Words

coxcomb

/ˈkäksˌkōm/ I. noun 1. ‹dated› a vain and conceited man; a dandy. 2. variant spelling of cockscomb

lintel

/ˈlin(t)l/ I. noun a horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete, or steel across the top of a door or window.

lurid

/ˈlo͝orəd/ I. adjective 1. very vivid in color, especially so as to create an unpleasantly harsh or unnatural effect • lurid food colorings • a pair of lurid shorts. 2. (of a description) presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms, especially giving explicit details of crimes or sexual matters • the more lurid details of the massacre were too frightening for the children.

lucre

/ˈlo͞okər/ I. noun money, especially when regarded as sordid or distasteful or gained in a dishonorable way • officials getting their hands grubby with filthy lucre. - origin late Middle English: from French lucre or Latin lucrum; the phrase filthy lucre is with biblical allusion to Tit. 1:11.

luminary

/ˈlo͞oməˌnerē/ I. noun 1. a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere • one of the luminaries of child psychiatry. 2. an artificial light. 3. ‹literary› a natural light-giving body, especially the sun or moon.

larder

/ˈlärdər/ I. noun a room or large cupboard for storing food. - origin Middle English (denoting a store of meat): from Old French lardier, from medieval Latin lardarium, from laridum (see lard).

larval

/ˈlärvl/ adjective 1. relating to or denoting the active immature form of an insect • the larval stage of a fly. 2. relating to or denoting an immature form of other animals that undergo some form of metamorphosis.

loggia

/ˈlōj(ē)ə ˈlôj(ē)ə/ I. noun 1. a gallery or room with one or more open sides, especially one that forms part of a house and has one side open to the garden. 2. an open-sided extension to a house. - origin mid 18th cent.: from Italian, 'lodge.'

malefactor

/ˈmaləˌfaktər/ I. noun ‹formal› a person who commits a crime or some other wrong. II. derivatives malefaction /ˌmaləˈfakSH(ə)n / noun - origin late Middle English: from Latin, from malefact-'done wrong,' from the verb malefacere, from male 'ill' + facere 'do.'

bedight

/bəˈdīt/ I. adjective ‹archaic› adorned • a Christmas pudding bedight with holly.

benighted

/bəˈnīdəd/ I. adjective 1. in a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance, typically owing to a lack of opportunity • they saw themselves as bringers of culture to poor benighted peoples. 2. overtaken by darkness • a storm developed and we were forced to wait benighted near the summit. II. derivatives benightedness noun - origin late 16th cent. (sense 2): past participle of archaic benight 'cover in the darkness of night, obscure' (see be-, night).

bespoke

/bəˈspōk/ I. past of bespeak. II. adjective — [attrib.] 1. (chiefly Brit.) (of goods, especially clothing) made to order • a bespoke suit. 2. (chiefly Brit.) (of a trader) creating made-to-order goods • bespoke tailors.

Myrmidon

/ˈmərməˌdän, -mədən/ I. noun 1. a member of a warlike Thessalian people led by Achilles at the siege of Troy. 2. (usu. myrmidon) —a hired ruffian or unscrupulous subordinate • he and his myrmidons were ensconced in a bunker.

nugatory

/ˈn(y)o͞oɡəˌtôrē/ I. adjective 1. of no value or importance • a nugatory and pointless observation. 2. useless; futile • the teacher shortages will render nugatory the hopes of implementing the new curriculum. - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin nugatorius, from nugari 'to trifle,' from nugae 'jests.'

nifty

/ˈniftē/ I. adjective 1. ‹informal› particularly good, skillful, or effective • nifty footwork. 2. ‹informal› fashionable; stylish • a nifty black shirt. II. derivatives 1. niftily /ˈniftəlē / adverb 2. niftiness /ˈniftēnəs / noun - origin mid 19th cent.: of unknown origin.

deportment

/dəˈpôrtmənt/ I. noun (chiefly N. Amer.) a person's behavior or manners • there are team rules governing deportment on and off the field.

discursive

/dəˈskərsiv/ I. adjective 1. digressing from subject to subject • students often write dull, secondhand, discursive prose. 2. (of a style of speech or writing) fluent and expansive rather than formulaic or abbreviated • the short story is concentrated, whereas the novel is discursive. 3. of or relating to discourse or modes of discourse • the attempt to transform utterances from one discursive context to another. 4. [Philosophy] ‹archaic› proceeding by argument or reasoning rather than by intuition.

detritus

/dəˈtrīdəs/ I. noun 1. waste or debris of any kind • streets filled with rubble and detritus. 2. gravel, sand, silt, or other material produced by erosion. 3. organic matter produced by the decomposition of organisms. II. derivatives detrital /dəˈtrīdl / adjective - origin late 18th cent. (in the sense 'detrition'): from French détritus, from Latin detritus, from deterere 'wear away.'

nacre

/ˈnākər/ I. noun mother-of-pearl. II. derivatives nacreous /ˈnākrēəs / adjective - origin late 16th cent.: French, from late Latin nacchara, nacara, perhaps from Arabic.

nascent

/ˈnāsənt ˈnasənt/ I. adjective 1. (especially of a process or organization) just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential • the nascent space industry. 2. [Chemistry] (chiefly of hydrogen) freshly generated in a reactive form. II. derivatives 1. nascence noun 2. nascency noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin nascent-'being born,' from the verb nasci.

oompah

/ˈo͞omˌpä ˈo͝omˌpä / ‹informal› oompah-pah I. noun used to refer to the rhythmical sound of deep-toned brass instruments in a band.

pampas

/ˈpampəs ˈpampəz/ I. noun—[treated as sing. or pl.] 1. extensive, treeless plains in South America.- origin early 18th cent.: via Spanish from Quechua pampa 'plain.'

pantheon

/ˈpanTHēˌän ˈpanTHēən/ I. noun 1. all the gods of a people or religion collectively • the deities of the Hindu and Shinto pantheons. 2. (also Pantheon) — (especially in ancient Greece and Rome) a temple dedicated to all the gods. 3. a building in which the illustrious dead of a nation are buried or honored. 4. a group of particularly respected, famous, or important people • the pantheon of the all-time greats.

frisson

/frēˈsôn/ I. noun a sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear; a thrill • a frisson of excitement. - origin late 18th cent.: French, literally 'a shiver or thrill.'

coke

/kōk/ I. noun 1. a solid fuel made by heating coal in the absence of air so that the volatile components are driven off. 2. carbon residue left after the incomplete combustion of gasoline or other fuels. II. verb — [with obj.] (usu. as noun coking) 1. convert (coal) into coke. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'charcoal'): of unknown origin. The current sense dates from the mid 17th cent.

coterminous

/kōˈtərmənəs/ I. adjective having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning • the southern frontier was coterminous with the French Congo colony. II. derivatives coterminously adverb- origin late 18th cent.: alteration of conterminous.

coati

/kōˈädē/ I. noun a raccoonlike animal found mainly in Central and South America, with a long, flexible snout and a ringed tail. Also called coatimundi. [Genera Nasua and Nasuella, family Procyonidae: three or four species, in particular Nasua nasua, whose range reaches the southern US.] - origin early 17th cent.: from Spanish and Portuguese, from Tupi kua'ti, from cua 'belt' + tim 'nose.'

cuffl

/kəf/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. strike (someone) with an open hand, especially on the head • he cuffed him playfully on the ear. II. noun —[usu. in sing.] 1. a blow given with an open hand.

concomitant

/kənˈkämədənt / ‹formal› I. adjective naturally accompanying or associated • she loved travel, with all its concomitant worries • concomitant with his obsession with dirt was a desire for order. II. noun a phenomenon that naturally accompanies or follows something • some of us look on pain and illness as concomitants of the stresses of living. III. derivatives concomitantly adverb

conciliator

/kənˈsilēˌādər/ noun a person who acts as a mediator between two disputing people or groups • he was seen as a conciliator, who would heal divisions in the party.

kerf

/kərf/ I. noun 1. a slit made by cutting, especially with a saw. 2. the cut end of a felled tree.

khedive

/kəˈdēv/ I. noun the title of the viceroy of Egypt under Turkish rule (1867-1914). II. derivatives 1. khedival /-ˈdēvəl / adjective 2. khedivial /-ˈdēvēəl / adjective - origin via French from Ottoman Turkish ḵediv, from Persian ḵadiw 'prince' (variant of ḵudaiw 'minor god,' from ḵudā 'god').

cachexia

/kəˈkeksēə/ I. noun [Medicine] weakness and wasting of the body due to severe chronic illness. - origin mid 16th cent.: via late Latin from Greek kakhexia, from kakos 'bad' + hexis 'habit.'

collage

/kəˈläZH/ I. noun 1. a piece of art made by sticking various different materials such as photographs and pieces of paper or fabric onto a backing. 2. the art of making collages. 3. a combination or collection of various things. II. derivatives collagist /-läZHist / noun - origin early 20th cent.: from French, literally 'gluing.'

louche

/lo͞oSH/ I. adjective disreputable or sordid in a rakish or appealing way • the louche world of the theater. II. derivatives loucheness noun - origin early 19th cent.: from French, literally 'squinting.'

lope

/lōp/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. run or move with a long bounding stride • the dog was loping along by his side • (as adj. loping) a loping stride. II. noun — [in sing.] 1. a long bounding stride • they set off at a fast lope.

libidinous

/ləˈbidənəs/ I. adjective showing excessive sexual drive; lustful.

Levant

/ləˈvant ləˈvänt / ‹archaic› I. the eastern part of the Mediterranean with its islands and neighboring countries. - origin late 15th cent.: from French, literally 'rising,' present participle of lever 'to lift' used as a noun in the sense 'point of sunrise, east.'

Moor

/mo͝or/ I. noun a member of a northwestern African

muse

/myo͞oz/ I. noun 1. (Muse) —(in Greek and Roman mythology) each of nine goddesses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who preside over the arts and sciences. 2. a woman, or a force personified as a woman, who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist.

munificent

/myo͞oˈnifəsənt/ I. adjective 1. (of a gift or sum of money) larger or more generous than is usual or necessary • a munificent gesture. 2. (of a person) very generous.

mycosis

/mīˈkōsəs/ I. noun a disease caused by infection with a fungus, such as ringworm or thrush. II. derivatives mycotic /mīˈkädik / adjective

mirth

/mərTH/ I. noun amusement, especially as expressed in laughter • his six-foot frame shook with mirth. - origin Old English myrgth, of Germanic origin; related to merry.

outre

/o͞oˈtrā/ I. adjective unusual and startling • in 1975 the suggestion was considered outré—today it is orthodox. - origin French, literally 'exceeded,' past participle of outrer (see outrage).

plait

/plāt plat/ I. noun 1. a single length of hair or other flexible material made up of three or more interlaced strands; a braid. 2. archaic term for pleat.

prig

/priɡ/ I. noun a self-righteously moralistic person who behaves as if superior to others.

priapic

/prīˈapik/ I. adjective 1. of, relating to, or resembling a phallus • priapic carvings. 2. of or relating to male sexuality and sexual activity • priapic cartoons. 3. [Medicine] (of a male) having a persistently erect penis. - origin late 18th cent.: from Priapos (see priapism) + -ic.

prevaricate

/prəˈverəˌkāt/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. speak or act in an evasive way • he seemed to prevaricate when journalists asked pointed questions.

pudendum

/pyo͞oˈdendəm/ I. noun — (often pudenda) 1. a person's external genitals, especially a woman's. II. derivatives 1. pudendal /-ˈdendəl / adjective 2. pudic /ˈpyo͞odik / adjective - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin pudenda (membra) '(parts) to be ashamed of,' neuter plural of the gerundive of pudere 'be ashamed.'

perfidious

/pərˈfidēəs/ I. adjective ‹literary› deceitful and untrustworthy • a perfidious lover.

polemic

/pəˈlemik/ I. noun 1. a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

roil

/roil/ I. verb 1. [with obj.] —make (a liquid) turbid or muddy by disturbing the sediment • winds roil these waters. 2. [no obj.] —(of a liquid) move in a turbulent, swirling manner • the sea roiled below her • ‹figurative› a kind of fear roiled in her. 3. (US) another term for rile (sense 1).

refractory

/rəˈfrakt(ə)rē/ I. adjective 1. ‹formal› stubborn or unmanageable • his refractory pony. 2. ‹formal› resistant to a process or stimulus • some granules are refractory to secretory stimuli. 3. ‹formal› [Medicine] (of a person, illness, or diseased tissue) not yielding to treatment • healing of previously refractory ulcers. 4. ‹formal› [Medicine] ‹rare› (of a person or animal) resistant to infection. 5. ‹formal› ‹technical› (of a substance) resistant to heat; hard to melt or fuse.

rejoinder

/rəˈjoindər/ I. noun 1. a reply, especially a sharp or witty one • she would have made some cutting rejoinder but none came to mind. 2. [Law] ‹dated› a defendant's answer to the plaintiff's reply or replication. - origin late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French rejoindre

repine

/rəˈpīn/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. ‹literary› feel or express discontent; fret • you mustn't let yourself repine.

revulsion

/rəˈvəlSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. a sense of disgust and loathing • news of the attack will be met with sorrow and revulsion. 2. [Medicine] ‹chiefly historical› the drawing of disease or blood congestion from one part of the body to another, e.g., by counterirritation.

reductio ad absurdum

/rəˌdəktēō ad abˈsɜrdəm/ I. noun [Philosophy] a method of proving the falsity of a premise by showing that its logical consequence is absurd or contradictory. - origin Latin, literally 'reduction to the absurd.'

sap

/sap / ‹N. Amer. informal› I. noun a bludgeon or club. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. hit with a bludgeon or club. - origin late 19th cent. (as a noun): abbreviation of sapling (from which such a club was originally made).

sere

/sir / sear I. adjective (especially of vegetation) dry or withered • small green vineyards encircled by vast sear fields. - origin Old English sēar: see sear.

scotch (verb)

/skäCH/ I. verb 1. [with obj.] —decisively put an end to • a spokesman has scotched the rumors.

sluice

/slo͞os/ I. noun 1. (also sluice gate) — a sliding gate or other device for controlling the flow of water, especially one in a lock gate. 2. (also sluiceway) — an artificial water channel for carrying off overflow or surplus water.

parricide

/ˈperəˌsīd/ I. noun 1. the killing of a parent or other near relative. 2. a person who commits parricide.

Pleiades

/ˈplēədēz/ I. [Greek Mythology] the seven daughters of the Titan Atlas and the Oceanid Pleione. They were pursued by the hunter Orion until Zeus changed them into a cluster of stars. II. [Astronomy] a well-known open cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus.

pulque

/ˈpo͝olˌkā, -kē/ I. noun a Mexican alcoholic drink made by fermenting sap from the maguey. - origin via American Spanish from Nahuatl puliúhki 'decomposed.'

proto-

/ˈprōdō / prot-I. combining form 1. original; primitive • prototherian • prototype. 2. first; anterior; relating to a precursor • protomartyr • protozoan. - origin from Greek prōtos 'first.'

protege

/ˈprōdəˌZHā ˌprōdəˈZHā / protege I. noun a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person • he was an aide and protégé of the former Tennessee senator. - origin late 18th cent.: French, literally 'protected,' past participle of protéger, from Latin protegere 'cover in front'

prodrome

/ˈprōˌdrōm/ I. noun [Medicine] an early symptom indicating the onset of a disease or illness. II. derivatives prodromic /prōˈdrämik / adjective - origin early 17th cent.: from French, from modern Latin prodromus, from Greek prodromos 'precursor,' from pro 'before' + dromos 'running.'

patzer

/ˈpätsər, ˈpat-/ I. noun a poor chess player. - origin 1940s: perhaps related to German patzen 'to bungle.'

puckish

/ˈpəkiSH/ I. adjective playful, especially in a mischievous way • a puckish sense of humor. II. derivatives 1. puckishly adverb 2. puckishness noun

rhetoric

/ˈredərik/ I. noun 1. the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques. 2. language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content

rectitude

/ˈrektəˌt(y)o͞od/ I. noun ‹formal› morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness • Maddie is a model of rectitude. - origin late Middle English (denoting straightness): from Old French, from late Latin rectitudo, from Latin rectus 'right, straight.'

censer

/ˈsensər/ I. noun a container in which incense is burned, typically during a religious ceremony. - origin Middle English: from Old French censier, from encensier, from encens (see incense1).

speechify

/ˈspēCHəˌfī/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. deliver a speech, especially in a tedious or pompous way • writers should write, not speechify • (as noun speechifying) the after-dinner speechifying begins.

stupefy

/ˈst(y)o͞opəˌfī/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. make (someone) unable to think or feel properly • the offense of administering drugs to a woman with intent to stupefy her. 2. astonish and shock • the amount they spend on clothes would appall their parents and stupefy their grandparents.

stewbum

/ˈst(y)o͞oˌbəm/ noun (US) ‹informal› an alcoholic, especially one who has become vagrant.

stentorian

/stenˈtôrēən/ adjective (of a person's voice) loud and powerful • he introduced me to the staff with a stentorian announcement.

somatic

/səˈmadik/ I. adjective 1. of or relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind. 2. [Biology] of or relating to the soma. II. derivatives somatically adverb - origin late 18th cent.: from Greek sōmatikos, from sōma 'body.'

senescence

/səˈnesəns/ I. noun 1. [Biology] the condition or process of deterioration with age. 2. [Biology] loss of a cell's power of division and growth. II. derivatives senescent /səˈnes(ə)nt / adjective

synoptic

/səˈnäptik/ I. adjective 1. of or forming a general summary or synopsis • a synoptic outline of the contents. 2. taking or involving a comprehensive mental view • a synoptic model of higher education.

sepulchral

/səˈpəlkrəl/ I. adjective 1. of or relating to a tomb or interment • sepulchral monuments. 2. gloomy; dismal • a speech delivered in sepulchral tones. II. derivatives sepulchrally adverb - origin early 17th cent.: from French sépulchral or Latin sepulchralis, from sepulcrum (see sepulcher).

cerulean

/səˈro͞olēən/ I. adjective ‹literary› deep blue in color like a clear sky • cerulean waters and golden sands. II. noun a deep sky-blue color. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin caeruleus 'sky blue,' from caelum 'sky.'

steaming

/ˈstēmiNG/ I. adjective 1. giving off steam • a basin of steaming water. 2. ‹informal› very angry. 3. (Brit.) ‹informal› extremely drunk.

stevedore

/ˈstēvəˌdôr/ I. noun a person employed, or a contractor engaged, at a dock to load and unload cargo from ships. - origin late 18th cent.: from Spanish estivador, from estivar 'stow a cargo,' from Latin stipare 'pack tight.'

stevedore

/ˈstēvəˌdôr/ I. noun a person employed, or a contractor engaged, at a dock to load and unload cargo from ships.- origin late 18th cent.: from Spanish estivador, from estivar 'stow a cargo,' from Latin stipare 'pack tight.'

stultify

/ˈstəltəˌfī/ I. verb—[with obj.] 1. (usu. as adj. stultifying)—cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative, especially as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine • the mentally stultifying effects of a disadvantaged home. 2. cause (someone) to appear foolish or absurd • Counsel is not expected to stultify himself in an attempt to advance his client's interests.

sophistry

/ˈsäfəstrē/ noun 1. the use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving. 2. a fallacious argument.

solipsism

/ˈsäləpˌsizəm/ I. noun the view or theory that the self is all that can be known to exist. II. derivatives 1. solipsist /ˈsōləpsəst ˈsäləpsəst səˈlipsist / noun 2. solipsistic /ˌsäləpˈsistik / adjective 3. solipsistically /ˌsälipˈsistik(ə)lē / adverb - origin late 19th cent.: from Latin solus 'alone' + ipse 'self' + -ism.

cynosure

/ˈsīnəˌSHo͝o(ə)r/ I. noun —[in sing.] 1. a person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration • the Queen was the cynosure of all eyes.

sobriquet

/ˈsōbrəˌkā ˈsōbrəˌket / soubriquet I. noun a person's nickname. - origin mid 17th cent.: French, originally in the sense 'tap under the chin,' of unknown origin.

sojourn

/ˈsōjərn / ‹formal› I. noun a temporary stay • her sojourn in Rome. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. stay somewhere temporarily • she had sojourned once in Egypt. III. derivatives sojourner /ˈsōˌjərnər / noun - origin Middle English: from Old French sojourner, based on Latin sub- 'under' + late Latin diurnum 'day.'

sojourn

/ˈsōjərn / ‹formal› I. noun a temporary stay • her sojourn in Rome. II. verb —[no obj.] 1. stay somewhere temporarily • she had sojourned once in Egypt. III. derivatives sojourner /ˈsōˌjərnər / noun - origin Middle English: from Old French sojourner, based on Latin sub-'under' + late Latin diurnum 'day.'

Solent

/ˈsōlənt/ (the Solent) 1. a channel between the northwestern coast of the Isle of Wight and the mainland of southern England.

sotol

/ˈsōtōl/ I. noun 1. a North American desert plant of the agave family, with spiny-edged leaves and small white flowers. [Genus Dasylirion, family Agavaceae: several species, including smooth-leaf sotol (D. leiophyllum).] 2. an alcoholic drink made from the sap of the sotol. - origin late 19th cent.: via American Spanish from Nahuatl tzotolli.

sultry

/ˈsəltrē/ I. adjective 1. (of the air or weather) hot and humid. 2. (of a person, especially a woman) attractive in a way that suggests a passionate nature.

sundry

/ˈsəndrē/ I. adjective —[attrib.] 1. of various kinds; several • lemon rind and sundry herbs. II. plural noun —(sundries) 1. various items not important enough to be mentioned individually • a drugstore selling magazines, newspapers, and sundries. III. phrases all and sundry see all. - origin Old English syndrig 'distinct, separate'; related to sunder.

supplicate

/ˈsəpləˌkāt/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly [with infinitive] • the plutocracy supplicated to be made peers. II. derivatives 1. supplicant /ˈsəplək(ə)nt / adjective, noun 2. supplicatory /ˈsəpləkəˌtôrē / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Latin supplicat- 'implored,' from the verb supplicare, from sub- 'from below' + placere 'propitiate.'

circumscribe

/ˈsərkəmˌskrīb/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. restrict (something) within limits • their movements were strictly monitored and circumscribed. 2. [Geometry] draw (a figure) around another, touching it at points but not cutting it. Compare with inscribe.

surly

/ˈsərlē/ I. adjective bad-tempered and unfriendly • he left with a surly expression. II. derivatives 1. surlily /ˈsərləlē / adverb 2. surliness /ˈsərlēnəs / noun - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'lordly, haughty, arrogant'): alteration of obsolete sirly (see sir, -ly1).

sutler

/ˈsətlər/ I. noun ‹historical› a person who followed an army and sold provisions to the soldiers.

tutelary

/ˈt(y)o͞odlˌerē / tutelar I. adjective 1. serving as a protector, guardian, or patron • the tutelary spirits of these regions. 2. of or relating to protection or a guardian • the state maintained a tutelary relation with the security police.

tumulus

/ˈt(y)o͞omyəˌləs/ I. noun an ancient burial mound; a barrow. - origin late Middle English: from Latin; related to tumere 'swell.'

tenterhook

/ˈten(t)ərˌho͝ok/ I. noun ‹historical› a hook used to fasten cloth on a drying frame or tenter. II. phrases on tenterhooks in a state of suspense or agitation because of uncertainty about a future event.

truculent

/ˈtrəkyələnt/ I. adjective eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant • his days of truculent defiance were over.

truckle

/ˈtrəkəl/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. submit or behave obsequiously • she despised her husband, who truckled to her. II. derivatives truckler /ˈtrək(ə)lər / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: figuratively, from truckle bed; an earlier use of the verb was in the sense sleep in a truckle bed.

tonsure

/ˈtän(t)SHər/ I. noun 1. a part of a monk's or priest's head left bare on top by shaving off the hair.

talus

/ˈtāləs/ I. noun 1. a sloping mass of rock fragments at the foot of a cliff.

teamster

/ˈtēmstər/ noun 1. (N. Amer.) a truck driver. 2. a member of the Teamsters Union, including truck drivers, chauffeurs, and warehouse workers. 3. a driver of a team of animals.

taiga

/ˈtīɡə/ I. noun — (often the taiga) 1. the sometimes swampy coniferous forest of high northern latitudes, especially that between the tundra and steppes of Siberia and North America. - origin late 19th cent.: from Russian taĭga, from Mongolian.

towhead

/ˈtōˌhed/ I. noun 1. a head of tow-colored or very blond hair. 2. a person with very blond hair. II. derivatives towheaded /ˈtōˌhedəd / adjective

vegetal

/ˈvejədl/ I. adjective 1. ‹formal› of or relating to plants • a vegetal aroma.

venerate

/ˈvenəˌrāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. regard with great respect; revere • Mother Teresa is venerated as a saint. II. derivatives venerator /ˈvenəˌrādər / noun - origin early 17th cent. (earlier (Middle English) as veneration):: from Latin venerat-'adored, revered,' from the verb venerari.

veriest

/ˈverēist/ I. adjective — [attrib.] (the veriest) 1. ‹chiefly archaic› used to emphasize the degree to which a description applies to someone or something • everyone but the veriest greenhorn knows by now. - origin early 16th cent.: superlative of very.

victual

/ˈvidl / ‹dated› I. noun —(victuals) 1. food or provisions, typically as prepared for consumption. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. provide with food or other stores • the ship wasn't even properly victualed. 2. [no obj.] —‹archaic› obtain or lay in food or other stores • a voyage of such length, that no ship could victual for. 3. [no obj.] —‹archaic› eat • victual with me next Saturday. - origin Middle English: from Old French vitaille, from late Latin victualia, neuter plural of Latin victualis, from victus 'food'; related to vivere 'to live.' The pronunciation still represents the early spelling vittel; later spelling has been influenced by the Latin form.

vigil

/ˈvijəl/ I. noun 1. a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray • my birdwatching vigils lasted for hours • as he lay in a coma the family kept vigil. 2. a stationary, peaceful demonstration in support of a particular cause, typically without speeches. 3. (in the Christian Church) the eve of a festival or holy day as an occasion of religious observance. 4. (vigils) — nocturnal devotions. - origin Middle English (sense 2): via Old French from Latin vigilia, from vigil 'awake.'

visceral

/ˈvis(ə)rəl/ I. adjective 1. of or relating to the viscera • the visceral nervous system. 2. relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect • the voters' visceral fear of change.

voluble

/ˈvälyəbəl/ I. adjective speaking or spoken incessantly and fluently • she was as voluble as her husband was silent.

vadose

/ˈvādōs/ I. adjective relating to or denoting underground water above the water table.

verdure

/ˈvərjər/ I. noun 1. lush green vegetation. 2. the fresh green color of vegetation. 3. ‹literary› a condition of freshness. II. derivatives 1. verdured adjective 2. verdurous /-jərəs / adjective - origin late Middle English: via French from Old French verd 'green,' from Latin viridis.

veritable

/ˈvərədəb(ə)l/ I. adjective —[attrib.] 1. used as an intensifier, often to qualify a metaphor • the early 1970s witnessed a veritable price explosion. II. derivatives veritably /ˈvərədəblē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from Old French, from verite 'truth' (see verity). Early senses included 'true' and 'speaking the truth,' later 'genuine, actual.'

wittol

/ˈwidl/ I. noun ‹archaic› a man who is aware and tolerant of his wife's infidelity; an acquiescent cuckold. - origin late Middle English: apparently from wit2 + the last syllable (with the loss of -d) of cuckold.

orgulous

/ˈôrɡ(y)ələs/ I. adjective ‹literary› haughty. - origin Middle English: from Old French orguillus, from orguill 'pride.' The word was rare from the 16th cent. until used by Robert Southey and Sir Walter Scott as a historical archaism and affected by 19th-cent. journalists.

augury

/ˈôɡ(y)ərē/ I. noun 1. a sign of what will happen in the future; an omen • they heard the sound as an augury of death. 2. the work of an augur; the interpretation of omens.

salutatorian

/səˌlo͞odəˈtôrēən/ noun (N. Amer.) the student who ranks second highest in a graduating class and delivers the salutatory. Compare with valedictorian.

tog

/täɡ / ‹informal› I. noun —(togs) 1. clothes • running togs. II. verb —(be/get togged up/out) 1. be or get dressed for a particular occasion or activity • we got togged up in our glad rags. - origin early 18th cent. (as a slang term for a coat or outer garment): apparently an abbreviation of obsolete criminals' slang togeman (s) 'a light cloak,' from French toge or Latin toga (see toga).

tableau vivant

/täˌblō vēˈväN, täˌblō vēˈvänt/ I. noun ‹chiefly historical› a silent and motionless group of people arranged to represent a scene or incident. - origin French, literally 'living picture.'

tejano

/təˈhänō/ I. noun 1. a Mexican-American inhabitant of southern Texas [as modifier] • the Tejano upper classes. 2. a style of folk or popular music originating among the Tejanos, with elements from Mexican-Spanish vocal traditions and Czech and German dance tunes and rhythms,

telepathy

/təˈlepəTHē/ I. noun the supposed communication of thoughts or ideas by means other than the known senses.

terpsichorean

/tɜːrpsikəˈrēːən/ I. adjective ‹formal› ‹humorous› of or relating to dancing. II. noun ‹formal› ‹humorous› a dancer. - origin early 19th cent.: from Terpsichore (used in the 18th cent. to denote a female dancer or the art of dance) + -an.

vend

/vend/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. offer (small items, especially food) for sale, especially either from a stall or from a slot machine • there was a man vending sticky cakes and ices. 2. [Law] ‹formal› sell (something). II. derivatives vendible /ˈvendəb(ə)l / vendable adjective - origin early 17th cent. (in the sense 'be sold'): from French vendre or Latin vendere 'sell,' from venum 'something for sale' + a variant of dare 'give.'

vituperative

/vīˈt(y)o͞opəˌrādiv vəˈt(y)o͞op(ə)rədiv/ adjective bitter and abusive • the criticism soon turned into a vituperative attack.

verst

/vərst/ I. noun a Russian measure of length, about 0.66 mile (1.1 km). - origin from Russian versta.

withal

/wəˈT͟Hôl wəˈTHôl / ‹archaic› I. adverb 1. in addition; as a further factor or consideration • the whole is light and portable, and ornamental withal. 2. all the same; nevertheless (used when adding something that contrasts)

ennui

/änˈwē/ I. noun a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. - origin mid 18th cent.: French, from Latin mihi in odio est 'it is hateful to me.' Compare with annoy.

auspicious

/ôˈspiSHəs/ I. adjective 1. conducive to success; favorable • it was not the most auspicious moment to hold an election. 2. giving or being a sign of future success • they said it was an auspicious moon—it was rising.

abominate

/əˈbäməˌnāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹formal› detest; loathe • they abominated the very idea of monarchy. II. derivatives abominator /-ˌnātər / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin abominat-'deprecated,' from the verb abominari, from ab-'away, from' + omen, omin-'omen.'

abase

/əˈbās/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. behave in a way so as to belittle or degrade (someone) • I watched my colleagues abasing themselves before the board of trustees.

abate

/əˈbāt/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. (of something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative) become less intense or widespread • the storm suddenly abated. 2. [with obj.] —cause to become smaller or less intense

adduce

/əˈd(y)o͞os/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. cite as evidence • a number of factors are adduced to explain the situation. II. derivatives adducible /əˈd(y)o͞osəb(ə)l / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Latin adducere, from ad-'toward' + ducere 'to lead.'

adenosine

/əˈdenəˌsēn, -sin/ I. noun [Biochemistry] a compound consisting of adenine combined with ribose, one of four nucleoside units in RNA.

ephemera

/əˈfem(ə)rə/ I. plural noun 1. things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time. 2. items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity • Mickey Mouse ephemera. - origin late 16th cent.: plural of ephemeron. Current use has been influenced by plurals such as trivia and memorabilia.

equivocate

/əˈkwivəˌkāt/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself [with direct speech] • "Not that we are aware of," she equivocated. II. derivatives 1. equivocator /əˈkwivəˌkādər / noun 2. equivocatory /-kəˌtôrē / adjective - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'use a word in more than one sense'): from late Latin aequivocat-'called by the same name,' from the verb aequivocare, from aequivocus (see equivocal).

amygdala

/əˈmiɡdələ/ I. noun [Anatomy] a roughly almond-shaped mass of gray matter inside each cerebral hemisphere, involved with the experiencing of emotions. - origin late Middle English: via Latin from Greek amugdalē 'almond.'

amino

/əˈmēnō/ I. noun — [as modifier] 1. [Chemistry] the group —NH2, present in amino acids, amides,and many amines. - origin late 19th cent.: from amine.

epistolary

/əˈpistəˌlerē/ I. adjective relating to or denoting the writing of letters or literary works in the form of letters • an epistolary novel. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French épistolaire or Latin epistolaris, from epistola (see epistle).

evince

/əˈvins/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹formal› reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling) • his letters evince the excitement he felt at undertaking this journey. 2. ‹formal› be evidence of; indicate • man's inhumanity to man as evinced in the use of torture. - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'prove by argument or evidence'):

apotheosis

/əˌpäTHēˈōsəs/ I. noun —[usu. in sing.] 1. the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax • his appearance as Hamlet was the apotheosis of his career. 2. the elevation of someone to divine status; deification. - origin late 16th cent.: via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek apotheōsis, from apotheoun 'make a god of,' from apo 'from' + theos 'god.'

grandiloquent

/ɡranˈdiləkwənt/ I. adjective pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress • a grandiloquent celebration of Spanish glory.

greave

/ɡrēv/ I. noun ‹historical› a piece of armor used to protect the shin. - origin Middle English: from Old French greve 'shin, greave,' of unknown origin.

anterograde

/ˈan(t)ərōˌɡrād/ I. adjective 1. directed forward in time. The opposite of retrograde. 2. of or denoting a type of amnesia involving inability to remember any new information. - origin late 19th cent.: from anterior, on the pattern of retrograde.

avarice

/ˈavərəs/ I. noun extreme greed for wealth or material gain. - origin Middle English: from Old French, from Latin avaritia, from avarus 'greedy.'

burin

/ˈbyo͞orən/ I. noun 1. a steel tool used for engraving in copper or wood. 2. [Archaeology] a flint tool with a chisel point. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French; perhaps related to Old High German bora 'boring tool.'

bustle

/ˈbəsəl/ I. verb—[no obj.] 1. move in an energetic or noisy manner • people clutching clipboards bustled about.

dither

/ˈdiT͟Hər/ I. verb 1. [no obj.] —be indecisive • he was dithering about the election date. 2. [with obj.] —add white noise to (a digital recording) to reduce distortion of low-amplitude signals. 3. display or print (a color image) in such a way that there appears to be more colors in it than are really available

diadem

/ˈdīəˌdem/ I. noun 1. a jeweled crown or headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty. 2. (the diadem) — ‹archaic› the authority or dignity symbolized by a diadem

execrable

/ˈeksəkrəb(ə)l/ I. adjective extremely bad or unpleasant • execrable cheap wine. II. derivatives execrably /ˈeksəkrəblē / adverb - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'expressing or involving a curse'): via Old French from Latin execrabilis, from exsecrari 'to curse' (see execrate).

epithet

/ˈepəˌTHet/ I. noun 1. an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned • old men are often unfairly awarded the epithet "dirty." 2. an epithet as a term of abuse • the woman begins to hurl racial epithets at them.

Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai /ˌrimskē ˈkôrsəˌkôf/

(1844-1908), Russian composer; full name Nikolai Andreevich Rimsky-Korsakov. He established his reputation with his orchestral suite Scheherazade (1888) and his many operas drawing on Russian and Slavic folk tales.

cut on the bias

(of a fabric or garment) cut obliquely or diagonally across the grain.

Balzac

, Honoré de /ˈbôlˌzak, ˈbal-/ I. (1799-1850), French novelist; chiefly remembered for his series of ninety-one interconnected novels and stories known collectively as La Comédie humaine.

abnegation /ˌabnəˈɡāSH(ə)n/ I

. noun 1. the act of renouncing or rejecting something • abnegation of political lawmaking power. 2. self-denial. - origin Middle English: from Latin abnegatio(n-), from the verb abnegare (see abnegate).

danseur /danˈsər/ I

. noun a male ballet dancer. - origin French, from danser 'to dance.'

pallor /ˈpalər/

. noun — [in sing.] 1. an unhealthy pale appearance. - origin late Middle English: from Latin, from pallere 'be pale.'

rigmarole /ˈriɡ(ə)məˌrōl/

. noun — [usu. in sing.] 1. a lengthy and complicated procedure • he went through the rigmarole of securing the front door. 2. a long, rambling story or statement. - origin mid 18th cent.: apparently an alteration of ragman roll, originally denoting a legal document recording a list of offenses.

arch

/ I. adjective deliberately or affectedly playful and teasing • arch observations about even the most mundane matters.

paroxysm /ˈperəkˌsizəm

/ I. noun 1. a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity • a paroxysm of weeping. 2. [Medicine] a sudden recurrence or attack of a disease; a sudden worsening of symptoms. II. derivatives paroxysmal /ˌperəkˈsizm(ə)l / adjective - origin late Middle English: from French paroxysme, via medieval Latin from Greek paroxusmos, from paroxunein 'exasperate,' from para- 'beyond' + oxunein 'sharpen' (from oxus 'sharp').

provenance /ˈprävənəns

/ I. noun 1. the place of origin or earliest known history of something • an orange rug of Iranian provenance. 2. the beginning of something's existence; something's origin • they try to understand the whole universe, its provenance and fate. 3. a record of ownership of a work of art or an antique, used as a guide to authenticity or quality • the manuscript has a distinguished provenance. - origin late 18th cent.: from French, from the verb provenir 'come or stem from,' from Latin provenire, from pro- 'forth' + venire 'come.'

knave.

// I. noun 1. ‹archaic› a dishonest or unscrupulous man. 2. ‹archaic› another term for jack1 in cards.

churl

/CHərl/ I. noun 1. an impolite and mean-spirited person. 2. ‹archaic› a miser. 3. ‹archaic› a person of low birth; a peasant. - origin Old English ceorl; related to Dutch kerel and German Kerl 'fellow,' also to carl.

thrall

/THrôl/ I. noun 1. ‹literary› the state of being in someone's power or having great power over someone • she was in thrall to her abusive husband. 2. ‹literary› ‹historical› a slave, servant, or captive.

jeunesse dorée

/ZHəˌnes dôˈrā/ I. noun — [treated as sing. or pl.] 1. young people of wealth, fashion, and flair. - origin mid 19th cent.: French, literally 'gilded youth.'

Alsatian

/alˈsāSHən/ I. noun 1. (chiefly Brit.) another term for German shepherd. 2. a native or inhabitant of Alsace. II. adjective of or relating to Alsace or its inhabitants. - origin from medieval Latin Alsatia 'Alsace' + -an.

agnostic

/aɡˈnästik/ I. noun a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God. II. adjective 1. of or relating to agnostics or agnosticism. 2. (in a nonreligious context) having a doubtful or noncommittal attitude toward something • until now I've been fairly agnostic about electoral reform. 3. [usu. in combination] —[Computing] denoting or relating to hardware or software that is compatible with many types of platforms or operating systems • many common file formats (JPEG, MP3, etc.) are platform-agnostic. III. derivatives agnosticism /aɡˈnästəˌsizəm / noun - origin mid 19th cent.: from a-1 'not' + gnostic.

balm

/bä(l)m/ I. noun 1. a fragrant ointment or preparation used to heal or soothe the skin. 2. something that has a comforting, soothing, or restorative effect • the murmur of the water can provide balm for troubled spirits. 3. a tree that yields a fragrant resinous substance, typically one used in medicine. [Species in several families, in particular those of the genus Commiphora (family Burseraceae).] 4. the resinous substance yielded by a balm. 5. (also lemon balm or sweet balm) —a bushy herb of the mint family, with leaves smelling and tasting of lemon. [Melissa officinalis, family Labiatae.] 6. used in names of other aromatic herbs of the mint family, e.g., bee balm. - origin Middle English (in the sense 'preparation for embalming, fragrant resinous substance'): from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum (see balsam).

philistine

/ˈfiləˌstēn/ I. noun a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them • I am a complete philistine when it comes to paintings. II. adjective hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts • a philistine government • there were displays to inspire even the most philistine of visitors. III. derivatives philistinism /ˈfiləst(ə)nizəm / noun - origin early 19th cent.: from Philistine, originally with reference to a confrontation between university students and townspeople in Jena, Germany, in the late 17th cent.;

figurative

/ˈfiɡyərədiv/ I. adjective 1. departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical • gold, in the figurative language of the people, was "the tears wept by the sun." 2. (of an artist or work of art) representing forms that are recognizably derived from life.

phoneme

/ˈfōnēm/ I. noun [Phonetics] any of the perceptually distinct units of sound in a specified language that distinguish one word from another, for example p, b, d, and t in the English words pad, pat, bad, and bat.

hansom

/ˈhansəm / hansom cab I. noun ‹historical› a two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage accommodating two inside, with the driver seated behind.

halting

/ˈhôltiNG/ I. adjective slow and hesitant, especially through lack of confidence; faltering • she speaks halting English with a heavy accent. II. derivatives haltingly /ˈhôltiNGlē

homograft

/ˈhōməˌɡraft, ˈhämə-/ noun a tissue graft from a donor of the same species as the recipient.

honeytrap

/ˈhənēˌtrap / honey trap noun a stratagem in which irresistible bait is used to lure a victim.

ill-starred

/ˈil ˈˌstärd/ adjective destined to fail or have many difficulties; unlucky • an ill-starred expedition.

impost

/ˈimpōst/ I. noun 1. a tax or similar compulsory payment. 2. [Horse Racing] the weight carried by a horse as a handicap.

immanent

/ˈimənənt/ I. adjective 1. existing or operating within; inherent • the protection of liberties is immanent in constitutional arrangements. 2. (of God) permanently pervading and sustaining the universe. Often contrasted with transcendent.

gerund

/ˈjerənd/ I. noun [Grammar] a form that is derived from a verb but that functions as a noun, in English ending in -ing, e.g., asking in do you mind my asking you? - origin early 16th cent.: from late Latin gerundium, from gerundum, variant of gerendum, the gerund of Latin gerere 'do.'

geomancy

/ˈjēəˌmansē/ I. noun 1. the art of placing or arranging buildings or other sites auspiciously. 2. divination from configurations seen in a handful of earth thrown on the ground, or by interpreting lines or textures on the ground.

catty

/ˈkadē/ I. adjective 1. deliberately hurtful in one's remarks; spiteful. 2. of or relating to cats; catlike. II. derivatives 1. cattily /ˈkadəlē / adverb 2. cattiness /ˈkadēnəs / noun

catafalque

/ˈkadəˌfalk/ I. noun a decorated wooden framework supporting the coffin of a distinguished person during a funeral or while lying in state. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French, from Italian catafalco, of unknown origin. Compare with scaffold.

kafir

/ˈkafər/ I. noun a person who is not a Muslim (used chiefly by Muslims). - origin from Arabic kāfir 'infidel, unbeliever.' Compare with Kaffir.

candor

/ˈkandər / ‹Brit.› candour I. noun the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness • a man of refreshing candor. - origin late Middle English (in the Latin sense): from Latin candor 'whiteness.'

crestfallen

/ˈkres(t)ˌfôlən/ I. adjective sad and disappointed • he came back empty-handed and crestfallen. - origin late 16th cent.: figuratively, from the original use referring to a mammal or bird having a fallen or drooping crest.

atavistic

/ˌadəˈvistik/ I. adjective relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral • atavistic fears and instincts. II. derivatives 1. atavism /ˈadəˌvizəm / noun 2. atavistically /-tik(ə)lē / adverb. - origin late 19th cent.: based on Latin atavus 'forefather,' via French atavisme, + -ic.

axiomatic

/ˌaksēəˈmadik/ I. adjective 1. self-evident or unquestionable • it is axiomatic that dividends have to be financed. 2. [attrib.] — [chiefly Mathematics] relating to or containing axioms. II. derivatives axiomatically /-ik(ə)lē / adverb - origin late 18th cent.: from Greek axiōmatikos, from axiōma 'what is thought fitting' (see axiom).

axiomatic

/ˌaksēəˈmadik/ I. adjective 1. self-evident or unquestionable • it is axiomatic that dividends have to be financed. 2. [attrib.] —[chiefly Mathematics] relating to or containing axioms. II. derivatives axiomatically /-ik(ə)lē / adverb - origin late 18th cent.: from Greek axiōmatikos, from axiōma 'what is thought fitting' (see axiom).

apostolic

/ˌapəˈstälik/ I. adjective 1. [Christian Church] of or relating to the Apostles • apostolic writings • a simple apostolic life. 2. [Christian Church] of or relating to the pope, especially when he is regarded as the successor to St. Peter

balalaika

/ˌbaləˈlīkə/ I. noun a guitarlike musical instrument with a triangular body and two, three, or four strings, popular in Russia and other Slavic countries. - origin late 18th cent.: from Russian, of Tatar origin.

bilirubin

/ˌbiləˈro͞obin/ I. noun [Biochemistry] an orange-yellow pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of hemoglobin and excreted in bile. - origin late 19th cent.: coined in German from Latin bilis 'bile' + ruber 'red' + -in1.

bonhomie

/ˌbänəˈmē ˈbänəmē/ I. noun cheerful friendliness; geniality • he exuded good humor and bonhomie. - origin late 18th cent.: from French, from bonhomme 'good fellow.'

borborygmus

/ˌbôrbəˈriɡməs/ I. noun ‹technical› a rumbling or gurgling noise made by the movement of fluid and gas in the intestines. II. derivatives borborygmic /-mik / adjective - origin early 18th cent.: modern Latin, from Greek borborugmos.

bete noire

/ˌbāt ˈnwär ˌbet ˈnwär/ I. noun a person or thing that one particularly dislikes • great-uncle Edward was my father's bête noire. - origin mid 19th cent.: French, literally 'black beast.'

duodenum

/ˌd(y)o͞oəˈdēnəm/ I. noun [Anatomy] the first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach, leading to the jejunum. II. derivatives duodenal /ˈˌd(y)o͞oəˈˌdēnl d(y)o͞oˈädnəl / adjective - origin late Middle English: from medieval Latin, from duodeni 'in twelves,' its length being equivalent to the breadth of approximately twelve fingers.

disputatious

/ˌdispyəˈtāSHəs/ I. adjective fond of or causing heated arguments • a congenial hangout for disputatious academics • disputatious council meetings.

disabuse

/ˌdisəˈbyo͞oz/ verb —[with obj.] 1. persuade (someone) that an idea or belief is mistaken • he quickly disabused me of my fanciful notions.

hagiography

/ˌhaɡēˈäɡrəfē ˌhāɡēˈäɡrəfē/ I. noun 1. the writing of the lives of saints. 2. ‹derogatory› adulatory writing about another person. 3. biography that idealizes its subject.

ineradicable

/ˌinəˈradəkəb(ə)l/ I. adjective unable to be destroyed or removed • ineradicable hostility. II. derivatives ineradicably /-blē / adverb

ignominious

/ˌiɡnəˈminēəs/ I. adjective deserving or causing public disgrace or shame • no other party risked ignominious defeat. II. derivatives 1. ignominiously /ˌiɡnəˈminēəslē / adverb 2. ignominiousness noun - origin late Middle English: from French ignominieux, or Latin ignominiosus, from ignominia (see ignominy).

cri de coeur

/ˌkrē də ˈkər/ I. noun a passionate appeal, complaint, or protest. - origin early 20th cent.: French, literally 'cry from the heart.'

nociceptor

/ˌnōsēˈseptər/ I. noun [Physiology] a sensory receptor for painful stimuli. - origin early 20th cent.: from Latin nocere 'to harm' + receptor.

superincumbent

/ˌso͞opərinˈkəmbənt/ adjective ‹literary› lying on something else • the crushing effect of the superincumbent masonry.

superego

/ˌso͞opərˈēɡō/ noun [Psychoanalysis] the part of a person's mind that acts as a self-critical conscience, reflecting social standards learned from parents and teachers. Compare with ego and id.

teleology

/ˌtelēˈäləjē ˌtēlēˈäːləjē/ I. noun 1. [Philosophy] the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes. 2. [Philosophy] [Theology] the doctrine of design and purpose in the material world.

tour d'horizon

/ˌto͝or dôrēˈzäN/ I. noun a broad general survey or summary of an argument or event.

tut-tut

/ˌtətˈtət / tut I. exclamation expressing disapproval or annoyance • tut-tut, Robin, you disappoint me. II. noun such an exclamation • tut-tuts of disapproval. III. verb —[no obj.] 1. make such an exclamation • Aunt Mary tut-tutted at all the goings-on. - origin natural utterance (representing a reduplicated clicking sound made by the tongue against the teeth): first recorded in English in the early 16th cent.

armamentarium

/ˌärməmənˈterēəm/ I. noun 1. the medicines, equipment, and techniques available to a medical practitioner. 2. a collection of resources available for a certain purpose • the entire armamentarium of electronic surveillance. - origin late 19th cent.: from Latin, 'arsenal, armory.'

arriviste

/ˌärēˈvēst/ I. noun an ambitious or ruthlessly self-seeking person, especially one who has recently acquired wealth or social status. - origin early 20th cent.: from French, from arriver (see arrive).

aide-memoire

/ˌādmemˈwär/ I. noun 1. an aid to the memory, especially a book or document. 2. an informal diplomatic message. - origin mid 19th cent.: from French aide-mémoire, from aider 'to help' and mémoire 'memory.'

ocotillo

/ˌōkəˈtēyō/ I. noun (chiefly US) a spiny, scarlet-flowered desert shrub of the southwestern US and Mexico, sometimes planted as a hedge.

unstinting

/ˌənˈstin(t)iNG/ I. adjective given or giving without restraint; unsparing • he was unstinting in his praise.

hector /ˈhektər/ I. verb — [with obj.]

1. talk to (someone) in a bullying way • she doesn't hector us about giving up things • (as adj. hectoring) a brusque, hectoring manner. II. derivatives hectoringly /ˈhekt(ə)riNGlē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from the Greek name Hector. Originally denoting a hero, the sense later became 'braggart or bully' (applied in the late 17th cent. to a member of a gang of youths in London, England), hence 'talk to in a bullying way.'

amid vs among

Among applies to things that can be separated and counted, amid to things that cannot. Rescuers might search among survivors but amid wreckage.

Balzac, Honoré de /ˈbôlˌzak, ˈbal-/ I. (1799-1850),

French novelist; chiefly remembered for his series of ninety-one interconnected novels and stories known collectively as La Comédie humaine.

Chevalier, Maurice /SHəˈvalˌyā, SHəvalˈyā/ (1888-1972),

French singer and actor. Notable movies: Innocents of Paris (1929), Love Me Tonight (1932), and Gigi (1958).

wan /wän/

I. adjective 1. (of a person's complexion or appearance) pale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion

adventitious /ˌadvenˈtiSHəs/

I. adjective 1. happening or carried on according to chance rather than design or inherent nature • my adventures were always adventitious, always thrust on me. 2. coming from outside; not native • the adventitious population. 3. [Biology] formed accidentally or in an unusual anatomical position • propagation of sour cherries by adventitious shoots. 4. [Botany] (of a root) growing directly from the stem or other upper part of a plant. II. derivatives adventitiously adverb - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin adventicius 'coming to us from abroad' (from advenire 'arrive') + -ous (see also -itious2).

ignominious /ˌiɡnəˈminēəs/

I. adjective deserving or causing public disgrace or shame • no other party risked ignominious defeat. II. derivatives 1. ignominiously /ˌiɡnəˈminēəslē / adverb 2. ignominiousness noun - origin late Middle English: from French ignominieux, or Latin ignominiosus, from ignominia (see ignominy).

Elysian /iˈliZH(ē)ən eˈliZH(ē)ən iˈlēZH(ē)ən ēˈliZH(ē)ən/

I. adjective of, relating to, or characteristic of heaven or paradise • Elysian visions. II. phrases the Elysian Fields another name for Elysium.

hamadryad /ˌhaməˈdrīəd/

I. noun 1. (also Hamadryad) — [Greek & Roman Mythology] a nymph who lives in a tree and dies when the tree dies. 2. another term for king cobra.

entente /änˈtänt/

I. noun 1. a friendly understanding or informal alliance between states or factions • the growing entente between former opponents. 2. a group of states in an informal alliance. 3. (the Entente Cordiale) — the understanding between Britain and France reached in 1904, forming the basis of Anglo-French cooperation in World War I. - origin mid 19th cent.: French entente (cordiale) '(friendly) understanding.'

claque /klak/

I. noun 1. a group of people hired to applaud (or heckle) a performer or public speaker. 2. a group of sycophantic followers • the president was surrounded by a claque of scheming bureaucrats. - origin mid 19th cent.: French, from claquer 'to clap.' The practice of paying members of an audience for their support originated at the Paris opera.

roustabout /ˈroustəˌbout/

I. noun 1. an unskilled or casual laborer. 2. a laborer on an oil rig. 3. (N. Amer.) a dock laborer or deckhand. 4. (N. Amer.) a circus laborer. - origin mid 19th cent.: from the verb roust.

potentate /ˈpōtnˌtāt/

I. noun a monarch or ruler, especially an autocratic one. - origin late Middle English: from Latin potentatus 'dominion,' from potent- 'being able or powerful' (see potent1).

lychgate /ˈliCHˌɡāt / lichgate

I. noun a roofed gateway to a churchyard, formerly used during burials for sheltering a coffin until the clergyman's arrival.

maquette /maˈket/

I. noun a sculptor's small preliminary model or sketch. - origin early 20th cent.: from French, from Italian machietta, diminutive of macchia 'spot.'

coterie /ˈkōdərē ˌkōdəˈrē/

I. noun a small group of people with shared interests or tastes, especially one that is exclusive of other people • a coterie of friends and advisers. - origin early 18th cent.: from French, earlier denoting an association of tenants, based on Middle Low German kote 'cote.'

felucca /fəˈlo͞okə/

I. noun a small vessel propelled by oars or lateen sails or both, used on the Nile and formerly more widely in the Mediterranean region. - origin early 17th cent.: from Italian feluc(c)a, probably from obsolete Spanish faluca, from Arabic fulk 'ship,' probably from Greek epholkion '(towed) boat.'

williwaw /ˈwilēˌwô/

I. noun a sudden violent squall blowing offshore from a mountainous coast. - origin mid 19th cent.: of unknown origin.

savoir faire

I. noun the ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations. - origin early 19th cent.: French, literally 'know how to do.'

consort

I. noun — /ˈkänsôrt / 1. a wife, husband, or companion, in particular the spouse of a reigning monarch. 2. a ship sailing in company with another.

predicate

I. noun — /ˈpredəkət / 1. [Grammar] the part of a sentence or clause containing a verb and stating something about the subject (e.g., went home in John went home) [as modifier] • predicate adjective. 2. [Grammar] [Logic] something that is affirmed or denied concerning an argument of a proposition.

lascar /ˈlaskər/

I. noun ‹dated› a sailor from India or Southeast Asia. - origin early 17th cent.: from Portuguese lascari, from Urdu and Persian laškarī 'soldier,' from laškar 'army.'

repast /rəˈpast rēˈpast/

I. noun ‹formal› a meal • a sumptuous repast. - origin late Middle English: from Old French, based on late Latin repascere, from re- (expressing intensive force) + pascere 'to feed.'

kewpie /ˈkyo͞opē / kewpie doll

I. noun ‹trademark› a type of doll characterized by a large head, big eyes, chubby cheeks, and a curl or topknot on top of its head. - origin early 20th cent. (originally US): from Cupid + -ie.

peregrinate /ˈperəɡrəˌnāt/

I. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹archaic› ‹humorous› travel or wander around from place to place. II. derivatives 1. peregrination /ˌperəɡrəˈnāSH(ə)n / noun 2. peregrinator /-ˌnātər / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin peregrinat- 'traveled abroad,' from the verb peregrinari, from peregrinus 'foreign, traveling.'

Bolívar, Simón /bəˈlēˌvär, ˈbäləvər/ (1783-1830),

Venezuelan patriot and statesman; known as the Liberator. He succeeded in driving the Spanish from Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. Upper Peru was named Bolivia in his honor.

an old chestnut

a joke or story that has become tedious because of its age and constant repetition.

anisotropic /anˌīsəˈtrōpik, -ˈträpik/

adjective 1. [Physics] (of an object or substance) having a physical property that has a different value when measured in different directions. A simple example is wood, which is stronger along the grain than across it. 2. [Physics] (of a property or phenomenon) varying in magnitude according to the direction of measurement. II. derivatives anisotropy /ˌanīˈsätrəpē / noun - origin late 19th cent.: from Greek anisos 'unequal' + tropos 'turn' + -ic.

illiberal

adjective 1. opposed to liberal principles; restricting freedom of thought or behavior • —- and anti-democratic policies.

tripping

(of words) flow lightly and easily • a name that trips off the tongue • the guest list tripped from her lips.

nephritic

/nəˈfridik/ I. adjective 1. of or in the kidneys; renal. 2. of or relating to nephritis.

livid /ˈlivid/

I. adjective 1. furiously angry • he was livid at being left out. 2. dark bluish gray in color • livid bruises • his face went livid, then purple.

sampan /ˈsamˌpan/

I. noun a small boat of a kind used in East Asia, typically with an oar or oars at the stern.

ambiguous vs equivocal

Both mean vague and open to more than one interpretation. But whereas an ambiguous statement may be vague by accident or by intent, an equivocal one is calculatedly unclear.

vichyssoise /ˌvēSHēˈswäz/

I. noun a soup made with potatoes, leeks, and cream and typically served chilled. - origin French (feminine), 'of Vichy' (see Vichy).

wily /ˈwīlē/

I. adjective skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully • his wily opponents.

confederate

I. adjective — /kənˈfed(ə)rət / 1. joined by an agreement or treaty • some local groups united to form confederate councils. 2. (Confederate) — of or relating to the Confederate States of America • the Confederate flag. II. noun — /kənˈfed(ə)rət / 1. a person one works with, especially in something secret or illegal; an accomplice

Dreyfus, Alfred /ˈdrāfəs, ˈdrī-/ (1859-1935),

French army officer. In 1894, he was falsely accused of providing military secrets to the Germans; his trial and imprisonment caused a major political crisis in France. He was eventually fully exonerated in 1906.

klieg /klēɡ / klieg light

I. noun a powerful electric lamp used in filming.

Tall Poppy Syndrome

noun ‹informal› (chiefly Austral./NZ) a perceived tendency to discredit or disparage those who have achieved notable wealth or prominence in public life.

susceptible of

[predic.] (susceptible of) —capable or admitting of • the problem is not susceptible of a simple solution.

corrida

corrida /kôˈrēdə/ I. noun a bullfight. - origin late 19th cent.: from Spanish corrida de toros 'running of bulls.'

tapadero

hooded stirrup

heliotropism

noun 1. [Botany] the directional growth of a plant in response to sunlight.

gadabout /ˈɡadəˌbout/

noun a habitual pleasure-seeker.

supplicate

supplicate /ˈsəpləˌkāt/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly [with infinitive] • the plutocracy supplicated to be made peers. II. derivatives 1. supplicant

Scheherazade /SHəˈherəzäd/

the character who narrates the Arabian Nights. Her delightful storytelling wins the favor and mercy of her husband, a Persian king.

coup de grace

the shot or blow that brings death; the finishing stroke

hat in hand

used to indicate an attitude of humility • standing on the stoop of his ex-wife's house, hat in hand.

beard

verb — [with obj.] 1. boldly confront or challenge (someone formidable). III. phrases beard the lion in his den

inexorably

adverb in a way that is impossible to stop or prevent • the conflict was to lead inexorably to the outbreak of World War I.

airily /ˈerəlē/

adverb in a way that shows that one is not treating something as serious; casually • he was airily dismissive of the question.

caballero

caballero /ˌkabə(l)ˈye(ə)rō, -ˈle(ə)rō/ I. noun 1. a Spanish or Mexican gentleman. 2. (US) (in the southwestern US) a horseman. - origin mid 19th cent.: Spanish 'gentleman, horseman,' based on Latin caballus 'horse.' Compare with cavalier, chevalier.

cholla

cholla /ˈCHoi(y)ə/ I. noun a cactus with a cylindrical stem, native to Mexico and the southwestern US.

hard by

close to • he lived hard by the cathedral.

indiscreet

/ˌindəˈskrēt/ I. adjective having, showing, or proceeding from too great a readiness to reveal things that should remain secret or private • they have been embarrassed by indiscreet friends.

indecorous

/ˌinˈdekərəs/ I. adjective not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper.

ignis fatuus

/ˌiɡnəs ˈfaCHəwəs/ I. noun 1. a will-o'-the-wisp. 2. something deceptive or deluding. - origin mid 16th cent.: modern Latin, literally 'foolish fire' (because of its erratic movement).

ignominious

/ˌiɡnəˈminēəs/ I. adjective deserving or causing public disgrace or shame • no other party risked ignominious defeat.

Illyrian

/ˌiˈlirēən/ I. noun 1. a native or inhabitant of ancient Illyria. 2. the branch of the Indo-European family of languages possibly represented by modern Albanian.

jeremiad

/ˌjerəˈmīəd/ I. noun a long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes. - origin late 18th cent.: from French jérémiade, from Jérémie 'Jeremiah,' from ecclesiastical Latin Jeremias, with reference to the Lamentations of Jeremiah in the Old Testament.

julienne

/ˌjo͞olēˈen/ I. noun a portion of food cut into short, thin strips • a julienne of vegetables • [as modifier] julienne leeks. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. cut (food) into short, thin strips. - origin early 18th cent. (originally as an adjective designating soup made of chopped vegetables, especially carrots): French, from the male given names Jules or Julien, of obscure development.

camarilla

/ˌkaməˈrilə, -ˈrēə/ I. noun a small group of people, especially a group of advisers to a ruler or politician, with a shared, typically nefarious, purpose • a military camarilla that has lost any sense of political reality. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Spanish, diminutive of camara 'chamber.'

cavalcade

/ˌkavəlˈkād/ I. noun a formal procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles. - origin late 16th cent. (denoting a ride or raid on horseback): from French, from Italian cavalcata, from cavalcare 'to ride,' based on Latin caballus 'horse.'

entre nous /ˌäntrə ˈno͞o/

I. adverb between ourselves; privately • entre nous, the old man's a bit of a problem. - origin late 17th cent.: French.

per se /ˌpər ˈsā/

I. adverb by or in itself or themselves; intrinsically • it is not these facts per se that are important. - origin Latin.

juniper

juniper /ˈjo͞onəpər/ I. noun an evergreen shrub or small tree that bears berrylike cones, widely distributed throughout Eurasia and North America. Many kinds have aromatic cones or foliage.

fulgurite

/ˈfo͝olɡ(y)əˌrīt/ I. noun 1. [Geology] vitreous material formed of sand or other sediment fused by lightning. 2. [Geology] a piece of fulgurite. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Latin fulgur 'lightning' + -ite1.

jocose

/jəˈkōs jōˈkōs/ I. adjective ‹formal› playful or humorous • a jocose allusion. II. derivatives 1. jocosely adverb 2. jocoseness /jōˈkōsnəs / noun 3. jocosity /jōˈkäsədē / noun - origin late 17th cent.: from Latin jocosus, from jocus (see joke).

rapport

/raˈpôr rəˈpôr/ I. noun a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well

rend

/rend/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. tear (something) into two or more pieces • snapping teeth that would rend human flesh to shreds • ‹figurative› the speculation and confusion that was rending the civilized world.

cuspidor

/ˈkəspəˌdôr/ I. noun (US) a spittoon. - origin mid 18th cent.: from Portuguese, literally 'spitter.'

cenotaph

/ˈsenəˌtaf/ I. noun a tomblike monument to someone buried elsewhere, especially one commemorating people who died in a war. - origin early 17th cent.: from French cénotaphe, from late Latin cenotaphium, from Greek kenos 'empty' + taphos 'tomb.'

sesamoid

/ˈsesəˌmoid / sesamoid bone I. noun a small independent bone or bony nodule developed in a tendon where it passes over an angular structure, typically in the hands and feet. The kneecap is a particularly large sesamoid bone. - origin late 17th cent.: from sesame (with reference to the similarity in shape of a sesame seed) + -oid.

offal

/ˈôfəl ˈäfəl/ I. noun 1. the entrails and internal organs of an animal used as food. 2. refuse or waste material. 3. decomposing animal flesh.

edelweiss

/ˈādlˌwīs ˈādlˌvīs/ I. noun a European mountain plant that has woolly white bracts around its small flowers and downy gray-green leaves. [Leontopodium alpinum, family Compositae.] - origin mid 19th cent.: from German, from edel 'noble' + weiss 'white.'

mercurial

/ˌmərˈkyo͝orēəl/ I. adjective 1. (of a person) subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind • his mercurial temperament. 2. (of a person) sprightly; lively.

septicemia

/ˌseptəˈsēmēə / ‹Brit.› septicaemia I. noun blood poisoning, especially that caused by bacteria or their toxins. II. derivatives septicemic /ˌseptəˈsēmik / adjective - origin mid 19th cent.: modern Latin, from Greek sēptikos + haima 'blood.'

unobtrusive

/ˌənəbˈtro͞osiv/ I. adjective not conspicuous or attracting attention • corrections should be neat and unobtrusive.

uncanny

/ˌənˈkanē/ I. adjective strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way • an uncanny feeling that she was being watched. - origin late 16th cent. (originally Scots in the sense 'relating to the occult, malicious'): from un-1 'not' + canny.

shako /ˈSHakō ˈSHākō/

I. noun a cylindrical or conical military hat with a brim and a plume or pom-pom. - origin early 19th cent.: via French from Hungarian csákó (süveg) 'peaked (cap),' from csák 'peak,' from German Zacken 'spike.'

Ahura Mazda /əˌho͞orə ˈmäzdə/

I. the creator god of Zoroastrianism, the force for good and the opponent of Ahriman. Also called Ormazd. - origin Avestan, literally 'wise deity.'

jeunesse dorée

ZHəˌnes dôˈrā/ I. noun — [treated as sing. or pl.] 1. young people of wealth, fashion, and flair. - origin mid 19th cent.: French, literally 'gilded youth.'

Boche /ˈbôSH /

‹dated, offensive› I. noun 1. a German, especially a soldier. 2. (the Boche) — Germans, especially German soldiers, considered collectively. II. adjective German. - origin late 19th cent.: French soldiers' slang, originally in the sense 'rascal,' later used in World War I meaning 'German.'

confab

‹informal› I. noun —/ˈkänfab kənˈfab / 1. an informal private conversation or discussion • they wandered off to the woods for a private confab. 2. (N. Amer.) a meeting or conference of members of a particular group • this year's annual American Booksellers Association confab. II. verb —/ˈkänfab kənˈfab / [no obj.] 1. engage in informal private conversation • Peter was confabbing with a curly-haired guy. - origin early 18th cent.: abbreviation of confabulation (see confabulate).

complexion

// I. noun 1. the natural color, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially of the face • an attractive girl with a pale ——. 2. the general aspect or character of something

poilu /pwäˈl(y)o͞o/

I. noun ‹historical› ‹informal› an infantry soldier in the French army, especially one who fought in World War I. - origin French, literally 'hairy,' by extension 'brave,' whiskers being associated with virility.

Monophysite

/məˈnäfəˌsīt/ I. noun [Christian Theology] a person who holds that in the person of Jesus Christ there is only one nature (wholly divine or only subordinately human), not two.

solicitude

/səˈlisəˌt(y)o͞od/ I. noun care or concern for someone or something • I was touched by his solicitude. - origin late Middle English: from Old French sollicitude, from Latin sollicitudo, from sollicitus (see solicitous).

valise

/vəˈlēs/ I. noun a small traveling bag or suitcase. - origin early 17th cent.: from French, from Italian valigia; compare with medieval Latin valesia, of unknown origin.

wherewithal

/ˈ(h)werwiT͟Hˌôl ˈ(h)werwiTHˌôl/ noun—[usu. with infinitive] (the wherewithal) 1. the money or other means needed for a particular purpose • they lacked the wherewithal to pay.

wheedle

/ˈ(h)wēdl/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. employ endearments or flattery to persuade someone to do something or give one something • you can contrive to wheedle your way onto a court • [with direct speech] "Please, for my sake," he wheedled. 2. [with obj.] (someone into doing something) — coax or persuade someone to do something. 3. [with obj.] (wheedle something out of) — coax or persuade (someone) to say or give something. II. derivatives 1. wheedler noun 2. wheedlingly /ˈ(h)wēd(ə)liNGlē / adverb - origin mid 17th cent.: perhaps from German wedeln 'cringe, fawn,' from Wedel 'tail, fan.'

bower

/ˈbou(ə)r/ I. noun 1. a pleasant shady place under trees or climbing plants in a garden or wood. 2. ‹literary› a summerhouse or country cottage. 3. ‹literary› a lady's private room or bedroom.

breechclout

/ˈbrēCHklout / breechcloth noun (N. Amer.) another term for loincloth.

hawser

/ˈhôzər/ I. noun a thick rope or cable for mooring or towing a ship.- origin Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French haucer, from Old French haucier 'to hoist,' based on Latin altus 'high.'

hayseed

/ˈhāsēd/ noun 1. grass seed obtained from hay. 2. ‹informal› (chiefly N. Amer.) a person from the country, especially a simple, unsophisticated one.

hierophant

/ˈhī(ə)rəˌfant/ I. noun a person, especially a priest in ancient Greece, who interprets sacred mysteries or esoteric principles.

indigence

/ˈindijəns/ noun a state of extreme poverty • he did valuable work toward the relief of indigence.

jaundiced

/ˈjôndəst/ adjective 1. having or affected by jaundice, in particular unnaturally yellow in complexion. 2. affected by bitterness, resentment, or envy • they looked on politicians with a jaundiced eye.

genial

/ˈjēnyəl/ I. adjective 1. friendly and cheerful • waved to them in genial greeting. 2. (especially of air or climate) pleasantly mild and warm. II. derivatives genially /ˈjēnyəlē / adverb - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin genialis 'nuptial, productive,' from genius (see genius).

spurious

/ˈsp(y)o͝orēəs/ I. adjective 1. not being what it purports to be; false or fake • separating authentic and spurious claims. 2. (of a line of reasoning) apparently but not actually valid • this spurious reasoning results in nonsense. 3. ‹archaic› (of offspring) illegitimate.

monomania

/ˌmänəˈmānēə/ I. noun exaggerated or obsessive enthusiasm for or preoccupation with one thing.

multifarious

/ˌməltəˈferēəs/ I. adjective 1. many and of various types • multifarious activities. 2. having many varied parts or aspects • a vast multifarious organization. II. derivatives 1. multifariously adverb 2. multifariousness noun - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin multifarius + -ous.

sybaritic

/ˌsibəˈridik/ adjective fond of sensuous luxury or pleasure; self-indulgent • their opulent and sybaritic lifestyle.

atopic

/ˌāˈtäpik/ I. adjective denoting a form of allergy in which a hypersensitivity reaction such as dermatitis or asthma may occur in a part of the body not in contact with the allergen. II. derivatives atopy /ˈatəpē / noun - origin early 20th cent.: from Greek atopia 'a being out of place,' from atopos 'out of place,' from a-

unprepossessing

/ˌənprēpəˈzesiNG/ adjective not particularly attractive or appealing to the eye • despite his unprepossessing appearance he had an animal magnetism.

unalloyed

/ˌənəˈloid/ adjective 1. (of metal) not alloyed; pure • unalloyed copper. 2. (chiefly of emotions) complete and unreserved • unalloyed delight.

unexpurgated

/ˌənˈekspərˌɡādəd/ adjective (of a text) complete and containing all the original material; uncensored.

unnerve

/ˌənˈnərv/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. make (someone) lose courage or confidence • the bleakness of his gaze unnerved her • (as adj. unnerving) an unnerving experience.

unsparing

/ˌənˈsperiNG/ I. adjective 1. merciless; severe • he is unsparing in his criticism of the arms trade. 2. given freely and generously • she had won her mother's unsparing approval.

teleology

/ˌənˈtenəb(ə)l/ I. adjective (especially of a position or view) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection • this argument is clearly untenable.

untenable

/ˌənˈtenəb(ə)l/ I. adjective (especially of a position or view) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection • this argument is clearly untenable.

ungainly

/ˌənˈɡānlē/ I. adjective (of a person or movement) awkward; clumsy • an ungainly walk. II. derivatives ungainliness /ˌənˈɡānlēnəs / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from un-1 'not' + obsolete gainly 'graceful,' based on Old Norse gegn

upbraid

/ˌəpˈbrād/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. find fault with (someone); scold • he was upbraided for his slovenly appearance. - origin late Old English upbrēdan 'allege (something) as a basis for censure,' based on braid in the obsolete sense 'brandish.'

adagio /əˈdäjō əˈdäjēō /

‹Music› I. adjective, adverb (especially as a direction) in slow tempo. II. noun a movement or composition marked to be played adagio. - origin Italian, from ad agio 'at ease.'

Occident /ˈäksidənt/

I. noun — (the Occident) 1. ‹formal› ‹literary› the countries of the West, especially Europe and the Americas (contrasted with orient).

interstice /inˈtərstəs/

I. noun — (usu. interstices) 1. an intervening space, especially a very small one • sunshine filtered through the interstices of the arching trees. - origin late Middle English: from Latin interstitium, from intersistere 'stand between,' from inter- 'between' + sistere 'to stand.'

essay

I. noun — /ˈesā / 1. a short piece of writing on a particular subject. 2. ‹formal› an attempt or effort • a misjudged essay. 3. a trial design of a postage stamp yet to be accepted. II. verb — /eˈsā / [with obj.] 1. ‹formal› attempt or try • essay a smile. - origin late 15th cent. (as a verb in the sense 'test the quality of'): alteration of assay, by association with Old French essayer, based on late Latin exagium 'weighing,' from the base of exigere 'ascertain, weigh'; the noun (late 16th cent.) is from Old French essai 'trial.'

shock worker

noun (in the former Soviet Union) a worker whose group exceeded production quotas and was assigned to a particularly urgent or arduous task.

Apache

noun 1. (pl. same or Apaches) — a member of a North American Indian people living chiefly in New Mexico and Arizona. The Apache put up fierce resistance to the European settlers and were, under the leadership of Geronimo, the last American Indian people to be conquered. 2. any of the Athabaskan languages of the Apache, which have about 14,000 speakers altogether, though some are virtually extinct. II. adjective relating to the Apache or their language. - origin from Mexican Spanish, probably from Zuni Apachu, literally 'enemy.'

gantry /ˈɡantrē/

noun 1. a bridgelike overhead structure with a platform supporting equipment such as a crane, railroad signals, lights, or cameras. 2. a movable framework for supporting and servicing a rocket prior to launching. - origin late Middle English (denoting a wooden stand for barrels): probably from dialect gawn (contraction of gallon) + tree.

sump /səmp/

noun 1. a pit or hollow in which liquid collects, in particular 2. the base of an internal combustion engine, which serves as a reservoir of oil for the lubrication system. 3. a depression in the floor of a mine or basement in which water collects. 4. a cesspool. - origin Middle English (in the sense 'marsh'): from Middle Dutch or Low German sump, or (in the mining sense) from German Sumpf; related to swamp.

demagogue. /ˈdeməˌɡäɡ/

noun 1. a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument. 2. (in ancient Greece and Rome) a leader or orator who espoused the cause of the common people.

loge /lōZH/

noun 1. a private box or enclosure in a theater. 2. the front section of the first balcony in a theater. 3. a tier of seating in an arena or stadium, typically between the upper and lower decks. - origin mid 18th cent.: from French.

verity /ˈverədē/

noun 1. a true principle or belief, especially one of fundamental importance • the eternal verities. 2. truth • irrefutable, objective verity. - origin late Middle English: from Old French verite, from Latin veritas, from verus 'true.'

hagiographer /ˌhaɡēˈäɡrəfər ˌhāɡēˈäɡrəfər ˌhäɡēˈäɡrəfər/

noun 1. a writer of the lives of the saints. 2. ‹derogatory› a person who writes in an adulatory way about someone else, especially in a biography. 3. [Theology] a writer of any of the Hagiographa.

recapitulation

noun 1. an act or instance of summarizing and restating the main points of something • his recapitulation of the argument. 2. [Biology] the repetition of an evolutionary or other process during development or growth.

profundity /prəˈfəndədē/

noun 1. deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought • the simplicity and profundity of the message. 2. great depth or intensity of a state, quality, or emotion • the profundity of her misery. 3. a statement or idea that shows great knowledge or insight.

stock-in-trade /ˈˌstäk ən ˈtrād/

noun 1. the typical subject or commodity a person, company, or profession uses or deals in • information is our stock-in-trade. 2. qualities, ideas, or behavior characteristic of a person or their work • flippancy is his stock-in-trade. 3. the goods kept on hand by a business for the purposes of its trade.

clout

noun 1. ‹informal› a heavy blow with the hand or a hard object • a clout on the ear. 2. ‹informal› influence or power, especially in politics or business • I knew he carried a lot of clout. 3. ‹archaic› a piece of cloth or clothing, especially one used as a patch.

bambino /bamˈbēnō/

noun 1. ‹often humorous› a baby or young child. 2. ‹often humorous› an image of the infant Jesus. - origin early 18th cent.: Italian, diminutive of bambo 'silly.'

apocryphal /əˈpäkrəfəl

/ adjective 1. (of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true • an apocryphal story about a former president. 2. (also Apocryphal) — of or belonging to the Apocrypha • the Apocryphal Gospel of Thomas.

idiopathic /ˌidēəˈpaTHik

/ adjective [Medicine] relating to or denoting any disease or condition that arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown.

pageboy/ˈpājˌboi

/ noun 1. a woman's hairstyle consisting of a shoulder-length bob with the ends rolled under. 2. a male page, especially in a hotel or attending a bride at a wedding.

Diogenes

// (c. 400-c. 325 BC), Greek philosopher. The most noted of the Cynics, he emphasized self-sufficiency and the need for natural, uninhibited behavior, regardless of social conventions.

Schubert, Franz. ˈSHo͞obərt

// I. (1797-1828), Austrian composer. His music is associated with the romantic movement for its lyricism and emotional intensity, but it belongs in formal terms to the classical age.

precocious

// I. adjective 1. (of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual • he was a precocious, solitary boy. 2. (of behavior or ability) indicative of early development • a precocious talent for computing.

encomium

/enˈkōmēəm inˈkōmēəm/ I. noun ‹formal› a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly. - origin mid 16th cent.: Latin, from Greek enkōmion 'eulogy,' from en-'within' + komos 'revel.'

exiguous

/eɡˈziɡyo͞oəs ekˈsiɡyo͞oəs/ I. adjective ‹formal› very small in size or amount • my exiguous musical resources.

hie

/hī/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. go quickly • I hied down to New Orleans • I hied myself to a screenwriters' conference. - origin Middle English: from Old English hīgian 'strive, pant,' of unknown origin.

mien

/mēn/ I. noun ‹literary› a person's look or manner, especially one of a particular kind indicating their character or mood • he has a cautious, academic mien. - origin early 16th cent.: probably from French mine 'expression,' influenced by obsolete demean 'bearing, demeanor' (from demean2).

miasma

/mīˈazmə mēˈazmə/ I. noun 1. ‹literary› a highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor • a miasma of stale alcohol hung around him like marsh gas. 2. ‹literary› an oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds or emanates from something • a miasma of despair rose from the black workshops.

myoclonus

/mīˈäklənəs/ I. noun [Medicine] spasmodic jerky contraction of groups of muscles.

miscegenation

/məˌsejəˈnāSHən ˌmisəjəˈnāSHən/ I. noun the interbreeding of people considered to be of different racial types. - origin mid 19th cent.: formed irregularly from Latin miscere 'to mix' + genus 'race' + -ation.

nankeen

/nanˈkēn/ I. noun 1. a yellowish cotton cloth. 2. (nankeens) —‹historical› pants made of nankeen. 3. the characteristic yellowish-buff color of nankeen. - origin mid 18th cent.: from the name of the city of Nanking (see Nanjing), where it was first made.

Nestorianism

/nesˈtôrēəˌnizəm/ I. noun [Theology] the doctrine that there were two separate persons, one human and one divine, in the incarnate Christ. It is named after Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople (428-31), and was maintained by some ancient churches of the Middle East. A small Nestorian Church still exists in Iraq.

pince-nez

/paNsˈnā/ I. noun — [treated as sing. or pl.] 1. a pair of eyeglasses with a nose clip instead of earpieces. - origin late 19th cent.: from French, literally '(that) pinches (the) nose.'

wend

/wend/ I. verb —[no obj.] (wend one's way) 1. go in a specified direction, typically slowly or by an indirect route • they wended their way across the city. - origin Old English wendan 'to turn, depart,' of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German wenden, also to wind2.

wan

/wän/ I. adjective 1. (of a person's complexion or appearance) pale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion • she was looking wan and bleary-eyed. 2. (of light) pale; weak • the wan dawn light. 3. (of a smile) weak; strained. 4. ‹literary› (of the sea) without luster; dark and gloomy. II. derivatives 1. wanly /ˈwänlē / adverb 2. wanness /ˈwännəs / noun - origin Old English wann 'dark, black,' of unknown origin.

weal

/wēl/ I. noun ‹formal› that which is best for someone or something • I am holding this trial behind closed doors in the public weal. - origin Old English wela 'wealth, well-being'; related to well1.

xenophobic

/zenəˈfōbik ˌzēnəˈfōbik/ adjective having or showing a dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries • the xenophobic undertones of this argument.

olfaction

/älˈfakSHən, ōl-/ I. noun ‹technical› the action or capacity of smelling; the sense of smell. II. derivatives olfactive /-tiv / adjective - origin mid 19th cent.: from Latin olfactus 'a smell' (from olere 'to smell' + fact- 'made,' from the verb facere) + -ion.

alcalde

/älˈkäldē, al-/ I. noun a magistrate or mayor in a Spanish, Portuguese, or Latin American town. - origin mid 16th cent.: Spanish, from Arabic al-ḳāḍī 'the judge' (see cadi).

enceinte

/änˈsant/ I. adjective ‹archaic› pregnant. - origin early 17th cent.: from French.

hors d'oeuvre

/ôr ˈdərv/ I. noun a small savory dish, typically one served as an appetizer at the beginning of a meal. - origin mid 18th cent.: French, literally 'outside the work.'

affinity

/əˈfinədē/ I. noun — (often affinity between/for/with) 1. a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something • he has an affinity for the music of Berlioz. 2. a similarity of characteristics suggesting a relationship, especially a resemblance in structure between animals, plants, or languages

apostasy

/əˈpästəsē/ I. noun the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief. - origin Middle English: from ecclesiastical Latin apostasia, from a late Greek alteration of Greek apostasis 'defection.'

baldric

/ˈbôldrik/ I. noun ‹historical› a belt for a sword or other piece of equipment, worn over one shoulder and reaching down to the opposite hip. - origin Middle English baudry, from Old French baudre, of unknown ultimate origin.

baleful

/ˈbālfəl/ I. adjective 1. threatening harm; menacing • Bill shot a baleful glance in her direction • the baleful light cast trembling shadows. 2. having a harmful or destructive effect • drug money has had a baleful impact on the country.

lemma

/ˈlemə/ I. noun 1. a subsidiary or intermediate theorem in an argument or proof. 2. a heading indicating the subject or argument of a literary composition, an annotation, or a dictionary entry. - origin late 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek lēmma 'something assumed'; derived from lambanein 'take.'

melanin

/ˈmelənən/ I. noun a dark brown to black pigment occurring in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye in people and animals. It is responsible for tanning of skin exposed to sunlight. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Greek melas, melan- 'black' + -in1.

mentalist

/ˈmen(t)ələst/ noun 1. a magician who performs feats that apparently demonstrate extraordinary mental powers, such as mind-reading. 2. (Brit.) ‹informal› an eccentric or mad person.

mufti

/ˈməftē/ I. noun a Muslim legal expert who is empowered to give rulings on religious matters. - origin late 16th cent.: from Arabic muftī, active participle of 'aftā 'decide a point of law.' mufti2 /ˈməftē/ I. noun plain clothes worn by a person who wears a uniform for their job, such as a soldier or police officer • I was a flying officer in mufti.

nuchal

/ˈn(y)o͞ok(ə)l/ I. adjective [Anatomy] of or relating to the nape of the neck. - origin mid 19th cent.: from obsolete nucha 'nape' (from medieval Latin nucha 'medulla oblongata,' from Arabic nuḵaʿ 'spinal marrow') + -al.

numinous

/ˈn(y)o͞omənəs/ I. adjective having a strong religious or spiritual quality; indicating or suggesting the presence of a divinity • the strange, numinous beauty of this ancient landmark. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin numen, numin- 'divine power' + -ous.

puerile

/ˈpyo͝orəl ˈpyo͝orˌīl/ I. adjective childishly silly and trivial • you're making puerile excuses. II. derivatives 1. puerilely adverb 2. puerility /ˌpyo͞oəˈrilədē / noun - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'like a boy'): from French puéril or Latin puerilis, from puer 'boy.'

putative

/ˈpyo͞odədiv/ I. adjective — [attrib.] 1. generally considered or reputed to be • the putative father of a boy of two. II. derivatives putatively /ˈpyo͞odədivlē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from Old French putatif, -ive or late Latin putativus, from Latin putat- 'thought,' from the verb putare.

putative

/ˈpyo͞odədiv/ I. adjective —[attrib.] 1. generally considered or reputed to be • the putative father of a boy of two. II. derivatives putatively /ˈpyo͞odədivlē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from Old French putatif, -ive or late Latin putativus, from Latin putat-'thought,' from the verb putare.

ponderous

/ˈpänd(ə)rəs/ I. adjective 1. slow and clumsy because of great weight • her footsteps were heavy and ponderous. 2. dull, laborious, or excessively solemn • Liz could hardly restrain herself from finishing all his ponderous sentences.

Parthian shot

/ˈpärTHēən SHät/ I. noun another term for parting shot. - origin late 19th cent.: so named because of the trick used by Parthians of shooting arrows backward while in real or pretended flight.

parti-colored

/ˈpärdēˌkələrd / particolored I. adjective having or consisting of two or more different colors • their wonderful parti-colored light effects.

participle

/ˈpärdəˌsip(ə)l/ I. noun [Grammar] a word formed from a verb (e.g., going, gone, being, been) and used as an adjective (e.g., working woman, burned toast) or a noun (e.g., good breeding). In English, participles are also used to make compound verb forms (e.g., is going, has been).

gradualism

/ˈɡraj(əw)əˌlizəm/ I. noun 1. a policy of gradual reform rather than sudden change or revolution. 2. [Biology] the hypothesis that evolution proceeds chiefly by the accumulation of gradual changes (in contrast to the punctuationist model).

apercu

/ˌapərˈso͞o/ I. noun a comment or brief reference that makes an illuminating or entertaining point. - origin early 19th cent.: from French, past participle of apercevoir 'perceive.'

appelation

/ˌapəˈlāSHən/ I. noun 1. ‹formal› a name or title • the city fully justifies its appellation "the Pearl of the Orient." 2. ‹formal› the action of giving a name to a person or thing. - origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin appellatio(n-), from the verb appellare (see appeal).

anterior

/ˌanˈtirēər/ I. adjective 1. ‹technical› [chiefly Anatomy] [Biology] nearer the front, especially situated in the front of the body or nearer to the head • the veins anterior to the heart. The opposite of posterior. 2. [Botany] (of a part of a flower or leaf) situated further away from the main stem.

beriberi

/ˌberēˈberē/ I. noun a disease causing inflammation of the nerves and heart failure, caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1. - origin early 18th cent.: from Sinhalese, from beri 'weakness.'

bradycardia

/ˌbradəˈkärdēə/ I. noun [Medicine] abnormally slow heart action. - origin late 19th cent.: from Greek bradus 'slow' + kardia 'heart.'

bon vivant

/ˌbän vēˈvänt/ I. noun a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle.

inconsiderable

/ˌinkənˈsid(ə)rəb(ə)l/ I. adjective —[usu. with negative] 1. of small size, amount, or extent • a not inconsiderable amount of money. 2. unimportant or insignificant • a not inconsiderable artist. - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'impossible to imagine'):

insalubrious

/ˌinsəˈlo͞obrēəs/ I. adjective ‹formal› (especially of a climate or locality) not salubrious; unhealthy. II. derivatives insalubrity /ˌinsəˈlo͞obrədē / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin insalubris (from in- 'not' + salubris 'salubrious') + -ous.

ineluctable

/ˌinəˈləktəb(ə)l/ I. adjective unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable • the ineluctable facts of history. II. derivatives 1. ineluctability /-ˌləktəˈbilitē / noun 2. ineluctably /-blē / adverb - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin ineluctabilis, from in- 'not' + eluctari 'struggle out.'

inexorable

/ˌinˈeksərəb(ə)l/ I. adjective 1. impossible to stop or prevent • the seemingly inexorable march of new technology. 2. (of a person) impossible to persuade by request or entreaty

inexorable

/ˌinˈeksərəb(ə)l/ I. adjective 1. impossible to stop or prevent • the seemingly inexorable march of new technology. 2. (of a person) impossible to persuade by request or entreaty • the doctors were inexorable, and there was nothing to be done. II. derivatives inexorability /iˌneks(ə)rəˈbilədē / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from French, or from Latin inexorabilis, from in-'not' + exorabilis (from exorare 'entreat').

intractable

/ˌinˈtraktəb(ə)l/ I. adjective 1. hard to control or deal with • intractable economic problems • intractable pain. 2. (of a person) difficult; stubborn.

ipso facto

/ˌipsō ˈfaktō/ I. adverb by that very fact or act • the enemy of one's enemy may be ipso facto a friend. - origin Latin.

Jesuitical

/ˌjezəˈwidəkəl/ I. adjective 1. of or concerning the Jesuits. 2. dissembling or equivocating, in the manner associated with Jesuits.

lese majesty

/ˌlez ˌmäjəsˈtā/ I. noun the insulting of a monarch or other ruler; treason. - origin late Middle English: from French lèse-majesté, from Latin laesa majestas 'injured sovereignty.'

legatee

/ˌleɡəˈtē/ I. noun a person who receives a legacy. - origin late 17th cent.: from 15th-cent. legate 'bequeath' (from Latin legare 'delegate, bequeath') +

maladroit

/ˌmaləˈdroit/ I. adjective ineffective or bungling; clumsy. II. derivatives 1. maladroitly /ˌmaləˈdroitlē / adverb 2. maladroitness /ˌmaləˈdroitnəs / noun - origin late 17th cent.: French.

manumit

/ˌmanyəˈmit/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹historical› release from slavery; set free. II. derivatives 1. manumission /ˌmanyəˈmiSH(ə)n / noun 2. manumitter noun - origin late Middle English: from Latin manumittere, literally 'send forth from the hand,' from manus 'hand' + mittere 'send.'

Mephistopheles

/ˌmefəˈstäfəlēz / Mephisto I. noun an evil spirit to whom Faust, in the German legend, sold his soul. II. derivatives Mephistophelean /məˌfistəˈfēlēən / Mephistophelian adjective

mifepristone

/ˌmifəˈpristōn/ I. noun [Medicine] a synthetic steroid that inhibits the action of progesterone, given orally in early pregnancy to induce abortion. Also called RU-486 .

misanthropic

/ˌmis(ə)nˈTHräpik/ I. adjective disliking humankind and avoiding human society • a misanthropic drunken loner. • with his misanthropic outlook, he was an ugly character.

preeclampsia

/ˌprēəˈklampsēə/ I. noun a condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, sometimes with fluid retention and proteinuria.

sacerdotal

/ˌsasərˈdōdl ˌsakərˈdōdl/ I. adjective 1. relating to priests or the priesthood; priestly. 2. [Theology] relating to or denoting a doctrine that ascribes sacrificial functions and spiritual or supernatural powers to ordained priests.

sensibility

/ˌsensəˈbilədē/ I. noun 1. the ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences; sensitivity • the study of literature leads to a growth of intelligence and sensibility. 2. (sensibilities) —a person's delicate sensitivity that makes them readily offended or shocked

supercilious

/ˌso͞opərˈsilēəs/ I. adjective behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others • a supercilious

arrogate

/ˈerəˌɡāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. take or claim (something) without justification • they arrogate to themselves the ability to divine the nation's true interests.

huckster

/ˈhəkstər/ I. noun 1. a person who sells small items, either door-to-door or from a stall or small store. 2. a mercenary person eager to make a profit out of anything. 3. (N. Amer.) a publicity agent or advertising copywriter, especially for radio or television.

hummock

/ˈhəmək/ I. noun 1. a hillock, knoll, or mound. 2. a hump or ridge in an ice field. 3. (N. Amer.) a piece of forested ground rising above a marsh. II. derivatives hummocky /ˈhəməkē / adjective - origin mid 16th cent. (originally in nautical use denoting a small hillock on the coast): of unknown origin.

hirsute

/ˈhərˌso͞ot ˈhirˌso͞ot hərˈso͞ot hirˈso͞ot/ I. adjective hairy • their hirsute chests. II. derivatives hirsuteness noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin hirsutus.

incubus

/ˈiNGkyəbəs/ I. noun 1. a male demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women. 2. a cause of distress or anxiety • debt is a big incubus in developing countries. 3. ‹archaic› a nightmare. - origin Middle English: late Latin form of Latin incubo 'nightmare,' from incubare 'lie on' (see incubate).

capon

/ˈkāˌpän ˈkāˌpən/ I. noun a castrated domestic cock fattened for eating. II. derivatives caponize /ˈkāpəˌnīz / verb- origin late Old English: from Old French, based on Latin capo, capon-.

cudgel

/ˈkəjəl/ I. noun a short thick stick used as a weapon. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. beat with a cudgel. III. phrases 1. cudgel one's brain (or brains) think hard about a problem. 2. take up the cudgels start to defend or support someone or something strongly • there was no one else to take up the cudgels on their

cozen

/ˈkəz(ə)n/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. trick or deceive • do not think to cozen your contemporaries. 2. obtain by deception • he was able to cozen a profit. II. derivatives 1. cozenage /ˈkəz(ə)nəj / noun 2. cozener noun - origin late 16th cent.: perhaps from obsolete Italian cozzonare 'to cheat,'

lachrymose

/ˈlakrəˌmōs ˈlakrəˌmōz/ I. adjective 1. ‹formal› ‹literary› tearful or given to weeping • she was pink-eyed and lachrymose. 2. ‹formal› ‹literary› inducing tears; sad • a lachrymose children's classic. II. derivatives 1. lachrymosely adverb 2. lachrymosity /ˌlakrəˈmäsətē / noun - origin mid 17th cent. (in the sense 'like tears; liable to exude in drops'): from Latin lacrimosus, from lacrima 'tear.'

lampblack

/ˈlampˌblak/ noun a black pigment made from soot.

lapidary

/ˈlapəˌderē/ I. adjective 1. (of language) engraved on or suitable for engraving on stone and therefore elegant and concise • a lapidary statement. 2. of or relating to stone and gems and the work involved in engraving, cutting, or polishing. II. noun a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems. - origin Middle English (as a noun): from Latin lapidarius (in late Latin 'stonecutter'), from lapis, lapid-'stone.' The adjective dates from the early 18th cent.

legerdemain

/ˈlejərdəˌmān/ I. noun 1. skillful use of one's hands when performing conjuring tricks. 2. deception; trickery. - origin late Middle English: from French léger de main 'dexterous,' literally 'light of hand.'

Black Maria /ˌblak məˈrīə/

I. noun ‹informal› a police vehicle for transporting prisoners. - origin mid 19th cent.: said to be named after a black woman, Maria Lee, who kept a boarding house in Boston and helped police in escorting drunk and disorderly customers to jail.

Tartuffe /tärˈto͞of/

I. noun ‹literary› ‹humorous› a religious hypocrite, or a hypocritical pretender to excellence of any kind. [from the name of the principal character (a religious hypocrite) in Molière's Tartuffe (1664).] II. derivatives Tartufferie /-ˈto͞ofərē / Tartuffery

subaltern

I. noun—/səˈbôːltərn səˈbôltərn / 1. an officer in the British army below the rank of captain, especially a second lieutenant. II. adjective—/səbˈôltərn / 1. of lower status • the private tutor was a recognized subaltern part of the bourgeois family.

Lyceum /līˈsēəm/

I. the garden at Athens in which Aristotle taught philosophy. II. (the Lyceum) — Aristotelian philosophy and its followers. III. (a lyceum) — (US) ‹archaic› a literary institution, lecture hall, or teaching place. - origin via Latin from Greek Lukeion, neuter of Lukeios, epithet of Apollo (from whose neighboring temple the Lyceum was named).

trundle /ˈtrəndl/

I. verb 1. (with reference to a wheeled vehicle or its occupants) move or cause to move slowly and heavily, typically in a noisy or uneven way [no obj.] • ten vintage cars trundled past • [with obj.] we trundled a wheelbarrow down to the river and collected driftwood. 2. [no obj.] — (of a person) move slowly or heavily • she could hear him coughing as he trundled out. II. noun — [in sing.] 1. an act of moving slowly or heavily.

enervate

I. verb —/ˈenərˌvāt / [with obj.] 1. cause (someone) to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken. II. adjective —/ˈenərvət / 1. ‹literary› lacking in energy or vitality • the enervate slightness of his frail form. III. derivatives enervator /-ˌvātər / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin enervat-'weakened (by extraction of the sinews),' from the verb enervare, from e-(variant of ex-) 'out of' + nervus 'sinew.'

bathos /ˈbāTHäs/

I. noun (especially in a work of literature) an effect of anticlimax created by an unintentional lapse in mood from the sublime to the trivial or ridiculous. - origin mid 17th cent. (first recorded in the Greek sense): from Greek, literally 'depth.' The current sense was introduced by Alexander Pope in the early 18th cent.

agora1 /ˈaɡərə/

I. noun (in ancient Greece) a public open space used for assemblies and markets. - origin from Greek.

hoarding /ˈhôrdiNG/

I. noun 1. (Brit.) a large board in a public place, used to display advertisements; a billboard. 2. (Brit.) a temporary board fence erected around a building site. - origin early 19th cent.: from obsolete hoard in the same sense (probably based on Old French hourd; related to hurdle) + -ing1.

Poincaré map /ˌpwänkəˈrā ˌmap/

I. noun 1. [Mathematics] [Physics] a representation of the phase space of a dynamic system, indicating all possible trajectories.

inquest /ˈiNGˌkwest/

I. noun [Law] a judicial inquiry to ascertain the facts relating to an incident, such as a death. - origin Middle English: from Old French enqueste, based on Latin inquirere (see inquire).

aria /ˈärēə/

I. noun [Music] a long, accompanied song for a solo voice, typically one in an opera or oratorio. - origin early 18th cent.: from Italian, from Latin aer 'air.'

muskeg /ˈməskeɡ/

I. noun a North American swamp or bog consisting of a mixture of water and partly dead vegetation, frequently covered by a layer of sphagnum or other mosses. - origin early 19th cent.: from Cree.

countertransference /ˌkountərˌtransˈfərəns, -ˌtranz-/

noun [Psychoanalysis] the emotional reaction of the analyst to the subject's contribution. Compare with transference.

tulle /to͞ol/ I.

noun a soft, fine silk, cotton, or nylon material like net, used for making veils and dresses. - origin early 19th cent.: from Tulle, a town in southwestern France, where it was first made.

block system

noun a system of railroad signaling that divides the track into sections and allows no train to enter a section that is not completely clear.

blue note

/blo͞o nōt/ noun [Music] a minor interval where a major would be expected, used especially in jazz.

Ham

/ham/ (in the Bible) a son of Noah (Gen. 10:1), traditional ancestor of the Hamites.

censorious

/senˈsôrēəs/ I. adjective severely critical of others • modest, charitable in his judgments, never censorious, Jim carried tolerance almost too far.

stanch

/stôn(t)SH stän(t)SH / staunch I. verb — [with obj.] 1. (chiefly US) stop or restrict (a flow of blood) from a wound

wherefore

/ˈ(h)werˌfôr / ‹archaic› I. adverb for what reason • she took an ill turn, but wherefore I cannot say.

bister

/ˈbistər / bistre I. noun 1. a brownish-yellowish pigment made from the soot of burned wood. 2. the color of the pigment bister.

dissolute

/ˈdisəˌlo͞ot/ I. adjective lax in morals; licentious • a dissolute, drunken, disreputable rogue.

haughty

/ˈhôdē/ I. adjective arrogantly superior and disdainful • a look of haughty disdain • a haughty aristocrat.

loutish

/ˈloudiSH/ I. adjective (of a man or boy) uncouth and aggressive.

set-to

/ˈset ˌto͞o/ noun ‹informal› a fight or argument • we had a little set-to about her piano practicing.

impetigo

/ˌimpəˈtīɡō/ I. noun a contagious bacterial skin infection forming pustules and yellow, crusty sores. [This disease is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes or S. aureus.] - origin late Middle English: from Latin, from impetere 'to assail, attack.'

imperious

/ˌimˈpirēəs/ I. adjective assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering • his imperious demands.

imperious

/ˌimˈpirēəs/ I. adjective assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering • his imperious demands. II. derivatives 1. imperiously /imˈpirēəslē / adverb 2. imperiousness /imˈpirēəsnəs / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin imperiosus, from imperium 'command, authority, empire'; related to imperare 'to command.' Compare with imperial.

punctilious

/ˌpəNG(k)ˈtilēəs/ I. adjective showing great attention to detail or correct behavior

overweening

/ˌōvərˈwēniNG/ I. adjective showing excessive confidence or pride • overweening ambition.

pritchel

A punch, used with hammer to create or widen nail-holes. (Almost looks like a metal chopstick)

Larousse, Pierre /ləˈro͞os, lä-/ (1817-75),

French lexicographer and encyclopedist. He edited the 15-volume Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle (1866-76) and cofounded the publishing house of Larousse in 1852.

loutish /ˈloudiSH/

I. adjective (of a man or boy) uncouth and aggressive.

fictive /ˈfiktiv/

I. adjective creating or created by imagination • the novel's fictive universe.

sententious /senˈten(t)SHəs/

I. adjective given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner • he tried to encourage his men with sententious rhetoric. II. derivatives 1. sententiously /senˈten(t)SHəslē / adverb 2. sententiousness /senˈten(t)SHəsnəs / noun - origin late Middle English: from Latin sententiosus, from sententia 'opinion' (see sentence). The original sense was 'full of meaning or wisdom,' later becoming depreciatory.

inscrutable /inˈskro͞odəb(ə)l/

I. adjective impossible to understand or interpret • Guy looked blankly inscrutable. II. derivatives 1. inscrutability /inˌskro͞odəˈbilədē / noun 2. inscrutably /inˈskro͞odəblē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from ecclesiastical Latin inscrutabilis, from in- 'not' +q scrutari 'to search' (see scrutiny).

Christendom /ˈkris(ə)ndəm/

I. noun 1. ‹dated› the worldwide body or society of Christians. 2. ‹dated› the Christian world • the greatest church in Christendom. - origin Old English crīstendōm, from crīsten (see christen) + -dōm (see -dom).

aesthete

I. noun a person who has or affects to have a special appreciation of art and beauty. - origin late 19th cent.: from Greek aisthētēs 'a person who perceives,' or from aesthetic, on the pattern of the pair athlete, athletic.

sonnet /ˈsänət/

I. noun a poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal rhyme schemes, in English typically having ten syllables per line. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹archaic› compose sonnets. 2. [with obj.] — ‹archaic› celebrate in a sonnet. - origin mid 16th cent.: from French, or from Italian sonetto, diminutive of suono 'a sound.'

politesse /ˌpäləˈtes/

I. noun formal politeness or etiquette. - origin early 18th cent.: French, from Italian politezza, pulitezza, from pulito 'polite.'

discomfit /disˈkəmfət/

I. verb — [with obj.] 1. make (someone) feel uneasy or embarrassed

"Mon Dieu,"

My God

augury

a sign of what will happen in the future; an omen

pièce de résistance /pēˌes də rəˌzēˈstäns pēˌes də rāˌzēˈstäns/ I.

noun — [in sing.] 1. (especially with reference to creative work or a meal) the most important or remarkable feature • the pièce de résistance of the meal was flaming ice cream. - origin French, literally 'piece (i.e., means) of resistance.'

shuffle off this mortal coil

‹chiefly humorous› die. [from Shakespeare's Hamlet (III. i. 67).]

moral certainty

noun probability so great as to allow no reasonable doubt • it enjoys moral certainty and consequently has a normative role.

byplay /ˈbīplā/

noun secondary or subsidiary action or involvement in a play or movie.

civil society

noun society considered as a community of citizens linked by common interests and collective activity • the corrosive impact of fear on politics and civil society • they make important contributions to civil society • a flourishing civil society indifferent to race, gender, or economic category.

scapular

scapular /ˈskapyələr/ I. adjective [Anatomy] [Zoology] of or relating to the shoulder or shoulder blade. II. noun 1. a short monastic cloak covering the shoulders. 2. a symbol of affiliation to an ecclesiastical order, consisting of two strips of cloth hanging down the breast and back and joined across the shoulder

dissemble

she is an honest, sincere person who has no need to dissemble: dissimulate, pretend, deceive, feign, act, masquerade, sham, fake, bluff, counterfeit, pose, posture, hide one's feelings, be dishonest, put on a false front, lie; cover up, conceal, disguise, hide, mask, veil, shroud.

shewbread

showbread I. noun twelve loaves placed every Sabbath in the Jewish Temple and eaten by the priests at the end of the week. - origin mid 16th cent.: suggested by German Schaubrot, representing Hebrew leḥem pānīm, literally 'bread of the face (of God).'

prosopography

/ˌpräsəˈpäɡrəfē/ I. noun 1. a description of a person's social and family connections, career, etc., or a collection of such descriptions. 2. the study of prosopography, especially in Roman history.

swallow

a migratory swift-flying songbird with a forked tail and long pointed wings, feeding on insects in flight. [Family Hirundinidae: several genera, in particular Hirundo, and numerous species, including the widespread barn swallow (H. rustica).] II. phrases one swallow does not make a summer ‹proverb› a single fortunate event does not mean that what follows will also be good. - origin Old English swealwe, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch zwaluw and German Schwalbe.

Tobruk /təˈbro͝ok, ˈtōˌbro͝ok/

a port on the Mediterranean coast of northeastern Libya; pop. 134,600 (est. 2009). It was the scene of fierce fighting during the North African campaign in World War II. Arabic name Tubruq.

Elsinore /ˈelsəˌnôr/

a port on the northeastern coast of the island of Zealand in Denmark; pop. 61,053 (2009). It is the site of the 16th-century Kronborg Castle, which is the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. Danish name Helsingør.

Tagus /ˈtāɡəs/

a river in southwestern Europe, the longest river on the Iberian peninsula. It rises in the mountains of eastern Spain and flows over 625 miles (1,000 km) west into Portugal, where it turns southwest and empties into the Atlantic Ocean near Lisbon. Spanish name Tajo, Portuguese name Tejo.

portal vein

hepatic portal vein noun [Anatomy] a vein conveying blood to the liver from the spleen, stomach, pancreas, and intestines.

charity

kindness and tolerance in judging others • she found it hard to look on her mother with much——. 6. ‹archaic› love of humankind, typically in a Christian context • faith, hope, and ——.

klieg

klieg light I. noun a powerful electric lamp used in filming. - origin 1920s: named after the American brothers, Anton T. Kliegl (1872-1927) and John H. Kliegl (1869-1959), who invented it.

Otto Eduard Leopold, Prince of Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg (born von Bismarck-Schönhausen; German: Otto Eduard Leopold Fürst[2] von Bismarck, Herzog zu Lauenburg; 1 April 1815 - 30 July 1898),

known as Otto von Bismarck (German: [ˈɔto fɔn ˈbɪsmaʁk] (About this soundlisten)), was a conservative German statesman who masterminded the unification of Germany in 1871 and served as its first chancellor until 1890, in which capacity he dominated European affairs for two decades. He had previously been Minister President of Prussia (1862-1890) and Chancellor of the North German Confederation (1867-1871). He provoked three short, decisive wars, against Denmark, Austria, and France. Following the victory against Austria, he abolished the supranational German Confederation and instead formed the North German Confederation as the first German national state, aligning the smaller North German states behind Prussia, and excluding Austria. Receiving the support of the independent South German states in the Confederation's defeat of France, he formed the German Empire - which also excluded Austria - and united Germany.

alimentary cana

l noun the whole passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus. It includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

mesa

mesa /ˈmāsə/ I. noun an isolated flat-topped hill with steep sides, found in landscapes with horizontal strata. - origin mid 18th cent.: Spanish, literally 'table,' from Latin mensa.

mincing

mincing /ˈminsiNG/ I. adjective (of a man) affectedly dainty in manner or gait • he followed her with quick, mincing steps. II. derivatives mincingly /ˈminsiNGlē / adverb

gothic novel

noun an English genre of fiction popular in the 18th to early 19th centuries, characterized by an atmosphere of mystery and horror and having a pseudomedieval setting.

presidio

presidio /priˈsidēˌō, -sēdē-/ I. noun (in Spain and Spanish America) a fortified military settlement. - origin Spanish, from Latin praesidium 'garrison.'

QT

q.t. I. noun —(in phrase on the QT) 1. ‹informal› secretly; stealthily • she'd better get there on the QT. - origin late 19th cent.: abbreviation of quiet.

tabula rasa

rasa /ˈtäbyo͝olə ˈräsə, ˈräzə/ I. noun 1. an absence of preconceived ideas or predetermined goals; a clean slate • the team did not have complete freedom and a tabula rasa from which to work. 2. the human mind, especially at birth, viewed as having no innate ideas. - origin Latin, literally 'scraped tablet,' denoting a tablet with the writing erased.

referent

referent /ˈref(ə)rənt/ I. noun [Linguistics] the thing that a word or phrase denotes or stands for • "the Morning Star" and "the Evening Star" have the same referent (the planet Venus). - origin mid 19th cent.: from Latin referent- 'bringing back,' from the verb referre (see refer).

Blue Dog Democrat

t Blue Dog Democrat I. noun ‹informal› (in the US) a Democrat from a southern state who has a conservative voting record. - origin from the name of a coalition of Southern Democrats in the US Congress formed in 1995. Their name alludes to an older term, "yellow dog Democrat," for a party loyalist who allegedly "would vote for a yellow dog if it were on the ballot as a Democrat."

wax lyrical

talk in a highly enthusiastic and effusive way • waxing lyrical about his splendid son-in-law.

Strauss. /strous, SHtrous/

the name of two Austrian composers. II. Johann (1804-49), a leading composer of waltzes; known as Strauss the Elder. His best-known work is the Radetzky March (1838). III. Johann (1825-99), son of Strauss the Elder; known as Strauss the Younger and as the waltz king.

primrose path

the pursuit of pleasure, especially when it is seen to bring disastrous consequences • unaware of his doom, he continued down his primrose path. [with allusion to Shakespeare's Hamlet I. iii. 50.] - origin late Middle English: compare with Old French primerose and medieval Latin prima rosa, literally 'first rose.'

conversant

the students are conversant with a wide range mathematical and computing skills: familiar with, acquainted with, au fait with, at home with, no stranger to; well versed in, well informed about, well up on, knowledgeable about, informed about, abreast of, apprised of, up to date on, au courant with; experienced in, proficient in, practiced in, skilled in; informal up to speed on, clued up on, genned up on, plugged into; formal cognizant of; dated perfect in. ANTONYMS unfamiliar with; ignorant of

thew

thew /TH(y)o͞o/ I. noun 1. ‹literary› muscular strength. 2. (thews) — ‹literary› muscles and tendons perceived as generating physical strength.

Herbert George Wells[1][2] (21 September 1866 - 13 August 1946)

was an English writer. Prolific in many genres, he wrote dozens of novels, short stories, and works of social commentary, history, satire, biography and autobiography. His work also included two books on recreational war games. Wells is now best remembered for his science fiction novels and is often called the "father of science fiction", along with Jules Verne and the publisher Hugo Gernsback.[3][4][a] During his own lifetime, however, he was most prominent as a forward-looking, even prophetic social critic who devoted his literary talents to the development of a progressive vision on a global scale. A futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web.[5] His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility, and biological engineering. Brian Aldiss referred to Wells as the "Shakespeare of science fiction".[6]

The Fitzroy Street Group

was an organisation created to promote and support artists. It was established in 1907 by Walter Sickert and merged in 1913 with the Camden Town Group to form the London Group.

huarache

wəˈräCHē / guarache I. noun a leather-thonged sandal, originally worn by Mexican Indians. - origin late 19th cent.: Mexican Spanish.

Aurora

/əˈrôrə, ôˈrôrə / ‹Roman Mythology› goddess of the dawn. Greek equivalent Eos.

Harz Mountains

/ˌhärts ˈmoun(t)ənz/ a range of mountains in central Germany, the highest of which is the Brocken.

risible

/ˈrizəbəl/ I. adjective 1. such as to provoke laughter • a risible scene of lovemaking in a tent.

gamesome

/ˈɡāmsəm/ I. adjective playful and merry.

quixotic

/kwikˈsädik/ I. adjective exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical • a vast and perhaps quixotic project.

sable

black

petit bourgeoisie

/pəˌtēt bo͝orZHwäˈzē / petit bourgeoisie I. noun —(the petite bourgeoisie) [treated as sing. or pl.] 1. the lower middle class. - origin French, literally 'lesser citizenry.'

djinn

(in Arabian and Muslim mythology) an intelligent spirit of lower rank than the angels, able to appear in human and animal forms and to possess humans. Compare with genie. - origin from Arabic jinnī, plural jinn.

soapy

(of a person or behavior) unpleasantly flattering and ingratiating • a soapy, fawning look.

dyspeptic

/disˈpeptik/ I. adjective of or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression. II. noun a person who suffers from indigestion or irritability.

carbolic

/kärˈbälik/ noun short for carbolic acid or carbolic soap.

assiduously

/əˈsijo͞oəslē/ adverb with great care and perseverance • leaders worked assiduously to hammer out an action plan.

anchorite

/ˈaNGkəˌrīt/ I. noun ‹historical› a religious recluse.

dauphin

/ˈdôfən dōˈfan/ I. noun ‹historical› the eldest son of the king of France.

gustatory

/ˈɡəstəˌtôrē/ adjective ‹formal› concerned with tasting or the sense of taste • gustatory delights.

Boaz and Jachin

According to the Bible, Boaz and Jachin were two copper, brass or bronze pillars which stood on the porch of Solomon's Temple, the first Temple in Jerusalem.[1] They are sometimes used as symbols in Freemasonry and Tarot. They were probably not support structures, but were free standing, based on similar pillars found in other nearby temples

alacrity /əˈlakrədē/

I. noun brisk and cheerful readiness • she accepted the invitation with alacrity. - origin late Middle English: from Latin alacritas, from alacer 'brisk.'

perfunctory /pərˈfəNG(k)t(ə)rē/

I. adjective (of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection • he gave a perfunctory nod.

colloquial /kəˈlōkwēəl/

I. adjective (of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary. II. derivatives colloquially /kəˈlōkwēəlē / adverb - origin mid 18th cent.: from Latin colloquium 'conversation' + -al.

cotton (verb)

II. verb — [no obj.] 1. (cotton on) —formal› begin to understand • he cottoned on to what I was trying to say. 2. (cotton to) — ‹informal› (N. Amer.) have a liking for • his rivals didn't cotton to all the attention he was getting. III. derivatives cottony /ˈkätnē / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Old French coton, from Arabic ḳuṭn.

buttonhole

II. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹informal› attract the attention of and detain (someone) in conversation, typically against his or her will.

altercation

No one suffers physical injury in an altercation. It is a heated exchange of words and nothing more.

quiff

O /kwif/ I. noun (chiefly Brit.) a piece of hair, especially on a man, brushed upward and backward from the forehead. - origin late 19th cent. (originally denoting a lock of hair plastered down on the forehead, especially asworn by soldiers): of unknown origin.

Stanislavsky, Konstantin /ˌstanəˈsläfskē/ (1863-1938),

Russian theater director and actor; born Konstantin Sergeevich Alekseev; full name Konstantin Sergeevich Stanislavsky. He trained actors to take a psychological approach and to use latent powers of self-expression when taking on roles; his theory and technique were later developed into method acting.

Panglossian Paradigm

The phrase "panglossian pessimism" has been used to describe the pessimistic position that, since this is the best of all possible worlds, it is impossible for anything to get any better.

Steffens, Lincoln /ˈstefənz/ (1866-1936)

US journalist; full name Joseph Lincoln Steffens. A leader of the muckraking movement, he was editor of McClure's magazine 1902-06 and, as an associate editor, contributed articles to American and Everybody's magazines 1906-11.

campesino

campesino /ˌkampəˈsēnō, ˌkäm-/ I. noun (in Spanish-speaking regions) a peasant farmer.

Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde

(16 October 1854 - 30 November 1900) was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, the early 1890s saw him become one of the most popular playwrights in London. He is best remembered for his epigrams and plays, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, and the circumstances of his criminal conviction for gross indecency for consensual homosexual acts, imprisonment, and early death at age 46.

compunction /kəmˈpəNG(k)SH(ə)n

/ I. noun — [usu. with negative] 1. a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that follows the doing of something bad • spend the money without compunction. 2. a pricking of the conscience • he had no compunction about behaving blasphemously. II. derivatives

entreat

/ I. verb 1. [reporting verb] —ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something [with obj. and infinitive] • his friends entreated him not to go. 2. [with obj.] —ask earnestly or anxiously for (something)

interloper /ˈin(t)ərˌlōpər ˌin(t)ərˈlōpər

/ I. noun a person who becomes involved in a place or situation where they are not wanted or are considered not to belong. II. derivatives interlope /ˈin(t)ərˌlōp ˌin(t)ərˈlōp / verb - origin late 16th cent. (denoting an unauthorized trader trespassing on the rights of a trade monopoly): from inter- 'amid' + -loper as in archaic landloper 'vagabond' (from Middle Dutch landlooper).

panjandrum /panˈjandrəm

/ I. noun a person who has or claims to have a great deal of authority or influence. - origin late 19th cent.: from Grand Panjandrum, an invented phrase in a nonsense verse (1755) by S. Foote.

tachycardia /ˌtakəˈkärdēə

/ I. noun an abnormally rapid heart rate. - origin late 19th cent.: from tachy- 'swift' + Greek kardia 'heart.'

bawdy

/ˈbôdē/ I. adjective dealing with sexual matters in a comical way; humorously indecent. II. noun humorously indecent talk or writing.

coda /ˈkōdə/

. noun 1. [Music] the concluding passage of a piece or movement, typically forming an addition to the basic structure. 2. [Music] the concluding section of a dance, especially of a pas de deux, or the finale of a ballet in which the dancers parade before the audience. 3. [Music] a concluding event, remark, or section • his new novel is a kind of coda to his previous books. - origin mid 18th cent.: Italian, from Latin cauda 'tail.'

tableau /ˌtaˈblō

/ I. noun a group of models or motionless figures representing a scene from a story or from history; a tableau vivant. - origin late 17th cent. (in the sense 'picture,' figuratively 'picturesque description'): from French, literally 'picture,' diminutive of table (see table).

mazurka /məˈzərkə məˈzo͝orkə

/ I. noun a lively Polish dance in triple time. - origin early 19th cent.: via German from Polish mazurka, denoting a woman of the province Mazovia.

Proust, Marcel (1871-1922)

, French novelist, essayist, and critic. He devoted much of his life to writing his novel À la recherche du temps perdu (1913-27). Its central theme is the recovery of the lost past and the releasing of its creative energies through the stimulation of unconscious memory.

Balzac, Honoré de /ˈbôlˌzak, ˈbal

-/ I. (1799-1850), French novelist; chiefly remembered for his series of ninety-one interconnected novels and stories known collectively as La Comédie humaine.

taciturn

/ˈtasəˌtərn/ I. adjective (of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

Flaubert, Gustave /flōˈber/ (1821-80),

French novelist and short-story writer. A dominant figure in the French realist school, he is noted for Madame Bovary (1857), his first published novel.

Ecce Homo /ˈeCHā ˈhōˌmō, ˈeksē, ˈekā/

I. noun [Art] a painting of Jesus Christ wearing the crown of thorns. - origin early 17th cent.: Latin, literally 'behold the man,' the words of Pontius Pilate to the Jews after Jesus was crowned with thorns (John 19:5).

execrable /ˈeksəkrəb(ə)l/

I. adjective extremely bad or unpleasant • execrable cheap wine.

Oxford Movement

a Christian movement started in Oxford, England, in 1833, seeking to restore traditional Catholic teachings and ceremony within the Church of England. Its leaders were John Keble, Edward Pusey, and (until he became a Roman Catholic) John Henry Newman. It formed the basis of the present Anglo-Catholic (or High Church) tradition. Also called Tractarianism.

Limoges /ləˈmōZH/

a city in west central France, the capital of Limousin; pop. 139,026 (2006). Famous in the late Middle Ages for enamel work, it has been noted since the 18th century for the production of porcelain.

adduce

adduce /əˈd(y)o͞os/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. cite as evidence • a number of factors are adduced to explain the situation. II. derivatives adducible /əˈd(y)o͞osəb(ə)l / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Latin adducere, from ad- 'toward' + ducere 'to lead.'

stentorian /stenˈtôrēən/

adjective (of a person's voice) loud and powerful • he introduced me to the staff with a stentorian announcement.

unlettered /ˌənˈledərd/

adjective (of a person) poorly educated or illiterate.

soused

adjective 1. (of food, especially fish) preserved in a pickling solution or a marinade • soused herring. 2. ‹informal› drunk • I was soused to the eyeballs.

vituperative /vīˈt(y)o͞opəˌrādiv vəˈt(y)o͞op(ə)rədiv/

adjective bitter and abusive • the criticism soon turned into a vituperative attack.

jaunty /ˈjôn(t)ē

adjective having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner • there was no mistaking that jaunty walk. II. derivatives 1. jauntily /ˈjôn(t)əlē / adverb 2. jauntiness /ˈjôn(t)ēnəs / noun - origin mid 17th cent. (in the sense 'well-bred, genteel'): from French gentil (see gentle, genteel).

hard-bitten or hardbitten

adjective tough and cynical

black swan

an unpredictable or unforeseen event, typically one with extreme consequences [as modifier] • geopolitical black swan events, such as the Arab Spring and the Japanese earthquake, have further complicated the market dynamics.

arcana

arcana /ärˈkānə/ I. plural noun — [treated as sing. or pl.] 1. secrets or mysteries • his knowledge of federal budget arcana is legendary. 2. [treated as sing.] — either of the two groups of cards in a tarot pack: the twenty-two trump cards (the major arcana) and the fifty-six suit cards (the minor arcana).

tog /täɡ / ‹informal>

noun — (togs) 1. clothes • running togs. II. verb — (be/get togged up/out) 1. be or get dressed for a particular occasion or activity • we got togged up in our glad rags. - origin early 18th cent. (as a slang term for a coat or outer garment): apparently an abbreviation of obsolete criminals' slang togeman (s) 'a light cloak,' from French toge or Latin toga (see toga).

cynical

cynical /ˈsinək(ə)l/ adjective 1. believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity • her cynical attitude. 2. doubtful as to whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile • most residents are cynical about efforts to clean mobsters out of their city. 3. contemptuous; mocking • he gave a cynical laugh. 4. concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them • a cynical manipulation of public opinion.

bruit

bruit /bro͞ot/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. spread (a report or rumor) widely • I didn't want to have our relationship bruited about the office. II. noun 1. ‹archaic› a report or rumor. 2. a sound, typically an abnormal one, heard through a stethoscope; a murmur.

extant

extant /ˈekstənt ekˈstant/ I. adjective (especially of a document) still in existence; surviving • the original manuscript is no longer extant. - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'accessible, able to be publicly seen or reached'): from Latin exstant- 'being visible or prominent, existing,' from the verb exstare, from ex- 'out' + stare 'to stand.'

gutter

flicker and burn unsteadily • the candles had almost guttered out. 2. [with obj.] — ‹archaic› channel or furrow with something such as streams or tears • my cheeks are guttered with tears. 3. [no obj.] (gutter down) — stream down • the raindrops gutter down her visage.

advent /ˈadˌvent/

noun — [in sing.] 1. the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event • the advent of television. 2. (Advent) — the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays. 3. (Advent) — [Christian Theology] the coming or second coming of Christ. - origin Old English, from Latin adventus 'arrival,' from advenire, from ad- 'to' + venire 'come.'

condottiere. /ˌkändätēˈerē, ˌkändəˈtyerē/ I.

noun ‹historical› a leader or a member of a troop of mercenaries, especially in Italy. - origin Italian, from condotto 'troop under contract,' from condotta 'a contract,' from condurre 'conduct,' from Latin conducere (see conduct).

printer's devil

noun ‹historical› a person, typically a young boy, serving at or below the level of apprentice in a printing establishment.

wellspring /ˈwelˌspriNG/

noun ‹literary› an original and bountiful source of something • sadness is the wellspring of creativity.

in medias res

in ˈmēdēəs ˈres, ˈmādēˌäs/ I. adverb 1. into the middle of a narrative; without preamble • having begun his story in medias res, he then interrupts it. 2. into the midst of things. - origin late 18th cent.: Latin, literally 'into the middle of things.'

George Bernard Shaw (/;[1] 26 July 1856 - 2 November 1950),

known at his insistence simply as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. He wrote more than sixty plays, including major works such as Man and Superman (1902), Pygmalion (1912) and Saint Joan (1923). With a range incorporating both contemporary satire and historical allegory, Shaw became the leading dramatist of his generation, and in 1925 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

diktat

noun an order or decree imposed by someone in power without popular consent • a diktat from the Bundestag • he can disband the legislature and rule by diktat. - origin 1930s: from German, from Latin dictatum 'something dictated,' neuter past

kismet /ˈkizmit, -ˌmet/

noun destiny; fate • what chance did I stand against kismet? - origin early 19th cent.: from Turkish, from Arabic ḳismat 'division, portion, lot,' from ḳasama 'to divide.'

elucidation /əˌlo͞osəˈdāSH(ə)n

noun explanation that makes something clear; clarification • work that led to the elucidation of the structure of proteins.

nopal

nopal /ˈnōpəl/ I. noun 1. a cactus that is a major food plant of the bugs from which cochineal is obtained. [Genus Nopalea, family Cactaceae: several species, in particular N. cochinellifera.] 2. (nopales) — the edible fleshy pads of the nopal cactus, used as a staple in Mexican cuisine. 3. the prickly pear cactus,

rigor /ˈriɡər/

noun 1. (rigour) — (Brit.) the quality of being extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate • his analysis is lacking in rigor. 2. severity or strictness • the full rigor of the law. 3. (rigors) — demanding, difficult, or extreme conditions • the rigors of a harsh winter.

strop /sträp/ I.

noun 1. a device, typically a strip of leather, for sharpening straight razors. 2. (also strap) — [Nautical] a rope sling for handling cargo. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. sharpen on or with a strop • he stropped a knife razor-sharp on his belt. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'thong,' also as a nautical term): probably a West Germanic adoption of Latin stroppus 'thong.'

picket

picket /ˈpikit/ I. noun 1. a person or group of people standing outside a place of work or other venue, protesting something or trying to persuade others not to enter during a strike. 2. a blockade of a workplace or other venue staged by a group of people in protest of something. 3. a soldier or party of soldiers performing a particular duty • a picket of soldiers fired a volley over the coffin. 4. [usu. as modifier] — a pointed wooden stake driven into the ground, typically to form a fence or palisade or to tether a horse

pinon

piñon /ˈpinyən, ˌpinˈyōn / pinyon, piñon pine I. noun 1. a small pine tree with edible seeds, native to Mexico and the southwestern US. [Pinus cemebroides, family Pinaceae.] 2. (also piñon nut) — a pine nut obtained from the piñon tree. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Spanish, from Latin pinea 'pine cone.'

Ford Madox Ford (né Joseph Leopold Ford Hermann Madox Hueffer (/ˈhɛfər/ HEF-ər);[1] 17 December 1873 - 26 June 1939)

was an English novelist, poet, critic and editor whose journals The English Review and The Transatlantic Review were instrumental in the development of early 20th-century English and American literature. Ford is now remembered for his novels The Good Soldier (1915), the Parade's End tetralogy (1924-28) and The Fifth Queen trilogy (1906-08). The Good Soldier is frequently included among the great literature of the 20th century, including the Modern Library 100 Best Novels, The Observer′s "100 Greatest Novels of All Time", and The Guardian′s "1000 novels everyone must read".

tremolo

tremolo /ˈtreməˌlō/ I. noun 1. [Music] a wavering effect in a musical tone, typically produced by rapid reiteration of a note, or sometimes by rapid repeated variation in the pitch of a note or by sounding two notes of slightly different pitches to produce prominent overtones.Compare with vibrato. 2. [Music] a mechanism in an organ producing a tremolo. 3. (also tremolo arm) — [Music] a lever on an electric guitar producing a tremolo. - origin mid 18th cent.: from Italian.

bridle

verb 1. [with obj.] (usu. be bridled) —put a bridle on (a horse). 2. bring (something) under control; curb • the fact that he was their servant bridled his tongue. 3. [no obj.] —show one's resentment or anger, especially by throwing up the head and drawing in the chin

perseverate /pərˈsevəˌrāt/

verb — [no obj.] 1. [Psychology] repeat or prolong an action, thought, or utterance after the stimulus that prompted it has ceased. II. derivatives perseveration /pərˌsevəˈrāSHən / noun - origin early 20th cent.: from Latin perseverat- 'strictly abided by,' from the verb perseverare (see persevere).

ape (verb)

verb —[with obj.] 1. imitate the behavior or manner of (someone or something), especially in an absurd or unthinking way • new architecture can respect the old without aping its style.

The Bloomsbury Group—or Bloomsbury Set—

was a group of associated English writers, intellectuals, philosophers and artists in the first half of the 20th century,[1] including Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, E. M. Forster and Lytton Strachey. This loose collective of friends and relatives was closely associated with the University of Cambridge for the men and King's College London for the women, and they lived, worked or studied together near Bloomsbury, London. According to Ian Ousby, "although its members denied being a group in any formal sense, they were united by an abiding belief in the importance of the arts."[2] Their works and outlook deeply influenced literature, aesthetics, criticism, and economics as well as modern attitudes towards feminism, pacifism, and sexuality.[3] A well-known quote, attributed to Dorothy Parker, is "they lived in squares, painted in circles and loved in triangles".

zakuska /zəˈko͞oskə /

zakouska I. noun a substantial Russian hors d'oeuvre item such as caviar sandwiches or vegetables with sour cream dip, all served with vodka. - origin Russian.

jefe

ˈhefā/ I. noun (US) ‹informal› a boss or leader; a person in charge of something. - origin late 19th cent.: Spanish from French chef 'chief.'

claymore

ˈklāmôr/ I. noun 1. ‹historical› a two-edged broadsword used by Scottish Highlanders. 2. a single-edged broadsword having a hilt with a basketwork design, introduced in Scotland in the 16th century. 3. a type of antipersonnel mine. - origin early 18th cent.: from Scottish Gaelic claidheamh 'sword' + mór

termagant

ˈtərməɡənt/ I. noun 1. a harsh-tempered or overbearing woman. 2. (Termagant) —‹historical› an imaginary deity of violent and turbulent character, often appearing in morality plays.

bon mot /bäːnˈmō/

I. noun a witty remark. - origin mid 18th cent.: French, literally 'good word.'

settle

I. noun a wooden bench with a high back and arms, typically incorporating a box under the seat.

bezique /bəˈzēk/ I

. noun 1. a trick-taking card game for two, played with a double pack of 64 cards, including the seven to ace only in each suit. 2. the holding of the queen of spades and the jack of diamonds in this game. - origin mid 19th cent.: from French bésigue, perhaps from Persian bāzīgar 'juggler' or bāzī 'game.'

sigma /ˈsiɡmə/ I

. noun 1. the eighteenth letter of the Greek alphabet (Σ, σ), transliterated as 's.' [The form ς is used instead of σ at the end of a word. The uncial form, called lunate sigma and resembling the letter C, is also sometimes used.] 2. [followed by Latin genitive] (Sigma) — [Astronomy] the eighteenth star in a constellation • Sigma Octantis. 3. [Chemistry] [Physics] relating to or denoting an electron or orbital with zero angular momentum around an internuclear axis. II. symbol 1. (Σ) — mathematical sum. 2. (σ) — standard deviation.

entrechat /ˌäntrəˈSHä/

. noun [Ballet] a vertical jump during which the dancer repeatedly crosses the feet and beats them together. - origin French, from Italian (capriola) intrecciata 'complicated (caper).'

effete /əˈfēt/ I. adjective 1

. (of a person) affected, overrefined, and ineffectual • effete trendies from art college. 2. no longer capable of effective action • the authority of an effete aristocracy began to dwindle. II. derivatives effeteness /əˈfētnəs / noun - origin early 17th cent. (in the sense 'no longer fertile, past bearing young'): from Latin effetus 'worn out by bearing young,' from ex- 'out' + fetus 'breeding'; related to fetus.

decrepit

. /dəˈkrepət/ I. adjective 1. (of a person) elderly and infirm • a decrepit old drunk. 2. worn out or ruined because of age or neglect • centuries-old buildings, now decrepit and black with soot. - origin late Middle English: from Latin decrepitus, from de- 'down' + crepitus, past participle of crepare 'rattle, creak.'

chinoiserie /ˌSHēnˌwäzəˈrē ˌSHēnˈwäz(ə)rē

. noun 1. the imitation or evocation of Chinese motifs and techniques in Western art, furniture, and architecture, especially in the 18th century. 2. chinoiserie objects or decorations • a piece of chinoiserie • one room has red velvet and chinoiseries. - origin late 19th cent.: from French, from chinois 'Chinese.'

gig/ɡiɡ/ I

. noun 1. ‹chiefly historical› a light two-wheeled carriage pulled by one horse. 2. a light, fast, narrow boat adapted for rowing or sailing. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. travel in a gig. - origin late 18th cent.: apparently a transferred sense of obsolete gig 'a flighty girl,' which was also

windrow

/ˈwindrō/ noun 1. a long line of raked hay or sheaves of grain laid out to dry in the wind. 2. (N. Amer.) a long line of material heaped up by the wind or by a machine.

stolid /ˈstäləd/ I

. adjective (of a person) calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation. II. derivatives 1. stolidity /stəˈlidədē / noun 2. stolidly /ˈstälədlē / adverb 3. stolidness /ˈstälədnəs / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from obsolete French stolide or Latin stolidus (perhaps related to stultus 'foolish').

endemic /enˈdemik/ I

. adjective 1. (of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area • areas where malaria is endemic • complacency is endemic in industry today. 2. [attrib.] — denoting an area in which a particular disease is regularly found. 3. (of a plant or animal) native or restricted to a certain country or area • a marsupial endemic to northeastern Australia. - origin mid 17th cent. (as a noun): from French endémique or modern Latin endemicus, from Greek endēmios 'native' (based on dēmos 'people'). / usage: On the difference between endemic, epidemic, and pandemic, see usage at epidemic.

clement /ˈklemənt/ I

. adjective 1. (of weather) mild. 2. (of a person or a person's actions) merciful. - origin late Middle English (sense 2): from Latin clemens, clement-.

abject. /ˈabˌjekt abˈjekt/ I

. adjective 1. [attrib.] —(of a situation or condition) extremely bad, unpleasant, and degrading • abject poverty. 2. (of an unhappy state of mind) experienced to the maximum degree • his letter plunged her into abject misery. 3. (of a person or their behavior) completely without pride or dignity; self-abasing

crass /kras/

. adjective lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence • the crass assumptions that men make about women. - origin late 15th cent. (in the sense 'dense or coarse (in constitution or texture)'): from Latin crassus 'solid, thick.'

venal

. adjective showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery • why should these venal politicians care how they are rated? • their generosity had been at least partly venal. II. derivatives 1. venality /vēˈnalədē / noun 2. venally adverb - origin mid 17th cent. (in the sense 'available for purchase,' referring to merchandise or a favor): from Latin venalis, from venum 'thing for sale.' / usage: Venal and venial are sometimes confused. Venal means 'corrupt, able to be bribed, or involving bribery': local customs officials are notoriously venal, and smuggling thrives. Venial is used to describe a sin or offense that is

tenor/ˈtenər

. noun 1. [in sing.] (usu. the tenor of) — the general meaning, sense, or content of something • the general tenor of the debate. 2. [in sing.] (usu. the tenor of) — a settled or prevailing character or direction, especially the course of a person's life or habits • the even tenor of life in the kitchen was disrupted the following day. 3. [Law] the actual wording of a document. 4. [Finance] the time that must elapse before a bill of exchange or promissory note becomes due for payment. - origin Middle English: from Old French tenour, from Latin tenor 'course, substance, import of a law,' from tenere 'to hold.'

festoon /feˈsto͞on/ I

. noun 1. a chain or garland of flowers, leaves, or ribbons, hung in a curve as a decoration. 2. a carved or molded ornament representing a festoon. II. verb — [with obj.] (often be festooned with) 1. adorn (a place) with ribbons, garlands, or other decorations • the room was festooned with balloons and streamers. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French feston, from Italian festone 'festal ornament,' from festum 'feast.'

drogue /drōɡ/ I

. noun 1. a device, typically conical or funnel-shaped with open ends, towed behind a boat, aircraft, or other moving object to reduce speed or improve stability. 2. an object similar to a drogue used as an aerial target for gunnery practice or as a windsock.

mountebank /ˈmoun(t)əˌbaNGk/ I

. noun 1. a person who deceives others, especially in order to trick them out of their money; a charlatan. 2. ‹historical› a person who sold patent medicines in public places. - origin late 16th cent.: from Italian montambanco, from the imperative phrase monta in banco! 'climb on the bench!' (with allusion to the raised platform used to attract an audience).

impresario /ˌimprəˈsärēˌō ˌimprəˈserəˌō/ I

. noun 1. a person who organizes and often finances concerts, plays, or operas. 2. ‹chiefly historical› the manager of a musical, theatrical, or operatic company. - origin mid 18th cent.: from Italian, from impresa 'undertaking.'

bolus /ˈbōləs/

. noun 1. a small rounded mass of a substance, especially of chewed food at the moment of swallowing. 2. a type of large pill used in veterinary medicine. 3. [Medicine] a single dose of a drug or other medicinal preparation given all at once. - origin mid 16th cent. denoting a large pill of medicine: via late Latin from Greek bōlos 'clod.'

catechism /ˈkadəˌkizəm/

. noun 1. a summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians. 2. a series of fixed questions, answers, or precepts used for instruction in other situations.

beau monde

/ˌbō ˈmônd/ I. noun —(the beau monde) 1. fashionable society. - origin late 17th cent.: French, literally 'fine world.'

confrère /ˈkänˌfrer känˈfrer / confrere

. noun a fellow member of a profession; a colleague • executives from the four broadcast television networks, along with their cable confreres. - origin mid 18th cent.: French, from medieval Latin confrater, from con- 'together with' + frater

sole /sōl/

. noun a marine flatfish of almost worldwide distribution, important as a food fish. [Several species in the familiesSoleidae, Pleuronectidae, and Bothidae. See Dover sole, lemon sole.] - origin Middle English: from Old French, from Provençal sola, from Latin solea (see sole1), named from its shape.

legatee /ˌleɡəˈtē/ I

. noun a person who receives a legacy. - origin late 17th legatee /ˌleɡəˈtē/ I. noun a person who receives a legacy. - origin late 17th cent.: from 15th-cent. legate 'bequeath' (from Latin legare 'delegate, bequeath') + -ee..: from 15th-cent. legate 'bequeath' (from Latin legare 'delegate, bequeath') + -ee.

solicitude /səˈlisəˌt(y)o͞od/ I

. noun care or concern for someone or something • I was touched by his solicitude. - origin late Middle English: from Old French sollicitude, from Latin sollicitudo, from sollicitus (see solicitous).

consternation /ˌkänstərˈnāSH(ə)n/

. noun feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected • I always welcomed clover, much to the consternation of the neighbors. - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin consternatio(n-), from the verb consternare 'lay prostrate, terrify' (see consternate).

fait accompli /ˌfed əkämˈplē ˌfād əkämˈplē/ I

. noun — [in sing.] 1. a thing that has already happened or been decided before those affected hear about it, leaving them with no option but to accept • the results were presented to shareholders as a fait accompli. - origin mid 19th cent.:from French, literally 'accomplished fact.'

compunction /kəmˈpəNG(k)SH(ə)n/ I

. noun — [usu. with negative] 1. a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that follows the doing of something bad • spend the money without compunction. 2. a pricking of the conscience • he had no compunction about II. derivatives 1. compunctionless adjective 2. compunctious /kəmˈpəNG(k)SHəs / adjective 3. compunctiously /-SHəslē / adverb - origin Middle English: from Old French componction, from ecclesiastical Latin compunctio(n-), from Latin compungere 'prick sharply,' from com- (expressing intensive force) + pungere 'to prick.'

desuetude

. noun ‹formal› a state of disuse • the docks fell into desuetude. - origin early 17th cent. (in the sense 'cessation'): from French, from Latin desuetudo, from desuet- 'made unaccustomed,' from the verb desuescere, from de- (expressing reversal) + suescere 'be accustomed.'

adumbrate /ˈadəmˌbrāt əˈdəmˌbrāt/ I

. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹formal› report or represent in outline • James Madison adumbrated the necessity that the Senate be somewhat insulated from public passions. 2. ‹formal› indicate faintly • the walls were not more than adumbrated by the meager light. 3. ‹formal› foreshadow or symbolize • what qualities in Christ are adumbrated by the vine? 4. ‹formal› overshadow • her happy reminiscences were adumbrated by consciousness of something else. II. derivatives 1. adumbration /ˌadəmˈbrāSH(ə)n / noun 2. adumbrative /əˈdəmbrətiv, ˈadəmˌbrā- / adjective - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin adumbrat- 'shaded,' from the verb adumbrare, from ad- 'to' (as an intensifier) + umbrare 'cast a shadow' (from umbra 'shade').

diaphanous /dīˈafənəs

/ I. adjective (especially of fabric) light, delicate, and translucent • a diaphanous dress of pale gold. - origin early 17th cent.: from medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphanēs, from dia 'through' + phainein 'to show.'

rubicund /ˈro͞obəˌkənd

/ I. adjective (especially of someone's face) having a ruddy complexion; high-colored. II. derivatives rubicundity /ˌro͞obəˈkəndədē / noun - origin late Middle English (in the general sense 'red'): from Latin rubicundus, from rubere 'be red.'

cordon bleu /ˌkôrdôn ˈblə

/ I. adjective 1. [Cooking] of the highest class • a cordon bleu chef. 2. [Cooking] denoting a dish consisting of an escalope of veal or chicken rolled, filled with cheese and ham, and then fried in breadcrumbs. II. noun a cook of the highest class. - origin mid 18th cent. (as a noun, oftencally denoting a first-class cook): French, literally 'blue ribbon.' The blue ribbon once signified the highest order of chivalry in the reign of the Bourbon kings.

fusty

/ I. adjective 1. smelling stale, damp, or stuffy • the fusty odor of decay. 2. old-fashioned in attitude or style • grammar in the classroom became a fusty notion. II. derivatives 1. fustily /ˈfəstəlē / adverb 2. fustiness /ˈfəstēnəs / noun - origin late 15th cent.: from Old French fuste 'smelling of the cask,' from fust 'cask, tree trunk,' from Latin fustis 'cudgel.'

querulous /ˈkwer(y)ələs

/ I. adjective complaining in a petulant or whining manner • she became querulous and demanding. II. derivatives 1. querulously /ˈkwerələslē / adverb 2. querulousness /ˈkwerələsnəs / noun - origin late 15th cent.: from late Latin querulosus, from Latin querulus, from queri 'complain.'

bluff

/ I. adjective direct in speech or behavior but in a good-natured way • a big, bluff, hearty man.

Rabelaisian /ˌrabəˈlāzēən ˌrabəˈlāZHən

/ I. adjective displaying earthy humor; bawdy • the conversation was often highly Rabelaisian. - origin suggestive of the humor of François Rabelais.

erudite. /ˈer(y)əˌdīt

/ I. adjective having or showing great knowledge or learning. II. derivatives eruditely /ˈer(y)əˌdītlē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from Latin eruditus, past participle of erudire 'instruct, train' (based on rudis 'rude, untrained').

retiring

/ I. adjective shy and fond of being on one's own • a ———, acquiescent woman.

nativism /ˈnādəˌvizəm

/ I. noun 1. (chiefly US) the policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants • a deep vein of xenophobia and nativism. 2. a return to or emphasis on traditional or local customs, in opposition to outside influences. 3. the theory or doctrine that concepts, mental capacities, and mental structures are innate rather than acquired or learned. II. derivatives 1. nativist noun, adjective 2. nativistic /ˌnātiˈvistik / adjective

Bohemian /bōˈhēmēən

/ I. noun 1. a native or inhabitant of Bohemia. 2. (also bohemian) — a person who has informal and unconventional social habits, especially an artist or writer • the young bohemians with their art galleries and sushi bars. [mid 19th cent.: from French bohémien 'Gypsy' (because Gypsies were thought to come from Bohemia, or because they perhaps entered the West through Bohemia).] II. adjective 1. of or relating to Bohemia or its people. 2. (also bohemian) — having informal and unconventional social habits • the bohemian writer's drafty-garret existence. III. derivatives Bohemianism /bōˈhēmēənizəm / noun Bohemian (sense 2 of the adjective)

elocution /ˌeləˈkyo͞oSH(ə)n

/ I. noun 1. the skill of clear and expressive speech, especially of distinct pronunciation and articulation. 2. a particular style of speaking. II. derivatives 1. elocutionary /ˌeləˈkyo͞oSHəˌnerē / adjective 2. elocutionist /ˌeləˈkyo͞oSH(ə)nəst / noun - origin late Middle English (denoting oratorical or literary style): from Latin elocutio(n-), from eloqui 'speak out' (see eloquence).

petard /pəˈtärd

/ I. noun 1. ‹historical› a small bomb made of a metal or wooden box filled with powder, used to blast down a door or to make a hole in a wall. 2. ‹historical› a kind of firework that explodes with a sharp report. II. phrases hoist with (or by) one's own petard have one's plans to cause trouble for others backfire on one. [from Shakespeare's Hamlet (III. iv. 207); hoist is in the sense 'lifted and removed,' past participle of dialect hoise (see hoist).] - origin mid 16th cent.: from French pétard, from péter 'break wind.'

dysarthria /disˈärTHrēə

/ I. noun [Medicine] difficult or unclear articulation of speech that is otherwise linguistically normal. - origin late 19th cent.: from dys- 'difficult' + Greek arthron 'joint or articulation.'

burgomaster

/ I. noun the mayor of a Dutch, Flemish, German, Austrian, or Swiss town. - origin late 16th cent.: from Dutch burgemeester, from burg 'castle, citadel' (see borough) + meester 'master.' The change in the final element was due to association with master1.

connivance /kəˈnīvəns

/ I. noun willingness to secretly allow or be involved in wrongdoing, especially an immoral or illegal act • this infringement of the law had taken place with the connivance of officials. - origin late 16th cent. (also in the Latin sense 'winking'): from French connivence or Latin conniventia, from connivere 'shut the eyes (to)' (see connive).

Krakatoa /ˌkrakəˈtōə, ˌkräk-

/ a small volcanic island in Indonesia that lies between Java and Sumatra. It was the scene of a great eruption in 1883 that destroyed most of the island.

profligacy

/ noun 1. reckless extravagance or wastefulness in the use of resources • the government returned to fiscal profligacy • [count noun] his financial prudence corrected the profligacies of Nero. 2. licentious or dissolute behavior

indolence

/ noun avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness - origin mid 17th cent.: from late Latin indolent-, from in-'not' + dolere 'suffer or give pain.' The sense 'idle' arose in the early 18th cent.

perverse.

// I. adjective 1. (of a person or their actions) showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequences • Kate's —— decision not to cooperate. 2. contrary to the accepted or expected standard or practice

dint

// I. noun 1. an impression or hollow in a surface • the soft —— at the top of a coconut. 2. ‹archaic› a blow or stroke, typically one made with a weapon in fighting. 3. force of attack; impact • I perceive you feel the —- of pity. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. mark (a surface) with impressions or hollows

idiopathy

// I. noun [Medicine] a disease or condition that arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown. - origin late 17th cent.: from modern Latin idiopathia, from Greek idiopatheia, from idios 'own, private' + -patheia 'suffering.'

pique. pēk

// I. noun a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride • he left in a fit of ——. II. verb 1. [with obj.] —stimulate (interest or curiosity) • you have ——-ed my curiosity about the man.

recto

// I. noun a right-hand page of an open book, or the front of a loose document. Contrasted with verso.

impiety

// I. noun lack of piety or reverence, especially for a god

eviscerate /əˈvisəˌrāt/

// I. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹formal› disembowel (a person or animal) • the goat had been skinned and neatly eviscerated. 2. ‹formal› deprive (something) of its essential content • myriad little concessions that would eviscerate the project. 3. ‹formal› [Surgery] remove the contents of (a body organ). II. derivatives evisceration /əˌvisəˈrāSH(ə)n / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin eviscerat- 'disemboweled,' from the verb eviscerare, from e- (variant of ex-) 'out' + viscera 'internal organs.'

chintz

/CHin(t)s/ I. noun printed multicolored cotton fabric with a glazed finish, used especially for curtains and upholstery • a sofa upholstered in chintz • [as modifier] floral chintz curtains. - origin early 17th cent. (as chints, plural of chint, denoting a stained or painted calico cloth

chine

/CHīn/ I. noun 1. a backbone, especially that of an animal as it appears in a cut of meat. 2. a cut of meat containing all or part of this. 3. a mountain ridge or arête.

shoat

/SHōt / shote I. noun (N. Amer.) a young pig, especially one that is newly weaned. - origin late Middle English: of unknown origin; compare with West Flemish schote.

shirr

/SHər/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. gather (an area of fabric or part of a garment) by means of drawn or elasticized threads in parallel rows (as adj. shirred) • a swimsuit with a shirred front • (as noun shirring) shirring is flattering to all figure types.

Scheherazade

/SHəˈherəzäd/ the character who narrates the Arabian Nights. Her delightful storytelling wins the favor and mercy of her husband, a Persian king.

Shema

/SHəˈmä/ I. a Hebrew text consisting of three passages from the Pentateuch and beginning "Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one." It forms an important part of Jewish evening and morning prayer and is used as a Jewish confession of faith.

chagrin

/SHəˈɡrin/ I. noun distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated • Jeff, much to his chagrin, wasn't invited. II. verb —(be chagrined) 1. feel distressed or humiliated

charivari

/SHəˌrivəˈrē / shivaree I. noun 1. ‹chiefly historical› a cacophonous mock serenade, typically performed by a group of people in derision of an unpopular person or in celebration of a marriage. 2. ‹chiefly historical› a series of discordant noises. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French, of unknown origin.

thrall

/THrôl/ I. noun 1. ‹literary› the state of being in someone's power or having great power over someone • she was in thrall to her abusive husband. 2. ‹literary› ‹historical› a slave, servant, or captive. II. derivatives thralldom /ˈTHrôlˌdəm / thraldom noun - origin Old English thrǣl 'slave,' from Old Norse thræll.

thwart

/THwôrt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. prevent (someone) from accomplishing something • he never did anything to thwart his father • he was thwarted in his desire to punish Uncle Fred. 2. oppose (a plan, attempt, or ambition) successfully • the government had been able to thwart all attempts by opposition leaders to form new parties. II. noun a structural crosspiece sometimes forming a seat for a rower in a boat. III. preposition, adverb ‹archaic› ‹literary› from one side to another side of; across

theophany

/THēˈäfənē/ I. noun a visible manifestation to humankind of God or a god. - origin Old English, via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek theophaneia, from theos 'god' + phainein 'to show.'

abjure

/abˈjo͝or əbˈjo͝or/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹formal› solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim) • his refusal to abjure the Catholic faith. II. phrases abjure the realm ‹historical› swear an oath to leave a country or realm forever.

adverbial

/adˈvərbēəl / ‹Grammar› I. adjective like or relating to an adverb. II. noun a word or phrase functioning like an adverb. III. derivatives adverbially /adˈvərbēəlē / adverb

albumen

/alˈbyo͞omən/ I. noun egg white, or the protein contained in it. - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin, 'egg white,' from albus 'white.' / usage: The words albumen and albumin have the same origin but are not identical in meaning. Albumen refers specifically to egg white or the protein found in egg white. Albumin, on the other hand, refers to the more general category of protein that is soluble in water and that is coagulated on heating, of which albumen is just one type.

antipodes

/anˈtipədēz/ I. plural noun 1. Australia and New Zealand (used by inhabitants of the northern hemisphere). 2. the direct opposite of something • we are the very antipodes of labor unions. II. derivatives antipodean /anˌtipəˈdēən / adjective, noun - origin late Middle English: via French or late Latin from Greek antipodes 'having the feet opposite,' from anti 'against, opposite' + pous, pod- 'foot.' The term originally denoted the inhabitants of opposite sides of the earth, or of the side opposite to oneself, and was later transferred to the places where they live (mid 16th cent).

blithe

/blīT͟H blīTH/ I. adjective 1. showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper • a blithe disregard for the rules of the road. 2. happy or joyous • a blithe seaside comedy.

blithe

/blīT͟H blīTH/ I. adjective 1. showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper • a blithe disregard for the rules of the road. 2. happy or joyous • a blithe seaside comedy. II. derivatives 1. blitheness noun 2. blithesome /ˈblīT͟Hsəm / adjective ( —‹literary› - origin Old English blīthe, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch blijde, also to bliss.

bluff

/bləf/ I. adjective direct in speech or behavior but in a good-natured way • a big, bluff, hearty man. II. derivatives 1. bluffly adverb 2. bluffness /ˈbləfnəs / noun - origin early 18th cent. (in the sense 'surly,

boon

/bo͞on/ I. noun 1. [usu. in sing.] —a thing that is helpful or beneficial • the navigation system will be a boon to both civilian and military users. 2. ‹archaic› a favor or request • may I have the inestimable boon of a few minutes' conversation? - origin Middle English (originally in the sense 'request for a favor'): from Old Norse bón. /bo͞on/ I. adjective (of a companion or friend) close; intimate; favorite • he debated the question with a few boon companions in the barroom. - origin mid 16th cent.: boon from Old French bon, from Latin bonus 'good.' The early literal sense was 'good fellow,' originally denoting a drinking companion.

brook

/bro͝ok/ I. verb —[with obj. with negative] 1. ‹formal› tolerate or allow (something, typically dissent or opposition) • Jenny would brook no criticism of Matthew. - origin Old English brūcan 'use, possess,' of Germanic origin; related to Dutch bruiken and German brauchen. The current sense dates from the mid 16th cent., a figurative use of an earlier sense 'digest, stomach.'

bruit

/bro͞ot/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. spread (a report or rumor) widely • I didn't want to have our relationship bruited about the office. II. noun 1. ‹archaic› a report or rumor. 2. a sound, typically an abnormal one, heard through a stethoscope; a murmur. - origin late Middle English (as a noun): from Old French bruit 'noise,' from bruire 'to roar.'

brake

/brāk/ I. noun ‹historical› an open, horse-drawn, four-wheeled carriage. - origin mid 19th cent.

brocade

/brəˈkād/ I. noun a rich fabric, usually silk, woven with a raised pattern, typically with gold or silver thread

bravura

/brəˈv(y)o͞orə/ I. noun 1. great technical skill and brilliance shown in a performance or activity • the recital ended with a blazing display of bravura • [as modifier] a bravura performance. 2. the display of great daring • the show of bravura hid a guilty timidity. - origin mid 18th cent.: from Italian, from bravo 'bold.'

licentious

/līˈsenSHəs/ I. adjective 1. promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters. 2. ‹archaic› disregarding accepted rules or conventions, especially in grammar or literary style.

brevet

/brəˈvet/ I. noun —[often as modifier] 1. a former type of military commission conferred especially for outstanding service by which an officer was promoted to a higher rank without the corresponding pay • a brevet lieutenant. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. confer a brevet rank on. - origin late Middle English (denoting an official letter, especially a papal indulgence): from Old French brievet 'little letter,' diminutive of bref.

barbiturate

/bärˈbiCHərət/ noun 1. any of a class of sedative and sleep-inducing drugs derived from barbituric acid. 2. [Chemistry] a salt or ester of barbituric acid.

bon mot

/bäːnˈmō/ I. noun a witty remark. - origin mid 18th cent.: French, literally 'good word.'

balk

/bôk / ‹Brit.› baulk I. verb —[no obj.] 1. hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking • any gardener will at first balk at enclosing the garden. 2. [with obj.] —thwart or hinder (a plan or person) • the utmost of his influence will be invoked to balk the law. 3. [with obj.] (balk someone of) —prevent a person or animal from having (something) • the lions, fearing to be balked of their prey. 4. (of a horse) refuse to go on. 5. [with obj.] —‹archaic› miss or refuse (a chance or invitation). 6. [Baseball] (of a pitcher) make an illegal motion, penalized by an advance of the base runners • the rookie balked and permitted Robinson to score. II. noun 1. [Baseball] an illegal motion made by a pitcher that may deceive a base runner. 2. a roughly squared timber beam. 3. any area on a pool or billiard table in which play is restricted in some way. 4. a ridge left unplowed between furrows. - origin late Old English balc, from Old Norse bálkr 'partition.' The original use was 'unplowed ridge,' in late Middle English 'land left unplowed by mistake,' hence 'blunder, omission' (giving rise to the verb sense 'miss (a chance)'). A late Middle English sense 'obstacle' gave rise to the verb senses 'hesitate' and 'hinder.'

baize

/bāz/ I. noun a coarse, feltlike, woolen material that is typically green, used for covering billiard and card tables and for aprons.

buff1

/bəf/ I. noun 1. a yellowish-beige color [as modifier] • a buff envelope. 2. a stout, dull yellow leather with a velvety surface. 3. a stick, wheel, or pad used for polishing or smoothing. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. polish (something) • he buffed the glass until it gleamed. 2. give (leather) a velvety finish by removing the surface of the grain. III. adjective (N. Amer.) ‹informal› being in good physical shape with fine muscle tone. IV. phrases in the buff ‹informal› naked. - origin mid 16th cent.: probably from French buffle, from Italian bufalo, from late Latin bufalus (see buffalo). The original sense in English was 'buffalo,' later 'oxhide' or 'color of oxhide.'

buss

/bəs / ‹archaic N. Amer. informal› I. noun a kiss. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. kiss. - origin late 16th cent.: alteration of late Middle English bass (noun and verb), probably from French baiser, from Latin basiare.

bedevil

/bəˈdevəl/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. (of something bad) cause great and continual trouble to • inconsistencies that bedevil modern English spelling. 2. (of a person) torment or harass • he bedeviled them with petty practical jokes. II. derivatives bedevilment /bəˈdevəlmənt / noun

benignity

/bəˈniɡnədē/ I. noun 1. kindness or tolerance toward others • his air of benignity. 2. ‹archaic› an act of. - kindnessorigin late Middle English: from Old French benignite or Latin benignitas, from benignus (see benign).

beset

/bəˈset/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. (of a problem or difficulty) trouble or threaten persistently • the social problems that beset the inner city • she was beset with self-doubt • [as adj.] poverty is a besetting problem. 2. surround and harass; assail on all sides • I was beset by clouds of flies. 3. hem in; enclose • the ship was beset by ice. 4. (be beset with) —‹archaic› be covered or studded with • blades of grass beset with glistening drops of dew.

bespeak

/bəˈspēk/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. (of an appearance or action) suggest; be evidence of • the attractive tree-lined road bespoke money. 2. order or reserve (something) in advance • obtaining the affidavits that it has been necessary to bespeak. 3. ‹archaic› speak to • and in disgrace bespoke him thus.

besotted

/bəˈsädəd/ I. adjective 1. strongly infatuated • he became besotted with his best friend's sister. 2. ‹archaic› intoxicated; drunk. - origin late 16th cent.: past participle of besot 'make foolishly affectionate,' from be- 'cause to be' + sot.

betoken

/bəˈtōkən/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹literary› be a sign of; indicate • she wondered if his cold, level gaze betokened indifference or anger. 2. ‹literary› be a warning or indication of (a future event) • the falling comet betokened the true end of Merlin's powers.

betoken

/bəˈtōkən/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹literary› be a sign of; indicate • she wondered if his cold, level gaze betokened indifference or anger. 2. ‹literary› be a warning or indication of (a future event) • the falling comet betokened the true end of Merlin's powers. - origin Old English betācnian, from be-(as an intensifier) + tācnian 'signify,' of Germanic origin; related to token.

bezique

/bəˈzēk/ I. noun 1. a trick-taking card game for two, played with a double pack of 64 cards, including the seven to ace only in each suit. 2. the holding of the queen of spades and the jack of diamonds in this game. - origin mid 19th cent.: from French bésigue, perhaps from Persian bāzīgar 'juggler' or bāzī 'game.'

dysphoria

/disˈfôrēə/ I. noun [Psychiatry] a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life. The opposite of euphoria. II. derivatives dysphoric /-ˈfôrik / adjective, noun - origin mid 19th cent.: from Greek dusphoria, from dusphoros 'hard to bear.'

discomfit

/disˈkəmfət/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. make (someone) feel uneasy or embarrassed • he was not noticeably discomfited by her tone. II. derivatives discomfiture /disˈkəmfəˌCHər / noun - origin Middle English (in the sense 'defeat in battle'): from Old Frenchdesconfit, past participle of desconfire, based on Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + conficere 'put together' (see confection). / usage: The words discomfit and discomfort are etymologically unrelated. Further, discomfit is a verb and discomfort is primarily a noun. But in modern use, their principal meanings as a verb have collapsed into one: 'make (someone) feel uneasy

disrelish

/disˈreliSH / ‹archaic› I. noun a feeling of dislike or distaste • disrelish for any pursuit is ample reason for abandoning it. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. regard (something) with dislike or distaste

doyenne

/doiˈ(y)en/ I. noun a woman who is the most respected or prominent person in a particular field • she's the doyenne of daytime TV. - origin mid 19th cent.: from French, feminine of doyen (see doyen).

droll

/drōl/ I. adjective curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement • his unique brand of droll self-mockery. II. noun ‹archaic› a jester or entertainer; a buffoon.

droll

/drōl/ I. adjective curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement • his unique brand of droll self-mockery. II. noun ‹archaic› a jester or entertainer; a buffoon. III. derivatives 1. drollery /ˈdrōl(ə)rē / noun 2. drollness /ˈdrōlnəs / noun 3. drolly /ˈdrōllē / adverb - origin early 17th cent. (as an adjective): from French drôle, perhaps from Middle Dutch drolle 'imp, goblin.'

drub

/drəb/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. hit or beat (someone) repeatedly. 2. ‹informal› defeat thoroughly in a match or contest • Cleveland drubbed Baltimore 9-0. - origin early 17th cent.: probably from Arabic ḍaraba 'to beat, bastinado.' The first recorded uses in English are by travelers in the Near East referring specifically to the punishment of bastinado.

dace

/dās/ I. noun a small freshwater fish of the minnow family, typically living in running water. [Leuciscus and numerous other genera, family Cyprinidae: several species, including the longfin dace (Agosia chrysogaster) of western North America and the widely distributed L. leuciscus of northern Eurasia.] - origin late Middle English: from Old French dars (see dart).

deracine

/dāˌräsiˈnā/ I. adjective uprooted or displaced from one's geographical or social environment • the self-consciousness of déraciné Americans. II. noun a person who has been or feels displaced. - origin early 20th cent.: French, literally 'uprooted.'

diaphanous

/dīˈafənəs/ I. adjective (especially of fabric) light, delicate, and translucent • a diaphanous dress of pale gold. - origin early 17th cent.: from medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphanēs, from dia 'through' + phainein 'to show.'

diaspora

/dīˈaspərə/ I. noun—(often the Diaspora) 1. Jews living outside Israel. 2. the dispersion of the Jews beyond Israel. 3. the dispersion of any people from their original homeland • the diaspora of boat people from Asia. 4. the people so dispersed • the Ukrainian diaspora flocked back to Kiev. The main diaspora began in the 8th-6th centuries BC, and even before the sack of Jerusalem in AD 70, the number of Jews dispersed by the diaspora was greater than that living in Israel. Thereafter Jews were dispersed even more widely throughout the Roman world and beyond.- origin Greek, from diaspeirein 'disperse,' from dia 'across' + speirein 'scatter.' The term originated in the Septuagint (Deuteronomy 28:25) in the phrase esē diaspora en pasais basileias tēs gēs 'thou shalt be a dispersion in all kingdoms of the earth.'

didactic

/dīˈdaktik/ I. adjective 1. intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive • a didactic novel that set out to expose social injustice. 2. in the manner of a teacher, particularly so as to treat someone in a patronizing way • slow-paced, didactic lecturing

Diogenes

/dīˈäjəˌnēz/ (c. 400-c. 325 BC), Greek philosopher. The most noted of the Cynics, he emphasized self-sufficiency and the need for natural, uninhibited behavior, regardless of social conventions.

dun

/dən/ I. adjective 1. of a dull grayish-brown color • a dun cow. 2. ‹literary› dark; dusky • when the dun evening comes. II. noun 1. a dull grayish-brown color. 2. a thing that is dun in color, in particular 3. a horse with a sandy or sandy-gray coat, black mane, tail, and lower legs, and a dark dorsal stripe. 4. a sub-adult mayfly, which has drab coloration and opaque wings. 5. an artificial fishing fly imitating this. - origin Old English dun, dunn, of Germanic origin; probably related to dusk. /dən/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. make persistent demands on (someone), especially for payment of a debt • they would very likely start dunning you for payment of your taxes • (as adj. dunning) she received two dunning letters from the bank. II. noun 1. ‹archaic› a debt collector or an insistent creditor. 2. ‹archaic› a demand for payment. - origin early 17th cent. (as a noun): from obsolete Dunkirk privateer, from the French port of Dunkirk.

defile 2

/dəˈfīl ˈdēˌfīl/ I. noun a steep-sided, narrow gorge or passage (originally one requiring troops to march in single file). II. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹archaic› (of troops) march in single file • we emerged after defiling through the mountainsides. - origin late 17th cent.: from French défilé (noun), défiler (verb), from dé 'away from' + file 'column, file.'

decamp

/dəˈkamp/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. depart suddenly or secretly, especially to relocate one's business or household in another area • now he has decamped to Hollywood. 2. ‹archaic› break up or leave a military camp • the armies of both chiefs had decamped. II. derivatives decampment /dəˈkampmənt / noun - origin late 17th cent.: from French décamper, from dé- (expressing removal) + camp 'camp.'

declaim

/dəˈklām/ I. verb — [reporting verb] 1. utter or deliver words or a speech in a rhetorical or impassioned way, as if to an audience [with obj.] • she declaimed her views • [no obj.] a preacher declaiming from the pulpit. 2. [no obj.] (declaim against) — forcefully protest against or criticize

declaim

/dəˈklām/ I. verb —[reporting verb] 1. utter or deliver words or a speech in a rhetorical or impassioned way, as if to an audience [with obj.] • she declaimed her views • [no obj.] a preacher declaiming from the pulpit. 2. [no obj.] (declaim against) —forcefully protest against or criticize (something).

demure

/dəˈmyo͝or/ I. adjective 1. (of a woman or her behavior) reserved, modest, and shy • a demure little wife who sits at home minding the house. 2. (of clothing) lending a modest appearance.

harangue

/həˈraNG/ I. noun a lengthy and aggressive speech. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner • the kind of guy who harangued total strangers about PCB levels in whitefish.

demur

/dəˈmər/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. raise doubts or objections or show reluctance • normally she would have accepted the challenge, but she demurred. 2. [Law] ‹dated› put forward a demurrer. II. noun —[usu. with negative] 1. the action or process of objecting to or hesitating over something • they accepted this ruling without demur. - origin Middle English (in the sense 'linger, delay'): from Old French demourer (verb), demeure (noun), based on Latin de-'away, completely' + morari 'delay.'

denominate

/dəˈnäməˌnāt/ I. verb 1. (be denominated) —(of sums of money) be expressed in a specified monetary unit • the borrowings were denominated in U.S. dollars. 2. [with obj. and complement] —‹formal› call; name • the whole train was denominated a "bull-outfit."

depute

/dəˈpyo͞ot/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. appoint or instruct (someone) to perform a task for which one is responsible • she had been deputed to look after him while Clarissa was away. 2. delegate (authority or a task). - origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin deputare 'consider to be, assign,' from de- 'away' + putare 'think over, consider.'

dissemble

/dəˈsembəl/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs • an honest, sincere person with no need to dissemble. 2. [with obj.] —disguise or conceal (a feeling or intention) • she smiled, dissembling her true emotion.

discalced

/dəˈskalst/ I. adjective denoting or belonging to one of several strict orders of Catholic friars or nuns who go barefoot or wear only sandals.

descry

/dəˈskrī/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹literary› catch sight of • she descried two figures. - origin Middle English: perhaps confused with obsolete descry 'describe,' variant of obsolete descrive (via Old French from Latin describere 'write down'), which also had the meaning 'perceive.'

detritus

/dəˈtrīdəs/ I. noun 1. waste or debris of any kind • streets filled with rubble and detritus. 2. gravel, sand, silt, or other material produced by erosion. 3. organic matter produced by the decomposition of organisms. II. derivatives detrital /dəˈtrīdl / adjective - origin late 18th cent. (in the sense 'detrition'): fromFrench détritus, from Latin detritus, from deterere 'wear away.'

devolve

/dəˈvälv/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration • measures to devolve power to the provinces • (as adj. devolved) devolved and decentralized government. 2. [no obj.] (devolve on/upon/to) — (of duties or responsibility) pass to (a body or person at a lower level) • his duties devolved on a comrade. 3. [no obj.] (devolve into) — ‹formal› degenerate or be split into • the Empire devolved into separate warring states. II. derivatives devolvement noun - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'roll down'): from Latin devolvere, from de- 'down' + volvere 'to roll.'

Devonian

/dəˈvōnēən/ I. adjective 1. of or relating to Devon. 2. [Geology] of, relating to, or denoting the fourth period of the Paleozoic era, between the Silurian and Carboniferous periods. The Devonian period lasted from about 409 million to 363 million years ago. During this period fish became abundant; the first amphibians evolved, and the first forests appeared.

desideratum

/dəˌzidəˈrädəm/ I. noun something that is needed or wanted • integrity was a desideratum. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin, 'something desired,' neuter past participle of desiderare (see desiderate).

exquisite

/ekˈskwizət ˈekˌskwizət/ I. adjective 1. extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate • exquisite, jewellike portraits. 2. intensely felt • the most exquisite kind of agony. 3. highly sensitive or discriminating • her exquisite taste in painting. II. noun a man who is affectedly concerned with his clothes and appearance; a dandy. III. derivatives exquisiteness /ekˈskwizətnəs ˈekˌskwizətnəs ˈekskwəzətnəs / noun - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'carefully ascertained, precise'): from Latin exquisit-'sought out,' from the verb exquirere, from ex-'out' + quaerere 'seek.'

ectopic

/ekˈtäpik/ I. adjective [Medicine] in an abnormal place or position. II. noun an ectopic pregnancy. - origin late 19th cent.: from modern Latin ectopia 'presence of tissue, cells, etc., in an abnormal place' (from Greek ektopos 'out of place') + -ic.

endemic

/enˈdemik/ I. adjective 1. (of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area • areas where malaria is endemic • complacency is endemic in industry today. 2. [attrib.] —denoting an area in which a particular disease is regularly found. 3. (of a plant or animal) native or restricted to a certain country or area • a marsupial endemic to northeastern Australia. II. noun an endemic plant or animal. III. derivatives 1. endemically /enˈdemək(ə)lē / adverb 2. endemicity /ˌendəˈmisədē / noun 3. endemism /ˈendəˌmizəm / noun endemic (sense 2 of the adjective) - origin mid 17th cent. (as a noun): from French endémique or modern Latin endemicus, from Greek endēmios 'native' (based on dēmos 'people'). / usage: On the difference between endemic, epidemic, and pandemic, see usage at epidemic.

endogamy

/enˈdäɡəmē/ I. noun 1. [Anthropology] the custom of marrying only within the limits of a local community, clan, or tribe. Compare with exogamy. 2. [Anthropology] [Biology] the fusion of reproductive cells from related individuals;

fen

/fen/ I. noun 1. a low and marshy or frequently flooded area of land • a flooded fen • 55 acres of fen. 2. (the Fens) —flat low-lying areas of eastern England, formerly marshland but largely drained for agriculture since the 17th century. 3. [Ecology] wetland with alkaline, neutral, or only slightly acid peaty soil. Compare with bog. II. derivatives fenny /ˈfenē / adjective

festoon

/feˈsto͞on/ I. noun 1. a chain or garland of flowers, leaves, or ribbons, hung in a curve as a decoration. 2. a carved or molded ornament representing a festoon. II. verb — [with obj.] (often be festooned with) 1. adorn (a place) with ribbons, garlands, or other decorations • the room was festooned with balloons and streamers. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French feston, from Italian festone 'festal ornament,' from festum 'feast.'

huzzah

/həˈzä / ‹archaic› huzza I. exclamation used to express approval or delight; hurrah. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. cry "huzzah." - origin late 16th cent.: perhaps used originally as a sailor's cry when hauling.

flack

/flak / ‹N. Amer. informal› I. noun a publicity agent • a public relations flack. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. publicize or promote (something or someone) • a crass ambulance-chaser who flacks himself in TV ads • [no obj.] the local news media shamelessly flack for the organizing committee. III. derivatives flackery noun - origin 1940s: of unknown origin.

flack

/flak / ‹N. Amer. informal› I. noun a publicity agent • a public relations flack. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. publicize or promote (something or someone) • a crass ambulance-chaser who flacks himself in TV ads • [no obj.] the local news media shamelessly flack for the organizing committee. III. derivatives flackery noun - origin 1940s: of unknown origin.

flit

/flit/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. move swiftly and lightly • small birds flitted about in the branches • ‹figurative› the idea had flitted through his mind. 2. (Brit.) leave one's home or move, typically secretly so as to escape creditors or obligations.

flout

/flout/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. openly disregard (a rule, law or convention) • these same companies still flout basic ethical practices. 2. [no obj.] —‹archaic› mock; scoff • the women pointed and flouted at her. - origin mid 16th cent.: perhaps from Dutch fluiten 'whistle, play the flute, hiss (in derision');

fritz

/frits/ I. noun — (in phrase go or be on the fritz) 1. (N. Amer.) ‹informal› (of a machine) stop working properly. - origin early 20th cent.: said to be a use of Fritz, with allusion to cheap German imports into the US before World War I.

frog

/frôɡ fräɡ/ I. noun 1. a thing used to hold or fasten something, in particular 2. an ornamental coat fastener or braid consisting of a spindle-shaped button and a loop through which it passes. 3. an attachment to a belt for holding a sword, bayonet, or similar weapon. 4. a perforated or spiked device for holding the stems of flowers in an arrangement. 5. the piece into which the hair is fitted at the lower end of the bow of a stringed instrument. 6. a grooved metal plate for guiding the wheels of a railroad vehicle at an intersection.1. an elastic horny pad growing in the sole of a horse's hoof, helping to absorb the shock when the hoof hits the ground. 2. a raised or swollen area on a surface.

funereal

/fyəˈnērēəl/ I. adjective having the mournful, somber character appropriate to a funeral • Lincoln's funereal gloominess was legendary.

Falstaffian

/fôlˈstafēən/ adjective of or resembling Shakespeare's character Sir John Falstaff in being fat, jolly, and debauched • a Falstaffian gusto for life.

foreshorten

/fôrˈSHôrtn fərˈSHôrtn/ verb — [with obj.] 1. portray or show (an object or view) as closer than it is or as having less depth or distance, as an effect of perspective or the angle of vision • seen from the road, the mountain is greatly foreshortened. 2. prematurely or dramatically shorten or reduce (something) in time or scale (as adj. foreshortened) • foreshortened reports.

forebearance

/fôrˈberəns fərˈberəns/ noun 1. ‹formal› patient self-control; restraint and tolerance • forbearance from taking action. 2. ‹formal› [Law] the action of refraining from exercising a legal right, especially enforcing the payment of a debt.

forswear

/fôrˈswer/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹formal› agree to give up or do without (something) • he would never forswear the religion of his people. 2. (forswear oneself/be forsworn) — ‹formal› swear falsely; commit perjury • I swore that I would lead us safely home and I do not mean to be forsworn.

faubourg

/fōˈbo͝or, -bərɡ/ I. noun (usu. in place names) a suburb, especially one in Paris • the Faubourg Saint-Germain. - origin French (earlier faux-bourg 'false borough'), perhaps an alteration of forsborc, literally 'outside the town,'

felicity

/fəˈlisədē/ I. noun 1. intense happiness • domestic felicity. 2. the ability to find appropriate expression for one's thoughts • speech that pleased by its accuracy, felicity, and fluency. 3. a particularly effective feature of a work of literature or art • the King James version, thanks to its felicities of language, ruled supreme. - origin late Middle English: from Old French felicite, from Latin felicitas, from felix, felic-'happy.'

philology

/fəˈläləjē/ I. noun 1. the branch of knowledge that deals with the structure, historical development, and relationships of a language or languages. 2. (chiefly N. Amer.) literary or classical scholarship.

forensic

/fəˈrenzik fəˈrensik/ I. adjective 1. of, relating to, or denoting the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime • forensic evidence. 2. of or relating to courts of law. II. noun — (forensics) 1. scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime. 2. [treated as sing. or pl.] (also forensic) — ‹informal› a laboratory or department responsible for tests used in detection of crime. III. derivatives forensically /-(ə)lē / adverb - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin forensis 'in open court, public,' from forum (see forum).

haft

/haft/ I. noun the handle of a knife, ax, or spear. II. verb — [with obj.] (often as adj. hafted) 1. provide (a blade, ax head, or spearhead) with a haft. - origin Old English hæft, of Germanic origin: related to Dutch heft, hecht and German Heft, also to heave.

horripilation

/hôˌripəˈlāSHən həˌripəˈlāSHən/ I. noun ‹literary› the erection of hairs on the skin due to cold, fear, or excitement. II. derivatives horripilate /hôˈripəˌlāt, hə- / verb - origin mid 17th cent.: from late Latin horripilatio(n-), from Latin horrere 'stand on end' (see horrid) + pilus 'hair.'

hyperemesis

/hīpəˈreməsəs/ I. noun 1. [Medicine] severe or prolonged vomiting • the clinical practicability is limited by a higher degree of side effects, especially hyperemesis.

hydroxyapatite

/hīˌdräksēˈapəˌtīt/ noun a mineral of the apatite group that is the main inorganic constituent of tooth enamel and bone, although it is rare in rocks.

habitue`

/həˈbiCHəˌwā/ I. noun a resident of or frequent visitor to a particular place • his uncle was a habitué of the French theater. - origin early 19th cent.: French, literally 'accustomed,' past participle of habituer.

Id

/id/ I. noun [Psychoanalysis] the part of the mind in which innate instinctive impulses and primary processes are manifest. Compare with ego and superego. - origin 1920s: from Latin, literally 'that,' translating German es. The term was first used in this sense by Freud, following use in a similar sense by his contemporary, Georg Groddeck.

expostulate

/ikˈspäsCHəˌlāt/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. express strong disapproval or disagreement • I expostulated with him in vain.

expostulate

/ikˈspäsCHəˌlāt/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. express strong disapproval or disagreement • I expostulated with him in vain. II. derivatives 1. expostulation /ikˌspäsCHəˈlāSHən

expostulate

/ikˈspäsCHəˌlāt/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. express strong disapproval or disagreement • I expostulated with him in vain. II. derivatives 1. expostulation /ikˌspäsCHəˈlāSHən ekˌspäsCHəˈlāSHən / noun 2. expostulator /-lātər / noun 3. expostulatory /ikˈspäsCHələˌtôrē / adjective - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'demand how or why, state a complaint'): from Latin expostulat-'demanded,' from the verb expostulare, from ex-'out' + postulare 'demand.'

expedient

/ikˈspēdēənt/ I. adjective 1. (of an action) convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral • either side could break the agreement if it were expedient to do so. 2. (of an action) suitable or appropriate • holding a public inquiry into the scheme was not expedient. II. noun a means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but considered improper or immoral • the current policy is a political expedient.

extortion

/ikˈstôrSH(ə)n/ I. noun the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats. II. derivatives extortioner /ikˈstôrSH(ə)nər / noun - origin Middle English: from late Latin extortio(n-), from Latin extorquere 'wrest' (see extort).

extemporaneous

/ikˌstempəˈrānēəs/ I. adjective spoken or done without preparation • an extemporaneous speech.

impetuous

/imˈpeCH(o͞o)əs/ I. adjective 1. acting or done quickly and without thought or care • her friend was headstrong and impetuous. 2. moving forcefully or rapidly • an impetuous but controlled flow of water.

implicitly

/imˈplisətlē/ adverb 1. in a way that is not directly expressed; tacitly • she implicitly suggested that he was responsible for the error. 2. without qualification: absolutely • he trusted Sarah implicitly.

impute

/imˈpyo͞ot/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. represent (something, especially something undesirable) as being done, caused, or possessed by someone; attribute • the crimes imputed to Richard. 2. [Finance] assign (a value) to something by inference from the value of the products or processes to which it contributes (as adj. imputed) • recovering the initial outlay plus imputed interest. 3. [Theology] ascribe (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to someone by virtue of a similar quality in another • Christ's righteousness has been imputed to us.

impolitic

/imˈpäləˌtik/ I. adjective failing to possess or display prudence; unwise • it was impolitic to pay the slightest tribute to the enemy.

imponderable

/imˈpändərəbəl/ I. noun a factor that is difficult or impossible to estimate or assess • there are too many imponderables for an overall prediction. II. adjective 1. difficult or impossible to estimate, assess, or answer • an imponderable problem of metaphysics. 2. ‹archaic› ‹literary›

importunate

/imˈpôrCHənət/ I. adjective persistent, especially to the point of annoyance or intrusion • importunate creditors. II. derivatives 1. importunately /imˈpôrCH(ə)nətlē ˌimpôrˈt(y)o͞onətlē / adverb 2. importunity /ˌimpôrˈt(y)o͞onədē / noun

enthrall

/inˈTHrôl enˈTHrôl / ‹Brit.› enthral I. verb —[with obj.] 1. capture the fascinated attention of • she had been so enthralled by the adventure that she had hardly noticed the cold. 2. (also inthrall) —‹archaic› enslave.

indelible

/inˈdeləb(ə)l/ I. adjective 1. (of ink or a pen) making marks that cannot be removed. 2. not able to be forgotten or removed • his story made an indelible impression on me.

ineffable

/inˈefəb(ə)l/ I. adjective 1. too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words • the ineffable natural beauty of the Everglades. 2. not to be uttered • the ineffable Hebrew name that gentiles write as Jehovah.

inhere

/inˈhir/ I. verb — [no obj.] (inhere in/within) 1. ‹formal› exist essentially or permanently in • the potential for change that inheres within the adult education world. 2. ‹formal› [Law] (of rights, powers, etc.) be vested in a person or group or attached to the ownership of a property • the rights inhering in the property they owned. - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'stick, cling to'): from Latin inhaerere 'stick to.'

injunction

/inˈjəNG(k)SH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. an authoritative warning or order. 2. [Law] a judicial order that restrains a person from beginning or continuing an action threatening or invading the legal right of another, or that compels a person to carry out a certain act, e.g., to make restitution to an injured party.

inchoate

/inˈkōət ˈinkəˌwāt/ I. adjective 1. just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary • a still inchoate democracy. 2. [Law] (of an offense, such as incitement or conspiracy) anticipating a further criminal act. - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin inchoatus, past participle of inchoare, variant of incohare 'begin.' / usage: Because inchoate means 'just begun and so not fully formed or developed,' a sense of 'disorder' may be implied. But to extend the usage of inchoate to mean 'chaotic, confused, incoherent' (he speaks in an inchoate manner) is incorrect, although not uncommon. Perhaps even more common are incorrect pronunciations of inchoate, such as /inˈCHōt/, which assumes two syllables (rather than three) and a ch sound like that of chair or chosen (rather than a k sound like that of charisma or chorus).

insensate

/inˈsensāt inˈsensət/ I. adjective 1. lacking physical sensation • a patient who was permanently unconscious and insensate. 2. lacking sympathy or compassion; unfeeling • a positively insensate hatred. 3. completely lacking sense or reason • insensate jabbering.

incipient

/inˈsipēənt/ I. adjective 1. in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop • he could feel incipient anger building up • an incipient black eye. 2. (of a person) developing into a specified type or role • we seemed more like friends than incipient lovers.

inscrutable

/inˈskro͞odəb(ə)l/ I. adjective impossible to understand or interpret • Guy looked blankly inscrutable. II. derivatives 1. inscrutability /inˌskro͞odəˈbilədē / noun 2. inscrutably /inˈskro͞odəblē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from ecclesiastical Latin inscrutabilis, from in-'not' + scrutari 'to search' (see scrutiny).

insouciance

/inˈso͞osēəns inˈso͞oSHəns/ I. noun casual lack of concern; indifference • an impression of boyish insouciance. - origin late 18th cent.: French, from insouciant, from in-'not' + souciant 'worrying' (present participle of soucier).

intuit

/inˈt(y)o͞oət/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. understand or work out by instinct • I intuited his real identity. II. derivatives intuitable adjective - origin late 18th cent. (in the sense 'instruct, teach'): from Latin intuit-'contemplated,' from the verb intueri, from in-'upon' + tueri 'to look.'

intemperate

/inˈtemp(ə)rət/ I. adjective 1. having or showing a lack of self-control; immoderate • intemperate outbursts concerning global conspiracies. 2. given to or characterized by excessive indulgence, especially in alcohol • an intemperate social occasion. II. derivatives 1. intemperately /inˈtemp(ə)rətlē / adverb 2. intemperateness /inˈtemp(ə)rətnəs / noun - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'inclement'): from Latin intemperatus, from in- 'not' + temperatus (see temperate).

intrepid

/inˈtrepəd/ I. adjective fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect) • our intrepid reporter. II. derivatives 1. intrepidity /ˌintrəˈpidədē / noun 2. intrepidly /inˈtrepədlē / adverb 3. intrepidness noun - origin late 17th cent.: from French intrépide or Latin intrepidus, from in- 'not' + trepidus 'alarmed.'

inveterate

/inˈvedərət/ I. adjective — [attrib.] 1. having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change • he was an inveterate gambler. 2. (of a feeling or habit) long-established and unlikely to change. II. derivatives 1. inveteracy /inˈved(ə)rəsē / noun 2. inveterately adverb - origin late Middle English (referring to disease, in the sense 'of long standing, chronic'): from Latin inveteratus 'made old,' past participle of inveterare (based on vetus, veter- 'old').

invective

/inˈvektiv/ I. noun insulting, abusive, or highly critical language • he let out a stream of invective. - origin late Middle English (originally as an adjective meaning 'reviling, abusive'): from Old French invectif, -ive, from late Latin invectivus 'attacking,' from invehere (see inveigh). The noun is from late Latin invectiva (oratio) 'abusive or censorious (language).'

invidious

/inˈvidēəs/ I. adjective 1. (of an action or situation) likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others • she'd put herself in an invidious position. 2. (of a comparison or distinction) unfairly discriminating; unjust • it seems invidious to make special mention of one aspect of his work.

invidious

/inˈvidēəs/ I. adjective 1. (of an action or situation) likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others • she'd put herself in an invidious position. 2. (of a comparison or distinction) unfairly discriminating; unjust • it seems invidious to make special mention of one aspect of his work. II. derivatives 1. invidiously /inˈvidēəslē / adverb 2. invidiousness /inˈvidēəsnəs / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin invidiosus, from invidia (see envy).

inveigle

/inˈvāɡəl/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. persuade (someone) to do something by means of deception or flattery • we cannot inveigle him into putting pen to paper. 2. (inveigle oneself or one's way into) —gain entrance to (a place) by persuading (someone) with deception or flattery. II. derivatives inveiglement /inˈvāɡəlmənt / noun - origin late 15th cent. (in the sense 'beguile, deceive'; formerly also as enveigle): from Anglo-Norman French envegler, alteration of Old French aveugler 'to blind,' from aveugle 'blind.'

untrammeled

/inˈvāɡəl/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. persuade (someone) to do something by means of deception or flattery • we cannot inveigle him into putting pen to paper. 2. (inveigle oneself or one's way into) —gain entrance to (a place) by persuading (someone) with deception or flattery. II. derivatives inveiglement /inˈvāɡəlmənt / noun - origin late 15th cent. (in the sense 'beguile, deceive'; formerly also as enveigle): from Anglo-Norman French envegler, alteration of Old French aveugler 'to blind,' from aveugle 'blind.'

ingratiating

/inˈɡrāSHēˌādiNG/ I. adjective intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic

infatuation

/inˌfaCHəˈwāSH(ə)n/ noun an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something • he had developed an infatuation with the girl. • the thrill of infatuation.

exorbitant

/iɡˈzôrbəd(ə)nt/ I. adjective (of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high • the exorbitant price of tickets.

elliptical

/iˈliptik(ə)l/ I. adjective 1. (of speech or writing) using or involving ellipsis, especially so as to be difficult to understand • an elliptical lyrical style.

innumerate

/iˈn(y)o͞omərət/ I. adjective without a basic knowledge of mathematics and arithmetic. II. noun a person lacking basic knowledge of mathematics and arithmetic. III. derivatives innumeracy /iˈn(y)o͞om(ə)rəsē / noun

iniquity

/iˈnikwədē/ I. noun immoral or grossly unfair behavior • a den of iniquity • a liberal lawyer could uncover the iniquities committed on his own doorstep.

inimitable

/iˈnimədəb(ə)l/ I. adjective so good or unusual as to be impossible to copy; unique • the inimitable ambience of Hawaii. II. derivatives 1. inimitability /iˌnimədəˈbilədē / noun 2. inimitably /iˈnimədəblē / adverb - origin late 15th cent.: from French, or from Latin inimitabilis, from in-'not' + imitabilis (from imitari 'imitate').

inimical

/iˈnimək(ə)l/ I. adjective 1. tending to obstruct or harm • actions inimical to our interests. 2. unfriendly; hostile • an inimical alien power.

inane

/iˈnān/ I. adjective silly; stupid • don't constantly badger people with inane questions. II. derivatives 1. inanely /iˈnānlē / adverb 2. inaneness noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin inanis 'empty, vain.'

inert

/iˈnərt/ I. adjective 1. lacking the ability or strength to move • she lay inert in her bed. 2. lacking vigor • an inert political system. 3. chemically inactive.

gill

/jil/ I. noun a unit of liquid measure, equal to a quarter of a pint. - origin Middle English: from Old French gille 'measure or container for wine,' from late Latin gillo 'water pot.'

jakes

/jāks/ I. noun ‹archaic› a lavatory, especially an outdoor one. - origin mid 16th cent.: perhaps from the given name Jacques, or as the genitive of the nickname Jack

jejunum

/jəˈjo͞onəm/ I. noun [Anatomy] the part of the small intestine between the duodenum and ileum. II. derivatives jejunal /ˈjo͞onl / adjective - origin mid 16th cent.: from medieval Latin, neuter of jejunus 'fasting' (because it is usually found to be empty after death).

cant

/kant/ I. noun 1. hypocritical and sanctimonious talk, typically of a moral, religious, or political nature • the liberal case against all censorship is often cant. 2. [as modifier] — denoting a phrase or catchword temporarily current or in fashion • they are misrepresented as, in the cant word of our day, uncaring. 3. language peculiar to a specified group or profession and regarded with disparagement • thieves' cant. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹dated› talk hypocritically and sanctimoniously about something • if they'd stop canting about "honest work," they might get somewhere. - origin early 16th cent.: probably from Latin cantare 'to sing' (see chant). The early meaning was 'musical sound, singing'; in the mid 17th cent. this gave rise to the senses 'whining manner of speaking' and 'form of words repeated mechanically in such a manner' (for example a beggar's plea), hence 'jargon' (of beggars and other such groups).

cant

/kant/ I. noun 1. hypocritical and sanctimonious talk, typically of a moral, religious, or political nature • the liberal case against all censorship is often cant. 2. [as modifier] —denoting a phrase or catchword temporarily current or in fashion • they are misrepresented as, in the cant word of our day, uncaring. 3. language peculiar to a specified group or profession and regarded with disparagement • thieves' cant.

capsaicin

/kapˈsāəsən/ I. noun [Chemistry] a compound that is responsible for the pungency of capsicums. [A cyclic amide; chem. formula: C18H27NO3.] - origin late 19th cent.: alteration of capsicine, the name of a substance formerly thought to have the same property.

cashier (verb)

/kaˈSHir/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. dismiss (someone) from the armed forces in disgrace because of a serious misdemeanor • he was found guilty and cashiered • (as adj. cashiered) a cashiered National Guard major. 2. ‹informal› suspend or dismiss from an office or position • the team owner had been cashiered for consorting with a gambler. - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'dismiss or disband troops'): from Flemish kasseren 'disband (troops)' or 'revoke (a will),' from French casser 'revoke, dismiss,' from Latin quassare (see quash).

cachet

/kaˈSHā/ I. noun 1. the state of being respected or admired; prestige • no other shipping company had quite the cachet of Cunard. 2. a distinguishing mark or seal. 3. [Philately] a printed design added to an envelope to commemorate a special event. 4. a flat capsule enclosing a dose of unpleasant-tasting medicine. - origin early 17th cent.: from French, from cacher in the sense 'to press,' based on Latin coactare 'constrain.'

enjoin

/ken/ I. noun —[in sing.] 1. one's range of knowledge or sight • such determination is beyond my ken. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. (Scottish) (N. English) know • d'ye ken anyone who can boast of that? 2. (Scottish) (N. English) recognize; identify • that's him—d'ye ken him? - origin Old English cennan 'tell, make known,' of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German kennen 'know, be acquainted with,' from an Indo-European root shared by can1 and know. Current senses of the verb date from Middle English; the noun from the mid 16th cent.

ken

/ken/ I. noun —[in sing.] 1. one's range of knowledge or sight • such determination is beyond my ken. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. (Scottish) (N. English) know • d'ye ken anyone who can boast of that? 2. (Scottish) (N. English) recognize; identify • that's him—d'ye ken him? - origin Old English cennan 'tell, make known,' of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German kennen 'know, be acquainted with,' from an Indo-European root shared by can1 and know. Current senses of the verb date from Middle English; the noun from the mid 16th cent.

cairn

/kern/ I. noun 1. a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop or skyline. 2. a prehistoric burial mound made of stones. 3. (also cairn terrier) — a small terrier of a breed with short legs, a longish body, and a shaggy coat.

kitsch

/kiCH/ I. noun art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way • the lava lamp is an example of sixties kitsch. II. adjective considered to be in poor taste but appreciated in an ironic or knowing way • the front room is stuffed with kitsch knickknacks, little glass and gilt ornaments. • she offers kitsch interpretations of classic British dress, including a range of tartan mini-kilts. - origin 1920s: German.

kith

/kiTH/ I. noun — (in phrase kith and kin or kith or kin) 1. one's friends, acquaintances, and relations • a widow without kith or kin. - origin Old English cȳth, of Germanic origin; related to couth. The original senses were 'knowledge,''one's native land,' and 'friends and neighbors' The phrase kith and kin originally denoted one's country and relatives; later one's friends and relatives.

cloy

/kloi/ I. verb — [with obj.] (usu. as adj. cloying) 1. disgust or sicken (someone) with an excess of sweetness, richness, or sentiment • a romantic, rather cloying story • a curious bittersweetness that cloyed her senses • [no obj.] the first long sip gives a malty taste that never cloys.

low 2

/lō/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. (of a cow) make a characteristic deep sound (as noun lowing) • the lowing of cattle. II. noun a sound made by cattle; a moo. - origin Old English hlōwan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch loeien, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin clamare 'to shout.'

clout

/klout/ I. noun 1. ‹informal› a heavy blow with the hand or a hard object • a clout on the ear. 2. ‹informal› influence or power, especially in politics or business • I knew he carried a lot of clout. 3. ‹archaic› a piece of cloth or clothing, especially one used as a patch. 4. [Archery] a target used in long-distance shooting, placed flat on the ground with a flag marking its center. 5. a shot that hits a clout. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹informal› hit hard with the hand or a hard object • I clouted him on the head. 2. ‹archaic› mend with a patch. - origin Old English clūt (in the sense 'a patch or metal plate'); related to Dutch kluit 'lump, clod,' also to cleat and clot. The shift of sense to 'heavy blow,' which dates from late Middle English, is difficult to explain; possibly the change occurred first in the verb (from 'put a patch on' to 'hit hard').

creche

/kreSH/ I. noun 1. (N. Amer.) a model or tableau representing the scene of Jesus Christ's birth, displayed in homes or public places at Christmas. 2. (Brit.) a nursery where babies and young children are cared for during the working day. - origin late 18th cent. (sense 1): French.

cravat

/krəˈvat/ I. noun 1. a short, wide strip of fabric worn by men around the neck and tucked inside an open-necked shirt. 2. a necktie. II. derivatives cravatted /krəˈvadəd / adjective - origin mid 17th cent.: from French cravate, from Cravate 'Croat' (from German Krabat, from Serbian and Croatian Hrvat), because of the scarf worn by Croatian mercenaries in France.

quince

/kwins/ I. noun 1. a hard, acid, pear-shaped fruit used in preserves or as flavoring. 2. the shrub or small tree that bears the quince fruit, native to western Asia. [Cydonia oblonga, family Rosaceae.] 3. (Japanese quince) — another term for japonica. - origin Middle English (originally a collective plural): from Old French cooin, from Latin malum) cotoneum, variant of ((malum) cydonium 'apple

quiescent

/kwēˈesnt kwīˈesnt/ I. adjective in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy • strikes were headed by groups of workers who had previously been quiescent • quiescent ulcerative colitis.

quotidian

/kwōˈtidēən/ I. adjective —[attrib.] 1. of or occurring every day; daily • the car sped noisily off through the quotidian traffic. 2. ordinary or everyday, especially when mundane • his story is an achingly human one, mired in quotidian details. 3. [Medicine] denoting the malignant form of malaria. - origin Middle English: via Old French from Latin quotidianus, earlier cotidianus, from cotidie 'daily.'

quirt

/kwərt/ I. noun a short-handled riding whip with a braided leather lash. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. hit with a quirt. - origin mid 19th cent. (originally US): from Spanish cuerda 'cord' (from Latin chorda 'cord') or from Mexican Spanish cuarta 'whip.'

cosmology

/käzˈmäləjē/ I. noun 1. the science of the origin and development of the universe. Modern astronomy is dominated by the Big Bang theory, which brings together observational astronomy and particle physics. 2. an account or theory of the origin of the universe.

cockade

/käˈkād/ I. noun a rosette or knot of ribbons worn in a hat as a badge of office or party, or as part of a livery. II. derivatives cockaded /käˈkādəd / adjective - origin mid 17th cent.: from French cocarde, originally in bonnet à la coquarde, from the feminine of obsolete coquard 'saucy.'

caul

/kôl/ I. noun 1. the amniotic membrane enclosing a fetus. 2. part of the amniotic membrane occasionally found on a child's head at birth, thought to bring good luck. 3. ‹historical› a woman's close-fitting indoor headdress or hairnet. 4. [Anatomy] the omentum. - origin Middle English: perhaps from Old French cale 'head covering,' but recorded earlier.

cortege

/kôrˈteZH/ I. noun 1. a solemn procession, especially for a funeral. 2. a person's entourage or retinue. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French, from Italian corteggio, from corteggiare 'attend court,' from corte 'court,' from Latin cohors, cohort- 'retinue.'

cortege

/kôrˈteZH/ I. noun 1. a solemn procession, especially for a funeral. 2. a person's entourage or retinue. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French, from Italian corteggio, from corteggiare 'attend court,' from corte 'court,' from Latin cohors, cohort-'retinue.'

Cain

/kān/ I. (in the Bible) the eldest son of Adam and Eve and murderer of his brother Abel. II. phrases raise Cain ‹informal› create trouble or a commotion.

chyme

/kīm/ I. noun [Physiology] the pulpy acidic fluid that passes from the stomach to the small intestine, consisting of gastric juices and partly digested food. II. derivatives chymous /ˈkīməs / adjective - origin late Middle English: from late Latin chymus, from Greek khūmos 'juice' (compare with chyle).

chimera

/kīˈmirə kəˈmirə / chimaera I. noun 1. (Chimera) —(in Greek mythology) a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. 2. any mythical animal with parts taken from various animals. 3. a thing that is hoped or wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve

cuff

/kəf/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. strike (someone) with an open hand, especially on the head • he cuffed him playfully on the ear. II. noun —[usu. in sing.] 1. a blow given with an open hand. - origin mid 16th cent.: of unknown origin.

cultch

/kəlCH / culch I. noun the mass of stones, broken shells, and grit of which an oyster bed is formed.- origin mid 17th cent.: of unknown origin.

confect

/kənˈfekt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹literary› make (something) by putting together various elements • together they had confected a valiseful of show tunes. - origin late Middle English: from Latin confect-'put together,' from the verb conficere, from con-'together' + facere 'make.'

leer

/lir/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. look or gaze in an unpleasant, malicious, or lascivious way • bystanders were leering at the nude painting • (as adj. leering) every leering eye in the room was on her. II. noun an unpleasant, malicious, or lascivious look. III. derivatives leeringly /ˈliriNGlē / adverb - origin mid 16th cent. (in the general sense 'look sideways or askance'): perhaps from obsolete leer 'cheek,' from Old English hlēor, as though the sense were 'to glance over one's cheek.'

confound

/kənˈfound/ I. verb—[with obj.] 1. cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by acting against their expectations • the inflation figure confounded economic analysts. 2. prove (a theory, expectation, or prediction) wrong • the rise in prices confounded expectations. 3. defeat (a plan, aim, or hope) • we will confound these tactics by the pressure groups. 4. ‹archaic› overthrow (an enemy). 5. (often be confounded with)—mix up (something) with something else so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish • 'nuke' is now a cooking technique, as microwave radiation is confounded with nuclear radiation. II. exclamation ‹dated› used to express anger or annoyance • oh, confound it, where is the thing?- origin Middle English: from Old French confondre, from Latin confundere 'pour together, mix up.' Compare with confuse.

conciliate

/kənˈsilēˌāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. stop (someone) from being angry or discontented; placate; pacify • concessions were made to conciliate the peasantry. 2. [no obj.] —act as a mediator • he sought to conciliate in the dispute. 3. ‹formal› reconcile; make compatible • all complaints about charges will be conciliated if possible. 4. ‹archaic› gain (esteem or goodwill) • the arts which conciliate popularity.

conspicuous

/kənˈspikyo͞oəs/ I. adjective 1. standing out so as to be clearly visible • he was very thin, with a conspicuous Adam's apple. 2. attracting notice or attention • he showed conspicuous bravery.

conceit

/kənˈsēt/ I. noun 1. excessive pride in oneself • he was puffed up with conceit. 2. a fanciful expression in writing or speech; an elaborate metaphor • the idea of the wind's singing is a prime romantic conceit. 3. an artistic effect or device • the director's brilliant conceit was to film this tale in black and white. 4. a fanciful notion • he is alarmed by the widespread conceit that he spent most of the 1980s drunk. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'idea or notion,' also 'quaintly decorative article'): from conceive, on the pattern of pairs such as deceive, deceit.

cur

/kər/ I. noun 1. an aggressive dog or one that is in poor condition, especially a mongrel. 2. ‹informal› a contemptible man. - origin Middle English (in the general sense 'dog'): probably originally in cur-dog, perhaps from Old Norse kurr 'grumbling.'

curd

/kərd/ I. noun 1. (also curds) — a soft, white substance formed when milk sours, used as the basis for cheese. 2. a fatty substance found between the flakes of poached salmon.

cuss

/kəs / ‹informal› I. noun 1. an annoying or stubborn person or animal • he was certainly an unsociable cuss. 2. another term for curse (sense 2 of the noun). II. verb another term for curse (sense 2 of the verb).

kaffiyeh

/kəˈfē(y)ə / keffiyeh I. noun a Bedouin Arab's kerchief worn as a headdress. - origin early 19th cent.: from Arabic keffiyya, kūfiyya.

colossus

/kəˈläsəs/ I. noun 1. a statue that is much bigger than life size. 2. a person or thing of enormous size, importance, or ability • the Russian Empire was the colossus of European politics.

kenosis

/kəˈnōsəs/ I. noun (in Christian theology) the renunciation of the divine nature, at least in part, by Christ in the Incarnation. II. derivatives kenotic /-ˈnätik / adjective- origin late 19th cent.: from Greek kenōsis 'an emptying,' from kenoun 'to empty,' from kenos 'empty,' with biblical allusion (Phil. 2:7) to Greek heauton ekenōse, literally 'emptied himself.'

caparison

/kəˈperəsən/ I. noun an ornamental covering spread over a horse's saddle or harness. II. verb — (be caparisoned) 1. (of a horse) be decked out in rich decorative coverings.

caprice

/kəˈprēs/ I. noun 1. a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior • her caprices had made his life impossible • a land where men were ruled by law and not by caprice. 2. [Music] another term for capriccio. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French, from Italian (see capriccio).

corolla

/kəˈrələ kəˈrōlə/ I. noun [Botany] the petals of a flower, typically forming a whorl within the sepals and enclosing the reproductive organs. Compare with calyx. - origin late 17th cent. (in the sense 'little crown'): from Latin, diminutive of corona 'wreath, crown, chaplet.'

Cassandra

/kəˈsandrə / ‹Greek Mythology› I. a daughter of the Trojan king Priam, who was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo. When she cheated him, however, he turned this into a curse by causing her prophecies, though true, to be disbelieved. II. (as noun a Cassandra) — a prophet of disaster, especially one who is disregarded.

Cassandra

/kəˈsandrə / ‹Greek Mythology› I. a daughter of the Trojan king Priam, who was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo. When she cheated him, however, he turned this into a curse by causing her prophecies, though true, to be disbelieved. II. (as noun a Cassandra) —a prophet of disaster, especially one who is disregarded.

Khazar

/kəˈzär/ I. noun a member of a Turkic people who occupied a large part of southern Russia from the 6th to the 11th centuries and who converted to Judaism in the 8th century.

lambaste

/lamˈbāst lamˈbast / lambast I. verb —[with obj.] 1. criticize (someone or something) harshly • they lambasted the report as a gross distortion of the truth.

lilt

/lilt/ I. noun 1. a characteristic rising and falling of the voice when speaking; a pleasant gentle accent • he spoke with a faint but recognizable Irish lilt. 2. a pleasant, gently swinging rhythm in a song or tune • the lilt of the Hawaiian music. 3. ‹archaic› (chiefly Scottish) a cheerful tune. II. verb —[no obj.] (often as adj. lilting) 1. speak, sing, or sound with a lilt • a lilting Welsh accent. - origin late Middle English lulte (in the senses 'sound an alarm' or 'lift up the voice'), of unknown origin.

limn

/lim/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹literary› depict or describe in painting or words. 2. ‹literary› suffuse or highlight (something) with a bright color or light • a crescent moon limned each shred with white gold. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'illuminate a manuscript'): alteration of obsolete lumine 'illuminate,' via Old French luminer from Latin luminare 'make light.'

lush

/ləSH/ I. adjective 1. (of vegetation) growing luxuriantly • lush greenery and cultivated fields. 2. very rich and providing great sensory pleasure • lush orchestrations. 3. (of a woman) very sexually attractive • Marianne, with her lush body and provocative green eyes.

lugubrious

/ləˈɡ(y)o͞obrēəs/ I. adjective looking or sounding sad and dismal. II. derivatives 1. lugubriously /ləˈɡo͞obrēəslē / adverb 2. lugubriousness /ləˈɡo͞obrēəsnəs / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin lugubris (from lugere 'mourn') + -ous.

muezzin

/m(y)o͞oˈezən/ I. noun a man who calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret of a mosque. - origin late 16th cent.: dialect variant of Arabic mu'aḏḏin, active participle of'aḏḏana 'proclaim.'

magnanimous

/maɡˈnanəməs/ I. adjective very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself. II. derivatives magnanimously /maɡˈnanəməslē / adverb - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin magnanimus (from magnus 'great' + animus 'soul')

mescal

/meˈskal məˈskal/ I. noun 1. an agave plant, especially one of a type used to make alcoholic drinks. Also called maguey. 2. an alcoholic spirit distilled from the sap of an agave. Compare with tequila, pulque. 3. another term for peyote. - origin early 18th cent.: from Spanish mezcal, from Nahuatl mexcalli.

milieu

/milˈyo͞o milˈyə(r)/ I. noun a person's social environment • he grew up in a military milieu. - origin mid 19th cent.: French, from mi 'mid' + lieu 'place.'

moor

/mo͝or/ I. noun 1. a tract of open uncultivated upland; a heath. 2. a tract of open land preserved for shooting • a grouse moor. 3. (US) ‹dialect› a fen.

munificence

/myo͞oˈnifəsəns myəˈnifəsəns/ noun the quality or action of being lavishly generous; great generosity • we must be thankful for his munificence.

mien

/mēn/ I. noun ‹literary› a person's look or manner, especially one of a particular kind indicating their character or mood • he has a cautious, academic mien.

medicament

/məˈdikəmənt ˈmedəkəˌment/ I. noun a substance used for medical treatment.- origin late Middle English: via French from Latin medicamentum, from medicari (see medicate).

mellifluous

/məˈliflo͞oəs/ I. adjective (of a voice or words) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear • the voice was mellifluous and smooth. II. derivatives 1. mellifluously adverb 2. mellifluousness noun - origin late 15th cent.: from late Latin mellifluus (from mel 'honey' + fluere 'to flow') + -ous.

menagerie

/məˈnajərē məˈnaZHərē/ I. noun 1. a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition. 2. a strange or diverse collection of people or things • some other specimen in the television menagerie. - origin late 17th cent.: from French ménagerie, from ménage (see ménage).

morose

/məˈrōs/ I. adjective sullen and ill-tempered. II. derivatives 1. morosely /məˈrōslē / adverb 2. moroseness /məˈrōsnəs / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin morosus 'peevish,' from mos, mor- 'manner.'

misanthropy

/məˈsanTHrəpē/ I. noun a dislike of humankind. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Greek misanthrōpia, from miso-'hating' + anthrōpos 'man.'

machicolation

/məˌCHikəˈlāSHən/ noun 1. (in medieval fortifications) an opening between the supporting corbels of a projecting parapet or the vault of a gate, through which stones or burning objects could be dropped on attackers. 2. a projecting structure containing a series of machicolations.

niche

/niCH nēSH/ I. noun 1. a shallow recess, especially one in a wall to display a statue or other ornament. 2. (one's niche) — a comfortable or suitable position in life or employment

Narcissus

/närˈsisəs / ‹Greek Mythology› a beautiful youth who rejected the nymph Echo and fell in love with his own reflection in a pool. He pined away and was changed into the flower that bears his name.

nee

/nā/ I. adjective originally called; born (used especially in adding a woman's maiden name after her married name) • Mary Toogood, née Johnson. - origin mid 18th cent.: French, literally 'born,' feminine past participle of naître; compare with né.

novitiate

/nōˈviSHēət nəˈviSHət / noviciate I. noun 1. the period or state of being a novice, especially in a religious order. 2. a place housing religious novices. 3. a novice, especially in a religious order. - origin early 17th cent.: from ecclesiastical Latin noviciatus, from Latin novicius 'new' (see novice).

nefarious

/nəˈferēəs/ I. adjective (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal • the nefarious activities of the organized-crime syndicates. II. derivatives 1. nefariously /nəˈferēəslē / adverb 2. nefariousness /nəˈferēəsnəs / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin nefarius, from nefas, nefar-'wrong' (from ne-'not' + fas 'divine law') + -ous.

pap

/pap/ I. noun 1. ‹often derogatory› bland soft or semiliquid food such as that suitable for babies or invalids • trying to eat a trayful of tasteless pap. 2. ‹often derogatory› ‹derogatory› reading matter or entertainment that is worthless or lacking in substance • limitless channels serving up an undemanding diet of pap. - origin late Middle English: probably from Middle Low German and Middle Dutch pappe, probably based on Latin pappare 'eat.'

pith

/piTH/ I. noun 1. soft or spongy tissue in plants or animals, in particular 2. spongy white tissue lining the rind of an orange, lemon, and other citrus fruits. 3. [Botany] the spongy cellular tissue in the stems and branches of many higher plants. 4. ‹archaic› spinal marrow. 5. the essence of something

planchette

/planˈSHet/ I. noun a small board supported on casters, typically heart-shaped and fitted with a vertical pencil, used for automatic writing and in seances. - origin mid 19th cent.: from French, literally 'small plank,' diminutive of planche.

manifestly

/ˈmanəˌfes(t)lē/ adverb in a way that is clear or obvious to the eye or mind • we have manifestly failed to exercise good judgment • the system was manifestly unfair.

plait

/plāt plat/ I. noun 1. a single length of hair or other flexible material made up of three or more interlaced strands; a braid. 2. archaic term for pleat. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. form (hair or other material) into a plait or plaits. 2. make (something) by forming material into a plait or plaits.

plumb

/pləm/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. measure (the depth of a body of water). 2. [no obj.] —(of water) be of a specified depth • at its deepest, the lake scarcely plumbed seven feet. 3. explore or experience fully or to extremes • she had plumbed the depths of depravity. 4. test (an upright surface) to determine the vertical.

plumb

/pləm/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. measure (the depth of a body of water). 2. [no obj.] —(of water) be of a specified depth • at its deepest, the lake scarcely plumbed seven feet. 3. explore or experience fully or to extremes • she had plumbed the depths of depravity. 4. test (an upright surface) to determine the vertical. II. noun a plumb bob. III. adverb 1. ‹informal› exactly • a bassoonist who sits plumb in the middle of the wind section. 2. [as submodifier] —(N. Amer.) to a very high degree; extremely • they must both be plumb crazy. 3. ‹archaic› vertically • drapery fell from their human forms plumb down. IV. adjective vertical • ensure that the baseboard is straight and plumb. V. phrases out of plumb not exactly vertical • the towers are inclined, from four to ten feet out of plumb. - origin Middle English (originally in the sense 'sounding lead'): via Old French from Latin plumbum 'lead.'

Platonic

/pləˈtänik/ I. adjective 1. of or associated with the Greek philosopher Plato or his ideas. 2. confined to words, theories, or ideals, and not leading to practical action. - origin mid 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek Platōnikos, from Platōn 'Plato.' See also platonic.

preponderate

/prēˈpänd(ə)ˌrāt/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. be greater in number, influence, or importance • the advantages preponderate over this apparent disadvantage. - origin early 17th cent. (in the sense 'weigh more, have greater intellectual weight'): from Latin praeponderat-'of greater weight,' from the verb praeponderare, from prae 'before' + ponderare 'weigh, consider.'

prole

/prōl / ‹informal, derogatory› I. noun a member of the working class; a worker. II. adjective working-class • prole soldiers. - origin late 19th cent.: abbreviation of proletariat.

prolix

/prōˈliks ˈprōliks/ I. adjective (of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy • he found the narrative too prolix and discursive.

prolix

/prōˈliks ˈprōliks/ I. adjective (of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy • he found the narrative too prolix and discursive. II. derivatives 1. prolixity /prōˈliksədē / noun 2. prolixly /prōˈlikslē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from Old French prolixe or Latin prolixus 'poured forth, extended,' from pro- 'outward' + liquere 'be liquid.'

proscribe

/prōˈskrīb/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. forbid, especially by law • strikes remained proscribed in the armed forces. 2. denounce or condemn • certain practices that the Catholic Church proscribed, such as polygyny. 3. ‹historical› outlaw (someone). II. derivatives proscriptive /prōˈskriptiv / adjective - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'to outlaw'): from Latin proscribere, from pro-'in front of' + scribere 'write.' / usage: Proscribe does not have the same meaning as prescribe: see usage at prescribe.

profusion

/prəˈfyo͞oZHən/ I. noun —[in sing.] 1. an abundance or large quantity of something • a rich profusion of wildflowers • the foxgloves growing in profusion among the ferns. - origin mid 16th cent.: via French from Latin profusio(n-), from profundere 'pour out.'

promiscuous

/prəˈmiskyo͞oəs/ I. adjective 1. ‹derogatory› having or characterized by many transient sexual relationships • she's a wild, promiscuous girl • they ran wild, indulging in promiscuous sex and experimenting with drugs. 2. demonstrating or implying an undiscriminating or unselective approach; indiscriminate or casual • the city fathers were promiscuous with their honors. 3. consisting of a wide range of different things • Americans are free to pick and choose from a promiscuous array of values and behavior. II. derivatives 1. promiscuously /prəˈmiskyo͞oəslē / adverb 2. promiscuousness /prəˈmiskyo͞oəsnəs / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin promiscuus 'indiscriminate' (based on miscere 'to mix') + -ous The early sense was 'consisting of elements mixed together,' giving rise to 'indiscriminate' and 'undiscriminating,' whence the notion of 'casual.'

Promethean

/prəˈmēTHēən prōˈmēTHēən/ adjective relating to or characteristic of the demigod Prometheus, especially in being rebelliously creative and innovative • the Promethean scientist who unlocked the mysteries of the cosmos.

propinquity

/prəˈpiNGkwədē/ I. noun 1. the state of being close to someone or something; proximity • he kept his distance as though afraid propinquity might lead him into temptation. 2. ‹technical› close kinship. - origin late Middle

prerogative

/prəˈräɡədiv/ I. noun 1. a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class • owning an automobile was still the prerogative of the rich. 2. a faculty or property distinguishing a person or class • it's not a female prerogative to feel insecure.

prevericate

/prəˈverəˌkāt/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. speak or act in an evasive way • he seemed to prevaricate when journalists asked pointed questions. II. derivatives 1. prevarication /prəˌverəˈkāSH(ə)n / noun 2. prevaricator /prəˈverəˌkādər / noun - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'go astray, transgress'): from Latin praevaricat-'walked crookedly, deviated,' from the verb praevaricari, from prae 'before' + varicari 'straddle' (from varus 'bent, knock-kneed').

presentiment

/prəˈzen(t)əmənt/ I. noun an intuitive feeling about the future, especially one of foreboding • a presentiment of disaster.

prosaic

/prəˈzāik/ I. adjective 1. having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty • prosaic language can't convey the experience. 2. commonplace; unromantic • the masses were too preoccupied by prosaic day-to-day concerns. II. derivatives 1. prosaically /prəˈzāik(ə)lē / adverb 2. prosaicness /prəˈzāiknəs / noun - origin late 16th cent. (as a noun denoting a prose writer): from late Latin prosaicus, from Latin prosa 'straightforward (discourse)' (see prose). Current senses of the adjective date from the mid 18th cent.

poltroon

/pälˈtro͞on/ I. noun ‹archaic› ‹literary› an utter coward. II. derivatives poltroonery /pälˈtro͞on(ə)rē / noun - origin early 16th cent.: from French poltron, from Italian poltrone, perhaps from poltro 'sluggard.'

pate

/pāt/ I. noun ‹archaic› ‹humorous› a person's head • he scratched his balding pate.

pianoforte

/pēˌanōˈfôrtā/ I. noun formal term for piano1. - origin mid 18th cent.: from Italian, earlier piano e forte 'soft and loud,' expressing the gradation in tone.

pied-à-terre

/pēˌyādəˈter/ I. noun a small apartment, house, or room kept for occasional use. - origin early 19th cent.: French, literally 'foot to earth.'

pone

/pōn/ I. noun (US) unleavened cornbread in the form of flat oval cakes or loaves, originally as prepared with water by North American Indians and cooked in hot ashes. - origin Virginia Algonquian, 'bread.'

posthaste

/pōstˈhāst/ I. adverb with great speed or immediacy • she would go posthaste to England. - origin mid 16th cent.: from the direction "haste, post, haste," formerly given on letters.

perfidious

/pərˈfidēəs/ I. adjective ‹literary› deceitful and untrustworthy • a perfidious lover. II. derivatives perfidiously /pərˈfidēəslē / adverb - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin perfidiosus, from perfidia 'treachery.'

perforce

/pərˈfôrs/ I. adverb ‹formal› used to express necessity or inevitability • amateurs, perforce, have to settle for less expensive solutions. - origin Middle English: from Old French par force 'by force.'

pernicious

/pərˈniSHəs/ I. adjective having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way • the pernicious influences of the mass media. II. derivatives 1. perniciously /pərˈniSHəslē / adverb 2. perniciousness /pərˈniSHəsnəs / noun - origin late Middle English: from Latin perniciosus 'destructive,' from pernicies 'ruin,' based on nex, nec-'death.'

perplexity

/pərˈpleksədē/ I. noun 1. inability to deal with or understand something complicated or unaccountable • she paused in perplexity. 2. (usu. perplexities) —a complicated or baffling situation or thing • the perplexities of international relations. 3. ‹archaic› an entangled state • the dense perplexity of dwarf palm, garlanded creepers, glossy undergrowth. - origin Middle English: from Old French perplexite or late Latin perplexitas, from Latin perplexus 'entangled, confused' (see perplex).

pervade

/pərˈvād/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. (especially of a smell) spread through and be perceived in every part of • a smell of stale cabbage pervaded the air. 2. (of an influence, feeling, or quality) be present and apparent throughout • the sense of crisis that pervaded Europe in the 1930s.

persona grata

/pərˌsōnə ˈɡrädə/ I. noun a person, especially a diplomat, acceptable to certain others • I shall no longer be persona grata at the embassy. Compare with persona non grata. - origin Latin, from persona (see persona) + grata, feminine of gratus 'pleasing.'

pugnacious

/pəɡˈnāSHəs/ I. adjective eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight • the increasingly pugnacious demeanor of politicians. II. derivatives 1. pugnaciously /pəɡˈnāSHəslē / adverb 2. pugnacity /pəɡˈnasədē / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin pugnax, pugnac-(from pugnare 'to fight,' from pugnus 'fist') + -ious.

pejorative

/pəˈjôrədiv/ I. adjective expressing contempt or disapproval • "permissiveness" is used almost universally as a pejorative term. II. noun a word expressing contempt or disapproval. III. derivatives pejoratively /ˈpejəˌrādivlē pəˈjôrədivlē / adverb - origin late 19th cent.: from French péjoratif, -ive, from late Latin pejorare 'make worse,' from Latin pejor 'worse.'

pecuniary

/pəˈkyo͞onēˌerē/ I. adjective ‹formal› of, relating to, or consisting of money • he admitted obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception. II. derivatives pecuniarily /pəˌkyo͞onēˈe(ə)rəlē / adverb - origin early 16th cent.: from Latin pecuniarius, from pecunia 'money,' from pecu 'cattle, money.'

polemical

/pəˈlemək(ə)l/ I. adjective of, relating to, or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech • a polemical essay.

pinole

/pəˈnōlē/ I. noun (US) a sweetened flour made from ground dried corn mixed with flour made of mesquite beans, sugar, and spices.

penumbra

/pəˈnəmbrə/ I. noun 1. the partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object. 2. [Astronomy] the shadow cast by the earth or moon over an area experiencing a partial eclipse. 3. [Astronomy] the less dark outer part of a sunspot, surrounding the dark core. II. derivatives penumbral /pəˈnəmbrəl / adjective - origin mid 17th cent.: modern Latin, from Latin paene 'almost' + umbra 'shadow.'

peremptory

/pəˈrem(p)t(ə)rē/ I. adjective 1. (especially of a person's manner or actions) insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a brusquely imperious way • "Just do it!" came the peremptory reply. 2. [Law] not open to appeal or challenge; final • there has been no disobedience of a peremptory order of the court.

perusal

/pəˈro͞ozəl/ noun ‹formal› the action of reading or examining something • I continued my perusal of the instructions • a quick perusal of the index to the book reveals an interesting fact.

posada

/pəˈsädə/ I. noun 1. (in Spanish-speaking regions) a hotel or inn. 2. (also Las Posadas) — a ritual re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a lodging in Bethlehem, performed just before Christmas. - origin Spanish, from posar 'to lodge.'

paseo

/pəˈsāō/ I. noun 1. a leisurely walk or stroll, especially one taken in the evening; a promenade (used with reference to the tradition of taking such a walk in Spain or Spanish-speaking communities). 2. (also paseo de cuadrillas ) — a parade of bullfighters into the arena at the beginning of a bullfight. 3. (US) a plaza or walkway for strolling. - origin Spanish, literally 'step.'

wizened

/ˈwizənd/ I. adjective shriveled or wrinkled with age • a wizened, weather-beaten old man. - origin early 16th cent.: past participle of archaic wizen 'shrivel,' of Germanic origin.

rack

/rak / wrackI. noun a mass of high, thick, fast-moving clouds • there was a thin moon, a rack of cloud. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹archaic› (of a cloud) be driven before the wind. - origin Middle English (denoting a rush or collision): probably of Scandinavian origin; compare with Norwegian and Swedish dialect rak 'wreckage,' from reka 'to drive.'

rent 2

/rent/ I. noun 1. a large tear in a piece of fabric. 2. an opening or gap resembling a tear in a piece of fabric • they stared at the rents in the clouds. - origin mid 16th cent.: from obsolete rent 'pull to pieces, lacerate,' variant of rend.

rendition

/renˈdiSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. a performance or interpretation, especially of a dramatic role or piece of music • a wonderful rendition of "Nessun Dorma." 2. a visual representation or reproduction • a pen-and-ink rendition of Mars with his sword drawn. 3. a translation or transliteration. 4. (also extraordinary rendition) —the practice of sending a foreign criminal or terrorist suspect covertly to be interrogated in a country with less rigorous regulations for the humane treatment of prisoners. - origin early 17th cent.: from obsolete French, from rendre 'give back, render.'

rick

/rik/ I. noun 1. a stack of hay, corn, straw, or similar material, especially one built into a regular shape and thatched. 2. (N. Amer.) a pile of firewood somewhat smaller than a cord. 3. (N. Amer.) a set of shelving for storing barrels. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. form into rick or ricks; stack • the nine cords of good spruce wood ricked up in the back yard. - origin Old English hrēac, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch rook.

rebozo

/riˈbōzō, -sō/ I. noun a long scarf covering the head and shoulders, traditionally worn by Spanish-American women.

rook

/ro͝ok/ I. noun a gregarious Eurasian crow with black plumage and a bare face, nesting in colonies in treetops. [Corvus frugilegus, family Corvidae.] II. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹informal› take money from (someone) by cheating, defrauding, or overcharging them. - origin Old English hrōc, probably imitative and of Germanic origin; related to Dutch roek. I. noun a chess piece, typically with its top in the shape of a battlement, that can move in any direction along a rank or file

reactionary

/rēˈakSHəˌnerē/ I. adjective (of a person or a set of views) opposing political or social liberalization or reform. II. noun a reactionary person.

rejoin

/rēˈjoin/ I. verb —[reporting verb] 1. say something in answer to a remark, typically rudely or in a discouraging manner [with clause] • Harry said that he longed for a bath and soft towels, to which his father rejoined that he was a gross materialist.

revivify

/rēˈvivəˌfī/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. give new life or vigor to • they revivified a wine industry that had all but vanished. II. derivatives revivification /ˌrēˌvivəfəˈkāSH(ə)n / noun - origin late 17th cent.: from French revivifier or late Latin revivificare (see re-, vivify).

revivify

/rēˈvivəˌfī/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. give new life or vigor to • they revivified a wine industry that had all but vanished.

rive

/rīv/ I. verb —(usu. be riven) 1. split or tear apart violently • the party was riven by disagreements over Europe • ‹figurative› he was riven with guilt. 2. ‹archaic› split or crack (wood or stone) • the wood was riven with deep cracks. 3. [no obj.] —‹archaic› (of wood or stone) split or crack • I started to chop furiously, the dry wood riving and splintering under the ax. - origin Middle English: from Old Norse rífa, of unknown ultimate origin.

redress

/rəˈdres/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. remedy or set right (an undesirable or unfair situation) • the power to redress the grievances of our citizens. 2. ‹archaic› set upright again • some ambitious architect being called to redress a leaning wall. II. noun remedy or compensation for a wrong or grievance • those seeking redress for an infringement of public law rights. III. phrases redress the balance take action to restore equality in a situation. IV. derivatives 1. redressable adjective 2. redressal /-əl / noun 3. redresser noun - origin Middle English: the verb from Old French redresser; the noun via Anglo-Norman French

refraction

/rəˈfrakSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. [Physics] the fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc., being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density. 2. [Physics] change in direction oftion of any wave as a result of its traveling at different speeds at different points along the wave front. 3. [Physics] measurement of the focusing characteristics of an eye or eyes. - origin mid 17th cent.: from late Latin refractio(n-), from refringere 'break up' (see refract).

rejoinder

/rəˈjoindər/ I. noun 1. a reply, especially a sharp or witty one • she would have made some cutting rejoinder but none came to mind. 2. [Law] ‹dated› a defendant's answer to the plaintiff's reply or replication. - origin late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French rejoindre (infinitive used as a noun) (see rejoin2).

recalcitrant

/rəˈkalsətrənt/ I. adjective having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline • a class of recalcitrant fifteen-year-olds. II. noun a person with an obstinately uncooperative attitude.

recalcitrant

/rəˈkalsətrənt/ I. adjective having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline • a class of recalcitrant fifteen-year-olds. II. noun a person with an obstinately uncooperative attitude. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Latin recalcitrant- 'kicking out with the heels,' from the verb recalcitrare, based on calx, calc- 'heel.'

rococo

/rəˈkōkō ˌrōkəˈkō/ I. adjective 1. (of furniture or architecture) of or characterized by an elaborately ornamental late baroque style of decoration prevalent in 18th-century Continental Europe, with asymmetrical patterns involving motifs and scrollwork. 2. extravagantly or excessively ornate, especially (of music or literature) highly ornamented and florid. II. noun the rococo style of art, decoration, or architecture. - origin mid 19th cent.: from French, humorous alteration of rocaille.

remuda

/rəˈmo͞odə/ I. noun (N. Amer.) a herd of horses that have been saddle-broken, from which ranch hands choose their mounts for the day. - origin late 19th cent.: via American Spanish from Spanish, literally 'exchange, replacement.'

remunerative

/rəˈmyo͞on(ə)rədiv rəˈmyo͞onəˌrādiv/ adjective 1. financially rewarding; lucrative • highly remunerative activities. 2. earning a salary; paid • since June 2003 he has not had any remunerative employment.

ramada

/rəˈmädə, -ˈmadə/ I. noun (US) an arbor or porch. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Spanish.

remonstrate

/rəˈmänˌstrāt/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. make a forcefully reproachful protest • he turned angrily to remonstrate with Tommy • [with direct speech] "You don't mean that," she remonstrated.

reproach

/rəˈprōCH/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment • critics of the administration reproached the president for his failure to tackle the deficiency • [with direct speech] "You know that isn't true," he reproached her. 2. (reproach someone with) —accuse someone of • his wife reproached him with cowardice.

repose

/rəˈpōz/ I. noun 1. a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility • in repose her face looked relaxed. 2. composure • he had lost none of his grace or his repose. 3. [Art] harmonious arrangement of colors and forms, providing a restful visual effect.

cisgender

/sisˈjendər / cisgendered I. adjective denoting or relating to someone whose sense of personal identity corresponds with the gender assigned to them at birth. • this newfound attention to the plight of black trans folks by primarily cisgender allies is timely and necessary. - origin 1990s: from cis- + gender.

scree

/skrē/ I. noun 1. a mass of small loose stones that form or cover a slope on a mountain. 2. a slope covered with small loose stones. - origin early 18th cent.: probably a back-formation from the plural screes, from Old Norse skritha 'landslide'; related to skrítha 'glide.'

screed

/skrēd/ I. noun 1. a long speech or piece of writing, typically one regarded as tedious. 2. a leveled layer of material (e.g., cement) applied to a floor or other surface. 3. a strip of plaster or other material placed on a surface as a guide to thickness.

screed

/skrēd/ I. noun 1. a long speech or piece of writing, typically one regarded as tedious. 2. a leveled layer of material (e.g., cement) applied to a floor or other surface. 3. a strip of plaster or other material placed on a surface as a guide to thickness. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. level (a floor or layer of concrete) with a straight edge using a back and forth motion while moving across the surface. - origin Middle English: probably a variant of the noun shred. The early sense was 'fragment cut from a main piece,' then 'torn strip, tatter,' whence (via the notion of a long roll or list) sense 1 of the noun.

skein

/skān/ I. noun 1. a length of thread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted. 2. a tangled or complicated arrangement, state, or situation • the skeins of her long hair • ‹figurative› a skein of lies. 3. a flock of wild geese or swans in flight, typically in a V-shaped formation. - origin Middle English: shortening of Old French escaigne, of unknown origin.

scourge

/skərj/ I. noun 1. ‹historical› a whip used as an instrument of punishment. 2. a person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering • the scourge of mass unemployment. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹historical› whip (someone) as a punishment. 2. cause great suffering to • political methods used to scourge and oppress workers. III. derivatives scourger /ˈskərjər / noun ( —‹historical› - origin Middle English: shortening of Old French escorge (noun), escorgier (verb), from Latin ex-'thoroughly' + corrigia 'thong, whip.'

scatology

/skəˈtäləjē/ I. noun 1. an interest in or preoccupation with excrement and excretion. 2. obscene literature that is concerned with excrement and excretion. - origin late 19th cent.: from Greek skōr, skat-'dung' + -logy. Compare with scat3.

slag

/slaɡ/ I. noun 1. stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting or refining of ore. 2. similar material produced by a volcano; scoria. 3. (Brit.) ‹informal› ‹derogatory› a promiscuous woman. II. verb — [no obj.] (usu. as noun slagging) 1. produce deposits of slag. III. derivatives slaggy adjective - origin mid 16th cent.: from Middle Low German slagge, perhaps from slagen 'strike,' with reference to fragments formed by hammering.

sloe

/slō/ I. noun 1. another term for blackthorn. 2. the small bluish-black fruit of the blackthorn, with a sharp sour taste. - origin Old English slā(h), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch slee and German Schlehe, from an Indo-European root probably shared by Latin livere 'be blue' and Croatian šljiva 'plum;' compare with slivovitz.

smite

/smīt/ I. verb 1. [with obj.] — ‹literary› strike with a firm blow • he smites the water with his sword. 2. ‹archaic› defeat or conquer (a people or land) • he may smite our enemies.

snog

/snäɡ / ‹Brit. informal› I. verb — [with obj.] 1. kiss and caress amorously. II. noun an act or spell of amorous kissing and caressing. III. derivatives snogger noun - origin 1940s: of unknown origin.

snide

/snīd/ I. adjective 1. derogatory or mocking in an indirect way • snide remarks about my mother. 2. (chiefly N. Amer.) (of a person) devious and underhanded • a snide divorce lawyer. 3. (chiefly Brit.) counterfeit; inferior • snide Rolex watches.

snide

/snīd/ I. adjective 1. derogatory or mocking in an indirect way • snide remarks about my mother. 2. (chiefly N. Amer.) (of a person) devious and underhanded • a snide divorce lawyer. 3. (chiefly Brit.) counterfeit; inferior • snide Rolex watches. II. noun an unpleasant or underhanded person or remark. III. derivatives 1. snidely adverb 2. snideness noun 3. snidey adjective - origin mid 19th cent. (originally slang in sense 2 of the adjective): of unknown origin.

Song of Songs

/so͝oNG əv ə sôNGz / Song of Solomon a book of the Bible containing an anthology of Hebrew love poems traditionally ascribed to Solomon but in fact dating from a much later period. Jewish and Christian writers have interpreted the book allegorically as representing God's relationship with his people, or with the soul.

spasmodic

/spazˈmädik/ I. adjective 1. occurring or done in brief, irregular bursts • spasmodic fighting continued. 2. caused by, subject to, or in the nature of a spasm or spasms • a spasmodic cough.

split infinitive

/split inˈfinədiv/ I. noun a construction consisting of an infinitive with an adverb or other word inserted between to and the verb, e.g., she seems to really like it. usage: Is it wrong to use a split infinitive, separating the infinitive marker to from the verb? If so, then these statements are grammatically incorrect: you have to really watch him; to boldly go where no one has gone before. Writers who long ago insisted that English could be modeled on Latin created the "rule" that the English infinitive must not be split: to clearly state violates this rule; one must say to state clearly. But the Latin infinitive is one word (e.g., amare, 'to love') and cannot be split, so the rule is not firmly grounded, and treating two English words as one can lead to awkward, stilted sentences. In particular, the placing of an adverb in English is extremely important in giving the appropriate emphasis. Consider, for example, the "corrected" forms of the previous examples: you really have to watch him; to go boldly where no one has gone before. The original, intended emphasis of each statement has been changed, and for no other reason than to satisfy an essentially unreasonable rule. Some traditionalists may continue to hold up the split infinitive as an error, but in standard English, the principle of allowing split infinitives is broadly accepted as both normal and useful.

splenetic

/spləˈnedik/ I. adjective 1. bad-tempered; spiteful • a splenetic outburst. 2. archaic term for splenic. II. derivatives splenetically adverb splenetic (sense 1) - origin late Middle English (as a noun denoting a person with a diseased spleen): from late Latin spleneticus, from Greek splēn (see spleen).

spree

/sprē/ I. noun 1. a spell or sustained period of unrestrained activity of a particular kind • he went on a six-month crime spree • a shopping spree. 2. a spell of unrestrained drinking. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹dated› take part in a spree. - origin late 18th cent.: of

spume

/spyo͞om / ‹literary› I. noun froth or foam, especially that found on waves. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. form or produce a mass of froth or foam • water was spuming under the mill.

spall

/spôl/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. break (ore, rock, stone, or concrete) into smaller pieces, especially in preparation for sorting. 2. [no obj.] — (of ore, rock, or stone) break off in fragments • cracks below the surface cause slabs of material to spall off. II. noun a splinter or chip, especially of rock. - origin late Middle English (as a noun): of unknown origin. The verb dates from the mid 18th cent.

strabismus

/strəˈbizməs/ I. noun abnormal alignment of the eyes; the condition of having a squint. II. derivatives strabismic /-mik / adjective - origin late 17th cent.: modern Latin, from Greek strabismos, from strabizein 'to squint,' from strabos 'squinting.'

sangfroid

/säNGˈfrwä/ I. noun composure or coolness, sometimes excessive, as shown in danger or under trying circumstances. - origin mid 18th cent.: from French sang-froid, literally 'cold blood.'

sop

/säp/ I. noun 1. a thing given or done as a concession of no great value to appease someone whose main concerns or demands are not being met • my agent telephones as a sop but never finds me work. 2. a piece of bread dipped in gravy, soup, or sauce.

sardonic

/särˈdänik/ I. adjective grimly mocking or cynical • Starkey attempted a sardonic smile. II. derivatives 1. sardonically /särˈdänək(ə)lē / adverb 2. sardonicism /-ˈdänəˌsizəm / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from French sardonique, earlier sardonien, via Latin from Greek sardonios 'of Sardinia,' alteration of sardanios, used by Homer to describe bitter or scornful laughter.

sarcoma

/särˈkōmə/ I. noun [Medicine] a malignant tumor of connective or other nonepithelial tissue. II. derivatives 1. sarcomatosis /särˌkōməˈtōsəs / noun 2. sarcomatous /särˈkōmədəs / adjective - origin early 19th cent.: modern Latin, from Greek sarkōma, from sarkoun 'become fleshy,' from sarx, sark- 'flesh.'

Sorbonne

/sôrˈbôn/ I. the seat of the faculties of science and literature of the University of Paris. - origin originally a theological college founded by Robert de Sorbon, chaplain to Louis IX, c. 1257.

caesura

/sēˈzyo͝orə siˈZHo͞orə/ I. noun 1. (in Greek and Latin verse) a break between words within a metrical foot. 2. (in modern verse) a pause near the middle of a line. 3. any interruption or break

sublime

/səˈblīm/ I. adjective 1. of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe • Mozart's sublime piano concertos • (as noun the sublime) experiences that ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous. 2. used to denote the extreme or unparalleled nature of a person's attitude or behavior • he had the sublime confidence of youth.

suborn

/səˈbôrn/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. bribe or otherwise induce (someone) to commit an unlawful act such as perjury • he was accused of conspiring to suborn witnesses.

suborn

/səˈbôrn/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. bribe or otherwise induce (someone) to commit an unlawful act such as perjury • he was accused of conspiring to suborn witnesses.

ciborium

/səˈbôrēəm/ I. noun 1. a receptacle shaped like a shrine or a cup with an arched cover, used in the Christian Church for the reservation of the Eucharist. 2. a canopy over an altar in a church, standing on four pillars. - origin mid 16th cent.: via medieval Latin from Greek kibōrion 'seed vessel of the water lily or a cup made from it.' Sense 1 is probably influenced by Latin cibus 'food.'

cephalic

/səˈfalik/ I. adjective ‹technical› of, in, or relating to the head. - origin late Middle English: from Old French cephalique, from Latin cephalicus, from Greek kephalikos, from kephalē 'head.'

suffuse

/səˈfyo͞oz/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. gradually spread through or over • her cheeks were suffused with color • the first half of the poem is suffused with idealism. - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin suffus- 'poured into,' from sub- 'below, from below' + fundere 'pour.'

Sephardi

/səˈfärdē/ I. noun 1. a Jew of Spanish or Portuguese descent. They retain their own distinctive customs and rituals, preserving Babylonian Jewish traditions rather than the Palestinian ones of the Ashkenazim. Compare with Ashkenazi. 2. any Jew of the Middle East or North Africa. II. derivatives Sephardic /səˈfärdik / adjective - origin modern Hebrew, from sĕp̄āraḏ, a country mentioned in Obad. 20 and taken to be Spain.

saccade

/səˈkäd, sa-/ I. noun — (usu. saccades) 1. ‹technical› a rapid movement of the eye between fixation points. II. derivatives saccadic /səˈkadik, sa- / adjective - origin early 18th cent.: from French, literally 'violent pull,' from Old French saquer 'to pull.'

celerity

/səˈlerədē/ I. noun ‹archaic› ‹literary› swiftness of movement. - origin late 15th cent.: from Old French celerite, from Latin celeritas, from celer 'swift.'

solicitous

/səˈlisədəs/ I. adjective 1. characterized by or showing interest or concern • she was always solicitous about the welfare of her students • a solicitous inquiry. 2. ‹archaic› eager or anxious to do something

sustain

/səˈstān/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. strengthen or support physically or mentally • this thought had sustained him throughout the years • (as adj. sustaining) a sustaining breakfast of bacon and eggs. 2. cause to continue or be prolonged for an extended period or without interruption • he cannot sustain a normal conversation. 3. (of a performer) represent (a part or character) convincingly • he sustained the role with burly resilience. 4. bear (the weight of an object) without breaking or falling • he sagged against her so that she could barely sustain his weight • ‹figurative› his health will no longer enable him to sustain the heavy burdens of office. 5. undergo or suffer (something unpleasant, especially an injury) • he died after sustaining severe head injuries. 6. uphold, affirm, or confirm the justice or validity of • the allegations of discrimination were sustained. II. noun [Music] an effect or facility on a keyboard or electronic instrument whereby a note can be sustained after the key is released. III. derivatives 1. sustainer noun 2. sustainment noun - origin Middle English: from Old French soustenir, from Latin sustinere, from sub-'from below' + tenere 'hold.'

Sassanian

/səˈsānēən / Sasanian, Sassanid I. adjective relating to a dynasty that ruled Persia from the early 3rd century AD until the Arab Muslim conquest of 651. II. noun a member of the Sassanian dynasty. - origin from Sasan (the name of the grandfather or father of Ardashir, the first Sassanian) + -ian.

sati

/səˈtē ˈsətē / suttee I. noun 1. the former Hindu practice of a widow throwing herself onto her husband's funeral pyre. 2. a widow who committed sati. - origin Hindi, from Sanskrit satī 'faithful wife,' from sat 'good.'

Teutonic

/t(y)o͞oˈtänik/ I. adjective 1. of or relating to the Teutons. 2. ‹often derogatory› displaying the characteristics popularly attributed to Germans • making preparations with Teutonic thoroughness. 3. ‹archaic› denoting the Germanic branch of the Indo-European

transmogrify

/transˈmäɡrəˌfī tranzˈmäɡrəˌfī/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹chiefly humorous› transform, especially in a surprising or magical manner • the cucumbers that were ultimately transmogrified into pickles. II. derivatives transmogrification /tranzˌmäɡrəfəˈkāSHən tran(t)sˌmäɡrəfəˈkāSHən / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: of

trill

/tril/ I. noun 1. a quavering or vibratory sound, especially a rapid alternation of sung or played notes • they heard the muffled trill of the telephone • the caged bird launched into a piercing trill. 2. the pronunciation of a consonant, especially r, with rapid vibration of the tongue against the hard or soft palate or the uvula.

trope

/trōp/ I. noun 1. a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression • he used the two-Americas trope to explain how a nation free and democratic at home could act wantonly abroad. 2. a significant or recurrent theme; a motif • she uses the Eucharist as a pictorial trope. II. verb —[no obj.] 1. create a trope. - origin mid 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek tropos 'turn, way, trope,' from trepein 'to turn.'

traduce

/trəˈd(y)o͞os/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. speak badly of or tell lies about (someone) so as to damage their reputation. II. derivatives 1. traducement /trəˈd(y)o͞osmənt / noun 2. traducer /trəˈd(y)o͞osər / noun - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'transport, transmit'): from Latin traducere 'lead in front of others, expose to ridicule,' from trans-'over, across' + ducere 'to lead.'

tautology

/tôˈtäləjē/ I. noun 1. the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style (e.g., they arrived one after the other in succession). 2. a phrase or expression in which the same thing is said twice in different words. 3. [Logic] a statement that is true by necessity or by virtue of its logical form. II. derivatives

tautology

/tôˈtäləjē/ I. noun 1. the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style (e.g., they arrived one after the other in succession). 2. a phrase or expression in which the same thing is said twice in different words. 3. [Logic] a statement that is true by necessity or by virtue of its logical form. II. derivatives 1. tautological /ˌtôdlˈäjək(ə)l / adjective 2. tautologically /ˌtôdlˈäjək(ə)lē / adverb 3. tautologist /-jist / noun 4. tautologize /tôˈtäləˌjīz /

tope

/tōp/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹archaic› ‹literary› drink alcohol to excess, especially on a regular basis. II. derivatives toper /ˈtōpər / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: perhaps an alteration of obsolete top 'overbalance'; perhaps from Dutch toppen 'slant or tilt a ship's yard.'

ptomaine

/tōˈmān/ I. noun [Chemistry] ‹dated› any of a group of amine compounds of unpleasant taste and odor formed in putrefying animal and vegetable matter and formerly thought to cause food poisoning. - origin late 19th cent.: from French ptomaïne, from Italian ptomaina, formed irregularly from Greek ptōma 'corpse.'

totipotent

/tōˈtipədənt/ I. adjective [Biology] (of an immature or stem cell) capable of giving rise to any cell type or (of a blastomere) a complete embryo. - origin early 20th cent.: from Latin totus 'whole' + potent1.

tern

/tərn/ I. noun a seabird related to the gulls, typically smaller and more slender, with long pointed wings and a forked tail. [Family Sternidae (or Laridae): several genera, in particular Sterna, and many species.] ‹rare› a set of three, especially three lottery numbers that when drawn together win a large prize. - origin late Middle English: apparently from French terne, from Latin terni 'three at once, three each,' from ter 'thrice.'

Valkyrie

/valˈkirē ˈvalˌkirē/ I. noun [Scandinavian Mythology] each of Odin's twelve handmaidens who conducted the slain warriors of their choice from the battlefield to Valhalla. - origin from Old Norse Valkyrja, literally 'chooser

vex

/veks/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. make (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters • the memory of the conversation still vexed him • (as adj. vexing) the most vexing questions for policymakers. 2. ‹archaic› cause distress to • thou shalt not vex a stranger. II. derivatives 1. vexer noun 2. vexingly adverb - origin late Middle English: from Old French vexer, from Latin vexare 'shake, disturb.'

vendetta

/venˈdedə/ I. noun 1. a blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family. 2. a prolonged bitter quarrel with or campaign against someone • he has accused the British media of pursuing a vendetta against him. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Italian, from Latin vindicta 'vengeance.'

vicuna

/viˈko͞onyə/ I. noun 1. a wild relative of the llama, inhabiting mountainous regions of South America and valued for its fine silky wool. [Vicugna vicugna, family Camelidae.] 2. cloth made from vicuña wool or an imitation of it. - origin early 17th cent.: from Spanish, from Quechua.

vivacity

/viˈvasədē/ noun (especially in a woman) the quality of being attractively lively and animated • he was struck by her vivacity, humor and charm.

voussoir

/vo͞oˈswär/ I. noun [Architecture] a wedge-shaped or tapered stone used to construct an arch. - origin early 18th cent: via French from popular Latin volsorium, based on Latin volvere 'to roll.' The word, borrowed from Old French, was also used for a time in late Middle English.

vain

/vān/ I. adjective 1. having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth • their flattery made him vain. 2. [attrib.] —producing no result; useless • a vain attempt to tidy up the room • the vain hope of finding work. 3. having no meaning or likelihood of fulfillment • a vain boast.

volition

/vōˈliSH(ə)n/ I. noun the faculty or power of using one's will • without conscious volition she backed into her office. II. phrases of (or by or on) one's own volition voluntarily • they choose to leave early of their own volition.

vertiginous

/vərˈtijənəs/ I. adjective 1. causing vertigo, especially by being extremely high or steep • vertiginous drops to the valleys below. 2. relating to or affected by vertigo. II. derivatives vertiginously adverb - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin vertiginosus, from vertigo 'whirling around' (see vertigo).

vedette

/vəˈdet / vidette I. noun 1. ‹historical› a mounted sentry positioned beyond an army's outposts to observe the movements of the enemy. 2. a leading star of stage, screen, or television. - origin late 17th cent.: from French, literally 'scout,' from an alteration of southern Italian veletta, perhaps based on Spanish velar 'keep watch.'

wont

/wônt wōnt/ I. adjective —[predic.] 1. ‹literary› (of a person) in the habit of doing something; accustomed • he was wont to arise at 5:30 every morning. II. noun —(one's wont) 1. ‹formal› ‹humorous› one's customary behavior in a particular situation • Constance, as was her wont, had paid her little attention. III. verb ‹archaic› make or be or become accustomed [with obj.] • wont thy heart to thoughts hereof • [no obj., with infinitive] sons wont to nurse their parents in old age. - origin Old English gewunod, past participle of wunian, 'dwell, be accustomed' of Germanic origin.

ubiquitous

/yo͞oˈbikwədəs/ I. adjective present, appearing, or found everywhere • his ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family • cowboy hats are ubiquitous among the male singers. II. derivatives 1. ubiquitously adverb 2. ubiquitousness /yo͞oˈbikwədəsnəs / noun 3. ubiquity /yo͞oˈbikwədē / noun - origin mid 19th cent.: from modern Latin ubiquitas (from Latin ubique 'everywhere,' from ubi 'where') + -ous.

usurp

/yo͞oˈsərp/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force • Richard usurped the throne. 2. take the place of (someone in a position of power) illegally: supplant • the Hanoverian dynasty had usurped the Stuarts. 3. [no obj.] (usurp on/upon) — ‹archaic› encroach or infringe upon (someone's rights)

yahoo

/yäˈho͞o/ I. noun ‹informal› a rude, noisy, or violent person. - origin mid 18th cent.: from the name of an imaginary race of brutish creatures in Swift's Gulliver's Travels (1726).

zygoma

/zīˈɡōmə/ I. noun [Anatomy] the bony arch of the cheek formed by connection of the zygomatic and temporal bones.

Arcadia

/ärˈkādēə/ I. a mountainous district in the Peloponnese of southern Greece. In poetic fantasy it represents a pastoral paradise, and in Greek mythology it is the home of Pan.

Arcadian

/ärˈkādēən/ I. noun 1. a native of Arcadia. 2. ‹literary› an idealized country dweller. II. adjective 1. of or relating to Arcadia. 2. ‹literary› of or relating to an ideal rustic paradise. - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin Arcadius, from Greek Arkadia (see Arcadia).

arcana

/ärˈkānə/ I. plural noun — [treated as sing. or pl.] 1. secrets or mysteries • his knowledge of federal budget arcana is legendary. 2. [treated as sing.] — either of the two groups of cards in a tarot pack: the twenty-two trump cards (the major arcana) and the fifty-six suit cards (the minor arcana). - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin, neuter plural of arcanus (see arcane).

ostensible

/äˈstensəb(ə)l əˈstensəb(ə)l/ I. adjective —[attrib.] 1. stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so • the delay may have a deeper cause than the ostensible reason. II. derivatives ostensibility /-ˌstensəˈbilitē / noun - origin mid 18th cent.: from French, from medieval Latin ostensibilis from Latin ostens-'stretched out to view,' from the verb ostendere, from ob-'in view of' + tendere 'to stretch.'

abrade

/əˈbrād/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. scrape or wear away by friction or erosion • a landscape slowly abraded by a fine, stinging dust. II. derivatives abrader noun - origin late 17th cent.: from Latin abradere, from ab- 'away, from' + radere 'to scrape.'

orthography

/ôrˈTHäɡrəfē/ I. noun 1. the conventional spelling system of a language. 2. the study of spelling and how letters combine to represent sounds and form words. 3. another term for orthographic projection. II. derivatives 1. orthographer /-fər / noun orthography (sense 1) 2. orthographic /ˌôrTHəˈɡrafik / adjective 3. orthographical /ˌôrTHəˈɡrafikəl / adjective 4. orthographically /ˌôrTHəˈɡrafək(ə)lē / adverb - origin late Middle English: via Old French and Latin from Greek orthographia, from orthos 'correct' + -graphia 'writing.'

auspicious

/ôˈspiSHəs/ I. adjective 1. conducive to success; favorable • it was not the most auspicious moment to hold an election. 2. giving or being a sign of future success • they said it was an auspicious moon—it was rising. 3. ‹archaic› characterized by success; prosperous • he was respectful to his auspicious customers.

austerity

/ôˈsterədē/ I. noun 1. sternness or severity of manner or attitude • he was noted for his austerity and his authoritarianism. 2. extreme plainness and simplicity of style or appearance • the room was decorated with a restraint bordering on austerity. 3. (austerities) —conditions characterized by severity, sternness, or asceticism • a simple life of prayer and personal austerity. 4. difficult economic conditions created by government measures to reduce a budget deficit, especially by reducing public expenditure • a period of austerity • [as modifier] austerity measures. - origin late Middle English: from French austérité, from Latin austeritas, from austerus 'severe' (see austere).

autolysis

/ôˈtäləsəs/ I. noun [Biology] the destruction of cells or tissues by their own enzymes, especially those released by lysosomes. II. derivatives autolytic /ˌôtlˈitik / adjective

elan

/āˈlän āˈlan / élan I. noun energy, style, and enthusiasm • a rousing march, played with great elan. - origin mid 19th cent.: from French élan, from élancer 'to dart,' from é-'out' + lancer 'to throw.'

atonal

/āˈtōnl aˈtōnl/ I. adjective [Music] not written in any key or mode.

Edenic

/ēˈdenik/ adjective 1. relating to or characteristic of the garden of Eden • the story of the Edenic fall. 2. unspoiled and idyllic • an Edenic world of economic prosperity.

elucidate

/ēˈlo͞osəˌdāt/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. make (something) clear; explain • work such as theirs will help to elucidate this matter • [with clause] in what follows I shall try to elucidate what I believe the problems to be • [no obj.] they would not elucidate further. II. derivatives 1. elucidative /əˈlo͞osəˌdādiv / adjective 2. elucidator /əˈlo͞osəˌdādər / noun 3. elucidatory /əˈlo͞osədəˌtôrē / adjective - origin mid 16th cent.: from late Latin elucidat- 'made clear,' from the verb elucidare, from e- (variant of ex-) 'out' + lucidus 'lucid.'

ironic

/īˈränik/ I. adjective 1. using or characterized by irony • his mouth curved into an ironic smile. 2. happening in the opposite way to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement because of this [with clause] • it was ironic that now that everybody

itinerant

/īˈtinərənt iˈtinərənt/ I. adjective traveling from place to place • itinerant traders. II. noun a person who travels from place to place.

iconoclastic

/īˌkänəˈklastik/ I. adjective characterized by attack on cherished beliefs or institutions • a fresh, even an iconoclastic, influence could work wonders.

obeisance

/ōˈbāsəns əˈbāsəns ōˈbēsəns əˈbēsns/ I. noun 1. deferential respect • they paid obeisance to the prince. 2. a gesture expressing deferential respect, such as a bow or curtsy

auteur

/ōˈtər/ I. noun a filmmaker whose personal influence and artistic control over a movie are so great that the filmmaker is regarded as the author of the movie. II. derivatives 1. auteurism /-ˌizəm / noun 2. auteurist /-ist / adjective - origin 1960s: French, literally 'author.'

obscurantism

/əbˈskyo͝orənˌtizəm äbˈskyo͝orənˌtizəm ˌäbskyəˈranˌtizəm/ I. noun the practice of deliberately preventing the facts or full details of something from becoming known.

obstreperous

/əbˈstrepərəs/ I. adjective noisy and difficult to control • the boy is cocky and obstreperous. II. derivatives 1. obstreperously /əbˈstrep(ə)rəslē / adverb 2. obstreperousness /əbˈstrep(ə)rəsnəs / noun - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'clamorous, vociferous'): from Latin obstreperus (from obstrepere, from ob- 'against'

abstemious

/əbˈstēmēəs/ I. adjective not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking • "We only had a bottle." "Very abstemious of you." II. derivatives 1. abstemiously /əbˈstēmēəslē / adverb 2. abstemiousness /əbˈstēmēəsnəs / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin abstemius (from ab-'from' + a word related to temetum 'strong drink') + -ous.

obtrude

/əbˈtro͞od/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. become noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way • a sound from the reception hall obtruded into his thoughts. 2. [with obj.] —impose or force (something) on someone in an intrusive way • I felt unable to obtrude my private sorrow upon anyone. II. derivatives 1. obtruder /əbˈtro͞odər / noun 2. obtrusion /əbˈtro͞oZH(ə)n / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin obtrudere, from ob-'toward' + trudere 'to push.'

uxorious

/əkˈsôrēəs ˌəɡˈzôrēəs/ I. adjective having or showing an excessive or submissive fondness for one's wife. II. derivatives 1. uxoriously adverb 2. uxoriousness /ˌəkˈsôrēəsnəs ˌəkˈzôrēəsnəs / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin uxoriosus, from uxor 'wife.'

embrasure

/əmˈbrāZHər/ I. noun a small opening in a parapet of a fortified building, splayed on the inside. II. derivatives embrasured adjective - origin early 18th cent.: from French, from obsolete embraser (earlier form of ébraser) 'widen a door or window opening,' of unknown ultimate origin.

urbane

/ərˈbān/ I. adjective (of a person, especially a man) suave, courteous, and refined in manner. II. derivatives urbanely /ərˈbānlē / adverb - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'urban'): from French urbain or Latin urbanus (see urban).

affinity

/əˈfinədē/ I. noun — (often affinity between/for/with) 1. a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something • he has an affinity for the music of Berlioz. 2. a similarity of characteristics suggesting a relationship, especially a resemblance in structure between animals, plants, or languages • a building with no affinity to contemporary architectural styles. 3. relationship, especially by marriage as opposed to blood ties. 4. [chiefly Biochemistry] the degree to which a substance tends to combine with another • the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. - origin Middle English (in the sense 'relationship by marriage'): via Old French from Latin affinitas, from affinis 'related' (literally 'bordering on'), from ad- 'to' + finis 'border.'

affinity

/əˈfinədē/ I. noun —(often affinity between/for/with) 1. a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something • he has an affinity for the music of Berlioz. 2. a similarity of characteristics suggesting a relationship, especially a resemblance in structure between animals, plants, or languages • a building with no affinity to contemporary architectural styles. 3. relationship, especially by marriage as opposed to blood ties. 4. [chiefly Biochemistry] the degree to which a substance tends to combine with another • the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. - origin Middle English (in the sense 'relationship by marriage'): via Old French from Latin affinitas, from affinis 'related' (literally 'bordering on'), from ad-'to' + finis 'border.'

affright

/əˈfrīt / ‹archaic› I. verb — [with obj.] 1. frighten (someone) • ghosts could never affright her. II. noun fright • the deer gazed at us in affright. - origin late Middle English: in early use from āfyrhted 'frightened' in Old English; later by vague form association with fright.

effrontery

/əˈfrən(t)ərē/ I. noun insolent or impertinent behavior • one juror had the effrontery to challenge the coroner's decision. - origin late 17th cent.: from French effronterie, based on late Latin effrons, effront-'shameless, barefaced,' from ex-'out' + frons 'forehead.'

effete

/əˈfēt/ I. adjective 1. (of a person) affected, overrefined, and ineffectual • effete trendies from art college. 2. no longer capable of effective action

eclectic

/əˈklektik/ I. adjective 1. deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources • her musical tastes are eclectic. 2. (Eclectic) —[Philosophy] of, denoting, or belonging to a class of ancient philosophers who did not belong to or found any recognized school of thought but selected such doctrines as they wished from various schools. II. noun a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

accoutre

/əˈko͞odər / accouter I. verb —[with obj.] (usu. be accoutred) 1. clothe or equip, typically in something noticeable or impressive. - origin mid 16th cent.: from French accoutrer, from Old French acoustrer, from a-(from Latin ad 'to, at') + cousture 'sewing' (see couture).

accoutrement

/əˈko͞odərmənt əˈko͞otrəmənt / accouterment I. noun —(usu. accoutrements) 1. additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity • the accoutrements of religious ritual. - origin mid 16th cent.: from French, from accoutrer 'clothe, equip' (see accoutre).

schmear

/əˈko͞odərmənt əˈko͞otrəmənt / accouterment I. noun —(usu. accoutrements) 1. additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity • the accoutrements of religious ritual. - origin mid 16th cent.: from French, from accoutrer 'clothe, equip' (see accoutre).

acacia

/əˈkāSHə / acacia tree I. noun 1. a tree or shrub of warm climates that bears spikes or clusters of yellow or white flowers and is frequently thorny. [Genus Acacia, family Leguminosae: numerous species, including A. senegal, which yields gum arabic.] 2. see false acacia. - origin late Middle English: via Latin from Greek akakia.

alacrity

/əˈlakrədē/ I. noun brisk and cheerful readiness • she accepted the invitation with alacrity. - origin late Middle English: from Latin alacritas, from alacer 'brisk.'

alacrity.

/əˈlakrədē/ I. noun brisk and cheerful readiness • she accepted the invitation with alacrity. - origin late Middle English: from Latin alacritas, from alacer 'brisk.'

elision

/əˈliZHən/ I. noun 1. the omission of a sound or syllable when speaking (as in I'm, let's, e 'en). 2. an omission of a passage in a book, speech, or film • the movie's elisions and distortions have been carefully thought out. 3. the process of joining together or merging things, especially abstract ideas • unease at the elision of so many vital questions. - origin late 16th cent.: from late Latin elision-, from Latin elidere 'crush out' (see elide). / usage: See usage at elide.

ellipsis

/əˈlipsis/ I. noun 1. the omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues. 2. a set of dots indicating an ellipsis. - origin mid 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek elleipsis, from elleipein 'leave out.'

aloof

/əˈlo͞of/ I. adjective 1. not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant • they were courteous but faintly aloof • an aloof and somewhat austere figure. 2. conspicuously uninvolved and uninterested, typically through distaste • he stayed aloof from the bickering. The term was originally an adverb in nautical use, meaning 'away and to windward!,' i.e., with the ship's head kept close to the wind away from a lee shore, etc., toward which it might otherwise drift. From this arose the sense 'at a distance' literally or figuratively.

alight1

/əˈlīt/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. (of a bird) descend from the air and settle • a lovely blue swallow alighted on a branch. 2. descend from a train, bus, or other form of transportation • the conductor alights to push the cable car completely around.

alight

/əˈlīt/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. (of a bird) descend from the air and settle • a lovely blue swallow alighted on a branch. 2. descend from a train, bus, or other form of transportation • the conductor alights to push the cable car completely around. II. phrasal verbs alight on find by chance; notice • her eyes alighted on the item in question. - origin Old English ālīhtan, from ā-(as an intensifier) + līhtan 'descend' (see light3).

emetic

/əˈmedik/ I. adjective 1. (of a substance) causing vomiting. 2. ‹informal› nauseating or revolting • that emetic music in department stores. II. noun a medicine or other substance that causes vomiting. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Greek emetikos, from emein 'to vomit.'

emolument

/əˈmälyəmənt/ I. noun —(usu. emoluments) 1. ‹formal› a salary, fee, or profit from employment or office • the directors' emoluments. - origin late Middle English: from Latin emolumentum, originally probably 'payment to a miller for grinding grain,' from emolere 'grind up,' from e-(variant of ex-) 'out, thoroughly' + molere 'grind.'

anathema

/əˈnaTHəmə/ I. noun 1. something or someone that one vehemently dislikes • racial hatred was anathema to her. 2. a formal curse by a pope or a council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine. 3. ‹literary› a strong curse • the sergeant clutched the ruined communicator, muttering anathemas.

anon

/əˈnän/ I. adverb ‹archaic› soon; shortly • I'll see you anon. - origin Old English on ān 'into one,' on āne 'in one' The original sense was 'in or into one state, course, etc.,' which developed into the temporal sense 'at once.'

append

/əˈpend/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. add (something) as an attachment or supplement • the results of the survey are appended to this chapter. - origin late Middle English: from Latin appendere 'hang on,' from ad-'to' + pendere 'hang.'

epiphany

/əˈpifənē/ I. noun 1. the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). 2. the festival commemorating the Epiphany on January 6. 3. a manifestation of a divine or supernatural being. 4. a moment of sudden revelation or insight. II. derivatives epiphanic /ˌepəˈfanik / adjective - origin Middle English: from Greek epiphainein 'reveal.' The sense relating to the Christian festival is via Old French epiphanie and ecclesiastical Latin epiphania.

aplomb

/əˈpläm əˈpləm/ I. noun self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation • Diana passed the test with aplomb. - origin late 18th cent. (in the sense 'perpendicularity, steadiness'): from French, from à plomb 'according to a plummet.'

arroyo

/əˈroiˌ(y)ō/ I. noun a steep-sided gully cut by running water in an arid or semiarid region. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Spanish.

ascetic

/əˈsedik/ I. adjective characterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons • an ascetic life of prayer, fasting, and manual labor • a narrow, humorless, ascetic face. II. noun a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention. III. derivatives ascetically /əˈsedək(ə)lē / adverb - origin mid 17th cent.: from medieval Latin asceticus or Greek askētikos, from askētēs 'monk,' from askein 'to exercise.'

escapement

/əˈskāpmənt/ I. noun 1. a mechanism in a clock or watch that alternately checks and releases the train by a fixed amount and transmits a periodic impulse from the spring or weight to the balance wheel or pendulum. 2. a mechanism in a typewriter that shifts the carriage a small fixed amount to the left after a key is pressed and released. 3. the part of the mechanism in a piano that enables the hammer to fall back as soon as it has struck the string. - origin late 18th cent.: from French échappement, from échapper 'to escape.'

asperity

/əˈsperədē/ I. noun 1. harshness of tone or manner • he pointed this out with some asperity. 2. (asperities) —harsh qualities or conditions • the asperities of a harsh and divided society. 3. (usu. asperities) —a rough edge on a surface • the asperities of the metal surfaces

aswarm

/əˈswôrm/ adjective — [predic.] 1. crowded; full of moving beings or objects • the streets were aswarm with vendors.

atrocious

/əˈtrōSHəs/ I. adjective 1. horrifyingly wicked • atrocious cruelties. 2. of a very poor quality; extremely bad or unpleasant

avidity

/əˈvidədē/ I. noun 1. extreme eagerness or enthusiasm • he read detective stories with avidity. 2. [Biochemistry] the overall strength of binding between an antibody and an antigen. - origin late Middle English: from French avidité or Latin aviditas, from avidus 'eager, greedy.'

evince

/əˈvins/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹formal› reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling) • his letters evince the he felt at undertaking this journey. 2. ‹formal› be evidence of; indicate • man's inhumanity to man as evinced in the use of torture. - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'prove by argument or evidence'): from Latin evincere 'overcome, defeat' (see evict).

evince

/əˈvins/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹formal› reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling) • his letters evince the excitement he felt at undertaking this journey. 2. ‹formal› be evidence of; indicate • man's inhumanity to man as evinced in the use of torture. - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'prove by argument or evidence'): from Latin evincere 'overcome, defeat' (see evict).

aver

/əˈvər/ I. verb —[reporting verb] 1. ‹formal› state or assert to be the case [with clause] • he averred that he was innocent of the allegations • [with direct speech] "You're the most beautiful girl in the world," he averred. 2. [with obj.] —‹formal› [Law] allege as a fact in support of a plea. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'declare or confirm to be true'): from Old French averer, based on Latin ad 'to' (implying 'cause to be') + verus 'true.'

egregious

/əˈɡrējəs/ I. adjective 1. outstandingly bad; shocking • egregious abuses of copyright. 2. ‹archaic› remarkably good. II. derivatives 1. egregiously adverb 2. egregiousness noun - origin mid 16th cent. (sense 2): from Latin egregius 'illustrious,' literally 'standing out from the flock,' from ex- 'out' + grex, greg- 'flock.' The derogatory sense (late 16th cent.) probably arose as an ironical use.

agog

/əˈɡäɡ/ I. adjective —[predic.] 1. very eager or curious to hear or see something • I'm all agog to see London • New York is agog at the gossip.

Anaximander

/əˌnaksəˈmandər/ (c. 610-c. 545 BC), Greek scientist from Miletus. He believed the earth to be cylindrical and poised in space and is reputed to have taught that life began in water and that humans originated from fish.

epistemology

/əˌpistəˈmäləjē/ I. noun [Philosophy] the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion. II. derivatives epistemologist /-jist / noun - origin mid 19th cent.: from Greek epistēmē 'knowledge,' from epistasthai 'know, know how to do.'

galvanic

/ɡalˈvanik/ I. adjective 1. relating to or involving electric currents produced by chemical action. 2. sudden and dramatic • hurry with awkward galvanic strides. II. derivatives galvanically /-ik(ə)lē / adverb - origin late 18th cent.: from French galvanique, from Galvani, Luigi.

glib

/ɡlib/ I. adjective (of words or the person speaking them) fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow • she was careful not to let the answer sound too glib. II. derivatives 1. glibly /ˈɡliblē / adverb 2. glibness /ˈɡlibnəs / noun - origin late 16th cent. (also in the sense 'smooth, unimpeded'): ultimately of Germanic origin; related to Dutch glibberig 'slippery' and German glibberig 'slimy.'

grandee

/ɡranˈdē/ I. noun 1. a Spanish or Portuguese nobleman of the highest rank. 2. a person of high rank or eminence • several city grandees and eminent lawyers.

grist

/ɡrist/ I. noun 1. grain that is ground to make flour. 2. malt crushed to make mash for brewing. 3. useful material, especially to back up an argument • the research provided the most sensational grist for opponents of tobacco. II. phrases grist for the mill useful experience, material, or knowledge. - origin Old English, 'grinding,' of Germanic origin; related to grind.

Guignol

/ɡēnˈyôl/ the bloodthirsty chief character in a French puppet show of that name that is similar to Punch and Judy. See also Grand Guignol. Grand Guignol /ˌɡrän ɡēnˈyôl/ I. noun a dramatic entertainment of a sensational or horrific nature, originally a sequence of short pieces as performed at the Grand Guignol theater in Paris. - origin French, literally 'Great Punch.'

galena

/ɡəˈlēnə/ I. noun a bluish, gray, or black mineral of metallic appearance, consisting of lead sulfide. It is the chief ore of lead. - origin late 17th cent.: from Latin, 'lead ore' (in a partly purified state).

garrote

/ɡəˈrät ɡəˈrōt / garrotte, garotte I. verb — [with obj.] 1. kill (someone) by strangulation, typically with an iron collar or a length of wire or cord • he had been garroted with piano wire. II. noun a wire, cord, or apparatus used to

chamfer

/ˈ(t)SHamfər/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. in carpentry, cut away (a right-angled edge or corner) to make a symmetrical sloping edge. II. noun a symmetrical sloping surface at an edge or corner. - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'flute or furrow'): back-formation from chamfering, from French chamfrain, from chant 'edge' (see cant2) + fraint 'broken' (from Old French fraindre 'break,' from Latin frangere).

chancel

/ˈCHansəl/ I. noun the part of a church near the altar, reserved for the clergy and choir, and typically separated from the nave by steps or a screen. - origin Middle English: from Old French, from Latin cancelli 'crossbars.'

chary

/ˈCHerē/ I. adjective cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something • most people are chary of allowing themselves to be photographed.

chary

/ˈCHerē/ I. adjective cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something • most people are chary of allowing themselves to be photographed. II. derivatives charily /ˈCHerəlē / adverb - origin Old English cearig 'sorrowful, anxious'; related to care.

chinless

/ˈCHinlis/ adjective 1. (of a person) lacking a well-defined chin. 2. ‹informal› lacking strength of character; ineffectual.

chirrup

/ˈCHirəp/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. (especially of a small bird) make repeated short high-pitched sounds; twitter. 2. [with direct speech] — (of a person) say something in a high-pitched voice • "Yes, Miss Honey," chirruped eighteen voices. II. noun a short, high-pitched sound. III. derivatives chirrupy adjective - origin late 16th cent.: alteration of chirp, by trilling the -r-.

cholla

/ˈCHoi(y)ə/ I. noun a cactus with a cylindrical stem, native to Mexico and the southwestern US. [Genus Cylindropuntia, family Cactaceae: several species, including the densely spiny teddy-bear cholla (C. bigelovii) and the treelike cane cholla (C. spinosior).] - origin mid 19th cent.: Mexican Spanish use of Spanish cholla 'skull, head,' of unknown origin.

charnel

/ˈCHärnl/ I. noun short for charnel house. II. adjective associated with death • I gagged on the charnel stench of the place. - origin late Middle English: from Old French, from medieval Latin carnale, neuter (used as a noun) of carnalis 'relating to flesh' (see carnal).

charwoman

/ˈCHärˌwo͝omən/ I. noun (Brit.) ‹dated› a woman employed to clean houses or offices. - origin late 16th cent.: from obsolete char or chare 'a turn of work, an odd job, chore' (obscurely related to chore) + woman.

chamberlain

/ˈCHāmbərlən/ I. noun 1. ‹historical› an officer who manages the household of a monarch or noble. 2. ‹historical› (Brit.) the treasurer of a corporation or public body. II. derivatives chamberlainship /-ˌSHip / noun - origin Middle English (denoting a servant in a bedchamber): via Old French from Old Saxon kamera, from Latin camera 'vault' (see chamber).

shako

/ˈSHakō ˈSHākō/ I. noun a cylindrical or conical military hat with a brim and a plume or pom-pom. - origin early 19th cent.: via French from Hungarian csákó (süveg) 'peaked (cap),' from csák 'peak,' from German Zacken 'spike.'

shibboleth

/ˈSHibələTH/ I. noun a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important • the party began to break with the shibboleths of the left. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Hebrew šibbōleṯ 'ear of corn,' used as a test of nationality by its difficult pronunciation

shashlik

/ˈSHäSHˌlik, SHäSHˈlik/ I. noun (in Asia and eastern Europe) a mutton kebab. - origin from Russian shashlyk, based on Turkish şiş 'spit, skewer'; compare with shish kebab.

chauvinist

/ˈSHōvənəst/ I. noun 1. a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism. 2. a person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for a particular cause, group, or gender • what a male chauvinist that man is. II. adjective showing or relating to excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for a particular group or cause • a chauvinist slur.

thaumaturge

/ˈTHôməˌtərj/ I. noun a worker of wonders and performer of miracles; a magician. II. derivatives

Thales

/ˈTHālēz/ (c. 624-c. 545 BC), Greek philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer, living at Miletus. Judged by Aristotle to be the founder of physical science, he is also credited with founding geometry. He proposed that water was the primary substance from which all things were derived.

thymus

/ˈTHīməs / thymus gland I. noun a lymphoid organ situated in the neck of vertebrates that produces T cells for the immune system. The human thymus becomes much smaller at the approach of puberty. - origin late 16th cent. (denoting a growth or tumor resembling a bud): from Greek thumos 'excrescence like a thyme bud,

thunderstruck

/ˈTHəndərˌstrək/ adjective extremely surprised or shocked • they were thunderstruck by this revelation.

ashlar

/ˈaSHlər/ I. noun 1. masonry made of large square-cut stones, typically used as a facing on walls of brick or stone. 2. a stone used in ashlar.

adage

/ˈadij/ I. noun a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth • the old adage "out of sight out of mind." - origin mid 16th cent.: from French, from Latin adagium 'saying,' based on an early form of aio 'I say.'

adumbrate

/ˈadəmˌbrāt əˈdəmˌbrāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹formal› report or represent in outline • James Madison adumbrated the necessity that the Senate be somewhat insulated from public passions. 2. ‹formal› indicate faintly • the walls were not more than adumbrated by the meager light. 3. ‹formal› foreshadow or symbolize • what qualities in Christ are adumbrated by the vine? 4. ‹formal› overshadow • her happy reminiscences were adumbrated by consciousness of something else.

adipocyte

/ˈadəpəˌsīt/ I. noun [Biology] a cell specialized for the storage of fat, found in connective tissue. - origin 1930s: from adipose + -cyte.

advent

/ˈadˌvent/ I. noun —[in sing.] 1. the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event • the advent of television. 2. (Advent) —the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays. 3. (Advent) —[Christian Theology] the coming or second coming of Christ. - origin Old English, from Latin adventus 'arrival,' from advenire, from ad-'to' + venire 'come.'

aphorism

/ˈafəˌrizəm/ I. noun 1. a pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." 2. a concise statement of a scientific principle, typically by an ancient classical author. II. derivatives 1. aphorist noun 2. aphoristic /ˌafəˈristik / adjective 3. aphoristically /ˌafəˈristik(ə)lē / adverb 4. aphorize /-ˌrīz / verb - origin early 16th cent.: from French aphorisme or late Latin aphorismus, from Greek aphorismos 'definition,' from aphorizein 'define.'

acme

/ˈakmē/ I. noun — [in sing.] 1. the point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful • physics is the acme of scientific knowledge. - origin late 16th cent.: from Greek akmē 'highest point.'

axiom

/ˈaksēəm/ I. noun 1. a statement or proposition that is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true • the axiom that supply equals demand. 2. [chiefly Mathematics] a statement or proposition on which an abstractly defined structure is based. - origin late 15th cent.: from French axiome or Latin axioma, from Greek axiōma 'what is thought fitting,' from axios 'worthy.'

ambient

/ˈambēənt/ I. adjective — [attrib.] 1. of or relating to the immediate surroundings of something • the liquid is stored at below ambient temperature. II. noun a style of instrumental music with electronic textures and no persistent beat, used to create or enhance a mood or atmosphere. - origin late 16th cent.: from French ambiant or Latin ambient- 'going around,' from ambire.

antic

/ˈan(t)ik/ I. adjective ‹literary› grotesque or bizarre. - origin early 16th cent.: from Italian antico 'antique,' used to mean 'grotesque.'

anticline

/ˈan(t)ēˌklīn ˈantīˌklīn/ I. noun [Geology] a ridge-shaped fold of stratified rock in which the strata slope downward from the crest.

analog

/ˈanlˌôɡ / analogue I. noun 1. a person or thing seen as comparable to another • the idea that the fertilized egg contains a miniature analog of every adult structure. 2. [Chemistry] a compound with a molecular structure closely similar to that of another. II. adjective 1. relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity such as spatial position or voltage. Often contrasted with digital (sense 1). 2. (of a clock or watch) showing the time by means of hands rather than displayed digits. - origin early 19th cent.: from French, from Greek analogon, neuter of analogos 'proportionate.'

anima

/ˈanəmə/ I. noun 1. [Psychology] Jung's term for the feminine part of a man's personality. Often contrasted with animus (sense 3). 2. [Psychology] the part of the psyche that is directed inward, and is in touch with the subconscious. Often contrasted with persona. - origin 1920s: from Latin, literally 'mind, soul.'

anodyne

/ˈanəˌdīn/ I. adjective not likely to provoke dissent or offense; inoffensive, often deliberately so • anodyne New Age music • I attempted to keep the conversation as anodyne as possible. II. noun a painkilling drug or medicine. - origin mid 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek anōdunos 'painless,' from an-'without' + odunē 'pain.'

anomie

/ˈanəˌmē / anomy I. noun lack of the usual social or ethical standards in an individual or group • the theory that high-rise architecture leads to anomie in the residents. II. derivatives anomic /əˈnämik, əˈnō- / adjective - origin 1930s: from French, from Greek anomia, from anomos 'lawless.'

apposite

/ˈapəzət/ I. adjective apt in the circumstances or in relation to something • an apposite quotation • the observations are apposite to the discussion.

apoplexy

/ˈapəˌpleksē/ I. noun 1. ‹dated› unconsciousness or incapacity resulting from a cerebral hemorrhage or stroke. 2. ‹dated› ‹informal› incapacity or speechlessness caused by extreme anger • this drives the social engineers of government into apoplexy. - origin late Middle English: from Old French apoplexie, from late Latin apoplexia, from Greek apoplēxia, from apoplēssein 'disable by a stroke.'

atropine

/ˈatrəˌpēn/ I. noun [Chemistry] a poisonous compound found in deadly nightshade and related plants. It is used in medicine as a muscle relaxant, e.g., in dilating the pupil of the eye. [An alkaloid; chem. formula: C17N23NO3.] - origin mid 19th cent.: modern Latin Atropa belladonna 'deadly nightshade,' from Atropos + -ine4.

avid

/ˈavəd/ I. adjective 1. having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something • an avid reader of science fiction • she took an avid interest in the project. 2. (avid for) — having an eager desire for something • she was avid for information about the murder inquiry. - origin mid 18th cent.: from French avide or Latin avidus, from avere 'crave.'

avatar

/ˈavəˌtär/ I. noun 1. [chiefly Hinduism] a manifestation of a deity or released soul in bodily form on earth; an incarnate divine teacher. 2. an incarnation, embodiment, or manifestation of a person or idea • he chose John Stuart Mill as the avatar of the liberal view. 3. [Computing] an icon or figure representing a particular person in computer games, Internet forums, etc.- origin from Sanskrit avatāra 'descent,' from ava 'down' + tar-'to cross.'

beckon

/ˈbekən/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow • Miranda beckoned to Adam. 2. [with obj.] —attract the attention of or summon someone by making a gesture with the hand, arm, or head • he beckoned Christopher over • [with obj. and infinitive] he beckoned Duncan to follow. 3. seem to be appealing or inviting • the going is tough, and soft options beckon. - origin Old English bīecnan, bēcnan; related to beacon.

bier

/ˈbir/ I. noun a movable frame on which a coffin or a corpse is placed before burial or cremation or on which it is carried to the grave. - origin Old English bēr, of Germanic origin; related to German Bahre, also to bear1.

blinkered

/ˈbliNGkərd/ adjective 1. (of a horse) wearing blinders. 2. having or showing a limited outlook • a small-minded, blinkered approach.

bluenose

/ˈblo͞onōz/ I. noun 1. ‹informal› (US) a priggish or puritanical person [as modifier] • the most restrictive, bluenose standards. 2. (Bluenose) —‹informal› a person from Nova Scotia.

brassie

/ˈbrasē / brassy I. noun [Golf] ‹informal› a number two wood. - origin late 19th cent.: so named because the wood was originally shod with brass.

brouhaha

/ˈbro͞ohäˌhä/ I. noun a noisy and overexcited reaction or response to something • 24 members resigned over the brouhaha • all that election brouhaha. - origin late 19th cent.: from French, probably imitative.

Brahmin

/ˈbrämən/ I. noun 1. variant spelling of Brahman. 2. (US) a socially or culturally superior person, especially a member of the upper classes from New England. II. derivatives Brahminical /bräˈminək(ə)l / adjective Brahmin (sense 1)

brazen

/ˈbrāzən/ I. adjective 1. bold and without shame • he went about his illegal business with a brazen assurance • a brazen hussy! 2. ‹chiefly literary› made of brass. 3. harsh in sound • the music's brazen chords.

brio

/ˈbrēō/ I. noun vigor or vivacity of style or performance • she told her story with some brio. See also con brio. - origin mid 18th cent.: from Italian.

bobtail

/ˈbäbˌtāl/ I. noun a docked tail of a horse or dog. II. adjective cut short; abbreviated • the bobtailed 1995 baseball season.

bodkin

/ˈbädkən/ I. noun 1. a blunt, thick needle with a large eye used especially for drawing tape or cord through a hem. 2. a small pointed instrument used to pierce cloth or leather. 3. ‹historical› a long pin used for fastening hair. 4. [Printing] ‹historical› a pointed tool used for removing pieces of metal type for correction. - origin Middle English: perhaps of Celtic origin and related to Irish bod, Welsh bidog, Scottish Gaelic biodag 'dagger.'

bombast

/ˈbämbast/ I. noun high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress people. - origin mid 16th cent. (denoting raw cotton or absorbent cotton used as padding, later used figuratively):

barnstorm

/ˈbärnˌstôrm/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. (chiefly N. Amer.) tour rural districts giving theatrical performances, originally often in barns. 2. [with obj.] —(chiefly N. Amer.) make a rapid tour of (an area), typically as part of a political campaign. 3. (chiefly N. Amer.) travel around giving exhibitions of flying and performing aeronautical stunts (as noun barnstorming) • barnstorming had become a popular occupation among many trained pilots.

bailiwick

/ˈbāləˌwik/ I. noun 1. (one's bailiwick) —one's sphere of operations or particular area of interest • you never give the presentations—that's my bailiwick. 2. [Law] the district or jurisdiction of a bailie or bailiff.

bezoar

/ˈbēzôr/ I. noun a small stony concretion that may form in the stomachs of certain animals, especially ruminants, and which was once used as an antidote for various ailments.

bolus

/ˈbōləs/ I. noun 1. a small rounded mass of a substance, especially of chewed food at the moment of swallowing. 2. a type of large pill used in veterinary medicine. 3. [Medicine] a single dose of a drug or other medicinal preparation given all at once. - origin mid 16th cent. denoting a large pill of medicine: via late Latin from Greek bōlos 'clod.'

butternut

/ˈbədərˌnət/ noun 1. a North American walnut tree that bears oblong sticky fruits. Its light-colored, soft timber is useful primarily for making furniture and cabinetry. Also called white walnut. [Juglans cinerea, family Juglandaceae.] 2. the edible oily nut of the butternut. 3. ‹historical› ‹informal› a Confederate soldier or supporter (so called because the fabric of the Confederate uniform was typically homespun and dyed with butternut extract).

burgeon

/ˈbərjən/ I. verb — [no obj.] (often as adj. burgeoning) 1. begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish • manufacturers are keen to cash in on the burgeoning demand. 2. put forth young shoots; bud. - origin Middle English: from Old French bourgeonner 'put out buds,' from borjon 'bud,' based on late Latin burra 'wool.'

burnish

/ˈbərniSH/ I. verb —[with obj.] (usu. as adj. burnished) 1. polish (something, especially metal) by rubbing • highly burnished armor. 2. enhance or perfect (something such as a reputation or a skill). II. noun —[in sing.] 1. the shine on a highly polished surface.

bursar

/ˈbərsər/ I. noun 1. a person who manages the financial affairs of a college or university. 2. (chiefly Scottish) a student attending a college or university on a scholarship. - origin late Middle English: from French boursier or (sense 1) medieval Latin bursarius, from bursa 'bag, purse' (see bursa).

bugaboo

/ˈbəɡəˌbo͞o/ I. noun (chiefly N. Amer.) an object of fear or alarm; a bugbear. - origin mid 18th cent.: probably of Celtic origin and related to Welsh bwci bo 'bogey, the Devil,' bwci 'hobgoblin' and Cornish bucca.

deadman

/ˈdedman/ noun an object buried in or secured to the ground for the purpose of providing anchorage or leverage.

demijohn

/ˈdemēˌjän/ I. noun a bulbous, narrow-necked bottle holding from 3 to 10 gallons of liquid, typically enclosed in a wicker cover. - origin mid 18th cent.: probably an alteration of French dame-jeanne 'Lady Jane,' by association with demi-'half-sized' and the given name John.

demagogue

/ˈdeməˌɡäɡ/ I. noun 1. a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument. 2. (in ancient Greece and Rome) a leader or orator who espoused the cause of the common people.

demagogue

/ˈdeməˌɡäɡ/ I. noun 1. a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument. 2. (in ancient Greece and Rome) a leader or orator who espoused the cause of the common people. II. derivatives 1. demagogic /ˌdeməˈɡäjik ˌdeməˈɡäɡik / adjective 2. demagoguery /ˈdeməˌɡäɡ(ə)rē / noun 3. demagogy /ˈdeməˌɡäjē ˈdeməˌɡäɡē / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from Greek dēmagōgos, from dēmos 'the people' + agōgos 'leading' (from agein 'to lead').

denizen

/ˈdenəzən/ I. noun 1. ‹formal› ‹humorous› an inhabitant or occupant of a particular place • denizens of field and forest. 2. ‹formal› ‹humorous› (Brit.) ‹historical› a foreigner allowed certain rights in the adopted country.

denigrate

/ˈdenəˌɡrāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. criticize unfairly; disparage • there is a tendency to denigrate the poor. II. derivatives 1. denigrator /ˈdenəˌɡrādər / noun 2. denigratory /ˈdenəɡrəˌtôrē / adjective - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'blacken, make dark'): from Latin denigrat-'blackened,'

deprecatory

/ˈdeprikəˌtôrē/ adjective 1. expressing disapproval; disapproving. 2. apologetic or appeasing • a deprecatory smile.

derogate

/ˈderəˌɡāt/ I. verb 1. [with obj.] —‹formal› disparage (someone or something) • it is typical of Pirandello to derogate the powers of reason. 2. [no obj.] (derogate from) —‹formal› detract from • this does not derogate from his duty to act honestly and faithfully. 3. [no obj.] (derogate from) —‹formal› deviate from (a set of rules or agreed form of behavior) • one country has derogated from the Rome Convention. II. derivatives derogative /diˈräɡətiv / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Latin derogat-'abrogated,' from the verb derogare, from de-'aside, away' + rogare 'ask.'

desultory

/ˈdesəlˌtôrē/ I. adjective 1. lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm • a few people were left, dancing in a desultory fashion. 2. (of conversation or speech) going constantly from one subject to another in a halfhearted way; unfocused • the desultory conversation faded. 3. occurring randomly or occasionally

desultory

/ˈdesəlˌtôrē/ I. adjective 1. lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm • a few people were left, dancing in a desultory fashion. 2. (of conversation or speech) going constantly from one subject to another in a halfhearted way; unfocused • the desultory versation faded. 3. occurring randomly or occasionally • desultory passengers were appearing. II. derivatives 1. desultorily /ˈdesəlˌtôrəlē / adverb 2. desultoriness /ˈdesəlˌtôrēnəs / noun - origin late 16th cent. (also in the literal sense (also in the literal sense 'skipping around'): from Latin desultorius 'superficial' (literally 'relating to a vaulter'), from desultor 'vaulter,' from the verb desilire.

dithyramb

/ˈdiTHəˌram/ I. noun 1. a wild choral hymn of ancient Greece, especially one dedicated to Dionysus. 2. a passionate or inflated speech, poem, or other writing. II. derivatives dithyrambic /ˌdiTHəˈrambik / adjective - origin early 17th cent.: via Latin from Greek dithurambos, of unknown ultimate origin.

diffidence

/ˈdifidəns/ noun modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence • I say this with some diffidence

diffidence

/ˈdifidəns/ noun modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence • I say this with some diffidence.

dicty

/ˈdiktē/ I. adjective (US) ‹informal› (chiefly in African-American usage) ostentatiously stylish; pretentious • up there in their dicty Detroit suburb living the so-called good life.- origin early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.

dictum

/ˈdiktəm/ I. noun 1. a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source • the First Amendment dictum that "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech" 2. a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle • the old dictum "might makes right." 3. [Law] short for obiter dictum. - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin, literally 'something said,' neuter past participle of dicere.

dictum

/ˈdiktəm/ I. noun 1. a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source • the First Amendment dictum that "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech" 2. a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle • the old dictum "might makes right." 3. [Law] short for obiter dictum.- origin late 16th cent.: from Latin, literally 'something said,' neuter past participle of dicere.

dilatory

/ˈdiləˌtôrē/ I. adjective 1. slow to act • he had been dilatory in appointing a solicitor. 2. intended to cause delay • they resorted to dilatory procedural tactics, forcing a postponement of peace talks.

dilatory

/ˈdiləˌtôrē/ I. adjective 1. slow to act • he had been dilatory in appointing a solicitor. 2. intended to cause delay • they resorted to dilatory procedural tactics, forcing a postponement of peace talks. II. derivatives 1. dilatorily /ˌdiləˈtôrəlē / adverb 2. dilatoriness /ˈdiləˌtôrēnəs / noun - origin late Middle English: from late Latin dilatorius 'delaying,' from Latin dilator 'delayer,' from dilat-'deferred,' from the verb differre.

doughty

/ˈdoudē/ I. adjective ‹archaic› ‹humorous› brave and persistent • his doughty spirit kept him going.

doughty

/ˈdoudē/ I. adjective ‹archaic› ‹humorous› brave and persistent • his doughty spirit kept him going. II. derivatives 1. doughtily /ˈdoudəlē / adverb 2. doughtiness noun - origin late Old English dohtig, variant of dyhtig, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch duchtig and German tüchtig.

dosshouse

/ˈdäsˌhous/ noun (Brit.) ‹informal› a cheap lodging house, especially for homeless people and tramps.

doggerel

/ˈdôɡərəl/ I. noun 1. comic verse composed in irregular rhythm. 2. verse or words that are badly written or expressed • the last stanza deteriorates into doggerel. - origin late Middle English (as an adjective describing such verse): apparently from dog (used contemptuously, as in dog Latin) + -rel.

dudgeon

/ˈdəjən/ I. noun a feeling of offense or deep resentment • the manager walked out in high dudgeon.

dovecote

/ˈdəvˌkōt / dovecot noun a shelter with nest holes for domesticated pigeons.

edifice

/ˈedəfəs/ I. noun 1. ‹formal› a building, especially a large, imposing one. 2. ‹formal› a complex system of beliefs • the concepts on which the edifice of capitalism was built.

eccrine

/ˈekrən, ˈekˌrīn, ˈekˌrēn/ I. adjective [Medicine] relating to or denoting multicellular glands that do not lose cytoplasm in their secretions, especially the sweat glands found widely distributed on the skin. Compare with apocrine. - origin 1930s: from Greek ekkrinein 'secrete,' from ek- 'out' + krinein 'sift, separate.'

explicate

/ˈekspləˌkāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail • attempting to explicate the relationship between crime and economic forces. 2. analyze (a literary work) in order to reveal its meaning. II. derivatives 1. explicative /ˈekspləˌkādiv ˌekˈsplikədiv / adjective 2. explicator /-ˌkātər / noun 3. explicatory /ikˈsplikəˌtôrē / adjective - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin explicat-'unfolded,' from the verb explicare, from ex-'out' + plicare 'to fold.'

extirpate

/ˈekstərˌpāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. root out and destroy completely • the use of every legal measure to extirpate this horrible evil from the land. II. derivatives 1. extirpation /ˌekstərˈpāSH(ə)n / noun 2. extirpator /ˈekstərˌpādər / noun - origin late Middle English (as extirpation): from Latin exstirpare, from ex-'out' + stirps 'a stem.'

exigency

/ˈeksəjənsē eɡˈzijənsē/ I. noun an urgent need or demand • women worked long hours when the exigencies of the family economy demanded it • he put financial exigency before personal sentiment. - origin late 16th cent.: from late Latin exigentia, from Latin exigere 'enforce'

exurb

/ˈeksərb ˈeɡzərb/ I. noun (N. Amer.) a district outside a city, especially a prosperous area beyond the suburbs. II. derivatives 1. exurban /ekˈsərbən / adjective 2. exurbanite /ekˈsərbəˌnīt / noun, adjective - origin 1955: coined by A. C. Spectorsky (1919-72), American author and editor, either from Latin ex 'out of' + urbs 'city,' or as a back-formation from the earlier adjective exurban.

execrate

/ˈeksəˌkrāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. feel or express great loathing for • they were execrated as dangerous and corrupt. 2. [no obj.] —‹archaic› curse; swear.

eminently

/ˈemənən(t)lē/ adverb —[often as submodifier] 1. to a notable degree; very • an eminently readable textbook.

eminence

/ˈemənəns/ I. noun 1. fame or recognized superiority, especially within a particular sphere or profession • her eminence in cinematography. 2. an important, influential, or distinguished person

emissary

/ˈeməˌserē/ I. noun a person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative. - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin emissarius 'scout, spy,' from emittere 'send out' (see emit).

enterprising

/ˈen(t)ərˌprīziNG/ I. adjective having or showing initiative and resourcefulness • some enterprising teachers have started their own recycling programs.

enfilade

/ˈenfəläd ˈenfəˌlād/ I. noun 1. a volley of gunfire directed along a line from end to end. 2. a suite of rooms with doorways in line with each other. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. direct a volley of gunfire along the length of (a target). - origin early 18th cent. (denoting the position of a military post commanding the length of a line): from French, from enfiler 'thread on a string, pierce from end to end,' from en- 'in, on' + fil 'thread.'

enfilade

/ˈenfəläd ˈenfəˌlād/ I. noun 1. a volley of gunfire directed along a line from end to end. 2. a suite of rooms with doorways in line with each other. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. direct a volley of gunfire along the length of (a target). - origin early 18th cent. (denoting the position of a military post commanding the length of a line): from French, from enfiler 'thread on a string, pierce from end to end,' from en-'in, on' + fil 'thread.'

arrogate

/ˈerəˌɡāt/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. take or claim (something) without justification • they arrogate to themselves the ability to divine the nation's true interests. II. derivatives arrogation /ˌerəˈɡāSH(ə)n / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin arrogat-'claimed for oneself,' from the verb arrogare, from ad-'to' + rogare 'ask.' / usage: See usage at abrogate.

esker

/ˈeskər/ I. noun [Geology] a long ridge of gravel and other sediment, typically having a winding course, deposited by meltwater from a retreating glacier or ice sheet. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Irish eiscir.

esplanade

/ˈespləˌnäd ˈespləˌnād/ I. noun 1. a long, open, level area, typically beside the sea, along which people may walk for pleasure. 2. an open, level space separating a fortress from a town.

fanfare

/ˈfanfer/ I. noun 1. a short ceremonial tune or flourish played on brass instruments, typically to introduce something or someone important. 2. media attention or elaborate ceremony • he turned 25 on Saturday with little fanfare. - origin mid 18th cent.: from French, ultimately of imitative origin.

facile

/ˈfasəl/ I. adjective 1. (especially of a theory or argument) appearing neat and comprehensive only by ignoring the true complexities of an issue; superficial. 2. (of a person) having a superficial or simplistic knowledge or approach • a man of facile and shallow intellect. 3. (of success, especially in sports) easily achieved; effortless • a facile victory. 4. acting or done in a quick, fluent, and easy manner • he was revealed to be a facile liar.

fetid

/ˈfedid / ‹Brit.› foetid I. adjective smelling extremely unpleasant • the fetid water of the marsh. II. derivatives 1. fetidly /ˈfedidlē / adverb 2. fetidness /ˈfedidnəs / noun - origin late Middle English: from Latin fetidus (often erroneously spelled foetidus), from fetere 'to stink.' Compare with fetor.

fettle

/ˈfedl/ I. noun condition • the aircraft remains in fine fettle. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. trim or clean the rough edges of (a metal casting or a piece of pottery) before firing. 2. (N. English) make or repair (something) • the familiar sounds of bikes being prepped and fettled. III. derivatives fettler /ˈfetl-ər / noun - origin late Middle English (as a verb in the general sense 'get ready, prepare,' specifically 'prepare oneself for battle, gird up'): from dialect fettle 'strip of material, girdle,' from Old English fetel.

feckless

/ˈfekləs/ I. adjective lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible • a feckless mama's boy • an unfortunate example of feckless filmmaking. • the feckless exploitation of the world's natural resources. II. derivatives 1. fecklessly adverb 2. fecklessness /ˈfekləsnəs / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from Scots and northern English dialect feck (from effeck, variant of effect) + -less.

fecund

/ˈfekənd ˈfēkənd/ I. adjective 1. producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile • a lush and fecund garden • ‹figurative› her fecund imagination. 2. ‹technical› (of a woman or women) capable of becoming pregnant and giving birth.- origin late Middle English: from French fécond or Latin fecundus 'fruitful.'

felloes

/ˈfelōz / fellies I. plural noun the outer rim of a wheel, to which the spokes are fixed. - origin Old English felg (singular).

farrier

/ˈferēər/ I. noun a craftsman who trims and shoes horses' hooves. II. derivatives farriery /ˈferyərē / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from Old French ferrier, from Latin ferrarius, from ferrum 'iron, horseshoe.'

Pharisee

/ˈferəˌsē/ I. noun 1. a member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity. 2. a self-righteous person; a hypocrite. The Pharisees are mentioned only by Josephus and in the New Testament. Unlike the Sadducees, who tried to apply Mosaic law strictly, the Pharisees allowed some freedom of interpretation. Although in the Gospels they are represented as the chief opponents of Jesus, they seem to have been less hostile than the Sadducees to the nascent Church, with which they shared belief in the Resurrection.

febrile

/ˈfeˌbrīl ˈfēˌbrīl/ I. adjective 1. having or showing the symptoms of a fever • a febrile illness. 2. having or showing a great deal of nervous excitement or energy • a febrile imagination.

febrile

/ˈfeˌbrīl ˈfēˌbrīl/ I. adjective 1. having or showing the symptoms of a fever • a febrile illness. 2. having or showing a great deal of nervous excitement or energy • a febrile imagination. II. derivatives febrility /fēˈbrilətē / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from French fébrile or medieval Latin febrilis, from Latin febris 'fever.'

filllip

/ˈfiləp/ I. noun 1. something that acts as a stimulus or boost to an activity • the halving of the automobile tax would provide a fillip to sales. 2. ‹archaic› a movement made by bending the last joint of a finger against the thumb and suddenly releasing it; a flick of the finger • the Prince, by a fillip, made some of the wine fly in Oglethorpe's face. 3. a slight smart stroke or tap • she began to give him dainty fillips on the nose with a soft forepaw. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹archaic› propel (a small object) with a flick of the finger • our aforesaid merchant filliped a nut sharply against his bullying giant. 2. ‹archaic› strike (someone or something) slightly and smartly • he filliped him over the nose. 3. ‹archaic› stimulate or urge (someone or something) • pour, that the draught may fillip my remembrance. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'make a fillip with the fingers'): symbolic; compare with flick, flip1.

filibuster

/ˈfiləˌbəstər/ I. noun 1. an action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly while not technically contravening the required procedures • it was defeated by a Senate filibuster in June. 2. ‹historical› a person engaging in unauthorized warfare against a foreign country. II. verb —[no obj.] (often as noun filibustering) 1. act in an obstructive manner in a legislature, especially by speaking at inordinate length • several measures were killed by Republican filibustering. 2. [with obj.] —obstruct (a measure) by filibustering. - origin late 18th cent.: from French flibustier, first applied to pirates who pillaged the Spanish colonies in the West Indies, ultimately from Dutch vrijbuiter; see freebooter. In the mid 19th cent. (via Spanish filibustero), the term denoted American adventurers who incited revolution in several Latin American states, whence sense 2 of the noun. The verb was used to describe tactics intended to sabotage congressional proceedings, whence sense 1 of the noun.

figment

/ˈfiɡmənt/ I. noun a thing that someone believes to be real but that exists only in their imagination • it really was Ross and not a figment of her overheated imagination. - origin late Middle English (denoting an invented statement or story): from Latin figmentum, related to fingere 'form, contrive.' Compare with feign and fiction.

fleshpots

/ˈfleSHˌpäts/ I. plural noun places providing luxurious or hedonistic living • he had lived the life of a roué in the fleshpots of London and Paris. - origin early 16th cent.: with biblical allusion to the fleshpots of Egypt (Exod. 16:3).

flinty

/ˈflin(t)ē/ I. adjective 1. of, containing, or reminiscent of flint • flinty soil. 2. (of a person or their expression) very hard and unyielding • a flinty stare.

flagrant

/ˈflāɡrənt/ I. adjective (of something considered wrong or immoral) conspicuously or obviously offensive • his flagrant bad taste • a flagrant violation of the law. II. derivatives flagrancy /ˈflāɡrənsē / noun - origin late 15th cent. (in the sense 'blazing, resplendent'): from French, or from Latin flagrant-'blazing,' from the verb flagrare.

fulsome

/ˈfo͝olsəm/ I. adjective 1. complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree • they are almost embarrassingly fulsome in their appreciation. 2. of large size or quantity; generous or abundant • a fulsome harvest.

fulsome

/ˈfo͝olsəm/ I. adjective 1. complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree • they are almost embarrassingly fulsome in their appreciation. 2. of large size or quantity; generous or abundant • a fulsome harvest. II. derivatives 1. fulsomely /ˈfo͝olsəmlē / adverb 2. fulsomeness /ˈfo͝olsəmnəs / noun - origin Middle English (in the sense 'abundant'): from full1 + -some1. / usage: Although the earliest use of fulsome (first recorded in the 13th century) was 'generous or abundant,' this meaning is now regarded by some people as wronɡ. The correct meaning today is held to be 'excessively complimentary or flattering.' However, the word is still often used in its oriɡinal sense of 'abundant,' especially in sentences such as she was fulsome in her praise for the people who organized it, and this use can give rise to ambiguity: for one speaker, fulsome praise may be a genuine compliment, while for others it will be interpreted as an insult.

foolscap

/ˈfo͝olzˌkap/ I. noun a size of paper, now standardized at about 13 × 8 (or 13 × 15.75) inches (300 × 200 [or 300 × 400] mm) [as modifier] • a stack of foolscap paper. - origin late 17th cent.: said to be named from a former watermark representing a jester's cap.

freshet

/ˈfreSHət/ I. noun 1. the flood of a river from heavy rain or melted snow. 2. a rush of fresh water flowing into the sea. - origin late 16th cent.: probably from Old French freschete, diminutive of freis 'fresh.'

fretwork

/ˈfretˌwərk/ noun ornamental design in wood, typically openwork, done with a fretsaw.

fugitive

/ˈfyo͞ojədiv/ I. noun 1. a person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest or persecution • fugitives from justice • [as modifier] fugitive criminals. 2. [as modifier] —quick to disappear; fleeting • he entertained a fugitive idea that Barbara needed him.

fusillade

/ˈfyo͞osəˌläd ˈfyo͞osəˌlād/ I. noun a series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession • marchers had to dodge a fusillade of missiles • ‹figurative› a fusillade of accusations. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹archaic› attack (a place) or shoot down (someone) by a series of shots fired at the same time or in quick succession. - origin early 19th cent.: from French, from fusiller 'to shoot,' from fusil

falsework

/ˈfôlswərk/ noun temporary framework structures used to support a building during its construction.

fawning

/ˈfôniNG/ I. adjective displaying exaggerated flattery or affection; obsequious • fawning adoration • fawning interviews with Hollywood celebs.

forage

/ˈfôrij ˈfärij/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. (of a person or animal) search widely for food or provisions • gulls are equipped by nature to forage for food. 2. [with obj.] —obtain (food or provisions) • a girl foraging grass for oxen. 3. [with obj.] —obtain food or provisions from (a place) • a man foraging a dumpster finds some celery. 4. [with obj.] —‹archaic› supply (an animal or person) with food. II. noun 1. bulky food such as grass or hay for horses and cattle; fodder. 2. [in sing.] —a wide search over an area in order to obtain something, especially food or provisions • the nightly forage produces things that can be sold. III. derivatives forager /ˈfôrijər ˈfärijər / noun - origin Middle English: from Old French fourrage (noun), fourrager (verb), from fuerre 'straw,' of Germanic origin and related to fodder.

foray

/ˈfôrˌā ˈfärˌā/ I. noun 1. a sudden attack or incursion into enemy territory, especially to obtain something; a raid • the garrison made a foray against Richard's camp • ‹figurative› he made another foray to the bar. 2. an attempt to become involved in a new activity or sphere • my first foray into journalism. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. make or go on a foray • the place into which they were forbidden to foray. III. derivatives forayer noun - origin Middle English: back-formation from forayer 'a person who forays,' from Old French forrier 'forager,' from fuerre 'straw' (see forage).

Fabian

/ˈfābēən/ I. noun a member or supporter of the Fabian Society, an organization of socialists aiming at the gradual rather than revolutionary achievement of socialism. II. adjective 1. relating to or characteristic of the Fabians • the Fabian movement. 2. employing a cautiously persistent and dilatory strategy to wear out an enemy • Fabian tactics. III. derivatives 1. Fabianism /ˈfābēəˌnizəm / noun 2. Fabianist /-əst / noun - origin late 18th cent.: from the name of Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus (see Fabius), after whom the Fabian Society is also named.

fiat

/ˈfēˌät ˈfēət/ I. noun 1. a formal authorization or proposition; a decree • adopting a legislative review program, rather than trying to regulate by fiat. 2. an arbitrary order • the appraisal dropped the value from $75,000 to $15,000, rendering it worthless by bureaucratic fiat. - origin late Middle English: from Latin, 'let it be done,' from fieri 'be done or made.'

firebrand

/ˈfī(ə)rˌbrand/ noun 1. a person who is passionate about a particular cause, typically inciting change and taking radical action • a political firebrand. 2. a piece of burning wood.

folkways

/ˈfōkwāz/ plural noun the traditional behavior or way of life of a particular community or group of people • a study of Cherokee folklore and folkways.

fungible

/ˈfənjəbəl/ I. adjective [Law] (of goods contracted for without an individual specimen being specified) able to replace or be replaced by another identical item; mutually interchangeable • money is fungible—money that is raised for one purpose can easily be used for another. II. derivatives fungibility /ˌfənjəˈbilədē / noun - origin late 17th cent.: from medieval Latin fungibilis, from fungi 'perform, enjoy,' with the same sense as fungi vice 'serve in place of.'

firmament

/ˈfərməmənt/ I. noun 1. ‹literary› the heavens or the sky, especially when regarded as a tangible thing. 2. ‹literary› a sphere or world viewed as a collection of people • one of the great stars in the American golfing firmament. II. derivatives firmamental /ˌfərməˈmen(t)l / adjective - origin Middle English: via Old French from Latin firmamentum, from firmare 'fix, settle.'

fusty

/ˈfəstē/ I. adjective 1. smelling stale, damp, or stuffy • the fusty odor of decay. 2. old-fashioned in attitude or style • grammar in the classroom became a fusty notion. II. derivatives 1. fustily /ˈfəstəlē / adverb 2. fustiness /ˈfəstēnəs / noun - origin late 15th cent.: from Old French fuste 'smelling of the cask,' from fust 'cask, tree trunk,' from Latin fustis 'cudgel.'

hackamore

/ˈhakəˌmôr/ I. noun a bridle without a bit, operating by exerting pressure on the horse's nose. - origin mid 19th cent.: perhaps from Spanish jaquima, earlier xaquima 'halter.'

heady

/ˈhedē/ I. adjective 1. (of liquor) potent; intoxicating • several bottles of heady local wine. 2. having a strong or exhilarating effect • the heady days of the birth of the women's movement

heady

/ˈhedē/ I. adjective 1. (of liquor) potent; intoxicating • several bottles of heady local wine. 2. having a strong or exhilarating effect • the heady days of the birth of the women's movement • a heady, exotic perfume. II. derivatives 1. headily /ˈhedl-ē / adverb 2. headiness /ˈhedēnəs / noun

heifer

/ˈhefər/ I. noun a young female cow that has not borne a calf. - origin Old English heahfore, of unknown origin.

Hegira

/ˈhejərə / Hejira, Hijra I. noun 1. Muhammad's departure from Mecca to Medina in AD 622, prompted by the opposition of the merchants of Mecca and marking the consolidation of the first Muslim community. 2. the Muslim era reckoned from the Hegira • the second century of the Hegira. See also AH. 3. (hegira) — an exodus or migration. - origin via medieval Latin from Arabic hijra 'departure,' from hajara 'emigrate.'

hectic

/ˈhektik/ I. adjective 1. full of incessant or frantic activity • a hectic business schedule. 2. [Medicine] ‹archaic› relating to, affected by, or denoting a regularly recurrent fever typically accompanying tuberculosis, with flushed cheeks and hot, dry skin.

hector

/ˈhektər/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. talk to (someone) in a bullying way • she doesn't hector us about giving up things • (as adj. hectoring) a brusque, hectoring manner.

hippodrome

/ˈhipəˌdrōm/ I. noun 1. [as name] — a theater or other performance venue • "Tuna Does Vegas" is ending this week at the Waco Hippodrome. 2. (in ancient Greece or Rome) a course for chariot or horse races.

Hobson's choice

/ˈhäbsənz ˌCHois/ I. noun a choice of taking what is available or nothing at all. - origin mid 17th cent.: named after Thomas Hobson (1554-1631), a livery stable owner in Cambridge, England, who gave the customer the "choice" of the horse nearest the door or none at all.

hobbyhorse

/ˈhäbēˌhôrs/ noun 1. a child's toy consisting of a stick with a model of a horse's head at one end. 2. a rocking horse. 3. a model of a horse or a horse's head, typically of wicker, used in morris dancing or pantomime. 4. a preoccupation; a favorite topic • one of her favorite hobbyhorses was about how people had to care for "the child inside."

harpy

/ˈhärpē/ I. noun 1. [Greek & Roman Mythology] a rapacious monster described as having a woman's head and body and a bird's wings and claws or depicted as a bird of prey with a woman's face. 2. [Greek & Roman Mythology] a grasping, unpleasant woman. - origin late Middle English: from Latin harpyia, from Greek harpuiai 'snatchers.'

halting

/ˈhôltiNG/ I. adjective slow and hesitant, especially through lack of confidence; faltering • she speaks halting English with a heavy accent. II. derivatives haltingly /ˈhôltiNGlē / adverb

hortatory

/ˈhôrdəˌtôrē/ I. adjective tending or aiming to exhort • the central bank relied on hortatory messages and voluntary compliance. II. derivatives 1. hortation /ˌhôrˈtāSHən / noun 2. hortative /ˈhôrdədiv / adjective - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin hortatorius, from hortari 'exhort.'

hoary

/ˈhôrē/ I. adjective 1. grayish white • hoary cobwebs. 2. (of a person) having gray or white hair; aged • a hoary old fellow with a face of white stubble. 3. [attrib.] —used in names of animals and plants covered with whitish fur or short hairs, e.g., hoary bat, hoary cress. 4. old and trite • that hoary American notion that bigger is better.

hidebound

/ˈhīdˌbound/ I. adjective unwilling or unable to change because of tradition or convention • you are hidebound by your petty laws. - origin mid 16th cent. (as a noun denoting a condition of cattle): from hide2 + bound4. The earliest sense of the adjective (of cattle) was extended to emaciated human beings, and then applied figuratively in the sense 'narrow, cramped, or bigoted in outlook.'

homespun

/ˈhōmˌspən/ I. adjective 1. simple and unsophisticated • homespun philosophy. 2. (of cloth or yarn) made or spun at home. 3. denoting a coarse handwoven fabric similar to tweed. II. noun coarse handwoven cloth • clad in homespun.

ileum

/ˈilēəm/ I. noun [Anatomy] the third portion of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the cecum. II. derivatives 1. ileac /-ˌak / adjective 2. ileal /ˈilēəl / adjective - origin late 17th cent.: from medieval Latin, variant of ilium.

infamy

/ˈinfəmē/ noun 1. the state of being well known for some bad quality or deed • a day that will live in infamy. 2. an evil or wicked act • one of history's greatest infamies.

insufflate

/ˈinsəˌflāt/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. [Medicine] blow (air, gas, or powder) into a cavity of the body. 2. blow something into or through (a part of the body). 3. [Theology] blow or breathe on (someone) to symbolize spiritual influence.

ignominy

/ˈiɡnəˌminē ˌiɡˈnäminē/ I. noun public shame or disgrace • the ignominy of being imprisoned. - origin mid 16th cent.: from French ignominie or Latin ignominia, from in- 'not' + a variant of nomen 'name.'

gentian

/ˈjen(t)SH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. a plant of temperate and mountainous regions, typically with violet or vivid blue trumpet-shaped flowers. Many kinds are cultivated as ornamentals, especially as arctic alpines, and some are of medicinal use.

jerry-built

/ˈjerē ˌbilt/ I. adjective badly or hastily built with materials of poor quality. II. derivatives 1. jerry-builder noun 2. jerry-building /ˈjerē ˌbildiNG / noun - origin mid 19th cent.: origin unknown; sometimes said to be from the name of a firm of builders in Liverpool, or to allude to the walls of Jericho, which fell down at the sound of Joshua's trumpets

judas

/ˈjo͞odəs / judas hole I. noun a peephole in a door. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Judas Iscariot (see Judas1), because of his association with betrayal.

genial

/ˈjēnyəl/ I. adjective 1. friendly and cheerful • waved to them in genial greeting. 2. (especially of air or climate) pleasantly mild and warm. II. derivatives genially /ˈjēnyəlē / adverb - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin genialis 'nuptial, productive,' from genius (see genius). The Latin sense was adopted into English; hence the senses 'mild and conducive to growth' (mid 17th cent.), later 'cheerful, kindly' (mid 18th cent.).

chancre

/ˈkaNGkər ˈSHaNGkər/ I. noun [Medicine] a painless ulcer, particularly one developing on the genitals as a result of venereal disease. - origin late 16th cent.: from French, from Latin cancer 'creeping ulcer.'

casuist

/ˈkaZHo͞oəst/ I. noun 1. a person who uses clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions; a sophist. 2. a person who resolves moral problems by the application of theoretical rules to particular instances.

catenary

/ˈkad(ə)nerē/ I. noun 1. a curve formed by a wire, rope, or chain hanging freely from two points and forming a U shape [as modifier] • a catenary wire. 2. a wire, rope, or chain forming a catenary. - origin mid 18th cent.: from Latin catenarius 'relating to a chain,' from

cataphract

/ˈkadəˌfrakt/ I. noun ‹archaic› a soldier in full armor. - origin late 17th cent.: via Latin from Greek kataphraktos 'clothed in full armor.'

cataract

/ˈkadəˌrakt/ I. noun 1. a large waterfall. 2. a sudden rush of water; a downpour • the rain enveloped us in a deafening cataract. 3. a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision • she had cataracts in both eyes. - origin late Middle English: from Latin cataracta 'waterfall, floodgate,' also 'portcullis' (medical sense 2 probably being a figurative use of this), from Greek kataraktēs 'down-rushing,' from katarassein, from kata- 'down' + arassein 'strike, smash.'

callow

/ˈkalō/ I. adjective (especially of a young person) inexperienced and immature • earnest and callow undergraduates. II. derivatives 1. callowly adverb 2. callowness noun - origin Old English calu 'bald'; probably from Latin calvus 'bald.' This was extended to mean 'unfledged,' which led to the present sense 'immature.'

calumny

/ˈkaləmnē/ I. noun 1. the making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone's reputation; slander. 2. a false and slanderous statement.

calumny

/ˈkaləmnē/ I. noun 1. the making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone's reputation; slander. 2. a false and slanderous statement. II. derivatives calumnious

calumny

/ˈkaləmnē/ I. noun 1. the making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone's reputation; slander. 2. a false and slanderous statement. II. derivatives calumnious /kəˈləmnēəs / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Latin calumnia.

cantle

/ˈkan(t)l/ I. noun the raised, curved part at the back of a horse's saddle. - origin Middle English (in the sense 'a corner'): from Anglo-Norman French cantel, variant of Old French chantel, from medieval Latin cantellus, from cantus 'corner, side.'

canticle

/ˈkan(t)ək(ə)l/ I. noun 1. a hymn or chant, typically with a biblical text, forming a regular part of a church service. 2. (Canticles or Canticle of Canticles) — another name for Song of Songs (esp. in the Vulgate Bible). - origin Middle English: from Latin canticulum 'little song,' diminutive of canticum, from canere 'sing.'

cannula

/ˈkanyələ/ I. noun [Surgery] a thin tube inserted into a vein or body cavity to administer medicine, drain off fluid, or insert a surgical instrument. - origin late 17th cent.: from Latin, 'small reed,' diminutive of canna (see cane).

cavil

/ˈkavəl/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. make petty or unnecessary objections • they caviled at the cost. II. noun a objection seen as petty or unnecessary. III. derivatives caviler noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from French caviller, from Latin cavillari, from cavilla 'mockery.'

clarion

/ˈklerēən/ I. noun 1. ‹chiefly historical› a shrill, narrow-tubed war trumpet. 2. ‹chiefly historical› an organ stop with a quality resembling that of a clarion. II. adjective loud and clear • clarion trumpeters. III. phrases clarion call /ˈklerēən ˌkôl / —a strongly expressed demand or request for action • he issued a clarion call to young people to join the party. - origin Middle English: from medieval Latin clario(n-), from Latin clarus 'clear.'

leitmotif

/ˈlītmōˌtēf / leitmotiv I. noun a recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a particular person, idea, or situation. - origin late 19th cent.: from German Leitmotiv, from leit-'leading' (from leiten 'to lead') + Motiv 'motive.'

lotusland

/ˈlōdəsˌland/ noun a place or state concerned solely with, or providing, idle pleasure and luxury • a lush lotusland where you can shed your inhibitions.

cloister

/ˈkloistər/ I. noun 1. a covered walk in a convent, monastery, college, or cathedral, typically with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other. 2. (the cloister) — monastic life • he was inclined more to the cloister than the sword. 3. a convent or monastery. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. seclude or shut up in or as if in a convent or monastery • the monastery was where the Brothers would cloister themselves to meditate • she cloisters herself at home. III. derivatives cloistral /ˈkloistrəl / adjective - origin Middle English (in the sense 'place of religious seclusion'): from Old French cloistre, from Latin claustrum, clostrum 'lock, enclosed place,' from claudere 'to close.'

countermand

/ˈkoun(t)ərˌmand ˌkoun(t)ərˈmand/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. revoke (an order) • an order to arrest the strike leaders had been countermanded. 2. revoke an order issued by (another person) • he was already countermanding her. 3. declare (a vote or election) invalid. • the election commission has countermanded voting on the grounds of intimidation. II. noun an order revoking a previous one. • I forthwith mounted, and went off, lest I should receive a countermand.

coulee

/ˈko͞olē ko͞oˈlā/ I. noun 1. (N. Amer.) a deep ravine. 2. a lava flow. - origin early 19th cent.: from French coulée '(lava) flow,' from couler 'to flow,' from Latin colare 'to strain or flow,' from colum 'strainer.'

credulous

/ˈkrejələs/ I. adjective having or showing too great a readiness to believe things. II. derivatives 1. credulously /ˈkrejələslē / adverb 2. credulousness noun - origin late 16th cent. (in the general sense 'inclined to believe'): from Latin credulus (from credere 'believe') + -ous.

crinoline

/ˈkrin(ə)lən/ I. noun 1. ‹historical› a stiffened or hooped petticoat worn to make a long skirt stand out. 2. a stiff fabric made of horsehair and cotton or linen thread, typically used for stiffening petticoats or as a lining. - origin mid 19th cent. (sense 2, early crinolines being made of such material): from French, formed irregularly from Latin crinis 'hair' + linum 'thread.'

chromosome number

/ˈkrōməˌsōm/ I. noun [Biology] a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes. Each chromosome consists of a DNA double helix bearing a linear sequence of genes, coiled and recoiled around aggregated proteins (histones). Their number varies from species to species: humans have 22 pairs plus the two sex chromosomes (two X chromosomes in females, one X and one Y in males). During cell division, each DNA strand is duplicated, and the chromosomes condense to become visible as distinct pairs of chromatids joined at the centromere. Bacteria and viruses lack a nucleus and have a single chromosome without histones. - origin late 19th cent.: coined in German from Greek khrōma 'color' + sōma 'body.'

quisling

/ˈkwizliNG/ I. noun a traitor who collaborates with an enemy force occupying their country. - origin World War II: from the name of Major Vidkun Quisling (1887-1945), the Norwegian army officer and diplomat who ruled Norway on behalf of the German occupying forces 1940-45.

quondam

/ˈkwändəm ˈkwänˌdam/ I. adjective —[attrib.] 1. ‹formal› that once was; former • quondam dissidents joined the establishment • its quondam popularity. - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin, 'formerly.'

quarry

/ˈkwôrē ˈkwärē/ I. noun 1. an animal pursued by a hunter, hound, predatory mammal, or bird of prey. 2. a thing or person that is chased or sought • the security police crossed the border in pursuit of their quarry. - origin Middle English: from Old French cuiree, alteration, influenced by cuir 'leather' and curer 'clean, disembowel,' of couree, based on Latin cor 'heart.' Originally the term denoted the parts of a deer that were placed on the hide and given as a reward to the hounds.

codswallop

/ˈkädzˌwäləp/ I. noun (Brit.) ‹informal› nonsense. - origin 1960s: sometimes said to be named after Hiram Codd, who invented a bottle for carbonated beverages (1875); the derivation remains unconfirmed.

choler

/ˈkälər/ I. noun 1. (in medieval science and medicine) one of the four bodily humors, identified with bile, believed to be associated with a peevish or irascible temperament. Also called yellow bile. 2. ‹literary› ‹archaic› anger or irascibility. - origin late Middle English (also denoting diarrhea): from Old French colere 'bile, anger,' from Latin cholera 'diarrhea' (from Greek kholera), which in late Latin acquired the senses 'bile or anger,' from Greek kholē 'bile.'

comminuted

/ˈkäməˌn(y)o͞odəd/ I. adjective 1. ‹technical› reduced to minute particles or fragments. 2. ‹technical› [Medicine] (of a fracture) producing multiple bone splinters. - origin early 17th cent.: past participle of comminute, from Latin comminut- 'broken into pieces,' from the verb comminuere, from com- 'together' + minuere 'lessen.'

confrère

/ˈkänˌfrer känˈfrer / confrere I. noun a fellow member of a profession; a colleague • executives from the four broadcast television networks, along with their cable confreres. - origin mid 18th cent.: French, from medieval Latin confrater, from con- 'together with' + frater

conclave

/ˈkänˌklāv/ I. noun 1. a private meeting. 2. (in the Roman Catholic Church) the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope. 3. the meeting place for a conclave. - origin late Middle English (denoting a private room): via French from Latin conclave 'lockable room,' from con-'with' + clavis 'key.'

Coptic

/ˈkäptik/ I. noun the language of the Copts, which represents the final stage of ancient Egyptian. It now survives only as the liturgical language of the Coptic Church.

carbuncle

/ˈkärˌbəNGk(ə)l/ I. noun 1. a severe abscess or multiple boil in the skin, typically infected with staphylococcus bacteria. 2. a bright red gem, in particular a garnet cut en cabochon.

lodestar

/ˈlōdˌstär/ I. noun a star that is used to guide the course of a ship, especially Polaris • ‹figurative› she was his intellectual lodestar. - origin Middle English: from lode in the obsolete sense 'way, course' + star.

lodestone

/ˈlōdˌstōn / loadstone noun 1. a piece of magnetite or other naturally magnetized mineral, able to be used as a magnet. 2. a naturally magnetized mineral; magnetite. 3. a thing that is the focus of attention or attraction.

Cossack

/ˈkäsˌak ˈkäsək/ I. noun 1. a member of a people of southern Russia and Ukraine, noted for their horsemanship and military skill. 2. a member of a Cossack military unit. The Cossacks had their origins in the 14th century when refugees from religious persecution, outlaws, adventurers, and escaped serfs banded together in settlements for protection. Under the tsars they were allowed considerable autonomy in return for protecting the frontiers; with the collapse of Soviet rule, Cossack groups have reasserted their identity in both Russia and Ukraine. II. adjective of, relating to, or characteristic of the Cossacks. - origin late 16th cent.: from Russian kazak from Turkic,'vagabond, nomad'; later influenced by French Cosaque (see also Kazakh).

contretemps

/ˈkäːntrətäːN/ I. noun 1. an unexpected and unfortunate occurrence • the hotel had to deal with more than one contretemps before the end of the night. 2. a minor dispute or disagreement • she had occasional contretemps with her staff. - origin late 17th cent. (originally as a fencing term, denoting a thrust made at an inopportune moment): French, originally 'motion out of time,' from contre-'against' + temps 'time.'

cauterize

/ˈkôdəˌrīz/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. [Medicine] burn the skin or flesh of (a wound) with a heated instrument or caustic substance, typically to stop bleeding or prevent the wound from becoming infected.

corn pone

/ˈkôrn ˌpōn / ‹N. Amer.› I. noun see pone. II. adjective ‹often derogatory› rustic; unsophisticated • corn-pone humor.

cordite

/ˈkôrˌdīt/ I. noun a smokeless explosive made from nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine, and petroleum jelly, used in ammunition. - origin late 19th cent.: from cord (because of its stringlike appearance)

cagey

/ˈkājē / cagy I. adjective ‹informal› reluctant to give information owing to caution or suspicion • manufacturers are cagey about the recipes they use to create a wine. II. derivatives 1. cagily /ˈkājəlē / adverb 2. caginess /ˈkājēnəs / cageyness noun - origin early 20th cent. (originally US): of unknown origin.

calyx

/ˈkāliks / calix I. noun 1. [Botany] the sepals of a flower, typically forming a whorl that encloses the petals and forms a protective layer around a flower in bud.

keelson

/ˈkēlsən / kelson I. noun a centerline structure running the length of a ship and fastening the transverse members of the floor to the keel below. - origin Middle English kelswayn, related to Low German kielswīn, from kiel 'keel of a ship' + swīn 'swine' (used as the name of a timber).

coping

/ˈkōpiNG/ I. noun the top, typically sloping, course of a brick or stone wall. - origin mid 16th cent.: from the verb cope2, originally meaning 'dress in a cope,' hence 'to cover.'

koan

/ˈkōän/ I. noun a paradoxical anecdote or riddle, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and to provoke enlightenment. - origin Japanese, literally 'matter for public thought,' from Chinese gōngàn 'official business.'

cul-de-sac

/ˈkəldəˌsak/ I. noun 1. a street or passage closed at one end. 2. a route or course leading nowhere • the pro-democracy forces found themselves in a political cul-de-sac. 3. [Anatomy] a vessel, tube, or sac, e.g., the cecum, open at only one end. - origin mid 18th cent. (originally in anatomy): French, literally 'bottom of a sack.'

leaven

/ˈlevən/ I. noun 1. a substance, typically yeast, that is added to dough to make it ferment and rise. 2. dough that is reserved from an earlier batch in order to start a later one fermenting. 3. a pervasive influence that modifies something or transforms it for the better • they acted as an intellectual leaven to the warriors who dominated the city. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. (usu. as adj. leavened) — cause (dough or bread) to ferment and rise by adding leaven • leavened breads are forbidden during Passover. 2. permeate and modify or transform (something) for the better • the proceedings should be leavened by humor • (as noun leavening) underneath the frills and fuss there's a leavening of serious intent. III. derivatives leavener noun - origin Middle English: from Old French levain, based on Latin levamen 'relief' (literally 'means of raising'), from levare 'to lift.'

legacy

/ˈleɡəsē/ I. noun 1. an amount of money or property left to someone in a will. 2. a thing handed down by a predecessor • the legacy of centuries of neglect. II. adjective [Computing] denoting software or hardware that has been superseded but is difficult to replace because of its wide use.

limbic system

/ˈlimbik ˌsistəm/ I. noun a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas near the edge of the cortex concerned with instinct and mood. It controls the basic emotions (fear, pleasure, anger) and drives (hunger, sex, dominance, care of offspring). - origin late 19th cent.: limbic from French limbique,

lissome

/ˈlisəm / ‹chiefly Brit.› lissom I. adjective (of a person or their body) thin, supple, and graceful. II. derivatives lissomeness noun - origin late 18th cent.: contraction, from lithe + -some1.

livery

/ˈliv(ə)rē/ I. noun 1. special uniform worn by a servant or official. 2. a special design and color scheme used on the vehicles, aircraft, or products of a particular company. 3. (N. Amer.) short for livery stable. 4. (in the UK) the members of a livery company collectively. 5. ‹historical› a provision of food or clothing for servants.

loutish

/ˈloudiSH/ I. adjective (of a man or boy) uncouth and aggressive. II. derivatives 1. loutishly /ˈloudiSHlē / adverb 2. loutishness /ˈloudiSHnəs / noun

larder

/ˈlärdər/ I. noun a room or large cupboard for storing food.- origin Middle English (denoting a store of meat): from Old French lardier, from medieval Latin lardarium, from laridum (see lard).

logrolling

/ˈlôɡˌrōliNG ˈläɡˌrōliNG/ I. noun 1. (N. Amer.) ‹informal› the practice of exchanging favors, especially in politics by reciprocal voting for each other's proposed legislation. [from the phrase you roll my log and I'll roll yours.]

Lethe

/ˈlēTHē / ‹Greek Mythology› I. a river in Hades whose water when drunk made the souls of the dead forget their life on earth. II. derivatives Lethean /ˈlēTHēən / adjective - origin via Latin from Greek lēthē 'forgetfulness,' from the base of lanthanesthai 'forget.'

manifest

/ˈmanəˌfest/ I. adjective clear or obvious to the eye or mind • the system's manifest failings. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. display or show (a quality or feeling) by one's acts or appearance; demonstrate • Ray manifested signs of severe depression. 2. (often be manifested in) — be evidence of; prove • bad industrial relations are often manifested in disputes and strikes. 3. [no obj.] — (of an ailment) become apparent through the appearance of symptoms

manifest

/ˈmanəˌfest/ I. adjective clear or obvious to the eye or mind • the system's manifest failings. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. display or show (a quality or feeling) by one's acts or appearance; demonstrate • Ray manifested signs of severe depression. 2. (often be manifested in) —be evidence of; prove • bad industrial relations are often manifested in disputes and strikes. 3. [no obj.] —(of an ailment) become apparent through the appearance of symptoms • a disorder that usually manifests in middle age. 4. [no obj.] —(of a ghost or spirit) appear • one deity manifested in the form of a bird.

manifold

/ˈmanəˌfōld/ I. adjective 1. many and various • the implications of this decision were manifold. 2. having many different forms or elements • the appeal of the crusade was manifold. II. noun 1. [often with modifier] —a pipe or chamber branching into several openings • the pipeline manifold. 2. (in an internal combustion engine) the part conveying air and fuel from the carburetor to the cylinders or that leading from the cylinders to the exhaust pipe • the exhaust manifold. 3. ‹technical› something with many different parts or forms, in particular 4. [Mathematics] a collection of points forming a certain kind of set, such as those of a topologically closed surface or an analog of this in three or more dimensions. 5. (in Kantian philosophy) the sum of the particulars furnished by sense before they have been unified by the synthesis of the understanding.

melton

/ˈmeltən/ I. noun heavy woolen cloth with a close-cut nap, used for overcoats and jackets. - origin early 19th cent.: named after Melton Mowbray, a town in central England, formerly a center of manufacturing.

Mithraism

/ˈmiTHrāˌizəm məˈTHrāizəm/ I. noun the cult of the god Mithras, which became popular among Roman soldiers of the later empire, and was the main rival to Christianity in the first three centuries AD.Mithras was a god of light, truth, and honor, the central figure of the cult of Mithraism but probably of Persian origin. He was also associated with merchants and the protection of warriors.

midden

/ˈmidn/ I. noun 1. a dunghill or refuse heap. 2. short for kitchen midden.- origin late Middle English myddyng, of Scandinavian origin; compare with Danish mødding 'dunghill.'

midwife

/ˈmidˌwīf/ I. noun 1. a person (typically a woman) trained to assist women in childbirth. 2. a person or thing that helps to bring something into being or assists its development • he survived to be one of the midwives of the Reformation. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. assist (a woman) during childbirth. 2. bring into being

militate

/ˈmiləˌtāt/ I. verb —[no obj.] (militate against) 1. (of a fact or circumstance) be a powerful or conclusive factor in preventing • these fundamental differences will militate against the two communities coming together. - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin militat-'served as a soldier,' from the verb militare, from miles, milit-'soldier.' / usage: The verbs militate and mitigate are sometimes confused. See usage at mitigate.

minatory

/ˈminəˌtôrē ˈmīnəˌtôrē/ I. adjective ‹formal› expressing or conveying a threat • he is unlikely to be deterred by minatory finger-wagging. - origin mid 16th cent.: from late Latin minatorius, from minat- 'threatened,' from the verb minari.

mischievous

/ˈmisCHivəs/ I. adjective 1. (of a person, animal, or their behavior) causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way • two mischievous kittens had decorated the bed with shredded newspaper. 2. (of an action or thing) causing or intended to cause harm or trouble • a mischievous allegation for which there is not a shred of evidence.

miscreant

/ˈmiskrēənt/ I. noun 1. a person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law. 2. ‹archaic› a heretic. II. adjective 1. (of a person) behaving badly or in a way that breaks a law or rule • her miscreant husband. 2. ‹archaic› heretical. - origin Middle English (as an adjective in the sense 'disbelieving'): from Old French mescreant, present participle of mescreire 'disbelieve,' from mes-'mis-' + creire 'believe' (from Latin credere).

missal

/ˈmisəl/ I. noun a book containing the texts used in the Catholic Mass throughout the year. - origin Middle English: from medieval Latin missale, neuter of ecclesiastical Latin missalis 'relating to the Mass,' from missa 'Mass.'

mountebank

/ˈmoun(t)əˌbaNGk/ I. noun 1. a person who deceives others, especially in order to trick them out of their money; a charlatan. 2. ‹historical› a person who sold patent medicines in public places. II. derivatives mountebankery /-ˌbaNGkərē / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from Italian montambanco, from the imperative phrase monta in banco! 'climb on the bench!' (with allusion to the raised platform used to attract an audience).

mollycoddle

/ˈmälēˌkädl/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. treat (someone) very indulgently or protectively. II. noun an effeminate or ineffectual man or boy; a milksop. - origin mid 19th cent.: from molly 'girl or prostitute' (see moll) + coddle.

monte

/ˈmän(t)ē/ I. noun 1. short for three-card monte. 2. a Spanish game of chance, played with forty-five cards. - origin early 19th cent.: Spanish, literally 'mountain,' also 'heap of cards left after dealing' (from an earlier game of chance played with forty-five cards).

monolith

/ˈmänəˌliTH/ I. noun 1. a large single upright block of stone, especially one shaped into or serving as a pillar or monument. 2. a very large and characterless building • the 72-story monolith overlooking the waterfront. 3. a large block of concrete sunk in water, e.g., in the building of a dock. 4. a large and impersonal political, corporate, or social structure regarded as intractably indivisible and uniform • the dominance of broadcasting monoliths limits local programming. - origin mid 19th cent.: from French monolithe, from Greek monolithos, from monos 'single' + lithos 'stone.'

chapparal

/ˌSHapəˈral/ I. noun (N. Amer.) vegetation consisting chiefly of tangled shrubs and thorny bushes. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Spanish, from chaparra 'dwarf evergreen oak.'

monism

/ˈmäˌnizəm ˈmōˌnizəm/ I. noun 1. [Philosophy] [Theology] a theory or doctrine that denies the existence of a distinction or duality in some sphere, such as that between matter and mind, or God and the world. 2. [Philosophy] [Theology] the doctrine that only one supreme being exists. Compare with pluralism.

mawkish

/ˈmôkiSH/ I. adjective 1. sentimental in a feeble or sickly way • a mawkish poem. 2. ‹archaic› ‹dialect› having a faint sickly flavor • the mawkish smell of warm beer.

mordant

/ˈmôrdnt/ I. adjective (especially of humor) having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting • a mordant sense of humor.

mortify

/ˈmôrdəˌfī/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. cause (someone) to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated [with obj.] • she was mortified to see her wrinkles in the mirror • (as adj. mortifying) she refused to accept this mortifying disgrace. 2. subdue (the body or its needs and desires) by self-denial or discipline • return to heaven by mortifying the flesh. 3. [no obj.] — ‹archaic› (of flesh) be affected by gangrene or necrosis • the cut in Henry's arm had mortified. II. derivatives mortifyingly /ˈmôrdəˌfīiNGlē / adverb - origin late Middle English (in the senses 'put to death,' 'deaden,' and 'subdue by self-denial'): from Old French mortifier, from Ecclesiastical Latin ecclesiastical Latin mortificare 'kill, subdue,' from mors, mort- 'death.'

moralism

/ˈmôrəlizəm/ noun the practice of moralizing, especially showing a tendency to make judgments about others' morality • the patriotic moralism of many political leaders.

myelin

/ˈmīələn/ I. noun [Anatomy] [Physiology] a mixture of proteins and phospholipids forming a whitish insulating sheath around many nerve fibers, increasing the speed at which impulses are conducted.

migraine

/ˈmīˌɡrān / migraine headache I. noun a recurrent throbbing headache that typically affects one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea and disturbed vision. II. derivatives migrainous /-ˌɡrānəs / adjective - origin late Middle English: from French, via late Latin from Greek hēmikrania, from hēmi- 'half' + kranion

motoric

/ˈmōdərik/ I. adjective 1. [Physiology] relating to muscular movement • the infants' motoric and linguistic capabilities. 2. (usu. motorik)—(of music) marked by a repetitive beat suggestive of mechanized action or movement.

nares

/ˈnerēz/ I. plural noun [Anatomy] [Zoology] the nostrils. II. derivatives narial /-ēəl / adjective - origin late 17th cent.: plural of Latin naris 'nostril, nose.'

nicker

/ˈnikər/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. (of a horse) give a soft, low, breathy whinny. II. noun a nickering sound. - origin late 16th cent.: imitative. nicker2 /ˈnikər/ I. noun (Brit.) ‹informal› a pound sterling. - origin early 20th cent.: of unknown origin.

niggard

/ˈniɡərd/ I. noun a stingy or ungenerous person. II. adjective archaic term for niggardly. - origin late Middle English: alteration of earlier nigon. / usage: The words niggard and niggardly have no connection with the highly offensive term ******, but because of the similarity of sound and its negative meaning of 'mean, ungenerous,' many people are uncomfortable with using it for fear of causing offense, and in the US it is now widely avoided.

knotty

/ˈnädē/ I. adjective 1. full of knots • the room was paneled in knotty pine. 2. (of a problem or matter) extremely difficult or intricate.

notional

/ˈnōSH(ə)n(ə)l/ I. adjective 1. existing only in theory or as a suggestion or idea • notional budgets for hospital and community health services. 2. existing only in the imagination • Lizzie seemed to vanish into thin air, as if her presence were merely notional. 3. [Linguistics] denoting or relating to an approach to grammar that is dependent on the definition of terminology (e.g., "a verb is an action word") as opposed to identification of structures and processes. 4. (in language teaching) denoting or relating to a syllabus that aims to develop communicative competence.

notion

/ˈnōSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. a conception of or belief about something • children have different notions about the roles of their parents • I had no notion of what her words meant. 2. an impulse or desire, especially one of a whimsical kind • she had a notion to call her friend at work. 3. (notions) — (chiefly N. Amer.) items used in sewing, such as buttons, pins, and hooks. - origin late Middle English: from Latin notio(n-) 'idea,' from notus 'known,' past participle of noscere.

outlander

/ˈoutˌlandər/ noun (N. Amer.) a foreigner; a stranger.

pallid

/ˈpaləd/ I. adjective 1. (of a person's face) pale, typically because of poor health. 2. feeble or insipid • an utterly pallid and charmless character. II. derivatives 1. pallidly /ˈpalədlē / adverb 2. pallidness /ˈpalədnəs / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin pallidus 'pale' (related to pallere 'be pale').

paladin

/ˈpalədn/ I. noun 1. ‹historical› any of the twelve peers of Charlemagne's court, of whom the count palatine was the chief. 2. ‹historical› a knight renowned for heroism and chivalry. - origin late 16th cent.: from French paladin, from Italian paladino, from Latin palatinus '(officer) of the palace'

palimpsest

/ˈpaləm(p)ˌsest/ I. noun 1. a manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain. 2. something reused or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form • Sutton Place is a palimpsest of the taste of successive owners.

pannier

/ˈpanēər/ I. noun 1. a basket, especially one of a pair carried by a beast of burden. 2. each of a pair of bags or boxes fitted on either side of the rear wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle. 3. ‹historical› part of a skirt looped up around the hips.

panoply

/ˈpanəplē/ I. noun 1. a complete or impressive collection of things • a deliciously inventive panoply of insults. 2. a splendid display • all the panoply of Western religious liturgy. 3. ‹historical› ‹literary› a complete set of arms or suit of armor.

joie de vivre

/ˌZHwä də ˈvēvrə/ I. noun exuberant enjoyment of life.- origin French, literally 'joy of living.'

panoply

/ˈpanəplē/ I. noun 1. a complete or impressive collection of things • a deliciously inventive panoply of insults. 2. a splendid display • all the panoply of Western religious liturgy. 3. ‹historical› ‹literary› a complete set of arms or suit of armor. II. derivatives panoplied /ˈpanəplēd / adjective - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'complete protection for spiritual warfare,' often with biblical allusion to Eph. 6:11, 13): from French panoplie or modern Latin panoplia 'full armor,' from Greek, from pan 'all' + hopla 'arms.'

Pangloss

/ˈpanɡlôs, -ɡläs/ I. noun a person who is optimistic regardless of the circumstances. II. derivatives Panglossian /panˈɡlôsēən, -ˈɡläs-/ adjective - origin late 18th cent.: from the name of the tutor and philosopher in Voltaire's Candide (1759).

petulant

/ˈpeCHələnt/ I. adjective (of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered • he was moody and petulant • a petulant shake of the head.

pettifogger

/ˈpedēfôɡər/ I. noun ‹archaic› an inferior legal practitioner, especially one who deals with petty cases or employs dubious practices. - origin mid 16th cent.: from petty + obsolete fogger 'underhanded dealer,' probably from Fugger, the name of a family of merchants in Augsburg, Germany, in the 15th and 16th centuries.

pedagogy

/ˈpedəˌɡäjē/ I. noun the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept • the relationship between applied linguistics and language pedagogy • subject-based pedagogies. II. derivatives pedagogics /ˌpedəˈɡäjiks / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from French pédagogie, from Greek paidagōgia 'office of a pedagogue,' from paidagōgos (see pedagogue).

paradox

/ˈperəˌdäks/ I. noun 1. a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory • a potentially serious conflict between quantum mechanics and the general theory of relativity known as the information paradox. 2. a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true • in a paradox, he has discovered that stepping back from his job has increased the rewards he gleans from it. 3. a situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities • the mingling of deciduous trees with elements of desert flora forms a fascinating ecological paradox. - origin mid 16th cent. (originally denoting a statement contrary to accepted opinion): via late Latin from Greek paradoxon 'contrary (opinion),' neuter adjective used as a noun, from para- 'distinct from' + doxa 'opinion.'

paradigm

/ˈperəˌdīm/ I. noun 1. ‹technical› a typical example or pattern of something; a model • there is a new paradigm for public art in this country. 2. a worldview underlying the theories and methodology of a particular scientific subject • the discovery of universal gravitation became the paradigm of successful science. 3. a set of linguistic items that form mutually exclusive choices in particular syntactic roles • English determiners form a paradigm: we can say "a book" or "his book" but not "a his book." Often contrasted with syntagm. 4. (in the traditional grammar of Latin, Greek, and other inflected languages) a table of all the inflected forms of a particular verb, noun, or adjective, serving as a model for other words of the same conjugation or declension. - origin late 15th cent.: via late Latin from Greek paradeigma, from paradeiknunai 'show side by side,' from para- 'beside' + deiknunai 'to show.'

paragon

/ˈperəˌɡän/ I. noun 1. a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality • it would have taken a paragon of virtue not to feel viciously jealous. 2. a person or thing viewed as a model of excellence • your cook is a paragon. 3. a perfect diamond of 100 carats or more. - origin mid 16th cent.: from obsolete French, from Italian paragone 'touchstone used to discriminate good (gold) from bad,' from medieval Greek parakonē 'whetstone.'

plebiscite

/ˈplebəˌsīt/ I. noun 1. the direct vote of all the members of an electorate on an important public question such as a change in the constitution. 2. [Roman History] a law enacted by the plebeians' assembly.

plebiscite

/ˈplebəˌsīt/ I. noun 1. the direct vote of all the members of an electorate on an important public question such as a change in the constitution. 2. [Roman History] a law enacted by the plebeians' assembly. II. derivatives plebiscitary /pləˈbisəˌterē ˌplebəˈsīt(ə)rē / adjective - origin mid 16th cent. (referring to Roman history): from French plébiscite, from Latin plebiscitum, from plebs, pleb-'the common people' + scitum 'decree' (from sciscere 'vote for'). The sense 'direct vote of the whole electorate' dates from the mid 19th cent.

pleurisy

/ˈplo͝orəsē/ I. noun [Medicine] inflammation of the pleurae, which impairs their lubricating function and causes pain when breathing. It is caused by pneumonia and other diseases of the chest or abdomen. II. derivatives pleuritic /plo͞oˈridik plo͝oˈridik pləˈridik / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Old French pleurisie, from late Latin pleurisis, alteration of earlier Latin pleuritis, from Greek pleura 'side of the body, rib.'

plaudits

/ˈplôdəts/ I. plural noun 1. praise • the network has received plaudits for its sports coverage. 2. the applause of an audience • the plaudits for the winner died down.

plaintive

/ˈplān(t)iv/ I. adjective sounding sad and mournful • a plaintive cry.

playa

/ˈplīə/ I. noun an area of flat, dried-up land, especially a desert basin from which water evaporates quickly. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Spanish, literally 'beach,' from late Latin plagia.

plucky

/ˈpləkē/ I. adjective having or showing determined courage in the face of difficulties. II. derivatives 1. pluckily /ˈpləkəlē / adverb 2. pluckiness /ˈpləkēnəs / noun

plover

/ˈpləvər ˈplōvər/ I. noun a short-billed gregarious wading bird, typically found by water but sometimes frequenting grassland, tundra, and mountains. [Family Charadriidae (the plover family): several genera and numerous species, esp. the ringed plovers (Charadrius), golden plovers (Pluvialis), and lapwings (Vanellus).] - origin Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, based on Latin pluvia 'rain.'

je ne sais quoi

/ˌZHə nə sā ˈkwä/ I. noun a quality that cannot be described or named easily • that je ne sais quoi that makes a professional. - origin French, literally 'I do not know what.'

prelate

/ˈprelət/ I. noun ‹formal› ‹historical› a bishop or other high ecclesiastical dignitary. II. derivatives 1. prelatic /prəˈladik / adjective 2. prelatical /priˈlatikəl / adjective - origin Middle English: from Old French prelat, from medieval Latin praelatus 'civil dignitary,' past participle (used as a noun) of Latin praeferre 'carry before,' also 'place before in esteem.'

prodigy

/ˈprädəjē/ I. noun —[often with modifier] 1. a person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities • a Russian pianist who was a child prodigy in his day. 2. an impressive or outstanding example of a particular quality • Germany seemed a prodigy of industrial discipline. 3. an amazing or unusual thing, especially one out of the ordinary course of nature • omens and prodigies abound in Livy's work. - origin late 15th cent. (denoting something extraordinary considered to be an omen): from Latin prodigium 'portent.'

prodigal

/ˈprädəɡəl/ I. adjective 1. spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant • prodigal habits die hard. 2. having or giving something on a lavish scale • the dessert was crunchy with brown sugar and prodigal with whipped cream. II. noun 1. a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way. 2. (also prodigal son or daughter) —a person who leaves home and behaves recklessly, but later makes a repentant return. [with biblical allusion to the parable in Luke 15:11-32.] III. derivatives 1. prodigality /ˌprädəˈɡalədē / noun 2. prodigally /ˈprädəɡ(ə)lē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from late Latin prodigalis, from Latin prodigus 'lavish.'

profligate

/ˈpräfləɡət/ I. adjective 1. recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources • profligate consumers of energy. 2. licentious; dissolute • he succumbed to drink and a profligate lifestyle. II. noun a licentious, dissolute person.

profligate

/ˈpräfləɡət/ I. adjective 1. recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources • profligate consumers of energy. 2. licentious; dissolute • he succumbed to drink and a profligate lifestyle. II. noun a licentious, dissolute person. III. derivatives profligately /ˈpräfləɡətlē ˈpräfləˌɡātlē / adverb - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'overthrown, routed'): from Latin profligatus 'dissolute,' past participle of profligare 'overthrow, ruin,' from pro-'forward, down' + fligere 'strike down.'

provenance

/ˈprävənəns/ I. noun 1. the place of origin or earliest known history of something • an orange rug of Iranian provenance. 2. the beginning of something's existence; something's origin • they try to understand the whole universe, its provenance and fate. 3. a record of ownership of a work of art or an antique, used as a guide to authenticity or quality • the manuscript has a distinguished provenance. - origin late 18th cent.: from French, from the verb provenir 'come or stem from,' from Latin provenire, from pro-'forth' + venire 'come.'

probity

/ˈprōbədē/ I. noun ‹formal› the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency

pointillism

/ˈpwän(t)əlizm ˈpoin(t)lˌizəm/ I. noun a technique of neo-impressionist painting using tiny dots of various pure colors, which become blended in the viewer's eye. It was developed by Georges Seurat with the aim of producing a greater degree of luminosity and brilliance of color.

polyglot

/ˈpälēˌɡlät/ I. adjective 1. knowing or using several languages • a polyglot career woman. 2. (of a book) having the text translated into several languages • polyglot and bilingual technical dictionaries. II. noun a person who knows and is able to use several languages.

participle

/ˈpärdəˌsip(ə)l/ I. noun [Grammar] a word formed from a verb (e.g., going, gone, being, been) and used as an adjective (e.g., working woman, burned toast) or a noun (e.g., good breeding). In English, participles are also used to make compound verb forms (e.g., is going, has been). Compare with gerund. II. derivatives 1. participial /ˌpärdəˈsipēəl / adjective 2. participially /ˌpärtəˈsipēəlē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from Old French, by-form of participe, from Latin participium '(verbal form) sharing (the functions of a noun),' from participare 'share in.'

parfleche

/ˈpärfleSH, pärˈfleSH/ I. noun 1. (in American Indian culture) a hide, especially a buffalo's hide, dried by being stretched on a frame after the hair has been removed. 2. an article, especially a bag, made from this. - origin from Canadian French parflèche, from French parer 'ward off' + flèche 'arrow.'

parley

/ˈpärlē/ I. noun a conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially a discussion of terms for an armistice. II. verb —[no obj.] 1. hold a conference with the opposing side to discuss terms • they disagreed over whether to parley with the enemy. - origin late Middle English (denoting speech or debate): perhaps from Old French parlee 'spoken,' feminine past participle of the verb parler.

parvenu

/ˈpärvəˌn(y)o͞o / ‹often derogatory› I. noun a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity

parvenu

/ˈpärvəˌn(y)o͞o / ‹often derogatory› I. noun a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity • the political inexperience of a parvenu

parvenu

/ˈpärvəˌn(y)o͞o / ‹often derogatory› I. noun a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth, influence, or celebrity • the political inexperience of a parvenu • [as modifier] he concealed the details of his parvenu lifestyle. - origin early 19th cent.: from French, literally 'arrived,' past participle of parvenir, from Latin pervenire 'come to, reach.'

palsy

/ˈpôlzē/ I. noun 1. ‹dated› paralysis, especially that which is accompanied by involuntary tremors • a kind of palsy had seized him. 2. ‹dated› ‹archaic› a condition of incapacity or helplessness. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. affect with paralysis and involuntary tremors • she feels as if the muscles on her face are palsied • ‹figurative› the old-boy network laid its palsied hand upon the business of wealth creation.

salutary

/ˈsalyəˌterē/ I. adjective 1. (especially with reference to something unwelcome or unpleasant) producing good effects; beneficial • a salutary reminder of where we came from. 2. ‹archaic› health-giving • the salutary Atlantic air.- origin late Middle English (as a noun in the sense 'remedy'): from French salutaire or Latin salutaris, from salus, salut-'health.'

portent

/ˈpôrˌtent/ I. noun 1. a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen • they believed that wild birds in the house were portents of death • JFK's political debut was a portent of the fame to come. 2. future significance • an omen of grave portent for the tribe. 3. ‹archaic› an exceptional or wonderful person or thing • what portent can be greater than a pious notary? - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin portentum 'omen, token,' from the verb portendere (see portend).

Piedmont

/ˈpēdmänt/ I. a region in northwestern Italy, in the foothills of the Alps; capital, Turin. It was the center of the movement for a united Italy in the 19th century. Italian name Piemonte. II. in the US, a hilly highland region between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast. The Piedmont ends at the Fall Line, where rivers drop to the coastal plain. - origin from Italian piemonte 'mountain foot.'

piquant

/ˈpēkənt ˈpēkänt/ I. adjective 1. having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor. 2. pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind. II. derivatives piquantly /ˈpēk(w)əntlē / adverb - origin early 16th cent. (in the sense 'severe, bitter'): from French, literally 'stinging, pricking,' present participle of piquer.

peevish

/ˈpēviSH/ I. adjective easily irritated, especially by unimportant things • all this makes Steve fretful and peevish.

paean

/ˈpēən/ I. noun 1. a song of praise or triumph. 2. a thing that expresses enthusiastic praise • his books are paeans to combat. - origin late 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek paian 'hymn of thanksgiving to Apollo' (invoked by the name Paian, originally the Homeric name for the physician of the gods).

peon

/ˈpēˌän ˈpēən/ I. noun 1. a Spanish-American day laborer or unskilled farm worker. 2. ‹historical› a debtor held in servitude by a creditor, especially in the southern US and Mexico. 3. (N. Amer.) a person who does menial work; a drudge • racing drivers aren't exactly normal nine-to-five peons. 4. (in South and Southeast Asia) someone of low rank. 5. an attendant or messenger. II. derivatives peonage /ˈpēənij / noun - origin from Portuguese peão and Spanish peón, from medieval Latin pedo, pedon-'walker, foot soldier,' from Latin pes, ped-'foot.' Compare with pawn1.

poultice

/ˈpōltəs/ I. noun a soft, moist mass of material, typically of plant material or flour, applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation and kept in place with a cloth. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. apply a poultice to • he poulticed the wound. - origin late Middle English: from Latin pultes (plural), from puls, pult-'porridge, pap.'

pogrom

/ˈpōɡrəm pəˈɡräm/ I. noun an organized massacre of a particular ethnic group, in particular that of Jews in Russia or eastern Europe. - origin early 20th cent.: from Russian, literally 'devastation,' from gromit' 'destroy by the use of violence.'

perfidy

/ˈpərfədē/ I. noun ‹literary› deceitfulness; untrustworthiness. - origin late 16th cent.: via French from Latin perfidia, from perfidus 'treacherous,' based on per-

perquisite

/ˈpərkwəzət/ I. noun 1. ‹formal› another term for perk2. 2. ‹formal› a thing regarded as a special right or privilege enjoyed as a result of one's position • the wife of a president has all the perquisites of stardom. 3. ‹formal› ‹historical› a thing that has served its primary use and is then given to a subordinate or employee as a customary right.

purlieu

/ˈpərl(y)o͞o/ I. noun 1. the area near or surrounding a place • the photogenic purlieus of the Princeton. 2. a person's usual haunts. 3. (Brit.) ‹historical› a tract on the border of a forest, especially one earlier included in it

ramify

/ˈraməˌfī/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. ‹formal› ‹technical› form branches or offshoots; spread or branch out • an elaborate system of canals was built, ramifying throughout Britain. 2. [with obj.] (often as adj. ramified) —‹formal› ‹technical› cause to branch or spread out • a ramified genealogical network. - origin late Middle English: from Old French ramifier, from medieval Latin ramificare, from Latin ramus 'branch.'

ransack

/ˈranˌsak/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. go hurriedly through (a place) stealing things and causing damage • burglars ransacked her home. 2. search through (a place or receptacle) to find something, especially in such a way as to cause disorder and damage • Hollywood ransacks the New York stage for actors.

rhapsody

/ˈrapsədē/ I. noun 1. an effusively enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling • rhapsodies of praise. 2. [Music] a free instrumental composition in one extended movement, typically one that is emotional or exuberant in character. 3. (in ancient Greece) an epic poem, or part of it, of a suitable length for recitation at one time.

rapine

/ˈrapən ˈrapīn/ I. noun ‹literary› the violent seizure of someone's property. - origin late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin rapina, from rapere 'seize.'

register

/ˈrejəstər/ I. noun 1. an official list or record, for example of births, marriages, and deaths, of shipping, or of historic places. 2. a book or record of attendance, for example of students in a class or school or guests in a hotel. 3. a particular part of the range of a voice or instrument • his voice moved up a register • she plays a basset horn and relishes the duskiness of its lower register. 4. a sliding device controlling a set of organ pipes that share a tonal quality. 5. a set of organ pipes so controlled. 6. [Linguistics] a variety of a language or a level of usage, as determined by degree of formality and choice of vocabulary, pronunciation, and syntax, according to the communicative purpose, social context, and social status of the user.

sapid

/ˈsapəd/ I. adjective 1. having a strong, pleasant taste. 2. (of talk or writing) pleasant or interesting. II. derivatives sapidity /səˈpidədē / noun- origin early 17th cent.: from Latin sapidus, from sapere 'to taste.'

sedulous

/ˈsejələs/ I. adjective (of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence • he watched himself with the most sedulous care. II. derivatives 1. sedulity /səˈjo͞olədē / noun 2. sedulously /ˈsejələslē / adverb 3. sedulousness /ˈsejələsnəs / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin sedulus 'zealous' + -ous.

reckon

/ˈrekən/ I. verb 1. [with obj.] —establish by counting or calculation; calculate • his debts were reckoned at $300,000 • the Byzantine year was reckoned from September 1. 2. (reckon someone/something among) —include in (a class or group) • in high school and college he was always reckoned among the brainiest. 3. [with clause] —‹informal› conclude after calculation; be of the opinion • he reckons that the army should pull out entirely • I reckon I can manage that. 4. [with obj. and complement] —consider or regard in a specified way • it was generally reckoned a failure. 5. [no obj.] (reckon on) —rely on or be sure of doing, having, or dealing with • they had reckoned on a day or two more of privacy. 6. [with infinitive] —‹informal› expect to do a particular thing • I reckon to get away by two-thirty. II. phrases a ——to be reckoned with (or to reckon with) a thing or person of considerable importance or ability that is not to be ignored or underestimated • the trade unions were a political force to be reckoned with. III. phrasal verbs reckon with (or without) a. take (or fail to take) into account • it must reckon with two great challenges. b. (reckon with) —‹archaic› settle accounts with.

revenant

/ˈrevəˌnäN, -nənt/ I. noun a person who has returned, especially supposedly from the dead. - origin early 19th cent.: French, literally 'coming back,' present participle (used as a noun) of revenir.

regnant

/ˈreɡnənt/ I. adjective 1. [often postpositive] — reigning; ruling • a queen regnant. 2. currently having the greatest influence; dominant

rickets

/ˈrikits/ I. noun —[treated as sing. or pl.] 1. [Medicine] a disease of children caused by vitamin D deficiency, characterized by imperfect calcification, softening, and distortion of the bones typically resulting in bow legs. - origin mid 17th cent.: perhaps an alteration of Greek rhakhitis (see rachitis). rickettsia /rəˈketsēə/

risible

/ˈrizəbəl/ I. adjective 1. such as to provoke laughter • a risible scene of lovemaking in a tent. 2. ‹rare› (of a person) having the faculty or power of laughing; inclined to laugh. II. derivatives 1. risibility /ˌrizəˈbilədē / noun 2. risibly /-blē / adverb - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'inclined to laughter'): from late Latin risibilis, from Latin ris-'laughed,' from the verb ridere.

rowel

/ˈrou(ə)l/ I. noun a spiked revolving disk at the end of a spur. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. use a rowel to urge on (a horse) • he roweled his horse on as fast as he could. - origin Middle English: from Old French roel(e), from late Latin rotella, diminutive of Latin rota 'wheel.'

rubric

/ˈro͞obrik/ I. noun 1. a heading on a document. 2. a direction in a liturgical book as to how a church service should be conducted. 3. a statement of purpose or function • art for a purpose, not for its own sake, was his rubric. 4. a category • party policies on matters falling under the rubric of law and order.

rubicund

/ˈro͞obəˌkənd/ I. adjective (especially of someone's face) having a ruddy complexion; high-colored. II. derivatives rubicundity /ˌro͞obəˈkəndədē / noun - origin late Middle English (in the general sense 'red'): from Latin rubicundus, from rubere 'be red.'

rueful

/ˈro͞ofəl/ I. adjective expressing sorrow or regret, especially when in a slightly humorous way • she gave a rueful grin.

rakish

/ˈrākiSH/ I. adjective having or displaying a dashing, jaunty, or slightly disreputable quality or appearance • he had a rakish, debonair look.

raillery

/ˈrālərē/ I. noun good-humored teasing. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French raillerie, from railler 'to rail' (see rail2).

rebus

/ˈrēbəs/ I. noun 1. a puzzle in which words are represented by combinations of pictures and individual letters; for instance, apex might be represented by a picture of an ape followed by a letter X. 2. ‹historical› an ornamental device associated with a person to whose name it punningly alludes.

rebus

/ˈrēbəs/ I. noun 1. a puzzle in which words are represented by combinations of pictures and individual letters; for instance, apex might be represented by a picture of an ape followed by a letter X. 2. ‹historical› an ornamental device associated with a person to whose name it punningly alludes. - origin early 17th cent.: from French rébus, from Latin rebus, ablative plural of res 'thing.'

roadstead

/ˈrōdsted/ I. noun a sheltered stretch of water near the shore in which ships can ride at anchor. - origin mid 16th cent.: from road + obsolete stead 'a place.'

rota

/ˈrōdə/ I. noun 1. (chiefly Brit.) a list showing when each of a number of people has to do a particular job • a cleaning rota. Compare with roster. 2. (the Rota) — the supreme ecclesiastical and secular court of the Roman Catholic Church.

sanguine

/ˈsaNGɡwən/ I. adjective 1. optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation • he is sanguine about prospects for the global economy. • the committee takes a more sanguine view.

saturnine

/ˈsadərˌnīn/ I. adjective 1. (of a person or their manner) slow and gloomy • a saturnine temperament. 2. (of a person or their features) dark in coloring and moody or mysterious • his saturnine face and dark, watchful eyes. 3. (of a place or an occasion) gloomy. II. derivatives saturninely adverb - origin late Middle English (as a term in astrology): from Old French saturnin, from medieval Latin Saturninus 'of Saturn' (identified with lead by the alchemists and associated with slowness and gloom by astrologers).

sacristy

/ˈsakrəstē/ I. noun a room in a church where a priest prepares for a service, and where vestments and other things used in worship are kept.

salutary

/ˈsalyəˌterē/ I. adjective 1. (especially with reference to something unwelcome or unpleasant) producing good effects; beneficial • a salutary reminder of where we came from. 2. ‹archaic› health-giving • the salutary Atlantic air. - origin late Middle English (as a noun in the sense 'remedy'): from French salutaire or Latin salutaris, from salus, salut-'health.'

stilted

/ˈstiltəd/ I. adjective 1. (of a manner of talking or writing) stiff and self-conscious or unnatural • we made stilted conversation. 2. standing on stilts • villages of stilted houses. 3. [Architecture] (of an arch) with pieces of upright masonry between the imposts and the springers.

seminal

/ˈsemənl/ I. adjective 1. (of a work, event, moment, or figure) strongly influencing later developments • his seminal work on chaos theory. 2. of, relating to, or denoting semen. 3. [Botany] of, relating to, or derived from the seed of a plant. II. derivatives seminally adverb - origin late Middle English (sense 2): from Old French seminal or Latin seminalis, from semen 'seed.' Sense 1 dates from the mid 17th cent.

sentient

/ˈsen(t)SH(ē)ənt/ I. adjective able to perceive or feel things • she had been instructed from birth in the equality of all sentient life forms. II. derivatives 1. sentience /ˈsen(t)SH(ē)əns / noun 2. sentiently adverb - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin sentient- 'feeling,' from the verb sentire.

sentient

/ˈsen(t)SH(ē)ənt/ I. adjective able to perceive or feel things • she had been instructed from birth in the equality of all sentient life forms. II. derivatives 1. sentience /ˈsen(t)SH(ē)əns / noun 2. sentiently adverb - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin sentient-'feeling,' from the verb sentire.

sentiment

/ˈsen(t)əmənt/ I. noun 1. a view of or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion • I agree with your sentiments regarding the road bridge. 2. general feeling or opinion • the council sought steps to control the rise of racist sentiment.

Septuagint

/ˈsepto͞oəˌjint/ I. noun a Greek version of the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament), including the Apocrypha, made for Greek-speaking Jews in Egypt in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC and adopted by the early Christian Churches.

serried

/ˈserēd/ I. adjective — [attrib.] 1. (of rows of people or things) standing close together • serried ranks of soldiers • the serried rows of vines. - origin mid 17th cent.: past participle of serry 'press close,' probably from French serré 'close together,' based on Latin sera 'lock.'

serried

/ˈserēd/ I. adjective —[attrib.] 1. (of rows of people or things) standing close together • serried ranks of soldiers • the serried rows of vines. - origin mid 17th cent.: past participle of serry 'press close,' probably from French serré 'close together,' based on Latin sera 'lock.'

Saracen

/ˈserəsən/ I. noun 1. an Arab or Muslim, especially at the time of the Crusades. 2. a nomad of the Syrian and Arabian desert at the time of the Roman Empire. II. derivatives Saracenic /ˌserəˈsenik / adjective - origin Middle English, from Old French sarrazin, via late Latin from late Greek Sarakēnos, perhaps from Arabic šarḳī 'eastern.'

sibyl

/ˈsib(ə)l/ I. noun 1. a woman in ancient times supposed to utter the oracles and prophecies of a god. 2. ‹literary› a woman able to foretell the future. II. derivatives sibylline /ˈsibəˌlīn ˈsibəˌlēn / adjective - origin from Old French Sibile or medieval Latin Sibilla, via Latin from Greek Sibulla.

sibilant

/ˈsibələnt/ I. adjective 1. [Phonetics] (of a speech sound) sounded with a hissing effect, for example s, sh. 2. [Phonetics] making or characterized by a hissing sound • his sibilant whisper. II. noun [Phonetics] a sibilant speech sound. III. derivatives sibilance /ˈsibələns / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin sibilant- 'hissing,'

sybarite

/ˈsibəˌrīt/ I. noun a person who is self-indulgent in their fondness for sensuous luxury. II. derivatives sybaritism /ˈsibəˌrīˌtizəm / noun - origin mid 16th cent. (originally denoting an inhabitant of Sybaris, an ancient Greek city in southern Italy, noted for luxury): via Latin from Greek Subaritēs.

sycophant

/ˈsikəˌfant ˈsikəfənt/ I. noun a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage. II. derivatives sycophancy /ˈsikəfənsē ˈsikəˌfan(t)sē / noun - origin mid 16th cent. (denoting an informer): from French sycophante, or via Latin from Greek sukophantēs 'informer,' from sukon 'fig' + phainein 'to show'; the association with informing against the illegal exportation of figs from ancient Athens (recorded by Plutarch) is not substantiated.

syllogism

/ˈsiləˌjizəm/ I. noun 1. an instance of a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn (whether validly or not) from two given or assumed propositions (premises), each of which shares a term with the conclusion, and shares a common or middle term not present in the conclusion (e.g., all dogs are animals; all animals have four legs; therefore all dogs have four legs). 2. deductive reasoning as distinct from induction • logic is rules or syllogism. II. derivatives 1. syllogistic /ˌsiləˈjistik / adjective 2. syllogistically /ˌsiləˈjistik(ə)lē / adverb - origin late Middle English: via Old French or Latin from Greek sullogismos, from sullogizesthai, from sun-'with' + logizesthai 'to reason' (from logos 'reasoning').

sympathy

/ˈsimpəTHē/ I. noun 1. feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune • they had great sympathy for the flood victims. 2. (one's sympathies) — the formal expression of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune; condolences • all Tony's friends joined in sending their sympathies to his widow Jean. 3. understanding between people; common feeling • the special sympathy between the two boys was obvious to all. 4. (sympathies) — support in the form of shared feelings or opinions • his sympathies lay with his constituents. 5. agreement with or approval of an opinion or aim; a favorable attitude • I have some sympathy for this view. 6. (in sympathy) — relating harmoniously to something else; in keeping • repairs had to be in sympathy with the original structure. 7. the state or fact of responding in a way similar or corresponding to an action elsewhere • the magnetic field oscillates in sympathy. - origin late 16th cent. (sense 2): via Latin from Greek sumpatheia, from sumpathēs, from sun- 'with' + pathos 'feeling.' sympatric /simˈpatrik/

simian

/ˈsimēən/ I. adjective relating to, resembling, or affecting apes or monkeys • simian immunodeficiency virus. Compare with prosimian. II. noun an ape or monkey. - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin simia 'ape,' perhaps via Latin from Greek simos 'flat-nosed.'

sinuous

/ˈsinyo͞oəs/ I. adjective 1. having many curves and turns • the river follows a sinuous trail through the forest. 2. lithe and supple • the sinuous grace of a cat. II. derivatives 1. sinuously /ˈsinyo͞oəslē / adverb 2. sinuousness noun - origin late 16th cent.: from French sinueux or Latin sinuosus, from sinus 'a bend.'

withy

/ˈwiT͟Hē ˈwiTHē / withe I. noun 1. a tough flexible branch of an osier or other willow, used for tying, binding, or basketry. 2. another term for osier. - origin Old English wīthig, of Germanic origin; related to German Weide.

systole

/ˈsistəlē/ I. noun [Physiology] the phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries. Often contrasted with diastole. II. derivatives systolic /səˈstälik / adjective - origin late 16th cent.: via late Latin from Greek sustolē, from sustellein 'to contract.'

scarify

/ˈskerəˌfī/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. cut and remove debris from (a lawn) with a scarifier. 2. break up the surface of (soil or pavement). 3. make shallow incisions in (the skin), especially as a medical procedure or traditional cosmetic practice • she scarified the snakebite with a paring knife. 4. criticize severely and hurtfully. II. derivatives scarification /ˌskerəfəˈkāSH(ə)n / noun - origin late Middle English: from Old French scarifier, via late Latin from Greek skariphasthai 'scratch an outline,' from skariphos 'stylus.'

skitter

/ˈskidər/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. move lightly and quickly or hurriedly • the girls skittered up the stairs • ‹figurative› her mind skittered back to that day at the office. 2. [with obj.] — draw (bait) jerkily across the surface of the water as a technique in fishing. - origin mid 19th cent.: apparently a frequentative of skite 'move rapidly,' perhaps of Norse origin.

skiffle

/ˈskifəl/ I. noun 1. (US) (in the US) a style of 1920s and 1930s jazz deriving from blues, ragtime, and folk music, using both improvised and conventional instruments. 2. (Brit.) a kind of folk music with a blues or jazz flavor that was popular in the 1950s, played by a small group and often incorporating improvised instruments such as washboards. - origin 1920s: perhaps imitative.

sclera

/ˈsklirə/ I. noun [Anatomy] the white outer layer of the eyeball. At the front of the eye it is continuous with the cornea. II. derivatives scleral /ˈsklerəl / adjective - origin late 19th cent.: modern Latin, from Greek sklēros 'hard.'

scruple

/ˈskro͞opəl/ I. noun 1. (usu. scruples) — a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action • I had no scruples about eavesdropping • without scruple, these politicians use fear as a persuasion weapon. 2. ‹historical› a unit of weight equal to 20 grains, used by apothecaries. 3. ‹archaic› a very small amount of something, especially a quality. II. verb — [no obj., usu. with negative] 1. hesitate or be reluctant to do something that one thinks may be wrong ~she doesn't scruple to ask her parents for money. - origin late Middle English: from French scrupule or Latin scrupulus, from scrupus, literally 'rough pebble,' (figuratively) 'anxiety.'

scruple

/ˈskro͞opəl/ I. noun 1. (usu. scruples) —a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action • I had no scruples about eavesdropping • without scruple, these politicians use fear as a persuasion weapon. 2. ‹historical› a unit of weight equal to 20 grains, used by apothecaries. 3. ‹archaic› a very small amount of something, especially a quality. II. verb —[no obj., usu. with negative] 1. hesitate or be reluctant to do something that one thinks may be wrong • she doesn't scruple to ask her parents for money. - origin late Middle English: from French scrupule or Latin scrupulus, from scrupus, literally 'rough pebble,' (figuratively) 'anxiety.'

squire

/ˈskwī(ə)r/ I. noun 1. a man of high social standing who owns and lives on an estate in a rural area, especially the chief landowner in such an area • the squire of Radbourne Hall • [as title] Squire Hughes. 2. (Brit.) ‹informal› used by a man as a friendly or humorous form of address to another man. 3. (US) ‹archaic› a title given to a magistrate, lawyer, or judge in some rural districts. 4. ‹historical› a young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. (of a man) accompany or escort (a woman) • she was squired around Rome by a reporter. 2. ‹dated› (of a man) have a romantic relationship with (a woman).

scoria

/ˈskôrēə/ I. noun 1. a cindery, vesicular basaltic lava, typically having a frothy texture. 2. slag separated from molten metal during smelting.

scoria

/ˈskôrēə/ I. noun 1. a cindery, vesicular basaltic lava, typically having a frothy texture. 2. slag separated from molten metal during smelting. II. derivatives scoriaceous /ˌskôrēˈāSHəs / adjective - origin late Middle English (denoting slag from molten metal): via Latin from Greek skōria 'refuse,' from skōr 'dung.' The geological term dates from the late 18th cent.

scapegrace

/ˈskāpɡrās/ I. noun ‹archaic› a mischievous or wayward person, especially a young person or child; a rascal. - origin early 19th cent.: from scape (see scapegoat) + grace, literally denoting a person who escapes the grace of God.

scurvy

/ˈskərvē/ I. noun a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by swollen bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds, which particularly affected poorly nourished sailors until the end of the 18th century.

suzerain

/ˈso͞ozərən ˈso͞ozəˌrān/ I. noun 1. a sovereign or state having some control over another state that is internally autonomous. 2. ‹historical› a feudal overlord.

suzerain

/ˈso͞ozərən ˈso͞ozəˌrān/ I. noun 1. a sovereign or state having some control over another state that is internally autonomous. 2. ‹historical› a feudal overlord. II. derivatives suzerainty /ˈso͞ozərəntē ˈso͞ozəˌrāntē / noun - origin early 19th cent.: from French, apparently from sus 'above' (from Latin su(r)sum 'upward'), suggested by souverain 'sovereign.'

suint

/ˈso͞oənt, swint/ I. noun a natural greasy substance in sheep's wool. - origin late 18th cent.: from French, from suer 'sweat.'

spangle

/ˈspaNGɡəl/ I. noun 1. a small thin piece of glittering material, typically used in quantity to ornament a dress; a sequin. 2. a small sparkling object; a spot of bright color or light. II. verb — [with obj.] (usu. as adj. spangled) 1. cover with spangles or other small sparkling objects • a spangled Christmas doll. III. derivatives spangly /ˈspaNG(ə)lē / adjective - origin late Middle English: diminutive from obsolete spang 'glittering ornament,' from Middle Dutch spange 'buckle.'

sputum

/ˈspyo͞odəm/ I. noun a mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract, typically as a result of infection or other disease and often examined microscopically to aid medical diagnosis. - origin late 17th cent.: from Latin, neuter past participle of spuere 'to spit.'

stigmatize

/ˈstiɡməˌtīz/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. (usu. be stigmatized) —describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval • the institution was stigmatized as a last resort for the destitute. 2. mark with stigmata. II. derivatives stigmatization /ˌstiɡmədəˈzāSH(ə)n ˌstiɡməˌtīˈzāSH(ə)n / noun - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'mark with a brand'): from French stigmatiser or medieval Latin stigmatizare, from Greek stigmatizein, from stigma (see stigma).

stricture

/ˈstrik(t)SHər/ I. noun 1. a restriction on a person or activity • religious strictures on everyday life. 2. a sternly critical or censorious remark or instruction • his strictures on their lack of civic virtue. 3. [Medicine] abnormal narrowing of a canal or duct in the body

stratum corneum

/ˈstrātəm ˌkôrnēəm, ˈstra-/ I. noun [Anatomy] the horny outer layer of the skin. - origin Latin, literally 'horny layer.'

somnolent

/ˈsämnələnt/ I. adjective 1. sleepy; drowsy. 2. causing or suggestive of drowsiness • a somnolent summer day. 3. [Medicine] abnormally drowsy.

samizdat

/ˈsämēzdat/ I. noun the clandestine copying and distribution of literature banned by the state, especially formerly in the communist countries of eastern Europe. - origin 1960s: Russian, literally 'self-publishing house.'

sachem

/ˈsāCHəm/ I. noun 1. (among some American Indian peoples) a chief or leader. 2. (N. Amer.) ‹informal› a boss or leader. - origin from Narragansett, 'chief.' Compare with sagamore.

salable

/ˈsāləb(ə)l / saleable I. adjective fit or able to be sold. II. derivatives salability /ˌsāləˈbilədē / noun

cecum

/ˈsēkəm / ‹Brit.› caecum I. noun [Anatomy] a pouch connected to the junction of the small and large intestines. II. derivatives cecal /ˈsēkəl / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Latin (intestinum) caecum 'blind (gut),' translation of Greek tuphlon enteron.

sidle

/ˈsīdl/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. walk in a furtive, unobtrusive, or timid manner, especially sideways or obliquely • I sidled up to her.

psychopomp

/ˈsīkōˌpämp / psychopompos I. noun 1. (in Greek mythology) a guide of souls to the place of the dead. 2. the spiritual guide of a living person's soul.- origin from Greek psukhopompos, from psukhē 'soul' + pompos 'conductor.'

sinecure

/ˈsīnəkyo͝or ˈsinəˌkyo͝or/ I. noun a position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit. II. derivatives 1. sinecurism /ˈsīnəkyo͝orizəm, si- / noun 2. sinecurist /ˈsinəˌkyo͝orəst / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin sine cura 'without care.'

succor

/ˈsəkər / ‹Brit.› succour I. noun 1. assistance and support in times of hardship and distress. 2. (succors) —‹archaic› reinforcements of troops. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. give assistance or aid to • prisoners of war were liberated and succored. III. derivatives succorless adjective - origin Middle English: via Old French from medieval Latin succursus, from Latin succurrere 'run to the help of,' from sub-'from below' + currere 'run.'

tutelary

/ˈt(y)o͞odlˌerē / tutelar I. adjective 1. serving as a protector, guardian, or patron • the tutelary spirits of these regions. 2. of or relating to protection or a guardian • the state maintained a tutelary relation with the security police. - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin tutelarius, from tutela 'keeping' (see tutelage).

tumult

/ˈt(y)o͞oˌməlt/ I. noun —[usu. in sing.] 1. a loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people • a tumult of shouting and screaming broke out. 2. confusion or disorder

tetragram

/ˈtetrəˌɡram/ noun a word consisting of four letters or characters.

tincture

/ˈtiNG(k)(t)SHər/ I. noun 1. a medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol • the remedies can be administered in the form of tinctures • a bottle containing tincture of iodine. 2. a slight trace of something • she could not keep a tincture of bitterness out of her voice. 3. [Heraldry] any of the conventional colors (including the metals and stains, and often the furs) used in coats of arms. II. verb —(be tinctured) 1. be tinged, flavored, or imbued with a slight amount of • Arthur's affability was tinctured with faint sarcasm. - origin late Middle English (denoting a dye or pigment): from Latin tinctura 'dyeing,' from tingere 'to dye or color.'

tipple

/ˈtipəl/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. drink alcohol, especially habitually • those who liked to tipple and gamble. II. noun ‹informal› an alcoholic drink. - origin late 15th cent. (in the sense 'sell (alcoholic drink) at retail'): back-formation from tippler1.

travesty

/ˈtravəstē/ I. noun a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something • the absurdly lenient sentence is a travesty of justice. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. represent in a false or distorted way • Michael has betrayed the family by travestying them in his plays. - origin mid 17th cent. (as an adjective in the sense 'dressed to appear ridiculous'): from French travesti 'disguised,' past participle of travestir, from Italian travestire, from trans-'across' + vestire 'clothe.'

tremolo

/ˈtreməˌlō/ I. noun 1. [Music] a wavering effect in a musical tone, typically produced by rapid reiteration of a note, or sometimes by rapid repeated variation in the pitch of a note or by sounding two notes of slightly different pitches to produce prominent overtones.

trenchant

/ˈtren(t)SHənt/ I. adjective 1. vigorous or incisive in expression or style • she heard angry voices, not loud, yet certainly trenchant. 2. ‹archaic› ‹literary› (of a weapon or tool) having a sharp edge • a trenchant blade.

trenchant

/ˈtren(t)SHənt/ I. adjective 1. vigorous or incisive in expression or style • she heard angry voices, not loud, yet certainly trenchant. 2. ‹archaic› ‹literary› (of a weapon or tool) having a sharp edge • a trenchant blade. - origin Middle English (sense 2): from Old French, literally 'cutting,' present participle of trenchier (see trench).

wickiup

/ˈwikēˌəp/ I. noun an American Indian hut consisting of an oval frame covered with brushwood or grass. - origin Fox 'house;' compare with wigwam.

troika

/ˈtroikə/ I. noun 1. a Russian vehicle pulled by a team of three horses abreast. 2. a team of three horses for a troika. 3. a group of three people working together, especially in an administrative or managerial capacity. - origin Russian, from troe 'set of three.'

troublous

/ˈtrəbləs/ I. adjective ‹archaic› ‹literary› full of difficulty or agitation • those were troublous times. - origin late Middle English: from Old French troubleus, from truble (see trouble).

truckle

/ˈtrəkəl/ I. noun a small barrel-shaped cheese, especially cheddar. - origin late Middle English (denoting a wheel or pulley): from Anglo-Norman French trocle, from Latin trochlea 'sheave of a pulley.' The current sense dates from the early 19th cent. and was originally dialect. truckle2 /ˈtrəkəl/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. submit or behave obsequiously • she despised her husband, who truckled to her. II. derivatives truckler /ˈtrək(ə)lər / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: figuratively, from truckle bed; an earlier use of the verb was in the sense sleep in a truckle bed.

trundle

/ˈtrəndl/ I. verb 1. (with reference to a wheeled vehicle or its occupants) move or cause to move slowly and heavily, typically in a noisy or uneven way [no obj.] • ten vintage cars trundled past • [with obj.] we trundled a wheelbarrow down to the river and collected driftwood. 2. [no obj.] — (of a person) move slowly or heavily • she could hear him coughing as he trundled out. II. noun — [in sing.] 1. an act of moving slowly or heavily.

torpor

/ˈtôrpər/ I. noun a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy • they veered between apathetic torpor and hysterical fanaticism. - origin late Middle English: from Latin, from torpere 'be numb or sluggish.'

tailing

/ˈtāliNG/ noun 1. (tailings) — the residue of something, especially ore. 2. the part of a beam or projecting brick or stone embedded in a wall.

Tophet

/ˈtōfət/ I. noun a term for hell. - origin late Middle English: from Hebrew tōp̱eṯ, the name of a place in the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem used for idolatrous worship, including the sacrifice of children (see Jer. 19:6), and later for burning refuse.

vincible

/ˈvinsəbəl/ I. adjective ‹literary› (of an opponent or obstacle) able to be overcome or conquered. II. derivatives vincibility /ˌvinsəˈbilətē / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin vincibilis, from vincere 'to overcome.'

visitant

/ˈvizədənt/ I. noun 1. ‹chiefly literary› a supernatural being or agency; an apparition. 2. ‹chiefly literary› ‹archaic› a visitor or guest. 3. ‹chiefly literary› [Ornithology] a visitor. II. adjective ‹archaic› ‹literary› paying a visit • the housekeeper was abrupt with the poor visitant niece. - origin late 16th cent.: from French, or from Latin visitant- 'going to see,' from the verb visitare (see visit).

Wanderjaur

/ˈvändərˌyär/ I. noun (chiefly N. Amer.) a year spent traveling abroad, typically immediately before or after a university or college course. - origin late 19th cent.: German, literally 'wander year.'

valence

/ˈvāləns/ I. noun 1. [Chemistry] the combining power of an element, especially as measured by the number of hydrogen atoms it can displace or combine with • carbon always has a valence of 4. 2. [as modifier] —[Chemistry] relating to or denoting electrons involved in or available for chemical bond formation • molecules with unpaired valence electrons. 3. [Chemistry] [Linguistics] the number of grammatical elements with which a particular word, especially a verb, combines in a sentence. - origin late Middle English: from late Latin valentia 'power, competence,' from valere 'be well or strong.'

vapor

/ˈvāpər / ‹Brit.› vapour I. noun 1. a substance diffused or suspended in the air, especially one normally liquid or solid • dense clouds of smoke and toxic vapor • chemical vapors. 2. [Physics] a gaseous substance that is below its critical temperature, and can therefore be liquefied by pressure alone. Compare with gas. 3. (the vapors) —‹dated› a sudden feeling of faintness or nervousness or a state of depression. II. verb —[no obj.] 1. talk in a vacuous, boasting, or pompous way

viga

/ˈvēɡə/ I. noun (US) a rough-hewn roof timber or rafter, especially in an adobe building. - origin Spanish.

votive

/ˈvōdiv/ I. adjective offered or consecrated in fulfillment of a vow • votive offerings. II. noun an object offered in fulfillment of a vow, such as a candle used as a vigil light. - origin late 16th cent.: from Latin votivus, from votum (see vote). The original sense was 'expressing a desire,' preserved in votive Mass.

votary

/ˈvōdərē/ I. noun 1. a person, such as a monk or nun, who has made vows of dedication to religious service. 2. a devoted follower, adherent, or advocate of someone or something

Vulgate

/ˈvəlˌɡāt ˈvəlɡət/ I. noun 1. the principal Latin version of the Bible, prepared mainly by St. Jerome in the late 4th century, and (as revised in 1592) adopted as the official text for the Roman Catholic Church. 2. (vulgate) — a commonly recognized text or edition, as of the Iliad. 3. [in sing.] (vulgate) — common or colloquial speech • I required a new, formal language in which to address him, not the vulgate. - origin from Latin vulgata (editio) '(edition) prepared for the public,' feminine past participle of vulgare, from vulgus 'common people.'

vermiform

/ˈvərməˌfôrm/ adjective [chiefly Zoology] [Anatomy] resembling or having the form of a worm.

wangle

/ˈwaNGɡəl / ‹informal› I. verb —[with obj.] 1. obtain (something that is desired) by persuading others to comply or by manipulating events • I wangled an invitation to her party • I think we should be able to wangle it so that you can start tomorrow. II. noun an act or an instance of obtaining something by persuasion or manipulation • they regarded the coalition as a wangle. III. derivatives wangler /ˈwaNG(ə)lər / noun

weiter

/ˈweltər/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. ‹literary› move in a turbulent fashion • the streams foam and welter. 2. ‹literary› lie steeped in blood with no help or care. II. noun 1. a large number of items in no order; a confused mass • there's such a welter of conflicting rules. 2. a state of general disorder • the attack petered out in a welter of bloody, confused fighting. - origin Middle English (in the sense 'writhe, wallow'): from Middle Dutch and Middle Low German welteren.

wastrel

/ˈwāstrəl/ I. noun 1. ‹literary› a wasteful or good-for-nothing person. 2. ‹archaic› a waif; a neglected child. - origin late 16th cent. (denoting a strip of wasteland): from the verb waste + -rel.

waylay

/ˈwāˌlā/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. stop or interrupt (someone) and detain them in conversation or trouble them in some other way • he waylaid me on the stairs.

yammer

/ˈyamər/ I. noun ‹informal› ‹dialect› loud and sustained or repetitive noise • the yammer of their animated conversation • the yammer of enemy fire. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹informal› ‹dialect› make a loud repetitive noise. 2. ‹informal› ‹dialect› talk volubly. III. derivatives yammerer noun - origin late Middle English (as a verb meaning 'lament, cry out'): alteration of earlier yomer (from Old English geōmrian 'to lament') suggested by Middle Dutch jammeren.

Yiddish

/ˈyidiSH/ I. noun a language used by Jews in central and eastern Europe before the Holocaust. It was originally a German dialect with words from Hebrew and several modern languages and is today spoken mainly in the US, Israel, and Russia. II. adjective relating to Yiddish. - origin late 19th cent.: from Yiddish yidish (daytsh) 'Jewish German.'

yearling

/ˈyirliNG/ I. noun 1. an animal (especially a sheep, calf, or foal) a year old, or in its second year. 2. a racehorse in the calendar year after its year of foaling. II. adjective—[attrib.] 1. having lived or existed for a year; a year old • a yearling calf. 2. of or relating to something that is a year old • the yearling market.

Zelig

/ˈzeliɡ/ I. noun (N. Amer.) a person who is able to change their appearance, behavior, or attitudes, so as to be comfortable in any situation • a financial Zelig, he was the only man to advise all four of the major networks on deals in one year. - origin 1980s: from the name of Leonard Zelig, the chameleonic subject of Woody Allen's film Zelig (1983).

zygote

/ˈzīˌɡōt/ I. noun [Biology] a diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes; a fertilized ovum. II. derivatives zygotic /zīˈɡätik / adjective - origin late 19th cent.: from Greek zugōtos 'yoked,' from zugoun 'to yoke.'

ossuary

/ˈäSHəˌwerē ˈäs(y)əˌwerē/ I. noun a container or room into which the bones of dead people are placed. - origin mid 17th cent.: from late Latin ossuarium, formed irregularly from Latin os, oss- 'bone.'

obloquy

/ˈäbləkwē/ I. noun 1. strong public criticism or verbal abuse • he endured years of contempt and obloquy. 2. disgrace, especially that brought about by public abuse • conduct to which no more obloquy could reasonably attach. II. derivatives 1. obloquial /äbˈlōkwēəl / adjective 2. obloquious /äbˈlōkwēəs / adjective - origin late Middle English: from late Latin obloquium 'contradiction,' from Latin obloqui, from ob-'against' + loqui 'speak.'

obsequies

/ˈäbsəkwēz/ I. plural noun funeral rites. - origin late Middle English: plural of obsolete obsequy, from Anglo-Norman French obsequie, from the medieval Latin plural obsequiae (from Latin exsequiae 'funeral rites,' influenced by obsequium 'dutiful service').

obviate

/ˈäbvēˌāt/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. remove (a need or difficulty) • the Venetian blinds obviated the need for curtains. 2. avoid; prevent • a parachute can be used to obviate disaster.

obviate

/ˈäbvēˌāt/ I. verb — [with obj.] 1. remove (a need or difficulty) • the Venetian blinds obviated the need for curtains. 2. avoid; prevent • a parachute can be used to obviate disaster. II. derivatives 1. obviation /äbvēˈāSHən / noun 2. obviator /-ˌātər / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from late Latin obviat- 'prevented,' from the verb obviare, based on

oddment

/ˈädmənt/ noun — (usu. oddments) 1. a remnant or part of something, typically left over from a larger piece or set • a quilt made from oddments of silk.

entrepôt

/ˈäntrəˌpō/ I. noun a port, city, or other center to which goods are brought for import and export, and for collection and distribution. - origin early 18th cent.: French, from entreposer 'to store,' from entre 'among' + poser 'to place.'

arbitrary

/ˈärbəˌtrerē/ I. adjective 1. based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system • his mealtimes were entirely arbitrary. 2. (of power or a ruling body) unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority • arbitrary rule by King and bishops has been made impossible. 3. [Mathematics] (of a constant or other quantity) of unspecified value. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'dependent on one's will or pleasure, discretionary'): from Latin arbitrarius, from arbiter 'judge, supreme ruler,' perhaps influenced by French arbitraire.

archetype

/ˈärkəˌtīp/ I. noun 1. a very typical example of a certain person or thing • the book is a perfect archetype of the genre. 2. an original that has been imitated • the archetype of faith is Abraham. 3. a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology • mythological archetypes of good and evil. 4. [Psychoanalysis] (in Jungian psychology) a primitive mental image inherited from the earliest human ancestors, and supposed to be present in the collective unconscious.

artless

/ˈärtləs/ I. adjective 1. without guile or deception • an artless, naive girl • artless sincerity. 2. without effort or pretentiousness; natural and simple • an artless literary masterpiece. 3. without skill or finesse • her awkward, artless prose.

argosy

/ˈärɡəsē/ I. noun ‹literary› a large merchant ship, originally one from Ragusa (now Dubrovnik) or Venice. - origin late 16th cent.: apparently from Italian Ragusea (nave) '(vessel) of Ragusa' (see Ragusa).

osnaburg

/ˈäznəˌbərɡ/ I. noun a kind of coarse, heavy linen or cotton used for such items as furnishings and sacks. - origin late Middle English: alteration of Osnabrück, where the cloth was originally produced.

gambol

/ˈɡambəl/ I. verb — [no obj.] 1. run or jump about playfully • the mare gamboled toward Connie. II. noun — [usu. in sing.] 1. an act of running or jumping about playfully. - origin early 16th cent.: alteration of obsolete gambade, via French from Italian gambata 'trip up,' from gamba 'leg.'

agency

/ˈājənsē/ I. noun 1. [often with adj. or noun modifier]—a business or organization established to provide a particular service, typically one that involves organizing transactions between two other parties • an advertising agency • aid agencies. 2. a department or body providing a specific service for a government or similar organization • the Environmental Protection Agency. 3. [Law] the office or function of an agent • a contract of agency. 4. action or intervention, especially such as to produce a particular effect • canals carved by the agency of running water • a belief in various forms of supernatural agency. 5. a thing or person that acts to produce a particular result • the movies could be an agency molding the values of the public.- origin mid 17th cent.: from medieval Latin agentia, from agent-'doing' (see agent).

ague

/ˈāˌɡyo͞o/ I. noun 1. ‹archaic› malaria or some other illness involving fever and shivering. 2. ‹archaic› a fever or shivering fit. II. derivatives 1. agued /ˈāˌɡyo͞od / adjective 2. aguish adjective - origin Middle English: via Old French from medieval Latin acuta (febris) 'acute (fever).'

ego

/ˈēɡō/ I. noun 1. a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance • a boost to my ego. 2. [Psychoanalysis] the part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and the unconscious and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity. Compare with id and superego. 3. [Philosophy] (in metaphysics) a conscious thinking subject. II. derivatives egoless adjective - origin early 19th cent.: from Latin, literally 'I.'

idle

/ˈīdl/ I. adjective 1. (especially of a machine or factory) not active or in use • assembly lines standing idle for lack of spare parts. 2. (of a person) not working; unemployed. 3. (of a person) avoiding work; lazy. 4. [attrib.] —(of time) characterized by inaction or absence of significant activity • at no time in the day must there be an idle moment. 5. (of money) held in cash or in accounts paying no interest. 6. without purpose or effect; pointless • he did not want to waste valuable time in idle chatter. 7. (especially of a threat or boast) without foundation • I knew Ellen did not make idle threats. II. verb —[no obj.] 1. (of a person) spend time doing nothing; be idle • four men were idling outside the shop. 2. move aimlessly or lazily • Cal idled past MetroHealth at a stately pace. 3. (of an engine) run slowly while disconnected from a load or out of gear • the car is noisily idling in the street. 4. [with obj.] —cause (an engine) to idle. 5. [with obj.] —(N. Amer.) take out of use or employment • he will close the newspaper, idling 2,200 workers. III. phrasal verbs idle something away spend one's time doing nothing or very little. IV. derivatives idleness /ˈīdlnəs / noun - origin Old English īdel 'empty, useless'; related to Dutch ijdel 'vain, frivolous, useless' and German eitel 'bare, worthless.'

idyll

/ˈīdl/ I. noun 1. an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustainable one • the rural idyll remains strongly evocative in most industrialized societies. 2. a short description in verse or prose of a picturesque scene or incident, especially in rustic life. - origin late 16th cent. (in the Latin form): from Latin idyllium, from Greek eidullion, diminutive of eidos 'form, picture.'

ideologue

/ˈīdēəˌlôɡ ˈidēəˌlôɡ/ I. noun an adherent of an ideology, especially one who is uncompromising and dogmatic • a conservative ideologue. - origin early 19th cent.: from French idéologue; see also ideology.

ilex

/ˈīˌleks/ I. noun 1. another term for holm oak. 2. a tree or shrub of a genus that includes holly and its relatives. [Genus Ilex, family Aquifoliaceae.] - origin late Middle English: from Latin, 'holm oak.'

odium

/ˈōdēəm/ I. noun general or widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions • his job had made him the target of public hostility and odium. - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin, 'hatred,' from the verb stem od-'hate.'

odious

/ˈōdēəs/ I. adjective extremely unpleasant; repulsive. II. derivatives 1. odiously /ˈōdēəslē / adverb 2. odiousness /ˈōdēəsnəs / noun - origin late Middle English: from Old French odieus, from Latin odiosus, from odium 'hatred.'

unctuous

/ˈəNG(k)(t)SH(o͞o)əs/ I. adjective 1. (of a person) excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily • he seemed anxious to please but not in an unctuous way. 2. (chiefly of minerals) having a greasy or soapy feel. II. derivatives 1. unctuously /ˈəNG(k)(t)SHo͞oəslē / adverb 2. unctuousness /ˈəNG(k)(t)SHo͞oəsnəs / noun - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'greasy'): from medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus 'anointing,' from unguere 'anoint.'

unguent

/ˈəNGɡwənt/ I. noun a soft greasy or viscous substance used as an ointment or for lubrication. - origin late Middle English: from Latin unguentum, from unguere 'anoint.'

umbrage

/ˈəmbrij/ I. noun 1. offense or annoyance • she took umbrage at his remarks. 2. ‹archaic› shade or shadow, especially as cast by trees.

upshot

/ˈəpˌSHät/ noun —[in sing.] 1. the final or eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or series of events • the upshot of the meeting was that he was on the next plane to New York.

ermine

/ˈərmən/ I. noun 1. a stoat, especially when in its white winter coat. 2. the white fur of the stoat, used for trimming garments, especially the ceremonial robes of judges or peers.

erstwhile

/ˈərstˌ(h)wīl/ I. adjective — [attrib.] 1. former • his erstwhile rivals. II. adverb ‹archaic› formerly • Mary Anderson, erstwhile the queen of America's stage.

erstwhile

/ˈərstˌ(h)wīl/ I. adjective —[attrib.] 1. former • his erstwhile rivals. II. adverb ‹archaic› formerly • Mary Anderson, erstwhile the queen of America's stage.

oeuvre

/ˈəvrə ˈo͞ovrə/ I. noun 1. the works of a painter, composer, or author regarded collectively • the complete oeuvre of Mozart. 2. a work of art, music, or literature • an early oeuvre. - origin late 19th cent.: French, literally 'work.'

gadfly

/ˈɡadˌflī/ I. noun 1. a fly that bites livestock, especially a horsefly, warble fly, or botfly. 2. an annoying person, especially one who provokes others into action by criticism. - origin late 16th cent.: from gad, or obsolete gad 'goad, spike,' from Old Norse gaddr, of Germanic origin; related to yard1.

gamete

/ˈɡamˌēt ɡəˈmēt/ I. noun [Biology] a mature haploid male or female germ cell that is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote. II. derivatives gametic /ɡəˈmetik / adjective - origin late 19th cent.: from modern Latin gameta, from Greek gametē 'wife,' gametēs 'husband,' from gamos 'marriage.'

gastrula

/ˈɡastrələ/ I. noun [Embryology] an embryo at the stage following the blastula, when it is a hollow cup-shaped structure having three layers of cells. II. derivatives gastrulation /ˌɡastrəˈlāSH(ə)n / noun - origin late 19th cent.: modern Latin, from Greek gastēr, gastr- 'stomach' + the Latin diminutive ending -ula.

garrulous

/ˈɡer(y)ələs/ I. adjective excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters • Polonius is portrayed as a foolish, garrulous old man. II. derivatives 1. garrulously /ˈɡer(y)ələslē / adverb 2. garrulousness /ˈɡer(y)ələsnəs / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin garrulus (from garrire 'to chatter, prattle') + -ous.

garish

/ˈɡeriSH/ I. adjective obtrusively bright and showy; lurid • garish shirts in all sorts of colors. II. derivatives 1. garishly /ˈɡerəSHlē / adverb 2. garishness /ˈɡeriSHnəs / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: of unknown origin.

garret

/ˈɡerət/ I. noun a top-floor or attic room, especially a small dismal one (traditionally inhabited by an artist). - origin Middle English (in the sense 'watchtower'): from Old French garite, from garir (see garrison).

gibbous

/ˈɡibəs ˈjibəs/ I. adjective 1. (of the moon) having the observable illuminated part greater than a semicircle and less than a circle. 2. convex or protuberant • gibbous eyes.

glandular

/ˈɡlanjələr/ I. adjective of, relating to, or affecting a gland or glands. - origin mid 18th cent.: from French glandulaire, from glandule 'gland,' from Latin glandulae (see gland1).

glabrous

/ˈɡlābrəs/ I. adjective ‹technical› (chiefly of the skin or a leaf) free from hair or down; smooth. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin glaber, glabr- 'hairless, smooth' + -ous.

glia

/ˈɡlēə ˈɡlīə/ I. noun [Anatomy] the connective tissue of the nervous system, consisting of several different types of cell associated with neurons. Also called neuroglia. II. derivatives glial adjective - origin late 19th cent.: from Greek, literally 'glue.'

gloaming

/ˈɡlōmiNG/ I. noun — (the gloaming) 1. ‹literary› twilight; dusk. - origin Old English glōmung, from glōm 'twilight,' of Germanic origin; related to glow.

groundsel

/ˈɡroun(d)səl/ I. noun 1. a widely distributed plant of the daisy family, with yellow rayless flowers. [Genus Senecio, family Compositae: several species, in particular the common groundsel (S. vulgaris), which is a common weed.

groundling

/ˈɡroundliNG/ I. noun 1. a spectator or reader of inferior taste, such as a member of a theater audience who traditionally stood in the pit below the stage • Dante is not for groundlings. [with reference to Shakespeare's Hamlet III. ii. 11.] 2. a person on the ground as opposed to one in a spacecraft or aircraft.

gewgaw

/ˈɡyo͞oɡô/ I. noun—(usu. gewgaws) 1. a showy thing, especially one that is useless or worthless.- origin Middle English: of unknown origin.

Gothic

/ˈɡäTHik/ I. adjective 1. of or relating to the Goths or their extinct East Germanic language, which provides the earliest manuscript evidence of any Germanic language (4th-6th centuries AD). 2. of or in the style of architecture prevalent in western Europe in the 12th-16th centuries, characterized by pointed arches, rib vaults, and flying buttresses, together with large windows and elaborate tracery. 3. (also Gothick) —‹pseudoarchaic› belonging to or redolent of the Dark Ages; portentously gloomy or horrifying • 19th-century Gothic horror. 4. (of lettering) of or derived from the angular style of handwriting with broad vertical downstrokes used in western Europe from the 13th century, including Fraktur and black-letter typefaces. 5. (gothic) —of or relating to goths or their rock music. II. noun 1. the language of the Goths. 2. the Gothic style of architecture. 3. Gothic type. III. derivatives 1. Gothically /ˈɡäTHək(ə)lē / adverb 2. Gothicism /ˈɡäTHəˌsizəm / noun - origin from French gothique or late Latin gothicus, from Gothi (see Goth). It was used in the 17th and 18th centuries to mean 'not classical' (i.e., not Greek or Roman), and hence to refer to medieval architecture that did not follow classical models (sense 2 of the adjective) and a typeface based on medieval handwriting (sense 4 of the adjective).

gobbet

/ˈɡäbət/ I. noun a piece or lump of flesh, food, or other matter • they lobbed gobbets of fresh bonito off the side of the boat. - origin Middle English: from Old French gobet, diminutive of gobe (see gob2).

gumption

/ˈɡəmpSH(ə)n/ I. noun ‹informal› shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness • she had the gumption to put her foot down and head Dan off from those crazy schemes. - origin early 18th cent. (originally Scots): of unknown origin.

gunwale

/ˈɡənl / gunnel I. noun — (often gunwales) 1. the upper edge of the side of a boat or ship. II. phrases to the gunwales ‹informal› so as to be almost overflowing • the car is stuffed to the gunwales with camera equipment. - origin late Middle English: from gun + wale (because it was formerly used to support guns).

Guernsey

/ˈɡərnzē/ an island in the English Channel, northwest of Jersey; pop. 65,900 (est. 2009); capital, St. Peter Port.. noun 1. an animal of a breed of dairy cattle from Guernsey, noted for producing rich, creamy milk. 2. (guernsey) — a thick sweater made with oiled navy blue wool and originally worn by fishermen.

fifth column

/ˈˌfi(f)TH ˈkäləm/ I. noun a group within a country at war who are sympathetic to or working for its enemies. II. derivatives fifth columnist /ˈˌfi(f)TH ˈkäləmnəst / noun - origin The term dates from the Spanish Civil War, when General Mola, leading four columns of troops toward Madrid, declared that he had a fifth column inside the city.

self-effacing

/ˈˌself əˈfāsiNG/ I. adjective not claiming attention for oneself; retiring and modest • his demeanor was self-effacing, gracious, and polite. II. derivatives 1. self-effacement /ˈˌself əˈfāsmənt / noun 2. self-effacingly adverb

abolition

/ˌabəˈliSH(ə)n/ I. noun the action or an act of abolishing a system, practice, or institution • the abolition of child labor. - origin early 16th cent.: from Latin abolitio(n-), from abolere 'destroy.'

ad hominem

/ˌad ˈhämənəm/ I. adverb, adjective 1. (of an argument or reaction) directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining [as adj.] • vicious ad hominem attacks. 2. relating to or associated with a particular person [as adv.] • the office was created ad hominem for Fenton. - origin Latin, literally 'to the person.'

adamantine

/ˌadəˈmanˌtēn ˌadəˈmanˌtīn/ adjective ‹literary› unbreakable • adamantine chains • ‹figurative› her adamantine will.

atavistic

/ˌadəˈvistik/ I. adjective relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral • atavistic fears and instincts. II. derivatives 1. atavism /ˈadəˌvizəm / noun 2. atavistically /-tik(ə)lē / adverb - origin late 19th cent.: based on Latin atavus 'forefather,' via French atavisme, + -ic.

alameda

/ˌaləˈmādə/ I. noun (in Spain and Spanish-speaking regions) a public walkway or promenade shaded with trees. - origin late 18th cent.: Spanish, from álamo 'cottonwood' + -eda 'grove' from Latin -etum (see -etum).

antediluvian

/ˌan(t)ēdəˈlo͞ovēən/ I. adjective — [attrib.] 1. of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood • gigantic bones of antediluvian animals. 2. ‹chiefly humorous› ridiculously old-fashioned • they maintain antediluvian sex-role stereotypes. - origin mid 17th cent.: from ante- + Latin diluvium 'deluge' + -an.

antecedent

/ˌan(t)əˈsēdnt/ I. noun 1. a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another • some antecedents to the African novel might exist in Africa's oral traditions. 2. (antecedents) — a person's ancestors or family and social background • her early life and antecedents have been traced. 3. [Grammar] a word, phrase, clause, or sentence to which another word (especially a following relative pronoun) refers. 4. [Logic] the statement contained in the "if" clause of a conditional proposition. 5. [Mathematics] the first term in a ratio. II. adjective 1. preceding in time or order; previous or preexisting

ingénue

/ˌanjəˈno͞o ˈänjəˌno͞o/ I. noun 1. an innocent or unsophisticated young woman. 2. a part of an ingénue in a play. 3. an actress who plays an ingénue. - origin French, feminine of ingénu 'ingenuous,' from Latin ingenuus (see ingenuous).

anaphylaxis

/ˌanəfəˈlaksəs/ I. noun [Medicine] an acute allergic reaction to an antigen (e.g., a bee sting) to which the body has become hypersensitive. - origin early 20th cent.: modern Latin, from Greek ana- 'again' + phulaxis 'guarding.'

anaclitic

/ˌanəˈklidik/ I. adjective [Psychoanalysis] relating to or characterized by a strong emotional dependence on another or others • anaclitic depression. - origin 1920s: from Greek anaklitos 'for reclining,' from anaklinein 'recline.'

apprehend

/ˌaprəˈhend/ I. verb —[with obj.] 1. arrest (someone) for a crime • a warrant was issued but he has not been apprehended. 2. understand or perceive • great art invites us to apprehend beauty. 3. ‹archaic› anticipate (something) with uneasiness or fear. - origin late Middle English (originally in the sense 'grasp, get hold of (physically or mentally)'): from French appréhender or Latin apprehendere, from ad-'toward' + prehendere 'lay hold of.'

apropos

/ˌaprəˈpō/ I. preposition with reference to; concerning • she remarked apropos of the initiative, "It's not going to stop the abuse." II. adverb —[sentence adverb] (apropos of nothing) 1. used to state a speaker's belief that someone's comments or acts are unrelated to any previous discussion or situation • Isabel kept smiling apropos of nothing. III. adjective —[predic.] 1. very appropriate to a particular situation • the composer's reference to child's play is apropos. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French à propos '(with regard) to (this) purpose.'

assignation

/ˌasiɡˈnāSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. an appointment to meet someone in secret, typically one made by lovers • his assignation with an older woman. 2. the allocation or attribution of someone or something as belonging to something. - origin late Middle English (in the senses 'command, appointment to office, or allotment of revenue'): via Old French from Latin assignatio(n-), from the verb assignare (see assign).

assiduity

/ˌasəˈd(y)o͞oədē/ I. noun 1. constant or close attention to what one is doing • the assiduity with which he could wear down his opponents. 2. (assiduities) — ‹archaic› ‹literary› constant attentions to someone. - origin late Middle English: from Latin assiduitas, from assiduus 'occupied with' (see assiduous).

acetabulum

/ˌasəˈtabyələm/ I. noun 1. [Anatomy] the socket of the hipbone, into which the head of the femur fits. 2. [Anatomy] [Zoology] any cup-shaped structure, especially a sucker. II. derivatives acetabular adjective - origin late Middle English (denoting a vinegar cup, hence a cup-shaped cavity): from Latin, from acetum

avant-garde

/ˌaväntˈɡärd/ I. noun —(usu. the avant-garde) 1. new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them • works by artists of the Russian avant-garde. II. adjective favoring or introducing experimental or unusual ideas • a controversial avant-garde composer. III. derivatives 1. avant-gardism /ˌäˌvänˈɡärˌdizəm / noun 2. avant-gardist /ˌäˌvänˈɡärdəst / noun - origin late Middle English (denoting the vanguard of an army): from French, literally 'vanguard.' Current senses date from the early 20th cent.

avocation

/ˌavəˈkāSH(ə)n/ I. noun a hobby or minor occupation. II. derivatives avocational /-SHənl / adjective - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin avocatio(n-), from avocare 'call away,' from ab-'from' + vocare 'to call.'

avaricious

/ˌavəˈriSHəs/ I. adjective having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or material gain • a corrupt and avaricious government. II. derivatives 1. avariciously adverb 2. avariciousness noun - origin late Middle English: from Old French avaricieux, based on Latin avarus 'greedy' (see avarice).

Brobdingnagian

/ˌbräbdiNGˈnaɡēən/ I. adjective gigantic. II. noun a giant. - origin early 18th cent.: from Brobdingnag, the name given by Swift (in Gulliver's Travels) to a land where everything is of huge size, + -ian.

depredation

/ˌdeprəˈdāSHən/ I. noun —(usu. depredations) 1. an act of attacking or plundering • protecting grain from the depredations of rats and mice. - origin late 15th cent. (in the sense 'plundering, robbery,' (plural) 'ravages'): from French déprédation, from late Latin depraedatio(n-), from depraedari 'plunder.'

dilettante

/ˌdiləˈtänt diləˈtäntē/ I. noun 1. a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge [as modifier] • a dilettante approach to science. 2. ‹archaic› a person with an amateur interest in the arts. II. derivatives 1. dilettantish /ˌdiləˈtäntiSH / adjective 2. dilettantism /ˌdiləˈtänˌtizəm / noun - origin mid 18th cent.: from Italian, 'person loving the arts,' from dilettare 'to delight,' from Latin delectare.

diminution

/ˌdiməˈn(y)o͞oSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. a reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something • a permanent diminution in value • the disease shows no signs of diminution. 2. [Music] the shortening of the time values of notes in a melodic part. - origin Middle English: via Old French from Latin deminutio(n-), from the verb

disquisition

/ˌdiskwəˈziSHən/ I. noun a long or elaborate essay or discussion on a particular subject • nothing can kill a radio show quicker than a disquisition on intertextual analysis. II. derivatives disquisitional /-SHənl / adjective ( — ‹archaic› - origin late 15th cent.: via French from Latin disquisitio(n-) 'investigation,' based on quaerere 'seek.' The original sense was 'topic for investigation,' whence 'discourse in which a subject is investigated' (mid 17th cent).

dispensation

/ˌdispənˈsāSH(ə)n ˌdispenˈsāSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. exemption from a rule or usual requirement • although she was too young, she was given special dispensation to play two matches • they were given a dispensation to take most of the first week off. 2. permission to be exempted from the laws or observances of a church • he received papal dispensation to hold a number of benefices. 3. a system of order, government, or organization of a nation, community, etc., especially as existing at a particular time • scholarship is conveyed to a wider audience than under the old dispensation.

dispensation

/ˌdispənˈsāSH(ə)n ˌdispenˈsāSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. exemption from a rule or usual requirement • although she was too young, she was given special dispensation to play two matches • they were given a dispensation to take most of the first week off. 2. permission to be exempted from the laws or observances of a church • he received papal dispensation to hold a number of benefices. 3. a system of order, government, or organization of a nation, community, etc., especially as existing at a particular time • scholarship is conveyed to a wider audience than under the old dispensation. 4. (in Christian theology) a divinely ordained order prevailing at a particular period of history • the Mosaic dispensation. 5. ‹archaic› an act of divine providence • the laws to which the creator in all his dispensations conforms. 6. the action of distributing or supplying something • regulations controlling dispensation of medications. II. derivatives dispensational /-SHənl / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Latin dispensatio(n-), from the verb dispensare (see dispense).

disposition

/ˌdispəˈziSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. a person's inherent qualities of mind and character • a sweet-natured girl of a placid disposition. 2. [often with infinitive] —an inclination or tendency • the cattle showed a decided disposition to run • the judge's disposition toward clemency. 3. the way in which something is placed or arranged, especially in relation to other things • the plan need not be accurate so long as it shows the disposition of the rooms. 4. the action of arranging or ordering people or things in a particular way • the prerogative gives the state widespread powers regarding the disposition and control of the armed forces. 5. (dispositions) —military preparations, in particular the stationing of troops ready for attack or defense • the new strategic dispositions of our forces. 6. [Law] the action of distributing or transferring property or money to someone, in particular by bequest • this is a tax that affects the disposition of assets on death. 7. the power to deal with something as one pleases • if Napoleon had had railroads at his disposition, he would have been invincible. 8. ‹archaic› the determination of events, especially by divine power. - origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin dispositio(n-), from disponere 'arrange' (see dispose).

dissipation

/ˌdisəˈpāSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. dissipated living • a descent into drunkenness and sexual dissipation. 2. squandering of money, energy, or resources • the dissipation of the country's mineral wealth. 3. [Physics] loss of energy, especially by its conversion into heat.

dissipation

/ˌdisəˈpāSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. dissipated living • a descent into drunkenness and sexual dissipation. 2. squandering of money, energy, or resources • the dissipation of the country's mineral wealth. 3. [Physics] loss of energy, especially by its conversion into heat. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'complete disintegration'):

dissipation

/ˌdisəˈpāSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. dissipated living • a descent into drunkenness and sexual dissipation. 2. squandering of money, energy, or resources • the dissipation of the country's mineral wealth. 3. [Physics] loss of energy, especially by its conversion into heat. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'complete disintegration'): from Latin dissipatio(n-), from the verb dissipare

disconsolate

/ˌdisˈkäns(ə)lət/ I. adjective 1. without consolation or comfort; unhappy • he'd met the man's disconsolate widow. 2. (of a place or thing) causing or showing a complete lack of comfort; cheerless • solitary, disconsolate clumps of cattails.

disconsulate

/ˌdisˈkäns(ə)lət/ I. adjective 1. without consolation or comfort; unhappy • he'd met the man's disconsolate widow. 2. (of a place or thing) causing or showing a complete lack of comfort; cheerless • solitary, disconsolate clumps of cattails. II. derivatives 1. disconsolately /disˈkäns(ə)lətlē / adverb 2. disconsolateness noun 3. disconsolation /-ˌkänsəˈlāSHən / noun - origin late Middle English: from medieval Latin disconsolatus, from dis-(expressing reversal) + Latin consolatus (past participle of consolari 'to console').

dramatis personae

/ˌdramədəs pərˈsōnē ˌdramədəs pərˈsōnī/ I. plural noun —[treated as sing. or pl.] 1. the characters of a play, novel, or narrative. - origin mid 18th cent.: Latin, literally 'persons of the drama.'

declasse

/ˌdākläˈsā / déclassée I. adjective having fallen in social status • his parents were poor and déclassé.- origin late 19th cent.: French, 'removed from one's class, degraded,' past participle of déclasser.

deus ex machina

/ˌdāəs ˌeks ˈmäkənə ˌdāəs ˌeks ˈmäakənə/ I. noun an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation, especially as a contrived plot device in a play or novel. - origin late 17th cent.: modern Latin, translation of Greek theos ek mēkhanēs, 'god from the machinery.' In Greek theater, actors representing gods were suspended above the stage, the denouement of the play being brought about by their intervention.

deglutition

/ˌdēɡlo͞oˈtiSH(ə)n/ I. noun ‹technical› the action or process of swallowing. II. derivatives deglutitive /dēˈɡlo͞otətiv / adjective - origin mid 17th cent.: from French déglutition or modern Latin deglutitio(n-), from deglutire 'swallow down.'

diamantine

/ˌdīəˈmanˌtīn, ˈdīəˌman-,-ˌtēn/ I. adjective made from or reminiscent of diamonds.- origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'hard as diamond'): from French diamantin, from diamant 'diamond.'

diastole

/ˌdīˈastlē/ I. noun [Physiology] the phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. Often contrasted with systole. II. derivatives diastolic /dīəˈstälik / adjective - origin late 16th cent.: via late Latin from Greek, 'separation, expansion,' from diastellein, from dia

de rigueur

/ˌdə riˈɡər də rēˈɡər/ I. adjective required by etiquette or current fashion • it was de rigueur for bands to grow their hair long. - origin mid 19th cent.: French, literally 'in strictness.'

effloresce

/ˌefləˈres/ I. verb 1. [no obj.] —(of a substance) lose moisture and turn to a fine powder upon exposure to air. 2. (of salts) come to the surface of brickwork, rock, or other material and crystallize there. 3. (of a surface) become covered with salt particles. 4. reach an optimum stage of development; blossom • simple concepts that effloresce into testable conclusions. II. derivatives 1. efflorescence /ˌefləˈresns / noun 2. efflorescent /ˌefləˈres(ə)nt / adjective - origin late 18th cent.: from Latin efflorescere, from e-(variant of ex-) 'out' + florescere 'begin to bloom' (from florere 'to bloom,' from flos, flor-'flower').

ex cathedra

/ˌeks kəˈTHēdrə/ I. adverb, adjective with the full authority of office (especially of the pope's infallibility as defined in Roman Catholic doctrine) [as adv.] • for an encyclical to be infallible the pope must speak ex cathedra. - origin early 19th cent.: Latin, 'from the (teacher's) chair,' from ex 'from' and cathedra 'seat' (from Greek kathedra).

explication

/ˌekspləˈkāSH(ə)n/ noun 1. the process of analyzing and developing an idea or principle in detail • this term is meaningless without further explication and analysis • his explications of scientific concepts. 2. the process of analyzing a literary work in order to reveal its meaning • careful reading and explication of classical texts.

exegesis

/ˌeksəˈjēsis/ I. noun critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture • the task of biblical exegesis • a close exegesis of the plot. II. derivatives 1. exegetic /-ˈjetik / adjective 2. exegetical /ˌeksəˈjedək(ə)l / adjective - origin early 17th cent.: from Greek exēgēsis, from exēgeisthai 'interpret,' from ex-'out of' + hēgeisthai 'to guide, lead.'

equanimity

/ˌekwəˈnimədē/ I. noun mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation • she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity. II. derivatives equanimous /əˈkwänəməs / adjective - origin early 17th cent. (also in the sense 'fairness, impartiality'): from Latin aequanimitas, from aequus 'equal' + animus 'mind.'

ecumenical

/ˌekyəˈmenək(ə)l/ I. adjective 1. representing a number of different Christian churches. 2. promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches • ecumenical dialogue. II. derivatives ecumenically adverb - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'belonging to the universal Church'): via late Latin from Greek oikoumenikos, from oikoumenē 'the (inhabited) earth.'

epithelial

/ˌepəˈTHēlēəl/ adjective [Anatomy] relating to or denoting the thin tissue forming the outer layer of a body's surface and lining the alimentary canal and other hollow structures • the epithelial cells lining the gut • ovarian epithelial tumors.

epithelium

/ˌepəˈTHēlēəm/ I. noun 1. [Anatomy] the thin tissue forming the outer layer of a body's surface and lining the alimentary canal and other hollow structures. 2. [Anatomy] the part of the epithelium derived from embryonic ectoderm and endoderm, as distinct from endothelium and mesothelium. - origin mid 18th cent.: modern Latin, from epi-'above' + Greek thēlē 'teat.'

epididymis

/ˌepəˈdidəməs/ I. noun [Anatomy] a highly convoluted duct behind the testis, along which sperm passes to the vas deferens. II. derivatives epididymal /-məl / adjective - origin early 17th cent.: from Greek epididumis, from epi 'upon' + didumos 'testicle' (from duo 'two').

epistemic

/ˌepəˈstemik, ˌepəˈstēmik/ I. adjective of or relating to knowledge or to the degree of its validation. II. derivatives epistemically /-(ə)lē / adverb - origin 1920s: from Greek epistēmē 'knowledge' (see epistemology) + -ic.

erudition

/ˌer(y)o͝oˈdiSH(ə)n/ noun the quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarship • he was known for his wit, erudition, and teaching skills.

Ayers Rock

/ˌerz ˈräk/ a red rock mass in Northern Territory, Australia, southwest of Alice Springs. The largest monolith in the world, it is 1,143 feet (348 m) high and about 6 miles (9 km) in circumference. Aboriginal name Uluru.

esoteric

/ˌesəˈterik/ I. adjective intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest

evanescent

/ˌevəˈnes(ə)nt/ I. adjective 1. ‹chiefly literary› soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing • a shimmering evanescent bubble. 2. ‹chiefly literary› [Physics] denoting a field or wave that extends into a region where it cannot propagate and whose amplitude therefore decreases with distance.

fin de siecle

/ˌfaN də ˈsyeklə/ I. adjective 1. relating to or characteristic of the end of a century, especially the 19th century • fin-de-siècle art. 2. decadent • there was a fin-de-siècle air in the club last night. II. noun the end of a century, especially the 19th century. - origin French, 'end of century.'

phantasmagoria

/ˌfanˌtazməˈɡôrēə/ I. noun a sequence of real or imaginary images like those seen in a dream • what happened next was a phantasmagoria of horror and mystery. II. derivatives 1. phantasmagoric /fanˌtazməˈɡôrik / adjective 2. phantasmagorical /ɡôrikəl / adjective - origin early 19th cent. (originally the name of a London exhibition (1802) of optical illusions produced chiefly by magic lantern): probably from French fantasmagorie, from fantasme 'phantasm' + a fanciful suffix.

fontanel

/ˌfäntnˈel / fontanelle I. noun a space between the bones of the skull in an infant or fetus, where ossification is not complete and the sutures not fully formed. The main one is between the frontal and parietal bones. - origin mid 16th cent. (denoting a hollow of the skin between muscles): from French, from modern Latin fontanella, from an Old French diminutive of fontaine (see fountain). The current sense dates from the mid 18th cent.

hippocampus

/ˌhipəˈkampəs/ I. noun [Anatomy] the elongated ridges on the floor of each lateral ventricle of the brain, thought to be the center of emotion, memory, and the autonomic nervous system. - origin late 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek hippokampos, from hippos 'horse' + kampos 'sea monster.'

jiggled-piggledy

/ˌhiɡəldēˈpiɡəldē/ I. adverb, adjective in confusion or disorder [as adv.] • bits of paper hanging higgledy-piggledy on the furniture and walls • [as adj.] a higgledy-piggledy mountain of newspapers. - origin late 16th cent.: rhyming jingle, probably with reference to the irregular herding together of pigs.

holothurian

/ˌhäləˈTHo͝orēən ˌhōləˈTHo͝orēən/ I. noun [Zoology] a sea cucumber. - origin mid 19th cent.: from the modern Latin genus name Holothuria (from Greek holothourion, denoting a kind of zoophyte) + -an.

javelina

/ˌhävəˈlēnə/ I. noun (N. Amer.) another term for peccary. - origin early 19th cent.: from Spanish jabalina, from the feminine form of jabalí 'wild boar,' from Arabic jabali 'mountaineer.'

hail-fellow-well-met

/ˌhālˌfeləˌwelˈmet/ adjective showing excessive familiarity • Harold was accustomed to hail-fellow-well-met salesmen.

hyperthyroidism

/ˌhīpərˈTHīroiˌdizəm/ I. noun [Medicine] overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in a rapid heartbeat and an increased rate of metabolism. Also called thyrotoxicosis. II. derivatives 1. hyperthyroid /ˌhīpərˈTHīˌroid / adjective 2. hyperthyroidic /-THīˈroidik / adjective

hypothalamus

/ˌhīpəˈTHaləməs/ I. noun [Anatomy] a region of the forebrain below the thalamus that coordinates both the autonomic nervous system and the activity of the pituitary, controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems, and involved in sleep and emotional activity.

homeostasis

/ˌhōmēəˈstāsəs/ I. noun the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes. II. derivatives homeostatic /-ˈstatik / adjective - origin 1920s: modern Latin, from Greek homoios 'like' + -stasis.

irredentist

/ˌi(r)rəˈden(t)əst/ I. noun —[usu. as modifier] 1. a person advocating the restoration to their country of any territory formerly belonging to it. 2. ‹historical› (in 19th-century Italian politics) an advocate of the return to Italy of all Italian-speaking districts subject to other countries. II. derivatives irredentism /ˌi(r)rəˈdenˌtizəm / noun - origin from Italian irredentista, from (Italia) irredenta 'unredeemed (Italy).'

idiosyncrasy

/ˌidēəˈsiNGkrəsē/ I. noun — (usu. idiosyncrasies) 1. a mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual • one of his little idiosyncrasies was always preferring to be in the car first. 2. a distinctive or peculiar feature or characteristic of a place or thing • the idiosyncrasies of the prison system. 3. [Medicine] an abnormal physical reaction by an individual to a food or drug. - origin early 17th cent. (originally in the sense 'physical constitution peculiar to an individual'): from Greek idiosunkrasia, from idios 'own, private' + sun 'with' + krasis 'mixture.'

imprimatur

/ˌimprəˈmädər imˈpriməˌt(y)o͝or/ I. noun 1. an official license by the Roman Catholic Church to print an ecclesiastical or religious book. 2. [in sing.] —a person's acceptance or guarantee that something is of a good standard • the original LP enjoyed the imprimatur of the composer. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin, 'let it be printed' from the verb imprimere (see imprint).

impresario

/ˌimprəˈsärēˌō ˌimprəˈserəˌō/ I. noun 1. a person who organizes and often finances concerts, plays, or operas. 2. ‹chiefly historical› the manager of a musical, theatrical, or operatic company. - origin mid 18th cent.: from Italian, from impresa 'undertaking.'

in situ

/ˌin ˈsīto͞o ˌin ˈsēto͞o/ I. adverb, adjective 1. in its original place [as adv.] • mosaics and frescoes have been left in situ • [as adj.] a collection of in situ pumping engines. 2. in position [as adv.] • her guests were all in situ. - origin mid 18th cent.: Latin.

internecine

/ˌin(t)ərˈˌneˌsēn in(t)ərˈnēsīn/ I. adjective 1. destructive to both sides in a conflict • the region's history of savage internecine warfare. 2. of or relating to conflict within a group or organization

internecine

/ˌin(t)ərˈˌneˌsēn in(t)ərˈnēsīn/ I. adjective 1. destructive to both sides in a conflict • the region's history of savage internecine warfare. 2. of or relating to conflict within a group or organization • the party shrank from the trauma of more internecine strife. - origin mid 17th cent. (in the sense 'deadly, characterized by great slaughter'): from Latin internecinus, based on inter-'among' + necare 'to kill.'

indignation

/ˌindiɡˈnāSH(ə)n/ I. noun anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment • the letter filled Lucy with indignation. - origin late Middle English (also in the sense 'disdain, contempt'): from Latin indignatio(n-), from indignari 'regard as unworthy.'

cavalier

/ˌkavəˈlir/ I. noun 1. (Cavalier) —‹historical› a supporter of King Charles I in the English Civil War. 2. ‹archaic› ‹literary› a courtly gentleman, especially one acting as a lady's escort. 3. ‹archaic› a horseman, especially a cavalryman. 4. (also Cavalier King Charles) —a small spaniel of a breed with a moderately long, noncurly, silky coat. II. adjective showing a lack of proper concern; offhand • Anne was irritated by his cavalier attitude.

countervail

/ˌkoun(t)ərˈvāl/ I. verb — [with obj.] (usu. as adj. countervailing) 1. offset the effect of (something) by countering it with something of equal force • the dominance of the party was mediated by a number of countervailing factors. - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'be equivalent to in value, compensate for'): from Anglo-Norman French contrevaloir, from Latin contra valere 'be of worth against.'

kowtow

/ˌkouˈtou/ I. verb —[no obj.] 1. act in an excessively subservient manner • she didn't have to kowtow to a boss. 2. ‹historical› kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission as part of Chinese custom. II. noun ‹historical› an act of kowtowing as part of Chinese custom. III. derivatives kowtower noun - origin early 19th cent.: from Chinese kētóu, from kē 'knock' + tóu 'head.'

quintessence

/ˌkwinˈtesəns/ I. noun 1. the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class • he was the quintessence of political professionalism. 2. the aspect of something regarded as the intrinsic and central constituent of its character • we were all brought up to believe that advertising is the quintessence of marketing. 3. a refined essence orextract of a substance. 4. (in classical and medieval philosophy) a fifth substance in addition to the four elements, thought to compose the heavenly bodies and to be latent in all things. - origin late Middle English (as a term in philosophy): via French from medieval Latin quinta essentia 'fifth essence.'

kwashiorkor

/ˌkwäSHēˈôrkər/ I. noun a form of malnutrition caused by protein deficiency in the diet, typically affecting young children in the tropics. - origin 1930s: a local word in Ghana.

quietus

/ˌkwīˈēdəs/ I. noun 1. death or something that causes death, regarded as a release from life. 2. ‹archaic› something that has a calming or soothing effect. - origin late Middle English: abbreviation of medieval Latin quietus est 'he is quit' (see quit1), originally used as a form of receipt or discharge on payment of a debt.

concertina

/ˌkänsərˈtēnə/ I. noun 1. a small musical instrument, typically polygonal in form, played by stretching and squeezing between the hands, to work a central bellows that blows air over reeds, each note being sounded by a button.

contrapuntal

/ˌkäntrəˈpən(t)l/ I. adjective 1. [Music] of or in counterpoint. 2. [Music] (of a piece of music) with two or more independent melodic lines. II. derivatives 1. contrapuntally adverb 2. contrapuntist /ˌkäntrəˈpən(t)əst / noun - origin mid 19th cent.: from Italian contrapunto (see counterpoint) + -al.

cognoscenti

/ˌkänyəˈSHentē ˌkäɡnəˈSHentē/ I. plural noun people who are considered to be especially well informed about a particular subject • it was hailed by the cognoscenti as one of the best golf courses in Europe. - origin late 18th cent.: from Italian conoscenti, literally 'people who know.' The g was added under the influence of Latin cognoscent-'getting to know,' from the verb cognoscere (Italian conoscere).

cordillera

/ˌkôrdlˈ(y)erə/ I. noun a system or group of parallel mountain ranges together with the intervening plateaus and other features, especially in the Andes or the Rockies.

Quai d'Orsay

/ˌkā dôrˈsā/ I. a riverside street on the left bank of the Seine River in Paris. II. the French ministry of foreign affairs, which has its headquarters on this street.

on the qui vive

/ˌkē ˈvēv/ I. noun —(in phrase on the qui vive) 1. on the alert or lookout • duty requires the earnest liberal to spend most of his time on the qui vive for fascism. - origin late 16th cent.: from French, literally '(long) live who?,' i.e., 'on whose side are you?,' used as a sentry's challenge.

laparoscopy

/ˌlapəˈräskəpē/ I. noun a surgical procedure in which a fiber-optic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the organs in the abdomen or to permit a surgical procedure.

lumbago

/ˌləmˈbāɡō/ I. noun pain in the muscles and joints of the lower back. - origin late 17th cent.: from Latin, from lumbus '

lumbago

/ˌləmˈbāɡō/ I. noun pain in the muscles and joints of the lower back. - origin late 17th cent.: from Latin, from lumbus 'loin.'

megalomaniac

/ˌmeɡələˈmānēˌak/ I. noun 1. a person who is obsessed with their own power. 2. a person who suffers delusions of their own power or importance.

nymphomania

/ˌnimfəˈmānēə/ I. noun uncontrollable or excessive sexual desire in a woman. Compare with satyriasis. II. derivatives 1. nymphomaniac /nimfəˈmānēˌak / noun, adjective 2. nymphomaniacal /-məˈnīəkəl / adjective - origin late 18th cent.: modern Latin, from Latin nympha (see nymph) + -mania.

notwithstanding

/ˌnätwiTHˈstandiNG ˌnätwiT͟HˈstandiNG/ I. preposition in spite of • notwithstanding the evidence, the consensus is that the jury will not reach a verdict • [postpositive] this small contretemps notwithstanding, they both had a good time. II. adverb nevertheless; in spite of this • she tells us she is an intellectual; notwithstanding, she faces the future as unprovided for as a beauty queen. III. conjunction although; in spite of the fact that • notwithstanding that the hall was packed with bullies, our champion played on steadily and patiently. - origin late Middle English: from not + withstanding, present participle of withstand, on the pattern of Old French non obstant 'not providing an obstacle to.'

paloverde

/ˌpalōˈvərd(ē)/ I. noun a thorny, yellow-flowered tree or shrub that grows along watercourses in the warm desert areas of America. [Genus Cercidium, family Leguminosae.] - origin early 19th cent.: from Latin American Spanish, literally 'green tree.'

panegyric

/ˌpanəˈjirik/ I. noun a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something • Vera's panegyric on friendship.

peripatetic

/ˌperēpəˈtedik/ I. adjective 1. traveling from place to place, especially working or based in various places for relatively short periods • the peripatetic nature of military life. 2. (Peripatetic) — Aristotelian.

peripatetic

/ˌperēpəˈtedik/ I. adjective 1. traveling from place to place, especially working or based in various places for relatively short periods • the peripatetic nature of military life. 2. (Peripatetic) —Aristotelian. [with reference to Aristotle's practice of walking to and fro while teaching.] II. noun 1. a person who travels from place to place. 2. (Peripatetic) —an Aristotelian philosopher.

paradigmatic

/ˌperədiɡˈmadik/ I. adjective 1. of the nature of a paradigm or model • they offer this database as a paradigmatic example. 2. of or denoting the relationship between a set of linguistic items that form mutually exclusive choices in particular syntactic roles. Contrasted with syntagmatic. II. derivatives paradigmatically /ˌperəˌdiɡˈmadək(ə)lē / adverb

peritonitis

/ˌperətnˈīdəs/ noun [Medicine] inflammation of the peritoneum, typically caused by bacterial infection either via the blood or after rupture of

perhelion

/ˌperəˈhēlēən/ I. noun [Astronomy] the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is closest to the sun. The opposite of aphelion. - origin mid 17th cent.: alteration of modern Latin perihelium (by substitution of the Greek ending -on), from Greek peri-'around' + hēlios 'sun.'

peroration

/ˌperəˈrāSHən/ I. noun the concluding part of a speech, typically intended to inspire enthusiasm in the audience. - origin late Middle English: from Latin peroratio(n-), from perorare 'speak at length' (see perorate).

peristalsis

/ˌperəˈstôlsəs perəˈstalsis/ I. noun [Physiology] the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wavelike movements that push the contents of the canal forward.

picayune

/ˌpikəˈyo͞on / ‹N. Amer.› I. adjective ‹informal› petty; worthless • the picayune squabbling of party politicians. II. noun 1. a small coin of little value, especially a 5-cent piece. 2. ‹informal› an insignificant person or thing.- origin early 19th cent.: from French picaillon, denoting a Piedmontese copper coin, also used to mean 'cash,' from Provençal picaioun, of unknown ultimate origin.

pluripotent

/ˌplo͝orəˈpōtnt/ I. adjective [Biology] (of an immature or stem cell) capable of giving rise to several different cell types. - origin 1940s: from pluri- 'several' + Latin potent- 'being able' (see potent1).

proposition

/ˌpräpəˈziSH(ə)n/ I. noun 1. a statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion • the proposition that all men are created equal. 2. [Logic] a statement that expresses a concept that can be true or false. 3. [Mathematics] a formal statement of a theorem or problem, typically including the demonstration. 4. a suggested scheme or plan of action, especially in a business context • a detailed investment proposition. 5. (US) (in the US) a constitutional proposal; a bill. 6. ‹informal› an offer of sexual intercourse made to a person with whom one is not sexually involved, especially one that is made in an unsubtle or offensive way. 7. [with adj.] —a project, task, or idea considered in terms of its likely success or difficulty, especially in a commercial context • a paper that has lost half its readers is unlikely to be an attractive proposition. 8. a person considered in terms of the likely success or difficulty of one's dealings with them • as a potential manager, Sandy is a better proposition than Dave. II. verb —[with obj.] 1. ‹informal› make a suggestion of sexual intercourse to (someone with whom one is not sexually involved), especially in an unsubtle or offensive way • she had been propositioned at the party by an accountant. 2. ‹informal› make an offer or suggestion to (someone) • I was propositioned by the editor about becoming film critic of the paper. III. derivatives propositional /ˌpräpəˈziSH(ə)nl / adjective [chiefly Logic] - origin Middle English: from Old French, from Latin propositio(n-), from the verb proponere (see propound). The verb dates from the 1920s.

primigravida

/ˌprīməˈɡravədə/ I. noun [Medicine] a woman who is pregnant for the first time. - origin late 19th cent.: modern Latin (feminine), from Latin primus 'first' + gravidus 'pregnant' (see gravid).

proprioceptive

/ˌprōprēəˈseptiv/ I. adjective [Physiology] relating to stimuli that are produced and perceived within an organism, especially those connected with the position and movement of the body. Compare with exteroceptive and interoceptive.

putrefaction

/ˌpyo͞otrəˈfakSHən/ I. noun the process of decay or rotting in a body or other organic matter. - origin late Middle English: from Old French, or from late Latin putrefactio(n-), from putrefacere 'make rotten' (see putrefy).

par excellence

/ˌpär ˌeksəˈläns/ I. adjective —[postpositive] 1. better or more than all others of the same kind • he has won a reputation for being a designer par excellence. - origin French, literally 'by excellence.'

Posse Comitatus Act

/ˌpäsē ˌkämiˈtādəs ˌakt/ I. noun [Law] a federal statute prohibiting use of the military in civilian law enforcement. - origin Latin posse comitatus 'power of the county.'

porte cochère

/ˌpôrt kōˈSHer/ I. noun 1. [Architecture] a covered entrance large enough for vehicles to pass through, typically opening into a courtyard. 2. [Architecture] (N. Amer.) a porch where vehicles stop to discharge passengers.. - origin late 17th cent.: French, literally 'coach gateway.'

peignoir

/ˌpānˈwär/ I. noun a woman's light dressing gown or negligee. - origin French, from peigner 'to comb' (because the garment was originally worn while combing the hair).

pieta

/ˌpēāˈtä / Pietà I. noun a picture or sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Jesus Christ on her lap or in her arms.- origin Italian, from Latin pietas 'dutifulness.'

punctilio

/ˌpəNG(k)ˈtilēō/ I. noun a fine or petty point of conduct or procedure. - origin late 16th cent.: from Italian puntiglio(n-) and Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto 'a point.'

punctilious

/ˌpəNG(k)ˈtilēəs/ I. adjective showing great attention to detail or correct behavior • he was punctilious in providing every amenity for his guests.

purgation

/ˌpərˈɡāSHən/ I. noun 1. the purification or cleansing of someone or something • the purgation by ritual violence of morbid social emotions. 2. (in Roman Catholic doctrine) the spiritual cleansing of a soul in purgatory. 3. ‹historical› the action of clearing oneself of accusation or suspicion by an oath or ordeal.

rapprochement

/ˌrapˌrōSHˈmän ˌrapˌrôSHˈmän/ I. noun (especially in international relations) an establishment or resumption of harmonious relations • there were signs of a growing rapprochement between the two countries. - origin French, from rapprocher, from re-(expressing intensive force) + approcher 'to approach.'

reconnoiter

/ˌrēkəˈnoidər ˌrekəˈnoidər / ‹Brit.› reconnoitre I. verb — [with obj.] 1. make a military observation of (a region) • they reconnoitered the beach some weeks before the landing • [no obj.] the raiders were reconnoitering for further attacks.

schizophrenia

/ˌskitsəˈfrēnēə ˌskitsəˈfrenēə/ I. noun 1. a long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion, and a sense of mental fragmentation. 2. (in general use) a mentality or approach characterized by inconsistent or contradictory elements. - origin early 20th cent.: modern Latin, from Greek skhizein 'to split' + phrēn 'mind.'

superannuated

/ˌso͞opərˈanyo͞oˌādəd/ adjective 1. (of a position or employee) belonging to a superannuation plan • she is not superannuated and has no paid vacation. 2. obsolete through age or new technological or intellectual developments • superannuated

sui generis

/ˌso͞oˌī ˈjenərəs, ˌso͞oē/ I. adjective unique • the sui generis nature of animals. - origin Latin, literally 'of its own kind.'

sui juris

/ˌso͞oˌī ˈjo͝oris, ˌso͞oē/ I. adjective [Law] of age; independent • the beneficiaries are all sui juris. - origin Latin, literally 'of one's own right.'

stupefaction

/ˌst(y)o͞opəˈfakSH(ə)n/ noun the state of being stupefied • salesmen stood in bored stupefaction.

soI-disant

/ˌswädēˈzäN ˌswädēˈzän(t)/ I. adjective self-styled; so-called • a soi-disant novelist. - origin French, from soi 'oneself' + disant 'saying.'

sotto voce

/ˌsädō ˈvōCHē/ I. adverb, adjective (of singing or a spoken remark) in a quiet voice, as if not to be overheard [as adv.] • "It won't be cheap," he added sotto voce • [as adj.] a sotto voce remark. - origin from Italian sotto 'under' + voce 'voice.'

cyclosporine

/ˌsīklōˈspôrən / cyclosporin A, cyclosporin I. noun [Medicine] a drug with immunosuppressive properties used to prevent the rejection of grafts and transplants. A cyclic peptide, it is obtained from a fungus. [This drug is obtained from the fungus Trichoderma polysporum.] - origin 1970s: from cyclo- + -sporin (from Latin spora

cyclothymia

/ˌsīkləˈTHīmēə/ I. noun [Psychiatry] ‹dated› a mental state characterized by marked swings of mood between depression and elation; bipolar disorder.

somesthetic

/ˌsōmesˈTHedik / ‹Brit.› somaesthetic I. adjective another term for somatosensory. - origin late 19th cent.: from Greek sōma 'body' + aesthetic.

supposition

/ˌsəpəˈziSH(ə)n/ I. noun an uncertain belief • they were working on the supposition that his death was murder • their outrage was based on supposition and hearsay. II. derivatives suppositional /ˌsəpəˈziSH(ə)n(ə)l / adjective - origin late Middle English (as a term in scholastic logic): from Old French, or from late Latin suppositio(n-) (translating Greek hupothesis 'hypothesis'), from the verb supponere (see suppose).

tachycardia

/ˌtakəˈkärdēə/ I. noun an abnormally rapid heart rate. - origin late 19th cent.: from tachy- 'swift' + Greek kardia 'heart.'

terra incognita

/ˌterə ˌinˌkäɡˈnēdə ˌterə ənˈkäɡnədə/ I. noun unknown or unexplored territory. - origin Latin, 'unknown land.'

terribilità

/ˌterəˌbilēˈtä/ I. noun awesomeness or emotional intensity of conception and execution in an artist or work of art, originally as a quality attributed to Michelangelo by his contemporaries.

trancendental

/ˌtran(t)ˈsend(ə)nt/ I. adjective 1. beyond or above the range of normal or merely physical human experience • the search for a transcendent level of knowledge. 2. surpassing the ordinary; exceptional • the conductor was described as a "transcendent genius." 3. (of God) existing apart from and not subject to the limitations of the material universe. Often contrasted with immanent. 4. (in scholastic philosophy) higher than or not included in any of Aristotle's ten categories. 5. (in Kantian philosophy) not realizable in experience. II. derivatives transcendently adverb - origin late Middle English: from Latin transcendent-'climbing over,' from the verb transcendere (see transcend).

valedictorian

/ˌvalədikˈtôrēən/ noun a student, typically having the highest academic achievements of the class, who delivers the valedictory at a graduation ceremony. Compare with salutatorian.

valedictory

/ˌvaləˈdikt(ə)rē/ I. adjective serving as a farewell • a valedictory wave. II. noun a farewell address.

volte-face

/ˌvältˈfäs ˌvōltəˈfäs/ I. noun 1. an act of turning around so as to face in the opposite direction. 2. an abrupt and complete reversal of attitude, opinion, or position • a remarkable volte-face on taxes. - origin early 19th cent.: from French, from Italian voltafaccia, based on Latin volvere 'to roll' + facies 'appearance, face.'

obfuscation

/ˌäbfəˈskāSH(ə)n/ I. noun the action of making something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible • when confronted with sharp questions they resort to obfuscation • ministers put up mealy-mouthed denials and obfuscations. - origin late Middle English: from late Latin obfuscatio(n-), from obfuscare 'to darken or obscure' (see obfuscate).

oxymoron

/ˌäksəˈmôrˌän/ I. noun a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (e.g., faith unfaithful kept him falsely true). II. derivatives oxymoronic /-məˈränik / adjective - origin mid 17th cent.: from Greek oxumōron, neuter (used as a noun) of oxumōros 'pointedly foolish,' from oxus 'sharp' + mōros 'foolish.'

amour-propre

/ˌämo͝or ˈprôpr(ə)/ I.noun a sense of one's own worth; self-respect • few indications in him of ordinary amour propre or common vanity. - origin late 18th cent.: French, literally 'self-esteem, vanity.'

ancien regime

/ˌänsēen rəˈZHēm/ I. noun 1. a political or social system that has been displaced, typically by one more modern. 2. (Ancien Régime) —the political and social system in France before the Revolution of 1789. - origin late 18th cent.: French, literally 'old rule.'

artemisia

/ˌärdəˈmēZH(ē)ə/ I. noun an aromatic or bitter-tasting plant of a genus that includes wormwood, mugwort, and sagebrush. Several kinds of artemisia are used in herbal medicine and many are cultivated for their feathery gray foliage.

archaebacteria

/ˌärkēbakˈtirēə/ I. plural noun [Biology] microorganisms that are similar to bacteria in size and simplicity of structure but radically different in molecular organization. They are now believed to constitute an ancient intermediate group between the bacteria and eukaryotes. Also called archaea.

archimandrite

/ˌärkəˈmandrīt/ I. noun 1. the head of a large monastery or group of monasteries in the Orthodox Church. 2. an honorary title given to a monastic priest. - origin mid 17th cent.: via ecclesiastical Latin, from ecclesiastical Greek arkhimandritēs, from arkhi- 'chief' + mandra 'monastery.'

archipelago

/ˌärkəˈpeləˌɡō/ I. noun 1. a group of islands. 2. a sea or stretch of water containing many islands. - origin early 16th cent.: from Italian arcipelago, from Greek arkhi- 'chief' + pelagos 'sea.'

ostentation

/ˌästənˈtāSHən/ I. noun pretentious and vulgar display, especially of wealth and luxury, intended to impress or attract notice • the office was spacious, but without any trace of ostentation. - origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin ostentatio(n-), from the verb ostentare, frequentative of ostendere 'stretch out to view.'

aguardiente

/ˌäɡwärˈdyentā/ I. noun (in Spanish-speaking regions) a distilled liquor resembling brandy, especially as made in South America from sugar cane. - origin from Spanish, from agua 'water' + ardiente 'fiery.'

auto-da-fé

/ˌôdədəˈfā/ I. noun 1. the burning of a heretic by the Spanish Inquisition. 2. a sentence condemning a person to an auto-da-fé. - origin early 18th cent.: from Portuguese, literally 'act of the faith.'

hors de combat

/ˌôr də ˌkämˈbä/ I. adjective out of action due to injury or damage • their pilots had been rendered temporarily hors de combat. - origin mid 18th cent.: French, literally 'out of the fight.'

escarte

/ˌākärˈtā/ I. noun 1. a card game for two players, played originally in 19th-century France, in which thirty-two cards are used, and certain cards may be discarded in exchange for others.

gourmand

/ˌɡo͝orˈmänd/ I. noun 1. a person who enjoys eating and often eats too much. 2. a connoisseur of good food. II. derivatives gourmandism /ˈɡo͝ormənˌdizəm / noun- origin late Middle English: from Old French, of unknown origin. / usage: The words gourmand and gourmet overlap in meaning but are not identical. Both mean 'a connoisseur of good food,' but gourmand more usually means 'a person who enjoys eating and often overeats.'

Gordian knot

/ˌɡôrdēən ˈnät/ I. noun an extremely difficult or involved problem. II. phrases cut the Gordian knot solve or remove a problem in a direct or forceful way, rejecting gentler or more indirect methods. - origin mid 16th cent.: from the legend that Gordius, king of Gordium, tied an intricate knot and prophesied that whoever untied it would become the ruler of Asia. It was cut through with a sword by Alexander the Great.

gutta-percha

/ˌɡədəˈpərCHə/ I. noun a hard, tough thermoplastic substance that is the coagulated latex of certain Malaysian trees. It consists chiefly of a hydrocarbon isomeric with rubber and is now used chiefly in dentistry and for electrical insulation. [This substance is obtained from trees of the genus Palaquium, family Sapotaceae, in particular P. gutta.] - origin mid 19th cent.: from Malay getah perca, from getah 'gum' + perca 'strips of cloth' (which it resembles), altered by association with obsolete gutta 'gum,' from Latin gutta 'a drop.'

ferret /ˈferət/

1. a domesticated polecat kept as a pet or used, especially in Europe, for catching rabbits. It is typically albino or brown. [Mustela putorius furo, family Mustelidae; descended mainly from the European polecat.] 2. (black-footed ferret) — a rare weasellike animal (Mustela nigripes), found in grassland in the US. II. verb 1. [no obj.] — (of a person) hunt with ferrets, typically for rabbits. 2. clear (a hole or area of ground) of rabbits with ferrets.

cameo

1. a piece of jewelry, typically oval in shape, consisting of a portrait in profile carved in relief on a background of a different color. 2. a short descriptive literary sketch that neatly encapsulates someone or something

figurative /ˈfiɡyərədiv/

I. adjective 1. departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical • gold, in the figurative language of the people, was "the tears wept by the sun." 2. (of an artist or work of art) representing forms that are recognizably derived from life. II. derivatives figurativeness /ˈfiɡ(y)ərədivnəs / noun - origin Middle English: from late Latin figurativus, from figurare 'to form or fashion,' from figura (see figure).

vertiginous /vərˈtijənəs/

I adjective 1. causing vertigo, especially by being extremely high or steep • vertiginous drops to the valleys below. 2. relating to or affected by vertigo. II. derivatives vertiginously adverb - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin vertiginosus, from vertigo 'whirling around' (see vertigo).

Sturmabteilung /ˈSHto͝ormˌabˌtīlo͝oNG / SA

I. a German Nazi paramilitary force formed in 1921, whose members were known in English as Brownshirts. See Brownshirt. - origin German, literally 'storm division.'

Muscovy /ˈməskəvē/

I. a medieval principality in west central Russia, centered around Moscow, that formed the nucleus of modern Russia. As Muscovy expanded, princes of Muscovy became the rulers of Russia; in 1472 Ivan III, grand duke of Muscovy, completed the unification of the country, and in 1547 Ivan the ble became the first tsar of Russia. II. archaic name for Russia. - origin from obsolete French Muscovie, from modern Latin Moscovia, from Russian Moskva 'Moscow.'

extant /ˈekstənt ekˈstant/

I. adjective (especially of a document) still in existence; surviving • the original manuscript is no longer extant. - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'accessible, able to be publicly seen or reached'): from Latin exstant- 'being visible or prominent, existing,' from the verb exstare, from ex- 'out' + stare 'to stand.'

Procrustean /prōˈkrəstēən/

I. adjective (especially of a framework or system) enforcing uniformity or conformity without regard to natural variation or individuality • a fixed Procrustean rule. - origin mid 19th cent.: from the name Procrustes + -an.

reactionary /rēˈakSHəˌnerē/

I. adjective (of a person or a set of views) opposing political or social liberalization or reform. II. noun a reactionary person.

décolleté /dāˌkäləˈtā/

I. adjective (of a woman's dress or top) having a low neckline. II. noun a low neckline on a woman's dress or top. - origin mid 19th cent.: French, past participle of décolleter 'expose the neck.'

salutary /ˈsalyəˌterē/

I. adjective 1. (especially with reference to something unwelcome or unpleasant) producing good effects; beneficial • a salutary reminder of where we came from. 2. ‹archaic› health-giving • the salutary Atlantic air. - origin late Middle English (as a noun in the sense 'remedy'): from French salutaire or Latin salutaris, from salus, salut- 'health.'

wanton /ˈwänt(ə)n

I. adjective 1. (of a cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked • sheer wanton vandalism. 2. (especially of a woman) sexually immodest or promiscuous. 3. ‹literary› growing profusely; luxuriant • where wanton ivy twines. 4. ‹literary› lively; playful • a wanton fawn.immodest or promiscuous woman. III. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹archaic› ‹literary› play; frolic. 2. ‹archaic› ‹literary› behave in a sexually immodest or promiscuous way. IV. derivatives 1. wantonly /ˈwäntnlē ˈwôntnlē / adverb 2. wantonness /ˈwänt(ə)nnəs / noun - origin Middle English wantowen 'rebellious, lacking discipline,' from wan- 'badly' + Old English togen 'trained' (related to team and tow1).

sonorous /ˈsänərəs/

I. adjective 1. (of a person's voice or other sound) imposingly deep and full. 2. capable of producing a deep or ringing sound • the alloy is sonorous and useful in making bells. 3. (of a speech or style) using imposing language • they had expected the lawyers to deliver sonorous lamentations. II. derivatives 1. sonorously /ˈsän(ə)rəslē səˈnôrəslē / adverb 2. sonorousness /ˈsän(ə)rəsnəs səˈnôrəsnəs / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin sonorus (from sonor 'sound') + -ous.

nonplussed /nänˈpləst / nonplused

I. adjective 1. (of a person) surprised and confused so much that they are unsure how to react • he would be completely nonplussed and embarrassed at the idea. 2. (N. Amer.) ‹informal› (of a person) not disconcerted; unperturbed. usage: In standard use, nonplussed means 'surprised and confused': the hostility of the new neighbor's refusal left Mrs. Walker nonplussed. In North American English, a new use has developed in recent years, meaning 'unperturbed'—more or less the opposite of its traditional meaning: hoping to disguise his confusion, he tried to appear nonplussed. This new use probably arose on the assumption that non- was the normal negative prefix and must therefore have a negative meaning. It is not considered part of standard English.

plausible /ˈplôzəb(ə)l/

I. adjective 1. (of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable • a plausible explanation • it seems plausible that one of two things may happen. 2. (of a person) skilled at producing persuasive arguments, especially ones intended to deceive • a plausible liar. - origin mid 16th cent. (also

neurotic /n(y)o͝oˈrädik/

I. adjective 1. [Medicine] suffering from, caused by, or relating to neurosis. 2. [Medicine] abnormally sensitive, obsessive, or tense and anxious

inquest /ˈiNGˌkwest/

I. noun [Law] a judicial inquiry to ascertain the facts relating to an incident, such as a death.

chauvinistic /ˌSHōvəˈnistik/

I. adjective 1. feeling or displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism. 2. displaying excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or sex. Chauvin, a Napoleonic veteran noted for his extreme patriotism, popularized as a character by the Cogniard brothers in Cocarde Tricolore (1831).

inexorable /ˌinˈeksərəb(ə)l/

I. adjective 1. impossible to stop or prevent • the seemingly inexorable march of new technology. 2. (of a person) impossible to persuade by request or entreaty • the doctors were inexorable, and there was nothing to be done.

desultory /ˈdesəlˌtôrē/

I. adjective 1. lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm • a few people were left, dancing in a desultory fashion. 2. (of conversation or speech) going constantly from one subject to another in a halfhearted way; unfocused • the desultory conversation faded. 3. occurring randomly or occasionally • desultory passengers were appearing.

spurious /ˈsp(y)o͝orēəs/

I. adjective 1. not being what it purports to be; false or fake • separating authentic and spurious claims. 2. (of a line of reasoning) apparently but not actually valid • this spurious reasoning results in nonsense. - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'born out of wedlock'): from Latin spurius 'false' + -ous.

corporeal /kôrˈpôrēəl/

I. adjective 1. of or relating to a person's body, especially as opposed to their spirit • he was frank about his corporeal appetites. 2. having a body • a corporeal God. 3. [Law] consisting of material objects; tangible • corporeal property. II. derivatives 1. corporeality /kôrˌpôrēˈalədē / noun 2. corporeally adverb - origin late Middle English (in the sense 'material'): from late Latin corporealis, from Latin corporeus 'bodily, physical,' from corpus, corpor- 'body.'

yeasty

I. adjective 1. of, resembling, or containing yeast • the yeasty smell of rising dough. 2. characterized by or producing upheaval or agitation; in a state of turbulence, typically a creative or productive one • the yeasty days of yesterday's revolution.

liberal /ˈlib(ə)rəl/

I. adjective 1. open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values • they have more liberal views toward marriage and divorce than some people. 2. favorable to or respectful of individual rights and freedoms

profligate /ˈpräfləɡət/

I. adjective 1. recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources • profligate consumers of energy. 2. licentious; dissolute • he succumbed to drink and a profligate lifestyle. II. noun a licentious, dissolute person. III. derivatives profligately /ˈpräfləɡətlē ˈpräfləˌɡātlē / adverb - origin mid 16th cent. (in the sense 'overthrown, routed'): from Latin profligatus 'dissolute,' past participle of profligare 'overthrow,ruin,' from pro- 'forward, down' + fligere 'strike down.'

frowzy /ˈfrouzē / frowsy

I. adjective 1. scruffy and neglected in appearance. 2. dingy and stuffy • a frowzy nightclub. II. derivatives frowziness /ˈfrouzēnəs / noun - origin late 17th cent. (originally dialect): of unknown origin.

axiomatic /ˌaksēəˈmadik/

I. adjective 1. self-evident or unquestionable • it is axiomatic that dividends have to be financed. 2. [attrib.] — [chiefly Mathematics] relating to or containing axioms. II. derivatives axiomatically /-ik(ə)lē / adverb - origin late 18th cent.: from Greek axiōmatikos, from axiōma 'what is thought fitting' (see axiom).

mawkish /ˈmôkiSH/

I. adjective 1. sentimental in a feeble or sickly way • a mawkish poem. 2. ‹archaic› ‹dialect› having a faint sickly flavor • the mawkish smell of warm beer. II. derivatives 1. mawkishly /ˈmôkiSHlē / adverb 2. mawkishness /ˈmôkiSHnəs / noun - origin mid 17th cent. (in the sense 'inclined to sickness'): from obsolete mawk 'maggot,' from Old Norse mathkr, of Germanic origin.

indisposed /ˌindəˈspōzd/

I. adjective 1. slightly unwell • my mother is indisposed. 2. averse; unwilling • the potential audience seemed indisposed to attend. - origin late Middle English: from in-1 'not' + disposed, or past participle of indispose 'make unwell or unwilling.'

ponderous

I. adjective 1. slow and clumsy because of great weight • her footsteps were heavy and ponderous. 2. dull, laborious, or excessively solemn • Liz could hardly restrain herself from finishing all his ponderous sentences. II. derivatives 1. ponderosity /ˌpändəˈräsətē / noun 2. ponderously /ˈpänd(ə)rəslē / adverb 3. ponderousness /ˈpänd(ə)rəsnəs / noun - origin late Middle English: via French from Latin ponderosus, from pondus, ponder-'weight.'

pukka /ˈpəkə / pukkah

I. adjective 1. ‹informal› (chiefly Brit.) genuine or excellent - origin late 17th cent.: from Hindi pakkā 'cooked, ripe, substantial.'

sui juris /ˌso͞oˌī ˈjo͝oris, ˌso͞oē/

I. adjective [Law] of age; independent • the beneficiaries are all sui juris. - origin Latin, literally 'of one's own right.'

simon-pure /ˌsīmənˈpyo͝or/

I. adjective completely genuine, authentic, or honest. - origin late 18th cent.: from (the real) Simon Pure, a character in Centlivre's Bold Stroke for a Wife (1717), who for part of the play is impersonated by another character.

sagacious /səˈɡāSHəs/

I. adjective having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd • they were sagacious enough to avoid any outright confrontation. II. derivatives sagaciously /səˈɡāSHəslē / adverb - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin sagax, sagac- 'wise' + -ious.

esoteric /ˌesəˈterik/

I. adjective intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest • esoteric philosophical debates. II. derivatives 1. esoterically /-(ə)lē / adverb 2. esotericism /ˌesəˈterəˌsizəm / noun 3. esotericist /-ˈterəsist / noun - origin mid 17th cent.: from Greek esōterikos, from esōterō, comparative of esō 'within,' from es, eis 'into.'

operant /ˈäpərənt / ‹Psychology›

I. adjective involving the modification of behavior by the reinforcing or inhibiting effect of its own consequences (instrumental conditioning). II. noun an item of behavior that is initially spontaneous, rather than a response to a prior stimulus, but whose consequences may reinforce or inhibit recurrence of that behavior. - origin late Middle English: from Latin operant- 'being at work,' from the verb operari.

lugubrious /ləˈɡ(y)o͞obrēəs/

I. adjective looking or sounding sad and dismal. II. derivatives 1. lugubriously /ləˈɡo͞obrēəslē / adverb 2. lugubriousness /ləˈɡo͞obrēəsnəs / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin lugubris (from lugere 'mourn') + -ous.

unregenerate /ˌənrəˈjenərət/

I. adjective not reforming or showing repentance; obstinately wrong or bad.

Trappist /ˈtrapəst/

I. adjective relating to a branch of the Cistercian order of monks founded in 1664 and noted for an austere rule that includes remaining silent for much of the time. II. noun a member of the Trappist order. - origin early 19th cent.: from French trappiste, from La Trappe in Normandy.

Arminian /ärˈminēən/

I. adjective relating to the doctrines of Jacobus Arminius (Latinized name of Jakob Hermandszoon, 1560-1609), a Dutch Protestant theologian, who rejected the Calvinist doctrine of predestination. His teachings had a considerable influence on Methodism.

pusillanimous /ˌpyo͞osəˈlanəməs/

I. adjective showing a lack of courage or determination; timid. II. derivatives 1. pusillanimity /ˌpyo͞osələˈnimədē / noun 2. pusillanimously /ˌpyo͞osəˈlanəməslē / adverb - origin late Middle English: from ecclesiastical Latin pusillanimis (translating Greek olugopsukhos), from pusillus 'very small' + animus 'mind,' + -ous.

assiduous /əˈsijo͞oəs/

I. adjective showing great care and perseverance • she was assiduous in pointing out every feature. II. derivatives assiduousness /əˈsijo͞oəsnəs / noun - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin assiduus, from assidere 'be engaged in doing' (see assess), + -ous.

raffish

I. adjective unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive manner • his raffish air. II. derivatives 1. raffishly adverb 2. raffishness noun - origin early 19th cent.: from riffraff + -ish1.

sui generis /ˌso͞oˌī ˈjenərəs, ˌso͞oē/

I. adjective unique • the sui generis nature of animals. - origin Latin, literally 'of its own kind.'

articulate

I. adjective — /ärˈtikyələt / 1. (of a person or a person's words) having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently • an articulate account of their experiences. 2. having joints or jointed segments. 3. [Zoology] denoting a brachiopod that has projections and sockets that form a hinge joining the two halves of the shell. II. verb — /ärˈtikyəˌlāt / 1. [with obj.] — express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently • they were unable to articulate their emotions. 2. pronounce (something) clearly and distinctly he articulated each word with precision • [no obj.] people who do not articulate well are more difficult to lip-read. 3. [no obj.] — form a joint • the mandible is a solid piece articulating with the head. 4. (be articulated) — be connected by joints • the wing is articulated to the thorax.

germinal /ˈjərmənl/

I. adjective — [attrib.] 1. relating to or of the nature of a germ cell or embryo. 2. in the earliest stage of development. 3. providing material for future development • the subject was revived in a germinal article by Charles Ferguson. II. derivatives germinally adverb - origin early 19th cent.: from Latin germen, germin- 'sprout, seed' + -al.

degenerate

I. adjective —/dəˈjen(ə)rət / 1. having lost the physical, mental, or moral qualities considered normal and desirable; showing evidence of decline • a degenerate form of a higher civilization. 2. ‹technical› lacking some property, order, or distinctness of structure previously or usually present, in particular 3. [Mathematics] relating to or denoting an example of a particular type of equation, curve, or other entity that is equivalent to a simpler type, often occurring when a variable or parameter is set to zero. 4. [Physics] relating to or denoting an energy level that corresponds to more than one quantum state. 5. [Physics] relating to or denoting matter at densities so high that gravitational contraction is counteracted either by the Pauli exclusion principle or by an analogous quantum effect between closely packed neutrons. 6. [Biology] having reverted to a simpler form as a result of losing a complex or adaptive structure present in the ancestral form. II. noun —/dəˈjen(ə)rət / 1. an immoral or corrupt person. III. verb —/dəˈjenəˌrāt / [no obj.] 1. decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally • the quality of life had degenerated • the debate degenerated into a brawl. IV. derivatives degenerately /-ritlē / adverb - origin late 15th cent.: from Latin degeneratus 'no longer of its kind,' from the verb degenerare, from degener 'debased,' from de-'away from' + genus, gener-'race, kind.'

incarnate

I. adjective —/inˈkärnət inˈkärˌnāt / [often postpositive] 1. (especially of a deity or spirit) embodied in flesh; in human form • God incarnate • he chose to be incarnate as a man. 2. [postpositive] —represented in the ultimate or most extreme form • here is capitalism incarnate. II. verb —/ˈinˌkärnˌāt / [with obj.] 1. embody or represent (a deity or spirit) in human form • the idea that God incarnates himself in man. 2. put (an idea or other abstract concept) into concrete form • a desire to make things which will incarnate their personality. 3. (of a person) be the living embodiment of (a quality) • the man who incarnates the suffering which has affected every single Mozambican. - origin late Middle English: from ecclesiastical Latin incarnat-'made flesh,' from the verb incarnare, from in-'into' + caro, carn-'flesh.'

doughty /ˈdoudē/

I. adjective ‹archaic› ‹humorous› brave and persistent • his doughty spirit kept him going.

apodictic /ˌapəˈdiktik / apodeictic

I. adjective ‹formal› clearly established or beyond dispute. - origin mid 17th cent.: via Latin from Greek apodeiktikos, from apodeiknunai 'show off, demonstrate.'

highfalutin. /ˌhīfəˈlo͞otn / hifalutin, highfaluting

I. adjective ‹informal› (especially of speech, writing, or ideas) pompous or pretentious • you don't want any highfalutin jargon. - origin mid 19th cent.: perhaps from high + fluting (present participle of flute).

Potemkin2 /pəˈtem(p)kən/

I. adjective ‹informal› having a false or deceptive appearance, especially one presented for the purpose of propaganda • it proved her to be a Potemkin feminist. - origin 1930s: from Grigori Aleksandrovich Potyomkin (often transliterated Potemkin), a favorite of Empress Catherine II of Russia, who reputedly gave the order for sham villages to be built for the empress's tour of the Crimea in 1787.

videlicet /vəˈdeləset vəˈdeləsət vəˈdāləˌket/

I. adverb more formal term for viz. - origin Latin, from videre 'to see' + licet 'it is permissible.' viz. /viz/ I. adverb namely; in other words (used especially to introduce a gloss or explanation) • the first music reproducing media, viz., the music box and the player piano. - origin abbreviation of videlicet, z being a medieval Latin symbol for -et.

amok /əˈmək əˈmäk / amuck

I. adverb — (in phrase run amok) 1. behave uncontrollably and disruptively • stone-throwing anarchists running amok • ‹figurative› her feelings seemed to be running amok. - origin mid 17th cent.: via Portuguese amouco, from Malay amok 'rushing in a frenzy.' Early use was as a noun denoting a Malay in a homicidal frenzy; the adverb use dates from the late 17th cent.

anon /əˈnän/

I. adverb ‹archaic› soon; shortly • I'll see you anon. - origin Old English on ān 'into one,' on āne 'in one' The original sense was 'in or into one state, course, etc.,' which developed into the temporal sense 'at once.'

perforce /pərˈfôrs/

I. adverb ‹formal› used to express necessity or inevitability • amateurs, perforce, have to settle for less expensive solutions.

Proto-

I. combining form 1. original; primitive • prototherian • prototype. 2. first; anterior; relating to a precursor • protomartyr • protozoan. - origin from Greek prōtos 'first.'

nisei /nēˈsā / Nisei

I. noun (N. Amer.) a person born in the US or Canada whose parents were immigrants from Japan. Compare with issei and sansei. - origin 1940s: from Japanese, literally 'second generation.'

mumblety-peg /ˈməmb(ə)ltēˌpeɡ / mumbletypeg

I. noun (chiefly US) a game in which each player in turn throws a knife or pointed stick from a series of positions, continuing until it fails to stick in the ground. - origin early 17th cent.: also in the form mumble the peg, from mumble in the late 16th-cent. sense 'bite as if with toothless gums,' from the requirement of the game that an unsuccessful player withdraw a peg from the ground using the mouth.

vicinage /ˈvisənij/

I. noun (chiefly US) another term for vicinity. - origin Middle English: from Old French vis(e)nage, from an alteration of Latin vicinus 'neighbor.'

plaint /plānt/

I. noun 1. (Brit.) [Law] an accusation; a charge. 2. (Brit.) [Law] ‹chiefly literary› a complaint; a lamentation. - origin Middle English: from Old French plainte, feminine past participle of plaindre 'complain,' or from Old French plaint, from Latin planctus 'beating of the breast.'

neurosis /n(y)o͝oˈrōsəs/

I. noun 1. [Medicine] a relatively mild mental illness that is not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress (depression, anxiety, obsessive behavior, hypochondria) but not a radical loss of touch with reality. Compare with psychosis.

fugue /fyo͞oɡ/

I. noun 1. [Music] a contrapuntal composition in which a short melody or phrase (the subject) is introduced by one part and successively taken up by others and developed by interweaving the parts. 2. [Psychiatry] a state or period of loss of awareness of one's identity, often coupled with flight from one's usual environment, associated with certain forms of hysteria and epilepsy. II. derivatives fuguist /ˈfyo͞oɡəst / noun - origin late 16th cent.: from French, or from Italian fuga, from Latin fuga 'flight,' related to fugere 'flee.'

coda /ˈkōdə/

I. noun 1. [Music] the concluding passage of a piece or movement, typically forming an addition to the basic structure. 2. [Music] the concluding section of a dance, especially of a pas de deux, or the finale of a ballet in which the dancers parade before the audience. 3. [Music] a concluding event, remark, or section • his new novel is a kind of coda to his previous books. - origin mid 18th cent.: Italian, from Latin cauda 'tail.'

catatonia /ˌkadəˈtōnēə/

I. noun 1. [Psychiatry] abnormality of movement and behavior arising from a disturbed mental state (typically schizophrenia). It may involve repetitive or purposeless overactivity, or catalepsy, resistance to passive movement, and negativism. 2. [Psychiatry] ‹informal› a state of immobility and stupor. - origin late 19th cent.: from cata- 'badly' + Greek tonos 'tone or tension.'

samba /ˈsambə ˈsämbə/

I. noun 1. a Brazilian dance of African origin. 2. a piece of music for the samba. 3. a lively modern ballroom dance imitating the samba. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. dance the samba. - origin late 19th cent.: from Portuguese, of African origin.

wen1 /wen/

I. noun 1. a boil or other swelling or growth on the skin, especially a sebaceous cyst. 2. ‹archaic› an outstandingly large or overcrowded city • the great wen of London. - origin Old English wen(n), of unknown origin; compare with Low German wehne 'tumor, wart.'

hod /häd/

I. noun 1. a builder's V-shaped open trough on a pole, used for carrying bricks and other building materials. 2. a coal scuttle. - origin late 16th cent.: variant of northern English dialect hot 'a basket for carrying earth,' from Old French hotte 'pannier,' probably of Germanic origin.

bantam /ˈban(t)əm/

I. noun 1. a chicken of a small breed, of which the cock is noted for its aggressiveness • ‹figurative› what a wiry bantam he is! 2. short for bantamweight. - origin mid 18th cent.: apparently named after the province of Bantam in Java, although the fowl is not native there.

gadfly /ˈɡadˌflī/

I. noun 1. a fly that bites livestock, especially a horsefly, warble fly, or botfly. 2. an annoying person, especially one who provokes others into action by criticism. - origin late 16th cent.: from gad, or obsolete gad 'goad, spike,' from Old Norse gaddr, of Germanic origin; related to yard1.

remonstrance /rəˈmänstrəns/

I. noun 1. a forcefully reproachful protest • angry remonstrances in the Senate • he shut his ears to any remonstrance. 2. (the Remonstrance) — a document drawn up in 1610 by the Arminians of the Dutch Reformed Church, presenting the differences between their doctrines and those of the strict Calvinists. - origin late 16th cent. (in the sense 'evidence'): from Old French, or from medieval Latin remonstrantia, from remonstrare 'demonstrate, show' (see remonstrate).

hummock /ˈhəmək/

I. noun 1. a hillock, knoll, or mound. 2. a hump or ridge in an ice field. 3. (N. Amer.) a piece of forested ground rising above a marsh. II. derivatives hummocky /ˈhəməkē / adjective - origin mid 16th cent. (originally in nautical use denoting a small hillock on the coast): of unknown origin.

canticle /ˈkan(t)ək(ə)l/

I. noun 1. a hymn or chant, typically with a biblical text, forming a regular part of a church service. 2. (Canticles or Canticle of Canticles) — another name for Song of Songs (esp. in the Vulgate Bible). - origin Middle English: from Latin canticulum 'little song,' diminutive of canticum, from canere 'sing.'

diadem /ˈdīəˌdem/

I. noun 1. a jeweled crown or headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty. 2. (the diadem) — ‹archaic› the authority or dignity symbolized by a diadem

verso /ˈvərsō/

I. noun 1. a left-hand page of an open book, or the back of a loose document. Contrasted with recto. 2. the reverse of something such as a coin or painting. - origin mid 19th cent.: from Latin verso (folio) 'on the turned (leaf).'

cordon /ˈkôrdn/

I. noun 1. a line or circle of police, soldiers, or guards preventing access to or from an area or building • troops threw a cordon around the headquarters. 2. an ornamental cord or braid. 3. [Architecture] another term for stringcourse. II. verb — [with obj.] (cordon off) 1. prevent access to or from (an area or building) by surrounding it with police or other guards • the city center was cordoned off after fires were discovered in two stores. - origin late Middle English (denoting an ornamental braid on the person): from Italian cordone, augmentative of corda, and French cordon, diminutive of corde, both from Latin chorda 'string, rope' (see cord). Sense 3 of the noun, the earliest of the current noun senses, dates from the early 18th cent.

fandango /fanˈdaNGɡō/

I. noun 1. a lively Spanish dance for two people, typically accompanied by castanets or tambourine. 2. a foolish or useless act or thing • the Washington inaugural fandango. - origin mid 18th cent.: Spanish, of unknown origin.

puttee /ˌpəˈtē/

I. noun 1. a long strip of cloth wound spirally around the leg from ankle to knee for protection and support. 2. (N. Amer.) a leather legging. - origin late 19th cent.: from Hindi paṭṭī 'band, bandage.'

peal /pēl/

I. noun 1. a loud ringing of a bell or bells. 2. [Bell-ringing] a series of unique changes (strictly, at least five thousand) rung on a set of bells. 3. a set of bells. 4. a loud repeated or reverberating sound of thunder or laughter

décolletage /dāˌkäləˈtäZH deˌkäləˈtäZH/

I. noun 1. a low neckline on a woman's dress or top. 2. a woman's cleavage as revealed by a low neckline. - origin late 19th cent.: French, from décolleter 'expose the neck,' from dé- (expressing removal) + collet 'collar of a dress.'

parapet /ˈperəpət/

I. noun 1. a low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony. 2. a protective wall or earth defense along the top of a trench or other place of concealment for troops. II. derivatives parapeted adjective - origin late 16th cent.: from French, or from Italian parapetto 'breast-high wall,' from para- 'protecting' + petto 'breast' (from Latin pectus).

nimbus /ˈnimbəs/

I. noun 1. a luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint. 2. a light, color, etc., that surrounds someone or something. 3. a large gray rain cloud [as modifier] • nimbus clouds. - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin, literally 'cloud, aureole.'

kaftan. ˈkaftən ˈkafˌtan / caftan

I. noun 1. a man's long belted tunic, worn in countries of the Near East. 2. a woman's long loose dress. 3. a loose shirt or top. - origin late 16th cent.: from Turkish, from Persian ḵaftān, partly influenced by French cafetan.

peck2 /pek/

I. noun 1. a measure of capacity for dry goods, equal to a quarter of a bushel (8 US quarts = 8.81 liters, or 2 imperial gallons = 9.092 liters). 2. ‹archaic› a large number or amount of something • a peck of dirt. - origin Middle English (used especially as a measure of oats for horses): from Anglo-Norman French pek, of unknown origin.

Walloon /wäˈlo͞on wəˈlo͞on/

I. noun 1. a member of a people who speak a French dialect and live in southern and eastern Belgium and neighboring parts of France. Compare with Fleming, Peggy. 2. the French dialect spoken by the Walloons. II. adjective relating to the Walloons or their language. - origin from French Wallon, from medieval Latin Wallon-, from the same Germanic origin as Welsh.

exponent /ikˈspōnənt ˈekspōnənt/

I. noun 1. a person who believes in and promotes the truth or benefits of an idea or theory • an early exponent of the teachings of Thomas Aquinas. 2. a person who has and demonstrates a particular skill, especially to a high standard • he's the world's leading exponent of country rock guitar.

megalomaniac /ˌmeɡələˈmānēˌak/

I. noun 1. a person who is obsessed with their own power. 2. a person who suffers delusions of their own power or importance.

epigram /ˈepəˌɡram/

I. noun 1. a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way. 2. a short poem, especially a satirical one, having a witty or ingenious ending. II. derivatives 1. epigrammatist /ˌepəˈɡramədəst / noun 2. epigrammatize /ˌepəˈɡraməˌtīz / verb - origin late Middle English: from French épigramme, or Latin epigramma, from Greek, from epi 'upon, in addition' + gramma (see -gram1).

conclave /ˈkänˌklāv/

I. noun 1. a private meeting. 2. (in the Roman Catholic Church) the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope. 3. the meeting place for a conclave. - origin late Middle English (denoting a private room): via French from Latin conclave 'lockable room,' from con- 'with' + clavis 'key.'

chrysalis /ˈkrisələs / chrysalid

I. noun 1. a quiescent insect pupa, especially of a butterfly or moth. 2. the hard outer case of this, especially after being discarded. 3. a preparatory or transitional state • she emerged from the chrysalis of self-conscious adolescence. - origin early 17th cent.: from Latin chrysal(l)is, chrysal(l)id-, from Greek khrusallis, from khrusos 'gold' (because of the gold color or metallic sheen of the pupae of some species).

mansard /ˈmanˌsärd/

I. noun 1. a roof that has four sloping sides, each of which becomes steeper halfway down. 2. a story or apartment under a mansard roof. 3. (Brit.) another term for gambrel. - origin mid 18th cent.: from French mansarde, named after F. Mansart (see Mansart, François).

repose1 /rəˈpōz/

I. noun 1. a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility • in repose her face looked relaxed. 2. composure • he had lost none of his grace or his repose. 3. [Art] harmonious arrangement of colors and forms, providing a restful visual effect.

ermine /ˈərmən/

I. noun 1. a stoat, especially when in its white winter coat. 2. the white fur of the stoat, used for trimming garments, especially the ceremonial robes of judges or peers. 3. [Heraldry] fur represented as black spots on a white ground, as a heraldic tincture. 4. (also ermine moth) — a stout-bodied moth that has cream or white wings with black spots, and a very hairy caterpillar.

arrondissement /əˈrändisməntäˈräNdēsˌmäN/

I. noun 1. a subdivision of a department in France, for purposes of local government administration. 2. an administrative district of certain large French cities, in particular Paris. - origin French, from arrondir 'make round.'

caprice

I. noun 1. a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior • her caprices had made his life impossible • a land where men were ruled by law and not by caprice. 2. [Music] another term for capriccio. - origin mid 17th cent.: from French, from Italian (see capriccio).

avoirdupois /ˌävərdəˈpoiz ˌävərdəˈpwä/

I. noun 1. a system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains, widely used in English-speaking countries [as modifier] • avoirdupois weights • [postpositive] a pound avoirdupois. Compare with troy. 2. ‹humorous› weight; heaviness • she was putting on the avoirdupois like nobody's business. - origin Middle English (denoting merchandise sold by weight): from Old French aveir de peis 'goods of weight,' from aveir 'to have' (infinitive used as a noun, from Latin habere) + peis 'weight' (see poise1).

adjunct /ˈaˌjəNGkt/

I. noun 1. a thing added to something else as a supplementary rather than an essential part • computer technology is an adjunct to learning. 2. a person who is another's assistant or subordinate. 3. [Grammar] a word or phrase used to amplify or modify the meaning of another word or words in a sentence. II. adjective — [attrib.] 1. connected or added to something, typically in an auxiliary way • other alternative or adjunct therapies include immunotherapy. 2. (N. Amer.) (of an academic post) attached to the staff of a college in a temporary or assistant capacity • an adjunct professor of logy • [as noun] both adjuncts and tenured professors tend to inflate grades. III. derivatives adjunctive /əˈjəNG(k)tiv / adjective - origin early 16th cent. (as an adjective meaning 'joined on, subordinate'): from Latin adjunctus, past participle of adjungere (see adjoin).

anachronism /əˈnakrəˌnizəm/

I. noun 1. a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned

bagatelle /ˌbaɡəˈtel/

I. noun 1. a thing of little importance; a very easy task • dealing with these boats was a mere bagatelle for the world's oldest yacht club. 2. a game in which small balls are hit and then allowed to roll down a sloping board on which there are holes, each numbered with the score achieved if a ball goes into it, with pins acting as obstructions. 3. a short, light piece of music, especially one for the piano. - origin mid 17th cent. (sense 1): from French, from Italian bagatella, perhaps from baga 'baggage'

moor/mo͝or/

I. noun 1. a tract of open uncultivated upland; a heath. 2. a tract of open land preserved for shooting • a grouse moor. 3. (US) ‹dialect› a fen. II. derivatives 1. moorish /ˈmo͝oriSH / adjective 2. moory /ˈmo͝orē / adjective - origin Old English mōr, of Germanic origin.

sentiment /ˈsen(t)əmənt/

I. noun 1. a view of or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion • I agree with your sentiments regarding the road bridge. 2. general feeling or opinion • the council sought steps to control the rise of racist sentiment. 3. ‹archaic› the expression of a view or desire especially as formulated for a toast. 4. a feeling or emotion • an intense sentiment of horror. 5. exaggerated and self-indulgent feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia

dowager /ˈdouəjər/

I. noun 1. a widow with a title or property derived from her late husband [as modifier] • the dowager duchess • [postpositive] the queen dowager. 2. ‹informal› a dignified elderly woman. - origin mid 16th cent.: from Old French douagiere, from douage 'dower,' from douer 'endow,' from Latin dotare 'endow' (see dower).

dithyramb /ˈdiTHəˌram/

I. noun 1. a wild choral hymn of ancient Greece, especially one dedicated to Dionysus. 2. a passionate or inflated speech, poem, or other writing. II. derivatives dithyrambic /ˌdiTHəˈrambik / adjective - origin early 17th cent.: via Latin from Greek dithurambos, of unknown ultimate origin.

Stakhanovite /stəˈkänəˌvīt/

I. noun 1. a worker in the former Soviet Union who was exceptionally hardworking and productive. 2. an exceptionally hardworking or zealous person. II. derivatives 1. Stakhanovism /stəˈkänəˌvizəm / noun 2. Stakhanovist /-vist / noun, adjective - origin 1930s: from the name of Aleksei Grigorevich Stakhanov (1906-77), Russian coal miner.

sufferance /ˈsəf(ə)rəns/

I. noun 1. absence of objection rather than genuine approval; toleration • Charles was only here on sufferance. 2. [Law] the condition of the holder of an estate who continues to hold it after the title has ceased, without the express permission of the owner • an estate at sufferance.

cotillion /kəˈtilyən/

I. noun 1. an 18th-century French dance based on the contredanse. 2. (US) a quadrille. 3. (US) a formal ball, especially one at which debutantes are presented. - origin early 18th cent.: from French cotillon, literally 'petticoat dance,' diminutive of cotte, from Old French cote.

Saracen /ˈserəsən/

I. noun 1. an Arab or Muslim, especially at the time of the Crusades. 2. a nomad of the Syrian and Arabian desert at the time of the Roman Empire.

Toby jug /ˈtōbē ˌjəɡ / toby jug

I. noun a beer jug or mug in the form of a stout old man wearing a three-cornered hat. - origin mid 19th cent.: nickname for the given name Tobias, and said to come from an 18th-cent. poem about Toby Philpot (with a pun on fill pot), a soldier who liked to drink.

fascist /ˈfaSHəst/

I. noun 1. an advocate or follower of the political philosophy or system of fascism • he went to Spain to fight against the fascists • Eastern European fascists could win power only with support from the Nazis. 2. a person who is extremely right-wing or authoritarian • fascists made death threats against immigrants and asylum seekers. 3. a person who is very intolerant or domineering in a particular area • I'm a bit of a spelling fascist, but still have blind spots over words like "privilege" or "separate" • if I were being a culinary fascist, I would possibly moan about the overdone cooked tomatoes. II. adjective of or relating to fascism • a military coup threw out the old fascist regime. - origin early 20th cent.:

cur

I. noun 1. an aggressive dog or one that is in poor condition, especially a mongrel. 2. ‹informal› a contemptible man. - origin Middle English (in the general sense 'dog'): probably originally in cur-dog, perhaps from Old Norse kurr 'grumbling.'

assignation /ˌasiɡˈnāSH(ə)n/

I. noun 1. an appointment to meet someone in secret, typically one made by lovers • his assignation with an older woman. 2. the allocation or attribution of someone or something as belonging to something. - origin late Middle English (in the senses 'command, appointment to office, or allotment of revenue'): via Old French from Latin assignatio(n-), from the verb assignare (see assign).

patchouli /pəˈCHo͞olē/

I. noun 1. an aromatic oil obtained from a Southeast Asian shrub and used in perfumery, insecticides, and medicine. 2. the strongly scented shrub of the mint family from which this oil is obtained. [Pogostemon cablin, family Labiatae.] - origin mid 19th cent.: from Tamil.

entr'acte /ˈänˌtrakt ˌänˈträkt/

I. noun 1. an interval between two acts of a play or opera. 2. a piece of music or a dance performed during an entr'acte. - origin mid 19th cent.: French (earlier form of entracte), from entre 'between' + acte 'act.'

imprimatur /ˌimprəˈmädər imˈpriməˌt(y)o͝or/

I. noun 1. an official license by the Roman Catholic Church to print an ecclesiastical or religious book. 2. [in sing.] — a person's acceptance or guarantee that something is of a good standard • the original LP enjoyed the imprimatur of the composer. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin, 'let it be printed' from the verb imprimere (see imprint).

lacuna /ləˈk(y)o͞onə/

I. noun 1. an unfilled space or interval; a gap • the journal has filled a lacuna in Middle Eastern studies. 2. a missing portion in a book or manuscript. 3. [Anatomy] a cavity or depression, especially in bone.

pomp /pämp/

I. noun 1. ceremony and splendid display, especially at a public event • St. Paul's was perfectly adapted to pomp and circumstance. 2. (pomps) — ‹archaic› ostentatious boastfulness or vanity • the pomps and vanities of this world. - origin Middle English: from Old French pompe, via Latin from Greek pompē 'procession, pomp,' from pempein 'send.'

dispensation /ˌdispənˈsāSH(ə)n ˌdispenˈsāSH(ə)n/

I. noun 1. exemption from a rule or usual requirement • although she was too young, she was given special dispensation to play two matches • they were given a dispensation to take most of the first week off. 2. permission to be exempted from the laws or observances of a church

avidity /əˈvidədē/

I. noun 1. extreme eagerness or enthusiasm • he read detective stories with avidity. 2. [Biochemistry] the overall strength of binding between an antibody and an antigen. - origin late Middle English: from French avidité or Latin aviditas, from avidus 'eager, greedy.'

opprobrium /əˈprōbrēəm/

I. noun 1. harsh criticism or censure • his films and the critical opprobrium they have generated. 2. the public disgrace arising from someone's shameful conduct • the opprobrium of being closely ciated with thugs and gangsters. 3. ‹archaic› an occasion or cause of reproach or disgrace. - origin mid 17th cent.: from Latin, literally 'infamy,' from opprobrum, from ob- 'against' + probrum 'disgraceful act.'

umbrage /ˈəmbrij/

I. noun 1. offense or annoyance • she took umbrage at his remarks. 2. ‹archaic› shade or shadow, especially as cast by trees. II. derivatives umbrageous /ˈəmbrijəs / adjective - origin late Middle English (sense 2): from Old French, from Latin umbra 'shadow.' An early sense was 'shadowy outline,' giving rise to 'ground for suspicion,' whence the current notion of 'offense.'

portage /ˈpôrdij/

I. noun 1. the carrying of a boat or its cargo between two navigable waters • the return journey was made much simpler by portage. 2. a place where carrying a boat is necessary • a portage over the dam. 3. ‹archaic› the action of carrying or transporting something.

freshet /ˈfreSHət/

I. noun 1. the flood of a river from heavy rain or melted snow. 2. a rush of fresh water flowing into the sea. - origin late 16th cent.: probably from Old French freschete, diminutive of freis 'fresh.'

sanctum sanctorum /ˌsaNG(k)təm ˌsaNG(k)ˈtôrəm/

I. noun 1. the holy of holies in the Jewish temple. 2. a very private or secret place. - origin late Middle English: Latin sanctum (see sanctum) + sanctorum 'of holy places,' translating Hebrew qōḏeš haqqŏḏāšīm 'holy of holies.'

ménage /məˈnäZH māˈnäZH/

I. noun 1. the members of a household • crisis had recently unsettled the Clelland ménage. 2. the management of a household • they were forced to conduct their ménage on a humbler scale than heretofore. - origin Middle English: from Old French menage, from mainer 'to stay,' influenced by Old French mesnie 'household,' both ultimately based on Latin manere 'remain.'

proboscis /prəˈbäsəs prəˈbäːskis/

I. noun 1. the nose of a mammal, especially when it is long and mobile, such as the trunk of an elephant or the snout of a tapir. 2. [Entomology] (in many insects) an elongated sucking mouthpart that is typically tubular and flexible. 3. [Zoology] (in some worms) an extensible tubular sucking organ. - origin early 17th cent.: via Latin from Greek proboskis 'means of obtaining food,' from pro 'before' + boskein '(cause to) feed.'

ellipsis /əˈlipsis/

I. noun 1. the omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues. 2. a set of dots indicating an ellipsis. - origin mid 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek elleipsis, from elleipein 'leave out.'

elision /əˈliZHən/

I. noun 1. the omission of a sound or syllable when speaking (as in I'm, let's, e 'en). 2. an omission of a passage in a book, speech, or film • the movie's elisions and distortions have been carefully thought out. 3. the process of joining together or merging things, especially abstract ideas • unease at the elision of so many vital questions. - origin late 16th cent.: from late Latin elision-, from Latin elidere 'crush out' (see elide). / usage: See usage at elide.

bailey /ˈbālē/

I. noun 1. the outer wall of a castle. 2. a court enclosed by this.

provenance /ˈprävənəns/

I. noun 1. the place of origin or earliest known history of something • an orange rug of Iranian provenance. 2. the beginning of something's existence; something's origin • they try to understand the whole universe, its provenance and fate. 3. a record of ownership of a work of art or an antique, used as a guide to authenticity or quality • the manuscript has a distinguished provenance. - origin late 18th cent.: from French, from the verb provenir 'come or stem from,' from Latin provenire, from pro- 'forth' + venire 'come.'

accretion /əˈkrēSH(ə)n/

I. noun 1. the process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter • the accretion of sediments in coastal mangroves • ‹figurative› the growing accretion of central government authority. 2. a thing formed or added by gradual growth or increase • about one-third of California was built up by accretions • the city has a historic core surrounded by recent accretions.

conformation /ˌkänfôrˈmāSHən ˌkänfərˈmāSHən/

I. noun 1. the shape or structure of something, especially an animal • the judges run their hands over the dog's body and legs, checking its conformation. 2. [Chemistry] any of the spatial arrangements that the atoms in a molecule may adopt and freely convert between, especially by rotation about individual single bonds. Compare with configuration. II. derivatives conformational /ˌkänfərˈmāSH(ə)n(ə)l / adjective - origin early 16th cent. (in the sense 'conforming, adaptation'): from Latin conformatio(n-), from conformare 'to shape, fashion' (see conform).

propinquity /prəˈpiNGkwədē/

I. noun 1. the state of being close to someone or something; proximity • he kept his distance as though afraid propinquity might lead him into temptation. 2. ‹technical› close kinship.

propinquity /prəˈpiNGkwədē/

I. noun 1. the state of being close to someone or something; proximity • he kept his distance as though afraid propinquity might lead him into temptation. 2. ‹technical› close kinship. - origin late Middle English: from Old French propinquité, from Latin propinquitas, from propinquus 'near,' from prope 'near to.'

oblivion /əˈblivēən/

I. noun 1. the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening • they drank themselves into oblivion. 2. the state of being forgotten, especially by the public • his name will fade into oblivion. 3. extinction • only our armed forces stood between us and oblivion. 4. [Law] ‹historical› amnesty or pardon. - origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin oblivio(n-), from oblivisci 'forget.'

Athenaeum /ˌaTHəˈnēəm / Atheneum

I. noun 1. used in the names of libraries or institutions for literary or scientific study • the Boston Athenaeum. 2. used in the titles of periodicals concerned with literature, science, and art. - origin mid 18th cent.: via Latin from Greek Athēnaion, denoting the temple of Athena.

surcease /sərˈsēs/

I. noun 1. ‹archaic› (N. Amer.) cessation • he teased us without surcease. 2. ‹archaic› (N. Amer.) relief or consolation • drugs are taken to provide surcease from intolerable psychic pain. II. verb — [no obj.] 1. ‹archaic› cease. - origin late Middle English (as a verb): from Old French sursis, past participle of Old French surseoir 'refrain, delay,' from Latin supersedere (see supersede). The change in the ending was due to association with cease; the noun dates from

swain /swān/

I. noun 1. ‹archaic› a country youth. 2. ‹archaic› ‹literary› a young lover or suitor.

swain /swān/

I. noun 1. ‹archaic› a country youth. 2. ‹archaic› ‹literary› a young lover or suitor. - origin late Old English (denoting a young man attendant on a knight), from Old Norse sveinn 'lad.'

brilliantine /ˈbrilyənˌtēn/

I. noun 1. ‹dated› scented oil used on men's hair to make it look glossy. 2. (US) shiny dress fabric made from cotton and mohair or cotton and worsted. II. derivatives brilliantined adjective brilliantine (sense 1) - origin late 19th cent.: from French brillantine, from brillant 'shining' (see

apoplexy /ˈapəˌpleksē/

I. noun 1. ‹dated› unconsciousness or incapacity resulting from a cerebral hemorrhage or stroke. 2. ‹dated› ‹informal› incapacity or speechlessness caused by extreme anger • this drives the social engineers of government into apoplexy. - origin late Middle English: from Old French apoplexie, from late Latin apoplexia, from Greek apoplēxia, from apoplēssein 'disable by a stroke.'

perquisite /ˈpərkwəzət/

I. noun 1. ‹formal› another term for perk2. 2. ‹formal› a thing regarded as a special right or privilege enjoyed as a result of one's position

blunderbuss /ˈbləndərˌbəs/

I. noun 1. ‹historical› a short-barreled large-bored gun with a flared muzzle, used at short range. 2. an action or way of doing something regarded as lacking in subtlety and precision • economists resort too quickly to the blunderbuss of regulation. - origin mid 17th cent.: alteration (by association with blunder) of Dutch donderbus, literally 'thunder gun.'

tumbril /ˈtəmbrəl / tumbrel

I. noun 1. ‹historical› an open cart that tilted backward to empty out its load, in particular one used to convey condemned prisoners to the guillotine during the French Revolution. 2. ‹historical› a two-wheeled covered cart that carried tools or ammunition for an army.

wastrel /ˈwāstrəl

I. noun 1. ‹literary› a wasteful or good-for-nothing person. 2. ‹archaic› a waif; a neglected child. - origin late 16th cent. (denoting a strip of wasteland): from the verb waste + -rel.

Meissners corpuscle

I. noun [Anatomy] a sensory nerve ending that is sensitive to mechanical stimuli, found in the dermis in various parts of the body. - origin late 19th cent.: named after Georg Meissner (1829-1905), German anatomist.

baize /bāz/

I. noun a coarse, feltlike, woolen material that is typically green, used for covering billiard and card tables and for aprons. - origin late 16th cent.: from French baies, feminine plural of bai 'chestnut-colored' (see bay4), treated as a singular noun. The name is presumably from the original color of the cloth, although several colors are recorded.

pellagra /pəˈlāɡrə pəˈlaɡrə pəˈläɡrə/

I. noun a deficiency disease caused by a lack of nicotinic acid or its precursor tryptophan in the diet. It is characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and mental disturbance, and is often linked to overdependence on corn as a staple food. II. derivatives pellagrous /pəˈlāɡrəs pəˈlaɡrəs / adjective - origin early 19th cent.: from Italian, from pelle 'skin,' on the pattern of podagra.

saltcellar /ˈsôltˌselər/

I. noun a dish or container for storing salt, now typically a closed container with perforations in the lid for sprinkling. - origin late Middle English: from salt + obsolete saler, from Old French salier 'salt-box,' from Latin salarium (see salary). The change in spelling of the second word was due to association with cellar.

maquiladora /məˌkēləˈdôrə/

I. noun a factory in Mexico run by a foreign company and exporting its products to the country of that company. - origin Mexican Spanish, from maquilar 'assemble.'

travesty /ˈtravəstē/

I. noun a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something • the absurdly lenient sentence is a travesty of justice. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. represent in a false or distorted way • Michael has betrayed the family by travestying them in his plays. - origin mid 17th cent. (as an adjective in the sense 'dressed to appear ridiculous'): from French travesti 'disguised,' past participle of travestir, from Italian travestire, from trans- 'across' + vestire 'clothe.'

tableau /ˌtaˈblō/

I. noun a group of models or motionless figures representing a scene from a story or from history; a tableau vivant. - origin late 17th cent. (in the sense 'picture,' figuratively 'picturesque description'): from French, literally 'picture,' diminutive of table (see table).

napalm /ˈnāˌpä(l)m/

I. noun a highly flammable sticky jelly used in incendiary bombs and flamethrowers, consisting of gasoline thickened with special soaps. II. verb — [with obj.] 1. attack with bombs containing napalm. - origin 1940s: from na(phthenic) and palm(itic acid).

borzoi /ˈbôrzoi/

I. noun a large Russian wolfhound of a breed with a narrow head and silky, often white, coat. - origin late 19th cent.: from Russian borzoĭ (adjective) 'swift.'

grand seigneur /ˌɡrand sānˈyər/

I. noun a man whose rank or position allows him to command others. - origin early 17th cent.: French, literally 'great lord.'

homburg /ˈhämbərɡ/

I. noun a man's felt hat having a narrow curled brim and a tapered crown with a lengthwise indentation. - origin late 19th cent.: named after Homburg, a town in western Germany, where such hats were first worn.

dolmen

I. noun a megalithic tomb with a large flat stone laid on upright ones, found chiefly in Britain and France. - origin mid 19th cent.: from French, perhaps via Breton from Cornish tolmen 'hole of a stone.'

mélange /māˈlänj / melange

I. noun a mixture; a medley • a mélange of tender vegetables and herbs. - origin from French mélange, from mêler 'to mix.'

Bildungsroman /ˈbildo͝oNGzrōˌmän, ˈbēldo͝oNGks-/

I. noun a novel dealing with one person's formative years or spiritual education. - origin German, from Bildung 'education' + Roman 'a novel.'

chilblain /ˈCHilˌblān/

I. noun a painful, itching swelling on the skin, typically on a hand or foot, caused by poor circulation in the skin when exposed to cold.

polymath /ˈpälēˌmaTH/

I. noun a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning. II. derivatives 1. polymathic /ˌpäliˈmaTHik / adjective 2. polymathy /pəˈliməTHē, ˈpäliˌmaTHē / noun - origin early 17th cent.: from Greek polumathēs 'having learned much,' from polu- 'much' + the stem of manthanein 'learn.'

balustrade /baləˈstrād/

I. noun a railing supported by balusters, especially an ornamental parapet on a balcony, bridge, or terrace. II. derivatives balustraded /ˈbaləˌstrādəd / adjective - origin mid 17th cent.: from French, from balustre (see baluster).

mille-feuille /ˌmēl ˈfœy(ə), fəˈwē/

I. noun a rich dessert consisting of many very thin layers of puff pastry and such fillings as whipped cream, custard, fruit, etc. - origin French, literally 'thousand-leaf.'

aspic /ˈaspik/

I. noun a savory jelly made with meat stock, set in a mold and used to contain pieces of meat, seafood, or eggs • chicken in aspic • ‹figurative› a world preserved in aspic, far removed from mass unemployment. - origin late 18th cent.: from French, literally 'asp,' from the colors of the jelly as compared with those of the snake.

phantasmagoria /ˌfanˌtazməˈɡôrēə/

I. noun a sequence of real or imaginary images like those seen in a dream • what happened next was a phantasmagoria of horror and mystery. II. derivatives 1. phantasmagoric /fanˌtazməˈɡôrik / adjective 2. phantasmagorical /ɡôrikəl / adjective - origin early 19th cent. (originally the name of a London exhibition (1802) of optical illusions produced chiefly by magic lantern): probably from French fantasmagorie, from fantasme 'phantasm' + a fanciful suffix.

roadstead /ˈrōdsted/

I. noun a sheltered stretch of water near the shore in which ships can ride at anchor. - origin mid 16th cent.: from road + obsolete stead 'a place.'

sapper /ˈsapər/

I. noun a soldier responsible for tasks such as building and repairing roads and bridges, laying and clearing mines, etc. - origin early 17th cent.: from the verb sap2 + -er1.

method acting /ˈmeTHəd aktiNG/

I. noun a technique of acting in which an actor aspires to complete emotional identification with a part, based on the system evolved by Stanislavsky and brought into prominence in the US in the 1930s. Method acting was developed in institutions such as the Actors' Studio in New York City, notably by Elia Kazan and Lee Strasberg, and is particularly associated with actors such as Marlon Brando and Dustin Hoffman.

colloquium /kəˈlōkwēəm/

I. noun an academic conference or seminar. - origin late 16th cent. (denoting a conversation or dialogue): from Latin, from colloqui 'to converse,' from col- 'together' + loqui 'to talk.'

pinchbeck /ˈpin(t)SHbek/

I. noun an alloy of copper and zinc resembling gold, used in watchmaking and costume jewelry. II. adjective appearing valuable, but actually cheap or tawdry. - origin mid 18th cent.: named after Christopher Pinchbeck (died 1732), English watchmaker.

gopak /ˈɡōpak / hopak

I. noun an energetic Ukrainian dance in duple time, traditionally performed by men. - origin 1920s: via Russian, from Ukrainian hopak.

poseur /pōˈzər/

I. noun another term for poser1. - origin French, from poser 'to place.'

phial /ˈfī(ə)l/

I. noun another term for vial. - origin Middle English: from Old French fiole, via Latin from Greek phialē, denoting a broad flat container.

macadam /məˈkadəm/

I. noun broken stone of even size used in successively compacted layers for surfacing roads and paths, and typically bound with tar or bitumen. II. derivatives macadamed adjective - origin early 19th cent.: named after John L. McAdam (1756-1836), the British surveyor who advocated using this material.

calla /ˈkalə/

I. noun either of two plants of the arum family. [● Genus Zantedeschia, family Araceae: several species, in particular Z. aethiopica. ● another term for water arum.] - origin early 19th cent.: modern Latin. water arum noun a plant of the arum family, with heart-shaped leaves, a white spathe, and a green spadix. It grows in swamps and boggy ground in north temperate regions. Also called wild calla. [Calla palustris, family Araceae.]

generalissimo /ˌjen(ə)rəˈlisəˌmō/

I. noun the commander of a combined military force consisting of army, navy, and air force units. - origin early 17th cent.: Italian, 'having greatest authority,' superlative of generale (see general).

peroration /ˌperəˈrāSHən/

I. noun the concluding part of a speech, typically intended to inspire enthusiasm in the audience. - origin late Middle English: from Latin peroratio(n-), from perorare 'speak at length' (see perorate).

argot

I. noun the jargon or slang of a particular group or class • teenage argot. - origin mid 19th cent. (originally denoting the jargon or slang of criminals): from French, of unknown origin.

heterogeneity /ˌhedərəjəˈnēədē ˌhedərəjəˈnāədē/

I. noun the quality or state of being diverse in character or content • the genetic heterogeneity of human populations. - origin mid 17th cent.: from medieval Latin heterogeneitas, from heterogeneus (see heterogeneous) + -ity.

torment

I. noun — /ˈtôrment / 1. severe physical or mental suffering • their deaths have left both families in torment. 2. a cause of suffering • the journey must have been a torment for them.

dotage /ˈdōdij/

I. noun — [in sing.] 1. the period of life in which a person is old and weak • you could live here and look after me in my dotage. - origin late Middle English: from dote + -age.

placer1 /ˈplāsər/

I. noun — [often as modifier] 1. a deposit of sand or gravel in the bed of a river or lake, containing particles of valuable minerals • placer gold deposits. - origin early 19th cent.: from Latin American Spanish, literally 'deposit, shoal'; related to placel 'sandbank,' from plaza 'a place.'

tout le monde /ˌto͞o lə ˈmônd /

I. noun — [treated as sing. or pl.] 1. everyone • he shouted "Bon appetit, tout le monde!" - origin French.

penchant /ˈpen(t)SH(ə)nt/

I. noun — [usu. in sing.] 1. a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something • he has a penchant for adopting stray dogs. - origin late 17th cent.: from French, 'leaning, inclining,' present participle of the verb pencher.

surfeit /ˈsərfət/

I. noun — [usu. in sing.] 1. an excessive amount of something • a surfeit of food and drink.

mise en scène /ˌmēz ˌän ˈsen/

I. noun — [usu. in sing.] 1. the arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play. 2. the setting or surroundings of an event or action. - origin French, literally 'putting on stage.'

subaltern

I. noun —/səˈbôːltərn səˈbôltərn / 1. an officer in the British army below the rank of captain, especially a second lieutenant. II. adjective —/səbˈôltərn / 1. of lower status • the private tutor was a recognized subaltern part of the bourgeois family. 2. /ˈsəbəlˌtərn / —[Logic] ‹dated› (of a proposition) implied by another proposition (e.g., as a particular affirmative is by a universal one), but not implying it in return. - origin late 16th cent. (as an adjective): from late Latin subalternus, from Latin sub-'below' + alternus 'every other.'

patent

I. noun —/ˈpatnt / 1. a government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention • he took out a patent for an improved steam hammer. Compare with letters patent. 2. short for patent leather. II. adjective 1. /ˈpātnt ˈpatnt / —easily recognizable; obvious • she was smiling with patent insincerity. 2. /ˈpātnt ˈpatnt / —[Medicine] (of a vessel, duct, or aperture) open and unobstructed; failing to close. 3. (of a parasitic infection) showing detectable parasites in the tissues or feces. 4. /ˈpatnt / [attrib.] —made and marketed under a patent; proprietary • patent milk powder. III. verb —/ˈpatnt / [with obj.] 1. obtain a patent for (an invention) • an invention is not your own until it is patented. IV. derivatives 1. patentability /ˌpatn(t)əˈbilədē / noun 2. patentable /ˈpatn(t)əb(ə)l / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin patent-'lying open,' from the verb patere.

auspice /ˈôspəs/

I. noun ‹archaic› a divine or prophetic token. II. phrases under the auspices of with the help, support, or protection of • the delegation's visit was arranged under UN auspices. - origin mid 16th cent. (originally denoting the observation of bird flight in divination): from French, or from Latin auspicium, from auspex 'observer of birds,' from avis 'bird' + specere 'to look.'

corposant /ˈkôrpəˌsant ˈkôrpəsənt/

I. noun ‹archaic› an appearance of St. Elmo's fire on a mast, rigging, or other structure. - origin mid 16th cent.: from Old Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian corpo santo 'holy body.'

burgher /ˈbərɡər/

I. noun ‹archaic› ‹humorous› a citizen of a town or city, typically a member of the wealthy bourgeoisie. - origin Middle English: from burgh, reinforced by Dutch burger, from burg 'castle' (see borough).

derring-do /ˌderiNGˈdo͞o/

I. noun ‹dated› ‹humorous› action displaying heroic courage • tales of derring-do. - origin late 16th cent.: from late Middle English dorryng do 'daring to do,' used by Chaucer, and, in a passage by Lydgate based on Chaucer's work, misprinted in 16th-cent. editions as derrynge do; this was misinterpreted by Spenser to mean 'manhood, chivalry,' and subsequently taken up and popularized by Sir Walter Scott.

droshky /ˈdrôSHkē/

I. noun ‹historical› a low four-wheeled open carriage of a kind formerly used in Russia. - origin early 19th cent.: from Russian drozhki, diminutive of drogi 'wagon,' from droga 'shaft, carriage pole.'

kulak /ko͞oˈlak ko͞oˈläk/

I. noun ‹historical› a peasant in Russia wealthy enough to own a farm and hire labor. Emerging after the emancipation of serfs in the 19th century, the kulaks resisted Stalin's forced collectivization, but millions were arrested, exiled, or killed. - origin Russian, literally 'fist, tightfisted person,' from Turkic ḳol 'hand.'

shtetl /ˈSHtetl, ˈSHtātl/

I. noun ‹historical› a small Jewish town or village in eastern Europe. - origin 1940s: Yiddish, 'little town.'

britzka /ˈbriCHkə, ˈbrits- / britzska

I. noun ‹historical› an open carriage with calash top and space for reclining. - origin early 19th cent.: from Polish bryczka.

poilu/pwäˈl(y)o͞o/

I. noun ‹historical› ‹informal› an infantry soldier in the French army, especially one who fought in World War I. - origin French, literally 'hairy,' by extension 'brave,' whiskers being associated with virility.

scutwork

I. noun ‹informal› (chiefly US) tedious, menial work. - origin 1970s: of unknown origin; compare with scut2.

careen /kəˈrēn/

I. verb 1. [with obj.] — turn (a ship) on its side for cleaning, caulking, or repair. 2. [no obj.] — (of a ship) tilt; lean over • a heavy flood tide caused my vessel to careen dizzily. 3. [no obj.] — (chiefly N. Amer.) move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction • an electric golf cart careened around the corner. [influenced by the verb career.] - origin late 16th cent. (as a noun denoting the position of a careened ship): from French carène, from Italian carena, from Latin carina 'a keel.'

intrigue

I. verb — /inˈtrēɡ / 1. [with obj.] — arouse the curiosity or interest of; fascinate • I was intrigued by your question. 2. [no obj.] — make secret plans to do something illicit or detrimental to someone

surmise

I. verb — /sərˈmīz / [no obj., usu. with clause] 1. suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it • he surmised that something must be wrong • [with direct speech] "I don't think they're locals," she surmised. II. noun — /sərˈmīz ˈsərˌmīz / 1. a supposition that something may be true, even though there is no evidence to confirm it • Charles was glad to have his surmise confirmed • all these observations remain surmise. - origin late Middle English (in the senses 'formal allegation' and 'allege formally'):

surmise

I. verb — /sərˈmīz / [no obj., usu. with clause] 1. suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it • he surmised that something must be wrong • [with direct speech] "I don't think they're locals," she surmised. II. noun — /sərˈmīz ˈsərˌmīz / 1. a supposition that something may be true, even though there is no evidence to confirm it • Charles was glad to have his surmise confirmed • all these observations remain surmise. - origin late Middle English (in the senses 'formal allegation' and 'allege formally'): from Anglo-Norman French and Old French surmise, feminine past participle of surmettre 'accuse,' from

agglomerate

I. verb — /əˈɡläməˌrāt / 1. collect or form into a mass or group [with obj.] • companies agglomerate multiple sites such as chains of stores • [no obj.] these small particles soon agglomerate together. II. noun — /əˈɡlämərət / 1. a mass or collection of things • a multimedia agglomerate.

federate

I. verb — /ˈfedəˌrāt / 1. (with reference to a number of states or organizations) form or be formed into a single centralized unit, within which each state or organization keeps some internal autonomy [no obj.] • In 1901 the six colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia

beetle3 /ˈbēdl/

I. verb — [no obj.] (usu. as adj. beetling) 1. (of a person's eyebrows) project or overhang threateningly • piercing eyes glittered beneath a great beetling brow. II. adjective — [attrib.] 1. (of a person's eyebrows) shaggy and projecting. III. derivatives beetle-browed /ˈbēdlˌbroud / adjective - origin mid 16th cent. (as an adjective): back-formation from beetle-browed. The verb was apparently used as a nonce word by Shakespeare and was later adopted by other writers.

abdicate /ˈabdəˌkāt/

I. verb — [no obj.] 1. (of a monarch) renounce one's throne • in 1918 Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated as German emperor • [with obj.] Ferdinand abdicated the throne in favor of the emperor's brother. 2. [with obj.] — fail to fulfill or undertake (a responsibility or duty) • the government was accused of abdicating its responsibility • [no obj.] the secretary of state should not abdicate from leadership on educational issues. - origin mid 16th cent.: from Latin abdicat- 'renounced,' from the verb abdicare, from ab- 'away, from' + dicare 'declare.'

fulminate /ˈfo͝olməˌnāt/

I. verb — [no obj.] 1. express vehement protest • all fulminated against the new curriculum. 2. ‹literary› explode violently or flash like lightning • thunder fulminated around the house. 3. [usu. as adj.] (fulminating) — [Medicine] (of a disease or symptom) develop suddenly and severely • fulminating appendicitis. II. noun [Chemistry] a salt or ester of fulminic acid. - origin late Middle English: from Latin fulminat-

interpellate /ˌintərˈpelāt inˈtərpəˌlāt/

I. verb — [with obj.] 1. (in certain parliamentary systems) interrupt the order of the day by demanding an explanation from (the minister concerned). 2. [Philosophy] (of an ideology or discourse) bring into being or give identity to (an individual or category).

stipple /ˈstipəl/

I. verb — [with obj.] 1. (in drawing, painting, and engraving) mark (a surface) with numerous small dots or specks (as noun stippling) • the miniaturist's use of stippling. 2. produce a decorative effect on (paint or other material) by roughening its surface when it is wet.

deprecate /ˈdeprəˌkāt/

I. verb — [with obj.] 1. express disapproval of (as adj. deprecating) • he sniffed in a deprecating way. 2. (be deprecated) — (chiefly of a software feature) be usable but regarded as obsolete and best avoided, typically due to having been superseded

reconcile /ˈrekənˌsīl/

I. verb — [with obj.] 1. restore friendly relations between • she wanted to be reconciled with her father • the news reconciled us. 2. cause to coexist in harmony; make or show to be compatible • a landscape in which inner and outer vision were reconciled • you may have to adjust your ideal to reconcile it with reality. 3. make (one account) consistent with another, especially by allowing for transactions begun but not yet completed • it is not necessary to reconcile the cost accounts to the financial accounts. 4. settle (a disagreement) • advice on how to reconcile the conflict. 5. (reconcile someone to) — make someone accept (a disagreeable or unwelcome thing) • he could not reconcile himself to the thought of his mother stocking shelves • he was reconciled to leaving. II. derivatives 1. reconcilement /ˈrek(ə)nˌsīlmənt / noun 2. reconciler noun 3. reconciliatory /ˌrekənˈsilēəˌtôrē / adjective - origin late Middle English: from Old French reconcilier or Latin reconciliare, from Latin re- 'back' (also expressing intensive force) + conciliare 'bring together.'

contemn /kənˈtem/

I. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹archaic› treat or regard with contempt. II. derivatives contemner /kənˈtemnər kənˈtemər / noun - origin late Middle English: from Latin contemnere, from con- (expressing intensive force) + temnere 'despise.'

discommode /ˌdiskəˈmōd/

I. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹formal› cause (someone) trouble or inconvenience • I am sorry to have discommoded you. II. derivatives 1. discommodious /-ˈmōdēəs / adjective 2. discommodity /-ˈmäditē / noun - origin early 18th cent.: from obsolete French discommoder, variant of incommoder (see incommode).

abrogate

I. verb — [with obj.] 1. ‹formal› repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement) • a proposal to abrogate temporarily the right to strike. 2. ‹formal› evade (a responsibility or duty) • we believe the board is abrogating its responsibilities to its shareholders.

vouchsafe. /vouCHˈsāf ˈvouCHˌsāf/

I. verb —[with two objs.] 1. give or grant (something) to (someone) in a gracious or condescending manner • it is a blessing vouchsafed him by heaven. 2. [with obj.] —reveal or disclose (information) • you'd never vouchsafed that interesting tidbit before.

blatant vs flagrant.

The words are not quite synonymous. Something that is blatant is glaringly obvious and contrived ("a blatant lie") or willfully obnoxious ("blatant commercialization") or both. Something that is flagrant is shocking and reprehensible ("a flagrant miscarriage of justice"). If I tell you that I regularly travel to the moon, that is a blatant lie, not a flagrant one. If you set fire to my house, that is a flagrant act, not a blatant one.

allusion

When you allude to something, you do not specifically mention it but leave it to the reader to deduce the subject. Thus it would be correct to write, "In an allusion to the President, he said, 'Some people make better oil men than politicians.' " The word is closer in meaning to implication or suggestion. The word is not, as many suppose, a more impressive synonym for reference.

Thirty Years War

a European war of 1618-48 that broke out between the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor and some of his German Protestant states and developed into a struggle for continental hegemony with France, Sweden, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire as the major protagonists. It was ended by the Treaty of Westphalia.

bathetic /bəˈTHedik/

adjective producing an unintentional effect of anticlimax • the movie manages to be poignant without becoming bathetic.

waspish

adjective readily expressing anger or irritation • he had a waspish tongue.

a priori /ˌā prīˈôrī/ I.

adjective relating to or denoting reasoning or knowledge that proceeds from theoretical deduction rather than from observation or experience • a priori assumptions about human nature. II. adverb in a way based on theoretical tion rather than empirical observation • sexuality may be a factor, but it cannot be assumed a priori • [sentence adverb] a priori, it would seem that his government was an extension of that power. III. derivatives apriorism /āˈprīəˌrizəm / noun - origin late 16th cent.: Latin, 'from what is before.'

facerious. /fəˈsēSHəs/

adjective treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant

drumhead /ˈdrəmˌhed

adjective — [attrib.] 1. carried out by or as if by an army in the field; improvised or summary • a drumhead court-martial.

perforce

adverb ‹formal› used to express necessity or inevitability • amateurs, perforce, have to settle for less expensive solutions. - origin Middle English: from Old French par force 'by force.'

by dint of

by means of • he had gotten to where he was today by dint of sheer hard work.

cresset

cresset /ˈkresət/ I. noun ‹historical› a metal container of oil, grease, wood, or coal burned as a torch and typically mounted on a pole. - origin late Middle English: from Old French, from craisse, variant of graisse 'oil, grease.'

red herring /ˈˌred ˈheriNG/

noun 1. a dried smoked herring, which is turned red by the smoke. 2. something, especially a clue, that is or is intended to be misleading or distracting • the book is fast-paced, exciting, and full of red herrings. [so named from the practice of using the scent of red herring in training hounds.]

dragnet /ˈdraɡˌnet/

noun 1. a net drawn through a river or across ground to trap fish or game. 2. a systematic search for someone or something, especially criminals or criminal activity.

tar baby

noun 1. ‹informal› a difficult problem that is only aggravated by attempts to solve it. 2. ‹informal› (US) ‹offensive› a contemptuous term for a black person. - origin with allusion to the doll smeared with tar as a trap for Brer Rabbit, in J. C. Harris's Uncle Remus. / usage: The term tar baby is most commonly used to refer to a difficult problem that is only aggravated by attempts to solve it, alluding to an incident in Joel Chandler Harris's Uncle Remus (1881). The use as a racial slur arose by the 1940s, and because of its highly offensive nature, the original meaning is now often regarded as offensive by association.

litotes /ˈlīdəˌtēz līˈtōdēz ˈlidəˌtēz/

noun [Rhetoric] ironical understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary (e.g., you won't be sorry, meaning you'll be glad). - origin late 16th cent.: via late Latin from Greek litotēs, from litos 'plain, meager.'

lutefisk /ˈlo͞odəˌfisk/

noun a Scandinavian dish prepared by soaking dried cod in lye to tenderize it, then skinning, boning, and boiling the fish to a gelatinous consistency.

live oak /ˌlīv ˈōk/

noun a large, spreading oak of the southern US that has leathery, elliptical evergreen leaves. Live oaks typically support a large quantity of Spanish moss and other epiphytes. [Quercus virginiana, family Fagaceae.]

usurer /ˈyo͞oZHərər/

noun a person who lends money at unreasonably high rates of interest. - origin Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, from Old French usure, from Latin usura (see usury).

Legatee

noun a person who receives a legacy. - origin late 17th cent.: from 15th-cent. legate 'bequeath' (from Latin legare 'delegate, bequeath') + -ee.

sobriquet

noun a person's nickname. - origin mid 17th cent.: French, originally in the sense 'tap under the chin,' of unknown origin.

stoat /stōt/ I.

noun a small carnivorous mammal of the weasel family that has chestnut fur with white underparts and a black-tipped tail. It is native to both Eurasia and North America and in northern areas the coat turns white in winter. [Mustela erminea, family Mustelidae.] - origin late Middle English: of unknown origin.

term of art

noun a word or phrase that has a precise, specialized meaning within a particular field or profession • 'public domain' is a term of art in copyright law and you shouldn't throw it around if you don't know what it means. • the email was sent to me as 'deep background'—a journalistic term of art that means 'you need to know this , but forget who told you'

antedating /ˈan(t)iˌdādiNG/

noun an example or instance of a word, phrase, antedating /ˈan(t)iˌdādiNG/ noun an example or instance of a word, phrase, etc., at a date earlier than previously known or recorded • antedatings of some prize-fighting terms.., at a date earlier than previously known or recorded • antedatings of some prize-fighting terms.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton KC*SG (29 May 1874 - 14 June 1936)

was an English writer,[2] philosopher, lay theologian, and literary and art critic. He has been referred to as the "prince of paradox".[3] Time magazine observed of his writing style: "Whenever possible Chesterton made his points with popular sayings, proverbs, allegories—first carefully turning them inside out."[4] Chesterton created the fictional priest-detective Father Brown,[5] and wrote on apologetics. Even some of those who disagree with him have recognised the wide appeal of such works as Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man.[4][6] Chesterton routinely referred to himself as an "orthodox" Christian, and came to identify this position more and more with Catholicism, eventually converting to Catholicism from High Church Anglicanism. Biographers have identified him as a successor to such Victorian authors as Matthew Arnold, Thomas Carlyle, Cardinal John Henry Newman, and John Ruskin.[7] On his contributions, T. S. Eliot wrote: He was importantly and consistently on the side of the angels. Behind the Johnsonian fancy-dress, so reassuring to the British public, he concealed the most serious and revolutionary designs—concealing them by exposure ... Chesterton's social and economic ideas...were fundamentally Christian and Catholic. He did more, I think, than any man of his time—and was able to do more than anyone else, because of his particular background, development and abilities as a public performer—to maintain the existence of the important minority in the modern world. He leaves behind a permanent claim upon our loyalty, to see that the work that he did in his time is continued in ours.[8]

Adelina Patti (10 February 1843 - 27 September 1919)[1]

was an Italian 19th-century opera singer, earning huge fees at the height of her career in the music capitals of Europe and America. She first sang in public as a child in 1851, and gave her last performance before an audience in 1914. Along with her near contemporaries Jenny Lind and Thérèse Tietjens, Patti remains one of the most famous sopranos in history, owing to the purity and beauty of her lyrical voice and the unmatched quality of her bel canto technique. The composer Giuseppe Verdi, writing in 1877, described her as being perhaps the finest singer who had ever lived and a "stupendous artist".[2] Verdi's admiration for Patti's talent was shared by numerous music critics and social commentators of her era.

stem-winder

ˈstemˌwīndər / stemwinder I. noun 1. (US) ‹informal› an entertaining and rousing speech • the speech was a classic stem-winder in the best southern tradition. 2. (US) ‹dated› a watch wound by turning a knob on the end of a stem. - origin Sense 1 from the notion of "winding up" or causing a lively reaction from those listening.

enfant terrible

ˌänfän teˈrēbl(ə)/ I. noun a person whose unconventional or controversial behavior or ideas shock, embarrass, or annoy others. - origin mid 19th cent.: French, literally 'terrible child.'

Aeneas /əˈnēəs /

‹Greek & Roman Mythology› a Trojan leader, son of Anchises and Aphrodite, and legendary ancestor of the Romans. When Troy fell to the Greeks he escaped and after wandering for many years eventually reached Italy. The story of his voyage is recounted in Virgil's Aeneid.

diminuendo /dəˌmin(y)əˈwendō /

‹Music› I. noun 1. a decrease in loudness • the sudden diminuendos are brilliantly effective. 2. a musical passage to be performed with a decrease in loudness.

alarums & excursions

‹humorous› confused activity and uproar.

transect

‹technical› I. verb — /ˈtransekt / [with obj.] 1. cut across or make a transverse section in. II. noun — /ˈtransekt / 1. a straight line or narrow section through an object or natural feature or across the earth's surface, along which observations are made or measurements taken. III. derivatives transection /-ˈsekSHən