abdomen abiogenist abjuration ablution - · PDF file2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently Page 2 of 349 abrogated abruptly adv / ESbrEp(t)lG

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

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aardwolfn/ SBrdTwUlf /Afrikaansa striped hyenalike mammal ofsouthern and eastern Africa thatfeeds chiefly on carrion and insects.Termites are the favorite food ofthe aardwolf.

abacusn/ SabDkEs /Gk > La calculating instrument forperforming arithmetical processesby sliding counters by hand on rodsor in grooves.The grocer used an abacus insteadof a modern cash register.

abalienation

abalonen/ TabESlPnG /Spa gastropod mollusk that clings torocks tenaciously with a broadmuscular foot.At the beach, Marta made anecklace from the shell of anabalone.

abandonment

abattoirn/ SabDTtwBr /Fslaughterhouse.At the end of the day the battlefieldat Hastings looked like an abattoir.

abbot

abbreviate

abbreviation

abdicatev/ SabdETkCt /Lrelinquish formally, renounce.The crown prince will abdicate histhrone so that his brother may rule.

abdomenn/ SabdETmEn /L > Fregion of an insect’s body.The three main body parts of aninsect are the head, the thorax, andthe abdomen.

abdominal

abecedarium

abecedariusn/ TCbG(T)sGSda(a)rGEs /La poem in which the lines orstanzas begin with the letters of thealphabet in regular order.Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a famousabecedarius.

aberrant

aberrationn/ TabESrCshEn /Ldeviation from the natural state orfrom a normal type.Jane’s outburst at the meeting wasa shocking behavior aberration, forher manner is usually so reserved.

abeyancen/ ESbCEn(t)s /L > F + Ecf[has homonym: obeyance]cessation or suspension (as of acustomary practice).Use of the swimming pool was putin abeyance until a new lifeguardcould be hired.

abhor

abhorrence

abidancen/ ESbIdFn(t)s /Ecompliance.Abidance with the golden rulehelps one have a happy life.

ability

abiogenist

abjuration

ablutionn/ ESblVshEn /Lthe washing of one’s body or partof it as a religious rite.A common example of ablution inJudaism is washing the handsbefore a meal that includes bread.

abolition

abominableadj/ ESbBm(E)nEbEl /L > F > Eworthy of or causing loathing orhatred.Charlie’s abominable pretense ofbeing attracted to Jane was theresult of a dare by his friends.

aboriginen/ TabESrijE(T)nG /L[Note: Could be confused withaborigen.] one of the native peopleespecially as contrasted with aninvading or colonizing people.Cathy Freeman, an Australianaborigine, carried the flame intothe Olympic stadium.

abracadabran/ TabrEkESdabrE /Lconfused or unintelligible language: nonsense.Despite the abracadabra in thepoem “Jabberwocky,” its messageis rather clear.

abrasionn/ ESbrCzhEn /Lwearing, grinding, or rubbing awayby friction.Moving glaciers caused abrasionon Earth’s surface.

abrasive


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abrogated

abruptlyadv/ ESbrEp(t)lG /Lin a manner that produces the effectof a sudden ending.George’s mom stopped abruptly atthe door of his room when she sawhis pet python on the floor.

abscess

abscissan/ abSsisE /Lthe horizontal coordinate of a pointin a plane Cartesian coordinatesystem obtained by measuringparallel to the x-axis.Bill was asked to mark the point onthe graph at which the abscissa is 4and the ordinate is 7.

abscond

abscondence

abseiln/ SBpTzIl /Gdescent in mountaineering bymeans of a rope looped over aprojection above.In her wilderness survival class,Elisa learned how to perform anabseil without losing control.

absence

abstemiousadj/ abzStGmGEs /Lsparing in eating and drinking.Evelyn is abstemious by nature andnever orders dessert.

abstentionn/ EbzStenchEn /Lwithholding of a vote.Helga resented her senator’sabstention on the crime bill.

abstinence

abstractive

abstruseadj/ EbzStrVs /L[has obsolete variant with similarpronunciation: obstruse] difficultto comprehend or understand.Mr. Thompson’s abstrusecalculations covered theblackboard.

absurdity

abundance

abysmaladj/ ESbizmEl /Gk > L > Ehaving the characteristics of anabyss : bottomless.Ahmet jumped his motorcycle overthe abysmal gorge.

abysmally

acacian/ ESkCshE /Gk > Lany plant of the genus of woodyplants of warm regions havingpinnate leaves and white or yellowflower clusters.Giraffes have specialized teeth thathelp them comb leaves from thespiny branches of the acacia.

academian/ TakESdGmyE /Gk > Llife and interests associated with aschool especially of higherlearning.Robert prefers academia to thebusiness world.

academicadj/ TakESdemik /Gk > L > Frelating to a school, especially aninstitution of higher education.Claudia postponed her academicpursuits after learning of herfather’s serious illness.

acarology

accede

acceleratev/ ikSselETrCt /Ladd to the speed of or quicken themotion of.To qualify for the finals, the joggerhad to accelerate his pace.

accelerator

accentuator

acceptance

accessibleadj/ ikSsesEbEl /Lcapable of being reached or easilyapproached.Wilbur made sure his restaurantwas accessible to those inwheelchairs.

accessionn/ ikSseshEn /L > Fthe act of attaining or coming tohigh office or a position of honor orpower.The best seller chronicled theaccession of the new prince.

accessorial

accidental


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accipitern/ akSsipEZE(r) /Lany hawk of the genus Accipiter (asthe Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinnedhawk, goshawk).Calvin spotted an accipiter dartingamong the trees.

acclimatizationn/ ETklImEZDSzCshEn /L > F + Ecffthe process of adapting to a newtemperature, altitude, environment,or situation.The wild fern’s acclimatization toMrs. Bennett’s rock garden amazedher.

acclivityn/ ESklivEZG /Lan ascending slope (as of a hill).The biker hoped that a downhillstretch would soon follow whatseemed to be an endless acclivity.

accoladen/ SakETlCd /L > Fa bestowal of praise.Martin received one accolade afteranother at the awards banquet.

accommodable

accommodatev/ ESkBmETdCt /Lprovide with lodgings.Leah begged the hotel clerk toaccommodate her for just one morenight.

accomplicen/ ESkBmplDs /L > F > Eone that participates with another ina crime either as principal oraccessory.The juvenile was convicted as anaccomplice in the robbery.

accordionist

accreditation

accrescentadj/ ESkresFnt /Lgrowing continuously; specifically: growing larger after flowering.After its flower had fallen away, theplant’s accrescent calyx becamenoticeably larger.

accrual

accrue

accruedv/ ESkrVd /L > F > Ecame by way of increase oraddition.Helen argued that manyadvantages have accrued to societyfrom the freedom of the press.

accumulatev/ ESkyVmyETlCt /Lheap up in a mass : pile up.The weather forecaster said that asmuch as two feet of snow mightaccumulate overnight.

accurateadj/ SakyErDt /Lcorrect, exact, precise.The detective prided himself onmaking accurate reports of crimescenes.

accusatory

acerbityn/ ESsErbEZG /Lacidity of temper or tone :astringency or sharpness ofmanner.Rosemary remarked with acerbitythat her son’s chores hadn’t beendone in days.

acescentadj/ ESsesFnt /Lturning sour or tending to turn sour.Natalie spit out the acescent milk.

acetate

acetylenen/ ESseZFlDn /L + Gk + Gka colorless gaseous hydrocarbonthat is explosive when compressedbut safe if diluted with nitrogen oracetone.The welder ran out of acetylenewhile cutting through the ship’shull.

achondriten/ CSkBnTdrIt /Gka stony meteorite devoid of thegranular structures known aschondrules.The claim that the achondriteoriginated from the moon wasbased on compositional matches oflunar rocks obtained by the Apollomissions.

achromatism

acicularadj/ ESsikyElEr /L + Ecflike a needle in shape : slender andpointed.Under the microscope, the crystalsappear as single acicularstructures.

acknowledge

acknowledging

acmen/ SakmG /Gkthe highest point or stage (as ofgrowth or development).Many of her fans think BarbraStreisand is at the acme of themusic profession.


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acolyten/ SakETlIt /Gk > L > F > Eone who attends or assists :follower.Not one acolyte remained after thecult leader’s fall from grace.

acorn

acoustician

acousticsn pl/ ESkVstiks /Gkthe aggregate of qualities (asabsence of echo or reverberation)of an enclosure (as an auditorium)or other area that affectsproduction, control, transmission,reception, and perception of sound.As a result of the renovation, theacoustics of the concert hall haveimproved dramatically.

acquaintancen/ ESkwCntFn(t)s /F > Efamiliarity, experience.Ruth developed an acquaintancewith Tibetan musical tradition.

acquiesce

acquiescence

acquittaln/ ESkwiZFl /L + L > F[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] releaseor discharge from debt or otherliability.Mr. Churchill was deeply involvedin the game and was too muchindebted to it for his acquittal.

acren/ SCkE(r) /Eany of various units of land area.Miriam had to cross a 10-acre fieldto get to her favorite swimminghole.

acridadj/ SakrDd /Lunpleasantly sharp or strong to thetaste or to the smell.The acrid sulfur fumes madeGustavo’s eyes water.

acrimoniousadj/ TakrESmPnGEs /L > Fcaustic, biting, or rancorous,especially in feeling, language, ormanner : bitter.It was obvious that Marjorie’scomments were acrimonious andcomplaining.

acrobatn/ SakrETbat /Gk > Fone who performs gymnastic featsor exercises.Paul is developing the skills of afirst-rate acrobat.

acronymn/ SakrETnim /Gk + Gka word formed from the initialletter or letters of each of thesuccessive parts or major parts of acompound term.The word radar is an acronym ofradio detection and ranging.

acropolis

acrosticn/ ESkrOstik /Gka composition usually in verse inwhich one or more sets of letterswhen taken in order form a word, aconnected group of words, or theregular sequence of the letters ofthe alphabet.Mrs. Taylor was not at all pleasedwith the acrostic her students madeusing her name.

acrylic

actinicadj/ akStinik /Gk > L + Ecfhaving photochemical properties oreffects.The stars emit actinic rays as wellas light and heat.

actuaryn/ SakchETwerG /Lone trained in mathematics andstatistics whose business it is tocalculate insurance and annuitypremiums, reserves, and dividends.An actuary uses such factors as ageand health status to determine aperson’s life insurance premiums.

acuateadj/ SakyETwCt /Lhaving a sharp point : shaped like aneedle : sharpened.Cobb’s beagle was distinctivebecause of its acuate tail.

aculeateadj/ ESkyVlGDt /Lmarked by incisiveness : stinging,pointed.No actor was spared in thereviewer’s aculeate criticisms.


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acumenn/ ESkyVmDn /Lacuteness of mind : keenness ofperception, discernment, ordiscrimination : shrewdnessespecially in practical matters.Della’s business acumen helpedher amass a fortune of over $50million.

acuminateadj/ ESkyVmEnDt /Ltapering to a slender point :pointed.Steve found one of his parakeet’sacuminate tail feathers on the floor.

acupuncture

adactylous

adage

adagion/ ESdB(T)jP /(L + L > OProv) > It[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a seriesof sustained and perfectlycontrolled dance movementsdisplaying balance and grace.The wicked fairy performed aperfect adagio just before SleepingBeauty appeared.

adamantineadj/ TadESmanTtIn /Gk > L > Erigidly firm : unyielding.Debra’s adamantine chain of logicbedazzled her philosophyprofessor.

addlepated

adenoidaladj/ TadFnSOidFl /Gktypical or suggestive of oneaffected with abnormally enlargedglands in the back of the throat.The critics panned the tenor, whosevoice was terribly adenoidal andbreathy.

adequate

adequation

adhere

adherence

adherentn/ TadShirEnt /La believer in or advocate of aparticular thing, idea, or religion.Julia has been an adherent ofBuddhism since 1985.

adhesional

adiaphorism

adipose

adjacency

adjacentadj/ ESjCsFnt /Lliving nearby or sitting or standingrelatively near or close together.Citizens of Centerville and itsadjacent communities bandedtogether to form a volunteer firedepartment.

adjourn

adjudicate

adjunctn/ SaTjEN(k)t /Lsomething joined or added toanother thing but not essentially apart of it.Exercise is an adjunct to a longand healthy life.

adjuvant

admeasure

adminiclen/ adSminDkEl /Lsupport, auxiliary.Shelly enjoyed serving as anadminicle of the local Girl Scouttroop.

admiraln/ Sadm(E)rEl /Ar > La naval officer of high rank.Petty Officer Pritchard saluted theadmiral and continued to her post.

admire

admonitory

adolescence

Adonisn/ ESdBnDs /Gk namean exceptionally handsome youngman.Nearly all the eighth-grade girlsthink that Leonardo is an Adonis.

adsmith

adumbratev/ SadEmTbrCt /Lgive a sketchy representation of :outline broadly, omitting details.There was time to only adumbratethe escape plan.

advantageous


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adverb

adversary

adverse

advisoryn/ EdSvIz(E)rG /L > Fa report giving information (as oneissued by a weather bureau on theprogress of a hurricane).The weather advisory warned smallcraft that winds would be in excessof 34 knots today.

advocaat

advocaten/ SadvETkDt /Lone that argues for, defends,maintains, or recommends a causeor proposal.Isabella was sure nobody ought tobe, or could be, a greater advocatefor matrimony than she.

aerial

aerodynamicadj/ Ta(E)rP(T)dISnamik /Gkof or relating to the science thattreats of the motion of air and othergaseous fluids.The aerodynamic design of racecars helps them achieve greatspeeds.

aeronautics

aerosoln/ Sa(E)rETsOl /Gk + La suspension of ultramicroscopicsolid or liquid particles in air orgas.Volcanic eruptions propelhydrogen sulfide into thestratosphere, where it reacts withoxygen to form an aerosol that canpersist for more than a year.

Aeschyleanadj/ TeskESlGEn /Gk nameof, relating to, or suggestive of theGreek tragic poet Aeschylus.The Aeschylean chorus plays animportant role in the plot of thetragedy.

affabilityn/ TafESbilEZG /Lsociability.Miss Smith was delighted with theaffability with which MissWoodhouse had treated her all theevening.

affable

affectionateadj/ ESfeksh(E)nDt /Lhaving warm regard : loving, fond.Tipper is the most affectionatecollie Susan had ever owned.

affiancedv/ ESfIEn(t)st /L > F > Esolemnly promised (oneself oranother) in marriage : betrothed.The ruler of Austria affianced hisdaughter to the king of France.

affidavitn/ TafESdCvDt /La sworn statement in writing madeespecially under oath or before anauthorized officer.The police asked Heather toprepare an affidavit regardingwhat she saw when she surprised aburglar in her house.

affiliatev/ ESfilGTCt /Lattach as a member or branch :bring or receive into closeconnection.The university assists in trying toaffiliate local high schools.

affiliationn/ ETfilGSCshEn /Lthe state or relation of beingattached as a member or branch.Professor Bruner retired after a30-year affiliation with HarvardUniversity.

affinityn/ ESfinEZG /Lsympathy especially as marked bycommunity of interest.Marie felt an affinity with the newchess prodigy, remembering howshe had followed Bobby Fischer’searly career many years before.

affirmative

afflatusn/ ESflCZEs /La divine imparting of knowledge orpower : inspiration.Most art students are familiar withMichelangelo’s painting on theceiling of the Sistine Chapeldepicting the afflatus from God toAdam.

affluence

aforementioned

afterwale


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agapen/ BSgBTpC /Gkspontaneous self-giving loveexpressed freely withoutcalculation of cost or gain to thegiver or merit on the part of thereceiver.The question “What’s in it forme?” is unheard of in agape.

agateadj/ SagDt /Gk > L > Fof or resembling a fine-grainedchalcedony frequently mixed withopal and having various colorsarranged in stripes or bands;especially : of the color of agate.Rachel’s brown agate eyes areextremely unusual and beautiful.

agelicism

agenda

agglomeraten/ ESglBmErDt /L[Note: Could be confused withagglomerant.] a confused orjumbled mass, heap, or collection.Helen’s favorite jeans aresomewhere in the agglomerate ofclothing on her bedroom floor.

agglomeration

agglutinate

aggrandizementn/ ESgrandEzmEnt /L > Fthe act, action, or result of makinggreat or greater (as in power, honor,or wealth).Because she was a commoner, Ruthwas accused of marrying the princefor her own personalaggrandizement.

aggravatev/ SagrDTvCt /Lmake worse, more serious, or moresevere.Shane worried that a game of one-on-one would aggravate his ankleinjury.

aggregaten/ SagrDgDt /La body of units or parts somewhatloosely associated with oneanother.The protesters straggled toward themuddy park in a dispiritedaggregate as the organizers set uptents and microphones.

aghast

agiotage

agitatedadj/ SajETtCZDd /Ltroubled in mind : disturbed,excited.The crowd became agitated whenthe candidate failed to appear.

agnosticn/ agSnBstik /Gkone who maintains a continuingdoubt about the existence orknowability of a god or anyultimates.Raymond and Olive have beenhappily married for ten years, eventhough she is an agnostic and henever misses Sunday morningmass.

agoraphobia

agrarian

agreeableadj/ ESgrGEbEl /L > Fpleasing to the mind or senses : toone’s liking : pleasant.The famous ballplayer proved to bethe most likable and agreeable manthat Billy had ever met.

agriology

agronomyn/ ESgrBnEmG /L + Gkthe branch of agriculture that dealswith field crop production and soilmanagement.Vince earned a degree in agronomyat the state university’s school ofagriculture.

aikido

ailanthusn/ CSlan(t)thEs /Amboinesea tree of a small genus of EastIndian and Chinese trees withgreenish flowers.The ailanthus is fast growing andits shallow, wide-spreading rootsystem effectively anchors the soil.

aileronn/ SClETrBn /L > Fa movable portion of an airplanewing or a movable airfoil externalto the wing for imparting a rollingmotion and thus providing lateralcontrol.An aileron is usually situated at thetrailing edge of an airplane's wingnear the wing tip.

airborne


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airedalen/ Sa(a)(E)rTdCl /E geog namea large terrier with a wiry black andtan coat.Shantha’s airedale is registeredwith the American Kennel Club.

akimboadj/ ESkim(T)bP /Ehaving the hands on the hips withthe elbows projecting outward.With her arms akimbo, Marionwaited for Tim to explain himself.

akropodionn/ TakrESpPdGEn /Gkthe most prominent point on theback of the heel.After the hike, Eli had a nastyblister on his left akropodion.

aktograph

alabasteradj/ SalETbastE(r) /Gk > L > F > Eof or resembling alabaster;specifically : having a nearly whitecolor and a light-diffusing surface.Patsy’s alabaster skin gives her aspectral appearance.

alacrityn/ ESlakrEZG /Lcheerful readiness : eagerness.Dr. Cameron’s students alwaysenter his class with alacrity anddepart with reluctance.

alar

alaryadj/ SalErG /Lwing-shaped or fan-shaped.There was an alary membrane oneach side of the seed.

albatrossn/ SalbETtrOs /Ar? > Pg or Spany of a number of large web-footed seabirds that are capable oflong-continued flight.The wingspan of an albatross canexceed ten feet.

albedon/ alSbG(T)dP /Lreflective power.Arno researched the effects of soilalbedo on vegetation.

albedometern/ TalbESdBmEZE(r) /L + Gka device for measuring thereflection of light (as by snow).David used an albedometer tomeasure the reflection of light bythe clouds.

albeitconj/ OlSbGDt /Ealthough.Sonia had a simple, albeitexpensive, wedding.

albino

alchemyn/ SalkEmG /Gk > Ar > L > Fthe medieval chemical science andspeculative philosophy whose aimswere the transmutation of basemetals into gold.The wizard’s apprentice wasdetermined to learn enoughalchemy to turn lead into gold.

alcohol

alcoholature

alcoholism

alcoven/ SalTkPv /Ar > Sp > Fa recessed part (as a breakfastnook) of a room.Silvio found an alcove in thelibrary that was a perfect place fortaking a nap.

aleatoricadj/ TClGEStOrik /Lcharacterized by chance or randomelements.By digitizing thunder and trafficnoises, Georgia was able tocompose aleatoric music.

aleatory

alegarn/ SaligE(r) /E + L > Fsour ale or vinegar made of ale.While studying in England as anexchange student, Judith developeda taste for fried potatoes with saltand alegar.

alfalfan/ alSfalfE /Ar > Span important European leguminousforage plant.The farmer alternated his crops,growing alfalfa one season andcorn the next.

alfrescoadj/ alSfre(T)skP /Itopen-air.Everyone looks forward to thealfresco party that the Smiths holdevery Derby Day.

algorithm


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alibin/ SalETbI /Lthe plea of having been elsewhereat the time an act was committed.To support his alibi, Jake showedhis lawyer a video made during hisHawaii trip.

alienadj/ SClGEn /Ldifferent in nature or character : farremoved.Nguyen’s response to his mother’squestion had results entirely alienfrom what he intended.

alienation

aliferous

alimentaryadj/ TalESmentErG /L[Note: Could be confused withelementary.] of, concerned with, orrelating to nourishment or to thefunction of nutrition.Pasta is sometimes called an“alimentary paste.”aliquot

alkali

allargandoadv/ TBTlBrSgBn(T)dP /Lin a manner becoming graduallybroader with the same or greatervolume.David’s piano teacher indicatedthat the piece was to be playedallargando.

allayment

allegev/ ESlej /Lassert, affirm, state without proofor before proving.Residents of the area allege that thelake water has curative properties.

allegiancen/ ESlGjEn(t)s /F > Ethe duty of fidelity owed by asubject or citizen to his sovereignor government.The new citizens pledgedallegiance to their adopted country.

allegoryn/ SalDTgPrG /Gka story in which people, things, andhappenings have a hidden orsymbolic meaning.Gail disliked the moralistic tone ofthe allegory.

allegron/ ESle(T)grP /It > Lballet steps performed in a lively,fast tempo.After the allegro, MadameDelacroix instructed the dancers tocool down slowly.

allemandev/ SalETmand /Gmc > L > Fperform a step with armsinterlaced.The caller told the square dancersto allemande left and swing theirpartners.

allergyn/ SalE(r)jG /Gk > Gexaggerated or pathologicalreaction (as by sneezing, itching, orskin rashes) to substances,situations, or physical states thatare without comparable effect onthe average individual.Because of her allergy, Mrs. Griffindiscouraged her students frombringing in any furry pets for show-and-tell.

alliancen/ ESlIEn(t)s /L > F > Eunion or connection especiallybetween families, states, parties, orindividuals.The alliance between the twonations has been strong for nearly50 years.

alligatorn/ SalDTgCZE(r) /L > Spa reptile having a head not taperingto the snout and being in generalmuch more sluggish than thetypical crocodiles.Jason’s favorite sight at the fairwas a woman wrestling analligator.

allision

alliterationn/ ETliZESrCshEn /L + Ecfthe repetition usually initially of asound that is usually a consonant intwo or more neighboring words orsyllables (as in “daring deed”).Poor writers rely on alliterationwhen lacking ideas.

allocatev/ SalETkCt /Lset apart and earmark or designate.Leon hoped the committee wouldallocate funds for the newplayground.

allocationn/ alESkCshEn /Lthe act of apportioning.The allocation of powers in theUnited States Constitution isclearly defined.

alluded


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alluviationn/ ETlVvGSCshEn /Lthe process that results in depositsof clay, silt, sand, or gravel atplaces in rivers or estuaries wherestream velocity is decreased.The effects of alluviation can beseen along the banks of a largeriver.

almondn/ SB(l)mEnd /Gk > L > F > Ethe fruit of a small tree; especially :the nutlike stone or kernel of thistree.The almond is a nut that is easy tocrack.

almonern/ SalmEnE(r) /L > F > Eone who distributes charitable gifts,often for another.In his role as the king’s almoner,Jared tossed a few pennies to theaudience.

alnicon/ SalnDTkP /L + G > Sw + Ga powerful permanent-magnet alloycontaining iron, nickel, aluminum,and one or more of the elementscobalt, copper, and titanium.Mr. Arkin’s factory makesindustrial magnets from alnico.

aloofadj/ ESlVf /E + D? > F > Eremoved or distant either physicallyor spiritually and usually by choiceand with indifference to thefeelings, opinions, or interests ofothers.Greg’s aloof personalitydiscouraged his gregariouscolleagues.

alopecian/ TalESpGsh(G)E /Gkloss of hair, wool, or feathers :baldness.Prescription drugs such asminoxidil have had limited successin treating alopecia.

alpacan/ alSpakE /Aymara > Span animal like a llama with finelong woolly hair and domesticatedin Peru and adjacent countries.The petting zoo featured four goats,an alpaca, a pony, and three lambs.

alpenglown/ SalpEnTglP /G + Ea reddish glow or sometimes theentire series of light phenomenaseen near sunset or sunrise on thesummits of mountains.Jocelyn and Ruth enjoyed the richalpenglow from the balcony of theircabin.

alphabet

altazimuthn/ alStazEmEth /L + Ar > Lan instrument consisting of atelescope mounted so that it canswing horizontally and vertically.Josh saw an antique altazimuth inthe maritime museum.

altercationn/ TOltE(r)SkCshEn /Ldispute carried on with feeling (asanger).Police broke up a minor altercationbetween two street vendors.

altiplanon/ TaltDSplB(T)nP /L > Spa high plateau or plain : tableland.A cold northerly wind over thealtiplano heralded the arrival ofwinter.

altituden/ SaltETtVd /L > Eposition at a height.When the plane suddenly lostaltitude, the pilot told thepassengers to fasten their seatbelts.

altogetheradv/ TOltESgeLE(r) /Ewholly, completely, thoroughly.The suffragettes argued that it wasaltogether fit and proper thatwomen have the right to vote.

altruism

altruistically

alveolateadj/ alSvGElDt /L + Ecfpitted like a honeycomb.The porous sandstone had analveolate surface.

amadelphous

amalgamn/ ESmalgEm /Ar? > L > Fan alloy of mercury with anothermetal.Because mercury will form anamalgam with most other metals, itcan be used to extract them fromore.


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amanuensisn/ ETmanyESwen(t)sDs /Lone who is employed to write fromdictation or to copy what anotherhas written.During the six weeks thatChrissie’s arm was in a cast, shecompleted her homework with hermother as her amanuensis.

amaryllisn/ TamESrilDs /L nameany of several African bulbousherbs grown for their large showyflowers.Deborah’s amaryllis bloomed justin time for the December holidays.

amateur

ambern/ SambE(r) /Ar > L > Fa very hard yellowish to brownishtranslucent fossil resin that takes afine polish.Sarah was delighted when hermother gave her some earringsmade of amber.

ambidextrous

ambiguityn/ TambDSgyVEZG /Lthe condition of admitting of two ormore meanings, of beingunderstood in more than one way,or of referring to two or morethings at the same time.The ambiguity of Mr. Mitchell’sessay questions encouragedcreative interpretations.

ambivalentadj/ amSbivElEnt /Lcharacterized by, suggestive of,motivated by, or exhibitingcontradictory emotional orpsychological attitude.Because Tad has a grueling joblined up, he is ambivalent about theupcoming summer vacation.

amblyopian/ TamblGSPpGE /Gkdimness of sight without apparentchange in the eye structuresassociated especially with the toxiceffects of certain drugs orchemicals or with dietarydeficiencies.The doctor told Henry to quitsmoking if he wanted his amblyopiato improve.

ambrosian/ amSbrPzh(G)E /Gk > Fa dessert of a fruit or of mixedfruits topped with shreddedcoconut.Cyrus’s favorite dessert is hisgrandmother’s ambrosia.

ambulation

ambuscade

ambush

amelioratev/ ESmGlyETrCt /Lmake better : improve.Activists lobbied to ameliorateprison conditions.

ameliorationn/ ETmGlyESrCshEn /Lthe act of making better or the stateof being made better :improvement.The committee submitted itsrecommendations for theamelioration of the undesirableconditions at the overcrowdedschool.

amenableadj/ ESmGnEbEl /L > Freadily brought to yield or submit :responsive, tractable.Horst is amenable to any ideas forthe prom’s theme.

amendmentn/ ESmen(d)mEnt /L + Ecfthe process of changing ormodifying in any way for the better(as a motion, bill, act, orconstitution).A well-drafted constitution willprovide for its own amendment.

amertoyn/ SamE(r)TtOi /E geog name + Ea small terrierlike dog having ashort sleek satiny coat andweighing between six and tenpounds.Ricky was forever chasing Trixie,the family amertoy, out of theflower beds.

amethyst

amiable


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amicableadj/ SamDkEbEl /Lcharacterized by or as if byfriendship and goodwill.Carla and Jeanine have had anamicable relationship since theysettled their initial dispute.

amicen/ SamDs /L[has near homonyms: amas, amiss]a liturgical vestment consisting ofan oblong piece of cloth usually ofwhite linen, worn about the neckand shoulders and partly under thealb.Father Patrick put on a fresh whiteamice before serving mass.

amiss

amityn/ SamEZG /Lfriendship and goodwill, especiallyas characterized by mutualacceptance and tolerance ofpotentially antagonistic standpointsor aims.The natural amity between Avitaland her sister has helped themmaintain strong ties through manyfamily disagreements.

ammetern/ Sa(m)TmeZE(r) /F + Gk[has near homonym: amateur] aninstrument for measuring electriccurrent.Perry and Ayrton’s ammeter helpedmeasure the efficiency of thebattery.

ammonia

amnesian/ amSnGzhE /Gkloss of memory : forgetfulness.Alice suffered from amnesia as theresult of a head injury.

amolen/ ESmPlG /Nahuatl > Spany of a number of plants utilizedas a source of soap.The discovery of an amole createdmuch excitement among thecastaways.

amortization

amphibiann/ amSfibGEn /Gk[has homonym: amphibion] ananimal or plant accustomed oradapted to life both on land and inthe water.The frog is perhaps the best-knownamphibian.

amphibious

amphoran/ SamfErE /Gk > La Greek unit of capacity equal to10.3 gallons or 39 liters.The group ordered 1 amphora ofpunch for the Antiquity Party.

ampicillinn/ TampESsilDn /ISVa penicillin that is effective againstgram-negative and gram-positivebacteria and is used to treat variousinfections of the urinary,respiratory, and intestinal tracts.Pneumonia has been successfullytreated with ampicillin.

amuletn/ SamyElDt /Lan inscribed charm believed toprotect or aid the wearer.The archaeologist discovered anamulet in the tomb of an ancientEgyptian ruler.

amusev/ ESmyVz /L > Fentertain or occupy in a pleasantmanner.The children seemed to tumbleabout and amuse themselves likegood-natured collie puppies.

amygdalineadj/ ESmigdETlIn /Gkof or relating to a tonsil.Because of a persistent amygdalineinfection, Lana checked into thehospital to have her tonsilsremoved.

anabasisn/ ESnabEsDs /Gka going or marching up; especially :a military advance.Hannibal is famous for hisremarkable anabasis across theAlps into Italy.

anabibazonn/ TanESbibETzBn /Gkthe ascending node of the Moon’sorbit with the ecliptic.Lars waited for the Moon to reachits anabibazon so he could confirmhis findings.


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anabolicadj/ TanESbBlik /Gk + Gkrelating to, characterized by, orpromoting constructivemetabolism.The weightlifter was disqualifiedafter it was discovered he had usedanabolic steroids.

anachronism

anachronous

anacondan/ TanESkBndE /Singhalesea large arboreal snake of the boafamily of tropical South America.The anaconda has been known toforage in trees for birds.

anaglyphn/ SanETglif /Gka stereoscopic still or movingpicture producing a three-dimensional effect when viewedthrough colored filters.Troy begged his parents to take himto the newest anaglyph at the IMAXtheater.

anagnorisisn/ TaTnagSnPrEsDs /Gkan incident or solution of plot intragedy in which the main characterrecognizes his or her own or someother character’s true identity ordiscovers the true nature of his orher own situation.The moment of anagnorisis occurswhen the boy finds out he isactually the king’s son.

anagogicadj/ TanESgBjik /Gk > Lhaving a spiritual meaning or asense referring to the heavenly life.Terrance recited anagogic poemsby a Greek mystic.

analects

analemman/ TanESlemE /Gka graduated scale shaped like afigure 8 and showing the Sun’sdeclination for each day of the yearusually constituting part of asundial and often shown on globes.Katrina consulted the sundial’sanalemma to calculate the correcttime.

analgesic

analogyn/ ESnalEjG /Gka figure of speech involving anextended or elaborate comparisonbetween two things or situations.Hugo used an analogy to illustratehis point, but no one understoodthe analogy either.

analysandn/ ESnalETsand /Gk + L > Ecfone that is analyzed; specifically :one who is undergoingpsychoanalysis.The psychotherapist encouragedthe analysand to unburden herselfof her anxieties.

ananymn/ SanETnim /Gk[has homonym: anonym] afictitious name consisting of thereal name written backwards.Pat often uses the ananym Tapwhen writing secret messages toher friends.

anaphoran/ ESnaf(E)rE /Gkrepetition of a word or words at thebeginning of two or moresuccessive clauses or verses.“The voice of the Lord” occurredthree times in anaphora in thepsalm Julie read.

anarchyn/ SanE(r)kG /Gk > La state of lawlessness or politicaldisorder due to the absence ofgovernmental authority.After the revelation of electionfraud, some observers feared thatthe tiny republic would succumb toanarchy.

anastomosisn/ ETnastESmPsDs /Gka joining of the parts of a branchedsystem.Hal pointed out the anastomosis inthe veined mulberry leaf.

anastrophen/ ESnastrE(T)fG /Gkinversion of the usual syntacticalorder of words for rhetorical effect.In the poem “Jabberwocky,” theline “So rested he by the TumTumtree” is an example of anastrophe.

anatheman/ ESnathEmE /Gkone that is cursed by ecclesiasticalauthority.The Sixth Ecumenical Councilpronounced Pope Honoriusanathema in A.D. 681.

anaudian/ aSnOdGE /Gkloss of voice : inability toarticulate.


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A blow to the throat can causetemporary anaudia.

anautogenous

ancestor

anchovyn/ SanTchPvG /Gk > L? > It > Spany of a number of smallherringlike fishes; especially : acommon Mediterranean formesteemed for its rich and peculiarflavor.Joshua informed his mother thatone anchovy had rendered theentire pizza inedible.

ancillaryadj/ SansETlerG /Lserving to aid or assist : auxiliary :supplementary.Electronic media usually includeradio, film, and television, as wellas the ancillary industries of audioand video recording.

anecdoten/ SanikTdPt /F&Gka usually short narrative of aninteresting, amusing, or curiousincident.The speaker’s presentation endedwith a touching anecdote.

anemochoren/ ESnemETkP(E)r /Gk > F + Gka plant that has seeds or sporesadapted to distribution by wind.The dandelion is a familiaranemochore.

anemometern/ TanESmBmEZE(r) /Gk > F + Gk > Ecfan instrument for measuring andindicating the force or speed of thewind.The anemometer spun furiously asthe hurricane approached.

anemonen/ ESnemEnG /Heb name > Gka plant or flower of a widelydistributed genus of plants withshowy flowers that lack petals buthave showy sepals.Xantha picked an anemone fromthe flower bed.

aneroidadj/ SanETrOid /Gk > Fcontaining no liquid or functioningwithout the use of liquid.Tasha carefully monitored theaneroid manometer throughout thecourse of the experiment.

anglaiseadj/ BNSglCz /Gmc > Fboiled and served without sauce.Carrots anglaise are not very tasty.

anguish

anhydride

anisen/ SanDs /Gkan herb cultivated for its aromaticseeds.The flavor of anise is similar to thatof licorice.

anisette

ankhn/ SaNk /Egypta cross having a loop instead of anupper vertical arm used especiallyin ancient Egypt.Roger’s first discovery as anEgyptian archeologist was a goldankh.

anklet

anneal

annihilatev/ ESnIETlCt /Ldestroy a considerable part of.Armyworms can annihilate abeautiful lawn in just a few days.

anniversaryn/ TanESvErs(E)rG /Lthe annual recurrence of a datemarking an event or occurrence ofnotable importance.Next Thursday will be the 23rdanniversary of our family grocerystore’s first day of operation.

annotation

annoyancen/ ESnOiEn(t)s /F > Ea source of vexation or irritation :bothersome disturbance.Vera enjoyed raking leaves on thewarm autumn day, but the loudmusic from the neighbor’s yardwas an annoyance.

annual

annuityn/ ESn(y)VEZG /Lan amount payable yearly or atother regular intervals (asquarterly) for a certain or uncertainperiod.Carl’s grandparents set up a trustfund that will provide him with anannuity for the next 20 years.

annulv/ ESnEl /L > F > Ecause to cease to exist : reduce tonothing.The legislator’s motion to annul theout-of-date law met with theapproval of his colleagues.


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anodyneadj/ SanETdIn /Gkserving to assuage pain : soothing.Before aspirin was developed,certain spirits and herbs werevalued for their anodyneproperties.

anomalous

anomalyn/ ESnBmElG /Gk > Lthe angular distance of a planetfrom its perihelion as seen from theSun.The anomaly in a planet’s orbit iscaused by the gravitationalinfluence of other planets.

anonadv/ ESnBn /Ein a little while : soon, presently.Anon he arrived at his destination.

anonymousadj/ ESnBnEmEs /Gk > Lof unknown or unnamed source ororigin (as authorship, donorship,workmanship).An anonymous 18th-centurypainting recently sold for twomillion dollars.

anorthopian/ Ta(T)nOrSthPpGE /Gkdistorted vision in which straightlines appear bent.When Liz put on Jan’s glasses, shewas overcome with anorthopia.

anosmicadj/ ESnBzmik /Gk > Lof or characterized by loss orimpairment of the sense of smell.Anesthesia can leave a patienttemporarily anosmic.

anschlussn/ SBnTshlUs /Gunion; especially : political oreconomic union of one governmentor territory with another.Hitler’s annexation of Austria toGermany in the 1930s is what isgenerally meant by “theanschluss.”anserous

Antarcticadj/ antSBrktik /Gkrelating to the South Pole or theregion near it.Samuel’s stamp collection includeda complete collection of the stampsof the French Antarctic Territory.

antecedentn/ TantESsGdFnt /La substantive word, phrase, orclause referred to by a pronoun,typically by a following pronoun.In the sentence “I saw John andspoke to him,” John is theantecedent of him.

antecessorn/ SantETsesE(r) /L > Eone that goes before.Phoebe’s antecessor in thepresidency served six terms.

antediluvian

antelopen/ SantFlTPp /Gk > L > F > Eany of various ruminant mammalsof Africa and southwest Asia thatdiffer from the true oxen especiallyin lighter racier build and hornsdirected upward and backward.The bounding antelope managed tooutdistance the pursuing lion.

antenna

anterioradj/ anStirGE(r) /Lrelating to or situated near ortoward the head or front.The portion of the flower whichfaces the subtending bract is theanterior.

anteroom

anthographyn/ anSthBgrEfG /Gk + Gk + Ecfthe description of flowers.A botanist, Wilbur excelled inanthography.

anthologyn/ anSthBlEjG /Gka usually representative collectionof selected literary pieces orpassages.John hopes to find “The Raven” inhis mom’s anthology of Americanliterature.

anthroponymy

anticyclonen/ San(T)tGTsITklPn /Gk + Gka system of winds that rotates abouta center of high atmosphericpressure.The warm, dry winds blowing intosouthern California are from ananticyclone over the deserts ofNevada.

antifoulantn/ Tan(T)tISfaUlEnt /L + Ea substance (as paint for use on thebottom of a boat) designed toprevent, reduce, or eliminate anaccumulation of deposits.Antifoulant was applied to theship’s bottom in dry dock.

antilogy


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antimacassarn/ antGmESkasE(r) /Gk + Celebes island geog namea cover to protect the back or armsof furniture from Macassar oil orother hair preparations.Fran found the missingantimacassar under one of the sofacushions.

antimonyn/ SantETmPnG /Ar? > L > Ea metalloid element that iscommonly metallic silvery white,crystalline, and brittle and is usedespecially as a constituent of alloys.Pewter is an alloy of antimony andtin.

antipaston/ TantGSpastP /L > Itany of various savory foods usuallyserved as appetizers : horsd’oeuvre.Herbert ordered antipasto for thetable.

antipodaladj/ anStipEdFl /Gksituated at the opposite sides of theearth.Regina imagined that she couldreach an antipodal townsomewhere in China if shecontinued digging in her garden.

antiquarianadj/ TantDSkwerGEn /Ldealing in old and rare books or insecondhand books.Pamela went to an antiquarianbookseller to have her first editionof Oliver Twist appraised.

antique

antiquity

antiseptic

antithesisn/ anStithEsDs /Gkthe rhetorical opposing orcontrasting of ideas by means ofgrammatically parallelarrangements of words, clauses, orsentences.A Tale of Two Cities opens with thefamous antithesis: “It was the bestof times, it was the worst of times.”antonomasian/ (T)anTtBnESmCzh(G)E /Gkthe making of a common noun orverb from a proper name.The formation of the verbpasteurize from the name Pasteuris an example of antonomasia.

antonym

anxiety

apartheidn/ ESpBrTtCt /D > Afrikaansa policy of segregation and politicaland economic discriminationagainst certain population groups.The end of apartheid in SouthAfrica was one of the great worldevents of the decade.

apastronn/ aSpastrEn /Gkthe point in the orbit of one star ofa binary where it is farthest fromthe other.In binary star systems the motion inthe orbits is not uniform but is leastrapid near apastron.

apathetic

apathyn/ SapEthG /Gkabsence or lack of interest orconcern : listlessness, indifference.The active interest women aretaking in today’s issues stronglycontrasts with the apathy manywomen had a century ago.

aperitif

aperturen/ SapE(r)TchU(E)r /Lan opening that restricts a beam ofradiation or a stream of particles;specifically : the opening in aphotographic lens that admits thelight passing through.A photographer typically has toadjust the shutter speed and set theaperture.

apexn/ SCTpeks /L[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] thepoint of the heavens toward whicha celestial body is moving at agiven time.Helga tracked the planet’smovement towards the apex.

aphasian/ ESfCzh(G)E /Gk[has near homonym: aphagia] theloss or impairment of the power touse words as symbols of ideas thatresults from a brain lesion.As a speech therapist, Tonya takesa particular interest in patientsstruggling with aphasia.

aphelionn/ aSfGlyEn /Gkthe point of a planet’s or comet’sorbit most distant from the Sun.Earth generally reaches aphelionaround July 4.


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aphidn/ SCfDd /Gk > Lany of numerous small sluggishinsects that suck the juices fromplants, causing damage to theplants.An aphid can cause wilting,distorted growth, or gall formationin plants.

aphorismn/ SafETrizEm /Gk > L > Fa terse and often ingeniousformulation of a truth or sentimentusually in a single sentence.Clark lives his life by the aphorism“Clothes make the man.”apiarian

apiary

apiculus

aplombn/ ESplBm /L > Fcomplete confidence or assurancein oneself : poise.A seasoned public relations officer,Karen handles difficult situationswith aplomb.

apocalypse

apocopen/ ESpBkETpG /Gkthe loss of one or more sounds orletters from the end of a word.The song title “Singin’ in the Rain”exemplifies apocope.

apocryphaladj/ ESpBkrEfEl /Gkof doubtful authenticity : fictitious,spurious, untrustworthy.The historian thought the storyabout the cemetery apocryphal.

apogeen/ SapE(T)jG /Gkthe point in the orbit of a satellite ofEarth (as the Moon or an artificialbody) at the greatest distance fromthe center of Earth.The transmission delay was longestwhen the spacecraft reachedapogee.

apolausticadj/ TapESlOstik /Gkdevoted to enjoyment.The students spent the vacation inapolaustic pursuits.

apologuen/ SapETlOg /Gkan allegorical narrative (as a beastfable) usually intended to convey amoral.Most schoolchildren are familiarwith the apologue of the tortoiseand the hare.

apologyn/ ESpBlEjG /Gk > L > Fan admission to another of a wrongor discourtesy done him or heraccompanied by an expression ofregret.The teacher received an apologyfrom the tardy student.

apoplexyn/ SapETpleksG /Gka sudden loss of consciousnessfollowed by paralysis caused byhemorrhage within the brain—called also “stroke.”When Ray regained consciousness,his doctor told him he wasrecovering from severe apoplexy.

aporian/ ESpPrGE /Gka passage in speech or writingincorporating or presenting adifficulty or doubt.The Bible verse “Then the stewardsaid within himself, ‘What shall Ido?’” is an aporia.

aposiopesisn/ TapETsIESpGsDs /Gkthe leaving of a thought explicitlyincomplete in writing or speakingoften by a sudden breaking off andshifting of grammaticalconstruction.Gail answered with an aposiopesiswhen she replied, “His problemis—how shall I say?”apostlen/ ESpBsEl /Gk > L > Eone who is sent forth : messenger.Many voters regard Ralph Naderas the apostle of protectedenvironments.

apostrophe

apothecaryn/ ESpBthETkerG /Gk > L > Eone who prepares and sells drugs orcompounds for medicinal purposes: pharmacist.The visits of Mr. Perry, theapothecary, were one of the fewcomforts of Mr. Woodhouse’s life.

appallingadj/ ESpOliN /L > F > Einspiring dismay : shocking.There was something about thenight that was mysterious andappalling.


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Appaloosan/ TapESlVsE /American Indianone of a breed of rugged saddlehorses distinguished by a mottledskin and a patch of white hair overthe rump and loins that is blotchedor dotted with darker color.Sherry begged her father to buy heran Appaloosa for her birthday, butto no avail.

apparatchikn/ TBpESrBchik /Russa Communist secret agent.Oren and Elaine went to see an oldmovie in which an apparatchiktries to blow up the Empire StateBuilding.

apparatusn/ TapESraZEs /Lany compound instrument orappliance designed for a specificmechanical or chemical action oroperation.The trainer went into much detailabout which apparatus is better fora cardiovascular workout.

apparel

apparitionn/ TapESrishEn /L > Eghost, phantom, specter.The apparition of a figure onhorseback, without a head, hauntsthis enchanted region.

appealed

appease

appellation

appellative

appendagesn pl/ ESpendijEz /Lthings accompanying or appendedto another thing and usuallysubordinate or not essential to it.The Abbey-Mill Farm, with all itsappendages of prosperity andbeauty, was a favorable spot for awalk.

appendant

appendicitisn/ ETpendESsIZDs /L + Ecfan inflammation of the appendixcharacterized usually by abdominalpain, nausea, and vomiting.The doctor diagnosed Sharon’sillness as appendicitis.

appetiten/ SapETtIt /L > F > Ethe immediate desire to eat whenfood is present.George went back to his meal witha good appetite.

apprenticen/ ESprentDs /L > F > Eone who learns a trade, art, or craftby practical experience underskilled workers.Jake hopes to become anapprentice in the stained-glassstudio.

approbationn/ TaprESbCshEn /Lan act of approving formally orauthoritatively : sanction.The mayor’s actions have theapprobation of none of the othermembers of the city council.

appropriateadj/ ESprPprGDt /Lspecially suitable : fit, proper.Calvin had orange hair and theappropriate freckles to go with it.

appurtenance

appurtenantadj/ ESpErt(F)nEnt /Fannexed or belonging legally tosome more important thing.The property insurance covers anyadditions to the building and toprivate structures appurtenant tothe building.

apricot

aproposadj/ TaprESpP /Fpertinent, relevant.Rachel wondered if Herman hadunderstood her question, for hisanswer was not very apropos.

apsidaladj/ SapsEdFl /Gk > Lof or relating to the point of acelestial body’s orbit at which it isfarthest from the center ofattraction.Laura researched apsidal oceantidal levels.

aquaticadj/ ESkwBZik /Lliving wholly or chiefly in or onwater.Porpoises and seals are aquaticmammals.


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aqueductn/ SakwETdEkt /Lan artificial channel for conveyingwater.The ancient Romans used theaqueduct to provide water to thecity’s residents.

aquilineadj/ SakwETlIn /Lcurving or hooked like an eagle’sbeak.The senator was easilyrecognizable by his aquiline nose.

arabesquen/ TarESbesk /Ar > It > Fa posture (as in ballet dancing) inballet in which the body is bentforward from the hip on one legwith one arm extended forward andthe other arm and leg backward in aline parallel to the floor.The painting depicts a ballerina ina flawless arabesque.

arabilityn/ TarESbilEZG /L + Ecfthe state of being fit for tillage andcrop production.Before Caleb bought Jed’sproperty, he had the land checkedfor arability.

arachnid

arbiter

arborealadj/ BrSbPrGEl /Linhabiting or frequenting trees.The arboreal fauna of Madagascarare endangered by logging.

arboretn/ TBrbESret /L + Ecfa small tree or shrub.Gwen trekked purposefully throughthe forest, dodging an occasionalarboret but generally heading in astraight line.

arbusclen/ SBrTbEsEl /La dwarf tree or treelike shrub.The gardener recommended thatMicah purchase an arbuscle toplant next to the house.

arcanumn/ BrSkCnEm /La secret or mysterious knowledgeor information known only to theinitiate.Ralph developed a secrethandshake as an arcanum for hisclub.

archaic

archangeln/ SBrkCnjEl /Gk + Gka being in the heavenly hierarchyranking above an angel.Joan of Arc had visions of thearchangel Michael and saintsCatherine and Margaret telling herto raise an army.

archelogy

archeryn/ SBrch(E)rG /F > Ethe art, practice, or skill of shootingwith bow and arrow.Joe chose archery as one of hisphysical education electives.

archipelagon/ TBrkESpelETgP /Gk > Ita group or cluster of islands.The country of Indonesia is anenormous archipelago.

architecturen/ SBrkETtekchEr /Gk > Lthe art or science of building;specifically : the art or practice ofdesigning and building structures inaccordance with principlesdetermined by aesthetic andpractical or material considerations.The building that housed thedepartment of architecture was, tomany students, the most hideous-looking edifice on campus.

archivalian pl/ TBrkDSvClGE /Gk > Lmaterial preserved in or suitable forpreservation in rooms for theexhibition of a collection.Included in the library’s archivaliais a copy of the first edition of TheAdventures of Tom Sawyer.

arcingv/ SBrkiN /Lfollowing or describing a curvingcourse.Waterfalls arcing outward intowhite plumes plummet down andflow into Cayuga Lake.

arctic

ardency

ardentadj/ SBrdFnt /Lextremely loyal : devoted, faithful.Bickford was an ardent supporterof environmental causes.


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arduousadj/ SBrjEwEs /Lhard to accomplish or achieve :difficult.Alan was not prepared for thearduous demands of hisconstruction job.

arenaceousadj/ TarESnCshEs /Lgrowing in sandy places.Arenaceous plants developblossoms after the first spring rain.

arenicolousadj/ TarESnikElEs /L + Linhabiting or burrowing in sand :growing in sand soil.Numerous arenicolous organismscan be found at the beach.

areologyn/ TarGSBlEjG /Gkthe scientific study of the planetMars.Todd’s interest in areology wasspurred by the discovery ofpossible life forms on Mars.

aretalogyn/ TarEStalEjG /Gka narrative of the miraculous deedsof a god or hero.Owen was fascinated by thearetalogy of Hercules’ labors.

argillaceousadj/ TBrjDSlCshEs /Lof, relating to, or containing clay orclay minerals.The geologist determined that alarge part of the mountainconsisted of argillaceous limestone.

argosyn/ SBrgEsG /Ita fleet of ships or of anythinglikened to ships.The lone schooner had gottenseparated from the argosy in theinclement weather.

argotn/ SBrgEt /Fthe special vocabulary and idiom(as slang) of a particular socialgroup or class.Nowadays the argot of manyteenagers includes the word cool.

argumentativeadj/ TBrgyESmentEZiv /Lgiven to or fond of disagreement :contentious.Jill is so argumentative that no onelikes to sit beside her on the bus.

aristoin pl/ SarDTstOi /Gkcitizens of high rank making up agoverning body.When the aristoi ignore the needsof the common people, they aresowing the seeds of rebellion.

arithmocracyn/ Ta(T)rithSmBkrEsG /Gk + Gkrule of the majority.The United States is anarithmocracy as well as a republic.

armadillon/ TBrmESdi(T)lP /L > Spany of several burrowing chieflynocturnal mammals having bodyand head encased in an armor ofsmall bony plates.Using its long, sticky tongue toextract ants from their nests, thearmadillo may eat up to 40,000ants at a sitting.

Armageddonn/ TBrmESgedFn /Gk > Lfinal and conclusive conflictbetween the forces of good andevil.In the Bible, the book of Revelationmentions Armageddon.

armaments

armaturen/ SBrmETchU(E)r /L[has near homonym: armiger]armor.As part of the preparation for thecontest at the medieval fair, thejousters were given their choice ofarmature.

armisticen/ SBrmDstDs /L > Ftemporary suspension of hostilitiesas agreed upon by those engaged inthe hostilities.Fortunately, the armistice thatended World War I turned out to bepermanent.

arpeggion/ BrSpejGTP /Gmc > Itproduction of the tones of a chordin succession and notsimultaneously.The opening measure of Ryan’spiano recital piece featured adifficult arpeggio.

arraignmentn/ ESrCnmEnt /F > Ean act of finding fault with :denunciation.It seems that every few years thereis a wholesale arraignment ofexisting educational standards.

arrasene

arrive


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arrogancen/ SarEgEn(t)s /La genuine or assumed feeling ofsuperiority that shows itself in anoverbearing manner.After Sam won the contest, hedisplayed an annoying arrogance.

arrogantadj/ SarEgEnt /Lexhibiting a level of superiority thatis inconsistent with one’s position.Jack’s arrogant attitude annoyedhis more qualified colleagues.

arsenaln/ SBrs(F)nEl /Ar > Ita storehouse or source of supply forarms, ammunition, or other militaryequipment.In early 1941 Franklin Rooseveltbelieved that America’s mostimmediate role was to act as anarsenal for democratic nations.

arsenicn/ SBrs(F)nik /Gk > L&F > Ea metalloid element that is used insmall amounts in alloys and in theform of its compounds chiefly aspoisons (as insecticides), inpharmaceutical preparations, and inglass.Ingestion of arsenic was listed asthe official cause of Tim’smysterious death.

artesianadj/ BrStGzhEn /Finvolving, relating to, or suppliedby the upward movement of waterunder hydrostatic pressure in rocksor unconsolidated material beneathEarth’s surface.The water bubbling up in thepasture was coming from anartesian spring.

arthritisn/ BrSthrIZDs /Gkinflammation of one or more jointsdue to infectious, metabolic, orconstitutional causes.Theo’s arthritis kept him fromplaying tennis.

arthroscopy

artichoken/ SBrZETchPk /Ar > Itthe flower head of a tall herb thatresembles a thistle and is cooked asa vegetable.Norm demonstrated the proper wayto eat an artichoke.

article

articulacy

artificen/ SBrZEfDs /La wily or artful stratagem.Emma saw the artifice of Jane’sreserved response, and shereturned to her first surmises.

artificial

artillerist

artilleryn/ BrStil(E)rG /F > Ethe missiles discharged by theweapons of war.The May Day parade in RedSquare was widely known for itsdisplay of artillery.

arviculture

ascend

ascensionn/ ESsenchEn /Lthe act or process of going upwardfrom a lower level or degree.The article describes TigerWoods’s rapid ascension to the toprank of golfers.

ascertainedv/ TasE(r)StCnd /L > F > Emade sure of : discovered.In the moonlight, the form of theheretofore unknown might now beascertained.

asceticism

ascribableadj/ ESskrIbEbEl /Lcapable of being attributed to asupposed cause, source, or author.Dad explained that the two bookswere ascribable to the same authorunder different pen names.

asinine

askewadv/ ESskyV /E + F > Eout of line : to one side.Jared’s house was leaning becauseone of the joists had gone askew.

asparagusn/ ESsparEgEs /Gk > La plant widely cultivated for itstender edible young shoots.Jack didn’t touch the asparagus hismother served him.


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aspartamen/ SaspE(r)TtCm /L > ISVa noncarbohydrate crystallinecompound that is formed from theamino acids phenylalanine andaspartic acid and is used as a low-calorie sweetener.Since Bertha began her diet, sheprefers foods that are sweetenedwith aspartame.

aspersionn/ ESspErzhEn /La calumnious or defamatoryexpression or reflection.Questions about Tom’s handling ofthe club’s petty cash cast anaspersion on his honesty.

asphalt

asphodeln/ SasfETdel /Gkany of various Old World usuallyperennial herbs that bear theirflowers in long erect racemes.Bernice thought that an asphodelwould complete the bouquet nicely.

asphyxiant

asphyxiate

asphyxiatedv/ aSsfiksGTCZDd /Gkkilled or made unconscious byobstruction of normal breathing.When the volcano erupted, many ofthe town’s inhabitants wereasphyxiated by the dust and ashes.

aspirinn/ Sasp(E)rDn /ISVa white crystalline compound ofsalicylic acid used especially intablet form as a pain-killer.Tests have shown that small, dailydoses of aspirin can reduce the riskof stroke.

assailant

assassin

assassinatev/ ESsasFnTCt /L > Fmurder (usually a prominentperson).The newspapers carried grippingaccounts of an attempt toassassinate the prime minister.

assemblage

assessv/ ESses /Ldetermine the rate or amount of.Joyce’s job with the insurancecompany was to assess damages.

asseverationn/ ETsevESrCshEn /Lpositive or emphatic affirmation orassertion : solemn declaration.The jury did not believe thedefendant’s asseveration ofinnocence.

assiduouslyadv/ ESsijEwEslG /L + Ecfin a diligent, attentive, or solicitousmanner.Lucinda questioned her brotherassiduously before his interview.

assimilatev/ ESsimETlCt /Lreceive into the mind and considerand thoroughly comprehend.Sandy needs time to sort things outand assimilate them properly.

assimilation

assonancen/ SasFnEn(t)s /L + Fcfrelatively close juxtaposition ofsimilar sounds especially ofvowels.“Zip your lips” was the teacher’sfavorite example of assonance.

assuagev/ ESswCj /L > F > Ereduce to a state of peace, calm, orquiet : mollify, pacify.No one could assuage Bertina aftershe dropped her ice-cream cone.

assuagement

Assyrianadj/ ESsirGEn /geog nameof, relating to, or characteristic ofAssyria, an ancient empire ofwestern Asia.The doorways of the Assyrianpalace of Nineveh were flanked bylarge winged bulls.

asthmaticadj/ azSmaZik /Gk > Lcaused by or affected with laboredbreathing.Because of Pam’s asthmaticcondition, her mother had to dustand vacuum the house every day.

astigmatismn/ ESstigmETtizEm /Gk + Ecfa defect of an optical system (as ofthe eye) that prevents light fromfocusing accurately and results in ablurred image.Amy’s new eyeglasses correct herastigmatism.


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astringev/ ESstrinj /Lcause (tissue) to draw together :constrict.Larry uses witch hazel to astringehis facial pores.

astrogator

astronomyn/ ESstrBnEmG /Gkthe science that treats of thecelestial bodies.Astronomy is a popular topic forscience writers.

astutenessn/ ESst(y)VtnDs /L + Ecfthe quality or state of having ordisplaying shrewd discernment andsagacity.The candidate showed politicalastuteness in attacking hisopponent’s weak arguments.

asylum

asymmetry

ateliern/ TaZFlSyC /L > Fan artist’s studio or workroom.Ken hoped to find some affordableloft space downtown for his atelier.

athletic

atmospheren/ SatmETsfi(E)r /Gkthe air of a given place especiallyas affected by a particularcharacteristic (as heat, moisture,wholesomeness, orunwholesomeness).Christy could barely tolerate theclose atmosphere of her one-roomschoolhouse.

atmosphericadj/ TatmESsfirik /Gk + Gk > L > Fof or relating to the whole mass ofair surrounding Earth.Only two elements are known to beliquid under atmosphericconditions: mercury and bromine.

atomic

atrabilious

atrichian/ CStrikGE /Gkcongenital or acquired baldness.Some dogs are afflicted withatrichia from birth.

atrium

atrociousadj/ EStrPshEs /Lmarkedly inferior in quality.Mrs. Diamond vowed to dosomething about her grandson’satrocious table manners.

atrophyv/ SatrEfG /Gk > Lundergo a wasting away orprogressive decline.Jay knows that his muscles willatrophy while he recuperates fromsurgery.

attenuateadj/ EStenyETwDt /Ltapering gradually often into a longslender point.The locust tree has narrowattenuate leaves.

attituden/ SaZETtVd /L > It[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] anyposture held momentarily indancing.The premier danseur held his finalattitude briefly, then leapt offstageto thunderous applause.

attitudinal

attritionn/ EStrishEn /La usually gradual loss of personnelfrom causes normal or peculiar to agiven situation (as death,retirement, and resignation in alabor force) often without fillingthe vacancies.The CEO promised that all of thecuts would come from attrition; noemployees would be laid off.

aubade

auctioneern/ TOkshESni(E)r /L + Ecfone who conducts the sale of goodsat public auction usually as anagent on commission.The auctioneer at the antique salehad a booming voice.

audaciousadj/ OSdCshEs /Lrecklesslessly venturesome :presumptuously bold.Tom’s audacious disregard forphysical limitations will catch upwith him sooner or later.

audacity


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audiencen/ SOdGEn(t)s /L[has homonym: audients] thoseattending a stage or film productionor viewing a televised program.The audience erupted withthunderous applause at the act’sconclusion.

auditionn/ OSdishEn /L or Fa trial performance to appraise anentertainer’s merits.After hearing Alice’s stunningaudition, the director offered herthe role without hesitation.

auger

augment

augurv/ SOgE(r) /L[has homonym and near homonym:auger and agar] give indirectevidence of : portend.The club members’ enthusiasm anddedication augur success for theclub’s projects.

augury

aukn/ SOk /ON > Norw or Icelandicany of several black and whiteshort-necked diving seabirds thatnest in colder parts of the NorthernHemisphere.In one of her books, Laura IngallsWilder writes of a strangemidwinter encounter with a straybird resembling an auk.

aureateadj/ SOrGDt /Lmarked by a rhetorical style that isaffected, grandiloquent, andheavily ornamental.Many students today have littleappreciation of the aureatelanguage of English Renaissancepoetry.

aureityn/ OSrGEZG /L + Ecfthe distinctive properties of gold.Pyrite’s apparent aureity hasfooled many a prospector.

aureliann/ OSrGlyEn /L + Ecfa collector and breeder of mothsand butterflies.Sarah admired the beautifulbutterflies pictured in the book byMr. Jacobson, a well-knownaurelian.

auriclen/ SOrDkEl /L[has homonym: oracle] a chamberof the heart that receives bloodfrom the veins and forces it into theventricle or ventricles.The heart of a fish has one auricleand one ventricle.

auricularadj/ OSrikyElE(r) /Lof, relating to, or using the ear orthe sense of hearing.George’s understanding ofunfamiliar words is auricular; thatis, he must hear out loud the wordshe reads before he can comprehendthem.

auriferousadj/ OSrifErEs /L + Ecfgold-bearing—used of gravels androcks.The auriferous quartz veinssparkled in the sunlight.

auroran/ ESrPrE /Lthe redness of the sky just beforethe Sun rises.As the aurora began to brighten thesky, the airline passengers eagerlylooked out their windows to see therising Sun.

auscultationn/ TOskElStCshEn /Lthe act of listening to soundsarising within organs (as the lungsor heart) as an aid to diagnosis andtreatment.Warming her stethoscope with herhands before performingauscultation has become secondnature to Dr. Harris.

auslander

auspicesn pl/ SOspDsDz /Lpatronage and kindly guidance :protection.The medical team entered thecountry under the auspices of theInternational Red Cross.

austereadj/ OSsti(E)r /GK > L > F > Estern and unyielding in appearanceand manner.The substitute teacher was austereand humorless.


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authenticadj/ Osthentik /Gk > L > F > Eworthy of acceptance or belief byreason of conforming to fact orreality.The restoration society aims toprovide an authentic reproductionof the colonial village.

author

authoritativeadj/ ESthBrETtCZiv /Lexercising or assuming power toinfluence the outward behavior ofothers.Dr. Martin issued the instructionsin an authoritative manner.

autobahnn/ SaUZPTbBn /Gk > G + Ga road in Germany with doubletraffic lanes in each directionseparated by a parkway.Klaus pulled his Mercedes over tothe side of the autobahn to read themap.

autodidact

autonomous

autonomyn/ OStBnEmG /Gkthe quality or state of beingindependent, free, and self-directing.After years of fighting the colonialgovernment, the island was finallygranted autonomy.

autopsyn/ SOTtBpsG /Gkexamination of the body afterdeath, usually with dissection.An autopsy showed that arsenicwas the cause of death.

autumn

autumnaladj/ (T)OStEmnEl /Lcharacterized by qualitiesassociated with or suggested by theseason between summer andwinter.Jessica’s new paintings have aserene, autumnal warmth.

auxiliaryadj/ OgSzilyErG /Loffering or providing help,assistance, or support especially byinteraction.Roland volunteers as an auxiliaryguide for the local YouthMountaineers Club.

available

avalanchen/ SavETlanch /Fa large mass of snow, ice, earth,rock, or other material in swiftmotion down a mountainside.The tiny Swiss village wasdestroyed by an avalanche.

avalement

avaricen/ SavErDs /L > F > Eexcessive desire for wealth or gain.Pride, avarice, and gluttony areamong the seven deadly sins.

avaricious

averred

aviator

avionics

avocadon/ TavESkB(T)dP /Nahuatl > Spthe pulpy green or purplesomewhat pear-shaped edible fruitof various tropical American trees.Tanisha’s first taste of sushi was aroll containing avocado, crab, andcucumber.

avocetn/ SavETset /F&Itany of several rather large long-legged shore birds having webbedfeet and a slender upwardly curvedbill.Making their way through themarsh, the birders happened on aforaging avocet.

avoirdupois

avuncularadj/ ESvENkyElE(r) /Lacting or speaking with thefamiliarity, kindness, or indulgenceof an uncle.Morris took an avuncular tone withSusan when he advised her on hercollege plans, even though he washer elder by only three years.

awen/ SO /ON > E[has homonym: aw] abashedreverence and fear inspired byauthority or power.The good people of Sleepy Hollowwere often filled with awe athearing his nasal melody floatingfrom the distant hill.

awestruck

awl


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awryadv/ ESrI /Ewrong, amiss.Gayle’s plans for the victoryparade went hopelessly awry.

axiology

axiomn/ SaksGEm /Gka proposition, rule, or maxim thathas found general acceptance or isthought worthy thereof.“Early to bed, early to rise” isUncle Abdul’s favorite axiom.

axungen/ SakTsEnj /Lfat or grease usually of pigs or ofgeese.Suzanne’s cookbook of homeremedies recommended axunge tosoothe minor burns.

ayatollahn/ TIEStPlE /Ar > Pera religious leader among ShiiteMuslims—used as a title of respectespecially for one who is not animam.When Ayatollah Khomeini gainedpolitical control of Iran in 1979, here-created it as a religious Islamicrepublic.

azimuthn/ SazEmEth /Aran arc of the horizon measuredbetween a fixed point and thevertical circle passing through thecenter of an object.Using a compass, the navigatorestimated the azimuth of the star.

azotea

azureadj/ SazhE(r) /Per > Ar > Sp > Fresembling the color of theunclouded sky.Sarah prefers to call her eyes“azure” instead of “blue.”babblativeadj/ SbablEZiv /E imitative?given to excessive talking :garrulous.The babblative waitress calledeveryone at our table“sweetheart.”baboonn/ baSbVn /F > Ea large primate with a short tail anda doglike snout.The children at the zoo wereentertained by the strange soundsof the baboon.

babushkan/ bESbUshkE /Russa triangularly folded kerchief wornover the head and usually tiedunder the chin.Emma’s Ukrainian doll wears ared babushka and an elaboratelyembroidered apron.

Babylonianadj/ TbabESlOnyEn /Heb > Gkof, relating to, or characteristic ofBabylonia, an ancient country ofsouthern Mesopotamia.Houses and temples of the OldBabylonian Kingdom have squareopen courts, arched doorways, andbattlemented walls.

baccalaureaten/ TbakESlOrGEt /Lthe degree of bachelor conferred byuniversities and colleges.Marika earned a baccalaureate atthe age of 12.

bacchanalian

bacciferousadj/ bakSsif(E)rEs /L + Ecfbearing berries.Sylvia took care not to park her carunder any bacciferous trees.

bachelorn/ Sbach(E)lE(r) /Celt > L > F > Ean unmarried man of marriageableage.Kendrick was the only bachelorliving in the apartment building.

bacillusn/ bESsilEs /La disease-producing bacterium.Kendra will use a powerfuldisinfectant to kill any bacillus thatmight be lurking on the countertop.

backfisch

backgammonn/ SbakTgamEn /Ea game played with dice andcounters on a board divided intotwo tables each marked with 12points in which each player tries tomove his own counters from pointto point and off the board.Ed explained to Tim that the gameboard edged with tall, thintriangles was used to playbackgammon.

bacteriolyticadj/ bakTtirGESliZik /Gk > Lof, relating to, or producing thedestruction or dissolution ofbacterial cells.The bacteriolytic power of bloodhelps the body overcome manydiseases.

badgeringly


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badigeonn/ bESdijEn /Fa cement or paste (as of plaster andpowdered freestone) used to fillholes or cover defects in wood orstone.The plasterer smeared badigeon inthe pockmarks on the wall.

badinagen/ TbadFnSBzh /L > OProv > Flight and playful repartee or wit :banter.Mrs. Lopez, our bus driver,frequently engages in badinagewith her lively passengers.

badmintonn/ SbadTmintFn /E geog namea court game played by two or fourpersons with light long-handledrackets and a shuttlecock volleyedover a net.After lunch John suggested aleisurely game of badminton.

Baedekern/ SbCdDkE(r) /G nameguidebook, handbook.By the time his Italian vacation wasover, Ronnie’s Baedeker had comeapart at the spine.

bagatellen/ TbagEStel /L > It > Fa game played with a cue andusually nine balls on an oblongtable having cups or both cups andarches at one end.Aaron is an excellent snookerplayer but is unfamiliar with therules of bagatelle.

bagel

baignoiren/ bCnSwBr /L > F[Note: Could be confused withpeignoir.] a theater box having lowpartitions that is in the lowest tier.Seats in the baignoire afforded anunobscured view of the stage.

bailiffn/ SbClDf /F > Ea court officer who seats witnessesand spectators, announces theentrance of the judge, and keepsorder in the court.Judge Cantor asked the bailiff toremove Mr. Sims from thecourtroom.

bailiwickn/ SbClGTwik /Efield of activity : sphere ofoperations.Only when the topic wasbirdwatching, his particularbailiwick, did Robin feel at easetalking to strangers.

baize

balaclavan/ TbalESklBvE /Crimean geog namea hoodlike knitted cap covering thehead, neck, and part of theshoulders and worn especially bysoldiers and mountaineers.Every climber wore a balaclava forprotection from the cold air.

balalaikan/ TbalESlIkE /Russan instrument of the guitar kindhaving a triangular wooden bodyand from two to four strings.Vladimir strummed the balalaikaand sang a Ukrainian folk song.

balbriggann/ balSbrigEn /Ir geog namea plain-stitch knitted often tubularusually cotton fabric usedespecially for underwear, hosiery,or sweaters.Moira’s imported Irish sweater wasmade of balbriggan.

balconyn/ SbalkEnG /Gmc > Itan interior projecting gallery in apublic building (as a theater);specifically : such a galleryimmediately above the main floor.Tickets for seats in the balcony soldout before those in the orchestra.

balestra

ballast

ballerinan/ TbalESrGnE /L > Ita female ballet dancer.Although the ballerina seemed a bitnervous before her performance,her dancing was faultless.

balletomanen/ baSleZETmCn /L > It > F + Ecff + Gk > L > Eone who takes extraordinary delightin artistic dance performances.The well-known balletomane tookroses to every performance.

ballisticadj/ bESlistik /Gk > Lof or belonging to the hurling ofmissiles.Simon used ballistic laws todetermine where the arrow wouldland.


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ballisticsn pl/ bESlistiks /Gk > Lthe science of the motion ofpowder-propelled projectiles inflight.An expert in ballistics testified thatthe fatal bullet had been fired fromthe defendant’s gun.

balloon

balminessn/ SbBmGnDs /Semitic? > Gk > L > F > E + Ecffthe quality or state of being mild orsoothing.The balminess of the eveningbreeze helped Kate forget theaccident.

balmoraln/ balSmOrEl /Scottish geog namea boot or shoe that is laced in front;especially : an oxford shoe withquarters meeting and centered overa separate tongue.The balmoral first becamefashionable in the 1850s, whenPrince Albert popularized this typeof shoe.

balneationn/ TbalnGSCshEn /Lthe act or action of bathing.Alicia uses a sponge to assist in herdaily balneation.

balsamn/ SbOlsEm /Lan aromatic substance flowingspontaneously or by incision from aplant and not necessarily remainingliquid.When Henrietta retrieved the ballfrom the branches of the fir tree,the balsam made her fingers sticky.

balustraden/ SbalETstrCd /It > Fa row of short supports topped by arail to serve as an open parapet.Juliet leaned on the balustrade andgazed down at Romeo with adoringeyes.

bamboo

bamboozlev/ bamSbVzEl /unknownconceal one’s true motives fromsomeone, especially by elaboratelyfeigning good intentions so as togain an end or achieve anadvantage : mislead, hoodwink.Gavin tried to bamboozle hisneighbor into offering her garagefor his party by saying how much itneeded a good airing out.

banalityn/ bCSnalEZG /Fthe quality of lacking originality,freshness, or novelty.Pearl’s English teacher commentedon the banality of much of theclass’s poetry.

bananan/ bESnanE /African > Sp or Pgthe elongated often curved andusually tapering fruit of the bananaplant having soft pulpy flesh and arind that is usually yellow whenripe.To introduce fractions, the teachershowed her students how a bananacan be divided lengthwise intothirds.

banausicadj/ bESnOsik /Gkmoneymaking, breadwinning :vocational.Brandon showed no inclinationtoward banausic pursuits.

bandagen/ Sbandij /Fa narrow length of fabric used tocover a wound, hold a dressing inplace, immobilize an injured part,or apply pressure.Mom immediately cleaned and puta bandage on Ted’s scraped knee.

bandaloren/ SbandETlP(E)r /unknowna toy with an automaticallywinding cord by which it is broughtback to the hand when thrown.Jeffrey brought a bandalore toschool for show-and-tell.

bandicootn/ SbandGTkVt /Teluguany of certain small activeinsectivorous and herbivorousmarsupial mammals found inOceania.Some species of bandicoot areendangered.

banditryn/ SbandDtrG /Gmc > Itthe practice of roving about andpillaging especially insemiorganized groups.With the government in chaos,outbreaks of banditry werecommon throughout the country.

banishment

banjo

banjorine

bankruptcy

banquet

baobab


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baptismaladj/ bapStizmEl /Gk > L > Fof or relating to the ceremony ofadmitting one into membership in aChristian church with the use ofwater by immersion, pouring, orsprinkling.The church’s new baptismal font ismade of Italian marble.

baragouinn/ SbarETgwaM /Foutlandish unintelligible speech.The explorer was taken aback bythe baragouin of the excitednatives.

barbaricadj/ bBrSbarik /Gk > Lof, relating to, or characteristic ofone who lacks refinement,gentleness, learning, or artistic orliterary culture.Harold was embarrassed by hislittle brother’s barbaric tablemanners.

barbarism

barbarous

barbellateadj/ SbBrbETlCt /Lhaving short stiff hooked bristles orhairs.The biology students were asked toidentify animals with barbellatehides.

barbicann/ SbBrbDkEn /L > F > Ean outer defensive work of a city orcastle.The invaders aimed their catapultat the castle’s barbican.

barbituraten/ bBrSbichErDt /Gkany of a large group of acids ortheir salts that are used assedatives, hypnotics, andantispamodics.Even a mild barbiturate can behabit-forming if used incorrectly.

bardiglion/ bBrSdGl(T)yP /L? > Sp > Itan Italian marble commonly havinga dark gray or bluish groundtraversed by veins.The most exquisite mantel in thecountry estate was made ofbardiglio.

bargain

bargello

bariolagen/ SbarGPTlBzh /Fa special effect in violin playingobtained by playing in rapidalternation upon open and stoppedstrings.Bjorn’s deft bariolage during thethird movement thrilled theaudience.

barker

barnaclen/ SbBrnDkEl /Eany of numerous marinecrustaceans that are free-swimmingas larvae but fixed to rocks orfloating objects as adults.The sailors scraped many abarnacle from the sides of the ship.

barnacled

barnstormv/ SbBrnzTtOrm /E + Etour through rural districts stagingtheatrical performances in largefarm buildings or makeshifttheaters.The troupe set off in buses tobarnstorm the Midwest with theirversion of The Music Man.

barognosisn/ TbaTrBgSnPsDs /Gk > Lthe perception of weight by thecutaneous and muscle senses.The loss of barognosis is asymptom of some muscle diseases.

barometern/ bESrBmEZE(r) /Gk + Gkan instrument for determining thepressure of the atmosphere.Erica predicts the weather by usingthe barometer located on herkitchen wall.

baronetn/ TbarESnet /Gmc > F > Ethe holder of a dignity or degree ofhonor ranking immediately below abaron and above a knight.The baronet swaggered among theknights but quailed before thebaron.

baronialadj/ bESrPnGEl /F > Esplendid, stately, spacious, ample.The baronial fireplace had enoughroom to hold six-foot logs.


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baroqueadj/ bESrPk /It name? > Fof, relating to, or having thecharacteristics of a style of artisticexpression prevalent especially inthe 17th century, marked byelaborate and sometimes grotesqueornamentation.The baroque style in art andarchitecture was marked by the useof curved figures.

barothermographn/ TbarPSthErmETgraf /Gk + Gk + Gkan instrument for recording bothpressure and temperature(as of the atmosphere).The barothermograph was firstused to collect atmospheric data in1895.

barouchen/ bESrVsh /L > It > Ga four-wheeled shallow carriagewith a driver’s seat high in front,two double seats inside, one facingback and the other front, and afolding top over the back seat.Michelle and Phil rode to the promin a barouche.

barracksn pl/ SbarEks /Catal > Fan often permanent building or setof buildings used especially forlodging soldiers.Each new recruit was assigned abunk in the barracks.

barragen/ bESrBzh /Fa massive concentrated and usuallycontinuous discharge or shower (asof missiles or blows).In Puritan New England, those whobroke the law were sometimes putto death by a barrage of stones.

barratryn/ SbarEtrG /F > Ethe persistent incitement oflitigation.Barratry has overloaded ourcountry's courts.

barreln/ SbarEl /F > E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word.] a unit ofmeasure for petroleum equal to 42gallons.Sheiks wept as the price of oildropped below 17 dollars perbarrel.

barrenadj/ SbarEn /F > E[has homonym: baron] deficient inproducing vegetation : bare,desolate.The overcultivated land, oncefertile, was now barren.

barricaden/ SbarETkCd /Fa barrier or obstacle that preventspassage.A police barricade kept the crowdsat a safe distance from the burningbuilding.

barrion/ SbBrGTP /Ar > Spa Spanish-speaking neighborhoodor quarter in a city or town in theUnited States especially in theSouthwest.The politician continually remindedthe public of his roots in the barrio.

bartizann/ SbBrZEzEn /Ea small structure overhanging orprojecting from a building forlookout or defense.The guard posted at the bartizanwas the first to spot theapproaching army.

basculen/ SbaTskyVl /Fan apparatus or structure in whichone end is counterbalanced by theother on the principle of the seesawor by weights (as in a basculebridge).The castle architect proposedbuilding a bascule over the moat.

bashful

basilica

basiliskn/ SbasETlisk /Gk > L > Ea legendary reptile that has a fatalbreath and glance.Jessie debated whether toincorporate a basilisk or apoisonous snake into her fable.

basin

basmatin/ TbBzSmBZG /Hindia cultivated South Asian long grainrice.Jacques enjoys the aroma ofbasmati.

bassoon

bastionn/ SbaschEn /Gmc > Prov > Fa projecting part of a fortification.Matthew paused at the castlebastion to look out over thecountryside.


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bathymetern/ bESthimEZE(r) /Gk > ISV + Gk > Fa device for the sounding of depths.Proper use of the bathymeter wascrucial as Captain Byron navigatedthrough the shallows in the fog.

bathymetry

bathyscaphe

batikn/ bEStGk /Javanese > Malayan Indonesian method of hand-printing textiles by coating parts ofthe fabric with wax to resist dyeand dipping in a cold dye solution.Sheila used both batik and tie-dyein her T-shirt creations.

batiste

batrachoid

battalionn/ bEStalyEn /L > It > Fa considerable body of troopsorganized to act together : army.The commander advanced thebattalion confidently when he sawthe pitifully few defendersremaining at the castle walls.

bauble

bavardagen/ TbavE(r)SdBzh /L > Fsmall talk, chitchat.After a stressful math class, Corawelcomed the opportunity forbavardage with her friends in thecafeteria.

bayonet

bayoun/ SbIT(y)V /Choctaw > Louisiana Fa creek, secondary watercourse, orminor river that is tributary toanother river or other body ofwater.Dale’s grandfather lives near abayou in southern Alabama.

bazookan/ bESzVkE /Amer Ea light portable usually crew-servedshoulder weapon used especially tolaunch armor-piercing rockets.Lenny begged his mother for thetank, bazooka, and toy soldiers thathe had seen in a commercial.

beachcomber

beaconn/ SbGkEn /Ea signal fire or lighthousecommonly on a hill, tower, or pole.That lighthouse once served as abeacon for ships nearing the shore.

beakern/ SbGkE(r) /Old Saxon > ON > Ea deep openmouthed thin vesselthat often has a projecting lip forpouring and is used especially bychemists and pharmacists.As Frank reached for the pipette,he knocked an acid-filled beaker offthe lab bench.

beatitude

beaujolais

beaumontagen/ bPSmBntij /unknown > Frencha composition used by artisans tofill and conceal holes or cracks inwood or metal.Bart asked the conservator toreplace all the old beaumontage inthe statuette.

beauteous

bedizenment

bedlamn/ SbedlEm /Palestinian geog name > Ea place or scene of wild maduproar.After the final game of thechampionship, the parking lot wasbedlam.

bedstead

beflustered

beforehand

beggar

beguilev/ bDSgIl /Egain the notice of by the use ofwiles : charm.The teenager tried to beguile herteacher into giving her a goodgrade.

beguilingadj/ bDSgIliN /Eprovoking pleased interest anddiverting from concern or vexation.Todd blamed the beguilinginfluence of TV for his low grades.

beguinen/ bDSgGn /Fa vigorous popular dance of theislands of Saint Lucia andMartinique somewhat like therumba.Cole Porter’s song “Begin theBeguine” started the beguine onthe road to popularity in thiscountry.


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behemothn/ bDShGmEth /Heb > L > Esomething of oppressive ormonstrous size or power.Anwar’s wrestling opponent was abehemoth of a man.

beigeadj/ SbCzh /Per? > Gk? > L? > It? > Fof a variable color averaging lightgrayish yellowish brown.Tired of the beige walls in herhome, Ellen decided to repaint allthe rooms with bold colors.

beleaguerv/ bDSlGgE(r) /Dsubject to oppressive or grievousforces.In June the black flies will invadethe campsite and beleaguer theunsuspecting campers.

belemnoidadj/ SbelEmTnOid /Gkshaped like a dart.The museum’s collection includedbelemnoid carvings of unknownorigin.

believe

bellicose

belligerentadj/ bDSlij(E)rEnt /Lwaging war.The victorious faction is setting upan interim government and purgingits belligerent enemies.

bellipotentadj/ beSlipEZEnt /L + Lmighty in war.The nation’s desire to become abellipotent power resulted in adrastic increase in its defensebudget.

bellwethern/ SbelTweLE(r) /Eone that takes the lead or initiative :leader.Brooke’s firm has long beenconsidered a bellwether in theindustry.

bellwort

belomancy

belton

benedictionn/ TbenESdikshEn /Lan expression or utterance ofblessing or good wishes.Alta’s mother orated an impressivebenediction at her weddingreception.

beneficence

beneficentadj/ bDSnefEsEnt /L + Ecfperforming acts of kindness andcharity.Thanks to the generosity of abeneficent contributor, thesymphony will be funded foranother season.

benevolencen/ bDSnevElEn(t)s /Lkindly disposition to do good andpromote the welfare of others.As a result of his grandfather’sbenevolence, Chad was able toafford an Ivy League education.

benevolentadj/ bDSnevElEnt /L > Emarked by a kindly disposition topromote the happiness andprosperity of others.Elmer received a commendation forhis benevolent actions.

benignantadj/ bDSnignEnt /Lkindly, mild, gentle.The department store always chosea Santa Claus with a benignantcountenance.

benisonn/ SbenEsEn /L > F > E[Note: Could be confused withvenison.] the pronouncing of ablessing : benediction.Tim’s favorite vocal benison is hisyouth choir’s rendition of the IrishBlessing.

bequeath

berceusen/ berSsE(r)z /Fa vocal or instrumental compositionof a soothing character.Maya hummed a berceuse to herson to soothe him to sleep.

bereave

bereavementn/ bDSrGvmEnt /Edeprivation; especially : loss of aloved one by death.Some scientific studies have shownthat bereavement, such as the lossof a spouse, can affect one’simmunity to illness.


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beretn/ bESrC /Prov > Fa soft flat visorless cap of woolenmaterial originally worn by Basquepeasants.The painter’s beret was a bittattered and moth-eaten.

bergamotn/ SbErgETmBt /Turk > It > Fan essential oil much used inperfumery.Elisa was wearing cologne scentedwith bergamot.

bergschrundn/ SberkTshrUnt /Ga deep and often broad crevasse orseries of such crevasses frequentlyoccurring near the head of amountain glacier.The rescuers descended into thebergschrund to reach the injuredmountain climber.

beriberin/ TberGSberG /Sinhalesea disease caused by a lack of orinability to assimilate vitamin B-1.The symptoms of beriberi usuallyrespond well to dietaryimprovements.

berouged

berylloidn/ SberETlOid /Indic > Gk > L > F + Ecfa form consisting of a double 12-sided pyramid.The jeweler decided to cut theunusual crystal into a berylloid toheighten its allure to potentialbuyers.

besmirched

besomn/ SbGzEm /Ea broom made with a bundle oftwigs.Milena pretended she was apioneer, sweeping out the garagewith a crudely constructed besom.

bestial

betacism

betheln/ SbethEl /Heba place of worship, as a chapel fornonconformists.The shelter overlooking thewaterfall has become a bethel forSunday morning hikers who wantto contemplate the grandeur ofnature.

bevelv/ SbevEl /Fcut or shape to an angle : put a slanton the edge of.Rhoda wants the glass shop tobevel her mirror before it isframed.

bevyn/ SbevG /Ea usually large group or collection.A bevy of reporters crowdedaround the gold medal winner.

bewilder

bewitchedv/ bDSwicht /Ecast a spell over.Some say a sorceress bewitched thevalley during the early days ofsettlement.

bialys

bibelotn/ SbGbETlP /Gk > L > Fa small household ornament ordecorative object : trinket.Mrs. Carnes gave her toddler abibelot to play with while thewomen discussed plans for therally.

biblioclast

bibliography

biblioklept

bibliopegyn/ TbiblGSBpDjG /Gk + Gkthe art of binding books.A local bookbinder visited the classand explained how bibliopegy isboth a craft and an art.

bibliothecarialadj/ TbiblGEthDSka(a)rGEl /Gk + Lcfof or related to a library.Thurmond has great interest in theDewey decimal system and otherthings bibliothecarial.

biblioticsn pl/ TbiblGSBZiks /Gkthe scientific study of handwriting,documents, and writing materialsespecially for determininggenuineness or authorship.Several experts in bibliotics wereasked to examine the scroll.

bicameraladj/ bISkam(E)rEl /Lhaving or made up of two distinctlegislative bodies.The U.S. Congress is bicameral,consisting of the Senate and theHouse of Representatives.


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bicentennialn/ TbIsenStenGEl /Lcf + L + L > Ea 200th anniversary or itscelebration.Bargersville will celebrate thebicentennial of its founding nextyear.

biceps

biennial

bifurcationn/ bITfErSkCshEn /L > Fthe point at which separation orbranching into two parts, areas,aspects, or connected segmentsoccurs.Satish pulled his car over andstudied the map when he reached abifurcation in the road.

bijou

bijouterien/ bGSzhVtETrG /Fjewelry in which delicate orintricate metalwork contributesmore to the value than do theconstituent materials.Marge scoured the display case inthe antique shop for an addition toher collection of bijouterie.

bikinin/ bESkGnG /Pacific geog namea woman’s abbreviated two-piecebathing suit.Joan’s father does not approve ofthe bikini she would like topurchase.

bilateraladj/ bISlaZErEl /L > Ecf + Lof or relating to the right and leftsides of a central area.The maple leaf exhibits bilateralsymmetry.

bilgen/ Sbilj /unknownwater that collects by seepage orleakage in the bottom of a ship orother vessel.Jeannie awoke to find bilgesloshing against her bunk.

bilharzia

bilingual

billetedv/ SbilDZDd /L > F > Eserved with an official orderdirecting that a member of amilitary force be provided withboard and lodging (as in a privatehome).During the Civil War it was notuncommon for homeowners to bebilleted.

billiardsn pl/ SbilyE(r)dz /Celt > Fany of several games played on anoblong table in which small ballsare driven against one another orinto pockets by means of a cue.Honoria supplemented herscholarship money by playingbilliards for pocket change.

billionaire

billonn/ SbilEn /Fgold or silver alloyed with aconsiderable amount of some lessvaluable metal.The numismatist showed the wide-eyed youngster several coins madeof billon.

biloculine

bimestrial

bimillenaryn/ bISmilETnerG /La 2000th anniversary or itscelebration.In 1951 the city of Paris celebratedthe bimillenary of its founding.

binaryadj/ SbITnerG /Linvolving a choice or condition oftwo alternatives only (as on-off oryes-no).The symbols conventionally used ina binary system of numeration are0 and 1.

binocularsn pl/ bDSnBkyElE(r)z /L > E + La handheld optical instrumentcomposed of two telescopes and afocusing device and usually havingprisms to increase magnifyingability.Binoculars have proved to be agreat boon to bird-watching.

binomial

bioluminescentadj/ TbI(T)PTlVmESnesFnt /Gk + Lof, relating to, or characterized bythe emission of light from livingorganisms as the result of internaloxidative changes.Bioluminescent animals occur in atleast 39 orders of the animalkingdom.

biopsy

bireme


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bisagren/ bDSsa(T)grG /MexSpa small spiny cactus of Mexico andthe southwestern United States thatis sometimes cut into slices andcandied.Elena often rewarded herchildren’s good behavior withslices of bisagre.

biscuitn/ SbiskDt /(L + L) > F > Ea quick bread made in a smallshape from dough that has beenrolled and cut or dropped and thatis raised in the baking by aleavening agent other than yeast.A hot biscuit with butter and honeywas the best part of the lunch.

bisen/ SbGz /Gmc > F > E[has homonym: bees] a cold wind;especially : a cold dry north windof southern France, Switzerland,and Italy.Jake was told that he would need topack warm clothes to withstand thebise while he toured Switzerland.

bisector

bittern

bivouacn/ SbivTwak /G > Fa camping out for a night.Private Slater packed a peanutbutter sandwich for his bivouac.

bizarreadj/ bDSzBr /It > F[has near homonym: bazaar] beingstrikingly out of the ordinary or atvariance with some standard, realor implied.Todd’s bizarre behavior promptedhis parents to call a doctor.

blaguev/ SblBg /Ftalk pretentiously and usuallyinaccurately or boastfully.Politicians who blague generallyalienate their audiences.

blandishmentn/ SblandishmEnt /L > F > E + Ecfspeech, action, or device thatflatters and tends to coax or cajole.No blandishment can sway Gilfrom his steadfast sense ofpropriety.

blanquetten/ blBMket /Gmc > Prov > Fa light meat (as veal or breast ofchicken) in a white sauce.After the play, Grandmother tookus to a French restaurant, wherewe sampled a blanquette of vealfrom the buffet.

blarneyn/ SblBrnG /Ir geog namesmooth wheedling talk.Mrs. Lewis was not impressed byAl’s blarney as he tried to talk herinto raising his grade.

blasphemousadj/ SblasfEmEs /Gk > Lspeaking or writing irreverencetoward God.During the Middle Ages manybooks were condemned asblasphemous and burned.

blasphemouslyadv/ SblasfEmEslG /Gk > L > + Ecfin an impiously irreverent manner.Dad blasphemously berated thedriver who suddenly cut in front ofhim without warning.

blasphemy

blatantadj/ SblCtFnt /Lcompletely or crassly obvious :brazen.Mr. Nall suspended Ed for blatantdisobedience during the fire drill.

blathern/ SblaLE(r) /ONvoluble, foolish, or nonsensicaltalk.Matt’s announcement consisted of10 percent information and 90percent blather.

blatherskiten/ SblaLE(r)TskIt /ON + ONa blustering, talkative, and oftenincompetent person.With Jay’s luck, the biggestblatherskite in the theater will sitdirectly behind him.

blazonn/ SblCzFn /F > Ecoat of arms.The duke’s blazon was oneverything from the tableware tothe towels.

bleachv/ SblGch /Eremove the color or stains from.Eliza decided not to bleach herstained socks for fear of ruiningtheir elastic.

bleary

blemishn/ Sblemish /Gmc > F > Edefect, flaw.A skilled watercolorist can rendera blemish invisible.

blenny


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blepharaladj/ SblefErEl /Gkof or relating to the eyelids.Leroy’s blepharal inflammationwas caused by allergies.

blessingn/ SblesiN /Ethe act or words of one who issuesapproval or praise.Nate and Irene sought the blessingof their priest before they married.

blight

blissfuladj/ SblisfEl /Emarked by a state of complete orecstatic happiness.The blissful bride and groomhurried off on their honeymoon.

blithe

blitzv/ Sblitz /Grush (a passer) in football from aposition as a linebacker ordefensive back.In a desperate bid to stop the otherteam from scoring, the coach toldall three linebackers to blitz thequarterback.

blitzkriegn/ SblitsTkrGg /Gwar conducted with great speed andforce; specifically : a violentsurprise offensive by massed airforces and mechanized groundforces in close coordination.The French forces were roundlydefeated by the Germans’blitzkrieg.

blizzardn/ SblizE(r)d /unknowna severe and prolonged snowstorm.Last winter many cattle perished ina blizzard.

blossom

blossomingadj/ SblBsEmiN /E + Ecfflowering.Between the blossoming branchesof the canopy, bits of blue skylooked down like wonderful eyes.

blotchn/ SblBch /L? > F > Eimperfection, blemish.The vendor referred to the uglyblotch on the leather as “naturaldiscoloration.”blouse

bloviate

bluchern/ SblVkE(r) /Prussian namea shoe having the tongue and vampcut in one piece and the quarterslapped over the vamp and lacedtogether for closing.The blucher was very popular withreturning servicemen after WorldWar I.

bludgeonn/ SblEjEn /unknowna short stick used as a weaponusually having one thick, heavy, orloaded end.The shop teacher confiscated thecrude bludgeon Harlan hadfashioned from a baseball bat.

blueprint

blunderbussn/ SblEndE(r)TbEs /D + L > Dan obsolete short gun or firearmthat had a large bore and wasintended for shooting at closequarters without exact aim.The museum exhibit featured ablunderbuss along with other 18th-century weapons.

bobbin

bobolink

bocaccion/ bPSkBTchP /AmSp&It > Ea large olive to brown red-flushedrockfish of the Pacific coast fromBritish Columbia to southernCalifornia.The bocaccio feeds on a variety offishes, crabs, and squids.

bocagen/ bPSkBzh /Fcountryside or landscape markedby intermingled patches ofwoodland and heath, small fields,tall hedgerows, and orchards.The charming bocage of ruralFrance presents a variety thatdelights travelers.

bodegan/ bPSdCgE /L > Spa combined wineshop and grocerystore.Miguel’s mother sent him to thebodega for a loaf of bread.

boiserien/ SbwBzETrG /Gmc > Fcarved wood paneling.In Louis’s living room paintedboiserie provides a backdrop for amelange of upholstered armchairs.


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boisterousadj/ SbOist(E)rEs /F > Efull of exuberant uninhibited andoften excessive spirits.The locker room was boisterousafter the championship.

bolen/ SbPl /ONthe trunk of a tree.Biff threw a knife into the old oak’sbole.

boleron/ bESla(a)(T)rP /Spa Spanish dance to music in three-quarter time and characterized bysharp turns and revolutions of thebody and stamping of the feet insyncopated rhythm.Miguel and Ana danced the boleroas the rest of the partygoerswatched and clapped.

boliden/ SbPTlId /Gkan exploding or exploded meteor ormeteorite.Some UFO reports turn out toresult from the appearance of abolide.

Bolshevikn/ SbPlshDTvik /Russa member of the RussianCommunist Party.The Bolshevik kept repeating,“This could never happen in acommunist country.”bombilation

bonanzan/ bESnanzE /L > Spsomething that yields an oftenunexpectedly large profit.Millie struck a bonanza with herlatest business venture.

bonhomousadj/ SbBnEmEs /L > F + Ecfwarmly genial.Will told us about the bonhomousmaster of ceremonies at thebanquet.

bonifacen/ SbBnEfDs /name in an Irish playthe proprietor of a hotel, nightclub,or restaurant.The boniface of the Red Horse Innloves to have his picture taken withvisiting celebrities.

bonnetn/ SbBnDt /L > F > Ea woman’s head covering of clothor straw usually tied under the chin.Marie was tying her handkerchiefover the kitten’s head for a bonnet.

bonsain/ SbPnTsI /Jpn[has near homonym: banzai] apotted plant (as a tree) dwarfed byspecial methods of culture.Joanie spent the afternooninstructing a class on pruning abonsai.

bookcase

bookkeepern/ SbUkTkGpE(r) /Eone who maintains accounts.Dad has been a bookkeeper at theplant for 14 years.

boomerang

boondoggle

Bordelaisen/ TbOrdFlSCz /F geog namea brown sauce flavored with a tablewine from the Gironde department

of France, the capital of which isBordeaux.Stuart thickened the Bordelaiseover a low flame.

bordereaux

borderline

boren/ SbP(E)r /E[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Inaddition, word has homonyms andnear homonym: boar, Boer, andboor.] a tidal flood that regularly oroccasionally rushes with a roaringnoise into certain rivers.Ships in the harbor when a boreoccurred could suffer damage fromits considerable height or force.

borealizationn/ TbPrGElDSzCshEn /Gk > L + Ecffadaptation (as of plants) to life inmore northerly regions.In the far North, borealization is aprimary factor in the evolution ofdifferent plant species.

borzoin/ SbOrTzOi /Russa Russian wolfhound.The borzoi resembles a largegreyhound with long wavy hair.

bosky

botanistn/ SbBt(F)nDst /Gk + Ecfa professional student of plants.A botanist identified the mysteriousplant growing behind Alysia’sgarage.


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botanyn/ SbBt(F)nG /Gk > Fthe branch of biology dealing withplant life.Jan has no formal education inbotany, but she does seem to have agreen thumb.

botcher

botuliformadj/ SbBchElETfOrm /L + Ecfshaped like a sausage.Cattails have botuliform flowerheads.

boudoirn/ SbVTdwB(r) /Fa woman’s dressing room,bedroom, or private sitting room.The boudoir adjacent to the masterbedroom was, to Brooke, the mostfascinating room on the tour.

boughn/ SbaU /E[has homonym: bow] a branch of atree.Grass would grow better beneaththe tree if the lowest bough wereremoved.

bouillabaisse

bouillonn/ SbVTyBn /F[Note: Alternate pronunciation hashomonym: bullion.] a broth madeby slow boiling of meat andespecially beef in water.Benny learned how to makebouillon in his home economicsclass.

boulevardn/ SbUlETvBrd /D > Fa broad thoroughfare often havinggrassplots with trees along thecenter or between curbings andsidewalks.On a warm sunny day manystrollers can be found on theboulevard.

boulevardier

boundary

bounteous

bountifuladj/ SbaUntDfEl /L > F > E + Ecfabundant, plentiful.The potato farmers rejoiced overtheir bountiful harvest.

bouquetn/ bPSkC /Fthe distinctive fragrance (as of awine or brandy) derived from theprocesses of fermentation andaging.Jim found the bouquet of themystery wine much to his liking.

bouquinisten/ bVkGnGst /D > Fa dealer in secondhand books.The bouquiniste encouraged us tobrowse as long as we wanted.

bourgeoisadj/ SbVrzhTwB /Fof, belonging to, or characteristic ofthe townsman or the social middleclass.The senator said that he espousedthe bourgeois virtues of thriftiness,forethought, and a serious attitudetoward life.

bourgeoisien/ TbUrzhTwBSzG /Fthe social and economic middleclass.Dillon went to college to, as he putit, “escape from the throes of thebourgeoisie.”boutonnieren/ TbVtFnSi(E)r /Fa flower or bouquet worn in abuttonhole.The groom wore a sprig of orangeblossom as a boutonniere.

bowdlerizev/ SbPdlETrIz /E name + Ecfremove matter consideredindelicate or otherwiseobjectionable from.When the publisher chose tobowdlerize the novel, the schoollibrarian refused to order it.

bowery

bowlinen/ SbPlDn /Ea rope fastened near the middle ofthe perpendicular edge of a squaresail and used to keep the weatheredge of the sail taut forward whenthe ship is close-hauled.Suzanne told Julio to cleat thebowline down tightly as sheprepared to tack.

boycottv/ SbOiTkBt /E namecombine against (a person,employer, a group of persons, or anation) in a policy of suspension ofdealings or relations for economicor political reasons.The people of New Athens resolvedto boycott the offending company.


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boysenberryn/ SbOizFnTberG /Amer name + Ea very large bramble fruit with aflavor like a raspberry especiallyvalued for canning and preserving.Mark enjoys the tart flavor of afreshly picked boysenberry.

bracelet

brachiatev/ SbrakGTCt /Gk > Lprogress by swinging from onehold to another by the arms.The children enjoyed watching thechimpanzees playfully brachiatefrom tree to tree.

brachygraphyn/ braSkigrEfG /Gk + Gkshorthand : a method of writingrapidly by substituting characters,abbreviations, or symbols forletters, words, or phrases.Current job listings foradministrative assistants rarely listbrachygraphy as a mandatory skill.

brachylogyn/ braSkilEjG /Gkconciseness of expression.A successful poet is a master ofimagery and brachylogy.

bradawln/ SbradTOl /E + Ean awl with a chisel edge used tomake holes for screws or thin,small nails.Desmond found a bradawl in hisgrandfather’s toolbox, but hecouldn’t figure out what it was usedfor.

bradycardia

bradyseismn/ SbrCdGTsIzEm /Gka slow quiet upward or downwardmovement of Earth’s crust.The outskirts of Naples have beenafflicted by bradyseism since a1980 earthquake.

braggadocion/ TbragESdPshGTP /name in English poemempty boasting or bragging.Shelly was sure that Keith’s claimto have received ten speedingtickets was mere braggadocio.

brankursinen/ braNSkErsFn /L > Fa prickly European herb havingrough, fuzzy leaves.The brankursine has ornamentalvalue because of its claw-shapedleaves.

brannigann/ SbranDgEn /name?a difference of opinion :controversy, squabble.A rousing brannigan erupted at thedinner table.

brasserie

bratwurstn/ SbratTwErst /Gfresh pork sausage.Karen is grilling bratwurst for thepool party.

braunschweigern/ SbraUnTshwIgE(r) /G namesmoked liver sausage.Derek made a braunschweiger andpickle sandwich for his afternoonsnack.

bravuran/ brESv(y)UrE /Ita show of daring or brilliancy.The crowd cheered the aerialist forhis bravura.

brawninessn/ SbrOnGnDs /Gmc > F > Ethe quality or state of having largestrong muscles : muscular.Chip’s brawniness proved to be anasset in playing football.

brazenadj/ SbrCzFn /Edone in the open or in plain sightwith or as if with complete scorn ofpublic opinion, the common good,or ethical principle.Kevin hopes that his brazenviolation of the school’s dress codewill get him sent home for the day.

breach

breakfast

breathn/ Sbreth /Eair charged with a certainfragrance, odor, or othersuggestion.The breath of roses in the parlorcame from the window open to thegarden.

breccian/ Sbrech(G)E /It[has near homonym: Brescia] arock consisting of sharp fragmentsembedded in a fine-grained matrix(as sand or clay).A breccia was among the rockspecimens that the scientist broughtback from her trip to the desert.


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bretellen/ brEStel /Gmc > Fone of a pair of ornamental strapsthat go from the belt on the front ofa dress over the shoulders to thebelt in back.Candace asked for help inadjusting her bretelle.

brevetn/ brDSvet /F > Ean official document from agovernment granting a privilege,title, or dignity.Dominic found a brevet signed byPresident Fillmore among hisgrandfather’s papers.

breviloquent

brevityn/ SbrevEZG /Lexpression in few words : terseness,conciseness.Polonius told Queen Gertrude that“brevity is the soul of wit.”briberyn/ SbrIb(E)rG /F > Ethe act or practice of giving ortaking a reward, gift, or favor witha view to corrupt the conductespecially of a person in a positionof trust (as a public official).When the gambler offered theathletes money to lose the game, hewas arrested and charged withbribery.

bridle

briefcase

brigadiern/ TbrigESdi(E)r /It > F > Ean army, marine, or air force officerranking just below a major generaland above a colonel.After winning the decisive battle,Hiram was promoted to brigadier.

brigandn/ SbrigEnd /Celt > It > F > Eone who lives by plunder usually asa member of a band.The captured brigand refused tosay a word about his group’sleader.

brigantinen/ SbrigEnTtGn /Celt > It > Fa two-masted square-rigged sailingship.Sailing school will be held on aspecially outfitted brigantine.

brightnessn/ SbrItTnDs /Ethe state of being radiant : lustrous.Walter wore sunglasses while hewas skiing to protect his eyesagainst the brightness of the snow.

brilliant

brimstonen/ SbrimzTtPn /Esulfur.If the story were true, uponreaching the sacred spot the demonwould vanish in a flash of fire andbrimstone.

brine

brininessn/ SbrInGnDs /Ethe quality or state of being like saltwater or the sea.Nadine does not enjoy swimming inthe ocean because its brininessirritates her skin.

briochen/ brGSPsh /Gmc > Fa fancy roll of very light yeastdough rich with eggs and butter.Amy wanted just a brioche andjuice for breakfast.

broachv/ SbrPch /F > E[has homonym: brooch] open up (asubject) for discussion or debate.No one dares broach the subject ofpolitics in front of Monique.

broadcastern/ SbrOdTkastE(r) /E + ON > Ea person who disseminates news onradio or television.Russell has the clear voice andprecise diction of an experiencedbroadcaster.

brocaden/ brPSkCd /L > It > Catal > Spa rich oriental fabric with raisedpatterns embroidered in gold andsilver threads.Tina discovered a gorgeousbrocade in the remnant bin at thefabric store.

brochetten/ brPSshet /Fmeat broiled on a skewer.Marsha garnished her beefbrochette with green peppers.


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brochuren/ brPSshU(E)r /Fpamphlet, booklet.Juanita designed a brochure for thezoological society.

brockagen/ SbrBkij /Ean imperfectly minted coin.Allen found a brockage in his piggybank.

bromeliadn/ brPSmGlGTad /Sw name + Lcfa plant of a family of tropicalAmerican herbs or subshrubs.The colorful leaves of thebromeliad make it a popularhouseplant.

bronchial

bronchitisn/ brBnSkIZDs /Gkacute or chronic inflammation inthe lungs.Because of his bronchitis, Sam hadgiven up jogging.

brontometern/ brBnStBmEZE(r) /Gkan instrument for measuring thephenomena of thunderstorms.In 1888 meteorologists began usinga brontometer to record the detailsof thunderstorms.

bronzev/ SbrBnz /L > It > F[has near homonym: brawns]become like bronze, a moderateyellowish brown alloy of copperand tin, especially in color.Ike’s attempt to bronze on thebeach took an unfortunate turnwhen he fell asleep.

broughamn/ SbrV(E)m /Scottish name[has near homonyms: broom,brume] a light closed horse-drawncarriage with the driver outside infront.The brougham was once a commonsight on the streets of London.

brouhahan/ SbrVShBThB /Hebrew? > Fpublicity, attention, or excitementfar beyond the merits or importanceof its cause.Sean dropped his tray in thecafeteria, causing quite abrouhaha.

brucellosisn/ TbrVsESlPsDs /E name + Lcfa human disease characterized byextreme exhaustion and generalizedaches and pains and acquiredthrough infected animal products.An outbreak of brucellosis forcedthe sausage factory to shut down.

bruisen/ SbrVz /F > E[has homonym: brews] an injury,especially one produced by a blowor collision, that does not break thesurface it injures.Heather’s fall from her bicycle lefther with a bad bruise.

bruit

brujon/ SbrVThP /Spsorcerer, witch doctor; especially :one that works black magic.The character of the brujo in theballet was played by a dancer whoscowled through the entire first act.

brumen/ SbrVm /L > OProv > F[has homonym and near homonym:broom and brougham] mist, fog.The ship’s foghorn blared throughthe drifting brume.

brummagemadj/ SbrEmDjEm /E geog namespurious especially in a cheap andshowy way : phony, sham.Irene usually wears brummagemjewelry when she dines at fancyrestaurants.

brumous

brutaladj/ SbrVZFl /L > F > Echaracterized by ruthlessness andinsensitivity.The judge gave Gary the maximumsentence, noting the brutal natureof the crime.

bruxismn/ SbrEkTsizEm /Gk > Ethe habit of unconsciously grittingor grinding the teeth especially insituations of stress or during sleep.Ellie’s bruxism was so pronouncedthat her dentist made a bite guardfor her to wear at night.

buccaneern/ TbEkESni(e)r /Tupi > Fone of the pirates preying uponSpanish ships and settlementsespecially in the West Indies in the17th century.While on the “Pirates of theCaribbean” ride at Disneyland,Maria thought she saw the eyes ofthe nearest buccaneer move.


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buccolingualadj/ TbEkPSliNg(yE)wEl /Lrelating to or affecting the cheekand the tongue.Pipe smoking can harm thebuccolingual tissue.

buckboardn/ SbEkTbP(E)rd /E + Ea four-wheeled horse-drawnvehicle without springs with theplatform fastened directly to thefront and rear axle, usually with aseat above it often mounted onsprings.The Wilson family used abuckboard for travel and totransport supplies from town.

buckram

bucolic

Buddhismn/ SbUTdizEm /Skt namea religion of eastern and centralAsia.Buddhism has spread from itsoriginal home in Asia to all cornersof the globe.

budgetary

buffalon/ SbEfETlP /Gk > L > Sp > Ita large wild ox with a shaggy maneand short horns that was onceabundant on the central andwestern plains of the United States.Jamie was awed by theenormousness of the buffalo shesaw at the zoo.

buffoonn/ TbESfVn /L > It > Fa person professionally engaged inentertaining others by tricks,gestures, or comic pantomime.Along the midway a buffoonentertained the children with alaughable pantomime.

buffooneryn/ (T)bESfVn(E)rG /Fthe practices of a clown orclownish person; especially : coarseloutish behavior.Mrs. Decker warned that she wouldtolerate no buffoonery in herclassroom.

bugaboon/ SbEgETbV /Esomething that causes fear ordistress often out of proportion toits actual importance in a situation.Failing the geometry test wasKara’s bugaboo.

bulbousadj/ SbElbEs /L[has homonym: bulbus]resembling or suggesting a bulbespecially in roundness or in thegross enlargement of a part.The cartoon character’s heavybulbous body lurched dangerouslyon his spindly legs, which barelysupported him.

bulgurn/ SbUlTgU(E)r /Turkparched crushed wheat as preparedand used as a dietary staple inTurkey and adjacent regions.Omar’s favorite dish is a saladmade with bulgur, pine nuts, andraisins.

bulletin

bulletinize

bullion

bullionistn/ SbUlyEnDst /F > E + Ecfan advocate of a metallic mediumof exchange.The bullionist proposed a return tothe gold standard.

bumptiously

bungalown/ SbENgETlP /Hindia lightly built single-story house orcottage.Wendy’s dream vacation includesrenting a bungalow on a SouthPacific island.

buoyantadj/ SbOiEnt /Spable to regain high spirits afterdepression : lighthearted.The buoyant author gladlyautographed his book for buyers.

buoyantly

burann/ bVSrBn /Turk > Russa northeasterly wind of gale forcein Russia and central Asia usuallyidentified with sandstorms insummer and blizzards in winter.The dreaded buran from northernSiberia swept across the tundrawith extraordinary violence.

bureaucracyn/ byVSrBkrEsG /Fa system of administration markedby lack of initiative and flexibility,by indifference to human needs orpublic opinion, and by a tendencyto defer decisions to superiors or toimpede action with red tape.Helga blamed the bureaucracy forthe six-week delay in getting herpassport.


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bureaucratn/ SbyUrETkrat /L > F + Gk > Fa member of the whole body ofnonelected government officials.Alexis spent 20 minutes trying toconvince a bureaucrat that shereally was seeking employment.

burghern/ SbErgEr /G&Da resident of a town : townsman.Every burgher showed up forSpringfield’s fireworks display.

burgherly

burgoon/ (T)bErSgV /unknowna savory highly seasoned stew orthick soup containing several kindsof meat and vegetables originallyserved at political rallies,barbecues, picnics, and communityoccasions.Everyone looks forward to eatingburgoo at Drew’s Derby Day party.

burinn/ SbyUrDn /Celt? > Catal? > Fan engraver’s tool having a steelblade ground obliquely to a sharppoint.The artist used a burin to engrave adesign on a copper plate.

burlyadj/ SbErlG /E[has homonym: burley] stronglybuilt : stout, sturdy.The director chose Harry for thepart of the construction workerbecause of his burly appearance.

burriton/ bESrGZTP /Spa usually baked flour tortilla rolledor folded around a filling (as ofmeat, beans, or cheese).For lunch Fred ordered a burrito,rice, and refried beans.

bursarn/ SbErsEr /L[Note: Could be confused withpurser.] an administrative officer(as of a monastery or college) incharge of funds : treasurer.The bill for the new gym floor wassubmitted to the school’s bursar.

bursiculateadj/ TbErSsikyElDt /L > Eshaped like a small pouch or purse.Some seaweed plants havebursiculate leaves.

bursitisn/ TbErSsIZDs /L + Ecfinflammation of a fluid-filledcavity in a joint of the body.Pain during the tennis game wasBrett’s first symptom of bursitis.

busbyn/ SbEzbG /E name?a military full-dress hat made of furwith a bag usually of cloth of thecolor of the facings of the regimenthanging from the top on the right.The drum major strutted proudly inhis white uniform and black busby.

bushel

butten/ SbyVt /F[has homonym: beaut] an isolatedhill or small mountain with steep orprecipitous sides that usually has asmaller summit area than does amesa.A butte erodes mostly from its sidesbecause its uppermost layersconsist of hard rock and resistweathering.

butterflyv/ SbEZE(r)TflI /Esplit almost entirely and spreadapart in such a way as to resemblethe spread wings of a butterfly.George tried to butterfly thechicken breast but ended up withtwo ragged chunks of meat.

butterscotchn/ SbEZE(r)TskBch /Ea hard candy made by boilingtogether brown sugar, corn syrup,and water.Butterscotch has a deep goldencolor and a delicious rich taste.

buttress

butyraceousadj/ TbyVZESrCshEs /Gk > Lresembling butter.The mixed vegetables were flavoredwith a butyraceous sauce.

buzzardn/ SbEzE(r)d /L > F > Eany of various birds of prey, suchas a turkey vulture or condor.The buzzard is a common figure incartoons, making its appearancewhen other characters are sick ordying.


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byssinosisn/ TbisESnPsDs /Gk > La chronic industrial diseaseassociated with the inhalation ofcotton dust over a long period oftime.Employees at the mill wore masksto protect themselves frombyssinosis.

byte

Byzantineadj/ SbizEnTtGn /Gkof, relating to, or characteristic ofthe eastern Roman Empire.Byzantine bureaucracy has becomea byword for cumbersome,complicated, inefficient, andinflexible administration.

cabanan/ kESban(y)E /L > Spa tentlike often portable shelterwith a projecting canopy over anopen side facing a beach orswimming pool.Sam and Doug will move thecabana closer to the swimmingpool.

cabaretn/ TkabESrC /L? > Fa restaurant that providesentertainment, usually singing anddancing.Sheila’s training in tap dancinghelped her get a job at the localcabaret.

cabinet

cabochonadv/ SkabETshBn /Fin convex form highly polished butnot faceted.The jeweler cut the stone cabochonand mounted it in a platinumsetting.

cabriolen/ SkabrGTPl /F[Note: Could be confused withcapriole.] a ballet leap in which oneleg is extended in mid-air and theother struck against it.The dancers dressed as woodsprites performed a cabriole inevery measure of the music.

cachev/ Skash /L > F[has homonym: cash] place orstore in safety or concealment.Jim asked Zelda to cache hisvaluables while he was onsabbatical in Japan.

cachetn/ kaSshC /Fa characteristic feature or qualityconferring prestige or distinction orinspiring respect.Acting in a hit TV sitcom does notcarry the same cachet as acting ina hit movie.

cachinnate

cachinnationn/ TkakESnCshEn /Lthe act or action of laughing loudlyor convulsively.The cachinnation of the comedyclub's audience convinced thecomedian that he was on his way tobecoming a star.

cacographyn/ kaSkBgrEfG /Gkbad handwriting.Martin’s cacography made hiswork illegible.

cacophonous

cacophonyn/ kaSkBfEnG /Gkharsh or discordant sound.Spot’s encounter with the skunkwas accompanied by a burst ofcacophony.

cacuminal

cadavern/ kESdavE(r) /La dead human or animal bodyusually intended for cutting so as toexpose the several parts and theirlocations and connections.Duncan dissected a cadaver inanatomy class.

cadaverous

cadence

cadren/ SkB(T)drC /L > It > Fa nucleus or core group especiallyof trained personnel or activemembers of an organization whoare capable of assuming leadershipor of training and indoctrinatingothers.Its highly skilled cadre of managersenabled the company to achievegreat success in its first year.

caduceusn/ kESd(y)Vs(h)GEs /Gk > La conventionalized representationof a staff with two snakes curledaround it and with two wings at thetop.In Greek mythology the caduceuswas the staff of Hermes, themessenger of the gods.


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cafeterian/ TkafEStirGE /Turk > Spa self-service restaurant orlunchroom.On the last day of school thestudents had a food fight in thecafeteria.

caissonn/ SkCTsBn /L > Fa two-wheeled vehicle for artilleryammunition attachable to a horse-drawn limber for marching.A caisson is sometimes used tocarry the coffin in a militaryfuneral.

caitiffn/ SkCZDf /L > F > Ea base despicable person.The story centers on Batman’sencounters with a psychotic caitiff,the Riddler.

cajole

cajoleryn/ kESjPl(E)rG /Fuse of delusive enticements.After much cajolery, the kittenfinally came down from the tree.

calabashn/ SkalETbash /Ar? > Sp&Fthe common bottle gourd.A calabash with a hole cut in itmakes a dandy birdhouse.

caladiumn/ kESlCdGEm /Malay > Lany of a small genus of tropicalAmerican plants with variouslycolored arrow-shaped leaves.Julie delivered a potted caladiumto her sick cousin.

calamine

calamity

calciumn/ SkalsGEm /La soft, silver-white bivalentmetallic element that occurs incombination with minerals androcks.Calcium is an essential element inbones.

calculatev/ SkalkyETlCt /Lascertain or determine bymathematical processes especiallyof some intricacy.Toriko likes to calculate her car’sgas mileage after every trip.

calculatorn/ SkalkyETlCZE(r) /L > E + Ecfa device used for computingamounts.Mr. Jensen permitted each studentto use a calculator during theexam.

calculiformadj/ SkalkyElETfOrm /L > ISVshaped like a pebble.In the Mayan writing system, thecharacters were rounded likepebbles and so were described asbeing calculiform.

calculus

calefacientadj/ TkalESfCshEnt /Lmaking warm : heating.A calefacient ointment relievedsome of Dave’s muscular pain.

calendar

calibrate

calicon/ SkalDTkP /Indian geog nameany of various cheap cotton fabricswith figured patterns.Molly’s dress was made of a boldorange and yellow checked calico.

caliginousadj/ kESlijEnEs /F or Ldark, obscure.A caliginous sky foreshadowed theapproaching storm.

calisthenicsn pl/ TkalEsStheniks /Gk + Ecfsystematic exercises performedusually in rhythm and often in agroup to improve the strength,suppleness, balance, and health ofthe body.Aunt Julia does calisthenics twice aweek in a program called “BodyRecall.”calisthenium

callidityn/ kaSlidEZG /Lcraftiness, cunning, shrewdness.Br’er Rabbit was famous for hiscallidity.

calligraphern/ kESligrEfE(r) /Gkone that writes a beautiful,ornamental, or stylized hand.Joni and William had theirwedding invitations inscribed by acalligrapher.


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calliopen/ kESlIE(T)pG /Gk > La musical instrument consisting ofa series of crude steam or airwhistles used on riverboats and incircuses and carnivals.Passengers gathered on the upperdeck of the Mississippi Queen tolisten to the calliope.

callously

callow

caloricadj/ kESlOrik /L > Fof or relating to the heat-producingor energy-producing value of food.Suzy became obsessed with caloricintake while on her crash diet.

calque

calumetn/ SkalyETmet /L > Fa highly ornamented ceremonialpipe of the North American Indiansthat was smoked at sacrifices andother magical or religious rites andon state occasions.After the three chiefs reachedagreement, they passed a featheredcalumet.

calumnyn/ Skal(y)EmnG /La false charge or misrepresentationintended to harm one’s reputation :slander.According to Neal, the recentarticle about him was purecalumny.

calvitiesn/ kalSvishGTGz /Lbaldness.Larry’s calvities is intentional: Heshaves his head every morning.

calypson/ kESlip(T)sP /Gk namea balladlike improvisation inAfrican rhythm usually satirizingcurrent events first composed andsung in competition in the BritishWest Indies.Harry Belafonte gained fame as asinger of calypso.

camaraderie

camelinen/ SkamETlGn /Sem > Gk > La twilled camel’s-hair fabric.Jordan bought a new overcoatmade of cameline to wear with hisdress suits.

cameon/ SkamGTP /L > F > Ita small theatrical or film roleusually performed by a well-knownactor and often limited to a singlescene.The producer was grateful that thestar accepted a cameo in his newfilm.

camera

camionetten/ TkamyESnet /Fa small truck or bus.The hotel provides a camionette toshuttle guests to and from theairport.

camisole

camouflagen/ SkamETflBzh /It > Fa disguise, behavior, or expedientadopted or designed to deceive orhide.Behind Jerry’s camouflage ofignorance resides a wealth ofknowledge.

camouflaged

camoufleur

campanilen/ TkampESnGlG /L > It[Note: Plural form can bepronounced identically.] a belltower usually freestanding.From the hilltop Obin could justspot the great campanile of ChristChurch in Oxford.

camphorn/ Skam(p)fE(r) /Malay > Ar > L > AF > E[has near homonym: chamfer] atough gumlike substance obtainedespecially from the wood and barkof the camphor tree and usedchiefly as a stimulant in medicine.Whenever Johnny has a cold, hismother spreads on his chest anaromatic ointment containingcamphor.

campodeiformadj/ kamSpPdGETfOrm /Gk + Gk + Lhaving an elongated and flattenedshape—used especially of larvae ofsome beetles and other higherinsects.Cybelle identified one of the fivecampodeiform larvae.

campus

canaillen/ kESnI /L > It > Fmob, rabble, riffraff.During the riot the canailledestroyed and looted many stores.

canardn/ kESnBrd /Fa false or unfounded report orstory; especially : a fabricatedreport (as by a newspaper).The report of the famous singer’sdeath turned out to be a canard.


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canaryn/ kESnerG /L geog name > Sp > Fa small greenish-yellow finchextensively bred as a cage bird andsinger.When the canary escaped in herliving room, Susan put her catoutside until she found the bird.

canastan/ kESnastE /L > Spa card game that is a form ofrummy played usually as a two-hand or as a four-hand partnershipgame using two full decks plus fourjokers.The two couples often playedcanasta after having dinnertogether.

cancellousadj/ kanSselEs /Lhaving a spongy or porousstructure.Cancellous tissue occurs at theends of some bones.

cancrivorous

candelabran/ TkandESlBbrE /La usually ornate and often heavyand large standard supporting acandlestick or lamp.In December Stella put red andgreen candles in her candelabra onthe mantle.

candelabrumn/ TkandESlBbrEm /La large candlestick or a lampusually ornamented and havingseveral arms or branches.Germaine admired the ornate silvercandelabrum in the center of thetable.

candentadj/ SkandEnt /Lwhite or glowing usually fromgreat heat.The wire glowed candent like thefilament of a light bulb.

candescentadj/ kanSdesFnt /Lglowing or dazzling often fromgreat heat.A candescent meteorite streakedacross the southern sky.

candidacyn/ Skan(d)DdEsG /L + Ecfthe quality or state of being onethat is likely or worthy to gain apost, position, or distinction.Tony’s candidacy for the studentcouncil will be jeopardized if hefails his algebra exam.

candlewickn/ SkandFlTwik /L > E + Ethe twisted threads of soft cottonyarn contained in a candle.Victor groped to light thecandlewick in the dark.

candorn/ SkandE(r) /L[has near homonym: canter]unreserved, honest, or sincereexpression.Russell’s candor in dealing withdifficult issues won over the voters.

canine

canitistn/ SkanEtDst /L + Ecfone who dyes or tints hairespecially in a beauty shop.Polly has been a canitist in a localbeauty shop for 25 years.

cannelloni

cannibal

cannibalism

cannonade

canny

canoe

canoeistn/ kESnVDst /Arawak > Sp > L > F + Ecfone that paddles a type of longnarrow boat.Evan became an expert canoeist atsummer camp.

canopy

cantankerousadj/ kanSta(i)Nk(E)rEs /AF? > E? + Ecfmarked by ill humor, irritability,and determination to disagree.The cantankerous old man yelled atGrady as he attempted to retrievethe football.

cantata

cantatory

canteen

canterv/ SkantE(r) /E geog name[has homonym: cantor] move at oras if at a three-beat gait resemblingbut smoother and slower than thegallop.Cindy let the horse canter for awhile but soon spurred it on to agallop.

cantilever

cantonment


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cantorn/ SkantE(r) /L[has homonym: canter] asynagogue official who sings orchants liturgical music and leadsthe congregation in prayer.Jacob’s vocal talent led him toconsider becoming a cantor.

canvassern/ SkanvEsE(r) /Gk > L > F > E + Ecfone that takes or counts votes.Helga voluntered as a canvasserfor the upcoming election.

capable

capaciousadj/ kESpCshEs /Lable to contain a great deal.Dodie went to the beach carrying acapacious canvas bag.

caparisonn/ kESparEsEn /Sp > Fan ornamental covering for a horse.The king’s horse wore anelaborately decorated caparison.

capillaryadj/ SkapETlerG /Lresembling a hair : fine, minute,slender.The capillary tubes in the tissuepuzzled Dr. Chang.

capitaladj/ SkapEZFl /L[Note: The definition provided isnot the one most commonlyassociated with this word. Inaddition, word has homonym:capitol.] highly meritorious : mostenjoyable.On his dad’s birthday, Philipserved a capital feast, with everydish cleverly wrapped up inribbons.

capitatimadj/ TkapEStCZDm /Llevied or granted at so much perhead.Collecting an affordable capitatimfee for civic pool use will not coveroperating costs.

capitulate

cappellettin pl/ TkapESleZG /L > It[Note: Could be confused withcavalletti.] small cases of doughusually filled with meat or cheese.Bo and Annette dined on cappellettiin marinara sauce.

cappuccino

capricciosoadv/ kETprGchGSP(T)sP /It + Itcffree and impulsive—used chiefly asa direction in music.The ending segment of the violinconcerto was played capriccioso.

caprice

capriciousadj/ kESprishEs /Itnot guided by steady judgment,intent, or purpose.Hazel’s capricious behavior is asource of constant annoyance forher sister, Ruth.

capsize

capstan

capsule

caracolen/ SkarETkPl /L? > Sp > Fa half turn either to the right or theleft executed by a mounted horse.The front rank of gallopingcavalrymen fired their pistols andthen peeled off in a caracole toregroup.

carafen/ kESraf /Ar > It > Fa bottle usually made of glass witha narrow neck and spherical bodyand used to hold water orbeverages.Shlomo ordered a carafe of thehouse wine.

carameln/ SkarEmEl /L > Pg > Sp > Fa firm chewy candy oftencontaining fruits and nuts andtypically cut into small blocks.Ida’s mother warned her not to eata caramel before she went to theorthodontist.

caramelizev/ SkarEmETlIz /L > Pg > Sp > F + Ecfchange (sugar or the sugar contentof a food) into a brittle brownsubstance by heating to about 170–180 C.Kara is going to caramelize somesugar to make peanut brittle.


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carbohydraten/ TkBrbPShITdrCt /L + Gkany of a group of neutralcompounds composed of carbon,hydrogen, and oxygen includingthe sugars and starches.The nutrition facts indicated thatthe candy bar would provide Sheilawith over half her daily allowanceof carbohydrate.

carbonaceous

carbonateadj/ SkBrbEnDt /L + ISVcfof or relating to a salt or ester ofcarbonic acid.After reading the paragraph sixtimes, Hugo still could notunderstand the bonding in thecarbonate ion.

carboy

carcassn/ SkBrkEs /Per > Ar > L > Fa dead body of a human being or ananimal : corpse.Kasey found the fresh carcass ofone of his cows and knew that thewolves were back.

carcinogenn/ kBrSsinEjEn /Gka substance or agent producing orinciting cancerous growth.Asbestos has been proven to be apowerful carcinogen.

cardiac

cardigann/ SkBrdDgEn /E namea sweater or jacket that opens thefull length of the center front andusually has a round or V-shapedcollarless neck.Samantha’s aunt in Scotland senther a colorful wool cardigan forher birthday.

cardinaln/ SkBrd(F)nEl /L > F > Ean American songbird, the malebeing bright red with a black faceand pointed crest and the femalebeing much duller in color.One of Stephanie’s favorite winterscenes is that of a cardinal perchedon a snow-covered branch.

cardinalate

cardiomegalyn/ TkBrdGPSmegElG /Gkenlargement of the heart.Severe anemia can result incardiomegaly.

cariboun/ SkarETbV /Algonquian > Fany of several large deer ofnorthern North America.While in Montana, Jillphotographed a caribou silhouettedon a high ridge.

caricaturable

caricature

carillonn/ SkarETlBn /L > Fa set of fixed bells pitched in achromatic series of at least twooctaves and sounded by hammerscontrolled by a keyboard.Latasha will play the carillon atAndy’s wedding.

cark

carnagen/ SkBrnij /L > Fgreat destruction of life (as inbattle) : great bloodshed.Appeals to stop the carnage of warfell on deaf ears.

carnivaln/ SkBrnEvEl /L > Ita traveling enterprise consisting ofsuch amusements as sideshows,games of chance, rides, andshooting galleries.The carnival was the only placeRalph had the opportunity to eatcotton candy.

carnivoren/ SkBrnETvP(E)r /La flesh-eating animal.The hyena is a carnivore thatusually eats animals found dead.

carnivorous

carotidadj/ kESrBZDd /Gkbelonging to or situated near eitherof the two main arteries that supplyblood to the head.Lara felt her pulse with a fingerplaced on her carotid artery.

carpaccion/ kBrSpBch(G)P /Itthinly sliced raw meat or fishserved with a sauce.When Linda ordered carpaccio, shedidn’t know that it is uncooked.


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carpentern/ SkBrpEntE(r) /L > Ea person who builds or repairs withwood.Matthew hired a carpenter toconstruct four bookcases.

carpophagous

carriageable

carrionn/ SkarGEn /L > AF > E[has near homonym: carillon] thedead and putrefying flesh of ananimal.Vultures were picking over skunkand opossum carrion at theroadside.

carrot

carteln/ kBrStel /It > Fa voluntary often internationalcombination of independent privateenterprises supplying likecommodities or services that agreeto limit their competitive activities(as by regulating quantity or qualityof output).Started as a cartel, the oil-producing nations control theworldwide price of petroleum.

cartilagen/ SkBrZFlij /La translucent elastic tissue thatcomposes most of the skeleton ofthe embryos and very young ofvertebrates and is for the most partconverted into bone in the higherforms.Hans had a small piece of cartilageremoved from his elbow.

carton

cartonnagen/ SkBrtFnTBzh /Fmaterial consisting of linen orpapyrus glued together in manythicknesses and usually coated withstucco.The museum guide said that theelaborate mummy case made ofcartonnage had been found in ahidden vault of a pyramid.

caryatidn/ TkarGSaZDd /Gka draped female figure supportingan entablature in the place of acolumn or pilaster.The caryatid appeared to begrimacing from the strain ofholding up the temple.

cascaden/ kaSskCd /L > It > Fa fall of water over steeply slantingrocks (as in a river or brook).The swiftly moving mountainstream became a cascade as itrushed toward the valley below.

cashewn/ Ska(T)shV /Tupi > Pgthe kidney-shaped nut of a tropicalAmerican tree naturalized in allwarm countries.Jack dug through the can of mixednuts, looking for the last cashew.

cashiern/ kaSshi(E)r /F > Done that handles customerpayments for goods or servicesrendered.A cashier must keep a watchful eyefor counterfeit currency.

caskn/ Skask /Sp[has homonym: casque] anybarrel-shaped vessel made ofstaves, headings, and hoops.The salesman boasted that theScotch had been aged in an oldsherry cask for many years.

casserolen/ SkasETrPl /Gk > L > OProv > Fa vessel usually having a cover anda handle and in which food may bebaked and served.Laura baked the chicken andbroccoli in a casserole.

cassouletn/ SkasETlC /Fa casserole of beans baked withherbs and pork sausage andsometimes other meats.The cassoulet was originally aspecialty of southwestern France.

cassowary

castanetsn pl/ TkastESnets /L > Spa pair of rhythm instrumentsconsisting of two shells made ofivory, wood, or plastic which arefastened together to hang from thethumb and are clicked by the otherfingers.The flamenco dancer’s rapidlyclicking castanets intrigued Diana.

castigate

Castilianadj/ kaSstilyEn /Lof, relating to, or characteristic ofthe standard Spanish language.Juan incorporates so many Englishwords in his conversation that hisspeech is far from Castilian.

casuistic


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casuistryn/ SkazhEwDstrG /L > Spthe study of or the doctrine thatdeals with cases of conscience.To complete her degree inphilosophy, Tisha had to take asemester of casuistry.

catachresisn/ TkaZESkrGsDs /Gkthe misuse of words.When Monica used the word inferto mean “imply” in her essay, herEnglish teacher wrote catachresisin the margin.

cataclysmn/ SkaZETklizEm /Gka violent geologic change involvingsudden and extensive alterations ofEarth’s surface.Scientists are standing by theirprediction that a cataclysm willoccur in California.

cataclysmic

catacomb

catadromousadj/ kEStadrEmEs /Gk > Lliving in fresh water and going tothe sea to spawn.Whereas the salmon migrates fromthe sea to fresh water to spawn, thecatadromous American eel doesjust the reverse.

catalepsyn/ SkaZFlTepsG /Gka condition of suspended animationand loss of voluntary motionassociated with hysteria andschizophrenia.Doctors were confounded byJuan’s catalepsy.

catalina

catalyticadj/ TkaZElSiZik /Gkcausing, involving, or relating tothe change in the rate of a chemicalreaction brought about by oftensmall amounts of a substance that isunchanged chemically at the end ofthe reaction.Iron plus small amounts ofpotassium and aluminum oxideshas a catalytic effect on thesynthesis of ammonia.

catamaran

cataphractn/ SkaZETfrakt /Gka suit of armor for the whole body.The knight in a cataphract wasmounted on a charger andequipped with a lance.

catapultv/ SkaZETpElt /Gk > Lmove with a suddenness or force asif propelled by a device that hurlsheavy stones.The general’s wartime success wasenough to catapult him intopolitical power.

cataractn/ SkaZETrakt /Gk > L > Ea clouding of the lens of the eyeobstructing the passage of light.Grandpa’s cataract necessitatedsurgical replacement of the lens inhis eye.

catarrhn/ kEStBr /Gk > L > F[has homonym and near homonym:Qatar and guitar] inflammation of amucous membrane in humans oranimals characterized bycongestion and secretion of mucus.Catarrh can be brought on byinfection, allergies, dry air, orchemical irritants.

catastasisn/ kEStastEsDs /Gkthe dramatic complicationimmediately preceding the climaxof a play.During the catastasis the audiencewondered how the hero wouldresolve his predicament.

catastrophen/ kEStastrE(T)fG /Gkthe final action that completes theunraveling of the plot in a tragedy :denouement.In the drama’s catastrophe thehero dies a valiant death to savehis beloved.

catechism

catechumenn/ TkaZESkyVmDn /Gk > L> Fone receiving rudimentaryinstruction in the doctrines ofChristianity.A child who attends a SundaySchool program could beconsidered a catechumen.

category

catenaryn/ SkaZETnerG /Lthe curve assumed by a perfectlyflexible cord hanging freely fromtwo fixed points.Part of Dominick’s math test was tofigure out the equation for acatenary.

catenulateadj/ kEStenyElDt /Lhaving a chain-like form.The artist’s paintings mimic thecatenulate markings on butterflies’wings.


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caterern/ SkCZErE(r) /AF > E + Ecfone whose business is to arrangefor and supervise all the detailsrelating to food service for anysocial affair.The caterer placed a parsley leafon each deviled egg.

caterpillarn/ SkaZE(r)TpilEr /L > F > Ethe elongated wormlike larva of abutterfly or moth.The body-surface hairs on thecaterpillar in Jamie’s hand containa poisonous substance that causesintense itching.

caterwaul

cathartic

cathedraladj/ kESthGdrEl /L > Eof, relating to, or being a bishop’schurch.Sister Agatha watered the tulips inthe cathedral garden.

cathole

Catullianadj/ kEStElGEn /L nameof, relating to, or like the Romanpoet Catullus or his lyric poems.The great felicity of language andintense personal feeling ofRandolph’s poem made itCatullian.

caucusn/ SkOkEs /Algonquiana conference of party ororganization leaders to decide onpolicies, plans, appointees, orcandidates.The caucus stayed in session until 3a.m. finalizing its slate of nominees.

caudaladj/ SkOdFl /L[has near homonym: coddle]constituting, belonging to, orrelating to a tail.As a tadpole’s legs grow, its caudalappendage gradually disappears.

caudillon/ kaUSLG(l)(T)yP /L > Spa military leader (as in a Latin-American country) usually ofguerrilla or irregular forces loyal tohim or her personally.The reporter found that most of thesoldiers would willingly give theirlives for their caudillo.

cauliflowern/ SkOlETflaU(E)r /L > Ita garden plant that is closely relatedto the cabbage and is grown forfood.Sheldon won’t eat cauliflowerunless it is smothered in meltedcheese.

causerien/ TkPz(E)SrG /L > Fan informal light conversation :chat.Bridget tried unsuccessfully allevening to engage Mrs. Vickers incauserie.

causeway

causticadj/ SkOstik /Gkcapable of destroying the texture ofanything or eating away itssubstance by chemical action :corrosive.Ned never suspected that perfumemight have a caustic effect onplastic.

cauterizev/ SkOZETrIz /Gk > Lburn or sear with a caustic brand.Dr. Bennett used a laser tocauterize Tony’s wound.

cavalcaden/ SkavElTkCd /L > It > Fa procession of riders or carriages.The king headed up the cavalcadeproceeding toward the Duke ofParma.

cavalieradj/ TkavESli(E)r /L > OProv > It > Fmarked by lofty disregard ofothers’ interests, rights, or feelings.Eloise displayed a cavalier attitudetoward the homecoming plans.

cavallettin/ TkavESleZG /L > It[Note: Could be confused withcappelletti.] a series of timberjumps that are adjustable in heightfor schooling horses.Black Beauty easily jumped overthe cavalletti as Justin watchedwith pride.

cavalry

caveatn/ SkBvGTBt /La warning enjoining one fromcertain acts or practices.The oldest caveat of commerce is“Let the buyer beware.”cavernicolous

cavernousadj/ SkavE(r)nEs /Lconstituting or suggesting a largeunderground chamber.The thick grove of vine-coveredtrees threw a cavernous gloom overthe area.


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cavilv/ SkavEl /Lobject or criticize adversely fortrivial reasons.Even if Tracy’s room is spotlesslyclean, she knows that her mom willcavil at something about it.

cavortv/ kESvO(E)rt /L? > F > Itbound, prance, or frisk about.In Bosch’s painting Garden ofEarthly Delights, horses and giantbirds cavort in a surreal landscape.

cedillan/ sDSdilE /L > Spa mark placed under a letter toindicate a sound different from thatwhich the unmodified characterbears in certain situations.Martha did not earn a perfect scoreon her French paper because sheforgot the cedilla in the wordgarçon.

ceilingn/ SsGliN /E[has homonym: sealing] theoverhead inside lining of a room.There was a terrible crash frominside the wagon that sounded as ifa whole set of dishes had beendropped from the ceiling onto ahard stone floor.

celebrant

celeriacn/ sDSlerGTak /Gk > L > It?a plant of the parsley family grownfor its turniplike edible root.Rhoda added chopped celeriac toher soup.

celeritousadj/ sDSlerEZEs /L > F > Eswift-moving.The celeritous bicyclist almostknocked Trudy down.

celeryn/ Ssel(E)rG /Gk > L > It?a vegetable with leafstalks that areeaten raw or cooked.Terry’s favorite snack is celeryfilled with pimento cheese.

celestialadj/ sDSles(h)chEl /Lof or relating to the sky.The awesome display of celestiallight was later identified as ameteor shower.

celibacy

cellarage

cellist

cello

cellophanen/ SselETfCn /(L + Gk) > Fa transparent sheet or tube ofregenerated cellulose used chieflyfor packaging food andmerchandise.Nina refused to buy tomatoespackaged in cellophane.

cellulosen/ SselyETlPs /L > F + Ecfany of several fibrous substancesconstituting the chief part of thecell walls of plants and of manyfibrous products.Most household sponges are madeof cellulose.

cementv/ sDSment /L > F > Ejoin, unite, or cause to adhere by oras if by means of a bindingelement.After Byron chose the tiles for hismosaic, he used a strong glue tocement them in place on thepattern.

cemetery

cenotaphn/ SsenETtaf /Gka tomb or a monument erected inhonor of a person whose body iselsewhere.A magnificent cenotaph waserected outside the city of Troy.

censoriousadj/ senSsPrGEs /Lmarked by or given to aninclination to discover and severelycondemn especially social, moral,or artistic errors.Helen was in one of her censoriousmoods at the reception thisevening.

censusn/ Ssen(t)sEs /Lan official enumeration of thepopulation of a country, city, orother administrative district.In the United States, a census istaken every ten years.

centaurn/ SsenTtO(E)r /Gk > Lone of an ancient mythical Greekrace imagined as men with thebodies of horses.The estate garden included amarble statue of a centaur.


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centauryn/ SsenTtOrG /Gkan Old World herb formerly usedas a tonic.Since ancient times centaury hashad medicinal uses.

centennial

centimetern/ SsentETmGZE(r) /Fa unit of length equal to 1/100meter.Your little finger is about acentimeter wide at the top.

centipede

centrifugal

centrifugen/ SsentrETfyVj /L > Fa machine for whirling fluidsrapidly to separate substances ofdifferent densities.A centrifuge was used to separatethe cream from the milk.

centripetaladj/ senStripEZFl /L + L + Ecfmoving, proceeding, or acting in adirection toward a center or axis.Centripetal force serves to keepelectrons moving around thenucleus of an atom.

centuryn/ Ssench(E)rG /La period of 100 years.Mr. Davis asked each student toname what he or she thought wasthe most important invention of thepast century.

cephalalgian/ TsefESlalj(G)E /Gkpain inside the head : headache.Mortimer’s cephalalgia made himirritable and short-tempered.

cephalometry

cephalopodn/ SsefElETpBd /Gkany of a class of marine mollusksincluding the squids, cuttlefishes,and octopuses all having around thefront of the head a group ofelongated muscular arms usuallyfurnished with prehensile suckersor hooks.The squid is a ten-armedcephalopod.

Cepheidn/ SsGfGDd /Gk nameone of a class of pulsating starswhose intrinsic light variations arevery regular.The apparent magnitude of aCepheid can vary greatly in amonth’s time.

ceraceous

ceramicadj/ sDSramik /Gkof or relating to the art offashioning clay into useful orornamental objects.Luke’s home is a showcase forceramic objects he has created.

ceraunographn/ sDSrOnETgraf /Gk + Gkan instrument for recordingchronologically by pen theoccurrence of thunder andlightning.Marie set up a ceraunograph tomonitor the late-summer storms.

cerealn/ SsirGEl /L[has homonym: serial] a preparedfoodstuff of grain (as oatmeal orcornflakes) used especially as abreakfast food.David was eating his cereal whenthe school bus drove by his house.

cerecloth

cerise

cerium

cerographyn/ sDSrBgrEfG /Gkthe art of making characters ordesigns in or with wax.The maps in the old book wereoriginally made by the process ofcerography, in which beeswax wasused.

certaintyn/ SsErtFntG /L > F > Ethe quality or state of beingobjectively fixed, settled.Science boasts the beauty ofcertainty.

cerumenn/ sDSrVmEn /Lthe yellow waxlike secretion fromthe glands of the external ear—called also “earwax.”The doctor irrigated Ariel’s ear toremove impacted cerumen.

cessationn/ seSsCshEn /L > F > Ea temporary or final ceasing ordiscontinuance (as of action).The peal of the bell marked thecessation of the emergencypreparedness drill.


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cetologyn/ sGStBlEjG /L + Gk[has near homonym: sitology] abranch of zoology dealing with thewhales.Many renowned scientists in thefield of cetology assembled inJapan to discuss the recentbeaching incidents.

chaffinchn/ Scha(T)finch /Ea common Old World bird oftenkept as a cage bird and having inthe male a reddish breast plumageand a cheerful song.Along the river path Janice spotteda chaffinch perched on the back ofa bench.

chaffseed

chagrinn/ shESgrin /Fvexation, disquietude, or distress ofmind brought on by humiliation,hurt pride, disappointment, orconsciousness of failure or error.Pete tried to conceal his chagrinwhen his younger brother beat himat chess.

chalaza

chalice

chalicosisn/ TkalESkPsDs /Gk > La pulmonary disease occurringamong stonecutters that is causedby inhalation of stone dust.Chalicosis afflicted an alarmingnumber of workers at themonument plant.

chamberlainn/ SchCmbE(r)lDn /Gmc > F > Ea bedchamber attendant for royaltyor nobility.The grand council insisted that thechamberlain wake the king.

chamferv/ Scham(p)fE(r) /L > Fcut off corners or edges (as oftimber columns or beams).Gordon decided to chamfer theceiling beams of his cottage.

champagnen/ shamSpCn /L > F[has homonym: champaign] a paleorange yellow to light grayishyellowish brown.Of the colors of limousinesavailable for hire, Ted and Karapreferred champagne.

champignonn/ shamSpinyEn /Fan edible fungus; especially : thecommon meadow mushroom.At dinner, Denise had a stuffedchampignon as an appetizer.

chanceln/ Schan(t)sEl /L > F > Ethe part of a church in which islocated the altar or communiontable, the pulpit, and the lectern andwhich is customarily on a higherlevel than the nave.Fitting 75 choir members in thechancel will be an almostimpossible task.

chancellorn/ Schan(t)s(E)lE(r) /L > F > Ea university officer of high rank.Professor Burns has all therequirements to be the nextchancellor of Highland College.

chandeliern/ TshandESli(E)r /L > Fa lighting fixture suspended fromthe ceiling and having two or morelights.Dad finally got around to installinga dimmer switch for ourchandelier.

chandellen/ shanSdel /Fan abrupt climbing turn of anairplane.Many of the passengers gaspedwhen the pilot executed achandelle.

changeable

chansonnette

chaos

chaoticadj/ kCSBZik /Gkbeing in a state of or marked byutter confusion completely wantingin order, sequence, organization, orpredictable operation.The course in time management didnot help Brenda alter her chaoticlifestyle.

chapeaun/ shaSpP /L > F[Note: Plural form can bepronounced identically. Inaddition, word has near homonyms:chapon, shapo.] a hat.Pierre doffed his chapeau when heentered the room.

chapeln/ SchapEl /L > F > Ea private place of worship.The duke’s funeral was held in thecastle chapel.

chaplaincy


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chapletn/ SchaplDt /L > F > Ea garland or wreath to be worn onthe head.Rosalie gazed admiringly at thepainting of the maiden in a scarletgown with a chaplet of flowers onher head.

charactern/ SkarDktE(r) /Gk > L > F > Epersonality as represented orrealized in fiction or drama.The main character in the play isJoan of Arc.

characteristicadj/ TkarDktESristik /Gkbelonging to or especially typicalof the essential nature of.At last Meg looked at him, pushingher glasses in characteristicgesture.

charactonymn/ SkarDktETnim /Gk > L > F > Ea name especially for a fictionalcharacter that suggests a distinctivetrait of the character.In his novel Breakfast at Tiffany’s,Truman Capote gave hisprotagonist the charactonym“Holly Golightly.”charangon/ chESraN(T)gP /Spa small guitar of Spanish Americawith a body typically made of ananimal shell.Luisa plucked the melody of thesong on the charango.

charcoaln/ SchBrTkPl /(F + E) > Ea dark-colored or black porousform of carbon used for fuel andvarious other mechanical, artistic,and chemical processes.The only supplies Debbie needs forher drawing class are charcoal anda sketch pad.

chariot

charlatann/ SshBrlEtEn /Ita pretender to medical knowledge :quack.A consumer group called theherbal potion vendor a“charlatan.”chartaceousadj/ kBrStCshEs /Gk > L + Ecfresembling paper : made of paper.Andrew collected a handful ofchartaceous dead leaves.

chartreusen/ shBrStrVz /L > F trademarka variable color averaging abrilliant yellow green.Elsie commented that thechartreuse vehicle looked like ahuge dollop of wasabi.

chary

chasmn/ SkazEm /Gk > La deep opening : a narrow, deepsteep-walled valley, gorge orcanyon.Earthquake tremors opened a greatchasm in the valley.

chasmophyten/ SkazmETfIt /Gka plant that grows in the crevices ofrocks.There was just enough soil for thechasmophyte to grow in the chinksbetween rocks on the cliff.

chassepot

chassisn/ SchasG /L > Fthe frame upon which is mountedthe body (as of an automobile orairplane).Gary popped his slot car’s bodyback onto the chassis and set thevehicle back on the track.

chasublen/ SchazEbEl /L > Fan outer ecclesiastical garment inthe form of a sleeveless cloak ormantle that slips over the wearer’shead but remains open at the sides.The priest wore a white chasuble tocelebrate Sunday mass.

chateaubriandn/ TshaTtPbrGSBM /F namea thick tenderloin steak.The server commented that both theprime rib and the chateaubriandwere excellent menu choices.

chatoyant

chattel

Chaucerianadj/ chOSsirGEn /E nameof, relating to, befitting, orresembling the English medievalwriter Geoffrey Chaucer or hiswritings.The old Chaucerian manuscriptwas unfortunately not on displaywhen Hugh visited the museum.


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chauffeurn/ SshPfE(r) /F[has homonyms: shofar, shophar]one that is employed to operate amotor vehicle for the transportationof persons.Henry hired a chauffeur to pick uphis grandmother at the airport.

chaussuren/ shPSsU(E)r /L > F > Efootgear.Before entering the mosque, all arerequired to remove their chaussure.

chautauquan/ shEStOkwE /N Amer geog namean institution of the late 19th andearly 20th centuries that combinedpopular education withentertainment, often presentedoutdoors or in a tent.Chautauqua declined with theadvent of radio.

chauvinismn/ SshPvDTnizEm /F nameundue especially invidiouspartiality for a group or place towhich one belongs or has belonged.Chauvinism is alive and well in theschool’s alumni association.

chauvinistic

chayoten/ chBSyPZG /Nahuatl > Spthe rounded or pear-shaped fruit ofa West Indian annual vine of thecucumber family that is widelycultivated as a vegetable.Aaron went to three differentgrocery stores, but none carried thechayote that he needed for hisrecipe.

cheapskaten/ SchGpTskCt /E + ON > Ea person unwilling to shareexpenses or give : miser.Tom accused Cathy of being acheapskate after learning that sherecycled gifts.

cheilion

chemicalize

chemistry

chemotherapy

chenille

cheongsamn/ SchONTsBm /Chinesea dress with a slit skirt and amandarin collar.Elizabeth’s cheongsam had ateardrop-shaped opening below thecollar closed by a single frogbutton.

chernozemn/ SchernEzTyOm /Russany of a group of dark-coloredzonal soils with a deep rich humushorizon found in regions (as thegrasslands of central NorthAmerica) of temperate to coolclimate.The rich chernozem of Ukraine hashelped it earn a reputation as “thebreadbasket of Eastern Europe.”cherootn/ shDSrVt /Tamila cigar cut off square at both ends.Josephine had to leave the roomwhenever her uncle lit up acheroot.

cheveluren/ TshevESlU(E)r /L > Fa nebulous envelope (as around thenucleus of a comet).The chevelure of Halley’s cometwas much dimmer than expected atits last appearance.

chianti

chicaneryn/ shDSkCn(E)rG /Fdeception by artful subterfuge ormisrepresentation : trickery.The mayor was dogged byallegations of financial chicaneryand links to organized crime.

chicle

chicleron/ chiSkler(T)P /Spa gatherer of latex from thesapodilla tree.Toby interviewed a chiclero for thejournal.

chieftain

chiffonn/ shiSfBn /Fa sheer plain-weave verylightweight clothing fabric usuallygiven a dull soft finish.The singer sauntered into thespotlight in a dress of white chiffon.

chiffonaden/ TshifESnCd /Fshredded or finely cut vegetablesused in soup or salad dressing.Lettuce and sorrel are often madeinto chiffonade to garnish soups.


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chignonn/ SshGnTyBn /L > Fa smooth arrangement of hair wornat the back of the head especially atthe nape of the neck.To emphasize her long neck, Cecilecombed her hair into a tightchignon.

Chihuahuan/ chDSwB(T)wB /Mexican geog namea very small round-headed large-eared short-coated dog reputed toantedate Aztec civilization.A popular fast food restaurantchain has used a talkingChihuahua in its advertisements.

chilblainsn pl/ SchilTblCnz /E + Einstances of redness and swellingof toes, fingers, nose, or ears orsometimes cheeks in cold weatheraccompanied by itching andburning of skin.The children stayed out in the snowtoo long and ended up sufferingfrom chilblains.

chime

chimericaladj/ kISmerDkEl /Gk + Ecff[Note: Could be confused withchimeric and chimeral.] unreal andexisting only as the product of wildunrestrained imagination.Many video games pit the playeragainst chimerical monsters.

chimney

chimpanzeen/ TchimTpanSzG /Kongoan anthropoid ape of equatorialAfrica that is smaller and morearboreal than the gorilla.The chimpanzee showsinventiveness in making and usingtools.

chinchillan/ chinSchilE /Aimara or Quechua > Spa small rodent the size of a largesquirrel having very soft fur of apearly gray color and native to themountains of Peru and Chile butnow extensively bred in captivity.The chinchilla was introduced intothe United States in 1923.

chinookn/ shDSnUk /Chehalisa warm moist southwest wind ofthe Pacific coastal region fromOregon northward.The mild temperatures are thanksto a chinook that rolls over theCanadian Rockies.

chiragran/ kISragrE /Gkpain in the hand.Aunt Molly’s chiragra keeps herfrom writing many letters.

chiropodist

chiseln/ SchizEl /L? > F > Ea tool consisting of a metal bar witha sharpened edge at one end that isused for chipping, carving, orcutting into solid material and isoften driven by a mallet.With chisel and mallet, Fredstarted shaping the block of woodinto a model.

chistera

chivalrousadj/ SshivElrEs /F > Emarked by especial courtesy andhigh-minded disinterestedconsideration to women.Chivalrous behaviors of previousgenerations are less common intoday’s atmosphere of equal rightsfor women.

chivalryn/ SshivElrG /F > Equalifications or character of theideal knight of the age of chivalryaccording to the romantic traditionof courtesy, gallantry, and honor.To the knights of the Round Table,chivalry was of primaryimportance.

chlorinen/ SklPrTGn /Gk > L + Ecfa common nonmetallic element thatis used chiefly as a powerfulbleaching, oxidizing, anddisinfecting agent.Samantha refused to swim onThursday because someone put toomuch chlorine in the pool.

chocolateadj/ SchBklDt /Nahuatl > Spof a warm light brown colorapproximating the color of freshmilk chocolate.Eva plans to put her chocolatemink coat in storage until theanimal rights activists are lessvocal.

choleran/ SkBlErE /Gk > Lany of several diseases of man anddomestic animals usually markedby severe gastrointestinalsymptoms.Cholera is a major public healthconcern in many tropical countries.


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cholericadj/ SkBlErik /Gk > L > F > Eangry, irate, wrathful.The vice-principal was ill suited tohis job; he was impatient andcholeric.

cholesterol

cholesterosisn/ kETlestESrPsDs /Gk > ISVabnormal deposition of cholesterolin the blood.Cholesterosis can often bemoderated by changes in diet.

chonolithn/ SkPnETlith /Gkan intrusive igneous rock mass ofwholly irregular form.Ages ago a huge chonolith formedat the base of the volcano as iterupted.

choose

choreographern/ TkPrGSBgrEfE(r) /Gk > Fone engaging in the composing andoften the teaching of stage dancing.Martha Graham was a celebratedchoreographer of modern dance.

chortle

chortling

chorusn/ SkPrEs /Gk[has homonym: koras] a group ofdancers and usually singerssupporting the featured players in amusical comedy or revue.The chorus joined the principalsingers in the musical’s finale.

chough

chowdern/ SchaUdE(r) /L > Fa soup or stew of seafood (as clamsor white-fleshed sea fishes) usuallymade with milk and containing saltpork or bacon, onions, and potatoesand sometimes other vegetables.Dean and Susan went to the beachto collect clams for chowder.

chrematisticadj/ TkrGmEStistik /Gkof, relating to, or occupied in thegaining of wealth.Chrematistic industrialists caredlittle about the living conditions oftheir employees.

chrestomathyn/ kreSstBmEthG /Gka selection of passages fromvarious authors compiled as an aidto learning a language.At the end of each chapter of thetextbook was a chrestomathyillustrating a particular rule ofgrammar.

chromaticadj/ krPSmaZik /Gkof or relating to color or colorphenomena or sensations.As Doris walked home during theshower, she admired the chromaticsplendors of a huge rainbow.

chromiumn/ SkrPmGEm /Gk > F > La blue-white metallic elementfound naturally only incombination and used especially inalloys and in electroplating.The car’s bumpers were platedwith chromium to make them shiny.

chromotrichial

chronicadj/ SkrBnik /Gkmarked by long duration and byfrequent recurrence over a longtime.Clarence never looked forward toeating because he was troubledwith chronic indigestion.

chronically

chronicle

chronological

chrysalisn/ SkrisElDs /Sem > Gk > Lan insect (as a butterfly or moth) inthe pupal stage of its developmentin which it is enclosed in a firmcase.Bob and Sam put the chrysalis in adry container and kept it in thehope that a butterfly would lateremerge.

chrysanthemumn/ krDSsan(t)thEmEm /Gk > Lany plant or flower of a large genusof perennial herbs that are widelydistributed in the Old World andthat are cultivated for their showyoften double and brightly coloredflower heads.Orlando’s chrysanthemum wonfirst prize at the flower show.

churlishadj/ SchErlish /Edifficult to work with or deal with.Although he was a brilliantconductor, Toscanini could bechurlish at times.

churnv/ SchErn /Eproduce or be in violent agitation.Landon’s stomach will churn at thethought of public speaking.

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abdomen abiogenist abjuration ablution - · PDF file2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently Page 2 of 349 abrogated abruptly adv / ESbrEp(t)lG