spelling list

2003 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently

37

kudizev/ Sk(y)VTdIz /Gkgrant honors to : praise.The planning committee had aluncheon to kudize Mr. Blalock,who donated 100 acres of land forthe city park.

kudosn pl/ Sk(y)VTdPz /Gkpraises given for achievement.Daphne received many kudos fromthe drama coach after herperformance in the school play.

kudzun/ SkUd(T)zV /Jpna vine of China and Japan that isused widely in the southern UnitedStates for erosion control and soilimprovement.Along many highways of the deepSouth, kudzu covers the roadsidelike drapery.

labefaction

laboratory

laboriousadj/ lESbPrGEs /Linvolving much work : tiresome.Restoration of the mansion willrequire laborious effort.

labyrinthn/ SlabETrin(t)th /Carian? > Gk > L > Ea structure full of intricatepassageways that make it difficultto find the way from the interior tothe entrance or from the entrance tothe interior.Lost in the labyrinth of passagesbeneath the castle, the invadersgave up the attack plan and insteadconcentrated on finding a way out.

labyrinthine

laccateadj/ SlaTkCt /L + Ecfhaving a varnished or lacqueredappearance.The leaves of some tropicalevergreens have a laccate surface.

lacerate

lacerationn/ TlasESrCshEn /L > Fa wound made by tearing orrending roughly.Forty stitches were required toclose the laceration in Jeremy’sscalp.

lachrymoseadj/ SlakrETmPs /Ldismal, melancholy.The lachrymose play ruinedSamantha’s weekend.

lackadaisicaladj/ TlakESdCzDkEl /E + Ecflacking life, spirit, or zest : devoidof energy or purpose.John’s piano teacher criticized himfor his lackadaisical performancein the recital.

laconicadj/ lESkBnik /Gk > Lspoken, written, or expressedbriefly or tersely : pithy.Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s laconic speakingstyle was quite popular with herstudents.

lacrossen/ lESkrOs /Fa game that is played on a turfedfield by two teams of ten players,each of whom uses a long-handledstick with which the ball is caught,carried, and thrown, with the objectbeing to throw the ball into theopponents’ goal.Curious about lacrosse, Pamelasigned up for a college intramuralteam.

lactealadj/ SlaktGEl /L + Ecfrelating to, consisting of,producing, or resembling milk.Liz was surprised to learn that herlacteal drink was made fromsoybeans.

ladle

laggardly

lagniappe

lagomorphn/ SlagETmOrf /Gk > L[Note: Could be confused withLagomorpha.] any of severalgnawing animals (as hare, rabbit, orpika) resembling the rodents.A lagomorph has well-developedincisors to help it sever plant stemsand gnaw on bark.

lallation

laloplegian/ TlalESplGj(G)E /Gkparalysis of the muscles involved inspeech.Since Uncle Harry’s stroke causedlaloplegia, he had to communicatewith pencil and paper.


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lamaseryn/ SlBmETserG /Tibetan > F + Per > Fa monastery of Tibetan Buddhistmonks or priests.Xiang returned from the lamasery awiser and more introspective man.

lambda

lambent

lambrequinn/ SlambE(r)kDn /D > Fa short decorative drapery for ashelf edge or for the top of awindow casing : valance.An embroidered lambrequin hungover each of the mansion’swindows.

lamentv/ lESment /Lexpress sorrow for : bewail, mourn.Railroad buffs still lament thedemise of the steam locomotive.

lampoonn/ lamSpVn /Fa light mocking satire.The new movie is a lampoon of thehorror films that are madeespecially for teenagers.

lampreyn/ SlamprG /Gaulish? > L > Fany of various freshwater andsaltwater vertebrates that arewidely distributed in temperate andsubarctic regions and resemble eelsbut have a large circular jawlesssuctorial mouth with numeroussmall conical teeth.A large lamprey slithered out of theunderwater cave, startling thediver.

lancet

landaun/ SlanTdaU /G geog namea four-wheeled covered carriage.People who cannot picture what alandau looks like should think ofCinderella’s carriage.

langlauf

langousten/ lBMSgVst /L > OProv > Fspiny lobster.Alicia ordered the langouste at thefancy seafood restaurant.

languagen/ SlaNgwij /L > F > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] theinner tongue or flat plate oppositethe mouth of an organ flue pipe.A small chip in the organ’s smallestlanguage subtly affected its tone.

languescentadj/ laNSgwesFnt /Lbecoming listless or fatigued.The languescent ballerinastruggled through the final scene.

languor

languorous

languorouslyadv/ SlaN(g)(E)rEslG /L + Ecffin a manner characterized bylistless indolence or sluggishness.After returning from work, Corareclined languorously on the sofa.

laniaryadj/ SlCnGTerG /Ladapted for tearing.Laniary teeth are common in mostcarnivores.

lanternn/ SlantErn /Gk > L > F > Ea portable lamp.The red light in the distance camefrom a lantern that hung from thelast car of the train.

lapidary

lapideousadj/ lESpidGEs /Lof the nature of stone.Lapideous concretions that form inthe bladder or kidneys can causeextreme pain.

lapillus

larcenous

larcenyn/ SlBrs(F)nG /L > F > Ethe unlawful taking and carryingaway of personal property withoutthe consent of its lawful possessor.When Tina first saw Victor’s artcollection, she suspected him oflarceny.

lariatn/ SlarGEt /L > Spa long light but strong rope usedwith a running noose for catchinglivestock.Jonathan watched in fascination asthe cowboy demonstrated his skillwith the lariat.

larigon/ SlBrDTgP /Spa ring at each end of the cinch of awestern saddle through which thestraps pass.When Lynn investigated her loosesaddle, she found that a larigo hadbroken.


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larithmicsn pl/ lESriLmiks /Gkthe scientific study of thequantitative aspects of population.In accordance with a principle oflarithmics, the emigration from thecountry was offset by an increasedrate of population growth.

larrigann/ SlarDgEn /unknownan oil-tanned moccasin with legsthat is used especially by loggersand trappers.The statue of Paul Bunyan depictedhim with an ax over his shoulderand a hole in one larrigan.

laryngiticadj/ TlarDnSjiZik /Gkaffected with an inflammation ofthe upper part of the tracheacontaining the vocal cords.After a long day of pitching hismerchandise, the salesmanreturned home exhausted andlaryngitic.

laryngitis

larynxn/ SlariN(k)s /Gk > Lthe modified upper part of therespiratory passage of air-breathingvertebrates bounded above by theglottis and continuous below withthe trachea.The vocal cords are situated withinthe larynx.

lassituden/ SlasETtVd /La condition of weariness or debility: fatigue.Lassitude is a symptom of manytropical diseases.

latensify

laterigradeadj/ SlaZErETgrCd /L + Lrunning sidewise or characterizedby such running.The laterigrade movements of thecrab delighted the children on thebeach.

lathen/ SlCL /Ea machine in which work is rotatedabout a horizontal axis and shapedby a fixed cutting tool while beingheld in a chuck.Chloe donned her safety glassesbefore switching on the lathe.

laticiferousadj/ TlaZESsif(E)rEs /Gk? > L + Ecffcontaining, bearing, or secretinglatex.Some laticiferous tropical vines aregood sources of rubber.

latitude

latitudinousadj/ TlaZEStVdFnEs /Lhaving breadth especially ofthought or interpretation.Poetry is a latitudinous category,ranging from the moralistic to thenihilistic.

latkes

laudatoryadj/ SlOdETtPrG /Lof, relating to, or containing praise.Seth made sure everyone saw hislaudatory telegram from the dean.

laughter

launder

laureationn/ TlOrGSCshEn /Lan act of crowning with or as ifwith a wreath of leaves as a markof honor or achievement.At her laureation the recipient ofthe honorary degree paid tribute toher college professors.

laureln/ SlOrEl /L[has homonym: loral] foliage usedby the ancient Greeks to crownvictors in the Pythian games.The ancient statue of an unknownathlete bore a carefully carvedwreath of laurel.

lavashn/ SlBTvBsh /Armeniana large thin crisp unleavened waferwith a rough surface caused by airbubbles during baking.Phil served lavash with goatcheese.

lavatoryn/ SlavETtPrG /La room with conveniences forwashing the hands and face andusually with one or more toilets.All of the soap dispensers in thelavatory were empty.

lavender

layette

leaguen/ SlGg /Gaulish > L > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] anEnglish unit of distance of about 3miles.Long car rides seem shorter if youfigure them by the league instead ofby the mile.


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leaky

leasable

lease

leatherine

leavenn/ SlevEn /L > F > E[has homonym and nearhomonyms: levin and eleven,levan] a substance (as yeast) actingor used to produce fermentation ina dough or a liquid.Nina neglected to add the leaventhat causes the bread dough to rise.

lebkuchenn/ SlCpTkVKEn /Ga Christmas cookie usually madewith honey, brown sugar, almonds,candied fruit peel, and spices.Bart slipped a lebkuchen to theschnauzer.

lecithinn/ SlesEthDn /Gka substance that is obtained in themanufacture of soybean oil and thatis used in foods (as margarine,chocolate, bakery products).Lecithin is used in the productionof caramel to make it smoother.

lecternn/ SlektE(r)n /La desk or stand with a sloping topand usually a ledge at the bottom ofthe slope designed to support abook or script in a convenientposition for a reader standingbefore it.Miguel clutched the lectern in anattempt to conceal his nervousness.

lectionary

lectotype

lederhosenn pl/ SlCdE(r)ThPzFn /Gknee-length leather trousers wornespecially in Bavaria.All the men who volunteered towork at Oktoberfest were asked towear lederhosen.

legacyn/ SlegEsG /L > F > Emoney or property given tosomeone by direction of a will.Tim opened a small business withthe legacy from his father.

legerdemainn/ TlejE(r)dESmCn /Fskill and dexterity in theperformance of juggling orconjuring tricks.The performer’s legerdemainincluded making a coworkerdisappear from an enclosure.

legerityn/ lDSjerEZG /L > Fmental or physical agility andquickness.The gymnast performed on thebalance beam with remarkablelegerity.

leggieramente

legibility

legible

legislate

legitimacy

leguminousadj/ lDSgyVmEnEs /Lof, resembling, or consisting ofpeas or other vegetables.The only leguminous food thatMandy likes is peas.

leisurableadj/ SlGzh(E)rEbEl /L > F > Eproceeding deliberately withouthaste.The bikers made a leisurable tourof the campus.

leisure

lemniscate

lemonade

lemurn/ SlGmE(r) /Lany of numerous arboreal chieflynocturnal mammals formerlywidespread but now largelyconfined to Madagascar that arerelated to the monkeys.The lemur is lower on theevolutionary scale and lessintelligent than the monkey.

lengthn/ SleN(k)th /Ethe longer of the two straight-linedimensions of a surface or plane orthe longest of the three straight-linedimensions of a solid : extent fromend to end.Marsha and her father frequentlyargue over the length of her skirts.

leniencyn/ SlGnGEnsG /Lthe quality or state of being tolerantor merciful.At his sentencing the convictedfelon expressed remorse andpleaded for leniency.

lenient


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leonciton/ TlCEnSsG(T)tP /Spa lion monkey; any of severalSouth American marmosets.The leoncito has a mane of furaround its head like a lion.

leonineadj/ SlGETnIn /Lresembling or suggesting that of alion.Portraits of Beethoven and Einsteinalways depict them with leoninehairstyles.

leopardess

leotardn/ SlGETtBrd /F namea close-fitting garment for the torsothat is worn for practice orperformance by dancers andacrobats.In modern dance, performers oftenwear a very simple leotard.

lepidopteristn/ TlepESdBptErDst /Gka specialist in the study ofbutterflies and moths.Judy was well on her way tobecoming a lepidopterist; shealready had her own butterfly net.

leprosyn/ SleprEsG /Gk > La progressive infectious disease thataffects the skin and nerves andcauses lumps, ulcers, white scalypatches, deformities, and eventualloss of sensation.Even though approximately 270cases of leprosy are diagnosed inthe United States each year,effective medications have madethe existence of leper coloniesunnecessary.

leptocercaladj/ TleptESsErkEl /Gk + Gktapering off to a long slenderpoint—used of the tail of a fish.The scuba diver showed Jane hisscar from a wound he receivedwhen whipped by the leptocercaltail of a stingray.

lesionn/ SlGzhEn /L > F > E[has near homonym: legion] anabnormal change in structure of anorgan or part due to injury ordisease.Sarah had Dr. Kendall treat thelesion on her shin.

lethaladj/ SlGJEl /Lof, relating to, or causing death.The lethal fire spread through theRiggs Building rapidly.

lethargicadj/ lDSthBrjik /Gk > L > Fslow-moving, sluggish.Rhea’s dry throat and lethargicdisposition warned her that a coldwas coming.

lethargyn/ SlethE(r)jG /Gkthe quality or state of being lazy orindifferent : lassitude, apathy.The hot, humid air of the tropicsspreads a feeling of lethargy overeveryone.

letteret

lettucen/ SleZDs /L > F > Ea common garden vegetable withsucculent leaves that are often usedin salads.Rosemarie prefers romaine lettucefor her salads.

leucitite

leucoryxn/ SlVkE(T)riks /Gka large chiefly pale brownishantelope of North Africa.The horns of the leucoryx areevenly curved backwards.

levaden/ lESvBd /F > Ga show-ring movement in which ahorse raises the forequarters, bringsthe hindquarters under him, andbalances with haunches deeply bentand forelegs drawn up.When a horse’s body is at a less-than-45-degree angle with theground, the movement is called a“levade.”

levantern/ lDSvantE(r) /L > F > E + Ecfa strong easterly Mediterraneanwind.When the levanter hits the Rock ofGibraltar, it soars up 1,400 feet,and its vapor becomes a densewhite cloud.

leveen/ SlevG /L > F[has homonym: levy] anembankment built alongside a bodyof water to prevent flooding ofnearby land.The city plans to construct a leveeto prevent flooding from the river.

level


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leverage

leviathanadj/ lDSvIEthEn /Heb > L > Eof enormous size.The ore was hauled away inleviathan trucks.

levityn/ SlevEZG /Lexcessive or unseemly frivolity :lack of fitting seriousness.The minister’s levity during theeulogy was inappropriate.

lexicography

liability

liable

liaison

libel

liberalize

librariann/ lISbrerGEn /Lone whose vocation is workingwith collections of books,manuscripts, or other literarymaterials kept for study or reading.Juan asked the librarian for the keyto the rare-book cabinet.

libraryn/ SlITbrerG /La room or section of a building or abuilding itself given over to books,manuscripts, or other literary andsometimes artistic materials usuallykept in some convenient order foruse but not for sale.Stella owns many books and plansto convert a spare bedroom to alibrary.

libretton/ lDSbre(T)ZP /Lthe text of a work (as an opera) forthe musical theater.Michelle bought a dual-languageedition of the libretto of Tosca for aquarter at a garage sale.

licensable

licentiaten/ lISsenchGDt /Lan academic degree ranking belowthat of a doctor given by someEuropean institutions of highereducation.After two years’ study, ReverendPease received a licentiate incanon law.

lichenn/ SlIkDn /Gk > L[has homonym: liken] any ofnumerous complex plants that aremade up of an alga and a fungusgrowing in symbiotic associationon various solid surfaces (as rocksor the bark of trees).Sean used a mixture of green paintand sawdust to simulate lichen onhis model train layout.

lichenified

lichenophagous

licitadj/ SlisDt /Lnot forbidden by law : lawful.Even licit drugs can be dangerousif not used as directed by aphysician.

lidocaine

liegeadj/ SlGj /L > F > Ehaving the right to feudalallegiance and service.The serf bowed low before his liegelord.

lien

lienholdern/ SlGnThPldEr /L > F + Eone having a valid mortgage.When she returned from vacation,Iris was mortified to find a stack ofletters from her lienholder.

lieun/ SlV /L > F[has homonym: loo] place, stead.Miss Woodhouse had manyacquaintances, but not one amongthem could be accepted in lieu ofher best friend Miss Taylor for evenhalf a day.

lieutenancyn/ lVStenEnsG /L > F > Ethe term of a commissioned officerin the army, air force, or marinecorps ranking below a captain.During his lieutenancy, Lionelserved in Guam.

lieutenantn/ lVStenEnt /L > F > Ea military officer in the army, navy,air force, or marine corps.At the end of the novel, the youngnaval hero was finally promoted tolieutenant.


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ligamentn/ SligEmEnt /Lsomething that ties or unites onething or part to another.International law is considered bysome to be the ligament ofmankind.

ligaturen/ SligEchE(r) /L > F > Esomething that is used to bind;specifically : a thread, wire, orother material used in surgery.Dr. Adams removed the ligaturethat had held the vein closed duringthe operation.

lightningadj/ SlItniN /E[has near homonym: lightening]moving with or having the speedand suddenness of lightning.The lightning rapidity of Mr.Julia’s jargon and wit is a tool ofhis trade as an auctioneer.

ligniperdousadj/ TlignESpErdEs /L + Ldestructive to wood.The house had to be inspected forany ligniperdous insects before itcould be sold.

lilac

liliaceousadj/ TlilGSCshEs /Lof, relating to, or resembling any ofnumerous erect perennial leafy-stemmed bulbous herbs.Deb’s curtain material has acolorful liliaceous pattern.

lilliputianadj/ TlilDSpyVshEn /imaginary geog name + Ecfextremely small.The lilliputian furniture andfixtures in the dollhouse astoundedand delighted the museum visitors.

limbn/ Slim /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Inaddition, word has homonym:limn.] the outer edge of theapparent disk of a celestial body ora portion of the edge.Teresa spied a crater directly onthe Moon’s limb.

limbiferousadj/ limSbif(E)rEs /L + Lhaving a border or margin.Mr. Lovejoy told his pupils thatthey would be expected to uselimbiferous paper for all theirassignments.

limby

limerickn/ Slim(E)rik /Irish geog namea light verse form of five anapesticlines.Noel composed a funny limerickabout his teacher.

limitropheadj/ SlimETtrPf /L + Gksituated on a border or frontier :adjacent, neighboring.The geography teacher asked theclass to name all the countries thatare limitrophe to Russia.

limnologyn/ limSnBlEjG /L + Gkthe scientific study of physical,chemical, meteorological, andbiological conditions in freshwaters especially of ponds andlakes.An expert in limnology testified thatpollution is reducing the fishpopulation in Crystal Lake.

limousinen/ SlimETzGn /F geog namea small bus (as for transportingpassengers to and from an airport).Mrs. Waldrupe was disappointedthat her airport limousine was aramshackle van.

linctus

lineament

linearadj/ SlinGE(r) /Linvolving a single dimension : notsquare or cubic.The micrometer caliper is aninstrument for making preciselinear measurements of dimensionssuch as diameters, thicknesses, andlengths.

linen

lingerie

linguistn/ SliNgwDst /La student of or expert in languages.The famous linguist described howmany tribal languages arebecoming extinct.

linguistically


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linimentn/ SlinEmEnt /L > Ea liquid or semiliquid alcoholic,oily, or saponaceous preparationfor application to the skin withfriction.Winona delicately rubbed linimentover her sore shoulder.

linoleumn/ lDSnPlGEm /La floor covering made by laying ona cloth backing a mixture ofsolidified linseed oil and varioussolid particles and usuallypigments.The pattern in Sheena’s kitchenlinoleum resembles inlaid pebbles.

liquefiableadj/ TlikwDSfIEbEl /Lcapable of being reduced to a liquidstate.Many familiar solid materials areeasily liquefiable by heating.

liquescentadj/ liSkwesFnt /Lbeing, becoming, or tending tobecome liquid : melting.When a giant asteroid hits theground, it is transformed into aliquescent mass that becomes afireball.

liqueur

liquidate

lisle

lisse

litany

literateadj/ SliZErDt /Lable to read and write.The government’s goal for all adultcitizens to be literate in 20 yearsneeds a strategic plan.

literatin pl/ TliZESrBZG /L&Itthe educated class : intelligentsia.The New York literati gathered atthe book-signing party.

literature

lithesomeadj/ SlILsEm /E + Echaracterized by agile grace.Denise’s lithesome performance inher audition won her a place in theRoyal Ballet.

lithochromyn/ SlithETkrPmG /Gkthe art of painting on stone.Arthur’s work in lithochromyearned him a commission to paint ascene on the museum’s slate wall.

lithograph

litigation

litotesn/ SlIZETtGz /Gkunderstatement in which anaffirmative is expressed by anegative of the contrary (as in“He’s not a bad ball player”).Rupert loved to use the litotes “notbad” to convey high praise.

litterateur

litterbug

littoraladj/ SliZErEl /L[has homonym: literal] of, relatingto, or being near a shore, especiallyof the sea.Eduardo finally realized his dreamwhen he established a littoralnature preserve.

liturgicaladj/ lDStErjDkEl /Gk > Lof, relating to, or having thecharacteristics of ceremonial orritualistic worship.The priest donned his liturgicalvestments before the mass.

liturgyn/ SliZE(r)jG /Gka rite or series of rites, observances,or procedures prescribed for publicworship in the Christian church inaccordance with authorized orstandard form.Since the Second Vatican Council,the use of the vernacular language,rather than Latin, has becomewidespread in Catholic liturgy.

livelihood

liveried

lividadj/ SlivDd /L > Fdiscolored by or as if by bruising :black-and-blue.The bicycle accident left a largelivid patch on Violet’s arm.


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llaman/ SlBmE /Quechua > Sp[has homonym: lama] any of agenus of wild or domesticated cud-chewing mammals of SouthAmerica related to the camels butsmaller and without a hump.The llama thrives in the Alpinegrasslands of Bolivia, Peru, Chile,and Argentina.

loam

loathsome

lobotomyn/ lPSbBZEmG /Gkincision into the brain to severnerve fibers for the relief of certainmental disorders and tension.Lobotomy is no longer thepreferred treatment in cases ofextreme psychosis.

lobscousen/ SlBbTskaUs /unknowna sailor’s dish prepared by stewingor baking bits of meat withvegetables, hardtack, and otheringredients.After Fritz returned from hisfishing trip, he ordered a heartyportion of lobscouse for dinner.

localen/ lPSkal /L > Fa place or locality especially whenviewed in relation to a particularevent or characteristic.Evan’s doctor told him he neededto live in a drier locale, so hemoved to Tucson.

location

locomotion

locustn/ SlPkEst /L > Ea grasshopper that frequentlytravels in swarms.Cooper placed the captured locustin a mason jar.

lodgingn/ SlBjiN /Ea place to live : dwelling.After a fire destroyed their home,the family depended on relativesfor temporary lodging.

logarithmn/ SlOgETriLEm /Gkthe exponent that indicates thepower to which a number must beraised to produce a given number.When the math teacher said that 4is the logarithm of 16 to the base 2,only half the class understood whatshe was saying.

logarithmic

loggian/ SlBj(G)E /F > It[has near homonym: logia] aroofed open gallery or arcade in theside of a building especially whenfacing upon an open court.An airy second-floor loggia ranaround three sides of the tinycourtyard.

logician

logisticsn pl/ lPSjistiks /Gkmilitary science in its planning andhandling and implementation ofpersonnel, equipment, andfacilities.Juan has been interested inlogistics since he first played withtoy soldiers.

logomachyn/ lPSgBmEkG /Gka dispute over or about words.Behind the legislature’s logomachyabout what makes a Great Lake“great” lay political and economicmotives.

logorrhean/ TlOgESrGE /Gkpathologically excessive and oftenincoherent talkativeness.The patient’s logorrhea wasindicative of deep emotionalproblems.

loiter

longanimityn/ TlBNgESnimEZG /La disposition to bear injuriespatiently : forbearance.Murphy’s Law strikes often inGeorge’s project, but hislonganimity will help him weatherall setbacks.

longevityn/ lBnSjevEZG /La long duration of individual life.Mr. Wade’s longevity wasremarkable, considering he hadbeen sickly as a child.

longiloquence

longitudinal

loquaciousadj/ lPSkwCshEs /Lgiven to excessive talking :garrulous.Bryn’s loquacious sister was quitea hit at the rehearsal party.

loquacity


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lorgnetten/ lO(r)nSyet /Fa pair of eyeglasses or operaglasses with a handle.Lorgnette in one hand and hankiein the other, Mrs. Vandergrifflooked just like the opera-goersportrayed in cartoons.

loricaten/ SlOrEkDt /Lan animal having a hard protectivecase or shell.The armadillo is a well-knownloricate, as is the alligator.

lorikeetn/ SlOrDTkGt /Malay + Sp&Fany of numerous small arborealparrots that are found in Australasiaand that feed largely upon thenectar of flowers.Ginger has a pet lorikeet that rideson her shoulder.

lounge

loupen/ SlVp /Gmc > F[has homonyms: loop and loup]small magnifying glass used byjewelers and watchmakers.At his jewelry store Arlo alwayswears a loupe on a chain aroundhis neck.

lovat

lovelinessn/ SlEvlGnDs /Ethe state of being beautiful.Colette was awestruck by theloveliness of the stained-glasswindows.

loxocosmn/ SlBksETkBzEm /Gka device to show how theinclination of Earth’s axis causesthe day’s length to vary fromseason to season.John constructed a loxocosm forthe science fair.

lozengen/ SlBzFnj /Fa small diamond-shaped medicatedcandy.Mother gave Rick a cherry-flavoredlozenge for his sore throat.

luaun/ SlVTaU /Hawaiiana feast with Hawaiian food andusually Hawaiian entertainment.Sabrina wore a grass skirt to theluau.

lucernaladj/ TlVSsErnFl /L + Ecfof or relating to a lamp.A slide projector is a lucernaldevice for displaying images on ascreen.

lucidadj/ SlVsDd /Lpenetrated with light : translucent.The otters romped and played inthe lucid stream.

lucidity

lucrative

luculentadj/ SlVkyElEnt /Ltransparently clear in thought orexpression.The audience was pleasantlyamazed at the luculent commentaryon the state of the economy.

ludicrousadj/ SlVdEkrEs /Lmeriting derisive laughter or scorn :absurd.The jury was instructed todisregard the ludicrous remarksmade by the defendant.

luftmenschn/ SlUftTmench /G > Yiddishan impractical contemplativeperson having no definite trade,business, or income : dreamer.Every large family seems to have atleast one luftmensch among itsmembers.

lugubriousadj/ lESgVbrGEs /L > Eexpressive of, marked by, or givingrise to grief or sorrow.The funeral director spoke inlugubrious tones as she explainedthe arrangements.

lullabyn/ SlElETbI /Ea soothing refrain; especially : asong used to quiet children or lullthem to sleep.The baby was asleep before Maryfinished singing the lullaby.

luminairen/ TlVmESna(a)(E)r /L > Fa complete lighting unit includinglamp, shade, reflector, fixture, andother accessories.A luminaire was built into eachcubicle in the office.


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luminaryn/ SlVmETnerG /Lone that is an inspiration to others :one who has achieved success inhis or her chosen field.Although a luminary in the field,Peter was reluctant to weigh inwith his opinion about the ethics ofcloning.

luminosityn/ TlVmESnBsEZG /Lthe quantity of radiation emitted bya star or other celestial sourceusually expressed in terms of theSun’s intensity.The comet’s luminosity was sogreat that it could be seen duringthe day.

luminousadj/ SlVmEnEs /Lemitting or seeming to emit asteady suffused light that isreflected or produced from within.During the movie Stan periodicallychecked the time on the luminousdial of his watch.

luncheon

luncheonetten/ TlEnchESnet /E + Fcfa place where light lunches aresold.After playing racquetball, Jaimestopped at the luncheonette for asandwich.

lungev/ SlEnj /Fmake a forceful forwardmovement.Every few seconds the swordsmanwould lunge at his opponent.

lunule

lusciousadj/ SlEshEs /Ehaving a delicious taste or smell.The waiter pointed to cakes andpastries, each more luscious thanthe last, as he told us about them.

lustrousadj/ SlEstrEs /L > It > F + Ecfhaving a gloss or shine : gleaming.When dining out, Marcia alwayswears some lustrous jewelry.

luthiern/ SlVZGE(r) /Ar > OProv > Fa maker of stringed instruments.The luthier gave Dolores a choiceof inlay patterns for her new guitar.

luxate

luxuriant

luxury

lycanthropen/ SlIkEnTthrPp /Gka person transformed temporarilyor permanently into a wolf orcapable of assuming a wolf’s form.The zoologist contends that themyth of the lycanthrope is one ofthe reasons wolves are somaligned.

lyceum

lycopene

lymphaticadj/ limSfaZik /Gk > Lconveying a pale fluid that bathesthe tissues of an organism.The lymphatic system is vital inremoving harmful bacteria fromtissues.

lynxn/ SliN(k)s /Gk[has homonym: links] any ofseveral wildcats with relativelylong legs, a short stubby tail,mottled coat, and often tufted ears.The lynx lives in cold northernlatitudes, where its favorite prey isthe snowshoe hare.

lyonnaiseadj/ SlIETnCz /F geog nameprepared or seasoned with onionsand sometimes parsley.Ricardo ordered lyonnaise potatoesas an elegant alternative to frenchfries.

lyre

lyrically

macadamn/ mESkadEm /British namebroken stone used in roadwaypaving.Depending on the climate, someroads are best made of macadamand others, of asphalt.

macaquen/ mESkak /Pg > Fany of numerous short-tailed OldWorld monkeys chiefly of southernAsia and the East Indies.The islanders trained a macaque toperform several routines for publicentertainment.

macarizev/ SmakETrIz /Gkpronounce happy or blessed :felicitate, laud.After the wedding ceremonyvarious friends will give speechesto macarize the happy couple.


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macaronin/ TmakESrPnG /Itan alimentary pasta composedchiefly of semolina dried in theform of slender tubes or smallfancy shapes.Lucy’s favorite pasta dish ismacaroni and cheese.

macaroonn/ TmakESrVn /It > Fa small cake composed chiefly ofthe white of eggs, sugar, andground almonds or almond paste orcoconut.Cheryl placed a fresh macaroon oneach saucer before serving thecoffee.

macaw

maceraln/ SmasETral /L?a fragment of plant debris in coal.Penny examined the maceral undera microscope.

macerate

machination

machinator

mackerel

macle

macramen/ SmakrETmC /Ar > Turk > It or Fa coarse lace or decorative fringemade by knotting threads or cordsin a geometrical pattern.Penny prefers to use soft yarn inher macrame.

macrocosm

madeleinen/ SmadFlDn /F namea small rich cake baked in a tinshaped like a shell.Knut skipped the main course andwent right to the madeleine.

mademoisellen/ TmadEmwESzel /Fan unmarried French woman.Robert is smitten by a youngmademoiselle he met during histrip to Paris.

madrigaln/ SmadrDgEl /L > It > Ea polyphonic part-song originatingin the 14th century.At the coronation feast thehaunting madrigal brought tears tothe eyes of the new king.

madrilene

maelstromn/ SmClztrEm /Da powerful water current thatusually moves in a circulardirection with extreme rapidity.A memorable scene from the movieFantasia features the sorcerer’sapprentice caught in a maelstrom.

maestron/ SmI(T)strP /L > Ita master or teacher of an art (asmusic).The award-winning singer gavetribute to her maestro at theconservatory.

maffick

magazine

magentan/ mESjentE /It geog namea deep purplish red; specifically :one of the subtractive primarycolors.The visual afterimage of magenta isgreen.

maggoty

magisterialadj/ SmajETstirGEl /Lof, relating to, or having thecharacteristics of a master orteacher : authoritative.Jubril’s magisterial air served himwell with everyone but hisdaughter.

magistracyn/ SmajEstrEsG /Lthe office of a public officialentrusted with administration of thelaws : magisterial power anddignity.The dissenters were persecuted bythe state for refusing to accept theauthority of the magistracy.

magnanimousadj/ TmagSnanEmEs /Lshowing or suggesting nobility offeeling and generosity of mind.Simone’s magnanimous attitudetoward the homeless wasn’t sharedby her sister.

magnetizable

magnificat

magnificent


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mahatman/ mEShBtmE /Skta person held worthy of reverencefor high-mindedness, wisdom, andselflessness.Raoul trekked for three days to seekthe advice of the mahatma.

mahoganyn/ mEShBgEnG /unknownthe durable yellowish brown toreddish brown wood of a WestIndian tree that is widely used forcabinetwork and fine finish work.Kate’s bedroom furniture is madeof solid mahogany.

mahoutn/ mEShaUt /Skt > Hindia keeper and driver of an elephant.The mahout trained his elephant tomove logs.

main/ SmI /Jpn[has homonym: my] a slowJapanese folk or theater dancefeaturing hand gestures.Midori is an expert in all forms ofJapanese dance, but her favorite isthe mai.

maillotn/ maSyP /F[has near homonym: mayo] awoman’s one-piece usuallystrapless bathing suit.Becky thought that the maillot wasout of fashion until she saw severalin the catalog.

maimedadj/ SmCmd /Gmc > F > Ecrippled, mutilated.The maimed dog was taken to theanimal hospital for treatment.

maintenancen/ SmCnt(E)nEn(t)s /Fthe labor of keeping something (asbuildings or equipment) in a stateof repair or efficiency : upkeep.Excellent maintenance preservedthe original gingerbread trim onthe Victorian house.

maizen/ SmCz /Taino > Sp[has homonym: maze] Indian corn.Gina enjoys hearing the story ofhow the native Americans taughtthe Pilgrims to grow maize.

majordomon/ TmCjE(r)SdP(T)mP /L > It > Sp[has near homonym: mayordomo]a head steward or palace official.Jeeves has been majordomo ofHuntington Castle for the last 30years.

majusculeadj/ SmajETskyVl /L > Fwritten in large letters (as capitals).Dr. Jenkins could see immediatelythat the majuscule scripts of thetwo letters were identical anddeduced that the same scribe hadwritten both.

malachiten/ SmalETkIt /Gk > L > Ea mineral consisting of a greencarbonate of copper that is an oreof copper and is used to makeornamental objects.Pierre bought a piece of malachiteat the museum of natural history.

maladive

maladroit

maladyn/ SmalEdG /L > F > Ea disease, distemper, disorder, orindisposition of the bodyproceeding from impaired ordefective functions.In the 14th century, the maladyknown as The Black Death sweptacross Europe, leaving about 25million people dead.

malapropismn/ SmalETprBTpizEm /F > E theater namea blundering use of a word thatsounds somewhat like the oneintended but is ludicrously wrongin the context.No matter how careful he tries tobe, Sherman usually utters at leastone malapropism in everycampaign speech.

malarian/ mESlerGE /L > It + Gk > L > Ita disease caused by sporozoanparasites in the red blood cells,transmitted by the bite ofanopheline mosquitoes, andcharacterized by periodic attacks ofchills and fevers.During the construction of thePanama Canal many workerssuccumbed to malaria.

malaxagen/ SmCTlaksij /Gk > L > Fthe act or process of softening amaterial (as clay) by moisteningand working it.After the malaxage the clay wasready for molding on the potter’swheel.

maledictionn/ TmalESdikshEn /Lcurse, execration.The villain’s last words were amalediction on the entire royalfamily.


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malefactorn/ SmalETfaktE(r) /Lone who commits an offenseagainst the law.The state’s correctional programwas designed to rehabilitate as wellas punish the malefactor.

maleficent

malicen/ SmalDs /L > F > Erevengeful or unfriendly feelings :ill will, enmity.In spite of all he has had to put upwith from his classmates, Joelbears them no malice.

malign

malignantadj/ mESlignEnt /Levil in nature or influence or effect.The dark clammy coldnesssurrounded her like a malignantbeast of prey.

malingerern/ mESliNgerE(r) /Gmc? > Fone who pretends to be ill orotherwise physically or mentallyincapacitated so as to avoid duty orwork.Jamie Farr’s character on thetelevision series M*A*S*H was anentertaining malingerer.

mallardn/ SmalE(r)d /F > Ea common wild duck of thenorthern hemisphere.When Timmy fed the ducks at themarina, he gave his last piece ofbread to the mallard.

malleableadj/ SmalGEbEl /L > F > Ecapable of being extended orshaped by beating with a hammeror by the pressure of rollers.Because tin is malleable atordinary temperatures, it has beenused to make many householdimplements.

malletn/ SmalDt /F > Ea tool with a large head for strikinga surface without marring it.Ray used a rubber mallet to put thewheel cover back in place after hechanged the flat tire.

malloseismicadj/ TmalPSsIzmik /Gkof, relating to, or being a regionsubject to frequent destructiveearthquakes.Chris refuses to move to any of themalloseismic areas of California.

malocclusionn/ malESklVzhEn /Lan abnormality in the fittingtogether of upper and lower teeth ordentures.Hector wore braces on his teeth tocorrect a malocclusion.

malodorousadj/ malSPdErEs /L + Lhaving a bad odor : rank, fetid,stinking.Evelina smelled the malodorousskunk from 500 yards away.

mammothadj/ SmamEth /Yakut? > Russgigantic.Clarence specialized in growingmammoth vegetables and heldseveral records for his specimens.

manacle

managerialadj/ TmanESjirGEl /L > It + Ecfof, relating to, or characteristic of aperson who conducts, directs, orsupervises something.The classified ads included a noticefor a managerial position at thesteel wool factory.

mandaten/ SmanTdCt /La formal order from a superiorcourt or official to an inferior one.The clerk delivered the writtenmandate to the lower court judgeby hand.

mandatoryadj/ SmandETtPrG /Lcontaining, constituting, or relatingto an authoritative command, order,or injunction.Several states are instituting amandatory work program foremployable welfare recipients.

mandolinist

manducatoryadj/ SmanjDkETtPrG /Lrelating to, employed in, or adaptedfor chewing.Mr. Rollins brought a live lobsterto our biology class so that wecould observe its manducatoryprocesses.

mange

manicottin pl/ TmanDSkBZG /L > Ittubular pasta shells stuffed withricotta.The caterer filled the chafing dishwith manicotti.


1

manifeston/ TmanESfe(T)stP /L > Ita public declaration of intentions,motives, or views.The Unabomber’s ramblingmanifesto appeared in a number ofnewspapers nationwide.

manipulator

mannan/ SmanE /Heb > Gk > L > E[has near homonym: mana]something of value that falls one’sway : windfall.Children swarmed the parade routecollecting the manna of treatstossed from the float.

manoptoscope

mansard

mansuetuden/ Sman(t)swETtVd /Lthe quality or state of being gentle :meekness.Gary remembered his mother ashaving the sensitivity andmansuetude of a saint.

manumitv/ SmanyETmit /Lset free; especially : release fromslavery.The tobacco farmer had agreed tomanumit his one slave just beforethe Civil War began.

manuscript

maracan/ mESrBkE /Tupi > Pga dried gourd or rattle containingdried seeds or pebbles that has ahandle and is used as a percussioninstrument often in pairs.The band’s percussionistaccentuated the rhythm with amaraca.

maraschinon/ TmarESskGTnP /Ita sweet liqueur that is used as acocktail ingredient and inpreserving cherries.Even though she’s a grown woman,Evelyn sometimes likes to makeherself a Shirley Temple with clearsoda and maraschino.

maraud

maraudingv/ mESrOdiN /Froaming about and makingirregular sudden small-scaleattacks, raids, or incursions for thesake of obtaining loot.Outlaws were marauding in areaswhere the law was not wellestablished.

marble

marcescentadj/ mBrSsesFnt /Lof a plant part : withering withoutfalling off.Autumn’s first cold snap left manymarcescent leaves in its wake.

marchionessn/ SmBrsh(E)nDs /La woman who holds in her ownright the rank of marquess.Once a month the workers on theestate brought their disputes beforethe marchioness to be resolved.

margaritaceousadj/ TmBrgErEStCshEs /Gk > L > F > Ehaving a satiny iridescence like thatof pearl or mother-of-pearl : pearly.The tabletops at the diner have amargaritaceous finish.

mariachin/ TmBrGSBchG /F > Spa group of Mexican folk musiciansusually consisting of singers,guitarists, and a violinist.On weekends the mariachientertained diners at the Mexicanrestaurant.

maricolous

marionetten/ Tma(a)rGESnet /Fa puppet moved by strings or byhand (as in a puppet show).A marionette of Jay Leno was thehit of the show.

maritimeadj/ SmarETtIm /E nameof or relating to navigation orcommerce on the sea.After Bob graduates, he plans tojoin the Navy to study maritimelaw.

marjoramn/ SmBrTjErEm /L > F > Eany of various usually fragrant andaromatic mints that include severalforms used as seasoning incookery.Vance likes to add marjoram andcream cheese to his scrambledeggs.


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marmaladen/ SmBrmeTlCd /Gk > L > Pga soft clear translucent jelly holdingin suspension pieces or slices offruit and fruit rind.Mom’s homemade marmalade ontoast is always a great treat forbreakfast.

marmosetn/ SmBrmETset /F > Eany of numerous small soft-furredSouth and Central Americanmonkeys with claws instead ofnails on all the digits except thegreat toe.The chisel-like incisors of themarmoset are used for gougingtrees to obtain gums and saps.

marotten/ mESrBt /F name + Fcfa pet idea or notion.Katrina’s marotte is that she isreally too good for life as abookkeeper and should be acompany vice-president.

marplot

marriageable

marsupialn/ mBrSsVpGEl /Avestan? > Gk > Lany of an order of mammals havinga pouch for carrying the young andincluding kangaroos, wombats,bandicoots, and opossums.The common stereotype of amarsupial is a female kangaroowith a large young one in herpouch.

martialadj/ SmBrshEl /L[has homonyms: marshal,marshall] belonging or relating toan army or to military life.Patrick Henry believed that theonly purpose of England’s martialarray in the colonies and theirseaports could be to force thecolonists into submission.

martinetishadj/ TmBrtFnSeZish /F name + Ecflike or characteristic of a personwho lays stress on a rigidadherence to the details of formsand methods.Though all the students dislikedMr. Wall’s martinetish attitude,most of them thought he was anexcellent teacher.

martyrn/ SmBrZEr /Gkone who voluntarily suffers deathas the penalty of witnessing to andrefusing to renounce his or herreligion or a tenet, principle, orpractice belonging to it.St. Stephen, who was stoned todeath, is believed to have been thefirst Christian martyr.

martyrologyn/ TmBrZESrBlEjG /Gkan official catalog of martyrs andsaints of the Roman CatholicChurch.Keith bought an old martyrology atthe rummage sale.

marzipann/ SmBrtsETpBn /Ar > It > Ga confection made of crushedalmonds or almond paste, sugar,and egg whites that is often shapedinto various forms (as fruit oranimals).Marlene filled the candy dish withmarzipan.

mascara

masonry

masqueraden/ TmaskESrCd /It > Fa social gathering of personswearing covers on their faces andoften fantastic costumes especiallyto impersonate characters fromhistory or legend.Todd and Sheila wore Coneheadcostumes to the masquerade.

massacren/ SmasDkE(r) /Fthe act or instance of killing aconsiderable number of humanbeings or animals.The massacre of buffalo is aregrettable part of the history of theWest.

massage

massetern/ mESsGZE(r) /Gk > La large muscle that raises the lowerjaw and assists in chewing.Tracy argued that she was trying tostrengthen her masseter, but Mr.Gold made her throw out herchewing gum anyway.


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masseusen/ maSsE(r)z /Ar > F + Fcfa woman who practices massageand physiotherapy.Delia spent an hour with the club’smasseuse working out the kinks inher back.

mastiffn/ SmastDf /L > F > Ea very large powerful deep-chestedsmooth-coated dog of a very oldbreed used chiefly as a watchdogand guard dog.A big brown mastiff stoodmotionless behind the gate.

mastodonn/ SmastETdBn /Lsomeone or something of giganticsize or unusually large size : giant.Mrs. Campbell’s automobilecollection ranges from a tiny two-seater to an antique mastodon.

mastoiditisn/ TmaTstOiSdIZDs /Gk > Linflammation of the process of thetemporal bone behind the ear.Amy’s doctor treated hermastoiditis immediately so that itwouldn’t cause any permanenthearing damage.

matelot

mateloten/ SmaZFlTPt /Fa sauce made of wine, onions,seasonings, and fish stock.Even though it is served with fish, amatelote often contains red wine.

mathematician

matineen/ TmatFnSC /L > Fa performance of a production (as aplay, opera, film) or thepresentation of a concert orsometimes the holding of someother event in the afternoon oroccasionally in the morning or atmidnight.The English class attended amatinee of Our Town at the localplayhouse.

matriarch

matriarchal

matriculant

matriculation

matrix

mattockn/ SmaZEk /L > Ea tool that combines features of anax, adze, and pick and is used fordigging and chopping.It took Mark three hours of hardwork with a mattock and shovel todig up the tree stump.

mattress

maturescent

matutinal

maudlinadj/ SmOdlDn /Biblical Gk name > L > F > Etearfully or weakly emotional :effusively sentimental.Brian allowed himself to becomemaudlin only on St. Patrick’s Day.

maudlinism

mausoleum

mauven/ SmOv /L > Fa strong purple with a bluish cast.Karen has tired of her bedroom ofmauve and blue.

maverickn/ Smav(E)rik /Amer namea member of any group who refusesto conform and who takes anunorthodox stand.The rest of the teachers consideredMs. Thorne to be a maverickbecause she invited her students tocall her by her first name.

mawkish

maximn/ SmaksDm /La saying of proverbial nature.“The early bird gets the worm” isToni’s favorite maxim.

mayonnaisen/ SmCETnCz /geog name? > Fa semisolid dressing made byemulsifying a mixture of raw eggsor egg yolks, vegetable oil, andvinegar or lemon juice usuallytogether with salt and condiments.Helga wouldn’t eat a roast beefsandwich without mayonnaise.

mayoraltyn/ SmCErEltG /L > F > Ethe term of office as the chiefexecutive or nominal head of a cityor borough.His opponent’s televisioncommercial made the point thatHenry Vermillion hadaccomplished little during hismayoralty.

meadow


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mealymouthedadj/ SmGlGTmaULd /E + Etending to cloak thoughts, ideas, orintents by the use of obscure ordevious language.All of Judy’s friends saw throughher mealymouthed explanation.

meandrousadj/ mGSandrEs /Gk geog namewinding, flexuous, rambling.Over thousands of years the riverhad cut a meandrous channelthrough the plain.

measlesn pl/ SmGzElz /Ea contagious disease characterizedby red spots.Most doctors recommend thatchildren be vaccinated againstmeasles, mumps, and rubella.

measurable

mecometer

medallionn/ mDSdalyEn /L > It > Fa large medal (as for a memorialpurpose).Charise bought a World War IImedallion on eBay.

medallionist

meddlesomeadj/ SmedFlsEm /L > F > Eofficiously intrusive.Her landlady’s meddlesomemanner annoyed Hatty so muchthat she moved out.

medicinal

medicinen/ SmedEsDn /Lthe science and art dealing with themaintenance of health and theprevention, alleviation, or cure ofdisease.Campbell knows that she wouldlike to one day pursue a career inthe field of medicine.

medicolegal

mediocreadj/ TmGdGSPkE(r) /Lof but a moderate or low degree ofquality.Jill’s grades were mediocre untilshe started wearing glasses.

Mediterraneanadj/ TmedEtESrCnGEn /Lof, relating to, characteristic of, orsituated near the MediterraneanSea.The Mediterranean island of Maltahas been the location for thefilming of several movies.

medullan/ mDSdElE /La posterior portion of the brain.The medulla governs variousinvoluntary vital functions such asrespiration.

meemies

meerschaum

megacephalic

megalomaniacn/ TmegElOSmCnGTak /Gkone affected with or exhibiting anexcessive enthusiasm for doinggreat or grandiose things.The candidate decried his opponentas a publicity-seekingmegalomaniac.

megalopolisn/ TmegESlBpElDs /Gka very large city.Without community growthguidelines, a moderately sized citycould become a megalopolis likeLos Angeles in just a few decades.

megaphone

melancholia

melancholyadj/ SmelEnTkBlG /Gk > L > F > Edepressed in spirits : mournful.The melancholy chirp of a cricketwas the only sign of life near him.

melban/ SmelbE /Australian namefruit served with ice cream,raspberry sauce, and whippedcream.The peach melba was served in acrystal goblet.

meleen/ SmC(T)lC /F[has homonyms: Malay, mele] afight or contest between individualsmingled in a confused mass : aconfused struggle.The soccer match turned into amelee after angry fans stormed thefield.

melitensisadj/ TmelESten(t)sDs /L geog nameof, derived from, or caused by aparticular bacterium of the genusBrucella.Clyde’s melitensis fever wasreduced by antibiotics.


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mellifluousadj/ meSliflEwEs /Lsweetly flowing : smooth, honeyed.The soprano’s mellifluous voicelulled Frank to sleep.

mellisonantadj/ meSlisFnEnt /L + Lpleasing to the ear.Tonia’s mellisonant voice neverfailed to put her little sister tosleep.

mellophone

mellowadj/ Sme(T)lP /E[has homonym: melo] relaxed andat ease : pleasantly convivial.The after-dinner crowd enjoyedlistening to the mellow, laid-backsinger.

melodraman/ SmelETdrBmE /Gk > L > Fa play characterized by extravaganttheatricality, subordination ofcharacterization to plot, andpredominance of physical action.George was put off by the opera’smelodrama but was enthralled bythe beauty of the music.

melophonic

memoirn/ SmemTwBr /L > Fa history or narrative composedfrom or stressing personalexperience and acquaintance withthe events, scenes, or personsdescribed.The memoir of Burton Smith waspublished last year.

memorabilian pl/ TmemErESbilGE /Lthings remarkable and worthy ofremembrance or record.The memorabilia in the hall of fametraced the history of basketballfrom its beginning in 1891.

memory

menace

menagerien/ mDSnaj(E)rG /Fa collection of wild or foreignanimals in cages or enclosures.The eccentric billionaire’smenagerie includes two pandas anda white rhino.

mendacious

mendicantn/ SmendDkEnt /Lone who begs; especially : one wholives by begging.The mendicant on the street corneronce had a high-paying job.

menehunen/ TmenEShVnG /Hawaiiana small mythical Polynesian beingliving in the mountains andworking at night as a stone builder.The Hawaiian folklorist told thetale of a stone temple builtovernight by a menehune.

menialadj/ SmGnGEl /L > Eof, relating to, or being work notrequiring special skill or not callinginto play the higher intellectualpowers and often regarded aslacking dignity, status, or interest.Viewed by some office workers as amenial task, making coffee can bequite an art.

meniscusn/ mDSniskEs /Gk > Lthe curved upper surface of a liquidcolumn.Because mercury sticks to itselfbetter than to other substances, itsmeniscus is convex, or roundedupward.

menorahn/ mESnPrE /Heba candelabrum with ninecandlesticks used in the celebrationof Hanukkah.Stuart put the candles in themenorah just before the ceremony.

mentalityn/ menStalEZG /Lintellectual power or capacity :learning ability.The mentality of dolphins is greaterthan that of sharks.

mentorn/ SmenTtO(E)r /Gk nameteacher, tutor, coach.After Helen won the spellingcompetition, she said that hermother was her mentor.

mephitisn/ mDSfIZDs /OScan > La noxious, pestilential, or foulexhalation from the earth.Ivy suspected she was approachingthe geyser when she smelled astrong mephitis.

mercenaryadj/ SmErsFnTerG /Lshowing conspicuous lust formoney : based on or marked bygreed.No one in the family knows whereAntonio gets his mercenarytendencies.


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mercurialadj/ TmErSkyUrGEl /Lcharacterized by rapid andunpredictable changeableness or byquick-wittedness : sprightly,temperamental, volatile.Christopher’s mercurial twists oftemperament were a trial to hismother.

merelyadv/ Smi(E)rlG /L > E + Ecfno more than : barely, only.Joseph was merely pretending to beasleep.

meridiann/ mDSridGEn /F > Ea great circle of the celestial spherepassing through its poles and thezenith of a given place.The apparent solar day ismeasured by the interval of timebetween two successive passages ofthe Sun across the observer’scelestial meridian.

meringuen/ mESraN /F[has near homonym: marang] amixture of beaten egg whites andpowdered sugar baked at lowtemperature and used as a topping(as on pies and puddings).Thelma scraped the meringue offher pie.

mermaidn/ SmErTmCd /Ea fabled marine creature having theupper body of a woman and thelower body of a fish.As they sailed closer to what theythought was the end of the world,the sailors kept expecting to see amermaid.

mermithergate

merriment

meshummad

mesmerize

mesoseismaladj/ TmezPSsIzmEl /Gkof or relating to the center of anarea of earthquake disturbance.The town in the mesoseismal areasuffered the most damage from theearthquake.

metachrosisn/ TmeZESkrPsDs /Gkthe power of some animals (asmany fishes and reptiles) to changecolor voluntarily by the expansionof special pigment cells.Metachrosis helps octopi blendwith their environments to avoidbeing easy prey.

metagnomy

metallurgical

metamorphosisn/ TmeZESmO(r)fEsDs /Gk > Lchange of physical form orsubstance that takes place during aninsect’s life as it matures.Complete metamorphosis ischaracteristic of beetles, butterfliesand moths, flies, and wasps.

metaphorn/ SmeZETfO(E)r /Gkan implied comparison in contrastto the explicit comparison of thesimile.The poet used the image of adrifting boat as a metaphor for thetroubled soul.

metastasizev/ mDStastETsIz /Gkspread, as a disease-producingagent, from the original site ofdisease to another part of the body.The oncology professor pointed onthe diagram to where the cancercells would metastasize next.

meteoroidaladj/ TmGZGESrOidFl /Gk + Ecfof or relating to meteors in orbitaround the Sun.The many craters on the Moon arethe result of meteoroidalbombardment.

methodical

meticulosityn/ mDTtikyESlBsEZG /L + Ecfthe quality or state of beingextremely painstaking in theconsideration or treatment ofdetails.The gallery visitor marveled at theartist’s meticulosity in depictingdetails so realistically.

metonymyn/ mDStBnEmG /Gka figure of speech that consists inusing the name of one thing for thatof something else with which it isassociated (as in “spent the eveningreading Shakespeare”).The metonymy “threads” forclothes has recently come back intopopular slang.

metoposcopyn/ TmeZESpBskEpG /Gkthe art of reading character ortelling fortunes from the markingsof the forehead.Gerald has a high, bumpy foreheadthat would provide a trulyinteresting study in metoposcopy.


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metronomen/ SmetrETnPm /Gkan instrument that emits an audiblerepetitive tap regulated to markrhythm (as for music or marching).Martina used a metronome tohypnotize her cat.

mettwurst

meuniere

meuse

mezzaninen/ SmezFnTGn /L > It > Fthe lowest balcony in a theater.Melinda says that she enjoys theview from the mezzanine betterthan the view from the orchestra.

miasman/ mISazmE /Gk > L[Note: Could be confused withmiasm.] a vaporous exhalation (asof a marshy region or of rottingmatter) formerly believed tocontain a substance causingdisease.Eloise couldn’t wait to escape fromthe miasma that had settled overthe entire swamp.

microcosmn/ SmIkrETkBzEm /Gka miniature universe.Kate could spend hours watchingthe microcosm of her ant farm.

microfichen/ SmIkrPTfGsh /Fa sheet of film containing severalrows of photographic records on areduced scale that are enlarged forreading or viewing.Norma examined a microfiche ofold newspaper pages while doingresearch at the library.

micrographn/ SmIkrETgraf /Gk + Gka graphic reproduction of the imageof an object formed by amicroscope.The biology teacher showed theclass a micrograph of a plant cell.

micrurgyn/ SmI(T)krErjG /Gk > ISVthe practice of using minute tools ina magnified field.Lorraine’s excellence at micrurgyhelped her greatly with her modelmaking.

midgetismn/ SmijDZTizEm /E + Ecfthe state of being an unusuallysmall creature or thing.In the art of bonsai, midgetism ishighly valued.

midinetten/ TmidFnSet /Fa Parisian shopgirl.In the novel, Marie was a midinettewho worked as a seamstress duringthe 1890s.

mienn/ SmGn /L > F > E[has homonym: mean] the air orbearing of a person.Fame and fortune did not alterCindy’s humble mien.

mignonetten/ TminyESnet /Fan annual plant native to NorthAfrica that has long racemes offragrant yellow or greenish whiteflowers.Lord Bateman sent seeds ofmignonette to England in 1742 andcalled it mignonette, although itwas not known by that name inFrance at the time.

migrainen/ SmITgrCn /Gk > L > Fa condition marked by recurrentsevere headache often with nauseaand vomiting.Karen’s doctor found out that hermigraine was due to a food allergy.

mikadon/ mESkB(T)dP /Jpnan emperor of Japan.The Mikado is one of Gilbert andSullivan’s best-loved operettas.

milacre

mildewed

militancy

militian/ mDSlishE /La reserve unit of the armed forces.Captain Weston’s military careerbegan when he entered his county’smilitia.

millennialism

millenniumn/ mDSlenGEm /La period of 1,000 years.In his “Four Freedoms” speech,Franklin D. Roosevelt stressed thathis vision was not that of a distantmillennium.


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millinery

millionaire

mimicv/ Smimik /Gk > Lcopy or imitate very closelyespecially in externalcharacteristics (as voice, gesture, ormanner).Christie has learned to mimicGrandma so well on the telephonethat she can fool the whole family.

mimicry

minaciousadj/ mDSnCshEs /Lof a menacing or threateningcharacter.Though the butler seemedminacious, he was not the culprit.

minaret

minatoryadj/ SminETtPrG /Lhaving a menacing quality :expressive of or conveying a threat.In a minatory tone, Mrs. Sampsonasked the boys what they plannedto do about her broken window.

minestronen/ TminESstrPnG /L > Ita rich thick vegetable soup withdried beans, macaroni, vermicelli,or similar ingredients sometimestopped with grated cheese.Steve crumbled oyster crackers intohis minestrone.

miniascapen/ SminGETskCp /L > It > La dish garden made with dry orother plant materials that do notrequire water.A miniascape makes an interestinghost or hostess gift.

miniatureadj/ Smin(G)ETchU(E)r /L > Itbeing or represented on a smallscale.The miniature productions ofarchitects’ dream houses were allmade out of children’s buildingblocks.

miniaturize

minstrel

minuscularadj/ mDSnEskyElE(r) /Lvery small in size or importance.A minuscular speck of dirt onAlison’s frock was enough toinfuriate her.

minutia

mirage

Mirandaadj/ mDSrandE /American nameof, relating to, or being the legalrights of an arrested person to havean attorney and to remain silent soas to avoid self-incrimination.At the time of arrest, each personmust be advised of his Mirandarights.

mirroredv/ SmirE(r)d /L > F > E + Ecfreflected.The moonlight was mirrored in thesmooth surface of the pond.

misanthropicadj/ TmisFnSthrBpik /Gk + Ecfmarked by a hatred or contempt forhumankind.The moral corruption thepoliceman witnessed caused him tobecome a misanthropic cynic.

miscellanean pl/ TmisESlCnGE /La collection of assorted objects.Among the miscellanea on Ernie’sbookshelf were five textbooks onworld history and a complete set ofthe works of Shakespeare.

miscellaneous

miscellany

mischiefn/ Smis(h)chDf /F > Eaction or conduct that annoys orirritates without causing ormeaning to cause serious harm.Hearing the puppy’s thumping andbarking, Erica went to investigatethe mischief he was creating.

mischievous

miscibleadj/ SmisEbEl /L[Note: Pronouncer should providedefinition of this word.] capable ofbeing mixed in any ratio withoutseparation of two phases—usedespecially of fluids.Oil and kerosene are miscible, butcarbon tetrachloride and water arenot.

miscreantn/ SmiskrHEnt /L > F > Eone who behaves criminally orviciously.Some miscreant dumped a bucketof paint in Herb’s convertible.

misdemeanorn/ TmisdDSmGnE(r) /E + L > F > Ea crime less than a felony.The trespasser was arrested andcharged with a misdemeanor.

misericordia


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misfeasance

misogynisticadj/ mDTsBjESnistik /Gkrelating to or given to a hatred ofwomen.The soprano complained that onlya critic with misogynistic crueltycould have written the review.

misogyny

misoneismn/ TmisESnGTizEm /Gk + Gka hatred or intolerance ofsomething new or changed.Because of his mom’s misoneism,Brian still does not have acomputer in his home.

misopedistn/ TmisESpGdDst /L + Ecfone who hates children.W. C. Fields was a famedmisopedist.

misprisionn/ mDSsprizhEn /L > F > Ethe active or passive concealmentof treason or felony from theprosecuting authorities by one notguilty of those crimes.Congressman Walters was chargedwith misprision of felony in theelection fraud.

misshapenadj/ mis(h)shCpEn /Ehaving an ugly or deformed shape.The misshapen pumpkin made afierce-looking jack-o’-lantern.

missionary

mistassinin/ TmistESsGnG /Canadian geog namea dwarf primrose of northern andalpine America.Ava saw a mistassini growing in arock crevice.

mistletoen/ SmisElTtP /Eany of various American plants ofthe genus Phoradendron that growon deciduous trees.Lance earned extra Christmasmoney selling mistletoe at the mall.

mitigatev/ SmiZETgCt /Lmake less severe, cruel, intense,painful.The general interceded to mitigatethe soldier’s punishment.

mitrailleuse

mixology

mneme

mnemonic

mnesticadj/ Snestik /Gkof or relating to memory or thepersistent effect of past experienceof the individual.Granny spends much of her timereminiscing and performing othermnestic activities.

modicumn/ SmBdEkEm /L > Fa small portion : a limited quantityor amount.Bernie displayed not even amodicum of modesty as he braggedabout his hole in one.

modiste

mohairn/ SmPTha(a)(E)r /Ar > It > Eany of various fabrics or yarnsmade wholly or in part of the hairof the Angora goat.For her birthday Linda got amatching scarf and sweater, bothmade of mohair.

moietyn/ SmOiEZG /L > F > Ea share paid by the government toan informer out of duties andpenalties collected because of theindividual’s help.The whistleblower received amoiety of the large fine imposedupon his employer for supplyingfaulty engine parts to the military.

molassesn/ mESlasDz /L > Pgthe thick dark to light brown syrupthat is separated from raw sugar insugar manufacture.Mollie always adds molasses tobeans before baking them.

molecule

molecules

molinaryadj/ SmBlETnerG /Lof or relating to a mill or theprocess of grinding.Elsworth’s firm specializes in themanufacture of molinaryequipment.

mollify

monadnockn/ mESnadTnBk /New Hampshire geog namea hill or mountain of resistant rocksurmounting an eroded plain.The familiar shape of themonadnock was a landmark fortravelers.


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monarch

monasteryn/ SmBnETsterG /G > L > Ea house of religious retirement or ofseclusion from the world forpersons under religious vows.Last fall Stan attended a retreat ata monastery near Bardstown,Kentucky.

monetaryadj/ SmBnETterG /Lof or relating to money or to theinstrumentalities and organizationsby which money is supplied to theeconomy.So many Americans are activeinvestors that even a slight changein interest rates can have seriousmonetary repercussions.

mongoosen/ SmBNTgVs /Dravidian? > Prakrit > Hindian agile keen-sighted grizzledbrown and black mammal of Indiathat is about the size of a ferret andfeeds on snakes and rodents.The mongoose is an active, boldpredator.

mongreln/ SmBNgrEl /Ean animal or plant resulting fromthe interbreeding of two or morebreeds or strains.Jeff’s dog is a friendly mongrelnamed Mutt.

monoclen/ SmBnDkEl /L[has homonyms: monacal,monachal] an eyeglass for one eye.The villain wore a tuxedo, a tophat, and a monocle.

monocoque

monolithn/ SmBnFlTith /Gksomething resembling a singlegreat stone.Sir Larry is considered a pillar ofstrength by his friends and ahulking obstinate monolith by hisenemies.

monomachy

monomaniacaladj/ TmBnFmESnIEkEl /Gk + Gk + Ecfrelating to, characterized by, oraffected with such concentration ona single object or idea as to suggestmental derangement.Stuart’s obsession with racing carsseems almost monomaniacal to hisfriends.

mononucleosisn/ TmBnPTn(y)VklGSPsDs /Gk + Lan acute infectious diseaseassociated with Epstein-Barr virusand characterized by fever,swelling of the lymph nodes, andan increase in the number oflymphocytes in the blood.Morgan had to spend several weeksin bed after contractingmononucleosis.

monopoly

monotonousadj/ mESnBtFnEs /Gkhaving no change or variety :wearisomely uniform.The lecturer’s monotonous tone puthalf the audience to sleep.

monotony

monsoonn/ mBnSsVn /Ar > Pg > Da periodic wind especially in theIndian Ocean and in southern Asia.The monsoon broughtthunderstorms that blanketed thecity with a dust cloud and thenflooding rains.

monstrosityn/ mBnzStrBsEZG /Lan object of terrifying size or forceor complexity.The atom bomb is the greatestmonstrosity of the 20th century.

monstrousadj/ SmBnztrEs /L > F > Ehaving extraordinary and oftenoverwhelming size : unusually andunpleasantly huge.The tourists in South America wereterrified and sickened by themonstrous flying cockroach.

moppet

morainen/ mESrCn /Fan accumulation of earth and stonescarried and finally deposited by aglacier.A push moraine is carried ahead ofan advancing glacier, whereas alateral moraine is deposited at theside of a glacier as it moves.

morass

moratoriumn/ TmOrEStPrGEm /La suspension of activity : atemporary ban on the use orproduction of something.Environmentalists demanded amoratorium on the miningoperation until its potential effectson the ecosystem could beevaluated.


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morceaun/ mOrSsP /F[Note: Could be confused withmore so. Also, plural of word canbe similarly pronounced.] a shortliterary or musical piece.Natasha entertained the partygoerswith a lively morceau on the violin.

mordacious

moresn pl/ SmO(T)rCz /L[has homonym: morays] the fixedcustoms or folkways of a particulargroup which are morally bindingupon all members of the group andnecessary to its welfare andpreservation.Some religious groups havedeveloped a society of their ownwith distinct and strict mores.

moribundadj/ SmOrE(T)bEnd /Lbeing in a state of suspendedactivity or arrested growth :dormant.After being more or less moribundfor years, interest in spirituality hasrevived.

mormorandoadj/ TmO(r)mESrBn(T)dP /L > Itin a murmuring manner—used as adirection in music.At first Ralph thought his CDplayer was broken, but then herealized he was listening to amormorando passage.

moroseadj/ mESrPs /Lmarked by or expressive of gloom.The basketball team was moroseafter losing in the state finals.

Morpheusn/ SmOrfGEs /Gksomething that induces or prolongssleep.Tim cannot recall exactly whatMorpheus caused Rip van Winkleto sleep for 20 years.

mortarn/ SmOrZEr /L > F > Esomething that binds or holdstogether.Sam watched as the bricklayerexpertly set the bricks into thehardening mortar.

mortarboardn/ SmOrZErTbP(E)rd /L > F > E + Ean academic cap consisting of aclosely fitting headpiece with abroad flat projecting square top.Lamont adjusted his mortarboardas he joined the procession to beginthe commencement program.

mortgagen/ SmOrgij /L > F > Ea binding obligation.Sarah found a signed copy of themortgage in Richard’s desk.

mosaic

mosaicistn/ mPSzCEsDst /L > It > F > Ea designer who creates surfacedecoration by inlaying small piecesof variously colored material.An expert mosaicist decorated thealtar of the new church.

mosquiton/ mESskGZ(T)P /L > Spany of numerous two-winged fliesthat have a rather narrow abdomenand usually a long slender rigidproboscis with which they puncturethe skin of animals to suck theblood.Dr. Walter Reed proved that theyellow fever virus is carried by themosquito.

mosquitoey

mostacciolin/ TmOstBtSchPlG /Ita pasta in the form of a short tubewith oblique ends.It was the usual banquet fare:mostaccioli and roast beef.

motleyadj/ SmBtlG /Ecomposed of a haphazard andincongruous mixture ofheterogeneous elements.Each guest drew a gift from themotley assortment in the grab bag.

moulagen/ mVSlBzh /Fan impression (as of a tire mark ortooth print) made for use asevidence in a criminalinvestigation.At the scene of the crime, detectiveswere able to make a moulage of thetire marks left by the criminal’scar.

mountainn/ SmaUntFn /L > F[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a vastnumber or quantity : pile, slew.Mrs. Johnson assigned her studentsa mountain of homework that wasdue the day after the holiday break.


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mountebankn/ SmaUntETbaNk /Itan entertainer (as a juggler ormagician) employed by a quack toattract a crowd.The charlatan used a mountebankto entice crowds into the tent.

mourn

moussakan/ mVSsBkE /Turkish > Gka dish of ground meat (as lamb)and sliced eggplant or potatoesoften topped with a seasoned sauce.Dimitrio’s restaurant serves thebest moussaka in the area.

moussen/ SmVs /L > F[has homonym: moose] a frothydessert; especially : a dessert ofsweetened and flavored whippedcream, or thin cream and gelatin,frozen without stirring.Michael ordered chocolatehazelnut mousse for dessert, butVera ordered just coffee.

mousseline

mozambique

mozzarellan/ TmBtsESrelE /Ita moist white rubbery unsaltedcheese.Mozzarella is used in many Italianfoods.

mucedine

mucilage

mucilaginousadj/ TmyVsESlajEnEs /Lrelating to or resembling a liquidadhesive of low bonding strength.Billy’s mother told him to wash themucilaginous remains of his peanutbutter and jelly sandwich from hisface and hands.

muftin/ SmEftG /Arcivilian dress when worn by one inmilitary service.The general ambled down the streetunrecognized in mufti.

mugientadj/ SmyVjGEnt /Lmaking a lowing sound : bellowing.In mid-April the mugient herds ofcattle are turned out to pasture.

mugwumpn/ SmETgwEmp /Natickone who is undecided or neutral (asin politics) often as a result of aninability to make up one’s mind.William is too much a mugwump toever realize his ambition to holdelective office.

mugwumpery

mulberryn/ SmElTberG /Gk > L > F > Ea tree or shrub that bears a fruitresembling a raspberry.The Nelsons planted a mulberry intheir backyard.

mulch

mullion

multifariousadj/ TmEltESfa(a)rGEs /Lhaving multiplicity : having greatdiversity or variety.The multifarious activities at theHands-On Museum make it a placethat everyone can enjoy.

multiplicationn/ TmEltEplDSkCshEn /La mathematical operationcommonly indicated by ab thatrepeats b as many times as there areunits in a.The fourth grade class waslearning the process ofmultiplication of whole numbers.

multipotent

multitudinousadj/ TmEltEStVdEnDs /L + Ecfexisting in great numbers.Multitudinous varieties ofwildflowers grow on SandMountain.

mummeryn/ SmEmErG /Fa performance given by actors in apantomime.Costumed actors performed acomic mummery in the schoolauditorium.

municipally

munificencen/ myVSnifEsEn(t)s /La giving or bestowing withextraordinary liberality : lavishgenerosity.Hazel’s uncle, known widely for hismunificence, hosted an elaboratedinner for her bat mitzvah.


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murengern/ SmyUrEnjE(r) /L > F > Eone in charge of the wall of a townand its repairs.When city walls served asfortresses, the murenger wasresponsible for the security of thecitizens.

murrain

musciformadj/ SmEsETfOrm /Lresembling moss.Rosa’s new hat has a musciformtexture.

muscle

musculaturen/ SmEskyElETchU(E)r /Lthe muscles of an animal that arerelated to each other and functiontogether.Dissection of the frog revealed itsunderlying musculature.

muskmelonn/ SmEskTmelEn /Skt > Per > Gk > L > F > E + Gk >Lthe usually sweet odorous ediblemelon that is the fruit of a trailingor climbing Asiatic herbaceousvine.The muskmelon was one of thefoods that Columbus introduced tothe New World.

muslinn/ SmEzlDn /Iraq geog name > Ar > It > F[has near homonym: Muslim] aplainwoven cotton fabric that isused bleached or unbleached forsheeting, embroidery, or otherpurposes.The simple look of tab curtainsmade of unbleached muslin isperfect for Barbara’s den.

mussitationn/ TmEsEStCshEn /Lmovement of the lips as if inspeech but without accompanyingsound.The cameras picked up thespeller’s mussitation as shepondered the word.

mutinous

muumuun/ SmVTmV /Hawaiiana loose dress with gay colors andpatterns, worn chiefly in Hawaii.Pandora bought a red floweredmuumuu during her trip to Maui.

myasthenian/ TmIEsSthGnGE /Gk > Lmuscular debility.Keith was informed that hismyasthenia was brought on byoverexertion and would disappearwith rest.

mycophagousadj/ mISkBfDgEs /Gkfeeding on fungi.Because they are mycophagous,ladybugs are good for gardens.

myelopathyn/ TmIESlBpEthG /Gka disease or disorder of the spinalcord or the bone marrow.After the accident Ursula’s dog hadto be treated for myelopathy.

myopian/ mISPpGE /Gknearsightedness.Kyle’s myopia was first apparentwhen he had trouble reading whatwas on the chalkboard at school.

myrmecologistn/ TmErmESkBlEjDst /Gka specialist in the scientific study ofants.The myrmecologist told thereporter that his interest in antsbegan when he had been given anant farm at the age of seven.

myrmidonn/ SmErmETdBn /Gka follower or subordinate whounquestioningly or pitilesslyexecutes orders : hireling.Although the mayor always speakscivilly to everyone, his myrmidoncan be ruthless in criticizingopponents.

myrrhn/ SmEr /Semitic > Gk > L > Ea yellow to reddish brown aromaticbitter gum resin that is obtainedfrom various trees of East Africaand Arabia.In medieval Europe myrrh was rareand precious.

mysticity

mythologem

mythomania

nabobn/ SnCTbBb /Ar > Hindiman of great wealth.The Hollywood nabob rarelytraveled without his personal chef,secretary, and masseur.

nacellen/ nESsel /L > Fan enclosed shelter on an aircraftfor an engine or sometimes for thecrew.The cramped, stifling nacelle gaveRico an attack of claustrophobia.


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nadirn/ SnCdE(r) /Ar > F > Ethe point of the celestial sphere thatis directly opposite the zenith andvertically downward from theobserver.There was no way for Amos to seethe Moon, since it was at the nadir.

naiadn/ SnCEd /Gkone of the nymphs believed by theancient Greeks and Romans to livein and give life to lakes, rivers,springs, and fountains.Glenda came upon a statue of anaiad by the lake.

naiant

nainsookn/ SnCnTsUk /Skt > Hindia soft lightweight cotton fabric inplain weave and various finishesthat is used especially for clothingand curtains.Janet’s new summer blouse is madeof nainsook.

naologyn/ nCSBlEjG /Gka study of sacred edifices.With her background inarchitecture and naology, Shaunais just the right person to helprestore the old cathedral.

napalmv/ SnCTpBm /Iranian > Gk > L + L > Fattack with bombs made with ahighly flammable jellied fuelcomposed of gasoline and amixture of aluminum soaps as athickener.The decision to napalm enemyterritory had more ramificationsthan the intended destruction ofvegetation.

narcissusn/ nBrSsisEs /Gk > Lany plant of the genus Narcissus ofwhich the flowers have a shortcorona and are usually borneseparately.The common daffodil is a type ofnarcissus.

narcolepticadj/ TnBrkESleptik /Gkof, relating to, or affected with atransient compulsive tendency toattacks of deep sleep usually ofunknown causes.Steve becomes narcolepticwhenever he is under great stress.

narcoticismn/ nBrSkBZETsizEm /Gkaddiction to habit-forming drugs.The police sergeant lecturedZakia’s class about the dangers ofnarcoticism.

narratev/ SnaTrCt /Ltell or recite the happenings of (astory).Jacob volunteered to narrate theslide show.

narrativeadj/ SnarEZiv /Lhaving the form of a story.A ballad is a poem that has severaldistinct characteristics, including astrong narrative element.

narthexn/ SnBrTtheks /Semitic? > Gka vestibule leading to the nave of achurch.The bridal party lined up in thenarthex and waited for the cue toproceed down the church’s centeraisle.

nasaladj/ SnCzEl /Lof or relating to the nose.Juno’s nasal inflammation causedconsiderable discomfort and madeit hard for her to breathe.

nascentadj/ SnCsFnt /Lundergoing the process of beingborn : beginning to exist.The Boston Tea Party revealednascent revolutionary tendenciesamong the American colonists.

nastaliq

nasturtiumn/ nESstErshEm /Lany of several herbs having showyvariously colored spurred flowers.The nasturtium will add color to adrab landscape design.

natal

natator

natatoriumn/ TnCZEStPrGEm /La place for swimming; especially :an indoor swimming pool.William Randolph Hearst built anostentatious natatorium at hisCalifornia mansion.

naupathian/ nOSpathGE /Gkseasickness.Several spells of naupathia madeJoni’s cruise an experience shehopes never to repeat.


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nausean/ SnOshE /Gk > La feeling of discomfort in thestomach usually associated with anurge to vomit.A bout of nausea kept Denise fromenjoying the ferry ride.

nauseate

nauseousadj/ SnOshEs /Lcausing a sensation of discomfortin the stomach and an urge tovomit.The smell emanating from theswamp was nauseous.

nautical

nautilusn/ SnOZFlEs /Gk > Lany of several cephalopod mollusksof the southern Pacific and Indianoceans that produce a spiralchambered shell.Frank keeps a polished shell of anautilus in his bookcase.

nebulan/ SnebyElE /Lany of many immense bodies ofhighly rarified gas or dust ininterstellar space.The astronomer identified theHorsehead Nebula on the chart.

nebulousadj/ SnebyElEs /Lvaguely defined, poorly grasped, ordimly realized.Melissa’s nebulous fears about thefuture interfered with herenjoyment of the present.

necessary

necklace

necromancyn/ SnekrETman(t)sG /Gk > L > F > Ethe art or practice of magicallyconjuring up the souls of the dead.Abraham Lincoln was interested innecromancy, and his wife heldséances in the White House.

nectar

nectarinen/ SnektETrGn /Gk > L+Ecfa peach that has a smooth-skinnedfruit.Jason prefers a nectarine to acommon peach.

nefariousadj/ nDSfa(a)rGEs /Lheinously or impiously wicked :detestable.The murderer's crimes wereconsidered so nefarious that he wassentenced to life imprisonmentwithout parole.

negative

neglect

negligent

negotiableadj/ nDSgPsh(G)EbEl /Lthat can be converted into cash orthe equivalent value.Leah wondered if the old bills shefound in the trunk were stillnegotiable.

negotiate

negotiator

negus

neigh

nematocystn/ nDSmaZETsist /Gk + Gkone of the minute stinging organsof coelenterates (as corals, seaanemones, and jellyfishes) used incatching prey.Each nematocyst of the jellyfishcontains a spiral-coiled threadtipped with a toxin-bearing barbthat can be ejected into the skin.

nemesisn/ SnemEsDs /Gka formidable and usually victoriousrival or opponent.The Tigers were defeated by thefirst-rate pitching of their oldnemesis.

nemoraladj/ Snem(E)rEl /Lof, relating to, or inhabiting a woodor grove.Doris collected a basketful ofnemoral mushrooms.

nenupharn/ SnenyETfBr /Skt > Per > Ar > Lwater lily; especially : Egyptianlotus.The nenuphar is a common motif inEgyptian art.

neologismn/ nGSBlETjizEm /Gk > Fa new word, usage, or expression.Nelson encountered a neologism inalmost every paragraph of thecomputer article.

neomenia


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neonadj/ SnGTBn /Gkof, relating to, or resembling thereddish glow of neon lamps.Even though Tim was wearing neonswimming trunks, his mom hadtrouble spotting him on thecrowded beach.

neophyten/ SnGETfIt /Gka new convert; especially : aconvert to the Christian faith in theearly church.In just three years St. Cyprian ofCarthage went from being aneophyte to being the bishop ofCarthage.

neossologyn/ TnGTBSsBlEjG /Gkthe study of young birds.The student of neossology wasthrilled to receive a baby parrot forhis birthday.

nepenthen/ nDSpen(t)thG /Gksomething capable of causingoblivion of grief and suffering.The old man sought respite andnepenthe from bad memories.

nephalismn/ SnefETlizEm /Gktotal abstinence from alcoholicbeverages.In Muslim countries nephalism is away of life for many people.

nephelognosyn/ TnefESlBgnEsG /Gk + Gkscientific observation of clouds.Satellite photos of cloud formationsand movements have been a greataid in the field of nephelognosy.

nephelometern/ TnefESlBmEZE(r) /G + Gan instrument for measuringcloudiness.The nephelometer has been proveduseful in detecting and measuringair pollution.

nephew

nephology

nephrectomyn/ nDSfrektETmG /Gkthe surgical removal of a kidney.Barry’s kidney was so diseased thathis physician recommended anephrectomy.

nepotismn/ SnepETtizEm /L > It > Ffavoritism shown to relatives (as bygiving them positions because oftheir relationship rather than ontheir merits).Most employees resent nepotismbecause it reduces motivation foradvancement via hard work.

nescience

nescientadj/ Snesh(G)Ent /Lexhibiting or characterized by lackof knowledge orawareness : ignorant.George’s nescient response to thequestion about the plotdemonstrated that he had not readthe book.

nettlesomeadj/ SneZFlsEm /E + Ecausing vexation : irritating.The city’s traffic situation wasnettlesome to the visitors from thesmall town.

neuralgian/ n(y)VSraljE /Gkan acute paroxysmal pain radiatingalong the course of one or morenerves usually withoutdemonstrable changes in the nervestructure.Garret’s neuralgia was so painfulthat he sought relief from achiropractor.

neurasthenicadj/ Tn(y)UrasSthenik /Gkaffected with a syndromecharacterized by easy fatigability,by worrying and depression, andoften by headache and digestiveand circulatory problems.The neurasthenic patientcomplained of being bored,neglected, and depressed.

neurokyme

neurologicaladj/ Tn(y)UrESlBjDkEl /Gkof or relating to the scientific studyof the nervous system.Dr. Will is a specialist in thetreatment of neurologicaldisorders.

neurotic

neuston

neutercanen/ Sn(y)VZe(r)TkCn /L + Taino > Spa subtropical cyclone that is usuallyless than 100 miles in diameter andthat draws energy from sourcescommon to both the hurricane andthe frontal cyclone.The weather bureau is tracking theneutercane to see if it develops intoa hurricane.

neutral


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neutralizev/ Sn(y)VtrETlIz /L + Ecfmake chemically neither acid norbase.Scientists used nitric acid toneutralize the magnesiumhydroxide that had formed on thespace capsule tape when it came incontact with seawater.

newel

newspaporial

nexusn/ SneksEs /La connected group or series.A nexus of events led to theoverthrow of the government andthe exile of the king.

nicetyn/ SnIsEZG /F > Ea dainty, delicate, or elegant thingor feature.Dad considered a meal at a poshrestaurant to be a nicety of goodliving.

nichen/ Snich /L > Fa place suitable for the capabilitiesor merits of a person.Wendy felt she had found her nicheat school in the student governmentassociation.

nickelodeonn/ TnikESlPdGEn /G? > Sw + F > Ga theater affording a motion-pictureexhibition or a variety show for anadmission price of five cents.The silent movies at thenickelodeon were usually enhancedby piano music.

nicotinismn/ SnikETtGTnizEm /F name + cffthe effect of the excessive use oftobacco.Patients who suffer from nicotinismexhibit lung and heart problems.

nictitant

nidicolousadj/ nISdikElEs /Lliving in a nest; especially : sharingthe nest of another kind of animal.Many insects are nidicolous,sharing the nests of birds whosometimes eat their larvae.

nidificatev/ SnidEfDTkCt /Lbuild a nest.While recuperating, Jan watchedthe robin gather bits of string andsmall twigs to nidificate in themaple tree outside the bedroomwindow.

nidifugousadj/ nISdifyEgEs /Lleaving the nest soon afterhatching.Because they are relatively highlydeveloped when they hatch, ducksand chickens are nidifugous.

nidorn/ SnITdO(E)r /L[Note: Alternate pronunciation hashomonym: niter/nitre.] a strongsmell : reek.The nidor of the hot grease warnedDella that she should lower thetemperature.

nidorousadj/ SnIdErEs /Lsmelling of or like burning ordecaying animal matter.The sailors were repulsed by thenidorous bilge water.

niece

niggardlyadj/ SnigE(r)dlG /Scand > Echaracterized by a reluctance topart with money : tightfisted.The wealthy banker was bestknown for his niggardly spendinghabits.

nightingalen/ SnItFnTgCl /Ea thrush common in Great Britainthat is noted for the sweet song ofthe male often heard at night duringthe breeding season.Haley was awakened by anightingale singing outside herbedroom window.

nightmaren/ SnItTma(a)(E)r /Ea frightening dream accompaniedby anxiety or terror.Cara’s nightmare was caused bythe ghost stories told around thecampfire.

nihilismn/ SnIETlizEm /L + Ecfa viewpoint that all traditionalvalues and beliefs are unfoundedand that all existence isconsequently senseless and useless.The rock star's lyrics werecriticized for advocating a bleaknihilism.


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nimietyn/ niSmIEZG /Lexcess, redundancy.Usually Caleb’s writing is concise,but his most recent essay is aglowing example of nimiety.

nimiousadj/ SnimGEs /L[Note: Could be confused withniveous.] excessive, extravagant.Oscar, who could barely afford torent a costume for the maskedcharity ball, found the whole thingoppressively nimious.

nineteenth

ninetieth

nisein/ SnGTsC /Jpna son or daughter of Japaneseimmigrant parents who is born andeducated in the United States.Tomoko is the only nisei in herfamily; all her siblings were bornin Japan.

nitidityn/ niStidEZG /L + Ecfthe quality or state of being bright,glossy, or lustrous.The moon’s nitidity helps owls findtheir prey.

nitrogenn/ SnItrDjDn /Gka colorless tasteless odorlesselement that as a diatomic gas isrelatively inert and constitutes 78percent of the atmosphere byvolume and occurs as a constituentof all living tissues.Lightning causes the oxidation ofnitrogen to nitric oxide, which israined out as nitrate.

niveaun/ nGSvP /F[Note: Plural form is pronouncedsimilarly.] a level (as of existenceor achievement) especially in aprogression.Ben’s tennis class is at theintermediate niveau.

niveousadj/ SnivGEs /Lof, relating to, or resembling snow.The niveous landscape looked mostinviting to the cross-country skiers.

nobiliaryadj/ nPSbilGTerG /L > F > E + Ecfof or relating to the nobility.By threat of force the king quelledthe nobiliary squabbles.

nobly

nocent

nociceptorn/ SnPsGTseptE(r) /La part of the body that transmits tothe central nervous systeminjurious or painful stimuli.The spicy salsa activated eachnociceptor on Michelle’s tongue,bringing her to tears.

nociveadj/ SnPsiv /Lharmful, injurious.The laboratory assistant wore amask to protect himself from nocivefumes.

noctivagantadj/ nBkStivDgEnt /Lgoing about in the night : night-wandering.The bat, being a noctivagantmammal, has inspired manylegends.

nocturnaladj/ nBkStErnFl /L > Factive at night.Some zoos have special habitats fornocturnal animals.

nocuous

nodule

noegenesis

noisomeadj/ SnOisEm /Eoffensive to the senses : noxious,harmful, unwholesome, destructive.A noisome odor emanated from theplastics factory.

nomenclaturen/ SnPmEnTklCchE(r) /Lthe collective names given to orborne by places in a particularregion or area.The nomenclature of Boston streetsconfused Ling when she firstarrived.

nominaladj/ SnBmEnFl /Lof, relating to, or being a word thatis otherwise characteristically anadjective or adverb but that takes anoun construction in a givencontext.A good example of a nominal wordis good in “the good die young.”


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nomineen/ TnBmESnG /L + Ecfa person named or proposed for anoffice, duty, or position.The president’s nominee for theSupreme Court had to be approvedby a Senate committee.

nomological

nonagenariann/ TnBnEjESnerGEn /L + Ecfa person who is 90 or more and lessthan 100 years old.Ernestus bragged that he was theonly nonagenarian at the rockconcert.

nonchalancen/ TnBnshESlBn(t)s /Fa display or air of jaunty unconcernor indifference.Sarah reacted with nonchalancewhen her neighbors complainedabout her unruly dog.

nonchalant

nondescriptadj/ TnBndDSskript /Llacking distinguishingcharacteristics.Because he was utterlynondescript, Virgil was the perfectinfiltrator.

nonmetal

nonpareiladj/ TnBnpESrel /L > Fhaving no equal : peerless.Tom’s lack of common senseovershadowed his nonpareilintellect.

nonplusv/ nBnSplEs /Lcause to be at a loss as to what tosay, think, or do.Vince’s aggressive interviewingtechnique tends to nonplusinexperienced candidates.

nonsense

nonupleadj/ SnBTn(y)VpEl /L > Fconsisting of nine : being ninetimes as great or as many.There was a nonuple increase inthe rate of traffic citations after thenew regulations went into effect.

noontide

normocyte

nosocomialadj/ TnBsESkPmGEl /Loriginating or taking place in ahospital.Since implementing its newdisinfection protocol, the hospitalhas seen a 40 percent drop innosocomial infections.

nostalgian/ nESstalj(G)a /Gk > Lhomesickness.Theo was overcome with nostalgiaat the sight of a McDonald's inIstanbul.

nostriln/ SnBstrEl /Eeither of the outer openings of thenose.In some cultures, a pierced nostriladorned with a ring is consideredattractive.

nostrumn/ SnBstrEm /La remedy or medicine of secretcomposition recommended by itspreparer but usually lacking generalrepute or acceptance.Mr. Sherwood insists that hisnostrum will cure warts within aweek.

notabilia

notarize

notorietyn/ TnPZESrIEZG /Lthe condition of being an object ofwide or general attention, interest,and comment for somethingreprehensible or scandalous.A red convertible enhancedThurmon’s notoriety.

nougatn/ SnVgEt /L > Prov > Fa confection of nuts or fruit piecesin a sugar paste.Lynn’s boyfriend gave her a box ofchocolates filled with hazelnutnougat.

novemdecillion

novicen/ SnBvDs /L > F > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] one whohas entered a religious house for atrial period.The film The Nun’s Story starsAudrey Hepburn as a young novicewho eventually becomes a nurse inAfrica.


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noxiousadj/ SnBkshEs /Lharmful or destructive to man or toother organisms.Emma is studying the noxiouseffects of gasoline fumes.

noxiously

noyade

nuancen/ Sn(y)VTBn(t)s /L > Fminute variation : delicategradation : subtle distinction.The music critic took notes onevery nuance of the performance.

nubbin

nubilousadj/ Sn(y)VbElEs /Lcloudy, foggy, misty.Trade wind clouds are constantlypiling up in nubilous traffic jams.

nuchaladj/ Sn(y)VkEl /Ar > L + Ecfof or relating to the nape, the backpart of the neck.Midge’s new necklace gave her anuchal rash.

nuciformadj/ Sn(y)VsETfOrm /Llike a nut in shape.Preston gave Anna a box ofnuciform chocolate candies.

nuclear

nugacity

nugatoryadj/ Sn(y)VgETtPrG /Lhaving little or no consequence :worthless.The prize Jeff won at the carnivalwas just a nugatory plastic trinket.

nuggetn/ SnEgDt /unknowna lump; especially : a lump of gold.Adrian kept a gold nugget as agood-luck charm.

nuisancen/ Sn(y)VsFn(t)s /L > F > Ar > Esomething that is disagreeable ortroublesome : annoyance.The barking dogs in Jeff’sbackyard were a nuisance he couldnot ignore.

nullibicityn/ TnElESbisEZG /L + Ecfthe quality or state of beingnowhere.Natalie accused the state of puttingfreedom and basic rights intonullibicity.

numb

numerology

numinousadj/ Sn(y)VmEnEs /L + Ecfdedicated to or hallowed byassociation with a deity : sacred.A soft light seemed to glow fromthe numinous vessel on the altar.

numismatistn/ n(y)VSmizmEZDst /La specialist in the study of coins : acoin collector.When Emery wanted to know thevalue of a coin, he showed it to hisneighbor, who was a numismatist.

nummary

numnah

nunchakun/ nVnSchBk(T)V /Jpn dialecta weapon of Japanese origin madeof two hardwood sticks joined attheir ends by a short length ofrawhide, cord, or chain.Eli insists that a nunchaku with aBruce Lee image would make hismartial arts paraphernaliacomplete.

nuncupationn/ TnEnkyESpCshEn /Lan oral will.While the sailor was ill aboardship, he made a nuncupation inwhich he bequeathed his propertyto his mother.

nuncupativeadj/ SnENkyETpCZiv /Lstated verbally : oral—used chieflyof a will.The terms of Grandpa’snuncupative will were not contestedby the family.

nuptialityn/ TnEpshGSalEZG /Lthe marriage rate.Nuptiality usually increasesdramatically in June.

nurture

nurturer

nutrient

nutrition


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nutritiouslyadv/ n(y)VStrishEslG /L + Ecfin a manner that promotes growthand development.Judging from the kinds of foodsthat George likes, it is not going tobe easy to get him to eatnutritiously.

nyalan/ SnyBlE /Tsonga&Vendaan antelope of southeastern Africawith vertical white stripes on thesides of the body and with shaggyhair along the male underside.The nyala thrives in the heaths andforests of the Ethiopian highlands.

nyctalopian/ TniktESlPpGE /Gka defect of vision characterized byreduced visual capacity in faintlight or at night.Nyctalopia may be corrected byvitamin therapy.

nymph

nystagmusn/ nDSstagmEs /Gka rapid involuntary oscillation ofthe eyeballs occurring normallywith dizziness during and afterbodily rotation or abnormally afterinjuries.Bart suffered from nystagmus forseveral days following the boxingmatch.

oakenshaw

oakum

oarlock

oasisn/ PSCsDs /Hamitic? > Gk > La small isolated fertile area that issurrounded by general barrennessand typically marked by trees orother greenery and that has a watersupply.The caravan rested for two days atthe oasis.

obdurateadj/ SBbd(y)ErDt /Lresistant to persuasion or softeninginfluences : unyielding.Fritz is maintaining an obdurateopposition to the new highwaybypass.

obedientadj/ PSbGdGEnt /L > F > Esubmissive to the restraint, control,or command of authority.The toddler was not very obedientand even seemed to enjoy beingdefiant.

obeisancen/ PSbCsFn(t)s /L > F > Ean attitude of respect : deference,homage.Josh demonstrated his obeisancefor the famous professor by writingdown her every word.

obeisantadj/ PSbCsFnt /Fservile, obsequious.By the third course, the waiter’sobeisant behavior was starting toget on Tara’s nerves.

obeliskn/ SBbETlisk /Gkan upright four-sided monolithicpillar that tapers as it rises andterminates in a pyramid.The Washington Monument is aworld-famous obelisk.

obese

obesity

obfuscate

obfuscatoryadj/ BbSfEskETtPrG /Ltending to make difficult ofcomprehension or interpretation.Oleg found the obfuscatorylanguage in his apartment leaseinfuriating.

obituary

objectiven/ EbSjektiv /La lens or system of lenses thatforms an image of the object in thefocal plane of an eyepiece (as in atelescope).The light-gathering power of atelescope is a function of thediameter of its objective.

objurgation

objurgatoryadj/ EbSjErgETtPrG /Lexpressing sharp reprimand.The mayor sent an objurgatoryletter to the negligent departmenthead.

obligatory


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obliqueadj/ ESblGk /Lneither perpendicular nor parallel :having a slanting direction orposition.All triangles have at least oneoblique side.

obliquityn/ ESblikwEZG /E > F > L + Ecfthe angle between the planes ofEarth’s equator and orbit.Seasonal changes in temperatureare due to the obliquity of Earth’sorbital path.

obliterative

oblivion

obloquyn/ SBblEkwG /La strongly and often intemperatelycondemnatory utterance.Mr. Willett recited the names of thepranksters with uncharacteristicobloquy.

obmutescencen/ TBbmyEStesFn(t)s /La becoming or keeping silent.To ensure the press’s obmutescenceregarding the case, the judgeissued a gag order.

obnounce

obreptitiousadj/ TBTbrepStishEs /Ldone or obtained by trickery or byconcealing the truth.The undercover agent passed theobreptitious information to hissuperiors.

obrogate

obsecrationn/ TBbsESkrCshEn /La supplicatory prayer mentioning inits appeal things or events held tobe sacred.“Through thy victory over death, OLord, deliver us” is an obsecration.

obsequiousadj/ EbSsGkwGEs /L > Emeanly or servilely attentive.Marshall tends to be obsequioustoward Mrs. Kirby.

obsessive

obsolescence

obsolete

obstaclen/ SBbz(T)tikEl /Lsomething that hinders progress :hindrance.Carrie believes there is no obstacleshe cannot overcome in her questto become an Olympian.

obstetriciann/ TBbzTteStrishEn /La physician or veterinarianspecializing in birth and itsantecedents and sequels.The obstetrician often relied moreon instincts and old-fashionedpsychology than he did on hismedical expertise.

obstetrics

obstinateadj/ SBbztEnDt /Lpertinaciously adhering to anopinion, purpose, or course.Franklin has missed at least twopromotions because he is soobstinate about doing things hisown way.

obstreperousadj/ EbzStrep(E)rEs /Lstubbornly defiant : resistingcontrol or restraint often with ashow of noisy disorder.The noisy diner was asked to leavebut became obstreperous and hadto be escorted out of the restaurant.

obtenebratev/ BbStenETbrCt /Ldarken by or as if by shadowing.As the storm approaches, darkclouds obtenebrate the valley.

obtrusive

obtundentadj/ BbStEndEnt /Lblunting irritation or lessening pain.Aspirin is used for its obtundent aswell as its antipyretic qualities.

obviate

ocarinan/ TBkESrGnE /L > Ita simple wind instrument or toy ofthe flute class having a mouthpieceand fingerholes.Professor Miller unearthed a four-hole ocarina used by the ancientMayas.

occasion

occasionallyadv/ ESkCzhEnFlG /Lnow and then : here and there.The Spelling Bee replied, “Yearsago I was just an ordinary beeminding my own business, smellingflowers all day, and occasionallypicking up part-time work inpeople’s bonnets.”


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occipitaladj/ BkSsipEZFl /Lof or relating to the back part of thehead of a vertebrate or an insect.In the accident Mr. Stein’s occipitalbone was fractured.

occisionn/ BkSsizhEn /Lan act or instance of slaughtering.Ecologists are protesting thewholesale occision of sea turtleswithin national boundaries.

occlude

occlusionn/ ESklVzhEn /Lthe front formed by a cold frontovertaking a warm front and liftingthe warm air above Earth’s surface.As the advancing cold air met thewarm front, a cold occlusiondeveloped that caused thetemperature to drop.

occult

occultationn/ TB(T)kElStCshEn /L > Ethe shutting off of the light of acelestial body by the interventionof some other celestial body.A solar eclipse is the occultation ofthe Sun by the Moon.

occurrence

occurring

ocellusn/ PSselEs /Lone of usually three simple eyes inan insect located in a trianglebetween the compound eyes.A single ocellus can do no morethan detect light, but more than onegrouped together can produce animage of the surrounding area.

ocelotn/ SPsETlBt /Nahuatl > Fa medium-sized American wildcatranging from Texas to Patagoniaand having a tawny yellow orgrayish coat that is dotted andstriped with black.The ocelot appears in Aztec stonecarvings.

ochlophobian/ TBklESfPbGE /Gkmorbid fear of crowds.Alice never attended rock concertsbecause of her ochlophobia.

ochlophobist

octane

octavo

octogenarian

octopus

oculauditory

oculogyricadj/ TBkyElPSjIrik /L + Gk > Lrelating to or involving circularmovements of the eyeballs.The silent movie comedianspecialized in oculogyric close-ups.

oddment

odious

odium

odographn/ SPdETgraf /Gkan instrument for automaticallyplotting the course and distancetraveled by a vehicle.Now that Carlos has a carequipped with a Global PositioningSystem receiver, an odograph is thelogical next step.

odontoloxian/ PTdBntESlBksGE /Gkirregularity of the teeth.Odontoloxia can usually becorrected with braces.

odysseyn/ SBdEsG /Gka long wandering or series ofadventurous journeys.When he talks about his odyssey,André means the summer he spentworking his way across Europe.

oeuvren/ SHv(rF) /L > Fa substantial body of workconstituting the lifework of awriter, an artist, or a composer.The poet won the award not for anyparticular work, but for his oeuvre.

officiousness

ogle

ogren/ SPgE(r) /L > Fa hideous giant represented in fairytales and folklore as feeding onhuman beings : monster.Jason wrote a tale about an ogrewho lived under a bridge andfeasted on every tenth person whocrossed.

ohmn/ SPm /G name[has homonyms: aum, om] thepractical meter-kilogram-secondunit of electric resistance that isequal to the resistance of a circuitin which a potential difference of 1volt produces a current of 1ampere.Michael was confused by the Greeksymbol for omega in his textbookuntil he realized that it was theabbreviation for an ohm.


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oilclothn/ SOilTklOth /Gk > L > F > E + Ecotton cloth coated with a dull orglossy finish made of oil, clay, andcolored pigment to make the clothwaterproof.A kitchen stove, a table coveredwith oilcloth and two chairs couldbe seen from the doorway.

ointment

okapin/ PSkBpG /African namean African animal that is related tothe giraffe but has a relatively shortneck and solid reddish coat withblack and cream rings on its legs.In Zaire the meat of the okapi is afavorite food of the Pygmies.

oleaginousadj/ TPlGSajEnEs /Gk > L > Fcharacterized by smoothcourteousness or sicklysentimentality.Grandpa was too smart to be takenin by oleaginous salesmen.

oleandern/ SPlGTandE(r) /Lan ornamental evergreen shrub thathas narrow leaves and clusters offragrant white to red flowers.The sweet aroma of the oleanderwafted through the window.

oleiculture

olericulturen/ SBlErETkElchE(r) /L + Ecf + La branch of horticulture that dealswith the production, storage,processing, and marketing ofvegetables.As a college subject, olericulture isgenerally divided into marketgardening and truck farming.

olfactoryadj/ BlSfakt(E)rG /Lof, relating to, or connected withthe sense of smell.Humans have relatively weakolfactory abilities compared tomany other animals.

oligarchicadj/ TBlESgBrkik /Gkof, relating to, characteristic of, orsupporting a group or organizationthat is controlled by a privilegedfew.A society dominated by large-scaleoligarchic organizations eventuallydevelops an oligarchic politicalregime.

oligarchyn/ SBlETgBrkG /Gk + Gkgovernment by the few.Over the years, the tiny state’sgovernment eroded from ademocracy to an oligarchy.

oligophrenian/ TBlDgPSfrGnGE /Gkmental deficiency.Although afflicted witholigophrenia, Cynthia was capableof taking care of herself in herhome.

ombrometern/ BmSbrBmEZE(r) /Gk + Gkan instrument for measuring thequantity of precipitation that falls ata given place and time.Precipitation in the area wasstudied by collecting data fromradar scans and an ombrometer.

ombrophilousadj/ BmSbrBfElEs /Gkcapable of withstanding or thrivingin the presence of much rain.After three days of rain, Kathyhoped that her garden plants wereombrophilous.

ombrophobousadj/ BmSbrBfEbEs /Gkincapable of withstanding long-continued rain.Ombrophobous plants would perishin a Seattle garden.

ombudsmann/ SBmTbUdzmEn /Sw[Note: Plural form is pronouncedidentically.] one that investigatescomplaints (as from students orcustomers), reports findings, andhelps to achieve equitablesettlements.The college hired a specialombudsman to investigatewidespread charges of unfairgrading practices.

omega

ominousadj/ SBmEnEs /Lindicative of future misfortune orcalamity : causing anxiety and fear.For an instant there was anominous stillness, quieter and moresilent than ever before, as if eventhe air was holding its breath.

omissible

omissionn/ PSmishEn /Lthe act of failing to insert, include,or name.Katie refused to believe that Joe’somission of her name on the guestlist was accidental.


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omittedv/ PSmiZDd /Lleft out.Harry Nebuchadnezzar Schwartzusually omitted his middle namewhen he filled out forms.

omnibusadj/ SBmnDTbEs /Lof, relating to, or providing formany things or classes at once :containing or including manyitems.Ursula purchased an omnibusedition of Shakespeare’s works,which was bound in leather.

omnigenous

omnilegentadj/ BmSnilEjEnt /Lreading or having read everything :characterized by encyclopedicreading.The omnilegent student was avalued member of the academicteam.

omnipotencen/ BmSnipEZEn(t)s /Lalmighty or unlimited power.With an attitude of omnipotence,the government presumed that itcould take any land it wanted.

omnipotent

omniscience

omniscientadj/ BmSnishEnt /Lhaving infinite awareness,understanding, and insight :knowing all things.In most monotheistic religions, Godis understood to be both omniscientand all-powerful.

omnivorous

onagern/ SBnEjE(r) /Gk > L > Ean Asian wild ass that usually has abroad dorsal stripe.Although the onager looks like adonkey, it runs as swiftly as ahorse.

oncologyn/ TBNSkBlEjG /Gkthe study of tumors.Ed is focusing on oncology in hismedical studies and is particularlyinterested in pancreatic cancer.

oneiric

onerousadj/ SBnErEs /L > F > Ethat involves, imposes, orconstitutes much oppressive orirksome work, effort, difficulty, orresponsibility.Ron grudgingly completed theonerous task of cutting andstacking the firewood.

oniomania

onion

onionskin

onlooker

onomasticsn pl/ TBnESmastiks /Gkthe science or study of the originsand forms of proper names ofpersons or places.A book on onomastics explainedthat the name Donald is a ScottishGaelic word meaning “worldruler.”

onomatopen/ SBnEmETtPp /Gka word formed in imitation ofnatural sounds.Tim found the onomatope kaboomin today’s comic strip.

onomatopoeia

onslaughtn/ SOnTslOt /D > Ean especially fierce attack.The Britons were unable towithstand the onslaught of theSaxons.

ontogenyn/ BnStBjEnG /Gk + Gkthe biological development orcourse of development of anindividual organism.The role of brain ontogeny inAlzheimer’s disease requires thatan autopsy be performed to obtaina definitive diagnosis.

onusn/ SPnEs /Lburden.Caring for her six children was anonus for the young widow.

onychosisn/ TBnESkPsDs /Gk[has near homonym: onchoses] adisease of the nails.Even though he had only a mildonychosis, Eric was not allowed towork in the lab.

onyxadj/ SBniks /Gkof the color jet black.The teacher told the schoolchildrenthat space looks onyx from theshuttle.


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oometern/ PSBmEZE(r) /Gk + Gkan instrument for measuring eggs.Mr. Horton uses an oometer todetermine which eggs go in whichcartons.

oophagousadj/ TPSBfEgEs /Gkliving or feeding on eggs—used ofinsects or reptiles.Oophagous insects help control thebug population.

opacityn/ PSpasEZG /L > Fthe quality or state of a body thatrenders it impervious to the rays oflight : lack of transparency ortranslucency.The envelope’s opacity made itimpossible for Garnet to see ifthere was a check inside.

opah

opalescent

opaqueadj/ PSpCk /Limpervious to the rays of visiblelight : not transparent ortranslucent.The Dornans hung an opaquewindow shade in their son’snursery.

opeidoscopen/ PSpIdETskPp /Gkan instrument using light rays, aflexible membrane, and a mirror toexhibit the vibratory motionscaused by sounds.Mr. Peterson used a simpleopeidoscope to compare the soundsof musical instruments.

operettist

ophelimity

ophicleide

ophiolatryn/ TBfGSBlEtrG /Gkthe worship of or the attribution ofdivine or sacred nature to snakes.Before the rise of monotheism,ophiolatry in one form or anotherwas nearly universal amongancient peoples.

ophthalmic

ophthalmology

opiate

opinev/ PSpIn /L > Fstate as an opinion.There are some things humansthink they know, and some that theymerely opine.

opodeldoc

opossumn/ ESpBsEm /Algonquian[Note: Could be confused withpossum.] an omnivorous largelynocturnal and arboreal mammalthat has a prehensile tail and anabdominal pouch to which theyoung are transferred at birth.Arnold caught the opossum eatingthe cat’s food.

oppidanadj/ SBpEdEn /Lof or relating to a town or to townas opposed to country.The painter sold his oppidan scenesof market day on the sidewalk,earning just enough to live on.

opportuneadj/ TBpE(r)StVn /L > F > Efit, suitable, or convenient for agiven purpose.We could not have chosen a moreopportune spot for a picnic than theshore of Lake Walcott.

opportuneness

oppositen/ SBpEzDt /Lthe person occupying the positionacross from one’s own in squaredancing.Daniel’s opposite in the squaredance is a better dancer than he.

oppositionn/ TBpESzishEn /La configuration in which onecelestial body is opposite another inthe sky.The Moon, when full, is said to bein opposition to the Sun.

opprobriousadj/ ESprPbrGEs /L > F > Econveying or intending to conveydisgrace.The principal denounced thevandals in opprobrious terms.

opprobrium

oppugnv/ ESpyVn /Lchallenge the accuracy, propriety,probity, or other quality of.The newspaper had a tendency tooppugn the actions of Congress inits editorials.


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optimisticadj/ TBptESmistik /L > F + Ecffanticipating the best.Jackie remained optimistic aboutwinning the national spelling bee.

option

opulentadj/ SBpyElEnt /Lexhibiting or characterized bywealth or affluence.Leather wall covering is onefeature of the room’s opulentdécor.

opusculumn/ PSpEskyElEm /La minor work (as of literature).Although critics regarded Jerome’sfirst novel as an opusculum, it hassteadily risen on the best-sellerlists.

oracle

orally

oratorn/ SOrEZE(r) /Lone distinguished for skill andpower in public speaking.Daniel Webster was an eminent19th-century orator.

orbitaln/ SO(r)bEZFl /La solution of the Schröedingerwave equation describing apossible mode of motion of a singleelectron in an atom or molecule.There is theoretically no outer limitto the orbital of an electron.

orchardn/ SOrchErd /L + Ea plantation or enclosure containingfruit trees, nut-bearing trees, orsugar maples.In the orchard were bare fruit treesgrowing in the winter-brownedgrass.

orchestran/ SO(r)kDstrE /Gka large group of players of musicalinstruments including typicallystrings, woodwinds, brasses, andpercussion organized especially forperforming one of the larger formsof concert music or foraccompanying an oratorio or otherdramatic work.The orchestra dazzled the audiencewith its performance ofTchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

orchidn/ SOrkDd /Gk > La distinctive and often brightlycolored tropical flower with threepetals.Many varieties of the orchid can befound in Hawaii.

orchidaceousadj/ TOrkDSdCshEs /Gk > L + Ecfexpressing or characterized by ashowy or ostentatious quality.Today’s journalists generallyeschew orchidaceous writing.

ordeal

ordinationn/ TO(r)dFnSCshEn /Lthe act or state of being admittedinto the Christian ministry.At her ordination Heatherdelivered a sermon on the 23rdPsalm.

ordnancen/ SOrdnEn(t)s /F[has homonym and near homonym:ordinance and ordonnance] militarysupplies including weapons,ammunition, and combat vehicles.As quartermaster, Sergeant Russowas responsible for all of theordnance on the base.

orfevrerien/ OrfevrESrG /Fgoldsmith's or jeweler’s work :jewelry.Dave carefully looked over theorfevrerie, trying to decide what hiswife would like for her birthday.

organ

orieln/ SPrGEl /L? > F > E[has homonym and near homonym:oriole and aureole] a large baywindow of semihexagonal orsemisquare plan projecting fromthe face of a wall and supported bya corbel or bracket.Megan set her chair in thepleasantly sunny oriel and satdown to read.

orificen/ SOrEfDs /L > Fthe mouth or opening of something.Each sprinkler head had an orificeof one-half inch.

oriflamme

origamin/ TOrESgBmG /Jpnthe art or process of Japanese paperfolding.After only a few hours of studyingorigami, Veronica was creatingpaper cranes by the dozen.


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original

oriole

orisonn/ SOrEsEn /L > F > Eprayer.The pastor designated time in theservice for a silent orison for thehostages.

ormolun/ SO(r)mETlV /Fbrass made to imitate gold and usedin mounts for furniture and forother decorative purposes.The large mirror’s frame wasdecorated with ormolu.

ornithopter

orofacialadj/ TPrESfCshEl /Lof or relating to the mouth and face.Roseanne underwent plasticsurgery to correct orofacialabnormalities.

orotundadj/ SOrETtEnd /Lunduly full and strong in deliveryor style : pompous, bombastic.The more nervous Jeff gets whilegiving a speech, the more orotundhis delivery becomes.

orphann/ SOrfEn /Gk > La child without parents.Oliver Twist is a famous fictionalorphan.

orphanage

orreryn/ SOrErG /E namean apparatus that illustrates therelative positions and motions ofbodies in the solar system.Sheila fashioned a crude orrery outof coat hangers and Styrofoam.

orthodoxadj/ SO(r)thETdBks /Gk + Gkmarked by conformity to doctrinesor practices especially in religionthat are held as right or true bysome authority, standard, ortradition.In orthodox Jewish synagogues,men and women are seatedseparately.

orthoepyn/ SO(r)thETwepG /Gk > Lthe study of the pronunciation of alanguage.Differences between the Englishspoken in the United States andthat spoken in England is a topic oforthoepy familiar to many linguists.

orthogonal

orthographize

oscillating

oscillatoryadj/ SBsElETtPrG /Lcharacterized by the action ofswinging or moving backward andforward like a pendulum.The oscillatory motion of theairplane caused Deborah tobecome airsick.

oscilloscopen/ ESsilETskPp /L + Gk > Lan instrument in which thevariations in a fluctuating electricalquantity appear as a visible waveform on the fluorescent screen of acathode-ray tube.The technician used anoscilloscope to help him pinpointthe problem.

oscitation

osculatoryadj/ SBskyElETtPrG /Lof, relating to, or characterized bykissing.Julie had no idea Shaun wastalking about kissing when heasked if she would help him refinehis osculatory skill.

osmosisn/ BzSmPsDs /Gkthe flow or diffusion that takesplace through a semipermeablemembrane typically separatingeither a solvent and a solution or adilute solution and a concentratedsolution.An experiment using red dye gave adramatic demonstration of osmosis.

ospreyn/ SBsprG /L > F > Ea large hawk that is a dark browncolor above and mostly pure whitebelow and feeds on fish that itcaptures by hovering and diving.Because of its preferred diet, theosprey is also called a “fish hawk.”

ossiclen/ SBsDkEl /Lany of certain small bones.The sports doctor told Nate that anossicle in his left ear had beendamaged by the blow from hisopponent.


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ossuary

ostensibleadj/ BSsten(t)sEbEl /Lprofessing genuineness andsincerity but often concealing thereal aspects behind a plausiblefacade.Mr. Elton’s ostensible reason forstopping by was to ask whether Mr.Woodhouse’s party could be madeup in the evening without him.

ostentatiously

osteoclasis

osteoporosisn/ TBstGPpESrPsDs /Gk + La condition characterized bydecrease in bone mass withdecreased density and enlargementof bone spaces producing porosityand fragility.Diane’s doctor recommendedincreasing her calcium intake toprevent osteoporosis.

ostracism

ostracize

ostrich

otalgian/ PStalj(G)E /Gkpain in the ear : earache.Otalgia is more common inchildren than in adults.

otherwiseadv/ SELE(r)TwIz /Ein a different way or manner :differently.Bret told us to always back up ourwork; otherwise, we would besorry.

otitisn/ PStIZDs /Gk > Linflammation of the ear.Jeff’s earache was diagnosed as asymptom of otitis of the middle ear.

otolaryngologyn/ TPZETlarDnSgBlEjG /Ga branch of medicine that dealswith the ear, nose, and throat andtheir disorders and diseases.When Hazel’s sore throat persisted,her family physician recommendedan appointment with a specialist inotolaryngology.

otomycosisn/ TPZETmISkPsDs /Gkdisease of the ear produced by thegrowth of fungi in the externalauditory canal.Jane’s otomycosis proved resistantto treatment.

ottomann/ SBZEmEn /Turk name > It > Fan overstuffed footstool.Andrew spilled orange juice allover the ottoman.

oublietten/ TVblGSet /L > Fa dungeon with an opening only atthe top and often a concealed pitbelow the floor.Every medieval French castleKaren visited on the tour had anoubliette.

ourselves

outlet

outrageousadj/ TaUtSrCjEs /Fextravagant, fantastic.The sophomores created anoutrageous float for thehomecoming parade.

ouzo

ovation

overbearance

overcompensate

override

overriding

overt

overweeningadj/ TPvE(r)SwGniN /Eunduly confident.Elaine's overweening pretensionsfell flat when it was revealed thatshe could not even speak French.

oviparousadj/ PSvipErEs /Lproducing eggs that develop andhatch outside the maternal body.The platypus is an oviparousmammal.

ovoid

oxbow

oxen

oxidation

oximeter

oxlip


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oxydactyladj/ TBksDSdaktFl /Gk + Gkhaving slender tapered digits.The glove was made for a delicate,oxydactyl hand.

oxygenn/ SBksDjDn /Gk > Fa nonmetallic element that isnormally a colorless odorlesstasteless nonflammable gas, is themost abundant of the elements onEarth, and occurs in air and water,in most common rocks andminerals, and in a great variety oforganic compounds.Oxygen is the second mostabundant element in Earth’satmosphere.

oxylophyten/ BkSsilETfIt /Gka plant that prefers or is restrictedto an acid soil.Sphagnum moss, which grows inbogs, is a common oxylophyte.

oxymoronn/ TBksDSmPrTBn /Gka combination for epigrammaticeffect of contradictory orincongruous words.Dexter feels that the phrase jumboshrimp is an oxymoron.

oyezv/ PSyC /F—used by criers of courts as acommand to secure silence andattention before a proclamation.“Oyez, oyez, oyez!” yelled the crieras the judge entered the courtroom.

oystern/ SOistE(r) /Gk > L > F > Ea marine bivalve mollusk foundalong seacoasts or in the mouths ofrivers.Dad would not eat an oyster.

ozonic

ozonosphere

pabulumn/ SpabyElEm /Lrudimentary or sentimental writing.The famous poet’s early workswere pure pabulum.

pachinkon/ pESchiN(T)kP /Jpna Japanese gambling deviceresembling a pinball machine butwith automatic payoff as in a slotmachine.Since the 1950s, playing pachinkohas been a favorite pastime amongthe youth of Japan.

pachydermn/ SpakDTdErm /Gk > Fone of a group of thick-skinnedmammals (as an elephant orrhinoceros).When the circus came to town, itusually featured at least onepachyderm.

pacificator

pacifist

paddock

padishahn/ SpBdETshB /Pera powerful important personage :mogul.George Lucas is a padishah ofmotion picture epics.

paellan/ pESelE /L > F > Catala saffron-flavored stew containingrice, chicken, seafood, and variousvegetables.Paella can be an expensive dish toprepare because saffron threadsare so costly.

pageant

pageanteern/ TpajEnSti(E)r /L + Ecfan actor or other performer in aspectacle.The pageanteer startled Benji byleaping onto the table.

pageantryn/ SpajEntrG /L > Ecolorful, rich, or splendid display.Rachel could not wait to see thepageantry of the medieval festival.

pagination

pagodan/ pESgPdE /Skt > Pga Far Eastern structure resemblinga tower that is often richlydecorated and typically hasprojecting roofs that curve upwardbetween each story and that iserected usually as a temple ormemorial.The tour guide claimed that 1000pounds of gold went into thedecoration of the ornate pagoda.

pajamasn/ pESjBmEz /Hindiloose clothing designed forsleeping and relaxation.Danielle received some flannelpajamas for Christmas.


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paladinn/ SpalEdFn /L > It > Fa champion of a medieval prince : alegendary hero.A medieval prince could bechallenged to a duel, but hispaladin would do the actualfighting.

palatableadj/ SpalDZEbEl /Etruscan? > L > E + Ecfagreeable to the palate or taste :savory.Mom poured cheese over thespinach to make it more palatable.

palatial

palatiallyadv/ pESlCshElG /L + Ecffin a manner suitable for a palace.The new hotel was palatiallysurrounded by high stone wallswith elaborate bronze gates.

palavern/ pESlavE(r) /Gk > L > Pgprofuse, idle, or worthless talk :chatter.Dean left when the seminardiscussion degenerated intopalaver.

palazzo

paleontologyn/ TpClGTBnStBlEjG /Gk > Fa science that deals with the life ofpast geological periods, is based onthe study of fossil remains of plantsand animals, and gives informationespecially about the chronology ofthe history of Earth.Theo traces his interest inpaleontology back to his discoveryof fossils in his yard when he was ayoung boy.

palilalian/ TpalESlClGE /Gk > La speech defect marked byabnormal repetition of syllables,words, or phrases.Palilalia is a symptom of somemental disorders.

palimpsestn/ SpalDm(p)Tsest /Gka parchment, tablet, or otherportion of writing material that hasbeen used twice or three times afterthe earlier writing has been erased.Special equipment will helpdetermine whether the oldparchment Colin found is apalimpsest.

palindromen/ SpalDnTdrPm /Gka word, verse, or sentence thatreads the same backward orforward.Ada struggled to contrive apalindrome centered around herown name.

palladiumn/ pESlCdGEm /Gk > Lsomething that affords effectualprotection or security.Many consider the SecondAmendment to be the palladium ofdemocracy.

pallbearern/ SpOlTberE(r) /L > E+Ean attendant at a funeral who helpscarry the coffin.Each pallbearer wore a carnationin his lapel.

pallescent

pallesthesia

palliatev/ SpalGTCt /Lmoderate the intensity of : lessen.For many prisoners, books palliatethe boredom of isolation fromsociety.

palliative

pallorn/ SpalE(r) /Labnormal paleness.The pallor of Julian’s stagemakeup gave his girlfriend a fright.

palmyran/ palSmIrE /L > Pga tall fan palm that is native toAfrica but widely cultivated inIndia.The palmyra made a statelyaddition to Ramu’s garden.

palookan/ pESlVkE /unknownan inexperienced or incompetentboxer.The boxing manager told hisfighter to box like a palooka forone round, then come out swinginghard.

palpability

palpableadj/ SpalpEbEl /Leasily perceptible by the mind :obvious, manifest.The injustice of the situation waspalpable to even the least fair-minded individual present.


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palpebraladj/ SpalpEbrEl /L[has near homonym: palpable] of,relating to, or located on or near theeyelids.Mike’s palpebral spasms werealleviated when he was treated witha muscle relaxant.

palpitantadj/ SpalpEZEnt /Ltrembling, quivering, throbbing.Darryl jabbed his fork into thepalpitant pudding.

palpitationn/ TpalpEStCshEn /Lan abnormally rapid beating of theheart when excited by violentexertion, strong emotion, ordisease.Ron could feel the palpitation in hischest as he approached Marie toask her out on a date.

palustrineadj/ pESlEstrDn /Lliving or thriving in a marshyenvironment.The alligator is an excellentpalustrine hunter.

palynology

pamphlet

pamphleteern/ Tpam(p)flDSti(E)r /Gk > L name + Ecfa writer of pamphlets attackingsomething or urging a cause.Thomas Paine made a name forhimself in colonial America as apamphleteer.

panacea

panaceanadj/ TpanESsGEn /Gk > L + Ecfhaving the properties of a remedyfor all ills and difficulties.Advertisements for the new painmedicine suggest that it haspanacean qualities.

panachen/ pESnash /L > It > Fdash or flamboyance in style oraction.The novel’s great strength is thesplendidly depicted panache of theprotagonist.

panary

pancreatitisn/ TpaNkrGEStIZDs /Gk > Linflammation of the gland thatproduces insulin.The physician recommendedimmediate surgery for Gordon’sacute pancreatitis.

pandiculationn/ panTdikyESlCshEn /La stretching and stiffeningespecially of the trunk andextremities (as when fatigued anddrowsy or after waking from sleep).A cat usually extends its clawsduring pandiculation.

panegyricn/ TpanESjirik /Gk > Lan oration or writing expressingpraise.Walt Whitman composed a famouspanegyric on the occasion ofAbraham Lincoln’s death.

panelist

panettonen/ TpBnEStPnG /L > Ita usually yeast-leavened holidaybread containing raisins andcandied fruit peels.Tad received a panettone in themail from his Italian grandmother.

panickinessn/ SpanDkGnDs /Gk > Ethe quality or state characterized byor resulting from suddenoverpowering fright.In her panickiness in calling for anambulance, Gretchen forgot to givethe street address.

panoramic

pantomimen/ SpantETmIm /Gk > La dramatic performance using nodialogue.The sixth-grade class put on apantomime of the story “Androclesand the Lion.”

papacy

paparazzin pl/ TpBpESrBtsG /It namefree-lance photographers whoaggressively pursue celebrities inorder to take candid photographs.Many people still blame thepaparazzi for their apparent role inthe death of Princess Diana.

papeterie

paprikan/ pESprGkE /Gk > Serb > Hunga condiment consisting of the driedfinely ground pods of variouscultivated sweet peppers.Paprika has been a prized export ofHungary for centuries.

papyrus


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parablen/ SparEbEl /La usually short fictitious story thatillustrates a moral attitude or areligious principle.Ella’s Sunday school teacher beganevery class with a parable.

parabolize

parachute

paracleten/ SparETklGt /Gk[Note: Could be confused withparrakeet.] one called to aid orsupport : an advocate.The popular senator was hailed asa paraclete of civil rights.

paradigmn/ SparETdIm /Gkan outstandingly clear or typicalexample or pattern.The paradigm of sin and salvationunderlies much of 17th-centuryEnglish poetry.

paradise

parador

paradoxn/ SparETdBks /Gka statement or sentiment that isseemingly contradictory or opposedto common sense and yet perhapstrue in fact.The homework assignment was towrite an essay on the followingparadox: “To guarantee freedomof religion, the government must befree from religion.”

paragraph

paralleladj/ SparETlel /Gkextending in the same direction andeverywhere equidistant.The parallel lines of the railroadtracks tipped off analysts to thelocation of the munitions plant.

paralogizev/ pESralDTjIz /Gkreason falsely : draw conclusionsnot warranted by the premises.Although James tends toparalogize, he is so eloquent thathis listeners often overlook hisfaulty reasoning.

paramedic

paramountadj/ SparETmaUnt /L > F > AFsuperior to all others (as in power,position, or importance).Victor holds the paramount seat onthe library’s board of directors.

paranoian/ TparESnOi(y)E /Gka tendency on the part ofindividuals or of groups towardsuspiciousness and distrustfulnessof others that is based not onobjective reality.Paranoia of governmenteavesdropping caused members ofthe militia to encrypt theircommunications.

paraparesisn/ TparEpESrGsDs /Gkpartial paralysis affecting the lowerlimbs.Kent’s paraparesis was caused bya skateboarding accident.

parapetn/ SparEpDt /L > Ita rampart raised upon or above themain wall in a permanentfortification.The princess walked along theparapet every evening at dusk,watching for the return of herbeloved.

paraphn/ SparEf /Gk > La flourish at the end of a signaturesometimes used as a sort of rudesafeguard against forgery.Delia always signs her name withan elaborate paraph ending in asmiley face.

paraphernalian pl/ TparEfE(r)SnClyE /Gk > Larticles of equipment.Mark lugged all his photographicparaphernalia to every spellingbee.

paraphrasableadj/ SparETfrCzEbEl /Gk + Ecfcapable of being restated in anotherform usually for clearer and fullerexposition.The teacher asked the students ifthe meaning of the poem wasparaphrasable.

parasite

parasoln/ SparETsOl /L > It > Fa lightweight umbrella used as asunshade.Georgina decided to splurge on anantique parasol even though sheknew she’d never actually use it.

parcel

pare


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parenthesize

parfaitn/ pBrSfC /L > Fa cold dessert consisting ofalternating layers of fruit, syrup, icecream, and whipped cream.Following a light lunch, Carmenordered a parfait of tropical fruits.

pariahn/ pESrIE /Tamila person despised or rejected bysociety : outcast.The candidate became a pariah tohis party, and many membersrefused to be seen with him.

parietaladj/ pESrIEZFl /L > Fof, relating to, or located in theupper posterior part of the head.The X ray revealed no damage toHernando’s parietal bone.

parityn/ SparEZG /L[has homonym: parody] the qualityor state of being equal : closeequivalence or resemblance.American automobilemanufacturers believe they haveachieved parity with their foreigncompetitors.

parkin

parlancen/ SpBrlEn(t)s /Fidiom, phraseology.In educational parlance the newhigh school is a “magnet school.”

parleyn/ SpBrlG /L > F[has homonym: parlay]conversation, discussion.Mr. Elton and Harriet had a veryinteresting parley about what couldbe done and should be done.

parliament

parochialadj/ pESrPkGEl /L > F > AF > Eof or relating to a church parish.Five of Susan’s friends attendedparochial schools.

parodist

parodyn/ SparEdG /Gk[has homonym: parity] a writing inwhich the language and style of anauthor or work is closely imitatedfor comic effect or in ridicule.The Battle of the Frogs and theMice is a Hellenistic parody of theIliad.

paroxysmn/ SparEkTsizEm /Gka sudden, violent, anduncontrollable action or occurrenceof emotion.When Jeff unknowingly sat on thewhoopie cushion, Al burst into aparoxysm of laughter.

paroxysmaladj/ TparEkSsizmEl /Gk > L > Fmarked or accompanied by suddenattacks or spasms (as of a disease).Mike’s whooping cough wastreated with antibiotics in its earlyparoxysmal stage.

parquetn/ pBrSkC /Fa patterned flooring.Terry had expensive parquetinstalled in the foyer.

parsimony

parsnipn/ SpBrsnip /L > F > Ea biennial plant with yellowflowers and a long, thick, sweet,white root used as a vegetable.Jake yanked a parsnip from hisgarden.

parterren/ pBrSte(E)r /L > Fthe part of the floor of a theaterbehind the orchestra.For the season premiere, the seatsin the parterre were reserved forthe stockholder of the operacompany.

parthenogenesisn/ TpBrthEnPSjenEsDs /Gkreproduction that involvesdevelopment of a gamete withoutfertilization.Parthenogenesis occurs commonlyamong some stick insect species.

partridgen/ SpBrtrij /L > F > Eany of several game birdsbelonging to the same subfamily asthe bobwhite.A partridge fluttered out of the tallgrass and startled Katrina.


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parturitionn/ TpBrZESrishEn /Lthe action or process of giving birthto offspring.In some cultures, women return tomanual labor within hours ofparturition.

pasigraphy

pasimologyn/ TpasESmBlEjG /Gk? + Gk + Gkthe study of gestures as a means ofcommunication.Native American sign language isone means of communicationstudied in pasimology.

pasqueflower

pasquinaden/ TpaskwESnCd /It > Fa lampoon or satire usually havinga political significance.The president’s misadventurequickly became the subject of aneditorial pasquinade.

passementerie

passenger

passerineadj/ SpasErDn /Lof or relating to the largest order ofbirds including more than half ofall living birds and consistingchiefly of songbirds of perchinghabits.Mr. Perrault, an avid birder, toldus that passerine birds have amaximum life-span of about tenyears in the wild.

pasteurization

pasteurizev/ Spas(h)chETrIz /F name + Ecfsubject to heating long enough tokill disease-causingmicroorganisms.Dairies pasteurize milk beforedelivering it to stores.

pastichen/ paSstGsh /It > Fa usually incongruous medley ofdifferent styles and materials :hodgepodge.Jordan considers the design for thenew library a pretentious pastiche.

pasturen/ Spas(h)chE(r) /L > F > Eland that is used for the grazing ofanimals.Every morning the cows returnedto the grassy pasture.

patache

patellan/ pEStelE /Lkneecap.Shelby bumped her patella againstthe bottom of the desk when shestood up too quickly.

pathosn/ SpCTthBs /Gkan element in experience or inartistic representation evoking pityor compassion.The actress was highly praised forthe pathos she evoked in her deathscene.

patoisn/ SpaTtwB /Fa dialect other than the standard orliterary dialect.Parisians considered the Frenchspoken in the English court to be apatois.

patriarchn/ SpCtrGTBrk /Gka man regarded as father or founder(as of a race, science, religion, orclass of people).In many religious circles Adam isconsidered to be the patriarch ofthe human race.

patricianadj/ pEStrishEn /Lof, relating to, or characteristic ofgentle or noble birth or of breedingand cultivation.Escorting Cassie to her debutanteball is a patrician experience Robwill never forget.

patrikin

patriotn/ SpCtrGEt /Gk > L > Fa person who loves his country anddefends and promotes its interests.The foreign spy convinced othersthat he was a flag-waving patriot.

patronymic

patzern/ SpBtsE(r) /Gan inept chess player.When Drew won the chess game soeasily, he jokingly called hisopponent a “patzer.”

paucispiral


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paucityn/ SpOsEZG /La small number : fewness.The choir suffered from a paucityof male voices.

paunchiness

paupietten/ pPSpyet /Fa thin slice of meat or fish wrappedaround a filling (as of forcemeat).At the new restaurant Carolenjoyed a veal paupiette stuffedwith ham and cheese.

pavement

pavilionn/ pESvilyEn /L > F > Ea large often sumptuous tent.The servants scurried to set up thequeen’s pavilion before the Sunwent down.

pavonineadj/ SpavETnIn /Lof, relating to, or resembling thepeacock.Audrey cooled herself by waving apavonine fan.

paysanneadj/ pCSzan /Fprepared (as with diced rootvegetables) in country or simplestyle.Errol served a paysanne sauce withthe tenderloins.

peaceableadj/ SpGsEbEl /L > F > E + Ecfmarked by freedom from war,strife, hostilities, or disorder.Aggressive doctrines areincompatible with any peaceableadministration of the government.

pearlescent

peccadillon/ TpekESdi(T)lP /L > Spa slight offense or petty fault.The defense lawyers lost the casewhen they tried to classify hightreason as a “minor peccadillo.”

peccantadj/ SpekEnt /Lguilty of a moral offense : sinning,corrupt.The council members railed againstthe peccant mayor.

peculiar

pecuniaryadj/ pDSkyVnGTerG /Ltaking the form of or consisting ofmoney.Margaret values hergrandmother’s engagement ring forits sentimental rather than itspecuniary worth.

pedagogistn/ SpedETgBjDst /Gka specialist in education.It didn’t take a pedagogist to knowthe school was overcrowded.

pedanticadj/ pDSdantik /L? > It > F + Ecfexcessively meticulous.Frazier’s pedantic approach boredthe few remaining audiencemembers.

pedestrianadj/ pDSdestrGEn /Lmarked by drabness or dullness :commonplace.The critic wrote the play off as apedestrian imitation ofShakespeare.

pedicure

pedodontistn/ TpGdPSdBntDst /Gka specialist in the branch ofdentistry that is concerned with thedental care of children.The pedodontist recommends thatinfants and toddlers not be allowedto fall asleep with a bottle of milkor juice in their mouths.

peevishlyadv/ SpGvDshlG /Ein a manner marked by ill temper.There, you see,” he said peevishly;“I’m even afraid to make a positivestatement.

peirasticadj/ pISrastik /Gkfitted for trial : experimental.The new drug has been approvedonly for peirastic use with patientswho volunteer to take it.

pejorativeadj/ pDSjOrEZiv /Lhaving a tendency to make orbecome worse : depreciatory,disparaging.The critic’s pejorative commentsangered the entire cast.

pelagic

pelican

pelissen/ pDSlGs /L > F[has homonym: police] a woman’sloose lightweight cloak with widecollar and fur trimming.Grandmother’s old pelisse was aperfect costume for our productionof A Christmas Carol.

pellagra


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pellucid

pemphigoid

penchantn/ SpenchEnt /L > Fa strong leaning or attraction;broadly : liking.While traveling overseas, Braddeveloped a penchant for Turkishcoffee.

pencraft

pendulumn/ SpenjElEm /La body suspended from a fixedpoint so as to swing freely to andfro under the action of gravity andcommonly used to regulate themovements of clockwork and othermachinery.Trina stops the grandfather clock’spendulum each evening so that thechimes will not ring during thenight.

penguin

penicillinn/ TpenESsilDn /La mixture of antibiotic relativelynontoxic acids produced especiallyby molds of the genus Penicillium.When penicillin did not cureFrankie’s ear infection, the doctorprescribed a different antibiotic.

peninsulan/ pDSnin(t)s(E)lE /La portion of land nearly surroundedby water and connected with alarger body by an isthmus.Florida is actually a very largepeninsula.

penitencen/ SpenEZEn(t)s /Lsorrow for sins or faults.Because of Ella’s true penitence,her best friend was quick to forgiveher for her breach of confidence.

penitentiaryn/ TpenEStench(E)rG /L > Ea public institution in whichoffenders against the law areconfined for detention or forpunishment, discipline, andreformation and in which they aregenerally compelled to labor.The judge sentenced the bankrobber to 25 years in the statepenitentiary.

pennantn/ SpenEnt /La flag or banner.Whenever the queen was inresidence, her pennant was raisedon the palace flagpole.

pentathlonn/ penStathTlBn /Gka contest in the modern OlympicGames involving participation byeach contestant in horseback riding,shooting, fencing, swimming, andrunning.Miguel is practicing four hours aday for the upcoming pentathlon.

pentecostys

penumbran/ pDSnEmbrE /La shadow cast (as in an eclipse)where the light is partly but notwholly cut off by the interveningbody.Bert caused a penumbra on thescreen when he walked in front ofthe slide projector.

penurious

penuryn/ SpenyErG /Lscantiness.Jane cited the penury of intelligentconversation at the children’s tableas her reason for wanting to sitwith the adults in the main diningroom.

peonyn/ SpGEnG /Eany of a genus of perennial oftendouble-flowered plants with largepink, white, red, or yellow showyflowers.Ben placed a brightly coloredpeony in a tall vase.

perambulatev/ pESrambyETlCt /Ltravel over or through especially onfoot.Sid and Amy often perambulate thepark on sunny days.

perceive

perceptible

percipient

percnosomen/ SpErknETsPm /Gka small body occurring in theandrocyte of a fern.Under the microscope, the darkshape of the percnosome wasclearly visible.

percolatev/ SpErkETlCt /Lprepare by causing (a liquid) topass through (as coffee) in order toextract the essence.Sal did not allow enough time topercolate his coffee before he hadto go to work.


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percussorn/ pE(r)SkEsE(r) /La small hammer with a rubber headused as a diagnostic tool byphysicians.Dr. Goldman tested Paula’sreflexes with a percussor.

peregrinatev/ SperEgrDTnCt /Ltravel on foot : walk, tour.Nicki hopes to peregrinate acrossEngland in the fall.

peremptoryadj/ pESrem(p)t(E)rG /Lputting an end to or precluding aright of action, debate, or delay.Mr. Stone interrupted Cindy’swrong answer by raising his handin a peremptory gesture.

perennatev/ SperETnCt /Llive over from season to season :persist.Ornamental banana trees willseldom perennate outdoors north ofthe subtropics.

perennialadj/ pESrenGEl /Lcontinuing or lasting throughseveral years—used specifically ofa plant that dies back seasonallyand produces new growth from apart that lives over from season toseason.The garden is bare of flowersbecause the perennial plants havebeen cut down for their winter rest.

perezone

perfervidadj/ TpErSfErvDd /Lextremely or excessively fervent :zealous, impassioned.In front of the Capitol a man wasgiving a perfervid speech on theevils of national taxation.

perfidious

perfidy

perforate

pergelisoln/ pErSjelETsOl /Lpermanently or perennially frozenground : permafrost.Chan’s theory is that there arelarge oil deposits beneath thepergelisol.

perigeen/ SperE(T)jG /Gkthe point in the orbit of a satellite ofEarth that is nearest to the center ofEarth.As the communications satelliteneared perigee, its signal becamestronger.

perinatal

peripateticadj/ TperEpESteZik /Gkperformed or performing whilemoving about : itinerant.Adrian spent an exciting threeyears as a peripatetic journalistbefore settling in Chicago.

peripetyn/ pESripEZG /Gk > Fa sudden or unexpected reversal ofcircumstances or situation in aliterary work.The peripety in the last act of theplay stunned the audience.

peripheraladj/ TpESrif(E)rEl /Gklocated away from a center or acentral portion.Although Kerry’s main interest liesin literature, she has peripheralinterests in art history andpsychology.

peripheryn/ pESrif(E)rG /Gkthe external boundary or surface ofany body or area.Many villages dotted the peripheryof the extinct volcano.

periphrasisn/ pESrifrEsDs /Gkthe use of a longer phrasing inplace of a possible shorter andplainer form of expression.Frustrated by the document’sendless periphrasis, Ludwig threwup his hands in despair.

perishableadj/ SperDshEbEl /L > F > E + Ecfsubject to quick deterioration orspoilage except under properconditions (as of temperature ormoisture content).The advent of refrigerationchanged the way perishable foodsare packaged.

peristalsisn/ TperESstOlsDs /Gksuccessive waves of involuntarycontraction passing along the wallsof the intestine and forcing thecontents onward.Disruption of peristalsis can leadto digestion problems.


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perjuryn/ SpErj(E)rG /L > AF > Ethe voluntary violation of an oath.One thing is certain after thetestimony: Either Mr. Jakes or Mr.Cleveland has committed perjury.

perlustrate

permanence

permeable

permeatev/ SpErmGTCt /Gkspread or diffuse through.Igor wiped up the spillimmediately, lest the smell offormaldehyde permeate the room.

perniciousadj/ pE(r)SnishEs /Lhighly injurious or destructive :deadly.The doctors finally eradicated thepernicious infection from thepatient’s lungs.

perorationn/ TperESrCshEn /La flowery, highly rhetorical speech.Trudy’s peroration was lost on heraudience at the school boardmeeting.

perpendicular

perpetualadj/ pE(r)Spech(Ew)El /L > F > Eeverlasting, eternal.Shawna expected to enjoyperpetual bliss in heaven.

perplexingadj/ pE(r)SpleksiN /Lthat causes an agitated or confusedmental condition.Silvio found English grammarterribly perplexing.

perquisiten/ SpErkwEzDt /La privilege, gain, or profitincidental to an employment inaddition to regular salary or wages.A perquisite attractive to manybusiness executives is unlimited useof a cellular telephone.

persecutev/ SpErsDTkyVt /Lharass in a manner to injure, grieve,or afflict usually because of somedifference of opinion.The revolutionary extremists vowedto persecute the peasants whowould not support their cause.

perseverancen/ TpErsESvirEn(t)s /Lcontinued or steadfast pursuit orprosecution of an undertaking oraim.After much perseverance, Frankinduced the most upright femalemind in creation to stoop in charityto a secret engagement.

persevere

persiflagen/ SpErsETflBzh /Ffrivolous bantering talk : afrivolous and somewhat derisivemanner of treating a subject.As the teams moved up and downthe court, both benches kept up aconstant stream of persiflage.

persilladeadj/ TpersGSBd /Fdressed with or containing parsley.Marina’s dinner guests enjoyed aflavorful sea bass in a persilladesauce.

persimmonn/ pE(r)SsimEn /Algonquiana medium-sized tree of the southernand eastern United States with hardfine-grained wood, oblong leaves,and bell-shaped flowers followedby an orange several-seeded berrythat is edible when fully ripe butusually extremely astringent whenunripe.Leroy’s mouth puckered when hebit into an unripe persimmon.

personification

personnel

perspicaciousadj/ TpErspESkCshEs /L + Ecfof acute mental vision ordiscernment.The chairman attributed thecompany’s record profits toperspicacious management.

perspicuity

perspiration

persuade

pertinaciousadj/ TpErtFnSCshEs /Lstubbornly unshakable.There was something mysterious inthe moody and dogged silence ofthis pertinacious companion.

pertinent

pertinently


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perusaln/ TpESrVzEl /L? > E + Ethe action of reading through orover with some attention andtypically for the purpose ofdiscovering or noting one or morespecific points.The legal advisor’s perusal of theproposed contract identified manypoints of concern.

pervasiveadj/ pE(r)SvCsiv /L + Ecfthat permeates or tends topermeate.The turkey farm had a pervasiveodor that clung to clothes.

pervicacious

perwitsky

pessimistn/ SpesEmDst /L > Fone inclined to put the leastfavorable construction on actionsand happenings, to emphasizeadverse aspects, conditions, andpossibilities, or to anticipate theworst possible outcome.Being a pessimist made keepingfriends very difficult for Mark.

pestilencen/ SpestElEn(t)s /La contagious or infectious epidemicdisease that is virulent anddevastating.Pestilence has historically been oneof society’s main causes of death.

pestlen/ SpesEl /L > F > Ea usually club-shaped implementfor pounding or grindingsubstances especially in a mortar.Grandma bought a brass mortarand pestle from an antique dealer.

petchary

petechia

petrogenyn/ pDStrBjEnG /Gk + Gkthe science of the origin of rocks.A vacation trip to the GrandCanyon sparked Lauren’s interestin petrogeny.

petroleum

petulance

petulantadj/ SpechElEnt /Lcharacterized by temporary orcapricious ill humor : peevish.The striking ballplayers werecharacterized as spoiled, petulant,and self-obsessed.

petunian/ pDStVnyE /L > Fa common garden plant withfunnel-shaped flowers of manycolors and patterns.Russell pulled a purple petuniafrom the flower bed.

phaetonn/ SfCEtFn /Gk > L[has near homonym: Phaëthon] anopen automobile with two crossseats, usually four doors, and afolding top.Charles almost bought the 1931Rolls Royce phaeton at the auction.

phalacrosisn/ TfalESkrPsDs /Gkbaldness.Phalacrosis is an inheritedcharacteristic.

phalanxn/ SfCTlaNks /Gka group or body in close formation.Sarah craned her neck in wonderas the phalanx of military jets flewover in tight formation.

phansigar

pharaohn/ Sfe(T)rP /Egypt > Heb > Gk > La ruler of ancient Egypt.Tutankhamen is one pharaohwhose name most people recognize.

pharisaicaladj/ TfarESsCDkEl /Aram > GK > L + Emaking an outward show of pietyand morality but lacking the inwardspirit : hypocritical.Cardinal Newman spoke of the vastnumbers of pharisaical individualsamong baptized Christians.

pharmaceutical

pharosn/ SfCTrBs /Gka lighthouse or beacon to guideseamen.Leland said the restaurant actedlike a pharos for all those at sea offthe tip of the island.

pharynx


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phasen/ SfCz /Gk[has homonyms: fays, faze] ahomogeneous, physically distinct,and mechanically separable portionof matter that is present in anonhomogeneous physical-chemical system and that may beeither a single compound or amixture.Water exists in the solid phase asice, in the liquid phase as water,and in the gaseous phase as vaporor steam.

pheasantn/ SfezFnt /Gk > L > F > AF > Eany of numerous large, often long-tailed, and brilliantly colored OldWorld birds with legs adapted forrunning and scratching the groundwhere most of their food (as seedsor worms) is found.After a morning of hunting, Larryreturned with a pheasant, tworabbits, and a wild duck.

phenomenonn/ fESnBmETnBn /Gk > Lan observable fact or event.The civil rights movement began asa startling phenomenon to manycomplacent Americans.

pheon

phew

phial

philatelist

philatelyn/ fESlaZFlG /Gk > F[has near homonym: flatly] stampcollecting.Philately can be an excellentinexpensive hobby.

philippic

philistineadj/ SfilETstGn /Heb > Gkof, relating to, or characterized bycrass materialism and insensitivityto aesthetics.Nineteenth-century essayistsderided the English middle class asbeing vulgar and philistine.

phillumenistn/ fDSlVmEnDst /Gk > L + Ecfone who collects matchbooks ormatchbox labels.The phillumenist kept a fireextinguisher near his prizecollection.

philology

philomath

philosopher

phlebitisn/ flDSbIZDs /Gk + Lcfinflammation of a vein.If phlebitis is not treated early, ablood clot can form in the inflamedvein.

phlebotomize

phlegm

phlegmaticadj/ flegSmaZik /Gkcalm, composed, undemonstrative.Phlegmatic game-show contestantsare usually not as entertaining asthose who show excitement.

phloemn/ SflPTem /Gk > Ga complex tissue in the vascularsystem of higher plants functioningchiefly in distributing foodmaterials but also in support andstorage.Mr. Cartwright pointed out thexylem and the phloem on the newlycut tree.

phloxn/ SflBks /Gk > Lany plant of a genus of Americanherbs having red, purple, white, orvariegated flowers.Dean planted phlox along thesidewalk.

phonasthenian/ TfPnEsSthGnGE /Gkweakness or hoarseness of voice.After the football game some of thecheerleaders complained ofphonasthenia.

phosphorescev/ TfBsfESres /Gk > L > Fglow especially in the dark.Emmet’s jigsaw puzzle willphosphoresce after being exposedto a strong light source.

photogenic

photogrammetry

photograph

photophygousadj/ fPStBfEgEs /Gk + Gk + Ecfpreferring or thriving in shade.Ferns and hostas are photophygousplants often used in gardens.


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photosynthesisn/ TfPZPSsin(t)thEsDs /Gk + Gksynthesis of chemical compoundswith the aid of light.Photosynthesis in plants providesthem with necessary carbohydrates.

phraseologyn/ TfrCzGSBlEjG /Gk > Lchoice of words : vocabulary.The candidate’s carefulphraseology avoided any hint ofcontroversy.

phrasingn/ SfrCziN /Gk > Lstyle of expression : wording.In writing poetry, phrasing iscritically important.

phrenologyn/ frDSnBlEjG /Gk + Gk + Ecfthe study of the conformation of theskull as indicative of mentalfaculties and traits of character.Phrenology enjoyed great popularappeal well into the 20th centurybut has been wholly discredited byscientific research.

phylacteryn/ fDSlakt(E)rG /Gkeither of two small square leatherboxes containing slips inscribedwith scriptural passages andtraditionally worn by Jewish malesduring morning prayer.Milton explained that a phylacteryis worn as a reminder to keep thelaws of Judaism.

phylliformadj/ SfilETfOrm /Gk + Ecfhaving the shape of a leaf.Every fall, phylliform silhouettesadorn the windows of Mrs.Gaskin’s classroom.

phyllophorousadj/ fDSlBf(E)rEs /Gk + Gkproducing leaves : leaf-bearing.Softwoods come from coniferoustrees, while hardwoods come fromphyllophorous trees.

phylon

physicallyadv/ SfizDk(E)lG /Gk + Ecffin respect to the body.It was physically impossible for thecampers to hike another mile.

physician

physicistn/ SfizEsDst /Gka specialist in the science of matterand energy and their interactions.The physicist explained how a laseris used to read what is recorded ona compact disc.

physics

physiognomyn/ TfizGSB(g)nEmG /Gkthe technique or art of discoveringtemperament and character fromoutward appearance (as from facialfeatures).The artist’s careful study ofphysiognomy showed up in hisbrilliant caricatures of politicians.

physique

phytocoenosisn/ TfIZPsGSnPsDs /Gkthe whole body of plants occupyinga particular habitat.William studied the effects of acidrain on the Adirondackphytocoenosis.

phytophilousadj/ fIStBfElEs /Gk + Gk + Ecfliving or feeding on plants.The forest fire deprived manyphytophilous animals of theirhabitat and food.

pianissimo

piazzan/ pGSazE /L > Itan arcaded and roofed gallery thatoften surrounds an open court.The tourists ran to the abandonedmonastery’s piazza when the rainstarted pouring down.

pican/ SpIkE /ML[has homonym: pika] a size of typeequivalent to 12 point.Part of Katie’s proofreading jobwas to add another line of pica topages that had enough space.

picaresqueadj/ TpikESresk /Sprelating to or being a type of prosefiction in which the principalcharacter is a rogue or vagabondand the narrative is a series ofincidents or episodes.In a typical picaresque novel, thehero has many adventures.

picayuneadj/ TpikGSyVn /L > Prov > Fof little value : paltry, measly.The other players chided thehalfback for his picayunecontribution to the team.


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piccalillin/ SpikETlilG /unknowna relish of chopped vegetables andpungent spices.Wanda put a dab of piccalilli in hertuna salad.

piccatan/ pDSkBZE /F > Itthin slices of meat (as veal) sautéedand served in a lemon and buttersauce.Julia served veal piccata andasparagus at Jack’s birthdaydinner.

piccolo

picklev/ SpikEl /D? > E[has homonyms: pickel, picol,picul, pikel, pikol] steep in asolution of salt or vinegar forpreservation.Every year, the Johnsons pickleenough onions to give a jar toeveryone in the neighborhood.

picnicking

pictorialism

picturesque

pidann/ pGSdBn /Chinese[has near homonym: piton] duckeggs preserved in brine to whichlime, ashes, and tea are added.Art’s grandmother makes authenticpidan.

piecemealadv/ SpGTsmG(E)l /Gaulish > L > F > E + Eone piece at a time : little by little.The magazine published the novelpiecemeal for several weeks.

piety

pigeonn/ SpijEn /L > F > E[has homonym: pidgin] a birdhaving a stout body with rathershort legs and smooth and compactplumage.A pigeon fluttered about the eavesof the old barn.

pignorate

pilastern/ pDSlastE(r) /Gk > L > It > Fan upright architectural memberthat is structurally a verticalsupport but architecturally treatedas a column that usually partiallyprojects from the wall and may beload-bearing or merely applied assurface decoration.The architect explained thatbecause the pilaster was merely adecoration, removing it for theroom’s renovation would bepermissible.

pillar

pilloryn/ SpilErG /F > Ea device formerly used for thepublic punishment of wrongdoersthat consists of a wooden framewith holes in which the head andhands can be locked.Pam took a snapshot of Julianstanding by a pillory in thereconstructed colonial village.

piloncillon/ TpGlPnSsG(T)(y)P /Spunrefined sugar especially whenmolded into cones or sticks.Rosita grated piloncillo into a bowlof custard.

pinioned

pinnaclen/ SpinDkEl /La lofty mountain peak.The clouds obscured the pinnaclefrom the view of those in the valleybelow.

pinnigradeadj/ SpinETgrCd /Lwalking by means of fins orflippers.The seal and the walrus arepinnigrade animals.

pinocytosis

pintle

pioneeradj/ TpIESni(E)r /Fof, relating to, or characteristic ofearly settlers or their time.Julie worked last summer in arestored pioneer village.

piousadj/ SpIEs /Ldevout.The pious Jewish historian saw inIsrael’s exile God’s punishment forsin.

piquancyn/ SpGkEnsG /F + Ecfthe quality of being agreeablystimulating to the palate :pleasantly tart.Colette especially liked thepiquancy of Cajun cuisine.

piquedv/ pGkt /F[has homonyms: peaked, peeked]excited or aroused by aprovocation, challenge, or rebuff.The envelope sealed with sealingwax piqued Helen's curiosity.


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pirouetten/ TpirESwet /Fa full turn on the toe or ball of onefoot in ballet.The pirouette is one of the moststriking movements in a dancer’srepertoire.

piscatorial

pistachion/ pDSstashGTP /Gk > L > Itthe edible green seed of a small treeof southern Europe and AsiaMinor.Patricia placed a pistachio on eachparfait.

pistonn/ SpistEn /L > It > Fthe part of an engine that is forcedback and forth inside a cylinder dueto combustion.Kyle learned to identify a piston inthe automobile repair class.

pitcher

piteousadj/ SpiZGEs /Earousing or deserving pity orcompassion.The piteous kitten stood shiveringin the snow.

pitiable

piton

pittancen/ SpitFn(t)s /L > F > Ea usually small often barelysufficient portion, amount, orallowance.Gloria was tired of working longhours for a pittance.

pityriasisn/ TpiZESrIEsDs /Gkone of several skin diseases markedby the formation and peeling ofscales.Uncle Nick’s pityriasis preventshim from sleeping well.

pivotn/ SpivEt /L > Fa person or thing on or aroundwhich something turns or depends :central point.The pivot of controversy isRoberta’s questionable handling ofpublic funds.

pivotally

pizzerian/ TpGtsESrGE /L > It + ItcfAn establishment (as a bakery,restaurant, shop) whera pizzas aremade and sold.Hank waited tables in the pizzeriaon weekends.

pizzicatoadv/ TpitsDSkBZ(T)P /Itplayed by plucking with thefingers.The score called for the violins toplay the passage pizzicato.

placable

placatory

placebo

placetn/ SplCsDt /Lan expression of approval or voteof assent.The commander got the placet ofthe other generals for his coupd’etat.

plagiarism

plagiarizev/ SplCjETrIz /L + Ecfpresent as new and original an ideaor product derived from an existingsource.Simon knew that it would be betternot to turn in an essay at all than toplagiarize.

plaintiffn/ SplCntDf /L > F > E[has near homonym: plaintive] onewho commences a personal actionor lawsuit to obtain a remedy for aninjury to one’s rights.The plaintiff was suing the hospitalfor negligence because he sufferedbacterial infection after surgery.

planetarium

plangi

plantar

planxty

plasticize

platinum

platypusn/ SplaZEpEs /Gka small egg-laying aquatic mammalof southern and eastern Australiaand Tasmania having a fleshy billresembling that of a duck, denseblackish brown fur, five-toedwebbed feet, and a broad flattenedtail.Cindy has asked for a pet platypusfor her birthday.

plauditory

plaustral


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playwrightn/ SplCTrIt /E + Ea person who writes a compositionarranged for enactment (as byactors on a stage) and intended toportray life or character or to tell astory through the actions andusually dialogue of the enactors.The playwright based his drama onthe struggles between gangs in theghetto.

pleach

pleiadn/ SplGEd /Gk > F[has near homonym: plead] agroup of illustrious or brilliantpersons or things usually seven innumber.The maestro named a pleiad ofpianists who were once his pupils.

plenilunen/ SplGnETlVn /L > Ethe time of full Moon.Zeke will begin planting after theplenilune.

plenipotentiary

pleonasmn/ SplGETnazEm /Gkiteration or repetition in speakingor in writing : the use of morewords than those necessary todenote mere sense.Mr. Miller gave the phrase truefacts as an example of a pleonasmto be avoided.

plethoran/ SplethErE /Gkexcess, profusion.The jury retired to consider theplethora of evidence presented incourt.

pleurisyn/ SplUrEsG /Gk > L > F > Einflammation of the membranelining the chest cavity andenveloping the lungs.Pleurisy, causing fluid toaccumulate in Zachary’s chestcavity, further complicated hispneumonia.

pleustonn/ SplVstEn /Gksmall but macroscopic floatingorganisms that form mats or layerson or near the surface of a body ofwater.The mat of pleuston floating in theswamp consists mostly of greenalgae.

plexusn/ SpleksEs /Lan intricately interwovencombination of elements or parts ina cohering structure.The transportation board carefullymapped out the plexus of commuterpaths across the city.

plovern/ SplEvE(r) /L > F > Eany of numerous shore-inhabitingbirds having a short hard-tipped billand a stout compact build.Taylor could see that the plovercircling over the tennis court hadspotted upper plumage.

pluckyadj/ SplEkG /E + Ecfhaving or marked by courage :spirited, brave, resolute.Henry was plucky enough to getback on his bicycle although he hadjust fallen for the seventh time.

plumagen/ SplVmij /L > F > Ethe entire clothing of feathers of abird.The plumage of the male peacock ismore colorful than that of thefemale.

plummet

pluralityn/ plVSralEZG /La number of votes cast for acandidate in a contest of more thantwo candidates that is greater thanthe number cast for any othercandidate but not more than halfthe total votes cast.Because all three candidates havestrong voter support, the number ofvotes cast for the winner willprobably be a plurality, not amajority.

plutologyn/ plVStBlEjG /Gk + Gkthe scientific study of wealth :theoretical economics.Jeremy is using his expertise inplutology to study emergingdemocracies.

pluvioscopen/ SplVvGETskPp /L + Gk > Lrain gauge.Johnny ordered a pluvioscope fromthe scientific catalog.

pneumaticadj/ n(y)VSmaZik /Gk[has homonym: neumatic] adaptedfor holding compressed air :inflated with air.The development of the pneumatictire was a major advance for thebicycle.

pneumatography


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poetastern/ SpPDZTastE(r) /La writer of worthless or inferiorverses.The poetaster spewed out poemafter poem, each worse than thelast.

pogonipn/ SpBgETnip /Paiutea dense winter fog containingfrozen particles that is formed indeep mountain valleys of thewestern United States.The dense pogonip leaves a sheathof frost crystals on every shrub andblade of grass.

poignantadj/ SpOin(y)Ent /L > F > Epainfully sharp with regard to thefeelings : piercing, keen.Emma’s distress was not poignantenough to keep her from fallingasleep, and she awoke feelingsomewhat more hopeful.

poincianan/ TpOin(t)sGSanE /F name + Lcfan ornamental tropical tree or shrubhaving bright orange or redflowers.While in southern Florida, Jakewas impressed by the fiery flowersof the poinciana.

poinsettian/ pOinSseZGE /American namea showy Mexican and SouthAmerican plant with taperingscarlet petallike leaves thatsurround small yellow flowers.The delivery woman brought apoinsettia to Karen’s door.

poise

poisedadj/ SpOizd /L > F > E + Ecfmarked by easy composure ofmanner or bearing.The poised skater performed herroutine with great precision andself-assurance.

poisonousadj/ SpOiz(F)nEs /L > F > E + Ecfhaving the qualities or effects of atoxin.The mushrooms looked and tastedgreat but were devastatinglypoisonous.

polemicadj/ pESlemik /Gkof, relating to, or of the nature of acontroversial discussion orargument.Try as he might, Rupert could notprevent the conversation fromturning into a polemic debate.

polemologyn/ (T)pPlESmBlEjG /Gk + Gk > Ethe study of war.In polemology, military and navalstrategies are studied anddiscussed.

poliomyelitisn/ TpPlGPTmIESlIZDs /Gkan acute infectious viral diseasecharacterized by fever, motorparalysis, and atrophy of skeletalmuscles often with permanentdisability and deformity.Up to about 40 years ago,poliomyelitis often meant a lifetimeon crutches or in an iron lung.

poliosisn/ TpPlGSPsDs /Gkloss of color from the hair.One of the effects of the diseasewas poliosis.

politessen/ TpBlEStes /L > Fformal and cultivated politeness.The ambassador greatly enjoyedthe diplomatic world of pomp andpolitesse.

pollenn/ SpBlEn /Lthe fine, dustlike mass of grainsproduced by seed plants.Many hay fever sufferers arebothered by ragweed pollen.

pollutantn/ pESlVtFnt /Lany substance that makes the air orwater impure or unclean.Ethylene gas is a pollutantassociated with industrialmanufacturing and automobileexhaust.

pollute

poltergeistn/ SpPltE(r)TgIst /Ga noisy and usually mischievousghost.Our favorite Halloween story isabout a poltergeist who tormentedthe tenants of a house in whichthere had previously been amurder.

poltroon

polychrest


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polychromaticadj/ TpBlGkrPSmaZik /Gkshowing a variety or a change ofcolors : multicolored.It is not unusual for people to driveby Sarah’s house simply to admireits polychromatic brickwork.

polydactylyn/ TpBlGSdaktElG /Gk + Gkthe condition of having more thanthe normal number of toes orfingers.The Ernest Hemingway Home andMuseum on Key West is home toapproximately 60 cats, about halfof which exhibit polydactyly.

polygamous

polyphagismn/ pESlifETjizEm /Gkthe habit of feeding on a variety ofplants or animals.By feeding various kinds of foods tothe insects, the researcher coulddiscover which ones exhibitedpolyphagism.

polysyllabicadj/ TpBlGsDSlabik /Gk > L + Ecfhaving three or usually four ormore units of spoken language.Martha often uses polysyllabicwords to impress her teachers.

pomaceous

pomaden/ pESmBd /L > It > Fa perfumed ointment.Mr. Underwood was partial tosweet-smelling pomade.

pomegranaten/ SpBm(E)TgranDt /L > F > E + La thick-skinned several-celledreddish berry that is about the sizeof an orange and has many seeds ina crimson acid pulp.The bright red splotches on Julia’shands testified to her having eatena pomegranate.

pomologicaladj/ TpPmESlBjDkEl /Gk > Lof or relating to the science of thecultivation of fruits.Certainly in the pomological sense,one bad apple eventually spoils thewhole bunch.

pompadourn/ SpBmpETdP(E)r /F namea man’s style of hairdressing inwhich the hair is combed back soas to stand up straight.Chuck spent an hour in front of themirror preening his pompadour.

pompous

pontificalibus

pontificatev/ pBnStifETkCt /Ldeliver oracular utterances ordogmatic opinions.Randy proceeded to pontificate forfive minutes on the dangers oflistening to loud music.

populous

porcelainn/ SpPrs(E)lDn /L > It > F[has near homonym: purslane] ahard, fine-grained, white ceramicware that has a hard paste body, isfired at a high temperature, and isused especially for table andornamental wares.Many old houses have doorknobsmade of porcelain.

porcine

porphyryn/ SpO(r)fErG /Gk > Lan Egyptian rock consisting offeldspar crystals embedded in adark red or purple groundmassmuch used by the ancient Romans.At the archaeological dig Carlounearthed a broken urn made ofporphyry.

porpoisen/ SpOrpEs /L > F > Ea small, friendly whale with teethand a short, rounded snout and thatsomewhat resembles a dolphin.Miles saw a porpoise at theaquarium.

porridgen/ SpOrij /F > Ea soft food made by boiling grainsor legumes in milk or water untilthick.The campers were extremelyhungry, and each consumed a largebowl of porridge.

porringer


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portcullisn/ pPrtSkElDs /F > Ea large grating of iron bars or heavytimbers suspended by chains overthe gateway of a fortified place andlowered between grooves toprevent passage.The guard quickly lowered theportcullis after the king and hisknights had passed through thegate.

portentousadj/ TpOrStentEs /Lof, relating to, or constitutingsomething that foreshadows acoming event : ominous.Oliver’s dream proved portentous.

portiere

portmanteaun/ pPrtSmant(T)P /L > Fa large traveling bag.The clown removed an enormouspumpkin from his portmanteau.

portraiture

possessedv/ pESzest /Linfluenced or controlled bysomething (as an evil spirit or apassion).During the race the winning horseran as if he were possessed by ademon.

possessor

possetv/ SpBsDt /E[has near homonym: posit] pamperwith delicacies.Aunt Mimi expects everyone toposset Pedro, her chihuahua.

posternn/ SpPstE(r)n /L > F > Ea back door or gate.The thief escaped through thepostern without being detected.

posthumousadj/ SpBschEmEs /Lpublished after the death of theauthor.Ironically, the novelist’sposthumous works were his mostpopular.

postprandialadj/ TpPs(t)SprandGEl /L > Eof, relating to, or occurring in theperiod after a meal.After the huge dinner, George andBarbara decided to take a leisurelypostprandial walk.

posttensionv/ pPs(t)StenchEn /L + Lapply stress to (reinforcing steel)after concrete has set.The construction crew willposttension the steel in thecolumns.

posturen/ SpBschE(r) /Lcharacteristic position or bearing ofthe body.A dancer’s posture is as importantin ballroom dancing as it is inballet.

potamology

potassiumn/ pEStasGEm /Lan element of the alkali metalgroup.Bananas and potatoes are gooddietary sources of potassium.

potatoesn pl/ pEStCZPz /Taino > Spthe edible starchy tubers of plantsof the genus genus Solanum andspecies tuberosum.For dinner Harry made roast beefand baked potatoes.

potentaten/ SpPtFnTtCt /Lone who possesses great power orsway : ruler.Barry acts more like a potentatethan a leader in his role as classpresident.

potpourrin/ TpPpESrG /Fa jar of flower petals mixed withspices and used for scent orperfume.Stella kept a potpourri on herkitchen windowsill.

poulticen/ SpPltDs /La soft mass usually heated andspread on cloth for application toinflamed areas to supply moistwarmth, relieve pain, or act as acounterirritant.Aunt Julia’s remedy for rashes orskin problems of any sort is amustard poultice.

poultry

pourboiren/ pUrbSwBr /L > Fa tip or gratuity.When he checked out of the hotel,Jonathan left a pourboire for thechambermaid.

pourparler


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poussettev/ pVSset /Fswing in a semicircle hands joinedwith one’s partner.The caller instructed the couples topoussette before changing partners.

poussinn/ pVSsaM /L > Fa young chicken of about onepound weight for table use : a smallbroiler.Celeste was not sure how to seasonand cook a poussin, so sheconsulted a cookbook by JuliaChild.

pralinen/ SprBTlGn /F namea round patty of creamy brownsugar containing pecan meats.The praline is a favorite candy ofthe southern United States.

precaution

precedentn/ SpresEdEnt /Lsomething done or said that mayserve as an example or rule toauthorize or justify a subsequentact of the same or an analogouskind.As far as Sasha knew, the decisionto allow a girl to play on thefootball team was withoutprecedent.

precibaladj/ prGSsIbEl /Loccurring before meals.The host graciously proposed aprecibal toast to the guest of honor.

precinctn/ SprGTsiN(k)t /L > Ea part of a territory (as a city)having definite bounds or functionsand often established foradministrative purposes.In this precinct voters cast theirballots at the middle school.

preciosity

precipicen/ SpresEpDs /La very steep, perpendicular, oroverhanging place (as the face of acliff).Just looking down from theprecipice made Gloria dizzy.

precipitately

precisionist

precocious

precocityn/ prGSkBsEZG /Lexceptionally early or prematuredevelopment; especially : earlydevelopment of the mental powers.The precocity of five-year-oldStella becomes evident after just afew minutes of talking with her.

preconceive

precursorn/ prGSkErsEr /Lone that precedes another in anoffice or process : forerunner.Greek geometry was the precursorto modern calculus.

precursory

predatorn/ SpredEZE(r) /Lan animal that preys on or devoursother animals for its food.An insect may be of value becauseit is a predator on another insectthat is a pest to humans.

predecessorn/ SpredETsesE(r) /Lone who comes before in order oftime; especially : a person who haspreviously occupied a position oroffice to which another hassucceeded.The employees are hoping that thenew CEO is more labor-friendlythan his predecessor.

predestine

predilectionn/ TpredFlSekshEn /Linclination, liking, preference.Moira has a predilection forbittersweet chocolate.

preeminentadj/ TprGSemEnEnt /Lhaving paramount rank, dignity, orimportance : first, outstanding,supreme.The attorney introduced her expertwitness as the preeminentresearcher in his field.

preenv/ SprGn /Etrim or dress with or as if with thebeak or the tongue.Kitty liked to sit and preen herselfin the afternoon sun.

prefatorily

preferential


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prejudicialadj/ TprejESdishEl /L > Eleading to premature judgment orunwarranted opinion.The jury was sequestered in orderto prevent exposure to anyprejudicial material.

preliminaryn/ prDSlimEnerG /Lsomething introductory orpreparatory.As a preliminary to a video there isusually a warning regarding itsuse.

premonitionn/ TpremESnishEn /Lanticipation of an event withoutconscious reason.Yolanda had a premonition that shewould win the lottery.

prepollent

preposterous

prerogativen/ prGSrBgEZiv /La special right or privilegebelonging to a person, group, orclass of individuals.It is the prerogative of the presidentof the United States to have AirForce One at his disposal.

presage

presbyter

presciencen/ SprGsh(G)En(t)s /Lthe human faculty or quality ofbeing able to anticipate theoccurrence or nature of futureevents : foresight.In 1955 the city authorities had theprescience to set aside land for afuture park site.

prescientadj/ SprGsh(G)Ent /Lhaving foreknowledge :characterized by foresight.Carrie seemed unusually prescientas she sat smugly under herumbrella on what was once a clearafternoon.

presentientadj/ prGSsenchEnt /Lapprehensive in advance : feelingor perceiving beforehand.Kate was presentient of her lostdog’s return.

prestidigitation

prestidigitatorn/ TprestESdijETtCdE(r) /L&F&Ita performer of sleight of hand.The prestidigitator mystified thechildren by making cards appearand disappear.

presumablyadv/ prGSz(y)VmEblG /Lby reasonable assumption :probably.Mrs. Janko is presumably going tothe Christmas party this year.

pretentiousadj/ prGStenchEs /L > Fmaking or possessing claims (as ofexcellence, superiority, greatness).The pretentious candidate foundlittle support among the commonpeople.

preteritionn/ TpreZESrishEn /Lthe act or an instance of passing byor over without mention, notice, orattention.“I won’t even mention his lessercrimes,” cried the orator inpreterition.

prevalent

prevaricatev/ prGSvarETkCt /Ldeviate from the truth : speakequivocally or evasively : lie.Emmy tends to prevaricatewhenever the teacher questions herbehavior.

primaveral

primordialadj/ prISmO(r)dGEl /Lexisting at or from the beginning :first created or developed : earliest,primeval.Blake’s story depicted a creatureemerging from the primordial ooze.

principaladj/ Sprin(t)sEpEl /L[has homonym: principle] mostimportant, consequential, orinfluential.The map showed principal roads,towns and cities, and locations ofhistoric sites.

pristineadj/ SpriTstGn /Lbelonging to the earliest period orstate.The antique chest was in pristinecondition.

private


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privilegen/ Spriv(E)lij /La peculiar or personal advantage orright.Mr. Neng grants his neighbors theprivilege of fishing in his pond.

proaulionn/ prPSOlGEn /Gka portico or colonnade that opensinto the narthex of a church ortemple.Pine garlands adorned theproaulion.

proboscisn/ prPSbBsDs /Gk > Lthe flexible conspicuously longsnout of some animals; especially :the trunk of an elephant.An elephant’s proboscis cansupport great weight.

probouleutic

proceed

procellousadj/ prPSselEs /Lstormy.There are many dangers for a smallboat on a procellous sea.

proclivityn/ prPSklivEZG /Lan inclination or predispositiontoward something.After spending a couple of days inLas Vegas, Conan decided he hadno proclivity for gambling.

procrusteanadj/ prPSkrEstGEn /Gk name > Lmarked by complete disregard ofindividual differences and byviolent forcing into conformitywith something.The principal’s procrusteanattitude left no room for a studentgovernment at the school.

proctor

procumbent

procurable

prodigaladj/ SprBdDgEl /L + Ecfgiven to reckless extravagance.Victor has written a memoir of hisprodigal youth in Europe.

prodigiousadj/ prESdijEs /Lextraordinary in bulk, extent,quantity, or degree : enormous,immense.The public works crews werecomplimented for coping with thisyear’s prodigious job of snowplowing.

producible

profiterole

profligacyn/ SprBflDgEsG /Lreckless wastefulness andextravagance.Arno’s profligacy during hissophomore year caused him toforfeit his scholarship.

profuseadj/ prESfyVs /Loverly plentiful : bountiful.Buttons on the entertainer’s suitwere so profuse that not anotherone could be placed anywhere.

progenitorn/ prPSjenEZE(r) /Lan ancestor in the direct line :forefather.Tad assumed his unusual heightwas inherited from a particularlytall progenitor.

progeny

prognosisn/ prBgSnPsDs /Gkthe act or art of foretelling thecourse of a disease.Although the patient’s surgery wastouch and go, Dr. Symm’sprognosis was for completerecovery.

prognostication

prolegomenonn/ TprPlESgBmETnBn /Gka reading or group of readings orintellectual exercises leading tofurther understanding,development, or advance inknowledge or technique in asubject matter field.Dr. Taylor’s course in art historyconstituted a carefully plannedprolegomenon for students whowould be choosing art as theirmajor.

proliferation


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prolificadj/ prESlifDk /L > Foccurring or existing in largenumbers : abundant, profuse.The article’s prolific footnoteshampered rather than aided Tina’scomprehension.

prolixadj/ SprPTliks /Lgiven to verbosity and diffusenessin speaking or writing : long-winded.Quentin’s prolix style was not wellsuited to a short-answer exam.

prolusory

promenaden/ TprBmESnCd /L > Fa leisurely walk or ride especiallyin a public place for pleasure,display, or exercise.After the meeting Gilda and Jaimetook a promenade down MainStreet.

prominent

promontoryn/ SprBmEnTtPrG /La high point of land projecting intoa body of water.The architect designed a home thatblended in with the rockypromontory.

promulgatev/ SprBmElTgCt /Lmake known (as a decree, a dogma)by open declaration : proclaim.The high school principalattempted to promulgate theattendance policy many times, butthe seniors mostly ignored him.

pronounceableadj/ prESnaUn(t)sEbEl /L > F > E + Ecfcapable of being pronounced.A word that Dr. Cameron findseasily pronounceable could tie yourtongue into knots.

propaedeuticadj/ TprPpGSd(y)VZik /Gkneeded as preparation for learningor study.Reading is a propaedeutic skill.

propagandan/ TprBpESgandE /Ldissemination of ideas,information, or rumor for thepurpose of helping or injuring aninstitution, a cause, or a person.In 1941 President Rooseveltwarned that the democratic way oflife was being assailed by secretspreading of poisonouspropaganda.

propagatev/ SprBpETgCt /Lcause to spread out and affect agreater number or greater area :foster the spread of.Chris uses e-mail to propagatenews among his friends.

propensityn/ prESpen(t)sEZG /La natural inclination.Most cats have a propensity to becurious.

propinquityn/ prPSpiNkwEZG /Lnearness in place : proximity.The roots of the trees in closepropinquity to the new sidewalkwill soon ruin it.

propitiate

propitiousadj/ prESpishEs /L > Ebeing of good omen : auspicious,encouraging, favorable.Ray’s perfect score on his sciencetest was a propitious start for thenew school year.

propolisn/ SprBpElDs /Gk > La brownish resinous material ofwaxy consistency collected by beesfrom the buds of trees and used as acement.A honeycomb is constructed frombeeswax and propolis.

propositionn/ TprBpESzishEn /La project, plan, undertaking, orsituation requiring some action.The highway superintendentpresented his proposition for springstreet repair to the mayor.

proprietor

propulsion

proroguev/ prPSrPg /L > Fdefer, postpone.Parliament decided to proroguediscussion of the bill until after theelection.

prosateurn/ TprPzEStEr /L > It > Fa writer of prose.Scott’s fountain pen belonged to afamous prosateur of the 19thcentury.


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prosceniumn/ prESsGnGEm /Gkthe wall that separates the stagefrom the auditorium in a moderntheater.An apron stage juts out from theproscenium.

prosciutton/ prPSshVZ(T)P /L > Itdry-cured spiced ham.Melon slices wrapped in prosciuttomake a classic appetizer.

proselytingv/ SprBsETlItiN /Gkrecruiting members for aninstitution, team, or groupespecially by the offer of specialinducements.Though it does not engage inproselyting, the college usuallyturns out fine basketball teams.

prosodyn/ SprBsEdG /Gkthe study of versification.The prosody of Horace’s first tenodes was Humbert’s downfall onthe exam.

prospectusn/ prESspektEs /La preliminary printed statementdescribing a business or otherenterprise and distributed topotential buyers, investors, orparticipants.According to the prospectus, thescooter market increased threefoldin the last year.

prospiciencen/ prPSspishEn(t)s /Lthe act of looking forward :foresight.Qualities associated withleadership usually includeprospicience.

proteanadj/ SprPZGEn /Gk name[has near homonym: protein]readily assuming different shapesor forms.An amoeba is a protean organism.

protocoln/ SprPZETkOl /Gk + Gka rigid long-established codeprescribing complete deference tosuperior rank and strict adherenceto due order of precedence andprecisely correct procedure.Lieutenant Griffin was censured forviolating protocol after he got up inthe middle of the meal withoutexcusing himself.

protuberant

provincialadj/ prESvinchEl /Lexhibiting the ways and manners ofa province or rural district :unsophisticated.Katie’s open midwesternfriendliness was labeled“provincial” by the snooty big citydwellers.

provostn/ SprPTvPst /L > Ea high-ranking administrativeofficer of an American university.Professor Myers met with theprovost to discuss the newcurriculum.

prowessn/ SpraUDs /F > Edistinguished bravery : gallantry.The knight’s prowess on thebattlefield was surpassed only bythe king’s.

prudent

prytanis

psalmodyn/ SsB(l)mEdG /Gkthe act, practice, or art of singingsacred songs in worship.Although the New EnglandPuritans did away with churchorgans and instruments, they kepttheir psalmody.

psilanthropyn/ sISlan(t)thrEpG /Gk + Gka doctrine of the merely humanexistence of Christ.A well-known subscriber topsilanthropy was ThomasJefferson, who regarded Jesus as agreat moral teacher but not as adivine being.

psilosisn/ sISlPsDs /Gka falling out of hair.Jerome’s psilosis was a side effectof chemotherapy.

psoriasis

psychedelicadj/ TsIkESdelik /Gk + Gkvery bright in color.Kate showed Mary a psychedelicPeter Max poster she had saved asa memento of the ’60s.

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