CWL Letter E

ekistics

n pl / DSkistiks / Gk a science dealing with human settlements and drawing on the research and experience of professionals in various fields (as architecture, engineering, city planning, and sociology). Dora's degree in sociology aided her in her study of ekistics.

espaliers

n pl / DSspalyErz / L > It > F fruit trees or other plants trained to grow flat against a building, wall, railing, trellis, or other support. Harriet walked up the broad and neat gravel walk, which led between rows of espaliers to the front door.

environs

n pl / DnSvIrEnz / L > F > E vicinity, neighborhood. Residents of the subdivision and its immediate environs are eligible to join the neighborhood pool association.

ellipses

n pl / GSlipTsGz / Gk [Note: The definition provided is not the one most commonly associated with this word.] omissions of one or more words that are obviously understood but must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete. Pat's use of suspension periods to punctuate her main character's ellipses visually portrays the character's disjointed thought.

equanimity

n / TGkwESnimEZG / L evenness of mental disposition : emotional balance especially under stress. The writer learned to accept with equanimity the rejections from publishers.

etymology

n / TeZESmBlEjG / Gk > L > E a branch of linguistics concerned with the complete history of a linguistic form (as a word or morpheme). Students have rated Dr. Bailly's class in etymology the best course in the English department.

epitaphs

n pl / SepETtafs / Gk inscriptions on or at tombs or graves in memory of those buried there. For amusement the children like to read the epitaphs in the old church cemetery.

entremets

n pl / TBntrESmC(z) / L > F dishes (as vegetables or savories) served in addition to the main course of a meal. At some restaurants, entremets must be ordered separately from the main course.

edification

n / TedEfDSkCshEn / L a building up of the mind, character, or faith : intellectual, moral, or spiritual improvement. Though she knew that the word origins wouldn't be on the test, Tara studied them for her own edification.

effleurage

n / TeflESrBzh / L > F a light stroking movement used in massage. Abdominal effleurage is a technique used in prepared childbirth.

efflorescence

n / TeflESresFn(t)s / L the result or culminating feature of a developmental process : outgrowth, flower. The museum guide commented that change in art is merely the efflorescence of certain long prepared and anticipated effects.

ecchymosis

n / TekESmPsDs / Gk > L the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels marked by a livid black-and-blue or purple spot or area. A black eye results from ecchymosis.

echolalia

n / TekPSlClGE / Gk + Gk the often pathological repetition of what is said by other people as if imitating them. The speech of autistic persons is sometimes characterized by echolalia.

exoskeleton

n / TeksPSskelEtFn / Gk + Gk > L an external supportive or protective structure or framework of an insect. An exoskeleton provides protection for an insect, much like a suit of armor.

exclamation

n / TeksklESmCshEn / L vehement expression (as of protest, reproach, or complaint). Trudy gave a loud exclamation as the plane took off without her.

ectocanthion

n / TektPSkan(t)thGEn / Gk + Gk the point at which the outer ends of the upper and lower eyelids meet. Plastic surgery was needed to repair an injury to the patient's face at the ectocanthion.

ecumenopolis

n / TekyEmDSnBpElEs / Gk a single city encompassing the whole world that is held to be a possibility of the future. Many science fiction stories are based on the premise of Earth's future ecumenopolis.

elocution

n / TelESkyVshEn / L the art of oratorical or expressive public speaking. Senator Okada is a master of elocution.

emphysema

n / Tem(p)fESzGmE / Gk a condition characterized by air- filled, blisterlike expansions in the tissues of the lungs. Most cases of emphysema are caused by smoking.

emanometer

n / TemESnBmEZE(r) / L + Gk any of various devices designed to measure quantities or intensity of a heavy gaseous element produced by radioactive disintegration. The emanometer detected dangerous amounts of radon in Theo's basement.

emanation

n / TemESnCshEn / L a flowing forth. The air was tainted with the musky emanation from the alligator pen.

empyrean

n / TemTpISrGEn / Gk > L the highest heaven or heavenly sphere in ancient and medieval cosmology usually described as a sphere of fire or light. According to Ptolemy, there are five heavens, the last of which is called the "empyrean," from the Greek word meaning "fiery."

embrocation

n / TembrESkCshEn / Gk > L liniment. The fact that Della's throat is so much better can be attributed to the excellent embrocation her mother applied regularly.

empanada

n / TempESnBdE / L > Sp a turnover filled with meat. For the hike Luke packed an empanada and an apple in his knapsack.

empleomania

n / TemplGPSmCnGE / F > Sp + Gk > L an excessive desire for holding public office. Otis's empleomania drove him to squander his fortune on political campaigns.

engineer

n / TenjDSni(E)r / F > E a person trained to plan and supervise projects in a technical field. The chief engineer and his team designed a flood control plan for the city.

entomologist

n / TentESmBlEjDst / Gk one specializing in the study of insects. Dirk has wanted to be an entomologist since he was in the third grade.

epidermis

n / TepESdErmDs / Gk the outer layer of the skin of a vertebrate. The paper cut, though painful, barely broke Kayla's epidermis.

eremology

n / TerESmBlEjG / Gk + Gk a science concerned with the desert and its phenomena. Professor Heath's research on desert flora was hailed as a significant contribution to eremology.

erudition

n / TeryESdishEn / L an extensive knowledge acquired chiefly from books. The schoolmaster was esteemed as a man of great erudition.

eucalyptus

n / TyVkESliptEs / Gk a tree or shrub native to western Australia. Brad planted a eucalyptus in the vain hope of attracting koalas.

effluvium

n / eSflVvGEm / L an exhalation or smell especially when unpleasant. The effluvium from the backed-up drain nauseated Mr. Locke.

epyllion

n / eSpilGEn / Gk a relatively short narrative poem resembling an epic in theme, tone, or style. Is "Hiawatha" short enough to be considered an epyllion?

embarcadero

n / emTbBrkESde(T)rP / L > Sp a landing place; especially : a landing place on an inland waterway. An organ grinder and his monkey entertained visitors at the embarcadero of the restored village.

endorphin

n / enSdOrfDn / Gk > ISV any of a group of proteins with potent pain-killing properties that occur naturally in the brain. In long-distance runners, elevated blood levels of endorphin can prevent the pain of sustained exertion.

enchilada

n / enchESlBdE / Sp a tortilla topped or rolled up with a highly seasoned meat or other filling and served with tomato sauce seasoned with chili. The sampler platter included a taco, an enchilada, and a burrito.

escargot

n / eskArgP / OProv > F a snail prepared for use as food. Saul fished the escargot out of its shell with a tiny fork and popped it into his mouth.

estaminet

n / estAmGnC / Gmc > F a small café : bistro. While driving through Belgium, Jeff and Linda stopped at a charming estaminet for lunch.

exhaustion

n / igSzOschEn / L weariness following overstrain or overexertion. Vance collapsed from exhaustion after running the marathon.

extravaganza

n / ikTstravESganzE / L > It a lavish or spectacular show or event. The Mardi Gras extravaganza in New Orleans has several carnival- like parades.

Euhemerism

n / yVShGmETrizEm / Gk name a theory held by the Greek mythographer Euhemerus that the gods of mythology were but deified mortals. While studying Euhemerism, Serjei learned that the god Vulcan was the first to discover how to make bronze and iron.

egalitarian

adj / (T)GTgalESterGEn / L > F marked by or adhering to a belief that all persons are equal in intrinsic worth and are entitled to equal access to the rights and privileges of their society. The senator promised to help create and expand opportunities and distribute them in an egalitarian fashion.

ebullient

adj / DSbUlyEnt / L characterized by enthusiasm or exuberance. Angela tried to be as ebullient as possible during the cheerleading tryouts.

edacious

adj / DSdCshEs / L + Ecf [has near homonym: audacious] voracious, devouring. Mary Ellen's edacious appetite for gossip is offensive to all.

effusive

adj / DSfyVsiv / L expressing or marked by unrestrained emotion : unduly demonstrative. Troy was bowled over by the effusive greeting of his Labrador retriever.

endemic

adj / enSdemik / Gk peculiar to a locality or region. Despite its name, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is not endemic to the western United States.

endurable

adjective \ə̇nˈd(y)u̇rəbəl, en-\ : capable of being endured : bearable, tolerable <endurable burdens> <our table manners were reasonably endurable — W. A. White> — en·dur·a·ble·ness \-bəlnə̇s\ noun, plural -es — en·dur·a·bly \-blē, -li\ (audio pronunciation) adverb First Known Use of ENDURABLE 1796

eradicable

adjective \ə̇ˈradə̇kəbəl, ēˈrˌ-, -dēk-\ : that can be eradicated <whether the habit is eradicable or ineradicable> — erad·i·ca·bly \-blē, -li\ adverb Origin of ERADICABLE eradicate + -able

erumpent

adjective \ə̇ˈrəmpənt, ēˈ-\ 1 : tending to grow out vigorously from a substrate so as to burst through or rise above its surface <certain erumpent fungi that parasitize leaves> 2 of the fruiting bodies of some fungi and algae : grown or burst through a surface (as of a host's tissue) so as to form a projecting mass <the erumpent fruiting bodies of some rusts> <erumpent acervuli forming black dots on the leaves> Origin of ERUMPENT Latin erumpent-, erumpens, present participle of erumpere

evaporable

adjective \ə̇ˈvap(ə)rəbəl, ēˈ-\ : capable of being evaporated

erroneous

adjective \ə̇ˈrōnēəs, eˈr- also -nyəs\ 1 : deviating from what is true, correct, right, or wise: a : being or containing an error : fallacious, mistaken, inaccurate <an erroneous doctrine> <received an erroneous impression> < ... when tests are invasive or the results erroneous, there may be real risk of harm. — Diana Dutton, The New York Times Book Review, 16 Oct. 1988> <Although retrospective review may uncover some erroneous charges or billing errors, its main purpose is to ... identify areas or providers that have excessive costs. — Harriet E. Jones, Principles of Insurance: Life, Health, and Annuities, 1996> <This finding may help researchers determine where and how false memories develop. ... Some researchers suggest they develop early in the cycle, that erroneous accounts are actually encoded at the time of the event. — Michael S. Gazzaniga, Scientific American, July 1998> b : characterized by error : erring <In this way the erroneous man, the man nursed in the house of luxury, a stranger to the genuine, unvarnished state of things, stands a fair chance of being corrected. — William Godwin, Thoughts on Man, His Nature, Productions, and Discoveries, 1831> <My concern is with our own sad Species, with lapsed and erroneous Humanity ... — Logan Pearsall Smith, All Trivia, 1935> 2 archaic : moving about irregularly or aimlessly : wandering <Dismounted, on the ... field I fall, / Erroneous there to wander and forlorn. — John Milton, Paradise Lost, 1667> — er·ro·neous·ly adverb <"The labours of men of genius, however erroneously directed, scarcely ever fail in ultimately turning to the solid advantage of mankind." — Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, 1818> <The town contended that the trial court erroneously required it to assume the burden of proof on the issue of whether the land was for public use. — The National Law Journal, 16 July 1990> — er·ro·neous·ness noun <The high sales figures Harris's books enjoy force me to admit to the erroneousness of my market instincts—but not my literary judgment. — Darryl Lorenzo Wellington, The Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2002> Origin of ERRONEOUS Middle English, from Latin erroneus, from errare to err — more at err First Known Use: 15th century (sense 1)

estuarine

adjective \ˈes(h)chəwəˌrīn\ also es·tu·ar·i·al (audio pronunciation) : of, relating to, or formed in an estuary <estuarine clays> <estuarine currents> <estuarine fisheries> : suited to operate in estuaries <estuarial craft> Origin of ESTUARINE estuary + -ine, -ial First Known Use: 1846

eigne

adjective \ˈān\ : eldest, firstborn Origin of EIGNE modification of Middle French ainé, aisné, ainsné, from Old French, from ainz before (from Latin ante) + né born — more at ante-, nee

especially

adverb \i-ˈspesh-lē, -ˈspe-shə-\ 1 a : in particular : particularly <food seems cheaper, especially meat> <had many problems, especially at first> b : for a particular purpose or person <built especially for research> <made especially for you> 2 : more than usually : very, extremely <an especially good meal> <an especially disappointing loss> <There's nothing especially radical in siding with power over those seeking restitution for their lack of it. — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2013> 3 : in a special manner : specially <vast amounts of especially treated water are required — E. R. Riegel> < ... in one of the most comfortable rooms in the Abbey, especially prepared for him by a fire all the morning, he was happily placed, quite at his ease ... — Jane Austen, Emma, 1815> — not especially informal : not very much : not really — used as a negative response to a question <"Would you like to go to a movie?" "No, not especially."> Origin of ESPECIALLY Middle English, from especial + -ly First Known Use: 15th century (sense 1a)

exclamatorily

adverb \ik¦sklamə¦tōrəlē, (ˌ)ek-, -tȯr-, -li\ : in an exclamatory manner

extempore

adverb \ikˈstempərē, ek-, -ri, -ˌrē also -ˌrā\ : in an extempore manner : extemporaneously Origin of EXTEMPORE Latin ex tempore instantaneously, on the spur of the moment, from ex out of + tempore, ablative of tempus time — more at ex-, temporal First Known Use: circa 1553

eminently

adverb \ˈemənəntlē, -li\ 1 obsolete : in a high or conspicuous position : so as to be readily observed 2 : to a high degree : notably, extremely, very <an eminently competent workman> <eminently practical studies> <did an eminently satisfactory job> <an eminently pleasing state of affairs> sometimes : wholly, completely <a man eminently sane and competent> 3 philosophy : in a manner reflecting an overplus of reality or of power Origin of EMINENTLY Middle English, from eminent + -ly First Known Use: 1620 (sense 1)

eureka

interj / yESrGkE / Gk used to express triumph concerning a discovery. A loud "Eureka!" emanated from the chemistry laboratory.

effervesce

intransitive verb \¦efə(r)¦ves\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s 1 : to bubble and hiss (as of fermenting liquors or carbonated water); also : to issue in bubbles (as of the escaping gas from carbonated water) 2 : to exhibit (as in speech or action) almost unrestrainable enthusiasm or happy emotion : bubble over <I was full and effervescing with joy of creation — Mary Austin> <the honeymooners hectically effervesced into small talk — Owen Wister> Origin of EFFERVESCE Latin effervescere, from ex- + fervescere to begin to boil, inchoative of fervēre to boil — more at burn First Known Use: 1784

entrecote

n / BMtrETkPPt / L > F a steak cut from between the ribs; sometimes : sirloin. Martha's health-conscious brother turned down an entrecote in favor of a flank steak.

ensemble

n / BnSsBmbEl / L > F a group of supporting players, singers, or dancers. The principals in the play were ably supported by the ensemble.

entente

n / BnStBnt / L > F a written or unwritten international understanding usually less formally binding than an alliance. The president decided that her government's policy of isolationism would not be broken by an entente.

ennui

n / BnSwG / F languor or emptiness of spirit : boredom. Though she claimed to dislike school, Tara felt a certain ennui when not doing something academic.

ecclesiastic

n / DTklGzGSastik / Gk a person in holy orders or consecrated to the service of the church. The new bishop was an ecclesiastic of high learning and virtue.

euphemism

n / SyVfETmizEm / Gk a polite term used to avoid the direct naming of an unpleasant reality. Marjorie referred to her illness with a vague euphemism.

escamotage

n / eskAmOtAAzh / F juggling, hand trickery. The street magician accompanied his deft escamotage with jokes and a distracting patter.

euthenics

n pl / yVStheniks / Gk a science that deals with developing human well-being and efficient functioning through the improvement of environmental conditions. As the world becomes more populated, people pay more attention to the relevance of euthenics.

earlobe

noun 1 : the pendent part of the pinna of the ear of man or certain apes 2 : a fleshy appendage below the ear of a fowl First Known Use of EARLOBE circa 1785 (sense 1)

equestrienne

noun plural -s : a female equestrian Origin of EQUESTRIENNE 2equestrian + -enne (as in tragedienne) First Known Use: 1823

einsteinium

noun plural -s : a radioactive element artificially produced (as by bombardment of plutonium with neutrons) — symbol Es or E — see element table Origin of EINSTEINIUM New Latin, from Albert Einstein + New Latin -ium First Known Use: 1955

ecclesiology

noun \-jē\ plural -es 1 : the science or study of ecclesiastical art and antiquities especially with reference to the adornment and equipment of churches 2 : the study of the doctrine of the church 3 : church policy <a venture in practical ecclesiology in southern India> Origin of ECCLESIOLOGY ecclesi- + -logy

esconson

noun \ə̇ˈskän(t)sən\ plural -s : a jamb shaft in the inside arris of a window jamb Origin of ESCONSON French écoinçon, écoinson, from Middle French escoinson — more at sconcheon

epitome

noun \ə̇ˈpitə(ˌ)mē, ēˈ-, eˈ-, -itə-, -mi\ plural epit·o·mes 1 : a typical representation or ideal expression : embodiment <the British monarchy itself is the epitome of tradition — Richard Joseph> <my community ... considers a man in uniform to be the living epitome of heroism — Lucius Garvin> <Jose is the epitome of the modern Catalan—quick-witted, generous-spirited and self-deprecating. — Robert Fox, The Inner Sea, 1993> <Most laypersons regard fingerprint identification as the epitome of science in the service of the law ... — Simon Cole, Lingua Franca, November 2000> < ... when beauty experts believed teasing your hair and sculpting it high as a smokestack was the epitome of chic ... — Tanya Barrientos, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 23 Jan. 2005> 2 a : a summary of a written work : abridgment, abstract <purporting to be a translation from a French original although it is in fact but a meager epitome of it — Mary D. Anderson> <Utilizing his summary but expanding upon it, I present my own epitome of the book ... — David B. Ruderman, Jewish Thought and Scientific Discovery in Early Modern Europe, 1995> b : a brief presentation of a broad topic : compendium <a convenient epitome of much current knowledge and belief — H. S. Bennett> <The first thirteen books, a superficial epitome of two hundred and fifty-seven years, are now lost ... — Edward Gibbon, The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1776-1788> c : a brief statement expressing the essence of something < ... this epitome of her religious experience failed to strike him as an absolute statement of fact. — Henry James, Roderick Hudson, 1875> <"five years of fighting and ninety-five of winding up barbed wire" ... was a fair epitome of war's aftermath — Dixon Wecter> 3 : brief or miniature form — used especially in the phrase in epitome <The characteristics and pursuits of various ages and races of men are always existing in epitome in every neighborhood. — Henry David Thoreau, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, 1849> <the spectator does in epitome and without halt what the artist did slowly and by process of trial and error — F. J. Mather> Origin of EPITOME Latin, from Greek epitomē, from epitemnein to cut short, abridge, from epi- + temnein to cut — more at tome First Known Use: 1520 (sense 2b)

espalier

noun \ə̇ˈspalyər, eˈs-, -späl-, -spāl-; -al(ə)ˌyā, -äl-, -lēˌā; ¦espə¦li(ə)r\ plural -s 1 : a fruit tree or other plant trained to grow flat against a building, wall, railing, trellis, or other support 2 : a railing or trellis on which fruit trees or shrubs are trained to grow flat Origin of ESPALIER French, from Middle French, trellis, from Old Italian spalliera, from spalla shoulder, from Late Latin spatula shoulder blade — more at epaulet First Known Use: 1662 (sense 1)

ensilage

noun \ˈen(t)s(ə)lij, -lēj\ 1 : the process of preserving fodder by ensiling 2 : silage Origin of ENSILAGE French, from ensiler + -age First Known Use: 1876 (sense 1)

embassy

noun,often attributive \ˈembəsē, -si\ plural -es 1 a : the function or position of an ambassador <held the embassy in that country for over nine years> b : a journey or stay away from one's homeland or accustomed place undertaken in the character of an ambassador or other envoy <an expeditionary force, or official visit abroad, such as embassies or other necessary missions — K. R. Popper> 2 : the message, charge, or business of an ambassador or other envoy 3 : an ambassador or other envoy usually together with his suite 4 : the official residence and offices of an ambassador Origin of EMBASSY Middle French ambassee, modification of Old Italian ambasciata, from Old Provençal ambaisada, from (assumed) ambaisa mission, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English ambiht office, service, Old High German ambaht, Old Norse embætti, Gothic andbahti; all from a prehistoric Germanic word of Celtic origin; akin to Gaulish ambactos vassal, Welsh amaeth farmer; both from a prehistoric Celtic compound whose constituents are akin respectively to Welsh am- around, Greek amphi, and to Old Irish ad-aig to drive — more at by, agent First Known Use: 1534 (sense 3)

equipped

past tense of 1equip

excerpta

plural noun \ekˈs|, ikˈs| sometimes egˈz| or igˈz|\ : brief bits of writing; often : clippings or résumés Origin of EXCERPTA Latin, plural of excerptum

exhilarate

transitive verb \-əˌrāt, usually -āt+V\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s 1 : to make cheerful : enliven, cheer, gladden <the sun and wind ... on his back ... exhilarated him — Grace Campbell> 2 : refresh, invigorate, stimulate <watching the flood, awed yet somehow exhilarated by the terrible, incalculable power of rushing water — Louis Bromfield> Origin of EXHILARATE Latin exhilaratus, past participle of exhilarare, from ex- 1ex- + hilarare to cheer, gladden, from hilarus cheerful — more at hilarity First Known Use: 1540 (transitive sense 1)

exonerated

transitive verb \igˈzänəˌrāt, eg-\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s 1 : to relieve especially of a charge, obligation, or hardship <no reason for exonerating him from the ordinary duties of a citizen — O. W. Holmes †1935> : clear from accusation or blame : exculpate <defendant was exonerated from any criminal offense> 2 obsolete : unload, disburden, discharge Origin of EXONERATE Middle English exoneraten, from Latin exoneratus, past participle of exonerare to relieve, free, unload, from ex- 1ex- + onerare to load, from oner-, onus load — more at onerous First Known Use: 1524 (transitive sense 1)

emolliate

transitive verb \ə̇ˈmälēˌāt, ēˈ-\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s : to make weak, ineffective, or effeminate Origin of EMOLLIATE Latin emollire to soften + English -ate

enamel

transitive verb \ə̇ˈnaməl, eˈ-\ enameled or enamelled; enameled or enamelled; enameling or enamelling \-m(ə)liŋ\; enamels 1 : to cover or inlay with enamel 2 : to beautify or adorn with or as if with a colorful bright surface <sun ... enameled the whole scene — London Calling> 3 : to form or produce a glossy surface upon (something, such as paper, leather, or cloth) 4 : to apply enamel to (the face or nails) Origin of ENAMEL Middle English enamelen, from Middle French enameler, enamailler, from en- 1en- + esmaillier, amaillier to enamel, from Old French esmaillier, from esmail, esmal enamel, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German smelzan to melt — more at smelt First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1)

embrocate

transitive verb \ˈembrəˌkāt, -rōˌ-\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s : to moisten and rub (a part of the body) with a lotion Origin of EMBROCATE Late Latin embrocatus, past participle of embrocare, from Greek embrochē embrocation, lotion, from embrechein to bathe with a lotion, from em- 2en- + brechein to wet — more at brechites

edulcorate

v / DSdElkETrCt / L free from harshness (as of attitude) : make pleasant. Ben is under the mistaken impression that his flattery will edulcorate the stern judge.

equivocate

v / DSkwivETkCt / L avoid committing oneself in what one says : speak evasively. When confronted with the facts, Bernie realized it would do no good to equivocate.

elucidate

v / DSlVsETdCt / L make intelligible by clear explanation or careful analysis. Belinda asked Mrs. Dent to elucidate the complicated essay question.

epitomize

v / DSpiZETmIz / Gk serve as the typical representation of. Sharon's choice of clothing must surely be an attempt to epitomize bad taste.

eradicate

v / DSradETkCt / L [has homonym with opposite meaning: irradicate] do away with : destroy completely. Many wheat farmers use aerial sprays to eradicate weeds, diseases, and insect pests from their fields.

evoke

v / DSvPk / L call forth or up : summon. For Eva, the first crisp days of autumn always evoke memories of her semester in England.

envisage

v / DnSvizij / F have a mental picture of in advance of realization. Benjamin could scarcely envisage the scale of the project, so he broke it down into smaller, more manageable units.

ensconce

v / DnzSkBn(t)s / L > F > E place or hide (as oneself) securely : conceal. Jared was able to ensconce himself behind the sofa before his brother came looking for him.

enunciate

v / GSnEn(t)sGTCt / L utter articulate sounds. Mr. Dubek reminded Val to stand straight and enunciate clearly.

echoed

v / Se(T)kPd / Gk resounded with sounds caused by reflections of sound waves. Reanna's words echoed back to her from across the canyon.

emulate

verb \ˈemyəˌlāt, usually -āt+V\ em·u·lat·ed; em·u·lat·ing; em·u·lates transitive verb 1 a : to strive to equal or excel : to imitate with the intention of equaling or outdoing <a simplicity emulated without success by numerous modern poets — T. S. Eliot> < ... such alacrity and cheerfulness was I obliged to display, that I was frequently held up as an illustrious example of activity, which the rest were called upon to emulate. — Herman Melville, White-Jacket, 1850> b : imitate <book-covering materials which one way or another emulate leather — Book Production> <The gardens were arranged to emulate those of Versailles ... — William Thackary, Vanity Fair, 1847-48> especially : to imitate (a different computer system) by means of an emulator <Virtual PC, which will emulate a Windows system on your Mac and let you run Windows-only software ... — J. D. Biersdorfer, The New York Times, 3 Aug. 2000> 2 : to equal or approach equality with : rival <her companions she loved and admired, but could not emulate, for they were wise about things she knew not of — Rose Macaulay> <modern watercolor in the West, when it tries, as it often does, to emulate the force and solidity of oil painting, only succeeds in sacrificing its own special felicities — Laurence Binyon> <he became president ... at the age of 32, emulating his father's election to the post when he was 34 — H. T. Brundidge> <Legend tells how Damascus swords could slice through a silk handkerchief floating in the air, a feat no European weapon could emulate. — John D. Verhoeven, Scientific American, Jan. 2001> 3 obsolete : to be jealous of : envy intransitive verb obsolete : strive, endeavor < ... the national spirit was roused to emulate and to excel ... — Lord Henry Home Kames, Sketches of the History of Man, 1802> Origin of EMULATE Latin aemulatus, past participle of aemulari, from aemulus rivaling, envious, akin to Greek aitia cause — more at etiology First Known Use: 1582 (transitive sense 1a)

embarrass

verb, transitive + intransitive \im-ˈber-əs, -ˈba-rəs\ em·bar·rassed; em·bar·rass·ing; em·bar·rass·es 1 [transitive] a : to cause to experience a state of self-conscious distress : abash <Their frank discussion of his looks embarrassed the boy.> <Actor Jimmy Gleason used to say that a decent play was one a twelve-year-old boy could take his parents to without embarrassing them. — Reuel Denney, The New Republic, 3 May 1954> < ... walked away, embarrassed by the three cheers of farewell which sounded for him round the famous stadium. — Frank Keating, Manchester Guardian Weekly, 29 Dec. 1991> < ... she was unmotivated and out of shape and afraid she might embarrass herself. — Christopher Clarey, The New York Times, 24 Sept. 2000> b : to place in doubt, perplexity, or difficulties < ... America's top hacker ... plots to embarrass the government by paralyzing the phone network. — Carol Ellison et al., PC/Computing, August 1989> <Her ideas dwarf and embarrass the practical mind. — Anatole Broyard, The New York Times Book Review, 15 Aug. 1982> c : to involve (a person, a company, etc.) in difficulties concerning money matters < ... the broker ... was embarrassed by having sold bonds that went bad ... — James J. White and Robert S. Summers, Uniform Commercial Code, 1988> <heavy gambling losses embarrassed him for years> < ... trading related losses could financially embarrass even large institutions ... — Riccardo Rebonato, Plight of the Fortune Tellers, 2007> d : to impair the activity of (a bodily function) or the function of (a bodily part) <Strong green tea may embarrass digestion and give rise to constipation. — John Vietch Shoemaker, A Practical Treatise on Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1908> <Large feeds should be avoided as they distend the stomach and embarrass the lungs. — Victoria Mary Crosse, The Premature Baby, 1966> 2 [transitive] : to hamper or impede the movement or freedom of movement of (as a person) <a man who refused to let physical handicaps embarrass him> often : hamper, impede <This pain embarrassed the case for the whole of the five days which elapsed ... — The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 1859> <Poverty ... embarrasses progress in every direction. — Samuel Gompers et al., The American Federationist, April 1902> < ... many threw away their arms, while others followed the wagon trains and embarrassed their progress. — James C. Clark, Last Train South, 1947> 3 [transitive] : to make intricate : complicate < ... a course of legislation had prevailed ... which weakened the confidence of man in man, and embarrassed all transactions between individuals ... — Dartmouth College v. Woodward, 17 U.S. 518 (1819)> <The courts ... were not established to ... enable a few to harass and embarrass sovereign action by the government when taken for the benefit of all. — Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 27 June 1935> 4 [intransitive] : to become anxiously self-conscious : to feel embarrassment <They are very sensitive, embarrass easily, and lack confidence. — Paula Polk Lillard, Montessori Today, 2011> — em·bar·rass·able \im-ˈber-ə-sə-bəl, -ˈba-rə-\ (audio pronunciation) adjective <easily embarassable> Origin of EMBARRASS French embarrasser, from Spanish embarazar, from Portuguese embaraçar, probably from em- (from Latin im- 2in-) + baraça noose, rope First Known Use: 1578 (sense 1)

equatorial

adj / TGkwEStPrGEl / L of, at, or relating to the equator. The length of the days and nights doesn't vary much in equatorial regions.

enigmatic

adj / Te(T)nigSmaZik / Gk > L inexplicable, puzzling. Marla scribbled an enigmatic message on Lance's arm cast.

embryonic

adj / TembrGSBnik / Gk > L + Ecf being in an early and undeveloped stage. Delia disclosed embryonic plans for the new theater.

energetic

adj / TenE(r)SjeZik / Gk marked by energy. The energetic captain kept the police force ready for any emergency.

entomogenous

adj / TentESmBjEnEs / Gk growing on or in the bodies of insects. Some scale insects that feed on trees have entomogenous fungi.

epicurean

adj / TepDSkyErGEn / Gk name > L + Ecf stimulating and satisfying to the senses. The presentation of the epicurean dishes was as delightful as their taste and aroma.

epizootic

adj / TepEzESwBZik / Gk of or relating to a disease affecting many animals of one kind at the same time. Great measures are being taken to ensure that the epizootic foot-and- mouth disease does not enter the United States.

erubescent

adj / Ter(y)ESbesFnt / L becoming red : reddening. Eufemia's erubescent complexion made her embarrassment obvious.

esoteric

adj / TesESterik / Gk difficult to understand. Phil found the article on metaphysics too esoteric.

evidentiary

adj / TevESdench(E)rG / L + Ecf being, relating to, or affording evidence. Because he is not an expert in forensics, Harvey's opinion has no evidentiary value.

evanescent

adj / TevESnesFn(t) / L of short life or duration : fleeting. The joy and moral stimulation of work is often forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits.

eudaemonic

adj / TyVdGSmBnik / Gk producing happiness : based on the idea of happiness as the proper end of conduct. The company's decision to eliminate production quotas had a eudaemonic effect on all the workers.

effulgent

adj / eSfUljEnt / L marked by or as if by brightly shining light. An effulgent flash of intuition enabled Tony to solve the geometry exam's final problem.

eclectic

adj / eSklektik / Gk + Gk composed of elements drawn from various sources. Gaynor's eclectic taste in music makes selecting CDs for her a cinch.

exiguous

adj / egSzigyEwEs / L scanty in amount : meager, narrow. Fran's father disapproves of her plan to use her exiguous savings for the down payment on a motorcycle.

exsuccous

adj / ek(s)SsEkEs / L + L devoid of all juices or sap : dried up. The exsuccous orange in Tamra's locker must have been left there months ago.

ecstatic

adj / ekSstaZik / Gk caused by, expressing, or causing a state of exaltation or rapturous delight. Maria was ecstatic when her boyfriend proposed to her.

extraneous

adj / ekSstrCnGEs / L existing or originating outside or beyond. Leona didn't let extraneous noises bother her while she was studying.

extraterrestrial

adj / ekstrETtDSrestrGEl / L originating or existing outside Earth or its atmosphere. The shiny rock appeared to Zelda to be extraterrestrial.

endophytous

adj / enSdBfEZEs / Gk living within the tissues of plants. Most vascular plants could not grow without the endophytous fungi that inhabit their roots and supply essential nutrients.

exotic

adj / igSzBZik / Gk from another country : not native to the place where found. Little did Polly know that the exotic bird she bought had been illegally smuggled into the country.

eczematous

adj / igSzGmEZEs / Gk relating to or having the characteristics of an inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness, itching, and lesions. Eczematous skin eruptions may be due to allergies to certain foods, drugs, or cosmetics.

exorbitant

adj / igSzO(r)bEZEnt / L > F > E excessive. The ferryman charged an exorbitant rate to carry people across the strait.

exuberant

adj / igSzVb(E)rEnt / L joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic. The students at Payton Middle School gave the visiting astronaut an exuberant welcome.

exemplary

adj / igSzemplErG / L deserving imitation : commendable. Hubert was praised for his exemplary conduct.

expensive

adj / ikSspen(t)siv / L characterized by high price or cost. The concert tickets were expensive, but the event sold out a month before the performance date.

explosive

adj / ikSsplPTsiv / L + Ecf of or relating to the act of violently expanding and bursting. Witnesses told the arson investigator that two men ran from the side door of the warehouse moments before the explosive fire.

extinct

adj / ikSstiN(k)t / L > E no longer living : deceased, dead. Latin is an extinct language.

euphoric

adj / yVSfOrik / Gk characterized by a feeling of well- being or elation. The golfer was absolutely euphoric after making a hole in one.

eupeptic

adj / yVSpeptik / Gk cheerful, optimistic. The eupeptic president put the people at ease about the nation's economy.

eutrophic

adj / yVStrBfik / Gk + Gk of a lake : rich in dissolved nutrients but frequently shallow and with seasonal oxygen deficiency. Since the 1970s the use of phosphates in detergents has been banned in some states because they make lakes eutrophic.

exanimate

adjective \(ˈ)eg¦z, (ˈ)ek¦s+-\ 1 : lacking in animation : spiritless 2 : lifeless, dead; also : appearing lifeless Origin of EXANIMATE Latin exanimatus, past participle of exanimare to deprive of life or courage, terrify, from ex- 1ex- + anima breath, soul — more at animate First Known Use: circa 1534 (sense 1)

efficacious

adjective \¦efə¦kāshəs\ : characterized by qualities giving power to bring about an intended result <written propaganda is less efficacious than the habits and prejudices, the class loyalties ... of the readers — Aldous Huxley> <an efficacious law> Origin of EFFICACIOUS Latin efficac-, efficax (from efficere to bring about, accomplish, effect) + English -ious — more at effect First Known Use: 1528

eerily

adverb \-rə̇lē, -li\ : in an eerie manner : mysteriously, weirdly <the sea moaned eerily as if in anticipation of what was to come — G. G. Carter>

effrontery

n / DSfrEntErG / L > F flagrant boldness that is offensive or insolent : gall. Chuck had the effrontery to interrupt the senator during his speech.

echinoderm

n / DSkInPTdErm / Gk any of a phylum of radially symmetrical marine animals that have a true body cavity, a calcareous exoskeleton, a blood-vascular system, a nervous system, and a water-vascular system that provides tentacles and organs of locomotion. The starfish is a familiar echinoderm.

eclipse

n / DSklips / L > F > E the obscuration of one celestial body by another. Susan and Stuart flew to Mexico to view a total eclipse of the Sun.

electuary

n / DSlekchETwerG / Gk > L > E a medicated paste prepared with honey or other sweet substance, used in veterinary practice, and administered by smearing on the teeth, gums, or tongue. The veterinarian patiently smeared an electuary on the horse's gums.

elixir

n / DSliksE(r) / Gk? > Ar > L > E a substance or concoction held to be capable of prolonging life indefinitely. Explorers through the ages have sought the elixir of life, better known as the "fountain of youth."

ellipse

n / DSlips / Gk an elongated circle. The walking path behind the school forms an ellipse around the tennis courts.

elision

n / DSlizhEn / L the use of a speech form that lacks a final or initial sound that a variant speech form has. Today's French class concentrated on when to use elision.

emolument

n / DSmBlyEmEnt / L [Note: Could be confused with emollient.] profit or perquisites from office, employment, or labor. The waitress who did not report the tips portion of her emolument faced incarceration for tax evasion.

epitasis

n / DSpiZEsDs / Gk the part of a play developing the main action and leading to the catastrophe. During the epitasis the characters developed relationships that would complicate their lives.

epiphany

n / DSpifEnG / Gk an appearance or revelatory manifestation of a divine being or a god. Apuleius's Metamorphoses includes a description of an epiphany of the goddess Isis.

ecesis

n / DSsGsDs / Gk the successful establishment of a plant or animal in a new environment or habitat. Ecesis by an introduced species often threatens native flora or fauna.

escarpment

n / DSskBrpmEnt / F a long cliff or steep slope separating two comparatively level or more gently sloping surfaces. From the top of the escarpment, Peter had a commanding view of both baseball fields.

estoppel

n / DSstBpEl / F a legal preclusion by which one is prevented from alleging something previously denied or denying something previously alleged. Because his previous statement was on record, an estoppel prevented Tom from changing his position.

estrepement

n / DSstrGpmEnt / F > AF waste or needless destruction of lands; especially : damage wrought by a tenant for life. The tenant's estrepement of the farm had made the land almost useless.

electrolysis

n / DTlekStrBlEsDs / Gk the destruction of hair roots with anelectric current. Electrolysis was one of the means of hair removal demonstrated in Roweena's cosmetology class.

emancipation

n / DTman(t)sESpCshEn / L the act or process of setting or making free; broadly : deliverance from any onerous and controlling power. Abraham Lincoln's decree proclaiming emancipation for slaves came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.

epistemology

n / DTpistESmBlEjG / Gk the study of the method and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity; broadly : the theory of knowledge. The middle books of Plato's Republic are the key to his epistemology.

embargo

n / DmSbBr(T)gP / L > Sp an edict or order of the government prohibiting the departure or entry of ships of commerce at ports within its dominions. In defiance of the embargo, the boat slipped out of the harbor at night.

embarrassment

n / DmSbarEsmEnt / Pg > Sp > F confusion or discomposure of mind. Locking his car keys in his car trunk caused Andy much embarrassment.

embezzlement

n / DmSbezElmEnt / F > AF > E fraudulent appropriation of money by a person to whom it has been entrusted. The FBI investigation led to the union leader's indictment for embezzlement.

embracery

n / DmSbrCs(E)rG / F > E the act of one who attempts to or acts so as to influence a court, jury, or other office or officer corruptly (as by promises, money, or threats). After trying to bribe a juror, the mobster was arrested and charged with embracery.

embrasure

n / DmSbrCzhE(r) / F an opening with sides flaring outward in a wall or parapet of a fortification usually for allowing the firing of cannon. Bobby and Jackie amused themselves during the castle tour by climbing into every embrasure to look out the windows.

enfranchisement

n / DnSfranTchIzmEnt / F > E the act of endowing with a constitutional or statutory right or privilege; especially : the act of endowing with the right to vote. It is hard to believe today that segments of American society were once denied enfranchisement.

encomium

n / DnSkPmGEm / Gk an often formal expression of warm or high praise : eulogy. At the dedication of the war memorial, the president offered an encomium for the fallen heroes.

encroachment

n / DnSkrPchTmEnt / Scand > F > E advancement beyond set limits. When a football player enters the neutral zone and makes contact with an opponent before the ball is snapped, the head linesman will penalize the team for encroachment.

enlightenment

n / DnSlItFnmEnt / Ecf + E + Ecf the act or means of furnishing with useful information. The rules of the debate will be posted on the bulletin board for the enlightenment of all participants.

encephalitis

n / DnTsefESlIZDs / Gk inflammation of the brain, especially when due to infectious agents or their toxins. The symptoms of encephalitis usually include fever, headache, and tremors.

eschewal

n / Ds(h)SchVEl / Gmc > F > E shunning, avoidance. Peter's eschewal of anything containing peanuts or peanut oil is a matter of life and death.

ecocatastrophe

n / G(T)kPkEStastrE(T)fG / Gk a major destructive upset in the balance of nature especially when caused by the intervention of humans. Sam considers the destruction of the rain forests an ecocatastrophe.

ecologist

n / GSkBlEjDst / Gk > G a specialist in the branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environment. Kimberly will work as a summer intern for an ecologist in the Everglades.

economist

n / GSkBnEmDst / Gk a specialist in or student of the social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of commodities. Adam Smith was the most influential economist of the 18th century.

equator

n / GSkwCZE(r) / L the great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is perpendicular to the axis of Earth. Spring begins when the Sun moves north across the equator.

embouchure

n / SBmbVTshU(E)r / L > F the position and use of the lips in producing a musical tone on a wind instrument. After six weeks of criticism about her poor embouchure, Kirsten switched from the clarinet to the piano.

encore

n / SBnTkP(E)r / L > F the further appearance of a performer or an additional performance requested by an audience. The audience was so thrilled by the singer's rendition of the aria that it cheered for an encore.

edelweiss

n / SCdFlTwIs / G a small perennial herb growing high in the Alps. Eva recognized the edelweiss by its distinctive white petals.

ergot

n / SErgEt / F a fungal disease of rye and other cereals. An outbreak of ergot destroyed Mr. Kern's crop.

ermine

n / SErmDn / Gmc > F > E any of several weasels that assume white winter fur usually with more or less black on the tail. Despite the outcry of animal activists, the fine fur of the ermine is still used for ornamentation of some designer clothing.

earnest

n / SErnDst / E [Note: The definition provided is not the one most commonly associated with this word.] something of value given by a buyer to a seller to bind a bargain. Ms. Giblin gave the sellers $3,000 as earnest so that they would not entertain other offers.

egress

n / SGgres / L the act or right of going or coming out. Every hotel should provide accessible ways of egress.

equinox

n / SGkwETnBks / L > E either of the two times each year when the Sun crosses the equator and day and night are everywhere of equal length, being about March 21st and September 23rd. Legend has it that you can balance an egg on its end only during the equinox.

evildoer

n / SGvElTdVE(r) / E one who does wicked deeds. The prosecutor portrayed the defendant as a friendly face with the heart of an evildoer.

eiderdown

n / SIdE(r)TdaUn / ON > Icel > G the small fluffy under feathers of any of several large northern sea ducks. The price tag on the sleeping bag stuffed with eiderdown shocked Kevin's parents.

einkorn

n / SInTkOrn / G a one-grained wheat that is regarded by some as the most primitive wheat and is grown especially in poor soils in central Europe. Einkorn grown in southeastern Turkey is believed to be closely related to a grain first domesticated as early as 9000 B.C.

effluent

n / SeTflVEnt / L [Note: Could be confused with affluent.] something that flows out, as liquid discharged as waste (as water used in an industrial process). The effluent from the cooling tower is pure water.

eclogue

n / SeTklOg / Gk > L a poem in which shepherds are introduced conversing. The bucolic view of meadows and hills inspired Shelley to compose an eclogue.

etiquette

n / SeZDkDt / F the forms required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life. The defendant's attorney advised him on the observance of courtroom etiquette.

etymon

n / SeZETmBn / Gk the word in a foreign language that is the source of a particular loanword. The etymon of the English word cantata is the same word in Italian.

edaphon

n / SedETfBn / Gk > ISV the animal and plant life present in soils. Stephanie is studying the edaphon of the river delta.

edifice

n / SedEfDs / L building; especially : a large or massive structure (as a church or government building). To Amy, the most beautiful edifice in our nation's capital is the National Cathedral.

efficacy

n / SefDkEsG / L the power to produce an effect : effectiveness. For Harriet, the idea of being preferred by Mr. Elton had all the usual weight and efficacy.

effigy

n / SefEjG / L > F a full or partial representation especially of a person.Andy felt a chill when he spotted the effigy of his ancestor in the cathedral crypt.

excise

n / SekTsIz / D any of various taxes on privileges (as of engaging in a particular trade or sport) that are often assessed in the form of a license or other fee. An excise is included in the cost of a fishing license.

exploit

n / SekTsplOit / L > F > E deed, act. Sarah's first exploit in baking resulted in a burned pie and charred juice in the oven.

ectoplasm

n / SektETplazEm / Gk the emanation from a spiritualistic medium that is believed to effect telekinesis and similar phenomena. In the movies people are always getting slimed by what they call "ectoplasm," but if it exists, it would more likely look like mist.

equity

n / SekwEZG / L the money value of a property or of an interest in a property in excess of claims or liens (as mortgaged indebtedness) against it. During the three-year real estate boom, Jan's home equity went up 300%.

ecumenism

n / SekyEmETnizEm / Gk + Ecf principles and practices relating to or promoting worldwide Christian unity. The World Council of Churches is a major force in the religious movement known as "ecumenism."

entourage

n / TBntESrBzh / L > F one's attendants or subordinates. The rock star and his entourage occupied an entire floor of the hotel.

entrepreneur

n / TBntrEp(r)ESnEr / L > F the organizer of an economic venture; especially : one who organizes, owns, manages, and assumes the risks of a business. The local college gives accounting classes for the first-time entrepreneur.

etiolation

n / TGZGESlCshEn / F the yellowing or whitening of a green plant through lack of sunlight. Rhonda uses a special lamp on her houseplants to prevent etiolation.

egocentricity

n / TGgP(T)senStrisEZG / L + Gk > L the quality or state of being concerned with oneself rather than with others. The conductor's egocentricity made his interaction with the musicians less than harmonious.

equilibrist

n / TGkwESlibrDst / L > F one who balances himself in unnatural positions and performs hazardous movements. Of all the acts in the circus, Yancy liked the equilibrist best.

equilibrium

n / TGkwESlibrGEm / L a state of dynamic balance attained in a reversible chemical reaction when the velocities in both directions are equal. Marge injected a flask of colorless nitrogen dioxide with dinitrogen tetroxide, a brown gas, to illustrate chemical equilibrium: When equilibrium occurred, the gas in the flask stopped becoming browner.

exculpate

v / Sek(T)skElTpCt / L clear from alleged fault or guilt. Greg is positive that the honor council will exculpate him after a thorough investigation.

exsiccate

v / SeksDTkCt / L + L drive moisture from (as by the action of heat). Sara wants to exsiccate the plums she picked to see if they will really turn into prunes.

expiate

v / SekspGTCt / L extinguish the guilt incurred by : make conciliation for.Buddhist doctrine holds that one must expiate the sins committed in past lives.

extirpate

v / SekstE(r)TpCt / L pull up or out by or as if by the roots or stem. Fay made it her mission to extirpate every weed in the lawn.

extricate

v / SekstrETkCt / L pull out. When the whistle blew, Jason tried to extricate himself from the bottom of the pile of players.

equipoise

v / SekwETpOiz / L + L > F put or hold in a state of equilibrium or balance. Tod's efforts to equipoise the opposing interests of the two groups enabled them to coexist civilly.

enervate

v / SenE(r)TvCt / L [has near homonym with opposite meaning: innervate] lessen the nerve, vitality, or strength of.Being outside in the heat of the day would enervate Grandma, so she weeds her garden in the cool hours of early morning.

excoriate

v / ekSskPrGTCt / L censure scathingly. Mr. Dent proceeded to excoriate Ellen in front of the entire pep squad.

expatiate

v / ekSspCshGTCt / L speak or write at length or in considerable detail. The mighty bulk of the whale affords a congenial theme whereon to enlarge, amplify, and expatiate.

exonerate

v / igSzBnETrCt / L clear from accusation or blame. DNA analysis has the potential either to exonerate suspects or to place them at the scene of the crime.

exaggerate

v / igSzajETrCt / L misrepresent on the side of largeness (as of size, extent, or value) : overstate the truth. Like any fisherman, Tio tends to exaggerate the size of his catches.

exacerbate

v / igSzasE(r)bCt / L make more violent or bitter : intensify the bad qualities of. Cindy learned how name-calling could exacerbate an already violent argument.

expostulate

v / ikSspBschETlCt / L reason earnestly with a person for purposes of dissuasion or remonstrance. Nelson takes every opportunity to expostulate about politics with strangers on the subway.

expunge

v / ikSspEnj / L + L strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion (as a word, line, or sentence). Jeff agreed to expunge the word stupid from his book report.

extinguish

v / ikSstiNgwish / L + Ecf cause (as a fire or light) to cease burning. Procedure dictated that Lenny extinguish his car's headlights before approaching the guardhouse.

extrapolate

v / ikSstrapETlCt / L + L > E infer from a trend within an already observed interval. From the data she had collected so far, Mirna tried to extrapolate a preliminary conclusion about the insect population of the state.

extravasate

v / ikSstravETsCt / L pour out or erupt. When extreme heat and pressure build within a volcano, molten lava may extravasate into the air.

effervescent

adj / TefE(r)SvesFnt / L impossible or difficult to restrain or suppress : bubbling, exuberant. Sean's effervescent personality caught the attention of the job recruiter.

extemporaneous

adj / TekTstempESrCnGEs / L composed, performed, or uttered on or as if on the spur of the moment. Suzi gave an extemporaneous talkabout bonsai at the craft club meeting.

expeditious

adj / TekspESdishEs / L acting with promptness or efficiency : speedy. Mrs. Elton boasted that her horses were extremely expeditious and that her carriage probably drove faster than anyone else's.

elephantine

adj / TelESfanTtGn / Gk > L of enormous size or weight : uncommonly large : immense, massive. Troy was served an elephantine ice cream sundae.

eleemosynary

adj / TelESmBsFnTerG / L of or relating to charity : charitable, philanthropic. Participation in eleemosynary activities is a graduation requirement at Janie's school.

equinoctial

adj / TGkwESnBkshEl / L > F > E relating to either of the two times each year when the Sun crosses the equator and day and night are everywhere of equal length. Marge began making preparations for her annual spring equinoctial festival.

egregious

adj / DSgrGjEs / L flagrant : glaringly evident.As a medical researcher, Laura knew that many of the reports of medical breakthroughs on television contained egregious errors.

equivalent

adj / DSkwiv(E)lEnt / L corresponding or virtually identical especially in effect or function. Butter and margarine are equivalent in most recipes.

elitist

adj / DSlGZDst / L > F of or relating to a consciousness of being one of a segment or group regarded as socially superior. The private school offers many need-based scholarships to combat the impression that its student body is elitist.

emollient

adj / DSmBlyEnt / L [Note: Could be confused with emolument.] soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane. Erna usually applies an emollient cream to her hands after washing dishes.

emaciated

adj / DSmCshGTCZDd / L made lean by impairment (as from hunger). The emaciated cat stared at Tina with hollow eyes.

emeritus

adj / DSmerEZEs / L retired from an office after gaining recognition. Our summer school teacher, Dr. Benteen, is Professor Emeritus of history from Dartmouth University.

eponymous

adj / DSpBnEmEs /Gk + Ecf bearing the name of, being, or relating to one for whom or which something is named. Jason will play the role of Julius Caesar in the drama club's presentation of the eponymous play.

epistolary

adj / DSpistETlerG / L written in the form of a series of letters. Evan read four epistolary novels last summer.

erasable

adj / DSrCsEbEl / L capable of being rubbed or scraped out or removed from existence or memory. Penelope signed the contract with erasable ink.

esurient

adj / DSsUrGEnt / L having a huge appetite : greedy. Which one of you esurient fellows ordered the extra-large pizza?

evocative

adj / DSvBkEZiv / L tending to call forth an emotional response. Kathy sang an evocative ballad about her emigrant grandparents.

ecclesiastical

adj / DTklGzGSastDkEl / Gk > L belonging to, suggestive of, or suitable for use in a church building or service of worship. Ramona designed and sewed all the ecclesiastical garments worn in the church's services.

empirical

adj / DmSpirDkEl / Gk > L originating in or relying or based on factual information, observation, or direct sense experience usually as opposed to theoretical knowledge. Epidemiologists rely heavily on empirical data in predicting the spread of a contagious disease.

engrossed

adj / DnSgrPst / L > AF > E completely occupied or absorbed. Engrossed in her book, Mary did not hear her mother's repeated calls for her to come downstairs.

entangled

adj / DnStaNgEld / E involved in a perplexing or troublesome situation from which escape is difficult. Several birds got entangled in the net Mr. Cantrell placed over his cherry tree.

eidetic

adj / ISdeZik / Gk [has near homonym: identic] of or relating to voluntarily producible visual images having almost photographic accuracy : vivid, lifelike. Sometimes Grandma would fall into eidetic reveries and talk to her long-deceased brother.

Einsteinian

adj / SInzTtInGEn / G name of or relating to American physicist and mathematician Albert Einstein or his theories. The Einsteinian theory of special relativity revolutionized the field of physics.

echt

adj / SeKt / G genuine, authentic. All the lamps were very attractive, but only one was echt Tiffany.

eligible

adj / SelDjEbEl / L [Note: The definition provided is not the one most commonly associated with this word.] preferable, desirable. The quietness of the game made it particularly eligible for Mr. Woodhouse, who had often been distressed by the more animated sort.

eminent

adj / SemEnEnt / L [has homonym and near homonyms: emanent and immanent, imminent] standing out so as to be readily perceived. The National Cathedral is a building of eminent beauty.

enervated

adj / SenE(r)TvCZDd / L lacking physical, mental, or moral vigor. After the 15-mile mountain hike, Marsha found herself completely enervated.

enneastyle

adj / SenGETstIl / Gk + Gk marked with columniation with nine columns across the front. The new monument has an enneastyle arrangement with Corinthian columns.

ersatz

adj / SerTzBts / G substitute, synthetic : simulated. Because copper was needed for armaments, pennies were made with an ersatz material during World War II.

erudite

adj / SeryETdIt / L > E characterized by a love of knowledge for its own sake : devoted to the pursuit of learning. The speaker's presentation was a compilation of research that would interest only the most erudite scholars in his field.

estimable

adj / SestEmEbEl / L worthy of esteem or respect. The statesman had a tarnished youth but is now, in many ways, an estimable figure.

edentulous

adj / TGSdenchElEs / L lacking teeth; especially : having lost teeth previously present. When Susie skipped into the second grade classroom, she gave Miss O'Connell an edentulous grin.

egocentric

adj / TGgPSsentrik / L + Gk > E self-centered, selfish. Dillard's friends claimed there was not an egocentric bone in his body.

enclitic

adjective \(ˈ)en¦klit|ik, inˈk-, -lit|, |ēk also (ˈ)eŋ¦- or iŋˈ-\ 1 : leaning or dependent with reference to accent: a of a word or particle in Greek or Latin grammar : being without independent accent and being attached in pronunciation to a preceding word in which it may cause certain accentual changes (as Greek te in anthrōpoi te, Latin -ne in videsne) b of a word or particle in the grammar of languages other than Greek and Latin : treated in pronunciation as forming a part of the preceding word (as English thee in prithee and not in cannot) — compare proclitic 2 : inclined — used of the relation of the planes of the fetal head to those of the maternal pelvis — compare synclitic Origin of ENCLITIC Late Latin encliticus, from Greek enklitikos, from enklinein to cause to incline, pronounce as an enclitic, from en in + klinein to lean — more at in, lean

edentulate

adjective \(ˈ)ē¦denchələ̇t, -ˌlāt\ : lacking teeth : edentate — used especially of animals Origin of EDENTULATE Latin edentulus + English -ate

extraordinary

adjective \-erē, -eri sometimes -dˌner-\ 1 a : more than ordinary : not of the ordinary order or pattern <ordinary and extraordinary expenses> : going beyond what is usual, regular, common, or customary : not following the general pattern or norm <held the office for an extraordinary period of time> <giving extraordinary powers to the president> b (1) : exceptional to a very marked extent : most unusual : far from common <enjoying extraordinary popularity> <an extraordinary capacity for work> : very outstanding <an extraordinary leader> : very remarkable <extraordinary technical progress> : rarely equaled : singular, phenomenal <a woman of extraordinary beauty> : strikingly impressive : arresting <an extraordinary family resemblance> (2) : having little or no precedent and usually totally unexpected <an extraordinary combination of circumstances> (3) : very curious, strange, or surprising : amazing <how extraordinary that she should not understand> 2 a : of, relating to, or having the degree of care, caution, or diligence typical of that exercised by an extremely prudent person <revealing an extraordinary foresight> b : of, relating to, or having the nature of a proceeding or action not normally required by law or not prescribed for the regular administration of the law <an extraordinary session of a legislature> <an extraordinary court> <extraordinary jurisdiction> c : of, relating to, or having the nature of an occurrence (such as an accident or casualty) or risk of a kind other than what ordinary experience or prudence would foresee 3 a : serving in addition to the regular officials or employees : having a special and usually occasional rather than regular function : entrusted with a special responsibility : employed for or sent upon an unusual service <an ambassador extraordinary> b obsolete : extra Origin of EXTRAORDINARY Middle English extraordinarie, from Latin extraordinarius, from extra, adverb & preposition, outside, beyond (as in extra ordinem out of course, in an extraordinary manner) + ordinarius ordinary — more at extra-, ordinary First Known Use: 15th century (sense 1a)

evincible

adjective \-səbəl\ : capable of being proved or evinced : demonstrable

equilateral

adjective \as at equiangular +\ 1 a : having all the sides equal <an equilateral triangle> <an equilateral polygon> —see triangle illustration b of a polyhedron : having all the faces equal 2 : bilaterally symmetrical; specifically, of a bivalve shell : divisible into two equal and symmetrical parts by a transverse line drawn through the apex of the umbo Origin of EQUILATERAL Late Latin aequilateralis, from Latin aequi- equi- + lateralis lateral — more at lateral First Known Use: 1570 (sense 1a)

exquisite

adjective \ekˈskwizə̇t, ˈekˌskwiz-, ˈekskwə̇z-, ikˈskwiz-, usually -zə̇t+V\ 1 a : marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution <Sung vases and exquisite lacquers — James Hilton> <an exquisite cameo> <an exquisite work of art> <an exquisite portrait> b : marked by nicest discrimination, keenest appreciation, deepest sensitivity, or most subtle understanding <a far more keen and exquisite observer than her brother — J. L. Lowes> <an exquisite choice> < ... a man of vast experience, profound knowledge, and exquisite taste ... — Edward Bulwer-Lytton, My Novel, 1853> < ... exquisite sensitivity to nature and devotion to all things beautiful. — Patricia MacDonald Fahey, Town & Country, June 1984> <an exquisite critic> : marked or perceptible by or calling for keenest sensitivity <an exquisite sense of hearing> <exquisite variations in color> c : transcending and superlative : marked by acute discrimination and selection, faultless execution, and maximum effectiveness <paints with exquisite art the charm of the deep country — John Buchan> <the exquisite transparency and delicate finish of her work — P. E. More> d : accomplished, finished, perfected <an exquisite gentleman> <Her life was full of exquisite people ... — Nina FitzPatrick, Fables of the Irish Intelligentsia, 1991> 2 a : affording or accompanied by keen delight, rapture, or pleasure especially through beauty, fitness, delicacy, or perfection : delightful, delectable < ... rosewater ... adds an exquisite aroma. — Jeanne Mackin, Americana, January/February 1991> < ... little nubbins of exquisite raw tuna ... — Jerry Adler, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 1999> <exquisite brushwork> b : perfect and unrelieved : transcending, acute, extreme, consummate < ... the most exquisite pitch of joy and happiness to which life could thrill ... — Jack London, The Sea-Wolf, 1904> <an exquisite pain> <wondered at the exquisite stupidity of the hearers — S. M. Crothers> < ... reading it for 358 pages is exquisite agony. — Mark Goodman, The New York Times Book Review, 17 Nov. 1991> c : marked by uncommon, esoteric, or precious appeal <the exquisite, the finely drawn, the rich trappings of legend — Sara H. Hay> 3 a : carefully selected or sought out : ingeniously devised : choice, recherché <I have given her the best advice, ... making the most exquisite moral reflections—but to no purpose — Iris Origo> b obsolete : farfetched, affected 4 archaic : careful or exact in working or operation : accurate, nice, exact Origin of EXQUISITE Middle English exquisit, from Latin exquisitus, from past participle of exquirere to search out, seek, from ex- 1ex- + -quirere (from quaerere to seek, gain, obtain, ask) First Known Use: 15th century (sense 3a)

exsculptate

adjective \ekˈskəlpˌtāt\ : having variable and irregular depressed lines that resemble sculptured work Origin of EXSCULPTATE Latin exsculptus (past participle of exsculpere to carve out, from ex- 1ex- + sculpere to carve) + English -ate — more at sculptor

egregiously

adjective \i-ˈgrē-jəs\ 1 a : conspicuously bad flagrant <egregious errors> <an egregious example of political bias> <some Germans, conditioned by experience to egregious behavior on the part of their rulers — E. J. Kahn> b : conspicuous for bad quality or taste : notorious <the egregious epicure who condescended to take only one bite out of the sunny side of a peach — J. G. Lockhart> <a bilious combination of brummagem melodrama and synthetic seascapes ... the picture is egregious — John McCarten> c : extraordinary, extreme <a published story which seemed too egregious to be believed — Economist> 2 archaic : remarkable for good quality : distinguished, striking — egre·gious·ly adverb — egre·gious·ness noun Origin of EGREGIOUS Latin egregius, from e out of (from ex) + greg-, grex flock, herd — more at ex-, gregarious First Known Use: circa 1534 (sense 2)

eccentric

adjective \ikˈsen‧trik, (¦)ek¦s-, -rēk\ 1 a : deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways <eccentric behavior> < ... when you walk through the gated door it's immediately apparent to what extent the eccentric millionaire has been living in his own world. — Katie Roiphe, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 1999> <Disciplines such as physics or chemistry are rich in potential metaphors, while scientists—preoccupied and eccentric—can be cast as poetic visionaries ... — American Libraries, July-August 1993> <The assistants were an eclectic bunch; their clothing eccentric, their hairstyles outré. — Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling), The Cuckoo's Calling, 2013> b : deviating from some established type, pattern, or rule <eccentric spelling> <His goods were so eccentric that only he could ever sell them. — Wolf Mankowitz> < ... the many in the business who bemoan book publishing's eccentric distribution system ... — John Mutter, Publishers Weekly, 9 Nov. 1990> <New Zealand is famously home to eccentric forms of wildlife that look like pets for a Hobbit. — Natalie Angier, The New York Times, 23 Nov. 2010> 2 a : deviating or departing from the center or from the line of a circle <an eccentric orbit> : relating to deviation from the center or from circular motion b : located elsewhere than at the geometrical center : having its axis or support so located <an eccentric wheel> 3 : being away or remote from a center <their eccentric location makes it ... costly to get oil from there — Ellsworth Huntington & Samuel Van Valkenburg> off-center <eccentric loading occurs when force on a member such as a column is not applied at the center of the column — Army Technical Manual 5-230> <Pre-tensioned horizontally profiled cables can greatly increase the lateral horizontal stiffness and suppress the lateral horizontal deflection induced by eccentric vertical loads. — M.-H. Huang et al., The Shock & Vibration Digest, July 2006> 4 : not having the same center — used of circles, cylinders, spheres, and certain other figures — opposed to concentric 5 : of or relating to an eccentric (see 2eccentric 3) : driven by an eccentric <an eccentric strap> <an eccentric rod> Origin of ECCENTRIC Medieval Latin eccentricus, from Greek ekkentros not having the earth as center, eccentric (from ek out of, out—from ex —+ -kentros, from kentron center of a circle) + Latin -icus -ic — more at center First Known Use: 1556 (sense 4)

expectorant

adjective \ikˈspektər‧ənt, ekˈs-\ : tending to facilitate expectoration or to promote discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract Origin of EXPECTORANT probably from (assumed) New Latin expectorant-, expectorans, present participle of (assumed) New Latin expectorare

extensive

adjective \ikˈsten(t)siv, (ˈ)ek¦s-, -sēv also -səv\ 1 obsolete : capable of being extended : applicable <inability ... may be more general and extensive to all acts — Jonathan Edwards> 2 : of, relating to, or marked by logical extension <an extensive proposition> or spatial extension <the extensive nature of the physical world> extensional 3 a : widely extended in scope or application : broad in range : wide, comprehensive <extensive reading in literature> <extensive repairs> <extensive privileges> : very complete : thorough, far-reaching <an extensive knowledge of languages> <taking extensive precautions> b : widely extended in area <extensive farms and prairies> extending over a large surface or space <extensive stretches of ocean — S. F. Mason> : ranging over a wide area <extensive travels in Europe> c : marked by considerable length <a book with an extensive introduction> <an extensive trip> or detail <an extensive report on the trial> d : large in amount <extensive funds will be needed> or extent <an extensive business> <extensive railroad development> <extensive efforts> e : considerable in number : numerous <extensive examples of picture writing> 4 : of, relating to, or involving farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor <producing wheat under extensive conditions> <agriculture of the extensive type> — opposed to intensive — ex·ten·sive·ly \-sə̇vlē, -li\ adverb — ex·ten·sive·ness \-sivnə̇s, -sēv- also -səv-\ noun, plural -es Origin of EXTENSIVE Late Latin extensivus, from Latin extensus (past participle of extendere to extend) + -ivus -ive — more at extend First Known Use: 1604 (sense 3a)

editorial

adjective \¦edə¦tōrēəl, -ȯr-\ 1 a : being an editor or consisting of editors <an editorial staff> b : of or relating to an editor or his functions <an editorial job> <the editorial desk> <the punctuation is editorial — R. H. Robbins> 2 a : of, befitting, or resembling an editorial : expressive of an opinion <an editorial broadcast> <an editorial statement> b : of, relating to, or constituting the literary contents of a publication <the editorial content of a woman's magazine sandwiched in among the ads> Origin of EDITORIAL editor + -ial First Known Use: 1744 (sense 1a)

existential

adjective \¦eg(ˌ)zi¦stenchəl, -gzə¦-, ¦ek(ˌ)si¦-, -ksə¦-\ 1 : of, relating to, or dealing with existence <the existential 'is' which in our logic connects the two parts of a proposition — E. R. Hughes> 2 logic a : assertive either explicitly or by implication of existence or actuality as opposed to mere possibility, conceivability, or ideality or to mere explication of a meaning <definitions are not existential propositions> b : making an assertion about the extension as opposed to the intension of the subject term 3 a : grounded in existence : having being in time and space <formal logicians ... are not concerned with existential matters which are precisely what artists are concerned with — John Dewey> b : based on the experience of existence : empirical as contrasted with theoretical or abstract <the problem of aesthetic objectivity or, more precisely, the existential status of aesthetic values — Hunter Mead> 4 [translation of Danish eksistentiel & German existential] : concerned with or involving human existence or its nature : existentialist — ex·is·ten·tial·ly \-əlē, -li\ adverb Origin of EXISTENTIAL Late Latin existentialis, exsistentialis, from existentia, exsistentia + Latin -alis -al First Known Use: 1693 (sense 1)

elementary

adjective \¦elə¦mentərē, -n‧trē, -ri\ 1 a obsolete : material, physical b : elemental 1 <these stark elementary powers ... this wind, this earth, this sea, this forest — J. C. Powys> 2 : of, relating to, or dealing with the elements, rudiments, or first principles of any subject or thing : introductory, rudimentary, simple, fundamental, primitive <an elementary text in geology> <an elementary precaution of historical research — M. R. Cohen> <the play has a very elementary plot> <the serf had the elementary security of the land itself — Lewis Mumford> <look at those hippopotami—how elementary is their ... appearance — Llewelyn Powys> beginning <a concise aid to elementary students of Irish literature — G. B. Saul> specifically : of or relating to an elementary school <Alaska's public schools had 765 teachers serving 100 elementary departments — Americana Annual> <a skilled craftsman has always ... been able to earn more than an elementary schoolmaster — Roy Lewis & Angus Maude> 3 a : elemental 2a(2) <an elementary substance> b : of, relating to, or being the nuclear family 4 of a hand : coarse and clumsy with the palm large and heavy and with short fingers and short nails usually held by palmists to indicate low or animal characteristics and very little mental capacity or self-control <the elementary hand rarely rises above the most menial occupations — Alice D. Jennings> Origin of ELEMENTARY Middle English elementare, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French elementaire, from Latin elementarius, from elementum element + -arius -ary — more at element First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1a)

elegiacal

adjective \¦elə̇¦jīək, -lē¦- also -īˌak; also ə̇ˈlējēˌak or ēˈlē-\ also el·e·gi·a·cal \¦elə̇¦jīəkəl, -lē¦-\ (audio pronunciation) 1 a : consisting of two dactylic hexameter lines the second of which is often felt to be pentameter and is made up of two hemistichs each containing two dactyls and a long syllable : consisting of two dactylic hexameter lines the second of which has the short elements omitted in the third and sixth feet — usually used of classical Greek couplets b : comprising or metrically similar to the second line of such a couplet c (1) : written in or consisting of such couplets (2) : noted for having written poetry in such couplets d : of or relating to the period in Greece around the seventh century b.c. when poetry written in such couplets flourished 2 : of, relating to, befitting, or comprising elegy or an elegy <an elegiac poem on the death of a friend> especially : expressing sorrow or lamentation often for something now past : plaintive, nostalgic, melancholy <an elegiac regret for departed youth> <an elegiac lament for a long-lost tradition> <elegiac poignance, excruciating nostalgia — Peggy Bennett> 3 : being the meter characteristic of a kinah — compare kinah meter — el·e·gi·a·cal·ly adverb <Mrs. Moodie is divided down the middle: ... she preaches progress and the march of civilization while brooding elegiacally upon the destruction of the wilderness ... — Margaret Atwood, The Journals of Susanna Moodie, 1970> Origin of ELEGIAC Late Latin elegiacus, from Greek elegeiakos, from elegeion elegiac couplet, elegy First Known Use: 15th century (sense 2)

epidemic

adjective \¦epə¦demik, -mēk\ also ep·i·dem·i·cal \-mə̇kəl, -mēk-\ (audio pronunciation) 1 a of a communicable disease (1) : affecting or tending to affect many persons within a community, area, or region at one time <many children died that winter of epidemic fevers> <typhoid was epidemic> broadly : pandemic — distinguished from endemic (2) : epiphytotic or epizootic — not used technically b : prevalent especially to a degree felt to be excessive <padded shoulders became epidemic in the late thirties — Lois Long> common; specifically, of economic insects : present in such numbers as to constitute a plague <this defoliator became epidemic in 1949> c : contagious 3 <an epidemic personality> <epidemic laughter> 2 : of, relating to, or constituting an epidemic <the outbreak was of epidemic proportions> <the epidemic phase of the grasshopper cycle> — ep·i·dem·i·cal·ly \-mə̇k(ə)lē, -mēk-, -li\ (audio pronunciation) adverb Origin of EPIDEMIC French épidémique, from Middle French epidemique, from epidemie epidemic (noun) (from Late Latin epidemia, from Greek epidēmia visit, epidemic, from epidēmos visiting, prevalent, epidemic—from epi- + dēmos deme, populace—+ -ia -y) + -ique -ic, -ical — more at dem- First Known Use: 1603 (sense 1a)

encyclical

adjective \ə̇nˈsiklə̇kəl, en-, -lēk-\ also en·cyc·lic \-klik, -lēk\ : sent to many persons or places : intended for many or for a whole order : general <an encyclical letter> Origin of ENCYCLICAL encyclical from Late Latin encyclicus + English -al; encyclic from Late Latin encyclicus, modification (influenced by Latin -icus -ic) of Greek enkyklios circular, general, from en in + kyklos circle, wheel — more at in, wheel First Known Use: 1647

ecru

n / CSkrV / L > F [has near homonym: accrue] of a textile : a light grayish yellowish brown that is yellower and lighter than gravel. The bridal gown is available in both ecru and white.

ephedrine

n / DSfedrDn / Gk a white crystalline alkaloid used often in the form of a salt (as the sulfate) chiefly in relieving hay fever, asthma, and nasal congestion. Ephedrine has been used to treat the bronchoconstriction associated with asthma.

ephemeris

n / DSfem(E)rDs / Gk a publication giving the computed places of the celestial bodies for each day of the year. Tracy's attorney consulted an ephemeris to verify her story about having seen Venus on the morning of the crime.

ephemeral

adjective \ə̇ˈfem(ə)rəl, ēˈf-, (ˈ)e¦f-, chiefly British -fēm-\ 1 a : lasting or existing briefly : temporary <ephemeral boundaries> <ephemeral pleasures> <Interest in dinosaurs becomes one of those ephemeral episodes ... in the canonical sequence of childhood interests. — Stephen Jay Gould, Natural History, August 1989> fleeting <Fame, it is understood, is as ephemeral as a suntan—perhaps more so. — Aristides (Joseph Epstein), The American Scholar, Autumn 1987> <jazz is perishable, ephemeral, elusive — Whitney Balliett> specifically : lasting only one day <an ephemeral blossom> < ... the ephemeral insects of a day, who flutter their busy hour, and disappear forever. — Joshua Webster, A True and Brief Account of the Cerevisia Anglicana, 1800> <Thus, a normal ephemeral fever called for little intervention, since it ran its course in little more than 24 hours. — Luke DeMaitre, Medieval Medicine, 2013> b : of interest or value for only a short time : topical < ... were not local and ephemeral ... but universal and timeless — J. P. Boyd> <About three-quarters of the list consisted of contemporary ephemeral fiction—not trash, really, just forgettable ... — Paul Fussell, Wartime, 1989> c : existing in an immaterial form <ephemeral data> intangible 2 : devoted to what is of temporary interest < ... the ephemeral nature of journalism ... — Evelyn Toynton, Harper's, August 2007> <prose drama is the most ephemeral of the arts ... practically all plays find their resting places on the library shelves after their brief day or few decades in the theater — R. A. Cordell> Origin of EPHEMERAL Greek ephēmeros, literally, lasting a day, daily (from epi- + hēmera day) + English -al — more at hemera First Known Use: 1576 (sense 1)

effete

adjective \ə̇ˈfēt, eˈ-\ 1 : exhausted of fertility : no longer able to produce young or fruit : unfruitful <eroded effete earth> 2 : marked by lack or deprivation of some inherent characteristic : enervated: a of a substance : having lost its unique quality (as flavor) b : exhausted of physical energy : worn out : spent <effete, weary, burned-out revolutionists — H. F. Mooney> c : having lost character, courage, strength, stamina, or vitality <effete literary critics and dogmatic professors — J. T. Farrell> degenerate <a soft, effete, and decadent race — R. P. Parsons> d : totally devoid of an original positive drive or purposiveness <vaguely educated for minor diplomatic or other governmental posts in an effete struggle to maintain position — Janet Flanner> e : soft or decadent as a result of overrefinement of living conditions or laxity of mental or moral discipline <the effete householder who wants things done for him — New Yorker> <the effete gentility that lay like a blight on the critical writing of the nineties — C. I. Glicksberg> f : out-of-date, outmoded <an old but by no means effete statute — Edward Jenks> 3 : having feminine qualities untypical of a man : not manly in appearance or manner : effeminate < ... a good-humored effete boy brought up by maiden aunts. — Herman Wouk, The Caine Mutiny, 1951> — effetely adjective — effeteness noun, plural -es Origin of EFFETE Latin effetus, from ex- + fetus pregnant, breeding, fruitful — more at feminine First Known Use: 1660 (sense 1)

eburnated

adjective \ˈebərˌnātə̇d, ˈē(ˌ)bər-; ə̇ˈbər-, ēˈ-, eˈ-\ : hard and dense like ivory <eburnated bone> <eburnated cartilage> Origin of EBURNATED from eburnation, after such pairs as English creation: created

edible

adjective \ˈedəbəl\ : suitable by nature for use as food especially for human beings : nonpoisonous, eatable — ed·i·ble·ness noun, plural -es Origin of EDIBLE Late Latin edibilis, from Latin edere to eat + -ibilis -ible — more at eat First Known Use: 1594

exedent

adjective \ˈeksədənt\ : wasting, ulcerating Origin of EXEDENT Latin exedent-, exedens, present participle of exedere

equitable

adjective \ˈekwətəbəl, -wətə- sometimes (ˈ)e¦kwitə- or -¦kwitə-\ 1 : characterized by equity : fair to all concerned <an equitable pay scale> <an equitable price> : without prejudice, favor, or rigor entailing undue hardship <it depended wholly on their individual characters whether their terms of office were equitable or oppressive — John Buchan> 2 : that can be sustained or made effective in a court of equity or upon principles of equity jurisprudence : existing or valid in equity as distinguished from law <equitable suits> <equitable jurisdiction> 3 : characterized by evenness (as in temper or climate) : equable — equitability noun <A joint committee of lawmakers has been appointed to study the state's public school finance system which is facing a slew of lawsuits challenging its equitability. — Mike W. Thomas, San Antonio Business Journal, 1 Mar. 2012> Origin of EQUITABLE French équitable, from Middle French equitable, from equité equity + -able — more at equity First Known Use: 1598 (sense 1)

ethnic

adjective \ˈethnik, -nēk\ 1 a : of or relating to large groups of people classed according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background <ethnic groups> <ethnic minorities> <ethnic enclaves> < ... influenced by ethnic and cultural ties ... — John F. Kennedy, New York Times Magazine, 8 Aug. 1954> <The boundaries along the West African coast were not plotted with regard to the ancient ethnic frontiers ... — A. H. Young-O'Brien, Harper's, 1937> b : being a member of a specified ethnic group <an ethnic German> c : of, relating to, or characteristic of a minority ethnic group <ethnic foods/restaurants> < ... Kaplan launched Flying Fish on a shoestring budget in 1973, and it soon became a leading domestic supplier of folk and ethnic music. — Jeffrey Ressner, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 1993> 2 : of or relating to the Gentiles or to nations not converted to Christianity : heathen, pagan <ancient ethnic revels of a faith long since forsaken — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow> Origin of ETHNIC Middle English, from Late Latin ethnicus, from Greek ethnikos foreign, gentile, national, from ethnos nation + -ikos -ic — more at ethnos First Known Use: 1542 (sense 2)

equine

adjective \ˈēˌkwīn, ˈeˌ-\ 1 : resembling a horse 2 [New Latin Equus + English -ine] a : of or relating to the Equidae b : of or being one of the Equidae — equine·ly adverb Origin of EQUINE Latin equinus, from equus horse + -inus -ine; akin to Old English eoh horse, Old Saxon ehuskalk horse servant, Old Norse jōr horse, Gothic aihwatundi thornbush (literally, horse-tooth), Greek hippos horse, Old Irish ech, Sanskrit aśva First Known Use: 1776 (sense 1)

effectually

adv / DSfekch(Ew)ElG / L&F > E in a manner producing the desired results. A warm drink is said to fortify one effectually against the cold.

emphatically

adv / DmSfaZDkElG / Gk in a markedly forceful manner. At the school board meeting Jonah spoke emphatically in favor of requiring students to wear uniforms.

extraordinarily

adv / ikTstrO(r)dFnSerDlG / L in a manner beyond what is usual, regular, common, or customary. Dr. Miller told us that Brutus was extraordinarily frisky this morning.

elephant

n / SelEfEnt / Hamitic? > Gk > L > F any of a family of thickset extremely large nearly hairless herbivorous mammals that have a snout elongated into a muscular trunk and two incisors in the upper jaw developed especially in the male into large ivory tusks. Zack and Debbie enjoyed watching the elephant use its trunk to spray water on its back.

eloquence

n / SelEkwEn(t)s / L discourse marked by apt and fluent diction and imaginative fervor. The defense lawyer addressed the courtroom audience with eloquence.

emerald

n / Sem(E)rEld / Gk > L > F > E a highly prized gemstone of rich green color. Beth's grandfather has a lovely unmounted emerald that he plans to give to her for a graduation present.

emigrant

n / SemDgrEnt / L [has near homonym: immigrant] a person who leaves a country or region to establish permanent residence elsewhere. Sidney's great-great-grandfather was an Irish emigrant during the potato famine.

emissary

n / SemETserG / L an agent or representative usually empowered to act more or less independently. Each government sent an emissary to the trade talks.

embolism

n / SembETlizEm / Gk the sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign or abnormal particle (as a bubble of air or a blood clot). Careless administration of an injection can cause an embolism.

enthymeme

n / Sen(t)thETmGm / Gk an argument or truncated syllogism in which one of the propositions is understood but not stated. A good example of an enthymeme is the statement "We are dependent; therefore, we should be humble."

enclave

n / SenTklCv / L > F a district or region (as in a city) inhabited by a particular race or set apart for a special purpose. The Warsaw Ghetto was an infamous enclave during World War II.

enzyme

n / SenTzIm / Gk any of a very large class of complex proteinaceous substances that are produced by living cells and that are essential to life by acting as catalysts. Emil Fischer theorized in 1894 that an enzyme acts like a lock to which a certain reactant is the key.

enfilade

n / SenfETlCd / F arrangement (as of rooms, doorways, trees) in opposite and parallel rows. The hallway of the huge hotel was seemingly endless, with an enfilade of doors appearing to grow ever tinier in the distance.

enmity

n / SenmEZG / L > F hostility, animosity. The enmity which Mr. and Mrs. Elton dared not show in open disrespect to Miss Woodhouse found a broader vent in contemptuous treatment of her best friend.

epigram

n / SepETgram / Gk a short poem with a witty or satirical point. Kelly kept a calendar on her desk that gave a humorous epigram for each day of the year.

epilepsy

n / SepETlepsG / Gk a chronic nervous disorder of humans and other animals that involves changes in the state of consciousness and of motion. Epilepsy is sometimes caused by glandular disturbances.

epicede

n / SepETsGd / Gk a funeral song or ode. The poet laureate composed an epicede for the queen's funeral.

epicycle

n / SepETsIkEl / Gk a circle in which a planet moves and which has a center that is itself carried around at the same time on the circumference of a larger circle. Ancient astronomers used the epicycle to explain their theory that Earth is at the center of the solar system.

episode

n / SepETsPd / Gk the part of a radio, television, or motion-picture serial presented at one performance. The ending of each episode of the soap opera left one wanting to see the next episode.

epithet

n / SepETthet / Gk a disparaging or abusive word or phrase. Donnie apologized for shouting an epithet at Mr. Garibaldi.

estuary

n / Ses(h)chETwerG / L a water passage where the tide meets the current of a stream. Small boats were warned not to travel the estuary without aid.

essence

n / SesFn(t)s / L an extract (as from fruit) used as flavoring in cooking. Tatiana could taste the pomegranate essence in the cake's frosting.

echelon

n / SeshETlBn / L > F one of a series of levels or grades (as of leadership or responsibility) in an organization or field of activity. Employees at every echelon of the company were encouraged to make suggestions.

escritoire

n / SeskrETtwBr / L > F a piece of furniture resembling a bureau and providing a writing surface or desk area behind a hinged front that drops down. Jennifer bought a valuable 18th- century escritoire at Sotheby's.

espadrille

n / SespETdril / L > Prov > F a flat sandal having a fabric upper and a flexible often rope sole. Marsha put on her other espadrille and headed for the beach.

espionage

n / SespGETnBzh / F the practice of spying or using spies to obtain information about the plans and activities especially of a foreign government or a competing company. After discovering that Mr. Carmichael had sold company trade secrets to a competitor, his employer charged him with industrial espionage.

esplanade

n / SesplETnBd / L > It > F a level open stretch of paved or grassy ground; especially : one designed for walking or driving and often providing a vista (as over water). Carole decided to go for a stroll on the esplanade before dinner.

eurytherm

n / SyUrEthErm / Gk + Gk an organism that tolerates a wide range of temperature. Whereas some animals hibernate during the winter, a eurytherm is active throughout the cold months.

eutaxy

n / SyVTtaksG / Gk good order or management. Rose's Christmas decoration routine was an example of the eutaxy she practiced constantly.

eulogy

n / SyVlEjG / Gk a composition (as a set oration) in commendation of someone or something (as of the character and accomplishments of a deceased person). The university president delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral of the dean.

empennage

n / TBmpESnBzh / Fcf + L + Fcf the tail assembly of an aircraft. After the accident the FAA ordered the airline to inspect the empennage of every plane in its fleet.

elutriation

noun plural -s 1 : the removal of substances from a mixture by washing and decanting <the elutriation of liquid sludge> 2 : the separation of finer lighter particles from coarser heavier particles in a mixture by means of a usually slow upward stream of fluid so that the lighter particles are carried upward 3 : the washing away of the lighter or finer particles (as of humus or clay) in a soil especially by the splashing of raindrops Origin of ELUTRIATION Latin elutriatus + English -ion First Known Use: 1899 (sense 1)

echelonment

noun plural -s : the timing or positioning of troops or supplies to provide uninterrupted flow to the front Origin of ECHELONMENT French échelonnement, from échelonner + -ment

encumbrance

noun \-brən(t)s also -bər-\ plural -s 1 obsolete : the quality or state of being encumbered : perplexity, trouble 2 : something that encumbers : a burden that impedes action or renders it difficult : impediment 3 or in·cum·brance a : a burden or charge upon property : a claim or lien upon an estate that may diminish its value; specifically : any interest or right in land existing to the diminution of the value of the fee but not preventing the passing of the fee by conveyance b : a dependent person (such as a child) Origin of ENCUMBRANCE Middle English encombraunce, from Old French encombrance, from encombrer + -ance First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1)

endocrinology

noun \-jē\ plural -es : a science or study of the internal secretions and endocrine glands and their physiology and pathology as related to each other and to the organism as a whole Origin of ENDOCRINOLOGY International Scientific Vocabulary endocrine + -o- + -logy First Known Use: circa 1913

effulgence

noun \-jən(t)s\ plural -s : strong radiant light : glorious splendor : brilliance <that crimson flow, that effulgence at the solemn twilight hour — Willa Cather> Origin of EFFULGENCE Late Latin effulgentia, from Latin effulgent-, effulgens + -ia -y First Known Use: 1667

ejector

noun \-ktə(r)\ plural -s 1 : one that ejects: such as a : the mechanism of a firearm that ejects the empty cartridge b : a device that ejects finished work (such as a cast slug) from the mold of a typecasting mechanism or the die of a die-casting mechanism or hydraulic press <the casting is removed by pressure from ejector pins fastened to the ejector plate behind the movable die — David Basch> 2 : a jet pump for withdrawing a gas, fluid, or powdery substance (such as air, water, or sand) from a space First Known Use of EJECTOR 1640 (sense 1)

envisagement

noun \-mənt\ plural -s : the act or an instance of envisaging : conception <all the main envisagements or images of us as a nation ... had begun at least dimly to emerge — American Quarterly>

exigency

noun \-nsē, -si; igˈzij-, egˈzij-\ plural -es 1 : the quality or state of being exigent : pressure, urgency <the president is the sole judge of the exigency demanding the use of federal troops — Herman Beukema> 2 : such need or necessity as belongs to the occasion : demands, requirements — usually used in plural <the exigencies of French politeness are not necessarily at variance with truthfulness — Norman Douglas> <regret that the exigencies of party politics should deprive our government of so much talent — Frank Altschul> Origin of EXIGENCY Medieval Latin exigentia, from Late Latin, demand, from Latin exigent-, exigens + -ia -y First Known Use: 1581 (sense 2)

enunciator

noun \-nən(t)sēˌātə(r), -ātə- sometimes -nənchē-\ plural -s : one that enunciates Origin of ENUNCIATOR Late Latin enunciator, enuntiator, from Latin enunciatus, enuntiatus + -or

espresso

noun \eˈspre(ˌ)sō\ also expresso plural espressos also expressos 1 : coffee that is brewed by forcing steam through powdered coffee beans 2 : a device for brewing espresso coffee 3 : a neighborhood shop where friends gather to drink espresso 4 : a cup of espresso < ... Corvucci makes sure to keep his clients going by stopping for an espresso at one of the cafes that dot the cobblestoned Quadrilatero. — Valentina Pasquali, The Washington Post, 5 May 2013> Origin of ESPRESSO Italian (caffè) espresso, probably literally, coffee made on the spot at the customer's request First Known Use: 1955 (sense 1)

example

noun \igˈzampəl, eg-, -zaam-, -zaim-, -zȧm-\ plural -s 1 : a particular single item, fact, incident, or aspect that may be taken fairly as typical or representative of all of a group or type <a most outstanding example of a war fought with a purpose was our own American Revolution — Wendell Willkie> 2 a : a pattern or representative action or series of actions tending or intended to induce one to imitate or emulate <we make the mistake of thinking that all can be done by precept, when ... example is no less potent a force — A. C. Benson> b : a pattern of action that by its ill result should discourage emulation <learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge — Mary W. Shelley> — often used with a qualifying adjective (such as bad) 3 : a parallel or closely similar case, incident, or item especially when serving as a precedent or model <such temperate order in so fierce a cause doth want example — Shakespeare> 4 a : an incident or situation in which one individual's punishment or plight may serve to admonish others b : an individual so punished <to make an example of a malingering soldier> 5 : an instance (such as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate a rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science <in mathematics problems assigned are examples designed to test and apply rules previously learned> <we have 10 examples in our homework> — for example \f(ə)r-\ adverb : as an example Origin of EXAMPLE Middle English exaumple, from Middle French example, exemple, alteration (influenced by Latin exemplum) of essample, essemple, from Latin exemplum, from eximere to take out, remove, from ex- 1ex- + -imere to take (from emere to buy, obtain) — more at redeem First Known Use: 14th century (sense 2a)

exuberance

noun \igˈzüb(ə)rən(t)s, eg-\ plural -s 1 : the quality or state of being exuberant 2 : an act or expression that is marked by exuberance : an individual instance of exuberance Origin of EXUBERANCE French exubérance, from Latin exuberantia, from exuberant-, exuberans + -ia -y First Known Use: 1631 (sense 1)

exoneration

noun \igˌzänəˈrāshən, eg-\ plural -s 1 : the act of disburdening, discharging, or freeing morally or legally (as from a charge, imputation, duty, obligation, or responsibility); also : the state of being so freed 2 a : a remedy in equity available to the surety who has discharged the obligation of his defaulting principal or of a prior surety b : the right of a surety to require a person or estate subject to a liability prior to his to discharge that liability thus relieving the surety Origin of EXONERATION Late Latin exoneration-, exoneratio, from Latin exoneratus + -ion-, -io -ion

excelsior

noun \ikˈselsēə(r), ek- also -lts- sometimes -lshə- or ÷-l(t)sə- or -l(t)sēˌȯ(ə)r or -l(t)sēˌȯ(ə)\ plural -s : fine curled shavings of wood forming a resilient mass and used especially for packing fragile items Origin of EXCELSIOR Latin, higher, comparative of excelsus First Known Use: 1868

excursion

noun \ikˈskər|zhən, ek-, -kə̄|, -kəi|, chiefly British |shən\ plural -s 1 : a going out or forth as from a place of confinement: such as a : a military expedition : raid, sortie — obsolete except in the phrase alarums and excursions b in Elizabethan stage directions : a movement of soldiers across the stage c : a journey chiefly for recreation : a usually brief pleasure trip; often : a trip (as by rail or steamship) at special reduced rates <the railway ran Sunday excursions to the city> d : a trip made with the positive intention of returning to the starting point : round trip : a trip that is not planned to involve prolonged or definite separation from one's usual or normal place or way of life <his summer excursions to the Colorado Rockies> <made several excursions into the Amazon valley> 2 : the persons participating in or going together on an excursion 3 : departure from a direct or proper course : deviation from a definite path; usually : a wandering from a subject : digression <his excursions into abstruse theory> 4 obsolete : a projection or extension (as of a building) 5 archaic : a sally or outburst (as of wit or feeling) especially when overstepping accepted or customary bounds 6 : a movement outward and back or from a mean position or axis 7 a : a single vibratory motion (as of a diaphragm or membrane); sometimes : the distance traversed in such a movement : amplitude b : one complete movement of inspiratory expansion and expiratory contraction of the lungs and their membranes Origin of EXCURSION Latin excursion-, excursio, from excursus (past participle) + -ion-, -io -ion First Known Use: circa 1587 (sense 1)

ecuelle

noun \āˈkwel\ plural -s : a 2-handled bowl used for soup Origin of ECUELLE French écuelle, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin scūtella drinking bowl, alteration of Latin scŭtella — more at scuttle

equation

noun \ēˈkwāzhən, ə̇ˈ- also -āsh-\ plural -s 1 a : the act or process of equating : equalization <the equation of service pay and civilian wages> <equation of colors> identification <the king's equation of himself with his country> b (1) : a quantity added or subtracted in equating a computation <equation of the equinoxes> (2) : an element affecting a process : factor <solely on the merits of their performances on that occasion, and no other equations should enter into his decisions — W. F. Brown, born 1903> (3) : a complex of variable factors <sociologists ... taking into account motives, values, norms, ends—the whole social equation that fundamentalists in science have considered merely a source of error — H. J. Muller> — compare human equation, personal equation c : a state of being equated : balance <diplomats who work out the delicate equations of power> specifically : a state of association or identification of two or more things <the dreamer ... can put into symbolic equation any two diverse things — Weston La Barre> 2 : a usually formal statement of equivalence: a : a statement of equality between two mathematical expressions (such as numbers, functions, magnitudes, operations), the sign = usually being placed between them b : an expression representing a chemical reaction quantitatively by means of chemical symbols, the formulas of the reacting substances being placed on the left and those of the products on the right of the sign → or = or of the sign ⇆ or ⇌ if the reaction is reversible all of which signs should be read "give," not "are equal to" c (1) logic : a formal expression of the sameness of reference of two expressions (2) symbolic logic : the expression of a proposition or of the relation between propositions in a form analogous to an algebraic equation d : the mathematical expression of the proportions in which color stimuli must be mixed for equation of colors Origin of EQUATION Middle English equacioun, from Latin aequation-, aequatio, from aequatus + -ion-, -io -ion First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1a)

emporium

noun \ə̇mˈpōrēəm, em-, -ȯr-\ plural emporiums \-ēəmz\ also empo·ria \-ēə\ 1 a : a place of trade : marketplace, mart; especially : a commercial center <the emporium of the innumerable kinds of merchandise which are exchanged between China, Central Asia, and Europe — W. H. G. Kingston> <it has been primarily an industrial city rather than a commercial emporium — Lewis Mumford> b : an especially sizable place of business or center of activity that serves customers <earning his living at the local furniture emporium — William McFee> <he has built and equipped two eating emporiums with a combined capacity of more than 200 food consumers at a sitting — Fred Hawthorne> <a hardware emporium> c : a store, shop, or similar enterprise making claim to fanciness or special commercial significance <drinking and gambling emporium — American Guide Series: Oregon> <found his once sedate carriage shop transformed into a sort of Hollywood hot-rod emporium — Hugh Humphrey> <the dresses in the windows of the dry-goods emporium — Hamilton Basso> <one of the shiny movie emporiums — P. E. Deutschman> <a Chinese chop-suey emporium — Bennett Cerf> 2 : a store carrying a great diversity of merchandise <that general emporium which catered to a variety of human needs — Della Lutes> <an air-conditioned news, candy, and soda-fountain emporium — J. P. Marquand> Origin of EMPORIUM Latin, from Greek emporion, from emporos traveler, trader, from em- 2en- + -poros (from poros path, road, journey — more at fare) First Known Use: 1586 (sense 1a)

endorsement

noun \ə̇nˈdȯrsmənt, en-, -ȯ(ə)s-\ also indorsement plural endorsements 1 : the act, process, or result of endorsing something or someone: such as a : the act of writing on the back of a note, bill, or other written instrument <endorsement of a check> b : a statement of support or approval <against his father's judgment but with his mother's sympathetic endorsement, he decided to be a missionary — K. S. Latourette> especially : such a statement made publicly or officially <political endorsements> c : the act of publicly recommending a product usually in return for financial compensation <celebrity endorsements> <Baseball stars earn their living on the diamond, with the ten highest paid pulling down $237 million in salary and only $14 million from endorsements. — Mike Ozanian, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2013> d British : the act or result of putting information about a driving offense on a person's driver's license <the endorsement of a license> <receive/get an endorsement for speeding> 2 a : something that is written (such as a name or an order for or a receipt of payment) on the back of a note, bill, or other document; especially : a writing usually on the back but sometimes on the face of a negotiable instrument by which the property therein is assigned and transferred b : a provision added to an insurance contract altering its scope or application that takes precedence over printed portions of the policy in conflict therewith 3 : a reply, comment, or forwarding note added to a letter by an officer or headquarters staff in military communication First Known Use of ENDORSEMENT 1547 (sense 1a)

entablature

noun \ə̇n‧ˈtabləˌchu̇(ə)r, en-, -ˌchu̇ə, -lə̇chə(r), -lə‧ˌtyu̇-, -lə‧ˌtu̇-\ 1 : an architecturally treated wall consisting of the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice that in classical architecture rests upon the capitals of the columns and supports the pediment or roof plate according to its position on the front or flank of the building; also : a similar part in a post-and-lintel construction —see column illustration 2 : an elevated support for certain parts of a machine (as the upper portion of a forging press) Illustration of ENTABLATURE Origin of ENTABLATURE obsolete French, modification of Italian intavolatura, from intavolato (past participle of intavolare to put on a board or table, from in- —from Latin in- 2in-—+ tavola board, table, from Latin tabula) + -ura -ure — more at table First Known Use: 1611 (sense 1)

ebullience

noun \ə̇ˈbu̇lyən(t)s, ēˈ-, eˈ- also -ˈbəl- or -lēə-\ plural -s : the quality of lively or animated expression of thoughts or feelings : high spirits : enthusiasm, exuberance <exhorted with his characteristic ebullience and bluntness — G. H. Bolsover> Origin of EBULLIENCE from ebullient, after such pairs as English confluent: confluence First Known Use: 1749

efficiency

noun \ə̇ˈfishənsē, eˈ-, ēˈ-, -si\ plural -es 1 : the power, characteristic quality, or manner of operation of an efficient cause <it is absurd to credit inert mass with efficiency — James Ward> 2 a : effectiveness; especially : capacity to produce desired results with a minimum expenditure of energy, time, money, or materials <increasing recognition of the unfairness of such scales of pay is corroding the efficiency of the economic system — J. A. Hobson> <the despairing conclusion that their evil efficiency knows no limits — S. L. A. Marshall> b : suitability for a task or purpose <the efficiency of the drawing board is in no way impaired — Gadgets Annual> 3 : efficient operation as measured by a comparison of actual results with those that could be achieved with the same expenditure of energy <structural changes may take place to enable the respiratory organs to remain in a state of efficiency — W. H. Dowdeswell> <the invention of instruments for assessing degrees of efficiency in communication — Barbara Wootton> : such as a : the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a dynamic system (such as a machine, engine, or motor) to the energy supplied to it over the same period or cycle of operation b : performance of a task with little or no waste effort c : economic productivity : yield — used especially of the average number of times a unit of money serves to effect an exchange in a specified period d : the relative effective operation of a biological system as measured by the ratio of energy released in product (such as milk, muscular effort, or wool) to the energy consumed (as in food) — called also feed efficiency 4 or efficiency apartment : a small usually furnished apartment having minimal kitchen and bath facilities Origin of EFFICIENCY Latin efficientia, from efficient-, efficiens (present participle of efficere to bring about, accomplish, effect) + -ia -y — more at effect First Known Use: 1593 (sense 1)

equipment

noun \ə̇ˈkwipmənt, ēˈ-\ plural -s 1 a : the equipping of a person or thing <the development and equipment of a library extension program> b : the state of being equipped <the institution did not spring in full maturity and equipment — J. H. Burton> 2 a : the physical resources serving to equip a person or thing <funds for buildings and equipment> <the vocal equipment of a singer> <a new jail became part of the municipal equipment — American Guide Series: Virginia> : such as (1) : the implements (such as machinery or tools) used in an operation or activity : apparatus <where a tractor is standard equipment> <sports equipment> (2) : all the fixed assets other than land and buildings of a business enterprise <the plant, equipment, and supplies of the factory> (3) : the rolling stock of a railway b : a collection of such equipment <having its own uniform, flag, and ... a standardized equipment — S. B. Fay> c : a piece of such equipment <manufactured ... an air-conditioning equipment for beds — Current Biography> <in what a desperate condition the Virginia troops were as regarded clothing and equipments — H. E. Scudder> 3 a : mental or emotional traits or resources <prejudice, intolerance, and bigotry ... soon become a part of a child's equipment — Episcopal Churchnews> preparation <some knowledge of the facts of biology should be an essential part of the equipment of every educated man — Nineteenth Century & After> b : an aspect of one's mental or emotional makeup : endowment <a ready repartee is also a valuable equipment for anyone seeking high office — V. L. Albjerg> First Known Use of EQUIPMENT 1651 (sense 2a)

episcopacy

noun \ə̇ˈpiskəpəsē, ēˈ-, -si\ plural -es 1 : government of the church by bishops or by a hierarchy (as of bishops, priests, and deacons) <tough Presbyterian Scots who had overthrown the episcopacy — George Willison> 2 : the state of being a bishop : episcopal rank 3 : diocese 4 : episcopate 3 Origin of EPISCOPACY 1episcopate + -cy First Known Use: 1641 (sense 1)

epistrophe

noun \ə̇ˈpistrə(ˌ)fē\ : repetition of the same word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences for rhetorical effect (such as government of the people, for the people, and by the people) — compare anaphora Origin of EPISTROPHE Greek epistrophē, literally, turning about, from epi- + strophē turning — more at strophe First Known Use: circa 1584

epistle

noun \ə̇ˈpisəl, ēˈ-\ plural -s 1 usually capitalized a : one of the letters of the New Testament <the General Epistles follow Paul's Epistles — Madeleine S. & J. L. Miller> b : a lection usually from one of the New Testament Epistles and read or sung as part of a Christian liturgical service (as in Roman Catholic and Anglican churches) <the subdeacon sings the Epistle for the day at high Mass> 2 a : letter <flinging the journal into the farthest corners and sitting down to indite epistles — H. A. Overstreet> <Pope Gelasius ... in his epistle mentioning the legend — G. C. Sellery> b : a composition in prose or poetry written in the form of a letter to a particular person or group <in spite of Bacon's disclaimer, in a dedicatory epistle to Andrewes — Douglas Bush> <a digressive verse epistle> Origin of EPISTLE Middle English epistel, epistle, epistole, from Old French, Late Latin & Latin; Old French epistle, from Late Latin epistola, epistula biblical epistle, from Latin, letter, from Greek epistolē order, message, epistle, from epistellein to send to, order, from epi- + stellein to make ready, send — more at stall First Known Use: 13th century (sense 1)

erasure

noun \ə̇ˈrāshə(r), ēˈ- sometimes -āzh-\ plural -s 1 : an act or instance of erasing : a rubbing or scratching out : obliteration <prevents accidental erasure of the tape> <errors and erasures in the typescript> <the bomb spelled erasure of cities — D. D. Eisenhower> 2 : the place where something has been erased <a feathering of the ink at the erasure> Origin of ERASURE erase + -ure First Known Use: 1734 (sense 1)

esteem

noun \ə̇ˈstēm, eˈ-\ plural -s 1 a archaic : worth, value; also : estimate of value : valuation b obsolete : rank, standing c archaic : reputation — used with of d archaic : opinion, judgment 2 a : approval and respect often blended with great liking or fondness because of worthy qualities <an aide rising in his superior's esteem> b : such approval, respect, or liking held generally : fame, renown <the esteem and prestige which nature attaches to excellence — H. W. Dodds> Origin of ESTEEM Middle English steem, extyme, from Middle French estime, from estimer (verb) First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1a)

elasticity

noun \ə̇ˌlaˈstisətē, (ˌ)ēl-, -laaˈ-, -ətē, -i sometimes chiefly British -ləˈ- or ˌe(ˌ)l- or -ˌlȧˈ-\ plural -es 1 : the quality or state of being elastic: such as a : the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation in any way : springiness b : resilience <with the elasticity of youth she quickly recovered> c : adaptability <they do not always perceive that the elasticity of democracy is its strength — New Yorker> 2 : the property in paint or varnish that enables the film to follow without breaking changes in the surface to which it is applied 3 : the responsiveness of a dependent variable to changes in a causal factor <the price elasticity of exports and imports may not be adequate to bring about equilibrium — A. H. Hansen> <elasticity of demand> First Known Use of ELASTICITY 1664 (sense 1)

ellipticity

noun \ə̇ˌlipˈtisətē, eˌ-, ēˌ-, ˌe(ˌ)-\ plural -es 1 : deviation of an ellipse or a spheroid from the form of a circle or a sphere 2 : the difference between the equatorial and polar semidiameters, divided by the equatorial or occasionally by the polar — used especially in reference to the figure of the earth <the ellipticity of the earth is approximately 1⁄300>

ebony

noun \ˈebənē, -ni\ plural -es 1 : a hard heavy durable wood yielded by various trees of the genus Diospyros in tropical Asia and Africa 2 : a tree from which ebony is obtained 3 : any of several trees yielding wood resembling ebony (as green ebony) 4 : a variable color averaging a dark grayish olive that is almost black — called also teak Origin of EBONY probably alteration of Middle English hebenyf, modification of Late Latin hebeninus, ebeninus of ebony, from Greek ebeninos, from ebenos ebony First Known Use: 1597 (sense 1)

ecstasy

noun \ˈekstəsē, -si\ also ec·sta·cy \ˈekstəsē, -si\ plural ecstasies 1 a : a state of being beyond reason and self-control through intense emotional excitement, pain, or other sensation : obsession by powerful feeling <in an ecstasy of pain — Ludwig Bemelmans> <whose eyes kept sweeping in an ecstasy of fear from side to side — Irwin Shaw> b archaic : swoon <And the ecstasy hath so much overborne her that my daughter is sometime afeard she will do a desperate outrage to herself. — William Shakespeare, Much Ado ABout Nothing, 1600> 2 : a state of exaltation or rapturous delight manifested either demonstratively <sending their shrill, diamond-hard cries of ecstasy streaming across the streets — Kay Cicellis> or in a profound calm or abstraction of mind <a state of quiet ecstasy which illuminated his whole being — E. S. Bates> 3 : a trance state in which intense absorption in divine or cosmic matters is accompanied by loss of sense perception and voluntary control <at the sight of a crucifix ... she would at once fall into an ecstasy — Norman Douglas> 4 often capitalized : a synthetic amphetamine analogue C11H15NO2 used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties — called also MDMA Origin of ECSTASY Middle English extasie, from Middle French, from Late Latin extasis, ecstasis, from Greek ekstasis, from existanai to put out of place, derange, from ex out of, out + histanai to cause to stand — more at ex-, stand First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1a)

exercise

noun \ˈeksə(r)ˌsīz\ plural -s 1 a : the act of bringing into play or realizing in action : exertion, use <avoid accidents by the exercise of foresight> <the violent ... exercise of royal authority — T. B. Macaulay> b : the discharge of an official function or professional occupation <exercise of his judicial duties> c : the act or instance of carrying out the terms of an agreement (such as an option) — often used before another noun <In addition to the currency price, the exercise price and the time to maturity, option values depend on the price volatility of the underlying currency ... — Shani Shamah, A Currency Options Primer, 2004> 2 a : regular or repeated appropriate use of a faculty, power, or bodily organ <willpower is strengthened by exercise> <muscles atrophy from lack of exercise> b : bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness <he plays golf chiefly for the exercise> 3 : something that is performed or practiced in order to develop or improve a specific power or skill: such as a : a set task (such as a piece of writing) designed to improve a pupil's ability or to test his comprehension of a subject <do the exercise at the end of each chapter> <spelling exercises> b : an artificially devised bodily action or set of actions prescribed for regular or repeated practice as a means of gaining strength, dexterity, suppleness, or all-around competence in some field of performance <finger exercise> <bowing exercise> <vocal exercises> <breathing exercises> 4 a : a composition or work of art performed chiefly in order to practice or display a specific technical point or aspect : study <exercise in double-stops> <exercise in light and shadow effects> b : an artistic or intellectual performance whose value is greater in the doing than in the final result or greater for the performer than for the beholder <a mere literary exercise> <to balance forms, calculate proportions, and harmonize colors can be an intellectual exercise rather than an act of creative imagination — Herbert Read> c : any performance having a strongly marked or identifiable secondary or ulterior aspect <a biography that ... is a truly formidable exercise in unrelieved contempt — New Yorker> d : habitual act : practice <the casting of metal forms in molds was an exercise older than recorded history> 5 : an act of religious practice especially in worship (as of preaching, expounding, or praying) <exercises of devotion> 6 : a public exhibition or ceremony: such as a : a maneuver, operation, or drill carried out for training and discipline <a field exercise> b : an academic disputation, oral examination, or discourse required of a candidate for a degree and often carried on in public c exercises plural : a program including speeches, announcements of awards and honors, and various traditional practices of secular or religious character <commencement exercises> d : an activity forming part of a regular academic routine <salute the national flag as part of a daily school exercise — Felix Frankfurter> Origin of EXERCISE Middle English, from Middle French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exercitus, past participle of exercēre to drive on, keep busy, from ex- 1ex- + -ercēre (from arcēre to hold off, enclose) — more at ark First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1a)

exchequer

noun \ˈeksˌchekə(r) also iksˈch- or eksˈch-\ plural -s 1 Exchequer : a department or office of state in medieval England charged with the collection and management of the royal revenue and the judicial determination of all revenue causes 2 Exchequer : a former superior court having jurisdiction in England and Wales primarily over revenue matters but also over causes in equity and a concurrent jurisdiction with the courts of common law and now forming a division of the Court of King's Bench 3 or Exchequer a : the department or office of state in Great Britain and Northern Ireland charged with the receipt and care of the national revenue and headed by a chancellor b : the national banking account or purse of this realm 4 : treasury; especially : a national or royal treasury 5 : pecuniary possessions or resources : purse, finances <the exchequer is low just now> Origin of EXCHEQUER Middle English escheker, eschequer, from Anglo-French escheker, eschekier, from Old French eschequier chessboard, counting table — more at checker First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1)

equipage

noun \ˈekwəpij, chiefly in plural -wəpəj; also ÷ə̇ˈkwipij or ēˈkwip- sometimes ˈekwəˌpäzh or ˈekwəˌpāj\ plural -s 1 obsolete : equipment 1 <hastens the equipage of the galleys — London Gazette> <to put himself in equipage for that ... voyage — James Howell> 2 a (1) : material or articles used in equipping an organized group <the expense of providing arms, ordnance stores, quartermaster stores, and camp equipage — U.S. Code> (2) archaic : a collection of equipment : outfit <the queen had ordered a little equipage of all things necessary for me — Jonathan Swift> set, service <a complete tea and coffee equipage — Chelsea Catalog of 1756> (3) archaic : etui <little equipage of silver gilt containing scissors, thimble, nail trimmer — C. G. D. Roberts> b archaic : a set of clothing and accessories : uniform <the equipage of a well-armed trooper of the period — Sir Walter Scott> trappings <first strip off all her equipage of pride — Alexander Pope> 3 archaic : retinue <an equipage indeed ... a hundred servants in ordinary attendance — Thomas Fuller> <Death the crowned phantom with all the equipage of his terrors — Thomas De Quincey> 4 archaic : ceremonious display : style, pomp <kings have their entrance in due equipage — Thomas Heywood> 5 [French équipage, from Middle French equipage] a : an elegant horse-drawn carriage with its retinue of servants b : such a carriage without its retinue Origin of EQUIPAGE Middle French, from equiper + -age First Known Use: 1573 (sense 2a)

empathy

noun \ˈem-pə-thē\ 1 : the imaginative projection of a subjective state whether affective, conative, or cognitive into an object so that the object appears to be infused with it : the reading of one's own state of mind or conation into an object (such as an artistic object) <without empathy an artistic emotion is purely intellectual and associative — W. H. Wright> 2 : the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner; also : the capacity for this <a person who lacks empathy> <She is also autistic, a disability that she argues allows her a special empathy with nonhuman creatures. — Tim Flannery, New York Review Of Books, 29 Apr. 2009> Origin of EMPATHY 2en- + -pathy; translation of German einfühlung First Known Use: 1850 (sense 1)

emblem

noun \ˈembləm also -blim or -ˌblem\ plural -s 1 : a picture with a motto or set of verses intended as a moral lesson or a subject of meditation that was common in the 17th century 2 obsolete : inlaid or mosaic work 3 a : a visible sign of an idea : an object or the figure of an object symbolizing and suggesting another object or an idea by natural aptness or by association <a balance is an emblem of justice> <a scepter, emblem of sovereignty> b : a typical representative : symbol <evening cooling is an emblem of autumn chill> <trying to find out enough about eagles to keep our national emblem from dying out — Caroline Bird> 4 a : a symbolic object used as a heraldic device or badge b : a device, symbol, design, or figure adopted and used as an identifying mark (such as a publisher's colophon) Origin of EMBLEM Middle English, from Latin emblema inlaid work, tesselated work, from Greek emblēma, literally, insertion, from emballein to throw in, put in, insert, from em- 2en- + ballein to throw — more at devil First Known Use: 15th century (sense 1)

emissaries

noun \ˈeməˌserē, -ri\ plural -es 1 a : an agent or representative usually empowered to act more or less independently (as in collecting or conveying information or in negotiating) <sent a special emissary to discuss possible peace terms> <acted as the president's personal emissary to the union leaders> b : a spy or other undercover agent <was reported to be nothing but a Communist emissary> c : messenger <sent an emissary backstage to order quiet> 2 a archaic : an outlet especially of a lake or river b obsolete : an emissary duct or vessel Origin of EMISSARY Latin emissarius, from emissus + -arius -ary First Known Use: 1607 (sense 1a)

ennead

noun \ˈenēˌad, -ēəd\ plural -s : a group of nine; especially : any of several groups of nine gods that were considered to be associated in the mythology and religion of ancient Egypt Origin of ENNEAD Greek ennead-, enneas, from ennea nine + -ad-, -as -ad First Known Use: 1550

entrance

noun \ˈen‧trən(t)s\ plural -s 1 a : the act or an instance of physical entering : ingress <looked up at her entrance into the room> <the entrance of the army into the city> <made an entrance through the window> <the entrance of air and sunshine is desirable> b : the means or place for physical entering (such as a door, gate, or passage) <all entrances to the city are guarded by armed men> <ships threaded their way down this narrow entrance into the bay> c : a particular mode or manner of entering <so many ... were trying to copy that entrance — Barnaby Conrad> <though he had given no thought to an entrance, he could not have perfected a better one — Hamilton Basso> 2 a : the act or fact of entering (as upon an office or course of action) <made his entrance into office one month after the election> <the entrance of new firms into a highly competitive field> <marked the nation's entrance into the role of a great power> <a country's entrance into war> <entrance into college was a great event in his life> b : a means of entering (as upon a condition or pursuit) <schools of nursing are the principal entrance to the profession> <books were for the child the entrance to a new and kindlier world> 3 : liberty, power, or permission to enter : admission <applied for entrance at a number of schools> <he did not have the price ... but figured he could wangle an entrance — H. A. Sinclair> 4 : the first part or commencement of a period of time <at the entrance of the night silence fell upon the village> <at the entrance of the holiday season an unwonted bustle and activity began> 5 capitalized [translation of Late Greek eisodos] : a solemn procession through the body of the church to the bema in the liturgy of the Eastern Church — see great entrance, little entrance 6 a : the point at which a voice or instrument part begins in ensemble music especially after a rest <a difficult entrance> b : the manner in which such a beginning is made <a ragged entrance> 7 : the bow or entire forepart of a ship below the waterline — compare run 8 a : the first appearance of an actor in a scene b : an opening at the side or rear of a stage scene by which to enter or exit Origin of ENTRANCE Middle English entraunce, from Middle French entrance, from entrer to enter + -ance — more at enter First Known Use: 15th century (sense 3)

epoch

noun \ˈepək also ˈeˌpäk sometimes ˈēˌpäk or ˈepik or ˈepēk\ plural -s 1 a obsolete (1) : the fixed point from which years are numbered in a system of chronology (as in the Greek olympiads) usually determined by an important event (such as the birth of Christ) <a different epoch to account by, ... the hegira they have from Muhammad — Thomas Herbert> (2) : era 1 b astronomy : an instant of time or a date selected as a point of reference for which are given values of the data under consideration <the heliocentric position at a certain zero epoch, say 1950.000 — Popular Astronomy> 2 a : an event or a time marked by an event that begins a new period or development : a new beginning <we two ... made an epoch in the criticism of the theater ... by making it a pretext for a propaganda of our own views of life — G. B. Shaw> turning point b : a memorable event or date <the child's first sight of the circus parade was an epoch in his life> c : time 8a <the epoch of the completion of a thousand years from the birth of Christ — C. E. Norton> 3 : an extended period of time usually characterized by a distinctive development or by a memorable series of events <the feudal epoch> <the Napoleonic epoch> <Dante's work ... initiated a new epoch in literature — R. A. Hall, born 1911> <his college years were a happy epoch in his life> : such as a : a division of geologic time : episode; specifically : a division of geologic time less than a period and greater than an age <the Niagara epoch of the Silurian Period> — see geologic time table b : a period of time during which a particular type of culture is dominant in an area <Magdalenian epoch> 4 a : the value of the phase angle of a periodic process (such as an alternating current or small oscillations of a pendulum) at the selected zero of time b : tidal epoch Origin of EPOCH Medieval Latin or New Latin epocha, from Greek epochē stoppage, cessation, suspension of judgment, position in space or fixed point in time, from epechein to hold back, pause, from epi- + echein to hold, have — more at scheme First Known Use: 1614 (sense 1a)

epoche

noun \ˈepəˌkē\ plural -s : suspension of judgment: a in ancient skepticism : the act of refraining from any conclusion for or against anything as the decisive step for the attainment of ataraxy b : the methodological attitude of phenomenology in which one refrains from judging whether anything exists or can exist as the first step in the phenomenological recognition, comprehension, and description of sense appearances : transcendental reduction Origin of EPOCHE Greek epochē — more at epoch

epopee

noun \ˈepəˌpē\ plural -s : epic; especially : an epic poem Origin of EPOPEE French épopée, from Greek epopoiia, from epopoios writer of epics (from epos + -poios, from poiein to make) + -ia -y — more at poet First Known Use: 1697

epitaph

noun \ˈepəˌta|f, -taa(ə)|, -tȧ|\ plural epitaphs \|fs sometimes |vz\ 1 : an inscription on or at a tomb or a grave in memory or commendation of the one buried there 2 : something felt to resemble an epitaph: such as a : a brief statement (such as a phrase or sentence) commemorating or epitomizing a deceased person or something past <a book of epitaphs on the death of the knight> <an extemporal epitaph on the death of the deer — Shakespeare> <all over but the recounts: that was the somewhat sardonic American epitaph on the mid-term congressional election — Christopher Serpell> b : something that commemorates or serves as a final judgment <the abstract style has not replaced representative art; the show ... must serve more as an epitaph than accolade — Lincoln Kirstein> Origin of EPITAPH Middle English epitaphe, epitaphie, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French epitaphe, from Medieval Latin epitaphium, from Latin, funeral oration, from Greek epitaphion, from neuter of epitaphios being at a tomb or funeral, from epi- + -taphios (from taphos tomb, funeral); akin to Greek thaptein to inter, bury, Armenian damban grave First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1)

epicure

noun \ˈepə̇ˌkyu̇(ə)r, -pēˌk-, -u̇ə\ plural -s 1 usually capitalized, obsolete : epicurean; specifically : one that disbelieves in any concern of deity with man <were I an epicure I could bate swearing — George Herbert> 2 archaic : one devoted to sensual pleasure (such as eating) : sybarite <an epicure is for his wine or women or feasts continually — Thomas Traherne> 3 : one with sensitive and discriminating tastes (as in food, wine, music) : connoisseur <an epicure in many of the delights of the senses — H. S. Canby> Origin of EPICURE after Epicurus (from Latin, from Greek Epikouros) †270 b.c. Greek philosopher First Known Use: 1545 (sense 1)

errand

noun \ˈerənd\ plural -s 1 archaic : an oral message entrusted to a person <tell your king from me this errand — Richard Stanyhurst> 2 : a trip made in order to deliver a message or purchase or attend to something <gone to the shopping center on an errand> <run an errand for his employer> 3 a archaic : mission, embassy b : the object or purpose of a short trip <do several errands of my own in town> c : a service, favor, or piece of business undertaken for another <running errands for his mother> Origin of ERRAND Middle English erend message, business, from Old English ǣrend; akin to Old English ār messenger, Old Saxon ēr messenger, Old High German ārunti message, Old Norse eyrendi, erendi, örendi message, ārr messenger, Gothic airus First Known Use: before 12th century (sense 1)

errancy

noun \ˈerənsē, -si sometimes ˈər‧ə- or ˈarə- or ˈə̄rə-\ plural -es : a state, practice, or instance of erring <denies the errancy of scripture> <the boy's errancy consisted of pranks> <his first errancy from the straight and narrow path — S. H. Adams> First Known Use of ERRANCY 1621

escalator

noun \ˈeskəˌlātə(r), -ātə-, ÷-kyə-\ plural -s 1 : moving staircase 2 : a course, means, or agency that carries upward or downward especially through a series of stages and usually effortlessly <promised them a place on a never-stopping escalator of economic progress — D. W. Brogan> <rode the escalator right behind him—first to the governorship of his native Veracruz, then to the Ministry of Interior — Time> <man had at last found an escalator to heaven ... had put his foot on the first tread, and time would take care of the rest — Social Welfare Forum> 3 : an escalator clause or provision <many American workers won wage advances, cost-of-living wage escalators, various fringe benefits, and strengthening of union security through collective bargaining — Americana Annual> <enough to tilt the index into a new high bracket and give a million auto-industry workers a cent-an-hour pay increase under the terms of their escalator — J. A. Loftus> Origin of ESCALATOR from Escalator, a trademark First Known Use: 1900 (sense 1)

ephapse

noun \ˈeˌfaps\ plural -s : a point of contact between neurons; especially : the lateral contact between parallel fibers in a nerve or fiber tract — eph·ap·tic \(ˈ)e¦faptik\ adjective Origin of EPHAPSE Greek ephapsis act of touching, knot, from epi- + apsis loop, wheel — more at apse

escrow

noun \ˈeˌskrō, ə̇ˈs-, eˈs-\ plural -s 1 : a deed or bond, money, or a piece of property delivered into the keeping of a third party by one party to a contract or sometimes taken from one party to a contract and put in trust to be returned only upon the performance or fulfillment of some condition of the contract or to insure such performance or fulfillment by some other disposition 2 : a fund or deposit serving as or designed to serve as an escrow <expenses in connection with an escrow established to ensure the payment of the property tax on the house> <the proposed escrow of funds to ensure completion is acceptable — Veterans Administration Technical Bulletin> — in escrow adverb (or adjective) : in trust as an escrow <cash funds will be placed in escrow with the trustee to pay interest on and principal of the notes — U.S. Investor> <have over 00 in escrow to pay taxes> Origin of ESCROW Middle French escroe, escroue bit, scroll, strip of parchment — more at scroll First Known Use: 1594 (sense 1)

eustacy

noun \ˈyüstəsē\ plural -es : worldwide change of sea level as contrasted with local diastrophic uplift or subsidence of the land Origin of EUSTACY International Scientific Vocabulary eu- + -stacy (irregular from Greek stasis condition of standing still) — more at stasis

emu

noun \ˈē(ˌ)myü sometimes -mü\ plural -s 1 : a large Australian ratite bird (Dromiceius novae-hollandiae) now almost wholly restricted to northern and western Australia and being the largest existing bird next to the closely related ostrich, inhabiting open forests and plains, and having rudimentary wings and plumage of slender drooping feathers with greatly developed aftershafts and a head and neck feathered and without wattles 2 : any of various tall flightless birds (as the rhea and cassowary) Illustration of EMU Origin of EMU modification of Portuguese ema First Known Use: 1656 (sense 1)

eaglet

noun \ˈēglə̇t\ plural -s : a young eagle Origin of EAGLET Middle French aiglet, from aigle eagle + -et First Known Use: 1572

eagle

noun \ˈēgəl\ plural -s 1 : any of various large diurnal birds of prey (family Accipitridae) noted for their strength, size, graceful figure, keenness of vision, and powers of flight — see aquila, bald eagle, golden eagle, harpy eagle, imperial eagle, sea eagle —bill illustration 2 : any of various figures or representations of an eagle especially when used as an emblem or symbol: such as a : the standard of the ancient Romans b : the seal or standard of any nation (such as the U.S. or France under the Bonapartes) having an eagle as emblem c or eagle lectern : a lectern whose brass or wooden book support is shaped like an eagle with outspread wings d : one of a pair of silver insignia of rank worn by a colonel in the army, marine corps, or air force and by a captain in the navy or coast guard e : a green conventionalized figure of an eagle that is used as the identifying symbol of the fifth suit in 5-suit packs of playing cards manufactured in the U.S. f or eaglebird : a compartment on some roulette wheels marked with an eagle and equivalent to the zero and double zero of other wheels 3 : a gold coin of the U.S. bearing an eagle on the reverse and worth 10 dollars, first issued 1795, last issued 1933 4 : clove brown 2 5 : a golf score of two strokes less than par on any hole but a par-three hole 6 Eagle [Fraternal Order of Eagles] : a member of a major fraternal order Origin of EAGLE Middle English egle, from Old French egle, aigle, from Latin aquila First Known Use: 13th century (sense 1)

ethos

noun \ˈēˌthäs sometimes ˈeˌ- or -thōs\ plural -es 1 : character, sentiment, or moral nature: a : the guiding beliefs, standards, or ideals that characterize or pervade a group, a community, a people, or an ideology : the spirit that motivates the ideas, customs, or practices of a people, an epoch, or a region <the general ethos of the people they have to govern ... determines the behavior of politicians — T. S. Eliot> <every age or epoch is inspired by what may be called its inevitable idea—the ethos of the century — Life> <our democratic ethos> <the quasi-moral American ethos of production at any cost — William Troy> <the commercial ethos ... of the 19th century — C. W. Hendel> b : the complex of fundamental values that underlies, permeates, or actuates major patterns of thought and behavior in any particular culture, society, or institution <the value system, the ethos of a group — Kurt Lewin> also : such a complex permeating a literary or scientific work or an intellectual discipline <the ethos of science> 2 a in Aristotelian philosophy (1) : the character or personality of a man especially with respect to a balance between the passions and caution (2) : an element (such as moral purpose) in dramatic character which determines what a man does in contrast to what he thinks — compare dianoia b : the disposition, fundamental outlook, moral attitude, or system of values of an individual <that fateful summer of 1940 when Churchill alone, endowed with prophetic ethos and a keen sense of the realities of war and peace, turned the tide — Atlantic> <there was a distinctly athletic ethos about her, as if ... she might have majored in physical education — J. D. Salinger> Origin of ETHOS New Latin, from Greek ēthos character, delineation of character, custom, accustomed place — more at ethical First Known Use: 1842 (sense 1)

eider

noun \ˈīdə(r)\ plural -s 1 or eider duck : any of several large northern sea ducks constituting Somateria and related genera and being distinguished by the profuse fine soft down that forms an insulating layer protecting the body from cold, that is used by the female for lining the nest, and that is eagerly sought by man resulting in near extinction of the birds in some areas 2 : eiderdown 1 Origin of EIDER Dutch, German, or Swedish, from Icelandic æthur, from Old Norse æthr; akin to Swedish dialect åd, åda eider duck First Known Use: 1743 (sense 1)

ebullition

noun \ˌebəˈlishən, ˌēb-\ plural -s 1 : the act, process, or state of boiling or bubbling up 2 : a sudden and violent outburst or display <an ebullition of chivalry, indignation, and racial solidarity — Douglas Stewart> Origin of EBULLITION Late Latin ebullition-, ebullitio, from Latin ebullitus (past participle of ebullire) + -ion-, -io -ion First Known Use: 1534 (sense 2)

exsufflation

noun \ˌeksəˈflāshən\ 1 : the action of breathing forth or blowing; especially : this action used as an exorcism in some rites of baptism 2 : forcible breathing or blowing out (as in clearing the respiratory tract) : forcible expiration Origin of EXSUFFLATION Late Latin exsufflation-, exsufflatio, from exsufflatus (past participle of exsufflare to blow away, from Latin ex- 1ex- + sufflare to inflate, blow upon) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion — more at sufflate

exaration

noun \ˌeksəˈrāshən\ plural -s : an act of writing or a product of writing (such as a composition or inscription) Origin of EXARATION Late Latin exaration-, exaratio, from Latin exaratus + -ion-, -io -ion

exhortation

noun \ˌekˌsȯ(r)ˈtāshən, ˌegˌzȯ(r)-, ˌeksə(r)-, ˌeks|ˌhȯ(r)-\ plural -s 1 : an act or instance of exhorting : sermon <exhortations to young men to continue their education> 2 : language intended to incite and encourage : advice, counsel; specifically : a liturgical formulary of this nature Origin of EXHORTATION Middle English exhortacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French exhortation, from Latin exhortation-, exhortatio, from exhortatus (past participle of exhortari) + -ion-, -io -ion First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1)

eviternity

noun \ˌevəˈtərnətē\ plural -es : everlastingness

euthanasia

noun \ˌyüthəˈnāzh(ē)ə\ plural -s 1 : an easy death or means of inducing one 2 : the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (such as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy — eu·tha·na·sic \¦yüthə¦nāzik\ (audio pronunciation) adjective Origin of EUTHANASIA Greek, easy death, from eu- + -thanasia (from thanatos death) — more at thanat- First Known Use: 1646 (sense 1)

ebriosity

noun \ˌēbrēˈäsətē, -ətē, -i\ plural -es : habitual intoxication Origin of EBRIOSITY Latin ebriositat-, ebriositas, from ebriosus addicted to drink (from ebrius drunk + -osus -ose) + -itat-, -itas -ity

embroidery

noun,often attributive \-d(ə)rē, -ri\ plural -es 1 a : the art or process of forming decorative designs in plain or fancy stitches by hand or machine (as on cloth, leather, or paper) b : any such design or decoration <enlivened by embroidery on the collar and cuffs> <a neckline accented by embroidery> c : an object decorated with embroidery <made a modest living by sale of her embroideries> 2 : elaboration of decorative often fictitious detail : embellishment <the succinct statement of economic facts and principles, without embroidery — W. B. Shaw> <little time and breath to waste on long speeches, embroidery, and trivialities — Robert Moses> <a classic case of embroidery on fact — Reporter> 3 : diversified ornamentation especially by contrasts <fields in spring's embroidery are dressed — Joseph Addison> 4 : something pleasing or desirable but superficial and nonessential <most of the content of all cultures consists of embroideries which, although they possess use and function, cannot be regarded as direct responses to the basic needs of the society — Ralph Linton> <those who consider the humanities mere educational embroidery> Origin of EMBROIDERY Middle English embrouderie, from embrouderen, embroderen + -erie -ery First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1a)

embryo

noun,often attributive \ˈembrēˌō\ plural -s 1 a archaic : a human or other animal offspring at any stage of development prior to birth or hatching as a young individual fundamentally similar to the adult b : an animal organism in the early stages of growth and differentiation that are characterized by cleavage, the laying down of fundamental tissues, and the formation of primitive organs and organ systems and that in higher forms (such as mammals) merge insensibly into fetal stages but in lower forms are terminated by commencement of larval life, often with a form markedly different from that of the adult — compare fetus, zygote c : the developing human individual from the time of implantation to the end of the eighth week after conception — compare fetus, ovum 2 : the young sporophyte of a seed plant, resulting from union of the egg and one of the two sperm nuclei, sometimes consisting of only a few cells (as in orchids) but usually comprising a rudimentary plant with plumule, radicle, and cotyledons, and typically embedded in endosperm that provides nutriment for the developing plant upon germination — called also germ 3 : something as yet undeveloped and lacking final form and differentiation : a conception precedent to realization; often : the state characteristic of such a thing : a state of incipience — used especially in the phrase in embryo Origin of EMBRYO Medieval Latin embryon-, embryo, modification of Greek embryon, from (assumed) Greek embryein to swell inside, from Greek em- 2en- + bryein to swell — more at sauerkraut First Known Use: 1548 (sense 1a)

expatriate

verb \ekˈspā‧trēˌāt, usually -ˌāt+V, chiefly British -pa‧-\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s transitive verb 1 : to drive into exile : banish <this minister after having been expatriated outlived his great enemy — Isaac D'Israeli> 2 a : to withdraw (oneself) from residence in one's native country <expatriated himself for years at the Cape of Good Hope — R. W. Emerson> b : to withdraw (oneself) from allegiance to one's native country <although the father had ... expatriated himself, the son was appointed a cadet "at large" at West Point — T. M. Spaulding> intransitive verb : to leave one's native country <the population again died out or expatriated — George Grote> specifically : to renounce allegiance to one's native country Origin of EXPATRIATE Medieval Latin expatriatus, past participle of expatriare to leave one's native country, from Latin ex- 1ex- + Late Latin -patriare (from Latin patria native country, from feminine of patrius of a father, paternal, from patr-, pater father) — more at father First Known Use: 1768 (transitive sense 1)

extract

transitive verb \ikˈstrakt, ekˈs-, in sense 3a usually & in other senses sometimes ˈekˌs-\ extracted; extracted or obsolete extract; extracting; extracts 1 a : to draw forth <extracting a letter from his pocket> especially : to pull out (as something embedded or otherwise firmly fixed) forcibly or with great effort <extracting a tooth> <extracting the bullet from the wound> <extracting the stump of a tree> b : to obtain (as money or knowledge of a secret) by much maneuvering and effort from or as if from someone unwilling <before you try to extract money from anyone — Edith Sitwell> <extracting a promise> <extracting information> <extracting the truth> c : to derive (as pleasure) or deduce (as the meaning of a word) from a specified source as if by drawing forth <extracting happiness from what many would consider a humdrum existence> <extracting a strange meaning from what she had said> d : to separate or otherwise obtain (as constituent elements or juices) from a substance by treating with a solvent (such as alcohol), distilling, evaporating, subjecting to pressure or centrifugal force, or by some other chemical or mechanical process <extracting an essence> <extracting the juice of apples> <extracted honey> —compare leach 1b e : to treat with a solvent so as to remove soluble substances <adrenal cortex is extracted with acetone> —compare leach 1a f : to separate (an ore or mineral) from a deposit; also : to separate (a metal) from an ore g : to separate (flour) from broken grain kernels in the process of grinding grain h : to separate (a particular genetic character) in the form of a homozygote from a heterozygous strain <extracted albinos> <extracted dominants and recessives> 2 : to determine (the root of a number or quantity) by mathematical calculation <extracting the square root of 64> 3 a : to make out an extract (see 2extract 1b) of b : to select (excerpts) and copy out or cite <I have extracted out of that pamphlet a few notorious falsehoods — Jonathan Swift> 4 : to subject to any action or process of extracting Origin of EXTRACT Middle English extracten, from Latin extractus, past participle of extrahere, from ex- 1ex- + trahere to draw, pull — more at draw First Known Use: 15th century (sense 1a)

enhance

transitive verb \ə̇nˈhan(t)s, en-, -haa(ə)n-, -hain-, -hȧn-\ en·hanced; en·hanc·ing; en·hanc·es 1 : advance, augment, elevate, heighten, increase <These two gentlemen were unusually cheerful just now; for the affair was pretty certain to make some noise, and could scarcely fail to enhance their reputations. — Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby, 1839> <The spot was charming, and Lily was not insensible to the charm, or to the fact that her presence enhanced it. — Edith Wharton, The House of Mirth, 1905> < ... it was all meant to enhance the health, convenience and pleasure of the inhabitants. — Ada Louise Buxtable, The New York Times Magazine, 26 Jan. 1975> < ... a deception whose longevity is enhanced by government statistics that are close to an Orwellian version of the truth. — Jonathan Tasini, The Village Voice (New York), 22 Oct. 1991> < ... how can we enhance our own security and prosperity if much of the world remains turbulent and oppressed? — Alan Tonelson, The Atlantic, February 1993> 2 a : to increase the worth or value of <an estate enhanced by careful management> b : ornament, beautify <proposed to enhance the paneling with gilt medallions> 3 obsolete a : raise, lift b : to exalt especially in rank or spirit; also : extol Origin of ENHANCE Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhauncer, alteration of Old French enhaucier, from en- 1en- + haucier to raise, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin altiare, from altus high — more at old First Known Use: 13th century (sense 3)

entitle

transitive verb \ə̇n‧ˈtītəl, en‧-, -ītəl\ entitled; entitled; entitling \-ītəliŋ, -īt(ə)liŋ\; entitles 1 : to give a title to : affix a name or designation to <his discussion ... was contained in a sermon entitled Popular Government by Divine Right — S. W. Chapman> 2 : to give a right or legal title to : qualify (one) for something : furnish with proper grounds for seeking or claiming something <his age entitles him to a pension> <you are entitled to your opinion> <the work entitles him to a place among the great novelists> 3 obsolete a : to regard or represent as holding title, right, or responsibility b : assign, impute, ascribe Origin of ENTITLE Middle English entitlen, entitulen, from Middle French entitler, entituler, from Late Latin intitulare, from Latin in- 2in- + titulus title First Known Use: 14th century (sense 1)

efface

transitive verb \ə̇ˈfās, eˈ-, ēˈ-\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s 1 a : to eliminate clear evidence of (something written, painted, or otherwise marked upon a surface) by abrasive or leveling action <the "murals" have long since been effaced by rock slides and the weathering of the cliff's wall — American Guide Series: Pennsylvania> b : to cause to disappear : eliminate completely : wipe out : destroy, eradicate <his year ... of peace had effaced all the ill effects of his previous suffering — Samuel Butler †1902> <fire suppression ... and a comprehensive program of reforestation have effaced the worst of the scars — American Guide Series: Michigan> 2 : to remove from cognizance, consideration, or memory <he had left a mark on the affairs of the church which would not easily be effaced — R. W. Southern> also : to make insignificant : overshadow <the bloodthirsty aspect of the tyrant is becoming effaced — Norman Douglas> 3 : to withdraw (oneself) entirely from attention : make (oneself) inconspicuous and modestly or shyly unnoticeable <the wife of a man who had done anything disgraceful in business had only one idea: to efface herself, to disappear with him — Edith Wharton> Origin of EFFACE Middle French effacer, from ef- (from Latin, from ex-) + face — more at face First Known Use: 15th century (sense 1a)

enumerate

transitive verb \ə̇ˈn(y)üməˌrāt, ēˈ-, usually -āt+V\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s 1 : to ascertain the number of : count <more gulls than I could enumerate — E. A. Weeks> <the census ... enumerated 247,450 persons of Hungarian birth — L. M. Sears> <the bank enumerated 57 overseas offices in addition to 71 New York branches — Investor's Reader> specifically : to make a census of the population of <the population in 1820 when Mississippi was first enumerated as a state — U.S. Census> 2 : to relate one after another : list, specify <it is not necessary to enumerate all the bitter and factious disputes which marked this unhappy quarter century — B. K. Sandwell> <enumerated the advantages of his new position> <enumerated the necessary qualities of a good general — Eric Linklater> <the enumerated and implied powers of Congress> <the circumstances may be roughly enumerated as follows — G. G. Coulton> Origin of ENUMERATE Latin enumeratus, past participle of enumerare, from e- + numerare to count, from numerus number — more at nimble First Known Use: 1616 (sense 1)

evaluate

v / DSvalyETwCt / L > F > E examine and judge concerning the worth, quality, significance, amount, degree, or condition of. The company sent Chris to evaluate the project's potential for profit.

eviscerate

v / DSvisETrCt / L take out the entrails of : disembowel, gut. The chef showed his apprentice how to eviscerate a fish.

embellish

v / DmSbelish / F > E enhance, amplify, or garnish (an account) by elaboration with inessential but decorative or fanciful details. Ivan likes to embellish his stories a little differently each time he tells them.

emblazon

v / DmSblCzFn / Lcf > Ecf + F > E set off conspicuously (as by rich or brilliant decorations). Andrea asked the seamstress to emblazon the sweater with embroidered flowers.

exhibit

verb \igˈzibə̇t, eg-, usually -bə̇t+V\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s transitive verb 1 : to present to view : show, display: such as a : to show (as a feeling) or display (as a quality) outwardly especially by visible signs or actions <exhibited no fear> <exhibited a mastery of the keyboard> b : to have as a readily discernible quality or feature <buildings exhibiting the stark functionalism of a toy village — J. P. Marquand> <in all cultures we know, men exhibit an aesthetic sense — H. J. Muller> c : to represent or make clear by a drawing, plan, or other visual method especially so as to show detail or spatial relations : picture <orbit is to be diagrammatically exhibited by a series of dots — A. N. Whitehead> d : to show publicly : put on display in order to attract notice to what is interesting or instructive or for purposes of competition or demonstration <exhibit goods in a store> <exhibit a painting> : show off <proudly exhibited a fine buck he had shot> 2 : to submit (as a document) to a court or officer in course of proceedings; also : to present or offer officially or in legal form : bring <exhibit a charge> : file of record 3 a obsolete : to offer (as a sacrifice) or present (as a grant) b : to administer as a remedy c obsolete : administer <exhibit an oath> 4 : to make clear to the understanding : explain <article ... in which he exhibits this distrust as narrow-minded in its origin — B. N. Cardozo> intransitive verb : to display something for public inspection : put on an exhibition <he first exhibited in the salon at the age of 14 — American Guide Series: Connecticut> Origin of EXHIBIT Middle English exhibiten, from Latin exhibitus, past participle of exhibēre to present, show, from ex- 1ex- + -hibēre (from habēre to have, hold) — more at habit First Known Use: 15th century (transitive sense 2)

entertain

verb \¦entə(r)¦tān\ entertained; entertaining; entertains transitive verb 1 a archaic : to keep up : cause (something, such as a custom) to be maintained <entertain a friendly correspondence with his brother> <wished to entertain peace with all his neighbors> b obsolete : to treat in a specified manner c obsolete : to give reception to (a person) : receive d obsolete : to enter upon : take upon oneself : engage in 2 : to show hospitality to : provide for the needs of (a guest) <entertain your in-laws over the weekend> <entertain a friend at lunch> — often used with to in England <entertained to dinner by the entire Bench and Bar — E. M. Lustgarten> 3 a obsolete : to maintain or support in one's service <you, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred — Shakespeare> b archaic : hire, engage c obsolete : to meet in battle 4 a : to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind with favor : keep in the mind : harbor, cherish <entertains the friendliest sentiments toward him> <entertain hopes of a peaceful settlement> <entertains no grievance against her> b (1) : to receive and take into consideration (as an idea or proposal) <if it had not been for that woman you would never have entertained this teaching scheme at all — Thomas Hardy> <the chairman will entertain nominations> <refused to entertain her plea> (2) : treat, consider <entertain a subject> <I am not here going to entertain so large a theme as the philosophy of Locke — Thomas De Quincey> 5 : to cause the time to pass pleasantly for (someone) : amuse, divert <fortunately he was able to entertain his nurses as well as provoke them — Virginia D. Dawson & Betty D. Wilson> <entertained troops overseas with songs and skits> intransitive verb : to provide entertainment especially for guests <even the smallest child is accustomed to entertain without self-consciousness — Nora Waln> 6 : to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court < ... the Tigers have returned from the road to entertain the White Sox for four games the next three days. — Tom Gage, The Detroit News, 3 Aug. 2010> Origin of ENTERTAIN Middle English entertinen, from Middle French entretenir, from entre- inter- + tenir to hold, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin tenire, alteration of Latin tenēre to hold — more at thin First Known Use: 15th century (transitive sense 1a)

ensconced

verb \ə̇nzˈkän(t)s, en-, -nˈsk-\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s transitive verb 1 obsolete : to cover or shelter especially with a fort 2 : to place or hide (as oneself) securely : conceal <he ensconced himself behind the sofa to hear what went on> 3 : to establish or settle firmly, comfortably, or snugly <the statue was finally ensconced in its niche> <such foolish customs tend to ensconce themselves in the life of a people> <comfortably ensconced before the fire> intransitive verb obsolete : to take shelter especially behind a fortification Origin of ENSCONCE 1en- + sconce (noun) First Known Use: 1594 (transitive sense 1)

endow

verb \ə̇nˈdau̇, en-\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s transitive verb 1 obsolete : to furnish with a dower 2 : to furnish (as an institution) with an income <a millionaire who endowed several hospitals> 3 a : to provide or equip gratuitously — usually used with with <nature endowed him with good eyesight> b : enrich, heighten, enhance — usually used with with <Shakespeare took these words ... and endowed them with new significance — C. S. Kilby> c : to consider usually favorably as the possessor of a quality : credit 5a — usually used with with <during the 19th century the ether was endowed with some very remarkable properties — W. V. Houston> intransitive verb of an insurance policy : to mature or become payable Origin of ENDOW Middle English endowen, from Anglo-French endouer, from Middle French en- 1en- + douer to endow, from Latin dotare, from dot-, dos gift, dower — more at dower First Known Use: 14th century (transitive sense 2)

eschew

verb \ə̇s(h)ˈchü, es(-\ inflected form(s): -ed/-ing/-s transitive verb 1 : to abstain from (as something wrong, inappropriate, distasteful, or harmful) : shun <trained to eschew private passions and pursuits — E. A. Mowrer> <some of the millionaires eschewed palatial magnificence — F. L. Allen> <despite the engagement to eschew violence, disorders and bloodshed took place — Collier's Year Book> <the normal vegetarian only eschews fish, flesh, and fowl — N. C. Wright> 2 obsolete : to keep free of : escape intransitive verb obsolete : escape Origin of ESCHEW Middle English eschewen, eschuen, from Middle French eschiuver, eschiver to shun, avoid, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sciuhen to frighten off, make timid — more at shy First Known Use: 14th century (transitive sense 1)

eavesdrop

verb \ˈēvzˌdräp sometimes -vˌd-\ intransitive verb : to listen secretly to what is said in private — usually used with on <eavesdropping on the senate conference> <he hid under the table and eavesdropped on his sister and her sweetheart> transitive verb 1 archaic : to learn or overhear by eavesdropping 2 : to eavesdrop on (as a conversation) <I've just eavesdropped two demographers or geopoliticians — Christopher Morley> Origin of EAVESDROP probably back-formation from eavesdropper First Known Use: 1606 (intransitive sense)