
straight-arm|(American football) the act of warding off a tackler by holding the arm fully extended with the hand against the opponent
straightaway|a straight segment of a roadway or racecourse
straightedge|hand tool consisting of a flat rigid rectangular bar (metal or wood) that can be used to draw straight lines (or test their straightness)
straightener|a device for straightening - "a hair straightener"
straight-line method|(accounting) a method of calculating depreciation by taking an equal amount of the asset's cost as an expense for each year of the asset's useful life
straightness|(of hair) lack of a tendency to curl;freedom from crooks or curves or bends or angles
strain|(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces;(psychology) nervousness resulting from mental stress - "his responsibilities were a constant strain" - "the mental strain of staying alert hour after hour was too much for him";an intense or violent exertion;injury to a muscle (often caused by overuse);results in swelling and pain
strain gauge|a gauge for measuring strain in a surface
strainer|a filter to retain larger pieces while smaller pieces and liquids pass through
strait|a narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water
Strait of Dover|the strait between the English Channel and the North Sea;shortest distance between England and the European continent
Strait of Georgia|the strait separating Vancouver Island from the Canadian mainland
Strait of Gibraltar|the strait between Spain and Africa
Strait of Hormuz|a strategically important strait linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
Strait of Magellan|the strait separating South America from Tierra del Fuego and other islands to the south of the continent;discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520;an important route around South America before the Panama Canal was built
Strait of Messina|the strait separating Sicily from the tip of Italy
straitjacket|a garment similar to a jacket that is used to bind the arms tightly against the body as a means of restraining a violent person;anything immaterial that severely hinders or confines - "they defected because Russian dance was in a straitjacket" - "the government is operating in an economic straitjacket"
strand|a pattern forming a unity within a larger structural whole - "he tried to pick up the strands of his former life" - "I could hear several melodic strands simultaneously";a poetic term for a shore (as the area periodically covered and uncovered by the tides);line consisting of a complex of fibers or filaments that are twisted together to form a thread or a rope or a cable;a street in west central London famous for its theaters and hotels
strange attractor|an attractor for which the approach to its final point in phase space is chaotic
strange particle|an elementary particle with non-zero strangeness
strange quark|a quark with an electric charge of -1/3 and a mass 988 times that of an electron and a strangeness of -1
strangeness|(physics) one of the six flavors of quark
stranger|an individual that one is not acquainted with;anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
stranglehold|a wrestling hold in which the arms are pressed against the opponent's windpipe;complete power over a person or situation - "corporations have a stranglehold on the media"
strangler|an epiphytic vine or tree whose aerial roots extend down the trunk of a supporting tree and coalesce around it eventually strangling the tree
strangulation|(pathology) constriction of a body part so as to cut off the flow of blood or other fluid - "strangulation of the intestine";the condition of having respiration stopped by compression of the air passage
strap|a band that goes over the shoulder and supports a garment or bag;an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position;hanger consisting of a loop of leather suspended from the ceiling of a bus or train;passengers hold onto it;whip consisting of a strip of leather used in flogging
strap fern|fern with long narrow strap-shaped leaves
strap hinge|a hinge with two long straps;one strap is fastened to the surface of a moving part (e.g., a door or lid) and the other is fastened to the adjacent stationary frame
straphanger|a commuter who uses public transportation;a standing subway or bus passenger who grips a hanging strap for support
strapless|a woman's garment that exposes the shoulders and has no shoulder straps
strappado|a form of torture in which the hands are tied behind a person's back and they are lifted off the ground by a rope tied to their wrists, then allowed to drop until their fall is checked with a jerk by the rope
Strasberg|United States actor and film director (born in Austria) who was a leader in developing method acting in the United States (1901-1982)
Strasbourg|city on the Rhine in eastern France near the German border;an inland port
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks|negotiations between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics opened in 1969 in Helsinki designed to limit both countries' stock of nuclear weapons
strategic buyout|an acquisition based on analysis of the benefits of consolidation in anticipation of increased earning power
strategic intelligence|intelligence that is required for forming policy and military plans at national and international levels
strategic warning|(military) a warning prior to the start of a threatening act
strategics|the science or art of strategy
strategist|an expert in strategy (especially in warfare)
strategy|the branch of military science dealing with military command and the planning and conduct of a war
Stratford-on-Avon|a town in central England on the River Avon;birthplace (and burial place) of William Shakespeare
stratification|a layered configuration;forming or depositing in layers;the act or process or arranging persons into classes or social strata;the condition of being arranged in social strata or classes within a group;the placing of seeds in damp sand or sawdust or peat moss in order to preserve them or promote germination
stratified language|a language that cannot be used as its own metalanguage
stratified sample|the population is divided into strata and a random sample is taken from each stratum
stratified sampling|the population is divided into subpopulations (strata) and random samples are taken of each stratum
stratigraphy|the branch of geology that studies the arrangement and succession of strata
stratosphere|the atmospheric layer between the troposphere and the mesosphere
stratum|one of several parallel layers of material arranged one on top of another (such as a layer of tissue or cells in an organism or a layer of sedimentary rock)
stratum corneum|the outermost layer of the epidermis consisting of dead cells that slough off
stratum germinativum|the innermost layer of the epidermis
stratum granulosum|the layer of epidermis just under the stratum corneum or (on the palms and soles) just under the stratum lucidum;contains cells (with visible granules) that die and move to the surface
stratum lucidum|the layer of epidermis immediately under the stratum corneum in the skin of the palms and soles
stratus|a large dark low cloud
Strauss|Austrian composer and son of Strauss the Elder;composed many famous waltzes and became known as the 'waltz king' (1825-1899);Austrian composer of waltzes (1804-1849);German composer of many operas;collaborated with librettist Hugo von Hoffmannsthal to produce several operas (1864-1949)
Stravinsky|composer who was born in Russia but lived in the United States after 1939 (1882-1971);the music of Stravinsky - "Stravinsky no longer causes riots in the streets"
straw|a thin paper or plastic tube used to suck liquids into the mouth;plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
straw boss|a member of a work gang who supervises the other workers
straw man|a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted
straw mushroom|small tropical and subtropical edible mushroom having a white cap and long stem;an expensive delicacy in China and other Asian countries where it is grown commercially
straw vote|an unofficial vote taken to determine opinion on some issue
straw wine|sweet wine from grapes partially sun-dried on the vine or on straw mats
strawberry|a soft red birthmark;any of various low perennial herbs with many runners and bearing white flowers followed by edible fruits having many small achenes scattered on the surface of an enlarged red pulpy berry;sweet fleshy red fruit
strawberry blite|European annual with clusters of greenish flowers followed by red pulpy berrylike fruit;naturalized North America
strawberry bush|upright deciduous plant with crimson pods and seeds;the eastern United States from New York to Florida and Texas
strawberry daiquiri|daiquiri with crushed strawberries
strawberry geranium|eastern Asiatic saxifrage with racemes of small red-and-white flowers;spreads by numerous creeping stolons
strawberry hemangioma|a congenital bright red superficial vascular tumor resembling a strawberry;tends to decrease in size during childhood
strawberry ice cream|ice cream flavored with fresh strawberries
strawberry jam|made with strawberries
strawberry tomato|stout hairy annual of eastern North America with sweet yellow fruits
strawberry tree|small evergreen European shrubby tree bearing many-seeded scarlet berries that are edible but bland;of Ireland, southern Europe, Asia Minor
strawboard|a coarse yellow cardboard made of straw pulp
strawflower|any of various plants of the genus Helipterum;Australian plant naturalized in Spain having flowers of lemon yellow to deep gold;the frequent choice of those who love dried flowers;plant of southern and southeastern United States grown for its yellow flowers that can be dried
strawworm|larva of chalcid flies injurious to the straw of wheat and other grains
stray|an animal that has strayed (especially a domestic animal)
streak|a distinctive characteristic - "he has a stubborn streak" - "a streak of wildness";a sudden flash (as of lightning);an unbroken series of events - "had a streak of bad luck"
streaker|someone who takes off all their clothes and runs naked through a public place
stream|a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth;dominant course (suggestive of running water) of successive events or ideas - "two streams of development run through American history" - "stream of consciousness";something that resembles a flowing stream in moving continuously - "a stream of people emptied from the terminal"
stream of consciousness|a literary genre that reveals a character's thoughts and feeling as they develop by means of a long soliloquy;the continuous flow of ideas and feelings that constitute an individual's conscious experience
stream orchid|orchid growing along streams or ponds of western North America having leafy stems and 1 greenish-brown and pinkish flower in the axil of each upper leaf
streambed|a channel occupied (or formerly occupied) by a stream
streamer|a newspaper headline that runs across the full page;light that streams - "streamers of flames"
streamer fly|an artificial fly that has wings extending back beyond the crook of the fishhook
streamline flow|flow of a gas or liquid in which the velocity at any point is relatively steady
streamliner|a streamlined train
Streep|United States film actress (born in 1949)
street|a situation offering opportunities - "he worked both sides of the street" - "cooperation is a two-way street";a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings - "they walked the streets of the small town";people living or working on the same street - "the whole street protested the absence of street lights";the part of a thoroughfare between the sidewalks;the part of the thoroughfare on which vehicles travel - "be careful crossing the street";the streets of a city viewed as a depressed environment in which there is poverty and crime and prostitution and dereliction - "she tried to keep her children off the street"
street address|the address where a person or organization can be found
street arab|(sometimes offensive) a homeless boy who has been abandoned and roams the streets
street cleaner|a worker employed to clean streets (especially one employed by a municipal sanitation department)
street clothes|ordinary clothing suitable for public appearances (as opposed to costumes or sports apparel or work clothes etc.)
street credibility|credibility among young fashionable urban individuals
street fighter|a contestant who is very aggressive and willing to use underhand methods;someone who learned to fight in the streets rather than being formally trained in the sport of boxing
street name|an alternative name that a person chooses or is given (especially in inner city neighborhoods) - "her street name is Bonbon";slang for something (especially for an illegal drug) - "'smack' is a street name for heroin";the name of a brokerage firm in which stock is held on behalf of a customer - "all my stocks are held in street name";the name of a street
street sign|a sign visible from the street
street smarts|a shrewd ability to survive in a dangerous urban environment
street urchin|a child who spends most of his time in the streets especially in slum areas
streetcar|a wheeled vehicle that runs on rails and is propelled by electricity
streetlight|a lamp supported on a lamppost;for illuminating a street
streetwalker|a prostitute who attracts customers by walking the streets
Streisand|United States singer and actress (born in 1942)
Strekelia|a monocotyledonous genus of the amaryllis family
Strelitzia|small genus of large perennial evergreen herbs having leaves resembling those of banana plants;sometimes placed in family Musaceae
Strelitziaceae|woody plants with erect stems of tropical South America and South Africa and Madagascar;in some classifications included in the family Musaceae
strength|the condition of financial success - "the strength of the company's stock in recent weeks";the property of being physically or mentally strong - "fatigue sapped his strength"
strengthener|a device designed to provide additional strength - "the cardboard backing was just a strengthener"
strengthening|becoming stronger;the act of increasing the strength of something
Strepera|bell magpies
Strepsirhini|in some classifications either coextensive with the Lemuroidea or comprising the true lemurs
streptobacillus|any of various rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria
streptocarpus|any of various plants of the genus Streptocarpus having leaves in a basal rosette and flowers like primroses
streptococcal sore throat|an infection of the oral pharynx and tonsils by streptococcus
streptococcus|spherical Gram-positive bacteria occurring in pairs or chains;cause e.g. scarlet fever and tonsillitis
Streptococcus anhemolyticus|a species of bacteria
streptodornase|an enzyme produced by some hemolytic strains of streptococcus that dissolves fibrinous secretions from infections;used medicinally (often in combination with streptokinase)
streptokinase|an enzyme produced by some strains of streptococcus that can liquefy blood clots by converting plasminogen to plasmin;used medicinally in some cases of myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism
streptolysin|any of several hemolysins derived from strains of streptococcus
streptomyces|aerobic bacteria (some of which produce the antibiotic streptomycin)
Streptomyces erythreus|source of the antibiotic erythromycin
Streptomyces griseus|source of the antibiotic streptomycin
Streptomycetaceae|higher bacteria typically aerobic soil saprophytes
streptomycin|an antibiotic produced by the actinomycete Streptomyces griseus and used to treat tuberculosis
Streptopelia|turtledoves
Streptopelia turtur|the common European wild dove noted for its plaintive cooing
Streptosolen|one species;marmalade bush
streptothricin|a basic antibiotic derived from a soil actinomycete
stress|(physics) force that produces strain on a physical body - "the intensity of stress is expressed in units of force divided by units of area";difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension - "she endured the stresses and strains of life" - "he presided over the economy during the period of the greatest stress and danger"- R.J.Samuelson;special emphasis attached to something - "the stress was more on accuracy than on speed";the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch) - "he put the stress on the wrong syllable"
stress incontinence|urinary incontinence that occurs when involuntary pressure is put on the bladder by coughing or laughing or sneezing or lifting or straining
stress mark|a mark indicating the stress on a syllable
stress test|a test measuring how a system functions when subjected to controlled amounts of stress
stressor|any agent that causes stress to an organism
stretch|a large and unbroken expanse or distance - "a stretch of highway" - "a stretch of clear water";a straightaway section of a racetrack;an unbroken period of time during which you do something - "there were stretches of boredom" - "he did a stretch in the federal penitentiary";exercise designed to extend the limbs and muscles to their full extent;extension to or beyond the ordinary limit - "running at full stretch" - "by no stretch of the imagination" - "beyond any stretch of his understanding";the capacity for being stretched
stretch mark|a narrow band resulting from tension on the skin (as on abdominal skin after pregnancy)
stretch pants|trousers made of a stretchy fabric
stretch receptor|a receptor in a muscle that responds to stretching of the muscle tissue
stretch reflex|reflex contraction of a muscle when an attached tendon is pulled;important in maintaining erect posture
stretcher|a litter for transporting people who are ill or wounded or dead;usually consists of a sheet of canvas stretched between two poles;a mechanical device used to make something larger (as shoes or gloves) by stretching it;a wooden framework on which canvas is stretched and fixed for oil painting
stretcher party|a party of people with stretchers to carry an injured person
stretcher-bearer|one who helps carry a stretcher
stretching|act of expanding by lengthening or widening
streusel|a crumbly topping for a pastry;pastry with a topping of streusel
stria|any of a number of tiny parallel grooves such as;the scratches left by a glacier on rocks or the streaks or ridges in muscle tissue
striate cortex|the part of the occipital cortex that receives the fibers of the optic radiation from the lateral geniculate body and is the primary receptive area for vision
striated muscle cell|an elongated contractile cell in striated muscle tissue
striated muscle tissue|muscle tissue characterized by transverse stripes
Strickland|United States architect and student of Latrobe (1787-1854)
strickle|a tool or rod used to level off grain or other granular material that is heaped in a measure;a tool used in a foundry to shape a mold in sand;an implement for sharpening scythes
strictness|conscientious attention to rules and details
stricture|severe criticism
stride|significant progress (especially in the phrase "make strides") - "they made big strides in productivity"
strider|a person who walks rapidly with long steps - "he was such a strider that she couldn't keep up without running"
stridor|a whistling sound when breathing (usually heard on inspiration);indicates obstruction of the trachea or larynx
stridulation|a shrill grating or chirping noise made by some insects by rubbing body parts together
strife|bitter conflict;heated often violent dissension
Strigidae|a family of nocturnal birds of the order Strigiformes
Strigiformes|owls
strike|(baseball) a pitch that the batter swings at and misses, or that the batter hits into foul territory, or that the batter does not swing at but the umpire judges to be in the area over home plate and between the batter's knees and shoulders - "this pitcher throws more strikes than balls";a group's refusal to work in protest against low pay or bad work conditions - "the strike lasted more than a month before it was settled";a score in tenpins;knocking down all ten with the first ball - "he finished with three strikes in the tenth frame";an attack that is intended to seize or inflict damage on or destroy an objective - "the strike was scheduled to begin at dawn"
strike leader|someone who leads a strike
strike pay|money paid to strikers from union funds
strike zone|(baseball) the area over home plate between a batter's knees and shoulders through which a pitch must pass in order to be called a strike
strikebreaking|confrontational activities intended to break up a strike by workers
strikeout|an out resulting from the batter getting three strikes
striker|a forward on a soccer team;an employee on strike against an employer;someone receiving intensive training for a naval technical rating;the part of a mechanical device that strikes something
strike-slip fault|a geological fault in which one of the adjacent surfaces appears to have moved horizontally
Strindberg|Swedish dramatist and novelist (1849-1912)
string|(cosmology) a hypothetical one-dimensional subatomic particle having a concentration of energy and the dynamic properties of a flexible loop;a collection of objects threaded on a single strand;a lightweight cord;a linear sequence of symbols (characters or words or phrases);a sequentially ordered set of things or events or ideas in which each successive member is related to the preceding - "a string of islands";a tightly stretched cord of wire or gut, which makes sound when plucked, struck, or bowed;a tough piece of fiber in vegetables, meat, or other food (especially the tough fibers connecting the two halves of a bean pod)
string bean|green beans with strings that must be removed
string cheese|cheese formed in long strings twisted together
string of words|a linear sequence of words as spoken or written
string orchestra|an orchestra playing only stringed instruments
string quartet|an instrumental quartet with 2 violins and a viola and a cello
string section|the section of an orchestra that plays stringed instruments
string theory|(particle physics) a theory that postulates that subatomic particles are one-dimensional strings
string tie|a very narrow necktie usually tied in a bow
stringed instrument|a musical instrument in which taut strings provide the source of sound
stringency|a state occasioned by scarcity of money and a shortage of credit
stringer|a long horizontal timber to connect uprights;a member of a squad on a team - "a first stringer" - "a second stringer";a worker who strings - "a stringer of beads";brace consisting of a longitudinal member to strengthen a fuselage or hull
stringybark|any of several Australian eucalypts having fibrous inner bark
stringybark pine|Australian cypress pine with fibrous inner bark
strip|a form of erotic entertainment in which a dancer gradually undresses to music - "she did a strip right in front of everyone";a relatively long narrow piece of something - "he felt a flat strip of muscle";artifact consisting of a narrow flat piece of material;thin piece of wood or metal
strip alert|a state of readiness for domestic defense aircraft - "the Air Force will keep fighters on strip alert at bases around the country"
strip cropping|cultivation of crops in strips following the contours of the land to minimize erosion
strip lighting|light consisting of long tubes (instead of bulbs) that provide the illumination
strip mall|a mercantile establishment consisting of a row of various stores and business and restaurants along a road or busy street;usually opening on a parking lot
strip mine|an open mine (usually for coal) where the seams run close to the surface
strip miner|a miner who does strip mining
strip mining|the mining of ore or coal from an open mine
strip poker|poker in which a player's losses are paid by removing an article of clothing
strip search|searching someone for concealed weapons or illegal drugs by having them remove their clothes
strip steak|steak from upper part of the short loin
stripe|a kind or category - "businessmen of every stripe joined in opposition to the proposal";a narrow marking of a different color or texture from the background - "a green toad with small black stripes or bars";a piece of braid, usually on the sleeve, indicating military rank or length of service
stripe blight|a disease of oats
striped bass|caught along the Atlantic coast of the United States;marine food and game fish with dark longitudinal stripes;migrates upriver to spawn;sometimes placed in the genus Morone
striped button quail|a variety of button quail having stripes
striped coral root|nearly leafless wildflower with erect reddish-purple stems bearing racemes of pale pinkish and brownish-striped flowers;western Canada to Mexico
striped drum|a kind of drumfish
striped gentian|a perennial marsh gentian of eastern North America
striped hyena|of northern Africa and Arabia and India
striped killifish|black-barred fish of bays and coastal marshes of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast of the United States
striped marlin|Pacific food and game fish marked with dark blue vertical stripes
striped muishond|ferret-sized muishond often tamed
striped mullet|most important commercial mullet in eastern United States
striped skunk|most common and widespread North American skunk
striper|a serviceman who wears stripes on the uniform to indicate rank or years of service - "he's a four-striper"
striping|the act of marking with stripes
stripper|a chemical compound used to remove paint or varnish;a performer who provides erotic entertainment by undressing to music;a worker who strips the stems from moistened tobacco leaves and binds the leaves together into books
stripper well|an oil well whose production has declined to less than ten barrels a day
striving|an effortful attempt to attain a goal
Strix|owls lacking ear tufts
Strobilomyces|fungi similar to Boletus but with a shaggy scaly cap
stroboscope|scientific instrument that provides a flashing light synchronized with the periodic movement of an object;can make moving object appear stationary
Stroheim|United States film actor (born in Austria) (1885-1957)
stroke|(golf) the unit of scoring in golf is the act of hitting the ball with a club - "Nicklaus won by three strokes";(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand - "it took two strokes to get out of the bunker";a light touch;a light touch with the hands;a mark made on a surface by a pen, pencil, or paintbrush - "she applied the paint in careful strokes";a single complete movement;a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain;any one of the repeated movements of the limbs and body used for locomotion in swimming or rowing;the oarsman nearest the stern of the shell who sets the pace for the rest of the crew
stroma|a mass of fungal tissue that has spore-bearing structures embedded in it or on it;the dense colorless framework of a chloroplast;the supporting tissue of an organ (as opposed to parenchyma)
Stromateidae|butterfishes;harvest fishes;dollar fishes
Strombidae|the family of conchs
Strombus|type genus of the family Strombidae
strong breeze|wind moving 25-31 knots;6 on the Beaufort scale
strong gale|wind moving 47-54 knots;9 on the Beaufort scale
strong interaction|(physics) the interaction that binds protons and neutrons together in the nuclei of atoms;mediated by gluons
strong suit|a long suit including high cards
strongbox|a strongly made box for holding money or valuables;can be locked
stronghold|a strongly fortified defensive structure
strongman|a man who performs feats of strength at a fair or circus;a powerful political figure who rules by the exercise of force or violence - "he is determined to bring down the Iraqi strongman"
strongroom|a burglarproof and fireproof room in which valuables are kept
Strongylodon|genus of Polynesian or southeastern Asian shrubs or vines
strontianite|a mineral consisting of strontium carbonate
strontium|a soft silver-white or yellowish metallic element of the alkali metal group;turns yellow in air;occurs in celestite and strontianite
strontium 90|a radioactive isotope of strontium (with the mass number 90) that is present in the fallout from nuclear explosions;can be assimilated like calcium into bones
strop|a leather strap used to sharpen razors
strophanthin|a bitter and very toxic glycoside derived from plants of the genus Strophanthus;in moderate doses it is a cardiac stimulant but in larger doses it is a powerful poison;used in Africa as an arrow poison
strophanthus|any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Strophanthus having whorled leaves and showy flowers of various colors in dense and corymbose clusters;some have poisonous seeds
Strophanthus kombe|plant that is a source of strophanthin
Stropharia|genus of gill fungi with brown spores that is closely related to Agaricus;here placed in its own family Strophariaceae
Stropharia ambigua|a gilled fungus with a long stalk and a yellow slimy cap from which fragments of the broken veil hang;gills are initially white but become dark brown as spores are released
Stropharia hornemannii|a gilled fungus with a large slimy purple or olive cap;gills become purple with age;the stalk is long and richly decorated with pieces of the white sheath that extends up to a ring
Stropharia rugoso-annulata|a large gilled fungus with a broad cap and a long stalk;the cap is dark brown;the white gills turn dark purplish brown with age;edible and choice
Strophariaceae|sometimes included in family Agaricaceae
strophe|one section of a lyric poem or choral ode in classical Greek drama
structural formula|an expanded molecular formula showing the arrangement of atoms within the molecule
structural gene|a gene that controls the production of a specific protein or peptide
structural genomics|the branch of genomics that determines the three-dimensional structures of proteins
structural iron|iron that has been cast or worked in structural shapes
structural member|support that is a constituent part of any structure or building
structural steel|a strong steel that is rolled into shapes that are used in construction
structuralism|a sociological theory based on the premise that society comes before individuals;an anthropological theory that there are unobservable social structures that generate observable social phenomena;linguistics defined as the analysis of formal structures in a text or discourse
structure|a particular complex anatomical part of a living thing - "he has good bone structure";a thing constructed;a complex entity constructed of many parts - "the structure consisted of a series of arches";the complex composition of knowledge as elements and their combinations - "his lectures have no structure";the manner of construction of something and the arrangement of its parts - "artists must study the structure of the human body" - "the structure of the benzene molecule"
strudel|thin sheet of filled dough rolled and baked
struggle|an energetic attempt to achieve something - "getting through the crowd was a real struggle";strenuous effort - "the struggle to get through the crowd exhausted her"
struggler|a person who struggles with difficulties or with great effort
strum|sound of strumming - "the strum of a guitar"
strut|a proud stiff pompous gait;brace consisting of a bar or rod used to resist longitudinal compression
Struthio|type genus of the Struthionidae;African ostriches
struthiomimus|small light-boned toothless dinosaur resembling an ostrich in size and proportions
Struthionidae|tall terrestrial birds;ostriches
Struthioniformes|a ratite bird order;ostriches and related extinct birds;known from the Pleistocene onward
strychnine|an alkaloid plant toxin extracted chiefly from nux vomica;formerly used as a stimulant
Strymon|large and widely distributed genus of hairstreak butterflies
Strymon melinus|larvae are pests of various economic plants
Stuart|a member of the royal family that ruled Scotland and England;the royal family that ruled Scotland from 1371-1714 and ruled England from 1603 to 1649 and again from 1660 to 1714;United States painter best known for his portraits of George Washington (1755-1828)
stub|a short piece remaining on a trunk or stem where a branch is lost;a torn part of a ticket returned to the holder as a receipt;the part of a check that is retained as a record
stub nail|a short thick nail
stubble|short stiff hairs growing on a man's face when he has not shaved for a few days
stubbornness|resolute adherence to your own ideas or desires;the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome
Stubbs|English historian noted for his constitutional history of medieval England (1825-1901)
stucco|a plaster now made mostly from Portland cement and sand and lime;applied while soft to cover exterior walls or surfaces
stud|a man who is virile and sexually active;adult male horse kept for breeding;ornament consisting of a circular rounded protuberance (as on a vault or shield or belt);poker in which each player receives hole cards and the remainder are dealt face up;bets are placed after each card is dealt
stud farm|a farm where horses are bred
stud finder|a small permanent magnet in a metal container;when the magnet clicks against the container it indicates that the magnet is directly over an iron nail that holds the wallboard to a stud
studbook|official record of the pedigree of purebred animals especially horses
student|a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
student center|a center for student activities at a college or university
student lamp|a reading lamp with a flexible neck;used on a desk
student teacher|a college student who is teaching under the supervision of a certified teacher in order to qualify for a degree in education
student union|a building on a college campus dedicated to social and organizational activities of the student body
studentship|the position of student
studio|workplace consisting of a room or building where movies or television shows or radio programs are produced and recorded;workplace for the teaching or practice of an art - "she ran a dance studio" - "the music department provided studios for their students" - "you don't need a studio to make a passport photograph"
studio apartment|an apartment with a living space and a bathroom and a small kitchen
studio couch|convertible consisting of an upholstered couch that can be converted into a double bed
studiousness|diligent study
study|a composition intended to develop one aspect of the performer's technique - "a study in spiccato bowing";a room used for reading and writing and studying - "he knocked lightly on the closed door of the study";a state of deep mental absorption - "she is in a deep study";applying the mind to learning and understanding a subject (especially by reading) - "no schools offer graduate study in interior design";someone who memorizes quickly and easily (as the lines for a part in a play) - "he is a quick study"
study hall|a classroom reserved for study;a period of time during the school day that is set aside for study
stuff|a critically important or characteristic component - "suspense is the very stuff of narrative";informal terms for personal possessions;information in some unspecified form - "it was stuff I had heard before" - "there's good stuff in that book";miscellaneous unspecified objects - "the trunk was full of stuff";senseless talk - "don't give me that stuff";unspecified qualities required to do or be something - "the stuff of heros" - "you don't have the stuff to be a United States Marine"
stuffed cabbage|parboiled head of cabbage scooped out and filled with a hash of chopped e.g. beef or ham and baked;served with tomato or cheese sauce
stuffed mushroom|mushrooms stuffed with any of numerous mixtures of e.g. meats or nuts or seafood or spinach
stuffed peppers|parboiled green peppers stuffed usually with rice and meat and baked briefly
stuffed shirt|a bore who is extremely formal, pompous, and old-fashioned
stuffed tomato|tomato cases filled with various mixtures and baked briefly;tomato cases filled with various salad mixtures and served cold
stuffer|an advertising circular that is enclosed with other material and (usually) sent by mail
stuffiness|state of obstruction or stoppage or air in the nose or throat;the quality of being close and poorly ventilated
stuffing|a mixture of seasoned ingredients used to stuff meats and vegetables;padding put in mattresses and cushions and upholstered furniture
stuffing box|a small chamber in which packing is compressed around a reciprocating shaft or piston to form a seal
stuffing nut|a nut used to tighten a stuffing box
stultification|derision of someone or something as foolish or absurd or inconsistent;the act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)
stumblebum|a second-rate prize fighter
stumbler|a walker or runner who trips and almost falls
stumbling block|any obstacle or impediment
stump|(cricket) any of three upright wooden posts that form the wicket;the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled;the part of a limb or tooth that remains after the rest is removed
stump speech|political oratory
stumping|campaigning for something by making political speeches (stump speeches)
stun gun|a weapon designed to disable a victim temporarily by delivering a nonlethal high-voltage electric shock
stunner|an unexpected and amazing event - "the stunner was what happened on Saturday"
stunt|a creature (especially a whale) that has been prevented from attaining full growth;a difficult or unusual or dangerous feat;usually done to gain attention
stupa|a dome-shaped shrine erected by Buddhists
stupefaction|a feeling of stupefied astonishment;the action of stupefying;making dull or lethargic - "the professor was noted for his stupefaction of the students"
stupid|a person who is not very bright - "The economy, stupid!"
stupidity|a poor ability to understand or to profit from experience;a stupid mistake
sturdiness|resoluteness evidenced by strength of character - "sturdiness of moral principle";the property of something that is strongly built;the state of being vigorous and robust
sturgeon|large primitive fishes valued for their flesh and roe;widely distributed in the North Temperate Zone
Sturnella|a genus of passerine birds including the meadowlarks
Sturnidae|Old World starlings
Sturnus|type genus of the Sturnidae;common starlings
Stuttgart|a city in southwestern Germany famous for innovative architecture
Stuyvesant|the last Dutch colonial administrator of New Netherland;in 1664 he was forced to surrender the colony to England (1592-1672)
sty|a pen for swine;an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
style|(botany) the narrow elongated part of the pistil between the ovary and the stigma;a particular kind (as to appearance) - "this style of shoe is in demand";a slender bristlelike or tubular process - "a cartilaginous style";editorial directions to be followed in spelling and punctuation and capitalization and typographical display
style sheet|a sheet summarizing the editorial conventions to be followed in preparing text for publication
stylet|small needlelike appendage;especially the feeding organ of a tardigrade
stylist|an artist who is a master of a particular style
stylite|an early Christian ascetic who lived on top of high pillars
stylization|the act of stylizing;causing to conform to a particular style
styloid process|extends from the base of the temporal bone
stylomastoid vein|a vein that drains the tympanic cavity and empties into the retromandibular vein
Stylomecon|one species;wind poppy
Stylophorum|wood poppies
stylopodium|an enlargement at the base of the style in some Umbelliferae
stylus|a pointed tool for writing or drawing or engraving - "he drew the design on the stencil with a steel stylus";a sharp pointed device attached to the cartridge of a record player
stymie|a situation in golf where an opponent's ball blocks the line between your ball and the hole;a thwarting and distressing situation
Styphelia|Australian heathlike shrubs
Styracaceae|a widely distributed family of shrubs and trees of order Ebenales
styracosaur|an unusual ceratopsian dinosaur having many large spikes around the edge of its bony frill and a long nose horn;late Cretaceous
styrax|any shrub or small tree of the genus Styrax having fragrant bell-shaped flowers that hang below the dark green foliage
styrene|a colorless oily liquid;the monomer for polystyrene
Styrofoam|a light resilient foam of polystyrene
Styron|United States writer best known for his novels (born in 1925)
Styx|(Greek mythology) a river in Hades across which Charon carried dead souls
suavity|the quality of being bland and gracious or ingratiating in manner
subacute bacterial endocarditis|a chronic bacterial infection of the endocardium and heart valves;symptoms develop slowly
subacute sclerosing panencephalitis|a rare chronic progressive encephalitis caused by the measles virus and occurring primarily in children and young adults;death usually occurs within three years;characterized by primary measles infection before the age of two years
subalpine larch|medium-sized larch of the Rocky Mountains;closely related to Larix occidentalis
subaltern|a British commissioned army officer below the rank of captain
subarachnoid space|a space in the meninges beneath the arachnoid membrane and above the pia mater that contains the cerebrospinal fluid
sub-assembly|a unit assembled separately but designed to fit with other units in a manufactured product
subbase|the lowest molding of an architectural base or of a baseboard
subbing|working as a substitute for someone who is ill or on leave of absence
subclass|(biology) a taxonomic category below a class and above an order
subclavian artery|either of two arteries that supply blood to the neck and arms
subclavian vein|a continuation of the axillary vein;joins the internal jugular to form the brachiocephalic vein
subclinical absence|a transient impairment of cortical function demonstrable only by 3-per-second brainwave spikes
subcommittee|a subset of committee members organized for a specific purpose
subcompact|a car smaller than a compact car
subconscious mind|psychic activity just below the level of awareness
subconsciousness|a state of mind not immediately available to consciousness
subcontinent|a large and distinctive landmass (as India or Greenland) that is a distinct part of some continent
subcontract|a contract assigning to another party some obligations of a prior contract
subcontractor|someone who enters into a subcontract with the primary contractor
subculture|a social group within a national culture that has distinctive patterns of behavior and beliefs
subcutaneous injection|an injection under the skin
subdata base|a subset of data in a database that are used in a specific application
subdeacon|a clergyman an order below deacon;one of the Holy Orders in the unreformed western Christian church and the eastern Catholic Churches but now suppressed in the Roman Catholic Church
subdirectory|(computer science) a directory that is listed in another directory
subdivider|someone who divides parts into smaller parts (especially a divider of land into building sites)
subdivision|an area composed of subdivided lots;the act of subdividing;division of something previously divided
subdominant|(music) the fourth note of the diatonic scale
subduction|a geological process in which one edge of a crustal plate is forced sideways and downward into the mantle below another plate
subduer|someone who overcomes and establishes ascendancy and control by force or persuasion
subeditor|an assistant editor
suberic acid|a dicarboxylic acid found in cork
subfamily|(biology) a taxonomic category below a family
subfigure|a figure that is a part of another figure
subgenus|(biology) taxonomic group between a genus and a species
subgenus Azalea|group of evergreen or deciduous shrubs formerly considered a separate genus;now included in the genus Rhododendron
subgenus Calliopsis|used in some classification systems for some plants of genus Coreopsis
subgroup|(mathematics) a subset (that is not empty) of a mathematical group;a distinct and often subordinate group within a group
subheading|a heading of a subdivision of a text
sub-interval|an interval that is included in another interval
subject|(grammar) one of the two main constituents of a sentence;the grammatical constituent about which something is predicated;(logic) the first term of a proposition;a person who is subjected to experimental or other observational procedures;someone who is an object of investigation - "the subjects for this investigation were selected randomly";something (a person or object or scene) selected by an artist or photographer for graphic representation - "a moving picture of a train is more dramatic than a still picture of the same subject";the subject matter of a conversation or discussion - "he didn't want to discuss that subject"
subjectivism|(philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge and value are dependent on and limited by your subjective experience;the quality of being subjective
subjectivist|a person who subscribes to subjectivism
subjectivity|judgment based on individual personal impressions and feelings and opinions rather than external facts
subjugation|forced submission to control by others
subjugator|a conqueror who defeats and enslaves
subjunctive mood|a mood that represents an act or state (not as a fact but) as contingent or possible
subkingdom|(biology) a taxonomic group comprising a major division of a kingdom
sublease|a lease from one lessee to another
sublieutenant|an officer ranking next below a lieutenant
sublimate|the product of vaporization of a solid
sublimation|(chemistry) a change directly from the solid to the gaseous state without becoming liquid;(psychology) modifying the natural expression of an impulse or instinct (especially a sexual one) to one that is socially acceptable
sublimity|nobility in thought or feeling or style
sublingual gland|a small salivary gland that produces mucin (the viscous component of saliva);in human beings it is located on either side of the mouth under the tongue
sublingual vein|a tributary of the lingual vein
subluxation|partial displacement of a joint or organ
submachine gun|machine gun that is a portable automatic firearm
submarine|a submersible warship usually armed with torpedoes
submarine ball|a pitch thrown sidearm instead of overhead
submarine torpedo|a torpedo designed to be launched from a submarine
submariner|a member of the crew of a submarine
submaxillary gland|a salivary gland inside the lower jaw on either side that produces most of the nocturnal saliva;discharges saliva into the mouth under the tongue
submediant|(music) the sixth note of a major or minor scale (or the third below the tonic)
submergence|sinking until covered completely with water
submersible|a warship designed to operate under water;an apparatus intended for use under water
submersion|the act of wetting something by submerging it
submission|(law) a contention presented by a lawyer to a judge or jury as part of the case he is arguing;a legal document summarizing an agreement between parties in a dispute to abide by the decision of an arbiter;an agreement between parties in a dispute to abide by the decision of an arbiter;something (manuscripts or architectural plans and models or estimates or works of art of all genres etc.) submitted for the judgment of others (as in a competition) - "several of his submissions were rejected by publishers" - "what was the date of submission of your proposal?";the act of submitting;usually surrendering power to another;the condition of having submitted to control by someone or something else - "the union was brought into submission" - "his submission to the will of God"
submissiveness|the trait of being willing to yield to the will of another person or a superior force etc.
submitter|someone who submits something (as an application for a job or a manuscript for publication etc.) for the judgment of others - "he was a prolific submitter of proposals";someone who yields to the will of another person or force
submucosa|the connective tissue beneath mucous membrane
subnormal|a person of less than normal intelligence
subnormality|the state of being less than normal (especially with respect to intelligence)
suborder|(biology) taxonomic group that is a subdivision of an order
suborder Ceratosaura|primitive saurischian dinosaurs
suborder Pachycephalosaurus|boneheaded dinosaurs;late Cretaceous
subordinate|an assistant subject to the authority or control of another
subordinate clause|a clause in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and that functions within the sentence as a noun or adjective or adverb
subordinateness|secondary importance
subordinating conjunction|a conjunction (like 'since' or 'that' or 'who') that introduces a dependent clause;the subordination that occurs when a conjunction makes one linguistic unit a constituent of another
subordination|the grammatical relation of a modifying word or phrase to its head;the quality of obedient submissiveness;the state of being subordinate to something
subornation|perjured testimony that someone was persuaded to give;underhandedly or improperly inducing someone to do something improper or unlawful
subornation of perjury|(law) inducing someone to make a false oath as part of a judicial proceeding
subpart|a part of a part
subphylum|(biology) a taxonomic group ranking between a phylum and a class
subpoena|a writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of a witness at a judicial proceeding;disobedience may be punishable as a contempt of court
subpoena duces tecum|a writ issued by a court at the request of one of the parties to a suit;it requires a witness to bring to court or to a deposition any relevant documents under the witness's control
subpopulation|a population that is part of a larger population
subrogation|(law) the act of substituting of one creditor for another
Sub-Saharan Africa|the region of Africa to the south of the Sahara Desert
subscriber|someone who contracts to receive and pay for a service or a certain number of issues of a publication;someone who contributes (or promises to contribute) a sum of money;someone who expresses strong approval
subscript|a character or symbol set or printed or written beneath or slightly below and to the side of another character
subscription|a payment for consecutive issues of a newspaper or magazine for a given period of time;a pledged contribution;agreement expressed by (or as if expressed by) signing your name;the act of signing your name;writing your signature (as on a document) - "the deed was attested by the subscription of his signature"
subscription right|the right of a shareholder in a company to subscribe to shares of a new issue of common stock before it is offered to the public
subscription warrant|a warrant that expires on a stipulated date
subsection|a section of a section;a part of a part;i.e., a part of something already divided
subservience|in a subservient state;the condition of being something that is useful in reaching an end or carrying out a plan - "all his actions were in subservience to the general plan"
subset|a set whose members are members of another set;a set contained within another set
subshrub|low-growing woody shrub or perennial with woody base
subsidiary company|a company that is completely controlled by another company
subsidiary ledger|details of an account supporting the amount stated in the general ledger
subsidization|money (or other benefits) obtained as a subsidy
subsidizer|someone who assists or supports by giving a subsidy
subsidy|a grant paid by a government to an enterprise that benefits the public - "a subsidy for research in artificial intelligence"
subsistence|a means of surviving - "farming is a hard means of subsistence";minimal (or marginal) resources for subsisting - "social security provided only a bare subsistence";the state of existing in reality;having substance
subsistence farming|farming that provides for the basic needs of the farmer without surpluses for marketing
subsoil|the layer of soil between the topsoil and bedrock
subspace|a space that is contained within another space
subspecies|(biology) a taxonomic group that is a division of a species;usually arises as a consequence of geographical isolation within a species
substance|a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties - "shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man";material of a particular kind or constitution - "the immune response recognizes invading substances";the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists - "DNA is the substance of our genes"
substance abuse|excessive use of drugs
substantia nigra|a layer of deeply pigmented grey matter in the midbrain;associated with the striate body;is involved in metabolic disturbances associated with Parkinson's disease and with Huntington's disease
substantiality|the quality of being substantial or having substance
substantive|any word or group of words functioning as a noun
substation|a subsidiary station where electricity is transformed for distribution by a low-voltage network
substitute|a person or thing that takes or can take the place of another;an athlete who plays only when a starter on the team is replaced
substitution|an event in which one thing is substituted for another;the act of putting one thing or person in the place of another - "he sent Smith in for Jones but the substitution came too late to help"
substitution class|the class of all items that can be substituted into the same position (or slot) in a grammatical sentence (are in paradigmatic relation with one another)
substrate|a surface on which an organism grows or is attached - "the gardener talked about the proper substrate for acid-loving plants";an indigenous language that contributes features to the language of an invading people who impose their language on the indigenous population - "the Celtic languages of Britain are a substrate for English";any stratum or layer lying underneath another;the substance that is acted upon by an enzyme or ferment
substring|a string that is part of a longer string
subsumption|incorporating something under a more general category
subsystem|a system that is part of some larger system
subterfuge|something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity - "he wasn't sick--it was just a subterfuge"
sub-test|one of a battery of related tests
subthalamic nucleus|an oval mass of grey matter located in the caudal part of the subthalamus;associated with the striate body
subthalamus|the ventral part of the thalamus
subtilin|a polypeptide antibiotic (similar to bacitracin) obtained from a soil bacterium
subtitle|secondary or explanatory title;translation of foreign dialogue of a movie or TV program;usually displayed at the bottom of the screen
subtlety|the quality of being difficult to detect or analyze - "you had to admire the subtlety of the distinctions he drew"
subtonic|(music) the seventh note of the diatonic scale
subtopia|monotonous urban sprawl of standardized buildings
subtotal|the sum of part of a group of numbers
subtracter|a machine that subtracts numbers;a person who subtracts numbers
subtraction|an arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated - "the subtraction of three from four leaves one";the act of subtracting (removing a part from the whole) - "he complained about the subtraction of money from their paychecks"
subtrahend|the number to be subtracted from the minuend
subtreasury|a subordinate treasury or place of deposit
subtropics|regions adjacent to the tropics
Subularia|small genus of herbs of north temperate regions and mountains of tropical Africa
suburb|a residential district located on the outskirts of a city
suburbanite|a resident of a suburb
suburbia|suburbanites considered as a cultural class or subculture
subvention|grant of financial aid as from a government to an educational institution;the act or process of providing aid or help of any sort
subversion|the act of subverting;as overthrowing or destroying a legally constituted government
subvocalizer|someone who articulates speech without uttering sounds
subway fare|the fare charged for riding a subway train
subway station|a terminal where subways load and unload passengers
subway token|a token that is used to pay for entry to the subway system
subway train|a train that runs in a subway system
subwoofer|a loudspeaker that is designed to reproduce very low bass frequencies
succedaneum|(medicine) something that can be used as a substitute (especially any medicine that may be taken in place of another)
success|a state of prosperity or fame - "he is enjoying great success" - "he does not consider wealth synonymous with success";an attainment that is successful - "his success in the marathon was unexpected" - "his new play was a great success";an event that accomplishes its intended purpose - "let's call heads a success and tails a failure" - "the election was a remarkable success for the Whigs"
succession|(ecology) the gradual and orderly process of change in an ecosystem brought about by the progressive replacement of one community by another until a stable climax is established;a group of people or things arranged or following in order - "a succession of stalls offering soft drinks" - "a succession of failures";acquisition of property by descent or by will;the action of following in order
successor|a person who follows next in order - "he was President Lincoln's successor";a person who inherits some title or office;a thing or person that immediately replaces something or someone
succinic acid|a dicarboxylic acid (C4H6O4) active in metabolic processes
succinylcholine|a muscle relaxant for striated muscle that is used as an adjunct to anesthesia during certain surgical procedures
succorer|someone who gives help in times of need or distress or difficulty
succotash|fresh corn and lima beans with butter or cream
Succoth|a major Jewish festival beginning on the eve of the 15th of Tishri and commemorating the shelter of the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness
succubus|a female demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men
succulence|a juicy appetizingness
succulent|a plant adapted to arid conditions and characterized by fleshy water-storing tissues that act as water reservoirs
succussion|shaking a person to determine whether a large amount of liquid is present in a body cavity
sucker|a drinker who sucks (as at a nipple or through a straw);a shoot arising from a plant's roots;an organ specialized for sucking nourishment or for adhering to objects by suction;flesh of any of numerous North American food fishes with toothless jaws;mostly North American freshwater fishes with a thick-lipped mouth for feeding by suction;related to carps
sucker punch|an unexpected punch
sucking|the act of sucking
sucking pig|an unweaned piglet
suckling|a young mammal that has not been weaned;feeding an infant by giving suck at the breast;English poet and courtier (1609-1642)
suckling reflex|reflex behavior in newborn mammals;includes finding and grasping the nipple in the mouth and sucking on it and swallowing the milk
sucralfate|medicine consisting of a tablet (trade name Carafate) used to treat peptic ulcers;said to bind to the ulcer site and coat it
sucre|the basic unit of money in Ecuador;equal to 100 centavos;the judicial capital and seat of the judiciary in Bolivia
sucrose|a complex carbohydrate found in many plants and used as a sweetening agent
suction|a force over an area produced by a pressure difference
suction cup|a cup-shaped device (made of rubber, glass, or plastic) that produces a partial vacuum;used to adhere or draw something to a surface
suction curettage|a method of induced abortion;prior to the 14th week of gestation the embryo and placenta are removed by applying suction to the dilated cervix
suction pump|a pump for raising fluids by suction
suction stop|a stop consonant made by the suction of air into the mouth (as in Bantu)
Sudan|a region of northern Africa to the south of the Sahara and Libyan deserts;extends from the Atlantic to the Red Sea;a republic in northeastern Africa on the Red Sea;achieved independence from Egypt and the United Kingdom in 1956
Sudanese|a native or inhabitant of Sudan
Sudanese monetary unit|monetary unit in the Sudan
Sudanese pound|the basic unit of money in the Sudan;equal to 100 piasters
sudatorium|a bathhouse for hot air baths or steam baths
Sudbury|a city in south central Canada in Ontario;a major nickel mining center
sudden death|(sports) overtime in which play is stopped as soon as one contestant scores;e.g. football and golf
sudden infant death syndrome|sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep
sudoku|a number puzzle in which the numbers 1 through 9 must be placed into a grid of cells so that each row or column contains only one of each number
sudorific|a medicine that causes or increases sweating
sudra|the lowest of the four varnas;the servants and workers of low status
suds|a dysphemism for beer (especially for lager that effervesces)
Sue|French writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
suede|leather with a napped surface
suede cloth|a fabric made to resemble suede leather
suer|someone who petitions a court for redress of a grievance or recovery of a right
suet|hard fat around the kidneys and loins in beef and sheep
suet pudding|a sweet or savory pudding made with suet and steamed or boiled
Suez|a city in northeastern Egypt at the head of the Gulf of Suez and at the southern end of the Suez Canal
Suez Canal|a ship canal in northeastern Egypt linking the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea
sufferance|patient endurance especially of pain or distress
suffering|feelings of mental or physical pain;misery resulting from affliction
sufficiency|sufficient resources to provide comfort and meet obligations - "her father questioned the young suitor's sufficiency";the quality of being sufficient for the end in view - "he questioned the sufficiency of human intelligence"
suffix|an affix that is added at the end of the word
suffixation|formation of a word by means of a suffix
suffocation|killing by depriving of oxygen;the condition of being deprived of oxygen (as by having breathing stopped)
suffragan|an assistant or subordinate bishop of a diocese
suffragette|a woman advocate of women's right to vote (especially a militant advocate in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the 20th century)
suffragism|the belief that the right to vote should be extended (as to women)
suffragist|an advocate of the extension of voting rights (especially to women)
Sufi|a Muslim who represents the mystical dimension of Islam;a Muslim who seeks direct experience of Allah;mainly in Iran
Sufism|Islamic mysticism
sugar|a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative
sugar beet|form of the common beet having a sweet white root from which sugar is obtained;white-rooted beet grown as a source of sugar
sugar bowl|a dish in which sugar is served
sugar candy|made by boiling pure sugar until it hardens
sugar cookie|cookies sprinkled with granulated sugar
sugar daddy|a wealthy older man who gives a young person expensive gifts in return for friendship or intimacy
sugar maple|maple of eastern and central North America having three-lobed to five-lobed leaves and hard close-grained wood much used for cabinet work especially the curly-grained form;sap is chief source of maple syrup and maple sugar;many subspecies
sugar palm|Malaysian feather palm with base densely clothed with fibers;yields a sweet sap used in wine and trunk pith yields sago
sugar refinery|a refinery for sugar
sugar snap pea|green peas with edible pods that are very crisp and not flat;variety of pea plant producing peas having crisp rounded edible pods
sugar spoon|a spoon for serving sugar;often made in the shape of a seashell
sugar syrup|sugar and water and sometimes corn syrup boiled together;used as sweetening especially in drinks
sugar water|water sweetened with sugar
sugarberry|deciduous shade tree with small black berries;southern United States;yields soft yellowish wood;small edible dark purple to black berry with large pits;southern United States
sugar-bush|evergreen shrub of southeastern United States with spikes of reddish yellow flowers and glandular hairy fruits
sugarcane|juicy canes whose sap is a source of molasses and commercial sugar;fresh canes are sometimes chewed for the juice;tall tropical southeast Asian grass having stout fibrous jointed stalks;sap is a chief source of sugar
sugariness|the sweetness of sugar
sugarloaf|a large conical loaf of concentrated refined sugar
sugarplum|any of various small sugary candies
suggester|someone who advances a suggestion or proposal - "the suggester of this absurd strategy was a fool"
suggestibility|susceptibility or responsiveness to suggestion
suggestion|a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection - "it was a suggestion we couldn't refuse";an idea that is suggested - "the picnic was her suggestion";persuasion formulated as a suggestion;the sequential mental process in which one thought leads to another by association
Suharto|Indonesian statesman who seized power from Sukarno in 1967 (born in 1921)
suicide|a person who kills himself intentionally;the act of killing yourself - "it is a crime to commit suicide"
suicide bomber|a terrorist who blows himself up in order to kill or injure other people
suicide bombing|a terrorist bombing carried out by someone who does not hope to survive it
suicide mission|killing or injuring others while annihilating yourself;usually accomplished with a bomb
suicide pact|an agreement by two or more people to commit suicide together at a given place and time - "the two lovers killed themselves in a suicide pact"
suicide pill|a poison pill with potentially catastrophic implications for the company it is intended to protect
suicide squeeze play|the runner on third base starts home as the pitcher delivers the ball
Suidae|pigs;hogs;boars
Suillus|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Boletaceae
Suillus albivelatus|a short squat edible fungus with a reddish brown cap and white stalk;fruits under pines in the spring
suit|(slang) a businessman dressed in a business suit - "all the suits care about is the bottom line";a petition or appeal made to a person of superior status or rank;a set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color - "they buried him in his best suit";playing card in any of four sets of 13 cards in a pack;each set has its own symbol and color - "a flush is five cards in the same suit" - "in bridge you must follow suit" - "what suit is trumps?"
suitability|the quality of having the properties that are right for a specific purpose - "an important requirement is suitability for long trips"
suite|a matching set of furniture;a musical composition of several movements only loosely connected;apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
suiting|a fabric used for suits
suitor|a man who courts a woman
Sukarno|Indonesian statesman who obtained the independence of Indonesia from the Netherlands in 1949 and served as president until ousted by Suharto in a coup d'etat (1901-1970)
sukiyaki|thin beef strips (or chicken or pork) cooked briefly at the table with onions and greens and soy sauce
suksdorfia|any of several American plants of the genus Suksdorfia having orbicular to kidney-shaped somewhat succulent leaves and white or rose or violet flowers in terminal panicles
Sukur|a Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad
Sula|type genus of the Sulidae
sulcus|(anatomy) any of the narrow grooves in an organ or tissue especially those that mark the convolutions on the surface of the brain
sulfa drug|antibacterial consisting of any of several synthetic organic compounds capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria that require PABA
sulfacetamide|a topical sulfonamide (trade name Sulamyd) used to treat eye infections
sulfadiazine|a sulfa drug used in treating meningitis and pneumonia and other infections
sulfamethazine|a sulfa drug used like sulfadiazine and also in veterinary medicine
sulfamethoxazole|a sulfonamide (trade name Gantanol) used to treat infections (especially infections of the urinary tract)
sulfanilamide|a white odorless crystalline sulfa drug;the parent compound of most of the sulfa drugs
sulfanilic acid|a crystalline acid made from aniline and used as a dye
sulfapyridine|sulfa drug derived from pyridine and sulfanilamide
sulfate|a salt or ester of sulphuric acid
sulfide|a compound of sulphur and some other element that is more electropositive
sulfisoxazole|a sulfonamide (trade name Gantrisin) used to treat infections of the urinary tract
sulfonate|a salt of sulphonic acid
sulfonic acid|an acid derived from sulphuric acid
sulfonylurea|antidiabetic consisting of any of several drugs that reduce the level of glucose in the blood;used to treat diabetes mellitus
sulfur|an abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element;best known in yellow crystals;occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions)
sulfur dioxide|a colorless toxic gas (SO2) that occurs in the gases from volcanoes;used in many manufacturing processes and present in industrial emissions;causes acid rain
sulfur hexafluoride|a colorless gas that is soluble in alcohol and ether;a powerful greenhouse gas widely used in the electrical utility industry
sulfur oxide|any of several oxides of sulphur
sulfur paintbrush|plant of moist highland meadows having ragged clusters of pale yellow flowers
Sulidae|gannets and boobies
sulindac|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Clinoril)
sulk|a mood or display of sullen aloofness or withdrawal - "stayed home in a sulk"
sulkiness|a feeling of sulky resentment;a sullen moody resentful disposition
sulky|a light two-wheeled vehicle for one person;drawn by one horse
Sulla|Roman general and dictator (138-78 BC)
Sullivan|English composer of operettas who collaborated with the librettist William Gilbert (1842-1900);United States architect known for his steel framed skyscrapers and for coining the phrase 'form follows function' (1856-1924);United States educator who was the teacher and lifelong companion of Helen Keller (1866-1936);United States host on a well known television variety show (1902-1974);United States psychiatrist (1892-1949)
Sully|French statesman (1560-1641);United States painter (born in England) of portraits and historical scenes (1783-1872)
sulphur butterfly|any of numerous yellow or orange butterflies
sulphur mine|a mine where sulphur is dug from the ground
sulphur-crested cockatoo|white cockatoo with a yellow erectile crest
sultan|the ruler of a Muslim country (especially of the former Ottoman Empire)
sultana|pale yellow seedless grape used for raisins and wine
sultanate|country or territory ruled by a sultan
sultriness|oppressively hot and humid weather;the quality of expressing or arousing sexual desire - "the sultriness of her look was unmistakable" - "the sultriness of lust was in the air"
sum|a quantity obtained by the addition of a group of numbers;a quantity of money - "he borrowed a large sum";the final aggregate - "the sum of all our troubles did not equal the misery they suffered";the whole amount
sumac|a shrub or tree of the genus Rhus (usually limited to the non-poisonous members of the genus);wood of a sumac
Sumatra|a mountainous island in western Indonesia
Sumatran|a native or inhabitant of Sumatra
Sumer|an area in the southern region of Babylonia in present-day Iraq;site of the Sumerian civilization of city-states that flowered during the third millennium BC
Sumerian|a member of a people who inhabited ancient Sumer
Sumerology|the archeology of ancient Sumerians
summarization|the act of preparing a summary (or an instance thereof);stating briefly and succinctly
summary|a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form - "he gave a summary of the conclusions"
summary judgment|a judgment rendered by the court prior to a verdict because no material issue of fact exists and one party or the other is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law
summation|(physiology) the process whereby multiple stimuli can produce a response (in a muscle or nerve or other part) that one stimulus alone does not produce;a concluding summary (as in presenting a case before a law court);the arithmetic operation of summing;calculating the sum of two or more numbers - "the summation of four and three gives seven"
summer|the period of finest development, happiness, or beauty - "the golden summer of his life";the warmest season of the year;in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox - "they spent a lazy summer at the shore"
summer cypress|densely branched Eurasian plant;foliage turns purple-red in autumn
summer flounder|flounder of eastern coast of North America
summer house|a country house (usually located in the country) that provides a cool place to live in the summer
summer hyacinth|southern African herb with white bell-shaped flowers
summer savory|erect annual herb with oval leaves and pink flowers;used to flavor e.g. meats or soups or salads;southeastern Europe and naturalized elsewhere;herb with delicately flavored leaves with many uses
summer school|an academic session during the summer;usually for remedial or supplementary study
summer solstice|June 21, when the sun is at its northernmost point
summer squash|any of various fruits of the gourd family that mature during the summer;eaten while immature and before seeds and rind harden;any of various usually bushy plants producing fruit that is eaten while immature and before the rind or seeds harden
summer stock|theatrical productions performed by a stock company during the summer
summer tanager|of middle and southern United States;male is deep rose-red the female mostly yellow
summercaters|(Maine colloquial) temporary summer residents of coastal Maine
summit|a meeting of heads of governments
summons|a writ issued by authority of law;usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit;failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant;an order to appear in person at a given place and time
summum bonum|the supreme good in which all moral values are included or from which they are derived
Sumner|United States sociologist (1840-1910)
sumo|a Japanese form of wrestling;you lose if you are forced out of a small ring or if any part of your body (other than your feet) touches the ground
sumo ring|the circular ring in which Sumo wrestlers compete
sumo wrestler|a wrestler who participates in sumo (a Japanese form of wrestling) - "sumo wrestlers are large heavy men"
sump|a well or other hole in which water has collected;an oil reservoir in an internal combustion engine
sump pump|a suction pump for removing liquid from a sump
sumpsimus|a correct expression that takes the place of a popular but incorrect expression - "he preferred his erroneous but pleasing mumpsimus to the correct sumpsimus"
sun|a person considered as a source of warmth or energy or glory etc;any star around which a planetary system revolves;the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system - "the sun contains 99.85% of the mass in the solar system"
sun bathing|immersing the body in sunlight
Sun City|a residential suburb of Phoenix
sun dance|a ceremonial dance performed by Amerindians at the summer solstice
sun deck|an unroofed deck
sun gear|the central gear in an epicyclic train
sun god|a god that personifies the sun or is otherwise associated with the sun
sun parlor|a room enclosed largely with glass and affording exposure to the sun
sun pitcher|any of several herbs of Guiana highlands having racemes of nodding white or pink flowers;trap and digest insects in pitcher-shaped leaves with spoon-shaped caps
sun protection factor|the degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun
Sun River|a river in western Montana that flows south and east to join the Missouri River
sun spurge|not unattractive European weed whose flowers turn toward the sun
sun tea|tea made by exposing tea leaves steeped in water to the direct rays of the sun;usually served with ice
Sun Valley|a winter sports resort in south central Idaho
sun visor|a shade (sometimes of green mica) affixed above the windshield of an automobile
sun worshiper|someone who worships the sun
Sun Yat-sen|Chinese statesman who organized the Kuomintang and led the revolution that overthrew the Manchu dynasty in 1911 and 1912 (1866-1925)
sunbather|someone who basks in the sunshine in order to get a suntan
sunbeam|a ray of sunlight
Sunbelt|states in the south and southwest that have a warm climate and tend to be politically conservative
sunbonnet|a large bonnet that shades the face;worn by girls and women
sunburn|redness of the skin caused by exposure to the rays of the sun
sunburst|a design consisting of a central disk resembling the sun and rays emanating from it;a jeweled brooch with a pattern resembling the sun;a sudden emergence of the sun from behind clouds
sunburst pleat|knife pleat cut on the bias to produce a flared effect
Sunda Islands|a chain of islands in the western Malay Archipelago
Sundacarpus|one species
Sundacarpus amara|a large fast-growing monoecious tropical evergreen tree having large glossy lanceolate leaves;of rain forests of Sumatra and Philippines to northern Queensland
Sundanese|the Indonesian language spoken in the Lesser Sunda Islands
Sunday|first day of the week;observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians;United States evangelist (1862-1935)
Sunday best|the best attire you have which is worn to church on Sunday
Sunday school|school meeting on Sundays for religious instruction
Sunderland|a port and industrial city in northeastern England
sundew|any of various bog plants of the genus Drosera having leaves covered with sticky hairs that trap and digest insects;cosmopolitan in distribution
sundial|timepiece that indicates the daylight hours by the shadow that the gnomon casts on a calibrated dial
sundowner|a drink taken at sundown;a tramp who habitually arrives at sundown
sundress|a light loose sleeveless summer dress with a wide neckline and thin shoulder straps that expose the arms and shoulders
sundries|miscellaneous objects too numerous or too small to be specified
sundrops|a day-flowering biennial or perennial of the genus Oenothera
sunfish|small carnivorous freshwater percoid fishes of North America usually having a laterally compressed body and metallic luster;crappies;black bass;bluegills;pumpkinseed;the lean flesh of any of numerous American perch-like fishes of the family Centrarchidae
sunflower|any plant of the genus Helianthus having large flower heads with dark disk florets and showy yellow rays
sunflower oil|oil from sunflower seeds
sunflower seed|edible seed of sunflowers;used as food and poultry feed and as a source of oil
Sung|the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279;noted for art and literature and philosophy
sunglass|a convex lens that focuses the rays of the sun;used to start a fire
sunglasses|spectacles that are darkened or polarized to protect the eyes from the glare of the sun
sunhat|a hat with a broad brim that protects the face from direct exposure to the sun
sunk fence|a ditch with one side being a retaining wall;used to divide lands without defacing the landscape
sunken arch|an instep flattened so the entire sole rests on the ground
sunken garden|a garden set below the level of the ground surrounding it
sunlamp|a mercury-vapor lamp used in medical or cosmetic treatments
sunlight|the rays of the sun
Sunnah|(Islam) the way of life prescribed as normative for Muslims on the basis of the teachings and practices of Muhammad and interpretations of the Koran
Sunni|one of the two main branches of orthodox Islam
sunniness|lightness created by sunlight
Sunnite|a member of the branch of Islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad
sunray|a ray of artificial ultraviolet light from a sunray lamp;herb having a basal cluster of grey-green leaves and leafless stalks each with a solitary broad yellow flower head;desert areas Idaho to Arizona
sunrise|atmospheric phenomena accompanying the daily appearance of the sun;the daily event of the sun rising above the horizon
sunrise industry|a new industry that is expanding rapidly (especially telecommunications or electronics)
sunroof|an automobile roof having a sliding or raisable panel - "'sunshine-roof' is a British term for 'sunroof'"
sunscreen|a cream spread on the skin;contains a chemical (as PABA) to filter out ultraviolet light and so protect from sunburn
sunset|atmospheric phenomena accompanying the daily disappearance of the sun;the daily event of the sun sinking below the horizon;the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
sunspot|a cooler darker spot appearing periodically on the sun's photosphere;associated with a strong magnetic field
sunstone|a translucent quartz spangled with bits of mica or other minerals
sunstroke|sudden prostration due to exposure to the sun or excessive heat
sunsuit|a child's garment consisting of a brief top and shorts
suntrap|a terrace or garden oriented to take advantage of the sun while protected from cold winds
super heavyweight|an amateur boxer who weighs more than 201 pounds
superannuation|the act of discharging someone because of age (especially to cause someone to retire from service on a pension)
superbug|a strain of bacteria that is resistant to all antibiotics;a strain of pest accidentally imported into Florida from the Middle East then spread to California where it is a very serious pest feeding on almost all vegetable crops and poinsettias
supercargo|an officer on a merchant ship in charge of the cargo and its sale and purchase
supercharger|compressor that forces increased oxygen into the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine
superclass|(biology) a taxonomic class below a phylum and above a class
superclass Myriapoda|used in some classifications to encompass the millipedes (Diplopoda) and centipedes (Chilopoda);formerly a large taxon including also the Pauropoda and Symphyla;the term Myriapoda now usually used synonymously with Diplopoda and limited to the millipedes
supercomputer|a mainframe computer that is one of the most powerful available at a given time
superconducting supercollider|a collider that operates at very low temperatures
superconductivity|the disappearance of electrical resistance at very low temperatures
superego|(psychoanalysis) that part of the unconscious mind that acts as a conscience
supererogation|an effort above and beyond the call of duty
superfamily|(biology) a taxonomic group ranking below an order but above a family
superfecta|a bet that you can pick the first four finishers in a race in the right order
superfecundation|fertilization of two or more ova released during the same menstrual cycle by sperm from separate acts of coitus (especially by different males)
superfetation|fertilization of a second ovum after a pregnancy has begun;results in two fetuses of different ages in the uterus at the same time - "superfetation is normal in some animal species"
superficial epigastric vein|empties into the great saphenous vein
superficial middle cerebral vein|a large vein along the line of the Sylvian fissure to the cavernous sinus
superficial temporal vein|join the middle temporal vein to empty into the retromandibular vein
superficiality|lack of depth of knowledge or thought or feeling;shallowness in terms of affecting only surface layers of something - "he ignored the wound because of its superficiality"
superficies|outer surface of an area or a body;the purely external aspect of a thing;superficial appearance - "the audience was held by the substance of the play rather than by the superficies of the production"-R.W.Speaight
Superfund program|the federal government's program to locate and investigate and clean up the worst uncontrolled and abandoned toxic waste sites nationwide;administered by the Environmental Protection Agency
supergiant|an extremely bright star of very large diameter and low density
supergrass|a police informer who implicates many people
superhigh frequency|3 to 30 gigahertz
superhighway|an extensive electronic network (such as the internet) used for the rapid transfer of sound and video and graphics in digital form
superinfection|infection that occurs while you are being treated for another infection
superintendent|a caretaker for an apartment house;represents the owner as janitor and rent collector
Superior|a town in northwest Wisconsin on Lake Superior across from Duluth;one of greater rank or station or quality;the head of a religious community
superior alveolar artery|the alveolar artery that supplies the upper teeth
superior cerebellar artery|the superior branch of the cerebellar artery
superior cerebral vein|a cerebral vein that drains the dorsal convexity of the cerebral hemisphere and empties into the cavernous sinus
superior colliculus|an essential visual center between the retina and the striate cortex
superior conjunction|(astronomy) the alignment of the Earth and a planet on the opposite side of the sun
superior court|any court that has jurisdiction above an inferior court
superior epigastric veins|veins that accompany the superior epigastric artery
superior labial artery|an artery that is a branch of the facial artery that supplies the upper lip
superior labial vein|a tributary of the facial vein that drains the upper lip
superior mesenteric artery|originates from the upper part of the aorta that supplies the small intestines and the cecum and the colon
superior ophthalmic vein|a vein that begins at the inner angle of the eye socket and passes through the superior orbital fissure to empty into the cavernous sinus
superior planet|any of the planets whose orbit lies outside the earth's orbit
superior pulmonary vein|either of two pulmonary veins (left and right) returning blood from the superior lobes of the lungs
superior rectus muscle|the ocular muscle whose contraction turns the eyeball upward and medially
superior skill|more than ordinary ability
superior thalamostriate vein|a long vein that helps to form the internal cerebral vein
superior thyroid vein|a vein on each side that drains the upper part of the thyroid and empties into the internal jugular vein
superior vena cava|receives blood from the head and arms and chest and empties into the right atrium of the heart;formed from the azygos and both brachiocephalic veins
superiority|displaying a sense of being better than others - "he hated the white man's superiority and condescension";the quality of being at a competitive advantage;the quality of being superior
superiority complex|an exaggerated estimate of your own value and importance
superlative|an exaggerated expression (usually of praise) - "the critics lavished superlatives on it";the superlative form of an adjective or adverb - "'fastest' is the superlative of the adjective 'fast'" - "'least famous' is the superlative degree of the adjective 'famous'" - "'most surely' is the superlative of the adverb 'surely'"
supermarket|a large self-service grocery store selling groceries and dairy products and household goods
supermarketer|an operator of a supermarket
supermodel|a fashion model who has attained the status of a celebrity
supermom|an informal term for a mother who can combine childcare and full-time employment
supernatant|the clear liquid that lies above a sediment or precipitate
supernatural|supernatural forces and events and beings collectively - "She doesn't believe in the supernatural"
supernaturalism|a belief in forces beyond ordinary human understanding;the quality of being attributed to power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces
supernova|a star that explodes and becomes extremely luminous in the process
supernumerary|a minor actor in crowd scenes;a person serving no apparent function
superorder|(biology) a taxonomic group ranking above an order and below a class or subclass
superoxide|a metallic oxide containing the univalent anion O2-;the univalent anion O2- - "much of the O2 supporting cellular respiration is reduced to the superoxide anion O2-"
superoxide dismutase|an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen - "oxygen free radicals are normally removed in our bodies by the superoxide dismutase enzymes"
superphylum|(biology) a taxonomic group ranking between a phylum and below a class or subclass
superposition|(geology) the deposition of one geological stratum on another;(geometry) the placement of one object ideally in the position of another one in order to show that the two coincide;the placement of one thing on top of another
superscript|a character or symbol set or printed or written above and immediately to one side of another character
superscription|an inscription written above something else;the activity of superscribing
supersedure|act of replacing one person or thing by another especially one held to be superior
superstition|an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
superstrate|any stratum or layer superimposed on another;the language of a later invading people that is imposed on an indigenous population and contributes features to their language
superstring|a hypothetical particle that is the elementary particle in a theory of space-time
superstructure|structure consisting of the part of a ship above the main deck
supersymmetry|(physics) a theory that tries to link the four fundamental forces - "according to supersymmetry each force emerged separately during the big bang"
supertanker|the largest class of oil tankers
supertitle|translation of the words of a foreign opera (or choral work) projected on a screen above the stage
supertonic|(music) the second note of a diatonic scale
supertwister|the most powerful tornado which can create enormously devastating damage - "supertwisters are fortunately rare"
supervention|a following on in addition
supervision|management by overseeing the performance or operation of a person or group
supervisor|one who supervises or has charge and direction of
supervisory program|a program that controls the execution of other programs
supervisory routine|a routine that coordinates the operation of subroutines
supervisory software|specialized programs that reside permanently in the computer's main memory and control the processing of user's programs
supination|rotation of the hands and forearms so that the palms face upward
supinator|a muscle (especially in the forearm) that produces or assists in supination
supper|a light evening meal;served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime;a social gathering where a light evening meal is served - "her suppers often included celebrities"
supper club|usually a small luxurious nightclub
supping|ingestion of liquid food with a spoon or by drinking
supplanting|act of taking the place of another especially using underhanded tactics
supplejack|walking stick made from the wood of an American tropical vine
supplement|a quantity added (e.g. to make up for a deficiency)
supplementary benefit|benefits paid to bring incomes up to minimum levels established by law
supplementation|the act of supplementing
supplication|a humble request for help from someone in authority
supplier|someone whose business is to supply a particular service or commodity
supply|an amount of something available for use;offering goods and services for sale
supply chamber|a mechanical device for holding something and supplying it as needed
supply closet|a closet for storing supplies
supply line|a route over which supplies can be delivered
supply officer|a commissioned officer responsible for logistics
supply-side economics|the school of economic theory that stresses the costs of production as a means of stimulating the economy;advocates policies that raise capital and labor output by increasing the incentive to produce
support|a military operation (often involving new supplies of men and materiel) to strengthen a military force or aid in the performance of its mission - "they called for artillery support";aiding the cause or policy or interests of - "the president no longer has the support of his own party" - "they developed a scheme of mutual support";any device that bears the weight of another thing - "there was no place to attach supports for a shelf";financial resources provided to make some project possible - "the foundation provided support for the experiment";something providing immaterial assistance to a person or cause or interest - "the policy found little public support" - "his faith was all the support he needed" - "the team enjoyed the support of their fans";supporting structure that holds up or provides a foundation - "the statue stood on a marble support";the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening - "he leaned against the wall for support";the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities - "his support kept the family together" - "they gave him emotional support during difficult times";the financial means whereby one lives - "he applied to the state for support"
support column|a column that supports a heavy weight
support hose|elasticized stocking intended to reduce pressure on the veins of the leg (as in case of varicose veins)
support level|(stock market) the price at which a certain security becomes attractive to investors
support payment|a payment made by one person for the support of another
support system|a network of facilities and people who interact and remain in informal communication for mutual assistance;a network that enables you to live in a certain style
supporter|a person who backs a politician or a team etc. - "all their supporters came out for the game"
supporting fire|fire delivered by supporting units to protect or assist a unit in combat
supporting structure|a structure that serves to support something
supporting tower|a tower that serves to support something
supposition|the cognitive process of supposing
suppository|a small plug of medication designed for insertion into the rectum or vagina where it melts
suppressant|a drug that suppresses appetite
suppression|forceful prevention;putting down by power or authority - "the suppression of heresy";the act of withholding or withdrawing some book or writing from publication or circulation - "a suppression of the newspaper";the failure to develop some part or organ
suppressive fire|fire on or about a weapon system to degrade its performance below what is needed to fulfill its mission objectives
suppressor|a gene that suppresses the phenotypic expression of another gene (especially of a mutant gene);an electrical device for suppressing unwanted currents;someone who suppresses - "dictators are suppressors of free speech"
supra expressionism|a movement that tried to go beyond expressionism
suprainfection|secondary infection caused by an opportunistic infection
supraorbital ridge|a ridge on the frontal bone above the eye socket
supraorbital vein|drains the front of the scalp;unites with the supratrochlear vein to form the angular vein
supratrochlear vein|drains the front of the scalp;unites with the supraorbital vein to form the angular vein
supremacism|the belief that some particular group or race is superior to all others - "white supremacism"
supremacist|a person who advocates the supremacy of some particular group or race over all others
suprematism|a geometric abstractionist movement originated by Kazimir Malevich in Russia that influenced constructivism
suprematist|an artist of the school of suprematism
Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic|commanding officer of ACLANT;a general of the United States Army nominated by the President of the United States and approved by the North Atlantic Council
Supreme Allied Commander Europe|commanding officer of ACE;NATO's senior military commander in Europe
supreme court|the highest court in most states of the United States;the highest federal court in the United States;has final appellate jurisdiction and has jurisdiction over all other courts in the nation
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe|the supreme headquarters that advises NATO on military matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command Europe
supremo|the most important person in an organization
Sur|a port in southern Lebanon on the Mediterranean Sea;formerly a major Phoenician seaport famous for silks
sura|one of the sections (or chapters) in the Koran - "the Quran is divided in 114 suras"
surbase|the molding or border above the base of a structure (a pedestal or podium or wall)
surcharge|an additional charge (as for items previously omitted or as a penalty for failure to exercise common caution or common skill)
surcoat|a loose outer coat usually of rich material;a tunic worn over a knight's armor
surd|a consonant produced without sound from the vocal cords
sureness|the quality of being steady and unfailing - "sureness of hand"
surety|something clearly established
surf|waves breaking on the shore
surf casting|casting (artificial) bait far out into the ocean (up to 200 yards) with the waves breaking around you
surface|a superficial aspect as opposed to the real nature of something - "it was not what it appeared to be on the surface";the extended two-dimensional outer boundary of a three-dimensional object - "they skimmed over the surface of the water" - "a brush small enough to clean every dental surface" - "the sun has no distinct surface";the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary - "there is a special cleaner for these surfaces" - "the cloth had a pattern of red dots on a white surface";the outermost level of the land or sea - "earthquakes originate far below the surface" - "three quarters of the Earth's surface is covered by water"
surface chemistry|the branch of chemistry that studies processes occurring at interfaces between phases (especially those between liquid and gas)
surface fire|a forest fire that burns only the surface litter and undergrowth
surface gauge|gauge consisting of a scriber mounted on an adjustable stand;used to test the accuracy of plane surfaces
surface lift|a ski tow that pulls skiers up a slope without lifting them off the ground
surface mail|mail that is sent by land or sea
surface noise|noise produced by the friction of the stylus of a record player moving over the rotating record
surface search radar|a naval radar to search for surface targets
surface ship|a warship that operates on the surface of the water
surface tension|a phenomenon at the surface of a liquid caused by intermolecular forces
surface-to-air missile|a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
surface-to-air missile system|the shipboard system that fires missiles at aircraft
surfacing|emerging to the surface and becoming apparent
surfbird|sandpiper-like shorebird of Pacific coasts of North America and South America
surfboard|a narrow buoyant board for riding surf
surfboat|a boat that can be launched or landed in heavy surf
surfeit|the state of being more than full
surfer|someone who engages in surfboarding
surfing|the sport of riding a surfboard toward the shore on the crest of a wave
surfperch|small to medium-sized shallow-water fishes of the Pacific coast of North America
surge|a sudden or abrupt strong increase - "stimulated a surge of speculation" - "an upsurge of emotion" - "an upsurge in violent crime"
surge suppressor|electrical device inserted in a power line to protect equipment from sudden fluctuations in current
surgeon|a physician who specializes in surgery
Surgeon General|the head of the United States Public Health Service;the senior medical officer in an Army or Navy
surgeonfish|brightly colored coral-reef fish with knifelike spines at the tail
surgeon's knot|any of several knots used in tying stitches or ligatures
surgery|a room where a doctor or dentist can be consulted - "he read the warning in the doctor's surgery";the branch of medical science that treats disease or injury by operative procedures - "he is professor of surgery at the Harvard Medical School"
surgical contraception|contraception by surgical sterilization
surgical dressing|a loosely woven cotton dressing for incisions made during surgery
surgical instrument|a medical instrument used in surgery
surgical knife|a very sharp knife used in surgery
surgical spirit|methylated spirit used in the practice of medicine (especially for cleansing the skin before injections or before surgery)
surgical strike|an attack (usually without prior warning) intended to deal only with a specific target
Suricata|meerkats
suricate|burrowing diurnal meerkat of southern Africa;often kept as a pet
Surinam cherry|Brazilian tree with spicy red fruit;often cultivated in California and Florida
Surinam toad|a South American toad;incubates its young in pits in the skin of its back
Suriname|a republic in northeastern South America on the Atlantic;achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1975
Suriname River|a river in Suriname that flows northward to the Atlantic
Surinamese monetary unit|monetary unit in Suriname
surname|the name used to identify the members of a family (as distinguished from each member's given name)
Surnia|a genus of hawk-like owls
surplice|a loose-fitting white ecclesiastical vestment with wide sleeves
surprise|a sudden unexpected event;the act of surprising someone;the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
surprise attack|an attack without warning
surpriser|a captor who uses surprise to capture the victim
surrealism|a 20th century movement of artists and writers (developing out of dadaism) who used fantastic images and incongruous juxtapositions in order to represent unconscious thoughts and dreams
surrealist|an artist who is a member of the movement called surrealism
surrebutter|(law) a pleading by the plaintiff in reply to the defendant's rebutter
surrejoinder|(law) a pleading by the plaintiff in reply to the defendant's rejoinder
surrender|the delivery of a principal into lawful custody
surrenderer|a person who yields or surrenders
Surrey|a county in southeastern England on the Thames;a light four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage;has two or four seats
surrogate|someone who takes the place of another person
surrogate mother|a woman who bears a child for a couple where the wife is unable to do so - "a surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with the father's semen and carries the fetus to term"
sursum corda|(Roman Catholic Church) a Latin versicle meaning 'lift up your hearts'
surtax|an additional tax on certain kinds of income that has already been taxed
surtout|a man's overcoat in the style of a frock coat
surveillance|close observation of a person or group (usually by the police)
surveillance of disease|the ongoing systematic collection and analysis of data about an infectious disease that can lead to action being taken to control or prevent the disease
surveillance system|a closed-circuit television system used to maintain close observation of a person or group
survey|a detailed critical inspection
survey mile|a U.S. unit of measure equal to 1609.347 meters;derived from the use of 39.37 inches as the conversion for one meter
surveying|the practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map - "he studied surveying at college"
surveying instrument|an instrument used by surveyors
surveyor|an engineer who determines the boundaries and elevations of land or structures;someone who conducts a statistical survey
surveyor's level|surveying instrument consisting basically of a small telescope with an attached spirit level rotating around a vertical axis;for measuring relative heights of land
survival|a natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment;a state of surviving;remaining alive;something that survives
survivalist|someone who tries to insure their personal survival or the survival of their group or nation
survivor|an animal that survives in spite of adversity - "only the fittest animals were survivors of the cold winters";one who lives through affliction - "the survivors of the fire were taken to a hospital";one who outlives another - "he left his farm to his survivors"
survivor guilt|a deep feeling of guilt often experienced by those who have survived some catastrophe that took the lives of many others;derives in part from a feeling that they did not do enough to save the others who perished and in part from feelings of being unworthy relative to those who died - "survivor guilt was first noted in those who survived the Holocaust"
survivors insurance|insurance paid to surviving spouses
Surya|an important god of later Hinduism;the sun god or the sun itself worshipped as the source of warmth and light
Sus|type genus of the Suidae
Susan B Anthony dollar|a United States coin worth one dollar
Susanna|an Apocryphal book consisting of text added to the Book of Daniel
susceptibility|the state of being susceptible;easily affected
sushi|rice (with raw fish) wrapped in seaweed
sushi bar|a bar where sushi is served
suslik|rather large central Eurasian ground squirrel
suspect|someone who is under suspicion
suspended animation|a temporary cessation of vital functions with loss of consciousness resembling death;usually resulting from asphyxia
suspense|an uncertain cognitive state - "the matter remained in suspense for several years";apprehension about what is going to happen;excited anticipation of an approaching climax - "the play kept the audience in suspense"
suspense account|an account used temporarily to carry doubtful receipts and disbursements or discrepancies pending their analysis and permanent classification
suspension|a mechanical system of springs or shock absorbers connecting the wheels and axles to the chassis of a wheeled vehicle;a mixture in which fine particles are suspended in a fluid where they are supported by buoyancy;a temporary debarment (from a privilege or position etc);an interruption in the intensity or amount of something;the act of suspending something (hanging it from above so it moves freely)
suspension bridge|a bridge that has a roadway supported by cables that are anchored at both ends
suspension point|(usually plural) one of a series of points indicating that something has been omitted or that the sentence is incomplete
suspensory|a bandage of elastic fabric applied to uplift a dependant part (as the scrotum or a pendulous breast)
suspicion|being of a suspicious nature;the state of being suspected - "he tried to shield me from suspicion"
Susquehanna|a river in the northeastern United States that rises in New York and flows southward through Pennsylvania and Maryland into Chesapeake Bay
Sussex|a county in southern England on the English Channel;formerly an Anglo-Saxon kingdom that was captured by Wessex in the 9th century
Sussex spaniel|an English breed with short legs and a golden liver-colored coat
sustainability|the property of being sustainable
sustaining pedal|a pedal on a piano that lifts the dampers from the strings and so allows them to continue vibrating
sustaining program|a program without a commercial sponsor
sustenance|the act of sustaining life by food or providing a means of subsistence - "they were in want of sustenance"
susurration|the indistinct sound of people whispering
Sutherland|Australian operatic soprano (born in 1926)
sutler|a supplier of victuals or supplies to an army
sutra|a rule or aphorism in Sanskrit literature or a group of aphoristic doctrinal summaries prepared for memorization
suttee|the act of a Hindu widow willingly cremating herself on the funeral pyre of her dead husband
suture|a seam used in surgery;an immovable joint (especially between the bones of the skull);thread of catgut or silk or wire used by surgeons to stitch tissues together
suturing|surgical joining of two surfaces
Suva|the capital and largest city of Fiji (on Viti Levu island)
suzerain|a state exercising a degree of dominion over a dependent state especially in its foreign affairs
suzerainty|the domain of a suzerain;the position or authority of a suzerain - "under the suzerainty of..."
Svalbard|a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean
Svengali|someone (usually maleficent) who tries to persuade or force another person to do his bidding;the musician in a novel by George du Maurier who controls Trilby's singing hypnotically
Sverdrup|Norwegian explorer who led expeditions into the Arctic (1855-1930)
svoboda|(Russia) freedom
swab|cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle;for cleaning floors;implement consisting of a small piece of cotton that is used to apply medication or cleanse a wound or obtain a specimen of a secretion
swabbing|cleaning with a mop
swad|a bunch - "a thick swad of plants"
swaddling clothes|a garment (a gown or narrow strips of cloth) for an infant;restrictions placed on the immature
swag|a bundle containing the personal belongings of a swagman;valuable goods
swage block|an iron block cut with holes and grooves to assist in cold working metal
swagger stick|a short cane or stick covered with leather and carried by army officers
swaggerer|someone who walks in an arrogant manner
swagman|an itinerant Australian laborer who carries his personal belongings in a bundle as he travels around in search of work
Swahili|the most widely spoken Bantu languages;the official language of Kenya and Tanzania and widely used as a lingua franca in east and central Africa
Swainsona|a genus of Australian herbs and subshrubs;darling peas
swale|a low area (especially a marshy area between ridges)
swallow|a small amount of liquid food;small long-winged songbird noted for swift graceful flight and the regularity of its migrations;the act of swallowing - "one swallow of the liquid was enough"
swallow-tailed coat|a man's full-dress jacket with two long tapering tails at the back
swallow-tailed kite|graceful North American black-and-white kite
swami|a Hindu religious teacher;used as a title of respect
Swammerdam|Dutch naturalist and microscopist who proposed a classification of insects and who was among the first to recognize cells in animals and was the first to see red blood cells (1637-1680)
swamp|a situation fraught with difficulties and imponderables - "he was trapped in a medical swamp";low land that is seasonally flooded;has more woody plants than a marsh and better drainage than a bog
swamp ash|small ash of swampy areas of southeastern United States
swamp azalea|shrub growing in swamps throughout the eastern United States and having small white to pinkish flowers resembling honeysuckle
swamp birch|birch of western United States resembling the paper birch but having brownish bark
swamp buggy|an amphibious vehicle typically having four-wheel drive and a raised body
swamp candles|North American plant with spikes of yellow flowers, found in wet places
swamp chestnut oak|medium to large deciduous tree of moist areas of southeastern United States similar to the basket oak
swamp cottonwood|North American poplar with large rounded scalloped leaves and brownish bark and wood
swamp dewberry|of eastern North America
swamp fever|an infectious disease cause by leptospira and transmitted to humans from domestic animals;characterized by jaundice and fever
swamp fly honeysuckle|a variety of fly honeysuckle
swamp gum|medium-sized tree of southern Australia
swamp horsetail|Eurasia;northern North America to Virginia
swamp laurel|laurel of bogs of northwestern United States having small purple flowers and pale leaves that are glaucous beneath
swamp milkweed|densely branching perennial of the eastern United States with white to crimson or purple flowers
swamp oak|Australian leafless shrub resembling broom and having small yellow flowers
swamp pine|any of several pines that prefer or endure moist situations such as loblolly pine or longleaf pine
swamp rabbit|a wood rabbit of southeastern United States swamps and lowlands
swamp sparrow|North American finch of marshy area
swamp sunflower|sunflower of eastern North America having narrow leaves and found in bogs
swamp white oak|large deciduous oak of the eastern United States with a flaky bark and leaves that have fewer lobes than other white oaks;yields heavy strong wood used in construction;thrives in wet soil
swamp willow|North American shrubby willow having dark bark and linear leaves growing close to streams and lakes
swampy beggar-ticks|bur marigold of eastern and northern United States and Canada common in wet pastures and meadows
swan|stately heavy-bodied aquatic bird with very long neck and usually white plumage as adult
swan dive|a dive in which the diver arches the back with arms outstretched before entering the water
swan orchid|any of several orchids of the genus Cycnoches having slender arching columns of flowers suggesting the neck of a swan
Swan River daisy|western Australian annual much cultivated for its flower heads with white or bluish to violet or variegated rays
Swan River everlasting|Australian annual everlasting having light pink nodding flower heads;sometimes placed in genus Helipterum
swan song|a final performance or effort (especially before retirement)
swan's down|down of the swan;soft woolen fabric used especially for baby clothes
Swansea|a port city in southern Wales on an inlet of the Bristol Channel
Swanson|United States actress in many silent films (1899-1983)
swap space|the disk space that is set aside for virtual memory
swarm|a group of many things in the air or on the ground - "a swarm of insects obscured the light"
swash|the movement or sound of water - "the swash of waves on the beach"
swashbuckling|flamboyantly reckless and boastful behavior
swastika|the official emblem of the Nazi Party and the Third Reich;a cross with the arms bent at right angles in a clockwise direction
swat|a sharp blow
SWAT team|a squad of policemen who have been trained to deal with violent and dangerous situations
swatch|a sample piece of cloth
swath|a path or strip (as cut by one course of mowing);the space created by the swing of a scythe or the cut of a mowing machine
swathe|an enveloping bandage
swathing|cloth coverings wrapped around something (as a wound or a baby)
swatter|an implement with a flat part (of mesh or plastic) and a long handle;used to kill insects
sway|controlling influence
Swazi|a Bantu language closely related to Zulu;a member of a southeast African people living in Swaziland and adjacent areas
Swaziland|a landlocked monarchy in southeastern Africa;member of the commonwealth that achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1968
Swaziland monetary unit|monetary unit in Swaziland
swearer|someone who takes a solemn oath;someone who uses profanity
sweat|condensation of moisture on a cold surface - "the cold glasses were streaked with sweat"
sweat bag|a porous bag (usually of canvas) that holds water and cools it by evaporation
sweat duct|a small duct that conveys sweat from a sudoriferous gland to the surface of the skin
sweat equity|interest in a building that a tenant earns by contributing to its renovation or maintenance
sweat gland|any of the glands in the skin that secrete perspiration
sweat pants|loose-fitting trousers with elastic cuffs;worn by athletes
sweat suit|garment consisting of sweat pants and a sweatshirt
sweatband|a band of fabric or leather sewn inside the crown of a hat;a band of material tied around the forehead or wrist to absorb sweat
sweatbox|a device that causes tobacco leaves or fruit or hides to sweat;small or narrow cell
sweater|a crocheted or knitted garment covering the upper part of the body
sweater girl|a girl with an attractive bust who wears tight sweaters
sweating sickness|a disease of cattle (especially calves);epidemic in the 15th and 16th centuries and characterized by profuse sweating and high mortality
sweatshirt|cotton knit pullover with long sleeves worn during athletic activity
sweatshop|factory where workers do piecework for poor pay and are prevented from forming unions;common in the clothing industry
Swede|a native or inhabitant of Sweden
Sweden|a Scandinavian kingdom in the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula
Swedenborg|Swedish theologian (1688-1772)
Swedish|a Scandinavian language that is the official language of Sweden and one of two official languages of Finland
Swedish iron|wrought iron of high purity made in Sweden
Swedish krona|the basic unit of money in Sweden
Swedish massage|massage combined with a system of active and passive exercises for the muscles and joints
Swedish meatball|meatballs simmered in stock
Swedish monetary unit|monetary unit in Sweden
Swedish rye bread|a moist aromatic yeast-raised bread made with rye flour and molasses and orange rind
sweep|a long oar used in an open boat;a movement in an arc - "a sweep of his arm";a wide scope - "the sweep of the plains"
sweep hand|a second hand that is mounted on the same center as the hour and minute hand and is read on the minutes
sweeper|an employee who sweeps (floors or streets etc.);little-known nocturnal fish of warm shallow seas with an oblong compressed body
sweeping|the act of cleaning with a broom
sweepstakes|a lottery in which the prize consists of the money paid by the participants
sweet|a food rich in sugar;the taste experience when sugar dissolves in the mouth;English phonetician;one of the founders of modern phonetics (1845-1912)
sweet alyssum|perennial European plant having clusters of small fragrant usually white flowers;widely grown in gardens
sweet bay|shrub or small tree having rather small fragrant white flowers;abundant in southeastern United States
sweet bells|bushy deciduous shrub of the eastern United States with long racemes of pinkish flowers
sweet birch|common birch of the eastern United States having spicy brown bark yielding a volatile oil and hard dark wood used for furniture
sweet buckeye|a tall and often cultivated buckeye of the central United States
sweet calabash|apple-sized passion fruit of the West Indies;West Indian passionflower with edible apple-sized fruit
sweet cassava|South American plant with roots used as a vegetable and herbage used for stock feed
sweet cherry|any of several fruits of cultivated cherry trees that have sweet flesh;large Eurasian tree producing small dark bitter fruit in the wild but edible sweet fruit under cultivation
sweet cicely|European herb with soft ferny leaves and white flowers;fresh ferny leaves and green seeds used as garnish in salads and cold vegetables;dried seeds used in confectionery and liqueurs
sweet cider|unfermented cider
sweet coltsfoot|American sweet-scented herb
sweet corn|a corn plant developed in order to have young ears that are sweet and suitable for eating;corn that can be eaten as a vegetable while still young and soft
sweet false chamomile|annual Eurasian herb similar in fragrance and medicinal uses to chamomile though taste is more bitter and effect is considered inferior
sweet fern|deciduous shrub of eastern North America with sweet scented fernlike leaves and tiny white flowers
sweet flag|perennial marsh plant having swordlike leaves and aromatic roots
sweet four o'clock|leafy wildflower having fragrant slender white or pale pink trumpet-shaped flowers;southwestern United States and northern Mexico
sweet gale|bog shrub of north temperate zone having bitter-tasting fragrant leaves
sweet gum|a North American tree of the genus Liquidambar having prickly spherical fruit clusters and fragrant sap;aromatic exudate from the sweet gum tree;reddish-brown wood and lumber from heartwood of the sweet gum tree used to make furniture
sweet lemon|lemon tree having fruit with a somewhat insipid sweetish pulp
sweet marjoram|aromatic European plant native to Mediterranean and Turkey;not widespread in Europe
sweet melon|any of several varieties of vine whose fruit has a netted rind and edible flesh and a musky smell
sweet nothings|inconsequential expressions of affection - "he whispered sweet nothings into her ear"
sweet oil|mild vegetable oil when used as food;especially olive or edible rape oil
sweet orange|orange with sweet juicy pulp;often has a thin skin;probably native to southern China;widely cultivated as source of table and juice oranges
sweet pea|climbing garden plant having fragrant pastel-colored flowers
sweet pepper|large mild crisp thick-walled capsicum peppers usually bell-shaped or somewhat oblong;commonly used in salads;plant bearing large mild thick-walled usually bell-shaped fruits;the principal salad peppers
sweet pepperbush|shrub of eastern and southern coastal United States having beautiful racemes of spice-scented white flowers
sweet pickle|pickle cured in brine and preserved in sugar and vinegar
sweet potato|pantropical vine widely cultivated in several varieties for its large sweet tuberous root with orange flesh;the edible tuberous root of the sweet potato vine which is grown widely in warm regions of the United States
sweet roll|any of numerous yeast-raised sweet rolls with our without raisins or nuts or spices or a glaze
sweet sand verbena|taller than Abronia elliptica and having night-blooming flowers
sweet scabious|Old World annual having fragrant purple to deep crimson flower heads;naturalized in United States
sweet sultan|Asian plant widely grown for its sweetly fragrant pink flowers;sometimes placed in genus Centaurea;perennial of mountains of Iran and Iraq;cultivated for its fragrant rose-pink flowers
sweet tooth|a strong appetite for sweet food
sweet unicorn plant|a herbaceous plant of the genus Proboscidea
sweet vermouth|sweet dark amber variety
sweet vetch|perennial of western United States having racemes of pink to purple flowers followed by flat pods that separate into nearly orbicular joints
sweet violet|European violet typically having purple to white flowers;widely naturalized
sweet white violet|short-stemmed violet of eastern North America having fragrant purple-veined white flowers
sweet William|Eurasian pink widely cultivated for its flat-topped dense clusters of varicolored flowers
sweet woodruff|fragrant dark green leaves used to flavor May wine;Old World fragrant stoloniferous perennial having small white flowers and narrow leaves used as flavoring and in sachets;widely cultivated as a ground cover;in some classifications placed in genus Asperula
sweet wormwood|wormwood of southeastern Europe to Iran
sweetbread|edible glands of an animal
sweetbrier|Eurasian rose with prickly stems and fragrant leaves and bright pink flowers followed by scarlet hips
sweetening|something added to foods to make them taste sweeter;the act of adding a sweetener to food
sweetheart|a person loved by another person;any well-liked individual - "he's a sweetheart"
sweetleaf|small yellowwood tree of southern United States having small fragrant white flowers;leaves and bark yield a yellow dye
sweetmeat|a sweetened delicacy (as a preserve or pastry)
sweetness|the property of tasting as if it contains sugar
sweetness and light|a mild reasonableness - "when he learned who I was he became all sweetness and light"
sweet-potato ring rot|disease of sweet potatoes in which roots are girdled by rings of dry rot
sweet-potato whitefly|a variety of whitefly
sweetsop|sweet pulpy tropical fruit with thick scaly rind and shiny black seeds;tropical American tree bearing sweet pulpy fruit with thick scaly rind and shiny black seeds
swell|a crescendo followed by a decrescendo;a rounded elevation (especially one on an ocean floor);the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea
swelling|an abnormal protuberance or localized enlargement
Swertia|genus of herbs of mountains of North America and Eurasia and Africa
swerve|the act of turning aside suddenly
Swietinia|tropical American mahogany trees
swift|a small bird that resembles a swallow and is noted for its rapid flight;an English satirist born in Ireland (1667-1745);United States meat-packer who began the use of refrigerated railroad cars (1839-1903)
swiftlet|swift of eastern Asia;produces the edible bird's nest
swimmer|a person who travels through the water by swimming - "he is not a good swimmer";a trained athlete who participates in swimming meets - "he was an Olympic swimmer"
swimmeret|one of the paired abdominal appendages of certain aquatic crustaceans that function primarily for carrying the eggs in females and are usually adapted for swimming
swimming|the act of swimming - "it was the swimming they enjoyed most"
swimming crab|marine crab with some legs flattened and fringed for swimming
swimming event|an athletic competition that involves swimming
swimming hole|a small body of water (usually in a creek) that is deep enough to use for swimming
swimming kick|a movement of the legs in swimming
swimming meet|a swimming competition between two or more teams
swimming pool|pool that provides a facility for swimming
swimming stroke|a method of moving the arms and legs to push against the water and propel the swimmer forward
swimming trunks|swimsuit worn by men while swimming
swimsuit|tight fitting garment worn for swimming
Swinburne|English poet (1837-1909)
swindle|the act of swindling by some fraudulent scheme
swindler|a person who swindles you by means of deception or fraud
swine|stout-bodied short-legged omnivorous animals
swine influenza|an acute and highly contagious respiratory disease of swine caused by the orthomyxovirus thought to be the same virus that caused the 1918 influenza pandemic
swineherd|a herder or swine
swing|a square dance figure;a pair of dancers join hands and dance around a point between them;a state of steady vigorous action that is characteristic of an activity - "the party went with a swing" - "it took time to get into the swing of things";a style of jazz played by big bands popular in the 1930s;flowing rhythms but less complex than later styles of jazz;a sweeping blow or stroke - "he took a wild swing at my head";changing location by moving back and forth;mechanical device used as a plaything to support someone swinging back and forth
swing door|a door that swings on a double hinge;opens in either direction
swing voter|a voter who has no allegiance to any political party and whose unpredictable decisions can swing the outcome of an election one way or the other
swinger|a person who engages freely in promiscuous sex;someone who swings sports implements
swinging chad|a chad that is incompletely removed and still attached at two corners
swipe|a sweeping stroke or blow
swish|a brushing or rustling sound
Swiss|the natives or inhabitants of Switzerland
Swiss canton|one of the cantons of Switzerland
Swiss cheese|hard pale yellow cheese with many holes from Switzerland
Swiss franc|the basic unit of money in Switzerland
Swiss mountain pine|low shrubby pine of central Europe with short bright green needles in bunches of two
Swiss pine|large five-needled European pine;yields cembra nuts and a resinous exudate
Swiss steak|steak braised in tomato and onion mixture
switch|a basketball maneuver;two defensive players shift assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by the other;a flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment;control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit;hairpiece consisting of a tress of false hair;used by women to give shape to a coiffure;railroad track having two movable rails and necessary connections;used to turn a train from one track to another or to store rolling stock;the act of changing one thing or position for another - "his switch on abortion cost him the election"
switch engine|a locomotive for switching rolling stock in a railroad yard
switch grass|grass of western America used for hay
switchblade|a pocketknife with a blade that springs open at the press of a button
switchboard|telephone central where circuits are completed with patchcords
switcher|a person who administers punishment by wielding a switch or whip
switcheroo|a sudden unexpected switch
switch-hitter|a baseball player who can bat either right or left handed;slang term for a bisexual person
switchman|a man who operates railroad switches
Switzerland|a landlocked federal republic in central Europe
swivel|a coupling (as in a chain) that has one end that turns on a headed pin
swivel chair|a chair that swivels on its base
swivet|a panic or extreme discomposure - "it threw her into a swivet"
swiz|British slang for a swindle
swizzle|any of various tall frothy mixed drinks made usually of rum and lime juice and sugar shaken with ice
swizzle stick|a small stick used to stir mixed drinks
swoop|(music) rapid sliding up or down the musical scale - "the violinist was indulgent with his swoops and slides";a swift descent through the air;a very rapid raid
swoosh|the noise produced by the sudden rush of a fluid (a gas or liquid)
sword|a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
sword bean|twining tropical Old World plant bearing long pods usually with red or brown beans;long cultivated in Orient for food
sword cane|a cane concealing a sword or dagger
sword dance|any of various dances by men who step nimbly over swords or flourish them in the air
sword fern|any of several tropical ferns having more or less sword-shaped fronds including one from which the Boston fern developed
sword grass|any of various grasses or sedges having sword-shaped leaves with sharp edges
sword knot|an ornamental tassel on the hilt of a sword
sword of Damocles|a constant and imminent peril - "the possibility hangs over their heads like the sword of Damocles"
sword-cut|a scar from a cut made by a sword
swordfish|flesh of swordfish usually served as steaks;large toothless marine food fish with a long swordlike upper jaw;not completely cold-blooded i.e. they are able to warm their brains and eyes;worldwide in warm waters but feed on cold ocean floor coming to surface at night
swordsmanship|skill in fencing
swordtail|freshwater fish of Central America having a long swordlike tail;popular aquarium fish
swot|an insignificant student who is ridiculed as being affected or boringly studious
swung dash|a punctuation mark used in text to indicate the omission of a word
sycamore|Eurasian maple tree with pale grey bark that peels in flakes like that of a sycamore tree;leaves with five ovate lobes yellow in autumn;thick-branched wide-spreading tree of Africa and adjacent southwestern Asia often buttressed with branches rising from near the ground;produces cluster of edible but inferior figs on short leafless twigs;the biblical sycamore;variably colored and sometimes variegated hard tough elastic wood of a sycamore tree
syconium|the fleshy multiple fruit of the fig consisting of an enlarged hollow receptacle containing numerous fruitlets
sycophancy|fawning obsequiousness
sycophant|a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
Sydenham|English physician (1624-1689)
Sydenham's chorea|chorea occurring chiefly in children and associated with rheumatic fever
Sydney|the largest Australian city located in southeastern Australia on the Tasman Sea;state capital of New South Wales;Australia's chief port
Sydney Harbor Bridge|a steel arch bridge in Sydney, Australia
syllabary|a writing system whose characters represent syllables
syllabication|forming or dividing words into syllables
syllabicity|the pattern of syllable formation in a particular language
syllable|a unit of spoken language larger than a phoneme - "the word 'pocket' has two syllables"
syllabub|spiced hot milk with rum or wine;sweetened cream beaten with wine or liquor
syllepsis|use of a word to govern two or more words though agreeing in number or case etc. with only one
syllogism|deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
syllogist|logician skilled in syllogistic reasoning
sylph|a slender graceful young woman;an elemental being believed to inhabit the air
sylvan|a spirit that lives in or frequents the woods
sylvanite|a silver-white mineral consisting of silver gold telluride;a source of gold in Australia and America
Sylvanus|(Roman mythology) god of woods and fields and flocks;Pan is the Greek counterpart
Sylvester II|French pope from 999 to 1003 who was noted for his great learning (945-1003)
Sylviidae|in some classifications considered a subfamily (Sylviinae) of the family Muscicapidae;Old World (true) warblers;American kinglets and gnatcatchers
Sylviinae|alternative classification for the Old World warblers
Sylvilagus|North American rabbits
sylvite|a mineral consisting of native potassium chloride;an important ore of potassium that is found in sedimentary beds
Symbion pandora|only known species of Cycliophora;lives symbiotically attached to a lobster's lip by an adhesive disk and feeding by means of a hairy mouth ring;its complex life cycle includes asexual and sexual phases
symbiosis|the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent;each gains benefits from the other
symbol|an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance;something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible - "the eagle is a symbol of the United States"
symbolatry|the worship of symbols
symbolic logic|any logical system that abstracts the form of statements away from their content in order to establish abstract criteria of consistency and validity
symbolic logician|a person skilled at symbolic logic
symbolism|a system of symbols and symbolic representations;an artistic movement in the late 19th century that tried to express abstract or mystical ideas through the symbolic use of images;the practice of investing things with symbolic meaning
symbolist|a member of an artistic movement that expressed ideas indirectly via symbols;someone skilled in the interpretation or representation of symbols
symbolization|the use of symbols to convey meaning
symbolizing|the act of representing something with a symbol
symbology|the study or the use of symbols and symbolism
symmetry|(mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation;exact reflection of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane;balance among the parts of something
Symonds|English writer (1840-1893)
Symons|English poet (1865-1945)
sympathectomy|surgical interruption of a nerve pathway in the sympathetic nervous system
sympathetic nervous system|originates in the thoracic regions of the spinal cord;opposes physiological effects of the parasympathetic;reduces digestive secretions;speeds the heart;contracts blood vessels
sympathetic vibration|(physics) vibration produced by resonance
sympathizer|commiserates with someone who has had misfortune;someone who shares your feelings or opinions and hopes that you will be successful
sympathy|a relation of affinity or harmony between people;whatever affects one correspondingly affects the other - "the two of them were in close sympathy";an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion;sharing the feelings of others (especially feelings of sorrow or anguish)
sympathy card|a card expressing sympathy
sympathy strike|a strike in support of other workers who are on strike;a strike not resulting from direct grievances against the workers' employer
sympatry|the occurrence of organisms in overlapping geographical areas, but without interbreeding
Symphalangus|used in some classifications for the siamangs
symphonic poem|an orchestral composition based on literature or folk tales
symphonist|a composer of symphonies
symphony|a long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra
symphony orchestra|a large orchestra;can perform symphonies
Symphoricarpos|deciduous shrubs of North America and Central America and China
Symphyla|small class of minute arthropods;unimportant except for the garden centipede
symphysion|the most forward point of the alveolar process of the mandible
symphysis|a growing together of parts or structures;an abnormal adhesion of two or more structures
Symphytum|comfrey
Symplocaceae|a dicotyledonous family of order Ebenales
Symplocarpus|one species;skunk cabbage
symploce|repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning and another at the end of successive clauses, i.e., simultaneous use of anaphora and epistrophe
Symplocus|type and sole genus of Symplocaceae including sweetleaf
symposiast|someone who participates in a symposium
symposium|a meeting or conference for the public discussion of some topic especially one in which the participants form an audience and make presentations
symptom|(medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease;anything that accompanies X and is regarded as an indication of X's existence
synagogue|(Judaism) the place of worship for a Jewish congregation
Synagrops|a genus of Serranidae
Synanceja|stonefishes
synapse|the junction between two neurons (axon-to-dendrite) or between a neuron and a muscle - "nerve impulses cross a synapse through the action of neurotransmitters"
synapsid|extinct reptile having a single pair of lateral temporal openings in the skull
Synapsida|extinct reptiles of the Permian to Jurassic considered ancestral to mammals
synapsis|the side by side pairing of homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes at the start of meiosis
Synaptomys|bog lemmings
syncategorem|a syncategorematic expression;a word that cannot be used alone as a term in a logical proposition - "logical quantifiers, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions are called syncategoremes"
synchrocyclotron|cyclotron that achieves relativistic velocities by modulating the frequency of the accelerating electric field
synchroflash|a device used in photography to synchronize the peak of a flash with the opening of the camera shutter
synchromesh|an automotive system for shifting gears in which the gears revolve at the same speed and so shift smoothly
synchronic linguistics|the study of a language without reference to its historical context
synchronism|the relation that exists when things occur at the same time
synchronization|an adjustment that causes something to occur or recur in unison;coordinating by causing to indicate the same time - "the synchronization of their watches was an important preliminary"
synchronous converter|electrical converter consisting of a synchronous machine that converts alternating to direct current or vice versa
synchronous motor|electric motor in which the speed of rotation is proportional to the frequency of the A.C. power
synchronous operation|operations that are initiated predictably by a clock
synchroscope|an instrument that indicates whether two periodic motions are synchronous (especially an instrument that enables a pilot to synchronize the propellers of a plane that has two or more engines)
synchrotron|cyclotron in which the electric field is maintained at a constant frequency
Synchytriaceae|a fungus family of order Chytridiales
Synchytrium|simple parasitic fungi including pond scum parasites
syncopation|a musical rhythm accenting a normally weak beat;music (especially dance music) that has a syncopated rhythm
syncopator|a musician who plays syncopated jazz music (usually in a dance band)
syncope|(phonology) the loss of sounds from within a word (as in 'fo'c'sle' for 'forecastle')
syncretism|the fusion of originally different inflected forms (resulting in a reduction in the use of inflections);the union (or attempted fusion) of different systems of thought or belief (especially in religion or philosophy) - "a syncretism of material and immaterial theories"
syncytium|a mass of cytoplasm containing several nuclei and enclosed in a membrane but no internal cell boundaries (as in muscle fibers)
syndactyly|birth defect in which there is partial or total webbing connecting two or more fingers or toes
syndic|one appointed to represent a city or university or corporation in business transactions
syndicalism|a radical political movement that advocates bringing industry and government under the control of labor unions
syndicate|a loose affiliation of gangsters in charge of organized criminal activities;a news agency that sells features or articles or photographs etc. to newspapers for simultaneous publication
syndication|organizing into or administering as a syndicate;selling (an article or cartoon) for publication in many magazines or newspapers at the same time - "he received a comfortable income from the syndication of his work"
syndicator|a businessman who forms a syndicate
syndrome|a complex of concurrent things - "every word has a syndrome of meanings";a pattern of symptoms indicative of some disease
synecdoche|substituting a more inclusive term for a less inclusive one or vice versa
synechia|adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea resulting from trauma or eye surgery or as a complication of glaucoma or cataract;can lead to blindness
Synentognathi|order of fishes having spineless fins;needlefishes;sauries;flying fishes;halfbeaks
Synercus|Cape buffalo
syneresis|the contraction of two vowels into a diphthong;the separation of liquid from a gel that is caused by contraction (as in cheese making)
synergism|the theological doctrine that salvation results from the interaction of human will and divine grace
synergist|a drug that augments the activity of another drug
synergy|the working together of two things (muscles or drugs for example) to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects
synesthesia|a sensation that normally occurs in one sense modality occurs when another modality is stimulated
synesthetic metaphor|a metaphor that exploits a similarity between experiences in different sense modalities
Synge|Irish poet and playwright whose plays are based on rural Irish life (1871-1909)
Syngnathidae|pipefishes
Syngnathus|type genus of the family Syngnathidae
Syngonium|epiphytic or terrestrial climbing shrubs of Central and South America;used as ornamental houseplants for their velvety foliage
synizesis|the contraction of chromatin towards one side of the nucleus during the prophase of meiosis
synod|a council convened to discuss ecclesiastical business
Synodontidae|soft-finned bottom-dwelling fishes
synonym|two words that can be interchanged in a context are said to be synonymous relative to that context
synonymist|a student of synonyms
synonymy|the semantic relation that holds between two words that can (in a given context) express the same meaning
Synoptic Gospels|the first three Gospels which describe events in Christ's life from a similar point of view
synovia|viscid lubricating fluid secreted by the membrane lining joints and tendon sheaths etc.
synovial joint|a joint so articulated as to move freely
synovial membrane|a thin membrane in synovial (freely moving) joints that lines the joint capsule and secretes synovial fluid
synovitis|inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines a synovial joint;results in pain and swelling
synset|a set of one or more synonyms
syntagma|a syntactic string of words that forms a part of some larger syntactic unit
syntax|a systematic orderly arrangement;studies of the rules for forming admissible sentences;the grammatical arrangement of words in sentences
syntax checker|a program to check natural language syntax
syntax error|an error of language resulting from code that does not conform to the syntax of the programming language - "syntax errors can be recognized at compilation time" - "a common syntax error is to omit a parenthesis"
syntax language|a language used to describe the syntax of another language
synthesis|the combination of ideas into a complex whole;the process of producing a chemical compound (usually by the union of simpler chemical compounds)
synthesist|an intellectual who synthesizes or uses synthetic methods
synthesizer|(music) an electronic instrument (usually played with a keyboard) that generates and modifies sounds electronically and can imitate a variety of other musical instruments
synthetic|a compound made artificially by chemical reactions
synthetic cubism|the late phase of cubism
synthetic resin|a resin having a polymeric structure;especially a resin in the raw state;used chiefly in plastics
synthetism|a genre of French painting characterized by bright flat shapes and symbolic treatments of abstract ideas
syphilis|a common venereal disease caused by the treponema pallidum spirochete;symptoms change through progressive stages;can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta)
syphilitic|a person suffering from syphilis
Syracuse|a city in central New York;a city in southeastern Sicily that was founded by Corinthians in the 8th century BC;the Athenian siege of Syracuse (415-413 BC) was eventually won by Syracuse;the Roman siege of Syracuse (214-212 BC) was eventually won by the Romans who sacked the city (killing Archimedes)
Syria|an Asian republic in the Middle East at the east end of the Mediterranean;site of some of the world's most ancient centers of civilization
Syrian|a native or inhabitant of Syria
Syrian bear|yellowish-grey Syrian brown bear
Syrian Desert|a desert of northern Arabia occupying western Iraq, southern Syria, eastern Jordan, and northern Saudi Arabia
Syrian monetary unit|monetary unit in Syria
Syrian pound|the basic unit of money in Syria;equal to 100 piasters
Syringa|genus of Old World shrubs or low trees having fragrant flowers in showy panicles;lilacs
syringe|a medical instrument used to inject or withdraw fluids
syrinx|the vocal organ of a bird
Syrrhaptes|a genus of Pteroclididae
syrup|a thick sweet sticky liquid
system|(physical chemistry) a sample of matter in which substances in different phases are in equilibrium - "in a static system oil cannot be replaced by water on a surface" - "a system generating hydrogen peroxide";a complex of methods or rules governing behavior - "they have to operate under a system they oppose" - "that language has a complex system for indicating gender";a group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole - "a vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going";a group of physiologically or anatomically related organs or parts - "the body has a system of organs for digestion";a procedure or process for obtaining an objective - "they had to devise a system that did not depend on cooperation";instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity - "he bought a new stereo system" - "the system consists of a motor and a small computer";the living body considered as made up of interdependent components forming a unified whole - "exercise helped him get the alcohol out of his system"
system administrator|a person in charge of managing and maintaining a computer system of telecommunication system (as for a business or institution)
system call|an instruction that interrupts the program being executed and passes control to the supervisor
system clock|a time-of-day clock in a computer system;an electronic device in a computer that issues a steady high-frequency signal that synchronizes all the internal components
system command|a computer user's instruction (not part of a program) that calls for action by the computer's executive program
system error|an instruction that is either not recognized by an operating system or is in violation of the procedural rules
system of measurement|a system of related measures that facilitates the quantification of some particular characteristic
system of weights|a system of units used to express the weight of something
system of weights and measures|system of measurement for length and weight and duration
system program|a program (as an operating system or compiler or utility program) that controls some aspect of the operation of a computer
systematics|the science of systematic classification
systematism|the habitual practice of systematization and classification
systematization|systematic organization;the act of organizing something according to a system or a rationale
Systeme International d'Unites|a complete metric system of units of measurement for scientists;fundamental quantities are length (meter) and mass (kilogram) and time (second) and electric current (ampere) and temperature (kelvin) and amount of matter (mole) and luminous intensity (candela) - "Today the United States is the only country in the world not totally committed to the Systeme International d'Unites"
systemic circulation|circulation that supplies blood to all the body except to the lungs
systemic lupus erythematosus|an inflammatory disease of connective tissue with variable features including fever and weakness and fatigability and joint pains and skin lesions on the face or neck or arms
systems analysis|analysis of all aspects of a project along with ways to collect information about the operation of its parts
systems analyst|a person skilled at systems analysis
systole|the contraction of the chambers of the heart (especially the ventricles) to drive blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery
systolic murmur|a murmur heard during systole
systolic pressure|the blood pressure (as measured by a sphygmomanometer) during the contraction of the left ventricle of the heart
Syzygium|a tropical evergreen tree of the myrtle family native to the East Indies but cultivated elsewhere
syzygy|the straight line configuration of 3 celestial bodies (as the sun and earth and moon) in a gravitational system
Szechwan|a populous province of south central China
Szell|United States conductor (born in Hungary) (1897-1970)
Szent-Gyorgyi|United States biochemist (born in Hungary) who was the first to isolate vitamin C (1893-1986)
Szilard|United States physicist and molecular biologist who helped develop the first atom bomb and later opposed the use of all nuclear weapons (1898-1964)
T|the 20th letter of the Roman alphabet
T cell|a small lymphocyte developed in the thymus;it orchestrates the immune system's response to infected or malignant cells
tab|a short strip of material attached to or projecting from something in order to facilitate opening or identifying or handling it - "pull the tab to open the can" - "files with a red tab will be stored separately" - "the collar has a tab with a button hole" - "the filing cards were organized by cards having indexed tabs"
tab key|the key on a typewriter or a word processor that causes a tabulation
Tabanidae|horseflies
tabard|a short sleeveless outer tunic emblazoned with a coat of arms;worn by a knight over his armor or by a herald
Tabasco|a Mexican state on the Gulf of Campeche;very spicy sauce (trade name Tabasco) made from fully-aged red peppers;very hot red peppers;usually long and thin;some very small
tabasco pepper|plant bearing very hot medium-sized oblong red peppers;grown principally in the Gulf Coast states for production of hot sauce
tabbouleh|a finely chopped salad with tomatoes and parsley and mint and scallions and bulgur wheat
tabby|a cat with a grey or tawny coat mottled with black;female cat
Tabernacle|(Judaism) a portable sanctuary in which the Jews carried the Ark of the Covenant on their exodus;the Mormon temple
Tabernaemontana|evergreen tropical trees and shrubs with milky sap
tabes|wasting of the body during a chronic disease
tabes dorsalis|syphilis of the spinal cord characterized by degeneration of sensory neurons and stabbing pains in the trunk and legs and unsteady gait and incontinence and impotence
tabi|a sock with a separation for the big toe;worn with thong sandals by the Japanese
tablature|a musical notation indicating the fingering to be used
table|a company of people assembled at a table for a meal or game - "he entertained the whole table with his witty remarks";a piece of furniture having a smooth flat top that is usually supported by one or more vertical legs - "it was a sturdy table";a piece of furniture with tableware for a meal laid out on it - "I reserved a table at my favorite restaurant";a set of data arranged in rows and columns - "see table 1"
table d'hote|a menu offering a complete meal with limited choices at a fixed price
table game|a game that is played on a table
table knife|a knife used for eating at dining table
table lamp|a lamp that sits on a table
table linen|linens for the dining table
table mat|a pad for use under a hot dish to protect a table
table rapping|alleged form of communication with spirits of the dead
table saw|a circular saw mounted under a table or bench so that the blade of the saw projects up through a slot
table talk|conversation during a meal
table tennis|a game (trademark Ping-Pong) resembling tennis but played on a table with paddles and a light hollow ball
table tipping|manipulation of a table during a seance;attributed to spirits
table wine|wine containing not more than 14 percent alcohol usually served with a meal
tableau|a group of people attractively arranged (as if in a painting);any dramatic scene
tablecloth|a covering spread over a dining table
tablefork|a fork for eating at a dining table
tableland|a relatively flat highland
tablemate|someone you dine with
table-mountain pine|a small two-needled upland pine of the eastern United States (Appalachians) having dark brown flaking bark and thorn-tipped cone scales
tablespoon|a spoon larger than a dessert spoon;used for serving;as much as a tablespoon will hold
tablet|a slab of stone or wood suitable for bearing an inscription;a small flat compressed cake of some substance - "a tablet of soap"
tablet-armed chair|a chair with an arm that has been widened for writing
table-tennis racquet|paddle used to play table tennis
table-tennis table|a table used for playing table tennis
tabletop|the top horizontal work surface of a table
tableware|articles for use at the table (dishes and silverware and glassware)
tabloid|newspaper with half-size pages
taboo|a prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature;an inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or emotional aversion
tabor|a small drum with one head of soft calfskin
tabor pipe|a small fipple flute that is played with the left hand while the right hand is free to beat a tabor
Tabora|a city in western Tanzania
taboret|a low stool in the shape of a drum
Tabriz|an ancient city in northwestern Iran;known for hot springs
Tabuk|a city in northwestern Saudi Arabia
tabula rasa|a young mind not yet affected by experience (according to John Locke)
tabulation|information set out in tabular form;the act of putting into tabular form - "the tabulation of the results"
tabun|the first known nerve agent, synthesized by German chemists in 1936;a highly toxic combustible liquid that is soluble in organic solvents and is used as a nerve gas in chemical warfare
Tacca|genus of tropical plants with creeping rootstocks and small umbellate flowers
Taccaceae|small family of tropical herbs
tachina fly|bristly fly whose larvae live parasitically in caterpillars and other insects;important in control of noxious insects
Tachinidae|parasites on other insects
tachistoscope|scientific instrument used by psychologists;presents visual stimuli for brief exposures
tachogram|a graphical record of speed and distance produced by a tachograph
tachograph|a tachometer that produces a graphical record of its readings;used to record the speed and duration of trips in a motor vehicle
tachometer|measuring instrument for indicating speed of rotation
tachycardia|abnormally rapid heartbeat (over 100 beats per minute)
Tachyglossidae|echidnas
Tachyglossus|type genus of the family Tachyglossidae
tachylite|a basic or basalt glass
tachymeter|a theodolite designed for rapid measurements
Tachypleus|a genus of Limulidae
Tacitus|Roman historian who wrote major works on the history of the Roman Empire (56-120)
tack|(nautical) the act of changing tack;a short nail with a sharp point and a large head;sailing a zigzag course;the heading or position of a vessel relative to the trim of its sails
tack hammer|a light hammer that is used to drive tacks
tacker|a worker who fastens things by tacking them (as with tacks or by spotwelding)
tackle|(American football) a position on the line of scrimmage - "it takes a big man to play tackle";(American football) grasping an opposing player with the intention of stopping by throwing to the ground;the person who plays that position on a football team - "the right tackle is a straight A student"
tackler|a football player who tackles the ball carrier
taco|a tortilla rolled cupped around a filling
taco sauce|spicy tomato-based sauce for tacos
Tacoma|a city in west central Washington on an arm of Puget Sound to the south of Seattle
Tacoma Narrows Bridge|a suspension bridge across Puget Sound at Tacoma
Taconic Mountains|a range of the Appalachian Mountains along the eastern border of New York with Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont
taconite|a variety of chert containing magnetite and hematite;mined as a low-grade iron ore
tact|consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense
tactic|a plan for attaining a particular goal
tactical intelligence|intelligence that is required for the planning and conduct of tactical operations
tactical warning|(military) a warning after the initiation of a hostile act
tactician|a person who is skilled at planning tactics
tactics|the branch of military science dealing with detailed maneuvers to achieve objectives set by strategy
tactile property|a property perceived by touch
tactlessness|the quality of lacking tact
tactual sensation|the faculty of perceiving (via the skin) pressure or heat or pain
tad|a slight amount or degree of difference - "a tad too expensive" - "not a tad of difference"
tadalafil|virility drug (trade name Cialis) used to treat erectile dysfunction in men
Tadarida|freetail bats
Tadorna|sheldrakes
tadpole|a larval frog or toad
tadpole shrimp|a kind of branchiopod crustacean
tae kwon do|a Korean martial art similar to karate
Taegu|a city in southeastern South Korea
tael|a unit of weight used in east Asia approximately equal to 1.3 ounces
taenia|a narrow headband or strip of ribbon worn as a headband;tapeworms parasitic in humans which uses the pig as its intermediate host
Taeniidae|a family of Cestoda
taffeta|a crisp smooth lustrous fabric
taffrail|the railing around the stern of a ship
taffy|chewy candy of sugar or syrup boiled until thick and pulled until glossy
Taft|27th President of the United States and later chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1857-1930);United States sculptor (1860-1936)
tag|(sports) the act of touching a player in a game (which changes their status in the game);a game in which one child chases the others;the one who is caught becomes the next chaser;a label associated with something for the purpose of identification - "semantic tags were attached in order to identify different meanings of the word";a label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
Tagalog|a member of a people native to the Philippines chiefly inhabiting central Luzon around and including Manila;the language of the Tagalog on which Filipino is based
tagalong|someone who persistently (and annoyingly) follows along
tagasaste|shrub of Canary Islands having bristle-tipped oblanceolate leaves;used as cattle fodder
Tageteste|marigolds
tagger|a computer program that attaches labels to the grammatical constituents of textual matter;someone who appends or joins one thing to another - "a theory that was simply added on by some anonymous tagger";someone who assigns labels to the grammatical constituents of textual matter
tagliatelle|pasta cut in narrow ribbons
Tagore|Indian writer and philosopher whose poetry (based on traditional Hindu themes) pioneered the use of colloquial Bengali (1861-1941)
taguan|East Indian flying squirrel
Tagus|a European river;flows into the North Atlantic
tahini|a thick Middle Eastern paste made from ground sesame seeds
Tahiti|an island in the south Pacific;the most important island in French Polynesia;made famous by Robert Louis Stevenson and Paul Gauguin
Tahitian|a native or inhabitant of Tahiti;the Oceanic language spoken on Tahiti
tahoka daisy|wild aster with fernlike leaves and flower heads with very narrow bright purple rays;Alberta to Texas and Mexico
Tai|the most widespread and best known of the Kadai family of languages
t'ai chi|a Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation and balance and health
Tai Dam|a branch of the Tai languages
Tai Long|a branch of the Tai languages
Tai Lue|a branch of the Tai languages
Tai Nuea|a branch of the Tai languages
Tai Yuan|a branch of the Tai languages
Taichung|a city in Taiwan
Taif|a city in western Saudi Arabia to the east of Mecca
tail|(usually plural) the reverse side of a coin that does not bear the representation of a person's head;a spy employed to follow someone and report their movements;any projection that resembles the tail of an animal;the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body;the rear part of an aircraft
tail feather|feather growing from the tail (uropygium) of a bird
tail fin|one of a pair of decorations projecting above the rear fenders of an automobile;the tail of fishes and some other aquatic vertebrates
tail gate|a gate downstream from a lock or canal that is used to control the flow of water at the lower end
tail rotor|rotor consisting of a rotating airfoil on the tail of a single-rotor helicopter;keeps the helicopter from spinning in the direction opposite to the rotation of the main rotor
tailback|(American football) the person who plays tailback;(American football) the position of the offensive back on a football team who lines up farthest from the line of scrimmage
tailed frog|western North American frog with a taillike copulatory organ
tailgate|a gate at the rear of a vehicle;can be lowered for loading
tailgater|a driver who follows too closely behind another motor vehicle
tailless tenrec|prolific animal that feeds chiefly on earthworms
taillight|lamp (usually red) mounted at the rear of a motor vehicle
tailor|a person whose occupation is making and altering garments
tailorbird|tropical Asian warbler that stitches leaves together to form and conceal its nest
tailoring|the occupation of a tailor
tailor-made|custom-made clothing
tailor's chalk|chalk used by tailors to make temporary marks on cloth
tailor's tack|a loose, looped, sewing stitch used to transfer marking for darts, etc., from a pattern to material
tailpiece|appendage added to extend the length of something
tailpipe|a pipe carrying fumes from the muffler to the rear of a car
tailrace|a watercourse that carries water away from a mill or water wheel or turbine
tailspin|loss of emotional control often resulting in emotional collapse;rapid descent of an aircraft in a steep spiral
tailstock|support consisting of the movable part of a lathe that slides along the bed in alignment with the headstock and is locked into position to support the free end of the workpiece
tailwind|wind blowing in the same direction as the path of a ship or aircraft
Taimyr Peninsula|a peninsula in northern Siberia
taipan|large highly venomous snake of northeastern Australia
Taipei|the capital of Nationalist China;located in northern Taiwan
Taiwan|a government on the island of Taiwan established in 1949 by Chiang Kai-shek after the conquest of mainland China by the Communists led by Mao Zedong;an island in southeastern Asia 100 miles off the coast of mainland China in the South China Sea
Taiwan dollar|the basic unit of money in Taiwan
Taiwanese|a native or inhabitant of Taiwan
Taiyuan|an ancient city in northeastern China noted for coal mining and steel production
Taj Mahal|beautiful mausoleum at Agra built by the Mogul emperor Shah Jahan (completed in 1649) in memory of his favorite wife
Tajik|a native or inhabitant of Tajikistan and neighboring areas of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan and China;an ethnic group (mostly Moslem) living in Tajikistan and neighboring areas of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan and China
Tajiki|the Iranian language of the Tajik that is closely related to Farsi;spoken in Iran and Tajikistan
Tajikistan|a landlocked mountainous republic in southeast central Asia to the north of Afghanistan;formerly an Asian soviet
Tajikistani monetary unit|monetary unit in Tajikistan
taka|the basic unit of money in Bangladesh;equal to 100 paisa
Takakkaw|a waterfall in southeastern British Columbia;the highest waterfall in Canada (1250 feet high)
Takayasu's arteritis|disorder characterized by the absence of a pulse in both arms and in the carotid arteries
take|the act of photographing a scene or part of a scene without interruption
takeaway|a concession made by a labor union to a company that is trying to lower its expenditures;the act of taking the ball or puck away from the team on the offense (as by the interception of a pass)
takedown|(amateur wrestling) being brought to the mat from a standing position - "a takedown counts two points"
take-home pay|what is left of your pay after deductions for taxes and dues and insurance etc
take-in|the act of taking in as by fooling or cheating or swindling someone
Takelma|a member of a North American Indian people of southwestern Oregon
takeoff|a departure;especially of airplanes;the initial ascent of an airplane as it becomes airborne
takeout|(bridge) a bid that asks your partner to bid another suit;prepared food that is intended to be eaten off of the premises - "in England they call takeout food 'takeaway'"
takeover|a change by sale or merger in the controlling interest of a corporation
takeover attempt|an attempt to take control of a corporation
takeover bid|an offer to buy shares in order to take over the company
taker|one who accepts an offer;one who takes a bet or wager
take-up|any of various devices for reducing slack (as in a sewing machine) or taking up motion (as in a loom) - "a take-up that winds photographic film on a spool";the action of taking up as by tightening or absorption or reeling in
Takilman|a Penutian language spoken by the Takelma
takin|large heavily built goat antelope of eastern Himalayan area
Taklimakan Desert|a desert in western China
tala|the basic unit of money in Western Samoa
talapoin|smallest guenon monkey;of swampy central and west African forests
talaria|a winged sandal (as worn by Hermes in Graeco-Roman art)
Talbot|English inventor and pioneer in photography who published the first book illustrated with photographs (1800-1877)
talc|a fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate;used in a variety of products including talcum powder
talcum|a toilet powder made of purified talc and usually scented;absorbs excess moisture
talent|a person who possesses unusual innate ability in some field or activity
talent agent|an agent who represents performers
talentlessness|a lack of talent
Taliban|a fundamentalist Islamic militia;in 1995 the Taliban militia took over Afghanistan and in 1996 took Kabul and set up an Islamic government - "the Taliban enforced a strict Muslim code of behavior"
Talinum|genus of mainly American more-or-less succulent herbs
talipes calcaneus|talipes in which the toes are pointed upward and the person walks on the heel of the foot
talipes equinus|talipes in which the toes are pointed downward
talipes valgus|deformity of the foot in which the foot is twisted outward
talipot|tall palm of southern India and Sri Lanka with gigantic leaves used as umbrellas and fans or cut into strips for writing paper
talk|an exchange of ideas via conversation - "let's have more work and less talk around here";discussion;('talk about' is a less formal alternative for 'discussion of') - "his poetry contains much talk about love and anger";idle gossip or rumor - "there has been talk about you lately";the act of giving a talk to an audience - "I attended an interesting talk on local history"
talk show|a program during which well-known people discuss a topic or answer questions telephoned in by the audience - "in England they call a talk show a chat show"
talking book|sound recording of someone reading a book;frequently used by blind people
talking head|a talker on television who talks directly into the cameras and whose upper body is all that is shown on the screen
talking picture|a movie with synchronized speech and singing
talking point|an especially persuasive point helping to support an argument or discussion
tall|a garment size for a tall person
tall bellflower|annual or perennial of eastern North America with long spikes of blue or white flowers
tall cupflower|shrubby Chilean herb having bluish-white tubular flowers used as an ornamental
tall gallberry holly|an evergreen shrub
tall goldenrod|a variety of goldenrod
tall mallow|erect or decumbent Old World perennial with axillary clusters of rosy-purple flowers;introduced in United States
tall oat grass|coarse perennial Eurasian grass resembling oat;found on roadside verges and rough grassland and in hay meadows;introduced in North America for forage
tall oil|an oil derived from wood pulp and used in making soaps or lubricants
tall order|a formidable task or requirement - "finishing in time was a tall order but we did it"
tall tale|an improbable (unusual or incredible or fanciful) story
tall yellow-eye|of Australia
Tallahassee|capital of the state of Florida;located in northern Florida
Tallapoosa|river that rises in northwestern Georgia and flows southwest through central Alabama to join the Coosa River near Montgomery and form the Alabama River
Tallchief|United States ballerina who promoted American ballet through tours and television appearances (born in 1925)
Talleyrand|French statesman (1754-1838)
tallgrass|any of various grasses that are tall and that flourish with abundant moisture
Tallinn|a port city on the Gulf of Finland that is the capital and largest city of Estonia
Tallis|English organist and composer of church and secular music;was granted a monopoly in music printing with William Byrd (1505-1585)
tallness|the property of being taller than average stature
tallow|obtained from suet and used in making soap, candles and lubricants
tallow oil|an animal oil obtained by pressing tallow;used as a lubricant
tallyman|one who keeps a tally of quantity or weight of goods produced or shipped or received;one who sells goods on the installment plan
Talmud|the collection of ancient rabbinic writings on Jewish law and tradition (the Mishna and the Gemara) that constitute the basis of religious authority in Orthodox Judaism
Talmudic literature|(Judaism) ancient rabbinical writings
talon|a sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of prey
Talpidae|moles
talus|a sloping mass of loose rocks at the base of a cliff
tam|a woolen cap of Scottish origin
Tamale|a city in northern Ghana;corn and cornmeal dough stuffed with a meat mixture then wrapped in corn husks and steamed
tamale pie|a meat mixture covered with cornbread topping that resembles a Mexican dish
tamandua|small toothless anteater with prehensile tail and four-clawed forelimbs;of tropical South America and Central America
tamarau|small buffalo of Mindoro in the Philippines
Tamaricaceae|family of desert shrubs and trees (mostly halophytes and xerophytes)
tamarin|small South American marmoset with silky fur and long nonprehensile tail
tamarind|large tropical seed pod with very tangy pulp that is eaten fresh or cooked with rice and fish or preserved for curries and chutneys;long-lived tropical evergreen tree with a spreading crown and feathery evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers yielding hard yellowish wood and long pods with edible chocolate-colored acidic pulp
Tamarindus|widely cultivated tropical trees originally of Africa
tamarisk|any shrub or small tree of the genus Tamarix having small scalelike or needle-shaped leaves and feathery racemes of small white or pinkish flowers;of mostly coastal areas with saline soil
tamarisk gerbil|a gerbil that is popular as a pet
Tamarix|genus of deciduous shrubs or small trees of eastern Mediterranean regions and tropical Asia
tambala|100 tambala equal 1 kwacha in Malawi
tambour|a drum;a frame made of two hoops;used for embroidering
tambourine|a shallow drum with a single drumhead and with metallic disks in the sides
tameness|the attribute of having been domesticated
tamer|an animal trainer who tames wild animals
Tamerlane|Mongolian ruler of Samarkand who led his nomadic hordes to conquer an area from Turkey to Mongolia (1336-1405)
Tamias|chipmunks of eastern North America
Tamiasciurus|American red squirrels
Tamil|a member of the mixed Dravidian and Caucasian people of southern India and Sri Lanka;the Dravidian language spoken since prehistoric times by the Tamil in southern India and Sri Lanka
Tamil Nadu|a state in southeastern India on the Bay of Bengal (south of Andhra Pradesh);formerly Madras
Tamm|Russian physicist (1895-1971)
Tammany Hall|a political organization within the Democratic Party in New York City (late 1800's and early 1900's) seeking political control by corruption and bossism
Tammuz|the tenth month of the civil year;the fourth month of the ecclesiastic year (in June and July)
tammy|plain-woven (often glazed) fabric of wool or wool and cotton used especially formerly for linings and garments and curtains
tamp|a tool for tamping (e.g., for tamping tobacco into a pipe bowl or a charge into a drill hole etc.)
Tampa|a resort city in western Florida;located on Tampa Bay on the Gulf of Mexico
Tampa Bay|an arm of the Gulf of Mexico in west central Florida
Tampax|tampon used to absorb menstrual flow
Tampere|an industrial city in south central Finland
Tampico|a port city in eastern Mexico
tampion|plug for the muzzle of a gun to keep out dust and moisture
tampon|plug of cotton or other absorbent material;inserted into wound or body cavity to absorb exuded fluids (especially blood)
tamponade|blockage or closure (as of a wound or body cavity) by (or as if by) a tampon (especially to stop bleeding)
Tamus|a genus of tuberous vines of the family Dioscoreaceae;has twining stems and heart-shaped leaves and axillary racemes
tan|a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun;a light brown the color of topaz
Tanacetum|a large genus of plants resembling chrysanthemums;comprises some plants often included in other genera especially genus Chrysanthemum
tanager|any of numerous New World woodland birds having brightly colored males
Tanakh|the Jewish scriptures which consist of three divisions--the Torah and the Prophets and the Writings
tanbark|bark rich in tannin;bruised and cut in pieces to use for tanning;spent tanbark used as a ground covering
tanbark oak|evergreen tree of the Pacific coast area having large leathery leaves;yields tanbark
Tancred|Norman leader in the First Crusade who played an important role in the capture of Jerusalem (1078-1112)
tandem|an arrangement of two or more objects or persons one behind another
tandem trailer|trucking rig with two trailers in tandem
tandoor|a clay oven used in northern India and Pakistan
Tandy|United States actress (born in England) who made many stage appearances, often with her husband Hume Cronyn (1909-1994)
tanekaha|medium tall celery pine of New Zealand
Taney|United States jurist who served as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court;remembered for his ruling that slaves and their descendants have no rights as citizens (1777-1864)
tang|any of various coarse seaweeds;the imperial dynasty of China from 618 to 907
tanga|100 tanga equal 1 Tajikistani ruble;a port city in northeastern Tanzania on the Indian Ocean
Tanganyika|a former state in East Africa;united with Zanzibar in 1964 to form Tanzania
Tange|Japanese architect (born in 1913)
tangelo|hybrid between grapefruit and mandarin orange;cultivated especially in Florida;large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin
tangency|the state of being tangent;having contact at a single point or along a line without crossing
tangent|a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not intersect it at that point;ratio of the opposite to the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle
tangent plane|the plane that contains all the lines tangent to a specific point on a surface
tangerine|a reddish to vivid orange color;a variety of mandarin orange;any of various deep orange mandarins grown in the United States and southern Africa
tangibility|the quality of being perceivable by touch
tangible possession|property or belongings that are tangible
Tangier|a city of northern Morocco at the west end of the Strait of Gibraltar - "the first tangerines were shipped from Tangier to Europe in 1841"
Tangier pea|North African annual resembling the sweet pea having showy but odorless flowers
tangle|a twisted and tangled mass that is highly interwoven - "they carved their way through the tangle of vines";something jumbled or confused - "a tangle of government regulations"
tangle orchid|an orchid of the genus Plectorrhiza having tangled roots and long wiry stems bearing lax racemes of small fragrant green flowers
tanglebush|spiny branching deciduous shrub of southwestern United States having clusters of insignificant yellow-white flowers appearing before leaves followed by attractive black berrylike fruits
tango|a ballroom dance of Latin-American origin;music written in duple time for dancing the tango
tangram|a Chinese puzzle consisting of a square divided into seven pieces that must be arranged to match particular designs
Tangshan|an industrial city of northeastern China in Hebei province
Tanguy|United States surrealist painter (born in France) (1900-1955)
tank|a large (usually metallic) vessel for holding gases or liquids;an enclosed armored military vehicle;has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads;as much as a tank will hold
tank car|a freight car that transports liquids or gases in bulk
tank circuit|an oscillatory circuit
tank destroyer|an armored vehicle equipped with an antitank gun and capable of high speeds
tank engine|a locomotive that carries its own fuel and water;no tender is needed
tank farm|an area used exclusively for storing petroleum in large tanks
tank furnace|furnace into one end of which a batch of measured raw materials is shoveled and from the other end molten glass is obtained
tank iron|plate iron that is thinner than boilerplate but thicker than sheet iron or stovepipe iron
tank shell|a shell fired by the cannon on a tank
tank top|a tight-fitting sleeveless shirt with wide shoulder straps and low neck and no front opening;often worn over a shirt or blouse
tanka|a form of Japanese poetry;the 1st and 3rd lines have five syllables and the 2nd, 4th, and 5th have seven syllables;a Tibetan religious painting on fabric
tankage|the act of storing in tanks;the charge for storing something in tanks;the quantity contained in (or the capacity of) a tank or tanks
tankard|large drinking vessel with one handle
tanker|a soldier who drives a tank
tanker plane|an airplane constructed to transport chemicals that can be dropped in order to fight a forest fire
Tannenberg|a battle in World War I (1914);decisive German victory over the Russians
tanner|a craftsman who tans skins and hides
tannery|workplace where skins and hides are tanned
tannin|any of various complex phenolic substances of plant origin;used in tanning and in medicine
tanning|making leather from rawhide;process in which skin pigmentation darkens as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light
tannoy|a loudspeaker
Tanoan|a family of North American Indian language spoken in southwestern United States
tansy|common perennial aromatic herb native to Eurasia having buttonlike yellow flower heads and bitter-tasting pinnate leaves sometimes used medicinally
tansy mustard|North American herb with bitter-tasting pinnate leaves resembling those of tansy
tansy-leaved rocket|perennial stellate and hairy herb with small yellow flowers of mountains of southern Europe;sometimes placed in genus Sisymbrium
tantalite|a mineral consisting of tantalum oxide of iron and manganese that occurs with niobite or in coarse granite;an ore of tantalum
tantalizer|someone who tantalizes;a tormentor who offers something desirable but keeps it just out of reach
tantalum|a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion;occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
Tantalus|(Greek mythology) a wicked king and son of Zeus;condemned in Hades to stand in water that receded when he tried to drink and beneath fruit that receded when he reached for it
Tantilla|black-headed snakes
tantra|any of a fairly recent class of Hindu or Buddhist religious literature concerned with ritual acts of body and speech and mind;doctrine of enlightenment as the realization of the oneness of one's self and the visible world;combines elements of Hinduism and paganism including magical and mystical elements like mantras and mudras and erotic rites;especially influential in Tibet
Tantrism|movement within Buddhism combining elements of Hinduism and paganism
Tantrist|an adherent of Tantrism
Tanzania|a republic in eastern Africa
Tanzanian|a native or inhabitant of Tanzania
Tanzanian monetary unit|monetary unit in Tanzania
Tanzanian shilling|the basic unit of money in Tanzania;equal to 100 cents
Tao|the ultimate principle of the universe
taoiseach|the prime minister of the Irish Republic
Taoism|a Chinese sect claiming to follow the teaching of Lao-tzu but incorporating pantheism and sorcery in addition to Taoism;philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events;popular Chinese philosophical system based in teachings of Lao-tzu but characterized by a pantheism of many gods and the practices of alchemy and divination and magic;religion adhering to the teaching of Lao-tzu
Taoist|an adherent of any branch of Taoism
Taoist Trinity|the three pure ones;the three chief gods of Taoism
Taos|a member of the Pueblo people living in northern New Mexico;an artist colony in northern New Mexico
tap|a light touch or stroke;a plug for a bunghole in a cask;a small metal plate that attaches to the toe or heel of a shoe (as in tap dancing);a tool for cutting female (internal) screw threads
tap dancer|a dancer who sounds out rhythms by using metal taps on the toes and heels of the shoes
tap dancing|a dance step tapped out audibly with the feet
tap water|water directly from the spigot
tap wrench|a wrench for turning a tap to create an internal screw thread
tapa|a paperlike cloth made in the South Pacific by pounding tapa bark;the thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and Pipturus albidus
tape|a long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening - "he used a piece of tape for a belt" - "he wrapped a tape around the package";a recording made on magnetic tape - "the several recordings were combined on a master tape";measuring instrument consisting of a narrow strip (cloth or metal) marked in inches or centimeters and used for measuring lengths - "the carpenter should have used his tape measure";the finishing line for a foot race - "he broke the tape in record time"
tape cartridge|a cartridge containing magnetic tape;for use with audio or video recorders or computer systems
tape deck|electronic equipment for making or playing magnetic tapes (but without amplifiers or speakers);a component in an audio system
tape drive|a mechanism that transports magnetic tape across the read/write heads of a tape playback/recorder
tape grass|submerged aquatic plant with ribbonlike leaves;Old World and Australia
tape player|electronic equipment for playing back magnetic tapes
tape recorder|a magnetic recorder using magnetic tape
tapenade|a spread consisting of capers and black olives and anchovies made into a puree with olive oil
taper|a convex shape that narrows toward a point;the property possessed by a shape that narrows toward a point (as a wedge or cone)
taper file|a file with converging edges
tapering|the act of gradually lowering the size or amount - "the doctor prescribed the tapering of the dose"
tapestry|a heavy textile with a woven design;used for curtains and upholstery;a wall hanging of heavy handwoven fabric with pictorial designs;something that resembles a tapestry in its complex pictorial designs - "the tapestry of European history"
tapeworm|ribbonlike flatworms that are parasitic in the intestines of humans and other vertebrates
tapeworm infection|intestinal infection by a species of parasitic tapeworm;usually the result of eating inadequately cooked meat or fish
taphephobia|a morbid fear of being buried alive
tapioca|granular preparation of cassava starch used to thicken especially puddings
tapioca pudding|sweet pudding thickened with tapioca
tapir|large inoffensive chiefly nocturnal ungulate of tropical America and southeast Asia having a heavy body and fleshy snout
Tapiridae|tapirs and extinct related forms
Tapirus|type genus of the Tapiridae
tapotement|massage in which the body is tapped rhythmically with the fingers or with short rapid movements of the sides of the hand;used to loosen mucus on the chest walls of patients with bronchitis
Tappan|United States abolitionist (1786-1865)
Tappan Zee Bridge|a cantilever bridge across the Hudson River
tapper|a person who strikes a surface lightly and usually repeatedly - "finger tappers irritated her";a worker who uses a tap to cut screw threads;someone who wiretaps a telephone or telegraph wire
tappet|a lever that is moved in order to tap something else
tapping|the sound of light blow or knock - "he heard the tapping of the man's cane"
taproot|(botany) main root of a plant growing straight downward from the stem;something that provides an important central source for growth or development - "the taproot of his resentment" - "genius and insanity spring from the same taproot"
taps|(military) signal to turn the lights out
tapster|a tavern keeper who taps kegs or casks
tar pit|a natural accumulation of bitumens at the surface of the earth;often acts as a trap for animals whose bones are thus preserved
Tara|a village in eastern Ireland (northwest of Dublin);seat of Irish kings until 6th century
Tarabulus|a port city and commercial center in northwestern Lebanon on the Mediterranean Sea
Taracahitian|a member of a group of peoples of Mexico
Tarahumara|a member of the Taracahitian people of north central Mexico
tarahumara frog|Mexican frog found within a jump or two of water
tarantella|a lively whirling Italian dance for two persons;music composed in six-eight time for dancing the tarantella
Tarantino|United States filmmaker (born in 1963)
tarantism|a nervous disorder characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance;popularly attributed to bite of the southern European tarantula or wolf spider
tarantula|large hairy tropical spider with fangs that can inflict painful but not highly venomous bites
Tarawa|battles in World War II in the Pacific (November 1943);United States Marines took the islands from the Japanese after bitter fighting;national capital of Kiribati
Taraxacum|an asterid dicot genus of the family Compositae including dandelions
Tarbell|United States writer remembered for her muckraking investigations into industries in the early 20th century (1857-1944)
Tardigrada|in some classifications considered a separate phylum;microscopic arachnid-like invertebrates living in water or damp moss having 4 pairs of legs and instead of a mouth a pair of stylets or needlelike piercing organs connected with the pharynx
tardigrade|an arthropod of the division Tardigrada
tardiness|the quality or habit of not adhering to a correct or usual or expected time
tardive dyskinesia|involuntary rolling of the tongue and twitching of the face or trunk or limbs;often occurs in patients with Parkinsonism who are treated with phenothiazine
tare|(chemical analysis) a counterweight used in chemical analysis;consists of an empty container that counterbalances the weight of the container holding chemicals;an adjustment made for the weight of the packaging in order to determine the net weight of the goods;any of several weedy vetches grown for forage;the weight of a motor vehicle, railroad car, or aircraft without its fuel or cargo
Tareekh e Kasas|an organization of Muslims in India who killed Hindus in September 2002;believed to have ties with Muslim terrorists in Pakistan
taret organ|(endocrinology) organ most affected by a particular hormone
target|a reference point to shoot at;sports equipment consisting of an object set up for a marksman or archer to aim at;the location of the target that is to be hit
target acquisition system|a shipboard system for the detection and identification and location of a target with enough detail to permit effective weapon employment
target cell|an abnormal red blood cell with the appearance of a dark ring surrounding a dark center;associated with anemia;any cell that has a specific receptor for an antigen or antibody or hormone or drug, or is the focus of contact by a virus or phagocyte or nerve fiber etc.
target company|a company that has been chosen as attractive for takeover by a potential acquirer
target organ|(radiology) organ intended to receive the therapeutic dose of a radioactive substance
target practice|practice in shooting at targets
Taricha|Pacific newts
Tarkovsky|Russian filmmaker (1932-1986)
tarmacadam|a paved surface having compressed layers of broken rocks held together with tar;a paving material of tar and broken stone;mixed in a factory and shaped during paving
tarn|a mountain lake (especially one formed by glaciers)
tarnish|discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation
tarnished plant bug|widespread plant and fruit pest
taro|edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants;herb of the Pacific islands grown throughout the tropics for its edible root and in temperate areas as an ornamental for its large glossy leaves;tropical starchy tuberous root
tarot card|any of a set of (usually 72) cards that include 22 cards representing virtues and vices and death and fortune etc.;used by fortunetellers
tarpan|European wild horse extinct since the early 20th century
tarpaulin|waterproofed canvas
tarpon|large silvery game fish of warm Atlantic coastal waters especially off Florida
Tarquin|according to legend, the seventh and last Etruscan king of Rome who was expelled for his cruelty (reigned from 534 to 510 BC)
tarragon|aromatic perennial of southeastern Russia;fresh leaves (or leaves preserved in vinegar) used as seasoning
tarriance|the act of tarrying
Tarrietia|small genus of east Asian and Australian timber trees
tarsal|any bone of the tarsus
tarsier|nocturnal arboreal primate of Indonesia and the Philippines having huge eyes and digits ending in pads to facilitate climbing;the only primate that spurns all plant material as food living entirely on insects and small vertebrates
Tarsiidae|coextensive with the genus Tarsius;tarsiers
Tarsioidea|in some classifications assigned to the suborder Prosimii
tarsitis|inflammation of the eyelid
Tarsius|type and sole genus of the family Tarsiidae
Tarsius glis|a variety of tarsier
Tarsius syrichta|a variety of tarsier
tarsus|the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg;in human beings the bones of the ankle and heel collectively
tart|a pastry cup with a filling of fruit or custard and no top crust;a small open pie with a fruit filling
tartan|a cloth having a crisscross design
tartar|an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums
tartar emetic|a poisonous colorless salt used as a mordant and in medicine
tartare sauce|mayonnaise with chopped pickles and sometimes capers and shallots and parsley and hard-cooked egg;sauce for seafood especially fried fish
tartaric acid|an acid found in many fruits;used in soft drinks and confectionery and baking powder
Tartary|the vast geographical region of Europe and Asia that was controlled by the Mongols in the 13th and 14th centuries - "under Genghis Khan Tartary extended as far east as the Pacific Ocean"
tartlet|a small tart usually used as a canape
tartrate|a salt or ester of tartaric acid
Tartu|a city of southeastern Estonia that was a member of the Hanseatic League
Tartuffe|a hypocrite who pretends to religious piety (after the protagonist in a play by Moliere)
tarweed|any of various resinous glandular plants of the genus Madia;of western North and South America
tarwood|New Zealand shrub;New Zealand silver pine of conical habit with long slender flexuous branches;adapted to cold wet summers and high altitudes
Tarzan|(sometimes used ironically) a man of great strength and agility (after the hero of a series of novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs);a man raised by apes who was the hero of a series of novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Tashkent|the capital of Uzbekistan
Tashmit|consort of Nabu
task force|a semipermanent unit created to carry out a continuing task;a temporary military unit formed to accomplish a particular objective
taskmaster|someone who imposes hard or continuous work
taskmistress|a woman taskmaster
Tasman|Dutch navigator who was the first European to discover Tasmania and New Zealand (1603-1659)
Tasman dwarf pine|small shrub or Tasmania having short stiff branches
Tasman Sea|an arm of the southern Pacific Ocean between southeastern Australia and New Zealand
Tasmania|an Australian state on the island of Tasmania;an island off the southeastern coast of Australia
Tasmanian devil|small ferocious carnivorous marsupial having a mostly black coat and long tail
tassel|adornment consisting of a bunch of cords fastened at one end
tassel flower|tropical African annual having scarlet tassel-shaped flower heads;sometimes placed in genus Cacalia;tropical Asiatic annual cultivated for its small tassel-shaped heads of scarlet flowers
tassel hyacinth|large beautiful Mediterranean species having sterile bluish-violet flowers with fringed corollas forming a tuft above the fertile flowers
tasset|one of two pieces of armor plate hanging from the fauld to protect the upper thighs
Tasso|Italian poet who wrote an epic poem about the capture of Jerusalem during the First Crusade (1544-1595)
taste|a brief experience of something - "he got a taste of life on the wild side" - "she enjoyed her brief taste of independence";a kind of sensing;distinguishing substances by means of the taste buds;a small amount eaten or drunk - "take a taste--you'll like it";delicate discrimination (especially of aesthetic values) - "arrogance and lack of taste contributed to his rapid success" - "to ask at that particular time was the ultimate in bad taste";the faculty of distinguishing sweet, sour, bitter, and salty properties in the mouth - "his cold deprived him of his sense of taste";the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus - "the candy left him with a bad taste" - "the melon had a delicious taste"
taste cell|an epithelial cell in a taste bud that activates sensory fibers of the facial nerve or the glossopharyngeal nerve or the vagus nerve
taste property|a property appreciated via the sense of taste
tastebud|an oval sensory end organ on the surface of the tongue
tastefulness|elegance indicated by good taste
tastelessness|inelegance indicated by a lack of good taste
taster|someone who samples food or drink for its quality
tasting|a small amount (especially of food or wine);taking a small amount into the mouth to test its quality
Tatahumara|the Uto-Aztecan language of the Tatahumara
Tatar|a member of the Mongolian people of central Asia who invaded Russia in the 13th century;a member of the Turkic-speaking people living from the Volga to the Ural Mountains (the name has been attributed to many other groups);the Turkic language spoken by the Tatar living from the Volga to the Ural Mountains
Tate|United States poet and critic (1899-1979)
Tati|French filmmaker (1908-1982)
tatouay|naked-tailed armadillo of tropical South America
tatting|needlework consisting of handmade lace made by looping and knotting a single thread on a small shuttle
tattle|disclosing information or giving evidence about another
tattler|any of several long-legged shorebirds having a loud whistling cry
tattletale|someone who gossips indiscreetly
tattletale grey|a greyish white
tattoo|a design on the skin made by tattooing;a drumbeat or bugle call that signals the military to return to their quarters;the practice of making a design on the skin by pricking and staining
Tatum|United States biochemist who discovered how genes act by regulating definite chemical events (1909-1975);United States jazz pianist who was almost completely blind;his innovations influenced many other jazz musicians (1910-1956)
tau|the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet
tau coefficient of correlation|a nonparametric measure of the agreement between two rankings
tau cross|cross resembling the Greek letter tau
tauon|a lepton of very great mass
taupe|a greyish brown
taurine|a colorless crystalline substance obtained from the bile of mammals
Taurotragus|African antelopes;elands
Taurus|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Taurus;a zodiacal constellation in the northern hemisphere near Orion;between Aries and Gemini;the second sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about April 20 to May 20
tautog|large dark-colored food fish of the Atlantic coast of North America
Tautoga|tautogs
Tautogolabrus|a genus of Labridae
tautology|(logic) a statement that is necessarily true - "the statement 'he is brave or he is not brave' is a tautology";useless repetition - "to say that something is 'adequate enough' is a tautology"
tavern|a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks
taw|a large marble used for shooting in the game of marbles;the 23rd letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Tawney|English economist remembered for his studies of the development of capitalism (1880-1962)
tawniness|the quality or state of being the color of tanned leather - "the tawniness of his complexion"
tawny eagle|brownish eagle of Africa and parts of Asia
tawny owl|reddish-brown European owl having a round head with black eyes
tawse|a leather strap for punishing children
tax|charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
tax advantage|an advantage bestowed by legislation that reduces a tax on some preferred activity
tax assessment|the value set on taxable property
tax assessor|an official who evaluates property for the purpose of taxing it
tax avoidance|the minimization of tax liability by lawful methods
tax base|collective value of taxable assets
tax benefit|a tax deduction that is granted in order to encourage a particular type of commercial activity
tax bill|money owed for taxes
tax collection|the collection of taxes
tax collector|someone who collects taxes for the government
tax credit|a direct reduction in tax liability (not dependent on the taxpayer's tax bracket)
tax cut|the act of reducing taxation - "the new administration's large tax cut was highly controversial"
tax evasion|the deliberate failure to pay taxes (usually by making a false report)
tax form|a form to use when paying your taxes
tax haven|a country or independent region where taxes are low
tax income|government income due to taxation
tax law|the body of laws governing taxation
tax liability|the amount of tax owed;calculated by applying the tax rate to the tax base
tax lien|lien of which a tax collector may avail himself in default of taxes (analogous to a judgment lien)
tax program|a program for setting taxes
tax rate|rate used to calculate tax liability
tax return|document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability - "his gross income was enough that he had to file a tax return"
tax shelter|a way of organizing business to reduce the taxes it must pay on current earnings
tax system|a legal system for assessing and collecting taxes
tax write-off|a reduction in the gross amount on which a tax is calculated;reduces taxes by the percentage fixed for the taxpayer's income bracket
taxability|liability to taxation
Taxaceae|sometimes classified as member of order Taxales
Taxales|coextensive with the family Taxaceae;yews
taxation|the imposition of taxes;the practice of the government in levying taxes on the subjects of a state
taxer|a bureaucrat who levies taxes
tax-exempt security|a security that is not subject to taxation
taxi dancer|a woman employed to dance with patrons who pay a fee for each dance
Taxidea|in some classifications considered a genus of subfamily Melinae
taxidermist|a craftsman who stuffs and mounts the skins of animals for display
taxidermy|the art of mounting the skins of animals so that they have lifelike appearance
taxidriver|someone who drives a taxi for a living
taximeter|a meter in a taxi that registers the fare (based on the length of the ride)
tax-increase|the amount by which taxes are increased
taxis|a locomotor response toward or away from an external stimulus by a motile (and usually simple) organism;the surgical procedure of manually restoring a displaced body part
taxiway|a paved surface in the form of a strip;used by planes taxiing to or from the runway at an airport
Taxodiaceae|coniferous trees;traditionally considered an independent family though recently included in Cupressaceae in some classification systems
Taxodium|bald cypress;swamp cypress
taxonomic group|animal or plant group having natural relations
taxonomist|a biologist who specializes in the classification of organisms into groups on the basis of their structure and origin and behavior
taxonomy|(biology) study of the general principles of scientific classification;a classification of organisms into groups based on similarities of structure or origin etc;practice of classifying plants and animals according to their presumed natural relationships
Taxopsida|yews;in some systems classified as a class (Taxopsida) and in others as a subdivision (Taxophytina) used in some classifications for one of five subdivisions of Gymnospermophyta
taxpayer|someone who pays taxes
Taxus|yews
Tay|a branch of the Tai languages
Tayalic|a language spoken by a Malaysian people on Formosa
Tayassu|type genus of the Tayassuidae
Tayassuidae|peccaries
Taylor|12th President of the United States;died in office (1784-1850);United States composer and music critic (1885-1966);United States film actress (born in England) who was a childhood star;as an adult she often co-starred with Richard Burton (born in 1932)
tayra|long-tailed arboreal mustelid of Central America and South America
Tay-Sachs disease|a hereditary disorder of lipid metabolism occurring most frequently in individuals of Jewish descent in eastern Europe;accumulation of lipids in nervous tissue results in death in early childhood
Tazir crime|(Islam) minor crimes committed by Muslims;crimes that are not mentioned in the Koran so judges are free to punish the offender in any appropriate way - "in some Islamic nations Tazir crimes are set by legislation"
Ta'ziyeh|(Islam) a form of Iranian musical pageant that is the theatrical expression of religious passion;based on the Battle of Kerbala and performed annually (in Farsi)
T-bar lift|a surface lift where riders hold a bar and are pulled up the hill on their skis
Tbilisi|the capital and largest city of Georgia on the Kura river
T-bone steak|small steak from the thin end of the short loin containing a T-shaped bone and small piece of tenderloin
Tchaikovsky|important Russian composer whose works are noted for their expressive melodies (1840-1893)
Te Deum|an ancient liturgical hymn
Te Kanawa|New Zealand operatic soprano (born in 1944)
tea|a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water - "iced tea is a cooling drink";a light midafternoon meal of tea and sandwiches or cakes - "an Englishman would interrupt a war to have his afternoon tea";a reception or party at which tea is served - "we met at the Dean's tea for newcomers";a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree extensively cultivated in e.g. China and Japan and India;source of tea leaves - "tea has fragrant white flowers";dried leaves of the tea shrub;used to make tea - "the store shelves held many different kinds of tea" - "they threw the tea into Boston harbor"
tea bag|a measured amount of tea in a bag for an individual serving of tea;small paper bag holding a measure of tea
tea ball|a kitchen utensil consisting of a perforated metal ball for making tea
tea bread|sweetened buns to be eaten with tea
tea cart|serving cart for serving tea or light refreshments
tea ceremony|an ancient ritual for preparing and serving and drinking tea
tea chest|chest for storing or transporting tea
tea cloth|a small tablecloth
tea garden|a public garden where tea is served
tea gown|a long loose-fitting gown formerly popular for wear at afternoon tea
tea maker|a covered spoon with perforations
tea napkin|a small napkin used when tea is served
tea party|a party at which tea is served
tea rose|any of several hybrid bush roses derived from a tea-scented Chinese rose with pink or yellow flowers
tea service|a set of china or silverware for serving tea
tea table|a small table for serving afternoon tea
tea tortrix|small Indian moth infesting e.g. tea and coffee plants
tea tray|a tray that accommodates a tea service
tea urn|an urn in which tea is brewed and from which it is served
teaberry|creeping shrub of eastern North America having white bell-shaped flowers followed by spicy red berrylike fruit and shiny aromatic leaves that yield wintergreen oil
teacake|any of various small cakes or cookies often served with tea;flat semisweet cookie or biscuit usually served with tea
Teach|an English pirate who operated in the Caribbean and off the Atlantic coast of North America (died in 1718)
teacher|a person whose occupation is teaching;a personified abstraction that teaches - "books were his teachers" - "experience is a demanding teacher"
teacher's pet|the teacher's favorite student
teachership|the position of teacher
teacher-student relation|the academic relation between teachers and their students
teach-in|an extended session (as on a college campus) for lectures and discussion on an important and usually controversial issue
teaching|a doctrine that is taught - "the teachings of religion";the profession of a teacher - "he prepared for teaching while still in college"
teaching aid|materials and equipment used in teaching
teaching certificate|a certificate saying that the holder is qualified to teach in the public schools
teaching fellow|a graduate student with teaching responsibilities
teaching method|the principles and methods of instruction
teaching reading|teaching beginners to read
teacup|a cup from which tea is drunk;as much as a teacup will hold
teak|hard strong durable yellowish-brown wood of teak trees;resistant to insects and to warping;used for furniture and in shipbuilding;tall East Indian timber tree now planted in western Africa and tropical America for its hard durable wood
teakettle|kettle for boiling water to make tea
teal|any of various small short-necked dabbling river ducks of Europe and America
tea-like drink|a beverage that resembles tea but is not made from tea leaves
team|a cooperative unit (especially in sports);two or more draft animals that work together to pull something
team sport|a sport that involves competition between teams of players - "baseball is a team sport by golf is not"
team teaching|a method of coordinated classroom teaching involving a team of teachers working together with a single group of students
teammate|a fellow member of a team - "it was his first start against his former teammates"
teamster|someone who drives a truck as an occupation;the driver of a team of horses doing hauling
Teamsters Union|an industrial union of truck drivers and chauffeurs and warehouse workers
teamwork|cooperative work done by a team (especially when it is effective) - "it will take money, good planning and, above all, teamwork"
teapot|pot for brewing tea;usually has a spout and handle
Teapot Dome|a government scandal involving a former United States Navy oil reserve in Wyoming that was secretly leased to a private oil company in 1921;became symbolic of the scandals of the Harding administration
tear|a drop of the clear salty saline solution secreted by the lacrimal glands - "his story brought tears to her eyes";the act of tearing - "he took the manuscript in both hands and gave it a mighty tear"
tear gas|a gas that makes the eyes fill with tears but does not damage them;used in dispersing crowds
tear sheet|a sheet that can be easily torn out of a publication
tearaway|a reckless and impetuous person
teardrop|anything shaped like a falling drop (as a pendant gem on an earring)
tearjerker|an excessively sentimental narrative
Teasdale|United States poet (1884-1933)
tease|someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity);the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule);provoking someone with persistent annoyances - "he ignored their teases"
teasel|any of several herbs of the genus Dipsacus native to the Old World having flower heads surrounded by spiny bracts
teaser|a device for teasing wool - "a teaser is used to disentangle the fibers";a worker who teases wool;an advertisement that offers something free in order to arouse customers' interest;an attention-getting opening presented at the start of a television show
teashop|a restaurant where tea and light meals are available
teasing|playful vexation - "the parody was just a form of teasing"
teaspoon|a small spoon used for stirring tea or coffee;holds about one fluid dram;as much as a teaspoon will hold
tea-strainer|a device to keep back tea leaves when pouring a cup of tea
Tebaldi|Italian operatic soprano (born in 1922)
Tebet|the fourth month of the civil year;the tenth month of the ecclesiastical year (in December and January)
tebibit|a unit of information equal to 1024 gibibits or 2^40 (1,099,511,627,776) bits
tech|technician;technology;technical work;technical
techie|a technician who is highly proficient and enthusiastic about some technical field (especially computing)
technetium|a crystalline metallic element not found in nature;occurs as one of the fission products of uranium
technical|a pickup truck with a gun mounted on it
technical analysis|(stock exchange) analysis of past price changes in the hope of forecasting future price changes
technical foul|(basketball) a foul that can be assessed on a player or a coach or a team for unsportsmanlike conduct;does not usually involve physical contact during play
technical knockout|a knockout declared by the referee who judges one boxer unable to continue
technical school|a school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
technical sergeant|a noncommissioned officer ranking below a master sergeant in the air force or marines
technicality|a detail that is considered insignificant
technician|someone known for high skill in some intellectual or artistic technique;someone whose occupation involves training in a specific technical process
technicolor|a trademarked method of making color motion pictures
technique|a practical method or art applied to some particular task
techno|a style of fast heavy electronic dance music usually without vocals
technobabble|technical jargon from computing and other high-tech subjects
technocracy|a form of government in which scientists and technical experts are in control - "technocracy was described as that society in which those who govern justify themselves by appeal to technical experts who justify themselves by appeal to scientific forms of knowledge"
technocrat|an advocate of technocracy;an expert who is a member of a highly skilled elite group
technology|the practical application of science to commerce or industry
Technology Administration|an agency in the Department of Commerce that works with United States industries to promote competitiveness and maximize the impact of technology on economic growth
technophile|a person who is enthusiastic about new technology
technophilia|enthusiasm for new technology
technophobe|a person who dislikes or avoids new technology
technophobia|dislike for new technology
Tecophilaeacea|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted
Tectaria|terrestrial or epilithic ferns of tropical rain forests
Tectona|small genus of southeastern Asian tropics;teak
tectonics|the branch of geology studying the folding and faulting of the earth's crust
Tecumseh|a famous chief of the Shawnee who tried to unite Indian tribes against the increasing white settlement (1768-1813)
Ted|a tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing Edwardian style clothes
teddy|plaything consisting of a child's toy bear (usually plush and stuffed with soft materials)
teddy boys|a British youth subculture that first appeared in the 1950s;mainly from unskilled backgrounds, they adopted a pseudo-Edwardian dress code and rock'n'roll music;proletarian and xenophobic, they were involved in race riots in the United Kingdom
tediousness|dullness owing to length or slowness
tee|a short peg put into the ground to hold a golf ball off the ground;support holding a football on end and above the ground preparatory to the kickoff;the starting place for each hole on a golf course - "they were waiting on the first tee"
tee hinge|a hinge that looks like the letter T when it is opened;similar to a strap hinge except that one strap has been replaced by half of a butt hinge that can be mortised flush into the stationary frame
teens|all the numbers that end in -teen;the time of life between the ages of 12 and 20
teeoff|the act of hitting a golf ball from the teeing ground at the start of each hole
teething|the eruption through the gums of baby teeth
teetotaler|a total abstainer
teetotaling|abstaining from alcohol
teff|an African grass economically important as a cereal grass (yielding white flour of good quality) as well as for forage and hay
Teflon|a material used to coat cooking utensils and in industrial applications where sticking is to be avoided
teg|two-year-old sheep
Tegucigalpa|the capital and largest city of Honduras
Teheran|the capital and largest city of Iran;located in northern Iran
teiid lizard|tropical New World lizard with a long tail and large rectangular scales on the belly and a long tail
Teiidae|whiptails;etc.
Teilhard de Chardin|French paleontologist and philosopher (1881-1955)
teju|large (to 3 feet) blackish yellow-banded South American lizard;raid henhouses;used as food
tektite|thought to derive from meteorites
Tel Aviv|the largest city and financial center of Israel;located in western Israel on the Mediterranean
Telanthera|used in former classifications systems;now included in genus Alternanthera
telecast|a television broadcast
telecaster|a television broadcaster
telecom hotel|a building that houses telecommunications equipment - "the telecom hotels are prime targets for bombing"
telecommunication|(often plural) systems used in transmitting messages over a distance electronically;(often plural) the branch of electrical engineering concerned with the technology of electronic communication at a distance
telecommunication system|a communication system for communicating at a distance
telecommuting|employment at home while communicating with the workplace by phone or fax or modem
teleconference|a conference of people who are in different locations that is made possible by the use of such telecommunications equipment as closed-circuit television
telefilm|a movie that is made to be shown on television
telegnosis|apparent knowledge of distant events without using sensory perceptions
telegram|a message transmitted by telegraph
telegraph|apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (usually in Morse code)
telegraph form|a form to use when sending a telegram
telegraph key|key consisting of a lever that sends a telegraph signal when it is depressed and the circuit is closed
telegraph plant|erect tropical Asian shrub whose small lateral leaflets rotate on their axes and jerk up and down under the influence of sunshine
telegrapher|someone who transmits messages by telegraph
telegraphese|language characterized by terseness and ellipsis as in telegrams
telegraphic signal|a signal transmitted by telegraphy
telegraphy|communicating at a distance by electric transmission over wire
telekinesis|the power to move something by thinking about it without the application of physical force
Telemann|German baroque composer (1681-1767)
telemark|a turn made in skiing;the outside ski is placed ahead and turned gradually inwards
telemarketing|the use of the telephone as an interactive medium for promotion and sales
telemeter|any scientific instrument for observing events at a distance and transmitting the information back to the observer
telemetry|automatic transmission and measurement of data from remote sources by wire or radio or other means
telemetry intelligence|intelligence derived from the interception and processing and analysis of foreign telemetry
telencephalon|the anterior division of the forebrain;the cerebrum and related parts of the hypothalamus
teleologist|advocate of teleology
teleology|(philosophy) a doctrine explaining phenomena by their ends or purposes
teleost fish|a bony fish of the subclass Teleostei
Teleostei|large diverse group of bony fishes;includes most living species
telepathist|someone with the power of communicating thoughts directly
telepathy|apparent communication from one mind to another without using sensory perceptions
telephone|electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds - "I talked to him on the telephone";transmitting speech at a distance
telephone bell|electric bell that rings to signal a call
telephone booth|booth for using a telephone
telephone company|a public utility that provides telephone service
telephone conversation|a conversation over the telephone
telephone cord|the telephone wire that connects to the handset
telephone interview|an interview conducted over the telephone
telephone jack|a jack for plugging in a telephone
telephone line|a telephone connection
telephone operator|someone who helps callers get the person they are calling
telephone order|receiving orders via telephone
telephone plug|a plug for connecting a telephone
telephone pole|tall pole supporting telephone wires
telephone receiver|earphone that converts electrical signals into sounds
telephone system|a communication system that transmits sound between distant points
telephone unit|a unit of measurement for telephone use
telephone wire|the wire that carries telegraph and telephone signals
telephoto lens|a camera lens that magnifies the image
telephotograph|a photograph made with a telephoto lens;a photograph transmitted and reproduced over a distance
telephotography|photography using a telephoto lens;transmission and reproduction of photographs and charts and pictures over a distance
teleportation|a hypothetical mode of instantaneous transportation;matter is dematerialized at one place and recreated at another
Teleprompter|a prompter for television performers
telerobotics|the area of robotics that is concerned with the control of robots from a distance
telescope|a magnifier of images of distant objects
telescopic sight|gunsight consisting of a telescope on a firearm for use as a sight
Telescopium|a small constellation in the southern hemisphere near Ara
telescopy|the art of making and using telescopes
telethermometer|a thermometer that registers the temperature at some distant point
teletypewriter|a character printer connected to a telegraph that operates like a typewriter
televangelism|evangelism at a distance by the use of television
televangelist|an evangelist who conducts services on television
television|a telecommunication system that transmits images of objects (stationary or moving) between distant points;broadcasting visual images of stationary or moving objects - "Television is a medium because it is neither rare nor well done" - Ernie Kovacs
television antenna|an omnidirectional antenna tuned to the broadcast frequencies assigned to television
television camera|television equipment consisting of a lens system that focuses an image on a photosensitive mosaic that is scanned by an electron beam
television equipment|electronic equipment that broadcasts or receives electromagnetic waves representing images and sound
television monitor|monitor used in a studio for monitoring the program being broadcast
television news|a television broadcast of news
television program|a program broadcast by television
television receiver|an electronic device that receives television signals and displays them on a screen
television reporter|someone who reports news stories via television
television room|a room set aside for viewing television
television star|a star in a television show
television station|station for the production and transmission of television broadcasts
television transmitter|transmitter that is part of a television system
television-camera tube|a tube that rapidly scans an optical image and converts it into electronic signals
teliospore|a chlamydospore that develops in the last stage of the life cycle of the rust fungus
Tell|a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer;according to legend an Austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
teller|an employee of a bank who receives and pays out money;an official appointed to count the votes (especially in legislative assembly);United States physicist (born in Hungary) who worked on the first atom bomb and the first hydrogen bomb (1908-2003)
Tellima|genus of hardy perennials with palmately lobed leaves and long racemes of small nodding five-petaled flowers;western North America
telling|informing by words
tellurian|an inhabitant of the earth
telluride|any binary compound of tellurium with other more electropositive elements
tellurium|a brittle silver-white metalloid element that is related to selenium and sulfur;it is used in alloys and as a semiconductor;occurs mainly as tellurides in ores of copper and nickel and silver and gold
Tellus|(Roman mythology) goddess of the earth;protector of marriage and fertility;identified with Greek Gaea
telocentric chromosome|a chromosome like a straight rod with the centromere in terminal position
telomerase|an enzyme in eukaryotic cells that can add telomeres to the ends of chromosomes after they divide
telomere|either (free) end of a eukaryotic chromosome - "telomeres act as caps to keep the sticky ends of chromosomes from randomly clumping together"
Telopea|Australian evergreen shrubs;waratahs
telophase|the final stage of meiosis when the chromosomes move toward opposite ends of the nuclear spindle;the final stage of mitosis
Telosporidia|parasitic sporozoans that form spores containing one or more infective sporozoites
telpher|one of the conveyances (or cars) in a telpherage
telpherage|a transportation system in which cars (telphers) are suspended from cables and operated on electricity
Telugu|a Dravidian language spoken by the Telugu in southeastern India;a member of the people in southeastern India (Andhra Pradesh) who speak the Telugu language
temazepam|a frequently prescribed benzodiazepine (trade name Restoril);takes effect slowly and lasts long enough to help those people who wake up frequently during the night
Temnospondyli|formerly a suborder of Stegocephalia;large Carboniferous and Permian amphibians having vertebrae in which some elements remain separate
temp|a worker (especially in an office) hired on a temporary basis
temper|a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling - "whether he praised or cursed me depended on his temper at the time";a disposition to exhibit uncontrolled anger - "his temper was well known to all his employees";the elasticity and hardness of a metal object;its ability to absorb considerable energy before cracking
tempera|pigment mixed with water-soluble glutinous materials such as size and egg yolk
temperament|an adjustment of the intervals (as in tuning a keyboard instrument) so that the scale can be used to play in different keys;excessive emotionalism or irritability and excitability (especially when displayed openly)
temperance|the act of tempering;the trait of avoiding excesses
temperate rain forest|a rain forest in a temperate area
Temperate Zone|the part of the Earth's surface between the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Cancer or between the Antarctic Circle and the Tropic of Capricorn;characterized by temperate climate
temperature|the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity);the somatic sensation of cold or heat
temperature change|a process whereby the degree of hotness of a body (or medium) changes
temperature gradient|change in temperature as a function of distance (especially altitude)
temperature scale|a system of measuring temperature
temperature unit|a unit of measurement for temperature
tempest|(literary) a violent wind - "a tempest swept over the island"
tempestuousness|a state of wild storminess
template|a model or standard for making comparisons
temple|an edifice devoted to special or exalted purposes;place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity;the flat area on either side of the forehead - "the veins in his temple throbbed"
Temple of Apollo|(Greek mythology) the oracle at Delphi where a priestess supposedly delivered messages from Apollo to those who sought advice;the messages were usually obscure or ambiguous
Temple of Artemis|a large temple at Ephesus that was said to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world
Temple of Jerusalem|any of three successive temples in Jerusalem that served as the primary center for Jewish worship;the first temple contained the Ark of the Covenant and was built by Solomon in the 10th century BC and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC;the second was built in 515 BC and the third was an enlargement by Herod the Great in 20 BC that was destroyed by the Romans during a Jewish revolt in AD 70;all that remains is the Wailing Wall
temple orange|large citrus tree having large sweet deep orange fruit that is easily peeled;widely cultivated in Florida;large sweet easily-peeled Florida fruit with deep orange rind
Templetonia|genus of Australian shrubs or subshrubs;coral bush
tempo|(music) the speed at which a composition is to be played;the rate of some repeating event
temporal arrangement|arrangement of events in time
temporal arteritis|inflammation of the temporal arteries;characterized by headaches and difficulty chewing and (sometimes) visual impairment
temporal artery|any of the three arteries on either side of the brain supplying the cortex of the temporal lobe
temporal bone|a thick bone forming the side of the human cranium and encasing the inner ear
temporal canthus|the outer corner of the eye
temporal gyrus|any of the convolutions of the outer surface of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum
temporal lobe|that part of the cerebral cortex in either hemisphere of the brain lying inside the temples of the head
temporal property|a property relating to time
temporal relation|a relation involving time
temporal role|the semantic role of the noun phrase that designates the time of the state or action denoted by the verb
temporal vein|any of several veins draining the temporal region
temporalis muscle|muscle extending from the temporal fossa to the coronoid process of the mandible;acts to raise the mandible and close the jaws
temporalty|the worldly possessions of a church
temporariness|the property of lasting only a short time
temporary hookup|a connection intended to be used for a limited time
temporary injunction|injunction issued during a trial to maintain the status quo or preserve the subject matter of the litigation until the trial is over
temporary state|a state that continues for a limited time
temporizer|someone who temporizes;someone who tries to gain time or who waits for a favorable time
temptation|something that seduces or has the quality to seduce;the desire to have or do something that you know you should avoid - "he felt the temptation and his will power weakened"
tempter|a person who tempts others - "Satan is the great tempter of mankind"
tempura|vegetables and seafood dipped in batter and deep-fried
Temuco|a city in central Chile to the south of Concepcion
ten|the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one;the base of the decimal system
ten thousand|the cardinal number that is the product of ten and one thousand
tenant|a holder of buildings or lands by any kind of title (as ownership or lease);any occupant who dwells in a place;someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else - "the landlord can evict a tenant who doesn't pay the rent"
tenant farmer|a farmer who works land owned by someone else
tenantry|tenants of an estate considered as a group
tench|freshwater dace-like game fish of Europe and western Asia noted for ability to survive outside water
tendency|a characteristic likelihood of or natural disposition toward a certain condition or character or effect - "fabric with a tendency to shrink";a general direction in which something tends to move - "the shoreward tendency of the current"
tendentiousness|an intentional and controversial bias
tender|a boat for communication between ship and shore;car attached to a locomotive to carry fuel and water;ship that usually provides supplies to other ships;something that can be used as an official medium of payment
tender loving care|considerate and solicitous care
tender offer|an offer to buy shares in a corporation (usually above the market price) for cash or securities or both
tenderfoot|an inexperienced person (especially someone inexperienced in outdoor living)
tendergreen|Asiatic plant cultivated for its swollen root crown and edible foliage
tenderization|the act of making meat tender by pounding or marinating it
tenderizer|a substance (as the plant enzyme papain) applied to meat to make it tender
tenderloin|the tender meat of the loin muscle on each side of the vertebral column
tenderness|a pain that is felt (as when the area is touched) - "the best results are generally obtained by inserting the needle into the point of maximum tenderness";a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling;warm compassionate feelings
tendinitis|inflammation of a tendon
tendon|a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
tendril|slender stem-like structure by which some twining plants attach themselves to an object for support
Tenebrionidae|a family of arthropods including darkling beetles and mealworms
tenement|a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards
tenement district|a residential district occupied primarily with tenement houses
Tenerife|a Spanish island in the Atlantic off the northwestern coast of Africa;the largest of the Canary Islands
tenesmus|painful spasm of the anal sphincter along with an urgent desire to defecate without the significant production of feces;associated with irritable bowel syndrome
tenge|100 tenge equal 1 manat in Turkmenistan;the basic unit of money in Kazakhstan
tenner|a United States bill worth 10 dollars
Tennessean|a native or resident of Tennessee
Tennessee|a river formed by the confluence of two other rivers near Knoxville;it follows a U-shaped course to become a tributary of the Ohio River in western Kentucky;a state in east central United States
Tennessee walker|a horse marked by stamina and trained to move at a fast running walk
Tenniel|English cartoonist (1820-1914)
tennis|a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court
tennis ball|ball about the size of a fist used in playing tennis
tennis camp|a camp where tennis is taught
tennis club|a club of people to play tennis
tennis coach|a coach of tennis players
tennis court|the court on which tennis is played
tennis elbow|painful inflammation of the tendon at the outer border of the elbow resulting from overuse of lower arm muscles (as in twisting of the hand)
tennis lesson|a lesson in playing tennis
tennis match|a match between tennis players
tennis player|an athlete who plays tennis
tennis pro|someone who earns a living playing or teaching tennis
tennis racket|a racket used to play tennis
tennis stroke|the act of hitting a tennis ball with a tennis racket
Tennyson|Englishman and Victorian poet (1809-1892)
tenon|a projection at the end of a piece of wood that is shaped to fit into a mortise and form a mortise joint
tenor|a settled or prevailing or habitual course of a person's life - "nothing disturbed the even tenor of her ways";an adult male with a tenor voice;the adult male singing voice above baritone;the general meaning or substance of an utterance - "although I disagreed with him I could follow the tenor of his argument";the pitch range of the highest male voice
tenor clef|a clef that puts middle C on the fourth line of the staff;used for writing music for bassoons or cellos or tenor horns
tenor drum|any of various drums with small heads
tenor saxophonist|a musician who plays the tenor saxophone
Tenoretic|trade name for an antihypertensive drug consisting of a fixed combination of atenolol and a diuretic
tenoroon|a tenor bassoon;pitched a fifth higher than the ordinary bassoon
tenosynovitis|inflammation of a tendon and its enveloping sheath
tenpence|a decimal coin worth ten pennies
tenpenny nail|a nail 3 inches long
tenpin|one of the bottle-shaped pins used in bowling
tenpins|bowling down an alley at a target of ten wooden pins
tenrec|small often spiny insectivorous mammal of Madagascar;resembles a hedgehog
Tenrecidae|tenrecs and extinct related forms
tense|a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time
tense system|a system of tenses used in a particular language
tensile strength|the strength of material expressed as the greatest longitudinal stress it can bear without tearing apart
tensimeter|a manometer for measuring vapor pressure
tensiometer|a measuring instrument for measuring the moisture content of soil;a measuring instrument for measuring the surface tension of a liquid;a measuring instrument for measuring the tension in a wire or fiber or beam
tension|(physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body - "the direction of maximum tension moves asymptotically toward the direction of the shear";(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense - "he suffered from fatigue and emotional tension";a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature) - "there is a tension created between narrative time and movie time" - "there is a tension between these approaches to understanding history";the action of stretching something tight - "tension holds the belt in the pulleys";the physical condition of being stretched or strained - "it places great tension on the leg muscles"
tension headache|a headache located at the back of the head;usually caused by body tension resulting from overwork or psychological stress
tensor|a generalization of the concept of a vector;any of several muscles that cause an attached structure to become tense or firm
tensor tympani|a small muscle in the middle ear that tenses to protect the eardrum
ten-spined stickleback|confined to rivers
ten-spot|one of four playing cards in a deck with ten pips on the face
tent|a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs) - "he pitched his tent near the creek";a web that resembles a tent or carpet
tent caterpillar|the larvae of moths that build and live in communal silken webs in orchard and shade trees
tent peg|a peg driven into the ground to hold a rope supporting a tent
tentacle|any of various elongated tactile or prehensile flexible organs that occur on the head or near the mouth in many animals;used for feeling or grasping or locomotion;something that acts like a tentacle in its ability to grasp and hold - "caught in the tentacles of organized crime"
Tentaculata|ctenophores have retractile tentacles
tent-caterpillar moth|moth whose gregarious larvae spin webs resembling carpets;moth whose larvae are tent caterpillars
tenter|a framework with hooks used for stretching and drying cloth
tenterhook|one of a series of hooks used to hold cloth on a tenter
tent-fly|flap consisting of a piece of canvas that can be drawn back to provide entrance to a tent
tenth|position ten in a countable series of things
Tenthredinidae|sawflies
tentmaker|someone who makes or repairs tents
tentorium|(anatomy) a fold of dura mater that covers the cerebellum and supports the occipital lobes of the cerebrum
tenure|the right to hold property;part of an ancient hierarchical system of holding lands;the term during which some position is held
Tenzing Norgay|Sherpa mountaineer guide who with Sir Edmund Hillary was one of the first to attain the summit of Mount Everest (1914-1986)
tepal|an undifferentiated part of a perianth that cannot be distinguished as a sepal or a petal (as in lilies and tulips)
tepary bean|twining plant of southwestern United States and Mexico having roundish white or yellow or brown or black beans
tepee|a Native American tent;usually of conical shape
Tephrosia|genus of tropical and subtropical herbs or shrubs;hoary peas
Tepic|a city in west central Mexico
tepidness|lack of passion, force or animation
tequila|Mexican liquor made from fermented juices of an agave plant
Tera|a three-tone Chadic language
terabit|a unit of information equal to 1000 gigabits or 10^12 (1,000,000,000,000) bits
terabyte|a unit of information equal to 1000 gigabytes or 10^12 (1,000,000,000,000) bytes;a unit of information equal to 1024 gibibytes or 2^40 (1,099,511,627,776) bytes
teraflop|(computer science) a unit for measuring the speed of a computer system
terahertz|one trillion periods per second
teratogen|any agent that interferes with normal embryonic development;alcohol or thalidomide or X-rays or rubella are examples
teratogenesis|the development of defects in an embryo
teratology|the branch of biology concerned with the development of malformations or serious deviations from the normal type of organism
teratoma|a tumor consisting of a mixture of tissues not normally found at that site
terazosin|antihypertensive drug (trade name Hytrin) used to treat high blood pressure
terbinafine|an oral antifungal drug (trade name Lamisil) used to treat cases of fungal nail disease
terbium|a metallic element of the rare earth group;used in lasers;occurs in apatite and monazite and xenotime and ytterbite
terbium metal|a separate group of related lanthanides, including terbium, europium, gadolinium, and sometimes dysprosium
terce|the third canonical hour;about 9 a.m.
tercentennial|the 300th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
Terebella|type genus of Terebellidae;tube-forming marine polychete worms with many filamentous tentacles
Terebellidae|marine burrowing or tube-forming polychete worms usually having long thick bodies
terebinth|a Mediterranean tree yielding Chian turpentine
Teredinidae|shipworms
teredo|typical shipworm
Terence|dramatist of ancient Rome (born in Greece) whose comedies were based on works by Menander (190?-159 BC)
teres|either of two muscles in the shoulder region that move the shoulders and arms
teres major|teres muscle that moves the arm and rotates it medially
teres minor|teres muscle that adducts the arm and rotates it laterally
Teresa|Indian nun and missionary in the Roman Catholic Church (born of Albanian parents in what is now Macedonia);dedicated to helping the poor in India (1910-1997)
Teresa of Avila|Spanish mystic and religious reformer;author of religious classics and a Christian saint (1515-1582)
Tereshkova|Soviet cosmonaut who was the first woman in space (born in 1937)
teriyaki|beef or chicken or seafood marinated in spicy soy sauce and grilled or broiled
term|a limited period of time - "a prison term" - "he left school before the end of term";a word or expression used for some particular thing - "he learned many medical terms";any distinct quantity contained in a polynomial - "the general term of an algebraic equation of the n-th degree";one of the substantive phrases in a logical proposition - "the major term of a syllogism must occur twice";the end of gestation or point at which birth is imminent - "a healthy baby born at full term"
term infant|infant born at a gestational age between 37 and 42 completed weeks
term insurance|low-cost insurance that is valid only for a stated period of time and has no cash surrender value or loan value - "term insurance is most often associated with life insurance policies"
term paper|a composition intended to indicate a student's progress during a school term
termer|a person who serves a specified term - "there are not many fourth termers in the Senate"
Termes|type genus of the Termitidae
terminable interest|an interest in property that terminates under specific conditions
terminal|a contact on an electrical device (such as a battery) at which electric current enters or leaves;electronic equipment consisting of a device providing access to a computer;has a keyboard and display;station where transport vehicles load or unload passengers or goods
terminal emulation|(computer science) having a computer act exactly like a terminal
terminal leave|final leave before discharge from military service
terminal velocity|the constant maximum velocity reached by a body falling through the atmosphere under the attraction of gravity
termination|a coming to an end of a contract period;the act of ending something - "the termination of the agreement"
terminology|a system of words used to name things in a particular discipline - "legal terminology"
terminus|(architecture) a statue or a human bust or an animal carved out of the top of a square pillar;originally used as a boundary marker in ancient Rome;either end of a railroad or bus route
terminus a quo|earliest limiting point
terminus ad quem|final or latest limiting point
termite|whitish soft-bodied ant-like social insect that feeds on wood
Termitidae|termites
tern|small slender gull having narrow wings and a forked tail
terpene|an unsaturated hydrocarbon obtained from plants
Terpsichore|(Greek mythology) the Muse of the dance and of choral song
terra alba|finely pulverized gypsum used especially as a pigment
terra cotta|a hard unglazed brownish-red earthenware
terra sigillata|earthenware made from the reddish-brown clay found on the Aegean island of Lemnos
terrace|a level shelf of land interrupting a declivity (with steep slopes above and below);a row of houses built in a similar style and having common dividing walls (or the street on which they face)
terraced house|a house that is part of a terrace
terrain|a piece of ground having specific characteristics or military potential - "they decided to attack across the rocky terrain"
terrain flight|flight at very low altitudes
terrain intelligence|tactical intelligence on the natural and man-made characteristics of an area
Terrapene|box turtles
terrapin|any of various edible North American web-footed turtles living in fresh or brackish water
terrarium|a vivarium in which selected living plants are kept and observed
terreplein|level space where heavy guns can be mounted behind the parapet at the top of a rampart
terrestrial guidance|a method of controlling the flight of a missile by devices that respond to the strength and direction of the earth's gravitational field
terrestrial planet|a planet having a compact rocky surface like the Earth's;the four innermost planets in the solar system
terrestrial time|(astronomy) a measure of time defined by Earth's orbital motion;terrestrial time is mean solar time corrected for the irregularities of the Earth's motions
terrier|any of several usually small short-bodied breeds originally trained to hunt animals living underground
terrine|a pate or fancy meatloaf baked in an earthenware casserole
territorial|a territorial military unit;nonprofessional soldier member of a territorial military unit
Territorial Army|British unit of nonprofessional soldiers organized for the defense of Great Britain
territorial waters|the waters surrounding a nation and its territories over which that nation exercises sovereign jurisdiction
territoriality|the behavior of a male animal that defines and defends its territory
territorialization|the act of organizing as a territory
territory|an area of knowledge or interest - "his questions covered a lot of territory";the geographical area under the jurisdiction of a sovereign state
terror|a person who inspires fear or dread - "he was the terror of the neighborhood";a very troublesome child;the use of extreme fear in order to coerce people (especially for political reasons) - "he used terror to make them confess"
terrorism|the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature;this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear
terrorist|a radical who employs terror as a political weapon;usually organizes with other terrorists in small cells;often uses religion as a cover for terrorist activities
terrorist attack|a surprise attack involving the deliberate use of violence against civilians in the hope of attaining political or religious aims
terrorist cell|a cell of terrorists (usually 3 to 5 members) - "to insure operational security the members of adjacent terrorist cells usually don't know each other or the identity of their leadership"
terrorist organization|a political movement that uses terror as a weapon to achieve its goals
terrorization|an act of terrorism;the act of inspiring with fear
terry|a pile fabric (usually cotton) with uncut loops on both sides;used to make bath towels and bath robes;English actress (1847-1928)
terseness|a neatly short and concise expressive style
Tertiary|from 63 million to 2 million years ago
tertiary syphilis|the third stage;characterized by involvement of internal organs especially the brain and spinal cord as well as the heart and liver
tertigravida|a woman who is pregnant for the third time
tertium quid|some third thing similar to two opposites but distinct from both
Tertry|a battle in France in 687 among the descendants of Clovis
Tertullian|Carthaginian theologian whose writing influenced early Christian theology (160-230)
terza rima|a verse form with a rhyme scheme;aba bcb cdc, etc.
tesla|a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter;United States electrical engineer and inventor (born in Croatia but of Serbian descent) who discovered the principles of alternating currents and developed the first alternating-current induction motor and the Tesla coil and several forms of oscillators (1856-1943)
Tesla coil|a step-up transformer with an air core;used to produce high voltages at high frequencies
tessella|a small tessera
tessellation|the act of adorning with mosaic;the careful juxtaposition of shapes in a pattern - "a tessellation of hexagons"
tessera|a small square tile of stone or glass used in making mosaics
tesseract|the four-dimensional analogue of a cube
test|a hard outer covering as of some amoebas and sea urchins;any standardized procedure for measuring sensitivity or memory or intelligence or aptitude or personality etc - "the test was standardized on a large sample of students";the act of testing something;the act of undergoing testing - "he survived the great test of battle"
test ban|a ban on the testing of nuclear weapons that is mutually agreed to by countries that possess nuclear weapons
test bed|a place equipped with instruments for testing (e.g. engines or machinery or computer programs etc.) under working conditions
test case|a representative legal action whose outcome is likely to become a precedent
test drive|test of the roadworthiness of a vehicle one is considering buying
test driver|a driver who drives a motor vehicle to evaluate its performance
test equipment|equipment required to perform a test
test match|an international championship match
test paper|a written examination;paper impregnated with an indicator for use in chemical tests
test pilot|a pilot hired to fly experimental airplanes through maneuvers designed to test them
test range|a range for conducting tests
test rocket|a rocket fired for test purposes
test room|a room in which tests are conducted
test tube|glass tube closed at one end
testa|protective outer layer of seeds of flowering plants
Testacea|testacean rhizopods
testacean|any of various rhizopods of the order Testacea characterized by having a shell
testament|a profession of belief - "he stated his political testament";strong evidence for something - "his easy victory was a testament to his skill";either of the two main parts of the Christian Bible
testamentary trust|a trust that is created under a will and that becomes active after the grantor dies
testator|a person who makes a will
testatrix|a female testator
testcross|a cross between an organism whose genotype for a certain trait is unknown and an organism that is homozygous recessive for that trait so the unknown genotype can be determined from that of the offspring
testee|someone who is tested (as by an intelligence test or an academic examination)
tester|a flat canopy (especially one over a four-poster bed)
testicular artery|a branch of the aorta supplying the testicles
testicular vein|a vein from the testicles
testifier|a person who testifies or gives a deposition
testimony|a solemn statement made under oath;an assertion offering firsthand authentication of a fact - "according to his own testimony he can't do it";something that serves as evidence - "his effort was testimony to his devotion"
testiness|feeling easily irritated
testing|an examination of the characteristics of something - "there are laboratories for commercial testing" - "it involved testing thousands of children for smallpox";the act of subjecting to experimental test in order to determine how well something works - "they agreed to end the testing of atomic weapons"
testing ground|a region resembling a laboratory inasmuch as it offers opportunities for observation and practice and experimentation - "the new nation is a testing ground for socioeconomic theories"
testis|one of the two male reproductive glands that produce spermatozoa and secrete androgens
testosterone|a potent androgenic hormone produced chiefly by the testes;responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics
test-tube baby|a baby conceived by fertilization that occurs outside the mother's body;the woman's ova are removed and mixed with sperm in a culture medium - if fertilization occurs the blastocyte is implanted in the woman's uterus
Testudinidae|land tortoises
testudo|a movable protective covering that provided protection from above;used by Roman troops when approaching the walls of a besieged fortification;type genus of the Testudinidae
Tet|the New Year in Vietnam;observed for three days after the first full moon after January 20th
tetanus|a sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses;an acute and serious infection of the central nervous system caused by bacterial infection of open wounds;spasms of the jaw and laryngeal muscles may occur during the late stages
tetanus antitoxin|antitoxin given for short-term immunization against tetanus in cases of possible exposure to the tetanus bacillus
tetanus immunoglobulin|sterile solution of globulins derived from the blood plasma of a person who has been immunized for tetanus;provides short-term immunization against tetanus in cases of possible exposure to the tetanus bacillus
tetany|clinical neurological syndrome characterized by muscular twitching and cramps and (when severe) seizures;associated with calcium deficiency (hypoparathyroidism) or vitamin D deficiency or alkalosis
tetartanopia|a form of dichromacy characterized by lowered sensitivity to yellow light;so rare that its existence has been questioned
tete-a-tete|a private conversation between two people
teth|the 9th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
tetherball|a game with two players who use rackets to strike a ball that is tethered to the top of a pole;the object is to wrap the string around the pole
Tethys|(Greek mythology) a Titaness and sea goddess;wife of Oceanus
Teton|a member of the large western branch of Sioux people which was made up of several groups that lived on the plains
Teton Range|a mountain range in northwest Wyoming;contains the Grand Teton
tetra|brightly colored tropical freshwater fishes
tetrabasic acid|an acid containing four replaceable hydrogen atoms per molecule
tetracaine|a crystalline compound used in the form of a hydrochloride as a local anesthetic
tetrachlorethylene|anthelmintic agent used against hookworm and other nematodes
tetrachloride|any compound that contains four chlorine atoms per molecule
tetrachoric correlation coefficient|a correlation coefficient computed for two normally distributed variables that are both expressed as a dichotomy
Tetraclinis|sandarac tree
tetracycline|an antibiotic (trade name Achromycin) derived from microorganisms of the genus Streptomyces and used broadly to treat infections
tetraethyl lead|a clear oily poisonous liquid added to gasoline to prevent knocking
tetrafluoroethylene|a flammable gaseous fluorocarbon used in making plastics (polytetrafluoroethylene resins)
Tetragonia|New Zealand spinach
Tetragonurus|a genus of Stromateidae
tetragram|a word that is written with four letters in an alphabetic writing system
Tetragrammaton|four Hebrew letters usually transliterated as YHWH (Yahweh) or JHVH (Jehovah) signifying the Hebrew name for God which the Jews regarded as too holy to pronounce
tetrahalide|any halide containing four halogen atoms in its molecules
tetrahedron|any polyhedron having four plane faces
tetrahydrocannabinol|psychoactive substance present in marijuana
tetrahymena|relative of the paramecium;often used in genetics research
tetralogy|a series of four related works (plays or operas or novels)
tetralogy of Fallot|a congenital heart defect producing cyanosis;characterized by four symptoms;pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect and malposition of the aorta over both ventricles and hypertrophy of the right ventricle
tetrameter|a verse line having four metrical feet
Tetraneuris|genus of hairy yellow-flowered plants of the western United States
Tetranychidae|plant-feeding mites
Tetrao|type genus of the Tetraonidae;capercaillies
Tetraodontidae|puffers
Tetraonidae|grouse
tetrapod|a vertebrate animal having four feet or legs or leglike appendages
Tetrapturus|a genus of Istiophoridae
tetrasaccharide|any of a variety of carbohydrates that yield four monosaccharide molecules on complete hydrolysis
tetraskelion|a figure consisting of four stylized human arms or legs (or bent lines) radiating from a center
tetrasporangium|a sporangium containing four asexual spores
tetraspore|one of the four asexual spores produced within a sporangium
Tetrazzini|a pasta dish with cream sauce and mushrooms
tetri|100 tetri equal 1 lari in Georgia
tetrode|a thermionic tube having four electrodes
tetrodotoxin|a powerful neurotoxin found in the ovaries of pufferfish
tetrose|any monosaccharide sugar containing four atoms of carbon per molecule
tetroxide|an oxide containing four atoms of oxygen in the molecule
tetryl|a yellow crystalline explosive solid that is used in detonators
Tettigoniidae|long-horned grasshoppers;katydids
Teucrium|large widely distributed genus of perennial herbs or shrubs or subshrubs;native to Mediterranean region to western Asia
Teutoburger Wald|a battle in 9 AD in which the Germans under Arminius annihilated three Roman Legions
Teuton|a member of the ancient Germanic people who migrated from Jutland to southern Gaul and were annihilated by the Romans;someone (especially a German) who speaks a Germanic language
Teutonic deity|(German mythology) a deity worshipped by the ancient Teutons
Teutonist|a specialist in the history of the Teutonic people or language (especially with respect to the Teutonic influence on the history of England)
Tewkesbury|the final battle of the War of the Roses in 1471 in which Edward IV defeated the Lancastrians
Texan|a native or resident of Texas
Texarkana|a town in northeast Texas adjacent to Texarkana, Arkansas;a town in southwest Arkansas on the Texas border adjacent to Texarkana, Texas
Texas|the second largest state;located in southwestern United States on the Gulf of Mexico
Texas bluebonnet|closely resembles Lupinus subcarnosus;southwestern United States (Texas)
Texas chachalaca|of Mexico and Texas
Texas fever|an infectious disease of cattle transmitted by the cattle tick
Texas horned lizard|of arid and semiarid open country
Texas Independence Day|Texans celebrate the anniversary of Texas' declaration of independence from Mexico in 1836
Texas leaguer|(baseball) a fly ball that falls between and infielder and an outfielder
Texas purple spike|orchid with slender nearly leafless reddish-brown stems with loose racemes of reddish-brown flowers;of open brushy woods of southeastern Arizona and central Texas
Texas Ranger|a member of the Texas state highway patrol;formerly a mounted lawman who maintained order on the frontier
Texas snowbell|styrax of southwestern United States;a threatened species
Texas star|Texas annual with coarsely pinnatifid leaves;cultivated for its showy radiate yellow flower heads
Texas storksbill|of prairies and desert areas of southwestern United States and Mexico
Texas toad|nocturnal burrowing toad of mesquite woodland and prairies of the United States southwest
Texas tortoise|close relative to the desert tortoise;may be reclassified as a member of genus Xerobates
text|a passage from the Bible that is used as the subject of a sermon - "the preacher chose a text from Psalms to introduce his sermon";the main body of a written work (as distinct from illustrations or footnotes etc.) - "pictures made the text easier to understand";the words of something written - "there were more than a thousand words of text" - "they handed out the printed text of the mayor's speech" - "he wants to reconstruct the original text"
text editor|(computer science) an application that can be used to create and view and edit text files
text file|(computer science) a computer file that contains text (and possibly formatting instructions) using seven-bit ASCII characters
textbook|a book prepared for use in schools or colleges - "his economics textbook is in its tenth edition"
textile machine|a machine for making textiles
textile mill|a factory for making textiles
textile screw pine|Polynesian screw pine
text-matching|a computer program that looks for text that matches a given text - "Google uses text-matching to find web pages containing a particular text"
textual criticism|comparison of a particular text with related materials in order to establish authenticity
texture|the characteristic appearance of a surface having a tactile quality;the essential quality of something - "the texture of Neapolitan life";the feel of a surface or a fabric - "the wall had a smooth texture";the musical pattern created by parts being played or sung together - "then another melodic line is added to the texture";the physical composition of something (especially with respect to the size and shape of the small constituents of a substance) - "breadfruit has the same texture as bread" - "fish with a delicate flavor and texture"
Thackeray|English writer (born in India) (1811-1863)
Thai|a branch of the Tai languages;a native or inhabitant of Thailand
Thai monetary unit|monetary unit in Thailand
Thailand|a country of southeastern Asia that extends southward along the Isthmus of Kra to the Malay Peninsula - "Thailand is the official name of the former Siam"
thalamostriate vein|a vein serving the thalamus and corpus striatum
thalamus|large egg-shaped structures of grey matter that form the dorsal subdivision of the diencephalon
Thalarctos|polar bears;in some classifications not a separate genus from Ursus
thalassemia|an inherited form of anemia caused by faulty synthesis of hemoglobin
Thalassoma|a genus of Labridae
Thales|a presocratic Greek philosopher and astronomer (who predicted an eclipse in 585 BC) who was said by Aristotle to be the founder of physical science;he held that all things originated in water (624-546 BC)
Thalia|(Greek mythology) one of the three Graces;(Greek mythology) the Muse of comedy and pastoral poetry
Thaliacea|small class of free-swimming tunicates;sometimes classified as an order
Thalictrum|widely distributed genus of perennial herbs;meadow rue
thalidomide|a sedative and hypnotic drug;withdrawn from sale after discovered to cause severe birth defects because it inhibits angiogenesis
thallium|a soft grey malleable metallic element that resembles tin but discolors on exposure to air;it is highly toxic and is used in rodent and insect poisons;occurs in zinc blende and some iron ores
Thallophyta|used only in former classifications;comprising what is now considered a heterogeneous assemblage of flowerless and seedless organisms;algae;bacteria;fungi;lichens
thallophyte|any of a group of cryptogamic organisms consisting principally of a thallus and thus showing no differentiation into stem and root and leaf
thallus|a plant body without true stems or roots or leaves or vascular system;characteristic of the thallophytes
thalweg|a line following the lowest points of a valley;the middle of the chief navigable channel of a waterway that forms the boundary line between states
Thames|the longest river in England;flows eastward through London to the North Sea
Thamnophilus|a genus of Formicariidae
Thamnophis|garter snakes
thanatology|the branch of science that studies death (especially its social and psychological aspects)
thanatophobia|a morbid fear of death
thanatopsis|an essay expressing a view on the subject of death
Thanatos|(Greek mythology) the Greek personification of death;son of Nyx
thane|a feudal lord or baron;a man ranking above an ordinary freeman and below a noble in Anglo-Saxon England (especially one who gave military service in exchange for land)
thaneship|the position of thane
thank offering|an offering made as an expression of thanks
thank you|a conversational expression of gratitude
thanks|an acknowledgment of appreciation;with the help of or owing to - "thanks to hard work it was a great success"
Thanksgiving|fourth Thursday in November in the United States;second Monday in October in Canada;commemorates a feast held in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag
Thar Desert|a desert to the east of the Indus River in northwestern India and southeastern Pakistan
Tharp|innovative United States dancer and choreographer (born in 1941)
thatch|a house roof made with a plant material (as straw);hair resembling thatched roofing material;plant stalks used as roofing material
thatch palm|small palm of southern Florida and West Indies closely resembling the silvertop palmetto
Thatcher|British stateswoman;first woman to serve as Prime Minister (born in 1925);someone skilled in making a roof from plant stalks or foliage
Thatcherism|(England) the political policy of Margaret Thatcher
Thatcherite|an advocate of Thatcherism
thaumatolatry|the worship of miracles
thaw|a relaxation or slackening of tensions or reserve;becoming less hostile - "the thaw between the United States and Russia has led to increased cooperation in world affairs";the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid - "the thawing of a frozen turkey takes several hours";warm weather following a freeze;snow and ice melt - "they welcomed the spring thaw"
the City|used to allude to the securities industry of Great Britain
the devil|something difficult or awkward to do or deal with - "it will be the devil to solve"
The Hague|the site of the royal residence and the de facto capital in the western part of the Netherlands;seat of the International Court of Justice
the halt|(archaic) lame persons collectively - "the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind"--Luke 14;21
the hots|intense sexual desire
the Irish Famine|a famine in Ireland resulting from a potato blight;between 1846 and 1851 a million people starved to death and 1.6 million emigrated (most to America)
the shits|obscene terms for diarrhea
The Star-Spangled Banner|a poem written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 was set to music and adopted by Congress in 1931 as the national anthem of the United States
the way of the world|the manner in which people typically behave or things typically happen - "the ordinary reader is endowed with considerable wisdom and knowledge of the way of the world"
Thea|(Greek mythology) the Titaness who was mother of Helios and Selene and Eos in ancient mythology
Theaceae|a family of trees and shrubs of the order Parietales
theanthropism|(theology) the doctrine that Jesus was a union of the human and the divine
theater|a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
theater company|a company that produces plays
theater curtain|a hanging cloth that conceals the stage from the view of the audience;rises or parts at the beginning and descends or closes between acts and at the end of a performance
theater light|any of various lights used in a theater
theater of the absurd|plays stressing the irrational or illogical aspects of life, usually to show that modern life is pointless - "Samuel Beckett and Eugene Ionesco have written plays for the theater of the absurd"
theater of war|the entire land, sea, and air area that may become or is directly involved in war operations
theater stage|a stage in a theater on which actors can perform
theater ticket|a ticket good for admission to a theater
theatrical performance|a performance of a play
theatrical producer|someone who produces theatrical performances
theatrical production|the production of a drama on the stage
theatrical season|the season when new plays are produced
Theban|a Greek inhabitant of ancient Thebes;an Egyptian inhabitant of ancient Thebes
thebe|100 thebe equal 1 pula in Botswana
Thebes|an ancient Egyptian city on the Nile River that flourished from the 22nd century BC to the 18th century BC;today the archeological remains include many splendid temples and tombs;an ancient Greek city in Boeotia destroyed by Alexander the Great in 336 BC
theca|a case or sheath especially a pollen sac or moss capsule;outer sheath of the pupa of certain insects
thecodont|presumably in the common ancestral line to dinosaurs and crocodiles and birds
Thecodontia|extinct terrestrial reptiles having teeth set in sockets;of the late Permian to Triassic
theism|the doctrine or belief in the existence of a God or gods
theist|one who believes in the existence of a god or gods
thelarche|the start of breast development in a woman at the beginning of puberty
Thelephoraceae|fungi having leathery or membranous sporophores
Thelypteridaceae|genera Thelypteris, Phegopteris, and others
Thelypteris|marsh ferns;in some classification systems considered part of genus Dryopteris in family Dryopteridaceae
Thematic Apperception Test|a projective technique using black-and-white pictures;subjects tell a story about each picture
theme|(music) melodic subject of a musical composition - "the theme is announced in the first measures";a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work - "it was the usual 'boy gets girl' theme"
theme park|an amusement park that is organized around some theme (as the world of tomorrow)
theme song|a melody that recurs and comes to represent a musical play or movie
Themis|(Greek mythology) the Titaness who was goddess of justice in ancient mythology
Themistocles|Athenian statesman who persuaded Athens to build a navy and then led it to victory over the Persians (527-460 BC)
then|that time;that moment - "we will arrive before then" - "we were friends from then on"
thenar|the fleshy area of the palm at the base of the thumb
Theobroma|cacao plants
theocracy|a political unit governed by a deity (or by officials thought to be divinely guided);the belief in government by divine guidance
theodicy|the branch of theology that defends God's goodness and justice in the face of the existence of evil
theodolite|a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small telescope mounted on a tripod
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial National Park|a national park in North Dakota that includes the site of former President Theodore Roosevelt's ranch
Theodosius|the last emperor of a united Roman Empire, he took control of the eastern empire and ended the war with the Visigoths;he became a Christian and in 391 banned all forms of pagan worship (346-395)
theogony|the study of the origins and genealogy of the gods
theologian|someone who is learned in theology or who speculates about theology
theological doctrine|the doctrine of a religious group
theological virtue|according to Christian ethics;one of the three virtues (faith, hope, and charity) created by God to round out the natural virtues
theology|a particular system or school of religious beliefs and teachings - "Jewish theology" - "Roman Catholic theology";the learned profession acquired by specialized courses in religion (usually taught at a college or seminary) - "he studied theology at Oxford";the rational and systematic study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truth
theophany|a visible (but not necessarily material) manifestation of a deity to a human person
Theophrastaceae|family of mainly tropical American trees and shrubs similar to those of the Myrsinaceae;often included in the Myrsinaceae
Theophrastus|Greek philosopher who was a student of Aristotle and who succeeded Aristotle as the leader of the Peripatetics (371-287 BC)
theophylline|a colorless crystalline alkaloid derived from tea leaves or made synthetically;used in medicine as a bronchial dilator
theorem|a proposition deducible from basic postulates;an idea accepted as a demonstrable truth
theorist|someone who theorizes (especially in science or art)
theorization|the production or use of theories
theory|a belief that can guide behavior - "the architect has a theory that more is less" - "they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales";a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world;an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena - "true in fact and theory"
theory of dissociation|(chemistry) theory that describes aqueous solutions in terms of acids (which dissociate to give hydrogen ions) and bases (which dissociate to give hydroxyl ions);the product of an acid and a base is a salt and water
theory of evolution|(biology) a scientific theory of the origin of species of plants and animals
theory of gravitation|(physics) the theory that any two particles of matter attract one another with a force directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them
theory of indicators|(chemistry) the theory that all indicators are either weak acids or weak bases in which the color of the ionized form is different from the color before dissociation
theory of inheritance|(biology) a theory of how characteristics of one generation are derived from earlier generations
theosophism|belief in theosophy
theosophist|a believer in theosophy
theosophy|a system of belief based on mystical insight into the nature of God and the soul
theoterrorism|terrorism for a religious purpose
therapeutic abortion|a legally induced abortion for medical reasons (as when the mother's life is threatened)
therapeutic cloning|nuclear transplantation of a patient's own cells to make an oocyte from which immune-compatible cells (especially stem cells) can be derived for transplant
therapeutics|branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of disease
Theraphosidae|large tropical spiders;tarantulas
therapist|a person skilled in a particular type of therapy
therapsid|probably warm-blooded;considered direct ancestor of mammals
Therapsida|extinct mammal-like reptiles found inhabiting all continents from the mid Permian to late Triassic
therapy|(medicine) the act of caring for someone (as by medication or remedial training etc.) - "heat therapy gave the best relief"
Theravada|one of two great schools of Buddhist doctrine emphasizing personal salvation through your own efforts;a conservative form of Buddhism that adheres to Pali scriptures and the non-theistic ideal of self purification to nirvana;the dominant religion of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand and Laos and Cambodia
there|a location other than here;that place - "you can take it from there"
theremin|an electronic musical instrument;melodies can be played by moving the right hand between two rods that serve as antennas to control pitch;the left hand controls phrasing
thereness|real existence - "things are really there...capture the thereness of them"--Charles Hopkinson;the state of being there--not here--in position
Theridiidae|a family of comb-footed spiders
therm|a unit of heat equal to 100,000 British thermal units
thermal|rising current of warm air
thermal barrier|a limit to high speed flight imposed by aerodynamic heating
thermal equilibrium|a state in which all parts of a system are at the same temperature
thermal pollution|harm to lakes and rivers resulting from the release of excessive waste heat into them
thermal printer|a printer that produces characters by applying heat to special paper that is sensitive to heat
thermal reactor|a nuclear reactor in which nuclear fissions are caused by neutrons that are slowed down by a moderator
thermalgesia|pain caused by heat
Thermidor|eleventh month of the Revolutionary calendar (July and August);the month of heat
thermion|an electrically charged particle (electron or ion) emitted by a substance at a high temperature
thermionic current|an electric current produced between two electrodes as a result of electrons emitted by thermionic emission
thermionic emission|the emission of electrons from very hot substances
thermionics|the branch of electronics dealing with thermionic phenomena (especially thermionic vacuum tubes)
thermistor|a semiconductor device made of materials whose resistance varies as a function of temperature;can be used to compensate for temperature variation in other components of a circuit
thermoacidophile|archaebacteria that thrive in strongly acidic environments at high temperatures
thermobaric bomb|a bomb that uses a fuel-air explosive - "a thermobaric bomb can create overpressures equal to an atomic bomb"
Thermobia|a genus of Lepismatidae
thermocautery|cautery (destruction of tissue) by heat
thermochemistry|the branch of chemistry that studies the relation between chemical action and the amount of heat absorbed or generated
thermocoagulation|congealing tissue by heat (as by electric current)
thermocouple|a kind of thermometer consisting of two wires of different metals that are joined at both ends;one junction is at the temperature to be measured and the other is held at a fixed lower temperature;the current generated in the circuit is proportional to the temperature difference
thermodynamics|the branch of physics concerned with the conversion of different forms of energy
thermoelectric thermometer|a thermometer that uses thermoelectric current to measure temperature
thermoelectricity|electricity produced by heat (as in a thermocouple)
thermogram|a graphical record produced by a thermograph
thermograph|a thermometer that records temperature variations on a graph as a function of time;medical instrument that uses an infrared camera to reveal temperature variations on the surface of the body
thermography|diagnostic technique using a thermograph to record the heat produced by different parts of the body;used to study blood flow and to detect tumors
thermogravimetry|the measurement of changes in weight as a function of changes in temperature used as a technique of chemically analyzing substances
thermohydrometer|a hydrometer that includes a thermometer
thermojunction|a junction between two dissimilar metals across which a voltage appears
thermometer|measuring instrument for measuring temperature
thermometry|the measurement of temperature
thermonuclear reaction|a nuclear fusion reaction taking place at very high temperatures (as in the sun)
thermonuclear reactor|a nuclear reactor that uses controlled nuclear fusion to generate energy
thermopile|a kind of thermometer for measuring heat radiation;consists of several thermocouple junctions in series
thermoplastic|a material that softens when heated and hardens again when cooled
Thermopsis|genus of American and Asiatic showy rhizomatous herbs;bush peas
Thermopylae|a famous battle in 480 BC;a Greek army under Leonidas was annihilated by the Persians who were trying to conquer Greece
thermoreceptor|a sensory receptor that responds to heat and cold
thermos|vacuum flask that preserves temperature of hot or cold drinks
thermosetting compositions|a material that hardens when heated and cannot be remolded
thermosphere|the atmospheric layer between the mesosphere and the exosphere
thermostat|a regulator for automatically regulating temperature by starting or stopping the supply of heat
thermostatics|the aspect of thermodynamics concerned with thermal equilibrium
thermotherapy|the use of heat to treat a disease or disorder;heating pads or hot compresses or hot-water bottles are used to promote circulation in peripheral vascular disease or to relax tense muscles
thermotropism|an orienting response to warmth
theropod|any of numerous carnivorous dinosaurs of the Triassic to Cretaceous with short forelimbs that walked or ran on strong hind legs
Theropoda|carnivorous saurischian dinosaurs with short forelimbs;Jurassic and Cretaceous
thesaurus|a book containing a classified list of synonyms
Theseus|(Greek mythology) a hero and king of Athens who was noted for his many great deeds;killed Procrustes and the Minotaur and defeated the Amazons and united Attica
thesis|an unproved statement put forward as a premise in an argument
Thespesia|a small genus of tropical trees including the portia tree
Thespis|Greek poet who is said to have originated Greek tragedy (sixth century BC)
Thessalia|a fertile plain on the Aegean Sea in east central Greece;Thessaly was a former region of ancient Greece
Thessalian|a native or inhabitant of Thessaly
Thessalonian|a native or inhabitant of Thessalonica
Thessaloniki|a port city in northeastern Greece on an inlet of the Aegean Sea;second largest city of Greece
theta|the 8th letter of the Greek alphabet
theta rhythm|the normal brainwave in the encephalogram of a person who is awake but relaxed and drowsy;occurs with low frequency and low amplitude
Thetis|(Greek mythology) one of the 50 Nereids;mother of Achilles by Peleus
theurgy|the effect of supernatural or divine intervention in human affairs;white magic performed with the help of beneficent spirits (as formerly practiced by Neoplatonists)
Thevetia|genus of poisonous tropical American evergreen shrubs and trees having entire leaves and large cymose flowers
thiabendazole|an antifungal agent and anthelmintic
thiazide|any of a group of drugs commonly used as diuretics in the treatment of hypertension;they block the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys
thiazine|a compound made up of a ring of four carbon atoms and one sulfur atom and one nitrogen atom
thick skin|skin that is very thick (as an elephant or rhinoceros)
thick-billed murre|a variety of murre
thickening|any material used to thicken - "starch is used in cooking as a thickening";the act of thickening
thickhead|Australian and southeastern Asian birds with a melodious whistling call
thickness|indistinct articulation - "judging from the thickness of his speech he had been drinking heavily";resistance to flow;the dimension through an object as opposed to its length or width;used of a line or mark
thief|a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it
Thielavia|genus of fungi having spherical brown perithecia and some conidia borne in chains;cause root rot
thievishness|having a disposition to steal
thigh|the part of the leg between the hip and the knee
thigh pad|protective garment consisting of a pad worn over the thighs by football players
thill|one of two shafts extending from the body of a cart or carriage on either side of the animal that pulls it
thimble|a small metal cap to protect the finger while sewing;can be used as a small container;as much as a thimble will hold
thimbleweed|a common North American anemone with cylindrical fruit clusters resembling thimbles
thimerosal|a light-colored crystalline powder (trade name Merthiolate) used as a surgical antiseptic
thin air|nowhere to be found in a giant void - "it vanished into thin air"
thin person|a person who is unusually thin and scrawny
thing|a persistent illogical feeling of desire or aversion - "he has a thing about seafood" - "she has a thing about him";a separate and self-contained entity;a special abstraction - "a thing of the spirit" - "things of the heart";a special objective - "the thing is to stay in bounds";a special situation - "this thing has got to end" - "it is a remarkable thing";a statement regarded as an object - "to say the same thing in other terms" - "how can you say such a thing?";an action - "how could you do such a thing?";an artifact - "how does this thing work?";an entity that is not named specifically - "I couldn't tell what the thing was";an event - "a funny thing happened on the way to the...";any attribute or quality considered as having its own existence - "the thing I like about her is ..."
things|any movable possession (especially articles of clothing) - "she packed her things and left"
think|an instance of deliberate thinking - "I need to give it a good think"
think piece|an article in a newspaper or magazine or journal that represents opinions and ideas and discussion rather than bare facts
think tank|a company that does research for hire and issues reports on the implications
thinker|an important intellectual;someone who exercises the mind (usually in an effort to reach a decision)
thinking|the process of using your mind to consider something carefully - "thinking always made him frown"
thinking cap|a state in which one thinks
thinness|a consistency of low viscosity - "he disliked the thinness of the soup";relatively small dimension through an object as opposed to its length or width - "the thinness of a rope"
thinning shears|shears with one serrate blade;used for thinning hair
thin-shelled mussel|mussel with thin fragile shells having only rudimentary hinge teeth
thiobacillus|small rod-shaped bacteria living in sewage or soil and oxidizing sulfur
thiobacteria|any bacterium of the genus Thiobacillus
Thiobacteriaceae|free-living coccoid to rod-shaped bacteria that derive energy from oxidizing sulfur or sulfur compounds
thiocyanate|a salt of thiocyanic acid;formed when alkaline cyanides are fused with sulfur
thiocyanic acid|an unstable acid that can be obtained by distilling a thiocyanate salt
thioguanine|an antineoplastic drug used to treat acute leukemias
thiopental|barbiturate that is a hygroscopic powder (trade name Pentothal) that is a strong barbiturate that acts rapidly;induces a relaxed state when injected as a general anesthetic
thioridazine|a tranquilizer (trade name Mellaril) used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Thiosulfil|trade name for a sulfonamide antibacterial
thiotepa|an antineoplastic drug used to treat certain malignancies
thiothixene|a tranquilizer (trade name Navane) used to treat schizophrenia
thiouracil|depresses the function of the thyroid gland
third|following the second position in an ordering or series - "a distant third" - "he answered the first question willingly, the second reluctantly, and the third with resentment";the musical interval between one note and another three notes away from it - "a simple harmony written in major thirds"
third base|the base that must be touched third by a base runner in baseball;the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near the third of the bases in the infield (counting counterclockwise from home plate)
third baseman|(baseball) the person who plays third base
Third Crusade|a Crusade from 1189 to 1192 led by Richard I and the king of France that failed because an army torn by dissensions and fighting on foreign soil could not succeed against forces united by religious zeal
third degree|interrogation often accompanied by torture to extort information or a confession
third dimension|the dimension whereby a solid object differs from a two-dimensional drawing of it
Third Epistel of John|the third New Testament epistle traditionally attributed to Saint John the Apostle
third estate|the common people
third eye|a sensory structure capable of light reception located on the dorsal side of the diencephalon in various reptiles
third gear|the third from the lowest forward ratio gear in the gear box of a motor vehicle - "you shouldn't try to start in third gear"
Third Lateran Council|the Lateran Council in 1179 that condemned the heresies of the Albigenses and the Waldenses
third law of motion|action and reaction are equal and opposite
third law of thermodynamics|law stating that the entropy of a substance approaches zero as its temperature approaches absolute zero
third party|a political party organized in opposition to the major parties in a two-party system;someone other than the principals who are involved in a transaction
third person|pronouns and verbs that are used to refer to something other than the speaker or addressee of the language in which they occur
third rail|a rail through which electric current is supplied to an electric locomotive
Third Reich|the Nazi dictatorship under Hitler (1933-1945)
third trimester|time period extending from the 28th week of gestation until delivery
third ventricle|a narrow ventricle in the midplane below the corpus callosum;communicates with the fourth ventricle via the Sylvian aqueduct
Third World|underdeveloped and developing countries of Asia and Africa and Latin America collectively
third-class mail|mail consisting of printed matter qualifying for reduced postal rates
third-degree burn|burn characterized by destruction of both epidermis and dermis
third-place finish|a finish in third place (as in a race)
third-rater|one who is third-rate or distinctly inferior
thirst|a physiological need to drink
thirteen|the cardinal number that is the sum of twelve and one
thirteenth|position 13 in a countable series of things
thirties|the decade from 1930 to 1939;the time of life between 30 and 40
thirtieth|position 30 in a countable series of things
thirty|the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
Thirty Years' War|a series of conflicts (1618-1648) between Protestants and Catholics starting in Germany and spreading until France and Denmark and Sweden were opposing the Holy Roman Empire and Spain
thirty-second note|a musical note having the time value of a thirty-second of a whole note
thistle|any of numerous plants of the family Compositae and especially of the genera Carduus and Cirsium and Onopordum having prickly-edged leaves
thistledown|pappus of a thistle consisting of silky featherlike hairs attached to the seed-like fruit of a thistle
Thlaspi|herbs of temperate regions;pennycress
Tho|a branch of the Tai languages
Thomas|a radio broadcast journalist during World War I and World War II noted for his nightly new broadcast (1892-1981);the Apostle who would not believe the resurrection of Jesus until he saw Jesus with his own eyes;United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859);United States socialist who was a candidate for president six times (1884-1968);Welsh poet (1914-1953)
Thomism|the comprehensive theological doctrine created by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century and still taught by the Dominicans
Thomomys|western pocket gophers
Thompson|English physicist (born in America) who studied heat and friction;experiments convinced him that heat is caused by moving particles (1753-1814);United States classical archaeologist (born in Canada) noted for leading the excavation of the Athenian agora (1906-2000)
Thompson Seedless|seedless green table grape of California
Thomson|English physicist (son of Joseph John Thomson) who was a co-discoverer of the diffraction of electrons by crystals (1892-1975);English physicist who experimented with the conduction of electricity through gases and who discovered the electron and determined its charge and mass (1856-1940);United States composer who collaborated with Gertrude Stein (1896-1989);United States electrical engineer (born in England) who in 1892 formed a company with Thomas Edison (1853-1937)
Thomson's gazelle|East African gazelle;the smallest gazelle
thong|a thin strip of leather;often used to lash things together;underpants resembling a G-string;worn by women especially under very tight pants - "she wore thongs in her quest for the callipygian ideal"
Thor|(Norse mythology) god of thunder and rain and farming;pictured as wielding a hammer emblematic of the thunderbolt;identified with Teutonic Donar
thoracic actinomycosis|a serious form of actinomycosis that affects the chest
thoracic aorta|a branch of the descending aorta;divides into the iliac arteries
thoracic duct|the major duct of the lymphatic system
thoracic medicine|the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the chest
thoracic nerve|any of twelve pairs of spinal nerves emerging from the thoracic region of the spinal cord
thoracic outlet syndrome|tingling sensations in the fingers;caused by compression on a nerve supplying the arm
thoracic vein|veins that drain the thoracic walls
thoracic vertebra|one of 12 vertebrae in the human vertebral column;thoracic vertebrae extend from the seventh cervical vertebra down to the first lumbar vertebra
thoracocentesis|removal of fluid from the chest by centesis for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
thoracoepigastric vein|a vein arising from the region of the superficial epigastric vein and opening into the axillary vein or thoracic vein
thoracotomy|surgical incision into the chest walls opening up the pleural cavity
thorax|part of an insect's body that bears the wings and legs;the middle region of the body of an arthropod between the head and the abdomen;the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
Thoreau|United States writer and social critic (1817-1862)
thorite|a radioactive mineral consisting of thorium silicate;it is a source of thorium that is found in coarse granite
thorium|a soft silvery-white tetravalent radioactive metallic element;isotope 232 is used as a power source in nuclear reactors;occurs in thorite and in monazite sands
thorium-228|radioactive isotope of thorium with mass number 228
thorn|a Germanic character of runic origin
thorn apple|any of several plants of the genus Datura
thornbill|any of various South American hummingbirds with a sharp pointed bill
Thorndike|English actress (1882-1976);United States educational psychologist (1874-1949)
Thornton|American architect (1759-1828)
thorny amaranth|erect annual of tropical central Asia and Africa having a pair of divergent spines at most leaf nodes
thorny skate|cold-water bottom fish with spines on the back;to 40 inches
thoroughbred|a pedigreed animal of unmixed lineage;used especially of horses;a racehorse belonging to a breed that originated from a cross between Arabian stallions and English mares;a well-bred person
thoroughbred race|a race between thoroughbred horses
thoroughbred racing|the sport of racing thoroughbred horses
thoroughfare|a public road from one place to another
thoroughness|conscientiousness in performing all aspects of a task
Thorpe|outstanding United States athlete (1888-1953)
Thorshavn|the administrative center of the Faroe Islands
thortveitite|a mineral consisting of scandium yttrium silicate;a source of scandium
Thoth|Egyptian Moon deity with the head of an ibis;god of wisdom and learning and the arts;scribe of the gods
thought|the organized beliefs of a period or group or individual - "19th century thought" - "Darwinian thought"
thoughtfulness|the trait of thinking carefully before acting
thousand|the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
Thousand Island dressing|mayonnaise with chili sauce or catsup and minced olives and peppers and hard-cooked egg
thousandth|position 1,000 in a countable series of things
Thrace|an ancient country and wine producing region in the east of the Balkan Peninsula to the north of the Aegean Sea;colonized by ancient Greeks;later a Roman province;now divided between Bulgaria and Greece and Turkey
Thracian|a Thraco-Phrygian language spoken by the ancient people of Thrace but extinct by the early Middle Ages;an inhabitant of ancient Thrace
Thraco-Phrygian|an extinct branch of the Indo-European language family thought by some to be related to Armenian
thrall|someone held in bondage
thrash|a swimming kick used while treading water
thrasher|thrush-like American songbird able to mimic other birdsongs
thrashing|a sound defeat
Thraupidae|tanagers
thread|a fine cord of twisted fibers (of cotton or silk or wool or nylon etc.) used in sewing and weaving
thread blight|a disease of tropical woody plants (cacao or tea or citrus)
threadfin|mullet-like tropical marine fishes having pectoral fins with long threadlike rays
threadfish|fish having greatly elongated front rays on dorsal and anal fins
threadleaf groundsel|bluish-green bushy leafy plant covered with close white wool and bearing branched clusters of yellow flower heads;southwestern United States;toxic to range livestock
threat|a warning that something unpleasant is imminent - "they were under threat of arrest";declaration of an intention or a determination to inflict harm on another - "his threat to kill me was quite explicit"
three|the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
three-centered arch|a round arch whose inner curve is drawn with circles having three centers
three-cornered leek|European leek naturalized in Great Britain;leaves are triangular
three-D|a movie with images having three dimensional form or appearance;having a three-dimensional form or appearance
three-day event|an equestrian competition;the first day is dressage;the second is cross-country jumping;the third is stadium jumping
three-decker|a warship carrying guns on three decks;any ship having three decks
three-dimensional radar|radar that will report altitude as well as azimuth and distance of a target
three-dimensionality|the property of having three dimensions
three-fourths|three of four equal parts - "three-fourths of a pound"
three-hitter|a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team only 3 hits
three-mile limit|the limit of a nation's territorial waters
threepence|former cupronickel coin of the United Kingdom equal to three pennies
three-piece suit|a business suit consisting of a jacket and vest and trousers
three-point landing|a landing in which all three wheels of the aircraft touch the ground at the same time
three-point turn|the act of turning a vehicle around in a limited space by moving in a series of back and forward arcs
three-quarter binding|the spine and much of the sides are a different material from the rest of the cover
three-ring circus|a circus with simultaneous performances in three rings
threescore|a set with 3 times 20 members
three-seeded mercury|weedy herb of eastern North America
three-spined stickleback|of rivers and coastal regions
three-toed sloth|a sloth that has three long claws on each forefoot and each hindfoot
three-way calling|a way of adding a third party to your conversation without the assistance of a telephone operator
three-way switch|an electric switch that has three terminals;used to control a circuit from two different locations
three-year-old horse|a racehorse that is three years old
threonine|a colorless crystalline amino acid found in protein;occurs in the hydrolysates of certain proteins;an essential component of human nutrition
thresher|a farm machine for separating seeds or grain from the husks and straw;large pelagic shark of warm seas with a whiplike tail used to round up small fish on which to feed
threshing|the separation of grain or seeds from the husks and straw - "they used to do the threshing by hand but now there are machines to do it"
threshing floor|a floor or ground area for threshing or treading out grain
threshold|the smallest detectable sensation;the starting point for a new state or experience - "on the threshold of manhood"
threshold element|a logic element that performs a threshold operation
threshold function|a function that takes the value 1 if a specified function of the arguments exceeds a given threshold and 0 otherwise
threshold level|the intensity level that is just barely perceptible
threshold operation|an operation performed on operands in order to obtain the value of a threshold function
Threskiornis|type genus of the Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae|ibises
thrift|any of numerous sun-loving low-growing evergreens of the genus Armeria having round heads of pink or white flowers
thrift institution|a depository financial institution intended to encourage personal savings and home buying
thriftlessness|the trait of wasting resources - "a life characterized by thriftlessness and waste"
thriftshop|a shop that sells secondhand goods at reduced prices
thrill|something that causes you to experience a sudden intense feeling or sensation - "the thrills of space travel"
thriller|a suspenseful adventure story or play or movie
Thrinax|small to medium-sized fan palms
Thripidae|thrips
thrips|any of various small to minute sucking insects with narrow feathery wings if any;they feed on plant sap and many are destructive
throat|a passage resembling a throat in shape or function - "the throat of the vase" - "the throat of a chimney";an opening in the vamp of a shoe at the instep;the part of an animal's body that corresponds to a person's throat;the passage to the stomach and lungs;in the front part of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone
throat protector|protective garment worn by hockey goalkeeper and catcher in baseball
throatwort|European bellflower with blue-purple to lilac flowers formerly used to treat sore throat
throb|a deep pulsating type of pain;an instance of rapid strong pulsation (of the heart) - "he felt a throbbing in his head"
throbbing|a sound with a strong rhythmic beat - "the throbbing of the engines"
throe|hard or painful trouble or struggle - "a country in the throes of economic collapse";severe spasm of pain - "the throes of dying" - "the throes of childbirth"
throes|violent pangs of suffering - "death throes"
thrombasthenia|a rare autosomal recessive disease in which the platelets do not produce clots in the normal way and hemorrhage results
thrombectomy|surgical removal of a blood clot (thrombus) from a blood vessel
thrombin|an enzyme that acts on fibrinogen in blood causing it to clot
thrombocytopenia|a blood disease characterized by an abnormally small number of platelets in the blood
thrombocytopenic purpura|purpura associated with a reduction in circulating blood platelets which can result from a variety of factors
thrombocytosis|increase in the number of platelets in the blood which tends to cause clots to form;associated with many neoplasms and chronic infections and other diseases
thromboembolism|occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus that has broken away from a thrombus
thrombolysis|the process of breaking up and dissolving blood clots
thrombolytic|a kind of pharmaceutical that can break up clots blocking the flow of blood to the heart muscle
thrombolytic therapy|therapy consisting of the administration of a pharmacological agent to cause thrombolysis of an abnormal blood clot
thrombophlebitis|phlebitis in conjunction with the formation of a blood clot (thrombus)
thromboplastin|an enzyme liberated from blood platelets that converts prothrombin into thrombin as blood starts to clot
thrombosis|the formation or presence of a thrombus (a clot of coagulated blood attached at the site of its formation) in a blood vessel
thrombus|a blood clot formed within a blood vessel and remaining attached to its place of origin
throne|the chair of state for a monarch, bishop, etc. - "the king sat on his throne";the position and power of an exalted person (a sovereign or bishop) who is entitled to sit in a chair of state on ceremonial occasions
throstle|a spinning machine formerly used to twist and wind fibers of cotton or wool continuously
throughput|output relative to input;the amount passing through a system from input to output (especially of a computer program over a period of time)
throw|a single chance or instance - "he couldn't afford $50 a throw";bedclothes consisting of a lightweight cloth covering (an afghan or bedspread) that is casually thrown over something;casting an object in order to determine an outcome randomly - "he risked his fortune on a throw of the dice";the act of throwing (propelling something with a rapid movement of the arm and wrist) - "the catcher made a good throw to second base";the maximum movement available to a pivoted or reciprocating piece by a cam
throw pillow|a small cushion that is used for decorative purposes
throwaway|words spoken in a casual way with conscious under-emphasis
thrower|someone who projects something (especially by a rapid motion of the arm)
throw-in|(rugby) an act or instance of throwing a ball in to put it into play
throwing stick|a device resembling a sling that is used in various primitive societies to propel a dart or spear
throwster|a person who twists silk or rayon filaments into a thread or yarn
throw-weight|the weight of the payload of a missile (not including the weight of the rocket)
thrum|a thrumming sound - "he could hear the thrum of a banjo"
thrush|a woman who sings popular songs;candidiasis of the oral cavity;seen mostly in infants or debilitated adults;songbirds characteristically having brownish upper plumage with a spotted breast
thrush nightingale|large nightingale of eastern Europe
thrust|verbal criticism - "he enlivened his editorials with barbed thrusts at politicians"
thrust bearing|a bearing designed to take thrusts parallel to the axis of revolution
thrust fault|a geological fault in which the upper side appears to have been pushed upward by compression
thrust stage|a theater stage that extends out into the audience's part of a theater and has seats on three sides
thruster|a small rocket engine that provides the thrust needed to maneuver a spacecraft
Thryothorus|Carolina wrens
Thucydides|ancient Greek historian remembered for his history of the Peloponnesian War (460-395 BC)
thuggee|murder and robbery by thugs
thuggery|violent or brutal acts as of thugs
Thuja|red cedar
Thujopsis|one species;has close similarity to genus Thuja
Thule|a town in northwestern Greenland;during World War II a United States naval base was built there;the geographical region believed by ancient geographers to be the northernmost land in the inhabited world
thulium|a soft silvery metallic element of the rare earth group;isotope 170 emits X-rays and is used in small portable X-ray machines;it occurs in monazite and apatite and xenotime
thumb|the part of a glove that provides a covering for the thumb;the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb
thumb index|one of a series of rounded notches in the fore edge of a book to indicate sections
thumbhole|a finger hole made to fit the thumb (as in a bowling ball);the hole in a woodwind that is closed and opened with the thumb
thumbnail|the nail of the thumb
thumbprint|fingerprint made by the thumb (especially by the pad of the thumb)
thumbscrew|instrument of torture that crushes the thumb;screw designed to be turned with the thumb and fingers
thumbstall|protective covering for an injured thumb
thumbtack|a tack for attaching papers to a bulletin board or drawing board
thump|a heavy blow with the hand;a heavy dull sound (as made by impact of heavy objects)
Thunbergia|a genus of herbs or vines of the family Acanthaceae
thunder|a booming or crashing noise caused by air expanding along the path of a bolt of lightning
Thunder Bay|a port city in Ontario on Lake Superior
thunder snake|small reddish wormlike snake of eastern United States
thunderbird|(mythology) the spirit of thunder and lightning believed by some Native Americans to take the shape of a great bird
thunderbolt|a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
thunderclap|a single sharp crash of thunder
thunderer|a noisemaker that makes a sound like thunder
thunderhead|a rounded projecting mass of a cumulus cloud with shining edges;often appears before a thunderstorm
thundershower|a short rainstorm accompanied by thunder and lightning
thunderstorm|a storm resulting from strong rising air currents;heavy rain or hail along with thunder and lightning
thunk|a dull hollow sound - "the basketball made a thunk as it hit the rim"
Thunnus|tunas;warm-blooded fishes
Thurber|United States humorist and cartoonist who published collections of essays and stories (1894-1961)
thurifer|an acolyte who carries a thurible
Thuringia|a historical region of southern Germany
Thursday|the fifth day of the week;the fourth working day
thwack|a hard blow with a flat object
thwart|a crosspiece spreading the gunnels of a boat;used as a seat in a rowboat
thylacine|rare doglike carnivorous marsupial of Tasmania having stripes on its back;probably extinct
Thylacinus|Tasmanian wolf
Thylogale|pademelons
thyme|any of various mints of the genus Thymus;leaves can be used as seasoning for almost any meat and stews and stuffings and vegetables
Thymelaeaceae|family of trees and shrubs and herbs having tough bark that are found especially in Australia and tropical Africa
thyme-leaved sandwort|Eurasian annual sprawling plant naturalized throughout North America
thyme-leaved speedwell|perennial decumbent herb having small opposite leaves and racemes of blue flowers;throughout Eurasia and the New World
thymine|a base found in DNA (but not in RNA) and derived from pyrimidine;pairs with adenine
thymol|a colorless crystalline solid used in perfume or preserving biological specimens or in embalming or medically as a fungicide or antiseptic
thymosin|hormone secreted by the thymus;stimulates immunological activity of lymphoid tissue
Thymus|large genus of Old World mints;thyme
thymus gland|a ductless glandular organ at the base of the neck that produces lymphocytes and aids in producing immunity;atrophies with age
Thyreophora|armored dinosaurs;stegosaurs and ankylosaurs
thyroglobulin|an iodine containing protein that is obtained from the thyroid gland and exhibits the general properties of the globulins
thyroid cartilage|the largest cartilage of the larynx
thyroid gland|located near the base of the neck
thyroid hormone|any of several closely related compounds that are produced by the thyroid gland and are active metabolically
thyroid vein|any of several small veins draining blood from the thyroid area
thyroidectomy|surgical removal of the thyroid gland
thyroiditis|inflammation of the thyroid gland
thyronine|a phenolic amino acid of which thyroxine is a derivative
thyroprotein|a preparation made from iodinated protein and having an action similar to thyroxine
thyrotropin|anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the function of the thyroid gland
thyrotropin-releasing hormone|hormone released by the hypothalamus that controls the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary
thyroxine|hormone produced by the thyroid glands to regulate metabolism by controlling the rate of oxidation in cells - "thyroxine is 65% iodine"
thyrse|a dense flower cluster (as of the lilac or horse chestnut) in which the main axis is racemose and the branches are cymose
thyrsopteris|a terrestrial tree fern of South America
Thysanocarpus|small genus of herbs of upland regions of the Pacific coast of North America
thysanopter|an insect of the order Thysanoptera
Thysanoptera|thrips
Thysanura|firebrats;silverfish;machilids
thysanuran insect|primitive wingless insects;bristletail
ti|shrub with terminal tufts of elongated leaves used locally for thatching and clothing;thick sweet roots are used as food;tropical southeastern Asia, Australia and Hawaii;the syllable naming the seventh (subtonic) note of any musical scale in solmization
Tiamat|(Akkadian) mother of the gods and consort of Apsu
Tianjin|a major industrial center in northeastern China on the Grand Canal near the Yellow Sea;3rd largest city in China
tiara|a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
Tiarella|small genus of North American herbs having mostly basal leaves and slender racemes of delicate white flowers
Tiber|a river of central Italy;flows through Rome to the Tyrrhenian Sea
Tiberius|son-in-law of Augustus who became a suspicious tyrannical Emperor of Rome after a brilliant military career (42 BC to AD 37)
Tibet|an autonomous region of the Peoples Republic of China;located in the Himalayas
Tibetan|a native or inhabitant of Tibet;Himalayish language spoken in Tibet
Tibetan mastiff|very large powerful rough-coated dog native to central Asia
Tibetan terrier|breed of medium-sized terriers bred in Tibet resembling Old English sheepdogs with fluffy curled tails
Tibeto-Burman|a branch of the Sino-Tibetan family of languages spoken from Tibet to the Malay Peninsula
tibia|the inner and thicker of the two bones of the human leg between the knee and ankle
tibial vein|veins of the lower leg;empty into the popliteal vein
tibialis|either of two skeletal muscle in each leg arising from the tibia;provides for movement of the foot
tibialis anticus|a muscle running from the tibia to the first metatarsal and cuneiform bones
tibialis posticus|a deep muscle of the leg
Tibicen|harvest flies
tic|a local and habitual twitching especially in the face
Tichodroma|wall creepers;in some classifications placed in family Sittidae
Ticino|an Italian-speaking region of southern Switzerland
tick|a light mattress;a metallic tapping sound - "he counted the ticks of the clock";any of two families of small parasitic arachnids with barbed proboscis;feed on blood of warm-blooded animals
tick trefoil|any of various tropical and subtropical plants having trifoliate leaves and rough sticky pod sections or loments
ticker|a character printer that automatically prints stock quotations on ticker tape
ticker tape|a continuous thin ribbon of paper on which stock quotes are written
ticket|a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment);a summons issued to an offender (especially to someone who violates a traffic regulation);the appropriate or desirable thing - "this car could be just the ticket for a small family"
ticket agent|someone who sells tickets (e.g., theater seats or travel accommodations)
ticket book|a book of tickets that can be torn out and used
ticket collector|someone who is paid to admit only those who have purchased tickets
ticket holder|holder of a ticket (for admission or for passage)
ticket line|a queue of people waiting to buy tickets
ticket window|a window through which tickets are sold (as from a ticket booth)
ticket-of-leave|a permit formerly given to convicts allowing them to leave prison under specific restrictions
ticking|a strong fabric used for mattress and pillow covers
tickle|a cutaneous sensation often resulting from light stroking;the act of tickling
tickler|a file of memoranda or notices that remind of things to be done
tickler coil|a small coil in series with the anode of a vacuum tube and coupled to the grid to provide feedback
tickseed sunflower|North American bur marigold with large flowers
ticktack|system of signalling by hand signs used by bookmakers at racetracks
ticktacktoe|a game in which two players alternately put crosses and circles in one of the compartments of a square grid of nine spaces;the object is to get a row of three crosses or three circles before the opponent does
ticktock|steady recurrent ticking sound as made by a clock
tidal basin|a basin that is full of water at high tide
tidal bore|a high wave (often dangerous) caused by tidal flow (as by colliding tidal currents or in a narrow estuary)
tidal flow|the water current caused by the tides
tidal river|a stream in which the effects of the tide extend far upstream
tidal wave|a wave resulting from the periodic flow of the tides that is caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun;an overwhelming manifestation of some emotion or phenomenon - "a tidal wave of nausea" - "the flood of letters hit him with the force of a tidal wave" - "a tidal wave of crime";an unusual (and often destructive) rise of water along the seashore caused by a storm or a combination of wind and high tide
tidal zone|an area subject to tidal action
tiddlywinks|a game in which players try to flip plastic disks into a cup by pressing them on the side sharply with a larger disk
tide|something that may increase or decrease (like the tides of the sea) - "a rising tide of popular interest";the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon;there are usually two high and two low tides each day
tideland|land near the sea that is overflowed by the tide
tidemark|indicator consisting of a line at the highwater or low-water limits of the tides
tidewater|low-lying coastal land drained by tidal streams;the coastal plain of the South;eastern parts of Virginia and North Carolina and South Carolina and Georgia
tideway|a channel in which a tidal current runs
tidiness|the habit of being tidy;the trait of being neat and orderly
tidy|receptacle that holds odds and ends (as sewing materials)
tidytips|California annual having flower heads with yellow rays tipped with white
tie|(music) a slur over two notes of the same pitch;indicates that the note is to be sustained for their combined time value;a cord (or string or ribbon or wire etc.) with which something is tied - "he needed a tie for the packages";a horizontal beam used to prevent two other structural members from spreading apart or separating - "he nailed the rafters together with a tie beam";equality of score in a contest;one of the cross braces that support the rails on a railway track - "the British call a railroad tie a sleeper"
tie clip|a piece of jewelry that holds a man's tie in place
tie rack|a rack for storing ties
tie rod|either of two rods that link the steering gear to the front wheels
tie tack|a pin used to hold the tie in place
tiebreaker|overtime play in order to break a tie;e.g. tennis and soccer
Tien Shan|a major mountain range of central Asia;extends 1,500 miles
Tien-pao|a member of the Taoist Trinity
Tiepolo|Italian painter (1696-1770)
tier|a worker who ties something;any one of two or more competitors who tie one another;one of two or more layers one atop another - "tier upon tier of huge casks" - "a three-tier wedding cake";something that is used for tying - "the sail is fastened to the yard with tiers"
tiercel|male hawk especially male peregrine or gyrfalcon
tiered seat|seating that is arranged in sloping tiers so that spectators in the back can see over the heads of those in front
Tierra del Fuego|an archipelago off southern South America;separated from the continent by the Strait of Magellan;islands are administered by Chile and by Argentina
Tietze's syndrome|syndrome characterized by swelling of rib cartilage (causing pain)
Tiffany|United States artist who developed Tiffany glass (1848-1933)
Tiffany glass|a kind of opalescent colored glass that was used in the early 1900s for stained-glass windows and lamps
tiger|a fierce or audacious person - "he's a tiger on the tennis court" - "it aroused the tiger in me";large feline of forests in most of Asia having a tawny coat with black stripes;endangered
tiger beetle|active usually bright-colored beetle that preys on other insects
tiger cat|a cat having a striped coat;medium-sized wildcat of Central America and South America having a dark-striped coat
tiger cowrie|cowrie whose shell is used for ornament
tiger cub|a young tiger
tiger lily|east Asian perennial having large reddish-orange black-spotted flowers with reflexed petals;lily of southeastern United States having cup-shaped flowers with deep yellow to scarlet recurved petals
tiger moth|medium-sized moth with long richly colored and intricately patterned wings;larvae are called woolly bears
tiger rattlesnake|having irregularly cross-banded back;of arid foothills and canyons of southern Arizona and Mexico
tiger salamander|widely distributed brown or black North American salamander with vertical yellowish blotches
tiger shark|large dangerous warm-water shark with striped or spotted body
tiger snake|highly venomous brown-and-yellow snake of Australia and Tasmania
tight end|(football) an offensive end who lines up close to the tackle
tight money|the economic condition in which credit is difficult to secure and interest rates are high
tightening|the act of making something tighter - "the tightening of economic controls"
tightness|lack of movement or room for movement
tightrope|tightly stretched rope or wire on which acrobats perform high above the ground
tights|skintight knit hose covering the body from the waist to the feet worn by acrobats and dancers and as stockings by women and girls
tiglon|offspring of a male tiger and a female lion
tigress|a female tiger
Tigris|an Asian river;a tributary of the Euphrates River
Tijuana|a Mexican city just to the south of San Diego on the Lower California peninsula;popular among American tourists for racetracks and bullfights
Tilapia|a genus of Cichlidae
tilde|a diacritical mark (~) placed over the letter n in Spanish to indicate a palatal nasal sound or over a vowel in Portuguese to indicate nasalization
Tilden|United States tennis player who dominated men's tennis in the 1920s (1893-1953)
tile|a flat thin rectangular slab (as of fired clay or rubber or linoleum) used to cover surfaces;a thin flat slab of fired clay used for roofing;game equipment consisting of a flat thin piece marked with characters and used in board games like Mah-Jong, Scrabble, etc.
tile cutter|a cutter (tool for cutting) for floor tiles
tile roof|a roof made of fired clay tiles
tilefish|yellow-spotted violet food fish of warm deep waters
tiler|a worker who lays tile
Tilia|deciduous trees with smooth usually silver-grey bark of North America and Europe and Asia;lime trees;lindens;basswood
Tiliaceae|chiefly trees and shrubs of tropical and temperate regions of especially southeastern Asia and Brazil;genera Tilia, Corchorus, Entelea, Grewia, Sparmannia
tiling|the application of tiles to cover a surface
Tiliomycetes|category used in some systems to comprise the two orders Ustilaginales (smuts) and Uredinales (rusts)
till|unstratified soil deposited by a glacier;consists of sand and clay and gravel and boulders mixed together
tillage|the cultivation of soil for raising crops
Tillandsia|large genus of epiphytic or terrestrial sparse-rooting tropical plants usually forming dense clumps or pendant masses
tiller|a shoot that sprouts from the base of a grass;lever used to turn the rudder on a boat;someone who tills land (prepares the soil for the planting of crops)
Tilletia|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Tilletiaceae
Tilletiaceae|a family of smut fungi having a simple promycelium bearing the spores in an apical cluster
Tillich|United States theologian (born in Germany) (1886-1965)
tilling|cultivation of the land in order to raise crops
tilt|a slight but noticeable partiality - "the court's tilt toward conservative rulings";the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical - "the tower had a pronounced tilt"
tilt angle|the angle a rocket makes with the vertical as it curves along its trajectory
tilter|a device for emptying a cask by tilting it without disturbing the dregs;someone who engages in a tilt or joust
tilth|the state of aggregation of soil and its condition for supporting plant growth
tilt-top table|a pedestal table whose top is hinged so that it can be tilted to a vertical position
tiltyard|(formerly) an enclosed field for tilting contests
Timalia|type genus of the Timaliidae
Timaliidae|babblers
timbale|individual serving of minced e.g. meat or fish in a rich creamy sauce baked in a small pastry mold or timbale shell;small pastry shell for creamy mixtures of minced foods
timber|a beam made of wood;a post made of wood
timber hitch|a hitch used to secure a rope to a log or spar;often supplemented by a half hitch
timber line|line marking the upper limit of tree growth in mountains or northern latitudes
timber rattlesnake|widely distributed in rugged ground of eastern United States
timber tree|any tree that is valued as a source of lumber or timber
timber wolf|a wolf with a brindled grey coat living in forested northern regions of North America
timberman|an owner or manager of a company that is engaged in lumbering
timbre|(music) the distinctive property of a complex sound (a voice or noise or musical sound) - "the timbre of her soprano was rich and lovely"
timbrel|small hand drum similar to a tambourine;formerly carried by itinerant jugglers
Timbuktu|a city in central Mali near the Niger river;formerly famous for its gold trade
time|a period of time considered as a resource under your control and sufficient to accomplish something - "take time to smell the roses" - "I didn't have time to finish" - "it took more than half my time";a person's experience on a particular occasion - "he had a time holding back the tears" - "they had a good time together";a suitable moment - "it is time to go";an indefinite period (usually marked by specific attributes or activities) - "he waited a long time" - "the time of year for planting" - "he was a great actor in his time";an instance or single occasion for some event - "this time he succeeded" - "he called four times";the continuum of experience in which events pass from the future through the present to the past
time and a half|a rate of pay that is 1.5 times the regular rate;for overtime work
time and motion study|an analysis of a specific job in an effort to find the most efficient method in terms of time and effort
time being|the present occasion
time bomb|a bomb that has a detonating mechanism that can be set to go off at a particular time;a problematic situation that will eventually become dangerous if not addressed - "India is a demographic time bomb"
time capsule|container for preserving historical records to be discovered at some future time
time clock|clock used to record the hours that people work
time constant|(electronics) the time required for the current or voltage in a circuit to rise or fall exponentially through approximately 63 per cent of its amplitude;the ratio of the inductance of a circuit in henries to its resistance in ohms
time deposit|a certificate of deposit from which withdrawals can be made only after advance notice or at a specified future date
time deposit account|a savings account in which the deposit is held for a fixed term or in which withdrawals can be made only after giving notice or with loss of interest
time draft|a draft payable at a specified future date
time exposure|a photograph produced with a relatively long exposure time;exposure of a film for a relatively long time (more than half a second)
time frame|a time period during which something occurs or is expected to occur - "an agreement can be reached in a reasonably short time frame"
time immemorial|the distant past beyond memory
time interval|a definite length of time marked off by two instants
time limit|a time period within which something must be done or completed
time loan|a loan that is payable on or before a specified date
time machine|a science fiction machine that is supposed to transport people or objects into the past or the future
time note|a note that specifies the time (or times) of repayment
time of life|a period of time during which a person is normally in a particular life state
time off|a time period when you are not required to work - "he requested time off to attend his grandmother's funeral"
time period|an amount of time - "a time period of 30 years"
time scale|an arrangement of events used as a measure of duration - "on the geological time scale mankind has existed but for a brief moment"
time series|a series of values of a variable at successive times
time sharing|(computer science) the use of a central computer by many users simultaneously
time sheet|a record of the hours worked by employees
time signal|a signal (especially electronic or by radio) indicating the precisely correct time
time signature|a musical notation indicating the number of beats to a measure and kind of note that takes a beat
time slot|a time assigned on a schedule or agenda - "the TV program has a new time slot"
time unit|a unit for measuring time periods
time zone|any of the 24 regions of the globe (loosely divided by longitude) throughout which the same standard time is used
time-ball|a ball that slides down a staff to show a fixed time;especially at an observatory
timecard|a card recording an employee's starting and quitting times each work day;a card used with a time clock to record an employee's starting and quitting times each day
time-delay measuring instrument|chronoscope for measuring the time difference between two events
time-fuse|a fuse made to burn for a given time (especially to explode a bomb)
timekeeper|(sports) an official who keeps track of the time elapsed;a clerk who keeps track of the hours worked by employees
timekeeping|the act or process of determining the time
timeline|a sequence of related events arranged in chronological order and displayed along a line (usually drawn left to right or top to bottom)
time-out|a brief suspension of play - "each team has two time-outs left"
timepiece|a measuring instrument or device for keeping time
timer|a regulator that activates or deactivates a mechanism at set times;a timepiece that measures a time interval and signals its end
times|a more or less definite period of time now or previously present - "it was a sign of the times"
Times Square|the area of Manhattan around the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue;heart of the New York theater district;site of annual celebration of New Year's
time-scale factor|the ratio of the simulation time to the time of the real process
timeserver|one who conforms to current ways and opinions for personal advantage
time-switch|a switch set to operate at a desired time
timetable|a schedule listing events and the times at which they will take place;a schedule of times of arrivals and departures
timework|work paid for at a rate per unit of time
Timgad|an ancient town founded by the Romans;noted for extensive and well-preserved ruins
timid|people who are fearful and cautious - "whitewater rafting is not for the timid"
timidity|fear of the unknown or unfamiliar or fear of making decisions;fearfulness in venturing into new and unknown places or activities
Timimoun|a town in central Algeria in the Atlas Mountains
timing|the regulation of occurrence, pace, or coordination to achieve a desired effect (as in music, theater, athletics, mechanics);the time when something happens
timolol|a beta blocker (trade name Blocadren) administered after heart attacks
Timor|an island in Indonesia in the Malay Archipelago;the largest and most eastern of the Lesser Sunda Islands
Timor Sea|an arm of the eastern Indian Ocean between Timor and northern Australia
Timorese|a native or inhabitant of Timor
Timothy|a disciple of Saint Paul who became the leader of the Christian community at Ephesus;a grass grown for hay;grass with long cylindrical spikes grown in northern United States and Europe for hay
timucu|found in warm waters of western Atlantic
tin|a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion;used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion;obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide;a vessel (box, can, pan, etc.) made of tinplate and used mainly in baking
tin can|informal term for a destroyer
tin ear|insensitivity to the appropriateness or subtlety of language - "he has a tin ear for dialogue"
Tin Pan Alley|a city district (originally in New York) where composers and publishers of popular music do business
tin pest|the transformation of ordinary white tin into powdery grey tin at very cold temperatures
tin plate|a thin sheet of metal (iron or steel) coated with tin to prevent rusting;used especially for cans, pots, and tins
Tinamidae|comprising the tinamous
Tinamiformes|coextensive with the family Tinamidae
tinamou|heavy-bodied small-winged South American game bird resembling a gallinaceous bird but related to the ratite birds
Tinbergen|Dutch economist noted for his work in econometrics (1903-1994);Dutch zoologist who showed that much animal behavior is innate and stereotyped (1907-1988)
Tinca|tench
tincture|(pharmacology) a medicine consisting of an extract in an alcohol solution;a substances that colors metals
tincture of iodine|a tincture consisting of a solution of iodine in ethyl alcohol;applied topically to wounds as an antiseptic
tinderbox|a box for holding tinder;a dangerous state of affairs;a situation that is a potential source of violence - "the Balkans are the tinderbox of Europe"
tine|prong on a fork or pitchfork or antler
tine test|a tuberculin test in which a disk with several tines bearing tuberculin antigen is used to puncture the skin;development of a hard red area indicates past or present exposure to tubercle bacilli and the need for further testing
tinea|infections of the skin or nails caused by fungi and appearing as itching circular patches;type genus of the Tineidae;clothes moths
tinea barbae|fungal infection of the face and neck
tinea capitis|fungal infection of the scalp characterized by bald patches
tinea corporis|fungal infection of nonhairy parts of the skin
tinea cruris|fungal infection of the groin (most common in men)
tinea pedis|fungal infection of the feet
tinea unguium|fungal infection of the nails (especially toenails)
tineid|small yellowish moths whose larvae feed on wool or fur
Tineidae|clothes moths
tineoid|small dull-colored moth with chewing mouthparts
Tineoidea|clothes moths;carpet moths;leaf miners
Tineola|webbing clothes moths
tinfoil|foil made of tin or an alloy of tin and lead
ting|a light clear metallic sound as of a small bell
Tingidae|lace bugs
tinker|a person who enjoys fixing and experimenting with machines and their parts;formerly a person (traditionally a Gypsy) who traveled from place to place mending pots and kettles and other metal utensils as a way to earn a living
tinkerer|an unskilled person who tries to fix or mend
tinning|the application of a protective layer of tin;the application of a thin layer of soft solder to the ends of wires before soldering them - "careful tinning of the ends of wires results in a better joint when you solder them"
tinnitus|a ringing or booming sensation in one or both ears;a symptom of an ear infection or Meniere's disease
tinsel|a showy decoration that is basically valueless - "all the tinsel of self-promotion";a thread with glittering metal foil attached
tinsmith|someone who makes or repairs tinware
tintack|tack or small nail of tinned iron
tinter|a hairdresser who tints hair
tinting|the act of adding a tinge of color - "the hairdresser gave her hair a modest tinting"
Tintoretto|Italian painter of the Venetian school (1518-1594)
tinware|articles of commerce made of tin plate
tip|an indication of potential opportunity - "he got a tip on the stock market";the extreme end of something;especially something pointed
tip in|a basketball shot made by tapping the rebounding ball back into the basket
tip sheet|a publication containing the latest information or tips or predictions for a particular business or stock market information or horse racing results, etc.
tip-off|inside information that something is going to happen;the act of starting a basketball game with a jump ball
tipper|a person who leaves a tip - "a generous tipper"
tippet|a woman's fur shoulder cape with hanging ends;often consisting of the whole fur of a fox or marten
tippler|someone who drinks liquor repeatedly in small quantities
tipstaff|staff with a metal tip carried as a sign of office by e.g. a bailiff or constable
tipster|one who sells advice about gambling or speculation (especially at the racetrack)
tipsy cake|a trifle soaked in wine and decorated with almonds and candied fruit
tiptoe|the tip of a toe
tiptop|the extreme top or summit
tipu|semi-evergreen South American tree with odd-pinnate leaves and golden yellow flowers cultivated as an ornamental
Tipuana|one species;South American tree;tipu tree
Tipulidae|crane flies
tirade|a speech of violent denunciation
tiramisu|an Italian dessert consisting of layers of sponge cake soaked with coffee and brandy or liqueur layered with mascarpone cheese and topped with grated chocolate
Tirana|the capital and largest city of Albania in the center of the country
tire|hoop that covers a wheel - "automobile tires are usually made of rubber and filled with compressed air"
tire chain|chain attached to wheels to increase traction on ice or snow
tire iron|hand tool consisting of a lever that is used to force the casing of a pneumatic tire onto a steel wheel
Tiresias|(Greek mythology) the blind prophet of Thebes who revealed to Oedipus that Oedipus had murdered his father and married his mother
Tirich Mir|a mountain in the Hindu Kush in Pakistan (25,230 feet high)
Tirso de Molina|Spanish dramatist who wrote the first dramatic treatment of the legend of Don Juan (1571-1648)
tisane|infusion of e.g. dried or fresh flowers or leaves
Tishah b'Av|(Judaism) a major fast day on the Jewish calendar commemorating the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem
Tishri|the first month of the civil year;the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar (in September and October)
Tisiphone|one of the three Furies
tissue|a soft thin (usually translucent) paper;part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function
tissue plasminogen activator|a thrombolytic agent (trade name Activase) that causes fibrinolysis at the site of a blood clot;used in treating acute myocardial infarction
tissue typing|a series of diagnostic tests before an organ transplant to determine whether the tissues of a donor and recipient are compatible
tit for tat|an equivalent given in return
Titan|(Greek mythology) any of the primordial giant gods who ruled the Earth until overthrown by Zeus;the Titans were offspring of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaea (Earth);the largest of the satellites of Saturn;has a hazy nitrogen atmosphere
Titaness|(Greek mythology) any of the primordial giant goddesses who were offspring of Uranus (heaven) and Gaea (earth) in ancient mythology
Titania|(Middle Ages) the queen of the fairies in medieval folklore
titanic acid|a white weak acid that is a hydrated form of titanium dioxide
titanium|a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts);the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
titanium dioxide|a white powder used as a pigment for its high covering power and durability
titanosaur|amphibious quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur with a long thin neck and whiplike tail;of the Cretaceous mostly in the southern hemisphere
Titanosauridae|herbivorous dinosaurs of the Cretaceous
Titanosaurus|genus of herbivorous dinosaurs flourishing during the Cretaceous in South America
titer|the concentration of a solution as determined by titration
titfer|a hat (Cockney rhyming slang;'tit for tat' rhymes with 'hat')
tithe|a levy of one tenth of something;an offering of a tenth part of some personal income
tithe barn|barn originally built to hold tithes paid in kind and common in England
tither|someone who pays tithes
titi|small South American monkeys with long beautiful fur and long nonprehensile tail;tree of low-lying coastal areas of southeastern United States having glossy leaves and racemes of fragrant white flowers
Titian|old master of the Venetian school (1490-1576)
titillation|a tingling feeling of excitement (as from teasing or tickling);an agreeable arousal
titivation|sprucing up;making decorative additions to
title|(usually plural) written material introduced into a movie or TV show to give credits or represent dialogue or explain an action - "the titles go by faster than I can read";a general or descriptive heading for a section of a written work - "the novel had chapter titles";a heading that names a statute or legislative bill;may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with;an appellation signifying nobility - "'your majesty' is the appropriate title to use in addressing a king";an established or recognized right - "he had no documents confirming his title to his father's estate";an identifying appellation signifying status or function;e.g. 'Mr.' or 'General' - "the professor didn't like his friends to use his formal title";the name of a work of art or literary composition etc. - "he looked for books with the word 'jazz' in the title" - "he refused to give titles to his paintings" - "I can never remember movie titles"
title bar|(computer science) a horizontal label at the top of a window, bearing the name of the currently active document
title deed|a legal document proving a person's right to property
title page|a page of a book displaying the title and author and publisher
title role|the role of the character after whom the play is named
titmouse|small insectivorous birds
Tito|Yugoslav statesman who led the resistance to German occupation during World War II and established a communist state after the war (1892-1980)
titration|a measured amount of a solution of unknown concentration is added to a known volume of a second solution until the reaction between them is just complete;the concentration of the unknown solution (the titer) can then be calculated
titrator|an apparatus for performing a titration
titter|a nervous restrained laugh
titterer|a person who laughs nervously
Titus|a Greek disciple and helper of Saint Paul;Emperor of Rome;son of Vespasian (39-81)
Tiu|god of war and sky;counterpart of Norse Tyr
Tivoli|a town twenty miles to the east of Rome (Tibur is the ancient name);a summer resort during the Roman empire;noted for its waterfalls
tiyin|100 tiyin equal 1 som in Uzbekistan;100 tiyin equal 1 tenge in Kazakhstan
T-junction|a junction where two roads or pipes etc. meet to form a T
Tlingit|a member of a seafaring group of North American Indians living in southern Alaska;the Na-Dene language spoken by the Tlingit
T-man|a special law-enforcement agent of the United States Treasury
T-network|a circuit formed by two equal series circuits with a shunt between them
TNT|explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
to leeward|the side sheltered from the wind
to windward|the side toward the wind
toad lily|a floating or creeping Indian lettuce having terminal racemes of pale rose flowers;wet areas at high elevations of western North America
toad rush|low-growing annual rush of damp low-lying ground;nearly cosmopolitan
toadfish|bottom-dwelling fish having scaleless slimy skin and a broad thick head with a wide mouth
toadflax|common European perennial having showy yellow and orange flowers;a naturalized weed in North America
toad-in-the-hole|sausage baked in batter
toadstool|common name for an inedible or poisonous agaric (contrasting with the edible mushroom)
toast|a celebrity who receives much acclaim and attention - "he was the toast of the town";slices of bread that have been toasted
toast mistress|a woman toastmaster
toaster|a kitchen appliance (usually electric) for toasting bread;someone who proposes a toast;someone who drinks to the health of success of someone or some venture
toaster oven|kitchen appliance consisting of a small electric oven for toasting or warming food
toasting|cooking to a brown crispiness over a fire or on a grill - "proper toasting should brown both sides of a piece of bread"
toasting fork|long-handled fork for cooking or toasting frankfurters or bread etc. (especially over an open fire)
toastmaster|the person who proposes toasts and introduces speakers at a banquet
toastrack|a rack for holding slices of toast
tobacco|aromatic annual or perennial herbs and shrubs;leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion
tobacco hornworm|large green white-striped hawkmoth larva that feeds on tobacco and related plants;similar to tomato hornworm
tobacco industry|an industry that manufactures and sells products containing tobacco
tobacco juice|saliva colored brown by tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco)
tobacco mildew|fungus causing a downy mildew on growing tobacco
tobacco mosaic|a plant disease causing discoloration of the leaves of tobacco plants
tobacco mosaic virus|the widely studied plant virus that causes tobacco mosaic;it was the first virus discovered (1892)
tobacco moth|small moth whose larvae feed on tobacco and other dried plant products
tobacco pouch|a pouch for carrying pipe tobacco
tobacco shop|a shop that sells pipes and pipe tobacco and cigars and cigarettes
tobacco thrips|injurious to growing tobacco and peanuts
tobacconist|a retail dealer in tobacco and tobacco-related articles
Tobago|island in West Indies
Tobagonian|a native or inhabitant of the island of Tobago in the West Indies
Tobey|United States abstract painter influenced by oriental calligraphy (1890-1976)
Tobin|United States economist (1918-2002)
Tobit|an Apocryphal book that was a popular novel for several centuries
toboggan|a long narrow sled without runners;boards curve upward in front
tobogganing|riding on a long light sled with low handrails
tobogganist|someone who rides a toboggan
tobramycin|an antibiotic (trade name Nebcin) that is especially effective against Gram-negative bacteria
toby|a drinking mug in the shape of a stout man wearing a three-cornered hat
tocainide|antiarrhythmic drug (trade name Tonocard) used to treat ventricular arrhythmias when less dangerous drugs have failed
Tocantins|a river in eastern Brazil that flows generally north to the Para River
toccata|a baroque musical composition (usually for a keyboard instrument) with full chords and rapid elaborate runs in a rhythmically free style
Tocharian|a branch of the Indo-European language family that originated in central Asia during the first millennium A.D.
Tocqueville|French political writer noted for his analysis of American institutions (1805-1859)
tocsin|a bell used to sound an alarm;the sound of an alarm (usually a bell)
tod|a unit of weight for wool equal to about 28 pounds
Toda|a member of a pastoral people living in the Nilgiri Hills of southern India;the Dravidian language spoken by the Toda in southern India
today|the day that includes the present moment (as opposed to yesterday or tomorrow) - "did you see today's newspaper?";the present time or age - "the world of today" - "today we have computers"
Todd|fictional character in a play by George Pitt;a barber who murdered his customers;Scottish chemist noted for his research into the structure of nucleic acids (born in 1907)
toddler|a young child
Todea|a genus of delicate ferns belonging to the family Osmundaceae
Todidae|a family of birds of the order Coraciiformes
Todus|type genus of the Todidae
tody|tiny insectivorous West Indian bird having red-and-green plumage and a long straight bill
toe|(golf) the part of a clubhead farthest from the shaft;forepart of a hoof;one of the digits of the foot;the part of footwear that provides a covering for the toes
toe box|the forward tip of the upper of a shoe or boot that provides space and protection for the toes - "the toe box may be rounded or pointed"
toe crack|a crack on the forepart of a horse's hindfoot
toe dancing|a dance performed on tiptoe
toea|100 toea equal 1 kina in Papua New Guinea
toecap|a protective leather or steel cover for the toe of a boot or shoe, reinforcing or decorating it
toehold|a relatively insignificant position from which future progress might be made - "American diplomacy provided a toehold on which to proceed toward peace talks" - "his father gave him a toehold in the oil business";a small foothold used in climbing;a wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints
toe-in|the alignment of the front wheels of a motor vehicle closer together at the front than at the back
toenail|the nail at the end of a toe
toetoe|used by Maoris for thatching
toff|informal term for an upper-class or wealthy person
Tofieldia|genus of perennial herbs of cool temperate regions;sometimes placed in family Melanthiaceae
toga|a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient Rome
toga virilis|(ancient Rome) a toga worn by a youth as a symbol of manhood and citizenship
Togaviridae|a family of arboviruses carried by arthropods
togetherness|affectionate closeness - "togetherness is the new wonder ingredient in marriage"
toggle|a fastener consisting of a peg or pin or crosspiece that is inserted into an eye at the end of a rope or a chain or a cable in order to fasten it to something (as another rope or chain or cable);any instruction that works first one way and then the other;it turns something on the first time it is used and then turns it off the next time
toggle bolt|a fastener consisting of a threaded bolt and a hinged spring-loaded toggle;used to fasten objects to hollow walls
toggle joint|a joint made by two arms attached by a pivot;used to apply pressure at the two ends by straightening the joint
toggle switch|a hinged switch that can assume either of two positions
Togo|a republic on the western coast of Africa on the Gulf of Guinea;formerly under French control
Togo franc|the basic unit of money in Togo
Togolese|a native or inhabitant of Togo
togs|informal terms for clothing
toiler|one who works strenuously
toilet|a plumbing fixture for defecation and urination;a room or building equipped with one or more toilets;the act of dressing and preparing yourself - "he made his morning toilet and went to breakfast"
toilet bag|a waterproof bag for holding bathrooms items (soap and toothpaste etc.) when you are travelling
toilet bowl|the bowl of a toilet that can be flushed with water
toilet kit|a kit for carrying toilet articles while traveling
toilet powder|a fine powder for spreading on the body (as after bathing)
toilet roll|a roll of toilet paper
toilet seat|the hinged seat on a toilet
toilet soap|soap used as a toiletry
toilet tissue|a soft thin absorbent paper for use in toilets
toilet training|training a young child to use the toilet
toilet water|a perfumed liquid lighter than cologne
toiletry|artifacts used in making your toilet (washing and taking care of your body)
Tojo|Japanese army officer who initiated the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and who assumed dictatorial control of Japan during World War II;he was subsequently tried and executed as a war criminal (1884-1948)
tokamak|a doughnut-shaped chamber used in fusion research;a plasma is heated and confined in a magnetic bottle
Tokay|Hungarian wine made from Tokay grapes;variety of wine grape originally grown in Hungary;the prototype of vinifera grapes
toke|a puff of a marijuana or hashish cigarette - "the boys took a few tokes on a joint"
token|a metal or plastic disk that can be redeemed or used in designated slot machines;an individual instance of a type of symbol - "the word'error' contains three tokens of 'r'";something serving as a sign of something else
token economy|a form of behavior therapy that has been used in some mental institutions;patients are rewarded with tokens for appropriate behavior and the tokens may be cashed in for valued rewards
token money|coins of regular issue whose face value is greater than their intrinsic value
token payment|a small payment made in acknowledgement of an obligation
Toklas|United States writer remembered as the secretary and companion of Gertrude Stein (1877-1967)
Tokyo|the capital and largest city of Japan;the economic and cultural center of Japan
tolazamide|a drug (trade name Tolinase) used in treating stable adult-onset diabetes mellitus
tolazoline|vasodilator that is used to treat spasms of peripheral blood vessels (as in acrocyanosis)
tolbutamide|sulfonylurea;an oral antidiabetic drug (trade name Orinase) used in the treatment of adult-onset diabetes mellitus
tole|enameled or lacquered metalware (usually gilded and elaborately painted);popular in the 18th century - "the Pennsylvania Dutch tole watering can might be a reproduction but it looks convincing"
Toledo|a city in central Spain on the Tagus river;famous for steel and swords since the first century;an industrial city in northwestern Ohio on Lake Erie
tolerance|the act of tolerating something;the power or capacity of an organism to tolerate unfavorable environmental conditions;willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs or practices of others
toleration|a disposition to tolerate or accept people or situations - "all people should practice toleration and live together in peace";official recognition of the right of individuals to hold dissenting opinions (especially in religion)
Tolkien|British philologist and writer of fantasies (born in South Africa) (1892-1973)
toll|a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges (used for maintenance)
toll bridge|a bridge where toll is charged for crossing
toll call|a long-distance telephone call at charges above a local rate
toll line|a telephone line for long-distance calls
toll plaza|an area where tollbooths are located
tollbooth|a booth at a tollgate where the toll collector collects tolls
toller|a person who rings church bells (as for summoning the congregation)
tollgate|a gate or bar across a toll bridge or toll road which is lifted when the toll is paid
tollkeeper|someone employed to collect tolls
tolmetin sodium|a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Tolectin)
Tolmiea|one species;pickaback plant
Tolstoy|Russian author remembered for two great novels (1828-1910)
Toltec|a member of the Nahuatl speaking people of central and southern Mexico
tolu|aromatic yellowish brown balsam from the tolu balsam tree used especially in cough syrups
tolu tree|medium-sized tropical American tree yielding tolu balsam and a fragrant hard wood used for high-grade furniture and cabinetwork
toluene|a colorless flammable liquid obtained from petroleum or coal tar;used as a solvent for gums and lacquers and in high-octane fuels
toluic acid|an isomeric acid derived from toluene
Tolypeutes|a genus of Dasypodidae
Tom|(ethnic slur) offensive and derogatory name for a Black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to Whites;male cat
Tom and Jerry|hot rum toddy with a beaten egg
Tom Sawyer|the boy hero of a novel by Mark Twain
Tom Thumb|a very small person;an imaginary hero of English folklore who was no taller than his father's thumb
tomahawk|weapon consisting of a fighting ax;used by North American Indians
tomalley|edible greenish substance in boiled lobster
tomatillo|annual of Mexico and southern United States having edible purplish viscid fruit resembling small tomatoes;Mexican annual naturalized in eastern North America having yellow to purple edible fruit resembling small tomatoes;small edible yellow to purple tomato-like fruit enclosed in a bladderlike husk
tomato|mildly acid red or yellow pulpy fruit eaten as a vegetable;native to South America;widely cultivated in many varieties
tomato blight|a disease of tomato plants
tomato concentrate|a concentrated form of tomatoes
tomato hornworm|large green white-striped hawkmoth larva that feeds on tomato and potato plants;similar to tobacco hornworm
tomato juice|the juice of tomatoes (usually bottled or canned)
tomato paste|thick concentrated tomato puree
tomato sauce|sauce made with a puree of tomatoes (or strained tomatoes) with savory vegetables and other seasonings;can be used on pasta
tomato streak|disease of a wide range of plants (tomatoes, potatoes, peas) resulting from a mixed infection of potato and tomato mosaic
tombac|an alloy of copper and zinc (and sometimes arsenic) used to imitate gold in cheap jewelry and for gilding
Tombaugh|United States astronomer who discovered the planet Pluto (1906-1997)
Tombigbee|a river that rises in northeastern Mississippi and flows southward through western Alabama to join the Alabama River and form the Mobile River
tombola|a lottery in which tickets are drawn from a revolving drum
tomboy|a girl who behaves in a boyish manner
tome|a (usually) large and scholarly book
tomentum|a network of tiny blood vessels between the cerebral surface of the pia mater and the cerebral cortex
Tomistoma|a genus of Malayan crocodiles
Tommy gun|a .45-caliber submachine gun
tomograph|X-ray machine in which a computer builds a detailed image of a particular plane through an object from multiple X-ray measurements
tomorrow|the day after today - "what are our tasks for tomorrow?";the near future - "tomorrow's world" - "everyone hopes for a better tomorrow"
tomtate|found off the West Indies and Florida
tone|(linguistics) a pitch or change in pitch of the voice that serves to distinguish words in tonal languages - "the Beijing dialect uses four tones";a musical interval of two semitones;a steady sound without overtones - "they tested his hearing with pure tones of different frequencies";the quality of a person's voice - "he began in a conversational tone" - "he spoke in a nervous tone of voice";the quality of something (an act or a piece of writing) that reveals the attitudes and presuppositions of the author - "the general tone of articles appearing in the newspapers is that the government should withdraw" - "from the tone of her behavior I gathered that I had outstayed my welcome"
tone arm|mechanical device consisting of a light balanced arm that carries the cartridge
tone deafness|an inability to distinguish differences in pitch
tone language|a language in which different tones distinguish different meanings
tone system|the system of tones used in a particular language or dialect of a tone language
Tonegawa Susumu|Japanese molecular biologist noted for his studies of how the immune system produces antibodies (born in 1939)
toner|a black or colored powder used in a printer to develop a xerographic image;a lotion for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores;a solution containing chemicals that can change the color of a photographic print
Tonga|a monarchy on a Polynesian archipelago in the South Pacific;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1970;the language of the Tongan people of south central Africa (Zambia and Rhodesia)
Tongan|a Polynesian native or inhabitant of Tonga;the Polynesian language spoken by the Tongan people
Tongan monetary unit|monetary unit in Tonga
tongs|any of various devices for taking hold of objects;usually have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks below
tongue|a manner of speaking - "he spoke with a thick tongue" - "she has a glib tongue";a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity;any long thin projection that is transient - "tongues of flame licked at the walls";the flap of material under the laces of a shoe or boot;the tongue of certain animals used as meat
tongue and groove joint|a mortise joint made by fitting a projection on the edge of one board into a matching groove on another board
tongue depressor|a thin depressor used to press the tongue down during an examination of the mouth and throat
tongue tie|a congenital anomaly in which the mucous membrane under the tongue is too short limiting the mobility of the tongue
tongue twister|an expression that is difficult to articulate clearly - "'rubber baby buggy bumper' is a tongue twister"
tongue worm|wormlike arthropod having two pairs of hooks at the sides of the mouth;parasitic in nasal sinuses of mammals
tonguefish|left-eyed marine flatfish whose tail tapers to a point;of little commercial value
tongueflower|orchid having blue to purple flowers with tongue-shaped or strap-shaped protuberances (calli) at the lip base
tongueless frog|almost completely aquatic frog native to Africa and Panama and northern South America
tonic|(music) the first note of a diatonic scale;a medicine that strengthens and invigorates;lime- or lemon-flavored carbonated water containing quinine
tonic accent|emphasis that results from pitch rather than loudness
tonic epilepsy|epilepsy in which the body is rigid during the seizure
tonic key|the basic key in which a piece of music is written
tonic solfa|a system of solmization using the solfa syllables;do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti
tonicity|the elastic tension of living muscles, arteries, etc. that facilitate response to stimuli - "the doctor tested my tonicity"
tonight|the present or immediately coming night
tonka bean|fragrant black nutlike seeds of the tonka bean tree;used in perfumes and medicines and as a substitute for vanilla;tall tropical South American tree having pulpy egg-shaped pods of fragrant black almond-shaped seeds used for flavoring
tonnage|a tax imposed on ships that enter the US;based on the tonnage of the ship
tonometer|measuring instrument for measuring tension or pressure (especially for measuring intraocular pressure in testing for glaucoma)
tonometry|the measurement of intraocular pressure by determining the amount of force needed to make a slight indentation in the cornea
tons|a large number or amount
tonsil|either of two masses of lymphatic tissue one on each side of the oral pharynx
tonsillectomy|surgical removal of the palatine tonsils;commonly performed along with adenoidectomy
tonsillitis|inflammation of the tonsils (especially the palatine tonsils)
tonsure|shaving the crown of the head by priests or members of a monastic order;the shaved crown of a monk's or priest's head
tontine|a form of life insurance whereby on the death or default of a participant his share is distributed to the remaining members;an annuity scheme wherein participants share certain benefits and on the death of any participant his benefits are redistributed among the remaining participants;can run for a fixed period of time or until the death of all but one participant
tool|an implement used in the practice of a vocation
tool bag|a bag in which tools are carried
tool steel|alloy steel that is suitable for making tools;is hard and tough and can retain a cutting edge
tool-and-die work|the craft of making special tools and dies
toolbox|a box or chest or cabinet for holding hand tools
toolmaker|someone skilled in making or repairing tools
toolshed|a shed for storing tools
Toona|formerly included in genus Cedrela
toot|a blast of a horn
tooth|a means of enforcement;hard bonelike structures in the jaws of vertebrates;used for biting and chewing or for attack and defense;one of a number of uniform projections on a gear;something resembling the tooth of an animal;toothlike structure in invertebrates found in the mouth or alimentary canal or on a shell
tooth fairy|a fairy that is said to leave money at night under a child's pillow to compensate for a baby tooth falling out
tooth fungus|a fungus of the family Hydnaceae
tooth powder|a dentifrice in the form of a powder
tooth shell|any of various seashore mollusks having a tapering tubular shell open at each end and a foot pointed like a spade for burrowing
tooth socket|a bony socket in the alveolar ridge that holds a tooth
toothache|an ache localized in or around a tooth
toothache tree|small deciduous aromatic shrub (or tree) having spiny branches and yellowish flowers;eastern North America
toothbrush|small brush;has long handle;used to clean teeth
toothbrush tree|glabrous or pubescent evergreen shrub or tree of the genus Salvadora;twigs are fibrous and in some parts of the world are bound together in clusters and used as a toothbrush;shoots are used as camel fodder;plant ash provides salt
toothed spurge|an annual weed of northeastern North America with dentate leaves
toothed whale|any of several whales having simple conical teeth and feeding on fish etc.
toothpaste|a dentifrice in the form of a paste
toothpick|pick consisting of a small strip of wood or plastic;used to pick food from between the teeth
tootle|the sound of casual playing on a musical instrument - "he enjoyed hearing the tootles of their horns as the musicians warmed up"
top|a conical child's plaything tapering to a steel point on which it can be made to spin - "he got a bright red top and string for his birthday";a garment (especially for women) that extends from the shoulders to the waist or hips - "he stared as she buttoned her top";covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container) - "he removed the top of the carton" - "he couldn't get the top off of the bottle";platform surrounding the head of a lower mast;the first half of an inning;while the visiting team is at bat - "a relief pitcher took over in the top of the fifth";the greatest possible intensity - "he screamed at the top of his lungs";the highest or uppermost side of anything - "put your books on top of the desk" - "only the top side of the box was painted";the upper part of anything - "the mower cuts off the tops of the grass" - "the title should be written at the top of the first page"
top banana|the leading comedian in a burlesque show
top billing|the advertisement of a star's name at the top of a theatrical poster
top brass|the most important persons in a governing body
top dressing|a layer of fertilizer or manure not plowed in
top fermentation|a violent kind of alcoholic fermentation at a temperature high enough to carry the yeast cells to the top of the fermenting liquid;used in the production of ale - "top fermentation uses a yeast that ferments at higher temperatures than that used for bottom fermentation"
top fermenting yeast|brewer's yeast used in top fermentation of ale
top lift|the bottom layer of a heel
top of the line|the best (most expensive) in a given line of merchandise
top quark|a hypothetical quark with a charge of +2/3 and a mass more than 100,000 times that of an electron
top round|roast cut from the round;usually suitable for roasting
topaz|a mineral (fluosilicate of aluminum) that occurs in crystals of various colors and is used as a gemstone;a yellow quartz
Topeka|the capital of the state of Kansas;located in eastern Kansas on the Kansas river
topgallant|a mast fixed to the head of a topmast on a square-rigged vessel;a sail set on a yard of a topgallant mast
tophus|a deposit of urates around a joint or in the external ear;diagnostic of advanced or chronic gout
topiary|a garden having shrubs clipped or trimmed into decorative shapes especially of animals;making decorative shapes by trimming shrubs or trees
topic|some situation or event that is thought about - "he kept drifting off the topic"
topic sentence|a sentence that states the topic of its paragraph
topical anesthesia|loss of sensation confined to the skin or mucous surfaces (as when benzocaine or Lidocaine is applied to the surface)
topical prostaglandin eyedrop|a treatment for glaucoma;the eyedrops increase the outflow of aqueous humor through the uveoscleral pathway
topicality|the attribute of being of interest at the present time - "the library had to discard books that had lost their topicality"
topicalization|(linguistics) emphasis placed on the topic or focus of a sentence by preposing it to the beginning of the sentence;placing the topic at the beginning of the sentence is typical for English - "'Those girls, they giggle when they see me' and 'Cigarettes, you couldn't pay me to smoke them' are examples of topicalization"
topknot|headdress consisting of a decorative ribbon or bow worn in the hair;showy crest or knot of hair or feathers
topmast|the mast next above a lower mast and topmost in a fore-and-aft rig
topminnow|small usually brightly-colored viviparous surface-feeding fishes of fresh or brackish warm waters;often used in mosquito control
topognosia|recognition of the location of a stimulus on the skin
topographic point|a point located with respect to surface features of some region
topography|precise detailed study of the surface features of a region;the configuration of a surface and the relations among its man-made and natural features
topolatry|the worship of places
topology|the branch of pure mathematics that deals only with the properties of a figure X that hold for every figure into which X can be transformed with a one-to-one correspondence that is continuous in both directions;the configuration of a communication network;topographic study of a given place (especially the history of the place as indicated by its topography) - "Greenland's topology has been shaped by the glaciers of the ice age"
toponymy|the branch of lexicology that studies the place names of a region or a language;the nomenclature of regional anatomy
topos|a traditional theme or motif or literary convention - "James Joyce uses the topos of the Wandering Jew in his Ulysses"
topper|a woman's short coat;a worker who cuts tops off (of trees or vegetables etc.);a worker who makes or adds the top to something;an exceedingly good witticism that surpasses all that have gone before
topping|a flavorful addition on top of a dish
topsail|a sail (or either of a pair of sails) immediately above the lowermost sail of a mast and supported by a topmast
topside|(usually plural) weather deck;the part of a ship's hull that is above the waterline
topsoil|the layer of soil on the surface
topspin|forward spin (usually of a moving ball) that is imparted by an upward stroke
top-up|an amount needed to restore something to its former level
toque|a tall white hat with a pouched crown;worn by chefs
tor|a high rocky hill;a prominent rock or pile of rocks on a hill
Torah|(Judaism) the scroll of parchment on which the first five books of the Hebrew Scripture is written;is used in a synagogue during services;the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit;the whole body of the Jewish sacred writings and tradition including the oral tradition
torch|a light usually carried in the hand;consists of some flammable substance
torch race|(ancient Greece) in which a torch is passed from one runner to the next
torch singer|a singer (usually a woman) who specializes in singing torch songs
torch song|a popular song concerned with disappointment in love
torchbearer|a leader in a campaign or movement
torchlight|light from a torch or torches
torero|a matador or one of the supporting team during a bull fight
tormenter|a flat at each side of the stage to prevent the audience from seeing into the wings
tormentor|someone who torments
tornado|a localized and violently destructive windstorm occurring over land characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground
toroid|the doughnut-shaped object enclosed by a torus
Toronto|the provincial capital and largest city in Ontario (and the largest city in Canada)
Torpedinidae|electric rays
Torpediniformes|rays with bodies shaped like torpedoes
torpedo|a small explosive device that is placed on a railroad track and fires when a train runs over it;the sound of the explosion warns the engineer of danger ahead;a small firework that consists of a percussion cap and some gravel wrapped in paper;explodes when thrown forcefully against a hard surface;an explosive device that is set off in an oil well (or a gas well) to start or to increase the flow of oil (or gas);armament consisting of a long cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile that detonates on contact with a target
torpedo boat|small high-speed warship designed for torpedo attacks in coastal waters
torpedo tube|a tube near the waterline of a vessel through which a torpedo is fired
torpedo-boat destroyer|small destroyer that was the forerunner of modern destroyers;designed to destroy torpedo boats
torpor|a state of motor and mental inactivity with a partial suspension of sensibility - "he fell into a deep torpor"
torque converter|converter for transmitting and amplifying torque (especially by hydraulic means)
torque wrench|a wrench that has a gauge that indicates the amount of torque being applied
Torquemada|the Spaniard who as Grand Inquisitor was responsible for the death of thousands of Jews and suspected witches during the Spanish Inquisition (1420-1498)
torr|a unit of pressure equal to 0.001316 atmosphere;named after Torricelli
torrent|a violently fast stream of water (or other liquid) - "the houses were swept away in the torrent"
Torreon|a city in northern Mexico to the west of Monterrey
Torres Strait|a strait between northeastern Australia and southern New Guinea that connects the Coral Sea with the Arafura Sea
Torrey pine|medium-sized five-needled pine of southwestern California having long cylindrical cones
Torreya|nutmeg-yews
Torricelli|Italian physicist who invented the mercury barometer (1608-1647)
Torrid Zone|the part of the Earth's surface between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn;characterized by a hot climate
torridity|extreme heat
torsion|a twisting force
torsion balance|measuring instrument designed to measure small forces by the torsion they exert on a thin wire
torso|the body excluding the head and neck and limbs
tort|(law) any wrongdoing for which an action for damages may be brought
torte|rich cake usually covered with cream and fruit or nuts;originated in Austria
tortellini|small ring-shaped stuffed pasta
tort-feasor|a party who has committed a tort
torticollis|an unnatural condition in which the head leans to one side because the neck muscles on that side are contracted
tortilla|thin unleavened pancake made from cornmeal or wheat flour
tortilla chip|a small piece of tortilla
tortoise|usually herbivorous land turtles having clawed elephant-like limbs;worldwide in arid area except Australia and Antarctica
tortoiseshell|a cat having black and cream-colored and yellowish markings;brilliantly colored;larvae feed on nettles;the mottled horny substance of the shell of some turtles
tortricid|any of numerous small moths having lightly fringed wings;larvae are leaf rollers or live in fruits and galls
Tortricidae|leaf rollers and codling moths
tortuosity|a tortuous and twisted shape or position
torture|the deliberate, systematic, or wanton infliction of physical or mental suffering by one or more persons in an attempt to force another person to yield information or to make a confession or for any other reason;unbearable physical pain
torture chamber|a room in which torture is inflicted
torturer|someone who inflicts severe physical pain (usually for punishment or coercion)
torus|a ring-shaped surface generated by rotating a circle around an axis that does not intersect the circle;commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
Tory|a member of political party in Great Britain that has been known as the Conservative Party since 1832;was the opposition party to the Whigs;a supporter of traditional political and social institutions against the forces of reform;a political conservative;an American who favored the British side during the American Revolution
Toscanini|Italian conductor of many orchestras worldwide (1867-1957)
Tosk|the dialect of Albanian spoken in southern Albania and in areas of Greece and Italy
toss|an abrupt movement - "a toss of his head"
tossed salad|salad tossed with a dressing
tosser|someone who throws lightly (as with the palm upward);terms of abuse for a masturbator
tossup|an unpredictable phenomenon
tostada|a crisp flat tortilla;a flat tortilla with various fillings piled on it
tot|a small amount (especially of a drink) - "a tot of rum"
total darkness|total absence of light - "they fumbled around in total darkness"
total depravity|the Calvinist doctrine that everyone is born in a state of corruption as a result of original sin
total eclipse|an eclipse as seen from a place where the eclipsed body is completely obscured
total hysterectomy|surgical removal of the uterus and cervix
total parenteral nutrition|administration of a nutritionally adequate solution through a catheter into the vena cava;used in cases of long-term coma or severe burns or severe gastrointestinal syndromes
totalitarian|an adherent of totalitarian principles or totalitarian government
totalitarian state|a government that subordinates the individual to the state and strictly controls all aspects of life by coercive measures
totality|the quality of being complete and indiscriminate - "the totality of war and its consequences" - "the all-embracing totality of the state"
totara|valuable timber tree of New Zealand yielding hard reddish wood used for furniture and bridges and wharves
totem|a clan or tribe identified by their kinship to a common totemic object;emblem consisting of an object such as an animal or plant;serves as the symbol of a family or clan (especially among American Indians)
totem pole|a tribal emblem consisting of a pillar carved and painted with totemic figures;erected by Indian tribes of the northwest Pacific coast
totemism|belief in the kinship of a group of people with a common totem
totemist|a person who belongs to a clan or tribe having a totem
totipotency|the ability of a cell to give rise to unlike cells and so to develop a new organism or part - "animal cells lose their totipotency at an early stage in embryonic development"
toucan|brilliantly colored arboreal fruit-eating bird of tropical America having a very large thin-walled beak
toucanet|small toucan
touch|a distinguishing style - "this room needs a woman's touch";a slight attack of illness - "he has a touch of rheumatism";a slight but appreciable amount - "this dish could use a touch of garlic";a suggestion of some quality - "there was a touch of sarcasm in his tone";deftness in handling matters - "he has a master's touch";the act of putting two things together with no space between them - "at his touch the room filled with lights";the act of soliciting money (as a gift or loan) - "he watched the beggar trying to make a touch";the event of something coming in contact with the body - "he longed for the touch of her hand" - "the cooling touch of the night air";the faculty by which external objects or forces are perceived through contact with the body (especially the hands) - "only sight and touch enable us to locate objects in the space around us";the feel of mechanical action - "this piano has a wonderful touch";the sensation produced by pressure receptors in the skin - "she likes the touch of silk on her skin"
touch football|a version of American football in which the ball carrier is touched rather than tackled
touch screen|a computer display that enables the user to interact with the computer by touching areas on the screen
touch typing|typewriting in which the fingers are trained to hit particular keys;typist can read and type at the same time
touchback|(American football) a play in which the opposing team has kicked the football into your end zone
touchdown|a landing (as the wheels touch the landing field);especially of airplanes;a score in American football;being in possession of the ball across the opponents' goal line
toucher|a person who causes or allows a part of the body to come in contact with someone or something
touchline|either of the sidelines in soccer or rugby
touch-typist|a skilled typist who can type a document without looking at the keyboard
tough guy|someone who bullies weaker people
Toulon|a port city and naval base in southeastern France on the Mediterranean coast
Toulouse|a city on the Garonne River in southern France to the southeast of Bordeaux;a cultural center of medieval Europe
Toulouse-Lautrec|French painter who portrayed life in the cafes and music halls of Montmartre (1864-1901)
toupee|a small hairpiece to cover partial baldness
tour|a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area - "they took an extended tour of Europe"
tour de force|a masterly or brilliant feat
Tour de France|a French bicycle race for professional cyclists that lasts three weeks and covers about 3,000 miles
tour guide|a guide who leads others on a tour
touraco|large brightly crested bird of Africa
Tourette|French neurologist (1857-1904)
Tourette's syndrome|neurological disorder characterized by facial grimaces and tics and movements of the upper body and grunts and shouts and coprolalia
touring car|large open car seating four with folding top
tourism|the business of providing services to tourists
tourist|someone who travels for pleasure
tourist attraction|a characteristic that attracts tourists
tourist class|inexpensive accommodations on a ship or train
tourmaline|a mineral that is a complex borosilicate and hydroxide of aluminum containing iron and magnesium and calcium and lithium and sodium;it is usually black but occurs in transparent colored forms that are used as gemstones
tournament|a series of jousts between knights contesting for a prize;a sporting competition in which contestants play a series of games to decide the winner
tournedos|thick steak cut from the beef tenderloin
Tours|an industrial city in western France on the Loire River
tourtiere|a meat pie that is usually eaten at Christmas in Quebec
tout|someone who advertises for customers in an especially brazen way;someone who buys tickets to an event in order to resell them at a profit
tout ensemble|a total impression or effect of something made up of individual parts
tovarich|a comrade (especially in Russian communism)
tow|the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope - "the truck gave him a tow to the garage"
tow truck|a truck equipped to hoist and pull wrecked cars (or to remove cars from no-parking zones)
towel|a rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
towel rack|a rack consisting of one or more bars on which towels can be hung
towel rail|a horizontal bar a few inches from a wall for holding towels
towel ring|a circular hoop for holding a towel
toweling|any of various fabrics (linen or cotton) used to make towels
tower|a structure taller than its diameter;can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
tower cress|European cress having stiff erect stems;sometimes placed in genus Turritis
tower mustard|or genus Arabis;erect cress widely distributed throughout Europe
Tower of Babel|(Genesis 11;1-11) a tower built by Noah's descendants (probably in Babylon) who intended it to reach up to heaven;God foiled them by confusing their language so they could no longer understand one another
Tower of London|a fortress in London on the Thames;used as a palace and a state prison and now as a museum containing the crown jewels
Tower of Pharos|a great lighthouse (500 feet high) built at Alexandria in 285 BC
tower of strength|a person who can be relied on to give a great deal of support and comfort
towhead|a person with light blond hair
towhee|any of numerous long-tailed American finches
towline|(nautical) a rope used in towing
town|an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city - "they drive through town on their way to work";the people living in a municipality smaller than a city - "the whole town cheered the team";United States architect who was noted for his design and construction of truss bridges (1784-1844)
town clerk|the official who keeps a town's records
town crier|(formerly) an official who made public announcements
town gas|coal gas manufactured for domestic and industrial use
town hall|a government building that houses administrative offices of a town government
town meeting|a meeting of the inhabitants of a town;government of a town by an assembly of the qualified voters
townee|townsman unacquainted with country life especially a slick and flashy male city dweller
Townes|United States physicist who developed the laser and maser principles for producing high-intensity radiation (1915-)
townie|resident of a college town not affiliated with the college
Townsend|United States social reformer who proposed an old-age pension sponsored by the federal government;his plan was a precursor to Social Security (1867-1960)
Townsendia|genus of western American low tufted herbs;Easter daisy
township|an administrative division of a county
townsman|a person from the same town as yourself - "a fellow townsman";a resident of a town or city
towpath|a path along a canal or river used by animals towing boats
toxemia|blood poisoning caused by bacterial toxic substances in the blood
toxemia of pregnancy|an abnormal condition of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and edema and protein in the urine
toxic shock|syndrome resulting from a serious acute (sometimes fatal) infection associated with the presence of staphylococcus;characterized by fever and diarrhea and nausea and diffuse erythema and shock;occurs especially in menstruating women using highly absorbent tampons
toxic site|a site where toxic wastes have been dumped and the Environmental Protection Agency has designated them to be cleaned up
toxic waste|poisonous waste materials;can cause injury (especially by chemical means)
toxic waste dump|a location where toxic wastes can be or have been disposed of (often illegally)
toxicity|the degree to which something is poisonous
Toxicodendron|in some classifications;comprising those members of the genus Rhus having foliage that is poisonous to the touch;of North America and northern South America
toxicognath|either of a pair of poison fangs in the modified front pair of legs of the centipede
toxicologist|one who studies the nature and effects of poisons and their treatment
toxicology|the branch of pharmacology that deals with the nature and effects and treatments of poisons
toxin|a poisonous substance produced during the metabolism and growth of certain microorganisms and some higher plant and animal species
toxin antitoxin|a mixture of toxin and antitoxin used to immunize against a disease
toxoplasmosis|infection caused by parasites transmitted to humans from infected cats;if contracted by a pregnant woman it can result in serious damage to the fetus
Toxostoma|thrashers
Toxotes|type genus of the Toxotidae
Toxotidae|archerfishes
toy|a device regarded as providing amusement - "private airplanes are a rich man's toy";a nonfunctional replica of something else (frequently used as a modifier) - "a toy stove"
toy box|chest for storage of toys
toy dog|any of several breeds of very small dogs kept purely as pets
toy industry|an industry that manufactures and sells toys for children
toy Manchester|breed of small Manchester terrier
toy poodle|the breed of very small poodles
toy soldier|a doll that resembles a soldier
toy spaniel|a very small spaniel
toy terrier|a small active dog
Toynbee|English historian who studied the rise and fall of civilizations looking for cyclical patterns (1889-1975)
Toyohashi|a Japanese city in southern Honshu on the Pacific shore
toyon|ornamental evergreen treelike shrub of the Pacific coast of the United States having large white flowers and red berrylike fruits;often placed in genus Photinia
Toyonaki|a Japanese city in southern Honshu;main residential suburb of Osaka
Toyota|an industrial city of Japan in southern Honshu
toyshop|shop where toys are sold
trabecula|rod-shaped structures of fibrous tissue that divide an organ into parts (as in the penis) or stabilize the structure of an organ (as in the spleen)
trace|a just detectable amount - "he speaks French with a trace of an accent";a visible mark (as a footprint) left by the passage of person or animal or vehicle;an indication that something has been present - "there wasn't a trace of evidence for the claim";either of two lines that connect a horse's harness to a wagon or other vehicle or to a whiffletree
trace detector|a screening device for traces of explosives;used at airline terminals
trace element|an element that occurs at very small quantities in the body but is nonetheless important for many biological processes
trace program|a utility program that exhibits the sequence and results of executing the instructions in another program
tracer|(radiology) any radioactive isotope introduced into the body to study metabolism or other biological processes;ammunition whose flight can be observed by a trail of smoke;an instrument used to make tracings;an investigator who is employed to find missing persons or missing goods
tracery|decoration consisting of an open pattern of interlacing ribs
trachea|membranous tube with cartilaginous rings that conveys inhaled air from the larynx to the bronchi;one of the tubules forming the respiratory system of most insects and many arachnids
tracheal vein|several small veins from the trachea
tracheid|long tubular cell peculiar to xylem
tracheitis|inflammation of the trachea
Trachelospermum|genus of Asiatic woody vines with milky sap in leaves and stems
tracheobronchitis|common respiratory infection characterized by inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi
Tracheophyta|in former classifications;comprising plants with a vascular system including ferns and fern allies as well as seed plants
tracheostomy|a surgical operation that creates an opening into the trachea with a tube inserted to provide a passage for air;performed when the pharynx is obstructed by edema or cancer or other causes
Trachinotus|a genus of Carangidae
Trachipteridae|ribbonfishes
Trachipterus|type genus of the Trachipteridae
trachodon|large duck-billed dinosaur of the Cretaceous period
trachoma|a chronic contagious viral disease marked by inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye and the formation of scar tissue
Trachurus|the scads (particularly horse mackerels)
tracing|a drawing created by superimposing a semitransparent sheet of paper on the original image and copying on it the lines of the original image;the act of drawing a plan or diagram or outline;the discovery and description of the course of development of something - "the tracing of genealogies"
tracing paper|a semitransparent paper that is used for tracing drawings
tracing routine|a routine that provides a chronological record of the execution of a computer program
track|(computer science) one of the circular magnetic paths on a magnetic disk that serve as a guide for writing and reading data;a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll;a groove on a phonograph recording;a pair of parallel rails providing a runway for wheels;an endless metal belt on which tracked vehicles move over the ground;any road or path affording passage especially a rough one;the act of participating in an athletic competition involving running on a track
track and field|participating in athletic sports performed on a running track or on the field associated with it
track event|a footrace performed on a track (indoor or outdoor)
track meet|a track and field competition between two or more teams
track record|the fastest time ever recorded for a specific distance at a particular racetrack - "the track record for the mile and a half at Belmont is 2 minutes 24 seconds held by Secretariat since 1973"
track star|a star runner
trackball|an electronic device consisting of a rotatable ball in a housing;used to position the cursor and move images on a computer screen - "a trackball is essentially an upside-down mouse"
tracked vehicle|a self-propelled vehicle that moves on tracks
tracker|someone who tracks down game
track-to-track seek time|(computer science) the time it takes for a read/write head to move to an adjacent data track
tract|a brief treatise on a subject of interest;published in the form of a booklet;a system of body parts that together serve some particular purpose;an extended area of land
tract house|one of many houses of similar design constructed together on a tract of land
tract housing|housing consisting of similar houses constructed together on a tract of land
tractability|the trait of being easily persuaded
Tractarian|a follower of Tractarianism and supporter of the Oxford movement (which was expounded in pamphlets called 'Tracts for the Times')
Tractarianism|principles of the founders of the Oxford movement as expounded in pamphlets called 'Tracts for the Times'
traction|(orthopedics) the act of pulling on a bone or limb (as in a fracture) to relieve pressure or align parts in a special way during healing - "his leg was in traction for several days"
traction engine|steam-powered locomotive for drawing heavy loads along surfaces other than tracks
tractor|a truck that has a cab but no body;used for pulling large trailers or vans;a wheeled vehicle with large wheels;used in farming and other applications
Tracy|United States film actor who appeared in many films with Katharine Hepburn (1900-1967)
trad|traditional jazz as revived in the 1950s
trade|the business given to a commercial establishment by its customers;the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services - "Venice was an important center of trade with the East" - "they are accused of conspiring to constrain trade";the skilled practice of a practical occupation - "he learned his trade as an apprentice"
trade acceptance|a bill of exchange for a specific purchase;drawn on the buyer by the seller and bearing the buyer's acceptance
trade barrier|any regulation or policy that restricts international trade
trade bill|a statute that would regulate foreign trade
trade book|a book intended for general readership
trade deficit|an excess of imports over exports
trade discount|a discount from the list price of a commodity allowed by a manufacturer or wholesaler to a merchant
trade magazine|a magazine published for and read by members of a particular trade group
trade name|a name given to a product or service
trade policy|a government's policy controlling foreign trade
trade route|a route followed by traders (usually in caravans)
trade school|a secondary school teaching the skilled trades
trade secret|a secret (method or device or formula) that gives a manufacturer an advantage over the competition
trade unionist|a worker who belongs to a trade union
trade wind|steady winds blowing from east to west above and below the equator - "they rode the trade winds going west"
tradecraft|skill acquired through experience in a trade;often used to discuss skill in espionage - "instructional designers are trained in something that might be called tradecraft" - "the CIA chief of station accepted responsibility for his agents' failures of tradecraft"
trade-in|an item of property that is given in part payment for a new one
trade-last|a compliment that I heard about you that I offer to trade for a compliment you have heard about me
trademark|a formally registered symbol identifying the manufacturer or distributor of a product
tradeoff|an exchange that occurs as a compromise - "I faced a tradeoff between eating and buying my medicine"
trader|someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
Tradescant|English botanist who was one of the first to collect specimens of plants (1570-1638)
Tradescantia|spiderworts
tradescant's aster|a variety of aster
tradespeople|people engaged in trade
trading|buying or selling securities or commodities
trading card|a card with a picture on it;collected and traded by children
trading stamp|a token resembling a stamp given by a retailer to a buyer;the token is redeemable for articles on a special list
tradition|an inherited pattern of thought or action
traditionalism|adherence to tradition (especially in cultural or religious matters);strict adherence to traditional methods or teachings;the doctrine that all knowledge was originally derived by divine revelation and that it is transmitted by traditions
traditionalist|one who adheres to traditional views
Trafalgar|a naval battle in 1805 off the southwest coast of Spain;the French and Spanish fleets were defeated by the English under Nelson (who was mortally wounded)
Trafalgar Square|a square in central London where there is a memorial to Admiral Nelson
traffic|buying and selling;especially illicit trade;the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time;the amount of activity over a communication system during a given period of time - "heavy traffic overloaded the trunk lines" - "traffic on the internet is lightest during the night"
traffic circle|a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island
traffic control|control of the flow of traffic in a building or a city
traffic cop|a policeman who controls the flow of automobile traffic
traffic court|a court that has power to prosecute for traffic offenses
traffic island|a curbed area in a roadway from which traffic is excluded;provides safe area for pedestrians
traffic jam|a number of vehicles blocking one another until they can scarcely move
traffic lane|a lane of a main road that is defined by painted lines - "that car is in the wrong traffic lane"
traffic light|a visual signal to control the flow of traffic at intersections
traffic pattern|the path that is prescribed for an airplane that is preparing to land at an airport - "the traffic patterns around O'Hare are very crowded"
tragacanth|a gum used in pharmacy, adhesives, and textile printing
tragedian|a writer (especially a playwright) who writes tragedies;an actor who specializes in tragic roles
tragedienne|an actress who specializes in tragic roles
tragedy|drama in which the protagonist is overcome by some superior force or circumstance;excites terror or pity
Tragelaphus|African antelopes;kudus;bongos;nyalas;bushbucks
tragic flaw|the character flaw or error of a tragic hero that leads to his downfall
tragicomedy|a dramatic composition involving elements of both tragedy and comedy usually with the tragic predominating
tragopan|brilliantly colored Asian pheasant having wattles and two fleshy processes on the head
Tragopogon|genus of Old World herbs with linear entire leaves and yellow or purple flower heads
Tragulidae|chevrotains
Tragulus|type genus of the Tragulidae
tragus|a small cartilaginous flap in front of the external opening of the ear
trail|a path or track roughly blazed through wild or hilly country;a track or mark left by something that has passed - "there as a trail of blood" - "a tear left its trail on her cheek"
trail bike|a lightweight motorcycle equipped with rugged tires and suspension;an off-road motorcycle designed for riding cross country or over unpaved ground
trail boss|the person responsible for driving a herd of cattle
trail head|the beginning of a trail
trail riding|riding along a roughly blazed path
trailblazer|someone who marks a trail by leaving blazes on trees
trailer|a large transport conveyance designed to be pulled by a truck or tractor;a wheeled vehicle that can be pulled by a car or truck and is equipped for occupancy
trailer camp|a camp where space for house trailers can be rented;utilities are generally provided
trailer truck|a truck consisting of a tractor and trailer together
trailing|the pursuit (of a person or animal) by following tracks or marks they left behind
trailing arbutus|low-growing evergreen shrub of eastern North America with leathery leaves and clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers
trailing edge|the rear edge of an airfoil
trailing four o'clock|trailing plant having crowded clusters of 3 brilliant deep pink flowers resembling a single flower blooming near the ground;found in dry gravelly or sandy soil;southwestern United States and Mexico
train|a series of consequences wrought by an event - "it led to a train of disasters";piece of cloth forming the long back section of a gown that is drawn along the floor - "the bride's train was carried by her two young nephews";public transport provided by a line of railway cars coupled together and drawn by a locomotive - "express trains don't stop at Princeton Junction"
train fare|the fare charged for traveling by train
train of thought|the connections that link the various parts of an event or argument together - "I couldn't follow his train of thought"
train set|a toy consisting of small models of railroad trains and the track for them to run on
trainband|a company of militia in England or America from the 16th century to the 18th century
trainbandsman|a member of a trainband
trainbearer|one who holds up the train of a gown or robe on a ceremonial occasion
trainee|someone who is being trained
traineeship|financial aid that enables you to get trained for a specified job - "the bill provided traineeships in vocational rehabilitation"
trainer|one who trains other persons or animals
training|activity leading to skilled behavior
training college|a school providing training for a special field or profession
training program|a program designed for training in specific skills
training school|a school providing practical vocational and technical training
training table|planned meals for athletes in training (usually served in a mess hall)
trainload|quantity that can be carried by a train
trainman|an employee of a railroad
trait|a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
traitor|someone who betrays his country by committing treason
traitress|female traitor
Trajan|Roman Emperor and adoptive son of Nerva;extended the Roman Empire to the east and conducted an extensive program of building (53-117)
trajectory|the path followed by an object moving through space
tra-la|a set of nonsensical syllables used while humming a refrain
tramcar|a four-wheeled wagon that runs on tracks in a mine - "a tramcar carries coal out of a coal mine"
tramline|the track on which trams or streetcars run
trammel|a restraint that is used to teach a horse to amble;an adjustable pothook set in a fireplace
trammel net|a fishing net with three layers;the outer two are coarse mesh and the loose inner layer is fine mesh
tramontane|a cold dry wind that blows south out of the mountains into Italy and the western Mediterranean
tramp|a disreputable vagrant - "a homeless tramp";a heavy footfall - "the tramp of military boots"
tramp steamer|a commercial steamer for hire;one having no regular schedule
trample|the sound of heavy treading or stomping - "he heard the trample of many feet"
trampler|someone who injures by trampling
trampoline|gymnastic apparatus consisting of a strong canvas sheet attached with springs to a metal frame;used for tumbling
tramway|a conveyance that transports passengers or freight in carriers suspended from cables and supported by a series of towers
trance|a state of mind in which consciousness is fragile and voluntary action is poor or missing;a state resembling deep sleep
tranche|a portion of something (especially money)
trandolapril|an ACE inhibiting drug (trade name Mavik) used in some patients after a heart attack or to treat hypertension
tranquilizer|a drug used to reduce stress or tension without reducing mental clarity
tranquillity|a state of peace and quiet;an untroubled state;free from disturbances
trans fatty acid|a fatty acid that has been produced by hydrogenating an unsaturated fatty acid (and so changing its shape);found in processed foods such as margarine and fried foods and puddings and commercially baked goods and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils
transactinide|any of the artificially produced elements with atomic numbers greater than 103
transaction|the act of transacting within or between groups (as carrying on commercial activities) - "no transactions are possible without him"
transaction file|(computer science) a computer file containing relatively transient data about a particular data processing task
transactional immunity|a broader form of use immunity that also protects the witness from any prosecution brought about relating to transactions to which they gave testimony
transactor|someone who conducts or carries on business or negotiations
transalpine|one living on or coming from the other side of the Alps from Italy
transaminase|a class of transferases that catalyze transamination (that transfer an amino group from an amino acid to another compound)
transamination|the process of transfering an amino group from one compound to another;the process of transposing an amino group within a chemical compound
Transcaucasia|a geographical region to the south of the Caucasus Mountains and to the north of Turkey that comprises Georgia and Armenia and Azerbaijan
transcendence|a state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of material experience;the state of excelling or surpassing or going beyond usual limits
transcendental number|an irrational number that is not algebraic
transcendentalism|any system of philosophy emphasizing the intuitive and spiritual above the empirical and material
transcendentalist|advocate of transcendentalism
transcortical aphasia|a general term for aphasia that results from lesions outside of Broca's area or Wernicke's area of the cerebral cortex
transcriber|someone who makes a written version of spoken material;someone who represents the sounds of speech in phonetic notation;someone who rewrites in a different script
transcript|a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record);something that has been transcribed;a written record (usually typewritten) of dictated or recorded speech - "he read a transcript of the interrogation" - "you can obtain a transcript of this radio program by sending a self-addressed envelope to the station"
transcriptase|the enzyme that copies DNA into RNA
transcription|(genetics) the organic process whereby the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA;the process whereby a base sequence of messenger RNA is synthesized on a template of complementary DNA;a sound or television recording (e.g., from a broadcast to a tape recording);something written, especially copied from one medium to another, as a typewritten version of dictation
transdermal patch|a medicated adhesive pad placed on the skin for absorption of a time released dose of medication into the bloodstream
transducer|an electrical device that converts one form of energy into another
transducing vector|a vector for delivering genes into cells
transduction|(genetics) the process of transfering genetic material from one cell to another by a plasmid or bacteriophage;the process whereby a transducer accepts energy in one form and gives back related energy in a different form - "the transduction of acoustic waves into voltages by a microphone"
transept|structure forming the transverse part of a cruciform church;crosses the nave at right angles
transfer|a ticket that allows a passenger to change conveyances;application of a skill learned in one situation to a different but similar situation;someone who transfers or is transferred from one position to another - "the best student was a transfer from LSU";the act of transfering something from one form to another - "the transfer of the music from record to tape suppressed much of the background noise";transferring ownership
transfer agent|an agency (usually a bank) that is appointed by a corporation to keep records of its stock and bond owners and to resolve problems about certificates
transfer paper|a paper that is coated with a preparation for transferring a design to another surface
transfer payment|a public expenditure (as for unemployment compensation or veteran's benefits) that is not for goods and services
transfer RNA|RNA molecules present in the cell (in at least 20 varieties, each variety capable of combining with a specific amino acid) that attach the correct amino acid to the protein chain that is being synthesized at the ribosome of the cell (according to directions coded in the mRNA)
transfer tax|any tax levied on the passing of title to property
transferability|the quality of being transferable or exchangeable - "sterling transferability affords a means of multilateral settlement for....trade between nondollar countries"
transferase|any of various enzymes that move a chemical group from one compound to another compound
transferee|(law) someone to whom a title or property is conveyed
transference|(psychoanalysis) the process whereby emotions are passed on or displaced from one person to another;during psychoanalysis the displacement of feelings toward others (usually the parents) is onto the analyst
transferer|someone who transfers something
transferor|(law) someone who conveys a title or property to another
transferred property|a possession whose ownership changes or lapses
transferrin|a globulin in blood plasma that carries iron
Transfiguration|(Christianity) a church festival held in commemoration of the Transfiguration of Jesus;(New Testament) the sudden emanation of radiance from the person of Jesus;a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances;the act of transforming so as to exalt or glorify
transformation|(genetics) modification of a cell or bacterium by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA;(mathematics) a function that changes the position or direction of the axes of a coordinate system;a qualitative change;a rule describing the conversion of one syntactic structure into another related syntactic structure;the act of changing in form or shape or appearance
transformer|an electrical device by which alternating current of one voltage is changed to another voltage
transfusion|the action of pouring a liquid from one vessel to another;the introduction of blood or blood plasma into a vein or artery
transfusion reaction|reaction of the body to a transfusion of blood that is not compatible with its own blood;an adverse reaction can range from fever and hives to renal failure and shock and death
transgene|an exogenous gene introduced into the genome of another organism
transgression|the act of transgressing;the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle - "the boy was punished for the transgressions of his father";the action of going beyond or overstepping some boundary or limit;the spreading of the sea over land as evidenced by the deposition of marine strata over terrestrial strata
transgressor|someone who transgresses;someone who violates a law or command - "the way of transgressors is hard"
transience|an impermanence that suggests the inevitability of ending or dying
transient|(physics) a short-lived oscillation in a system caused by a sudden change of voltage or current or load;one who stays for only a short time - "transient laborers"
transient global amnesia|memory disorder seen in middle aged and elderly persons;characterized by an episode of amnesia and bewilderment that lasts for several hours;person is otherwise alert and intellectually active
transient ischemic attack|brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply;symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
transistor|a semiconductor device capable of amplification
transit instrument|a telescope mounted on an axis running east and west and used to time the transit of a celestial body across the meridian
transit line|a line providing public transit
transit zone|a six million square mile area that includes the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern Pacific Ocean;includes the principal routes used by drug smugglers
transition|a change from one place or state or subject or stage to another;a musical passage moving from one key to another;a passage that connects a topic to one that follows
transitive verb|a verb (or verb construction) that requires an object in order to be grammatical
transitivity|(logic and mathematics) a relation between three elements such that if it holds between the first and second and it also holds between the second and third it must necessarily hold between the first and third;the grammatical relation created by a transitive verb
translation|(genetics) the process whereby genetic information coded in messenger RNA directs the formation of a specific protein at a ribosome in the cytoplasm;(mathematics) a transformation in which the origin of the coordinate system is moved to another position but the direction of each axis remains the same;a uniform movement without rotation;a written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication in a first language;rewording something in less technical terminology;the act of uniform movement
translator|a person who translates written messages from one language to another;a program that translates one programming language into another
transliteration|a transcription from one alphabet to another
translocation|(genetics) an exchange of chromosome parts - "translocations can result in serious congenital disorders";the transport of dissolved material within a plant
translucence|the quality of allowing light to pass diffusely
transmigrante|a Latin American who buys used goods in the United States and takes them to Latin America to sell
transmigration|the passing of a soul into another body after death
transmission|communication by means of transmitted signals;the act of sending a message;causing a message to be transmitted;the gears that transmit power from an automobile engine via the driveshaft to the live axle
transmission control protocol|a protocol developed for the internet to get data from one network device to another
transmission control protocol/internet protocol|a set of protocols (including TCP) developed for the internet in the 1970s to get data from one network device to another
transmission mechanism|any mechanism whereby an infectious agent is spread from a reservoir to a human being
transmission shaft|rotating shaft that transmits rotary motion from the engine to the differential
transmission time|the coordinated universal time when a transmission is sent from Earth to a spacecraft or other celestial body
transmittance|the fraction of radiant energy that passes through a substance
transmitter|set used to broadcast radio or tv signals
transmogrification|the act of changing into a different form or appearance (especially a fantastic or grotesque one) - "the transmogrification of the prince into a porcupine"
transmutation|(physics) the change of one chemical element into another (as by nuclear decay or radioactive bombardment) - "the transmutation of base metals into gold proved to be impossible";an act that changes the form or character or substance of something
transom|a horizontal crosspiece across a window or separating a door from a window over it;a window above a door that is usually hinged to a horizontal crosspiece over the door
transorbital lobotomy|a method of performing prefrontal lobotomy in which the surgical knife is inserted above the eyeball and moved to cut brain fibers
transparency|permitting the free passage of electromagnetic radiation;the quality of being clear and transparent
transparent gem|a gemstone having the property of transmitting light without serious diffusion
transparent substance|a material having the property of admitting light diffusely;a partly transparent material
transpiration|the emission of water vapor from the leaves of plants;the passage of gases through fine tubes because of differences in pressure or temperature;the process of giving off or exhaling water vapor through the skin or mucous membranes
transplant|an operation moving an organ from one organism (the donor) to another (the recipient) - "he had a kidney transplant" - "the long-term results of cardiac transplantation are now excellent" - "a child had a multiple organ transplant two months ago";the act of removing something from one location and introducing it in another location - "the transplant did not flower until the second year" - "too frequent transplanting is not good for families" - "she returned to Alabama because she could not bear transplantation"
transplanter|a gardener who moves plants to new locations
transponder|electrical device designed to receive a specific signal and automatically transmit a specific reply
transport|an exchange of molecules (and their kinetic energy and momentum) across the boundary between adjacent layers of a fluid or across cell membranes
transport ship|a ship for carrying soldiers or military equipment
transportation|the act of moving something from one location to another;the commercial enterprise of moving goods and materials
transportation company|a company providing transportation
Transportation Security Administration|an agency established in 2001 to safeguard United States transportation systems and insure safe air travel
transportation system|a facility consisting of the means and equipment necessary for the movement of passengers or goods
transporter|a crane for moving material with dispatch as in loading and unloading ships;a long truck for carrying motor vehicles
transpose|a matrix formed by interchanging the rows and columns of a given matrix
transposition|(electricity) a rearrangement of the relative positions of power lines in order to minimize the effects of mutual capacitance and inductance - "he wrote a textbook on the electrical effects of transposition";(genetics) a kind of mutation in which a chromosomal segment is transfered to a new position on the same or another chromosome;(mathematics) the transfer of a quantity from one side of an equation to the other along with a change of sign;(music) playing in a different key from the key intended;moving the pitch of a piece of music upwards or downwards;any abnormal position of the organs of the body;the act of reversing the order or place of
transposon|a segment of DNA that can become integrated at many different sites along a chromosome (especially a segment of bacterial DNA that can be translocated as a whole)
transsexual|a person who has undergone a sex change operation;a person whose sexual identification is entirely with the opposite sex
transsexualism|condition in which a person assumes the identity and permanently acts the part of the gender opposite to his or her biological sex
transshipment|the transfer from one conveyance to another for shipment
transubstantiation|the Roman Catholic doctrine that the whole substance of the bread and the wine changes into the substance of the body and blood of Christ when consecrated in the Eucharist
transudate|a substance that transudes
transuranic element|any element having an atomic number greater than 92 (which is the atomic number of uranium);all are radioactive
transurethral resection of the prostate|removal of significant amounts of prostate tissue (as in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Transvaal|a province of northeastern South Africa originally inhabited by Africans who spoke Bantu;colonized by the Boers
transverse colon|the part of the large intestine that extends across the abdominal cavity and joins the ascending to the descending colon
transverse process|one of two processes that extend from each vertebra and provide the point of articulation for the ribs
transverse sinus|a paired dural sinus;terminates in the sigmoid sinus
transversus abdominis muscle|a flat muscle with transverse fibers that forms the anterior and lateral walls of the abdominal cavity
transvestism|the practice of adopting the clothes or the manner or the sexual role of the opposite sex
transvestite|someone who adopts the dress or manner or sexual role of the opposite sex
Transylvania|a historical plateau region in northwestern Romania that is separated from the rest of the country by the Transylvanian Alps;originally part of Hungary;incorporated into Romania at the end of World War I
Transylvanian Alps|a range of the southern Carpathian Mountains extending across central Romania
tranylcypromine|an antidepressant drug that is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor;administered as a sulfate
trap|a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned;a device to hurl clay pigeons into the air for trapshooters;a light two-wheeled carriage;drain consisting of a U-shaped section of drainpipe that holds liquid and so prevents a return flow of sewer gas;informal terms for the mouth;something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares - "the exam was full of trap questions"
trap block|(American football) an illegal block
trap door|a hinged or sliding door in a floor or ceiling
trap line|a line or series of traps
Trapa|small genus of Eurasian aquatic perennial herbs;water chestnut
Trapaceae|family comprising solely the genus Trapa;in some classifications treated as a subfamily or tribe of the family Onagraceae
trap-and-drain auger|a plumber's snake for clearing a trap and drain
trap-door spider|American spider that constructs a silk-lined nest with a hinged lid
trapeze|a swing used by circus acrobats
Trapezium|a multiple star in the constellation of Orion;a quadrilateral with no parallel sides;the wrist bone on the thumb side of the hand that articulates with the 1st and 2nd metacarpals
trapezius|either of two flat triangular muscles of the shoulder and upper back that are involved in moving the shoulders and arms
trapezohedron|a polyhedron whose faces are trapeziums
trapezoid|a quadrilateral with two parallel sides;the wrist bone between the trapezium and the capitate bones
trapper|someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)
trapper's tea|a Rocky Mountain shrub similar to Ledum groenlandicum
Trappist|member of an order of monks noted for austerity and a vow of silence
trapshooter|a person who engages in shooting at clay pigeons that are hurled into the air by a trap
trash|worthless people
Trasimeno|a battle in central Italy where Hannibal defeated the Romans under Flaminius in 217 BC
Traubel|United States operatic soprano (1903-1972)
trauma|an emotional wound or shock often having long-lasting effects
traumatology|the branch of medicine that deals with the surgical repair of injuries and wounds arising from accidents
traumatophobia|a morbid fear of battle or physical injury
Trautvetteria|small genus of perennial herbs;false bugbane
trave|a horizontal beam that extends across something
travel|the act of going from one place to another - "he enjoyed selling but he hated the travel"
travel agency|an agency that arranges personal travel
travel agent|someone who sells or arranges trips or tours for customers
travel allowance|a sum allowed for travel
travel bargain|a bargain rate for travellers on commercial routes (usually air routes)
travel expense|(frequently plural) expenses incurred by an employee in the performance of the job and usually reimbursed by the employer
travel guidebook|a guidebook for travelers
travel iron|a small lightweight iron that can be carried while traveling
travel plan|a proposed route of travel
travel time|a period of time spent traveling - "workers were not paid for their travel time between home and factory"
traveler|a person who changes location
traveler's check|a letter of credit issued by a bank or express company that is payable on presentation to any correspondent of the issuer
traveler's joy|vigorous deciduous climber of Europe to Afghanistan and Lebanon having panicles of fragrant green-white flowers in summer and autumn
traveler's letter of credit|a letter of credit given to a traveler
traveler's tree|giant treelike plant having edible nuts and leafstalks that yield a refreshing drink of clear watery sap;reputedly an emergency source of water for travelers
traveling salesman|a salesman who travels to call on customers
traveling wave|a wave in which the medium moves in the direction of propagation of the wave
travelogue|a film or illustrated lecture on traveling
traversal|taking a zigzag path on skis;travel across
Traverse City|a town in northern Michigan on an arm of Lake Michigan
traverser|someone who moves or passes across - "the traversers slowly ascended the mountain"
trawl|a conical fishnet dragged through the water at great depths;a long fishing line with many shorter lines and hooks attached to it (usually suspended between buoys)
trawler|a fisherman who use a trawl net;a fishing boat that uses a trawl net or dragnet to catch fish
tray|an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food
tray cloth|table linen consisting of a small cloth for a tray
trazodone|oral antidepressant (trade name Desyrel) that is a nontricyclic drug used as a sedative
treachery|an act of deliberate betrayal
treacle|a pale cane syrup;writing or music that is excessively sweet and sentimental
tread|structural member consisting of the horizontal part of a stair or step;the grooved surface of a pneumatic tire;the part (as of a wheel or shoe) that makes contact with the ground
treading water|a stroke that keeps the head above water by thrashing the legs and arms
treadmill|a job involving drudgery and confinement;a mill that is powered by men or animals walking on a circular belt or climbing steps;an exercise device consisting of an endless belt on which a person can walk or jog without changing place
treadmill test|a stress test in which the patient walks on a moving treadmill while the heart and breathing rates are monitored
treason|a crime that undermines the offender's government;disloyalty by virtue of subversive behavior
treasure|a collection of precious things - "the trunk held all her meager treasures";accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc. - "the pirates hid their treasure on a small island in the West Indies";any possession that is highly valued by its owner - "the children returned from the seashore with their shells and other treasures"
treasure chest|a chest filled with valuables
treasure flower|decumbent South African perennial with short densely leafy stems and orange flower rays with black eyespots at base
treasure house|a storehouse for treasures
treasure hunt|a game in which players try to find hidden articles by using a series of clues
treasure ship|a 16th-century ship loaded with treasure
treasure trove|any collection of valuables that is discovered - "her book was a treasure trove of new ideas" - "mother's attic was a treasure trove when we were looking for antiques";treasure of unknown ownership found hidden (usually in the earth)
treasurer|an officer charged with receiving and disbursing funds
treasurership|the position of treasurer
treasury|a depository (a room or building) where wealth and precious objects can be kept safely;the funds of a government or institution or individual;the government department responsible for collecting and managing and spending public revenues;negotiable debt obligations of the United States government which guarantees that interest and principal payments will be paid on time;the British cabinet minister responsible for economic strategy
Treasury bill|a short-term obligation that is not interest-bearing (it is purchased at a discount);can be traded on a discount basis for 91 days
Treasury bond|a debt instrument with maturities of 10 years or longer
Treasury note|securities with maturities of 1 to 10 years;sold for cash or in exchange for maturing issues or at auction
treasury stock|stock that has been bought back by the issuing corporation and is available for retirement or resale;it is issued but not outstanding;it cannot vote and pays no dividends
treat|an occurrence that causes special pleasure or delight
treatise|a formal exposition
treatment|a manner of dealing with something artistically - "his treatment of space borrows from Italian architecture";care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury);the management of someone or something - "the treatment of water sewage" - "the right to equal treatment in the criminal justice system"
treaty|a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
Treaty of Versailles|the treaty imposed on Germany by the Allied powers in 1920 after the end of World War I which demanded exorbitant reparations from the Germans
treaty port|a port in China or Korea or Japan that once was open to foreign trade on the basis of a trading treaty
treble clef|a clef that puts the G above middle C on the second line of a staff
treble damages|three times the amount that a court would normally find the injured party entitled to
tree|a figure that branches from a single root - "genealogical tree";a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown;includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms;English actor and theatrical producer noted for his lavish productions of Shakespeare (1853-1917)
tree cotton|East Indian shrub cultivated especially for ornament for its pale yellow to deep purple blossoms
tree cricket|pale arboreal American cricket noted for loud stridulation
tree farm|a forest (or part of a forest) where trees are grown for commercial use
tree fern|any of numerous usually tropical ferns having a thick woody stem or caudex and a crown of large fronds;found especially in Australia and New Zealand;chiefly of the families Cyatheaceae and Marattiaceae but some from Polypodiaceae
tree frog|any of various Old World arboreal frogs distinguished from true frogs by adhesive suckers on the toes
tree heath|evergreen treelike Mediterranean shrub having fragrant white flowers in large terminal panicles and hard woody roots used to make tobacco pipes;gaunt Tasmanian evergreen shrubby tree with slender tapering leaves 3 to 5 feet long
tree house|a playhouse built in the branches of a tree
tree hugger|derogatory term for environmentalists who support restrictions on the logging industry and the preservation of forests
tree lizard|a climbing lizard of western United States and northern Mexico
tree lupine|evergreen shrub of the Pacific coast of the United States having showy yellow or blue flowers;naturalized in Australia
tree mallow|arborescent perennial shrub having palmately lobed furry leaves and showy red-purple flowers;southwestern United States
tree of heaven|deciduous rapidly growing tree of China with foliage like sumac and sweetish fetid flowers;widely planted in United States as a street tree because of its resistance to pollution
tree of knowledge|the biblical tree in the Garden of Eden whose forbidden fruit was tasted by Adam and Eve
tree onion|type of perennial onion grown chiefly as a curiosity or for early salad onions;having bulbils that replace the flowers
tree shrew|insectivorous arboreal mammal of southeast Asia that resembles a squirrel with large eyes and long sharp snout
tree sparrow|Eurasian sparrow smaller than the house sparrow;finch common in winter in the northern U.S.
tree squirrel|any typical arboreal squirrel
tree surgeon|a specialist in treating damaged trees
tree surgery|treatment of damaged or decaying trees
tree swallow|of Australia and Polynesia;nests in tree cavities
tree swift|birds of southeast Asia and East Indies differing from true swifts in having upright crests and nesting in trees
tree toad|arboreal amphibians usually having adhesive disks at the tip of each toe;of southeast Asia and Australia and America
tree tobacco|evergreen South American shrub naturalized in United States;occasionally responsible for poisoning livestock
tree tomato|South American arborescent shrub having pale pink blossoms followed by egg-shaped reddish-brown edible fruit somewhat resembling a tomato in flavor
tree wallaby|arboreal wallabies of New Guinea and northern Australia having hind and forelegs of similar length
treehopper|small leaping insect that sucks juices of branches and twigs
treelet|a small tree
treenail|a wooden peg that is used to fasten timbers in shipbuilding;water causes the peg to swell and hold the timbers fast
trefoil|an architectural ornament in the form of three arcs arranged in a circle
trefoil arch|a pointed arch having cusps in the intrados on either side of the apex
trek|a journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers);any long and difficult trip
trekker|a traveler who makes a long arduous journey (as hiking through mountainous country)
trellis|latticework used to support climbing plants
Trema|an evergreen tree of the family Ulmaceae that grows in tropical America and Africa and Asia
Trematoda|parasitic flatworms (including flukes)
tremble|a reflex motion caused by cold or fear or excitement
trembles|disease of livestock and especially cattle poisoned by eating certain kinds of snakeroot
Tremella|fungi with yellowish gelatinous sporophores having convolutions resembling those of the brain
Tremella foliacea|a jelly fungus with a fruiting body 5-15 cm broad and gelatinous in consistency;resembles a bunch of leaf lettuce;mostly water and brownish in color
Tremella reticulata|a jelly fungus with an erect whitish fruiting body and a highly variable shape (sometimes resembling coral fungi)
Tremellaceae|a family of basidiomycetous fungi of the order Tremellales that have the basidium divided longitudinally
Tremellales|fungi varying from gelatinous to waxy or even horny in texture;most are saprophytic
tremolite|a white or pale green mineral (calcium magnesium silicate) of the amphibole group used as a form of asbestos
tremolo|(music) a tremulous effect produced by rapid repetition of a single tone or rapid alternation of two tones;vocal vibrato especially an excessive or poorly controlled one
tremor|a small earthquake;an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear);shaking or trembling (usually resulting from weakness or stress or disease)
trench|a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth;a long steep-sided depression in the ocean floor;any long ditch cut in the ground
trench coat|a military style raincoat;belted with deep pockets
trench fever|marked by pain in muscles and joints and transmitted by lice
trench foot|resembling frostbite but without freezing;resulting from exposure to cold and wet
trench knife|a knife with a double-edged blade for hand-to-hand fighting
trench warfare|a struggle (usually prolonged) between competing entities in which neither side is able to win - "the hope that his superior campaigning skills would make a difference evaporated in the realization that electioneering had become a form of trench warfare";a type of armed combat in which the opposing troops fight from trenches that face each other - "instead of the war ending quickly, it became bogged down in trench warfare"
trencher|a wooden board or platter on which food is served or carved;someone who digs trenches
trend analysis|analysis of changes over time
trend line|a line on a graph indicating a statistical trend
trend setting|the initiating or popularizing of a trend or fashion
trend-setter|someone who popularizes a new fashion
Trent|a river in central England that flows generally northeastward to join with the Ouse River and form the Humber
Trentino-Alto Adige|a region of northeastern Italy bordering Austria
Trento|a city in northern Italy (northwest of Venice) on the River Adige;the site of the Council of Trent
Trenton|capital of the state of New Jersey;located in western New Jersey on the Delaware river
trepan|a drill for cutting circular holes around a center;a surgical instrument used to remove sections of bone from the skull
trepang|of warm coasts from Australia to Asia;used as food especially by Chinese
trephination|an operation that removes a circular section of bone from the skull
trepidation|a feeling of alarm or dread
treponema|spirochete that causes disease in humans (e.g. syphilis and yaws)
Treponemataceae|small spirochetes some parasitic or pathogenic
trespass|a wrongful interference with the possession of property (personal property as well as realty), or the action instituted to recover damages;entry to another's property without right or permission
trespass de bonis asportatis|an action brought to recover damages from a person who has taken goods or property from its rightful owner
trespass on the case|an action brought to recover damages from a person whose actions have resulted indirectly in injury or loss
trespass quare clausum fregit|the defendant unlawfully enters the land of the plaintiff
trespass viet armis|trespass with force and arms resulting in injury to another's person or property
trestle|a supporting tower used to support a bridge;sawhorses used in pairs to support a horizontal tabletop
trestle bridge|a bridge supported by trestlework
trestle table|a table supported on trestles
trestlework|a supporting structure composed of a system of connected trestles;for a bridge or pier or scaffold e.g.
Trevelyan|English historian and son of Sir George Otto Trevelyan whose works include a social history of England and a biography of Garibaldi (1876-1962);English historian who wrote a history of the American revolution and a biography of his uncle Lord Macaulay (1838-1928)
Trevino|United States golfer (born in 1939)
Trevithick|English engineer who built the first railway locomotive (1771-1833)
trews|tight-fitting trousers;usually of tartan
trey|one of four playing cards in a deck having three pips
Triaenodon|a genus of Triakidae
triage|sorting and allocating aid on the basis of need for or likely benefit from medical treatment or food
Triakidae|small sharks with smooth skins and lacking spines on their dorsal fins
trial|(law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law - "he had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty" - "most of these complaints are settled before they go to trial";(sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications - "the trials for the semifinals began yesterday";an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event - "his mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him";trying something to find out about it - "a sample for ten days free trial" - "a trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain"
trial and error|experimenting until a solution is found
trial attorney|a lawyer who specializes in defending clients before a court of law
trial balance|a balance of debits and credits in double-entry bookkeeping;drawn up to test their equality
trial balloon|a balloon sent up to test air currents;a test of public opinion
trial court|the first court before which the facts of a case are decided
trial judge|a judge in a trial court
trial period|a period of time during which someone or something is tested
Trialeurodes|a genus of Aleyrodidae
triamcinolone|a synthetic corticosteroid (trade names Aristocort or Aristopak or Kenalog) used as an anti-inflammatory agent
triangle|a percussion instrument consisting of a metal bar bent in the shape of an open triangle;a three-sided polygon;any of various triangular drafting instruments used to draw straight lines at specified angles;something approximating the shape of a triangle - "the coastline of Chile and Argentina and Brazil forms two legs of a triangle"
triangular prism|a prism whose bases are triangles
triangularity|the property of being shaped like a triangle
triangulation|a method of surveying;the area is divided into triangles and the length of one side and its angles with the other two are measured, then the lengths of the other sides can be calculated;a trigonometric method of determining the position of a fixed point from the angles to it from two fixed points a known distance apart;useful in navigation
Triangulum|a small northern constellation near Perseus between Andromeda and Aries
Triangulum Australe|a small bright constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere near Circinus and Apus
Triassic|from 230 million to 190 million years ago;dinosaurs, marine reptiles;volcanic activity
Triatoma|conenoses
triazine|any of three isomeric compounds having three carbon and three nitrogen atoms in a six-membered ring
triazolam|a form of benzodiazepine (trade name Halcion) frequently prescribed as a sleeping pill;usually given to people who have trouble falling asleep
tribadism|a form of lesbianism that simulates heterosexual intercourse
tribal society|a society with the social organization of a tribe
tribalism|the beliefs of a tribal society;the state of living together in tribes
tribalization|the act of making tribal;unification on a tribal basis
tribasic acid|an acid containing three replaceable hydrogen atoms per molecule
tribe|(biology) a taxonomic category between a genus and a subfamily;a federation (as of American Indians);a social division of (usually preliterate) people
Tribes of Israel|twelve kin groups of ancient Israel each traditionally descended from one of the twelve sons of Jacob
tribesman|someone who lives in a tribe
Tribolium|flour beetles
tribologist|a specialist in tribology
tribology|the branch of engineering that deals with the interaction of surfaces in relative motion (as in bearings or gears);their design and friction and wear and lubrication
Tribonema|type genus of Tribonemaceae
Tribonemaceae|simple filamentous freshwater yellow-green algae
tribromoethanol|an intravenous anesthetic
Tribulus|annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs of warm regions
tribune|(ancient Rome) an official elected by the plebeians to protect their interests;the apse of a Christian church that contains the bishop's throne
tribuneship|the position of tribune
tribute|payment by one nation for protection by another;something given or done as an expression of esteem
tribute album|concept album compiling a performer's work or work supporting some worthy cause
tributyrin|a bitter oily triglyceride of butyric acid;a form of butyrin
triceps|any skeletal muscle having three origins (but especially the triceps brachii)
triceps brachii|the skeletal muscle having three origins that extends the forearm when it contracts
triceratops|huge ceratopsian dinosaur having three horns and the neck heavily armored with a very solid frill
tri-chad|a chad that is incompletely removed and still attached at three corners
Trichechidae|comprising only the manatees
Trichechus|type and sole genus of the Trichechidae
trichina|parasitic nematode occurring in the intestines of pigs and rats and human beings and producing larvae that form cysts in skeletal muscles
trichinosis|infestation by trichina larvae that are transmitted by eating inadequately cooked meat (especially pork);larvae migrate from the intestinal tract to the muscles where they become encysted
trichion|point where the hairline meets the midpoint of the forehead
Trichiuridae|cutlassfishes
trichloride|any compound containing three chlorine atoms in each molecule
trichlormethiazide|diuretic drug (trade name Naqua) used to treat hypertension
trichloroacetic acid|a strong acid made by chlorinating acetic acid
trichloroethylene|a heavy colorless highly toxic liquid used as a solvent to clean electronic components and for dry cleaning and as a fumigant;causes cancer and liver and lung damage
Trichoceros|small genus of small epiphytic or terrestrial orchids of tropical South America
trichodesmium|large colonial bacterium common in tropical open-ocean waters;important in carbon and nitrogen fixation
Trichodontidae|two species of elongate compressed scaleless large-eyed fishes that live in sand or mud
Trichoglossus|a genus of Loriinae
Tricholoma|agarics with white spores and a fleshy stalk and notched gills;of various colors both edible and inedible
Tricholoma aurantium|an orange tan agaric whose gills become brown by maturity;has a strong odor and taste
Tricholoma pardinum|a poisonous agaric having a pale cap with fine grey fibrils
Tricholoma pessundatum|a mildly poisonous agaric with a viscid reddish brown cap and white gills and stalk
Tricholoma sejunctum|an agaric with a cap that is coated with dark fibrils in the center and has yellowish margins
Tricholoma vaccinum|an agaric with a cap that is densely covered with reddish fibrils and pale gills and stalk
Tricholoma venenata|a poisonous white agaric
Tricholomataceae|a family of fungi belonging to the order Agaricales
Trichomanes|bristle ferns;kidney ferns
trichomonad|cause of trichomoniasis in women and cattle and birds
trichomoniasis|infection of the vagina
Trichophaga|carpet moths
Trichophyton|a genus of fungus of the family Moniliaceae;causes ringworm and favus
Trichoptera|an order of insects consisting of caddis flies
trichopterous insect|caddis fly
Trichostema|genus of North American aromatic herbs or subshrubs;blue curls
Trichostigma|a genus of erect or climbing shrubs found in tropical South America
Trichosurus|a genus of Phalangeridae
trichotillomania|an irresistible urge to pull out your own hair
trichotomy|being threefold;a classification into three parts or subclasses
trichroism|pleochroism of a crystal so that it exhibits three different colors when viewed from three different directions
trichuriasis|infestation by a roundworm;common in tropical areas with poor sanitation
Trichys|a genus of Hystricidae
trick|(card games) in a single round, the sequence of cards played by all the players;the high card is the winner;a cunning or deceitful action or device - "he played a trick on me";a period of work or duty;an attempt to get you to do something foolish or imprudent - "that offer was a dirty trick"
trick or treat|a request by children on Halloween;they pass from door to door asking for goodies and threatening to play tricks on those who refuse
trickery|the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them);verbal misrepresentation intended to take advantage of you in some way
trickiness|the quality of requiring skill or caution - "these puzzles are famous for their trickiness"
trickster|a mischievous supernatural being found in the folklore of many primitive people;sometimes distinguished by prodigious biological drives and exaggerated bodily parts
triclinium|a dining room (especially a dining room containing a dining table with couches along three sides);a dining table with couches along three sides in ancient Rome
tricolor|a flag having three colored stripes (especially the French flag)
tricolor television tube|a color television tube in which three primary colors are combined to give the full range of colors
tricorn|cocked hat with the brim turned up to form three points
tricot|a knitted fabric or one resembling knitting
tricuspid valve|valve with three cusps;situated between the right atrium and the right ventricle;allows blood to pass from atrium to ventricle and closes to prevent backflow when the ventricle contracts
tricycle|a vehicle with three wheels that is moved by foot pedals
tricyclic|an antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and thus making more of those substances available to act on receptors in the brain
Tridacna|type genus of the family Tridacnidae;giant clams
Tridacnidae|large marine hard-shell clams
trident|a spear with three prongs
tridymite|a mineral form of silica
trier|one (as a judge) who examines and settles a case;one who tries
trifle|a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly;may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
trifler|one who behaves lightly or not seriously
trifoliate orange|small fast-growing spiny deciduous Chinese orange tree bearing sweetly scented flowers and decorative but inedible fruit;used as a stock in grafting and for hedges
trifoliolate leaf|having three leaflets
Trifolium|any leguminous plant having leaves divided into three leaflets
trifurcation|the act of splitting into three branches
Triga|type genus of the Triglidae
trigeminal|the main sensory nerve of the face and motor nerve for the muscles of mastication
trigeminal neuralgia|intense paroxysmal neuralgia along the trigeminal nerve
trigger|a device that activates or releases or causes something to happen;an act that sets in motion some course of events
triggerfish|any of numerous compressed deep-bodied tropical fishes with sandpapery skin and erectile spines in the first dorsal fin
Triglidae|in some classifications restricted to the gurnards and subdivided into the subfamilies Triglinae (true sea robins) and Peristediinae (armored sea robins)
Triglinae|in some classifications considered a subfamily of Triglidae comprising searobins having ordinary scales and no barbels (true searobins)
Triglochin|perennial or annual bog or marsh plants;includes arrow grass
triglyceride|glyceride occurring naturally in animal and vegetable tissues;it consists of three individual fatty acids bound together in a single large molecule;an important energy source forming much of the fat stored by the body
trigon|a triangular lyre of ancient Greece and Rome
Trigonella|Old World genus of frequently aromatic herbs
trigonometric function|function of an angle expressed as a ratio of the length of the sides of right-angled triangle containing the angle
trigonometrician|a mathematician specializing in trigonometry
trigonometry|the mathematics of triangles and trigonometric functions
trigram|a word that is written with three letters in an alphabetic writing system
triiodothyronine|thyroid hormone similar to thyroxine but with one less iodine atom per molecule and produced in smaller quantity;exerts the same biological effects as thyroxine but is more potent and briefer
tri-iodothyronine|thyronine with three iodine atoms added
Trilby|singer in a novel by George du Maurier who was under the control of the hypnotist Svengali
Trilisa|genus of herbs of southern United States
trill|a note that alternates rapidly with another note a semitone above it;the articulation of a consonant (especially the consonant 'r') with a rapid flutter of the tongue against the palate or uvula - "he pronounced his R's with a distinct trill"
Trilliaceae|small family of herbs having flowers with 3 petals and 3 sepals;in some classification systems considered a subfamily of the Liliaceae
Trilling|United States literary critic (1905-1975)
trillion|the number that is represented as a one followed by 12 zeros - "in England they call a trillion a billion";the number that is represented as a one followed by 18 zeros - "in England they call a quintillion a trillion"
trillium|any liliaceous plant of the genus Trillium having a whorl of three leaves at the top of the stem with a single three-petaled flower
trilobite|an extinct arthropod that was abundant in Paleozoic times;had an exoskeleton divided into three parts
trilogy|a set of three literary or dramatic works related in subject or theme
trim|a state of arrangement or appearance - "in good trim";attitude of an aircraft in flight when allowed to take its own orientation;cutting down to the desired size or shape
trimaran|a fast sailboat with 3 parallel hulls
trimer|a polymer (or a molecule of a polymer) consisting of three identical monomers
trimester|a period of three months;especially one of the three three-month periods into which human pregnancy is divided;one of three divisions of an academic year
trimipramine|tricyclic antidepressant drug (trade name Surmontil) used to treat depression and anxiety and (sometimes) insomnia
trimmer|a machine that trims timber;capacitor having variable capacitance;used for making fine adjustments;joist that receives the end of a header in floor or roof framing in order to leave an opening for a staircase or chimney etc.
trimmer arch|an arch built between trimmers in a floor (to support the weight of a hearth)
trimming|a decoration or adornment on a garment - "the trimming on a hat";the act of adding decoration - "the children had to be in bed before it was time for the trimming of the tree"
Trimorphodon|lyre snakes
Trimurti|the triad of divinities of later Hinduism
trine immersion|baptism by immersion three times (in the names in turn of the Trinity)
Trinectes|a genus of Soleidae
Tringa|a genus of Scolopacidae
Trinidad|an island in West Indies just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela
Trinidad and Tobago|an island republic in the West Indies off the northeastern coast of Venezuela;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1962
Trinidad and Tobago dollar|the basic unit of money in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidadian|inhabitant or native of Trinidad
Trinitarian|adherent of Trinitarianism
Trinitarianism|Christian doctrine stressing belief in the Trinity
Trinity|the union of the Father and Son and Holy Ghost in one Godhead
Trinity River|a river in eastern Texas that is formed near Dallas and flows generally southeastward to Galveston Bay
Trinity Sunday|eighth Sunday after Easter
trinketry|trinkets and other ornaments of dress collectively
trio|a musical composition for three performers;a set of three similar things considered as a unit;three people considered as a unit;three performers or singers who perform together
triode|a thermionic vacuum tube having three electrodes;fluctuations of the charge on the grid control the flow from cathode to anode which makes amplification possible
triolein|a naturally occurring glyceride of oleic acid that is found in fats and oils
Trionychidae|soft-shelled turtles
Trionyx|type genus of the Trionychidae
Triopidae|a family of Notostraca
Triops|type genus of the family Triopidae;small crustaceans with a small third median eye
triose|any monosaccharide sugar containing three atoms of carbon per molecule
Triostium|genus of Asiatic and North American herbs;feverroot
trioxide|an oxide containing three atoms of oxygen in the molecule
trip|a hallucinatory experience induced by drugs - "an acid trip";a journey for some purpose (usually including the return) - "he took a trip to the shopping center";a light or nimble tread - "he heard the trip of women's feet overhead";an exciting or stimulating experience;an unintentional but embarrassing blunder - "he recited the whole poem without a single trip" - "he arranged his robes to avoid a trip-up later"
trip line|a light rope used in lumbering to free a dog hook from a log at a distance
trip wire|a small military force that serves as a first line of defense;if they become engaged in hostilities it will trigger the intervention of stronger military forces;a wire stretched close to the ground that activates something (a trap or camera or weapon) when tripped over
tripalmitin|a triglyceride of palmitic acid
tripe|lining of the stomach of a ruminant (especially a bovine) used as food
triphammer|a massive power hammer;raised by a cam until released to fall under gravity
triphosphopyridine|a pyridine ring with three phosphorus groups
triphosphopyridine nucleotide|a coenzyme of several enzymes
triphosphoric acid|an acid that is a partial anhydride of three molecules of phosphoric acid;known chiefly in the form of its salts and esters
triple|a base hit at which the batter stops safely at third base;a quantity that is three times as great as another
triple cream|fresh soft French cheese containing at least 72% fat
triple crown|(baseball) an unofficial title won by a batter who leads the league in hitting average, runs batted in, and home runs;(horse racing) a title won by a horse that can win the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness
Triple Frontier|the border area where Argentina and Brazil and Paraguay meet;an active South American center for contraband and drug trafficking and money laundering;a suspected locale for Islamic extremist groups
triple jump|an athletic contest in which a competitor must perform successively a hop and a step and a jump in continuous movement
triple play|the act of getting three players out on one play
triple sec|type of curacao having higher alcoholic content
triple time|musical time with three beats in each bar
triple-crown season|a season of baseball during which a player wins the triple crown
triple-spacing|typing that leaves two lines blank between lines of typing
triplet|one of three offspring born at the same time from the same pregnancy
triplet code|the normal version of the genetic code in which a sequence of three nucleotides codes for the synthesis of a specific amino acid
tripletail|large food fish of warm waters worldwide having long anal and dorsal fins that with a caudal fin suggest a three-lobed tail
Tripleurospermum|small genus comprising plants often included in genus Matricaria
triplicate|one of three copies;any of three things that correspond to one another exactly
triplicity|(astrology) one of four groups of the zodiac where each group consists of three signs separated from each other by 120 degrees;the property of being triple
tripling|increase by a factor of three
Triplochiton|small genus of tropical African trees with maplelike leaves
tripod|a three-legged rack used for support
Tripoli|the capital and chief port and largest city of Libya;in northwestern Libya on the Mediterranean Sea;founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC
tripos|final honors degree examinations at Cambridge University
tripper|(slang) someone who has taken a psychedelic drug and is undergoing hallucinations;a catch mechanism that acts as a switch - "the pressure activates the tripper and releases the water"
triptych|art consisting of a painting or carving (especially an altarpiece) on three panels (usually hinged together)
triquetral|a wrist bone that articulates with the pisiform and hamate and lunate bones
trireme|ancient Greek or Roman galley or warship having three tiers of oars on each side
trisaccharide|any of a variety of carbohydrates that yield three monosaccharide molecules on complete hydrolysis
triskaidekaphobia|a morbid fear of the number 13
triskelion|a figure consisting of three stylized human arms or legs (or three bent lines) radiating from a center
trismus|prolonged spasm of the jaw muscles
trisodium phosphate|the tertiary phosphate of sodium used as a builder in soaps and detergents
trisomy|chrosomal abnormality in which there is one more than the normal number of chromosomes in a cell
Tristan|(Middle Ages) the nephew of the king of Cornwall who (according to legend) fell in love with his uncle's bride (Iseult) after they mistakenly drank a love potion that left them eternally in love with each other
tristearin|a triglyceride of stearic acid
trisyllable|a word having three syllables
tritanopia|rare form of dichromacy characterized by a lowered sensitivity to blue light resulting in an inability to distinguish blue and yellow
triteness|unoriginality as a result of being dull and hackneyed
tritheism|(Christianity) the heretical belief that the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are three separate gods
tritheist|someone (not an orthodox Christian) who believes that the Father and Son and Holy Ghost are three separate gods
Triticum|annual cereal grasses from Mediterranean area;widely cultivated in temperate regions
tritium|a radioactive isotope of hydrogen;atoms of tritium have three times the mass of ordinary hydrogen atoms
Triton|(Greek mythology) a sea god;son of Poseidon;the largest moon of Neptune;tropical marine gastropods having beautifully colored spiral shells
Triturus|chiefly aquatic salamanders
triumph|the exultation of victory
triumphal arch|a monumental archway;usually they are built to commemorate some notable victory
triumvir|one of a group of three sharing public administration or civil authority especially in ancient Rome
triumvirate|a group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority
trivet|a stand with short feet used under a hot dish on a table;a three-legged metal stand for supporting a cooking vessel in a hearth
triviality|something of small importance
trivium|(Middle Ages) an introductory curriculum at a medieval university involving grammar and logic and rhetoric;considered to be a triple way to eloquence
trochanter|one of the bony prominences developed near the upper extremity of the femur to which muscles are attached
trochee|a metrical unit with stressed-unstressed syllables
Trochilidae|hummingbirds
trochlear|either of the two cranial nerves on either side that control the superior oblique muscles of the eyes
Trogium|a genus of Psocidae
Troglodytes|type genus of the Troglodytidae
Troglodytidae|wrens
trogon|forest bird of warm regions of the New World having brilliant lustrous plumage and long tails
Trogonidae|coextensive with the order Trogoniformes
Trogoniformes|trogons
troika|a modern Russian triumvirate;a Russian carriage pulled by three horses abreast
Trojan|a native of ancient Troy;a program that appears desirable but actually contains something harmful
Trojan Horse|a large hollow wooden figure of a horse (filled with Greek soldiers) left by the Greeks outside Troy during the Trojan War
Trojan War|(Greek mythology) a great war fought between Greece and Troy;the Greeks sailed to Troy to recover Helen of Troy, the beautiful wife of Menelaus who had been abducted by Paris;after ten years the Greeks (via the Trojan Horse) achieved final victory and burned Troy to the ground - "the story of the Trojan War is told in Homer's Iliad"
troll|(Scandanavian folklore) a supernatural creature (either a dwarf or a giant) that is supposed to live in caves or in the mountains;a fisherman's lure that is used in trolling - "he used a spinner as his troll";angling by drawing a baited line through the water
trolley line|a transit line using streetcars or trolley buses
trolleybus|a passenger bus with an electric motor that draws power from overhead wires
Trollius|perennial herbs of north temperate regions;globeflowers
Trollope|English writer of novels (1815-1882)
Trombicula|type genus of the family Trombiculidae
trombiculiasis|infestation with chiggers
trombiculid|mite that as nymph and adult feeds on early stages of small arthropods but whose larvae are parasitic on terrestrial vertebrates
Trombiculidae|mites
trombidiid|mite that in all stages feeds on other arthropods
Trombidiidae|mites
trombone|a brass instrument consisting of a long tube whose length can be varied by a U-shaped slide
trombonist|a musician who plays the trombone
trompe l'oeil|a painting rendered in such great detail as to deceive the viewer concerning its reality
trompillo|weedy nightshade with silvery foliage and violet or blue or white flowers;roundish berry widely used to curdle milk;central United States to South America
Trondheim|a port in central Norway on Trondheim Fjord
Trondheim Fjord|a long narrow inlet of the Norwegian Sea
troop|a cavalry unit corresponding to an infantry company;a group of soldiers;a unit of Girl or Boy Scouts;an orderly crowd - "a troop of children"
troop carrier|any land or sea or air vehicle designed to carry troops
troop movement|movement of military units to a new location
trooper|a mounted policeman;a state police officer
troopship|ship for transporting troops
Tropaeolaceae|coextensive with the genus Tropaeolum
Tropaeolum|a tropical American genus of dicotyledonous climbing or diffuse pungent herbs constituting the family Tropaeolaceae
trope|language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
trophobiosis|a symbiotic relation in which one organism protects the other in return for some kind of food product
trophoblast|the membrane that forms the wall of the blastocyst in early development;aids implantation in the uterine wall - "after implantation of the blastocyst in the uterine wall the trophoblast divides into two layers, the chorion and the placenta"
trophoblastic cancer|malignant neoplasm of the uterus derived from the epithelium of the chorion
trophotropism|an orienting response to food
trophozoite|a sporozoan in the active feeding stage of its life cycle
trophy|an award for success in war or hunting;something given as a token of victory
trophy case|a case in which to display trophies
trophy wife|a wife who is an attractive young woman;seldom the first wife of an affluent older man - "his trophy wife was an asset to his business"
tropic|either of two parallels of latitude about 23.5 degrees to the north and south of the equator representing the points farthest north and south at which the sun can shine directly overhead and constituting the boundaries of the Torrid Zone or tropics
tropic bird|mostly white web-footed tropical seabird often found far from land
Tropic of Cancer|a line of latitude about 23 degrees to the north of the equator
Tropic of Capricorn|a line of latitude about 23 degrees to the south of the equator
tropical medicine|the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that are found most often in tropical regions
tropical pitcher plant|any of several tropical carnivorous shrubs or woody herbs of the genus Nepenthes
tropical prawn|edible tropical and warm-water prawn
tropical rain forest|a rain forest in a tropical area
Tropidoclonion|lined snakes
tropism|an involuntary orienting response;positive or negative reaction to a stimulus source
troponym|a word that denotes a manner of doing something - "'march' is a troponym of 'walk'"
troponymy|the place names of a region or a language considered collectively;the semantic relation of being a manner of does something
tropopause|the region of discontinuity between the troposphere and the stratosphere
troposphere|the lowest atmospheric layer;from 4 to 11 miles high (depending on latitude)
trot|a gait faster than a walk;diagonally opposite legs strike the ground together
Trotsky|Russian revolutionary and Communist theorist who helped Lenin and built up the army;he was ousted from the Communist Party by Stalin and eventually assassinated in Mexico (1879-1940)
Trotskyism|the form of communism advocated by Leon Trotsky;calls for immediate worldwide revolution by the proletariat
Trotskyite|radicals who support Trotsky's theory that socialism must be established throughout the world by continuing revolution
trotter|foot of a pig or sheep especially one used as food
trotting horse|a horse trained to trot;especially a horse trained for harness racing
trouble|a source of difficulty - "one trouble after another delayed the job";an effort that is inconvenient - "I went to a lot of trouble" - "he won without any trouble";an event causing distress or pain - "what is the trouble?" - "heart trouble";an unwanted pregnancy - "he got several girls in trouble"
troublemaker|someone who deliberately stirs up trouble
troubleshooter|a worker whose job is to locate and fix sources of trouble (especially in mechanical devices)
troublesomeness|a difficulty that causes anxiety
trou-de-loup|a sloping pit with a stake in the middle used as an obstacle to the enemy
trough|a long narrow shallow receptacle;a narrow depression (as in the earth or between ocean waves or in the ocean bed)
trouper|a person who is reliable and uncomplaining and hard working
trouser|(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately - "he had a sharp crease in his trousers";a garment (or part of a garment) designed for or relating to trousers - "in his trouser's pocket" - "he ripped his left trouser on the fence"
trouser cuff|a cuff on the bottoms of trouser legs
trouser press|a home appliance in which trousers can be hung and the wrinkles pressed out
trousseau|the personal outfit of a bride;clothes and accessories and linens
trout|any of various game and food fishes of cool fresh waters mostly smaller than typical salmons;flesh of any of several primarily freshwater game and food fishes
trowel|a small hand tool with a handle and flat metal blade;used for scooping or spreading plaster or similar materials
troy|a system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones;based on a 12-ounce pound and an ounce of 480 grains;an ancient city in Asia Minor that was the site of the Trojan War
troy pound|an apothecary weight equal to 12 ounces or 373.242 grams
troy unit|any of the unit of the troy system of weights
truancy|failure to attend (especially school)
truant|one who is absent from school without permission
truck|an automotive vehicle suitable for hauling
truck bed|the floor or bottom of a wagon or truck or trailer
truck dealer|a firm that sells and buys trucks
truck farm|a farm where vegetables are grown for market
truck farming|growing vegetables for the market
truck stop|a roadside service station (and restaurant) that caters to truck drivers
truck traffic|trucks coming and going
truckage|a fee charged for transporting goods by truckage
trucking company|a company that ships goods or possessions by truck
trucking industry|an industry that provides transportation for commercial products
truckling|the act of obeying meanly (especially obeying in a humble manner or for unworthy reasons)
truculence|obstreperous and defiant aggressiveness
trudge|a long difficult walk
trudger|someone who walks in a laborious heavy-footed manner
true|proper alignment;the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment - "out of true"
true anomaly|the angular distance of a point in an orbit past the point of periapsis measured in degrees
true bill|an indictment endorsed by a grand jury
true blackberry|the true blackberry of Europe as well as any of numerous varieties having sweet edible black or dark purple berries
true bug|any of various insects of the order Hemiptera and especially of the suborder Heteroptera
true frog|insectivorous usually semiaquatic web-footed amphibian with smooth moist skin and long hind legs
true fungus|any of numerous fungi of the division Eumycota
true laurel|small Mediterranean evergreen tree with small blackish berries and glossy aromatic leaves used for flavoring in cooking;also used by ancient Greeks to crown victors
true lobster|large edible marine crustaceans having large pincers on the first pair of legs
true mahogany|mahogany tree of West Indies
true marmoset|a marmoset
true pepper|any of various shrubby vines of the genus Piper
true rib|one of the first seven ribs in a human being which attach to the sternum
true sago palm|Malaysian palm whose pithy trunk yields sago--a starch used as a food thickener and fabric stiffener;Malaya to Fiji
true slime mold|a slime mold of the class Myxomycetes
true toad|tailless amphibian similar to a frog but more terrestrial and having drier warty skin
true vocal cord|either of the two lower vocal folds that come together to form the glottis;produce a vocal tone when they are approximated and air from the lungs passes between them
trueness|exactness of adjustment - "I marveled at the trueness of his aim"
Truffaut|French filmmaker (1932-1984)
truffle|any of various highly prized edible subterranean fungi of the genus Tuber;grow naturally in southwestern Europe;creamy chocolate candy;edible subterranean fungus of the genus Tuber
truism|an obvious truth
Truman|elected vice president in Roosevelt's 4th term;became 33rd President of the United States on Roosevelt's death in 1945 and was elected President in 1948;authorized the use of atomic bombs against Japan (1884-1972)
Truman doctrine|President Truman's policy of providing economic and military aid to any country threatened by communism or totalitarian ideology
Trumbo|United States screenwriter who was blacklisted and imprisoned for refusing to cooperate with congressional investigations of communism in America (1905-1976)
Trumbull|American painter of historical scenes (1756-1843);American Revolutionary leader who as governor of Connecticut provided supplies for the Continental Army (1710-1785);American satirical poet (1750-1831)
trump|(card games) the suit that has been declared to rank above all other suits for the duration of the hand - "clubs were declared trumps" - "a trump can take a trick even when a card of a different suit is led";a playing card in the suit that has been declared trumps - "the ace of trumps is a sure winner"
trumpet arch|a conical squinch
trumpet creeper|a North American woody vine having pinnate leaves and large red trumpet-shaped flowers
trumpet honeysuckle|evergreen North American honeysuckle vine having coral-red or orange flowers
trumpet section|the section of a band or orchestra that plays trumpets or cornets
trumpeter|a musician who plays the trumpet or cornet;large gregarious crane-like bird of the forests of South America having glossy black plumage and a loud prolonged cry;easily domesticated;large pure white wild swan of western North America having a sonorous cry
trumpetfish|tropical Atlantic fish with a long snout;swims snout down
trumpetwood|tropical American tree with large peltate leaves and hollow stems
truncated cone|a frustum formed from a cone
truncated pyramid|a frustum formed from a pyramid
truncation|the act of cutting short - "it is an obvious truncation of the verse" - "they were sentenced to a truncation of their limbs";the replacement of an edge or solid angle (as in cutting a gemstone) by a plane (especially by a plane that is equally inclined to the adjacent faces)
truncation error|(mathematics) a miscalculation that results from cutting off a numerical calculation before it is finished
truncheon|a short stout club used primarily by policemen
Truncocolumella|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Rhizopogonaceae
Truncocolumella citrina|a fungus with a round yellow to orange fruiting body that is found on the surface of the ground or partially buried;has a distinctive sterile column extending into the spore-bearing tissue
trundle|small wheel or roller
trundle bed|a low bed to be slid under a higher bed
trunk|luggage consisting of a large strong case used when traveling or for storage;the main stem of a tree;usually covered with bark;the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
trunk hose|puffed breeches of the 16th and 17th centuries usually worn over hose
trunk lid|hinged lid for a trunk
trunk line|a telephone line connecting two exchanges directly;line that is the main route on a railway
truss|(medicine) a bandage consisting of a pad and belt;worn to hold a hernia in place by pressure;a framework of beams (rafters, posts, struts) forming a rigid structure that supports a roof or bridge or other structure
truss bridge|a bridge supported by trusses
trust|a consortium of independent organizations formed to limit competition by controlling the production and distribution of a product or service - "they set up the trust in the hope of gaining a monopoly";something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary) - "he is the beneficiary of a generous trust set up by his father";the trait of believing in the honesty and reliability of others - "the experience destroyed his trust and personal dignity"
trust busting|(law) government activities seeking to dissolve corporate trusts and monopolies (especially under the United States antitrust laws)
trust company|an organization (usually with a commercial bank) that is engaged as a trustee or fiduciary or agent in handling trust funds or estates of custodial arrangements or stock transfers or related services
trust deed|a written instrument legally conveying property to a trustee often used to secure an obligation such as a mortgage or promissory note
trust fund|a fund held in trust
trust territory|a dependent country;administered by another country under the supervision of the United Nations
trustbuster|a federal agent who engages in trust busting
trustee|a person (or institution) to whom legal title to property is entrusted to use for another's benefit
trustee-beneficiary relation|the responsibility of a trustee to act in the best interests of the beneficiary
trusteeship|the position of trustee
Trusteeship Council|a permanent council of the United Nations that commissions a country (or countries) to undertake the administration of a territory
trustworthiness|the trait of deserving trust and confidence
trusty|a convict who is considered trustworthy and granted special privileges
truth|a fact that has been verified - "at last he knew the truth" - "the truth is that he didn't want to do it";a true statement - "he told the truth" - "he thought of answering with the truth but he knew they wouldn't believe it";conformity to reality or actuality - "they debated the truth of the proposition" - "the situation brought home to us the blunt truth of the military threat" - "he was famous for the truth of his portraits";United States abolitionist and feminist who was freed from slavery and became a leading advocate of the abolition of slavery and for the rights of women (1797-1883)
truth serum|an intravenous anesthetic drug that has a hypnotic effect;induces relaxation and weakens inhibitions;is believed to induce people to talk freely
truthfulness|the quality of being truthful
try square|a square having a metal ruler set at right angles to another straight piece
Trypetidae|fruit flies;some leaf miners
trypsin|an enzyme of pancreatic origin;catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins to smaller polypeptide units
trypsinogen|inactive precursor of trypsin;a substance secreted by the pancreas and converted to active trypsin by enterokinase in the small intestine
tryptophan|an amino acid that occurs in proteins;is essential for growth and normal metabolism;a precursor of niacin
tryst|a date;usually with a member of the opposite sex
tsetse fly|bloodsucking African fly;transmits sleeping sickness etc.
Tsimshian|a member of a Penutian people who lived on rivers and a sound in British Columbia;a Penutian language spoken by the Tsimshian
tsoris|(Yiddish) trouble and suffering
Tsouic|a Formosan language
T-square|a square used by draftsmen to draw parallel lines
Tsuga|hemlock;hemlock fir;hemlock spruce
tsunami|a cataclysm resulting from a destructive sea wave caused by an earthquake or volcanic eruption - "a colossal tsunami destroyed the Minoan civilization in minutes"
tsuris|(Yiddish) aggravating trouble - "the frustrating tsuris he subjected himself to"
Tsushima|a naval battle in the Russo-Japanese War (1905);the Japanese fleet defeated the Russian fleet in the Korean Strait
tsutsugamushi disease|transmitted by larval mites and widespread in Asia
Tswana|a member of a Bantu people living chiefly in Botswana and western South Africa;the dialect of Sotho spoken by the Tswana in Botswana
Tuamotu Archipelago|a group of about 80 coral islands in French Polynesia
Tuareg|a member of a nomadic Berber people of the Sahara;the dialect of Berber spoken by the Tuareg
tuatara|only extant member of the order Rhynchocephalia of large spiny lizard-like diapsid reptiles of coastal islands off New Zealand
Tuatha De Danann|race of Celtic gods or demigods;ruled Ireland in the Golden Age
tub|a large open vessel for holding or storing liquids;the amount that a tub will hold - "a tub of water"
tub gurnard|a kind of gurnard
tubal ligation|a sterilization procedure with women;both Fallopian tubes are tied in two places and the tubes removed in between the ligations
tubal pregnancy|ectopic pregnancy in a Fallopian tube
tube|(anatomy) any hollow cylindrical body structure;conduit consisting of a long hollow object (usually cylindrical) used to hold and conduct objects or liquids or gases;electronic device consisting of a system of electrodes arranged in an evacuated glass or metal envelope
tube foot|tentacular tubular process of most echinoderms (starfish and sea urchins and holothurians) having a sucker at the end and used for e.g. locomotion and respiration
tubeless|pneumatic tire not needing an inner tube to be airtight
tuber|a fleshy underground stem or root serving for reproductive and food storage;type genus of the Tuberaceae;fungi whose fruiting bodies are typically truffles
Tuberaceae|family of fungi whose ascocarps resemble tubers and vary in size from that of an acorn to that of a large apple
Tuberales|small order of fungi belonging to the subdivision Ascomycota having closed underground ascocarps
tubercle|a swelling that is the characteristic lesion of tuberculosis
tubercle bacillus|cause of tuberculosis
Tubercularia|type genus of the Tuberculariaceae;fungi with nodules of red or pink conidia;some cause diebacks of woody plants
Tuberculariaceae|large family of mainly saprophytic imperfect fungi
tuberculin|a sterile liquid containing a purified protein derivative of the tuberculosis bacterium;used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis
tuberculin test|a skin test to determine past or present infection with the tuberculosis bacterium;based on hypersensitivity of the skin to tuberculin
tuberculoid leprosy|leprosy characterized by tumors in the skin and cutaneous nerves
tuberculosis|infection transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of tubercle bacilli and manifested in fever and small lesions (usually in the lungs but in various other parts of the body in acute stages)
tuberose|a tuberous Mexican herb having grasslike leaves and cultivated for its spikes of highly fragrant lily-like waxy white flowers
tuberosity|a protuberance on a bone especially for attachment of a muscle or ligament
tuberous begonia|any of numerous begonias having large tuberous roots
tuberous plant|plant growing from a tuber
Tubman|United States abolitionist born a slave on a plantation in Maryland and became a famous conductor on the Underground Railroad leading other slaves to freedom in the North (1820-1913)
tubocurarine|a toxic alkaloid found in certain tropical South American trees that is a powerful relaxant for striated muscles
tub-thumper|a noisy and vigorous or ranting public speaker
Tubuai Islands|a chain of small islands in French Polynesia
tubular cavity|a cavity having the shape of a tube
tubule|a small tube
Tubulidentata|an order of Eutheria
Tucana|a large faint constellation in the southern hemisphere containing most of the Small Magellanic Cloud
Tuchman|United States historian (1912-1989)
tuck|(sports) a bodily position adopted in some sports (such as diving or skiing) in which the knees are bent and the thighs are drawn close to the chest;a narrow flattened pleat or fold that is stitched in place;eatables (especially sweets)
tuck box|a box for storing eatables (especially at boarding school)
tuck shop|a candy store in Great Britain
tucker|a detachable yoke of linen or lace worn over the breast of a low-cut dress;a sewer who tucks;United States anarchist influential before World War I (1854-1939);United States vaudevillian (born in Russia) noted for her flamboyant performances (1884-1966)
tucker-bag|a bag used for carrying food
Tucson|a city in southeastern Arizona ringed by mountain ranges;long known as a winter and health resort but the population shift from industrial states to the Sunbelt resulted in rapid growth late in the 20th century
Tudor|a member of the dynasty that ruled England;an English dynasty descended from Henry Tudor;Tudor monarchs ruled from Henry VII to Elizabeth I (from 1485 to 1603);United States dancer and choreographer (born in England) (1909-1987)
Tudor arch|a low elliptical or pointed arch;usually drawn from four centers
Tudor architecture|a style of English-Gothic architecture popular during the Tudor period;characterized by half-timbered houses
tudung|a scarf worn around the head by Muslim women in Malaysia;conceals the hair but not the face
Tuesday|the third day of the week;the second working day
tufa|a soft porous rock consisting of calcium carbonate deposited from springs rich in lime
tuff|hard volcanic rock composed of compacted volcanic ash
tuft|a bunch of feathers or hair;a bunch of hair or feathers or growing grass
tufted centaury|tufted perennial of western Europe and Azores having bright pink to white flowers
tufted gentian|small blue-flowered fringed gentian of Sierra Nevada mountains
tufted puffin|northern Pacific puffin having a large yellow plume over each eye
tufted titmouse|crested titmouse of eastern and midwestern United States
tufted vetch|common perennial climber of temperate regions of Eurasia and North America having dense elongate clusters of flowers
tug|a sudden abrupt pull
tugboat|a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships
Tugela|a major waterfall in southern Africa;has more than one leap
tug-of-war|a contest in which teams pull of opposite ends of a rope;the team dragged across a central line loses;any hard struggle between equally matched groups
tugrik|the basic unit of money in Mongolia
Tuileries|formal gardens next to the Louvre in Paris;palace and royal residence built for Catherine de Medicis in 1564 and burned down in 1871;all that remains today are the formal gardens
tuille|armor plate that protects the hip and thigh
tuition|a fee paid for instruction (especially for higher education) - "tuition and room and board were more than $25,000"
tularemia|a highly infectious disease of rodents (especially rabbits and squirrels) and sometimes transmitted to humans by ticks or flies or by handling infected animals
tulip|any of numerous perennial bulbous herbs having linear or broadly lanceolate leaves and usually a single showy flower
tulip bed|a flowerbed in which tulips are growing
tulip orchid|Mexican epiphytic orchid with glaucous grey-green leaves and lemon- to golden-yellow flowers appearing only partially opened;sometimes placed in genus Cattleya
tulip tree|tall North American deciduous timber tree having large tulip-shaped greenish yellow flowers and conelike fruit;yields soft white woods used especially for cabinet work
Tulipa|Eurasian perennial bulbous herbs
Tulipa gesneriana|tall late blooming tulip
tulipwood|light easily worked wood of a tulip tree;used for furniture and veneer;the variegated or showily striped ornamental wood of various tulipwood trees
tulipwood tree|any of various trees yielding variously colored woods similar to true tulipwood
tulle|a fine (often starched) net used for veils or tutus or gowns
Tulostoma|type genus of the Tulostomaceae
Tulostomaceae|stalked puffballs
Tulostomatales|an order of fungi belonging to the class Gasteromycetes
Tulsa|a major city of northeastern Oklahoma on the Arkansas river;once known as the oil capital of the world and still heavily involved in the oil and gas industries
Tulu|a Dravidian language spoken by the Tulu;a member of a Dravidian people living on the southwestern coast of India
tumble|an acrobatic feat of rolling or turning end over end
tumblebug|any of various dung beetles
tumble-dryer|a clothes dryer that spins wet clothes inside a cylinder with heated air
tumbler|a glass with a flat bottom but no handle or stem;originally had a round bottom;a gymnast who performs rolls and somersaults and twists etc.;a movable obstruction in a lock that must be adjusted to a given position (as by a key) before the bolt can be thrown
tumbleweed|any plant that breaks away from its roots in autumn and is driven by the wind as a light rolling mass;bushy plant of western United States
tumbrel|a farm dumpcart for carrying dung;carts of this type were used to carry prisoners to the guillotine during the French Revolution
tumefaction|the process of tumefying;the organic process whereby tissue becomes swollen by the accumulation of fluid within it
tumescence|tumidity resulting from the presence of blood or other fluid in the tissues
tumidity|slight swelling of an organ or part
tumor|an abnormal new mass of tissue that serves no purpose
tumor necrosis factor|a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by white blood cells (monocytes and macrophages);has an antineoplastic effect but causes inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis)
tumor suppressor gene|a suppressor gene that blocks unscheduled cell division
tumor virus|a cell-free filtrate held to be a virus responsible for a specific neoplasm
Tums|an antacid
tumult|a state of commotion and noise and confusion;violent agitation
tun|a large cask especially one holding a volume equivalent to 2 butts or 252 gals
tuna|any very large marine food and game fish of the genus Thunnus;related to mackerel;chiefly of warm waters;important warm-water fatty fish of the genus Thunnus of the family Scombridae;usually served as steaks;New Zealand eel;tropical American prickly pear of Jamaica
tuna fish salad|salad composed primarily of chopped canned tuna fish
tuna oil|an oil obtained from tuna
tunaburger|a sandwich that resembles a hamburger but made with tuna instead of beef
tundra|a vast treeless plain in the Arctic regions where the subsoil is permanently frozen
tundra soil|a black mucky soil with a frozen subsoil that is characteristic of Arctic and subarctic regions
tundra swan|swan that nests in tundra regions of the New and Old Worlds
tune|a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence;the adjustment of a radio receiver or other circuit to a required frequency;the property of producing accurately a note of a given pitch - "he cannot sing in tune" - "the clarinet was out of tune"
tuner|someone who tunes pianos
tune-up|adjustments made to an engine to improve its performance
tung oil|a yellow oil obtained from the seeds of the tung tree
tung tree|Chinese tree bearing seeds that yield tung oil
Tunga|a genus of Siphonaptera
tungstate|a salt of tungstic acid
tungsten|a heavy grey-white metallic element;the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications;it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite
tungsten steel|a very hard heat-resistant steel containing tungsten
tungstic acid|an oxyacid of tungsten (often polymeric in nature) formed by neutralizing alkaline tungstate solutions
Tungus|a member of the Tungus speaking people of Mongolian race who are a nomadic people widely spread over eastern Siberia;related to the Manchu;the Tungusic language of the Evenki in eastern Siberia
Tungusic|a family of Altaic languages spoken in Mongolia and neighboring areas;any member of a people speaking a language in the Tungusic family
Tunguska|a river in Siberia that flows northwest to become a tributary of the Yenisei River;a river that arises to the north of Lake Baikal and flows north and west to the Yenisei River
tunic|an enveloping or covering membrane or layer of body tissue;any of a variety of loose fitting cloaks extending to the hips or knees
tunica albuginea testes|whitish cover of the testicle
tunicate|primitive marine animal having a saclike unsegmented body and a urochord that is conspicuous in the larva
tuning|(music) calibrating something (an instrument or electronic circuit) to a standard frequency
tuning fork|a metal implement with two prongs that gives a fixed tone when struck;used to tune musical instruments
Tunis|the capital and principal port of Tunisia
Tunisia|a republic in northwestern Africa on the Mediterranean coast;achieved independence from France in 1956 - "southern Tunisia is mostly desert"
Tunisian|a native or inhabitant of Tunisia
Tunisian dinar|the basic unit of money in Tunisia
Tunisian dirham|100 dirhams equal 1 dinar in Tunisia
Tunisian monetary unit|monetary unit in Tunisia
tunnel|a passageway through or under something, usually underground (especially one for trains or cars) - "the tunnel reduced congestion at that intersection"
tunnel vision|visual impairment involving a loss of peripheral vision
Tunney|United States prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship by defeating Jack Dempsey twice (1898-1978)
Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement|a Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization in Peru;was formed in 1983 to overthrow the Peruvian government and replace it with a Marxist regime;has connections with the ELN in Bolivia
Tupac Katari Guerrilla Army|a terrorist group that is the remnants of the original Bolivian insurgents trained by Che Guevara;attacks small unprotected targets such as power pylons or oil pipelines or government buildings
Tupaia|the type genus of the Tupaia;chief genus of tree shrews
Tupaiidae|tree shrews;in some classifications tree shrews are considered prosimian primates
Tupelo|a town in northeast Mississippi;any of several gum trees of swampy areas of North America;pale soft wood of a tupelo tree especially the water gum
Tupi|a member of the South American Indian people living in Brazil and Paraguay;the language spoken by the Tupi of Brazil and Paraguay
Tupi-Guarani|a family of South American Indian languages
tupik|tent that is an Eskimo summer dwelling
Tupinambis|tejus
Tupungatito|an inactive volcano in central Chile;last erupted in 1959
Tupungato|a mountain in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile (22,310 feet high)
turban|a traditional Muslim headdress consisting of a long scarf wrapped around the head
turban squash|large squash shaped somewhat like a turban usually with a rounded central portion protruding from the blossom end;squash plants bearing hard-shelled fruit shaped somewhat like a turban with a rounded central portion protruding from the end opposite the stem
Turbellaria|free-living flatworms
turbidity|muddiness created by stirring up sediment or having foreign particles suspended
turbinate bone|any of the scrolled spongy bones of the nasal passages in man and other vertebrates
turbine|rotary engine in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted into mechanical energy by causing a bladed rotor to rotate
turbogenerator|generator consisting of a steam turbine coupled to an electric generator for the production of electric power
turbot|a large brownish European flatfish;flesh of a large European flatfish
turbulence|a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally) - "the industrial revolution was a period of great turbulence";instability in the atmosphere;unstable flow of a liquid or gas
turbulent flow|flow in which the velocity at any point varies erratically
Turdidae|thrushes;in some classifications considered a subfamily (Turdinae) of the family Muscicapidae
Turdinae|alternative classification for the thrushes
Turdus|type genus of the Turdidae
tureen|large deep serving dish with a cover;for serving soups and stews
turf|range of jurisdiction or influence - "a bureaucracy...chiefly concerned with turf...and protecting the retirement system";surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots;the territory claimed by a juvenile gang as its own
turf war|a bitter struggle for territory or power or control or rights - "a turf war erupted between street gangs" - "the president's resignation was the result of a turf war with the board of directors"
Turfan|a dialect of Tocharian
turfing daisy|low densely tufted perennial herb of Turkey having small white flowers;used as a ground cover in dry places;sometimes included in genus Matricaria;mat-forming perennial herb of Asia Minor;sometimes included in genus Matricaria
Turgenev|Russian writer of stories and novels and plays (1818-1883)
turgidity|pompously embellished language
turgor|(biology) the normal rigid state of fullness of a cell or blood vessel or capillary resulting from pressure of the contents against the wall or membrane
Turgot|French economist who in 1774 was put in control of finances by Louis XVI;his proposals for reforms that involved abolishing feudal privileges made him unpopular with the aristocracy and in 1776 he was dismissed (1727-1781)
Turin|capital city of the Piemonte region of northwestern Italy
Turing|English mathematician who conceived of the Turing machine and broke German codes during World War II (1912-1954)
Turing machine|a hypothetical computer with an infinitely long memory tape
Turk|a native or inhabitant of Turkey
Turkey|a Eurasian republic in Asia Minor and the Balkans;on the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, the Young Turks, led by Kemal Ataturk, established a republic in 1923;an event that fails badly or is totally ineffectual;flesh of large domesticated fowl usually roasted;large gallinaceous bird with fan-shaped tail;widely domesticated for food
turkey cock|male turkey
turkey leg|the lower joint of the leg of a turkey
Turkey red|a bright orange-red color produced in cotton cloth with alizarine dye
turkey stew|a stew made with turkey
turkey stuffing|stuffing for turkey
turkey trot|an early ragtime one-step
turkey wing|the wing of a turkey
Turki|a subfamily of Altaic languages;any member of the peoples speaking a Turkic language
Turkish|a Turkic language spoken by the Turks
Turkish bath|a steam room where facilities are available for a bath followed by a shower and massage;you sweat in a steam room before getting a rubdown and cold shower
Turkish coffee|a drink made from pulverized coffee beans;usually sweetened
Turkish Delight|a jellied candy typically flavored with rose water
Turkish Hizballah|an ethnic Kurdish group of Sunni extremists formed in the late 1980s in southeastern Turkey;seeks to replace Turkey's secular regime with an Islamic state and strict shariah law;responsible for bombings and the torture and murder of Turkish and Kurdish journalists and businessmen;receives support from Iran
Turkish monetary unit|monetary unit in Turkey
Turkish tobacco|a dark aromatic tobacco of eastern Europe that is used in cigarettes
Turkish towel|a bath towel with rough loose pile
Turkistan|a historical region of central Asia that was a center for trade between the East and the West
Turkmen|the Turkic language spoken by the Turkoman
Turkmen monetary unit|monetary unit in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan|a republic in Asia to the east of the Caspian Sea and to the south of Kazakhstan and to the north of Iran;an Asian soviet from 1925 to 1991
Turkoman|a member of a Turkic people living in Turkmenistan and neighboring areas
Turk's head|an ornamental knot that resembles a small turban
Turk's-cap|lily of the eastern United States with orange to red maroon-spotted flowers;lily with small dull purple flowers of northwestern Europe and northwestern Asia
turmeric|ground dried rhizome of the turmeric plant used as seasoning;widely cultivated tropical plant of India having yellow flowers and a large aromatic deep yellow rhizome;source of a condiment and a yellow dye
turn|(game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession - "it is my turn";(sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive;a favor for someone - "he did me a good turn";an unforeseen development - "events suddenly took an awkward turn";taking a short walk out and back - "we took a turn in the park";the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course - "he took a turn to the right";the act of turning away or in the opposite direction - "he made an abrupt turn away from her"
turn of phrase|a distinctive spoken or written expression - "John's succinct turn of phrase persuaded her that it would not be a good idea"
turn of the century|the period from about ten years before to ten years after a new century
turnaround|act or process of unloading and loading and servicing a vessel or aircraft for a return trip;an area sufficiently large for a vehicle to turn around;time need to prepare a vessel or ship for a return trip
turnbuckle|an oblong metal coupling with a swivel at one end and an internal thread at the other into which a threaded rod can be screwed in order to form a unit that can be adjusted for length or tension
turncock|one employed to control water supply by turning water mains on and off
turner|a lathe operator;a tumbler who is a member of a turnverein;cooking utensil having a flat flexible part and a long handle;used for turning or serving food;one of two persons who swing ropes for jumpers to skip over in the game of jump rope;English landscape painter whose treatment of light and color influenced the French impressionists (1775-1851);United States endocrinologist (1892-1970);United States historian who stressed the role of the western frontier in American history (1861-1951);United States slave and insurrectionist who in 1831 led a rebellion of slaves in Virginia;he was captured and executed (1800-1831)
Turner's syndrome|a chromosomal disorder in females who have only one X chromosome;marked by dwarfism and heart abnormalities and underdeveloped sex organs
turnery|products made on a lathe;workshop where objects are made on a lathe
Turnicidae|small Old World birds resembling but not related to true quail
turning|a movement in a new direction - "the turning of the wind";a shaving created when something is produced by turning it on a lathe;act of changing in practice or custom - "the law took many turnings over the years";the activity of shaping something on a lathe;the end-product created by shaping something on a lathe
turnip|root of any of several members of the mustard family;widely cultivated plant having a large fleshy edible white or yellow root
turnip bed|a bed in which turnips are growing
turnip greens|tender leaves of young white turnips
turnip plant|any of several widely cultivated plants having edible roots
Turnix|type genus of the Turnicidae;button quail
turnoff|a side road where you can turn off - "I missed the turnoff and went 15 miles out of my way";something causing antagonism or loss of interest
turn-on|something causing excitement or stimulating interest
turnout|(ballet) the outward rotation of a dancer's leg from the hip;a part of a road that has been widened to allow cars to pass or park;attendance for a particular event or purpose (as to vote in an election) - "the turnout for the rally";the group that gathers together for a particular occasion - "a large turnout for the meeting"
turnover|a dish made by folding a piece of pastry over a filling
turnpike|(from 16th to 19th centuries) gates set across a road to prevent passage until a toll had been paid;an expressway on which tolls are collected
turnspit|a roasting spit that can be turned
turnstile|a gate consisting of a post that acts as a pivot for rotating arms;set in a passageway for controlling the persons entering
turnstone|migratory shorebirds of the plover family that turn over stones in searching for food
turntable|a circular horizontal platform that rotates a phonograph record while it is being played;a revolving tray placed on a dining table;a rotatable platform with a track;used to turn locomotives and cars
turnverein|a club of tumblers or gymnasts
turpentine|obtained from conifers (especially pines);volatile liquid distilled from turpentine oleoresin;used as paint thinner and solvent and medicinally
turpentine camphor weed|aromatic plant of western United States
Turpin|English highwayman (1706-1739)
turquoise|a blue to grey green mineral consisting of copper aluminum phosphate - "blue turquoise is valued as a gemstone"
turreae|any of numerous trees and shrubs grown for their beautiful glossy foliage and sweetly fragrant starry flowers
turret|a small tower extending above a building
turret clock|a clock with more than one dial to show the time in all directions from a tower
Turritis|closely related to and often included in genus Arabis
Tursiops|a genus of Delphinidae
turtle|any of various aquatic and land reptiles having a bony shell and flipper-like limbs for swimming
turtle soup|soup usually made of the flesh of green turtles
turtledove|any of several Old World wild doves
turtleneck|a sweater or jersey with a high close-fitting collar
turtleneck collar|a high close-fitting turnover collar
turtler|someone whose occupation is hunting turtles
Tuscaloosa|a university town in west central Alabama
Tuscan|a dialect of Italian spoken in Tuscany (especially Florence);a resident of Tuscany
Tuscan order|a Roman order that resembles the Doric order but without a fluted shaft
Tuscany|a region in central Italy
Tuscarora|a member of an Iroquois people who formerly lived in North Carolina and then moved to New York State and joined the Iroquois;the Iroquoian language spoken by the Tuscarora
tushery|writing of poor quality;characterized by affected choice of archaic words
tusk|a long pointed tooth specialized for fighting or digging;especially in an elephant or walrus or hog
Tuskegee|a town in eastern Alabama
tusker|any mammal with prominent tusks (especially an elephant or wild boar)
tussah|oriental moth that produces brownish silk
Tussaud|French modeler (resident in England after 1802) who made wax death masks of prominent victims of the French Revolution and toured Britain with her wax models;in 1835 she opened a permanent waxworks exhibition in London (1761-1850)
Tussilago|genus of low creeping yellow-flowered perennial herbs of north temperate regions;coltsfoots;in some classifications includes species often placed in other genera especially Homogyne and Petasites
tussock bellflower|European perennial bellflower that grows in clumps with spreading stems and blue or white flowers
tussock caterpillar|larva of a tussock moth
Tutankhamen|Pharaoh of Egypt around 1358 BC;his tomb was discovered almost intact by Howard Carter in 1922
tutee|learns from a tutor
tutelage|teaching pupils individually (usually by a tutor hired privately)
Tutelo|a member of the Siouan people of Virginia and North Carolina;the Siouan language spoken by the Tutelo
tutorial|a session of intensive tuition given by a tutor to an individual or to a small number of students
Tutsi|a member of a Bantu speaking people living in Rwanda and Burundi
tutti-frutti|ice cream containing chopped candied fruits
Tutu|South African prelate and leader of the antiapartheid struggle (born in 1931)
Tuvalu|a group of coral islands in Micronesia to the southwest of Hawaii;a small island republic on the Tuvalu islands;formerly part of the British colony of Gilbert and Ellice Islands until it withdrew in 1975 and became independent of the United Kingdom in 1978
Tuvalu dollar|the basic unit of money in Tuvalu
Tuxtla Gutierrez|a city in southeastern Mexico
tv announcer|an announcer on television
TV dinner|a meal that is prepared in advance and frozen;can be heated and served
twaddler|someone who twaddles;someone who writes or talks twaddle
twang|a sharp vibrating sound (as of a plucked string);exaggerated nasality in speech (as in some regional dialects)
twayblade|an orchid of the genus Liparis having a pair of leaves;orchid having a pair of ovate leaves and a long slender raceme of green flowers sometimes tinged red-brown;Europe to central Asia
tweed|thick woolen fabric used for clothing;originated in Scotland
tweediness|an informal, homely, outdoor look characteristic of those who wear tweeds
Tweedledum and Tweedledee|any two people who are hard to tell apart
tweet|a weak chirping sound as of a small bird
tweeter|a loudspeaker that reproduces higher audio frequency sounds - "the sound system had both tweeters and woofers"
twelfth|position 12 in a countable series of things
Twelfth night|eve of Twelfth day;evening of January 5
Twelfthtide|the season of Epiphany
twelve|the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
twelve-tone music|a type of serial music introduced by Arnold Schoenberg;uses a tone row formed by the twelve semitones of the chromatic scale (and inverted or backward versions of the row)
twenties|the decade from 1920 to 1929;the time of life between 20 and 30
twentieth|position 20 in a countable series of things
twentieth century|the century from 1901 to 2000
twenty|the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
twenty dollar bill|a United States bill worth 20 dollars
twenty-eight|the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-seven and one
twenty-five|the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-four and one
twenty-four|the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-three and one
twenty-nine|the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-eight and one
twenty-one|the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty and one
twenty-seven|the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-six and one
twenty-six|the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-five and one
twenty-three|the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-two and one
twenty-twenty|normal visual acuity, as measured by the ability to read charts at a distance of 20 feet
twenty-two|a .22 caliber firearm (pistol or rifle);the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-one and one
twenty-two pistol|a .22-caliber pistol
twenty-two rifle|a .22-caliber rifle
twerp|someone who is regarded as contemptible
twiddle|a series of small (usually idle) twists or turns
twiddler|someone who manipulates in a nervous or unconscious manner
twig blight|a disease of the ends of twigs of woody plants
twilight|a condition of decline following successes - "in the twilight of the empire";the diffused light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon but its rays are refracted by the atmosphere of the earth;the time of day immediately following sunset - "he loved the twilight"
twilight sleep|a state of general anesthesia in which the person retains a slight degree of consciousness;can be induced by injection of scopolamine or morphine
twilight zone|the ambiguous region between two categories or states or conditions (usually containing some features of both) - "but there is still a twilight zone, the tantalizing occurrences that are probably noise but might possibly be a signal" - "in the twilight zone between humor and vulgarity";the lowest level of the ocean to which light can reach
twill|a cloth with parallel diagonal lines or ribs;a weave used to produce the effect of parallel diagonal ribs
Twin|a waterfall in the Snake River in southern Idaho;either of two offspring born at the same time from the same pregnancy
twin bed|one of a pair of identical beds
twin bill|two games instead of one (especially in baseball when the same two teams play two games on the same day)
Twin Cities|nickname for Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Twin Falls|a town on the Snake River in south central Idaho near the Twin Falls
twinberry|shrubby honeysuckle with purple flowers;western North America
twiner|someone who intertwines (e.g. threads) or forms something by twisting or interlacing
twinflower|creeping evergreen subshrub of the northern parts of Europe and Asia with delicate fragrant tubular bell-shaped usually pink flowers borne in pairs
twinge|a sharp stab of pain
twinjet|a jet plane propelled by two jet engines
Twinkie|a small sponge cake with a synthetic cream filling
twinkle|a rapid change in brightness;a brief spark or flash
twinkler|an object that emits or reflects light in an intermittent flickering manner
twins|(mineralogy) two interwoven crystals that are mirror images on each other
twist|a jerky pulling movement;social dancing in which couples vigorously twist their hips and arms in time to the music;was popular in the 1960s - "they liked to dance the twist";turning or twisting around (in place) - "with a quick twist of his head he surveyed the room"
twist bit|a bit or drill having deep helical grooves
twit|aggravation by deriding or mocking or criticizing
twitch|a sudden muscle spasm;especially one caused by a nervous condition
twitterer|a bird that twitters
two|the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
two dollar bill|a United States bill worth 2 dollars
Two Kettle|a member of the Siouan people who constituted a division of the Teton Sioux
two-by-four|a timber measuring (slightly under) 2 inches by 4 inches in cross section
two-dimensionality|the property of having two dimensions
two-eyed violet|violet of Pacific coast of North America having white petals tinged with yellow and deep violet
twofer|a coupon that allows the holder to purchase two items (as two tickets to a play) for the price of one;an offer of two for the price of one
two-handed backhand|a backhand shot made holding the racquet in both hands
two-handed saw|a saw with handles at both ends;intended for use by two people
two-hitter|a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team only 2 hits
two-man tent|a tent designed for occupancy by two persons
two-note call|a birdcall having two notes - "the two-note call of the cuckoo"
twopence|a former United Kingdom silver coin;United Kingdom bronze decimal coin worth two pennies
two-piece|a business suit consisting of a matching jacket and skirt or trousers
two-spotted ladybug|red ladybug with a black spot on each wing
two-step|a ballroom dance in duple meter;marked by sliding steps
two-thirds|two of three equal parts of a divisible whole
two-tier bid|a takeover bid where the acquirer offers to pay more for the shares needed to gain control than for the remaining shares
two-timer|someone who deceives a lover or spouse by carrying on a sexual relationship with somebody else
two-toed sloth|a sloth of Central America that has two long claws on each forefoot and three long claws on each hindfoot;relatively small fast-moving sloth with two long claws on each front foot
two-way street|a street on which vehicular traffic can move in either of two directions - "you have to look both ways crossing a two-way street"
two-year-old horse|a racehorse that is two years old
Tyche|(Greek mythology) the goddess of fortune;identified with Roman Fortuna
tying|the act of tying or binding things together
tyiyn|100 tyiyn equal 1 som in Kyrgyzstan
Tyke|a native of Yorkshire
Tylenchidae|a family of Nematoda
Tylenchus|type genus of the family Tylenchidae
Tyler|a town in northeast Texas;elected vice president and became the 10th President of the United States when Harrison died (1790-1862)
tympanic bone|the bone enclosing the middle ear
tympanic vein|veins from the tympanic cavity that empty into the retromandibular vein
tympanist|a person who plays the kettledrums
tympanites|distension of the abdomen that is caused by the accumulation of gas in the intestines or the peritoneal cavity
tympanitis|inflammation of the inner ear
tympanoplasty|surgical correction or repair of defects or injuries in the eardrum or the bones of the middle ear
Tympanuchus|prairie chickens
Tyndale|English translator and Protestant martyr;his translation of the Bible into English (which later formed the basis for the King James Version) aroused ecclesiastical opposition;he left England in 1524 and was burned at the stake in Antwerp as a heretic (1494-1536)
Tyndall|British physicist (born in Ireland) remembered for his experiments on the transparency of gases and the absorption of radiant heat by gases and the transmission of sound through the atmosphere;he was the first person to explain why the daylight sky is blue (1820-1893)
Tyndall effect|the phenomenon in which light is scattered by very small particles in its path;it makes a beam of light visible;the scattered light is mainly blue
Tyne|a river in northern England that flows east to the North Sea
type|(biology) the taxonomic group whose characteristics are used to define the next higher taxon;a small metal block bearing a raised character on one end;produces a printed character when inked and pressed on paper - "he dropped a case of type, so they made him pick them up";a subdivision of a particular kind of thing - "what type of sculpture do you prefer?";all of the tokens of the same symbol - "the word 'element' contains five different types of character";printed characters - "small type is hard to read"
type family|a complete set of type suitable for printing text
type genus|(biology) genus from which the name of a family or subfamily is formed;it is not necessarily the most representative genus but often the largest or best known or earliest described
type I diabetes|severe diabetes mellitus with an early onset;characterized by polyuria and excessive thirst and increased appetite and weight loss and episodic ketoacidosis;diet and insulin injections are required to control the disease
type II diabetes|mild form of diabetes mellitus that develops gradually in adults;can be precipitated by obesity or severe stress or menopause or other factors;can usually be controlled by diet and hypoglycemic agents without injections of insulin
type metal|an alloy of tin and lead and antimony used to make printing type
type slug|a strip of type metal used for spacing
type species|(biology) the species that best exemplifies the essential characteristics of the genus to which it belongs
type specimen|the original specimen from which the description of a new species is made
typescript|typewritten matter especially a typewritten copy of a manuscript
typesetting machine|a printer that sets textual material in type
typewriter|hand-operated character printer for printing written messages one character at a time
typewriter carriage|a carriage for carrying a sheet of paper
typewriter font|a typeface is which each character is given the same width (as by a typewriter)
typewriter keyboard|a keyboard for manually entering characters to be printed
typewriter paper|writing paper suitable for use in a typewriter
Typha|reed maces;cattails
Typhaceae|perennial marsh plants with creeping rootstocks and long linear leaves
Typhlopidae|blind snakes
Typhoeus|(Greek mythology) son of Gaea and Tartarus who created the whirlwinds;had a terrifying voice and 100 dragon heads that spurted fire
typhoid|serious infection marked by intestinal inflammation and ulceration;caused by Salmonella typhosa ingested with food or water
typhoid bacillus|a form of salmonella that causes typhoid fever
typhoid bacteriophage|a bacteriophage specific for the bacterium Salmonella typhi
Typhon|(Greek mythology) a monster with a hundred heads who breathed out flames;son of Typhoeus and father of Cerberus and the Chimera and the Sphinx
typhoon|a tropical cyclone occurring in the western Pacific or Indian oceans
typhus|rickettsial disease transmitted by body lice and characterized by skin rash and high fever
typical jerboa|small nocturnal jumping rodent with long hind legs;of arid parts of Asia and northern Africa
typicality|the state of being that is typical
typification|a representational or typifying form or model;the act of representing by a type or symbol;the action of typifying
typing|writing done with a typewriter
typing pool|a group of typists who can work for different persons
typist|someone paid to operate a typewriter
typography|art and technique of printing with movable type;the craft of composing type and printing from it
typology|classification according to general type
Tyr|(Norse mythology) god of war and strife and son of Odin;identified with Anglo-Saxon Tiu
tyramine|amino acid derived from tyrosine;has a sympathomimetic action;found in chocolate and cola drinks and ripe cheese and beer - "patients taking MAOIs should avoid foods containing tyramine"
Tyranni|New World flycatchers;antbirds;oven birds;woodhewers
tyrannicide|killing a tyrant
tyrannid|a passerine bird of the suborder Tyranni
Tyrannidae|New World tyrant flycatchers most numerous in Central America and South America but also in the United States and Canada
tyrannosaur|large carnivorous bipedal dinosaur having enormous teeth with knifelike serrations;may have been a scavenger rather than an active predator;later Cretaceous period in North America
Tyrannus|type genus of the Tyrannidae;tyrant flycatchers
tyrant|a cruel and oppressive dictator;any person who exercises power in a cruel way - "his father was a tyrant";in ancient Greece, a ruler who had seized power without legal right to it
Tyrian purple|a red-purple to deep purple dye obtained from snails or made synthetically;a vivid purplish-red color
tyrocidine|a basic polypeptide antibiotic derived from a soil bacterium;a major component of tyrothricin
Tyrol|a picturesque mountainous province of western Austria and northern Italy
Tyrolean|a native or inhabitant of the Tyrol;soft green felt hat with a feather or brush cockade
Tyrolean Alps|a popular tourist area in the Tyrol
tyrosine|an amino acid found in most proteins;a precursor of several hormones
tyrosine kinase inhibitor|a drug used in cases of chronic myeloid leukemia
tyrosinemia|autosomal recessive defect in tyrosine metabolism resulting in liver and kidney disturbances and mental retardation
tyrothricin|a mixture of antibiotics applied locally to infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria
Tyrrhenian Sea|an arm of the Mediterranean between Italy and the islands of Corsica and Sardinia and Sicily
Tyson|United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion (born in 1966)
Tyto|type and only genus of the family Tytonidae
Tytonidae|comprising only the barn owls
Tzara|French poet (born in Romania) who was one of the cofounders of the dada movement (1896-1963)
U|the 21st letter of the Roman alphabet
uakari|medium-sized tree-dwelling monkey of the Amazon basin;only New World monkey with a short tail
ubiety|the state of existing and being localized in space
ubiquinone|any of several quinones found in living cells and that function as coenzymes that transfer electrons from one molecule to another in cell respiration
ubiquity|the state of being everywhere at once (or seeming to be everywhere at once)
Ubykh|an extinct Caucasian language spoken exclusively in Turkey
Uca|fiddler crabs
udder|mammary gland of bovids (cows and sheep and goats)
Udmurt|a member of the Finno-Ugric-speaking people living in eastern European Russia;the Finnic language spoken by the Votyak
Ufa|a city in the European part of Russia
Uganda|a landlocked republic in eastern Africa;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1962
Ugandan|a native or inhabitant of Uganda
Ugandan monetary unit|monetary unit in Uganda
Ugandan shilling|the basic unit of money in Uganda;equal to 100 cents
Ugaritic|an extinct Semitic language of northern Syria
ugliness|qualities of appearance that do not give pleasure to the senses
ugly duckling|an ugly or unpromising child who grows into a beautiful or worthy person
Ugric|one of the two branches of the Finno-Ugric family of languages;spoken in Hungary and northwestern Siberia
Uhland|German romantic poet (1787-1862)
Uighur|a member of a people who speak Uighur and live in Xinjiang and adjacent areas;the script (derived from Aramaic) used to write the Uighur language;the Turkic language spoken by approximately 7,000,000 Uighur in extreme northwestern China
Uintatheriidae|an extinct family of Dinocerata
Uintatherium|type genus of the Uintatheriidae;extinct large herbivorous ungulates somewhat resembling elephants;from the Eocene in Wyoming
ukase|an edict of the Russian tsar
uke|a small guitar having four strings
Ukraine|a republic in southeastern Europe;formerly a European soviet;the center of the original Russian state which came into existence in the ninth century
Ukrainian|the Slavic language spoken in the Ukraine
Ukranian|a native or inhabitant of the Ukraine
Ukranian monetary unit|monetary unit in Ukraine
ulalgia|pain in the gums
Ulan Bator|the capital and largest city of Mongolia
Ulanova|Russian ballet dancer (1910-1998)
ulatrophia|recession of the gums
ulcer|a circumscribed inflammatory and often suppurating lesion on the skin or an internal mucous surface resulting in necrosis of tissue
ulceration|the process of ulcer formation;the process of becoming ulcerated
ulcerative colitis|a serious chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and fever and chills and profuse diarrhea
ulema|the body of Mullahs (Muslim scholars trained in Islam and Islamic law) who are the interpreters of Islam's sciences and doctrines and laws and the chief guarantors of continuity in the spiritual and intellectual history of the Islamic community
ulemorrhagia|bleeding of the gums
Ulex|genus of Eurasian spiny shrubs;gorse
Ulfilas|a Christian believed to be of Cappadocian descent who became bishop of the Visigoths in 341 and translated the Bible from Greek into Gothic;traditionally held to have invented the Gothic alphabet (311-382)
ulitis|inflammation of the gums
Ull|(Norse mythology) one of the Aesir known for his beauty and skill with bow and skis;son of Sif and stepson of Thor
ullage|the amount that a container (as a wine bottle or tank) lacks of being full
Ulmaceae|a dicot family of the order Urticales including;genera Ulmus, Celtis, Planera, Trema
Ulmus|type genus of family Ulmaceae;deciduous trees having simple serrate leaves;widely distributed in temperate regions
ulna|the inner and longer of the two bones of the human forearm
ulnar artery|large artery that branches from the brachial artery to supply the muscles of the forearm and wrist and hand
ulnar nerve|a nerve running along the inner side of the arm and passing near the elbow;supplies intrinsic muscles of the hand and the skin of the medial side of the hand
ulnar vein|any of several veins of the forearm
Ulster|a historic division of Ireland located in the northeastern part of the island;six of Ulster's nine counties are in Northern Ireland;loose long overcoat of heavy fabric;usually belted
Ulster Defence Association|the major Protestant paramilitary group in Northern Ireland;responsible for bombing the homes of Catholics and for criminal racketeering and selling drugs
ulteriority|the quality of being ulterior - "a terrible feeling of ulteriority" - "his stories were too susceptible to ulteriority"
ultima|the last syllable in a word
ultimacy|the state or degree of being ultimate;the final or most extreme in degree or size or time or distance, "the ultimacy of these social values"
ultimate|the finest or most superior quality of its kind - "the ultimate in luxury"
ultimate frisbee|a game between two teams whose players try to toss a Frisbee to one another until they cross the opponents goal;possession changes hands when the Frisbee is intercepted or touches the ground or goes out of bounds
ultimatum|a final peremptory demand
ultracentrifugation|centrifugation at very high speeds
ultracentrifuge|a high speed centrifuge used to determine the relative molecular masses of large molecules in high polymers and proteins
ultrahigh frequency|300 to 3000 megahertz
ultramarine|a vivid blue to purple-blue color;blue pigment made of powdered lapis lazuli
ultramicroscope|light microscope that uses scattered light to show particles too small to see with ordinary microscopes
ultramontane|a Roman Catholic who advocates ultramontanism (supreme papal authority in matters of faith and discipline)
ultramontanism|(Roman Catholic Church) the policy that the absolute authority of the church should be vested in the pope
ultrasound|very high frequency sound;used in ultrasonography
Ultrasuede|a synthetic suede cloth
ultraviolet|radiation lying in the ultraviolet range;wave lengths shorter than light but longer than X rays
ultraviolet lamp|any source of illumination that emits ultraviolet radiation
ultraviolet spectrum|the spectrum of ultraviolet radiation
Ulugh Muztagh|a mountain in the Kunlun range in China (25,340 feet high)
Ulva|type genus of the family Ulvaceae;green seaweed having a thallus two cells thick;sea lettuce
Ulvaceae|thin flat or tubular green algae
Ulvales|an order of protoctist
Ulvophyceae|alternative name for the class Chlorophyceae in some classifications
Ulysses|(Roman mythology) Roman spelling for Odysseus
Uma|a benevolent aspect of Devi;'splendor';fringe-toed lizard
Umayyad|the first dynasty of Arab caliphs whose capital was Damascus
umbel|flat-topped or rounded inflorescence characteristic of the family Umbelliferae in which the individual flower stalks arise from about the same point;youngest flowers are at the center
Umbellales|plants having umbels or corymbs of uniovulate flowers;includes the Umbelliferae (chiefly herbs) and Cornaceae (chiefly trees or shrubs)
umbellifer|any of numerous aromatic herbs of the family Umbelliferae
Umbelliferae|plants having flowers in umbels;parsley;carrot;anise;caraway;celery;dill
Umbellularia|aromatic evergreen trees of Pacific coast
umber|an earth pigment
umbilical cord|membranous duct connecting the fetus with the placenta
umbilical hernia|protrusion of the intestine and omentum through a hernia in the abdominal wall near the navel;usually self correcting after birth
umbilical vein|a vein in the umbilical cord;returns nutrient blood from the placenta to the fetus
umbo|a slight rounded elevation where the malleus attaches to the eardrum
umbra|a region of complete shadow resulting from total obstruction of light
umbrage|a feeling of anger caused by being offended
umbrella|a formation of military planes maintained over ground operations or targets - "an air umbrella over England";a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy;having the function of uniting a group of similar things - "the Democratic Party is an umbrella for many liberal groups" - "under the umbrella of capitalism"
umbrella bird|black tropical American bird having a large overhanging crest and long feathered wattle
umbrella fern|large Australasian fern with fanlike repeatedly forked fronds;sometimes placed in genus Gleichenia
umbrella plant|African sedge widely cultivated as an ornamental water plant for its terminal umbrellalike cluster of slender grasslike leaves;late blooming perennial plant of shale barrens of Virginia having flowers in flat-topped clusters;rhizomatous perennial herb with large dramatic peltate leaves and white to bright pink flowers in round heads on leafless stems;colonizes stream banks in the Sierra Nevada in California
umbrella tent|a small tent with a single supporting pole and radiating metal ribs
umbrella tree|erect evergreen shrub or small tree of Australia and northern New Guinea having palmately compound leaves;small deciduous tree of eastern North America having creamy white flowers and large leaves in formations like umbrellas at the ends of branches
umbrellawort|a plant of the genus Mirabilis
Umbria|a mountainous region in central Italy
Umbrian|an extinct Italic language of ancient southern Italy
Umbrina|croakers
Umbundu|a Bantu language spoken in Angola
umlaut|a diacritical mark (two dots) placed over a vowel in German to indicate a change in sound
Umma Tameer-e-Nau|a nongovernmental organization of Pakistani scientists that has been a supporter of terrorism;has provided information about chemical and biological and nuclear warfare to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda and the Taliban
Ummah|the Muslim community or people, considered to extend from Mauritania to Pakistan - "moderate Muslims urge the Ummah to reject the terrorism of radical Muslims"
umpirage|mediation by an umpire;the act of umpiring
umpire|an official at a baseball game
unabridged dictionary|a dictionary that has not been shortened by the omitting terms or definitions;a comprehensive dictionary
unacceptability|unsatisfactoriness by virtue of not conforming to approved standards
unadaptability|the inability to change or be changed to fit changed circumstances
unaffectedness|not affected;a personal manner that is not consciously constrained
unalterability|the quality of not being alterable
unambiguity|clarity achieved by the avoidance of ambiguity
unanimity|everyone being of one mind
unappetizingness|the property of spoiling the appetite
unapproachability|a disposition to be unapproachable;unfriendly and inaccessible
unassertiveness|diffidence about self promotion
unattainableness|the state of being unattainable
unattractiveness|an ugliness of appearance that is not appealing to viewers
unbecomingness|the quality of being unbecoming
unbelief|a rejection of belief
unbreakableness|a consistency of something that does not break under pressure
unceremoniousness|an unceremonial manner
uncertainty|being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance - "the uncertainty of the outcome"
uncertainty principle|(quantum theory) the theory that it is impossible to measure both energy and time (or position and momentum) completely accurately at the same time
uncheerfulness|not conducive to cheer or good spirits
uncial|a style of orthography characterized by somewhat rounded capital letters;found especially in Greek and Latin manuscripts of the 4th to 8th centuries
uncle|a source of help and advice and encouragement - "he played uncle to lonely students";the brother of your father or mother;the husband of your aunt
Uncle Remus|the fictional storyteller of tales written in the Black Vernacular and set in the South;the tales were first collected and published in book form in 1880
Uncle Sam|a personification of the United States government
Uncle Tom|a servile black character in a novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe
uncleanliness|lack of cleanly habits
unclearness|incomprehensibility as a result of not being clear
uncommonness|extraordinariness as a consequence of being marked by an uncommon or superlative quality;extraordinariness as a consequence of being rare and seldom encountered
uncommunicativeness|the trait of being uncommunicative
Uncompahgre Peak|the highest peak in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado (14,309 feet high)
unconcern|a feeling of lack of concern
unconfessed|people who have not confessed - "the unconfessed cannot be forgiven"
uncongeniality|a disposition not to be congenial
unconnectedness|the lack of a connection between things
unconscientiousness|the quality of being willing to ignore the dictates of conscience;the trait of not being painstaking or careful
unconscious mind|that part of the mind wherein psychic activity takes place of which the person is unaware
unconsciousness|a state lacking normal awareness of the self or environment
unconventionality|originality by virtue of being unconventional;unorthodoxy by virtue of being unconventional
uncreativeness|a lack of creativity
unction|anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual;excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm
uncus|(biology) any hook-shaped process or part
undecagon|an eleven-sided polygon
undecylenic acid|an acid that is a component of perspiration
undependability|the trait of not being dependable or reliable
underachievement|poorer than expected performance (poorer than might have been predicted from intelligence tests)
underachiever|a student who does not perform as well as expected or as well as the IQ indicates
underbelly|lower side;the quality of being weak or unprotected - "the soft underbelly of the Axis"- Winston Churchill;the soft belly or underside of an animal's body
underboss|an assistant or second-in-command to a chief (especially in a crime syndicate)
underbrush|the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest
undercarriage|framework that serves as a support for the body of a vehicle
undercharge|a price that is too low;an insufficient charge
undercoat|seal consisting of a coating of a tar or rubberlike material on the underside of a motor vehicle to retard corrosion;thick soft fur lying beneath the longer and coarser guard hair
undercover operation|an operation involving secret work within a community or institution
undercut|a cut made underneath to remove material;a notch cut in the trunk of tree in order to determine the direction of its fall;the material removed by a cut made underneath
underdevelopment|(photography) inadequate processing of film resulting in inadequate contrast;state of inadequate development - "much poverty can be traced to the underdevelopment of industry"
underdog|one at a disadvantage and expected to lose
underestimate|an estimation that is too low;an estimate that is less than the true or actual value
underevaluation|an appraisal that underestimates the value of something
underexposure|inadequate publicity;the act of exposing film to too little light or for too short a time
underfelt|a carpet pad of thick felt
undergarment|a garment worn under other garments
undergraduate|a university student who has not yet received a first degree
underground|a secret group organized to overthrow a government or occupation force
Underground Railroad|secret aid to escaping slaves that was provided by abolitionists in the years before the American Civil War
underlip|the lower lip
undernourishment|not having enough food to develop or function normally
underpants|an undergarment that covers the body from the waist no further than to the thighs;usually worn next to the skin
underpart|a part lying on the lower side or underneath an animal's body - "the warbler has a white throat and underparts" - "a woodland mouse with white underparts"
underpass|an underground tunnel or passage enabling pedestrians to cross a road or railway
underpayment|a payment smaller than needed or expected;the act of paying less than required
underperformer|a business that is less successful than expected
underproduction|inadequate production or less than expected
underscore|a line drawn underneath (especially under written matter)
undersecretary|a secretary immediately subordinate to the head of a department of government
underseller|a seller that sells at a lower price than others do - "he went all over town looking for undersellers"
undershrub|a low shrub
understanding|the cognitive condition of someone who understands - "he has virtually no understanding of social cause and effect"
understatement|a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said
understudy|an actor able to replace a regular performer when required
undertaking|any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted - "he prepared for great undertakings";the trade of a funeral director
undertide|a current below the surface of a fluid
undertone|a pale or subdued color;a quiet or hushed tone of voice - "spoke in undertones";a subdued emotional quality underlying an utterance;implicit meaning
undertow|an inclination contrary to the strongest or prevailing feeling - "his account had a poignant undertow of regret";the seaward undercurrent created after waves have broken on the shore
undervaluation|too low a value or price assigned to something
underwear|undergarment worn next to the skin and under the outer garments
underwing|moth having dull forewings and brightly colored hind wings
underworld|the criminal class
undescended testis|a testis that fails to move into the scrotum as the male fetus develops
undesirability|the quality possessed by something that should be avoided
undesirable|one whose presence is undesirable - "rounding up vagrants and drunks and other undesirables"
undies|women's underwear
undine|any of various female water spirits
undivided interest|the interest in property owned by tenants whereby each tenant has an equal right to enjoy the entire property
undoer|a person who unfastens or unwraps or opens - "children are talented undoers of their shoelaces";a seducer who ruins a woman - "she awoke in the arms of her cruel undoer"
undoing|an act that makes a previous act of no effect (as if not done)
undress|partial or complete nakedness - "a state of undress"
Undset|Norwegian novelist (1882-1949)
undulation|wavelike motion;a gentle rising and falling in the manner of waves
undutifulness|impiety characterized by lack of devotion to duty
unearned income|(accounting) income received but not yet earned (usually considered a current liability on a company's balance sheet);personal income that you did not earn (e.g., dividends or interest or rent income)
unearned increment|an unearned rise in the market value of property resulting from general market factors
unearned run|a run that was scored as a result of an error by the other team
unemotionality|absence of emotion
unemployed people|people who are involuntarily out of work (considered as a group)
unemployed person|someone who is jobless
unemployment|the state of being unemployed or not having a job - "unemployment is a serious social evil" - "the rate of unemployment is an indicator of the health of an economy"
unemployment compensation|payment by a United States agency to unemployed people
unemployment line|a queue of people waiting for employment
unemployment rate|the percentage of the work force that is unemployed at any given date
unenlightenment|a lack of understanding
uneven parallel bars|a pair of parallel bars set at different heights;used in women's gymnastics
unevenness|the quality of being unbalanced;the quality of being uneven and lacking uniformity
unexchangeability|the quality of being incapable of exchange or interchange
unexpectedness|extraordinariness by virtue of being unexpected - "the unexpectedness of the warm welcome"
unfairness|injustice by virtue of not conforming with rules or standards;partiality that is not fair or equitable
unfamiliarity|unusualness as a consequence of not being well known
unfavorableness|the quality of not being encouraging or indicative of success
unfeelingness|devoid of passion or feeling;hardheartedness
unfitness|poor physical condition;being out of shape or out of condition (as from a life of ease and luxury);the quality of not being suitable - "the judges agreed on his unfitness for the appointment"
unfolding|a developmental process
unformatted capacity|(computer science) the total number of bytes on a disk including the space that will be required to format it
unfortunate|a person who suffers misfortune
unfriendliness|an unfriendly disposition;dislike experienced as an absence of friendliness
ungodliness|impiety by virtue of not being a godly person
ungraciousness|an offensive lack of good manners
ungradable opposition|an opposition that has no intermediate grade;either one or the other
Unguiculata|in former classifications a major division of Mammalia comprising mammals with nails or claws;distinguished from hoofed mammals and cetaceans
unguiculate|a mammal having nails or claws
Ungulata|in former classifications a major division of Mammalia comprising all hoofed mammals;now divided into the orders Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates) and Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates)
ungulate|any of a number of mammals with hooves that are superficially similar but not necessarily closely related taxonomically
unhappiness|state characterized by emotions ranging from mild discontentment to deep grief
unhealthfulness|the quality of promoting poor health
unhelpfulness|an inability to be helpful
unholiness|the quality of being unholy
Uniat|a member of the Uniat Church
Uniat Church|any of several churches in eastern Europe or the Middle East that acknowledge papal authority but retain their own liturgy
unicameral script|a script with a single case
unicorn|an imaginary creature represented as a white horse with a long horn growing from its forehead
unicycle|a vehicle with a single wheel that is driven by pedals
unicyclist|a person who rides a unicycle
unidentified flying object|an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown;especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
Unification Church|a Christian church (with some Buddhist elements) founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon and known for staging mass weddings and other communal activities
uniform|clothing of distinctive design worn by members of a particular group as a means of identification
uniformity|a condition in which everything is regular and unvarying;the quality of lacking diversity or variation (even to the point of boredom)
unilateral contract|a one-sided agreement whereby you promise to do (or refrain from doing) something in return for a performance (not a promise)
unilateral descent|line of descent traced through one side of the family
unilateralism|the doctrine that nations should conduct their foreign affairs individualistically without the advice or involvement of other nations
unilateralist|an advocate of unilateralism
unimportance|the quality of not being important or worthy of note
uninitiate|people who have not been introduced to the mysteries of some field or activity - "it diverts the attention of the uninitiate"
uninominal system|based on the principle of having only one member (as of a legislature) selected from each electoral district
uninsurability|the quality of being uninsurable;the conditions under which an insurance company will refuse to issue insurance to an applicant (based on standards set by the insurance company)
unintelligibility|incomprehensibility as a consequence of being unintelligible
uninterestingness|inability to capture or hold one's interest
Unio|type genus of the family Unionidae
uniocular dichromat|a person who has normal vision in one eye and dichromacy in the other;very rare but very useful for experiments on color vision
union|a device on a national flag emblematic of the union of two or more sovereignties (typically in the upper inner corner);a political unit formed from previously independent people or organizations;a set containing all and only the members of two or more given sets - "let C be the union of the sets A and B";an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer - "you have to join the union in order to get a job";healing process involving the growing together of the edges of a wound or the growing together of broken bones;the act of making or becoming a single unit - "the union of opposing factions";the occurrence of a uniting of separate parts - "lightning produced an unusual union of the metals";the state of being joined or united or linked - "there is strength in union";the United States (especially the northern states during the American Civil War)
Union Army|the northern army during the American Civil War
union card|a card certifying membership in a labor union
Union Jack|national flag of the United Kingdom
union representative|a representative for a labor union
union shop|a company allowed to hire nonunion workers on the condition that they will join the union within a specified time
Unionidae|freshwater mussels found worldwide
unionism|the system or principles and theory of labor unions
unionization|act of forming labor unions - "the issue underlying the strike was unionization"
unipolar depression|a major depressive episode that occurs without the manic phase that occurs in the classic form of bipolar disorder
unison|(music) two or more sounds or tones at the same pitch or in octaves - "singing in unison";corresponding exactly - "marching in unison";occurring together or simultaneously - "the two spoke in unison"
unit|a single undivided natural thing occurring in the composition of something else - "units of nucleic acids";a single undivided whole - "an idea is not a unit that can be moved from one brain to another";an individual or group or structure or other entity regarded as a structural or functional constituent of a whole - "the reduced the number of units and installations" - "the word is a basic linguistic unit";an organization regarded as part of a larger social group - "the coach said the offensive unit did a good job" - "after the battle the soldier had trouble rejoining his unit"
unit cell|the smallest group of atoms or molecules whose repetition at regular intervals in three dimensions produces the lattices of a crystal
unit character|(genetics) a character inherited on an all-or-none basis and dependent on the presence of a single gene
unit cost|calculated cost for a given unit of a product
unit investment trust|a regulated investment company consisting of professional managers who issue redeemable securities representing a portfolio of many different securities - "you can invest in a unit investment trust for as little as $1000"
unit of measurement|any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
unit of viscosity|a unit of measurement for viscosity
Unitarian|adherent of Unitarianism
Unitarian Church|the Protestant denomination that rejects the doctrine of the Trinity
Unitarianism|Christian doctrine that stresses individual freedom of belief and rejects the Trinity
United Arab Emirate dirham|the basic unit of money in the United Arab Emirates;equal to 1,000 fils
United Arab Emirate monetary unit|monetary unit in the United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates|a federation of seven Arab emirates on the eastern Arabian peninsula;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1971;rich in oil reserves
United Church of Christ|merger of the Congregational Christian Church and the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1957
United Kingdom|a monarchy in northwestern Europe occupying most of the British Isles;divided into England and Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland;'Great Britain' is often used loosely to refer to the United Kingdom
United Methodist Church|union of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church
United Mine Workers of America|an industrial union of mine workers in North America
United Nations|an organization of independent states formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security
United Nations agency|an agency of the United Nations
United Nations Children's Fund|an agency of the United Nations responsible for programs to aid education and the health of children and mothers in developing countries
United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice|the United Nations office responsible for crime prevention and criminal justice and law reform
United Nations Day|a day for celebrating the founding of the United Nations
United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization|an agency of the United Nations that promotes education and communication and the arts
United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention|an agency of the United Nations that promotes drug control and crime prevention
United Nations Secretariat|the administrative arm of the United Nations
United Self-Defense Force of Colombia|a terrorist organization in Colombia formed in 1997 as an umbrella for local and regional paramilitary groups;is financed by earnings from narcotics and serves to protect the economic interests of its members
United States|North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean;achieved independence in 1776
United States Air Force|the airforce of the United States of America;the agency that defends the United States through control and exploitation of air and space
United States Air Force Academy|a school for training men and women to become officers in the United States Air Force
United States Army|the army of the United States of America;the agency that organizes and trains soldiers for land warfare
United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory|a defense laboratory of the Criminal Investigation Command;the United States Army's primary forensic laboratory in support of criminal intelligence
United States Army Rangers|a specially trained elite unit of the United States Army
United States Border Patrol|the mobile law enforcement arm of the Immigration and Naturalization Service that detects and prevents illegal entry of aliens into the United States
United States Cabinet|a board to advise the President;members are the secretaries of executive departments;the United States constitution does not provide for the cabinet
United States Coast Guard|an agency of the Department of Transportation responsible for patrolling shores and facilitating nautical commerce
United States Code|a consolidation and codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States;is prepared and published by a unit of the United States House of Representatives
United States Constitution|the constitution written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and subsequently ratified by the original thirteen states
United States Customary System|the system of weights and measures based on the foot and pound and second and pint that dates back to colonial America but differs in some respects from the British Imperial System;today in the United States this system exists side by side with the SI system
United States dollar|the basic unit of money in the United States
United States dry unit|a unit of measurement of capacity for dry substances officially adopted in the United States Customary System
United States Fish and Wildlife Service|an agency in the Department of the Interior that conserves and protects fish and wildlife and their habitats;assesses the environmental impact of pesticides and nuclear power site and hydroelectric dams and thermal pollution
United States government|the executive and legislative and judicial branches of the federal government of the United States
United States Government Printing Office|an agency of the legislative branch that provides printing and binding services for Congress and the departments and establishments of the federal government
United States House of Representatives|the lower legislative house of the United States Congress
United States intelligence agency|an intelligence service in the United States
United States liquid unit|a liquid unit officially adopted in the United States Customary System
United States Marine Corps|an amphibious division of the United States Navy
United States Marshals Service|the United States' oldest federal law enforcement agency is responsible today for protecting the Federal Judiciary and transporting federal prisoners and protecting federal witnesses and managing assets seized from criminals and generally ensuring the effective operation of the federal judicial system
United States Military Academy|a school for training men and women to become officers in the United States Army
United States Mint|the mint that manufactures and distributes United States coins for circulation through Federal Reserve Banks;processes gold and silver bullion
United States Naval Academy|a school for training men and women to become officers in the United States Navy
United States Navy|the navy of the United States of America;the agency that maintains and trains and equips combat-ready naval forces
United States Post Office|an independent agency of the federal government responsible for mail delivery (and sometimes telecommunications) between individuals and businesses in the United States
United States Postal Inspection Service|the primary law enforcement arm of the United States Postal Service
United States Postal Service|an independent federal agency that provides mail processing and delivery service for individuals and businesses in the United States
United States Public Health Service|an agency that serves as the office of Surgeon General;includes agencies whose mission is to improve the public health
United States Secret Service|the United States intelligence agency that protects current and former presidents and vice presidents and their immediate families and protects distinguished foreign visitors;detects and apprehends counterfeiters;suppresses forgery of government securities and documents
United States Senate|the upper house of the United States Congress
United States Trade Representative|the executive agency that administers the President's policies on international trade
United States Virgin Islands|more than 130 southeastern Virgin Islands;a dependent territory of the United States
United States waters|territorial waters included within a distance of 12 nautical miles of the coasts of the United States and its territories - "ships operating in United States waters must adhere to United States laws and regulations"
unitization|(psychology) the configuration of smaller units of information into large coordinated units;conversion of an investment trust into a unit investment trust;the act of packaging cargo into unit loads;the joint development of a petroleum resource that straddles territory controlled by different companies
universal|(linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages;(logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class;a behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings - "some form of religion seems to be a human universal"
universal agent|someone authorized to transact every kind of business for the principal
universal donor|a person whose type O Rh-negative blood may be safely transfused into persons with other blood types
universal joint|coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions - "in motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps"
universal quantifier|a logical quantifier of a proposition that asserts that the proposition is true for all members of a class of things
universal set|(mathematics) the set that contains all the elements or objects involved in the problem under consideration - "all other sets are subsets of the universal set"
universal suffrage|suffrage for all adults who are not disqualified by the laws of the country
universal veil|membrane initially completely investing the young sporophore of various mushrooms that is ruptured by growth;represented in the mature mushroom by a volva around lower part of stem and scales on upper surface of the cap
universalism|the theological doctrine that all people will eventually be saved
universality|the quality of being universal;existing everywhere
universe|everything stated or assumed in a given discussion;everything that exists anywhere - "they study the evolution of the universe"
university|a large and diverse institution of higher learning created to educate for life and for a profession and to grant degrees;establishment where a seat of higher learning is housed, including administrative and living quarters as well as facilities for research and teaching;the body of faculty and students at a university
University of California at Berkeley|a university in Berkeley, California
University of Chicago|a university in Chicago, Illinois
University of Michigan|a university in Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Nebraska|a university in Lincoln, Nebraska
University of North Carolina|a university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
University of Pennsylvania|a university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh|a university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
University of Sussex|a red-brick university in Brighton, England
University of Texas|a university in Austin, Texas
University of Vermont|a university in Burlington, Vermont
University of Washington|a university in Seattle, Washington
University of West Virginia|a university in Morgantown, West Virginia
University of Wisconsin|a university in Madison, Wisconsin
UNIX|trademark for a powerful operating system
UNIX guru|an expert on the UNIX operating system
unkindness|lack of sympathy
unknowingness|unconsciousness resulting from lack of knowledge or attention
unknown|a variable whose values are solutions of an equation;an unknown and unexplored region - "they came like angels out the unknown"
unknown quantity|a factor in a given situation whose bearing and importance is not apparent - "I don't know what the new man will do;he's still an unknown quantity"
Unknown Soldier|an unidentified soldier whose body is honored as a memorial
unlawful carnal knowledge|forbidden or tabu sexual intercourse between individuals
unlawfulness|the quality of failing to conform to law
unleaded gasoline|gasoline that has not been treated with a lead compound
unlikelihood|the improbability of a specified outcome
unlikeness|dissimilarity evidenced by an absence of likeness
unlisted security|a security traded in the over-the-counter market
unloading|the labor of taking a load of something off of or out of a vehicle or ship or container etc.
unmalleability|a lack of malleability
unmarried woman|a woman who is not married
unmindfulness|the trait of forgetting or ignoring your responsibilities
unnaturalness|the quality of being unnatural or not based on natural principles
unneighborliness|an unneighborly disposition
unnoticeableness|the quality of being not easily noticed
unobserved fire|fire for which the point of impact (the bursts) cannot be observed
unobtrusiveness|the quality of not sticking out in an unwelcome way
unoriginality|the quality of being unoriginal;uncreativeness due to a lack of originality
unorthodoxy|any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position;the quality of being unorthodox
unpalatability|the property of being unacceptable to the mind - "the policy's unpalatability caused an uproar";the property of being unacceptable to the mouth
unperceptiveness|the lack of insight and sympathetic understanding
unpermissiveness|a lack of permissiveness or indulgence and a tendency to confine behavior within certain specified limits
unpersuasiveness|inability to persuade
unpleasant person|a person who is not pleasant or agreeable
unpleasant woman|a woman who is an unpleasant person
unpleasantness|the feeling caused by disagreeable stimuli;one pole of a continuum of states of feeling;the quality of giving displeasure - "the recent unpleasantness of the weather"
unpleasingness|the quality of being unpleasant
unpointedness|the property of having only a dull tip (if any)
unpopularity|the quality of lacking general approval or acceptance
unpredictability|lacking predictability
unpretentiousness|the quality of being natural and without pretensions
unproductiveness|the quality of lacking the power to produce
unprofitableness|the quality of affording no gain or no benefit or no profit
unreality|the quality possessed by something that is unreal;the state of being insubstantial or imaginary;not existing objectively or in fact
unrelatedness|the lack of any particular manner of connectedness
unrespectability|dishonorableness by virtue of lacking respectability or a good reputation
unresponsiveness|the quality of being unresponsive;not reacting;as a quality of people, it is marked by a failure to respond quickly or with emotion to people or events - "she began to recover from her numb unresponsiveness after the accident"
unrest|a feeling of restless agitation
unrestraint|the quality of lacking restraint
unrighteousness|failure to adhere to moral principles - "forgave us our sins and cleansed us of all unrighteousness"
unruliness|the trait of being prone to disobedience and lack of discipline
unsanitariness|a state that is not conducive to health
unsatisfactoriness|the quality of being inadequate or unsuitable
unsaturated fatty acid|a fatty acid whose carbon chain can absorb additional hydrogen atoms
unscrupulousness|the quality of unscrupulous dishonesty
unseasonableness|being at an inappropriate time
unsecured bond|the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future
unseemliness|a lack of consideration for others
unselfconsciousness|the quality of being not self-conscious;unawareness of yourself or of others' views of yourself - "he had the unselfconsciousness of a child"
unselfishness|the quality of not putting yourself first but being willing to give your time or money or effort etc. for others - "rural people show more devotion and unselfishness than do their urban cousins"
unsightliness|ugliness that is unpleasant to look at
unskilled person|a person who lacks technical training
unskillfulness|a lack of cognitive skill
unsnarling|the act of releasing from a snarled or tangled condition
unsociability|an unsociable disposition;avoiding friendship or companionship
unsolvability|the property (of a problem or difficulty) that makes it impossible to solve
unsoundness|a condition of damage or decay;a misconception that is fallacious and not true or valid - "the unsoundness of his conclusion was obvious";not mentally or physically healthy - "no one can be a poet without a certain unsoundness of mind"
unspoken accusation|an accusation that is understood without needing to be spoken
unsteadiness|the quality of being unsteady--varying and unpredictable;the quality of not being steady or securely fixed in place
unstratified language|a programming language that (like natural language) can be used as its own metalanguage
unsuitability|the quality of having the wrong properties for a specific purpose
unsusceptibility|the state of not being susceptible - "unsusceptibility to rust"
Untermeyer|United States writer (1885-1977)
unthoughtfulness|the trait of not thinking carefully before acting
untidiness|the condition of being untidy;the trait of being untidy and messy
untouchable|belongs to lowest social and ritual class in India
untrustworthiness|the trait of not deserving trust or confidence
untruthfulness|the quality of being untruthful
untying|loosening the ties that fasten something - "the tying of bow ties is an art;the untying is easy"
ununbium|a radioactive transuranic element
ununhexium|a radioactive transuranic element
ununpentium|a radioactive transuranic element
ununquadium|a radioactive transuranic element
ununtrium|a radioactive transuranic element
unusualness|uncommonness by virtue of being unusual
unvariedness|characterized by an absence of variation
unveiling|putting on display for the first time - "he attended the unveiling of the statue"
unwariness|the trait of not being cautious and watchful
unwelcome person|a person who for some reason is not wanted or welcome
unwholesomeness|the quality of being unhealthful and generally bad for you
unwieldiness|the quality of being difficult to direct or control by reason of complexity - "avoiding the unwieldiness of formal legal processes" - "the onset of unwieldiness and bureaucracy in large organizations"
unwillingness|the trait of being unwilling - "his unwillingness to cooperate vetoed every proposal I made"
unworthiness|the quality or state of lacking merit or value
unwritten law|law based on customary behavior
up quark|a stable quark with an electric charge of +2/3 and a mass 607 times that of an electron
Upanishad|a later sacred text of Hinduism of a mystical nature dealing with metaphysical questions - "the Vedanta philosophy developed from the pantheistic views of the Upanishads"
upbeat|an unaccented beat (especially the last beat of a measure)
up-bow|an upward stroke from the tip to the heel of the bow
upbraider|someone who finds fault or imputes blame
upbringing|properties acquired during a person's formative years
upcast|air passage consisting of a ventilation shaft through which air leaves a mine
update|news that updates your information
updating|the act of changing something to bring it up to date (usually by adding something) - "criminal records need regular updating"
Updike|United States author (born 1932)
updraft|a strong upward air current
upgrade|a reservation that is improved - "I got an upgrade to first class when coach class was full";hardware that provides better performance than an earlier version did;software that provides better performance than an earlier version did;the act of improving something (especially machinery) by raising it to a higher grade (as by adding or replacing components) - "the power plant received a new upgrade";the property possessed by a slope or surface that rises
upheaval|(geology) a rise of land to a higher elevation (as in the process of mountain building)
uphill|the upward slope of a hill
upholder|someone who upholds or maintains - "firm upholders of tradition"
upholsterer|a craftsman who upholsters furniture
upholstery|covering (padding and springs and webbing and fabric) on a piece of furniture;the craft of upholstering
upholstery material|the fabric used in upholstering
upholstery needle|any of several very heavy and sometimes curved sewing needles used by upholsterers
Upjohn|United States architect (born in England) (1802-1878)
upland cotton|native tropical American plant now cultivated in the United States yielding short-staple cotton
upland sandpiper|large plover-like sandpiper of North American fields and uplands
upland white aster|tufted rigid North American perennial with loose clusters of white flowers
uplift|a brassiere that lifts and supports the breasts
uplifting|the rise of something - "the uplifting of the clouds revealed the blue of a summer sky"
uplink|a transmission from Earth to a spacecraft or the path of such a transmission
upper|piece of leather or synthetic material that forms the part of a shoe or boot above the sole that encases the foot
upper berth|the higher of two berths
upper bound|(mathematics) a number equal to or greater than any other number in a given set
upper class|the class occupying the highest position in the social hierarchy
upper deck|a higher deck
Upper Egypt|one of the two main administrative districts of Egypt;extends south from Cairo to Sudan
upper hand|position of advantage and control
upper jaw|the jaw in vertebrates that is fused to the cranium
upper limit|the limit on the upper (or northernmost) side of something
upper mantle|the upper part of the mantle
Upper Paleolithic|the time period during which only modern Homo sapiens was known to have existed;ended about 10,000 years BC
Upper Peninsula|the peninsula between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan that forms the northwestern part of Michigan
upper respiratory infection|infection of the upper respiratory tract
upper respiratory tract|the nose and throat and trachea
upper surface|the side that is uppermost
uppercut|a swinging blow directed upward (especially at an opponent's chin)
uppityness|assumption of airs beyond one's station
Uppsala|a city in east central Sweden to the northwest of Stockholm
upright|a piano with a vertical sounding board;a vertical structural member as a post or stake - "the ball sailed between the uprights"
uprightness|righteousness as a consequence of being honorable and honest
upset|a tool used to thicken or spread metal (the end of a bar or a rivet etc.) by forging or hammering or swaging;the act of disturbing the mind or body - "his carelessness could have caused an ecological upset";the act of upsetting something - "he was badly bruised by the upset of his sled at a high speed"
upset price|(auction) the minimum price at which a seller of property will entertain bids
upsetter|an unexpected winner;someone who defeats the favorite competitor
upside-down cake|batter baked atop a layer of sweetened fruit then turned upside down so fruit is on top
upsilon|the 20th letter of the Greek alphabet
upstage|the rear part of the stage
upstager|a selfish actor who upstages the other actors
upstairs|the part of a building above the ground floor - "no one was allowed to see the upstairs"
upstart|a person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class;an arrogant or presumptuous person
upstroke|a stroke normally made in an upward direction
uptake|a process of taking up or using up or consuming - "they developed paper napkins with a greater uptake of liquids"
uptick|a transaction in the stock market at a price above the price of the preceding transaction
up-tick|a small increase - "the up-tick in terrorist activity"
uptime|a period of time when something (as a machine or factory) is functioning and available for use
uptown|a residential part of town away from the central commercial district
upturn|an upward movement or trend as in business activity
Upupa|type genus of the Upupidae
Upupidae|hoopoes
Ur|an ancient city of Sumer located on a former channel of the Euphrates River
uracil|a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine;pairs with adenine
Ural-Altaic|a (postulated) group of languages including many of the indigenous languages of Russia (but not Russian)
Uralic|a family of Ural-Altaic languages
Urals|a mountain range in western Russia extending from the Arctic to the Caspian Sea;forms part of the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia
Urania|(Greek mythology) the Muse of astronomy
uraninite|a mineral consisting of uranium oxide and trace amounts of radium and thorium and polonium and lead and helium;uraninite in massive form is called pitchblende which is the chief uranium ore
uranium|a heavy toxic silvery-white radioactive metallic element;occurs in many isotopes;used for nuclear fuels and nuclear weapons
uranium 235|a uranium isotope with mass number 235;capable of sustaining chain reactions
uranium 238|the commonest isotope of uranium;it is not fissionable but when irradiated with neutrons it produces fissionable plutonium 239
uranium ore|any ore from which uranium can be extracted
uranoplasty|surgical correction of a defect of the palate
Uranoscopidae|stargazers
Uranus|a giant planet with a ring of ice particles;the 7th planet from the sun has a blue-green color and many satellites - "Uranus was discovered by William Herschel in 1781"
uranyl|the bivalent radical UO2 which forms salts with acids
uranyl nitrate|a yellow salt obtained by the reaction of uranium salts with nitric acid
uranyl oxalate|a salt obtained by the reaction of uranium salts with oxalic acid
urate|a salt of uric acid
uratemia|presence of abnormal amounts of uric acid salts in the blood;symptom of gout
uraturia|presence of abnormally large amounts of uric acid in the urine;symptom of gout
urban area|a geographical area constituting a city or town
urban guerrilla|a guerrilla who fights only in cities and towns
Urban II|French pope from 1088 to 1099 whose sermons called for the First Crusade (1042-1099)
urban legend|a story that appears mysteriously and spreads spontaneously in various forms and is usually false;contains elements of humor or horror and is popularly believed to be true
urban planning|the branch of architecture dealing with the design and organization of urban space and activities
urban renewal|the clearing and rebuilding and redevelopment of urban slums
Urban V|French pope from 1362 to 1370 who tried to reestablish the papacy in Rome but in 1367 returned to Avignon hoping to end the war between France and England;canonized in 1870 (1310-1370)
Urban VI|Italian pope from 1378 to 1389 whose contested election began the Great Schism;he alienated his political allies by his ruthless treatment of his opponents (1318-1389)
Urban VIII|Italian pope from 1623 to 1644 who sanctioned the condemnation of Galileo but later freed him (1568-1644)
Urbana|a university town in east central Illinois adjoining Champaign
urbanity|polished courtesy;elegance of manner;the quality or character of life in a city or town - "there is an important difference between rusticity and urbanity"
urbanization|the condition of being urbanized;the social process whereby cities grow and societies become more urban
urceole|a vessel that holds water for washing the hands
urchin|poor and often mischievous city child
Urd|goddess of fate;a giantess who personified the past
Urdu|the official literary language of Pakistan, closely related to Hindi;widely used in India (mostly by Moslems);written in Arabic script
urea|the chief solid component of mammalian urine;synthesized from ammonia and carbon dioxide and used as fertilizer and in animal feed and in plastics
urea-formaldehyde resin|a clear thermosetting resin made from urea and formaldehyde and used in electrical fittings, adhesives, and finishes
urease|an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia;is present in intestinal bacteria
Uredinales|rust fungi;parasitic fungi causing rust in plants;sometimes placed in
uremia|accumulation in the blood of nitrogenous waste products (urea) that are usually excreted in the urine
ureter|either of a pair of thick-walled tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder
ureteritis|inflammation of the ureter
ureterocele|prolapse of the end of the ureter into the bladder;may obstruct urine flow
ureterorenal reflux|a backflow of urine from the ureter into the renal pelvis
ureterostenosis|stenosis of the ureter
urethane|an ester of carbamic acid
urethra|duct through which urine is discharged in most mammals and which serves as the male genital duct
urethral orifice|the orifice through which urine is discharged
urethral sphincter|a striated sphincter muscle that constricts the urethra
urethritis|inflammation of the urethra;results in painful urination
urethrocele|prolapse of the urethra into the vagina
Urey|United States chemist who discovered deuterium (1893-1981)
urge|a strong restless desire - "why this urge to travel?";an instinctive motive
urge incontinence|urinary incontinence that is generally attributable to involuntary contracts of the bladder muscle resulting in an urgent need to urinate accompanied by a sudden loss of urine;most common in people over 60 years of age
urgency|an urgent situation calling for prompt action - "they departed hurriedly because of some great urgency in their affairs";pressing importance requiring speedy action - "the urgency of his need";the state of being urgent;an earnest and insistent necessity
Urginea|Mediterranean liliaceous plants;sometimes placed in family Hyacinthaceae
urging|the act of earnestly supporting or encouraging
Uria|murres
Uriah|(Old Testament) the husband of Bathsheba and a soldier who was sent to die in battle so that king David could marry his wife (circa 10th century BC)
urial|bearded reddish sheep of southern Asia
uric acid|a white tasteless odorless crystalline product of protein metabolism;found in the blood and urine
uricaciduria|presence of abnormal amounts of uric acid in the urine;symptom of gout
Urim and Thummim|lots thrown to determine God's answers to yes-no questions
urinal|a plumbing fixture (usually attached to the wall) used by men to urinate
urinalysis|(medicine) the chemical analysis of urine (for medical diagnosis)
urinary bladder|a membranous sac for temporary retention of urine
urinary hesitancy|difficulty in beginning the flow of urine;associated with prostate enlargement in men and with narrowing of the urethral opening in women;may be caused by emotional stress in either men or women
urinary retention|holding urine in the urinary bladder - "he has a problem with urinary retention"
urinary tract|the organs and tubes involved in the production and excretion of urine
urinary tract infection|any infection of any of the organs of the urinary tract
urine|liquid excretory product - "there was blood in his urine"
URL|the address of a web page on the world wide web
Urmia|a city on the western side of Lake Urmia in northwestern Iran
urn|a large pot for making coffee or tea;a large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet
Urnula craterium|an urn-shaped discomycete with a nearly black interior
urobilin|brown bile pigment formed from urobilinogens and found in feces and in small amounts in urine
urobilinogen|a chromogen formed in the intestine from the breakdown of bilirubin;yields urobilins on oxidation;some is excreted in the feces and some is resorbed and excreted in bile or urine
urocele|extravasation of urine into the scrotal sac
urochesia|passage of urine from the anus
urochord|a notochord of a larval tunicate typically confined to the caudal region
Urochordata|tunicates
Urocyon|grey foxes
Urocystis|a genus of smut fungi belonging to the family Tilletiaceae
urodele|amphibians that resemble lizards
Urodella|salamanders;newts;congo snakes
urodynia|pain during urination
urogenital system|the system that includes all organs involved in reproduction and in the formation and voidance of urine
urolith|a urinary stone
urologist|a specialist in urology
urology|the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the urinary tract or urogenital system
uropathy|any pathology of the urinary tract
Urophycis|hakes
Uropsilus|shrew moles
uropygial gland|oil-secreting gland situated at the base of the tail in most birds
uropygium|posterior part of a bird's body from which the tail feathers grow
Urosaurus|a reptile genus of Iguanidae
Ursidae|bears and extinct related forms
ursinia|any of various plants of the genus Ursinia grown for their yellow- or orange- or white-rayed flowers
Ursus|type genus of Ursidae;brown bears;in some classifications genus Ursus includes all bears
Urtica|a nettle yielding fiber resembling flax
Urticaceae|a family of plants of order Urticales including many nettles with stinging hairs
Urticales|an order of dicotyledonous plants including Moraceae and Urticaceae and Ulmaceae
urtication|a sensation of having been stung by nettles;an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well-defined red margins;usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs
Urubupunga|a waterfall in the Parana river in Brazil
Uruguay|a South American republic on the southeast coast of South America;achieved independence from Brazil in 1825
Uruguay potato|similar to the common potato;South American potato vine
Uruguay River|a South American river that arises in southern Brazil and flows south to the Rio de la Plata;the northern section forms the boundary between Argentina and Brazil and the southern section forms the boundary between Argentina and Uruguay
Uruguayan|a native or inhabitant of Uruguay
Uruguayan monetary unit|monetary unit in Uruguay
Uruguayan peso|the basic unit of money in Uruguay;equal to 100 centesimos
usage|the customary manner in which a language (or a form of a language) is spoken or written - "English usage" - "a usage borrowed from French"
usance|the period of time permitted by commercial usage for the payment of a bill of exchange (especially a foreign bill of exchange)
use|(law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property - "we were given the use of his boat";a particular service - "he put his knowledge to good use" - "patrons have their uses";the act of using - "he warned against the use of narcotic drugs"
use immunity|an exemption that displaces the privilege against self-incrimination;neither compelled testimony or any fruits of it can be used against the witness who therefore can no longer fear self-incrimination
used-car|a car that has been previously owned;not a new car
used-car lot|a parking lot where a dealer in used-cars displays cars for sale
user|a person who makes use of a thing;someone who uses or employs something
Ushas|Hindu goddess of dawn;daughter of the sky and sister of the night
usher|an official stationed at the entrance of a courtroom or legislative chamber;someone employed to conduct others
usherette|a female usher
ushering in|the introduction of something new - "it signalled the ushering in of a new era"
Usnea|widely distributed lichens usually having a greyish or yellow pendulous freely branched thallus
Usneaceae|fruticose lichens having prostrate or erect or pendulous thalli;genera Usnea, Evernia, Ramalina, Alectoria
USS Cole|a United States destroyer - "17 sailors died as the result of a terrorist attack while the USS Cole was anchored in Aden"
Ussher|Irish prelate who deduced from the Bible that Creation occurred in the year 4004 BC (1581-1656)
Ustilaginaceae|a fungus family of loose smuts
Ustilaginales|parasitic fungi causing smuts;sometimes placed in class Tiliomycetes
Ustilaginoidea|genus of imperfect fungi causing plant diseases like smut
Ustilago|type genus of the Ustilaginaceae;genus comprising the loose smuts
Ustinov|British actor and playwright (1921-2004)
usualness|commonness by virtue of not being unusual
usufruct|a legal right to use and derive profit from property belonging to someone else provided that the property itself is not injured in any way
usufructuary|someone who holds property by usufruct
Usuli|a religious movement by Persian Shiite Muslims in 17th century Iran that is opposed to the Akhbari - "Usuli Shiism produced the politically active caste of priests that is a distinctive feature of Iranian Shiism"
usurer|someone who lends money at excessive rates of interest
usurpation|wrongfully seizing and holding (an office or powers) by force (especially the seizure of a throne or supreme authority) - "a succession of generals who ruled by usurpation"
usurper|one who wrongfully or illegally seizes and holds the place of another
usury|an exorbitant or unlawful rate of interest;the act of lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest
Uta|a reptile genus of Iguanidae
Utah|a state in the western United States;settled in 1847 by Mormons led by Brigham Young
Utahan|a native or resident of Utah
utahraptor|large (20-ft) and swift carnivorous dinosaur having an upright slashing claw 15 inches long on each hind foot;early Cretaceous
Ute|a member of the Shoshonean people of Utah and Colorado and New Mexico;the Shoshonean language spoken by the Utes
utensil|an implement for practical use (especially in a household)
uterine artery|a branch of the internal iliac artery that supplies the uterus and the upper part of the vagina
uterine cavity|the space inside the uterus between the cervical canal and the Fallopian tubes
uterine contraction|a rhythmic tightening in labor of the upper uterine musculature that contracts the size of the uterus and pushes the fetus toward the birth canal
uterine vein|one of two veins on each side that arise from the uterine plexus and empty into the internal iliac vein
uterus|a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of females;contains the developing fetus
Utica|a city in central New York;an ancient city on the north coast of Africa (northwest of Carthage);destroyed by Arabs around 700 AD
utilitarian|someone who believes that the value of a thing depends on its utility
utilitarianism|doctrine that the useful is the good;especially as elaborated by Jeremy Bentham and James Mill;the aim was said to be the greatest happiness for the greatest number
utility|(economics) a measure that is to be maximized in any situation involving choice;a company that performs a public service;subject to government regulation;a facility composed of one or more pieces of equipment connected to or part of a structure and designed to provide a service such as heat or electricity or water or sewage disposal;the quality of being of practical use;the service (electric power or water or transportation) provided by a public utility
utility bond|a bond issued to finance the construction of public utility services
utility man|a baseball player valued for the ability to play at several positions;a workman expected to serve in any capacity when called on
utility program|(computer science) a program designed for general support of the processes of a computer - "a computer system provides utility programs to perform the tasks needed by most users"
utility routine|a routine that can be used as needed
utilization|the state of having been made use of - "the rate of utilization"
utilizer|someone who puts to good use - "not all organisms are utilizers of oxygen" - "the social agencies and their utilizers both objected to the budget cut"
utmost|the greatest possible degree - "he tried his utmost"
Utnapishtim|favorite of the gods and grandfather of Gilgamish;survived the great flood and became immortal
Uto-Aztecan|a family of American Indian languages
Utopia|a book written by Sir Thomas More (1516) describing the perfect society on an imaginary island;an imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal;a work of fiction describing a utopia;ideally perfect state;especially in its social and political and moral aspects
Utopian|an idealistic (but usually impractical) social reformer - "a Utopian believes in the ultimate perfectibility of man"
utopian socialism|socialism achieved by voluntary sacrifice
Utopianism|the political orientation of a Utopian who believes in impossibly idealistic schemes of social perfection
Utrecht|a city in the central Netherlands
utricle|a small pouch into which the semicircular canals open
Utricularia|bladderworts;large genus of aquatic carnivorous plants;cosmopolitan in distribution
Utrillo|French painter noted for his paintings of Parisian street scenes (1883-1955)
Uttar Pradesh|a state in northern India
utterance|the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication
utterer|an organism that can utter vocal sounds - "an utterer of foul oaths";someone who circulates forged banknotes or counterfeit coins
Utu|sun god;counterpart of Akkadian Shamash
u-turn|complete reversal of direction of travel
uvea|the part of the eye that contains the iris and ciliary body and choroid
uveitis|inflammation of the uvea of the eye
uveoscleral pathway|a tubule that drains excess aqueous humor
uvula|a small pendant fleshy lobe at the back of the soft palate
Uvularia|genus of perennial rhizomatous herb of southern and southeastern United States
Uvulariaceae|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae
uvulitis|inflammation of the uvula
uxor|(legal terminology) the Latin word for wife
uxoricide|a husband who murders his wife;the murder of a wife by her husband
uxoriousness|foolish fondness for or excessive submissiveness to one's wife
Uzbek|a member of a Turkic people of Uzbekistan and neighboring areas;the Turkic language spoken by the Uzbek
Uzbekistan|a landlocked republic in west central Asia;formerly an Asian soviet
Uzbekistani monetary unit|monetary unit in Uzbekistan
Uzi|a type of submachine gun that is designed and manufactured in Israel - "the Uzi is used throughout the world as a police and special forces firearm"
V|the 22nd letter of the Roman alphabet
V neck|the neck of a garment has the shape in front of the letter V
V sign|a sign (for victory);making a V with the index and middle fingers
V-8 juice|brand name for canned mixed vegetable juices
vac|informal term for vacation
vacancy|being unoccupied
vacancy rate|the percentage of all rental units (as in hotels) that are unoccupied or not rented at a given time
vacant lot|a lot on which there are no permanent buildings
vacation|leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure - "we get two weeks of vacation every summer";the act of making something legally void
vacation home|a dwelling (a second home) where you live while you are on vacation
vacationer|someone on vacation;someone who is devoting time to pleasure or relaxation rather than to work
vacationing|the act of taking a vacation
Vaccaria|cow-cockles
vaccination|the scar left following inoculation with a vaccine
vaccine|immunogen consisting of a suspension of weakened or dead pathogenic cells injected in order to stimulate the production of antibodies
vaccinee|a patient who has been vaccinated
vaccinia|a local infection induced in humans by inoculation with the virus causing cowpox in order to confer resistance to smallpox;normally lasts three weeks and leaves a pitted scar
Vaccinium|evergreen or deciduous berry-bearing shrubs of northern hemisphere;cranberries;blueberries
vacuole|a tiny cavity filled with fluid in the cytoplasm of a cell
vacuolization|the state of having become filled with vacuoles
vacuousness|indicative of or marked by mental vacuity and an absence of ideas - "the vacuousness of her face belied her feelings"
vacuum|a region that is devoid of matter;an electrical home appliance that cleans by suction;the absence of matter
vacuum chamber|a chamber from which nearly all matter (especially air) has been removed
vacuum flask|flask with double walls separated by vacuum;used to maintain substances at high or low temperatures
vacuum gauge|a gauge for indicating negative atmospheric pressure
Vaduz|the capital and largest city of Liechtenstein
vagabond|anything that resembles a vagabond in having no fixed place - "pirate ships were vagabonds of the sea"
vagary|an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)
vagina|the lower part of the female reproductive tract;a moist canal in female mammals extending from the labia minora to the uterus - "the vagina receives the penis during coitus" - "the vagina is elastic enough to allow the passage of a fetus"
vaginal artery|a branch of the internal iliac that provides blood for the vagina and the base of the bladder and the rectum
vaginal discharge|discharge of secretions from the cervical glands of the vagina;normally clear or white
vaginal smear|smear taken from the vaginal mucosa for cytological analysis
vaginismus|muscular contraction that causes the vagina to close;usually an anxiety reaction before coitus or pelvic examination
vaginitis|inflammation of the vagina (usually associated with candidiasis)
vagrancy|the state of wandering from place to place;having no permanent home or means of livelihood
vagrant|a wanderer who has no established residence or visible means of support
vagueness|indistinctness of shape or character - "the scene had the swirling vagueness of a painting by Turner";unclearness by virtue of being poorly expressed or not coherent in meaning - "the Conservative manifesto is a model of vagueness" - "these terms were used with a vagueness that suggested little or no thought about what each might convey"
vagus|a mixed nerve that supplies the pharynx and larynx and lungs and heart and esophagus and stomach and most of the abdominal viscera
Vaishnava|worshipper of Vishnu
Vaishnavism|Hindu sect worshiping of Vishnu;worship of Vishnu one of the 3 chief gods of the Hindu pantheon
Vaisya|a member of the mercantile and professional Hindu caste;the third of the four main castes;the third of the four varnas;the commoners or yeoman farmers or mercantile and professional category
Vajra|Indra's thunderbolt
valdecoxib|a Cox-2 inhibitor (trade name Bextra) that relieves pain and inflammation without harming the digestive tract
Valdez|a port on Alaska's southern coast from which oil is shipped to markets around the world
Valdosta|a town in southern Georgia near the Florida border
valediction|a farewell oration (especially one delivered during graduation exercises by an outstanding member of a graduating class);the act of saying farewell
valedictorian|the student with the best grades who usually delivers the valedictory address at commencement
valence|(biology) a relative capacity to unite or react or interact as with antigens or a biological substrate;(chemistry) a property of atoms or radicals;their combining power given in terms of the number of hydrogen atoms (or the equivalent)
valence electron|an electron in the outer shell of an atom which can combine with other atoms to form molecules
Valencia|a city in eastern Spain on the Mediterranean - "Valencia is the third largest city in Spain";an industrial city in northern Venezuela
Valencia orange|variety of sweet orange cultivated extensively in Florida and California
Valenciennes|a town in northeastern France long noted for its lace industry;a type of bobbin lace with floral patterns
valency|the phenomenon of forming chemical bonds
Valentine|a card sent or given (as to a sweetheart) on Saint Valentine's Day;a sweetheart chosen to receive a greeting on Saint Valentine's Day
Valentine Day|a day for the exchange of tokens of affection
valerian|a plant of the genus Valeriana having lobed or dissected leaves and cymose white or pink flowers
Valeriana|genus of widely distributed perennial herbs and some shrubs
Valerianaceae|genus of mostly herbs having a characteristic fetid odor
Valerianella|genus of Old World annual herbs widely naturalized
valeric acid|a clear liquid carboxylic acid used in perfumes and drugs
valet|a manservant who acts as a personal attendant to his employer
valet parking|a service provided (at a club or restaurant or airport etc.) whereby a patron leaves a car at the entrance and an attendant parks and retrieves it
valetudinarian|weak or sickly person especially one morbidly concerned with his or her health
valgus|a deformity in which there is an abnormal displacement of part of a limb away from the midline of the body
Valhalla|(Norse mythology) the hall in which the souls of heros slain in battle were received by Odin
Vali|(Norse mythology) one of the Aesir and avenger of Balder;son of Odin
validation|the act of validating;finding or testing the truth of something
validity|the quality of having legal force or effectiveness
valine|an essential amino acid found in proteins;important for growth in children and nitrogen balance in adults
valise|a small overnight bag for short trips
Valkyrie|(Norse mythology) one of the maidens of Odin who chose heroes to be slain in battle and conducted them to Valhalla
Valle D'Aosta|a region in northwestern Italy
Valletta|the capital of Malta;located on the northeastern coast of the island
valley|a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
valley girl|a girl who grew up in the tract housing in the San Fernando Valley
valley pocket gopher|of valleys and mountain meadows of western United States
Vallisneria|eelgrass;eel grass
Valmy|the French defeated the Austrian and Prussian troops in 1792 (with a famous cannonade from the French artillery)
Valois|French royal house from 1328 to 1589
Valparaiso|the chief port and second largest city of Chile;located on a wide harbor in central Chile
valproic acid|anticonvulsant (trade name Depokene) used to prevent some kinds of seizures
valsartan|an angiotensin II inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure
valuable|something of value - "all our valuables were stolen"
valuation|assessed price - "the valuation of this property is much too high"
valuation reserve|a reserve fund created by a charge against profits in order to provide for changes in the value of a company's assets
value|(music) the relative duration of a musical note;a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed - "the value assigned was 16 milliseconds";an ideal accepted by some individual or group - "he has old-fashioned values";relative darkness or lightness of a color - "I establish the colors and principal values by organizing the painting into three values--dark, medium...and light"-Joe Hing Lowe;the amount (of money or goods or services) that is considered to be a fair equivalent for something else - "he tried to estimate the value of the produce at normal prices";the quality (positive or negative) that renders something desirable or valuable - "the Shakespearean Shylock is of dubious value in the modern world"
value judgment|an assessment that reveals more about the values of the person making the assessment than about the reality of what is assessed
value statement|a statement of the desirability of something
valuelessness|having none of the properties that endow something with value
valuer|someone who assesses the monetary worth of possessions
values|beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment (either for or against something) - "he has very conservatives values"
valve|a structure in a hollow organ (like the heart) with a flap to insure one-way flow of fluid through it;control consisting of a mechanical device for controlling the flow of a fluid;device in a brass wind instrument for varying the length of the air column to alter the pitch of a tone;one of the paired hinged shells of certain molluscs and of brachiopods;the entire one-piece shell of a snail and certain other molluscs
valve-in-head engine|internal-combustion engine having both inlet and exhaust valves located in the cylinder head
valvotomy|incision into a stenosed cardiac valve to relieve the obstruction
valvular heart disease|heart disease caused by stenosis of the cardiac valves and obstructed blood flow or caused by degeneration and blood regurgitation
valvular incompetence|inability of a bodily valve to close completely
valvule|a small valve
valvulitis|inflammation of a valve (especially of a cardiac valve as a consequence of rheumatic fever)
vambrace|cannon of plate armor protecting the forearm
vamp|an improvised musical accompaniment;piece of leather forming the front part of the upper of a shoe
vampire|(folklore) a corpse that rises at night to drink the blood of the living
vampire bat|any of various tropical American bats of the family Desmodontidae that bite mammals and birds to feed on their blood
vampirism|belief in the existence of vampires;the actions or practices of a vampire
van|(Great Britain) a closed railroad car that carries baggage or freight;a camper equipped with living quarters;a truck with an enclosed cargo space
Van Allen|United States physicist who discovered two belts of charged particles from the solar wind trapped by the Earth's magnetic field (born in 1914)
Van Allen belt|a belt of charged particles (resulting from cosmic rays) above the Earth trapped by the Earth's magnetic field
Van Buren|8th President of the United States (1782-1862)
Van de Graaff|United States physicist (1901-1967)
van de Velde|Belgian architect (1863-1957)
van der Waals|Dutch physicist (1837-1923)
van der Waal's forces|relatively weak attraction between neutral atoms and molecules arising from polarization induced in each particle by the presence of other particles
Van Doren|United States writer and literary critic (1885-1950)
van Gogh|Dutch Post-impressionist painter noted for his use of color (1853-1890)
Van Vleck|United States physicist (1899-1980)
vanadate|a salt or ester of vanadic acid;an anion containing pentavalent vanadium
vanadinite|a mineral consisting of chloride and vanadate of lead;a source of vanadium
vanadium|a soft silvery white toxic metallic element used in steel alloys;it occurs in several complex minerals including carnotite and vanadinite
vanadium pentoxide|any of various oxyacids of vanadium;known mostly in the form of its salts
vanadium steel|steel alloyed with vanadium for greater strength and high-temperature stability
Vanbrugh|English architect (1664-1726)
vancomycin|an antibiotic (trade name Vancocin) effective against some bacterial infections
Vancouver|a port city in southwestern British Columbia on an arm of the Pacific Ocean opposite Vancouver Island;Canada's chief Pacific port and third largest city;a town in southwestern Washington on the Columbia River across from Portland, Oregon;English navigator remembered for his exploration of the Pacific coast of North America (1757-1798)
Vancouver Island|an island off southwestern Canada (off the southwestern coast of British Columbia);the largest island off the west coast of North America
vanda|any of numerous showy orchids of the genus Vanda having many large flowers in loose racemes
Vandal|a member of the Germanic people who overran Gaul and Spain and North Africa and sacked Rome in 455;someone who willfully destroys or defaces property
vandalism|willful wanton and malicious destruction of the property of others
Vanderbilt|United States financier who accumulated great wealth from railroad and shipping businesses (1794-1877)
Vandyke|Flemish painter of numerous portraits (1599-1641)
vandyke beard|a short pointed beard (named after the artist Anthony Vandyke)
Vandyke brown|a moderate brown color
vane|a fin attached to the tail of an arrow, bomb or missile in order to stabilize or guide it;the flattened weblike part of a feather consisting of a series of barbs on either side of the shaft
Vanellus|Eurasian lapwings
Vanessa|painted beauty and red admiral
vanguard|the leading units moving at the head of an army;the position of greatest importance or advancement;the leading position in any movement or field
Vangueria|tropical African and Asiatic trees and shrubs having one-seeded fruit
vanilla|a distinctive fragrant flavor characteristic of vanilla beans;a flavoring prepared from vanilla beans macerated in alcohol (or imitating vanilla beans);any of numerous climbing plants of the genus Vanilla having fleshy leaves and clusters of large waxy highly fragrant white or green or topaz flowers
vanilla bean|long bean-like fruit;seeds are used as flavoring
vanilla ice cream|ice cream flavored with vanilla extract
vanilla orchid|a climbing orchid bearing a podlike fruit yielding vanilla beans;widely cultivated from Florida southward throughout tropical America
vanilla pudding|sweet vanilla flavored custard-like pudding usually thickened with flour rather than eggs
vanillin|a crystalline compound found in vanilla beans and some balsam resins;used in perfumes and flavorings
Vanir|(Norse mythology) race of ancient gods sometimes in conflict with the Aesir
vanisher|a person who disappears
vanishing|a sudden disappearance from sight;a sudden or mysterious disappearance
vanishing point|the appearance of a point on the horizon at which parallel lines converge;the point beyond which something disappears or ceases to exist
vanity|the quality of being valueless or futile
vanity fair|a vain and frivolous lifestyle especially in large cities
vantage|place or situation affording some advantage (especially a comprehensive view or commanding perspective)
vantage point|a place from which something can be viewed - "from that vantage point he could survey the whole valley"
Vanua Levu|a volcanic island in the Fijis
Vanuatu|a volcanic island republic in Melanesia;independent since 1980
Vanzetti|United States anarchist (born in Italy) who with Nicola Sacco was convicted of murder and in spite of world-wide protest was executed (1888-1927)
vapor|a visible suspension in the air of particles of some substance
vapor density|the density of a gas relative to the density of hydrogen
vapor lock|a stoppage in a pipeline caused by gas bubbles (especially a stoppage that develops in hot weather in an internal-combustion engine when fuel in the gas line boils and forms bubbles that block the flow of gasoline to the carburetor)
vapor pressure|the pressure exerted by a vapor;often understood to mean saturated vapor pressure (the vapor pressure of a vapor in contact with its liquid form)
vaporization|annihilation by vaporizing something;the process of becoming a vapor
vaporizer|a device that puts out a substance in the form of a vapor (especially for medicinal inhalation)
vaquero|local names for a cowboy ('vaquero' is used especially in southwestern and central Texas and 'buckaroo' is used especially in California)
vaquita|a short porpoise that lives in the Gulf of California;an endangered species
vara|a Spanish unit of length (about a yard) having different values in different localities
Varanidae|monitor lizards
Varanus|type and sole extant genus of the Varanidae
vardenafil|virility drug (trade name Levitra) used to treat erectile dysfunction in men
Varese|United States composer (born in France) whose music combines dissonance with complex rhythms and the use of electronic techniques (1883-1965)
Vargas|Brazilian statesman who ruled Brazil as a virtual dictator (1883-1954)
Vargas Llosa|Peruvian writer (born in 1936)
variability|the quality of being subject to variation
variable|a quantity that can assume any of a set of values;a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity;something that is likely to vary;something that is subject to variation - "the weather is one variable to be considered"
variable star|a star that varies noticeably in brightness
variable-pitch propeller|propeller for which the angle of the blades is adjustable
variance|an official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation) - "a zoning variance";the second moment around the mean;the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value
variation|(astronomy) any perturbation of the mean motion or orbit of a planet or satellite (especially a perturbation of the earth's moon);a repetition of a musical theme in which it is modified or embellished;an activity that varies from a norm or standard - "any variation in his routine was immediately reported";an artifact that deviates from a norm or standard - "he patented a variation on the sandal";an instance of change;the rate or magnitude of change;the act of changing or altering something slightly but noticeably from the norm or standard - "who is responsible for these variations in taxation?";the process of varying or being varied
varicella zoster virus|the member of the herpes virus family that is responsible for chickenpox
varicocele|dilatation of the veins associated with the spermatic cord in the testes
varicose vein|a vein that is permanently dilated;most common in the legs
varicosis|pathological condition of being varicose or having varicose veins
varicosity|varix or varicose condition in which a vein is swollen and tortuous
varied Lorikeet|lorikeet with a colorful coat
variedness|characterized by variation
variegated horsetail|northern North America;Greenland;northern and central Europe
variegation|variability in coloration
varietal|a wine made principally from one grape and carrying the name of that grape
variety|(biology) a taxonomic category consisting of members of a species that differ from others of the same species in minor but heritable characteristics;a difference that is usually pleasant - "he goes to France for variety"
variety meat|edible viscera of a butchered animal
variety show|a show consisting of a series of short unrelated performances
variola major|a type of smallpox virus that has a fatality rate of up to 25 percent
variola minor|a type of smallpox virus that has a fatality rate of about 1 percent
variola virus|the virus that causes smallpox in humans;can be used as a bioweapon
variolation|the obsolete process of inoculating a susceptible person with material taken from a vesicle of a person who has smallpox
variometer|a measuring instrument for measuring variations in a magnetic field
variorum|an edition containing various versions of a text or notes by various scholars or editors
variously-leaved pondweed|of Europe (except the Mediterranean area) and the northern United States
varix|abnormally enlarged or twisted blood vessel or lymphatic vessel
varmint|any usually predatory wild animal considered undesirable;e.g., coyote
varna|(Hinduism) the name for the original social division of Vedic people into four groups (which are subdivided into thousands of jatis);a port city in northeastern Bulgaria on the Black Sea
varnish|a coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface
varnish tree|small Asiatic tree yielding a toxic exudate from which lacquer is obtained
varnisher|someone who applies a finishing coat of varnish
Varro|Roman scholar (116-27 BC)
varsity|a British abbreviation of 'university';usually refers to Oxford University or Cambridge University;a team representing a college or university
Varuna|in Vedism, god of the night sky who with his thousand eyes watches over human conduct and judges good and evil and punishes evildoers;often considered king of the Hindu gods and frequently paired with Mitra as an upholder of the world
varus|a deformity in which part of a limb is turned inward to an abnormal degree
vas deferens|a duct that carries spermatozoa from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct
vasa efferentia|the several highly convoluted tubules that lead from the rete testis to the vas deferens and form the head of the epididymis
vasa vasorum|any small blood vessel ramifying on the outside of a major artery or vein
Vasarely|French painter (born in Hungary) who was a pioneer of op art (1908-1997)
Vasari|Italian painter and art historian (1511-1574)
vascular bundle|a unit strand of the vascular system in stems and leaves of higher plants consisting essentially of xylem and phloem
vascular plant|green plant having a vascular system;ferns, gymnosperms, angiosperms
vascular ray|a sheet of vascular tissue separating the vascular bundles
vascular structure|a structure composed of or provided with blood vessels
vascular system|the vessels and tissue that carry or circulate fluids such as blood or lymph or sap through the body of an animal or plant
vascular tissue|tissue that conducts water and nutrients through the plant body in higher plants
vascularity|the property being vascular - "a prominent vascularity"
vascularization|the organic process whereby body tissue becomes vascular and develops capillaries
vasculitis|inflammation of a blood vessel
vase|an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers
vasectomy|surgical procedure that removes all or part of the vas deferens (usually as a means of sterilization);is sometimes reversible
Vaseline|a trademarked brand of petroleum jelly
vasoconstriction|decrease in the diameter of blood vessels
vasoconstrictor|any agent that causes a narrowing of an opening of a blood vessel;cold or stress or nicotine or epinephrine or norepinephrine or angiotensin or vasopressin or certain drugs;maintains or increases blood pressure
vasodilation|dilation of blood vessels (especially the arteries)
vasodilator|a drug that causes dilation of blood vessels
vasopressin|hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve endings in the hypothalamus;affects blood pressure by stimulating capillary muscles and reduces urine flow by affecting reabsorption of water by kidney tubules
vasopressor|any agent that produces vasoconstriction and a rise in blood pressure (usually understood as increased arterial pressure)
vasotomy|surgical incision into or division of the vas deferens
vasovasostomy|a surgical procedure that attempts to restore the function of the vas deferens after a vasectomy
vasovesiculitis|inflammation of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles;usually occurring with prostatitis
vassal|a person holding a fief;a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord
VAT|a tax levied on the difference between a commodity's price before taxes and its cost of production
vat dye|a water-insoluble dye that is applied by reducing the dye to an alkaline form, applying the dye, then regenerating the insoluble dye by oxidation in the material;used for dyeing cotton
Vatican|the residence of the Catholic Pope in the Vatican City
Vatican City|the capital of the State of the Vatican City
Vatican Council|each of two councils of the Roman Catholic Church
vaudeville|a variety show with songs and comic acts etc.
vaudevillian|a performer who works in vaudeville
Vaughan|United States jazz singer noted for her complex bebop phrasing and scat singing (1924-1990)
Vaughan Williams|English composer influenced by folk tunes and music of the Tudor period (1872-1958)
vault|a burial chamber (usually underground);a strongroom or compartment (often made of steel) for safekeeping of valuables;an arched brick or stone ceiling or roof;the act of jumping over an obstacle
vaulter|an athlete who jumps over a high crossbar with the aid of a long pole
vaulting|(architecture) a vaulted structure - "arches and vaulting"
vaulting horse|a gymnastic horse without pommels and with one end elongated;used lengthwise for vaulting
vaunt|extravagant self-praise
Vaux|United States landscape architect (born in England) who designed Central Park (1824-1895)
Vayu|Hindu wind god
V-day|the day of a victory
V-E Day|the date of Allied victory in Europe, World War II
Veadar|included seven times in every 19 years
veal|meat from a calf
veal cordon bleu|thin slices of veal stuffed with cheese and ham and then sauteed
veal parmesan|sauteed veal cutlet in a breadcrumb-and-cheese coating served with tomato sauce
veal roast|cut of veal suitable for roasting
veal scallopini|thin sauteed cutlets of veal
Veblen|United States economist who wrote about conspicuous consumption (1857-1929);United States mathematician (1880-1960)
vector|(genetics) a virus or other agent that is used to deliver DNA to a cell;a straight line segment whose length is magnitude and whose orientation in space is direction;a variable quantity that can be resolved into components;any agent (person or animal or microorganism) that carries and transmits a disease - "mosquitos are vectors of malaria and yellow fever" - "fleas are vectors of the plague" - "when medical scientists talk about vectors they are usually talking about insects"
vector algebra|the part of algebra that deals with the theory of vectors and vector spaces
vector product|a vector that is the product of two other vectors
vector sum|a vector that is the sum of two or more other vectors
vector-borne transmission|indirect transmission of an infectious agent that occurs when a vector bites or touches a person
vedalia|native to Australia;introduced elsewhere to control scale insects
Vedanga|Vedic texts from the fifth and fourth centuries BC dealing with phonetics and ritual injunctions and linguistics and grammar and etymology and lexicography and prosody and astronomy and astrology
Vedanta|(from the Sanskrit for 'end of the Veda') one of six orthodox philosophical systems or viewpoints rooted in the Upanishads as opposed to Mimamsa which relies on the Vedas and Brahmanas
Vedic literature|(from the Sanskrit word for 'knowledge') any of the most ancient sacred writings of Hinduism written in early Sanskrit;traditionally believed to comprise the Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads
Vedism|the form of Hinduism that revolves primarily around the mythic version and ritual ideologies in the Vedas
Vedist|a scholar of or an authority on the Vedas
veery|tawny brown North American thrush noted for its song
Vega|prolific Spanish playwright (1562-1635);the brightest star in the constellation Lyra
vegan|a strict vegetarian;someone who eats no animal or dairy products at all
vegetable|any of various herbaceous plants cultivated for an edible part such as the fruit or the root of the beet or the leaf of spinach or the seeds of bean plants or the flower buds of broccoli or cauliflower;edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant
vegetable matter|matter produced by plants or growing in the manner of a plant
vegetable oil|any of a group of liquid edible fats that are obtained from plants
vegetable sheep|cushion-forming New Zealand herb having leaves densely covered with tawny hairs
vegetable tallow|a waxy fat obtained from certain plants (e.g. bayberry) and used as tallow
vegetable wax|a waxy substance obtained from plants (especially from the trunks of certain palms)
vegetarian|eater of fruits and grains and nuts;someone who eats no meat or fish or (often) any animal products
vegetarianism|a diet excluding all meat and fish
vegetation|all the plant life in a particular region or period - "Pleistocene vegetation";an abnormal growth or excrescence (especially a warty excrescence on the valves of the heart);inactivity that is passive and monotonous, comparable to the inactivity of plant life - "their holiday was spent in sleep and vegetation";the process of growth in plants
vehemence|intensity or forcefulness of expression - "the vehemence of his denial"
vehicle|a conveyance that transports people or objects;a medium for the expression or achievement of something - "his editorials provided a vehicle for his political views" - "a congregation is a vehicle of group identity" - "the play was just a vehicle to display her talents";any substance that facilitates the use of a drug or pigment or other material that is mixed with it
vehicle-borne transmission|indirect transmission of an infectious agent that occurs when a vehicle (or fomite) touches a person's body or is ingested
vehicular traffic|the aggregation of vehicles coming and going in a particular locality
veil|a membranous covering attached to the immature fruiting body of certain mushrooms
vein|a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart - "all veins except the pulmonary vein carry unaerated blood";a distinctive style or manner - "he continued in this vein for several minutes";a layer of ore between layers of rock;any of the vascular bundles or ribs that form the branching framework of conducting and supporting tissues in a leaf or other plant organ;one of the horny ribs that stiffen and support the wing of an insect
vein of penis|a vein serving the penis
Vela|a constellation in the southern hemisphere between Carina and Pyxis - "because of its configuration Vela is sometimes called 'the Sails'"
velar|a consonant produced with the back of the tongue touching or near the soft palate
Velazquez|Spanish painter (1599-1660)
Velcro|nylon fabric used as a fastening
veld|elevated open grassland in southern Africa
velleity|a mere wish, unaccompanied by effort to obtain;volition in its weakest form
vellum|a heavy creamy-colored paper resembling parchment;fine parchment prepared from the skin of a young animal e.g. a calf or lamb
velocipede|any of several early bicycles with pedals on the front wheel
velociraptor|small active carnivore that probably fed on protoceratops;possibly related more closely to birds than to other dinosaurs
velodrome|a banked oval track for bicycle or motorcycle racing
velour|heavy fabric that resembles velvet
veloute|white sauce made with stock instead of milk
Velveeta|trademark;soft processed American cheese
velvet|a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
velvet ant|a solitary wasp of the family Mutillidae;the body has a coat of brightly colored velvety hair and the females are wingless
velvet bent|common grass with slender stems and narrow leaves
velvet grass|tall European perennial grass having a velvety stem;naturalized in United States and used for forage
velvet plant|Javanese foliage plant grown for their handsome velvety leaves with violet-purple hairs
velveteen|a usually cotton fabric with a short pile imitating velvet
velvetleaf|tall annual herb or subshrub of tropical Asia having velvety leaves and yellow flowers and yielding a strong fiber;naturalized in southeastern Europe and United States
vena bulbi penis|vein of the head of the penis;tributary of the internal pudendal vein that drains the perineum
vena bulbi vestibuli|vein of the vestibular bulb
vena canaliculi cochleae|vein of the cochlear canal
vena cava|either of two large veins that return oxygen-depleted blood to the right atrium of the heart
vena dorsalis clitoridis profunda|deep dorsal vein of the clitoris;tributary of the vesical venous plexus
vena profunda penis|deep vein of the penis;enters the prostatic plexus
venae dorsales clitoridis superficiales|superficial dorsal veins of the clitoris;tributaries of the external pudendal vein on either side
venae dorsales penis profunda|deep dorsal vein of the penis;tributary of the prostatic plexus
venae dorsales penis superficiales|superficial dorsal veins of the penis;paired tributaries of the external pudendal veins on each side
venae interlobulares hepatis|interlobular veins of the liver
venae interlobulares renis|interlobular veins of the kidney;receive blood from the arcuate vein and empty into the renal veins
venae labiales anteriores|veins from the labia majora to the external pudendal vein
venae labiales posteriores|veins that pass posterior from the labia majora to the internal pudendal vein
venae palpebrales|veins of the eyelids
venae profundae clitoridis|deep veins of the clitoris;join the vesical plexus
venae renis|veins of the kidney;drain the kidney into the renal vein
venality|prostitution of talents or offices or services for reward
venation|(botany) the arrangement of veins in a leaf;(zoology) the system of venous blood vessels in an animal
Vendemiaire|first month of the Revolutionary calendar (September and October);the month of the grape harvest
vendetta|a feud in which members of the opposing parties murder each other
vending|the act of selling goods for a living
vending machine|a slot machine for selling goods
veneer|coating consisting of a thin layer of superior wood glued to a base of inferior wood
veneering|the act of applying veneer
venerability|the quality of deserving veneration
venerator|someone who regards with deep respect or reverence
venereal disease|a communicable infection transmitted by sexual intercourse or genital contact
Veneridae|hard-shell clams
venesection|surgical incision into a vein;used to treat hemochromatosis
Venetian|a resident of Venice
Venetian blind|a window blind made of horizontal strips that overlap when closed
Venetian glass|fine glassware made near Venice
Venetian sumac|Old World shrub having large plumes of yellowish feathery flowers resembling puffs of smoke
Veneto|a region of northeastern Italy on the Adriatic
Venezuela|a republic in northern South America on the Caribbean;achieved independence from Spain in 1811;rich in oil
Venezuelan|a native or inhabitant of Venezuela
Venezuelan monetary unit|monetary unit of Venezuela
vengeance|the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life - "Vengeance is mine;I will repay, saith the Lord"--Romans 12;19 - "For vengeance I would do nothing. This nation is too great to look for mere revenge"--James Garfield - "he swore vengeance on the man who betrayed him"
venial sin|a pardonable sin regarded as entailing only a partial loss of grace
Venice|the provincial capital of Veneto;built on 118 islands within a lagoon in the Gulf of Venice;has canals instead of streets;one of Italy's major ports and a famous tourist attraction
venipuncture|(medicine) puncture of a vein through the skin in order to withdraw blood for analysis or to start an intravenous drip or to inject medication or a radiopaque dye
venire facias|a judicial writ ordering a sheriff to summon people for jury duty
venison|meat from a deer used as food
Venn|English logician who introduced Venn diagrams (1834-1923)
Venn diagram|a diagram that uses circles to represent mathematical or logical sets pictorially inside a rectangle (the universal set);elements that are common to more than one set are represented by intersections of the circles
venogram|an X ray of a vein injected with a radiopaque contrast medium
venography|roentgenographic examination of veins
venom|toxin secreted by animals;secreted by certain snakes and poisonous insects (e.g., spiders and scorpions)
venomous lizard|any of two or three large heavy-bodied lizards;only known venomous lizards
venous blood|blood found in the veins - "except in the pulmonary vein venous blood is rich in carbon dioxide and poor in oxygen"
venous pressure|the pressure exerted on the walls of the veins by the circulating blood
venous sinus|a wide channel containing blood;does not have the coating of an ordinary blood vessel
vent|a fissure in the earth's crust (or in the surface of some other planet) through which molten lava and gases erupt;a hole for the escape of gas or air;a slit in a garment (as in the back seam of a jacket);external opening of urinary or genital system of a lower vertebrate
venter|a bulging body part (as the belly of a muscle);a speaker who expresses or gives vent to a personal opinion or grievance;the womb - "'in venter' is legal terminology for 'conceived but not yet born'"
ventilation|a mechanical system in a building that provides fresh air - "she was continually adjusting the ventilation";the act of supplying fresh air and getting rid of foul air
ventilation shaft|a shaft in a building;serves as an air passage for ventilation
ventilator|a device (such as a fan) that introduces fresh air or expels foul air
Ventner|United States geneticist who published the complete base sequences for all the genes of a free-living organism, the influenza bacterium;later led team that developed a first draft of the entire human genome (born in 1946)
Ventose|sixth month of the Revolutionary calendar (February and March);the windy month
ventral root|one of two the two roots of a spinal nerve that passes ventrally from the spinal cord and that consists of motor fibers
ventricle|a chamber of the heart that receives blood from an atrium and pumps it to the arteries;one of four connected cavities in the brain;is continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord and contains cerebrospinal fluid
ventricular aneurysm|a localized dilation or protrusion on the wall of the left ventricle of the heart (occurring after a myocardial infarction)
ventricular fibrillation|fibrillation of heart muscles resulting in interference with rhythmic contractions of the ventricles and possibly leading to cardiac arrest
ventricular septal defect|a common congenital heart defect;an abnormal opening in the septum dividing the ventricles allows blood to pass directly from the left to the right ventricle;large openings may cause congestive heart failure
ventriloquism|the art of projecting your voice so that it seems to come from another source (as from a ventriloquist's dummy)
ventriloquist|a performer who projects the voice into a wooden dummy
ventriloquist's dummy|a wooden dummy into which a ventriloquist projects the voice
venture|a commercial undertaking that risks a loss but promises a profit;any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
venture capital|wealth available for investment in new or speculative enterprises
venture capitalism|capitalism that invests in innovative enterprises (especially high technology) where the potential profits are large
venture capitalist|a speculator who makes money available for innovative projects (especially in high technology)
venturer|a merchant who undertakes a trading venture (especially a venture that sends goods overseas)
venturi|a tube with a constriction;used to control fluid flow (as in the air inlet of a carburetor);United States architect (born in 1925)
Venturi tube|a short tube inserted into a pipeline and used to measure the quantity of a liquid that is flowing in the pipeline
venue|in law;the jurisdiction where a trial will be held;the scene of any event or action (especially the place of a meeting)
venule|a minute vein continuous with a capillary
Venus|goddess of love;counterpart of Greek Aphrodite;the second nearest planet to the sun;it is peculiar in that its rotation is slow and retrograde (in the opposite sense of the Earth and all other planets except Uranus);it is visible from Earth as an early 'morning star' or an 'evening star' - "before it was known that they were the same object the evening star was called Venus and the morning star was called Lucifer";type genus of the family Veneridae;genus of edible clams with thick oval shells
Venus' slipper|any of various orchids of the genus Paphiopedilum having slender flower stalks bearing 1 to several waxy flowers with pouchlike lips
Venus's flower basket|a deep-water marine sponge having a cylindrical skeleton of intricate glassy latticework;found in the waters of the East Indies and the eastern coast of Asia
Venus's flytrap|carnivorous plant of coastal plains of the Carolinas having sensitive hinged marginally bristled leaf blades that close and entrap insects
Venus's girdle|ctenophore having a ribbon-shaped iridescent gelatinous body
Veps|a Finnic language spoken by the Veps;a member of a Finnish people of Russia
veracity|unwillingness to tell lies
Veracruz|a major Mexican port on the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Veracruz
veranda|a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
verapamil|a drug (trade names Calan and Isoptin) used as an oral or parenteral calcium blocker in cases of hypertension or congestive heart failure or angina or migraine
Veratrum|a genus of coarse poisonous perennial herbs;sometimes placed in subfamily Melanthiaceae
verb|a content word that denotes an action, occurrence, or state of existence;the word class that serves as the predicate of a sentence
verbal creation|creating something by the use of speech and language
verbal intelligence|intelligence in the use and comprehension of language
verbal noun|a noun that is derived from a verb
verbalization|the activity of expressing something in words;the words that are spoken in the activity of verbalization
Verbascum|genus of coarse herbs and subshrubs mostly with woolly leaves
verbena|any of numerous tropical or subtropical American plants of the genus Verbena grown for their showy spikes of variously colored flowers
Verbenaceae|family of New World tropical and subtropical herbs and shrubs and trees
Verbesina|herbs and shrubs of warm North America to Mexico;includes plants formerly placed in genus Actinomeris
verbiage|overabundance of words
verbolatry|the worship of words
verboseness|an expressive style that uses excessive or empty words
verd antique|a dark green impure marble
Verdandi|goddess of fate;an elf who personified the present
Verdi|Italian operatic composer (1813-1901)
Verdicchio|a dry white Italian wine made from Verdicchio grapes;a variety of white wine grape grown in Italy
verdict|(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision;can be used in formulating a judgment
verdigris|a blue or green powder used as a paint pigment;a green patina that forms on copper or brass or bronze that has been exposed to the air or water for long periods of time
verdin|very small yellow-headed titmouse of western North America
Verdun|a battle in World War I (1916);in some of the bloodiest fighting in World War I the German offensive was stopped
verge|a grass border along a road;the limit beyond which something happens or changes - "on the verge of tears"
verger|a church officer who takes care of the interior of the building and acts as an attendant (carries the verge) during ceremonies
verification|(law) an affidavit attached to a statement confirming the truth of that statement
verisimilitude|the appearance of truth;the quality of seeming to be true
verity|an enduring or necessary ethical or religious or aesthetic truth
Verlaine|French symbolist poet (1844-1896)
Vermeer|Dutch painter renowned for his use of light (1632-1675)
vermicelli|pasta in strings thinner than spaghetti
vermicide|an agent that kills worms (especially those in the intestines)
vermiculation|a decoration consisting of wormlike carvings
vermiculite|any of a group of yellow or brown hydrous silicate minerals having a micaceous structure
vermifuge|a medication capable of causing the evacuation of parasitic intestinal worms
vermillion flycatcher|tropical American flycatcher found as far north as southern Texas and Arizona;adult male has bright scarlet and black plumage
vermillion rockfish|a commercially important fish of the Pacific coast of North America
vermin|an irritating or obnoxious person;any of various small animals or insects that are pests;e.g. cockroaches or rats - "cereals must be protected from mice and other vermin" - "he examined the child's head for vermin" - "boys in the village have probably been shooting vermin"
vermis|the narrow central part of the cerebellum between the two hemispheres
Vermont|a state in New England
Vermonter|a native or resident of Vermont
vermouth|any of several white wines flavored with aromatic herbs;used as aperitifs or in mixed drinks
vernacular|the everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language)
vernal equinox|(astronomy) the equinoctial point that lies in the constellation of Pisces;March 21
vernal witch hazel|fragrant shrub of lower Mississippi valley having very small flowers from midwinter to spring
vernation|(botany) the arrangement of young leaves in a leaf bud before it opens
Verne|French writer who is considered the father of science fiction (1828-1905)
Verner|Danish philologist (1846-1896)
Verner's law|a qualification of Grimm's law
Vernier|French mathematician who described the vernier scale (1580-1637)
vernier caliper|a caliper with a vernier scale for very fine measurements
vernier scale|a small movable scale that slides along a main scale;the small scale is calibrated to indicate fractional divisions of the main scale
vernix|a white cheeselike protective material that covers the skin of a fetus
Verona|a city in Veneto on the River Adige
Veronese|Italian painter of the Venetian school (1528-1588)
veronica|any plant of the genus Veronica
Verpa|a morel whose fertile portion resembles a bell and is attached to the stipe only at the top
Verpa bohemica|resembles a thimble on a finger;the surface of the fertile portion is folded into wrinkles that extend from the top down;fruiting begins in spring before the leaves are out on the trees
Verpa conica|a morel with a fertile portion that has a relatively smooth surface;the stalk is fragile
Verrazano|Florentine navigator who explored the eastern coast of North America (circa 1485-1528)
Verrazano Narrows|a narrow channel of water separating Staten Island and Brooklyn
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge|a suspension bridge across the Verrazano Narrows between Brooklyn and Staten Island
Versace|Italian fashion designer (1946-1997)
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;a palace built in the 17th century for Louis XIV southwest of Paris near the city of Versailles
versatility|having a wide variety of skills
verse|a line of metrical text;a piece of poetry
versicle|a short verse said or sung by a priest or minister in public worship and followed by a response from the congregation
versification|a metrical adaptation of something (e.g., of a prose text);the art or practice of writing verse;the form or metrical composition of a poem
version|an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint - "his version of the fight was different from mine";manual turning of a fetus in the uterus (usually to aid delivery);something a little different from others of the same type - "an experimental version of the night fighter"
verso|left-hand page
verst|a Russian unit of length (1.067 km)
vertebra|one of the bony segments of the spinal column
vertebral artery|the first branch of the subclavian artery;divided into four parts
vertebral vein|a vein that goes through the foramina of the cervical vertebrae and forms a plexus around the vertebral artery;empties into the brachiocephalic vein
Vertebrata|fishes;amphibians;reptiles;birds;mammals
vertebrate|animals having a bony or cartilaginous skeleton with a segmented spinal column and a large brain enclosed in a skull or cranium
vertebrate foot|the extremity of the limb in vertebrates
vertebrate paleontology|the paleontology of vertebrates
vertex|the highest point (of something);the point of intersection of lines or the point opposite the base of a figure
vertical|something that is oriented vertically
vertical angle|either of two equal and opposite angles formed by the intersection of two straight lines
vertical bank|a bank so steep that the plane's lateral axis approaches the vertical
vertical circle|a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the zenith and perpendicular to the horizon
vertical file|a file in which records are stored upright on one edge
vertical integration|absorption into a single firm of several firms involved in all aspects of a product's manufacture from raw materials to distribution
vertical section|a mechanical drawing showing the interior of an object as if made by a vertical plane passing through it
vertical stabilizer|a stabilizer that is part of the vertical tail structure of an airplane
vertical surface|a surface that is vertical
vertical tail|the vertical airfoil in the tail assembly of an aircraft
verticality|position at right angles to the horizon
verticil|a whorl of leaves growing around a stem
verticilliosis|wilt caused by fungi of the genus Verticillium
verticillium|a fungus of the genus Verticillium
vervet|South African monkey with black face and hands
Verwoerd|South African statesman who instituted the policy of apartheid (1901-1966)
very high frequency|30 to 300 megahertz
very important person|an important or influential (and often overbearing) person
Very light|a colored flare fired from a Very pistol
very low density lipoprotein|large lipoproteins rich in triglycerides;VLDLs circulate through the blood giving up their triglycerides to fat and muscle tissue until the VLDL remnants are modified and converted into LDL
very low frequency|3 to 30 kilohertz
Very pistol|a pistol for firing Very-light flares
Very Reverend|a title of respect for various ecclesiastical officials (as cathedral deans and canons and others)
Vesalius|a Flemish surgeon who is considered the father of modern anatomy (1514-1564)
Vesey|United States freed slave and insurrectionist in South Carolina who was involved in planning an uprising of slaves and was hanged (1767-1822)
vesical vein|veins that drain the vesical plexus and join the internal iliac veins
vesicant|a chemical agent that causes blistering (especially mustard gas)
Vesicaria|small genus of chiefly Mediterranean herbs;bladderpods
vesicle|a small anatomically normal sac or bladderlike structure (especially one containing fluid)
vesicoureteral reflux|a backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureter
vesicular stomatitis|a disease of horses, cattle, swine, and occasionally human beings;caused by the vesiculovirus
vesiculation|the formation of vesicles in or beneath the skin
vesiculitis|inflammation of a seminal vesicle (usually in conjunction with prostatitis)
vesiculovirus|an animal virus that causes vesicular stomatitis
Vespa|type genus of the Vespidae;various hornets and yellow jackets
Vespasian|Emperor of Rome and founder of the Flavian dynasty who consolidated Roman rule in Germany and Britain and reformed the army and brought prosperity to the empire;began the construction of the Colosseum (9-79)
vesper|a late afternoon or evening worship service
vesper sparrow|common North American finch noted for its evening song
vespers|the sixth of the seven canonical hours of the divine office;early evening;now often made a public service on Sundays
vespertilian bat|a variety of carnivorous bat
Vespertilio|a genus of Vespertilionidae
Vespertilionidae|the majority of common bats of temperate regions of the world
vespid|mostly social nest-building wasps
Vespidae|an arthropod family of the order Hymenoptera including;yellow jackets;hornets;mason wasps
Vespucci|Florentine navigator who explored the coast of South America;America was named in his honor (1454-1512)
Vespula|sometimes considered a subgenus of Vespa;social wasps
vessel|a craft designed for water transportation;a tube in which a body fluid circulates;an object used as a container (especially for liquids)
vest|a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
vest pocket|a small pocket in a man's vest
Vesta|(Roman mythology) goddess of the hearth and its fire whose flame was tended by vestal virgins;counterpart of Greek Hestia;the brightest asteroid but the fourth to be discovered
vestal|a chaste woman
vestal virgin|(Roman mythology) one of the virgin priestesses consecrated to the Roman goddess Vesta and to maintaining the sacred fire in her temple
vested interest|(law) an interest in which there is a fixed right to present or future enjoyment and that can be conveyed to another;groups that seek to control a social system or activity from which they derive private benefit
vestibular apparatus|organs mediating the labyrinthine sense;concerned with equilibrium
vestibular gland|a gland that opens into the vestibule of the vagina;secretions lubricate the vagina during coitus
vestibular vein|veins that drain the saccule and utricle
vestibule|any of various bodily cavities leading to another cavity (as of the ear or vagina)
vestibule of the ear|the central cavity of the bony labyrinth of the ear
vestibule of the vagina|the space between the labia minora containing the orifice of the urethra
vestiture|an archaic term for clothing
vestment|gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy
Vestris|Italian dancing-master for Louis XVI who was considered the greatest dancer of his day;he was the first to discard the mask in mime (1729-1808)
vestry|a room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept or meetings are held;in the Protestant Episcopal Church;a committee elected by the congregation to work with the churchwardens in managing the temporal affairs of the church
vestryman|a man who is a member of a church vestry
vestrywoman|a woman who is a member of a church vestry
vesture|something that covers or cloaks like a garment - "fields in a vesture of green"
vesuvianite|a green or yellow or brown mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate;it occurs as crystals in limestone and is used a gemstone
Vesuvius|a volcano in southwestern Italy on the Mediterranean coast;a Plinian eruption in 79 AD buried Pompeii and killed Pliny the Elder;last erupted in 1944
vetch|any of various climbing plants of the genus Vicia having pinnately compound leaves that terminate in tendrils and small variously colored flowers;includes valuable forage and soil-building plants
vetchling|any of various small plants of the genus Lathyrus;climb usually by means of tendrils
veteran|a person who has served in the armed forces;a serviceman who has seen considerable active service - "the veterans laughed at the new recruits";an experienced person who has been through many battles;someone who has given long service
Veterans Day|a legal holiday in the United States;formerly Armistice Day but called Veterans' Day since 1954
Veterans of Foreign Wars|an organization of United States war veterans
veterinarian|a doctor who practices veterinary medicine
veterinary medicine|the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals (especially domestic animals)
veterinary school|a school teaching veterinary medicine
Vetluga|a river in central Russia;flows generally southward into the Volga
veto|a vote that blocks a decision;the power or right to prohibit or reject a proposed or intended act (especially the power of a chief executive to reject a bill passed by the legislature)
vexatious litigation|litigation shown to have been instituted maliciously and without probable cause - "he got an injunction against vexatious litigation by his enemies"
viability|(of living things) capable of normal growth and development;capable of being done in a practical and useful way
viaduct|bridge consisting of a series of arches supported by piers used to carry a road (or railroad) over a valley
viand|a choice or delicious dish
viatical settlement|cash derived from sale of an insurance policy by a terminally ill policy holder;sale of an insurance policy by a terminally ill policy holder
viatication|purchasing insurance policies for cash from terminally ill policy holders
vibist|a musician who plays the vibraphone
Viborg|a town of Denmark in north central Jutland
vibraphone|a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone but having metal bars and rotating disks in the resonators that produce a vibrato sound
vibration|a distinctive emotional aura experienced instinctively - "that place gave me bad vibrations";the act of vibrating
vibrato|(music) a pulsating effect in an instrumental or vocal tone produced by slight and rapid variations in pitch
vibrator|a mechanical device that vibrates - "a reed is the vibrator that produces the sound";mechanical device that produces vibratory motion;used for massage
vibrio|curved rodlike motile bacterium
Vibrio fetus|bacteria that cause abortion in sheep
Viburnum|deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees;arrow-wood;wayfaring tree
vicar|(Church of England) a clergyman appointed to act as priest of a parish;(Episcopal Church) a clergyman in charge of a chapel;a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman
vicar apostolic|a titular Roman Catholic bishop in a non-Catholic area
vicar-general|(Roman Catholic Church) an administrative deputy who assists a bishop
vicariate|the religious institution under the authority of a vicar
vice|a specific form of evildoing - "vice offends the moral standards of the community"
vice admiral|an admiral ranking below a full admiral and above a rear admiral
vice chairman|one ranking below or serving in the place of a chairman
vice chancellor|a deputy or assistant to someone bearing the title of chancellor
vice crime|a vice that is illegal
vice president|an executive officer ranking immediately below a president;may serve in the president's place under certain circumstances
Vice President of the United States|the vice president of the United States who presides over the United States Senate
vice squad|a police group to enforce laws against gambling and prostitution
vicegerent|someone appointed by a ruler as an administrative deputy
Vicente Lopez|an industrial suburb of Buenos Aires
vice-presidency|the office and function of a vice president;the tenure of a vice president
vice-regent|a regent's deputy
vicereine|wife of a viceroy
viceroy|governor of a country or province who rules as the representative of his or her king or sovereign;showy American butterfly resembling the monarch but smaller
viceroyalty|a district or province governed by a viceroy
viceroyship|the position of viceroy
Vichy|a town in central France (south of Paris) noted for hot mineral springs;was capital of the unoccupied part of France during World War II
Vichy water|sparkling mineral water from springs at Vichy, France or water similar to it
vichyssoise|a creamy potato soup flavored with leeks and onions;usually served cold
Vicia|widely distributed genus of annual or perennial and often climbing herbs
vicinity|a surrounding or nearby region - "the plane crashed in the vicinity of Asheville"
vicious circle|an argument that assumes that which is to be proved;one trouble leads to another that aggravates the first
vicissitude|a variation in circumstances or fortune at different times in your life or in the development of something - "the project was subject to the usual vicissitudes of exploratory research";mutability in life or nature (especially successive alternation from one condition to another)
Vicksburg|a decisive battle in the American Civil War (1863);after being besieged for nearly seven weeks the Confederates surrendered;a town in western Mississippi on bluffs above the Mississippi River to the west of Jackson;focus of an important campaign during the American Civil War as the Union fought to control the Mississippi River and so to cut the Confederacy into two halves
victim|a person who is tricked or swindled;an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
victimization|adversity resulting from being made a victim - "his victimization infuriated him"
victimizer|a person who victimizes others - "I thought we were partners, not victim and victimizer"
victimless crime|an act that is legally a crime but that seem to have no victims - "he considers prostitution to be a victimless crime"
victor|a combatant who is able to defeat rivals
Victor Emanuel II|king of Italy who completed the unification of Italy by acquiring Venice and Rome (1820-1878)
Victor Emanuel III|king of Italy who appointed Mussolini prime minister;he abdicated in 1946 and the monarchy was abolished (1869-1947)
Victoria|(Roman mythology) goddess of victory;counterpart of Greek Nike;a state in southeastern Australia;a town in southeast Texas to the southeast of San Antonio;a waterfall in the Zambezi River on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia;diminishes seasonally;capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia on Vancouver Island;port city and the capital of Seychelles;queen of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India from 1837 to 1901;the last Hanoverian ruler of England (1819-1901)
Victoria Cross|a British military decoration for gallantry
Victoria Day|a public holiday in Canada on the Monday on or before May 24th
Victoria Land|a mountainous area of Antarctica bounded by the Ross Sea and Wilkes Land
Victoria plum|a large red plum served as dessert
Victoria sandwich|a cake consisting of two layers of sponge cake with a jelly filling in between
Victorian|a person who lived during the reign of Victoria
Victorian age|a period in British history during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century;her character and moral standards restored the prestige of the British monarchy but gave the era a prudish reputation
Victorian architecture|a style of architecture used in Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria;characterized by massive construction and elaborate ornamentation
Victoriana|collection of materials of or characteristic of the Victorian era
victory|a successful ending of a struggle or contest - "a narrow victory" - "the general always gets credit for his army's victory" - "clinched a victory" - "convincing victory"
victory celebration|a celebration following a victory in a battle or sports competition
victory garden|a kitchen garden planted during wartime to relieve food shortages
victory lap|a lap by the winning person or team run to celebrate the victory
Victrola|a brand of gramophone
victualer|an innkeeper (especially British)
Vicugna|a genus of Camelidae
vicuna|a soft wool fabric made from the fleece of the vicuna;small wild cud-chewing Andean animal similar to the guanaco but smaller;valued for its fleecy undercoat;the wool of the vicuna
Vidal|United States writer (born in 1925)
Vidalia|a town in central Georgia;the origin of Vidalia onions
Vidalia onion|sweet-flavored onion grown in Georgia
video|(computer science) the appearance of text and graphics on a video display;the visible part of a television transmission
video digitizing|the process of capturing and converting and storing video images for use by a computer
video iPod|(trademark) an iPod that can also play video files
video recording|a recording of both the visual and audible components (especially one containing a recording of a movie or television program)
videocassette|a cassette for videotape
videocassette recorder|a magnetic tape recorder for recording (and playing back) TV programs
videodisk|a digital recording (as of a movie) on an optical disk that can be played on a computer or a television set
videotape|a relatively wide magnetic tape for use in recording visual images and associated sound;a video recording made on magnetic tape
Vidua|whydahs
Vienna|the capital and largest city of Austria;located on the Danube in northeastern Austria;was the home of Beethoven and Brahms and Haydn and Mozart and Schubert and Strauss
Vienna sausage|short slender frankfurter usually with ends cut off
Vienne|a town in south central France where is 1311-1313 the Roman Catholic Church held one of its councils;the council in 1311-1313 that dealt with alleged crimes of the Knights Templar, planned a new crusade, and took on the reformation of the clergy
Vientiane|the capital and largest city of Laos
Vieques|a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico used for target practice by the United States Navy
Vietnam|a communist state in Indochina on the South China Sea;achieved independence from France in 1945
Vietnam War|a prolonged war (1954-1975) between the communist armies of North Vietnam who were supported by the Chinese and the armies of South Vietnam who were supported by the United States
Vietnamese|a native or inhabitant of Vietnam;the Mon-Khmer language spoken in Vietnam
Vietnamese monetary unit|monetary unit in Vietnam
view|outward appearance - "they look the same in outward view";purpose;the phrase 'with a view to' means 'with the intention of' or 'for the purpose of' - "he took the computer with a view to pawning it";the act of looking or seeing or observing - "he tried to get a better view of it";the range of the eye - "they were soon out of view";the visual percept of a region - "the most desirable feature of the park are the beautiful views"
view angle|the angle included by a photographic lens
viewer|an optical device for viewing photographic transparencies
viewgraph|a transparency for use with an overhead projector
viewing audience|the audience reached by television
Vigee-Lebrun|French painter noted for her portraits (1755-1842)
vigil|a period of sleeplessness;the rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival)
vigil light|a candle lighted by a worshiper in a church
vigilance committee|a volunteer committee to maintain order where an efficient legal system does not exist
vigilante|member of a vigilance committee
vigilantism|the actions of a vigilance committee in trying to enforce the laws
Vigna|genus of vines or erect herbs having trifoliate leaves and yellowish or purplish flowers;of warm or tropical regions;most species often placed in genus Phaseolus
vignette|a photograph whose edges shade off gradually;a small illustrative sketch (as sometimes placed at the beginning of chapters in books)
vigor|active strength of body or mind
Viking|any of the Scandinavian people who raided the coasts of Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries
villa|country house in ancient Rome consisting of residential quarters and farm buildings around a courtyard;detached or semidetached suburban house;pretentious and luxurious country residence with extensive grounds;Mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)
village|a community of people smaller than a town;a settlement smaller than a town
village green|a village park consisting of a plot of grassy land
villager|one who has lived in a village most of their life
Villahermosa|a city in southeastern Mexico;the capital of the state of Tabasco
villain|a wicked or evil person;someone who does evil deliberately;the principal bad character in a film or work of fiction
villainess|a woman villain
villainy|a criminal or vicious act;the quality of evil by virtue of villainous behavior
Villa-Lobos|Brazilian composer (1887-1959)
Villard|United States railroad magnate and businessman (1835-1900)
villeinage|tenure by which a villein held land;the legal status or condition of servitude of a villein or feudal serf
Villon|French poet (flourished around 1460)
villus|a minute hairlike projection on mucous membrane
Vilnius|the capital and largest city of Lithuania;located in southeastern Lithuania
Viminaria|one species;Australian leafless shrubs;swamp oak
vin ordinaire|cheap French table wine of unspecified origin
Vina del Mar|a resort city on the Pacific in central Chile
vinblastine|periwinkle plant derivative used as an antineoplastic drug (trade name Velban) that disrupts cell division
Vinca|periwinkles;low creeping evergreen perennials
Vincent's angina|an acute communicable infection of the respiratory tract and mouth marked by ulceration of the mucous membrane
Vincetoxicum|genus of chiefly tropical American vines having cordate leaves and large purple or greenish cymose flowers;supposedly having powers as an antidote
vincristine|periwinkle plant derivative used as an antineoplastic drug (trade name Oncovin);used to treat cancer of the lymphatic system
vindication|the act of vindicating or defending against criticism or censure etc. - "friends provided a vindication of his position"
vindictiveness|a malevolent desire for revenge
vine|a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface
vine maple|small maple of northwestern North America having prostrate stems that root freely and form dense thickets
vine snake|slender arboreal snake found from southern Arizona to Bolivia
vinegar|dilute acetic acid;sour-tasting liquid produced usually by oxidation of the alcohol in wine or cider and used as a condiment or food preservative
vinegar eel|minute eelworm that feeds on organisms that cause fermentation in e.g. vinegar
vinegar fly|flies whose larvae feed on pickles and imperfectly sealed preserves
vinegariness|a sourness resembling that of vinegar
vinegarroon|large whip-scorpion of Mexico and southern United States that emits a vinegary odor when alarmed
vineyard|a farm of grapevines where wine grapes are produced
vinifera|common European grape cultivated in many varieties;chief source of Old World wine and table grapes
vinifera grape|grape from a cultivated variety of the common grape vine of Europe
vinification|the process whereby fermentation changes grape juice into wine
Vinogradoff|British historian (born in Russia) (1854-1925)
Vinson|United States jurist who served as chief justice of the Supreme Court (1890-1953)
vintage|a season's yield of wine from a vineyard;the oldness of wines
vintager|a person who harvests grapes for making wine
vintner|someone who makes wine;someone who sells wine
vinyl|a univalent chemical radical derived from ethylene;shiny and tough and flexible plastic;used especially for floor coverings
vinyl polymer|a thermoplastic derived by polymerization from compounds containing the vinyl group
Vinylite|any of various vinyl resins
viol|any of a family of bowed stringed instruments that preceded the violin family
viola|a bowed stringed instrument slightly larger than a violin, tuned a fifth lower;any of the numerous plants of the genus Viola;large genus of flowering herbs of temperate regions
viola da braccio|a member of the viol family with approximately the range of a viola
viola da gamba|viol that is the bass member of the viol family with approximately the range of the cello
viola d'amore|viol that is the tenor of the viol family
Violaceae|a family of order Parietales including the genera Viola, Hybanthus, Hymenanthera, Melicytus
violation|an act that disregards an agreement or a right - "he claimed a violation of his rights under the Fifth Amendment"
violator|someone who assaults others sexually;someone who violates the law
violence|a turbulent state resulting in injuries and destruction etc.;an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists) - "he may accomplish by craft in the long run what he cannot do by force and violence in the short one"
violet|a variable color that lies beyond blue in the spectrum;any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
violet suksdorfia|slender delicate plant with wide roundish deeply lobed leaves and deep pink to violet funnel-shaped flowers;British Columbia to northern Oregon and west to Idaho and Montana
violet wood sorrel|perennial herb of eastern North America with palmately compound leaves and usually rose-purple flowers
violet-flowered petunia|herb or small shrublet having solitary violet to rose-red flowers
violin|bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family;this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow
violin family|(music) the family of bowed stringed instruments
violin lesson|a less in playing the violin
violin maker|someone who makes violins
violin section|the section of an orchestra that plays violins
violinist|a musician who plays the violin
violist|a musician who plays the viola
viomycin|a basic polypeptide antibiotic (trade name Viocin) administered intramuscularly (along with other drugs) in the treatment of tuberculosis
viper|venomous Old World snakes characterized by hollow venom-conducting fangs in the upper jaw
Vipera|type genus of the Viperidae
Viperidae|Old World vipers
viperine grass snake|a small harmless grass snake
virago|a noisy or scolding or domineering woman
viral delivery vector|a transducing vector that uses a retrovirus
viral hepatitis|hepatitis caused by a virus
viral infection|infection by a virus that is pathogenic to humans
viral pneumonia|pneumonia caused by a virus
Virchow|German pathologist who recognized that all cells come from cells by binary fission and who emphasized cellular abnormalities in disease (1821-1902)
viremia|the presence of a virus in the blood stream - "viremia spread the smallpox virus to the internal organs"
vireo|any of various small insectivorous American birds chiefly olive-grey in color
Vireonidae|small insectivorous American songbirds
virga|light wispy precipitation that evaporates before it reaches the ground (especially when the lower air is low in humidity)
Virgil|a Roman poet;author of the epic poem 'Aeneid' (70-19 BC)
Virgilia|genus of South African trees having pinnate leaves and rose-purple flowers followed by leathery pods
virgin|a person who has never had sex
Virgin Birth|the theological doctrine that Jesus Christ had no human father;Christians believe that Jesus's birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and was attended by miracles;the Nativity is celebrated at Christmas
Virgin Islands|a group of islands in northeastern West Indies (east of Puerto Rico) discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493;owned by United States and Britain
Virgin Islands National Park|a national park in the Virgin Islands having tropical plants and animals;sandy beaches and coral reefs
Virgin Mary|a Bloody Mary made without alcohol
virgin wool|wool not used before;wool not processed or woven before
virginal|a legless rectangular harpsichord;played (usually by women) in the 16th and 17th centuries
Virginia|a state in the eastern United States;one of the original 13 colonies;one of the Confederate States in the American Civil War;a town in northeastern Minnesota in the heart of the Mesabi Range;one of the British colonies that formed the United States
Virginia Beach|the largest city in Virginia;long overshadowed by Norfolk but growing rapidly since 1970;with 28 miles of public beaches tourism is a major factor in the economy;site of three United States Navy bases
Virginia bluebell|smooth erect herb of eastern North America having entire leaves and showy blue flowers that are pink in bud
Virginia chain fern|North American fern
Virginia creeper|common North American vine with compound leaves and bluish-black berrylike fruit
Virginia crownbeard|tall perennial herb having clusters of white flowers;the eastern United States
Virginia deer|common North American deer;tail has a white underside
Virginia ham|a lean hickory-smoked ham;has dark red meat
Virginia mallow|tall handsome perennial herb of southeastern United States having maplelike leaves and white flowers
Virginia oyster|common edible oyster of Atlantic coast of North America
Virginia reel|an American country dance which starts with the couples facing each other in two lines
Virginia snakeroot|birthwort of the eastern United States woodlands
Virginia spring beauty|small cormous perennial grown for its low rosette of succulent foliage and racemes of pink-tinged white flowers;eastern North America
Virginia strawberry|North American wild strawberry with sweet scarlet fruit;a source of many cultivated strawberries
Virginia thimbleweed|thimbleweed of central and eastern North America
Virginia waterleaf|showy perennial herb with white flowers;leaves sometimes used as edible greens in southeastern United States
Virginian|a native or resident of Virginia
Virginian stock|erect branching herb cultivated for its loose racemes of fragrant white or pink or red or lilac flowers;native to sands and sea cliffs of southwestern Greece and southern Albania
Virginian witch hazel|common shrub of eastern North America having small yellow flowers after the leaves have fallen
virginity|the condition or quality of being a virgin
virgin's bower|common climber of eastern North America that sprawls over other plants and bears numerous panicles of small creamy white flowers
Virgo|(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Virgo;a large zodiacal constellation on the equator;between Leo and Libra;the sixth sign of the zodiac;the sun is in this sign from about August 23 to September 22
viricide|an agent (physical or chemical) that inactivates or destroys viruses
virilism|the development of male secondary sexual characteristics in a female (or prematurely in a young boy)
virility|the masculine property of being capable of copulation and procreation
virility drug|drug to treat impotence attributable to erectile dysfunction
virino|(microbiology) a hypothetical infectious particle thought to be the cause of scrapie and other degenerative diseases of the central nervous system;consists of nucleic acid in a protective coat of host cell proteins
virion|(virology) a complete viral particle;nucleic acid and capsid (and a lipid envelope in some viruses)
viroid|the smallest of viruses;a plant virus with its RNA arranged in a circular chromosome without a protein coat
virologist|a specialist in virology
virology|the branch of medical science that studies viruses and viral diseases
virtu|artistic quality;love of or taste for fine objects of art;objet d'art collectively (especially fine antiques)
virtual image|a reflected optical image (as seen in a plane mirror)
virtual memory|(computer science) memory created by using the hard disk to simulate additional random-access memory;the addressable storage space available to the user of a computer system in which virtual addresses are mapped into real addresses
virtual reality|a hypothetical three-dimensional visual world created by a computer;user wears special goggles and fiber optic gloves etc., and can enter and move about in this world and interact with objects as if inside it
virtue|a particular moral excellence;morality with respect to sexual relations;the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
virtuosity|technical skill or fluency or style exhibited by a virtuoso
virtuoso|a musician who is a consummate master of technique and artistry
virulence|extreme harmfulness (as the capacity of a microorganism to cause disease) - "the virulence of the plague";extreme hostility - "the virulence of the malicious old man"
virus|(virology) ultramicroscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts;many are pathogenic;a piece of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a thin coat of protein;a harmful or corrupting agency - "bigotry is a virus that must not be allowed to spread" - "the virus of jealousy is latent in everyone";a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer - "a true virus cannot spread to another computer without human assistance"
visa|an endorsement made in a passport that allows the bearer to enter the country issuing it
Visayan|a member of the most numerous indigenous people of the Philippines
Visayan Islands|group of islands in the central Philippines
Viscaceae|in some classifications considered a subfamily of Loranthaceae
viscacha|gregarious burrowing rodent larger than the chinchillas
viscera|internal organs collectively (especially those in the abdominal cavity) - "'viscera' is the plural form of 'viscus'"
visceral leishmaniasis|leishmaniasis of the viscera
visceral pleura|pleura that covers the lungs
viscometer|a measuring instrument for measuring viscosity
viscometry|the measurement of viscosity
Visconti|Italian filmmaker (1906-1976)
viscose rayon|a rayon fabric made from viscose (cellulose xanthate) fibers
viscosity|resistance of a liquid to shear forces (and hence to flow)
viscount|(in various countries) a son or younger brother or a count;a British peer who ranks below an earl and above a baron
viscountcy|the dignity or rank or position of a viscount or viscountess;the title of a viscount
viscountess|a noblewoman holding the rank of viscount in her own right;a wife or widow of a viscount
viscounty|the domain controlled by a viscount or viscountess
Viscum|type genus of the Viscaceae;Old World evergreen shrubs parasitic on many trees including oaks but especially apple trees, poplars, aspens and cottonwoods
vise|a holding device attached to a workbench;has two jaws to hold workpiece firmly in place
Vishnu|the sustainer;a Hindu divinity worshipped as the preserver of worlds
visibility|capability of providing a clear unobstructed view - "a windshield with good visibility";degree of exposure to public notice - "that candidate does not have sufficient visibility to win an election";quality or fact or degree of being visible;perceptible by the eye or obvious to the eye - "low visibility caused by fog"
visible spectrum|the distribution of colors produced when light is dispersed by a prism
visible speech|a phonetic alphabet invented by Melville Bell in the 19th century;spectrogram of speech;speech displayed spectrographically
Visigoth|a member of the western group of Goths who sacked Rome and created a kingdom in present-day Spain and southern France
vision|a religious or mystical experience of a supernatural appearance - "he had a vision of the Virgin Mary";a vivid mental image - "he had a vision of his own death";the perceptual experience of seeing - "the runners emerged from the trees into his clear vision"
visionary|a person given to fanciful speculations and enthusiasms with little regard for what is actually possible;a person with unusual powers of foresight
visit|a meeting arranged by the visitor to see someone (such as a doctor or lawyer) for treatment or advice - "he scheduled a visit to the dentist";the act of going to see some person in a professional capacity - "a visit to the dentist";the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time - "he dropped by for a visit";the act of visiting in an official capacity (as for an inspection)
visitation|an official visit for inspection or supervision - "the commissioner made visitations to all the precinct stations" - "the recent visitation of the bishop to his diocese";any disaster or catastrophe - "a visitation of the plague"
visitation right|the right granted by a court to a parent (or other relative) who is deprived of custody of a child to visit the child on a regular basis
visiting|the activity of making visits - "the purpose was to promote homes, clubs, visiting, and other services"
visiting fireman|an important or distinguished visitor
visiting nurse|a nurse who is paid to visit the sick in their homes
visiting professor|a professor visiting another college or university to teach for a limited time
visitor|someone who visits
visor|a piece of armor plate (with eye slits) fixed or hinged to a medieval helmet to protect the face
Vistula|a European river;flows into the Baltic Sea
visual agnosia|inability to recognize or interpret objects in the visual field
visual aphasia|inability to perceive written words
visual area|the cortical area that receives information from the lateral geniculate body of the thalamus
visual cell|one of the cells of the retina that is sensitive to light
visual communication|communication that relies on vision
visual display unit|(British) British term for video display
visual field|all of the points of the physical environment that can be perceived by a stable eye at a given moment
visual hallucination|illusory visual perception
visual image|a mental image that is similar to a visual perception
visual impairment|impairment of the sense of sight
visual percept|a percept that arises from the eyes;an image in the visual system
visual perception|perception by means of the eyes
visual property|an attribute of vision
visual purple|a red photopigment in the retinal rods of vertebrates;dissociates into retinene by light
visual range|distance at which a given standard object can be seen with the unaided eye
visual signal|a signal that involves visual communication
visual space|the visual perception of space
visual system|the sensory system for vision
visualizer|one whose prevailing mental imagery is visual
visually impaired person|someone who has inferior vision
Vitaceae|a family of vines belonging to order Rhamnales
vital capacity|the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation (usually tested with a spirometer);used to determine the condition of lung tissue
vital organ|a bodily organ that is essential for life
vital principle|a hypothetical force to which the functions and qualities peculiar to living things are sometimes ascribed
vital sign|sign of life;usually an indicator of a person's general physical condition - "he was still alive but his vital signs were weak"
vital statistics|data relating to births and deaths and health and diseases and marriages
vitalism|(philosophy) a doctrine that life is a vital principle distinct from physics and chemistry
vitalist|one who believes in vitalism
vitality|an energetic style
vitalization|the state of being vitalized and filled with life
vitalness|the quality of being essential to maintain life
vitamin|any of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities to normal metabolism
vitamin A|any of several fat-soluble vitamins essential for normal vision;prevents night blindness or inflammation or dryness of the eyes
vitamin A1|an unsaturated alcohol that occurs in marine fish-liver oils and is synthesized biologically from carotene
vitamin A2|a viscous alcohol that is less active in mammals than is vitamin A1
vitamin B1|a B vitamin that prevents beriberi;maintains appetite and growth
vitamin B12|a B vitamin that is used to treat pernicious anemia
vitamin B2|a B vitamin that prevents skin lesions and weight loss
vitamin B6|a B vitamin that is essential for metabolism of amino acids and starch
vitamin Bc|a B vitamin that is essential for cell growth and reproduction
vitamin C|a vitamin found in fresh fruits (especially citrus fruits) and vegetables;prevents scurvy
vitamin D|a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets
vitamin E|a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction;an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body
vitamin K|a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in the clotting of blood
vitamin K1|a form of vitamin K
vitamin K3|a form of vitamin K
vitamin P|a vitamin that maintains the resistance of cell and capillary walls to permeation
vitamin pill|a pill containing one or more vitamins;taken as a dietary supplement
vitelline circulation|circulation of blood between the embryo and the yolk sac
Vitharr|(Norse mythology) one of the Aesir;son of Odin;avenges his parent by slaying Fenrir at Ragnarok
Viti Levu|a volcanic island in the Fijis
vitiation|nullification by the destruction of the legal force;rendering null - "the vitiation of the contract"
viticulture|the cultivation of grapes and grape vines;grape growing
viticulturist|a cultivator of grape vine
vitiligo|an acquired skin disease characterized by patches of unpigmented skin (often surrounded by a heavily pigmented border)
Vitis|the type genus of the family Vitaceae;woody vines with simple leaves and small flowers;includes a wide variety of grapes
vitrectomy|a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous humor and replace it with saline solution
vitreous humor|the clear colorless transparent jelly that fills the posterior chamber of the eyeball
vitrification|a vitrified substance;the glassy result of being vitrified;the process of becoming vitreous
vitriol|(H2SO4) a highly corrosive acid made from sulfur dioxide;widely used in the chemical industry
Vittaria|tropical epiphytic ferns with straplike fronds
Vittariaceae|one of a number of families into which Polypodiaceae has been subdivided in some classification systems;genus Vittaria
vituperation|abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
Vitus|Christian martyr and patron of those who suffer from epilepsy and Sydenham's chorea (died around 300)
vivacity|characterized by high spirits and animation
Vivaldi|Italian baroque composer and violinist (1675-1741)
vivarium|an indoor enclosure for keeping and raising living animals and plants and observing them under natural conditions
Viverra|type genus of the family Viverridae
Viverricula|a genus of Viverridae
Viverridae|genets;civets;mongooses
viverrine|small cat-like predatory mammals of warmer parts of the Old World
vivification|the activity of giving vitality and vigour to something
viviparous eelpout|an eelpout of northern Europe that is viviparous
vivisection|the act of operating on living animals (especially in scientific research)
vivisectionist|a biologist who cuts open live animals for research
vixen|a female fox;a malicious woman with a fierce temper
Viyella|a fabric made from a twilled mixture of cotton and wool
Vizcaino|Spanish explorer who was the first European to explore the California coast (1550-1615)
vizier|a high official in a Muslim government (especially in the Ottoman Empire)
viziership|the position of vizier
vizsla|Hungarian hunting dog resembling the Weimaraner but having a rich deep red coat
V-J Day|the date of Allied victory over Japan, World War II
Vladivostok|a seaport in the Asian part of Russia
Vlaminck|French painter and exponent of fauvism (1876-1958)
vocable|a word that is spoken aloud
vocabulary|a language user's knowledge of words;a listing of the words used in some enterprise;the system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression (as in arts or crafts) - "he introduced a wide vocabulary of techniques"
vocal cord|either of two pairs of folds of mucous membrane projecting into the larynx
vocal music|music intended to be performed by one or more singers, usually with instrumental accompaniment;music that is vocalized (as contrasted with instrumental music)
vocational program|a program of vocational education
vocational rehabilitation|providing training in a specific trade with the aim of gaining employment
vocational rehabilitation program|a program of rehabilitation through job training with an eye to gainful employment
vocational training|training for a specific vocation in industry or agriculture or trade
vocative|the case (in some inflected languages) used when the referent of the noun is being addressed
vociferator|a loud and vehement speaker (usually in protest)
vodka|unaged colorless liquor originating in Russia
vodka martini|martini made with vodka rather than gin
vogue|a current state of general acceptance and use;the popular taste at a given time - "leather is the latest vogue"
Vogul|a member of a nomadic people of the northern Urals
voice|(linguistics) the grammatical relation (active or passive) of the grammatical subject of a verb to the action that the verb denotes;(metonymy) a singer - "he wanted to hear trained voices sing it";a means or agency by which something is expressed or communicated - "the voice of the law" - "the Times is not the voice of New York" - "conservatism has many voices";a sound suggestive of a vocal utterance - "the noisy voice of the waterfall" - "the incessant voices of the artillery";something suggestive of speech in being a medium of expression - "the wee small voice of conscience" - "the voice of experience" - "he said his voices told him to do it";the ability to speak - "he lost his voice";the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech - "A shrill voice sounded behind us";the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract - "a singer takes good care of his voice"
voice mail|a computerized system for answering and routing telephone calls;telephone messages can be recorded and stored and relayed
voice over|the voice on an unseen commentator in a film of television program
voice part|a part written for a singer
voicelessness|having no voice in the management or control of affairs - "the voicelessness of those who live in situations of hopelessness"
voiceprint|biometric identification by electronically recording and graphically representing a person's voice - "voiceprints are uniquely characteristic of individual speakers"
voicer|a speaker who voices an opinion;someone who regulates the tone of organ pipes
voicing|the act of adjusting an organ pipe (or wind instrument) so that it conforms to the standards of tone and pitch and color
void|an empty area or space - "the huge desert voids"
voider|a piece of chain mail covering a place unprotected by armor plate
voile|a light semitransparent fabric
Volans|a small constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere near Dorado and Carina
Volapuk|one of the first artificial language constructed for use as an auxiliary international language;based largely on English but with some German and French and Latin roots
volatile|a volatile substance;a substance that changes readily from solid or liquid to a vapor - "it was heated to evaporate the volatiles"
volatile storage|computer storage that is erased when the power is turned off
volatility|the property of changing readily from a solid or liquid to a vapor;the trait of being unpredictably irresolute - "the volatility of the market drove many investors away"
vol-au-vent|puff paste shell filled with a savory meat mixture usually with a sauce
volcanic crater|a bowl-shaped geological formation at the top of a volcano
volcanic eruption|the sudden occurrence of a violent discharge of steam and volcanic material
volcanic glass|a kind of natural glass produced when molten lava cools very rapidly
volcanic rock|extrusive igneous rock solidified near or on the surface of the Earth
volcanism|the phenomena associated with volcanic activity
volcano|a mountain formed by volcanic material
Volcano Islands|a group of Japanese Islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean to the north of the Marianas
volcanology|the branch of geology that studies volcanoes
vole|any of various small mouselike rodents of the family Cricetidae (especially of genus Microtus) having a stout short-tailed body and inconspicuous ears and inhabiting fields or meadows
Volga|a Russian river;the longest river in Europe;flows into the Caspian Sea
Volgaic|a group of Finnic languages spoken around the Volga river
Volgograd|a city in the European part of Russia on the Volga;site of German defeat in World War II in the winter of 1942-43
volition|the act of making a choice - "followed my father of my own volition";the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention - "the exercise of their volition we construe as revolt"- George Meredith
Volkhov|a river in northwestern Russia flowing generally north into Lake Ladoga
volley|a tennis return made by hitting the ball before it bounces
volleyball|a game in which two teams hit an inflated ball over a high net using their hands;an inflated ball used in playing volleyball
volleyball court|the court on which volleyball is played
volleyball net|the high net that separates the two teams and over which the volleyball must pass
volleyball player|someone who plays the game of volleyball
volt|a unit of potential equal to the potential difference between two points on a conductor carrying a current of 1 ampere when the power dissipated between the two points is 1 watt;equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of 1 ohm when 1 ampere of current flows through it
Volta|a river in Ghana that flows south to the Bight of Benin;Italian physicist after whom the volt is named;studied electric currents and invented the voltaic pile (1745-1827)
voltage|the rate at which energy is drawn from a source that produces a flow of electricity in a circuit;expressed in volts
voltage drop|a decrease in voltage along a conductor through which current is flowing
voltage regulator|a transformer whose voltage ratio of transformation can be adjusted
voltaic battery|battery consisting of a number of voltaic cells arranged in series or parallel
voltaic cell|an electric cell that generates an electromotive force by an irreversible conversion of chemical to electrical energy;cannot be recharged
voltaic pile|battery consisting of voltaic cells arranged in series;the earliest electric battery devised by Volta
Voltaire|French writer who was the embodiment of 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778)
volt-ampere|a unit of electrical power in an AC circuit equal to the power dissipated when 1 volt produces a current of 1 ampere
voltmeter|meter that measures the potential difference between two points
volume|a publication that is one of a set of several similar publications - "the third volume was missing" - "he asked for the 1989 volume of the Annual Review";a relative amount - "mix one volume of the solution with ten volumes of water";the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object - "the gas expanded to twice its original volume";the magnitude of sound (usually in a specified direction) - "the kids played their music at full volume"
volume unit|a unit of measurement of volume or capacity
volumeter|a meter to measure the volume of gases, liquids, or solids (either directly or by displacement)
volumetric analysis|determination of the volume of gases (or changes in their volume) during combination;quantitative analysis by the use of definite volumes of standard solutions or reagents
Volund|(Norse mythology) a wonderful smith;identified with Anglo-Saxon Wayland and Teutonic Wieland
voluntary|composition (often improvised) for a solo instrument (especially solo organ) and not a regular part of a religious service or musical performance
voluntary muscle|striated muscle that can be controlled voluntarily
volunteer|(military) a person who freely enlists for service;a person who performs voluntary work
voluptuary|a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses
volution|a rolling or revolving motion
volva|cuplike structure around the base of the stalk of certain fungi
Volvaria|agarics having pink spores and a distinct volva
Volvaria bombycina|a parasite on various trees
Volvariaceae|a family of fungi belonging to the order Agaricales
Volvariella|an important genus of mushrooms in the Orient
Volvariella bombycina|a mushroom with a dry yellowish to white fibrillose cap
Volvocaceae|unicellular or colonial biflagellate free-swimming flagellates
Volvocales|chiefly freshwater green algae;solitary or colonial
Volvox|type genus of the Volvocaceae;minute pale green flagellates occurring in tiny spherical colonies;minute flagella rotate the colony about an axis
volvulus|abnormal twisting of the intestines (usually in the area of the ileum or sigmoid colon) resulting in intestinal obstruction
Vombatidae|wombats
vomer|thin trapezoidal bone of the skull forming the posterior and inferior parts of the nasal septum
vomit|the matter ejected in vomiting;the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
vomiter|a person who vomits
vomitory|an entrance to an amphitheater or stadium
von Neumann|United States mathematician who contributed to the development of atom bombs and of stored-program digital computers (1903-1957)
von Neumann machine|any digital computer incorporating the ideas of stored programs and serial counters that were proposed in 1946 by von Neumann and his colleagues
von Sternberg|United States film maker (born in Austria) whose films made Marlene Dietrich an international star (1894-1969)
von Willebrand's disease|a form of hemophilia discovered by Erik von Willebrand;a genetic disorder that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait;characterized by a deficiency of the coagulation factor and by mucosal bleeding
Vonnegut|United States writer whose novels and short stories are a mixture of realism and satire and science fiction (born in 1922)
voodoo|(Haiti) followers of a religion that involves witchcraft and animistic deities;a religious cult practiced chiefly in Caribbean countries (especially Haiti);involves witchcraft and animistic deities
vortex vein|a vein formed by branches from the back surface of the eye and the ciliary body;empties into the ophthalmic veins
vorticella|any of various protozoa having a transparent goblet-shaped body with a retractile stalk
votary|a devoted (almost religiously so) adherent of a cause or person or activity - "the cultured votary of science";a priest or priestess (or consecrated worshipper) in a non-Christian religion or cult - "a votary of Aphrodite";one bound by vows to a religion or life of worship or service
vote|a body of voters who have the same interests - "he failed to get the Black vote";a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative - "there were only 17 votes in favor of the motion" - "they allowed just one vote per person";the opinion of a group as determined by voting - "they put the question to a vote";the total number of voters who participated - "they are expecting a large vote"
vote of confidence|an expression of approval and encouragement - "they gave the chairman a vote of confidence"
voter|a citizen who has a legal right to vote
voting age|the age at which a person is old enough to vote in public elections
voting booth|a booth in which a person can cast a private vote
voting machine|a mechanical device for recording and counting votes mechanically
voting precinct|one of several districts into which a city or town is divided for voting;each contains one polling place
voting right|the right to vote;especially the right of a common shareholder to vote in person or by proxy on the affairs of a company
voting stock|shares in a corporation that entitle the shareholder to voting and proxy rights
voting system|a legal system for making democratic choices
voting trust|an agreement whereby persons owning stock with voting powers retain ownership while transferring the voting rights to the trustees
vouchee|(law) a person called into court to defend a title
voucher|a document that serves as evidence of some expenditure;someone who vouches for another or for the correctness of a statement
vouge|a kind of pike used by foot soldiers in the 14th century
voussoir|wedge-shaped stone building block used in constructing an arch or vault
Vouvray|a dry white French wine (either still or sparkling) made in the Loire valley
vow|a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner - "they took vows of poverty"
vowel|a letter of the alphabet standing for a spoken vowel;a speech sound made with the vocal tract open
vowel point|a mark placed below or near a consonant (as in Hebrew or Arabic) to indicate the spoken vowel
vowel system|the system of vowels used in a particular language
vower|someone who makes a solemn promise to do something or behave in a certain way - "young vowers of eternal love" - "there are many vowers of chastity but few who observe it"
vox angelica|an organ stop producing a gentle tremolo effect
vox humana|an organ reed stop producing tones imitative of the human voice
voyage|a journey to some distant place
voyager|a traveler to a distant land (especially one who travels by sea)
Voyageurs National Park|a national park in Minnesota having ancient rock outcroppings and evergreen forests
voyeur|a viewer who enjoys seeing the sex acts or sex organs of others
voyeurism|a perversion in which a person receives sexual gratification from seeing the genitalia of others or witnessing others' sexual behavior
Voznesenski|Russian poet (born in 1933)
vroom|the roaring sound made by a motor that is running at high speed
Vuillard|French painter (1868-1940)
Vulcan|(Roman mythology) god of fire and metal working;counterpart of Greek Hephaestus
vulcanization|process of treating rubber or rubberlike materials with sulphur at great heat to improve elasticity and strength or to harden them
vulcanizer|someone who vulcanizes rubber to improve its strength and resiliency
Vulgar Latin|nonclassical Latin dialects spoken in the Roman Empire;source of Romance languages
vulgarian|a vulgar person (especially someone who makes a vulgar display of wealth)
vulgarization|the act of rendering something coarse and unrefined
vulgarizer|someone who makes something vulgar
Vulgate|the Latin edition of the Bible translated from Hebrew and Greek mainly by St. Jerome at the end of the 4th century;as revised in 1592 it was adopted as the official text for the Roman Catholic Church
vulnerability|susceptibility to injury or attack;the state of being vulnerable or exposed - "his vulnerability to litigation"
Vulpecula|a constellation in the northern hemisphere near Cygnus and Sagitta
Vulpes|foxes
Vultur|a bird that is usually restricted to the Andean condor
vulture|any of various large diurnal birds of prey having naked heads and weak claws and feeding chiefly on carrion
vulva|external parts of the female genitalia
vulvectomy|surgical removal of part or all of the vulva
vulvitis|inflammation of the vulva
vulvovaginitis|inflammation of the vulva and the vagina
VX gas|a highly lethal nerve agent used in chemical warfare;a toxic liquid that penetrates the skin or lungs to disrupt the nervous system and stop respiration;in combat VX gas is deployed by detonating a container over the target area and can persist in the environment up to several weeks after release - "VX gas is one of those things we wish we could disinvent"
W|the 23rd letter of the Roman alphabet
Wabash|a tributary of the Ohio River that rises in western Ohio and flows southwestward across Indiana
Wac|a member of the Women's Army Corps
Waco|a city in east central Texas
wad|a small mass of soft material - "he used a wad of cotton to wipe the counter"
waddle|walking with short steps and the weight tilting from one foot to the other - "ducks walk with a waddle"
waddler|someone who walks with a waddling gait - "fat waddlers who walk like pigeons"
Wade|English tennis player who won many women's singles titles (born in 1945)
waders|waterproof hip boots (sometimes extending to the chest) worn by anglers
wadi|gully or streambed in northern Africa and the Middle East that remains dry except during rainy season
wading|walking with your feet in shallow water
wading bird|any of many long-legged birds that wade in water in search of food
wading pool|a shallow pool for children
wafer|a small adhesive disk of paste;used to seal letters;a small thin crisp cake or cookie;thin disk of unleavened bread used in a religious service (especially in the celebration of the Eucharist)
waffle|pancake batter baked in a waffle iron
waffle iron|a kitchen appliance for baking waffles;the appliance usually consists of two indented metal pans hinged together so that they create a pattern on the waffle
waffler|someone who speaks or writes in a vague and evasive manner
wag|a witty amusing person who makes jokes;causing to move repeatedly from side to side
wage|something that remunerates - "wages were paid by check"
wage claim|the wage demanded from management for workers by their union representatives
wage concession|an agreement to raise wages
wage floor|floor below which wages are not allowed to fall
wage freeze|a freeze of wages at a given level
wage scale|a schedule of wages paid for different jobs
wage setter|any economic condition or variable that serves to set wage rates
wages|a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing - "the wages of sin is death"
Wagga Wagga|a town on the Murrumbidgee River in New South Wales;agricultural trading center
waggery|waggish behavior
Wagner|Austrian architect and pioneer of modern architecture (1841-1918);German composer of operas and inventor of the musical drama in which drama and spectacle and music are fused (1813-1883);the music of Wagner - "they say that Hitler listened only to Wagner"
Wagnerian|a follower of the theories or an admirer of the music of Richard Wagner
wagon|a child's four-wheeled toy cart sometimes used for coasting;any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
wagon tire|a metal hoop forming the tread of a wheel
wagon wheel|a wheel of a wagon
wagoner|the driver of a wagon
wagonwright|a wagon maker
Wagram|a battle in the Napoleonic campaigns (1809);Napoleon defeated the Austrians;a town in northeastern Austria
wagtail|Old World bird having a very long tail that jerks up and down as it walks
Wahhabi|a member of a strictly orthodox Sunni Muslim sect from Saudi Arabia;strives to purify Islamic beliefs and rejects any innovation occurring after the 3rd century of Islam - "Osama bin Laden is said to be a Wahhabi Muslim"
Wahhabism|a conservative and intolerant form of Islam that is practiced in Saudi Arabia - "Osama bin Laden and his followers practice Wahhabism"
wahoo|deciduous shrub having purple capsules enclosing scarlet seeds;large fast-moving predacious food and game fish;found worldwide
waif|a homeless child especially one forsaken or orphaned
Waikiki|a well-known beach and resort area on Oahu Island to the southeast of Honolulu
wailer|a mourner who utters long loud high-pitched cries
wailing|loud cries made while weeping
Wailing Wall|a wall in Jerusalem;sacred to Jews as a place of prayer and lamentation;its stones are believed to have formed part of the Temple of Solomon
Wain|English writer (1925-1994);large open farm wagon
wainscot|panel forming the lower part of an interior wall when it is finished differently from the rest of the wall;wooden panels that can be used to line the walls of a room
wainscoting|a wainscoted wall (or wainscoted walls collectively)
waist|the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
waist pack|a small pouch (usually with a zipper) that attaches to a belt and is worn around the waist
wait|the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something) - "the wait was an ordeal for him"
Waite|United States jurist who was appointed chief justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1874 by President Grant (1816-1888)
waiter|a person who waits or awaits;a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)
waiting game|a strategy of delay
waiting list|a roster of those waiting to obtain something
waitress|a woman waiter
Wajda|Polish filmmaker (born in 1929)
Wakashan|a family of North American Indian languages of British Columbia and Washington;a member of one of the peoples in British Columbia and Washington who speak the Wakashan language
wake|a vigil held over a corpse the night before burial - "there's no weeping at an Irish wake";the wave that spreads behind a boat as it moves forward - "the motorboat's wake capsized the canoe"
wake board|a buoyant board (resembling a surfboard) that is used to ride over water while being pulled behind a motorboat
Wake Island|an island in the western Pacific between Guam and Hawaii
wakefulness|a periodic state during which you are conscious and aware of the world - "consciousness during wakefulness in a sane person is pretty well ordered and familiar";a temporary state in which you are unable (or unwilling) to sleep - "accept your wakefulness and sleep in its own contrary way is more likely to come"
waker|a person who awakes - "an early waker";someone who rouses others from sleep
wake-up call|a telephone call that you request be made a specific time in order to wake you up at that time (especially in hotels) - "she left a wake-up call for 7 a.m.";a warning to take action concerning something that was overlooked or neglected - "the bombing was a wake-up call to strengthen domestic security"
waking|the state of remaining awake - "days of danger and nights of waking"
Walapai|a member of a North American people formerly living in the Colorado river valley in Arizona;the Yuman language spoken by the Walapai
Walbiri|a language of Australian aborigines
Waldenses|a Christian sect of dissenters that originated in southern France in the late 12th century adopted Calvinist doctrines in the 16th century
Waldheim|Austrian diplomat who was Secretary General of the United Nations from 1972 to 1981;in 1986 he was elected president of Austria in spite of worldwide allegations that he had direct knowledge of Nazi atrocities during World War II (born in 1918)
Waldorf salad|typically made of apples and celery with nuts or raisins and dressed with mayonnaise
wale|a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip);characteristic of many allergic reactions;thick plank forming a ridge along the side of a wooden ship
Wales|one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;during Roman times the region was known as Cambria
Walesa|Polish labor leader and statesman (born in 1943)
walk|a path set aside for walking - "after the blizzard he shoveled the front walk";a slow gait of a horse in which two feet are always on the ground;manner of walking - "he had a funny walk";the act of traveling by foot - "walking is a healthy form of exercise";the act of walking somewhere - "he took a walk after lunch"
walk of life|careers in general
walkabout|a public stroll by a celebrity to meet people informally;a walking trip or tour;nomadic excursions into the bush made by an Aborigine
walker|a light enclosing framework (trade name Zimmer) with rubber castors or wheels and handles;helps invalids or the handicapped or the aged to walk;a shoe designed for comfortable walking;an enclosing framework on casters or wheels;helps babies learn to walk;New Zealand runner who in 1975 became the first person to run a mile in less that 3 minutes and 50 seconds (born in 1952);United States writer (born in 1944)
Walker hound|an American breed of foxhound
walkie-talkie|small portable radio link (receiver and transmitter)
walk-in|a small room large enough to admit entrance;an assured victory (especially in an election);an operative who initiates his own defection (usually to a hostile country) for political asylum;person who walks in without having an appointment - "the emergency room was overrun with walk-ins"
walking delegate|a union representative who visits workers at their jobs to see whether agreements are observed
walking fern|ferns having lanceolate fronds that root at the tip
walking leaf|tropical insect having a flattened leaflike body;common in southern Asia and the East Indies
walking papers|(informal) a notice of dismissal or discharge
walking shoe|a light comfortable shoe designed for vigorous walking
walking stick|a stick carried in the hand for support in walking;any of various mostly tropical insects having long twiglike bodies
Walkman|(trademark) a pocket-sized stereo system with light weight earphones
walk-on|plays a small part in a dramatic production
walkout|a strike in which the workers walk out;the act of walking out (of a meeting or organization) as a sign of protest - "there was a walkout by the Black members as the chairman rose to speak"
walkover|backbends combined with handstands
walk-through|a first perfunctory rehearsal of a theatrical production in which actors read their lines from the script and move as directed;a pedestrian passageway through the ground floor of a building;a thorough explanation (usually accompanied by a demonstration) of each step in a procedure or process - "she gave me a walk-through of my new duties";the act of walking in order to view something - "the realtor took her on a walk-through of the apartment"
walk-up|an apartment building without an elevator
walk-up apartment|an apartment in a building without an elevator
wall|(anatomy) a layer (a lining or membrane) that encloses a structure - "stomach walls";a difficult or awkward situation - "his back was to the wall" - "competition was pushing them to the wall";a layer of material that encloses space - "the walls of the cylinder were perforated" - "the container's walls were blue";a masonry fence (as around an estate or garden) - "the wall followed the road" - "he ducked behind the garden wall and waited";a vertical (or almost vertical) smooth rock face (as of a cave or mountain);an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness;used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure - "the south wall had a small window" - "the walls were covered with pictures";anything that suggests a wall in structure or function or effect - "a wall of water" - "a wall of smoke" - "a wall of prejudice" - "negotiations ran into a brick wall"
wall clock|a clock mounted on a wall
wall creeper|crimson-and-grey songbird that inhabits town walls and mountain cliffs of southern Eurasia and northern Africa
wall germander|European perennial subshrub with red-purple or bright rose flowers with red and white spots
wall panel|paneling that forms part of a wall
wall pepper|mossy European creeping sedum with yellow flowers;widely introduced as a ground cover
wall plate|plate (a timber along the top of a wall) to support the ends of joists, etc., and distribute the load
wall rock|a rock immediately adjacent to a vein or fault
wall rocket|yellow-flowered European plant that grows on old walls and in waste places;an adventive weed in North America
wall rue|small delicate spleenwort found on a steep slope (as a wall or cliff) of Eurasia and North America
wall socket|receptacle providing a place in a wiring system where current can be taken to run electrical devices
Wall Street|a street in lower Manhattan where the New York Stock Exchange is located;symbol of American finance;used to allude to the securities industry of the United States
wall tent|a canvas tent with four vertical walls
wall unit|a piece of furniture having several units that stands against one wall of a room
Walla Walla|a town in southeastern Washington near the Oregon border
wallaby|any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos;often brightly colored
Wallace|English naturalist who formulated a concept of evolution that resembled Charles Darwin's (1823-1913);English writer noted for his crime novels (1875-1932);Scottish insurgent who led the resistance to Edward I;in 1297 he gained control of Scotland briefly until Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated Wallace and subsequently executed him (1270-1305)
wallah|usually in combination;person in charge of or employed at a particular thing - "a kitchen wallah" - "the book wallah"
wallboard|a wide flat board used to cover walls or partitions;made from plaster or wood pulp or other materials and used primarily to form the interior walls of houses
Wallenstein|Austrian general who fought for the Hapsburgs during the Thirty Years' War (1583-1634)
Waller|United States jazz musician (1904-1943)
wallet|a pocket-size case for holding papers and paper money
walleye|pike-like freshwater perches;strabismus in which one or both eyes are directed outward
wallflower|any of numerous plants of the genus Erysimum having fragrant yellow or orange or brownish flowers;perennial of southern Europe having clusters of fragrant flowers of all colors especially yellow and orange;often naturalized on old walls or cliffs;sometimes placed in genus Erysimum;remains on sidelines at social event
Walloon|a dialect of French spoken in Belgium and adjacent parts of France;a member of the French-speaking people living in Belgium
Walloons|an ethnic group speaking a dialect of French and living in southern and eastern Belgium and neighboring parts of France
wallop|a severe blow
walloper|a very hard hitter;a winner by a wide margin
wallow|a puddle where animals go to wallow;an indolent or clumsy rolling about - "a good wallow in the water"
wallpaper|a decorative paper for the walls of rooms
wallpaperer|a worker who papers walls
wally|a silly and inept person;someone who is regarded as stupid
walnut|any of various trees of the genus Juglans;hard dark-brown wood of any of various walnut trees;used especially for furniture and paneling;nut of any of various walnut trees having a wrinkled two-lobed seed with a hard shell
walnut blight|a disease of English walnut trees
walnut oil|oil from walnuts
Walpole|English writer and historian;son of Sir Robert Walpole (1717-1797);Englishman and Whig statesman who (under George I) was effectively the first British prime minister (1676-1745)
Walpurgis Night|eve of May Day
walrus|either of two large northern marine mammals having ivory tusks and tough hide over thick blubber
walrus mustache|a bushy droopy mustache
Walt Disney World|a large amusement park established in 1971 to the southwest of Orlando
Walt Whitman Bridge|a suspension bridge across the Delaware River
Walter|German conductor (1876-1962)
Walter Mitty|fictional character created by James Thurber who daydreams about his adventures and triumphs
Walton|English composer (1902-1983);English writer remember for his treatise on fishing (1593-1683);Irish physicist who (with Sir John Cockcroft in 1931) first split an atom (1903-1995)
waltz|a ballroom dance in triple time with a strong accent on the first beat;music composed in triple time for waltzing
waltzer|a dancer who waltzes
Wampanoag|a member of the Algonquian people of Rhode Island and Massachusetts who greeted the Pilgrims
wampum|small cylindrical beads made from polished shells and fashioned into strings or belts;used by certain Native American peoples as jewelry or currency
Wanamaker|United States businessman whose business grew into one of the first department stores (1838-1922)
wand|a rod used by a magician or water diviner;a thin supple twig or rod - "stems bearing slender wands of flowers"
wanderer|someone who leads a wandering unsettled life
wandering|travelling about without any clear destination - "she followed him in his wanderings and looked after him"
wandering albatross|very large albatross;white with wide black wings
Wandering Jew|a legendary Jew condemned to roam the world for mocking Jesus at the Crucifixion
wanderlust|very strong or irresistible impulse to travel
wandflower|a showy often-cultivated plant with tawny yellow often purple-spotted flowers
wangle|an instance of accomplishing something by scheming or trickery
waning|a gradual decrease in magnitude or extent - "the waning of his enthusiasm was obvious" - "the waxing and waning of the moon"
Wankel engine|a rotary engine that is a four-stroke internal-combustion engine without reciprocating parts
want ad|a newspaper advertisement stating what is wanted
wanted notice|a public announcement by a law enforcement agency that they desire to question or arrest some person
wanter|a person who wants or needs something
wanton|lewd or lascivious woman
wapiti|large North American deer with large much-branched antlers in the male
war|a concerted campaign to end something that is injurious - "the war on poverty" - "the war against crime";a legal state created by a declaration of war and ended by official declaration during which the international rules of war apply - "war was declared in November but actual fighting did not begin until the following spring";an active struggle between competing entities - "a price war" - "a war of wits" - "diplomatic warfare";the waging of armed conflict against an enemy - "thousands of people were killed in the war"
War Admiral|thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1937
war baby|conceived or born during war
war bride|bride of a serviceman during wartime
war chest|a fund accumulated to finance a war (or a political campaign)
war cloud|an ominous sign that war threatens
war correspondent|a journalist who sends news reports and commentary from a combat zone or place of battle for publication or broadcast
war crime|a crime committed in wartime;violation of rules of war
war criminal|an offender who violates international law during times of war
war cry|a slogan used to rally support for a cause;a yell intended to rally a group of soldiers in battle
war dance|a ceremonial dance performed before a battle or after a victory
War Department|a former executive department of the United States government;created in 1789 and combined with the Navy Department in 1947
war game|a simulation of a military operation intended to train military commanders or to demonstrate a situation or to test a proposed strategy
war god|a god worshipped as giving victory in war
War of 1812|a war (1812-1814) between the United States and England which was trying to interfere with American trade with France
War of Greek Independence|the Greeks rebelled against Turkish rule in 1821;with the support of England and France and Russia they won independence in 1828 at Navarino (although the country included only half its present size)
War of the Austrian Succession|Prussia and Austria fought over Silesia and most of the rest of Europe took sides;1740-1748
War of the Grand Alliance|an aggressive war waged by Louis XIV against Spain and the Holy Roman Empire and England and Holland and other states (1689-1697)
War of the Roses|struggle for the English throne (1455-1485) between the house of York (white rose) and the house of Lancaster (red rose) ending with the accession of the Tudor monarch Henry VII
War of the Spanish Succession|a general war in Europe (1701-1714) that broke out when Louis XIV installed his grandson on the throne of Spain;England and Holland hoped to limit Louis' power
war paint|adornment consisting of paint applied to the face and body of certain Amerindians before a battle;full ceremonial regalia
war party|a band of warriors who raid or fight an enemy (used especially of Native Americans);a political party that supports a war
war power|an extraordinary power exercised (usually by the executive branch) in the prosecution of a war and involving an extension of the powers that the government normally has in peacetime
war room|a room where strategic decisions are made (especially for military or political campaigns)
war widow|a woman whose husband has died in war
war zone|a combat zone where military operations are coordinated (especially a designated area in international waters where the rights of neutrals are not respected by nations at war)
waratah|straggling shrub with narrow leaves and conspicuous red flowers in dense globular racemes;tall shrub of eastern Australia having oblanceolate to obovate leaves and red flowers in compact racemes
warble|a lumpy abscess under the hide of domestic mammals caused by larvae of a botfly or warble fly
warble fly|hairy bee-like fly whose larvae produce lumpy abscesses (warbles) under the skin of cattle
warbler|a singer;usually a singer who adds embellishments to the song;a small active songbird
Warburg|German art historian (1866-1929);German biochemist who pioneered the use of chemical techniques in biological investigations;noted for studies of cellular respiration (1883-1970)
ward|a district into which a city or town is divided for the purpose of administration and elections;a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another;block forming a division of a hospital (or a suite of rooms) shared by patients who need a similar kind of care - "they put her in a 4-bed ward";English economist and conservationist (1914-1981);English writer of novels who was an active opponent of the women's suffrage movement (1851-1920);United States businessman who in 1872 established a successful mail-order business (1843-1913)
warden|the chief official in charge of a prison
wardenship|the position of warden
warder|a person who works in a prison and is in charge of prisoners
wardership|the position of warder
wardress|a woman warder
wardrobe|a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes;has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes;collection of clothing belonging to one person;collection of costumes belonging to a theatrical company
wardroom|military quarters for dining and recreation for officers of a warship (except the captain)
ware|articles of the same kind or material;usually used in combination;'silverware', 'software'
warehouse|a storehouse for goods and merchandise
warehouseman's lien|right of a warehouseman to retain goods until all storage charges have been paid
warehouser|a workman who manages or works in a warehouse
warfarin|an anticoagulant (trade name Coumadin) use to prevent and treat a thrombus or embolus
warhead|the front part of a guided missile or rocket or torpedo that carries the nuclear or explosive charge or the chemical or biological agents
Warhol|United States artist who was a leader of the Pop Art movement (1930-1987)
warhorse|a work of art (composition or drama) that is part of the standard repertory but has become hackneyed from much repetition;horse used in war
wariness|the trait of being cautious and watchful
Warji|a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria
warlock|a male witch or demon
warlord|supreme military leader exercising civil power in a region especially one accountable to nobody when the central government is weak
warm front|the front of an advancing mass of warmer air
warmheartedness|a warmhearted feeling
warming pan|a long-handled covered pan holding live coals to warm a bed
warmongering|a policy of advocating war
warmth|the quality of having a moderate degree of heat - "an agreeable warmth in the house"
warm-up|exercising in preparation for strenuous activity
warner|someone who gives a warning to others;United States filmmaker who with his brothers founded the movie studio that produced the first talking picture (1881-1958)
warning|a message informing of danger - "a warning that still more bombs could explode";notification of something, usually in advance - "they gave little warning of their arrival" - "she had only had four days' warning before leaving Berlin"
warning of attack|a warning to national policy makers that an enemy intends to launch an attack in the near future
warning of war|a warning to national policy makers that an enemy intends war or is preparing for war and is on a course that increases the risk of war
warp|a moral or mental distortion;a shape distorted by twisting or folding;yarn arranged lengthways on a loom and crossed by the woof
warpath|a course leading to warfare or battle;hostile or belligerent mood - "the chief is on the warpath today"
warplane|an aircraft designed and used for combat
warrant|a type of security issued by a corporation (usually together with a bond or preferred stock) that gives the holder the right to purchase a certain amount of common stock at a stated price - "as a sweetener they offered warrants along with the fixed-income securities";a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts
warrant officer|holds rank by virtue of a warrant
warrantee|a customer to whom a warrant or guarantee is given;a recipient of a warrant issued by a court in the United States
warren|a colony of rabbits;a series of connected underground tunnels occupied by rabbits;an overcrowded residential area;United States jurist who served as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court (1891-1974);United States writer and poet (1905-1989)
warrener|maintains a rabbit warren
warrigal|Australian wild horse
warrior|someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
warship|a government ship that is available for waging war
Warszawa|the capital and largest city of Poland;located in central Poland
wart|(pathology) a firm abnormal elevated blemish on the skin;caused by a virus;an imperfection in someone or something that is suggestive of a wart (especially in smallness or unattractiveness);any small rounded protuberance (as on certain plants or animals)
warthog|African wild swine with warty protuberances on the face and large protruding tusks
wartime|a period of time during which there is armed conflict
Warwick|English statesman;during the War of the Roses he fought first for the house of York and secured the throne for Edward IV and then changed sides to fight for the house of Lancaster and secured the throne for Henry VI (1428-1471)
wasabi|a Japanese plant of the family Cruciferae with a thick green root;the thick green root of the wasabi plant that the Japanese use in cooking and that tastes like strong horseradish;in powder or paste form it is often eaten with raw fish
wash|a thin coat of water-base paint;a watercolor made by applying a series of monochrome washes one over the other;any enterprise in which losses and gains cancel out - "at the end of the year the accounting department showed that it was a wash";the dry bed of an intermittent stream (as at the bottom of a canyon);the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)
wash leather|piece of chamois used for cleaning and polishing
wash-and-wear|a fabric treated to be easily washable and to require no ironing
washbasin|a basin for washing the hands ('wash-hand basin' is a British expression);a bathroom sink that is permanently installed and connected to a water supply and drainpipe;where you can wash your hands and face
washboard|device consisting of a corrugated surface to scrub clothes on;protective covering consisting of a broad plank along a gunwale to keep water from splashing over the side
washcloth|bath linen consisting of a piece of cloth used to wash the face and body
washday|a day set aside for doing household laundry
washer|a home appliance for washing clothes and linens automatically;seal consisting of a flat disk placed to prevent leakage;someone who washes things for a living
washerman|operates industrial washing machine
washhouse|a building or outbuilding where laundry is done
Washington|1st President of the United States;commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1732-1799);a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific;the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca;George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791;United States educator who was born a slave but became educated and founded a college at Tuskegee in Alabama (1856-1915)
Washington Monument|a stone obelisk built in Washington in 1884 to honor George Washington;555 feet tall
Washingtonian|a native or resident of the city of Washington;a native or resident of the state of Washington
Washington's Birthday|the day on which George Washington is remembered
washing-up|the washing of dishes etc after a meal
washout|the channel or break produced by erosion of relatively soft soil by water - "it was several days after the storm before they could repair the washout and open the road";the erosive process of washing away soil or gravel by water (as from a roadway) - "from the house they watched the washout of their newly seeded lawn by the water"
washroom|a lavatory (particularly a lavatory in a public place)
washstand|furniture consisting of a table or stand to hold a basin and pitcher of water for washing;'wash-hand stand' is a British term
washtub|a tub in which clothes or linens can be washed
washup|the act of washing yourself (or another person)
washwoman|a working woman who takes in washing
WASP|a white person of Anglo-Saxon ancestry who belongs to a Protestant denomination;social or solitary hymenopterans typically having a slender body with the abdomen attached by a narrow stalk and having a formidable sting
wasp waist|a very slender waist
wasp's nest|habitation for wasps or hornets
wassail|a punch made of sweetened ale or wine heated with spices and roasted apples;especially at Christmas
wassailer|someone who enjoys riotous drinking
Wassermann|German bacteriologist who developed a diagnostic test for syphilis (1866-1925)
Wassermann test|a blood test to detect syphilis;a complement fixation test is used to detect antibodies to the syphilis organism treponema;a positive reaction indicates the presence of antibodies and therefore syphilis infection
wastage|anything lost by wear or waste;the process of wasting
waste|(law) reduction in the value of an estate caused by act or neglect;any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted - "they collect the waste once a week" - "much of the waste material is carried off in the sewers";useless or profitless activity;using or expending or consuming thoughtlessly or carelessly - "if the effort brings no compensating gain it is a waste"
waste of effort|a useless effort
waste of material|a useless consumption of material
waste of money|money spent for inadequate return - "the senator said that the project was a waste of money"
waste of time|the devotion of time to a useless activity - "the waste of time could prove fatal"
waste paper|paper discarded after use
wastepaper basket|a container with an open top;for discarded paper and other rubbish
wastrel|someone who dissipates resources self-indulgently
watch|a period of time (4 or 2 hours) during which some of a ship's crew are on duty;a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe;a small portable timepiece;the period during which someone (especially a guard) is on duty
watch cap|a knitted dark blue wool cap worn by seamen in cold or stormy weather
watch case|the metal case in which the works of a watch are housed
watch fire|a fire lighted at night as a signal
watch glass|laboratory glassware;a shallow glass dish used as an evaporating surface or to cover a beaker
watch key|winder consisting of a key with a square hole;used for winding some watches
watch night|a devotional service (especially on New Year's Eve)
watchband|a band of cloth or leather or metal links attached to a wristwatch and wrapped around the wrist
watchdog|a dog trained to guard property;a guardian or defender against theft or illegal practices or waste - "she is the global watchdog for human rights abuses"
watcher|a person who keeps a devotional vigil by a sick bed or by a dead body
watchfulness|the process of paying close and continuous attention - "wakefulness, watchfulness, and bellicosity make a good hunter";vigilant attentiveness
watchmaker|someone who makes or repairs watches
watchman|a guard who keeps watch
watchtower|an observation tower for a lookout to watch over prisoners or watch for fires or enemies
water|a liquid necessary for the life of most animals and plants - "he asked for a drink of water";binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid;freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade;widely used as a solvent;once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
water avens|erect perennial of north temperate zone having pinnate leaves and a few nodding flowers with a brown-purple calyx and orange and pink petals
water back|water heater consisting of a tank or pipes set at the back of a fireplace or in the firebox of a stove
water bed|a bed with a mattress made of strong plastic that is filled with water
water beetle|any of numerous aquatic beetles usually having a smooth oval body and flattened hind legs for swimming
water biscuit|a thin flour-and-water biscuit usually made without shortening;often served with cheese
water blister|blister containing a nonpurulent clear watery content
water boatman|carnivorous aquatic bug having paddle-like hind legs
water bottle|a bottle for holding water
water boy|an assistant who supplies drinking water
water buffalo|an Asian buffalo that is often domesticated for use as a draft animal
water bug|a true bug;large aquatic bug adapted to living in or on the surface of water
water butt|a butt set on end to contain water especially to store rainwater
water caltrop|a variety of water chestnut
water cannon|a hose (carried on a truck) that fires water under high pressure to disperse crowds (especially crowds of rioters)
water carpet|aquatic herb with yellowish flowers;central and western United States
water cart|cart with a tank for water (especially with fresh water for sale)
water chestnut|a plant of the genus Trapa bearing spiny four-pronged edible nutlike fruits;Chinese sedge yielding edible bulb-shaped tubers;edible bulbous tuber of a Chinese marsh plant
water chevrotain|largest chevrotain;of marshy areas of west Africa
water chinquapin|edible nutlike seeds of an American lotus having the flavor of a chinquapin;water lily of eastern North America having pale yellow blossoms and edible globular nutlike seeds
water chute|chute with flowing water down which toboggans and inner tubes and people slide into a pool
water clock|clock that measures time by the escape of water
water closet|a toilet in Britain
water clover|water fern of Europe and Asia and the eastern United States distinguished by four leaflets resembling clover leaves
water company|a public utility that provides water
water conservation|the conservation of water resources
water cooler|a device for cooling and dispensing drinking water
water crowfoot|plant of ponds and slow streams having submerged and floating leaves and white flowers;Europe and North America
water development|making an area of water more useful
water dog|a dog accustomed to water and usually trained to retrieve waterfowl;a person who enjoys being in or on the water
water dropwort|European poisonous herb having tuberous roots, yellow juice that stains the skin, yellow flowers and foliage resembling celery;all parts extremely poisonous
water elm|Eurasian elm closely resembling the American elm;thrives in a moist environment
water faucet|a faucet for drawing water from a pipe or cask
water fennel|European poisonous herb with fibrous roots
water filter|a filter to remove impurities from the water supply
water gap|a pass in a mountain ridge through which a stream flows
water gas|a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with small amounts of other gases;made by blowing steam over hot coke or coal
water gauge|gauge for indicating the level of water in e.g. a tank or boiler or reservoir
water gillyflower|a featherfoil of the eastern United States with submerged spongy inflated flower stalks and white flowers
water glass|a glass for drinking water
water gum|columnar swamp tree of southeastern to midwestern North America yielding pale soft easily worked wood
water hammer|the banging sound of steam in pipes
water hazard|hazard provided by ponds of water that the golfer must avoid
water heater|a heater and storage tank to supply heated water
water hemlock|tall erect highly poisonous Eurasiatic perennial herb locally abundant in marshy areas
water hickory|hickory of southern United States having many narrow leaflets and rather bitter nuts
water hole|a natural hole or hollow containing water
water horehound|aromatic perennial herb of United States
water hyacinth|a tropical floating aquatic plant having spikes of large blue flowers;troublesome in clogging waterways especially in southern United States
water ice|an ice containing no milk but having a mushy consistency;usually made from fruit juice
water jacket|a container filled with water that surrounds a machine to cool it;especially that surrounding the cylinder block of an engine
water jug|a jug that holds water
water jump|a pool or stream in a steeplechase or similar contest
water level|a water gauge that shows the level by showing the surface of the water in a trough or U-shaped tube;the level of the surface of a body of water
water lily|an aquatic plant of the family Nymphaeaceae
water line|a line marking the level reached by a body of water
water lobelia|erect perennial aquatic herb of Europe and North America having submerged spongy leaves and pendulous racemes of blue flowers above the water
water locust|honey locust of swamps and bottomlands of southern United States having short oval pods;yields dark heavy wood
water main|main (a pipe or conduit) for conveying water
water meter|meter for measuring the quantity of water passing through a particular outlet
water milfoil|an aquatic plant of the genus Myriophyllum having feathery underwater leaves and small inconspicuous flowers
water mill|a mill powered by a water wheel
water moccasin|any of numerous North American water snakes inhabiting fresh waters;venomous semiaquatic snake of swamps in southern United States
water mold|parasitic or saprobic organisms living chiefly in fresh water or moist soil
water nymph|(Greek mythology) any nymph of the water;a water lily having large leaves and showy fragrant flowers that float on the water;of temperate and tropical regions
water oak|relatively tall deciduous water oak of southeastern United States often cultivated as a shade tree;thrives in wet soil
water of crystallization|the water present in hydrated compounds
water on the knee|hydrarthrosis affecting the knee
water ouzel|small stocky diving bird without webbed feet;frequents fast-flowing streams and feeds along the bottom
water parsnip|stout white-flowered perennial found wild in shallow fresh water;northern United States and Asia
water pimpernel|a white-flowered aquatic plant of the genus Samolus
water pistol|plaything consisting of a toy pistol that squirts water
water plantain|marsh plant having clusters of small white or pinkish flowers and broad pointed or rounded leaves
water pollution|pollution of the water in rivers and lakes
water polo|a game played in a swimming pool by two teams of swimmers who try to throw an inflated ball into the opponents' goal
water pump|the pump in the cooling system of an automobile that cause the water to circulate
water rat|any of various amphibious rats
water right|right of access to water
water sapphire|a deep blue cordierite often used as a gemstone
water scooter|a motorboat resembling a motor scooter
water scorpion|long-legged aquatic insect having the front legs fitted for seizing and holding prey and the abdomen extended by a long breathing tube
water shamrock|perennial plant of Europe and America having racemes of white or purplish flowers and intensely bitter trifoliate leaves;often rooting at water margin and spreading across the surface
water shrew|any of several small semiaquatic shrews usually living near swift-flowing streams
water ski|broad ski for skimming over water towed by a speedboat
water snake|any of various mostly harmless snakes that live in or near water
water softener|a substance (such as sodium chloride) that lessens the hardness of water by replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions and so gives the water more efficient sudsing power
water spaniel|any dog of two large curly-coated breeds used for hunting waterfowl
water speedwell|plant of wet places in Eurasia and America
water sport|sports that involve bodies of water
water sprite|a fairy that inhabits water
water star grass|grassy-leaved North American aquatic plant with yellow star-shaped blossoms
water starwort|any of several aquatic plants having a star-shaped rosette of floating leaves;America, Europe and Asia
water strider|long-legged bug that skims about on the surface of water
water system|a facility that provides a source of water;a river and all of its tributaries
water table|underground surface below which the ground is wholly saturated with water - "spring rains had raised the water table"
water thrush|brownish North American warbler found near streams
water tower|a large reservoir for water
water travel|travel by water
water turkey|blackish New World snakebird of swampy regions
water vapor|water in a vaporous form diffused in the atmosphere but below boiling temperature
water vascular system|system of fluid-filled tubes used by echinoderms in locomotion and feeding and respiration
water violet|featherfoil of Europe and western Asia having submerged and floating leaves and violet flowers
water vole|common large Eurasian vole;of western North America
water wagon|a wagon that carries water (as for troops or work gangs or to sprinkle down dusty dirt roads in the summertime)
water wings|a life preserver consisting of a connected pair of inflatable bags that fit under a person's arms and provide buoyancy;used by children learning to swim
water witch|someone who uses a divining rod to find underground water
water-base paint|paint in which water is used as the vehicle
waterbuck|any of several large African antelopes of the genus Kobus having curved ridged horns and frequenting e.g. swamps and rivers
Waterbury|a city in west central Connecticut
watercolor|a painting produced with watercolors;a water-base paint (with water-soluble pigments);used by artists;the art or technique of painting with watercolors;water-soluble pigment
watercolorist|a painter who paints with watercolors
water-cooled reactor|nuclear reactor using water as a coolant
watercourse|a conduit through which water flows;natural or artificial channel through which water flows
watercraft|skill in the management of boats
watercress|any of several water-loving cresses;cresses that grow in clear ponds and streams
waterdog|any of several large aquatic salamanders
watered stock|stock representing ownership of overvalued assets;stock of a corporation whose total worth is less than its invested capital
waterer|someone who waters plants or crops
waterfall|a steep descent of the water of a river
Waterford|a port city in southern Ireland;famous for glass industry
waterfowl|freshwater aquatic bird
waterfront|the area of a city (such as a harbor or dockyard) alongside a body of water
Watergate|a political scandal involving abuse of power and bribery and obstruction of justice;led to the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome|syndrome associated with bacterial meningitis;marked by sudden high fever and skin discoloration and petechiae with hemorrhage into the adrenal glands and cardiovascular collapse
wateriness|meagerness or poorness connoted by a superfluity of water (in a literary style as well as in a food) - "the haziness and wateriness of his disquisitions" - "the wateriness of his blood" - "no one enjoys the burning of his soup or the wateriness of his potatoes";the property of resembling the viscosity of water;the wetness of ground that is covered or soaked with water - "the baseball game was canceled because of the wateriness of the outfield"
watering|wetting with water - "the lawn needs a great deal of watering"
watering can|a container with a handle and a spout with a perforated nozzle;used to sprinkle water over plants
watering cart|water cart with a tank and sprinkler for sprinkling roads
watering place|a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
waterleaf|any of several plants of the genus Hydrophyllum
waterline|a line corresponding to the surface of the water when the vessel is afloat on an even keel;often painted on the hull of a ship
waterloo|a final crushing defeat - "he met his waterloo";a town in central Belgium where in 1815 Napoleon met his final defeat;the battle on 18 June 1815 in which Prussian and British forces under Blucher and the Duke of Wellington routed the French forces under Napoleon
watermark|a distinguishing mark impressed on paper during manufacture;visible when paper is held up to the light
watermeal|any of various aquatic plants of the genus Wolffia;throughout warmer regions of the world
watermelon|an African melon;large oblong or roundish melon with a hard green rind and sweet watery red or occasionally yellowish pulp
watermelon begonia|grown as a houseplant for its silvery striped fleshy foliage;South America
water-mint|a European mint that thrives in wet places;has a perfume like that of the bergamot orange;naturalized in eastern North America
waterpower|the power to do work that is latent in a head of water
waterproof|any fabric impervious to water
waterproofing|a coating capable of making a surface waterproof;the act of treating something to make it repel water
water-rate|rate per quarter for water from a public supply
Waters|United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
watershed|a ridge of land that separates two adjacent river systems
water-shield|aquatic plant with floating oval leaves and purple flowers;in lakes and slow-moving streams;suitable for aquariums;common aquatic plant of eastern North America having floating and submerged leaves and white yellow-spotted flowers
waterside|land bordering a body of water
water-skiing|skiing on water while being towed by a motorboat
waterskin|a container of skin for holding water
water-soluble vitamin|any vitamin that is soluble in water
waterspout|a channel through which water is discharged (especially one used for drainage from the gutters of a roof);a tornado passing over water and picking up a column of water and mist
Watertown|a town in northern New York;a town in southeastern Wisconsin
waterway|a navigable body of water
waterweed|a weedy aquatic plant of genus Elodea
waterwheel|a wheel that rotates by direct action of water;a simple turbine;a wheel with buckets attached to its rim;raises water from a stream or pond
waterwheel plant|floating aquatic carnivorous perennial of central and southern Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia having whorls of 6 to 9 leaves ending in hinged lobes for capturing e.g. water fleas
waterworks|workplace where water is stored and purified and distributed for a community
WATS|a telephone line;long distance service at fixed rates for fixed zones;an acronym for wide area telephone service
Watson|United States geneticist who (with Crick in 1953) helped discover the helical structure of DNA (born in 1928);United States psychologist considered the founder of behavioristic psychology (1878-1958);United States telephone engineer who assisted Alexander Graham Bell in his experiments (1854-1934)
watt|a unit of power equal to 1 joule per second;the power dissipated by a current of 1 ampere flowing across a resistance of 1 ohm;Scottish engineer and inventor whose improvements in the steam engine led to its wide use in industry (1736-1819)
Watteau|French painter (1684-1721)
watt-hour|a unit of energy equal to the power of one watt operating for one hour
wattle|a fleshy wrinkled and often brightly colored fold of skin hanging from the neck or throat of certain birds (chickens and turkeys) or lizards;any of various Australasian trees yielding slender poles suitable for wattle;framework consisting of stakes interwoven with branches to form a fence
wattle and daub|building material consisting of interwoven rods and twigs covered with clay
wattmeter|an instrument for measuring in watts the flow of power in an electrical circuit
Watts|English poet and theologian (1674-1748)
Waugh|English author of satirical novels (1903-1966)
Wausau|a town in north central Wisconsin
wave|(physics) a movement up and down or back and forth;a hairdo that creates undulations in the hair;a movement like that of a sudden occurrence or increase in a specified phenomenon - "a wave of settlers" - "troops advancing in waves";a persistent and widespread unusual weather condition (especially of unusual temperatures) - "a heat wave";an undulating curve;one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water);something that rises rapidly - "a wave of emotion swept over him" - "there was a sudden wave of buying before the market closed" - "a wave of conservatism in the country led by the hard right";the act of signaling by a movement of the hand;a member of the women's reserve of the United States Navy;originally organized during World War II but now no longer a separate branch
wave angle|the angle of arrival (or departure) of a radio wave with respect to the axis of an antenna array
wave equation|a differential equation that describes the passage of harmonic waves through a medium
wave form|the shape of a wave illustrated graphically by plotting the values of the period quantity against time
wave front|(physics) an imaginary surface joining all points in space that are reached at the same instant by a wave propagating through a medium;all the points just reached by a wave as it propagates
wave mechanics|the modern form of quantum theory;an extension of quantum mechanics based on Schrodinger's equation;atomic events are explained as interactions between particle waves
wave number|the reciprocal of the wavelength of a wave
wave theory|(physics) the theory that light is transmitted as waves
wave train|a succession of waves spaced at regular intervals
waveguide|a hollow metal conductor that provides a path to guide microwaves;used in radar
wavelength|a shared orientation leading to mutual understanding - "they are on the same wavelength";the distance (measured in the direction of propagation) between two points in the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave
Wavell|British field marshal in North Africa in World War II;he defeated the Italians before being defeated by the Germans (1883-1950)
waver|someone who communicates by waving;the act of moving back and forth
waverer|one who hesitates (usually out of fear)
waviness|unevenness produced by waves or wrinkles
wavy-leaved aster|a variety of aster
waw|the 6th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
wax|any of various substances of either mineral origin or plant or animal origin;they are solid at normal temperatures and insoluble in water
wax bean|a common bean plant grown for its edible golden pod;snap beans with yellow pods
wax begonia|hybrid fibrous-rooted begonia having broad-ovate green to bronze-red leaves and small clusters of white or pink or red flowers;widely used as a bedding plant
wax insect|any of various insects that secrete a waxy substance
wax myrtle|any shrub or small tree of the genus Myrica with aromatic foliage and small wax-coated berries
wax palm|palm of the Andes yielding a resinous wax which is mixed with tallow to make candles
wax paper|paper that has been waterproofed by treatment with wax or paraffin
wax plant|succulent climber of southern Asia with umbels of pink and white star-shaped flowers
wax-chandler|one who deals in wax candles
waxflower|epiphytic clusia of British Guiana
waxiness|the quality of being made of wax or covered with wax
waxing|a gradual increase in magnitude or extent - "the waxing of the moon";the application of wax to a surface
waxmallow|any of various plants of the genus Malvaviscus having brilliant bell-shaped drooping flowers like incompletely opened hibiscus flowers
waxwing|brown velvety-plumaged songbirds of the northern hemisphere having crested heads and red waxy wing tips
waxwork|an effigy (usually of a famous person) made of wax
waxycap|any fungus of the family Hygrophoraceae having gills that are more or less waxy in appearance
way|a course of conduct - "we went our separate ways";a general category of things;used in the expression 'in the way of' - "they didn't have much in the way of clothing";a journey or passage - "they are on the way";a portion of something divided into shares - "they split the loot three ways";any artifact consisting of a road or path affording passage from one place to another - "he said he was looking for the way out";doing as one pleases or chooses - "if I had my way";the condition of things generally - "that's the way it is" - "I felt the same way";the property of distance in general - "it's a long way to Moscow" - "he went a long ways"
wayfarer|a pedestrian who walks from place to place;a traveler going on a trip
wayfaring|traveling (especially on foot)
wayfaring tree|vigorous deciduous European treelike shrub common along waysides;red berries turn black
Wayland|(European mythology) a supernatural smith and king of the elves;identified with Norse Volund
Wayne|American general during the American Revolution (1745-1796);United States film actor who played tough heroes (1907-1979)
ways|structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
ways and means|resources available to meet expenses (especially legislation for raising revenue for a government)
Ways and Means Committee|a permanent committee of the United States House of Representatives that makes recommendations to the US House on all bills that would raise revenue
wayside|edge of a way or road or path - "flowers along the wayside"
weak interaction|(physics) an interaction between elementary particles involving neutrinos or antineutrinos that is responsible for certain kinds of radioactive decay;mediated by intermediate vector bosons
weak part|a place of especial vulnerability
weak point|an attribute that is inadequate or deficient
weakener|that which weakens or causes a loss of strength - "doubt is a great weakener of resolve"
weakening|becoming weaker;the act of reducing the strength of something
weakfish|food and game fish of North American coastal waters with a mouth from which hooks easily tear out;lean flesh of food and game fishes of the Atlantic coast of the United States
weakling|a person who is physically weak and ineffectual
weakly interacting massive particle|a hypothetical subatomic particle of large mass that interacts weakly with ordinary matter through gravitation;postulated as a constituent of the dark matter of the universe
weakness|a penchant for something even though it might not be good for you - "he has a weakness for chocolate";the condition of being financially weak - "the weakness of the dollar against the yen";the property of lacking physical or mental strength;liability to failure under pressure or stress or strain - "his weakness increased as he became older" - "the weakness of the span was overlooked until it collapsed"
weald|an area of open or forested country
wealth|an abundance of material possessions and resources;property that has economic utility;a monetary value or an exchange value;the quality of profuse abundance - "she has a wealth of talent";the state of being rich and affluent;having a plentiful supply of material goods and money - "great wealth is not a sign of great intelligence"
weaning|the act of substituting other food for the mother's milk in the diet of a child or young mammal
weapon|a means of persuading or arguing - "he used all his conversational weapons";any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting - "he was licensed to carry a weapon"
weapon of mass destruction|a weapon that kills or injures civilian as well as military personnel (nuclear and chemical and biological weapons)
weaponry|weapons considered collectively
weapons carrier|military vehicle that is a light truck designed to carry mortars or machine guns and their crews
weapons plutonium|plutonium 239 that is recovered when nuclear weapons are disassembled;it is stored in plutonium pits
wear|impairment resulting from long use - "the tires showed uneven wear";the act of having on your person as a covering or adornment - "she bought it for everyday wear"
wearer|a person who wears or carries or displays something as a body covering or accessory - "the wearer of the crown"
weasel|a person who is regarded as treacherous or sneaky;small carnivorous mammal with short legs and elongated body and neck
weasel word|an equivocal qualification;a word used to avoid making an outright assertion
weather|the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation - "they were hoping for good weather" - "every day we have weather conditions and yesterday was no exception"
weather bureau|an administrative unit responsible for gathering and interpreting meteorological data for weather study and forecasts
weather deck|upper deck having no overhead protection from the weather, but sheltering the deck below
weather forecast|a forecast of the weather
weather map|(meteorology) a map showing the principal meteorological elements at a given time and over an extended region
weather radar|radar that is able to detect clouds and precipitation
weather satellite|a satellite that transmits frequent picture of the earth below
weather ship|an oceangoing vessel equipped to make meteorological observations
weather strip|a narrow strip of material to cover the joint of a door or window to exclude the cold
weathercock|weathervane with a vane in the form of a rooster
weatherglass|a simple barometer for indicating changes in atmospheric pressure
weatherliness|(of a sailing vessel) the quality of being able to sail close to the wind with little drift to the leeward (even in a stiff wind) - "the Spanish ships had superior speed and weatherliness"
weatherman|predicts the weather
weathervane|mechanical device attached to an elevated structure;rotates freely to show the direction of the wind
weave|pattern of weaving or structure of a fabric
weaver|a craftsman who weaves cloth;finch-like African and Asian colonial birds noted for their elaborately woven nests
weaving|creating fabric
web|a fabric (especially a fabric in the process of being woven);an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving - "the trees cast a delicate web of shadows over the lawn";an intricate trap that entangles or ensnares its victim;membrane connecting the toes of some aquatic birds and mammals
web log|a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies
Web Map Service|a computer program that produces maps of spatially referenced data dynamically from geographic information
web page|a document connected to the World Wide Web and viewable by anyone connected to the internet who has a web browser
web site|a computer connected to the internet that maintains a series of web pages on the World Wide Web - "the Israeli web site was damaged by hostile hackers"
web spinner|any of a small order of slender typically tropical insects that nest in colonies in silken tunnels that they spin
Webb|English sociologist and economist and a central member of the Fabian Society (1859-1947);English writer and a central member of the Fabian Society (1858-1943)
webbed foot|a bird's foot with folds of skin between the toes
webbing|a narrow closely woven tape;used in upholstery or for seat belts;a strong fabric woven in strips;something forming a web (as between the toes of birds)
webbing clothes moth|moth that forms a web in which it lives
webcam|a digital camera designed to take digital photographs and transmit them over the internet
weber|a unit of magnetic flux equal to 100,000,000 maxwells;German conductor and composer of romantic operas (1786-1826);German physicist and brother of E. H. Weber;noted for his studies of terrestrial magnetism (1804-1891);German physiologist who studied sensory responses to stimuli and is considered the father of psychophysics (1795-1878);German sociologist and pioneer of the analytic method in sociology (1864-1920);United States abstract painter (born in Russia) (1881-1961)
Weber's law|(psychophysics) the concept that a just-noticeable difference in a stimulus is proportional to the magnitude of the original stimulus - "Weber's law explains why you don't notice your headlights are on in the daytime"
webfoot|a foot having the toes connected by folds of skin
webmaster|a technician who designs or maintains a website
web-spinning mite|a mite that spins a web
Webster|English playwright (1580-1625);United States lexicographer (1758-1843);United States politician and orator (1782-1817)
web-toed salamander|any of several salamanders with webbed toes and very long extensile tongues;excellent climbers that move with ease over smooth rock surfaces
webworm|several gregarious moth larvae that spin webs over foliage on which they feed
webworm moth|a variety of moth that spins a web in which it lives
Weddell Sea|an arm of the south Atlantic in Antarctica to the east of the Antarctic Peninsula
wedding|a party of people at a wedding;the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
wedding anniversary|the anniversary of the day on which you were married (or the celebration of it)
wedding cake|a rich cake with two or more tiers and covered with frosting and decorations;served at a wedding reception
wedding day|the day of a wedding
wedding guest|a guest at a wedding
wedding march|a march to be played for a wedding procession
wedding night|the night after the wedding when bride and groom sleep together
wedding picture|photographs of bride and groom and their friends taken at their wedding
wedding present|a present given to someone getting married
wedding reception|a reception for wedding guests held after the wedding
wedding ring|a ring (usually plain gold) given to the bride (and sometimes one is also given to the groom) at the wedding
wedge|(golf) an iron with considerable loft and a broad sole;any shape that is triangular in cross section;something solid that is usable as an inclined plane (shaped like a V) that can be pushed between two things to separate them
wedge bone|part of the sirloin nearest the rump
wedge heel|a heel that is an extension of the sole of the shoe
wedgie|a shoe with a wedge heel
Wedgwood|a type of pottery made by Josiah Wedgwood and his successors;typically has a classical decoration in white on a blue background;English potter (1730-1795)
Wednesday|the fourth day of the week;the third working day
wee|a short time - "bide a wee"
wee small voice|an inner voice that judges your behavior
weed|a black band worn by a man (on the arm or hat) as a sign of mourning;any plant that crowds out cultivated plants
weeder|a farmhand hired to remove weeds;a hand tool for removing weeds
weeds|a black garment (dress) worn by a widow as a sign of mourning
week|a period of seven consecutive days starting on Sunday;any period of seven consecutive days - "it rained for a week"
week from Monday|a time period of a week or more - "a week from Monday will be too soon!"
weekday|any day except Sunday (and sometimes except Saturday)
weekend|a time period usually extending from Friday night through Sunday;more loosely defined as any period of successive days including one and only one Sunday
weekend warrior|a homeowner who acts as a contractor and tries to do major improvement projects on weekends (often without understanding the scope of the work to be done);a reservist who fulfills the military obligation on weekends
weekender|a small suitcase to carry clothing and accessories for a weekend trip;someone who vacations on a weekend
weekly|a periodical that is published every week (or 52 issues per year)
weeknight|any night of the week except Saturday or Sunday
weeper|a hired mourner;a person who weeps
weepiness|sadness expressed by weeping
weeping beech|variety of European beech with pendulous limbs
weeping love grass|perennial South African grass having densely clumped flimsy stems;introduced into United States especially for erosion control
weeping spruce|medium-sized spruce of California and Oregon having pendulous branches
weeping tree broom|small shrubby tree of New Zealand having weeping branches and racemes of white to violet flowers followed by woolly indehiscent two-seeded pods
weeping willow|willow with long drooping branches and slender leaves native to China;widely cultivated as an ornamental
weevil|any of several families of mostly small beetles that feed on plants and plant products;especially snout beetles and seed beetles
Wegener|German geophysicist who proposed the theory of continental drift (1880-1930)
Wei|any of several imperial dynasties of China ruling from 220 to 265 and from 386 to 556
weigela|deciduous shrub widely cultivated for its white or pink or red flowers
weighbridge|platform scale flush with a roadway for weighing vehicles and cattle etc
weigher|an official who weighs and records the weight
weight|(statistics) a coefficient assigned to elements of a frequency distribution in order to represent their relative importance;an artifact that is heavy;an oppressive feeling of heavy force - "bowed down by the weight of responsibility";sports equipment used in calisthenic exercises and weightlifting;it is not attached to anything and is raised and lowered by use of the hands and arms;the relative importance granted to something - "his opinion carries great weight" - "the progression implied an increasing weightiness of the items listed";the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
weight gaining|bodybuilding that increases muscle mass and body weight
weight unit|a unit used to measure weight
weightlift|bodybuilding by exercise that involves lifting weights
weightlifter|an athlete who lifts barbells
Weil|French philosopher (1909-1943);United States mathematician (born in France) (1906-1998)
Weill|German composer;collaborated with Bertolt Brecht (1900-1950)
Weil's disease|a severe form of leptospirosis in human beings
Weimar|a German city near Leipzig;scene of the adoption in 1919 of the constitution of the Weimar Republic that lasted until 1933
Weimar Republic|the German republic founded at Weimar in 1919 - "The Weimar Republic was overthrown in 1933 and replaced by the Third Reich"
Weimaraner|large breed of hound having a smooth greyish coat;originated in Germany
Weinberg|United States theoretical physicist (born in 1933)
weir|a fence or wattle built across a stream to catch or retain fish;a low dam built across a stream to raise its level or divert its flow
Weismann|German biologist who was one of the founders of modern genetics;his theory of genetic transmission ruled out the possibility of transmitting acquired characteristics (1834-1914)
Weissbier|a general name for beers made from wheat by top fermentation;usually very pale and cloudy and effervescent
Weisshorn|a mountain in the Alps in Switzerland (14,804 feet high)
Weizenbier|a general name in southern Germany for wheat beers
Weizenbock|a German wheat beer of bock strength
Weizmann|Israeli statesman who persuaded the United States to recognize the new state of Israel and became its first president (1874-1952)
weka|flightless New Zealand rail of thievish disposition having short wings each with a spur used in fighting
welcher|someone who swindles you by not repaying a debt or wager
welcome|a greeting or reception - "the proposal got a warm welcome";the state of being welcome - "don't outstay your welcome"
welcome wagon|a wheeled vehicle carrying information and gifts from local merchants for new residents in an area
welcoming committee|a committee to welcome new residents to a community
weld|a metal joint formed by softening with heat and fusing or hammering together;United States abolitionist (1803-1895)
welder|joins pieces of metal by welding them together
welder's mask|a mask that you wear for protection when doing welding
welding|fastening two pieces of metal together by softening with heat and applying pressure
weldment|an assembly of parts welded together
welfare case|a case for a welfare worker
welfare state|a government that undertakes responsibility for the welfare of its citizens through programs in public health and public housing and pensions and unemployment compensation etc.
welfare work|an organized activity to improve the condition of disadvantaged people in society
well|a cavity or vessel used to contain liquid;a deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine;an abundant source - "she was a well of information";an enclosed compartment in a ship or plane for holding something as e.g. fish or a plane's landing gear or for protecting something as e.g. a ship's pumps;an open shaft through the floors of a building (as for a stairway)
well point|a perforated tube driven into the ground to collect water from the surrounding area
wellbeing|a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous
wellerism|a comparison comprising a well-known quotation followed by a facetious sequel
Welles|United States actor and filmmaker (1915-1985)
wellhead|a structure built over a well;the source of water for a well
Wellington|British general and statesman;he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo;subsequently served as Prime Minister (1769-1852);the capital of New Zealand
Wells|prolific English writer best known for his science-fiction novels;he also wrote on contemporary social problems and wrote popular accounts of history and science (1866-1946)
well-wishing|an expression of good will from one person to another - "much hand-shaking and well-wishing"
Welsh|a breed of dual-purpose cattle developed in Wales;a Celtic language of Wales
Welsh onion|Asiatic onion with slender bulbs;used as early green onions
Welsh pony|breed of small ponies originally from Wales
Welsh poppy|widely cultivated west European plant with showy pale yellow flowers
Welsh rarebit|cheese melted with ale or beer served over toast
Welsh springer spaniel|a red-and-white breed slightly smaller than the English springer spaniel
Welsh terrier|wire-haired terrier resembling Airedales but smaller;developed in Wales for hunting
Welshman|a native or resident of Wales
welt|a raised or strengthened seam
Weltanschauung|a comprehensive view of the world and human life
welted thistle|European biennial introduced in North America having flower heads in crowded clusters at ends of branches
welterweight|a professional boxer who weighs between 141 and 147 pounds;a weight of 28 pounds;sometimes imposed as a handicap in a horse race (such as a steeplechase);a wrestler who weighs 154-172 pounds;an amateur boxer who weighs no more than 148 pounds
Welty|United States writer about rural southern life (1909-2001)
welwitschia|curious plant of arid regions of southwestern Africa having a yard-high and yard-wide trunk like a turnip with a deep taproot and two large persistent woody straplike leaves growing from the base;living relic of a flora long disappeared;some may be 700-5000 years old
Welwitschiaceae|in some classifications included in the Gnetaceae
Wembley|a southeastern part of Greater London that is the site of the English national soccer stadium
Wen Ch'ang|Chinese god of literature
wencher|someone who patronizes prostitutes
Werdnig-Hoffman disease|autosomal recessive disease in which the degeneration of spinal nerve cells and brain nerve cells leads to atrophy of skeletal muscles and flaccid paralysis;death usually occurs in early childhood
werewolf|a monster able to change appearance from human to wolf and back again
Werfel|United States writer (1890-1945)
Wernicke|German neurologist best known for his studies of aphasia (1848-1905)
Wernicke's aphasia|aphasia characterized by fluent but meaningless speech and severe impairment of the ability understand spoken or written words
Wernicke's area|the auditory word center;located in the posterior part of the superior temporal convolution in most people
Wernicke's encephalopathy|inflammatory degenerative disease of the brain caused by thiamine deficiency that is usually associated with alcoholism
Weser|a river in northwestern Germany that flows northward to the North Sea near Bremerhaven
Wesley|English clergyman and brother of John Wesley who wrote many hymns (1707-1788);English clergyman and founder of Methodism (1703-1791)
Wesleyan|a follower of Wesleyanism
Wesleyan Methodist Church|the original Methodist Church
Wesleyanism|evangelical principles taught by John Wesley
Wessex|a Saxon kingdom in southwestern England that became the most powerful English kingdom by the 10th century
west|a location in the western part of a country, region, or city;the cardinal compass point that is a 270 degrees;the direction corresponding to the westward cardinal compass point;British writer (born in Ireland) (1892-1983);English painter (born in America) who became the second president of the Royal Academy (1738-1820);the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America;the region of the United States lying to the west of the Mississippi River;United States film actress (1892-1980)
West Africa|an area of western Africa between the Sahara Desert and the Gulf of Guinea
West African|a group of languages spoken in the extreme western part of West Africa
West Bank|an area between Israel and Jordan on the west bank of the Jordan river;populated largely by Palestinians
West Bengal|a state in eastern India
West Berlin|the part of Berlin under United States and British and French control until 1989
West Berliner|an inhabitant of West Berlin
west by north|the compass point that is one point north of due west
west by south|the compass point that is one point south of due west
West Chadic|a group of Chadic languages spoken in northern Nigeria;Hausa in the most important member
West Coast|the western seaboard of the United States from Washington to southern California
West Country|the southwestern part of England (including Cornwall and Devon and Somerset)
West End|the part of west central London containing the main entertainment and shopping areas
West Germanic|a branch of the Germanic languages
West Germany|a republic in north central Europe on the North Sea;established in 1949 from the zones of Germany occupied by the British and French and Americans after the German defeat;reunified with East Germany in 1990
West Highland white terrier|small white long-coated terrier developed in Scotland
West Indian|a native or inhabitant of the West Indies
West Indian jasmine|tall sparingly branched conical tree having large fragrant yellow flowers with white centers
West Indies|the string of islands between North America and South America;a popular resort area
West Malaysia|the region of Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula
West Midland|a dialect of Middle English
West Nile encephalitis|encephalitis caused by the West Nile virus;can be fatal in humans and horses and birds
West Nile virus|the flavivirus that causes West Nile encephalitis
west northwest|the compass point midway between west and northwest
West Palm Beach|a town in southeast Florida on the mainland opposite Palm Beach;founded as a commercial center for Palm Beach
West Point|United States Army installation on the west bank of Hudson river to the north of New York City;site of United States Military Academy
West Saxon|a literary dialect of Old English;an inhabitant of Wessex
west side|the side that is on the west
west southwest|the compass point midway between west and southwest
West Sussex|a county in southern England on the English Channel
West Virginia|a state in east central United States
West Virginian|a native or resident of West Virginia
west wind|wind that blows from west to east
West Yorkshire|a metropolitan county in northern England
Western|a film about life in the western United States during the period of exploration and development;a sandwich made from a western omelet
Western Australia|a state containing the western third of Australia
Western Australia coral pea|vigorous climber of the forests of western Australia;grown for their dense racemes of attractive bright rose-purple flowers
western big-eared bat|bat of western North America having extremely large ears
western blackberry|American blackberry with oblong black fruit
western blind snake|burrows among roots of shrubs and beneath rocks in desert and rocky hillside areas and beach sand of western United States
Western box turtle|primarily a prairie turtle of western United States and northern Mexico
western buttercup|perennial of western North America
western chimpanzee|masked or pale-faced chimpanzees of western Africa;distantly related to the eastern and central chimpanzees;possibly a distinct species
western chokecherry|chokecherry of western United States
western coral snake|ranges from Central America to southwestern United States
Western culture|the modern culture of western Europe and North America
Western diamondback|largest and most dangerous North American snake;of southwestern United States and Mexico
western fence lizard|common western lizard;seen on logs or rocks
western grey squirrel|large grey squirrel of far western areas of United States
western hemisphere|the hemisphere that includes North America and South America
western hemlock|tall evergreen of western North America;commercially important timber tree
western holly fern|North American fern
western ladies' tresses|similar to Spiranthes romanzoffiana;States
western larch|tall larch of western North America have pale green sharply pointed leaves and oblong cones;an important timber tree
western lowland gorilla|a kind of gorilla
Western Malayo-Polynesian|a western subfamily of Malayo-Polynesian languages
western meadowlark|a meadowlark of western North America
Western mountain ash|an ash of the western coast of North America
western mugwort|perennial cottony-white herb of southwestern United States
western narrow-mouthed toad|small secretive toad with smooth tough skin of central and western North America
western omelet|a firm omelet that has diced ham and peppers and onions
Western pasqueflower|of western North America
western pipistrel|of western North America
western poison oak|poisonous shrub of the Pacific coast of North America that causes a rash on contact
western poppy|showy annual of California with red flowers
western ragweed|coarse perennial ragweed with creeping roots of dry barren lands of southwestern United States and Mexico
western red cedar|large valuable arborvitae of northwestern United States
western red-backed salamander|salamander of the Pacific coast of North America
western redbud|shrub of western United States having pink or crimson flowers;often forms thickets
Western ribbon snake|yellow- or reddish-striped snake of temperate woodlands and grasslands to tropics
Western Roman Empire|the western part after the Roman Empire was divided in 395;it lasted only until 476
Western Sahara|an area in northwestern Africa with rich phosphate deposits;under Moroccan control since 1992
Western Samoan monetary unit|monetary unit in Western Samoa
Western sand cherry|dwarf ornamental shrub of western United States having large black to red and yellow sweet edible fruit
western saxifrage|saxifrage having loose clusters of white flowers on hairy stems growing from a cluster of basal leaves;moist slopes of western North America
Western silvery aster|a variety of aster
western skink|found in western North American grasslands and open woodlands
western spadefoot|this spadefoot toad live in California
western tanager|of western North America;male is black and yellow and orange-red
western toad|of a great variety of habitats from southern Alaska to Baja California west of the Rockies
western wall flower|biennial or short-lived perennial prairie rocket having orange-yellow flowers;western North America to Minnesota and Kansas;sometimes placed in genus Cheiranthus
western wheatgrass|valuable forage grass of western United States
western whiptail|active lizard having a network of dusky dark markings;of semiarid areas from Oregon and Idaho to Baja California
western white pine|tall pine of western North America with stout blue-green needles;bark is grey-brown with rectangular plates when mature
western wood pewee|small flycatcher of western North America
westerner|an inhabitant of a western area;especially of the U.S.
Westernization|assimilation of Western culture;the social process of becoming familiar with or converting to the customs and practices of Western civilization
Westinghouse|United States inventor and manufacturer (1846-1914)
westland pine|timber tree of New Zealand having shiny white wood
Westminster|a borough of Greater London on the Thames;contains Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey|a famous Gothic church of St. Peter in Westminster, London on the site of a former Benedictine monastery - "Westminster Abbey is the scene of the coronations of almost all English monarchs" - "Distinguished English subjects are buried in Westminster Abbey"
Weston|United States photographer(1886-1958)
Weston cell|a standard voltaic cell (trademark Weston)
West-sider|a resident of the west side of Manhattan in New York City
wet bar|a bar for mixing drinks that has a sink with running water
wet cell|a primary voltaic cell having a liquid electrolyte
wet dream|an erotic dream (usually at night) accompanied by the (nocturnal) emission of semen
wet fly|fisherman's fly that floats under the surface of the water
wet nurse|a woman hired to suckle a child of someone else
wet suit|a close-fitting garment made of a permeable material;worn in cold water (as by skin divers) to retain body heat
wet-bulb thermometer|a thermometer with a bulb that is covered with moist muslin;used in a psychrometer to measure humidity
wether|male sheep especially a castrated one
wetland|a low area where the land is saturated with water
wetness|the condition of containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water) - "he confirmed the wetness of the swimming trunks"
wetter|a workman who wets the work in a manufacturing process
wetting|the act of making something wet
wetting agent|a chemical agent capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved
whack|the sound made by a sharp swift blow
whacker|something especially big or impressive of its kind
whale|any of the larger cetacean mammals having a streamlined body and breathing through a blowhole on the head
whale louse|amphipod crustacean parasitic on cetaceans
whale oil|a white to brown oil obtained from whale blubber;formerly used as an illuminant
whale shark|large spotted shark of warm surface waters worldwide;resembles a whale and feeds chiefly on plankton
whale sucker|large blue Pacific remora that attaches to whales and dolphins
whaleboat|a long narrow boat designed for quick turning and use in rough seas
whalebone|a horny material from the upper jaws of certain whales;used as the ribs of fans or as stays in corsets
whaler|a seaman who works on a ship that hunts whales;a ship engaged in whale fishing
whaling gun|a gun (or device resembling a gun) for discharging a projectile (especially a harpoon) at a whale
whammy|a serious or devastating setback
wharf rat|brown rat that infests wharves;someone who lives near wharves and lives by pilfering from ships or warehouses
wharfage|a fee charged for the use of a wharf or quay
Wharton|United States novelist (1862-1937)
what for|a strong reprimand
wheat|annual or biennial grass having erect flower spikes and light brown grains;grains of common wheat;sometimes cooked whole or cracked as cereal;usually ground into flour
wheat berry|a grain of wheat
wheat flag smut|fungus affecting leaves and stems of wheat
wheat flour|flour prepared from wheat
wheat future|wheat bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date
wheat germ|embryo of the wheat kernel;removed before milling and eaten as a source of vitamins
wheat gluten|gluten prepared from wheat
wheat rust|rust fungus that attacks wheat
wheat scab|a disease of the heads of wheat plants
wheatear|small songbird of northern America and Eurasia having a distinctive white rump
wheatfield|a field planted with wheat
wheatflake|crisp flake made from wheat
wheatgrass|a grass of the genus Agropyron
Wheatley|American poet (born in Africa) who was the first recognized Black writer in America (1753-1784)
Wheatstone|English physicist and inventor who devised the Wheatstone bridge (1802-1875)
Wheatstone bridge|a bridge used to measure resistances
wheatworm|small roundworm parasitic on wheat
wheedler|someone who tries to persuade by blandishment and coaxing
wheel|a circular helm to control the rudder of a vessel;a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines);forces that provide energy and direction - "the wheels of government began to turn"
wheel and axle|hoist so arranged that a rope unwinding from a wheel is wound onto a cylindrical drum or shaft coaxial with the wheel
wheel bug|large predatory North American bug that sucks the blood of other insects
wheel horse|a draft horse harnessed behind others and nearest the wheels of a vehicle
wheel lock|an obsolete gunlock using flint and a revolving wheel
wheel tree|eastern Australian tree widely cultivated as a shade tree and for its glossy leaves and circular clusters of showy red to orange-scarlet flowers
wheelbase|the distance from the center of a car's front wheel to the rear axle
wheelchair|a movable chair mounted on large wheels;for invalids or those who cannot walk;frequently propelled by the occupant
wheeled vehicle|a vehicle that moves on wheels and usually has a container for transporting things or people - "the oldest known wheeled vehicles were found in Sumer and Syria and date from around 3500 BC"
Wheeler|Scottish archaeologist (1890-1976);the man at the outermost end of the rank in wheeling
Wheeler Peak|a mountain peak in northeastern New Mexico in the Rocky Mountains
Wheeling|a city in the northern panhandle of West Virginia on the Ohio river;propelling something on wheels
wheelwork|mechanical device including an arrangement of wheel in a machine (especially a train of gears)
wheelwright|someone who makes and repairs wooden wheels
wheeze|(Briticism) a clever or amusing scheme or trick - "a clever wheeze probably succeeded in neutralizing the German espionage threat";breathing with a husky or whistling sound
wheeziness|presence of abnormal high-pitched sound heard with a stethoscope when an airway is blocked (as in asthma or chronic bronchitis)
whelk|large carnivorous marine gastropods of coastal waters and intertidal regions having a strong snail-like shell;large marine snail much used as food in Europe
whereabouts|the general location where something is - "I questioned him about his whereabouts on the night of the crime"
wherewithal|the necessary means (especially financial means)
wherry|light rowboat for use in racing or for transporting goods and passengers in inland waters and harbors;sailing barge used especially in East Anglia
whetstone|a flat stone for sharpening edged tools or knives
whey|the serum or watery part of milk that is separated from the curd in making cheese;watery part of milk produced when raw milk sours and coagulates - "Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet eating some curds and whey"
whiff|a lefteye flounder found in coastal waters from New England to Brazil;a strikeout resulting from the batter swinging at and missing the ball for the third strike
whiffer|a batter who strikes out by swinging at and missing the third strike
whiffletree|a crossbar that is attached to the traces of a draft horse and to the vehicle or implement that the horse is pulling
Whig|a member of the political party that urged social reform in 18th and 19th century England;was the opposition party to the Tories;a member of the Whig Party that existed in the United States before the American Civil War;a supporter of the American Revolution
Whig Party|a former political party in the United States;formed in 1834 in opposition to the Democratic Party;advocated a loose interpretation of the Constitution and high protective tariffs
while|a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition - "he was here for a little while"
whimper|a complaint uttered in a plaintive whining way
whinchat|brown-and-buff European songbird of grassy meadows
whiner|a person given to excessive complaints and crying and whining
whinstone|any of various hard colored rocks (especially rocks consisting of chert or basalt)
whip|(golf) the flexibility of the shaft of a golf club;a dessert made of sugar and stiffly beaten egg whites or cream and usually flavored with fruit;a legislator appointed by the party to enforce discipline;a quick blow delivered with a whip or whiplike object - "the whip raised a red welt";an instrument with a handle and a flexible lash that is used for whipping
whipcord|a strong worsted or cotton fabric with a diagonal rib;closely twisted hard cord used for the lashes of whips
whiplash|an injury to the neck (the cervical vertebrae) resulting from rapid acceleration or deceleration (as in an automobile accident)
whipped cream|cream that has been beaten until light and fluffy
whipper-in|huntsman's assistant in managing the hounds
whippersnapper|someone who is unimportant but cheeky and presumptuous
whippet|small slender dog of greyhound type developed in England
whipping|beating with a whip or strap or rope as a form of punishment
whipping cream|cream that has enough butterfat (30% to 36%) to be whipped
whipping post|post formerly used in public to which offenders are tied to be whipped
whipping top|a top that is spun by whipping
Whipple's penstemon|wine and lavender to purple and black flowers in several clusters on the upper half of leafy stems;Montana south through the Rocky Mountains to Arizona and New Mexico
whippoorwill|American nocturnal goatsucker with grey-and-white plumage
whip-round|(British) solicitation of money usually for a benevolent purpose
whip-scorpion|nonvenomous arachnid that resembles a scorpion and that has a long thin tail without a stinger
whip-snake|any of several small fast-moving snakes with long whiplike tails
whipstitch|a sewing stitch passing over an edge diagonally
whiptail|any of numerous very agile and alert New World lizards
whir|sound of something in rapid motion - "whir of a bird's wings" - "the whir of the propellers"
whirl|confused movement - "he was caught up in a whirl of work";the shape of something rotating rapidly
Whirlaway|thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1941
whirler|a revolving mechanism
whirligig beetle|aquatic beetle that circles rapidly on the water surface
whirling dervish|a dervish whose actions include ecstatic dancing and whirling
whirlpool|a powerful circular current of water (usually the result of conflicting tides)
whirlwind|a more or less vertical column of air whirling around itself as it moves over the surface of the Earth
whisk|a mixer incorporating a coil of wires;used for whipping eggs or cream;a small short-handled broom used to brush clothes
whisk fern|chiefly tropical clump-forming plants of skeletal appearance resembling whisk brooms;lacking roots
whisker|a long stiff hair growing from the snout or brow of most mammals as e.g. a cat
whiskey|a liquor made from fermented mash of grain
whiskey bottle|a bottle for holding whiskey
whiskey jug|a jug that contains whiskey
whiskey neat|a drink consisting of whiskey without a mixer - "he ordered a whiskey neat"
whiskey on the rocks|whiskey with ice
whiskey sour|a sour made with whiskey
whisper|speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
whisperer|one who speaks in a whisper
whispering campaign|the organized dissemination of derogatory rumors designed to discredit a candidate
whispering gallery|a space beneath a dome or arch in which sounds produced at certain points are clearly audible at certain distant points
whist|a card game for four players who form two partnerships;a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six
whist drive|a progressive whist party
whistle|a small wind instrument that produces a whistling sound by blowing into it;acoustic device that forces air or steam against an edge or into a cavity and so produces a loud shrill sound;the act of signalling (e.g., summoning) by whistling or blowing a whistle - "the whistle signalled the end of the game";the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
whistle blower|an informant who exposes wrongdoing within an organization in the hope of stopping it
whistle buoy|a buoy that makes a whistling noise
whistle stop|a small railway station between the principal stations or a station where the train stops only on a signal
whistler|someone who makes a loud high sound;United States painter (1834-1903)
whistle-stop tour|a tour by a candidate as part of a political campaign in which a series of small towns are visited - "in 1948 Truman crossed the country several times on his whistle-stop tours"
whistling|the act of whistling a tune - "his cheerful whistling indicated that he enjoyed his work"
whistling swan|North American subspecies of tundra swan having a soft whistling note
white|(board games) the lighter pieces;the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black);a member of the Caucasoid race;a tributary of the Mississippi River that flows southeastward through northern Arkansas and southern Missouri;Australian writer (1912-1990);United States architect (1853-1906);United States educator who in 1865 (with Ezra Cornell) founded Cornell University and served as its first president (1832-1918);United States jurist appointed chief justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1910 by President Taft;noted for his work on antitrust legislation (1845-1921);United States political journalist (1915-1986);United States writer noted for his humorous essays (1899-1985)
white admiral|Eurasian butterfly with brown wings and white markings
white alder|tree of western United States
white ash|spreading American ash with leaves pale green or silvery beneath and having hard brownish wood
white baneberry|North American herb with white poisonous berries
white basswood|American basswood of the Allegheny region
white book|a government report;bound in white
white bread|bread made with finely ground and usually bleached wheat flour
white broom|low European broom having trifoliate leaves and yellowish-white flowers
white bryony|white-flowered vine having thick roots and bearing small black berries;Europe to Iran
white cake|cake made without egg yolks
white camas|plant of eastern and central North America having creamy white flowers tinged with brown or purple;poisonous especially to grazing animals
white campion|bluish-green herb having sticky stems and clusters of large evening-opening white flowers with much-inflated calyx;sometimes placed in genus Lychnis
white chocolate|a blend of cocoa butter and milk solids and sugar and vanilla;used in candy bars and baking and coatings;not technically chocolate because it contains no chocolate liquor
white clover|creeping European clover having white to pink flowers and bright green leaves;naturalized in United States;widely grown for forage
white crappie|a crappie that is white
white croaker|silvery and bluish drumfish of shallow California coastal waters;small silvery marine food fish found off California
white currant|garden currant bearing small white berries
white cypress pine|small tree or shrub of southern Australia
white dead nettle|European dead nettle with white flowers
white dipladenia|shrubby climber having glossy leaves and white funnel-shaped flowers with yellow throats
white dogtooth violet|North American dogtooth having solitary white flowers with yellow centers and blue or pink exteriors
white dwarf|a faint star of enormous density
white elephant|a valuable possession whose upkeep is excessively expensive;albinic Indian elephant;rare and sometimes venerated in east Asia
white false indigo|erect or spreading herb having racemes of creamy white flowers;the eastern United States
white feather|a symbol of cowardice
white fir|medium to tall fir of central to western United States having a narrow erect crown and soft wood
white flag|flag consisting of a piece of white cloth that is hoisted to signal surrender or to ask for a truce
white fringed orchis|bog orchid of eastern North America with a spike of pure white fringed flowers
white fritillary|California herb with white conic or bell-shaped flowers usually tinged with green
white fungus|a fungus that attacks living fish and tadpoles and spawn causing white fungus disease;a coating of white hyphae on especially peripheral parts (as fins)
white globe lily|globe lily having open branched clusters of egg-shaped white flowers;southern California
white gold|a pale alloy of gold usually with platinum or nickel or palladium
white goods|drygoods for household use that are typically made of white cloth;large electrical home appliances (refrigerators or washing machines etc.) that are typically finished in white enamel
white heat|the hotness of something heated until it turns white
white heather|heath of mountains of western United States having bell-shaped white flowers
white hellebore|North American plant having large leaves and yellowish green flowers growing in racemes;yields a toxic alkaloid used medicinally
white honeysuckle|bushy honeysuckle with twining branches and white or yellow-white flowers;southern United States
white hope|someone (or something) expected to achieve great success in a given field - "this company is the great white hope of the nuclear industry's waste management policy"
White House|the chief executive department of the United States government;the government building that serves as the residence and office of the President of the United States
white knight|a company that is a friendly acquirer in a takeover
white lead|a poisonous white pigment that contains lead
white leather|a leather that has been treated with alum and/or salt
white lettuce|herb of northeastern North America having drooping clusters of yellowish-white flowers;sometimes placed in genus Prenanthes
white lie|an unimportant lie (especially one told to be tactful or polite)
white line|a white stripe in the middle of a road to mark traffic lanes
white lupine|white-flowered Eurasian herb widely cultivated for forage and erosion control
white magic|magic used only for good purposes
white maire|small New Zealand tree having red pulpy one-seeded fruit
white mallee|small shrubby mallee
white man|a man who is White
white mangrove|a small to medium-sized tree growing in brackish water especially along the shores of the southwestern Pacific;shrub to moderately large tree that grows in brackish water along the seacoasts of western Africa and tropical America;locally important as a source of tannin
white man's burden|the supposed responsibility of the white race to provide care for their non-white subjects
white marlin|small marlin (to 180 pounds) of western Atlantic
white matter|whitish nervous tissue of the CNS consisting of neurons and their myelin sheaths
white metal|an alloy (often of lead or tin base) used for bearings
white milkweed|tall herb with leafless white waxy stems and whitish starlike flowers;southwestern United States
white mountain ash|large tree with dark compact bark on lower trunk but smooth and white above;yields lumber similar to that of European or American ashes
white mulberry|Asiatic mulberry with white to pale red fruit;leaves used to feed silkworms
white mullein|densely hairy Eurasian herb with racemose white flowers;naturalized in North America
white mullet|silvery mullet of Atlantic and Pacific coasts
white mustard|Eurasian mustard cultivated for its pungent seeds;a source of table mustard and mustard oil
White Nile|a headstream of the Nile;joins the Blue Nile at Khartoum to form the Nile
white noise|a noise produced by a stimulus containing all of the audible frequencies of vibration - "white noise is a good masking agent"
white oak|any of numerous Old World and American oaks having 6 to 8 stamens in each floret, acorns that mature in one year and leaf veins that never extend beyond the margin of the leaf
white pages|a telephone directory or section of a directory (usually printed on white paper) where the names of people are listed alphabetically along with their telephone numbers
white pelican|large American pelican;white with black wing feathers
white pepper|pepper ground from husked peppercorns
white perch|small silvery food and game fish of eastern United States streams
white pine|any of several five-needled pines with white wood and smooth usually light grey bark when young;especially the eastern white pine;soft white wood of white pine trees
white poplar|a poplar that is widely cultivated in the United States;has white bark and leaves with whitish undersurfaces
white prairie aster|perennial of western North America having white flowers
White race|a light-skinned race
white rhinoceros|large light-grey African rhinoceros having two horns;endangered;sometimes placed in genus Diceros
white rice|having husk or outer brown layers removed
white rocket|from Mediterranean region;a naturalized weed throughout southern Europe
White Russian|a cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and milk or cream
white rust|fungus causing a disease characterized by a white powdery mass of conidia
white sale|a sale of household linens
white sauce|milk thickened with a butter and flour roux
White Sea|a large inlet of the Barents Sea in the northwestern part of European Russia
white separatism|a social system in which white people live separately from members of other races
white separatist|someone who advocates a society in which white people live separately from members of other races
white slave|a woman sold into prostitution
white slaver|a person who forces women to become prostitutes
white slime mushroom|a type of slime mushroom
white snakeroot|American herb having flat-topped clusters of small white flower heads;reputedly a cause of trembles and milk sickness;sometimes placed in genus Eupatorium
white snapdragon|California plant with slender racemes of white flowers
white spruce|medium-sized spruce of northeastern North America having short blue-green leaves and slender cones
white squire|a white knight that buys less than a majority interest
white stork|the common stork of Europe;white with black wing feathers and a red bill
white stringybark|stringybark having white wood
white supremacist|a person who believes that the white race is or should be supreme
white supremacy|the prejudice that members of the white race are superior to members of other races
white sweet clover|biennial plant;valuable honey plant
White Tai|a branch of the Tai languages
white tie|bow tie worn as part of a man's formal evening dress
white trash|(slang) an offensive term for White people who are impoverished
white turnip|white root of a turnip plant
white water|frothy water as in rapids or waterfalls
white whale|small northern whale that is white when adult
white willow|large willow tree of Eurasia and North Africa having greyish canescent leaves and grey bark
white wine|pale yellowish wine made from white grapes or red grapes with skins removed before fermentation
white wolf|wolf of Arctic North America having white fur and a black-tipped tail
white woman|a woman who is White
white wood aster|rhizomatous perennial wood aster of eastern North America with white flowers
white yam|grown in Australasia and Polynesia for its large root with fine edible white flesh
white zinnia|subshrub with slender woolly stems and long narrow leaves and flower heads with white rays;southern United States and northern Mexico
whitebait|minnows or other small fresh- or saltwater fish (especially herring);usually cooked whole;the edible young of especially herrings and sprats and smelts
whitebark pine|small pine of western North America;having smooth grey-white bark and soft brittle wood;similar to limber pine
white-bellied swallow|bluish-green-and-white North American swallow;nests in tree cavities
white-berry yew|yew of southeastern China, differing from the Old World yew in having white berries
white-breasted nuthatch|bluish-grey nuthatch with black head and white breast;of eastern North America
whitecap|a wave that is blown by the wind so its crest is broken and appears white
white-chinned petrel|large black petrel of southern seas having a white mark on the chin
white-coat hypertension|temporary rise in blood pressure in the doctor's office
white-crowned sparrow|finch with black-and-white striped crown
whitecup|prostrate woody South American herb with white tubular flowers often tinged with blue or rose
whited sepulcher|a person who is inwardly evil but outwardly professes to be virtuous
whiteface|a clown whose face is covered with white make-up
whitefish|any market fish--edible saltwater fish or shellfish--except herring;flesh of salmon-like or trout-like cold-water fish of cold lakes of the northern hemisphere;silvery herring-like freshwater food fish of cold lakes of the northern hemisphere
whitefly|minute insect that feeds on plant juices;related to scale insects
white-footed mouse|American woodland mouse with white feet and underparts
Whitehall|a wide street in London stretching from Trafalgar Square to the Houses of Parliament;site of many government offices;the British civil service
whitehead|a small whitish lump in the skin due to a clogged sebaceous gland;English philosopher and mathematician who collaborated with Bertrand Russell (1861-1947)
white-headed stilt|stilt of the southwest Pacific including Australia and New Zealand having mostly white plumage but with black wings and nape of neck
Whitehorse|the provincial capital of the Yukon Territory
whitelash|backlash by white racists against black civil rights advances
white-leaved rockrose|compact white pubescent shrub of southwestern Europe having pink flowers
white-lipped peccary|blackish peccary with whitish cheeks;larger than the collared peccary
whiteness|lightness or fairness of complexion - "only the whiteness of her cheeks gave any indication of the stress from which she was suffering"
whitening|changing to a lighter color
whiteout|an arctic atmospheric condition with clouds over snow produce a uniform whiteness and objects are difficult to see;occurs when the light reflected off the snow equals the light coming through the clouds
white-rayed mule's ears|herb with basal leaves and leafy hairy stems bearing solitary flower heads with white or pale cream-colored rays;northwestern United States
white-rumped shrike|a butcherbird of western North America;grey with white underparts
whitetail prairie dog|tail is white tipped
white-tailed jackrabbit|largest hare of northern plains and western mountains of United States;brownish-grey in summer and pale grey in winter;tail nearly always all white
white-tailed kite|grey-and-white American kite of warm and tropical regions
whitethorn|thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries;established as an escape in eastern North America
white-throated sparrow|common North American finch with a white patch on the throat and black-and-white striped crown
whitetip shark|large deep-water shark with white-tipped dorsal fin;worldwide distribution;most dangerous shark;smooth dogfish of Pacific and Indian Oceans and Red Sea having white-tipped dorsal and caudal fins
white-topped aster|herb having corymbose white-rayed flowers with scaly bracts and silky indehiscent fruits
whitewash|a defeat in which the losing person or team fails to score;a specious or deceptive clearing that attempts to gloss over failings and defects;wash consisting of lime and size in water;used for whitening walls and other surfaces
whitey|(slang) offensive names for a White man
whiting|a food fish of the Atlantic waters of Europe resembling the cod;sometimes placed in genus Gadus;a small fish of the genus Sillago;excellent food fish;any of several food fishes of North American coastal waters;flesh of a cod-like fish of the Atlantic waters of Europe;flesh of any of a number of slender food fishes especially of Atlantic coasts of North America
whitlow grass|annual weed of Europe and North America having a rosette of basal leaves and tiny flowers followed by oblong seed capsules
whitlowwort|any of various low-growing tufted plants of the genus Paronychia having tiny greenish flowers and usually whorled leaves;widespread throughout warm regions of both Old and New Worlds;formerly thought to cure whitlows (suppurative infections around a fingernail)
Whitman|United States frontier missionary who established a post in Oregon where Christianity and schooling and medicine were available to Native Americans (1802-1847);United States poet who celebrated the greatness of America (1819-1892)
Whitmonday|the day after Whitsunday;a legal holiday in England and Wales and Ireland
Whitney|the highest peak in the Sierra Nevada range in California (14,494 feet high);United States inventor of the mechanical cotton gin (1765-1825)
Whitsun|Christian holiday;the week beginning on Whitsunday (especially the first 3 days)
Whittier|United States poet best known for his nostalgic poems about New England (1807-1892)
Whittle|English aeronautical engineer who invented the jet aircraft engine (1907-1996)
whittler|someone who whittles (usually as an idle pastime)
Whit-Tuesday|the day after Whitmonday
whiz|a buzzing or hissing sound as of something traveling rapidly through the air - "he heard the whiz of bullets near his head"
whizbang|a firecracker that (like the whizbang shell) makes a whizzing sound followed by a loud explosion;a small high-velocity shell;it makes a whizzing sound followed by a bang when it hits
whole|all of something including all its component elements or parts - "Europe considered as a whole" - "the whole of American literature";an assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity - "how big is that part compared to the whole?"
whole blood|blood that has not been modified except for the addition of an anticoagulant - "whole blood is normally used in blood transfusions"
whole gale|wind moving 55-63 knots;10 on the Beaufort scale
whole life insurance|insurance on the life of the insured for a fixed amount at a definite premium that is paid each year in the same amount during the entire lifetime of the insured
whole milk|milk from which no constituent (such as fat) has been removed
whole note|a musical note having the longest time value (equal to four beats in common time)
whole rest|a musical rest equal in duration to four beats in common time
whole shebang|everything available;usually preceded by 'the' - "we saw the whole shebang"
whole snipe|common snipe of Eurasia and Africa
whole wheat flour|flour made by grinding the entire wheat berry including the bran;('whole meal flour' is British usage)
wholeheartedness|undivided commitment or unreserved enthusiasm
wholeness|a state of robust good health
wholesale|the selling of goods to merchants;usually in large quantities for resale to consumers
wholesomeness|the quality of being beneficial and generally good for you
whole-word method|teaching reading by training beginners to associate printed words with spoken words
whoop|a loud hooting cry of exultation or excitement
whoopee|noisy and boisterous revelry
whooper|common Old World swan noted for its whooping call
whooping cough|a disease of the respiratory mucous membrane
whooping crane|rare North American crane having black-and-white plumage and a trumpeting call
whopper|a gross untruth;a blatant lie
whorehouse|a building where prostitutes are available
whoremaster|a pimp who procures whores;a prostitute's customer
whorled aster|North American perennial with apparently whorled leaves and showy white purple-tinged flowers
whorled caraway|a caraway with whorled leaves
whorled loosestrife|common North American yellow-flowered plant
whorled milkweed|milkweed of the eastern United States with narrow leaves in whorls and greenish-white flowers
why|the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase 'the whys and wherefores'
whydah|mostly black African weaverbird
Wicca|a community of followers of the Wicca religion;the polytheistic nature religion of modern witchcraft whose central deity is a mother goddess;claims origins in pre-Christian pagan religions of western Europe
Wiccan|a believer in Wicca
Wichita|a member of the Caddo people formerly living between Kansas and central Texas;the Caddoan language spoken by the Wichita;the largest city in Kansas;located in southern Kansas on the Arkansas River
Wichita Falls|a city in north central Texas near the Oklahoma border
wick|a loosely woven cord (in a candle or oil lamp) that draws fuel by capillary action up into the flame;any piece of cord that conveys liquid by capillary action - "the physician put a wick in the wound to drain it"
wicker|slender flexible branches or twigs (especially of willow or some canes);used for wickerwork;work made of interlaced slender branches (especially willow branches)
wicker basket|a basket made of wickerwork
wicket|a small arch used as croquet equipment;cricket equipment consisting of a set of three stumps topped by crosspieces;used in playing cricket;small gate or door (especially one that is part of a larger door);small opening (like a window in a door) through which business can be transacted
wicket-keeper|stands behind the wicket to catch balls
wickiup|a lodge consisting of a frame covered with matting or brush;used by nomadic American Indians in the southwestern United States
Widal test|a test for detecting typhoid fever and other salmonella infections
wide area network|a computer network that spans a wider area than does a local area network
wide screen|a projection screen that is much wider than it is high
wide wale|corduroy with wide ribs
wide-angle lens|a camera lens having a wider than normal angle of view (and usually a short focal length);produces an image that is foreshortened in the center and increasingly distorted in the periphery
widebody aircraft|a commercial airliner with two aisles
widegrip pushup|a pushup with the arms widely separated
wideness|the property of being wide;having great width
widening|an increase in width;the act of making something wider
widgeon|freshwater duck of Eurasia and northern Africa related to mallards and teals
widow|a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
widower|a man whose wife is dead especially one who has not remarried
widowhood|the state of being a widow who has not remarried;the time of a woman's life when she is a widow
widow's peak|a V-shaped point in the hairline in the middle of the forehead
widow's walk|a lookout atop a coastal house
width|the extent of something from side to side
Wiener|United States mathematician and founder of cybernetics (1894-1964)
wiener roast|a cookout where roasted frankfurters are the main course
Wiesbaden|a city in western Germany;a spa since Roman times
Wiesel|United States writer (born in Romania) who survived Nazi concentration camps and is dedicated to keeping alive the memory of the Holocaust (born in 1928)
wiesenboden|a dark meadow soil rich in organic material;developed through poor drainage in humid grassy or sedge regions
Wiesenthal|Austrian investigator of Nazi war crimes (born in 1908)
wife|a married woman;a man's partner in marriage
Wiffle|(trademark) a hollow plastic ball with cutouts
wig|British slang for a scolding;hairpiece covering the head and made of real or synthetic hair
wiggle|the act of wiggling
wiggle room|flexibility of interpretation or of options - "the request left some wiggle room for future restructuring"
wiggler|larva of a mosquito;one who can't stay still (especially a child) - "the toddler was a real wiggler on plane trips"
wiggliness|a jerky back and forth kind of mobility - "he walked with the wiggliness of a child on high heels"
Wight|an isle and county of southern England in the English Channel
wigmaker|someone who makes and sells wigs
Wigner|United States physicist (born in Hungary) noted for his work on the structure of the atom and its nucleus (1902-1995)
wigwam|a Native American lodge frequently having an oval shape and covered with bark or hides
wild|a wild primitive state untouched by civilization - "he lived in the wild" - "they collected mushrooms in the wild"
wild angelica|European herb with compound leaves and white flowers;adventive on Cape Breton Island
wild apple|any of numerous wild apple trees usually with small acidic fruit
wild ass|any of several equine mammals of Asia and northeast Africa
wild basil|aromatic herb having heads of small pink or whitish flowers;widely distributed in United States, Europe and Asia
wild boar|Old World wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come;introduced in United States
wild buckwheat|low-growing shrub with spreading branches and flowers in loose heads;desert regions of western United States (California to Utah)
wild cabbage|wild original of cultivated cabbages;common in western coastal Europe
wild calla|plant of wetlands and bogs of temperate regions having small greenish flowers partly enclosed in a white spathe and red berries
wild card|a playing card whose value can be determined by the person who holds it;an unpredictable factor - "the weather was a wild card"
wild carrot|a widely naturalized Eurasian herb with finely cut foliage and white compound umbels of small white or yellowish flowers and thin yellowish roots
wild celery|herb of Europe and temperate Asia
wild cherry|an uncultivated cherry tree;the fruit of the wild cherry tree
wild China tree|deciduous tree of southwestern United States having pulpy fruit containing saponin
wild cinnamon|large evergreen shrub or small tree having white aromatic bark and leathery leaves and small purple to red flowers in terminal cymes
wild cotton|shrub of southern Arizona and Mexico
wild crab|wild crab apple native to Europe;a chief ancestor of cultivated apples
wild dog|any of various undomesticated mammals of the family Canidae that are thought to resemble domestic dogs as distinguished from jackals or wolves
wild duck|an undomesticated duck (especially a mallard)
wild fig|a West Indies clusia having fig-shaped fruit
wild garlic|pungent Old World weedy plant
wild geranium|common wild geranium of eastern North America with deeply parted leaves and rose-purple flowers
wild ginger|low-growing perennial herb with pungent gingery leaves and rhizomes
wild goat|undomesticated goat
wild hollyhock|a rare mallow found only in Illinois resembling the common hollyhock and having pale rose-mauve flowers;sometimes placed in genus Sphaeralcea
wild horse|undomesticated or feral domestic horse
wild hyacinth|eastern camas;eastern and central North America;sometimes placed in genus Scilla
wild hydrangea|deciduous shrub with creamy white flower clusters;eastern United States
wild indigo|any of several plants of the genus Baptisia
wild leek|coarse Old World perennial having a large bulb and tall stalk of greenish purple-tinged flowers;widely naturalized
wild licorice|bedstraw with sweetish roots;European perennial;North American plant similar to true licorice and having a root with similar properties
wild lily of the valley|evergreen with rounded leaves and very fragrant creamy-white flowers;widely distributed in northern parts of Old and New Worlds;North American evergreen with small pinkish bell-shaped flowers and oblong leaves used formerly for shinplasters
wild lupine|stout perennial of eastern and central North America having palmate leaves and showy racemose blue flowers
wild madder|Eurasian herb with ample panicles of small white flowers;naturalized in North America
wild man|a person who is not socialized
wild mango|African tree with edible yellow fruit resembling mangos;valued for its oil-rich seed and hardy green wood that resists termites
wild medlar|small deciduous tree of southern Africa having edible fruit
wild oat|common in meadows and pastures
wild olive|erect shrub or climber of India and China with red olivelike fruit
wild onion|any of various plants of the genus Allium with edible bulbs found growing wild
wild pansy|a common and long cultivated European herb from which most common garden pansies are derived
wild parsley|any of various uncultivated umbelliferous plants with foliage resembling that of carrots or parsley
wild parsnip|biennial weed in Europe and America having large pinnate leaves and yellow flowers and a bitter and somewhat poisonous root;the ancestor of cultivated parsnip
wild pea|any of various plants of the family Leguminosae that usually grow like vines
wild peach|large much-branched shrub grown primarily for its evergreen foliage
wild pink|perennial of eastern and central North America having short-stalked pink or white flowers in hairy clusters
wild pitch|an errant pitch that the catcher cannot be expected to catch and that allows a base runner to advance a base
wild plum|an uncultivated plum tree or shrub
wild potato|erect or spreading perennial of southwestern United States and Mexico bearing small pale brown to cream-colored tubers resembling potatoes
wild potato vine|tropical American prostrate or climbing herbaceous perennial having an enormous starchy root;sometimes held to be source of the sweet potato
wild raspberry|the common European raspberry;fruit red or orange
wild red oat|Mediterranean oat held to be progenitor of modern cultivated oat
wild rice|grains of aquatic grass of North America;perennial aquatic grass of North America bearing grain used for food
wild rosemary|bog shrub of northern and central Europe and eastern Siberia to Korea and Japan
wild rye|any of several grasses of the genus Elymus
wild sage|Eurasian sage with blue flowers and foliage like verbena;naturalized in United States
wild sarsaparilla|common perennial herb having aromatic roots used as a substitute for sarsaparilla;central and eastern North America
wild senna|North American perennial herb;leaves are used medicinally;sometimes placed in genus Cassia
wild service tree|European tree bearing edible small speckled brown fruit
wild sheep|undomesticated sheep
wild spinach|leafy greens collected from the wild and used as a substitute for spinach
wild spurge|common perennial United States spurge having showy white petallike bracts
wild strawberry|Europe
wild tamarind|a tree of the West Indies and Florida and Mexico;resembles tamarind and has long flat pods
wild teasel|European teasel with white to pink flowers;naturalized in United States
wild thyme|aromatic dwarf shrub common on banks and hillsides in Europe;naturalized in United States
wild tobacco|tobacco plant of South America and Mexico
wild vanilla|perennial of southeastern United States with leaves having the fragrance of vanilla
Wild West|the western United States during its frontier period
Wild West Show|a spectacular show organized in 1883 by William F. Cody that featured horseback riding and marksmanship on a large scale;toured the United States and Europe
wild wheat|found wild in Palestine;held to be prototype of cultivated wheat
wild yam|having a rhizome formerly dried and used to treat rheumatism or liver disorders
wildcat|any small or medium-sized cat resembling the domestic cat and living in the wild
wildcat strike|a strike undertaken by workers without approval from the officials of their union
wildcat well|an exploratory oil well drilled in land not known to be an oil field
wildcatter|an oilman who drills exploratory wells in territory not known to be an oil field
Wilde|Irish writer and wit (1854-1900)
Wilder|United States filmmaker (born in Austria) whose dark humor infused many of the films he made (1906-2002);United States writer and dramatist (1897-1975)
wilderness|(politics) a state of disfavor - "he led the Democratic party back from the wilderness";a bewildering profusion - "the duties of citizenship are lost sight of in the wilderness of interests of individuals and groups" - "a wilderness of masts in the harbor";a wild and uninhabited area left in its natural condition - "it was a wilderness preserved for the hawks and mountaineers";a wooded region in northeastern Virginia near Spotsylvania where bloody but inconclusive battles were fought in the American Civil War
Wilderness Campaign|American Civil War;a series of indecisive battles in Grant's campaign (1864) against Lee in which both armies suffered terrible losses
wildfire|a raging and rapidly spreading conflagration
wildflower|wild or uncultivated flowering plant
wildfowl|flesh of any of a number of wild game birds suitable for food
wild-goose chase|the fruitless pursuit of something unattainable
wilding|a wild uncultivated plant (especially a wild apple or crabapple tree);an outrageous rampage usually involving sexual attacks by men on women
wildlife|all living things (except people) that are undomesticated - "chemicals could kill all the wildlife"
wildness|a feeling of extreme emotional intensity - "the wildness of his anger";an intractably barbarous or uncultivated state of nature;an unruly disposition to do as one pleases - "Liza had always had a tendency to wildness" - "the element of wildness in his behavior was a protest against repressive convention"
Wilhelm II|grandson of Queen Victoria and Kaiser of Germany from 1888 to 1918;he was vilified as causing World War I (1859-1941)
Wilkes|English reformer who published attacks on George III and supported the rights of the American colonists (1727-1797);United States explorer of Antarctica (1798-1877)
Wilkes Land|a coastal region of Antarctica on the Indian Ocean to the south of Australia;most of the territory is claimed by Australia
Wilkins|Australian who was the first to explore the Arctic by airplane (1888-1958);English biochemist who helped discover the structure of DNA (1916-2004);United States civil rights leader (1901-1981)
Wilkinson|English chemist honored for his research on pollutants in car exhausts (born in 1921)
will|a fixed and persistent intent or purpose - "where there's a will there's a way";a legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die
Willamette|a river in western Oregon that flows north into the Columbia River near Portland
Willard|United States advocate of temperance and women's suffrage (1839-1898);United States educator who was an early campaigner for higher education for women (1787-1870)
Willebrand|Finnish physician who first described vascular hemophilia (1870-1949)
willet|large North American shorebird of eastern and Gulf Coasts
William and Mary|joint monarchs of England;William III and Mary II
William I|duke of Normandy who led the Norman invasion of England and became the first Norman to be King of England;he defeated Harold II at the battle of Hastings in 1066 and introduced many Norman customs into England (1027-1087)
William II|the second son of William the Conqueror who succeeded him as King of England (1056-1100)
William III|King of England and Scotland and Ireland;he married the daughter of James II and was invited by opponents of James II to invade England;when James fled, William III and Mary II were declared joint monarchs (1650-1702)
William IV|King of England and Ireland;son of George III who ascended the throne after a long naval career (1765-1837)
Williams|English clergyman and colonist who was expelled from Massachusetts for criticizing Puritanism;he founded Providence in 1636 and obtained a royal charter for Rhode Island in 1663 (1603-1683);English philosopher credited with reviving the field of moral philosophy (1929-2003);United States baseball player noted as a hitter (1918-2002);United States country singer and songwriter (1923-1953);United States playwright (1911-1983);United States poet (1883-1963)
Williams syndrome|a rare congenital disorder associated with deletion of genetic material in chromosome 7;characterized by mental deficiency and some growth deficiency and elfin faces but an overly social personality and a remarkable gift for vocabulary
Williamstown|a town in northwestern Massachusetts
willies|feelings of uneasiness - "that guy gave me the willies"
willingness|cheerful compliance - "he expressed his willingness to help"
Willis|English physician who was a pioneer in the study of the brain (1621-1675)
will-o'-the-wisp|an illusion that misleads
willow|a textile machine having a system of revolving spikes for opening and cleaning raw textile fibers;any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix
willow aster|a variety of aster
willow oak|medium to large deciduous oak of the eastern United States having long lanceolate leaves and soft strong wood
willowherb|a plant of the genus Epilobium having pink or yellow flowers and seeds with silky hairs
willowware|chinaware decorated with a blue Chinese design on a white background depicting a willow tree and often a river
Wilmington|a town in southeastern North Carolina on the Cape Fear River;the largest city in Delaware
Wilms' tumor|malignant renal tumor of young children characterized by hypertension and blood in the urine and the presence of a palpable mass
Wilmut|English geneticist who succeeded in cloning a sheep from a cell from an adult ewe (born in 1944)
Wilson|28th President of the United States;led the United States in World War I and secured the formation of the League of Nations (1856-1924);a peak in the San Juan mountains of Colorado (14,246 feet high);American Revolutionary leader who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence (1742-1798);author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870);Canadian geophysicist who was a pioneer in the study of plate tectonics (1908-1993);English writer of novels and short stories (1913-1991);Scottish ornithologist in the United States (1766-1813);Scottish physicist who invented the cloud chamber (1869-1959);United States entomologist who has generalized from social insects to other animals including humans (born in 1929);United States literary critic (1895-1972);United States physicist honored for his work on cosmic microwave radiation (born in 1918)
Wilson's phalarope|breeds on the northern great plains of Canada
Wilson's snipe|American snipe
Wilson's warbler|yellow wood warbler with a black crown
wilt|any plant disease characterized by drooping and shriveling;usually caused by parasites attacking the roots;causing to become limp or drooping
Wilton|a carpet woven on a Jacquard loom with loops like a Brussels carpet but having the loops cut to form a close velvety pile
Wimbledon|a suburb of London and the headquarters of the club where annual international tennis championships are played on grass courts
wimp|a person who lacks confidence, is irresolute and wishy-washy
wimple|headdress of cloth;worn over the head and around the neck and ears by medieval women
win|a victory (as in a race or other competition) - "he was happy to get the win"
wince|a reflex response to sudden pain;the facial expression of sudden pain
wincey|a plain or twilled fabric of wool and cotton used especially for warm shirts or skirts and pajamas
winceyette|cotton flannelette with a nap on both sides
winch|lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds
Winchester|a city in southern England;administrative center of Hampshire;a shoulder rifle
Winchester College|the oldest English public school;located in Winchester
Winckelmann|German archaeologist and art historian said to be the father of archaeology (1717-1768)
wind|a tendency or force that influences events - "the winds of change";air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure - "trees bent under the fierce winds" - "when there is no wind, row";breath - "the collision knocked the wind out of him";empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk - "that's a lot of wind";the act of winding or twisting - "he put the key in the old clock and gave it a good wind"
Wind Cave National Park|a national park in South Dakota featuring bison herds and limestone caverns
wind chime|a decorative arrangement of pieces of metal or glass or pottery that hang together loosely so the wind can cause them to tinkle
wind farm|a power plant that uses wind turbines to generate electricity
wind gap|a pass in a mountain ridge with no stream flowing through it
wind generation|power derived from the wind (as by windmills)
wind instrument|a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by an enclosed column of air that is moved by the breath
wind poppy|California wild poppy with bright red flowers
wind rose|weather map showing the frequency and strength of winds from different directions
wind tee|weather vane shaped like a T and located at an airfield
wind tunnel|a structure resembling a tunnel where air is blown at known velocities for testing parts of aircraft
wind turbine|a turbine that is driven by the wind
windage|exposure to the wind (as the exposed part of a vessel's hull which is responsible for wind resistance);the deflection of a projectile resulting from the effects of wind;the retarding force of air friction on a moving object;the space between the projectile of a smoothbore gun and the surface of the bore of the gun
Windaus|German chemist who studied steroids and cholesterol and discovered histamine (1876-1959)
windbreak|hedge or fence of trees designed to lessen the force of the wind and reduce erosion
windburn|redness and irritation of the skin caused by exposure to high-velocity wind
winder|a worker who winds (e.g., a winch or clock or other mechanism);mechanical device around which something can be wound;mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock)
windfall|fruit that has fallen from the tree
windfall profit|profit that occurs unexpectedly as a consequence of some event not controlled by those who profit from it
Windhoek|capital of Namibia in the center of the country
windjammer|a large sailing ship
windmill|a mill that is powered by the wind;generator that extracts usable energy from winds
windmill grass|perennial Australian grass having numerous long spikes arranged like the vanes of a windmill
window|(computer science) a rectangular part of a computer screen that contains a display different from the rest of the screen;a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air;a transparent opening in a vehicle that allow vision out of the sides or back;usually is capable of being opened;a transparent panel (as of an envelope) inserted in an otherwise opaque material;an opening in a wall or screen that admits light and air and through which customers can be served - "he stuck his head in the window";an opening that resembles a window in appearance or function - "he could see them through a window in the trees";the time period that is considered best for starting or finishing something - "the expanded window will give us time to catch the thieves" - "they had a window of less than an hour when an attack would have succeeded"
window blind|a blind for privacy or to keep out light
window box|a long narrow box for growing plants on a windowsill
window cleaner|someone who cleans windows for pay
window dresser|someone who decorates shop windows
window dressing|the decoration of shop windows
window envelope|an envelope with a transparent panel that reveals the address on the enclosure
window frame|the framework that supports a window
window oyster|marine bivalve common in Philippine coastal waters characterized by a large thin flat translucent shell
window screen|screen to keep insects from entering a building through the open window
window seat|a bench or similar seat built into a window recess
window shade|an opaque window blind that can cover or uncover a window
window washer|someone who washes windows
windowpane|a pane of glass in a window;very thin translucent flounder of the Atlantic coast of North America
Windows|(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
windowsill|the sill of a window;the horizontal member at the bottom of the window frame
window-washing|the activity of washing windows
windshield|transparent screen (as of glass) to protect occupants of a vehicle
windshield wiper|a mechanical device that cleans the windshield
windsock|a truncated cloth cone mounted on a mast;used (e.g., at airports) to show the direction of the wind
Windsor|a city in southeastern Ontario on the Detroit River opposite Detroit;the British royal family since 1917
Windsor chair|straight chair having a shaped seat and a back of many spindles
Windsor green|a light chrome green pigment
Windsor knot|a wide triangular slipknot for tying a tie
Windsor tie|a wide necktie worn in a loose bow
windstorm|a storm consisting of violent winds
windward|the direction from which the wind is coming;the side of something that is toward the wind
Windward Islands|a group of islands in the southeastern West Indies;the southern part of the Lesser Antilles
Windward Passage|a channel between eastern Cuba and western Haiti that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Caribbean Sea
wine|a red as dark as red wine;fermented juice (of grapes especially)
wine bar|a bar that serves only wine
wine bottle|a bottle for holding wine
wine bucket|a bucket of ice used to chill a bottle of wine
wine cask|a barrel that holds wine
wine lover|a connoisseur of fine wines;a grape nut
wine palm|fishtail palm of India to Malay Peninsula;sap yields a brown sugar (jaggery) and trunk pith yields sago
wine sauce|white or veloute sauce with wine and stock variously seasoned with onions and herbs;for fish or meat
wine taster|a taster who evaluates the quality of wines
wine tasting|a gathering of people to taste and compare different wines
wine vinegar|vinegar made from wine
wineberry|raspberry of China and Japan having pale pink flowers grown for ornament and for the small red acid fruits
wineglass|a glass that has a stem and in which wine is served
wineglass heel|a heel on a woman's shoe in the shape of a wineglass
wine-maker's yeast|used in making wine
winemaking|the craft and science of growing grapes and making wine
winepress|a press that is used to extract the juice from grapes
winery|distillery where wine is made
Winesap|crisp apple with dark red skin
wineskin|an animal skin (usually a goatskin) that forms a bag and is used to hold and dispense wine
wing|(in flight formation) a position to the side and just to the rear of another aircraft;a group within a political party or legislature or other organization that holds distinct views or has a particular function - "they are the progressive wing of the Republican Party";a hockey player stationed in a forward position on either side;a movable organ for flying (one of a pair);a stage area out of sight of the audience;a unit of military aircraft;one of the horizontal airfoils on either side of the fuselage of an airplane;the wing of a fowl - "he preferred the drumsticks to the wings"
wing case|either of the horny front wings in beetles and some other insects which cover and protect the functional hind wings
wing chair|easy chair having wings on each side of a high back
wing commander|(RAF rank) one who is next below a group captain
wing loading|the ratio of the weight of an airplane to its wing area
wing nut|a threaded nut with winglike projections for thumb and forefinger leverage in turning;any tree of the genus Pterocarya;fruit is a small winged nutlet;Caucasus to southeastern Asia
wing shooting|shooting game birds that are flying (on the wing)
wing tip|a decorative toecap having a point extending toward the throat of the shoe;a shoe having a wing-tip toecap
wingback|(American football) the position of the offensive back who lines up behind or outside the end;(football) the person who plays wingback
winged bean|a tuberous twining annual vine bearing clusters of purplish flowers and pods with four jagged wings;Old World tropics
winged elm|North American elm having twigs and young branches with prominent corky projections
winged everlasting|Australian plant widely cultivated for its beautiful silvery-white blooms with bright yellow centers on long winged stems
winged pea|sprawling European annual having a 4-winged edible pod
winged pigweed|bushy annual weed of central North America having greenish flowers and winged seeds
winged spindle tree|bushy deciduous shrub with branches having thin wide corky longitudinal wings;brilliant red in autumn;northeastern Asia to central China
winger|(sports) player in wing position
wingman|the pilot who positions his aircraft outside and behind (on the wing of) the leader of a flying formation
wings|a means of flight or ascent - "necessity lends wings to inspiration";stylized bird wings worn as an insignia by qualified pilots or air crew members
wingspan|linear distance between the extremities of an airfoil
wingspread|distance between the tips of the wings (as of a bird or insect) when fully extended
wingstem|perennial herb with showy yellow flowers;the eastern United States
wink|closing one eye quickly as a signal
winker|a person who winks;blind consisting of a leather eyepatch sewn to the side of the halter that prevents a horse from seeing something on either side
Winnebago|a member of the Siouan-speaking people formerly living in eastern Wisconsin south of Green Bay;ally of the Menomini and enemy of the Fox and Sauk people;the Siouan language spoken by the Winnebago
winner|a gambler who wins a bet;the contestant who wins the contest
winner's circle|a small area at a racecourse where awards are given to the owners of winning horses
winning|succeeding with great difficulty - "winning is not everything"
winning post|the post at the end of a racecourse
winning streak|a streak of wins
winnings|something won (especially money)
Winnipeg|a lake in southern Canada in Manitoba;the capital and largest city of Manitoba;located in southern Manitoba;known for severe winters
winnow|the act of separating grain from chaff - "the winnowing was done by women"
Winslow|English colonial administrator who traveled to America on the Mayflower and served as the first governor of the Plymouth Colony (1595-1655)
winsomeness|childlike charm or appeal
Winston-Salem|a city of north central North Carolina
winter|the coldest season of the year;in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
winter aconite|small Old World perennial herb grown for its bright yellow flowers which appear in early spring often before snow is gone
winter cress|any plant of the genus Barbarea;yellow-flowered Eurasian cresses;widely cultivated for winter salad;cress cultivated for winter salads
winter crookneck|any of various plants bearing squash having hard rinds and elongated recurved necks
winter crookneck squash|a squash with a hard rind and an elongated curved neck
winter currant|a flowering shrub
winter flounder|important American food fish in the winter
winter hazel|any of several Asiatic deciduous shrubs cultivated for their nodding racemes of yellow flowers that appear before the leaves
winter heath|dwarf European shrub with very early blooming bell-shaped red flowers
winter heliotrope|European herb with vanilla-scented white-pink flowers
winter jasmine|deciduous rambling shrub widely cultivated for its winter-blooming yellow flowers
winter melon|any of a variety of muskmelon vines having fruit with a smooth white rind and white or greenish flesh that does not have a musky smell;the fruit of the winter melon vine;a green melon with pale green to orange flesh that keeps well
winter mushroom|an edible agaric that is available in early spring or late fall when few other mushrooms are;has a viscid smooth orange to brown cap and a velvety stalk that turns black in maturity and pallid gills;often occur in clusters
Winter Olympic Games|an Olympics for winter sports
winter purslane|succulent herb sometimes grown as a salad or pot herb;grows on dunes and waste ground of Pacific coast of North America
winter savory|erect perennial subshrub having pink or white flowers and leathery leaves with a flavor of thyme;southern Europe;resinous leaves used in stews and stuffings and meat loaf
winter solstice|December 22, when the sun is at its southernmost point
winter squash|any of various fruits of the gourd family with thick rinds and edible yellow to orange flesh that mature in the fall and can be stored for several months;any of various plants of the species Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata producing squashes that have hard rinds and mature in the fall
winter sweet|medium-sized shrubby tree of South Africa having thick leathery evergreen leaves and white or pink flowers and globose usually two-seeded purplish black fruits
winter urn|a common name for a variety of Sarcosomataceae
winter wren|small wren of coniferous forests of northern hemisphere
Winteraceae|small family of chiefly tropical shrubs and trees of genera Drimys and Pseudowintera;sometimes included in Magnoliaceae
wintergreen|any of several evergreen perennials of the genus Pyrola;spicy red berrylike fruit;source of wintergreen oil
wintergreen oil|oil or flavoring obtained from the creeping wintergreen or teaberry plant
winter's bark|aromatic bark having tonic and stimulant properties;South American evergreen tree yielding winter's bark and a light soft wood similar to basswood
Wintun|a Copehan language spoken by the Wintun;a member of a North American Indian people living in the Sacramento valley in California
wipeout|a spill in some sport (as a fall from a bicycle or while skiing or being capsized on a surfboard)
wiper|a worker who wipes;contact consisting of a conducting arm that rotates over a series of fixed contacts and comes to rest on an outlet
wiper motor|electric motor that moves the windshield wiper
wire|a metal conductor that carries electricity over a distance;ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc;the finishing line on a racetrack
wire cloth|fabric woven of metallic wire
wire cutter|an edge tool used in cutting wire
wire gauge|gauge for measuring the diameter of wire
wire glass|a glass that contains a layer of wire netting in it
wire matrix printer|an impact printer in which each character is represented by a pattern of dots made by wires or styli
wire recorder|an early type of magnetic recorder using iron wire
wire stripper|a hand tool used by electricians to remove insulation from the cut end of an insulated wire
wirehair|a terrier with wiry hair
wire-haired fox terrier|a fox terrier with wiry hair
wireless|transmission by radio waves
wireless local area network|a local area network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet;uses ethernet protocol
wireman|a worker who installs and repairs electric wiring
wire-puller|one who uses secret influence (i.e. pulls wires or strings) for his own ends
wirer|someone who sends a telegram
wiretap|the act of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information
wirework|mesh netting made of wires
wireworm|wormlike larva of various elaterid beetles;feeds on roots of many crop plants
wiriness|the property of being lean and tough and sinewy
wiring|a circuit of wires for the distribution of electricity;the work of installing the wires for an electrical system or device
wiring diagram|a schematic drawing of the wiring of an electrical system
Wisconsin|a midwestern state in north central United States;a tributary of the Mississippi River in Wisconsin
Wisconsin weeping willow|hybrid willow usually not strongly weeping in habit
Wisconsinite|a native or resident of Wisconsin
wisdom|ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense and insight;accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment;the quality of being prudent and sensible;the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight
Wisdom of Solomon|an Apocryphal book consisting mainly of a meditation on wisdom;although ascribed to Solomon it was probably written in the first century BC
wisdom tooth|any of the last 4 teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaw;the last of the permanent teeth to erupt (between ages 16 and 21)
wise|a way of doing or being - "in no wise" - "in this wise";United States Jewish leader (born in Hungary) (1874-1949);United States religious leader (born in Bohemia) who united reform Jewish organizations in the United States (1819-1900)
wise guy|an upstart who makes conceited, sardonic, insolent comments
Wise Men|(New Testament) the sages who visited Jesus and Mary and Joseph shortly after Jesus was born;the Gospel According to Matthew says they were guided by a star and brought gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh;because there were three gifts it is usually assumed that there were three of them
wisecrack|witty remark
wisent|European bison having a smaller and higher head than the North American bison
wish|a specific feeling of desire - "he got his wish" - "he was above all wishing and desire";an expression of some desire or inclination - "I could tell that it was his wish that the guests leave";the particular preference that you have - "it was his last wish" - "they should respect the wishes of the people"
wish list|a list of events that you wish would occur
wishbone|the furcula of a domestic fowl
wishful thinking|the illusion that what you wish for is actually true
wishfulness|an unrealistic yearning
wishing cap|a magical cap that secures whatever one wishes for
wish-wash|any thin watery drink
wisp|a flock of snipe;a small bundle of straw or hay;a small person - "a mere wisp of a girl";a small tuft or lock - "wisps of hair"
Wister|United States writer (1860-1938)
wisteria|any flowering vine of the genus Wisteria
wistfulness|a sadly pensive longing
wit|a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
witch|a being (usually female) imagined to have special powers derived from the devil
witch doctor|someone who is believed to heal through magical powers
witch elm|Eurasian elm often planted as a shade tree
witch hazel|any of several shrubs or trees of the genus Hamamelis;bark yields an astringent lotion;lotion consisting of an astringent alcoholic solution containing an extract from the witch hazel plant
witchcraft|the art of sorcery
witches' brew|a fearsome mixture - "a witches' brew of gangsters and terrorists" - "mixing dope and alcohol creates a witches' brew"
witches' broom|an abnormal tufted growth of small branches on a tree or shrub caused by fungi or insects or other physiological disturbance
witches' butter|a yellow jelly fungus
witchgrass|North American grass with slender brushy panicles;often a weed on cultivated land
witch-hunt|searching out and harassing dissenters
witch-hunter|someone who identifies and punishes people for their opinions
witching|the use or practice of witchcraft
withdrawal|a retraction of a previously held position;avoiding emotional involvement;the act of ceasing to participate in an activity;the act of taking out money or other capital;the act of withdrawing blood, tumors, etc. - "the nurse was expert at the withdrawal of blood";the act of withdrawing - "the withdrawal of French troops from Vietnam";the termination of drug taking
withdrawal symptom|any physical or psychological disturbance (as sweating or depression) experienced by a drug addict when deprived of the drug
withdrawer|a contestant who withdraws from competition;a depositor who withdraws funds previously deposited;a drug addict who is discontinuing the use of narcotics;a student who withdraws from the educational institution in which he or she was enrolled;an authority who withdraws permission;an individualist who withdraws from social interaction
withe|band or rope made of twisted twigs or stems;strong flexible twig
withers|the highest part of the back at the base of the neck of various animals especially draft animals
Witherspoon|American Revolutionary leader and educator (born in Scotland) who signed of the Declaration of Independence and was president of the college that became Princeton University (1723-1794)
withholder|a person who refrains from granting - "a withholder of payments";a person who restrains or checks or holds back
withholding|the act of deducting from an employee's salary;the act of holding back or keeping within your possession or control - "I resented his withholding permission" - "there were allegations of the withholding of evidence"
withholding tax|income tax withheld from employees' wages and paid directly to the government by the employer
withstander|an opponent who resists with force or resolution - "obstinate withstanders of innovation"
witness|(law) a person who attests to the genuineness of a document or signature by adding their own signature;(law) a person who testifies under oath in a court of law;someone who sees an event and reports what happened;testimony by word or deed to your religious faith
witness box|a box enclosure for a witness when testifying
wits|the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception - "he used his wits to get ahead" - "I was scared out of my wits"
Wittgenstein|British philosopher born in Austria;a major influence on logic and logical positivism (1889-1951)
wittol|an archaic term for a cuckold who knows about his wife's infidelity but tolerates it
Witwatersrand|a rocky region in the southern Transvaal in northeastern South Africa;contains rich gold deposits and coal and manganese
woad|a blue dyestuff obtained from the woad plant;any of several herbs of the genus Isatis
wobble|an unsteady rocking motion
wobbler|something that wobbles
Wobbly|a member of the Industrial Workers of the World
Wodehouse|English writer known for his humorous novels and stories (1881-1975)
Woden|chief god;counterpart of Norse Odin and Teutonic Wotan
woe|intense mournfulness
wog|(offensive British slang) term used by the British to refer to people of color from Africa or Asia
wok|pan with a convex bottom;used for frying in Chinese cooking
wold|a tract of open rolling country (especially upland)
wolf|a man who is aggressive in making amorous advances to women;any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs;Austrian composer (1860-1903);German classical scholar who claimed that the Iliad and Odyssey were composed by several authors (1759-1824)
wolf boy|a male person assumed to have been raised by wolves
wolf pack|a group of submarines operating together in attacking enemy convoys;a group of wolves hunting together
wolf pup|a young wolf
wolf spider|ground spider that hunts its prey instead of using a web
Wolfe|United States writer best known for his autobiographical novels (1900-1938);United States writer who has written extensively on American culture (born in 1931)
Wolff|German anatomist (1733-1794)
Wolffia|minute rootless aquatic herbs having globular fronds floating on or near the water surface and bearing one flower per frond
Wolffiella|minute rootless aquatic herbs having flat fronds floating on or below the water surface and bearing 1-2 flowers per frond;America and Africa
wolffish|large ferocious northern deep-sea food fishes with strong teeth and no pelvic fins
wolfhound|the largest breed of dogs;formerly used to hunt wolves
wolframite|a mineral consisting of iron and manganese tungstate in crystalline form;the principal ore of tungsten;found in quartz veins associated with granitic rocks
wolfsbane|poisonous Eurasian perennial herb with broad rounded leaves and yellow flowers and fibrous rootstock
Wollaston|English chemist and physicist who discovered palladium and rhodium and demonstrated that static and current electricity are the same (1766-1828)
wollastonite|a white or greyish mineral typically found in metamorphic limestone;a silicate of calcium
Wollemi pine|newly discovered (1994) pine thought to have been long extinct;Australia;genus and species names not yet assigned
Wollstonecraft|English writer and early feminist who denied male supremacy and advocated equal education for women;mother of Mary Shelley (1759-1797)
Wolof|the West African language of the Wolof in Senegal;related to Fula
Wolstonian glaciation|the next-to-last Pleistocene glaciation in Britain and the deposits laid down at that time
wolverine|stocky shaggy-coated North American carnivorous mammal
woman|a female person who plays a significant role (wife or mistress or girlfriend) in the life of a particular man - "he was faithful to his woman";an adult female person (as opposed to a man) - "the woman kept house while the man hunted"
womanhood|the state of being an adult woman;the status of a woman;women as a class - "it's an insult to American womanhood"
womanizer|a man who likes many women and has short sexual relationships with them
womankind|women as distinguished from men
womanliness|the trait of being womanly;having the characteristics of an adult female
woman's clothing|clothing that is designed for women to wear
wombat|burrowing herbivorous Australian marsupials about the size of a badger
Women's Army Corps|an army corps that was organized in World War II but is no longer a separate branch of the United States Army
won ton|a Chinese dumpling filled with spiced minced pork;usually served in soup;a soup with won ton dumplings
wonder|something that causes feelings of wonder - "the wonders of modern science";the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
wonder boy|a man who is unusually successful at an early age
wonder woman|a woman who can be a successful wife and have a professional career at the same time
wonderer|someone filled with admiration and awe;someone who wonders at something;someone who is curious about something
wonderland|a place or scene of great or strange beauty or wonder;an imaginary realm of marvels or wonders
won-lost record|(sports) a record of win versus losses
wood|a golf club with a long shaft used to hit long shots;originally made with a wooden head - "metal woods are now standard";the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees;English conductor (1869-1944);English writer of novels about murders and thefts and forgeries (1814-1887);United States film actress (1938-1981);United States painter noted for works based on life in the Midwest (1892-1942)
wood anemone|common anemone of eastern North America with solitary pink-tinged white flowers;European anemone with solitary white flowers common in deciduous woodlands
wood ant|reddish-brown European ant typically living in anthills in woodlands
wood aster|any of several asters of eastern North America usually growing in woods
wood chisel|a chisel for working wood;it is either struck with a mallet or pushed by hand
wood drake|male wood duck
wood duck|showy North American duck that nests in hollow trees
wood fern|any of various ferns of the genus Dryopteris
wood grain|texture produced by the fibers in wood
wood hoopoe|tropical African bird having metallic blackish plumage but no crest
wood horsetail|Eurasia except southern Russia;northern North America
wood ibis|an American stork that resembles the true ibises in having a downward-curved bill;inhabits wooded swamps of New World tropics;any of several Old World birds of the genus Ibis
wood lily|lily of eastern North America having orange to orange-red purple-spotted flowers
wood meadowgrass|slender European grass of shady places;grown also in northeastern America and temperate Asia
wood mint|American herb of genus Blephilia with more or less hairy leaves and clusters of purplish or bluish flowers
wood mouse|any of various New World woodland mice
wood nettle|American perennial herb found in rich woods and provided with stinging hairs;provides fibers used for textiles
wood pigeon|Eurasian pigeon with white patches on wings and neck
wood pulp|wood that has been ground to a pulp;used in making cellulose products (as rayon or paper)
wood rabbit|common small rabbit of North America having greyish or brownish fur and a tail with a white underside;a host for Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis (Lyme disease ticks)
wood rat|any of various small short-tailed rodents of the northern hemisphere having soft fur grey above and white below with furred tails and large ears;some are hosts for Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis (Lyme disease ticks)
wood sage|European germander with one-sided racemes of yellow flowers;naturalized in North America
wood spurge|European perennial herb with greenish yellow terminal flower clusters
wood sugar|a sugar extracted from wood or straw;used in foods for diabetics
wood swallow|Australasian and Asiatic bird related to the shrikes and resembling a swallow
wood tar|any tar obtained by the destructive distillation of wood
wood thrush|large thrush common in eastern American woodlands;noted for its melodious song
wood tick|common tick that can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia
wood vise|a vise with jaws that are padded in order to hold lumber without denting it
wood warbler|European woodland warbler with dull yellow plumage
woodbine|European twining honeysuckle with fragrant red and yellow-white flowers
woodborer|any of various insects or larvae or mollusks that bore into wood
Woodbury|United States social economist (1876-1933)
woodcarver|makes decorative wooden panels
woodcarving|a carving created by carving wood
woodcock|game bird of the sandpiper family that resembles a snipe
woodcraft|skill and experience in matters relating to the woods (as hunting or fishing or camping);skill in carving or fashioning objects from wood
woodcut|a print made from a woodcut;engraving consisting of a block of wood with a design cut into it;used to make prints
woodcutter|cuts down trees and chops wood as a job
wooden spoon|a booby prize consisting of a spoon made of wood;a spoon made of wood
woodenness|the quality of being wooden and awkward - "he criticized the woodenness of the acting" - "there was a certain woodenness in his replies"
woodenware|ware for domestic use made of wood
wood-frog|wide-ranging light-brown frog of moist North American woodlands especially spruce
woodhewer|any of numerous South American and Central American birds with a curved bill and stiffened tail feathers that climb and feed like woodpeckers
Woodhull|United States advocate of women's suffrage;in 1872 she was the first woman to run for the United States presidency (1838-1927)
woodiness|the quality of abounding in trees
woodland caribou|any of several large caribou living in coniferous forests of southern Canada;in some classifications included in the species Rangifer tarandus
woodland oxeye|hairy Eurasian perennial having deep yellow daisies on lax willowy stems;found in the wild in open woodland and on rocky slopes
woodland star|California perennial herb cultivated for its racemose white flowers with widely spreading petals;sometimes placed in genus Tellima
woodlouse|any of various small terrestrial isopods having a flat elliptical segmented body;found in damp habitats
woodpecker|bird with strong claws and a stiff tail adapted for climbing and a hard chisel-like bill for boring into wood for insects
woodpile|a pile or stack of wood to be used for fuel
woodruff|any plant of the genus Asperula
Wood's metal|a fusible alloy that is half bismuth plus lead, tin, and cadmium;melts at about 160 degrees Fahrenheit
woodscrew|a metal screw that tapers to a point so that it can be driven into wood with a screwdriver
woodshed|a shed for storing firewood or garden tools
woodsia|any fern of the genus Woodsia
woodsman|someone who lives in the woods
Woodward|United States chemist honored for synthesizing complex organic compounds (1917-1979);United States historian (1908-1999)
Woodwardia|in some classification systems placed in family Polypodiaceae;chain ferns
woodwaxen|small Eurasian shrub having clusters of yellow flowers that yield a dye;common as a weed in Britain and the United States;sometimes grown as an ornamental
woodwind|any wind instrument other than the brass instruments
woodwind family|(music) the family of woodwind instruments
woodwork|work made of wood;especially moldings or stairways or furniture
woodworker|makes things out of wood
woodworm|a larva of a woodborer
woody plant|a plant having hard lignified tissues or woody parts especially stems
woof|the yarn woven across the warp yarn in weaving
woofer|a loudspeaker that reproduces lower audio frequency sounds
wool|a fabric made from the hair of sheep;fiber sheared from animals (such as sheep) and twisted into yarn for weaving;outer coat of especially sheep and yaks
wool grass|sedge of eastern North America having numerous clustered woolly spikelets
wool oil|any oil used to oil wool before spinning
wool stapler|a dealer in wool;a person who sorts wool into different grades
Woolf|English author whose work used such techniques as stream of consciousness and the interior monologue;prominent member of the Bloomsbury Group (1882-1941)
woolgathering|an idle indulgence in fantasy
Woollcott|United States drama critic and journalist (1887-1943)
Woolley|English archaeologist who supervised the excavations at Ur (1880-1960)
woolly adelgid|an insect that feeds on hemlocks;its egg sacs are small fuzzy white balls like artificial snow on a Christmas tree
woolly alder aphid|attacks alders
woolly aphid|secretes a waxy substance like a mass of fine curly white cotton or woolly threads
woolly apple aphid|primarily a bark feeder on aerial parts and roots of apple and other trees
woolly bear|caterpillar of numerous moths characterized by a dense coat of woolly hairs;feed on plants and some are destructive pests
woolly bear moth|larva of moth of the family Arctiidae
woolly daisy|tiny grey woolly tufted annual with small golden-yellow flower heads;southeastern California to northwestern Arizona and southwestern Utah;sometimes placed in genus Eriophyllum
woolly indris|nocturnal indris with thick grey-brown fur and a long tail
woolly mammoth|very hairy mammoth common in colder portions of the northern hemisphere
woolly monkey|large monkeys with dark skin and woolly fur of the Amazon and Orinoco basins
woolly rhinoceros|extinct thick-haired species of Arctic regions
woolly sunflower|any plant of the genus Eriophyllum
woolly thistle|thistle of western North America having white woolly leaves
Woolworth|United States businessman who opened a shop in 1879 selling low-priced goods and built it into a national chain of stores (1852-1919)
wooly lip fern|small North American evergreen fern whose stipes and lower frond surfaces are densely wooly
wop|(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Italian descent
Worcester|a cathedral city in west central England on the River Severn;an industrial and university city in central Massachusetts to the west of Boston;United States lexicographer who was accused of plagiarism by Noah Webster (1784-1865)
Worcester sauce|a savory sauce of vinegar and soy sauce and spices
word|a brief statement - "he didn't say a word about it";a unit of language that native speakers can identify - "words are the blocks from which sentences are made" - "he hardly said ten words all morning";a verbal command for action - "when I give the word, charge!";a word is a string of bits stored in computer memory - "large computers use words up to 64 bits long"
word division|division of a word especially at the end of a line on a page
word finder|a thesaurus organized to help you find the word you want but cannot think of
word game|any game involving the formation or alteration or discovery of words
word meaning|the accepted meaning of a word
Word of God|a manifestation of the mind and will of God;the message of the Gospel of Christ
word order|the order of words in a text
word picture|a graphic or vivid verbal description - "too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures"
word play|playing on words or speech sounds
word processing|rapid and efficient processing (storage and printing) of linguistic data for composition and editing
word processor|an application that provides the user with tools needed to write and edit and format text and to send it to a printer
word salad|jumble of incoherent speech as sometimes heard in schizophrenia
word square|a puzzle where you fill a square grid with words reading the same down as across
word stress|the distribution of stresses within a polysyllabic word
wordbook|a reference book containing words (usually with their meanings)
wording|the manner in which something is expressed in words - "use concise military verbiage"- G.S.Patton
wordmonger|a writer who uses language carelessly or pretentiously with little regard for meaning
WordNet|a machine-readable lexical database organized by meanings;developed at Princeton University;any of the machine-readable lexical databases modeled after the Princeton WordNet
word-painter|a writer of vivid or graphic descriptive power
words|language that is spoken or written - "he has a gift for words" - "she put her thoughts into words";the words that are spoken - "I listened to his words very closely"
words per minute|the rate at which words are produced (as in speaking or typing)
wordsmith|a fluent and prolific writer
Wordsworth|a romantic English poet whose work was inspired by the Lake District where he spent most of his life (1770-1850)
work|(physics) a manifestation of energy;the transfer of energy from one physical system to another expressed as the product of a force and the distance through which it moves a body in the direction of that force - "work equals force times distance";a product produced or accomplished through the effort or activity or agency of a person or thing - "it is not regarded as one of his more memorable works" - "the symphony was hailed as an ingenious work" - "he was indebted to the pioneering work of John Dewey" - "the work of an active imagination" - "erosion is the work of wind or water over time";activity directed toward making or doing something - "she checked several points needing further work"
work animal|an animal trained for and used for heavy labor
work camp|a camp for trustworthy prisoners employed in government projects
work flow|progress (or rate of progress) in work being done
work force|the force of workers available
work in progress|a piece of work that is not yet finished
work of art|art that is a product of one of the fine arts (especially a painting or sculpture of artistic merit)
work song|a usually rhythmical song to accompany repetitious work
work surface|a horizontal surface for supporting objects used in working or playing games
work time|a time period when you are required to work
work to rule|a job action in which workers cause a slowdown by doing only the minimum amount required by the rules of the workplace
work unit|a unit of measurement for work
workaholic|person with a compulsive need to work
workaholism|compulsiveness about working
workbasket|container for holding implements and materials for work (especially for sewing)
workbench|a strong worktable for a carpenter or mechanic
workboard|a horizontal board that provides a supported surface for manual work
workbook|a student's book or booklet containing problems with spaces for solving them
work-clothing|clothing worn for doing manual labor
workday|a day on which work is done;the amount of time that a worker must work for an agreed daily wage
worker|a person who works at a specific occupation - "he is a good worker";sterile member of a colony of social insects that forages for food and cares for the larvae
worker bee|sterile bee specialized to collect food and maintain the hive
workhorse|a horse used for plowing and hauling and other heavy labor;machine that performs dependably under heavy use - "the IBM main frame computers have been the workhorse of the business world"
workhouse|a county jail that holds prisoners for periods up to 18 months;a poorhouse where able-bodied poor are compelled to labor
work-in|occasion when workers continue to work as a protest against e.g. proposed dismissal or closure of the factory
working|a mine or quarry that is being or has been worked
working agreement|an informal agreement to work together
working dog|any of several breeds of usually large powerful dogs bred to work as draft animals and guard and guide dogs
working girl|a young woman who is employed
working group|a group of people working together temporarily until some goal is achieved - "the working group was supposed to report back in two weeks"
working memory|memory for intermediate results that must be held during thinking
working papers|a legal document giving information required for employment of certain people in certain countries;records kept of activities involved in carrying out a project - "the auditor was required to produce his working papers"
working principle|a rule that is adequate to permit work to be done
workload|work that a person is expected to do in a specified time
workman|an employee who performs manual or industrial labor
workmate|a fellow worker
workmen's compensation|compensation for death or injury suffered by a worker in the course of his employment
workpiece|work consisting of a piece of metal being machined
workplace|a place where work is done
workroom|room where work is done
works|performance of moral or religious acts - "the reward for good works";the internal mechanism of a device
works council|(chiefly Brit) a council representing employer and employees of a plant or business to discuss working conditions etc;also;a committee representing the workers elected to negotiate with management about grievances and wages etc
works program|a program to provide jobs on public works paid for by government funds
worksheet|a piece of paper recording work planned or done on a project;a sheet of paper with multiple columns;used by an accountant to assemble figures for financial statements
work-shirt|heavy-duty shirts worn for manual or physical work
workshop|a brief intensive course for a small group;emphasizes problem solving;small workplace where handcrafts or manufacturing are done
workspace|space allocated for your work (as in an office)
workstation|a desktop digital computer that is conventionally considered to be more powerful than a microcomputer
work-study program|an educational plan in which students alternate between paid employment and formal study
worktable|a table designed for a particular task
workwear|heavy-duty clothes for manual or physical work
workweek|hours or days of work in a calendar week
world|a part of the earth that can be considered separately - "the outdoor world" - "the world of insects";all of the living human inhabitants of the earth - "all the world loves a lover";all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you - "his world was shattered" - "we live in different worlds";people in general;especially a distinctive group of people with some shared interest - "the Western world"
world affairs|affairs between nations - "you can't really keep up with world affairs by watching television"
world council|a council with representatives from different nations
World Council of Churches|an ecumenical organization of Protestant and eastern churches;intended to promote unity and cooperation in religious and secular matters
World Cup|a soccer tournament held every four years between national soccer teams to determine a world champion
World Health Organization|a United Nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services
World Meteorological Organization|the United Nations agency concerned with the international collection of meteorological data
world organization|an international alliance involving many different countries
world power|a state powerful enough to influence events throughout the world
world premiere|(music) the first public performance (as of a dramatic or musical work) anywhere in the world
world record|the best record in the whole world
World Series|series that constitutes the playoff for the baseball championship - "we watched the World Series on TV"
World Trade Center|twin skyscrapers 110 stories high in New York City;built 1368 feet tall in 1970 to 1973;destroyed by a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001
World Trade Organization|an international organization based in Geneva that monitors and enforces rules governing global trade
world war|a war in which the major nations of the world are involved
World War I|a war between the allies (Russia, France, British Empire, Italy, United States, Japan, Rumania, Serbia, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Montenegro) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, Bulgaria) from 1914 to 1918
World War II|a war between the Allies (Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States, USSR, Yugoslavia) and the Axis (Albania, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Rumania, Slovakia, Thailand) from 1939 to 1945
World Wide Web|computer network consisting of a collection of internet sites that offer text and graphics and sound and animation resources through the hypertext transfer protocol
worldliness|concern with worldly affairs to the neglect of spiritual needs - "he disliked the worldliness of many bishops around him"
worldling|a person absorbed by the concerns and interests and pleasures of the present world
worldly concern|the concerns of this life as distinguished from heaven and the afterlife
worldly possession|a commodity or good associated with the earthly, rather than the spiritual, existence of human beings
worldly possessions|all the property that someone possess - "he left all his worldly possessions to his daughter"
world-weariness|sadness on thinking about the evils of the world
worm|a person who has a nasty or unethical character undeserving of respect;a software program capable of reproducing itself that can spread from one computer to the next over a network - "worms take advantage of automatic file sending and receiving features found on many computers";any of numerous relatively small elongated soft-bodied animals especially of the phyla Annelida and Chaetognatha and Nematoda and Nemertea and Platyhelminthes;also many insect larvae;screw thread on a gear with the teeth of a worm wheel or rack
worm family|a family of worms
worm fence|rail fence consisting of a zigzag of interlocking rails
worm fish|poorly known family of small tropical shallow-water fishes related to gobies
worm gear|gear consisting of a shaft with screw thread (the worm) that meshes with a toothed wheel (the worm wheel);changes the direction of the axis of rotary motion
worm genus|a genus of worms
worm lizard|a lizard of the genus Amphisbaena;harmless wormlike limbless lizard of warm or tropical regions having concealed eyes and ears and a short blunt tail
worm wheel|gear with the thread of a worm
wormcast|cylindrical mass of earth voided by a burrowing earthworm or lugworm;fossil trail of a worm
wormhole|hole made by a burrowing worm
Wormian bone|any of the tiny soft bones found in the sutures between cranial bones
wormseed mustard|slender yellow-flowered European mustard often troublesome as a weed;formerly used as an anthelmintic
wormwood|any of several low composite herbs of the genera Artemisia or Seriphidium
wormwood oil|a dark bitter oil obtained from wormwood leaves;flavors absinthe liqueurs
wormwood sage|silky-leaved aromatic perennial of dry northern parts of the northern hemisphere;has tawny florets
worn spot|a spot that has been worn away by abrasion or erosion
worrier|thinks about unfortunate things that might happen
worry|a strong feeling of anxiety - "his worry over the prospect of being fired" - "it is not work but worry that kills"
worrying|the act of moving something by repeated tugs or pushes - "vigorous worrying finally loosened the saw"
worse|something inferior in quality or condition or effect - "for better or for worse" - "accused of cheating and lying and worse"
worsening|changing something with the result that it becomes worse
worship|a feeling of profound love and admiration;the activity of worshipping
worshiper|someone who admires too much to recognize faults
worst|the greatest damage or wickedness of which one is capable - "the invaders did their worst" - "so pure of heart that his worst is another man's best";the least favorable outcome - "the worst that could happen";the weakest effort or poorest achievement one is capable of - "it was the worst he had ever done on a test"
worsted|a tightly twisted woolen yarn spun from long-staple wool;a woolen fabric with a hard textured surface and no nap;woven of worsted yarns "he wore a worsted suit"
wort|unfermented or fermenting malt;usually used in combination;'liverwort';'milkwort';'whorlywort'
worth|an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value - "10 dollars worth of gasoline";the quality that renders something desirable or valuable or useful;French couturier (born in England) regarded as the founder of Parisian haute couture;noted for introducing the bustle (1825-1895)
worthiness|the quality or state of having merit or value
worthlessness|having no qualities that would render it valuable or useful - "the drill sergeant's intent was to convince all the recruits of their worthlessness";the quality of being without practical use
worthwhileness|value sufficient to repay time or effort spent
worthy|an important, honorable person (word is often used humorously)
Wotan|supreme Teutonic god;counterpart of Norse Odin and Anglo-Saxon Woden
Wouk|United States writer (born in 1915)
wound|a casualty to military personnel resulting from combat;a figurative injury (to your feelings or pride) - "he feared that mentioning it might reopen the wound" - "deep in her breast lives the silent wound" - "The right reader of a good poem can tell the moment it strikes him that he has taken an immortal wound--that he will never get over it"--Robert Frost;an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin);the act of inflicting a wound
wound tumor virus|a tumor virus transmitted by leafhoppers
wounded|people who are wounded - "they had to leave the wounded where they fell"
wove paper|writing paper having a very faint mesh pattern
wrack|dried seaweed especially that cast ashore;the destruction or collapse of something - "wrack and ruin"
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park|the largest national park of the United States;located in Alaska
wrangler|someone who argues noisily or angrily
wrap|a sandwich in which the filling is rolled up in a soft tortilla;cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person
wraparound|a garment (as a dress or coat) with a full length opening;adjusts to the body by wrapping around
wrapping|the covering (usually paper or cellophane) in which something is wrapped
wrapping paper|a tough paper used for wrapping
wrasse|chiefly tropical marine fishes with fleshy lips and powerful teeth;usually brightly colored
wrath|belligerence aroused by a real or supposed wrong (personified as one of the deadly sins);intense anger (usually on an epic scale)
wreath|flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
wreck|a ship that has been destroyed at sea;something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation - "the house was a wreck when they bought it" - "thanks to that quack I am a human wreck"
wreckage|the remaining parts of something that has been wrecked - "they searched the wreckage for signs of survivors"
wrecker|someone who demolishes or dismantles buildings as a job
wren|any of several small active brown birds of the northern hemisphere with short upright tails;they feed on insects;English architect who designed more than fifty London churches (1632-1723)
wren warbler|small Asiatic and African bird;constructs nests like those of tailorbirds
wrench|a hand tool that is used to hold or twist a nut or bolt;a sharp strain on muscles or ligaments - "the wrench to his knee occurred as he fell"
wren-tit|small brown bird of California resembling a wren
wrester|someone who obtains something by pulling it violently with twisting movements
wrestle|the act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat - "they had a fierce wrestle"
wrestler|combatant who tries to throw opponent to the ground
wrestling|the sport of hand-to-hand struggle between unarmed contestants who try to throw each other down
wrestling hold|a hold used in the sport of wrestling
wrestling mat|a mat on which wrestling matches are conducted
wrestling match|a match between wrestlers
wrestling ring|a square ring in which wrestlers compete
wretch|performs some wicked deed
wretchedness|the character of being uncomfortable and unpleasant - "the wretchedness for which these prisons became known" - "the grey wretchedness of the rain";the quality of being poor and inferior and sorry - "he has compiled a record second to none in its wretchedness"
Wright|influential United States architect (1869-1959);United States aviation pioneer who (with his brother Orville Wright) invented the airplane (1867-1912);United States aviation pioneer who (with his brother Wilbur Wright) invented the airplane (1871-1948);United States early feminist (born in Scotland) (1795-1852);United States writer of detective novels (1888-1939);United States writer whose work is concerned with the oppression of African Americans (1908-1960);someone who makes or repairs something (usually used in combination)
wringer|a clothes dryer consisting of two rollers between which the wet clothes are squeezed
wrinkle|a clever method of doing something (especially something new and different);a minor difficulty - "they finally have the wrinkles pretty well ironed out";a slight depression in the smoothness of a surface - "ironing gets rid of most wrinkles"
wrist|a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
wrist pad|protective garment consisting of a pad worn by football players
wrist pin|pin joining a piston to a connecting rod
wristband|band consisting of a part of a sleeve that covers the wrist
wristlet|a band or bracelet worn around the wrist
wristwatch|a watch that is worn strapped to the wrist
writ|(law) a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer
writ of detinue|a writ ordering the release of goods that have been unlawfully detained
writ of election|a writ ordering the holding of an election
writ of error|a judicial writ from an appellate court ordering the court of record to produce the records of trial
writ of prohibition|a judicial writ from a higher court ordering a lower court not to exercise jurisdiction in a particular case
writ of right|a writ ordering that land be restored to its rightful owner
write-in|a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate who is not listed on the ballot
write-in candidate|a candidate for public office whose name does not appear on the ballot and so must be written on the ballot by the voters
write-off|(accounting) reduction in the book value of an asset;the act of cancelling from an account a bad debt or a worthless asset
writer|a person who is able to write and has written something;writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
writer's block|an inability to write - "he had writer's block;the words wouldn't come"
writer's cramp|muscular spasms of thumb and forefinger while writing with a pen or pencil
writer's name|the name that appears on the by-line to identify the author of a work
writing|(usually plural) the collected work of an author - "the idea occurs with increasing frequency in Hemingway's writings";letters or symbols that are written or imprinted on a surface to represent the sounds or words of a language - "he turned the paper over so the writing wouldn't show" - "the doctor's writing was illegible";the act of creating written works - "writing was a form of therapy for him";the activity of putting something in written form - "she did the thinking while he did the writing";the work of a writer;anything expressed in letters of the alphabet (especially when considered from the point of view of style and effect) - "the writing in her novels is excellent" - "that editorial was a fine piece of writing"
writing arm|an arm of a tablet-armed chair;widened to provide a writing surface
writing board|work surface consisting of a wide lightweight board that can be placed across the lap and used for writing
writing desk|a desk for writing (usually with a sloping top);a portable case containing writing materials and having a writing surface
writing implement|an implement that is used to write
writing ink|any permanent or washable ink used with pens
writing paper|paper material made into thin sheets that are sized to take ink;used for writing correspondence and manuscripts
writing style|a style of expressing yourself in writing
written agreement|a legal document summarizing the agreement between parties
written assignment|an assignment to write something
written communication|communication by means of written symbols (either printed or handwritten)
written record|a written document preserving knowledge of facts or events
written symbol|a written or printed symbol
written word|the written form of a word - "while the spoken word stands for something, the written word stands for something that stands for something" - "a craftsman of the written word"
Wroclaw|a city in southwestern Poland on the Oder
wrong|any harm or injury resulting from a violation of a legal right;that which is contrary to the principles of justice or law - "he feels that you are in the wrong"
wrongdoer|a person who transgresses moral or civil law
wrongdoing|activity that transgresses moral or civil law - "he denied any wrongdoing"
wrongful death|a death that results from a wrongful act or from negligence;a death that can serve as the basis for a civil action for damages on behalf of the dead person's family or heirs
wrongness|contrary to conscience or morality
wrong-site surgery|a surgical operation performed on the wrong part of the body
wrought iron|iron having a low carbon content that is tough and malleable and so can be forged and welded
wrymouth|eellike Atlantic bottom fish with large almost vertical mouth
wryneck|Old World woodpecker with a peculiar habit of twisting the neck
Wu|a dialect of Chinese spoken in the Yangtze delta
Wuhan|a city of central China on the Chang Jiang;the commercial and industrial center of central China
wulfenite|a yellow to orange or brown mineral used as a molybdenum ore
Wurlitzer|United States businessman (born in German) who founded a company to make pipe organs (1831-1914)
wurtzite|a brownish-black mineral consisting of zinc sulfide
Wurzburg|a city of south central Germany
Wyatt|English architect (1746-1813);English poet who introduced the sonnet form to English literature (1503-1542)
Wycherley|English playwright noted for his humorous and satirical plays (1640-1716)
Wycliffe|English theologian whose objections to Roman Catholic doctrine anticipated the Protestant Reformation (1328-1384)
Wyeth|United States painter (born in 1917)
Wykeham|English prelate and statesman;founded a college at Oxford and Winchester College in Winchester;served as chancellor of England and bishop of Winchester (1324-1404)
Wykehamist|a student enrolled in (or graduated from) Winchester College
Wyler|United States filmmaker (1902-1981)
Wylie|United States poet (1885-1928)
Wynette|United States country singer (1942-1998)
Wynnea|a genus of fungi belonging to the family Sarcoscyphaceae
Wynnea americana|a fungus composed of several apothecia that look like elongated rabbit ears;the sterile surface is dark brown and warty;the fertile surface is smooth and pinkish orange
Wynnea sparassoides|a fungus with a long solid stalk embedded in soil and a yellow-brown head shaped like a cauliflower
Wyoming|a state in the western United States;mountainous in the west and north with the Great Plains in the east
Wyomingite|a native or resident of Wyoming
Wyrd|fate personified;any one of the three Weird Sisters
Wyszynski|Polish prelate who persuaded the Soviet to allow greater religious freedom in Poland (1901-1981)
wyvern|a fire-breathing dragon used in medieval heraldry;had the head of a dragon and the tail of a snake and a body with wings and two legs
X|the 24th letter of the Roman alphabet
X chromosome|the sex chromosome that is present in both sexes;singly in males and doubly in females - "human females normally have two X chromosomes"
X ray|electromagnetic radiation of short wavelength produced when high-speed electrons strike a solid target
xanthate|a salt or ester of xanthic acid
xanthelasma|xanthoma of the eyelids;occurs chiefly in the elderly
xanthic acid|any of a class of unstable organic acids containing sulphur
xanthine|crystalline oxidation product of the metabolism of nucleoproteins;precursor of uric acid;found in many organs and in urine
Xanthium|coarse herbs having small heads of greenish flowers followed by burrs with hooked bristles
xanthoma|a skin problem marked by the development (on the eyelids and neck and back) of irregular yellow nodules;sometimes attributable to disturbances of cholesterol metabolism
xanthoma disseminatum|rare chronic xanthoma of adults in which orange or brownish papules develop on many surfaces of the body
xanthomatosis|widespread xanthomas (especially on elbows and knees);often associated with a disorder of lipid metabolism
xanthomonad|bacteria producing yellow non-water-soluble pigments;some pathogenic for plants
Xanthomonas|a genus of bacteria similar to Pseudomonas but producing a yellow pigment that is not soluble in water
Xanthophyceae|yellow-green algae
xanthophyll|yellow carotenoid pigments in plants and animal fats and egg yolks
xanthopsia|visual defect in which objects appear to have a yellowish hue;sometimes occurs in cases of jaundice
Xanthorrhoeaceae|one of many subfamilies into which some classification systems subdivide the Liliaceae but not widely accepted
Xanthorroea|grass trees;sometimes placed in family Xanthorrhoeaceae
xanthosis|an abnormal yellow discoloration of the skin
Xanthosoma|tropical American tuberous perennials
Xantusiidae|night lizards
Xavier|Spanish missionary and Jesuit who establish missionaries in Japan and Ceylon and the East Indies (1506-1552)
x-axis|the horizontal axis in a plane coordinate system
Xenarthra|armadillos;American anteaters;sloths
Xenicidae|alternative names for the family comprising the New Zealand wrens
Xenicus|type genus for the Xenicidae
xenolith|(geology) a piece of rock of different origin from the igneous rock in which it is embedded
xenon|a colorless odorless inert gaseous element occurring in the earth's atmosphere in trace amounts
Xenophanes|Greek philosopher (560-478 BC)
xenophobia|a fear of foreigners or strangers
Xenophon|Greek general and historian;student of Socrates (430-355 BC)
Xenopodidae|in some classifications the family of the genus Xenopus which is otherwise included in the family Pipidae
Xenopus|an African clawed frog;in some classifications made the type genus of a separate family Xenopodidae
Xenorhyncus|East Indian and Australian storks
Xenosauridae|monotypic family of Mexican lizards
Xenosaurus|type and sole genus of Xenosauridae;slender-bodied Mexican lizards having the upper surface covered with tiny granules and tubercles
xenotime|a brown-to-yellow mineral that is a phosphate of yttrium in crystalline form
xenotransplant|a surgical procedure in which tissue or whole organs are transfered from one species to another species
xeranthemum|any plant of the genus Xeranthemum native to southern Europe having chaffy or silvery flower heads with purplish tubular flowers
Xerobates|possible new genus for desert and Texas tortoises based on recent research
xeroderma|a mild form of ichthyosis characterized by abnormal dryness and roughness of the skin
xeroderma pigmentosum|a rare genetic condition characterized by an eruption of exposed skin occurring in childhood and photosensitivity with severe sunburn;inherited as a recessive autosomal trait in which DNA repair processes are defective so they are more likely to chromosome breaks and cancers when exposed to ultraviolet light
xerographic printer|a page printer that uses the xerographic process
xerography|forming an image by the action of light on a specially coated charged plate;the latent image is developed with powders that adhere only to electrically charged areas - "edge enhancement is intrinsic in xerography"
xerophthalmia|abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eyes;may be due to a systemic deficiency of vitamin A
Xerophyllum|small genus of North American herbs having grasslike basal leaves;squaw grass;sometimes placed in family Melanthiaceae
xeroradiography|radiography using X-rays and xerographic (rather than roentgenographic) techniques
xerostomia|abnormal dryness of the mouth resulting from decreased secretion of saliva
xerox|a copy made by a xerographic printer;a duplicator (trade mark Xerox) that copies graphic matter by the action of light on an electrically charged photoconductive insulating surface in which the latent image is developed with a resinous powder
Xerxes I|king of Persia who led a vast army against Greece and won the battle of Thermopylae but was eventually defeated (519-465 BC)
Xhosa|a Bantu language closely related to Zulu;a community of Negroid people in southern South Africa;a member of the Negroid people of southern South Africa
xi|the 14th letter of the Greek alphabet
Xian|a city of central China;capital of ancient Chinese empire 221-206 BC
Xinjiang|an autonomous province in far northwestern China on the border with Mongolia and Kazakhstan;the largest province in the People's Republic of China and the homeland of the Uighur people
Xiphias|type genus of the Xiphiidae
Xiphiidae|comprising the common swordfishes
xiphoid process|smallest of the three parts of the breastbone;articulates with the corpus sternum and the seventh rib
Xiphosura|horseshoe crabs and extinct forms
X-linked dominant inheritance|hereditary pattern in which a dominant gene on the X chromosome causes a characteristic to be manifested in the offspring
X-linked gene|a gene located on an X chromosome
X-linked recessive inheritance|hereditary pattern in which a recessive gene on the X chromosome results in the manifestation of characteristics in male offspring and a carrier state in female offspring
X-linked SCID|SCID in male children resulting from mutation of a gene that codes for a protein on the surface of T cells that allows them to develop a growth factor receptor
X-OR circuit|gate for exclusive OR;a circuit in a computer that fires only if only one of its inputs fire
X-ray diffraction|the scattering of X rays by the atoms of a crystal;the diffraction pattern shows structure of the crystal
X-ray film|photographic film used to make X-ray pictures
X-ray machine|an apparatus that provides a source of X rays
X-ray therapy|the therapeutic use of X rays
X-ray tube|a vacuum tube containing a metal target onto which a beam of electrons is directed at high energy for the generation of X rays
X-raying|obtaining images by the use of X rays
XX|(genetics) normal complement of sex chromosomes in a female
XXX|(genetics) abnormal complement of three X chromosomes in a female
XXY|(genetics) abnormal complement of sex hormones in a male resulting in Klinefelter's syndrome
XY|(genetics) normal complement of sex hormones in a male
Xylaria|type genus of Xylariaceae;fungi with perithecia in the upper part of erect black woody stromata
Xylariaceae|family of fungi characterized by dark brown to black spores
xylem|the woody part of plants;the supporting and water-conducting tissue, consisting primarily of tracheids and vessels
xylene|a colorless flammable volatile liquid hydrocarbon used as a solvent
Xylocopa|carpenter bees
Xylomelum|small species of Australian trees or shrubs;grown for their fruit and flowers
xylophonist|someone who plays a xylophone
Xylopia|tropical evergreen trees or shrubs;chiefly African
xylosma|shrub or small tree grown as an ornamental in mild climates for its neat evergreen foliage and fragrant late flowers;native of China
Xyphophorus|swordtails
Xyridaceae|plants of tropical to temperate regions;usually in wet places
Xyridales|an order of monocotyledonous herbs
Xyris|chiefly American marsh plants, having usually yellow flowers
XYY|(genetics) abnormal complement of sex hormones in a male who has two Y chromosomes
Y|the 25th letter of the Roman alphabet
Y chromosome|the sex chromosome that is carried by men - "human males normally have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome"
Y2K|the year 2000 in the Gregorian calendar
yacca|West Indian evergreen with medium to long leaves
yacht|an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing
yacht chair|a light folding armchair for outdoor use
yacht club|club that promotes and supports yachting and boating
yachtsman|a person who owns or sails a yacht
yagi|a sharply directional antenna
Yahi|a member of an extinct North American Indian people who lived in northern California;the Yanan language spoken by the Yahi
Yahoo|a widely used search engine for the web that finds information, news, images, products, finance;one of a race of brutes resembling men but subject to the Houyhnhnms in a novel by Jonathan Swift
Yahweh|a name for the God of the Old Testament as transliterated from the Hebrew consonants YHVH
Yajur-Veda|a collection of sacrificial formulas and prayers
yak|large long-haired wild ox of Tibet often domesticated;noisy talk
yak butter|butter made from yaks' milk
Yakima|a town in south central Washington
yak's milk|the milk of a yak
Yakut|a member of a Turkic people of northeastern Siberia (mainly in the Lena river basin);the Turkic language spoken by the Yakut
yakuza|a Japanese gangster;organized crime in Japan;an alliance of criminal organizations and illegal enterprises
Yale|English philanthropist who made contributions to a college in Connecticut that was renamed in his honor (1649-1721)
Yale University|a university in Connecticut
Yalta|a resort city in Crimea in the southern Ukraine on the Black Sea;site of the Allied conference between Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill in February 1945
Yalta Conference|a conference held in Yalta in February 1945 where Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill planned the final stages of World War II and agreed to the territorial division of Europe
Yalu|river in eastern Asia;rises in North Korea and flows southwest to Korea Bay (forming part of the border between North Korea and China)
Yalu River|a battle in the Korean War (November 1950);when UN troops advanced north to the Yalu River 200,000 Chinese troops crossed the river and drove them back
yam|any of a number of tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea many having edible tuberous roots;edible tuber of any of several yams;edible tuberous root of various yam plants of the genus Dioscorea grown in the tropics world-wide for food;sweet potato with deep orange flesh that remains moist when baked
yam bean|Central American twining plant with edible roots and pods;large tubers are eaten raw or cooked especially when young and young pods must be thoroughly cooked;pods and seeds also yield rotenone and oils;twining plant of Amazon basin having large edible roots
Yama|Hindu god of death and lord of the underworld
Yamamoto|Japanese admiral who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 (1884-1943)
Yamani|Saudi Arabian minister of petroleum who was a central figure in the creation of OPEC (born in 1930)
Yamoussukro|capital of the Ivory Coast
Yana|a member of an extinct North American Indian people who lived in northern California;the Yanan language spoken by the Yana
Yanan|a language group of the Hokan family
yang|the bright positive masculine principle in Chinese dualistic cosmology - "yin and yang together produce everything that comes into existence"
Yang Chen Ning|United States physicist (born in China) who collaborated with Tsung Dao Lee in disproving the principle of conservation of parity (born in 1922)
Yangon|the capital and largest city of Myanmar;located in the south near the Irrawaddy river delta
Yankee|an American (especially to non-Americans);an American who lives in the North (especially during the American Civil War)
yanker|someone who gives a strong sudden pull
Yaounde|the capital of Cameroon
yard|a long horizontal spar tapered at the end and used to support and spread a square sail or lateen;a tract of land enclosed for particular activities (sometimes paved and usually associated with buildings) - "they opened a repair yard on the edge of town";a tract of land where logs are accumulated;a unit of length equal to 3 feet;defined as 91.44 centimeters;originally taken to be the average length of a stride;an area having a network of railway tracks and sidings for storage and maintenance of cars and engines;an enclosure for animals (as chicken or livestock);the enclosed land around a house or other building - "it was a small house with almost no yard"
yard bird|a military recruit who is assigned menial tasks
yard goods|merchandise in the form of fabrics sold by the yard
yard line|in football;line parallel to the goal lines indicating position on the field
yard marker|(football) a marker indicating the yard line
yardage|distance measured in the aggregate number of yards - "what is the yardage of this golf course?"
yardarm|either end of the yard of a square-rigged ship
yarder|(used only in combinations) the height or length of something in yards - "the golfer hit a 300-yarder to the green";a winch (or system of winches) powered by an engine and used to haul logs from a stump to a landing or to a skid road
yardgrass|coarse annual grass having fingerlike spikes of flowers;native to Old World tropics;a naturalized weed elsewhere
yardie|member of an international gang of Jamaican criminals who sell drugs and violence - "A much publicized raid on a yardie stronghold had first been simulated at Riot City"
yardman|a laborer hired to do outdoor work (such as mowing lawns);worker in a railway yard
yardmaster|a railroad employer who is in charge of a railway yard
yardstick|a measure or standard used for comparison - "on what kind of yardstick is he basing his judgment?";a ruler or tape that is three feet long
yarmulke|a skullcap worn by religious Jews (especially at prayer)
yarrow|ubiquitous strong-scented mat-forming Eurasian herb of wasteland, hedgerow or pasture having narrow serrate leaves and small usually white florets;widely naturalized in North America
yashmak|the face veil worn by Muslim women
Yastrzemski|United States baseball player (born in 1939)
yataghan|a long Turkish knife with a curved blade having a single edge
yaupon holly|an evergreen shrub
yautia|tropical American aroid having edible tubers that are cooked and eaten like yams or potatoes
Yavapai|a member of a North American Indian people of central Arizona;the Yuman language spoken by the Yavapai
yaw|an erratic deflection from an intended course
yawl|a sailing vessel with two masts;a small mizzen is aft of the rudderpost;a ship's small boat (usually rowed by 4 or 6 oars)
yawn|an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth;usually triggered by fatigue or boredom - "he could not suppress a yawn" - "the yawning in the audience told him it was time to stop"
yawner|a person who yawns
yaws|an infectious tropical disease resembling syphilis in its early stages;marked by red skin eruptions and ulcerating lesions
y-axis|the vertical axis in a plane coordinate system
Yay|a branch of the Tai languages
Yazoo|a river that rises in west central Mississippi and flows southwest to empty into the Mississippi River above Vicksburg
yea|an affirmative - "The yeas have it"
year|a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days - "she is 4 years old" - "in the year 1920";a period of time occupying a regular part of a calendar year that is used for some particular activity - "a school year";the period of time that it takes for a planet (as, e.g., Earth or Mars) to make a complete revolution around the sun - "a Martian year takes 687 of our days"
year dot|as long ago as anyone can remember - "he has been a conductor since the year dot"
year of grace|any year of the Christian era
yearbook|a book published annually by the graduating class of a high school or college usually containing photographs of faculty and graduating students
year-end|the end of a calendar year - "he had to unload the merchandise before the year-end"
yearling|a racehorse considered one year old until the second Jan. 1 following its birth;an animal in its second year
yeast|a commercial leavening agent containing yeast cells;used to raise the dough in making bread and for fermenting beer or whiskey;any of various single-celled fungi that reproduce asexually by budding or division
yeast cake|small cake of compressed moist yeast
Yeats|Irish poet and dramatist (1865-1939)
yelling|uttering a loud inarticulate cry as of pain or excitement
yellow|yellow color or pigment;the chromatic color resembling the hue of sunflowers or ripe lemons
yellow adder's tongue|eastern North American dogtooth having solitary yellow flowers marked with brown or purple and spotted interiors
yellow avens|erect subshrub with deep yellow flowers;Europe and Asia and North America;hairy yellow-flowered plant of eastern Asia and North America
yellow bass|North American freshwater bass resembling the larger marine striped bass
yellow bedstraw|common yellow-flowered perennial bedstraw;North America and Europe and Asia
yellow bells|viscid herb of arid or desert habitats of southwestern United States having pendulous yellow flowers
yellow bile|a humor that was once believed to be secreted by the liver and to cause irritability and anger
yellow birch|tree of eastern North America with thin lustrous yellow or grey bark
yellow bristlegrass|common weedy and bristly grass found in nearly all temperate areas
yellow chamomile|Eurasian perennial herb with hairy divided leaves and yellow flowers;naturalized in North America
yellow clintonia|common woodland herb of temperate North America having yellow nodding flowers and small round blue fruits
yellow colicroot|colicroot with yellow-bracted racemose flowers;smaller than Aletris farinosa;southeastern United States
yellow cypress|tall evergreen of the Pacific coast of North America often cultivated for ornament
yellow dwarf|any of several virus diseases of plants characterized by stunting and yellowing of the leaves
yellow dwarf of potato|the yellow dwarf disease of potato plants
yellow foxglove|European yellow-flowered foxglove
yellow giant hyssop|erect perennial with stout stems and yellow-green flowers;southern Canada and southeastern United States
yellow globe lily|globe lily having open branched clusters of clear yellow egg-shaped flowers;northern California
yellow goatfish|schooling goatfish;greyish with yellow stripe
yellow green|a shade of green tinged with yellow
yellow henbane|found on sea beaches from Virginia to South America having greenish-yellow flowers and orange or yellow berries
yellow honeysuckle|climbing deciduous shrub with fragrant yellow (later orange) flowers in terminal whorls;southeastern United States;twining deciduous shrub with clusters of purple-tinged yellow-green flowers;northeastern America
yellow iris|common yellow-flowered iris of Europe and North Africa, naturalized in United States and often cultivated
yellow jack|caused by a flavivirus transmitted by a mosquito;fish of western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico;yellow flag hoist on a ship in quarantine
yellow jacket|small yellow-marked social wasp commonly nesting in the ground
yellow jasmine|poisonous woody evergreen vine of southeastern United States having fragrant yellow funnel-shaped flowers
yellow journalism|sensationalist journalism
yellow lady's slipper|maroon to purple-brown orchid with yellow lip;Europe, North America and Japan
yellow light|the signal to proceed with caution
yellow loosestrife|frequently considered a weed;Europe and Asia
yellow lupine|yellow-flowered European lupine cultivated for forage
yellow man|offensive term for an Asian man
yellow mariposa tulip|mariposa having clusters of a few large deep yellow bell-shaped flowers atop slender stems;California coastal ranges
yellow marrow|bone marrow that is yellow with fat;found at the ends of long bones in adults
yellow mountain saxifrage|tufted evergreen perennial having ciliate leaves and yellow corymbose flowers often spotted orange
yellow ocher|pigment consisting of a limonite mixed with clay and silica
yellow oleander|tropical American shrub or small tree having glossy dark green leaves and fragrant saffron yellow to orange or peach- colored flowers;all parts highly poisonous
yellow pages|a telephone directory or section of a directory (usually printed on yellow paper) where business products and services are listed alphabetically by field along with classified advertising
yellow perch|North American perch
yellow peril|the threat to Western civilization said to arise from the power of Asiatic peoples
yellow pimpernel|trailing European evergreen with yellow flowers
yellow pine|any of various pines having yellow wood;hard yellowish wood of a yellow pine
Yellow race|an Asian race
yellow rocket|noxious cress with yellow flowers;sometimes placed in genus Sisymbrium
yellow salsify|European perennial naturalized throughout United States having hollow stems with a few long narrow tapered leaves and each bearing a solitary pale yellow flower
yellow sand verbena|plant having hemispherical heads of yellow trumpet-shaped flowers;found in coastal dunes from California to British Columbia
Yellow Sea|part of the Pacific off the east coast of Asia
yellow spiny daisy|slender perennial of western North America having weakly bristly leaves and yellow flower heads
yellow spot|any of several fungous or viral diseases characterized by yellow spotting on the leaves
yellow spot fungus|fungus causing yellow spot (a sugarcane disease in Australia)
yellow squash|any of various squash plants grown for their yellow fruits with somewhat elongated necks;squash having yellow skin and yellowish flesh and usually elongated neck
yellow sweet clover|biennial yellow-flowered Eurasian plant having aromatic leaves used as carminative or flavoring agent;widely cultivated especially as green manure or cover crop
yellow twining snapdragon|southwestern United States plant with yellow flowers on stems that twist and twine through other vegetation
yellow warbler|yellow-throated American wood warbler
yellow water lily|a water lily with yellow flowers
yellow woman|offensive term for an Asian woman
yellow-bellied sapsucker|eastern North American sapsucker having a pale yellow abdomen
yellowbelly marmot|heavy-bodied yellowish-brown marmot of rocky areas of western North America
yellow-blue dichromacy|confusion of yellow and blue
yellow-breasted bunting|common in Russia and Siberia
yellow-breasted chat|American warbler noted for imitating songs of other birds
yellowcake|an impure mixture of uranium oxides obtained during the processing of uranium ore
yellow-crowned night heron|North American night heron
yellow-dog contract|a labor contract (now illegal) whereby the employee agrees not to join a trade union
yellow-eyed grass|any of several rushlike plants, especially of the pine barrens of southern United States
yellow-fever mosquito|mosquito that transmits yellow fever and dengue
yellowfin|may reach 400 pounds;worldwide in tropics
yellowfin croaker|a fish of the Pacific coast of North America
yellowfin mojarra|popular panfish from Bermuda and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil
yellow-green algae|any alga of the division Chrysophyta with its chlorophyll masked by yellow pigment
yellowhammer|European bunting the male being bright yellow
yellowish brown|a medium to dark tan color
yellowish pink|a shade of pink tinged with yellow
Yellowknife|a town in the Northwest Territories in northern Canada on the Great Slave Lake
yellow-leaf sickle pine|a rain forest tree or shrub of New Caledonia having a conic crown and pale green sickle-shaped leaves;host species for the rare parasite yew
yellowlegs|either of two North American shorebird with yellow legs
yellow-shafted flicker|large flicker of eastern North America with a red neck and yellow undersurface to wings and tail
Yellowstone|a tributary of the Missouri River that flows through the Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park|the first national park in the United States;located in the border area between Wyoming and Montana and Idaho;spectacular wilderness;famous for Old Faithful geyser and for buffalo and bears
yellowtail|game fish of southern California and Mexico having a yellow tail fin;superior food fish of the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean with broad yellow stripe along the sides and on the tail
yellowtail flounder|American flounder having a yellowish tail;flesh of American flounder having a yellowish tail
yellowthroat|small olive-colored American warblers with yellow breast and throat
yellow-throated marten|large yellow and black marten of southern China and Burma
yellowwood|any of various trees having yellowish wood or yielding a yellow extract;the yellow wood of any of various yellowwood trees
Yemen|a republic on the southwestern shores of the Arabian Peninsula on the Indian Ocean;formed in 1990
Yemeni|a native or inhabitant of Yemen
Yemeni fils|100 Yemeni fils are worth one Yemeni rial
Yemeni monetary unit|monetary unit in Yemen
Yemeni rial|the basic unit of money in Yemen;equal to 100 fils
yen|the basic unit of money in Japan;equal to 100 sen
Yenisei|a Russian river in Siberia;rises in mountains near the Mongolian border and flows generally northward into the Kara Sea
Yeniseian|a member of one of the groups living in the Yenisei river valley in western Siberia
yenta|(Yiddish) a vulgar shrew;a shallow coarse termagant;(Yiddish) a woman who talks too much;a gossip unable to keep a secret;a woman who spreads rumors and scandal
yeoman|in former times was free and cultivated his own land;officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the British monarch
yeomanry|a British volunteer cavalry force organized in 1761 for home defense later incorporated into the Territorial Army;class of small freeholders who cultivated their own land
yerba buena|trailing perennial evergreen herb of northwestern United States with small white flowers;used medicinally
yerba mansa|stoloniferous herb of southwestern United States and Mexico having a pungent rootstock and small spicate flowers with white bracts suggesting an anemone
yerba santa|viscid evergreen shrub of western United States with white to deep lilac flowers;the sticky aromatic leaves are used in treating bronchial and pulmonary illnesses
Yerevan|capital of Armenia
Yerkes|United States psychologist who studied the intelligence of primates (1876-1956)
Yersin|French bacteriologist born in Switzerland;was a student of Pasteur;discovered the plague bacillus (1863-1943)
Yersinia pestis|a bacillus bacterium that causes the plague;aerosolized bacteria can be used as a bioweapon
Yerupaja|a mountain peak in the Andes in Peru (21,709 feet high)
yes|an affirmative - "I was hoping for a yes"
yeshiva|an academy for the advanced study of Jewish texts (primarily the Talmud)
yes-no question|a question that can be answered by yes or no
yesterday|the day immediately before today - "it was in yesterday's newspapers";the recent past - "yesterday's solutions are not good enough" - "we shared many yesterdays"
Yevtushenko|Russian poet who expressed the feelings of the post-Stalinist generation (born in 1933)
yew|any of numerous evergreen trees or shrubs having red cup-shaped berries and flattened needlelike leaves;wood of a yew;especially the durable fine-grained light brown or red wood of the English yew valued for cabinetwork and archery bows
Yggdrasil|(Norse mythology) a huge ash tree whose roots and branches hold the earth and Heaven and Hell together
Yiddish|a dialect of High German including some Hebrew and other words;spoken in Europe as a vernacular by many Jews;written in the Hebrew script
yield|an amount of a product
yin|the dark negative feminine principle in Chinese dualistic cosmology - "the interaction of yin and yang maintains the harmony of the universe"
yip|a sharp high-pitched cry (especially by a dog)
yips|nervous tension that causes an athlete to fail (especially causes golfers to miss short putts) - "to avoid the yips he changed his style of putting"
ylem|(cosmology) the original matter that (according to the big bang theory) existed before the formation of the chemical elements
Y-linked gene|a gene located on a Y chromosome
Ymir|(Norse mythology) the primeval giant slain by Odin and his brothers and from whose body they created the world;the sea from his blood;the earth from his flesh;the mountains from his bones;the sky from his skull
yobibit|a unit of information equal to 1024 zebibits or 2^80 bits
yodel|a songlike cry in which the voice fluctuates rapidly between the normal voice and falsetto
yodeling|singing by changing back and forth between the chest voice and a falsetto
yodeller|a singer who changes register rapidly (popular is Swiss folk songs)
yodh|the 10th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
yoga|a system of exercises practiced as part of the Hindu discipline to promote control of the body and mind;Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the three paths of actions and knowledge and devotion
Yogacara|one of the main traditions of Mahayana Buddhism;holds that the mind is real but that objects are just ideas or states of consciousness
yogi|one who practices yoga and has achieved a high level of spiritual insight
yogurt|a custard-like food made from curdled milk
yoke|a connection (like a clamp or vise) between two things so they move together;a pair of draft animals joined by a yoke - "pulled by a yoke of oxen";an oppressive power - "under the yoke of a tyrant" - "they threw off the yoke of domination";fabric comprising a fitted part at the top of a garment;stable gear that joins two draft animals at the neck so they can work together as a team;support consisting of a wooden frame across the shoulders that enables a person to carry buckets hanging from each end
yokel|a person who is not very intelligent or interested in culture
Yokohama|port city on southeastern Honshu in central Japan
Yokuts|a member of the North American Indian people of the San Joaquin Valley
yolk|nutritive material of an ovum stored for the nutrition of an embryo (especially the yellow mass of a bird or reptile egg)
yolk sac|membranous structure enclosing the yolk of eggs in birds, reptiles, marsupials, and some fishes;circulates nutrients to the developing embryo;membranous structure that functions as the circulatory system in mammalian embryos until the heart becomes functional
Yom Kippur|(Judaism) a solemn and major fast day on the Jewish calendar;10th of Tishri;its observance is one of the requirements of the Mosaic law
yore|time long past
York|the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485;its emblem was a white rose
Yorkshire|a former large county in northern England;in 1974 it was divided into three smaller counties
Yorkshire pudding|light puffy bread made of a puff batter and traditionally baked in the pan with roast beef
Yorkshire terrier|very small breed having a long glossy coat of bluish-grey and tan
Yorktown|a historic village in southeastern Virginia to the north of Newport News;site of the last battle of the American Revolution;in 1781 the British under Cornwallis surrendered after a siege of three weeks by American and French troops;the surrender ended the American Revolution
Yoruba|a Kwa language spoken by the Yoruba in southwestern Nigeria;a member of a West African people living chiefly in southwestern Nigeria
Yosemite|a series of waterfalls in Yosemite National Park in California;is reduced to a trickle for part of each year
Yosemite National Park|a national park in California famous for its waterfalls and rock formations
Yosemite toad|of high Sierra Nevada meadows and forest borders
yottabit|a unit of information equal to 1000 zettabits or 10^24 bits
yottabyte|a unit of information equal to 1000 zettabytes or 10^24 bytes;a unit of information equal to 1024 zebibytes or 2^80 bytes
young|any immature animal;young people collectively - "rock music appeals to the young";British physicist and Egyptologist;he revived the wave theory of light and proposed a three-component theory of color vision;he also played an important role in deciphering the hieroglyphics on the Rosetta Stone (1773-1829);English poet (1683-1765);United States baseball player and famous pitcher (1867-1955);United States civil rights leader (1921-1971);United States film and television actress (1913-2000);United States jazz tenor saxophonist (1909-1959);United States religious leader of the Mormon Church after the assassination of Joseph Smith;he led the Mormon exodus from Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah (1801-1877)
young bird|a bird that is still young
young buck|a teenager or a young adult male
young fish|a fish that is young
young mammal|any immature mammal
young person|a young person (especially a young man or boy)
Young Turk|a member of one or more of the insurgent groups in Turkey in the late 19th century who rebelled against the absolutism of Ottoman rule;a young radical who agitates for reform
youngness|the opposite of oldness
Young's modulus|a coefficient of elasticity applicable to the stretching of a wire
Youngstown|a city in northeast Ohio
youth|an early period of development - "during the youth of the project";early maturity;the state of being young or immature or inexperienced;the freshness and vitality characteristic of a young person;the time of life between childhood and maturity
youth culture|young adults (a generational unit) considered as a cultural class or subculture
youth gang|a gang whose members are teenagers
youth movement|political or religious or social reform movement or agitation consisting chiefly of young people
youth subculture|a minority youth culture whose distinctiveness depended largely on the social class and ethnic background of its members;often characterized by its adoption of a particular music genre
yo-yo|a toy consisting of a spool that is reeled up and down on a string by motions of the hand
Ypres|battle in World War I (1914);heavy but indecisive fighting as the Allies and the Germans both tried to break through the lines of the others;battle in World War I (1915);Germans wanted to try chlorine (a toxic yellow gas) as a weapon and succeeded in taking considerable territory from the Allied salient;battle in World War I (1917);an Allied offensive which eventually failed because tanks bogged down in the waterlogged soil of Flanders;Germans introduced mustard gas which interfered with the Allied artillery
Yquem|a sweet white French wine
ytterbium|a soft silvery metallic element;a rare earth of the lanthanide series;it occurs in gadolinite and monazite and xenotime
yttrium|a silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth minerals;used in magnesium and aluminum alloys
yuan|the basic unit of money in China;the imperial dynasty of China from 1279 to 1368
Yucatan|a peninsula in Central America extending into the Gulf of Mexico between the Bay of Campeche and the Caribbean Sea;a state of Mexico on the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula
Yucatec|a Mayan language spoken by the Yucatec;a member of the Mayan people of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico
yucca|any of several evergreen plants of the genus Yucca having usually tall stout stems and a terminal cluster of white flowers;warmer regions of North America
Yue|the dialect of Chinese spoken in Canton and neighboring provinces and in Hong Kong and elsewhere outside China
Yugoslav|a native or inhabitant of Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia|a former country of southeastern Europe bordering the Adriatic Sea;formed in 1918 and named Yugoslavia in 1929;controlled by Marshal Tito as a communist state until his death in 1980 - "Tito's Yugoslavia included Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro"
Yugoslavian dinar|the basic unit of money in Yugoslavia
Yugoslavian monetary unit|monetary unit in Yugoslavia
Yukawa|Japanese mathematical physicist who proposed that nuclear forces are mediated by massive particles called mesons which are analogous to the photon in mediating electromagnetic forces (1907-1981)
Yukon|a North American river that flows westward from the Yukon Territory through central Alaska to the Bering Sea;a territory in northwestern Canada;site of the Klondike gold rush in the 1890s
Yukon white birch|Alaskan birch with white to pale brown bark
Yule log|large log traditionally burned at Christmas
Yuma|a member of the North American Indian people of Arizona and adjacent Mexico and California;a town in southwestern Arizona on the Colorado River and the California border;the Yuman language spoken by the Yuma
Yuman|a group of language of the Hokan family in Arizona and California and Mexico
Yunnan|a province of southern China
yuppie|a young upwardly mobile professional individual;a well-paid middle-class professional who works in a city and has a luxurious life style
yurt|a circular domed dwelling that is portable and self-supporting;originally used by nomadic Mongol and Turkic people of central Asia but now used as inexpensive alternative or temporary housing
Z|the 26th letter of the Roman alphabet - "the British call Z zed and the Scots call it ezed but Americans call it zee"
Zaar|a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria
zabaglione|light foamy custard-like dessert served hot or chilled
Zabrze|an industrial city in southern Poland
Zaglossus|a genus of Tachyglossidae
Zagreb|the capital of Croatia
Zaharias|outstanding United States athlete (1914-1956)
zaire|the basic unit of money in Zaire
Zairese|a native or inhabitant of Zaire
Zairese monetary unit|monetary unit in Zaire
zakat|the fourth pillar of Islam is almsgiving as an act of worship - "the zakat is earmarked for the poor and disabled"
Zalophus|sea lions
Zama|the battle in 202 BC in which Scipio decisively defeated Hannibal at the end of the second Punic War
Zambezi|an African river;flows into the Indian Ocean
Zambia|a republic in central Africa;formerly controlled by Great Britain and called Northern Rhodesia until it gained independence within the commonwealth in 1964
Zambian|a native or inhabitant of Zambia
Zambian kwacha|the basic unit of money in Zambia
Zambian monetary unit|monetary unit in Zambia
Zamboni|the trademark for a machine that smooths the ice in an ice-skating rink
zamia|any of various cycads of the genus Zamia;among the smallest and most verdant cycads
Zamiaceae|a family of cycads often included in the family Cycadaceae;zamias
Zangwill|English writer (1864-1926)
Zannichellia|horned pondweed;completely submerged herbs;in some classifications included in Potamogetonaceae
Zannichelliaceae|alternative classification for some genera included in Potamogetonaceae;one species
Zantedeschia|calla lily
Zanthoxylum|deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs;prickly ash
Zanuck|United States filmmaker whose works include the first full-length feature film with sound sequences (1902-1979)
zany|a buffoon in one of the old comedies;imitates others for ludicrous effect
Zanzibar|an island in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa;part of the United Republic of Tanzania
Zanzibar copal|a hard copal derived from an African tree
zap|a sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact - "they gave it another zap of radiation"
Zapata|Mexican revolutionary who led a revolt for agrarian reforms (1879-1919)
Zapodidae|jumping mice
Zapotec|a member of a large tribe of Mesoamericans living in southern Mexico whose civilization flourished around 300 to 900;the language of the Zapotec
zapper|an electrical device that can injure or kill by means of electric currents - "a bug zapper"
Zapus|type genus of the Zapodidae
Zaragoza|an ancient city on the Ebro River in northeastern Spain;formerly the capital of Aragon
zarf|an ornamental metal cup-shaped holder for a hot coffee cup
Zaria|a city in north central Nigeria;agricultural trading center
z-axis|the third axis in a 3-dimensional coordinate system
zayin|the 7th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
Zea|corn
zeal|excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end - "he had an absolute zeal for litigation"
Zealand|the largest island of Denmark and the site of Copenhagen
Zealander|a native or inhabitant of Zealand
Zealot|a member of an ancient Jewish sect in Judea in the first century who fought to the death against the Romans and who killed or persecuted Jews who collaborated with the Romans
zeaxanthin|yellow carotenoid (isomeric with lutein and occurs widely with it) that is the main pigment in yellow Indian corn
zebibit|a unit of information equal to 1024 exbibits or 2^70 bits
zebra|any of several fleet black-and-white striped African equines
zebra finch|small Australian weaverbird with markings like a zebra's
zebra mussel|inch long mollusk imported accidentally from Europe;clogs utility inlet pipes and feeds on edible freshwater mussels
zebra orchid|orchid with reddish linear leaves and panicle of purple-marked pale-yellow flowers with deep red or purple lip;southwestern Australia
zebra-tailed lizard|swift lizard with long black-banded tail and long legs;of deserts of United States and Mexico
zebrawood|any of various trees or shrubs having mottled or striped wood;handsomely striped or mottled wood of the zebrawood tree;used especially for cabinetwork
zebu|domesticated ox having a humped back and long horns and a large dewlap;used chiefly as a draft animal in India and east Asia
Zechariah|a Hebrew minor prophet of the late 6th century BC;an Old Testament book telling the prophecies of Zechariah which are concerned mainly with the renewal of Israel after the Babylonian Captivity
Zeeman|Dutch physicist honored for his research on the influence of magnetism on radiation which showed that light is radiated by the motion of charged particles in an atom (1865-1943)
Zeidae|a family of fish in the order Zeomorphi
Zeitgeist|the spirit of the time;the spirit characteristic of an age or generation
Zen|a Buddhist doctrine that enlightenment can be attained through direct intuitive insight;school of Mahayana Buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith;China and Japan
Zen Buddhist|an adherent of the doctrines of Zen Buddhism
Zenaidura|mourning doves
zenith|the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
Zeno|ancient Greek philosopher who formulated paradoxes that defended the belief that motion and change are illusory (circa 495-430 BC);ancient Greek philosopher who founded the Stoic school (circa 335-263 BC)
zeolite|any of a family of glassy minerals analogous to feldspar containing hydrated aluminum silicates of calcium or sodium or potassium;formed in cavities in lava flows and in plutonic rocks
Zeomorphi|dories
Zephaniah|a Hebrew minor prophet of the late 7th century BC;an Old Testament book telling the prophecies of Zephaniah which are concerned mainly with the approaching judgment by God upon the sinners of Judah
Zephyr|(Greek mythology) the Greek god of the west wind
zeppelin|a large rigid dirigible designed to carry passengers or bombs;German inventor who designed and built the first rigid motorized dirigible (1838-1917)
zero|a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number;the point on a scale from which positive or negative numerical quantities can be measured;the sight setting that will cause a projectile to hit the center of the target with no wind blowing
zero coupon bond|a bond that is issued at a deep discount from its value at maturity and pays no interest during the life of the bond;the commonest form of zero-coupon security
zero hour|the time set for the start of an action or operation
zero tolerance|extreme intolerance of antisocial behavior (usually by an uncompromising application of the law) - "he urged zero tolerance for priests who abuse children sexually"
zero-coupon security|a security that makes no interest payments but instead is sold at a deep discount from its face value
zero-sum game|a game in which the total of all the gains and losses is zero
zeroth law of thermodynamics|the law that if two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with a third body then the first two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with each other
zero-tolerance policy|any policy that allows no exception - "a zero-tolerance policy toward pedophile priests"
zeta|the 6th letter of the Greek alphabet
zettabit|a unit of information equal to 1000 exabits or 10^21 bits
zettabyte|a unit of information equal to 1000 exabytes or 10^21 bytes;a unit of information equal to 1024 exbibytes or 2^70 bytes
zeugma|use of a word to govern two or more words though appropriate to only one - "'Mr. Pickwick took his hat and his leave' is an example of zeugma"
Zeus|(Greek mythology) the supreme god of ancient Greek mythology;son of Rhea and Cronus whom he dethroned;husband and brother of Hera;brother of Poseidon and Hades;father of many gods;counterpart of Roman Jupiter;type genus of the family Zeidae
Zhou|the imperial dynasty of China from 1122 to 221 BC;notable for the rise of Confucianism and Taoism
Zhou En-lai|Chinese revolutionary and communist leader (1898-1976)
Zhu Jiang|a river in southeast China that flows into the South China Sea
Zhuang|a branch of the Tai languages
Zhukov|Soviet general who during World Warr II directed the counteroffensive at Stalingrad and relieved Leningrad and captured Berlin (1896-1974)
zidovudine|an antiviral drug (trade name Retrovir) used in the treatment of AIDS;adverse side effects include liver damage and suppression of the bone marrow
Ziegfeld|United States theatrical producer noted for a series of extravagant revues known as the Ziegfeld Follies (1869-1932)
Ziegfeld Follies|a series of extravagant revues produced by Flo Ziegfeld
Ziegler|German chemist honored for his research on polymers (1898-1973)
Zigadenus|genus of mostly North American poisonous plants;sometimes placed in family Melanthiaceae
ziggurat|a rectangular tiered temple or terraced mound erected by the ancient Assyrians and Babylonians
zigzag|an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
zigzag goldenrod|a variety of goldenrod
zill|one of a pair of small metallic cymbals worn on the thumb and middle finger;used in belly dancing in rhythm with the dance
Zimbabwe|a landlocked republic in south central Africa formerly called Rhodesia;achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1980
Zimbabwean|a native or inhabitant of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean dollar|the basic unit of money in Zimbabwe
Zimbalist|United States violinist (born in Russia) (1889-1985)
zinc|a bluish-white lustrous metallic element;brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated;used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanizing iron;it occurs naturally as zinc sulphide in zinc blende
zinc blende|an ore that is the chief source of zinc;consists largely of zinc sulfide in crystalline form
zinc cadmium sulfide|cadmium sulfide containing zinc
zinc deficiency|a deficiency caused by inadequate zinc in the diet or by liver disease or cystic fibrosis or other diseases
zinc ointment|an ointment containing zinc that is used to treat certain skin diseases
zinc oxide|oxide of zinc;a white powder used as a pigment or in cosmetics or glass or inks and in zinc ointment
zinc sulfate|a colorless water-soluble powder;used as a mordant or to preserve wood or for the electrodeposition of zinc
zinc sulfide|a yellow to white crystalline fluorescent compound that occurs naturally as sphalerite or wurtzite and is used as a luminous pigment
zinc white|a white pigment used in house paints;consists of zinc oxide
zinfandel|dry fruity red wine from California;small black grape grown chiefly in California;transplanted from Europe
zing|a brief high-pitched buzzing or humming sound - "the zing of the passing bullet"
zinger|a striking or amusing or caustic remark - "he always greeted me with a new zinger" - "she tried to think of some killer of an argument, a real zinger that would disarm all opposition"
Zingiber|tropical Asiatic and Polynesian perennial plants;ginger
Zingiberaceae|a family of tropical monocotyledonous plants of order Musales
Zinjanthropus|genus to which Australopithecus boisei was formerly assigned
zinkenite|a steel grey metallic mineral (a sulphide of lead and antimony)
Zinnemann|United States filmmaker (born in Austria) (1907-1997)
zinnia|any of various plants of the genus Zinnia cultivated for their variously and brightly colored flower heads
zinnwaldite|a mica containing iron and lithium
Zinsser|United States bacteriologist who helped develop immunization against typhus fever (1878-1940)
Zinzendorf|German theologian (1700-1760)
Zion|originally a stronghold captured by David (the 2nd king of the Israelites);above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill;finally it became a synonym for the city of Jerusalem - "the inhabitants of Jerusalem are personified as 'the daughter of Zion'"
Zion National Park|a national park in Utah having huge canyons and gorges carved by mountain rivers
Zionism|a movement of world Jewry that arose late in the 19th century with the aim of creating a Jewish state in Palestine;a policy for establishing and developing a national homeland for Jews in Palestine
Zionist|a Jewish supporter of Zionism
ZIP code|a code of letters and digits added to a postal address to aid in the sorting of mail
zip gun|a crude homemade pistol
Ziphiidae|beaked whales;in some especially former classifications included in the family Physeteridae
zircon|a common mineral occurring in small crystals;chief source of zirconium;used as a refractory when opaque and as a gem when transparent
zirconium|a lustrous grey strong metallic element resembling titanium;it is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber;it occurs in baddeleyite but is obtained chiefly from zircon
zirconium oxide|a white crystalline oxide;used in refractories and in insulation and abrasives and enamels and glazes
zither|a musical stringed instrument with strings stretched over a flat sounding board;it is laid flat and played with a plectrum and with fingers
ziti|medium-sized tubular pasta in short pieces
Zizania|wild rice
Ziziphus|spiny chiefly tropical American and Asiatic shrubs;jujubes
zizz|a buzzing or whizzing sound - "a nasty zizz in the engine";a nap - "Arthur's taking a short zizz"
zloty|the basic unit of money in Poland
zoanthropy|the delusion that you have assumed the form of an animal
Zoarces|type genus of the Zoarcidae
Zoarcidae|eelpouts
zodiac|(astrology) a circular diagram representing the 12 zodiacal constellations and showing their signs;a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic;divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes
zodiacal light|a luminous tract in the sky;a reflection of sunlight from cosmic dust in the plane of the ecliptic;visible just before sunrise and just after sunset
Zola|French novelist and critic;defender of Dreyfus (1840-1902)
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome|syndrome consisting of intractable peptic ulceration with gastric hypersecretion and hyperacidity
Zomba|a city in southern Malawi;was the capital until 1971
zombi|(voodooism) a spirit or supernatural force that reanimates a dead body;a dead body that has been brought back to life by a supernatural force;a god of voodoo cults of African origin worshipped especially in West Indies
zombie|several kinds of rum with fruit juice and usually apricot liqueur
zona pellucida|thick membrane around the mammalian ovum;can be penetrated by one sperm in the fertilization process;usually remains around the fertilized egg until it is implanted in the wall of the uterus
zone|(anatomy) any encircling or beltlike structure;a locally circumscribed place characterized by some distinctive features;an area or region distinguished from adjacent parts by a distinctive feature or characteristic;any of the regions of the surface of the Earth loosely divided according to latitude or longitude
zone fire|artillery or mortar fire delivered in a constant direction at several quadrant elevations
zone of interior|the part of the theater of war not included in the theater of operations
zoning|dividing an area into zones or sections reserved for different purposes such as residence and business and manufacturing etc
zoning board|a board of officials who divide an area into zones that are subject to different restrictions
zoning commission|a commission delegated to supervise the zoning of areas for residential or commercial use
Zonotrichia|large New World sparrows
zonule|small beltlike zone
zoo|A park or an institution in which living animals are kept and usually exhibited to the public;A place or situation marked by confusion or disorder - "The bus station is a zoo on Fridays."
zoo keeper|the chief person responsible for a zoological garden
zooid|one of the distinct individuals forming a colonial animal such as a bryozoan or hydrozoan
zoolatry|the worship of animals
zoologist|a specialist in the branch of biology dealing with animals
zoology|the branch of biology that studies animals
Zoomastigina|in some classifications considered a phylum of the kingdom Protista;holozoic or saprozoic flagellates
zoomastigote|flagellate protozoan lacking photosynthesis and other plant-like characteristics
zoomorphism|the attribution of animal forms or qualities to a god
zoonosis|an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans
zoophilia|a sexual attraction to animals
zoophobia|a morbid fear of animals
zoophyte|any of various invertebrate animals resembling a plant such as a sea anemone or coral or sponge
zooplankton|animal constituent of plankton;mainly small crustaceans and fish larvae
zoopsia|visual hallucination of animals;sometimes occurring in delirium tremens
zoospore|an asexual spore of some algae and fungi that moves by means of flagella
zoot suit|a flashy suit of extreme cut
zoril|muishond of northern Africa
Zoroaster|Persian prophet who founded Zoroastrianism (circa 628-551 BC)
Zoroastrian|follower of Zoroaster and Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism|system of religion founded in Persia in the 6th century BC by Zoroaster;set forth in the Zend-Avesta;based on concept of struggle between light (good) and dark (evil)
Zostera|(or in some classifications family Zosteraceae) small genus of widely distributed marine plants
Zosteraceae|used in some classifications;essentially equivalent to Potamogetonaceae
zoysia|any of several creeping grasses of the genus Zoysia
Zsigmondy|German chemist (born in Austria) honored for his research on colloidal solutions (1865-1929)
Zu|evil storm god represented as a black bird
zucchini|marrow squash plant whose fruit are eaten when small;small cucumber-shaped vegetable marrow;typically dark green
Zuider Zee|a former inlet of the North Sea in the northern coast of the Netherlands;sealed off from the sea in 1932 by a dam that created the IJsselmeer
Zukerman|Israeli violinist (born in 1948)
Zulu|a Bantu language of considerable literary importance in southeastern Africa;a community of Negroid people in eastern South Africa;a member of the tall Negroid people of eastern South Africa;some live in KwaZulu-Natal under the traditional clan system but many now work in the cities
Zuni|a member of the Pueblo people living in western New Mexico
Zurich|the largest city in Switzerland;located in the northern part of the country - "Zurich is the center of the German-speaking part of Switzerland"
Zurvan|the Zoroastrian god of time
Zurvanism|a heretical Zoroastrian doctrine holding that Zurvan was the ultimate source of the universe and that both Ahura Mazda and Ahriman were Zurvan's offspring;a Zoroastrian sect that claims Zurvan was the ultimate source of the universe
Zweig|Austrian writer (1881-1942)
zwieback|slice of sweet raised bread baked again until it is brown and hard and crisp
Zwingli|Swiss theologian whose sermons began the Reformation in Switzerland (1484-1531)
Zworykin|United States physicist who invented the iconoscope (1889-1982)
zydeco|music of southern Louisiana that combines French dance melodies with Caribbean music and blues
Zygnema|type genus of the family Zygnemataceae
Zygnemataceae|pond scums;common freshwater algae forming green slimy masses
Zygnematales|pond scums;desmids
Zygocactus|small genus of Brazilian cacti having flat fleshy usually branched joints and showy red or pink flowers followed by red fleshy fruits
zygodactyl foot|a bird's foot having the first and fourth toes of each foot directed backward and the second and third forward
zygoma|the slender arch formed by the temporal process of the cheekbone that bridges to the zygomatic process of the temporal bone
zygomatic process|a slender process of the temporal bone that strengthens the zygomatic arch
Zygomycetes|class of fungi coextensive with subdivision Zygomycota
Zygomycota|division of fungi having sexually produced zygospores
Zygophyllaceae|small trees, shrubs, and herbs of warm arid and saline regions;often resinous;some poisonous;genera Zygophyllum, Tribulus, Guaiacum, Larrea
Zygophyllum|usually tropical herbs or shrubs having ill-smelling foliage and flower buds that are used as capers;bean capers
Zygoptera|damselflies
zygospore|a plant spore formed by two similar sexual cells
zygote|(genetics) the diploid cell resulting from the union of a haploid spermatozoon and ovum (including the organism that develops from that cell)
zygotene|the second stage of the prophase of meiosis
zymase|a complex of enzymes that cause glycolysis;originally found in yeast but also present in higher organisms
zymology|the branch of chemistry concerned with fermentation (as in making wine or brewing or distilling)
zymosis|(medicine) the development and spread of an infectious disease (especially one caused by a fungus);a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances;especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol