Scripps Bee Set F
volery
a foolish act, utterance, or belief # foolish behavior
contrivance
a thing contrived; especially : a mechanical device # an artificial arrangement or development # the act or faculty of contriving : the state of being contrived Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|contrive||}{/dx_ety}
season
a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature # a suitable or natural time or occasion # an indefinite period of time : while Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sesoun{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}seison{/it} natural season, appropriate time, from Latin {it}sation-, satio{/it} action of sowing, from {it}serere{/it} to sow {ma}{mat|sow|}{/ma}
estuary
a water passage where the tide meets a river current; especially : an arm of the sea at the lower end of a river Etymology : text,Latin {it}aestuarium{/it}, from {it}aestus{/it} boiling, tide; akin to Latin {it}aestas{/it} summer {ma}{mat|edify|}{/ma}
carriage
a wheeled vehicle; especially : a horse-drawn vehicle designed for private use and comfort # a railway passenger coach # a wheeled support carrying a burden Etymology : text,Middle English {it}cariage{/it}, from Anglo-French, from {it}carier{/it} to transport {ma}{mat|carry|}{/ma}
anorak
a usually pullover hooded jacket long enough to cover the hips # a person who is extremely enthusiastic about and interested in something that other people find boring Etymology : text,Dan, from Inuit (Greenland) {it}annoraaq{/it}
sophomoric
conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature # lacking in maturity, taste, or judgment
pecuniary
consisting of or measured in money # of or relating to money Etymology : text,Latin {it}pecuniarius{/it}, from {it}pecunia{/it} money {ma}{mat|fee|}{/ma}
reckon
count # estimate, compute # to determine by reference to a fixed basis Etymology : text,Middle English {it}rekenen{/it}, from Old English {it}-recenian{/it} (as in {it}gerecenian{/it} to narrate); akin to Old English {it}reccan{/it}
unabated
not abated : being at full strength or force
legislature
a body of persons having the power to legislate; specifically : an organized body having the authority to make laws for a political unit
fluoride
a compound of fluorine # the monovalent anion of fluorine
organist
a person who plays the organ
routine
a regular course of procedure # habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure # a reiterated speech or formula Etymology : text,French, from Middle French, from {it}route{/it} traveled way
snippet
a small part, piece, or thing; especially : a brief quotable passage Etymology : text,{et_link|snip:1|snip:1}
McMansion
a very large house built in usually a suburban neighborhood or development; especially : one regarded critically as oversized and ostentatious
myopic
affected by myopia : of, relating to, or exhibiting myopia : nearsighted # lacking in foresight or discernment : narrow in perspective and without concern for broader implications
necrotic
affected with, characterized by, or producing death of a usually localized area of living tissue : marked by necrosis
twee
affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate, cute, or quaint Etymology : text,baby-talk alteration of {it}sweet{/it}
distraught
agitated with doubt or mental conflict or pain # mentally deranged : crazed Etymology : text,Middle English, modification of Latin {it}distractus{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|distract:1||}{/dx_ety}
headdress
an often elaborate covering for the head
prevenient
antecedent, anticipatory Etymology : text,Latin {it}praevenient-, praeveniens{/it}, present participle of {it}praevenire{/it}
steroid
any of various compounds containing a 17-carbon 4-ring system and including the sterols and numerous hormones (such as anabolic steroids or corticosteroids) and glycosides; often, specifically : anabolic steroid Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary {it}ster{/it}ol + {it}-oid{/it}
candelabrum
candelabra Etymology : text,Latin
allocable
capable of being allocated Etymology : text, {et_link|alloc(ate)|allocate} + {et_link|-able|-able}
tolerable
capable of being borne or endured # moderately good or agreeable : passable
manipulable
capable of being manipulated
centenary
centennial Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}centenarium{/it}, from Latin {it}centenarius{/it} of a hundred, from {it}centeni{/it} one hundred each, from {it}centum{/it} hundred {ma}{mat|hundred|}{/ma}
surefire
certain to get successful or expected results
relish
characteristic flavor; especially : pleasing or zestful flavor # a quantity just sufficient to flavor or characterize : trace # enjoyment of or delight in something that satisfies one's tastes, inclinations, or desires Etymology : text,alteration of Middle English {it}reles{/it} odor, taste, from Middle French, something left behind, release {ma}{mat|release|}{/ma}
commodious
comfortably or conveniently spacious : roomy # handy, serviceable Etymology : text,Middle English, fertile, useful, modification of Medieval Latin {it}commodosus{/it}, from Latin {it}commodum{/it} convenience, from neuter of {it}commodus{/it}
duvet
comforter Etymology : text,French
quizzical
comically quaint # mildly teasing or mocking # expressive of puzzlement, curiosity, or disbelief
wholehearted
completely and sincerely devoted, determined, or enthusiastic # marked by complete earnest commitment : free from all reserve or hesitation
empty
containing nothing # not occupied or inhabited # unfrequented Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}ǣmettig{/it} unoccupied, from {it}ǣmetta{/it} leisure, perhaps from {it}ǣ-{/it} without + {it}-metta{/it} (probably akin to {it}mōtan{/it} to have to) {ma}{mat|must|}{/ma}
perseverance
continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : steadfastness Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|persevere||}{/dx_ety}
transit
conveyance of persons or things from one place to another # usually local transportation especially of people by public conveyance; also : vehicles or a system engaged in such transportation # an act, process, or instance of passing through or over Etymology : text,Middle English {it}transite{/it}, from Latin {it}transitus{/it}, from {it}transire{/it} to go across, pass
tandoori
cooked in a tandoor Etymology : text,Hindi & Urdu {it}tandurī{/it}, from {it}tandūr{/it}
calico
cotton cloth imported from India # a plain white cotton fabric that is heavier than muslin # any of various cheap cotton fabrics with figured patterns Etymology : text,{it}Calicut{/it}, India
despicable
deserving to be despised : so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}despicabilis{/it}, from Latin {it}despicari{/it} to despise
raucous
disagreeably harsh or strident : hoarse # boisterously disorderly Etymology : text,Latin {it}raucus{/it} hoarse; akin to Latin {it}ravis{/it} hoarseness
quittance
discharge from a debt or an obligation # a document evidencing quittance # recompense, requital
expostulate
discuss, examine # to reason earnestly with a person for purposes of dissuasion or remonstrance Etymology : text,Latin {it}expostulatus{/it}, past participle of {it}expostulare{/it} to demand, dispute, from {it}ex-{/it} + {it}postulare{/it} to ask for {ma}{mat|postulate|}{/ma}
magma
dregs, sediment # a thin pasty suspension (as of a precipitate in water) # molten rock material within the earth from which igneous rock results by cooling Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}magmat-, magma{/it}, from Greek, thick unguent, from {it}massein{/it} to knead {ma}{mat|mingle|}{/ma}
imbibe
drink # to take in or up # to receive into the mind and retain Etymology : text,Middle English {it}enbiben{/it} to absorb, cause to absorb, from Latin {it}imbibere{/it} to drink in, absorb, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}bibere{/it} to drink {ma}{mat|potable|}{/ma}
obvious
easily discovered, seen, or understood # being in the way or in front Etymology : text,Latin {it}obvius{/it}, from {it}obviam{/it} in the way, from {it}ob{/it} in the way of + {it}viam{/it}, accusative of {it}via{/it} way {ma}{mat|ob-|}, {mat|via|}{/ma}
militant
engaged in warfare or combat : fighting # aggressively active (as in a cause) : combative
epoxy
epoxy resin
innermost
farthest inward : inmost
salubrious
favorable to or promoting health or well-being Etymology : text,Latin {it}salubris{/it}; akin to {it}salvus{/it} safe, healthy {ma}{mat|safe|}{/ma}
nepotism
favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship Etymology : text,French {it}népotisme{/it}, from Italian {it}nepotismo{/it}, from {it}nepote{/it} nephew, from Latin {it}nepot-, nepos{/it} grandson, nephew {ma}{mat|nephew|}{/ma}
jubilant
feeling or expressing great joy : exultant Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|jubilate||}{/dx_ety}
pugilist
fighter; especially : a professional boxer
denticulate
finely dentate or serrate # cut into dentils
foolishness
foolish behavior # a foolish act or idea
buffoonery
foolish or playful behavior or practice
forfend
forbid # to ward off : prevent # protect, preserve
duress
forcible restraint or restriction # compulsion by threat; specifically : unlawful constraint Etymology : text,Middle English {it}duresse{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}duresce{/it} hardness, severity, from Latin {it}duritia{/it}, from {it}durus{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|during||}{/dx_ety}
smithereens
fragments, bits Etymology : text,perhaps from Irish {it}smidiríní{/it}
Plumeria
frangipani Etymology : text,New Latin, genus name, from Charles {it}Plumier{/it} †1704 French botanist
leisure
freedom provided by the cessation of activities; especially : time free from work or duties # ease, leisureliness Etymology : text,Middle English {it}leiser{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}leisir{/it}, from {it}leisir{/it} to be permitted, from Latin {it}licēre{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|license:1||}{/dx_ety}
amigo
friend Etymology : text,Spanish, from Latin {it}amicus{/it} {ma}{mat|amiable|}{/ma}
bubbly
full of bubbles : effervescent # full of or showing good spirits : lively, effusive # resembling a bubble
succulent
full of juice : juicy # moist and tasty : toothsome # having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture Etymology : text,Latin {it}suculentus{/it}, from {it}sucus{/it} juice, sap; perhaps akin to Latin {it}sugere{/it} to suck {ma}{mat|suck|}{/ma}
widget
gadget # an unnamed article considered for purposes of hypothetical example # a small software application that is designed to provide a specific piece of information (such as news, weather, or traffic updates) or a specific function (such as taking notes or controlling another application) on demand Etymology : text,alteration of {it}gadget{/it}
farewell
get along well —used interjectionally to or by one departing
protectorate
government by a protector # the government of England (1653—59) under the Cromwells # the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector
timber
growing trees or their wood # —used interjectionally to warn of a falling tree # wood suitable for building or for carpentry Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English, building, wood; akin to Old High German {it}zimbar{/it} wood, room, Greek {it}demein{/it} to build, {it}domos{/it} course of stones or bricks
bulbous
having a bulb : growing from or bearing bulbs # resembling a bulb especially in roundness
savvy
having or showing perception, comprehension, or shrewdness especially in practical matters
introverted
having or suggesting the characteristics of an introvert; especially : possessing a reserved or shy nature typically with an inclination to solitude
liege
having the right to feudal allegiance or service # obligated to render feudal allegiance and service # faithful, loyal Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}lige{/it}, from Late Latin {it}laeticus{/it}, from {it}laetus{/it} serf, of Germanic origin; akin to Old Frisian {it}let{/it} serf
hallowed
holy, consecrated # sacred, revered Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|hallow||}{/dx_ety}
brouhaha
hubbub, uproar Etymology : text,French
incendiary
igniting combustible materials spontaneously # of, relating to, or being a weapon (such as a bomb) designed to start fires # tending to excite or inflame : inflammatory Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|incendiary:2||}{/dx_ety}
momentous
important, consequential
legato
in a manner that is smooth and connected (as between successive tones) —used especially as a direction in music Etymology : text,Italian, literally, tied
abruptly
in an abrupt manner : in a sudden and unexpected way
measly
infected with measles # containing larval tapeworms # infested with trichinae
remedial
intended as a remedy # concerned with the correction of faulty study habits and the raising of a pupil's general competence; also : receiving or requiring remedial instruction
famished
intensely hungry; also : needy
fervorous
intensity of feeling or expression # intense heat Etymology : text,Middle English {it}fervour{/it}, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French {it}fervur{/it}, from Latin {it}fervor{/it}, from {it}fervēre{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|fervent||}{/dx_ety}
contradictory
involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|contradict||}{/dx_ety}
acuity
keenness of perception Etymology : text,Middle English {it}acuite{/it} "sharpness, acridity," borrowed from Middle French {it}acuité,{/it} borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}acuitāt-, acuitās,{/it} from Latin {it}acu-,{/it} stem of {it}acuere{/it} "to sharpen" + {it}-itāt-, -itās{/it} {et_link|-ity|-ity} {ma}{mat|acute|}{/ma}
realm
kingdom # sphere, domain # a primary marine or terrestrial biogeographic division of the earth's surface Etymology : text,Middle English {it}realme{/it}, from Anglo-French, alteration of Old French {it}reiame{/it}, from Latin {it}regimen{/it} control {ma}{mat|regimen|}{/ma}
callow
lacking adult sophistication : immature Etymology : text,Middle English {it}calu{/it} bald, from Old English; akin to Old High German {it}kalo{/it} bald, Old Church Slavonic {it}golŭ{/it} bare
hackneyed
lacking in freshness or originality Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|hackney:1||}{/dx_ety}
yeanling
lamb, kid
concatenate
linked together Etymology : text,Middle English, from Late Latin {it}concatenatus{/it}, past participle of {it}concatenare{/it} to link together, from Latin {it}com-{/it} + {it}catena{/it} chain
linen
made of flax # made of or resembling linen Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}līnen{/it}, from {it}līn{/it} flax, from Latin {it}linum{/it} flax; akin to Greek {it}linon{/it} flax, thread
brusk
markedly short and abrupt # blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious harshness Etymology : text,French {it}brusque{/it}, from Italian {it}brusco{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}bruscus{/it} butcher's-broom (plant with bristly twigs)
brusque
markedly short and abrupt # blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious harshness Etymology : text,French {it}brusque{/it}, from Italian {it}brusco{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}bruscus{/it} butcher's-broom (plant with bristly twigs)
inched
measuring a specified number of inches
remorseful
motivated or marked by remorse
drivel
nonsense # drool Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|drivel:2||}{/dx_ety}
balderdash
nonsense Etymology : text,origin unknown
burgoo
oatmeal gruel # hardtack and molasses cooked together # a stew or thick soup of meat and vegetables originally served at outdoor gatherings Etymology : text,origin unknown
odiferous
odoriferous Etymology : text,by contraction
kindred
of a similar nature or character : like # of the same ancestry Etymology : text,attributive use of {et_link|kindred:2|kindred:2}
millennial
of or relating to a millennium
heroic
of or relating to courageous people or the mythological or legendary figures of antiquity : of, relating to, resembling, or suggesting heroes especially of antiquity # exhibiting or marked by courage and daring # supremely noble or self-sacrificing
auburn
of the color auburn # of a reddish-brown color Etymology : text,Middle English {it}auborne{/it} blond, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin {it}alburnus{/it} whitish, from Latin {it}alburnum{/it} sapwood
cutaneous
of, relating to, or affecting the skin Etymology : text,New Latin {it}cutaneus{/it}, from Latin {it}cutis{/it} skin {ma}{mat|hide|}{/ma}
cathedral
of, relating to, or containing a cathedra # emanating from a chair of authority # suggestive of a cathedral
contrariwise
on the contrary # vice versa # in a contrary manner
blazer
one that blazes # a sports jacket often with notched collar and patch pockets
writers
one that writes: such as # author # one who writes stock options
bellyache
pain in the abdomen and especially in the stomach : stomachache
pedantry
pedantic presentation or application of knowledge or learning # an instance of pedantry
pomposity
pompous demeanor, speech, or behavior # a pompous gesture, habit, or act
entrance
power or permission to enter : admission # the act of entering # the means or place of entry
carcinogenic
producing or tending to produce cancer
tachycardia
relatively rapid heart action whether physiological (as after exercise) or pathological Etymology : text,New Latin
statuesque
resembling a statue especially in dignity, shapeliness, or stillness; especially : having a tall and shapely form
regalia
royal rights or prerogatives # the emblems, symbols, or paraphernalia indicative of royalty # decorations or insignia indicative of an office or membership Etymology : text,Medieval Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of {it}regalis{/it}
limpa
rye bread made with molasses or brown sugar Etymology : text,Swedish
monumental
serving as or resembling a monument : massive; also : highly significant : outstanding # of or relating to a monument # very great
probative
serving to test or try : exploratory # serving to prove : substantiating
stench
stink # a characteristic repugnant quality Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}stenc{/it}; akin to Old English {it}stincan{/it} to emit a smell {ma}{mat|stink|}{/ma}
woebegone
strongly affected with woe : woeful # exhibiting great woe, sorrow, or misery # being in a sorry state Etymology : text,Middle English {it}wo begon{/it}, from {it}wo{/it}, noun + {it}begon{/it}, past participle of {it}begon{/it} to go about, beset, from Old English {it}begān{/it}, from {it}be-{/it} + {it}gān{/it} to go {ma}{mat|go:1|}{/ma}
ancillary
subordinate, subsidiary # auxiliary, supplementary Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|ancilla||}{/dx_ety}
reliable
suitable or fit to be relied on : dependable # giving the same result on successive trials
lobotomy
surgical severance of nerve fibers connecting the frontal lobes to the thalamus that has been performed especially formerly chiefly to treat mental illness Etymology : text, {et_link|lobe|lobe} + {et_link|-o-|-o-} + {et_link|-tomy|-tomy}
elusive
tending to elude: such as # tending to evade grasp or pursuit # hard to comprehend or define Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|elusion||}{/dx_ety}
ghastly
terrifyingly horrible to the senses : frightening # intensely unpleasant, disagreeable, or objectionable # resembling a ghost Etymology : text,Middle English {it}gastly{/it}, from {it}gasten{/it} to terrify {ma}{mat|gast|}{/ma}
burglarious
the act of breaking and entering a dwelling at night to commit a felony (such as theft); broadly : the entering of a building with the intent to commit a crime
rivalry
the act of rivaling : the state of being a rival : competition
effraction
the act of turning inside out : the state of being turned inside out # the condition (as of the foot) of being turned or rotated outward
residence
the act or fact of dwelling in a place for some time # the act or fact of living or regularly staying at or in some place for the discharge of a duty or the enjoyment of a benefit # the place where one actually lives as distinguished from one's domicile or a place of temporary sojourn
delivery
the act or manner of delivering something; also : something delivered
propulsion
the action or process of propelling # something that propels Etymology : text,borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}prōpulsiōn-, prōpulsiō{/it} "action of driving out or urging on," derivative, with the suffix of verbal action {it}-tiōn-, -tiō,{/it} of Latin {it}propellere{/it} "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" (with {it}-s-{/it} from past participle and verbal noun {it}prōpulsus{/it}) {ma}{mat|propel|}{/ma}
privatim
the attitude of being uncommitted to or avoiding involvement in anything beyond one's immediate interests Etymology : text,{it}private{/it}
hazelnut
the brown nut of a hazel
cutlery
the business of a cutler # edged or cutting tools; specifically : implements for cutting and eating food
performance
the execution of an action # something accomplished : deed, feat # the fulfillment of a claim, promise, or request : implementation
upshot
the final result : outcome
hermitage
the habitation of a hermit # a secluded residence or private retreat : hideaway # monastery
aviation
the operation of aircraft; sometimes, specifically : the operation of heavier-than-air aircraft # military airplanes # airplane manufacture, development, and design Etymology : text,French, from Latin {it}avis{/it}
ecotourism
the practice of touring natural habitats in a manner meant to minimize ecological impact
luminance
the quality or state of being luminous # the luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area
perfection
the quality or state of being perfect: such as # freedom from fault or defect : flawlessness # maturity Etymology : text,Middle English {it}perfeccioun{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}perfection{/it}, from Latin {it}perfection-, perfectio{/it}, from {it}perficere{/it}
porosity
the quality or state of being porous # the ratio of the volume of interstices of a material to the volume of its mass # pore
priority
the quality or state of being prior # precedence in date or position of publication —used of taxa # superiority in rank, position, or privilege
bursary
the treasury of a college or monastery # a monetary grant to a needy student : scholarship Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}bursaria{/it}, from {it}bursa{/it}
calmed
to become calm —usually used with down # to make calm —often used with down Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|calm:1||}{/dx_ety}
placards
to cover with or as if with posters # to post in a public place # to announce by or as if by posting
challenge
to dispute especially as being unjust, invalid, or outmoded : impugn # to confront or defy boldly : dare # to call out to duel or combat Etymology : text,Middle English {it}chalengen{/it} to accuse, from Anglo-French {it}chalenger{/it}, from Latin {it}calumniari{/it} to accuse falsely, from {it}calumnia{/it} calumny
eradicate
to do away with as completely as if by pulling up by the roots # to pull up by the roots Etymology : text,Latin {it}eradicatus{/it}, past participle of {it}eradicare{/it}, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}radic-, radix{/it} root {ma}{mat|root|}{/ma}
toppled
to fall from or as if from being top-heavy # to cause to topple # overthrow Etymology : text,frequentative of {et_link|top:3|top:3}
oxygenate
to impregnate, combine, or supply (something, such as blood) with oxygen
augment
to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense # supplement # to add an augment to (a verb form) Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}augmenter{/it}, from Late Latin {it}augmentare{/it}, from Latin {it}augmentum{/it} increase, from {it}augēre{/it} to increase {ma}{mat|eke|}{/ma}
exploits
to make productive use of : utilize # to make use of meanly or unfairly for one's own advantage
sanitized
to make sanitary (as by cleaning or sterilizing) # to make more acceptable by removing unpleasant or undesired features Etymology : text,Latin {it}sanitas{/it}
diverge
to move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart # to become or be different in character or form : differ in opinion # to turn aside from a path or course : deviate Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}divergere{/it}, from Latin {it}dis-{/it} + {it}vergere{/it} to incline {ma}{mat|wrench|}{/ma}
flabbergast
to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder : dumbfound Etymology : text,origin unknown
winnow
to remove (something, such as chaff) by a current of air # to get rid of (something undesirable or unwanted) : remove —often used with out # separate, sift Etymology : text,Middle English {it}winewen{/it}, from Old English {it}windwian{/it} to fan, winnow; akin to Old High German {it}wintōn{/it} to fan, Latin {it}vannus{/it} winnowing fan, {it}ventus{/it} wind {ma}{mat|wind:1|}{/ma}
disembark
to remove to shore from a ship # to go ashore out of a ship # to get out of a vehicle or craft Etymology : text,Middle French {it}desembarquer{/it}, from {it}des-{/it} dis- + {it}embarquer{/it} to embark
reconcilable
to restore to friendship or harmony # settle, resolve # to make consistent or congruous Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French {it}reconciler{/it}, from Latin {it}reconciliare{/it}, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}conciliare{/it} to conciliate
utterable
to send forth as a sound # to give utterance to : pronounce, speak # to give public expression to : express in words Etymology : text,Middle English {it}uttren{/it}, from {it}utter{/it} outside, adverb, from Old English {it}ūtor{/it}, comparative of {it}ūt{/it} out
glareous
to shine with a harsh uncomfortably brilliant light # stand out, obtrude # to stare angrily or fiercely Etymology : text,Middle English {it}glaren{/it}; akin to Old English {it}glæs{/it} glass
pachinko
to walk with often slow or measured tread # to move along : proceed # to go at a pace —used especially of a horse Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|pace:1||}{/dx_ety}
quaver
tremble # trill # to utter sound in tremulous tones Etymology : text,Middle English, frequentative of {it}quaven{/it} to tremble
mulish
unreasonably and inflexibly obstinate Etymology : text,{et_link|mule:1|mule:1}
slovenly
untidy especially in personal appearance # lazily slipshod # characteristic of a sloven
interrogative
used in a question # having the form or force of a question # inquisitive, questioning
toploftical
very superior in air or attitude Etymology : text,probably from the phrase {it}top loft{/it}
triumphant
victorious, conquering # rejoicing for or celebrating victory # notably successful
Einstein
Albert 1879—1955 American (German-born) physicist
astrobleme
a transparent dome in the upper surface of an airplane from within which the navigator makes celestial observations Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary
ounce
a unit of weight equal to 1/12 troy pound # a unit of weight equal to 1/16 avoirdupois pound # a small amount Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}unce{/it}, from Latin {it}uncia{/it} 12th part, ounce, from {it}unus{/it} one {ma}{mat|one|}{/ma}
climate
a region of the earth having specified climatic conditions # the average course or condition of the weather at a place usually over a period of years as exhibited by temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation # the prevailing set of conditions (as of temperature and humidity) indoors Etymology : text,Middle English {it}climat{/it}, from Middle French, from Late Latin {it}climat-, clima{/it}, from Greek {it}klimat-, klima{/it} inclination, latitude, climate, from {it}klinein{/it} to lean {ma}{mat|lean|}{/ma}
phonetician
a specialist in phonetics
pathogen
a specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease Etymology : text, {et_link|patho-|patho-} + {et_link|-gen|-gen}, after {et_link|pathogenic|pathogenic}, {et_link|pathogenesis|pathogenesis}
fission
a splitting or breaking up into parts # reproduction by spontaneous division of the body into two or more parts each of which grows into a complete organism # the splitting of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of large amounts of energy Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}fissiōn-, fissiō,{/it} from {it}fid-,{/it} variant stem of {it}findere{/it} "to split, cleave" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō,{/it} suffix of verbal action {ma}{mat|bite:1|}{/ma}
kerchief
a square of cloth used as a head covering or worn as a scarf around the neck # handkerchief Etymology : text,Middle English {it}courchef{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}coverchef, cuerchief{/it}, from {it}coverir{/it} to cover + {it}chef{/it} head {ma}{mat|chief|}{/ma}
manta
a square piece of cloth or blanket used in southwestern U.S. and Latin America usually as a cloak or shawl # manta ray Etymology : text,Spanish, alteration of {it}manto{/it} cloak, from Late Latin {it}mantus{/it}, probably back-formation from Latin {it}mantellum{/it} mantle
misery
a state of suffering and want that is the result of poverty or affliction # a circumstance, thing, or place that causes suffering or discomfort # a state of great unhappiness and emotional distress
sarcophagus
a stone coffin; broadly : coffin Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin, after {it}lapis sarcophagus{/it} "kind of stone with caustic properties used for coffins," partial translation of Greek {it}líthos sarkóphagos,{/it} literally, "flesh-eating stone"; {it}sarkóphagos{/it} from {it}sarko-{/it} {et_link|sarco-|sarc-} + {it}-phagos{/it} {et_link|-phagous|-phagous}
tributary
a stream feeding a larger stream or a lake # a ruler or state that pays tribute to a conqueror
wharf
a structure built along or at an angle from the shore of navigable waters so that ships may lie alongside to receive and discharge cargo and passengers # the bank of a river or the shore of the sea Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}hwearf{/it} embankment, wharf; akin to Old English {it}hweorfan{/it} to turn, Old High German {it}hwerban{/it}, Greek {it}karpos{/it} wrist
dolma
a stuffed grape leaf or vegetable shell Etymology : text,Turkish, literally, something stuffed
allergenic
a substance (such as pollen) that induces allergy Etymology : text,borrowed from German {it}Allergen,{/it}, blend of {it}allerg-{/it} (in {it}Allergie{/it} {et_link|allergy|allergy}) and {it}-gen{/it} (in {it}Antigen{/it} {et_link|antigen|antigen}) # et_snote,t,See note at {et_link|allergy|allergy}.
twinge
a sudden sharp stab of pain # a moral or emotional pang
banquet
a sumptuous feast; especially : an elaborate and often ceremonious meal for numerous people often in honor of a person # a meal held in recognition of some occasion or achievement Etymology : text,Middle French, from Old Italian {it}banchetto{/it}, from diminutive of {it}banca{/it} bench, bank
preponderance
a superiority in weight, power, importance, or strength # a superiority or excess in number or quantity # majority
mosaic
a surface decoration made by inlaying small pieces of variously colored material to form pictures or patterns; also : the process of making it # a picture or design made in mosaic # something resembling a mosaic Etymology : text,Middle English {it}musycke{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}musaicum{/it}, alteration of Late Latin {it}musivum{/it}, from Latin {it}museum, musaeum{/it}
fragrance
a sweet or delicate odor (as of fresh flowers, pine trees, or perfume) # something (such as a perfume) compounded to give off a sweet or pleasant odor # the quality or state of having a sweet odor
thimblerig
a swindling trick in which a small ball or pea is quickly shifted from under one to another of three small cups to fool the spectator guessing its location # one who manipulates the cup in thimblerig : thimblerigger
osteopath
a practitioner of osteopathy
disinfectant
an agent that frees from infection; especially : a chemical that destroys vegetative forms of harmful microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi) especially on inanimate objects but that may be less effective in destroying spores
bubonic
an inflammatory swelling of a lymph gland especially in the groin Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}bubon-, bubo{/it}, from Greek {it}boubōn{/it}
honorific
conferring or conveying honor # belonging to or constituting a class of grammatical forms used in speaking to or about a social superior
veracity
conformity with truth or fact : accuracy # devotion to the truth : truthfulness # power of conveying or perceiving truth Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin {it}vērācitāt-, vērācitās{/it}, from Latin {it}vērāc-, vērāx{/it} "truthful" + {it}-itāt-, -itās{/it} {et_link|-ity|-ity} {ma}{mat|very:2|}{/ma}
cutis
dermis Etymology : text,Latin
turnip
either of two biennial herbs of the mustard family with thick edible roots: # one (Brassica rapa rapifera) with globular often flattened roots and leaves that are cooked as a vegetable # rutabaga Etymology : text,Middle English {it}turnepe{/it}, probably from {it}turnen{/it} to turn + {it}nepe{/it} neep; from the well-rounded root
vacuousness
emptied of or lacking content # marked by lack of ideas or intelligence : stupid, inane # devoid of serious occupation : idle Etymology : text,Latin {it}vacuus{/it} "empty, unoccupied, idle" + {et_link|-ous|-ous} {ma}{mat|vacuum:1|}{/ma}
static
exerting force by reason of weight alone without motion # of or relating to bodies at rest or forces in equilibrium # showing little change Etymology : text,New Latin {it}staticus{/it}, from Greek {it}statikos{/it} causing to stand, skilled in weighing, from {it}histanai{/it} to cause to stand, weigh {ma}{mat|stand|}{/ma}
phosphorescent
exhibiting phosphorescence
major
greater in dignity, rank, importance, or interest # greater in number, quantity, or extent # of full legal age Etymology : text,Middle English {it}maiour{/it}, from Latin {it}major{/it}, comparative of {it}magnus{/it} great, large {ma}{mat|much|}{/ma}
bogus
not genuine : counterfeit, sham Etymology : text,obsolete argot {it}bogus{/it} counterfeit money
dauntlessly
incapable of being intimidated or subdued : fearless, undaunted Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|daunt||}{/dx_ety}
magician
one skilled in magic; especially : sorcerer # one who performs tricks of illusion and sleight of hand
siblings
sib; also : one of two or more individuals having one common parent # one of two or more things related by a common tie or characteristic
stimuli
something that rouses or incites to activity: such as # incentive # stimulant Etymology : text,Latin
amnesty
the act of an authority (such as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals Etymology : text,Greek {it}amnēstia{/it} forgetfulness, from {it}amnēstos{/it} forgotten, from {it}a-{/it} + {it}mnasthai{/it} to remember {ma}{mat|mind|}{/ma}
divestiture
the act of divesting # the compulsory transfer of title or disposal of interests (such as stock in a corporation) upon government order Etymology : text,{it}divest{/it} + {it}-iture{/it} (as in {it}investiture{/it})
frivolous
of little weight or importance # having no sound basis (as in fact or law) # lacking in seriousness Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}frivolus{/it}
synthetic
relating to or involving synthesis : not analytic # attributing to a subject something determined by observation rather than analysis of the nature of the subject and not resulting in self-contradiction if negated # characterized by frequent and systematic use of inflected forms to express grammatical relationships Etymology : text,Greek {it}synthetikos{/it} of composition, component, from {it}syntithenai{/it} to put together
attributive
relating to or of the nature of an attribute : attributing # joined directly to a modified noun without a linking verb (such as city in city streets)
solicit
to make petition to : entreat # to approach with a request or plea # to urge (something, such as one's cause) strongly Etymology : text,Middle English, to disturb, promote, from Anglo-French {it}solliciter{/it}, from Latin {it}sollicitare{/it} to disturb, from {it}sollicitus{/it} anxious, from {it}sollus{/it} whole (from Oscan; akin to Greek {it}holos{/it} whole) + {it}citus{/it}, past participle of {it}ciēre{/it} to move {ma}{mat|safe|}, {mat|-kinesis|}{/ma}
perplex
to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something # to make intricate or involved : complicate Etymology : text,obsolete {it}perplex{/it}, adjective, involved, perplexed, from Latin {it}perplexus{/it}, from {it}per-{/it} thoroughly + {it}plexus{/it} involved, from past participle of {it}plectere{/it} to braid, twine {ma}{mat|per-|}, {mat|ply|}{/ma}
shuffle
to mix in a mass confusedly : jumble # to put or thrust aside or under cover # to rearrange (playing cards, dominoes, tiles, etc.) to produce a random order Etymology : text,perhaps irregular from {et_link|shove:1|shove:1}
besieged
to surround with armed forces # to press with requests : importune # to cause worry or distress to : beset
starvation
the act or an instance of starving # the state of being starved
everglades
vast swamp region of southern Florida south of Lake Okeechobee; now partly drained; the southwestern part forms Everglades National Park
daresay
venture to say : think probable —used only in the present tense first-person singular # agree, suppose —used only in the present tense first-person singular
barefoot
with the feet bare
nanotechnology
the manipulation of materials on an atomic or molecular scale especially to build microscopic devices (such as robots)
virulence
the quality or state of being virulent: such as # extreme bitterness or malignity of temper : rancor # malignancy, venomousness
tactics
the science and art of disposing and maneuvering forces in combat # the art or skill of employing available means to accomplish an end # a system or mode of procedure Etymology : text,New Latin {it}tactica{/it}, plural, from Greek {it}taktika{/it}, from neuter plural of {it}taktikos{/it} of order, of tactics, fit for arranging, from {it}tassein{/it} to arrange, place in battle formation
disrepair
the state of being in need of repair
matrimony
the state of being married : marriage Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}matrimoignie{/it}, from Latin {it}matrimonium{/it}, from {it}matr-, mater{/it} mother, matron {ma}{mat|mother|}{/ma}
bereavement
the state or fact of being bereaved or deprived of something or someone Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|bereave||}{/dx_ety}
charred
to convert to charcoal or carbon usually by heat : burn # to burn slightly or partly : scorch # to become charred Etymology : text,{it}charcoal{/it}
chintzy
decorated with or as if with chintz # gaudy, cheap # stingy
staid
marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint : sober, grave Etymology : text,from past participle of {et_link|stay:3|stay:3}
distressed
of, relating to, or experiencing economic decline or difficulty
laudatory
of, relating to, or expressing praise
severance
the act or process of severing : the state of being severed
terabyte
1024 gigabytes or 1,099,511,627,776 bytes; also : one trillion bytes Etymology : text, {et_link|tera-|tera-} + {et_link|byte|byte}
graham
John 1648—1689 Graham of Claverhouse; Bonnie Dundee; 1st Viscount of Dundee Scottish Jacobite
parsley
a European biennial herb (Petroselinum crispum) of the carrot family widely grown for its finely dissected curly or flat leaves which are used as an herb or garnish; also : the leaves Etymology : text,Middle English {it}persely{/it}, from Old English {it}petersilie{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*petrosilium{/it}, alteration of Latin {it}petroselinum{/it}, from Greek {it}petroselinon{/it}, from {it}petros{/it} stone + {it}selinon{/it} celery
phalanges
a body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece formed in close deep ranks and files; broadly : a body of troops in close array # one of the digital bones of the hand or foot of a vertebrate # a massed arrangement of persons, animals, or things Etymology : text,Latin {it}phalang-, phalanx{/it}, from Greek, battle line, digital bone, literally, log {ma}{mat|balk:2|}{/ma}
methodology
a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures # the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field Etymology : text,New Latin {it}methodologia{/it}, from Latin {it}methodus{/it} + {it}-logia{/it} -logy
litmus
a coloring matter from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and is used as an acid-base indicator # the critical factor in a litmus test; also : litmus test Etymology : text,Middle English {it}litmose{/it}, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse {it}litmosi{/it} herbs used in dyeing, from {it}litr{/it} color (akin to Old English {it}wlite{/it} brightness, appearance) + {it}mosi{/it} moss; akin to Old English {it}mōs{/it} moss
krypton
a colorless relatively inert gaseous element found in air in trace amounts and used especially in electric lamps Etymology : text,Greek, neuter of {it}kryptos{/it} hidden {ma}{mat|crypt|}{/ma}
caravan
a company of travelers on a journey through desert or hostile regions; also : a train of pack animals # a group of vehicles traveling together (as in a file) # a covered wagon or motor vehicle equipped as traveling living quarters Etymology : text,Italian {it}caravana{/it}, from Persian {it}kārvān{/it}
microwave
a comparatively short electromagnetic wave; especially : one between about one millimeter and one meter in wavelength # microwave oven
fashionista
a designer, promoter, or follower of the latest fashions Etymology : text,{et_link|fashion:1|fashion:1} + {it}-ista{/it} (as in {et_link|sandinista|Sandinista})
tiramisu
a dessert made with ladyfingers, mascarpone, and espresso Etymology : text,Italian {it}tiramisù{/it}, from {it}tirami su{/it}!, literally, pull me up!
scoundrel
a disreputable person : rascal Etymology : text,origin unknown
locker
a drawer, cupboard, or compartment that may be closed with a lock; especially : one for individual storage use # a chest or compartment on shipboard for compact stowage of articles # a refrigerated compartment or room for the storage of fresh or frozen foods
oasis
a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert) # something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}Oasis,{/it} referring to the Great Oasis of Kharge in the Libyan Desert of Egypt, borrowed from Greek {it}Óasis{/it} (Herodotus), borrowed from Egyptian {it}wḥꜢ.t{/it} "fertile area in the desert"
panary
a large container: such as # a basket often carried on the back of an animal or the shoulders of a person # one of a pair of packs or baskets hung over the rear wheel of a vehicle (such as a bicycle) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}panier{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}paner, panier{/it}, from Latin {it}panarium{/it}, from {it}panis{/it} bread {ma}{mat|food|}{/ma}
machete
a large heavy knife used for cutting sugarcane and underbrush and as a weapon Etymology : text,Spanish
mauve
a moderate purple, violet, or lilac color # a strong purple # a dyestuff that produces a mauve color Etymology : text,French, literally, mallow, from Old French, from Latin {it}malva{/it}
naiveté
a naive remark or action # the quality or state of being naive Etymology : text,French {it}naïveté{/it}, from Old French, inborn character, from {it}naif{/it}
fracas
a noisy quarrel : brawl Etymology : text,French, din, row, from Italian {it}fracasso{/it}, from {it}fracassare{/it} to shatter
altercation
a noisy, heated, angry dispute; also : noisy controversy Etymology : text,Middle English {it}altercacioun,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French {it}altercacion,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}altercātiōn-, altercātiō,{/it} from {it}altercārī, altercāre{/it} "to dispute vehemently, wrangle" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō,{/it} suffix of verbal action {ma}{mat|altercate|}{/ma}
vantage
a position giving a strategic advantage, commanding perspective, or comprehensive view # superiority in a contest # advantage Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French {it}vantage, avantage{/it} {ma}{mat|advantage:1|}{/ma}
deodorant
a preparation that destroys or masks unpleasant odors
porridge
a soft food made by boiling meal of grains or legumes in milk or water until thick Etymology : text,alteration of {it}pottage{/it}
dodecahedron
a solid having 12 plane faces Etymology : text,Greek {it}dōdekaedron{/it}, from {it}dōdeka-{/it} + {it}-edron{/it} -hedron
foosball
a table game resembling soccer in which the ball is moved by manipulating rods to which small figures of players are attached —called also table soccer Etymology : text,probably modification of German {it}Tischfussball{/it}, from {it}Tisch{/it} table + {it}Fussball{/it} soccer, from {it}Fuss{/it} foot + {it}Ball{/it} ball
parcel
a tract or plot of land # a wrapped bundle : package # a unit of salable merchandise Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}parcele{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*particella{/it}, from Latin {it}particula{/it} small part {ma}{mat|particle|}{/ma}
catalepsy
a trancelike state marked by loss of voluntary motion in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed Etymology : text,Middle English {it}catalempsi{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}catalepsia{/it}, from Late Latin {it}catalepsis{/it}, from Greek {it}katalēpsis{/it}, literally, act of seizing, from {it}katalambanein{/it} to seize, from {it}kata-{/it} + {it}lambanein{/it} to take {ma}{mat|latch|}{/ma}
rutabaga
a turnip (Brassica napus napobrassica) that usually produces a large yellowish root that is eaten as a vegetable; also : the root Etymology : text,Swedish dialect {it}rotabagge{/it}, from {it}rot{/it} root + {it}bagge{/it} bag
bathtub
a usually fixed tub for bathing
taco
a usually fried tortilla that is folded or rolled and stuffed with a mixture (as of seasoned meat, cheese, and lettuce) Etymology : text,Mexican Spanish
skeleton
a usually rigid supportive or protective structure or framework of an organism; especially : the bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate # something reduced to its minimum form or essential parts # an emaciated person or animal Etymology : text,New Latin, from Greek, neuter of {it}skeletos{/it} dried up; akin to Greek {it}skellein{/it} to dry up, {it}sklēros{/it} hard and perhaps to Old English {it}sceald{/it} shallow
ewer
a vase-shaped pitcher or jug Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}ewer, ewier{/it}, from Latin {it}aquarium{/it} water source, neuter of {it}aquarius{/it} of water, from {it}aqua{/it} water {ma}{mat|island|}{/ma}
blustery
a violent boisterous blowing # violent commotion # loudly boastful or threatening speech Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|bluster:1||}{/dx_ety}
beret
a visorless usually woolen cap with a tight headband and a soft full flat top Etymology : text,French {it}béret{/it}, from Gascon {it}berret{/it}, from Old Occitan, cap {ma}{mat|biretta|}{/ma}
slogan
a war cry especially of a Scottish clan # a word or phrase used to express a characteristic position or stand or a goal to be achieved # a brief attention-getting phrase used in advertising or promotion Etymology : text,alteration of earlier {it}slogorn{/it}, from Scottish Gaelic {it}sluagh-ghairm{/it}, from {it}sluagh{/it} army, host + {it}gairm{/it} cry
drastic
acting rapidly or violently # extreme in effect or action : severe Etymology : text,Greek {it}drastikos{/it}, from {it}dran{/it} to do
palatable
agreeable to the palate or taste # agreeable or acceptable to the mind
simpatico
agreeable, likable # having shared qualities, interests, etc. : like-minded, sympathetic Etymology : text,Italian {it}simpatico{/it} & Spanish {it}simpático{/it}, ultimately from Latin {it}sympathia{/it} sympathy
clearance
an act or process of clearing: such as # the removal of buildings from an area (such as a city slum) # the act of clearing a ship at the customhouse; also : the papers showing that a ship has cleared
edification
an act or process of edifying
fortification
an act or process of fortifying # something that fortifies, defends, or strengthens; especially : works erected to defend a place or position
spirit
an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms # a supernatural being or essence: such as # holy spirit Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, {it}espirit, spirit{/it}, from Latin {it}spiritus{/it}, literally, breath, from {it}spirare{/it} to blow, breathe
forensics
an argumentative exercise # the art or study of argumentative discourse # the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems; especially : scientific analysis of physical evidence (as from a crime scene) Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|forensic:1||}{/dx_ety}
remonstrance
an earnest presentation of reasons for opposition or grievance; especially : a document formally stating such points # an act or instance of remonstrating
pilaster
an upright architectural member that is rectangular in plan and is structurally a pier but architecturally treated as a column and that usually projects a third of its width or less from the wall Etymology : text,Middle French {it}pilastre{/it}, from Italian {it}pilastro{/it}
thistle
any of various prickly composite plants (especially genera Carduus, Cirsium, and Onopordum) with often showy heads of mostly tubular flowers; also : any of various other prickly plants Etymology : text,Middle English {it}thistel{/it}, from Old English; akin to Old High German {it}distill{/it} thistle
uncouth
awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior : rude # lacking in polish and grace : rugged # strange or clumsy in shape or appearance : outlandish Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}uncūth{/it}, from {it}un-{/it} + {it}cūth{/it} familiar, known; akin to Old High German {it}kund{/it} known, Old English {it}can{/it} know {ma}{mat|can:1|}{/ma}
cadge
beg, sponge Etymology : text,back-formation from Scots {it}cadger{/it} carrier, huckster, from Middle English {it}cadgear{/it}
inimical
being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence # having the disposition of an enemy : hostile # reflecting or indicating hostility : unfriendly Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}inimicalis{/it}, from Latin {it}inimicus{/it} enemy {ma}{mat|enemy|}{/ma}
disproportionate
being out of proportion
farfetched
brought from a remote time or place # not easily or naturally deduced or introduced : improbable
tractability
capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled : docile # easily handled, managed, or wrought : malleable Etymology : text,Latin {it}tractabilis{/it}, from {it}tractare{/it} to handle, treat
flexible
capable of being flexed : pliant # yielding to influence : tractable # characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Latin {it}flexibilis,{/it} from {it}flexus{/it} (past participle of {it}flectere{/it} "to cause to go in a different direction, bend, curve," of uncertain origin) + {it}-ibilis{/it} {et_link|-ible|-able}
perceptible
capable of being perceived especially by the senses
votive
consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire # offered or performed in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion Etymology : text,Latin {it}votivus{/it}, from {it}votum{/it} vow
panorama
cyclorama # a picture exhibited a part at a time by being unrolled before the spectator # an unobstructed or complete view of an area in every direction Etymology : text, {et_link|pan-|pan-} + Greek {it}hórāma{/it} "something seen, sight, spectacle," from {it}horā-,{/it} stem of {it}horân{/it} "to look, see" + {it}-ma,{/it} resultative noun suffix {ma}{mat|ware:2|}{/ma}
metadata
data that provides information about other data
consequent
deduction # the conclusion of a conditional sentence # the second term of a ratio Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}consequent-, consequens{/it}, present participle of {it}consequi{/it} to follow along, from {it}com-{/it} + {it}sequi{/it} to follow {ma}{mat|sue|}{/ma}
scrumptiously
delightful, excellent; especially : delicious Etymology : text,perhaps alteration of {it}sumptuous{/it}
sardonic
disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking Etymology : text,re-formation, with the suffix {et_link|-ic:1|-ic:1}, of earlier {it}sardonian,{/it} from Greek {it}sardónios,{/it} alteration (after {it}Sardónios{/it} "Sardinian") of earlier {it}sardánios{/it} "(of laughter or smiling) bitter, scornful" (of obscure origin) + {et_link|-an:2|-an:2}
schism
division, separation; also : discord, disharmony # formal division in or separation from a church or religious body # the offense of promoting schism Etymology : text,Middle English {it}scisme{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}scisme, cisme{/it}, from Late Latin {it}schismat-, schisma{/it}, from Greek, cleft, division, from {it}schizein{/it} to split {ma}{mat|shed:1|}{/ma}
furtive
done in a quiet and secretive way to avoid being noticed : surreptitious # expressive of stealth : sly # obtained underhandedly : stolen Etymology : text,French or Latin; French {it}furtif{/it}, from Latin {it}furtivus{/it}, from {it}furtum{/it} theft, from {it}fur{/it} thief, from or akin to Greek {it}phōr{/it} thief; akin to Greek {it}pherein{/it} to carry {ma}{mat|bear|}{/ma}
scent
effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: such as # an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over # a characteristic or particular odor; especially : one that is agreeable Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sent{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}sente{/it}, from {it}sentir{/it}
moxie
energy, pep # courage, determination # know-how Etymology : text,from {it}Moxie{/it}, a trademark for a soft drink
equivalent
equal in force, amount, or value; also : equal in area or volume but not superposable # like in signification or import # having logical equivalence Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin {it}aequivalent-, aequivalens{/it}, present participle of {it}aequivalēre{/it} to have equal power, from Latin {it}aequi-{/it} + {it}valēre{/it} to be strong {ma}{mat|wield|}{/ma}
middle
equally distant from the extremes : medial, central # being at neither extreme : intermediate # constituting a division intermediate between those prior and later or upper and lower Etymology : text,Middle English {it}middel{/it}, from Old English; akin to Old English {it}midde{/it}
outrageous
exceeding the limits of what is usual # not conventional or matter-of-fact : fantastic # violent, unrestrained
furious
exhibiting or goaded by anger # indicative of or proceeding from anger # giving a stormy or turbulent appearance Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French {it}furieus{/it}, from Latin {it}furiosus{/it}, from {it}furia{/it} madness, fury
turbulent
exhibiting physical turbulence # characterized by agitation or tumult : tempestuous # causing unrest, violence, or disturbance Etymology : text,Latin {it}turbulentus{/it}, from {it}turba{/it} confusion, crowd {ma}{mat|turbid|}{/ma}
perilous
full of or involving peril Etymology : text,Middle English {it}perilous, perelous,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French {it}perilleus, perillous,{/it} going back to Latin {it}perīculōsus,{/it} from {it}perīculum{/it} "test, risk, {et_link|peril:1|peril:1}" + {it}-ōsus{/it} {et_link|-ous|-ous}
defiant
full of or showing a disposition to challenge, resist, or fight : full of or showing defiance : bold, impudent Etymology : text,in part borrowed from French {it}défiant{/it} "mistrustful," from present participle of {it}défier{/it} "to mistrust, challenge, {et_link|defy:1|defy:1}," going back to Old French; in part from {et_link|defi(ance)|defiance} + {et_link|-ant:2|-ant:2}
splenetic
given to melancholy # marked by bad temper, malevolence, or spite Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}spleneticus{/it}, from Latin {it}splen{/it} spleen
kleptocrat
government by those who seek chiefly status and personal gain at the expense of the governed; also : a particular government of this kind
magnificent
great in deed or exalted in place —used only of former famous rulers # marked by stately grandeur and lavishness # sumptuous in structure and adornment; broadly : strikingly beautiful or impressive
beaucoup
great in quantity or amount : many, much Etymology : text,French
morose
having a sullen and gloomy disposition # marked by or expressive of gloom Etymology : text,Latin {it}morosus{/it}, literally, capricious, from {it}mor-, mos{/it} will
harmonious
having agreement among musical components : musically concordant # having the parts agreeably related : congruous # marked by accord in sentiment or action Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|harmony||}{/dx_ety}
ancient
having had an existence of many years # of or relating to a remote period, to a time early in history, or to those living in such a period or time; especially : of or relating to the historical period beginning with the earliest known civilizations and extending to the fall of the western Roman Empire in a.d. 476 # having the qualities of age or long existence: such as Etymology : text,Middle English {it}ancien{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin {it}*anteanus{/it}, from Latin {it}ante{/it} before {ma}{mat|ante-|}{/ma}
intricate
having many complexly interrelating parts or elements : complicated # difficult to resolve or analyze Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}intricatus{/it}, past participle of {it}intricare{/it} to entangle, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}tricae{/it} trifles, complications
iridescent
having or exhibiting iridescence Etymology : text,Greek {it}īrid-, îris{/it} "rainbow, iridescent halo around the moon, a flame, etc." + {et_link|-escent|-escent} {ma}{mat|iris:1|}{/ma}
strong
having or marked by great physical power # having moral or intellectual power # having great resources (as of wealth or talent) Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}strang{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}strengi{/it} strong, Latin {it}stringere{/it} to bind tight {ma}{mat|strain|}{/ma}
extensive
having wide or considerable extent # extensional # of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor
headlong
headfirst # without deliberation : recklessly # without pause or delay Etymology : text,Middle English {it}hedlong{/it}, alteration of {it}hedling{/it}, from {it}hed{/it} head
widdershins
in a left-handed, wrong, or contrary direction : counterclockwise Etymology : text,Middle Low German {it}weddersinnes{/it}, from Middle High German {it}widersinnes{/it}, from {it}widersinnen{/it} to go against, from {it}wider{/it} back against (from Old High German {it}widar{/it}) + {it}sinnen{/it} to travel, go; akin to Old High German {it}sendan{/it} to send {ma}{mat|with|}, {mat|send|}{/ma}
hermetically
in an airtight manner : so as to be completely airtight —usually used in the phrase hermetically sealed
earnestly
in an earnest and serious manner : not lightly, casually, or flippantly
extremely
in an extreme manner # to an extreme extent
erstwhile
in the past : formerly
subliminal
inadequate to produce a sensation or a perception # existing or functioning below the threshold of consciousness Etymology : text,{it}sub-{/it} + Latin {it}limin-, limen{/it} threshold
indefatigable
incapable of being fatigued : untiring Etymology : text,Middle French, from Latin {it}indefatigabilis{/it}, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}defatigare{/it} to fatigue, from {it}de-{/it} + {it}fatigare{/it} to fatigue
lousicide
infested with lice # totally repulsive : contemptible # miserably poor or inferior
keratitis
inflammation of the cornea of the eye Etymology : text,probably borrowed from French {it}kératite,{/it} from Greek {it}kerat-, kéras{/it} "horn" + French {it}-ite{/it} {et_link|-itis|-itis} {ma}{mat|kerato-|kerat-}{/ma}
tonsillitis
inflammation of the tonsils Etymology : text,New Latin
injurious
inflicting or tending to inflict injury : detrimental # abusive, defamatory
profundity
intellectual depth # something profound or abstruse # the quality or state of being profound or deep Etymology : text,Middle English {it}profundite{/it}, from Latin {it}profunditat-, profunditas{/it} depth, from {it}profundus{/it}
onerous
involving, imposing, or constituting a burden : troublesome # having legal obligations that outweigh the advantages Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French {it}honereus{/it}, from Latin {it}onerosus{/it}, from {it}oner-, onus{/it} burden; akin to Sanskrit {it}anas{/it} cart
supine
lying on the back or with the face upward # marked by supination # exhibiting indolent or apathetic inertia or passivity; especially : mentally or morally slack Etymology : text,Middle English {it}suppyne{/it}, from Latin {it}supinus{/it}; akin to Latin {it}sub{/it} under, up to {ma}{mat|up|}{/ma}
chaotic
marked by chaos or being in a state of chaos : completely confused or disordered # having outcomes that can vary widely due to extremely small changes in initial conditions
humane
marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals # characterized by or tending to broad humanistic culture : humanistic Etymology : text,Middle English {it}humain{/it}
abstemious
marked by restraint especially in the eating of food or drinking of alcohol; also : reflecting such restraint Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}abstēmius{/it} "refraining from wine, careful with one's means," from {it}abs-{/it} (variant of {it}ab-{/it} {et_link|ab-|ab-} before {it}c-{/it} and {it}t-{/it}) + {it}-tēmius{/it}, from a base {it}tēm-{/it} "intoxicating" (also in {it}tēmētum{/it} "intoxicating beverage," {it}tēmulentus{/it} "drunken"); if going back to an Indo-European root {it}*temH-{/it}, akin to Sanskrit {it}tāmyati{/it} "(he/she) is stunned, loses consciousness, is exhausted," {it}tamayati{/it} "(he/she) chokes (someone)," Armenian {it}tʿmrim{/it} "(he/she) is stunned" (perhaps going back to {it}*tēmiro-{/it})
twitchy
marked by twitches or jerking movements : tending to twitch # nervously on edge or fretful
rambunctious
marked by uncontrollable exuberance : unruly Etymology : text,probably alteration of {it}rumbustious{/it}
vainglorious
marked by vainglory : boastful Etymology : text,Middle English {it}vaynegloryous{/it}, from {it}vaynglorie{/it} {et_link|vainglory|vainglory} + {it}-ous{/it} {et_link|-ous|-ous}, after Middle French {it}vaneglorious{/it} and Medieval Latin {it}vāniglōrius{/it}
mister
mr. —used sometimes in writing instead of Mr. # sir —used without a name as a generalized term of direct address of a man who is a stranger # husband Etymology : text,alteration of {et_link|master:1|master:1}
osmosis
movement of a solvent (such as water) through a semipermeable membrane (as of a living cell) into a solution of higher solute concentration that tends to equalize the concentrations of solute on the two sides of the membrane # a process of absorption or diffusion suggestive of the flow of osmotic action; especially : a usually effortless often unconscious assimilation Etymology : text,earlier {it}osmose{/it} in same sense + {et_link|-osis|-osis}, after {it}endosmosis, exosmosis{/it}; {it}osmose{/it} generalized from {it}endosmose{/it} "passage through a membrane from a region of lower to a region of higher concentration" and {it}exosmose{/it} "passage through a membrane from a region of higher to a region of lower concentration" (later {it}endosmosis, exosmosis{/it}), both borrowed from French, from {it}end-{/it} {et_link|end-|end-}, {it}ex- {/it}{et_link|ex-:2|ex-:2} + {it}-osmose,{/it} from Greek {it}ōsmós{/it} "push, thrust" (from {it}ōthéō, ōtheîn{/it} "to push, thrust" + {it}-(s)mos,{/it} resultative noun suffix) + French {it}-ose{/it} {et_link|-osis|-osis}; {it}ōthéō, ōtheîn{/it} probably going back to Indo-European {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}u̯odhh{inf}1{/inf}-,{/it} iterative derivative of {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}u̯edhh{inf}1{/inf}-{/it} "thrust," whence also Sanskrit {it}ávadhīt{/it} "(s/he) has struck, has slain" # et_snote,t,The terms {it}endosmose{/it} and {it}exosmose{/it} were introduced by the French physician and physiologist Henri Dutrochet (1776-1847) in {it}L'agent immédiat du mouvement vital dévoilé dans sa nature et dans son mode d'action, chez les végétaux et chez les animaux{/it} (Paris, 1826), p. 126: "Ainsi, lorsque c'est le plus dense des deux fluides qui est dans la cavité, l'eau y est introduite par l'action que j'ai nommée {it}endosmose{/it}; lorsqu'au contraire c'est le plus dense des deux fluides qui est hors de la cavité, le fluide le moins dense, qui est au dedans, est poussé au dehors par une action inverse que je nommerai {it}exosmose{/it}.[footnote] (1) Mot dérivé de ἐξ, {it}dehors,{/it} et de ωσμος, {it}impulsion.{/it}" ("Thus when the denser of the two fluids is inside the cavity, the water is drawn in by the action that I term {it}endosmose{/it}; when on the contrary the denser of the two fluids is outside the cavity, the less dense fluid, which is inside, is pushed outward by an inverse action that I term {it}exosmose.{/it} (1) Word derived from {it}ex,{/it} outside, and from {it}ōsmos,{/it} impetus.") The reconstruction {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}u̯odhh{inf}1{/inf}-{/it} is from R. Beekes, {it}Etymological Dictionary of Greek{/it} (Brill, 2010), with Greek {it}-ōth-{/it} presumed to be a contraction from {it}*awoth-.{/it} Beekes rejects the suggestion by Chantraine ({it}Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue grecque{/it}) that {it}ōtheîn{/it} is the durative form of a verb {it}*éthein{/it} allegedly seen in {it}éthōn,{/it} a present participle of obscure meaning that occurs twice in the {it}Iliad{/it} (and hence parallel, according to Chantraine, with the lengthened grade seen in {it}pōléomai{/it} "go/come frequently" as against {it}pélomai{/it} "become, take place").
municipal
of or relating to the internal affairs of a major political unit (such as a nation) # of, relating to, or characteristic of a municipality # having local self-government Etymology : text,Latin {it}municipalis{/it} of a municipality, from {it}municip-, municeps{/it} inhabitant of a municipality, from {it}munus{/it} duty, service + {it}capere{/it} to take {ma}{mat|mean|}, {mat|heave:1|}{/ma}
organic
of, relating to, yielding, or involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides # of, relating to, or derived from living organisms # relating to, being, or dealt with by a branch of chemistry concerned with the carbon compounds of living beings and most other carbon compounds
permutation
often major or fundamental change (as in character or condition) based primarily on rearrangement of existent elements; also : a form or variety resulting from such change # the act or process of changing the lineal order of an ordered set of objects # an ordered arrangement of a set of objects Etymology : text,Middle English {it}permutacioun{/it} exchange, transformation, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}permutation-, permutatio{/it}, from {it}permutare{/it}
operator
one that operates: such as # one that operates a machine or device # one that operates a business Etymology : text,borrowed from Late Latin {it}operātor{/it} "worker, producer," from {it}operārī{/it} "to work, be efficacious" + Latin {it}-tor,{/it} agent suffix {ma}{mat|operate|}{/ma}
elevator
one that raises or lifts something up: such as # an endless belt or chain conveyor with cleats, scoops, or buckets for raising material # a cage or platform and its hoisting machinery for conveying people or things to different levels
millivolt
one thousandth of a volt Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary
statistician
one versed in or engaged in compiling statistics
messenger
one who bears a message or does an errand: such as # forerunner, herald # a dispatch bearer in government or military service Etymology : text,Middle English {it}messangere{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}messager, messanger{/it}, from {it}message{/it}
curator
one who has the care and superintendence of something; especially : one in charge of a museum, zoo, or other place of exhibit Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}cūrātor{/it} "one who looks after, superintendent, guardian," from {it}cūrāre{/it} "to watch over, attend" + {it}-tor{/it}, agent suffix {ma}{mat|cure:2|}{/ma}
financier
one who specializes in raising and expending public moneys # one who deals with finance and investment on a large scale Etymology : text,borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, "person who manages monetary affairs," from {it}finance{/it} "money, resource" + {it}-ier{/it} {et_link|-ier|-er:2} {ma}{mat|finance:1|}{/ma}
reggae
popular music of Jamaican origin that combines native styles with elements of rock and soul music and is performed at moderate tempos with the accent on the offbeat Etymology : text,origin unknown
kudos
praise given for achievement # fame and renown resulting from an act or achievement : prestige Etymology : text,Greek {it}kydos{/it}
arpeggio
production of the tones of a chord in succession and not simultaneously # a chord played in arpeggio Etymology : text,Italian, from {it}arpeggiare{/it} to play on the harp, from {it}arpa{/it} harp, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German {it}harpha{/it} harp
alacrity
promptness in response : cheerful readiness Etymology : text,Latin {it}alacritas{/it}, from {it}alacr-, alacer{/it} lively, eager
elderly
rather old; especially : being past middle age # old-fashioned # of, relating to, or characteristic of later life or elderly persons
credulity
readiness or willingness to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|credulous||}{/dx_ety}
rookie
recruit; also : novice # a first-year participant in a major professional sport Etymology : text,perhaps alteration of {it}recruit{/it}
achromatic
refracting light without dispersing it into its constituent colors : giving images practically free from extraneous colors # not readily colored by the usual staining agents # possessing no hue : being or involving black, gray, or white : neutral Etymology : text, {et_link|a-:2|a-:2} + Greek {it}chrōmat-, chrôma{/it} "color" + {et_link|-ic:1|-ic:1} (or borrowed directly from Greek {it}chrōmatikós{/it} {et_link|chromatic:1|chromatic:1}, formed with the same elements)
cellophane
regenerated cellulose in thin transparent sheets used especially for packaging Etymology : text,French, from {it}cellulose{/it} + {it}-phane{/it} (as in {it}diaphane{/it} diaphanous, from Medieval Latin {it}diaphanus{/it})
anemic
relating to or affected with anemia # lacking force, vitality, or spirit # lacking interest or savor : insipid Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|anemia||}{/dx_ety}
explosive
relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion # resulting from or as if from an explosion # tending to explode
Celsius
relating to, conforming to, or having the international thermometric scale on which the interval between the triple point of water and the boiling point of water is divided into 99.99 degrees with 0.01° representing the triple point and 100° the boiling point; also : centigrade —abbreviation C Etymology : text,Anders {it}Celsius{/it}
criminal
relating to, involving, or being a crime # relating to crime or to the prosecution of suspects in a crime # guilty of crime; also : of or befitting a criminal Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French {it}criminal{/it}, borrowed from Latin {it}crīminālis{/it}, from {it}crīmin-, crīmen{/it} "indictment, {et_link|crime|crime}" + {it}-ālis{/it} {et_link|-al:1|-al:1}
whimsical
resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice; especially : lightly fanciful # subject to erratic behavior or unpredictable change # full of, actuated by, or exhibiting whims Etymology : text,{it}whimsy{/it}
jambalaya
rice cooked usually with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp, or oysters and seasoned with herbs # a mixture of diverse elements Etymology : text,Louisiana French, from Occitan {it}jambalaia{/it}
indemnity
security against hurt, loss, or damage # exemption from incurred penalties or liabilities # indemnification
palliative
serving to palliate
memorial
serving to preserve remembrance : commemorative # of or relating to memory Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}memorialis{/it}, from {it}memoria{/it} memory
ingenuous
showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness # lacking craft or subtlety # noble, honorable Etymology : text,Latin {it}ingenuus{/it} native, freeborn, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}gignere{/it} to beget {ma}{mat|kin|}{/ma}
slalom
skiing in a zigzag or wavy course between upright obstacles (such as flags) # a timed race (as on skis or in an automobile or kayak) over a winding or zigzag course past a series of flags or markers; broadly : movement over a zigzag route Etymology : text,Norwegian {it}slalåm{/it}, literally, sloping track
sombre
so shaded as to be dark and gloomy # of a serious mien : grave # of a dismal or depressing character : melancholy Etymology : text,French {it}sombre{/it}
commerce
social intercourse : interchange of ideas, opinions, or sentiments # the exchange or buying and selling of commodities on a large scale involving transportation from place to place # sexual intercourse Etymology : text,Middle French, from Latin {it}commercium{/it}, from {it}com-{/it} + {it}merc-, merx{/it} merchandise
dainty
something delicious to the taste # something choice or pleasing # fastidiousness Etymology : text,Middle English {it}deinte{/it} high esteem, delight, from Anglo-French {it}deinté{/it}, from Latin {it}dignitat-, dignitas{/it} dignity, worth
software
something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware: such as # programs for a computer # the entire set of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with a mechanical or electronic system and especially a computer system
obediential
submissive to the restraint or command of authority : willing to obey Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin {it}oboedient-, oboediens,{/it} from present participle of {it}oboedīre{/it} "to follow the commands of, submit to" {ma}{mat|obey|}{/ma}
wan
suggestive of poor health : sickly, pallid # lacking vitality : feeble # dim, faint Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}wann{/it} dark, livid
capable
susceptible # comprehensive # having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment Etymology : text,Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French {it}capable{/it}, from Late Latin {it}capabilis{/it}, irregular from Latin {it}capere{/it} to take {ma}{mat|heave:1|}{/ma}
fleetness
swift in motion : nimble # fleeting Etymology : text,probably from {et_link|fleet:3|fleet:3}
philharmonic
symphony orchestra Etymology : text,French {it}philharmonique{/it}, literally, loving harmony, from Italian {it}filarmonico{/it}, from {it}fil-{/it} phil- + {it}armonia{/it} harmony, from Latin {it}harmonia{/it}
axiomatic
taken for granted : self-evident # based on or involving an axiom or system of axioms Etymology : text,Middle Greek {it}axiōmatikos{/it}, from Greek, honorable, from {it}axiōmat-, axiōma{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|axiom||}{/dx_ety}
reverberant
tending to reverberate # marked by reverberation : resonant
gamma
the 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet # the degree of contrast of a developed photographic image or of a video image # a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one nanotesla Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek {it}gȧmma{/it}, borrowed from Phoenician {it}*gaml-{/it}, perhaps with the original sense "throwing stick"
demolition
the act of demolishing; especially : destruction in war by means of explosives # explosives for destruction in war Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin {it}dēmōlītiōn-, dēmōlītiō,{/it} from {it}dēmōlīrī{/it} "to throw down, pull down, {et_link|demolish|demolish}" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō,{/it} suffix of action nouns
disturbance
the act of disturbing : the state of being disturbed # a local variation from the average or normal wind conditions
ascension
the act or process of ascending Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}ascension-, ascensio{/it}, from {it}ascendere{/it}
abhorrence
the act or state of abhorring or despising something or someone # a feeling of strong repugnance or disgust : loathing # something regarded as repugnant or disgusting Etymology : text,{et_link|abhorr(ent)|abhorrent} + {et_link|-ence|-ence}
recusancy
the act or state of being a recusant
dramaturgy
the art or technique of dramatic composition and theatrical representation Etymology : text,German {it}Dramaturgie{/it}, from Greek {it}dramatourgia{/it} dramatic composition, from {it}dramat-, drama{/it} + {it}-ourgia{/it} -urgy
pharmacy
the art, practice, or profession of preparing, preserving, compounding, and dispensing medical drugs # a place where medicines are compounded or dispensed # drugstore Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}pharmacia{/it} administration of drugs, from Greek {it}pharmakeia{/it}, from {it}pharmakeuein{/it} to administer drugs, from {it}pharmakon{/it} magic charm, poison, drug
pressure
the burden of physical or mental distress # the constraint of circumstance : the weight of social or economic imposition # the application of force to something by something else in direct contact with it : compression Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin {it}pressura{/it}, from Latin, action of pressing, pressure, from {it}pressus{/it}, past participle of {it}premere{/it}
shadow
the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light # partial darkness or obscurity within a part of space from which rays from a source of light are cut off by an interposed opaque body # a small degree or portion : trace Etymology : text,Middle English {it}shadwe{/it}, from Old English {it}sceaduw-, sceadu{/it} shade
police
the department of government concerned primarily with maintenance of public order, safety, and health and enforcement of laws and possessing executive, judicial, and legislative powers # the department of government charged with prevention, detection, and prosecution of public nuisances and crimes # police force Etymology : text,French, from Old French, from Late Latin {it}politia{/it} government, administration, from Greek {it}politeia{/it}, from {it}politēs{/it} citizen, from {it}polis{/it} city, state; akin to Sanskrit {it}pur{/it} rampart, Lithuanian {it}pilis{/it} castle
façade
the front of a building; also : any face of a building given special architectural treatment # a false, superficial, or artificial appearance or effect Etymology : text,borrowed from French, going back to Middle French {it}fassade,{/it} borrowed from Italian {it}facciata,{/it} from {it}faccia{/it} "face" (going back to Vulgar Latin {it}*facia{/it}) + {it}-ata{/it} {et_link|-ade|-ade} {ma}{mat|face:1|}{/ma}
hydroponic
the growing of plants in nutrient solutions with or without an inert medium (such as soil) to provide mechanical support Etymology : text,{it}hydr-{/it} + {it}-ponics{/it} (as in {it}geoponics{/it} agriculture)
bruxism
the habit of unconsciously gritting or grinding the teeth especially in situations of stress or during sleep Etymology : text,irregular from Greek {it}brychein{/it} to gnash the teeth + English {it}-ism{/it}
situation
the way in which something is placed in relation to its surroundings # site # locality
mahogany
the wood of any of various chiefly tropical trees (family Meliaceae, the mahogany family): # the durable yellowish-brown to reddish-brown usually moderately hard and heavy wood of a West Indian tree (Swietenia mahagoni) that is widely used for cabinetwork and fine finish work # a wood similar to mahogany from a congeneric tropical American tree (especially S. macrophylla) Etymology : text,origin unknown
choreographer
to compose the choreography of # to arrange or direct the movements, progress, or details of # to engage in choreography
erode
to diminish or destroy by degrees: # to eat into or away by slow destruction of substance (as by acid, infection, or cancer) # to wear away by the action of water, wind, or glacial ice Etymology : text,Latin {it}erodere{/it} to eat away, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}rodere{/it} to gnaw {ma}{mat|rodent|}{/ma}
loathe
to dislike greatly and often with disgust or intolerance : detest Etymology : text,Middle English {it}lothen{/it}, from Old English {it}lāthian{/it} to dislike, be hateful, from {it}lāth{/it}
emulsify
to disperse in an emulsion; also : to convert (two or more immiscible liquids) into an emulsion
admirer
to feel respect and approval for (someone or something) : to regard with admiration # to marvel at # to like very much Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French {it}admirer,{/it} Latinization of {it}amirer{/it} "to make (little or much) of," borrowed from Latin {it}admīrārī, ammīrārī{/it} "to regard with wonder, show esteem for," from {it}ad-{/it} {et_link|ad-|ad-} + {it}mīrārī{/it} "to be surprised, look with wonder at," derivative of {it}mīrus,{/it} "remarkable, amazing," of uncertain origin # et_snote,t,Regarding etymology of Latin {it}mīrus{/it} see note at {et_link|smile:1|smile:1}.
recruit
to fill up the number of with new members : reinforce # to enlist as a member of an armed service # to increase or maintain the number of
formalize
to give a certain or definite form to : shape # to make formal # to give formal status or approval to
avoid
to keep away from : shun # to prevent the occurrence or effectiveness of # to refrain from Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}avoider{/it}, alteration of Old French {it}esvuider{/it}, from {it}es-{/it} (from Latin {it}ex-{/it}) + {it}vuider{/it} to empty {ma}{mat|void:3|}{/ma}
sprawl
to lie or sit with arms and legs spread out # to spread or develop irregularly or without restraint # to creep or clamber awkwardly Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}sprēawlian{/it}
yearn
to long persistently, wistfully, or sadly # to feel tenderness or compassion Etymology : text,Middle English {it}yernen{/it}, from Old English {it}giernan{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}gerōn{/it} to desire, Latin {it}hortari{/it} to urge, encourage, Greek {it}chairein{/it} to rejoice
supplicate
to make a humble entreaty; especially : to pray to God # to ask humbly and earnestly of # to ask for earnestly and humbly Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}supplicatus{/it}, past participle of {it}supplicare{/it}, from {it}supplic-, supplex{/it} supplicant {ma}{mat|supple|}{/ma}
smudge
to make a smudge on # to soil as if by smudging # to rub, daub, or wipe in a smeary manner Etymology : text,Middle English {it}smogen{/it}
gesticulate
to make gestures especially when speaking Etymology : text,Latin {it}gesticulatus{/it}, past participle of {it}gesticulari{/it}, from {it}*gesticulus{/it}, diminutive of {it}gestus{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|gesture:1||}{/dx_ety}
elucidate
to make lucid especially by explanation or analysis # to give a clarifying explanation Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}elucidatus{/it}, past participle of {it}elucidare{/it}, from Latin {it}e-{/it} + {it}lucidus{/it} lucid
materialize
to make material : objectify # to cause to appear in bodily form # to cause to be materialistic
neigh
to make the prolonged cry of a horse Etymology : text,Middle English {it}neyen{/it}, from Old English {it}hnǣgan{/it}; akin to Middle High German {it}nēgen{/it} to neigh
educand
to provide schooling for # to train by formal instruction and supervised practice especially in a skill, trade, or profession # to develop mentally, morally, or aesthetically especially by instruction Etymology : text,Middle English, to rear, from Latin {it}educatus{/it}, past participle of {it}educare{/it} to rear, educate, from {it}educere{/it} to lead forth {ma}{mat|educe|}{/ma}
truncate
to shorten by or as if by cutting off # to replace (an edge or corner of a crystal) by a plane
caroling
to sing especially in a joyful manner # to sing carols; specifically : to go about outdoors in a group singing Christmas carols # to praise in or as if in song
carolling
to sing especially in a joyful manner # to sing carols; specifically : to go about outdoors in a group singing Christmas carols # to praise in or as if in song
pamper
to treat with extreme or excessive care and attention # gratify, humor # to cram with rich food : glut Etymology : text,Middle English, probably of Dutch origin; akin to Dutch dialect {it}pamperen{/it} to pamper
mutter
to utter sounds or words indistinctly or with a low voice and with the lips partly closed # to murmur complainingly or angrily : grumble # to utter especially in a low or imperfectly articulated manner Etymology : text,Middle English {it}muteren{/it}, of imitative origin
dim sum
traditional Chinese food consisting of a variety of items (such as steamed or fried dumplings, pieces of cooked chicken, and rice balls) served in small portions Etymology : text,Chinese (Guangdong) {it}dímsām{/it}, from {it}dím{/it} dot, speck + {it}sām{/it} heart
compendium
a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of knowledge : abstract # a list of a number of items # collection, compilation Etymology : text,Medieval Latin, from Latin, saving, shortcut, from {it}compendere{/it} to weigh together, from {it}com-{/it} + {it}pendere{/it} to weigh {ma}{mat|pendant|}{/ma}
daughter
a female offspring especially of human parents # a female adopted child # a human female descendant Etymology : text,Middle English, {it}doughter{/it}, from Old English {it}dohtor{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}tohter{/it} daughter, Greek {it}thygatēr{/it}
pianola
a finely ground flour made from parched corn # any of various flours resembling pinole and ground from the seeds of other plants Etymology : text,American Spanish, from Nahuatl {it}pinolli{/it}
tantrum
a fit of bad temper Etymology : text,origin unknown
briefcase
a flat flexible case for carrying papers or books
spatula
a flat thin implement used especially for spreading or mixing soft substances, scooping, or lifting Etymology : text,Late Latin, spoon, spatula {ma}{mat|epaulet|}{/ma}
romaine
a lettuce that belongs to a cultivar of garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and has long crisp leaves and columnar heads —called also cos lettuce Etymology : text,French, from feminine of {it}romain{/it} Roman, from Old French, from Latin {it}Romanus{/it}
binomial
a mathematical expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus sign or minus sign # a biological species name consisting of two terms Etymology : text,New Latin {it}binomium{/it}, from Medieval Latin, neuter of {it}binomius{/it} having two names, alteration of Latin {it}binominis{/it}, from {it}bi-{/it} + {it}nomin-, nomen{/it} name {ma}{mat|name|}{/ma}
conference
a meeting of two or more persons for discussing matters of common concern # a usually formal interchange of views : consultation # a meeting of members of the two branches of a legislature to adjust differences Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|confer||}{/dx_ety}
legionnaire
a member of a legion Etymology : text,French {it}légionnaire{/it}, from Latin {it}legionarius{/it}
engineer
a member of a military group devoted to engineering work # a crafty schemer : plotter # a designer or builder of engines Etymology : text,Middle English {it}engineour{/it}, from Anglo-French, from {it}enginer{/it} to devise, construct, from {it}engin{/it}
proletarian
a member of the proletariat Etymology : text,Latin {it}proletarius{/it}, from {it}proles{/it} progeny, from {it}pro-{/it} forth + {it}-oles{/it} (akin to {it}alere{/it} to nourish) {ma}{mat|old|}{/ma}
billabong
a blind channel leading out from a river # a usually dry streambed that is filled seasonally # a backwater forming a stagnant pool Etymology : text,Wiradhuri (Australian aboriginal language of central New South Wales) {it}bilabaŋ{/it}
hiatus
a break in or as if in a material object : gap # a gap or passage in an anatomical part or organ # an interruption in time or continuity : break; especially : a period when something (such as a program or activity) is suspended or interrupted Etymology : text,Latin, from {it}hiare{/it} to yawn {ma}{mat|yawn|}{/ma}
wildcat
an Old World cat (Felis silvestris) that resembles but is heavier in build than the domestic tabby cat and is usually held to be among the ancestors of the domestic cat # any of various small or medium-sized cats (such as the lynx or ocelot) # a feral domestic cat
centipede
any of a class (Chilopoda) of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs Etymology : text,Latin {it}centipeda{/it}, from {it}centi-{/it} + {it}ped-, pes{/it} foot {ma}{mat|foot|}{/ma}
grouse
any of various chiefly ground-dwelling birds (family Tetraonidae) that are usually of reddish-brown or other protective color and have feathered legs and that include many important game birds Etymology : text,origin unknown
palpitant
marked by trembling or throbbing
nonvolatile
not volatile: such as # not vaporizing readily # retaining data when power is shut off
supremacy
the quality or state of being supreme; also : supreme authority or power Etymology : text,{it}supreme{/it} + {it}-acy{/it} (as in {it}primacy{/it})
myoglobin
a red iron-containing protein pigment in muscles that is similar to hemoglobin Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary
zeppelin
a rigid airship consisting of a cylindrical trussed and covered frame supported by internal gas cells; broadly : airship Etymology : text,Count Ferdinand von {it}Zeppelin{/it}
posse
a large group often with a common interest # a body of persons summoned by a sheriff to assist in preserving the public peace usually in an emergency # a group of people temporarily organized to make a search (as for a lost child) Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}posse comitatus{/it}, literally, power or authority of the county
bandanna
a large often colorfully patterned handkerchief Etymology : text,Hindi {it}bāṅdhnū{/it} & Urdu {it}bāndhnū{/it} tie-dyeing, cloth so dyed, ultimately from Sanskrit {it}badhnāti{/it} he ties {ma}{mat|bind|}{/ma}
accolade
a mark of acknowledgment : award # an expression of praise # a ceremonial embrace Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French {it}acolade, accolade{/it} "embrace," from {it}acoler{/it} "to embrace" (going back to Old French, from {it}a-{/it}, prefix forming transitive verbs—going back to Latin {it}ad-{/it} {et_link|ad-|ad-}— + {it}col{/it} "neck," going back to Latin {it}collum{/it}) + {it}-ade{/it} {et_link|-ade|-ade} {ma}{mat|collar:1|}{/ma}
hazmat
a material (such as flammable or poisonous material) that would be a danger to life or to the environment if released without precautions Etymology : text,{it}haz{/it}ardous {it}mat{/it}erial
casualty
a military person lost through death, wounds, injury, sickness, internment, or capture or through being missing in action # a person or thing injured, lost, or destroyed : victim # serious or fatal accident : disaster Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|casual:1||}{/dx_ety}
amalgam
a mixture of different elements # an alloy of mercury with another metal that is solid or liquid at room temperature according to the proportion of mercury present and is used especially in making tooth cements Etymology : text,Middle English {it}amalgame{/it}, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin {it}amalgama{/it}
scullery
a room for cleaning and storing dishes and cooking utensils and for doing messy kitchen work Etymology : text,Middle English {it}squilerie, sculerie{/it} department of household in charge of dishes, from Anglo-French {it}esquilerie{/it}, from {it}escuele, eskel{/it} bowl, from Latin {it}scutella{/it} drinking bowl {ma}{mat|scuttle|}{/ma}
boondoggle
a braided cord worn by Boy Scouts as a neckerchief slide, hatband, or ornament # a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft Etymology : text,coined by Robert H. Link †1957 American scoutmaster
botany
a branch of biology dealing with plant life # plant life # the properties and life phenomena exhibited by a plant, plant type, or plant group Etymology : text,{it}botan{/it}ic botanical + {et_link|-y:2|-y:2}
truncheon
a police officer's billy club # baton # club, bludgeon Etymology : text,Middle English {it}tronchoun{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}trunchun{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*truncion-, *truncio{/it}, from Latin {it}truncus{/it} trunk
quadrilateral
a polygon of four sides Etymology : text,Latin {it}quadrilaterus{/it} four-sided, from {it}quadri-{/it} + {it}later-, latus{/it} side
hooves
a curved covering of horn that protects the front of or encloses the ends of the digits of an ungulate mammal and that corresponds to a nail or claw # a hoofed foot especially of a horse Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}hōf{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}huof{/it} hoof, Sanskrit {it}śapha{/it}
qualms
a feeling of uneasiness about a point especially of conscience or propriety # a sudden feeling of usually disturbing emotion (such as doubt or fear) # a sudden attack of illness, faintness, or nausea Etymology : text,origin unknown
museum
an institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value; also : a place where objects are exhibited Etymology : text,Latin {it}Museum{/it} place for learned occupation, from Greek {it}Mouseion{/it}, from neuter of {it}Mouseios{/it} of the Muses, from {it}Mousa{/it}
rosin
a translucent amber-colored to almost black brittle friable resin that is obtained from the oleoresin or deadwood of pine trees or from tall oil and used especially in making varnish Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}reisine, rosine{/it} resin
scruple
a unit of capacity equal to 1/2₄ Apothecaries' ounce # a minute part or quantity : iota Etymology : text,Middle English {it}scrupil, scriple{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}scruple{/it}, from Latin {it}scrupulus{/it} a unit of weight, diminutive of {it}scrupus{/it} sharp stone
pyramid
an ancient massive structure found especially in Egypt having typically a square ground plan, outside walls in the form of four triangles that meet in a point at the top, and inner sepulchral chambers # a structure or object of similar form # a polyhedron having for its base a polygon and for faces triangles with a common vertex Etymology : text,Latin {it}pyramid-, pyramis{/it}, from Greek
specimen
an individual, item, or part considered typical of a group, class, or whole # a portion or quantity of material for use in testing, examination, or study # something that obviously belongs to a particular category but is noticed by reason of an individual distinguishing characteristic Etymology : text,Latin, from {it}specere{/it} to look at, look {ma}{mat|spy|}{/ma}
iota
an infinitesimal amount : jot # the 9th letter of the Greek alphabet Etymology : text,Latin, from Greek {it}iōta{/it}, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew {it}yōdh{/it} yod
botch
an inflammatory sore Etymology : text,Middle English {it}boche{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin {it}*bottia{/it} boss
continental
of, relating to, or characteristic of a continent; specifically, often capitalized : of or relating to the continent of Europe excluding the British Isles # of, relating to, or being a cuisine derived from the classic dishes of Europe and especially France # of or relating to the colonies later forming the U.S. Etymology : text, {et_link|continent:1|continent:1} + {et_link|-al:1|-al:1}
modern
of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past : contemporary # of, relating to, or characteristic of a period extending from a relevant remote past to the present time # involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas : up-to-date Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}modernus{/it}, from Latin {it}modo{/it} just now, from {it}modus{/it} measure {ma}{mat|mete|}{/ma}
atomic
of, relating to, or concerned with atoms # nuclear # marked by acceptance of the theory of atomism
essential
of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent # of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary # being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet
normative
of, relating to, or determining norms or standards # conforming to or based on norms # prescribing norms Etymology : text,French {it}normatif{/it}, from {it}norme{/it} norm, from Latin {it}norma{/it}
fiduciary
of, relating to, or involving a confidence or trust: such as # held or founded in trust or confidence # holding in trust Etymology : text,Latin {it}fiduciarius{/it}, from {it}fiducia{/it} confidence, trust, from {it}fidere{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|fidelity||}{/dx_ety}
cruciferous
one who carries a cross especially at the head of an ecclesiastical procession # any of a family (Brassicaceae synonym Cruciferae) of plants including the cabbage, turnip, and mustard Etymology : text,Late Latin, from Latin {it}cruc-, crux{/it} + {it}-fer{/it}
sheldrake
shelduck # merganser Etymology : text,Middle English, from {it}sheld-{/it} (akin to Middle Dutch {it}schillede{/it} parti-colored) + {it}drake{/it}
remuneration
something that remunerates : recompense, pay # an act or fact of remunerating
drupiferous
one who carries a cross especially at the head of an ecclesiastical procession # any of a family (Brassicaceae synonym Cruciferae) of plants including the cabbage, turnip, and mustard Etymology : text,Late Latin, from Latin {it}cruc-, crux{/it} + {it}-fer{/it}
antiquarian
one who collects or studies antiquities
piratical
one who commits or practices piracy Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin {it}pirata{/it}, from Greek {it}peiratēs{/it}, from {it}peiran{/it} to attempt {ma}{mat|fear|}{/ma}
janitor
one who keeps the premises of a building (such as an apartment or office) clean, tends the heating system, and makes minor repairs # doorkeeper Etymology : text,Latin, from {it}janus{/it} arch, gate
listener
one who listens to someone or something
impediment
something that impedes; especially : an impairment (such as a stutter or a lisp) that interferes with the proper articulation of speech # a bar or hindrance (such as lack of sufficient age) to a lawful marriage
incentive
something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action Etymology : text,Middle English, from Late Latin {it}incentivum{/it}, from neuter of {it}incentivus{/it} stimulating, from Latin, setting the tune, from {it}incentus{/it}, past participle of {it}incinere{/it} to play (a tune), from {it}in-{/it} + {it}canere{/it} to sing {ma}{mat|chant|}{/ma}
luggage
something that is lugged; especially : suitcases for a traveler's belongings : baggage
glitterati
people who are famous, wealthy, and attractive : beautiful people Etymology : text,blend of {et_link|glitter:2|glitter:2} and {it}literati{/it}
entity
being, existence; especially : independent, separate, or self-contained existence # the existence of a thing as contrasted with its attributes # something that has separate and distinct existence and objective or conceptual reality Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}entitas{/it}, from Latin {it}ent-, ens{/it} existing thing, from coined present participle of {it}esse{/it} to be {ma}{mat|is|}{/ma}
circadian
being, having, characterized by, or occurring in approximately 24-hour periods or cycles (as of biological activity or function) Etymology : text,Latin {it}circa{/it} about + {it}dies{/it} day + English {et_link|-an:2|-an:2} {ma}{mat|deity|}{/ma}
quintessential
perfectly typical or representative of a particular kind of person or thing : being a quintessence
sourly
being, inducing, or marked by the one of the five basic taste sensations that is produced chiefly by acids and is characteristic of lemon juice # having the acid taste or smell of or as if of fermentation : turned # of or relating to fermentation Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}sūr{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}sūr{/it} sour, Lithuanian {it}sūrus{/it} salty
subcutaneous
being, living, occurring, or administered under the skin Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}subcutaneus{/it}, from Latin {it}sub-{/it} + {it}cutis{/it} skin {ma}{mat|hide:2|}{/ma}
miscible
capable of being mixed; specifically : capable of mixing in any ratio without separation of two phases Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}miscibilis{/it}, from Latin {it}miscēre{/it} to mix {ma}{mat|mix|}{/ma}
tangible
capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch : palpable # substantially real : material # capable of being precisely identified or realized by the mind Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}tangibilis{/it}, from Latin {it}tangere{/it} to touch
missile
capable of being thrown or projected to strike a distant object # adapted for throwing or hurling missiles Etymology : text,Latin {it}missilis{/it}, from {it}mittere{/it} to throw, send
stereotypical
conforming to a fixed or general pattern or type especially when of an oversimplified or prejudiced nature : of, relating to, or constituting a stereotype # of, relating to, or marked by stereotypy # characterized by frequent repetition of the same, typically purposeless movement, gesture, posture, or vocal sound or utterance
refrain
curb, restrain # to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse Etymology : text,Middle English {it}refreynen{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}refreiner, refreindre{/it}, from Latin {it}refrenare{/it}, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}frenum{/it} bridle {ma}{mat|frenum|}{/ma}
bacteriolytic
destruction or dissolution of bacterial cells Etymology : text,New Latin
eminent
exhibiting eminence especially in standing above others in some quality or position : prominent # standing out so as to be readily perceived or noted : conspicuous # jutting out : projecting Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin {it}eminent-, eminens{/it}, present participle of {it}eminēre{/it} to stand out, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}-minēre{/it}; akin to Latin {it}mont-, mons{/it} mountain {ma}{mat|mount|}{/ma}
proud
feeling or showing pride: such as # having or displaying excessive self-esteem # much pleased : exultant Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}prūd{/it}, probably from Old French {it}prod, prud, prou{/it} advantageous, just, wise, bold, from Late Latin {it}prode{/it} advantage, advantageous, back-formation from Latin {it}prodesse{/it} to be advantageous, from {it}pro-, prod-{/it} for, in favor + {it}esse{/it} to be {ma}{mat|pro-|}, {mat|is|}{/ma}
opinionated
firmly or unduly adhering to one's own opinion or to preconceived notions Etymology : text,{it}opinionate{/it} "grounded on opinion, opinionated" (from {et_link|opinion|opinion} + {et_link|-ate:3|-ate:3}) + {et_link|-ed:1|-ed:1}
petite
having a small trim figure —usually used of a woman Etymology : text,French, feminine of {it}petit{/it}
carpal
of or relating to the carpus Etymology : text,New Latin {it}carpalis{/it}, from {it}carpus{/it}
heredity
inheritance # tradition # the sum of the characteristics and potentialities genetically derived from one's ancestors Etymology : text,borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French {it}heredité,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}hērēditāt-, hērēditās{/it} "inheritance," from {it}hērēd-, hērēs{/it} {et_link|heir:1|heir:1} + {it}-itāt-, -itās{/it} {et_link|-ity|-ity}
timidly
lacking in courage or self-confidence # lacking in boldness or determination Etymology : text,Latin {it}timidus{/it}, from {it}timēre{/it} to fear
venue
locale; also : a place where events of a specific type are held # outlet # the place from which a jury is drawn and in which trial is held Etymology : text,borrowed from Anglo-French, probably alteration (by assimilation to {it}venue{/it} "arrival, attendance") of {it}vinné, visné{/it}, literally, "neighborhood, neighbors," going back to Vulgar Latin {it}*vīcīnātus{/it}, re-formation of Latin {it}vīcīnitās{/it} {et_link|vicinity|vicinity}
nationalism
loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially : a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups # a nationalist movement or government
archetype
the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies : prototype; also : a perfect example # idea # an inherited idea or mode of thought in the psychology of C. G. Jung that is derived from the experience of the race and is present in the unconscious of the individual Etymology : text,Latin {it}archetypum{/it}, from Greek {it}archetypon{/it}, from neuter of {it}archetypos{/it} archetypal, from {it}archein{/it} + {it}typos{/it} type
fibula
the outer and usually smaller of the two bones between the knee and ankle in the hind or lower limbs of vertebrates # a clasp resembling a safety pin used especially by the ancient Greeks and Romans Etymology : text,Latin, pin, clasp; akin to Latin {it}figere{/it} to fasten
laity
the people of a religious faith as distinguished from its clergy # the mass of the people as distinguished from those of a particular profession or those specially skilled Etymology : text,{et_link|lay:5|lay:5}
minority
the period before attainment of majority # the state of being a legal minor # the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole; specifically : a group having less than the number of votes necessary for control
uveal
the pigmented middle layer of the eye consisting of the iris and ciliary body together with the choroid Etymology : text,Medieval Latin, from Latin {it}uva{/it} grape
irritability
the quality or state of being irritable: such as # quick excitability to annoyance, impatience, or anger : petulance # abnormal or excessive excitability of an organ or part of the body
leniency
the quality or state of being lenient # a lenient disposition or practice
literacy
the quality or state of being literate
meekness
the quality or state of being meek : a mild, moderate, humble, or submissive quality
nonchalance
the quality or state of being nonchalant
reciprocity
the quality or state of being reciprocal : mutual dependence, action, or influence # a mutual exchange of privileges; specifically : a recognition by one of two countries or institutions of the validity of licenses or privileges granted by the other Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|reciprocal:1||}{/dx_ety}
security
the quality or state of being secure: such as # freedom from danger : safety # freedom from fear or anxiety
transparencies
the quality or state of being transparent # something transparent; especially : a picture (as on film) viewed by light shining through it or by projection
ugliness
the quality or state of being ugly # something that is ugly
weakness
the quality or state of being weak; also : an instance or period of being weak # fault, defect # a special desire or fondness
laureate
the recipient of honor or recognition for achievement in an art or science; specifically : poet laureate Etymology : text,Middle English, crowned with laurel as a distinction, from Latin {it}laureatus{/it}, from {it}laurea{/it} laurel wreath, from feminine of {it}laureus{/it} of laurel, from {it}laurus{/it}
esteem
the regard in which one is held; especially : high regard # worth, value # opinion, judgment
bifurcate
to cause to divide into two branches or parts # to divide into two branches or parts Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}bifurcatus{/it}, past participle of {it}bifurcare{/it}, from Latin {it}bifurcus{/it} two-pronged, from {it}bi-{/it} + {it}furca{/it} fork
condemn
to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation # to pronounce guilty : convict # sentence, doom Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}condempner{/it}, from Latin {it}condemnare{/it}, from {it}com-{/it} + {it}damnare{/it} to condemn {ma}{mat|damn|}{/ma}
abated
to decrease in force or intensity # to become defeated or become null or void (as of a writ or appeal) # to decrease in amount or value Etymology : text,Middle English {it}abaten{/it}, borrowed from Anglo-French {it}abatre{/it} "to strike down, fell, reduce, put an end to," from {it}a-{/it}, prefix in transitive verbs (going back to Latin {it}ad-{/it} {et_link|ad-|ad-}) + {it}batre{/it} "to beat," going back to Latin {it}battuere{/it}, of uncertain origin
overrun
to defeat decisively and occupy the positions of # to invade and occupy or ravage # to spread or swarm over : infest
tarry
to delay or be tardy in acting or doing # to linger in expectation : wait # to abide or stay in or at a place Etymology : text,Middle English {it}tarien{/it}
reprieve
to delay the punishment of (someone, such as a condemned prisoner) # to give relief or deliverance to for a time Etymology : text,probably blend of obsolete {it}repreve{/it} to reprove (from Middle English) and obsolete {it}repry{/it} to remand, postpone, from Anglo-French {it}repri-{/it}, past stem of {it}reprendre{/it} to take back
evaluate
to determine or fix the value of # to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study Etymology : text,back-formation from {it}evaluation{/it}, from French {it}évaluation{/it}, from Middle French {it}evaluacion{/it}, from {it}esvaluer{/it} to evaluate, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}value{/it} value
efface
to eliminate or make indistinct by or as if by wearing away a surface; also : to cause to vanish # to make (oneself) modestly or shyly inconspicuous Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}esfacer, effacer{/it}, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}face{/it} face
surmised
to form a notion of from scanty evidence : imagine, infer Etymology : text,Middle English, to allege, from {it}surmise{/it}, noun
uncle
the brother of one's father or mother # the husband of one's aunt or uncle # one who helps, advises, or encourages Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}avunculus{/it} mother's brother; akin to Old English {it}ēam{/it} uncle, Welsh {it}ewythr{/it}, Latin {it}avus{/it} grandfather
January
the first month of the Gregorian calendar Etymology : text,Middle English {it}Januarie{/it}, from Latin {it}Januarius{/it}, 1st month of the ancient Roman year, from {it}Janus{/it}
remarkable
worthy of being or likely to be noticed especially as being uncommon or extraordinary
malfeasance
wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official Etymology : text,{it}mal-{/it} + obsolete {it}feasance{/it} doing, execution
Realtor
—used for a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors
Sheetrock
—used for drywall
accumulate
to gather or pile up especially little by little : amass # to increase gradually in quantity or number Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}accumulātus{/it}, past participle of {it}accumulāre{/it} "to heap up, add to, increase," from {it}ad-{/it} {et_link|ad-|ad-} + {it}cumulāre{/it} "to gather into a heap" {ma}{mat|cumulate|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,In part a Latinization of Middle French {it}accumuler.{/it}
jettison
to get rid of as superfluous or encumbering : omit or forgo as part of a plan or as the result of some other decision # to drop (cargo) to lighten a ship's load in time of distress # to drop from an aircraft or spacecraft in flight Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|jettison:2||}{/dx_ety}
comfort
to give strength and hope to : cheer # to ease the grief or trouble of : console Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}cunforter, comforter{/it}, from Late Latin {it}confortare{/it} to strengthen greatly, from Latin {it}com-{/it} + {it}fortis{/it} strong
quack
to make the characteristic cry of a duck Etymology : text,alteration of {it}queck{/it} to quack, from Middle English {it}queken{/it}, from {it}queke{/it}, interjection, of imitative origin
cameist
to move toward (someone) in a threatening or aggressive way # to be directed at or toward (someone) # to begin to deal with or think about (something)
unfurl
to release from a furled state # to open out from or as if from a furled state : unfold
manumit
to release from slavery Etymology : text,Middle English {it}manumitten{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}manumettre{/it}, from Latin {it}manumittere{/it}, from {it}manus{/it} hand + {it}mittere{/it} to let go, send
marginalize
to relegate to an unimportant or powerless position within a society or group
exhibits
to submit (something, such as a document) to a court or officer in course of proceedings; also : to present or offer officially or in legal form # to present to view: such as # to show or display outwardly especially by visible signs or actions Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}exhibitus{/it}, past participle of {it}exhibēre{/it}, from {it}ex-{/it} + {it}habēre{/it} to have, hold {ma}{mat|give|}{/ma}
seethe
to suffer violent internal excitement # to be in a state of rapid agitated movement # to churn or foam as if boiling Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sethen{/it}, from Old English {it}sēothan{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}siodan{/it} to seethe and probably to Old Lithuanian {it}siausti{/it} (it) storms, rages
originate
to take or have origin : begin # to give rise to : initiate
trounce
to thrash or punish severely; especially : to defeat decisively Etymology : text,origin unknown
sparkle
to throw out sparks # to give off or reflect bright moving points of light # to perform brilliantly Etymology : text,Middle English, frequentative of {it}sparken{/it} to spark
trepanation
to use a trephine on (the skull) # to remove a disk or cylindrical core (as from metal for testing) Etymology : text,Middle English, from {it}trepane{/it} trephine
dillydally
to waste time by loitering or delaying : dawdle Etymology : text,reduplication of {it}dally{/it}
vacillate
to waver in mind, will, or feeling : hesitate in choice of opinions or courses # to sway through lack of equilibrium # fluctuate, oscillate Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}vacillātus{/it}, past participle of {it}vacillāre{/it} "to be unsteady, totter, be weak or inconstant, waver," of uncertain origin
gargantuan
tremendous in size, volume, or degree : gigantic, colossal Etymology : text,{it}Gargantua{/it}
bauble
trinket # a scepter of a fool # something of trifling appeal Etymology : text,Middle English {it}babel{/it}, from Middle French
trifecta
triple # a variation of the perfecta in which a bettor wins by selecting the first three finishers of a race in the correct order of finish Etymology : text,{it}tri-{/it} + per{it}fecta{/it}
importunate
troublesomely urgent : overly persistent in request or demand # troublesome
gratis
without charge or recompense : free Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}gratiis, gratis{/it}, from ablative plural of {it}gratia{/it} favor {ma}{mat|grace|}{/ma}
enviable
highly desirable
tercentenary
a 300th anniversary or its celebration
amulet
a charm (such as an ornament) often inscribed with a magic incantation or symbol to aid the wearer or protect against evil (such as disease or witchcraft) Etymology : text,Latin {it}amuletum{/it}
shortfall
a failure to come up to expectation or need; also : the amount of such failure
ricochet
a glancing rebound (as of a projectile off a flat surface); also : an object that ricochets Etymology : text,French
decrepitude
the quality or state of being decrepit
gypsum
a widely distributed mineral consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate that is used especially as a soil amendment and in making plaster of paris # drywall Etymology : text,Latin, from Greek {it}gypsos{/it}
redux
brought back —used postpositively Etymology : text,Latin, returning, from {it}reducere{/it} to lead back
useful
capable of being put to use; especially : serviceable for an end or purpose # of a valuable or productive kind
obscure
dark, dim # shrouded in or hidden by darkness # not clearly seen or easily distinguished : faint Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}oscur, obscur{/it}, from Latin {it}obscurus{/it}
dilapidated
decayed, deteriorated, or fallen into partial ruin especially through neglect or misuse Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|dilapidate||}{/dx_ety}
wily
full of wiles : crafty
Kodiak
island of southern Alaska in the Gulf of Alaska east of the Alaska Peninsula population 13,592
justiciable
liable to trial in a court of justice # capable of being decided by legal principles or by a court of justice
labyrinthine
of, relating to, or resembling a labyrinth : intricate, involved # of, relating to, affecting, or originating in the internal ear
impostor
one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}impostor{/it}, from Latin {it}imponere{/it}
owlishly
resembling or suggesting an owl
explanation
the act or process of explaining # something that explains
plaiting
the interlacing of strands : braiding
modesty
the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities # propriety in dress, speech, or conduct
marooned
to put ashore on a desolate island or coast and leave to one's fate # to place or leave in isolation or without hope of ready escape
trivia
unimportant matters : trivial facts or details; also, singular in construction : a quizzing game involving obscure facts Etymology : text,New Latin, back-formation from Latin {it}trivialis{/it}
fault
weakness, failing; especially : a moral weakness less serious than a vice # a physical or intellectual imperfection or impairment : defect # an error especially in service in a net or racket game Etymology : text,Middle English {it}faute, falte{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin {it}*fallita{/it}, from feminine of {it}fallitus{/it}, past participle of Latin {it}fallere{/it} to deceive, disappoint
hangar
shelter, shed; especially : a covered and usually enclosed area for housing and repairing aircraft Etymology : text,borrowed from French, "shed open on one or more sides for storing agricultural products, farm implements, and vehicles," going back to Middle French, perhaps going back to Old Low Franconian {it}*haimgarda-{/it} "enclosure around a building," going back to West Germanic {it}*haima-{/it} "dwelling" + {it}*garđa-{/it} "enclosure" {ma}{mat|home:1|}, {mat|yard:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The French form occurs earliest as a place name, {it}Hangart{/it} (1135), in Somme department. Though the persistent attestation of the word with initial {it}h-,{/it} diachronically and in dialects, is a certain indication of Germanic origin, the fact that such a compound is apparently not attested as a generic word or place-name in a Germanic language renders the etymology speculative.
apparatus
a set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use # a group of anatomical or cytological parts functioning together # an instrument or appliance designed for a specific operation Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}apparātus{/it} "act of preparing, display, trappings, equipment," from {it}apparāre{/it} "to make ready, make preparations for" (from {it}ad-{/it} {et_link|ad-|ad-} + {it}parāre{/it} "to supply, provide, make ready") + {it}-tus,{/it} suffix of verbal nouns {ma}{mat|pare|}{/ma}
earthquake
a shaking or trembling of the earth that is volcanic or tectonic in origin # upheaval
microfiche
a sheet of microfilm containing rows of images of printed pages Etymology : text,French, from {it}micr-{/it} micr- + {it}fiche{/it} peg, marker in a game, index card, slip, from {it}ficher{/it} to stick in {ma}{mat|fichu|}{/ma}
biscuit
a small quick bread made from dough that has been rolled out and cut or dropped from a spoon # cookie # earthenware or porcelain after the first firing and before glazing —called also bisque Etymology : text,Middle English {it}bisquite{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}besquit{/it}, from ({it}pain{/it}) {it}besquit{/it} twice-cooked bread
crumpet
a small round unsweetened bread cooked on a griddle and usually split and toasted before serving Etymology : text,perhaps from Middle English {it}crompid{/it} ({it}cake{/it}) wafer, literally, curled-up cake, from {it}crumped{/it}, past participle of {it}crumpen{/it} to curl up, from {it}crump, crumb{/it} crooked, from Old English {it}crumb{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}krump{/it} crooked
hamlet
a small village Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}hamelet{/it}, diminutive of {it}ham{/it} village, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English {it}hām{/it} village, home
fondant
a soft creamy preparation of sugar, water, and flavorings that is used as a basis for candies or icings # a candy consisting chiefly of fondant Etymology : text,borrowed from French, noun derivative from present participle of {it}fondre{/it} "to melt" {ma}{mat|found:5|}{/ma}
gelato
a soft rich ice cream containing little or no air Etymology : text,Italian, literally, frozen
nubuck
a soft sueded leather Etymology : text,perhaps from {it}nu-{/it} (alteration of {et_link|new:1|new:1}) + {et_link|buck:1|buck:1}
flannel
a soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface # a napped cotton fabric of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel # a stout cotton fabric usually napped on one side Etymology : text,Middle English {it}flaunneol{/it} woolen cloth or garment
chalk
a soft white, gray, or buff limestone composed chiefly of the shells of foraminifers # a prepared form of chalk or a material resembling chalk especially when used (as for writing on blackboards) as a crayon # a mark made with chalk Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}cealc{/it}, from Latin {it}calc-, calx{/it} lime; akin to Greek {it}chalix{/it} pebble
samples
a representative part or a single item from a larger whole or group especially when presented for inspection or shown as evidence of quality : specimen # a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studied to gain information about the whole # an excerpt from a recording (such as a popular song by another performer) that is used in a musical composition, recording, or performance Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}sample, essample{/it}, from Latin {it}exemplum{/it} {ma}{mat|example|}{/ma}
transistor
a solid-state electronic device that is used to control the flow of electricity in electronic equipment and usually consists of a small block of a semiconductor (such as germanium) with at least three electrodes # a transistorized radio Etymology : text,{et_link|trans-|trans-} + {et_link|(re)sist(ance):1|resistance:1} + {et_link|-or:1|-or:1}
nephew
a son of one's brother or sister or of one's brother-in-law or sister-in-law # an illegitimate son of an ecclesiastic # a lineal descendant; especially : grandson Etymology : text,Middle English {it}nevew{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}nevou, neveu{/it}, from Latin {it}nepot-, nepos{/it} grandson, nephew; akin to Old English {it}nefa{/it} grandson, nephew, Sanskrit {it}napāt{/it} grandson
knack
a special ready capacity that is hard to analyze or teach # a clever trick or stratagem # a clever way of doing something Etymology : text,Middle English {it}knak{/it}
mischief
a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent # a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation; especially : a person who causes mischief # action that annoys or irritates Etymology : text,Middle English {it}meschief{/it}, from Anglo-French, misfortune, hardship, from Old French {it}meschever{/it} to come out badly, {it}mes-{/it} + {it}chief{/it} head, end {ma}{mat|chief|}{/ma}
doldrums
a spell of listlessness or despondency # a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds # a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump Etymology : text,probably akin to Old English {it}dol{/it} foolish
QWERTY
a standard English-language typewriter or computer keyboard on which the first six letters of the second row are q, w, e, r, t, and y Etymology : text,from the first six letters in the second row of the keyboard
criteria
a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based # a characterizing mark or trait Etymology : text,borrowed from Greek {it}kritḗrion{/it}, from {it}kri-{/it}, variant stem of {it}krī́nein{/it} "to separate, choose, decide, judge" + {it}-tērion{/it}, suffix of instruments {ma}{mat|certain:1|}{/ma}
zirconium
a steel-gray hard ductile metallic element with a high melting point that occurs widely in combined form (as in zircon), is highly resistant to corrosion, and is used especially in alloys and in refractories and ceramics Etymology : text,New Latin, from International Scientific Vocabulary {it}zircon{/it}
escarpment
a steep slope in front of a fortification # a long cliff or steep slope separating two comparatively level or more gently sloping surfaces and resulting from erosion or faulting Etymology : text,French {it}escarpement{/it}, from {it}escarper{/it} to scarp, from Middle French, from {it}escarpe{/it} scarp, from Old Italian {it}scarpa{/it} {ma}{mat|scarp|}{/ma}
crayon
a stick of white or colored chalk or of colored wax used for writing or drawing # a crayon drawing Etymology : text,French, crayon, pencil, from diminutive of {it}craie{/it} chalk, from Latin {it}creta{/it}
swipe
a strong sweeping blow # a sharp often critical remark Etymology : text,probably alteration of {it}sweep{/it}
reprisal
a retaliatory act # the regaining of something (as by recapture) # something (such as a sum of money) given or paid in restitution —usually used in plural Etymology : text,Middle English {it}reprisail{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}reprisaile{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}represalia{/it}, from Old Italian {it}rappresaglia{/it}, ultimately from {it}ripreso{/it}, past participle of {it}riprendere{/it} to take back, from {it}ri-{/it} re- (from Latin {it}re-{/it}) + {it}prendere{/it} to take, from Latin {it}prehendere{/it} {ma}{mat|get|}{/ma}
premium
a reward or recompense for a particular act # a sum over and above a regular price paid chiefly as an inducement or incentive # a sum in advance of or in addition to the nominal value of something Etymology : text,Latin {it}praemium{/it} booty, profit, reward, from {it}prae-{/it} + {it}emere{/it} to take, buy {ma}{mat|redeem|}{/ma}
cadence
a rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds in language # the beat, time, or measure of rhythmical motion or activity # a falling inflection of the voice Etymology : text,Middle English, {ldquo}rhythm of prose or verse, rhetorical periods,{rdquo} borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}cadentia{/it} {ldquo}rhythm in verse,{rdquo} noun derivative (formally feminine singular from neuter plural) of Latin {it}cadent-, cadens,{/it} present participle of {it}cadere{/it} {ldquo}to fall, sound rhythmically, end, terminate (of words or clauses){rdquo} {ma}{mat|chance:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,Since at least the first edition of the {it}Oxford English Dictionary{/it} (1888), this word has been attributed to Italian, either directly or through French. However, attestations of French {it}cadence{/it} and Italian {it}cadenza{/it} are significantly later than the first occurrences of {it}cadence{/it} in Middle English (ca. 1390) and early Scots (ca. 1420). (The word also occurs in Chaucer's {it}House of Fame,{/it} composed ca. 1380 and attested earliest in a manuscript of ca. 1450.) In Medieval Latin {it}cadentia{/it} appears in the approximate sense {ldquo}verse rhythm{rdquo} ({it}pedum cadentia{/it}) in John of Garland's {it}Parisiana poetria{/it} (composed ca. 1234).
emerald
a rich green variety of beryl prized as a gemstone # any of various green gemstones (such as synthetic corundum or demantoid) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}emerallde{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}esmeralde{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*smaralda{/it}, from Latin {it}smaragdus{/it}, from Greek {it}smaragdos{/it} {ma}{mat|smaragd|}{/ma}
schooner
a typically 2-masted fore-and-aft rigged vessel with a foremast and a mainmast stepped nearly amidships # a larger-than-usual drinking glass (as for beer) Etymology : text,origin unknown
quart
a unit of capacity equal to 1/4 gallon or 1/3₂ bushel # a vessel or measure having a capacity of one quart Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}quarte{/it} quarter, quart, from feminine of {it}quart{/it}, adjective, fourth, from Latin {it}quartus{/it}; akin to Latin {it}quattuor{/it} four {ma}{mat|four|}{/ma}
salsa
a usually spicy sauce of chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers that is commonly served with Mexican food; also : a similar sauce made with a main ingredient other than tomatoes # popular music of Latin American origin that has absorbed characteristics of rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock Etymology : text,Spanish, literally, sauce, from Latin, feminine of {it}salsus{/it} salted {ma}{mat|sauce|}{/ma}
hooligan
a usually young man who engages in rowdy or violent behavior especially as part of a group or gang : ruffian, hoodlum Etymology : text,perhaps from Patrick {it}Hooligan flourished{/it} 1896 Irish hoodlum in Southwark, London
jumbo
a very large specimen of its kind Etymology : text,{it}Jumbo{/it}, a huge elephant exhibited by P. T. Barnum
fêng shui
a Chinese geomantic practice in which a structure or site is chosen or configured so as to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it; also : orientation, placement, or arrangement according to the precepts of feng shui Etymology : text,Chinese (Beijing) {it}fēngshui{/it} geomantic omen, literally, wind-water
celery
a European herb (Apium graveolens) of the carrot family; specifically : one of a cultivated variety (A. graveolens dulce) with leafstalks eaten raw or cooked Etymology : text,borrowed from French {it}céleri{/it} (17th-century {it}celeris, sceleri{/it}, Middle French {it}scellerin{/it}), borrowed from an Upper Italian form (as Ligurian {it}sèlarʼu{/it}, Lombard {it}sèleri{/it}), altered from Vulgar Latin {it}*selinum{/it} (Late Latin {it}selīnon{/it}), borrowed from Greek {it}sélīnon{/it}, perhaps from a pre-Greek substratal language
yoga
a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation # a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes meditation derived from Yoga but often practiced independently especially in Western cultures to promote physical and emotional well-being Etymology : text,Sanskrit, literally, yoking, from {it}yunakti{/it} he yokes; akin to Latin {it}jungere{/it} to join {ma}{mat|yoke|}{/ma}
churros
a Spanish and Mexican pastry resembling a doughnut or cruller and made from deep-fried unsweetened dough and sprinkled with sugar Etymology : text,Spanish
klutz
a clumsy person Etymology : text,Yiddish {it}klots{/it}, literally, wooden beam, from Middle High German {it}kloz{/it} lumpy mass {ma}{mat|clout|}{/ma}
burlap
a coarse heavy plain-woven fabric usually of jute or hemp used for bagging and wrapping and in furniture and linoleum manufacture # a lightweight material resembling burlap used in interior decoration or for clothing Etymology : text,origin unknown
riviera
a coastal region frequented as a resort area and usually marked by a mild climate Etymology : text,from the {it}Riviera{/it}, region in southeastern France and northwestern Italy
fido
a coin having a minting error Etymology : text,{it}f{/it}reaks + {it}i{/it}rregulars + {it}d{/it}efects + {it}o{/it}ddities
ethanol
a colorless volatile flammable liquid C2H5OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent and in fuel —called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol
pyrite
a common mineral that consists of iron disulfide, has a pale brass-yellow color and metallic luster, and is burned in making sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid Etymology : text,Latin {it}pyrites{/it}
cryptozoa
a communication in cipher or code # a figure or representation having a hidden significance Etymology : text, {et_link|crypto-|crypt-} + {et_link|-gram|-gram}, after {et_link|cryptograph|cryptograph}, {et_link|cryptography|cryptography}
assembly
a company of persons gathered for deliberation and legislation, worship, or entertainment # a legislative body; specifically : the lower house of a legislature # a meeting of a student body and usually faculty for administrative, educational, or recreational purposes Etymology : text,Middle English {it}assemblee{/it}, from Anglo-French, from {it}assembler{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|assemble||}{/dx_ety}
spreadsheet
a computer program that allows the entry, calculation, and storage of data in columns and rows; also : the ledger layout modeled by such a program
standard
a conspicuous object (such as a banner) formerly carried at the top of a pole and used to mark a rallying point especially in battle or to serve as an emblem # a long narrow tapering flag that is personal to an individual or corporation and bears heraldic devices # the personal flag of the head of a state or of a member of a royal family Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}estandard{/it} banner, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English {it}standan{/it} to stand and probably to Old High German {it}hart{/it} hard
depravity
a corrupt act or practice # the quality or state of being corrupt, evil, or perverted : the quality or state of being depraved Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|deprave||}{/dx_ety}
cannoli
a deep-fried tube of pastry filled with sweetened and flavored ricotta cheese Etymology : text,Italian, plural of {it}cannolo{/it} small tube, diminutive of {it}canna{/it}
encore
a demand for repetition or reappearance made by an audience # a reappearance or additional performance demanded by an audience # a second achievement especially that surpasses the first Etymology : text,French, still, again
thicket
a dense growth of shrubbery or small trees : copse # something resembling a thicket in density or impenetrability : tangle Etymology : text,Middle English {it}*thikket{/it}, from Old English {it}thiccet{/it}, from {it}thicce{/it} thick
treadmill
a device having an endless belt on which an individual walks or runs in place for exercise or physiological testing # a mill worked by an animal treading an endless belt # a mill worked by persons treading on steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis and used formerly in prison punishment
laser
a device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation usually in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions of the spectrum; also : the beam of coherent radiation itself # something resembling a laser beam in accuracy, speed, or intensity Etymology : text,{it}l{/it}ight {it}a{/it}mplification by {it}s{/it}timulated {it}e{/it}mission of {it}r{/it}adiation
lactose
a disaccharide sugar C12H22O11 that is present in milk and yields glucose and galactose upon hydrolysis and yields especially lactic acid upon fermentation Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary
hydrant
a discharge pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from a water main (as for fighting fires) —called also fireplug # faucet Etymology : text,Greek {it}hydr-,{/it} form in derivatives and compounds of {it}hýdōr{/it} "water" + {et_link|-ant:1|-ant:1} {ma}{mat|hydro-|hydr-}{/ma} # et_snote,t,Though the above is the only likely etymology, the formation is peculiar, as the suffix {it}-ant{/it} is normally associated with verbs of French and/or Latin origin. This peculiarity suggests a deliberate coinage, but its source is apparently unknown. The word is attested earliest in Philadelphia city ordinances from the first decade of the nineteenth century,
beverage
a drinkable liquid Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from {it}beivre{/it} to drink, from Latin {it}bibere{/it} {ma}{mat|potable|}{/ma}
umbrage
a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult # shady branches : foliage # shade, shadow Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}umbraticum{/it}, neuter of {it}umbraticus{/it} of shade, from {it}umbratus{/it}, past participle of {it}umbrare{/it} to shade, from {it}umbra{/it} shade, shadow; akin to Lithuanian {it}unksmė{/it} shadow
umpirage
a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult # shady branches : foliage # shade, shadow Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}umbraticum{/it}, neuter of {it}umbraticus{/it} of shade, from {it}umbratus{/it}, past participle of {it}umbrare{/it} to shade, from {it}umbra{/it} shade, shadow; akin to Lithuanian {it}unksmė{/it} shadow
fisticuffs
a fight with the fists Etymology : text,alteration of {it}fisty cuff{/it}, from {it}fisty{/it} fistic + {it}cuff{/it}
pashmina
a fine wool similar to cashmere made from the undercoat of domestic Himalayan goats; also : a shawl made from this wool Etymology : text,Persian, from {it}pashmin{/it} woolen, from {it}pashm{/it} wool
faucet
a fixture for drawing or regulating the flow of liquid especially from a pipe Etymology : text,Middle English, bung, faucet, from Middle French {it}fausset{/it} bung, perhaps from {it}fausser{/it} to damage, from Late Latin {it}falsare{/it} to falsify, from Latin {it}falsus{/it} false
tongue
a fleshy movable muscular process of the floor of the mouths of most vertebrates that bears sensory end organs and small glands and functions especially in taking and swallowing food and in humans as a speech organ # a part of various invertebrate animals that is analogous to the tongue # the flesh of a tongue (as of the ox or sheep) used as food Etymology : text,Middle English {it}tunge{/it}, from Old English; akin to Old High German {it}zunga{/it} tongue, Latin {it}lingua{/it}
blooper
a fly ball hit barely beyond a baseball infield # a high baseball pitch lobbed to the batter # an embarrassing public blunder Etymology : text,{it}bloop{/it} (an unpleasant sound)
marathon
a footrace run on an open course usually of 26 miles 385 yards (42.2 kilometers); broadly : a long-distance race # an endurance contest # something (such as an event, activity, or session) characterized by great length or concentrated effort Etymology : text,{it}Marathon{/it}, Greece, site of a victory of Greeks over Persians in 490 {sc}b.c.{/sc}, the news of which was carried to Athens by a long-distance runner
pattern
a form or model proposed for imitation : exemplar # something designed or used as a model for making things # an artistic, musical, literary, or mechanical design or form Etymology : text,Middle English {it}patron{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin {it}patronus{/it}
peekaboo
a game for amusing a baby by repeatedly hiding one's face or body and popping back into view exclaiming "Peekaboo!" Etymology : text,{et_link|peek:1|peek:1} + {et_link|boo:1|boo:1}
geocaching
a game in which players are given the geographical coordinates of a cache of items which they search for with a GPS device
apron
a garment usually of cloth, plastic, or leather usually tied around the waist and used to protect clothing or adorn a costume # something that suggests or resembles an apron in shape, position, or use: such as # the lower member under the sill of the interior casing of a window Etymology : text,Middle English, alteration (resulting from false division of {it}a napron{/it}) of {it}napron{/it}, from Middle French {it}naperon{/it}, diminutive of {it}nape{/it} cloth, modification of Latin {it}mappa{/it} napkin
gauntlet
a glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand # any of various protective gloves used especially in industry # an open challenge (as to combat) —used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French {it}gantelet{/it}, diminutive of {it}gant{/it} glove, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch {it}want{/it} glove, Old Norse {it}vǫttr{/it}
excursion
a going out or forth : expedition # a usually brief pleasure trip # a trip at special reduced rates Etymology : text,Latin {it}excursion-, excursio{/it}, from {it}excurrere{/it}
ombudsman
a government official (as in Sweden or New Zealand) appointed to receive and investigate complaints made by individuals against abuses or capricious acts of public officials # one that investigates, reports on, and helps settle complaints Etymology : text,Swedish, literally, representative, from Old Norse {it}umbothsmathr{/it}, from {it}umboth{/it} commission + {it}mathr{/it} man
scholarship
a grant-in-aid to a student (as by a college or foundation) # the character, qualities, activity, or attainments of a scholar : learning # a fund of knowledge and learning
tableau
a graphic description or representation : picture # a striking or artistic grouping : arrangement, scene # a depiction of a scene usually presented on a stage by silent and motionless costumed participants Etymology : text,French, from Middle French {it}tablel{/it}, diminutive of {it}table{/it}, from Old French
tungsten
a gray-white heavy high-melting ductile hard polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and molybdenum in many of its properties and is used especially in carbide materials and electrical components (such as lamp filaments) and in hardening alloys (such as steel) Etymology : text,Swedish, from {it}tung{/it} heavy + {it}sten{/it} stone
audience
a group of listeners or spectators # a reading, viewing, or listening public # a group of ardent admirers or devotees Etymology : text,Middle English, "hearing, group of listeners, assembly, council," borrowed from Anglo-French, "hearing, group of listeners," borrowed from Latin {it}audientia{/it} "act of listening, group of listeners," noun derivative of {it}audient-, audiens,{/it} present participle of {it}audīre{/it} "to hear" {ma}{mat|audible:1|}{/ma}
melismatic
a group of notes or tones sung on one syllable in plainsong # melodic embellishment # cadenza Etymology : text,New Latin, from Greek, song, melody, from {it}melizein{/it} to sing, from {it}melos{/it} song
gaff
a handled hook for holding or lifting heavy fish # a spear or spearhead for taking fish or turtles # a metal spur for a gamecock Etymology : text,borrowed from French {it}gaffe{/it}, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Old Occitan {it}gaf{/it}, probably derivative of {it}gafar{/it} "to seize," of obscure origin # et_snote,t,Middle English {it}gaffe{/it}, occurring in the early 14th-century "Kildare Poems" (British Library MS Harley 913) and glossed "iron hook" in the {it}Middle English Dictionary{/it}, is of uncertain relation to the modern word. It predates attestations of the word in French.
porcelain
a hard, fine-grained, sonorous, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and a feldspathic rock and is fired at a high temperature —called also hard-paste porcelain, true porcelain # soft-paste porcelain Etymology : text,Middle French {it}porcelaine{/it} cowrie shell, porcelain, from Italian {it}porcellana{/it}, from {it}porcello{/it} vulva, literally, little pig, from Latin {it}porcellus{/it}, diminutive of {it}porcus{/it} pig, vulva; from the shape of the shell {ma}{mat|farrow|}{/ma}
tapestry
a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery and characterized by complicated pictorial designs # a nonreversible imitation of tapestry used chiefly for upholstery # embroidery on canvas resembling woven tapestry Etymology : text,Middle English, modification of Anglo-French {it}tapicerie{/it}, from {it}tapit, tapis{/it} carpet, hanging, from Greek {it}tapētion{/it}, diminutive of {it}tapēt-, tapēs{/it} carpet
hodgepodge
a heterogeneous mixture : jumble Etymology : text,alteration of {it}hotchpotch{/it}
promontory
a high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water # a prominent mass of land overlooking or projecting into a lowland # a bodily prominence Etymology : text,Latin {it}promunturium, promonturium{/it}; probably akin to {it}prominēre{/it} to jut forth {ma}{mat|prominent|}{/ma}
keyhole
a hole for receiving a key # key
honeybee
a honey-producing bee (genus Apis of the family Apidae); especially : a European bee (A. mellifera) introduced worldwide and kept in hives for the honey it produces
errata
a list of errors in a printed work discovered after printing and shown with corrections; also : a page bearing such a list Etymology : text,Latin, plural of {it}erratum{/it}
cowlick
a lock or tuft of hair growing in a different direction from the rest of the hair
arcade
a long arched building or gallery # an arched covered passageway or avenue (as between shops) # a building that includes many shops Etymology : text,French, from Italian {it}arcata{/it}, from {it}arco{/it} arch, from Latin {it}arcus{/it}
groove
a long narrow channel or depression # a fixed routine : rut # a situation suited to one's abilities or interests : niche Etymology : text,Middle English {it}grove{/it} pit, cave, from Middle Dutch {it}groeve{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}gruoba{/it} pit, cave, Old English {it}grafan{/it} to dig {ma}{mat|grave:5|}{/ma}
blizzard
a long severe snowstorm # an intensely strong cold wind filled with fine snow # an overwhelming rush or deluge Etymology : text,origin unknown
sofa
a long upholstered seat usually with arms and a back and often convertible into a bed Etymology : text,earlier, raised carpeted floor, from Italian {it}sofà{/it}, from Turkish {it}sofa{/it}, from Arabic {it}ṣuffa{/it} carpet, divan
guffaw
a loud or boisterous burst of laughter Etymology : text,imitative
fedora
a low soft felt hat with the crown creased lengthwise Etymology : text,{it}Fédora{/it} (1882), drama by V. Sardou
envoy
a minister plenipotentiary accredited to a foreign government who ranks between an ambassador and a minister resident —called also envoy extraordinary # a person delegated to represent one government in its dealings with another # messenger, representative Etymology : text,French {it}envoyé{/it}, from past participle of {it}envoyer{/it} to send, from Old French {it}enveier{/it}
Minotaur
a monster shaped half like a man and half like a bull, confined in the labyrinth built by Daedalus for Minos, and given a periodic tribute of youths and maidens as food until slain by Theseus Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}Minotaurus{/it}, from Greek {it}Minōtauros{/it}, from {it}Minōs{/it} + {it}tauros{/it} bull
wafer
a thin crisp cake, candy, or cracker # a round thin piece of unleavened bread used in the celebration of the Eucharist # an adhesive disk of dried paste with added coloring matter used as a seal Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}wafer, walfre{/it}, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch {it}wafele{/it} waffle
dictum
a noteworthy statement: such as # a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion # an observation intended or regarded as authoritative Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin, "utterance, order, promise, saying, witticism," noun derivative from neuter of {it}dictus,{/it} past participle of {it}dīcere{/it} "to talk, speak, say, utter" {ma}{mat|diction|}{/ma}
corral
a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing livestock # an enclosure made with wagons for defense of an encampment Etymology : text,Spanish, from Vulgar Latin {it}*currale{/it} enclosure for vehicles, from Latin {it}currus{/it} cart, from {it}currere{/it} to run {ma}{mat|car|}{/ma}
centuries
a period of 100 years; specifically : one of the 100-year divisions of the Christian era or of the preceding period of human history # a group, sequence, or series of 100 like things # a subdivision of the Roman legion Etymology : text,Latin {it}centuria{/it}, irregular from {it}centum{/it} hundred
deputy
a person appointed as a substitute with power to act # a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent # a member of the lower house of some legislative assemblies Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}deputé{/it}, past participle of {it}deputer{/it}
compatriots
a person born, residing, or holding citizenship in the same country as another # companion, colleague Etymology : text,French {it}compatriote{/it}, from Late Latin {it}compatriota{/it}, from Latin {it}com-{/it} + Late Latin {it}patriota{/it} fellow countryman {ma}{mat|patriot|}{/ma}
pauper
a person destitute of means except such as are derived from charity; specifically : one who receives aid from funds designated for the poor # a very poor person Etymology : text,Latin, poor {ma}{mat|poor|}{/ma}
menial
a person doing menial work; specifically : a domestic servant or retainer Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|menial:2||}{/dx_ety}
egress
a place or means of going out : exit # the action or right of going or coming out Etymology : text,Latin {it}egressus{/it}, from {it}egredi{/it} to go out, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}gradi{/it} to go {ma}{mat|grade:1|}{/ma}
Mecca
a place regarded as a center for a specified group, activity, or interest Etymology : text,{it}Mecca{/it}, Saudi Arabia, a destination of pilgrims in the Islamic world
Brigadoon
a place that is idyllic, unaffected by time, or remote from reality Etymology : text,from {it}Brigadoon{/it}, village in the musical {it}Brigadoon{/it} (1947) by A. J. Lerner and F. Loewe
menagerie
a place where animals are kept and trained especially for exhibition # a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition # a varied mixture Etymology : text,French {it}ménagerie{/it}, from Middle French, management of a household or farm, from {it}menage{/it}
repository
a place, room, or container where something is deposited or stored : depository # a side altar in a Roman Catholic church where the consecrated Host is reserved from Maundy Thursday until Good Friday # one that contains or stores something nonmaterial
bedlam
a place, scene, or state of uproar and confusion # an asylum for the mentally ill # madman, lunatic Etymology : text,{it}Bedlam{/it}, popular name for the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem, London, an asylum for the mentally ill, from Middle English {it}Bedlem{/it} Bethlehem
topiary
a plant shaped by topiary art # topiary plants # topiary art or gardening; also : a topiary garden
juncture
a point of time; especially : one made critical by a concurrence of circumstances # joint, connection # the manner of transition or mode of relationship between two consecutive sounds in speech
arsenic
a poisonous trivalent and pentavalent solid element that commonly occurs in a brittle, metallic, steel-gray, crystalline form and is used especially in wood preservatives, alloys, and semiconductors # a poisonous trioxide As2O3 or As4O6 of arsenic used especially as an insecticide or weed killer —called also arsenic trioxide Etymology : text,Middle English {it}arsenik{/it} orpiment, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin {it}arsenicum{/it}, from Greek {it}arsenikon, arrhenikon{/it}, from Syriac {it}zarnīg{/it}, of Iranian origin; akin to Avestan {it}zaranya{/it} gold, Sanskrit {it}hari{/it} yellowish {ma}{mat|yellow|}{/ma}
pear
a pome fruit of a tree (genus Pyrus, especially P. communis) of the rose family that typically has a pale green or brownish skin, a firm juicy flesh, and an oblong shape in which a broad base end tapers upward to a narrow stem end # a tree bearing pears Etymology : text,Middle English {it}pere{/it}, from Old English {it}peru{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*pira{/it}, from Latin, plural of {it}pirum{/it}
canteen
a portable chest with compartments for carrying bottles or for cooking and eating utensils # a flask for carrying liquids (as on a hike) # mess kit Etymology : text,French {it}cantine{/it} bottle case, sutler's shop, from Italian {it}cantina{/it} wine cellar, probably from {it}canto{/it} corner, from Latin {it}canthus{/it} iron tire {ma}{mat|cant:4|}{/ma}
dumbwaiter
a portable serving table or stand # a small elevator used for conveying food and dishes from one story of a building to another
dentifrice
a powder, paste, or liquid for cleaning the teeth Etymology : text,Middle English {it}dentifricie{/it}, from Latin {it}dentifricium{/it}, from {it}denti-{/it} + {it}fricare{/it} to rub {ma}{mat|friction|}{/ma}
cartoon
a preparatory design, drawing, or painting (as for a fresco) # a drawing intended as satire, caricature, or humor # comic strip Etymology : text,Italian {it}cartone{/it} pasteboard, cartoon, augmentative of {it}carta{/it} leaf of paper {ma}{mat|card:1|}{/ma}
barograph
a recording barometer Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary
plaid
a rectangular length of tartan worn over the left shoulder as part of the Scottish national costume # a twilled woolen fabric with a tartan pattern # a fabric with a pattern of tartan or an imitation of tartan Etymology : text,Scottish Gaelic {it}plaide{/it}
cenotaph
a tomb or a monument erected in honor of a person or group of persons whose remains are elsewhere Etymology : text,French {it}cénotaphe{/it}, from Latin {it}cenotaphium{/it}, from Greek {it}kenotaphion{/it}, from {it}kenos{/it} empty + {it}taphos{/it} tomb
kaiser
emperor; especially : the ruler of Germany from 1871 to 1918 Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old Norse {it}keisari{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}keisur{/it} emperor; both from a prehistoric Germanic word borrowed from Latin {it}Caesar{/it}, cognomen of the Emperor Augustus
macchiato
espresso topped with a thin layer of foamed milk Etymology : text,Italian, short for {it}caffè macchiato{/it} literally, coffee with a spot (of milk)
netiquette
etiquette governing communication on the Internet Etymology : text,blend of {it}net{/it} and {it}etiquette{/it}
albeit
even though : although Etymology : text,Middle English, literally, all though it be
shebang
everything involved in what is under consideration —usually used in the phrase the whole shebang Etymology : text,origin unknown
arrogant
exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one's own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner # showing an offensive attitude of superiority : proceeding from or characterized by arrogance Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}arrogant-, arrogans{/it}, present participle of {it}arrogare{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|arrogate||}{/dx_ety}
caricature
exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics # a representation especially in literature or art that has the qualities of caricature # a distortion so gross as to seem like caricature Etymology : text,Italian {it}caricatura{/it}, literally, act of loading, from {it}caricare{/it} to load, from Late Latin {it}carricare{/it}
deciduous
falling off or shed seasonally or at a certain stage of development in the life cycle # having deciduous parts # having the dominant plants deciduous Etymology : text,Latin {it}deciduus{/it}, from {it}decidere{/it} to fall off, from {it}de-{/it} + {it}cadere{/it} to fall {ma}{mat|chance|}{/ma}
sword
a weapon (such as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority # an agency or instrument of destruction or combat # the use of force Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}sweord{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}swert{/it} sword
sesame
a widely cultivated chiefly tropical or subtropical annual erect herb (Sesamum indicum of the family Pedaliaceae); also : its small seeds used especially as a source of oil and a flavoring agent # open sesame Etymology : text,alteration of earlier {it}sesam, sesama{/it}, from Latin {it}sesamum, sesama{/it}, from Greek {it}sēsamon, sēsamē{/it}, of Semitic origin; akin to Akkadian {it}šamaššamu{/it} sesame
trumpet
a wind instrument consisting of a conical or cylindrical usually metal tube, a cup-shaped mouthpiece, and a flared bell; specifically : a valved brass instrument having a cylindrical tube with two turns and a usual range from F sharp below middle C upward for 21/2 octaves # a musical instrument (such as a cornet) resembling a trumpet # a trumpet player Etymology : text,Middle English {it}trompette{/it}, from Anglo-French, from {it}trumpe{/it} trump
bagpipe
a wind instrument consisting of a reed melody pipe and from one to five drones with air supplied continuously either by a bag with valve-stopped mouth tube or by bellows —often used in plural
comedienne
a woman who is a comedian Etymology : text,French {it}comédienne{/it}, feminine of {it}comédien{/it} comedian, from {it}comédie{/it}
trencher
a wooden platter for serving food Etymology : text,Middle English {it}trenchour{/it} knife, serving platter, from Anglo-French, from {it}trencher{/it} to cut
ulterior
going beyond what is openly said or shown and especially what is proper # further, future # more distant Etymology : text,Latin, farther, further, comparative of {it}*ulter{/it} situated beyond, from {it}uls{/it} beyond; akin to Latin {it}ollus, ille{/it}, that one, Old Irish ind{it}oll{/it} beyond
oligarchy
government by the few # a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control # an organization under oligarchic control
difficult
hard to do, make, or carry out : arduous # hard to deal with, manage, or overcome # hard to understand : puzzling Etymology : text,Middle English, probably back-formation from {it}difficulte{/it} {et_link|difficulty|difficulty}
circuitous
having a circular or winding course # not being forthright or direct in language or action Etymology : text,perhaps from Medieval Latin {it}circuitosus{/it}, from Latin {it}circuitus{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|circuit:1||}{/dx_ety}
genteel
having an aristocratic quality or flavor : stylish # of or relating to the gentry or upper class # elegant or graceful in manner, appearance, or shape Etymology : text,borrowed from French {it}gentil{/it} literally, "of aristocratic birth," going back to Old French {ma}{mat|gentle:1|}{/ma}
lucky
having good luck # happening by chance : fortuitous # producing or resulting in good by chance : favorable
omniscient
having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight # possessed of universal or complete knowledge Etymology : text,New Latin {it}omniscient-, omnisciens{/it}, back-formation from Medieval Latin {it}omniscientia{/it}
retrograde
having or being motion in a direction contrary to that of the general motion of similar bodies and especially east to west among the stars # having or being a direction of rotation or revolution that is clockwise as viewed from the north pole of the sky or a planet # moving, occurring, or performed in a backward direction Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}retrogradus{/it}, from {it}retrogradi{/it}
mogul
an Indian Muslim of or descended from one of several conquering groups of Mongol, Turkish, and Persian origin; especially : great mogul # a great personage : magnate Etymology : text,Persian {it}Mughul{/it}, from Mongolian {it}mongγol{/it} Mongol
turmeric
an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa synonym C. domestica) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome # the boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a flavoring, or a stimulant # a yellow to reddish-brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric Etymology : text,Middle English {it}turmeryte{/it}
coriander
an Old World annual herb (Coriandrum sativum) of the carrot family with aromatic fruits # the ripened dried fruit of coriander used as a flavoring —called also coriander seed Etymology : text,Middle English {it}coriandre{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}coriandrum{/it}, from Greek {it}koriandron, koriannon{/it}
sacrifice
an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially : the killing of a victim on an altar # something offered in sacrifice # destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}sacrificium{/it}, from {it}sacr-, sacer{/it} + {it}facere{/it} to make {ma}{mat|do|}{/ma}
fluctuation
an act or instance of fluctuating : an irregular shifting back and forth or up and down in the level, strength, or value of something
scattering
an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered # something scattered: such as # a small number or quantity interspersed here and there
plaudits
an act or round of applause # enthusiastic approval —usually used in plural Etymology : text,Latin {it}plaudite{/it} applaud, plural imperative of {it}plaudere{/it} to applaud
eruption
an act, process, or instance of erupting # the breaking out of a rash on the skin or mucous membrane # a product of erupting (such as a skin rash)
vermicide
an agent that destroys worms Etymology : text,borrowed from French, from {it}vermi-{/it} {et_link|vermi-|vermi-} + {it}-cide{/it} {et_link|-cide|-cide}
bargain
an agreement between parties settling what each gives or receives in a transaction between them or what course of action or policy each pursues in respect to the other # something acquired by or as if by negotiating over the terms of a purchase, agreement, or contract; especially : an advantageous purchase # a transaction, situation, or event regarded in the light of its results Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from {it}bargaigner{/it}
leeway
an allowable margin of freedom or variation : tolerance # off-course lateral movement of a ship when underway # the angle between the heading and the track of an airplane
berserk
an ancient Scandinavian warrior frenzied in battle and held to be invulnerable # one whose actions are recklessly defiant Etymology : text,Old Norse {it}berserkr{/it}, probably from {it}ber-{/it} bear + {it}serkr{/it} shirt
embryo
an animal in the early stages of growth and differentiation that are characterized by cleavage, the laying down of fundamental tissues, and the formation of primitive organs and organ systems; especially : the developing human individual from the time of implantation to the end of the eighth week after conception # a vertebrate at any stage of development prior to birth or hatching # the young sporophyte of a seed plant usually comprising a rudimentary plant with plumule, radicle, and cotyledons Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}embryon-, embryo{/it}, from Greek {it}embryon{/it}, from {it}en-{/it} + {it}bryein{/it} to swell; akin to Greek {it}bryon{/it} catkin
chia
an annual herb (Salvia hispanica) of the mint family that is native to Mexico and Guatemala, has spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers, and is grown for its grayish, edible, mucilaginous seeds which are eaten whole or used especially to make a beverage or oil; also : any of several related salvias (especially Salvia columbariae) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico # the seed of a chia Etymology : text,Spanish {it}chía{/it}, from Nahuatl {it}chía, chian{/it}, from Maya {it}chiháan{/it} "strong, strengthening"
closet
an apartment or small room for privacy # a monarch's or official's private chamber # a cabinet or recess for especially china, household utensils, or clothing Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}closett{/it}, diminutive of {it}clos{/it} enclosure {ma}{mat|close|}{/ma}
banana
an elongated usually tapering tropical fruit with soft pulpy flesh enclosed in a soft usually yellow rind # any of several widely cultivated perennial often treelike herbs (genus Musa of the family Musaceae, the banana family) bearing bananas in compact pendent bunches Etymology : text,Spanish or Portuguese; Spanish, from Portuguese, of African origin; akin to Wolof {it}banaana{/it} banana
furnace
an enclosed structure in which heat is produced (as for heating a house or for reducing ore) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}furnas{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}forneise{/it}, from Latin {it}fornac-, fornax{/it}; akin to Latin {it}formus{/it} warm {ma}{mat|therm|}{/ma}
escarole
an endive having slightly bitter broad, flat leaves used especially cooked as a vegetable Etymology : text,French {it}escarole, scarole{/it}, from Old French {it}escariole{/it}, from Late Latin {it}escariola{/it}, from Latin {it}escarius{/it} of food, from {it}esca{/it} food, from {it}edere{/it} to eat {ma}{mat|eat|}{/ma}
webisode
an episode especially of a TV show that may or may not have been telecast but can be viewed at a website Etymology : text,blend of {it}Web{/it} and {it}episode{/it}
adieu
an expression of good wishes when someone leaves : goodbye —often used interjectionally Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French {it}a deu, a dieu,{/it} literally, "to God"
Nepal
landlocked country in Asia on the northeast border of India in the Himalayas; capital Kathmandu area 56,827 square miles (147,181 square kilometers), population 29,718,000
capacity
legal competency or fitness # the potential or suitability for holding, storing, or accommodating # the maximum amount or number that can be contained or accommodated Etymology : text,Middle English {it}capacite{/it}, from Middle French {it}capacité{/it}, from Latin {it}capacitat-, capacitas{/it}, from {it}capac-, capax{/it}
junior
less advanced in age : younger —used chiefly to distinguish a son with the same given name as his father # youthful # designed for young people and especially adolescents Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin, comparative of {it}juvenis{/it} young {ma}{mat|young|}{/ma}
sheriff
an important official of a shire or county charged primarily with judicial duties (such as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}shirreve{/it}, from Old English {it}scīrgerēfa{/it}, from {it}scīr{/it} shire + {it}gerēfa{/it} reeve {ma}{mat|shire|}, {mat|reeve|}{/ma}
ataxia
an inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some central nervous system disorders and injuries and not due to muscle weakness —called also incoordination Etymology : text,Greek, from {it}a-{/it} + {it}tassein{/it} to put in order
mademoiselle
an unmarried French girl or woman —used as a title equivalent to Miss for an unmarried woman not of English-speaking nationality # a French governess # silver perch Etymology : text,Middle English {it}madamoiselle{/it}, from Middle French, from Old French {it}ma damoisele{/it}, literally, my (young) lady
cicada
any of a family (Cicadidae) of homopterous insects which have a stout body, wide blunt head, and large transparent wings and the males of which produce a loud buzzing noise usually by stridulation Etymology : text,New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cicada
mosquito
any of a family (Culicidae) of dipteran flies with females that have a set of slender organs in the proboscis adapted to puncture the skin of animals and to suck their blood and that are in some cases vectors of serious diseases Etymology : text,Spanish, diminutive of {it}mosca{/it} fly, from Latin {it}musca{/it} {ma}{mat|midge|}{/ma}
chestnut
any of a genus (Castanea) of trees or shrubs of the beech family; especially : an American tree (C. dentata) that was formerly a dominant or codominant member of many deciduous forests of the eastern U.S. but has now been largely eliminated by the chestnut blight and seldom grows beyond the shrub or sapling stage # the edible nut of a chestnut # the wood of a chestnut Etymology : text,Middle English {it}chasteine, chesten{/it} chestnut tree, from Anglo-French {it}chastein, chestain{/it}, from Latin {it}castanea{/it}, from Greek {it}kastanea{/it}
stevia
any of a genus (Stevia) of composite herbs and shrubs of tropical and subtropical America; especially : a white-flowered tender perennial (S. rebaudiana) native to Paraguay # a white powder composed of one or more intensely sweet glycosides derived from the leaves of a stevia (S. rebaudiana) and used as noncaloric sweetener Etymology : text,New Latin, from Petrus Jacobus {it}Stevus{/it} (Pedro Jaime Esteve) †1555 Spanish physician and botanist
dandelion
any of a genus (Taraxacum) of yellow-flowered composite herbs with milky sap; especially : one (T. officinale) sometimes grown as a potherb and nearly cosmopolitan as a weed Etymology : text,Middle English {it}dendelyoun{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}dent de lion{/it}, literally, lion's tooth
clover
any of a genus (Trifolium) of low leguminous herbs having trifoliolate leaves and flowers in dense heads and including many that are valuable for forage and attractive to bees # any of various related plants (as of the genera Melilotus, Lespedeza, or Medicago) of the legume family Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}clāfre{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}klēo{/it} clover
tulip
any of a genus (Tulipa) of Eurasian bulbous herbs of the lily family that have linear or broadly lanceolate leaves and are widely grown for their showy flowers; also : the flower or bulb of a tulip Etymology : text,New Latin {it}tulipa{/it}, from Turkish {it}tülbent{/it} turban {ma}{mat|turban|}{/ma}
cattail
any of a genus (Typha of the family Typhaceae, the cattail family) of tall reedy marsh plants with brown furry fruiting spikes; especially : a plant (Typha latifolia) with long flat leaves used especially for making mats and chair seats
endorphin
any of a group of endogenous peptides (such as enkephalin) found especially in the brain that bind chiefly to opiate receptors and produce some pharmacological effects (such as pain relief) like those of opiates; specifically : beta-endorphin Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary {it}end{/it}ogenous + m{it}orphin{/it}e
ladybug
any of numerous small nearly hemispherical often brightly colored often spotted beetles (family Coccinellidae) of temperate and tropical regions that usually feed both as larvae and adults on other insects (such as aphids) —called also lady beetle, ladybird, ladybird beetle Etymology : text,Our {it}Lady{/it}, the Virgin Mary
rocket
any of several plants of the mustard family: such as # arugula # dame's rocket Etymology : text,Middle French {it}roquette{/it}, from Old Italian {it}rochetta{/it}, diminutive of {it}ruca{/it} arugula, from Latin {it}eruca{/it}
badger
any of various burrowing mammals (especially Taxidea taxus and Meles meles) of the weasel family that are widely distributed in the northern hemisphere # the pelt or fur of a badger # a native or resident of Wisconsin —used as a nickname Etymology : text,probably reduction of {it}bageard, badgerde{/it}, from {et_link|badge:1|badge:1} + {et_link|-ard|-ard}; from the white mark on its forehead
conch
any of various large spiral-shelled marine gastropod mollusks (as of the genus Strombus); also : its shell used especially for cameos # a native or resident of the Florida Keys # concha Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}concha{/it} mussel, mussel shell, from Greek {it}konchē{/it}; akin to Sanskrit {it}śaṅkha{/it} conch shell
tangerine
any of various mandarin oranges that have usually deep orange skin and pulp; broadly : mandarin # a tree producing tangerines # a moderate to strong reddish orange Etymology : text,{it}Tangerine{/it} ({it}orange{/it}), from French {it}Tanger{/it} Tangier, Morocco + English {et_link|-ine:1|-ine:1}
carbohydrates
any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (such as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods
wallaby
any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos (especially genus Macropus) Etymology : text,Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) {it}walabi, waliba{/it}
bittern
any of various small or medium-sized, short-necked, usually secretive herons (especially genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}bitoure{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}butor{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*butitaurus{/it}, from Latin {it}buteo{/it} hawk + {it}taurus{/it} bull
bushel
any of various units of dry capacity # a container holding a bushel # a large quantity Etymology : text,Middle English {it}busshel{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}bussel, buschelle{/it}, from Old French {it}boisse{/it} measure of grain, of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Irish {it}boss{/it} breadth of the hand
anxiety
apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill : a state of being anxious # an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it # mentally distressing concern or interest Etymology : text,Latin {it}anxietas{/it}, from {it}anxius{/it}
calligram
artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering # the art of producing such writing # penmanship Etymology : text,French or Greek; French {it}calligraphie{/it}, from Greek {it}kalligraphia{/it}, from {it}kalli-{/it} beautiful (from {it}kallos{/it} beauty) + {it}-graphia{/it} -graphy
indolent
averse to activity, effort, or movement : habitually lazy # showing an inclination to laziness # conducive to or encouraging laziness Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}indolent-, indolens{/it} insensitive to pain, from Latin {it}in-{/it} + {it}dolent-, dolens{/it}, present participle of {it}dolēre{/it} to feel pain
flooey
awry, askew Etymology : text,origin unknown
reasonable
being in accordance with reason # not extreme or excessive # moderate, fair
moribund
being in the state of dying : approaching death # being in a state of inactivity or obsolescence Etymology : text,Latin {it}moribundus{/it}, from {it}mori{/it} to die {ma}{mat|murder|}{/ma}
third
being next after the second in place or time # ranking next after the second of a grade or degree in authority or precedence # being the forward speed or gear next higher than second especially in a motor vehicle Etymology : text,Middle English {it}thridde, thirde{/it}, from Old English {it}thridda, thirdda{/it}; akin to Latin {it}tertius{/it} third, Greek {it}tritos, treis{/it} three {ma}{mat|three|}{/ma}
subterranean
being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth # existing or working in secret : hidden Etymology : text,Latin {it}subterraneus{/it}, from {it}sub-{/it} + {it}terra{/it} earth {ma}{mat|thirst|}{/ma}
pristine
belonging to the earliest period or state : original # not spoiled, corrupted, or polluted (as by civilization) : pure # fresh and clean as or as if new Etymology : text,Latin {it}pristinus{/it}; akin to Latin {it}prior{/it}
mortal
causing or having caused death : fatal # subject to death # possible, conceivable Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}mortel, mortal{/it}, from Latin {it}mortalis{/it}, from {it}mort-, mors{/it} death {ma}{mat|murder|}{/ma}
marvellous
causing wonder : astonishing # miraculous, supernatural # of the highest kind or quality : notably superior Etymology : text,Middle English {it}merveillous,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French, from {it}merveille{/it} {et_link|marvel:1|marvel:1} + {it}-ous{/it} {et_link|-ous|-ous}
marvelous
causing wonder : astonishing # miraculous, supernatural # of the highest kind or quality : notably superior Etymology : text,Middle English {it}merveillous,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French, from {it}merveille{/it} {et_link|marvel:1|marvel:1} + {it}-ous{/it} {et_link|-ous|-ous}
trefoil
clover; broadly : any of several leguminous herbs (such as bird's-foot trefoil) with leaves that have or appear to have three leaflets # a trifoliolate leaf # an ornament or symbol in the form of a stylized trifoliolate leaf Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}trifolium{/it}, from {it}tri-{/it} + {it}folium{/it} leaf {ma}{mat|blade|}{/ma}
nascent
coming or having recently come into existence Etymology : text,Latin {it}nascent-, nascens{/it}, present participle of {it}nasci{/it} to be born {ma}{mat|nation|}{/ma}
cement
concrete # a powder of alumina, silica, lime, iron oxide, and magnesium oxide burned together in a kiln and finely pulverized and used as an ingredient of mortar and concrete; also : any mixture used for a similar purpose # a binding element or agency: such as Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sement{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}ciment{/it}, from Latin {it}caementum{/it} stone chips used in making mortar, from {it}caedere{/it} to cut
discussion
consideration of a question in open and usually informal debate # a formal treatment of a topic in speech or writing Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|discuss||}{/dx_ety}
golden
consisting of, relating to, or containing gold # being or having the color gold or the color of gold # blond Etymology : text,Middle English
perpetual
continuing forever : everlasting # valid for all time # holding something (such as an office) for life or for an unlimited time Etymology : text,Middle English {it}perpetuel{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}perpetuus{/it} uninterrupted, from {it}per-{/it} through + {it}petere{/it} to go to {ma}{mat|feather|}{/ma}
Moroccan
country in northwestern Africa bordering on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean; a kingdom; capital Rabat, summer capital Tangier area 172,414 square miles (446,550 square kilometers), population 34,314,000
sophisticated
deprived of native or original simplicity: such as # highly complicated or developed : complex # having a refined knowledge of the ways of the world cultivated especially through wide experience Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}sophisticat{/it}us
sabermetrics
detailed statistical analysis of baseball data (as for the purposes of evaluating player performance and developing playing strategies) Etymology : text,{it}saber-{/it} (from {it}S{/it}ociety for {it}A{/it}merican {it}B{/it}aseball {it}R{/it}esearch) + {it}-metrics{/it} (as in {it}econometrics{/it})
desolate
devoid of inhabitants and visitors : deserted # joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one # showing the effects of abandonment and neglect : dilapidated Etymology : text,Middle English {it}desolat{/it}, from Latin {it}desolatus{/it}, past participle of {it}desolare{/it} to abandon, from {it}de-{/it} + {it}solus{/it} alone
gullibility
easily duped or cheated Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|gull:2||}{/dx_ety}
illustrious
notably or brilliantly outstanding because of dignity or achievements or actions : eminent # shining brightly with light # clearly evident Etymology : text,Latin {it}illustris{/it}, probably from {it}illustrare{/it}
dietetic
of or relating to diet # adapted for use in special diets
culinary
of or relating to the kitchen or cookery Etymology : text,Latin {it}culinarius{/it}, from {it}culina{/it} kitchen {ma}{mat|kiln|}{/ma}
Antarctic
of or relating to the south pole or to the region near it Etymology : text,Middle English {it}antartik{/it}, from Latin {it}antarcticus{/it}, from Greek {it}antarktikos{/it}, from {it}anti-{/it} + {it}arktikos{/it} arctic
serpentine
of or resembling a serpent (as in form or movement) # subtly wily or tempting # winding or turning one way and another Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}serpentin{/it}, from Late Latin {it}serpentinus{/it}, from Latin {it}serpent-, serpens{/it}
solar
of, derived from, relating to, or caused by the sun # measured by the earth's course in relation to the sun; also : relating to or reckoned by solar time # produced or operated by the action of the sun's light or heat Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}solaris{/it}, from {it}sol{/it} sun; akin to Old English & Old Norse {it}sōl{/it} sun, Lithuanian {it}saulė{/it}, Greek {it}hēlios{/it}
beatific
of, possessing, or imparting beatitude # having a blissful appearance Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}beātificus{/it} "making happy," from {it}beātus{/it} "happy, fortunate" (from past participle of {it}beāre{/it} "to make happy, gladden, bless," perhaps, if going back to {it}*dwe-jo-{/it}, akin to {it}bonus{/it} "good," going back to {it}*dwe-nos{/it}) + {it}-ficus{/it} {et_link|-fic|-fic} {ma}{mat|bounty|}{/ma}
modular
of, relating to, or based on a module or a modulus # constructed with standardized units or dimensions for flexibility and variety in use
filial
of, relating to, or befitting a son or daughter # having or assuming the relation of a child or offspring Etymology : text,Middle English, from Late Latin {it}filialis{/it}, from Latin {it}filius{/it} son {ma}{mat|feminine|}{/ma}
divine
of, relating to, or proceeding directly from God or a god # being a deity # directed to a deity Etymology : text,Middle English {it}divin{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}divinus{/it}, from {it}divus{/it} god {ma}{mat|deity|}{/ma}
cloudy
of, relating to, or resembling cloud # darkened by gloom or anxiety # overcast with clouds
agricultural
of, relating to, used in, or concerned with agriculture
leguminous
of, resembling, or consisting of legumes (such as peas) # of or relating to the legume family
failure
omission of occurrence or performance; specifically : a failing to perform a duty or expected action # a state of inability to perform a normal function # an abrupt cessation of normal functioning Etymology : text,alteration of earlier {it}failer{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Old French {it}faillir{/it} to fail
twice
on two occasions # two times : in doubled quantity or degree Etymology : text,Middle English {it}twiges, twies{/it}, from Old English {it}twiga{/it}; akin to Old English {it}twi-{/it}
designer
one that designs: such as # one who creates and often executes plans for a project or structure # one that creates and manufactures a new product style or design; especially : one who designs and manufactures high-fashion clothing
fuddy-duddy
one that is old-fashioned, unimaginative, or conservative Etymology : text,origin unknown
rabble-rouser
one that stirs up the masses of the people (as to hatred or violence) : demagogue
toddler
one that toddles; especially : a young child
prudence
the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason # sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs # skill and good judgment in the use of resources Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}prudentia{/it}, alteration of {it}providentia{/it} {ma}{mat|providence|}{/ma}
assistance
the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied : aid Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|assist:1||}{/dx_ety}
inclusion
the act of including : the state of being included # something that is included: such as # a gaseous, liquid, or solid foreign body enclosed in a mass (as of a mineral) Etymology : text,Latin {it}inclusion-, inclusio{/it}, from {it}includere{/it}
installation
the act of installing : the state of being installed # something that is installed for use # a military camp, fort, or base
digression
the act or an instance of leaving the main subject in an extended written or verbal expression of thought : the act or an instance of digressing in a discourse or other usually organized literary work # a going aside Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|digress||}{/dx_ety}
enchantment
the act or art of enchanting # the quality or state of being enchanted # something that enchants
detention
the act or fact of detaining or holding back; especially : a holding in custody # the state of being detained; especially : a period of temporary custody prior to disposition by a court Etymology : text,Middle English {it}detencion{/it}, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin {it}detention-, detentio{/it}, from {it}detinēre{/it} to detain
flattery
the act or practice of flattering # something that flatters # insincere or excessive praise Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|flatter:1||}{/dx_ety}
comparison
the act or process of comparing: such as # the representing of one thing or person as similar to or like another # an examination of two or more items to establish similarities and dissimilarities Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}comparison{/it}, from Latin {it}comparation-, comparatio{/it}, from {it}comparare{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|compare:1||}{/dx_ety}
compilation
the act or process of compiling # something compiled Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|compile||}{/dx_ety}
condensation
the act or process of condensing: such as # a chemical reaction involving union between molecules often with elimination of a simple molecule (such as water) to form a new more complex compound of often greater molecular weight # the conversion of a substance (such as water) from the vapor state to a denser liquid or solid state usually initiated by a reduction in temperature of the vapor Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|condense||}{/dx_ety}
confection
the act or process of confecting # something confected: such as # a fancy dish or sweetmeat; also : a sweet food
decision
the act or process of deciding # a determination arrived at after consideration : conclusion # a report of a conclusion Etymology : text,Middle English {it}decisioun{/it}, from Middle French, from Latin {it}decision-, decisio{/it}, from {it}decidere{/it} to decide
environs
the districts around a city # environing things : surroundings # an adjoining region or space : vicinity
maximum
the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained # the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development # an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case) Etymology : text,Latin, neuter of {it}maximus{/it} biggest {ma}{mat|maxim|}{/ma}
campus
the grounds and buildings of a university, college, or school # a university, college, or school viewed as an academic, social, or spiritual entity # grounds that resemble a campus Etymology : text,Latin, plain
impresario
the promoter, manager, or conductor of an opera or concert company # a person who puts on or sponsors an entertainment (such as a television show or sports event) # manager, director Etymology : text,Italian, from {it}impresa{/it} undertaking, from {it}imprendere{/it} to undertake, from Vulgar Latin {it}*imprehendere{/it} {ma}{mat|emprise|}{/ma}
ineptitude
the quality or state of being inept; especially : incompetence Etymology : text,Latin {it}ineptitudo{/it}, from {it}ineptus{/it}
basaltic
a dark gray to black dense to fine-grained igneous rock that consists of basic plagioclase, augite, and usually magnetite Etymology : text,Latin {it}basaltes{/it}, manuscript variant of {it}basanites{/it} touchstone, from Greek {it}basanitēs{/it} ({it}lithos{/it}), from {it}basanos{/it} touchstone, from Egyptian {it}bḫnw{/it}
anglophile
a person who greatly admires or favors England and things English Etymology : text,French, from {it}anglo-{/it} + {it}-phile{/it}
newbie
a person who has recently started a particular activity : beginner, novice, newcomer Etymology : text,irregular from {it}new{/it}
bakery
a place for baking or selling baked goods
swannery
a place where swans are bred or kept
dodge
an act of evading by sudden bodily movement # an artful device to evade, deceive, or trick # expedient Etymology : text,origin unknown
moorage
an act of mooring # a place to moor
astringent
causing a tightening of soft organic tissues : styptic # suggestive of an astringent effect upon tissue : rigidly severe : austere; also : pungent, caustic Etymology : text,probably from Middle French, from Latin {it}astringent-, astringens{/it}, present participle of {it}astringere{/it} to bind fast, from {it}ad-{/it} + {it}stringere{/it} to bind tight {ma}{mat|strain|}{/ma}
fearsome
causing fear # intense, extreme # timid, timorous Etymology : text, {et_link|fear:1|fear:1} + {et_link|-some:1|-some:1}
vexatious
causing vexation : distressing # intended to harass # full of disorder or stress : troubled
wearisome
causing weariness : tiresome
opprobrious
expressive of opprobrium : scurrilous # deserving of opprobrium : infamous Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin {it}opprobriōsus,{/it} from Latin {it}opprobrium{/it} {et_link|opprobrium|opprobrium} + {it}-ōsus{/it} {et_link|-ose:1|-ose:1}
jingoism
extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|jingo:2||}{/dx_ety}
gung ho
extremely or overly zealous or enthusiastic Etymology : text,{it}Gung ho!{/it}, motto (interpreted as meaning "work together") adopted by certain U.S. marines, from Chinese (Beijing) {it}gōnghé{/it}, short for {it}Zhōngguó Gōngyè Hézuò Shè{/it} Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society
contemptuous
manifesting, feeling, or expressing deep hatred or disapproval : feeling or showing contempt Etymology : text,probably borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}contemptuōsus,{/it} from Latin {it}contemptu-,{/it} stem of {it}contemptus{/it} {et_link|contempt|contempt} + {it}-ōsus{/it} {et_link|-ous|-ous}
briny
of, relating to, or resembling brine or the sea : salty
gymnastics
physical exercises designed to develop strength and coordination # a competitive sport in which individuals perform optional and prescribed acrobatic feats mostly on special apparatus in order to demonstrate strength, balance, and body control # an exercise in intellectual or artistic dexterity
homework
piecework done at home for pay # an assignment given to a student to be completed outside the regular class period # preparatory reading or research (as for a discussion or a debate)
hunky-dory
quite satisfactory : fine Etymology : text,obsolete English dialect {it}hunk{/it} home base + {it}-dory{/it} (of unknown origin)
hydrophobia
rabies # a morbid dread of water Etymology : text,Late Latin, from Greek, from {it}hydr-{/it} + {it}-phobia{/it} -phobia
amino
relating to, being, or containing an amine group —often used in combination Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary {it}amine{/it} + {it}-o-{/it}
juxtapose
to place (different things) side by side (as to compare them or contrast them or to create an interesting effect) Etymology : text,probably back-formation from {it}juxtaposition{/it}
ignite
to set afire; also : kindle # to cause (a fuel) to burn # to subject to fire or intense heat; especially : to render luminous by heat Etymology : text,Latin {it}ignitus{/it}, past participle of {it}ignire{/it} to ignite, from {it}ignis{/it}
Nostradamus
1503—1566 Michel de Notredame or Nostredame French physician and astrologer
insignia
a badge of authority or honor # a distinguishing mark or sign Etymology : text,Latin {it}insignia{/it}, plural of {it}insigne{/it} mark, badge, from neuter of {it}insignis{/it} marked, distinguished, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}signum{/it} mark {ma}{mat|sign|}{/ma}
calzone
a baked or fried turnover of pizza dough stuffed with various fillings usually including cheese Etymology : text,Italian, from {it}calzone{/it} (singular of {it}calzoni{/it} pants), augmentative of {it}calza{/it} stocking, from Medieval Latin {it}calcea{/it}, from Latin {it}calceus{/it} shoe, from {it}calc-, calx{/it} heel
cyanosis
a bluish or purplish discoloration (as of skin) due to deficient oxygenation of the blood Etymology : text,New Latin, from Greek {it}kyanōsis{/it} dark blue color, from {it}kyanos{/it}
embassy
a body of diplomatic representatives; specifically : one headed by an ambassador # the function or position of an ambassador # a mission abroad undertaken officially especially by an ambassador Etymology : text,Middle French {it}ambassee{/it}, ultimately of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German {it}ambaht{/it} service
napkin
a piece of material (such as cloth or paper) used at table to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes # a small cloth or towel: such as # handkerchief Etymology : text,Middle English {it}nappekin{/it}, from {it}nape{/it} tablecloth, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}mappa{/it} napkin
pedicure
a person who provides care for the feet, toes, and nails # care of the feet, toes, and nails # a single treatment of these parts Etymology : text,French {it}pédicure{/it}, from Latin {it}ped-, pes{/it} foot + {it}curare{/it} to take care, from {it}cura{/it} care
monarch
a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire: such as # a sovereign ruler # a constitutional king or queen Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}monarcha{/it}, from Greek {it}monarchos{/it}, from {it}mon-{/it} + {it}-archos{/it} -arch
étude
a piece of music for the practice of a point of technique # a composition built on a technical motive but played for its artistic value Etymology : text,French, literally, study, from Middle French {it}estude, estudie{/it}, from Old French {ma}{mat|study|}{/ma}
omnibus
a usually automotive public vehicle designed to carry a large number of passengers : bus # a book containing reprints of a number of works (as of a single author or on a single subject) Etymology : text,French, from Latin, for all, dative plural of {it}omnis{/it}
okapi
an African ungulate mammal (Okapia johnstoni) that is closely related to the giraffe but has a relatively short neck, a coat typically of solid reddish chestnut on the trunk, yellowish white on the cheeks, and purplish-black and cream rings on the upper parts of the legs Etymology : text,Mvuba (language spoken west of Lake Edward, Democratic Republic of the Congo)
tempeh
an Asian food prepared by fermenting soybeans with a rhizopus Etymology : text,Javanese {it}témpé{/it}
combustible
capable of combustion # easily excited Etymology : text,borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}combustibilis,{/it} from Latin {it}combustus{/it} (past participle of {it}combūrere{/it} "to destroy with fire, {et_link|combust|combust}") + {it}-ibilis{/it} {et_link|-ible|-able}
austere
stern and cold in appearance or manner # somber, grave # morally strict : ascetic Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}austerus{/it}, from Greek {it}austēros{/it} harsh, severe; akin to Greek {it}hauos{/it} dry {ma}{mat|sere|}{/ma}
potato
sweet potato # an erect South American herb (Solanum tuberosum) of the nightshade family widely cultivated for its edible starchy tuber # the tuber of a potato —called also Irish potato, spud, white potato Etymology : text,Spanish {it}batata{/it}, from Taino
dulcet
sweet to the taste # pleasing to the ear # generally pleasing or agreeable Etymology : text,Middle English {it}doucet{/it}, from Anglo-French, from {it}duz, douz{/it} sweet, from Latin {it}dulcis{/it}; perhaps akin to Greek {it}glykys{/it} sweet
calisthenics
systematic rhythmic bodily exercises performed usually without apparatus # the art or practice of calisthenics Etymology : text,Greek {it}kalos{/it} beautiful + {it}sthenos{/it} strength
resilience
the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress # an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|resilient||}{/dx_ety}
patience
the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient # solitaire Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|patient:1||}{/dx_ety}
eternity
the quality or state of being eternal # infinite time # age Etymology : text,Middle English {it}eternite{/it}, from Middle French {it}eternité{/it}, from Latin {it}aeternitat-, aeternitas{/it}, from {it}aeternus{/it}
plenitude
the quality or state of being full : completeness # a great sufficiency : abundance Etymology : text,Middle English {it}plenitude{/it}, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin {it}plenitudo{/it}, from {it}plenus{/it}
futility
the quality or state of being futile : uselessness # a useless act or gesture Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|futile||}{/dx_ety}
notoriety
the quality or state of being notorious # a notorious person Etymology : text,Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French {it}notorieté{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}notorietat-, notorietas{/it}, from {it}notorius{/it}
resplendence
the quality or state of being resplendent : splendor
sobriety
the quality or state of being sober Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sobrete{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}sobreté{/it}, from Latin {it}sobrietat-, sobrietas{/it}, from {it}sobrius{/it}
hubbub
noise, uproar # confusion, turmoil Etymology : text,perhaps of Irish origin; akin to Scottish Gaelic {it}ub ub{/it}, interjection of contempt
blatant
noisy especially in a vulgar or offensive manner : clamorous # completely obvious, conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or offensive manner : brazen Etymology : text,perhaps from Latin {it}blatire{/it} to chatter
untenable
not able to be defended # not able to be occupied Etymology : text, {et_link|un-:1|un-:1} + {et_link|tenable|tenable}
vengeance
punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense : retribution Etymology : text,Middle English {it}vengeaunce{/it}, borrowed from Anglo-French, from {it}venger{/it} "to exact satisfaction for" (going back to Latin {it}vindicāre{/it} "to lay claim to, exact retribution for") + {it}-aunce{/it} {et_link|-ance|-ance} {ma}{mat|vindicate|}{/ma}
exemplar
one that serves as a model or example: such as # an ideal model # a typical or standard specimen Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin, from {it}exemplum{/it} example
opponency
one that takes an opposite position (as in a debate, contest, or conflict) # a muscle that opposes or counteracts and limits the action of another Etymology : text,borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}oppōnent-, oppōnens{/it} "one who proposes something for discussion," from present participle of Latin {it}oppōnere{/it} "to place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" {ma}{mat|oppose|}{/ma}
bellwether
one that takes the lead or initiative : leader; also : an indicator of trends Etymology : text,Middle English {it}bellewether, belleweder{/it} "castrated ram with a bell around his neck followed by the other sheep in a flock, leader," from {it}belle{/it} {et_link|bell:1|bell:1} + {it}wether, weder{/it} {et_link|wether|wether}
charioteer
one who drives a chariot # auriga
shopaholic
one who is extremely or excessively fond of shopping
pilcrow
one who journeys in foreign lands : wayfarer # one who travels to a shrine or holy place as a devotee # one of the English colonists settling at Plymouth in 1620 Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}pelerin, pilegrin{/it}, from Late Latin {it}pelegrinus{/it}, alteration of Latin {it}peregrinus{/it} foreigner, from {it}peregrinus{/it}, adjective, foreign, from {it}peregri{/it} abroad, from {it}per{/it} through + {it}agr-, ager{/it} land {ma}{mat|for|}, {mat|acre|}{/ma}
coverage
something that covers: such as # inclusion within the scope of an insurance policy or protective plan : insurance # the amount available to meet liabilities
affront
to insult especially to the face by behavior or language # to cause offense to # to face in defiance : confront Etymology : text,Middle English {it}afronten, afrounten,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French {it}afrunter{/it} "to strike the front of, shame," derivative from the phrase {it}a frunt{/it} "facing, openly, blatantly," from {it}a{/it} "to, at" (going back to Latin {it}ad{/it}) + {it}frunt{/it} "{et_link|front:1|front:1}, forehead" {ma}{mat|at:1|}{/ma}
tampered
to interfere so as to weaken or change for the worse —used with with # to try foolish or dangerous experiments —used with with # to render something harmful or dangerous by altering its structure or composition Etymology : text,probably from Middle French {it}temprer{/it} to temper, mix, meddle {ma}{mat|temper:2|}{/ma}
stupefy
to make stupid, groggy, or insensible # astonish, astound Etymology : text,Middle English {it}stupifien{/it}, modification of Latin {it}stupefacere{/it}, from {it}stupēre{/it} to be astonished + {it}facere{/it} to make, do {ma}{mat|do|}{/ma}
assure
to make sure or certain : convince # to inform positively # to make certain the coming or attainment of : guarantee Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}asseurer, assurer{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}assecurare{/it}, from Latin {it}ad-{/it} + {it}securus{/it} secure
rejuvenate
to make young or youthful again : give new vigor to # to restore to an original or new state # to stimulate (a stream) to renewed erosive activity especially by uplift Etymology : text,{it}re-{/it} + Latin {it}juvenis{/it} young {ma}{mat|young|}{/ma}
ascribe
to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author : to say or think that (something) is caused by, comes from, or is associated with a particular person or thing Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}ascribere{/it}, from {it}ad-{/it} + {it}scribere{/it} to write {ma}{mat|scribe|}{/ma}
nurture
training, upbringing # something that nourishes : food # the sum of the environmental factors influencing the behavior and traits expressed by an organism Etymology : text,Middle English {it}norture, nurture{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}nureture{/it}, from Late Latin {it}nutritura{/it} act of nursing, from Latin {it}nutritus{/it}, past participle of {it}nutrire{/it} to suckle, nourish {ma}{mat|nourish|}{/ma}
laconic
using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious Etymology : text,Latin {it}laconicus{/it} Spartan, from Greek {it}lakōnikos{/it}; from the Spartan reputation for terseness of speech
fervently
very hot : glowing # exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling : zealous Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin {it}fervent-, fervens{/it}, present participle of {it}fervēre{/it} to boil, froth {ma}{mat|barm|}{/ma}
ebullience
the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings : exuberance
generosity
the quality or fact of being generous # a generous act # abundance
anonymity
the quality or state of being anonymous # one that is anonymous Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|anonymous||}{/dx_ety}
privacy
the quality or state of being apart from company or observation : seclusion # freedom from unauthorized intrusion # secrecy
pulse
the regular expansion of an artery caused by the ejection of blood into the arterial system by the contractions of the heart # the palpable beat resulting from such pulse as detected in a superficial artery; also : the number of individual beats in a specified time period (such as one minute) # rhythmical beating, vibrating, or sounding Etymology : text,Middle English {it}pous, pouce, pulse,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French {it}pous, polz, puls,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}pulsus{/it} "action of beating or striking, beat, stroke, beat of the heart" ("pulse" in phrase {it}pulsus venārum/artēriārum,{/it} literally, "beating of the veins/arteries"), noun of action from {it}pellere{/it} "to beat against, push, strike, rouse, expel, repulse," of uncertain origin # et_snote,t,The etymology of {it}pellere{/it} is problematic, because it lacks an obvious formal and semantic counterpart in other Indo-European languages. A traditional explanation derives it from a base {it}*pel-d-,{/it} with the {it}*-d-{/it} a present-tense formative marking an action reaching a definite termination (thus Ernout and Meillet in {it}Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue latine,{/it} 8. édition, 1985; cf. {et_link|tender:3|tender:3}). A hypothetically related form would be Greek {it}pállō, pállein{/it} "to poise (a missile before it is thrown), brandish, swing, shake" (Epic aorist {it}pêlai,{/it} 3rd singular passive {it}pálto{/it}), though semantically the comparison is weak. A base {it}*pel-d-{/it} would correctly produce the past participle {it}pulsus{/it} (from {it}*poltos{/it} < {it}*pl̥d-t-os{/it}); however the frequentative verb {it}pultāre{/it} "to strike repeatedly," attested in Plautus alongside {it}pulsāre,{/it} suggests that the original past participle may have been {it}*pultus.{/it} According to an alternative hypothesis, {it}pellere{/it} is descended from an Indo-European base {it}*pelh{inf}2{/inf}-{/it} "approach, draw near," seen in Greek {it}pílnamai{/it} "I draw near to, make contact with," 3rd singular aorist {it}plêto,{/it} verbal adjective in the negated form {it}áplētos, áplātos{/it} "unapproachable, monstrous." (The assumed semantic shift is from "approach, touch" to "push, strike.") Both Latin and Greek verbs would continue a present with nasal infix {it}*pl̥-ne-h{inf}2{/inf}-/pl̥n-h{inf}2{/inf}-.{/it} These presumably are seen also in Umbrian {it}ampentu, apentu, ampetu,{/it} 3rd singular imperative (allegedly "touches, brings near," with the prefix {it}an-{/it} "up, upon," but the meaning of this verb, describing the first action of an animal sacrifice in the Iguvine Tables, is quite uncertain); Old Irish {it}ˑella{/it} in {it}adˑella{/it} "(s/he) visits, approaches," {it}doˑella{/it} "(s/he) turns aside, goes astray" (< {it}*φal-na-{/it}?; e-vocalism is secondary) and {it}eblaid{/it} "(s/he) will drive/impel," suppletive future to {it}aigid{/it} "(s/he) drives" (< {it}*pi-plā-{/it}); Middle Welsh {it}el,{/it} 3rd person singular present subjunctive of {it}mynet{/it} "to go" (< {it}*pel-ase/o-{/it}). Note that alongside {it}pellere{/it} there is a group of first-conjugation verbs with the same base pell- that occur only with prefixes: {it}appellāre{/it} "to speak to, address, name," {it}compellāre{/it} "to address, appeal to, rebuke," {it}interpellāre{/it} "to interrupt" (see {et_link|appeal:2|appeal:2}, {et_link|compellation|compellation}, {et_link|interpellate|interpellate}). According to P. Schrijver ({it}The Reflexes of the Proto-Indo-European Laryngeals in Latin,{/it} Rodopi, 1991, pp. 408-12), these are a relic of an original nasal present {it}*pel-n-a-C{/it} (< {it}*pl̥-ne-h{inf}2{/inf}-{/it} with full-grade vocalism) given a thematic suffix {it}*-i̯e/o-{/it} in derivatives. These verbs have the common underlying sense "to address (positively or negatively)," which fits fairly well with the hypothetical meaning "approach" of the base {it}*pelh{inf}2{/inf}-.{/it} For English borrowings of prefixed forms of {it}pellere{/it} see {et_link|compel|compel}, {et_link|dispel|dispel}, {et_link|expel|expel}, {et_link|impel|impel}, {et_link|propel|propel}, {et_link|repel|repel}.
anthropology
the science of human beings; especially : the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture # theology dealing with the origin, nature, and destiny of human beings Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin {it}anthropologia{/it} "study of humanity, science of human nature," from {it}anthropo-{/it} {et_link|anthropo-|anthropo-} + {it}-logia{/it} {et_link|-logy|-logy}
phonics
the science of sound : acoustics # a method of teaching beginners to read and pronounce words by learning the phonetic value of letters, letter groups, and especially syllables
chancellor
the secretary of a nobleman, prince, or king # the lord chancellor of Great Britain # the chief secretary of an embassy Etymology : text,Middle English {it}chanceler{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin {it}cancellarius{/it} doorkeeper, secretary, from {it}cancellus{/it}
dialysis
the separation of substances in solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes; especially : such a separation of colloids from soluble substances # the process of removing blood from an artery (as of a patient affected with kidney failure), purifying it by dialysis, adding vital substances, and returning it to a vein —called also hemodialysis Etymology : text,New Latin, from Greek, separation, from {it}dialyein{/it} to dissolve, from {it}dia-{/it} + {it}lyein{/it} to loosen {ma}{mat|lose|}{/ma}
verbena
vervain; especially : any of numerous garden vervains of hybrid origin widely grown for their showy spikes of white, pink, red, or blue flowers which are borne in profusion over a long season Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin {it}Verbena{/it}, a plant genus, going back to Medieval Latin {it}verbēna{/it} "the plant {it}Verbena officinalis{/it}," going back to Latin, "leafy branch used ceremonially or medicinally" {ma}{mat|vervain|}{/ma}
brilliant
very bright : glittering # striking, distinctive # distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness Etymology : text,French {it}brillant{/it}, present participle of {it}briller{/it} to shine, from Italian {it}brillare{/it}
science
the state of knowing : knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding # a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study # something (such as a sport or technique) that may be studied or learned like systematized knowledge Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}scientia{/it}, from {it}scient-, sciens{/it} having knowledge, from present participle of {it}scire{/it} to know; perhaps akin to Sanskrit {it}chyati{/it} he cuts off, Latin {it}scindere{/it} to split {ma}{mat|shed:1|}{/ma}
taxonomic
the study of the general principles of scientific classification : systematics # classification; especially : orderly classification of plants and animals according to their presumed natural relationships Etymology : text,French {it}taxonomie{/it}, from {it}tax-{/it} + {it}-nomie{/it} -nomy
numerology
the study of the occult significance of numbers Etymology : text,Latin {it}numerus{/it} + English {it}-o-{/it} + {it}-logy{/it}
phycology
the study or science of algae —called also algology
feudalism
the system of political organization prevailing in Europe from the 9th to about the 15th centuries having as its basis the relation of lord to vassal with all land held in fee and as chief characteristics homage, the service of tenants under arms and in court, wardship, and forfeiture # any of various political or social systems similar to medieval feudalism
jargon
the technical terminology or characteristic idiom of a special activity or group # obscure and often pretentious language marked by circumlocutions and long words # confused unintelligible language Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}jargun, gargon{/it}
impasto
the thick application of a pigment to a canvas or panel in painting; also : the body of pigment so applied # raised decoration on ceramic ware usually of slip or enamel Etymology : text,Italian, from {it}impastare{/it}
theomachy
the three wise men in the Bible who come from the East with gifts for the baby Jesus
hallucinate
to affect with visions or imaginary perceptions # to perceive or experience as a hallucination # to have hallucinations Etymology : text,Latin {it}hallucinatus{/it}, past participle of {it}hallucinari, allucinari{/it} to prate, dream, modification of Greek {it}alyein{/it} to be distressed, to wander
regurgitate
to become thrown or poured back # to throw or pour back or out from or as if from a cavity Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}regurgitatus{/it}, past participle of {it}regurgitare{/it}, from Latin {it}re-{/it} + Late Latin {it}gurgitare{/it} to engulf, from Latin {it}gurgit-, gurges{/it} whirlpool {ma}{mat|voracious|}{/ma}
sundering
to break apart or in two : separate by or as if by violence or by intervening time or space # to become parted, disunited, or severed Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English ge{it}sundrian, syndrian{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}suntarōn{/it} to sunder, Old English {it}sundor{/it} apart, Latin {it}sine{/it} without, Sanskrit {it}sanutar{/it} away
famous
widely known # honored for achievement # excellent, first-rate Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}famosus{/it}, from {it}fama{/it} fame
impeachable
to charge with a crime or misdemeanor; specifically : to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office # to cast doubt on; especially : to challenge the credibility or validity of Etymology : text,Middle English {it}empechen{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}empecher, enpechier{/it} to ensnare, impede, prosecute, from Late Latin {it}impedicare{/it} to fetter, from Latin {it}in-{/it} + {it}pedica{/it} fetter, from {it}ped-, pes{/it} foot {ma}{mat|foot|}{/ma}
harrumph
to clear the throat in a pompous way # to comment disapprovingly # to utter (a comment) disapprovingly Etymology : text,imitative
award
to confer or bestow as being deserved or merited or needed # to give by judicial decree or after careful consideration Etymology : text,Middle English, to decide, from Anglo-French {it}awarder, agarder{/it} to look at, examine, resolve, from {it}a-{/it} (from Latin {it}ad-{/it}) + {it}warder, garder{/it} to look after, guard {ma}{mat|guard|}{/ma}
evince
to constitute outward evidence of # to display clearly : reveal Etymology : text,Latin {it}evincere{/it} to vanquish, win a point, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}vincere{/it} to conquer {ma}{mat|victor|}{/ma}
liaise
to establish liaison # to act as a liaison officer Etymology : text,back-formation from {it}liaison{/it}
bureau
writing desk; especially : one having drawers and a slant top # a low chest of drawers for use in a bedroom # a specialized administrative unit; especially : a subdivision of an executive department of a government Etymology : text,French, desk, cloth covering for desks, from Old French {it}burel{/it} woolen cloth, from Old French {it}*bure{/it}, from Late Latin {it}burra{/it} shaggy cloth
aloha
—used as a greeting or farewell Etymology : text,Hawaiian, from {it}aloha{/it} love
brethren
—used chiefly in formal or solemn address or in referring to the members of a profession, society, or religious denomination
wilco
—used especially in radio and signaling to indicate that a message received will be complied with Etymology : text,{it}wil{/it}l {it}co{/it}mply
velcro
—used for a closure consisting of a piece of fabric of small hooks that sticks to a corresponding fabric of small loops
beagle
any of a breed of small short-legged smooth-coated often black, white, and tan hounds Etymology : text,Middle English {it}begle{/it}
Goliath
a Philistine champion who in I Samuel 17 is killed by David # giant Etymology : text,Hebrew {it}Golyath{/it}
enoki
a whitish cultivated agaric mushroom (Flammulina velutipes synonym Collybia velutipes) with a long thin stem and a small cap Etymology : text,Japanese {it}enoki{/it}
throughout
all the way from one end to the other of : in or to every part of # during the whole course or period of
virtually
almost entirely : nearly # for all practical purposes
wattage
amount of power expressed in watts # dynamic or mental energy or appeal
gingivitis
inflammation of the gums
sewage
refuse liquids or waste matter usually carried off by sewers Etymology : text,{et_link|sewer:3|sewer:3}
alpha
the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet # something that is first : beginning # alpha wave Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin, from Greek, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew {it}āleph{/it} aleph
Mars
the Roman god of war # the planet fourth in order from the sun and conspicuous for its red color Etymology : text,Latin {it}Mart-, Mars{/it}
archaism
the use of archaic diction or style # an instance of archaic usage # something archaic; especially : something (such as a practice or custom) that is outmoded or old-fashioned Etymology : text,New Latin {it}archaïsmus{/it}, from Greek {it}archaïsmos{/it}, from {it}archaios{/it}
dissipate
to break up and drive off # to cause to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish # to lose (heat, electricity, etc.) irrecoverably Etymology : text,Latin {it}dissipatus{/it}, past participle of {it}dissipare, dissupare{/it}, from {it}dis-{/it} + {it}supare{/it} to throw
felonious
very evil : villainous # of, relating to, or having the nature of a felony
Tabasco
—used for a pungent condiment sauce made from hot peppers
phraseology
a manner of organizing words and phrases into longer elements : style # choice of words Etymology : text,New Latin {it}phraseologia{/it}, irregular from Greek {it}phrasis{/it} + {it}-logia{/it} -logy
clodhopper
a clumsy and uncouth rustic # a large heavy work shoe or boot
gaucho
a cowboy of the South American pampas Etymology : text,American Spanish
cannonade
a heavy fire of artillery # an attack (as with words) likened to artillery fire : bombardment
minivan
a small passenger van
asado
academic; academy
peacenik
an opponent of war; specifically : one who participates in antiwar demonstrations
melodramatic
of, relating to, or characteristic of melodrama # appealing to the emotions : sensational
navigator
one that navigates or is qualified to navigate
lounge
to act or move idly or lazily : loaf # to pass (time) idly Etymology : text,origin unknown
flimflammer
to subject to a flimflam
slipshod
wearing loose shoes or slippers # down at the heel : shabby # careless, slovenly Etymology : text,{et_link|slip:1|slip:1}
nervous
timid, apprehensive # easily excited or irritated : jumpy # of or relating to the nerves; also : originating in or affected by the nerves Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French {it}nervus, nervous,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}nervōsus{/it} "full of tendons, sinewy, tough, vigorous (of a person or literary style)," from {it}nervus{/it} "sinew, muscle, {et_link|nerve:1|nerve:1}" + {it}-ōsus{/it} {et_link|-ous|-ous}
abrogate
to abolish by authoritative action : annul # to treat as nonexistent : to fail to do what is required by (something, such as a responsibility) # to suppress or prevent (a biological function or process and especially an immune response) Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}abrogātus{/it}, past participle of {it}abrogāre{/it}, "to repeal (a law), repudiate, cancel," from {it}ab-{/it} {et_link|ab-|ab-} + {it}rogāre{/it} "to ask, ask an assembly for approval of" {ma}{mat|rogation|}{/ma}
acquiesce
to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively —often used with in or to Etymology : text,borrowed from French {it}acquiescer,{/it} going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin {it}acquiēscere{/it} "to rest, find peace, be satisfied (with)," from {it}ad-{/it} {et_link|ad-|ad-} + {it}quiēscere{/it} "to repose, be quiet" {ma}{mat|quiescent|}{/ma}
cooperate
to act or work with another or others : act together or in compliance # to associate with another or others for mutual benefit Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}cooperatus{/it}, past participle of {it}cooperari{/it}, from Latin {it}co-{/it} + {it}operari{/it} to work {ma}{mat|operate|}{/ma}
holiday
holy day # a day on which one is exempt from work; specifically : a day marked by a general suspension of work in commemoration of an event # vacation —often used in the phrase on holiday —often used in plural Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}hāligdæg{/it}, from {it}hālig{/it} holy + {it}dæg{/it} day
beguile
hoodwink # to engage the interest of by or as if by guile # to lead by deception Etymology : text,Middle English {it}bigilen, beguilen{/it}, from {it}bi-, be-{/it} {et_link|be-|be-} + {it}gile{/it} {et_link|guile|guile} or {it}gilen{/it} "to deceive, cheat", borrowed from Old French {it}guiler{/it}, derivative of {it}guile{/it}
hospitality
hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition # the activity or business of providing services to guests in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. —usually used before another noun Etymology : text,Middle English {it}hospitalite{/it} "reception of guests, provision of lodging," borrowed from Anglo-French {it}hospitalité,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}hospitālitāt-, hospitālitās{/it} "entertainment of guests," from Latin {it}hospitālis{/it} "of a guest, of hospitality, hospitable" (from {it}hospit-, hospes{/it} "guest, host" + {it}-ālis{/it} {et_link|-al:1|-al:1}) + {it}-itāt-, -itās{/it} {et_link|-ity|-ity} {ma}{mat|host:3|}{/ma}
mimetic
imitative # relating to, characterized by, or exhibiting mimicry Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}mimeticus{/it}, from Greek {it}mimētikos{/it}, from {it}mimeisthai{/it} to imitate, from {it}mimos{/it} mime
edamame
immature green soybeans usually in the pod Etymology : text,Japanese, from {it}eda{/it} branch + {it}mame{/it} beans
around
in a circle or in circumference # in, along, or through a circuit # on all or various sides : in every or any direction Etymology : text,Middle English, from {et_link|a-:1|a-:1} + {et_link|round:2|round:2}
valorous
valiant Etymology : text,{et_link|valor|valor} + {et_link|-ous|-ous}, after Middle French {it}valeureux{/it} or Medieval Latin {it}valōrōsus{/it}
ventriloquy
ventriloquism Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin {it}ventriloquium{/it}, from Late Latin {it}ventriloquus{/it} "person who appears to produce speech sounds from within his or her body (as during spirit possession or under control of a deity)" + Latin {it}-ium{/it} {et_link|-y:3|-y:3} {ma}{mat|ventriloquist|}{/ma}
iteration
version, incarnation # the action or a process of iterating or repeating: such as # a procedure in which repetition of a sequence of operations yields results successively closer to a desired result
boomslang
a bent or angular throwing club typically flat on one side and rounded on the other so that it soars or curves in flight; especially : one designed to return near the thrower # an act or utterance that backfires on its originator Etymology : text,Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) {it}bumarinʸ{/it}
coffee
a beverage made by percolation, infusion, or decoction from the roasted and ground seeds of a coffee plant # any of several Old World tropical plants (genus Coffea and especially C. arabica and C. canephora) of the madder family that are widely cultivated in warm regions for their seeds from which coffee is prepared # coffee seeds especially roasted and often ground Etymology : text,Italian & Turkish; Italian {it}caffè{/it}, from Turkish {it}kahve{/it}, from Arabic {it}qahwa{/it}
carrot
a biennial herb (Daucus carota of the family Umbelliferae, the carrot family) with a usually orange spindle-shaped edible root; also : its root # a reward or advantage offered especially as an inducement Etymology : text,Middle French {it}carotte{/it}, from Late Latin {it}carota{/it}, from Greek {it}karōton{/it}
bromide
a binary compound of bromine with another element or a radical including some (such as potassium bromide) used as sedatives # a commonplace or tiresome person : bore # a commonplace or hackneyed statement or notion
hangnail
a bit of skin hanging loose at the side or root of a fingernail Etymology : text,by folk etymology from {it}agnail{/it} inflammation about the nail, from Middle English, corn on the foot or toe, from Old English {it}angnægl{/it}, from {it}ang-{/it} (akin to {it}enge{/it} tight, painful) + {it}nægl{/it} nail {ma}{mat|anger|}{/ma}
poncho
a blanket with a slit in the middle so that it can be slipped over the head and worn as a sleeveless garment # a waterproof garment resembling a poncho and having an integral hood Etymology : text,American Spanish, from Mapuche
buffet
a blow especially with the hand # something that strikes with telling force Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, diminutive of {it}buffe{/it} blow
aardvark
a large burrowing nocturnal mammal (Orycteropus afer) of sub-Saharan Africa that has a long snout, extensible tongue, powerful claws, large ears, and heavy tail and feeds especially on termites and ants Etymology : text,borrowed from early Afrikaans {it}aardvarken{/it} (modern {it}erdvark{/it}), from {it}aarde{/it} "earth" + {it}vark{/it} "hog"; akin to Old English {it}eorthe{/it} "earth" and to Old English {it}fearh{/it} "young pig" {ma}{mat|earth:1|}, {mat|farrow:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,Current Afrikaans {it}erdvark{/it}, as against early {it}aardvarken, aardvark{/it} (with Afrikaans loss of the Dutch final syllable), reflects early competition in Afrikaans between standard Dutch {it}aarde{/it} and the North/South Holland form {it}erd(e){/it} (with lengthened [e] or [ε]); as a simplex Afrikaans retains both with different senses: {it}erd{/it}, "earth, clay," {it}aarde{/it} "earth (the planet)."
sousaphone
a large circular tuba that has a flared adjustable bell Etymology : text,John Philip {it}Sousa{/it}
deltoidal
a large triangular muscle that covers the shoulder joint and serves to raise the arm laterally Etymology : text,New Latin {it}deltoides{/it}, from Greek {it}deltoeidēs{/it} shaped like a delta, from {it}delta{/it}
flagon
a large usually metal or pottery vessel (as for wine) with handle and spout and often a lid # a large bulging short-necked bottle # the contents of a flagon Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French {it}flascon, flacon{/it} bottle, from Late Latin {it}flascon-, flasco{/it} {ma}{mat|flask|}{/ma}
raven
a large, glossy-black bird (Corvus corax) that is widely distributed in northern parts of the northern hemisphere but now rare in most areas of the eastern and central U.S. and that differs from the closely related common crow chiefly in its larger size and wedge-shaped tail and in having the feathers of the throat narrow and pointed resulting in a shaggy appearance; also : any of various usually large and glossy black, corvine birds Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}hræfn{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}hraban{/it} raven, Latin {it}corvus{/it}, Greek {it}korax{/it}
cuckoo
a largely grayish-brown European bird (Cuculus canorus) that is a parasite given to laying its eggs in the nests of other birds which hatch them and rear the offspring; broadly : any of a large family (Cuculidae of the order Cuculiformes) to which this bird belongs # the call of the cuckoo # a silly or slightly crackbrained person Etymology : text,Middle English {it}cuccu{/it}, of imitative origin
phoenix
a legendary bird which according to one account lived 500 years, burned itself to ashes on a pyre, and rose alive from the ashes to live another period; also : a person or thing likened to the phoenix Etymology : text,Middle English {it}fenix{/it}, from Old English, from Latin {it}phoenix{/it}, from Greek {it}phoinix{/it}
hydra
a many-headed serpent or monster in Greek mythology that was slain by Hercules and each head of which when cut off was replaced by two others # a multifarious evil not to be overcome by a single effort # a southern constellation of great length that lies south of Cancer, Sextans, Corvus, and Virgo and is represented on old maps by a serpent Etymology : text,Middle English {it}Ydra, Idre,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}Hydra{/it} "any of various mythical monsters, especially the Hydra of Lerna killed by Hercules, a constellation," borrowed from Greek {it}hýdra{/it} "aquatic snake, the Hydra of Lerna, a constellation"; (sense 4) borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin {ma}{mat|otter|}{/ma}
fajitas
a marinated strip usually of beef or chicken grilled or broiled and served usually with a flour tortilla and various savory fillings —usually used in plural Etymology : text,American Spanish, diminutive of Spanish {it}faja{/it} sash, belt, probably from Catalan {it}faixa{/it}, from Latin {it}fascia{/it} band {ma}{mat|fascia|}{/ma}
vane
a movable device attached to an elevated object (such as a spire) for showing the direction of the wind # one that is changeable or inconstant # a thin flat or curved object that is rotated about an axis by a flow of fluid or that rotates to cause a fluid to flow or that redirects a flow of fluid Etymology : text,Middle English {it}fane, vane{/it} "flag, pennant, weather vane," going back to Old English {it}fana, fane{/it} "banner, standard," going back to Germanic {it}*fanan-{/it} (whence Gothic {it}fana{/it} "piece of cloth," Old Saxon {it}fano{/it} "cloth," Old High German {it}fano{/it} flag"; akin to Latin {it}pannus{/it} "piece of cloth"
beatboxing
a musical style and technique based on the vocal imitation of percussion sounds
mantra
a mystical formula of invocation or incantation (as in Hinduism); also : watchword Etymology : text,Sanskrit, sacred counsel, formula, from {it}manyate{/it} he thinks; akin to Latin {it}mens{/it} mind {ma}{mat|mind|}{/ma}
salamanders
a mythical animal having the power to endure fire without harm # an elemental being in the theory of Paracelsus inhabiting fire # any of numerous amphibians (order Caudata) superficially resembling lizards but scaleless and covered with a soft moist skin and breathing by gills in the larval stage Etymology : text,Middle English {it}salamandre{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}salamandra{/it}, from Greek
naïveté
a naive remark or action # the quality or state of being naive Etymology : text,French {it}naïveté{/it}, from Old French, inborn character, from {it}naif{/it}
dreadlocks
a narrow ropelike strand of hair formed by matting, braiding, or twisting # a hairstyle consisting of dreadlocks
Neapolitan
a native or inhabitant of Naples, Italy Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}neapolitanus{/it} of Naples, from Greek {it}neapolitēs{/it} citizen of Naples, from {it}Neapolis{/it} Naples
vassal
a person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has vowed homage and fealty : a feudal tenant # one in a subservient or subordinate position Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}vassallus{/it} "serf of the manor house, household servant, lord's man who has received a fief," borrowed from Gaulish {it}*wassall-{/it}, derivative of {it}*wass-{/it} "servant" (whence Medieval Latin {it}vassus{/it} "serf, servant, holder of a fief"), going back to Celtic {it}*wosto-{/it}, whence Welsh {it}gwas{/it} "boy, servant," Middle Breton {it}goas{/it}, Old Irish {it}foss{/it} "servant, attendant" # et_snote,t,Celtic {it}*wasto-{/it} is generally taken to continue Indo-European {it}*upo-sth{inf}2{/inf}-o-{/it} "one who stands under," which may be correct if Gaulish {it}*wass-{/it} shares with British Celtic unrounding of {it}o{/it} in this position.
bookworm
a person unusually devoted to reading and study
assailant
a person who attacks someone violently
plaintiff
a person who brings a legal action Etymology : text,Middle English {it}plaintif{/it}, from Anglo-French, from {it}pleintif{/it}, adjective
parasite
a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery # an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism # something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return Etymology : text,Middle French, from Latin {it}parasitus{/it}, from Greek {it}parasitos{/it}, from {it}para-{/it} + {it}sitos{/it} grain, food
worrywart
a person who is inclined to worry unduly
munchkin
a person who is notably small and often endearing Etymology : text,the {it}Munchkins{/it}, diminutive creatures in {it}The Wonderful Wizard of Oz{/it} (1900) by L. Frank Baum
attendee
a person who is present on a given occasion or at a given place Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|attend||}{/dx_ety}
narcoleptic
a person who is subject to attacks of narcolepsy
shepherd
a person who tends sheep # pastor # german shepherd Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sheepherde{/it}, from Old English {it}scēaphyrde{/it}, from {it}scēap{/it} sheep + {it}hierde{/it} herdsman; akin to Old English {it}heord{/it} herd
noctambulist
a person who walks while asleep : sleepwalker Etymology : text,New Latin {it}noctambulus{/it} "sleepwalker" (earlier {it}noctambulō,{/it} with {it}-ōn-, -ō,{/it} agent suffix, from Latin {it}noct-, nox{/it} {et_link|night:1|night:1} + {it}-ambul-,{/it} noun derivative of {it}ambulāre{/it} "to walk") + {et_link|-ist:1|-ist:1} {ma}{mat|amble:1|}{/ma}
noggin
a person's head # a small mug or cup # a small quantity (such as a gill) of drink Etymology : text,origin unknown
tussle
a physical contest or struggle : scuffle # an intense argument, controversy, or struggle
obstetrician
a physician specializing in obstetrics
vignette
a picture (such as an engraving or photograph) that shades off gradually into the surrounding paper # the pictorial part of a postage stamp design as distinguished from the frame and lettering # a short descriptive literary sketch Etymology : text,French, from Middle French {it}vignete{/it}, from diminutive of {it}vigne{/it} vine {ma}{mat|vine:1|}{/ma}
axle
a pin or shaft on or with which a wheel or pair of wheels revolves # a fixed bar or beam with bearings at its ends on which wheels (as of a cart) revolve # the spindle of such a beam Etymology : text,Middle English {it}axel-{/it} (as in {it}axeltre{/it})
intermezzo
a short light entr'acte # a movement coming between the major sections of an extended musical work (such as an opera) # a short independent instrumental composition Etymology : text,Italian, ultimately from Latin {it}intermedius{/it} intermediate
arborio
a short-grain rice that has a creamy texture when cooked and is typically used in risotto Etymology : text,{it}Arborio{/it}, village in Piedmont region of Italy
suffrage
a short intercessory prayer usually in a series # a vote given in deciding a controverted question or electing a person for an office or trust # the right of voting : franchise; also : the exercise of such right Etymology : text,Middle English, "help, aid, intercessory prayer, indulgence," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}suffrāgium{/it} "vote, selection, aid, support, intercessory prayer," going back to Latin, "vote cast in an assembly, right to vote, decision reached by a vote, influence exerted in support of a candidate or policy," from {it}suffrāgor, suffrāgārī{/it} "to express public support (for a candidate, measure, etc.), be favorable (toward)" (from {it}suf-,{/it} assimilated form of {it}sub-{/it} {et_link|sub-|sub-} + {it}-frāg-,{/it} probably from the base of {it}frangere,{/it} past participle {it}frāctus,{/it} "to break, shatter") + {it}-ium,{/it} deverbal suffix of function or state {ma}{mat|break:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,Senses of {it}suffrage{/it} having to do with voting were borrowed directly from classical Latin from the 16th century onward. The older literal meaning of Latin {it}suffrāgārī{/it} that presumably underlies the attested senses having to do with political support and voting is obscure. Though the identity of {it}suf-{/it} is clear, the element {it}-frāg-{/it} has been subject to varying analyses. The most commonly accepted view sees {it}-frāg-{/it} —despite the unexpected vowel length—as representing the verb {it}frangere,{/it} though the import is not obvious. The idea that the reference is to the use of broken pieces of tile or pottery in voting is unlikely in view of what is known of earlier Roman election practices; moreover, the primary meaning of the verb {it}suffrāgārī{/it} is more oriented toward support of a candidate than the mechanics of voting. In a revival of an older analysis Jyri Vaahtera connects {it}-frāg-{/it} with the noun {it}fragor{/it} "noise of breaking, crash, noisy clamor, shouting," and assumes that the verb alluded to the noise of an armed assembly banging weapons as a sign of acclamation (see "The origin of Latin {it}suffrāgium,{/it}" {it}Glotta{/it}, vol. 61 [1993], pp. 66-80.)
elocution
a style of speaking especially in public # the art of effective public speaking Etymology : text,Middle English {it}ellocucioun{/it} "oratorical or literary style," borrowed from Latin {it}ēlocūtiōn-, ēlocūtiō{/it} "expression of an idea in words, manner of expressing oneself," from {it}ēlocū-,{/it} variant stem of {it}ēloquī{/it} "to utter, put into words" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō,{/it} suffix of verbal action {ma}{mat|eloquent|}{/ma}
platoon
a subdivision of a company-sized military unit normally consisting of two or more squads or sections # a group of persons sharing a common characteristic or activity; especially : a group of football players who are trained for either offense or defense and are sent into or withdrawn from the game as a body Etymology : text,French {it}peloton{/it} small detachment, literally, ball, from Middle French {it}pelote{/it} little ball {ma}{mat|pellet|}{/ma}
theme
a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation # a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern # a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement Etymology : text,Middle English {it}teme, theme{/it}, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin {it}thema{/it}, from Greek, literally, something laid down, from {it}tithenai{/it} to place {ma}{mat|do|}{/ma}
nuance
a subtle distinction or variation # a subtle quality : nicety # sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings (as of meaning, feeling, or value) Etymology : text,French, from Middle French, shade of color, from {it}nuer{/it} to make shades of color, from {it}nue{/it} cloud, from Latin {it}nubes{/it}; perhaps akin to Welsh {it}nudd{/it} mist
mildew
a superficial usually whitish growth produced especially on organic matter or living plants by fungi (as of the families Erysiphaceae and Peronosporaceae) # a fungus producing mildew # a discoloration caused by fungi Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}meledēaw{/it} honeydew; akin to Old High German {it}militou{/it} honeydew
calendar
a system for fixing the beginning, length, and divisions of the civil year and arranging days and longer divisions of time (such as weeks and months) in a definite order # a tabular register of days according to a system usually covering one year and referring the days of each month to the days of the week # an orderly list: such as Etymology : text,Middle English {it}kalendar,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}kalendārium,{/it} going back to Latin, "book in which monthly interest on loans (due on the first of the month) was recorded, account book, ledger," from {it}kalendae{/it} {et_link|calends|calends} + {it}-ārium{/it} {et_link|-ary:1|-ary:1}
aerobics
a system of physical conditioning involving exercises (such as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics) strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate # aerobic exercises Etymology : text, {et_link|aerob(ic)|aerobic} + {et_link|-ics|-ics}
braille
a system of writing for the blind that uses characters made up of raised dots Etymology : text,Louis {it}Braille{/it}
assumption
a taking to or upon oneself # the act of laying claim to or taking possession of something # an assuming that something is true Etymology : text,Middle English, from Late Latin {it}assumption-, assumptio{/it} taking up, from Latin {it}assumere{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|assume||}{/dx_ety}
maize
a tall annual cereal grass (Zea mays) originally domesticated in Mexico and widely grown for its large elongated ears of starchy seeds : corn:1 Etymology : text,Spanish {it}maíz{/it}, from Taino {it}mahiz{/it}
yeti
abominable snowman Etymology : text,Sherpa (Tibetan dialect of the Sherpas)
echelon
an arrangement of a body of troops with its units each somewhat to the left or right of the one in the rear like a series of steps # a formation of units or individuals resembling such an echelon # a flight formation in which each airplane flies at a certain elevation above or below and at a certain distance behind and to the right or left of the airplane ahead Etymology : text,French {it}échelon{/it}, literally, rung of a ladder, from Old French {it}eschelon{/it}, from {it}eschele{/it} ladder, from Late Latin {it}scala{/it}
garment
an article of clothing Etymology : text,Middle English, assimilated variant of {it}garnement,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French, "defense, clothing, item of apparel," from {it}garnir{/it} "to equip, arm, decorate" + {it}-ment{/it} {et_link|-ment|-ment} {ma}{mat|garnish:1|}{/ma}
proviso
an article or clause (as in a contract) that introduces a condition # a conditional stipulation Etymology : text,Middle English, from Medieval Latin {it}proviso quod{/it} provided that
pencil
an artist's brush # an artist's individual skill or style # an implement for writing, drawing, or marking consisting of or containing a slender cylinder or strip of a solid marking substance Etymology : text,Middle English {it}pensel{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}pincel{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*penicellus{/it}, alteration of Latin {it}penicillus{/it}, diminutive of {it}peniculus{/it} brush, from diminutive of {it}penis{/it} tail, penis
meteor
an atmospheric phenomenon (such as lightning or a snowfall) # any of the small particles of matter in the solar system that are directly observable only by their incandescence from frictional heating on entry into the atmosphere # the streak of light produced by the passage of a meteor Etymology : text,Middle English {it}metheour{/it}, from Middle French {it}meteore{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}meteorum{/it}, from Greek {it}meteōron{/it}, from neuter of {it}meteōros{/it} high in air, from {it}meta-{/it} + {it}-eōros{/it}, from {it}aeirein{/it} to lift
genius
an attendant spirit of a person or place # a person who influences another for good or bad # a strong leaning or inclination : penchant Etymology : text,Latin, tutelary spirit, natural inclinations, from {it}gignere{/it} to beget
eczema
an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and oozing vesicular lesions which become scaly, crusted, or hardened Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek {it}ékzema,{/it} from {it}ekze-,{/it} stem of {it}ekzéō, ekzeîn{/it} "to boil over, (of disease) break out" (from {it}ek-{/it} {et_link|ec-|ex-:3} + {it}zeîn{/it} "to boil, seethe") + {it}-ma,{/it} resultative noun suffix {ma}{mat|yeast:1|}{/ma}
posada
an inn in Spanish-speaking countries Etymology : text,Spanish, from {it}posar{/it} to lodge, from Late Latin {it}pausare{/it}
humidistat
an instrument for regulating or maintaining the degree of humidity
registrar
an official recorder or keeper of records: such as # an officer of an educational institution responsible for registering students, keeping academic records, and corresponding with applicants and evaluating their credentials # an admitting officer at a hospital Etymology : text,alteration of Middle English {it}registrer{/it}, from {it}registren{/it} to register, from Anglo-French {it}registrer{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}registrare{/it}, from {it}registrum{/it}
necklace
an ornament worn around the neck # something likened to a necklace especially in forming a linked series or a circular pattern
pinnacle
an upright architectural member generally ending in a small spire and used especially in Gothic construction to give weight especially to a buttress # a structure or formation suggesting a pinnacle; specifically : a lofty peak # the highest point of development or achievement : acme Etymology : text,Middle English {it}pinacle{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin {it}pinnaculum{/it} small wing, gable, from Latin {it}pinna{/it} wing, battlement
longitude
angular distance measured on a great circle of reference from the intersection of the adopted zero meridian with this reference circle to the similar intersection of the meridian passing through the object # the arc or portion of the earth's equator intersected between the meridian of a given place and the prime meridian and expressed either in degrees or in time # long duration Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}longitudin-, longitudo{/it}, from {it}longus{/it}
zoolatry
animal worship Etymology : text,borrowed from French & New Latin; French {it}zoolâtrie,{/it} borrowed from New Latin {it}zoolatria,{/it} from {it}zoo-{/it} {et_link|zoo-|zoo-} + {it}-latria{/it} {et_link|-latry|-latry}
papillon
any of a European breed of small slender toy spaniels having large erect heavily fringed ears Etymology : text,French, literally, butterfly, from Latin {it}papilion-, papilio{/it}
merino
any of a breed of fine-wooled white sheep originating in Spain and producing a heavy fleece of exceptional quality # a soft wool or wool and cotton clothing fabric resembling cashmere # a fine wool and cotton yarn used for hosiery and knitwear Etymology : text,Spanish
Clydesdale
any of a breed of heavy draft horses originally from Clydesdale, Scotland with long silky hair on the legs
Holstein
any of a breed of large usually black-and-white dairy cattle originally from northern Holland and Friesland that produce large quantities of comparatively low-fat milk Etymology : text,short for {it}Holstein-Friesian{/it}
Appaloosa
any of a breed of rugged saddle horses developed in western North America and usually having a white or solid-colored coat with small spots Etymology : text,origin unknown
pervasive
existing in or spreading through every part of something Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|pervade||}{/dx_ety}
subaqueous
existing, formed, or taking place in or under water
joyful
experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy
hypochondria
extreme depression of mind or spirits often centered on imaginary physical ailments; specifically : hypochondriasis Etymology : text,earlier, "organs of the upper abdomen behind the ribs (including the liver and gallbladder, thought to be the seat of melancholy)," borrowed from Late Latin, borrowed from Greek {it}hypochóndria,{/it} plural of {it}hypochóndrion{/it} (referring to either the left or right side of these organs), noun derivative from neuter of {it}hypochóndrios{/it} "located beneath the cartilage (connecting the ribs and sternum)," from {it}hypo-{/it} {et_link|hypo-|hypo-} + {it}-chondrios,{/it} adjective derivative of {it}chóndros{/it} "gristle, cartilage" {ma}{mat|chondro-|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,Earlier also in the Anglicized form {it}hypochondry, hypocondry,{/it} usually in the plural {it}hypocondries,{/it} as in the following passage from Robert Burton's {it}Anatomy of Melancholy{/it} (Oxford, 1621), p. 25: "The third Region is the lower Belly in which the liuer resides...with the rest of those naturall Organes, seruing for concoction, nourishment, expelling of excrements. This lower Region is distinguished from the vpper by the {it}Midriffe,{/it} or {it}Diaphragma,{/it} and is subdiuided againe by some into three concauities, or regions, vpper, middle, and lower. The upper of the Hypocondries, in whose right side is the {it}Liuer,{/it} the left the {it}Spleene.{/it} From which is denominated {it}Hypocondriacall Melancholy.{/it}"
redolent
exuding fragrance : aromatic # full of a specified fragrance : scented # evocative, suggestive Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin {it}redolent-, redolens{/it}, present participle of {it}redolēre{/it} to emit a scent, from {it}re-, red-{/it} + {it}olēre{/it} to smell {ma}{mat|odor|}{/ma}
default
failure to do something required by duty or law : neglect # fault # a failure to pay financial debts Etymology : text,Middle English {it}defaute, defaulte{/it}, from Anglo-French, from {it}defaillir{/it} to be lacking, fail, from {it}de-{/it} + {it}faillir{/it} to fail
certain
fixed, settled # of a specific but unspecified character, quantity, or degree # dependable, reliable Etymology : text,Middle English {it}certeyn, certayne{/it}, borrowed from Anglo-French {it}certein, certain{/it}, going back to Vulgar Latin {it}*certānus{/it}, from Latin {it}certus{/it} "fixed, settled, indisputable," originally past participle of {it}cernere{/it} "to sift, discern, decide, determine" (going back to an Indo-European present stem {it}*kri-n-{/it}, verbal adjective {it}*kri-to-{/it}, from a verbal base {it}*krei̯̯̯(h{inf}1{/inf})-{/it} "sift, separate," whence Greek {it}krī́nein{/it} "to separate, choose, decide," verbal adjective {it}kritós{/it}, Welsh {it}gogrynu{/it} "to sift") + {it}-ānus{/it} + {et_link|-an:2|-an:2}
gnarled
full of knots or gnarls : knotty # crabbed in disposition, aspect, or character Etymology : text,probably alteration of {it}knurled{/it}
discreetly
having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : prudent; especially : capable of preserving prudent silence # unpretentious, modest # unobtrusive, unnoticeable Etymology : text,Middle English {it}discrete, discret, discreet{/it} "morally discerning, prudent, separate, distinct," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French {it}discret,{/it} borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}discrētus{/it} "separate, distinct, showing discernment, prudent," going back to Latin, "separated, differentiated," from past participle of {it}discernere{/it} "to separate, distinguish" {ma}{mat|discern|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,See note at {et_link|discrete|discrete}.
pleasant
having qualities that tend to give pleasure : agreeable # having or characterized by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance Etymology : text,Middle English {it}plesaunt{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}plaisant{/it}, from present participle of {it}plaisir{/it}
tubular
having the form of or consisting of a tube # made or provided with tubes # of, relating to, or sounding as if produced through tubes
ostensibly
in an ostensible manner # to all outward appearances Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|ostensible||}{/dx_ety}
anyway
in any way whatever : anywise # in any case : without regard to other considerations : anyhow # as an additional consideration or thought
ineffable
incapable of being expressed in words : indescribable # unspeakable # not to be uttered : taboo Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}ineffabilis{/it}, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}effabilis{/it} capable of being expressed, from {it}effari{/it} to speak out, from {it}ex-{/it} + {it}fari{/it} to speak {ma}{mat|ban:1|}{/ma}
domineering
inclined to exercise arbitrary and overbearing control over others
aromatherapy
inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes; broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being Etymology : text,French {it}aromathérapie{/it}, from Latin {it}aroma{/it} + French {it}thérapie{/it} therapy
turpitude
inherent baseness : depravity; also : a base act Etymology : text,Middle French, from Latin {it}turpitudo{/it}, from {it}turpis{/it} vile, base
contusion
injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise Etymology : text,Middle English {it}conteschown{/it}, from Latin {it}contusion-, contusio{/it}, from {it}contundere{/it} to pound, bruise, from {it}com-{/it} + {it}tundere{/it} to beat; akin to Goth {it}stautan{/it} to strike, Sanskrit {it}tudati{/it} he pushes
aphasia
loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words usually resulting from brain damage (as from a stroke, head injury, or infection) Etymology : text,borrowed from French {it}aphasie,{/it} from {it}a-{/it} {et_link|a-:2|a-:2} + Greek {it}phásis{/it} "utterance, statement" (from {it}pha-,{/it} variant stem of {it}phēmí, phánai{/it} "to say, speak" + {it}-sis{/it} {et_link|-sis|-sis}) + French {it}-ie{/it} {et_link|-ia:1|-ia:1} {ma}{mat|ban:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,French {it}aphasie{/it} was introduced by the physician Armand Trousseau (1801-67) in "De l'aphasie, maladie décrite récemment sous le nom impropre de l'aphémie," {it}Gazette des hôpitaux civils et militaires,{/it} tome 37, issue of January 12, 1864, pp. 13-14. As is evident from the title, Trousseau preferred {it}aphasie{/it} to the term {it}aphémie,{/it} introduced earlier by physician and anthropologist Pierre Paul Broca (1824-80). Broca replied in defense of his coinage in a letter published in the same periodical on January 23. The controversy, with translated extracts from {it}Gazette des hôpitaux,{/it} is summarized by John Ryalls in "Where does the term 'aphasia' come from?," {it}Brain and Language,{/it} vol. 21 (1984), pp. 358-63. Though Trousseau's arguments are linguistically not at all sound, his choice has nonetheless prevailed.
diminished
made one half step less than perfect or minor
prenuptial
made or occurring before marriage
paisley
made typically of soft wool and woven or printed with colorful curved abstract figures # marked by designs, patterns, or figures typically used in paisley fabrics Etymology : text,{it}Paisley{/it}, Scotland
impromptu
made, done, or formed on or as if on the spur of the moment : improvised # composed or uttered without previous preparation : extemporaneous
nomenclature
name, designation # the act or process or an instance of naming # a system or set of terms or symbols especially in a particular science, discipline, or art Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}nōmenclātūra{/it} "assigning of names to things," from {it}nōmen{/it} "name" + {it}calātus,{/it} past participle of {it}calāre{/it} "to announce, proclaim" + {it}-ūra{/it} {et_link|-ure|-ure} {ma}{mat|name:1|}, {mat|low:3|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The Latin word is formed after earlier {it}nōmenclātor{/it} "slave tasked with telling his master the names of clients and others encountered publicly"—see {et_link|nomenclator|nomenclator}.
mayhem
needless or willful damage or violence # willful and permanent deprivation of a bodily member resulting in the impairment of a person's fighting ability # willful and permanent crippling, mutilation, or disfigurement of any part of the body Etymology : text,Middle English {it}mayme, mahaime{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}mahaim{/it} mutilation, mayhem, from {it}maheimer, mahaigner{/it} to maim, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German {it}meiden{/it} gelding, Old Norse {it}meitha{/it} to injure
oblique
neither perpendicular nor parallel : inclined # having the axis not perpendicular to the base # having no right angle Etymology : text,Middle English {it}oblique, oblike,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French {it}oblic, oblique,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}oblīquus{/it} "slanting, transverse," from {it}ob-{/it} "against, facing" + {it}-līquus,{/it} of uncertain meaning and origin {ma}{mat|ob-|}{/ma}
extinct
no longer burning # no longer active # no longer existing Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}exstinctus{/it}, past participle of {it}exstinguere{/it}
declension
noun, adjective, or pronoun inflection especially in some prescribed order of the forms # a class of nouns or adjectives having the same type of inflectional forms # a falling off or away : deterioration Etymology : text,Middle English {it}declenson{/it}, modification of Middle French {it}declinaison{/it}, from Latin {it}declination-, declinatio{/it} grammatical inflection, turning aside, from {it}declinare{/it} to inflect, turn aside
nourish
nurture, rear # to promote the growth of # to furnish or sustain with nutriment : feed Etymology : text,Middle English {it}nurishen{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}nuriss-{/it}, stem of {it}nurrir, norrir{/it}, from Latin {it}nutrire{/it} to suckle, nourish; akin to Greek {it}nan{/it} to flow, {it}noteros{/it} damp, Sanskrit {it}snauti{/it} it drips
quotidian
occurring every day # belonging to each day : everyday # commonplace, ordinary Etymology : text,Middle English {it}cotidian{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}quotidianus, cotidianus{/it}, from {it}quotidie{/it} every day, from {it}quot{/it} (as) many as + {it}dies{/it} day {ma}{mat|deity|}{/ma}
septennial
occurring or being done every seven years # consisting of or lasting for seven years Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}septennium{/it} period of seven years, from Latin {it}sept{/it}em + {it}-ennium{/it} (as in {it}biennium{/it})
perspicacious
of acute mental vision or discernment : keen Etymology : text,Latin {it}perspicac-, perspicax{/it}, from {it}perspicere{/it}
spurious
of illegitimate birth : bastard # outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities : false # of falsified or erroneously attributed origin : forged Etymology : text,Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin {it}spurius{/it} false, from Latin, of illegitimate birth, from {it}spurius{/it}, noun, bastard
parochial
of or relating to a church parish # of or relating to a parish as a unit of local government # confined or restricted as if within the borders of a parish : limited in range or scope (as to a narrow area or region) : provincial, narrow Etymology : text,Middle English {it}parochiall{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}parochial{/it}, from Late Latin {it}parochialis{/it}, from {it}parochia{/it} parish {ma}{mat|parish|}{/ma}
sabbatical
of or relating to a sabbatical year # of or relating to the sabbath Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}sabbaticus{/it}, from Greek {it}sabbatikos{/it}, from {it}sabbaton{/it}
pendulous
poised without visible support # suspended so as to swing freely # inclined or hanging downward Etymology : text,Latin {it}pendulus{/it}, from {it}pendēre{/it} to hang
pontiff
pontifex # bishop; specifically, often capitalized : pope Etymology : text,French {it}pontif{/it}, from Latin {it}pontific-, pontifex{/it}
valiant
possessing or acting with bravery or boldness : courageous # marked by, exhibiting, or carried out with courage or determination : heroic Etymology : text,Middle English {it}vailant, valiant{/it}, borrowed from Anglo-French {it}vaillant{/it} "worthy, strong, courageous," from present participle of {it}valer{/it} "to be of worth," going back to Latin {it}valēre{/it} "to have strength, be well" {ma}{mat|wield|}{/ma}
bumptious
presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive : obtrusive Etymology : text,{et_link|bump:1|bump:1} + {it}-tious{/it} (as in {it}fractious{/it})
disposition
prevailing tendency, mood, or inclination # temperamental makeup # the tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}disposition-, dispositio{/it}, from {it}disponere{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|dispose:1||}{/dx_ety}
premonition
previous notice or warning : forewarning # anticipation of an event without conscious reason : presentiment Etymology : text,Middle English {it}premunition{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin {it}premunition-, premunitio{/it}, alteration of Late Latin {it}praemonitio{/it}, from Latin {it}praemonēre{/it} to warn in advance, from {it}prae-{/it} + {it}monēre{/it} to warn {ma}{mat|mind|}{/ma}
voluntary
proceeding from the will or from one's own choice or consent # unconstrained by interference : self-determining # done by design or intention : intentional Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}voluntarie{/it}, from Latin {it}voluntarius{/it}, from {it}voluntas{/it} will, from {it}velle{/it} to will, wish {ma}{mat|will|}{/ma}
flute
recorder # a keyed woodwind instrument consisting of a cylindrical tube which is stopped at one end and which has a side hole over which air is blown to produce the tone and having a range from middle C upward for three octaves # something long and slender: such as Etymology : text,Middle English {it}floute{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}floute, fleute{/it}, from Old French {it}flaüte{/it}, probably of imitative origin
soprano
relating to or having the range or part of a soprano Etymology : text,Italian, adjective & noun, from {it}sopra{/it} above, from Latin {it}supra{/it} {ma}{mat|supra-|}{/ma}
religious
relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity # of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances # scrupulously and conscientiously faithful Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}religius{/it}, from Latin {it}religiosus{/it}, from {it}religio{/it}
bariatrics
relating to or specializing in the treatment of obesity Etymology : text, {et_link|bar-|bar-} + {et_link|-iatric|-iatric}, probably after earlier {it}bariatrics{/it} # et_snote,t,According to the blog {it}ConscienHealth{/it} (conscienhealth.org), August 1, 2015, the word {it}bariatrics{/it} was coined by the physician Raymond E. Dietz in 1961. The professional organization with which he was associated, formed as the National Obesity Society in 1950, later became the National Glandular Society, then the American College of Endocrinology and Nutrition, and the American Society of Bariatrics by 1963 (later the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, then the Obesity Medicine Association in 2015). The word {it}bariatric{/it} can be found earlier in the name of a corporate entity, the Bariatric Corporation of Coral Gables, Florida, which introduced a weight reduction drug neo-barine in 1958 (withdrawn by order of the Food and Drug Administration in 1964). There appears to be no connection between the Bariatric Corporation and Raymond Dietz.
volary
relating to the palm of the hand or the sole of the foot; specifically : located on the same side as the palm of the hand Etymology : text,Latin {it}vola{/it} hollow in the palm of the hand or sole of the foot
competitive
relating to, characterized by, or based on competition # inclined, desiring, or suited to compete # depending for effectiveness on the relative concentration of two or more substances Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|competition||}{/dx_ety}
capillary
resembling a hair especially in slender elongated form # having a very small bore # involving, held by, or resulting from surface tension Etymology : text,French or Latin; French {it}capillaire{/it}, from Latin {it}capillaris{/it}, from {it}capillus{/it} hair
boorish
resembling or befitting a rude or insensitive person : resembling or befitting a boor Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|boor||}{/dx_ety}
cranium
skull; specifically : the part of the skull that encloses the brain : braincase Etymology : text,Medieval Latin, from Greek {it}kranion{/it}; akin to Greek {it}kara{/it} head {ma}{mat|cerebral|}{/ma}
somber
so shaded as to be dark and gloomy # of a serious mien : grave # of a dismal or depressing character : melancholy Etymology : text,French {it}sombre{/it}
bedraggled
soiled and stained by or as if by trailing in mud # left wet and limp by or as if by rain # dilapidated Etymology : text,from past participle of {et_link|bedraggle|bedraggle}
curio
something (such as a decorative object) considered novel, rare, or bizarre : curiosity; also : an unusual or bizarre person Etymology : text,short for {it}curiosity{/it}
spectacles
something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining; especially : an eye-catching or dramatic public display # an object of curiosity or contempt # a device used to correct defects of vision : glasses Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}spectaculum{/it}, from {it}spectare{/it} to watch, frequentative of {it}specere{/it} to look, look at {ma}{mat|spy|}{/ma}
wreath
something intertwined or arranged in a circular shape: such as # a decorative arrangement of foliage or flowers on a circular base # a band of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as a mark of honor or victory : garland Etymology : text,Middle English {it}wrethe{/it}, from Old English {it}writha{/it}; akin to Old English {it}wrīthan{/it} to twist {ma}{mat|writhe|}{/ma}
manufacture
something made from raw materials by hand or by machinery # the process of making wares by hand or by machinery especially when carried on systematically with division of labor # a productive industry using mechanical power and machinery Etymology : text,Middle French, from Medieval Latin {it}manufactura{/it}, from Latin {it}manu factus{/it}, literally, made by hand
barrier
something material that blocks or is intended to block passage # a natural formation or structure that prevents or hinders movement or action # a medieval war game in which combatants fight on foot with a fence or railing between them Etymology : text,Middle English {it}barrere{/it}, from Anglo-French, from {it}barre{/it} bar
omission
something neglected or left undone # apathy toward or neglect of duty # the act of omitting : the state of being omitted Etymology : text,Middle English {it}omissioun{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}omission{/it}, from Late Latin {it}omission-, omissio{/it}, from Latin {it}omittere{/it}
delicacy
something pleasing to eat that is considered rare or luxurious # the quality or state of being dainty : fineness # frailty Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|delicate:1||}{/dx_ety}
rehearsal
something recounted or told again : recital # a private performance or practice session preparatory to a public appearance # a practice exercise : trial
integument
something that covers or encloses; especially : an enveloping layer (such as a skin, membrane, or cuticle) of an organism or one of its parts Etymology : text,Latin {it}integumentum{/it}, from {it}integere{/it} to cover, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}tegere{/it} to cover {ma}{mat|thatch|}{/ma}
residue
something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated or after the completion of a process : remnant, remainder: such as # the part of a testator's estate remaining after the satisfaction of all debts, charges, allowances, and previous devises and bequests # the remainder after subtracting a multiple of a modulus from an integer or a power of the integer that can appear as the second of the two terms in an appropriate congruence Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}residuum{/it}, from neuter of {it}residuus{/it} left over, from {it}residēre{/it} to remain
vortices
something that resembles a whirlpool # a mass of fluid (such as a liquid) with a whirling or circular motion that tends to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action; especially : whirlpool, eddy # a region within a body of fluid in which the fluid elements have an angular velocity Etymology : text,New Latin {it}vortic-, vortex{/it}, from Latin {it}vertex, vortex{/it} whirlpool {ma}{mat|vertex|}{/ma}
macular
spot, blotch; especially : macule # an anatomical structure having the form of a spot differentiated from surrounding tissues # a small yellowish area lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina that is made up mostly of cones, plays a key role in visual acuity, and has the fovea at its center —called also macula lutea, yellow spot Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Latin, "stain, spot, blemish, one of the interstices of a net," of uncertain origin # et_snote,t,If {it}macula{/it} goes back to {it}*sma-tlā,{/it} then {it}*sma-{/it} may represent an Indo-European base {it}*smh{inf}1{/inf}-{/it} seen in Greek {it}smáō, smân{/it} "to cleanse, wipe clean," {it}smêma{/it} "ointment."
straw
stalks of grain after threshing; broadly : dry stalky plant residue used like grain straw (as for bedding or packing) # a natural or artificial heavy fiber used for weaving, plaiting, or braiding # a dry coarse stem especially of a cereal grass Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}strēaw{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}strō{/it} straw, Old English {it}strewian{/it} to strew
prominent
standing out or projecting beyond a surface or line : protuberant # readily noticeable : conspicuous # widely and popularly known : leading Etymology : text,Middle English {it}promynent{/it}, from Latin {it}prominent-, prominens{/it}, from present participle of {it}prominēre{/it} to jut forward, from {it}pro-{/it} forward + {it}-minēre{/it} (akin to {it}mont-, mons{/it} mountain) {ma}{mat|mount|}{/ma}
multiplication
the act or process of multiplying : the state of being multiplied # a mathematical operation that at its simplest is an abbreviated process of adding an integer to zero a specified number of times and that is extended to other numbers in accordance with laws that are valid for integers # any of various mathematical operations that are analogous in some way to multiplication of the real numbers but are defined for other or larger sets of elements (such as complex numbers, vectors, matrices, or functions) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}multiplicacioun{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}multiplicacion{/it}, from Latin {it}multiplication-, multiplicatio{/it}, from {it}multiplicare{/it} to multiply
isolation
the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated
matriculation
the action or process or matriculating (that is, enrolling) or the state of being matriculated (as at a college or university)
fealty
the fidelity of a vassal or feudal tenant to his lord # the obligation of such fidelity # intense fidelity Etymology : text,Middle English {it}feute, fealtye,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French {it}feelté, fealté,{/it} going back to Latin {it}fidēlitāt-, fidēlitās{/it} "faithfulness, loyalty" {ma}{mat|fidelity|}{/ma}
duodenum
the first part of the small intestine extending from the pylorus to the jejunum Etymology : text,Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin {it}duodeni{/it} twelve each, from {it}duodecim{/it} twelve; from its length, about 12 fingers' breadth
carnage
the flesh of slain animals or humans # great and usually bloody slaughter or injury (as in battle) Etymology : text,French, from Medieval Latin {it}carnaticum{/it} tribute consisting of animals or meat, from Latin {it}carn-, caro{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|carnal||}{/dx_ety}
cheek
the fleshy side of the face below the eye and above and to the side of the mouth; broadly : the lateral aspect of the head # something suggestive of the human cheek in position or form; especially : one of two laterally paired parts # insolent boldness and self-assurance Etymology : text,Middle English {it}cheke{/it}, from Old English {it}cēace{/it}; akin to Middle Low German {it}kāke{/it} jawbone
apple
the fleshy, usually rounded red, yellow, or green edible pome fruit of a usually cultivated tree (genus Malus) of the rose family; also : an apple tree # a fruit (such as a star apple) or other vegetative growth (such as an oak apple) suggestive of an apple Etymology : text,Middle English {it}appel{/it}, from Old English {it}æppel{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}apful{/it} apple, Old Irish {it}ubull{/it}, Old Church Slavonic {it}ablŭko{/it}
facade
the front of a building; also : any face of a building given special architectural treatment # a false, superficial, or artificial appearance or effect Etymology : text,borrowed from French, going back to Middle French {it}fassade,{/it} borrowed from Italian {it}facciata,{/it} from {it}faccia{/it} "face" (going back to Vulgar Latin {it}*facia{/it}) + {it}-ata{/it} {et_link|-ade|-ade} {ma}{mat|face:1|}{/ma}
quince
the fruit of a central Asian tree (Cydonia oblonga) of the rose family that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple and is used especially in preserves # a tree that bears quinces Etymology : text,Middle English {it}quynce{/it} quinces, plural of {it}coyn, quyn{/it} quince, from Anglo-French {it}coign{/it}, from Latin {it}cotoneum{/it}, alteration {it}cydonium{/it}, from Greek {it}kydōnion{/it}
cucumber
the fruit of a vine (Cucumis sativus) of the gourd family cultivated as a garden vegetable; also : this vine Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}cucumbre{/it}, from Latin {it}cucumer-, cucumis{/it}
angora
the hair of the Angora rabbit or Angora goat —called also angora wool # a yarn of Angora rabbit hair used especially for knitting # angora cat
Romeo
the hero of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet who dies for love of Juliet # a male lover
tibia
the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the vertebrate hind or lower limb between the knee and ankle # the fourth joint of the leg of an insect between the femur and tarsus Etymology : text,Latin
Galahad
the knight of the Round Table who successfully seeks the Holy Grail # one who is pure, noble, and unselfish
expiration
the last emission of breath : death # the act or process of releasing air from the lungs through the nose or mouth : exhalation # the escape of carbon dioxide from the body protoplasm (as through the blood and lungs or by diffusion)
acorn
the nut of the oak usually seated in or surrounded by a hard woody cupule of indurated bracts Etymology : text,Middle English {it}akorn, akkorn{/it} (partially assimilated to {it}corn{/it} "kernel, {et_link|corn:1|corn:1}"), {it}hakerne, accherne, accharne,{/it} going back to Old English {it}æcern,{/it} going back to Germanic {it}*akrana-{/it} (whence also Middle High German {it}ackeran{/it} "tree nuts," Old Norse {it}akarn,{/it} Gothic {it}akran{/it} "fruit, produce"); akin to Old Irish {it}írne{/it} "sloe, kernel," Welsh {it}eirin{/it} "plums, sloes," {it}aeron{/it} "fruits, berries," going back to Celtic {it}*agrinyo-, *agranyo-{/it}; perhaps further akin to a Balto-Slavic word with an initial long vowel (Old Church Slavic {it}agoda{/it} "fruit," Polish {it}jagoda{/it} "berry," Lithuanian {it}úoga{/it} # et_snote,t,Taken to be a derivative of Indo-European {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}eǵros{/it} "uncultivated field, pasture" (see {et_link|acre|acre}), though this would seem to exclude the Balto-Slavic etymon, which lacks the suffix, from consideration. It is also not clear if fields, uncultivated or not, are the source of wild tree nuts.
cornea
the transparent part of the coat of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupil and admits light to the interior Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin (short for {it}cornea tēla{/it} "horny web," {it}cornea tunica{/it} "horny covering," translating Greek {it}kerātoeidḕs chitṓn{/it}), from feminine of Latin {it}corneus{/it} "horny" {ma}{mat|corneous|}{/ma}
torsion
the twisting or wrenching of a body by the exertion of forces tending to turn one end or part about a longitudinal axis while the other is held fast or turned in the opposite direction; also : the state of being twisted # the twisting of a bodily organ or part on its own axis # the reactive torque that an elastic solid exerts by reason of being under torsion Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}torsion-, torsio{/it} torment, alteration of Latin {it}tortio{/it}, from {it}torquēre{/it} to twist
larceny
the unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}larecin{/it} theft, from Latin {it}latrocinium{/it} robbery, from {it}latron-, latro{/it} mercenary soldier, probably from Greek {it}*latrōn{/it}, from {it}latron{/it} pay
gabled
the vertical triangular end of a building from cornice or eaves to ridge # the similar end of a gambrel roof # the end wall of a building Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, going back to Latin {it}gabulus, gabulum{/it} "gibbet" (borrowed from Celtic {it}*gablo-{/it} "fork," whence Old Irish {it}gabul{/it} "fork, gibbet, groin," Welsh {it}gafl{/it} "fork, groin"), perhaps influenced in sense by northern Middle English and Scots {it}gavel{/it} "triangular end of a building," borrowed from Old Norse {it}gafl{/it} # et_snote,t,The word {it}gable{/it}, attested only in Anglo-French and the French of Normandy, is unlikely to be a loan from Old Norse, which would have resulted in {it}*gavle.{/it} Old Norse {it}gafl{/it} appears to correspond to Old High German {it}gibil{/it} "gable," Middle Dutch and Middle Low German {it}gevel{/it}, and Gothic {it}gibla{/it}, though the divergence in vocalism is unexplained.
bruschetta
thick slices of bread grilled, rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, often topped with tomatoes and herbs, and usually served as an appetizer Etymology : text,Italian, from Italian dialect (Tuscany), from {it}bruscare{/it} to toast, burn, probably from Vulgar Latin {it}*brusicare{/it}, frequentative of {it}*brusare, *brusiare{/it} to burn
bother
to annoy especially by petty provocation : irk # to intrude upon : pester # to cause to be somewhat anxious or concerned —often used interjectionally Etymology : text,of obscure origin # et_snote,t,Early attestations strongly associate the word with Ireland, though if {it}bother{/it} is authentically Hiberno-English, the interdental consonant must be secondary, perhaps by association with earlier {et_link|pother:1|pother:1}, itself of obscure origin. A hypothetical link with Irish {it}bodhar{/it} "deaf, confused" is improbable given that the internal dental consonant in Irish was lost by 1300.
handcuffs
to apply handcuffs to : manacle # to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless
embezzlement
to appropriate (something, such as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use Etymology : text,Middle English {it}embesilen{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}embesiller{/it} to make away with, from {it}en-{/it} + {it}besiller{/it} to steal, plunder
calibrate
to ascertain the caliber of (something) ) # to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of (something, such as a thermometer tube) # to standardize (something, such as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from a standard so as to ascertain the proper correction factors Etymology : text, {et_link|caliber|caliber} + {et_link|-ate:4|-ate:4}, perhaps after French {it}calibrer{/it}
lambasted
to assault violently : beat, whip # to attack verbally : censure Etymology : text,probably from {et_link|lam:1|lam:1} + {it}baste{/it}
résumé
to assume or take again : reoccupy # to return to or begin (something) again after interruption # to take (something) back to oneself : reclaim Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French {it}resumer{/it}, from Latin {it}resumere{/it}, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}sumere{/it} to take up, take {ma}{mat|consume|}{/ma}
differed
to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics # to change from time to time or from one instance to another : vary # to be of unlike or opposite opinion : disagree Etymology : text,Middle English {it}differren, differen,{/it} borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French {it}differer{/it} "to be different," borrowed (with conjugational change) from Latin {it}differre{/it} "to carry away in varying directions, spread abroad, postpone, delay, be unlike or distinct," from {it}dif-,{/it} assimilated form of {it}dis-{/it} {et_link|dis-|dis-} + {it}ferre{/it} "to carry, convey" # et_snote,t,The meanings of Latin {it}differre,{/it} in particular the sense "to be unlike or distinct," copy those of Greek {it}diaphérein,{/it} formed with the cognate verb {it}phérein{/it} "to carry." English {it}differ{/it} is not distinct etymologically from {et_link|defer:1|defer:1}; the two were originally variants with stress on either the first or last syllable, with the meanings "delay" and "be unlike" eventually being restricted to one of the two variants.
wizened
to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of failing vitality # to cause to wizen Etymology : text,Middle English {it}wisenen{/it}, from Old English {it}wisnian{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}wesanēn{/it} to wither, Lithuanian {it}vysti{/it}
emerge
to become manifest : become known # to rise from or as if from an enveloping fluid : come out into view # to rise from an obscure or inferior position or condition Etymology : text,Latin {it}emergere{/it}, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}mergere{/it} to plunge {ma}{mat|merge|}{/ma}
dwindled
to become steadily less : shrink # to make steadily less Etymology : text,probably frequentative of {it}dwine{/it} to waste away, from Middle English, from Old English {it}dwīnan{/it}; akin to Old Norse {it}dvīna{/it} to pine away, {it}deyja{/it} to die {ma}{mat|die|}{/ma}
perpetrator
to bring about or carry out (something, such as a crime or deception) : commit # to produce, perform, or execute (something likened to a crime) Etymology : text,Latin {it}perpetratus{/it}, past participle of {it}perpetrare{/it}, from {it}per-{/it} through + {it}patrare{/it} to accomplish, from {it}pater{/it} father {ma}{mat|father|}{/ma}
concentrate
to bring or direct toward a common center or objective : focus # to gather into one body, mass, or force # to accumulate (a toxic substance) in bodily tissues Etymology : text,{it}com-{/it} + Latin {it}centrum{/it} center
extinguish
to bring to an end : make an end of # to reduce to silence or ineffectiveness # to cause to cease burning : quench Etymology : text,Latin {it}exstinguere{/it} (from {it}ex-{/it} + {it}stinguere{/it} to extinguish) + English {it}-ish{/it} (as in {it}abolish{/it}); akin to Latin in{it}stigare{/it} to incite {ma}{mat|stick|}{/ma}
discombobulate
to cause to be in a state of confusion : upset, disorient Etymology : text,probably alteration of {it}discompose{/it}
mitigative
to cause to become less harsh or hostile : mollify # to make less severe or painful : alleviate # extenuate Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}mitigatus{/it}, past participle of {it}mitigare{/it} to soften, from {it}mitis{/it} soft + {it}-igare{/it} (akin to Latin {it}agere{/it} to drive); akin to Old Irish {it}moíth{/it} soft {ma}{mat|agent|}{/ma}
incinerate
to cause to burn to ashes Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}incineratus{/it}, past participle of {it}incinerare{/it}, from Latin {it}in-{/it} + {it}ciner-, cinis{/it} ashes; akin to Greek {it}konis{/it} dust, ashes
annihilate
to cause to cease to exist : to do away with entirely so that nothing remains # to destroy a considerable part of # to defeat overwhelmingly : rout Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}annihilatus{/it}, past participle of {it}annihilare{/it} to reduce to nothing, from Latin {it}ad-{/it} + {it}nihil{/it} nothing {ma}{mat|nil|}{/ma}
dissolved
to cause to disperse or disappear : destroy # to separate into component parts : disintegrate # to bring to an end : terminate Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}dissolvere{/it}, from {it}dis-{/it} + {it}solvere{/it} to loosen {ma}{mat|solve|}{/ma}
chastise
to censure severely : castigate # to inflict punishment on (as by whipping) # chasten Etymology : text,Middle English {it}chastisen{/it}, alteration of {it}chasten{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|chasten||}{/dx_ety}
transposable
to change the relative place or normal order of : alter the sequence of # to change in form or nature : transform # to render into another language, style, or manner of expression : translate Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}transposer{/it}, from Latin {it}transponere{/it} (perfect indicative {it}transposui{/it}) to change the position of, from {it}trans-{/it} + {it}ponere{/it} to put, place {ma}{mat|position|}{/ma}
upbraid
to criticize severely : find fault with # to reproach severely : scold vehemently Etymology : text,Middle English {it}upbreyden{/it}, from Old English {it}ūpbregdan{/it}, probably from {it}ūp{/it} up + {it}bregdan{/it} to snatch, move suddenly {ma}{mat|braid|}{/ma}
bawl
to cry out loudly and unrestrainedly # to cry loudly : wail # to cry out at the top of one's voice Etymology : text,Middle English, to bark, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Icelandic {it}baula{/it} to low
squall
to cry out raucously : scream # to utter in a strident voice Etymology : text,probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse {it}skval{/it} useless chatter
squawl
to cry out raucously : scream # to utter in a strident voice Etymology : text,probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse {it}skval{/it} useless chatter
mower
to cut down with a scythe or sickle or machine # to cut the standing herbage (such as grass) of # to kill or destroy in great numbers or mercilessly Etymology : text,Middle English {it}mowen,{/it} going back to Old English {it}māwan{/it} (past participle {it}māwen{/it}), going back to West Germanic {it}*mēan-{/it} (whence, with a differing hiatus consonant, Old Frisian {it}miā, miān{/it} "to mow," Middle Dutch {it}maeyen,{/it} Old High German {it}*māen{/it}), going back to an Indo-European verbal base {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}meh{inf}1{/inf}-{/it} "reap, mow," whence also Greek {it}amáō, amân{/it} "to reap, cut" (perhaps from {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}mh{inf}1{/inf}-eh{inf}2{/inf}-{/it}) # et_snote,t,Old English {it}māwan{/it} is a Class VII strong verb (like {it}cnāwan{/it} {et_link|know:1|know:1}, {it}blāwan{/it} {et_link|blow:1|blow:1}), though a weak verb in later Middle and Modern English and in other Germanic languages. The element {it}*-eh{inf}1{/inf}-{/it} in {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}meh{inf}1{/inf}-{/it} has been treated as a suffix, with a parallel derivative {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}m-et-{/it} yielding Italo-Celtic {it}*met-,{/it} in Latin {it}metō, metere{/it} "to reap, harvest, cut off," Welsh {it}medaf, medi{/it} "to reap," Middle Breton {it}midiff{/it}, Breton {it}mediñ,{/it} Middle Irish {it}meithel{/it} "reaping party," Welsh {it}medel.{/it} Hittite {it}hamešha(nt)-{/it} "spring, harvest time" has also been connected with {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}meh{inf}1{/inf}-,{/it} though with some dispute. Cf. {et_link|aftermath|aftermath}, {et_link|meadow|meadow}.
dispute
to engage in argument : debate; especially : to argue irritably or with irritating persistence # to make the subject of verbal controversy or disputation # to call into question or cast doubt upon Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}desputer{/it}, from Latin {it}disputare{/it} to discuss, from {it}dis-{/it} + {it}putare{/it} to think
staggered
to reel from side to side : totter # to move on unsteadily # to waver in purpose or action : hesitate Etymology : text,alteration of earlier {it}stacker{/it}, from Middle English {it}stakeren{/it}, from Old Norse {it}stakra{/it}, frequentative of {it}staka{/it} to push; perhaps akin to Old English {it}staca{/it} stake {ma}{mat|stake|}{/ma}
mince
to cut or chop into very small pieces # to subdivide minutely; especially : to damage by cutting up # to utter or pronounce with affectation Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}mincer{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*minutiare{/it}, from Latin {it}minutia{/it} smallness {ma}{mat|minutia|}{/ma}
haggle
to cut roughly or clumsily : hack # to annoy or exhaust with wrangling # bargain, wrangle Etymology : text,frequentative of {it}hag{/it} to hew
cancel
to decide not to conduct or perform (something planned or expected) usually without expectation of conducting or performing it at a later time # to destroy the force, effectiveness, or validity of : annul # to match in force or effect : offset —often used with out Etymology : text,Middle English {it}cancellen{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}canceller, chanceller{/it}, from Late Latin {it}cancellare{/it}, from Latin, to make like a lattice, from {it}cancelli{/it} (plural), diminutive of {it}cancer{/it} lattice, probably alteration of {it}carcer{/it} prison
infringe
to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another # defeat, frustrate # encroach —used with on or upon Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}infringere{/it}, from Latin, to break, crush, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}frangere{/it} to break {ma}{mat|break|}{/ma}
boycott
to engage in a concerted refusal to have dealings with (a person, a store, an organization, etc.) usually to express disapproval or to force acceptance of certain conditions Etymology : text,Charles C. {it}Boycott{/it} †1897 English land agent in Ireland who was ostracized for refusing to reduce rents
amplify
to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis # to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase # to increase the strength or amount of; especially : to make louder Etymology : text,Middle English {it}amplifien{/it}, from Middle French {it}amplifier{/it}, from Latin {it}amplificare{/it}, from {it}amplus{/it}
elaborative
to expand something in detail # to become elaborate # to work out in detail : develop Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|elaborate:1||}{/dx_ety}
cough
to expel air from the lungs suddenly with a sharp, short noise : to emit a cough # to make a noise like that of coughing # to expel by coughing —often used with up Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}*cohhian{/it}; akin to Middle High German {it}kūchen{/it} to breathe heavily
misinterpret
to explain wrongly # to understand wrongly
emancipatory
to free from restraint, control, or the power of another; especially : to free from bondage # to release from parental care and responsibility and make sui juris # to free from any controlling influence (such as traditional mores or beliefs) Etymology : text,Latin {it}emancipatus{/it}, past participle of {it}emancipare{/it}, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}mancipare{/it} to transfer ownership of, from {it}mancip-, manceps{/it} contractor, from {it}manus{/it} hand + {it}capere{/it} to take {ma}{mat|manual|}, {mat|heave:1|}{/ma}
ingratiate
to gain favor or favorable acceptance for by deliberate effort —usually used with with Etymology : text,{et_link|in-:2|in-:2} + Latin {it}gratia{/it} grace
glimpse
to get a brief look at # to look briefly # glimmer Etymology : text,Middle English {it}glimsen{/it}; akin to Middle High German {it}glimsen{/it} to glimmer, Old English {it}glǣm{/it} gleam
recuperation
to get back : regain # to bring back into use or currency : revive # to regain a former state or condition; especially : to recover health or strength Etymology : text,Latin {it}recuperatus{/it}, past participle of {it}recuperare{/it} {ma}{mat|recover|}{/ma}
dignify
to give distinction to : ennoble # to confer dignity upon; also : to give undue attention or status to Etymology : text,Middle English {it}dignifien{/it}, from Middle French {it}dignifier{/it}, from Late Latin {it}dignificare{/it}, from Latin {it}dignus{/it} worthy {ma}{mat|decent|}{/ma}
abandon
to give up to the control or influence of another person or agent # to give up with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in # to withdraw from often in the face of danger or encroachment Etymology : text,Middle English {it}abandounen{/it}, borrowed from Anglo-French {it}abanduner{/it}, derivative of {it}abandun{/it} "surrender, abandonment," from the phrase {it}a bandun{/it} "in one's power, at one's disposal," from {it}a{/it} "at, to" (going back to Latin {it}ad{/it} "to") + {it}bandun{/it} "jurisdiction," going back to a Gallo-Romance derivative of Old Low Franconian {it}*bann-{/it} "summons, command" (with {it}-d-{/it} probably from outcomes of Germanic {it}*bandwō{/it} "sign") {ma}{mat|at:1|}, {mat|ban:1|}, {mat|banner:1|}{/ma}
retrocedence
to go back : recede # to cede back Etymology : text,Latin {it}retrocedere{/it}, from {it}retro-{/it} + {it}cedere{/it} to go, cede
thawed
to go from a frozen to a liquid state : melt # to become free of the effect (such as stiffness, numbness, or hardness) of cold as a result of exposure to warmth # to be warm enough to melt ice and snow —used with it in reference to the weather Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}thawian{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}douwen{/it} to thaw, Greek {it}tēkein{/it} to melt, Latin {it}tabēre{/it} to waste away
traverse
to go or travel across or over # to move or pass along or through # to make a study of : examine Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}traverser{/it}, from Late Latin {it}transversare{/it}, from Latin {it}transversus{/it}
instigate
to goad or urge forward : provoke Etymology : text,Latin {it}instigatus{/it}, past participle of {it}instigare{/it} {ma}{mat|stick|}{/ma}
flourish
to grow luxuriantly : thrive # to achieve success : prosper # to be in a state of activity or production Etymology : text,Middle English {it}florisshen{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}fluriss-{/it}, stem of {it}flurir, florir{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*florire{/it}, alteration of Latin {it}florēre{/it}, from {it}flor-, flos{/it} flower
festooned
to hang or form festoons on # to shape into festoons # decorate, adorn; also : cover Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|festoon:1||}{/dx_ety}
salivate
to have a flow of saliva especially in excess # to show great desire or anticipation : drool
hankering
to have a strong or persistent desire : yearn —often used with for or after Etymology : text,probably from Dutch dialect {it}hankeren{/it}
explore
to investigate, study, or analyze : look into —sometimes used with indirect questions # to become familiar with by testing or experimenting # to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery Etymology : text,Latin {it}explorare{/it}, from {it}ex-{/it} + {it}plorare{/it} to cry out
estimate
to judge tentatively or approximately the value, worth, or significance of # to determine roughly the size, extent, or nature of # to produce a statement of the approximate cost of Etymology : text,Latin {it}aestimatus{/it}, past participle of {it}aestimare{/it} to value, estimate
immolate
to kill or destroy especially by fire # to offer in sacrifice; especially : to kill as a sacrificial victim Etymology : text,Latin {it}immolatus{/it}, past participle of {it}immolare{/it} to sprinkle with meal before sacrificing, sacrifice, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}mola{/it} sacrificial barley cake, literally, millstone; akin to Latin {it}molere{/it} to grind {ma}{mat|meal|}{/ma}
travails
to labor hard : toil # labor
unmoored
to loosen from or as if from moorings # to cast off moorings
accentuate
to make (something) more prominent or noticeable : accent, emphasize; also : intensify Etymology : text,borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}accentuātus{/it}, past participle of {it}accentuāre{/it} "to accent, stress," derivative of Latin {it}accentus{/it} {et_link|accent:1|accent:1}
scumble
to make (something, such as color or a painting) less brilliant by covering with a thin coat of opaque or semiopaque color applied with a nearly dry brush # to apply (a color) in this manner # to soften the lines or colors of (a drawing) by rubbing lightly Etymology : text,perhaps frequentative of {et_link|scum:2|scum:2}
murmuration
to make a murmur # complain, grumble # to say in a murmur Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|murmur:1||}{/dx_ety}
chowder
to make chowder of
publish
to make generally known # to make public announcement of # to disseminate to the public Etymology : text,Middle English, modification of Anglo-French {it}publier{/it}, from Latin {it}publicare{/it}, from {it}publicus{/it} public
annotate
to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment # to make or furnish annotations for (something, such as a literary work or subject) Etymology : text,Latin {it}annotatus{/it}, past participle of {it}annotare{/it}, from {it}ad-{/it} + {it}notare{/it} to mark {ma}{mat|note|}{/ma}
surmountable
to prevail over : overcome # to get to the top of : climb # to stand or lie at the top of Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}surmunter{/it}, from {it}sur-{/it} + {it}munter{/it} to mount
investigation
to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry # to make a systematic examination; especially : to conduct an official inquiry Etymology : text,Latin {it}investigatus{/it}, past participle of {it}investigare{/it} to track, investigate, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}vestigium{/it} footprint, track
puzzles
to offer or represent to (someone) a problem difficult to solve or a situation difficult to resolve : challenge mentally; also : to exert (oneself, one's mind, etc.) over such a problem or situation # complicate, entangle # to solve with difficulty or ingenuity Etymology : text,origin unknown
recyclable
to pass again through a series of changes or treatments: such as # to process (something, such as liquid body waste, glass, or cans) in order to regain material for human use # recover
oozing
to pass or flow slowly through or as if through small openings or interstices # to move slowly or imperceptibly # to exude moisture Etymology : text,Middle English {it}wosen{/it}, from {it}wose{/it} sap
reimbursable
to pay back to someone : repay # to make restoration or payment of an equivalent to Etymology : text,{it}re-{/it} + obsolete English {it}imburse{/it} to put in the pocket, pay, from Medieval Latin {it}imbursare{/it}, from Latin {it}in-{/it} in- + Medieval Latin {it}bursa{/it} purse {ma}{mat|purse|}{/ma}
reflect
to prevent passage of and cause to change direction # to give back or exhibit as an image, likeness, or outline : mirror # to bring or cast as a result Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}reflectere{/it} to bend back, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}flectere{/it} to bend
cajole
to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance : coax # to obtain from someone by gentle persuasion # to deceive with soothing words or false promises Etymology : text,borrowed from French {it}cajoler{/it} "to give much attention to, make a fuss over, flatter, persuade with flattery," going back to Middle French {it}cajoller{/it} "to flatter out of self-interest," perhaps the same verb as Middle French {it}cageoller{/it} "to vocalize, sing (of a jay or other bird)," expressive formation of uncertain origin # et_snote,t,Middle French {it}cageoller{/it} was explained by Wartburg, et al., {it}Französisches etymologisches Wörterbuch,{/it} as a permutation, under the influence of {it}cage{/it} {et_link|cage:1|cage:1}, of {it}gaioler{/it} "to chatter, cackle (of birds)," a derivative of Picard {it}gaiole{/it} "birdcage," corresponding to Old French {it}geole, jaole{/it} "cage, prison" (see {et_link|jail:1|jail:1}). According to Dubois-Mitterand-Dauzat, {it}Dictionaire étymologique et historique du français{/it} (Larousse, 1993, continuing the etymology from earlier editons of Dauzat), the meaning "to flatter" is due to association of {it}cageoller{/it} with {it}enjôler{/it} "to captivate by flattery" (Old French {it}enjaoiler{/it} "to imprison"). Alternatively, the two formations ("to sing, vocalize" and "to flatter") have been regarded as of independent origin; the first may either be an onomatopoeic outgrowth of {it}cacarder{/it} "to honk (of a goose)," or a rearrangement of {it}*jacoler,{/it} based on {it}jacques,{/it} a dialectal name for a jay; the second is conjecturally a merger of {it}enjôler{/it} and {it}caresser{/it} "to stroke, {et_link|caress:1|caress:1}" (thus E. Gamillscheg, {it}Etymologisches Wörterbuch der französischen Sprache,{/it} 2. Auflage, Winter, 1969).
invoke
to petition for help or support # to appeal to or cite as authority # to call forth by incantation : conjure Etymology : text,Middle English {it}envoken{/it}, from Middle French {it}invoquer{/it}, from Latin {it}invocare{/it}, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}vocare{/it} to call, from {it}voc-, vox{/it} voice {ma}{mat|voice|}{/ma}
settle
to place so as to stay # to establish in residence # to furnish with inhabitants : colonize Etymology : text,Middle English, to seat, bring to rest, come to rest, from Old English {it}setlan{/it}, from {it}setl{/it} seat
extrapolate
to predict by projecting past experience or known data # to project, extend, or expand (known data or experience) into an area not known or experienced so as to arrive at a usually conjectural knowledge of the unknown area # to infer (values of a variable in an unobserved interval) from values within an already observed interval Etymology : text,Latin {it}extra{/it} outside + English {it}-polate{/it} (as in {it}interpolate{/it}) {ma}{mat|extra-|}{/ma}
gallop
to progress or ride at a gallop # to run fast # to cause to gallop Etymology : text,Middle English {it}galopen, walopen{/it}, borrowed from Anglo-French {it}galoper, gualoper{/it} (Picard dialect {it}waloper{/it}), perhaps going back to Old Low Franconian {it}*wala hlaupan{/it}, literally "to run well," from {it}*wala{/it} "well, with good appearance or effect" (going back to Germanic {it}*welō{/it}) + {it}*hlaupan{/it} "to run," going back to Germanic {it}*hlaup-a-{/it} {ma}{mat|well:3|}, {mat|leap:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,An alternative explanation sees the Old French noun as primary, and derived from Old Low Franconian {it}*walhlaup-{/it}, from {it}*wal-{/it} "battlefield" and {it}*hlaup-{/it}, a nominal derivative of {it}*hlaupan{/it} (hence alluding to a warriorʼs manner of riding on the battlefield). Though the meaning of the first noun is reflected in Old High German {it}wal{/it} "battlefield," the general meaning of the Germanic etymon is "the slain, the dead in battle" (see {et_link|valhalla|Valhalla}).
arrange
to put into a proper order or into a correct or suitable sequence, relationship, or adjustment # to make preparations for : plan # to adapt (a musical composition) by scoring for voices or instruments other than those for which originally written Etymology : text,Middle English {it}arangen{/it}, from Middle French {it}arenger{/it}, from {it}a-{/it} + {it}renger{/it} to set in ranks, from {it}renc, ranc{/it} row {ma}{mat|rank:1|}{/ma}
postpone
to put off to a later time : defer # to place later (as in a sentence) than the normal position in English # to place later in order of precedence, preference, or importance Etymology : text,Latin {it}postponere{/it} to place after, postpone, from {it}post-{/it} + {it}ponere{/it} to place {ma}{mat|position|}{/ma}
bestow
to put to use : apply # to put in a particular or appropriate place : stow # to provide with quarters : put up Etymology : text,Middle English, from {it}be-{/it} + {it}stowe{/it} place {ma}{mat|stow|}{/ma}
philosophize
to reason in the manner of a philosopher # to expound a moralizing and often superficial philosophy # to consider from or bring into conformity with a philosophical point of view
pruners
to reduce especially by eliminating superfluous matter # to remove as superfluous # to cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth Etymology : text,Middle English {it}prouynen{/it}, probably ultimately from Old French {it}prooignier{/it}, alteration of {it}*porrooignier{/it}, from {it}por{/it}- completely (from Latin {it}pro{/it}-) + {it}rooignier{/it} to cut, prune, from Vulgar Latin {it}*rotundiare{/it} to cut around, from Latin {it}rotundus{/it} round {ma}{mat|pro-|}, {mat|rotund|}{/ma}
gratingly
to reduce to small particles by rubbing on something rough # fret, irritate # to gnash or grind noisily Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}grater{/it} to scratch, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German {it}krazzōn{/it} to scratch
exoneration
to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship # to clear from accusation or blame Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}exoneratus{/it}, past participle of {it}exonerare{/it} to unburden, from {it}ex-{/it} + {it}oner-, onus{/it} load
resuscitate
to revive from apparent death or from unconsciousness; also : revitalize # come to, revive Etymology : text,Latin {it}resuscitatus{/it}, past participle of {it}resuscitare{/it} to reawaken, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}suscitare{/it} to rouse, from {it}sub-, sus-{/it} up + {it}citare{/it} to put in motion, stir {ma}{mat|sub-|}, {mat|cite|}{/ma}
transcend
to rise above or go beyond the limits of # to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome # to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence) Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}transcendere{/it} to climb across, transcend, from {it}trans-{/it} + {it}scandere{/it} to climb {ma}{mat|scan|}{/ma}
erase
to rub or scrape out (something, such as written, painted, or engraved letters) # to remove written or drawn marks from # to remove (recorded matter) from a magnetic medium; also : to remove recorded matter from Etymology : text,Latin {it}erasus{/it}, past participle of {it}eradere{/it}, from {it}e-{/it} + {it}radere{/it} to scratch, scrape {ma}{mat|rodent|}{/ma}
cauterize
to sear with a cautery or caustic # to make insensible : deaden Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|cautery||}{/dx_ety}
reiterate
to state or do over again or repeatedly sometimes with wearying effect Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}reiteratus{/it}, past participle of {it}reiterare{/it} to repeat, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}iterare{/it} to iterate
enfranchise
to set free (as from slavery) # to endow with a franchise: such as # to admit to the privileges of a citizen and especially to the right of suffrage Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}enfranchiss-{/it}, stem of {it}enfranchir{/it}, from {it}en-{/it} + {it}franc{/it} free {ma}{mat|frank|}{/ma}
trembling
to shake involuntarily (as with fear or cold) : shiver # to move, sound, pass, or come to pass as if shaken or tremulous # to be affected with great fear or anxiety Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}trembler{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}tremulare{/it}, from Latin {it}tremulus{/it} tremulous, from {it}tremere{/it} to tremble; akin to Greek {it}tremein{/it} to tremble
whet
to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (such as a stone) # to make keen or more acute : excite, stimulate Etymology : text,Middle English {it}whetten{/it}, from Old English {it}hwettan{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}wezzen{/it} to whet, {it}waz{/it} sharp
beacons
to shine as a beacon # to furnish with a signal or a source of light or inspiration : to furnish with a beacon Etymology : text,verbal derivative of {et_link|beacon:1|beacon:1}
glimmer
to shine faintly or unsteadily # to give off a subdued unsteady reflection # to appear indistinctly with a faintly luminous quality Etymology : text,Middle English {it}glimeren{/it}; akin to Old English {it}glǣm{/it} gleam
affianced
to solemnly promise (oneself or another) in marriage : betroth Etymology : text,borrowed from Anglo-French {it}affiancer, afiancer,{/it} verbal derivative of {it}afiance{/it} {et_link|affiance:1|affiance:1}
squander
to spend extravagantly or foolishly : dissipate, waste # to cause to disperse : scatter # to lose (something, such as an advantage or opportunity) through negligence or inaction Etymology : text,origin unknown
dawdle
to spend time idly # to move lackadaisically # to spend fruitlessly or lackadaisically Etymology : text,origin unknown
blemish
to spoil by a flaw Etymology : text,Middle English {it}blemisshen{/it}, to damage, injure, sully, from Anglo-French {it}blemiss-{/it}, stem of {it}blemir, blesmir{/it}, from Old French, literally, to make pale by wounding, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German {it}blas{/it}ros horse with a blaze, Old Norse {it}blesi{/it} blaze {ma}{mat|blaze|}{/ma}
metastasize
to spread or grow by or as if by metastasis
simmer
to stew gently below or just at the boiling point # to be in a state of incipient development : ferment # to be in inward turmoil : seethe Etymology : text,alteration of English dialect {it}simper{/it}, from Middle English {it}simperen{/it}, of imitative origin
gnash
to strike or grind (the teeth) together Etymology : text,alteration of Middle English {it}gnasten{/it}
expunge
to strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion # to efface completely : destroy # to eliminate from one's consciousness Etymology : text,Latin {it}expungere{/it} to mark for deletion by dots, from {it}ex-{/it} + {it}pungere{/it} to prick {ma}{mat|pungent|}{/ma}
knock
to strike something with a sharp blow # to collide with something # bustle Etymology : text,Middle English {it}knoken{/it}, from Old English {it}cnocian{/it}; akin to Middle High German {it}knochen{/it} to press
astonish
to strike with sudden and usually great wonder or surprise # to strike with sudden fear Etymology : text,probably from earlier {it}astony{/it} (from Middle English {it}astonen, astonien{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}estoner{/it} to stun, from Vulgar Latin {it}*extonare{/it}, from Latin {it}ex-{/it} + {it}tonare{/it} to thunder) + {it}-ish{/it} (as in {it}abolish{/it}) {ma}{mat|thunder:1|}{/ma}
galvanize
to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically # to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock # to coat (iron or steel) with zinc; especially : to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy Etymology : text,borrowed from French {it}galvaniser{/it}, from Luigi {et_link|galvani|Galvani:b} (who conducted pioneering experiments in bioelectricity) + {it}-iser{/it} {et_link|-ize|-ize} # et_snote,t,See note at {et_link|galvanism|galvanism}.
vandalize
to subject to vandalism : damage Etymology : text,{et_link|vandal|vandal} + {et_link|-ize|-ize}
beckon
to summon or signal typically with a wave or nod # to appear inviting : attract # to beckon to Etymology : text,Middle English {it}beknen{/it}, from Old English {it}bīecnan{/it}, from {it}bēacen{/it} sign {ma}{mat|beacon|}{/ma}
vouch
to supply supporting evidence or testimony # to give personal assurance # to give a guarantee : become surety Etymology : text,Middle English {it}vochen, vouchen{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}voucher{/it} to call, vouch, from Latin {it}vocare{/it} to call, summon, from {it}vox{/it} voice {ma}{mat|voice|}{/ma}
obfuscate
to throw into shadow : darken # to make obscure # confuse Etymology : text,borrowed from Late Latin {it}obfuscātus, offuscātus,{/it} past participle of {it}obfuscāre, offuscāre{/it} "to obscure, darken, depreciate," from Latin {it}ob-,{/it} perfective prefix + {it}-fuscāre,{/it} verbal derivative of {it}fuscus{/it} "dark-colored, somber, dark-skinned or -complected" {ma}{mat|ob-|}, {mat|dusk:1|}{/ma}
tickled
to touch (a body part, a person, etc.) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements # to excite or stir up agreeably : please # to provoke to laughter or merriment : amuse Etymology : text,Middle English {it}tikelen{/it}; akin to Old English {it}tinclian{/it} to tickle
lionize
to treat as an object of great interest or importance
deters
to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting # inhibit Etymology : text,Latin {it}deterrēre{/it}, from {it}de-{/it} + {it}terrēre{/it} to frighten {ma}{mat|terror|}{/ma}
squirm
to twist about like a worm : fidget Etymology : text,origin unknown
mutate
to undergo mutation # to cause to undergo mutation Etymology : text,Latin {it}mutatus{/it}, past participle of {it}mutare{/it}
equivocate
to use equivocal language especially with intent to deceive # to avoid committing oneself in what one says
squawk
to utter a harsh abrupt scream # to complain or protest loudly or vehemently Etymology : text,probably blend of {it}squall{/it} and {it}squeak{/it}
brayed
to utter the characteristic loud harsh cry of a donkey; also : to utter a sound like a donkey's # to utter or play loudly or harshly Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}braire{/it} to cry, bellow, roar, from Vulgar Latin {it}*bragere{/it}, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish {it}braigid{/it} he breaks wind
autographs
to write with one's own hand # to write one's signature in or on
succumb
to yield to superior strength or force or overpowering appeal or desire # to be brought to an end (such as death) by the effect of destructive or disruptive forces Etymology : text,French & Latin; French {it}succomber{/it}, from Latin {it}succumbere{/it}, from {it}sub-{/it} + {it}-cumbere{/it} to lie down; akin to Latin {it}cubare{/it} to lie
corduroy
trousers of corduroy fabric # a durable usually cotton pile fabric with vertical ribs or wales # logs laid side by side transversely to make a road surface Etymology : text,of obscure origin # et_snote,t,In the 18th century a name for a kind of coarse, thick-ribbed cotton fabric. It has been hypothesized that the word is a compound of {it}cord{/it} as the name for a fabric and {it}duroy,{/it} a coarse woolen fabric, but {it}cord{/it} in this sense does not appear to be earlier than {it}corduroy.{/it} Advertisements in the 1774 numbers of the {it}Boston Gazette and Country Journal{/it} have {it}cord, corduroy, duroy,{/it} as well as {it}cordesoy{/it} and {it}cordusoy{/it} (perhaps by association with {it}padusoy,{/it} variant of {et_link|paduasoy|paduasoy}) in lists of fabrics for sale. The notion that {it}corduroy{/it} is from French {it}corde du roi,{/it} "king's cord," is fanciful.
tympanum
tympanic membrane # middle ear # a thin tense membrane covering an organ of hearing of an insect Etymology : text,Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin, eardrum, from Latin, drum, architectural panel, from Greek {it}tympanon{/it} drum, kettledrum; perhaps akin to Greek {it}typtein{/it} to beat
bethesda
unincorporated population center in Maryland, a northern suburb of Washington, D.C. population 60,858
loyal
unswerving in allegiance: such as # faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government # faithful to a private person to whom faithfulness is due Etymology : text,Middle French, from Old French {it}leial, leel{/it}, from Latin {it}legalis{/it} legal
vituperative
uttering or given to censure : containing or characterized by verbal abuse
vividly
very strong : very high in chroma # having the appearance of vigorous life or freshness : lively # producing a strong or clear impression on the senses : sharp, intense; specifically : producing distinct mental images Etymology : text,Latin {it}vividus{/it}, from {it}vivere{/it} to live {ma}{mat|quick:1|}{/ma}
apprehensive
viewing the future with anxiety or alarm : feeling or showing fear or apprehension about the future # capable of understanding or quick to do so : discerning # having awareness or knowledge of something : cognizant Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|apprehension||}{/dx_ety}
fiercest
violently hostile or aggressive in temperament # given to fighting or killing : pugnacious # marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence Etymology : text,Middle English {it}fiers{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}fer, fers, fiers{/it}, from Latin {it}ferus{/it} wild, savage; akin to Greek {it}thēr{/it} wild animal
quiddity
whatever makes something the type that it is : essence # a trifling point : quibble # crotchet, eccentricity Etymology : text,Middle English {it}quidite{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}quidditat-, quidditas{/it} essence, from Latin {it}quid{/it} what, neuter of {it}quis{/it} who {ma}{mat|who|}{/ma}
wushu
Chinese martial arts Etymology : text,Chinese (Beijing) {it}wǔshù{/it}, from {it}wǔ{/it} martial, military + {it}shù{/it} art
yardang
David Starr 1851—1931 American biologist and educator
megahertz
a unit of frequency equal to one million hertz —abbreviation MHz Etymology : text, {et_link|mega-|mega-} + {et_link|hertz|hertz}
mulligan
a free shot sometimes given a golfer in informal play when the previous shot was poorly played Etymology : text,probably from the name {it}Mulligan{/it}
tarantula
a European wolf spider (Lycosa tarentula) popularly held to be the cause of tarantism # any of various large, hairy, American spiders (family Theraphosidae) that are typically rather sluggish and capable of biting sharply though most forms are not significantly poisonous to humans Etymology : text,Medieval Latin, from Old Italian {it}tarantola{/it}, from {it}Taranto{/it}
olive
a Mediterranean evergreen tree (Olea europaea of the family Oleaceae, the olive family) cultivated for its drupaceous fruit that is an important food and source of oil; also : the fruit # any of various shrubs and trees resembling the olive # any of several colors resembling that of the unripe fruit of the olive tree that are yellowish green Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}oliva{/it}, from Greek {it}elaia{/it}
sunflower
any of a genus (Helianthus, especially H. annuus) of New World composite plants with large yellow-rayed flower heads bearing edible seeds that yield an edible oil
generation
a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor # a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously # a group of individuals having contemporaneously a status (such as that of students in a school) which each one holds only for a limited period Etymology : text,Middle English {it}generacioun{/it} "procreation, development, offspring, lineage," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French {it}generacion{/it}, borrowed from Late Latin {it}generātiōn-, generātiō{/it}, going back to Latin, "procreation," from {it}generāre{/it} "to bring into being, {et_link|generate|generate}" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō{/it}, suffix of action nouns
personnel
a body of persons usually employed (as in a factory or organization) # persons # a division of an organization concerned with personnel Etymology : text,French, from German {it}Personale, Personal{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}personale{/it}, from Late Latin, neuter of {it}personalis{/it} personal
mugwump
a bolter from the Republican party in 1884 # a person who is independent (as in politics) or who remains undecided or neutral Etymology : text,obsolete slang {it}mugwump{/it} kingpin, from Massachusett {it}mugquomp, muggumquomp{/it} war leader
lexicon
a book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language and their definitions : dictionary # the vocabulary of a language, an individual speaker or group of speakers, or a subject # the total stock of morphemes in a language Etymology : text,Late Greek {it}lexikon{/it}, from neuter of {it}lexikos{/it} of words, from Greek {it}lexis{/it} word, speech, from {it}legein{/it} to say {ma}{mat|legend|}{/ma}
frontier
a border between two countries # a stronghold on a frontier # a region that forms the margin of settled or developed territory Etymology : text,Middle English {it}fronter{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}frountere, fronter{/it}, from {it}front{/it}
goblet
a bowl-shaped drinking vessel without handles # a drinking vessel (as of glass) with a foot and stem Etymology : text,Middle English {it}gobelet{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}goblet{/it}
welterweight
a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 147 pounds Etymology : text,{it}welter{/it} (probably from {et_link|welt:1|welt:1}) + {it}weight{/it}
neonatology
a branch of medicine concerned with the care, development, and diseases of newborn infants Etymology : text, {et_link|neonate|neonate} or {et_link|neonat(al)|neonatal} + {et_link|-o-|-o-} + {et_link|-logy|-logy} # et_snote,t,Word introduced, along with {it}neonatalogist,{/it} by American pediatrician Alexander J. Schaffer (1902-81) in {it}Diseases of the Newborn{/it} (Philadelphia, 1960), p. 1.
geriatric
a branch of medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old age and the medical care and treatment of aging people # an aged person Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|geriatric:2||}{/dx_ety}
trombone
a brass instrument consisting of a long cylindrical metal tube with two turns and having a movable slide or valves for varying the tone and a usual range one octave lower than that of the trumpet Etymology : text,Italian, augmentative of {it}tromba{/it} trumpet, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German {it}trumba, trumpa{/it} trumpet
muesli
a breakfast cereal of Swiss origin consisting of rolled oats, nuts, and fruit Etymology : text,borrowed from Swiss German {it}Müesli{/it}, diminutive of {it}Mues{/it} "soft food, mush, pulp," going back to Old High German {it}muos{/it}, going back to West Germanic {it}*mōsa-{/it} "food, soft food" (whence Old Saxon, Old English & Old Frisian {it}mōs{/it} "food, prepared food"), probably from {it}*mōt-{/it}, lengthened grade derivative of {it}*mati-{/it} "food" + a suffixal {it}-t-{/it} {ma}{mat|meat|}{/ma}
garnet
a brittle and more or less transparent usually red silicate mineral that has a vitreous luster, occurs mainly in crystals but also in massive form and in grains, is found commonly in gneiss and mica schist, and is used as a semiprecious stone and as an abrasive # a variable color averaging a dark red Etymology : text,Middle English {it}gernet, garnet, granat,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French {it}gernete, grenat,{/it} noun derivative of {it}grenat{/it} "ruby-colored, red," probably after {it}pome garnate{/it} {et_link|pomegranate|pomegranate}, with {it}garnate{/it} taken to mean "red"
shield
a broad piece of defensive armor carried on the arm # one that protects or defends : defense # dress shield Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sheld{/it}, from Old English {it}scield{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}scilt{/it} shield and probably to Old English {it}sciell{/it} shell
kookaburra
a brownish kingfisher (Dacelo novaeguineae synonym D. gigas) of Australia that is about the size of a crow and has a call resembling loud laughter —called also laughing jackass Etymology : text,Wiradhuri (Australian aboriginal language of central New South Wales) {it}gugubarra{/it}
casino
a building or room used for social amusements; specifically : one used for gambling # a card game in which cards are won by matching or combining cards in a hand with those exposed on the table # summerhouse Etymology : text,Italian, from {it}casa{/it} house, from Latin, cottage
torch
a burning stick of resinous wood or twist of tow used to give light and usually carried in the hand : flambeau # something (such as tradition, wisdom, or knowledge) likened to a torch as giving light or guidance # any of various portable devices for emitting an unusually hot flame Etymology : text,Middle English {it}torche{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin {it}*torca{/it}, alteration of Latin {it}torqua{/it} something twisted, collar of twisted metal, alteration of {it}torques{/it}; akin to Latin {it}torquēre{/it} to twist {ma}{mat|torture:1|}{/ma}
restaurant
a business establishment where meals or refreshments may be purchased Etymology : text,French, from present participle of {it}restaurer{/it} to restore, from Latin {it}restaurare{/it}
gingerbread
a cake whose ingredients include molasses and ginger # lavish or superfluous ornament especially in architecture
butterscotch
a candy made from brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and water; also : the flavor of such candy # a moderate yellowish brown
theriatrics
a gas-filled hot-cathode electron tube in which the grid controls only the start of a continuous current thus giving the tube a trigger effect Etymology : text,from {it}Thyratron{/it}, a trademark
satellite
a celestial body orbiting another of larger size # a manufactured object or vehicle intended to orbit the earth, the moon, or another celestial body # someone or something attendant, subordinate, or dependent; especially : a country politically and economically dominated or controlled by another more powerful country Etymology : text,Middle French, from Latin {it}satellit-, satelles{/it} attendant
ovation
a ceremony attending the entering of Rome by a general who had won a victory of less importance than that for which a triumph was granted # an expression or demonstration of popular acclaim especially by enthusiastic applause Etymology : text,Latin {it}ovation-, ovatio{/it}, from {it}ovare{/it} to exult; akin to Greek {it}euoi{/it}, interjection used in bacchic revels
infant
a child in the first period of life # a person who is not of full age : minor Etymology : text,Middle English {it}enfaunt{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}enfant{/it}, from Latin {it}infant-, infans{/it}, from {it}infant-, infans{/it}, adjective, incapable of speech, young, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}fant-, fans{/it}, present participle of {it}fari{/it} to speak {ma}{mat|ban:1|}{/ma}
wunderkind
a child prodigy; also : one who succeeds in a competitive or highly difficult field or profession at an early age Etymology : text,German, from {it}Wunder{/it} wonder + {it}Kind{/it} child
gouge
a chisel with a concavo-convex cross section # the act of gouging # a groove or cavity scooped out Etymology : text,Middle English {it}gowge{/it}, from Middle French {it}gouge{/it}, from Late Latin {it}gulbia{/it}
garland
a circular or spiral arrangement of intertwined material (such as flowers or leaves) # anthology, collection Etymology : text,Middle English {it}gerland, garlond{/it} "wreath of leaves or flowers worn as a crown," borrowed from Anglo-French {it}garlande, gerlaunde{/it} "hair band, diadem" (continental Old French, "crown made with gold filigree"), probably from Old French {it}*gareler{/it} "to trim with gold or silver filigree" (expansion, with {it}-eler{/it} after such verbs as {it}estenceler{/it} "to sparkle," of Old Low Franconian {it}*wearōn, *wiarōn,{/it} derivative of {it}*wiara{/it} "gold or silver filigree, ornament made of such material," going back to Germanic {it}*wīr-{/it} "metal thread, wire") + {it}-ande,{/it} collective noun suffix (going back to Latin {it}-anda,{/it} neuter plural gerundive suffix) {ma}{mat|stencil:1|}, {mat|wire:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The variant Old Low Franconian forms {it}*weara, *wiara{/it} (corresponding to Old High German {it}wiara{/it} "fine gold, ornament of gold filigree"), stages in the development of Germanic e{sup}2{/sup}, are postulated to explain the two Romance outcomes of this etymon: {it}garlande{/it} in Old French (from {it}*weara{/it}) and {it}guirlanda{/it} "crown made of gold thread," first attested in Old Occitan (from {it}*wiara,{/it} presumably progressing to {it}*wiera{/it} as in Old High German). Old Occitan {it}guirlanda,{/it} borrowed into Italian as {it}ghirlanda,{/it} cycled back to French in the 16th century as {it}guirlande,{/it} in the sense "circular arrangement of flowers or leaves."
happenstance
a circumstance especially that is due to chance Etymology : text,{it}happen{/it} + circum{it}stance{/it}
genus
a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic; specifically : a category of biological classification ranking between the family and the species, comprising structurally or phylogenetically related species or an isolated species exhibiting unusual differentiation, and being designated by a Latin or latinized capitalized singular noun # a class of objects divided into several subordinate species Etymology : text,Latin {it}gener-, genus{/it} birth, race, kind {ma}{mat|kin|}{/ma}
umbrella
a collapsible shade for protection against weather consisting of fabric stretched over hinged ribs radiating from a central pole; especially : a small one for carrying in the hand # something which covers or embraces a broad range of elements or factors # the bell-shaped or saucer-shaped largely gelatinous structure that forms the chief part of the body of most jellyfishes : bell:1 Etymology : text,Italian {it}ombrella{/it}, modification of Latin {it}umbella{/it}, diminutive of {it}umbra{/it}
serenade
a complimentary vocal or instrumental performance; especially : one given outdoors at night for a woman being courted # a work so performed # an instrumental composition in several movements, written for a small ensemble, and midway between the suite and the symphony in style Etymology : text,French {it}sérénade{/it}, from Italian {it}serenata{/it}, from {it}sereno{/it} clear, calm (of weather), from Latin {it}serenus{/it} serene
acrostic
a composition usually in verse in which sets of letters (such as the initial or final letters of the lines) taken in order form a word or phrase or a regular sequence of letters of the alphabet # acronym Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French & Greek; Middle French {it}acrostiche,{/it} borrowed from Greek {it}akrostichís,{/it} from {it}akro-{/it} {et_link|acro-|acr-} + {it}-stichis,{/it} derivative of {it}stíchos{/it} "line, row, rank," ablaut derivative of {it}steíchein{/it} "to go in order, walk, march" {ma}{mat|stair|}{/ma}
servitude
a condition in which one lacks liberty especially to determine one's course of action or way of life # a right by which something (such as a piece of land) owned by one person is subject to a specified use or enjoyment by another Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}servitute{/it}, from Latin {it}servitudo{/it} slavery, from {it}servus{/it} slave
migraine
a condition marked by recurring moderate to severe headache with throbbing pain that usually lasts from four hours to three days, typically begins on one side of the head but may spread to both sides, is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound, and is sometimes preceded by an aura and is often followed by fatigue # a condition that is a variant form of the typical migraine but in which headache is absent or not a prominent symptom: # a condition in which an aura involving visual disturbances (such as diplopia, scotoma, or tunnel vision) is the main symptom and is not followed by headache —called also acephalgic migraine, silent migraine Etymology : text,Middle English {it}mygreyn{/it}, from Middle French {it}migraine{/it}, modification of Late Latin {it}hemicrania{/it} pain in one side of the head, from Greek {it}hēmikrania{/it}, from {it}hēmi-{/it} hemi- + {it}kranion{/it} cranium
commotion
a condition of civil unrest or insurrection # steady or recurrent motion # mental excitement or confusion Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}commocion{/it}, from Latin {it}commotion-, commotio{/it}, from {it}commovēre{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|commove||}{/dx_ety}
aqueduct
a conduit for water; especially : one for carrying a large quantity of flowing water # a structure for conveying a canal over a river or hollow # a canal or passage in a part or organ Etymology : text,Latin {it}aquaeductus{/it}, from {it}aquae{/it} (genitive of {it}aqua{/it}) + {it}ductus{/it} act of leading {ma}{mat|duct|}{/ma}
propaganda
a congregation of the Roman curia having jurisdiction over missionary territories and related institutions # the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person # ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public action having such an effect Etymology : text,New Latin, from {it}Congregatio de propaganda fide{/it} Congregation for propagating the faith, organization established by Pope Gregory XV †1623
campaign
a connected series of military operations forming a distinct phase of a war # a connected series of operations designed to bring about a particular result Etymology : text,French {it}campagne{/it}, probably from Italian {it}campagna{/it} level country, campaign, from Late Latin {it}campania{/it} level country, from Latin, the level country around Naples
pestilence
a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating; especially : bubonic plague # something that is destructive or pernicious
yarn
a continuous often plied strand composed of either natural or man-made fibers or filaments and used in weaving and knitting to form cloth # a similar strand of another material (such as metal, glass, or plastic) # a narrative of adventures; especially : a tall tale Etymology : text,Middle English {it}yerne, yarne{/it} "spun fiber," going back to Old English {it}gearn,{/it} going back to Germanic {it}*garna-{/it} (whence also Middle Dutch {it}gaern, garen{/it} "spun fiber," Old High German & Old Norse {it}garn{/it}), masculine noun probably from the same base as feminine {it}*garnō{/it} "intestine" (whence Old Norse {it}gǫrn,{/it} plural {it}garnar{/it} "guts") and {it}*garnja-{/it} (in Old English {it}micgern, midirne{/it} "fat around the entrails of an animal," Old Saxon {it}midgarni,{/it} Old High German {it}mittigarni,{/it} with {it}*midja-{/it} {et_link|mid:1|mid:1}), going back to Indo-European {it}*ǵhorH-n-{/it} (whence also Lithuanian {it}žarnà{/it} "intestine" and Greek {it}khordḗ{/it} "catgut, string of a musical instrument, sausage," in plural "guts, tripe," if altered from {it}*khornḗ{/it}), suffixed o-grade derivative of {it}*ǵhr̥H-{/it} "gut, cord made from animal intestines," whence Latin {it}haru-{/it} "intestines" (in {it}haruspex{/it} {et_link|haruspex|haruspex}), Sanskrit {it}híraḥ{/it} "band, strip," {it}hirā́{/it} "vein"
syndicate
a council or body of syndics # the office or jurisdiction of a syndic # an association of persons officially authorized to undertake a duty or negotiate business Etymology : text,French {it}syndicat{/it}, from {it}syndic{/it}
census
a count of the population and a property evaluation in early Rome # a usually complete enumeration of a population; specifically : a periodic governmental enumeration of population # count, tally Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}cēnsus{/it}, from {it}cēnsēre{/it} "to give as an opinion, assess, appraise, perform the duties of a censor" + {it}-tus{/it}, suffix of verbal action {ma}{mat|censor:1|}{/ma}
villa
a country estate # the rural or suburban residence of a wealthy person # a detached or semidetached urban residence with yard and garden space Etymology : text,Italian, from Latin; akin to Latin {it}vicus{/it} village {ma}{mat|vicinity|}{/ma}
fabulist
a creator or writer of fables # liar Etymology : text,probably borrowed from Middle French {it}fabuliste,{/it} from Latin {it}fābula{/it} "talk, account, {et_link|fable:1|fable:1}" + French {it}-iste{/it} {et_link|-ist:1|-ist:1}
biscotti
a crisp cookie or biscuit of Italian origin that is flavored usually with anise and filberts or almonds —usually used in plural Etymology : text,Italian, biscuit, cookie, from ({it}pane{/it}) {it}biscotto{/it}, literally, bread baked twice
menthol
a crystalline alcohol C10H20O that occurs especially in mint oils and has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint # mentholated cigarettes Etymology : text,German, ultimately from Latin {it}mentha{/it} mint
acetaminophen
a crystalline compound C8H9NO2 that is a hydroxy derivative of acetanilide and is used in chemical synthesis and in medicine to relieve pain and fever Etymology : text, {et_link|acet(yl)|acetyl} + {et_link|amino|amino} + {et_link|phen(ol)|phenol} # et_snote,t,Shortened from {it}N-acetyl-p-aminophenol.{/it} {it}Acetaminophen{/it} was introduced as a generic name roughly coincident with the introduction of the trademark preparation Tylenol, which was first marketed as "Children's Tylenol Elixir" in 1955 by McNeil Laboratories. Synthesis of the substance, as {it}acetylamidophenol,{/it} was first reported in {it}Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft,{/it} 11. Jahrgang (Jan.-Juni, 1878), p. 232-33 (H. N. Morse, "Ueber eine neue Darstellungsmethode der Acetylamidophenole"). Its antipyretic properties were recognized by the German physician Josef von Mering in the 1893 article "Beiträge zur Kenntniss der Antipyretica" ({it}Therapeutische Monatshefte,{/it} 7, pp. 577-87)—he also refers to it as {it}acetylamidophenol.{/it}
fructose
a crystalline sugar C6H12O6 sweeter and more soluble than glucose # the very sweet levorotatory d-form of fructose that occurs especially in fruit juices and honey —called also fruit sugar, levulose Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary {it}fruct-{/it} (from Latin {it}fructus{/it} fruit) + {et_link|-ose:2|-ose:2}
glucose
a crystalline sugar C6H12O6; specifically : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals # a light-colored syrup made from cornstarch Etymology : text,French, modification of Greek {it}gleukos{/it} must, sweet wine; akin to Greek {it}glykys{/it} sweet {ma}{mat|dulcet|}{/ma}
cornucopia
a curved, hollow goat's horn or similarly shaped receptacle (such as a horn-shaped basket) that is overflowing especially with fruit and vegetables (such as gourds, ears of corn, apples, and grapes) and that is used as a decorative motif emblematic of abundance —called also horn of plenty # an inexhaustible store : abundance # a receptacle shaped like a horn or cone Etymology : text,Late Latin, from Latin {it}cornu copiae{/it} horn of plenty
sirloin
a cut of meat and especially of beef from the part of the hindquarter just in front of the round Etymology : text,alteration of earlier {it}surloin{/it}, modification of Middle French {it}surlonge{/it}, from {it}sur{/it} over (from Latin {it}super{/it}) + {it}loigne, longe{/it} loin {ma}{mat|over|}, {mat|loin|}{/ma}
journal
a daily newspaper —usually used in titles # a periodical dealing especially with matters of current interest —often used in titles # a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use : diary Etymology : text,Middle English, service book containing the day hours, from Anglo-French {it}jurnal{/it}, from {it}jurnal{/it}, adjective, daily, from Latin {it}diurnalis{/it}, from {it}diurnus{/it} of the day, from {it}dies{/it} day {ma}{mat|deity|}{/ma}
indigo
a deep reddish blue # indigo plant # a blue vat dye obtained from plants (such as indigo plants) Etymology : text,Italian dialect, from Latin {it}indicum{/it}, from Greek {it}indikon{/it}, from neuter of {it}indikos{/it} Indic, from {it}Indos{/it} India
ladle
a deep-bowled long-handled spoon used especially for dipping up and conveying liquids # something resembling a ladle in form or function Etymology : text,Middle English {it}ladel{/it}, from Old English {it}hlædel{/it}, from {it}hladan{/it}
sieve
a device with meshes or perforations through which finer particles of a mixture (as of ashes, flour, or sand) of various sizes may be passed to separate them from coarser ones, through which the liquid may be drained from liquid-containing material, or through which soft materials may be forced for reduction to fine particles Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sive{/it}, from Old English {it}sife{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}sib{/it} sieve
shenanigans
a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose # tricky or questionable practices or conduct —usually used in plural # high-spirited or mischievous activity —usually used in plural Etymology : text,origin unknown
phylum
a direct line of descent within a group # a group that constitutes or has the unity of a phylum; specifically : a primary category in biological taxonomy especially of animals that ranks above the class and below the kingdom # a group of languages related more remotely than those of a family or stock Etymology : text,New Latin, from Greek {it}phylon{/it} tribe, race {ma}{mat|phyl-|}{/ma}
trait
a distinguishing quality (as of personal character) # an inherited characteristic # a stroke of or as if of a pencil Etymology : text,Middle French, literally, act of drawing, from Latin {it}tractus{/it} {ma}{mat|tract|}{/ma}
alpaca
a domesticated mammal (Vicugna pacos synonym Lama pacos) especially of Peru that is probably descended from the vicuña # wool of the alpaca # a thin cloth made of or containing this wool Etymology : text,Spanish, from Aymara {it}allpaqa{/it}
ferret
a domesticated usually albino, brownish, or silver-gray animal (Mustela putorius furo) that is descended from the European polecat # black-footed ferret # an active and persistent searcher Etymology : text,Middle English {it}furet, ferret{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}firet, furet{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*furittus{/it}, literally, little thief, diminutive of Latin {it}fur{/it} thief {ma}{mat|furtive|}{/ma}
impetus
a driving force : impulse # incentive, stimulus # stimulation or encouragement resulting in increased activity Etymology : text,Latin, assault, impetus, from {it}impetere{/it} to attack, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}petere{/it} to go to, seek {ma}{mat|feather|}{/ma}
analepsis
a drug that stimulates the central nervous system Etymology : text,Greek {it}analēptikos{/it}, from {it}analambanein{/it}
troll
a dwarf or giant in Scandinavian folklore inhabiting caves or hills Etymology : text,Norwegian {it}troll{/it} & Danish {it}trold{/it}, from Old Norse {it}troll{/it} giant, demon; probably akin to Middle High German {it}trolle{/it} lout
fallacy
a false or mistaken idea # erroneous character : erroneousness # deceptive appearance : deception Etymology : text,Latin {it}fallacia{/it}, from {it}fallac-, fallax{/it} deceitful, from {it}fallere{/it} to deceive
buckle
a fastening for two loose ends that is attached to one and holds the other by a catch # an ornamental device that suggests a buckle # a crisp curl Etymology : text,Middle English {it}bocle{/it}, from Anglo-French, boss of a shield, buckle, from Latin {it}buccula{/it}, diminutive of {it}bucca{/it} cheek
homage
a feudal ceremony by which a man acknowledges himself the vassal of a lord # the relationship between a feudal lord and his vassal # an act done or payment made in meeting the obligations due from a vassal to a feudal lord Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}homage, omage{/it}, from {it}home{/it} man, vassal, from Latin {it}homin-, homo{/it} human being; akin to Old English {it}guma{/it} human being, Latin {it}humus{/it} earth {ma}{mat|humble|}{/ma}
napoleon
a former French 20-franc gold coin # an oblong pastry with a filling of cream, custard, or jelly # one like Napoleon I (as in ambition) Etymology : text,French {it}napoléon{/it}, from {it}Napoléon{/it} Napoleon I
veteran
a former member of the armed forces # an old soldier of long service # a person of long experience usually in some occupation or skill (such as politics or the arts) Etymology : text,Latin {it}veteranus{/it}, from {it}veteranus{/it}, adjective, old, of long experience, from {it}veter-, vetus{/it} old {ma}{mat|wether|}{/ma}
trellis
a frame of latticework used as a screen or as a support for climbing plants # a construction (such as a summerhouse) chiefly of latticework # an arrangement that forms or gives the effect of a lattice Etymology : text,Middle English {it}trelis{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}treleis{/it}, from Old French {it}treille{/it} arbor, from Latin {it}trichila{/it} summerhouse
sapphire
a gem variety of corundum in transparent or translucent crystals of a color other than red; especially : one of a transparent rich blue # a gem of such corundum # a deep purplish-blue color Etymology : text,Middle English {it}safir{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}sapphirus{/it}, from Greek {it}sappheiros{/it}, perhaps of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew {it}sappīr{/it} sapphire
legacy
a gift by will especially of money or other personal property : bequest # something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past # a candidate for membership in an organization (such as a school or fraternal order) who is given special status because of a familial relationship to a member Etymology : text,Middle English {it}legacie{/it} office of a legate, bequest, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, office of a legate, from Medieval Latin {it}legatia{/it}, from Latin {it}legatus{/it}
raisin
a grape of any of several varieties that has been dried in the sun or by artificial heat Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, grape, raisin, from Latin {it}racemus{/it} cluster of grapes or berries {ma}{mat|raceme|}{/ma}
fratority
a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure: such as # a fraternal order # guild
heptad
a group of seven Etymology : text,Greek {it}heptad-, heptas{/it}, from {it}hepta{/it}
decade
a group or set of 10 : such as # a period of 10 years # a division of the rosary that consists primarily of 10 Hail Marys Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French {it}décade{/it}, from Late Latin {it}decad-, decas{/it}, from Greek {it}dekad-, dekas{/it}, from {it}deka{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|deca-||}{/dx_ety}
spleen
a highly vascular ductless organ that is located in the left abdominal region near the stomach or intestine of most vertebrates and is concerned with final destruction of red blood cells, filtration and storage of blood, and production of lymphocytes # the seat of emotions or passions # melancholy Etymology : text,Middle English {it}splen{/it}, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French {it}espleen{/it}, from Latin {it}splen{/it}, from Greek {it}splēn{/it}; akin to Latin {it}lien{/it} spleen, Sanskrit {it}plīhan{/it}
foothills
a hill at the foot of higher hills # a hilly region at the base of a mountain range
baleen
a horny keratinous substance found in two rows of transverse plates which hang down from the upper jaws of baleen whales Etymology : text,Middle English {it}baleine{/it} whale, baleen, from Latin {it}balaena{/it} whale; akin to Greek {it}phallaina{/it} whale
tabernacle
a house of worship; specifically : a large building or tent used for evangelistic services # a receptacle for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist; especially : an ornamental locked box used for reserving the Communion hosts # a tent sanctuary used by the Israelites during the Exodus Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin {it}tabernaculum{/it}, from Latin, tent, from {it}taberna{/it} hut
jealousy
a jealous disposition, attitude, or feeling # zealous vigilance Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|jealous||}{/dx_ety}
lambkin
a lamb's skin or a small fine-grade sheepskin or the leather made from either; specifically : such a skin dressed with the wool on and used especially for winter clothing
tiger
a large Asian carnivorous mammal (Panthera tigris) of the cat family having a usually tawny coat transversely striped with black # any of several large wildcats (such as the jaguar or cougar) # a domestic cat with striped pattern Etymology : text,Middle English {it}tigre{/it}, from Old English {it}tiger{/it} & Anglo-French {it}tigre{/it}, both from Latin {it}tigris{/it}, from Greek, probably of Iranian origin; akin to Avestan {it}tighra-{/it} pointed; akin to Greek {it}stizein{/it} to tattoo {ma}{mat|stick|}{/ma}
paneer
a large container: such as # a basket often carried on the back of an animal or the shoulders of a person # one of a pair of packs or baskets hung over the rear wheel of a vehicle (such as a bicycle) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}panier{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}paner, panier{/it}, from Latin {it}panarium{/it}, from {it}panis{/it} bread {ma}{mat|food|}{/ma}
panir
a large container: such as # a basket often carried on the back of an animal or the shoulders of a person # one of a pair of packs or baskets hung over the rear wheel of a vehicle (such as a bicycle) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}panier{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}paner, panier{/it}, from Latin {it}panarium{/it}, from {it}panis{/it} bread {ma}{mat|food|}{/ma}
jamboree
a large festive gathering # a national or international camping assembly of Boy Scouts # a long mixed program of entertainment Etymology : text,origin unknown
bonfire
a large fire built in the open air Etymology : text,Middle English {it}bonefire{/it} a fire of bones, from {it}bon{/it} bone + {it}fire{/it}
osprey
a large fish-eating hawk (Pandion haliaetus) with long wings that is dark brown above and mostly pure white below # a feather trimming used for millinery Etymology : text,Middle English {it}ospray{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}*osfraie{/it}, from Latin {it}ossifraga{/it}, a bird of prey
iceberg
a large floating mass of ice detached from a glacier # an emotionally cold person # iceberg lettuce Etymology : text,probably partial translation of Danish or Norwegian {it}isberg{/it}, from {it}is{/it} ice + {it}berg{/it} mountain
whittle
a large knife Etymology : text,Middle English {it}whittel{/it}, alteration of {it}thwitel{/it}, from {it}thwiten{/it} to whittle, from Old English {it}thwītan{/it}; akin to Old Norse {it}thveita{/it} to hew
pancreas
a large lobulated gland of vertebrates that secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon Etymology : text,New Latin, from Greek {it}pankreas{/it} sweetbread, from {it}pan-{/it} + {it}kreas{/it} flesh, meat {ma}{mat|raw|}{/ma}
limousine
a large luxurious often chauffeur-driven sedan that usually has a glass partition separating the driver's seat from the passenger compartment # a large vehicle for transporting passengers to and from an airport Etymology : text,French, literally, cloak, from {it}Limousin{/it}, France
avalanche
a large mass of snow, ice, earth, rock, or other material in swift motion down a mountainside or over a precipice # a sudden great or overwhelming rush or accumulation of something # a cumulative process in which photons or accelerated charge carriers produce additional photons or charge carriers through collisions (as with gas molecules) Etymology : text,French, from French dialect (Franco-Provençal) {it}lavantse, avalantse{/it}
medallion
a large medal # something resembling a large medal; especially : a tablet or panel in a wall or window bearing a figure in relief, a portrait, or an ornament # a small, round or oval serving (as of meat or fish) Etymology : text,French {it}médaillon{/it}, from Italian {it}medaglione{/it}, augmentative of {it}medaglia{/it}
bandana
a large often colorfully patterned handkerchief Etymology : text,Hindi {it}bāṅdhnū{/it} & Urdu {it}bāndhnū{/it} tie-dyeing, cloth so dyed, ultimately from Sanskrit {it}badhnāti{/it} he ties {ma}{mat|bind|}{/ma}
bombard
a late medieval cannon used to hurl large stones Etymology : text,Middle English {it}bombard, bumbard,{/it} borrowed from Middle French {it}bombarde,{/it} probably from an onomatopoeic base {it}bomb-{/it} + {it}-arde{/it} {et_link|-ard|-ard} {ma}{mat|bomb:1|bomb:1}{/ma} # et_snote,t,As with {it}bomba, bombe,{/it} etc. (see note at {et_link|bomb:1|bomb:1}), the origin and diffusion of {it}bombarda, bombarde,{/it} etc., remain incompletely elucidated. French {it}bombarde,{/it} in reference to an engine of war, appears in the {it}Vrayes chroniques{/it} of Jean le Bel, a history of the Hundred Years War begun in 1357 (see {it}Dictionnaire du Moyen Français,{/it} online) and in the accounts of the Valenciennes city clerk Nicole de Dury from 1363 (see H. Caffiaux, {it}Nicole de Dury, maître clerc de la ville de Valenciennes 1361-1373,{/it} Valenciennes, 1866, p. 103). Italian {it}bombarda{/it} may be dependent on the French word, given that the earliest use of the word is in reference to artillery used at the battle of Crécy in 1346 (in the final book of the {it}Nuova Cronica{/it} of Giovanni Villani, who died in 1348; manuscripts containing the final book are significantly later). The 1311 date given for {it}bombarda{/it} in {it}Trésor de la langue française,{/it} Cortelazzo and Zolli's {it}Dizionario etimologico della lingua italiana,{/it} and a number of earlier sources from which they draw (as the {it}Enciclopedia Italiana{/it}) is incorrect; the text in question, the {it}Polystorio{/it} or {it}Polyhistoria{/it} by Niccolò da Ferrara (not Bartolomeo da Ferrara), alludes to events of 1311 but was written sometime after 1367, when the chronicle ends, at the court of Niccolò II d'Este, marquess of Ferrara from 1361 (cf. Richard Tristano, "History 'Without Scruple': The Enlightenment Confronts the Middle Ages in Renaissance Ferrara," {it}Medievalia et Humanistica,{/it} new series, no. 38 [2012], p. 85). Spanish {it}lombarda,{/it} attested about 1400, is clearly a folk-etymologizing of {it}bombarda{/it} (pace Coromines' etymology in {it}Diccionario crítico-etimológico castellano e hispánico,{/it} which does not take account of the earlier French forms).
basilisk
a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance # any of several crested tropical American lizards (genus Basiliscus of the family Iguanidae) related to the iguanas and noted for their ability to run on their hind legs Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Latin {it}basiliscus{/it} "kind of snake," borrowed from Greek {it}basilískos{/it} "minor prince, kind of snake (presumably possessing a crown-like crest)," from {it}basil-{/it}, base of {it}basileús{/it} "king, prince" (of pre-Greek substratal origin) + {it}-iskos{/it}, diminutive suffix
citronella
a lemon-scented grass (Cymbopogon nardus) of southern Asia that yields an oil used in perfumery and as an insect repellent; also : its oil Etymology : text,New Latin, from French {it}citronnelle{/it} lemon balm, from {it}citron{/it}
vocabulary
a list or collection of words or of words and phrases usually alphabetically arranged and explained or defined : lexicon # a sum or stock of words employed by a language, group, individual, or work or in a field of knowledge # a list or collection of terms or codes available for use (as in an indexing system) Etymology : text,Middle French {it}vocabulaire{/it}, probably from Medieval Latin {it}vocabularium{/it}, from neuter of {it}vocabularius{/it} verbal, from Latin {it}vocabulum{/it}
turret
a little tower; specifically : an ornamental structure at an angle of a larger structure # a revolving armored structure on a warship that protects one or more guns mounted within it # a similar upper structure usually for one gun on a tank Etymology : text,Middle English {it}touret{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}turette, tourette{/it}, diminutive of {it}tur, tour{/it} tower {ma}{mat|tower|}{/ma}
koto
a long Japanese zither having 13 strings Etymology : text,Japanese
domino
a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume # a half mask worn over the eyes with a masquerade costume # a person wearing a domino Etymology : text,French, probably from Latin (in the ritual formula {it}benedicamus Domino{/it} let us bless the Lord)
blouse
a long loose overgarment that resembles a shirt or smock and is worn especially by workmen, artists, and peasants # the jacket of a uniform # a usually loose-fitting garment especially for women that covers the body from the neck to the waist Etymology : text,French
clowder
a lump or mass especially of earth or clay # soil, earth # oaf, dolt Etymology : text,Middle English {it}clodde{/it}, from Old English {it}clod-{/it} (in {it}clodhamer{/it} fieldfare)
muchacha
a male servant # a young man Etymology : text,Spanish, probably from {it}mocho{/it} cropped, shorn
monstrosity
a malformation of a plant or animal # something deviating from the normal : freak # the quality or state of being monstrous
megalomaniac
a mania for great or grandiose performance # a delusional mental illness that is marked by feelings of personal omnipotence and grandeur Etymology : text,New Latin
target
a mark to shoot at # a target marked by shots fired at it # something or someone fired at or marked for attack Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French {it}targette, targuete{/it}, diminutive of {it}targe{/it} light shield, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old Norse {it}targa{/it} shield
Requiem
a mass for the dead # a solemn chant (such as a dirge) for the repose of the dead # something that resembles such a solemn chant Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin (first word of the introit of the requiem mass), accusative of {it}requies{/it} rest, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}quies{/it} quiet, rest {ma}{mat|while|}{/ma}
ingot
a mass of metal cast into a convenient shape for storage or transportation to be later processed # a mold in which metal is cast Etymology : text,Middle English, perhaps modification of Middle French {it}lingot{/it} ingot of metal, incorrectly divided as {it}l'ingot{/it}, as if from {it}le{/it} the
rascal
a mean, unprincipled, or dishonest person # a mischievous person or animal Etymology : text,Middle English {it}rascaile{/it} foot soldiers, commoners, worthless person, from Anglo-French {it}rascaille{/it}, from Old French dialect (Norman & Picard) {it}*rasquer{/it} to scrape, clean off, from Vulgar Latin {it}*rasicare{/it}
months
a measure of time corresponding nearly to the period of the moon's revolution and amounting to approximately 4 weeks or 30 days or 1/12 of a year # an indefinite usually extended period of time # one ninth of the typical duration of human pregnancy Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}mōnath{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}mānōd{/it} month, Old English {it}mōna{/it} moon
slumgullion
a meat stew Etymology : text,perhaps from {it}slum{/it} slime + English dialect {it}gullion{/it} mud, cesspool
gimmick
a mechanical device for secretly and dishonestly controlling gambling apparatus # an ingenious or novel mechanical device : gadget # an important feature that is not immediately apparent : catch Etymology : text,origin unknown
Amazon
a member of a race of female warriors of Greek mythology # a tall strong often masculine woman # any of a genus (Amazona) of tropical American parrots typically having green plumage marked with other bright colors Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin, from Greek {it}Amazōn{/it}
colonists
a member or inhabitant of a colony # one that colonizes or settles in a new country
capsule
a membrane or sac enclosing a body part (such as a knee joint or kidney) # either of two layers of white matter in the cerebrum # a closed receptacle containing spores or seeds: such as Etymology : text,French, from Latin {it}capsula{/it}, diminutive of {it}capsa{/it} box {ma}{mat|case|}{/ma}
chisel
a metal tool with a sharpened edge at one end used to chip, carve, or cut into a solid material (such as wood, stone, or metal) Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}*chisel, cisel{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*cisellum{/it}, alteration of {it}caesellum{/it}, from Latin {it}caesus{/it}, past participle of {it}caedere{/it} to cut
psychoanalysis
a method of analyzing psychic phenomena and treating emotional disorders that involves treatment sessions during which the patient is encouraged to talk freely about personal experiences and especially about early childhood and dreams Etymology : text,New Latin
sonar
a method or device for detecting and locating objects especially underwater by means of sound waves sent out to be reflected by the objects; also : a device for detecting the presence of a vessel (such as a submarine) by the sound it emits in water Etymology : text,{it}so{/it}und {it}na{/it}vigation {it}r{/it}anging
armaments
a military or naval force # the aggregate of a nation's military strength # weapons, arms Etymology : text,French {it}armement{/it}, from Latin {it}armamenta{/it} (plural) utensils, military or naval equipment, from {it}armare{/it}
bric-a-brac
a miscellaneous collection of small articles commonly of ornamental or sentimental value : curios # something suggesting bric-a-brac especially in extraneous decorative quality Etymology : text,French {it}bric-à-brac{/it}
scrooge
a miserly person Etymology : text,Ebenezer {it}Scrooge{/it}, character in the story {it}A Christmas Carol{/it} (1843) by Charles Dickens
dough
a mixture that consists essentially of flour or meal and a liquid (such as milk or water) and is stiff enough to knead or roll # something resembling dough especially in consistency # money Etymology : text,Middle English {it}doh, dogh, dowe,{/it} going back to Old English {it}dāg,{/it} going back to Germanic {it}*daiga-{/it} (whence Middle Dutch {it}deech{/it} "dough," Old High German {it}teig,{/it} Old Norse {it}deig, deigr,{/it} Gothic {it}daigs{/it}), ablaut derivative from the base of {it}*digan-, dīgan-{/it} "to knead, shape" (whence Gothic {it}digan, gadigan{/it} "to knead, form from clay"), going back to Indo-European {it}*dhei̯ǵh-{/it} "knead, shape" {ma}{mat|feign|}{/ma}
granola
a mixture typically of rolled oats and various added ingredients (such as brown sugar, raisins, coconut, and nuts) that is eaten especially for breakfast or as a snack Etymology : text,from {it}Granola{/it}, a trademark
planetarium
a model or representation of the solar system # an optical device for projecting various celestial images and effects # a building or room housing such a projector
polypeptide
a molecular chain of amino acids Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary
vinyl
a monovalent radical CH2=CH derived from ethylene by removal of one hydrogen atom # a polymer of a vinyl compound or a product (such as a resin or a textile fiber) made from such a polymer —often used before another noun # vinyl used as a material for phonograph records Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin {it}vinum{/it} wine
yankee
a native or inhabitant of New England # a native or inhabitant of the northern U.S. # a native or inhabitant of the U.S. Etymology : text,origin unknown
yellowfin
a nearly cosmopolitan tuna (Thunnus albacares) with yellowish fins —called also yellowfin
neuroticism
a neurotic character, condition, or trait
ballyhooed
a noisy attention-getting demonstration or talk # flamboyant, exaggerated, or sensational promotion or publicity # excited commotion Etymology : text,origin unknown
ibuprofen
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug C13H18O2 used to relieve pain and fever Etymology : text,{it}i{/it}s- + {it}bu{/it}tyl + {it}pro{/it}pionic acid + {it}-fen{/it} (alteration of {it}phenyl{/it})
quadrillion
a number equal to 1 followed by 15 zeros; also, British : a number equal to 1 followed by 24 zeros Etymology : text,French, from Middle French, from {it}quadri-{/it} + {it}-illion{/it} (as in {it}million{/it})
series
a number of things or events of the same class coming one after another in spatial or temporal succession # a set of regularly presented television programs each of which is complete in itself # the indicated sum of a usually infinite sequence of numbers Etymology : text,Latin, from {it}serere{/it} to join, link together; akin to Greek {it}eirein{/it} to string together, {it}hormos{/it} chain, necklace, and perhaps to Latin {it}sort-, sors{/it} lot
monochrome
a painting, drawing, or photograph in a single hue Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}monochroma{/it}, from Latin, feminine of {it}monochromos{/it} of one color, from Greek {it}monochrōmos{/it}, from {it}mon-{/it} + {it}-chrōmos{/it} -chrome
shoji
a paper screen serving as a wall, partition, or sliding door Etymology : text,Japanese {it}shōji{/it}
soiree
a party or reception held in the evening Etymology : text,French {it}soirée{/it} evening period, evening party, from Middle French, from {it}soir{/it} evening, from Latin {it}sero{/it} at a late hour, from {it}serus{/it} late; akin to Old Irish {it}sír{/it} long, lasting and perhaps to Old English {it}sīth{/it} late {ma}{mat|since|}{/ma}
soirée
a party or reception held in the evening Etymology : text,French {it}soirée{/it} evening period, evening party, from Middle French, from {it}soir{/it} evening, from Latin {it}sero{/it} at a late hour, from {it}serus{/it} late; akin to Old Irish {it}sír{/it} long, lasting and perhaps to Old English {it}sīth{/it} late {ma}{mat|since|}{/ma}
vestibule
a passage, hall, or room between the outer door and the interior of a building : lobby # an enclosed entrance at the end of a railway passenger car # any of various bodily cavities especially when serving as or resembling an entrance to some other cavity or space: such as Etymology : text,Latin {it}vestibulum{/it} forecourt
pastel
a paste made of powdered pigment ranging from pale to deep colors and used for making crayons; also : a crayon made of such paste # a drawing in pastel # the process or art of drawing with pastels Etymology : text,French, from Italian {it}pastello{/it}, from Late Latin {it}pastellus{/it} woad, from diminutive of {it}pasta{/it}
herringbone
a pattern made up of rows of parallel lines which in any two adjacent rows slope in opposite directions # a twilled fabric with a herringbone pattern; also : a suit made of this fabric # a herringbone arrangement (as of materials or parts)
pavement
a paved surface: such as # the artificially covered surface of a public thoroughfare # sidewalk Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}pavimentum{/it}, from {it}pavire{/it}
nectarine
a peach with a smooth-skinned fruit that is a frequent somatic mutation of the normal peach; also : its fruit Etymology : text,obsolete {it}nectarine{/it}, adjective, like nectar
bergamot
a pear-shaped Mediterranean sour orange tree (Citrus aurantium bergamia) having a rind that yields an essential oil used especially in perfumery; also : this oil # any of several mints (genus Monarda) Etymology : text,French {it}bergamote{/it}, from Italian {it}bergamotta{/it}, modification of Turkish {it}bey armudu{/it}, literally, the bey's pear
idiosyncratic
a peculiarity of constitution or temperament : an individualizing characteristic or quality # individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food) # characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament); broadly : eccentricity Etymology : text,Greek {it}idiosynkrasia{/it}, from {it}idio-{/it} + {it}synkerannynai{/it} to blend, from {it}syn-{/it} + {it}kerannynai{/it} to mingle, mix {ma}{mat|crater|}{/ma}
vacation
a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation # a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended # a period of exemption from work granted to an employee Etymology : text,Middle English {it}vacacioun{/it}, borrowed from Anglo-French {it}vacacion{/it}, borrowed from Latin {it}vacātiōn-, vacātiō{/it} "exemption from service, respite from work," from {it}vacāre{/it} "to be empty, be free, have leisure" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō{/it}, suffix of action nouns {ma}{mat|vacant|}{/ma}
permafrost
a permanently frozen layer at variable depth below the surface in frigid regions of a planet (such as earth) Etymology : text,{it}perma{/it}nent + {it}frost{/it}
oracle
a person (such as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is believed to speak # a shrine in which a deity reveals hidden knowledge or the divine purpose through such a person # an answer or decision given by an oracle Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}oraculum{/it}, from {it}orare{/it} to speak {ma}{mat|oration|}{/ma}
inspector
a person employed to inspect something # a police officer who is in charge of usually several precincts and ranks below a superintendent or deputy superintendent # a person appointed to oversee a polling place
magnate
a person of rank, power, influence, or distinction often in a specified area Etymology : text,Middle English {it}magnates{/it}, plural, from Late Latin, from Latin {it}magnus{/it}
substitute
a person or thing that takes the place or function of another Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}substitut{/it}, from Latin {it}substitutus{/it}, past participle of {it}substituere{/it} to put in place of, from {it}sub-{/it} + {it}statuere{/it} to set up, place {ma}{mat|statute|}{/ma}
emeritus
a person retired from professional life but permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held
homicide
a person who kills another # a killing of one human being by another Etymology : text,in sense 1, from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}homicida{/it}, from {it}homo{/it} human being + {it}-cida{/it} -cide; in sense 2, from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}homicidium{/it}, from {it}homo{/it} + {it}-cidium{/it} -cide
soothsayer
a person who predicts the future by magical, intuitive, or more rational means : prognosticator
tissue
a piece of soft absorbent tissue paper used especially as a handkerchief or for removing cosmetics # an aggregate of cells usually of a particular kind together with their intercellular substance that form one of the structural materials of a plant or an animal # a fine lightweight often sheer fabric Etymology : text,Middle English {it}tysshewe, tyssew{/it}, a rich fabric, from Anglo-French {it}tissue{/it}, from past participle of {it}tistre{/it} to weave, from Latin {it}texere{/it} {ma}{mat|technical|}{/ma}
depot
a place for storing goods or motor vehicles # store, cache # a place for the storage of military supplies Etymology : text,French {it}dépôt{/it}, from Middle French {it}depost{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}depositum{/it}, from Latin, neuter of {it}depositus{/it}
archives
a place in which public records or historical materials (such as documents) are preserved; also : the material preserved —often used in plural # a repository or collection especially of information Etymology : text,French & Latin; French, from Latin {it}archivum{/it}, from Greek {it}archeion{/it} government house (in plural, official documents), from {it}archē{/it} rule, government {ma}{mat|arch-|}{/ma}
academese
a place of instruction # the academic life, community, or world # academic; especially : pedant Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}Acadēmus{/it} (in the phrase {it}inter silvās Acadēmī{/it}, "among the groves of Academus," from Horace's {it}Epistulae{/it}), borrowed from Greek {it}Akádēmos{/it} {ma}{mat|academy|}{/ma}
apiary
a place where bees are kept; especially : a collection of hives or colonies of bees kept for their honey Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}apiārium,{/it} from {it}apis{/it} "bee" (of obscure origin) + {it}-ārium{/it} {et_link|-ary:1|-ary:1} # et_snote,t,Latin {it}apis{/it} is superficially similar to the etymon {it}*bi-{/it} seen in English {it}bee{/it} and with varying suffixation in other northern Indo-European words (see {et_link|bee:1|bee:1}), but cannot be connected in any phonetically regular way. A loan from ancient Egyptian {it}̓ fj{/it} "bee" has been hypothesized.
scheme
a plan or program of action; especially : a crafty or secret one # a systematic or organized configuration : design # a concise statement or table : epitome Etymology : text,Latin {it}schemat-, schema{/it} arrangement, figure, from Greek {it}schēmat-, schēma{/it}, from {it}echein{/it} to have, hold, be in (such) a condition; akin to Old English {it}sige{/it} victory, Sanskrit {it}sahate{/it} he prevails
algae
a plant or plantlike organism of any of several phyla, divisions, or classes of chiefly aquatic usually chlorophyll-containing nonvascular organisms of polyphyletic origin that usually include the green, yellow-green, brown, and red algae in the eukaryotes and especially formerly the cyanobacteria in the prokaryotes Etymology : text,Latin, seaweed
vineyard
a planting of grapevines # a sphere of activity : field of endeavor
plastic
a plastic substance; specifically : any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments # credit cards used for payment —called also plastic money
escalator
a power-driven set of stairs arranged like an endless belt that ascend or descend continuously # an upward course suggestive of an escalator # an escalator clause or provision Etymology : text,from {it}Escalator{/it}, a trademark
jewel
a precious stone : gem # an ornament of precious metal often set with stones or decorated with enamel and worn as an accessory of dress # one that is highly esteemed Etymology : text,Middle English {it}juel{/it}, from Anglo-French, diminutive of {it}ju, jeu{/it} game, play, from Latin {it}jocus{/it} game, joke {ma}{mat|joke|}{/ma}
rules
a prescribed guide for conduct or action # the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its members # an accepted procedure, custom, or habit Etymology : text,Middle English {it}reule{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}regula{/it} straightedge, rule, from {it}regere{/it} to keep straight, direct {ma}{mat|right|}{/ma}
verbiage
a profusion of words usually of little or obscure content # manner of expressing oneself in words : diction Etymology : text,borrowed from French, from {it}verbier{/it} "to trill, warble" (going back to Middle French {it}verboier{/it} "to twitter," altered from Middle French dialect (Picard) {it}verbloier, guerbloier{/it}, derivative of {it}werbler{/it} "to sing expressively, trill") + {it}-age{/it} {et_link|-age|-age} {ma}{mat|warble:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The meaning of French {it}verbiage{/it} clearly shows the associative influence of {it}verbe{/it} "word, verb" and its derivatives.
bastion
a projecting part of a fortification # a fortified area or position # stronghold Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French, borrowed from Italian {it}bastione,{/it} from {it}bastia{/it} "small quadrangular fortress" (from an Upper Italian counterpart to Tuscan {it}bastita,{/it} from feminine past participle of {it}bastire{/it} "to build," probably borrowed from Old Occitan {it}bastir{/it} "to weave, build," or its Gallo-Romance ancestor) + {it}-one,{/it} augmentative suffix (going back to Latin {it}-ō, -ōn-,{/it} suffix of nouns denoting persons with a prominent feature) {ma}{mat|bastille|}{/ma}
corollary
a proposition inferred immediately from a proved proposition with little or no additional proof # something that naturally follows : result # something that incidentally or naturally accompanies or parallels Etymology : text,Middle English {it}correlary, corolarie,{/it} borrowed from Late Latin {it}corōllārium,{/it} going back to Latin, "garland (given as a reward), unsolicited payment, gratuity," from {it}corōlla{/it} "small wreath of flowers" + {it}-ārium{/it} {et_link|-ary:1|-ary:1} {ma}{mat|corolla|}{/ma}
saga
a prose narrative recorded in Iceland in the 12th and 13th centuries of historic or legendary figures and events of the heroic age of Norway and Iceland # a modern heroic narrative resembling the Icelandic saga # a long detailed account; also : a dramatic and often complicated story or series of events Etymology : text,Old Norse {ma}{mat|saw|}{/ma}
rotisserie
a restaurant specializing in broiled and barbecued meats # an appliance fitted with a spit on which food is rotated before or over a source of heat Etymology : text,French {it}rôtisserie{/it}, from Middle French {it}rostisserie{/it}, from {it}rostir{/it} to roast {ma}{mat|roast|}{/ma}
ramparts
a protective barrier : bulwark # a broad embankment raised as a fortification and usually surmounted by a parapet # a wall-like ridge (as of rock fragments, earth, or debris) Etymology : text,Middle French, from {it}ramparer{/it} to fortify, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}emparer{/it} to defend, from Old Occitan {it}emparar{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*imparare{/it}, from Latin {it}in-{/it} {et_link|in-:2|in-:2} + {it}parare{/it} to prepare {ma}{mat|pare|}{/ma}
ronin
a proteolytic enzyme of the kidney that plays a major role in the release of angiotensin Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin {it}renes{/it}
tirade
a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate, vituperative, or harshly censorious language Etymology : text,French, shot, tirade, from Middle French, from Old Italian {it}tirata{/it}, from {it}tirare{/it} to draw, shoot
chrysalis
a pupa of a butterfly; broadly : an insect pupa # the hardened outer protective layer of a pupa # a protecting covering; also : a sheltered state or stage of being or growth Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}chrȳsallid-, chrȳsallis,{/it} borrowed from Greek {it}chrȳsallid-, chrȳsallís,{/it} from {it}chrȳsós{/it} "gold" (referring to the metallic gold-like sheen of some butterfly pupae) + {it}-allid-, -allis,{/it} noun suffix of some plant and animal names {ma}{mat|chryso-|}{/ma}
crux
a puzzling or difficult problem : an unsolved question # an essential point requiring resolution or resolving an outcome # a main or central feature (as of an argument) Etymology : text,Latin {it}cruc-, crux{/it} cross, torture
trapezoid
a quadrilateral having only two sides parallel # trapezium # a bone in the wrist at the base of the metacarpal of the index finger Etymology : text,New Latin {it}trapezoïdes{/it}, from Greek {it}trapezoeidēs{/it} trapezium-shaped, from {it}trapeza{/it} table
problem
a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution # a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done # an intricate unsettled question Etymology : text,Middle English {it}probleme{/it}, from Latin {it}problema{/it}, from Greek {it}problēma{/it}, literally, obstacle, from {it}proballein{/it} to throw forward, from {it}pro-{/it} forward + {it}ballein{/it} to throw {ma}{mat|pro-|}, {mat|devil|}{/ma}
whisk
a quick light brushing or whipping motion # a usually wire kitchen utensil used for beating food by hand # a flexible bunch (as of twigs, feathers, or straw) attached to a handle for use as a brush Etymology : text,Middle English {it}wisk{/it}, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse {it}visk{/it} wisp; akin to Old English {it}wiscian{/it} to plait
whiff
a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray # an inhalation of odor, gas, or smoke # a slight puffing or whistling sound Etymology : text,imitative
plutonomy
a radioactive metallic element similar chemically to uranium that is formed as the isotope 239 by decay of neptunium and found in minute quantities in pitchblende, that undergoes slow disintegration with the emission of an alpha particle to form uranium 235, and that is fissionable with slow neutrons to yield atomic energy Etymology : text,New Latin, from {it}Pluton-, Pluto{/it}, the planet Pluto
ragamuffin
a ragged often disreputable person; especially : a poorly clothed often dirty child Etymology : text,Middle English {it}Ragamuffyn{/it}, name for a ragged, oafish person
glissando
a rapid sliding up or down the musical scale Etymology : text,probably modification of French {it}glissade{/it}
bonobo
a rare anthropoid ape (Pan paniscus) that has a more slender build and longer limbs than the related common chimpanzee (P. troglodytes) and that inhabits a small geographic region in equatorial Africa south of the Congo River —called also pygmy chimpanzee Etymology : text,origin unknown
pedigree
a register recording a line of ancestors # an ancestral line : lineage # the origin and the history of something; broadly : background, history Etymology : text,Middle English {it}pedegru{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}pé de grue{/it}, literally, crane's foot; from the shape made by the lines of a genealogical chart
system
a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole : such as # a group of interacting bodies under the influence of related forces # an assemblage of substances that is in or tends to equilibrium Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}systemat-, systema{/it}, from Greek {it}systēmat-, systēma{/it}, from {it}synistanai{/it} to combine, from {it}syn-{/it} + {it}histanai{/it} to cause to stand {ma}{mat|stand|}{/ma}
respect
a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation # an act of giving particular attention : consideration # high or special regard : esteem Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}respectus{/it}, literally, act of looking back, from {it}respicere{/it} to look back, regard, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}specere{/it} to look {ma}{mat|spy|}{/ma}
profile
a representation of something in outline; especially : a human head or face represented or seen in a side view # an outline seen or represented in sharp relief : contour # a side or sectional elevation: such as Etymology : text,Italian {it}profilo{/it}, from {it}profilare{/it} to draw in outline, from {it}pro-{/it} forward (from Latin) + {it}filare{/it} to spin, from Late Latin {ma}{mat|file|}{/ma}
paraphrase
a restatement of a text, passage, or work giving the meaning in another form # the use or process of paraphrasing in studying or teaching composition Etymology : text,Middle French, from Latin {it}paraphrasis{/it}, from Greek, from {it}paraphrazein{/it} to paraphrase, from {it}para-{/it} + {it}phrazein{/it} to point out
combination
a result or product of combining; especially : an alliance of individuals, corporations, or states united to achieve a social, political, or economic end # two or more persons working as a team # an ordered sequence: such as Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|combine:1||}{/dx_ety}
recriminatory
a retaliatory accusation; also : the making of such accusations Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}recrimination-, recriminatio{/it}, from {it}recriminare{/it} to make a retaliatory charge, from Latin {it}re-{/it} + {it}criminari{/it} to accuse {ma}{mat|criminate|}{/ma}
roseola
a rose-colored eruption in spots or a disease marked by such an eruption; especially : roseola infantum Etymology : text,Latin {it}roseus{/it} "rose-colored, reddish" + New Latin {it}-ola{/it} (in {et_link|rubeola|rubeola}, {et_link|variola|variola}) {ma}{mat|roseate|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The term {it}roseola{/it} was apparently introduced by the English physician and dermatological pioneer Robert Willan (1757-1812). {it}The Oxford English Dictionary,{/it} third edition, refers it to his {it}Description and treatment of cutaneous diseases. Order 3, Rashes{/it} (London, 1805), without citation of a page number. The word occurs earlier, however, in "List of Diseases from the 20th of July to the 20th of August: being the Result of the Public and Private Practice of a Physician at the West End of the Town" (signed with the initials "R.W."), {it}The Medical and Physical Journal,{/it} No. 7, Vol. 2 (September, 1799), p. 112.
attagirl
a rotary-wing aircraft that employs a propeller for forward motion and a freely rotating rotor for lift Etymology : text,from {it}Autogiro{/it}, a trademark
cupola
a rounded vault resting on a usually circular base and forming a roof or a ceiling # a small structure built on top of a roof # a vertical cylindrical furnace for melting iron in the foundry that has tuyeres and tapping spouts near the bottom Etymology : text,Italian, from Latin {it}cupula{/it}, diminutive of {it}cupa{/it} tub
pharaoh
a ruler of ancient Egypt # tyrant Etymology : text,Middle English {it}pharao{/it}, from Old English, from Late Latin {it}pharaon-, pharao{/it}, from Greek {it}pharaō{/it}, from Hebrew {it}parʽōh{/it}, from Egyptian {it}pr-ʽʾ̹{/it}
moose
a ruminant mammal (Alces alces) with humped shoulders, long legs, and broadly palmated antlers that is the largest existing member of the deer family and inhabits forested areas of Canada, the northern U.S., Europe, and Asia # a member of a major benevolent and fraternal order Etymology : text,of Algonquian origin; akin to Massachusett {it}moos{/it} moose
stomach
a saclike expansion of the digestive tract of a vertebrate that is located between the esophagus and duodenum and typically consists of a simple often curved sac with an outer serous covering, a strong muscular wall that contracts rhythmically, and an inner mucous membrane lining that contains gastric glands # one of the compartments making up the stomach of a ruminant animal (such as a cow or sheep) # the part of the body that contains the stomach : belly, abdomen Etymology : text,Middle English {it}stomak{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}estomac{/it}, from Latin {it}stomachus{/it} gullet, esophagus, stomach, from Greek {it}stomachos{/it}, from {it}stoma{/it} mouth; akin to Middle Breton {it}staffn{/it} mouth, Avestan {it}staman-{/it}
Holocaust
a sacrifice consumed by fire # a thorough destruction involving extensive loss of life especially through fire # the mass slaughter of European civilians and especially Jews by the Nazis during World War II Etymology : text,Middle English, from Late Latin {it}holocaustum{/it}, from Greek {it}holokauston{/it}, from neuter of {it}holokaustos{/it} burnt whole, from {it}hol-{/it} + {it}kaustos{/it} burnt, from {it}kaiein{/it} to burn {ma}{mat|caustic|}{/ma}
adage
a saying often in metaphorical form that typically embodies a common observation Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French, borrowed from Latin {it}adagiō, adagium,{/it} from {it}ad-{/it} {et_link|ad-|ad-} + {it}ag-,{/it} base of {it}aiō, āiō{/it} "(I) say" (going back to {it}*ag-i̯ō,{/it} going back to an Indo-European verb stem {it}*h{inf}2{/inf}eǵ-i̯e-{/it} "say") + {it}-ium,{/it} deverbal noun suffix; akin to Greek {it}ê{/it} "(s/he) spoke," {it}án-ōga{/it} "(I) command," Armenian {it}asem{/it} "(I) say," Tocharian B {it}āks-{/it} "announce, proclaim" # et_snote,t,The Latin form is possibly {it}adāgiō{/it}; the lack of vowel reduction in the second syllable is otherwise unexplained. Michiel de Vaan, {it}Etymological Dictionary of Latin{/it} (Brill, 2008), believes that the base is not {it}aiō,{/it} but rather {it}adigō,{/it} "I drive/thrust/plunge into, force, impel." Semantically, this is not compelling, and does not in any case solve the problem of the second syllable. On the other hand, the lack of attestation for {it}aiō{/it} with any prefixes aside from this noun is striking.
dojo
a school for training in various arts of self-defense (such as judo or karate) Etymology : text,Japanese {it}dōjō{/it}, from {it}dō{/it} way, art + {it}-jō{/it} ground
kindergarten
a school or class for children usually from four to six years old Etymology : text,German, from {it}Kinder{/it} children + {it}Garten{/it} garden
alma mater
a school, college, or university which one has attended or from which one has graduated # the song or hymn of a school, college, or university Etymology : text,Latin, fostering mother
seismologist
a science that deals with earthquakes and with artificially produced vibrations of the earth Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary
mackerel
a scombroid fish (Scomber scombrus of the family Scombridae) of the North Atlantic that is green above with dark blue bars and silvery below and is a commercially important food fish # any of various fishes (such as the wahoo and king mackerel) in the same family as the mackerel especially when distinguished from the related bonito or tuna by a comparatively smaller size Etymology : text,Middle English {it}makerel{/it}, from Anglo-French
leviathan
a sea monster defeated by Yahweh in various scriptural accounts # a large sea animal # the political state; especially : a totalitarian state having a vast bureaucracy Etymology : text,Middle English, from Late Latin, from Hebrew {it}liwyāthān{/it}
scrutiny
a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination # a searching look # close watch : surveillance Etymology : text,Latin {it}scrutinium{/it}, from {it}scrutari{/it} to search, examine, probably from {it}scruta{/it} trash
carnival
a season or festival of merrymaking before Lent # an instance of merrymaking, feasting, or masquerading # an instance of riotous excess Etymology : text,Italian {it}carnevale{/it}, alteration of earlier {it}carnelevare{/it}, literally, removal of meat, from {it}carne{/it} flesh (from Latin {it}carn-, caro{/it}) + {it}levare{/it} to remove, from Latin, to raise
vertigo
a sensation of motion in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily # a dizzy confused state of mind # disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals; also : a disease (such as gid) causing this Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}vertigin-, vertigo{/it}, from {it}vertere{/it} to turn
motto
a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use # a short expression of a guiding principle Etymology : text,Italian, from Late Latin {it}muttum{/it} grunt, from Latin {it}muttire{/it} to mutter
sycophant
a servile self-seeking flatterer Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}sȳcophanta,{/it} borrowed from Greek {it}sȳkophántēs,{/it} literally, "one who shows the fig," from {it}sŷkon{/it} "fig" (perhaps in reference to an apotropaic gesture made by inserting the thumb between the index and second fingers) + {it}-phantēs,{/it} agentive derivative of {it}phaínein{/it} "to reveal, show, make known"; perhaps from the use of such a gesture in denouncing a culprit {ma}{mat|fig:1|}, {mat|fancy:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The origin of Greek {it}sȳkophántēs,{/it} applied in ancient Athens to private individuals who brought prosecutions in which they had no personal stake, was already under debate by ancient writers. The "apotropaic gesture" hypothesis given here was presented early on by Arthur Bernard Cook ("CΥΚΟΦΑΝΤΗC," {it}The Classical Review,{/it} vol. 31 [1907], pp. 133-36); Cook also usefully summarizes ancient speculation (as the idea that the original {it}sȳkophántēs{/it} denounced those who illegally exported figs from Attica). The objection has been made that the basic notion "one who makes the fig gesture" does not account for the extremely negative connotations of the word ("slanderer, calumniator, etc."), but other explanations (as, for example, that a {it}sȳkophántēs{/it} revealed figs hidden in a malefactor's clothing, or initiated a prosecution for something of as little value as a fig) seem even less likely. A more nuanced, if not entirely convincing account, based on presumed fig metaphors in Athenian culture, is in Danielle Allen, {it}The World of Prometheus: The Politics of Punishing in Democratic Athens{/it} (Princeton University Press, 2000), p. 156 passim.
pulley
a sheave or small wheel with a grooved rim and with or without the block in which it runs used singly with a rope or chain to change the direction and point of application of a pulling force and in various combinations to increase the applied force especially for lifting weights # a pulley or pulleys with ropes to form a tackle that constitutes one of the simple machines # a wheel used to transmit power by means of a band, belt, cord, rope, or chain passing over its rim Etymology : text,Middle English {it}poley, pully{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}pulie{/it}, probably ultimately from Greek {it}polos{/it} axis, pole {ma}{mat|pole|}{/ma}
sandal
a shoe consisting of a sole strapped to the foot # a low-cut shoe that fastens by an ankle strap # a strap to hold on a slipper or low shoe Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}sandalium{/it}, from Greek {it}sandalion{/it}, diminutive of {it}sandalon{/it} sandal
skateboard
a short board mounted on small wheels that is used for coasting and for performing athletic stunts
bristle
a short stiff coarse hair or filament Etymology : text,Middle English {it}bristil{/it}, from {it}brust{/it} bristle, from Old English {it}byrst{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}burst{/it} bristle, and perhaps to Latin {it}fastigium{/it} top
uranium
a silvery heavy radioactive polyvalent metallic element that is found especially in uraninite and exists naturally as a mixture of mostly nonfissionable isotopes Etymology : text,New Latin, from {it}Uranus{/it}
thunderbolt
a single discharge of lightning with the accompanying thunder # an imaginary elongated mass cast as a missile to earth in the lightning flash # a person or thing that resembles lightning in suddenness, effectiveness, or destructive power
clarinet
a single-reed woodwind instrument having a cylindrical tube with a moderately flared bell and a usual range from D below middle C upward for 31/2 octaves Etymology : text,French {it}clarinette{/it}, probably ultimately from Medieval Latin {it}clarion-, clario{/it}
mason
a skilled worker who builds by laying units of substantial material (such as stone or brick) # freemason Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English {it}macian{/it} to make
follicle
a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression # a small lymph node # a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells; especially : graafian follicle Etymology : text,New Latin {it}folliculus{/it}, from Latin, diminutive of {it}follis{/it} bag {ma}{mat|fool|}{/ma}
purse
a small bag for money # a receptacle (such as a pocketbook) for carrying money and often other small objects # a receptacle (such as a pouch) shaped like a purse Etymology : text,Middle English {it}purs{/it}, from Old English, modification of Medieval Latin {it}bursa{/it}, from Late Latin, ox hide, from Greek {it}byrsa{/it}
satchel
a small bag often with a shoulder strap Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sachel{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}sachel, sacel{/it}, from Late Latin {it}saccellum{/it}, diminutive of Latin {it}sacculus{/it}, diminutive of {it}saccus{/it} bag {ma}{mat|sack|}{/ma}
robin
a small chiefly European thrush (Erithacus rubecula) resembling a warbler and having a brownish-olive back and orangish face and breast # any of various Old World songbirds that are related to or resemble the European robin # a large North American thrush (Turdus migratorius) with olivaceous to slate-gray upperparts, blackish head and tail, black and whitish streaked throat, and dull reddish breast and underparts Etymology : text,akin to Dutch dialect {it}robijntje{/it} linnet, Frisian {it}robyntsje{/it}
minnow
a small cyprinid, killifish, or topminnow # any of various small fish that are less than a designated size and are not game fish # a live or artificial minnow used as bait Etymology : text,Middle English {it}menawe{/it}; akin to Old English {it}myne{/it} minnow, Old High German {it}munewa{/it}, a kind of fish
eyelet
a small hole designed to receive a cord or used for decoration (as in embroidery) # a small typically metal ring to reinforce an eyelet : grommet # peephole, loophole Etymology : text,alteration of Middle English {it}oilet{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}oillet{/it}, diminutive of {it}oil{/it} eye, from Latin {it}oculus{/it}
ravine
a small narrow steep-sided valley that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon and that is usually worn by running water Etymology : text,French, from Middle French, rapine, rush, from Latin {it}rapina{/it} rapine
jalapeño
a small plump dark green chili pepper of Mexico and the southern U.S. —called also jalapeño pepper Etymology : text,Mexican Spanish, from {it}jalapeño{/it}, adjective, of Jalapa
teaspoon
a small spoon that is used especially for eating soft foods and stirring beverages and that holds about one third of a tablespoon # a unit of measure especially in cookery equal to 1/6 fluid ounce or 1/3 tablespoon (5 milliliters)
shingle
a small thin piece of building material often with one end thicker than the other for laying in overlapping rows as a covering for the roof or sides of a building # a small signboard especially designating a professional office —used chiefly in the phrase hang out one's shingle # a woman's haircut with the hair trimmed short from the back of the head to the nape Etymology : text,Middle English {it}schingel{/it}, alteration of Old English {it}scindel{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}scindula{/it}, alteration of Latin {it}scandula{/it}
marionette
a small-scale usually wooden figure (as of a person) with jointed limbs that is moved from above by manipulation of the attached strings or wires Etymology : text,French {it}marionnette{/it}, from Middle French {it}maryonete{/it}, from {it}Marion{/it}, diminutive of {it}Marie{/it} Mary
gaffe
a social or diplomatic blunder # a noticeable mistake Etymology : text,borrowed from French, probably a sense development of {it}gaffe{/it} {et_link|gaff:1|gaff:1}
civics
a social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens
testimony
a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official # firsthand authentication of a fact : evidence # an outward sign Etymology : text,Middle English {it}testimonie{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin {it}testimonium{/it} Decalogue, from Latin, evidence, witness, from {it}testis{/it} witness {ma}{mat|testament|}{/ma}
bulwark
a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : rampart # breakwater, seawall # a strong support or protection Etymology : text,Middle English {it}bulwerke{/it}, from Middle Dutch {it}bolwerc{/it}, from {it}bolle{/it} tree trunk + {it}werc{/it} work
vinegar
a sour liquid obtained by fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids and used as a condiment or preservative # ill humor : sourness # vim Etymology : text,Middle English {it}vinegre{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}vin egre{/it}, from {it}vin{/it} wine (from Latin {it}vinum{/it}) + {it}egre{/it} keen, sour {ma}{mat|eager|}{/ma}
talent
a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude # general intelligence or mental power : ability # the natural endowments of a person Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}talente{/it}, from Latin {it}talenta{/it}, plural of {it}talentum{/it} unit of weight or money, from Greek {it}talanton{/it} pan of a scale, weight; akin to Greek {it}tlēnai{/it} to bear; in senses 3-5, from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 {ma}{mat|tolerate|}{/ma}
graphologist
a specialist in graphology
physicists
a specialist in physics # a person skilled in natural science
technician
a specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation # one who has acquired the technique of an art or other area of specialization Etymology : text, {et_link|techn(ic)|technic} or {et_link|techn(ical):1|technical:1} + {et_link|-ician|-ician}
organelle
a specialized cellular part (such as a mitochondrion, chloroplast, or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ Etymology : text,New Latin {it}organella{/it}, from Latin {it}organum{/it}
cascade
a steep usually small fall of water; especially : one of a series # something arranged or occurring in a series or in a succession of stages so that each stage derives from or acts upon the product of the preceding # a fall of material (such as lace) that hangs in a zigzag line and that is used especially in clothing and draperies Etymology : text,French, from Italian {it}cascata{/it}, from {it}cascare{/it} to fall, from Vulgar Latin {it}*casicare{/it}, from Latin {it}casus{/it} fall
naissant
a stomach distress with distaste for food and an urge to vomit # extreme disgust Etymology : text,Latin, seasickness, nausea, from Greek {it}nautia, nausia{/it}, from {it}nautēs{/it} sailor {ma}{mat|nautical|}{/ma}
cyclone
a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings heavy rain # tornado # low:2 Etymology : text,modification of Greek {it}kyklōma{/it} wheel, coil, from {it}kykloun{/it} to go around, from {it}kyklos{/it} circle
legend
a story coming down from the past; especially : one popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable # a body of such stories # a popular myth of recent origin Etymology : text,Middle English {it}legende{/it}, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French {it}legende{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}legenda{/it}, from Latin, feminine of {it}legendus{/it}, gerundive of {it}legere{/it} to gather, select, read; akin to Greek {it}legein{/it} to gather, say, {it}logos{/it} speech, word, reason
brogue
a stout coarse shoe worn formerly in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands # a heavy shoe often with a hobnailed sole : brogan # a stout oxford shoe with perforations and usually a wing tip Etymology : text,Irish {it}bróg{/it} & Scottish Gaelic {it}bròg{/it}, from Middle Irish {it}bróc{/it}, probably from Old Norse {it}brōk{/it} leg covering; akin to Old English {it}brōc{/it} leg covering {ma}{mat|breech|}{/ma}
suture
a strand or fiber used to sew parts of the living body; also : a stitch made with a suture # the act or process of sewing with sutures # a uniting of parts Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin {it}sutura{/it} seam, suture, from {it}sutus{/it}, past participle of {it}suere{/it} to sew {ma}{mat|sew|}{/ma}
zither
a stringed instrument having usually 30 to 40 strings over a shallow horizontal soundboard and played with pick and fingers Etymology : text,German, from Old High German {it}zitara, cithara{/it}, from Latin {it}cithara{/it} cithara {ma}{mat|cither|}{/ma}
antipathy
a strong feeling of dislike # something disliked : an object of aversion # opposition in feeling Etymology : text,Latin {it}antipathia{/it}, from Greek {it}antipatheia{/it}, from {it}antipathēs{/it} of opposite feelings, from {it}anti-{/it} + {it}pathos{/it} experience {ma}{mat|pathos|}{/ma}
revulsive
a strong pulling or drawing away : withdrawal # a sudden or strong reaction or change # a sense of utter distaste or repugnance Etymology : text,Latin {it}revulsion-, revulsio{/it} act of tearing away, from {it}revellere{/it} to pluck away, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}vellere{/it} to pluck {ma}{mat|vulnerable|}{/ma}
teak
a tall tropical Asian timber tree (Tectona grandis) of the vervain family # the hard yellowish-brown wood of teak used especially for furniture and shipbuilding Etymology : text,Portuguese {it}teca{/it}, from Malayalam {it}tēkka{/it}
hollyhock
a tall widely cultivated biennial or perennial herb (Alcea rosea synonym Althaea rosea) of the mallow family that has large coarse rounded leaves and tall spikes of showy flowers and that is probably of Asian origin Etymology : text,Middle English {it}holihoc{/it} marshmallow, from {it}holi{/it} holy + {it}hoc{/it} mallow, from Old English
tarmac
a tarmacadam road, apron, or runway Etymology : text,from {it}Tarmac{/it}, a trademark
ginger
a thickened pungent aromatic rhizome that is used as a spice and sometimes medicinally # the spice usually prepared by drying and grinding ginger # any of a genus (Zingiber of the family Zingiberaceae, the ginger family) of herbs with pungent aromatic rhizomes; especially : a widely cultivated tropical herb (Z. officinale) that supplies most commercial ginger Etymology : text,Middle English, alteration of Old English {it}gingifer{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}gingiber{/it}, alteration of Latin {it}zingiber{/it}, from Greek {it}zingiberi{/it}, of Indo-Aryan origin; akin to Pali {it}siṅgivēra{/it} ginger
molars
a tooth with a rounded or flattened surface adapted for grinding; specifically : one of the cheek teeth in mammals behind the incisors and canines Etymology : text,Middle English {it}molares{/it}, plural, from Latin {it}molaris{/it}, from {it}molaris{/it} of a mill, from {it}mola{/it} millstone {ma}{mat|mill|}{/ma}
nacho
a tortilla chip topped with melted cheese and often additional savory toppings (such as hot peppers or refried beans) Etymology : text,probably borrowed from Spanish {it}Nacho,{/it} hypocoristic form of the personal name {it}Ignacio{/it} # et_snote,t,According to a story that apparently first appeared in the {it}San Antonio Express{/it} on May 23, 1954 ("Nacho's? Natch!", by Clarence D. LaRoche, p. 3H), the dish was devised in 1940 by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya García (1895-1975), a waiter (in other versions a maitre d' or chef) at a restaurant in Piedras Negras, Mexico. As related by LaRoche and in later versions, the story has stock elements of a culinary origin myth: late in the day a waiter or chef is pressed to come up with food to satisfy hungry customers and with limited ingredients left in the kitchen invents a new dish. Similar stories purport to explain the origins of other eponymous dishes, as the Reuben sandwich, Buffalo wings and Caesar salad. Though a print connection between "Nacho" Anaya and nachos is relatively early—predating the popularity of the snack outside south Texas—the first citations for nacho, in 1948 and 1949, make no reference to him.
ligament
a tough fibrous band of tissue connecting the articular extremities of bones or supporting an organ in place # a connecting or unifying bond Etymology : text,Middle English, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin {it}ligamentum{/it}, from Latin, band, tie, from {it}ligare{/it}
island
a tract of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent # something resembling an island especially in its isolated or surrounded position: such as # a usually raised area within a thoroughfare, parking lot, or driveway used especially to separate or direct traffic Etymology : text,alteration (influenced by Anglo-French {it}isle{/it}) of earlier {it}iland{/it}, from Middle English, from Old English {it}īgland{/it} (akin to Old Norse {it}eyland{/it}), from {it}īg{/it} island (akin to Old English {it}ēa{/it} river, Latin {it}aqua{/it} water) + {it}land{/it} land
furrow
a trench in the earth made by a plow # plowed land : field # something that resembles the track of a plow: such as Etymology : text,Middle English {it}furgh, forow{/it}, from Old English {it}furh{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}furuh{/it} furrow, Latin {it}porca{/it}
shamrock
a trifoliolate plant used as a floral emblem by the Irish: such as # a yellow-flowered Old World clover (Trifolium dubium) often regarded as the true shamrock # wood sorrel Etymology : text,Irish {it}seamróg{/it}, diminutive of {it}seamar{/it} clover
torrent
a tumultuous outpouring : rush # a violent stream of a liquid (such as water or lava) # a channel of a mountain stream Etymology : text,Middle French, from Latin {it}torrent-, torrens{/it}, from {it}torrent-, torrens{/it}, adjective, burning, seething, rushing, from present participle of {it}torrēre{/it} to parch, burn {ma}{mat|thirst|}{/ma}
episode
a usually brief unit of action in a dramatic or literary work: such as # the part of an ancient Greek tragedy between two choric songs # a developed situation that is integral to but separable from a continuous narrative : incident Etymology : text,Greek {it}epeisodion{/it}, from neuter of {it}epeisodios{/it} coming in besides, from {it}epi-{/it} + {it}eisodios{/it} coming in, from {it}eis{/it} into (akin to Greek {it}en{/it} in) + {it}hodos{/it} road, journey {ma}{mat|in|}{/ma}
kaftan
a usually cotton or silk ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is common throughout the Middle East
caftan
a usually cotton or silk ankle-length garment with long sleeves that is common throughout the Middle East Etymology : text,Russian & Turkish; Russian {it}kaftan{/it}, from Turkish, from Persian {it}qaftān{/it}
caramel
a usually firm to brittle, golden-brown to dark brown substance that has a sweet, nutty, buttery, or bitter flavor, is obtained by heating sugar at high temperature, and used especially as a coloring and flavoring agent # a firm, chewy, usually caramel-flavored candy made with sugar, cream, corn syrup, and butter Etymology : text,French, from Spanish {it}caramelo{/it}, from Portuguese, icicle, caramel, from Late Latin {it}calamellus{/it} small reed {ma}{mat|shawm|}{/ma}
tapioca
a usually granular preparation of cassava starch used especially in puddings and as a thickening in liquid food; also : a dish (such as pudding) containing tapioca # cassava Etymology : text,Portuguese, from Tupi {it}tɨpɨʔóka{/it}
jadeite
a usually green monoclinic mineral of the pyroxene group that is a silicate of sodium and aluminum and is a jade Etymology : text,French
lantern
a usually portable protective case for a light with transparent openings # lighthouse # the chamber in a lighthouse containing the light Etymology : text,Middle English {it}lanterne{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}lanterna{/it}, from Greek {it}lamptēr{/it}, from {it}lampein{/it} to shine {ma}{mat|lamp|}{/ma}
pellet
a usually small rounded, spherical, or cylindrical body (as of food or medicine) # a wad of indigestible material (as of bones and fur) regurgitated by a bird of prey # any of various projectiles fired from a weapon (such as an air rifle) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}pelote{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin {it}*pilota{/it}, diminutive of Latin {it}pila{/it} ball
cartilage
a usually translucent somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (such as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates # a part or structure composed of cartilage Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}cartilagin-, cartilago{/it}
dilemma
a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice # a situation involving such a choice; broadly : predicament # a problem involving a difficult choice Etymology : text,Late Latin, from Late Greek {it}dilēmmat-, dilēmma{/it}, probably back-formation from Greek {it}dilēmmatos{/it} involving two assumptions, from {it}di-{/it} + {it}lēmmat-, lēmma{/it} assumption {ma}{mat|lemma|}{/ma}
funnel
a utensil that is usually a hollow cone with a tube extending from the smaller end and that is designed to catch and direct a downward flow # something shaped like a funnel # a stack or flue for the escape of smoke or for ventilation (as on a ship) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}fonel{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}fonyle{/it}, from Old Occitan {it}fonilh{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}fundibulum{/it}, short for Latin {it}infundibulum{/it}, from {it}infundere{/it} to pour in, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}fundere{/it} to pour {ma}{mat|found|}{/ma}
vacancy
a vacant office, post, or tenancy # a vacating of an office, post, or piece of property # the time such office or property is vacant Etymology : text,{et_link|vac(ant)|vacant} + {et_link|-ancy|-ancy}, in part after Medieval Latin {it}vacantia{/it}
volcano
a vent in the crust of the earth or another planet or a moon from which usually molten or hot rock and steam issue; also : a hill or mountain composed wholly or in part of the ejected material # something of explosively violent potential Etymology : text,Italian or Spanish; Italian {it}vulcano{/it}, from Spanish {it}volcán{/it}, ultimately from Latin {it}Volcanus{/it} Vulcan
silver
a very malleable metallic chemical element with atomic number 47 that is capable of a high degree of polish, has the highest thermal and electric conductivity of any substance, and that is used especially in jewelry and tableware, in electronics, and as an antimicrobial # silver as a commodity # coin made of silver Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}seolfor{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}silbar{/it} silver, Lithuanian {it}sidabras{/it}
onion
a widely cultivated Asian herb (Allium cepa) of the lily family with pungent edible bulbs; also : its bulb # any of various plants of the same genus as the onion Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}oignon{/it}, from Latin {it}union-, unio{/it}
eggplant
a widely cultivated perennial Asian herb (Solanum melongena) of the nightshade family yielding edible fruit # the usually smooth ovoid typically blackish-purple or white fruit of the eggplant # a dark grayish or blackish purple
dowager
a widow holding property or a title from her deceased husband # a dignified elderly woman Etymology : text,Middle French {it}douagiere{/it}, from {it}douage{/it} dower, from {it}douer{/it} to endow {ma}{mat|endow|}{/ma}
adjective
a word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages and typically serving as a modifier of a noun to denote a quality of the thing named, to indicate its quantity or extent, or to specify a thing as distinct from something else Etymology : text,Middle English {it}adjectif,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French {it}adjectyf,{/it} borrowed from Late Latin {it}adjectīvum,{/it} from neuter of {it}adjectivus{/it} {et_link|adjective:2|adjective:2} (as translation of Greek {it}epítheton{/it})
trope
a word or expression used in a figurative sense : figure of speech # a common or overused theme or device : cliché # a phrase or verse added as an embellishment or interpolation to the sung parts of the Mass in the Middle Ages Etymology : text,Latin {it}tropus{/it}, from Greek {it}tropos{/it} turn, way, manner, style, trope, from {it}trepein{/it} to turn
carpenter
a worker who builds or repairs wooden structures or their structural parts Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}carpenter, charpenter{/it}, from Latin {it}carpentarius{/it} carriage maker, from {it}carpentum{/it} carriage, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish {it}carpat{/it} chariot, {it}carr{/it} vehicle {ma}{mat|car|}{/ma}
novelist
a writer of novels Etymology : text, {et_link|novel:2|novel:2} + {et_link|-ist:1|-ist:1}
tragedian
a writer of tragedies # an actor specializing in tragic roles Etymology : text,Middle English {it}tragedien{/it}, from Middle French, from {it}tragedie{/it}
wordmonger
a writer who uses words for show or without particular regard for meaning
manifesto
a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer Etymology : text,Italian, denunciation, manifest, from {it}manifestare{/it} to manifest, from Latin, from {it}manifestus{/it}
misconception
a wrong or inaccurate idea or conception
turpentine
a yellow to brown semifluid oleoresin obtained as an exudate from the terebinth # an oleoresin obtained from various conifers (as some pines and firs) # an essential oil obtained from turpentines by distillation and used especially as a solvent and thinner —called also gum turpentine Etymology : text,Middle English {it}terbentyne, turpentyne{/it}, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French {it}terebentine{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}terbentina{/it}, from Latin {it}terebinthina{/it}, feminine of {it}terebinthinus{/it} of terebinth, from {it}terebinthus{/it} terebinth, from Greek {it}terebinthos{/it}
bachelorette
a young unmarried woman Etymology : text,{et_link|bachelor:1|bachelor:1} + {et_link|-ette|-ette}
discountenance
abash, disconcert # to look with disfavor on : discourage by evidence of disapproval
faculty
ability, power: such as # innate or acquired ability to act or do # an inherent capability, power, or function Etymology : text,Middle English {it}faculte{/it} "power, ability, field of knowledge, branch of learning at a university," borrowed from Anglo-French {it}faculté,{/it} borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}facultāt-, facultās{/it} (Latin, "power, ability, opportunity, quantity available"), from Latin {it}*faklis,{/it} earlier form of {it}facilis{/it} "easy, accommodating" + {it}-tāt-, -tās{/it} {et_link|-ty|-ty} {ma}{mat|facile|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,Latin {it}facultās{/it} presumably developed from an original {it}*faklitāts{/it} (via {it}*fakl̥tāts{/it} > {it}*fakiltāts{/it} > {it}facultās{/it}), and hence is a doublet of {it}facilitās{/it} "quality of being easily performed" (see {et_link|facility|facility}), a derivative formed after {it}facilis{/it} had assumed its attested form (with {it}*-klis{/it} > {it}-cilis{/it}). The difference in meaning between the two derivatives suggests the original adjective {it}*faklis{/it} may have meant something like "possessing the power, able" (whence "easily done," conforming to other adjectives in {it}-ilis{/it}).
agoraphobia
abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing that is characterized initially often by panic or anticipatory anxiety and finally by the avoidance of open or public places Etymology : text,borrowed from German {it}Agoraphobie,{/it} from Greek {it}agorā-,{/it} combining form of {it}agorá{/it} "place of assembly, {et_link|agora:1|agora:1}" + German {it}-phobie{/it} {et_link|-phobia|-phobia} # et_snote,t,The term was introduced by the German neurologist and psychiatrist Carl Friedrich Otto Westphal (1833-90) in "Die Agoraphobie, eine neuropathische Erscheinung," {it}Archiv für Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten,{/it} Band 3, Heft 1 (1871), pp. 138-161. Westphal gives as his vernacular equivalent {it}Platzfurcht.{/it}
varicose
abnormally swollen or dilated # affected with varicose veins Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}varicōsus{/it} "suffering from dilated veins," from {it}varic-, varix{/it} "dilated vein, {et_link|varix|varix}" + {it}-ōsus{/it} {et_link|-ose:1|-ose:1}
usual
accordant with usage, custom, or habit : normal # commonly or ordinarily used # found in ordinary practice or in the ordinary course of events : ordinary Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}usuel{/it}, from Late Latin {it}usualis{/it}, from Latin {it}usus{/it} use
genuine
actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character # actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author # sincerely and honestly felt or experienced Etymology : text,Latin {it}genuinus{/it} innate, genuine; akin to Latin {it}gignere{/it} to beget {ma}{mat|kin|}{/ma}
suitable
adapted to a use or purpose # satisfying propriety : proper # able, qualified
sticky
adhesive # viscous, gluey # coated with a sticky substance
consternation
amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion Etymology : text,French or Latin; French, from Latin {it}consternation-, consternatio{/it}, from {it}consternare{/it} to throw into confusion, from {it}com-{/it} + {it}-sternare{/it}, probably from {it}sternere{/it} to spread, strike down {ma}{mat|strew|}{/ma}
genealogical
an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms # regular descent of a person, family, or group of organisms from a progenitor or older form : pedigree # the study of family ancestral lines Etymology : text,Middle English {it}genealogie{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin {it}genealogia{/it}, from Greek, from {it}genea{/it} race, family + {it}-logia{/it} -logy; akin to Greek {it}genos{/it} race
transcription
an act, process, or instance of transcribing # copy, transcript: such as # an arrangement of a musical composition for some instrument or voice other than the original
transference
an act, process, or instance of transferring : conveyance, transfer # the redirection of feelings and desires and especially of those unconsciously retained from childhood toward a new object (such as a psychoanalyst conducting therapy)
apology
an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret # an expression of regret for not being able to do something # something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize : defense Etymology : text,Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French {it}apologie{/it}, from Late Latin {it}apologia{/it}, from Greek, from {it}apo-{/it} + {it}logos{/it} speech {ma}{mat|legend|}{/ma}
gander
an adult male goose # simpleton Etymology : text,Middle English {it}gandre, gander{/it}, going back to Old English {it}gandra, ganra{/it}, going back to Germanic {it}*gan-ra-{/it} (whence Middle Low German {it}ganre{/it} "male goose," Upper German dialect {it}Gander, Ganter{/it}), derivative from the base of Germanic {it}*gan-s-{/it} "goose" {ma}{mat|goose:1|}{/ma}
utilitarian
an advocate or adherent of utilitarianism
amphibian
an amphibious organism; especially : any of a class (Amphibia) of cold-blooded vertebrates (such as frogs, toads, or salamanders) intermediate in many characters between fish and reptiles and having gilled aquatic larvae and air-breathing adults # an amphibious vehicle; especially : an airplane designed to take off from and land on either land or water Etymology : text,ultimately from Greek {it}amphibion{/it} amphibious being, from neuter of {it}amphibios{/it}
colic
an attack of acute abdominal pain localized in a hollow organ and often caused by spasm, obstruction, or twisting # a condition marked by recurrent episodes of prolonged and uncontrollable crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant that is of unknown cause and usually subsides after three to four months of age Etymology : text,Middle English, from Medieval Latin {it}colica (passio){/it} intestinal (suffering), from Late Latin {it}colicus{/it} of the colon, colicky, from Greek {it}kōlikos{/it}, from {it}kōlon{/it}, alteration of {it}kolon{/it} colon
mandate
an authoritative command; especially : a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one # an authorization to act given to a representative # an order or commission granted by the League of Nations to a member nation for the establishment of a responsible government over a former German colony or other conquered territory Etymology : text,Middle French & Latin; Middle French {it}mandat{/it}, from Latin {it}mandatum{/it}, from neuter of {it}mandatus{/it}, past participle of {it}mandare{/it} to entrust, enjoin, probably irregular from {it}manus{/it} hand + {it}-dere{/it} to put {ma}{mat|manual|}, {mat|do|}{/ma}
epoch
an event or a time marked by an event that begins a new period or development # a memorable event or date # an extended period of time usually characterized by a distinctive development or by a memorable series of events Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}epocha{/it}, from Greek {it}epochē{/it} cessation, fixed point, from {it}epechein{/it} to pause, hold back, from {it}epi-{/it} + {it}echein{/it} to hold {ma}{mat|scheme:1|}{/ma}
appellation
an identifying name or title : designation # a geographical name (as of a region, village, or vineyard) under which a winegrower is authorized to identify and market wine; also : the area designated by such a name # the act of calling by a name Etymology : text,Middle English {it}appellacyon,{/it} borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French {it}appellacion,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}appellātiōn-, appellātiō{/it} "name, designation, noun, appeal," from {it}appellāre{/it} "to speak to, address, apply to for support, refer to a higher authority, call upon, name, designate" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō,{/it} suffix of verbal action; in sense 2 borrowed from French, going back to Middle French{ma}{mat|appeal:2|}{/ma}
bugaboo
an imaginary object of fear # bugbear; also : something that causes fear or distress out of proportion to its importance Etymology : text,earlier {it}buggybow, bugger-bo{/it}, of unknown origin
dystopia
an imagined world or society in which people lead wretched, dehumanized, fearful lives # anti-utopia Etymology : text, {et_link|dys-|dys-} + {it}-topia{/it} (in {et_link|utopia|utopia})
rhinestone
an imitation stone of high luster made of glass, paste, or gem quartz Etymology : text,{it}Rhine{/it} River
stencil
an impervious material (such as a sheet of paper, thin wax, or woven fabric) perforated with lettering or a design through which a substance (such as ink, paint, or metallic powder) is forced onto a surface to be printed # something (such as a pattern, design, or print) that is produced by means of a stencil # a printing process that uses a stencil Etymology : text,probably ultimately from Middle English {it}stanseld{/it} brightly ornamented, from Anglo-French {it}estencelé{/it} spangled, past participle of {it}estenceler{/it} to sparkle, from {it}estencele{/it} spark, from Vulgar Latin {it}*stincilla{/it}, alteration of Latin {it}scintilla{/it}
scythe
an implement used for mowing grass, grain, or other crops and composed of a long curving blade fastened at an angle to a long handle Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sithe{/it}, from Old English {it}sīthe{/it}; akin to Old English {it}sagu{/it} saw {ma}{mat|saw|}{/ma}
utensils
an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen # a useful tool or implement Etymology : text,Middle English, vessels for domestic use, from Middle French {it}utensile{/it}, from Latin {it}utensilia{/it}, from neuter plural of {it}utensilis{/it} useful, from {it}uti{/it} to use
bias
an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially : a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment : prejudice # an instance of such prejudice # bent, tendency Etymology : text,Middle French {it}biais{/it}
malaise
an indefinite feeling of debility or lack of health often indicative of or accompanying the onset of an illness # a vague sense of mental or moral ill-being Etymology : text,French {it}malaise{/it}, from Old French, from {it}mal-{/it} + {it}aise{/it} comfort {ma}{mat|ease|}{/ma}
memorandum
an informal record; also : a written reminder # an informal written record of an agreement that has not yet become official # an informal diplomatic communication Etymology : text,Middle English, to be remembered, from Latin, neuter of {it}memorandus{/it}, gerundive of {it}memorare{/it}
kaleidoscope
an instrument containing loose bits of colored material (such as glass or plastic) between two flat plates and two plane mirrors so placed that changes of position of the bits of material are reflected in an endless variety of patterns # something resembling a kaleidoscope: such as # a variegated changing pattern or scene Etymology : text,Greek {it}kalos{/it} beautiful + {it}eidos{/it} form + English {it}-scope{/it} {ma}{mat|idyll|}{/ma}
anemometers
an instrument for measuring and indicating the force or speed and sometimes direction of the wind
spectrometer
an instrument used for measuring wavelengths of light spectra # any of various analytical instruments in which an emission (as of particles or radiation) is dispersed according to some property (such as mass or energy) of the emission and the amount of dispersion is measured Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary
entente
an international understanding providing for a common course of action # a coalition of parties to an entente Etymology : text,French, from Old French, intent, understanding {ma}{mat|intent:1|}{/ma}
factoid
an invented fact believed to be true because it appears in print # a briefly stated and usually trivial fact Etymology : text, {et_link|fact|fact} + {et_link|-oid;1|-oid:1}
asylum
an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors : sanctuary # a place of retreat and security : shelter # the protection or security afforded by an asylum : refuge Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin, from Greek {it}asylon{/it}, neuter of {it}asylos{/it} inviolable, from {it}a-{/it} + {it}sylon{/it} right of seizure
karst
an irregular limestone region with sinkholes, underground streams, and caverns Etymology : text,German, from Slovene dialect or Croatian dialect {it}kras, kars{/it}, type of rock, region composed of such rock
landmark
an object (such as a stone or tree) that marks the boundary of land # a conspicuous object on land that marks a locality # an anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures
talisman
an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune # something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects Etymology : text,French {it}talisman{/it} or Spanish {it}talismán{/it} or Italian {it}talismano{/it}; all from Arabic {it}ṭilsam{/it}, from Middle Greek {it}telesma{/it}, from Greek, consecration, from {it}telein{/it} to initiate into the mysteries, complete, from {it}telos{/it} end {ma}{mat|telos|}{/ma}
incident
an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience : happening # an accompanying minor occurrence or condition : concomitant # an action likely to lead to grave consequences especially in diplomatic matters Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin {it}incident-, incidens{/it}, from Latin, present participle of {it}incidere{/it} to fall into, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}cadere{/it} to fall {ma}{mat|chance|}{/ma}
omen
an occurrence or phenomenon believed to portend a future event : augury Etymology : text,Latin {it}omin-, omen{/it}
penitentiary
an officer in some Roman Catholic dioceses vested with power from the bishop to deal with cases of a nature normally handled only by the bishop # a cardinal presiding over a tribunal of the Roman curia concerned with dispensations and indulgences # a public institution in which offenders against the law are confined for detention or punishment; specifically : a state or federal prison in the U.S. Etymology : text,Middle English {it}penitenciary{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}poenitentiarius{/it}, from {it}poenitentia{/it}
gadgets
an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty Etymology : text,perhaps a sound-symbolic coinage, with final as in {et_link|fidget:1|fidget:1}, {et_link|midget|midget}, {it}idjit{/it} (nonstandard form of {et_link|idiot|idiot})
petroleum
an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes Etymology : text,Middle English, "mineral oil," borrowed from Medieval Latin, "mineral oil, crude oil," from Latin {it}petra{/it} "rock" (borrowed from Greek {it}pétra{/it}) + {it}oleum{/it} "oil" {ma}{mat|petro-|}, {mat|oil:1|}{/ma}
crinoline
an open-weave fabric of horsehair or cotton that is usually stiffened and used especially for interlinings and millinery # a full stiff skirt or underskirt made of crinoline; also : hoopskirt Etymology : text,French, from Italian {it}crinolino{/it}, from {it}crino{/it} horsehair (from Latin {it}crinis{/it} hair) + {it}lino{/it} flax, linen, from Latin {it}linum{/it} {ma}{mat|crest|}{/ma}
seraphic
an order of angels # one of the 6-winged angels standing in the presence of God Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}seraphim{/it}, plural, seraphs, from Hebrew {it}śĕrāphīm{/it}
splurge
an ostentatious effort, display, or expenditure Etymology : text,perhaps blend of {it}splash{/it} and {it}surge{/it}
evidence
an outward sign : indication # something that furnishes proof : testimony; specifically : something legally submitted to a tribunal to ascertain the truth of a matter # one who bears witness; especially : one who voluntarily confesses a crime and testifies for the prosecution against one's accomplices
kiln
an oven, furnace, or heated enclosure used for processing a substance by burning, firing, or drying Etymology : text,Middle English {it}kilne{/it}, from Old English {it}cyln{/it}, from Latin {it}culina{/it} kitchen, from {it}coquere{/it} to cook {ma}{mat|cook|}{/ma}
maverick
an unbranded range animal; especially : a motherless calf # an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party Etymology : text,Samuel A. {it}Maverick{/it} †1870 American pioneer who did not brand his calves
frittata
an unfolded omelet often containing chopped vegetables or meats Etymology : text,Italian, from {it}fritto{/it} fried {ma}{mat|frit:1|}{/ma}
accident
an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance # lack of intention or necessity : chance # an unfortunate event resulting especially from carelessness or ignorance Etymology : text,Middle English, "happening, nonessential property, diseased condition, disturbance (of the mind)," borrowed from Anglo-French, "irregularity, incident, symptom," borrowed from Latin {it}accident-, accidens{/it} "chance event, contingent attribute" (translating Greek {it}symbebēkós{/it}), from present participle of {it}accidere{/it} "to fall down, impinge on, be heard, happen," from {it}ad-{/it} {et_link|ad-|ad-} + {it}cadere{/it} "to fall" {ma}{mat|chance:1|}{/ma}
jitney
an unlicensed taxicab # bus; especially : a small bus that carries passengers over a regular route on a flexible schedule # nickel Etymology : text,origin unknown
Angus
any of a breed of usually black hornless beef cattle originating in Scotland Etymology : text,{it}Angus{/it}, county in Scotland
mastiff
any of a breed of very large massive powerful smooth-coated dogs that are apricot, fawn, or brindle and are often used as guard dogs Etymology : text,Middle English {it}mastif{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}mastivus{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*masuetivus{/it}, from Latin {it}mansuetus{/it} tame {ma}{mat|mansuetude|}{/ma}
Chihuahua
any of a breed of very small roundheaded dogs that occur in short-coated and long-coated varieties Etymology : text,Mexican Spanish, from {it}Chihuahua{/it}, Mexico
placoderm
any of a class (Placodermi) of extinct chiefly Devonian fishes with an armor of bony plates and primitive jaw structures Etymology : text,New Latin {it}Placodermi{/it}, ultimately from Greek {it}plak-, plax{/it} + {it}derma{/it} skin {ma}{mat|derm-|}{/ma}
cactus
any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found especially in dry areas (such as deserts) Etymology : text,New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cardoon, from Greek {it}kaktos{/it}
cricket
any of a family (Gryllidae) of leaping orthopteran insects noted for the chirping notes produced by the male by rubbing together specially modified parts of the forewings # a low wooden footstool # a small metal toy or signaling device that makes a sharp click or snap when pressed Etymology : text,Middle English {it}criket{/it}, from Anglo-French, of imitative origin
hyrax
any of a family (Procaviidae) of small ungulate mammals of Africa and the Middle East characterized by thickset body with short legs and ears and rudimentary tail, feet with soft pads and broad nails, and teeth of which the molars resemble those of the rhinoceros and the incisors those of rodents —called also coney, dassie Etymology : text,Greek {it}hyrak-, hyrax{/it} shrew
tortoise
any of a family (Testudinidae) of terrestrial turtles; broadly : turtle # someone or something regarded as slow or laggard Etymology : text,Middle English {it}tortu, tortuse{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}tortue{/it} {ma}{mat|turtle|}{/ma}
wren
any of a family (Troglodytidae) of small typically brownish oscine singing birds; especially : a very small widely distributed bird (Troglodytes troglodytes) that has a short erect tail and is noted for its song # any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits Etymology : text,Middle English {it}wrenne{/it}, from Old English {it}wrenna{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}rentilo{/it} wren
brontophobia
any of a genus (Apatosaurus) of very large sauropod dinosaurs of the Late Jurassic : apatosaurus Etymology : text,New Latin, from Greek {it}brontē{/it} thunder + {it}sauros{/it} lizard; akin to Greek {it}bremein{/it} to roar
eucalyptus
any of a genus (Eucalyptus) of mostly Australian evergreen trees or rarely shrubs of the myrtle family that have rigid entire leaves and umbellate flowers and are widely cultivated for their gums, resins, oils, and woods Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin, genus name, from Greek {it}eu-{/it} {et_link|eu-|eu-} + {it}kalyptós{/it} "covered," verbal adjective of {it}kalýptein{/it} "to cover, protect, conceal"; so named for the operculum that covers the developing buds {ma}{mat|apocalypse|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The genus name was introduced by the French botanist Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle (1746-1800) in {it}Sertum Anglicum, seu Plantae rariores quæ in hortis juxta Londinum, imprimis in Horto Regio Kewensi excoluntur{/it} (London, 1788), p. 11. According to E.V. Slee et al., {it}EUCLID: Eucalypts of Australia,{/it} 3rd edition (on-line publication), the specimen of {it}Eucalyptus obliqua{/it} which L'Héritier described in Kew Gardens had been procured in 1777 by the botanical collector David Nelson at Adventure Bay, Bruny Island, Tasmania, on James Cook's third voyage to the Pacific.
freesia
any of a genus (Freesia) of sweet-scented African herbs of the iris family with usually red, pink, white, or yellow flowers Etymology : text,New Latin, from F. H. T. {it}Freese{/it} †1876 German physician
heliotrope
any of a genus (Heliotropium) of herbs or shrubs of the borage family # bloodstone # a variable color averaging a moderate to reddish purple Etymology : text,Latin {it}heliotropium{/it}, from Greek {it}hēliotropion{/it}, from {it}hēlio-{/it} {et_link|heli-:1|heli-:1} + {it}tropos{/it} turn; from its flowers' turning toward the sun {ma}{mat|trope|}{/ma}
hydrangea
any of a genus (Hydrangea) of mostly shrubs having opposite leaves and showy clusters of usually sterile white, pink, or bluish flowers that is either placed in the saxifrage family or the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae) Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin, genus name, from Greek {it}hydr-{/it} {et_link|hydr-|hydr-} + New Latin {it}-angēa,{/it} feminine derivative from Greek {it}angeîon{/it} "vessel, container" {ma}{mat|angio-|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The genus name dates from {et_link|linnaeus's|Linnaeus:b} {it}Species plantarum,{/it} vol. 1 (1753), p. 397. Linnaeus took the name from Jan Frederik Gronovius and John Clayton's {it}Flora Virginica,{/it} pars prima (Leiden, 1739), p. 50. Since the 19th century the name {it}Hydrangea,{/it} taken to mean "water vessel," is said to refer to the "cup-like form of the seed-capsule" (hence {it}Oxford English Dictionary,{/it} first edition, 1899). However, Gronovius, presumably the immediate author of the text, gives no indication of the name's significance. He describes the fruit of {it}Hydrangea arborescens{/it} as "a small two-chambered vessel filled with tiny seeds, crowned with two small threads or little horns bent backward" ("...vasculo parvo bicapsulari seminibus minutissimis repleto, duobus parvis filamentis seu corniculis recurvis cornato"). This accords well with pictures of the plant's small seed capsules, though it takes some imagination to see an individual capsule as a water vessel.
lettuce
any of a genus (Lactuca) of composite plants; especially : a common garden vegetable (L. sativa) whose succulent leaves are used especially in salads Etymology : text,Middle English {it}letuse{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}letuse{/it}, probably from plural of {it}letue{/it} lettuce plant, from Latin {it}lactuca{/it}, from {it}lact-, lac{/it} milk; from its milky juice {ma}{mat|galaxy|}{/ma}
lupine
any of a genus (Lupinus) of leguminous herbs including some poisonous forms and others cultivated for their long showy racemes of usually blue, purple, white, or yellow flowers or for green manure, fodder, or their edible seeds; also : an edible lupine seed Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}lupinus, lupinum{/it}, from {it}lupinus{/it}, adjective
peony
any of a genus (Paeonia of the family Paeoniaceae) of chiefly Eurasian plants with large often double flowers # the flower of a peony Etymology : text,Middle English {it}piony{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}peonie, pioiné{/it}, from Latin {it}paeonia{/it}, from Greek {it}paiōnia{/it}, from {it}Paiōn{/it} Paeon, physician of the gods
paramecium
any of a genus (Paramecium) of ciliate chiefly freshwater protozoans that have an elongate body rounded at the anterior end and an oblique funnel-shaped buccal groove bearing the mouth at the extremity Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin {it}Paramecium,{/it} pre-Linnaean name for protozoa of the genus, from Greek {it}paramḗkēs{/it} "oblong, oval" (from {it}para-{/it} {et_link|para-:1|para-:1} + {it}-mēkēs,{/it} adjective corresponding to {it}mêkos{/it} "length, height, magnitude") + New Latin {it}-ium{/it} {et_link|-ium|-ium} {ma}{mat|meager|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The name {it}Paramecium{/it} was introduced, in both Latin descriptions and English descriptions maintaining the Latin coinage {it}Paramecium,{/it} by the English polymath John Hill (ca. 1714-1775) in {it}An History of Animals{/it} (London, 1752, vol. 3 of his {it}A General Natural History{/it}), p. 4. The word was first used as a Linnaean genus name by Otto Frederik Müller in {it}Vermivm terrestrium et fluviatilium, seu, Animalium infusoriorum...succincta historia,{/it} vol. 1 (Copenhagen & Leipzig, 1773), p. 54 (spelled unetymologically {it}Paramæcium,{/it} corrected in later publications).
pelican
any of a genus (Pelecanus) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}pellican{/it}, from Late Latin {it}pelecanus{/it}, from Greek {it}pelekan{/it}
phlox
any of a genus (Phlox of the family Polemoniaceae, the phlox family) of American annual or perennial herbs that have usually pink, purplish, white, or variegated flowers, a salverform corolla with the stamens on its tube, and a 3-valved capsular fruit Etymology : text,New Latin, from Latin, a flower, from Greek, flame, wallflower
mangrove
any of a genus (Rhizophora, especially R. mangle of the family Rhizophoraceae) of tropical maritime trees or shrubs that send out many prop roots and form dense masses important in coastal land building and as foundations of unique ecosystems # any of numerous trees (as of the genera Avicennia of the vervain family or Sonneratia of the family Sonneratiaceae) with growth habits like those of the true mangroves Etymology : text,probably from Portuguese {it}mangue{/it} mangrove (from Spanish {it}mangle{/it}, probably from Taino) + English {it}grove{/it}
rhododendron
any of a genus (Rhododendron) of widely cultivated shrubs and trees of the heath family with alternate leaves and showy flowers; especially : one with leathery evergreen leaves as distinguished from a deciduous azalea Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin ({et_link|linnaeus|Linnaeus:b}), going back to Latin, "oleander, a plant of the Black Sea region described by Pliny whose honey is toxic (probably {it}Rhododendron ponticum{/it})," borrowed from Greek {it}rhodódendron,{/it} from {it}rhodo-{/it} {et_link|rhodo-|rhodo-} + {it}déndron{/it} "tree" {ma}{mat|dendro-|dendr-}{/ma}
brambles
any of a genus (Rubus) of usually prickly shrubs of the rose family including the raspberries and blackberries; also : the fruit of a bramble # a rough prickly shrub or vine Etymology : text,Middle English {it}brembel{/it}, from Old English {it}brēmel{/it}; akin to Old English {it}brōm{/it} broom
thyme
any of a genus (Thymus) of Eurasian mints with small pungent aromatic leaves; especially : a Mediterranean garden herb (T. vulgaris) # thyme leaves used as a seasoning Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}time, thime{/it}, from Latin {it}thymum{/it}, from Greek {it}thymon{/it}, probably from {it}thyein{/it} to make a burnt offering, sacrifice; akin to Latin {it}fumus{/it} smoke {ma}{mat|fume|}{/ma}
triceratops
any of a genus (Triceratops) of large herbivorous quadrupedal ceratopsian dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous with three horns, a bony hood or crest on the neck, and hoofed toes Etymology : text,New Latin, from {it}tri-{/it} + Greek {it}kerat-, keras{/it} horn + {it}ōps{/it} face {ma}{mat|horn|}, {mat|eye|}{/ma}
dinosaur
any of a group (Dinosauria) of extinct, often very large, carnivorous or herbivorous archosaurian reptiles that have the hind limbs extending directly beneath the body and include chiefly terrestrial, bipedal or quadrupedal ornithischians (such as ankylosaurs and stegosaurs) and saurischians (such as sauropods and theropods) which flourished during the Mesozoic era from the late Triassic period to the end of the Cretaceous period; also : any of a broader group that also includes all living and extinct birds # any of various large extinct reptiles (such as an ichthyosaur or mosasaur) other than the true dinosaurs # one that is impractically large, out-of-date, or obsolete Etymology : text,New Latin {it}Dinosaurus{/it}, genus name, from Greek {it}deinos{/it} terrifying + {it}sauros{/it} lizard {ma}{mat|dire|}{/ma}
triglycerides
any of a group of lipids that are esters formed from one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of one or more fatty acids, are widespread in adipose tissue, and commonly circulate in the blood in the form of lipoproteins Etymology : text,International Scientific Vocabulary
crustaceans
any of a large class (Crustacea) of mostly aquatic mandibulate arthropods that have a chitinous or calcareous and chitinous exoskeleton, a pair of often much modified appendages on each segment, and two pairs of antennae and that include the lobsters, shrimp, crabs, wood lice, water fleas, and barnacles
echinoderm
any of a phylum (Echinodermata) of radially symmetrical coelomate marine animals including the starfishes, sea urchins, and related forms Etymology : text,New Latin {it}Echinodermata{/it}, phylum name, from {it}echin-{/it} + {it}-dermata{/it} (ultimately from Greek {it}derma{/it} skin)
tardigrade
any of a phylum (Tardigrada) of microscopic invertebrates with four pairs of stout legs that live usually in water or damp moss —called also water bear Etymology : text,ultimately from Latin {it}tardigradus{/it} slow-moving, from {it}tardus{/it} slow + {it}gradi{/it} to step, go {ma}{mat|grade:1|}{/ma}
kiwi
any of a small genus (Apteryx) of flightless New Zealand birds with rudimentary wings, stout legs, a long bill, and grayish brown hairlike plumage # a native or resident of New Zealand —used as a nickname # kiwifruit Etymology : text,Maori
stegosaur
any of a suborder (Stegosauria) of quadrupedal ornithischian herbivorous dinosaurs chiefly of the Jurassic with strongly developed dorsal plates and spikes Etymology : text,New Latin {it}Stegosauria{/it}, from {it}Stegosaurus{/it}
weevil
any of a superfamily (Curculionoidea) of beetles which have the head prolonged into a more or less distinct snout and which include many that are destructive especially as larvae to nuts, fruit, and grain or to living plants; especially : any of a family (Curculionidae) having a well-developed snout curved downward with the jaws at the tip and clubbed usually elbowed antennae Etymology : text,Middle English {it}wevel{/it}, from Old English {it}wifel{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}wibil{/it} beetle, Old English {it}wefan{/it} to weave
pigeon
any of a widely distributed family (Columbidae, order Columbiformes) of birds with a stout body, rather short legs, and smooth and compact plumage; especially : a member of any of numerous varieties of the rock dove that exist in domestication and in the feral state in cities and towns throughout most of the world # a young woman # an easy mark : dupe Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}pygoun, pijun{/it}, from Late Latin {it}pipion-, pipio{/it} young bird, from Latin {it}pipire{/it} to chirp
shar-pei
any of an ancient breed of dogs originating in China that have loose wrinkled skin especially when young, a short bristly coat, blue-black tongue, and wide blunt muzzle Etymology : text,Chinese (Guangdong) {it}sà{/it} sand + {it}péi{/it} fur
spider
any of an order (Araneae synonym Araneida) of arachnids having a short, usually unsegmented abdomen linked to the cephalothorax by the pedicel, chelicerae modified into poison fangs, and two or more pairs of spinnerets at the posterior end of the abdomen for spinning threads of silk for various uses (as in making cocoons for their eggs or webs to catch prey) # any of various other arthropods and especially arachnids that resemble the true spiders —not used technically # a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth Etymology : text,Middle English {it}spyder{/it}, alteration of {it}spithre{/it}; akin to Old English {it}spinnan{/it} to spin
marsupial
any of an order (Marsupialia) of mammals comprising kangaroos, wombats, bandicoots, opossums, and related animals that do not develop a true placenta and that usually have a pouch on the abdomen of the female which covers the teats and serves to carry the young Etymology : text,from the base of New Latin {it}Marsupialia{/it}, order name, from neuter plural of {it}marsūpiālis{/it} "of a pouch," from {it}marsūpium{/it} "pouch, {et_link|marsupium|marsupium}" + {it}-ālis{/it} {et_link|-al:1|-al:1}
scorpion
any of an order (Scorpionida) of nocturnal arachnids that have an elongated body and a narrow segmented tail bearing a venomous stinger at the tip # scorpio # a scourge probably studded with metal Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}eskorpiun{/it}, from Latin {it}scorpion-, scorpio{/it}, from Greek {it}skorpios{/it}
toile
any of many plain or simple twill weave fabrics; especially : linen # a mock-up model of a garment Etymology : text,French, cloth, linen, from Middle French
shrimp
any of numerous mostly small and marine decapod crustaceans (suborders Dendrobranchiata and Pleocyemata) having a slender elongated body, a compressed abdomen, and a long spiny rostrum and including some (especially family Penaeidae) that are commercially important as food; also : a small crustacean (such as an amphipod or a branchiopod) resembling the true shrimp # a very small or puny person or thing Etymology : text,Middle English {it}shrimpe{/it}; akin to Middle Low German {it}schrempen{/it} to contract, wrinkle, Old Norse {it}skorpna{/it} to shrivel up
macaw
any of numerous parrots (especially genus Ara) of South and Central America including some of the largest and showiest of parrots Etymology : text,Portuguese (now obsolete) {it}macao{/it}
lorikeet
any of numerous small arboreal chiefly Australasian parrots (family Loriidae) that usually have long slender tongue papillae which form an organ resembling a brush Etymology : text,{it}lory{/it} + {it}-keet{/it} (as in {it}parakeet{/it})
swallow
any of numerous small widely distributed oscine birds (family Hirundinidae, the swallow family) that have a short bill, long pointed wings, and often a deeply forked tail and that feed on insects caught on the wing # any of several birds that superficially resemble swallows Etymology : text,Middle English {it}swalowe{/it}, from Old English {it}swealwe{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}swalawa{/it} swallow
wasp
any of numerous social or solitary winged hymenopterous insects (especially families Sphecidae and Vespidae) that usually have a slender smooth body with the abdomen attached by a narrow stalk, well-developed wings, biting mouthparts, and in the females and workers an often formidable sting, and that are largely carnivorous and often provision their nests with insects or spiders killed or paralyzed by stinging for their larvae to feed on # any of various hymenopterous insects (such as a chalcid or ichneumon wasp) other than wasps with larvae that are parasitic on other arthropods Etymology : text,Middle English {it}waspe{/it}, from Old English {it}wæps, wæsp{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}wafsa{/it} wasp, Latin {it}vespa{/it} wasp
cabbage
any of several brassicas (Brassica oleracea) of European origin; especially : a leafy garden plant (Brassica oleracea capitata) with a short stem and a dense globular head of usually green leaves that is used as a vegetable # any of several plants related to or resembling cabbage # money, cash Etymology : text,Middle English {it}caboche{/it}, from Middle French dialect (Norman & Picard), literally, head, noggin
zebra
any of several fleet African mammals (Equus burchelli, E. grevyi, and E. zebra) related to the horse but distinctively and conspicuously patterned in stripes of black or dark brown and white or buff # referee # zebra crossing Etymology : text,Portuguese {it}zebra, zebro{/it} wild ass, perhaps from Latin {it}equiferus{/it}, kind of wild horse, from {it}equus{/it} horse + {it}ferus{/it} wild {ma}{mat|equine|}, {mat|fierce|}{/ma}
halibut
any of several marine flatfishes (especially Hippoglossus hippoglossus of the Atlantic and H. stenolepis of the Pacific) that are widely used for food and include some of the largest bony fishes Etymology : text,Middle English {it}halybutte{/it}, from {it}haly, holy{/it} holy + {it}butte{/it} flatfish, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German {it}but{/it}; from its being eaten on holy days
wombat
any of several stocky burrowing Australian marsupials (genera Vombatus and Lasiorhinus of the family Vombatidae) resembling small bears Etymology : text,Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) {it}wambad{/it}
ermine
any of several weasels whose coats become white in winter usually with black on the tip of the tail; especially : a weasel (Mustela erminea) chiefly of northern Eurasia and North America that has a short tail, is found in varied habitats (such as forest, grassland, and tundra), and preys especially on small mammals (such as voles and mice) : short-tailed weasel, stoat # the white fur of the ermine # a rank or office whose ceremonial or official robe is ornamented with ermine Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}hermin{/it}, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German {it}harmo{/it} weasel
element
any of the four substances air, water, fire, and earth formerly believed to compose the physical universe # weather conditions; especially : violent or severe weather # the state or sphere natural or suited to a person or thing Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin {it}elementum{/it}
appetite
any of the instinctive desires necessary to keep up organic life; especially : the desire to eat # an inherent craving # taste, preference Etymology : text,Middle English {it}apetit{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}appetitus{/it}, from {it}appetere{/it} to strive after, from {it}ad-{/it} + {it}petere{/it} to go to {ma}{mat|feather|}{/ma}
freckle
any of the small brownish spots in the skin due to augmented melanin production that increase in number and intensity on exposure to sunlight Etymology : text,Middle English {it}freken, frekel{/it}, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse {it}freknōttr{/it} freckled
joists
any of the small timbers or metal beams ranged parallel from wall to wall in a structure to support a floor or ceiling Etymology : text,Middle English {it}giste, joiste{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}giste{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*jacitum{/it}, from Latin {it}jacēre{/it} to lie {ma}{mat|adjacent|}{/ma}
isotopic
any of two or more species of atoms of a chemical element with the same atomic number and nearly identical chemical behavior but with differing atomic mass or mass number and different physical properties # nuclide Etymology : text,{it}is-{/it} + Greek {it}topos{/it} place
foxes
any of various carnivorous mammals (especially genus Vulpes) of the dog family related to but smaller than wolves with shorter legs, more pointed muzzle, large erect ears, and long bushy tail # the fur of a fox # a clever crafty person Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German {it}fuhs{/it} fox and perhaps to Sanskrit {it}puccha{/it} tail
jersey
any of various close-fitting usually circular-knitted garments especially for the upper body # an often loose-fitting shirt that is worn by a member of a sports team as part of a team uniform and that typically has the athlete's name and number on the back # a plain weft-knitted fabric made of wool, cotton, nylon, rayon, or silk and used especially for clothing Etymology : text,{it}Jersey{/it}, one of the Channel Islands
epilepsy
any of various disorders marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and typically manifested by sudden brief episodes of altered or diminished consciousness, involuntary movements, or convulsions Etymology : text,Middle English {it}epilencie{/it}, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French {it}epelempsie{/it}, modification of Late Latin {it}epilepsia{/it}, from Greek {it}epilēpsia{/it}, from {it}epilambanein{/it} to seize, from {it}epi-{/it} + {it}lambanein{/it} to take, seize {ma}{mat|latch|}{/ma}
penguin
any of various erect short-legged flightless aquatic birds (family Spheniscidae) of the southern hemisphere Etymology : text,obsolete English {it}penguin{/it} great auk, perhaps from Welsh {it}pen gwyn{/it} white head (applied to the bird in winter plumage)
mastodon
any of various extinct mammals (genus Mammut synonym Mastodon) of the elephant family existing from the Miocene through the Pleistocene that are distinguished from the related mammoths chiefly by molar teeth with cone-shaped cusps # one that is unusually large Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin {it}Mastodont-, Mastodon,{/it} genus name, Latinization of French {it}mastodonte,{/it} vernacular name for the animal, from Greek {it}mastós{/it} "breast, nipple" (probably from a pre-Greek substratal language) + French {it}-odonte{/it} {et_link|-odont|-odont}; so named from the nipple-like cusps on the crowns of the molar teeth
trowel
any of various hand tools used to apply, spread, shape, or smooth loose or plastic material; also : a scoop-shaped or flat-bladed garden tool for taking up and setting small plants Etymology : text,Middle English {it}truel{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin {it}truella{/it}, from Latin {it}trulla{/it} ladle
kangaroo
any of various herbivorous leaping marsupial mammals (family Macropodidae) of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands with a small head, large ears, long powerful hind legs, a long thick tail used as a support and in balancing, and rather small forelegs not used in locomotion Etymology : text,Guugu Yimidhirr (Australian aboriginal language of northern Queensland) {it}gaŋurru{/it}
partridge
any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceous birds (Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera) with variegated plumage that are often hunted as game # any of various related birds (such as the American ruffed grouse or bobwhite) resembling the Old World partridges in size, habits, or value as game Etymology : text,Middle English {it}partrich{/it}, modification of Anglo-French {it}perdriz{/it}, alteration of Old French {it}perdix{/it}, from Latin {it}perdic-, perdix{/it}, from Greek {it}perdik-, perdix{/it}
raspberry
any of various usually black or red edible berries that are aggregate fruits consisting of numerous small drupes on a fleshy receptacle and that are usually rounder and smaller than the closely related blackberries # a perennial plant (genus Rubus) of the rose family that bears raspberries # a sound of contempt made by protruding the tongue between the lips and expelling air forcibly to produce a vibration; broadly : an expression of disapproval or contempt Etymology : text,English dialect {it}rasp{/it} raspberry + English {it}berry{/it}
germane
being at once relevant and appropriate : fitting # closely akin Etymology : text,Middle English {it}germain{/it}, literally, having the same parents, from Anglo-French
documentary
being or consisting of documents : contained or certified in writing # of, relating to, or employing documentation in literature or art; broadly : factual, objective Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|document:1||}{/dx_ety}
confused
being perplexed or disconcerted # disoriented with regard to one's sense of time, place, or identity # indistinguishable Etymology : text,Middle English {ma}{mat|confuse|}{/ma}
espousal
betrothal # wedding # marriage
mordant
biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : incisive # acting as a mordant (as in dyeing) # burning, pungent Etymology : text,Middle French, present participle of {it}mordre{/it} to bite, from Latin {it}mordēre{/it}; perhaps akin to Sanskrit {it}mṛdnāti{/it} he presses, rubs
vitriolic
bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticism # a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc); especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate # oil of vitriol Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}vitriole{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}vitriolum{/it}, alteration of Late Latin {it}vitreolum{/it}, neuter of {it}vitreolus{/it} glassy, from Latin {it}vitreus{/it} vitreous
rollicking
boisterously carefree, joyful, or high-spirited
bebop
bop:3 Etymology : text,imitative
posthumous
born after the death of the father # published after the death of the author # following or occurring after death Etymology : text,Latin {it}posthumus{/it}, alteration of {it}postumus{/it} late-born, posthumous, from superlative of {it}posterus{/it} coming after {ma}{mat|posterior|}{/ma}
ramifications
branch, offshoot # a branched structure # the act or process of branching
sinus
cavity, hollow: such as # a narrow elongated tract extending from a focus of suppuration and serving for the discharge of pus # a cavity in the substance of a bone of the skull that usually communicates with the nostrils and contains air Etymology : text,Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, curve, fold, hollow
cayenne
cayenne pepper
tremulous
characterized by or affected with trembling or tremors # affected with timidity : timorous # such as is or might be caused by nervousness or shakiness Etymology : text,Latin {it}tremulus{/it} {ma}{mat|tremble|}{/ma}
frugal
characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources Etymology : text,Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin {it}frugalis{/it} virtuous, frugal, from {it}frug-, frux{/it} fruit, value; akin to Latin {it}frui{/it} to enjoy
diaphanous
characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through # characterized by extreme delicacy of form : ethereal # insubstantial, vague Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}diaphanus{/it}, from Greek {it}diaphanēs{/it}, from {it}diaphainein{/it} to show through, from {it}dia-{/it} + {it}phainein{/it} to show {ma}{mat|fancy|}{/ma}
circumflex
characterized by the pitch, quantity, or quality indicated by a circumflex # marked with a circumflex Etymology : text,Latin {it}circumflexus{/it}, past participle of {it}circumflectere{/it} to bend around, mark with a circumflex, from {it}circum-{/it} + {it}flectere{/it} to bend
varicella
chicken pox Etymology : text,borrowed from New Latin, from {it}vari-{/it} (in {it}variola{/it} {et_link|variola|variola}) + Medieval Latin {it}-cella{/it}, diminutive suffix (extracted from nouns such as {it}nāvicella{/it}, diminutive of Latin {it}nāvicula{/it} "boat," diminutive of {it}nāvis{/it} "ship")
aubergine
eggplant # eggplant Etymology : text,French, from Catalan {it}albergínia{/it}, from Arabic {it}al-bādhinjān{/it} the eggplant, ultimately from Middle Indo-Aryan {it}*vātiñjaṇa-, vātiṅgaṇa-{/it}
approbatory
commendation, praise # an act of approving formally or officially # proof Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|approbate||}{/dx_ety}
commonplace
commonly found or seen : ordinary, unremarkable Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|commonplace:2||}{/dx_ety}
telepathic
communication from one mind to another by extrasensory means
domain
complete and absolute ownership of land # land so owned # a territory over which dominion is exercised Etymology : text,alteration of Middle English {it}demayne{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}demeine{/it}, from Latin {it}dominium{/it}, from {it}dominus{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|dominate||}{/dx_ety}
juvenilia
compositions produced in the artist's or author's youth # artistic or literary compositions suited to or designed for the young Etymology : text,Latin, neuter plural of {it}juvenilis{/it}
summary
comprehensive; especially : covering the main points succinctly # done without delay or formality : quickly executed # of, relating to, or using a summary proceeding Etymology : text,Middle English, from Medieval Latin {it}summarius{/it}, from Latin {it}summa{/it} sum
Pakistan
country in southern Asia bordering the Arabian Sea; originally comprising two parts—West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)—separated by about 1000 miles (1600 kilometers) of northern India; a dominion 1947—56, an Islamic republic since 1956, and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations 1956—72; formed from parts of former British India; capital Islamabad area 307,374 square miles (796,095 square kilometers), population 207,863,000
terminus
either end of a transportation line or travel route; also : the station, town, or city at such a place : terminal # an extreme point or element : tip # a final goal : a finishing point Etymology : text,Latin, boundary marker, limit {ma}{mat|term:1|}{/ma}
Brandywine
creek about 20 miles (32 kilometers) long in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware flowing southeast to Wilmington, Delaware
diadem
crown; specifically : a royal headband # crown # something that adorns like a crown Etymology : text,Middle English {it}diademe{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}diadema{/it}, from Greek {it}diadēma{/it}, from {it}diadein{/it} to bind around, from {it}dia-{/it} + {it}dein{/it} to bind; akin to Sanskrit {it}dāman{/it} rope
neuropathy
damage, disease, or dysfunction of one or more nerves especially of the peripheral nervous system that is typically marked by burning or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness or atrophy, is often degenerative, and is usually caused by injury, infection, disease, drugs, toxins, or vitamin deficiency # a condition (such as Guillain-Barré syndrome marked by neuropathy Etymology : text, {et_link|neuro-|neur-} + {et_link|-pathy|-pathy}, probably after Italian {it}neuropatia{/it} or French {it}névropathie{/it}
demonstrative
demonstrating as real or true # characterized or established by demonstration # pointing out the one referred to and distinguishing it from others of the same class (as in that in "that house") Etymology : text,Middle English {it}demonstratyf{/it} "based on logic, pointing out (of a pronoun)," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French {it}demonstratif,{/it} borrowed from Late Latin {it}dēmonstrātīvus{/it} "pointing out (of a pronoun), able to prove" (Latin, "displaying—in rhetoric"), from Latin {it}dēmonstrātus,{/it} past participle of {it}dēmonstrāre{/it} "to indicate, show, {et_link|demonstrate|demonstrate}" + {it}-īvus{/it} {et_link|-ive|-ive}
abnegation
denial; especially : self-denial Etymology : text,Middle English {it}abnegacioun{/it}, borrowed from Late Latin {it}abnegātiōn-, abnegātiō{/it}, from Latin {it}abnegāre{/it} "to refute, decline, deny" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō{/it}, suffix of action nouns {ma}{mat|abnegate|}{/ma}
heterochromia
densely staining chromatin that appears as nodules in or along chromosomes and contains relatively few genes Etymology : text,German
sabotage
destruction of an employer's property (such as tools or materials) or the hindering of manufacturing by discontented workers # destructive or obstructive action carried on by a civilian or enemy agent to hinder a nation's war effort # an act or process tending to hamper or hurt Etymology : text,French, from {it}saboter{/it} to clatter with sabots, botch, sabotage, from {it}sabot{/it}
cantankerous
difficult or irritating to deal with Etymology : text,perhaps irregular from obsolete {it}contack{/it} contention
untoward
difficult to guide, manage, or work with : unruly, intractable # marked by trouble or unhappiness : unlucky # not favorable : adverse, unpropitious
cloying
disgusting or distasteful by reason of excess; also : excessively sweet or sentimental Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|cloy||}{/dx_ety}
surreptitious
done, made, or acquired by stealth : clandestine # acting or doing something clandestinely : stealthy Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}surrepticius{/it}, from {it}surreptus{/it}, past participle of {it}surripere{/it} to snatch secretly, from {it}sub-{/it} + {it}rapere{/it} to seize {ma}{mat|rapid|}{/ma}
solstice
either of the two points on the ecliptic at which its distance from the celestial equator is greatest and which is reached by the sun each year about June 21 and December 21 # the time of the sun's passing a solstice which occurs about June 21 to begin summer in the northern hemisphere and about December 21 to begin winter in the northern hemisphere Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}solstitium{/it}, from {it}sol{/it} sun + {it}-stit-, -stes{/it} standing; akin to Latin {it}stare{/it} to stand {ma}{mat|solar|}, {mat|stand|}{/ma}
filbert
either of two Eurasian hazels (Corylus avellana and C. maxima) # the sweet thick-shelled nut of the filbert; broadly : hazelnut Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}philber{/it}, from St. {it}Philibert{/it} †684 Frankish abbot whose feast day falls in the nutting season
consul
either of two annually elected chief magistrates of the Roman republic # one of three chief magistrates of the French republic from 1799 to 1804 # an official appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country to represent the commercial interests of citizens of the appointing country Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin; perhaps akin to Latin {it}consulere{/it} to consult
hamstring
either of two groups of tendons at the back of the human knee # any of three muscles at the back of the thigh that function to flex and rotate the leg and extend the thigh # a large tendon above and behind the hock of a quadruped
wildebeest
either of two large African antelopes (Connochaetes gnou and C. taurinus) with a head like that of an ox, short mane, long tail, and horns in both sexes that curve downward and outward —called also gnu Etymology : text,Afrikaans {it}wildebees{/it}, from {it}wilde{/it} wild + {it}bees{/it} ox
garniture
embellishment, trimming # a set of decorative objects (such as vases, urns, or clocks) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}garnetture{/it} "border, trimming" (Early Modern English {it}garniture{/it} "appurtenances"), borrowed from Anglo-French {it}gerneiture, garniture{/it} "ornament, mount for a jewel" & Middle French {it}garniture{/it} "accessory," going back to Old French {it}garneture{/it} "accessory for a saddle," from {it}garnir{/it} "to equip, trim, decorate" + {it}-eture,-iture,{/it} going back to Latin {it}-ītūra,{/it} from {it}-īt-,{/it} participle ending of 4th conjugation verbs + {it}-ūra{/it} {et_link|-ure|-ure} {ma}{mat|garnish:1|}{/ma}
versatile
embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills; also : turning with ease from one thing to another # having many uses or applications # changing or fluctuating readily : variable Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}versātilis{/it} "able to turn, operated by turning, capable of turning to different tasks," from {it}versāre{/it} "to keep turning" (frequentative of {it}vertere{/it} "to turn") + {it}-tilis{/it}, suffix with the sense "characterized by, obtained by" {ma}{mat|worth:1|}{/ma}
vacuum
emptiness of space # a space absolutely devoid of matter # a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (such as an air pump) Etymology : text,borrowed from Medieval Latin (translation of Greek {it}kenón{/it}), from neuter of Latin {it}vacuus{/it} "empty, unoccupied," from {it}vacāre{/it} "to be empty or unoccupied, have space, be free" + {it}-uus{/it}, deverbal adjective suffix {ma}{mat|vacant|}{/ma}
chaperonage
escort # to act as chaperone to or for # to act as a chaperone Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|chaperone:1||}{/dx_ety}
opulent
exhibiting or characterized by opulence: such as # having a large estate or property : wealthy # amply or plentifully provided or fashioned often to the point of ostentation Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin {it}opulentus{/it} "abounding in resources, wealthy," from {it}op-, *ops{/it} "power, ability, wealth" + {it}-ulentus{/it} "having in quantity, full of" (probably dissimilated from {it}*-o-u̯ent-os,{/it} with Indo-European {it}*-u̯ent-,{/it} suffix of possession) {ma}{mat|opus|}{/ma}
chimney
fireplace, hearth # a vertical structure incorporated into a building and enclosing a flue or flues that carry off smoke; especially : the part of such a structure extending above a roof # smokestack Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}chiminee{/it}, from Late Latin {it}caminata{/it}, from Latin {it}caminus{/it} furnace, fireplace, from Greek {it}kaminos{/it}; perhaps akin to Greek {it}kamara{/it} vault
integrity
firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility # an unimpaired condition : soundness # the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness Etymology : text,Middle English {it}integrite{/it}, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French {it}integrité{/it}, from Latin {it}integritat-, integritas{/it}, from {it}integr-, integer{/it} entire
sturdy
firmly built or constituted : stout # hardy # sound in design or execution : substantial Etymology : text,Middle English, brave, stubborn, from Anglo-French {it}esturdi{/it} stunned, from past participle of {it}esturdir{/it} to stun, from Vulgar Latin {it}*exturdire{/it}, from Latin {it}ex-{/it} + Vulgar Latin {it}*turdus{/it} simpleton, from Latin {it}turdus{/it} thrush {ma}{mat|thrush|}{/ma}
flotsam
floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo; broadly : floating debris # a floating population (as of emigrants or castaways) # miscellaneous or unimportant material Etymology : text,Anglo-French {it}floteson{/it}, from {it}floter{/it} to float, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English {it}flotian{/it} to float, {it}flota{/it} ship
cataclysmic
flood, deluge # catastrophe # a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition; broadly : an event that brings great changes Etymology : text,French {it}cataclysme{/it}, from Latin {it}cataclysmos{/it}, from Greek {it}kataklysmos{/it}, from {it}kataklyzein{/it} to inundate, from {it}kata-{/it} + {it}klyzein{/it} to wash {ma}{mat|clyster|}{/ma}
subsequent
following in time, order, or place Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}subsequent-, subsequens{/it}, present participle of {it}subsequi{/it} to follow close, from {it}sub-{/it} near + {it}sequi{/it} to follow {ma}{mat|sub-|}, {mat|sue|}{/ma}
forage
food for animals especially when taken by browsing or grazing # the act of foraging : search for provisions Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from {it}fuerre, foer{/it} fodder, straw, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German {it}fuotar{/it} food, fodder {ma}{mat|food|}{/ma}
fraught
full of or accompanied by something specified —used with with # causing or characterized by emotional distress or tension : uneasy # laden Etymology : text,Middle English, from past participle of {it}fraughten{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|fraught:3||}{/dx_ety}
wistful
full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy; also : inspiring such yearning # musingly sad : pensive Etymology : text,blend of {it}wishful{/it} and obsolete English {it}wistly{/it} intently
replete
fully or abundantly provided or filled # abundantly fed # fat, stout Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French {it}replet{/it}, from Latin {it}repletus{/it}, past participle of {it}replēre{/it} to fill up, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}plēre{/it} to fill {ma}{mat|full|}{/ma}
winsome
generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence # cheerful, lighthearted Etymology : text,Middle English {it}winsum{/it}, from Old English {it}wynsum{/it}, from {it}wynn{/it} joy; akin to Old High German {it}wunna{/it} joy, Latin {it}venus{/it} desire {ma}{mat|win|}{/ma}
satisfactory
giving satisfaction : adequate
burial
grave, tomb # the act or process of burying Etymology : text,Middle English {it}beriel, berial{/it}, back-formation from {it}beriels{/it} (taken as a plural), from Old English {it}byrgels{/it}; akin to Old Saxon {it}burgisli{/it} tomb, Old English {it}byrgan{/it} to bury {ma}{mat|bury|}{/ma}
nuisance
harm, injury # one that is annoying, unpleasant, or obnoxious : pest Etymology : text,Middle English {it}nusaunce, noisaunce{/it} "harm, damage, (in law) cause of annoyance or inconvenience," borrowed from Anglo-French {it}nusance, noisance,{/it} from {it}nuis-, nois-, nus-,{/it} stem of {it}nuire, nure, noisir, nuser{/it} "to injure, damage, vex" (going back to Latin {it}nocēre{/it} "to injure, harm") + {it}-ance{/it} {et_link|-ance|-ance} {ma}{mat|noxious|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The meanings of Anglo-French {it}nuire{/it} and {it}nusance{/it} have been influenced by partially overlapping forms of {it}noier{/it} "to annoy, vex," an aphetic form of {it}anoier, ennoier{/it} (see {et_link|annoy|annoy}).
affluent
having an abundance of goods or riches : wealthy # flowing in abundance Etymology : text,Middle English, "flowing in abundance, copious," borrowed from Latin {it}affluent-, affluens{/it} "flowing with, abundant," present participle of {it}affluere{/it} "to flow in, come streaming along, be abundantly present," from {it}ad-{/it} {et_link|ad-|ad-} + {it}fluere{/it} "to flow, run" {ma}{mat|fluid:1|}{/ma}
profound
having intellectual depth and insight # difficult to fathom or understand # extending far below the surface Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}parfunt, profond{/it} deep, from Latin {it}profundus{/it}, from {it}pro-{/it} before + {it}fundus{/it} bottom {ma}{mat|pro-|}, {mat|bottom|}{/ma}
ambitious
having or controlled by ambition : having a desire to be successful, powerful, or famous # having a desire to achieve a particular goal : aspiring # resulting from, characterized by, or showing ambition Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|ambition:1||}{/dx_ety}
hexagonal
having six angles and six sides # having a hexagon as section or base # relating to or being a crystal system characterized by three equal lateral axes intersecting at angles of 60 degrees and a vertical axis of variable length at right angles
effervescent
having the property of forming bubbles : marked by or producing effervescence # marked by or expressing an appealingly lively quality
impecunious
having very little or no money usually habitually : penniless Etymology : text,{et_link|in-:1|in-:1} + obsolete English {it}pecunious{/it} rich, from Middle English, from Latin {it}pecuniosus{/it}, from {it}pecunia{/it} money {ma}{mat|fee|}{/ma}
charismatic
having, exhibiting, or based on charisma or charism # of, relating to, or constituting charisma or charism Etymology : text,{it}charisma{/it}
symmetrical
having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry # having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane # being such that the terms or variables may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth
unctuous
having, revealing, or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality # fatty, oily # smooth and greasy in texture or appearance Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French {it}unctueus{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}unctuosus{/it}, from Latin {it}unctus{/it} act of anointing, from {it}unguere{/it} to anoint
malevolent
having, showing, or arising from intense often vicious ill will, spite, or hatred # productive of harm or evil Etymology : text,Latin {it}malevolent-, malevolens{/it}, from {it}male{/it} badly + {it}volent-, volens{/it}, present participle of {it}velle{/it} to wish {ma}{mat|mal-|}, {mat|will|}{/ma}
cumulus
heap, accumulation # a dense puffy cloud form having a flat base and rounded outlines often piled up like a mountain Etymology : text,Latin
fantastically
in a fantastic manner # to a fantastic degree : extremely
seldom
in few instances : rarely, infrequently Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}seldan{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}seltan{/it} seldom
adversaria
involving two people or two sides who oppose each other : of, relating to, or characteristic of an adversary or adversary procedures Etymology : text, {et_link|adversary:1|adversary:1} + {et_link|-al:1|-al:1}
Hebrides
islands of western Scotland in the Atlantic, divided by Little Minch Strait into the Inner Hebrides (near the mainland) and the Outer Hebrides (to the northwest) area 2900 square miles (7540 square kilometers), population 30,660
auspices
kindly patronage and guidance # a prophetic sign; especially : a favorable sign # observation by an augur especially of the flight and feeding of birds to discover omens Etymology : text,Latin {it}auspicium{/it}, from {it}auspic-, auspex{/it} diviner by birds, from {it}avis{/it} bird + {it}specere{/it} to look, look at {ma}{mat|aviary|}, {mat|spy|}{/ma}
dissonance
lack of agreement; especially : inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs # an instance of such inconsistency or disagreement # a mingling of sounds that strike the ear harshly : a mingling of discordant sounds; especially, music : a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|dissonant||}{/dx_ety}
invertebrate
lacking a spinal column; also : of, relating to, or concerned with invertebrate animals # lacking in strength or vitality : weak Etymology : text,New Latin {it}invertebratus{/it}, from Latin {it}in-{/it} + New Latin {it}vertebratus{/it} vertebrate
incoherent
lacking coherence: such as # lacking normal clarity or intelligibility in speech or thought # lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance : inconsistent
inclement
lacking mildness: such as # physically severe : stormy # severe in temper or action : unmerciful Etymology : text,Latin {it}inclement-, inclemens{/it}, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}clement-, clemens{/it} clement
banal
lacking originality, freshness, or novelty : trite Etymology : text,French, from Middle French, of compulsory feudal service, possessed in common, commonplace, from {it}ban{/it}
detritus
loose material (such as rock fragments or organic particles) that results directly from disintegration # a product of disintegration, destruction, or wearing away : debris # miscellaneous remnants : odds and ends Etymology : text,French {it}détritus{/it}, from Latin {it}detritus{/it}, past participle of {it}deterere{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|detriment||}{/dx_ety}
imperious
marked by arrogant assurance : domineering # befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : commanding, dominant # intensely compelling : urgent Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}imperiōsus{/it} "exercising authority, domineering," from {it}imperium{/it} "authority over family members and slaves exercised by the head of a household, supreme administrative authority, dominion" + {it}-ōsus{/it} {et_link|-ous|-ous} {ma}{mat|empire|}{/ma}
duplicitous
marked by duplicity : deceptive in words or action Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|duplicity||}{/dx_ety}
freneticism
marked by fast and energetic, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity : frenzied, frantic Etymology : text,Middle English {it}frenetik{/it} insane, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}phreneticus{/it}, modification of Greek {it}phrenitikos{/it}, from {it}phrenitis{/it} inflammation of the brain, from {it}phren-, phrēn{/it} diaphragm, mind
imitative
marked by imitation # reproducing or representing a natural sound : onomatopoeic # exhibiting mimicry Etymology : text,borrowed from Late Latin {it}imitātīvus,{/it} from Latin {it}imitātus,{/it} past participle of {it}imitārī{/it} "to follow as a pattern, {et_link|imitate|imitate}" + {it}-īvus{/it} {et_link|-ive|-ive}
haphazard
marked by lack of plan, order, or direction Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|haphazard:2||}{/dx_ety}
gluttonous
marked by or given to gluttony Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|glutton||}{/dx_ety}
stalwart
marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit Etymology : text,Middle English, alteration of {it}stalworth{/it}, from Old English {it}stǣlwierthe{/it} serviceable
effusive
marked by the expression of great or excessive emotion or enthusiasm # pouring freely # characterized or formed by a nonexplosive outpouring of lava Etymology : text,borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}effūsīvus{/it} "generating profusely, lavish," from Latin {it}effūsus{/it} (past participle of {it}effundere{/it} "to pour out, discharge, expend") + {it}-īvus{/it} {et_link|-ive|-ive} {ma}{mat|effuse:1|}{/ma}
recluse
marked by withdrawal from society : solitary Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}reclus{/it}, literally, shut away, from Late Latin {it}reclusus{/it}, past participle of {it}recludere{/it} to shut up, from Latin {it}re-{/it} + {it}claudere{/it} to close {ma}{mat|close:1|}{/ma}
clandestine
marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy : surreptitious Etymology : text,Middle French or Latin; Middle French {it}clandestin{/it}, from Latin {it}clandestinus{/it}, from {it}clam{/it} secretly; akin to Latin {it}celare{/it} to hide {ma}{mat|hell|}{/ma}
distinctive
marking as separate or different : serving to distinguish # having or giving an uncommon and appealing quality : having or giving style or distinction # capable of making a segment of utterance different in meaning as well as in sound from an otherwise identical utterance Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|distinct||}{/dx_ety}
peerless
matchless, incomparable
Americana
materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture; broadly : things typical of America # American culture # a genre of American music having roots in early folk and country music
jabberwocky
meaningless speech or writing Etymology : text,{it}Jabberwocky{/it}, nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll
dimension
measure in one direction; specifically : one of three coordinates determining a position in space or four coordinates determining a position in space and time # one of a group of properties whose number is necessary and sufficient to determine uniquely each element of a system of usually mathematical entities (such as an aggregate of points in real or abstract space); also : a parameter or coordinate variable assigned to such a property # the number of elements in a basis of a vector space Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}dimension-, dimensio{/it}, from {it}dimetiri{/it} to measure out, from {it}dis-{/it} + {it}metiri{/it} to measure {ma}{mat|measure|}{/ma}
nouveau
newly arrived or developed Etymology : text,borrowed from French, "new," going back to Middle French (back-formation from the plural {it}nouveaulx, nouveaux{/it}), going back to Old French {it}novel,{/it} going back to Latin {it}novellus{/it} "young, tender (of plants or animals)," from {it}novus{/it} "new" + {it}-ellus,{/it} diminutive suffix {ma}{mat|new:1|}{/ma}
polenta
mush made of chestnut meal, cornmeal, semolina, or farina Etymology : text,Italian, from Latin, crushed and hulled barley; akin to Latin {it}pollen{/it} fine flour
propinquity
nearness of blood : kinship # nearness in place or time : proximity Etymology : text,Middle English {it}propinquite{/it}, from Latin {it}propinquitat-, propinquitas{/it} kinship, proximity, from {it}propinquus{/it} near, akin, from {it}prope{/it} near {ma}{mat|approach|}{/ma}
vague
not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms # not having a precise meaning # not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct; also : slight Etymology : text,borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, going back to Old French, "wandering, vagabond," borrowed from Latin {it}vagus{/it} "moving freely, wandering," perhaps akin to Old High German {it}wankōn{/it} "to totter, stagger," {it}winkan{/it} "to waver, stagger, wink," Old English {it}wincian{/it} "to close the eyes" {ma}{mat|wink:1|}{/ma}
primitive
not derived : original, primary # assumed as a basis; especially : axiomatic # of or relating to the earliest age or period : primeval Etymology : text,Middle English {it}primitif{/it}, from Latin {it}primitivus{/it} first formed, from {it}primitiae{/it} first fruits, from {it}primus{/it} first {ma}{mat|prime|}{/ma}
tenaciously
not easily pulled apart : cohesive # tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance # persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired Etymology : text,Latin {it}tenāc-, tenāx{/it} "holding fast, clinging, persistent" (from {it}tenēre{/it} "to hold, occupy, possess" + {it}-āc-,{/it} deverbal suffix denoting habitual or successful performance) + {et_link|-ious|-ious} {ma}{mat|tenant:1|}, {mat|audacious|}{/ma}
sedentary
not migratory : settled # doing or requiring much sitting # not physically active Etymology : text,Middle French {it}sedentaire{/it}, from Latin {it}sedentarius{/it}, from {it}sedent-, sedens{/it}, present participle of {it}sedēre{/it} to sit {ma}{mat|sit|}{/ma}
forbidden
not permitted or allowed # not conforming to the usual selection principles —used of quantum phenomena
irrevocable
not possible to revoke : unalterable Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}irrevocabilis{/it}, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}revocabilis{/it} revocable
faux
not real or genuine: such as # made to look like something else that is usually more valuable : imitation, fake # not sincere Etymology : text,French, false
insubstantial
not substantial: such as # lacking substance or material nature # lacking firmness or solidity : flimsy Etymology : text,probably from French {it}insubstantiel{/it}, from Late Latin {it}insubstantialis{/it}, from Latin {it}in-{/it} + Late Latin {it}substantialis{/it} substantial
lumbar
of, relating to, or constituting the loins or the vertebrae between the thoracic vertebrae and sacrum Etymology : text,New Latin {it}lumbaris{/it}, from Latin {it}lumbus{/it} loin {ma}{mat|loin|}{/ma}
sartorial
of or relating to a tailor or tailored clothes; broadly : of or relating to clothes Etymology : text,Medieval Latin {it}sartor{/it}
hostile
of or relating to an enemy # marked by malevolence : having or showing unfriendly feelings # openly opposed or resisting Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin {it}hostīlis,{/it} from {it}hostis{/it} "enemy" + {it}-īlis{/it} "pertaining to or characteristic of (such persons)" {ma}{mat|host:1|}{/ma}
emotional
of or relating to emotion # dominated by or prone to emotion # appealing to or arousing emotion
industrial
of or relating to industry # engaged in industry # characterized by highly developed industries
rabbinic
of or relating to rabbis or their writings # of or preparing for the rabbinate # comprising or belonging to any of several sets of Hebrew characters simpler than the square Hebrew letters
tectonic
of or relating to tectonics # having a strong and widespread impact Etymology : text,probably borrowed from German {it}tektonisch{/it} "pertaining to broader structural features of the earth's crust," earlier "of building or construction," borrowed from Late Latin {it}tectonicus{/it} "of a builder or architect," borrowed from Greek {it}tektonikós{/it} "of a carpenter, skilled in carpentry or building," from {it}tekton-, téktōn{/it} "woodworker, carpenter, craftsman" + {it}-ikos{/it} {et_link|-ic:1|-ic:1}; {it}téktōn{/it} going back to Indo-European {it}*tetḱ-on-{/it} (whence also Sanskrit {it}takṣan-, tákṣā{/it} "carpenter," Avestan {it}tašan-, tašā{/it} "builder, creator"), n-stem derivative from a verbal base {it}*tetḱ-{/it} "fashion, produce," whence Sanskrit {it}tákṣati{/it} "(s/he) fashions, builds from wood," Avestan {it}tāšt{/it} "(s/he) forms," Latvian {it}tešu, tèst{/it} "to hew," Old Church Slavic {it}tešǫ, tesati{/it} "to hew, fell," (with o-grade) Lithuanian {it}tašýti{/it} "to hew" # et_snote,t,A root of the form {it}*tetḱ-{/it} would be peculiar for Indo-European. Helmut Rix, et al., ({it}Lexikon der indogermanischen Verben,{/it} 2. Ausgabe, Wiesbaden, 2001) rescue the situation by hypothesizing that {it}*tetḱ-{/it} represents a pre-Indo-European reduplicated aorist, {it}*te-tḱ-,{/it} of a root {it}*teḱ-,{/it} seen in unreduplicated form in Greek {it}téknon{/it} "child, young of an animal" and {it}étekon, tekeîn,{/it} aorist of {it}tíktō, tíktein{/it} "to give birth to, beget, generate" (see {et_link|dystocia|dystocia}). However—aside from the certain correspondence of Greek {it}téktōn{/it} with Vedic Sanskrit {it}takṣan-,{/it} Avestan {it}tašan-{/it} —all other outcomes of this supposed root can be accounted for as {it}*teḱ-s-,{/it} an extended form of {it}*teḱ-.{/it} To explain this anomaly, Andrew Sihler ({it}New Comparative Grammar of Greek and Latin,{/it} Oxford, 1995, p. 225) hypothesizes that {it}téktōn{/it} is a conflation of a regular derivative {it}*texōn{/it} and an unattested agentive derivative {it}*téktōr,{/it} going back to {it}*teks-tor-,{/it} (with cluster simplification as in {it}hektós{/it} "sixth" corresponding to {it}héx{/it} "six"). Traditionally added to the compared forms given in the etymology above are Latin {it}texere{/it} "to weave, form by plaiting or twining, construct" and other words (see at {et_link|text:1|text:1}). See also {et_link|technical:1|technical:1}.
agonistic
of or relating to the athletic contests of ancient Greece # argumentative # striving for effect : strained Etymology : text,borrowed from Late Latin {it}agōnisticus{/it} "of a contest," borrowed from Greek {it}agōnistikós{/it} "fit for a contest, contentious," from {it}agōnistḗs{/it} "one engaged in a contest or struggle" + {it}-ikos{/it} {et_link|-ic:1|-ic:1} {ma}{mat|agonist|}{/ma}
intellectual
of or relating to the intellect or its use # developed or chiefly guided by the intellect rather than by emotion or experience : rational # requiring use of the intellect
pituitary
of or relating to the pituitary gland # caused or characterized by secretory disturbances of the pituitary gland Etymology : text,Latin {it}pituita{/it} phlegm; from the former belief that the pituitary gland secreted phlegm {ma}{mat|pip|}{/ma}
marine
of or relating to the sea # of or relating to the act or practice of sailing over the sea : nautical # of or relating to the commerce of the sea : maritime Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}marinus{/it}, from {it}mare{/it} sea; akin to Old English {it}mere{/it} sea, pool, Old High German {it}meri{/it} sea, Old Church Slavonic {it}morje{/it}
acoustic
of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds : such as # deadening or absorbing sound # operated by or utilizing sound waves Etymology : text,{it}acoustic{/it} borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}acousticus, acūsticus,{/it} borrowed from Greek {it}akoustikós,{/it} from {it}akoustós{/it} "heard, audible" (verbal adjective of {it}akoúein{/it} "to hear," going back to Indo-European {it}h{inf}2{/inf}kous-{/it}) + {it}-ikos{/it} {et_link|-ic:1|-ic:1}; {it}acoustical{/it} from {it}acoustic{/it} + {et_link|-al:1|-al:1} {ma}{mat|hear|}{/ma}
reminiscent
of the character of or relating to reminiscence # marked by or given to reminiscence # tending to remind : suggestive Etymology : text,Latin {it}reminiscent-, reminiscens{/it}, present participle of {it}reminisci{/it} to remember, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}-minisci{/it} (akin to Latin {it}ment-, mens{/it} mind) {ma}{mat|mind|}{/ma}
miraculous
of the nature of a miracle : supernatural # suggesting a miracle : marvelous # working or able to work miracles Etymology : text,Middle English {it}myraclous,{/it} borrowed from Middle French {it}miraculeus,{/it} borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}mīrāculōsus,{/it} from Late Latin {it}mīrāculum{/it} {et_link|miracle|miracle} + Latin {it}-ōsus{/it} {et_link|-ose:1|-ose:1}
coeval
of the same or equal age, antiquity, or duration Etymology : text,Latin {it}coaevus{/it}, from {it}co-{/it} + {it}aevum{/it} age, lifetime {ma}{mat|aye|}{/ma}
celebratory
of, relating to, expressing, or characterized by celebration : used or intended for use in celebrating
peripheral
of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part # of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system # of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation
thoracic
of, relating to, located within, or involving the thorax
tropical
of, relating to, occurring in, or suitable for use in the tropics # of, being, or characteristic of a region or climate that is frost-free with temperatures high enough to support year-round plant growth given sufficient moisture # figurative
geometric
of, relating to, or according to the methods or principles of geometry # increasing in a geometric progression # of or relating to a style of ancient Greek pottery characterized by geometric decorative motifs Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|geometry||}{/dx_ety}
sequential
of, relating to, or arranged in a sequence : serial # following in sequence # relating to or based on a method of testing a statistical hypothesis that involves examination of a sequence of samples for each of which the decision is made to accept or reject the hypothesis or to continue sampling
macrobiotics
of, relating to, or being a diet based on the Chinese cosmological principles of yin and yang that consists of whole cereals and grains supplemented especially with beans and vegetables and that in its especially former more restrictive forms has been linked to nutritional deficiencies Etymology : text,borrowed from French {it}macrobiotique,{/it} probably adapted from German {it}Macrobiotic,{/it} noun (defined by its coiner as "the art of prolonging life"), from Greek {it}makrobiótēs{/it} "longevity, long life" (from {it}makróbios{/it} "long-lived" —from {it}makrós{/it} "long" + {it}-o- {/it} {et_link|-o-|-o-} + {it}-bios{/it} "having life [of the kind specified]"— + {it}-tēs,{/it} abstract noun suffix) + German {it}-ic{/it} {et_link|-ic:2|-ic:2} {ma}{mat|macro-|}, {mat|amphibious|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,French {it}macrobiotique{/it} was used by the Japanese author George Ohsawa (Nyoichi Sakurazawa, 1893-1966) in {it}La Philosophie de la Médecine d'Extrême-Orient{/it} (1956) and later works that popularized macrobiotic diet practices. He most likely adapted the word from German {it}Macrobiotic{/it} (in later spelling {it}Makrobiotik{/it}), apparently originated by the German physician Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland (1762-1836) in {it}Die Kunst das menschliche Leben zu verlängern{/it} (Jena, 1797). Hufeland defined {it}Macrobiotic{/it} in the preface (p. vi) as "the art of prolonging life" ("die Kunst das Leben zu verlängern"), and in later editions used {it}Makrobiotik{/it} as the title of the book, with the original title as subtitle.
factorial
of, relating to, or being a factor or a factorial Etymology : text, {et_link|factor:1|factor:1} + {et_link|-ial|-ial} (in mathematical sense after French {it}factoriel{/it})
palatial
of, relating to, or being a palace # suitable to a palace : magnificent Etymology : text,Latin {it}palatium{/it} palace
topgallant
of, relating to, or being a part next above the topmast and below the royal mast Etymology : text,{et_link|top:1|top:1} + {et_link|gallant:1|gallant:1}
metatarsal
of, relating to, or being the part of the human foot or of the hind foot in quadrupeds between the tarsus and the phalanges that in humans comprises five elongated bones which form the front of the instep and ball of the foot
Jurassic
of, relating to, or being the period of the Mesozoic era between the Triassic and the Cretaceous or the corresponding system of rocks marked by the presence of dinosaurs and the first appearance of birds Etymology : text,French {it}jurassique{/it}, from {it}Jura{/it} mountain range
Egyptian
of, relating to, or characteristic of Egypt or the Egyptians
mundane
of, relating to, or characteristic of the world # characterized by the practical, transitory, and ordinary : commonplace Etymology : text,Middle English {it}mondeyne{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}mundain{/it}, from Late Latin {it}mundanus{/it}, from Latin {it}mundus{/it} world
portentous
of, relating to, or constituting a portent # eliciting amazement or wonder : prodigious # being a grave or serious matter
superlative
of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes an extreme or unsurpassed level or extent # surpassing all others : supreme # of very high quality : excellent Etymology : text,Middle English {it}superlatif{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin {it}superlativus{/it}, from Latin {it}superlatus{/it} (past participle of {it}superferre{/it} to carry over, raise high), from {it}super-{/it} + {it}latus{/it}, past participle of {it}ferre{/it} to carry {ma}{mat|tolerate|}, {mat|bear|}{/ma}
vehicular
of, relating to, or designed for vehicles and especially motor vehicles # transported by vehicle # caused by or resulting from the operation of a vehicle Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin Latin {it}vehiculāris{/it}, from Latin {it}vehiculum{/it} {et_link|vehicle|vehicle} + {it}-āris{/it} {et_link|-ar|-ar}
parenthetic
of, relating to, or expressed in a parenthesis # enclosed in parentheses # containing parentheses : using or given to using parentheses
historical
of, relating to, or having the character of history # based on history # used in the past and reproduced in historical presentations
herbaceous
of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an herb # having little or no woody tissue and persisting usually for a single growing season # having the texture, color, or appearance of a leaf
grotesqueness
of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the grotesque: such as # fanciful, bizarre # absurdly incongruous Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|grotesque:1||}{/dx_ety}
qualitative
of, relating to, or involving quality or kind
volumetric
of, relating to, or involving the measurement of volume
occipital
of, relating to, or located within or near the occiput or the occipital bone Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French, probably borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}occipitālis,{/it} from Latin {it}occipit-, occiput{/it} {et_link|occiput|occiput} + {it}-ālis{/it} {et_link|-al:1|-al:1}
declamatory
of, relating to, or marked by declamation or rhetorical display
ecstatic
of, relating to, or marked by ecstasy Etymology : text,borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}ecstaticus, extaticus,{/it} borrowed from Greek {it}ekstatikós{/it} "inclined to depart from, out of one's senses, causing mental derangement," from {it}eksta-,{/it} stem of {it}existánai{/it} "to displace, confound," {it}exístasthai{/it} "to be astonished, lose consciousness" + {it}-t-,{/it} verbal adjective suffix (after {it}statós{/it} "standing") + {it}-ikos{/it} {et_link|-ic:1|-ic:1} {ma}{mat|ecstasy|}{/ma}
vespertine
of, relating to, or occurring in the evening # active, flowering, or flourishing in the evening : crepuscular Etymology : text,Latin {it}vespertinus{/it}, from {it}vesper{/it}
nocturnal
of, relating to, or occurring in the night # active at night Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French {it}nocturnel,{/it} borrowed from Late Latin {it}nocturnālis{/it} "for night use," from Latin {it}nocturnus{/it} "of or occurring at night" (from {it}noct-, nox{/it} {et_link|night:1|night:1} + {it}-urnus,{/it} temporal suffix, as in {it}diurnus{/it} "of the day") + {it}-ālis{/it} {et_link|-al:1|-al:1} {ma}{mat|journal|}{/ma}
vernal
of, relating to, or occurring in the spring # fresh or new like the spring; also : youthful Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}vernālis{/it}, from {it}vernus{/it} "of spring" (adjective derivative from the base of {it}vēr{/it} "spring," going back to Indo-European {it}*u̯es-r-, *u̯es-n-{/it}, whence Old Norse {it}vár{/it} "spring," Greek {it}éar{/it}, Old Church Slavic {it}vesna{/it}, Sanskrit {it}vasanta-{/it}) + {it}-ālis{/it} {et_link|-al:1|-al:1}
Promethean
of, relating to, or resembling Prometheus, his experiences, or his art; especially : daringly original or creative
vulpine
of, relating to, or resembling a fox # foxy, crafty Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}vulpinus{/it}, from {it}vulpes{/it} fox; perhaps akin to Greek {it}alōpēx{/it} fox {ma}{mat|alopecia|}{/ma}
nebulous
of, relating to, or resembling a nebula : nebular # indistinct, vague Etymology : text,Latin {it}nebulosus{/it} misty, from {it}nebula{/it}
farcical
of, relating to, or resembling farce : ludicrous # laughably inept : absurd
spinal
of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column # of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord # having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain
Paleozoic
of, relating to, originating in, or being an era of geological history that extends from the beginning of the Cambrian to the close of the Permian and is marked by the culmination of nearly all classes of invertebrates except the insects and in the later epochs by the appearance of terrestrial plants, amphibians, and reptiles; also : relating to the corresponding system of rocks Etymology : text, {et_link|paleo-|paleo-} + {et_link|-zoic:2|-zoic:2} # et_snote,t,See note at {et_link|-zoic:2|-zoic:2}.
thrasonical
of, relating to, resembling, or characteristic of Thraso : bragging, boastful Etymology : text,Latin {it}Thrason-, Thraso{/it} Thraso, braggart soldier in the comedy {it}Eunuchus{/it} by Terence
cinematic
of, relating to, suggestive of, or suitable for motion pictures or the filming of motion pictures # filmed and presented as a motion picture Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|cinema||}{/dx_ety}
churlish
of, resembling, or characteristic of a churl : vulgar # marked by a lack of civility or graciousness : surly # difficult to work with or deal with : intractable Etymology : text,Middle English {it}cherlyssh{/it} "of churls, rustic, uncouth," going back to Old English {it}ceorlisc, cyrlisc,{/it} from {it}ceorl{/it} "male person, countryman, member of the lowest class of free men" + {it}-isc{/it} {et_link|-ish|-ish} {ma}{mat|churl|}{/ma}
surrogate
one appointed to act in place of another : deputy # a local judicial officer in some states (such as New York) who has jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the settlement of estates, and the appointment and supervision of guardians # surrogate mother
revenant
one that returns after death or a long absence Etymology : text,French, from present participle of {it}revenir{/it} to return
accomplice
one associated with another especially in wrongdoing Etymology : text,borrowed from Anglo-French {it}acomplice{/it}, alteration of {it}complice{/it} "associate" {ma}{mat|complice|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The source of initial {it}a(c)-{/it} is unclear. The earlier notion that {it}a-{/it} represents fusion of the indefinite article cannot be maintained given the much earlier occurrences of the word in Anglo-French (in a 1384 petition of the Drapers guild, and in vol. 2 of the {it}Rotuli Parliamentorum{/it} [1279-1377]). The suggestion that {it}complice{/it} has been assimilated to {it}accomplir{/it}, "to fulfill, etc.," (see {et_link|accomplish|accomplish}) is not very compelling semantically.
lookout
one engaged in keeping watch : watchman # an elevated place or structure affording a wide view for observation # a careful looking or watching
kidney
one of a pair of vertebrate organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column that excrete waste products of metabolism, in humans are bean-shaped organs about 41/2 inches (111/2 centimeters) long lying behind the peritoneum in a mass of fatty tissue, and consist chiefly of nephrons by which urine is secreted, collected, and discharged into a main cavity whence it is conveyed by the ureter to the bladder # any of various excretory organs of invertebrate animals # the kidney of an animal eaten as food Etymology : text,Middle English
tooth
one of the hard bony appendages that are borne on the jaws or in many of the lower vertebrates on other bones in the walls of the mouth or pharynx and serve especially for the prehension and mastication of food and as weapons of offense and defense # any of various usually hard and sharp processes especially about the mouth of an invertebrate # a projection resembling or suggesting the tooth of an animal in shape, arrangement, or action : such as Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}tōth{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}zand{/it} tooth, Latin {it}dent-, dens{/it}, Greek {it}odont-, odous{/it}
steppe
one of the vast usually level and treeless tracts in southeastern Europe or Asia # arid land with xerophilous vegetation found usually in regions of extreme temperature range and loess soil Etymology : text,Russian {it}step'{/it}
companion
one that accompanies another : comrade, associate; also : one that keeps company with another # rascal # one that is closely connected with something similar Etymology : text,Middle English {it}compainoun{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}cumpaing, cumpaignun{/it}, from Late Latin {it}companion-, companio{/it}, from Latin {it}com-{/it} + {it}panis{/it} bread, food {ma}{mat|food|}{/ma}
imposter
one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception Etymology : text,Late Latin {it}impostor{/it}, from Latin {it}imponere{/it}
calculator
one that calculates: such as # a usually electronic device for performing mathematical calculations # a person who operates a calculator
conductor
one that conducts: such as # guide # a collector of fares in a public conveyance Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|conduct:2||}{/dx_ety}
developer
one that develops: such as # a chemical used to develop exposed photographic materials # a person who develops real estate
fascinator
one that fascinates # a woman's lightweight head scarf usually of crochet or lace
guardian
one that guards : custodian # a superior of a Franciscan monastery # one who has the care of the person or property of another Etymology : text,Middle English {it}gardein, wardein{/it} {ma}{mat|warden|}{/ma}
interloper
one that interlopes: such as # one that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity # an illegal or unlicensed trader
favorite
one that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking; especially : a person who is specially loved, trusted, or provided with favors by someone of high rank or authority # a competitor judged most likely to win Etymology : text,Italian {it}favorito{/it}, past participle of {it}favorire{/it} to favor, from {it}favore{/it} favor, from Latin {it}favor{/it}
favourite
one that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking; especially : a person who is specially loved, trusted, or provided with favors by someone of high rank or authority # a competitor judged most likely to win Etymology : text,Italian {it}favorito{/it}, past participle of {it}favorire{/it} to favor, from {it}favore{/it} favor, from Latin {it}favor{/it}
proprietary
one that possesses, owns, or holds exclusive right to something; specifically : proprietor # something that is used, produced, or marketed under exclusive legal right of the inventor or maker; specifically : a drug (such as a patent medicine) that is protected by secrecy, patent, or copyright against free competition as to name, product, composition, or process of manufacture # a business secretly owned by and run as a cover for an intelligence organization Etymology : text,Middle English {it}propietarie{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin {it}propietarius{/it}, from Late Latin, adjective {dx_ety}see {dxt|proprietary:2||}{/dx_ety}
recipient
one that receives : receiver Etymology : text,Latin {it}recipient-, recipiens{/it}, present participle of {it}recipere{/it}
receptacle
one that receives and contains something : container # the end of the flower stalk upon which the floral organs are borne # a structure or tissue (as of a fungus or fern) bearing spores or sporangia Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}receptaculum{/it}, from {it}receptare{/it} to receive, frequentative of {it}recipere{/it} to receive
spelunker
one who makes a hobby of exploring and studying caves Etymology : text,Latin {it}spēlunca{/it} "cave" (borrowed from Greek {it}spēlynk-,{/it} stem of {it}spêlynx{/it} "cave") + {et_link|-er:2|-er:2} {ma}{mat|speleology|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,Word popularized, if not coined, by the author and outdoorsman Clair Willard Perry ("Clay Perry," 1887-1961), perhaps earliest in {it}Underground New England{/it} (Brattleboro, VT: Stephen Daye Press, 1939), p. 219: "There is an informal caveman's club in New England, a group of men and boys who for several years have been making a more or less systematic study of the caves and old mines of the country, extending their research throughout eastern New York state as well. They call themselves 'spelunkers,' taking the name from the snappy Latin title for a cave, 'spelunka,' and from the high-sounding British caveman's club which is 'British Speleological Association'."
entrepreneur
one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise Etymology : text,French, from Old French, from {it}entreprendre{/it} to undertake {ma}{mat|enterprise|}{/ma}
apothecary
one who prepares and sells drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes # pharmacy Etymology : text,Middle English {it}apothecarie{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}apothecarius{/it}, from Late Latin, shopkeeper, from Latin {it}apotheca{/it} storehouse, from Greek {it}apothēkē{/it}, from {it}apotithenai{/it} to put away, from {it}apo-{/it} + {it}tithenai{/it} to put {ma}{mat|do|}{/ma}
functionary
one who serves in a certain function # one holding office in a government or political party
interlocutor
one who takes part in dialogue or conversation # a man in the middle of the line in a minstrel show who questions the end men and acts as leader Etymology : text,Latin {it}interloqui{/it} to speak between, issue an interlocutory decree, from {it}inter-{/it} + {it}loqui{/it} to speak
usurper
one who usurps something: such as # one who seizes and holds office, power, position, etc., by force or without right # one who takes the place of another by or as if by force
lawyer
one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise as to legal rights and obligations in other matters
raptatorial
overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general # recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability # a place in public esteem or regard : good name Etymology : text,Middle English {it}reputacion{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}reputation-, reputatio{/it} consideration, from {it}reputare{/it}
inundate
overwhelm # to cover with a flood : overflow Etymology : text,Latin {it}inundatus{/it}, past participle of {it}inundare{/it}, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}unda{/it} wave {ma}{mat|water|}{/ma}
petrifying
overwhelmingly frightening Etymology : text,from present participle of {et_link|petrify|petrify}
pageantry
pageants and the presentation of pageants # colorful, rich, or splendid display : spectacle # mere show : empty display
brochure
pamphlet, booklet; especially : one containing descriptive or advertising material Etymology : text,French, from {it}brocher{/it} to sew, from Middle French, to prick, from Old French {it}brochier{/it}, from {it}broche{/it}
Edenic
paradise # the garden where according to the account in Genesis Adam and Eve first lived # a place of pristine or abundant natural beauty Etymology : text,Late Latin, from Hebrew {it}ʽĒdhen{/it}
cahoots
partnership, league —usually used in plural Etymology : text,perhaps from French {it}cahute{/it} cabin, hut
platitude
the quality or state of being dull or insipid # a banal, trite, or stale remark Etymology : text,French, from {it}plat{/it} flat, dull
stagflation
persistent inflation combined with stagnant consumer demand and relatively high unemployment Etymology : text,blend of {it}stagnation{/it} and {it}inflation{/it}
imagery
pictures produced by an imaging system # the product of image makers : images; also : the art of making images # figurative language Etymology : text,Middle English {it}ymagerie{/it} "images portrayed in sculpture, painting, etc.," borrowed from Anglo-French, from {it}ymage, image{/it} {et_link|image:1|image:1} + {it}-erie{/it} {et_link|-ery|-ery}
pigsty
pigpen
tomfoolery
playful or foolish behavior
photogenic
produced or precipitated by light # producing or generating light : phosphorescent # suitable for being photographed especially because of visual appeal
languorous
producing or tending to produce languor # full of or characterized by languor
venomous
producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death # full of venom: such as # poisonous, envenomed Etymology : text,Middle English {it}venimous{/it}, borrowed from Anglo-French {it}venimus, venimous{/it}, from {it}venim{/it} {et_link|venom:1|venom:1} + {it}-us, -ous{/it} {et_link|-ous|-ous}
circle
ring, halo # a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a fixed point within the curve # the plane surface bounded by such a curve Etymology : text,Middle English {it}cercle{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}circulus{/it}, diminutive of {it}circus{/it} circle, circus, from or akin to Greek {it}krikos, kirkos{/it} ring; akin to Old English {it}hring{/it} ring {ma}{mat|ring|}{/ma}
Harlem
river channel in southeastern New York northeast of Manhattan Island connecting (with Spuyten Duyvil Creek) the Hudson and East rivers # section of New York City in northern Manhattan bordering on the Harlem and East rivers; a center of African American culture especially in the 1920s
skedaddle
run away, scram; especially : to flee in a panic Etymology : text,probably alteration of British dialect {it}scaddle{/it} to run off in a fright, from {it}scaddle{/it}, adjective, wild, timid, skittish, from Middle English {it}scathel, skadylle{/it} harmful, fierce, wild, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse {it}skathi{/it} harm {ma}{mat|scathe|}{/ma}
jocularity
said or done as a joke : characterized by jesting : playful # given to jesting : habitually jolly or jocund Etymology : text,Latin {it}jocularis{/it}, from {it}joculus{/it}, diminutive of {it}jocus{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|jocose||}{/dx_ety}
kosher
sanctioned by Jewish law; especially : ritually fit for use # selling or serving food ritually fit according to Jewish law # being proper, acceptable, or satisfactory Etymology : text,Yiddish, from Hebrew {it}kāshēr{/it} fit, proper
dandruff
scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp; also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching Etymology : text,probably from {it}dand-{/it} (origin unknown) + {it}-ruff{/it}, from Middle English {it}rove{/it} scabby condition, from Old Norse {it}hrūfa{/it} scab; akin to Old High German {it}hruf{/it} scurf, Lithuanian {it}kraupus{/it} rough
tempura
seafood or vegetables dipped in batter and fried in deep fat Etymology : text,Japanese {it}tenpura{/it}
turbinado
shaped like a top or an inverted cone # relating to or being a turbinate Etymology : text,Latin {it}turbinatus{/it}, from {it}turbin-, turbo{/it}
antagonistic
showing dislike or opposition : marked by or resulting from antagonism Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|antagonize||}{/dx_ety}
paucity
smallness of number : fewness # smallness of quantity : dearth Etymology : text,Middle English {it}paucite{/it}, from Latin {it}paucitat-, paucitas{/it}, from {it}paucus{/it} little {ma}{mat|few|}{/ma}
ingredient
something that enters into a compound or is a component part of any combination or mixture : constituent Etymology : text,Middle English, from Latin {it}ingredient-, ingrediens{/it}, present participle of {it}ingredi{/it} to go into, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}gradi{/it} to go {ma}{mat|grade:1|}{/ma}
harbinger
something that foreshadows a future event : something that gives an anticipatory sign of what is to come # one that initiates a major change : a person or thing that originates or helps open up a new activity, method, or technology : pioneer # a person sent ahead to provide lodgings Etymology : text,Middle English {it}herbergere{/it}, from Anglo-French, host, from {it}herberge{/it} camp, lodgings, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German {it}heriberga{/it}
obstacles
something that impedes progress or achievement Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}obstaculum{/it}, from {it}obstare{/it} to stand in front of, from {it}ob-{/it} in the way + {it}stare{/it} to stand {ma}{mat|ob-|}, {mat|stand|}{/ma}
pollutant
something that pollutes
Louisiana
state of the southern U.S. that includes the vast delta through which the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico; capital Baton Rouge area 48,523 square miles (126,160 square kilometers), population 4,533,372
adhesion
steady or firm attachment : adherence # the action or state of adhering # the abnormal union of separate tissue surfaces by new fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammatory process; also : the newly formed uniting tissue Etymology : text,borrowed from French or Latin; French {it}adhésion,{/it} going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin {it}adhaesiōn-, adhaesiō,{/it} from {it}adhaes-,{/it} variant stem of {it}adhaerēre{/it} "to {et_link|adhere|adhere}" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō,{/it} suffix of action nouns (expected {it}*adhaestiō{/it} presumably simplified to {it}adhaesiō{/it} by analogy)
pilferer
steal; especially : to steal stealthily in small amounts and often again and again # steal; especially : to steal in small quantities Etymology : text,Middle French {it}pelfrer{/it}, from {it}pelfre{/it} booty
rictus
the gape of a bird's mouth # the mouth orifice # a gaping grin or grimace Etymology : text,New Latin, from Latin, open mouth, from {it}ringi{/it} to open the mouth; akin to Old Church Slavonic {it}rǫgŭ{/it} mockery
dollars
taler # any of numerous coins patterned after the taler (such as a Spanish peso) # any of various basic monetary units (as in the U.S. and Canada) Etymology : text,Dutch or Low German {it}daler{/it}, from German {it}Taler{/it}, short for {it}Joachimstaler{/it}, from Sankt {it}Joachimsthal{/it}, Bohemia, where talers were first made
taciturn
temperamentally disinclined to talk Etymology : text,French or Latin; French {it}taciturne{/it}, from Middle French, from Latin {it}taciturnus{/it}, from {it}tacitus{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|tacit||}{/dx_ety}
mellow
tender and sweet because of ripeness # well aged and pleasingly mild # made gentle by age or experience Etymology : text,Middle English {it}melowe{/it}
hypnotic
tending to produce sleep : soporific # of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism # readily holding the attention Etymology : text,French or Late Latin; French {it}hypnotique{/it}, from Late Latin {it}hypnoticus{/it}, from Greek {it}hypnōtikos{/it}, from {it}hypnoun{/it} to put to sleep, from {it}hypnos{/it}
evanescent
tending to vanish like vapor Etymology : text,Latin {it}evanescent-, evanescens{/it}, present participle of {it}evanescere{/it}
tenement
tenement house # apartment, flat # a house used as a dwelling : residence Etymology : text,Middle English, "the holding of property, the property so held, building, dwelling," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}tenementum, tenimentum, teneamentum,{/it} from Latin {it}tenēre{/it} "to hold, occupy, possess" + {it}-mentum{/it} {et_link|-ment|-ment} {ma}{mat|tenant:1|}{/ma}
myself
that identical one that is I —used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions # my normal, healthy, or sane condition
lamentable
that is to be regretted or lamented : deplorable # expressing grief : mournful
batteries
the act of beating someone or something with successive blows : the act of battering # an offensive touching or use of force on a person without the person's consent # a grouping of artillery pieces for tactical purposes Etymology : text,Anglo-French {it}baterie{/it}, from {it}batre{/it} to beat, from Latin {it}battuere{/it}
absolution
the act of forgiving someone for having done something wrong or sinful : the act of absolving someone or the state of being absolved; specifically : a remission of sins pronounced by a priest (as in the sacrament of reconciliation) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}absoluciun{/it}, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin {it}absolūtiōn-, absolūtiō{/it} "completion, acquittal, release," from {it}absolū-{/it} (stem, before consonants, of {it}absolvere{/it} "to set free, acquit, finish") + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō{/it} suffix of action nouns {ma}{mat|absolve|}{/ma}
requisition
the act of formally requiring or calling upon someone to perform an action # a formal demand made by one nation upon another for the surrender or extradition of a fugitive from justice # the act of requiring something to be furnished Etymology : text,Middle English {it}requisicion{/it}, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French {it}requisition{/it}, from Medieval Latin {it}requisition-, requisitio{/it}, from Latin, act of searching, from {it}requirere{/it}
warning
the act of warning : the state of being warned # something that warns or serves to warn; especially : a notice or bulletin that alerts the public to an imminent hazard (such as a tornado, thunderstorm, or flood) Etymology : text,Middle English {it}warnyng, warnynge,{/it} going back to Old English {it}warnung, wearning,{/it} from {it}wearnian{/it} "to {et_link|warn|warn}" + {it}-ung, -ing{/it} {et_link|-ing:3|-ing:3}
agitation
the act or an instance of agitating something : a moving back and forth or with an irregular, rapid, or violent action # a state or feeling of being agitated and restless : a state of excessive psychomotor activity accompanied by increased tension and irritability # a persistent and sustained attempt to arouse public feeling or influence public opinion (as by appeals, discussions, or demonstrations)
sternutation
the act or noise of sneezing Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sternutacion{/it}, from Latin {it}sternutation-, sternutatio{/it}, from {it}sternutare{/it} to sneeze, frequentative of {it}sternuere{/it} to sneeze; akin to Greek {it}ptarnysthai{/it} to sneeze
bribery
the act or practice of giving or taking a bribe
excision
the act or procedure of removing by or as if by cutting out; especially : surgical removal or resection Etymology : text,Middle French, from Latin {it}excision-, excisio{/it}, from {it}excidere{/it}
evaporation
the act or process of evaporating: # change from a liquid to a vapor # the vanishing or disappearance of something
optimum
the amount or degree of something that is most favorable to some end; especially : the most favorable condition for the growth and reproduction of an organism # greatest degree attained or attainable under implied or specified conditions Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin, from neuter of {it}optimus{/it} (earlier {it}optumus{/it}) "best," probably originally "foremost, headmost," from {it}ob{/it} "toward, in front of" + {it}-tumus, -timus,{/it} superlative suffix (going back to Indo-European {it}*-tm̥mos{/it}) {ma}{mat|ob-|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,Traditionally the initial element {it}op-{/it} has been taken as the stem of {it}op-, *ops{/it} "power, ability, wealth" (see {et_link|opus|opus}), though superlative derivatives with {it}-(t)imus{/it} are regularly formed from spatial prepositions (as {it}extimus, intimus, postumus{/it}), not nouns. The inscriptional forms {it}opitimus, opitumus{/it} probably contain an epenthetic vowel and hence would not be of etymological relevance.
surplus
the amount that remains when use or need is satisfied # an excess of receipts over disbursements # the excess of a corporation's net worth over the par or stated value of its stock Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin {it}superplus{/it}, from Latin {it}super-{/it} + {it}plus{/it} more {ma}{mat|plus|}{/ma}
fomentation
the application of hot moist substances to the body to ease pain # the material so applied # the act of fomenting : instigation
cinnamon
the aromatic, dried bark of any of several tropical trees (genus Cinnamomum) yielding a culinary spice, oil, and flavoring; especially : a small roll or quill of cinnamon bark # the tan to dark brown spice that is prepared from cinnamon bark by powdering and has a somewhat sweet and spicy taste # a tree that yields cinnamon Etymology : text,Middle English {it}cynamone{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}cinnamomum, cinnamon{/it}, from Greek {it}kinnamōmon, kinnamon{/it}, of non-Indo-European origin; akin to Hebrew {it}qinnāmōn{/it} cinnamon
scenographer
the art of perspective representation especially as applied to the design and painting of stage scenery Etymology : text,Greek {it}skēnographia{/it} painting of scenery, from {it}skēnē{/it} + {it}-graphia{/it} -graphy
ceramics
the art or process of making ceramic articles # a product of ceramic manufacture
stubble
the basal part of herbaceous plants and especially cereal grasses remaining attached to the soil after harvest # a rough surface or growth resembling stubble; especially : a short growth of beard Etymology : text,Middle English {it}stuble{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}estuble{/it}, from Latin {it}stupula{/it} stalk, straw, alteration of {it}stipula{/it} {ma}{mat|stipule|}{/ma}
channel
the bed where a natural stream of water runs # the deeper part of a river, harbor, or strait # a strait or narrow sea between two close landmasses Etymology : text,Middle English {it}chanel{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Latin {it}canalis{/it} channel {ma}{mat|canal|}{/ma}
stamina
the bodily or mental capacity to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity : endurance # the moral or emotional strength to continue with a difficult process, effort, etc. : staying power Etymology : text,Latin, plural of {it}stamen{/it} warp, thread of life spun by the Fates
truth
the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality # the state of being the case : fact # a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality Etymology : text,Middle English {it}trewthe{/it}, from Old English {it}trēowth{/it} fidelity; akin to Old English {it}trēowe{/it} faithful {ma}{mat|true:1|}{/ma}
predicament
the character, status, or classification assigned by a predication; specifically : category # condition, state; especially : a difficult, perplexing, or trying situation Etymology : text,Middle English, from Late Latin {it}praedicamentum{/it}, from {it}praedicare{/it} {dx_ety}see {dxt|predicate:2||}{/dx_ety}
orchestra
the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater # a corresponding semicircular space in a Roman theater used for seating important persons # the space in front of the stage in a modern theater that is used by an orchestra Etymology : text,Latin, from Greek {it}orchēstra{/it}, from {it}orcheisthai{/it} to dance; perhaps akin to Sanskrit {it}ṛghāyati{/it} he trembles, he rages
merchandise
the commodities or goods that are bought and sold in business : wares # the occupation of a merchant : trade Etymology : text,Middle English {it}marchaundise{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}marchandise{/it}, from {it}marcheant{/it}
freight
the compensation paid for the transportation of goods # cost # goods to be shipped : cargo Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German {it}vracht, vrecht{/it}
constellation
the configuration of stars especially at one's birth # any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations # an assemblage, collection, or group of usually related persons, qualities, or things Etymology : text,Middle English {it}constellacioun{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}constellation{/it}, from Late Latin {it}constellation-, constellatio{/it}, from Latin {it}com-{/it} + {it}stella{/it} star {ma}{mat|star|}{/ma}
rennet
the contents of the stomach of an unweaned animal and especially a calf # the lining membrane of a stomach or one of its compartments (such as the fourth of a ruminant) used for curdling milk; also : a preparation of the stomach of animals used for this purpose # rennin Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle English {it}*rennen{/it} to cause to coagulate, from Old English {it}gerennan{/it}, from {it}ge-{/it} together + {it}*rennan{/it} to cause to run; akin to Old High German {it}rennen{/it} to cause to run, Old English {it}rinnan{/it} to run {ma}{mat|co-|}, {mat|run|}{/ma}
collegiality
the cooperative relationship of colleagues; specifically : the participation of bishops in the government of the Roman Catholic Church in collaboration with the pope
truffle
the dark or light edible subterranean fruiting body of several European ascomycetous fungi (especially genus Tuber); also : any of various similar fruiting bodies of related fungi # a fungus that produces truffles # a candy made of chocolate, butter, sugar, and sometimes liqueur shaped into balls and often coated with cocoa Etymology : text,modification of Middle French {it}truffe{/it}, from Old Occitan {it}trufa{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*tufera{/it}; akin to Latin {it}tuber{/it} swelling, truffle {ma}{mat|tuber|}{/ma}
antithesis
the direct opposite # the rhetorical contrast of ideas by means of parallel arrangements of words, clauses, or sentences (as in "action, not words" or "they promised freedom and provided slavery") # opposition, contrast Etymology : text,Late Latin, from Greek, literally, opposition, from {it}antitithenai{/it} to oppose, from {it}anti-{/it} + {it}tithenai{/it} to set {ma}{mat|do|}{/ma}
phlebotomy
the drawing of blood (as by venipuncture) for transfusion, apheresis, diagnostic testing, or experimental procedures —called also venesection Etymology : text,Middle English {it}fleobotomie{/it}, from Middle French {it}flebothomie{/it}, from Late Latin {it}phlebotomia{/it}, from Greek, from {it}phleb-{/it} + {it}-tomia{/it} -tomy
lifetime
the duration of the existence of a living being (such as a person or an animal) or a thing (such as a star or a subatomic particle) # life # an amount accumulated or experienced in a lifetime
cottage
the dwelling of a farm laborer or small farmer # a usually small frame one-family house # a small detached dwelling unit at an institution Etymology : text,Middle English {it}cotage{/it}, from Anglo-French, from Middle English {it}cot{/it} {ma}{mat|cot|}{/ma}
caterpillar
the elongated wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth; also : any of various similar larvae Etymology : text,Middle English {it}catyrpel{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}*catepelose{/it}, literally, hairy cat
supper
the evening meal especially when dinner is taken at midday # a social affair featuring a supper; especially : an evening social especially for raising funds # the food served as a supper Etymology : text,Middle English {it}soper{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}super{/it}, from {it}super{/it} to sup {ma}{mat|sup|}{/ma}
visage
the face, countenance, or appearance of a person or sometimes an animal # aspect, appearance Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French, from {it}vis{/it} face, from Latin {it}visus{/it} sight, from {it}vidēre{/it} to see {ma}{mat|wit|}{/ma}
aberration
the fact or an instance of deviating or being aberrant especially from a moral standard or normal state # something or someone regarded as atypical and therefore able to be ignored or discounted # failure of a mirror, refracting surface, or lens to produce exact point-to-point correspondence between an object and its image Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}aberrātiōn-, aberrātiō{/it} "diversion, relief," from {it}aberrāre{/it} "to wander away" + {it}-tiōn-, -tiō{/it}, suffix of action nouns {ma}{mat|aberrant:1|}{/ma}
occupancy
the fact or condition of holding, possessing, or residing in or on something # the act or fact of taking or having possession (as of unowned land) to acquire ownership # the fact or condition of being occupied Etymology : text, {et_link|occup(ant)|occupant} + {et_link|-ancy|-ancy}
striation
the fact or state of being striated # arrangement of striations or striae # a minute groove, scratch, or channel especially when one of a parallel series
equator
the great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is perpendicular to the axis of the earth # a great circle of the earth or a celestial body that is everywhere equally distant from the two poles and divides the surface into the northern and southern hemispheres # a circle or circular band dividing the surface of a body into two usually equal and symmetrical parts Etymology : text,Middle English, from Medieval Latin {it}aequator{/it}, literally, equalizer, from Latin {it}aequare{/it}
macrocosm
the great world : universe # a complex that is a large-scale reproduction of one of its constituents Etymology : text,borrowed from French & Medieval Latin; French {it}macrocosme,{/it} going back to Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin {it}macrocosmus,{/it} from {it}macro-{/it} {et_link|macro-|macro-} + {it}-cosmus,{/it} in {it}microcosmus{/it} {et_link|microcosm|microcosm}
quadriceps
the greater extensor muscle of the front of the thigh that is divided into four parts Etymology : text,New Latin {it}quadricipit-, quadriceps{/it}, from {it}quadri-{/it} + {it}-cipit-, -ceps{/it} (as in {it}bicipit-, biceps{/it} biceps)
suet
the hard fat about the kidneys and loins in beef and mutton that yields tallow Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sewet{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}suet, siuet{/it}, from {it}seu, su{/it} hard animal fat, from Latin {it}sebum{/it}
shoulder
the laterally projecting part of the human body formed of the bones and joints with their covering tissue by which the arm is connected with the trunk # the region of the body of nonhuman vertebrates that corresponds to the shoulder but is less projecting # the two shoulders and the upper part of the back —usually used in plural Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sholder{/it}, from Old English {it}sculdor{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}scultra{/it} shoulder
twilight
the light from the sky between full night and sunrise or between sunset and full night produced by diffusion of sunlight through the atmosphere and its dust; also : a time of twilight # an intermediate state that is not clearly defined # a period of decline
horizon
the line where the earth seems to meet the sky : the apparent junction of earth and sky # the great circle on the celestial sphere formed by the intersection of the celestial sphere with a plane tangent to the earth's surface at an observer's position # range of perception or experience Etymology : text,Middle English {it}orizon{/it}, from Late Latin {it}horizont-, horizon{/it}, from Greek {it}horizont-, horizōn{/it}, from present participle of {it}horizein{/it} to bound, define, from {it}horos{/it} boundary; perhaps akin to Latin {it}urvum{/it} curved part of a plow
water
the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain, forms streams, lakes, and seas, and is a major constituent of all living matter and that when pure is an odorless, tasteless, very slightly compressible liquid oxide of hydrogen H2O which appears bluish in thick layers, freezes at 0° C and boils at 100° C, has a maximum density at 4° C and a high specific heat, is feebly ionized to hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, and is a poor conductor of electricity and a good solvent # a natural mineral water —usually used in plural # a particular quantity or body of water: such as Etymology : text,Middle English, from Old English {it}wæter{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}wazzar{/it} water, Greek {it}hydōr{/it}, Latin {it}unda{/it} wave
exodus
the mainly narrative second book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture # a mass departure : emigration Etymology : text,Latin, from Greek {it}Exodos{/it}, literally, road out, from {it}ex-{/it} + {it}hodos{/it} road
deportment
the manner in which one conducts oneself : behavior Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|deport||}{/dx_ety}
deglaciation
the melting of ice; specifically : the retreat of a glacier or ice sheet
midriff
the mid-region of the human torso : midsection # a section of a woman's garment that covers the midriff # a woman's garment that exposes the midriff Etymology : text,Middle English {it}mydref, mydrif{/it} "diaphragm, omentum," going back to Old English {it}midhrif,{/it} from {it}mid-{/it} {et_link|mid:1|mid:1} + {it}hrif{/it} "belly, womb," going back to Germanic {it}*hrifiz-{/it} (whence also Old Frisian {it}midrif{/it} "diaphragm," Old Saxon {it}inhrif{/it} "innards," Old High German {it}href, ref{/it} "womb"), going back to {it}*krep-es-, *krep-os-,{/it} full-grade derivative of Indo-European {it}*kr̥p-{/it} "body, form," whence also Latin {it}corpor-, corpus{/it} "body" (from {it}*kr̥p-os-{/it}), Middle Irish {it}crí,{/it} Sanskrit {it}kr̥p-{/it} "shape, appearance," Avestan {it}kəhrp{/it} # et_snote,t,The base may be {it}*ḱr̥p-{/it} with a palatovelar if it is assumed that Indo-Iranian palatovelars lost their palatal quality before {it}r.{/it} Earlier reconstructed with initial {it}*k{sup}w{/sup}-{/it} on the basis of Greek {it}prapídes{/it} "midriff," but it has been claimed that Greek regularly dissimilated {it}*k{sup}w{/sup}-p-{/it} to {it}*k-p-{/it}; also a labiovelar would probably not result in a front vowel in Irish {it}crí.{/it}
acerbity
the quality of being acerbic Etymology : text,borrowed from Middle French {it}acerbité,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}acerbitāt-, acerbitās,{/it} from {it}acerbus{/it} "sour, bitter" + {it}-itāt-, -itās{/it} {et_link|-ity|-ity} {ma}{mat|acerb|}{/ma}
allegiance
the obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord # the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government # the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides Etymology : text,Middle English {it}aligeaunce{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}allegeance{/it}, alteration of {it}ligeance{/it}, from {it}lige{/it} liege
phenotype
the observable characteristics or traits of an organism that are produced by the interaction of the genotype and the environment : the physical expression of one or more genes # the observable characteristics or traits of a disease Etymology : text,German {it}Phänotypus{/it}, from Greek {it}phainein{/it} to show + {it}typos{/it} type
epidermis
the outer epithelial layer of the external integument of the animal body that is derived from the embryonic epiblast; specifically : the outer nonsensitive and nonvascular layer of the skin of a vertebrate that overlies the dermis # any of various animal integuments # a thin surface layer of tissue in higher plants formed by growth of a primary meristem Etymology : text,Late Latin, from Greek, from {it}epi-{/it} + {it}derma{/it} skin {ma}{mat|derm-|}{/ma}
lapel
the part of a garment that is turned back; specifically : the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a continuation of the collar Etymology : text,diminutive of {et_link|lap:1|lap:1}
auditorium
the part of a public building where an audience sits # a room, hall, or building used for public gatherings Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}audītōrium{/it} "lecture room, hall, body of listeners," from {it}audīre{/it} "to hear" + {it}-tōrium,{/it} suffix of places, from neuter of {it}-tōrius,{/it} deverbal adjective suffix {ma}{mat|audible:1|}, {mat|auditory:2|}{/ma}
foible
the part of a sword or foil blade between the middle and point # a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior : weakness Etymology : text,obsolete French (now {it}faible{/it}), from obsolete {it}foible{/it} weak, from Old French {it}feble{/it} feeble
adolescence
the period of life when a child develops into an adult : the period from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority # the state or process of growing up # a stage of development (as of a language or culture) prior to maturity Etymology : text,Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin {it}adolēscentia, adulēscentia,{/it} noun derivative of {it}adolēscent-, adolēscens{/it} {et_link|adolescent:2|adolescent:2}
station
the place or position in which something or someone stands or is assigned to stand or remain # any of the places in a manufacturing operation at which one part of the work is done # equipment used usually by one person for performing a particular job Etymology : text,Middle English {it}stacioun{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}estation, statiun{/it}, from Latin {it}station-, statio{/it}, from {it}stare{/it} to stand {ma}{mat|stand|}{/ma}
apogee
the point in the orbit of an object (such as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is at the greatest distance from the center of the earth; also : the point farthest from a planet or a satellite (such as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it # the farthest or highest point : culmination Etymology : text,French {it}apogée{/it}, from New Latin {it}apogaeum{/it}, from Greek {it}apogaion{/it}, from neuter of {it}apogeios, apogaios{/it} far from the earth, from {it}apo-{/it} + {it}gē, gaia{/it} earth
clairvoyance
the power or faculty of discerning objects not present to the senses # ability to perceive matters beyond the range of ordinary perception : penetration Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|clairvoyant:1||}{/dx_ety}
varsity
the principal squad representing a university, college, school, or club especially in a sport # regular # university Etymology : text,by shortening from {et_link|university|university} (with regular late Middle English opening of tautosyllabic {it}er{/it} to {it}ar{/it})
referendum
the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative # a vote on a measure so submitted # a diplomatic agent's note asking for government instructions Etymology : text,New Latin, from Latin, neuter of {it}referendus{/it}, gerundive of {it}referre{/it} to refer
surrealist
the principles, ideals, or practice of producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects in art, literature, film, or theater by means of unnatural or irrational juxtapositions and combinations Etymology : text,French {it}surréalisme{/it}, from {it}sur-{/it} + {it}réalisme{/it} realism
montage
the production of a rapid succession of images in a motion picture to illustrate an association of ideas # a literary, musical, or artistic composite of juxtaposed more or less heterogeneous elements # a composite picture made by combining several separate pictures Etymology : text,French, from {it}monter{/it} to mount
distance
the quality or state of being distant: such as # spatial remoteness # personal and especially emotional separation; also : reserve, coldness Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|distant||}{/dx_ety}
rectitude
the quality or state of being straight # moral integrity : righteousness # the quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure Etymology : text,Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin {it}rectitudo{/it}, from Latin {it}rectus{/it} straight, right
subtlety
the quality or state of being subtle # something subtle Etymology : text,Middle English {it}sotilte, subtilte{/it}, from Anglo-French {it}sotilté{/it}, from Latin {it}subtilitat-, subtilitas{/it}, from {it}subtilis{/it}
superficiality
the quality or state of being superficial # something superficial
tentativeness
the quality or state of being tentative or hesitant : hesitancy, uncertainty Etymology : text, {et_link|tentative:1|tentative:1} + {et_link|-ness|-ness}
urgency
the quality or state of being urgent : insistence # a force or impulse that impels or constrains : urge
vehemence
the quality or state of being vehement : intensity Etymology : text,Middle English {it}vemance, vehemens{/it}, borrowed from Middle French {it}vehemence{/it}, borrowed from Latin {it}vehementia{/it} "violent movement, intensity," from {it}vehement-, vehemens{/it} "violent, {et_link|vehement|vehement}" + {it}-ia{/it} {et_link|-ia:1|-ia:1}
visibility
the quality or state of being visible # the degree of clearness (as of the atmosphere or ocean); specifically : the greatest distance through the atmosphere toward the horizon at which prominent objects can be identified with the naked eye # capability of being readily noticed
debris
the remains of something broken down or destroyed # an accumulation of fragments of rock # something discarded : rubbish Etymology : text,French {it}débris{/it}, from Middle French, from {it}debriser{/it} to break to pieces, from Old French {it}debrisier{/it}, from {it}de-{/it} + {it}brisier{/it} to break, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish {it}brisid{/it} he breaks; perhaps akin to Latin {it}fricare{/it} to rub {ma}{mat|friction|}{/ma}
withers
the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse # a part corresponding to the withers in a quadruped (such as a dog) other than a horse Etymology : text,probably from obsolete English {it}wither-{/it} against, from Middle English, from Old English, from {it}wither{/it} against; from the withers being the parts which resist the pull in drawing a load {ma}{mat|with|}{/ma}
knuckle
the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint —used especially of those at the joints of the fingers # the joint of a knuckle # a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal joint with the adjoining flesh Etymology : text,Middle English {it}knokel{/it}; akin to Middle High German {it}knöchel{/it} knuckle
background
the scenery or ground behind something # the part of a painting representing what lies behind objects in the foreground # an image that displays on a computer screen underneath the various available icons and windows
perfume
the scent of something sweet-smelling # a substance that emits a pleasant odor; especially : a fluid preparation of natural essences (as from plants or animals) or synthetics and a fixative used for scenting Etymology : text,Middle French {it}perfum{/it}, probably from Old Occitan, from {it}perfumar{/it} to perfume, from {it}per-{/it} thoroughly (from Latin) + {it}fumar{/it} to smoke, from Latin {it}fumare{/it}, from {it}fumus{/it} smoke {ma}{mat|fume|}{/ma}
cybernetics
the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (such as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems) Etymology : text,Greek {it}kybernētēs{/it} pilot, governor (from {it}kybernan{/it} to steer, govern) + English {it}-ics{/it}
hypotenuse
the side of a right-angled triangle that is opposite the right angle # the length of a hypotenuse Etymology : text,earlier {it}hypothenusa, hypothenuse,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}hypotēnūsa,{/it} borrowed from Greek {it}hypoteínousa,{/it} noun derivative (with {it}grammḗ{/it} "line" or {it}pleurá{/it} "side" understood) from feminine of {it}hypoteínōn,{/it} present participle of {it}hypoteínein{/it} "to stretch under, put under, subtend," from {it}hypo-{/it} {et_link|hypo-|hypo-} + {it}teínein{/it} "to stretch, extend" {ma}{mat|tenant:1|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,The nominal use of {it}hypoteínousa{/it} in Greek is apparent in passages such as the following, from the {it}Deipnosophistae{/it} of Athenaeus of Naucratis (10.13), where "line/lines" or "side/sides" are understood: "Apollódōros dè ho arithmētikòs kaì thûsaí phēsin autòn hekatómbēn epì tôi eurēkenai hóti trigṓnou orthogōníou [he] tḕn orthḕn gōnían hypoteínousa íson dýnatai taîs periechoúsais...." ("And Apollodorus the Calculator says that he [Pythagoras] even sacrificed a hecatomb when he discovered that in a right-angled triangle the [square of the] line subtending ("hypoteínousa") the right angle is equal to [the square of] the lines embracing it.)"
singultus
the singular number, the inflectional form denoting it, or a word in that form # a singular term
molecule
the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms # a tiny bit : particle Etymology : text,French {it}molécule{/it}, from New Latin {it}molecula{/it}, diminutive of Latin {it}moles{/it} mass
curfew
the sounding of a bell at evening # a regulation enjoining the withdrawal of usually specified persons (such as juveniles or military personnel) from the streets or the closing of business establishments or places of assembly at a stated hour # a requirement that someone (typically a child) be home by a particular time Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}coverfeu{/it}, signal given to bank the hearth fire, curfew, from {it}coverir{/it} to cover + {it}fu, feu{/it} fire, from Latin {it}focus{/it} hearth
emperor
the sovereign or supreme male monarch of an empire # emperor penguin Etymology : text,Middle English {it}emperour,{/it} borrowed from Anglo-French {it}empereor, amperour,{/it} going back to Latin {it}imperātōr-, imperātor{/it} "person giving orders, commanding officer, title of honor bestowed on a victorious general by his troops, title conferred by the Roman senate on Julius Caesar and Augustus and adopted by later successors," from {it}imperāre{/it} "to demand the production of, levy, give orders, exercise authority, hold political power" (from {it}im-{/it} {et_link|in-:2|in-:2} + {it}parāre{/it} "to supply, provide, make ready") + {it}-tōr-, -tor,{/it} agent suffix {ma}{mat|pare|}{/ma} # et_snote,t,See note at {et_link|pare|pare}.
vendage
the space between the projectile of a smoothbore gun and the surface of the bore # the difference between the diameter of the bore of a muzzle-loading rifled cannon and that of the projectile cylinder # the amount of sight deflection necessary to compensate for wind displacement in aiming a gun Etymology : text,{et_link|wind:1|wind:1}
parkour
the sport of traversing environmental obstacles by running, climbing, or leaping rapidly and efficiently Etymology : text,French, alteration of {it}parcours{/it} course, route, from Medieval Latin {it}percursus{/it}, from Latin {it}percurrere{/it} to run through, from {it}per-{/it} + {it}currere{/it} to run
occultation
the state of being hidden from view or lost to notice # the interruption of the light from a celestial body or of the signals from a spacecraft by the intervention of a celestial body; especially : an eclipse of a star or planet by the moon Etymology : text,Middle English {it}occultacion,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}occultātiōn-, occultātiō{/it} "concealment, interruption of light from a celestial body," from {it}occultāre{/it} "to prevent from being seen, conceal, keep secret" + {it}-tiōn- -tiō,{/it} suffix of verbal action {ma}{mat|occult:1|}{/ma}
weather
the state of the atmosphere with respect to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness # state or vicissitude of life or fortune # disagreeable atmospheric conditions: such as Etymology : text,Middle English {it}weder{/it}, from Old English; akin to Old High German {it}wetar{/it} weather, Old Church Slavonic {it}vetrŭ{/it} wind
principality
the state, office, or authority of a prince # the position or responsibilities of a principal (as of a school) # the territory or jurisdiction of a prince : the country that gives title to a prince
demographics
the statistical characteristics of human populations (such as age or income) used especially to identify markets # a market or segment of the population identified by demographics Etymology : text,derivative of {et_link|demographic:2|demographic:2}
valedictorian
the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises Etymology : text,{et_link|valedictor(y)|valedictory:1} + {et_link|-ian|-an:1}
primatologist
the study of primates especially other than recent humans (Homo sapiens)
provincial
the superior of a province of a Roman Catholic religious order # one living in or coming from a province # a person of local or restricted interests or outlook Etymology : text,in sense 1, from Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin {it}provincialis{/it}, from {it}provincia{/it} ecclesiastical province; in other senses, from Latin {it}provincialis{/it}, from {it}provincia{/it} province
buoyancy
the tendency of a body to float or to rise when submerged in a fluid # the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it; also : the upward force exerted # the ability to recover quickly from depression or discouragement : resilience Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|buoy:1||}{/dx_ety}
heartthrob
the throb of a heart # sentimental emotion : passion # sweetheart; also : a usually renowned man (such as an entertainer) noted for his sex appeal
comportment
to be fitting : accord # behave; especially : to behave in a manner conformable to what is right, proper, or expected Etymology : text,Middle French {it}comporter{/it} to bear, conduct, from Latin {it}comportare{/it} to bring together, from {it}com-{/it} + {it}portare{/it} to carry {ma}{mat|fare|}{/ma}
gnaw
to bite or chew on with the teeth; especially : to wear away by persistent biting or nibbling # to make by gnawing # to be a source of vexation to : plague Etymology : text,Middle English {it}gnawen{/it}, from Old English {it}gnagan{/it}; akin to Old High German {it}gnagan{/it} to gnaw
snore
to breathe during sleep with a rough hoarse noise due to vibration of the soft palate # to spend (time) in snoring or sleeping Etymology : text,Middle English {it}snoren, fnoren{/it}; akin to Old English {it}fnora{/it} sneezing, {it}fnǣran{/it} to breathe heavily
throttle
to compress the throat of : choke # to kill by such action # to prevent or check expression or activity of : suppress Etymology : text,Middle English {it}throtelen{/it}, from {it}throte{/it} throat
endure
to continue in the same state : last:1 # to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding # to undergo especially without giving in : suffer Etymology : text,Middle English, from Anglo-French {it}endurer{/it}, from Vulgar Latin {it}*indurare{/it}, from Latin, to harden, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}durare{/it} to harden, endure {ma}{mat|during|}{/ma}
exaggerate
to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth : overstate # to enlarge or increase especially beyond the normal : overemphasize # to make an overstatement Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}exaggerātus,{/it} past participle of {it}exaggerāre{/it} "to heap up, construct by piling up, increase in significance," from {it}ex-{/it} {et_link|ex-:1|ex-:1} + {it}aggerāre{/it} "to heap up over, form into a heap," verbal derivative of {it}agger{/it} "rubble, earthwork, rampart, dam," noun derivative of {it}aggerere{/it} "to bring, carry (to or up), push close up (against)," from {it}ag-{/it} {et_link|ag-|ad-} + {it}gerere{/it} "to carry, bring" {ma}{mat|jest:1|}{/ma}
guess
to form an opinion of from little or no evidence # believe, suppose # to arrive at a correct conclusion about by conjecture, chance, or intuition Etymology : text,Middle English {it}gessen{/it}, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian & Swedish {it}gissa{/it} to guess, Middle Dutch {it}gissen, gessen{/it}, Old Norse {it}geta{/it} to get, guess {ma}{mat|get|}{/ma}
monopolize
to get a monopoly of : assume complete possession or control of
recoup
to get an equivalent for (losses) : make up for # reimburse, compensate # regain Etymology : text,French {it}recouper{/it} to cut back, from Old French, from {it}re-{/it} + {it}couper{/it} to cut {ma}{mat|cope:1|}{/ma}
lolled
to hang loosely or laxly : droop # to act or move in a lax, lazy, or indolent manner : lounge # to let droop or dangle Etymology : text,Middle English
nobiliary
to incapacitate (a racehorse) especially by drugging # to win over to one's side # steal Etymology : text,perhaps irregular frequentative of {it}nab{/it}
emblazoned
to inscribe or adorn with or as if with heraldic bearings or devices # to inscribe (something, such as heraldic bearings) on a surface # celebrate, extol
intersperse
to insert at intervals among other things # to place something at intervals in or among Etymology : text,Latin {it}interspersus{/it} interspersed, from {it}inter-{/it} + {it}sparsus{/it}, past participle of {it}spargere{/it} to scatter {ma}{mat|spark|}{/ma}
eavesdrop
to listen secretly to what is said in private Etymology : text,probably back-formation from {it}eavesdropper{/it}, literally, one standing under the drip from the eaves
stipulate
to make an agreement or covenant to do or forbear something : contract # to demand an express term in an agreement —used with for # to specify as a condition or requirement (as of an agreement or offer) Etymology : text,Latin {it}stipulatus{/it}, past participle of {it}stipulari{/it} to demand a guarantee (from a prospective debtor)
adjudicate
to make an official decision about who is right in (a dispute) : to settle judicially # to act as judge Etymology : text,borrowed from Latin {it}adjūdicātus,{/it} past participle of {it}adjūdicāre{/it} "to {et_link|adjudge|adjudge}"
innovator
to make changes : do something in a new way # to introduce as or as if new # to effect a change in Etymology : text,Latin {it}innovatus{/it}, past participle of {it}innovare{/it}, from {it}in-{/it} + {it}novus{/it} new {ma}{mat|new|}{/ma}
wobbulator
to move or proceed with an irregular rocking or staggering motion or unsteadily and clumsily from side to side # tremble, quaver # waver, vacillate Etymology : text,probably from Low German {it}wabbeln{/it}; akin to Old English {it}wǣfre{/it} restless {ma}{mat|waver|}{/ma}
scrambling
to move with urgency or panic # to move or climb hastily especially on all fours # to struggle eagerly or unceremoniously for possession of something Etymology : text,perhaps alteration of {et_link|scrabble:1|scrabble:1}
connivery
to pretend ignorance of or fail to take action against something one ought to oppose # to be indulgent or in secret sympathy : wink # to cooperate secretly or have a secret understanding Etymology : text,French or Latin; French {it}conniver{/it}, from Latin {it}conivēre, connivēre{/it} to close the eyes, connive, from {it}com-{/it} + {it}-nivēre{/it} (akin to {it}nictare{/it} to wink); akin to Old English & Old High German {it}hnīgan{/it} to bow
temerity
unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition : rashness, recklessness # a rash or reckless act Etymology : text,Middle English {it}temeryte,{/it} borrowed from Latin {it}temeritāt- temeritās,{/it} from {it}temere{/it} "blindly, recklessly, haphazardly" + {it}-itāt- -itās{/it} {et_link|-ity|-ity}; {it}temere{/it} going back to adverbialized locative singular of a noun {it}*temes-{/it} "darkness," going back to Indo-European {it}*temH-es-,{/it} whence also Sanskrit {it}tamas-{/it} "darkness, gloom," Avestan {it}tǝmah-,{/it} and, from the base {it}*temH-,{/it} Lithuanian {it}témsta, témti{/it} "to become dark," {it}tamsà{/it} "darkness," {it}tim͂sras{/it} "dark red (of a horse), sorrel," Old Church Slavic {it}tĭma{/it} "darkness," {it}tĭmĭnŭ{/it} "dark, gloomy," and from a {it}*-ro-{/it} adjectival derivative Sanskrit {it}tamra-{/it} "darkening, oppressive," Germanic {it}*þemra-{/it} "darkness," whence Old High German {it}demar{/it} "dusk, twilight" # et_snote,t,See also {et_link|tenebrae|Tenebrae}.
cumbersome
unwieldy because of heaviness and bulk # slow-moving : ponderous # burdensome, troublesome Etymology : text,{dx_ety}see {dxt|cumber:1||}{/dx_ety}
trendy
very fashionable : up-to-date # marked by ephemeral, superficial, or faddish appeal or taste
indulgent
willing to allow excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration : indulging or characterized by indulgence # done or enjoyed as a special treat or pleasure Etymology : text,Latin {it}indulgent-, indulgens{/it}, present participle of {it}indulgēre{/it}
secession
withdrawal into privacy or solitude : retirement # formal withdrawal from an organization Etymology : text,Latin {it}secession-, secessio{/it}, from {it}secedere{/it}