abide ablutions - haus.orghaus.org/richter/2004cwl_moderate_pp1-60.pdf · the abduction of helen by...

2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing with Moderate Frequency

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aardvark

abactor

abaft

abandon

abandonedlyadv/ ESbandEn(d)lG /F > E + Ecfin a manner free from constraint.It is well to live abandonedly fromtime to time.

abasement

abatis

abbatial

abducent

abductionn/ abSdEkshEn /Lthe action of carrying (a person) offby force.The abduction of Helen by Parisled to the Trojan War.

abecedarian

abendmusik

aberrance

aberrancy

aberrational

abetting

abhorredv/ EbShO(E)rd /Ldetested extremely : loathed.In the 60s many young peopleabhorred the thought of going towar.

abhorrent

abidev/ ESbId /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] atonefor : pay for : suffer for.Dale fears he will have to abidelast night’s eating binge.

Abidjanadj/ SabETjBn /Afr geog nameof or relating to Abidjan, capital ofthe Ivory Coast from 1934 until1983.Nell tuned to CNN to get the lateston the Abidjan protest.

abiencen/ SabGEn(t)s /L[has near homonym: adience]tendency to withdraw from astimulus object or situation.Claudia’s painfully shy brothergave a perfect illustration ofabience at the school assembly.

abjoint

ablationn/ aSblCshEn /L[has near homonym: oblation]lowering of a land surface by winderosion or weathering agents.Warming of polar seas leads toablation of the ice caps.

ablazeadj/ ESblCz /E + Eradiant with light or bright color.Soren’s yard was ablaze withlighted Christmas trees.

ablutionsn pl/ ESblVshEnz /L > F > Ethe washing of one’s body or partof it.Carl nodded to Ivar, who wasmaking his morning ablutions atthe pump.

abnegate

abnegationn/ TabnGSgCshEn /Lrenunciation or denial.Monasticism involves thedisciplining, limitation, orabnegation of the material aspectsof human life.

abnormaladj/ abSnOrmEl /Ldiffering from the typical.In modern society, many peopleconsider it abnormal to live withoute-mail.

aboardadv/ ESbP(E)rd /Eon or within a ship, railway car, orpassenger vehicle.Spotting dorsal fins in the distance,Jeff swam back to the sailboat andpulled himself aboard.

abolitionistsn pl/ TabESlishEnDsts /L + Ecffadvocates of doing away withcompletely; specifically : advocatesof doing away with slavery.African captives from the slave shipAmistad, aided by Americanabolitionists in a two-year legalbattle, were eventually freed.

abominate

aborted


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abranchiateadj/ CSbraNkGDt /Gklacking gills.Salamanders develop into anabranchiate form as they mature.

abrogate

abrupt

abscission

absentmindedlyadv/ SabsEntTmIndDdlG /L > F > E + E + Ecffin a manner preoccupied to thepoint of failure to respond toordinary demands on the attention.Sal absentmindedly dunked hisdoughnut in his orange juice.

absolute

absolutelyadv/ TabsESlVtlG /Lin a manner that is not dependenton anything else.The tall, rectangular buildingswere absolutely plain: Eachwindow and each entrance wereexactly like every other.

absolutize

absolve

absorbefacient

absorbent

absorption

abstemiously

abstergent

abstract

abstraction

abstrusity

absurd

abundant

abusive

abusively

abustle

abutment

abyss

abyssal

Abyssinianadj/ TabESsinGEn /E Afr geog nameof or relating to Ethiopia.Paul collects Abyssinian tapestry.

academen/ SakETdGm /Gk > Lenvironment associated with aschool especially of higherlearning.Joe is at ease with everyone butprefers the company of those whoare familiar with the halls ofacademe.

academiciann/ TakEdDSmishEn /Gk > Lone (as a professor or student) thatis associated with or a member ofan institution of learning (as auniversity).Dr. Holtzclaw is the oldestacademician on campus.

academy

acanthusn/ ESkan(t)thEs /Gk[Note: Could be confused withadjective acanthous.] any plant of agenus of prickly herbs of theMediterranean region whose broadleaves are frequently represented insculptured architectural ornaments.The column’s capital featuredornamentation representing theleaves of an acanthus.

acarianadj/ ESka(a)rGEn /Gk > Lof, relating to, caused by, or havingthe characteristics of a mite or tick.Acarian parasites have saclikebodies unbroken by segments.

accededv/ akSsGdEd /L[has near homonym: exceeded]expressed approval or gaveconsent.Jan was glad when Mrs. Taftreadily acceded to the proposalthat the two parties attend the eventtogether.

accent

accentuatev/ akSsenchETwCt /Lgive special attention to :emphasize.The columns of the Egyptian templeaccentuate its height.

acceptable

acceptably

access

acciaccatura

accipitrine

acclaim

acclimated

acclivitous

accommodation


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accompanimentn/ ESkEmp(E)nGmEnt /L > F > Ean instrumental or vocal partsubordinate to and designed tosupport, amplify, or complement aprincipal voice or instrument.The chant followed a singlemelodic line with no instrumentalaccompaniment.

accompany

accomplish

accordance

accordion

accost

accostable

accostedv/ ESkOstDd /Lapproached and spoke to.Mr. Weston immediately accostedEmma with questions about herhealth.

accouchementn/ TaTkVshSmBM /Flying-in; especially : parturition : astate attending and consequent tochildbirth.Many insurance companies requirethat hospitals limit the period ofaccouchement to 24 hours.

account

accountantn/ ESkaUntFnt /Fone skilled in the practice ofclassifying, recording, andsummarizing business and financialtransactions and analyzing,verifying, and reporting the results.Every April Rhonda vows to hire anaccountant to figure her next year’staxes.

accredited

accretion

accretionaryadj/ ESkrGshETnerG /Lmarked by or involving addition oraccumulation.The accretionary hypothesis statesthat Earth has gradually grownlarger over time because of theinflux of meteorites and dustparticles from space.

acculturate

acculturationn/ ETkElchESrCshEn /L + L + Lcfa process of continuoustransmission of traits and elementsbetween diverse peoples, resultingin new and blended patterns.The Spanish conquest of Mexicowas followed by a period ofacculturation.

accumbentadj/ ESkEmbEnt /Lleaning or reclining especially atmeals.Harriet ridiculed her brother’saccumbent posture as he ate a TVdinner.

accuracy

accustomedadj/ ESkEstEmd /L > F > Ein the habit or custom : establishedin the practice.John was becoming quiteaccustomed to being called “Jack”by his friends.

acedia

acerbic

acetaldehyden/ TasEZSaldEThId /ISV + [Ar > Sp > L + Gk > L > G]L + L + Gk)a colorless volatile water-solubleliquid aldehyde of pungent odorused chiefly in the production oforganic compounds.Acetaldehyde is often used in themanufacture of acetic acid.

acetaminophenn/ ETsGZESminEfDn /ISVa crystalline compound used inmedicine instead of aspirin torelieve pain and fever.John took acetaminophen to relievehis headache.

aceticadj/ ESsGZik /L > F[Note: One of alternatepronunciations has homonym:ascetic.] relating to or producing acolorless liquid acid with a pungentodor constituting the chief acid ofvinegar.Morris enjoyed teasing his mom byaccusing her of putting acetic acidin his food.

acetonen/ SasETtPn /L > Ga volatile fragrant flammable liquidmade by dehydrogenation ofisopropyl alcohol or by bacterialfermentation and used chiefly as asolvent.The simplest ketone is acetone, apleasant-smelling liquid that isused mainly as a solvent fororganic compounds.


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acharyan/ BSchBryE /Skta Hindu religious teacher : oneversed in the sacred writings of theHindus.The acharya wrote a book in whichhe offered some innovative insightsinto the Bhagavad-Gita.

achieve

achievement

achievements

Achilleanadj/ TakESlGEn /Gk name[has homonym: achilleine] likeAchilles, hero of Homer’s Iliad (asin strength, invincibility, or moodyand resentful wrath).Troy’s approach in games is soAchillean that no one wants to playwith him.

achromatic

achy

acidn/ SasDd /La compound capable of reactingwith a base to form a salt,reddening litmus, and evolvinghydrogen on reaction with certainmetals (as iron, zinc, tin).The formula for every inorganicacid contains one or morehydrogen atoms as well as ananionic group.

acidify

acidosisn/ TasESdPsDs /L + Gk > La condition of decreased alkalinityof the blood and tissues.James was rushed to the emergencyroom, where he learned that he wassuffering from acidosis.

acidulous

aciniformadj/ ESsinETfOrm /L + Ecfshaped like a cluster of grapes.At the top of each column there wasa crude, aciniform pattern.

acknowledgedv/ ikSnBlijd /Econceded to be real or true :admitted.“That may be true,” heacknowledged, “but it’s completelyaccurate, and as long as theanswer is right, who cares if thequestion is wrong?”aclinal

acne

acoelousadj/ CSsGlEs /Ecf + Gk + Ecflacking a true stomach or digestivetract.It is difficult to think of acoelouscreatures like the sponge as beingtruly living creatures.

acoluthic

acotyledonn/ TCTkBZFlSGZFn /Gk > L > Fa plant without seed leaves.The fern is a typical acotyledon.

acoustic

acoustical

acquaint

acquainted

acquiescedv/ TakwGSest /L > Faccepted or complied tacitly orpassively.Until recently, Scott acquiesced inmost situations involving conflict.

acquire

acrimony

acrobaticadj/ TakrESbaZik /Gk > Fperformed with body contortions ortossing of one dancer by a partner.Yasuko and Hiromi easily won thedance contest with their acrobaticversion of the tango.

acrocyanosisn/ TakrPTsIESnPsDs /Gka disorder of the arterioles of theexposed parts of the hands and feetintensified by exposure to cold andresulting in bluish mottled skin.Jane had acute acrocyanosis afterbeing stranded on the snowy hikingtrail for hours.

acrolectn/ SakrETlekt /Gk + Gkthe most prestigious languagevariety of a community.The British acrolect is defined bythe speech of the royal family.

acrolectal

acrophobian/ TakrESfPbGE /Gkabnormal fear of being at a greatheight.Because of his acrophobia, Murraystayed at the bottom while the restof his class went to the top of theEmpire State Building.

across


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acrotarsium

acrylicsn pl/ ESkriliks /(L + Gk + Ecf) > ISVpaints in which the vehicle is aglasslike thermoplastic.Judy enjoys going to the art supplystore and shopping for new tubes ofacrylics.

actinium

actinotherapyn/ TaktE(T)nPStherEpG /Gk > Lapplication for therapeutic purposesof the chemically active rays of thespectrum.Actinotherapy was the treatment ofchoice for Aletta’s malady.

activate

activator

actressy

actualityn/ TakchESwalEZG /Lthe act or state of existing in fact orreality.In actuality, the threateningshadows near the house were onlytrees and shrubs.

actuarial

acuity

acumination

acuteadj/ ESkyVt /Lhaving a sudden onset, sharp rise,and short course.Acute appendicitis can be deadly ifnot diagnosed and treatedimmediately.

acuteness

adamant

adaptability

adaptable

addaxn/ SaTdaks /La large light-colored antelope ofnorthern Africa, Arabia, and Syriathat has long spiraling horns.The addax has a remarkable abilityto find patches of vegetation indesert areas.

addendum

additive

address

addressee

adduce

adductor

adeciduate

adenoiditisn/ TadFnTOiSdIZDs /Gkinflammation of the enlargedmasses of lymphoid tissue at theback of the pharynx.The doctor hoped to treat Kyle’sadenoiditis without resorting tosurgery.

adenoids

adeptly

adherendn/ adShiTrend /Lone of the bodies held to another bya bonding substance such as glue.The instructions on the packagesaid to spread a thin layer ofcement on each adherend andclamp them together overnight.

adhesive

adiabaticadj/ TadGESbaZik /Gkoccurring without loss or gain ofheat by the substance concerned.Thermos bottles provide temporaryadiabatic storage of hot or coldbeverages.

adiosinterj/ TBdHSPs /L > Sp—used to express farewell.Amid cries of “adios” the happycouple departed for theirhoneymoon trip.

adiposity

adipsia

adjective

adjournmentn/ ESjErnmEnt /L > F > Ethe act of putting off furtherproceedings either indefinitely oruntil a later stated time.Judge Harcourt refused to grantthe defendant’s request for anadjournment and ordered the trialto continue.

adjudicationn/ ETjVdDSkCshEn /La judicial decision or sentence.The lawyer explained thatpreventive detention is actuallyimprisonment without anadjudication of guilt.

adjustable

adjustment

adjutant


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admeasurementn/ adSmezhE(r)mEnt /L > F > Edimensions, size.The canal could handle a ship ofconsiderable admeasurement.

administer

administration

admirable

admiralty

admirern/ adSmIrE(r) /Lone that regards with wonderingesteem accompanied by pleasureand delight.Long an admirer of Picasso’s art,Beth looked forward to attendingan exhibition of his works.

admiringlyadv/ EdSmI(E)riNlG /L > F + Ecffwith an elevated feeling ofpleasure.Marcia gazed admiringly at hernewly purchased oil painting.

admissible

admission

admissive

admittance

admonishv/ adSmBnish /L > Fexpress warning or disapproval toabout remissness or error.Mayor Richards hastened toadmonish the new clerk for herpoor manners on the telephone.

adoben/ ESdPbG /Copt > Ar > Spbuilding material of sun-dried earthand straw.The hut made of adobe saggedsideways in the middle of the field.

adolesce

adolescentn/ TadFlSesFnt /Lone that is in the period of life frompuberty to maturity terminatinglegally at the age of majority.As an adolescent, Mike enjoyedoutdoor activities with the BoyScouts.

adoptable

adopted

adoration

adornment

adrenergicadj/ TadrESnErjik /L + Gkactivated by adrenaline.When her child was threatened,Claire felt adrenergic strengthsurge through her body.

adroit

adscititious

adsorbent

adulation

adulteration

adust

adustiosisn/ ETdEstGSPsDs /L + Gka physiological breakdown of therind of citrus fruit causing a reddishdiscoloration—called also “redblotch.”All the oranges in the crispersuffered from one stage or anotherof adustiosis.

advancement

advantageouslyadv/ TadTvanStCjEslG /L > F > Ein a manner that is favorable,profitable, beneficial.The most advantageously locatedcities are often on the banks ofrivers.

advectionn/ adSvekshEn /Lthe horizontal movement of a massof air which causes changes intemperature or in other physicalproperties of air.The advection of warm, moist airover a cold surface often causesfog.

advenient

adventitiousadj/ Tad(T)vEnStishEs /Lcoming from another source :added or appended extrinsicallyand not sharing original, essential,and intrinsic nature.Researchers have been comparingthe carcinogenic risks of naturallyoccurring and adventitioussubstances in food.

adverbial

adversarial


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adversariesn pl/ SadvE(r)TserGz /L > F > Eones that contend with, oppose, orresist.Cynthia’s adversaries in the tennistournament were not easilydefeated.

advisable

advising

aerator

aeroballistics

aerobatics

aerodynamics

aerophobia

aerophonen/ Sa(E)rPTfPn /Gka wind instrument.A thin plate of birch bark used asan instrument is technicallydescribed as an aerophone with atongue but without a soundboard.

aeroplanktonn/ Sa(E)rETplaNktEn /Gk + Gksmall airborne organisms (as flyinginsects).The backyard barbecue was almostspoiled by pesky aeroplankton.

Aesculapianadj/ TeskyESlCpGEn /Gk nameof or belonging to Aesculapius, theGreco-Roman god of medicine, orthe healing art.The Aesculapian staff is the officialinsignia of the American MedicalAssociation.

affectationn/ TaTfekStCshEn /Lmanner of speech or behavior notnatural to one’s actual personalityor capabilities.Stuart is the sort of man whocultivates his every affectation withloving care.

affeer

affenpinschern/ SafEnTpinchE(r) /Ga small dog having a stiff red, gray,or black coat; pointed ears; andbushy eyebrows, chin tuft, andmustache.Erica’s affenpinscher escapedwhen she opened the door.

afferent

affination

affixv/ ESfiks /Lattach physically, as with nails orglue.Joanne asked the janitor to affix thebulletin board to the wall of hernew classroom.

affixed

afflictionn/ ESflikshEn /La state of pain, distress, or grief.John Addison wrote that somevirtues are seen only in affliction.

affrightedadj/ aSfrIZDd /Eseized with sudden and great fearapproaching terror.The hair of the affrighted catbristled.

afghann/ SafTgan /Pashtoa blanket or shawl of colored wool,knitted or crocheted in strips orsquares which are joined by sewingor crocheting.Mrs. Campbell knitted a stripedafghan as a housewarming presentfor her new neighbors.

afield

aforesaid

afoul

Afrikaansn/ SafrDTkBn(t)s /L > Da language that developed insouthern Africa from 17th-centuryDutch and is one of the officiallanguages of the Republic of SouthAfrica.The South African president gavehis inaugural address in Afrikaans.

afterglown/ SaftE(r)TglP /E + Ethe light especially in the westernsky after sunset.Pike’s Peak stood out majestic andbeautiful in the afterglow.

against

agallochn/ ESgalEk /Dravidian > Gkthe soft resinous wood of an EastIndian tree that is burnt as aperfume.A small piece of agallochsmoldered outside the Buddhisttemple.


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agathismn/ SagETthizEm /Gkthe doctrine that all things tendtoward ultimate good.Whereas optimism holds that allthings are now for the best,agathism maintains that somehowthings will be good in the end.

aged

agency

aggrandize

aggrandizingv/ ESgranTdIziN /L > Fmaking appear great or greater :exalting.Aggrandizing himself at everyopportunity, Seth sees no value inhumility.

aggressorn/ ESgresE(r) /Lone that commits or practices anoffensive action or procedure;especially : a nation that commitsan unprovoked overt hostile attack.America is fortunate to be borderedby no nation that desires to be anaggressor.

aggrievedadj/ ESgrGvd /L > F > Etroubled or distressed in spirit.When Laurie’s father died, sheasked her aggrieved mother tocome to live with her.

agile

agilityn/ ESjilEZG /Lquickness and dexterity ofmovement.Mrs. Case moved with great agilityfor such an old woman.

agitationn/ TajEStCshEn /Lthe persistent and sustained attemptto arouse public feeling orinfluence public opinion (as byappeals, discussions, ordemonstrations).A long agitation for nationalindependence, not a sudden revolt,severed the country’s ties with itsmotherland.

agnomenn/ agSnPmEn /Lan additional name or epithet.Richard gets testy when people usethe agnomen the Lion-Heartedalong with his given name.

agonic

agonizev/ SagETnIz /Gk > L > Fendure torture, pain, or anguish.Before the new pain medicationwas available, Alicia wouldagonize with her migraineheadaches for several days at atime.

agora

agravic

agricultural

agriculture

agrogorod

agronome

agronomistn/ ESgrBnEmDst /L + Gka specialist in the branch ofagriculture that deals with cropproduction and soil management.Last summer a Russian agronomistvisited Uncle Carl’s farm.

ahem

ahimsan/ EShimTsB /Sktthe doctrine of refraining from theharming of others or the taking oflife.Mahatma Gandhi went from villageto village trying to restore peace,preaching ahimsa.

aiguille

aiguillette

aiolin/ SITPlG /L > Prova sauce made of crushed garlic, eggyolks, olive oil, and lemon juiceand sometimes potato.In the Mediterranean region, aioliis served with fish and potatoes :garlic mayonnaise.

airsickness

airstreamn/ Sa(a)(E)rTstrGm /Gk + Ea current of air : wind; especially :a high-velocity wind at highaltitude.Flying in the same direction as anairstream increases an airplane’sairspeed appreciably.

aitchn/ SCch /L? > Fthe letter h.It is surprising in how many wordsthe aitch is silent.

alarmable

alarmist

alas

alba

album

alcazar


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alcogel

alcovesn pl/ SalTkPvz /Ar > Sp > Frecessed parts (as breakfast nooks)of rooms.Silvio found that the alcoves in thelibrary were ideal spots forafternoon naps.

aldehyden/ SaldEThId /Ar > Sp > L + Gk > L > Gany of a class of very reactiveorganic compounds that areintermediate in state of oxidation.Cinnamic aldehyde is a high molarmass aldehyde that has a pleasantodor and is used in themanufacture of perfumes.

alembicn/ ESlembik /Gk > Ar > L > Fan apparatus usually made of glassor metal formerly much used indistillation.The sorcerer used an alembic inconcocting the invisibility potion.

alepidoten/ CSlepETdPt /Gka fish without scales.The handsaw fish is a deep-seaalepidote.

aleuronat

algebraic

algebraicallyadv/ TaljESbrCDk(E)lG /Ar > L + Ecffin a manner of, relating to,involving, or according to the lawsof algebra.The area of a rectangle isexpressed algebraically as “areaequals length times width.”

Algerianadj/ alSjirGEn /African geog nameof, relating to, or characteristic ofAlgeria, a country in northwestAfrica.The Algerian vineyards that wereplanted under the French colonialrule have mostly fallen into ruin.

algometer

alienage

aliphaticadj/ TalESfaZik /Gkof, relating to, or derived from fat.Alison’s science fair project was astudy of the effectiveness of thealiphatic compounds used in soap.

aliveness

alkalify

alkydn/ SalkDd /ISVany of a large group ofthermoplastic or thermosettingsynthetic resins used chiefly inmaking protective coatingscharacterized in general by theirgloss, flexibility, and goodweathering properties.Alkyd is an important ingredient inpaint manufacturing.

allegationn/ TalDSgCshEn /Lthe act of asserting positively oftenbefore a court.Patrick’s allegation that hisneighbor started the forest fire wastotally unfounded.

allegeable

allegiant

allegretto

alleviate

alleviationn/ ETlGvGSCshEn /Lrelief, moderation (as of physical ormental suffering).Pat was ready to follow anyrecommendation for alleviation ofher back pain.

alleyway

alliedadj/ SaTlId /L > Fjoined by treaty or compact.The leaders agreed to form anallied army to defend against anyattack on their two countries.

allonymn/ SalETnim /Gka name that is assumed by anauthor but that actually belongs toanother person.For his first novel, Allenconsidered using John Grisham asan allonym.

allotv/ ESlot /(Gmc + L) > F > Eassign as a share or portion to aparticular person or thing or for aparticular purpose.When the supervisor made theschedule, she failed to allot eachemployee time for a morning break.

allotment

allotted

allspice

alluren/ ESlU(E)r /L > F + Gmc > Fpower of attraction or fascination.The allure of possible immortalitydrove the wizard to study the darkside of magic.

alluring


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allusionn/ ESlVzhEn /L[has homonym: illusion] animplied indication or indirectreference.Gwen’s essay made much of theauthor’s use of biblical allusion.

allusivelyadv/ ESlVsivlG /L +Ecfimplicitly, indirectly.The old parchment mentionedtreasure so allusively that it wasnot clear whether it was referringto something of actual monetaryvalue.

alluvial

alluvium

ally

alogia

aloha

alpestrine

alphabetical

alphanumericaladj/ TalfETn(y)VSmerDkEl /Gk + L + Ecffconsisting of both letters andnumbers and often other symbolsas well.Because she used two separatealphanumerical codes, Georgiamade many mistakes.

alpine

alternate

alternativen/ OlStErnEZiv /Lone of a number of things orcourses offered for choice.One alternative to confusion isproper organization.

alternativity

altigraphn/ SaltETgraf /L + Gkan instrument that measures heightand is equipped with a recordingmechanism.Nora stored the readings of thealtigraph in a folder in herbackpack.

altimeter

altimetry

alto

altocumulusn/ Tal(T)tPSkyVmyElEs /L + La fleecy cloud or cloud formationconsisting of large whitish globularcloudlets with shaded portions.The altocumulus consisted mostlyof small, supercold water droplets.

altricialadj/ alStrishEl /Lhaving the young hatched in a veryimmature and helpless condition soas to require care for some time.Parrots are altricial birds, andtheir mortality rate is often high ifbreeders do not pay close attentionto detail.

alum

aluminotype

aluminous

aluminum

alumnus

alveolaradj/ alSvGElE(r) /Larticulated with the tip of thetongue touching or near theteethridge (as the Englishconsonant sounds \t\, \d\, and \n\).Constance worked with a speechtherapist to improve herpronunciation of alveolarconsonants.

always

alyssumn/ ESlisEm /Gk > La plant of a genus of European andAsiatic herbs having small usuallyyellow flowers.Elvira’s flagstone walk wasbordered with sweet alyssum.

amalgamationn/ ETmalgESmCshEn /Ar > L > Fthe action or process of uniting orcombining into a uniform andindependent whole.In the 13th century King Edward Ieffected the amalgamation of Waleswith England.

amandineadj/ TBmEnSdGn /Gk > L > F[Note: Could be confused withalmandine and amandin.] preparedor served with almonds.Gail made salmon with mashedpotatoes and green beansamandine for her dinner party.

amantadine

amaranthn/ SamETran(t)th /Gka dark reddish purple.Justin wanted to buy a green sofa,but his wife preferred to decoratethe living room in amaranth andbeige.


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amaranthine

amaretto

amateurishadj/ TamEStErish /L > F + Ecflacking professional finish.Sandy refused to pay for thewedding photographer’samateurish work.

amathophobia

Amazonn/ SamETzBn /Gkone of a race or nation of femalewarriors usually associated withScythia or Asia Minor with whomthe ancient Greeks of mythologyrepeatedly warred.Penthesileia was an Amazon whofought on the side of the Trojans inthe Trojan War and was killed byAchilles.

amazonite

ambassador

ambidexterityn/ TamTbEdekSsterEZG /Lthe quality or state of being capableof using both hands with equalease.The quarterback’s ambidexteritycame in handy on many occasionsduring yesterday’s game.

ambient

ambiguous

ambitious

amblen/ SambEl /Lan easygoing or leisurely walkingmovement.If you are in a hurry, you hadbetter not go at an amble.

ambretten/ SamTbret /Fa French dessert pear having amusky odor.The featured dessert at Le ChateauRouge was poached ambrette withwhipped cream.

ambulance

ameliorable

amenitiesn pl/ ESmenEZGz /Lthings that conduce to physical ormaterial comfort or convenience orto a pleasant and agreeable life.The timeshare resort’smaintenance fee nearly doubledwith the addition of severalamenities.

amenity

amerce

amercementn/ ESmErsmEnt /F > AF > Ethe infliction of a penalty at thediscretion of the court; also : thepenalty thus imposed.For the officer’s neglect of duty thecourt imposed an amercement oftwo weeks’ pay.

amethystsn pl/ SamEthEsts /Gk > L > F > E[Note: Could be confused withsingular form.] specimens of a clearpurple or bluish violet variety ofcrystallized quartz much used as ajeweler’s stone.The jeweler emptied a small bag ofamethysts on a velvet pad, andAnna selected the one she likedbest.

amiablyadv/ SCmGEblG /L > Fin a friendly, sociable, andcongenial manner.“Hello, students,” Mr. Perry said,and he amiably gave each child ahandshake.

amidol

amigon/ ESmG(T)gP /L > Spfriend.Roger has been John’s amigo sincegrade school.

ammoniacaladj/ TamESnIEkEl /Gk > Lof, relating to, containing, orhaving the properties of ammonia.A strong ammoniacal odoremanated from the laboratory.

ammunition

amnestyn/ SamnDstG /Gkthe act of an authority (as agovernment) by which generalpardon of an offense is granted.The new president granted amnestyto all imprisoned draft evaders.

amontillado

amorphousadj/ ESmOrfEs /Gkbeing without real or apparentcrystalline form.Glass is an amorphous solid that insome ways is more like a liquidthan a solid.

amount


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amperen/ SamTpi(E)r /F namethe practical meter-kilogram-second unit of electric current thatis equivalent to a flow of 1coulomb per second or to thesteady current produced by 1 voltapplied across a resistance of 1ohm.Brian’s calculations show that thecircuit has a current of 1 ampere.

amphichrome

amphitheater

ampleadj/ SampEl /L[has near homonyms: ampul,ampule, ampoule] marked byextensive or more than adequatesize.Wilma enjoyed her walks in thecathedral’s ample gardens.

ampliateadj/ SamplGDt /Lwidened, enlarged.Carina prefers the new ampliatesidewalks downtown because thereis plenty of room for herwheelchair.

amplifier

amplify

amplituden/ SamplETtVd /Lthe extent of a vibratory movementor of an oscillation.Titus carefully noted any variationsin the amplitude of the sine waves.

amply

amputee

amyelonic

amylaceous

amyotonian/ TCTmIEStPnGE /Gkdeficiency of muscle tone.The doctor recommended physicaltherapy for the bedridden patientafflicted with amyotonia.

amyotrophic

anaclastic

anacoluthonn/ TanEkESlVTthBn /Gksyntactical inconsistency orincoherence within a sentence.Anacoluthon can make dialoguesound more natural.

anacreonticn/ ETnakrGSBntik /Gk namea poem in imitation of or in themanner of Anacreon : a drinkingsong or light lyric.Mr. Maclean included ananacreontic in the collection ofverse.

anadiplosisn/ TanEdDSplPsDs /Gkrepetition of a prominent word,usually the last in a phrase, clause,sentence, or verse, at the beginningof the next phrase, clause, sentence,or verse.Anne read the second member ofthe anadiplosis louder than the firstfor emphasis.

anadromousadj/ ESnadrEmEs /Gkof fish : ascending rivers from thesea at certain seasons for breeding.The anadromous salmon is awonder of nature.

anagram

anallobar

analogous

analysis

analyzev/ SanFlTIz /Gk > L + Ecfweigh or study (various aspects,factors, or elements) in order toarrive at an answer, result, orsolution.Deanne needed more informationbefore she could analyze the labreport.

anamnesisn/ anEmSnGsDs /Gka recalling to mind : reminiscence.The musical comedy was based onan anamnesis of the author’s dayson a South Pacific island.

Ananiasn/ TanESnIEs /Christian nameliar.The little boy who cried “Wolf!” isa famous Ananias.

anaphylaxisn/ TanEfDSlaksDs /Gkhypersensitivity (as to foreignproteins or drugs) that is marked bya tendency to intense systemicreaction.Fortunately, Daphne exhibited nosymptoms of anaphylaxis after shewas stung by a bee.

anaptyxisn/ TanTEpStiksDs /Gkthe insertion of an extra vowel inthe body of a word.An example of anaptyxis is thepronunciation of the word athleteas “athalete.”anaqua

anarchic

anathematize


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anatocismn/ ESnaZETsizEm /Gk > Lcompound interest : the taking ofcompound interest.At the seminar the businessstudents discussed simple interest,anatocism, and the basics ofinvesting.

anatomyn/ ESnaZEmG /Gka branch of biology that deals withthe form and structure of animals.The two cadavers delivered to thelab were designated for use by Dr.Wheeler’s class in anatomy.

ancestraladj/ anSsestrEl /L > Fof or belonging to an ancestor orancestors.Carmen visited Romania to exploreher ancestral heritage.

ancestry

anchorn/ SaNkE(r) /Gk > L > Esomething that serves to hold anobject firmly.Because the day was windy, Sarahbrought a heavy rock to act as ananchor for the picnic cloth.

anchorage

anchored

ancient

ancipital

andiron

andradite

andragogyn/ SandrETgBjG /Gk + Gkthe art or science of teachingadults.Mary Lynn’s skill in andragogywas due to her experience as a highschool teacher.

androgynism

androgynousadj/ anSdrBjEnEs /Gk + Gk + Ecfhaving the characteristics of bothsexes.This fall’s androgynous fashionsdon’t appeal to Sharon.

androidn/ SanTdrOid /Gkan automaton of human form.Rolf was cast as an android in thecollege’s spring production.

anechoicadj/ TanESkPik /Gkfree from echoes andreverberations.Stereo speakers are tested in ananechoic chamber designed toabsorb all stray sounds.

anemologyn/ TanESmBlEjG /Gk + Gkthe study of winds.In his meteorology class Mikelearned how anemology helps toexplain the effects of winds on theweather.

anemometry

anemotropismn/ TanESmBtrETpizEm /Gk + Gkan involuntary reaction by an insectto a current of air in itsenvironment.An example of anemotropism iswhen flies poise for flight facing thewind.

anent

anfractuous

angelfish

anger

angiitis

angina

anglophilian/ TaNglPSfilGE /L + Gkparticular unreasoned admiration ofor partiality for England or Englishways.After one trip abroad, Grace wasseized by anglophilia and moved toLondon.

angora

angrily

angstromsn pl/ SaNztrEmz /Sw nameunits of wavelength, each equal to a10-billionth of a meter.Sandy determined that the laser’swavelength measured 5,200angstroms.

anguishedadj/ SaNgwisht /L > F > Eproduced, affected, or accompaniedby excruciating distress.Charities throughout the countrysent aid to the anguished victims ofthe hurricane.


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angwantibon/ aNS(g)wBntETbP /Efika small lemur of western Africahaving a rather long snout and arudimentary tail.The angwantibo feeds mainly oncaterpillars.

anhedonian/ TanhGSdPnGE /Gkincapacity for experiencinghappiness.Soren’s anhedonia might be theresult of a miserable childhood.

anhinga

aniconic

animadversionn/ TanETmadSvErzhEn /Lcriticism that is usually adverse andprompted by some degree ofhostility.The traditionally negative reviewerhad little animadversion in hiscolumn this week.

animadversionsn pl/ TanETmadSvErzhEnz /Lcensorious remarks or observations.The movie received so manyanimadversions in preliminaryreviews that the producer decidedto revamp it.

animate

animusn/ SanEmEs /Lintention or objective.The promise of free land was theanimus that drove many Americansto move west in the 19th century.

ankylosaurn/ SaNkElPTsO(E)r /Gk + Gkany of a suborder of heavilyarmored Cretaceous dinosaurssomewhat resembling immensehorned toads in shape.The ankylosaur, a herbivore, fed onlow shrubbery.

annals

annates

annelidn/ SanFlDd /L > F > Lany of a phylum of usuallyelongated segmented invertebrateanimals (as earthworms andleeches) having a body cavity.The earthworm is probably themost familiar example of anannelid.

annexationn/ TaTnekSsCshEn /L > Fthe act of taking possession orcontrol of.The annexation of Texas by theUnited States in 1845 was one ofthe causes of the Mexican War.

announcern/ ESnaUn(t)sE(r) /L > F > Ea person who introduces televisionor radio programs, makescommercial announcements, orgives station identification.The game show contestant waitednervously for the announcer tointroduce her.

annoy

annularityn/ TanyESlarEZG /L > F + Ecfthe state or form of a ring.Photographs of the solar eclipseshowed the halo-like annularity ofthe Sun’s disk.

anoia

anoint

anorak

anorexic

ansan/ SansE /Lpart of a celestial body having theappearance of a handle (as theprojecting part of Saturn’s rings).Photographs from Voyager 2revealed the planet’s ansa instriking detail.

answerer

antagonistn/ anStagEnDst /Gk + Lthe principal opponent or foil of themain character in a drama ornarrative.The Joker proved to be a cunningbut overconfident antagonist forBatman.

antebellum

antecedence

antedate

anteing


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antennaen pl/ anStenG /Lthe paired movable sensoryappendages of the head of certainarthropods.The bug stopped and wiggled bothof its antennae.

antepenultimateadj/ TantDpDSnEltEmDt /Lcoming before the next to last inany series.The antepenultimate question in thegame “Who Wants to Be aMillionaire” is worth $250,000.

anthem

anthesisn/ anSthGsDs /Gkthe action or period of opening of aflower.Time-lapse photography can showthe complete anthesis of a rose in afew seconds.

anthophorousadj/ anSthBfErEs /Gkflower-bearing.Amy selected several anthophorousplants to decorate her office.

anthraciten/ San(t)thrETsIt /Gka hard glossy coal that burns with anearly smokeless flame.Anthracite was created when softcoal was subjected to the intenseheat and pressure of Earth’s crust.

anthropologistn/ Tan(T)(t)thrESpBlEjDst /Gka specialist in the study consideringman’s physical character, historicaland present geographicaldistribution, racial classification,group relationships, and culturalhistory.The anthropologist Margaret Meadspent many years studying PacificIsland societies.

anthropologyn/ Tan(T)(t)thrESpBlEjG /Gkthe study considering man’sphysical character, historical andpresent geographical distribution,racial classification, grouprelationships, and cultural history.Jody created a poster thathighlighted Margaret Mead’scontributions to anthropology.

anthropomorphicadj/ Tan(t)thrETpPSmOrfik /Gkdescribed or thought of as havinghuman form or attributes :ascribing human characteristics tononhuman things.Sterling pretends that his cat hasanthropomorphic powers and oftentalks for her in a tiny, squeakyvoice.

anthropophagousadj/ Tan(t)thrESpBfEgEs /Gk + Gk[Note: Could be confused withnoun anthropophagus.] feeding onhuman flesh : man-eating :cannibal.The class was fascinated by thestory of Christopher Columbus’sencounter with the Caribs, asupposed anthropophagous people.

anthropopsychismn/ Tan(t)thrETpPSsITkizEm /Gk + Gkascription of a soul like that ofhumans to nature or to somethingthat governs natural processes.A perfect example ofanthropopsychism can be found inan old commercial that claimed,“You can’t fool Mother Nature.”antibiotic

anticipate

anticipation

anticlimaxn/ TantGSklITmaks /L + Gkan event (as the last of a series) thatis strikingly less important thanwhat has preceded it.After the climactic duel with thevillain, the hero’s wedding came asan anticlimax.

anticoagulantn/ Tan(T)tIkPSagyElEnt /La substance (as a drug) that hindersclotting of blood.The surgeon administered ananticoagulant after the operation.

antidotaladj/ TantDSdPZFl /Gkconsisting of, suited for, or actingas a remedy able to counteract theeffects of poison.Vomiting is often the body’santidotal response to the ingestionof spoiled food.

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antigenn/ SantDjEn /Gk + Gka usually protein or carbohydratesubstance that when introduced intothe body stimulates the productionof an antibody.Louis Pasteur developed an antigenagainst the much-feared anthraxbacterium.

antihistaminen/ TantIShistETmGn /L + Gk + ISVany of various compounds used fortreating certain allergic reactions.Although Rod and Todd are twins,only Rod needs to take anantihistamine during the hay-feverseason.

antineoplastic

antinomyn/ anStinEmG /Gk[Note: Could be confused withantimony.] a statement or sentimentthat is seemingly contradictory oropposed to common sense and yetperhaps true in fact : paradox.The students were asked to write anessay on the following antinomy:The more terrible the prospect ofnuclear war becomes, the lesslikely it is to happen.

antipathiesn pl/ anStipEthGz /Gksettled aversions or dislikes.George Washington warned of theconsequences of having permanent,inveterate antipathies againstparticular nations.

antipathy

antiphonaladj/ anStifEnFl /Gk + Gkanswering or alternating (as in amusical composition sungalternately by divisions of a choiror congregation).The director seated half the choirin the balcony to make the piecewith antiphonal parts even moredramatic.

antiphony

antiquate

antiquated

antiseptics

antithetical

antitussive

anxietiesn pl/ aNSzIEZGz /Lstrong concerns about someimminent developments.Sally has had enough to worryabout without our adding to heranxieties.

anxiolyticn/ TaNzGPSliZik /L + Gka drug that relieves an abnormaland overwhelming sense ofapprehension and of fear.Amy’s doctor prescribed ananxiolytic for her to take when shefelt a panic attack.

anxious

anxiouslyadv/ SaN(k)shEslG /Lin an apprehensive, worriedmanner.Mary anxiously twisted her hairduring the geometry test.

aoristic

aparejon/ TapESrC(T)P /L > Spa packsaddle of stuffed leather orcanvas.The aparejo has never beenimproved upon as a way to protectan animal from injury whileholding cargo.

apartment

apiculturen/ SCpETkElchE(r) /L[has near homonym: aviculture]beekeeping, especially whenpursued on a large scale.Even though apiculture has beenpracticed for many centuries, beeshave not been domesticated ortamed.

apiece

apishamore

aplastic

apocalypticadj/ ETpBkESliptik /Gkpredicting or foreboding imminentdisaster or final doom.Apocalyptic prophets are typicallyhostile to reason and science.

apocryph

apocryphan pl/ ESpBkrEfE /Gk > Lquasi-scriptural books of doubtfulauthorship and authority.The Sunday school teacher sharedwith her students some stories fromthe Old Testament apocrypha.


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Apollonianadj/ TapESlPnGEn /Gkof, relating to, or resembling thegod Apollo, the Greco-Roman godof manly beauty, of poetry andmusic, and of the wisdom oforacles.Reggie’s Apollonian temperamentled him to an admiration ofclassical art and literature.

Apollyonn/ ESpBlyEn /Biblical name[Note: Might be confused withApollonian.] devil.Like Christian in the bookPilgrim’s Progress, everyoneeventually faces his or her personalApollyon.

apologetic

apologize

apolune

apopempticadj/ TapESpem(p)tik /Gk + Gksung or addressed to one departing: valedictory.At the end of the ceremony thegraduates filed out of theauditorium to the strains of anapopemptic hymn.

apophysisn/ ESpBfEsDs /Gk + Gka part of a bone (as a vertebra) thatprojects outward.After Tony’s car accident, X raysshowed that the apophysis of one ofhis vertebrae was out of alignment.

apoplectic

apostasy

apostaten/ ESpBTstCt /Gk > Lone who has renounced or forsakenhis religious faith or given up hismoral allegiance.The Roman emperor known as“Julian the Apostate” tried toreverse the tide of Christianity inthe Roman empire.

apotheosisn/ ETpBthGSPsDs /Gkthe raising of a person or thing todivine status.The emperor Caligula announcedhis own apotheosis to his terrifiedsubjects.

apotheosize

apotropaicadj/ apEtrESpCik /Gk + Ecfdesigned to avert or turn aside evil.The native costume included apouch of apotropaic herbs wornaround the neck.

appalled

apparent

apparently

appearance

appeasableadj/ ESpGzEbEl /L > F + Ecfcapable of being brought to a stateof ease or content.Jeff described his father as beingeasily excitable, but just as easilyappeasable.

appeasedv/ ESpGzd /L > F > Ecaused to subside : allayed.Carole peeked in Mrs. Hinkle’sgrade book and appeased hercuriosity about the gradedistribution.

appellant

appellateadj/ ESpelDt /L[Note: Could be confused withappellant.] having the power toreview and affirm, reverse, ormodify the judgment or decision ofanother tribunal.The appellate court decided toreverse the lower court’s verdict.

appellationsn pl/ TapESlCshEnz /L[has near homonym:Appalachians] names or titles bywhich persons, things, or clans arecalled and known.Matt has a reputation forbestowing familiar appellationsupon his friends, and for somereason he calls his best friend“Sarge.”appendage

appendicularadj/ TapDnSdikyElE(r) /Lof or relating to a limb or limbs.Arthritis limited Joan’sappendicular movements.

appendix

appetitost


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applausen/ ESplOz /Lapproval publicly expressed (as byclapping hands).After the applause subsided, theopera continued.

appleblossom

applicant

application

appliquer

appoggiatura

apportioned

apposite

appraisev/ ESprCz /F > E[has homonym: upraise] set avalue on (as goods or land).For insurance purposes, Selina hadan expert appraise her furniture.

appreciate

apprehendv/ TaprDShend /Ltake (a person) in legal process :arrest.The police chief ordered theofficers to apprehend the forger.

apprehensible

approximately

appulsen/ ESpEls /Lthe apparent very near approach ofone celestial body to another.Marsha peered through binocularsto see the appulse of Saturn toJupiter.

apraxia

apron

apse

apterous

apterygoteadj/ apSterETgPt /Gkof or relating to a subclass ofinsects that are presumed never tohave developed wings.Silverfish, firebrats, and bristletailsare apterygote insects.

apteryxn/ SaptE(T)riks /Gk + Gka flightless New Zealand bird thatis about the size of a domesticchicken.The eggs of the apteryx, which areas large as one fourth its weight,are incubated by the male.

apyreticadj/ TCTpISreZik /Gkwithout fever.The pediatrician said that Bobbycould return to school as soon ashe was apyretic.

aquan/ SakwE /La variable color averaging a lightgreenish blue.The whiteness of the beach’s sandmade the aqua of the water evenmore striking.

aquamarine

aquarelle

aquarellistn/ TakwESrelDst /L > It > F + Ecfone who draws or paints inwatercolor, especially transparentwatercolor.Duncan showed great promise asan aquarellist.

aquiclude

aquosityn/ ESkwBsEZG /Lthe quality or state of being moist.Marlene dutifully checked theaquosity of the soil every day withthe test strips the nursery gave her.

arable

arachin

arachnophagousadj/ TaTrakSnBfEgEs /Gk + Gkfeeding on spiders.Jill’s contribution to the discussionabout arachnophagous creatureswas that there are not enough ofthem.

Aramaicn/ TarESmCik /Gka Semitic language of whichdocuments are known from as earlyas the 9th century B.C.Aramaic is the mother of manylanguages in the Middle East andAsia.

araneid

araneiform

araucaria

arbitrarinessn/ TBrbEStrerGnDs /L + Ecfthe quality or state of arising fromunrestrained exercise of the will,caprice, or personal preference.The report indicated that the ghettoresidents had been subjected to thearbitrariness of the authorities.


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arbitrationn/ TBrbDStrCshEn /Lthe hearing and determination of acase between parties in controversyby a judge.They discussed and debated andraved and ranted until they were onthe verge of blows, when it wasdecided to submit the question toarbitration by the princesses.

arbor

arboretum

arbustum

arbutusn/ BrSbyVZEs /La tree of a genus of evergreenshrubs or trees of southern Europeand western North America withwhite or pink flowers and many-seeded scarlet berries.Evelyn refers to the arbutus in herbackyard as a “strawberry tree.”arcn/ SBrk /La sustained brilliantly luminousglow formed when a break is madein an electric circuit.The arc that shot from theelectrical appliance indicated aproblem with its circuitry.

arcade

arcaneadj/ BrSkCn /Lknown only to a very few :mysterious.The scroll was written in an arcanescript that nobody could identify.

archaically

archaism

archetypen/ SBrkETtIp /Gk + Gkthe original model, form, or patternfrom which something is made ordevelops.Diane bragged that her dressdesign was the archetype thatothers had merely copied.

archidiaconal

archimage

architect

architecturaladj/ TBrkEStekchErEl /Gk > Lof, resembling, or relating to the artor practice of designing andbuilding structures, especiallyhabitable structures.King Ludwig’s castle in Bavaria isa famous example of architecturalextravagance.

architrave

archive

archives

archivist

archivistic

ardoise

arena

Areopagusn/ TarGSBpEgEs /Gkthe supreme tribunal of Athens.The general was commanded toappear before the Areopagus, buthe refused.

argalin/ SBrgElG /Mongoliana large wild sheep having immensehorns and widely distributed inmountainous central and easternAsia.The argali may weigh over 300pounds and stand four feet high atthe shoulders.

argentn/ SBrjEnt /La metal tincture used in heraldryand conventionally supposed to berepresented by silver but in practicerepresented by either silver orwhite.The earl’s coat of arms featured aroaring lion on a field of argent.

argonautn/ SBrgETnOt /Gk name + Gkan adventurer or traveler engagedin a particular quest; specifically :one of those who went to Californiain 1849 in search of gold.Another name for an argonaut is“forty-niner.”argue

argyria

arid

aridly

arise

aristocracyn/ TarDSstBkrEsG /Gk + Gkan upper class usually made up ofan hereditary nobility.In matters of war and peace theking often sought the advice of thearistocracy.


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aristocratn/ ESristETkrat /Gk + Gkone who has the bearing andviewpoint typical of a ruling,privileged, or otherwise superiorclass.After winning the lottery, Francinestarted behaving like an aristocrat.

arithmetic

armigern/ SBrmDjEr /L[has near homonym: armature]armor-bearer, squire.The knight summoned his armigerso he could choose a sword.

armigerous

armoire

arnican/ SBrnika /Lthe dried flower head of an herbused in a tincture for bruises,sprains, and swellings.The herbalist used arnica to make apaste for healing bumps andbruises.

aroliumn/ ESrPlGEm /La padlike lobe projecting betweenthe tarsal claws of many insects.The grasshopper has a small butwell-developed arolium on its foot.

aromaticadj/ TarESmaZik /Gk > L > F > Eof, relating to, or characterized bythe presence of at least one benzenering.Aromatic amines are used mainlyin the manufacture of dyes.

arrearagen/ ESririj /L > F > E + Ecfan obligation that has not been ontime or is unfinished, especially :something that remains unpaid andoverdue after previous payment ofa part.Mr. Olson’s medical bills remainedin arrearage until the insuranceclaims were settled.

arrearsn pl/ ESri(E)rz /L > F > Estate of being behind in thedischarge of duties, obligations, orresponsibilities.Mark’s landlord will evict himbecause he is one year in arrearswith his rent payments.

arriccio

arriero

arrival

arrogate

arsedine

arsine

arsonn/ SBrsFn /L > Fthe willful and malicious burningof or attempt to burn any building,structure, or property of another orof one’s own usually with criminalor fraudulent intent.The investigators determined thatthe fire was the result of arson.

arterial

arteriole

artery

Arthropodan pl/ BrSthrBpEdE /Gkthe largest phylum of invertebrateanimals with jointed legs, asegmented body, and anexoskeleton.Insects comprise the class Insecta,the largest class of the phylumArthropoda.

articulateadj/ BrStikyElDt /Lexpressing oneself clearly andeffectively.Articulate even when he was ayoung child, Jack is a good choicefor debate team captain.

artificer

artist

artiste

artistry

arugula

asadon/ ESsB(T)dP /L > Spbarbecue.Tina is sure that La Piñata has thebest asado in town.

asarotum

ascendingadj/ ESsendiN /L > E + Ecfmounting up or sloping upward :rising.The watercolor depicted a countrymanor with a gently ascendingdriveway.

ascensive

ascertain


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asceticadj/ ESseZik /Gkrefraining from self-indulgence :self-denying, self-disciplined,austere.Ricky’s lavish lifestyle contrastssharply with his brother’s asceticexistence.

ascot

ascribe

ashamed

askanceadv/ ESskan(t)s /unknownwith a side look : sideways,obliquely.Juan’s cat has a habit of lookingaskance at a toy for a long whilebefore pouncing on it.

asocial

aspen

asperge

asperitiesn pl/ aSsperEZGz /Lrough places.Only with a microscope couldMichael see asperities on theseemingly smooth leaf.

asperous

aspersions

aspidistra

aspirant

asportation

assailantsn pl/ ESsClEnts /Fones who encounter or confront inorder to prevail over.Roosevelt warned that assailants ofthe democratic way of life were onthe march, threatening large andsmall nations.

assaultn/ ESsOlt /L > F > Ea violent attack with physicalmeans (as blows or weapons).The rock musician was fined $2000for his assault on the photographer.

assemblev/ ESsembEl /Ljoin together usually in an orderlyway with logical selection orsequence.Moira helped Simon assemble the5000-piece puzzle, but it still tookthem a week to finish.

assembly

assertive

assessable

assessed

assign

assimilative

assisin/ ESsG(T)sG /It geog nameembroidery with unworked designsoutlined by a solid background ofcross-stitch.Elaine purchased an antiqueItalian pillowcase decorated withassisi.

assist

assistant

assure

assurgentadj/ ESsErjEnt /Lascending, rising.In heraldry a human or beast risingout of the sea is said to be“assurgent.”astatine

asterialadj/ aSstirGEl /L or Gkof or relating to stars.The movie theater’s ceiling isdotted with an asterial design.

asterisk

asthma

asthmogenic

astoundingadj/ ESstaUndiN /Ecausing or capable of causingwonder and surprise in high degree.The book was hailed as afascinating account of anastounding epoch.

astragal

astragalomancyn/ ESstragElPTman(t)sG /Gk + Gkdivination by means of small bonesor dice.The committee decided to have abooth devoted to astragalomancyrather than the usual palmreadings at the fair.

astringentadj/ ESstrinjEnt /L > Fhaving the property of drawingtogether the soft organic tissues.Lorelei applied an astringent lotionto her face every night beforebedtime.


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astrolaben/ SastrETlCb /Gk > L&F > Ea compact instrument for observingthe positions of the celestial bodies.Before the sextant was developed,the astrolabe was used fornavigation.

astronaut

astrophysicistn/ TastrESfizEsDst /Gka specialist in the branch ofastronomy dealing principally withthe physical and chemical naturesof the heavenly bodies and theirorigin and evolution.Martha plans to be anastrophysicist and work for NASA.

astuciouslyadv/ ESst(y)VshEslG /L > Fshrewdly, cleverly.The movie details the methods ofthe detective who astuciously solvesthe murder mystery.

astucity

asunderadv/ ESsEndE(r) /Einto parts : into different pieces.The wind was so violent that Justinfeared his tent would be tornasunder.

asymmetricadj/ TCsDSmetrik /Gknot characterized by due orbalanced proportions.Devon challenged his audience byintentionally making the sculptureasymmetric.

asymptoten/ SasDm(p)TtPt /Gka straight line associated with acurve such that as a point P movesout along the curve, the distancefrom the point P to the lineapproaches zero.The graph clearly showed anasymptote to the hyperbola.

asyndetonn/ ESsindETtBn /Gkomission of the conjunctions thatordinarily join words or clauses.Anyone who has taken Latin shouldknow the famous asyndeton inCaesar’s words, “I came, I saw, Iconquered.”atavisticadj/ TaZESvistik /Lmarked by recurrence in anorganism or in any of its parts of atrait typical of ancestors moreremote than the parents.Even though Marie consideredherself a city girl, visiting hergreat-grandparents’ farm ignitedan atavistic desire to dig in the dirt.

atheist

athetize

athodyd

Atlanticadj/ EtSlantik /Gkof, relating to, or found in, on, ornear the Atlantic Ocean.The hurricane ravaged the Atlanticcoast of Florida.

atolln/ SaTtOl /Maldive Islands namea coral reef appearing above the seaas a low ring-shaped coral island oras a chain of closely spaced coralislets around a shallow lagoon.The atoll was formed by a processstarted millions of years ago by anundersea volcano.

atramentn/ SatrEmEnt /La very dark substance—usuallyused of liquids.The puff of atrament hid theoctopus from a nearby predator.

atresia

attaboyinterj/ SaZEbOi /E—used to express encouragement,approval, or admiration.“Attaboy!” cried Uncle Felix asTed crossed the finish line.

attachableadj/ EStachEbEl /Gmc + Lcfcapable of being fastened tosomething.Linda’s new cape has anattachable hood for use in the rain.

attacked

attain

attempt

attending

atticismn/ SaZETsizEm /Gka favoring of or attachment to theAthenians.Jacques’s writing was noted for itspronounced atticism.

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attorneysn pl/ EStErnGz /Flegal agents qualified to act forsuitors and defendants in legalproceedings.Under the law, the hospital had toturn over all relevant documents tothe attorneys for the plaintiff.

attractionn/ EStrakshEn /L[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a forceacting between oppositelyelectrified bodies or oppositelymagnetized bodies that tends todraw them together and resist theirseparation.Mr. Lee showed the pupils a simplecompass and explained that itworked because of the attractionbetween the compass needle andEarth’s magnetic poles.

atwitter

auburnadj/ SObE(r)n /L > Fof a moderate brown color that isredder, lighter, and slightly strongerthan chestnut brown.Rita Hayworth and Greer Garsonwere famous actresses who hadauburn hair.

auctionv/ SOkshEn /Lsell to the highest bidder at a publicsale of property.Georgia wanted to auction all ofthe furniture.

audaceadj/ aUSdBTchC /L > Itbold, spirited—used as a directionin music.Angela sang the audace passagewith remarkable verve, and theaudience murmured theirappreciation.

audible

audio

audiometern/ TOdGSBmEZE(r) /L + Ecf + Gk > Ecfan instrument used in measuringthe acuity of hearing in theindividual ear for sounds of variousfrequencies.At the local schools, students’hearing is tested annually by aspecialist using an audiometer.

auditv/ SOdDt /Lattend (a course especially in acollege or university) withoutworking for or expecting to receiveformal credit.Senior citizens are allowed to auditclasses free of charge at the localcommunity college.

auditor

auditoriumn/ TOdEStPrGEm /La room, hall, or entire buildingspecially designed for stage andfilm presentations, concerts,lectures, and audio-visual featuresand activities.A new curtain for the stage of theauditorium was purchased withmoney raised by the students.

augmentedv/ OgSmentDd /Lincreased.Cheating at Tim’s school hasactually augmented under the newhonor code.

Augustanadj/ OSgEstEn /L nameof, relating to, or characteristic ofthe Roman emperor AugustusCaesar or his age.Vergil’s Aeneid is the pinnacle ofAugustan literature.

aulic

aunt

aurifyv/ SOrETfI /Lturn into gold.Alchemists of long ago tried toaurify stone.

auroral

aurulent

auscultate

auspicate

auspicious

austauschn/ SaUsTtaUsh /Gan effect of turbulent motion that ismanifested by an exchange of airand water vapor molecules fromone layer to another.The meteorologist ran a computersimulation to show atmosphericaustausch.

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Australianadj/ OSstrClyEn /Lof or relating to the commonwealthof Australia.The longest fence in the worldkeeps Australian wild dogs frommarauding the sheep herds ofSoutheast Australia.

Australopithecusn/ OTstrC(T)lPSpithikEs /L + Gka genus of extinct generalizedanthropoid apes known chieflyfrom skulls from the middlePleistocene deposits of southernAfrica.Justine’s heart skipped a beat asshe unearthed the skull of anAustralopithecus.

autecology

auteurn/ PStEr /F[has homonym: hauteur] a filmdirector who is the primary creativeforce in a motion picture.The auteur was not very receptiveto the actors’ suggestions.

authoritarianismn/ OTthBrESterGETnizEm /L + Ecffa political system that concentratespower in the hands of a leader or asmall autocratic elite notconstitutionally responsible to thepeople.Sergei said that despite all itsdemocratic rhetoric, the systemwas authoritarianism, pure andsimple.

authorship

autisticadj/ OStistik /Gkof, relating to, or marked byabsorption in self-centeredsubjective mental activity.Ulrike’s autistic behavior includesfantasies, hallucinations, anddelusions.

autochthon

autograph

automationn/ TOZESmCshEn /Gkthe state of being operated with aself-regulating mechanism thatperforms a required act at apredetermined point in anoperation.Automation of the assembly lineincreased productivity at the plant.

automobile

autonomously

autopilot

auxilian

avalvular

avenge

avenue

aversion

avertv/ ESvErt /L[has near homonym: evert] preventthe occurrence or unfortunate,dangerous, and dire effects of.It is hoped that the peace missionwill avert war.

avgolemonon/ TBvgPSlemE(T)nP /Gka soup or sauce made of chickenstock, egg yolks, and lemon juice.Alex ate three bowls of hisgrandmother’s avgolemono afterhis soccer game.

aviary

avidadj/ SavDd /Lcraving eagerly : desirous to thepoint of greed.Behind Mr. Jenkins’s superficialconcern was a gleam of avidcuriosity.

avidity

avifauna

avocation

avogramn/ SavETgram /It name + Gk > ISVa unit of mass and weight equal toone gram divided by the Avogadronumber.Mr. Lufkin explained to the classthat an avogram of any element isequal to the weight of one atom.

avoid

awesome

awful

awkwardadj/ SOkwE(r)d /ON > E + Elacking ease, grace, or deftness ofmovement.Something troubled and awkwardin Melinda’s manner made Marystare very hard at her.


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axeln/ SaksEl /name[has homonyms: axil, axle] a jumpfrom the outer forward edge of oneskate with 1½ turns taken in the airand a return to the outer backwardedge of the other skate.Melanie performed a flawless tripleaxel in practice but fell on thelanding during the tryouts for theice show.

axiomaticadj/ TaksGESmaZik /Gkof or relating to a proposition,principle, or rule that has foundgeneral acceptance.“Everyone has to die and paytaxes” is Mrs. Badger’s favoriteaxiomatic saying.

axlen/ SaksEl /Ea spindle that enables a wheel orpair of wheels to revolve.Mike called a tow truck after therear axle on his car was damagedin a collision.

axolotl

azalean/ ESzClyE /Gkany plant of a genus of shrubs ortrees with deciduous leaves andfunnel-shaped flowers now usuallyconsidered a subgenus ofRhododendron.Anna grew a magnificent azalea onher balcony.

baalizev/ SbC(E)TlIz /Hebconvert to or influence toward theworship of Baal or to some otherform of idolatry.The minister gave a sermonlambasting Wall Street and the bullmarket for trying to baalizeinvestors to the worship ofmammon.

babouchen/ bESbVsh /Per > Ar > Fa chiefly oriental slipper madewithout heel or quarters.The babouche on display had amaroon silk upper and colorfulbeadwork.

babuina

bacillaryadj/ SbasETlerG /Lshaped like a rod : consisting ofsmall rods or rodlike bodies.Roger did not know which bacillaryparasite he was viewing under themicroscope.

backlight

backspace

backstagen/ SbakSstCj /E + L > F > Ethe whole or any part of the area ofa stage that is behind theproscenium; specifically : thedressing rooms of a theater.The drama class members weredelighted to be asked if they wantedto tour the backstage.

backstroke

backwoodsy

bacon

bacteria

bactericidal

bactericiden/ bakStirETsId /Gk + Lsomething that destroys bacteria.Maggie cleans the bathroom with aproduct that contains a bactericide.

bacterin

bacteriologyn/ (T)bakTtirGSBlEjG /Gka science that deals with the studyof bacteria and with their relationsto medicine, industry, andagriculture.Mrs. Murry has doctorial degreesin both biology and bacteriology.

bacteriophagicadj/ bakTtirGESfajik /Gkof, relating to, or being viruses thatinfect and destroy bacteria.Around 1910 Frederick Twortdiscovered bacteriophagic viruses,thus laying the foundation formodern virology.

bacteriosis

bacterium

baculiformadj/ SbakyElETfOrm /Lshaped like a rod.The baculiform chromosomeslooked huge under the electronmicroscope.

badgersn pl/ SbajE(r)z /AF? > E + Ecfany of certain strong sturdily builtcarnivorous mammals.Ivar always said that the badgershad cleaner houses than people,and that when he hired ahousekeeper her name would beMrs. Badger.


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bafflement

bafflingadj/ Sbaf(E)liN /Eperplexing, confusing.Liam tried to explain the problemwith baffling wordy sentences.

baggy

bail

baileyn/ SbClG /F > E[has homonyms: bailee, bailie] theouter wall of a medieval castle orany of the several wallssurrounding the keep.When the enemy attacked thecastle, they first tried to scale thebailey with crudely made ladders.

bakery

bakeware

balancen/ SbalEn(t)s /L > F[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] acontrolled state in dancing ofmaintaining an erect posture.Barbara kept her balance perfectlyas she spun around and around.

balderdash

baleen

baleful

balkanizev/ SbOlkETnIz /geog name + Ecfbreak up (as a region) into smallerineffectual and frequentlyconflicting units.The candidate charged heropponent with attempting tobalkanize society by emphasizingethnic tensions.

ballad

balladist

balloonistn/ bESlVnDst /Gmc > It + Ecfone that ascends in a balloon (as forexhibition purposes).The aerial photograph of Leadvillewas taken by a balloonist morethan a hundred years ago.

ballot

ballotade

balmy

balneotherapyn/ TbalnGPStherEpG /L + Gkthe treatment of disease by baths.In the early 1900s a small town inTennessee was known as theultimate place for balneotherapy.

balsamiferous

balthazar

bamboche

banal

banallyadv/ SbCnFlG /Fin a trite, uninteresting manner.After many weeks of campaigning,the tired senator was speakingbanally and rather robotically.

banderillan/ TbandESrG(y)E /Gmc > Spa decorated barbed dart that isthrust into the neck or shoulder ofthe bull in a bullfight.The animal rights protestersdisplayed a bloodstainedbanderilla.

banderillero

bandersnatch

bandstand

bandwagon

bangboard

bangtail

banishedv/ Sbanisht /Gmc > F > Erequired (a person) by authority toleave especially his own country orthe country in which he wasstaying.It has been that way since Rhymeand Reason were banished.

bankroll

bankrupt

banner

bannsn pl/ Sbanz /E[has homonym and near homonym:bans and bands] notice of aproposed marriage proclaimed in achurch or other place prescribed bylaw in order that any person mayannounce a known impediment tothe union.Lord Bainbridge hoped that thethree days required between theposting of the banns and thewedding would be long enough forhis son to reconsider his decision tomarry the cobbler’s daughter.

bantamadj/ SbantEm /Javanese geog namesmall : easily handled.Accustomed to bantam automobilesin Europe, Jacqui regardsAmerican cars as too large andunwieldy.

bantamweight

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banzai

baptize

barathrumn/ SbarEthrEm /Gk > La bottomless pit or abyss : a placeor state of misery or torment.The motivational speaker said thather early life was a barathrumwhich she was fortunate to havesurvived.

barbarian

barbel

barbershop

barbet

barbicel

Barbizonadj/ SbBrbETzBn /F geog namedepicting landscape and rural genresubjects from direct observation ofnature and with much attention tothe expression of light andatmosphere.The exhibit featured works of threeprominent artists of the Barbizonschool of painting.

bardolatry

bareback

barefisted

bariatrics

barium

barley

barleycornsn pl/ SbBrlGTkO(E)rnz /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] oldunits of length, each equal to theaverage length of a grain of barley :the third part of an inch.Matthew decided to annoy histeacher by measuring his projectresults in barleycorns.

barnyard

barometry

baroness

baroquely

baroscopen/ SbarETskPp /Gk + Gkan apparatus for showing that theloss of weight of an object in airequals the weight of the airdisplaced by it.Stanley put the baroscope besidethe air pump before starting hisexperiment.

barrabora

barrette

barretter

barring

barristern/ SbarDstE(r) /Ea counsel admitted to plead at thebar and undertake the public trial ofcauses in an English superior court.Tim’s role of barrister in the schoolplay requires that he don apowdered wig and speak with aBritish accent.

baryon

bascart

baseless

basicity

basirostral

basket

basketball

bass

bassoonist

bastev/ SbCst /Gmc > F > E[has homonym: based] sew byhand or machine with long loosestitches in order to hold in placeduring fittings or for final stitching.Lorna’s sister showed her how tobaste the hem of the dress beforeshe tried it on.

bathyaladj/ SbathGEl /Gkof or relating to the deeper parts ofthe ocean, especially those partsbetween 100 and 1000 fathoms :deep-sea.In the bathyal zone photosynthesiscannot occur because light doesn’tpenetrate that deep.

bathybicadj/ bESthibik /Gk > Lof, relating to, or living in thedeepest parts of the sea.The ichthyologist spent his careerstudying bathybic fish indigenousto the Cayman Trench.

bathyseismn/ SbathDTsIzEm /Gk + Gkan earthquake of deep originrecordable the world over.In Carleen’s story, tidal wavescaused by a bathyseism destroyedeverything within 20 miles ofcoastlines.

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bathysphere

battementn/ bAtmBM /Fan extension of the free foot in anydirection followed by a beat againstthe supporting foot.Baryshnikov executed a quickbattement as he entered the stage.

battenv/ SbatFn /ONfasten by or as if by means of areinforcing strip.The captain ordered the crew tobatten down the hatches when thewaves grew higher.

batterien/ SbaZErG /F[has homonym: battery] a balletmovement consisting of beatingtogether the feet or calves of thelegs during a leap.Jason injured his ankle attemptinga batterie.

battery

battle

battledoren/ SbaZFlTdP(E)r /L > OProv? > Ea light flat bat or racket that is usedin striking a shuttlecock.Alfonso dusted off the oldbattledore and went to thebadminton court.

battlesome

batturen/ baStU(E)r /Fthe alluvial land between a river atlow-water stage and a levee—usedespecially of such land along thelower Mississippi River.The government decreed that thebatture could be used only forfarmland because it was prone toseasonal flooding.

baud

Bauhausadj/ SbaUThaUs /Gof, relating to, or influenced by aschool of design in Weimar in1919.The area’s newest ski lodge is amixture of Bauhaus and Danishmodern.

beadlen/ SbGdFl /E[has homonym: beetle] a herald ormessenger especially in the serviceof a law court.The bailiff knows that his job isimportant, even though thetownsfolk refer to him as a beadle.

beadledom

beagle

beard

bearded

beast

beatificadj/ TbGEStifik /Lmarked by an appearance ofcomplete bliss or utter benignity.The hockey player appearedbeatific as he related how he madethe winning goal.

beatnik

beautify

beaverette

beckon

becloudv/ bDSklaUd /E + Ecover over with a cloud : obscure,mask.The meteorologists expect this frontto becloud the mountains forseveral days.

bedaub

bedizenv/ bDSdIzFn /Ddress or adorn with gaudy andshowy vulgarity.Angelina decided to bedizen herselfwith jewelry and scarves and go tothe costume party as afortuneteller.

bedrock

beechnut

beeline

beelzebubn/ bGSelzETbEb /Heba devil.When the police appeared, thethieves left all their loot behind andran as though a beelzebub wereafter them.

beeper

Beethovenianadj/ TbCTtPSvGnGEn /G name + Ecfof, relating to, or characteristic ofLudwig van Beethoven or hismusical style or works.The opening movement of Hubert’snew symphony is clearlyBeethovenian in style.

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beginning

behalf

beignetn/ bCnSyC /F[Note: Could be confused with onepronunciation of plural beignets.]fritter.As each beignet was dropped in hotoil, there was a loud sizzle and pop.

belabor

belaud

belfry

belladonna

bellicoselyadv/ SbelDTkPslG /L + Ecfin a warlike, aggressive, combativemanner.Vinny reacts bellicosely to conflictand has been suspended severaltimes for fighting.

bellyache

beloidadj/ SbGTlOid /Gk + Ecfhaving a shape like that of anarrow.Whenever the cursor on thecomputer screen reached asignificant word or icon, it becamebeloid.

beneath

benefactor

beneficial

beneficiaryn/ TbenESfishGTerG /Lthe person named (as in aninsurance or annuity policy) as theone who is to receive proceeds orbenefits accruing.Cora named her son as herbeneficiary in her life insurancepolicy.

beneficiatev/ TbenESfishGTCt /L > Spprocess (as a raw material) so as toimprove the physical and chemicalproperties.To prepare clay for ceramic uses, itis first necessary to beneficiate it bycrushing and separating outimpurities such as sand and mica.

benefitn/ SbenETfit /L > F > Esomething that guards, aids, orpromotes well-being : advantage.Advances in genetic engineeringcould enhance the nutritionalbenefit of crops.

benignadj/ bDSnIn /L > F > Etending to promote or indicative ofhappiness, goodness, or favorableoutcome : wholesome.Gretchen’s new circle of friends isnot a benign influence on her.

benignly

benthos

benthoscope

benzolize

bequeathedv/ bDSkwGLd /Egave or left by formal declarationso that the thing given passes intothe ownership of the recipient afterthe death of the donor.The childless couple bequeathedtheir property to their favoritecharity.

berate

Berbern/ SbErbEr /Ar[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a branchof the Afro-Asiatic language familycomprising languages spoken byminorities in North Africa and theSahara.Alex speaks enough Berber to askdirections in rural Morocco.

bereaved

berokn/ bESrBk /unknowna monkey of southeastern Asiahaving a short slender tail which isheld in the shape of the letter Swhen the animal is excited.The botanist trained the berok tocollect specimens from tall trees.

berserker

beryllium

beseechv/ bDSsGch /Eaddress oneself earnestly to.Margaret put on her most dejectedlook to beseech her father to giveher the car keys.

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besiegedv/ bDSsGjd /L > F > Esurrounded closely : crowded uponor around.Of the numerous fans who besiegedthe athlete, Michelle was the onlyone to get his autograph.

besmirch

besottedadj/ bDSsBtDd /Echaracterized by a condition ofblind doting affection.The Air Force pilot was besottedwith the movie star.

bestiaryn/ SbeschGTerG /La medieval often illustrated work inverse or prose describing with anallegorical moralizing commentarythe appearance and habits of realand fabled animals.At the Metropolitan Museum, Elilingered in front of a casecontaining a French bestiary thattold a story about a unicorn and adragon.

bestsellerdom

bethesdan/ bDSthezdE /Gk biblical geog namea hallowed place : chapel.Dorcinda attended services at thebethesda.

betrayal

betrothaln/ bDStrPLEl /Ethe act of promising in marriage.The king announced the betrothalof his daughter to the duke.

betwixtprep/ bDStwikst /Ebetween.The fly landed right betwixt Peter’seyes.

bevue

bewail

bewilderingadj/ bDSwild(E)riN /E + Ecausing to lose one’s bearings.The town’s maze of streets wasbewildering even to its owninhabitants.

bey

beziquen/ bDSzGk /Fa card game similar to pinochle thatis played with a pack of 64 cardsand in which the points are madechiefly by winning tricks.Clyde claimed he was playingbezique with friends the night hisbusiness partner’s house wasrobbed.

bhabar

bhalun/ SbBTlV /Skt > Hindia common bear of India and SriLanka that has long black hair andvery large claws, a white V-shapedmark on the breast, a long snout,and a very mobile tongue and lips.The bhalu is also called a slothbear because of its slow-movinghabits.

bialyn/ bGSalG /Yiddisha flat roll that has a depressedcenter and is usually covered withonion flakes.A bialy is dense and chewy,somewhat like a bagel.

biathlonn/ bISathTlBn /L > Gka composite athletic contestconsisting of cross-country skiingand rifle sharpshooting.Justine placed second in thebiathlon at the Olympic trials.

bibliognost

bibliotaphicadj/ TbiblGEStafik /Gk > Fcharacteristic of one who hidesaway or hoards books.Hazel devotes her entire basementto the accommodation of herbibliotaphic desires.

bibulousadj/ SbibyElEs /Linclined to drink especiallyintoxicating beverages.W. C. Fields made a career out ofplaying bibulous characters.

bicker

bickering

bicuspid

bicycle

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bienniallyadv/ bISenGElG /Levery two years.The air force base biennially hostsan air show of new and oldaircraft.

bierstube

bifara

bifocal

bigamyn/ SbigEmG /Gk > Lthe statutory offense of enteringinto a ceremonial marriage withone person while still legallymarried to another.Belief that one’s first marriage wasillegal is not acceptable as a validdefense of bigamy.

bigbloom

bighorn

bigot

bigotryn/ SbigEtrG /F > Eobstinate and unreasoningattachment to one’s own belief andopinions with intolerance of beliefsopposed to them.The school’s InternationalRelations Club strives to increaseawareness of the prevalence ofbigotry.

bilberry

bilboquet

bildungsromann/ SbilTdUN(k)srPTmBn /Ga novel about the usually earlydevelopment or spiritual educationof the main character.Wilson called the bildungsromanan experiment in living for thehero.

bile

biliousadj/ SbilyEs /Lappearing as though affected by aliver disorder.The green of the marble reflectingon their faces made them lookbilious.

biliousness

bilirubinn/ TbilESrVbDn /L > F + L + ISVa reddish yellow crystallinepigment occurring in bile, blood,urine, and gallstones.If a newborn is jaundiced becauseof a high level of bilirubin,phototherapy is the commontreatment.

billboard

billet

billingsgaten/ SbiliNzTgCt /E landmarkcondemnatory language marked bythe coarse or offensive andscornfully abusive or contentious.The billingsgate in the film wasexcessive and unnecessary, servingonly to give it an R rating.

billowyadj/ SbilEwG /ON?characterized by rolling or swellingsurges.The warm sun and billowy breezesdried them as they went.

bindingn/ SbIndiN /Ethe fastening of the sections of abook.Despite the great age of the book,its binding was still intact.

binturongn/ binStVTrON /Malayan Asian prehensile-tailed catlikecarnivorous mammal.The muscular prehensile tail of thebinturong is used to graspbranches while its forelimbs pullfruiting branches to its mouth.

biodegradable

bioengineering

biological

biology

biophagous

biospeleology

biplane

birch

birchbark

birdien/ SbErdG /E[has homonym: birdy] a golf scoreof one stroke less than par on ahole.Eleanor putted well on the 18thhole and got a birdie.

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biscottin pl/ bDSskBZG /L > Itcrisp cookies of Italian originflavored usually with anise andfilberts or almonds.Angela usually has several biscottiwith her morning coffee.

biserial

bishopricn/ SbishE(T)prik /Gkthe administrative area under thejurisdiction of a clergyman of thehighest order in Christian churchesusually charged with a functionsuch as the supervision of adiocese.Priests throughout the bishopricwere required to attend themeeting.

bismarckn/ SbizTmBrk /G namea raised doughnut shaped like a ballwith filling usually of jelly.Jelly squirted out the end of thebismarck when Carrie bit into it.

bismuth

bistoury

bitingly

bitt

bitumastic

bituminousadj/ bISt(y)VmDnEs /Celt? > L > Eimpregnated with, infiltrated by, orcontaining soft coal.While doing research for her reporton the Industrial Revolution,Hayley learned of the many usesfor bituminous coal.

blabber

blackbird

blackboard

blackthorn

blamable

blameful

blanching

blandish

blanquillon/ blBNSkG(T)(y)P /Spany of several important marinefood fishes (as the ocean whitefishand the tilefish).It took Hans only ten minutes toland a three-foot blanquillo.

blatancy

blatherer

blazer

blazonry

bleachable

bleachers

bleakness

blende

blepharism

blepharospasmn/ SblefE(T)rPTspazEm /Gkspasmodic winking from theinvoluntary contraction of theorbicular muscle of the eyelids.Blepharospasm can usually berelieved by injecting small doses ofbotulinum toxin directly into themuscles involved.

blew

blighter

blinder

blinkern/ SbliNkE(r) /Ea device consisting essentially of alight that can be flashed on and offregularly as a warning (as at arailway crossing).Because of the low afternoon sun,Jemmy couldn’t tell if theCadillac’s left-turn blinker was onor not.

blintzes

blitheful

blithely

bloat

blob

blockade

blockbuster

blolly

blondism

bloodcurdling

bloodshed

bloopern/ SblVpE(r) /imitan embarrassing public blunder.The director shouted “Enough!”when the actor’s blooper evokedlaughter.

blousonn/ SblaUTzBn /Fa garment (as a dress or blouse)having a close waistband withmaterial falling over it in loosefolds.Serena wore a white blouson andlong black skirt to the audition forHedda Gabler.

blowtorch

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blunderingadj/ SblEndE(r)iN /Echaracterized by or given tomoving unsteadily, confusedly, orblindly : floundering.The blundering bird flew into thepicture window.

blurredadj/ SblErd /E?smeared with or as if with ink.The signature was blurred andcouldn’t be read.

blurry

blustering

blusteryadj/ SblEst(E)rG /G? > Eblowing boisterously : stormy.The blustery weather forced NASAto divert the returning space shuttleto a new landing site.

blutwurst

boardroom

boastful

bodice

bodingv/ SbPdiN /E[has near homonym: boating]giving advance warning of.The winds and dark clouds areboding a heavy storm.

bodkinn/ SbBdkDn /Ea small slender instrument with asharp point for making holes incloth and leather and for pickingout bastings.The church spire seemed from agreat distance like a bodkin.

boeotianadj/ bGSPshEn /Gkmarked by stupidity andphilistinism : crudely obtuse :loutish.John’s father adhered to theboeotian mentality that only self-indulgent idlers go to college.

boglet

bogus

bohemian

boing

bollardn/ SbBlE(r)d /(ON > E + Gmc > F > E)?a single or double post of metal orwood fixed on a pier or wharf andaround which mooring lines arethrown.Kyle fastened the boat’s line to thebollard and stepped out onto thepier.

bolus

bombard

bombardment

bombardon

bombasticadj/ bBmSbastik /Per? > Gk > L > F + Ecfmarked by or given to a pretentiousinflated style of speech or writing.The candidate’s bombasticspeeches did little to gain votes.

bombycine

bonbon

bondieuserie

boned

bonificationn/ TbBnEfDSkCshEn /Lbetterment of housing conditionsand farming practices in aparticular area.The Peace Corps engages inbonification in almost everyunderdeveloped country in theworld.

bonusn/ SbPnEs /Lsomething given or received that isover and above what is expected.Tomi is off enjoying her year-endbonus, a week on a Caribbeanisland.

bookkeeping

booklore

bookmakern/ SbUkTmCkE(r) /E + Ea printer, binder, or designer ofbooks.Wendell was no run-of-the-millbookmaker but an accomplishedartist whose works sold forthousands of dollars.

booth

bordereaun/ SbOrdETrP /F[Note: Plural form can bepronounced identically.] a detailednote or memorandum of account.The insurance clerk spent half thenight before the audit trying to findthe missing bordereau.

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boroughn/ SbEr(T)P /Eone of the five constituent politicaldivisions of New York City.Many visitors are surprised to seefarmland in the borough of StatenIsland.

boroughreeve

borrowed

Borsalinon/ TbOrsESlG(T)nP /It namea wide-brimmed soft felt hat formen.Roberto tilted back his Borsalinoand scratched his forehead,frowning at the shopkeeper.

bosonn/ SbPTsBn /Indian name + E[Note: Could be confused withboatswain.] a particle (as a photon,meson, or alpha particle) havingzero spin or an integral number ofquantum units of spin andconforming to the Bose-Einsteinstatistics.Researchers in elementary particlephysics are searching for a particleknown as the Higgs boson, which isconnected with the weak nuclearforce.

bosselated

boswellizev/ SbBzwETlIz /Scot + Ecfwrite of in the manner of one whowrites with love for and intimateknowledge of any subject.It would be difficult for anyone toboswellize America’s favoritepastime better than Ken Burns didin his documentary Baseball.

botryoidaladj/ TbBtrGSOidFl /Gkhaving the form of a bunch ofgrapes.Minerals presenting anaggregation of large sections ofsmall globes are called“botryoidal.”bottinen/ bEStGn /Fa woman’s light boot.Marguerite waited while thecobbler put a new heel on herbottine.

botulism

bouchonn/ bVSshBn /Fa bushing pressed into a bridge orplate of a timepiece.The only thing wrong with Adam’spocket watch was a brokenbouchon.

bouffancy

bouffant

bouilli

bouncilyadv/ SbaUn(t)sDlG /imit E + Ecfwith verve : jauntily, springily.Joyce skipped bouncily through thepark on her way home from school.

bourgade

boutaden/ bVStBd /Fan outbreak or burst especially oftemper.When the general received news ofhis losses, he reacted with a violentboutade.

boutique

boweredv/ SbaU(E)rd /Eformed a shelter or covered place ina garden with branches of trees orvines twined together.Bougainvillea bowered the frontporch of the old house.

boxwood

bozzetto

bracemate

brachiation

brachiator

brachiosaurn/ SbrakGPTsO(E)r /Gka dinosaur of the genusBrachiosaurus of the UpperJurassic having longer forelegs thanhind legs.The 110-million-year-old fossil isbelieved to be part of a rib of agigantic herbivorous brachiosaur.

bracket

bracteoseadj/ SbraktGTPs /Lhaving numerous or conspicuousmodified leaves from which aflower rises.Of all bracteose plants, thepoinsettia is probably the mostfamiliar.

bradenhead

braggartn/ SbragE(r)t /Ea loud or arrogant boaster.The braggart exaggerated hisfishing stories so much that no onewould believe him.

braggartism

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Brahmsianadj/ SbrBmzGEn /G nameof or relating to Johannes Brahmsor his musical compositions.Ulla thought she knew the wholeBrahmsian oeuvre, but she couldnot recognize the piece that Mirgaplayed.

braid

braille

braillist

brainchild

brake

brandishingv/ SbrandishiN /Gmc > F > Eshaking or waving (a weapon)menacingly.“That’s why I drove him off,” criedthe Humbug, fiercely brandishinghis cane.

brandtite

brashly

bratling

bravadon/ brESvB(T)dP /Spshowy or demonstrative conduct oraction often characterized bybluster and swagger.Much of Leo’s arrogance is basedon bravado and cannot besupported by competence.

brawln/ SbrOl /Ea loud, angry, or disorderly quarrel.Vincent couldn’t resist joining inthe playground brawl.

breadthn/ Sbredth /Edistance from side to side.The breadth of the church’stransept is 54 feet.

breadwinner

break

bream

breaststroke

breathe

breathing

breathlesslyadv/ SbrethlDslG /E + Ecffin a manner bringing about ormarked by being out of breathbecause of fear, suspense, awe, orother strong emotion.Ken breathlessly opened the doorto the attic to find that a cat wasresponsible for the yowling sounds.

brecciatedadj/ SbrechGTCZDd /Itmarked by sharp fragments of rockembedded in a fine-grained matrixof clay or sand.The countertop was made of abeautifully polished slab ofbrecciated stone.

brecciation

breechloader

breezeway

brethrenn pl/ SbreL(E)rDn /Eones related or linked by somecommon tie or interest (as of sharedrank, profession, membership in asociety, suffering, or labor).People at the ecumenical serviceagree that they are brethren of thesame principle.

bretonn/ SbretFn /L > Fa woman’s hat made on a basicpattern of round crown and wideeven brim that is curved upward allaround.Before putting on her breton, Emilytrimmed it with a bright red peony.

breviaryn/ SbrGv(y)ErG /Lan ecclesiastical book containingthe daily public or canonicalprayers for the canonical hours.Kristin opened her breviary to readthe prayer for vespers.

brewery

brickkilnn/ SbrikTkil(n) /Ea kiln in which bricks are baked orburned.Ethan spent the summer operatingthe brickkiln in the colonial village.

bricklayer

brief

brigandage

brilliance

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brindisin/ SbrindD(T)zG /G > Ita drinking or toasting song.The bride and groom were wishedgood health and happiness in atraditional brindisi.

brindle

brisance

brisket

bristle

bristlyadj/ Sbris(E)lG /Econsisting of or like short stiffcoarse hair.Trudy pictured her uncle with abristly brown mustache, even afterhe had shaved it off.

brittle

broccoli

brogann/ SbrPgEn /IrGaela heavy shoe; especially : a coarseleather work shoe reaching to theankle.Just after getting out of bed, Caltripped over a brogan and fell onthe sleeping dog.

broguing

brokerage

bromine

bronchospasmn/ SbrBN(T)kPTspazEm /Gkconstriction of the air passages ofthe lung by spasmodic contractionof the bronchial muscles (as inasthma).In many asthmatics, exercise canprovoke bronchospasm.

brontophobian/ TbrBntESfPbGE /Gkabnormal fear of thunder.As he got older, Xavier graduallyovercame his brontophobia.

brothn/ brOth /Eliquid in which meat, fish, cerealgrains, or vegetables have beencooked.Mother made two quarts of brothfrom the leftover chicken.

brownie

brunizemn/ brVnESzem /L + Russa soil of the prairies developedfrom loess and occurringextensively in Iowa.Corn usually thrives in the richbrunizem of Iowa.

brunneousadj/ SbrEnGEs /Gmc > L + Ecfdark brown—used chieflyscientifically.Hatchery officials were worriedabout brunneous spots on the fisheggs.

brusquely

brusqueness

bryophyten/ SbrIETfIt /Gk + Gka plant of a division ofnonflowering plants comprising themosses and liverworts.The botanist said that the earliestland plant was probably abryophyte.

bubblyadj/ SbEb(E)lG /Eexhibiting almost unrestrainableenthusiasm or happy emotion :effervescent.The bubbly tourists spent theevening rehashing the day’ssightseeing trip.

bubonic

buccal

buccinatorsn pl/ SbEksETnCZE(r)z /Lthin broad muscles forming thewalls of the cheeks.As the trumpeter played, hisbuccinators rhythmically expandedand contracted.

budget

buffan/ SbVfE /Ita woman singer of comic roles inopera.Lorelei admired the beautiful voiceof the buffa in the MetropolitanOpera production of Cosi FanTutte.

buffet

buffetingn/ SbEfDZiN /Frepeated alteration of theaerodynamic forces acting on anypart of an airplane in flight.Chuck Yeager’s plane was subjectto severe buffeting as it approachedthe sound barrier.

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Bugakun/ bVSgB(T)kV /Jpna stately classical Japanese danceoriginally introduced from China.The visiting dance troupeperformed a Bugaku in theemperor’s honor.

bugian/ Sb(y)Vj(G)E /Algerian geog name > La low candlestick with a shorthandle.Marlo keeps a bugia on her bedsidetable.

bugle

bulbously

bulimic

bulk

bulldozer

bulliform

bullpen

bulwark

bulwarksn pl/ SbUlwE(r)ks /G > D > Eimposing safeguards.Elizabeth fought tirelessly tocounter the opposition of thoseentrenched behind the bulwarks ofcustom and authority.

bumblebeen/ SbEmbElTbG /Eany of numerous large robust hairyyellow-and-black social bees of thegenus Bombus.The nest of the bumblebee isusually underground.

bumpkinsn pl/ SbEm(p)kDnz /D > Flemish?typically awkward blockish andutterly unsophisticated rustics.With the girls as an audience, theboys were acting like bumpkins.

bungle

bunion

bunkern/ SbENkE(r) /E? > Sca sand trap or embankment withsoil exposed constituting a hazardon a golf course.Ronnie’s first shot off the tee flew150 yards directly into a bunker.

bunkhouse

bunting

Bunyanesqueadj/ TbEnyESnesk /Amer nameof or befitting the tales of PaulBunyan; especially : of fantasticallylarge size.No amount of food can satisfyRaymond’s Bunyanesque appetite.

buoy

burden

burdensomeadj/ SbErdFnsEm /E + Ecfdifficult or distressing to carry or tobear.Tia found running the snack bar aburdensome responsibility.

bureau

bureaucratese

burelage

burgeoned

burglar

burglariousadj/ TbErSgla(a)rGEs /Gmc > L > AFof or suitable for the use of onewho breaks into a building illegallyespecially with intent to steal.The prosecutor asked the defendantto explain why he had burglarioustools in his automobile.

burglaryn/ SbErglErG /Gmc > L > AFthe act of breaking into a buildingillegally especially with intent tosteal.More than once Blake committedburglary to get money to pay hisgambling debts.

burgonetn/ SbErgEnDt /F geog namea light 16th-century helmet havingcheekpieces and sometimes anosepiece.The French commander checked tosee that every footsoldier wascarrying a pike and was wearing aburgonet.

burgundyn/ SbErgEndG /F geog namea variable color averaging a darkgrayish reddish brown that isredder and duller than mahogany.The students at the new high schoolvoted for burgundy and gray astheir school colors.

burial

burinist

burladero

burlap

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burron/ SbEr(T)P /L > Sp[has homonyms: borough, burrow]donkey.The easy pace and sure step of theburro make it a good pack animal.

bushido

bushyadj/ SbUshG /E + Ecfresembling a shrub : thick andspreading.There was one part of the wallwhere the creeping dark greenleaves were more bushy thanelsewhere.

buskinn/ SbEskDn /Spa strong thick-soled laced footcovering with a legging reachinghalfway or more to the knee.Emma found her kitten soundasleep inside her fur-lined buskin.

bustle

bustlingadj/ SbEs(E)liN /ON > E + Ecfgiven to or full of noisy orenergetic activity.As they strolled along the bustlingand busy avenue, he began.

butane

butterfliesn pl/ SbEZE(r)TflIz /Eany of several slender-bodieddiurnal insects that have very largebroad wings which are oftenstrikingly colored and patterned.The formerly quiet field eruptedwith beautiful red butterflies.

buttermilk

butylenen/ SbyVZFlTGn /ISVany of three isomeric hydrocarbonsof the ethylene series obtainedusually by cracking petroleum.Because butylene is highlyflammable, it is hazardous to workwith.

Byronicadj/ bISrBnik /E nameof, relating to, or having thecharacteristics of the poet Byron orhis writings, usually involvinghatred of mankind or distrust ofhuman nature.His attitude and his smile wereByronic, at once world-weary andcontemptuous.

byssus

cabal

cabalettan/ TkabESleZE /L > OProv > Itthe lively conclusion of an aria orduet.The tenor ended the cabaletta on ahigh C, inspiring the audience torespond with a standing ovation.

cabalist

cabalistic

caballeron/ TkabESle(E)(T)rP /L > Spknight, cavalier.For Halloween Kenny dressed as aSpanish caballero and rode hispony from house to house.

cabasa

cabeceran/ TkabESserE /Spthe chief city of a province ordistrict in a Spanish-speakingcountry.The town of Santiago deCompostela has been the cabeceraof Galicia since medieval times.

cabinetry

cablegram

cabotinagen/ SkabEtDTnBzh /F name + Fcfbehavior befitting a second-rateactor : theatricality.To fit the tone of a 19th-centurymelodrama, the actors indulged ina good deal of deliberatecabotinage.

cabretta

cabriolet

cachepot

cacoepy

cactus

cadenza

cadge

caffeinicadj/ kaSfGnik /Turk > F> Gof or containing caffeine.Cindy relied on the caffeinic effectsof coffee to energize her in themorning.

cahootsn pl/ kEShVtz /Fcollusion, connivance.Thelma suspected her brotherswere in cahoots against her, butshe had no proof.


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cajoledv/ kESjPld /Fobtained (an object or favor) fromsomeone by persuading withdeliberate flattery : wheedled.Sally raves about the time shecajoled a lock of hair from thefootball team captain.

cakewalkn/ SkCkTwOk /ON > E > Ea stage dance developed fromwalking steps, especially a high-stepping prance with a backwardtilt.The cakewalk was originallyperformed in competitions wherethe prize was a cake.

calamitous

calamondin

calando

calceiformadj/ SkalsGETfOrm /Lshaped like a slipper.Fictional detective Nero Wolfecultivated certain orchids for thecalceiform lip in their flowers.

calceusn/ SkalsGEs /Lan ancient Roman ankle-lengthshoe usually of leather.The calceus was the preferred shoeof Roman city dwellers.

calderan/ kalSderE /L > Spa crater much greater in diameterthan the vent of the volcano withwhich it is associated.The volcano’s eruption was soviolent that it blew away the cone,leaving a vast caldera.

calefaction

calefactory

caligan/ SkalDgE /La heavy-soled Roman military shoeor sandal worn by all ranks up toand including centurions.The emperor Caligula was namedafter the caliga, which he was fondof wearing as a boy.

callee

calligraphy

calliopean

calomeln/ SkalEmEl /Gk > La white tasteless salt used as acathartic, fungicide, andinsecticide.Years ago calomel was aningredient in medicine, but now itis found mostly in insecticides andfungicides.

calorimetern/ TkalESrimEZE(r) /L + Gk > Ecfany of several apparatuses formeasuring quantities of absorbed orevolved heat or for determiningspecific heats.The calorimeter is designed tominimize heat loss duringmeasurement.

calumniate

calvary

calyxn/ SkCliks /Gkthe outer set of floral leaves makingup the external part of the flower.Once the flower’s petals fell, thegreen calyx seemed much moreattractive.

Cambodiann/ kamSbPdGEn /Asian geog namethe language of the Cambodians,which is of Mon-Khmer origin.Sunita surprised her boss when shevolunteered to learn Cambodianfor his research.

cambric

cameist

camellia

Camembertn/ SkamEmTbe(E)r /F geog namea soft unpressed cheese having acharacteristic odor and flavorproduced by the presence of a bluemold and usually covered with afeltlike rind inside which thecheese softens progressivelytoward the center.Brenda served a ripe Camembertafter the dessert course.

cameral

cameramann/ Skam(E)rETman /L + E[Note: An alternate pronunciationcan be confused with plural form ofword.] an operator of a motion-picture or television camera.The cameraman said he waswilling to travel anywhere to coverbreaking news stories.

camorra

campaign

campanologistn/ TkampESnBlEjDst /L + Gkmaker of bells.The campanologist beamed withpride every time he heard thecathedral carillon.

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campesinon/ TkampESsG(T)nP /L > Spa native of a Latin-American ruralarea; especially : a Latin-AmericanIndian farmer or farm laborer.The elderly campesino was thevillage’s historian, weatherforecaster, and mediator.

campestral

camphoric

campimetern/ kamSpimEZE(r) /(L + Gk) > ISVan instrument for testing indirect orperipheral visual perception ofform and color.When Mrs. Dunn developedcataracts, her doctor used acampimeter to measure visionimpairment.

Canaann/ SkCnEn /Heb > Gka promised land : place of rest,reward, or fulfillment.Mrs. Gruber, who will be 100 yearsold on her next birthday, talks oftenof seeing her loved ones again inCanaan.

canal

cancel

cancellation

cancellin pl/ kanSseTlI /Lscreens or rails typically oflatticework or stone grating used toenclose or separate a part of achurch.From the style of the church’scancelli, the church was built in the16th century.

cancern/ Skan(t)sE(r) /L > Ea malignant tumor of potentiallyunlimited growth.Chemotherapy proved quiteeffective in treating Kristin’scancer.

candidate

candidlyadv/ SkandDdlG /F&Lin a disinterested, fair, or justmanner.Fiona candidly admitted to havingtaken the money but refused toadmit she had acted wrongfully.

candle

candlelightn/ SkandFlTlIt /L > E + Ethe light of a candle.C. J. sat by candlelight in his studyand thought about the last eightyears of his life.

canepin

canister

cannibals

cannonball

canonicity

canorous

cantabankn/ SkantETbaNk /Gmc > L > Ita singer from benches or platforms: a ballad singer.The cantabank strolling throughthe streets of the amusement parkwas not an employee, though hegave that impression to hisonlookers.

cantabileadv/ kBnStBbDTlC /L > Itin a singing manner :melodiously—often used as adirection in music.The second movement’s mostmemorable theme wasappropriately played cantabile.

canticlen/ SkantDkEl /Lsong, poem, hymn.Scott left church humming thecanticle “Nunc Dimittis.”cantillatev/ SkantFlTCt /Lrecite with musical usuallyimprovised tones (as in synagoguesand highly liturgical churches) :chant.The congregation knelt as the choirbegan to cantillate the 23rd Psalm.

cantinan/ kanStGnE /It > Spa small barroom : saloon.In the very first Star Wars movie, ascene set in a cantina featuresmany interesting aliens.

cantlen/ SkantFl /F > E[has near homonym: candle] theupwardly projecting rear part of asaddle.Only the cantle prevented the riderfrom falling out of the saddle whenthe warhorse reared.


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cantonn/ SkantFn /L > Prov > F[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] any oneof the spaces in the four corners ofa heraldic field.Each canton of the coat of armswas a different color.

caparisoned

capeadorn/ kApCASLOr /Spa bullfighter’s aide who uses a capeto distract or excite the bull.As the capeador teased the bull atthe other end of the stadium,Manuela had time to recover fromher fall.

capern/ SkCpE(r) /L > Ita capricious or madcap escapade :prank, antic.Roberto’s little caper resulted in athree-day suspension from school.

capered

capitol

capitulationn/ kETpichESlCshEn /Lthe act or agreement of one thatsurrenders to an enemy uponstipulated terms.The capitulation of the army tookplace on the battlefield at noon.

capitulum

capoten/ kESpPt /Fa small Victorian bonnet with tiestrings and varied trimmings.Martha trimmed her capote withcolorful embroideries for festiveoccasions.

capriccion/ kESprG(T)chP /Itan instrumental piece in free formusually lively in tempo and brilliantin style.When feeling depressed, Kate playsa recording of a capriccio to lifther spirits.

capricesn pl/ kESprGsDz /L > It > Fsudden impulsive apparentlyunmotivated changes of mind.Ms. Lawrence understands thecaprices of children and thus has ahigh tolerance for their whims.

capriole

capsheafn/ SkapTshGf /L > E + Ethe crowning point : acme, climax.Ingrid thought the stranger’s insultto his benefactor was the capsheafof folly.

captain

caption

captious

capture

carambolan/ TkarEmSbPlE /Marathi > Pg[Note: Could be confused withcarambole.] a green to yellowusually somewhat acid fruit that ismuch used in Chinese cookery :star fruit.The slices of carambola on the fruittray disappeared rapidly as theguests passed by the food table.

carapacen/ SkarETpCs /Sp > Fa bony or chitinous case or shieldcovering the back or part of theback of an animal (as the uppershell of a turtle, the shell of anarmadillo, or the shell of a crab).Glenda saw an armadillo carapacefor the first time when her familywent to Florida on vacation.

caravel

carbine

carbon

carbunclen/ SkBrTbENkEl /L > F > Ea painful local inflammation of theskin and deeper tissues, usuallyaccompanied by fever.Dr. Morton applied a topicalantibiotic to the carbuncle onJason’s neck.

carcajoun/ SkBrkETjV /Alqonquian > Fa northern North Americancarnivorous mammal that isblackish with a light brown band oneach side of the body and that isnoted especially for its strength :wolverine.Over soft, deep snow the large feetof the carcajou enable it to catchits reindeer prey.

carcinogenicadj/ TkBrsFn(T)PSjenik /Gk + Gkproducing or tending to producecancer.Thorald pointed out to his daughterSam that thousands of naturallyoccurring chemicals havecarcinogenic effects.

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carditisn/ kBrSdIZDs /Linflammation of the heart muscle.Carditis is one of themanifestations of rheumatic fever.

careenv/ kESrGn /L > It > Fcause (a boat) to lean over on oneside (as on a beach) making theother side accessible for repairsbelow the waterline.The crew decided to haul the boatonto the beach and careen it so thatthey could repair the hull.

career

carefreeadj/ Ske(E)rTfrG /E + Ehaving no worries : happy.Grandpa reminisced about the daysof his youth, when he was playfuland carefree.

careless

caress

caret

cargadorn/ SkBrgETdO(E)r /Spone who works at or who isresponsible for the loading orunloading of a ship in port.Tina had her picture taken with aburly cargador at the wharf.

Caribbeanadj/ kESribGEn /Arawak > Sp + Ecfof, relating to, or characteristic ofthe eastern and southern WestIndies.Whenever Ellie thinks aboutCaribbean music, she hears in herhead the brilliant sound of steeldrums.

caribe

caricaturedv/ SkarDkETchU(E)rd /L > Itrepresented in exaggeration bymeans of deliberate simplificationand often ludicrous distortion ofparts or characteristics.Those who inaugurated themovement for women’senfranchisement were initiallycensured and caricatured by thepress.

cariesn pl/ Ska(E)rGz /L[has homonym: carries] toothdecay.Daily flossing and brushing helpkeep caries at bay.

carinationn/ TkarESnCshEn /Lthe quality or state of being shapedlike the keel or prow of a ship.The architect created a whimsicalseaside building with a definitecarination at the front.

cariocan/ TkarGSPkE /Tupi > Pg[has near homonym: karaoke] thesamba adapted to ballroomdancing.The carioca is a very lively dancethat originated in Brazil.

cariogenicadj/ Tka(a)rGPSjenik /L > Gkconducive to the development oftooth decay.The combination of saliva withfood is the first step in digestion;unfortunately, it is also verycariogenic.

caritativeadj/ SkarETtCZiv /Lcharitable in nature or tendency.After the fire, the caritativeimpulses of utter strangers restoredJosh’s faith in humanity.

carmagnolen/ TkBrmEnSyPl /It geog name > Fa street dance in a meanderingcourse to the tune of a lively songpopular at the time of the firstFrench Revolution.Christine and Jean-Paul dancedthe carmagnole at the street fair inMarseilles.

carminen/ SkBrTmIn /(L + Ar) > L > Fa vivid red pigment used as abiological stain and as a coloring infoods, drugs, and cosmetics.Yolanda’s father snidely remarkedthat her lipstick contained a littletoo much carmine.

carnauba

carol

Carolingianadj/ TkarESlinj(G)En /Gk > G > Lof or relating to a Frankish familythat was founded about A.D. 613and including among its membersthe rulers of France from 751 to987, of Italy from 774 to 961, andof Germany from 752 to 911.Charles the Fat, a Carolingianmonarch, ruled in Italy until A.D.887.

carom

carpentry

carpet

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carrosserien/ kArOsrG /L > It > Fthe carriage body of an automobile.A display in the transportationmuseum showed how thecarrosserie of an early Model TFord was made.

cartographersn pl/ kBrStBgrEfErz /Gk > Lindividuals who make maps.The package contains severalbrochures and a city map, whichwas carefully drawn by mastercartographers and is current.

cartridge

cartwheel

cartwright

caseinn/ SkCTsGn /L > F[Note: Could be confused withcasing.] the principal protein ofcheese.Arlene saved the companythousands of dollars by loweringthe proportion of casein used in itsmozzarella.

cashmerette

casket

casquen/ Skask /Sp&F[has homonym: cask] a piece ofarmor for the head : a helmet ormilitary headpiece of any kind.The museum acquired a 15th-century casque for its medievalarmor display.

cassation

cassette

cassideous

Cassiopeianadj/ TkasGESpG(y)En /Gk name > L + Ecfof or relating to the constellationCassiopeia.Dr. Giddings insisted that he hadnever heard of a Cassiopeianmeteor shower.

cassockn/ SkasEk /Per > Fa long close-fitting garmentreaching to the feet that is worn bythe clergy of certain churches oftenduring divine service and bychoristers and vergers.The acolyte’s mother gasped as hereyes traveled from her child’scassock to his basketball shoes.

cassolette

castellann/ SkastElEn /L > F > Ea governor or warden of a castle orfort.Richard played the part of thecastellan during the medieval fair.

castellate

castellated

castle

cataclasm

catacombsn pl/ SkaZETkPmz /Gk > L > It > Fa subterranean cemetery consistingof galleries or passages with siderecesses for tombs.Our visit to Rome included a tourof the catacombs.

catafalquen/ SkaZETfalk /L > Itan ornamental sometimes veryelaborate structure used in manychurches in solemn funerals for thelying in state of the body.Many mourners stood in line towalk by and touch the velvet-draped catafalque.

catalinetan/ TkaZFlESneZE /Gk > L > Spany of several angelfishes.A catalineta can grow up to twofeet in length.

catalysisn/ kEStalEsDs /Gkthe change in the rate of a chemicalreaction brought about by oftensmall amounts of a substance that isunchanged chemically at the end ofthe reaction.Enzymes speed up many chemicalreactions in the body throughcatalysis.

catamnesisn/ TkaZamSnGsDs /Gkthe follow-up medical history of apatient.Once the patient’s catamnesis wascomplete, the records were placedin long-term file storage.

cataplexy

catarrhal

catastrophic

catbird

catchpenny

catchword


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catechisticadj/ TkaZESkistik /Gk > Lof or relating to a teacher of moraland religious doctrine or to thematerial taught by such a teacher.After a period of catechisticinstruction, Greg was ready to bereceived as a full member of thechurch.

catenan/ kEStGnE /La connected series of related things.While at camp, Lorna and Beatricemade up a catena of funny songsabout their bunkmates.

catheter

cauliclen/ SkOlDkEl /La rudimentary stem; specifically :the stem of an embryo or youngseedling.After planting the corn seed, thebiology class eventually was ableto observe the development of thecaulicle, from which the first rootsgrew.

caulicolousadj/ kOSlikElEs /Lgrowing on the stems of otherplants.During our hike Mom pointed outthe caulicolous fungi on the trees.

cauliflorous

caulome

causable

causative

cautious

cavity

caxon

cayennen/ kISen /French Guiana geog namea very hot and pungent powdermade by drying and grinding thewhole fruits or the seeds of severalhot peppers.Paolo’s chili was too mild, so hesprinkled some cayenne on it.

ceaselessly

cebell

cedar

celebratev/ SselETbrCt /Ldemonstrate grateful and happysatisfaction in (as an anniversary orevent) by engaging in festivities,merrymaking, or other similardeviation from accustomed routine.About 100 friends and relativesattended the party to celebrateMom and Dad’s 50th weddinganniversary.

celebratoryadj/ SselEbrETtPrG /Lused or intended for use incelebrating a solemn or festiveoccasion.The champions were feted at acelebratory dinner at which thetrophies were presented.

celerity

celestan/ sDSlestE /L > F[Note: Could be confused withceleste.] a keyboard instrumenthaving an action like that of a pianowith hammers that strike steelplates suspended above woodenresonance boxes and producing atone similar to that of aglockenspiel.For the talent competition Trishperformed a medley of Gershwintunes on the celesta.

celestina

cellar

cellblock

celluloidn/ SselyETlOid /trademarkmotion-picture film.The celluloid used for the movieweighed about 300 pounds.

Celsiusadj/ SselsGEs /Sw namerelating to, conforming to, orhaving the internationalthermometric scale on which 0 isthe freezing point and 100 is theboiling point of water.Normal human body temperature is37 degrees Celsius.

cembalist

cementitious

cenoten/ sDSnPZG /Maya > Spa deep sinkhole especially inCentral America and the Yucatánpeninsula having a pool at thebottom fed by the water table;especially : such a natural well intowhich sacrificial offerings werethrown in Mayan ceremonies.Kirsty went cavern diving in acenote during her vacation on theYucatán peninsula.

censern/ Ssen(t)sE(r) /L > F > Ea vessel for burning incense.The bell rings, the censer swings,and chants fill the air in the chapelon Sunday.

censorship

censure

centrally


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centuple

centurionn/ senSt(y)UrGEn /Lan officer commanding 100 men.Divisions called “cohorts” in theancient Roman army weresubdivided into groups of 100soldiers, each of which wascommanded by a centurion.

cephalicadj/ sDSfalik /Gkof or relating to the head.The cephalic veins in the arm areso called because it was oncebelieved that they were related tocertain ailments of the head.

Cerbereanadj/ sE(r)SbirGEn /Gk name > Lof, relating to, or like a watchdog.Dobie is the best Cerbereancreature one could hope to have.

cerberusn/ SsErb(E)rEs /Gk > Lwatchdog, gatekeeper, custodian.As school treasurer, Tony refers tohimself as the cerberus of theschool’s coffers.

cercin pl/ SsErTsI /Gk > Lpaired appendages believed to besensory situated at the tip of theabdomen in many insects.The cerci on some insects are alsomodified limbs.

cerebellumn/ TserESbelEm /La large lower back part of the brainthat is concerned especially withthe coordination of muscles and themaintenance of equilibrium.Sheila’s vertigo results fromdamage to her cerebellum.

cerebral

cerebratev/ SserETbrCt /L + Ecfuse the mind : think.Sharon went to the library so thatshe could cerebrate withoutinterruptions from her brothers.

cerebriform

ceremonious

ceremoniouslyadv/ TserESmPnGEslG /Etruscan? > Lin an elaborate or punctiliousmanner.Paul reached inside his coatpocket, drew out a small velvet box,and handed it ceremoniously to hisgirlfriend.

ceremony

ceriman

certain

certificate

certitude

cervine

cession

cetaceann/ sGStCshEn /Gk > Lany of an order of aquatic mostlymarine mammals including thewhales, dolphins, porpoises, andrelated forms that have a taperednearly hairless body, paddle-shapedforelimbs, no hind limbs, and aflattened tail.Moby Dick is the most famouscetacean in American literature.

chablis

chafe

chairborneadj/ Sche(E)rTbO(E)rn /Gk > L > F > E + Eassigned to a desk job : not servingin the field or in combat—usedoriginally and especially of militaryofficers.After three years of beingchairborne, Sandy decided toresign from the Marines.

chaise

chalcedonyx

chaldronn/ SchOldrEn /Fa unit of measure for coal equal to36 bushels or 25½ hundredweight.Before 1963 in Great Britain,people were accustomed toordering coal by the chaldron.

chalet

chalkography

challenging

chamade

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chameleonicadj/ kETmGlGSBnik /Gk > L > F > Elike a chameleon in changeability;assuming varying hues.The military hopes to developchameleonic suits so soldiers canblend in with differentbackgrounds.

championadj/ SchampGEn /Gmc > L > F > Eacknowledged as supreme overcontestants or rivals.Scott is the champion golfer in hisage group at his country club.

chanceman

chanceryn/ Schan(t)s(E)rG /L > F > Ea record office for the collection,arrangement, and safekeeping ofpublic archives and ecclesiastical,legal, or diplomatic proceedings.The diocese requires that eachpastor submit a financial report tothe chancery at least once a year.

chandler

chandleryn/ SchandlErG /L > F > E + Ecfa place where candles are kept.The altar boy spent the afternoonreorganizing the chandlery.

changan/ SchaNgE /Spa large brown mole cricket.The changa is a destructive pest tocrops.

changer

chanoyun/ TchBnPSyV /Jpnan elaborate Japanese teaceremony.Mariko performed the chanoyu forher guests with serene grace.

chaperonage

chapiter

chaplain

chapter

characin

charade

charadesn pl/ shESrCdz /Prov > Fa game in which a group is dividedinto two sides each alternatelydevising words represented inriddling verse or by pictures ordramatic action to be guessed bythe other.The dinner party wascomplemented by a most animatedevening of charades.

charcuterien/ (T)shBrTkVZESrG /L > Fa delicatessen in Francespecializing in dressed meats andmeat dishes (as cold cuts andsausages).Loraine stopped at the charcuterieand bought a smoked chicken forsupper.

chard

chardonnay

charisman/ kESrizmE /Gka personal magic of leadershiparousing special popular loyalty orenthusiasm for a public figure.John F. Kennedy is often named asa leader with charisma.

charismaticadj/ TkarDzSmaZik /Gkof or relating to the religiousmovement that emphasizes theextraordinary power (as of healing)given a Christian by the HolySpirit.The charismatic movement inAmerican religion began in theearly 1960s, when a Californiaminister announced to hiscongregation that he had beengiven the gift of tongues.

charitable

charitarian

Charlestonn/ SchBrlztEn /US geog namea ballroom dance in which theknees are twisted in and out and theheels are swung sharply outward oneach step.Jana has an old photograph of hergreat-grandmother doing theCharleston.

Charybdisn/ kESribdDs /Gk > La destructive peril—usually used asthe alternative to Scylla.Whether to tell the truth or to lie issometimes a choice between Scyllaand Charybdis.

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chastisev/ SchaTstIz /L > F > Ecensure severely in an attempt tocorrect or improve.Ms. Stanton protested a form ofgovernment that she believed gavea man the power to chastise andimprison his wife.

chastisementn/ chaSstIzmEnt /L > F > Epunishment.Hazel’s mother required her tospend an hour in her room aschastisement for disobeying.

chatelainen/ SshaZFlTCn /L > F[has homonym: chatelain] anornamental chain or clasp usuallyworn at a woman’s waist to whichtrinkets, keys, a purse, or otherarticles are attached.Melissa has an antique chatelainethat her great-grandmother used tohold her needle case, magnifyingglass, and a small pair of scissors.

chaton

chatterboxn/ SchaZE(r)TbBks /Eone who talks incessantly and idly.Before the party, Alex had no ideathat Serena was such a chatterbox.

chatteringv/ SchaZE(r)iN /imit > Euttering rapidly succeeding soundssomewhat like language butinarticulate and indistinct.The squirrel was chatteringfuriously at the magpies who hadstolen its food.

chauffeuse

chechian/ SshCshTyB /Per geog name > Maghribi > Fa cylindrical brimless cap of Araborigin often having a tassel on thecrown.When Gordon arrived in Morocco,he was greeted by a tour guidewearing a red chechia.

checkered

cheddar

cheerfuladj/ SchirfEl /G? > L? > F > Efull of good spirits arising from acarefree attitude and a bright livelydisposition.Linda appeared relaxed andcheerful as she began skating forthe judges.

chefn/ Sshef /L > F > Eone skilled in food preparation whohas charge of the kitchen andkitchen personnel in a largeestablishment (as a hotel orrestaurant).Before he became a famoustelevision personality, EmerilLagasse was a chef at several finerestaurants.

chekan/ SchC(T)kB /Russsecret police (as of the formerU.S.S.R.) having virtuallyunrestrained power over life anddeath.The dissidents were detained andtortured for months by the cheka.

chelan/ SkGlE /Gka pincerlike organ or claw borne bycertain of the limbs of Crustaceaand Arachnida.Rush cracked open the lobster’schela and feasted on the meatinside.

chemical

chemise

chemisetten/ TshemGSzet /Fa woman’s vestlike outergarment orundergarment.For his wife’s birthday present, Tedbought a silk chemisetteembroidered with roses.

chemosphere

chemurgy

cherries

cherubic

chervil

chestn/ Schest /Ethe part of the body enclosed by theribs and breastbone.Herman has a mole right in themiddle of his chest.

chevalet

chevaline

chevonn/ SshevEn /F + F > Ethe flesh of the goat used as food.To many inhabitants of the tropics,chevon is as palatable as mutton.

chevron

chewy


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chiack

chiaroscuristn/ TkyBrESsk(y)UrDst /L > Itan artist who uses the arrangementor treatment of the light and darkparts in a pictorial work of art.The chiaroscurist deftly conveyedthe mood in black and white.

chiaroscuro

chiasmusn/ kISazmEs /Gkthe inversion of the order ofsyntactical elements in the secondof two juxtaposed and syntacticallyparallel phrases or clauses.Chiasmus is frequent in Greek andLatin poetry.

chic

chickaree

chief

chifforobe

chilblain

childishly

chiliast

chiliasticadj/ TkilGSastik /Gk + Ecffrelating to belief in the millenniumof Christian prophecy.Leonard listened with interest tothe fiery chiliastic sermon of thestreet preacher.

chinoiserien/ TshGnTwBz(E)SrG /Fa style in art (as in decoration)reflecting or felt to reflect Chineseartistic motifs.Chinoiserie was popular in 18th-century English furniture design.

chippendaleadj/ SchipEnTdCl /E namerelating to a style of 18th centuryfurniture.Mrs. Davis planned to bid on thechippendale chair at the auction.

chipperadj/ SchipE(r) /Ebeing in high spirits : cheerful,sprightly.Kyle has good reason to bechipper: His real estate business isthriving.

chirognomyn/ kISrBgnEmG /Gkthe art or practice of reading aperson’s character or aptitudes andespecially his past and possiblefuture from the general characterand shape of his hands and fingersand the lines, Mounts, and markson the palms.Heather read a pamphlet onchirognomy in preparation for herrole as a palm reader at the fallfestival.

chiromancer

chiromegalyn/ TkIrESmegElG /Gkabnormal increase in the size of thehands.The distraught parents called thepediatrician with the claim thattheir daughter had a case ofchiromegaly.

chiroplastyn/ SkIrETplastG /Gk > Lplastic surgery of the hand.Zeke was not looking forward toundergoing chiroplasty.

chiropodyn/ kESrBpEdG /Gkthe care and treatment of the humanfoot in health and disease.Dr. Griffin was the onlypractitioner of chiropody in thetown.

chiropractorn/ SkIrETpraktEr /Gk + Gk + Ecfa practitioner of a system of healingbased upon the theory that diseaseresults from a lack of normal nervefunction and employing treatmentby scientific manipulation andspecific adjustment of bodystructures (as the spinal column).Joanne scheduled a visit to thechiropractor after a flare-up of herback pain.

chirp

chirr

chistka

chitinn/ SkItFn /Gk > F[has homonym: chiton] a toughhorny substance that makes up thebulk of the insect cuticle.Chitin serves as a protection for aninsect.

chloasman/ klPSazmE /Gka skin discoloration marked byyellowish brown pigmentedpatches or spots—called also “liverspots.”Because conforming is important tosmall children, they have troubleignoring things like chloasma.

chlore

chlorinator


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chloroformn/ SklPrETfOrm /(Gk + L) > Fa colorless volatile heavy toxicliquid of ethereal odor and sweetishtaste used chiefly as a solvent andespecially formerly as a generalanesthetic.The comedian explained that hisnew perfume was made from asecret mixture of lanolin andchloroform.

chlorosisn/ klESrPsDs /Gka diseased condition in chlorophyll-bearing plants manifested as theyellowing or blanching of thenormally green parts due to causesother than the absence of light (asattacks of parasites or mineraldeficiencies).The philodendron in Cathy’skitchen exhibits an advanced stageof chlorosis.

chocolatyadj/ SchBklDZG /Nahuatl > Sp + Ecfmade of or like chocolate.Simon enjoys the chocolaty flavorof his chicken mole.

chogset

choice

cholangitis

chondral

chopinen/ chPSpGn /Sp > Fa woman’s shoe of the 16th and17th centuries having a high oftenstiltlike sole to increase stature andprotect the feet from mud and dirt.While the chopine elevated a lady’sstature, it often led to her downfall.

chord

chore

choreographv/ SkOrGETgraf /Gk > Fcompose dance movements andpatterns (as for a ballet).The famous dancer askedBalanchine to choreograph aspecial ballet for her.

choreuticadj/ kESrVZik /Gkof or belonging to a chorus.There are many choreutic parts inthe ballet The Nutcracker.

choriamb

chorinen/ SkOrTGn /Gka young woman who sings ordances in the chorus of a theatricalproduction.Lisa has the part of a chorine in themusical Funny Girl.

chose

chouetten/ shVSet /Fa method of scoring by which morethan two persons can participate ina two-handed game (asbackgammon), one playeraccepting the bets of all otherplayers on the result of a gamebetween himself or herself and oneother active player.Bob and Jill used a chouette toinclude Carla and James in theirgame.

chrismatoryn/ SkrizmETtPrG /Gk > L > Ea vessel or a place in whichconsecrated oil is kept.The museum’s collection ofreligious relics included a 500-year-old chrismatory.

chromatinn/ SkrPmEtDn /Gk > ISV > Gthe part of a cell nucleus that stainsintensely with basic dyes.The microbiologist stained thebacteria cells with various dyes toshow the chromatin.

chromatosisn/ TkrPmEStPsDs /Gkpigmentation; specifically : depositof pigment in a normallyunpigmented area or excessivepigmentation in a normallypigmented area.The condition called “liver spots”is one kind of chromatosis.

chrome

chromometern/ krPSmBmEZE(r) /Gkan apparatus for comparing thecolor of a substance with a standardespecially to determine the degreeof purity or percentage of aconstituent.The chromometer indicated that thegold was not pure enough for usein electronics.

chromophobe

chromospheren/ SkrPmETsfi(E)r /Gk + Gkthe lower part of the atmosphere ofthe Sun that is thousands of milesthick and is composedpredominantly of hydrogen gas.The Sun’s rosy color is amanifestation of the chromosphere.

chronicler

chronographn/ SkrBnETgraf /Gkan instrument for measuring time.The chronograph in Dr. Jekyll’slab needs calibrating.


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\chronologizev/ krESnBlETjIz /Gkarrange (as events or documents) inorder of time.As a history assignment, Mrs.Griffin had the studentschronologize the events leading upto the Revolutionary War.

chrysoberyl

chrysochlorousadj/ TkrisESklPrEs /Gk[has near homonym:Chrysochloris] of the color goldengreen.The chrysochlorous case suspendedfrom the twig is the pupal stage ofthe monarch butterfly.

chrysography

chub

chubby

chuckle

chulo

chummage

chumming

chylocaulousadj/ TkIlESkOlEs /Gk > G + Ecfhaving fleshy or succulent stems.Many desert plants arechylocaulous.

cicatrize

cichlid

ciconine

cilian pl/ SsilGE /L[has near homonyms: coelia andsillier] hairlike processes found onmany cells that are capable ofvibratory movement and that serveas organs of locomotion.The bacterium’s cilia fluttered as itcame into view under themicroscope.

ciliaryadj/ SsilGTerG /L + Ecfof or relating to minute hairlikeprocesses found on many cells.Careful inspection revealed themicrobe’s movement was ciliary,not flagellary, in nature.

cimetidine

Cimmerianadj/ sDSmirGEn /Gk[has near homonym: Sumerian]marked by intensity of darkness orgloom : stygian.Gina’s parents became concernedwhen she wanted her room to havea Cimmerian appearance.

cincturedv/ SsiN(k)chE(r)d /Lgirded, encircled.The valley, cinctured withmountains, is home to about 25families who lead a lifestylereminiscent of yesteryear.

cinderellan/ TsindESrelE /fairy tale nameone suddenly lifted oftenfortuitously from obscurity andneglect to honor and significance.After its football team won the statechampionship in a huge upset,Fremont High became the schooldistrict’s cinderella.

cinemathequen/ TsinDmEStek /Gk > F[Note: Could be confused withcinematic.] a small movie theaterspecializing in avant-garde films.The local cinematheque wasshowing a new French film lastweek.

cinephilen/ SsinDTfIl /Gk > F[has homonym: sinophile] adevotee of motion pictures.The cinephile had mixed reactionsto the latest Star Wars movie.

cinquain

cinquen/ SsiNk /L > F > E[has homonym: sink] five;especially : the number five in diceor cards.The highest card that Lou held wasonly a cinque of diamonds.

circaprep/ SsErkE /Labout, around.The children enjoyed seeing thephotographs of their grandparentstaken circa 1940.

circline

circumflex

circumlunaradj/ TsErkEmSlVnE(r) /L + Lrevolving about or surrounding theMoon.Sailors say a circumlunar haloforetells rainy weather.


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circumnavigatev/ TsErkEmSnavETgCt /Lgo or travel completely around (asthe Earth) especially by water.Magellan was the first explorer tocircumnavigate the globe.

circus

circusianan pl/ TsErkEsGSBnE /Lmaterials or objects relating tocircuses or circus life.Maya’s collection of circusianafetched a surprisingly high price atauction.

cirquen/ SsErk /L > Fa deep steep-walled basin high on amountain usually shaped like half abowl and often containing a smalllake, caused especially by glacialerosion, and usually forming theblunt head of a valley.Justine climbed down the cirqueand set up camp.

cirrocumulus

cirrus

cispontine

cissoid

civicsn pl/ Ssiviks /Lstudy of the workings of thenational and local governmentespecially as the subject of asecondary school course suited astraining for citizenship.Advanced students in Tim’s schoolusually select the course in civics tofulfill the ninth grade historyrequirement.

civil

civilian

civilityn/ sDSvilEZG /L > F > Ethe state of being advanced insocial culture.Jubril’s civility in accepting thepoliceman’s apology for mistakenlytackling him was remarkable.

clairaudient

clairsentiencen/ Tkla(a)rSsench(G)En(t)s /L > F > Eperception of what is not normallyperceptible.Gert attributed her uncanny abilityto tell when her mother was cominghome to clairsentience.

clambaken/ SklamTbCk /E + Ea social gathering where food isprepared and eaten outdoors;specifically : a seashore outingwhere edible mollusks and fish arecooked by dry heat (as on heatedrocks covered by seaweed).The children liked vacationing atthe seashore, where they swamevery day and had a clambakeevery night.

clamberv/ Sklam(b)E(r) /Emove by or as if by catching holdwith the hands and feet.Simone watched her brotherclamber up an incline as a warthogchased him.

clammy

clamorous

clampn/ Sklamp /D? > Eany of various instruments orappliances having parts broughttogether as by a screw for holdingor compressing something.The toymaker used a clamp to holdthe two halves of the yo-yo togetherwhile the glue dried.

clandestinelyadv/ klanSdestDnlG /Lin a manner marked by, held in, orconducted with secrecy andconcealment.The outlawed political group hadto meet clandestinely in members’houses to avoid detection by thesecret police.

clangorous

clapboard

clarain

clarificationn/ TklarEfDSkCshEn /Lthe act or process of explainingclearly.Bill’s request for clarification ofthe test instructions was a familiarstalling tactic.

clarityn/ SklarEZG /Lthe distinctness of shape, outline, orsound.The voice had the warmth of awoodwind, the clarity of a trumpet,and the mystery of an English horn.

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classicistn/ SklasisDst /Lone learned in the works ofliterature of ancient Greece orRome : a classical scholar.During the interview the publisherasked Kathy if she were aclassicist.

classicistic

classificationn/ TklasEfDSkCshEn /L > Fa system for the arrangement ofbooks or other literary materialaccording to subject or form.The librarian used a chart toillustrate the decimal classificationof books to the third-gradestudents.

clavecinn/ SklavEsDn /L > Fharpsichord.One of Henry’s jobs at thehistorical museum is to play periodpieces on a clavecin that belongedto Thomas Jefferson.

clavilux

clavis

claymore

cleanser

cleat

cleavability

clergyn/ SklErjG /F > Ea body of religious officialsprepared and authorized to conductreligious services and attend toother religious duties.Abby sought comfort and counselfrom a member of the clergy.

clergymann/ SklErjDmEn /F > E + Ea member of those duly ordained tothe service of God in the Christianchurch.Sabrina resented the fact that shewas often called a clergyman.

clerical

clerihewn/ SklerDThyV /E namea light verse quatrain in linesusually of varying length, rhymingaabb, and making a statementusually concerning a person whosename typically supplies the initialrhyme.The disc jockey composed ahumorous clerihew for each of thepresidential candidates.

client

climactic

climb

climber

clinical

clinometer

cliometrics

clipboard

clipping

cliquism

clobber

clochard

clockwork

cloddiness

cloddish

cloth

clothes

cloudburstn/ SklaUdTbErst /E + Ea sudden copious rainfall as if awhole cloud had been precipitatedat once.Following the spectacularcloudburst, the stream overflowedand flooded the roadway.

clovenadj/ SklPvEn /Edivided or split especially to acertain depth.According to folklore, the devilcannot appear without his clovenfeet.

clover

cloverleafn/ SklPvE(r)TlGf /E + Ean interchange between two majorhighways that allows traffic tochange from one to the otherwithout requiring any left turns orcrossings.The construction of the cloverleafat I-295 and Cooper Road isscheduled for completion inAugust.

cloying

clozeadj/ SklPz /L > F > E[has homonyms: clothes, close] of,relating to, or being a test ofreading comprehension thatinvolves having the person beingtested supply words which havebeen systematically deleted fromthe text.Madame DeFarge told the first-year French class that their finalexam would consist mainly of clozeexercises.

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coagulabilityn/ TkPagyElESbilEZG /Lthe quality or state of being capableof gathering together or forminginto a mass or group.Increased viscosity of the bloodcoupled with increasedcoagulability multiplies the risk ofa stroke.

coagulum

coaptation

coarseadj/ SkP(E)rs /E[has homonym: course] roughly orcrudely formed.Modern coarse imitations lack theoriginal fineness of authenticNavajo rugs.

coarsely

coatin/ kESwBZG /Tupi > Pga mammal of tropical America thatis related to the raccoon but with alonger body and tail and a longflexible snout.When foraging, the coati oftenclimbs trees for fruit.

coaxation

cobaltn/ SkPTbOlt /L > Ga hard magnetic silver-whitemetallic element.Cobalt is essential as a traceelement in animal and plantnutrition.

cobblern/ SkBblE(r) /Ea repairer or maker of shoes.Milt’s great-grandfather was acobbler in Bavaria.

cobblestone

cocainize

cochlea

cockpit

cockroachn/ SkBTkrPch /Spany of an order (Blattaria) ofinsects with long antennae and aflat, soft body.The cockroach is one example of ahighly adaptable insect which canbe found all over the world.

cocksure

coctile

coda

coden

codger

codify

coefficient

coercibleadj/ kPSErsEbEl /L + Ecfcapable of being restrained,controlled, or dominated.Previously coercible, James haslearned to ignore the threats of theclass bullies.

coffeepot

coffer

cogency

cognosce

cognoscenti

coiffure

coincide

cokery

colander

colcannonn/ kElSkanEn /IrGaelpotatoes and cabbage or othergreens boiled and mashed together.Deirdre’s mother serves a differentmeat every night of the week, butthe side dish is always colcannon.

colectivo

coleopterist

coleopterousadj/ TkPlGTSBptErEs /Gk + Ecfof or relating to a beetle.Coleopterous insects usually havebiting mouthparts and hard frontwings that cover the membranoushind wings.

coleslaw

colicky

collaborate

collapse

collar

collarbone

collards

collation

collectanea

collector

collegiateadj/ kESlGj(G)Dt /Lrelevant to the life of collegestudents often on the nonacademicside.Students who participate in majorcollegiate sports usually have beenoutstanding high school athletes.

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collide

colligatev/ SkBlDTgCt /L[has near homonym: collocate]bind, unite, or group together oftenaccording to a subsuming principle.The lawyer attempted to colligateinstances of the employer’s unfairtreatment of the workers.

colligation

collimate

collocatev/ SkBlETkCt /L[has near homonym: colligate] setor arrange in a place or position;especially : set side by side.The plan is to collocate the twosatellite signal receivers to makedata analysis easier.

colloquialism

colloquiumn/ kESlPkwGEm /La conference; specifically : aseminar that several lecturers taketurns in leading.Professor Dunnock participated ina colloquium on “The Role of theMass Media in a DemocraticSociety.”collunariumn/ TkBlESna(a)rGEm /La medicated solution for instillationinto the nostrils as a wash or sprayor as drops.Steve knew that the collunariumwould aid his stuffy nose, yet herefused to use it.

collutoriumn/ TkBlEStPrGEm /Lmouthwash.Every few minutes the dentalhygienist offered her patient acollutorium.

colobusn/ SkBlEbEs /Gk > Lany of a genus of slender long-tailed African monkeys.In the colobus the thumb is eitherabsent or greatly reduced in size.

colonial

colonnadedadj/ TkBlESnCdDd /L > It > Fhaving a series of columns placedat regular intervals.The colonnaded royal palace wasthe city’s shining architecturaljewel.

colonyn/ SkBlEnG /L > F > Ea group of persons united by acommon characteristic or interestliving in a limited sectionsurrounded by others not so united.Members of the colonyoccasionally left the compound topurchase food, medicine, and fuel.

colored

colorfast

colorimetern/ TkElESrimEZE(r) /L + Gkan instrument for determining andspecifying colors by reference toother colors and giving results notindependent of abnormalities in theobserver’s color vision.A colorimeter and aspectrophotometer are actuallyquite different, although they bothmeasure colors.

coloristic

colorlessadj/ SkElE(r)lDs /L + Ecftransparent and not distinguishedby any hue.Gary was able to list severalcolorless gases without muchthought: nitrogen, carbon dioxide,carbon monoxide, and oxygen.

colossally

colossus

colt

colugon/ kESlVgP /Malay?either of two arboreal nocturnalmammals that are about the size ofa cat and that have a broad fold ofskin extending from the neck to thetail on each side that forms aparachute used in making longsailing leaps.The colugo lives in the rain forestand feeds on the leaves, buds,shoots, and flowers of trees.

comandancian/ TkBmEnSdanch(G)E /Spa province or district under militarycontrol.Soldiers patrolled the streetsenforcing the curfew in thecomandancia.

combination

combustv/ kEmSbEst /Lcause to undergo any chemicalprocess accompanied by theevolution of light and heat, beingtypically a vigorous union ofsubstances with oxygen.Sue’s assignment was to combusthydrogen and estimate the resultingchange in enthalpy.


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combustible

comediann/ kESmGdGEn /Gk > F[has homonym: comedienne] anactor who plays in dramas of lightor amusing character and typicallywith a happy ending.The comedian in the movie wasplayed by an actor who was betterknown for his dramatic roles.

comedy

comestiblesn pl/ kESmestEbElz /Litems suitable to be eaten.A wide variety of comestibles wason display at the gourmet shop.

comic

comity

commandeer

commemorationn/ kETmemESrCshEn /Lsomething that calls toremembrance (as by speech, statue,or ceremony).The city council voted to have aparade in commemoration of thecity’s 150th anniversary.

commemorative

commensaladj/ SkESmen(t)sEl /Lof or relating to those whohabitually eat together.Having pizza on Friday night is acommensal tradition among Carrieand her friends.

comminatory

comminutionn/ TkBmESn(y)VshEn /Lgradual lessening by the removal ofsmall particles at a time : wearingaway.Frost promotes the comminution ofstone to small particles.

commiserative

commissariat

commissionern/ kESmish(E)nE(r) /Lthe officer in charge of adepartment or bureau of the publicservice.The police commissioner awardedthe officer a medal for his heroicrescue of a child.

commissure

commit

committaln/ kESmiZFl /Lthe consignment or sentencing toconfinement (as in a prison ormental hospital).After hearing all the testimony, thejudge decided that committal to apsychiatric hospital would beappropriate for the defendant.

committee

commodiously

commodities

commodity

commodore

communardn/ SkBmyETnBrd /Fan adherent of a principle or systemof organization in which the majorsocial or political units are localself-governing communities.A communard is an individual whowishes for an extreme developmentof local government.

communique

commutator

comoid

compactadj/ kEmSpakt /L > Esuggesting firmness, soundness,and a degree of strength.The bulldog’s compact framecontrasts sharply with thegreyhound’s lanky build.

companionship

companyn/ SkEmp(E)nG /L > F > Ean organization of performers.The Dance Theater of Harlem is afamous modern dance company.

comparability

comparison

compass

compathy

compensation

compensatory


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competitiveadj/ kEmSpeZEZiv /Lof or relating to a contest betweenrivals.The competitive spirit of the twomusicians rings loud and clearwhen they play the tune “DuelingBanjos.”

complacency

complaintn/ kEmSplCnt /F > Ethe act or action of expressingprotest, censure, or resentment.The employees’ major complaintwas that their work hours were notflexible enough.

complaisant

complementaryadj/ TkBmplESmentErG /L[has homonym: complimentary]supplementing and beingsupplemented in return.Susan and Stuart’s complementarytalents of artistry and businessacumen made their boutique asuccess.

complexadj/ kBmSpleks /Lhaving many varied interrelatedparts, patterns, or elements andconsequently hard to understand.Caroline brought an unbelievablycomplex camera on the trip andwas forever changing lenses.

complexus

compliance

complicatedadj/ SkBmplETkCZDd /L + Ecfcomplex : not simple to fabricate orcomprehend.Mary’s piano teacher assigned hera complicated piece and asked herto master the first page before thenext lesson.

complicityn/ kEmSplisEZG /Lassociation or participation in or asif in guilt.The complicity between the twothieves goes back to their earlyshoplifting escapades.

compliment

comply

composite

composition

compost

composure

compotator

compoundn/ SkBmTpaUnd /L > F > Ea large fenced or walled-in area (asin a prison or detention camp).POWs wandered around thecompound, hoping and praying forrescue.

comprehensive

compressedadj/ kEmSprest /L > E + Ecfcondensed : reduced in volume bypressure.Carolyn filled her scuba tanks withcompressed air.

comprimario

compromise

compulsionn/ kEmSpElshEn /La driving by force, power, pressure,or necessity.Jake was acting under compulsion,not on his own free will.

computable

concealment

conceitedadj/ kEnSsGZDd /E + Ecfentertaining an excessively orunjustifiably high opinion ofoneself.Dennis is so conceited that hewould rather have stones thrown athim than not be noticed.

conceitednessn/ kEnSsGZEdnDs /Ethe quality or state of entertainingan excessively or unjustifiably highopinion of oneself.The diva had trouble with herfellow singers because of herboundless conceitedness.

conceivev/ kEnSsGv /L > F > Eform in the mind.Alec tried to conceive a solution tohis problem but couldn’t think ofanything.

concentus

conceptual

conceptualizev/ kEnSsepchE(wE)TlIz /Lform a thought, idea, or notion of.Nowadays it is difficult toconceptualize a world withouttelephones.

concert


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concetto

conche

conchoidal

conchology

concise

conclaven/ SkBnTklCv /L > F > Ethe body of cardinals especiallywhen considered in respect to theirelectoral function.A puff of white smoke signified thatthe conclave had elected the newpope.

concludev/ kEnSklVd /L > Ereach a final determination orjudgment about.The numbers forced Nina toconclude that she should close upshop.

concur

condensationn/ TkBnTdenSsCshEn /Ltransition of a substance from thevapor to the liquid phase.Raindrops are formed by thecondensation of water vapor ontospecks of dust.

condensev/ kEnSden(t)s /Lundergo transition from the vaporto the liquid phase.When molecules condense, theylose some of their kinetic energy.

condensed

condescendent

condolencesn pl/ kEnSdPlEn(t)sDz /L > Fexpressions of sympathy withanother in sorrow or grief.At the funeral, Rafael offered hiscondolences to the Martinez family.

condominium

conduct

conelrad

confectioner

confer

conference

conferredv/ kEnSfErd /Lheld conversation on important,difficult, or complex matters :consulted, deliberated.The referees conferred for a fewminutes and then rendered adecision that was unpopular withthe home team.

confessv/ kEnSfes /L > F > Eacknowledge (one’s sins)especially to God or a priest inorder to receive forgiveness.In the Hitchcock movie I Confess, afrightened murderer is moved toconfess his sin to a priest, whocannot break the sanctity of theconfessional.

confession

confide

confidencen/ SkBnfEdEn(t)s /La relation or state of trust betweenpersons who confide in each other.When the entire class knew of hercrush on Wes, Emily regrettedhaving taken Jane into herconfidence.

confident

configure

confined

confirmable

confiscatory

conflict

confreren/ kPMSfre(E)r /L > F > Ecolleague : a fellow worker (as in aprofession or in a field of study).Fran’s study is so specialized thatthe nearest confrere in her field ishalfway across the country.

congelationn/ TkBnjESlCshEn /Lthe action or process of alteration(as by freezing) from a fluid to asolid or semisolid state.Ice is the result of the congelationof water.

congelative

congelifract

congenialityn/ kEnTjGnGSalEZG /Laffinity of spirit or temperament :mutual agreeableness.Captain Schreiner fostered a spiritof congeniality between the officersand the enlisted men.


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congestionn/ kEnSjes(h)chEn /L > Fclogging.Byron decided to be tested forallergies after years of sufferingwith nasal congestion.

conglutinantadj/ kEnSglVtFnEnt /Lcausing to adhere.Used chewing gum was theconglutinant substance that heldthe papers together.

congratulationsn pl/ kEnTgrachESlCshEnz /Lexpressions of sympatheticpleasure.In a 1783 address to Congress,General George Washingtonoffered his congratulations on thedeparture of British troops fromAmerican soil.

congregationn/ TkBNgrDSgCshEn /L > F > Ean assembly of persons : gathering;especially : an assembly of personsmet for the worship of God and forreligious instruction.The pastor asked the congregationto support the upcoming blooddrive.

conical

conjecturev/ kEnSjekchE(r) /L > F > Eform opinions concerning ongrounds confessedly insufficientfor certain conclusions.His fellow workers would oftenconjecture playfully about thecause of Lou’s frequent tardiness.

conjugateadj/ SkBnjDgDt /Lyoked or joined together especiallyin pairs : acting as if joined.In mathematics and physics,problems usually have conjugatesolutions.

conjugation

conjunctionn/ kEnSjEN(k)shEn /La configuration in which twocelestial bodies have their leastapparent separation.Some New Age doomsayers predicta calamity when Earth and Marscome into conjunction.

conjunctivitisn/ kEnTjEN(k)tESvIZDs /Linflammation of the mucousmembrane that lines the innersurface of the eyelids.In common parlance, conjunctivitisis known as “pinkeye.”conjurev/ SkBnjEr /Linvent, contrive.Tony will rely on Jason to conjureup a reason for both of them toleave class early.

conjury

connectiveadj/ kESnektiv /Ltending to join, fasten, or linktogether, usually by means ofsomething intervening.Ducks have a connective membraneon their feet that enables them toswim very quickly.

conniptionn/ kESnipshEn /unknowna fit of rage, hysteria, or alarm.Dad had a conniption when hediscovered that someone had stolenthe radio from his car.

connive

connotationsn pl/ TkBnEStCshEnz /Lthings implied or suggested by aword or sometimes by a thing :implications.Calling Carl’s behavior juvenilehad negative connotations for him.

consanguineousadj/ TkBnsaNSgwinGEs /Ldescended from the same person(as a father) or the same ancestor.Although Ron and Bill havedifferent mothers, they have thesame father, and are thereforeconsanguineous.

consentn/ kEnSsent /Lcompliance or approval especiallyof what is done or proposed byanother : permission.The group assembled to protestagainst a form of governmentexisting without the consent of thegoverned.

consequentlyadv/ SkBn(t)sDTkwentlG /Las a result.The verbs founder and flounder areoften confused and consequentlymisused.


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considerv/ kEnSsidE(r) /L > F > Ethink about with a degree of care orcaution.Had Vince taken time to considerthe consequences of his behavior,he would have acted differently.

consideration

consigned

consilientadj/ kEnSsilyEnt /Lin accord with a set of inductivelaws of distinct derivation.The biologist Edward O. Wilsonargues that natural sciences andsocial sciences are consilient in thestudy of human evolution.

consist

consistency

consolation

consolatoryadj/ kEnSsPlETtPrG /Ldesigned or intended to bringcomfort and solace.The fireman offered a fewconsolatory remarks beforerescuing Ann’s kitten from the tree.

consolidate

consolidator

consonant

consortn/ SkBnTsOrt /Lone that shares the company ofanother, as a wife or husband.The queen attended the festivalwith her consort, Prince Reginald.

conspirator

conspirators

consternationn/ TkBnztE(r)SnCshEn /Lgrievous exasperation ordistraction.The two, father and son, stared ateach other in consternation, andneither knew what to do.

constituencyn/ kEnzStichEwEnsG /L > Fa body of citizens or voters that isentitled to elect a representative toa legislature or other public body.The representative asked hisconstituency for opinions on theissue.

constrictor

consul

consume

contagionn/ kEnStCjEn /Lthe process by which disease istransmitted from one person toanother by direct or indirect means.Frequent hand washing has beenfound to be effective in disruptingthe contagion of the common cold.

contagiosity

containing

contaminant

contemplated

contemporary

contemptuous

contemptuously

contention

contentious

context

continent

contingency

continual

contortionn/ kEnStOrshEn /La twisting into abnormal orgrotesque shape.When the demon appeared onstage, the hero assumed a positionof painful contortion.

contradict

contradictory

contrapposto

contrecoup

contrivev/ kEnStrIv /L > F > Edevise, plan, plot.Nona tried to contrive a validexcuse for her absence but finallyadmitted she had overslept.

controlled

controversial

contumelious

contumelyn/ kEnSt(y)VmElG /L > F > Ethe suffering of insult : humiliation.Dan’s ability to ignore insults gavehim an endless capacity for bearingcontumely.

conundrum

convalescev/ TkBnvESles /Lrecover health and strengthgradually after sickness orweakness.Mrs. Davis is going to convalesceat her son’s house.

conventionally


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converge

convince

convolutedadj/ TkBnvESlVZDd /Lcomplicated and involved.Stuart’s convoluted blackjacksystem is so difficult as to beuseless.

convulsivelyadv/ kEnSvElsDvlG /Lin a manner producing oraccompanied by an unnatural,violent, and involuntary contractionor series of contractions of themuscles.As Edna listened to the details ofher son’s accident, she droppedinto a chair and sobbedconvulsively.

coolant

coopern/ SkVpE(r) /D or G > Ea maker or repairer of woodencasks or tubs.Ned watched a cooper makingbarrels at Sturbridge Village.

coparcenern/ kPSpBrsEnEr /L + L > Fa joint heir.In accordance with the will, eachcoparcener is to receive an equalamount from the sale of theparents’ property.

copolymer

coppice

copyistn/ SkBpGDst /L > Fone who is employed to makecopies.Four hundred years ago, one mighthave had to hire a copyist in orderto obtain sheet music.

coquettish

coquillage

coquillen/ kPSkil /Fa shell-like dish in which food isserved.Emily baked the scallops in acoquille.

coraladj/ SkOrEl /Gk > L > F > E[has homonym: choral] of a strongpink color that has a hint of darkyellow.The seashell, coral when wet, wasalmost white after it dried.

coralene

cordage

cordate

cordial

cordovann/ SkO(r)dEvEn /Sp geog namea variable color averaging a darkgrayish red.The cordovan of Kathy’s pursedoes not match the cordovan of herpenny loafers.

coreopsisn/ TkPrGSBpsDs /Gk + Gka plant of a genus of herbs whichhave showy flower heads withbracts in two distinct series of eighteach.The name coreopsis means “bug-appearance” and refers to the bug-like shape of the plant’s seed.

cornerstone

cornhusking

corolla

coronan/ kESrPnE /Lsomething suggesting a crown.Perhaps the lampshade’s goldcolor and frilly edges made Roaldimagine that it was a corona.

coronaladj/ kESrPnEl /L[has homonym: coronel] of orrelating to a corona or crown.The king had to swear a coronaloath which required his assent tothe laws passed in parliament.

coronationn/ TkOrESnCshEn /Lthe ceremony of investing asovereign or consort with the royalcrown.The prince and his consort rode totheir coronation in a gildedcarriage.

corporal

corporeity

abide ablutions - haus.orghaus.org/richter/2004cwl_moderate_pp1-60.pdf · the abduction of helen by...

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