words list wtih sentences'.pdf

2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently

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skirmishn/ SskErmish /F > Ea minor dispute or contest betweenopposing parties.Winston hopes that his skirmishwith the neighbors over his dogdoes not foreshadow a lengthyfeud.

skirretn/ SskirDt /Ar? > F > Ean Asiatic herb cultivated inEurope for its sweet edibletuberous roots.After foraging for an hour, Yanghappened on a skirret, the roots ofwhich he would boil and eat.

skittish

skoal

skookumadj/ SskVkEm /Chinookmarked by excellent quality : first-rate.Liz felt sure that the pail ofblueberries would make a skookumpie.

slalomn/ SslBlEm /Norwskiing in a zigzag or wavy coursebetween upright obstacles.Tully did the slalom down themoutainside.

slanderous

slantindicularadj/ TslantFnSdikyElE(r) /E + L > F > Esomewhat oblique.The main staircase of the newlibrary rises at a slantindicularangle to the facade.

slapstickn/ SslapTstik /G imit + Ecomedy that depends for its effecton fast, boisterous, and zanyphysical activity and horseplayoften accompanied by broad rowdyverbal humor.The Three Stooges were famous fortheir slapstick.

sleazily

sledgehammer

sleuthv/ SslVth /ON > Eact as a detective or investigator :search for information or facts.There are several game programsthat teach children how to sleuthout facts and figures on theInternet.

slobberhannes

sloganeern/ TslPgESni(E)r /Gaelica coiner or user of brief strikingphrases in advertising orpromotion.Without the sloganeer, mostcommercials would probably bedeadly dull.

slovenlyadj/ SslEvEnlG /G or Flemishnegligent of neatness and orderespecially in dress or person.He that is born under Capricornshall incline to the slovenly.

sluicen/ SslVs /L > F > Ea body of water pent up behind afloodgate.Ellen crossed the sluice in a canoe.

slumgullionn/ TslEmSgElyEn /unknown + (L > F > E)?a meat stew.The sailors protested when theywere served yet another meal ofslumgullion.

smectic

smoggyadj/ SsmBgG /(E + Scand?) > Echaracterized by or abounding in afog made heavier and darker bysmoke and chemical fumes.The smoggy atmosphere of LosAngeles aggravated Frank’sallergies.

smorgasbordn/ SsmOrgEsTbOrd /Swa luncheon or supper buffetoffering a variety of foods anddishes.Nita’s smorgasbord includedturkey and smoked salmon.

snagreln/ SsnagrDl /unknownan herb of the genus Aristolochia ofthe eastern United States.Snagrel is also called Virginiasnakeroot.

snoodn/ SsnVd /Ea net or fabric bag for confining awoman’s hair pinned or tied on atthe back of the head.Kathryn auditioned for a part in theNoel Coward play wearing a tea-length gown and snood from the1930s.


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soavementeadv/ sPTBvCSmentC /L > Itwith sweetness or smoothness : in agentle manner—used as a directionin music.The serenade was playedsoavemente by the strings.

sociableadj/ SsPshEbEl /Lenjoying companionship.The dolphin is one of the mostsociable creatures known to man.

sodality

sojournern/ SsPTjErnE(r) /F > Eone that stays as a temporaryresident.Even though he had lived there forfive years, Russell knew he wasregarded as a sojourner by theneighbors.

solacev/ SsBlDs /L[has near homonym: solus]console.When Janie learned she had failedher swimming exam, she decided tosolace herself by going out to amovie.

solatiumn/ sPSlCshGEm /Lsomething that alleviates orcompensates for suffering or loss;especially : an additional allowance(as for injured feelings).The government offered a solatiumto the families of those killed in theterrorist bombing.

solderv/ SsBdE(r) /L > F > E[has homonym: sodder] unite ormake whole by means of a meltedmetallic alloy.Jennifer’s science class learnedhow to solder wires so they couldexperiment with electrical circuits.

soldier

solecism

solecisticadj/ TsBlESsistik /Gk > Lrelating to, constituting, orinvolving an ungrammaticalcombination of words in asentence.Careful writers shun as solecisticthe use of the word like as aconjunction.

solfataran/ TsBlfEStBrE /L > Ita volcanic area or vent that yieldssulfur gases and hot vapors andrepresents a late stage of volcanicactivity.Harry noticed a rotten-egg odorcoming from a solfatara on thenorth side of the previously inactivevolcano.

solferino

solicitousadj/ sESlisEZEs /Lmanifesting or expressing concern.Dr. Turner is especially solicitoustoward his older patients.

soliloquyn/ sESlilEkwG /La discourse made by one in solitudeto oneself.At the talent contest Angelo steppedinto the spotlight and recitedHamlet’s famous soliloquy “To beor not to be, . . .”solipsismn/ SsPlDpTsizEm /Lextreme indulgence of and concernwith the self at the expense ofsocial relationships especially asexpressed in a failure of artisticcommunication.Critics accused the popular actorof solipsism.

solitairen/ SsBlETta(E)r /La card game designed for oneperson to play alone.Shelley often relaxes by playingsolitaire after everyone else hasgone to bed.

soliterraneousadj/ TsPlEtESrCnGEs /Lof or relating to Earth and the Sun.Scientists attribute the recentdrought to soliterraneous causes.

solivagantadj/ sPSlivEgEnt /Lmarked by solitary wandering.During his first semester in college,Gerry took frequent solivagantwalks around the campus.

solleretn/ TsBlESret /L > Fa flexible steel shoe forming part ofa medieval suit of armor.The curator explained that thecumbersome solleret had to beremoved to allow the knight to fighton foot.


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solmization

solonn/ SsPlEn /Gk namea wise and skillful lawgiver orstatesman.Judge Kantz is revered throughoutthe county as a solon.

solsticen/ SsBlztDs /L > F > Eone of two points on the ecliptic atwhich its distance from the celestialequator is greatest and which isreached by the Sun each year aboutJune 22nd and December 23rd.The North Pole is tilted directlytoward the Sun at the summersolstice.

solstitialadj/ sBlzStishEl /Lof or relating to the two points onthe ecliptic at which its distancefrom the celestial equator isgreatest and which is reached bythe Sun each year about June 22ndand December 23rd.Ancient myths about the eternalbattle between light and dark aretied to equinoctial and solstitialmoments in the year.

solvolysis

sombreron/ sEmSbre(T)rP /Spa high-crowned hat of felt or strawwith a very wide brim wornespecially in the Southwest and inMexico.Maria was dressed quiteexpensively, with leather bootscovering her legs and a darksombrero poised levelly on herhead.

somnambulantadj/ sBmSnambyElEnt /L + Lwalking or addicted to walkingwhile asleep.Sheila could remember nothing ofher somnambulant activities whenshe was told of them the nextmorning.

somniloquist

somnolence

sonorousadj/ SsBnErEs /Lcharacterized by full or loud soundoften with clear or rich tone,marked volume, or easy audibility.Alex’s sonorous voice made himthe clear choice to perform thereading.

soothsaying

sophisticatev/ sESfistETkCt /Gk > Lalter deceptively: adulterate.Lanny feared that someone wouldsophisticate the survey results.

sophistryn/ SsBfDstrG /Gk > Freasoning that is superficiallyplausible but actually fallacious.Larry’s masterful but irresponsiblesophistry easily convinced naïvelisteners.

Sophocleanadj/ TsBfESklGEn /Gk nameof, relating to, or characteristic ofthe Athenian tragic poet Sophoclesor his dramas.Finding a new Sophocleanfragment in the museum’s papyriwas Gunther’s claim to fame.

sophomoren/ SsBf(E)TmP(E)r /Gka student in his second year or withsecond-year standing at a college.As a sophomore, Jason wasexpected to find a one-semesterinternship in his major subject.

soporificadj/ TsBpESrifik /L > Fcausing or tending to cause sleep.The students valiantly attempted tofight off the soporific effects of thelecture.

sorbetn/ SsOrbDt /Turkish > It > F[Note: Could be confused withsherbet.] a frozen dessert madewith a mixture of fruits.Wylie ate sorbet between courses tocleanse his palate.

sorcerern/ SsO(r)s(E)rE(r) /L > Fmagician.Traveling alone in the dark, thesorcerer saw no harm in conjuringup a lamp for his convenience.

sorcery

sorghumn/ SsOrgEm /L? > Itsyrup produced by evaporating thejuice from stems of certain tropicalgrasses.Rachel likes sorghum on heroatmeal.


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sorreln/ SsOrEl /Gmc > F > E[has homonyms: saurel, soral,sorel] a light bright chestnut horseoften with white mane and tail.Ken promised to take good care ofthe sorrel his dad had bought forhim.

sortie

sortilegern/ SsO(r)ZFlijE(r) /Lone that tells fortunes; especially : aperson who for payment predictswhat are claimed to be futureevents or influences in the life ofanother.The sortileger predicted a radicalchange in Frank’s lifestyle.

soubisen/ sVSbGz /F geog namea white or brown sauce containingonions or onion puree.A sauceboat of soubiseaccompanied the roast.

soubresautn/ TsVbrESsP /L > Fa ballet jump from and a landing onboth feet in closed position.Keith demonstrated his lack ofballet prowess with an awkwardsoubresaut.

soubrette

sourdough

sousaphonen/ SsVzETfPn /Amer name + Gk > Ea large circular tuba having aflaring adjustable bell.The band director was looking forsomeone who could play thesousaphone.

soutane

souterrain

southpawn/ SsaUthTpO /E + F > Eleft-hander; specifically : a left-handed baseball pitcher.Some fans think Babe Ruth was thebest southpaw ever to play majorleague baseball.

souvenirn/ TsVvESni(E)r /L > Fsomething that serves as areminder : memento, remembrance.Moira kept a seashell as a souvenirof her trip to the ocean.

spacious

spacistorn/ SspCTsistE(r) /La high-frequency semiconductoramplifying device.The spacistor has replaced thetransistor because of its greaterability to amplify electrical energy.

spaghettin/ spESgeZG /Ita pasta made in solid strings ofsmall diameter but larger thanvermicelli.The specialty of the restaurant wasspaghetti with meat sauce.

spandex

spanglen/ SspaNgEl /Scand > Ea small object that brightly reflectslight.The packrat ran out into the roadto pick up the glittering spangle.

spaniel

spatiotemporaladj/ TspCshG(T)PStemp(E)rEl /Lhaving the quality of somethingthat is at once extended andenduring.The philosopher pointed out thattwo things cannot coexist in onespatiotemporal point.

spatterdock

spatulan/ SspachElE /La flat thin flexible dull-edgedusually metal implement usedespecially for spreading or mixingsoft substances, scooping, orlifting.With batter on his face and aspatula in his fist, Casey smiled forhis mom and her camera.

speciesn pl/ SspG(T)shGz /La category of biologicalclassification ranking immediatelybelow a genus or subgenus.The housefly belongs to the genusMusca and the species domestica.

speciesismn/ SspG(T)s(h)GTzizEm /L + Ecfprejudice or discrimination basedon species; especially :discrimination against animals.Some animal rights activists go sofar as to claim that swatting a fly isan act of speciesism.

specimenn/ SspesEmDn /La particular single item, part,aspect, or incident that is typicaland indicative of the nature,character, or quality of others in thesame class or group.At the museum Ken and Allison sawan excellent specimen of a moonrock.


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speciousadj/ SspGshEs /Lsuperficially fair, just, or correct,but not so in reality.Only after the candidate waselected was the actual truth of herspecious claims exposed.

spectraladj/ SspektrEl /Lof, like, or relating to adisembodied spirit, apparition, orghost.Galloping toward him was aspectral rider on horseback.

spectrumn/ SspektrEm /La series of images formed when abeam of light is subjected todispersion.The specialty store carried aspectrum of ties to suit any man’staste.

speleologistn/ TspGlGSBlEjDst /Gk > L > ISVa specialist in the scientific study orsystematic exploration of caves.Dale’s work as a speleologist takeshim to spectacular natural featuresaround the world.

speleothemn/ SspGlGETthem /Gk > L > ISV + Gka cave deposit or formation.Receding waters have left aspeleothem of carbonate on thecavern floor.

spelunkingn/ spDSlENkiN /Ethe hobby or practice of exploringcaves.Spelunking is a popular activity ineastern Kentucky.

sphagnumn/ SsfagnEm /Gk > Lany plant of a large genus ofatypical mosses that grow only invery wet acid areas where theiraccumulated remains becomecompacted with other plant debristo form peat.A large patch of sphagnum grew inthe bog by the police station.

sphericaladj/ SsfirDkEl /Gk > L + Ecflike a sphere : globular.Linda suspected that the sphericalrock she found was a geode.

spheterizev/ SsfeZETrIz /Gktake for one’s own : appropriate.The invading army proceeded tospheterize the villagers’ privateproperty.

sphinxn/ SsfiN(k)s /Gk > La monster in Greek mythologyhaving typically a lion’s body,wings, and the head and bust of awoman.According to Greek legend, thesphinx of Thebes would pose ariddle to a passerby and then killthat person if he or she could notanswer it.

spiedinon/ TspGESdG(T)nP /Gmc > F > Ita dish of meat rolled around afilling or minced and formed intoballs, then usually batter-dippedand cooked on a skewer.The chef grilled a spiedino of beefon a charcoal grill.

spinescentadj/ spISnesFnt /Ltapering to a sharp rigid point.The fish Homer caught had twospinescent fins.

spinetn/ SspinDt /L > Ita compactly built upright piano ofreduced height and usually reducedkeyboard suitable for limited space.Percival didn’t have room for afull-size piano in his studioapartment, so he bought a spinet.

spinnakern/ SspinDkE(r) /unknowna large triangular sail set on a longlight pole and used when runningbefore the wind.The spinnaker on Diane’s boat iscardinal red.

spiraclen/ SspirEkEl /Lone of the breathing pores found onthe thorax and abdomen of aninsect.The muscular valve of a spiracleopens only to allow the uptake ofoxygen and the escape of carbondioxide.

spiritual

splendent

splenectomize

spleneticadj/ splDSneZik /Gk > Lmarked by morose bad temper,sullen malevolence, or spiteful,peevish anger.The splenetic critic gave themusical a scathing review.

spoliation


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spondylitisn/ TspBndESlIZDs /Gk > Linflammation of the vertebrae.Jewel’s back pain was caused byspondylitis.

spongicolous

sponson

spontaneityn/ TspBntESnGEZG /Lthe quality or state of beingunconstrained or impulsive.Brian has always liked to stick to aschedule, but lately he has shownmore spontaneity than usual.

spontaneousadj/ spBnStCnGEs /Lproceeding from natural feeling ornative tendency without externalconstraint.His employee’s spontaneousobedience made Tim’s jobpleasant.

spoonerismn/ SspVnETrizEm /E namea transposition of usually initialsounds of two or more words thatgenerally creates a comic effect.Vivian was afraid that she wouldutter a spoonerism in herrecitation.

sporadically

sporogenousadj/ spESrBjEnEs /Gk > Lproducing or adapted to theproduction of minute unicellularreproductive bodies.The botany class studied thedevelopment of the fern’ssporogenous tissue.

sporrann/ SspBrEn /ScotGaela large pouch of skin with the hairor fur on that is worn in front of thekilt by Highlanders in full dress andused as a purse.Angus picked up a quarter and putit in his sporran.

springerlen/ Ss(h)priNErlE /Ga thick hard cookie usually flavoredwith anise and impressed with arelief design and traditionally eatenat Christmas in German-speakingcountries.Klaus broke his tooth on a stalespringerle.

spur

spurious

squadron

squalidadj/ SskwBlDd /Lmarked by filthiness anddegradation usually from neglect.The squalid tenement building wascondemned and scheduled fordemolition.

squaliformadj/ SskwClETfOrm /L > Eresembling a shark or dogfish inform.While scuba diving, Mikeencountered a group of curioussqualiform fish.

squeamishadj/ SskwGmish /AF > Einclined to become nauseated :queasy.Pat is squeamish when it comes torides at the fair.

squelchv/ Sskwelch /imitmove with water or mud in one’sshoes and produce a sucking orsplashing sound.After playing in mud puddles all theway home, Frances tried to squelchquietly to her room without gettingcaught by her mother.

squirreln/ SskwEr(E)l /Gk > L > F > Eany of various widely distributedsmall to medium-sized rodents thathave a bushy tail and long stronghind limbs.On the trunk of the tree, a brownsquirrel was clinging and watchingthe boy below.

stabilimeter

stable

staccatoadj/ stESkBZ(T)P /F > Itmarked by short clear-cut playingor singing of tones or chords.Marcia’s piano teacher told her topractice the etude’s staccatopassage several minutes each day.

stagnantadj/ SstagnEnt /Lhaving undergone physical changeswhile standing; especially :impaired in flavor, odor, or textureby such changes.Josh stood still in disbelief afterKevin pushed him into the stagnantwater of the ditch.

stalactiten/ stESlakTtIt /Gka deposit of calcium carbonateresembling an icicle hanging fromthe roof or sides of a cavern.It takes hundreds of years for astalactite to form.


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stalagmiten/ stESlagTmIt /Gka deposit of crystalline calciumcarbonate more or less like aninverted stalactite formed on thefloor of a cave.A gigantic stalagmite blocked thespelunker’s path.

stalwartadj/ SstOlwE(r)t /Ebrave, valiant, resolute.The new musical comedy is basedon the story of Robin Hood and hisstalwart companions.

staminan/ SstamEnE /Lstrength or courage of conviction :staying power.The elderly senator doubted that hehad the stamina to last throughanother election campaign.

stamnos

stampeden/ stamSpGd /Gmc > Spa wild headlong rush or flight of anumber of animals usually due tofright.The lightning strike caused a cattlestampede.

stanchionn/ SstanchEn /L > Fan upright bar, post, prop, brace, orsupport.When Oliver lost control of his car,it swerved and hit a traffic-lightstanchion.

stanniferousadj/ staSnif(E)rEs /Celt > Lcontaining tin.In Spain, Italy, and the Middle Eastpottery is sometimes covered with awhite stanniferous glaze as a basefor other decoration.

stannousadj/ SstanEs /Lof, relating to, or containing tin—used especially of compounds inwhich this element is bivalent.In geology class Syadi wassurprised to learn that cassiterite,the principal ore of tin, is notconsidered stannous.

stanzaicaladj/ TstanSzCikEl /L > Itrelating to or consisting of groupsof lines arranged together in arecurring pattern of metricallengths and usually a sequence ofrhymes.Kerri prefers poetry with a morestanzaical form.

stapes

staticallyadv/ SstaZDk(E)lG /Gk > Lin stable or unchanging terms.Alan's problem was that he alwaysviewed problems statically.

stationaryadj/ SstCshETnerG /L[has homonym: stationery] fixed ina place, position, course, or mode.The clerk calmly remained in astationary position.

stationeryn/ SstCshETnerG /L > F > E[has homonym: stationary]materials (as paper, pens, pencils,ink, blankbooks, ledgers, andcards) for writing or typing.Claudia complained that justbefore the beginning of everyschool year the office stationerybegan to disappear.

statisticiann/ TstaZDSstishEn /L > Gone versed in or engaged incompiling masses of numericaldata.Jamie’s career as a statisticianbegan with following baseballscores.

statisticsn pl/ stEStistiks /La science dealing with thecollection, analysis, interpretation,and presentation of masses ofnumerical data.Our state has lost some of its votingclout because of statistics reportedby the U.S. Census Bureau.

statuesqueadj/ TstachESwesk /L > F > E + F > Ecfhaving a massive dignity orimpressiveness : majestic.A statuesque sculpture stood in thetown square.

steadily

stearic

steatogenous

steeple

stegosaur


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steinkernn/ Ss(h)tInTkern /Ga fossil consisting of a stony massthat entered a hollow natural object(as a bivalve shell) in the form ofmud or sediment, was consolidated,and remained as a cast afterdissolution of the mold.For show-and-tell, Rose brought ina steinkern she had found at thebeach.

stellaradj/ SstelE(r) /Lof, relating to, or derived from thestars.Rapid stellar rotation can modifythe structure of a star’satmosphere.

stenographern/ stDSnBgrEfE(r) /Gk + Gkone who is employed chiefly totake and transcribe dictation.Sergeant Fitzpatrick called in astenographer to record thesuspect’s confession.

stentorophonic

steppen/ Sstep /Russ[has homonym: step] one of thevast tracts in southeastern Europeor Asia that are usually level andwithout forests.The tourists explored the steppe insearch of exotic wildlife.

stereotype

sternutationn/ TstErnyEStCshEn /Lthe act, fact, or noise of sneezing.Pat’s sternutation was so frequentand loud that his office mate askedto be transferred to anotherdepartment.

stertorousadj/ SstErZErEs /Lcharacterized by a harsh snoring orgasping sound.While asleep in his easy chair,Uncle Max would give a start everyfew minutes, briefly awakened byhis own stertorous breathing.

stethoscopen/ SstethETskPp /Gk > Fan instrument used for the detectionand study of sounds within thebody.Heard through a stethoscope, therumbling of the stomach can soundlike a storm at sea.

stevedoren/ SstGvETdP(E)r /L > Spone who works at or is responsiblefor the loading or unloading of aship in port.The stevedore returned to the shipafter dining at his favorite docksiderestaurant.

stewardessn/ Sst(y)VE(r)dDs /Ea woman who attends to the needsof passengers (as on an airplane,ship, or train).When addressed as stewardess,Emily requested that she be calleda flight attendant.

sthenicadj/ Ssthenik /Gkmarked by excessive vitality ornervous energy.Fido’s sthenic symptoms finallysubsided.

stiflev/ SstIfEl /F > Ekill by smothering : asphyxiate.Smoke can stifle a person in a shortperiod of time.

stimulus

stipendn/ SstITpend /La fixed sum of money typicallymodest in amount that is paidperiodically in compensation forservices.The university gave ProfessorBarrett a stipend for his lectureseries.

stirrup

stochasticadj/ stESkastik /Gklacking or seeming to lack a regularplan, purpose, or pattern.Vince programmed the computer tocreate a stochastic series ofnumbers.

stoically

stolkjaerre

stollenn/ Ss(h)tPlEn /G[has homonym: stolen] a sweetyeast bread containing fruits andnuts, usually made in a long ovalloaf.Henrietta found a recipe for stollenin her German cookbook.

strabismusn/ strESbizmEs /Gk > Linability of one eye to attainbinocular vision with the otherbecause of imbalance of theextrinsic eye muscles.Corrective surgery was performedto remedy Herman’s strabismus.


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straitenv/ SstrCtFn /L > F > E[has homonym: straighten] causeto suffer or ebb by reason ofinsufficient funds : reduce (asoneself) to poverty.With the generous university grant,Joanne’s family would not have tostraiten itself to provide theeducation she desired.

strangulatev/ SstraNgyETlCt /Lcompress the windpipe of untildeath results from stoppage ofrespiration.Many nonvenomous snakesstrangulate their prey.

stratagemn/ SstraZDjDm /Gka cleverly contrived trick or schemefor gaining an end.Barb was disappointed that hermother saw through her stratagemfor staying out past curfew.

strategist

strathspeyn/ SstrathTspC /Scot geog namea Scottish dance similar to butslower than the reel.The highland fling is one exampleof a dance in the manner of thestrathspey.

stratocirrusn/ TstraZPSsirEs /La low dense fairly uniform cloudformation.The meteorologist predicted aheavy cover of stratocirrus for theweekend.

strength

strephosymbolian/ Tstre(T)fPTsimSbPlGE /Gkreversal or transposition of phrases,words, or letters or of any symbolsespecially in reading.Because of his strephosymbolia,Ryan was diagnosed as having alearning disorder.

strepitousadj/ SstrepEZEs /Lcharacterized or accompanied bymuch noise.The playoff game was a strepitousevent.

streptomycinn/ TstreptPSmIsFn /Gkan antibiotic organic base activeagainst many bacteria and usedespecially in the treatment ofinfections (as tuberculosis) bygram-negative bacteria.Streptomycin was the first drug toprove effective againsttuberculosis.

streusel

streuselkuchenn/ SstrVsElTkVkEn /Gcoffee cake that is baked with atopping of a crumbly mixture ofbutter, sugar, and flour andsometimes nuts and spices.Mrs. Messer, our neighbor, alwaysbakes her family a streuselkuchenfor the holidays.

stricturen/ SstrikchE(r) /Lan abnormal narrowing of a tubularorgan : constriction.The stricture of Lucy’s throat wascaused by an allergic reaction to abee sting.

stridentadj/ SstrIdFnt /Lmarked by insistent, discordant,harsh, shrill, or grating noise orsound.Mary-Ellen’s fingernails produceda strident sound as she drew themacross the blackboard.

strigiln/ SstrijDl /Lan instrument usually of metal orivory used by the ancient Greeksand Romans for scraping the skinespecially after athletic exercises.Damocles appreciated receiving astrigil personalized with hisinitials.

stringentadj/ SstrinjEnt /Lmarked by rigor, strictness, orseverity.Stringent regulations have helpedcurb environmental pollution.

stroganoffadj/ SstrOgETnOf /Russ namesliced thin and cooked in a sauce ofmeat stock, sour cream, onion, andcondiments.Erica prepared beef stroganoff forthe mayor’s visit.

strongylid

strophulusn/ SstrBfyElEs /Gka rash in infants popularlyassociated with teething distress.The pediatrician prescribed anointment for our baby’s strophulus.


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strudeln/ Ss(h)trVdFl /Ga sheet of paper-thin dough rolledup with any of various fillings andbaked.The flight attendant served thecoach passengers a light breakfastof coffee, juice, and strudel.

strychninen/ SstrikTnIn /Gka very poisonous bitter crystallinealkaloid obtained from variousplants.Strychnine is a popular poison inmurder mystery novels.

stubborn

studiousadj/ Sst(y)VdGEs /Lof, relating to, or concerned withthe application of the mentalfaculties to the acquisition ofknowledge.Pam is the most studious pupil inMr. Ramsey’s class.

stultiloquencen/ TstElStilEkwEn(t)s /L + Lsenseless or silly talk : babble.Myra soon broke her vow never toresort to stultiloquence whencommunicating with her baby.

stupefyv/ Sst(y)VpETfI /Lblunt or deaden the faculties ofperception and understanding of.Bright headlights will often stupefya deer and cause it to standmotionless in the path of anoncoming vehicle.

stupendousadj/ st(y)VSpendEs /Lof amazing size or greatness.The construction of Khufu’spyramid was a stupendousaccomplishment for the ancientEgyptians.

sturgeon

stygianadj/ Sstij(G)En /Gk namecharacteristic of death.A black robe, a papier-mâchésickle, and some grayish makeupcompleted Sean’s stygianHalloween costume.

stylebook

stypticadj/ Sstiptik /Gktending to arrest bleeding.Kenneth had to apply a stypticagent to his chin where he cuthimself while shaving.

suable

suasibleadj/ SswCsEbEl /Lcapable of being induced into somemental position : easily brought tobelief, certainty, or conviction.When it comes to trying new foods,Ming is the least suasible memberof her family.

suavity

subalternadj/ sESbOltE(r)n /Linferior in status or quality :subordinate.Julia is disappointed with hersubaltern role in the school play.

subaqueousadj/ TsEbSCkwGEs /Lbeing or found under water orbeneath the surface of water.Bartley rented a glass-bottomedboat to get a better look at thesubaqueous fauna.

subbasement

subborealadj/ sEbSbPrGEl /Lvery cold : approaching the frigid.Hope grew up in Florida and findsit very difficult to live in what shecalls the “subboreal climate” ofMinnesota.

subfulgentadj/ TsEbSfUljEnt /Lmoderately lustrous.The silver platter in Mary’s antiqueshop was battered but still had asubfulgent gleam.

subfuscous

subjugatev/ SsEbjETgCt /Lbring under the yoke of power ordominion.The love of acquisition andconquest are powers of destructionwhen used to subjugate one personto another.

submersibleadj/ sEbSmErsEbEl /L + Ecfcapable of functioning under water.The earliest designs forsubmersible vehicles date toantiquity.


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subornv/ sESbO(E)rn /L > Finduce (as a person) byunderhanded means to do someimproper or unlawful thing.The sting operation exposed Mr.Underwood’s attempts to subornthe city treasurer.

subridentadj/ TsESbrIdFnt /Lwearing or offered with a smile.Eilene’s subrident answer beliedthe furious feelings she had towardthe questioner.

subscriber

subservientadj/ (T)sEbSsErvHEnt /Lsubordinate.In ancient Rome, wives werelegally subservient.

subsidiaryadj/ (T)sEbSsidGTerG /Lof secondary importance orprominence.Marge’s role was subsidiary, buther first-rate performance stole theshow.

subsistencen/ sEbSsistEn(t)s /La mode of obtaining the necessitiesof life : livelihood.Mr. Ellis preaches to his studentsthat a good education goes far toensure a respectable subsistence.

substituten/ SsEbztETtVt /La person who takes the place of oracts for another.When Donald fouled out of thebasketball game, the coach decidedto send in a substitute who hadbeen warming the bench for weeks.

subterfugen/ SsEbtE(r)TfyVj /Ldeception by trickery or stratagemto conceal, escape, avoid, or evade.George’s experience in subterfugeis mostly in cryptography.

subterranean

subtlenessn/ SsEZFlnDs /L > F > E + Ecfthe quality or state of being delicateor elusive.The subtleness of the almondcustard eluded Mr. Denson.

succedent

successor

succinctadj/ sEkSsiN(k)t /Lmarked by brief and compactexpression or by lack ofunnecessary words and details.Sandy’s succinct answers do notsatisfy those who question him.

succorancen/ SsEkE(r)rEn(t)s /L > F > Edependence.Harold took measures to reduce hissuccorance on nasal decongestants.

succotashn/ SsEkETtash /Algonquiana mixture of lima beans or shellbeans and kernels of corn cookedtogether.Even though Thelma likes bothcorn and lima beans, she isn’t fondof succotash.

succulence

succulentadj/ SsEkyElEnt /Lfull of juice : juicy.Perry wiped his mouth with hissleeve after he bit into the succulentpeach.

succumbv/ sESkEm /Lyield and cease to resist or contendbefore a superior strength,overpowering appeal or desire, orinexorable force.Joanie found it impossible not tosuccumb to her drowsiness.

succumbence

sudaderon/ TsVdESde(T)rP /L > Spa broad piece (as of leather)attached to a stirrup strap to protecta rider’s leg from sweat.Before mounting his horse, thecowboy checked to see that eachsudadero was properly attached.

suddenness

sudoriferousadj/ TsVdESrif(E)rEs /Lproducing or conveying sweat.Cycling and running aresudoriferous forms of exercise.

suede

s


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uerten/ Sswer(T)tC /L > Spa skilled movement or pass in abullfight.The crowd cheered as the toreadordemonstrated a dangerous suerte.

sufficev/ sESfIs /Lbe enough : meet or satisfy a need.One teaspoonful of salt will sufficefor the stew.

sufficientlyadv/ sESfishEntlG /L + Ecfin a manner marked by quantity,scope, power, or quality to meetwith the demands, wants, or needsof a situation.The number of books printedsufficiently filled the back orders.

sufflaminatev/ sESflamETnCt /Lobstruct, impede.Because Tim said not having acomputer would sufflaminate hisprogress, his parents relented andbought him one.

suffocatev/ SsEfETkCt /Ldie from being unable to breathe.It was so hot and stuffy in theclassroom that Mark thought hewould suffocate.

suffragen/ SsEfrij /L > Fthe right or power to participate inelecting public officials andadopting or rejecting legislation ina representative form ofgovernment.The 19th Amendment to theConstitution gives women suffrage.

suffrutescentadj/ TsETfrVStesFnt /Lhaving a base that is somewhatwoody and does not die down eachyear—used of a plant or stem.Eunice prunes her suffrutescentshrubs in the fall.

suffumigatev/ sESfyVmETgCt /Lapply smoke, vapor, or gas to frombelow, as to treat (as a house orroom) with a gas for the purpose ofdisinfecting or of destroying pests.Clayton joked that his downstairsneighbor was trying to suffumigatehim with his incessant grilling onhis deck.

suffusev/ sESfyVz /Lspread over or through in themanner of fluid or light.The fixtures were intended tosuffuse the patio in warm light.

suggestible

suitable

sukiyakin/ TsVkGS(y)BkG /Jpnmeat, soybean curd, onions,bamboo shoots, and othervegetables cooked in soy sauce,sake, and sugar.Joyce watched with fascination asthe Japanese cook preparedsukiyaki right at the table.

sulkilyadv/ SsElkDlG /E?in a moodily silent manner.When asked to explain why he hadbeen fighting, Tim looked sulkilydown at the floor.

sultanaten/ SsEltFnDt /Ar > Fa state or country governed by asultan.Arhat’s ancestors ruled a smallsultanate on the ArabianPeninsula.

sultrinessn/ SsEltrGnDs /Ethe quality or state of beingoppressively hot and humid.Marge’s air-conditioned carprovided welcome relief fromJuly’s sultriness.

summarily

summary

sumptern/ SsEm(p)tEr /L > F > Ea saddlebag.Grandpa’s sumpter is embossedwith his initials.

sumptuousadj/ SsEm(p)chEwEs /Linvolving large outlay or expense :costly, lavish.Our grandparents treated thewhole family to a sumptuousbrunch on Saturday.

sundae

superannuatedadj/ TsVpESranyETwCZDd /Lrated no longer fully or passablyefficient in one’s job because ofage : incapacitated or disqualifiedfor active duty by advanced age.The superannuated file clerk heldlittle hope of finding a job in thenear future.


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superciliousadj/ TsVpE(r)SsilGEs /Larrogantly superior : haughty,disdainful.The supercilious senior ignored thefirst-year student.

superficies

superfluousadj/ sVSpErflEwEs /Lexceeding what is sufficient,necessary, normal, or desirable.Alex’s teacher told him to eliminatesuperfluous words from his essay.

superintendentn/ TsVp(E)rDnStendEnt /Lone who has the oversight andcharge of a place, institution,department, organization, oroperation with the power ofdirection.Frustrated residents petitioned thesuperintendent to improve thebuilding’s electrical service.

supernaturaladj/ TsVpE(r)Snach(E)rEl /Lattributable to or liable to beattributed to the action or presenceof a ghost, spirit, or other invisibleagent.The book was filled with tales ofsupernatural occurrences.

supernumeraryn/ TsVpE(r)Sn(y)VmETrerG /Lan actor employed to play a walk-on (as in a mob scene or spectacle).The casting director wanted asupernumerary to play one of thebank’s customers.

supersonicadj/ TsVpE(r)SsBnik /Lmoving or capable of moving atspeeds from one to five times thespeed of sound in air.Myrna says that when she growsup, she wants to fly supersonicaircraft.

superstitiousadj/ TsVpE(r)SstishEs /L > F > Ehaving or based on a belief,conception, act, or practiceresulting from ignorance,unreasoning fear of the unknown,or a false conception of causation.The bridge became more than everan object of superstitious awe.

supinationn/ TsVpESnCshEn /La rotation of the hand and radiusaround the ulna so that the palm isturned up.Supination aggravated Henri’stennis elbow.

supineadj/ sESpIn /Llying on the back or with the faceupward.Greg’s dog stayed supine whilegetting her belly rubbed.

suppedaneum

supplicatev/ SsEplETkCt /Lask earnestly and humbly of.The defendant’s only hope was tosupplicate the court for mercy.

surcease

suretyshipn/ SshUr(E)ZGTship /L > E + Ecfthe obligation of a person to answerfor the debt, default, or failure induty of another.When Sally’s father co-signed herfirst automobile loan, he acceptedthe suretyship that it represented.

surfactantn/ TsErSfaktEnt /La substance useful for its cleansing,wetting, dispersing, or similarpowers.The surfactant in a detergentlowers the water’s surface tension,enabling faster wetting of the fabricbeing washed.

surfeitn/ SsErfDt /L > F > Ean overabundant supply, yield, oramount of something : excess.The reviewer commented that thenovel was burdened with a surfeitof details.

surgeon

surlyadj/ SsErlG /Eill-natured, abrupt, and rude :churlishly cross.Marie complained to the managerabout the surly, uncooperativeclerk.

surplus

surrealismn/ sESrGETlizEm /Fthe principles, ideals, or practice ofproducing fantastic or incongruousimagery in art or literature bymeans of unnatural juxtapositionsand combinations.David Lynch is a modern master ofcinematic surrealism.


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surreptitiousadj/ TsErDpStishEs /Ldone, made, or acquired in secret orby stealth.Denise was embarrassed when hersurreptitious note to Steve wasintercepted by the teacher.

surrey

surrogaten/ SsErETgCt /Lsomething that replaces orsubstitutes for another.In formulating new laws, thelegislature acts as a surrogate forthe entire population.

surtoutn/ TsErStV /L > F + L > Fa man’s fitted coat or overcoat;especially : frock coat.Gerald rented a surtout to completehis Abraham Lincoln costume forthe party.

surveillancen/ sE(r)SvClEn(t)s /L > Fclose watch kept over one or morepersons (as to detect movements oractivities).The suspects in the bombinginvestigation were kept underpolice surveillance.

survivingadj/ sE(r)SvIviN /L > Fremaining alive or in existence.Uncle Leonard is the oldestsurviving graduate of MilburnCollege.

susceptibleadj/ sESseptEbEl /Leasily influenced or affectedthrough some trait.People who smoke are verysusceptible to chronic bronchitisand emphysema.

suspicionn/ sESspishEn /Lmistrust, doubt.President Kennedy called forcooperation with our adversaries to“push back the jungle ofsuspicion” and allow thepreservation of peace.

suspirious

sustain

sustenancen/ SsEstEnEn(t)s /L > Fsomething that gives support,endurance, or strength.Tyrone drew sustenance from theletters his girlfriend wrote himwhile he was overseas.

susurrant

susurrationn/ TsVsESrCshEn /La whispering sound : murmur.A mild susurration could be heardin the study hall despite theteacher’s “no talking” mandate.

suturev/ SsVchE(r) /L&Funite the parts of by using a strandor fiber.The doctor estimated that it wouldtake about 45 minutes to suture thegash in Tim’s leg.

suzerainn/ SsVzErDn /Fa superior lord to whom allegianceis due : a feudal lord.The suzerain gave the vassal theuse of his land and agreed toprotect him when necessary.

suzerainty

Svengalin/ sfenSgBlG /Brit literary nameone who attempts usually with evilintentions to persuade or forceanother to do his bidding.Many fans thought that the rockstar’s wife was a Svengali whoengineered the group’s breakup.

swallow

swelteringadj/ SsweltEriN /Eoppressively hot : causing ormarked by excessive sweating orfaintness.Despite the sweltering heat,thousands of people lined thestreets to watch the Fourth of Julyparade.

swill

swindleableadj/ Sswind(F)lEbEl /G + Ecfcapable of being deprived ofmoney or property by fraud ordeceit.The circus owner maintained thatthe majority of people are gullibleand swindleable.

swineherdn/ SswInThErd /Ea person who looks after hogs.Ian loathed his job as a swineherd.


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swivelv/ SswivEl /Eturn or pivot freely.Frank chose an office chair thatcould swivel and tilt.

sybariticadj/ TsibESriZik /Gk geog namemarked by or given to luxury orvoluptuous living.The duke’s sybaritic bathroom hadmarble sinks with gold fixtures,floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and awhirlpool bath.

sybariticallyadv/ TsibESriZDk(E)lG /Gk > L > Ein a luxurious or voluptuousmanner.Dana reclined sybaritically on thevelvet sofa.

sycamine

sychnocarpousadj/ TsiknESkBrpEs /Gk + Gk > L > Eable to produce fruit repeatedly.The apple and pear aresychnocarpous trees.

sycophant

syllable

syllabusn/ SsilETbEs /Gk > La compendium or summary outlineof a discourse, course of study, orexamination requirements.After reading the syllabus for theseminar, Brad realized he hadmade a terrible mistake byenrolling.

syllogismn/ SsilETjizEm /Gka brief form of argument thatconsists of two statements and aconclusion that must be true ifthese two statements are true.The following argument is asyllogism: All lawbreakers deservepunishment. This person is alawbreaker. Therefore, this persondeserves punishment.

syllogizev/ SsilETjIz /GK > L > Ededuce something by analysis of aformal argument that consists of amajor premise, a minor premise,and a conclusion.To teach logical thinking, Mr.Canby had the class syllogize thephilosopher’s argument.

sylphn/ Ssilf /unknown > La slender woman or girl of light andgraceful carriage.One sylph after another joined thegrowing circle of ballerinas on thestage.

symballophone

symbiosisn/ TsimbGSPsDs /Gk + Gkthe intimate living together of twodissimilar organisms in any ofvarious mutually beneficialrelationships.Some insects depend on symbiosiswith bacteria to supplementotherwise nutrient-poor diets.

symbol

symmetry

symminct

sympathy

symphonyn/ Ssim(p)fEnG /Gk + Gkan elaborate instrumentalcomposition usually in sonata formfor full orchestra.The concert program featured asymphony by Gustav Mahler.

symposiarch

synchroneityn/ TsiNkrEnSnGEZG /Gk + Ecfthe state of happening, existing, orarising at the same time.The fireworks display was aspectacle of synchroneity.

syncopationn/ TsiNkESpCshEn /Gk > La temporary displacement orshifting of the regular metricalaccent in a musical composition.Syncopation is typical of muchEastern European folk dancemusic.

syncopen/ SsiNkE(T)pG /Gka partial or complete temporarysuspension of respiration andcirculation : faint, swoon.Unexplained dizziness and syncopeoccasionally occur on arrival athigh altitude.

syndicaten/ SsindDkDt /La loose association of racketeers incontrol of organized crime.The police have spent years tryingto get evidence to convict the headof the local crime syndicate.


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synecdochen/ sDSnekdE(T)kG /Gka figure of speech by which a partis put for the whole or vice versa.Fifty sail is a synecdoche for fiftyships.

synodn/ SsinEd /Gk > L > Ean ecclesiastical council : a formalmeeting to consult and decide onchurch matters.Karl is an active participant in theregional Presbyterian synod.

synopsisn/ sDSnBpsDs /Gka brief orderly outline affording ageneral view.Marvin read a plot synopsis beforehe saw Macbeth.

synoptophoren/ sDSnBptETfP(E)r /Gkan instrument for diagnosingimbalance of eye muscles.The ophthalmologist prescribed eyeexercises to correct the muscularimbalance detected by thesynoptophore.

syntax

synthesisn/ Ssin(t)thEsDs /Gkcomposition or combination ofparts or elements so as to form awhole.Language arts is a synthesis ofreading, writing, speaking, andlistening skills.

syringen/ sDSrinj /Gk > L > Ea device used to inject fluids into orwithdraw them from the body or itscavities.Cameron let the toddler use an oldear syringe as a bathtub toy.

syzygyn/ SsizEjG /Gkthe nearly straight-lineconfiguration of three celestialbodies in a gravitational system.Tides are highest when the Sun,Moon, and Earth are in syzygy.

tabby

tabernaclen/ StabE(r)TnakEl /L > F > Ea meetinghouse with a largeassembly hall.The town meeting will be held atthe tabernacle.

tabetisoln/ tESbeZETsOl /L + Ecfunfrozen ground above, within, orbelow the permanently frozenground.Arctic wildflowers are able tosurvive in areas of tabetisol.

tableaun/ StaTblP /F[Note: Plural form can bepronounced similarly.] a staticdepiction usually presented on astage with participants inappropriate costume.The final scene is a tableau inwhich the family is gathered at thegravesite.

tabloidism

tabulable

tachometern/ taSkBmEZE(r) /Gka device for indicating the speed ofrotation.By watching the tachometer, Mr.Henderson was able to keep theengine running above 3000 rpm.

tachygraphyn/ taSkigrEfG /Gk > Fthe art or practice of rapid writing.Professor Jespersen lectures soquickly that students who practicetachygraphy have an advantage.

taciturnadj/ StasETtErn /L > Fhabitually silent : temperamentallydisinclined or reluctant to talk orconverse.Mrs. Gibbons found it challengingto draw the taciturn boy into classdiscussions.

taciturnityn/ TtasEStErnEZG /Lthe quality or state of beingdisinclined or reluctant to talk orconverse.Gene and Leo’s taciturnity aboutthe cause of the scuffle resulted in atrip to the principal’s office.

tackline

tactful

tactician

tadpole

tagraggery


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taigan/ StIgE /Turkish > Russ[has near homonym: tiger]swampy coniferous forest ofSiberia beginning where the tundraends.Olga’s great-grandfather was bornin a cabin on the edge of the taigaand grew up playing among spruceand fir trees.

tailgate

takkanah

talcum

talebearer

talipesn/ StalETpGz /La congenital deformity of the footin which the forepart is twisted intoone of several directions : clubfoot.Gordon’s talipes was so severe thatsurgery was needed to adjust thetendons and bones of his foot.

talismann/ StalDsmEn /Gk > Ar > It > Sp > Fan object thought to act as a charmto avert evil and bring goodfortune.Vern showed us his rabbit’s foot,which he claimed was an effectivetalisman.

talkathon

tallown/ Sta(T)lP /Ethe rendered fat of cattle and sheepthat is used chiefly in making soap,glycerol, margarine, candles, andlubricants.Inside of her little tent, the fortuneteller began to shuffle her cards bythe light of a candle made fromtallow.

tallowy

Talmudicadj/ talSm(y)Vdik /Hebof, relating to, or characteristic ofthe authoritative body of Jewishlaw and custom developed on thebasis of the scriptural law.The novel was full of Talmudiclore.

taloned

tamalen/ tESmBlG /Nahuatl > Spground meat seasoned with chili orother filling, rolled up in cornmealdough, wrapped in corn husks, andsteamed.Rosita ordered a tamale, two tacos,and a burrito from the streetvendor.

tamarack

tambourine

tamburello

tandem

tangerinen/ TtanjESrGn /Moroccan geog namea variable color ranging frommoderate reddish orange to vivid orstrong orange.To Petra, the most beautiful colorof mum is tangerine.

tangibleadj/ StanjEbEl /Lcapable of being touched.The black darkness of the nightseemed to have a tangible quality.

tangyadj/ StaNG /Scand > E + Ecfhaving a particularly pungent odor.The burning pile of old tires willleave the air tangy for several days.

tantalizev/ StantFlTIz /Gk nametease or torment by presentingsomething to the view and excitingdesire but continually frustratingthe expectations by keeping it outof reach.Philip used a rod and reel totantalize the kitten with a toy mousetied to the fishing line.

tantamountadj/ StantETmaUnt /L > F > AF > Eequivalent in value, significance, oreffect.Because of inflation, Jamie’smeager raise was tantamount to apay reduction.

tantivyadv/ tanStivG /unknownin a headlong dash.Patsy ran tantivy toward secondbase after the bunt.

tapestryn/ StapDstrG /Gk > F > E + Ecfa heavy handwoven textile forhangings, curtains, and upholstery.Teresa admired the vivid colors ofthe tapestry hanging in thecorridor.

taphephobian/ TtafGSfPbGE /Gkfear of being buried alive.After reading Edgar Allan Poe’s“The Cask of Amontillado,” Mr.Gallo developed a bad case oftaphephobia.


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tapirn/ StCpE(r) /Tupi[has homonym: taper] any of agenus of chiefly nocturnal hoofedmammals of tropical America andMyanmar to Sumatra that have thesnout and upper lip prolonged intoa short flexible proboscis.The tapir is both a browser and agrazer, feeding on leaves, twigs,and fruits, as well as on grasses.

tarantulan/ tESranch(E)lE /It geog nameany of a family of large hairyspiders that are capable of bitingbut are not significantly poisonousto humans.Alexander’s friend tried in vain toconvince him to get a pet tarantula.

tardigradeadj/ StBrdETgrCd /Lmoving or stepping slowly.The sloth is a well-knowntardigrade animal.

tariffn/ StarDf /Ar > Itthe duty or rate of duty imposed bya government on imported orexported goods.A high tariff protects the homeindustries from foreigncompetition.

tarmacn/ StBrTmak /(E + Brit name) > trademarka road, apron, or runway made ofasphalt.Neil’s suitcase fell out of theairplane and its contents spilled outonto the tarmac.

tarpaulinn/ tBrSpOlDn /E + Ea piece of material (as durableplastic) used for protecting exposedobjects or areas.When rain began during the secondinning of the baseball game, theground crew rolled out thetarpaulin to protect the field.

tarragonn/ StarETgBn /Ar > L > Fa small European perennialwormwood grown for its aromaticfoliage that is used in cooking.Paul planted tarragon in his herbgarden.

tartarn/ StBrZEr /L[has homonym and nearhomonyms: tarter and tartare,Tatar] an incrustation on the teethconsisting of salivary secretion,food residue, and various salts.The hygienist carefully removed thetartar from Rekha’s teeth.

tassel

tatamin/ tEStBmG /Jpna straw matting used as a floorcovering in a Japanese home.The Japanese restaurant had aspecial room in which patronscould sit on a tatami while dining.

tatterdemalionadj/ TtaZE(r)dDSmClyEn /Scand > E + unknownragged or disreputable in dress orappearance.No one would have guessed that thetatterdemalion fellow is amillionaire.

tattersalln/ StaZE(r)TsOl /E namea fabric having a pattern of coloredlines forming squares of solidbackground.Jeanne bought a blue-and-whitetattersall to make into a skirt.

tattletalen/ StaZFlTtCl /D + Eone that blabs or tells secrets.Erica’s official title is “socialreporter,” but Will considers her aplain old tattletale.

taught

tauntv/ StOnt /F? > Ereproach in a mocking or insultingmanner : jeer at.Spectators on the sidewalk beganto taunt the suspect as he exited thevan.

tauntingly

taupen/ StPp /L > F[has homonym: tope] a lightbrownish gray.It took some time, but Pam finallymatched the taupe of her dress to apair of shoes.

tauromachyn/ tOSrBmEkG /Gk + Gkthe art or practice of bullfighting.The toreador is well known for hisslow, dignified style of tauromachy.

taut


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tautologyn/ tOStBlEjG /Gkan instance of needless ormeaningless repetition in closesuccession of an idea, statement, orword.The phrase a beginner who has juststarted is a tautology.

tautophonyn/ tOStBfEnG /Gkrepetition of the same sound.The insistent tautophony of Josh’salarm clock finally woke him up.

tawdrilyadv/ StOdrDlG /name > Ein a cheap and gaudy manner.The tawdrily dressed actress signedautographs outside her hotel.

tawdry

taxation

tazza

technetronic

technical

tedious

tektite

telamonn/ StelETmBn /Gk > La male figure used as a supportingcolumn or pilaster.While in Athens, Anita had herpicture taken beside a telamon.

telecine

telegnosisn/ TtelESnPsDs /Gk + Gkknowledge of distant happeningsobtained by occult or unknownmeans : clairvoyance.The psychic claimed to havetelegnosis of events happening onthe other side of the Atlantic.

telephonen/ StelETfPn /Gk + Gka device for reproducing sounds,especially articulate speech, at adistance.Ginger’s parents asked her to limither time on the telephone to three15-minute conversations per night.

telesisn/ StelEsDs /Gkprogress intelligently planned anddirected.The mayor revealed the citycouncil’s ten-year plan for telesisat the press conference.

telltale

temerariousadj/ TtemESra(a)rGEs /Lrashly or presumptuously daring :reckless.Mrs. Jasper punished Tim for histemerarious behavior bywithholding certain privileges.

temerityn/ tESmerEZG /Lunreasonable or foolhardycontempt of danger or opposition.The private with the temerity tospeak up against the sergeant’sbullying was assigned to KPindefinitely.

temperament

temperateadj/ Stemp(E)rDt /L > Ehaving a moderate climate.All of the United States, except forHawaii and parts of Alaska andFlorida, lies within the temperatezone.

tempest

tempestuousadj/ temSpes(h)chEwEs /Lof, involving, or resembling afurious storm.The tempestuous action of windand waves imperiled the ships.

tempuran/ TtempESrB /Jpn[has near homonym: tempera]fritters of seafood and vegetablesfried in deep fat.The waiter brought a small dish ofvegetable tempura as an appetizer.

tenaciousadj/ tDSnCshEs /L > Eholding fast or tending to hold fast.Marjorie is tenacious in her beliefthat her cousin was abducted byaliens and replaced by an impostor.

tenacityn/ tDSnasEZG /Lthe quality or state of holding fast :determination, firmness,persistence.Randy’s tenacity often made himseem stubborn.


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tenaculumn/ tDSnakyElEm /La slender sharp-pointed hookattached to a handle and usedmainly in surgery for seizing andholding parts (as arteries).Connie slipped the tenaculumunder the patient’s carotid artery.

tendencyn/ StendEnsG /La proneness to or readiness for aparticular kind of thought or action.Tom’s tendency to say exactly whathe feels has gotten him into troubleseveral times.

tenderloin

tendonn/ StendEn /La tough cord of specialized fibrousconnective tissue that unites amuscle with some other part andtransmits the force which themuscle exerts.The team doctor said that Larry’sAchilles tendon was inflamed andthat he shouldn’t run in Saturday’srace.

tendressen/ tBMdres /Ftender feeling : fondness.Sarah portrayed the sister who, inmaidenly fashion, conceals hertendresse for the hero.

tenebrificadj/ TtenESbrifik /L + Ecf + L > Ecfcausing gloom or darkness.Tenebrific rain cloudsovershadowed the entire region.

tenebrosityn/ TtenESbrBsEZG /Ldarkness.Nocturnal animals moved silentlythrough the tenebrosity of theforest.

tenement

tenetn/ StenDt /L[has near homonym: tenant] aprinciple, dogma, belief, ordoctrine generally held to be true;especially : one held in common bymembers of a group or profession.The basic tenet of Central High’sKey Club is that community servicebenefits everyone.

tennisn/ StenDs /L > AF > E[has homonym: tenace] a typicallyoutdoor game that is played withrackets and a light elastic ball bytwo players or pairs of players on alevel court divided by a low net.Jeannine is so eager to learn toplay tennis that she is willing topay for lessons out of herallowance.

tenonn/ StenEn /L > F > Ea projecting member in a piece ofwood or other material for insertioninto a mortise to make a joint.Curtis used his jigsaw to cut atenon on each board of the box hewas making.

tensibleadj/ Sten(t)sEbEl /Lcapable of being extended.The old rubber band was not verytensible.

tensile

tension

tentaclen/ StentDkEl /Lone of the arms of a cephalopod.In the horror movie the giantoctopus tried to grab the heroinewith a long tentacle.

tentative

tentativelyadv/ StentEZDvlG /Lin a hesitant or uncertain manner.Janna smiled tentatively, notknowing if she should show herhappiness.

tenuousadj/ StenyEwEs /Lhaving little substance or strength :flimsy, weak.The prosecutor’s case was sotenuous that the judge dismissedthe charge against the defendant.

tepidadj/ StepDd /Lmarked by an absence ofenthusiasm or conviction.The debate drew a tepid responsefrom the audience.

teratismn/ SterETtizEm /Gk + Ecffascination with monsters.Monster movies appeal to theteratism of the viewing public.

teratogenicadj/ TterEtPSjenik /Gktending to cause developmentalmalformations.Sylvia carefully avoided anypotentially teratogenic drugsduring her pregnancy.


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teratologicaladj/ TterEtESlBjDkEl /Gkrelating to abnormality of organicgrowth or structure.Because of his several deformities,the so-called “elephant man” wasthe subject of teratological study.

teratologyn/ TterEStBlEjG /Gkthe study of malformations,monstrosities, or serious deviationsfrom the normal type in growingorganisms.Because of his several deformities,the so-called “elephant man” isoften featured in textbooks forcourses in teratology.

tercentenaryn/ TtErsenStenErG /La 300th anniversary or itscelebration.Next year Possumville willcelebrate the tercentenary of itsfounding.

terdiurnaladj/ TtErdISErnFl /Loccurring three times per day.The meteorologist set hisinstrument to take terdiurnalmeasurements of the air pressure.

tergiversatev/ StErjDvErTsCt /Levade straightforward action orclearcut statement of position.While political leaders tergiversate,petty tyrants are taking over thecountry.

tergiversationn/ TtErjD(T)vErSsCshEn /Levasion of straightforward action orclear-cut statement of position.The ambassador explained that indiplomacy there is sometimesdefensible tergiversation incommunication.

termagancyn/ StErmEgEnsG /E namehabitual bad temper : scoldingdisposition.Lillian’s abusive termagancyalienated her husband andchildren.

termitarium

terracen/ SterDs /L > OProv > Fa colonnaded porch or promenade.The marketplace consisted of a rowof shops along a terrace.

terraceousadj/ TteSrCshEs /Lmade of earth : earthen.Bulldozers hurriedly built up aterraceous dam to prevent furtherflooding.

terrapinn/ SterEpDn /Algonquianany of various North Americanturtles living in fresh or brackishwater.Murray awoke from his lakesidenap to find a terrapin sunning onthe blanket.

terraqueousadj/ terSCkwGEs /Lconsisting of land and water.Global pollution threatens Earth’sterraqueous environment.

terrariumn/ tESrerGEm /La fully enclosed wholly orpredominantly glass container forthe indoor cultivation of moisture-loving plants.Mosses and other small woodlandplants thrive in a terrarium.

terrazzon/ tESrBt(T)sP /OProv > Ita mosaic flooring made byembedding small pieces of marbleor granite in freshly placed mortarand after hardening grinding andpolishing the surface.The contractor explained that ifTravis wanted a hard, shiny floorat a reasonable price, terrazzo wasan excellent option.

terrestrial

terribleadj/ SterEbEl /L > F > Erequiring extreme effort orfortitude.Donating blood may be a terribleordeal for those people who do notlike needles.

terricolousadj/ teSrikElEs /L + Lliving on or in or growing from theland.The heath was rich in terricolouslichens.

terrificadj/ tESrifik /Lof an extraordinary nature :astounding, tremendous.Terrific, serrated outcrops of barerock stood on either side of the lushvalley.


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terrigenousadj/ tESrijEnEs /Lformed by the erosive action ofrivers, tides, and currents—used ofan ocean bottom.At the brink of the continental shelf,terrigenous deposits build up andare swept away.

tertiary

tessituran/ TtesEStUrE /L > Itthe general range of a melody orvoice part; specifically : the part ofthe register in which most of thetones of a melody or voice part lie.Soprano parts in Bellini’s operascall for a very high tessitura.

testaceousadj/ teSstCshEs /Lhaving a shell.The oyster is a testaceous marineanimal.

testimonyn/ StestETmPnG /La solemn declaration usually madeorally by a witness under oath inresponse to interrogation by alawyer or authorized publicofficial.According to Victoria’s testimony,she had just returned from vacationwhen she discovered that the statuewas missing.

tetanusn/ StetFnEs /Gkan acute infectious diseasecharacterized by tonic spasm ofvoluntary muscles and especially ofthe jaw muscles.Puncture wounds are dangerousbecause they allow the bacteriathat cause tetanus to enter thebody.

tetracycline

textuary

thalassicadj/ thESlasik /Gkof or relating to the sea or ocean.Some thalassic currents travel forthousands of miles.

thanatophobian/ TthanEtESfPbGE /Gkfear of death.Michael had such a strong belief inan afterlife that he was not troubledby thanatophobia.

thaumatologyn/ TthOmEStBlEjG /Gkdoctrine, discussion, or study of theperforming of miracles.Although he had never successfullyperformed any miracles, the youngpriest was nonetheless an expert inthaumatology.

thaumaturgyn/ SthOmETtErjG /Gk > L > Fthe performance of miracles.The sacred writings of manyreligions contain stories ofthaumaturgy.

theatricaladj/ thGSatrDkEl /Gkmarked by extravagant display orexhibitionism : showy, spectacular.The performer took a theatricalbow, but the audience’s applausewas lukewarm.

theftproof

theocracy

theodicyn/ thGSBdEsG /Gk > Fan area of philosophy that treats ofthe nature and government of Godand the destiny of the soul.One hotly contested question intheodicy is whether the existence ofevil precludes the existence of anomnipotent and perfect God.

theodoliten/ thGSBdFlTIt /Ar? > L > Ea surveyor’s instrument formeasuring horizontal and verticalangles.The theodolite invented by Diggesin the 16th century consisted of ahorizontal graduated circular platewith an index bearing sights.

theosophize

therapeutantn/ TtherESpyVtFnt /Gk > Ea healing or curative agent ormedicine.The diseased elm trees weresprayed with a chemicaltherapeutant.

therapeuticadj/ TtherESpyVZik /Gkof or relating to the treatment ofdisease or disorders by remedialagents or methods.Changes in diet can have atherapeutic effect on obesity,hypertension, peptic ulcer, andosteoporosis.

therblign/ SthEr(T)blig /anagram of Amer nameone of the manual, visual, or mentalelements into which an industrialmanual operation may be analyzedin time and motion study.The supervisor’s goal was toeliminate one therblig at eachstation in the assembly line.


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theretoforeadv/ SLerZETfP(E)r /Eup to that time : until then.The public parks committee createda playground where theretoforethere had been a weedy vacant lot.

therianthropicadj/ TthirGTanSthrBpik /Gk + Gkcombining human and animal form.The falcon-headed Horus was atherianthropic god of ancientEgypt.

thermometern/ thE(r)SmBmEZEr /Gk + Gkan instrument for determiningtemperature.The thermometer that takes atemperature reading from one’s earis now used widely.

thermostatn/ SthErmETstat /Gk + Gkan automatic device for regulatingtemperature (as by controlling thesupply of gas or electricity to aheating apparatus).The repair person found that ourheating problem was caused by adefective thermostat.

thesaurusn/ thDSsOrEs /Gk > La book containing a store of wordsor of information about a particularfield or set of concepts; specifically: a dictionary of synonyms.Caleb’s paper read as if he hadconsulted a thesaurus frequentlywhile writing it.

thesmotheten/ SthezmETthGt /Gklawgiver, legislator.Joseph has in his office a marblebust of a famous Athenianthesmothete.

thespiann/ SthespGEn /Gk namean actor.Fiona became stagestruck at anearly age and was determined tobecome a thespian.

thirsty

thistlen/ SthisEl /Ea plant with prickly leaves having ahead with white, purple, pink, oryellow flowers.Dean plucked a thistle from thelawn of the middle school.

tholepin

thoracicadj/ JESrasik /Gkof, relating to, located within, orinvolving the part of the body ofhumans and other mammals locatedbetween the neck and the abdomen.The thoracic nerve controls themuscles in the walls of the thorax.

thoracodynian/ TthPrEkESdinGE /Gkpain in the chest.When Grandpa complained ofthoracodynia, Dolly immediatelytook him to the hospital.

thoraxn/ SthPrTaks /Gk > L > Ethe portion of an insect body that isthe middle of the three chiefdivisions.The thorax of an insect consists ofthree segments, each having a pairof legs.

thoroughbredn/ SthErETbred /Epurebred or pedigreed animal.Alex’s thoroughbred comes from aline of Kentucky Derby winners.

thoroughfare

threaten

threnodyn/ SthrenEdG /Gka song, poem, composition, orspeech of lamentation especiallyfor someone dead or somethingregarded as dead.Asked to write a threnody forEnglish class, Libby composed asong about the death of a robin.

thresholdn/ SthreshT(h)Pld /Eplace or point of entering orbeginning : entrance, outset.Now at the threshold of adulthood,James wonders if he will miss thecarefree days of his previous years.

thrombosisn/ thrBmSbPsDs /Gkthe formation or presence of ablood clot within a blood vessel.The severe pain in Greg’s leg wasfound to have been caused by athrombosis in one of the veins.


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throstlen/ SthrBsEl /Ea largely olive-brown Old Worldperching bird noted for its song.While on a walking tour in London,Madeline spotted a throstle in asycamore tree.

thule

thumb

thuriblen/ Sth(y)UrEbEl /Gk > L > F > Ea vessel used in religious servicesfor burning incense.When a thurible is used in theprocession, the odor of incensesuffuses the church.

thylacinen/ SthIlETsIn /Gk > La now-extinct somewhat doglikecarnivorous marsupial thatformerly inhabited Tasmania—called also “Tasmanian wolf.”The female thylacine had arearward-opening pouch in whichtwo to four young were carried.

thymen/ StIm /Gk[has homonym: time] a commongarden herb used in seasoning andformerly in medicine.The chicken recipe called for ateaspoon of dried thyme.

thymiaterionn/ TthImGEStirGEn /Gka vessel used by the ancient Greeksfor burning incense.Cecil found a bronze thymiaterionin an antique shop.

tibian/ StibGE /Lthe fourth joint counting from thebase of the leg of an insect that liesbetween the femur and tarsus.A cricket’s ear is located on thetibia of its foreleg.

tichorrhinen/ StIkETrIn /Gk > Lan extinct two-horned woollyrhinoceros.The remains of a tichorrhine werefound frozen in the ice of Siberiawith the flesh and hair wellpreserved.

tickicidaladj/ TtikESsIdFl /E + L + Ecfdestroying or controlling any ofseveral wingless parasitic insects.The exterminator used a tickicidalagent to eliminate the pests.

tickledv/ StikEld /Eexcited or stirred up agreeably.The young actor was tickled to beoffered the leading role in his nextmovie.

tightrope

tilakn/ StilEk /Sktan ornamental spot worn on theforehead chiefly by Hindus as asectarian mark.After three months of travel Lanareturned home clad in a sari andwearing a tilak.

tilapian/ tDSlCpGE /Lany of a genus of Africanfreshwater food fishes thatresemble the American sunfishes.Some American fish farms havebeen raising tilapia for stocking inponds and lakes.

tilden/ StildE /L > Spa mark ~ placed especially over theletter n to denote the /ny/ sound orover vowels to indicate nasality.Marcia could not find the tilde onthe computer keyboard.

tilth

timorous

timorouslyadv/ Stim(E)rEslG /Lin a manner showing fear orapprehension.Pam timorously responded to hername and said that she had notfinished her book report.

tinctorial

tincturen/ StiN(k)chE(r) /Lhue, tint.The main difference betweenAmerican and Irish glass is intincture.

tinnientadj/ StinGEnt /Lhaving a clear or ringing quality.Grandmother’s old silver knivesmade a tinnient sound in the sink aswe rinsed them after Thanksgivingdinner.


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tinnitusn/ tDSnIZEs /La ringing, roaring, or hissing in theears that is purely subjective.It’s hard to understand howannoying tinnitus is unless youhave experienced it yourself.

tinselry

tintinnabulation

tiraden/ StIrCd /Fa protracted speech usually markedby abusive language.The grumpy woman screamed atirade of protest whenever childrenmade joyful noises outside herwindow.

tiraleen/ TtirESlG /imit[has homonym: tearily] asuccession of musical notes (as in abugle call).Daniel managed a tiralee on thesaxophone, but there was norecognizable melody.

titiann/ StishEn /Ital nameone having hair that is brownishorange.Mr. Rodman decided that he wouldbe a titian for awhile.

tmesis

toastmastern/ StPstTmastE(r) /E+L > F > Eone that presides (as at a banquet)and introduces the after-dinnerspeakers.Eric will serve as toastmaster at theGolden Lamp banquet.

tobaccon/ tESba(T)kP /Taino > Spthe leaves of a plant of the genusNicotiana prepared and processedfor use in smoking or chewing or assnuff.At an early age, Amy vowed neverto use tobacco.

toboggann/ tESbBgEn /Algonquiana long flat-bottomed light sledmade of thin boards curved up atone end with usually low handrailsat the sides and used for coastingon snow or ice.Bart’s new toboggan is the fastestone on the hill.

tobogganern/ tESbBgEnEr /Algonquian > Fone that coasts on a long flat-bottomed light sled.On hitting the unexpected bump,the tobogganer was thrown off hissled.

tobogganing

toccatan/ tESkBZE /Ita brilliant musical compositionusually for pipe organ orharpischord, in free fantasia style,and usually with many equal-timednotes in rapid movement.Jamila sat down at the churchorgan and played a fast Bachtoccata.

tocsinn/ StBksDn /L > OProv > F[has homonym: toxin] an alarmbell or the ringing of a bell for thepurpose of alarm.In the event of a natural disaster ora civil alert, the fire stations wouldset off a tocsin that could be heardfor two miles in any direction.

toggery

tomen/ StPm /Gka volume forming part of a largerwork.Fiona bought an old copy of TheMessages of the Presidents thatwas missing the first tome.

tongue

tonitruousadj/ tESnitrEwEs /L + Ecfthundering, fulminating.The tonitruous artillery guns hadbeen shelling the enemy positionsfor several hours.

tonsillectomy

tonsillitisn/ TtBn(t)sESlIZDs /Linflammation of the tonsils.Dr. Graham treated Erica’stonsillitis with antibiotics.

tonsillotome

tonsorial

tonsuren/ StBnchE(r) /L > Ethe shaven crown or patch worn bymonks or various clerics.The actor who played BrotherCadfael had a hairpiece to coverhis tonsure when he was offcamera.


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tontinen/ StBnTtGn /It name > Fa financial arrangement wherebythe participants share benefitsequally on such terms that whenone dies or defaults the othersequally share the portion until allbut one remains to own theentirety.In the days before a central bank orcommon currency, villagers oftenused a tontine to share ownershipof property.

toolach

toothachen/ StVthTCk /Epain in one of the teeth.Nelson thought an abscess might bethe cause of his toothache.

topazn/ StPTpaz /Gk > L > F > Ea usually yellow, reddish, or pinktransparent mineral used as a gem.Leslie received a yellow topaz forher birthday.

topiaryn/ StPpGTerG /Gk > L + Lcfthe practice or art of training,cutting, and trimming trees orshrubs into odd or ornamentalshapes.Edward Scissorhands was skilled intopiary.

topographyn/ tESpBgrEfG /Gkthe art or practice of graphicdelineation in detail usually onmaps or charts of selected naturaland man-made features of a regionespecially in a way to show theirrelative positions and elevations.Identifying the enemy’s rocket siteswill require an expert intopography.

toreadorn/ StOrGETdO(E)r /L > Spbullfighter.The toreador posed for the crowdin his suit of lights.

toroidaladj/ tPrSOidFl /Ldoughnut-shaped.For the life of her, Bridget couldn’tidentify the toroidal object shefound in her purse.

torpor

torrential

torrentiallyadv/ tOSrenchElG /Lin a manner resembling a rushingstream of water.Patricia wept torrentially when shefound out about her pet dog’sinjury.

tortellinin/ TtO(r)ZFlSGnG /L > Itnoodle dough cut in rounds, filledwith savory fillings, and boiled.Vic’s favorite Italian meal wastortellini stuffed with meat andcheese.

tortillan/ tO(r)StG(y)E /Spa round thin unleavened cakeusually eaten hot with a savorytopping or filling.Theron covered his tortilla withbeans and cheese.

tortoisen/ StOrZEs /F? > Eany of a family of terrestrial turtles.The park ranger told the childrenthat a tortoise takes five hours towalk just one mile.

tortonin/ tO(r)StPnG /It namean ice cream made of heavy cream,minced almonds, choppedmaraschino cherries, or otherflavorings.Tortoni is definitely not the dessertfor someone on a low-fat, low-calorie diet.

totalityn/ tPStalEZG /Lthe phase of an eclipse duringwhich it is total : state of totaleclipse.An eerie silence crept over thecrowd as the eclipse reachedtotality.

totemismn/ StPZETmizEm /Ojibwa + Ecfbelief in kinship with or a mysticalrelationship between a group orindividual and an emblematic plant,animal, or other object.Powerful animals are commonobjects of totemism.

toucan

tourelle

touristry

tournedosn/ TtUrnESdP /L > Fa small fillet of beef usually cutfrom the tip of the tenderloin.Diane usually prepares a tournedosin wine sauce with mushrooms.

towhee


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toxicosisn/ TtBksESkPsDs /Gka pathological condition caused bythe action of a poison or toxin.The chihuahua exhibited nosymptoms of toxicosis after eatingthe soap.

toxophiliten/ tBkSsBfETlIt /Gk + Gk + Ecfone fond of or expert at archery.The legendary toxophilite WilliamTell successfully shot an apple fromthe head of his own son.

toxophily

trachea

tracheostomyn/ TtrCkGSBstEmG /Gk + Gkthe surgical formation of anopening into the trachea throughthe skin.When Chris developed throatcancer, a tracheostomy had to beperformed to facilitate hisbreathing.

tracheotomy

tractableadj/ StraktEbEl /Lcapable of being easily led, taught,or controlled.Maybe Fatima’s work wouldimprove if she were more tractable.

tractileadj/ StraktFl /L > Ecfcapable of being drawn out inlength.With laboratory equipment, Dr.Abrams was able to extend thetractile material to a great length.

traffickingv/ StrafikiN /It > Fengaging in commercial activity.The townspeople were shockedwhen they learned that Mr. Baileyhad been trafficking in drugs.

tragedian

tragediennen/ trETjGdGSen /F[Note: Could be confused withtradegian.] an actress whospecializes in tragic roles.On Thursday night, Ms Siddons,the granddaughter of thetragedienne, made her firstappearance.

tragedy

trajectory

tralatitious

trammel

tramontanan/ TtrB(T)mPnStBnE /L > Itthe north wind; especially : a drycold strong northerly wind of thewest coast of Italy.Each winter the tramontanaswoops piercingly through thestreets of Rome.

transcend

transcendentaladj/ TtranTsenSdentFl /Lextending or being beyond thelimits of ordinary experience.Edward’s transcendentalmeditation guru also instructs himin yoga.

transducern/ tran(t)sSd(y)VsE(r) /L + Ecfa device actuated by power fromone system and supplying power inthe same or any other form to asecond system.A common transducer is amicrophone, which converts soundwaves into electrical signals.

transferencen/ tranzSfErEn(t)s /Lan act, process, or instance ofcarrying or taking something fromone person or place to another.Ralph’s dad was in charge of thetransference of fish from the fisheryto the lake being restocked.

transiencen/ StranzGEnts /L[has homonym: transients] thequality or state of passing throughor by only briefly.The photographer is able tocapture transience by being readyto click the shutter at the crucialmoment.

transient

transitn/ Stran(t)sDt /Lthe passage of a smaller bodyacross the disk of a larger (as ofVenus or Mercury across the Sun’sdisk).Barrie used sensitive equipment tophotograph the transit of Venus.

translucent

transmissibleadj/ tran(t)SsmisEbEl /Lcapable of being sent or conveyedto another person or place.Poison ivy is transmissible throughthe air to those who are verysensitive to it.


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transmit

transmogrifyv/ tran(t)SsmBgrETfI /unknownchange or alter in form,appearance, or structure often withgrotesque or humorous effect.Buford set out to transmogrify thehearse into a hot rod.

trattorian/ TtrBZESrGE /F > Itan eating house : restaurant.It seems to Fran that any trattorialocated next to the golf course fails,regardless of the cuisine.

traulism

trauman/ StraUmE /Gkan injury or wound caused by theapplication of external force orviolence.The football player suffered thetrauma of a broken leg.

traumatize

traumatropismn/ trOSmatrETpizEm /Gka modification of the orientation ofan organ (as a plant root) as a resultof wounding.Traumatropism of the roots doesnot usually affect plant growth.

traversedv/ trESvErst /L > F > Emoved to and fro over or along.Zane serenely traversed the frozenpond.

travesty

treacherousadj/ Strech(E)rEs /F > Echaracterized by usually hiddendangers, hazards, or perils.Throughout the winter, frigidtemperatures and the damp sea aircause treacherous black ice to formon streets.

treachery

treaclyadj/ StrGk(E)lG /Gk > F > L > Eheavily sweet and cloying.Sarah’s treacly voice warned hermother that a big request wasforthcoming.

treadmilln/ StredTmil /E + Ea device operated by walking on anendless belt for the purpose ofexercise.Walking on a treadmill in hisapartment was convenient, but Sampreferred to get his exerciseoutside, weather permitting.

treasonn/ StrGzFn /L > F > Ethe offense of attempting by overtacts to overthrow the governmentof the state to which the offenderowes allegiance or to kill orpersonally injure the sovereign orthe sovereign’s family.All persons involved in theattempted coup were charged withtreason.

treasure

treatisen/ StrGZDs /F? > AF > Ea writing that provides in asystematic matter and for anexpository or argumentativepurpose a methodical discussion ofthe facts and principles involvedand conclusions reached.Victor’s treatise on internationalrelations was well received by hiscolleagues.

trebleadj/ StrebEl /F > Ethreefold.Whatever might be their motive ormotives—whether single, double,or treble—their actions wereunjustified.

trefoiln/ StrGTfOil /L > F > Eany of the common clovers.The hunter came upon severalrabbits feeding on a patch oftrefoil.

treillage

trekked

trellis

trellised

tremendousadj/ trDSmendEs /Lastonishing by reason of extremesize, power, greatness, orexcellence.Computers have had a tremendousimpact on modern businesspractices.


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tremulousadj/ StremyElEs /Lquivering, shaking.Uncle Edgar’s tremuloushandwriting is one sign of hisParkinson’s disease.

trenchant

trenchantlyadv/ StrenchEntlG /F > Ein a sharply perceptive manner.The commentator trenchantlyanalyzed the pros and cons oflegalized gambling.

trepidation

trespassv/ StrespEs /F > Emake an unwarranted or uninvitedincursion.The rock salt from farmer Brown’sshotgun taught Wally a painfullesson: Don’t trespass.

tressed

treyn/ StrC /L > F > E[has homonym: tray] the side of adie or domino that has three spots.If Ian draws either a trey or an acefrom the boneyard, he believes hewill win the game of dominoes.

triagen/ trGSBzh /Fthe sorting of and allocation oftreatment to patients and especiallybattle and disaster victimsaccording to a system of prioritiesdesigned to maximize the numberof survivors.Once the system of triage wasimplemented, medics were betterable to decide which soldiersshould receive immediatetreatment.

trianonn/ StrGETnBn /F architecturea small elegant villa.Albert wrote his latest thriller in arented trianon on the Riviera.

tribunaln/ trISbyVnFl /La court or forum of justice.The people have wisely provided, inthe constitution itself, a tribunal forsettling questions of constitutionallaw.

tributaryn/ StribyETterG /La stream feeding a larger stream ora lake.The Ohio River is a tributary of theMississippi River.

tricenaryadj/ StrIsFnTerG /Lhaving or lasting 30 days.Cameron never can rememberwhich months are tricenary.

tricephalousadj/ trISsefElEs /Gkhaving or depicted with threeheads.Orpheus managed to lull thetricephalous watchdog to sleep byplaying his lyre.

trichinosisn/ TtrikESnPsDs /Gkinfestation with or disease causedby certain nematode wormscontracted by eating raw orundercooked infested food andespecially pork.Madeline cooked the pork chopswell so there would be no danger oftrichinosis.

trichogenousadj/ TtrDSkBjEnEs /Gkproducing hair.Trichogenous cells produce the tinyhairs on insect bodies and limbs.

trichotomyn/ trISkBZETmG /Gka system divided or divisible intothree constituents or elements.Golda’s civics teacher explainedhow the United States governmentis a trichotomy, divided into thelegislative, judicial, and executivebranches.

trickle

trigonometryn/ TtrigESnBmEtrG /Gka branch of mathematics dealingwith the relations holding amongthe sides and angles of trianglesand among closely relatedmagnitudes and especially withmethods of deducing from givenparts other required parts.Rachel enjoyed her course intrigonometry much more than sheenjoys her calculus class.

trihedral

trillion

Trinityn/ StrinEZG /L > F > Ethe union of three persons orpersonified concepts (as the Father,the Son, and the Holy Spirit) in onegodhead so that all the three areone God as to substance but threepersons or concepts as toindividuality.The Catholic Church onceexcommunicated believers in thefalse Trinity of God, Mary, andJesus.

tripelennamine


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tripod

triquetran/ trISkwGtrE /La triangle-shaped figure ordecoration.Murray stenciled a leafy triquetrain each corner of the kitchenceiling.

triskelionn/ trISskelGEn /Gka figure composed of three usuallycurved or bent branches radiatingfrom a center.A triskelion has been the emblem ofthe Isle of Man since the 13thcentury, when the Vikings wereousted.

tristeadj/ StrGst /L > F > Esad, dismal, dull, depressing.A triste quartet could be heardfrom the window.

triturate

triumph

triumphal

triumviraten/ trISEmvErDt /La group, party, or association ofthree.Vince, Steve, and Phil jokinglyrefer to themselves as the “terribletriumvirate.”trivetn/ StrivDt /L > Ea usually ornamental metal standwith short feet especially for useunder a hot dish at a table.A brass trivet featuring the localcollege’s insignia is the best-sellingitem in the gift shop.

trochaic

trochantern/ trPSkantE(r) /Gk > Lthe second segment counting fromthe base of the leg of an insect.A trochanter is one of the five partsof an insect’s leg.

trocheametern/ TtrBkGSamEZE(r) /Gk? + Gk > Ean instrument used to count therevolutions of a wheel.According to the trocheameterattached to one of the wagonwheels, the wagon train hadtraveled 30 miles.

trochiline

troddenv/ StrBdFn /Ewalked or trampled uponsomething.The cattle had trodden over thefield, flattening the tall grass andweeds.

troglodyten/ StrBglETdIt /Gk > La member of a primitive peopledwelling in caves or pits.While spelunking, Zan and Patrickstumbled on the bones of atroglodyte.

troglodytic

troikan/ StrOikE /Russa group of three.Astrology, yoga, and poetry are thetroika of humanities that mostinterest Bryce.

trophallaxisn/ TtrBfESlaksDs /Gk > Lexchange of food betweenorganisms (as the social insects).Bees, ants, and wasps practicetrophallaxis.

tropicopolitanadj/ TtrBpEkPSpBlEtFn /Gkinhabiting all countries near theequator.Today the coconut palm is atropicopolitan species.

tropophilousadj/ trPSpBfElEs /Gk + Gkthriving in an environment thatundergoes marked periodic changes(as in temperature, soil moisture, oravailable light).Deciduous trees of the temperateregions are examples oftropophilous plants.

troughn/ StrOf /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] anelongated area of low barometricpressure usually with a minimumpressure at each end and betweentwo areas of higher pressure.Eric listened to the weatherforecaster explain how the localweather was being influenced bythe trough that was present.

trousseaun/ StrV(T)sP /F[Note: Plural form can bepronounced similarly.] the personalpossessions of a bride usuallyincluding clothes, accessories, andhousehold linens and wares.Felicity kept her trousseau in ahope chest at the foot of her bed.

trove


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trowel

truculentadj/ StrEkyElEnt /Lfeeling or evincing savage ferocity: fierce.Hunger makes the tiger a truculenthunter.

trumpet

truncatedadj/ StrENTkCZDd /Labbreviated by or as if by lopping.Cindy’s cat has a truncated tail.

truncheon

trunnionedadj/ StrEnyEnd /Fhaving a pin or pivot usuallymounted on bearings for rotating ortilting.Dave attached a trunnionedcompass to the deck of his sailboat.

truttaceousadj/ TtrEStCshEs /Lof, relating to, or resembling atrout.Truttaceous fish are highlyesteemed as sport fish because oftheir spiritedness.

trypanosome

tsetse

tsunamin/ (t)sVSnBmG /Jpna great sea wave produced bysubmarine earth movements orvolcanic eruption.The dock workers were alerted intime to evacuate the harbor areabefore the tsunami hit.

tuberculosisn/ tETbErkyESlPsDs /La communicable disease caused bythe tubercle bacillus andcharacterized by toxic symptoms orallergic manifestations which inhumans primarily affect the lungs.The antibiotic drug streptomycinhas been successfully used to treattuberculosis.

tufaceousadj/ t(y)VSfCshEs /Osco-Umbrian > L > Itof or resembling a rock composedof the finer kinds of volcanicdebris.Many buildings in Italy wereconstructed of tufaceous rock.

tuffetn/ StEfDt /Gmc? > F? > Ea low seat : stool.Katie stood on the tuffet to reachthe book on the top shelf.

tularemian/ TtVlESrGmGE /Calif geog name + Lcfa bacterial disease of rodents, man,and some domestic animals.Jerry’s temperature reached adangerously high level during hisbout with tularemia.

tulle

tumefaction

tumultuousadj/ t(y)VSmElch(E)wEs /Lfull of commotion and uproar :boisterous.As the basketball star entered, hereceived tumultuous applause fromhis schoolmates.

tumulusn/ St(y)VmyElEs /L[has homonym: tumulous] anartificial hillock or mound (as overa grave).In the center of the cemetery is alarge tumulus where one of thetown’s founders is buried.

tundran/ StEndrE /Finno-Ugric > Russa treeless plain characteristic ofarctic and subarctic regions with apermanently frozen subsoil.Do reindeer graze on the moss ofthe tundra?tungstenn/ StENstDn /Swa gray-white high-melting hardmetallic element that is used in thepure form chiefly for electricalpurposes (as for filaments forincandescent lamps).The filament in many light bulbs isa thin wire of tungsten.

turbann/ StErbEn /Per > Turk > Fa headdress worn chiefly incountries of the easternMediterranean and southern Asiaespecially by Muslims and made ofa cap around which is wound along cloth.A camel driver wearing a blueturban asked Rebecca if she wouldlike a short ride.

turbid

turbinen/ StErbDn /L > F[has homonym: turban] a rotaryengine.The plane could not take off untilthe damaged turbine was repaired.

turbot


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turbulencen/ StErbyElEn(t)s /Lhighly irregular atmosphericmotion characterized by rapidchanges in wind speed anddirection and the presence of upand down currents.The captain warned the plane’spassengers to brace themselves fora patch of turbulence.

turgescence

turgescent

turgid

turmoiln/ StErTmOil /unknownan utterly confused, extremelyagitated, or tumultuous state orcondition.Jacob experienced unrelentingturmoil after his parents informedhim that the family might move.

turnstilen/ StErnTstI(E)l /E + Ea post with four arms pivoted onthe top set in a gateway to regulateor monitor passage.Contrary to the prominently postedwarning sign, Calvin hopped overthe turnstile.

turnverein

turophilen/ St(y)UrETfIl /Gka gourmet of cheese : a cheesefancier.The turophile warned us not to bebeguiled by the low cost of inferiorprocessed cheese.

turpentinen/ StErpEnTtIn /Gk > L > F > Eany of various oleoresins that arederived from coniferous trees andare obtained in crude form asyellowish viscous exudates ofcharacteristic odor and taste fromincisions in the tree trunks and thatusually thicken and solidify in theair.The most common use of turpentineis in paint and lacquer thinners.

turpituden/ StErpETtVd /Linherent baseness or vileness ofprinciple, words, or actions :depravity.Sean accused Amitab of moralturpitude for teasing the cat.

turretn/ StErDt /F > Ea little tower.The princess escaped from theturret by sliding down a rope ofknotted bedsheets.

turricularadj/ TtESrikyElE(r) /Lshaped like or resembling a tower.Shauna’s birthday cake wasturricular and decorated to looklike the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

turriferous

tutania

tutelagen/ St(y)VZFlij /Linstruction; especially : individualinstruction accompanied by closepersonal attention and a consciousattempt at guidance.Evan made astounding progressunder the tutelage of his newtrumpet teacher.

tutelaryadj/ St(y)VZFlTerG /Lhaving the guardianship or chargeof protecting a person or a thing.The young princesses weresurrounded by tutelary employees.

tutoyer

tuyeren/ tVSye(E)r /Fa nozzle through which an air blastis delivered to a forge.Dan checked the tuyere for anobstruction.

tweezersn pl/ StwGzE(r)z /F > Eany of various small pincer-shapedtools used for plucking, holding, ormanipulating.The jeweler used a pair of finetweezers to extract the brokenspring from inside Jeff’s pocketwatch.

twelfth

twinklev/ StwiNkEl /Eshine with a flickering, sparkling,or intermittent light.Atmospheric conditions affect howa star will twinkle in the night sky.

tycoon

tympanumn/ StimpEnEm /Gk > La thin tense membrane covering anorgan of hearing (as in the leg of aninsect).The tympanum, which is sometimeshidden beneath the base of aninsect’s wing cover, is activated bythe pressure of sound waves.


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typhlologyn/ tiSflBlEjG /Gkthe scientific study of blindness, itscauses, effects, and control.Researchers in typhlology havefound that certain nutritionaldeficiencies can result in theclouding and softening of thecornea.

typhoonn/ tISfVn /Gk&Chinesea tropical cyclone occurring in theregion of the Philippines or theChina Sea.A typhoon of unimaginable furyswung across the coastal plains ofBangladesh, swallowing up villagesand sweeping away food crops.

typifyv/ StipDTfI /L + Ecfembody the essential or salientcharacteristics of.Dickens’s characters typify theVictorian era.

typothetae

tyrannicaladj/ tDSranDkEl /Gkexhibiting imperious and usuallyoppressive exercise of absolutepower : despotic.Patrick Henry spoke ferventlyabout the urgent need to arrest thetyrannical hands of the Britishministry and Parliament.

tyrannize

tyrannous

tyrannyn/ StirEnG /L > F > Eabsolute government in whichpower is vested in a single ruler.The tyranny of many medievalkingdoms was eventuallysupplanted by democracy.

ubiquitousadj/ yVSbikwEZEs /Lexisting or being everywhere at thesame time : omnipresent.The drum is a ubiquitousinstrument in world music.

udometern/ yVSdBmEZE(r) /L + Gkan instrument for measuring thequantity of precipitation that falls ata given place and time.The local television station askedKaren to put a udometer in herbackyard.

udomograph

uglify

ulcerous

ullage

ulotrichousadj/ yVSlBtrDkEs /Gk + Gkhaving woolly or crisp hair.The ulotrichous aborigines craftedwide-toothed combs for their hair.

ulterioradj/ TElStirGE(r) /Lnot apparent : hidden.When Sherman volunteered to walkthe dog, his ulterior motive was toescape the boring conversation inthe house.

ultimacy

ultimatumn/ TEltESmCZEm /La final proposition, condition, ordemand; especially : one whoserejection will end negotiations andcause a resort to force or otherdirect action.If the striking workers refused itsultimatum, the company threatenedto close the factory permanently.

ultravioletadj/ TEltrESvIElDt /L + L > F > Esituated beyond the visiblespectrum at the violet end andhaving a wavelength shorter thanvisible light and longer than X rays.Arthur purchased sunglasses thatprovide some protection againstultraviolet radiation.

ululant

ululationn/ TElyESlCshEn /La loud mournful usually protractedand rhythmical sound : howl.An ululation from deep in thewoods gave Jesse goosebumps.

umbilicaladj/ TEmSbilDkEl /Lattached by or as if by a cordarising at the navel that connects afetus with the placenta.Important medical research isbeing done with stem cells obtainedfrom umbilical cords.

umbran/ SEmbrE /La shaded area : darkness.Trent saw something flicker in theumbra beneath the side porch.


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umbragen/ SEmbrij /L > F > Edispleasure, resentment,annoyance.Hatred between nations disposeseach more readily to offer insultand injury and lay hold of slightcauses of umbrage.

umbrageousadj/ TEmSbrCjEs /L > F > Eproviding protection from heat andlight : shady.Sherwood Forest was theumbrageous domain of thelegendary Robin Hood and hisoutlaw band.

umbrella

umlautn/ SUmTlaUt /Ga diacritical mark composed of twoadjacent dots placed especially overa German vowel to indicate avowel shift.Gary never knew how to pronouncewords with an umlaut until hestudied German.

umpiren/ SEmTpI(E)r /L > F > Eone having authority to arbitrateand make a final decision, as anofficial in a sport who rules on theplays.The coach vehemently objectedwhen the umpire ejected the playerfor unsportsmanlike conduct.

unabridged

unaccompanied

unanimousadj/ yVSnanEmEs /Lbeing of one mind : agreeing inopinion, design, or determination.The advice given the candidate bythose in his confidence wasunanimous.

unaun/ yVSnO /Tupi > Fa two-toed sloth of Central andSouth America.The unau seldom descends to theground because its slow movementsmake it easy prey for jaguars andother predators.

unciferousadj/ TEnSsif(E)rEs /Lbearing a hook or hooklikestructure.Weaving and other fiber artsinvolve the use of severalunciferous tools.

uncinateadj/ SEn(t)sEnDt /Lbent at the tip like a hook.Using a magnifying glass, Chadwas able to examine the insect’suncinate antennae.

unconscionableadj/ TEnSkBnch(E)nEbEl /Ecf + L + Ecfnot guided or controlled by aninternal sense of right or wrong :unscrupulous.The governor was denounced forhis unconscionable indifference tothe plight of the homeless.

uncouthadj/ TEnSkVth /Ecf + Elacking in polish and grace.Last night we watched a movieabout turning an uncouth highschool student into a princess.

unctuosity

unctuous

underrate

underread

undisciplinable

undulance

undulatev/ SEnjETlCt /Lform or move in waves.Terry stood on the shore andwatched the ocean undulate in themoonlight.

undulation

unencrypted

unexceptionableadj/ TEnikSsepsh(E)nEbEl /Ecf + Lnot open or liable to objection,criticism, or reproach :unimpeachable.Mr. Weston was a man ofunexceptionable character, easyfortune, suitable age, and pleasantmanners.

unfeigned

unforgettable

unfurlv/ TEnSfErl /Ecf + L > Frelease or open out from a rolled-upstate.Kendra embroidered her school’smotto on the new flag she willunfurl during tomorrow’sassembly.

unguent


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unguligradeadj/ SENgyElETgrCd /Lwalking on hoofs.Unguligrade mammals includehorses, cows, swine, camels, deer,elephants, rhinoceroses, and tapirs.

unhygienic

unicameral

unicornn/ SyVnETkOrn /L > F > Ea fabulous animal possibly basedon faulty old descriptions of therhinoceros and generally depictedwith the body and head of a horse,the hind legs of a stag, the tail of alion, and in the middle of theforehead a single long straighthorn.Sarah has a poster of a beautifulwhite unicorn on her wall.

unilateral

unintelligibleadj/ TEnDnStelEjEbEl /Ecf + E + Ldifficult to comprehend.Dave readily admitted that hefound the article unintelligible.

uniqueadj/ yVSnGk /Lbeing without a like or equal :single in kind or excellence :unequaled.The class agreed that MartinLuther King Jr. had a uniqueimpact on civil rights in the 20thcentury.

unisonadj/ SyVnEsEn /L > Fidentical in musical pitch.The choir was well trained inunison singing; every membercould hit the same note perfectly.

unisonous

universally

unparalleled

unprecedentedadj/ EnSpresEdentDd /Ecf + L + Ecffnew, unexampled.Last year the city experienced anunprecedented expansion inpopulation and industry.

unpredictableadj/ TEnprGSdiktEbEl /Ecf + Lnot to be foretold.The raging forest fire was difficultto contain because of theunpredictable weather patterns ofthat area.

unprincipledadj/ TEnSprin(t)sEpEld /E + Llacking or exhibiting a lack of amoral code of conduct.The detective described the arsonistas “unprincipled andconscienceless.”unpronounceable

unrequitedadj/ TEnrDSkwIZDd /Ecf + L > Enot returned in kind.Several passages in the novel weredevoted to Harriet’s unrequitedlove for Mr. Elton.

unscrupulousadj/ TEnSskrVpyElEs /E + Lunprincipled.Desmond was not so unscrupulousas to betray his comrades.

unsullied

untenantableadj/ EnStenEntEbEl /Ecf + L + Lcf[Note: Could be confused withuntenable.] incapable of beingoccupied or lived in.The hurricane left thousands ofhomes untenantable.

unveiled

unyieldingadj/ TEnSyGldiN /Ecf + Erefusing to give way : resolute,obstinate.Jake’s unyielding opposition to theproposed surprise party isbecoming tiresome.

upbraid

upeygann/ VSpCgEn /Shonaa black rhinoceros.The front horn of the upeygan canreach a length of over 30 inches.

upheaval

upholstery

uppityadj/ SEpEZG /E + Ecfmarked by airs of superiority.Nicole forgave Amanda for heruppity behavior at the party.

uprightadj/ SEpTrIt /Estanding up straight on the feet oron one end.When Mom’s old upright vacuumcleaner finally broke down, shewent out and bought a new canistermodel.

uproarious


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urbanityn/ TErSbanEZG /Lthe quality or state of evincing thepolish and suavity characteristic ofsocial life in larger cities.Melissa’s easy urbanity belied herdiscomfort at the pie-eatingcontest.

urbiculturen/ SErbETkElchEr /Lthe practices and problems peculiarto cities.The congressman proposed a newfederal department of urbicultureto deal with the problems of citydwellers.

urceolateadj/ SErTsGElDt /Lshaped like an urn.At the end of the drive stood a pairof urceolate boxwoods.

urchin

urgency

ursineadj/ SErTsIn /L[has near homonym: hircine] of,relating to, or characteristic of abear.Some children are particularlyfascinated by ursine hibernation.

urticantadj/ SErZDkEnt /Lproducing itching or stinging.Strawberry nettles are notoriousfor their urticant effect on humanskin.

ushern/ SEshE(r) /L > F > Eone who escorts persons to seats atan assemblage (as in a theater,church, or hall).The usher informed the latecomersthat they would not be seated untilthe end of the first act.

ustionn/ SEs(h)chEn /L > Fthe action of burning.Finding the paper too thick to tearor cut easily, Richard resorted toustion to destroy it without a trace.

ustulationn/ TEs(h)chESlCshEn /Lthe action of burning or searing.By ustulation the metallurgistseparated the sulfur from the ore.

usufructn/ SyVzETfrEkt /Lthe right to use or enjoy something.The homeowners in Eleanor’sneighborhood have a usufruct to alarge fenced park.

usuriousadj/ yVSzhUrGEs /L + Ecfinvolving or taking illegal orexorbitant interest for the use ofmoney.The officers of the bank werecharged with usurious practices.

usurpativeadj/ yVSsErpEZiv /Lcharacterized by or constituting theunauthorized arbitrary assumptionand exercise of power especially asinfringing on others’ rights.The king banished the prince forhis traitorous usurpative acts.

usurpern/ yVSsErpEr /Lone that infringes or encroachesupon the rights or property ofanother.By the end of his term, the mayorhad become known as a usurper ofauthority.

usury

utensil

utilitarianadj/ (T)yVTtilESterGEn /L > F > Echaracterized by or aiming atusefulness as distinguished frombeauty or ornament.Dean chose a utilitarian briefcaseover the fancy leather model.

utility

utilizableadj/ SyVZFlTIzEbEl /L > F > Ecapable of being made use of.It took three months, but eventuallyLeon was able to convert theprototype into a utilizable product.

utterancen/ SEZErEn(t)s /F > Esomething that is spoken.Smoke and clamor accompaniedevery utterance of the Great Oz.

uxorialadj/ TEkSsPrGEl /L > Eof, relating to, or having thecharacteristics of a wife.The new bride’s conduct defiedMrs. Ketchum’s notions of properuxorial behavior.

uxorious

vacation

vacationland


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vacaturn/ vCSkCZEr /Lan order of court making void alegal proceeding.The court issued a vacatur when itfound that the defendant’s rightshad not been upheld.

vaccaryn/ SvakErG /La place where cows or cattle arekept : dairy farm.The teacher plans to take herstudents to a vaccary during theirstudy of the dairy food group.

vaccinatev/ SvaksETnCt /L > Fadminister a preparation ofmicroorganisms in order to produceor increase immunity to a particulardisease.Doctors no longer vaccinateAmerican children againstsmallpox, as that disease waseradicated during the 1970s.

vaccine

vaccinoid

vacillatev/ SvasETlCt /Lwaver in mind, will, or feeling :hesitate in choice of opinions orcourses.Theresa must allow more time tochoose what she will wear if shecannot stop her tendency tovacillate.

vacuity

vacuousadj/ SvakyEwEs /Lemptied of or lacking content (as ofair or gas).Vacuous spaces within themeteorite made it easy to split inhalf.

vacuum

vagabondadj/ SvagETbBnd /L > F > Emoving from place to place withouta fixed home.Orson wanted to buy a motor homeand lead a vagabond life, butEileen refused to sell their house.

vagaryn/ SvCgErG /La whimsical, fanciful, orextravagant idea or notion.George’s idea that he would bespending his spring break in Pariswas sheer vagary.

vagrancyn/ SvCgrEnsG /L?the state or offense of being aperson who has no establishedresidence and wanders idly fromplace to place without lawful orvisible means of support.To clear the downtown area ofhomeless people, the mayorinstructed the police to arrest themfor vagrancy.

vaguely

vainness

valedictoryn/ TvalESdikt(E)rG /La speech or farewell usually givenat the commencement exercises ofa school or college.Alice’s valedictory at graduationbrought the entire senior class toits feet.

valet

valetudinariann/ TvalETtVdFnSerGEn /La person of a weak or sicklyconstitution; especially : one whosechief concern is his invalidism.Grandpa hopes that he will neverbe a valetudinarian.

valiant

valiantlyadv/ SvalyEntlG /L > F > Ein a brave or bold manner :courageously.Deidre tried valiantly to swim theEnglish Channel.

validityn/ vESlidEZG /Lthe quality or state of being wellgrounded or justifiable.Some people question the validityof Darwin’s theory of evolution.

valley

valorousadj/ SvalErEs /Lbrave, courageous.Carrie’s valorous behavior duringthe flood earned her a medal.

valve

vampire


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vandalismn/ SvandFTlizEm /L > Ewillful or malicious destruction ordefacement of things of beauty orof public or private property.The boys who knocked over thegravestones were eventually caughtand charged with vandalism.

vandalizev/ SvandFTlIz /Gk > L > Fdestroy or deface property, usuallywith malicious intent.The gang planned to vandalize thetombstones at the cemetery withspray paint on Halloween.

vanguard

vanillan/ vESnilE /L > Spa flavoring extract made by soakingcomminuted vanilla pods in amixture of water and grain alcohol.The chef specified that real vanillabe used when making the cake.

vanquish

vapidity

vaporetto

vargueno

variablen/ SverGEbEl /L[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a starwhose brightness changes in moreor less regular periods.Clement spent six months trackingchanges in the variable.

variationn/ TverGSCshEn /La solo dance in ballet.Erik choreographed a variation tobe performed by the stars of hisballet company.

varicelliformadj/ TvarESselETfOrm /L + Lresembling chicken pox.A virus was responsible for Lloyd’svaricelliform rash.

varicoseadj/ SvarETkPs /Labnormally swollen or dilated.Extreme cases of varicose veinscan require surgical treatment.

variegatedadj/ Sver(G)ETgCZDd /Lmarked with different colors ortints in spots, streaks, or stripes.A shady corner of the garden wasbrightened by a clump ofvariegated coleus plants.

variolous

vasodilatorn/ TvC(T)zPSdITlCZE(r) /Lan agent (as a parasympatheticnerve fiber or a drug) that inducesor initiates widening of the lumenof blood vessels.Red wine contains tyramine, avasodilator that can cause flushingand headaches.

vassaln/ SvasEl /Celt > L > F > Ea feudal tenant.The lord of the estate rewarded thevassal for years of faithful service.

vaticinator

vaudevillen/ SvOd(E)vDl /F geog namea stage entertainment especiallypopular in the early decades of the20th century that consisted ofvarious unrelated acts followingone another in succession and thatmight include performing animals,acrobats, comedians, dancers,singers, or magicians.Some of the stars of vaudeville wenton to become movie actors.

vaudevilliann/ vOdSvilyEn /F geog name&La writer or performer of stageentertainments especially popularin theaters in the early decades ofthe 20th century.In his days as a vaudevillian, Mr.Kramer was a comedian’s sidekick.

vault

vawardn/ SvaUT(w)Ord /F > Ethe foremost part : forefront.The vaward of the column stoppedto allow stragglers to catch up.

veal

vealskin

vegetable

vegetarianadj/ TvejESterGEn /L > E + Ecfconsisting wholly of edible plants.After spending two years in Japan,Annabelle followed a vegetariandiet.


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vehemencen/ SvGEmEn(t)s /L > Fthe quality or state of beingexpressive of strong emotion orconviction.Norm’s impetuosity and vehemenceof temper made him his own worstenemy.

vehicle

vein

velitationn/ TvelEStCshEn /L[Note: Could be confused withvellication.] a dispute or slightcontest : skirmish.Police used every means to keepthe velitation from exploding into ariot.

velleityn/ vESlGEZG /La slight wish : a faint desire.Mr. and Mrs. Newton found thatthe hotel staff had anticipated theirevery velleity.

vellicationn/ TvelESkCshEn /Lthe act of twitching or of causing totwitch.While dissecting a frog in biologyclass, Sam noticed vellication of thelegs.

vellumn/ SvelEm /F > Ea thin calfskin specially prepared asa surface for writing.Sanford carefully turned the rarevellum over to see if there was anywriting on the back.

velocious

velocityn/ vDSlBsEZG /L > Fquickness of motion : swiftness,speed.George estimated the velocity ofthe wind at 22 miles per hour.

velodromen/ SvGlETdrPm /L > F + Gk > Fa building containing a trackdesigned for cycling.The university’s new velodromewas funded by an alumnus who wasan ardent bicyclist.

vendavaln/ TvendESval /F > Span autumnal thundersquall on thecoast of Mexico.A recent vendaval damaged thebanana grove.

vendettan/ venSdeZE /L > Ita prolonged feud marked by bitterhostility.Chloe’s all-night party exacerbatedthe vendetta with her neighbor.

veneern/ vDSni(E)r /Ga thin sheet of wood cut or sawedfrom a log and adapted foradherence to a smooth surface (asof wood).The maple veneer really spruced upthe old pine table.

veneniferousadj/ TvenESnif(E)rEs /L + Ecfbearing or transmitting poison andespecially a natural venom.Ellen couldn’t believe that anyonewould want to work withveneniferous snakes for a living.

venerableadj/ SvenEr(E)bEl /Ldeserving to be regarded withprofound respect and affection.The venerable teacher’s retirementsaddened students who had hopedto benefit from her instruction.

vengeancen/ SvenjEn(t)s /L > F > Einfliction of punishment in returnfor an injury or offense.The defeated team howled withrage and fury and swore bloodyvengeance.

venireman

venisonn/ SvenEsEn /L > F > Ethe flesh of a deer.Mandy roasted a leg of venisonwith prunes and chestnuts.

venomn/ SvenEm /L > F > Epoisonous matter normally secretedby some animals (as snakes,scorpions, or bees).The snake’s venom paralyzed itsprey.

ventilatev/ SventFlTCt /Lcause fresh air to circulate throughand contaminated air to besimultaneously withdrawn from.To ventilate her kitchen, Margo seta fan in the doorway and openedthe windows.


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ventriloquistn/ venStrilETkwDst /Lone who is skilled in the art ofspeaking in such a manner that thevoice appears to come from somesource other than the vocal organsof the speaker.A ventriloquist entertained atRebecca’s birthday party.

venuen/ Sven(T)yV /L > Fa place designated to be the sceneof a gathering, such as for a sportsevent.The Georgia Dome in Atlanta wasthe venue for Super Bowl XXXIV.

veraciousadj/ vDSrCshEs /L + Ecf[has homonym: voracious]observant of the truth : habituallyspeaking the truth.It was up to the jury to decidewhich of the two witnesses was themore veracious.

veracityn/ vDSrasEZG /Ldevotion to the truth : truthfulness.The prosecutor questioned theveracity of the witness.

verballyadv/ SvErbElG /L + Ecffin a manner involving the use ofwords rather than action orperformance.Johann couldn’t describe the shapeverbally, so he drew it.

verbatimadv/ vE(r)SbCZDm /Lword for word : in the same words.Marcelle can recite the entireGettysburg Address verbatim.

verbenan/ vE(r)SbGnE /Lany of numerous garden plants thatare widely cultivated for theirshowy spikes of white, pink, red, orblue flowers which are borne inprofusion over a long season.Marcy noticed tiny flower buds onher verbena in early April andanxiously awaited its full bloom.

verbigeratev/ (T)vErSbijETrCt /Lrepeat a word or sentence endlesslyand meaninglessly.The psychiatrist explained thatsome schizophrenic patients oftenverbigerate.

verbomanian/ TvErbESmCnGE /L + Gkexcessive use of or obsession withwords.Frances was accused ofverbomania by her classmates, whodidn’t understand why she liked tostudy spelling.

verbotenadj/ vE(r)SbPtFn /Gforbidden; especially : prohibitedby dictate.Speaking English in the Germanlanguage-immersion program isverboten.

verdant

verdigrisn/ SvErdETgrGs /L > F > Ea green or greenish blue poisonouspigment obtained by the action ofacetic acid on copper.The verdigris on the church steeplehas aged beautifully.

verdolagan/ TvErdESlBgE /L > Ar > Span annual herb with fleshy leaves.Latin American cooks useverdolaga in soups and salads.

verduren/ SvErjEr /F > E[has homonym: verger] fresh andgreen growing vegetation.Joe walked back into the soft thickverdure of the hills and trampeduntil he was tired.

verglasn/ verSglB /Fa thin film of ice on rock.On her way to the stream for somefresh water, Connie slipped on thenearly invisible verglas.

verisimilituden/ TverEsDSmilETtVd /L + Lthe quality or state of having theappearance of truth.The artist’s scrupulous attention todetail provided an impressivedegree of verisimilitude.

verjuicen/ SvErTjVs /F > Ethe sour juice of crab apples orother unripe fruit.Scrooge was the kind of personwho looked as though he drankverjuice every morning.

vermeil

vermicellin/ TvErmESselG /L > Italimentary paste made in long thinsolid strings smaller in diameterthan spaghetti.The restaurant’s five-way chilistarted with a base of vermicelli.


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vermiculateadj/ vE(r)SmikyElDt /Lwormlike in shape.When Tom’s two-year-old brothertried to draw something, he couldmanage only a few vermiculatelines.

vernacularadj/ vE(r)SnakyElEr /Lbelonging to or being a language ordialect developed in and spokenand used by the people of aparticular place, region, or countryin a form considered nonstandard.Mr. Hillis could not understand thevernacular language of therappers.

vernaladj/ SvErnFl /Lof, relating to, or characteristic ofthe spring.Cherry trees produce some of theprettiest vernal blossoms.

vernissage

verricule

versatileadj/ SvErsEZFl /L[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] markedby a tendency to change :fluctuating readily.Tricia’s versatile temperamentmade it impossible to predict herreactions.

vertebrateadj/ SvErZEbrDt /Lhaving a spinal column.Vertebrate animals include fishes,reptiles, birds, and mammals.

vertexn/ SvErTteks /Lthe point on the limb of a celestialbody nearest the zenith.The tiny dark spot near the Moon’svertex is a huge crater.

verticaladj/ SvErZDkEl /L > Fperpendicular to the plane of thehorizon or to a primary axis :upright.Blythe preferred the fabric withbroad vertical stripes.

vertiginatev/ TvErStijETnCt /Lwhirl dizzily around : twirl.Young children love to vertiginateuntil they fall down.

vertiginous

vertigon/ SvErZDTgP /La disordered state in which theindividual or the individual’ssurroundings seem to whirl dizzily.The constant rocking of the boatproduced feelings of vertigo andnausea in many of the passengers.

vesicantn/ SvesDkEnt /L + Ean agent (as a drug or a plantsubstance) that induces blistering.Brittany wore thick gloves in orderto avoid contact with the vesicant.

vespaciden/ SvespETsId /Lone that kills wasps.Mindy waved the can of vespacidethreateningly at the nest of yellowjackets.

vespertilian

vespertineadj/ SvespE(r)TtIn /Lsetting with or just after the Sun.Venus is the most prominentvespertine planet.

vessel

vestibulen/ SvestETbyVl /L > Fa passage, hall, or chamberbetween the outer door and theinterior of a building.The elevators were located at theend of the vestibule.

vestigen/ Svestij /L > Fa remaining bit that constitutes amemorial or trace of somethingformerly present.Dmitri thought he detected avestige of natural gas odor in thekitchen.

veterinary

vexation

vexatiousadj/ vekSsCshEs /Lcausing or likely to cause mentalsuffering.A lame carriage horse threweverything into sad uncertainty andcreated a situation Emma foundmost vexatious.

vexillology

viable

vibraphone

vibrato


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vicaragen/ SvikErij /L > Ethe house of a priest of a parish.About a quarter of a mile down theroad rose the vicarage, an old andnot very good house.

vicegerency

vicegerentn/ vIsSjirEnt /Lan administrative deputy appointedto perform functions of a king ormagistrate.The emperor claimed that he wasruling as God’s vicegerent.

vicereine

vichyssoisen/ TvishGSswBz /F geog namea soup made of pureed leeks andpotatoes and usually served cold.When vichyssoise is well made, it’sheavenly; when it’s badly made,it’s inedible.

vicinage

viciouslyadv/ SvishEslG /L > F > Ein a manner marked by violence orferocity.The puppy attempted to shake theold sock viciously.

vicissituden/ vDSsisETtVd /Lan accident of fortune : a shift ofluck.By the vicissitude of winning thelottery, Helen was able to buy thedream house she always wanted.

vicontieladj/ vISkBntGEl /F > AFof or relating to a viscount orsheriff.Robin Hood was wanted by thevicontiel authorities of severalcounties.

victorious

viduityn/ vDSd(y)VEZG /Lwidowhood.Wendy’s first husband was killed inthe Gulf War, but her viduity endedwhen she remarried in 1994.

vigentennialadj/ TvIjenStenGEl /Loccurring once every 20 years :relating to a 20th anniversary.The store celebrated itsvigentennial anniversary with a bigsale.

vigesimal

vigilance

vigilanten/ TvijESlantG /L > Spa member of a volunteer committeeorganized to protect an interest,especially to suppress and punishcrime.The cowboy movie was about arancher who became a vigilanteand joined in the search for acriminal.

vigneronn/ TvGnyESrPn /Fone who cultivates a vineyard andmakes wine from the grapes.The American vigneron wasdelighted that the French judgeschose his wine as being among theworld’s best.

vignette

vilayet

vilifyv/ SvilETfI /Lutter slanderous and abusivestatements against : defame.Wouldn’t it be refreshing if thecandidates vying for the office didnot vilify each other?vilipendv/ SvilETpend /Lspeak of slightingly ordisparagingly : depreciate.The candidate decided to vilipendher opponent instead of discussingthe issues.

villainn/ SvilDn /L > F > E[has homonyms: villein, villan]one who deliberately plots and doesserious harm to others.The police were seeking the villainwho conned several senior citizensout of their savings.

villainous

villainy

vinaceousadj/ vISnCshEs /Lof the color wine red.The vinaceous liquid in the three-foot-high bottle at the restaurant isnot really wine.

vinaigretten/ TvinESgret /Fa sauce made typically of vinegar,oil, onions, parsley, and herbs.The salad was dressed with atomato-flavored vinaigrette.

vincible


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vinculumn/ SviNkyElEm /La unifying bond.Their mutual love of dolls is thevinculum between Delia andChristine, who are otherwise verydifferent.

vindicatev/ SvindETkCt /Lfree from any question of error,dishonor, guilt, or negligence.Oliver felt the judge’s decisionwould vindicate him completely.

vinegarn/ SvinigE(r) /L > F > Ea sour liquid used as a condimentor a preservative that is obtained byacetic fermentation of dilutealcoholic liquids (as fermentedcider, malt beer, or wine) and isoften seasoned especially withherbs.Pete used a special aged balsamicvinegar in the salad dressing.

vineyardn/ SvinyE(r)d /Ea field of grapevines.While touring a Napa Valleywinery, Jamie wandered throughthe vineyard.

vintnern/ SvintnE(r) /L > F > Ea person who sells wine : a winemerchant.The vintner assured Babette thatthe wine she was consideringwould go well with veal.

violated

violinn/ TvIESlin /OProv > Ita bowed stringed instrument havingfour strings, a shallow body, afingerboard without frets, and acurved bridge.Reuben demonstrated his technicalvirtuosity on the violin when heauditioned for the string ensemble.

violoncellon/ TvIElEnSche(T)lP /Itthe bass member of the violinfamily that is tuned an octavebelow the viola and held verticallyon the floor between the player’sknees while in a sitting position.The violoncello played plaintivelyin the prelude to the last act of theopera.

viragon/ vDSrBTgP /L[has near homonym: vorago] aloud overbearing woman.The manager at the Department ofMotor Vehicles was, unfortunately,a virago.

viridescentadj/ TvirESdesFnt /Lgreenish.Gideon removed the viridescentscum from the bottom of the horsetrough and added fresh water.

virtue

virtuoson/ TvErchESwP(T)sP /L > Itone who excels in the technique ofan art; especially : a musicalperformer.The virtuoso took 12 curtain calls,setting a new record for the concerthall.

virulentadj/ Svir(y)ElEnt /Lcharacterized by rapid course,severity, and malignancy—usedespecially of a disease or infection.The virulent strain of flu spreadrapidly through the community.

visage

visceroptosisn/ TvisErBpStPsDs /L + Gkdownward displacement of theabdominal organs.The growth of the tumor hadcaused visceroptosis.

viscountn/ SvITkaUnt /L > F > Ea noble ranking below an earl andabove a baron.The viscount had no children andwas becoming desperate to have anheir.

viscousadj/ SviskEs /L[Note: Could be confused withviscose.] having the physicalproperty of a fluid or semifluid thatenables it to develop a certainamount of shearing stressdependent upon the velocity offlow and then to offer continuedresistance to the flow.Joe was surprised to learn thatglass is viscous, as evidenced bythe fact that a windowpane, overtime, becomes thicker at its loweredge and thinner at its upper edge.

visibilityn/ TvizESbilEZG /Lthe degree or extent to whichsomething is capable of being seen.The captain announced thatvisibility was approximately fivemiles.


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vitiatev/ SvishGTCt /Lmake incomplete, faulty, ordefective : injure the substance orquality of.Freddie argued that Clark’s pooracting abilities would vitiate theschool play.

vitreousadj/ SvitrGEs /Lof, relating to, derived from, orconsisting of glass.The huge vitreous wall ofskyscrapers reflected the mountainsand the sunset.

vitrescibleadj/ vDStresEbEl /Lof a kind that can be changed intoglass or a glassy substance by heatand fusion.The ceramics shop owner used onlythe most vitrescible materials in hiswork.

vitrinen/ vDStrGn /L > Fa glass showcase for display (as offine wares or specimens).Allegra has a large vitrine thathouses her collection of porcelainfigurines.

vitriolicadj/ TvitrGSBlik /L > F > Emarked by a caustic biting quality.Howard had to be reprimanded forhis vitriolic outbursts against thereferees and opposing players.

vituperativeadj/ (T)vIStVpETrCZiv /Lcontaining or characterized bywordy abuse.Josh’s dad gave him a vituperativelecture after the accident.

vivaceadv/ vGSvB(T)chC /L > Itin a brisk spirited manner—used asa direction in music.To her teacher’s frustration,Marcie plays every piece as if itwere marked vivace.

vivacity

vixenishadj/ SviksEnish /Eresembling a shrewish ill-temperedwoman.Elena could become vixenish whenshe felt slighted.

vizierial

vocabulary

vocationn/ vPSkCshEn /L[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] asummons from God to anindividual to undertake theobligations and perform the dutiesof a particular task or function inlife.The parents of Thomas Aquinasentreated him to abandon hisreligious vocation and returnhome.

vociferate

vociferousadj/ vPSsif(E)rEs /Lmarked by or given to readyvehement insistent outcry.A vociferous couple in the back rowruined our evening at the poetryreading.

vogue

volante

volatileadj/ SvBlEZFl /L > Feasily passing off by evaporation.The fact that gasoline is highlyvolatile produces an advantage instarting engines.

volitionn/ vPSlishEn /Lthe act of willing or choosing : theact of deciding.The notary public asked Nigel tostate that he was signing thecontract of his own volition.

volubilityn/ TvBlyESbilEZG /Ltalkativeness.The cheerful volubility at Mrs.King’s luncheon is largely due tothe fact that she is a great hostess.

voracious

voragon/ vESrCTgP /L[has near homonym: virago] anengulfing chasm : abyss.Before he knew it, Beck hadcrossed the bridge over the vorago.

vorlagen/ SfPrTlBgE /Gthe position of a skier leaningforward from the ankles usuallywithout lifting the heels from theskis.The object of the vorlage is to keepthe body of the skier perpendicularto the slope.

vorspiel


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vortexn/ SvOrTteks /La rapidly spinning current of water.The toy sailboat got caught in thevortex and spun wildly as thebathtub drained.

vowel

voyagen/ SvOi(i)j /L > Ean act or instance of traveling :excursion, tour.Bill and Gail went on a sea voyagefor their honeymoon.

vulgaradj/ SvElgE(r) /Llacking in cultivation, perception,or taste.Harriet vowed that she would notvisit Mr. Martin’s wife if hemarried an ignorant vulgarwoman.

vulnerableadj/ SvElnEr(E)bEl /Lcapable of being wounded :defenseless against injury.Maggie’s sensitive nature made hervulnerable to cross remarks.

vulneraryadj/ SvElnETrerG /Lpromoting the healing of wounds :curative.There was a section in the oldmedical book about vulneraryherbs.

vulpine

vulturen/ SvElchE(r) /L > Eany of various large raptorial birdsrelated to the hawks, eagles, andfalcons but having weaker clawsand a usually naked head and thatsubsist chiefly or entirely on thedecaying flesh of dead animals.The turkey vulture rarely getscredit for its help in removingunfortunate opossums and skunksfrom our roadways.

wafflen/ SwBfEl /Da crisp cake made of pancake batterbaked in a specialized appliance.For breakfast, Mary ordered awaffle topped with blueberrycompote.

waggish

wagonload

waif

wainscotn/ SwCnzkEt /D > Ethe lower three or four feet of aninterior wall when finisheddifferently from the remainder ofthe wall (as with wood panels, tile,or marble slabs).Michelle chose a striped wallpaperfor the wainscot in the dining room.

wainwright

waldmeistern/ SwOldTmIstE(r) /G + L > Ga small European sweet-scentedherb.The Germans use waldmeister toflavor May wine.

wallabyn/ SwBlEbG /Australian nameany of various small or medium-sized kangaroos.The wallaby usually feeds in thesafety of dusk or darkness.

wallet

walleyedadj/ SwOTlId /Ehaving very light gray or whitisheyes.The Appaloosa foaled a walleyedfilly last spring.

wallopv/ SwBlEp /Fgain a decisive victory over : beatby a wide margin : trounce.Coach Garrett predicts that theCougars will soundly wallop theBuccaneers.

waltzn/ SwOlts /Ga moderately fast dance in three-quarter time with a strong accent onthe first beat of the measure andcharacterized by one step per beat.When the band started playing awaltz, Marilyn hoped that someonewould ask her to dance.

wander

wanderlustn/ SwBndE(r)TlEst /Gstrong or unconquerable longingfor or impulse toward traveling.Cayte’s wanderlust caused her topostpone college so that she couldtour Europe.


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wantonnessn/ SwOntFn(n)Ds /Ethe quality or state of being withoutcheck or limitation.The wantonness of comfortGeorgetta experienced as a youngchild caused her to become aspoiled brat.

wapitin/ SwBpEZG /Algonquiana North American deer similar tothe European red deer butconsiderably larger.The older male wapiti is oftenhunted for its antlers.

wardenn/ SwOrdFn /Gmc > F > Ean official in charge of theoperation of a prison.The warden recommended that thedisruptive prisoner be deniedparole.

warehouse

warison

warmonger

warmth

warriorn/ SwOryEr /Ea human engaged or experienced inwarfare and especially in primitivewarfare or the close combat typicalof ancient or medieval times.The warrior attended a councilbefore battle in the morning.

wasabin/ SwBsEbG /Jpnan Asiatic herb whose greenish rootis grated and eaten with fish orother food.In Japan, Pam had raw fishseasoned with wasabi, which tastedlike horseradish.

washtrough

waspn/ SwBsp /Eany of numerous wingedhymenopterous insects that havewell-developed wings and bitingmouthparts, and a more or lessformidable sting.The well-known yellow jacket is awasp with a hurtful sting.

wasteweirn/ SwCstTwi(E)r /L > F > E + Ea notch in a levee or other barrieracross a stream for the escape ofsuperfluous water.A wasteweir was constructed in thedam to prevent flooding along thebanks of the stream.

wastreln/ SwCstrEl /L > F > Esomething rejected or discarded asuseless or imperfect.Hardly any item is wastrel to theardent recycler.

watercressn/ SwOZE(r)Tkres /Ea white-flowered plant growing inwater with leaves that are used insalads.Jesse added some watercress andcarrots to the tossed salad.

waxen

wearisomeadj/ SwirGsEm /Etiresome, tedious.Gondolph found hearing accountsof other people’s dreamswearisome.

weaseln/ SwGzEl /Eany of various small slender activecarnivorous mammals that aremostly reddish brown with white oryellowish underparts and innorthern forms turn white in winter.In the snow the white fur of theweasel camouflages it againstattacks by hawks or owls.

weather

webelosn/ SwGbETlPz /E acronyma Cub Scout of the fifth rank who isat least 10½ years old and ispreparing for entrance into BoyScouts.Noah spent his second year as awebelos working on his fitness,geologist, and handyman activitybadges.

weddellite

wedge

weeviln/ SwGvEl /Eany of numerous snout beetles inwhich the head is elongated andusually curved downward to form asnout bearing the jaws at the tip.The boll weevil is a serious pest tothe cotton crop in North America.


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weighv/ SwC /E[has homonym: way] evaluate :ponder.Mrs. Avery asked Sam to weigh thepotential consequences of hisdecision.

weirn/ Swi(E)r /E[has homonyms: weer, we're] afence or enclosure set in a stream tocatch fish.Bored by fishing, the boys set up aweir and went off to playbasketball.

weirdadj/ Swi(E)rd /E[has homonym: weired] curious innature or appearance : of strange orextraordinary character.Most episodes of The X-Files beginwith a weird or puzzling event.

welfare

welfarismn/ SwelTfa(a)TrizEm /E + Ecfthe complex of policies, attitudes,and beliefs associated with awelfare state.Free health care was touted as oneof the benefits of welfarism.

welkinn/ SwelkDn /Ethe celestial regions as the abode ofGod or the gods : the heavens.The hymn that begins “Hark! Theherald angels sing” was originallywritten as “Hark how all the welkinrings.”wellaway

welterweight

wharf

wharfingern/ S(h)wO(r)fEnjE(r) /Ea person or company operating amarine terminal with facilities forthe berthing of ships and theloading, unloading, and storage ofgoods.The wharfinger keeps a parrot inhis office.

wheedlev/ ShwGdFl /unknownget or take something from byusing soft words or flattery.Ginger’s attempt to wheedle tendollars out of her father wasunsuccessful.

wheelbarrow

wheelwrightn/ S(h)wGlTrIt /Ea person whose occupation is tomake or repair circular frames ofmetal, wood, or other hard material.In the days of the horse and buggy,the wheelwright had an essentialjob to do.

whelk

whelpn/ Shwelp /Eone of the young of variouscarnivorous mammals.Wendy was delighted when the eyesof the cocker spaniel whelp finallyopened.

wherewithaln/ S(h)we(E)rwDTLOl /E + E + Efinancial resources : money.Everyone was surprised that Jakehad the wherewithal to buy asailboat.

wherry

whetstone

whilomadj/ ShwIlEm /Ehaving been at an earlier time :former.Mother frowned when Edgar saidthe food was probably too hot toeat, a whilom excuse for being latefor lunch.

whimperv/ ShwimpE(r) /imitmake a low whining plaintive orbroken sound.Laura’s dog starts to whimperwhenever he wants to be fed.

whimsicaladj/ ShwimzDkEl /unknownresulting from or determined bysudden unpredictable impulses.Ichabod became the object ofwhimsical persecution to Brom andhis gang of rough riders.

whimsicality

whininessn/ ShwInGnDs /Ethe quality or state of complainingor lamenting with or as if with aprolonged high-pitched sound.Allen’s habitual whininess whenasked to do something he didn’tlike annoyed both his teacher andhis classmates.

whinyard

whippersnapper

whippet


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whippoorwilln/ S(h)wipE(r)Twil /imita nocturnal bird of the easternUnited States and Canada that isseldom seen although its call isoften heard at nightfall or justbefore dawn.At camp Nick recorded the call of awhippoorwill.

whirligign/ ShwErlETgig /Ea child’s toy having a whirling orspinning motion.Sandy bought a whirligig at thedime store.

whirlwindn/ ShwErlTwind /Scand > E + Ea small rotating windstorm oflimited extent.A whirlwind is sometimes called a“dust devil.”whiskn/ Shwisk /Scand > Ea small usually wire kitchenimplement used for hand beating offood (as eggs, cream, or potatoes).Rose used a whisk to beat the eggwhites into a stiff froth.

whisperern/ ShwispErE(r) /Eone that speaks softly with the aimof preserving secrecy.Reverend Loomis scanned thecongregation in vain, searching forthe whisperer.

whistn/ Shwist /imit Ea four-player card game fromwhich bridge evolved.In learning to play whist, Carolefound it helpful to make a chart ofits similarities to bridge.

whistleableadj/ ShwisElEbEl /E + Ecfcapable of being whistled.Rufus could botch up even the mostwhistleable tune.

whodunitn/ hVSdEnDt /Ea detective story or a mystery storypresented as a novel, a play, or amotion picture.The whodunit proved to be the mostpopular play at the summer theater.

wholesaleadv/ ShPlTsCl /Ein a manner of, relating to, orengaged in the sale of goods orcommodities in quantity for resale.Juliana purchased several storefixtures wholesale.

wholesomeadj/ ShPlsEm /Epromoting health of body : health-giving.Ellie sometimes ate junk foodrather than the wholesome lunchher mother had made for her.

whorlywortn/ ShwO(E)rlGTwErt /Ea tall perennial herb—called also“Culver’s root.”Darnell bought a hand-coloredengraving of a whorlywort at theauction.

whortleberryn/ ShwErtFlTberG /Ea sweet edible European blueberry.The unripe whortleberry was toosour for Vernon to eat.

wickiupn/ SwikGTEp /Sac, Fox, & Kickapooa hut used by Native Americansthat is typically elliptical in formand has a rough frame covered byreed mats or grass.As they constructed the wickiup, thecampers were careful to leave ahole in the top for campfire smoketo escape.

widgetn/ SwijDt /Ean unnamed article considered forpurposes of hypothetical exampleas the typical product of acompany.On Trudy’s graph, each starrepresents one widget.

width

wince

winsomeadj/ Swin(t)sEm /Epleasant because of cheer, childlikenature, and open candor.The little tyke’s winsome smile wonhim many friends.

wintriness

wirrah

wiseacre

wisentn/ SvGTzent /Ga European bison.The advance of Europeancivilization drove the wisent to thebrink of extinction; it survivedmainly by breeding in zoos.


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withernamn/ SwiLE(r)TnBm /E > F > Ethe action of taking by way ofreprisal : a second or reciprocaldistress of other goods in lieu ofgoods taken by a first distress.Jeff discouraged Larry from goingthrough with the plannedwithernam by saying “Two wrongsdon’t make a right.”witloofn/ SwitTlPf /Dchicory; also : its crown of foliageas a salad green.Emily decided to vary her salad byusing witloof instead of lettuce.

witticismn/ SwiZETsizEm /Ea clever or amusing expression.The careful use of a witticism inKevin’s speech helped hold theattention of his listeners.

wizardryn/ SwizE(r)drG /Emagic skill : sorcery, witchcraft.Merlin practiced his wizardry atthe court of King Arthur.

wizen

wobbulatorn/ SwBbyETlCZE(r) /G + Ecfa testing device for radio sets inwhich the frequency is variedperiodically and automatically overa predetermined range.The primary function of awobbulator is broadcast receivertesting.

woebegoneadj/ SwPbGTgOn /Eexhibiting a condition of suffering,sorrow, or misery.The teacher looked up at 20woebegone faces staring at theessay question.

woebegoneness

wokn/ SwBk /Chin[has near homonym: walk] a bowl-shaped cooking utensil usedespecially in the preparation ofChinese food.Lydia received an electric wok as ahousewarming gift.

wolveboon

womp

wondrous

worrisome

wraithn/ SrCth /unknownan apparition of the exact likenessof a living person seen usually justbefore that person’s death.The wraith of a person shortly todie is a firm article in the creed ofScottish superstition.

wrangler

wrasse

wreak

wreathn/ SrGJ /Ea coronet, band, or fillet ofintertwined flowers or leaves wornor bestowed as a mark of honor orvictory or symbol of esteem.The figure on the vase wearing alaurel wreath is identified asApollo.

wreckagen/ Srekij /Scand > AF > Esomething that has been reduced toa ruinous state byviolence : the remains of a wreck.Cleaning up the wreckage from thetornado would take money as wellas time.

wren

wrestlev/ SresEl /E[has near homonym: rustle]contend by grappling with andstriving to trip or throw down anopponent.Inspired by the championshipmatch they saw on television,Bobby and Alan began to wrestleon the living room floor.

wretchedadj/ SrechDd /Esqualid, dismal, foul.After the flood, the wholeneighborhood looked wretched.

wrigglev/ SrigEl /G? > Emove the body or a bodily part toand fro with short writhing motionslike a worm.Zakia was startled when she saw asnake wriggle through the tallgrass.

writhev/ SrIL /Emove or proceed with twists andturns.Silently, we watched a seven-footboa constrictor writhe through thetrees.


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wunderkindn/ SvUndE(r)Tkint /Ga child prodigy : one who succeedsin a competitive or highly difficultfield or profession at an early age.Mozart, a famous wunderkind,wrote complicated sonatas at theage of five.

xanthicadj/ Szan(t)thik /Gkof a flower : colored with some tintof yellow.The forsythia rivals the daffodil forbeing the loveliest xanthic bloom inCynthia’s garden.

xanthism

xanthoman/ zanSthPmE /Gka condition that is marked by thedevelopment (as on the eyelids,neck, or back) of irregular yellowpatches or nodules.High cholesterol or triglyceridelevels can be factors in causingxanthoma.

xenocentric

xenogamyn/ zDSnBgEmG /Gkfertilization by cross-pollination;especially : cross-pollinationbetween flowers on differentplants.Xenogamy may occur by wind or bybees carrying pollen from plant toplant while feeding on nectar.

xenophobia

xerocolousadj/ zDSrBkElEs /Gk > L + L + Ecfthriving in a relatively dryenvironment.The xerocolous plants of the desertgenerally have roots that penetratedeeply into the soil to obtainmoisture.

xerosisn/ zDSrPsDs /Gkabnormal dryness of the skin.Xerosis can be an indication of anunderlying health problem.

xerostomian/ TzirESstPmGE /Gkabnormal dryness of the mouth dueto insufficient secretions.Xerostomia was one of the drug’sside effects.

xylemn/ SzIlDm /Gka complex tissue in the vascularsystem of higher plants.The xylem of a tree functionschiefly in conduction of sap butalso performs a structural andstorage role.

xyloglyphy

xylographn/ SzIlETgraf /Gkan engraving on wood.A Chinese xylograph of a bulldecorated the restaurant wall.

xylography

xylophagous

xylophilous

xylophonen/ SzIlETfPn /Gk + Gka musical instrument consisting ofa series of wooden bars graduatedin length and sounded by strikingwith two small wooden hammers.Many African musical instrumentsare variations of the xylophone.

xylophonist

xylotomy

xystus

yacht

yachtsmann/ SyBtsmEn /G > D + E[Note: Plural form is pronouncedidentically.] a person who owns orsails a boat used for pleasure, as forracing or cruising.Mike fancied himself a trueyachtsman after one week at sea.

yammer

yannigan

Yarboroughn/ SyBr(T)bErE /E namea hand in bridge or whistcontaining no card higher than anine.Gene was not sure how to signal tohis bridge partner that he held aYarborough.

yardage

yarrow

yawl

yearn


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yeastn/ SyGst /Ea substance used in baking and thefermentation of alcoholic beverages: leaven.The sourdough bread recipe calledfor two packages of yeast.

yeasty

yentan/ SyentE /Yiddishone that meddles.Evelyn’s children laughingly referto her as a yenta when she tries toset them up on blind dates.

yeoman

yeomanryn/ SyPmEnrG /Ethe whole body of small farmerswho cultivate their own land;specifically : the body of smalllanded proprietors of the middleclass.Among the legal privileges of theyeomanry was the right to serve asa juror.

yewberry

yieldv/ SyGld /Eagree to accept or comply withsomething : exhibit willingnessrather than opposition.Sarah looks forward to the daywhen she will not have to yield toher parents’ wishes.

ylem

yogan/ SyPgE /Sktunion of the individual self with theuniversal spirit.The teacher explained that throughyears of mental and physicalexercise, she had been able toattain a complete yoga.

yokeln/ SyPkEl /imit Ean unpolished, naïve, or gullibleinhabitant of a rural area or of asmall town.The pool hustler disguised himselfas a yokel to lure unsuspectingvictims.

yoren/ SyP(E)r /E[has homonym: your] time pastand especially long since past.Adam’s favorite books containstories about knights of yore.

youngster

youthfully

yowl

ytterbium

yttriumn/ SitrGEm /Sw geog namea trivalent metallic element usuallyincluded among the rare-earthmetals.Yttrium is one of the elements usedin making lasers.

yule

yuletide

zaguan

zaibatsun pl/ zISbBt(T)sV /Jpnthe powerful financial andindustrial conglomerates of Japan.Keiko intended that her electronicscompany become one of thezaibatsu.

zapateadon/ TzBpEtGSB(T)dP /Spa rhythmic stamping or tappingstep characteristic of Spanishdancing.Juliana needs practice inzapateado before she can takeadvanced flamenco classes.

zealn/ SzGl /Gk > L > Eimpassioned eagerness.Russell entered into his new jobwith great zeal.

zealot

zealous

zebra

zeitgebern/ StsItTgCbEr /Gan environmental agent or eventthat provides the stimulus forsetting or resetting the biologicalclock of an organism.Frederick used a zeitgeberconsisting of his bedroom lamphooked to a timer prior to his tripand was able to avoid severe jetlag.

zenithn/ SzGnDth /Ar > Sp > L > F > Ethe point of culmination : peak,summit.Winning the Faculty Award was thezenith of Stephanie’s collegecareer.


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zephyrn/ SzefE(r) /Gka soft warm breeze from the west.The gentle zephyr was not sufficientto keep Renee’s kite airborne.

zeppelinn/ Szep(E)lDn /G namea rigid airship.Olga’s dream was to ride in azeppelin one day.

zeugman/ SzVgmE /Gkthe use of a word in the sameconstruction with two adjacentwords in the context with only oneof which it is appropriate in sense.The statement “John upset thetable and his mother” is, one wouldhope, a zeugma.

zigzaggednessn/ zigSzagDdnDs /G? > F + Ecffthe quality or state of having shortsharp turns or angles.An aerial photograph revealed thezigzaggedness of the mountainroad.

zirconn/ SzErTkBn /It > F > Ga mineral occurring in brown orgrayish square prisms or sometimesin transparent forms which are usedas gems.The zircon in Wendy’s ring looksvery much like a diamond.

zoanthropy

zodiac

zodiacaladj/ zPSdIEkEl /Gkof, relating to, or within the zodiac.Jessica has a pendant in the shapeof Pisces, her zodiacal symbol.

zoning

zoological

zoophilistn/ zPSBfElDst /Gk + Gk + Ecfa lover of animals; especially : aperson concerned with the rights oflower animals and their protectionfrom abuse.The noted zoophilist explained howdeforestation is endangeringseveral species of mammals andbirds.

zootechny

zucchetton/ zVSkeZ(T)P /L > Ita small round skullcap worn byRoman Catholic ecclesiastics incolors that vary according to therank of the wearer.In public appearances, the popeusually wears a white cassock andzucchetto.

zucchinin/ zVSkGnG /Ita slender green summer squash.Tim picked a large zucchini fromhis garden.

zugzwangn/ StsVkTtsfBN /Gthe necessity of moving in chesswhen it is to one’s disadvantage.Valerie forced the grandmaster intozugzwang.

zwiebackn/ SswGTbak /Ga usually sweetened bread enrichedwith eggs that is first prepared andbaked and then sliced and toasteduntil dry and crisp.Liza placed a slice of zwieback onthe baby’s tray.

zygosis

zymology

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